Sparks 13

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."

– Albert Schweitzer

The next morning Kakashi was awake far before I. Since he was in the shower first, I figured I'd grab breakfast. From what I knew of the man, he was rather simple in his food choices. I knew he hated sweets, and I'd yet to see him ever choose anything fried. If anything, he seemed to be the simple, and savory type. Before I did a thing, I asked the innkeeper if I could bring the food to our room. She agreed - I think she was concerned Kakashi might scare the other patrons. He was a little unapproachable with all that attire he wore.

I was able to procure a tray and a couple options for us both. I wasn't interested in much but an Apple and honeyed tea - perhaps some rice for myself too. If Kakashi had spent the last month or so preparing me for battle, I should be at least ensuring my vocal cords were up to snuff. I got him steamed rice and fish (it seemed to be something he would get). I ensured I knocked on the door before entering - there were a list of things I didn't want to see. Who knew what the man would do while I wasn't there.

I took a second to open the door. A towel was hanging over his head while he was tugging on that green flak jacket. His sandals were already in place. I placed the tray down on the desk near the door and took my finds. I took a sip of my tea, knowing I'd have to get ready for the day myself. The moment he seemed done with the bathroom entirely I started my routine. When he saw the food he mumbled a thank you (honestly, I was surprised I got one at all).

I took a quick hot shower, brushed my teeth and was out and done as quickly as I could. My tea wasn't nearly as hot but it was fine. I ate my breakfast beside the window.

"Do you want to head out today?" Kakashi asked suddenly. I turned to him, curious - I hadn't thought much of him since grabbing breakfast. He was reclined on his bed, reading Icha Icha again. The same book after two and a half months. I don't know how he did it.

"Well, we could but it depends on how thorough you wish to be. I've been thinking, anything we found is easily found out by anyone who just so happened to visit a bathhouse with the man." I explained. I really hated that detail. In my world, this part of the business was far easier. Dental records, finger prints - with a body present? Easy as pie. Ninja made this far too complicated. I felt like I needed five different pieces of evidence to prove the body.

"Tami-chan, it isn't proper to talk about men in bathhouses." He said, while turning the page of his smut book. I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

"Mm, and men reading smut certainly exemplify propriety." I teased.

"Of course." He countered with an eye smile.

I nearly wanted to ask him about his time poking around my camera. I don't know how he did it. Had he guessed the passcode? Or had he figured out how to use my fingerprint scanner? I'll admit, I didn't expect him to get that far. Clearly he had. There were apps open I didn't use yesterday and he opened a book I hadn't even looked at in years; The Great Gadsby. He was such a strange man, over all. I could see a hint of that kindness Guy spoke about. Certainly he could be but he was so worn down by life it made it hard to see beyond the troll.

"Right then. I was thinking about taking a visit to that little hospital, seeing what else we can find here. If you'd like, you can stay here with your book and-" I stalled, not even sure how to finish the thought. Maybe he wanted to stay in? He didn't often read that book around me. Suddenly he snapped up, and put his book into his pouch that was supposed to be for kunai.

"Maa, come on Walker." He said finally.

I hadn't expected him to react that way - perhaps a joke? Some days he veered from what I thought he would do. Some days he didn't. I wouldn't do him the disservice of dissecting him. He was my partner. I would let him have what secrets he needed.

As we were heading towards the hospital, I pulled him in. I pulled him over to an empty area, where we could talk quickly. I turned off the volume on my phone and placed my phone into his hand. I saw shock flicker in his gaze.

"Here, hold on." I told him, and pulled up the screen. I showed him the passcode so he could get in. There was nothing left in the phone he could find to cause trouble for myself or Hiruzen.

"I'll distract the staff. Get in and take pictures, like this." I showed him quickly how to use the device's camera. "I'll probably be able to give about ten minutes. You and your list of super secret ninja ways are probably far quicker than I would be."

He didn't answer me, save for pocketing the device. My gaze flickered to the hospital in the distance.

"Whatever I do, luv, just keep on. This song and dance is a familiar one." I told him quietly. Something passed in his eyes, far too fast for me to catch. He nodded, and we were off once more. He hung back, and soon enough I was alone.

