Hello once again, Blue Lone Wolf is back in the house and ready to rock it until it rolls! My latest chapters have been so successful; I haven't the heart to discontinue what I've started! Ah the joy of progress! Oh and what progress I've made! 12 chapters and counting! Things do indeed bode well for my work. Keep sending those reviews! Your opinion matters, especially on how I'm doing so far. In other news, on with the story! I don't own Naruto or any of its characters but the others you don't know are very original and of my creation.
"iii" speech
iii thought/telepathy
iii spirit speech
Chapter 12: Renewing Bonds, Discovering Pains
Naruto thought he felt something on his head move. It wasn't all that big but it wasn't small either. Sleepily opening his eyes he had the chance to see something lazily sweep across his vision. Curious in as to what it was, he had the innate stupidity to make a grab for it, only to be distracted by something else a whole lot bigger move next to him. All the more confused, he turned to face Sasuke sleeping peacefully, still topless but otherwise okay. Feeling heat rising to his face and a look of shock on his face, he only then realized the he was next to Sasuke, but also on top of him. And if that wasn't embarrassing enough, he also seemed to have the stoic ninja in a death grip hug. Had he done something in his sleep? Naruto let his brain backtrack to what he remembered. Oh yeah. Last night's events came kicking in.
--Flashback/Dream Sequence—
It'd been in the snowy streets that he saw Sasuke running toward him, a look of panic and fear on the usually emotionless pale face that he saw everyday. A dark shadow moving faster than any shadow should have, cloaked and reeking of decaying flesh, red demonic eyes flashing as it sped after the brunette, its claws reaching to grab the fleeing teenager. Naruto tried to move to intercept the creature and help his friend only to find he was motionless, frozen by some invisible force that kept him in place. To his horror the thing caught up to his friend and struck like lightning, sending the boy flying into the air and landing on top of the blonde like a pound of bricks. Seeing that he could now move he rolled to shield his bleeding companion from the creatures' future blows. He didn't notice that they didn't come as he started to cry. He couldn't stop the blood, the wound was too fierce and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Naruto was helpless. He was losing his friend again and he'd done nothing to stop it from happening. He barely recalled what he'd said as he cried, holding the limp form of the brunette though he could've sworn he'd heard the boy say something. It was whispered and what he said in response was lost in the midst of his own sobs. Naruto thought he felt comforting arms wrap around him as he cried before everything went blank.
--End Flashback/Dream Sequence—
And that's when I woke up. But how did he end up down here with me? Maybe I should go before he gets up. Knowing him he'll probably yell at me again. Sighing Naruto managed to withdraw from lying on top of his teammate but left the blanket behind. Not wanting to leave his friend on the floor he scooped him up and set him on the mattress, which to his surprise was completely free of yesterday's event. Maybe she replaced it and didn't bother waking us up. He thought with a shrug. But something else made him stop in his tracks. Wait, if she replaced the mattress, was it before or after Sasuke ended up on the floor? Holy crap did she walk in on us? This concept horrified him. But then again she'd been sympathetic to his emotions when it came to confronting the stoic ninja, not mocking or disgusted, but just aware that he was upset and it had to do with being able to communicate with someone who didn't like communicating at all. But wasn't she the same way? How could someone as equally distant as Sasuke just suddenly be so deference to someone else's feelings? Why such sudden change? Unless, Naruto thought with amazement, she was like that in the first place but chose not to show it unless necessary! But why? We don't even know her fucking name! Trying to think nothing else of it Naruto left the room, still oblivious to the unknown thing on his head enacting the roll of a nightcap.
The smell of food cooking and the sound of something sizzling met his nose and ears upon reaching the end of the hall. The girl was cooking again. The sleeping dead walk once again. She said, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Good morning to you too." Naruto said with a stretch and a yawn, groaning when a muscle or two were stretched into a refreshing angle. "What's cookin'? Need any help?"
Eggs, bacon, some toast and milk for strong bones. And no I'm almost done. She turned, her masked face rising to face his. Nice cap. Did you know it lives?
"Huh?"
Have you seen Cream? She queried, sounding oddly amused at his confusion. He stared at her blankly, looking around the rooms in search of the multicolored cat. Finding nothing he sat looking completely clueless. That is until the 'nightcap' that'd made itself at home on his noggin decided to get up and stretch inserting its claws into the boy's scalp. All Naruto could do was scream from the pain that jabbed at his head. The girl was too busy 'laughing' to care that the boy was having a fight with a normally harmless cat.
