Woo another chapter. Thank the gods, cause I need a break from all of this studying…and nonsense called school. So anyway, I hope you enjoy it! Regular PV
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Sasuke didn't have to go far to tell his brother about what he had seen in Kiba's mind. As soon as night fell and they had confirmed Kiba's safety, Sasuke kissed Naruto goodbye so he could set out to find his Alpha. But he barely had to walk out the front door before he was face to face with the older Uchiha. He smiled down at his little brother and Sasuke found that he was flooded with relief, his Alpha was home, his Alpha had finally come back to the pack to take charge once more. But his brother wasn't alone, the smell of the undead creature was reeking into the house, filling his nose with the smell of putrefied blood that filled the veins of the inhuman monster. Sasuke's fangs instantly leap from his mouth, filling it with pointed, white dagger, poised for the kill.
He didn't think of how strange it was that Itachi hadn't noticed the smell. All he could feel was that urge to protect, to kill whatever was threatening his pack. He growled lowly in his throat when he saw a shadow standing behind his brother. Itachi didn't seem to notice, and if he did, he didn't care. There must have been something wrong. There was no other way of explaining it. Sasuke's jaw snapped with the gnashing of teeth. Itachi reacted before Sasuke could blink.
Sasuke had been completely thrown off his feet. He had been completely uprooted and pushed back by his brother. How could this be? Itachi was their Alpha and he was betraying the most sacred rule. Don't let Vampires into the compound, don't let them know where the dens of the wolves were. So why had Itachi filched on the number one rule, the number one taboo. When Sai helped the Beta to his feet he was about to charge his brother, start screaming of betrayal and mind control. But he saw who the Vampire was, that shock of crimson hair, the playfully, deep eyes that were as blue and crystalline as Naruto's.
"Sasuke, dearest Beta...I have an announcement to make. I need you to rally up all the wolves so I can tell them." Itachi said as he brushed a stray hair from Sasuke's face. He nuzzled his brother as an apology for hurting him earlier, Sasuke whimpered at the small touch. "I know I may have said that I was going to be gone for a while, but I'm back and I have very important news to share, with everyone.
Sasuke's eyes flashed to Kyuubi and feeling that he had something to do with the news that was so very important. It must have been something very pertinent if Itachi was actually allowing the Vampire into their compound. The smaller Uchiha nodded closing his eyes to send a message to everyone but paused, opening his eyes.
"Itachi, I also have very important news to tell you and have already started the preparation for a meeting of my own." Sasuke's body tensed a little when he talked and thought about what he had seen in Kiba's mind. The problem with doing such a thing was that he would feel all that Kiba had felt when he was attacked. The fear, the anger; it had been almost torturous for him. It made his blood boil and Kiba wasn't even his mate. The sheer disregard that wolf had for Kiba and Shino almost made him sick. Orochimaru needed to be stopped, quickly too.
Itachi could sense the urgency in his brother's eyes, his stance, it must have been something to do with Orochimaru. The Alpha's jaw set a little tighter and he patted his brother on the head. "Tonight, dear little one, I will hear everything you have to say. I also will make my announcement then and take back control over the pack." Itachi paused for a moment before gently smoothing some of his Beta's features with a soft touch on the cheek. "But, if you feel it is important that I not wait to know, I will listen to everything you say, every detail."
"Just look into my mind, my Alpha; everything is there, ready for you to see." Sasuke replied. He allowed Itachi's hand to pressed gently against his forehead. Sasuke relaxed, clearing his mind, letting his brother in to see what had happened. He needed to know every detail, he needed to see what Kiba had experienced.
Itachi pulled his hand back, frowning. Sasuke knew it wasn't what he was actually feeling, there was far more anger than he was willing to display but it was still enough to now that Itachi was more than irritated with the current situation. "Sasuke, call the other to come now. We cannot wait anymore, it is apparent now."
"Shino, what's going on?" Kiba asked. He had been woken up, from a very peaceful sleep, to Shino shaking him almost violently. They hadn't wasted time in coming to the Uchiha complex. When they arrived wolves packed the house, forming a line out the door. They parted of course for Shino who was a higher rank, but it still dazed and confused Kiba. Shino had been mostly silent about the affair they were attending. He felt it had something to do with what Sasuke had done to him that day, but he didn't know. Kiba had hoped that he would get some recovery time from his adventure with Shino but apparently that wasn't the case.
Shino wasn't answering him and Kiba was getting a bit aggravated with the wolf's silence. They were mates weren't they? Weren't they supposed to share everything that was happening with each other? Shino reached for Kiba's hand and the wolf brushed past him. Shino snarled a little not like Kiba's insolence but he could understand it a little. He was keeping information from Kiba and he had a right to be mad, but he was going to find out soon enough. Shino slightly blamed it on the soreness Kiba might have had and the fact he was tired. His mate would get over it, right?