Small hospitals were always rather cute. This one was no exception. I found the record keeping department easily enough. There was a man there, sorting through papers. He looked bookish. From his appearance alone, what with his sensible footwear, orderly appearance, glasses and simple haircut. His name tag said Doctor Daisuke. I could see Kakashi by the window outside. Well, this would be fun. I did hope he wouldn't call me a flirt again. I'd have to walk that fine line of being friendly, naturally charming and avoid full out flirtation.

"Oh~ hey." I said warmly, wiggling my fingers at the doctor. I leaned against the door frame sheepishly. "I think I got turned around."

The doctor jumped - he hadn't noticed me at all. Probably lost in thought.

"Oh." He said, adjusting his glasses. His eyes went right to my headband and I saw him blanch, "oh - uhh."

I saw Kakashi open the window quietly, and start to sneak in.

"Oh! Geeze! I promise, I just saw your little hospital here, and it looked so cute - I just had to look around!" I sheepishly explained, playfully punching myself on the side of my head. "You probably don't believe me, huh?"

I gave the man my best puppy-dog pout. I saw Kakashi give me a dull look before going about his business. Too right for him to, he knew this wasn't who I was. The doctor though, he ate that right up.

"Oh, no! No, I mean… I think it's cute too." He said in a calming tone.

I gave him a wide grin. "So, uhm. Daisuke-san, could you help a lady out? I think I got a little lost. Gosh! All these halls~ I don't know how you manage."

Daisuke seemed to stumble over himself, moving closer to me and away from the nifty files Kakashi and I needed. He laughed nervously. It took a moment for him to realize he was wearing a nametag, too.

"O-oh, I can help. It's easy to get lost." He said understandably.

"Yeah~ I'm bad at this kinda stuff. My partner said I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached." I laughed nervously. I saw Kakashi give me another look over the doctor's shoulder before continuing on his search. I focused on maintaining my character rather than shoot one back at him.

"Well, if you go down this hall and make a left-" he started but I interrupted him.

"Could you go with me? I'm horrible at - oh!" I sheepishly covered my mouth in shame, "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt!"

Daisuke laughed again, a little less nervous than previously.

"Yeah, sure. I can do that." He agreed. The doctor and I started walking towards the front of the hospital. I gave one last look at Kakashi and went on my way with the doctor.

"So, uh, what brings you to our small town?" He asked in a curious tone. Ah - I charmed him far too much. Poor man.

"Oh, just passing on through. My partner and I are heading back home and thought we'd stop by. It's such an adorable town. The architecture is so pretty too!" I said in a breezy tone.

"Do you come by often?" He asked, interest evident in his voice.

"Oh, you know - life on the road. We go where the wind takes us." I told him playfully.

He laughed at me and my antics. We stopped by the front door. He was so charmed I don't think he quite realized he was done walking me.

"Are you here long?"

"No, but I wish. My partner wants to leave already, he's such a grouch." I pouted, as if that were the worst worries I had ever encountered. The doctor's gaze warmed.

"That's too bad."

"Yeah. Maybe - maybe if I come by, I'll just, you know, get lost again." I hedged, playing into the part. At the very least, he'll have a fun story to tell his friends. Some lost kunoichi was being cute with him. He'd brag about it to his friends over sake. He'd never know we were looking through his files.

Daisuke gave a big grin and adjusted his button up shirt and lab coats. The man was preening in front of me!

"Yeah. Yeah, that'd be nice." He said and then realized what he'd just said. "Oh! No, I-I mean-"

I laughed sweetly, which he joined in nervously.

"Well, Daisuke-san - thank you. Have a great day." I said and wiggled my fingers at him. He was so dazzled he wiggled his fingers back at me as I left. I maintained character, lightly exiting the hospital, bouncing as I went. It wasn't until I got closer to the Inn that I dropped it entirely and returned to our room.

Kakashi was lounging on his bed, my phone in his hand, playing one of the games I had downloaded long ago. I kept forgetting I was dealing with a genius. He played the lazy man identity far too well.

"I'm assuming you found it? Come, then - stop playing Angry Birds." I instructed, leaning over to get my phone back. He leaned away, my phone soundly remaining in his grasp far away. I tried to follow the phone, but it put me in an awkward position over him.

