Home of the Animals

Chapter 9: Unleashed

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Moonlight shone into the small hospital room. It glinted off the metal blade in Matthew's hands. Blood dripped from its point. The horrible irony smell was everywhere. It made Rose feel sick. There gurgle. It came from her daddy. There was large cut of his neck. BLOOD! There was so much blood!

"DADDY!" she cried.

She was terrified of the man in front of her. Her pants grew wet. The man laughed at her.

"So this is the daughter he was alway bragging about. You don't seem like much now", said Matthew.

Her eyes closed.

"Closing your eyes won't make me disappear", said Matthew.

Her eyes opened. The whites of the girl's eyes had gone black. The fear left her expression it was replaced by an unnatural calm. The child had given into the beast within her.

"What should I do with you", said Matthew.

"You shall not speak to me with such a tone, human. Man, has always had such disrespect", said the child.

It wasn't the voice of the child of speaking, but that of an elegant woman.

"You're a child", said Matthew.

She sighed.

"Yes, this is my power's current body, but she'll grow into a powerful woman one day. I will only take over when the child truly needs me. When the day comes where she doesn't need me I'll leave, forever giving her my power. My name is Kiyomi", she said.

"Now kneel human", commanded Kiyomi as she discharged powerful wave of purple chakra.

Matthew went to his knees. He laughed and got to his feet.

"I'll give you this you have some power to you, but you're still only a child", he said.

With a slight motion of her hand, a powerful surge of chakra shot the man into a wall. Her attention focused on the man dying in bed. She knew him. Kiyomi watched him through the child's eyes.

"The child loves you, so I shall save your life. In turn, you shall protect her with yours. I pray you love her enough to not be selfish with her", she said.

There was still life within him. She dipped her finger in his blood and took it to her mouth. The taste of iron filled her mouth.

"You failed in your mission. He won't die", said Kiyomi.

Matthew watched as a purple chakra encased Nobu's body, rapidly healing his injuries. He stepped back. This chakra was wild and aggressive. It was viscous and would tear him limb from limb. The chakra swarmed around the girl. The small child jumped from the bed and stalked toward him.

"I've done my part, Tala. Now I'll give you control", said Kiyomi.

The light of the full moon hit her directly. The child went to all fours, but the girl wasn't weakening. Her strength was increasing rapidly. The chakra was so powerful it could be contained in Rose's small body. It wafted off her skin in waves. Her chakra was so intense it burnt the floor. Tufts of black fur appeared on her skin. The horrible sound of crunching bones reforming and breaking made Matthew cringed. A harsh storm of purple chakra swarmed it grew darker soon the child became invisible.

When it cleared, a beast stood in front of him. It was forced to crouch because its great size took up most of the room. The beast was a mixture of animals. Its body and head were that of a wolf. Drool dripped from its jaws, puddling on the floor. Its pelt was striped with a darker shade of black. The pattern mimicked the one of a tiger's. The being's front paws were large like a bear's. Its claws were long and pointed. Large feathered wings sprouted from its back. Its hind legs were cat-like. A horrible hiss echoed through the room. The sound didn't originate from the beast mouth, but its tail. It was king cobra with big yellow eyes. Its hood was fully open. The monster roared. Matthew couldn't place the sound to just one animal. Its large white eyes focused on him.

She locked her jaws around her target. There was a satisfying crunch as her teeth dug into the man's chest. The wonderful taste of blood gushed into her mouth. There was a sizzle and the hint smoke. She dropped the corpse. Her wings made a protective barrier around the man in bed. There were minor injuries spotted her wings pulled away from the man in bed. She breathed in his scent. He would live and soon he would be fully recovered. This man wasn't the alpha of her pack nor was he the omega that brought her to this world. But he'd shown her great kindness. She heard people running toward her. A low growl left her throat. She hurled herself through the outer wall and took to the air.

