The Beast Within
Chapter 7: Depression
Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I would really appreciate a review.
A week passed since Shiromaru's death. Tala rarely left her room in this time and hardly ate anything. Kiba and Neji were worried for her health. In this time Tsunade had tried once to reapply the five-pronged seal but it failed. The result being a burst of purple chakra, sending Tsunade across the room. She was unstable both mentally and physically. All of the animal clans knew and kept their distance.
Lycan took a seat at the kitchen table for lunch.
"Has she come out of her room yet?" he asked.
"Not yet", said Neji as he looked the door to her room.
"Why can't we just force her out?" asked Lycan.
"We can't", said Kiba.
Kiba ashamed to have to the same idea at one point Neji put down the idea.
"Why?" asked Lycan.
"Everyone mourns differently. Let's her figure out her emotions", said Neji.
"Wouldn't it be easier if she shared it?" asked Lycan.
"It's up to her", said Neji.
The door to her room open.
"You know I can hear all of you", said Tala.
"Since you're up, Sunshine you should join us for lunch", said Kiba.
Lycan smiled when he saw her, but it quickly faded when he saw nothing had changed within his sister. He couldn't begin to understand how painful it would be to lose a partner. The thought of ever losing Keeper was terrifying. Lycan was expecting his sister to get over the loss quickly, but he wanted to see even the slightest glimpse of Tala's former self. She didn't wear the marking of their clan. He didn't understand why she didn't put them on. Tala had always taken such great pride in their clan.
"Morning", said Lycan.
She gave a slight nod in response. Tala forced herself not to leave when she saw Keeper. The young pup came running toward her. Tala growled deeply from the back of her throat. Keeper whimper and went running to Lycan with his tail between his legs. Lycan picked him up. The puppy crawled under hoody and started shaking violently.
"You didn't have to scare him shitless, Tala", said Lycan.
"I told you to keep him away from me", she said.
Her voice was cold. Kiba tensed it reminded him so much of Neji. Tala had become cold and icy. When Neji was in extreme emotional turmoil he would go into the same state. With Tala, it posed more of a challenge.
"He was only trying to be friendly", said Lycan.
"Don't care", said Tala.
Lycan growled. Tala gave no response to him.
"Challenge me if you dare twerp. We both know you'll lose badly", she said.
"What the hell is wrong with you!" he yelled.
"Oh, let's start with the obvious. My best friend's throat was sliced in front of me and was forced to lay in his blood while a group of hunters removed five-pronged seal that contained the beast within me. It burned and sizzled my skin. Then I ripped the heart out of the man who murdered Shiromaru with my bare hands. So tell me how should I be acting exactly", said Tala.
Tala smirked.
"Speechless? That's what I thought", she said.
Her stomach growled loudly. She took a seat at the table, ignoring the expressions of her family. Kiba set a belloni sandwich in front of her hoping it would tempt her to eat.
"Come on Sunshine you need to eat", said Kiba.
"Not hungry", she said as pushed away the plate.
"It's your favorite", he said as pushed it toward her again.
"Not hungry!" said Tala as pushed the plate away again this time sending it across the kitchen.
"Tala", said Neji.
She glared at him. Neji glared at her. It was the same exact glare. Lycan and Kiba tensed at the growing tension between the two.
"Dad", he whimpered.
Kiba knew better than to interfere. The last time he did he was hit by a double cold shoulder for three days.
"Let them work it out. That's our safest option", he said.
"Apologize", said Neji.
"Why?" she asked.
"You made the mess so you clean it up", said Neji.
"No!" growled Tala.
Lycan and Kiba waited for one of them to break. The longest one of these matches lasted was five minutes, it was terrifying. Thankfully, this one only lasted two. Tala gave in and cleaned up the mess.
"Now apologize", said Neji.
"Sorry", said Tala.
It was curt and cool. Neji crossed his arms.
"Say it like you mean it", he said.
"I'm sorry", said Tala.
Her voice was softer. She started walking in the direction of her room.
