AN: Creativity energy has been running low for quite some time now. That is the partial reason for the slow update. The other reason? Laziness.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. And that's depressing.

-

Humans, Animals and Monsters

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kiba was in fits of laughter, " Didja see that old geezer's face, Akamaru? He is so damn furious, his face's purple like eggplant!"

Akamaru barked enthusiastically, his tail thumping in triumph.

The small white puppy that Kiba gotten for his birthday, is now the size of a wolf.

In the small obscure town, Kiba and Akamaru has been dubbed the troublemaking duo. Unsuspecting citizens were often the victims of their pranks, in Kiba's efforts for those boring serious codgers to loosen up. That, of course was quoted from Kiba himself. The townsfolk didn't really mind. The Inzuka family was seen as good people and ever since that family moved into the neighborhood, things have been interesting. No matter how loud and brash Kiba is, it is also hard for them to hate the boy that they had seen him grown up since he was a baby. The sleepy small town also seemed to liven up. The exasperated yells and shrieks of the victims of another one of Kiba's self-dubbed ingenious pranks were an everyday occurrence. Nowadays some of the townsfolk even treated the duo's pranks as harmless entertainment.

The small town has a glow to it. The wonderful glow of life. Gone are the days when people merely gave an acknowledging nod to neighbors and carry on with their monotonous lives. Gone are the days when strangers who see each other everyday pass each other without a second glance. The Inzuka family were friendly and sociable people (like their pets) and barged into the townsfolk's colorless life in shades of boldly colored splotches. The dull little town was been jerked out of monotony and turned upside down. Gradually, without themselves even knowing it, the people changed. It was nothing sudden, merely a revealing of an idea and slowly embracing it, a late blooming of a particularly gorgeous flower. The townsfolk realize that things were different from before, or rather, things have always been the same, only that they are viewing things and doing things differently.

Change is what this sleepy town needed. Just a teensy jolt on the back to steer it towards the right direction.

People started to intrude into each other's lives. Strangers no longer remained as strangers. People who initially couldn't stand each other, were reconsidering their evaluation. The lives of the townsfolk started out standing alone, then slowly crossing other lives, then merging, and finally all their lives entwining into a big loopy network. People felt less lonely, started having more friends. People started smiling more. It seem that life seemed more meaningful, more worthwhile. There was another reason for everyone to wake up to the next day, there was another reason to live on.

Kiba's wish of living in a happy family now had a wider meaning then it did years ago.

It seemed that the townsfolk was in debt to the Inzuka family. But humans have a bad habit of taking things for granted. Humans have a bad habit of assuming things, especially future events.

Even after centuries of painful defeats, teary losses and crushed hopes, humans failed to learn the most important lesson of them all.

Good things don't last long.

An ominous growl of the darkening sky signaled the start of the brewing disaster.

One life will be lost that day, harbingering the death of the entire town.

-

"Kiba? Are you in here?" Hinata called out. She peered into the empty room. Where is Kiba? She has been looking all over for him, he was nowhere to be found.

"Hinata-chan?"

Hinata's heartbeat quickened. Kiba! It's him!

"Is that you, Hinata-chan?"

Wait a second. That wasn't Kiba, he rarely talks. Even in those rare moments when he does talk, Kiba's voice was coarse and rough from the lack of use. He also fumbles with speech, like a young child starting to learn proper speech. That voice calling now is childish in quality and the words were pronounced perfectly.

Lee's head popped up suddenly, causing Hinata to gave a startled gasp.

Lee started on an elaborate apology for startling Hinata then looked at her expectantly.

"So you're searching for someone too?"

-

As always, before a major disaster occurs, there is the calm before the storm.

Strolling jauntily down the street, Kiba was singing loudly in an off tune and obnoxious tone. Akamaru was right by his side, crooning along in his own doggy voice, adding to Kiba's terrible singing.

The duo crossed the road. A car suddenly served from a blind corner. Everything happened so fast that the driver and Kiba was unable to react. Akamaru took charge of the situation. The priorities never changed in Akamaru's mind. It was very simple, so frighteningly simple that only animals could understand it. Kiba, his master, his alpha's life takes precedence. The next thing Kiba knew, a huge furry body got in front of him and pushed the bewildered teen away. Kiba was thrown to the sidewalk, still in shock but sustained minimal injury: a sprained ankle.

Akamaru, however, was run down by the car and ended up as red furry mash on the ground.

