Home of the Animals
Chapter 6: Hope
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Kakashi watched his beautiful fight through a restless sleep. He himself couldn't get that far. The occasional moment where he did sleep were plagued with nightmares. These were far worse than he had before. Kakashi so desperately wanted to bring her good news. He wanted to bring his daughter home. Kakashi wanted his growing family to be whole again. The tired alpha got out of bed and got ready for the horribly long day.
"Kakashi?"
"You must rest", he said.
She rolled her eyes.
"I'm coming with you. I want to be there if anything is discovered", she said as she got out of bed.
There was no arguing against his wife. Together they went to his office. When they arrived, there was a messenger hawk from the Hidden Sand Village was perched on the windowsill. He took the message from the bird's leg. His eyes widened when he saw the message it contained.
"Kakashi, what is it?" asked Hana.
"Gaara, he's found Senna", said Kakashi.
An overwhelming wave of relief swept through Hana's body. She went to her knees. Her pup was safe! Kakashi hugged her tightly.
"Our pup is safe", whispered Hana.
"Yes, she is", said Kakashi.
"Is she healthy?" asked Hana.
"Yes", said Kakashi.
"Is this a dream?" asked Hana.
Her voice was trembling. Kakashi caressed her cheek.
"This isn't a dream. I promise", he said.
She frowned.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Kiba and Neji", said Hana.
"They will be happy for us. And this means they can widen their search for Tala. Senna might have information about her", said Kakashi.
"We need to tell them", said Hana.
Kakashi nodded.
"They are coming with us", said Hana.
"They wouldn't allow us to leave without them. Could you get them?" asked Kakashi.
Hana went rushing out the door to find her brother and Neji to tell the great news. Pakkun appeared in front.
"Is it true?" he asked.
His little tail was wagging rapidly. He loved the little girl like she was his own pup. Pakkun partly blamed himself for what happened to the pups.
"Yes, Senna has been found in the Hidden Sand Village", said Kakashi.
"And Tala?" asked Pakkun.
"Not yet. Fetch Temari ", said Kakashi.
The pug ran out the window to fetch Temari.
"We leave today. I'll send message", said Kakashi.
Hana sped toward Kiba's home. Her dogs followed closely behind her. It would be bittersweet news for her brother. It wold reminder of what they still didn't have, but also a new hope. Senna could have knowledge of Tala's location.
Neji and Kiba sat on the porch of their house. His sis running toward them. For the first time in weeks, she was smiling brightly. Something has happened. Please let it be good news. They so desperately needed some. Both of them needed hope, even a small glimpse of it would keep them going.
"What is it sis?" asked Kiba.
"Senna was found in the Hidden Sand Village", said Hana.
"Alive?" asked Neji.
She frowned.
"Yes, she's alive. We received message this morning", said Hana.
A spark hope light in the couple's heart. They hadn't hope like this since Tala went missing.
"When are we leaving?" asked Neji.
"Today, so pack up your things", said Hana.
Temari was drinking tea in her kitchen. Her son Shikadai was peacefully asleep in her lap. He was such an easy child. Over this last month, she kept an extremely close eye on him fearing someone might snatch him away. The logical part of her mind knew the chance of that happening was slim to none. Tala and Senna were taken for a reason. The maternal part of her kept her on alert. She heard someone coming from she threw a kunai.
"What was that for? I'm coming here on Hokage's orders", said Pakkun.
She stared at the talking pug.
"Senna was found alive in the Hidden Sand Village. Kakashi needs you to lead a group through the desert", said Pakkun.
Her eyes went wide. She owed Shikamaru fifty dollars. Temari placed the odds against the child. She kissed Shikadai on the forehead.
"I love you, Shikadai", she said.
She placed her son in the playpen. Temari walked over to her husband who was sleeping on the couch. She flicked him on the forehead.
"What the hell Temari!" growled Shikamaru.
"I've been assigned a mission", said Temari.