"And where do you think you're going?" asked Neji.
"My room", said Tala.
"This is the first time you've gotten out of that room in nearly a week. You'll be staying here with us", said Neji.
"How long?" asked Tala.
"Thirty minutes", said Neji.
"Twenty-five", countered Tala.
"Fine", she said.
She returned to her seat.
"Shiromaru, wouldn't want you doing this to yourself", said Kiba.
Tala glared him. She growled. The whites of her went a shade of purple. Wisps of purple chakra rose off her.
"How would you know what he would want?!" yelled Tala.
The kitchen started vibrating. Kiba rushed to Lycan, shielding him with his body just in time to protect him from the rain of glass as the windows exploded. Powerful waves of charka streamed off her. The furniture around her slammed into the wall. Cracks appeared in the walls the ground started shaking.
"TALA!"
Her eyes focused on her Papa.
"I know you're scared and hurt right now, but giving into this savage anger within you to escape the pain will do nothing to ease the pain. It's only a momentary distraction", he said.
No, she didn't want to listen! Anger was so much easier than this horrible pain. He reached out for her. She followed her first instinct to attack. Her claws cut into skin. The scent of blood touched her nose. It coated her fingers. Her eyes went wide when she the deep cuts Papa's shoulder. All the anger faded away and was replaced with shame. She fell to her knees, glass dug into her skin but she didn't care.
Never had Neji seen his daughter look so defeated. He stepped closer to her.
"Tala",
She shot away from him. Her eyes were focused on his wound.
"Monster", she whispered.
"No, Tala don't say that", begged Neji as he came closer.
"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" screamed Tala.
Both her parents came closer.
"It's our job to be there for you, Tala. You can't push us away no matter how hard you try", said Kiba.
"I will only hurt you", she whimpered.
At that moment Tsunade barged into their kitchen with Hiroshi. Tala was relieved to see them.
"What are you doing here?!" growled Kiba.
"To take her", said Tsunade in a calm voice so not to add to the tension.
"No, she needs to be with her family", said Kiba.
Tala got to her feet. Small shards of fell from her skin as her wounds healed rapidly. Being taken away from her family seem like the best option to her. Tala didn't want to bring any more harm to her family. It would be safer if she left with them.
"I'll go", said Tala.
"What?!" said Kiba.
"Me being here without having full control will only pose a danger to all of you", said Tala.
Neji walked to her. He tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Tala are you sure you want this? None of us blame you for what's happening", said Neji.
She nodded.
"Let me pack a few things then I'll be ready", said Tala.
"Of course", said Hiroshi.
Tala went to her room to pack.
"How did you even know?" asked Kiba.
"That small outburst was enough to send a small tremor through the village. Imagine what she could do on a grander scale. We must take precautions", said Tsunade.
"I don't like this", said Neji.
"Neither do I", said Kiba.
"We'll try not to keep her for long", said Hiroshi.
"That better be true", said warned Kiba.
"We aren't stealing away your daughter, Kiba. Hiroshi and I are only taking her to a location where she doesn't pose any threat", said Tsunade.
"Once the first week is over you be free to visit her whenever you wish", said Hiroshi.
"Why do you we have to week?" asked Kiba.
"What if she needs us?" asked Neji.
"Then I'll get you", said Hiroshi.
"She needs time to adjust to her new surroundings", said Hiroshi.
"Where exactly are you taking her?" asked Neji.
"To a safe house in the mountains. It's far enough from the village that no damage will come it if something were to go wrong. Neji, Kiba I care for your daughter deeply I wouldn't be suggesting this if I didn't think it was for her own good", said Tsunade.
Neji sighed.
"Saber has come up with a solution to help control her power", said Tsunade.
"What?" asked Tala as she came out the room.
She desperately wanted her control back. Tsunade walked over her and placed a pair of tiny wooden hoop earrings in her hand.
"I know they aren't pretty but they'll contain some of your power", she said.
"How?" asked Tala.
