Howdy readers. Thanks to those who dare leave me a comment! And the one that loves to leave flames! I love to know that I'm catching the attention of those lovers and haters out there! Did you know that I used to think that in that song, it was sung "bakers wanna bake bake bake.." and it was told to me that no no no ! It's "haters wanna hate hate hate"! I laugh now because i think haters as bakers now.
Anyhow, again to those who leave a comment! It takes a lot of effort to do so eh!?
And sometimes the comments scare me because there are readers that i SWEAR are reading my mind and plot ideas! hehe! Thanks again!
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Karin snuffed at the unconscious wolf on the floor as she moved quickly to hunt down another. She was pissed and she could feel the electricity running through her skin, fueling her anger at the wolves that dare break into her home. She listened to hear random fights in other rooms as the Uchiha pack members fought gallantly. The rooms around her were in shambles and she moved quickly down the corridors, helping out other Uchiha members that were still fighting against other intruder wolves. As she flipped a smaller one off a fellow pack member, she suddenly stopped, tiling her head and listening. She used her nose to find a trail of the strange wolves when her fur stood on end. The trail was leading to the basement. She snarled loudly as she took off to where Naruto and Haku were.
As she zoomed down the stairs, she heard the fox snarl and crying out and Karin put on the speed. She caught the smell of blood and something else she couldn't determine what it was. Her heart beat sped up as her wolf released more adrenaline that fed the anger that already pumped through her blood. She scraped her claws upon the floor as she snarled her deepest threatening sounds that vibrated through the room. Her jaws snapped viciously through barks as she found Naruto pushed against a wall, trying to move away from the two threatening wolves, blood trailing from him but she wasn't sure where it was coming from. Her heart cried out as she saw the still swollen stomach of the fox, his fur wet with sweat and blood eyes glowing red but his body was obviously tired, as he tried to snap and swipe out at the two wolves. The two wolves had Naruto cornered and she saw the blood on both the brown wolves paws. The rage flared as she bore her fangs and took flight straight into the wolves.
==/\/\==
Kakashi jumped from his jeep, parked quite a ways off from the manor so he wouldn't be seen. He hoped that the others got here soon if not already, as he sprinted up the road. Sticking to the shadows on the side of the road, he slowed slightly to get a better idea of what was going on. He could hear the commotion inside of howls, barking, screaming and some war cries. Not to mention the breaking of furniture and glass.
"Kakashi! Over here!"
Kakashi turned and mentally sighed out in relief. "Asuma, you got here!" He slapped a hand on Asuma's shoulder as they met near inside the shadows. He looked behind him to find a few more bodies had emerged from the darkness. "I'm so glad you all made it, I'll fill you in." Kakashi and the group huddled in the shadows, discussing the plan.
"I know Itachi, Sasuke and their top guard are at the Sanin Clan currently. It's several hours from here, they are most likely on their way, but we need to get this under control. I have reason to believe that this may be a set up by the Sanin clan, since Orochimaru had Naruto to begin with on several occasions," he seethed out the last bit. "We'll split up and find Naruto. If you find him, stay, protect and the rest of us will continue to search until we meet up." All the other members nodded and grunted out their approvals as they broke up into teams of two and heading in different directions around the manor.
The Hogosha members wasted no time in shifting into wolf form, getting into the manor and assisting any Uchiha clan member and any staff in the household. They appeared to make quick work and Kakashi rushed around the corridors, trying to find Naruto's scent. In a large style kitchen, Kakashi found an entrance, with the door ripped off and Kakashi could smell blood, one of them he knew to be Naruto's. Since he didn't know what to expect down there, he just rubbed his scent all around the opening of the doorway as a sign to the Hogosha that he had gone this way. He didn't want a howl or bark to notify anyone that may be an enemy at the bottom of these stairs. He quietly made his way down, listening for any signed of enemies. He could hear a fight going on, but didn't know how many were down here. He prepared himself, he would ensure that Naruto was safe.
==/\/\==
'They won't stop coming DAMMIT!' Sasuke growled out in the bond. 'How many have they got in their pack!?' Sasuke flipped yet another wolf off his back. He looked quickly at Itachi and Jugo who had the upper hand and finishing them off. They had all managed to get out of the original room, but were ambushed in the corridor as they tried to make their way out of the Sanin manor.
'There's more coming, be on your guard, we need a plan!' Itachi barked out.
'What do you think I'm doing for fucks sakes!' Sasuke snarled out. His alpha was absolutely furious with how they were still trapped within this foreign manor and not on their way to their omega. He charged at another wolf that came around from behind, his teeth clamping onto the scruff of the smaller wolf and flinging it into the wall. His alpha huffed out in satisfaction hearing the crack in the wall and watching plaster fall upon the now limp wolf.
