Life as A Fox
Chapter 79
NSW-The Forsaken Author of the Lost Story (see my bio for explanation)
Also I have a new story out called 'A Forgiven Father' It is something I have written on the side for a while, and it's chock full of OC's but..you might enjoy it, it's kind of hard to explain...so just check it on your spare time.
The blade arched down, Naruto closed his eyes. Knowing his death was imminent, He cursed himself, he was foolish, oh so foolish to let blind rage over come him to control him. How could he have been captured so easy? How could he have let them get to him like that? Because he was blinded by emotions, that was the answer, it seems stupid, it seems so cliché, but that was the truth, you never think clearly when you have emotion behind you, you never are yourself when you are almost bursting at the seams with it.
The blade landed, Naruto braced for the pain, surprisingly there was little.
Sasuke broke through the line of enemies, roaring the word "Naruto!" at the top of his lungs. He was chained and strapped, captured and laying before a man with one eye. Sasuke saw the blade arch down. He had to act, he had to make it in time, he had to save Naruto! He dashed forward, three enemies came from nowhere and surrounded him.
Sasuke was exhausted, ninja like him were supposed to be all powerful supposed to swipe away enemies like flies, this is true, but not after you had battled for hours on end, his reaction speed was slow and sluggish, his arms screamed in protest to lift his blade, his adrenaline and chakra were constantly being used, the strain on his body was horrid.
You try fighting like that constantly, oh yeah sure bring up the argument 'you're ninja, you can handle it, you have chakra, CHAKRA WAS NOT THE BLOODY ANSWER ALL THE TIME' Do you not what chakra is? It is harnessed life force and meditations and some other spiritual mumbo jumbo, which means, it takes awhile to make and to use it requires a lot of concentration, ton's of it, so use of chakra when in a sea of enemies was next to none.
You had no time to think let alone concentrate on a jutsu, so that is why basically all ninja were turned into normal people during a fight. Bodily limitations and bodily abilites...were all you had. So yeah, maybe at a time you could pull of an insanely strong S rank move and plow down a couple hundred enemies, but that was when you were fresh, had the time and the ability to do so, none of which Sasuke or Naruto had at the moment.
Sasuke groaned as one of the fucking creatures bit into his shoulder. He brought his sword up and stabbed it in the head, he heard the sound of its skull fracturing. Then blood and brain matter spilled onto him, wet, warm and sticky. He shuddered and kept moving. Striking down another man with a fast stroke to his abdomen, the man screamed as he fell to his knees trying to clutch at the guts and intestines that spilled out.
Sasuke moved past him, he would die soon, and painfully too. Sasuke ran at top speed, the sword was beginning to arch down towards Naruto's head. He screamed out. Trying to distract the enemy. But to no avail. Sasukes legs were taken from under him. One of the four-legged deer like Lumenion had tackled into him.
It's antlers stabbed him in the chest and guts. He coughed up blood and groaned. He managed to get a kunai out, his sword dropped. He hacked and hacked at the beast on top of him. It tossed it's head about in pain. It's limbs randomly lunged out trying to get its feeting. Sasuke roared at it, wishing it would just die! He sliced it's neck, blood spilled out from the wound, the Lumenion spasmed, blood chugging from its mouth and neck.
It saturated Sasuke in a waterfall of blood. He shook himself and pulled himself towards Naruto. Scrabbling in the dirt he dragged himself towards his friend. He looked up, but it was too late, he was too late. The man was grinning triumphantly over a still form of Naruto. He screamed, oh gods did he scream.
Mammoth glanced to the west line of the army, they were holding strong, the east and middle line however were not. He whistled for the nearest messenger a demon sparrow. "Tell the 5th platoon to go in and give support to the east line." The sparrow nodded and chirped away moving as fast as he could. Mammoth turned to see his personal summoning hawk land down.
