Psychic King: *gnawing on something* so hungry.
Naruto: *watching in fascination*
Sakura: *Um. Why is Psychic King-sama chewing on a rock?
Naruto: She just returned from vacation and there's no food in her house.
Sakura: So she's eating a rock?
Naruto: *shaking head* No, it's not a rock. Its five day old pizza. *pulls out a bowl of popcorn*
Uzu: *walking by* Hey, whatcha doing? *Spots Psychic King and stops to watch* Huh. You think she can digest that thing?
Naruto: *Shrugs and offers Uzu some popcorn* Donno. It was food a few days ago.
Sakura: *Sigh* This is cruel. *keeps watching*
Psychic King: *Drops the pizza and moves over to the refrigerator* There's gotta be something. I don't have the money to buy food until I get paid and mommy and daddy are out of town so I can't hit them up for dinner tonight.
Naruto: I just hope she doesn't realize that we're eating the last of the popcorn.
Uzu: *grabbing another handful of popcorn* Yeah, that'd be bad.
Sakura: Um. Maybe we should offer her something. I mean if she dies then. *imagining a life without Psychic King* never mind. *grabs a handful of popcorn*
Psychic King: *looking forlornly at the readers* well, before I die.
Iruka: *walks by and hits Psychic King on head* Stop being melodramatic. You can't die from going a few hours without food.
Kakashi: *poking head in fridge* You have all sorts of food in here. Look, vegetables and even some chicken.
Psychic King: RAW! All Raw. I can't eat it like that! I'll die!
Kakashi: *sighing* do you want me to cook it for you?
Psychic King: *looking up with big needy eyes* really? You'd do that for me? *sends a desperate look from Kakashi to Iruka*
Iruka: *sighing* I suppose it's OK. This once. But don't you get used to it! Kakashi's cooking is mine!
Tenmar: *walking by* Iruka! *blushing* fancy running into you here! What are you doing?
Kakashi: *stepping between Iruka and Tenmar* WE are cooking something for Psychic King-sama to eat.
Tenmar: *scratching chin* I see. Psychic King-sama, please allow ME to aid Iruka in the preparation of your meal!
Iruka: *backing away* Oh no. Not me, I don't cook!
Kakashi: I don't need any help, kid.
Psychic King: Now, now. Don't be hasty! The more the merrier! I know! We'll have a cook off! Kakashi verses Tenmar! May the best cook win. *walks away dragging Iruka* Let's leave them alone and wait in the dinning room. I'm starving and sitting around thinking about food has to be the best way to get my mind off the hunger.
Iruka: *casting worried glances back at the kitchen* do you think they'll be alright?
Psychic King: Don't worry! They wouldn't dare to kill each other in my kitchen!
Iruka: That somehow doesn't reassure me.
Psychic King: Well, while we wait, how about the next chapter of Embrace to entertain you?
Iruka: You have that done already?
Psychic King: *nodding* And I just KNOW you're eager to see what I have happening.
Iruka: *excitedly* you mean there's something about Kakashi and I in there?
Psychic King: *shifting Lap top in front of Iruka* why not just take a look- see? *glancing at audience* I still don't own anything, so no suing me. Well, I DID create Tenmar, Uzu, Ganten, Mina, and Illia, but that's it! Well, technically I created the fox demon's brother's too. AND, I guess his sister in law.But still don't sue me, OK?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Embrace of Solitude
Chapter 6
"Oh yeah! A new record! Beat that, Sasuke-bastard!" Naruto thrust his fist in the air as the last piece of trash fell neatly into the basket. He looked around sheepishly as he realized that Sasuke had gone to bed and had not participated in his cleaning game anyway. After a moment he hefted the trash basket over his shoulder and started to walk towards the house pausing halfway there. "Alright, you bastards, I know you're out there! If you don't show yourselves I'm gonna kick your asses!" He flung his basket of trash into the darkness and a soft thud let him know that he hit SOME kind of target.
A small pause followed his abrupt statement, followed by a sigh. The sound of rustling was heard and then three figures stepped into the light. The tallest one held up his hands, Naruto strained his eyes, but nothing was visible about the man. "We don't want to fight you." He said quickly,
"Yeah?" Naruto said, still standing in a ready to strike stance. "You got a funny way of showing it."
Again the tall shadow spoke, "We are sorry about following you around like we have been, but we wanted to make sure we could talk to you alone. What we have to say might seem rather. strange."
He didn't sound threatening, and the feeling around these men was not the air of people trying to pick a fight. The blonde allowed himself to relax a little. "OK, but what about the other one? The one still hidden over there?" He pointed to his left and grinned. To be honest, he hadn't detected the taller two men at all, but the person that remained hidden was giving off such a strong fear scent that he was sure that Sasuke must have noticed it, too, during the party.
