It was well into midday by the time Sakura woke up, for a moment she didn't recognise where she was, then she remembered. Jumping out of bed, she flung open the door, hurried over to the unconscious teen.

"I thought I heard you get up." Came Kiba's voice behind her, dressed in casual attire.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" she asked insidiously, shooting him a glare.

"You needed to recuperate your strength." He replied shrugging his shoulders, "There's been no change." Standing next to her. "Have something to eat and drink before you go for another round." Motioning her to follow him, reluctantly she did, finding lunch was already laid out for her.

"Thank you, Kiba." Giving him a grateful smile.

"No probs." Joining her at the table, clutching his own drink.

"If it's easier for you." He started, settling the cup down on the matt. "Why don't you stay here for the duration of his care."

"I couldn't possibly impose like that."

"Yes, you bloody can." Giving her a look, "It'll be easier than having to go home every day to change; when all the amenities are here already."

"As long as you're sure."

"I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise."

"As long as you're sure." Getting a raised eyebrow in reply. "Ok." Throwing her hands up in surrender. A comfortable silence fell over the pair, either one worried about saying something to the other.

Light rapping of knuckles echoed softly through the apartment, getting up, Kiba went to see who it was, giving the Kunoichi another look telling her to stay seated, and finish her meal.

Kiba shouldn't have been surprised who was at the door. Releasing a deep breath, he merely stepped aside, allowing the Fifth entry, once she entered, he closed the door and retraced his steps back into the kitchen.

Sakura jumped out of her seat upon seeing her master.

"Lady Tsunade." The fifth waved at her, signalling for her to sit.

"I've just come by to see how the treatment was going?" not moving from her spot, glancing at the teen, who wasn't paying any attention to her.

"I'll be starting the next round soon." Sakura replied, again getting up to see to her patient.

"Not until you've finished you lunch." Stated Kiba, getting up and putting away his dirty cup. "When you've done that, I'll come with you to pick up some belongings."

"Why would she need to do that?" asked a confused Sannin.

"So, she wouldn't have to keep going home every day to change. We have a spare bed for her to use." Informed the brunette, leaning against the work surface, his arms folded. "It's already been agreed between us."

"I see." Turning to her apprentice, getting a nod in return. "As you've finished your meal, I would like to see what you've done so far, Sakura."

"Hai." Getting up, going to clear her place, when they were picked up for her, returning the slight smile she got, she escorted her Master to the master bedroom.

Tsunade walked in behind the younger female, her eyes taking in every detail of the bandaged teen before her, his breathing barely audible. Accepting the medical notes, she read the document in silence. Sakura simple stood to the side, waiting for any criticism or pointers that she may have missed.

"I take it you're about to start the next round of treatment?" walking around checking the iv drip that she had set up.

"Hai."

"Would you like me to stay and help." As soon as those words left her mouth, a small spike in demonic charka emitted from the unconscious teen.

"It might be best if you leave, Hokage-sama." Stated Kiba, as he leant against the doorframe, his eyes and features unreadable.

"Perhaps it is." Handing back the notes, "If you need anything, ask." Receiving a bow in reply, she walked out of the room, pausing only slightly, hazel eyes meeting unreadable chocolate ones. Breaking contact, she left.

"Do you have any preference on what you want for dinner?" he asked turning back after watching the older women leave.

"Anything is fine, Kiba." Setting herself up for the next round of treatment.

"Ok then." Retreating into the corridor, "Let me know when you're done, and well go from there." Leaving her to work in peace. "Call me if you need anything." With that Sakura got started.


Four cloaked figures walked down a mud-soaked alley, keeping themselves hidden from the Matsuhoian patrols. It had taken them several weeks to sneak themselves into the capital, the Purple Dragons armies were everywhere. Nathill peaked around the corner, ducking back round when a patrol walked past. Peaking again, he noticed the patrol had moved on, signalling for the other three to follow. It was nostalgic for the older man, him and his brother used to run these alleys all the time in their youth.

"How much further?" whispered Pala, checking their rear.

"Not that much more." Reaching a crossroads, he could see the street his mother lived on, but the problem there were three patrols stationed around the intersection. "Fuck." He hissed, turning back around. "There's three patrols at the intersection, we'll need to double back." His mind running through alternative routes. There was one, but it wasn't pretty.