'Itachi-sama! Sasuke-sama! Watch out!' Jugo called out as he head butted a wolf into a pillar. Itachi and Sasuke stood in attack stance as a large ground of wolves came from the far end of the corridor they were in.
'Oh for fucks sake,' Sasuke hissed out. 'There's about 15 of them…' Sasuke's lips curled up as he gnashed his teeth.
'Keep together, form a circle. That way we can see each other if one of us needs assistance,' Itachi growled out as he thumped his paws constantly. He could feel his alpha itching to destroy these insolent obstacles so he could get out to his omega. Like Sasuke, his alpha was outraged that they were currently restricted on getting out of this building. Sasuke and Jugo took to on each side of Itachi as they primed themselves, ready to attack.
A large deep coloured blue wolf flew into the air from behind the pack of Sanin wolves and bowled two wolves over. The Sanin pack had just noticed the rear attack when a fiery red haired wolf with black patches came from behind as well and attached its muzzle to one of the Sanin wolves, successfully knocking it over.
'Kisame and Sasori!' Itachi howled out and charged forward, intent on helping the two wolves in taking down the pack of Sanin wolves. Sasuke and Jugo dug their claws in and sprinted towards the group. Sasuke and Jugo grabs muzzles full of fur and flipped about any Sanin wolves they could. Teeth, fur, blood flew about, complete with the sounds of snarling, growls, barking and wails of pain.
Several minutes later, Itachi nodded at Kisame and Sasori as all five took off towards the nearest exit.'How did you know?' Itachi barked out to the two wolves.
'Tobi-sama said you were meeting with these unsavory characters and after what happened on the island, Tobi-sama stated, and I quote: "…can't trust those ankle biters as far as I could whip em!"…unquote," Kisame started chuckling. 'So he wanted us to come check it out and it's a good thing we did!'
'I thank you both for your assistance heavily. We must head back to the Uchiha manor as they may be under attack. By who, I can only assume,' Itachi snarled out as they now ran together through a dense forest.
'Well then, we will have to go with you in case you need us again,' Kisame chuckled out. 'Sasori and I love kicking some ass!' Sasori yipped happily in agreement from behind them. With approval grunts and howls, the five dug in their paws and zigzagged through the dense forest with one destination in mind.
==/\/\==
Asuma growled and snarled as he tossed a limp wolf away from him. 'Clear here!' he called to the other Hogosha members. 'Anyone find Naruto?' he called out.
'Clear and nothing here!' Kurenai barked out.
'I've got a scent this way,' Anko barked out. 'Zabuza took off on a few wolves we just met.' She put her nose to the floor and hurried down a corridor, Asuma and Kurenai behind her. As they rounded a turn, their path was cute off by several wolves that snarled and barked. 'Ah shit,' Anko snapped out. 'The scent goes behind them.' She gave several warning barks at the group of snarling wolves, who in turn just began to rush at them. 'Ah fuck, how many are there?' Anko yipped out.
'Less chat and more fight Anko!' Kurenai yipped out at her before head butting a wolf and sending it flying. ' We can take em! Lets show em who they dealing with! YAY!' Kurenai charged through the pack of wolves.
==/\/\==
Karin struggled with getting the two wolves down. They were good, she would given em that, but they just wouldn't stay down! She could feel herself slowing down and she quickly glanced at the fox in the corner. He still had some strength to snarl, but only between heavy and hard pants. The fox was losing strength and fast. Labour waited for nothing, and she didn't know if it was a bad omen or just bad luck that the fox went into labour while being in lock down.
'UUMMPHHHhh!' Karin grunted out as one of the wolves body slammed her into a cabinet. The large wolf bared his fangs as it stalked Karin who struggled to get back on her feet. She panted heavily, her legs quivering, but she refused to give up. She glanced at Naruto again, and seen that the other wolf was snapping at him, his claws striking and at times cutting the fox's skin, causing Naruto to wail out in pain and try to retaliate in return. Karin bounded up and charged at the other wolf. She had to keep going!
A blur of gray zoomed past her and tumbled into the other brown wolf that was attacking Naruto. Karin slid to a stop, her eyes surprised as her nose picks up a familiar scent. 'Kakashi-san!' Karin felt herself breath in relief as she moved towards Naruto, who appeared to be slipping to the floor. 'Naruto!' Karin called out as she moved towards him but didn't make it as the other wolf she was fighting against clamped his teeth onto her leg. 'ARRHH!' Karin called out in pain as her paws gave out from under her and the enemy wolf dragged her back away from Naruto. She curled her body so she could reach around and send a clawed blow to the muzzle of the wolf she was fighting earlier, only to find the teeth on her leg were now gone.