They slipped past the large groups of wolves standing together, chatting as they waited for be seated. Sasuke was sitting with Naruto next to the podium. Strange to both Kiba and Shino, they approached with slightly incredulous looks. Naruto pointed to the podium where Itachi was sitting, his head laid delicately on his palm. Kiba seemed to do a double-take. What was he doing back? From the way he abruptly left, leaving Sasuke in charge, it seemed that he would be gone on a prolonged journey. It had been less than a week and he was back.
That must have meant something, right? Kiba wasn't sure. He didn't know Itachi very well, and all considering, he couldn't really base anything off of Sasuke, even if they seemed similar. They could be completely different people. But for now Kiba was going to remain silent. The point of this meeting would be revealed to him eventually and it just wasted energy to think through all the possibilities.
After all the wolves finally settled in and suddenly the room grew tense. Jaws were snapping, growls were clearly heard. Even Kiba, who was knew to the whole wolf thing felt a sudden rage boil within him. There was a scent pervading the air, something that smelled of rust, blood that had gone back. Kiba didn't know what the scent was but it made his head swim with rage. Shino was the only thing he could grasp onto without losing himself to this new sense of madness.
"Where is it?" One of the wolves stood up, their pointed, shining fangs gleaming with blood lust. Their claws were poised, sprung up from the cuticles so quickly that they were vermillion, shredding the delicate skin around them. "Where is the Vampire? I can smell it."
So that's what the smell was? Kiba would have never guessed, but it made sense. Vampires were supposed to be the Werewolf polar opposite. The simple smell of them would send everything up into a frenzy. But how did one get in? And why did Sasuke, Sai, and Itachi seem so calm about it? Shino was practically chomping the air just with the smell. Even Naruto, who was pretty new to this, seemed so unlike himself, so unreal, he was so aggressive looking. Like he was about to jump off the deep end and snap something's neck.
The shadows seemed to move in the corner, a figure appearing from them. Everyone seemed to pause at the sight, there actually was a Vampire in the compound. Itachi's eyes scanned the room, seeing the riot that was about to break out. "I order you all to sit still and be mindful of our guest." All the wolves did what they were told and the figure fully emerged from the shadows. Naruto and Kiba both stared with amazement at what they were seeing. It was Naruto's brother, Kyuubi.
The blond got up from his seat and rushed the Vampire. Kyuubi turned just in time to see a flash of blond overtake him. He hit the floor, having the wind that he didn't even know he had, knocked out of him. Naruto was sitting atop of his brother and while all the other wolves were looking for Itachi to see as to why Naruto was able to defy a direct order. The blond sniffled a little and the red head sat up a little, gently caressing his face. His touch was cold as ice and seemed to burn Naruto from the way his body tensed in pain. In actuality, it was just shocking to feel such a warm person's hand be so cold.
"Why didn't you tell me you were a Vampire?" Naruto yelled, tears rimming his eyes. Kyuubi made an amused face as he patted his brother's head.
"The same reason you didn't tell me you were a Werewolf." Naruto's expression changed from sad to one of a child getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He's cheeks slightly flushed and he huffed, folding his arms across his chest. "I promise I won't tell mom and dad if you won't."
They shook hands. All the wolves felt strange seeing such camaraderie between two different species. Ignoring the fact they were brothers, they were completely shocked about it. Never had they seen a Werewolf and Vampire get along so well. This had happened before in previous families and it always ended in blood shed. This was not the case. How could this be? How could this happen?
"Times are changing, my dear pack. If that is no so evident by the display before you, perhaps I should explain." Itachi began as he stepped away from the podium and onto the floor. His hands were folded neatly behind his back and he looked straight out into the crowd of wolves. Kiba felt the draw again. He always did when Itachi would speak; there was such a power, an edge to his voice, it overtook his better sense and gave him such a stewing passion for his Alpha. "As we all know, Orochimaru has come back. He has also brought up a pack, one with great power. But they do not live by our rules. He is changing our species, making it abide by nothing more than a fantasy. We all know that without rules our society would collapse, too much bloodshed and hatred would pervade us, ripping us from the inside out."
All the wolves were silent, looking to their Alpha for guidance. There was a strength in his words, a power that brought them all together, see the same point. His eloquence was not so great as to make the more simple wolves feel left out. Itachi was able to encompass them all, making them all feel as one. It was obvious from his tone that he cared deeply about his pack.
"Orochimaru does not believe in our ideals. He believes that our race is the superior one and wishes to expose us to the world." There were gasps, murmurs, all invading the previous silence and filling it with a tense hum. Itachi raised his hand, calling for a silence. "We will not as statues and let him have his way. Our species depends on staying beneath the surface, a constant presence that is ignored. Human do not deal well with the truth, as we know, and if a massive war is waged on them and all the other creatures...I fear saying that there may be nothing left."
