So...just a warning. I will explain first. If any of you are still following the Naruto universe, meaning reading/watching Boruto, this week's chapter 55 of the Boruto world has made me very emotional. It was an emotional time as I read chapter 55 and I did cry, even though my husband wondered how I could have an emotional development to a fictional spirit character. After a severe beating from me on him, about how a fictional story is written so damn good, that emotions will be released. Needless to say he was more compassionate after that beating. Thus, after this heartbreaking news in chapter 55, every time I wrote Kyuubi's scenes I cried. So...this might have a little bit more angst than normal. I'm proud to be a Naruto fan and dammit, yes I cried for Neji, Jiraiya and Itachi too while watching the damn series, I'm gawd dammit, I not afraid to cry for Kurama. Okay, now that that is off my chest, many thanks to my buddy kcisjohan for being the one I bounce ideas off of. With all that being said, do not get cranky if you find some errors. I was anxious as well to get this baby out, even with having to go through the heartache of learning of Kurama in chapter 55 of the Boruto series.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Sasuke sat at his desk, in the room, working on assignments that would need to be submitted to his professors before Christmas. But instead of tapping out his notes on his lap top, he was currently staring out the bedroom window, watching fat fluffy snowflakes land against the window.
He could hear Kimimaro chattering happily downstairs, Nagato's deep chuckles and the laughter that often floated upstairs through the air. The party of three were of course invited to stay with the Uzumaki pack, since there were other cabins for guests located out on the land, the three had decided to use one to give the small pack their own space. Though Nagato and Konan felt they were intruding, Sakura, Hinata and Kiba were incredibly convincing that they would never find the small pack intrusive. Thus, the three would join them for meals, come over with baby Iwai and just visit with everyone. It was like one big close family and Sasuke sighed at the thought.
His lips frowned slightly as he thought about Naruto. He has been gone a total of three months now and there hasn't been a letter for at least a month. Sasuke could feel his wolf get depressed more and more the last few days. The only thing that seemed to perk he and his wolf was when he interacted with Iwai. He smiled slightly at the thought of the small cub. The little cub was growing wonderfully, staying awake more often and he was noticing his surroundings more and more.
"Sasuke! Sasuke!" The voice and knock on his door interrupted Sasuke's musings. He looked towards the door, knowing it was Kimimaro behind it.
"Hn," Sasuke called out and his heart fluttered when Kimimaro came in holding Iwai.
"Are ya busy?" Kimimaro called out as he rocked the bundle.
Sasuke could hear the familiar noises of Iwai getting fussy. Sasuke recognized it immediately. 'Sounds like it's dinner time,' Sasuke smiled to himself. Sasuke shook his head at Kimimaro.
"I'm going to town with Kiba to see the candy shop!" Kimimaro was practically glowing with excitement. "Konan is in the bath and Nagato went back to the cabin to get some things, so he will be back really soon! Can you feed Iwai?" Kimimaro pleaded with his eyes.
"Of course," Sasuke chuckled. He was no stranger to feeding and changing Iwai now. He got several times to interact with the baby boy and enjoyed every moment. It was one of the small joys that helped him forget about the absence of his mate. He held out his arms when Kimimaro handed over Iwai and the bottle.
"Thanks Sasuke! Did you want something too?" Kimimaro bounced on his heels as he waited for Sasuke's response.
Sasuke chuckled watching the hyper little omega wolf. "No, but thank you for asking." Sasuke gave Kimimaro a nod before Kimimaro clapped his hands and waved before leaving the room. He heard Kiba and Kimimaro chattering before leaving the house. Iwai made it be known by releasing a loud irritated wail that it was time. Sasuke smiled down at the cubby cub in his arms. He was dressed in a warm cozy dark blue onesie and had a small fuzzy blue cap on his head. He waved his arms about and released another cry and Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay okay little one, it's coming." Sasuke quickly checked the heat of the milk, ensuring it wasn't too hot or cold, and then rubbed the tip of the nipple along Iwai's bottom lip, since the little cub was now extremely annoyed that his food wasn't coming fast enough and was crying out more. "Come come now, here it is, it's alright," Sasuke hummed quietly and softly, pulling Iwai closer to his chest.
Iwai finally began to move his lips about trying to latch onto the bottle's nipple and Sasuke hummed out a soft tune. As Iwai finally got settled suckling his dinner, Sasuke just watched those lilac eyes that looked straight back at him. Sasuke could feel his wolf in a serene state, as if the wolf felt like it was content being in the position that Sasuke and Iwai were in. Sasuke was certainly feeling, dare he say, happy, in this current situation. Sasuke just relaxed in his chair, feeding and rubbing his fingertips over Iwai's forehead softly. At times he would feel the cub's small wolf essence reach out, like butterfly wings, touching Sasuke's mentality and his wolf would be so enthused, Sasuke would shiver.