'Not this TIME!' A snarled howl echoed through the room and a muzzle grabbed the enemy wolf that howled and whined in pain and surprise. Karin flopped to her side, panting heavily as she watched a large longer haired dark brown wolf with red markings on its face and ears attack the enemy wolf. 'Who the hell…' Karin laid still for a moment, watching as the gray wolf on the one end of the room from earlier knock the now unconscious enemy wolf to the side, 'Kakashi,' she thought, and then looked at how the other larger dark brown wolf easily knocked the last enemy about the room like a rag doll. 'Kiba!' Karin thought out exhausted. Her body relaxed from her excitement as she whimpered happily watching Kiba make short work of the last enemy wolf.
'Hiya babe!' Kiba yipped out as he trotted to where she lay. 'Heard there was a party I needed to crash!' Kiba brought his muzzle over to Karin and rubbed his cheek against her. He growled lowly as he then noticed her injuries.
'They aren't that bad. Looks worse than I feel,' Karin whimpered out slightly as she struggled to get to her feet. Kiba threw his head under hers and assisted her. 'But Naruto…' she whispered out as she quickly turned to see Kakashi heading to where Naruto was laying.
The fox was collapsed on the floor still, in the corner, but more blood seemed to be pooling around him. His swollen stomach was rising up and down rapidly from Naruto's shortened breaths and his beautiful coat was soaking wet with secretions and blood. His eyes were rolled up and it was an eerie site to see only the whites of the fox's eyes.
'Oh my god, NARTUO!' Karin called out as she quickly went to his side to survey her friend. Naruto was unconscious but Karin could see that it did not stop the muscles contracting all throughout this lower body. His body was struggling to deliver the babies, but without a conscious effort, the pups were stuck within their momma. Bloody clawed rips in his skin marks littered his body, his tails were soaked with the fluids from the amniotic sac, mixed with bloody secretions. 'Oh my god, Kiba, I-I don't know what to do!' Karin wailed out.
Naruto opened his eyes to see blue sky. He blinked again, rubbed his eyes and the same brilliant blue sky was there. His nose picked up the scents of flowers, grass and fresh air. He felt the ground beneath him and moved his fingers to confirm his suspicions. He was in the middle of a field. He quickly lifted himself up, seeing flowers and the tall wild grass blowing gently in the wind. 'Huh…what happened?' He brought himself to stand and took in the scene. The sun was shining brightly, the sky was a pristine blue and the slight breeze was warm. He knew where he was, but he didn't know why. He brought his hands to his stomach and he frowned. It was flat, no babies. 'Sasuke!? My babies?! What the hell? Please…I don't wanna die! Not now! No!" He felt the unmistakable sting of tears begging to form and he fell to his knees. "Not now, this isn't fair!" He wailed out.
"Naruto," the voice cracked through the air.
Naruto sobbed slightly before turning his head to see red hair flowing and deep red eyes staring down at him.
"FUCK YOU! I'm not dead! I refuse to die! ASSHOLE!" Naruto screamed out at Honshu as he jumped up and threw himself at Honshu, his fists banging against the massive chest. The tears falling as the profanity left his lips and he punched over and over. "You can't DO THIS! You PROMISED! You promised!" Honshu just stood still as the small human continued to punch at him.
Honshu then moved his large wolf paw behind Naruto and pulled the blond into his chest, hugging him close. Naruto's continued to scream, sob and wail into Honshu's chest as his limbs slowly lost strength to continue to hit the god. Honshu held him until the blond fell limply against him, his sobs quieting down to smaller hiccups. "It's alright, I've got you," Honshu purred out.
==/\/\==
The Uchiha manor was within a few miles and Sasuke felt his anxiety rising to whole new level. His inner alpha wolf clawed relentlessly at his mental self, wanting to be releasedto get them to their omega. Sasuke clamped his mental walls hard on the wolf, trying to calm it, letting it know they were on their way to their very pregnant mate. The lightening shot of pain through his neck had Sasuke wince and stumble briefly.
'Sasuke!' Itachi called out. His thoughts heavy with concern as he ran up next to Sasuke.
'I-I'm alright, I think. But something's wrong. I need to hurry,' Sasuke panted out and dug his claws harder into the soft forest floor.
Itachi grunted out in agreement. Itachi himself had felt the pain of his mate through their bond, and his own alpha was not a patient wolf. Itachi masked his pain well, but inside the rage boiled forth and he didn't know how much longer he could hold back the alpha within from taking over. Itachi's mentality may be strong, but having a bond mate was completely new and the mentality of the alpha had changed that took some time to get used to. The inner alpha continued to slam itself and claw against the mental walls, causing Itachi to flinch in discomfort continuously. He only hoped that his worse thoughts were not true and they all arrive in time.