And Naruto's scream of surprise and pain didn't go unheard. Sitting up too quickly in his surprise, Sasuke was immediately dizzied by disorientation and confusion in as to exactly where he was and why. Hearing a second yell that sounded like Naruto in pain Sasuke fought down the nausea to inspect the commotion and possibly assist with whatever it was that was ailing his teammate. Running down the hall and through the living room he came to a screeching halt at the kitchen door to find Naruto struggling to free the cat that only said one word from his blonde locks while the girl was gaining support from her knees as she made a strange noise that seemed to be a silent hiccup or restrained cough. Looking at the scene he realized she was attempting laughter. His dizziness catching up with him Sasuke fell on his rear, trying to clear his vision and hopefully figure out what on earth could possibly be going on. The cat gave the blonde one last scratch across the face before making its normal daredevil leap across the room to land on the girl's jacket sleeve, clawing its way to her shoulder before it made itself at him and started grooming itself. "Damn cat!" Naruto yelled as he held his head, his face streaming with small rivers of blood from the scratches that marked his forehead. "Naruto you baka!" Sasuke managed to croak from where he sat, dizziness still sending his mind reeling. Turning in surprise Naruto noticed the teenager on the floor. Yelping he scooped the boy off the floor for the second time that day and set him on the couch, questions streaming in panic until the girl walked over and sent him falling to the floor. Blinking at what just happened, Sasuke realized that Naruto had just been punched into silence by a well-placed sucker punch to the jaw. That's better. The girl said with a sigh. I see you're feeling better. That's good 'cause breakfast is almost ready and as soon as the blonde oaf on my floor is done collecting himself, I'm sure you two have much to discuss, especially on how to spend your recovery time. Naruto, I believe that you still have yet to hand out yesterday's salvage.
"Oh yeah right." Naruto groaned. "Got us some clothes. Here. Try this on. I hope it's the right size." The boy said sheepishly as he pulled a shirt out from the bag they'd filled with clothes the day before. Sasuke took the shirt and slipped it over his head, it was a bit baggy but it fit well enough. Why don't you go clean up Naruto? I'll take things from here. The girl said, almost shooing the boy from the room. Reluctant but not wanting to keep a bloody appearance, he walked back down the hall toward the bathroom. Once the door closed the girl sat in the recliner to face the brunette. Well that was interesting. How do you feel?
"Like shit. What was going on in there?"
Cream wanted to be a nightcap for a day but I guess your friend wasn't as cooperative as he hoped. He cares for you, you know. Yet you push him away. Why? He's just trying to help.
"Well the way he helps isn't helpful at all. Things go from bad to worse whenever he 'helps'. He's an idiot and a dead last. End of story."
Yet he continues to try. He was very determined to see you when I caught up with him in my territory. Naruto just wants you to accept him for who and what he is. I think he tries harder with you than anyone else.
Sasuke blinked at her, surprised as well as confused. Naruto was trying to get Sasuke to accept him? But why? He couldn't afford to have friends with his brother still on the loose. I too have the need for revenge. The girl said softly, somehow reading his thoughts. He looked up to stare at her, her words shaking him out of his train of thought. "What? You?"
Yes I. But I don't let my hate and anger consume me to a point of no return. Where you're incapable of living the life you strive to have. That's what's happening to you and Naruto fears that you'll go to any lengths to do the one thing that drives you over the edge, away from reason and logic. Naruto understands what it means to be hated and to be angry. But so do I, and he wants you to get off that path before it's too late to turn around. Now if you'll excuse me, I think those eggs are burning.
She got up and headed calmly toward the kitchen, the cat's tail sweeping her back slowly like a windshield wiper. Sasuke sat stunned. Who was it the girl had sworn revenge against? And why was Naruto trying to keep him from fulfilling the promise he made to his dead family? He was brought of his thoughts again as Naruto came back down the hall to stop in the doorway, shifting his eyes elsewhere, not wanting to look at those black eyes that pierced him to the bone. "You feeling okay?" The question was hesitant, almost mechanical. Sasuke suddenly felt like he was being scolded, even though Naruto's tone suggested no such thing. Turning away himself only in a different direction, he mumbled a "fine" as he crossed his arms across his chest. Knowing he wouldn't get anything else out of the other boy, Naruto just edged toward the kitchen, keeping his gaze away from Sasuke. He heard Naruto conversing with the girl before taking over the stove, the girl heading toward the door with the cat still on her shoulder. Sighing Sasuke got up from the couch and headed toward the kitchen himself, sitting in one of the chairs only to notice something alien about the scene. "Hey dobe."
Growling as anger surfaced, Naruto rounded on the brunette close to roaring. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" Not even fazed by this outburst, Sasuke pointed to one of the places and asked emotionlessly, "How did those get there?"
Confused and curious, Naruto looked at which the brunette was pointing: a plate along with silver ware, a cloth napkin and glass sat on the end of the table with obvious signs of use. Crumbs from toast, small bits of egg and bacon grease, milk settling at the bottom of the glass and the napkin crumpled and greasy from cleaning a face and hands of a past meal. "Did you--?" Sasuke began as they stared at the area.
"Nuh-uh. Just got up like you. Not yet."