"Eep!" A small, feminine voice replied; another, smaller dark figure walked shakily out of the forest.
"Now we are all out in the open. Please forgive her; she doesn't have very good. people skills." The tall man gestured to the fire, which was still burning lightly. "Why don't we sit while we talk, this may take a while?"
"Yeah, alright, but if you attack me, I'll kick your damn ass extra hard for tricking me." Naruto grumbled, feeling slightly cranky as he took a seat next to the fire. It was getting late and what he REALLY wanted was to go to sleep for a while then get up and train with Sasuke. Tomorrow he was gonna beat that bastard and his smug face into the ground.
"No trick." The man promised, joining him slowly on the ground by the fire. Naruto realized that the reason he couldn't tell anything about the man's features was that he was wearing a long dark cape. As the others approached he noticed similar clothing. "Well, to start with I wonder how much you know about the going-on's outside the village? For instance, have you ever left the village without a supervisor?"
Naruto shook his head. The fact that leaving the village was forbidden unless under proper supervision for someone of his level had made the idea very appealing, but the fact of the matter was, every attempt he had made left him painful reminders that the Jounin guardians of the village walls were still far beyond his level.
"Hum." The man seemed disappointed. "So you know nothing of life outside this little town?"
Naruto shook his head again, stifling a sleepy yawn. "That's not true; I went to that island country! By the way. Why do you all have your faces covered? That's really weird." He scrunched up his face slightly.
"I'll take off my hood if you answer my question, OK? And so will my brothers." Just as Tenmar guessed, the chance of getting to see something hidden was appealing to the boy, who eagerly nodded. "OK, then my next question is-"
"How old are you, Naruto-kun?" Uzu broke in, ignoring his brother's indignant huff at being cut off.
"I'm twelve." Naruto replied immediately.
"And what're your goals in life?" Uzu continued asking, Tenmar listened interestedly. Who would have guessed that Uzu would be the best suited to understanding the boy?
"I'm going to be Hokage, not just that, but I'm going to be the strongest Hokage ever, so everyone will have to take notice of me." As he spoke, Naruto stood, raising his fist in the air. "I'm gonna be so great, they'll be talking about me forever!" Almost as an after thought he added, "And I'm gonna beat Sasuke to the ground."
Uzu laughed at this, "I like you, kid and I can tell you one thing; I hope you're the one we're looking for."
"Yeah? Naruto asked, interests peaked, "What are you looking for exactly?"
"Well, we're looking for someone born on October 10th, with a huge amount of power and a great personality."
Naruto practically jumped from his seat, part of him feeling excited and the other part curious. "How'd you know all that? About me? My birthday? Where to find me, as you've obviously been looking."
Uzu chuckled. "So it IS you. You are a very special person to us, Naruto-kun."
Tenmar nodded. "I just have two more things I need to know before I'm certain. First off, have you ever been in a life threatening situation? Or maybe someone important was threatened?" He waited for Naruto to nod before continuing, "When that happened were you able to tap into a new kind of power? Even if you thought you were out of power, did you suddenly feel refreshed and even more powerful?"
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded again, looking surprised. "I didn't think anyone else could do that!"
"Well, only a few really special people can do that, not everyone. My last question is; do you ever have dreams or memories that don't seem to be yours? You see someone and something about them sparks a thought that doesn't seem to be yours?"
Naruto was again nodding. Ever since his dreams had started he was much better at recognizing these flashes, too.
Tenmar felt himself reach a full smile. "Well, as promised." He pulled his mask off, turning to look Naruto full in the face, Uzu and Ganten copied their brother's movements, looking fully at Naruto.
Naruto stared in happy bliss at them for a moment, letting his eyestrace over each of them. The smallest to was a emotionless looking white headed boy, probably only a few years older than he was. The next was a wild looking red head with a cheerful glint in his eyes. This was the guy that had been asking him questions earlier. The last one, a grown man, made Naruto stop and stare. "Your face."
Tenmar smiled at the younger blonde, "Yeah, we do look a lot alike, don't we?"
"No!" Naruto almost yelled, causing his visitors to look around in worry. "I mean," he calmed himself a bit, "I mean you have the same face as someone ELSE that I once knew. Kind of." His eyes got a far away look as he remembered his dreams. The young man in front of him looked SO MUCH like the fox demon's first born son, "Tenmar; that was the name."
All three boys exchanged glances, even Uzu's humor faded slightly at that remark. "How do you know that name?"
"Ah, just someone from a long time ago." Naruto waved the question off, not really wanting to answer. "What's it matter?"
