Of Ice and Blood

by HappyFabulousManatee

Abandoned, then saved. Lost, then found. The child without a past named after a demonic term. Fortunately, she gets help, growing into a fine ninja with a sharp tongue and a kind heart. But after all this, will things finally get better? Even when love creeps in the mix? Even when the past haunts her in her dreams? Completed

11. Chapter 10: Injuries and Pain

I would be adding some more KakaMono moments because they too kewt. /fanfares

And I'll be dropping some...uh... WELL YOU'LL READ IT. GO ON. KEEP GOING /muffled squealing

Chapter Ten: Injuries and Pain

Shikaku-san was right. I did get a good night's rest. No nightmares, no dreams. Just nice, dark sleep.

Except for the fact that I was rudely woken up.

"You're worse than me, kid.", Kakashi said as he tickled the back of my neck. "Lemmealone.", I muttered as I shoved my face into the soft pillow. I heard him sighed.

Then silence.

I felt myself relax in relief. Good, calm and peac-

A large weight was plunked on my body and I jumped in surprise. "GETOF!", I grumbled aloud at Kakashi's sprawling body. His entire large human being just pressed down against me as he lay on top of poor little Mononoke.

"Off!", I tried to push him away but he lay there like dead weight. Nudging him and rolling him, I whined, "Get your lazy butt off me!" He just chuckled as he rolled upwards on me, his side pressing against my stomach, "Try me."

Fine. It's on. Frost began to form on under him and he jumped, the sudden cold catching him by surprised. Seizing the chance, I tried to roll away but he just grabbed me, trapping me in his arms. I pushed his face as I tried to wriggle my way out but his legs wrapped around my waist. Suddenly his arms imprison me in a head lock, immobilizing me. I yelped and began to smack around, "Lemme go! Lemme go!"

"You couldn't do that when you were younger.", Kakashi observed as I ceased my useless flailing. "I'm not dumb like last time.", I deadpanned and he snickered, "Well, these waking up times are getting more amusing." I turned my head to glare at him sideways, "Perv."

As a punishment, Kakashi pushed against my neck until I wailed, "Okay, OKAY. You win, dammit!"

Finally he released me and rolled away, "I heard you're going to have a graduation exam soon." I turned to face him, "Yup."

We lay side by side, looking at each other. While he watched me, Kakashi poked my forehead, "I might be a sensei for a team."

Immediately, I shot up, my face breaking into a large grin and Kakashi gave me an amused expression. I couldn't help myself, "Really?"

"Mmhm. But I'm not sure if I'm going to be YOUR sensei.", he teased and I frowned at him, "But you promised!"

The man shrugged, "Who knows? Maybe I'm gonna be your sensei, maybe not."

I whined and gave him a puppy eye look. But it doesn't work on Kakashi and he pushed my face away, "Get ready for school, scamp."

XXXXXXXXX

We were supposed to find a partner for today's exercise. I teamed up with Kiba and Akamaru because, well, we are the best team ever! We always shine when we are teammates in any competition. And besides, we were best friends so it's obvious we would be together. But because of the irregular number of students in my class, one person would always be left out.

And Naruto is always the last one.

I feel really bad for him and sometimes I would want to partner with him but that would mean leaving Kiba alone and that's unfair. I could never leave Kiba behind. He's my best friend. So Naruto had to be by on his own. But it doesn't seem like he minded it much.

I hope.

I always had a soft spot for the loud kid. I guess it might be because we didn't have parents growing up, although I was luckier, since I had Kakashi and the Nara clan.

Looking around the class, I wondered aloud to Kiba, "Hey, have you seen Naruto?" The blonde seemed to be missing. My best friend snorted at me, "Why do you care about that loser anyway?" Rolling my eyes at him, I shot back, "We played together before, you know."

"So what?", he countered and I folded my arms, looking away, "We were pals when we were younger, baka." "Tch, he wasn't even a friend.", Kiba said softly and I glared at him, "I played with you when we're kids."

His head snapped at me and he bared his teeth slightly, "You're different! We're partners!" I blew out a breath, "Then why isn't Naruto too?"

"Because he's a loser, that's why!", Kiba growled and I gave him a dirty look but I decided to shut up.