"Then who--?" they both realized that the only other person in the building other than them was the girl, and they never saw her eat. Ever. At least until now that the evidence that she did something other than cook it was right before their eyes. But to eat would mean taking off her mask, and taking it off would mean she revealed her face to the world to see. "Why do I get the feeling she's just like Kakashi?" Naruto grumbled, now glaring at the table set that innocently parked themselves at the end of the table. "Tell me about it." Was all Sasuke said, his eyebrow twitching dangerously. It wasn't until then they noticed the eggs were burning.
--Other Side of the City—
Sitting at one of the tables in the bar room, Iruka was enjoying a good mug of coffee after eating a hearty breakfast when suddenly Kakashi sneezed. Alarmed that his koi would suddenly do this without a true cause, Iruka stared in surprise at the silver haired man as he straightened in his chair, rubbing his nose with a finger through is mask. "Bless you. What was that all about?"
"Don't know but I think either I'm comin' down with somethin' or someone's talkin' about me." The man said, his voice oddly stuffy through the mask. This earned him some curious stares from the people around him. "Oh really? Anything bad?" Iruka queried, setting his coffee down for a minute to stare at his koi. Thinking this over Kakashi just chuckled and smiled under his mask. "Now who'd be talking bad about innocent little me?"
Sakura could only sweat drop as she deadpanned him. "I think you'd be surprised Kakashi-sensei." He sweat dropped as well, his sweet innocent look clinging to his face for dear life. Of course it was all interrupted by the cold chilling feeling coming over the room for the second time that week.
"Oh man. Not again. It's too soon for her to be coming back." Chevy groaned, slumping in misery on the bar counter. The familiar silvery blotch appeared on the door, spreading to its usual size before the bear mask poked through, the rest of the girl following. What was surprising was that a little girl had come running down the stairs to come to a screeching halt, took one good look at the new arrival and yelled behind her. "HEY GUYS!! SISTER-SAN IS BACK!! SHE'S BACK!" this yell was soon followed by a rumbling noise as the masked girl sweat dropped, her voice echoing in their heads. I just had to use the front door didn't I? No sooner had the girl 'uttered' these words, the stampede of children came flowing through the door and in her direction. But before they reached her she vanished into nothing. Confused the children started looking around until one of them pointed at the door they'd come from yelling, "There she is! That way!!" they stampeded their way back up the stairs to follow their target, only for it to appear next to the door to shut and lock it behind them. I really don't know why they do that. I swear every damn time. It never fails. She seemed to grumble, her voice echoing like a long-lost whisper in their heads.
"I don't know either but they seem to like you for some reason. Considering you do kill Ravens for a living I guess they can't help but look up to you even if you do try to avoid them." Chevy said in a matter-of-fact tone, edging away as the girl sat down on one of the stools. "So what're you here for? Run low already?"
No just came by. Scouting was a drag. No bites. Someone wanted to see you Chevy. She said, sounding amused.
"Who? Oh yeah I remember now." Chevy said, laughing to himself. Just then her jacket moved, another head poking out of the collar, mewling to be let out. Leaning toward the counter the girl opened her jacket a little further to let the creature out, stretching and yawning the cat sat on the wooden surface looking around at its new surroundings. Its mismatched eyes found a dog-masked man and gently pawed the air, trying to grab Chevy's face. He chuckled at its efforts, catching the paw in his hand. The girls couldn't help but gather and stare and squeal at how cute the animal was. "Oh he's so KAWAII!!" Ino squealed as she scratched it behind the ears, making it purr. "Does it have a name?"
Indeed he does. Cream.
"Huh? Cream? What kind of name is that?" Sakura asked, sounding almost patronizing. The girl stared, unaffected by her tone. It's the only thing he says. She said calmly. "So uh, what really brings you all the way out of your territory anyway? It's not like you to just come and chat." Chevy asked, his curiosity needing to be satisfied. What was she really there for? She sat for a minute, mulling over what to say. Finally after a minute of silence and tense waiting she answered. Danger approaches in a cloak of clouds. Another comes in the eye of a snake.
"Cloak of clouds and the eye of a snake? What's that supposed to mean?" Tenten asked, looking deeply confused. The snake will rise like the phoenix from its flame, shedding its skin to begin anew. The cloak will flow with the wind, even if it doesn't blow. Both are angry, but for different reasons.
"What are you talking about exactly?" Kakashi barked, his visible eye narrowing to glare at the girl. He knew what it was like to play games but this wasn't funny, not one bit. She turned to stare at him, tilting her head at his question. Do you think he's really dead? Or are you just kidding yourself?
His eye widened in shock, everyone gasped in horror at the question. Could it be? "No impossible! I killed Orochimaru! We all saw his head come off. Ozzy helped bring him down. There's no way--."
What of the servant? Did you really think he'd go down so easy too?
"Nah we go that Kabuto kid in the bag. There's no way he's goin' anywhere."
What makes you say that Dog Man?
"The fact that we put him in a puzzle box as soon as the area was clear. I saw to it myself. That kid's as good as caught."
"Puzzle box?" the question was unanimous. All stared at Chevy in confusion.