"It matters because." Tenmar shoot a lost look to Ganten who shrugged and nodded. "It matters because that's MY name."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Nugh. Too early." Kakashi moaned sadly as he felt the covers being striped from his body, exposing his bare skin to the terrible cold. Sitting up, he sleepily yawned and looked over at his lover. "You're truly cruel, you know that?"
Iruka leaned down and placed a gentile kiss on the silver haired Jounin's lips, moving away quickly as the man reached up to pull him back down into bed. "No, Kakashi. It's time to get up."
"It's early!" Kakashi protested. Standing slightly he finally managed to catch his love and pull him down. "You're not still angry with me about yesterday, are you?" He gently clutched Iruka's face, looking deeply into the man's eyes.
Iruka shook his head, staring just as deeply into Kakashi's visible eye. "Nope, but I still want to be there when you tell them, and that means getting up."
"No," Kakashi shook his head, "I meant about that incident at the restaurant."
"A little." Iruka sighed. "I hate how it made me feel; like I'm your. possession. I'm not used to." He moved away from his lover's embrace, turning away slightly. "I felt like the little woman, useless, only good for being protected." The look on his face when he turned back to Kakashi was almost frighteningly stern. "I'm not so weak physically that I need you to protect me, and I'm not so weak in my love for you that you should feel the need to look over my shoulder."
Kakashi sighed. "I know that. I just. forgot?" He shook his head. "That's not it, it's just."
The teacher held up his hands and silenced his lover. "I know. We're both new to this, but at least ATTEMPT to trust me, OK? Trust me to ask for your help when I can't take care of myself and trust me to be loyal to you when I'm faced with temptation."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. "You were tempted by that guy?"
Iruka backed away slightly. "What? I didn't say that!"
"Sounded like it to me. Isn't that what you meant by 'temptation?'" He rounded playfully on his lover. "I demand an explanation."
Iruka's back hit the wall with a thud. "Shit! I mean," trying desperately to make himself sound stern, "We don't have time for this right now! Kakashi!"
Kakashi let out a teasing growl and grabbed the protesting brunette's hands, pulling him into his arms. "There's always a little time." He whispered, planting a passionate kiss on Iruka's lips. When their lips parted Kakashi smiled. "Now, tell me about this 'temptation' you were talking about?"
"What temptation?" Iruka said, pulling Kakashi back down onto the bed. They lay holding each other for a few moments, each enjoying the other's company, until suddenly Iruka jumped from the bed, dragging half of Kakashi with him. "Very good try Kakashi, but you STILL have to get up!" He elbowed his lover square in the ribs before stalking out of the room.
After that it was only a short period of time before Kakashi emerged from their bedroom, fully dressed, looking completely awake. "Good morning!" He said cheerfully, planting a kiss on Iruka's cheek and opening the fridge.
"I already have the milk out. I hate how you do that, by the way, acting like you're such a great morning person, when in actuality I have to spend literally an hour sometimes dragging your sorry ass off the bed."
Iruka could see Kakashi smirk under his mask. "You should feel fortunate, you are the ONLY person to know the REAL me."
"Yeah? Well, sometimes I miss the fake you." Iruka replied darkly, but there was a teasing glint in his eye as he handed Kakashi a bowl for cereal. "I mean, you USED to get up early and cook for me in the morning, now we're stuck eating cold cereal and fruit. when we have the time to eat at all."
"Well, if you were half the cook I am," Kakashi said, returning the good natured jibe, "than maybe it wouldn't take so long to get me up."
"Getting you up has never been a problem, getting you out of bed is another story."
Kakashi's eyebrow rose, if he was going to play like THAT. "Well, have you ever considered that it might be your fault that I don't want to get out of bed?"
"Have you ever considered that it's your fault that I DO?" Iruka replied, making Kakashi cough up his mouthful of cereal.
"You are a cruel man, Iruka-sensei."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sasuke sat in his room listening attentively to Naruto's conversation with the strangers, trying to figure out what they were getting at. Why was Naruto so important to them and what were they planning on doing with him once they were certain if he was the one they needed? The sudden fear that they were going to take the blonde away from him popped into his head. His eyes narrowed as he listened to Naruto answering their question openly and honestly. Did the dobe have NO sense of self preservation at ALL? At least the sun was rising, now he could head down stairs to 'greet' these uninvited guests.
Quickly and quietly Sasuke worked on his clothes, impatiently running a hand through his hair he headed down the stairs. He arrived outside just in time to hear the tall man announce, "Because that's MY name."
