Disclaimer: I own the millions of brain cells that occupy my noggin…as far as I know. This also applies for the last chapter
"Talking" normal
"Talking" wolf/ 'thoughts'
The cold winter had finally arrived. For the people and animals that were in the city, this change of the season came at the worst possible time. After the attack no one was prepared for the harsh winter. Food and warmth were in short supply. Everything was destroyed and almost everyone was injured with the explosions. In short no one was remotely prepared for coldest winter to brace the earth.
Shikamaru could only feel pain throughout his body. His ear twitched as he heard the gently crackling of a fire burning. He takes a whiff of the air but all he can smell is fire. His body is slowly reacting to this new environment. He cracks an eye open and sees a dimly lit room.
He doesn't lift his head off the ground but he looks around the room. He notices a worn out blanket underneath his belly and somehow fire was on the wall. Shikamaru stretches out his paws and tries to ignore the pain and soreness he feels shoot up his legs. He tries to put weight on one paw before he slowly makes a stand.
Once on all fours Shikamaru gives the room a 360 turn. The room was empty. It was fairly small. It looked like it could house maybe two humans without being crowded. He noticed a door to his left. It looked like wood.
Shikamaru walks over and sees that the door is left open. He paws at the wooden door and it opens easily. Still not sure where he is, Shikamaru slowly sets out of the room. He looks both ways to see a dimly lit hallway. More fire is hanging on the walls. Shikamaru sniffs around the exit of the room but can sense nothing familiar.
He decides to take a chance and ventures out into the hallway. His claws against the earthy ground make the only noise down the silent hallway. He walks slowly partly due to pain but also in case something is lurking nearby. His ears do not pick up sound and his nostrils do not pick up smell.
Shikamaru doesn't know how long he was in the smoke and fire in the woods. Perhaps he was inhaling the smoke too long and his senses were damaged. He truly felt alone in this strange underground tunnel. Right now his instincts were telling him to attack anything that comes out of the dark.
He did not plan to ignore them.
In an equally uncomfortable setting, Temari did all she could to stay alive. She also made it her mission for those human bastards to not touch a single hair on Shizune's head. This caused her to use a lot of her energy and left her more often than not completely drained.
Today was no different.
All she had the strength to do was lie on the hard, cold, steel floor of her cage. She knew Shizune wasn't fairing any better. She could sense sickness coming from the human's body. They didn't receive any food or water and that only made Shizune's situation worse. Temari has tried more than once to get the humans to give something, anything to help her poor condition.
Her pleas went unanswered.
Temari hated feeling helpless. Her body was slowly recovering on its own but with no other form of treatment; she wouldn't last much longer than Shizune. All she could do was rest her injured body and wait for whatever plan Orochimaru was plotting.
She just prayed her pack made it out alive.
The doors to their prison opened loudly in their otherwise extremely silent jail.
Temari lifted her head but no one came through.
Getting a terrible feeling in the pit of her stomach Temari slowly stood on shaky legs. Her fur began to rise as she stared intensely at the empty entrance. Her eats twitched but she heard no sound. She inhaled the air but her nose picked up no scent.
Then the doors closed.
The room was enclosed with silence and darkness once again.
Temari felt the adrenaline slowly leave her bloodstream. She let herself fall onto the steel, cold, hard floor with a loud thump. Her eyes lids felt heavy. Her body weighed twice as much than she remembered. The darkness encouraged the she wolf to close her eyes and let sleep overtake her.
Their prison was always kept in darkness and no one came to disturb them. It seemed Orochimaru intended to let them rot, alone in the quiet and dark. The small window did little to provide any sun or moon light. What little light was able to pass through the window only illuminated a small part of the ceiling.
It was becoming more difficult to determine when the days ended and the nights began. No food or water was making them delirious. At some point during their captivity Shizune began to speak utter nonsense.
"Why is the darkness trying to hug me? I can't reach the white rabbit in the sky. Why is my room so small? Did I leave the stove on? Oh Sakura must be anxious if I don't take her out soon…"
Many times Temari tried to calm Shizune. Tell her that they were in a cell in a dark room.