As they ran the final mile, they could smell the blood and feel the panic and restlessness of the persons within the manor. All five wolves raced to the home to find the front yard a bustle of wolves and humans. Many of the wounded humans and wolves were being patched up, the enemies were bound, tied and some gagged. The amount of activity moving about the yard surprised them all.
"Ah Itachi-sama, welcome home!" Tobi jumped up waving from the front step. He bounced down the stairs and bounded up to Itachi, skidding to a halt at his nose. "I brought reinforcements when I suspected something, and damn! Am I ever glad I did!" Tobi threw his arms up and twirled around. "Who'd of thought!" He finished twirling, placing his hands on his hips and nodding his masked face up and down.
Itachi, Sasuke and Jugo looked about. Several enemy wolves were bound but not fighting back. There were wolves from Tobi's clan that was guarding them all closely. The Uchiha staff and other Uchiha members were being patched up by persons of Tobi's clan and others that weren't.
"Turns out there were a couple council members that came and offered some assistance!" Tobi exclaimed, pointing to various strangers that were assisting the wounded.
Itachi and Sasuke looked at each other quickly. 'Council! NO! Naruto!' Sasuke growled out furiously as he sprinted to the doors, Itachi on his heels.
"Was it something I said?" Tobi scratched the side of his head, as he watched the three wolves sprint into the manor. He then strolled in behind them.
Sasuke tore through the entrance and up the stairs to where his and Naruto's room was. He skidded to a halt to find Karin, Kakashi and the guy that Sasuke recalled who was trying to get Naruto some time ago. They were all standing outside the door of his and Naruto's room and he bore his teeth releasing a menacing growl.
'Get out of the way KARIN!' Sasuke barked at her with the promise of wrath behind his voice. His hackles were standing high and his claws were poking into the flooring with every second the three stood in his way. He felt his brother come up beside him, demanding to know what the situation was.
Karin shook her head. "Sasuke, you can't, not yet. Th-they are trying to save them—them both," she choked out. "N-Naru-to, he-he fought so h-hard," she began sobbing into the brunette's shoulder. "And H-Haku…" she managed to sniffle out.
Sasuke saw red. The brunette with Karin was the he knew as the one that was trying to woo Naruto together with the thought of his mate being attacked, his unborn pups in danger and now he was being denied access. His alpha ripped at his mentality as it pushed hard to gain control. He rushed at the door, his mind only set on getting behind the wall to where his mate and pups were. He never heard his brother or Jugo calling out to him before he was lost to darkness.
==/\/\==
Sasuke ran through the tall grass and flowers of the meadow. The sun was shining brightly against a deep blue sky and a slight breeze rustled through the long grass and flowers. He looked about as he continued running, his mind fearful of what he wouldn't find here. He could feel his heart thumping hard against his chest with anxiety as his eyes continued to move around the meadow and not seeing what he was looking for. He worried on his bottom lip but kept racing through.
A familiar figure caught in his peripheral vision and he stopped and looked full on. The massive figure stood beneath a familiar tree, the breeze causing the cloak to rustle slightly. Sasuke's heart dropped hard and he swallowed as he walked towards the figure. His feet now felt heavy and a chill erupted through his skin as he made his way to the tree.
"Honshu-sama," Sasuke breathed out as best he could and gave a small bow. His heart unforgivingly wouldn't stop thumping relentlessly against his chest given at the anxiety he felt seeing the figure. With Honshu here, does that mean…Naruto…his pups…? Sasuke grit his teeth at the mere thought of any of them gone from his life.
The hooded figure bowed its head slightly before removing the hood and revealing the long flowing deep red hair and deep wine coloured red eyes. Sasuke gulped hard as those eyes bore into his, showing something akin to disappointment.
Sasuke looked around Honshu and turned his head slightly to see if there was anyone else. He felt saddened when he realized it was only the two of them.
"Sasuke Uchiha, I had given you the choice and from the recent events, I fear that perhaps your choice was not the best one." Honshu shook his wolf head sadly as he frowned. "The events that had led to Asuri's ancestor current predicament is nothing more than a repeat of the centuries. As we had discussed prior, you know that I will not and cannot let this continue…"
"NO! You can't! You haven't even—" Sasuke started to spit out.
"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" Honshu fiercely barked out. Thunder crashed in the distance as a gale forced wind whipped through Sasuke's hair and the sky darkened. "HAVEN'T I SUFFERED ENOUGH!?HASN'T ASURI'S SOUL SUFFERED THE PAIN LONG ENOUGH?! HOW MUCH MORE OF YOUR SELFISHNESS DO YOU PLAN TO BRING INTO HIS WORLD SASUKE UCHIHA?!" Honshu barked out continuously towards Sasuke with red hair lashing about up and around looking like flames. Honshu's eyes glowed like beacons and with every flare of his arms, lightening crashed across the sky.