"Our connection with the spy network has been breached! We haven't been able to get in there and rescue them" Mammoth nodded "Tell Kakashi at the moment, it would be suicide to go after them, they knew what they were getting in before hand, their names will be remembered, I know he wants to help them, but we do not have the men to do so."
The hawk nodded and flew back to Kakashi. He stood on top of the walls. Gritting his teeth. "Come on let me go down there" Bee said to him. Kakashi shook his head "no, we have no idea what those weapons would do to you" "They wouldn't get near me" Bee said. Kakashi glared at him "doesn't matter, we still can't risk it."
Bee sighed "What can we do?" Kakashi sighed "Wait, that is all, we can't call a retreat, we will have to wait for them." Bee nodded "I know, but it feels like they won't ever call for one, how many of those blasted creatures have we killed?" Kakashi shrugged "no idea, but the ninja are slowly disappearing and only those creatures are remaining, and worse, they are growing in number and strength."
Bee punched the wall "What the hell is happening, we need answers!" Kakashi nodded "Our spies would have them, but I received the blue bird" He said holding up a paper blue bird. It was a spy sign of 'we have been found out' Kakashi sighed. Then Mammoth's summoning hawk appeared "Mammoth says we cannot sacrifice ninja to try and save them."
Kakashi sighed, he knew that would be the answer, Mammoth could always be counted on making the hard decisions for the better of a whole, he valued each member of his 'herd' but if saving one or even a few menat to big of acrifice, he would turn his back, if need be. Kakashi nodded "fine then, I guess we can only hope."
Kakashi looked to see a fresh wave of enemies break out from the lines of the enemy camp. He cursed, this would shatter their sketchy hold on the enemy. He opened his voice to call out commands only a sound broke out, loud and triumphant. He turned, his head towards it. On the far said of Konoha, figures were emerging from the foliage of the forest that stood.
A large commanding gray creature, massive, with large ears and trunk swayed back and forth as it desended into view. Two large tusks rose high and prominent. It was an Elephant. "What the...hell" he said. Then behind the elephant was a large line of bulky gray creatures...rhinos, then gorillas...bears even! Was this the other part of the army?
They marched forward, shaking the ground, big hulking creatures they all were, slower and in need of extra time to move. Kakashi was happy to see that some more wolves and lions were with them, then behind them was scores and scores of...water buffalo? Naruto didn't mention any of them. Kakashi shook it from mind he was just happy that these beautiful creatures, with bodies moving in a rhythmic sinewy grace, their horns and fangs gleaming they moved into the mass of oncoming Lumenion, basically plowing them over.
The earth rose in rapid fashion as if it came to live itself. It was both effective as an offense and defense. Offensively it knocked over and hit the enemies, defensively, it formed a nice barrier to their nin, giving them time to rest and recover. This was the time most of the injured were quick like pulled of the field and fresh troops scattered out.
But there was no need to do so, the demons had managed to push and beat the enemies back, they called for a retreat, by the grace of the demons, they had managed to survive long enough, Konoha held on for one more day, they could live to fight another. Kakashi called out for a retreat as well. Both armies scuttled back to their homes, like whipped dogs, both waited in the shadows, licking their wounds and nursing their grudges against the other.
The new demons came through the gates, their kin who were already their rejoiced and joined with them. Gomeg appeared from their midst, he walked towards Kakashi. "Why were you so late?" Gomeg spoke grinning as he did so. "Leave it to Naruto to let a blind badger lead an army." Kakashi, in the moment of the situation, laughed, it was a relief to have.
He nodded to Gomeg, "It's a good thing you came when you did, we needed you." Gomeg nodded "Aye, I brought both an army of warriors, and..." he said turning, Kakashi looked to see scores and scores of rabbits going through all the men coming in, healing wounds by themselves or in large groups. Three aged looking foxes were making their way towards the tents, each having a few rabbit's carrying liters with different leaves, and herbs on it.
