Life As A Fox

Chapter 56

NSW-The Forsaken Author of the Lost Story (see my bio for explanation)

(Thank you so much for the reviews by the way! They really give me motivation to get chapters done!)

Hinata burst through the trees, the rest of them landing with dull thuds behind her as they stood - they were exactly where the note said to be. Hinata looked around, wildly scanning everything for sign of Hime. She couldn't see her. She was about to cry out when a voice spoke: "Be not afraid, she is here. I just wanted to make sure you brought along only friends."

Hinata whirled about. Where was that voice coming from? It sounded deep and rugged, as if it hadn't been used in a long time. Hinata called out "Where is she? Where is my daughter?!" She yelled, still turning around. The others turned to where she was looking. "She is right behind you" the voice said. Hinata turned slowly and there, in the place that was empty all but a few moments ago, sat her precious child.

Hime looked up. She was dirty and scruffy, but she was alive and well. She noticed Hinata and beamed. "Ma-ma!" she screamed. Hinata rushed for her and hugged her tightly, crying as she did. Her heart soared and beat like a drum, she was overwhelmed with happiness. Kiba had joined her as well, and both parents cried over their child.

Finally they parted "Are you still there? Who are you?" Hinata asked. There was a silence Hinata thought for a second he had left. Then he spoke once more "I am still here, Hinata." Hinata rose "You know my name... how?" she said standing up "I know all your names, Kiba, Lee, Shikamaru, Neji, Sakura, even little Hime, though I never got to know her. My mind back then was...troubled."

Hinata was confused. Finally the voice sighed "I should not have left, I did many terrible things, and said even worse insults to all of you, I feel like I do not deserve to call you friends and this place a home, but I hope by me saving Hime, I have regained some of my former honor." Then like that, he stepped out from behind the rocks.

He stood in the morning light, the rays bouncing off of his fur. His glowing blue eyes, matching the sky behind him. When she saw him, she knew he was healed, he had no trace of pain upon him. He did not bear a burden of sadness or guilt, he moved with a noble grace, an aura of peace around him. He stepped forward, and on closer inspection she noted that he had a few more scars, a small shred of his left ear had been taken, but his body had filled out.

He had hardened, sinewy muscles rippling underneath that sleek, thick, familiar coat. Hinata's heart stopped and then beat with joy. She took a step forward. "Naruto." she said. Naruto nodded "I have come to claim that name...if you would have me bear it once more?" Hinata began to cry even harder, she ran to him and hugged him tightly.

Hinata took in his scent, he smelled like pine trees and mountain air. She felt so relieved, he was safe and alive. Her joy satisfied, she then leaned back and slapped him. He went rolling in the dust his eyes swirls. She yelled "Don't you ever do that to me ever again! I was worried sick! All of us were! You do that again and I swear to the god's I will hurt you!"

Naruto staggered back up "I deserved that" he said sadly. Hinata couldn't be angry anymore, she nodded. "Excuse me human...Hinata, but I am afraid I would not let you get anywhere near my mate the next time. I only refrained from attacking because Naruto had warned me prior that you would do such a thing." Hinata and the rest of them turned on a swivel as they looked over.

The voice came from a creature that stood a few feet away, she looked like a wolf, only she had long legs and an oddly shaped muzzle. Hinata had to admit though, she held captivating green eyes. Her fur was a tan brown, like sand. She trotted over quickly to Naruto. Naruto got up as she approached and, his eyes sparkling, stood proudly next to her.

He turned to them. "Everyone, I want you to meet someone very special to me...this is Yume, she is the one who saved me, this is my mate." There was a collective group of gasps. Naruto grinned and licked her cheek; Yume smiled herself and seemed to blush. There was a silence. "So...what happened?" Shikamaru finally asked.

It was basically the question all of them wanted to ask but didn't know how. Naruto smirked "It is a long story, let us go over to the shade of nearby tree and speak of what has happened." Hinata was a little confused, Naruto spoke somewhat differently, just the way he weaved his words together, they seemed almost...primal.

