Hey all! Hopefully you remember this story, it certainly has been a while hasn't it? Well here's chapter 8! Sorry about the spacing, nothing seems to be helping me with that. I apologize for any missing quotation marks, and punctuation. It was all there and then I uploaded it and most of it disappeared. I tried to fix all of it, but some might have missed. If you tell me where I'll go back and fix it but I thought I got all of them.
Anyways!
Chapter 8: Let's make a deal.
Naruto growled from outside Gaara s door, banging heavily on it as he shouted through the large doors. "Gaara, you open this door right fucking now. Give me back the cat! You can't keep her in there forever Gaara!" When no reply was heard, Naruto growled and continued to pace in front of it. That damn bastard had kept the cat in his room for three days. No one had seen either of them, and Hinata was withdrawing further into herself with each passing day she was kept away from her friend. Stuck in a castle full of strangers the little human literally had nowhere to turn. Or anyone to turn to for that matter. Which is why Gaara needed to give up the cat before Naruto busted down the fucking door and just took her. Which he couldn't do since Gaara verbally claimed her. Unless Kari managed to deny the claim, Naruto was shit out of luck.
"Gaara!" Naruto tried again banging heavily on the door. Don t do this to me The fox said quietly resting his forehead against the door with a heavy sigh. Surprisingly he liked Hinata so far; besides his lustful urges toward the pretty human he wanted to care for her. Or learn to care for her. Something told him Hinata would be willing to see past most things others found annoying or horrible. But Gaara was fucking everything up! Damn him!
Down the hall Shukaku leaned against the wall watching Naruto pace and yell and pace some more. Obviously this little human was important to him, and he valued the cat to risk Garra s wrath. Well his son had certainly boggled all their minds this time. What the hell is Gaara thinking now
"What the hell is wrong with your son this time Shukaku!?" Kyuubi snarled as he stalked down the hall. Crossing his arms, he tapped his foot impatiently as his red and black robes swirled around him. "He's deliberately stopping my son, from giving me the grandchildren I deserve." The fox told him sharply and Shukaku wondered exactly when he and Kyuubi had begun acting like an old married couple.
If so he's the bitch Shukaku thought with a smirk and Kyuubi punched him in the gut. Coughing the Badger looked up at him narrowing his gold and black eyes. "What the hell was that for!?" The Badger snapped in return as Kyuubi smirked smugly knowing the other demon was in serious pain. Good, he deserved it.
"For saying I'm the bitch!" Kyuubi growled and Shukaku snickered. Frowning, the retired king wondered exactly how he knew what he was thinking. "You think out loud moron" Kyuubi told him and Shukaku sighed in relief. And here he thought the Kyuubi could read his mind.
Until they started growling at each other. "We both know you're the bitch here Shukaku. The punch to the gut proves it. You doubled over all weak and frail like granny Tania after her first glass of fire whiskey." Kyuubi mocked and Shukaku snarled as they circled each other.
"Oh yeah? Well you complain more than Sunako in the dragons den." Shukaku said pointing at the fox referring to the demoness that forever had complaints, with lists miles long whenever their sons held court. Kyuubi growled. "Take that back! You asshat." They were both at a stalemate trying to push the other one over when Naruto interrupted.
"Can you guys fight like Baba in another hallway?" Naruto asked them with a heavy sigh, referring to his grandmother who was still a spit fire. Jumping a part they looked at the weary kit, taking in his tired eyes and slightly slumped shoulders. Even his usual wild blonde hair looked a little less vibrant. Kyuubi and Shukaku nodded to each other. Their fight could wait.
"Hinata doing any better?" Naruto questioned running a hand through his hair, even though he knew the answer. Kyuubi shook his head, having just come from the room. She s still in the room, staring out the window holding that butterfly comb. She's taking this hard. Watching Naruto clench his fists Kyuubi sighed putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Give it up son .Gaara will give her up in his own time Naruto shrugged off his father s hand, glaring up at him. What? When she's dead when Hinata's dead? I don't think so" Returning to the door he began a renewed effort growling and pacing calling out to the other demon king. Kyuubi glared at Shukaku and the older demon growled quietly pinching the bridge of his nose. "I really have to teach him something about women.." "Yeah. Even Sasuke and all his cold emo-ness has gotten a mate!" Kyuubi ranted tossing his hands up in disbelief. Everyone had thought Naruto would find his own mate first because of his more outgoing attitude. Not that Kyuubi or Shukaku hated Sasuke for it. In fact, they were still trying to get grandchildren from him.