"Doing what?" groaned Shikamaru as he sat up.
"Senna Hatake has been found in the Hidden Sand Village", said Temari.
He reached his hand to his wife. She rolled her eyes and opened her wallet.
"I hate to interrupt whatever this is but should get going. Kakashi and the others won't like being kept waiting", said Pakkun.
"What should I expect?" asked Temari.
"Like the dog said you shouldn't keep them waiting. The Inuzuka Clan and others like them hold a bond with their family unlike any other. They treasure family above all", said Shikamaru.
Pakkun didn't like this it was taking to long. He bit Temari on the leg.
"WHAT THE HELL YOU STUPID DOG!" screamed Temari.
He pulled away.
"Those parents want to be with their pup. I won't allow you to slow that", said Pakkun.
Temari grabbed her bag and followed the pug to the front gate. Kakashi, Hana, Kiba, and Neji were already waiting for her. They took off in a full run. Even Temari with all her training had difficultly keeping up with their speed. By nightfall the reached desert, but still had a long way to go.
They took shelter in a cave. Traveling during the night in the desert was too dangerous, even for someone like Temari. Gaara was the only one would travel safely through this terrain no matter what the condition. She stared out at the surroundings. Temari had almost forgotten how much she missed the simple beauty of the desert. A gut feeling told her they were on a verge of sandstorm.
"What is it?"
Temari turned her head to see Neji. He was the only other person awake. She only knew the basics about him. One thing she knew was she would never want to be his enemy.
"You should sleep", she said.
"There's no point", said Neji.
Temari looked at him. She couldn't read his calm his expression, but his eyes revealed his agony. Temari had never seen such pain before. Would she look the same if she lost her baby? She couldn't help pitying the poor man.
"Don't look at me like that", said Neji.
"Sorry", said Temari.
"I don't need your pity. I need my daughter back in my arms", said Neji.
"What is like?" asked Temari.
"What?" asked Neji.
"Losing her", said Temari.
"You're the first to ask that. Most are too scared", said Neji.
"You don't have to answer", said Temari.
"A child is part of you. Losing that vital piece is losing your soul. The pain is so agonizing at times it's impossible to breathe", said Neji.
Now she understood why pity would only annoy him. No one could truly understand his pain unless they had gone through it too.
"You didn't answer my question", said Neji.
"I think might be here longer than expected. I feel a sandstorm coming", said Temari.
Neji sighed.
"Sleep, at least one person can gain from my insomnia", said Neji.
Temari nodded his head and allowed herself to sleep.
"Thank you", said Neji softly.
Kiba woke and frowned when he saw his mate was still awake. He nuzzled his omega's neck. Neji pulled away from him. Kiba gave soft sigh. He overheard Neji's conversation with Temari. Kiba pulled his mate close and started licking his neck.
"No, Kiba", said Neji as he pushed him away.
Neji regretted the action as soon as he did it. Kiba was only trying to comfort him. He nuzzled his alpha's neck and gave it a gentle lick. Neji cupped his husband's face in his hands and placed a gentle kiss on Kiba's lips.
"I love you", said Neji.
"I love you too", said Kiba.
Kiba pulled his mate close.
"You need rest, my love. Close your eyes and I'll keep watch", said Kiba.
Neji listened to him and closed his eyes. He listened to his alpha's heartbeat. It calmed him greatly.
"Sleep" ordered Kiba.
To Kiba's surprise, Neji actually followed the command. His mate fell into a deep sleep. He ran his fingers through Neji's hair.
"Finally getting the rest you need my love", said Kiba.
Kiba stared at his Hana and Kakashi. They were both in an extremely peaceful sleep. Their wish came true. Senna was in the Hidden Sand Village. He was happy for his sister he truly was, but he couldn't help being extremely jealous. Why couldn't it be his pup who was found? He sighed. The guilt he felt was heavy, but he had to move forward. It couldn't be that easy.
"Tala", whispered Neji in his sleep.