Honshu's anger showed in his body and in nature around them and Sasuke could admit, he was absolutely, positively, frightened. Not for himself, but for what Honshu was suggesting. Sasuke dropped to his knees, his head instantly lowered, his fists clenched at his sides and he closed his eyes. "Please…Honshu-sama…" he whispered softly, a tear escaped and fell quietly down a cheek. "Please…don't take him away. H-he is my everything…" he brought his hands to his face as another tear slipped out. "He deserves the world….Take—take me instead…"
==/\/\==
Sasuke saw a ceiling all too familiar. His realized he was in a room at the Uchiha manor. He blinked suddenly as he realized the few tear tracks on his face. Suddenly his heart clenched painfully as he recalled his conversation with Honshu. If he was here, in the Uchiha manor, obviously Honshu didn't listen to his request and he squeezed his eyes shut as he felt the bubble of tears push to his eyes. 'NO NO NO NO! It's not supposed to be this way! Naruto!' he screamed to himself as he brought a fist into his mouth and bit hard. The tears forced their way out between his eyes lids as he began to gasp out sobs. He didn't want to be here, he wanted to be dead. The sorrow exploded within himself and his wolf at the thought of his world without Naruto and his pups. He couldn't hold the pain as he arched his back and together with his wolf, released a sorrowful howling wail within the room. His fists clenched hard and squeezed blood as his claws ripped into his palms. His body flung back and forth as the wolf cried out in agony and Sasuke let it.
Itachi rushed into the room with Jugo and brought a cloth to Sasuke's forehead. "Shhh…shhhh otouto, it's alright," Itachi purred out, trying to calm the younger alpha. Itachi continued to apply soft strokes of the warm cloth around Sasuke's face, purring and whispering calming words. Jugo attended to Sasuke's palms so he wouldn't continue to damage them. After several minutes Sasuke and his alpha calmed, his chest still gasping in breaths as Sasuke's eyes opened to focus on Itachi.
"Nii-san?" Sasuke hiccupped out in sobs. He brought an arm and placed it over his eyes. "H-he...our pups—g—gone aren't they? H-he was so angry with me…" A few tears slipped through.
"Otouto. You aren't making sense. Who?" Itachi questioned.
"Please spare me the details nii-san," Sasuke breathed out and rolled over. His heart hurt badly and he just wanted to fade away. Without Naruto and their pups, he couldn't foresee a future.
"Time to get up you brat," a hoarse voice broke through the heavy atmosphere. "You're presence is required."
Sasuke turned to the voice to find a large breast cleavage blocking his vision. "What the f—" he spat out angrily.
"Finish that and I'll knock you into next week you irritable little shit!" the voice growled out and a face came into Sasuke's view.
"Who the fuck are you?!" Sasuke growled out, his eyes flickering to red instantly. How dare this woman be in his home and speaking to him like this!
"Otouto! Calm yourself," Itachi barked out and put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. The busty woman's face frowned and reddened as well as she appeared aggravated at the younger Uchiha. "This is council member Tsunade-sama. She is the best in her field otouto," he smiled warmly at Sasuke. Sasuke's anger turned into a confused look. "She is Shizune-chan's sensei." Sasuke shook his head slightly at Itachi, the confusion still in his eyes.
"A council member? Are you fucking serious Itachi?" Sasuke seethed out between his teeth. "What have you done?!" Sasuke was outraged. The very thought of any council members being allowed into their home after what they have done in the past! His canines and claws began to extend. The very thought of the council member violating Naruto and his pups bodies infuriated him and his wolf. The lowly threatening growls began to erupt from deep within him. "If you think for a secondthat you will be near their bodies—!" Sasuke began to get up, intent on ripping this woman apart.
"ENOUGH!" Itachi barked out. His deep voice broke through the growing aggravation in the room that had Sasuke shrink and whimper slightly. "Enough otouto…" Itachi spoke more calmly as he placed his hand on Sasuke's crown. "Listen to her."
The busty woman, Sasuke now knew as Tsunade-sama, crossed her arms over her chest, (Sasuke was impressed she could) and growled at Sasuke. "Now listen here you little shit," she spit out with a snap. "I need you to come to the other room and bond with your pups now!"
'Wait? What?' Sasuke's eyes widened into saucers. "My p-pups?" Sasuke sat up suddenly, grabbing Tsunade's biceps. "What of my pups? N-Naruto?" He shook her slightly, his eyes searching hers.
Tsunade smirked and allowed Sasuke to place his hands on her. She then smiled softly, "yes Sasuke, your pups and Naruto need you."
That's all Sasuke needed to hear as he bounced out of the bed, stumbling and tripping as he rushed for the door. His nose picking up the scent instantly of disinfecting solutions that is normally smelled in a hospital or doctor's office coming directly from his and Naruto's screeched to a halt, his hand shaking as he held the door knob while trying to turn it. He felt Tsunade behind him and she pushed on the door to open it as he managed to turn the knob. Sasuke felt his heart hammer in his chest as he peeked into the room.
