Author's Note: And this is the end. I hope you all enjoyed the fic and if you check out my deviantART account (belovedshadow . deviantart . com) you might see a story art or two. :-) Hey I need something to help me get back into my drawing mood. See ya!

Disclaimer: The character Hidama © to me and me alone. The world and cast of Naruto belongs to © Masashi Kishimoto. The characters known as Anubisu, Naaza, Rajura, Shuten, Kayura, and Kaosu belongs to © Sunrise Inc. The character Shada © Thomas Drovin, one of my best pen pals, and it's with his permission that I am using him in my story. Enjoy.

"Kakashi's WHAT?!"

By: Beloved Shadow of Light

The sky rumbled, dark clouds rolling in over village of Konohagakure. The faint sound of thunder could be heard and the smell of a heavy storm coming could be felt but while everyone prepared for the storm to hit one woman did nothing as she gazed out of the window of her home.

Tsunade had been standing in that same spot since she came back from seeing Hidama, ignoring everything around her and walking past Shizune and Tonton, walking right up to the large window that overlooked the village. She had been weighing her thoughts for a long time, thinking back and forth about the consequences of several decisions before narrowing it down to three. Lying on the dresser was a letter that would no doubt shock a number of people but at this point she didn't care and figured it would be the best. All it needed to make it official would be the seal and that would bring an end to it all. She sighed deeply, her heavy chest rising then falling.

'Gomen gaki but you're not ready just yet... but that doesn't mean you should give up on your dream,' she thought sadly to herself.

--

Cerebus grunted and snapped at the hands. "Not so tight," he growled.

"Bite me and I'll bite you back," Anubisu growled but eased up on the straps. "How's it feel?" The large dog gave himself a thorough shake, ran around the large suite and even over the large sofa before coming to a stop. The pack attached to his harness barely shifted as he sat down.

"It's fine. It's nothing more than a light weight on my back so it doesn't hamper my movements."

"Good. Oye, Doku you ready yet?"

The man with green hair hissed angrily as he slipped his light pack onto his shoulders. "Care to repeat that?" Both barely avoided the swing of a staff as it tried to make a solid connection with the back of their skulls. "Missed."

Shuten frowned as he glared at them to be silent. "Kaosu-sama, is it wise to leave with a storm coming in?" he asked their leader.

"..."

"Kaosu-sama?"

"This storm... is not the result of nature, but of something deeper," he spoke in a low tone.

The dark-haired warrior looked confused. "Translation?" Naaza just shrugged.

In the bedroom Kayura placed the last folded article of clothing in the pack and strapped it close. She looked over at her sister and sighed. She had been sitting next to the window since she had entered the room. She never said anything but she appeared to be listening as she would nod her head to them once in a while. All they were waiting for was Shada. Kakashi had gone with him but promised to walk with them out. He couldn't go with them, the reason being he was still on the active roster for missions.

"All packed... Hidama, we'll be going back to Ishi." Still no response; she went over and knelt before her. "It'll be a few days but we'll be home, and you never have to come back here. Okay?" No answer but she quelled the urge to shout. Standing she left her alone and closed the door behind her. As she looked up she noticed everyone was looking at her but she sadly shook her head and everyone heaved a great sigh.

In the bedroom the young woman continued to sit in the plush chair, arms resting quietly at her sides as she breathed slow and easy, her eyes glazed and unfocused. Kakashi and Shada were both worried and thought that she had become a vegetable but she was still responsive she just chose to ignore everyone and everything around her. However, her eyes shifted and looked over at a figure quietly standing before her.

A tall, lean, very beautiful person was standing right in front of her, eyes the color of melted gold that had seen times long before time had begun to be written by man, his hair a wave of gold so pale it looked positively white. The robes looked to be made of the finest cloth, like something a priest belonging to a noble or shogun would wear but he bore no family crest that would be recognized by any human. The figure sighed deeply as their eyes meet and locked before speaking up, a voice soft yet firm, coaxing yet strict, as though a blade strong enough to cut through armor was wrapped in the softest silk.

"You came all the way to see her and you won't hear her out. She made mistakes but how do you know that she hasn't thought about you once?"

"That woman abandoned me in a hospital in a land where she knew no one," Hidama said coldly, never breaking her eyes away. "My father didn't even know I existed and you want me to forgive her?"

"Do not put words in my mouth," came the command that made her flinch. "What I want is for you to get your head out of your ass and to listen to what others are trying to tell you."