Sasuke walked about his room when Iwai was done eating, the small baby held into his chest and Sasuke patted his back lightly, coaxing a burp. Iwai made gurgles and his little hands grasped at Sasuke's shirt now and then. When a pronounced belching noise finally broke through the room, Sasuke scrunched his nose when he heard the sound of liquid mixed with the burp noise and the unmistakable feeling of warm wetness on his shoulder. Sasuke rolled his eyes, knowing that now he would have to change his shirt, but that certainly didn't deter him. He leaned to stroke his cheek against Iwai's, whispering what a good boy he was before laying him down on his bed safely.
Ensuring Iwai was secure between pillows and the blankets, he stepped back to slide out of his shirt. Pulling his head through carefully so not to get any spit up in his hair, (or anywhere else on him) he managed to get the shirt off without much fuss. Grabbing the shirt into a bundle, he took it to his ensuite bathroom to wash off the spit up into the sink. Rinsing the bulk of it off, it just so happened that Sasuke got a whiff of the foul stank of baby regurgitated milk, mixed with stomach acid. The smell hit him so fast and hard, Sasuke barely had the time to drop the shirt in the sink and hit the floor on his knees before the toilet. His stomach spasmed to rid the contents of his stomach, burning vomit came rushing up and Sasuke heaved uncontrollably into the toilet. His hands gripped the side of the bowel, while his legs shook and eventually one hand moved up and found the handle to flush away the sight and rancid smell.
Sasuke rested his forehead on the back of the toilet seat, taking deep breaths when his stomach finally stopped heaving. His throat burned but he just sat breathing, spitting out into the bowl now and then, waiting for his body to stop shaking. When he finally felt he could stand on his own two legs, he pulled himself up to the sink, holding onto the edge of the cabinet since his knees still quivered slightly and turned on the water. Scooping up handfuls of water into his mouth, spitting and swallowing, he gargled until he was able to look into the mirror. His face was pale yet his cheeks were burning red, his eyes were swollen from the tears that were squeezed from his heaving and a light sheen of sweat was present in his hairline.
"Holy fuck," Sasuke breathed out. He grabbed a cloth and washed at his face, then grabbed his toothbrush. 'Damn it Iwai, what did you eat that smelled that bad!?' Sasuke thought to himself as he brushed his teeth and tongue. Of course Sasuke knew that all Iwai ate was milk, but damn-
Sasuke shuffled back out to the bedroom, Iwai was still where he left him, his little arms and legs moving about slightly in the small nest of pillows and blanket. Sasuke immediately felt the warmth of seeing the baby and moved to lay beside Iwai on the bed. Iwai turned his head, his lilac eyes focusing on Sasuke immediately and Sasuke felt the tickle of Iwai's inner wolf against his own. Sasuke ran his fingers down Iwai's cheeks and chin and hummed out a soft tune.
The ting of his cell phone broke Sasuke's musing a while later. Iwai was starting to get sleepy while Sasuke watched him so Sasuke slowly moved to sit up on the bed to check his phone. It was Itachi. Sasuke frowned at the message and then sighed loudly. Of course Dei would want him to come to dinner. It's been practically the same message every other day since Sasuke's last visit a couple weeks ago.
He glanced over at Iwai, who was now fast asleep in the little pillow/blanket nest. He smiled for a moment, watching Iwai's breaths go between his small parted light pink lips. He threw a hand through his hair and sighed happily. Quickly responding to his brother's text, he gently moved Iwai into the middle of the bed and snuggled up beside him, inhaling his fresh baby smell and closed his eyes.
Sasuke woke from his nap when he heard Kimimaro come into his room. He quickly looked to his side to find Iwai still sleeping beside him and Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hi Sasuke! We're all back so I came to get Iwai!" Kimimaro whispered as he smiled at Sasuke and Iwai. Sasuke nodded and adjusted himself to sit up, while Kimimaro gently picked up the sleeping babe. "When you come downstairs you can see what I got!" Kimimaro gave Sasuke a big smile as he cuddled Iwai in close. He grabbed the now empty baby bottle before whispering goodbye to Sasuke and left his room.
Sasuke yawned and stretched, realized that he still had no shirt on and he was only napping for what looked like an hour. His stomach released a growl and hunger pang, so he stood up and quickly grabbed one of Naruto's hoodies, slipped it on and headed downstairs to satisfy his grumpy stomach.
==intermission==
Sasuke headed over to the Uchiha homestead after having a light snack and informing the Uzumaki pack he was heading over to his brothers. The drive was nice, quiet, and the weather was typical for the first week of December. Light dusting of snow and blue skies made the scenery beautiful.