Orion was woken from his sleep when his assistant crashed into his room. The sun wasn't even up yet. What could possibly be wrong at this hour?

"Sanbanto, you better have a good reason for waking me at this hour!" he yelled.

"Monster", said Sanbanto.

"Take me", said Orion.

He didn't need further explanation. The village only possessed one monster and he'd created it. Orion didn't understand how Rose could unlock that beast without his permission. He quickly dressed and followed Sanbanto outside. It was pouring outside. He followed Sanbanto to the hospital. There was a gaping hole in the exterior the hospital. This confirmed his worse fear. He was taken to a gruesome sight. Blood and body parts spattered the room. Even though Rose left, remnants of her chakra were extremely powerful.

"Is this all that's left of Matthew's body?" asked Sanbanto.

"Yes, tell his wife will cover funeral and their kids' college", said Orion.

"I will", said Sanbanto before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

His brothers joined him moments later.

"Did she awaken this power on her own?" asked Chase as he examined the room.

"Yes", said Orion.

"How is that possible?" asked Dain.

"It means her body had fully accepted the gift set upon her. There was no rejection", said Orion.

"There's a danger in that itself, brother. Never in our history have we had a host fully accept", said Chase.

"We can use it", said Orion.

"We must track her down before she causes a commotion", said Chase.

"Agreed, Dain what can you gather from this", said Orion.

Dain had an extremely powerful sense of smell. It was even greater than Barnard's. He could figure out what happened from a scene just by smell.

"There was a battle", he said.

"Well thank you captain obvious we can all tell that", said Velos.

"Shut up you annoying twit. I need to concentrate", growled Dain.

Orion glared at his youngest brother, which effectively shut him up. Dain's brow furrowed in intense thought.

"What is it, Dain?" he asked.

"It smells like a zoo in here", said Dain.

"What do you mean? This place doesn't reek of shit", said Theron.

"No, I mean there's wide collection of different animal scents here", said Dain.

Orion lifted one of the large feathers from the ground. It was longer than his arm.

"Velos, you might actually be of some use. What can you tell from this feather?" asked Orion.

Velos took the feather from his brother. As he ran his finger down the edge of the feather it made his fingertip bleed.

"Amazing", he gasped.

"Are you going to tell us what's so amazing? Or are you going keep it to yourself?" asked Theron.

"It's like an owl's feather", said Velos.

"Which means?" asked Dain.

"You really are thick brother, but I'll explain so you might actually have a chance of learning. God, knows you don't get enough opportunities. Most birds create turbulence in flight, which creates a slight gushing noise when they fly. Owls discovered perfect silent flight. Their feathers are covered in hook and bow structure breaks the turbulence into smaller micro-turbulences. The perfect soundless flight", said Velos.

"So this rain will be an advantage to us", said Orion.

"That would be true if this were a normal owl's feather. This one is oiled like a waterfowl, so she's perfectly capable of flight in the rain", said Velos.

"Rain only handicaps us then. It has long since washed away her scent trail", said Dain.

Theron laughed.

"It's been a long while since we've had a challenge like this. We'll have to put all our tracking skills to the test", he said.

"Brothers, what this?" asked Velos.

On their brother's fingertips was gold substance. It had the irony smell of blood.

"So the legends are true", said Orion.

"What legends?" asked Velos.

"Idiot!" growled Theron.

"Legends told of the king and queen of the beasts bled gold", said Orion.

"Grandfather",

They turned to see Katsumi standing in the doorway.

"You put that monster in my child", she said.

Her voice was cold.

"I did", said Orion.

Cold anger wafted off her. This was a dangerous state of rage.

"You're the monster not her. What kind of man puts that kind of burden on an innocent child? You've cursed her to a life of suffering. She will never know the joy of falling in love. You stole her chance of being a normal girl", said Katsumi.

"She destined to be the host and now she'll be the hunters' most dangerous weapon", said Orion.

"WHAT'S THE POINT OF THIS!" screamed Katsumi.