"I am listening but that doesn't mean I should have to do as they tell me," she growled back. She watched, cautiously, as the being slowly came closer, resting elegant hands on the armrests and leaned in closer until their noses were almost touching. She resisted the urge to strike at her guardian but she couldn't get away. "What do you want?"

"... You're terrified of being hurt again."

"I am afraid of nothing."

"Is that a fact? Then let's see if I'm lying." Without moving away the stranger's eyes widen and began to glow as did Hidama's. Together they watched as Hidama's life unfold since the moment she was born, crying for a mother who had left her alone, the moment Kaosu first held her, her first view of the village of Ishi, family and friends who she grew to know and love. But despite all the wonderful memories she felt she never fit in, that she was an outcast but no one ever said anything. Even with her family she was so unsure of herself and that made it harder for others to approach her but Kayura had told her it would just take time..

Cerebus was strange himself but she took him home when she found him one day, caring and tending to his wounds. It was only when he had healed completely then did he reveal his true form to her and vowed to always be there for her. She just smiled and hugged him tightly, saying that she had always wanted a brother. Then there was Shada. Dear, sweet, caring Shada. He was the first to befriend her, to stand by her, to not care that she looked so different from everyone else. He cared about her for just being herself. Everything was going so well... then he came.

Arago was a greedy madman, wanting to possess all the power in the world that he had heard Kaosu possessed a powerful power with no equal. She still remembered how an army of men in identical armor charged through the village and while they had been caught off-guard there had been minor casualty. It took them a few days but the soldiers had been defeated; they had no time to rest as the Mashos came and that's when the blood began to spill. Everyone fought so hard but it was still a nightmare as so many fell. Shada, Cerebus, and she fought with all their power but after hearing that Kaosu was taking on the warlord himself just made something snap inside. She remembered running through the battle, running until she found her grandfather be stabbed in the chest with that monster's sword. Something snapped and before she could stop herself she was charging forward, driving him away from the man that gave her love. She ignored everything around them, her sword slashing through his armor, his own blade drawing her blood but she never backed down. In a bezerk state-of-mind she took a hidden dagger into her side but cut off his arm at the elbow. Not bothering with the heavy stream of blood falling from her wound she continued to cut off his limbs one by one. He begged her to stop, to spare his life but she may as well been deaf. By the time Shada and Cerebus found her she was wildly stabbing at the corpse of the warlord once known as Arago.

Hidama could feel her heart begin to ache painfully, another attack coming but what the stranger was saying was true. She was absolutely terrified of being alone, of having everyone taken away from her. She finally broke the eye contact as her hand clutched at her chest one more.

"Why the hell should I allow her to get close?! She not once tried to see if I was alright and instead chose to ignore me completely! I want nothing to do with her!!" she screamed out but with tears falling in rapid succession it was getting more difficult to be heard clearly.

The androgynous being was silent as Hidama cried, her fears being preyed upon by the phantoms of the past. This would be one of the very few times she would allow herself to release all the pent up emotions she had been holding the moment she had been born but it was doing nothing to sooth away the pain and hurt. Slowly kneeling before her he reached out and gently pulled her into his arms. She clung to his robes tightly, trying to cry the hurt out but if anything it just seemed to be digging in deeper, making it harder to be removed. He just continued to hold her close, stroking her silver fine hair.

"Mother... is considered god in the eyes of children for they can do no wrong. While some woman take advantage of such a gift bestowed onto them, others cherish it like the most precious treasure in the world. Tsunade knew this would hurt but in her own way she was protecting you," he said softly.

"How, is abandonment considered, protection?" came the tight reply.

"Had she given birth to you in this village the council would have found out who the father was and had you taken away. You would have grown up in another family but people would know that you were the result of a one-time stance that most would conceive as rape. Your life would have been unbearable and you would have been broken at such a young and impressionable age.

"Living in Ishi has given you friends and family who have grown to love you for you and not because of your lineage. Nor have they once looked down at you because of actions you could never have possibly controlled."

Hidama felt like she finally understood the godaime and even though it still hurt, she had a better understanding of why she did what she did. She smiled through the tears but while she felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from her back she still felt the dagger buried deep in her heart. She lifted to the man's strong heartbeat before slowly pulling back and looking up at him. She didn't have to say anything that he already didn't know. He just smiled, gently wiping her tears away, and kissed her brow.

"Just hear her out, my fallen star." She nodded and without another word, getting up from the chair and left the hotel via the window, the lingering feel of gratitude still evident. In the living room the head priest of Ishi blinked then slowly smiled. He watched as a silver-haired figure quickly made its way towards the hokage tower, nimbly jumping from roof to roof, not once looking back.