"They are carved from the wood of the Ever-Blooming Tree so they have properties that can handle your chakra", said Tsunade.
"Who made them?" asked Tala.
"The tree doctor Daiki he thought it may help", said Tsunade.
"My ears aren't pierced", said Tala.
"That's an easy problem to fix", said Tsunade.
Tala put on her shoes and put her bag over her shoulders.
"I'm ready to go", she said.
"Tala, if you need anything don't be afraid to call me or Papa", said Kiba.
"I know", she said.
Neji and Kiba watched as Tala left with the two doctors. Neji walked over to Lycan looking for any injuries. He seemed fine.
"Lycan are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes, Papa", said Lycan.
His eyes went to the bleeding wound on Papa's shoulder.
"And you?" he asked.
"I'm fine", said Neji.
"You're bleeding", said Lycan.
"It's only a scratch", said Neji.
"But-
"I'm fine", said Neji.
"Lycan go outside with Keeper. There's too much glass for you to be walking around barefoot", said Kiba.
Lycan went outside. Neji took in the damage. Glass littered the floor. There were scorch marks on the walls and floor from the intensity of Tala's chakra.
"I'll call Toguchi later", said Kiba.
He'd paid the man fortune in home repairs.
"We should get started on this mess", said Neji.
"First let me tend your wound", said Kiba.
Neji nodded and followed Kiba to the bathroom. He took off his shirt. Neji gave a slight flinch when Kiba started cleaning the wound.
"It really isn't all that deep", said Kiba as placed a bandage over the wound.
Kiba leaned closer and brushed some of the class from Neji's hair.
"Are we doing the right thing, Neji?" he asked.
"We are", said Neji.
"Then why do I feel so horrible about?" asked Kiba.
"Because it feels as if we are sending her away for something that isn't her fault. We have to remember Tala chose to do this", said Neji.
"She's only elven", said Kiba.
"Kiba, she elven year old that is more than capable of making her own mature decisions no matter how we might not like it. She needs time to work this out", said Neji.
"I still don't like it", said Kiba.
"I know you don't", said Neji.
He put on a fresh shirt.
"Come on we have work to do", said Neji.
They started cleaning up the kitchen.
Tala followed Hiroshi and Tsunade into the mountains. She kept her gaze on focused on the ground as she walked. She nearly ran into Hiroshi when they stopped. In front of them was a cozy stone cottage.
"What is this place?" asked Tala.
"The safe house", said Hiroshi.
"This is a safe house?" asked Tala.
"Yes, what were you expecting?" he asked.
"Something different", said Tala.
"I'll show to your room", said Tsunade.
Tala followed a small room on the first floor. The room was painted yellow and a large window took most of one. Pressed against the sidewall was a large canopy bed. The blankets were white and decorated with blue flowers. At foot of the bed was a trunk. In the corner was a large love seat.
"Who lived here before me?" asked Tala.
"A girl with a similar problem", said Tsunade.
Tala smirked. She almost tempted to give a bitter laugh. There was no one who had the same problem as her.
"How so?" she asked.
"She had a powerful evil beast within her that gave her incredible strength", said Tsunade.
"What was her power?" asked Tala.
"A masterful genjutsu user. That has the potential to destroy the village. Sound familiar?" said Tsunade.
Tsunade motioned for her to take a seat on the trunk. From her pocket, he took a sterile needle.
"What's that for?" asked Tala.
"To pierce your ears", said Tsunade.
"Before now my parents wouldn't let me get my ears pierced", said Tala.
She didn't even flinch when Tsunade pushed the needle through her ear. Tala went to the hanging mirror and put the earrings in. Her shoulders sagged in relief as a heavy burden of chakra fell from her.
"How are you feeling?" asked Tsunade.
"Better", said Tala.
She yawned. Tsunade touched her fingers against her forehead. She was amazed to feel that the girl had fifty percent of the 100 Seal was completed. Last time she checked Tala's progress it was twenty-five percent and that was only a few weeks ago. This girl was amazing. There was a decent chance that this girl could surpass both her former students.