"There is one." Groaning at the thought, "But, you're not going to like it."

"I don't see how we have a chose." Stated Jonas as he turned back from watching the patrols. The other two nodded.

"This way." Retracing their steps, then turning down a smaller path, until he stopped at a drain covering. "Sera give me a hand with this." Crouching down, wiggling his fingers under the lid, when Sera was ready, together they lifted the covering exposing the entrance to the sewers. Everyone gathered around the opening, Pala's face scrunched up in detest.

"What an amazing smell you've discovered." Peering down into the darkness, "The smell could give your concoctions a run for their money." Giving the medic a look.

"Ohh, shut up." Spotting a ladder bolted against the wall, Jonas made his way over, and descended into the abys.

"Shout if you get into trouble." Pala said worriedly.

"Don't worry, I'm quite the screamer." Shooting her a mischievous smile in turn. Nathill choked, Sera had to bite down on her sleeve to muffle the laughter. Pala simply rolled her eyes at the other's antics.

Within five minutes they were all safely down the ladder, being the ever prepared one, Jonas handed out nose plugs.

"Use my light to guide your way." Pala held out her palm, focusing on bringing light to the dark sewers. Suddenly a orb of light emerged in her palm, casting back the shadows, scarring the oversize rats away.

"Well that's convenient." Sniped Nathill getting his barring, finding the opening they needed.

Thirty minutes passed, as they walked the sewers, so far so good.

"This is it." Pointing to another ladder, "This will lead to the entrance in an alleyway near my home." Ensuring the ladder was safe to climb, he made his way up. With great care he pushed against the covering, inching it open. Keeping a tight grip, he peered around checking if the coast is clear. "It's clear." Pushing the covering away, pulling himself up, yet keeping a low posture. After everyone was out, with the help of Pala they returned the cover to its original place.

"Get down." Hissed Sera, grabbing a hold of Jonas, pushing him up against the wall. Three fell beasts flew overhead, peering up watching the winged devils fly deeper into the city. "It's clear." Adrenaline pouring through their systems, that was too close.

"This way." Nath guiding them down a narrow-cobbled street, peering round the corner fence, seeing the patrols still at the crossroads. Having an idea, he motioned Sera over, interlacing his hands together, holding them out as a makeshift step. Getting the idea, Sera stepped onto the open hand and pulled herself up over the stone fence. One by one they followed, all crouched low on the other side, they waited patiently for Nath to join them. When he joined them, they made their way through the garden they landed in.

"Still sneaking through my garden, boy." Came a gruff old voice, Nath twirled around looking at the elderly gentleman, recognizing him.

"Yes sir." He replied quietly.

"I take it you know how to get to your mothers?" humming in understanding. "Stay out of sight. They have a kill on sight for any Matatabian soldier. So, you best be careful." He said, moving to the small gate peering up the road. "It's safe. Go."

"Thank you, sir." Motioning the others to follow

"Nathill." He turned to face the older male, "Welcome home." Nath nodded in thanks, meeting up with the rest of them. Just to the side of the house was an old stone wall separating the two properties, running his hand along the crumbling masonry he found what he was looking for. Giving it a firm push, a small symbol came to life and the section of the wall melted away. Taking a deep breath, he stepped over the into his family grounds. He was finally home, looking around he couldn't see his mother in the garden. He turned his head towards the sounds of pots and pans clanking around, taking another deep breath, he stealthily made his way into his childhood home.

The back door stood open, the faint scent of beet stew wafting up from a small pot, sitting over lazy flames. There, with her back towards the door, stood his petit mother, humming softly to herself as she chopped up some vegetables. A long-forgotten warmth began to seep through his body. He was finally home.

"I'm back!" called out a female voice. Nathill's older sister walked in, coming to an abrupt halt as she took notice of the male. The younger sibling stayed rooted to the spot, his eyes darting over his older sibling, taking in the Matsuhoian armour she wore. As if reading each other's mind, they both drew their weapons, causing their mother to spin around in alarm.