"Kinda like a jail cell. But it's in your pocket. One way in, no way out."
Hmm. Then the snake is the only problem other than the cloak of clouds. Both are angered, one at you, the other at the snake. To be truthful, he doesn't know where he is or what he's doing, but his anger burns for the snake's head.
"But who are you talking about?" Kurenai asked, not wanting to stay in the dark any longer. This whole thing was getting confusing. What did Orochimaru do to anger 'cloak of clouds' but the 'cloak of clouds' doesn't know where he is, what he's doing and why. How is that possible? Epiphany hit her head on. "Unless this 'cloak of clouds' is possessed somehow! Is that it?"
Indeed. His heart aches to know what foul deeds he's wrought unto those he knows and care for but is trapped by whatever it is that holds him in its grasp. He tries hard but cannot escape.
"But how can we help? We don't even know where Orochimaru is! Let alone what he's planning. And what does this 'cloak of clouds' have to do with anything?" Ino demanded while she absentmindedly rubbed the cat's belly. Kakashi was already connecting the dots. "Don't you mean Itachi?"
People around the room blanched or gasped in horror. The Sand Siblings on the other hand, looked confused. "Who's Itachi?" Kankuro asked, looking at the pale Leaf ninjas with a confused look on his face. Temari and Gaara looked as equally curious. Kakashi saved everyone else the trouble. "Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke's older brother. Prodigy and murderer of the Uchiha clan, the only other survivors of the Uchiha massacre. And Sasuke has promised revenge to kill him in the name of his family. Ninja criminal. S-class." His eye narrowed again as he stared at the girl. "Is Itachi the 'cloak of clouds'?"
She nodded. Kill the snake, and you save the cloak. Save the cloak and save the clan. You must help the brother do this. For the sake of his family… and his sanity.
"I'm sure we'll do something about the snake but how can this help Sasuke from killing his brother by accident?"
Brother doesn't know but that doesn't mean he won't listen. Foxes are more than just tricksters you know.
"Naruto? Why? What can Naruto do to help Sasuke?"
Sometimes brains are better than brawn. There's more than meets the eye, flowers will bloom and the sun will rise to meet a new day. The fox and the wolf will join to complete the circle to save the cloak and kill the snake. Those who were lost will be found, and the bear will watch.
"The bear will watch? The fox and the wolf will join to complete the circle? Okay now I'm really confused! Can you articulate that please?"
The fox and the wolf must join or the cloak will remain caught by the snake. They must kill the snake to free the cloak. The bear will watch.
"How does the bear watching going to help kill the snake?"
To observe is to learn but to watch is to see. The bear will watch then guide the wolf to free the cloak. The fires will burn again. The fox will be at peace once again.
"Wait what about Gaara and Shukaku? Surely there's something that can be done for them?" Temari asked. She didn't want her little brother to keep living without sleep or the ability to show emotion. The girl seemed to think this over as well, looking at the red head, making him shiver under her gaze. Her ice blue eyes seemed to pierce everything they looked upon and it made Gaara think he was under one hell of a microscope. As those eyes stared at him, he could've sworn he saw the eye dilate to a cat iris. But it was gone before he could know for sure. He must look within. The raccoon has much to say but it knows only fear and anger. This only the boy can fix. That's all I can say.
"Are you sure? Can't you do something?" Temari almost sounded desperate, wanting to know how to put the boy's nightmare to an end. The girl was thinking again. Perhaps… there is another way but it's untested and very risky. Are you willing to put your mind and spirit at risk to save one that cannot save itself? Gaara of the Sand?
Gaara blinked at the mention of his name but then nodded. He wanted to know what Shukaku was trying to tell him, even if it meant risking everything that he was to do it. Nodding back at him the girl rose from her seat, the cat making its usual daredevil leap onto her back to her shoulder. The girl walked over to a corner of the room, chairs and tables being moved aside by an unseen force. Come. Sit. She said shortly as only one chair remained in the middle of the cleared space. Asking no questions save for some hesitance in his step Gaara approached the chair but didn't sit down. Sit. She said again, her tone lacking emotion. Temari came forward and urged her brother to sit and reluctantly he listened, crossing his arms in stubbornness. The girl reached into one of her many pockets and pulled out a vial. Popping it open and pouring the strange white powder into her palm, she set the vial aside on a nearby table. Turning to Temari, she said. Stand aside. All will be well soon.
Nodding, the fan girl moved quickly to stand outside the clear space. The girl turned back to the redhead sitting 'calmly' on the chair. Ready?
"The sooner we start the sooner it ends." He growled, growing aggravated.
Well said. All must remain here while the bear guides the raccoon. The dog must do this as the bear works.
"Got it." Chevy said, popping on the edge of the cleared space, prepared to hold back anyone who broke the line. "Is this even safe?" Temari queried, turning her attention to Chevy who was now standing next to her.