They followed. It was awkward but they wanted to know, so they all sat down - trying to get comfortable. Kiba and Hinata quickly got to washing Hime to the best of their ability at the moment and feeding the child. Hinata asked "What have you been feeding her?" Naruto flicked his eat "Mostly rabbit and squirrel, cooked of course." Yume spoke next, she had a nice voice. "The child demanded much of us. We are glad you are here to feed your pup, it was growing tiresome to hunt so often."

Naruto nodded "But it was worth it - right dear? To see parents reunited with child?" Yume nodded. "Of course my love, oh yes, I have a surprise for you." She then went behind the tree and came back with a rabbit. Naruto grinned "When did you manage to catch that?" Yume grinned back. "When you were watching the child, I hunted for us, knowing we would be needing food and break after so long."

Naruto licked her forehead, his tail wagging and Yume nuzzled up to him. Hinata was surprised, they acted like newly-weds - using pet names, and constantly touching and...licking one another. "So...you were explaining?" Shikamaru said interrupting them. Naruto turned "Ah, yes, well...about what happened at that...party, I am greatly sorry I did not attend Neji, I hope it was a splendid day and wedding."

Neji nodded "It was, and...thank-you...I guess" Naruto continued "I first traveled to Gin's grave. I stayed there for quite awhile before I came to the resolve to go and bury my other students." The others widened their eyes at such a thought. Naruto continued, "I did so, it was terrible...their bodies...had...decayed some...but I managed" Naruto shook his head and shuddered.

Yume whined and nudged him with her muzzle; Naruto stopped and looked into her eyes. Then he smiled softly and nudged her back. "I am okay, I can do this." he said to her. Yume nodded.

Naruto spoke once more. "But after I found out that...that cursed clan had left my students to rot while they laid their own to rest...I was taken by a sudden urge for revenge...but I stopped myself. It was then I realized that I needed time to think...So I wondered far and long, until the point my body could not carry me any longer...and that is when...fate led me to Yume."

Yume blushed and spoke. "He is being modest. Before I was Yume, I was but a regular wolf: Dirtsnout, omega of pack. Then he came along, and awoke my dormant powers. I began to open my eyes and become demon wolf like he; and then began to join with him. Now we have become mated pair, destined to be together so for rest of our lives." Naruto smiled "Even forever would not be long enough." he said softly.

She nipped him playfully "Now, now my love, let me speak." Naruto did so. She turned back to them. "Naruto saved me from the pack, then I saved him...from his past. Together we healed each other and mended each others souls. I know little of what happened, I know little of all of you, but I know in my heart that Naruto see's you as his family, as his pack; and here he stands waiting...for you to accept him back. My question is: will you?"

Hinata was taken aback, Yume was so blunt, she got right to the point. Few people knew how to do such things, everyone always tiptoed around subjects, and didn't ask things for fear of hurting feelings, but not Yume. It was a welcomed exception, sometimes things just needed to be said. Feelings might be hurt and people might not like you for it, but as long as the truth was said, life was better.

Hinata spoke "Of course, Naruto is always welcome. This is his home, he might have gotten lost, and forgotten who he was, but we will always accept him home. He only needs to ask of it." Naruto stepped forward his ears folded back and his tail tucked beneath his legs. "Hinata...can I come home?" he asked simply. Hinata began to cry - it was so sweet, "Yes...yes you can."

Hinata then wrapped her arms around him. They hugged for a long time before Naruto finally backed away, tears falling from his eyes. "Thank-you Hinata, thank-you." Hinata nodded. "Naruto we love you." Naruto nodded "I know...I just didn't realize it until it was too late." Hinata smiled "Better late than never." Naruto gave his grin. "Thank-you, thank-you all of you. I know I have much to make up, but I am going to start right away, and I am not going to back down, or run away. I am going to stand and stay with you all to the end, that is my promise."