"I wouldn't want you to lose it, Tami-chan." Kakashi said.

"Oh, don't even, luv." I grumbled at him, trying to remain poised. "Come on, have you the pictures or no?"

Kakashi heaved a sigh and handed me back the phone. I opened up the last photos he took and…

Rash from poison ivy

Pain medication

Ah.

A 3cm cut on his right thumb, palm-side that needed stitches. Just small enough to be unnoticed by an average ninja.

"Oh, you've the golden ticket here." I muttered. Kakashi huffed, as if I doubted him. I hadn't but, my - this was small and insignificant enough a ninja wouldn't notice it. I felt that we had enough right there. He was back to reading his Icha Icha.

My thoughts shifted back to the phone as I pocketed it. I'd have to change my phone pass code - and probably get rid of the fingerprint unlock. I figured he somehow found a way to get in. I'd have to be more secretive with it. I supposed him being a ninja, being nosy was part of the job. I'm sure he'd tell Hiruzen about my camera. Ah. Foolish of me - I should have thought of that. Hiruzen would certainly have thoughts about my actions. Hopefully he'd tell only Hiruzen, and not the whole council.

"Shall we be going tonight? Tomorrow?" I asked.

"Have a date?" He asked, not even looking up. I raised an eyebrow. I should have known he'd have some comment.

"No. Not at all."

"Poor Daisuke-san." Kakashi replied.

"Well, you know how it is - I'm a clueless Kunoichi, while he's a smart doctor. Never could work." I said playfully. Kakashi glanced over at me before humming and going back to his book. I rolled my eyes.

At least we weren't at each other's throats anymore. That was rather grand, I thought. Maybe one day we'd actually - no. I had things. I had to get home to Uncle. I had to find my way home. I needed it. I doubted that this town had any jutsus - ninja tended to hoard them like Smaug did with gold coins. I'd have to figure out a better way to find my way home. With guilt I thought of little Naruto and Sasuke - I was being cruel to them. Letting them get closer to me while I still made plans to leave. But what was done was done. Certainly by the time I found my way they would be mature enough to handle it. I could only hope at this point.

"Check out is at noon. We'll leave then." He said suddenly. I checked the time - we had little over an hour. I might as well get ready to leave. I went through my bag and popped a pineapple slice into my mouth. I wanted to be prepared in case.

When we left, he was silent and I in turn did the same. We would be heading towards the next city - where the man died. I had hoped that the body would remain. However, without a courier, messenger of some kind - we wouldn't know if the body was still there until we arrived. I missed the days of the internet. My, had it ever made my job easy.

We were headed to the Land of Earth next. It would be a couple days journey - mostly roughing it.

The second night? It was… interesting. We were passing through the Land of Rain. Tell me, lovelies - what you thought that meant? Had I not been sure of it otherwise, I would have thought he planned it! It thunderstormed all night. We found some dinky cave with bats hiding above us.
"Shouldn't we find a different cave?" I asked, eyeing the things. They didn't take up the entire cave, but a good portion. We were on the side that was bat free, but I still had my reservations. I'd been told that bats could get tangled in one's hair and bite. I wasn't interested in dealing with a rabies shot nor was I interested in the mess it would bring.

"Just stay on your side and don't argue with them." He told me, completely ignoring me to make a fire.

Grand.

I rolled my eyes and rubbed my scar. It was acting up again. Were the men responsible for it not already dead I would have wanted to get back at them. In the pettiest and tamest way, mind (it's a bothersome scar, not life or death). If I added in their other slight against me, dragging me here, well… I suppose they should be happy they were dead.

Backpacking with Kakashi across creation was nearly like being dragged to Konoha by Jiraiya, Owl and Frog. Little talking, mostly silence and nothing. I'd pull my phone out and entertain myself that way - but I rather not draw more attention to that thing than necessary.

When he had the fire going I moved over and sat across from him. I wasn't going to try to get close - he still had been keeping his distance. I'd respect it. I had to, we were working together.

I had hoped that we would be able to see the stars again. There wasn't much light pollution here - I bet it was amazing. But, there was nothing to be done.