"You'll have to be more clear", said Orion.

"Why do we need such a weapon? Why do waste our energy on such a pointless grudge? It will on bring harm and suffering. Why ruin this peace that so many have died for?" asked Katsumi.

"It for the betterment of our kind", said Orion.

"Bullshit, you're only doing this to further your own pathetic dreams of power", said Katsumi.

"Katsumi, stop now before you say something you can't take back", said Orion.

"From now on I'll take over her training. I won't let her suffer further under your barbaric methods. Nobu was right from the start you are a monster. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner", she said.

"Watch what you say child!" growled Orion.

His anger didn't affect her. Katsumi was the most loyal family member. Now she had turned against him. It was foolish giving her the child. He should have raised the girl himself. Then he could mold her into the perfect weapon with judgment. The only reason he didn't do this was he wanted his daughter to be happy.

"Matthew's blood is on your hands", said Katsumi.

Orion sighed. He should have known something like this would eventually happen.

"She will come to her senses, Orion", said Chase.

"She won't. I pushed her too far this time. Let's leave", he said.

Katsumi went her husband's new room. He was completely healed. The burns that once scared his back disappeared. There was only one scar. A deep one along his neck. His chakra network was fully functional. The only difference was the silhouette of a beast tattooed on his shoulder.

"He made another attempt on my life", said Nobu.

Katsumi didn't bother with denying it.

"Where's our daughter?" asked Nobu.

Katsumi bit her lip.

"Tell me", said Nobu.

She broke into tears. Nobu hugged his wife.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Orion cursed our baby", Katsumi cried.

She explained everything to him.

"I WILL KILL HIM!" yelled Nobu.

A violent chakra steamed off him in waves. It was far stronger than his chakra had ever been before. He actually has the power to do it now. There was no restraint on his power any longer.

"You can't", said Katsumi.

"Why?" he asked.

"Rose needs you. She needs you more than she ever needed me", said Katsumi.

The thought of their daughter cooled his anger. She did need him.

"Where is she?" asked Nobu.

"My best guess is the forest. The gasses of the swamp will stop her from getting too far", said Katsumi.

"Why are we here?" asked Nobu.

"She's in her fully transformed. In her current state, she's ruled by her id. She won't recognize me. The only people she'd recognize are the alpha and omega who created her. If she even caught my scent she would kill me without hesitation", said Katsumi.

"Why?" asked Nobu.

"She holds the power of the grand priestess Kiyomi. A vengeful spirit who wants all of the hunter blood dead. Do you know the true reason hunter bred with their enemy?" asked Katsumi.

Nobu shook his head.

"It was an attempt to hide the scent of our blood, so if Cernunnos were ever to break free he couldn't track us by our blood. We've done this for generations. There isn't a single pure blooded hunter left in existence", said Katsumi.

"What do we do?" asked Nobu.

"We can only wait", said Katsumi.

"Was there a woman in my room?" asked Nobu.

"No, why do you ask?" said Katsumi.

"I could have sworn heard someone", said Nobu.

"I don't think its anything to be worried about", said Katsumi.

"She called herself, Kiyomi", said Nobu.

His wife tensed.

"Do you know that name?" asked Nobu.

"It was the name of priestess", said Katsumi.

Nobu gave a heavy sigh.

"There's nothing we can do to find her", he said.

"I'm sorry", said Katsumi.

The beast ran to the safety of the forest. The fumes from the swamps stopped her from leaving the inner woods. This wasn't the territory she grew up in. She stopped at a lake and lapped at the water. She rolled in the dirt to help camouflage her scent. When the water stilled, she saw her reflection. It didn't scare her. This was her truest form. She circled before settled down on the grass. Her tail wrapped around her.