--

Tsunade gazed down at the letter, having already asked for Shizune to bring the two elders here to her office so she could give them her decision. Came what may, while as hokage her word was still law. Even if she decided to give the title to someone else.

She leaned her head back and took a deep breathe, closing her eyes tightly. "How do you apologize for a lifetime of pain when the person doesn't want to listen?" she asked the silent room.

"You don't stop until they've accepted it," came a soft reply. The blonde woman turned and stared at the young woman, silently climbing in via the window. "In this case, I hope you accept my apology as well."

"Hidama... I'm truly sorry for doing what I did, and if I could I would do anything to make it right."

"If wishes were horses then everyone would be riding one," she said softly. Entering the room completely she slowly walked over to her even as Tsunade slowly stood. She looked up at her and slowly, smiled. "I know that I haven't been the best daughter but, I'd be an idiot if I didn't want to give my other birth mother a chance to get to know the real me. If... if you still want me."

The godaime hokage of Konoha was so thunder struck she could have been knocked over by a feather on a gentle breeze. She was starting to wonder if maybe it was just some cruel joke but watching as a tear slowly coursed down the woman's cheek she knew this was no joke. She wanted to reach up and hug her tightly, to tell her that she never faulted her but shock stole all movement. She couldn't even speak!

"... I guess, whatever I say will never be enough." More tears started to fall even as she struggled not to release the smile. "I just want to say... thank you, for giving me a chance to experience love. Even if it was with another family." It hurt, it hurt so much even as she turned to leave but she barely took one step and she found herself in a nearly bone-crushing embrace.

"Gomen I never tried looking for you but I didn't want to destroy your future!" Tsunade cried out as she hugged the woman as tight as she could. "Gomen, gomen for never telling you or Sakumo, Gomen for being unworthy of your love, Gomen for denying your relations. But most of all, Gomen for not being there for you as a mother should. Just please, don't leave thinking I never loved you." Hidama turned and without saying a word, clung to the older woman as tight as she could. Both of them stood there, crying as hard as they could but it didn't matter as the tears were enough to shake the dagger lose from both their hearts. Only now would their wounds finally begin to heal.

Shizune smiled at the scene, closing the door she faced the two council members and gave a short bow. "Gomen but Tsunade-sama is busy right now and I don't think it would be wise to disturb her," she told them politely but she also silently made it known if they dared to barge into the hokage office she would not hesitate to kill them on the spot. Her loyalty would always remain with her mentor and best friend.

Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. However, if there is one flaw in women, it is that they forget their worth.

--

"So, you're leaving," Kakashi said softly.

"You make it sound as if we'll never see each other again," Hidama replied back.

"Considering how long it took us to find each other, can you blame me?"

"Is your sense of direction that bad that you can't even read a map?" Everyone laughed good naturally at the small joke.

"Just be sure to send a letter once you're all settled. I want to see Ishi for myself," Tsunade nodded to Kaosu.

The elderly man smiled and nodded to her. "You make my promise."

"Good. And Shada?"

"Hai Tsunade-sama?"

"You may not be Konoha's Silent Killer anymore, but I do expect you to visit."

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head beneath his hat. "You know that if Konoha is ever in danger I'll come back running. Besides, I still need to finish teaching Naruto and Sakura that jutsu I promised them."

Cerebus yawned and did one final stretch before shaking himself roughly, ruffling his fur even more. "Let's go already, I do not want to share a stinking cave with the ookami over here."

Anubisu growled as he glared at the large canine. "Care to repeat that, mutt?"

"Try cleaning out your ears more than once a decade then come talk to me."

"That's it!" With a snarl he lunged at the canine only to have the two of them start a scuffle. This of course provoked Shuten to stop them but when words failed he tried swinging at them with his staff but he kept missing. It was funny if childish.

Tsunade sighed but looking at Hidama she smiled and hugged her daughter once more. "Take care of yourself."

"I promise, Tsunade-okaasan." Waving they group headed off, silently followed behind Cerebus who was chasing Shuten when he staff connected with his skull. The hokage and jounin continued to stand at the front gate, still watching even as the group faded from sight.

"So..."

"So..."

"Hatake."

"Hai?"

"How would you like to be part of my escort when I visit Ishi?"

He smiled behind his mask. "I'd be honored."