"No way, because that would make you my- I mean that would make you that damn fox's son, and that's not possible." Naruto was backing away from the four now, moving slowly towards the forest where Sasuke presumed he would run for cover, but the interesting thing was that Sasuke STILL didn't sense any harmful intent coming from them. That meant it was their presence alone that was freaking the blonde out. And why had Naruto referred to himself as the demon fox, even if just for a moment? Sasuke knew that there was some sort of connection between the fox and Naruto, but. his eyes widened, what did Naruto say his birthday was? October 10th or something, right? And the fox was sealed. October 10th! And there was that seal that Sasuke had see every once in a while on Naruto's stomach. It was all coming together!
"I'm sorry, Naruto-sama, but." The tall man moved quickly to block Naruto's escape to the forest. "I can't let you leave. It does sadden me that you've lost all respect for the great man you were, ah well, there's plenty of time to reminisce about that latter! I must insist that you come with us, for your own safety."
Naruto moved slightly away from the forest, towards the street, but a tall red head was blocking his path in that direction as well. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that, kid." The boy was saying sympathetically. "But it's for your own good. And if you want a noble reason, the town's in danger as long as you're here."
Sasuke watched in horror as Naruto's shoulders began to slump in defeat. Damn! They already knew Naruto's biggest weakness. Thinking fast Sasuke yelled out, "Don't listen to them! They're no better than monsters themselves! Children of the fox?" He let out a derisive laugh, as four pairs of angry eyes turned on him. "Don't make me laugh. You are Uzumaki Naruto; don't listen to their bull shit!"
"Shut up." A cool voice said near Sasuke's ear. "You have a big mouth and it makes me sick, what do you know about us anyway?" Sasuke turned slightly, but there was already a fist on route to his face, Sasuke sprung back from the white haired boy whose face was contorted with anger. The boy jumped after him, continuing his attack, as Sasuke dogged he saw Naruto, still standing in a dazed slump. "Naruto, do something, dobe!"
"Ganten, stop!" The tall blonde man's voice called out commandingly. "If Naruto-sama chooses not to come with us then I will not force him. But perhaps there is one of us that can help convince him. Mina!" The still hooded figure approached, trembling slightly. The man walked her in front of Naruto and pulled back her hood.
Naruto's countenance shifted as he grabbed the red headed girl in front of him by the shoulders, he whispered almost inaudibly, "Illia?"
Sasuke's eyes widened, "Sakura?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Psychic King: Whew! That took forever to write!!!! I was so confused, I left off at a bad place last time, and then I went out of town and everything went bad. *sniffing*
Iruka: *patting his stomach* at least you got some food, right? *looking admiringly at both Kakashi and Tenmar* You both are amazing cooks! *glaring at Tenmar* But, I told you to stay AWAY from Naruto, not try to TAKE him away.
Kakashi: *smiling darkly at Tenmar from behind Iruka* Well, I guess we know who won this round.
Tenmar: *Glancing away* at least I have Naruto-sama! I'll. I'll wait for you Iruka! *holding back the tears*
Sasuke: *walking darkly into the room* Where's Ganten? I owe him.
Uzu: He's over there! And it looks like he's got a little friend! *points to the corner where Ganten is sitting, having a glaring contest with Gaara* Ain't that sweet?
Sasuke: Humph! *stalks over to towards Ganten and Gaara*
Psychic King: I donno. *sends a worried glance to Tenmar* Sasuke can play nice if I tell him to, but Gaara-chan is a very. special case.
Sakura: *Looking around* Where's Naruto? Not that I care.
Psychic King: *points to another corner where Naruto is sitting, holding his knees, a broken look in his face* He's been like that since I let him read the chapter. *sigh* Well, at least the chapter is OVER and now I can work on the NEXT chapter, which will have a happier ending, I think. Maybe. I didn't think this one was that bad.
Sakura: Yeah, but once again I get cut out! Your original version of this chapter had me in it!
Psychic King: Yeah. But it was SO much better without you. Sorry. *looks to the audience* Well, like I mentioned last chapter, I have been out of town, and I only just got back. I set myself down to write this chapter a few times, but I couldn't get it the way I wanted it. *sigh* but after careful thinking and consideration I think this is for the best. I'm not sure what next chapter will hold though. *wincing* I'll figure it out next chapter! I would like to dedicate this chapter to my reviewers! I love you all! It's people like you that keep people like me on a regular writing schedule! I am sorry that it's so short, but NEXT chapter will be better! I promise! Well, it's late and I am TRYING to get on a decent sleeping schedule for the beginning of the semester (ha! Like that'll happen, but.). So I shall bid you all a good night and thank you again! *Blowing kisses to the crowd* I love you! I love you!
Sakura: *shaking head* you are utterly shameless, you know this, right?