Sasuke let himself into the Uchiha home and was hit with a heavenly scent. Deidara was obviously cooking dinner, and Sasuke's stomach let loose a low grumble. Sasuke rolled his eyes at the sound from his stomach as he shrugged off his jacket, hanging it up and then toed off his boots. He only just ate a few hours ago for fucks sakes! He clenched his teeth when he felt his wolf slam against his mental walls suddenly, the feeling of anxiety suddenly washing over him. Sasuke rubbed his temples, closed his eyes and leaned against the door for a brief moment. 'What's up you fuzzy mutt? Why are you doing this?' Sasuke sighed out when his wolf didn't calm down much. Sasuke pushed the wolf down as much as he could. Scenting the room, Sasuke found nothing out of the ordinary, Itachi, Deidara and a heavenly scent of food cooking.
Pushing the scents to cover the wolf's anxiety, he made his way through the home straight to the kitchen. Naturally he found Deidara, with one of his quirky aprons on and humming to himself as he pranced around the kitchen flipping, flying and lord knew what else.
Sasuke identified steak first, his mouth starting to salivate. Fried potatoes was another and Sasuke felt himself melt with hunger. Sure there were some other traditional foods he was cooking as well, such as udon soup, dishes with curry, fish, pork and a variety of vegetables. Sasuke's nose and stomach were a flurry of excitement at all the food.
"Feeding the neighborhood Dei?" Sasuke spoke out while he headed over to the covered platters and took in the many dishes that were finished or waiting to be cooked.
"Sasuke 'un! You made it!" Deidara practically radiated with excitement as he ran to Sasuke and gathered him into his arms.
Sasuke stiffened up and pinched his lips as he waited for the assault the older omega was certain to give. The older omega did indeed immediately start rubbing his cheeks against the side of his head and Sasuke found himself enjoying the attention. His wolf was suddenly all happy again and purring at all the attention from the older omega. Sasuke released a big sigh of content instead of dwelling on the situation and just went with the flow.
Deidara pulled back when he was done scenting up Sasuke, but held his hands on Sasuke's shoulders while his baby blues looked over Sasuke. "How you feeling 'un? You look a little better," Deidara muttered while Deidara lifted up Sasuke's black hair, felt his forehead and so on.
Sasuke rolled his eyes while he allowed Deidara to continue to dote. He didn't know what the hell was wrong with him lately, since when did he enjoy being doted on? "I'm fine."
Deidara gave him a smile before turning and grabbing a carrot. "Now, go up to your room and rest up before dinner," he snapped out gently and shoved the carrot into Sasuke's mouth. "This should hold you over until then." Deidara giggled and then turned Sasuke around, pushing him gently towards the door of the kitchen. "Now scoot, I'll call you when supper is ready!"
Sasuke looked over his shoulder at the bubbly blond omega who wiggled his fingers at him to head out. Crunching a bite of his carrot, Sasuke again rolled his eyes and headed out.
Flopping himself down on his old bed, he stared up at the plain ceiling, letting his mind relax and think of anything. His wolf nudged at his senses, releasing a feeling that Sasuke couldn't identify. Lines formed on his forehead as he frowned thinking about what his inner wolf was doing. He closed his eyes and focused.
Darkness. Of course there is darkness, my eyes are closed! Sasuke huffed to himself. It was an interesting feeling, knowing he was focusing on his wolf's essence within himself but not feeling the solid mass of his body.
A warm breeze with a deep electric blue colouring filled his senses immediately. Sasuke could feel the kindness, the warmth, the love, as his wolf embraced him. His wolf's energy was vibrant and thick, and Sasuke felt protected and cared for as the electric blue lights filled his vision and pores. Sasuke couldn't explain the amazing emotions he felt when he felt his wolf. The lights suddenly moved away, twirling about in front of him and Sasuke knew that the wolf wanted him to follow. Though he had no physical form, he still felt himself walking, once again that was just a weird feeling.
The blue light danced, bounced about in front of Sasuke, encouraging Sasuke to keep moving to follow. And Sasuke did, his thoughts wondering what has gotten his wolf doing this type of behaviour.
A spark caught his eye behind the bouncing blue spiraling aura of his wolf, a small ball of green light sparked in the darkness. Curious, he felt himself move his head to see past the blue. But the blue light bursted out steaks of light, like an electrical ball and Sasuke could feel the excitement emanate from his wolf. The lights streaked through the air and began to circle the small green aura of light quickly, shooting out sparks in all directions while the small green orb remained steady.
Sasuke felt himself moving closer to the pair of lights, curiosity filling him to the brim. He could feel the excitement, tenderness, possessiveness and overwhelming love practically thrusted at him from his wolf. Sasuke was still confused. Why did his wolf have such an infatuation for this small green ball of light? He could feel himself getting closer and his wolf's excitement was buzzing through him like electricity. Reaching out, the desire to touch was overwhelming him with curiosity, and even though he couldn't see his fingers, he knew he was getting closer as the warmth of the two lights lightly touched him.
KNOCK KNOCK!