"When was the last time you slept?" asked Tsunade.
"Maybe an hour or two this week", said Tala.
"Why?" asked Tsunade.
"I had to keep it contained. And I couldn't stop crying long enough to sleep", said Tala.
Her eyes were barely open. Tsunade led her to bed. The girl instantly fell asleep as soon her head hit the pillow. Tsunade dressed the girl. She pulled the blankets over her. If she and Dan ever had a daughter Tsunade imagined she would be like Tala. Hiroshi stepped into the bedroom.
"It will be good for her to sleep", said Hiroshi.
Tala slept for three days before finally waking. Her hand searched for Shiromaru. She nearly cried when she realized he wasn't there. Tala sat up and slid on her slippers. She was dressed in a light blue cotton nightgown. This wasn't what she was wearing before. Tsunade must have dressed her. She cringed when the smell of blood still stained her claws. Tala went into the bathroom. She went to the sink and turned on the hot water, but there was no scrubbing away the smell of her papa's blood.
She walked out of her room and followed the smell of breakfast to a porch. The sunlight stung at her eyes. When her eyes adjusted she saw Hiroshi sitting at a picnic table reading a newspaper. A wide arrangement of breakfast was set out.
"Good morning", said he said.
"Morning", said Tala.
"Hungry?" asked Hiroshi.
"No, not really", said Tala.
"I doubt that. You haven't eaten in nearly a week", said Hiroshi.
He pushed a plate of perfectly cooked bacon toward her. She pushed away.
"How long was I asleep?" asked Tala.
"Three days", said Hiroshi.
"That long", she said.
"You needed it", said Hiroshi.
"Where's Lady Tsunade?" asked Tala.
"She had to take care of something in the village. She should be back sometime today", said Hiroshi.
She took a seat. It was a beautiful day. Birds were chirping and warm breeze passed through the trees. It would be a perfect day for a hunt or a run through a forest. The thought stung at her heart.
"It would be a marvelous day for a walk through the forest. Don't you agree?" asked Hiroshi.
She nodded.
"You are free to enjoy our surroundings. I could join you for a run if you wish", said Hiroshi.
"No, it won't be the same without, Shiromaru", said Tala.
"You can't allow grief to hold you back. I know that is difficult to do in your current state", said Hiroshi.
"And what state is that?!" growled Tala.
Hiroshi didn't even respond to her anger.
"Emotionally raw", he said.
"Am I not allowed to mourn?" she asked.
"I didn't say that, Tala. You're allowed to mourn it's healthy to a certain extent, but you can't carry it forever. It will take a heavy toll on you and hold you back in the long run", said Hiroshi.
"So what if it does?" she said.
Hiroshi folded his newspaper and set it down on the corner of the table.
"It would be a waste", he said.
"What is there to waste? I'm a monster I hurt my Papa", said Tala.
"You, Tala are a girl. A monstrous power just happens to be sealed within you. The question of what you do with that strength is up to you. It could be used to do great good. There will be a waste of potential", said Hiroshi.
She rolled her eyes.
"Your friend would be ashamed of you giving up so easily. What of your dreams?" asked Hiroshi.
"He was always in them", said Tala.
"I stand by what I say he wouldn't want you to give up on them just because he isn't there with doesn't mean you should give up on them", said Hiroshi.
"You sound like my parents", said Tala.
"Did you ever take the time to consider they're right?" asked Hiroshi.
"I know they are but the thought makes my heart ache", said Tala.
"That's only natural the next step is moving forward", said Hiroshi.
She got up from the table.
"I'M NOT LISTENING TO THIS!" screamed Tala.
Tears were streaming down her face. The idea of moving on, fighting with another by her side seemed like a massive betrayal to him. She couldn't. No, she wouldn't allow it! She could become a great ninja without ninken. Tala took a breath. She would reach her dream! Tala dried her tears.
"You seem to have come to a decision", said Hiroshi.
She nodded.
"Will you enlighten me?" asked Hiroshi.
