WAW! Another update so soon? AMAZING! (guess who influenced me ;)) but anyways, here ye go. Also forgive me if my writing's a bit more rusty. Haven't been able to write in a loooOOOOoooOOngg time.

Chapter 38: Turning Back

After a few days with Kakashi, Mononoke's spirit was visibly uplifted. The Copy Ninja was faring better as well, to the relief of many of his friends. Although his fellow comrades knew he's turning better, he told no one about Mononoke's transformation and they knew better than to ask.

Even though she returned to the Nara's, she promised to visit him often. It's been awhile since she's able to relax completely. For now, it was just the calm before the storm. But Mononoke decided to just relish in the quiet first.

As a canine, Mononoke craves for affection almost every minute. She would snuggled into anyone in the Nara household once she is able to. And she developed a curious habit now as well. For some reason, she enjoys clamping her mouth on Shikamaru's arm, and she's always careful not to scrape his skin with her teeth. She nibbled his arm many times, but always very gently.

Like now.

"You're quite shameless as a... whatever you are." Shikamaru mused. He scratched the back of Mononoke's soft tuft of a ear as she chomps on his arm, her eyes closed in contentment. He earned himself a very loud purr as he changed course. "Are you a cat or a dog?" Shikamaru teased as his fingers went under her chin.

Animals are in constant need for attention. She countered, releasing his arm and flopping her paws on his lap. She nestled her head comfortably into his stomach. This is the life. She gave another contented huff as he scratched her jawline.

"Yeah, domestic animals, sure." Shikamaru smirked, finding himself unable to stop touching her soft silky fur. The canine just snorted and flicked her ear. Shikamaru smiled as her breathing slowed evenly.

He might just get addicted to this.

The short period of respite did not last long certainly.

Soon enough, Tsunade has reached Konoha. News of the arrival of the new Hokage spread like wildfire. Once word reached her ears, Mononoke immediately tore off to look for her unconscious teammate. She heard that Naruto was going to get her to heal the Uchiha before she did anything. Mononoke heard of the famous medic and knew of her prowess.

Tsunade is one of her role models, to be frank. Her stubborn streak and incredible power, she was a force to be reckoned with.

And Mononoke likes to be the same.

"H-Hey! Wait up!" Shikamaru called for her as she leaped from building to building. She stopped and hopped in place eagerly, Hurry up! The Nara heir just shook his head as he caught up to her, "He doesn't even know that you're in this form. Why are you so excited?"

The canine gave him a knowing look, Oh but he does.

Without any further explanation, she pounced off again, causing the boy to sigh heavily before picking up his pace.

It was not long when they finally arrived in front of Uchiha's room, panting. Mononoke shook her body before pawing the door. It took her a moment to realize she can't get it open.

Curse this stubby paws! she grumbled. Shikamaru held back a laugh as the canine glared at the grey hospital door as if she could open it with sheer willpower. He turned the knob and smirked down at her, "Maybe you should think twice before shape-shifting into a dog next time." He got an annoyed nip on his pants as retaliation.

The Nara opened the door, and the wolf pounced inside. As she stepped into the room, six pairs of eyes turn to her. Kakashi sucked in a breath when he saw the canine.

But Mononoke was only focusing on one person.

The Uchiha was staring at her, unmoving, even though Sakura still had her arms around him. Slowly, she pulled away when she saw the canine standing there.

No one inside the room moved a muscle as the strange creature stood stock-still, waiting for their reaction. Naruto took a moment to finally register what was going on and started forward towards the white dog, smiling. But Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back.

"What is that?" A blond woman at the bedside muttered in disbelief to the Jonin. Kakashi inclined his head, grey eye watching his ex-charge, "You'll see. It's a long story." The pig in her raven haired companion's arms whined as the canine drew closer.

Tentatively, the dog stepped towards the bed, sniffing. Sasuke finally broke the silence.

"Mononoke?" His voice was slightly raspy from disuse but the crack in his voice was obviously emotion. The dog lifted its tail when he called for her and jumped on the bed, bushy tail waving.

Morning, sleepyhead!

A voice spoke and the blond woman sucked in a breath through her perfect teeth. The canine was obviously talking! Sasuke just looked at the canine for a heartbeat before scratching her muzzle silently.

A few of them jumped slightly when the door closed and a bored looking Nara walked in. He looked around and nodded at the Uchiha. "Oh, Sasuke. You're finally awake." Shikamaru said, breaking the tension.

