The past five or so months have been quite different. You yawn into your hand to cover it up. Even after so long you are still tired. Raising a child that is growing much faster than normal is quite draining. Ogata is already looking like she's over a year old. She's figured out how to run and have fun. She's playful and looks up to Jiraiya. It's adorable to see her shriek in joy and toddle towards her father. Because he's her favourite person.

Jiraiya has grown into his role beautifully. He was always protective of Ogata but since she's let her curiosity take her away he's been as overbearing as he was when you were pregnant. He always follows after her to make sure she stays out of harms way. He huffs and scowls when Tsunade does check ups on her. He's nearly ripped off the arm of the scientist that tried to take her. And left the battered nearly dead body of one of the armed enforcers that tried to do it again. He's looking forward to teaching her to hunt and fish.

Right now he's calm... sorta. Crouched down near you as he keeps a watchful eye on his spawn. Across from him is the long red haired woman with fox like features. She too is crouched like he is and watching her baby. Both babies are interacting. While Naruto is a few years older than Ogata he's happy to have a playmate. Ogata is the first child he's gotten to interact with. So far he's been enjoying letting Ogata chase him around.

"Intense, aren't they?" Your companion asked.

"A little." You agree.

It's nice to have another human to talk to that understands what it's like to be with a not so human mate. Minato is a very kind man. Smart too. He was once a solider. But he didn't do much in the way of fighting. He was more of a scout. Do to his speed and sharp senses he was quite good at it. And of course... he found more than bamboo in the mountain high forests of Japan. Then he was caught a lot like how you were almost seven years ago. Only with a beautiful fox woman, more traditionally called Kitsune. This one is named Kushina.

"It's not so bad here... as much as I miss the real outside..." He said.

"Yea... me too."

There's a deep growling. You look to your mate to see him on all fours, growling and tensed. His eyes locked onto Kushina, who is mirroring his pose. You call back Ogata and Minato does the same for Naruto. Each child toddles to their corresponding parents. It's best if they stay out of the possible fray.

Kushina strikes first. It's hard to follow as the two unusual creatures howl and fight. Their blurry combined form rolls away in the enclosure. The two humans cry out as their partners fight. But it's not as if they can go any check. With two young children to watch over it's not exactly smart to leave them to their devices. Especially when both have a knack for getting in trouble.

The two humanoids roll deeper into the enclosure. They break apart and skid along the artificial forest floor. Jiraiya sighs and stands up. Kushina does the same and smiles.

"How's it going for you?" She asks with a tilt of her head and flick of her fluffy ear.

"Fine. I met with two new ones. How about you?" He replies.

"I befriended the three I got to meet."

For the past two months the facility has suddenly decided to let the prisoners mingle. Perhaps to see if it's possible to have them all in one cage together. So far they have been civil. Jiraiya goes into the cells of creatures he's never seen or smelled before. All of them are just as smart as he is or smarter. Some are biding their time like he is. Others have given up. But when he met Kushina he hatched a plan.

Get all the creatures on the same page. Riot. Rebel. Break free. As word spreads around about the group effort the more confident everyone is getting. Working together is key. There's no way a bunch of armed humans can stop a whole army of unusual creatures. Especially if they're organized. They don't expect it since they believe these creatures are stupid and unwilling to cooperate for long periods of time. But the need for freedom has bound each creature to an understanding.

But on the small chance it goes south... it's better you don't know. Same for Minato. Same for any human mate to a creature. They and any children shouldn't be punished. It's why the play fighting is necessary. To keep up the rouse ain't so bad. A scratch or two is a minor price to pay to keep you ignorant of the plot. There's also an off chance that a mate could accidentally say something to a doctor or scientist. Humans like to talk to each other, even if they aren't really on the same side.

"So... do you think that's all of them?" Kushina asks.

"I'm not sure." Jiraiya answered. He put a thoughtful finger to his chin. "I've walked around most of those... tunnel things and seen lots of cages. It's hard to say if I have been in all of them. But I think we got enough on our side to attempt a break out."

She nods. She crosses her arms and her tails sways back and forth. Her brow furrows thoughtfully.

"Do you have a plan?"

"Is there much to plan? Break things. Kill. Find way out."