"Cathina…" she began, ready to chastise her oldest but words failed her, as she finally took notice of who was standing before her. "Nathill…" gasping, her hands shooting up to cover her mouth, overjoyed tears swelled up, as she took in her son. Neither sibling relinquished their weapons, the air becoming tenser by the moment. Having enough, the Matriarch snapped.

"Put away your weapons!" her tone hard, coming to stand between the two. "You shall not harm the other while you're under my roof!" neither made a move, for a while longer, before slowly they sheathed their weapons, still the air was tense. Satisfied the Matriarch turned to get a better look at her son. She took uncertain steps towards him, fearing that he would vanish before her, as if he was merely a projecting of her longing heart. Reaching up, gingerly cupping his warm, solid cheeks, chocked laughter erupted, tears began to freely flow.

"Hi Ma." Nathill whispered, leaning into the touch.

"Oh, my boy." Pulling him into a tight embrace, "Oh, my boy." She repeated, embracing him with all her strength. The younger male practically melted into the woman's hold, soaking up the familiar warmth and unique scent. This lasted for several minutes, both soaking up the other's warmth. Reluctantly, the Matriarch pulled away glancing behind him, searching for her youngest son. "Where's that wayward son of mine?" she asked missing the pained expression the Matatabian wore, moving around the still male, making her way towards the back door, when a gentle but firm hand, caught her wrist. "Nath…" looking up, catching the pained expression; the sorrow shining in his eyes.

"No." was all she could say, shaking her head defiantly, willing it not to be true. Yet it was. She collapsed to the floor in grief, tears streamed down, falling like rain on the kitchen floor. Nathill's heart clenched tightly at the sight of his own mother reduced to unthinkable pain and grief. Not able to take a moment more, he crouched down beside her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, cradling her against his chest. His own grief mixed with hers, as she clutched desperately to him. Cathina stood stoically, her face giving away nothing, yet her eyes shone with grief. Unable to watch the scene before her, she left.

The two remaining family members sat on the floor, holding on to each other.

Pala stealthily moved away from the back door, allowing the reunited family privacy. Spotting a well shaded area she motioned the other two to follow, reaching the spot, they made themselves comfortable, settling in for the long haul.

Twilight was among the world, by the time Nathill remerged out of his family home. He paused when he spotted his teammates and friends huddled together under an ancient flowering tree. Gathering what strength, he could he made his way other to them. The corners of his lips twitched upwards at the sight of the young medic flanked by the two females; all three of them were asleep. He couldn't help but take the moment to watch them. The moment was interrupted when a twig snapped, in an instance he was flat on his back, with three blades jammed against vital organs.

"It's just me." He choked out, his adams apple scrapping painfully against the cold blade. The pressure didn't ease up for several seconds, then one by one, they were removed from his person.

"Is it safe?" whispered Sera, not dropping her guard as she surveyed the surroundings.

"For the moment." The older male replied, rubbing his hands over his face. "But I'm not sure about Cathina."

"Who's Cathina?" Pala asked.

"My older sister." He tiredly sighed out, feeling the tale tail sighs of a headache forming.

"I didn't know you had a sister." Jonas stated, thinking back on all the conversations the two shared.

"We have a complicated relationship." The headache making itself known. "For the moment, we're safe here. But I don't want to be here too long and put Mother in a difficult position, for harbouring Enemies of The State."

"Your friends can stay as long as they need." Piped up Nathill's mother as she made her way over the group. "Do what you need to do, Cathina won't be a problem." Resting a hand on his arm. "Now. Why don't you four come in and have something to eat."

"Thank you, Ma'am." Giving them a small smile, she guided the four into her home.


Four empty bowl sat on the wooden table, only the four soldiers sat quietly around it. Nathill hadn't seen hide or hair of his sister for duration of the day, an uneasiness settled within his stomach. Every so often he would scan the vicinity for any hostile troops, expecting to be ambushed. They despised each other, never acknowledging the other as a sibling; the only one they considered a sibling was Rilus.

Guilt weighed heavily when he realised that, Rilus was always the diplomat between them, never taking a side. Now, with him gone, there was nothing tying the two together.