The driver panicked, she thought had taken a human's life and promptly took her leave. She silently thanked the Gods that it was a deserted street and nobody saw the incident.

Kiba was left on the curb, still dumbstruck at the incident, Akamaru's mangled corpse positioned directly in his vision. He crawled over, ignoring the throbbing pain of his sprained ankle and hugged the bloody corpse tightly. Kiba's eyes were wide open directed into space and his body could not stop trembling.

He numbly noted that it was drizzling, there was a pattering sound of raindrops and he felt something wet rolling down his cheeks.

Was it really the rain or was he crying?

He couldn't remember. It didn't seem very important at that time. What was important kept pounding in his head.

Akamaru is dead.

Dead as in not waking up any more.

Dead for real, not any stupid game.

Dead.

Gone.

Forever.

-

"Guys, if I may have a word?" Shikamaru's languid tone went unheard over the din in the common room.

"SHUT UP!" Naruto's Kyuubi-induced roar drowned out the din. The din stopped abruptly, everyone turned to stare at the source of the fearsome roar.

Shikamaru sighed tiredly, "Thank you. Listen up! Kiba and Tenten are missing! Any of you know anything of their whereabouts? Anything at all?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Any leads at all?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Shikamaru's lip stretched to a taut line, worry lines crinkled at the corner of his eyes, "Okay, this is what we need to do. We need to inform the head honcho of this place and…"

"I don't care."

Shikamaru stopped talking when he heard that cold indifferent voice.

"I don't care if they're gone or missing or lying dead in a ditch somewhere. Do whatever you all want. I have better things to occupy my time with."

Everybody stared as Sasuke slid off his seat and walked off. There was a rustle of movement and a fist collided with Sasuke's jaw. Sasuke fell backwards in shock, his hands clutched at his bloodied jaw.

Rock Lee was in a whirl of righteous fury, meeting up Sasuke's murderous glare with an unflinching steely glare of his own.

"How dare you speak of our friends in that condescending tone!"

-

Everyone in the Inzuka household was worried for Kiba. Somehow, Kiba never spoke anymore. The doctor affirmed that Kiba did not have any serious injuries and there was nothing wrong with him. He explained that the loss of speech was most likely due to the shock and trauma of watching his beloved friend (because Akamaru was more than a pet) die.

Meanwhile, Kiba continued his listless days of staring into nothingness. It was like he had lost a part of him, after all Akamaru has always by his side ever since he was a kid. When one crucial part of your body has been ripped away, why continue living? Kiba fell into depression. There was also self-hatred. Akamaru died to save him. Him! Why? It was Kiba that was supposed to die on that day! Even if death was inevitable, why not the both of them die?

Humans are selfish. They fear loneliness.

Kiba was a human, to the very end.

-

"They are our friends! No, they are more than that, they're family! Don't you remember Uchiha? Years of being ridiculed, despised upon because we're crazies and freaks… It seemed that everyone in the world thought that we're the plague and we're better off dead. Sometimes, even we were convinced that society would be better off with us dead! But that changed. It changed when we met each other. We have a haven now, a sanctuary, a place to draw comfort and acceptance from. We have a family. We are family. Does that mean nothing to you? Are we all people of no importance to you? Are we just like the rest of the normal people outside, irritating scabs and boils on your skin?"

No one had seen Lee so riled up before. He was normally an easy-going, cheerful guy. Lee just never got angry before. Not like this.

But Lee's rage was justified. Sasuke's selfishness wasn't.

"So what are we to you, Uchiha? Family, no matter how much of a snotty brat you are? Or are we like the normal people outside, worth no less than the excrement on the ground?"

Sasuke knew that he couldn't have it all. Life just wasn't built that way. There are choices to choose, sacrifices to make, and he would have to deal with the consequences. Lee was right, he felt that family vibe here that Lee kept sprouting on and on about. All of them are family. He valued his time with them. But, he had his priorities in life and a desired goal. He needed to kill Itachi and sitting around playing family won't help him reach that goal. The sole reason for his existence is to kill his brother, there is all to it. He made a choice and he had to stick to it.

"Family? My family was murdered years ago. Uchiha Sasuke died along with them."

All of them heard that reply loud and clear. Sasuke never considered them as family in the first place. There were only two answers to choose, family or shit. He vetoed out family, so it was the other answer. The rookie nine was worth shit to him.