"Know any campfire stories?" I asked quietly, once he sat down. His book was out again, but he peeked up over me. I needed the distraction from my arm.
"I don't think you want to hear any stories of mine." He said in a low tone. The way the light of the fire played across his masked face, something was just so eerie about it.

"Oh? For a man who reads as much as you seem to, I'm rather surprised." I said.

"For a man who reads smut." He replied blandly, going back to his book. I watched him quietly. I wondered why he reread the same book over and over again. Perhaps it was a way to keep himself calm? I told tales to both Sasuke and Naruto - I wondered if Kakashi might like one.

"Well. It was rather cheesy from what little I saw." I said and I saw him freeze in the middle of turning the page. "Not my kind of book, mind - but… If you've no stories I certainly have some."

Kakashi sighed out, and closed his book.
"You're not going to leave me in peace, are you?" He asked warily.

"Oh, indeed - I'm such a pest. I threaten with stories and entertainment. Truly horrifying."

"The worst." He agreed. He watched me for a moment, I stared back. I saw a roll of his eye and a one shouldered shrug. "Well?"

"Forgive me - I'm trying to figure the best way to start." I leaned back, rubbing my hands together. From his pick of Icha Icha, I bet I could name a few other stories he might enjoy - smut-less but good all the same. I think he would get a kick out of The Princess Bride but with our friendship being rather fragile, I would skip over that for another. A hero who didn't see himself as the hero. Maybe Kakashi wasn't the best man - but he and Jiraiya shared a flaw. They both didn't seem to think well of themselves.

"This one starts so very long ago - like all good stories do. There were reports scattered around time. In the worst events, there was a person with a peculiar moniker. From nowhere he would appear - the name was always the same, but the face would change. He was called The Doctor."

"Who? Daisuke-san?" Kakashi asked in amusement. I bit back a laugh and shook my head.

"Correct on the first, not on the second. That's the thing, no one knew his name." I said with a grin. "There was pity little anyone knew of him, except for a few things. He always had a companion with him and he came from the stars."

"The stars." Kakashi murmured, his eyebrow raising.

"Mm - far beyond what we know now. In a galaxy all of its own, sitting nestled in the constellation of Kasterborous, lay Gallifrey. The home of his people - Gallifreyans they were called. They had a particular set of skills, absolutely fascinating. They could see the very flow of time."

Ah, there. Kakashi had been humoring me until then. I could see a sparkle of interest in his eye now.

"Time Lords they were called. They looked just like you and me. All gangly and human-ish and human-like save for a few things. Instead of one heart they had two. For a second, they could regenerate. Should the form they took die, they could regenerate and become a new one." I watched as a sadness passed through his eyes before it left when I mentioned the two hearts. That bothered him? Interesting.

"Now this particular Time Lord wasn't much of one. You see, his kind was evolved. They didn't interfere with Time. You could create nasty things, like paradoxes and one couldn't ever mess with something if it was time locked."

"Why not?"

"Some events must happen, apparently. Others - well, those could be changed. But the other Time Lords refused. The Doctor - well, he was a bit mad. He stole a TARDIS and headed for the stars. Soon enough, he found the adventure of a lifetime." I explained. I continued to weave my tale, staying closer to the cuter and fun storylines than the dark and angsty ones. Tales such as Blink, The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances, as well as Human Nature. I even told him about Barcelona, the Planet (not the city) where dogs had no noses. I could see the underside of his eye perk up - a bit of a smile there.

By the time I was done with my tales, he was staring at the ceiling of the cave. He was just thinking.

"He sounds…"

"Like a madman in a blue box?" I guessed playfully.

"He sounds like he's tired of losing people." Kakashi said finally. My face fell. Ah, I didn't even think of that

"I suppose you're right. He's over 900 years old. We live rather short lives. Dangerous ones, even." I agreed. Maybe Doctor Who wasn't the right tale to tell a man who carried on like the War Doctor himself.

Kakashi turned to look at me, "Why did you tell me that story?"

I shrugged, staring into the fire. "Guess I thought you might like it. It's rather fun. Forgive me, I didn't think."

