Author's Note:

Hey everybody. In response to the reviews I worked to get chapter three up in less time. I hope it is as good as the others. It is great to be diligently working on a story again, but it is hard to balance with college. Teehee, but I am trying.

"Path To Memory and Recovery" Notices:

I am still working. I will try to have it up before I go back to summer school so u guys can get at least one more chapter. If we are all lucky I may just try to keep it going from this arch. We will see. The plan as of now though is to put it on hold for maintenance and do the first arch. Let's hope in the next two weeks. Enjoy the story.

Acknowledgements and Thanks to Reviewers:

- Dame Loli

-YGOGenerations4ever

-iWolf: Because I cannot respond via email I will respond here. Thank you for the reviews. I like the rambling. The fact that your uncle has three Siberian huskies is way cool. I hope you can get a puppy someday soon. They are a lot of work, but unconditional love is the reward and I am sure you know that. My best wishes to you and I hope to hear from you again. I will try to have the next chapter up in a week or two.

Much love guys. Thank you for taking the time to review. It makes me really happy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything pertaining to it besides the idea for this fan fic.

…On With the Story…

Chapter 3: Arrogant Whelps and Unwelcome Discoveries.

"Sasuke, Itachi, come boys," Sarutobi called as he entered the barn. The two were often in there if not visible in the yard. Sasuke and Itachi were sitting on bales of hay waiting to be called for the town trek. It was about mid morning. To go into town did not take a big team so Sarutobi would take four dogs or so to pull the sled. This time he was taking them along with Sakura, Kakashi and Iruka. Sarutobi took Itachi with him almost every time because he was well behaved and it kept him exercised, but since the accident he cannot actually pull the sled. So Itachi ran alongside it as he refused to ride on the sled. He was sort of crippled, not incapable. Itachi enjoyed it as besides training it was the closest he got to working and he hardly ever missed it. Occasionally to work Itachi's leg Sarutobi would attach him to a small sled, put a light load on it, and have him pull it around with some commands.

They immediately jumped off the hay and went to him. He was getting ready to hitch up Sakura as a wheel dog along with Kakashi. Iruka would go in the front with Sasuke. Most likely only Itachi could tell, but Sasuke was still a bit anxious as Naruto had not come back yet. However, by the time they get back he may be back which kind of set his mind at ease. It was unlike Naruto and Sasuke could already see him giving some excuse for not coming back yesterday. It probably was like they thought and he was still with Kyuubi.

Sasuke's eyes roved to Itachi as he waited and though Itachi stood still and waited his tail gave a slight twitch, the only thing indicating his growing excitement of going on a run alongside the sled. Nothing would make Itachi happier than to race again, Sasuke just knew it. However, he also knew that Itachi was practical and accepted his misfortune and lived with it.

Sarutobi called Sasuke over and he obeyed. He as a husky also loved the sled training and town treks. The town trek was a laid back chance to pull the sled whereas the races were an adrenaline rush and a chance to make a name. His sable brown leather harness was put on and then he was hooked up to the line next to Sakura, but a bit ahead. He was in the position of leader and Sakura Sarutobi's navigating dog. Itachi now walked around a bit just waiting for Sarutobi to start up. He too was a bit worried about Naruto, but only he knew that.

"Alright boys, hike!" Sarutobi called and the team jumped at the command. Itachi dropped whatever he was sniffing for out of boredom and started his traditional run alongside the team. It was about a fifteen minute sled ride to town so it would be a nice morning workout done every two to three days for Sarutobi to check his mail and buy supplies and food. The dogs would most likely see other dogs from other towns here for the race. They always started showing up two to three weeks before the race.

Sakura thought about how much Naruto loved it when they came because occasionally he would make a new friend or friends who did not mind his wolf heritage like the Husky Great Pyrenees cross with a red coat that was longer and fluffier than most huskies due to the Great Pyrenees in him. His name was Gaara of suna who was at the big race the year before. Sturdy sandy colored legs served him well as he and his team placed second with him in the lead. He seemed unapproachable even by his team, but Naruto was hard to deter. Gaara turned out to be similar to him being a bit wolf from somewhere on his mother's side except he didn't look it. Gaara was a bit more closed off with the rest of them. Actually the temperature dropped to almost freezing when Naruto wasn't around the first time they met him. It was like Sasuke except a degree or two worse. She would never tell Sasuke that though, it would hurt his pride she just knew it. It got better and Gaara became a reasonable companion, especially for Neji, Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Itachi who could come close to his demeanor. Lee actually got in there good too. No one knows why though. She came back from her thoughts a minute later just in time to see the turn coming up and not let anyone know she was thinking about something other than work.

