Author's Note: I finally got this wrote! Truth is I got grounded again. But I was allowed to have my laptop on weekends so it was slow going. I get it back for good this Saturday. That is if I don't lose it and get in another argument with my Dad. I do a few time skips in this. Nothing big. Just a few hours. I can't think of anything else to say. Only please enjoy and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything that has to do with it. Only Kasumi and her pack.

Chapter 9: Anger Management and Omens

He didn't believe me. Snap. Crrrraaaaaacck. Boom.

Snap. Crrrrrrrraaaaaaacccccck. Boom. I stare at the two oaks I had snapped at the base as if cutting through wet paper.

.......I think you broke them....... Tala silently muttered uselessly from where she stood away from me a few yards back. I let out a harsh laugh that held no amusement. "What gave you that idea? The snap or the boom?" I answered sarcastically. I need to stop and get control of myself. But its so hard. I am quaking with anger. It's a miracle I'm still on my feet, with the way I'm shaking.

"Traitor." Kakashi's single worded refusal to accept the truth burned me to the core. He certainly knew how to get to me. I hate it when people don't believe me. That's as good as calling me a liar and I, Alpha Kasumi Wahya of the Land of Mystic Sky, am not. A. Liar.

A growl started to build deep in my throat. I fought it but I was still so angry. I allowed the growl to escape my throat followed closely by my claws. The nearest maple tree fell under my hand. I forced the anger to drain from my system, calming myself down. I was almost completely calm when the word popped into my head again and it set my blood on fire. Oh, for crying out loud! This was getting out of hand. I needed a walk. I turned on my heel and swiftly loped out of the forest.

"You shouldn't be here." Tala muttered a little uneasily as we walked down the street. She was probably right, with me fighting to control my anger and all. But there was so much flurry and movement in the streets of Konoha as opposed to the forest that surrounds it. I usually don't like it; I prefer the serenity of the woods. But I'm, what you might call, ADD. Not that much but enough to help me in battle.

Right now, I'm relying on that to keep my mind off of Kakashi. Kanti suddenly appeared in front of me looking agitated.

"Three Sand genin threatened a little academy kid." she informed me breathily. The anger came roaring back into my system. How dare some whelps think they can came into a Village, not even their own Village, and threaten the children from that Village. Outrageous!

"Did they hurt them?" I asked my face a stoic mask.

"No, thanks to the intervention of Sasuke Uchiha. There would've been more fighting if this red headed kid didn't show up. He was really good. Despite being a genin I didn't sense him until about a minute of his arrival." A minute? Only a jounin at Kakashi's level is that smooth. Wait.... red headed....Sand genin....

"What was this red head's name?" I inquired slowly.

"Gaara of the Desert." Gaara. The One-Tail! Shukaku! They allowed that emotionally unstable kid to the Chunin Exams? Ridiculous! What are they thinking?! This bit of information only fueled my annoyance and anger.

"Take me to them." I ordered. Kanti nodded and ran at a pace that actually kicked the dirt off of the stone paths. I ran right behind her, almost on her tail. She suddenly stopped and I could see why. The three genin were walking two streets to the right going north. I ran to where the street they walked turned a corner and stopped a few yards down. Seeing a rain barrel I knocked it over so that its contents spilled into the street beside me.

I crossed my arms across my chest and placed a foot on the wall behind me. I lowered my head and appeared relaxed though inside the urge for the taste of blood threatened to overwhelm me. Tala lay down on her belly with her head on her paws. Kanti had gone to lounge on the left opposite corner. She suddenly looked up and stared intensely at something while turning her head slightly towards me. Three new scents arrived on the wind. Here they come.

Try not to kill them. Tala cautioned me. I merely grunted. The genin finally rounded the corner. The first one I saw was the red head. He had ice blue eyes and the word 'love' tattooed on his forehead above his left eye. He wore what looked like a black jumpsuit with a white sash wrapped around him. A brown sling held a huge guard to his back. The ninja beside him was a kunoichi.

Her blond hair was held back in four ponytails. Her guarded teal eyes went from uncertainty to caution in a heartbeat. She wore a light lavender tunic that fell to the middle of her thighs. A fishnet shirt could be seen above her tunic around the shoulders and on her left and right legs. She had what looked like a huge fan on her back.

