The story continues once again in the next chapter as fates are ready to be decided and destinies realized as the sands of time flow ever on. School is getting ready to roll out the admissions lists as all prepare once again for the mundane 8 to 3:30 hours of homework, assignments and other tortures that only the educational system can bring. But you gotta thank 'em for helpin' poor people like us learn how to create what we do here at Go ahead and hug that English teacher, hit the keyboards in the computer labs and let freedom ring baby! Mom's home again ands gonna be a little stiff for a few days but she'll be free as a bird once the week is through but right now that's not the point. Point is I'm having trouble choosing a name for my Full Metal Alchemist story and I need to here what everybody thinks of my other two stories already on the table ready to be shredded by critics. So you can tell I'm in a bit of a bind here. So on with the story before I forget…. What was I doing? No I'm jokin'. I have no claim of any kind over Naruto or any of its characters.
"iii" speech
iii thought/telepathy
iii spirit conversation
Chapter 2: To Be Or Not To Be Cured: Sasuke's Survival?
Wind and snow howled past a blonde blur passed past trees, buildings and other things in his way, tears freezing on his face as he flew like a bat outta hell toward the Uchiha estates, hoping to reach his friend, teammate and love in time to help as best as he could. Wind and weather tried to hinder him but he forced his way past it all, moving almost desperately to reach the one he'd just found to be with him for the rest of his days, someone who understood and knew how he felt and thought, the one he'd been searching for and couldn't afford to loose. Not now or ever. Naruto tried to clear his mind as he went, trying to come up with a way to help. It was like a slap in the face when it first came back to him, making him feel like an idiot for the first time in hours.
--Flashback--
Normal medicine can do nothing to stop a wound like this. We can stop the bleeding and patch it up but true healing of a wound like this from one of them takes much energy to do.
"Energy? Like chakra? I think I can do that."
Chakra is unknown to me. Is it an energy made by a person?
"And a spirit. Kyuubi and I can do something! Just tell us how!"
I don't—"Please?" those eyes were practically begging for the go ahead. "If you tell us how we can! Please?" his voice sounded desperate. Hell, he looked desperate. Sighing, she moved to pick up the unconscious form of Naruto's teammate. You pick up one end and I'll get the other, head toward his bed. This will take a different environment.
Asking no questions he obeyed, taking the boy by the shoulders and heading back across the hall. Laying the bleeding boy on the bed with great care, the girl left and returned with the first aid box and started to staunch the flow of blood with bandages. Speak with your spirit and fast. He may not have a lot of time.
Anytime would be great Kyuubi.
About time you spoke up brat. I was getting bored in here. What's goin' on?
Sasuke's in trouble and I need your help to heal him.
Heal? That's a lot of askin' outta you kid. Can't the girl do somethin' about it?
I think she's tried as best she can but I volunteered us both so deal with it. Are you helpin' or not?
Don't got a lot of choices in the matter now do I? Okay. Just tell me how.
"Tell us what to do." He said, turning to the girl who was still wrapping up the wound. Not looking up as she worked, she responded with great authority. You and your spirit must gently channel your 'chakra' as you call it into your hands and place them on the wound itself as carefully as you can. Your thoughts must lean to heal not to harm. Channel and heal. That is all.
"That's it?"
That's it?
Indeed. But take caution there is not too much or too little. Too much and you create more than less while very little does nothing. You must restraint and control, the both of you. I will stay and observe to avoid either one.
"Are you sure that's all there is too it?"
Oh and don't panic. You both must be calm during the entire procedure otherwise you'll overdo it and kill him or nothing will happen and he dies anyway.
"Gee that's so helpful. We feel so much better now." Naruto drawled, his words dripping with skepticism. Approaching the bed Naruto kneeled, channeling Kyuubi's regularly donated chakra to his hands, making them literally glow a blood red. Gently placing his hands on his friend's shoulder; he closed his eyes and simply thought about the muscle, sinew and skin putting themselves back together. Cells replacing dead ones; broken ones being restored to their original states. Muscle reaching out to snag loose ends, reconnecting to bone. A process that seemed to take hours took mere minutes to do. Naruto fell to the floor in exhaustion; sweat falling from his brow as he lay there panting as the girl went to inspect his work. Good job. You did well for a first timer. You can rest now, the both of you. I'll take things from here.
--End Flashback—
The memory faded as he kept the instructions fresh in his mind, Kyuubi aware of the same plan, knowing it was one of the few ways to assist their fallen friend. Jumping over the gates and heading up the road, Naruto picked up the pace as he saw two masked warriors leaning over something while Itachi and Haruko only watched, looking horrified and saddened. Skidding to a halt Naruto gasped for air, teary eyes begging for answers from those present. Haruko knew and respected Naruto but now, she couldn't bring herself to face him at the sight of her husband's brother dead or dying in the snow. Itachi couldn't find the words to express how shameful he felt, letting his brother fend for himself when he was clearly outnumbered and outmatched after fending for his remaining family like he had. Naruto didn't need to be told in words, only from actions and expressions, and it still made his heart crack in horror. "How is he?" he asked one of the medics who looked up but hesitated. "HOW IS HE?" Naruto demanded, pleading for good news by now.
"There's a lot of damage, major trauma along with fractures and breaks. That and the spirit is in the same serious condition and will take a long time to treat and cure but another problem has come to our attention." He said grimly as he held up the needle-like object, large enough to hold some amount of sedative or other. "We found this in his back, obviously they wanted him alive or at least in a condition to where taking him from point A to point B without incident. We have yet to know of the dose administered and how long he has before we can no longer give medical assistance." Itachi looked away in further shame as Haruko hugged their son closer as she burst into tears, the rest of the party coming onto the scene and were able to hear more than half of what was said. Tsunade couldn't stand by any longer. "Is there a way that I can assist? I can use my chakra for healing jutsus that may make your job easier?" but the three just blinked and stared confused while Naruto just held his forehead. "Baa-chan. They don't even know what chakra is."