When they reached town they stopped at the post office to pick up Sarutobi's mail. They had ended up picking up Neji and Shino, a grey Pit Bull Terrier with dark brown spots and eyes.

Sarutobi would also go to the store so he would be here a bit. Dogs often ran loose if they lived in town so he let them off. They had been there before and would come when called. Sasuke and Sakura were let off first and then Iruka and Kakashi. Sasuke and Itachi mainly walked around a bit along with Neji. Sakura decided to sniff around old crates and boxes wondering if anything interesting was there. Shino went in search of bugs to play with as he enjoyed that. Kakashi and Iruka hung out by the sled not really interesting in wondering at the moment. Besides they could watch the sled while the younger ones wondered off.

"Hey guys! Let's play a game." Sakura suggested. The others looked at her waiting for a suggested game. Sakura laughed nervously. "Well I don't have a game in mind, but I am sure-" Sakura started, but did not finish as a commotion caught her attention. It was laughing and growling in a playful manner. She looked up along with the others. Upon seeing the source she figured it was nothing interesting as it was Jake and four of his lackies. Sakura was going to keep going, but she noticed Sasuke staring intently at the trio. She along with Itachi and Neji followed his gaze noticing that he mainly stared at Jake.

"Something bothering you, Sasuke?" Sakura asked. Itachi had caught on and he was very unsettled. Confusion disappeared from his face. The other still did not quite catch on. Sasuke started walking still staring intently. Itachi followed a few strides behind with a blank look in his eyes mirroring Sasuke's. The others were curious and followed at a distance not understanding the sudden hostility. They knew Sasuke did not like Jake in the slightest. They suspected it had to do with the fact that Jake tortured Naruto every chance he got. Even so he never made a move to confront Jake. So why now when Jake has done nothing that they know of besides the bite from yesterday. They could only watch and jump to conclusions until Sakura noticed the blue and black material tied around Jake's neck, stained with rust red. Her stomach gave a lurch and her eyes grew angry. Neji had caught on moments before and his eyes held unusual anger. Shino was no fool either just less aware of what the material meant. Iruka and Kakashi had been silently following having noticed the material shortly after Sasuke. Everyone understood Sasuke would be the first to approach. By that time Jake and his lackeys had stopped their joking and laughing and stared at the group as it got closer.

Sasuke stopped a foot from Jake his gaze still blank and his stance calm. No threat existed in his posture or his aura. Itachi was just as calm, but the others were oozing hostility.

"Can I help you?" Jake asked cockily and mockingly. Sasuke just stared blankly at him and then his gaze traveled to the arrogant whelp's neck. His eyes went back up to Jake's. He had a bad feeling and he would wait no longer.

"What did you do to him?" Sasuke said. It was blunt and short. His tone left no room for games. Jake did not have experience with Sasuke and took his firm tone as nothing. His snorted and attempted to walk away, but upon turning he came face to face with Red eyes blank as ever. Jake backed up a step wondering when Itachi had gotten behind him and his friends.

In the same tone as Saskue he spoke, "You were asked a question," as he continued to stare Jake down. Jake averted his eyes.

"I do not have to answer to you," Jake spat.

"Wrong answer," Sasuke said having quickly and effortlessly pinned Jake on his back by the jugular. Sasuke's eyes were still as blank as ever. "Make no mistake, I have no qualms in causing you pain or taking the very breath you breathe away from you," Sasuke calmly spoke. It shook Jake to see him make the threat so idly like it was an everyday occurrence and that he really would have no qualms with it. Jake struggled and called for help from his friends. When they moved to help him the others stood in their way. One ran off calling for Jake's father. Sasuke did not even struggle to keep Jake down. Jake began calling for his father and Sasuke lifted him only to slam him back to the ground hard enough to shut him up. "Your voice annoys me," Sasuke said and repeated himself once, "Now I ask one more time, what did you do to him?" Jake was shaking and his tail was between his legs.