Sasuke lost his breath as his consciousness was yanked hard from his mind like he was on a dropping roller coaster. His eyes flew open and the wave of nausea had him rolling over quickly, falling to the floor off his bed and struggling to keep from throwing up right there on the floor.
KNOCK KNOCK!
"Sasuke, are you awake?" Itachi called from the other side of the door.
Sasuke scrambled across the floor, his stomach promising that it wasn't calming down at all as he pushed open the ensuite bathroom door and stumbled over to the toilet. His head had only come to the edge of the seat when his body began to heave and release his earlier lunch. Gripping the sides of the seat, his stomach convulsed over and over, releasing what it could as tears came from his eyes.
He felt someone pull gently at his hair, holding it lightly and a hand rubbing his back soothingly. It was comforting, but also embarrassing while his body slowed its contractions eventually. Panting heavily, his forehead once again resting on the back part of the seat, the toilet flushed on it's own and Sasuke was silently grateful that someone did that. Not someone, but he knew it was Itachi that was currently holding his hair and rubbing his back. Part of him was grateful but his pride was embarrassed.
"All done?" Itachi asked calmly.
Sasuke all but grunted out a response as he slowly moved back and sat on the bathroom floor. A cup of water was presented to him and he accepted it immediately, taking big gulps. His breath still came out in shuddering pants, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. He didn't flinch when Itachi began to wipe his face with a warm wet cloth.
"What happened otouto?" Itachi asked, concern etched in his voice while he wiped Sasuke's forehead.
"I was concentrating-with my wolf," Sasuke panted out in a whisper. "I came out too fast when you knocked-felt like a G force and my stomach couldn't handle it." He cracked open his eyes to see Itachi kneeled before him, his face looking concerned. Sasuke smirked, "can't handle fair rides anymore it would seem."
Itachi snorted out a laugh before standing up before Sasuke. "Are you okay to get up now?" He held out his hand.
Sasuke nodded, grasped Itachi's hand and slowly got up. Itachi held him steady as he made his way to the sink and grabbed his toothbrush. He raised a brow at Itachi who continued to stand behind him while he brushed.
"I came to tell you it's almost time for dinner, and-well," Itachi hesitated. His large eyes focused on Sasuke in the mirror. Sasuke turned his head slightly, giving a look of question. Itachi licked his lips and bit his bottom lip, as if he was having trouble trying to figure out what to say, and for Itachi, that usually wasn't a problem for him.
Sasuke spit into the sink and rinsed the sink before placing his toothbrush back in the cup. "What is it niisan?"
"We have guests," Itachi breathed out.
Sasuke eyed his aniki, who said nothing more but just continued to stare back. "Oh-kay?" Sasuke finally responded. Sasuke couldn't for the life of him why Itachi was acting so-insecure. When Itachi didn't respond, Sasuke just shrugged his shoulders and slipped past him. It wasn't rare for Itachi to have other clans attend the home for updates, clan meetings and so on, so he had no idea why Itachi would sound so unsure about bringing up dinner guests. He went to his closet to grab a clean shirt and sweater, since he felt gross after his unscheduled meeting with the porcelain throne. "I'll be down shortly, I'm just going to change," he called out to Itachi, not paying him anymore to his mind.
"Oh, well then, I'll see you downstairs," Itachi called out at the door. "And otouto-"
"Hn?" Sasuke responded, his back still to Itachi.
"Be sure to remain composed." He nodded and then slipped out the door.
Sasuke hesitated for a moment as he flipped through shirts at Itachi's comment, but then shrugged it off as he continued to clean up for dinner.
Heading down the stairs, Sasuke took in all the amazing dinner scents that milled throughout the house. His stomach gurgled with anticipation and Sasuke swore his mouth was dripping with hunger. Even his wolf pawed around, eager for Sasuke to bite into all the fabulous foods that the scents promised. As he came to the bottom of the long stairwell, he heard a muffle of voices coming from down the hall from what sounded like in the library. Though Sasuke was more involved in clan politics in the past, when he was still being an alpha, he had stepped back from that area now that he fully accepted his omega status and bonded with Naruto. Ignoring the voices, he headed to the large dining room where he knew Itachi would be hosting his guests. It was really the only time the grand dining room was ever used.
Opening one of the large wooden double doors, he found Deidara placing a dish on the table next to practically a dozen others. The alluring smell of dinner was so thick that Sasuke felt he could just start cutting at the air and eating the scents.
"Hi 'un, did you have a good rest?" Deidara called out to him while arranging the dishes.
"Hn," Sasuke moved to the side of the table, checking out the settings and food. He subtly counted eight places at the table. He moved to his usual seated position at Itachi's left side, who sat at the head of the table. "Who's attending tonight?" Sasuke asked as he pulled his chair out.
Deidara stopped moving and glanced up at Sasuke with a wide eyed look. He bit his bottom lip as his eyes looked from Sasuke and then over to Sasuke's left.