On her other side another boy walked in what looked like a puppet master outfit, with the cat ears, make-up, and everything. He had a huge (what is it with Sand ninja and huge objects?) mummy. I could only guess that was his puppet. His dark eyes also looked cautious as they surveyed the road ahead, but relaxed when he saw just me and Tala. Big mistake. Tala's head lifted and watched them unblinkingly.

I peered at them from the corner of my eye. The tension in the air grew slightly as they walked wearily past. When they had moved not five feet from where I stood, I lifted my hand, fingers curled chest high and made a fist. In two seconds the water rose from the grounds. It hardened and thickened at the same time, turning it into a cement wall. The genin stopped and quickly turned around to face me. Lazily, I pushed me off of the wall and walked towards the shinobi.

I stopped in front of them and spread my feet slightly apart and crossed my arms. Tala took my right while Kanti appeared and took my left. The Sand ninja took fighting stances but I raised my hand.

"No need for that. I merely wanted to talk to you." That didn't ease the weariness in their faces but they relaxed from their stances. Well, that is two of them did. Gaara stood emotionless with his arms crossed just like me. I looked from one to another my eyes lingering on each face before moving on to the next.

"Which one?" I inquired not taking my gaze from the genin.

"The cat." Kanti replied and I saw with satisfaction the surprise on all of their faces. Even Gaara's eyes widened a bit. I zeroed in on the puppet master. He had gotten over his shock and was now standing perplexed. I studied his features waiting for his name to pop up.

"Kankuro." I suddenly said. This shocked him once more.

"Yeah. How did you know my name?" he asked. I just shrugged. It's a talent of mine. If I see a face and read their name once, I remember it. I don't know where I heard his name but apparently I did. I stepped forward until I was one foot away from the kid.

"A little bird told me about some trouble you were causing earlier today, boy." I said in a dangerous tone.

"So what?" He snorted. I growled low and my eyes flashed angrily. My chacra lashed out to whip the air around me. I snatched the front of his outfit and pulled him forward until we were literally nose to nose.

"What the heck makes you think that you have the right to march into another shinobi village and start threatening the children of that village. Particularly a shinobi village you are currently allies with?" I asked slowly. He had no answer for me.

"I apologized for him." Gaara told me in a monotone. I turned on him.

"And are you your brother's keeper? Is he unable to speak? Is he too dumb to talk? If not then I think he can speak for himself." I turned back to Kankuro. I didn't say anything more but there was no need to. My expression said everything. The boy looked uneasy and a tad bit frightened. He raised his hands in a peaceful way.

"Alright. I apologize for my behavior. I was totally out of line. Gomen ne." I let him go. But I decided to give him a fair warning.

"If you so much as look at any of the children the wrong way I will be on you like wolves to a kill." I mentally laughed maniacally at the analogy because it was so very true. Kankuro glanced down at the wolves on either side of me. "Oh no, don't worry about them. It'll be just you and me. Two hits. Me hitting you and you hitting the ground." He gulped.

You've had your fun. Now let's go. Tala told me.

"Hmph." was all I said glancing down at her. I raise my hand chest high with my fingers curled again. This time I straighten my fingers with a flicking motion. The wall behind the Sand ninjas collapsed into water again and splashed on the ground. I turned and walked back to the wall. I paused crouching below it.

"Don't even think about it, Gaara." I said as I felt the blood lust rise in the sadist genin. "You tell Shukaku that he owes me." I informed Gaara, predicting correctly what was going on inside the kids mind. I jumped the wall before he could answer. I ran at a breakneck pace until we were almost to the house.

I slowed to a walk and looked around, enjoying the view. I finally noticed that Tala was being extremely quiet. She isn't a talker, but she usually says things now and then in order to keep things from getting awkward. As if I would be awkward around her. But whatever. She's never this quiet.

I stopped completely and look at her. Both of my sisters stop beside me and wait for me to walk forward. Tala has an annoyed look on her face. She finally looked up at me.

"You're so full of it." she told me annoyed. I laughed.