"They what? How can they not? They're ninja aren't they?"
"Umm. No, they're not. They don't even come from this world." Naruto tried to explain as the woman gaped at him and at the masked warriors now working hard to save a life as soon as they could. She was about to say something when one of them sounded off. "I'm going to take a look for internal damage and a spirit scan. Gina (1), stay out here and help keep an eye out for more problems."
Yes sir. A voice said in content of finally being useful. Just as the man moved, something else sat where he'd been in his place, tail waving happily, teal eyes sharp and watchful as a panther watched as her companion positioned to stand right where Sasuke's were, his back facing the boy. What happened next shocked the few who'd never seen it before because as he fell, his form became misty and faded to sweep over and disappear like some sort of blanket of fog. Jaws dropped when this occurred, eyes popping as the man appeared again, looking disoriented but focused enough to report as the panther disappeared into him in her own right. "Major internal injury to left lung and rib cage, a broken leg, twisted arm along with sprained wrist and if we don't do something now he'll choke on his own blood."
"What about brain activity, heart rate and the spirit status? Anything on him or her?" the other asked as he packed up what they didn't need, rushing to get ready for proper procedures to be made. "She seems to be trying to heal as much as she can, even though she has a broken leg and she's unconscious. A bit of a concussion but she'll be fine. His own brain has taken a dip of a sort, but he can still function and think. He's just asleep. Probably something to do with that sedative he was given but we can reverse that later, right now we need to get to the heavy stuff. Naruto-san? Did you wish to assist in this operation?"
Naruto cracked his knuckles, a grim look on his normally happy face. "Let's get started then." The other three nodded and gave the man room, all hands (Nunzio counts as one since he's pitching in. Poor one-handed guy) glowing brightly enough to light up the courtyard, illuminating the oncoming snow as it fell. It felt like hours, maybe even days but Naruto knew it only took some twenty minutes for it all to begin and a little less than ten to finish the job. The lights soon faded as all four flopped into the snow gasping for air as Sasuke tried to rise, looking dazed and confused, Naruto already feeling sleepy as his mind as well as Kyuubi's was sent into oblivion, black taking over his vision as his ears blocked out Sakura calling out to him. Sasuke on the other hand collapsed as soon as he too tried to get up, blinking in confusion, limbs stiff and feeling sick to his stomach. It wasn't long before he too passed out again.
A familiar feeling of warmth spread like a blanket over him as he tried to open his eyes, groggy and confused as his eyes were hit by bright hospital lights, the smell of disinfectant filling his nostrils as he slowly came to his senses. Lifting his right hand to rub his face, he found he couldn't since something was holding it down. Looking over he couldn't help but feel relief and pure happiness when he saw whom it was. Sasuke sat in a visitor's chair, leaning onto the bed in deep sleep as his left hand held Naruto's right in a death grip, signs of past tears staining that pale face he just couldn't resist, not anymore. Overwhelmed with emotion Naruto couldn't help but bring the Uchiha into a hug, awakening the man as he tried to hold back tears of happiness, shivering at the thought of nearly loosing him once again. "Naruto?" that voice was music to his ears as he cried harder into his shoulder, taking in his scent. "You… you're okay. You're alive. I… I thought I lost you again." He sobbed as the Uchiha finally accepted the hug, knowing he was smirking like he always did. "It'll take more than the like of them to kill me."
"Teme." Naruto scoffed in his relieved voice as he felt the stiffness of sleep and fatigue kick in to ruin the moment. Like it always does. He groaned as he sat back, Sasuke helping him regain his lost position, worry filling his onyx eyes. "You shouldn't have done that koi, you would've caused yourself more problems." But Naruto was just too happy to care, smiling back at that face, delighted and uncaring of his own condition as Sasuke did some movement of his own. "I'm just glad you're okay is all! You had me worried to where I thought you died when I got there!" then something else came to mind in the blonde's stream of questions. "How did I get here anyway? And how long?"
"You, dobe, have been here for three days after those masked guys helped drag your sorry ass here and Tsunade made me stay here for 'recuperative purposes'. I think she just wanted to make sure we were both okay after what you and those other guys pulled! What was that anyway?"
"Just some healing spell that Berna helped me with when you were injured back in her world. It's easy but tiresome as proven but last time I was only out for up to nine hours, I guess it's because the problem was bigger than the last time I gave it a try. How are you anyway?"
"Hn. I'm okay I guess. Still a little stiff and I can't really eat anything since it enjoys coming back up. I kinda hacked up that dinner you made for us but it didn't really look all that appetizing anymore. Sorry." Sasuke said with a shrug as the blonde weakly punched his arm as he chuckled at the man's words. "You're disgusting you know that?"
"And you wouldn't have me any other way." The brunette said, starting to laugh himself as the two discussed what to do once they were released. "Maybe you can come to my place and have dinner again, only keep it in your stomach this time."
"I don't know… aniki and Haruko-chan don't really want me wandering off anymore. Something about their son growing up with an uncle or something a bit close to such terms. That and I doubt it'll stay where I put it. At least not this time I think. That and I think they want you over for dinner tomorrow, about what I've no idea."
"Well we'll know when that time comes now won't we? Now where are those Guardian guys anyway?" Naruto inquired just as the door opened to Iruka, Kakashi and Tsunade. "That's a question I was hoping to ask you Naruto since you've proven to be such an expert on these odd people just coming into existence in my village. Perhaps you can enlighten us on the subject since your strange friends have decided to pull a disappearing act on us."
"They left? Why would they? I don't remember allowing that to happen." He mumbled to himself, rubbing his chin quizzically as he stared at the bed sheets ignoring the stares sent his way. "It's like they just were never here. Right into thin air." Iruka mulled over the same thing as he leaned against the wall in puzzlement. Confused Naruto turned to his former teacher. "Into thin air how exactly?"