"Hello Sasuke love," a soft kind voice called out from behind Sasuke.
Sasuke froze, his hand still on the top of the chair, his pupils looking straight ahead and staring at nothing. His free hand clenched suddenly and the hand holding the chair gripped harder.
A choppy gasp and an unmistakable breathy sob broke out, "oh Sasuke baby, how I've missed you."
Sasuke squeezed his eyes shut when an emotional tidal wave washed over his senses. Fear, yearning, excitement, anxiety, dread, were all but a few that he could identify. The voice, it was so gentle and calming, yet he feared the person behind the voice, but did he really? Part of him wanted to embrace but then the deep instilled panic wanted him to run.
Sasuke clenched his teeth and took a breath. He could do this and he wanted to. He wasn't weak. He slowly turned towards the voice to see the figure. He knew who it was before he could lay his eyes on her. Long silky blue black hair fell around her shoulders, her bangs trimmed perfectly to cup her face, her shimmering black eyes looked at him filled with such love that his chest ached. Her red lips were quivering slightly and her skin was just as beautiful from when he remembered seeing her last.
"Mother…" His breath hitched out around the words, his chest aching so much from the pain of seeing her. God he missed her so much, he didn't realize until she was standing here, now, before him. Her beautiful red lips smiled after he called out to her and two tears escaped her watery eyes.
The two large wooden doors burst open, creating a ripple through the calming moment between Sasuke and Mikoto. Sasuke whipped his head around to see his father, waltz through the door, talking to Itachi who walked beside him. Sasuke felt the blood drain from his face and his heart stop suddenly when a bolt of fear suddenly pierced his chest and he stumbled backwards slightly.
Itachi stopped and focused on Sasuke, his face contorted with concern when seeing Sasuke looking pale and like a terrified deer that had been cornered. He glanced at his mother, who was standing a few feet away from Sasuke and was looking at him and his father.
Fugaku stopped talking and walking when he noticed Itachi's attention elsewhere. He glanced down the long table to see his wife giving a look of uncertainty and then turned her head to her right. Fugaku followed her eyes to see his youngest son, looking white as a ghost, staring right back at him. Fugaku's eyes widened at seeing his youngest son and a smile spread on his face. "Sasuke!" he bellowed out with enthusiasm, holding both his arms out.
Sasuke blinked at the sudden outburst from his father. He swallowed thickly and now that the initial shock was over, his mind was beginning to panic.
'Mother-father...here, with Itachi, they don't know-they can't know. Clan pride. I need to be alpha. Alpha-alpha, clan pride….shame-shame...you're the shame.'
All the old insecurities came rushing back to the forefront of his mind in a flash and Sasuke could feel his wolf panicking as it felt Sasuke's anxiety rise to dangerous levels. His chest tightened without his consent and he was finding it hard to breath. His eyes wouldn't move away from the man he calls father at the far other end of the room.
"Fugaku-sama," a deep raspy voice called out.
Two large male alpha's and a smaller female beta entered in the room behind Fugaku and Itachi, stopping just to the one side and looking across the room.
Fugaku turned briefly to see the others that joined his side. "Ah, Obito! You remember Sasuke!" Fugaku slapped a large hand on the man's shoulder.
Obita grinned and looked at Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun!" his voice boomed out with happiness.
Sasuke's eyes focused on the man. Obita Uchiha, his alpha cousin, Fugaku's trusted pack member, with his characteristic Uchiha looks of black thick hair and pale skin. His wolf shuddered at the glare and Sasuke's chest continued to constrict.
The smaller beta woman grinned a smile when she looked over at Sasuke. Sasuke immediately recognized Izumi Uchiha, another clan member, who was his age and they grew up together as children. He felt a slight feeling of joy at seeing his long time family friend. But it was short lived when his eyes moved to the largest alpha man standing there, his deep green eyes focused solely on Sasuke with a hood that covered his head and a black mask covering the bottom half of his face. He vaguely recalled this alpha, an Uchiha pack member of his father's pack and his wolf suddenly spiked a shot of fear through him.
His body began to shake when his father, Itachi and the three other members began to walk around to the table, their destination obvious. His feet shuffled backwards, away from the looming members of the Uchiha clan, his eyes stuck on the large green eyed alpha who's eyes never left his own as he walked. A warm soft hand fell on his shoulder from behind him and his wolf snapped out its jaws from the jolt of surprise.
"Sasuke, what-" Mikoto's was soft yet thick with concern.
Sasuke stepped back more, his back hitting his mother but his eyes wouldn't stop looking at the large green eyed alpha that was a mere few feet from him now. His wolf was spiraling in his head, its jaws snapping wildly in his mind at the alpha that was coming towards him. His muscles began to convulse and he struggled to keep his composure while the hairs on his body began to rise. He could barely feel the warmth from his omega mother who was pressed up against him, saying words to him but her voice sounded garbled like she was under water.
