"Hey you."- Someone speaking.
Hey you.- Normal rendition of Naruto telling the story.
'Hey you.' More specific thoughts based on the situation.
'Hey you.' Unknown voice.
xXx- Flashback beginning/end
Obviously, I don't own Naruto. But enjoy my spin on this AU anyway, enjoy.
-ST
xXx
"Want to hear something crazy my boy? My colleagues use to tell me that immortality was unobtainable. A miracle reserved for that of angels and other made up nonsense. But I delved deeper. Deeper into the heart of man. Discovering what makes them tick. What's makes man... man. It's far more than anything someone could simply recite in their silly studies and holy books."
Orochimaru was fixated deeply on his own hands, his rambling thoughts echoing in the damp, cold laboratory. I could make out the pale of his skin in the dimly lit room. His shaking form carefully harboring a tall glass of God knows what between his hands. His eyes widened as he sipped slowly.
"They told me there was no way to augment the average person. To reach super human greatness. Let alone immortality! But look at us now My boy, we delved into the rabbit hole, bearing fruits true. Exposing God's flaws! I've made my own monsters HERE. In Eden."
'What the hell is he on about now?'
"Is that all I am to you, you freak? A monster?! When I get out of here, I'll kill you myself."
Orochimaru continued to sip on his drink. Eyes fixed on my cage with burning yellow and red eyes. A long forked tongue picking up any droplets that dared spill over the edge of his glass.
Do you know what it means Naruto? To be a predator. An apex killer that cannot be trifled with? It means we've won. We've cracked that silly code. Overcome humanities asinine need to protect the weak, and instead act only on the necessities. And with this. With this we are God."
Orochimaru skin glazed over. Chips of pale skin falling to the floor, to be replaced by a slimy coating of scales that resembled that of a freshly hatched reptile. Flesh falling from his patchy exposed skin into saturated lumps on the ground.
"So Kill? Me? Well then, I dare say my boy. That my work here is quite done."
xXx
"Get down you dumb idiot!"
I felt a rock graze against the side of my head as I hit the ground, dodging the blunt majority of it.
"What in the he-"
A pair of hands covered my mouth before I could speak further. I found that Shikamaru was quickly reeling me and Hinata into the tree line with haste. Using whispered voice as he communicated as quietly as possible.
"So you see what appears to be a man sized demon bird and you just gawk at it?! Are you daft?" I didn't respond. I just watched as Hell's black feathered angel flapped its wings overhead. Creeping farther away from us and further into the forest.
"Someone want to explain this shit?" I asked Shikamaru who eased off of us as the winged creature faded into the distance.
"Well you know how Kiba said there's some not so nice people out here? Well there's Exhibit: A." We all stared in the same direction for signs of its return.
"...ok I'll bite. Who the hell was that and why do I suddenly feel inadequate." I motioned to my clawed hand and growing fangs.
"I mean I'm pretty much a damned werefox! It shouldn't be getting any weirder than this...wait, how'd I do that?" I looked down at my fully clawed hand. I had been able to summon my strength without much thought.
"See. Looks like Tenten's training took to you well. And as for that thing... Kiba did say there are a lot meaner things out there than him. Or any of us."
"Yeah but he can fucking fly..."
"I agree with Naruto, I think wings kinda change the things a little bit." Hinata agreed so thankfully I knew my thoughts weren't too vain on the subject. Normal or not, I feel like I still reserve the right to be on a somewhat even scale when it comes to others.
'Even if "others" aren't exactly average themselves.'
"Well it's not all claws and fangs ya know. I barely have sharp teeth as it is." Shikamaru augmented his point by showing his pitifully sized canines. "Some of us compensate in other ways. But this isn't the time or place for this conversation. We'll find Tenten and head back."
"No need." Just then I heard a rustle in the shrubbery closest to us as Tenten emerged from what I assume was her hiding place. " Now let's get the hell out of here. Kiba will definitely want to hear about this."
She paused only to take the bloody bear pelt from Hinata.
"I can't believe you actually got it!" The excitement on her face only lasted a second however as she fixed the girl with a analyzing stare. "Maybe you'll have some worth after all."
xXx
The walk back was as tense as it was quiet. I could hear every paranoid breath the others took as they occasionally scanned the skies for more flying beast. Myself included.
'What in the hell was that?'
'A threat.'
As we reached closer to the estate grounds I noticed Tenten's mood perk up at the sight of a paled purple convertible in the driveway. With a girl like shriek she bolted towards the front door.
Almost simultaneously Shikamaru released a rather tired noise.
sigh*
"Problem?" I stopped as he did at the front door. Allowing Hinata to go ahead of us.
"Oh. You'll see. Just give me a minute to mentally prepare myself." Shikamaru took up post in a comfy rocking chair on the buildings porch. Dragging it out of view of the front windows. Closing his eyes and forming a sign with his hands I wasn't too familiar with.
"Meditating?"
"Not really, this is my eternity pose. It helps me think through things. Like trying to figure a way out of this."
"Um, out of what exactly?..." He sighed heavily once more.