Naruto: *watching in fascination*
Sakura: *Um. Why is Psychic King-sama chewing on a rock?
Naruto: She just returned from vacation and there's no food in her house.
Sakura: So she's eating a rock?
Naruto: *shaking head* No, it's not a rock. Its five day old pizza. *pulls out a bowl of popcorn*
Uzu: *walking by* Hey, whatcha doing? *Spots Psychic King and stops to watch* Huh. You think she can digest that thing?
Naruto: *Shrugs and offers Uzu some popcorn* Donno. It was food a few days ago.
Sakura: *Sigh* This is cruel. *keeps watching*
Psychic King: *Drops the pizza and moves over to the refrigerator* There's gotta be something. I don't have the money to buy food until I get paid and mommy and daddy are out of town so I can't hit them up for dinner tonight.
Naruto: I just hope she doesn't realize that we're eating the last of the popcorn.
Uzu: *grabbing another handful of popcorn* Yeah, that'd be bad.
Sakura: Um. Maybe we should offer her something. I mean if she dies then. *imagining a life without Psychic King* never mind. *grabs a handful of popcorn*
Psychic King: *looking forlornly at the readers* well, before I die.
Iruka: *walks by and hits Psychic King on head* Stop being melodramatic. You can't die from going a few hours without food.
Kakashi: *poking head in fridge* You have all sorts of food in here. Look, vegetables and even some chicken.
Psychic King: RAW! All Raw. I can't eat it like that! I'll die!
Kakashi: *sighing* do you want me to cook it for you?
Psychic King: *looking up with big needy eyes* really? You'd do that for me? *sends a desperate look from Kakashi to Iruka*
Iruka: *sighing* I suppose it's OK. This once. But don't you get used to it! Kakashi's cooking is mine!
Tenmar: *walking by* Iruka! *blushing* fancy running into you here! What are you doing?
Kakashi: *stepping between Iruka and Tenmar* WE are cooking something for Psychic King-sama to eat.
Tenmar: *scratching chin* I see. Psychic King-sama, please allow ME to aid Iruka in the preparation of your meal!
Iruka: *backing away* Oh no. Not me, I don't cook!
Kakashi: I don't need any help, kid.
Psychic King: Now, now. Don't be hasty! The more the merrier! I know! We'll have a cook off! Kakashi verses Tenmar! May the best cook win. *walks away dragging Iruka* Let's leave them alone and wait in the dinning room. I'm starving and sitting around thinking about food has to be the best way to get my mind off the hunger.
Iruka: *casting worried glances back at the kitchen* do you think they'll be alright?
Psychic King: Don't worry! They wouldn't dare to kill each other in my kitchen!
Iruka: That somehow doesn't reassure me.
Psychic King: Well, while we wait, how about the next chapter of Embrace to entertain you?
Iruka: You have that done already?
Psychic King: *nodding* And I just KNOW you're eager to see what I have happening.
Iruka: *excitedly* you mean there's something about Kakashi and I in there?
Psychic King: *shifting Lap top in front of Iruka* why not just take a look- see? *glancing at audience* I still don't own anything, so no suing me. Well, I DID create Tenmar, Uzu, Ganten, Mina, and Illia, but that's it! Well, technically I created the fox demon's brother's too. AND, I guess his sister in law.But still don't sue me, OK?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Embrace of Solitude
Chapter 6
"Oh yeah! A new record! Beat that, Sasuke-bastard!" Naruto thrust his fist in the air as the last piece of trash fell neatly into the basket. He looked around sheepishly as he realized that Sasuke had gone to bed and had not participated in his cleaning game anyway. After a moment he hefted the trash basket over his shoulder and started to walk towards the house pausing halfway there. "Alright, you bastards, I know you're out there! If you don't show yourselves I'm gonna kick your asses!" He flung his basket of trash into the darkness and a soft thud let him know that he hit SOME kind of target.
A small pause followed his abrupt statement, followed by a sigh. The sound of rustling was heard and then three figures stepped into the light. The tallest one held up his hands, Naruto strained his eyes, but nothing was visible about the man. "We don't want to fight you." He said quickly,
"Yeah?" Naruto said, still standing in a ready to strike stance. "You got a funny way of showing it."
Again the tall shadow spoke, "We are sorry about following you around like we have been, but we wanted to make sure we could talk to you alone. What we have to say might seem rather. strange."
He didn't sound threatening, and the feeling around these men was not the air of people trying to pick a fight. The blonde allowed himself to relax a little. "OK, but what about the other one? The one still hidden over there?" He pointed to his left and grinned. To be honest, he hadn't detected the taller two men at all, but the person that remained hidden was giving off such a strong fear scent that he was sure that Sasuke must have noticed it, too, during the party.