"Gaara will find a mate.." "Yeah well it doesn't look like it.." Kyuubi growled watching his son try to attack the door. "Che..I'll go check on him then.." With that he disappeared in a swirl of sand. Kyuubi's eye twitched. "Why the hell did no one think of that in the beginning!?" He sighed shaking himself wondering if he should tell his son to just use the body flicker to get in the room... 'Nah..I'm hungry..' Kyuubi muttered turning around trying to find the nearest maid for him to get something to eat, like Ramen. And this time, he wouldn't even reach for the salt.
Shukaku on the other hand was actually surprised the techniue worked. Usually his son was a lot more percise in his barriers than to allow someone to just teleport inside his room. Then again, he figured Gaara had decided that since Naruto was so distraught he wouldn't think of using it so there had been no use to use anymore magic. Shukaku chuckled softly to himself as he appeared. Such a smart cub he had. Though he certainly was shocked to at the scene before him.
Inside the room, The windows were shut and all the doors were locked tight, Gaara adding a special silencing charm to it after listening to Naruto growl through the door for the first day. Kari sat against the wall panting her silver eyes blazing in furry as she glared intensely at the red head holding her captive. Cuts and bruises covered every bit of skin shown, which was a lot considering she was dressed in some red nightgown. Fighting in that was certainly a bitch. Though the material did flow around her, creating an odd contrast with her tan skin and vibrant silver eyes.
Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand she spat her blood on the floor glaring as his sand slid across the floor, mopping up the red stain as it had done countless times already. The object of her glares was leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed and red head bent down as he frowned." I wouldn't have to hurt you Precious if you showed some respect, And stopped trying to escape." Gaara said quietly, his voice easily heard as the only other sound in the room was Kari s heavy breathing.
Kari hissed her cat ears standing straight up as she carefully pushed herself to stand, stumbling slightly. I ll show you respect when you stop being such an emo child The neko hissed in return making a break for the door to the balcony again. Running for it, she zigzagged around his sand and as she reached the door, kicked off jumping up to one of the high windows grasping the ledge. Encasing her fist in shadow magic she punched right through the bars and just as they broke a tendril of sand wrapped against her leg taking her down and flinging her toward the bed. Kari bounced on it and rolled off, laying on the floor as she groaned her fist slamming on the floor as Gaara chuckled finding this kitten more than amusing." I think that was the closets you ever got to escape my dear..."
"Go to hell." Kari hissed dangerously coughing slightly as she spit on the floor. Her head lowered down resting on her arm as she gave herself a few precious seconds of rest.
Which was how Shukaku found them. Gaara leaning against the wall his aquamarine eyes watching the cat who laid on the floor, in front of the bed her tan skin littered with bruises and her breathing heavy, a curtain of dark hair hiding her face from view but Shukaku clearly remembered the bright silvery color of her eyes. Ignoring her for a moment he turned to his son. "'Gaara. What the hell are you doing here? Kidnapping a girl isn't like you at all." Gaara glared at his father, aquamarine eyes blazed with something akin to embarrassment and annoyance at the sharp reprimand of his father. "Go away old man. This is between me and the cat...Naruto has no need for two women when he can only mate one..." Shukaku let out a low growl of disapproval as his eyes skimmed the neko who'd wearily brushed up her hair allowing her defiant eyes to show once again.
"Still Gaara..." "She's mine!" Gaara shrieked out, sand swirling around him and Shukaku growled in annoyance but knowing while he'd reliquished this thrown to his red haired heir, putting him into submission might result in Gaara loosing control of his inner demon and killing someone. With another warning growl to his son, Shukaku was surprised when the girl sat up and glared at him. "I..." She hissed softly eyes turning silver. "Am no one's to claim!" She snarled before rolling under the bed, unknown to the two demon males in the room using the shadows to escape into the hall.