"I won't taken another ninken as my partner", said Tala.
Hiroshi tensed. That wasn't the answer he was hoping for. He's studied the animal clans for years. They shared both a physical and emotional bond. In truth, Tala was doing far better than he was expecting. But grief shows itself in different ways. In this case, Tala was pushing it down. This brave face wouldn't last for long. Having a partner like a ninken or something else would be a great support when that occasion comes about.
"Not the answer you wanted to hear", said Tala.
"Yes", he said.
"I'm not changing my mind", said Tala.
"I wish you would reconsider", Hiroshi.
"I won't", said Tala.
"Are you sure, Tala? You and Shiromaru did almost everything together. Won't it be lonely without his company? I'm sure he wouldn't want you to feel that way", said Hiroshi.
Tala bit her lip. She remembered all the times she'd woken up to Shiromaru in the morning. How he would always lazily like her cheek every morning. How she could always talk about anything and he wouldn't judge. Tears started sliding down her cheek. Hiroshi's arms wrapped around her. Tala pulled away and collected herself.
"Don't hold this in let it out", said Hiroshi.
"I'm fine now", said Tala quietly.
"You aren't", said Hiroshi.
"Then what am I?" she asked.
Tala gave a sniffled.
"You're in mourning. It might seem like you'll never be capable of moving forward, but it will pass I promise", said Hiroshi.
He took a seat on the table.
"Join me", he said.
Tala took a seat across from him. He watched as she piled food onto her plate. It was gone only a few moments later. This was a small step forward in the right direction.
"Let's talk about what is burdening you", said Hiroshi.
Tala flinched. She stared at her hand. The scent of Papa's blood still stained her claws.
"Why did you come here so willingly?" asked Hiroshi.
"It's better this way", said Tala.
"Why do you say that?" he asked as sipped from his coffee.
"I'm only a danger to my family", said Tala.
She played with her fingers. Tala waited for Hiroshi to say something. But it didn't come. She gazed up at him. He was looking over a file. It was too small to be related to her.
"Aren't you going say something?" asked Tala.
"Tala, I tend not to lie my patients. I'll be honest with you. You do pose a danger to your family", said Hiroshi.
"Oh", she said.
Her shoulders sagged.
"Unless you learn how to control your abilities. I have full confidence that you will be able to do so", said Hiroshi.
There was no doubt in his voice. His confidence relaxed her. She frowned.
"So it's my fault that hurt, Papa", said Tala.
"No, an accident", said Hiroshi.
"But you just said-
"Tala, I said you were a danger not that it was intentional. I know it goes against every fiber of your being to bring harm to your family", said Hiroshi.
"But what if I'm not able to control it?" asked Tala.
"That's not a concern of mine", said Hiroshi.
"It's only because of these earrings", said Tala.
She touched her fingers to them. They were heavier than she expected, but nothing she couldn't get used to.
"You're giving them too much credit. They are a tool you're using effectively", said Tala.
"He's right you know",
Tala turned to see Lady Tsunade.
"It's time to put it to test", she said.
"You want to fight", said Tala.
She nodded.
"I decline", said Tala.
"What?!" said Tsunade.
Both doctors were shocked. Never once in the time, she'd know the girl had she ever refused a fight. She loved the thrill of battle. A spark went a light in the girl during battle. Maybe she needed a push. Tsunade punched the porch. Large wooden splinters and breakfast food flew into the air. When the dust cleared Tala stood perfectly undamaged.
"Some warning would be appreciated next time", said Hiroshi as he got up.
He brushed the breakfast food off his shirt.
"I told you I decline", said Tala.
She spent most of her day in meditation, pouring more of her chakra into her 100 Seal. When she grew board she didn't know what do. Tsunade took a seat next to her.
"You seem more at ease here", she said.
"There's no constant reminder here", said Tala.
"Why don't you want to fight?" asked Tsunade.
"It won't feel right", said Tala.
"How do you know? You haven't tried. Fighting is part of being a shinobi Tala you will have to eventually", she said.
