First Mate First Love

Chapter 21: Discovered

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Shino woke slowly. He was in warm comfortable bed. Both his bugs and he were at ease. He gave an almost unnoticeable smile when he saw Yochu huddled closely to his chest. Shino moved her hair away from her face. Those dark royal blue eyes slowly opened. She smiled brightly at him.

"Good morning, what has you smiling this early", said Yochu.

"Isn't it obvious", said Shino before kissed her.

She smiled, but it faded quickly when she saw her engagement ring. It was a gold ring. The centerpiece was an ant frozen in amber. Yochu loved Shino dearly, but that didn't stop her from missing Neji. She didn't believe her little brother was dead. Neji was far too stubborn to leave so easily.

"You're thinking of him again", said Shino.

"Sorry, but I can't accept that he's dead. I know you must think I'm crazy for that. But he's my little brother I can't give up on him", said Yochu.

"Did I ever say I thought he was dead?" said Shino.

"I just assumed", said Yochu.

"When he first went missing, my beetles search for the scent of human death, but they couldn't find any trace. And they can smell death seconds after it happens. So yes I believe he's alive. In what condition and for how much longer I don't know", said Shino.

"Have you searched again?" asked Yochu.

"Once a week with Kiba. I hate seeing what this is doing him", said Shino.

Kiba was annoying as hell he would never deny that. But he would also never deny that Kiba was one of his closest friends and allies.

"Shino?"

He gave smile that only Yochu would register as one.

"I don't think you're insane, even though many of the villagers do. Since you fell in love with me", said Shino.

She giggled. Shino always made her laugh.

"I love you and your beetles", said Yochu.

"And I know what's like to care for a brother, so strongly. If you say he's alive I believe you. Kiba is proof that he's alive", said Shino.

"Because of the bond", said Yochu.

"I'm still surprise he told you that", said Shino.

"He tells me everything", said Yochu.

"Tell me of your brother", said Shino.

She smiled. Shino relaxed. There was always a risk of making Yochu cry if they talked of her past. Her background was saddening. Yochu lost both her parents and younger brother in a horrible house fire. The only blood-related family she has left is her grandmother. She laughed.

"When we first met, we hated each other. We were almost always at each other's throat. Deep down we both enjoyed it. Our bickering served as the perfect distraction. We'd both lost so much. Whenever he was scared, he would hide underneath one the tables. He could stay there for hours. He would only talk to me and grams. Neji refused to speak of his family for months", said Yochu.

"That when he became family", said Shino.

He glanced at the clock it was time for him to go. Shino dressed.

"Where are you going?" asked Yochu.

"I have a meeting with the Hokage", said Shino.

She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and tugged him down to her eye level.

"And where do you think you're going?" asked Yochu.

"I already told you", said Shino.

"You aren't going anywhere until I get a kiss", said Yochu.

He kissed her goodbye and then went to the Hokage's office.

"Why did you call me here?" asked Shino.

"I have a solo mission for you. I stress the importance that you don't inform Kiba of it", said Kakashi.

"This has something to do with Neji", said Shino.

"You're aware of Kiba being attacked a few weeks ago. I need you to scout out the area near the lake where Kiba was attacked. I have feeling there's more to that little pond", said Kakashi.

Kakashi went to his desk and took a map drawer. He handed it to Shino.

"The circled area is the place Kiba told me he last saw Neji. I want you to leave immediately", said Kakashi.

He left the office and returned to Yochu's apartment.

"How it go?" asked Yochu before she took a sip of her tea.

She instantly realized her fiancé was hiding something from her. Yochu tapped her fingers against the table. She smirked when Shino tensed.

"What are you hiding lovebug?" asked Yochu.

Shino tensed further. That bothersome nickname was one of Yochu's favorite ways of teasing or embarrassing him. Yochu has an inhuman ability of reading him. Not even his own teammates who'd known him for years couldn't read him so well.

"You know I might lose my temper if you don't tell me", said Yochu.