OOO

"Are you sure this is how it works?"

"Of course I am."

"You've done this before?" That's the tenth time I've asked Tala that. Her exasperation was apparent in the heavy sigh that followed my question.

"Yes, Alsoomse." She replied. I nodded but I was still a little unsettled. Tala had just told me how we were going to communicate with Atka. First Kanti would stretch her mind to its limits which were probably to the edge of the Fire country. Kanti hasn't mastered the distance yet, but her link is strong and will hold as a stable base.

Then Tala will enter into Kanti's mind and move along her link until she is at the edge. She will basically latch herself onto Kanti's link and then stretch herself to her limit, which should be the boundaries of our lands. Then I will enter through Kanti, into Tala until I'm at her edge. I will stretch my link to its limits which should be right into the heart of the camp.

It would be better with four wolves. In that case there would be someone to support the middle which tends to be the weakest. We'll just have to make do. At least that's what Tala said. I'm not so assured. It's a brilliant plan. The problem is I will have to leave my body completely and I don't like the idea of my body in such a vulnerable position. Especially since that day I came home and found someone spying on me. That was so not cool.

"You'll be fine." Tala reassured me. Kanti and Tala got into position on either side of me from where I sat on the floor in the middle of a diagram Tala had drawn on the floor with our blood mixed together. This was suppose to substitute for the fourth wolf. Kanti closed her eyes and concentrated. Her side of the diagram started to glow with a faint purple light. After a few seconds she nodded ever so slightly. I would've missed it if I wasn't staring so hard at her. I new question popped into my head. I quickly turned to Tala and right before she started I asked it.

"Has this ever actually worked before?" This time Tala looked uncomfortable. She hurriedly closed her eyes and entered Kanti's mind. Oh great. I thought sarcastically.

The purple light shone brighter on Tala's side. After an even longer time I heard Kanti say, All right. Here goes nothing. I closed my eyes and reached out towards Kanti. Right before I entered her mind I realized the light engulfed us completely.

Those ANBU are probably going 'what are they doing now.' I dryly thought before plunging into Kanti's being. I immediately found the link and followed it like a path. Without moving too much I flew down her link. I was aware of the Village passing by in seconds. I flew into the forest and weaved among the trunks of the trees.

Not five seconds later I was on the boundary of the Fire country. Here was the tricky part. I could feel my link with my body weakening and it scared me to think of leaving it behind. Scared.....and exilerated me. It scared me to leave my body behind and risk not being able to get back to it. But also the thought of flying high among the clouds without a care in the world was tempting.

Just to follow the breeze wherever it'll take me. It was so tempting. Memories coursed through me unbidden. Running through the forest top speed, dodging trunks, leaping over fallen branches, splashing through streams. The fierce joy of the hunt with your brothers and sisters along side you. The blood coursing through your veins on the night of the full moon as you raise your head and lift your voice in song. A song that defied the world.

I think I'll stick to being earth bound. I mused.

Good luck. Kanti whispered to me as I entered Tala's mind. Right at the edge I came to a sudden stop. I couldn't move at all.

Push with all your might. Tala instructed me calmly. I leaned back before pushing forward so hard I stumbled onto Tala's link. I righted myself and felt unusually light. Light and feathery. With a jolt I realize that I had broken free from my body. I started down Tala's link. At first slow and cautious then fast and risky.

The desert of the Land of Wind blurred past me. Soon the sand dunes turned to a sea of grass. I recognized it as the plains that led right to the cliffs. I also noticed that not only was I moving forward, but I was starting to gain altitude as well. The cliffs soon came into sight and I rushed along to meet them. Right before I peaked the tall cliffs I came to the edge of Tala's link.

I took a few seconds to latch onto Tala's mind as well as I could. When I was prepared I started to climb the last few yards of the cliff. The going was a lot harder now that I was forging my own path. I finally reached the top and started across the clearing at the top. An electric shock shot through my chest transfixing me to the ground for a milli-second before I was thrown back.

What's happening?! I screamed as I fell down and back. The land went by in a blur that spun my head around. I was going to be sick. Fire flared up beneath my flesh and burned me so badly I screamed in agony.

Kasumi.... I knew that voice. I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by white light.