"Eep!" A small, feminine voice replied; another, smaller dark figure walked shakily out of the forest.
"Now we are all out in the open. Please forgive her; she doesn't have very good. people skills." The tall man gestured to the fire, which was still burning lightly. "Why don't we sit while we talk, this may take a while?"
"Yeah, alright, but if you attack me, I'll kick your damn ass extra hard for tricking me." Naruto grumbled, feeling slightly cranky as he took a seat next to the fire. It was getting late and what he REALLY wanted was to go to sleep for a while then get up and train with Sasuke. Tomorrow he was gonna beat that bastard and his smug face into the ground.
"No trick." The man promised, joining him slowly on the ground by the fire. Naruto realized that the reason he couldn't tell anything about the man's features was that he was wearing a long dark cape. As the others approached he noticed similar clothing. "Well, to start with I wonder how much you know about the going-on's outside the village? For instance, have you ever left the village without a supervisor?"
Naruto shook his head. The fact that leaving the village was forbidden unless under proper supervision for someone of his level had made the idea very appealing, but the fact of the matter was, every attempt he had made left him painful reminders that the Jounin guardians of the village walls were still far beyond his level.
"Hum." The man seemed disappointed. "So you know nothing of life outside this little town?"
Naruto shook his head again, stifling a sleepy yawn. "That's not true; I went to that island country! By the way. Why do you all have your faces covered? That's really weird." He scrunched up his face slightly.
"I'll take off my hood if you answer my question, OK? And so will my brothers." Just as Tenmar guessed, the chance of getting to see something hidden was appealing to the boy, who eagerly nodded. "OK, then my next question is-"
"How old are you, Naruto-kun?" Uzu broke in, ignoring his brother's indignant huff at being cut off.
"I'm twelve." Naruto replied immediately.
"And what're your goals in life?" Uzu continued asking, Tenmar listened interestedly. Who would have guessed that Uzu would be the best suited to understanding the boy?
"I'm going to be Hokage, not just that, but I'm going to be the strongest Hokage ever, so everyone will have to take notice of me." As he spoke, Naruto stood, raising his fist in the air. "I'm gonna be so great, they'll be talking about me forever!" Almost as an after thought he added, "And I'm gonna beat Sasuke to the ground."
Uzu laughed at this, "I like you, kid and I can tell you one thing; I hope you're the one we're looking for."
"Yeah? Naruto asked, interests peaked, "What are you looking for exactly?"
"Well, we're looking for someone born on October 10th, with a huge amount of power and a great personality."
Naruto practically jumped from his seat, part of him feeling excited and the other part curious. "How'd you know all that? About me? My birthday? Where to find me, as you've obviously been looking."
Uzu chuckled. "So it IS you. You are a very special person to us, Naruto-kun."
Tenmar nodded. "I just have two more things I need to know before I'm certain. First off, have you ever been in a life threatening situation? Or maybe someone important was threatened?" He waited for Naruto to nod before continuing, "When that happened were you able to tap into a new kind of power? Even if you thought you were out of power, did you suddenly feel refreshed and even more powerful?"
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded again, looking surprised. "I didn't think anyone else could do that!"
"Well, only a few really special people can do that, not everyone. My last question is; do you ever have dreams or memories that don't seem to be yours? You see someone and something about them sparks a thought that doesn't seem to be yours?"
Naruto was again nodding. Ever since his dreams had started he was much better at recognizing these flashes, too.
Tenmar felt himself reach a full smile. "Well, as promised." He pulled his mask off, turning to look Naruto full in the face, Uzu and Ganten copied their brother's movements, looking fully at Naruto.
Naruto stared in happy bliss at them for a moment, letting his eyestrace over each of them. The smallest to was a emotionless looking white headed boy, probably only a few years older than he was. The next was a wild looking red head with a cheerful glint in his eyes. This was the guy that had been asking him questions earlier. The last one, a grown man, made Naruto stop and stare. "Your face."
Tenmar smiled at the younger blonde, "Yeah, we do look a lot alike, don't we?"
"No!" Naruto almost yelled, causing his visitors to look around in worry. "I mean," he calmed himself a bit, "I mean you have the same face as someone ELSE that I once knew. Kind of." His eyes got a far away look as he remembered his dreams. The young man in front of him looked SO MUCH like the fox demon's first born son, "Tenmar; that was the name."
All three boys exchanged glances, even Uzu's humor faded slightly at that remark. "How do you know that name?"
"Ah, just someone from a long time ago." Naruto waved the question off, not really wanting to answer. "What's it matter?"