Sasuke nodded at the Nara, "Yeah." He turned back to the elated canine, who barked softly and started sniffing his face. "Why are you still in this body?" he asked, slowly speaking the words as his mouth tried to work again. His words made the dog's tail droop slightly, her ears lowering.

It's the first time I've done this so it'll take some time for me to revert back into a human. She replied, nudging her nose against his temple.

The dog finally turned to the medic-nin and gave a short bark. The woman blinked, shocked.

Thank you, Tsunade-sama. For helping my comrade. She batted his head with a paw. The Uchiha frowned slightly as the rough treatment but relented when she fell into his lap easily, curling her tail around her. Tsunade just looked from the canine to the boy and glanced around the room.

"You're welcome." She replied, her eyebrows wrinkling together as she turned back to the dog. "Mononoke, was it? You said he's your comrade?"

Mononoke sat and her tail waved, Like Kakashi said. It's a long story.

She shook her head and turned to her blond friend, And you! You smell stronger, Naruto! Her tail wagged harder as Naruto puffed up his chest proudly, "Well, of course! I've been training hard, yanno?!"

The dog barked in delight, I can't wait to spar you once I turn back!

As the children spoke, Kakashi silently gestured to Tsunade and Shizune, "Come. Let us leave the team together." He gave Shikamaru a nod, and the boy returned it with one of his own. Once the adults were out, Shikamaru turned his attention to his friend and her teammates.

Sakura was smiling as the two dorks squabbled good-naturedly about who's going to win their next match. It was as if nothing was wrong about the fact that Mononoke was a canine. The Nara noticed that Sasuke was stroking Mononoke's fur absent-mindedly, pretending as if he wasn't listening to their conversation although his mouth quirked a bit. Shikamaru felt a strong emotion surging but he stubbornly pushed it away. The Uchiha had gone through life and death experiences with Mononoke and their team, it's no surprise that he finds comfort in her.

Isn't it?

After that, Kakashi only popped in for a brief moment, telling the youngsters that he was off to deal with some matters before taking Tsunade and her companion away.

As visiting hours draw to a close, a nurse came in to inform them that is about time for the Uchiha to rest. When she saw the canine, she visibly stiffened but said nothing more. Shikamaru had looked pointedly at Mononoke but she gave him an innocent puppy smile. Of course she had done something to get away with this.

Mononoke whined as the others got ready to leave.

I can't leave, she insisted. "Why not?" Sakura asked, genuinely concerned. Naruto harrumphed his agreement but Shikamaru stayed silent as he stood at the end of the bed. He felt his eyebrow drew slightly as her ears flattened, her muzzle burying into the sheets. Something was off.

I just can't. It's a gut feeling. The canine whimpered and turned to the Uchiha. He looked at her with unreadable eyes, his hand still on her back. Onyx stared into turquoise before Sasuke closed his eyes.

"Let her be. You can't change her mind once she'd made it up." Sasuke said resignedly. Sakura just sighed and nodded, "Yeah, you got a point. Come on, Naruto. Let's go." The blond tried to protest but the pinkette practically threw him out of the room. Shikamaru just exhaled deeply before walking over to the dog, scratching behind her ear, "Come home whenever then." Her tail swayed once as she rubbed her head into his hand.

Thanks for understanding, Shika. she muttered, licking his fingers once. He felt a soft smile tug his lips, "Yeah." He turned to Sasuke who was watching them quietly, "Take care of her?" The Uchiha nodded.

Shikamaru turned and left the room, a little heavy-hearted.

Another nurse came in to check on Sasuke, only glancing warily at the canine on his lap as she took his temperature and checked on his state. Once she was done, she smiled woodenly at him, "Well, just drink a glass of water before bed. Other than that, you're fine. Good night." She practically fled from the room.

Sasuke took the glass that the nurse poured for him from the bedside table and took a few gulps. Setting it back on the table, he looked down at the pile of fur. "What did you to scare all of them?" he asked as he rested a hand on her soft neck, curling his fingers around her mane.

I don't know what you're talking about. Mononoke huffed innocently before lifting her head towards him, nudging his shoulder with her snout, Now go to sleep.

He rolled his eyes, "I can't do that if you're lying on top of me, blockhead." The canine snorted but got up anyway, allowing him to adjust himself until he was comfortable. Once he had his head on the pillow properly, he looked over at her and raised an eyebrow.

Another snort was thrown his way as Mononoke flopped beside him, pressing her body close to his. Without another word, Sasuke threw his arm over her and snuggled his face close, breathing in her familiar smell. Mononoke didn't comment on the peculiar affectionate behavior. Instead, she curled her tail over his waist and sighed.