"If I tell you Yochu, you must promise not to tell Kiba", said Shino.

"You're going to search for Neji", said Yochu.

He nodded.

"I won't say a word", said Yochu.

She understood the dangers of Kiba running off hotheaded.

"Good luck Shino", said Yochu.

He nodded and left. By nightfall, he made it to the lake where Kiba was attacked. His beetles flew out of his sleeves. The beetles were sluggish in the cold weather. They could find strong traces of Kiba's scent, but not Neji's. Shino sighed. Maybe his teammate hallucinated from grief. It wouldn't be the oddest, occurrence, especially in Kiba's current state. He set up a look out some distance away from the pond.

Neji stood outside watching the snowfall. A powerful gust of wind stung at his skin. His eyes went wide when he caught a familiar scent on the wind. Shino? Katsuo had taken away his ability to use his Byakugan. So he couldn't be sure. He was so tempted to run right now. But the timing wasn't right. Hopefully, Shino will be there morning. Please still be there. He wanted to go home so desperately. He groaned when Katsuo's arm wrapped around his waist. He growled.

"How many times have I told you shouldn't linger in the cold", said Katsuo.

He growled again this time he bared his teeth. His hands around the railing. Katsuo hadn't returned his ability to talk.

"Someone is in a bad mood today", said Katsuo.

He grabbed Neji's hand before it could make impact. The fight returned to those white eyes. He sighed. His little dove has been rebellious lately. Neji never broke. He never lost faith in his mate. He let that strength bloom further.

Katsuo's hand entangled in his hair and yanked him into the bedroom. He was thrown into bed. Katsuo flipped him on his stomach. He couldn't struggle under the alpha's weight. Neji's body tensed. It knew what hell was coming. He closed his eyes. If Katsuo would take him against his will, yet again he wouldn't see the alpha take the face of his mate. His pants were torn from him.

"You say rather me take you than in your husband's appearance. I will fulfill your wish", said Katsuo.

The scent of body oil touched his nose. Katsuo thrust into him without preparation. He bit his lip to stop himself from screaming out. It felt he was being torn apart from the inside. His mind left his body. The smell blood broke him from his trance. It was his. His body shook as Katsuo's thrust grew in power. Neji's blood was working as lubricant.

Katsuo's teeth dug into his neck. He groaned as Katsuo pulled out of him. It was over. He shuttered as blood and seed leaked down his inner thighs. Shame washed over him. He felt filthy. So great was the pain that he couldn't move. He had enough strength to move his wrist. He nuzzled the small strip of gray fabric.

"Hurry Kiba", said Neji.

Keeper whined when he saw the damage done to his friend. His master caused so much harm to Neji. Unlike his master, Neji was always kind to him. He hopped into bed with his friend. Keeper used his teeth to pull the blankets over Neji.

Neji woke in horrible pain. No, he would not be trapped here because of pain. He would have to fight through it. Hopefully, he isn't too late. He went out on the deck. He had to use his sense smell to try and track Shino. Where is he? He still has a chance. The least he can do is send a message to Kiba. They would need proof he was still alive if he couldn't join Shino. He cut a lock of his hair tied with the strip of gray fabric. Neji acted as calmly as he could until he reached the safest exit.

He took off at full speed with Keeper was running at his side. Neji caught the scent he was searching for. It wouldn't be long until they discover his disappearance. He already heard the sounds of the Hayashi wild dogs chasing after him. Keeper stopped. Neji stared at hyena. His loyal friend pushed him forward. Careful Keeper. He gave one glance back as he ran and saw his friend surrounded by wild dogs. Thank you.

Shino tensed when he heard twigs snapping. Howls and barks echoed the quiet forest. He'd heard those howls before. Before he could make a move something hit him full force. The force behind knocked him into a large puddle mud.

"Neji",

He'd never seen Neji in such a frantic state before. What had he gone through? Neji shoved a lock hair in his hand. Shino groaned in discomfort when Neji cuddled close to him. He placed a female beetle on Neji, which hid itself in his long hair. The sounds of the wild dogs were growing closer and would here at any moment. Neji shoved him into a bush.