Kakashi studied the other demons, he turned to see a group of large, lumbering bears walking through the gates, the ninja moved aside for them. They were huge! Their fur thick and lustrous, it seemed to gleam in the dying afternoon light. They made their way towards him, each wore a padded leather? Harness strapped to their wide chests. Their wrists had braces of some sort and on their backs looked to be...bows? Why would bears have bows?
All in all, there was about twenty of them. Kakashi turned fully to them. "We are the bear archers of the southern lands, I am Brek, these are my men." The Bear that spoke was a dark black, his teeth were stained yellow. "I am Kakashi, leader of the humans" Brek bowed to him, "we have heard much from general Naruto."
Kakashi nodded he glanced over "He will be here shortly, he is probably still on the field." Brek grinned savagely. Kakashi for a moment was so glad that this creature was on his side, he would hate to go against such a foe. Brek turned, "meet my friends, Dither and his men." Kakashi turned to see large gorilla's walking on all fours towards them, they had large fangs rising from their lower jaws.
Their fur was thick and dull but still seemed to glow with a certain power. The many wrinkles and folds of their face seemed to form a perpetual mask of a glower, perfect for a warrior. Their eyes glowed brightly beneath several folds as they made their way towards Kakashi. The first gorilla stopped "Like my friend Brek said, I am Dither, these are my men."
Dither waved a powerful arm, motioning to his men, Kakashi could see the rip-cord like tendons flexing, moving such massive strength. Once again, Kakashi found himself glad that he was on their side and not against them. He could also see the glinting metallic sheen of several well used and very large, sharp axes. Most were single-handed axes, that had two heads on either side of a short staff.
All of Dither's men had at least two strapped to his back, he also noticed that they wore black leather belts that held small blades and a small single-headed axe, most likely made of bronze or flint, it was light and easy to throw, probably used just in case all other weapons were lost. A gorilla in the back of the group was aged more so then the others.
His fur had a gray tinge to it and he had a large wise, knowing eyes. One of his fangs was chipped in half, and a large ragged scar covered half of his face, extending from the forehead over the eye in a pinkish, ugly, mark. Kakashi nodded to this one when their eyes met. The other did as well, they both knew what it was like to walk around, bearing the mark of a battle of long past.
He also noted that his particular one had a longer staffed axe. He also had on either hip, two hammers with jagged heads, looking like a hammer that a butcher would use to tenderize meat, but instead of meat, he guessed this gorilla tenderized heads. Kakashi for the third time, shuddered and thanked the gods and whatever guiding spirits that were in his life, that he was not enemies to these creatures.
Then through the gates came the aged old elephant, gray wrinkled and age spot splotched skin, thick and full of creases and wrinkles she towered through the gates. Her ancient tired old eyes turned to Kakashi. She raised her trunk in a salute, all around her the demons bowed to her and showed her a certain respect to her.
Kakashi noted she had a few scars and wounds, but none seemed to affect her. He bowed to her. She nodded her large head, her tusks gleaming, even though they were stained with blood. She spoke in a surprisingly soft voice, sounding like wind drifting through the willow reeds. "For very long I have lived and traveled this world, for very long I have come to see humans as enemies and betrayers, at first, I confess I was hesitant, I did not think the words that Naruto spoke were true, but now, with my old eyes I do see."
She paused, her dark chocolate eyes widening, and Kakashi could see the youthfulness that still existed inside her, the hope that bloomed. "When I looked upon the battlefield, where you humans fought with my kin I knew it then and I felt it deep in my chest, where my thundering old heart still beats, I knew that Naruto spoke truth, and I now know that I was wrong, I now know that the world finally has began to change, to change into a place where my people can live at peace within it, thank-you gor giving me this."
Then she slowly bent down, her tusks scraping the ground, her trunk arched and extended to her, like the arm of a performer extended in gratitude she bowed to him. Kakashi was touched, he extended an arm out and touched her trunk hesitantly, she opened her eyes, in surprise, their eyes met, her's warmed in a kind knowing.