"I know but not at the moment. Give time and once I'm ready I will", said Tala.
Night came and Tala went to bed. It was a fitful sleep. At night the memory kept replaying of the night she lost. She woke up screaming. Tsunade and Hiroshi barged into her room. She drenched in cold sweat and hyperventilating. Eventually, she calmed.
"What happened?" asked Tsunade.
"Only a nightmare", said Tala.
"That was much more than a nightmare", said Hiroshi.
"I know", said Tala.
"It's been some time since you've last had a night terror. All consider it could have been much worse", said Hiroshi.
Tala looked around. Normally after a night terror, her room suffered some destruction but there was nothing.
"I'm fine the two of you can go", said Tala.
"Are you sure?" asked Tsunade.
She nodded. The doctors left. Tala got up from bed and opened her bag. She took out Shaggy and returned to bed. She hugged the small toy dog closely to her chest. He smelled like home and helped relax her. Her eyes started to close again.
A week went by it followed the same fashion as the first with some improvement. Tala was slowly starting to come out of her frigid state but refused to talk about the trauma she endured. It wasn't healthy for her to bottle up things like that. She still refused to fight so it was difficult to test the full extent of her control.
Hiroshi knocked on the door to the Inuzuka house. Kiba opened the door and scowled at him.
"What's with that expression, Kiba? I thought you would have grown used to me by now", said Hiroshi.
Kiba growled.
"Be civil, Kiba. Come in", said Neji from behind him.
Hiroshi took a seat in the living room. Saber was there. He'd requested to be there so he could offer further information on the subject if needed. Kiba and Neji soon joined them.
"How is she?" asked Kiba.
"Some that icy demeanor has melted away", said Hiroshi.
"Good", said Neji.
"She's unwilling to speak of what happened. Every night she's endures horrific night terrors. She refuses to confide in us. It isn't good for her to hold such things in. She carries a heavy guilt of hurting you, Neji. I've told her multiple times that it wasn't her fault but she doesn't accept it. And she seems to have lost passion for the fight", said Hiroshi.
Hiroshi gave the parent a moment to process the information he'd just given to them.
"I'll speak with her I should be able to get through to her", said Neji.
Hiroshi nodded.
"Is there anything else you need to tell us?" asked Kiba.
"Yes, she's unwilling to take another ninken", said Hiroshi.
"It's understandable, but in time she'll be able to move on", said Kiba.
"I don't believe she'll be so easily swayed on the matter", said Hiroshi.
"How do you know?" asked Kiba.
"Her gaze said it all", said Hiroshi.
Saber noticeably tensed during this part of the conversation.
"You have something to say, Saber. Please say it", said Neji.
"Even the King of Beasts had an animal counterpart. It wasn't only for companionship but to stabilize and help carry the burden of his massive power. Kiyomi had multiple and partner which helped her control her strength. Tala does have one advantage over Kiyomi", said Saber.
"Which is?" asked Kiba.
"Being animal natured her biology makes her naturally more capable of handling the power given to her. She still needs an animal counterpart. The effects of not having one will show soon enough", said Saber.
"Besides that having an animal companion will be therapeutic for her. But she's been extremely unreceptive to the idea of another canine. Shiromaru is unreplaceable to her", said Hiroshi.
"Unlike others of animal natured, Tala isn't limited to the animal of her clan. Her being what she is allows for flexibility", said Saber.
"As long it helps her I don't care what kind of animal she's teamed up with", said Kiba.
"Agreed", said Neji.
"What do you mean she lost her passion to fight?" asked Kiba.
"Both Tsunade and I have requested a battle with her but she refused. Tsunade went as far as destroying the porch of the safe house to coax her into fighting, but she only did enough to defend herself", said Hiroshi.
"Why does she need to fight?" asked Neji.
"To test the full extent her control", said Hiroshi.
"I understand. I should be able to get her to fight. Kiba, I think it will best if you don't join me on this visit", said Neji.
"What?! Why not?" asked Kiba.