"Hey man. You should know I really don't like surprises at this point." I know it wasn't really his fault for not knowing, but I'll be damned if I keep letting things get the jump on me.
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry. I'm hiding from-"
But before any words escaped his mouth I felt the front door open forcefully, sending me flying down the steps. I felt my instincts tuck my fall into a softer roll as I slid against the dirt with my claws rather than falling on my back
'Ouch... good save.'
'Worry about whatever opened that door instead.'
And worry I did as the highest pitched screamed I think I've possibly ever heard filled the morning sky.
"Oh my god. INO SHUT UP!" Shikamaru was in just as much pain as I, hands gripped desperately over both ears as the sound rang out harshly against us. I felt myself in a now knelt position on the dirt trying to gain my balance against the deafening screech.
Suddenly the noise canceled as I swear I heard the slight cracking of window panes. And then suddenly, it was over.
"Don't use that tone with me... I missed you." I could finally release my ears as I looked up to see a fair skinned girl around our age. Long pale blonde hair with stunning blue eyes. Batting long blonde eyelashes as she looked down at her intertwined hands in embarrassment. But the air of innocence only lasted a moment.
"And WHY WERE YOU FUCKING LATE!?" The once seemingly shy girl was again yelling at a detrimental level. Immediately I picked up that this sound wasn't normal. I could see the visible strain of her lungs working against her chest. Stretching the limits of a tight purple crop top. Something inhuman about her wail. Like a vibrant metal pole had been banged and it was filling up the space of my skull with its noise.
"Ok .OK! I'm sorry alright? I missed you too. Just be quiet, please?!" I had yet to see the mild mannered boy exhibit anything greater than indifference, so the sight of his desperation stiffened me a bit.
'How is she making that sound?'
'They're not all fangs and teeth. Remember?'
"... Good! Now get inside and clean up, I've already made breakfast." The blonde's demeanor resembled that of the typical, beautiful and spoiled teenager. Peppy and impatient.
'I just met her and yet somehow she screams entitled.'
She turned her attention to me as Shikamaru picked himself up off the ground.
"And who is your friend?" Her beautiful blue eyes grew closer to mine as she made her way toward me.
"Is this the boyfriend of the one who borrowed my clothes? He's cute!" She stuck her hand out to me as to help me off of the ground. I accepted hesitantly. "I'm Ino Yamanaka, nice to meet you." She batted long blonde lashes at me. With her presence and an overbearing smell of... Lavender? It was suddenly very hard to speak.
"I'm N-Naruto Uzumaki."
'She's gorgeous.'
It became almost equally hard to breath.
I found myself shaking her hand longer than necessary. She was pretty but this was completely out of the norm for me. Her eyes were bewitching. something about her smile was warm and inviting.
'And that-'
'-Smell.'
Words turned to drabble in my mouth as I tried to communicate. But I found myself speaking a big mess instead of words. Making a fool of myself as she just continued to smile as she looked me full in the eyes.
" P-pretty girl. "
'Very.'
'What am I saying?!'
"Awh! We've got a sweet one."
"Ino! Stop messing with our guest." Shikamaru made his way over and pulled Ino in close by the waist, causing her to let go of my hand. And just like that I felt that my wits were back and that I probably looked dumber than what I thought imaginable.
"I was just having a little fun... besides it looks like he didn't mind to much." Ino gave me a wink. Grabbing Shikamarus hand in hers. Pecking him on the lips before hauling him off by the arm toward the door.
Right past a familiar figure that was staring daggers at me.
Ahem* "If you're quite done STARING. It's time to eat." Hinata turned and slammed the door shut behind her.
"God damnit! What the hell just happened?" I found I was talking to myself as I sulked toward the house entrance.
"Stupid monster teenagers and their bullshit..."
After a quick shower, I found myself in another large black hoodie borrowed from Shikamaru and some jean shorts Kiba had laying around.
'Note to self. Go shopping. Who even wears jean shorts anymore?'
I trotted down to breakfast (or what I assumed technically acted as dinner for us?) where the large dining room table was a little more filled out than the night prior minus Shino. The table was piled high with bloodied meat and glass cups that reeked heavily of alcohol. I hesitantly sat down in between a bubbly Ino, and Hinata. The latter was clearly doing her best to pay me no mind.
I whispered as low as possible as I brought a hand to my mouth and whispered into Hinata's ear. "Hey Hinata, you aren't still mad at me. Right?" An albino stare pointed its way in my direction, clearly pissed off with my existence.
"Now why would I be mad at you gawking at some pretty face? Go right ahead." A "Hmph" and a quick turn of the head told me that her words weren't very sincere as she went back to ignoring me.
Her retort was less than subtle however if the laughs from Lee were any indication.
'Great.'
Judging by her attire it wasn't hard to figure out that Hinata had been borrowing Ino's clothes. If the fitted tank and leggings were any indication. I looked away before I looked for what I assumed was too long.
'That explains a lot.' I caught my breath as I turned my head to see Ino staring at me. Her hand under her chin, battling long eyelashes at me again. "You know... it's impolite to stare." Surprisingly my words came out as a coherent sentence this time.