"Like 'poof' gone. Shadow gone. Almost as though they were never there to begin with. All the damage that those things did to the village was repaired; medics helped everybody and just left with instructions on what to do later. And then they just either disappeared on the spot or ran into the trees and didn't show up again. Almost like ghosts." Iruka said, sounding at a complete loss on how to explain the phenomenon. "That's the point Iruka-san. That's the point down to the last word." All turned to see Ozzy standing near the window, casual and cold as always. "The point is to come, do our job, and leave without causing more harm than good; nothing more and sure as all hell nothing less neither. Our race is used to hiding in the dark and keeping ourselves hidden until such times are reached to where such hiding is no longer required. Then we go into hiding again until we're needed again. Questions?"
"How did you get in here and who the hell are you?" Tsunade demanded fuming now that another masked stranger had popped up for who knew what reason. "You people are so annoying sometimes that it makes me crabby. I don't have to answer to you even if you are this beloved 'Hokage' those people down there adore so much. However I am here to tell Naruto-san that we're pulling out to investigate how all those critters got into your forests in the first place."
"Does this mean there's another gate out there somewhere? Is that even possible?" Iruka asked astonished at this thought. More than one gate was a strange thing to comprehend. "Actually that's been known to happen but we won't know for sure until we find the damn thing. I've actually met a guy that says in one of the worlds he went to it had five of those things causin' trouble for everybody. Try and keep track of that for a change." He grumbled in annoyance as he glared at the opposite wall, burning holes into the plaster in lethargy. "Well that's all I can say for now. Don't get yourself killed while we're gone Uzumaki!" Ozzy growled as he walked through the wall and into the open sky to disappear as quickly as he'd come. All could only stand in a stupor, two only sitting in confusion as another masked stranger came through a different wall carrying what looked to be a file in a manila folder. "Ah good. Just the people I needed to see! Sorry for butting out so soon, I had to go and complete my reports along with secondary accounts of the event, finish recording my findings and making my final analysis. You, Naruto-san will be fine. A bit stiff and drained but otherwise fully able to function as long as you don't overdo various tasks that may required a certain large amount of movement and energy. Other than this assessment the only thing I can do is give both Uzumaki and Uchiha-san a clean bill of health. All they need now is some rest and peace and quiet. Now if you'll excuse me I have other patients of my own to attend to. Tsunade-sama, Kakashi-san, Iruka-san, Uzumaki-san, Uchiha-san, I take my leave."
The man left without another word, his voice indicating a satisfied smile that he'd done his job and had done it right. He bowed respectfully to Sakura and Lee, Neji, Tenten and the rest as they came around the corner. "Haruno-san. You're doing well I trust?"
"Do I know you?" she asked confused as the man straightened, his eyes smiling from behind his cat mask. "Afraid not but I know of you and yours. I'm honored to make your acquaintances. I am also pleased to inform you that your friends will be fine but will need some space for a few days." Slipping forward he whispered in her ear, giving Lee a sly look of mischief. "And he does know right?"
Sakura jumped and immediately shushed the man. "Not yet but soon. Sometime later today."
"Ah good. 'Cause you only have four days, three weeks, and eight months until your bundle pops out. Planning a wedding would be a good idea right about now." The man said before saying his farewells and turning around a corner to be lost in the crowd of people in the halls as nurses and doctors went along their way. "What was that about Sakura?" Lee asked puzzled by the small intimate conversation that'd just occurred between the two, who just so happened to be complete strangers. "Oh nothing. We'll talk about it later." She said smoothly as they walked toward the room where the two men were recovering. "Much later."
Three hours later all but Sasuke had left for home, Sakura dragging Lee down the hall soon followed by an overexcited cry of joy signaling Sakura telling the Gai clone that a new life was on the way. The rest had simply gone home to enjoy the presence of the other or simply to rest up for a new day. Candra sat in front of the window watching the snowfall come down as Itachi tried to keep his cool whilst speaking with the two men in the hopes of making sure nothing like he'd witnessed would ever happen again. But Haruko was there to scold her husband for being paranoid but she too was worried that the event may occur again. This went on until a nurse came to shoo the couple out of the room, saying visiting hours were over and the two men needed their rest, giving the two some relief. Sasuke literally slumped into his chair when the nurse and the couple left, moaning in drowsiness, mumbling on how tired he was. "Then go to sleep stupid teme!" Naruto only barked at him, chuckling as he did only to find that the Uchiha had indeed dozed off in two seconds flat, chin resting on chest as light snores filled the silence. "I don't believe it. I just don't believe it. This guy's a sleep machine! And you live inside o' him?" he asked Candra, making her turn and wag her tail.
You bet! He sleeps more than you think and in the weirdest places! Probably 'cause little baby Makoto keeps wakin' him up at night. But you're the one who loves him more than I do.
"Are you saying you hate him?" he said shocked at her but she just huffed. No! I like and respect him; it's just that he thinks more about you than training or new techniques. He cares about you but hasn't been able to show 'til now. But when it comes to love… I'm sure I'll find him somewhere. She smiled her canine smile at him. Don't worry Naruto! You'll give him a reason not to sleep. She could only laugh as he blushed a deep red and looked away from the spirit, bashful that she'd suggest such a thing. Sure they'd just gotten together and had made plans but they weren't exactly that far along, at least not yet anyway. Much to his relief Kyuubi decided to butt in by climbing in the window in human form, munching on what looked to be rabbit as he tossed Candra a good sized wild pig allowing her to drag it to a corner so she could tear it to pieces. Well one thing hasn't changed. The hunting's still good. Did they feed you yet brat?
"Not just yet but I think they want to make sure I don't hurl it back up first. Have fun on your little joy hunt?" Naruto asked as the sound of flesh being torn from bone met their ears, making the two look in Candra's direction as Sasuke snapped awake. "Wha? What's goin' on?" he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes to see his spirit tear a leg of a dead animal. "Candra what are you doing? You're making a mess! She is so cleaning that up when she's done." Sasuke grumbled as he slumped in the chair again, trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. "What I miss?"