"She will be more willing to speak with if it's me. Trust me", said Neji.
"Fine", said Kiba.
"Hiroshi, we're leaving", said Neji.
Neji followed Hiroshi to the safe house. He saw Tala sitting under a tree. She seemed to be meditating.
"I'll leave the two of you alone", said Hiroshi as he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Neji took a seat next to her daughter.
"Open your eyes I know you aren't meditating", said Neji.
Her white eyes slowly opened.
"Where's Dad?" she asked.
"I thought it best for me and you just to speak", he said.
"About what?" asked Tala.
"This", said Neji as he raised the sleeve of revealing his bandaged wound.
Her lip trembled and tears started flowing. Neji hugged her close. He ran his fingers through her hair and hummed her the lullaby he used to sing her when she was young. She eventually pulled away from him.
"There's no need for you to cry. Tala this was only an accident", he said as he wiped away her tears.
"But I hurt you", she said.
"Will it help if I forgive you for an action I don't believe warrants the need for such a thing. It won't help with the guilt you're feeling. I understand how heavy a burden that is", said Neji.
"How do you know?" asked Tala.
"The scar on your father's neck was caused by me", said Neji.
Tala couldn't help staring at him. She couldn't believe it.
"What? Why?" she asked.
"I was angry and hurt. I was so blinded by these emotions I struck out at him. He didn't blame me for what I did. Your dad being who he is forgave me automatically. It took me far longer to forgive myself. I know what it's like to hold that burden. And I don't want that for you, Tala. So move on", said Neji.
"I'm really tired of people telling me that", said Tala.
"Then take the advice", said Neji.
Tala wasn't expecting Papa to be so harsh.
"It's so hard", she said.
"I've never known you to give up on a task because it was difficult. Tala, I've always taken great pride in that", said Neji.
She looked up at him with those big white eyes. They made his heart melt.
"I'll give you a week to do whatever you need, but after that, I'll expect you to take a step forward", said Neji.
"How do I start?" asked Tala.
"By speaking about what happened. Breakfast last week was the first you told your dad and I what happened", said Neji.
"I don't want to talk about it", said Tala.
Neji knew that stubborn gaze. She would tell him nothing unless she went into a complete mental breakdown. He didn't want it to be that way. Neji leaned back against the tree.
"I understand not wanting to talk about it. I understand that more than you could ever know, Tala", said Neji.
"Why should I talk about when you never speak of what happened to you? I've heard your night terrors. You don't ever speak of it", said Tala.
"A valid point. Most of it unfit a child to hear and I'll never tell you or your brother them. I will tell you the most terrifying moment of my life", said Neji.
"You will?" said Tala.
"Yes, you were just born and ninja from the Land of Keys paralyzed me and your father. They tore you from my arms and there was nothing I could do to stop them. Never have I felt such rage and fear. When I got you back I was constantly afraid you'd be taken again. I blamed self for what happened. If you didn't have my eyes they wouldn't have taken you. I blamed myself for a long time, but with Kiba's help eventually, that burden was lifted from me", said Neji.
"How could you blame yourself that? You couldn't help that your abilities were passed down me. It was simple genetics. There was a chance that I could have been born without the Byakugan", said Tala.
"Yes, it seems ridiculous now but at the moment it made sense. I know it makes sense to now to blame yourself for what happened to Shiromaru. You can't help that Kiyomi's power was sealed within you. None of this is your fault. Unlike me there's someone actually at blame for what happened to you and Shiromaru", said Neji.
"Then whose is it?" asked Tala.
"The hunters", said Neji
Neji instantly realized the mistake he made.
"I won't allow myself to be consumed by revenge, Papa. Greif may be a possibility though", said Tala.
Neji hugged her tightly.
"Papa, you're squeezing me too tight", she whined.
He got up.
"Get up", he said.
"Why?" she asked.
"Simple, we are will spar", said Neji.
"No", said Tala.
"Why not?" asked Neji.
"I don't want to", said Tala.