Goodnight, princess. she hummed.

It took him a minute but he finally replied/

"Goodnight, Mononoke."

In the quiet night outside of the hospital, four shadows lurked in the darkness, glaring at the canine beside their prey.

"What are we waiting for?" One of them asked huffily, pacing around, her eyes never leaving the dog. "Shut it, Tayuya." Another growled, multiple arms aimed at her threateningly. The one with two heads just chuckled at their antics, "The dog isn't just any normal mutt. It's powerful. We'll just need to wait for the right time to strike."

The largest shadow grumbled, "Orochimaru-sama would not be pleased if we were to delay this." One look from the double headed ninja silenced him. Sakon turned back to look at the slumbering duo, smirking.

"We just need to be patient. All good things come to those who wait."

Mononoke remained by Sasuke's side for another two days. It was during lunch when Mononoke felt the slow stirrings within her. She lifted her head and shivered. Sasuke noticed it immediately, since she was right beside him. Sakura was there as well, chatting away as she skinned apples for Sasuke and occasionally tossed some for Mononoke.

Sasuke also slipped few more slices to her when Sakura wasn't looking. It wasn't that he didn't like them, they were fresh and sweet. But he'd be damned if he isn't fond of the way Mononoke's eye sparkled mischievously and her soft pleased yip every time he sneak a piece over. Apparently dog Mononoke can make him fonder.

Sasuke made an inquiring noise when Mononoke stood, swaying slightly.

Sorry, Duckbutt. I can't stay anymore, she turned to him and grinned, It's time for me to change back. And it won't be a pretty sight. I'll see you in a day at least.

She barked at Sakura, Keep a close eye on him. Sakura nodded mutely, surprised at the sudden decision. Mononoke nudged Sasuke's temple with her nose and left through the window. Sasuke just watched as the streak of white rushed across the village, feeling a slow suspicious dread creeping into his heart. Maybe there was a good reason why she had stayed. It wasn't even a minute yet and Sasuke felt as if a part of him was gone.

"Sasuke-kun? Are you alright?" Sakura piped up, her concern clear in her voice. Sasuke just turned to look down in his hands. They looked so alien to him suddenly.

"I'm fine." he replied.

A knock sounded and they looked up. A blond head popped into view and a whiskered grin was thrown their way. "Sasuke! Sakura-chan!" Naruto look around the room, trying to spot a ball of white fluff, "Hey, where's Mononoke-chan?"

"She left. She said that it's time for her transformation." Sakura supplied. Naruto hummed and stood beside Sasuke's bed, grinning. "So, how you feeling?" A flash of memories returned to Sasuke at the sight of the blond idiot. The way he summoned such a giant toad and how much stronger he is now.

The Uchiha gripped the hospital sheets tightly, his emotional anchor gone.

A cry and a crash woke Shikamaru up from his nap. It was a good thing he left his window open because something came hurtling in from outside. He jumped up from his bed to find a flailing blur of white struggling on his bedroom floor. It was whining and yelling in agony. Shikamaru recognized it immediately. He was spurred into action, standing up and running over to hold Mononoke down.

She whirled around suddenly, her eyes wild as she snarled at him.

He retreated a step back in shock, raising his arms in surrender, "Woah, hey! It's just me." The canine growled and flashed her teeth at him, her body swaying from side to side dangerously, as if in a trance.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at her, worry creasing his face, "Hey, what's gotten into you? Snap out of it!" Her eyes were turned lucid for a second before she snarled at the ground, her entire body taut with tension. Shikamaru took a tentative step towards her, his voice hushed, "Mononoke?"

But she just growled louder and twisted away to escape the room, smashing the door in the process. Shikamaru felt his body filled with adrenaline as he rushed outside amidst the havoc.

Mononoke had fell into the garden outside, her body writhing in pain against the grass, her white fur a stark contrast against the natural greenery. Her cries were shrill, filled with distress as she had an internal battle inside her. Her tails were unfurled and whipping around mercilessly.

Without a second thought, Shikamaru started forwards, nothing but desperation inside his head.

Shikaku came running towards the garden from along the corridor, "What's happening? What's going on?" He froze when he saw the canine and his son who was drawing closer to her, avoiding her tails as best as he could. The Nara leader immediately crouched and pulled a hand sign. A long stretch of his shadow rushed towards the flailing creature. The moment his shadow touches her, Mononoke movements only slowed, her breathing turned into loud breathy gasps. But it was enough so that his son could reach her.