"The dog obeys the bear my dear. For the bear is known for being very fierce but also very helpful. All we can do now is watch. It's true that this method is rarely used to cleanse troubled spirits but since you insisted, we can't do much else but comply with the request. It is risky but the results are always worth it."
"I hope you're right."
"Yeah," he whispered. "So do I."
Hold very still. The girl warned as she brought her palm to where the edge of her mouth should be. Then an invisible wind blew the powder into the air, clouding the Sand ninja from view. Without hesitation the girl immediately walked into the fog and disappeared from sight. "Now we wait. It's all a matter of time now." Chevy said with a sigh, pulling out one of the chairs and taking a seat. "That's it? That's all it takes? Where did they go?" Temari was almost frantic.
"Calm down. Damn woman. There are all sorts of doors and gateways and this is one on 'em. Creating it is easy enough, getting through without getting lost is something else entirely."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that in order for your friend to confront that unwanted passenger of his is to enter not only through the Spirit Realm, but also through his head. This little smoke screen allows both to occur pretty much at the same time but not to where the guide and guided become confused. To confront the problem is to find the source and to do that is to find the real culprit and show him the door. And all we have to do is wait until the little bugger pops out, we deal with him and it's smooth sailing from here on out." He stretched and yawned, the mask and his muscles straining from the movement. "All we can do now is wait. Who's up for a card game?"
"My brother's in there with a demon and a spiritless psychotic killer and you want to play cards? What kind of soldier are you?" Temari nearly screeched at him. He only gave her a silencing look. "I'm a soldier that specializes in tactics and management of supply and demand. To tell you the truth, girl, your precious brother is under the influence of a troubled spirit that has troubles of its own who's about to be assisted by the most powerful and highly respected warriors my people have ever had the privilege to teach the ways of the spirit. And if that helps you enough, the guy whose usually called upon as back up would like to play a good game of Gin. Who's up for a round while we wait?"
--Inside the Smoke—
Gaara was having trouble knowing what was where, or let alone he was even in the chair anymore. All he knew he was still sitting down, only question was where and for how long. All he remembered seeing last that actually made sense was the bar room suddenly masked from his view by a wave of white powder like fog filling the air and blocking his vision of anything, not even a hand in front of his face. Silence rang through the thick atmosphere as it swirled and twisted as though alive. Suddenly a shape came into view, dark and ominous in the distance, becoming clearer as it approached. He stared at it, straining to make out what it was. Other shapes, obscure and growing, soon joined it, easier to see as they came. His eyes widened at the first one that came into range, trying not to fall out of the chair that might not be there anymore. It was a person all right, but something was very wrong. A woman in her mid-thirties, a man in his fifties and other grown up, hell even kids varying in age; all with different characteristics that shocked the boy breathless. The woman was missing an arm somewhere below the shoulder and was sopping wet and stank of seawater. The man looked like a construction worker, covered in dust with blood coming from his mouth like a river. Something about him didn't fit. Gaara soon found out how as the man passed. He was flat as a sheet, lacking in depth. Another person passed, pecked and bleeding with glass, an eye missing started to cry as he raised his broken hands, reaching out to the boy. The man was about to reach him when a hand came and touched the pained man on the shoulder, making him turn and cry some more. Another white mist came forward and turned the crying man into a statue of frost. Standing there was the girl, masked and perfectly free of any deadly injury unlike the rest of the people there. You okay?
"Where are we? Who are these people?" Gaara asked, sounding a little nervous.
The walking spirits of the dead, that's all. Many are in pain and suffering, like this one. She said, nodding to indicate the one who'd become a Popsicle. They don't know they're dead yet but have somehow passed into a state of spiritual projection, seeking help from those who have the unnatural ability to see, hear and feel them wherever they roam from the sight of their downfall. Others merely wander, hoping for a place to be and something helpful they can do before they leave forever. This mist is to allow us both to pass into their dimension of reality, closely tied to the world they came from along with others who've passed onto this unseen realm. Those who can see them don't need this mist but in this case since you can't we do.
"And this will help me how exactly?"
To see the one who haunts you and your 'demon' to where it's constantly bothering you so that you don't sleep. Anyone in particular we should be looking for?
He thought this over. There was only one voice that bothered him to no end. "My mother."
Mother? This case is most peculiar. Come. We will search. The girl turned to leave, ignoring the crackling pillar of frost and pain. Noticing that he wasn't following, she turned to see that he was indeed hesitating, looking around for anymore of the spirits that combed the world unseen, seeking help from those who probably wouldn't give it. No need to worry about them, not after their friend here. They'll leave us be.
Not wanting to believe her yet not wanting to be left by himself in an unknown place, he got up out of the now nonexistent chair and moved to follow the masked girl in the white and grey place where they now resided. They walking for what seemed like hours until they came onto a struggling creature chained to the ground, angered at its imprisoned state but oddly saddened that no one would listen to its cries of mercy.