It's really no point in arguing with him about Naruto. It's like losing a best friend for a good friend. Of course I choose Kiba over Naruto. Although Kiba always lets me win at most things but when it comes to Naruto, he wouldn't budge even if the world falls apart. Besides, we did had a fight about it once when he first called Naruto 'trash'. I didn't knew why he did it, but to me, it was wrong. I'm always loyal to my friends and Naruto is one of them. But we soon patch things up because we missed each other too much, I suppose.

Well, we were all friends until suddenly everyone just changed. It sucks. A lot. I loved to be with Kiba and Akamaru but I lived with Shikamaru so we got quite a good friendship plus Chouji is his best mate so the three of us get along well. And Naruto is just as fun-loving as I am. So it's hard to be with one when you can't be with the others. Naruto, I have to leave because the others wouldn't hang out with him anymore so that's understandable. But between Kiba and Shika, it's a toughie. Then again, I could just be with Kiba the whole time in school and Shikamaru the whole time at home. It's fair like that. Besides, Shikamaru probably doesn't mind if I spend more time with Kiba. He's too lazy to bother.

"Okay, guys! Once you're all paired up, get to the field to practice your kunai throwing.", Iruka-sensei told us, snapping me out of my thoughts, before he left the class, saying that he had matters to attend. My guess is that he went to look for Naruto.

Obviously.

A group of girls began to herd around the Uchiha, asking to be his partner. As I watch them with disgust, I spotted Misaki in the horde. Apparently, after the Shika incident, she became an avid Uchiha fan instead. Talk about fickle.

I heard Akamaru barked, calling for me. Kiba wasn't even looking at me in the eye as we walked out of the class, towards the field, and Akamaru whined at me. I sighed and smirked a little.

He's throwing a tantrum again. The Inuzuka always seemed to be grumpy after a squabble, no matter it's big or small. It's quite funny actually, to see him stomping around like a kid. I nudged him with my elbow but he ignored me, walking on. Rolling my eyes, I hooked my arm around his neck as I bring my face closer to his, "Turn that frown around, Kiba. Nobody likes a sourpuss." "You can say that again.", he replied sourly and I snickered, "Sourpuss." Then his arm was around my shoulder as a small smile appeared on his lips, "Dog breath."

"Mutt."

"Slob."

"Drooling pug."

"Snotface."

I touched my face with dramatic surprise, "Where?" Kiba began to snort with laughter at my gimmick, "That's such a lame joke!"

"Well, you laughed at it so joke's on you.", I shot back, grinning like an idiot myself. Akamaru began to whuff happily as we snickered. Suddenly, I released Kiba and grinned at him, "Last one's a rotten egg!" And I ran for the field, Kiba hot on my trail.

XXX

When we got back from practice, Naruto was getting a lecture from Iruka-sensei.

"I'm at the end of my rope, Naruto!", Iruka-sensei said, his head looked as if it's about to boil over. Everyone's eyes seemed to be on him or Naruto. "You failed the graduation test this time and the time before that. Tomorrow, you're getting another chance, but you're messing it up again."

I leaned closer to Kiba, "I don't remember having so many of those." "Because you're always slacking.", Kiba whispered back, a tease in his voice. I elbowed him and he grunted, "Guess you sucked too because you didn't graduate either." Rubbing his chest, he smirked at my snide remark, "They were just pretend tests." I rolled my eyes at him. That's a lame excuse but whatever.

"Fine! Because you missed it, Naruto! Everyone will review the Transformation Jutsu!", Iruka-sensei commanded, pointing at the class. The whole class whined at this, some of them glaring at Naruto for the extra work. I groaned and leaned back, "I shouldn't have come today, dammit."

Soon, one by one, all of up walked to the front of the class to get into a line. I, on the other hand, was trying to sneak out through the window.

"Mononoke! Get back here!", I winced at Iruka-sensei's voice as I was crawling up the window, half my body outside of the room. Everyone turned to look at me and I gave a sheepish laugh, "Heh. Woops." Embarrassed because I got caught in the act, I scuttled back to Kiba's side as he smirked at me, "Way to go, genius." Punching him in his arm, I growled, abashed, "Save it, dog boy."