Kasumi. I turned to the voice. There stood a wolf-man. Not exactly one or the other. He had the head and body of a wolf but he stood up on his hind legs like a man. He wore a long white tunic that fell to the middle of his calves. His chestnut fur grew long at the top of his head like hair and he held them back with tiny braids.

You're too late. The only thing that can save the pack is fire. What? But images flashed through my head before I could do anything else. My entire pack in chains and being forced to march. The once proud wolves reduced to nothing but begging dogs. Blood covered the ground and wails ripped through the air. I saw...oh goddess, I saw the bodies of the cubs piled carelessly, jumbled together. I screamed again, this time out of sorrow. Darkness overcame me hiding me from the images.

"Alsoomse? Alsoomse! Wake up. You must wake up!"

"Lemme sleep...." I mumbled as I turned on my side. A sigh of relief ruffled my hair.

"Alsoomse we must go now. "

"Five.. more..... minutes." I muttered.

"It's 8:30 A.M." she informed me.

"So wha- Hokage!" I screeched as I leaped up into the air as if pricked by a hedgehog. I rushed to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I splashed water on my face and looked up into the mirror. My hair was coming out of its ponytail, but it wasn't too messy. I ran out the door almost slamming it closed on Tala and Kanti. As we jumped from the outer wall to the branches of the forest I turned to Tala.

"What happened last night?" Tala looked troubled.

"Something pushed you back. It unbalanced you so much it took all my strength to hang on to you. I almost lost you." She informed me trailing off into a whisper. When I looked at her she was staring at me with such fear that it almost broke my heart.

It's all right dear one. I crooned to her gently. I'm here. I'm okay. I'm...we're going to be fine. Tala nodded. I looked back ahead.

"I saw my brother." I said

"Cheveyo?" Tala asked surprised. I nodded.

"The druid?" Kanti asked surprised. I glanced at her sharply.

"Do you know any other Cheveyo's?" I asked sarcastically.

"What did he say?" Tala questioned.

"He said you're too late. The only thing that can save your pack is fire." I sent the same images that were shown to me flow into Kanti's and Tala's mind. We were quiet for some time.

"Arggghhhhhh!" I suddenly yelled out in frustration. I stopped and my sisters stopped beside me. "It's the same thing over and over and over again. 'The only thing that can save the pack is fire. Only fire can save the pack. Fire alone can save the pack.' I don't care how it's worded. That prophecy is getting on my nerves!" I started forward again with gusto. We didn't speak as we traveled the rest of the way to the Hokage's place.

"You're late." is the first thing he says when we walk through the door.

"Hai." I reply. He glanced up at me, took in my expression, and suddenly I have his undivided attention. We stood in front of him and he nodded at us in a signal to start.

"We tried."

"What happened?" I took a deep breath and let it out with a whoosh.

"We were pushed out."

"What do you mean, 'pushed out'?" He asked.

"I didn't get one foot across the border before I was pushed out by someone or something. It was extremely strong. Somethings not right." The Hokage clasped his hands in front of his mouth and studied me.

"What would you have me do?"

"I need to go back to them." He was quiet for some time. "I know I just got back, but my pack is in trouble and they need me."

"How do you know this isn't a trap?"

"What else would explain my inability to enter my own lands?" The Hokage stared at me a bit longer. "Let's wait awhile. Try again and let's see what happens." I'm unhappy with this answer but I nod. He nodded signaling for my dismissal.

You should have pushed your request. Tala said ominously. As I look back at the Hokage's office door, I can't help but agree with her.

OOO

A few hours later we were sitting in the exact same places at the exact same time in the exact same ticked off mood we were in yesterday. I really didn't want to see Kakashi, but I had torn down two oak trees. If that doesn't cool me off I don't know what can. Anyway, Nava gave me training that should help me with my anger. I don't want to let down my mentor so I kept repeating the same line over and over again in my head. He who angers you controls you. He who angers you controls you. A frustrated yell grabbed my attention towards the bridge where the three genin were waiting. I had come only fifteen minutes ago seeing as Kakashi was as late as ever so I wasn't as mad as Team 7.