…Release me. I have done nothing to harm those around me. It was another I swear! Please allow me to be free and I will prove my innocence against the one who's wronged me and the one I reside in. you! Lady of the mask please! It called, seeing them amidst the mist, its chains rattling as it tried to come to its feet. A raccoon with many tails stood despicably before them, beaten and broken, trying to look presentable despite its wounded body and pride. Free me of these chains and my service is yours! But please allow me freedom to find he who framed me so. Wait… I know you… Gaara! Why come now when you didn't listen before? You—
Silence! Your bickering helps no one but making the ears of those who listen to your rambling bleed since you don't let them respond! Why the hell else would I assist him in seeking you out? This may be another world in a sense but it's his head and you've no right trying to take control like you have. Look at him! He can't even sleep because of you and the danger you bring in your state of 'pain and suffering'. So be silent and let someone else speak his or her mind for once in your measly existence!
The creature that was Shukaku was stunned into silence, its mouth hanging open at her angry words but shut it and nodded. Turning to Gaara she said. Speak and he will hear you. It's now or never. Nodding his thanks the boy moved forward and spoke. "So you are Shukaku. Who is it that put you into this state?"
A foul creature wilier than possibly even my distant cousin the Fire Fox, its face is distasteful to look upon and contorted in ways I knew not possible. He comes and haunts me whenever we battle, forcing me to unleash my monstrous anger onto your opponents through my element of sand. Where he is now I know not but if you free me I'm sure with the use of my animal skill I may be able to sniff him out.
"Can we trust him on that?" Gaara asked, turning to the girl in question. She seemed to think this over. Most spirits are very truthful and honorable to their word. If he is as useful as he claims, than his word is as true as the moon's passing over the dark earth.
It's true. I shall do nothing to leave your side in this hunt or any other. Allow me freedom and I will be your partner in spirit and mind. Once we are both free of this pest, we can both sleep to our hearts content.
"How do I know your rage won't get the best of you? How do I know you won't kill everything you see as soon as you see it?" his voice was demanding, almost tearful with past pain and horror unshed.
Some spirits' anger cannot be thwarted from running its course but with time, I'm sure even his can be calmed unless actually needed in a desperate situation where such anger is demanded. With my help this can be done but to be sure, there's one last thing that must be done. Hold out your hands, both of you.
Confused but not questioning the order they held out their limbs as she grabbed them and brought them together, making them rest in each other's grip. Do you Shukaku, the mighty spirit of the sands swear to keep you vessel and partner safe as you've done without fail in the past? Do you promise to keep true to your word to allow him the sleep he has been denied by you and others for so long?
If the moon and sun continue to chase on another and the stars shine with their beauty, I will serve him and any other after him until the end.
I see. Gaara, do you accept this creature as your friend and companion, through all times and days of any weather? Do you accept the responsibility of being the one to calm him in times of great emotional uproar?
"I will accept if he does as well."
Well Shukaku? Do you accept it as well as him? This bond must be balanced, one side supporting the other regardless of who is ailing and who is not.
If it is demanded of me to consol him from his pain and suffering, then I will try to rid him of it without creating more.
Are we agreed to these terms of bondage in this point and time, better or worse, happiness or great sadness, to allow free mind and spirit only in times of crisis or such separate actions are needed to enable various courses or a single chain of action at any time where such tactics are demanded?
I accept.
"I accept as well."
Then I, the Ice Bear, free you Shukaku from your chains and torment to follow Gaara as friend and partner to any place he may roam, and I present you Gaara with your right to a place in the forces of the Guardian Army should this be your choice. May this bond hold until either the end of the worlds or your imminent deaths where you may join again in this testimony or to another entirely.
A bright light came forth from their joined hands, blinding any in range to see it. It faded to reveal a tall man with brown hair, hazel dilated eyes, and a whiskered face to match. His clothes were tan to a light brown, black sandals on his feet and a raccoon tail poking out of his pants. The chains had fallen to the ground useless and Gaara was falling as well. The man caught him before he fell too far, turning him over. His eyes were closed. Gaara was sleeping for the first time in years. What just happened? Shukaku asked, turning to look at the masked girl in awe. The bond is complete and now he can rest without your pleading and his mother's screaming. Are you ready to uphold your end of this bargain that has been set before you?
Yes. If it means freeing us both of the one that's tortured us both to no end, then lead on Lady Bear and I will follow. Shukaku said, looking determined as he lifted the comatose boy onto his back, gloved hands wrapping carefully around the boy's legs. She nodded, ice blue eyes sparkling with the satisfaction of success. Walking off somewhere to the left, she smiled under her mask when she heard him following just like he said he would. Nearly an hour of walking was proving fruitless but was made worthwhile whenever the raccoon man sniffed the air and lead them in a new direction. Wordlessly they traded the position of following and leading, Gaara all the while resting like no tomorrow. Another half hour passed before Gaara moved out of his state of sleep, looking around to jump at the sight of who was carrying him. Good morning Gaara. I trust you know our good friend Shukaku?
"Um… yes… hello."