Gaara growled, the low sound rumbling from his chest as his eyes narrowed knowing something was wrong as he stalked over and in one smooth motion flipped over the bed. With a furious growl he turned around and ran at the doors, surprising Naruto as he wipped them open. "Gaara!" Naruto growled ready to fight his fellow lord, but was surprised as Gaara brushed past him obviously ignoring the fox behind him. "What the-" "She escaped Naruto. Quickly. She went to get Hinata..." Shukaku told his nephew and Naruto cursed and too off. Gaara already had a thirty second head start, but Naruto hoped he maaged to get their and stop the furious red head before he did something stupid and hurt his chances with Hinata.
-With Kari-
Kari coughed as she tumbled out of a shadow, the closets she could get to Hinata's room. Constantly trying to escape and using her shadow powers, coupled with no sleep or food for the past three days was really taking a toll on her body. Luckily she'd been storing a bit of shadow magic for the perfect opportunity to escape the suffocating red head. Forcing herself up she whistled softly and Nalou came from the shadows. "So good to see you mistress..." The neko purred sensually as he stepped out of the shadows, rubbing his face against her cheek as Kari took a moment to run a hand through his luscious ink black fur. "Take me to Hinata, Nalou...hurrry. We don't have much time.." But a furious roar made her ears twitch and she hopped on his back as well as she could. "Scratch that we have no time." Nalou chuckled, the husky purr soothing to the shadow mistress as he ran all the way to Hinata's room.
Opening the door, she closed it behind her quickly locking it with the small shadows hidden inside the lock where the key was meant to be. "Hinata!" Kari called the indigo haired girl, deep concern reflecting in her silver eyes as she watched her human friend curl up in the corner a familiar butterfly comb held tightly within her grasp. Slowly Hinata looked up at the sound of her name, red rimmed lavender eyes slowly lost their haunted look as Kari appeared before her. "Kari!" The girl sobbed reaching out as Kari fell to her knees before the girl and hugged her tightly. "Aw Nata..." She cooed softly purred as she nuzzled the girl comfortingly. "I haven't been gone that long..." But anymore words of comfort were lost as Gaara made it to the door. They could hear him, attacking the door, obviously furious to find it locked. one part of the door was blown away as only his eyes were seen. Kari shuddered from the look in them. The one filled with dark promises..ad she knew he'd keep everyone of them.
Hinata hugged Kari desperately. She'd just come back and now Gaara would take her away again! This couldn't be happening! "Nata, do you trust me?" Hinata looked up at Kari but she was focused on the door as it was coated with a thin layer of black. Obviously she was running low on energy, but that small bit seeemed to be enough as Gaara's growl was joined by Naruto who was obviously yelling at his fellow king. "Yes..I trust you." Hinata said quickly pulling her gaze away from the door.
"Good." Kari said pulling her up and running toward the (thankfully) open window. Quickly Kari picked up Hinata bridal style and jumped out the window, releasing her legs Kari kept a firm hold o her waist. "Nalou!" Kari called seeing the grass of the garden closing in on them. Before they touched the ground, Nalou appeared and caught them on his back. "Let's get out of here." Kari muttered ands Hinata nodded.
Looking back at the castle though, Hinata couldn't help but picture Naruto. He'd been so kind to her...Turning away from the castle she buried her face in Kari's back squeezing her eyes shut. "Back home Mistress.." Nalou grinned as he ran toward the wall only to stop as a wall of fire rose up causing the black cat to backtrack. Kari hopped down from Nalou's back seeing Sasuke and Sakura standing in the gardens. Obviously, Sakura was surprised looking at her mate in confusion meaning he was the one to start the fire wall. "Sasuke...?" Sakura questioned but her mate barely glanced at her his eyes trained on the neko. "Nalou...take Hinata." She muttered and the neko nodded before Hinata could protest, the black cat took off as Kari narrowed her eyes.