Everyone was silent when they heard that. They knew their existence was one of power, but also one to keep hidden. Their presence shouldn't be noticed. They needed to remain in the shadows to keep the balance in check. No one really thought of the implications behind such power.
"But we will not let that happen." Itachi said, his voice boomed in the silence and every wolf seemed to nod. "There has not been a great war like this in years. And I wished it would not have to come to this, but I fear, it will. One of Orochimaru's pack has been stalking and has even attacked one of our newest and most vulnerable members. I will not stand and let wolves of his caliber terrorize my pack. I will do whatever necessary to keep us all safe." Kiba felt awkward suddenly. It was technically his fault for this war. If he hadn't have been attacked then this would have probably never come to fruition. He hung his head lowly but Shino patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't worry..." Shino whispered to his mate. "Orochimaru needs to be taught a lesson. It was only a matter of time before things would get too out of hand. Do not feel as though this is your fault." Kiba looked up and his mate and they exchanged a very soft kiss. Shino was right, this wasn't his fault. Orochimaru was a monster among monsters, he needed to be stopped before more innocent people got hurt in the crossfire.
"That being said," Kyuubi interjected, "more than just wolves will want in on this fight." Everyone seemed to be surprised that the Vampire spoke out. "It is apparent Orochimaru will target more than humans. As a leader of the Vampire clan I will not sit by and allowed you to be alone on your venture. We, as Vampires, are completely willing to set aside our differences and lend you all the assistance necessary to ensure your victory against Orochimaru. Humans are too innocent for a war of this caliber, we need to nip this in the bud before it sucks in those who need not be involved. Warlocks, Faeries, Vampires, and Werewolves all need to become one force. We do not know the size and power of Orochimaru's influence so the war effort will need as much help as it can get."
Itachi and Kyuubi stood side by side, looking almost infinitely powerful. The determination was set in their faces making them look menacing, a force to be dealt with. This wasn't a simple scuffled between Kiba, Shino, and that other wolf. It was a war and that declaration was set right in Kiba's lap as soon as he was attacked.
All the wolves stood up, cheering and applauding loudly as Kyuubi and Itachi shook hands on their agreement. There was a cheeky, genuine smile on the red head's face that made the Alpha smile a little to himself. It reminded him so much of the past that it brought back all those warm feelings. If there was going to be a war, he was glad that Kyuubi would be at his side to help him throughout whatever troubles seemed to be looming at the entrance.
Shino gripped Kiba's hand tightly, making the wolf look over at his mate's face. There was a slight tenseness to Shino's brow and it almost pained Kiba to see it. How could he make his mate feel more calmed? There was a war looming in front of them and no doubt it was going to separate them. Shino was very powerful and close to Itachi. He would be needed in the effort, as would Sasuke and Sai.
"Shino..." The wolf placed a very steady finger upon Kiba's lips, effectively silencing him. He pulled it back and gave the most passionate kiss possible. Kiba's nerves felt as though they had been lit on fire as butterflies filled his stomach with the most pleasant of feelings. A slight burn came to his cheeks and he pulled away for some air. He couldn't help but come back to those lips though. They were his haven. Kiba melted, feeling as though his body was prickling with desire. How could he be separated from those lips? Even for a few hours? Or even days?
"Kiba, I know that this is going to be difficult but we mustn't give up hope. I will never desert you, nor will I ever leave your side for a single minute during the war. I plan to keep you within an arms reach, I don't care if Itachi forbids me my heart will not be separated from you. I promise that I will keep you safe and out of harms way, otherwise, Tsukiyomi can strike me down right now."
There was something in that sweet talk that made Kiba's face flush brightly. He kissed Shino again, this time without the need; it was a simple bit of love. That's all they would need to outlast this war.
"Kyuubi." The Uchiha had pulled him off to the side for a moment, allowing everyone to intermingle and speak with each other about what was going on with the plans for war.
"Yes Itachi." The red head smiled a little, trying to keep up his calm and unified facade. On the inside her nerves felt completely shot. He had been so nervous to speake to a room full of deadly werewolves. It would have only taken one of them to end his life completely. A bite from them had serious implications. Kyuubi didn't know if he would have been able to withstand one.
"You haven't spoken to your Vampire clan about this, how will you know that they're on board with the war?" Kyuubi patted Itachi on the shoulder. The Uchiha did not feel reassured in the least about the touch. There was no concreteness to it.
"Details, Itachi, details. Everything will work out. Vampires do not like being outdone by wolves and they also will not like the idea of their food source being wiped out. They will do whatever is necessary." Itachi rolled his eyes at Kyuubi's sureness. He had a feeling that dealing with this man and his clan would cause some snags, but hopefully nothing too major.