"There are a lot of things we don't want to do in this world but have to Tala. We have to see what level of control you have. The sooner we find that out the sooner you can go home", said Neji.
She turned away from his gaze.
"Or is it that you don't want to go home?" asked Neji.
"Yes", said Tala.
That answer was much too quick. Tala eyes were focused on the ground.
"Don't hide things from me, Tala. I'm your parent you can trust me", said Neji.
"How do you always know?" she asked.
He kneeled down next to her and carefully tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Tala I brought you into the world. It would be foolish think I couldn't read you. I know you better than anyone. Tell me what's on your mind. I won't judge", said Neji.
"Everyone keeps saying that the beast and aren't but I don't think that's true", said Tala.
"Why do you say that?" asked Neji.
"The hunters said by removing the seal the beast's and my chakra would become one", said Tala.
"Hunters lie", said Neji.
"I wish that were true in this case. Watch", said Tala.
She raised her hand. It glowed with purple chakra.
"This happens every time I call upon my chakra. How cannot be at fault for my own actions when this possible?" said Tala.
The scent of her distress came off her in waves. He took her hand in his the chakra dissipated. Neji embraced her again. She trembled against him.
"I'm so scared, Papa", she whimpered.
"I know Tala", he said.
He hummed to her until she stopped shaking.
"What am I, Papa?" asked Tala.
"My daughter and nothing will ever change that, Tala. I promise", said Neji.
"But this power isn't mine", she said.
"It's yours now", said Neji.
Eventually, Tala got to her feet. Neji did the same. She hugged him tightly.
"I love you, Papa", she said.
"I love you too", said Neji.
"Don't go", said Tala.
"I'll stay for as long as you need me to", said Neji.
"Thank you", she said.
"There's no thanks needed", he said.
"Can we spar tomorrow?" asked Tala.
He nodded.
"Come on you need some rest", said Neji as he led Tala to her bedroom.
He tucked her into bed. Neji smiled when he saw Shaggy sitting on the bed. There was still some child left in his daughter.
"So you'll be staying with us. I can imagine your husband will just love that", said Hiroshi.
"He'll understand", said Neji.
"He will?" said Hiroshi.
Neji gave a twitch.
"Do you have a phone?" he asked.
"No phones but you can use messenger pigeon", said Hiroshi.
In a far-off ancient land, Lupa stood in front of the ancient stone doors of Cernunnos prison. In her mouth, she carried a young dire wolf pup by the scruff. She placed the pup on the ground.
"It's been some time, Lupa", echoed the voice behind the wall.
"It has. Are you sure with this plan? If you put part of your consciousness within this pup. You'll fall under the command of your mate just like every other animal. And you'll lack must of your former strength", she said.
"DO YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT!" roared the voice.
The earth rumbled under the strength of his voice.
"That forsaken hunter trapped in here. My spirit in body entombed in two different locations", said Cernunnos.
"Your body is protected", said Lupa.
"AND I CAN'T REACH!" he growled.
The pup started whining.
"This is my only chance for a breath of fresh air and to see my mate more closely. I grow tired of watching her afar", said Cernunnos.
"If this pup dies when you possess it your soul will be sent right back here. And we won't be able to do this again for another five hundred years", said Lupa.
"I'm aware", he said.
"You won't be able to reveal your true identity to her or the spell binding to you to pup will be broken", said Lupa.
"Lupa, I'm no child I know all the risk and conditions", said Cernunnos.
"She is", said Lupa.
"I won't lay a hand on her until she's grown. Let's begin", said Cernunnos.
"Yes, my king", said Lupa.
She placed the pup in front of the gates. The light of the full moon shone upon him. The ancient writings on the stone ground glowed with white. An aura like creature of the beast within slid slowly out the gates and dove into the pup. The poor thing writhed in pain. Its brown fur became a sparkling silver white. The process was over. Lupa nudged the pup. Its eyes opened. They were now a molten gold in color.
"It's been so long since I last felt the breeze on my face", said Cernunnos.