"Sasuke, just let her go." Sakura said grabbing the arm of his robe, but Sauke only shook off her hold stepping forward and blowing a stream of fire at the girl, who spun out of the way easily. His silence really pissed her off. She didn't understand. If they didn't want to stay, why make them? And Sauke helping out his other lords was admirable, but also annoying. Which caused Sakura to growl and step forward, shooting out her hand allowing her own stream of fire to connect with her mates, canceling out both of them. "Sakura." Sasuke said in his usual dull tone, but Sakura (as creepy as it sounded) was well versed in the hand book of 'sasuke' and could see by the way his jaw tightened slightly he was annoyed with her move. "Don't make me put you down..." Her mate said quietly but Sakura didn't hear him. If she was the only help the girls were getting then so be it. Pulling on her black gloves she glared at her mate. "Like you could..." Oh he could. And they both knew it, but that didn't mean Sakura was about to submit anytime soon.
Kari on the other hand, nodded thankfully even though the pink haired queen couldn't see it, already engaging in what looked to be a spar with her mate. Obviously he held more control as she singed the grass below her feet and the sleeves of her shirt. Turning she made a move to catch up to Nalou and Hinata who were no doubt by the gate right now, only to be pulled back by a tendril of sand. "You can't escape..." Gaara hissed quietly, jerking her to his hold and Kari scowled as he grabbed her hair twisting it around his fist and pulling her head back at an uncomfortable angle. "Ah!" Kari hissed, her nails digging into his arm, nails sparkig with black and silver. "Let me go.." "Not a chance...little cat.." Gaara purred dangerously to her, his mouth slowly lowering to her exposed neck as he gently licked the skin. "No!" Kari screeched not wanting him to mark her skin in anyway that could tie them together. Her feet were locked by sand, but one last pulse of energy and she spat a black substance in his eyes causing him to snarl at her and hurl her body away from him.
The neko landed in a mound of dirt, which was supposed to be settled down so more flowers could be planted. Well the neko certainly helped out with flattening down the dirt. She tried to get back up but was just to exhausted, and found herself laying on the dirt, until the scent of fox surrounded her as two strong arms raised her up into his lap. But looking up she didn't see Naruto, but his father, the old fox smiling down gently at her with a soft soothing growl. "It's alright. You can rest now..." Kari shook her head. "I want out..." Kyuubi nodded in understanding. "I know kit, I know...but sleep now. Sleep..." There was a compulsion in his voice and since the usual defiant neko was so tired, she easily fell for his glowing red eyes as they hypnotized her asleep.
Looking up he caught Sasuke sitting on Sakura as she growled, her fists sparking with fire, but her mate had her down and was biting her mating mark, effectively subduing his elemental mate. "Get off." "Sakura..." Sasuke sighed, knowing she hated when he got her into submission. "Off." She hissed and he complied standing up and allowing the pink haired girl to stand up and stalk off down the dirt path and Sasuke sighed finding it better to leave his mate alone for a few minutes. "What the hell..." Kyuubi shook his head telling the dragon lord not to say anything as Gaara and Shuaku walked over. "Give her to me." Gaara demanded and Shukaku shook his head but stayed silent. Kyuubi scowled as he looked down at the kit in his arms.
"No." Kyuubi snapped back. "She needs rest away from you. Despite what Sakura healed spending time with you has put her body back to what it was three days ago. She has not been cared for properly in the last couple days. This kit will be sleeping and recovering, no doubt she'll need a month to get back to full strength." The Fox snarled at his nephew who growled but said nothing knowing Kyuubi had been trained as a medic (who was currently training Sakura) He would know. "She is going to come back to me. She is mine..." Gaara hissed quietly and Sasuke sighed looking around. 'Where is Naruto.?"
"Right here..." Naruto said wearily, walking back into the garden, Hinata unconscious in his arms; Nalou trailing behind him. The cat stopped and sat down extending his paw and dragging his course tongue along his furr covered arm. He didn't seem to be alarmed by the demon kings, both former and present, surrounding him. In fact he looked completely at ease. "You knocked her out again?" Kyuubi growled in annoyance and Naruto shook his head. "No. The cat put her to sleep." The fox sighed jerking his head back to the cat who was currently grooming himself. "Why?" Shukaku questioned the crimson eyed cat who only looked up briefly in amusement and went back to licking his paw.