"I'm glad we made that clear. So leave me out from whatever retarded plan you have to find Kiba and Tenten. Do what you want, I don't care." Sasuke said curtly and started to walk off.

This time, it was Hinata who slapped him.

-

Kiba had a dream.

He dreamed of Akamaru visiting him. Akamaru wasn't angry with him! He collapsed onto the ground, a heavy weight lifted off his shoulders. Yes… It wasn't Kiba's fault. It was the damn driver's fault! The driver should watch where he was going! He didn't even have the guts to hand himself over to the cops!

Akamaru wanted revenge. He asked Kiba if he could help him. Kiba agreed without hesitation. On Kiba's part, it was part guilt and a sense of obligation. After all, Akamaru sacrificed his life to save Kiba! The least he could do is to fulfill Akamaru's last desire! He would do anything for Akamaru, rob, murder, rape… Anything!

Kiba felt resentment rising bitterly in the pit of his stomach. He was like the rest of them humans! He was weak, selfish, and most of all desperate. He felt disgusted at himself. He looked up to face Akamaru, Akamaru was a ghost, right? He could take his body, right? Humanity. He had no interest for it. Now if only, he was Akamaru...

Kiba heard Akamaru's rough bark of laughter, then the next thing he saw was Akamaru charging towards him and their bodies merging. He remembered the searing pain, the bright influx of foreign memories and the sudden enhancement of senses.

He woke up with labored breathing and sweaty body.

Kiba felt a completeness he never felt before, even when Akamaru was alive and well with him. It was like someone finally joined two plugs together and everything finally felt right.

He was not exactly Kiba anymore. He was now Kiba and Akamaru, like how they should always be together. Kiba and Akamaru together forever.

Akamaru was in him. He could feel it. Their thoughts were fusing together, their actions, their appearances. Now, they are one and the same.

The Inzuka dogs' furs were bristled and on ends, their hackles were raised, low rumbling growls vibrated from their throats. They remember that smell, the smell of the huge white one. The young master's favorite. But he was supposed to be dead! The smell is the same, but the feel… It was different. The dogs stalked into the young master's room, teeth bore out, growling. Should any happen, the young master's life was top priority! All their masters' lives are priority! Their lives come second.

The dogs were confused. They came into the room, fully prepared to die protecting their young master, but found the scent of the supposing dead dog from the young master himself. The young master felt like him too, the scent, the power! The young master was Akamaru himself! No, it was a merging of both master and pet!

This phenomenon has never happened before. But it was unmistakable. The nose is never wrong. Animals don't question things, things happen and they accept it as it is. Animals, unlike humans, recognize that they don't know nor can they explain everything that happens in the world, and thus they took things at full value and work their way with it.

The dogs howled, celebrating the rebirth of a decreased pack member. The house was filled with noisy howls and yowls.

They recognized him as the new alpha, they could smell his raw strength. The old alpha was smart enough to step down before he was challenged and killed in the power struggle. One thing about animals is that they are smart enough to know their place and stick to it. That night marked a turn in events and a new beginning. The dogs know that changes are about to occur. Big changes.

Meanwhile, the Inzuka family, the humans were alarmed by the rukus and rushed into Kiba's room. They were confused to find the dogs lowering their heads submissively on Kiba's heels, revealing their venerable necks to show subservient.

Was that Kiba barking?

And the dogs actually replying back?

-

Sasuke had a flaming red neatly printed hand mark on his cheek, courtesy of the mild-mannered Hinata.

"I know that you have no humanity left in you, but you have no right to speak of us like that! We are worth more than that!" Hinata stormed out of the room, tears trailing down her puffy eyes. There was anger swelling in her, giving her a confidence and daring that she never had before.

"God knows what I saw in you, Sasuke! I used to think that you were just a little emotionally crippled and I was wrong. You never had any emotions at all! You were always heartless from the start!" Sakura was next to storm off after Hinata, her long pink mane of hair trailing behind in righteous anger. Ino followed after her, she gave a contemptuous glance at Sasuke and spat at his feet.

"And to think that I once thought we were similar, Uchiha. I let go of the hatred for the murderer of my family. You didn't. Hate is a very dangerous thing. Take care that it does not swallow you whole then poison and destroy you." Neji said coolly, walking off gracefully.