Shikamaru flung his arms around her, gripping tight. The moment he was in contact with her, they disappeared with a loud crack. Shikaku toppled forward but managed to steady himself as he flung his arms out. He fell on his palms, panting. It was as if the crack sucked a part of his chakra before he released the jutsu. He looked up at the empty garden, despair and worry growing inside him.

The first thing Shikamaru noticed was that it was quiet. Too quiet. Everything was still and unmoving.

He opened his eyes and looked down. Mononoke had remained in his arms, but she seemed feverish. She moaned and shivered in with pain. That's when he realized her breath was misty.

Shikamaru looked around and gasped in shock. Everything around him was bizarre and ethereal. Ice covered the entire expanse of the cave, with stalactites hanging over their heads intimidatingly. But there were clumps of grass and flowers growing in between the cracks in the ice. Shikamaru suddenly felt the cold seeping into him and he shuddered. Where the heck were they? He looked down at the gasping canine in his arms and felt his heart ache. Shikamaru brushed her head, hoping it would comfort her.

"Keep it together, troublesome woman." He muttered encouragingly. Mononoke whined and bared her teeth, a tremor rolled through her as her eyes squeezed tightly. Shikamaru buried his face helplessly into her neck, whispering soft comforting words.

It was only for a few minutes before a crack of lightning in the cave startled him.

Inside the cave?

Shikamaru shot up and pulled Mononoke closer to his chest, already preparing for the worse. But the lightning in the cave quickly fades and was replaced with a golden tiger. It stood on two legs and wore a beautiful kimono of blue and cream. Bright sky blue eyes watched Shikamaru knowingly.

"So, you're here." It said matter-of-factly, its deep rumbling voice echoing through the glacier room. Shikamaru didn't answer but he leaned protectively over Mononoke. He wasn't entirely sure if this entity was a friend or a foe. What if it was the god killer?

The tiger grumbled a bit when he saw the indecision in the boy's eyes, "If you're wondering what I'm doing here, I came to help. I'm not the god murderer, if that's what you're scared about." A heartbeat later and the tiger sighed, "My name is Taruga, Second of Neko-Ami, Lord of Thunder." He gave a graceful dip of his head, "And Gintaro, my creator's lifemate and my soul brother, is inside Mononoke. I'm do not doubt that you know."

He lifted his head again and took a few steps closer, "I know who you are, Nara Shikamaru. Please do not fear me. I must help Mononoke in her transition or else she might die from fatigue."

Shikamaru visibly relaxed when he heard the last bit.

Taruga nodded in relief and came closer, kneeling before the duo. He placed a large paw on Mononoke's head, sighing tiredly. "You silly child, always putting others before yourself." He pressed gently, small shocks of blue sparks shot from underneath his golden paw.

"Of the thunder and lightning in the roaring sky, I release you from the burden of the gods." Taruga spoke, his deep rumbling voice thrummed with power.

He pressed a little harder against her head, blue light glaring from underneath his paws. Mononoke shrieked, her body turning rigid. Shikamaru tightened his arms around her on instinct but Taruga growled gently at him, despite the situation, "Let her down, child. Her body must not be tainted by either of us."

The boy glanced at Mononoke as she squirmed. Hesitantly, he set her down and brushed against her fur for the last time, before shifting away slightly.

Taruga muttered once more, "Release!" Then he pulled his arm away quickly and stood up.

Mononoke gave a shrill cry before light started pouring from every part of her skin.

Shikamaru could only watch in awe as her body shifted, casting shadows on the icy walls. She writhed around, her limbs snapping this way and that. Her tails retracted into the small of her back; Her paws turned into hands and claws shifted into fingers; Her fur slid away towards her head, flowing like a river, revealing her soft human skin.

Just before the light faded, Taruga produced a large piece of cloth. It was light blue and had silvery seams. Before Shikamaru could wonder what it was for, Taruga threw the cloth over the floating Mononoke and wrapped her up in a single flourish. That's when he got it and the Nara felt his face burned up.

When the golden tiger turned around to face the boy, he smirked knowingly. "Come, child. Don't need to be afraid. I won't bite. We will need to summon Gintaro-sama out for a quick audience." Shikamaru stepped closer, his head barely close to the deity's chest. He noted quietly that Taruga was slightly larger than Gintaro.

Taruga sat down, Mononoke still in his arms. Shikamaru peeked over and sucked in a breath. It's been so long since he seen Mononoke's true face. She was sleeping soundly in Taruga's warm arms, swathed in the blanket like a baby. Shikamaru glanced up at Taruga, then found himself taken aback.