"Gaara." Naruto said as he held Hinata tightly against his chest the small human still sleeping comfortably her face relaxed as she still clutched the comb to her chest. Normally her nose was scrunched up and she restlessly twisted, her soft voice echoing in her chambers haunted cries...that only Naruto could hear. He'd taken to watching her sleep at night to make sure she didn't do anything in her depressed state and for the most part erected a barrier to keep her cries contained in only her room.
Waiting until Gaara looked his way he continued. "You can't keep Kari away...Hinata really needs her and if I want her to be comfortable living here...I want her to accept me...us. Don't do this Gaara." Naruto said quietly. Gaara kept his blank stare up, unblinking as he gazed at the blonde male. Everyone held their breath (except Nalou who was grinning wickedly) as Gaara finally scoffed and turned away. "Every night..for the duration of her stay...she comes to my chambers..." With that he turned away stalking back into the castle.
Shukaku looked after his son, knowing he would have done anything for Naruto. They had been friends for years, of course Gaara would have agreed. Though the possession Gaara showed over the neko was certainly curious. Even more so Shukaku's decision not to say that kari had disputed his claim. Technically, Kari did not have to stay here. She could take Hinata and go...but...Shukaku would save that one for later. For when Kyuubi finished healing the neko.
Smirking slightly he looked to the black cat, who finished grooming. Nalou stared at the former king with something wicked in his eyes oh yes...the black cat knew more than he was letting on. Even more so for why he put Hinata to sleep. But before anyone could voice a question to the cat, Nalou winked and faded into black smoke. And just like that he was gone.
Sasuke trailed after his mate silently, the pink haired demoness had been given a head start a moment to cool her head after her little stunt. Though Sasuke knew he should have stopped and tried to explain himself further. But there hadn't been any time. Even exhausted Sasuke knew that without the will to cause the neko harm she would be hard to take down. Taking advantage of the will he didn't possess. Though he might admit even if he was serious she might cause him minor trouble. But he was far older. But at the moment, none of that matter because his fiery mate was pissed off at him right now.
Sasuke sighed nearly rolling his eyes. Of course the fight they had was caused by Naruto and Gaara. If only they could find normal...'You didn't.' His pesky thoughts whispered to him quietly. "Hn." He agreed with himself. Sakura had caught his attention almost the moment he found her in the woods trying to control herself. Actually his first words had been a reprimand of her trying to control her fire powers in the woods. Because that was just such a smart idea. That had caused her to unleash her temper and singer his hair a little. More or less Sasuke hadn't been pleased by the attack.
"Stop following me!" Sakura practically snarled to the older dragon, who stared at her blankly only saying a brief. 'Hn" in answer without pausing in his step after her. "I mean it." Sakura hissed green eyes blazing in fury. Sasuke only blinked slowly waiting until his mate exploded...
And he wasn't disappointed. The moment they'd reached their rooms Sakura had rounded on him. "What the hell was that about Sasuke!? You were there when Naruto brought the human and neko here. You knew the extent of her injuries. Even pulling your powers back she was no match for you. You should have just let them go. Last time I checked we didn't keep prisoners who did nothing wrong." She stared him down, chest heaving and her eyes still sparkling with fury. Her odd pink hair falling from the clip she had used to pull it back for their walk in the garden. "You had no right." She continued.
"Yes. I did." Sasuke said quietly raising a brow at his mate. "All demons are under my domain, along with Naruto and Gaara. You know that Sakura. Naruto and Gaara wanted to keep them here, majority rules in this case. I stopped them because if I didn't, Gaara would have taken his anger out on the staff and possibly the city. The life of one neko female, no matter how rare, and a pretty human is no price to pay for the death of half the city." Sasuke finished keeping his voice quiet and even. Sakura on the other had wasn't completely satisfied with that answer. "And you couldn't explain that earlier?"