"Be warned that I don't take betrayers well. You will pay for deserting us. But I'll give you a chance. The only reason for you to keep on living is to kill your brother, right? I will not kill you until you had a chance to meet your brother. But regardless if you managed to kill him or not, I will still kill you." Gaara stared emotionlessly at Sasuke and then walked out of the room.

Shikamaru sighed tiredly, then directed a steely gaze at Sasuke, "You are not the only one with issues, Sasuke. You are not the only one with a lousy past. We all have our problems too. You can do this differently. But you choose not to."

Chouji carried on, a sad gaze on Sasuke, "I am not one to judge people. None of us are fit to judge anyone, least of all, you. But you can't just throw us away like toys once you decided on doing something else. It doesn't always concern you, Sasuke. It's not always about you. The world doesn't revolve around you. Do you understand?" Shikamaru and Chouji looked at Sasuke expectantly.

Sasuke blinked, that dull and empty glaze still in his eyes.

"I rest my case. Let's go, Chouji." Shikamaru led Chouji out of the room.

There is only Naruto left. Sasuke looked at him at the corner of his eyes and spoke out, bitterness lacing his tone, "What are you going do? Preach righteous shit like what the others have been doing? Scream at me for being such a heartless and selfish bastard and slap me? Just get it over with Naruto."

Naruto stared at him, an amused but tired smile dancing on his lips as if speaking with a particularly naïve and tiresome little kid, "I am not going to do anything, Sasuke. This is your choice and you made it. I wonder if that brother of yours is worth giving up all of us, this family that we have. Still, I hope you don't turn back and regret. Make sure you enjoy killing your bro and then fight Gaara whole-hearted and die smiling. That's all that is important. Leave behind no regrets."

Sasuke was shocked, he had always deemed Naruto as a guy who placed emphasis on relationships and bonds. Naruto's reply was completely unexpected. His mouth moved without him realizing it, "What makes you think I will die fighting Gaara? What makes you think Gaara won't be killed?"

Naruto started sniggering, his shoulders shaking in laughter then the sniggering gradually grew to a roaring laughter, as if what Sasuke said was the funniest joke that Naruto has ever heard. Sasuke's fists unconsciously clenched and he gritted his teeth. What the hell was so funny anyway?

Naruto was still in peals of laughter, he stole a glance at the irate Uchiha and giggled madly, "Your arrogance never cease to surprise me. Oh my God, you really did mean what you say! It wasn't a joke!"

"Why would it be a joke? What is so funny?" These venomous words gritted out of Sasuke's teeth.

Naruto gave him a look of pity and amusement, which further aggravated Sauke's anger, "Sasuke-kun… Sasuke-kun… No matter how much power you manage to get. No matter how injured Gaara started out before he fights you. No matter what the situation is, Gaara will defeat you. It would be a total annihilation. There is no need for argument or discussion on this. He will massacre you."

Naruto gave him an indulgent smile.

-

The pack was out to find clues on Akamaru's murderer. They have been at it for weeks. All they know was that the driver drove a light blue sedan and the driver has short, shaggy dark hair. It was a bit broad a search to go by, but Kiba wasn't ready to give up yet.

He would never give up.

Never. Akamaru meant the world to him!

"Kiba, is everything all right?" His mother came in from the front door and gazed worriedly at Kiba.

Kiba's sensitive nose twisted. That scent… It was so familiar… That particular stink of soot and dirt… From that day when he narrowly missed the hit of the sedan and Akamaru took the impact…

"Mom! You're getting soot all over the living room! What have you been doing?"

"Oh, Hana! Don't you remember? I told you weeks ago! I sent my old shitty car down to the dump weeks ago. My colleague was nice enough to loan me her car till I get next month's pay to buy another car! I was repairing her Audi! I mean, she was nice enough to let me use her car, so I thought I'll help her clear her air vents for a bit…"

"Mom! You don't even know any thing about fixing cars! Leave the poor blue sedan alone! It looks downright miserable!"

Wait. What did his sister say? Something about a blue sedan?

He turned to look at his mother.

She had short, unruly dark brown hair.

-

Naruto was delighted at the swell of fear from Sasuke. Fear to him, was like a rich creamy dessert. It made him have that dizzy feeling of elation. Fear is an intoxicating candy swirling in his mouth and he reveled in the sudden rush of pleasure.

"That's right, Sasuke. Time is ticking, Sasuke. Gain power and enjoy hunting your brother, savor and take pleasure from his death as much as possible. Then Gaara will come for you. Don't worry you are in good hands. Gaara is a master at what he does. He is an artist!"