--

It took days before the group arrived home but once they did it was a celebration. In a short month though they would prepared for the invited of the famed hokage of Konohagakure to seal an alliance between the two villages. Shada was welcomed back with open arms, his parents more than happy to have their son back. The village held a small banquet with plenty of food and drink to be passed around even Cerebus was enjoying himself. As the sun began to set Hidama excused herself and went to pay her respects to someone.

She silently walked down the small path, her feet guiding her until she reached the beginning of multiple crimson torii leading up a mountain just outside the village. Taking a deep breathe to calm herself she began to walk up the stairs leading up, eyes set firmly before her even though it was a long path. By the time she reached the large gate and surroudning statues, the sun had compeltely set and the moon was slowly beginning to rise. Passing the stautes of kitsunes she stepped up to main altar and silently knealt down. Placing her offerings on the altar she lit some incense and prayed. She didn't know how long she sat there but looked up when she heard the soft sound of fabric gliding over one another.

"Tell me, has the pain in your heart finally left?" the stranger asked as he silently knealt down across from her.

"It has, but I have a feeling I'll continue to have scars for as long as I live," she said honestly.

"Scars can represent a great many things but it also serves as a constant reminder of that which we have survived," he pointed out, reaching for a riceball on the altar. Hidama slowly reached out to touch the scar she still had where Arago's spear had pierced her then slowly up to her heart. She felt nothing but she knew he was right. He watched her as he chewed his food thoughtfully before slowlying then speaking up. "Answer me this, if you knew what was going to happen, would you still have gone looking for her?"

"... Honestly?" he nodded. "Hai. Everyone child, should at least know where they came from... I was just one of the lucky ones."

"Lucky in more ways than one, Hidama. More ways than one."

The young woman couldn't help but laugh as she opened the bottle of sake and poured a drink for the two of them. "Well not everyone has a guardian like you, Inari-sama." He just smiled as her compliment. The two continued to drink and eat, even as two foxes with coats as brilliant as snow sat between them, purring as gentle hands stroked their heavenly soft coats.

A month passed and the village prepared itself not only for the arrival of the Godaime of Konohagakure, but for the wedding between Shada and Hidama, A joyous event that not only brought two villages together but two best friends as well. Hidama never knew if Tsunade told the village of her secret life before she took the title but she felt that if her mother wanted her to know,s he would tell her. The family wouldn't see each other for a little over three years from now, to introduce Tsunade to her first grandson.

The older woman couldn't be happier to see her very own grnadson and sought to take him everywhere she went. Even to the casino (although this did not bode well with Hidama or Shada) where she found him to be her good luck charm. Kakashi also spoiled his nephew but he did get in trouble when the young toddler located his secret stash of Icha Icha Paradaisu books and tried to show off his coloring skills when his parents and grandmother came to pick him up. He had a love for anything canine related and so he was promised once he grew older he would have his own canine partner.

Inari was just so proud of his charge. To think of all the hardships she ahd to endure to get this sweet moment of peace in her life, he could not be happier. From here on, he knew her life could only become better. She had friends and family that would never judge her and she could pass on the love she learend onto the children as well.

Author's Notes: I've come to the end! I wanted to make the epilogdue as the next chapter but I think I've put this story on hold for too long. I'm glad it's over and I had honestly been thinking about a sequel but for now I'll leave it as is. Maybe in the future once I've caught up with my other fics I'll do a sequel but for now this is good. Oh yeah, be sure to keep an eye out on my DeviantArt account (belovedshadow. as I will be posting a piece of fanart as soon as I can. It's going to be what Shada and Hidama's son looks like all grown up with his very own canine partner. It'll be fun :)

Japanese Culture/History: The location of the shine Hidama visisted in this chapter I drew from inspiration of the "Fushimi Inari Taisha" which is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku in Kyoto, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. The Inari is worshipped popularly among merchants and industries for wealth. Donated toriis lined footpaths are the scenic.

For more information please visit en . wikipedia . org / wiki to find out more about the shrine and about the god Inari as well. Down below in a set of terms that may better explain what is being said so enjoy.

Inari - the Japanese kami of fertility, rice, agriculture, foxes, industry, and worldly success; is represented as male, female, or androgynous.

androgynous - describing something that is neither masculine nor feminine, for example the Hijras of India who are often described as "neither man nor woman" or angels which are often portrayed as genderless (eg. Beautiful men in anime that are sometimes mistaken as females or have female characteristics)

torii - traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entry to a Shinto shrine, although it can be found at Buddhist temples as well