"Other than these two chowin' down on dead animals, absolutely nothing in particular unless ratting you out on your sleeping problem counts. You mind telling me why Candra says you don't sleep well?" Sasuke blinked at this accusation and raised an eyebrow at the wolf that just shrugged and kept ripping her meal apart. Unfortunately a nurse came into the room in time to see Kyuubi standing with a rabbit's foot sticking out of his mouth, Candra biting down on the stomach in a pool of blood to stop and stare with innocent silver eyes. The poor woman was frozen even as Kyuubi spat the leg out and said casually. She's going to be cleaning that up when she's done. You got a mop we can use 'cause I think she's just a little ravenous right now and turning around now without a sound would be great.
The woman only nodded as she slowly backed out of the room, wide eyed and trying not to panic as she walked a little too fast down the hall and out of sight. That went well don't you agree? He asked almost too casually, Candra just shrugging again as she went back to tearing her meal to pieces. Naruto just shook his head while Sasuke just stared, his face a pale mask as he just turned his emotionless eyes to the wall. Undeterred the spirit went back to munching on rabbit leg as the nervous nurse came back with the requested mop, edging toward the bloody spirit animal crunching on bone and leftover meat. Looking up Candra smiled happily, her tail wagging again. Thank you! And can I have a bucket or two of water please? I think I got a little too energetic again. She said cheerily as the woman blinked as Candra got up in search of a trash can, found on and dragged it to her corner to plop the bones and other inedible things inside. It wasn't long before she found the bathroom and practically squealed in her delight, using her teeth and claws to get buckets from underneath the sink. You can help if you want. She said kindly as the stunned nurse stared on holding the mop in amazement on how self-conscious this creature was turning out to be.
Snapping out of her trance the nurse moved to help the spirit clean up as Sasuke started to doze off again, shifting in his chair while the other two were distracted by the mess being dealt with. The shroud of sleep swept over him as he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore, unaware of Naruto calling out to him, poking and shaking him in the hopes of waking him up again. "Sasuke? Sasuke c'mon I want to talk to you." He heard the blonde say in a whiney voice as he felt a strong hand grip his shoulder. "Hmm? What is it?" he could only say sleepily as he tried to force himself awake.
"Why don't you stay at my place until you're better? Or would you rather wake up ever four hours to a baby crying?" or at least that's what he thought he heard. His mind was still foggy but instead of answering like he somehow knew he should have, Sasuke just nodded off anyway, drowning the calls of his name. Naruto just sighed knowing he wasn't going to get an answer as soon as he thought, turned over and fell asleep himself.
--In Tsunade's Office—
More files, reports and other papers crowded the desk space as the woman sighed in despair at how the towers had grown to new heights in the past few hours. Reports of damage mysteriously repaired, strangers spotted helping people all over the village, and people turning in photos they say they don't remember taking…. Ugh this just isn't my day… wait photos? Puzzled at her own thoughts she sat up and fumbled through the piles before finally finding what she'd been seeking. A photographer said that he'd somehow taken a picture of a strange man while looking for some good shots of nature when he knew at that day and time that no one had been within range to hinder this man's self proclaimed mission on collecting nature photos. He did report that Naruto had passed by on some walk but other than that he'd seen no one around who could possibly have just somehow gotten in the way. Looking at the evidence the man had turned in, she too was shocked at what she saw. A man in a dog mask much like the ones she'd seen hours before, stood plain as day holding an old folded up newspaper, a pencil behind his ear as he casually held a steaming foam cup of something in his left hand, calm grey eyes focused on some article in front of him. Only there was something about him that didn't fit at all and she nearly fainted when she saw it. He was transparent from the waist down; his legs completely invisible regardless of the cameras flash exposing him to the world's naked eye.
She frantically searched the pile as she produced a picture of a man's birthday in his favorite bar getting ready to blow out the candles when in the back at the counter itself: a dragon masked man was raising an arm attempting to order a drink and proved frustrated when the barman and the waitress ignored him, his legs and visible arm somehow fading into nothing due to the camera's light inability to bring such things to view as the Hokage moved on to a different one. Two in hawk masks sitting in an empty part of the stands at a soccer game, one on his feet and obviously cheering one of the teams to victory while the other just sat rubbing his chin in thought, considering who just might be the victor and the other the subjugated. She knew this man anywhere. He's the one from the hospital room! But who's the other one? Is that his cousin or something? Looking closer at these men, she found reason to doubt distant relations. Is that… his brother? What the hell is going on here? Tsunade could only hold her head as a migraine came to disturb her thoughts further. More photos spread themselves across the desktop, showing masked strangers taken by surprise or trying to move fast enough to remain out of sight, others just oblivious to being caught on camera sometimes finding out at the last minute as it flashed them into forever.
But one photo really got her attention, making her do a double take, before picking it up and holding it to the light. A little girl in a cat mask, a taller boy in a lizard's and the dog masked man standing at a corner reading the newspaper again only this time on a different page, looking up slightly to see the camera flash. The little girl was waving happily as the boy looked on in surprise at the thing pointed in their direction. Like they'd never seen the thing before. But there was another person, standing a little behind the dog-masked man, hidden a bit from view but still able to be seen. Icy blue eyes, dark brown hair falling as though wet, a cut above on of her eyes bleeding to paint her face a ghastly red as she stood calmly in a dark green uniform of some kind, a navy blue scarf wrapped securely around her neck. Only difference about this girl was: the scarf wasn't as faded as she was, more solid, like it actually existed… and she didn't. But she was also holding something in her visible hand. Right hand raised, gloved, just as faded and hard to see, she held something in it like she was either getting ready to put it on, or she was taking it off. It was a mask; white and completely spotless in comparison to all the others she'd seen so far. And it was of a bear.