Naruto laughed drunkenly at the surge of fear creeping all over Sasuke's skin.

"You're already a dead man. You just don't know it yet."

-

"Kiba? What's going on?"

Kiba advanced towards his mother, he was down on fours, hackles raised and snarling angrily.

"It was you all along… We searched high and low for the murderer and it was bloody right under our noses! You are the bastard that killed Akamaru! You… You… You were so worried for me and so caring, so sad for Akamaru's death… SO IT WAS ALL, FAKE? YOU WERE PRETENDING ALL ALONG? " Kiba's rasping escalated to a furious roar.

His mother, no, the murderer cowered under his scathing glare. She stepped backwards till she hit the wall and dropped onto the floor, trembling.

"I didn't… I'm sorry… I… I… Akamaru meant so much to you… I was so afraid…"

"Oh my gosh, you were the driver that killed Akamaru? Mom… I… Shit, Kiba control yourself! She's our mother! You can't hurt her! I can totally understand your feelings right now, but she's our mom!"

Kiba's claws dug into his fist. They can understand his feelings? Stupid foolish humans, always assuming that they know every damn thing!

Murdering his best friend was one thing. Lying and betraying him brought it to a whole new level.

His pack was behind him. They agreed to what must be done.

He moved threateningly towards the murderer, and pounced, his teeth aiming for the neck.

A black movement from behind jumped in and took the strike. It was the old alpha, the murderer's pet.

Such is the unfailing loyalty of the canines. Loyalty of their kind is astounding. Even if their masters were scum of the earth and unworthy criminals, their dogs are still willing to die for them. Even if it means going against pack law, they would gladly do it for their masters.

The black saddled, white-bellied Alsatian had his throat torn off. The old faithful dog directed a bitter look of relief at his mistress and collapsed heavily onto the ground.

Kiba and the pack gave a silent gaze of respect to the fallen warrior and mourned his death.

The fallen's mistress stared at her pet's unmoving body and crawled towards it. Her fingers reached out trembling and touched the carcass. She bent her head over the carcass, sobbing for his death. After a while, she wiped away her tears and attempted to stand up. She walked trembling over to Kiba, her face held high and serene, even though the rest of her body was shaking in fear.

"Do your worst."

Kiba obliged.

-

Kabuto gazed at the sight unfolding in front of him. Had he heard them right? Seriously? After all that work of adding little extras into the boy's doses and messing around with his mind, has it finally worked?

He gestured to the irate girls and spoke hurriedly, "You girls are Sakura and Ino, right? You and the rest of your therapy group are requesting a transfer of wards for Uchiha Sasuke?"

Both pink and blonde head nodded impatiently.

Okay. Calm down. Shouldn't count your chicken before they hatch. Right. Kabuto needed to find out more, to confirm the situation.

"Why are you requesting for a transfer of Sasuke-kun? He has been in your therapy group for years. Why the sudden request?"

The pink head blurted out angrily, "Because he's an insensitive and godamn jerk and-" The blonde next to her jabbed her in the stomach, earning her a dirty glare.

"What Sakura meant to say is that, all of us in the group had a violent disagreement with Uchiha and it would be better if he is separated from us."

Kabuto raised a brow, " If it is merely a childish fight, it would be unnecessary to request for a transfer. What makes this different from a mere squabble?"

The blonde scowled impatiently "This is beyond a squabble, Kabuto-san!" She tried for reasoning and logic, "I fear that if Uchiha stays, it would escalate to a full-blown violence that no one could hope to control!"

Kabuto cocked his head to the side, drawling curiously "What is wrong with him? Why the sudden conflict? I was informed that this particular therapy group had a very stable and close relationship? What happened to change the dynamics of the group's relationship?"

The pink girl narrowed her eyes and said tensely "That is the group's concern. Why are questioning us? Is it not in the best interests of this institution to carter to our health and well-being? We speak for the group. Why do you refuse the group's request?"

Kabuto shrugged, "I never said that I would decline your request. I just wanted to know, since I am your therapist despite that I am not going to be here permanently."

Both girl exchanged glances with each other, uncertain if they should trust the man. But then again, they need his help to produce authorized permission for a transfer.

"Sasuke… He changed. He's not himself anymore. He won't see that and he won't let us help him change."