Inside the beast was the true spirit of the little girl. Tears slid down her muzzle. She wanted to howl, but couldn't take such a risk. The woods smelled hunters. This wasn't a safe place. It wasn't the land she craved. She wanted the hill, mountains, and forest of the Land of Fire. In her human state, she couldn't remember that place. She desperately wanted to be reunited with her pack. Her tail flicked away her tears. There was one she could connect with at least one member. She opened the bond that her human self closed off. Through she called for warmth.

"Kiba",

He caught Neji as he stumbled forward.

"Take me to the village now!" growled Neji.

"You okay?" asked Kiba.

"NOW!" snarled Neji.

They left the search and returned to the Hidden Star Village. Neji rushed to their bed.

"Kiba, get your ass in here now", said Neji.

Kiba joined his mate in bed. He no idea what was going on with his mate.

"KIBA!" snarled Neji.

He joined his mate in bed. Neji nuzzled closely to his neck. He held his beloved closely. An expression of pure serenity took over Neji's expression. He'd only seen that look once before. That was the first time he held Tala in his arms.

"Shh, baby girl I'm here", whispered Neji.

Kiba eyes went wide.

"Neji",

"She opened our bond. Kiba, she's so alone and scared. I want to her hold", he said.

Kiba held Neji tighter hoping it would help bring their pup comfort. Their foreheads touched. Kiba was able to tap into the bond. He was struck by the comfort and warmth. It was so intense. Is this how strong the bond was between bearer and child?

Rose was put in a state of absolute bliss. She felt her true parents' warmth. Tears wouldn't stop falling down her muzzle. She knew that as soon she returned human state this connection would be cut off. A howl ripped through her throat. It was a desperate attempt to reach her pack. The stink of hunters touched her nose. She got to her feet and jumped into the sky. Her wings flew her soundlessly through the sky. She took shelter in a cave tucked under a giant tree. Her wings tucked closely to her back as she walked into the cave. She circled a few times before settling down on the soft earth. Her tail coiled around my body. She started preening her feathers. Her eyes closed in a fitful sleep.

Orion in his brothers managed to pinpoint the beast's location to a mile wide area. Even with their years of experience, they were having difficulty. Nature was working against them to protect the wild's new created queen. They put down countless traps.

"Is there any grantee these traps will work?" asked Velos.

"There's never a grantee", said Chase.

A week past and there was no sign of the beast.

"How can you be so smug, Orion?" asked Velos.

"Because the perfect bait is on its way", he said.

At that moment Sabanto came into their camp. In his hand was a shirt.

"Here you are, sir. I hope this helps with your hunt", he said before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

"What will a shirt do to help us?" asked Velos.

"It carries the scent of the omega who brought her into this world. She won't be able to resist it", said Orion.

He placed it their most powerful trap.

"Now we wait", said Orion.

The beast woke from her slumber when a familiar scent touched her nose. It was the scent of her Papa. She had to follow it. Her instincts didn't give her any other choice. The urge to be with her pack was too powerful. She charged toward it. Her nose pressed against white cloth the smelled of her family. She took it in her jaws. As soon as she did she lost the ability move. She cried for help.

Five hunters surrounded her. They started chanting. Chains shot from the ground and wrapped around her body. The more she struggled the more they constricted. She was forced to the ground. Her body writhed in pain. The chains burned her skin. They started glowing as they absorbed her chakra. Soon she didn't have the strength to move. After thirty minutes the girl was brought to her human state. Rose lay naked on the ground. She was covered in dirt. Her once invisible tattoos were glowing a dark purple, but slowing fading. The five hunters were drained of their chakra. They didn't have the strength to stand.

"I didn't know it would be so taxing", panted Chase.

"It should be expected. We were forcing the goddess of the wild back into its cage. It would foolish to think it wouldn't affect us like this", said Orion.

He pulled a bag of food pills from his jack. Orion put one in his mouth before passing them to one of his brothers. He slowly got to his feet making sure he was stable. Orion placed his jacket over the child, before lifting her. She gave a weak whine. He put a food pill in her mouth. Thankfully, she swallowed it.