"So you didn't choose that one because you read me?" Kakashi asked; he was a bit confrontational but not accusatory. Was that what he thought of me? Some weaver who reads people and pulls strings? I'll admit, sometimes I must but - he had to know, I wasn't purposeful in being like that with him.

"Kakashi, I don't - I'm not sitting here constantly evaluating you trying to make you dance like I'm some puppeteer. I can read you, but it's…" I struggled for the right words, "You have every right to have your thoughts and personal things will remain as such - as yours. I'm not interested in delving deep into your psyche to go through your sordid tales. You're my partner, not a lab rat. I've been purposeful to not evaluate you."

His hand went straight to the back of his head, rubbing a muscle there. I glanced away, giving him that moment to think it through. I might have to be more purposeful in how I handle him. I have been rather dismissive of the man. He didn't deserve it. Thus far, what he had done to me had been for the sole purpose to better prepare me for the profession I was currently in.

"You warned me." He said firmly.

"I did. So that you're aware when you're being a jerk that I can see through it. Like when you're late, or you're pretending to smile, or when you act like you didn't hear me." I explained.

"So you've only been… when I'm rude." He muttered.

"Mm. Or when you throw me out of trees. Or creating illusions of Naruto and Sasuke dying in various ways." I told him in a dry tone. "I had to figure out why, so I did. You're a very clever man. But your explanations of things are often lacking. I had to get into your shoes, so to speak, to figure it out."

"What about-" He suddenly stopped himself and looked away. I could guess the other thing on his mind, his only other concern but I chose not to. There were rabbit trails I wouldn't go down. This one, I wouldn't even get close to.

"Your secrets are your own. Any other incident was forgotten the moment after it happened. However you chose to react to it was and has been justified." I told him gently. I wouldn't look him in the eye. I knew I made him uncomfortable that day, but I was just so tired of hearing him scoff that I was a flirt. I wasn't. And now he knew it. Whatever was bouncing around in that head of his was his own. I'm sure I made him incredibly uncomfortable. For all I knew, he probably thought I was about ready to pounce on him again. It probably made him want to run. That was probably why he had been so distant.

"Should we split a watch or…?" I didn't know enough about this side of the job. He shook his head.

"No sense to." He muttered, "no one would know we're here, this mission isn't high enough priority, and I'd know if anyone was close enough."

"Ah." Well, at least one of us knew when they were being followed.

We fell into silence, and he pulled his book out again. I decided it was time to leave it at that and head to bed myself. I pulled out my blanket and curled up as best as I could. I used my bag as a makeshift pillow. I got pity-little sleep that night. It was rather sad, as that would be the day my first battle came.

Once again Kakashi was awake before I, and had fish roasting before the fire.
"Do tell, did you sleep?" I asked when I woke up. He sighed, glancing up at me. He looked as tired as I felt.

"I did." He lied. I didn't call him out on it, and I averted my gaze. Was it the Doctor Who stories? Or the other talk? No. Best not think about it.

"Thank you - for breakfast. I would probably still be in that creek wherever you found them were I the one hunting them." I told him with a grin. He didn't respond but I could see a small uplift in the corner of his eye - ah! A real smile. He had the unfortunate luck to see me try to fish. I was horrible at it. That was why I stayed in my wheelhouse. Anything else, I wasn't too grand at.

We left the cave not too long after breakfast. I had time enough to get ready, wash my face and go. We ran for about an hour or two before walking. I hadn't thought of anything being wrong. I had been sucking on a pineapple slice, wondering where that next city would be. We were already in the rocky terrain of the Land of Earth when things went suddenly south. He was walking in front of me, reading his book again when suddenly I saw his shoulder twitch suddenly. What was -.

Suddenly a shower of kunai headed our way. Kakashi lept back and pulled me with him. I shot him a scowl - I was just about to move, too. Ah, well. Bigger fish to fry and all that.

Kakashi's headband was pushed up also, and a dark look was on his face. One I'd never seen. I thought about that caged Leopard - he was about to be set loose.

"The copy-cat ninja, Hatake Kakashi. There's a bounty on you." A man came out, masked and dressed in black. Two others were with him, one chuckling.