"I'll take first watch." He said breaking the heavy silence. No one questioned him on his statement, as they began to settle down in the makeshift beds the Matriarch set out for them. With the extinguishing of the lighting, plunging the room into darkness, Nathill stood by the kitchen door listening to the soft breathing of his friends. He couldn't help but smile at how quickly they crashed, he had to stifle a burst of laughter at the loud snore Sera let out. Satisfied his friends were safe and sound asleep, he returned to his spot at the table, and began his long vigil.


A light mist blanketed the Second Hold's Capital, birds of many species began their dawn chorus, signalling the beginning of a new day.

Nathill sat outside wrapped in a warm knitted blanket, resting against the cool kitchen wall. He stared out, watching the sun begin to peek over the outermost wall. Light footsteps made their way towards him, instantly recognising them, without a second thought he unwrapped the warm blanket, making room for the other person to join him.

"It's fucking freezing." Mumbled the young medic as he barrowed into the older demon's side. Nath chuckled lightly cocooning them in the blanket. Neither spoke as they watched the sun rise higher, warming the world below. "I hate mornings." Muttered Jonas, snuggling closer to the heat the other radiated.

"And the cold." Nath quipped, letting out a chortle of laughter when a finger poked him harshly in the side. Companionable silence followed, Nath glanced down at the younger demon, smiling when he noticed the other had fallen back to sleep.

"You look rather sweet together." Came his mother's soft voice, holding out a steaming cup of tea. With practice ease as not to jostle the lightly snoring medic, he wrapped his chilled fingers around the warm cup, relishing the heat that spread through his fingers.

"We're not dating or going to, Mother." He replied automatically, this wasn't the first time someone had made a comment like that. "He's the same age as-was Rilus. He's a close friend and confident."

"More like someone who would help you hide the body." Stated Pala, hands clutching her own steaming cup of tea, a blanket draped over her shoulders. "I'm a little offended." She teased, with a feigning a hurt expression.

"True, but you and Sera would help me commit the act and get away with it." He replied, with a knowing smirk.

"Damn right." Commented Sera, as she joined them, shaking her head at the snoring medic. "We could kill someone and make it look like a child's toy done it."

"Why do I get the feeling you're talking from experience." Asked the Matriarch, glancing from one to the other. All she got was sweet smiles. As Pala walked past her to join the boys on the floor, her nose scrunched up at the smell that moved with her.

"My Dear." She politely started, gaining the others attention. "I don't want to be rude, but it seems you are indeed of freshening up." All three of the soldiers erupted in laughter, quickly covering their mouths, to stifle the noise.

"It's one of Jonas's medical concoctions." Stated Pala, taking multiple calming breaths, "It smells god awful, yet it's working."

"The suns almost up." Groggily muttered Jonas as he stretched, telling out a content sigh as his joints popped. "Pala, I'll need to check you over." Unfurling himself from the warm cocoon, taking one last final stretch, he turned to the oldest Matatabian.

"Is there a room I can possibly use to give my colleague a check-up?" ignoring Pala's grumbles.

"You can use my room." She replied leading the way back into the house, turning back round when she noticed the young medic wasn't following. Jonas stood there, hands on his hips, giving her son a critical eye.

"You've been awake all night." It wasn't a question, but a statement. Nathill had the audacity to look sheepishly up at the younger demon. "You are going to get some rest." Clicking his tongue before the other male could even answer back. "You better be in bed and asleep by the time I get back from checking Pala." Using his 'no ball shit' tone on him. "Or, there will be Hell to pay if you're not." With that he passed over the threshold, catching up with the other two.

Sera watched the exchange with much amusement, for once, she wasn't in his line of fire.

"You heard the boss. Off to bed."

"You're get far too much enjoyment out of this."

"He's right you know."

"I know."

"Don't let him hear you say that."

"Perish the thought."

"I'll alert you if anything goes wrong."

"Thanks Sera."

"Get to bed, Nath."

"I'm going."

"Night."

Pausing just in front of his teammate, Nath looked her in the eye.

"I mean it Sera. Thank you." receiving a small smile in return, and a slight dip of her head, he made his way into his childhood home, his feet on autopilot as he crashed onto his old bed, instantly falling asleep.

I know this is a short shitty post, but I wanted to have a clean slate on the next chapter.