"Why, why, why! Its always the same! He sets the time then we have to wait hours for him." Sakura yelled frustrated.

"It's not fair!" Naruto agreed raising a fist in the air.

"What about my feelings? I rushed here so fast I didn't have time to blow dry my hair!" She lamented.

"And I didn't even have enough time to brush my teeth or change my underwear!" Naruto announced. I stared at him from where I sat on my perch. Uh, can we say gross?

"You uh, didn't? That's really disgusting Naruto." Sakura said deflating from her previous anger.

Don't be a hypocrite, you did the same thing. Tala chided me playfully.

That happened one time. I sniffed. I looked up to see Kakashi appear on a beam.

"Hey good morning guys. Sorry I'm late. Afraid I got lost on the path of life."

"You liar!" Sakura and Naruto yelled at the same time. Kakashi jumped down to join them on the bridge.

"I know this is a bit sudden, but I recommended you for the Chunin Exams. All three of you." I froze completely. "These are the application forms." He continued holding out three pieces of paper. "Application forms?"

"You're repeating me Sakura. This is all voluntary. It's up to each of you. If you don't feel ready you can wait till next year."

"Alright! Kakashi-sensei you rock!" Naruto yelled while jumping Kakashi despite his sensei's protests. The jump caused Kakashi to spin in a circle with Naruto clinging to his neck.

"Hey! Do-Don't slobber on my vest." Kakashi cried indignantly as he extricated himself from Naruto's grip. "Whoever wants to take the exams sign the application and come to room 301 at the Academy. It's at 3:00 pm. five days from now. That's it." Kakashi continued as he handed the forms out to the genin. "Hahaha. Chunin Exams. Chunin Exams!" Naruto said excitedly. The three kids took their leave of Kakashi and he watched them walk away. He turned around to walk the opposite way just to find me blocking his path.

Kakashi's POV

Kakashi watched his team walk off to do whatever and mull over their decision. He turned to go back to the memorial stone but found his way blocked by none other than Kasumi. She stood with hands on hips, feet spread shoulder length. Her jaw was set and her eyes flashed an angry gray as they did when she was upset. She's going to tell me off for calling her a traitor. Kakashi thought to himself. But she surprised him when she launched into her rant.

"What are you thinking?! A hot-head, stubborn, hyperactive, knuckle-headed, whelp like Naruto won't last five seconds in the Chunin Exams. Suppose the seal breaks?" Of course. She was worried about the Nine-Tailed Fox.

"I wouldn't risk any of my pupils lives unless I thought they couldn't handle it. I wouldn't let my comrades die, unlike you." Kakashi answered scornfully. Her eyes went from gray to purple and her chacra lashed out to whip around her. The very air was becoming thick to breathe.
"How dare yo-" she broke off suddenly and the chacra disappeared from the air. Her eyes returned to the normal navy blue and her head snapped to the west at something only she could see. She stood frozen for a few seconds. "Tala..." she murmured.

"Yeah. I feel it too." Tala replied with a look of intense concentration.

"This isn't good." Kanti murmured. A hoot brought Kakashi's attention up towards the sky. An owl wheeled overhead. It was too far away for Kakashi to make out what species it was. He looked back down to confront Kasumi only to find her staring at the owl with a look of utter horror. Her face looked deathly white, the blood drained from her usually lightly tanned skin. Her eyes were wide and the look on her face was one who looked out of a grave. Tala and Kanti had the same look in their eyes.

"An owl."Kanti breathed.

"The bird of death." Tala muttered.

"This is a bad omen indeed." Kasumi said with a shocked voice. She looked back down, a ghost of a glare on her face. "We're not finished here." She growled. Then she turned and bolted into the forest with her two wolves at her side. Kakashi stared after her. Something started to gnaw on his insides. Stop it, Kakashi. She's a traitor. A lying traitor. Kakashi told himself. But he couldn't deny it. Kakashi was starting to worry about Kasumi.

Kasumi's POV

This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is-

"Kasumi! Enough! We'll find a way to get to them."

"We've tried for six times Tala! It's almost dawn, we haven't eaten, all of us are exhausted, and we failed each time. Something has gone wrong. We have to leave!"

