A Sound ninja stood in front of her, a dark grin plastered on his face. Mori growled and launched herself at the enemy, her rage and sorrow fuelling her actions. With a loud scream she raised her fist to strike, and when the enemy went to intercept it Mori quickly changed tactics and jammed her knee into his stomach. The ninja doubled over, sputtering as Mori felt the rage continue to eat her from the inside. Orochimaru had found her, destroyed innocent people's lives, and potentially had killed her man, infant son and the woman who took her in.
The ninja recovered as Mori gripped her hands tightly in fists. Angry and hot tears ran down her face, blurring her vision and the enemy made a series of hand signs. The ground shook and Mori felt tendrils of something wrap around her and squeeze tightly. She let out a choked gasp as it squeezed tighter, and the enemy laughed. She struggled hard, trying to break her bonds but whatever it was squeezed tighter. Mori felt her heart lurch in her chest as houses all around her collapsed in plumes of smoke. Tears continued running down her cheeks and her struggles began to cease. A laugh sounded, and Mori weakly lifted her head. Kabuto stood behind the enemy ninja, glasses flashing in the firelight.
"My my. We finally found you Mori. I have to say, it's a good place to hide in plain sight. Sadly the elderly woman you were staying with couldn't do much. She died drowning in her own blood" Kabuto sneered.
Mori's eyes widened as she injested the news. No...not Midori. She was innocent and only wanted to help Mori. Mori let out a keening wail as her head hung against her chest, tears cascading down her cheeks.
"Pathetic" Kabuto said as he watched Mori crumble in front of him.
He began to walk towards the grieving woman, scalpel out and glowing blue. He knew his Lord wanted her alive, but he didn't state in one piece. As he stepped closer, a kunai suddenly stabbed the ground in front of him. A piece of paper fluttered around it, and Kabuto and the enemy ninja jumped back as the paper ignited. The bomb went off with a large 'BOOM!' and the jutsu that held Mori was released. Mori flew back from the blast and cried out when her back hit the ground hard. Her body rolled a couple feet before coming to a stop. Her ribs flared in pain and her ears rang from the blast. She felt like her entire body was numb, and couldn't move. Dimly Mori realized someone was shaking her shoulder but didn't want to open her eyes.
Why bother?
Everything and everyone she knew and loved was gone and it was her fault. Her mind swirled in darkness and despair and the person kept up their insistent shaking.
'Go away' her mind implored.
Her eyes flew open when she felt hands wrapping around her and lifting her up. A snarl ripped out of her chest, but died down when Iruka's face came into view. Her heart leaped into her throat, and her hand reached up shakily to cup his cheek.
"Iruka? You're alive? But how" she whispered, choking on her tears.
He shook his head and sprang away with Mori clutched in his arms.
"Wait! Tadao!" Mori began, but Iruka shushed her.
"He's okay and safe. We got out in time and a clone has him" he said as he jumped from tree to tree.
Mori sighed in relief. Her son was alive and safe. Her man was alive in safe. But...Midori.
Fresh new tears rose up and cascaded down her face. She wrapped her arms around Iruka's neck and pressed her face against his vest.
"Midori was killed because of me" she whimpered, and Iruka's arms tightened around her.
"She died proudly, Mori. She never gave up where you were" he said as they continued their retreat.
Mori was silent as tears continued their trek, dampening Iruka's vest. His heart thudded as he continued. He needed to get them to Konoha safely. He sent a quick prayer to the heavens that his clone that he sent ahead with his son arrived safe. Iruka felt the woman in his arms trembling as she dealt with the grief of losing the elderly woman. Iruka shook his head. He had to keep going or else the ninja would find them. Iruka felt a frown tug on his lips. Mori was in no state to fight. With that thought, he put on a burst of speed. Konoha wasn't far, and hopefully he'd make it there in one peace. Finally after what seemed like a lifetime, Iruka saw the looming gates of Konoha. He was exhausted, but had to keep going. He landed in front of the gates and walked in. The moon was high in the sky, and the villagers of Konoha were asleep. Panting from effort, he jogged to Izuna and Kotetsu as they guarded the gate.
"Iruka! Your clone came before you with a child. Is that Mori? What happened?" Izuna said in a worried tone.
Iruka nodded and looked back towards the forest. His arms tightened as Mori started shivering violently. Her teeth chattering was the only sound.
"We came from a small village that Mori was living in. It was attacked by the Sound. We were the only ones who survived" he said in a low voice.
"Iruka-sensei! Is everything okay?!" a female voice called and he looked to see Sakura running towards him.
"I'm okay Sakura, Mori needs looking after" he said and Sakura nodded, green eyes determined.
"Come on" she said, and they ran to the hospital.
The doors swished open and Sakura led him and Mori to an empty room. He placed her on the hospital bed and smoothed her hair out of her shut eyes. Mori began whimpering as Sakura looked her over, and a cry escaped her lips when Sakura prodded a rib. The pink haired ninja nodded.
"Broken rib, maybe more. Mori, can you hear me? It's Sakura. You're back home in Konoha" Sakura said, hands beginning to glow with healing chakra.
Her shivering continued, but her whimpering stopped. Sakura continued healing up and down Mori's body, and soon her eyes opened slowly. Red orbs moved around the room and landed on Sakura.
"Sakura? Where am I? Where's my son?" Mori asked hoarsely, moving to sit up.
Iruka rushed to keep the woman lying down.
"It's okay Mori. You're safe in Konoha and your son is being checked over. I'll bring him to you soon" Sakura said calmly.
Mori blinked and nodded, relaxing against the bed. Iruka pulled the hospital blanket over her, and Sakura released her healing chakra.
"There, you should be okay now except some soreness around your ribs" she said.
"Thank you Sakura. You've grown into a wonderful medical nin" Mori said with a smile.
Sakura nodded with a bright smile and left the room. Mori settled in to the bed and grasped Iruka's hand in hers. She needed the physical contact. Mori's eyes snapped to the open door as she heard a small cry from down the hallway. She knew that cry, and her heart rose in her throat.
"Tadao..." she whispered through tears that stung her eyes, and Iruka smiled as footsteps approached the room and the crying got louder.
"Someone is quite hungry" Sakura giggled as she walked in with a squirming bundle.
Mori's eyes widened as the tears flowed down her cheeks as Sakura placed her son in Mori's outstretched arms. Her son was okay!
Mori's shoulders shook with sobs as she curled her body around her crying child, silently thanking the heavens that her son was safe. She felt her breasts tingle as milk began to flow and immediately lifted her top. Her son latched on and fed eagerly, and Mori sighed in relief.
"He was a bit dehydrated when Iruka-sensei's clone came with him, but your son was okay" Sakura said, and Mori smiled.
"Thank you Sakura" Mori said with a smile as Tadao continued feeding.
Sakura left the small family and Mori smiled as she softly rubbed Tadao's back.
He was okay. Her Tadao was safe.