Sasuke shrugged. "It didn't cross my mind. I could see she was tiring, and I had to act fast. I didn't know what her pet was going to do..." Sakura scowled and crossed her arms. "But you should have trusted me." Sasuke pointed out and Sakura shook her head. "Trusting you wasn't the problem Sasuke. I don't think you should have interfered. If the majority ruled...let the majority take care of it. At least this time." She said quietly shaking her head. 'Do you really want to give up anyone's life for Gaara's blood lust...just look what he did before Sasuke? Kept her locked in his room-" "She insulted him." Sasuke cut her off quietly. Sakura snorted. "Sasuke, someone breathing could insult Gaara. You know I'm right. He shouldn't have her if he can't control himself..." With that the pink haired queen slipped into her bedroom leaving her Mate in the sitting room thinking about the words she'd said.
Naruto looked over Kari and Hinata, who he'd laid out in the same bed, not sure which would wake up first. Sighing the blonde fox trailed over to the window, running a claw over the iron bars on it. He didn't see the need for them, since according to Shukaku, Kari had escaped by rolling under the bed. So the only one the bars could trap were Hinata. Which didn't seem fair to Naruto. But he wasn't about to start complaining. Gaara had relented. That was all that mattered.
Feeling another enter he glanced at the door only to see a small black cat curled in between Hinata and Kari, laying on it's back red eyes gleaming in what Naruto could only call utter mischief. The usual look on Kari's demon familiar; Nalou. "Didn't know you could change shape there lint licker..." Naruto said lazily turning to lean his back on the wall as Nalou chuckled and rolled back onto his feet easily jumping over his mistress with the grace that only felines seem to possess. "I don't expect you to know much of anything kit...your intelligence isn't really something I have great stock in.." The cat purred in return and to anyone else it might have seemed malicious in a sense, but Nalou's tone was only dipped in teasing delight.
Naruto rolled his eyes preferring not to comment. The two sat in silence, the only sounds were Kari's ragged breathing and her restless shifts every now and then and Hinata slept silently beside her. Finally Naruto took the moment to ask the question that had been bugging him since he found Nalou and the unconscious Hinata on his back just outside the palace walls. It was thoroughly surprising that he'd disobeyed the cat and knocked Hinata out carefully. "Hey...why did you stop..? Outside. I know Kari must have told you to escape." Nalou gave him a cat smile, his whiskered cheeks raising to reveal his large white teeth each sharpened with the deadliness of a predator. "Fortunately for me...I am not bound by word of her law, when her desire out ranks her mind.." He purred cryptically playfully hopping off the bed to walk over to Naruto, purring as he rubbed his face and side against the Fox's leg. 'What the hell does that mean? You're telling me she actually wanted to stay here?" Naruto asked clearly in disbelief.
Gaara had had the neko at his mercy for about three days. There was no way Kari had wanted to stay in there with the angered red head. "Of course not. That's not what I said..." Nalou commented easily padding over to Kari once more. "Such a silly kitten she is isn't she?" Nalou cooed licking Kari's limp hand purring softly and rubbing up against Hinata's side just to piss off the fox, which according to the growls coming from the blonde, it was working famously. "And this one is just so sweet...she didn't want to leave for sure...who was I to deny such a pretty girl her wish..." He crooned devilishly before looking back at Naruto. "You'd better convince them to stay somehow flea bag...I can't help you every time. Such an incompetent little king..." Naruto barred his fangs and made a swipe at him. But Nalou laughed and dodged disappearing in between the two girls. Naruto scoffed and crossed his arms sitting in the chair by their bedside. "Yeah yeah...I'll handle it, pussy cat." He snickered and closed his eyes.
Neji held out his hand to Tenten as they attempted to jump over a large log. Usually it would be no problem to simply step over a fallen tree. But this seemed to not been one log but three stacked on top of each other at odd angles. And Neji being the gentlemen, had offered his hand out to Tenten who took it even if she was amused by her stotic friend. Finally getting down back onto the solid ground Tenten frowned as she looked around. "Shouldn't Kari have come for us by now? It seems odd that she didn't." Tenten observed clutching the basket she held a little tighter. She'd packed a quick lunch the four could share seeing as she hadn't seen Hinata in more than a week now. Brushing her brown hair from her eyes she waited patiently for Neji to answer her question.