Shino watched as Neji was cornered the dogs. The master of the pack made his appearance. It was the head of the Hayashi Clan. If only they could have finished him off during their mission. He couldn't do anything to help Neji. The large beast of a man would be too much for him to handle on his own.

"I don't even know how you are capable of moving, but you'll pay for your disobedience", said Katsuo.

The alpha sniffed the air, but couldn't catch his scent. Shino watched as Neji was pushed against a tree. His legs were kicked apart.

"I'll make so you're never capable of flight my little dove", growled Katsuo.

He watched as Katsuo forced himself upon Neji. Shino caught a glimpse into his eyes. It was a plea for help. No, it was a desperate request not to speak what he seeing. Neji did something to further gain his attention. He exposed an odd seal placed along his collar bone. Shino couldn't step in. The wild dogs that surround the Neji and his abuser. There was nothing was nothing he could do. The large man made a guttural sound signifying the end of this gruesome act. When Katsuo pulled away from Neji, he fell to the ground. Katsuo lifted Neji from the ground. The disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Neji saved him by hiding him with his scent. Shino knew of Neji's pride. Neji would never let such thing happen to him. Unless that seal had something to do with his weakened state. It must have sealed off his chakra network. His beetles notified him of a change in his scent. It was a pheromone was unknown to his insects. They covered the scent to best he could. He must return to the village.

Shizune opened the door of Kakashi's office.

"Did I miss an appointment?" he asked.

"No, Shino has returned", said Shizune.

"Already?" asked Kakashi.

"Yes", she said.

Shino entered his office. The bug ninja was covered in mud. There was a disturbance in his normally expressionless face.

"What have you found?" asked Kakashi.

"I've found him", said Shino.

"Are you sure?" asked Kakashi.

He took a lock of dark hair from his pocket. There's no doubting it. He never thought Shino would make such a discovery.

"Tell me exactly what happened. What is said here will never leave these walls", said Kakashi.

Sensing the sensitivity of the situation he activated the jutsu that made the office sound proof. Shino told him exactly what he saw. Kakashi released the jutsu.

Kiba walked out of the Assignments Office. Another pointless d-ranked mission. They wanted him wasting his time searching for someone's damn cat. He hated cats. Kiba froze in front of the doors of the Hokage's office. He took a deep breath. It was Neji's scent and it was fresh! Kiba slammed through the doors of the Hokage's office. His body was shaking he was so excited.

"IS IT TRUE?" yelled Kiba.

"Yes, I think he wanted me to give this", said Shino as he tossed the lock of hair to him.

"Neji",

Kiba fisted the lock of hair in his hand. He would find Neji.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU BRING HIM BACK!" screamed Kiba.

He could have had his mate in his arms today.

"Calm down", said Kakashi.

"Why wasn't I assigned to the mission to look for him", said Kiba.

"Your strong feelings would cloud your judgment. I couldn't have you further endangering Neji's life", said Kakashi.

Kiba gritted his teeth. Kakashi was right. No matter how much it hurt admitting it.

"Why couldn't you help him?" asked Kiba.

"It wasn't an option", said Shino.

Shino saw the great strain this was causing his friend.

"I placed a female beetle on him. Tracking him shouldn't be difficult", said

"We can find him!" said Kiba.

He smiled.

"Yes, but we mustn't rush this. There are too many unknown factors", said Kakashi.

Kiba gritted his teeth. He was so frustrated. But again Kakashi was right

"You have to let me on the rescue mission", said Kiba.

"I was planning to", said Kakashi.

He knew Kiba would go if he wanted him to or not. Allowing him to go would ensure the mission's success. And there's the added fact that his wife would kill him if he didn't allow Kiba to go.

"How was he?" asked Kiba.

Part of him feared the answer. What if Neji was hurt?

"He looked healthy enough. Mentally, I'm unsure. He wouldn't speak with me. But one thing did concern me. He seemed unable to access his chakra. I think it had something to seal on his chest", said Shino.