"We will find her", said Kiba.
Neji actually smiled, which in turn made Kiba smile.
"He seems happy", said Kakashi.
"Finding Senna has given him a true reason for hope", said Kiba.
"I'll keep watch", said Kakashi.
Kiba didn't make refusals a chance to sleep peacefully by his mate. It had been far too long since he last had that kind of opportunity. He made himself comfortable on the sandy floor of the cave.
"Thanks, Kakashi", whispered Kiba before falling asleep next to Neji.
As Temari predicted a sand storm struck in the morning. There was nothing they could do, but wait it through. Hana walked toward the sleeping couple.
"Don't, who knows the last time they had a chance to sleep like this", said Kakashi.
An hour later Kiba and Neji woke. Neji couldn't remember the last time he slept so deeply. He stood up and stretched.
"What time is it?" asked Neji.
"About nine in the morning", said Temari.
"How much longer until this sandstorm settles down?" asked Hana.
"About an hour. Traveling in this condition is impossible", said Temari.
Hana paced nervously around the cave. She wanted to be with her pup. Hana wanted to hold her baby in her arms. Kakashi pulled her down, so she was sitting by him.
"She's safe there's no need to rush. Take this time to rest, Hana", said Kakashi.
She sighed but gave into his wish. Hana leaned into his chest. She saw that Neji was following the same idea of rest. He was much more grateful for an opportunity to rest than her.
Senna paced nervously around her kennel. Her pack was huddled up in the corner. Suna, Sabaku, Sandy were scared. She hated seeing her friends like this. Senna managed to scare away the nurses by biting them repetitively. If only she were this brave when she was with Tala. Her younger cousin defended her and she did nothing.
She forced herself not cry. Tala was her best friend. Why wasn't she the brave one like she supposed to be? She was older than her. It was her job to protect her baby cousin. She yawned. Normally at this time, she was asleep. The door opened and a familiar scent touched her nose. It was Gaara.
"Good morning Senna", he said.
She bowed her head.
"Goodmorning Lord Kazekage", said Senna.
Her parents taught her to respect her elders. The girl hadn't spoken a word since she arrived. All of the nurses refused to go near her. The child had nearly bitten off one their fingers. He took a seat near the girl's kennel.
"Your parents will be here in a matter of hours", said Gaara.
A bright smile appeared on Senna's expression.
"Really?" she asked.
"Yes", said Gaara.
"Have they found Tala?" asked Senna.
"I have any current information on that topic", said Gaara.
"You're lying", said Senna.
"Why do you believe that?" asked Gaara.
"Your quicken for a beat. It was less than a second, but enough for me to tell", said Senna.
"It isn't for me to tell. Your family will explain when they arrive", said Gaara.
"Why won't you tell me?" asked Senna.
"Because it isn't for me to tell. They have more information on the subject than I do. I don't want to misinform you", said Gaara.
"Thank you", said Senna.
"Why don't you let the nurses tend to you?" asked Gaara.
"I don't know them. They tried taking my friends away. I won't let happened", said Senna.
He glanced at the three coyotes huddled in the corner. That's how she survived. From what he knew of coyotes were ill-tempered creatures, but they were an important part of the desert ecosystem. They were being poached for their fur. One of the contributing reasons for shrinking in coyote population was most thought they were creatures that brought upon curses and deserved death.
"They're your friends", said Gaara.
"Even more than that they are my family. Without them I would die", said Senna.
"What are the names?" he asked.
Senna smiled. None have asked that.
"Sandy, Suna, and Sabaku", she answered.
"What if one my friends take care of you? And while you're gone I'll make sure no one comes near your friends", said Gaara.
"Promise?" asked Senna.
"I promise", said Gaara.
Gaara unlocked Senna's kennel. He watched the girl carefully stalked out. Her movements were animal-like.
"There's nothing fear", he said.
The door opened and Senna started growling. A young woman with long light brown hair and big black eyes entered the room.