Kabuto smirked. Finally he is ready for Orochimaru-sama! God knows that they have waited long enough. The tension level jumped to new levels when the girls saw that smirk on his face. Took them long enough to know that something was off.

"Well girls, no worries. I'll definitely get Sasuke-kun out of your wards. Definitely. But girls, I also need both of you out of this place."

"We're going back to our wards, there's no need to threaten-"

"Ah, but girls, I don't mean that. What I actually meant is that I need both of you, all of you, in fact, out of this hospital and into my boss's place."

With that, Kabuto knocked the both of them out.

-

In a small, secluded town, exciting things don't happen often. When the next door neighbors saw an ambulance outside the Inuzuka house and a covered body on stretches, rumors sprouted. Tongues wagged and soon the whole town was in an uproar.

There were many different versions of the entire happenings, but they all agreed on one thing. Someone was killed on the Inuzuka premises and an Inuzuka was the murderer.

The entire townsfolk began to be wary of them. After all, there was a murderer amongst their numbers! The Inuzuka family was so tight-lipped about the whole affair that people suspected that all of them orchestrated the murder!

People started to suspect other people. The so-and-so family was close to the Inuzuka family, aren't they? The grocer's errand boy living down the street was terribly fond of the Inuzuka daughter, wasn't he? And what about the neighbors next door? Are they also part of the whole Inuzuka crime?

Trust.

It is a precious and fragile thing. It is very hard to get hold of it and once it is lost, it will never be gained again. Humans are sadly, very fickle-minded creatures. They often change their loyalties and the trust they place in each other, changes at whim as well.

The trust that the townsfolk had for each other was shattered. The person that you wave hello to every morning may be guilty of murder. Your neighbor next door might have a corpse lying in his bathtub. People don't know who or what to believe in anymore. The local cops haven't found the culprit of the Inuzuka murder. It is possible that they are part of this thing too? Are they attempting to cover up the crime?

People lived in fear. When another death occurred, their paranoia evolved to something worse.

Kill or be killed.

Thus marks the demise of the once close-knit and happy town.

Kiba grimly dragged the body of his half-dead sister out of the ghost town. It evens looks right out of a movie set. The town was in flames and there was dying people all the over the place in the background.

Kiba single-handedly brought about the life and the death of the town. The little boy with a toothless grin rattling on about his wish of living in a happy family was gone. In it's place, was a grim animalistic savage who has lost all hopes for humanity.

Humans are an incontrollable disease sweeping through the world, poisoning everything that they touch.

Kiba told himself feverishly that he was NOT human and he NEVER was or will be.

-

Orochimaru wiped his brow. It was finally done. That dog boy was complete, his body hanging in one of his cubicles of thick bubbling liquid. Ah, the boy's human skin used to be so fragile. Now everything's changed. He made him into an animal, a monster. Just like he made all the rest of his creations. They were made into monsters. That was what he needed, monsters.

The Akatsuki themselves are monsters and only monsters can defeat other monsters. That's why he needed an army of monsters to fight against them. The rest of the world is vulnerable to the Akatsuki. Humans will never best monsters.

Orochimaru only hoped that his artificially made monsters are as good or better than the real deal. He didn't have much time left either, he needed more bodies to create more soldiers for his army. Why is Kabuto dawdling? Now Orochimaru would have to send some more of his older creations to hasten the capture. It would also help differentiate the children worth the trouble of capturing and who are not worth it. Orochimaru needed power at his back, powerful monsters at his beck and call, not cannon fodder.

Yes, right now, he needed monsters to do what he cannot. He called for his four guards.

-

AN: This is the second chapter in which I try to create a theme. Sorry for being so slow with the updates. I wonder if you guys are still reading. I hope this chapter is long enough to compensate the slow update!

If you didn't see the theme, I would either have failed as a writer or simply that you are blind. Anyway, the main theme here is the creation and destruction of families, as shown in Kiba's hometown, Kiba's own biological family and the Rookie 9. The other theme here is humanity. Another thing emphasized here is cause and effect. I've gone slow with this chapter, cause hurrying fucks my work up.

I'm sorry, I had to make Akamaru die to explain why Kiba thinks he's a dog and carted off to the looney bin. I always thought that Akamaru is pretty cute :) Just wondering, are you guys shocked about the murderer of Akamaru? –laughs- I was shocked too. Tells you about how much I depend on my "muse"?

Reviews please! Come on! Don't be lazy, click the wonderful blue button below! You know you wanna!