Shizune never acknowledge her words or calls.
Temari feared if Shizune didn't get some medicine soon she would perish.
One night, Temari assumed, all the lights in their prison turned on brightly. Temari eyes burned with the intensity the lights gave off. She shut her eyes and let out a pitiful whine. Shizune groaned her discomfort and curled into a ball.
Temari didn't trust the lights to reopen her eyes. Sadly the darkness brought her more comfort than the lights. She heard the steel doors open and the sound of footsteps. They stopped in front of her cage.
"What's the matter you filthy creature? Do the lights irate your vision?" A dark chuckled followed.
Temari growled as she recognized the voice.
Kabuto
He was not intimated by the vicious sounding warning the wolf gave. Instead it further fueled his amusement.
"What do you plan to do to me? You can't see me much less attack." Kabuto adjusted his glasses before walking down a few more cells and stopping at Shizune's cell.
The woman was sweating and taking shallow breathes.
Kabuto did not want to be here but his lord gave him a task. Walking back to the crippled wolf he took out a card and slide it across a pad. The cell door easily slid opened. Temari didn't hesitate and lunged.
Kabuto expected this and wordlessly side stepped the attack. Temari skidded to a stop and quickly turned around to attack once more.
Her movements were halted when she fully opened her eyes and saw Kabuto staring down at her with a pistol in his hand.
"Now be a good dog and calmly walk out."
Temari snarled openly at him.
"Don't make this drag out longer than it has to. I'm more than willing to let your human friend die from her fever."
Temari ceased her snarls.
"Good job you mindless animal. Now walk. She'll only get treatment if you listen to everything I say."
Temari could hear Shizune's moans of discomfort and pain. She feared what Kabuto would ask of her but she had to help Shizune. She couldn't have anyone else die on her watch. Slowly Temari turns away from her prison and walks out the door.
She hears Kabuto follow behind her and the doors close.
'I'm so sorry Shizune. I won't leave you behind. I will come back and you will get help.'
Kabuto only spoke to give directions. The hallways were not brightly lit and Temari was thankful for that. As they continue to navigate through the endless maze of hallways, they did not pass a single person.
Temari didn't like being led blindly. She knew something was going to happen but she was powerless to do anything about it. After passing the trophy hall, where Orochimaru kept his prized stuffed wolves, they finally made it to their destination. It was a lone blood red door with the painting of a white flower in the center. Kabuto knocked on the door.
"Enter."
Kabuto wordlessly open the door and motioned for Temari to walk in.
She did so reluctantly.
Orochimaru smiled upon seeing Temari walk slowly into his chambers.
"Welcome my beautiful pet."
Temari snarled angrily and almost lunged for the deranged man if it were not for the sound of Kabuto cocking his weapon.
"There is no need for any hatred. Kabuto put down your arm. You are making our guest feel most unwelcomed."
Disarming himself Kabuto gave a slight bow. "Please excuse my rudeness my lord."
"All is forgiven," the snake man easily dismissed his pupil's empty apology.
Temari continue to growl and watched the man with as much hatred as she could. Orochimaru just grinned at her reaction. He loved playing with his pets. It made the otherwise boring political nonsense of killing off the wolves much more fun.
"Do come in further my dear. I need you in the center of the room."
She did not move.
"Remember what I said wolf. If you do not cooperate then Shizune gets no treatment."
Taking a deep breath Temari slowly enters deeper into the room. Once in the center she stops. She is too close to the man who she would love nothing more to do than rip out his throat. Orochimaru smiles and his eyes have a glint in them that unnerves Temari.
He walks over and gently pets the top of her head. He moves his hand under her jaw and continues his ministrations.
Temari's entire body went rigid.
"Continue to stand here quietly. Do not make a sound," Orochimaru spoke softly.
She had no other option. Her body burned with hatred as the man continued to pet her as if she were some common dog. Then she felt something stab her on her hind leg. She gave a startled whelp before collapsing.