Kiba woke to Neji screaming and writhing in agony in their bed. He didn't know what to do. When tried touching his mate, it burned his hands. Kiba tuned into their link and could only feel pain. The agony was so great he was forced to the ground. He'd never felt anything like this before. The people of the Star Village flocked to help them, but there was nothing they could do.

Neji was the first to wake. He was in a hospital bed. His head was pounding. He raised his sleeve. His arms were wrapped in bandages. He unraveled them, exposing burns. These weren't average burns. They looked liked chains. His limbs and chest were also wrapped. It wouldn't surprise if there were the same burns underneath them.

"Neji?"

Kiba was in the chair next to him.

"What happened?" asked Kiba.

"I don't know", said Neji.

"Our elders believe it was caused by a jutsu",

They both looked in the direction of the voice. It was Sumaru. How could they have not noticed him?

"I apologize for surprising you. I'm not sure if that bit of information is helpful or not. The nurses say you're fine to leave", said Sumaru.

"We have to return to Leaf. The other clan alphas might know what this means", said Kiba.

"I know", said Neji.

He slowly got out of bed. But there was no way he couldn't agitate the burns the covered his skin.

"Kiba",

He got up from his chair and helped Neji dressed. His mate's motions were slow. Whatever happened last night had a greater effect on his omega than him. By the time they were half way out of the village Neji was having a difficult time keeping up with him.

"You're tired Neji. Please let me carry you", said Kiba.

"Okay", said Neji.

Kiba lifted him gently as he could, but he still winced.

"I'm sorry", said Kiba.

"It's okay", whispered Neji as he closed his eyes.

Half way to the Land of Fire Neji started groaning.

"Put me down", said Neji.

The push hit him followed by a sudden cramp. Instinct forced him to push.

"Neji stop!" said Kiba.

Blood stain grew on Neji's pants.

"Kiba", he whined before collapsing.

The hunters stared at the child in Orion's arms. She'd done something unheard of. Never had a host awakened the beast without the hunter unlocking it.

"What will you do with her?" asked Chase.

"Return her to Katsumi", said Orion.

"Are you sure that's smart?" asked Dain.

"The reason for her being so powerful is because of Nobu and Katsumi", said Orion.

"How could you know?" asked Chase.

"Every other given the gift lacked that. Allowing her to have a family might further her progress making her into a better weapon", said Orion.

"It's worth a try, but Katsumi will never allow you near the child again", said Chase.

"There's a way around that", said Orion.

Katsumi paced nervously around. Nobu watched her from his favorite chair. There hadn't been any news about their daughter. If there were she doubted Orion would inform her. A knock on the door brought them out of their thought.

"I got it", said Katsumi.

When she opened the door, she saw Orion. Rose was in his arms. It was obvious to her the child was hurting.

"What did you do to her?!" she screamed.

"Nothing that your medical skill won't be able to fix", said Orion.

Katsumi stole the child from Orion's arms, before slamming the door in his face. Rose whimpered in pain. Nobu rushed to her side. Even to him, their child's pain was obvious. Katsumi laid Rose on the table and threw off Orion's jacket. Burns in the shape of chains marked the child's skin.

"Katsumi",

"I can help her. Get me my medical kit", she said.

Nobu rushed to find his wife's medical kit. Katsumi was the top medical in the Hidden Grass Village. She had a mastery of the vast amount of medical herbs that grew throughout the land. He finally found the kit and gave it to her.

Katsumi knew these wounds. Chakra healing alone wouldn't help the child. She took out a jar of pure aloe paste. It was a light green in color. Her hands were shaking so badly she nearly dropped it. Nobu took it from her hands.

"You can do this", he said.

There was no doubt in his expression. He believed fully in her skills.

"I can do this", she said.