"It matters because." Tenmar shoot a lost look to Ganten who shrugged and nodded. "It matters because that's MY name."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Nugh. Too early." Kakashi moaned sadly as he felt the covers being striped from his body, exposing his bare skin to the terrible cold. Sitting up, he sleepily yawned and looked over at his lover. "You're truly cruel, you know that?"
Iruka leaned down and placed a gentile kiss on the silver haired Jounin's lips, moving away quickly as the man reached up to pull him back down into bed. "No, Kakashi. It's time to get up."
"It's early!" Kakashi protested. Standing slightly he finally managed to catch his love and pull him down. "You're not still angry with me about yesterday, are you?" He gently clutched Iruka's face, looking deeply into the man's eyes.
Iruka shook his head, staring just as deeply into Kakashi's visible eye. "Nope, but I still want to be there when you tell them, and that means getting up."
"No," Kakashi shook his head, "I meant about that incident at the restaurant."
"A little." Iruka sighed. "I hate how it made me feel; like I'm your. possession. I'm not used to." He moved away from his lover's embrace, turning away slightly. "I felt like the little woman, useless, only good for being protected." The look on his face when he turned back to Kakashi was almost frighteningly stern. "I'm not so weak physically that I need you to protect me, and I'm not so weak in my love for you that you should feel the need to look over my shoulder."
Kakashi sighed. "I know that. I just. forgot?" He shook his head. "That's not it, it's just."
The teacher held up his hands and silenced his lover. "I know. We're both new to this, but at least ATTEMPT to trust me, OK? Trust me to ask for your help when I can't take care of myself and trust me to be loyal to you when I'm faced with temptation."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. "You were tempted by that guy?"
Iruka backed away slightly. "What? I didn't say that!"
"Sounded like it to me. Isn't that what you meant by 'temptation?'" He rounded playfully on his lover. "I demand an explanation."
Iruka's back hit the wall with a thud. "Shit! I mean," trying desperately to make himself sound stern, "We don't have time for this right now! Kakashi!"
Kakashi let out a teasing growl and grabbed the protesting brunette's hands, pulling him into his arms. "There's always a little time." He whispered, planting a passionate kiss on Iruka's lips. When their lips parted Kakashi smiled. "Now, tell me about this 'temptation' you were talking about?"
"What temptation?" Iruka said, pulling Kakashi back down onto the bed. They lay holding each other for a few moments, each enjoying the other's company, until suddenly Iruka jumped from the bed, dragging half of Kakashi with him. "Very good try Kakashi, but you STILL have to get up!" He elbowed his lover square in the ribs before stalking out of the room.
After that it was only a short period of time before Kakashi emerged from their bedroom, fully dressed, looking completely awake. "Good morning!" He said cheerfully, planting a kiss on Iruka's cheek and opening the fridge.
"I already have the milk out. I hate how you do that, by the way, acting like you're such a great morning person, when in actuality I have to spend literally an hour sometimes dragging your sorry ass off the bed."
Iruka could see Kakashi smirk under his mask. "You should feel fortunate, you are the ONLY person to know the REAL me."
"Yeah? Well, sometimes I miss the fake you." Iruka replied darkly, but there was a teasing glint in his eye as he handed Kakashi a bowl for cereal. "I mean, you USED to get up early and cook for me in the morning, now we're stuck eating cold cereal and fruit. when we have the time to eat at all."
"Well, if you were half the cook I am," Kakashi said, returning the good natured jibe, "than maybe it wouldn't take so long to get me up."
"Getting you up has never been a problem, getting you out of bed is another story."
Kakashi's eyebrow rose, if he was going to play like THAT. "Well, have you ever considered that it might be your fault that I don't want to get out of bed?"
"Have you ever considered that it's your fault that I DO?" Iruka replied, making Kakashi cough up his mouthful of cereal.
"You are a cruel man, Iruka-sensei."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sasuke sat in his room listening attentively to Naruto's conversation with the strangers, trying to figure out what they were getting at. Why was Naruto so important to them and what were they planning on doing with him once they were certain if he was the one they needed? The sudden fear that they were going to take the blonde away from him popped into his head. His eyes narrowed as he listened to Naruto answering their question openly and honestly. Did the dobe have NO sense of self preservation at ALL? At least the sun was rising, now he could head down stairs to 'greet' these uninvited guests.
Quickly and quietly Sasuke worked on his clothes, impatiently running a hand through his hair he headed down the stairs. He arrived outside just in time to hear the tall man announce, "Because that's MY name."