Orochimaru stared down at his prize. He walked over to his window that overlooked his fortress. He would soon win this war. "You know what to do."
"Of course my lord," Kabuto looked down at Temari with distain. He does not outwardly protest as he lifts up the unconscious wolf. He leaves without another word.
Orochimaru looks up at the moon and laughs.
Unknowing of the evil plot that Orochimaru unleashed, those devastated of the explosions back in the city tried to rebuild and regroup in secret.
Shikamaru could only whine his apology as Shino bandaged his father's injured arm.
"Stop your whining pup. Your instincts were only trying to protect your life."
Since leaving his room and exploring the hallway Shikamaru did not expect to hear much less see a human reach out to get his attention. He did what came natural to him. He jumped and bit down hard at the threat.
In the confusion another human tackled him while a third helped the person on the ground bleeding profusely. It was a chaotic 20 minutes before everything was able to calm down and Shikamaru realized that he was not in danger.
But he did just try to kill Shibi. Luckily Shino hit him hard enough that the both toppled away from the injured man. Shikamaru did not care to learn the identity of the third man. He needed answers and he needed them now.
Once his arm was taken care of Shino stopped fussing over his father and Shibi was able to address the anxious wolf.
"I know you have a lot of questions and I'm afraid nothing I will tell you will be good news."
Shikamaru felt his whole body turn numb, as though he just jumped into an icy river.
"The only partly good news is that some of your pack mates are here safe."
Shikamaru thanked the moon and stars.
"But not everyone and some are near death with all their injuries."
Shikamaru shook his body. He stared Shibi in the eyes. He needed to hear everything.
Shibi rubbed his eyes tiredly then adjusted his glasses.
"To start I think you can vaguely remember the explosions that were set off in the city and woods?"
Shikamaru pawed the ground once to respond "yes."
"The city is in ruins as well as the woods. The hunters did little to try and help the civilians with the aftermath of their attacks. Winter brought snow early this year and the people have nothing to warm their bodies or food to fill their bellies. At this rate the people will be at the mercy of the hunters for supplies."
Shibi ran a hand through his hair. He was tired but continued his story.
"Well we managed to handle the handful of hunters that had entered the city but reinforcements soon came. The citizens stayed up at the city while those of us who knew of the wolf situation came underground."
Shikamaru tilted his head. They were underground?
"We are currently under the city. These tunnels were dug out centuries ago. Most of the general population has no idea. Initially these tunnels were built so the people had somewhere to go in case of war or some sort of natural disaster." Shino answered for his father.
"Luckily our friend here knew the entrance and we were able to escape." Shibi gestured to the white haired man standing opposite of him.
Shikamaru turned to look at the man but returned his gaze to Shibi.
"We found you alone in the rubble and brought you here to heal. You drifted in and out of consciousness for over a week."
Shikamaru almost fell over at the news. He was out for a week?!
"While you recovered we went out to see if we could find friendly faces to help. More often we encountered wolves out for some sort of vengeance or whose minds that had been erased by Orochimaru. We were fortunate to find familiar faces such as Gaara."
Shibi stopped talking. The white haired man finally spoke. "Shibi you cannot hesitate now."
Shikamaru felt dread spread throughout his body.
"One of our allies caught a glimpse of a wolf matching the description of Sai. It seems this black wolf walked up to a group of hunters and just left with them."
Shikamaru didn't expect this kind of news. Did a fellow wolf betray them? He didn't care to stop the angry growl that left his throat. He continued to look into the eyes of Shibi. Wait for the man to continue his story, but he remained silent.
"Perhaps it would be better for him to see the other wolves," Shino suggested to his father.
Shikamaru barked eagerly. With any luck he would see Neji, Sasuke, Hinata, and Temari all safe in this underground tunnel.
Shibi turned to his son grateful for the distraction. "Shino take him to the others. I will remain here and discuss our situation with Kakashi."
Shino nodded and gestured for Shikamaru to follow him.