Sasuke's heart was pounding frantically in his chest, causing him to not be able to breathe, and the panic rose when he couldn't catch his breath. The large alpha loomed over him now, his green eyes still bearing into him and his wolf slammed into his mind with such force, all Sasuke could feel was terror.
"Sasuke! What's going-"
Sasuke turned so fast and hard at the voices behind him, his father's alpha presence familiar and his brother, just to his side with eyes wide in concern. He was surrounded. His mind panicked and blurred.
They were all around him! His father! His mother! A strange alpha-other alphas-he was trapped!-no escape-there's no escape! -shame-shame of the family-
The visions of his past slammed into him, over and over until his wolf shook his panic core regarding the strange green eyed alpha that trapped him.
~Escape-escape, get away, NOW!
His wolf released a deep growl from Sasuke's lips and snapped at everyone in the room. "GET AWAY!" he screamed out in a howling growl. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" Sasuke's eyes bled red and his claws stretched out while he crouched, jumping up and snapping and clawing out at everyone around him. His breaths were heavy with snarls laced within them.
All the wolves surrounding Sasuke stepped back in surprise. Mikoto held her hands to her lips, covering her cries of surprise and hurt. Itachi held his arm up across his father's chest, pushing him back away from Sasuke. Obito and Izumi stood to the side, their eyes wide in surprise at the events happening in front of their eyes. The green eyed alpha narrowed his eyes at Sasuke and didn't move from his stance.
Sasuke's head was flipping side to side, his red eyes glowing and watching the wolves that currently had him trapped. His canines were dripping with saliva, his lips were curled up over his teeth as he snarled out with each heavy breath. His clawed hands were poised at the ready to strike should someone come to close.
"DON'T go near him!" Itachi boomed out through the room, his voice full of authority. Sasuke's eyes glanced quickly at Itachi but then focused back on the green eyed alpha. "His wolf has control-its panicking," Itachi dropped his tone slightly but ensured it didn't sound threatening to Sasuke.
"But why?" Mikoto squeaked out in a sob.
"Fugaku-sama, I will protect you," the green eyed alpha snarled out, his eyes not leaving Sasuke's feral form. "I will secure him." He moved towards Sasuke.
"NO! STOP!" Itachi growled out at the green eyed alpha, but the alpha didn't obey Itachi.
Sasuke leaped up and away from the lunging alpha, lashing out his claws repeatedly with threatening snarls, his mouth spitting out froth. He landed gracefully on his feet, his hands falling to the floor to keep his balance and he clenched his teeth in warning at the green eyed alpha. Before anyone could make another move, Sasuke bounded to his feet and sprinted away with such speed that the group could only watch when large doors slammed open with such force picture frames fell from the walls. Sasuke was gone.
"Sasuke!" Deidara cried out as he chased after him through the doors.
Itachi found his footing and raced right behind Deidara through the doors, the rest of the Uchiha clan standing in shock at the event that just took place before them.
"What happened?" Mikoto choked out, tears escaping her wide eyes that were focused on Fugaku.
Fugaku moved immediately and embraced his mate, holding and rocking her close as she sobbed into his chest. "I'm not sure, but be damned if I won't find out," he said firmly as he kissed the top of her head. "Obito, Izumi, go." He snapped his head in the direction of the doors, his eyes firm with authority.
"Hai," they both spoke in unison and followed the trail of the others.
"We will get to the bottom of this, don't worry." Fugaku rubbed Mikoto's back and slowly led her out of the room. The green eyed alpha following closely behind them.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
The four wolves galloped through the deep snow that glistened in the sunlight, leaving huge swirls of snow behind them. They bounded around each other, as if they were in a race or a game to see who could leave the most intricate snow trails behind them. The mountains towered all around them, reminding them that this was their land and they were not to be taken for granted.
The dark brown wolf was mainly in the lead, giving hushed out grunted noises out now and then towards the three others that were with him. Kakashi grunted out a response to Utakata, while the other two, Naruto and Kyuubi, were still pushing at each other playfully in the deep snow. They were making good time between the mountain bowls, now that Utakata was able to show them more easier paths to take. Having someone guide them through the mountains was certainly a lifesaver.
Utakata began to slow and was turning towards an opening between the mountains until he stopped at the ledge. Kakashi made his way to stop beside him and took in the vast view.
'Woah, talk about an amazing view!' Naruto whistled out through the bond when he came up beside Kakashi, shaking his coat from the excess snow that got on it.
'Hn, it certainly is pup,' Kakashi teased.
'Meh, I guess it's okay,' Kyuubi was next to step up to the ledge, his nose twitching about and taking in the scents.
On the ledge of the mountain, the wolves could see far across the land as the mountains were surrounding a vast valley. The sunbeams were making the land glisten like magic and the clouds in the distance floated lazily over the mountains on the other side.