"He deserved it, the little freak. He deserved all of it for daring to threaten me!" Jake gasped sounding more like he was trying to convince himself as Sasuke's jaws tightened around his jugular in warning.

"You are not answering the question," Sasuke said. His patience was wearing thin.

"O-Oto-san, taught him a lesson. He had no right to bear his teeth at a respectable dog. He really is just a weak freak. He should do us all a favor and die in that alley!" Jake ranted in anger and desperation. Sasuke's jaw tightened again before asking his final question.

"Where?" Was all he asked.

"If he is still there he is dead by now." Jake chuckled, but it faltered when the jaws got even tighter than before. Jake's eyes squeezed shut and he gasped out, "In the abandoned part of town where the human's old food store used to be." The grip loosened, but before Jake could comprehend anything he was lifted and hurtling in the air until he hit some trash cans. The cans made a loud clatter as the tops fell off and the cans tipped over. Two had a shallow dent in it from Jake's body impact. He fell to the snow panting trying to regain his breath. The material gently hung from Sasuke's jaws before he started running along with the others close behind. The blue and black bandana slipped onto his neck. There were several old food stores with alleys behind them in the abandoned part of town. Some of those buildings were over 200 years old even though they were falling apart.

When they reached that part of town they split up a bit heading to the different stores. They could not pick up a scent due to the snow fall last night. Sasuke, Itachi, and Sakura headed to the old store close to the direction Kyuubi's den resided. They hoped that if Naruto did go to Kyuubi's he would be near that side of town. The question was what he came to town for. They would have to find out when they found him. They began to hope they didn't because that would mean he was hurt badly or trapped. He wouldn't still be around there if he wasn't. They came upon the store and headed to the alley behind it. It was the second oldest store around. The alley was relatively long and got dark really quickly with the sun's positioning. They advanced taking care to look around the old boxes and crates. When they reached the end Sasuke could not hide the shock from his face. Sakura gasped and Itachi's gaze was grim. There before them lay a half covered Naruto unmoving. His mouth was slightly agape with his tongue hanging out on the snow. His eyes were dim and he did not shiver. Sasuke's eyes wondered the torn and still body. The ripped torso still moved with slight breath which gave him hope. He was the first to shakily take a step towards the body drawing Sakura out of her shock. Itachi was trying to figure out the best way to help Naruto. He started giving orders.

"Sakura lay next to him with me to help keep him warm. Sasuke run back to Sarutobi and find a way to get him to come. Do not worry about telling the others for now. We will call them." Iatchi barked as he went next to Naruto, but the other two were still in a sort of shock. "Move now!" It was the first time in a while either of the two heard Itachi raise his voice even slightly and it snapped them into action. Sasuke bolted out of the alley headed for the post office. Sakura went towards Naruto to join Itachi next to their beaten friend. Naruto was completely unresponsive. He was literally clinging to life to still be alive. Being closer allowed the odor of dried blood and urine to hit her nose.

"Itachi, will he make it?" Sakura asked. She was scared and she needed reassurance. Itachi looked at her with little emotion. It was a method to be the strong one and attempt to guard his heart.

"I cannot say for sure, but he is alive now which means there is a chance." Itachi said. He would not lie to her, but even he could have hope. "I think we should attempt to make contact with the others." Itachi said as he started barking for the others. He got a reply from Iruka and Kakashi, but not from Shino or Neji. They must be too far for it to travel. He tried again louder calling for them specifically. He finally got a reply and the message was sent. They knew where to come. Now all the two could do was wait.

"Naruto? Can you hear me?" Sakura tried hoping for even a flicker of a response from Naruto's eyes. However, nothing came. She began licking at his sores. He didn't even flinch.