"No way, because that would make you my- I mean that would make you that damn fox's son, and that's not possible." Naruto was backing away from the four now, moving slowly towards the forest where Sasuke presumed he would run for cover, but the interesting thing was that Sasuke STILL didn't sense any harmful intent coming from them. That meant it was their presence alone that was freaking the blonde out. And why had Naruto referred to himself as the demon fox, even if just for a moment? Sasuke knew that there was some sort of connection between the fox and Naruto, but. his eyes widened, what did Naruto say his birthday was? October 10th or something, right? And the fox was sealed. October 10th! And there was that seal that Sasuke had see every once in a while on Naruto's stomach. It was all coming together!
"I'm sorry, Naruto-sama, but." The tall man moved quickly to block Naruto's escape to the forest. "I can't let you leave. It does sadden me that you've lost all respect for the great man you were, ah well, there's plenty of time to reminisce about that latter! I must insist that you come with us, for your own safety."
Naruto moved slightly away from the forest, towards the street, but a tall red head was blocking his path in that direction as well. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that, kid." The boy was saying sympathetically. "But it's for your own good. And if you want a noble reason, the town's in danger as long as you're here."
Sasuke watched in horror as Naruto's shoulders began to slump in defeat. Damn! They already knew Naruto's biggest weakness. Thinking fast Sasuke yelled out, "Don't listen to them! They're no better than monsters themselves! Children of the fox?" He let out a derisive laugh, as four pairs of angry eyes turned on him. "Don't make me laugh. You are Uzumaki Naruto; don't listen to their bull shit!"
"Shut up." A cool voice said near Sasuke's ear. "You have a big mouth and it makes me sick, what do you know about us anyway?" Sasuke turned slightly, but there was already a fist on route to his face, Sasuke sprung back from the white haired boy whose face was contorted with anger. The boy jumped after him, continuing his attack, as Sasuke dogged he saw Naruto, still standing in a dazed slump. "Naruto, do something, dobe!"
"Ganten, stop!" The tall blonde man's voice called out commandingly. "If Naruto-sama chooses not to come with us then I will not force him. But perhaps there is one of us that can help convince him. Mina!" The still hooded figure approached, trembling slightly. The man walked her in front of Naruto and pulled back her hood.
Naruto's countenance shifted as he grabbed the red headed girl in front of him by the shoulders, he whispered almost inaudibly, "Illia?"
Sasuke's eyes widened, "Sakura?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Psychic King: Whew! That took forever to write!!!! I was so confused, I left off at a bad place last time, and then I went out of town and everything went bad. *sniffing*
Iruka: *patting his stomach* at least you got some food, right? *looking admiringly at both Kakashi and Tenmar* You both are amazing cooks! *glaring at Tenmar* But, I told you to stay AWAY from Naruto, not try to TAKE him away.
Kakashi: *smiling darkly at Tenmar from behind Iruka* Well, I guess we know who won this round.
Tenmar: *Glancing away* at least I have Naruto-sama! I'll. I'll wait for you Iruka! *holding back the tears*
Sasuke: *walking darkly into the room* Where's Ganten? I owe him.
Uzu: He's over there! And it looks like he's got a little friend! *points to the corner where Ganten is sitting, having a glaring contest with Gaara* Ain't that sweet?
Sasuke: Humph! *stalks over to towards Ganten and Gaara*
Psychic King: I donno. *sends a worried glance to Tenmar* Sasuke can play nice if I tell him to, but Gaara-chan is a very. special case.
Sakura: *Looking around* Where's Naruto? Not that I care.
Psychic King: *points to another corner where Naruto is sitting, holding his knees, a broken look in his face* He's been like that since I let him read the chapter. *sigh* Well, at least the chapter is OVER and now I can work on the NEXT chapter, which will have a happier ending, I think. Maybe. I didn't think this one was that bad.
Sakura: Yeah, but once again I get cut out! Your original version of this chapter had me in it!
Psychic King: Yeah. But it was SO much better without you. Sorry. *looks to the audience* Well, like I mentioned last chapter, I have been out of town, and I only just got back. I set myself down to write this chapter a few times, but I couldn't get it the way I wanted it. *sigh* but after careful thinking and consideration I think this is for the best. I'm not sure what next chapter will hold though. *wincing* I'll figure it out next chapter! I would like to dedicate this chapter to my reviewers! I love you all! It's people like you that keep people like me on a regular writing schedule! I am sorry that it's so short, but NEXT chapter will be better! I promise! Well, it's late and I am TRYING to get on a decent sleeping schedule for the beginning of the semester (ha! Like that'll happen, but.). So I shall bid you all a good night and thank you again! *Blowing kisses to the crowd* I love you! I love you!
Sakura: *shaking head* you are utterly shameless, you know this, right?