She chuckled and rose, "What a gentlemen you are, helping this old girl to her feet." She rose saying this, Kakashi chuckled, "I see no old girl, but a charming beautiful lady." She blushed, at least that is what Kakashi thought she did, for she his her face behind one of those large ears of hers. She lifted her trunk from his hand, "This ladies name is Biskask, I am known as the lost elephant."
Kakashi nodded he brought his arm back down, "Well no longer are you lost, you are free to call this place your home." She chuckled, "Thank-you, Kakashi, my gentle-men leader." She then wrapped her trunk around his shoulders and hauled him in for a hug, he was pressed against the large bridge of her nose and for-face, his one eye looking into hers.
She easily plopped him back down on the ground, he staggered, such strength! He collected himself and adjusted his clothing then watched as Biskask left, behind her a small herd of rhino's followed. One turned to him "I am Bulmug, we are the earth-chargers" Kakashi nodded to him. "Welcome to Konoha, rest and relax."
Bulmug snorted in answer. "Thank-you" Bulmug turned and glanced to Biskask, he looked to her with a certain softness, "She sure is a beauty, good, strong old girl." Kakashi nodded "that she is" Bulmug snorted again, he looked away "er...right then, I shall go and rest" If a rhino were to scamper away, Bulmug did so, which was quite comical for such a large and commanding creature to do.
Kakashi turned once more, his heart stopped, Kiba was limping in tears cascading down his face. He stumbled towards Kakashi. Kakashi caught him. "What is it?" Kakashi asked . "Aka...Akamaru, I need help, he needs help, please I need someone to help me-" Kakashi nodded understanding, Akamaru was hurt and Kiba couldn't lift him in his condition.
Lee came running over, he had a few nicks and cuts and his arm was bandaged but he was okay. "I'll help you Kiba, come on let's bring him home." Kiba nodded vigorously. Together they left out the gates again. Kakashi wished he could have made Kiba stop and get checked over, but Kakashi knew that would be no good, he would keep pushing away the healers to get to his dog.
So better for him to get Akamaru and be relaxed and at peace then to keep a man away from his dog. Kakashi sighed and turned towards the wounded tents. He would go in and talk to them all see how they were doing, it comforted them, to see the Hokage himself among them, talking to them. It gave them the feeling that their generals actually cared about them, cared about their well being, which helped bolster their spirits and made the feel better.
Kakashi noted that the rabbits weaved in and out with such a rapid pace, healing and helping all, it eased and gave all the medics a chance to rest, the demons medics were now taking over. The three foxes seemed to be the top healers, working with the most brutal and hardest cases, while Gomeg seemed to just go about and command everyone and help the foxes or whoever else.
Kakashi stayed out of Gomegs way, like a cook, healers commanded the same respect when they were in their 'kingdom' and they were the kings, and they ruled with an iron fist and made sure nothing went wrong, if you were to do something wrong within their kingdom's you would get a whipping, medic or no. Kakashi turned one last time to the gates, he was a little confused 'where the heck is Naruto?' he thought.
Naruto felt the sword strike, but it wasn't right, it wasn't digging into him, slicing him open, instead, it veered to the right at the last second, and it cut him over the eye. The pain was excruciating, he whimpered at the pain, keeping his injured eye closed he looked up the man was grinning triumphantly. Vaguely Naruto could here Sasuke screaming his name, then the sounds of fighting and a man groaning in pain, he heard the sound of a Lumenion viciously dying but that was all.
The man spoke "An eye...for an eye, wouldn't you say?" Naruto growled at him. He had to think, he had to be smart now, he had already made a foolish mistake, now it would take his mind and brain's to get him out of this. He had to break free, he had to get to his pups, he had to get to his mate! Naruto wiggled slowly hoping to loosen the bonds.