We were waiting in line to do the jutsu until Naruto pulled another stupid idea and turned into a well formed female version of himself, causing Iruka-sensei to nosebleed away. I spotted Kiba eyeing at him(her?) and nudged him teasingly, "Whatcha looking at, pervert?" He grabbed my neck and rubbed his fist on my head roughly, "Shut it, Mono!" I laughed at his embarrassment while I was in his head lock. He's too easy to tease!

X

"I guess he's not much of a loser if he made you blush like that, huh, Ki?", I said, my hands interlocked behind my head as I looked over to Kiba. We were going to go to the forest nearby the Inuzuka territory for training, or at least that's what Tsume-san said. She had invited me along to train the new pups of the clan. I didn't know why but hey, she's the boss. Whatever she say goes.

"He didn't.", Kiba resist and Akamaru barked in agreement.

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

"Did NOT!"

"Did not."

"Did TOO!", Kiba suddenly stopped, his lips pressed in a thin line as he realized his mistake. I snorted and cracked up, "You fell for it, dumbass!" Annoyed, Kiba tried to tackle me to the ground but I jumped out of the way, still laughing. I started to run but then, out of nowhere, I tripped.

Which would lead to falling.

Which leads to land on my face.

Thump. "ITAI! (OUCH!)"

I shook my head, dirt flying out from my face. Now it was Kiba's turn to bawl with laughter, "And you call yourself a top student!"

Rolling myself over so I was facing him, I gave him a withering look, "Ha, ha. Laugh your face off, Inuzuka." He snorted before he did just that. Well, his face didn't fall off but it looks like it was about to. My teeth clenched into a grin as an idea form in my head.

"Uff!", I barked as I pounced on him, attacking him at his waist. Kiba grunted in surprise as we fell to the ground, with me falling on top of him. I straddled him and held his wrists to the ground on either side of his head. He was still stunned as he looked up at me and I smirked, "You can't even see me coming, you silly chestnut." Then the boy sneered cheerily back at me, "Oh yeah?"

"Naturally.", I confirmed and grinned wide.

Suddenly, he pushed me, rolling me over and I coughed from the random impact. So now our positions were reversed. I heard Akamaru barked as Kiba laughed in my face, "Bet YOU didn't see that coming!" Rolling my eyes, I made a teasing smile, "Big deal."

Quickly, frost covered my wrists and Kiba's hands released me as he sat up in a blink, the ice burning him. (OH THE IRONY. But yes, ice burns. Especially dry ice.)

"Ow! Hey! No fair!", he accused as he stared at his red hands. I accidentally made the ice too cold, I guess. I pushed myself up by my one of my elbows, grunting under his weight on my stomach, before inspecting his hand, "Does it hurt?" He showed his palms to me, "You think?"

It is a little red. I blew at the burnt skin, dissipating the cold from his hands until his hands return to a normal colour. "There.", I said and grinned at him. Kiba turned his hands to him and flexed his fingers, testing them, "Yeah, it's better."

"Now get off already. You're heavy!", I complained, trying to nudge him off. It kind of hurt to have the boy sitting on me.

But of course, Kiba decided to be an idiot and pushed me down by my shoulders, pressing his body down as he tries to squish me to death, "Now I'm going to punish you for doing that! Akamaru!" Akamaru was barking happily at us before leaping on my face, the puppy's body covering my face.

"Mmpff, you gurz, grtorf! I carn bweaf!", my voice was muffled under Akamaru's little body. "Never!", Kiba taunted happily as his whole body began to press on me. Seriously, how many times am I supposed to be flatten in a day? I was just about to do some serious ice damage when a voice piped up.

"Move over, you idiot!", Tsume-san's voice boomed and I felt Akamaru being plucked from my face. Kiba's body rolled away and was beside me.

"What do you think you're both doing? Is it mating season already?", Tsume-san smirked at the both of us, Akamaru in her hand.

"Eww, NO!", we said at the same time, our faces tinted pink as we looked away from each other. Tsume-san threw her head back and howled with laughter, "I'm just messing with you kids. Besides,", she winked at me, "I wouldn't mind you being my daughter-in-law." I wrinkled my nose at her, my face hot, "We're still kids, you know. It's not like we're going to marry each other."

"Yeah, Mom. We're best friends. That's just weird.", Kiba backed up and Tsume-san just shook her head in amusement, "Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed." She dropped Akamaru on Kiba's head and beckoned us, "Come on, you twerps. Time for training."