"I find it flattering actually." Ino giggled as she took hers eyes off me and looked to the head of the table as Kiba and Tenten walked in. I surveyed the room to see that everyone was waiting for him to take his seat. He pulled out a chair for Tenten before taking his own seat. Clearing his throat as he sat down.
"A warm welcome for our new brother and sister! Hinata and Naruto, welcome to the family. I heard you passed without to much trouble." This earned a clap of excitement from most of the table. Specifically, Lee who stood up and applauded with vigor.
'If they've told Kiba about whatever the hell was flying around out there, he doesn't seem too shaken up about it.'
"As well as a welcome back to Ino; whom I expect found out some information for us in the civilian world?" The question was thankfully enough to pull the girls attention off of me.
"As expected , whatever work Orochimaru is doing in the sound is being kept tight under wraps. But I did manage to find a lead. A med student at the Sounds leading university. His name was Kabuto I believe? Apparently, there's been a lot of students being sent to these forests to study the wildlife. According to them, there's something fascinating about the animals and plants that grow here. Like they're.."
"Evolving." The table looked at me as the statement just kind of escaped my lips. But I let the question settle as I thought about what happened in the forest. "A grizzly came straight at me, pumped up and full of aggression. He was bigger than anything I've ever seen and it felt like he went out of his way to rush us."
"I'll say, that bear pelt you two brought back is huge! Way bigger than any bears I've ever seen in the area." Tenten had in fact actually kept it, and planned on making a coat out of it.
"So what, you're telling me you think the animals in the forest are changing somehow?" Kiba questioned Ino and I. The Whole table listening intently.
I looked over at Ino who didn't seem to have anything else to add. "I mean, anything's possible I suppose." I thought back to the day I woke up out there. Vulnerable in Hinata's arms as we lay open to the will of the forest.
"We made it out thanks to Kiba, but a gut feeling tells me if you hadn't shown up...Well then we might not be here." Kiba stared me down from his end of the table, arms folded atop one another.
"And that brings us to our next topic. Ino has returned in time. But Gaara and Haku have yet to check back in and Shino has yet to hear anything from them. No cause for worry, but times ticking. I'll be going personally in a few days to see what the hell is taking so long. Would anyone else like to join?" There seemed to be unitive mumble of acknowledgement amongst everyone else. I just kinda looked at Hinata as if to ask if I was missing something, but she looked just as confused as me.
"Um, Times ticking for what exactly?"
"That's right! They haven't experienced their first Black Moon yet." Lee barely contained his excitement as he nearly leaped from his chair. "Kiba you have to let us go with you, this will be the most youthful form of training EVER!"
"Geez, fine. Don't go bursting out of your track suit. But I'm only taking the pup. Ladies." Kiba nodded at Tenten and Ino. "Mind making Hinata at home for her first Black Moon?"
This didn't sit to well with Tenten.
"Woah wait a minute, you want me? To look after her? Are you fucking insane or do I look like your babysitter?"
"Well I mean it's kinda like watching a kitten, just with sharper teeth." I found myself speaking up, but it didn't seem to change the frustrated look on Tenten's voice. And the giggles from Ino combined with the blush on Hinata's face told me I might have said something embarrassing.
But it only took a whisper from Kiba to Tenten to turn her face blood red as well.
"Fine..." Tenten went from aggressor to shy school girl in seconds.
'Well that sure as hell didn't work when I did it.'
"Well it looks like that arguments over, and you know I don't mind at all Kiba." This unexpectedly came from the blonde next to me who added. "I'll take great care of her for you Naruto." Ino was all smiles but I could all feel growing anger from a certain indigo haired girl.
"I can speak for myself. What could be so significant about this night that I'd have to be watched like a child?"
'She's right…I hadn't even thought about that way.'
"Ahh see that's the thing. You'll learn quickly that I love surprises."
'Of course he does.'
"Just buckle in, and enjoy the ride. Panda Bear and Ino will take good care of you. Isn't that right ladies?" The quick response was two confident nods from the females in question.
"Meanwhile. Lee, me and the mutt are going to have some bonding time. But for now, I propose a toast."
Kiba raised his drink high over head. A glistening, now half full cup, of brown liquid that I assumed was whisky. I raised my own cup that had been neglected until now.
"To the seducing rays of the moon and the silly beast in all of us that will chase it until we die. In our chase we have found a new meaning, and along with it, a new family. So drink, eat, love, do whatever the hell you want! Because come tonight, no appetite will be sated. To family!" Kiba downed the rest of his cup and let out a long smooth howl. The act was more infectious than I realized. It felt natural to roar along with other beast, like I was filling in a place in my life that lacked substance.
I downed my first drink of many. Howling instinctively along the others as the glow of the early morning peeked through the dining room windows. Splashes of dark bronze sun similar to the brown liquor that continually filled our cups. Rays of red almost unrecognizable from the bloodied flesh that separated between our teeth. Kinda spoke the truth.
My appetite felt insatiable, but damn if this didn't feel good.
xXx
A/N: For those of you who were already fans of the story, this is where some real revising will begin. Like feeling in plot holes and such.
Thoughts? Errors? Reviews? Let me know, peace.