Shino would never speak of what he witnessed.

"What did it look like?" asked Kakashi.

Shino drew a rough sketch of what he saw on Neji's chest. Kiba has hands fisted.

"Do know this mark?" asked Kakashi.

"That mark is called the Binding Collar Seal. It's a secret juinjutsu known only to the animal clans. It was first used to bind uncooperative omegas to an alpha. It seals away their chakra, kekkie genkia, and senses. How many of those are things are taken away is up to the alpha. The Hayashi Clan are most well known for it. Unlike the other animal based clans they take multiple mates to keep up their population", said Kiba.

He couldn't believe that bastard collared his mate! What else did Katsuo do his mate?

"Is there any way to break it?" asked Kakashi.

"There are two ways. One, is the alpha who placed it releases it or if that alpha is killed", said Kiba.

"Shino, get Shikamaru and bring him here immediately", said Kakashi.

A few minutes later Shino appeared with Shikamaru.

"I should thank you for getting me out of house chores so what the problem", said Shikamaru.

"This is a-ranked rescue mission", said Kakashi.

"Are saying Neji is actually of alive?" asked Shikamaru.

"OF COURSE HE'S ALIVE!" growled Kiba.

"Is he?" asked Shikamaru.

Kakashi nodded.

"I'll allow you to form a rescue team. Shino and Kiba are mandatory members of the team. The other members are up to you. I'll give you as much freedom as I can Shikamaru", said Kakashi.

"I want Choji", said Shikamaru.

"I would give him to you, but he's on a mission with Ino", said Kakashi.

"I guess it's us three then", said Shikamaru.

Akamaru barked.

"Sorry Akamaru. I meant four", said Shikamaru.

Before they could close the office doors Hinata came running.

"Is it true Neji is alive?" she asked.

"Yes", said Shino.

"I'm going too", said Hinata.

"I won't allow it. Hinata you are in the first month of your pregnancy we can't risk you going", said Kakashi.

"I'm going either way", said Hinata.

The pure determination in her eyes showed she wouldn't take no as an answer.

"Fine", said Kakashi.

"Wait, I can't go, but my pregnant wife can", said Naruto.

"We already have a hothead on the team and I actually need him. Depending on Neji's mental condition he'll need someone as important him as Kiba. I'll keep her safe Naruto. I promise", said Shikamaru.

"I want to make this clear. This mission will be sealed. Whatever you see there will never be spoken of again", said Kakashi.

"Understood", said all the jonin in the room.

"Naruto you are dismissed. You must not interfere with this mission Neji's life could depend on it", said Kakashi.

"Fine, I get it", said Naruto before leaving.

"Hinata, Shino I want you to tell me everything about your battle with Hayashi clan", said Shikamaru.

On Neji return home. The punishment began again. Keeper lay bloodied floor. Neji gave a weak cry. He knew Katsuo wouldn't give the beast a fast death.

"His blood is on your hands", said Katsuo.

He fell to the floor.

"I will be back for you at sundown", said Katsuo.

The beast returned at sundown and forced himself upon him yet again. To further punish Katsuo took him in Kiba's image. He was unable to move. Neji bled yet again. He could only wait for another's help.

The rescue team stopped when the compound came into view. They were shocked to see how huge it was. Women and children could be seen. Shikamaru frowned. He wasn't expecting civilians. This is going to be difficult. He saw Kiba sniffing the air.

"What is it Kiba?" asked Shikamaru.

"I can't smell anything. How about you, Akamaru?" asked Kiba.

Akamaru shook his head and whined.

"They must be using something to block their scent as a whole", said Kiba.

"Hinata, tell me what you see", said Shikamaru.

"It's a genjutsu. I only see human four humans", said Hinata.

"Is he okay?" asked Kiba.

"Yes, he seems okay, but he's weak. But there's some bad news", said Hinata.

"Tell us", said Shikamaru.