The morning light shed its rays on an unbroken layer of snow, smooth and sparkling in the blocked sunlight as it attempted to awaken the villagers to a new day. Naruto sat up and stretched, feeling really stiff with a bad taste in his mouth. Sasuke was still slumped in the chair, limp and snoring away, Candra on the floor smelling like flowery soap and Kyuubi leaning against the wall wide awake. Feeling better brat?
"If by better you mean worse then yeah I'm good. How long have you been up pray tell?"
Oh a few minutes or so. Waiting for your lazy ass. We need to go home. I don't think that nurse wants to come back in here with us here to freak her out again. You ready to go or not?
"What about these two? We can't just leave 'em here? Sasuke would get pissed and I'm thinkin' Candra would have a fit."
Then carry Mr. Hard Ass; I'll get Ms. Hungry and we'll go. Okay?
"Sounds good. Let me get dressed first. Now where are my clothes?"
Not sure what they did with 'em so I went and got you a different set. Happy? Now hurry up. I wanna sleep some place where I'm not stared at all the time. All right?
"Yeah, yeah." The blonde grumbled as he got up to use the bathroom, shutting the door behind him so he could change in privacy. Candra jolted at the door's click, bringing her head up to stare at the spirit man. Wha? What happened? What I miss?
Just Naruto finally waking up before you did. He's changing. Mind getting yours up anytime soon?
Doubt it. She sighed as she stretched, oblivious to Kyuubi watching her every move. He's out like a light. Even if I did do something there's no way of getting him awake without beating him awake. I'd leave him really.
A few minutes later Naruto emerged in his normal day clothes wondering why he couldn't find his scarf, her scarf, Sasuke long since in his and two spirits waiting for him to get a move on. Meet you there. Kyuubi said casually as he grabbed the wolf around the belly and much to her protests, opened and leaped out the window and out of sight. Great. So nice of you Kyuubi. Yeah leave me alone with my boyfriend to cart home like a log. Oh so nice of you. He thought as he tried to lift the Uchiha onto his back, using a blanket as a failsafe against accidents as he gripped his legs to lift him out of the chair. But the Uchiha shifted and wrapped his arms around the blonde's neck and rubbed his cheek against the man's back, making him freeze and blush to be saved by the same nurse from the night before. "Oh uh, we'll be checking out now. Umm do you need me to sign anything?"
Blinking then smiling the nurse just shook her head. "No you go ahead. I'll have one of the doctor's sign your release form. Somehow…"
"Oh no let me." Naruto said as he freed a hand to take the pen from her and sign the papers. "Thanks and bye." He called as he went through the same window that was luckily only a few feet from the ground. Landing in the soft snow, Naruto jogged through the streets to come to a calm walk as he headed home, hoping that today would go a lot smoother than yesterday. Way smoother. He thought as he kicked the door, calling for Kyuubi to let him in. Its' about time you got here. What kept you?
"Had to sign the release papers you doofus now make way. I have to put this lazy ass on the couch before anything else happens today." He could only grumble as he shoved his way past the spirit man who just smirked as he shut the door to head down the hall without another word. Expecting an easy task of ridding his back of its passenger, he got something else instead. In place of just setting him down blanket and all, it seemed that fate really did have other plans today. So other than just removing the limbs to lay the man down, Sasuke pulled him down with him to land not only next to him, but also on top of him. "Good morning." Naruto said nervously as his face was turning a dark shade of red while the brunette opened a sleepy eye to smirk at him, pulling him closer in a fairly sly manner. "Hello to you too. Mind if you stick around a while?"
"Umm actually I was going to get some food while you got some real sleep but it seems you need to let go of me first. And aren't you moving a bit fast at this point? I mean we haven't exactly dated yet."
"Didn't you say that last time?" the brunette countered as his smirk widened as he brought his head up to capture sweet lips, tongue swiping for entrance. Spine tingling from this feeling Naruto gasped, allowing it passage to explore as Sasuke tightened the hug as Naruto's hands came around to hold his head in place. It soon became passionate as the two fought, shifting and grasping, tongues dueling for dominance as Sasuke took the time to bite the blonde's neck, trying to stay awake long enough to leave his mark. But Naruto knew Sasuke was fading again in slumber land and was fighting hard. Slyly he brought Sasuke's mouth back to his and gently held it there as he waited for the man's hold to loosen, literally kissing the man to sleep. "No fair." He whispered as Naruto pulled back. "You cheated so that's what you get. Go to sleep now. Your chance will come later." The fox boy said slyly as he covered the Uchiha and went to get some food in his stomach.
Hours passed as Naruto sat in a different part of the room, reading some scroll or other as Sasuke snoozed away on the couch, having turned over to face him with a peaceful look on his face. Kyuubi had passed through once or twice, looking bored but otherwise uncaring of what anybody was doing, Candra wandering around every now and again before going back down the hall to nap. The day passed by without much event, his casual rising to tend to the cooking dinner in the kitchen or watching over the Uchiha sleeping on his couch. No visitors, no phone calls, and no sudden attacks of any kind today. Smooth sailing all the way. Down in the streets people went along their business, strolling in the snow, breath rising as mist into the air where it vanished as everything went along as usual. Only a pounding at his door, making him jump out of his reverie, interrupted the peaceful day as he turned away from the window, ignored Sasuke grumbling sleepy protests as the blonde rushed to open it before whoever it was knocked again.
He was unceremoniously greeted with Sakura slamming her fist into his forehead, causing all to freeze as the girl's eyes widened in shock as the blonde stood in pain. The pink haired woman slowly pulled her hand back as Naruto brought his hands up to hold his nose. "Ow. What the hell was that for Sakura?"
"Not my fault you opened the door when you did! And what the hell are you whispering for?" she seethed as Naruto brought one of his over to cover her mouth. "Cause Sasuke is still sleeping and I don't want to wake him. Who knows how pissed he'll be if we wake him! Now what're you here for anyway?"