"I know. I know. But the Hokage told us to wait. Now we've tried six times just like you said and each time failed. Get some sleep and when you wake up we'll go the Third and plead our case. We'll push until he gives in." I nodded and allowed a dreamless sleep to overcome me. I was so tired. Ever since we got home after we saw the owl, we had tried again and again to reach through the boundaries. Each time passing out for a few hours after we were rejected.

After each passing out session trying again. When I did wake up, it was 5:00 in the afternoon. I stumbled into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. A small debate issued between me and Tala on if I should shower or not. I decided to take one not only because I needed it but because I wanted it. I stepped under the head of the shower and turned the knob all the way hot.

The water came out first as ice-cold. It fell on top of my head and ran down my back. Waking up instantly, I sucked in my breath at the shock. But it soon warmed up and I had to turn the knob a little to the cold side to get it to my desired warmth. I can take it pretty warm. Just not scalding hot. I was soon squeaking clean. I took all the water out of my hair and brushed the tangles out of it.

I don't really care for my hair as most women do. Like conditioner, I don't mess with it. I never curl or straighten my hair. Just pull it back into a ponytail. I brush it every now and then. Trim it before it gets too long. Which I'm probably going to do pretty soon. I took the brush placed it on the the roots and brushed through my hair in one long brush, all the way to my waist.

Yeah, definitely need a trim. I grabbed the kunai I always kept with me and got to work. When I was done, I gathered the extra hair from the floor and the bathroom counter. I took one look at my new hair length before nodding with approval. I threw away the extra hair and walked into my bedroom where Tala and Kanti were.

Tala looked up and inspected my new trimmed hair. It fell just below my shoulder blades. More towards the middle of my back. She nodded telling me that it looked great. I inclined my head to her before pulling said hair back into a high ponytail. I glanced at the mirror in my bedroom. My bangs were starting to get long but that was fine with me.

I kinda liked it when my hair hid my eyes. It helps hide emotion. I placed my ninja pouch and shuriken holster at their rightful places. I grabbed my head band and tied it around my neck. I looked myself over making sure I didn't forget anything important like pants or shirt. I looked decent so I opened the window and jumped out.

Tala and Kanti followed close behind. I led the way, jumping from wall to branch and making my way quickly to the Hokage's place. I didn't bother with the door this time. I just came right through the window. The Hokage looked up and seemed to know just what I was going to say.

"I already told you to wait a few days and try again." he said in advance.

"We've been trying. Since early afternoon yesterday we've tried six times and every single time I was rejected. We tried sending Tala or Kanti through but the result was the same. After each time we passed out like we did the first time. And also yesterday, we felt a surge of power from the west. It had an evil tint to it. Right after that an owl circled overhead. That's a bad omen."

"What does the owl mean exactly?" The Third asked.

"The owl brings death." Tala answered quietly. He looked from me to Tala to Kanti and back to me. He must've seen the determination in our faces and he knew we weren't going to give this up without a fight. He nodded to himself as if coming to a conclusion.

"All right. Since I can't seem to sway you from your decision, I'll send you to your lands."

My heart leaped with joy. "On one condition."

My heart stopped momentarily. "You take a Leaf shinobi with you as back-up."

My heart started again at normal pace.

Okay that's not so bad. I commented to Tala as I nodded my head.

"I've already picked the shinobi that will go with you. In fact he's here now. Enter." He told me before answering a knock on the door. I turned to see who it was. I honestly didn't care who it was, just so long as I got to my pack. I'd take anyone. Anyone. The door opened and in stepped my back-up.

My heart plummeted into my stomach. Anyone but him. Oh goddess, no please no. Kakashi Hatake stepped up to the desk and said, "You wanted to see me lord Hokage?"

Author's Note: I had fun writing this chapter. I liked it when she told Kankuro off. That really made me mad when he threatened Konohamaru. He wasn't even from the Leaf! I just threw in the Kakashi part. I don't know why. Just felt like it. A few questions I would like you to remember. What is happening to Kasumi's pack? Will she get there in time to save them? What will happen when Kakashi tags along? See ya later! Don't forget to review!

Wolfsong01

Cheveyo- spirit warrior