Frowning, Neji took a good look around as well. It did seem odd that the cat girl had not come to meet them. Usually she was more than well aware of when the people of Konoha entered the forest surrounding the town. Often many travelers would comment on the guide only to find out they'd trusted a demon. Their disturbed looks were comically before the townspeople reassured them it was fine. Aside from Hiashi anyways, who had intercepted a few travelers. But at the moment that didn't matter. "You're right. She must be with Hinata deeper in the forest. Come, she most likely sensed us and is on the way back to her home." He finished and continued his quick pace ignoring the feeling of dread building up. Tenten on the other had rolled her eyes and followed after the slightly older boy, muttering about long haired males and something about a stick up his ass which Neji promptly ignored.
Entering the small clearing that led to Kari's house both froze at the sight of the house burned to the ground. Which confused Neji because he believed it to be an illusion. But what really concerned him was the scorch marks on the entrance to the caves. "Hinata!" He cried in alarm running to the entrance as fast as he could Tenten's heavy footfalls accompanying him. But it did no use. Most of the inside was charmed, the smell of burnt wood dominant. At least the smell of burning flesh wasn't. That eased him somewhat even as he pushed large pieces of wood out of his way and into Kari's bedroom. How odd it was mostly untouched. Everything was tossed this way and that, but everything looked in tact. He made a absent note to ask Kari how she kept it safe before he stalked out meeting Tenten's worried eyes. "They're...not here. But something happen here." He told her firmly, even though his companion could clearly see for herself. "Where are they?" Tenten questioned her hands gripping the basket in her hands tightly. Shifting slightly her hands made their way to her front pockets where a small knife was carefully placed. The familiar weight eased her mind somewhat.
"I don't know..." Neji said quietly his knuckles turning white from the way he held them, no doubt their were small half moon punctures deep in his palms judging by the sting of it. A screeching caw altered them to another's presences as they looked up. Tenten quickly dropped the basket slipping out the two knives she'd hidden on herself not needing to glance at Neji to know he was already in his own fighting stance. They'd each taken on lower level demons when necessary, and between the two of them they might stand a chance against a mid-level demon. And it looked as though they were about to find out.
Jaken had been waiting days for this Neji guy to show. He'd managed to get away from those Iwa nut-bags safely enough. He'd been given the power of flight after all. And he'd spent that whole night switching back and forth from praying for the neko and her human charge, and his ancestors for having wings. He'd been waiting on one of the taller trees allowing the shadow of the leaves to hide his form, as he lurked by the nekos' homes. He figured this Neji was a human as no demons lived in Konoha, the Hyuuga had made that perfectly clear aside from that one exception...but there was no time to dwell on that. Sighing he settled down for another day of waiting when two humans entered the field going toward the house. Pushing off the branch he took flight soaring around above them waiting until they figured out for themselves Kari and the human were gone. With a screech to alert them of his presence he landed easily brushing a hand against his dark trousers as he eyed the defensive stances they were in. He fluffed his feathers in irritation, but soon smoothed them out. They had no idea he'd been sent by the very one they were looking for after all.
"Are you Neji?" Jakan asked cautiously his hands slowly running over the feathers on his wings. The boy however didn't relax. If anything, he looked even more on guard. 'Are you the one who did this?" The human hissed and Jakan snorted shaking his head. "No. The demons of this forest were attacked by the people of Iwa. They were obviously here to capture your cousin and Kari. The villagers were led by another demon directly here...That was almost four days ago." He glanced over at the human female, who shifted under his beady gaze but Neji quickly pulled his attention away from the brown haired girl with a clear of his throat. "I still do not believe you."
Jakan nodded his head. Kai had warned him after all. "Kari said as much herself...She said to ask you about Tenten..." The human paled significantly, though it looked to be more from embarrassment than fear. How curious. But the two humans relaxed. "Tell me..." Neji said stiffly, though the hostility he'd been using to talk to Jakan had almost disappeared. "Where are they? Are they safe?"