Utakata yipped slightly and nodded his head in a direction. He then began to trot towards the valley.
'Looks like we go this way.' Kakashi shook his head and sneezed before following Utakata.
Naruto looked over at the large red wolf, watching how his nose sniffed about and his eyes scanned over the horizon. 'You okay there? Did you need a rest?' Naruto whispered out through their bond.
Kyuubi's head turned to look at Naruto, his large head tilting and ears straight up. 'What cha you talking about?' he huffed out. 'You thinking I can't keep up?' He let out an irritated snort.
Naruto whimpered slightly and lowered his head. 'No dude, I'm just worried about you s'all.'
Kyuubi released a long sigh and looked back over the horizon. 'J-just been awhile that's all, just-thinking,' he whispered out.
Naruto moved and nuzzled his wolf cheeks with Kyuubi's. 'Never forget, I'm here for you,' Naruto purred out before dragging his tongue across Kyuubi's muzzle.
Kyuubi gave a nudge of his head at Naruto before taking the steps forward, following after Utakata and Kakashi.
It was nightfall when the four wolves got close to their destination. Utakata led the small pack of wolves to a location that was secluded from human traffic, that happened to be near a small creek. The forest was thick in the area, so they didn't need to worry about being seen. The four found a warm covered area, thick with fir trees that also doubled as a good ground cover over the snow. Utakata transformed first and got himself dressed. Digging under the larger snow covered bushes, he pulled out some small kindling size branches and quickly put together a small fire.
"One of you will have to go into town and check the bus schedule. It's best you wander into town after the bus has unloaded. The bus usually spends 30 minutes in the town, refueling and allowing the tourists to take in the sites." Three sets of wolf eyes nodded at Utakata as they watched him tend to the small fire. "You all may as well stay in form until morning, it's for the best in these elements." He nodded his head up at the snow covered trees.
Kakashi looked over at Naruto and Kyuubi. 'Get some sleep, it's been a long day.'
Naruto and Kyuubi nodded slowly and Naruto immediately moved in and snuggled into Kyuubi, resting his muzzle on the red wolf's shoulders. He let out a big sigh, licking his lips and closing his eyes. Kyuubi laid his head down on the ground and let out a long breath before closing his eyes. Kakashi inwardly smiled at the two before moving himself closer to Utakata and curling his wolf body close to the stoic man.
"I don't need a comforter," Utakata huffed out. He pulled his flute out of his bag and held it in his lap for a moment, watching the light from the small fire dance across the surface. Kakashi nudged his shoulder with his head with a whimper. Utakata looked over at the grey wolf, giving him a glare. "What?" The wolf just tilted his head, his eyes not leaving Utakata's. Utakata pinched his lips together in a frown before looking away. "Whatever," he sighed out, running a hand through his hair.
The two sat in silence for some time, watching the small flames flicker in the night. Naruto and Kyuubi started their familiar sleep snores. Kakashi nudged his head gently against Utakata, then shook his head towards the two sleeping wolves. "Your welcome," Utakata mumbled out. Kakashi released a long breath through his snout before placing his head on his front paws, his eyes still watching Utakata and the fire light reflected off his eyes.
Several minutes passed. "It's been awhile," Utakata whispered out, Kakashi's eyes flickered to look at him. "Since I been around...people." He didn't look away from the fire. Kakashi let out the slightest quietest whimper. Utakata said no more that night.
The next morning, the three wolves transformed to their human selves and Kakashi went into the town while the others ate.
"Looks like the next bus comes through this afternoon about three. I found the post office, so we can drop a line to the pack on our plans." Kakashi took a seat with the others and grabbed some dry meat.
"Sweet, I'll get something written up then," Naruto called out while grabbing his bag.
"Going for a walk," Kyuubi suddenly jumped up, brushing the snow off his pants. Naruto and Kakashi hummed out a response while Kyuubi ducked out through the low hanging branches. He shuffled through the snow and branches of the forest, his hands shoved into his pockets as he took in the sites. The sunbeams were breaking through the tall trees, highlighting the snow and his white fogged breath. But Kyuubi didn't notice, he just walked, not going in any real direction, his mind still thinking about the now, the past, what may be and to be honest, he was tired of it all.
"Mind if I join you?" Utakata's voice broke through Kyuubi's thoughts. Kyuubi just shrugged. "Thanks," Utakata mumbled.
The two walked in silence for some time, both appeared lost in their own thoughts. The only sounds were that of birds, a trickle of running water from the creek and the shuffle and crunching of their feet through the snow and forest debris. The two came to the mouth of the creek that came out from the mountains. Large boulders were surrounding the area and Kyuubi hopped up on one and sat. His eyes watched the water continuously run out of the mountain and flow into the awaiting creek bed.
"How long you been out here?" Kyuubi finally spoke to Utakata who was sitting on another boulder, just as quietly as Kyuubi.
