Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don't own Naruto yada yada.

Flashback

Dreams

'Thoughts'

Sasuke stayed perfectly still, there was no way that he would be able to get his opponent at the moment, he was too heavy. As the dark haired deputy waited for the killing bite, he only heard a chuckle before the weight was lifted from him. Still not sure, Sasuke remained still, until he got a good whiff of the other's scent, one that he knew and then he finally registered the other's words.

"Kakashi!" the dark vampire leaped up, turning to face the other who simply smiled, scratching at his head.

"Finally realized it was me, eh? I used to play that trick on you all the time when you were young. Must have been longer than I thought, if you had forgotten."

Sasuke shook his head, a small smile on his face as he took in the one in front of him. Kakashi's appearance hadn't changed, even after the years since he's left the Tribe. His silver hair was still shaggy and unkempt and his single eye still had a twinkle of quiet mischief in it, while he still wore a mask to cover the lower half of his face. The lean vampire smiled through his mask and stood up, holding out his hand. "Come on, we'll go to my place, we can chat there."

Taking his hand, Sasuke coughed slightly. "Er...would you happen to have room for three more?" he asked, giving the older vampire a slight smile.

Kakashi blinked before giving a shrug and a covered smile. "Sure, I don't mind, but something tells me I'm going to get a story."

Sasuke smirked slightly at that and led the way back and was surprised to see that the kids sleeping in a heap with blood on their lips, then noticed two rather big mice lying dead beside them. The deputy felt a little guilty for making them wait but outweighing that was a surge of pride, the kids had hunted their first bit of prey by themselves without any help. Picking up Hanabi and Moegi, the girls unconsciously curled closer into his chest, clinging to his shirt while Konohamaru was handled by Kakashi who held him gently. The silver haired vampire saw the mice and tilted his head before walking, letting out a small grunt as the sun's light fully hit him. "Come on, no doubt these little ones are still hungry. We'll feed you all once we get to my place."

Kakashi then took the lead, Sasuke nodded and tried to follow quickly though his pace was somewhat slow, and before long he could barely keep his eyes open nor keep his pace. Eventually they got to a cozy little house and Kakashi quickly ushered them inside. "Welcome to my home, Sasuke."

Sasuke muttered his thanks, content to fall to the floor with all the energy he had left before he felt the weight of the two kids leave his arms. "You look like you could use a hand, runt. Go sit over on the couch and we'll talk." A female vampire told him in a rough yet calming tone, hearing her Sasuke was vaguely able to recall her name.

"Mmm, thanks...Anko..." the dark haired male was stumbling and fell on the couch with a tired sigh. Despite wanting to sleep, he kept his eyes open a crack and after a moment Kakashi understood why. With a gentle smile, he moved to place Konohamaru beside Sasuke with Anko doing the same. The kids instantly relaxed more once they felt Sasuke and the deputy curled a little around them, finally closing his eyes and giving into rest.

Kakashi and the female vampire, Anko, watched as Sasuke and the kids rested, the two older vampires chatted in low tones. "What do you think happened, Kakashi? These children are too young to be apprentices, do you think Hinata could have already started their training?"

At that, Kakashi shook his head, running a clawed hand through his silvery hair. "No, Hinata's not that stupid. Putting kids that young through training will just kill them, it'll be a waste of future warriors."

Anko made a face but had to agree, really she was just grasping at anything that could be plausible. She watched as the kids clung to Sasuke, holding on to his shirt for comfort and protection. It was clear they were wore out and and the female had to give it to them that they did well to make it this far at such a young age. Anko narrowed her eyes, looking at Hanabi in particular, the girl's body was stiff, her breathing fast and short as if she couldn't allow herself to relax. Anko then only sighed, shaking her head.

"We shouldn't have left. We left our Tribemates because it was convenient for us, but I can see we were wrong. Even if Tayuya didn't need us, Hinata is falling apart, we...we have to go back."

"And do what?"

"We have to fix this. Look at Sasuke, look at his wounds. Hinata's scent is on him, she's gone off the deep end." Kakashi narrowed his eye as Anko continued to speak, his singe eyed gaze boring holes into the purple haired vampire who suddenly smiled at him. "You know we have to go back. They are family. They need us, Hinata needs us. We can't turn our backs on them a second time."

Kakashi closed his eye for a brief moment then let out a sigh, he then opened them and gave a small smile. "You're right, but we can't leave this lot alone. Damn it, this is the worst time for Kurenai to be out hunting!"

"We can't wait! I'll go, stop Hinata however I can. Our regret is leaving and now is the time to repent. I only hope that we're not too late. Ans when Kurenai gets here, try to keep her calm," Anko gave a slightly sheepish grin. "She wouldn't forgive me if she found out I intentionally left her behind. She'd make me scream for that." With a shake of her head, Anko then left out. "Take care of them, Kakashi, you hear?"

Though she couldn't see his response, Anko knew that her friend was nodding, vowing to protect what was left of their little brothers and sisters.

Neji stood panting, his legs trembling and his upper body cut to ribbons. Hinata breathing hard too but unlike Neji, she had burning rage fueling her and she wasn't going to stop now. She had to, she wanted to, to tear Neji apart. Her all consuming hate and bloodlust demanded it.

Hinata swayed her body side to side her blood-red eyes narrowing, Neji followed her movements, his guard dropping, his muscles going slack, even his thoughts started to slow as Hinata slowly walked towards him. Then the Tribe leader broke into a run, her claws finding her target and goring out her cousin's chest. Neji was jolted back to reality because of the pain and tried to clamp down on Hinata's neck but was slammed down, left winded and at Hinata's mercy. Hinata stared down at her older cousin baring her fangs, but just when she was going to finally end it, Anko came slamming her body into the leader's, stunning her.

The older vampire watched Hinata tumble but had her eyes on Neji who was trying to get to his feet. Anko gently pressed him back down to the floor, shaking her head with a sad smile on her face. "Rest now, little brother. You've done enough and it you did it well. I'll handle it from here." Anko whispered softly as Neji closed his eyes, feeling like his long lost Tribemate could finish this. "This time, I won't run away!"