She emptied the paste into a bowl. Katsumi ground witch's hazel into it. After that, she poured a great deal of lavender oil into it. Then she channeled her chakra into the mixture amplifying its power greatly. She spread it thickly along Rose's burns. Katsumi channeled her chakra into the child. The paste steamed gently in reaction. It was working. She pulled her hands away.

"Is she healed?" asked Nobu.

Katsumi washed the dried paste with a cloth. The burns were fully recovered.

"She'll be okay", said Katsumi.

Nobu caught Katsumi before she could hit the ground. She'd used up a lot of her chakra. He placed on the couch. Nobu knew she would want him to care for their daughter first. He took Rose from the kitchen table. Nobu carefully bathed her. As he washed away the dirt and dried green paste it revealed Rose's perfectly healed skin. Once she was clean, he took Rose to her and tucked her into bed. He went to Katsumi. Her ice blues eyes opened.

"Is she okay?" asked Katsumi.

"Perfectly fine", said Nobu.

He lifted her from the couch. Nobu took her to Rose's bedroom. He placed her in bed with their daughter.

"Thank you", she whispered before closing her eyes.

Kiba sat in the waiting room of the Leaf Village hospital. Neji's condition had grown worse. He was terrified. His mom and the other clan alphas were sitting with him. Hana and Kakashi were there too. Tsunade was with Neji. He was terrified. What if Neji miscarried? This all had something to with those burns he just knew it. He'd told the other clan alphas about and they wanted to see, but they hadn't gotten a chance since Neji was rushed off so quickly.

"He'll be fine", said Tsume as she ran her hand down his back.

"I hope so. We can't lose another baby", said Kiba.

Tsunade came into the waiting room.

"The baby?" asked Kiba.

"It's fine", said Tsunade.

The alphas went into Neji bedroom.

"I can't say the exact jutsu that effect you, but it targeted your chakra trying to drain your strength away. It's miracle you made it this far. Let me assure you again your baby is safe. But you have to take easy for a few months", said Tsunade.

"In other words, I can't look for her", said Neji.

"I'm sorry Neji. But if you continue you risk miscarrying", said Tsunade.

"I understand", he said as his placed his hand over his stomach.

"You'll need a few weeks bed rest", said Tsunade.

He only nodded his head.

"Kiba, you must search without me", said Neji.

Neji hated saying that, but someone needed searching for Tala.

"But Neji", said Kiba.

"You'll go. At least one of has to be searching for her", said Neji.

"Can offer my services?" asked Barnard.

"What?" asked Neji.

"Otso and I will go with Kiba. Then you don't have worry about him being alone out there", said Barnard.

"You-

"Thank you. Please take good care of him", said Neji.

"Kakashi and I will take care of Neji while you're gone", said Hana.

"I will too", said Kondoru.

"I as well", said Saber.

"We have to take a look at your burns", said Barnard.

Tsunade helped Neji unwind his bandages. The elder clan alphas knew exactly what had caused the burn.

"I can't believe they did", said Barnard as he took a seat.

"Did what?" asked Neji.

"That jutsu is known as Silver Chain. Its chakra draining jutsu used for only one purpose", said Saber.

"Which is?" asked Kiba.

"To control the new Queen of the Wild", said Barnard.

"Why did it affect, Neji?" asked Kiba.

"Because he was bonded with Tala at the time. It wouldn't have that if effect if they weren't successful in making the queen", said Saber.

"What are you talking about?!" screamed Neji.

"Who is the Queen of the Wild?" asked Kiba.

"The original was a priestess named Kiyomi. But now it seems to be your daughter", said Barnard.

"This doesn't make sense", said Kiba.

"Tsume how could you not have told them about the ancient history of our clans?" asked Kondoru.

"I didn't see the point", she said.

"Barnard, tells it best", said Saber.

"I haven't told this in years", said Barnard.

