I apologize for any misunderstandings on the last chapter ^^; I used the name Arashi for Minato, because I didn't know his dad's name and the majority of fics I've read uses Arashi. I fixed it, though, so from now on he's Minato =) As for Hikari, she's not exactly my character. She's Naruto's female self, but I absolutely abhor the name 'Naruko' so I used a different one. Sorry about that. I hope that clears things up for everyone, I'm not planning on bringing in anymore of my characters so if you think I have it's likely I just don't remember their name in the manga or series.

Chapter 11

Kyuubi looks upon her kittlings with an affection she spares no one save her mate, the blonde Kitsune curled beside her as they settle down for the night. Their kits are bunched together between the larger foxes, snoozing peacefully as their parents stay vigilant throughout the night. Although they sleep, their large ears keep alert for any sounds that could be a threat to their young. Naruto and Hikari aren't their first kits, but they are their youngest and favorite. Those before them were centuries before and are either dead or lost contact with their parents… something that's not uncommon for demons that live for so long.

"Something is bothering you," Minato murmurs as he lifts his head.

"… Yes," she admits quietly. "Do you remember when the throne was first won? Back when the war between demons was brutal and the Hatake clan was caught up in it when they came here from the south?"

"I remember."

"… Do you recall when the war ended and there was an argument over who would sit on the throne?"

"I believe you were volunteered, weren't you?"

"Yes, but I refused. My loyalty doesn't travel any further than my own blood and that doesn't make for a good leader in this world," she sighs. "I nominated the Hatake clan; it was met with great approval… by all but one clan. Since then that clan has attempted to take the throne by force off and on. I believe they're at it again and our little kittling has become one of their victims."

"They'll regret their idiocy should they ever manage to take Naruto from our care," Minato assures. "Don't worry so much, he's stronger than we give him credit for and his bond with Hikari is more powerful than any twin. He'll be fine."

"I hope so."

She sighs and curls her tails around her little balls of fur, the two blonde kits purring in their sleep before falling deeper in that net of safety their parents create. As the older Kitsune join them in slumber, Kyuubi's worries only increase and she finds herself awake the majority of the night in order to watch her young.

Sasuke stares at the moon longingly, his thoughts circulating on his mate. Something happened, though Naruto isn't in danger at the moment, and the worry is eating him alive. Itachi moves into the room; both glad to see Sasuke recovering rapidly and unsettled at the worry within those eyes.

"Problem?" he wonders.

"Something happened to Naruto," Sasuke remarks. "I could feel his fear and anger within my mind… he doesn't seem to be in trouble at the moment, however."

"We should head back to the Hatake compound," Itachi comments softly. "I'll carry you until you're able to run on your own."

"I can walk just fine, aniki."

"That may be so, but I'm not planning on walking. Come on."

He scoops Sasuke up with only a little complaint… it never helps him to complain to Itachi, as it's like complaining to his father. Kakashi always pretends to ignore him at that point, so he's learned to give up quickly. Right now, he's grumbling in irritation as his older brother holds him close. Itachi is at a full run, darting through the trees by habit as his mind wanders through all that's happened thus far. It's not difficult for the genius to connect everything that's gone on, both current events and past attacks Sasuke hasn't been privy to.

"Uncle Madara will be holding the fort in the Hatake compound while the siblings are off on errands and protecting other villages," he informs the irate cub.

"Uncle Madara doesn't even hold the fort in the Uchiha compound," Sasuke scoffs. "He stays as far away from clan responsibilities as possible, he hates them."

"True, but he like Kakashi," Itachi points out. "They're rather good friends, you know."

"Sure, and Kyuubi wanted to bare my dad's cubs," the young snow leopard snorts derisively.

"… Anyway," Itachi mutters hesitantly. "You should be safe under Uncle Madara's watchful eyes."

"… Are you serious?" Sasuke gasps. "She wanted to? What the hell is wrong with her? Is she completely insane?"

"Well… yeah," the older panther chuckles. "But we won't hold that against her. After all, she's the mother of your mate."

Sasuke groans, for once wondering if marking the feisty blonde was a good idea. Though he loves his mate, he's not certain he could survive dealing with Kyuubi. With a heavy sigh, he cuddles into Itachi reluctantly and closes his eyes. Within his light doze, however, he has nightmares of his mate being stolen away.

It's midnight when Naruto wakes to the sound of whispering, the little blonde fox lifting his head curiously as the veil of sleep slowly falls away. Kyuubi and Minato are still slumbering, as is Hikari, and Naruto tries to get back to sleep… but the whispering is persistent. With a yawn, the little fox squeezes from between the other furry bodies and shakes off the lingering slumber. He trots out of the den, ears flicking to catch any dangerous noises as he scampers toward the entrance to their home.

*Odd, * he muses inwardly. *I could've sworn I heard something. *

He steps out into the open, still timid on leaving the safety of his home completely, and sniffs the cool night air. The moon is full and hanging high above in the dark sky, the stars winking all around the large body of reflected light, and Naruto can feel calm swimming through him. Unfortunately, that calm has his guard falling just a bit. A rustle in the bushes draws it back up, yet it's only a rabbit. With an excited yip, the little fox bounds out of his safe haven and chases the bunny around the clearing before remembering he's supposed to be in danger.

*I don't like being in danger, * he huffs. *It's not fun at all. *

Tucking his tail and letting his ears droop in resignation and impending scolding, Naruto heads back into the den. Just above the door, lies a snake in waiting. Just as Naruto's small body pounces on the doorstep playfully, the snake strikes out and wraps around the little fox before they disappear.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'll be working on the next one soon =) Sorry again for the misunderstanding, I'll attempt to get the names right in the future!