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"So it's a war they want, eh?" Orochimaru glared into his crystal ball, tossing it aside when he heard of Itachi's plan. It cracked from the sheer force of it hitting the ground, splitting down the middle. Though it had been a large convenience to be able to know what Itachi was planning in regards to him, he couldn't be more annoyed. Oh how could he make Itachi see the truth? How could he persuade such a powerful leader to his side? "Kabuto, how could Itachi be so cruel to me? How can I make him see what I do?"
The half-werewolf smiled a little as he glanced down at his Alpha. "Oh but my Lord, you already have all the abilities and assets to make him see the errors of his way. Flaws of his logic will be more than apparent to him if you are able to show them to him. Orochimaru, you must assert your dominance, your power, over Itachi to show him that he's wrong. You must grasp hold of him, shake him, until realization grips him with such a force that he cannot deny you any longer. This war my Lord...Is it not the perfect opportunity to make Itachi realize how wrong he really is? Your logic is unmatched. We all know that Werewolves are the superior race and that living by the rules given will only hinder our strengths."
"You flatter too much and are beating around the point." Orochimaru said as he stood up from his throne. He looked down slightly at Kabuto, a smirk on his lips. Though he may have wanted Kabuto to get to the point of his ramblings, he also liked them. The praise, the superiority over his Beta. He loved hearing his teachings, his logic dripping from the lips of his underlings. They all were so loyal to him. It was nice to have that reassuring regurgitation every now and again. "What is your point Kabuto?"
"Don't you think that if you showed Itachi your power that he would be far more pliant in accepting your ideals? And the best way to do that, my Lord, is with that disgusting Vampire. He shows a fondness for it that I cannot comprehend. Itachi is even willing to betray his kind and join forces with more unworthy monsters to try and destroy you. You must hit Itachi where it hurts the most, in his pride. Destroy the Vampire, my Lord, and show Itachi that our wolves are the meaning of destruction. That living by our ideals has made us strong, indestructibly so. We are the superior race within the race and it is time that Itachi learns that living and compromising with weak monster will only lead to downfall. He needs to know that your way is the best way and under your leadership this world will become one of wolves. We deserve this world, no one has the right to take it from us."
"Very well spoken my pet. And though I believe you're right, in every way. I'm already two steps ahead." Orochimaru picked up the crystal again. Frozen in place within the depths was a still shot of Itachi's face. The small smile that graced it sickened Orochimaru. That was not a face meant for a Vampire. A face like that should be reserved for him and him alone. Soon Itachi would fall from grace and his realization of the truth would be hard to swallow, but it was necessary. How could Orochimaru have the perfect bride if they didn't see eye to eye? Orochimaru whistled lowly in his throat and before he knew it a small group had gathered in front of him. Sakon and Ukon were leading the way followed by a boisterous bunch. Kabuto raised an eyebrow but then realized the implications of such a strong group of wolves. "I've already assembled a team to do just that. I just hadn't found the time. Though, I do suppose that no time is better than the present."
"Is it time, Lord Orochimaru?" The Alpha smirked down at the eager flash in Sakon's eyes. He was so willing to please it made Orochimaru quite happy. That willingness would take him very far in this world.
"Yes. Go forth and bring Uzumaki Kyuubi's life to an end. But remember to bring me the spoils of war. I want Uchiha Sasuke alive, I do not want him completely injured. Itachi will already be angry, I don't need to give him a better reason to resist me any longer." The four of them all nodded before bowing to their leader. To them Orochimaru's word was law and they would obey it to the line.
Sakon and Ukon, however, both had something else in mind. If they were to travel behind enemy lines to capture Itachi's Beta, why not capture the mate of Gamma as well? They let identical smirks sneak onto their lips and though Orochimaru saw them, he said nothing. Sure it was going to be slightly annoying that they would bring home a little something extra but that meant he would be able to see his creation again. It had been a very long time since he had been close to Shino and it may very well have been the time to reeducate him. The Uchiha teachings had made him soft no doubt, and if he wanted Kiba so badly, he would jump through as many hoops as he could to achieve that goal. Orochimaru knew that he would make the perfect soldier out of Shino and he needed Kiba to do it.
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WAR! RUN AWAY!
Shino: I have such a bad feeling about what you're going to do in the next chapters.
Me: Yeah, you probably should. Someone is going to die.
Sasuke: It's not Naruto is it?
Me: No.
Shino: Kiba?
Me: No.
Sasuke: Sakon and Ukon?
Me: I said someone, I count them as two people. LEARN TO READ SASUKE. I typed it in clear English.
Sasuke: Your English SUCKS. You make the grammar gods weep!
Me: THEY DESERVE IT FOR HAVING TOO MANY DUMB RULES...Anyway, this was Hitoko-sama.