Long ago in ancient times, there was a woman of the fairest beauty. Her skin kissed by moonlight. Her hair as dark as the great wooden trees of the forest. But by far the beauty's most stunning feature was her pure heart. The only fault, if it could be called saw, were her misty gray eyes that marked her blindness. There was sadness to the young beauty. She would never know the touch of love. When only a child, she was given to the hunter priests. The girl longed for the freedom outside the temple walls but was never granted it.

As she grew older men from all the lands came to capture her heart, but none were successful. She found sanctuary from her suitors in the flowered meadows of the forest. That was the first time the mighty king of the wild set eyes upon her. He ensured no harm came to her, in his realm. He only watched her from afar. But with her every visit to his kingdom his love for her bloomed. He had to be with the beauty who so claimed his heart. On a moonless night, he crept into her bedchambers. Hoping to only observe the beauty in her slumber. Those gray eyes opened and peered directly into his soul.

"Why did take you so long to seek me?" she asked.

"I do not know what the fair lady asks", he said.

"You always watch me from afar. In your meadows, I hear your heart. And I know your scent. You are the only man I know that smells so strongly of the woods. I know it's you who protects me from the forest's beasts", she said.

He laughed. He was far from being a man, but there was no reason for her to know. He was the king of all beasts.

"By what name is my guardian called by", she asked.

"Guardian, but I'm only a mere stranger to you. Where is your fear?" asked the beast.

"You are no stranger to me. If you wished harm upon me there plenty of chances, but they were taken. So why should I fear?" she asked.

He gave a heavy sigh.

"My name is of little importance, my dear Kiyomi. You may call me, Beast", he said.

"As you wish", she said.

Every night Beast visited and every night Kiyomi fell more in more in love with him. Their love bloomed and they joined together as mates. Her heart longed for the true name of the man she held such passion for.

"Beast please give me your", she begged one night.

"My name is Cernunnos the King of the Beasts", he said.

Kiyomi heart shattered. Her mate felt all her pain.

"You have three who already claim to be your wife. You are no love of mine!" she screamed.

"They are nothing to me. You are my queen", he said.

"LEAVE!" she yelled.

"If that is what you wish", said Cernunnos.

He left her without a fight. The agony of seeing her tears was too much. He was desperate to be once again in the beauty's good graces. He took the lives of his three lovers and brought them to his mate's bed.

"I smell blood on you", said Kiyomi.

"Yes, it belongs to the three who mean nothing to me. Do you fear me now?" he asked.

"I've never feared you. You are now completely mine Cernunnos", she said.

That night he freed her from the temple and brought her to his kingdom. He gave her two gifts that night. Eternal life and strength. They lived happily for years. In the time she gave him five sons. Each powerful and deserving of the title prince. But this bliss couldn't last forever. Hunters stole their young children. Kiyomi traded herself for the lives of their sons without hesitation. Cernunnos swore to get her back. On the brightest moon, he would save her. He couldn't leave their litter alone fearing what might happen. Cernunnos bonded each of his sons to a beast, ensuring their care. He destroyed the temple's walls but fell into the hunter's trap. Chain of silver sprung from the earth wrapping around his body. It burned his skin, but the pain of silver was nothing compared to seeing his suffer his mate had undergone in his absence.

"You have me. Free her", he pleaded.

"You're pathetic. The noble King of Beast ruined all for a woman. I once held respect for you", said the Hunter.

The hunter placed a silver blade against the beauty's neck. She cried for him.

"LET HER GO!" he snarled.

"You've ruined her purity forcing her to bear demon children. The merciful thing would be to kill her", said the Hunter.

With that, the hunter slit Kiyomi's throat. A howl of agony and rage ripped through Cernunnos throat. Every beast and man could his pain.

"Kill me", he begged.

"No, I have a far worse fate for you, beast. You will be forever sealed away knowing you failed in protecting what you hold most dear", said the Hunter.

Cernunnos was forever sealed away praying for the day he'd one day be released to avenge the life of his mate. Even though the beauty died that day her spirit and anger lived on haunting the hunters for the pain they caused her family. This went on for a hundred years until one day the sealed her away just like her mate.