The sun was starting to rise and filter through the windows. The curtains were drawn slightly open to allow the sun to come in. An IV pole was standing right by the bed, a beeping noise was heard and Sasuke knew it was a medical device to determine someone's vitals. He saw a familiar form in his—"our!"—bed and the sunshine gold strands highlighted by the sun beams streaming through the window. He stumbled slowly into the room, towards the bed, holding his breath as his mind was blank. His wolf was stunned silent as well; his mind was overwhelmed with—with…what? He didn't know—it was all so surreal. He felt a hand grasp his arm, and he allowed himself be guided towards the bed. His heart skipped a beat at seeing Naruto, slightly pale but breathing as if he was sleeping. His hand went to his lips as he bit back a sob when his eyes fell upon the sunken cheek bones, the cracked lips and darkness pooled under the closed eyes. He took the final steps to Naruto's side and fell to his knees. His hand shaking as he tried to cup his palm upon Naruto's cheek.
"He's in a coma," Tsunade whispered out. Sasuke choked on a sudden gasp and a sob. "But, he's healing well. I expect a full recovery. His body needs time to rest and recover. His mentality is aware of this, therefore has forced his body to sleep."
Sasuke hiccupped out a half laugh or sob, he didn't know which it was, but his heart was aching with so much need, relief, sadness, and he didn't know how he could withstand anymore. He stroked his fingertips along Naruto's sleeping forehead and trailed down to cheekbones and down to his chin. "I'm so sorry. Forgive me," Sasuke whispered out.
"The pups however…" Tsunade spoke out. Sasuke gasped as he turned to see there was no swollen area on Naruto. Sasuke didn't want to know, yet he wanted to know. He looked over at Tsunade who made her way to the other side of the bed. She pulled a curtain over that Sasuke didn't notice before. "The three are healthy and strong. The fourth though…she's small, but I'm certain she is a fighter." Tsunade smiled as she looked beneath a heating lamp and into a mass of blankets.
Sasuke tripped up as fast as he could, running around the bed to the small incubator that was hidden by a circular curtain contraption. He held his breath as he looked through the mass of nesting blankets to find four black furred pups, all huddled together, their paws and pink noses twitching as they dreamed in their sleep. Sasuke's tears fell as he took in the site of the shiny black furred coats of all the pups, their eyes shut closed, their ears flat against their heads, their paws the size of quarters except for the one who was substantially smaller than the other three. His alpha shuddered in excitement and pride and Sasuke couldn't hold back the hiccups of happy sobs."F-four? B-but Shizune..." he stuttered out. His hands stroked the sides of the container. He was so itching to touch, but he wasn't sure.
"It has been known to happen Sasuke-kun," Tsunade started. "Because she is so small, her big brother's hid her well." She smiled broadly. "She may be small like I said, but her vitals are healthy and strong. I expect her to be quite the whipper snapper!" She barked out a huge laugh.
"They're all black," Sasuke sniffled happily.
"Well, if you know anything about foxes there brat, fox kits are born all black you know." Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise for the second time that morning. "So you won't know what fox or wolf trait these little ones have taken on till their much older." Tsunade reached to the side grabbing at something. "Since Naruto is unable to care for them as a momma would, you will need to provide for them full time." She pulled out a small bottle, shaking it slightly. "Shinzune-chan has prepared several nutritional milk supplements for them and will be monitoring Naruto and your children round the clock. She will also be educating you on caring for them. Understood?" Tsunade informed with a firm tone.
Sasuke silently looked up and just nodded. His mind was an emotional mess. Naruto…is here, safe, alive and his pups…his beautiful family, all safe and in his home. His mind didn't know if it should laugh or cry or a mixture of both. He looked down upon his four children once again, his heart ached to scoop them up and—and… he really didn't know.
"Your instincts are demanding you to do something now aren't they Sasuke-kun?" Tsunade smirked out slightly as she caught Sasuke's attention. "You are required to bond with your offspring, as your own parents had done with you. Historically and culturally you both would be in the nest, scenting each other consistently for the next few weeks, but…" Tsunade looked at the sleeping Naruto. "You will have to start and manually move the pups with Naruto."