She rolls her eyes. Boys don't think very different from one another. It's always about the violence and none of the finesse. But there's not much else she can think of doing either. Maybe take a prisoner or two if things get dicey. Keep the mates and kids protected. Those shiny thingies they use to open some doors could be useful too.

Her ear flicks and angles back.

"We should head back. Your mate is getting worried." She announced.

"Okay." He agreed. But he stopped a step later. "Shouldn't we be more hurt?"

"Cha... right. As if a beast like you can lay a scratch on me!"

He scowls as she skips off. As great of an ally as she's been she certainly doesn't spare feelings. Hardly any cryptid does. When meeting another creature it's best to be blunt. Survival depends on it.

Jiraiya follows her back to the clearing where the awaiting families were. He made way to you and relaxes as he gets to sprawl out on the ground with his head in your lap. You run your fingers through his hair. Which is something he's grown very fond of.

"Are you okay?" You ask.

"Fine. Happy to be with you."

You sigh as he gets comfortable. There's scratches on his arms. He always comes back with injuries now. Most are closed and healed by the time he returns but it's still pain he's endured. He never complains about it, nor does he tell much about what happened. A smile grows on his face as Ogata walked to him with chubby hands reached out towards him. Her mouth is parted in a big happy smile as seeing her father back. He pet her head and let her paw at his face as she excitedly babbled half words to him.

A loud blaring horn interrupted the peace. Ogata hates it. She always cries when it sounds. It's mostly the noise it makes but also it means her friend has to go. She falls back on her butt and burst into tears.

"It's okay, baby!" You soothe her. You pick her up and put her in what little space you have in your lap. "You'll see them again soon."

She quiets down but her face is still all wet and red from crying. She looks at you with a pout. You mirror her expression before leaning down to kiss her head. It does help her feel better. Normally you get to properly say goodbye to your guests but that's impossible with your family picking you as their pillow.

"See you later." Minato said as he stood up.

He stretched before crouching back down to affectionately say goodbye to Ogata. She's grown fond of him too and doesn't complain when he gives her attention. He ruffles Jiraiya's hair too, which got him a grunt of annoyance. But when Naruto does it your mate smiles. He has quite the soft spot for children.

"Bye bye, froggies!" Naruto bids with a wave as he gets led away by his parents.

The family you have grown to like so much move along out of your enclosure. Hopefully Orochimaru will continue this program. It's so nice to see people. It's interesting to get their stories. People like you who got abducted and forced to live with monsters. At least for you and Minato, the monster is friendly.

Jiraiya sits up with a sigh. He yawns before nuzzling his cheek against yours and stealing the little one from you. He needs something to do and there's a nice opportunity to do it with so much time left in the day.

"It's about time I teach you to swim." He announced.

"Bah!" She seemed to agree.

He stood up and offered you his hand. In his other he securely held Ogata. You take him up on his offer and he lifts you up. He keeps a firm grip on your hand. Ever since you got nabbed the one time he got fish he insists you come along. Not that you wouldn't want to. Staying near them feel safer.

He leads the way to the little lake that's in the enclosure. You kneel in the water with Jiraiya as he sticks Ogata's feet in. She squeals and tucks her legs up. Then puts a toe back in. Her eyes are wide as she gets lowered into the cold water. She's been in the water before but this is the deepest she's gone. You usually bathe her no deeper than her feet by the edge.

She clings to her father's hands as her feet touch the bottom of the lake shore. She's only up to her thighs. Even if she is partly aquatic it still worries you. You don't want her to drown... even if that is practically an impossibility.

As if she was just learning the task again, she walks with her father deeper into the water. She puts a hand out and splashes the water. Soon he's only holding her belly to help her stay afloat and learn the posture.

Pride fills you as she broke free from her father and motored around in the water like a pro. You clap and cheer as she paddles along. She always smiles when she hears you cheer her on. Jiraiya follows her. He's quite proud too. You can tell he is by how he's watching her and his swimming isn't so graceful when he's excited. He swam ahead of her and cut her off. He let himself sink down. She shrieked and fumbled in her paddling.

White hair emerged from behind her and he playfully snapped at her toes. Another shriek and she figured out how to turn herself around.

You aren't so strong a swimmer or else you'd join them. It looks like great fun. The man you love keeps popping out of the water around your daughter in a playful game of hide and seek. It entertained her greatly.