Jaken went quiet and sighed shaking his head. "I don't know. But before I left the wood...I heard the human female call out Naruto." He began watching for their reactions but the two humans before him only glanced at each other in confusion. "I have only known one demon with the name Naruto...One of the demon kings." "Where are Hinata and Kari!?" Neji snapped impatiently, as he anxiously clenched his fists. Tenten reached out placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, smiling softly as he relaxed beneath her hand. Turning he pointed toward where he knew Suna to be. "They're in Suna. Beyond the desert lands in the demon city...at least, if thats the Naruto they met..." Jakan told them. There was a pause before Neji stepped forward a new fire burning in his pale opalescent eyes.
"Take me there."
Kari woke up again with a groan. It seemed every time someone came near her they knocked her unconscious. Hopefully she would have no lasting brain damage. Shifting she sat up wincing slightly as her sore body protested the movements she was forcing herself to make. Brushing her hand against the fur of her tail she sighed happily and glanced to her side seeing Hinata looking exhausted but other than the dark circles under eyes eyes Kari could see nothing wrong with her..
"She's fine.." A friendly voice assured her, and Kari didn't even have to glance over to tell it was the crazy red head's father. "I know. I can tell...if she wasn't, my shadows would have told me..." Turning her head she took in the tall figure standing in the shadows, as if that would hinder the shadow cat from seeing him. "Clever kitten..." Shukaku said waltzing out of the shadows moving toward the cart on the wall. Pouring her a glass of water he handed it off chuckling as she sniffed it before chugging down the glass. 'So I'm guessing we're not allowed to leave?" Kari muttered handing back the glass before lounging back on the bed.
"Course not dear girl. You can leave any time Naruto, or Gaara let you..." Rolling her eyes Kari snapped back. "Then I guess I better get comfortable, cause I doubt we'll be leaving any time soon..." Shukaku chuckled taking the chair at the end of the bed, his claws tapping on the wooden armrests. "Surely it's not so bad kitten..." "Kari." Kari said back not liking the way kitten rolled off the Ancient's tongue. "Kari then." Shukaku said smoothly not at all bothered by the sharp reprimand.
"I denied his claim." Kari said after a moment of silence and Shukaku laughed. He was wondering when it would be brought up. Kari didn't look like the type to keep something buried down for long. "I heard." "And yet here I am..." Kari countered thoughtfully causing the older demon the ball up his fist and cough into it giving her an uneasy smile. "I was hoping you would reconsider..."
"No." Kari said instantly, her tone leaving no room for argument. But the former king was hardly done. "I would like you to stay. My son has never showed any interest for a female before...I would like you to stay here, and see what happens. " Shukaku said waiting for her response. But it was once again a "No." Rolling his eyes Shukaku rubbed the back of his neck.
"For Hinata's sake then." Watching the girls silver eyes flicker down to the sleeping Human, Shukaku grinned in triumph. He got her. "No one's hurting Hinata." Kari whispered in a deadly calm voice, causing the old man to hold up his hands. "No, you've misunderstood. Naruto I'm sure you realized wishes to court her...Hinata would be happier, if her friend was here as well don't you think?" Shukaku said slowly and Kari scowled and tilted her head. 'One week." Kari muttered though her body did a silent protest as it ached. Shukaku eyed her. "A month." "Week." Kari said firmly and Shukaku rolled his eyes. She was as stubborn as his son. "A month. If Hinata wants to leave before then, then you shall...agreed?" Kari eyed him suspiciously holding out her hand slowly. "A month then..."
Shukaku smirked and shook her head. "Lunch should be served soon I believe dear one. I'll see you both there, and after that you're to be left to your own devices...I caution you to watch out for that sharp tongue of yours..." Kari snorted as the old demon king swept out of the room. "Whatever..." Looking down she sighed rubbing her forehead. "Ya know Nata...I'm not exactly sure what I just agreed to..." The cat admitted her shoulders slumping down before she twisted, curling up next to her sleeping friend.
"Not at all sure what I just agreed to..."