The deity had a hint of a smile as he looked down at the girl fondly. He immediately noticed the mortal boy watching him and cleared his throat, "Well, it's time to call Gintaro-sama for a quick discussion." Taruga closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"My Lord Gintaro, lifemate to My Queen, answer my plea. Retract yourself from the seal, come out to me." Taruga muttered.

Slowly, a trickle of blue curled from the blanket. Then it swirled around and came out in a gush. The column of color flowed out and condensed into a being that stood in front of them. Colour began to seep into the blue vortex until it whipped out, revealing a faint image of Gintaro.

The deity seemed amused as he looked from Taruga to Shikamaru. Then when his golden eyes looked down in the bundle of cloth in Taruga's arms, he snorted, "Well, about time. I'm surprised she took so long to turn back." Taruga and Shikamaru shared glances before turning to Gintaro again, their faces equally confused.

Gintaro raised an eyebrow at them, "She should have been able to return to her former shape about a week ago. But she told me she needed to keep this form for a little while more. It seems she couldn't take the form anymore, that's why she transported herself here." Gintaro took out a long pipe from his belt, tapped in and took a long drag. When he puffed it out again, the smoke curled around his jaws like fire, "She was protecting the Uchiha but I'm afraid it's too late now."

Shikamaru stood up, his eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?" Gintaro looked over to the boy, sighing, "The Uchiha bears a curse mark. Mononoke knows what will happen to him and she was standing guard. But it's all for naught now."

He shook his large head and walked over to Taruga. The canine deity brushed Mononoke's hair gently, "You can never fight Fate, mutt. Though it never hurts to try."

Gintaro looked up at Taruga, "You called me for a reason, have you not?"

The golden tiger nodded solemnly, "Three more have been killed. Just when we let our guards loose for a minute, the lesser cat's children were assassinated last night." Gintaro groaned and rubbed his face, "Which ones?"

Taruga gulped, "Merumi's triplets."

"The Puma Queen?" Gintaro said in surprise, before looking sadly at Taruga, "My condolences. I know how much you loved them." Taruga nodded but shuddered, looking down at Mononoke. "We must keep a sharper eye on her. I will not let this killer go if they hurt this one."

Gintaro snorted, "Get in line, Taruga. I'd be the first to kick their head so far up their ass, they can see their non-existent heart."

This made Taruga chuckle.

Shikamaru watched quietly as the two deities conversed. It was something so rare and intimate. The Nara never knew that deities could be this raw with emotion.

As if finally remembering his presence, the two gods turned back to him. Gintaro smiled and stooped down to look into the boy's eyes, "Thank you for taking care of Mononoke, child. You've done brilliantly and I do hope you will continue doing so." Shikamaru nodded, unable to speak under the majesty of the creature.

Gintaro winked, "Now, it's time the both of you get back home." He looked over at Taruga, and the deities shared a smile. Taruga shifted Mononoke from his arms to Shikamaru's, who struggled a little to hold her comfortably, "Hold on to her tight, kid."

Before Shikamaru could affirm anything, a bolt of lightning struck his body.

When he came to, Shikamaru was still holding Mononoke in his arms, the blanket still firmly tucked around her shoulders. He blinked and sat up, looking around him. He was in the Nara household's garden, right where they had left.

"Shikamaru! Mononoke!" A gruff voice grabbed his attention and he turned to see his parents running over to them. "Thank goodness you're both alright!", Yoshino cried, wrapping her arms around her son. Shikaku fell into a kneel beside his son, clapping a hand on his shoulder, "You alright?"

The adults turned to see a unconscious Mononoke in Shikamaru arms, and both asked at the same time,

"Mononoke's turned back?"

"She's human again?"

Shikamaru was too tired to reply, just giving an exhausted nod. He shifted Mononoke out of his arms and into his mother's. "You're going to need to dress her." he told her when her eyebrows raised up in surprise. Yoshino took a moment and looked at him incredulously before standing up, carrying the girl easily. "You need to take a rest too, Shikamaru. But first, take a bath and eat something!" Yoshino chastised and he nodded.

The moment she was out of earshot, Shikaku nudged his son, "Come on. You can tell me everything while you have your dinner."

Sooooooo y'all better hang on for the next one tbh because there's gonna be a shitload more transitions. You guys have no idea how long I've been waiting for this, i swear. GIMME SOME CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM AND SUPPORT YOU GUYS. I FEEL SO EMPTY WITH NO REVIEWS :")

SO TILL THE NEXT CHAPTER THEN :DDDDD Thank you guys for the support so far ilysm /hugs amd kisses for everyone