"Be careful!" You call out when they both sink down.

You shouldn't worry. Ogata has gills like he does. Same with webbed fingers and toes. She'll be fine. Especially with her big protective father watching over her. It becomes still and calm on the surface of the water. You tip toe closer to peer into the depths but it's dark. You thought maybe you saw a flicker or two of shimmery white hair but it's hard to say for sure.

A sudden splash startled you. Both your lovely monsters burst from the water. Jiraiya holding Ogata like a trophy. In the little one's mouth is a fish. Both of them are excited.

"Go show mama!" Jiraiya encouraged.

He set her belly down in the water and she glided in the water towards you. At this point you've become used to fish being dropped in your lap. You clap enthusiastically as your daughter presents you with her first kill. You ruffle her wet hair, moving it away from her eyes.

"Good job, baby!" You cheer.

She grins at you, showing off those sharp teeth that have already grown in. You offer her back her fish. She sniffs it before digging her teeth back in it. You place her in your lap and play with her hair as she munches on her fishy. It's her first kill, she ought to reap the rewards all for herself.

"She's a good hunter."

You look to your side to see Jiraiya had come to shore too. He shakes his head free of some water before sitting beside you. Water drops rain down on you for a second or two. You roll your eyes before resting your head on his wet shoulder. What's the point if he's just going to dive back in to gather more later?

"It won't be long until she can out fish me." He said.

"That's only because she has a great teacher."

He smiles. He looks over his family slowly. Again that desire grows. Ogata needs more room than this. A river... maybe the bay of an ocean. She needs to see what the world can offer her. And of course... she needs to get out of here before the next generation of monster breeding comes about. She shouldn't be subject to any of their cruel experiments either.

And you... you need more than this. How you have managed to stay sane is admirable. It's probably because of Ogata. But you speak fondly of things you miss. It would be nice to provide you with these things. Even if he isn't really sure what these things are. All he knows is that he can't provide it while in here.

And so... the plan must be put in action...

You are awoken by Jiraiya shaking your shoulder. Before you can utter anything he kisses you and makes a hushing noise. There's a soft glow to his eyes from that small bit of refraction from the dim lights outside the den. Scary if it wasn't him. Those toad like eyes of his are too curious and sweet to be intimidating anymore. But at the moment they are very serious. He's not usually like this.

"Follow." He whispers.

You sit up slowly. He's waking Ogata up too. Hushing her as she whines. He hands her off to you once outside of the den. She's still sleepy and is content with trying to fall back asleep with her head against your shoulder, whining and shifting until she finds the perfect spot.

He's acting weird... but you trust him. You follow him to a wall of the enclosure. For a moment you didn't realize what it was. Then it sinks in. It's the observation window. No matter what they replace it with Jiraiya has managed to break it. Now it's thick plastic with metal mesh cast in the middle to really make it difficult for him to break.

It seems he was working on it for hours. There's claw marks in it. He scratched it over and over again in the centre in a large X shape. He pulled back his fist and punched right through. Sometimes the best solution is the one that has worked in the past. He grabbed the mesh and yanked on it until the other side of the thick panel failed and gave from the wall.

To your surprise Jiraiya grabbed you and carried you out. He set you quietly on the metal floor. At this point the man made floor feels foreign to you. It's too smooth and cold. Then his gaze locked into all the buttons that is beside the window. He scans them over until he finds the one he wants.

"Wha-?" You barely manage to say as he hit the breach button.

Alarms blared. Lights flashed. The dead halls become alive with distant activity of what must be those armoured enforcers. You look at your mate like he's crazy. He broke out and then sounded the alarm himself! Is he crazy? Is he trying to get himself killed? Ogata is cupping her hands over her ears. It's very loud. A grating siren that's howling every few seconds.

"Don't worry. It is the plan." Jiraiya assures you.

There's a plan? When? Where? How?

"Everything will be okay." He says.

You open your mouth to ask a question but a horrible sound froze you. There's roaring. A loud blood chilling scream of an animal. You shudder. Never have you ever heard anything like it. Deeper than a mountain lion but still had that human like quality to it that makes it uncanny. It's making all your senses scream of danger. Jiraiya poked his head out and you do as well.