Shikamaru gave a low howl to show his thanks.
Shibi only shook his head sadly, "I am sorry."
Shikamaru followed Shino in silence. Shibi's apology did not sit well with him. Why was he apologizing? For not saving all his pack mates? For the madness of a single man? Shikamaru felt his mind swirling. He was missing important information and he needed answers.
Shino stopped in front of another wooden door. He opened the door and Shikamaru looked in.
He saw Hinata and Neji looking down at a terribly injured Tenten.
Neji reacted first and snapped his jaws at the sudden intrusion. Once he saw his lost pack mate he calmed his protective instincts. Hinata began to whine at the sheer joy of seeing her dear friend.
Shikamaru quickly made his way over and greeted his pack mates. Hinata eagerly returned his licks and nips. When the genius wolf turned his attention to Neji, the light eyed wolf only looked him over to see the extent of his injuries. He then turned his focus back to Tenten.
Shikamaru looked down at the injured wolf.
She was covered in bandages that were red with blood. Her fur was matted with dry blood and various wounds covered her body. If it weren't for her chest rising and falling with each breath, Shikamaru would have thought she was dead.
He pinned his ears back and let out a whine. He moved in to nudge her but Neji tackled him to the ground.
"Do not touch her." Neji snarled angrily. Pure venom coated in his words.
Shikamaru just stared at his pack mate in confusion and hurt.
Neji returned to his spot next to Tenten's side.
Shikamaru slowly stood up and turned to Hinata for answers.
"I-I'm sorry. She's just badly hurt and Neji is extremely worried about her. She hasn't woken up since they were found. Her healing is painfully slow."
He backed up slowly to give them space. "I understand that but why did you attack me Neji? You know I wouldn't hurt her."
Neji did not defend his actions. He merely continued to watch Tenten. Making sure she was breathing and alive.
Shino watched all this play out in silence. He knew better than to get involved. He nearly lost a leg when he first tried to treat Tenten's wounds. Neji didn't even allow his wounds to be seen until he was certain Tenten got all the medical attention she deserved. Hinata was the only one who seemed to be able to communicate with Neji without getting attacked. When nothing else was said between the three wolves he slowly got the attention of Shikamaru.
"Let us move on to Gaara. Tenten needs her rest and I'm sure Neji would appreciate if we did not disturb her."
Hinata whined out an apology. Shikamaru shook his head, "it's alright I understand."
"N-No not for this. F-For….I…..I'm so sorry."
Shikamaru felt his body once again fill with dread. Why was Hinata apologizing? It sounded like it pained her to say it. It sounded much like Shibi's apology.
But why?
Shino and Shikamaru quietly made their way out of the room and silently shut the door.
Shino led the wolf down a few more doors before stopping.
"Before you enter I too want to apologize. You have my sincerest apologizes."
Shikamaru starred at the human in pure confusion.
Why was everyone sorry?
What has happened?
Shino gave no other explanation and just opened the door.
Shikamaru looked into the room and spotted Gaara and Kankuro lying on the floor.
He cautiously made his way in. "Hey guys. Glad to see you're alive."
They made no sound or movement.
"Are you guys ok?" Shikamaru regretted the question as soon as it left his mouth.
Gaara laughed.
Not in joy but a painful sad laugh.
"We will never be ok. I will kill every single hunter on this earth."
Shikamaru took a few steps back at the pure anger and pain in Gaara's voice. Before he could utter another word a piece of paper was swiped in his direction.
The paper floated until reaching the ground where Shikamaru stood. The wolf was confused at the alpha's actions but nevertheless looked down to see what was on the paper.
He felt all the oxygen leave his body.
His body felt hollow and it began to tremble.
He was frozen.
He couldn't move.
He couldn't look away from the image that was on the paper.
The image on the paper showed a dead wolf. But not just any wolf.
It was Temari.
…..ya sooo the story is probably going to continue down this road until I can find a way to make it happy again.
I know it's been a long time but I do really appreciate any comments or feedback you guys might have. Thanks for reading!