The man tutted "haven't you learned?" he then sent a burst of chakra through Naruto, lightning type it electrocuted him. He groaned he fucking hated lightning type users! They sucked. He growled once more as the pain receded. But he noticed that the man, the leader of the Chen clan was staring off into the distance, and staring fearfully at that.
"What the hell" he muttered under his breath. Naruto felt a trembling beneath his, the ground was moving! The man glanced back down to him "I wanted to make this low and painful, but I guess my revenge will have to be quick."
The man raised his sword one more, "Finally, the white demon shall fall, and soon all demons after!" The man chuckled as he raised his blade almost ceremoniously over his head once more. Naruto gritted his teeth, he tried to concentrate his chakra, to do something.
"Even if I fall! Konoha will win this war, they will win it because, inlike you, they fight on the right side!" The man hesitated. "There is no wrong and no right in this world, there is only the world an ourselves, and it is our duty to look for our selves and our own, we humans have to look out for each other, you may have brainwashed a few to think differently, but we will soon set them on track, but like I said, now is the time for revenge."
A voice spoke "Funny thing about revenge" The man paused he looked up from Naruto, looking about and scanning the area in front of him. Then a blade appeared from a point in his chest. The man gasped and gurgle as blood began to well from his mouth, it shone and glistened like a ruby, because it contrasted to greatly against his skin.
Sasuke's head appeared from behind the man, resting on his trembling shoulder as the man slowly sank to the ground. The bounds around Naruto broke and shattered into pieces scattering into the winds. Sasuke spoke once more "Revenge is the only thing that will kill you before you kill it."
Then Sasuke quickly removed his blade and the man fell into the dust with one last grown he went limp. Sasuke glanced down to Naruto. Sasuke was clutching at his chest as his free hand sheathed his sword. He glared "What the hell were you thinking! You are lucky I was able to get here in time!"
Naruto groaned as he pushed himself up "I..I'm sorry...I didn't mean...to...I was just...I..don't know what overcame me" Sasuke sighed and collapsed down next to him. Sasuke stared into Naruto's face. "Naruto...trust me, I know what it's like, the pain and the burden you had was great, but remember what you always said to me? Revenge was never the answer, and if a person was a true friend, they would never let their friend get consumed by it. I have learned that now, which is why I took the burden from you, I killed him, so that you would realize"
Naruto cut him off "I know, I know, thank-you...you freed me, Sasuke, you freed me of the darkness that still had lurked within me, thank-you." Sasuke smirked and nodded "You're...erg...welcome, I guess...we're even now" Naruto quirked his head "What do you mean?"
Sasuke grinned "Well...I killed you before right? Well I just saved your life this time so that makes us even." Naruto grinned and chuckled. He turned his eye to the battlefield scanning it, "looks like we survived another day, I guess...I guess we are even, thank-you Sasuke."
Sasuke nodded "here, let me get something to wrap that eye, we might be able to save it yet." Naruto nodded "Well, I guess we better start heading back." Sasuke sighed "Yeah...how do you suppose we are supposed to do that, all my strength went into killing him" Sasuke said motioning to the man, "I can't stand, I'm about to black out as well."
Naruto sighed, "No, you don't, I'm not dragging your heavy ass back, I'll leave you here if you do." Naruto looked about, he saw a large piece of fabric, probably a fragment of a tent or something. He got up stiffly and staggered over to it.
He grabbed it with his teeth and brought it back, "Here...lay on this" Sasuke shook his head, "no, I will walk, just...give me a second, I can pull something out of my heavy ass." Naruto and him chuckled at this. Sasuke closed his eyes and took a deep breath, he pushed himself up.
Naruto stood next to him. Sasuke leaned on him, his fingers gripping Naruto's dirty fur. Then the human and the wolf, both of them dirtied, tired, and hurt walked away. But they did not simply just walk away towards home, they walked towards life and friendship, they walked away as survivors, friends, and most importantly, as equals.
Sorry it took so long. It took me awhile to come up with how to put things together, but I like what I did.
NSW