XXX

I crouched on all fours as I faced off with four of the pups. They were tough little things and they managed to scuff me enough to have bruises that'll last a month. I wasn't supposed to use my ice wielding or jutsus, just plain fighting and taijustsu. Which is great fun. The pups were a few months old, and slightly older than Akamaru.

One of them feint an attack as the other three circle me from behind. I leaped over the mock attacker and danced out of reach of the other three. But they were quick. One caught my ankle in its mouth, its teeth biting slightly into my skin. I didn't want to hurt it so I did a somersault, causing enough pressure for it to release me. While I was on my hands, its brothers came after me, pouncing on my back and crushed me to the ground. I heard a shout of warning but ice shattered beneath the puppies' paws. The pups got confused and they had their paws cut from the sharp shards of ice ad they jumped away to safety. Their heads swayed this way and that, trying to pick up my scent. It was as if I had disappeared.

I fell from above them and we landed in a heap, laughter and barks filling the air. The pups licked me, signalling that practice time was over and playtime has begun instead. I barked with laughter as one of them gave me heaps of puppy kisses on my face while the others writhed around my body, their tails wagging.

"Come on, mutts. You were supposed to be sparring, not licking!", Tsume-san bellowed and all five of us turned to her with rapt attention, freezing halfway through our play. She shook her head and smirked, "You guys are useless."

"Let them have a break, Mom,", Hana-chan chided to her mother, smiling, "They've trained for the whole morning and noon already." Kiba and Akamaru were getting bandaged by Hana from the scratches and bites from the first batch of pups. Kuromaru panted lightly at Tsume-san, "The young'uns are tired. Let them have their fun."

"One more round, then you get a break.", Tsume-san commanded and I groaned with the pups as we leaned against each other in fatigue. She laughed at the sight, "Get your asses up, all you little runts! Move it!"

I turned to the pups and they barked at me. Grinning, I scratched the ear of the alpha pup, "Okay, one more round, you guys." With that, I rolled off and landed on my stomach. "Ahhh!", I mock screamed and the pups lazily pounced as they heaped themselves on my back. "You guys got me! Yay, one round is over!", I whooped, rolling my fists in the air.

The others couldn't help but laugh at us while Tsume-san roared at us to get it right.

X

After a much more serious training session, Hana was cleaning my wound. And it hurts like hell.

One of the pups accidentally bit me too hard and two of its baby fangs got lodged into my leg. So Hana-chan was trying to take them out.

I bit on a towel as I hugged Kiba's waist tightly when the tooth moved in my calf. "Hana, you're hurting her!", Kiba accused angrily as the pup who caused it whine beside me before licking the sweat from my cheeks apologetically. I managed a smile at it, It's okay.

"If I don't take it out, it's going to hurt more.", the elder Inuzuka replied calmly as she pulls the tooth, "Just endure it for a little longer, Mononoke. This one is a little deeper."

I nodded and buried my face into Kiba's gut, bracing myself for the pain. Kiba's arms were holding me protectively as sweat beaded at my forehead. I could feel the little tooth wiggled its way out and I clamped down harder on the wet towel. Hold it in, Mononoke. You can do this.

The first one felt like hell. The second one, the one now, feels like the devil himself. I had already coated the wound with some frost to alleviate the pain but it did little except stop precious blood from flowing out of my body. Hana-chan was surprised at the ice that appeared inside my body at first but I told her it was fine so she went on with the dirty work.

A little more and I could feel it breaking out of my skin. A little more...

"There!", Hana said triumphantly and I turned my head a little, just in time to see her lift the darn tooth into a bag. "That was close, Mono-chan.", she said as she begin to wrap my leg, "The tooth was dangerously close to your artery so it was a little harder to take it out." Exhausted, I merely nodded and leaned against Kiba. The puppy had moved away and I saw it sniffing the wounded part of my leg, curious. Akamaru huffed slightly into my face and I weakly scratched his chin, smiling.

At least the worst was over. I tried to push myself to sit but Hana-chan stopped me and advised that it would do me better if I used Kiba as my support. She didn't want me to make any sudden movements. I winced a little when she tied a knot to hold the bandage in place.

"Does it hurt?", I heard Kiba asked with concern and I managed a small smirk as I replied "No biggie. Like a mosquito bite." He snorted in disbelief as I closed my eyes while I rested my head on the crook of his neck. Actually, it hurts like a bitch. No offense to the female dogs but yeah.