"Don't know who the girl is." Tweedle Dee said.
"Something fun for after." Tweedle Dum said.

Ugh. I tried not to gag. Had men no creativity? Always the same old lines. I was about to snap back at them when Kakashi tried to push me behind him.

"I'm going to keep you safe, Tami-chan. Even if it costs me my life, you'll make it out safely." He told me quietly.

"Same." I told him quickly, and he shot me a look. "I absolutely mean it. If you think I'm going to sit here and let you fight alone you've another thing coming, Kakashi-kun."

He didn't bother trying to argue. Soon the action started. Kakashi vanished and I tossed off my jacket.

"Oh, hello my lovelies. I hear there's fun. Shall we?" I snarled. I used the shadow clone jutsu, running towards them at full speed.

3~ Tweedle Dum's eyes sparkled as he started his plot. His hands full of kunai

2~ He cackled, noticing nothing had happened.

1~ Then the clones came rushing in.

Like the expert hand of a street hustler hiding a ball under a cup my clones and I shuffled. One, Spicy, feigned left but attacked Tweedle Dee who was helping Tweedle Dumbest with Kakashi, while the other, Sweetness, helped me fight our newest play thing.

"Sorry, luv. I'd have more over here, but I figured they were already outclassed as it were." Spicy told Kakashi. He ignored her. I already knew it was another one of his fancy little clones. I could nearly bet he had already found his favorite hiding spot by now.

Unfortunately Tweedle Dum was far more advanced at jutsu than I. With a handful of his hand signs, rocks began flying all over me. My clone and I weaved around as best as we could. I got a little banged up, but it was nothing I wasn't used to. Sweetness was poofed shortly after and I scowled. Kakashi had been right - I needed more jutsus. But I bet I could at least knock this guy off balance. I pulled in the chakra that I could around my throat, focusing as best as I could.
"Why don't we skip pleasantries?" He asked.

I screamed. Err. Used the Canary Call. He was tossed back and I leapt forward. I punched the man hard, aiming for his gut just like Ibiki used to do to me. He was down, but not out. A quick kick his head - out. I raced forward towards Kakashi. He had already dealt with Tweedle Dee - the man was covered in blood and Spicy was already poofed. From Kakashi's frame, I could see he was starting to get tired. Very tired. Which was odd, usually he wouldn't be by now. I doubted this was his clone anymore. From the memories from Spicy, it seemed that his clone had been poofed before and the original replaced it soon thereafter.

I raced over, pulling out three of my exploding-tagged cards and threw them at Tweedle Dumbest. If nothing else but a distraction for Kakashi. It worked as the moment Dumbest moved to avoid the cards, Kakashi came up with his fist full of lightning and slammed it into the man's torso - and straight through to the other side.

I blanched, looking away from the carnage. I took the moment to retrieve my jacket. He was a ninja - that was what they did. But it wasn't easy to see it happen before my eyes. Kakashi was on the ground, breathing heavy and irregular breaths. I pointedly ignored the blood and came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. His head snapped up, and his red eye stared me down. It was spinning. I stared at him in shock before he closed the eye and shakily pulled down his headband over that eye.

He hadn't gotten up yet. Instead he sat down, his head bowed and breathing heavily. I didn't wait for him to say a word. We needed to move now, and get away. I pulled his arm around me, and helped him to his feet. He was blessedly far lighter than Jiraiya. I was thankful for that. He smelled different too - mind you he didn't exactly smell good. I didn't either after all that. But him, he had a distinct calming smell to him - like cedar or sandalwood.

"Come on. We still have to limp off like the survivors we are." I teased and I could hear the smallest of chuckles.

"What was that, earlier?" He asked me quietly. He sounded so exhausted.

"I've been calling it the Canary Call." I said.

"You didn't show me you could do that before." He grumbled.

"Yes, well, I snap at you so often I thought it would be rather cruel to continue." I told him. He scoffed lightly.

"You weaponized a scream." He muttered. "By moulding chakra at your throat, you bypassed your delay and went straight for the source."

"Mm - with a little inspiration." I explained, thinking of The Black Canary herself. If only I was as good at martial arts as she.