Sasuke quivered with anticipation. His pups! His pups! His alpha demanded he scent them now! Gingerly he picked up a pup. His body shook with curiosity and excitement as he found the small pup to fit well within his two hands cupped together. He unconsciously measured up the size of the pup to a loaf of bread. The slick black fur was silky soft, the pup radiated heat like an oven (he read this was normal), its folded ears and shut eyes made the pup look so fragile and the pup squalled slightly as it was shaken from its deep sleep. Sasuke melted instantly at the sound and brought the small pup to his cheek. He rubbed consistently around the face and head of the small pup before putting it back beneath the lamp and repeating with the others. He saved his daughter for last. As he held her in his hands, he found she fit into only one palm and she actually yipped out almost in a growl as she was taken from her source of heat. Sasuke smiled warmly and held his daughter close to his face. He scented her a little longer than the boys, feeling the desire to protect her the most.
"Good, now Shizune-chan will help you feed and scent the pups with Naruto over the next few days. She will send me reports on Naruto's progress and will contact me with any concerns that may arise. I may not be here, but can be here on a moment's notice." She moved away from the bed and opened the door. "I'll leave you for now, I need to attend to your brother." She slipped out of the room.
Sasuke instantly felt guilty. His brother! Haku! What of them?! His sibling was in need but his parental instincts pulled at him to stay with Naruto and his pups. He felt conflicted and pushed a hand through his hair. He looked over to Naruto, who hadn't changed since he arrived. He bent over and kissed his forehead. "I'll be back shortly. I will check on Haku and tell you what I find out." Sasuke knew that Naruto cared for Haku deeply and would want to know. Sasuke turned to the incubator and closed the curtains around it, after running his fingers over each pup quickly. "Daddy will be right back," he whispered and slipped out of the room.
Sasuke paced outside of Itachi and Haku's room. He didn't know what to expect, and honestly he didn't know what he could handle. He tried not to think of the worst. There was still so many questions upon questions that needed to be dealt with. What happened while they were at Sanin manor? How did Tobi's pack get here? What happened to him after he arrived? Who were all the other wolves and humans that were at the manor? Why was the council involved? Who was trustworthy within the council? Without knowing, Jugo came up the way and stood before Sasuke. He suddenly snapped his eyes to him, "Jugo, what can you tell me?"
"Haku-sama was injured protecting Naruto in the safe rooms," Jugo started and Sasuke cringed at the thought. "Thankfully, when Shinzune-chan and Tsunade-sama arrived, they were able to care for Haku-sama and Naruto-sama immediately." Sasuke tilted his head, giving the silent encouragement to continue. "Naruto-sama and Haku-sama were trapped in the safe rooms and Naruto-sama went into labour." Sasuke cringed again, at the thought of his mate trapped and in agony. "Haku-sama fought bravely," Jugo gave a small smile. "But he wasn't able to keep two enemy wolves away. Karin-chan came in right after Haku-sama fell." Jugo then frowned slightly. Sasuke gave Jugo a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Karin-chan did well, but she too, could not defeat two of them. Thankfully, Kiba-kun and Kakashi-san arrived." Sasuke nodded. "Kakashi-san arrived with the Hogosha members. Tobi-sama arrived just before the council members." Jugo trailed off.
"Thank you Jugo, it's more than I knew." Sasuke thanked him quietly. Jugo hummed in agreement as the door clicked opened. Sasuke turned to find Itachi coming. "Nii-san…" Sasuke started but his brother held his hand up to silence him.
"Let us go to the library to chat. Jugo, tea if you please," Itachi spoke softly as he turned down the corridor. Jugo nodded and Sasuke followed quietly.
"I'm sure you have many questions otouto," Itachi started as he stirred his tea. Jugo had set them both up with tea in the library before leaving them. "To start, your wolf was incredibly distressed after we arrived. I, with the help of Jugo, needed to render you unconscious. I apologize for having to do so otouto." Itachi's eyes were sad as he stared at Sasuke. Sasuke just grunted a response to the apology as he sipped at his tea. Itachi could see that his otouto did not hold any anger towards him for that stunt. "We had come back to the finished battle apparently," Itachi continued. "Tobi-sama was most insightful in sending his pack to where we were and to the manor." Itachi huffed out a small smile. "I, we—owe that pack a debt otouto."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. Without their help, he didn't want to think about where they may have ended up. Sasuke's attention was grabbed when Tsunade walked into the library, Jugo holding the door.
"All right Itachi, I have the final readings." She glanced at Sasuke and then at Itachi with a raise of a brow. Itachi nodded that it was fine that Sasuke be present. She huffed and took a sake cup from Jugo when he offered. "Haku-kun lost a lot of blood, but thankfully no serious injuries to his internal organs." Itachi's stiff shoulders suddenly relaxed and he released a long breath of relief. "He is healing quickly and from what I can tell, there are no permanent injuries and the pups are safe."
Itachi's teacup dropped to the floor. Sasuke's mouth actually fell open as he blinked and gaped at Itachi.