"Senna, this is my friend Matsuri. She will take good care of you", said Gaara.
The woman blushed under Gaara's gaze. Senna didn't understand why though. Matsuri offered her hand. She took it. Matsuri lead her to a bathroom and washed her. The water turned a light brown. Senna couldn't remember the last time she felt so clean. Matsuri dried her off and gave her fresh clothes. Then she was lead back to the room she was kept in. She smiled, when she saw Gaara had kept his promise.
"I want to move you to another room. Can you tell your friends that?" asked Gaara.
He watched as the girl spoke with the coyotes. The animals' attentions were focused on her. He seen multiple people talk their pets, but the coyotes actually seemed to be listening to her. She walked back to the door of the kennel.
"What did they say?" asked Gaara.
"They said they were okay with", said Senna.
One of the coyotes barked. It seemed to the leader of the group.
"Oh and they want six rabbits or some kind of meat. And has to be good", said Senna.
"Your friends are a demanding bunch", said Gaara.
"They aren't demanding. Sandy just knows how to make the best of a situation", said Senna.
"That can be arranged", said Gaara.
Gaara was stunned, when Senna's small hand grabbed his. She looked up at him with those innocent ebony eyes. The girl had no idea how dangerous he could be. They walked together to the hospital. He made sure the girl and her coyotes were safely settled into the room. When he tried to leave, she grabbed his hand.
"Please stay", said Senna.
"Why do you want me here?" asked Gaara.
"You're my friend", said Senna.
The innocence of the answer caught him off guard. He picked her up and placed her in bed. Gaara pulled the blankets over her. She gave a yawn.
"You should sleep", said Gaara.
"Will you be here, when I wake up?" asked Senna.
"Yes", said Gaara.
The little girl closed her eyes. Her three coyote friends were underneath the bed enjoying their meals. The sandstorm settled down. Senna's parents should be here soon. Gaara watched over the child as she slept. An hour later there was a knock on the door. It was a nurse.
"Senna's parents are here", she said.
"Bring them in", said Gaara.
Hana and Kakashi were lead down the halls of the hospital. Gaara was waiting outside of her room.
"How is she?" asked Hana.
"She's asleep. Be mindful of her friends", said Gaara before leaving.
"Her friends?" said Hana.
They opened the door. Warmth filled their hearts, when they saw their pup. When the approached the bed, they heard growling. They peered under the bed and saw three coyotes. Hana kneeled down. The three coyotes told her the story of how they met her daughter.
"Thank you for protecting my pup", said Hana as she touched the alpha female.
Sandy licked Hana's hand. These were the parents the child so often talked about. She glanced over at the three handsome dogs. Senna never mentioned them before. Sandy was very interested in the largest one. Her pups were interested in the other two.
"You three are free to come home with us. My mate and I owe you at least that", said Hana.
Sandy nodded her head. She and her daughter would live the posh life of pets. She could even have a new litter with one of those dogs. Each of the coyotes huddled up with one Hana's dogs.
She felt a soft hand caress her cheek. Senna slowly woke. Two familiar scents touched her nose. She opened her eyes. Senna smiled brightly, when she saw her parents.
"Mommy",
Hana smiled at her. She picked up her pup and held her close. Tears of joy fell from her eyes.
"Don't cry mommy. I'm okay. My friends took good care of me", said Senna.
Kakashi took Senna from Hana's arms.
"I missed you, daddy", said Senna.
The family took sometime to rebuild their connection. Senna woke in her parents' arms. They were asleep beside her. She nudged them wake.
"What is Senna did you have a bad dream?" asked Hana.
"No, where's Tala?" asked Senna.
Both her parents tensed.
"What is it?" asked Senna.
"Tala hasn't been found yet", said Hana.
Senna shivered. She started crying. Her parents did the best they could comfort. Eventually she stopped crying.
"Are Uncle Neji and Uncle Kiba here?" asked Senna.