Sakura leaped up and hugged him. "You're back, you...really are back." One by one the others got their hugs. Naruto stepped back. "Yume my sweet, this is my family, which means they are yours as well. Can you be okay with that?" he asked her. It was silent as all of them turned to her. Yume looked about. "I have known many stories of humans, when I was living in a pack, of their hate and their pain they could bring, but when I stand here, I sense none of this. You are good and kind, I will gladly call you my family if you would gladly accept me...despite my-"

Naruto cut her off "If you say that you are deformed one more time, my Yu-yu, I will bite that fluffy cute tail of yours off." Yume gasped and blushed. Naruto grinned, then licked her on the cheek. She spoke "Naruto, down my love. I need to hear their answer." Naruto stepped away. Sakura spoke "We accept you and we thank-you Yume. I don't know how you did it, but you managed to convince him to be happy once more, and I am glad of it"

Yume nodded "Yes, his head is like that of a moose, big and tough and nothing can seem to break through it." Naruto blushed that time. "When did you get so good with your words?" Naruto asked Yume grinned "I learned from you." Naruto laughed "Yes well it shows" he said. All of them began to laugh, the pair was quite comical together.

Naruto grinned "I am glad to hear laughter once more, and your voices...they have been missed greatly." Shikamaru spoke "Okay what's up with the talking, you sound very...polite and...I don't know...it's just different." Naruto shrugged "Life in the pack, I lived with them a long time. I guess...I haven't gotten used to speaking human after so long."

Yume leaned down and grabbed the rabbit. "Well, that's nice, I feed." Naruto bent his head down as well "Save the heart for me, you know I like that." Yume said something but with rabbit in her mouth it was unintelligible. Shikamaru and the others began to get slightly green around the gills, but little Hime got up. "Foo-foo!" she said, and quickly tottered over to Naruto and Yume.

Naruto looked up, his muzzle bloody. "No Hime, this isn't cooked, this is our food, go to your mother for your food." Hime looked at him. "Fwuf-fwuff? Foo-foo?" she asked again. Naruto sighed. He looked to Yume, "You know...I am tempted to go hunt a deer to feed this child." Yume nodded ripping intestines out, "I think a bear would last us longer, how do you humans keep up with your pup's demands?" She asked Kiba, who was picking Hime up.

Kiba sat down with her and brought food out "We...just go to the store and get stuff." Yume glanced to Naruto for an explanation. "What he means is, that human are like...squirrels, they store a bunch of food, then whenever they want...they just go get it." Yume nodded "I see...they must have large stores." Naruto nodded "Huge, the entire...pack...of Konoha, has several stores that they share."

Yume gaped at him "All of those within that...wall?" Naruto nodded, then cracked open the rabbit's rib-cage. He dug through it. "Ah, the heart." he said, then swallowed it happily. Neji got up and excused himself. Then you could hear sounds of a man puking in the bushes. Naruto glanced down, embarrassed "Oh...sorry, I forgot that...I'm sorry everyone - I'm just used to...well...eating meat."

Shikamaru waved a hand, he had a somewhat stronger stomach. "No,... it's okay, go ahead eat...just please...hurry, the sooner you eat the sooner the sight is taken from us." Naruto smirked "Right, Yume I'm pretty full, do you want the rest?" Yume nodded and began to scarf down the rest of the rabbit. Hime was greatly enjoying her own food, she ate it greedily.

Hinata spoke: "How...did you find her?" she asked, nodding to her precious daughter (who was still happily eating her pudding). "It was easy, once I figured out it was the Chen clan who did it." Hinata almost dropped the spoon she was using to feed Hime. "What?! it was the Chen clan?" Naruto nodded "Yes, the man with silver hair...and one eye...he's their leader...he is also the one who ripped my students from me. I, in return, ripped his eye from his skull. I will one day seek to claim the other." Naruto stated matter-of-factly.

Hinata glanced into Naruto's eyes, they were burning with emotion. Hinata nodded "I see." Shikamaru spoke "But...that doesn't make sense, why would the Chen clan steal Hime?" Naruto shrugged "I...don't know, maybe to get back at me for killing so many of their own, or maybe...I don't know. We might find out later, but until then let us just be happy that she is safe."

Hinata looked to Hime "Yes, thank-you Naruto. Did you...well...?" Naruto shook his head knowing what Hinata meant. 'Did he kill any?' - that was the question. "Their numbers were too many, I did not want to risk Yume getting hurt." Yume sighed "I keep telling him that one day he will not have to worry about such things, that I will somehow become a warrior like he."