"You've been able to make up all these weird things." He continued.

"Yes, well, I've no fancy Clan for super special secret jutsus. A girl has to do something to make herself useful. Especially when her partner loves to throw himself head first into danger."

"Of course."

"I don't know what we're going to do about him. Or his partner for that matter. Those two - absolutely atrocious." I scoffed playfully as we dragged ourselves along.

"Absolutely." He agreed, exhaustion evident in his voice. I don't even think he was very aware of what I was saying or what he was saying. Not quite like Jiraiya's drunken stupor, but much to the same effect.

"The pineapple." He suddenly murmured.

"Best way to keep vocal cords hydrated." I said and he grunted, "Come on, luv. Stop the chatter. Men take far more energy talking then women and you've used your lot."

He sent me an amused look as we carried on.

Soon enough we got into town. It was far larger than the last, and bustling with energy that neither of us had. I avoided the first few hotels, choosing to take any back routes I could find. I found the one I was looking for, busy enough to get lost in and everyone seemed to mind their own. We headed in and I went to the check in desk.

"A couple nights, please. One room, two beds, if you have it." I said, placing down the approximate fee. Kakashi got it last time - it was my turn.

The clerk rang us up, eyeing us carefully. When he went to give me the key, I slid a tip into his hand, exchanging it for the key. Sleight of hand always helped in the most unique of circumstances.

"I heard these two stragglers arrived in town not too long ago. Dead on their feet and needing a place to stay. Shame they chose that lesser hotel down the way, ah? The customer service there is tragic from what I hear."

Shock flickered in the man's gaze before he glanced at his hand. He raised his head to look at me sharply.

"It's a pity. I heard the same." He agreed. I gave the man a playful wink. Kakashi and I were on our merry way. That clerk was a smart one - we got a room on the second floor, out of the way from things.

"Bribe people often?" Kakashi asked suddenly, his voice a little breathless.

"When the situation calls for it." I explained. I helped him into the room as soon as we got there and I rounded on him.

"You need to-" I began.

"I need to-" He started at the same time.

We stopped looking at each other curiously. I chuckled, and shook my head.

"Rest?" I asked. He grunted his agreement. I helped him to the bed where he sat down heavily. He slid his thumb against the wound on his arm and pulled out a summoning scroll.

His hand signs were a blur as he flashed through them to summon an entire team of dogs on the bed. Eight in total. They sat there, posed and poised as if expecting to be sent for. Pakkun was there among them, sitting on the back of a large black bull dog.

"Stay on guard until I'm done resting. Keep her safe." Kakashi said before collapsing on the bed in exhaustion.

Well.

Pakkun raised his tiny paw in greeting. "Yo."

I lazily sent him a salute, eyeing the others. "Pakkun. Good sirs."

"Told you she's weird." Pakkun grumbled to the others.

"I prefer charming and unique." I corrected lightly. The canines shared a look. I went over to my side of the room and sat down on the bed. They watched me like a hawk following a tiny mouse. Grand. Not only was Kakashi odd, but his summons were as well.

"Well, have you all names or..?" I asked. They each wore the same jackets that Pakkun wore as well as the headbands in various spots on their persons.

"It's rude to ask for our names when you haven't provided your own." The one wearing sunglasses stated coolly. The brown dog with the kanji word for "Shinobi" written on his forehead chuckled.

"Pardon. However, I was under the impression that my introductions had been done for me. After all, it seems you were introduced to me far before I knew who the lot of you were." I responded easily. I crossed my legs, eyeing them carefully. "I am Walker Tami. Your boss has the unfortunate pleasure of having myself as his partner for the time being. I would rather get along if at all possible."

They were quiet for a moment, before one of them finally spoke up. Same one, with the sun glasses was up first.

"Akino." He said just as coolly as before. He left Kakashi's bed to bound onto the floor, taking up residence there. They each started parting from the bed, taking their time to mosey about the room.

"I'm Bisuke." The brown one said with a sly grin.

"Urushi." The other brown one said - he looked sort of like a werewolf in dog body.

"My name is Shiba." The grey one with the strangest mohawk I'd ever seen on a dog said.