"Yes", said Hana.
"I wanna talk to them. They need to know what happened", said Senna.
"Are you sure you're ready?" asked Hana.
"Yes", said Senna.
"I'll get them", said Kakashi.
Kiba and Neji were in the room just across from Senna's. They knew better than interrupt the just reunited family. Neji sat in one of the chairs, while Kiba paced around the room. The door opened. They both looked up.
"Senna wants to speak with you", said Kakashi.
"Is she ready?" asked Neji.
"Yes, and I'm curious to hear what she has to say", said Kakashi.
They followed Kakashi to Senna's room. Their niece was sat in bed. Her eyes were red from crying.
"Can you tell us what happened?" asked Kakashi.
"Where should start?" asked Senna.
"From the beginning", said Kakashi.
"It all started, when Tala and I were at grandma's. Tala heard Uncle calling for her. I told her not to go, but then I heard Daddy howling for me. After that we had to go", said Senna.
"I never called for you", said Kakashi.
"Yes, you did. We wouldn't have left if you", said Senna.
Kakashi and the others didn't want to argue with the child. They could see she was in have a hard enough time.
"They put a rag over our mouths. It was sickly sweet and made me feel sick. When we woke up, we were in a barn. I was so scared. Tala was the brave one. She didn't let the men scare her. Tala growled and bit at them", said Senna.
Kiba gave weak smile. His brave little girl faced the men who took her without fear. He was proud but also terrified.
"The younger one hit her and she didn't even cry", said Senna.
Neji tensed they hit his baby. For that he would rip their throat out. They would suffer dearly at his hands. He wasn't the only responding badly to this news. Kiba was having difficulty with it to. Neji felt Kiba's anger through their bond. He was surprised his alpha was keeping it together so well.
"Are you two okay?" asked Senna.
"Fine, Senna please continue", said Neji.
Neji squeezed Kiba's hand.
"Do remember what these two men looked like?" asked Kakashi.
"Umm well the younger one had spikey black hair and the older guy had white hair. I don't remember much more than that. I'm sorry", said Senna.
"It's okay honey please continue. Take all the time you need", said Hana as she ran her finger through Senna's hair.
"How did you get out of the village sweetheart?" asked Kakashi.
"We were tied up. One of them put something on us took away our scent. They were placed in fruit crates with false bottoms. I thought we were separated for longest, but then she wet her pants I knew she was near. Then we were put on a cart-
Kiba stormed out of the room. The door slammed loudly behind him. Neji was struck with his anger, shame, and self-loathing.
"Kiba", whispered Neji.
"Is uncle okay?" asked Senna.
"He's fine", said Neji.
He would check on Kiba soon, but first he had to hear what else say. He needed to know what happened to their baby. They heard a crashing sound coming from the room across the hall.
"Neji, you should check on him", said Hana.
"Have to know what happened next. You must understand that, Hana", said Neji.
She more than understood. Any omega would put their baby before their alpha it was only instinct. Hell, she would be acting the same way.
"Then what happened?" asked Neji.
"When we were taken from the boxes, it was raining. The sky was gray and there were towers that looked like they could touch the sky", said Senna.
"The Hidden Rain Village", said Neji.
"You and Kiba are free to leave for the Hidden Rain Village tomorrow. I'm sure Gaara would be pleased to offer you supplies", said Kakashi.
"Thank you. I should check on Kiba", said Neji.
Neji went to the room across the hall. He was surprised to see Akamaru locked out of the room. The dog licked his hand. He knew Akamaru was worried.
"Stay out here for now", said Neji.
Akamaru whined.
"I'll be fine", said Neji.
He opened the door and saw destruction. Kiba sat in the middle of the room. Tear dripped from his eyes. He had no idea what could cause Kiba to react in such a way. Neji sat down next to his husband. He touched Kiba's cheek. Neji was met by his husband's gentle gaze. It was obvious Kiba has been crying. There was such agony in those ebony eyes.