Hana-chan had went to dispose and clean the bloodied medicinal utensils that were used on me, leaving me and Kiba alone with the pups.

"Hey.", I heard Kiba said and I cracked open an eye to peek at him before I hummed a reply. He gulped a little before continuing, "Uh, are you comfortable?" It was rare to see him so sheepish like that so I giggled, "Aw, you do care." Kiba looked away before muttering, "Of course I do." I smiled and nudged his cheek with my forehead, "I'm fine, you old lady. Stop worrying." His eyes watched me dubiously, "You weren't fine when you were squeezing my insides just now." I just rolled my eyes, "It was like the mother of all pain and torture. But I'm alive."

Suddenly, his arms around me tightened a little, "I won't let you get hurt again." I blinked in surprised at his sudden comment. I don't remember seeing Kiba looking like that before. As if he could feel my pain. Shaking it off, I grinned at him, "You're not my mom."

"I can try.", he said stubbornly, his eyes on anywhere but me.

"Inuzuka Kiba." I said seriously, my face dark as I grabbed his chin gently, making him look at me, You cannot and will not keep me from getting hurt. It's a part of being a ninja and it's a part of my life. And I would hate you if you try to take it away from me."

He gritted his teeth, "It's just that... I hate to see you in pain like that." I shook my head and sighed, leaning against him, "Oh for Kami's sake, you're even more protective than Kakashi. What am I going to do with the both of you?"

He just clicked his tongue in disagreement, "You're always get yourself hurt, it's only natural we'll worry." I closed my eyes, tired from talking as I felt myself sinking into slumber.

Kiba had said something else but I already drifted off to sleep.

XXXX

When I woke up, I was in a familiar room. I tried to pushed myself up to make sure but only succeeded on causing my head to swim with pain.

"I see you're up.", I heard Shikaku-san's voice mused and I closed my eyes tight, trying to push down the urge to puke. "How-"

"The Inuzuka kid took you back. Seems like the vet did a lousy job on you. But, I suppose she knows more about the animal anatomy instead of a humans'.", he replied as he walked over with a small wooden bowl, the smell of herbs intoxicating. "Drink.", he told me and I wrinkled my nose, "It smells like something died in there."

But he shoved it in my mouth anyway, causing me to almost gag as the it went down my throat. As I swallowed the disgusting liquid, he checked the bandage, his voice amuse, "Why is it that every time you get wounded, a boy carries you to me?"

I shrugged, feeling my cheeks grow hot at the realization, "Because I get in trouble easily and my friends are all guys?" Shikaku chuckled and sat beside me, "Perhaps." His eyes watched me knowingly and I turned away, my face probably as red as a tomato. I could still feel Shikaku's eyes on me as I focus my attention on the soft blanket.

"Hey, Dad. Is-", I heard someone came in and both of us looked up at Shikamaru as he stood at the doorway. He saw me and tilted his head, "Oh, you're up. Finally."

I smirked at him, "Did you miss me?" He snorted, as if it was the dumbest thing he's ever heard, "It's the graduation exam tomorrow. I was wondering if you were going to wake up in time." I couldn't help myself as I teased him again, "Aw, so you do care, Shika~" He rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

Shikaku-san, who was watching the both of us, began to laugh. We looked at him in surprise as he chortled, "You kids are adorable." Getting up, he motioned to his son, "Keep watch on Mononoke, I'm going out."

"Where?", both of us asked at the same time and Shikaku-san gave us an amused look, "I'll be with Inoichi and Choza." Both kids gave him a withering look and he shrugged incredulously, "It's the best time to go."

Shikamaru rubbed his neck, "Man, why did you marry such a troublesome woman in the first place anyway?" His dad just patted him on his head, "You'll understand some day, kid. I'll see you two tomorrow."

Shikamaru watched as his father left before sighing, turning back to me, "So what do you want to do?"

An idea popped up in my mind and a smile broke into my face, "Teach me how to play Shogi."

He definitely did not see that coming because Shikamaru just stared at me in surprise, "What?" Still smiling as I savoured his blank look, I said it more slowly, "Teach. Me. Shogi."