Sorry but carrying you was necessary for we had to move on. You slept well for one who's never slept at all.
Gaara blinked at him as the spirit man set him on the ground, letting him stand on his own. "I think I'll take that as a compliment." Shukaku could only laugh at this, his mirth sounding like it was echoing off canyons' walls. Who knew you were humorous? I should have shut up sooner had I known you could make jokes. But I blame you not for it's my fault you ended up being so tired in the first place.
We still have yet to find the offender that caused this whole mess; anything yet Shukaku? Or has the trail gone cold?
No there's still some way to go before we come upon them but we are getting fairly close.
Good because I see them. You were right. He is ugly. I think we found your mother Gaara.
"What? Where?"
Up ahead. Let's go. Silently she walked ahead, moving fast and nearly leaving the two males behind. Two figures appeared in the distance, one straight and close to six feet tall, the other bent and contorted, towering at a height of a staggering eight feet. The girl shot ahead, her form going watery until she was on all fours, her mask shifting to become plates of clay on her now furred face. Fur glistening in the dim light, the dark form of a wolf with a clay mask jumped and took down the two beings like sheets from a line. The tall one roared while the obviously female and shorter one screamed in anger and fear. Approaching the scene Gaara recognized the angry face of his mother and nearly froze from all the memories of her anger and rage, flowing over him like a wave of cold water. Kill them! The wolf demanded, the girl's voice echoing in his head, freeing him from the torrent of recollections that threatened to swallow him whole. Glaring at the beastly spirit that was his mother he drowned out her voice and memory with the use of his legendary sand. Shukaku did the same, hands changing to claws as he tore the creature apart as best as his claws would allow.
It chose then to try and get away, angry, bleeding and roaring it ran headlong into a portal of light suddenly came to be in its path of escape. It tried to stop, as though it hadn't planned for it to show up but was forced to pass through by the wolf/girl that pounced onto its backside, sending it hurtling through. Gaara's mother had disappeared in the mist, becoming nothing more than a painful memory in the back of the redhead's mind. Shukaku wasted no time in grabbing the boy and sending them both through the portal hole back into the world of physical reality.
--Outside the Smoke, In the 'Real' World—
Kiba had already lost several rounds to Chevy, Asuma, Akamaru (someone else holding the cards for him), he even got beat by Hinata and her cousin Neji. Mainly because Chevy and Tenten had the decency to assist the girl that and Neji kept on getting the winning hand. Greatly miffed at his losses he kept demanding rematches and was now taking on Shino and was again losing miserably. (Gin Rummy is a two player game, with three or four people to play in rotation) but the game was soon forgotten with the sudden sound of an unearthly creature roaring angrily, then swiftly appearing out of the mist, followed shortly by a masked and very pissed wolf. The mist behind them began to disappear but not before a full-grown adult with brown clothes, eyes and hair dropped into where Gaara had been sitting in the first place, catching Gaara as he fell out of the air into his lap. Chevy rose from his seat, roaring in triumph, "THERE YOU ARE!!" tossing a chair at the thing as the wolf moved out of the way.
The chair in itself was a very ineffective object to throw at a demonic creature such as this, that is its wooden components move and grow into tree branches, wrapping themselves around the wounded monster. Pinned and angry, it struggled and wriggled like a worm on the floor as Chevy approached the thing, already speaking softly words no one but him could catch. The chair continued to grow branches, breaking off the actual chair and letting it clatter to the floor as the branches grew, consuming the creature until it was completely covered and muffled. Then it began to shrink until the wooden bundle was the size of a tennis ball, the kanji for danger: dangerous contents appearing on the surface. Picking it up off the floor, Chevy simply put it into one of his many pockets as cards floated to the floor. As though nothing had occurred, the dog man walked over to the fallen chair, setting it upright before turning to the wolf. "What kept you? We've been waiting for you for three hours."
Oh shut up. You know as well as I do that such things take time. At least we found the damn thing before you lost another game.
"Eh. I won and lost a few. So who's your new friend Gaara?"
Shukaku stared in wonder and nervously gave them all a feral grin, setting Gaara down once again. Umm… hello, I'm Shukaku. You must be Kankuro and Temari. It's a pleasure to meet you face to face.
"You brought the demon with you?" Kankuro whispered in horror, Temari blanching and nearly fainting at the thought of the powerful creature standing in front of them. Confused and uncertain he turned to Gaara, a look of pain and confusion on his face. Was it something I said?
Upset that his siblings weren't accepting the change, Gaara stepped forward and gave them a fierce look. "That thing you saw come into this room not minutes before was the reason he was branded a demon that of which he's proven not to be. And if you can't accept that," he said with a growl. "then you can deal with it."