Naruto turned to her "How many times do I have to say it? I don't need a warrior by my side - I just need you to be there." Naruto said leaning in closer. Yume smiled softly and licked the blood from his muzzle as Naruto did the same, leaving the rest of the people nearby to sit awkwardly as the two wolves groomed each other.

Shikamaru fianlly had enough "Will you two love bird knock it off!" Naruto turned to him smiling, "Why? Are you...jealous?" he asked. Shikamaru smirked "No, actually. I too have a love, Naruto."

Naruto was surprised by this. "Who?" Shikamaru smiled "isn't it obvious? The one I have always been dating? I...well...I guess I proposed to her." Sakura laughed "No, what Shikamaru did was throw a ring at her and say 'Here...wear this maybe?'" Naruto laughed "That is so like you." Shikamaru slightly blushed.

Then Hinata spoke up again, "How did you even know she was gone?" Naruto turned to her. "A few days ago I sneaked back into the village and visited Gomeg. He told me of such things, then I left to go after her, in hopes that by doing so my punishment for leaving the village would be slackened."

There was a silence, all of them had forgotten that Naruto was branded somewhat as a traitor. Sakura sighed heavily. "Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be too bad - I mean, you didn't do anything wrong when you were gone...right?" Naruto shook his head "No, I only stayed with a pack...and found the love of my life." Naruto was about to turn to Yume, but Shikamaru interjected "No! No more of that crap!"

Naruto glared at him. Yume looked at Shikamaru "I am beginning to think that human mates do not express themselves in such manners?" she asked Naruto. "No, they do, they just usually do it private. Humans are not quite as open as...well, the wolves of the pack." Yume nodded "I see. Such strange ways these humans have."

Naruto nodded "Yes, but don't worry you will get used to it." Yume nodded "I know I will, when I am with you, I can do anything." Naruto nodded "Same here." Then they shared a look, that even Shikamaru felt the shadow of that burning passion between them. He felt guilty for yelling at them before. Finally Naruto turned back to Sakura. "What else has happened?" he asked.

Sakura was about to speak but Neji answered instead, "Well, Sai and Ino got married, and Ten-ten and I are expecting a baby now." Naruto wagged his tail. "That is great news! Congratulations!" Yume turned to him "Naruto...what is a baby?" Naruto turned to her and said under his breath "Pups...well - one. They only have one at a time, well...sometimes two or even three...but that is very rare."

Yume shuddered "I would hate to take care of two human pups at once, they are too demanding. At least with wolf pups only I need to eat, and they can feed off of my milk. Then when they are older we can just regurgitate the food we had already eaten before. Plus, our pups would know how to make their leavings by themselves and clean themselves."

Naruto nodded "Yes my love, I know. Wolf pups are a lot smarter and more sufficient then human pups." Yume nodded "...and they actually stay when they are meant to stay...most of the time." she added. Naruto grinned "Yes, Hime was a bit tricky at times." Yume sighed and nuzzled up close to Naruto "I cannot wait until we have pups."

There was an awkward pause, then Kiba spoke. "Soo...Yume, you said you lived in a wolf pack before you met Naruto, is that correct?" Yume turned to him "Yes, I was the omega, bottom of the pack, I was only allowed to live because I was sister to the alpha and I already had earned a name." Kiba nodded "I see, was this a...demon wolf pack?" Naruto shook his head "No, these were regular wolves. Like I said, Yume didn't know she was a demon until recently."

Kiba was surprised at this but made no comment about it. "How did you find out?" Yume looked away sadly "Blackpelt, my brother, was leading us up a very dangerous pass, a short-cut to the next valley. I tripped and fell, and Naruto...who at that time was named Snowfur came after me to stop my fall." Yume gave Naruto a small lick as she positioned herself to lay down, Naruto easily curled up next to her and they lay side-by-side in the grass.

Naruto continued "We were stuck...well, she was. I managed to stick hold to the ground with use of chakra, but Yume couldn't until...well, it just happened. I don't know how or why, but I am glad it did, because we both were able to escape and catch up to the pack." Kiba glanced at Naruto confused "Wait" Sakura said. "You mean...the pack just left you? But wasn't he your brother?" Sakura said, turning to Yume. "Adopted I was...into pack, and rule of wild is always those who fall behind...get left behind. Only strong and fit meant to survive."