"What happened?" asked Neji was he ran his fingers through his hands.
"I let her slip through my fingers. She was right in front of me and I let her go right past me", said Kiba.
"What are you talking about?" asked Neji.
"A front cart went through gates, when I was on watch. Two men were riding on it. I had Akamaru search it, but he smelled nothing. Our pup could have been in one of those crates. She could have been calling for me and I never heard it. I'm sorry Neji", said Kiba.
Kiba was crying. He waited for Neji to grow angry. A pair of gentle hands cupped his face. He was forced to look into those white eyes. Kiba saw no hatred or anger nor did he feel it through their bond.
"Kiba this isn't your fault", said Neji.
"You don't hate me?" asked Kiba.
"I could never hate you, Kiba", said Neji.
"But it my fault. If only I looked closer then I might have found them", said Kiba.
"Don't blame yourself for this my love", said Neji.
Kiba hugged his mate closely. His omega was too good for him.
"Shh, Kiba we will find her. And I have some good news", whispered Neji.
"What?" asked Kiba.
"Senna described the Hidden Rain Village", said Neji.
"The Hidden Rain Village", repeated Kiba.
His heart raised the Hidden Rain Village was an extremely dangerous place. It was crime riddled even more so after the war. That village was no place for a child. Especially their pup.
"Kakashi gave us permission to follow the lead. We leave tomorrow", said Neji.
Hana had heard the whole thing through the door. She crept back into her daughter room.
"What was that all about?" asked Kakashi.
"Kiba, he saw wagon with fruit crates. Tala and Senna could have been inside, but couldn't smell them. He's angry with himself", said Hana.
"Let them be. They need some alone time", said Kakashi.
Gaara came into the room. In his hand was small present.
"Is that for Senna?" asked Hana.
"Yes",
"GAARA!" yelled Senna as she ran out of bed.
She rushed over to him and hugged his leg tightly. He kneeled down so he was at eye level with the girl.
"I've got you gift, but they are very delicate", said Gaara.
Senna carefully took the small box from Gaara's hand. She pulled the ribbon and took of the lid. Inside was three small glass statues. They were of coyotes and the glass was stained a beautiful orange brown.
"They are so pretty. Thank you Gaara", said Senna.
"I hope this will be the start of a wonderful collection", said Gaara.
She carefully tucked the glass figures into cotton and closed the lid. Senna placed the box on the table.
"The nurses told me there was commotion in the room across from yours. Is this something I should be concerned with?" asked Gaara.
"Let's talk somewhere more private", said Kakashi.
"What happened?" asked Gaara.
Kakashi told him what happened.
"I apologize for the damage my brother in law caused", said Kakashi.
"It was an understandable reaction. He won't be charged for any of the damages", said Gaara.
"Thank you Gaara. Can ask another favor of you?" said Kakashi.
Gaara nodded his head.
"Can you give Kiba and Neji supplies? They will leave for the Hidden Rain Village tomorrow", said Kakashi.
"Sure, I hope they find her soon. I've made two rooms for you in the Kazekage's Residence. I assume you would prefer that offer a hospital", said Gaara.
"Thank you for your kindness Lord Gaara", said Hana.
"It's the least I can do as your host", said Gaara.
That night they joined the Kazekage for dinner at his residence. Neji and Kiba picked at their food. Kiba squeezed his mate hand.
"You should eat. We have a long journey a head of us", said Kiba.
Neji ate. His alpha was right. They needed to keep their strength up. The pup growing inside him needed nutrition. After dinner they returned to bedroom given to them by Gaara. In the morning supplies were left by their door. They packed up and met the others by the gate Hidden Sand Village.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Gaara", said Neji.
"There's no need for thanks. I hope you find your daughter. Matsuri will lead you to the border we share with the Hidden Raina Village", said Gaara.
"Thank you Gaara", said Kiba with hand extended.
Garra shook his hand. The group separated.