"What for?", he asked, still confused. I shrugged, "It looks pretty fun to play." It was a chance anyway. Might as well ask. At least I tried. Shikamaru watched me for a moment before nodding, "Wait here.", before he started off to his room. "It's not like I'm going anywhere!", I called out, smirking deviously for pointing out his awkwardness.

Once he got the set, he laid the board on my bed as he began to set the pieces on the spaces, explaining the names and the roles of the pieces. He gave me the rule book to look through, "You can read it later or now, whatever you want, but I guess I can wait. We've got the whole night anyway." I snorted at him, "Oh pease, a book this small, and the print is like, what, medium? I can finish it in five minutes." He smirked at me as he leaned against the bedroom wall beside my bed, "All right, smarty pants." I snorted at him in disdain before bringing my focus to the book.

Of course it would be easier for me to absorb if Shika wasn't staring at me. After the first twenty pages, I looked up from the book and glared but his eyes were already somewhere else. With that I returned to reading.

Five minutes gone and I put the book down, "Okay, I'm ready."

XXX

"Ugh, dammit!", I groaned as I plopped back on the bed, "I was so close!" Shikamaru chuckled, "It's just your first time. What do you expect?"

Looking at the ceiling, I scowled, "Better."

"You giving up?", his voice light. Scowling deeper, I shot up from bed and glared at him, "You wish. Again!" Shikamaru sniggered at my stubbornness as I returned my pieces to their starting points.

"You know, you're actually pretty good for a new beginner.", Shikamaru said encouragingly but I shook it off, "You're just saying that."

I looked up at him and he shook his head, smiling, "You used the Mino Castle quite well. But you were more keen on attacks on one side while you protect your general and you left an opening here. So it makes it easier for me to breach the walls. I just need one piece inside your territory then your entire defence will crumble." I listen raptly at his explanation, watching his fingers showing me my weak points.

"So compared to Asuma, you're actually quite good.", he said and I looked up at him in surprise. "Asuma attacks more than he defends although he does prepare a castle for the general." Raising my eyebrow, I observed, "Like me." "Yeah, but you're more on the defensive part. You can always see close attacks but if I place an attack from afar, you tend to misunderstand it and make a wrong move.", he replied thoughtfully and I bit my lip before nodding, "Kay. One more round."

Halfway through the game, I yawned and rubbed my eyes. "You should sleep.", Shikamaru advised and I shook my head, slapping myself awake, "Never! I gotta win once." He sighed, "So if you win, you'll sleep?" I glared at him, "Don't even think of letting me win, Shika." His eyes twitched at the mention of the nickname but he scoffed, "I couldn't if I wanted to. I won't let myself lose to a girl." Glowering at him, I gritted my teeth, "Oh yeah? Watch me."

Yeah, watch me. After three turns later, my head hung from drowsiness, my eyes hardly being able to open and my brain was in a blur. "Don't be such a mule, Mononoke. You're tired.", Shikamaru said finally when my head fell over before I snapped back up for the fifth time, "Am not." He sighed and raised his hands in defeat, "Well, I am. Now let's go to bed."

"But-"

"Bed.", he said seriously and I stifled a yawn. He began to keep the pieces but I didn't try to stop him because my brain was malfunctioning. I was too sleepy. I felt him nudge me and obediently, I edged away, giving him some space to lie down before doing the same. Tired tears obscure my view and I muffled another yawn.

"Stop yawning, it's con...tagious.", Shikamaru scolded half-heartedly between a yawn. I smirked at him as his hand rested on my shoulder, "Goodnight, Shikamaru."

A pause. "Night."

I smiled a little before falling into a deep sleep with Shogi pieces in my dreams.

X

LIKE I SAID. IT'S BEGINNING. Lel. You're probably wondering whether or not Author-san has lost her marbles. Perhaps. But THREE cute moments? I MEAN, SERIOUSLY, AUTHOR-SAN. WHAT DOING YOU? Anyway. I'm dragging another chapter for more votes. So far, it's a darn tie. /booing sounds. SO I NEED A FEW MORE. WORK WITH ME, PEOPLE. But only if you wanna. I mean, no pressure. NO PRESSURE, YOU GUYS.

Fact#6: Mononoke can manipulate and wield ice of her own and naturally. But if it's ice jutsus made by others, it is relatively more difficult for her to wield it, depending on the user.