Thick metal doors have fallen over the hall on both sides. It makes it impossible to leave. The most that can be done is running back and forth. Another roar sounds. It's closer. The vibrations of the floor and walls only bring about doom to your senses. Through all the chaos you still register your child whimpering in fear.

"Be brave, Ogata." You coo at her. You rock her. "Think about the fishies."

The vibrations grow in intensity. It has the distinct pattern of running. Something big is barreling closer. Jiraiya grabs you and puts your head against his chest and hunches over you protectively.

The noise is awful. The metal being shredded and torn apart. You manage to peek over the protective form of your love to see a fleshy coloured blur wiz by. It looks big. It is cramped in the tall hall. It rips through the next barrier and keeps going.

It's hard to explain with all the racket. But the gist you got from Jiraiya speaking to you right by your ear to avoid yelling was a rather simple answer. As the new meeting and mingling project began Jiraiya met with very aggressive monsters. He met with one so big he could hardly comprehend it. It was a mix of a bull and an octopus. They ripped out trees and dented walls in their enclosure. Once finally able to communicate with them they revealed that when enraged they can tear apart anything. And they are always angry because of being stuck in this place... and he ain't too fond of loud noises either. All they need is an opportunity to strike and break free.

"He liked the plan me and Kushina came up with. Then agreed to help." He finished.

There's hoots and hollers of all kinds. Some more animal. Others more human. This is a full on breach. All the creatures unfairly held here are escaping. Kushina skipped into view. She stopped at spotting you and your family. Soon her family caught up.

"Shall we?" She asks.

Jiraiya nods. He gently pushed you along until you were beside Minato. He took the front while Kushina took the back. He led the way, staying on guard. Although there's not much in the way of resistance. Any guard that was caught in corridor have met a horrible fate. Trampled on the floor. Splat against a wall. Slashed apart by claws.

Each time the group passes a little observation room, more abnormal creatures joined. Some of them have mates or children too. Most have both. But the occasional one or the other joined with the guiding push from their crypid counterpart. The human and half humans are all ushered in the middle while the monsters create a shield around them, protecting what they hold dear.

Despite being with Jiraiya for so long it is boggling to see so many different kinds of creatures. All of them have their own unique looks. Some are like Jiraiya, almost could pass for a human. Others are too strange for your brain to even try to describe accurately. Moving buzzing shadows. Creatures that are almost normal aside from colours and size. Others seem to be composed of elements.

The first obstacle came in view. She managed to survive the rampage of the fleshy bull octopus. Which is a relief. Out of all of the people here she doesn't deserve to be trampled. The kind doctor you fondly call Tsunade is standing in the way. She's calm. She's not afraid.

"What do you want?!" A scratchy voice from one of the creatures screeched.

They all seemed to hesitate around her. They don't want to hurt her. It seems she's been kind to all of them. Or at least treated them as an equal. She pulled something out of her coat pocket and offered it.

"Even a beast like that," she said as she pointed behind her. "Cannot breach the final door. You need a key to open it."

Kushina took the first approach. She's swift enough to move out of the way in case this a trap. But Tsunade isn't like that. She hands off her key card to the red headed fox without issue. She retreats out of the way to let the group pass.

"Go home.. Live as you are meant to..." She bid a bittersweet goodbye. She's sad to see them go, but happy that they are free.

"Will you be alright?" Jiraiya spoke up.

"Yes. Don't worry about me. Just hurry before the reinforcements come."

The group does move along, some wishing thanks to the kind doctor as they pass her. It's the only sad goodbye any of the cryptids will give to anyone in this place.

The walls are getting harder to look at. You brace Ogata's head against you just in case. She's already trying to block out the noise and seeking comfort but you don't want her to see all the gore. A few of the creatures broke off to have their revenge. Among the frantic and panic of the breach the armed guards aren't so organized. They never saw this coming. It's clear some of the prisoners are letting out their frustrations of how they were treated.

A wave of excitement washes over the crowd as the big vault like door comes into view. A large man with tan tattooed skin and pale blond short hair is laying face down on the ground steaming. Like literally steaming. His skin is sizzling like he just got out of a boiling hot tub. Considering he's the only thing around... is he the beast that tore through all the doors? He must be able to transform. How peculiar. Another cryptid saw to him, since he hadn't be paired up with a human he has no mate or a child to rely on but at least he's got a friend or two to make sure he doesn't get left behind. He's the only reason the group could make it this far.