"Oh sorry I just came to check on you two idiots to see that you didn't do anything stupid to break apart." She said in a matter-of-factually tone as she held her head high in indignation. Naruto's eyebrow twitched at her. "I know I can be a real dumb ass sometimes but I'm not that stupid Sakura. Now what's with the crowd and what are you really here for?"
She flinched and laughed nervously as everyone else there seemed to tense from his tone of voice. "Come now Naruto! No need to get mad at her." Ino scolded, her anger rising as she moved to defend her friend. "We just wanted to make sure you two were okay all right?"
"By gathering like peeping toms around my door and windows? Could you guys get any more obvious? Come on give it two weeks before you try and see if we're ready to kill each other yet which I highly doubt will happen now if you'll excuse me I've a stove to see to before I burn my own damn house down. Thank you and good day." Before any could say a thing the door was already shut and the blonde long since heading to a different part of the house as he turned the stove off. Getting plates and silverware from their proper places he carried one into the living room and proceeded to poke Sasuke in the face. "Sasuke? Sasuke wake up you need to eat."
All was dark, warm and loud. Something pounded loudly in the distance, making him shift and say something even he didn't understand. It died down allowing his mind to give in to the oblivion again as muffled voices sounded off in the void, fading to nothing more than soft noise later followed by a stabbing pain in his face, coming back every few seconds to reinstate the feel of something poking him, a familiar voice calling softly and teasingly enough to make his ear tickle. Forcing an eye open, vision blurry, Sasuke looked around for the source of the annoyance. Naruto smiled down at him as he held up the plate of food in his direction. "Time to eat Sasuke. You just can't sleep all day."
"Hmm. Who says I can't?" he grumbled, trying to regain the abyss of sleep but Naruto decided to take action instead by pulling the man upright and into the open air as lamplight attacked Sasuke's sleep filled eyes. Groaning he tried to slump down again but today Naruto wasn't going to give up that easily, pulling him by the scruff of his neck into a sitting position. He weakly protested but was cut short by a fairly spicy piece of food being inserted into his mouth, setting it aflame and his eyes wide. "I say you can't if you're gonna be on my couch all day. You awake now?"
"What the hell was that you just gave me?" the Uchiha demanded in a raspy voice, on edge of strangling the blonde but thought against it now that he was awake and aware of his surroundings. "Some spicy curry. Made it myself just for you sleepyhead. Now eat up before I shove it down your throat and it'd better stay in there or you're cleaning it up if it doesn't." Naruto said as Sasuke reluctantly took the plate from him, knowing there was no way getting out of this one. Naruto left his still blurred vision as he ate the food given to him, the flavor doing its job in waking him up and keeping him conscious long enough to chew and swallow without burning his mouth. Finishing the meal he moved his stiff legs, trying to lift them off and over the side of the couch only to find they were sluggish and heavy. So he took to setting the plate and utensils on the coffee table and lying back down on the couch still warm from twenty minutes earlier. Looking toward the kitchen he saw Naruto on the phone, his back turned and completely oblivious to his scrutiny. Staring longer proved enough to truly awakened the man's mind as his sharp eyes took in the sight before him: Naruto bare from the waist up and a towel draped around his shoulders as Sasuke drank in all the perfectly tanned skin, toned muscle, and thin, tall form and curve. And that ass isn't too bad either. He thought slyly as he struggled to move his limbs in hopes of reaching the blonde to get some payback. Smirk on his face and hands ready, he moved in for the kill.
Naruto on the other hand was still unaware of Sasuke coming over to take his revenge out on him for past actions. He'd taken a shower and had decided to call Itachi to make sure he knew where his brother was so that he wouldn't freak in finding an empty room and no brother. Just as he hung up Naruto felt something in the air make the hair on the back of his neck stand on end as Sasuke pounced to hug him from behind, taking in his scent and moving his hands up and down the supple form in his grasp. Naruto couldn't help but shiver as hot breath tickled his neck and a velvety voice teased his ear as Sasuke used his chin to move the towel out of his way. "It's my turn now." He smirked as Naruto gasped, one of his hands moving south and dangerously close to Naruto's pant line. The blonde tried to remain calm but Sasuke seemed to have other plans as he proceeded to bite and kiss at his neck, pressing himself closer in response to the precious noises the blonde was now making. Not able to hold back Naruto turned in his grasp and attacked Sasuke's mouth with everything he had, hungrily kissing him as Sasuke now had to struggle to keep up with him as he held the man as close as possible. Somehow moving backwards Sasuke's hamstrings hit the arm of the couch, making the fall backward with Naruto on top and Sasuke now in a situation where he'd hoped to be at the wheel. Smiling slyly down at him Naruto's eyes sparkled roguishly as he pinned Sasuke's arms down onto the fabric. "Whose turn is it again?"
Sasuke gulped, knowing he was in for it now. Sky blue eyes and whiskered face leaned down to rub noses, onyx getting lost in blue as that face got closer for lips to meet and a tongue to swipe over his lips for entrance. Opening slightly the mouth allowed it to pass and explore as Naruto decided to grind against him, making him gasp and out of reflex involuntarily deepened the kiss, moaning into it as shocks shot up his spine. Mind once again fogged and all reason gone now Sasuke grinded back. Taken off guard Naruto gasped and found himself suddenly on his back on the couch as Sasuke's looming face came down to attack his neck again, sending his mind reeling. Kissing and licking, Sasuke's hands roamed memorizing everything they found, moving south once again as Naruto weakly protested against it, and growing weaker by the minute. The Uchiha felt empowered by the noises he made as he grinded against the blonde, sending shivers and shocks up and down both their spines. Naruto pulled him closer, moaning from the pleasure of the feeling as Sasuke chuckled, biting on his collarbone, hands practically worshipping tanned skin as his hands traveled to caress Naruto's six-pack. Naruto bucked under those hands while using his own to bring the brunette into a mind-blowing kiss, fingers running rapid through his hair and down the man's neck, discovering just how soft his pale skin really was.