…

Meanwhile Sasuke had made it back into the populated part of town. The sled was just ahead a long with Duke. Sasuke did not stop when Duke stood in his way. He went straight around before Duke could even say a word. Sasuke ran to the post office door and looked inside to see if Sarutobi may still be there. It took a second before he was off towards the grocery store. He got there and started barking. Duke was following until he started to get human attention. Duke could not start a fight in front of humans so he growled to himself and retreated with his son. Sasuke eventually got Sarutobi to come out among others. He made a racket and that was unlike Sasuke.

"Calm down boy I am almost done." Sarutobi chided as he looked at Sasuke bewildered. Sasuke went to him and gently, but urgently took his hand and tugged him. Sarutobi got the message and said, "Okay, okay, I will follow. Wonder what has got you so riled up." Sarutobi was dragged a bit more before Sasuke let go and ran a bit ahead looking back to make sure Sarutobi followed. Sasuke took off fast, but slow enough so Sarutobi could keep up. The old man was in pretty good shape. They passed the sled and headed towards the abandoned part of town. Sarutobi wondered what was up and why they were in that part of town. When they got there the others had already arrived and were helping keep Naruto warm. Sarutobi approached still not able to properly see what lay between his dogs. When he saw he stopped walking in shock and then shook his head. "You got yourself in trouble this time didn't you boy?" He asked as he kneeled down. The red spattered and covered snow around the dog indicated he lost a lot of blood. The dogs moved to let him look. They had dug Naruto out of the layer of snow that covered the lower part of his body. His flesh was ragged and shredded a lot there too.

Sarutobi did not want to move him, but he had to get him home. He ordered Sakura, Kakashi and Itachi to stay. He gathered the others back to the sled to bring it back. He returned with the sled and hooked up Kakashi. He gently positioned his hands and arms under Naruto's body and lifted him to the sled. It concerned Sarutobi that the wolf mix did not whine or respond in any way when touched or move. He put him on the sled and put the fur covering on the sled over him. The dogs jumped in place and pulled here and there at the tether line, but not enough to move the sled. Sasuke tried desperately not to move as his paw occasionally pawed at the gound. They were anxious, but trained sled dogs.

"Hike!" Sarutobi called and like a flash Sasuke and the others took off, the non hitched dogs alongside them. The journey home could not end fast enough for them. It was as if there was no end and their friend was surely losing time. Sasuke pushed his team hard to get back as fast as possible. Itachi had a bit of a hard time keeping up, but he was a trooper and though he fell behind he told Sasuke to keep going when he looked back. Sasuke did as he was told. Shino and Neji stayed with him. Itachi's leg was the bane of his existence.

When the team arrived back to the house Naruto was taken into the house where the dogs could not follow. Konohamaru could be heard inside yelling asking about what happened to Naruto. The boy had named him himself as Naruto had no name before that besides the names he was called, by humans and dogs, a blood thirsty demon and a monster. The dogs had to wait.

Inside the house Naruto was lane by the fire in blankets to gradually warm him up. Sarutobi came back with a bowl of hot water and a towel. Konohamaru was sent to find some salve and bandages for Naruto. Sarutobi went to careful work cleaning the wounds. He was encouraged when after a few minutes he got a small flicker of the eye. Naruto was starting to twitch at touches and whine a bit. It was only a bit though, but more than before. Konohamaru had come back with salve and bandages a while ago and held Naruto's head in his lap stroking it trying to sooth him and stimulate reactions. Sarutobi applied the medical care. When Naruto was warmed enough he moved him to the barn where he could lay him on blankets in hay. The barn was usually quite warm and out there maybe the dogs could encourage his recovery.

"Come on boy, your friends are worried." Naruto's eyes moved now and he was becoming more aware, but blood loss and weakness kept it to a minimal and at one point he fell asleep. His breathing had improved.

"Gramps? What now?" Konohamaru inquired as he gazed worriedly at the battered K9.

"Now we wait and watch. If he makes it through the day and night it will be a good sign, but he has lost a lot of blood and who knows how long he was out there." Sarutobi told him. Konohamaru stayed with him all day and decided to sleep in the barn. Many of the dogs stayed close by even the lazy Shikamaru, was more active than usual as he watched over him from a stack of two bales of hay. Sarutobi took his eight for the upcoming race to do training. He exercised the others already. Sasuke stayed close to Naruto all day except while training along with Konohamaru and the others.