"It's strange we haven't seen any of the scientists." Minato murmured.

"Maybe they fled when the alarm sounded?" You guess.

"They are more valuable... but what about that man who made this place?"

That's a good point. Orochimaru wouldn't be so cowardly as to just run would he? But he always gave the impression of self preservation. He never got too close to Jiraiya unless he was armed or surrounded by armed forces. He's also an arrogant narcissist. It's not so far off to think he fled to save his skin and start anew. Maybe there's more than one of these facilities. He must have a back up plan of some kind.

"He must of left with them." You say simply. "He's... just a coward."

"I thought he was proud of this place. It's hard to believe he'd just leave."

You look over at your friend. He is worried. So long as Orochimaru lives there's always the threat of getting captured again. He knows that. You know that. Everyone here must know that.

At least this time the subjects here are more prepared for it. They know that there's people out there that are aware of them. The best and only option is to stay on guard and go into hiding.

Kushina had the privilege of opening the vault. She swiped the card in a reader that's attached to the wall and the door. There's an electric beep. Then a hiss of hydraulics. Some creatures rush forward and push on it impatiently. It gives way.

For the first time in a long time, the shine of the real sun washes over you. Jiraiya left his post at the front of the group to scout ahead. His regeneration is swift enough to protect him but you worry. Hopefully he doesn't get mowed down by gunfire. There's a tense anticipation and excitement among the humans.

He trotted back into view unscathed. His pleased look was enough.

Those who had mates and kids had their monster meet them. As a family they left together. Those who are by themselves were happy to simply run out. Jiraiya returned to your side. He smiles at you and gave Ogata a pet. She's still not so happy with all the commotion.

As a family, you leave the facility. The alarm fades. The cool concrete meets your feet. The chill of morning greets your skin. It's dawn. A real dawn. With the beautiful hues of pink and yellow of an early morning sky. Your surroundings is a road and a chain link fence. Beyond it is untamed forest. It smells like the earth after it rains.

"Look, Ogata." You whisper. "Pretty."

She peeks out from your shoulder. Her eyes go wide with curiosity and awe. She's still not in the greatest moods. She sniffles as she stares. Then loses interest to plunk her head back on your shoulder and shut her eyes. Babies are a wonder in their ways. She probably won't even remember this, but you will. The moment she experienced the outside world... and she's too sleepy to stay awake for it.

You walk with your mate away from the man made things. Soon your bare feet touch the moss and dirt of the forest floor. It's not so different from the forest floor in the cage, but it's somehow better.

"What do we do now?" You find yourself asking.

"What do you mean?" Jiraiya asks.

You look up at him with a thoughtful frown.

"Where do we go? We don't even know where we are in the world."

"We can figure out something. Make a new den somewhere."

The family you befriended joined you in your contemplation. Only one looked more curious.

"I think I might know where we are." Kushina said as she looked around. "Lots of things have changed. But... I think we're still in Japan."

"How can you tell?" You ask.

"I've been on every mountain to every valley for many years on this land. I know about every nook and cranny. I could probably find a town not so far from here."

"Well..." You trail off. "That's good and all but..."

You look over at Jiraiya. He doesn't exactly blend in. He's tall and looks far enough away form a human where they will take notice. As for Kushina you've seen her snap her fingers and have her feline features disappear. She and her family can seek help with those people but what about your family?

"I don't think that's going to work." Minato cut in with your exact thoughts. "Especially with the language barrier. They would never trust a foreigner, let alone a whole group of em."

The kitsune huffs and crosses her arms. Her ear flicks as she thinks about what to do.

Then the melodic fluttering of a helicopter came into earshot. Everyone looked up. There is one coming over to the facility. Probably the reinforcements Tsunade mentioned.

"Let's take cover and figure this out." Minato took lead and motioned for everyone to head into the trees.

Everyone took off running. Kushina picked up her little boy and carried him. As great as Naruto has been in keeping up so far she won't chance letting him fall behind as more dangerous people touch base with the facility.

Since they are familiar with the area, Minato and Kushina quietly discussed where to go. The less human of the two suddenly gasped as she remembered where an old abandoned mountain village is.

"Is it far?"