Sasuke could swear he felt drunk as those strong hands found their way down the center of his back, traveling along the spine down toward he didn't expect the blonde to go as one landed on a fairly surprising spot. "Hey," he said softly, temporarily breaking the kiss, "who's cheating now?"
Naruto just pecked him teasingly and smiled. "You need to sleep now. And you know what I mean. Doctor's orders and you know it." Naruto said sternly as Sasuke slumped with a groan, frustrated that he'd come so close only to get hit by a runaway problem stopping him in his tracks. But instead of getting up and walking away like he somehow knew he would Naruto instead pulled the blanket off the floor and draped it over them both. "I'm not going anywhere. Not yet. But come tomorrow you're getting up whether we both like it or not because you can't be sleeping whenever you want."
"Had I known living with someone else would be so tiresome, I'd have gone to watch clouds with Shikamaru." He grumbled only to smirk and hug the blonde closer, cuddling and wriggling closer to Naruto as best as the couch would allow. "But I like this better." They stayed that way well into the next day.
--In Tsunade's Office—
She'd been up all night looking at the odd photos of regular scenes filled with weird people filling up the back and the rims, all of them varying between new faces or the same old ones at different places having been there at different times but one thing was the same. No matter where or when they were, what direction they were facing or positions they were in, one thing was still ever the same. Leg or arm, hand or foot, hell some even had heads missing, all faded out of existence by some mystic eraser totally denying the reality of anything being there or being attached to what was obviously there but still undeniably not. How something as simple as saying whether or not these masked people were where and when these photos suggested, witnesses and others present at all or some hours of the time could definitely swear that they had indeed seen no one in the suggested locations when the pictures were taken. Was this some sort of sick joke? Something to trip her up with out of the hopes of either making everyone think she was crazy and unfit to stay in office, or maybe just so unbelievable that a lying Hokage wasn't exactly what the village ordered. The owners of these photos that they've never seen these people before, and claim that they weren't there when the picture was taken or any other time that a photo or other means of recording could've been in progress. If that's true then what the hell is this? Who and what are these people and why are they showing up here than anywhere else? Why are they here and what do they want? There's just… just so much that's missing! By now Tsunade was truly shaken, unable to understand or explain what was going on in her own village.
Thankfully her assistant Shizune, walking in with another pile of papers, interrupted her confused thoughts, making the Hokage look up in relief of something different but something about the other woman's face told her otherwise. "Hokage-sama this report just came in from the West wall."
"Oh on what Shizune? Is something the matter?"
"I think you should read for yourself." She said shortly as she handed the report over to the other woman, her troubled expression never leaving her face. Looking at the report itself, what she read made her go pale, astonished at what was written. Wiping a hand over her face to get rid of cold sweat she looked at her assistant. "Is there any solid evidence of this at all? Anything?"
Much to her despair Shizune produced another folder full of photos, deliberately pointed at a specific target in particular. All were filled with images that demonstrated the ferocity of their new opponents, their ruthlessness and uncaring ways toward the innocent along with others in the way of their goals. Though no one had heard a thing, these photos showed signs of struggle, all kinds of attacks unleashed in order to obtain victory over the other, boulders half the size of whales apparently tossed like pebbles, scorched trees, dirt and plants from unnatural fires; even parts of the area were muddy with large puddles of water with hints of blood and torn or burnt flesh, trees and plants looked as though to have moved with minds of their own as branches and roots extended to pierce flesh and bone, some still holding the decaying forms of the creatures from two days before. One shot from the scene made the proud woman want to faint: a broken mask, scorched and completely obliterated in the heat of battle, the mask of a cat.
Tsunade felt like crying. She knew this mask anywhere, it being the one the little girl was wearing in one of the mystery photos. Whether or not the girl was dead or not, she didn't know but something else was going on and by the gods, she was going to find out what, even if it meant tracking them down to the ends of the earth. But for now, she had to make a phone call.
--With Naruto & Sasuke—
The blonde knew very well that Sasuke was fast asleep long before even he knew he was, having dozed off while enjoying each other's warmth. He could only smile as the pale man held him close, taking in his scent and absolutely drowning in the feel of how safe and loved he felt. A contented sigh filled his ears, making him snicker to himself as he played with the hair on the back of Sasuke's neck. The man shifted, resettling only to be disturbed again by a heavenly voice laughing and playful fingers hovering over the back of his neck, sending shivers down his spine and forcing his eyes open as he lifted his head to look the blonde sleepily in the eye. Naruto only laughed at the would be Uchiha glare he was getting from the other man only for it to be cut off by Sasuke's mouth covering his, moving to the side for more leverage as Naruto held him a bit closer, using his hands to rub Sasuke's back and shoulders, eventually using them to hold his head in place as the kiss got more intense and passionate. And like nearly every other time, the phone sounding off interrupted them, but only made Sasuke more determined to keep going. Naruto had to push against his chest to allow himself the ability to speak. "Sasuke I need to get that."
"Says who?" he only growled and tried to attack again but was held back by a strong hand and a stern face. "Says me. It could be important. You know how baa-chan gets now wait here." Sasuke tried not to look disappointed as he was flipped off the blonde onto the couch as Naruto walked into the kitchen to answer the still ringing phone begging to be answered. As the blonde chatted away Sasuke with his arms folded on his chest, couldn't help but feel that old sleepy feeling come flying back only now something told him there was something wrong about it, like this feeling shouldn't be coming even though he was wide awake and conscious of everything, fatigue shouldn't be kicking in this soon. Blinking confused and a bit disturbed, Sasuke tried to sit up but found no success. Why is this happening? Is it that stuff that got pumped into me? If so then why is it coming back when I hurled it all up? His mind soon fogged again as he tried to comprehend this predicament further, feeling woozy and sick to the stomach again. This… this shouldn't be happening! What's going on with me? I… I have to tell him that… that something's wrong… Naruto…. Mind completely blown Sasuke fell to the floor with a loud bodily thud, to lay there lifeless on the floor oblivious to Naruto calling out in concern. His whole world went black as he struggled to breath.