"E-Excuse me?" Itachi stumbled over the words. Tsunade grinned as she slammed back the liquid and nodded at Jugo for a refill. "Since Shizune-chan will be here monitoring Sasuke's family, she will be also monitoring your mate and educating you as well." She chuckled deeply noting that the proud alpha leader of the Uchiha clan was actually shocked silent. "Haku should wake within the next 24 hours. I suspect longer for Naruto, but one never knows. I will be off now. Itachi, I will be in contact later to discuss on where the council stands regarding the past situation. Good luck alphas!" With that, she slammed back another cup of sake, winked at them both and left the room.
==xx00x00x00xx00xx==
As suspected, Haku woke within 24 hours. His memory was foggy, he worried immediately on the situation with Naruto and cried when he heard Naruto was in a coma. Itachi consoled the omega for hours, who even called Sasuke in to tell how Naruto was doing. Sasuke was only too proud to share about the four pups, how they were doing and insisted to Haku that Naruto would wake soon. Haku then cried even more when Itachi placed a hand over Haku's stomach and explained their pups were healthy and growing. Sasuke let the two bond after such news, a special moment that he was barely able to share with his own mate at the time of their news.
Karin and Jugo were overseeing the manor and getting things fixed, replaced or whatever needed to be done while the two alpha lords were seeing to their mates. It was times like this that Sasuke was thankful for Karin's knowledge and experience in knowing the Uchiha clan and Jugo's strong support in strength and knowledge as well. Itachi and Sasuke would get an update from Karin and Jugo later, when the two omegas of the manor were healthy and strong again.
Sasuke was laying with Naruto now, all the pups snuggled between them. Naruto's wounds were all healed, the colour coming back to his skin and the darkened circles under his eyes were no longer present. He was no longer needing an IV and the monitor so after Shizune removed the equipment, she arranged the nest to Sasuke's liking, and Sasuke moved himself and their children to the nest. For three days and nights, Sasuke and the cubs snuggled with the sleeping Naruto with Sasuke moving the cubs to scent against their mother all the time. Sasuke talked to Naruto, whispering how he felt and then telling him of the cub's continual development and growing personalities. He fed them every few hours and Shizune came every day for an hour to check on Naruto and the pup's progress. She answered any questions and gave information to Sasuke. Sasuke told Naruto of some possible names, but refused to name them until Naruto woke.
"See how she tries even though she is blocked? It's almost she knows that they are testing her, and I swear she's growling at them." Sasuke chatted and smiled as he stroked his daughter's backside. "Their fur is so silky and soft, just like baby fur should be. Shizune says their eyes and ears should start to open in another couple weeks." Sasuke picked up one of the boys and scented him while he continued to chat nonchalantly. Sasuke placed the pup under Naruto's chin and the small pup gurgled a noise as it nosed at his mother.
"Nnn…Sas…" Naruto's head moved slightly as the words left his dry lips. "T-tick-lss…"
"Naruto," Sasuke whispered as he brought his hand up to Naruto's cheek. "Wake up love, I'm here." Sasuke quickly placed the pup between them again on the bed, to ensure that he wouldn't slip off of Naruto. "Don't be scared, I'm here." Sasuke continued to run his palm along Naruto's forehead and cheeks.
Eye lids fluttered open slowly and Sasuke could see the beautiful crystal blue once more. He choked back a sob as he dragged his thumb across the scarred cheek, catching a tear that fell from the ocean eyes. "Welcome back love," Sasuke whispered out as he pressed his lips softly against the dry peach coloured ones.
Naruto opened his eyes as Sasuke pulled back. Watery blue eyes focused on soft dark orbs of the Uchiha. The smile on his lips with a few loose tears, no words were said as the two stared at each other. Naruto gasped at the sounds of the small balls of fur that were moving about between them.
"Meet our children, now 4 days old," Sasuke whispered proudly as looked down between them, shifting his body slightly so Naruto could see. Blue eyes looked down, to find the four black haired pups moving about clumsy like, their small noses lifting into the air and beginning to squeak.
"Sas…f-four?" Naruto squeaked out as his hands shook over them. He was nervous to touch. Sasuke grabbed his hand brought it to the nest of pups.
"Yes. You blessed us with three sons and a daughter," Sasuke whispered as he kissed Naruto's temple and guided his hand between the pups. "They have been waiting to meet you." Naruto sobbed lightly while Sasuke guided his hands over the smooth fur of each pup, talked about each and every pup to him for hours as the little family bonded closer than ever.
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So...any thoughts? Was anything left unsaid? If you all reread the story, I certainly hope I've closed almost all the doors on the situations that were happening throughout the story.
Just to be clear, as I know it has been confusing some what, the time frame has been 4 months. I think my next story I may be more clarified on the time frame or just label the days or something.
But for arguments sake, up until Sasuke and Naruto found each other in animal form, a month had past. :D
The story is NOT over in this chap, still a little bit to clear up! So keep in touch! Cheers!