After all had gone to sleep Sasuke was still awake watching Naruto. Naruto's eyes were opened, but they looked so lost. He would not eat all day. They thought maybe he was too weak to even comprehend food. He still had not responded much. Sasuke stood from his sitting position and walked silently as ever closer to the blond. He lowered his head and pawed at his neck to get the bandana off. After it slid to the floor he picked it up and laid it next to Naruto.

"Stupid dobe," Sasuke softly said. "How did you let yourself get in this position?" Naruto's body looked intirely too weak as he was hurt and thinner than ususal. He looked awful. Sasuke laid down next to Naruto letting his body heat and presence flow into Naruto. "I got your bandana back. How did you lose it after working so hard to win it from me? The first time you beat me in a race I gave it to you as agreed. You carried it with so much pride. You truly are a dobe." Sasuke whispered hoping he could reach Naruto. Naruto was very happy that day. He proved himself and he gained a part of his friend that he would cherish. Sasuke loved and prided his bandana and it meant a lot to him as Itachi chose it for him. Sasuke deemed Naruto worthy and it was Sasuke's way of showing recognition to his rival. "You better pull through this you idiotic persistent annoying hyperactive bas****." Sasuke thought.

…

"Kyuubi? Are you sure about this?" Sinopa inquired nervousness in her voice. She stared at the fox beside her. He looked determined and she knew she could not stop him.

"Naruto did not come back and he is not the type to lie. I can think of nowhere else to look. I have been throughout much of the woods and now this is my last resort." Kyuubi said not looking away from the yard. He turned to his mate and upon noticing the fear in her stare he felt the need to put them to rest. He told her why he was relatively positive he would be fine was that, "Iruka and Sasuke know me. I will be fine," and then he started slinking down towards the yard.

She watched him go not feeling better in the least. "That is only two dogs. There are several down there," she whispered to herself.

Kyuubi's stomach was close to the ground as he slunk around the outskirts of the yard. He stayed down wind in an attempt to find a friend. His fur was suddenly blowing in the opposite direction it was before. It was slight, but he knew he was in trouble. He looked up in time to see two of the dogs become alert. He tried to find a place to hide. He was out of luck as one dog spotted him. The chase was on. Kyuubi bolted circling, twirling, and jumping around, under and over the dogs. He did not know what to do. Everytime he tried to escape a dog cut him off. He started having to nip and scratch at the dogs.

"Enough!" A familiar voice rang out stopping all movement from the dogs. Kyuubi's first instinct was to bolt, but the voice kept him there. He looked to see a very fury brown dog with a scar on his nose. Kyuubi was relieved to see his friend. "My friend I am sorry." Iruka apologized and Kyuubi just nodded his understanding. "What made you come here?" Iruka asked having his suspicions.

Kyuubi sat as he spoke. "Naruto came to me two suns ago, but when we parted he indicated to be back that day going off to hunt, but he has yet to return. I was hoping to find out why by coming here."

"I see. So he did make it to see you that day. I am sorry my friend, but Naruto has been attacked and is in the barn." Iruka said motioning for Kyuubi to follow. Kyuubi rose immediately and followed. He looked back towards the tree line before continuing to follow Iruka. The site that awaited him in the barn left him angry and sad. He had never seen Naruto so lifeless. Naruto had got into scuffles and even got attacked by a bear and leopard seal, but this was by far the worst, he looked so destroyed.

"How?" Was all Kyuubi said as he walked over to stand next to Sasuke and his makeshift son and started nuzzling Naruto.

"All we know is-" Iruka started, but was interrupted by another voice that dropped the temperature of the room to freezing.

"What happened?" The voice asked. Most eyes in the barn turned to the owner of the voice. Their eyes met electric green eyes as cold as ice.

…TBC…

Author's Note:

So what did you guys think? I hope you liked it and please read and review. I you have constructive criticism it is appreciated.

I am really bad at these notes as I never know what to say.

Notices:

I am sorry this took longer than expected. Finals kicked my butt. It is quite depressing really, but I must move on. It is easier said than done sometimes. Anywhoo, I am already working on the next chapte so stay tuned.

Please: Read and Review

Until Next Time!

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