Getting along already? That's good to expect from siblings. I shall go now. My work here is complete. Until we meet again. The wolf padded to the door, slowly changing to a taller form as fur turned into clothes, the mask taking on its original design and shape. Silent as ever the girl passed through the door, her cold dominating presence lifting from the building, making everyone breath a little easier. "So you're Shukaku huh? Wouldn't someone like you be parading around, leaving a trail of death and destruction in your wake?" Kakashi said in his usual playful tone before Iruka elbowed him in the stomach. The man rubbed the now sore area, seeming to pout at his koi while the chunin glared at him and his rudeness. But Shukaku only chuckled at the question. I am now bound to Gaara and on the Lady Bear's terms of bondage, I am to remain with him until his true and imminent death where our paths will truly part to either come together again or choose another to commit the same oath of loyalty with.
"Right you are my mighty friend. Such oaths are taken quite seriously and are rarely broken either briefly or permanently when a spirit finds the one they are destined to be with or there's something they must do that requires them to be completely separate from their partner to complete. Some of us are born with our spirit partners, while others find them along the road and sometimes, quite sadly, not at all. Each one is meant for a specific purpose that the partner requires or simply is in need of. It's true when you say you can't leave without Gaara going with you or unless he actually lets you go where you please. Don't worry, you're not the only one." Chevy finished with a chuckle at the look on everyone's faces.
"What about your spirit Chevy? How come we've never seen it?" Temari asked, looking at the man quizzically. He merely laughed again. "Oh she's been asleep lately. But I'm sure you'll meet her sooner or later." Bending down again he started picking up the cards. "Hey Shukaku, do you know how to play Gin Rummy?"
--Other Side of the City—
It'd taken the two boys some time to save the eggs, try again only to get nearly burnt again before they bothered making BLT's out of the bacon and the toast while using the probably not edible eggs as a side dish. It'd also taken them some time to actually find the tomatoes to put in the BLT's even though the T part was taken up by the cold toast. The clock struck 11 o' clock in the morning before the chaotic breakfast was finally concluded with the two putting up the dishes and sorting out the clothes that Naruto had brought back the day before. Much to Sasuke's surprise, nearly every article save the underwear were actually dark colors or something of a relatively dark hue. Naruto, much to his annoyance, was acting distant and uncomfortable in his presence. Something that'd never really happened before. The two stayed on their side of the room until the girl returned with the 'evil' cat on her shoulder. Noticing that the atmosphere was a little tense and breaking it was a bad idea, she said nothing as she passed the two by, heading down the hall and actually took the time to open and close her door like a real person. Sasuke had gone to reading the book again, or at least trying to. It wasn't until close to two hours later that the brunette started to droop and sag into the couch, his eyes heavy with fatigue. Naruto, who'd been staring at the wall while deep in thought on what to say to the Uchiha, was brought out of his reverie when he heard something thump onto the wooden floor.
Turning toward the other boy, Naruto couldn't help but smile with amusement at the sight. Sasuke had fallen asleep reading, slumped onto the armrest like a limp pale doll, his head resting on his shoulder as his face turned to look at the floor. The book had closed itself when it hit, never disturbing the brunette as he quietly snored on. Picking up the book and setting it on the coffee table, Naruto went to fetch a blanket to drape over the sleeping boy. He came back with said blanket, covering the now shivering teenager, moving his legs so that they stretched across the couch, giving the boy a better sleeping position. Naruto couldn't help but smile at the peaceful face that looked back at him, not knowing he was leaning in to do something that somewhere two different issues were combating on how it was wrong, yet it was all so right. He realized what he was doing and pulled back, horrified and ashamed with himself for letting the urge to kiss the other senseless take over and totally kick out any true reason to be doing it. He was just about to leave when a hand came and grabbed his wrist, locking him in place. Turning he saw that the Uchiha had unconsciously moved and had managed to get a hold of the closest thing that was in range; in this case, Naruto's arm. Trying to fight down a maddening blush from appearing on his face, he struggled to loosen the hold only with no success. Sighing the blonde just situated himself next to the couch and fell asleep as well.
Coming out a few hours later, the girl once again found the two in said position and stared with all knowing eyes. Guess we can forget dinner then. She thought as she shrugged, grabbed another blanket to wrap Naruto in, went back to her room and caught some sleep of her own.
Man! They're all falling asleep on me! Well at least Shukaku and Gaara can finally get some freedom from what haunted them, and each other! But I guess that Gaara isn't trying to be freaked by all the walking dead people he saw, considering he's a pretty unappeasable guy. Let's all just hope that there'll be a NarutoXSasuke lemon in the future huh? Maybe some more Kakashi and Iruka goin' at it. I don't know. Time will tell.
No notes again. This has to be a sign. What it means I have no idea.
Next chapter: Chapter 13: Unspoken Words
It seems that Naruto's still tryin' to pull up some courage on what to say to Sasuke don't you think? You really can't blame the guy since he's never really known what real love is before. But is it just me or will Sasuke beat him to the punch? And will the shadow that's sneaking around ever show that it just might be someone with some nasty intentions? Am I going to say who? NO!! That would be spoilage my friends and that would be most inappropriate. You'll have to wait for:
Chapter 13: Unspoken Words