"What does this story have to do with, Tala?" asked Neji.

"It isn't a story. It's our history. The five great animal clans founders were each a sons of Cernunnos", said Saber.

"So Kiba and the rest of you are descendants of Cernunnos", said Neji.

"Yes, the blood has diluted enough to make breeding between the clans safe. If Barnard's theory is true Tala will become the hunters' most powerful weapon", said Saber.

"Please can you be more clear?" asked Neji.

"To put this bluntly the powers which once belonged to Kiyomi might be sealed within your daughter. That power will make her equal to the at least the one tail jinichurki. It will only grow", said Saber.

"But she won't be the true weapon. Her power is only a bonus", said Barnard.

"Then what is?" asked Kiba.

"If the power of Kiyomi was sealed within your daughter she's destined to be the mate of Cernunnos. Any alpha even the king of all alphas would do anything for their mate even if it meant turning against the kind he created. If hunters have control overTala than they have control over Cernunnos a beast that rivals the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox. His strength may even be stronger", said Saber.

"How have I never heard of this?" asked Kakashi.

"This was nearly a thousand years ago. He was lost to time", said Saber.

"What about the temple where he was sealed?" asked Kakashi.

"The ruins were lost. But if I can find them there a strong likelihood that Tala is near there. Kondoru and I will try to gain more knowledge to where he ruins might be", said Saber.

"Trust me you two. Saber knows more about this topic than all of us combined. For the time being Kiba, I'll help you search for her. If there's news Kondoru will send a message. We will leave when you're ready", said Barnard.

"Is there any silver lining?" asked Neji.

"She won't be used for breeding", said Saber.

"Why?" asked Kiba.

"Because her body won't accept it. But there's also a drawback", said Saber.

"What?" asked Neji.

"It also means she'll never be capable of taking a mate or having a family of her own. Her one true mate will always be Cernunnos unless we seal her chakra, but that poses dangers as well", said Saber.

"Which are?" asked Neji.

"Even if we sealed off her connection to her chakra system the beast power will erode her body eventually killing her. I'm amazed the hunters were capable of achieving such a thing", said Saber.

"HOW IS THIS AMAZING?!" snarled Kiba.

He paused with his anger when heard Neji's monitors beeping. Kiba held his mate's hand and gently kissed it.

"I'm sorry Kiba I didn't mean to stress you", said Kiba.

"This whole thing is stressing. Our baby has is now the future mate to an immortal monster. You keeping calm by my side is the only thing keeping me sound", said Neji.

"Can you tell us more", said Kakashi.

"Well, there's be two recorded attempts on the transfer of power. The first one killed the girl halfway through the ritual. And the second was a success in transferring the power, but the girl went insane and killed herself", said Saber.

Neji leaned over the side of his bed and emptied his stomach. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve. Neji twitched trying not to give angered reaction.

"How are you feeling?" asked Tsunade.

"Nauseated", said Neji.

"Let's give these two some privacy", said Tsunade.

"Not yet", said Neji.

"You need rest", said Tsunade.

"I will after. How long do we have until the hunter unleash the power?" asked Neji.

"Eighteen years", said Saber.

The room emptied. Kiba joined his mate. He didn't want to touch on what they just learned yet. Neji wasn't ready for that.

"The baby?" asked Kiba.

"It was only bleeding from the stress of the jutsu. He will be fine as long as take it easy for a few months. Tsunade is keeping me here under observation for a week", said Neji.

"I can stay with you until you're out of the hospital", said Kiba.

"No", said Neji.

"Neji, I want to make sure the both of you are okay", said Kiba he put his hand over Neji's stomach.

"You need to keep searching for her. I'm safe here", said Neji.

"Fine, but let me stay the night", said Kiba.

Neji nodded and nuzzled closely to his mate.

"I love you, Kiba", said Neji.

"I love you too", said Kiba.