"No! Just across the range." She said as she pointed to her right. Which was basically a black diamond walking path on crack. It's no simple jaunt.

"That could take weeks!" You exclaim.

"You got a better idea?"

Now that's a good point. Jiraiya prodded his nose against your cheek and assured you everything will be okay. As a hunter and life long survivalist he can gather food for the group. Kushina was more than happy to lead the way. Minato gave you an assuring pat on the back. There's no turning back now. And the journey for freedom is far from ending. But one thing does bug you.

"Do you think the others will be okay?"

"The other.. abnormals?" Minato asks.

You nod. He smiles at you and comforts you with some wise words.

"I'm sure they're fine. They all left with confidence and a family to take care of. That's enough motivation to keep anyone going."

He finished his sentence with a fond look over to his own family. With his mate and son. With the first adjusting to carry the second so he can catch up on sleep while they travel. In turn you look down at your daughter, who is still resting peacefully in your arms. You would travel to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. Jiraiya too. You'd do anything for him and his safety.

With nothing but each other, the long journey continues. With each step the feeling of danger began to fade. The drone of the chopper began to quiet and nature began to fill the air with its calm song. Orochimaru is still out there and without a doubt he won't give up on his project, but it feels good knowing he probably won't be able to find you or your family. With the thick branches covering over head and two overprotective monsters close by at all times it feels safe.

Throughout the journey there's stops along the way. Time for the children to play. Stopping to find food and water. There's even some time to laugh and relax. By no means is it an easy trip. It's tiring. Your legs and feet hurt. Soon your whole body does. It feels as if you have never slept and the food doesn't go as far as you think. But it's all made better with good company.

Many days pass. The normal cycle of day and night is comforting. But it hasn't been forgiving. The more humid and warm climate you are used to is much more comfortable than this. The days are hot, the nights are frigid. Which is to be expected on a mountain range but it makes it awful nippy. Especially since the only thing covering you is the short robe you were given at the beginning of this crazy experience.

The steep slopes and sudden inclines began to even out. Kushina practically skips ahead, which is followed by her son excitedly trying to keep up with her. Your whole body is practically screaming when you pick up your pace. There's excitement brewing in everyone as they flock together where the trees end.

It's a simple village. A worn path of dirt and hardly any signs there was once a community here. Only a couple of houses are left standing. They are weather beaten and have holes but it looks heavenly. Being overprotective and cautious both Jiraiya and Kushina scout out the place to make sure it's empty.

It doesn't even smell like human anymore.

That makes you happy when they declare that. The isolation isn't so bad anymore. It means safety for the people you love. It means you can stay with them.

"Are you alright?" Jiraiya asks you.

You zone back in. You hadn't realized you were kinda just staring. You smile at him and hug him. He's happy to hold you.

"I'm just happy it's over." You say.

"Over?... I think this is just beginning."

A chuckle escapes you. You tilt your head up to look at him. He flashes you a toothy smile before kissing you. For now everyone is just happy to sleep under some shelter. Your bed is a pile of old musty hay and a couple of moth munched on pieces of cloth. But it's much more comfortable than the trunk of a tree. The cloth you gave to Ogata since it was about her size. You got a big monster to cuddle up with anyways. He's always kept you warm. Minato and Kushina took to the other house across the little dirt street with their kid.

It will take some time to build but... it's home. Soon the holes will be patched. Clothes will be made. The lay of the land will be figured out. Perhaps a garden of vegetables and a small pen for animals. All the important things to do. It is just beginning, isn't it? This new chapter of life is going to take months... maybe even years to fully cultivate.

Right now you have your family and wonderful friends. What remained of that prison began to fade. There's no cameras. No walls. No one constantly watching. No doctors. No scientists. And no more scary guns being pointed at you or anyone else you love.

There's something comforting about the wild of this place. It's the true opposite of that cage. The trees over the small village will cover your family. They protect from the sun and rain. They shield from unwanted attention. Right now it feels like nothing can hurt you or anything you love again.

Finally... there's peace. There's a future to be built here. Freedom is something you will never take for granted again. As exciting as it all is, it can wait until tomorrow. Right now it's time to indulge in the simple things. Like embracing your mate while sleeping in a brand new nest with a perfect little girl sleeping near by. This empty village won't be so small for long.

In due time will be filled.