"There's at least three hundred wild dogs roaming the area around it", said Hinata.

"Kiba this next part will be hard on yours and Akamaru's senses", said Shikamaru.

They shot off stink bombs and flash bangs. Kiba groaned as the deafening sound. The powerful stink clogged his sense of smell. It was almost enough to bring him to his knees.

"Hinata, you come with me. Shino you will go with Kiba and Akamaru", said Shikamaru.

Neji woke. The cranking and banging sound made his ears ring. A green gas filled the halls. The smell made him gag. Byakugan. His eyes desperately searched for Kiba. He spotted Shikamaru and Hinata. The sound of combat spread through the quiet compound. Neji called for Kiba. All he could muster was a weak high-pitched whine.

Kiba didn't need Shino's bugs to led when heard Neji's whine for him. He rushed to the call. Shino and him stopped at the large wooden double doors.

"Ready Akamaru fang over fang",

Neji's eyes opened, when heard a familiar drilling sound. He smiled.

"Kiba", he whispered.

For the first time since was taken he could say he truly felt at ease. His eyes closed. The wooden doors splintered sending fragments of wood in every direction.

"NEJI!" yelled Kiba.

He rushed to bed. Neji lay motionless. Kiba smiled when saw those white eyes slowly open.

"Hey beautiful", said Kiba.

Neji gave him a weak smile. Kiba pulled his mate into his arms. He cringed Neji reeked of Katsuo. His marks on his mate were replaced. The white sheets were spotted heavily with blood.

"My Kiba", he said.

Kiba pulled his mate into his arms. He cringed Neji reeked of Katsuo. His marks on his mate were replaced.

"I'm so sorry", said Kiba.

"Is this real?" asked Neji as touched Kiba's face.

His skin was warm.

"Yes, I'm my love", said Kiba as he put his hand atop Neji's.

His hands fisted. How could he let this happen to Neji? He wrapped the bed sheet around Neji and picked him up. His mate hissed in pain at the motion.

"So he was right you did come rescue him. I don't know why he would want a pathetic alpha like you. Look at him a weakling dependent on the help of others. His condition is your fault. No, real alpha would let his mate so easily be claimed another", said Katsuo.

Neji whimpered as Kiba's grasp on him became painful.

"Heh, you can't even control your alpha abilities. You are far too young pup to even grasp its power", said Katsuo.

"Shino watch over him", said Kiba as placed his mate in his teammate's arms.

Neji squirmed in Shino hold obviously not liking the change. Shino didn't like the awkwardness of holding the almost naked man. Neji whined. Kiba cupped the beauty's face in his hands.

"Shino will take care of you. Listen to him", said Kiba.

The exits were blocked. Kiba could easily drill through the wall but he knew the man in front them wouldn't let them escape so easily.

"You don't think I'll let you take my bitch so easily do you", said Katsuo.

Wild dogs poured into the room surrounding them.

"I challenge you for him pup", said Katsuo.

"I accept", said Kiba.

There a massive shift in Kiba's chakra. An aura of chakra surrounded him. His claws were razor sharp. His eye turned a bright brownish gold. The two beasts crashed through the windows and onto the front lawn. A powerful gate of chakra enclosed Kiba and Katsuo.

"This isn't good", said Shino.

The situation grew worse when hundreds of dogs swarmed into the room. Neji was incapable of fighting. The only other ally he had was Akamaru who wouldn't be much of a help without Kiba. He would have to fight them alone. Shino placed Neji carefully on the ground.

"Akamaru watch over him. I will deal with these pests", said Shino.

A large swarm of insects was unleashed from Shino's sleeves. The dogs turned black as the beetles coated them. He helped Neji from the ground. Neji was incapable of walking on his own.

"I will have to carry you", said Shino.

Neji nodded. Shino gathered him in his arms. The sounds of battle stopped. All the ninja were gathered in the front yard. On one side was the Hayashi Clan on the other was the Leaf ninjas.