--Naruto's POV—
After getting a disappointed boyfriend off of him, he headed toward the kitchen to answer the phone, instantly met by a shaken voice of the lady Hokage seeming to have a mental breakdown of some sort. "Naruto I want you and Sasuke to get to my office as soon as you can. I'll be calling the rest of our members when I've hung up now move!"
"Baa-chan? Is everything all right? You sound spooked. Did something happen? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine you air headed twit! And don't call me that! Just move your asses down here now!" she said hoarsely, voice strained to stay calm and collected but seriously wasn't working too well. Gasping for air and clearing her mind she spoke as clearly as she could. "There's something I think you and your group should see and I think you can possibly explain to me what the hell is going on in my village once you get your lazy ass down here NOW!" she practically roared into the receiver, making the blonde pull it away from his ear to prevent going deaf by Hokage. But he was soon distracted by a thud from the next room, making him look past the door and into the living room. Much to his surprise Sasuke was slumped on the floor. Much to his horror, he wasn't moving.
"Oh shit! Baa-chan! Send a medical team now! Something's wrong with Sasuke!" without waiting for an answer he hung up and ran over to the unmoving Uchiha. When he didn't respond to his voice, he checked for a pulse. He was relieved to know it was there, but erratic and his breathing was irregular. Suddenly he convulsed, face full of pain as his hands clawed, holding his belly in agony, eyes wide and unseeing, blinded by torturous pangs of anguish. Candra came tumbling into the room, obviously feeling some of the pain herself as she leaped through Naruto and into Sasuke, thus dulling it all and allowed the pale man to fall to the floor shivering uncontrollably. "Sasuke?" Naruto called softly, afraid he'd get not answer. A loud knocking at the door made the blonde jump, getting to his feet to rush to the door and swinging it open only to get run over by Lee carrying Sakura and a first aid kit. The world spun as the blonde lay on the floor, dizzy and hell-bent on making sure his boyfriend was okay.
A bowl cut and odd face loomed over him as Lee reached down to lift the blonde off the floor. "Sorry Naruto. But Hokage-sama called and told us to check on Sasuke before moving him to the hospital."
"Naruto can you tell me what happened?" Sakura said sternly from where she crouched over the brunette, Naruto's mind snapping back to the situation at hand. "I have no idea but I was on the phone talking to baa-chan and next thing I know he's on the floor convulsing! But Candra came and I think she's helping him with it, other than that I haven't really touched him at all. Haven't moved him or nothin'."
"Hmm I'm not what we're looking at here but the sooner we get him to the Hokage the better. Naruto can you help me get him on the couch?"
"Oh sure." He said nervously, a worried look on his face as he lifted Sasuke's shoulders while Sakura grabbed his ankles. They were about to lift him off the floor when Naruto noticed something that he should've noticed in the first place. "Lee run to my bathroom and get the bucket from under the sink. NOW!"
"Wha--?"
"GO!" Naruto yelled, Lee forced to run at his tone as he quickly told Sakura to let go of the man's ankles, Sasuke's face turning an odd green. Lee came running back with the requested mop bucket, Kyuubi following not far behind in confusion. Just as the bucket was placed in front of the Uchiha, his mouth opened and everything came splurging out.
"Oh that's just gross. He's not gonna be feeling too good later."
"Nope. He's gonna feel like shit again today. Anyone can bet on that." The two new voices brought the attentions of all present to stare at the twins sitting calmly on the back of the couch, sneakers on the cushions and staring back at them without a care in the world. Ozzy looked uninterested while Evan was just sickened by the sight before them, his own face a bit green as well. "Where the hell did you two come from?" Sakura nearly screamed, drowned out a bit by Sasuke hacking up his guts some more and moaning in relief. The two just tilted their heads, unperturbed by her words. Ironically Anko, along with Tsunade and a team of ANBU, came parading through the door in time for the two to turn and disappear like dust in the wind.
"Here comes the cavalry." Another voice drawled calmly, causing all to look at the armchair and see Chevy, masked and ready to go, peacefully sitting with his folded up newspaper. "Anybody know the answer to 34 across?" this day was just full of twists, and to think in this town, that things couldn't get any weirder.
Hahaha man I'm good! No notes to deal with once again. This really is a good day now isn't it? And to top things off: Chevy and the gang are popping in and out, Sasuke is sick again and Tsunade is starting to think she's nuts! Ah the chaos that ensues once again! Though I'm sorry I'm putting Sasuke through all this hard stuff but he's the only one other than Naruto in the ninja with a spirit and pretty much has to be the scapegoat for a lot of the stuff that comes with being a Guardian. I'm also sad to say that this is just the beginning, of a whole new adventure! Yosh! But worry not! Sasuke is going to get better; I pulled some lemony lime goodness with some Sasuke Naruto action and explanations are on the way. Next time in:
Chapter 3: The Dog Speaks: Chatting With Chevy
Naruto's confused, Tsunade's in doubt, Sasuke needs a barf bag or two and the lazy dog just woke up to bark at the neighbor's cat. Or undead cat in this story anyway… whatever it's a fucking cat. Who gives a damn if it's still alive or not? Will what Chevy says fill in the holes and help the people of Konoha connect the dots on how to treat a certain blonde? Or will things go from confusing to bad and then to worse upon the hour such news is received? Send in your reviews (no flames please) and find out in the next update of Aurora Borealis II: Festival Misfortune with:
Chapter 3: The Dog Speaks: Chatting With Chevy