Sakura was speechless, it was a had life in the wild. Lee spoke "But that is good that you two made it! Your youthful fire burns-!" Sakura elbowed Lee before he could finish his sentence."What did I say Lee?" Sakura asked "To...ergh...not be so dramatic...all the time?" Sakura smirked "Good boy, Sakura is pleased." Lee smiled happily even though he was in pain.

Yume chuckled her voice was like a set of chimes, full of sound and mesmerizing. Sakura could see how Naruto was in love. Her muzzle at first made her look strange, but after awhile you didn't see that, you only saw her, her insides, her love and her kindness. She was like Naruto so caring and loving, but where Naruto was a rushing river of energy, she was a calm and thoughtful pool. They were alike, but they also balanced each other out, her calm-headedness, which - granted - at times, Naruto could be (but very rarely) helped balance the zany, explosive, out-of-control, wild energy that Naruto had.

Naruto, of course, helped Yume break out of her shell, and live a little more on the fun side at times. Sakura nodded, she was glad of Yume and so happy for the both of them. Neither one would want to disappoint or hurt the others feelings, they needed each other, as well as wanted each other, they were perfect. Naruto yawned. "You know, this would be nice, to be just like this, basking in the sun, talking among all my old friends, but I know I am going to have to get up soon. I can't put it off, I need to walk through those gates...and take whatever punishment is waiting for me."

Sakura was sad for a moment, but Naruto was right, they couldn't expect him to get off free. He had left the village and so he would have to face and pay for his crimes. Although she knew that he would not be sentenced to death, Kakashi would never let that happen, he could be imprisoned or something else...who knew? Naruto laid his head down, and Yume rested her's on top of his.

Kiba spoke "Don't worry, Naruto. Whatever comes...we will be there for you - you have our support." Naruto turned his head slightly towards Kiba "Thanks, I am really happy for that, even though I don't feel like I deserve this...not after all I did to you and put you through." Kiba nodded "That's true...When you left it hurt...It hurt a lot, but you also saved Hime, you brought my family back together, and you have healed, you are back to your old self. The wolf that had left was not Naruto anyway, and now that you are back - in more ways than one - we are happy to accept your return."

Naruto let a tear fall from his eye "Thank-you Kiba" he said. He slowly got up, giving a murmured apology to Yume. He stood, his full height and squared his shoulders, lifting his chin high. Yume spoke "I have come to worry when you do that pose." Naruto turned to her, a light gleaming in his eye "Why ever so?" Yume stood next to him "Because when you do that, you either end up in a fight or causing mischief of some sort."

Naruto feigned being hurt by her words. "But...you always like when I fight..." Yume grinned and gave him a quick lick. "I do, but I just got you. I don't want to live my entire life with a scarred patch of fur for a mate." Naruto grinned. "I don't have that many scars." He said indigently. Yume twitched her one ear, silently hinting to his ear that had a small piece ripped from the tip.

Naruto rolled his eyes "That one was from your brother, don't go blaming me." Yume grinned and nipped him playfully. Naruto gave chase and the couple then ran around, chasing each other. The others were left to watch him and talk about the two in private. Finally the two wolves came back, and Naruto turned, his sights set towards Konoha.

He was a striking figure at that moment, his body lean and strong, his eyes clear and glowing; he radiated with his aura of happiness and strength. Then he spoke, his voice demanding attention. "It is ironic...when I was with Jeriyah we stopped and camped at this very place, so many years ago, and once more I find myself standing here and saying 'It is time. It is time for me to return home.'"

Then with that he turned and gave them all a smile then bounded off, Yume in tow, towards the gates of Konoha.

Well that is what I have. OMG it is so scary, I start my first day of college on the 4th of September, going to be there all alone in my dorms (except for my dorm-mates) starting the 2nd. Why is life so...scary, leaving all my friends, and family...why did I choose a school in a different state?

:*(...(T-T)

From,

your very freaked out and scared Author, who would like hugs.

NSW