"Neji",

He didn't respond to her. Shino sat him down carefully on the ground. Neji winced as he was set down on the ground. His focus was on the chakra enclosure. The two men within were more beast than man. This would be a death match.

Hinata rushed to her cousin's side. Shikamaru and Shino kept guard. Her attention instantly went to the blood spotted sheet Neji was wrapped in.

"You're hurt", said Hinata.

He was hurt but he wasn't comfortable being examined. Neji ignored her presence. When Hinata pressed her hand against his lower stomach, he snatched her wrist in a bone-crushing grip. He bared his teeth and let out a low warning growl.

"Please let go", said Hinata.

"Neji, release her", said Shino.

He instantly let go of her.

"Shino, what is this?" asked Shikamaru.

"I assume an alpha death match. The victor wins Neji as their mate. I don't believe Silva or Olcan will attack until the outcome is made clear. The barrier stops us from interfering. We can only watch and hope Kiba is the victor", said Shino.

"This chakra is beastly. Is that really Kiba?" asked Hinata.

Neji nodded.

"I never thought Kiba possessed anything like this", said Shino.

Shikamaru agreed. It reminded him of the time he visited Neji and Kiba. Shit, that chakra was intimidating before, but now it was terrifying. The two alphas wanted to rip each other's throats out.

"Why isn't he fighting with Akamaru?" asked Hinata.

Akamaru whined at the unwanted reminder. He wanted to help his master, but this was Kiba's battle. All he could do for the time being was comfort Neji. He snuggled up to the broken omega who gratefully accepted the comfort.

"This battle will come down to brute strength. Kiba is younger but the odd are in favor of the old guy", said Shikamaru.

Neji frowned. His heart was racing. Akamaru nuzzling him was his only comfort.

"Shikamaru, don't say that", said Hinata.

"Sorry Neji", said Shikamaru.

The pain in Neji's eyes really made him regret his words.

"I wouldn't worry about him Neji. Kiba won't let you go", said Shino.

Kiba's skin was covered in scrape marks. Katsuo managed to pin him multiple times. Shit, he was strong, but Kiba was faster. He charged at Katsuo and managed to knock him ground. The older man grabbed him by the neck.

"I'll give you this pup you have talent. But look at you, Kiba. You don't even have enough control to talk. Pup you don't even know your full potential and never will. How do you ever think you'll beat me", said Katsuo.

He caught a glance at Neji. Those white eyes held such desperation and hurt. This man raped and injured the one he loved most. Katsuo made his mate bleed and weep. His hands fisted.

"I WON'T LOSE!" yelled Kiba.

He wrapped his hand around Katsuo's wrist. There was a crunch as the bones in Katsuo's wrist shattered. He threw the older man into the chakra gate. Kiba was on top of the elder alpha. He grabbed the man's arms.

"I'll make sure you'll never touch anyone again", snarled Kiba.

There was a pop and tear as Kiba separated Katsuo's arms from his body. He had to finish it. There was a sickly snap as Kiba broke the older man's neck. The chakra barrier around him vanished. His wounds healed. Kiba rolled his shoulders as body returned to its original state. His attention went to Silva and Olcan.

"Scram, if you ever step foot in the Leaf again I'll kill you", said Kiba.

The two left with their dogs following. Kiba kneeled down by his mate. He touched his fingers to the collar seal. It released.

"Neji, how feeling?" asked Kiba.

"Better", said Neji.

His voice was raspy and weak, but it would recover.

"We should go Neji needs to be check up on by Lady Tsunade", said Hinata.

A loud whine caught their attention. It was Keeper. Kiba snarled at the half dead beast. Neji moved in front of his friend.

"Don't hurt him. He's my friend", begged Neji.

"Okay Neji", he said.

"Hinata, please help him", said Neji.

"Oh, okay I'll try", said Hinata.

Neji watched as Hinata healed his friend with her chakra. He smiled when the large hyena got up and tackled him. Neji wrapped his arms tightly around Keeper's neck.

"Thank you, my friend, without you this wouldn't be possible", said Neji.