"I am Guruko." The lighter brown one said - he kind of had whiskers on his face. Something like Naruto, surprisingly.

"I'm Uhei. That's Bull." The greyhound said, and he nodded to the Bull Dog which Pakkun was on.

"Well, it is quite grand to meet all of you. I'd rather stay up and ensure all is well while the Diva takes his rest. Would you fancy a card game or something?" I asked.

They whispered Diva to themselves, and Pakkun quietly said "She gives the boss nicknames."

I was able to entice Urushi, Shiba Guruko and Uhei into a card game. Akino stayed by Kakashi's side like he was near glued to it. Bisuke seemed to only want to watch and heckle from the sidelines, along with the ever-silent Bull. Bull and Pakkun parked themselves near me.

Playing cards with a group of dogs was as interesting as one could imagine. Being beaten in cards by a group of dogs is as humiliating as it sounds as well. Urushi knew no mercy as he soundly defeated me three times in a row.

"Might as well give up at this point." He chuckled as I tried to scrape what dignity I had left together.
"Ugh - and here I thought I was decent at rummy." I ran a hand through my hair.

"I thought you did pretty good." Uhei tried to encourage me.

"At losing." Bisuke countered with a grin.

While the group of dogs were bantering they clearly were close. None of their barbs ever hit the other, and the way they interacted was fascinating. Playful but full of personality. I had no doubt in my mind that if something came up they would snap together in an instant to take care of any problem. Had Kakashi taught them this, or was it part of who they were? Knowing the man, and seeing the personalities presented - I had a feeling he had much to do with how they interacted. I wondered if this was how he hoped we would be able to work together. Or if he'd lost that hope already.

Pakkun turned to me and nodded towards the remaining bed.

"Go and get some sleep. You look half dead."

"Pakkun, you know just the thing a girl wants to hear." I murmured as I forced myself up off of the floor. "Well, good sirs - as much as I do love being trounced in card games I fear this is where I must leave you."

"Good night!" Guruko said cheerfully. While I was burrowing into bed I heard him say to Pakkun, "I think I like her, she's fun."

Well, one of them liked me. That was nice to know. I wasn't awake much longer before I was out.

My last conscious thought was realizing Kakashi wasn't a Leopard like I previously thought - the man was a dire wolf.

I couldn't say how long I was out before I lazily awoke to mumbling.

"Everything was fine, boss. She played a couple games with us and I told her to go to bed. Ain't nothin' to it." One voice said.

"Ah. Did she try to leave?" The other asked.

"Nah. Kinda looked like she was tryin' to guard you." The one replied.

The other fell quiet.

Slowly I got my bearings together. I pushed myself up and tried to figure out where I was.

Ah.

Land of Earth (so specific), right where we needed to be for the mission. What happened? Slowly my brain started to piece together the information. We had been attacked by the Three Stooges. We won, but we were utterly exhausted. We got to a hotel, Kakashi passed out and I was beaten in cards by dogs. I still couldn't believe that last part. When had my life gotten so very odd?

I turned to see Kakashi and Pakkun staring at me. I blinked at them owlishly for a moment. Their gaze never wavered. The other Ninken were gone - off to where, I didn't know. My partner was already clean and ready and I was still a fright I was sure. Without a word I snapped up my bag and headed straight for the bathroom.

"She's still a little weird." Pakkun said as I left.

Look who's talking, I thought to myself as I shut the door.

AN:/ I hope you're enjoying her little adventure here. I hope this one was good, this chapter was an odd one to write. My strength isn't in fighting scenes, unfortunately. It may need some tweaking but... here we are :3

And somehow I hit 100 followers?! :O I'm still in shock. I think this is the first time I've hit 100 followers O_O Hello all, how are you today? I hope you all are doing well! I was able to get this done waaaay before I expected to because of - well, you all know why. Please stay safe! I hope this one wasn't TOO boring :P Next chapter should be the conclusion this mission. Kakashi learns something new about our little Canary :P Poor Tami, she won't like it one bit (I mean, does she EVER?)

Also, also - thank you guys so much for the follows, favorites and reviews! Especially the guest ones, and Tali of course. Thank you guys again! You know how to make a girl feel loved ;_;