I am so sorry for the second chapter being total shiiiit and for this chapter being late. I had finals fretwork weeks ago, and have beso rather sick and busy these few weeks. ;-; Forgive me.

. *^*

Chapter 3

Days rolled by into weeks, and those weeks rolled by into months as Kakashi and Iruka took time whenever they could to talk to one another. Though it made the brunette boy a bit sad that his friend was always called upon to go on missions, but he treasured the time that they could play together.

Iruka had asked Kakashi more than once for help with his work, and he even learned a few different things about Kakashi, like his passion for reading and learned his different mannerisms. It was hard to read Kakashi's emotions if you didn't pay attention carefully, and Iruka was getting a lot of practice. The time he spent with Kakashi made him really happy and warm on the inside.

Iruka, now of the age of ten years old, said goodbye to Kakashi - who was now an ANBU - and went into his house. It was so far a quiet night, and everything was peaceful in the village. He smiled contently, and walked into the main room of his home. It was nearing sunset, which meant dinner time. He wouldn't be lying if he said that he was starving. He hadn't eaten since dinner yesterday due to studying for a big test.

"Iruka! There you are." His mother came over and hugged him softly. "Is Kakashi not staying for dinner?" She asked, tilting her head.

Iruka shook his head. "He said he had something to do." He replied with a small pout. He had wished that the other boy could have stayed. His mother pat him on the head softly, saying something about maybe tomorrow and for Iruka to help her set the table. He heard the plates wobble a bit as he lost his footing momentarily, but then caught it again, setting the plates down on the table.

He slid the three plates into place, along with silverware and glasses. He grinned pridefully to himself, and he looked up to see his mother walking in with a plate of meat in her hands, and his father following behind with two bowls of other foods. They gathered together, and took out portions of food.

"...And today in class, some girl named Ruki was telling me about some jutsus that she learned from her parents!" Iruka said around a mouthful of food, waving his arms around excitedly. Though, before any of them could take another mouthful, a loud banging was sounded at the door along with a shout of "Umino!"

Iruka's parents shot up, and were at the door within moments. He followed behind, though he didn't hear much besides the words: "Attack!" "Hokage said...quickly!". He frowned, wondering what could be wrong. He tugged on his mother's skirt, looking up at her.

"What's wrong?" He asked as she pulled him away from where his father and some Shinobi were talking in hushed voices.

"Iruka, I want you to stay here. No matter what you hear. Okay?" She asked, crouching to his eye level. She didn't let go of his shoulders no matter what his questions were.

"Promise me." She demanded sternly, and Iruka nodded briskly, surprised. "I...I promise!"

And with that, they were gone, running away from their home, and their meal.

Iruka just sat there for a good ten minutes, staring down the hallway that lead to the door. He didn't know what to think. But he was worried. He could feel it creeping over his skeleton with icy claws. He had to do something! He needed to know...Needed to know if they were coming back.

Iruka grabbed his shoes and yanked them on, zipping them up as he half hopped, half ran from the house. He focused, eyebrows knitted together as he bolted from his house and into the darkness of the street. He ran about three blocks before he saw what was really happening.

Debris was flying everywhere, and flames lapped at the inky night sky, laughing and reaching for the moon. Buildings were crumbling and being smashed, glass sprinkling down on a few Shinobi trying to protect the heart of the village.

As Iruka continued to look, he saw the great beast that was creating this mess. It was huge with silky, flame red fur and black markings. It's fangs were bared, and they seemed as if they could rip through a human in only a few moments. But what took him off guard was the nine tails that sprouted from its raised hackles.

'Its a nine tailed fox!' He gasped in his brain, and his eyes searched frantically for his parents, hoping they were somewhere nearby. He begged and wished to the sky that they were, and he kept running down the streets as they became matted down with a mix of dirt and blood.

That's when he saw both his parents. His mother was trapped under a large piece of wood, and his father was prying her out of it. Blood was streaked over their skin and clothing.

"MOM! DAD!" The young boy shrieked, his brown eyes widening and filling up with tears. His parents turned their heads, shocked and mortified that Iruka had shown up.

"Iruka! GO HOME!" His mother screamed, though her attention was pulled away as an attack was thrown her way, bringing up clouds of dust and glass shards. Iruka meant to run after, but a strong arm grabbed him from around the waist.

"No!" He shrieked, struggling. "Mom! Dad! They're still in there!" He reached his arms out as he was drug away at a fast speed. He didn't know who was pulling him away, and he didn't care. All he cared about were his parents and the ever biting fear that they wouldn't be returning home.

Through tears, he noticed a flash of silver hair, and then saw Kakashi skid to a stop, his visible eye widening. He didn't hear his name on the ninja's lips due to all the noise around them, and he didn't care. Kakashi almost reached out towards his friend, but in a few moments, Iruka had been pulled away, and more attacks were coming. Kakashi got ready to fight once more, hoping that Iruka stayed at home and didn't leave.

Iruka screamed bloody murder when he was thrown into his bedroom. He jumped to his feet, and threw himself against the door, which had been firmly shut on his face. He could hear the items being pushed up against it to keep him in. Keep him safe.

He didn't care about being safe! He wanted to help! He needed to see them again! He shouted and sobbed as he banged his fists against the wood of his door, bruises forming on his small knuckles.

"Noooo! L-let me ouuuut!" He sobbed, and slid onto the floor, curling in on himself. That was the night that he knew he was truly alone. He would never see them again. He could just feel it. And on that feeling, he cried himself into the first of many restless sleeps.