Utakata pinched his lips together and hummed slightly. How long had he been out here? His mind flipped through memories that haven't been looked at for a long time.
~memory~
"Quickly, hide under here," his mother whispered out, urgency in her voice. She was holding up a trap door that hid a hole under the floorboards. "Take your bag and blanket, and don't make a sound."
Ten year old Utakata wrapped his blanket around his shoulders, his small backpack secured to his back. There was shouting outside and someone was banging on the door. He looked behind him to the noises echoing through the small one roomed apartment before looking back up at his mother. "What about you?" His bottom lip quivered as he whispered out in fear.
"As soon as they leave I'll come get you out." She smiled softly at him while waving her hand at him to come towards the trapdoor.
Utakata bit his bottom lip, looking up at his mother's fearful face, he didn't believe her, but what could he do. "I-I don't want to leave you," he whimpered out.
Smiling softly, she knelt on one knee and beckoned the boy to her. When Utakata came to her, she embraced him tightly and kissed his cheeks. Utakata could feel his tears wetting her shirt and he reveled in the feel of her love. "Be my big brave boy that I know you are. You have always been my protector," she whispered. "I love you."
~end memory~
Utakata felt a sting behind his eyes when that particular memory popped up. He bit his lip, hard, willing the scene to stop there. He remembered that night now and it was just as hard now as it was then-
"I'm sorry," Kyuubi whispered out when he saw the stress apparent on Utakata. "I shouldn't have asked." Kyuubi shook his head.
Utakata rested his head in his palms, rubbing his forehead, the memories still running the course, like the water that continued to run from the mountain, rushing out and falling into the creek bed. He squeezed his eyes hard, the sting behind his eyes not stopping no matter what he did.
~memory~
The area was small, dark and smelled musty of damp soil. The floorboards were tightly sealed together, but a sliver of light went through in some spots.
Several voices boomed through the room, their heavy footsteps causing the boards to creak and dust sprinkle on Utakata's head. He held his hand over his mouth and nose, hoping that he wouldn't sneeze or breath too loud as he heard his mother inform the voices that she was alone and for them to get out.
His mother screamed, he could hear her cries as she begged for them to leave, the heavy thumps and banging echoed through the darkness…
"-traitor-"
"-filthy whore-"
"-fucking blood lover-"
"-sick freak fucking corpses-"
~end memory~
"-ey," the voice called out. Utakata pushed against his eye sockets in a desperate attempt to make the memory stop.
"-okay? Uta-hey-come-" the voice called out again. It was deep, calming and sharp, like it was right beside him.
Utakata jumped when a warm hand fell on his shoulder. He scrambled backwards suddenly but promptly fell off the rock that he was currently perched on. His arms flailed about as he fell back, his body attempting to twist into his fall.
"Woah! Hey there!" Kyuubi called out quickly, his body reaching out to catch Utakata who was falling between the boulders. He managed to catch one of Utakata's arms and pulled him back hard, causing Utakata to fall forward into Kyuubi. "Ah shit-" Kyuubi huffed out before his own footing slipped on the wet rocks and he went falling back with the sudden push of Utakata in his chest.
Both went falling into the snow covered ground, Kyuubi's back hitting the ground first, Utakata into Kyuubi's chest. Kyuubi's breath was kicked out of him from the weight of Utataka, causing him to clench his teeth and release a breathy 'umph!'.
Utakata quickly rolled off of Kyuubi, scrambling backwards, feeling confused and shocked. His legs found the boulder that he was last sitting on and he slowly sat back down on it, his hands running over his face to hide the embarrassment that had just happened. "S-sorry-sorry," he mumbled out as he tried to find his musings.
Booming laughter suddenly echoed through the small area, bouncing off the rocks and Utakata froze, his eyes falling to the red haired alpha that was still laying on the snow covered ground. Kyuubi's mouth fell open with each barreling laugh, his one arm resting across his eyes, the other arm clenching his midsection. His body shook with the laughter and Utakata just stared, unsure and not able to figure out what he should do next.
"Oh-My-God!" Kyuubi called out through his laughter. "You," his laughter still going strong. "The- look on- your face!" Kyuubi broke out into hysterical laughs again and rolled to his side, both his arms clenching his midsection, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
Utakata's mouth hung open, his mind unsure of how to handle the current situation laying in front of him.
When Kyuubi's fit of laughter finally died down enough that he could get up, Kyuubi's grin was still beaming on his face when he stood before Utakata. "Thanks for that, damn!" Kyuubi rubbed the back of his head. "That has been the funniest shit I've seen for a long fucking time!" Kyuubi put a hand out in front of Utakata. "We should head back, ne?"
Utakata looked at the hand presented then, back up at the smiling grinning alpha before him. Kyuubi's eyes were bright and green, still shimmering from all the tears from his laughter. His cheeks were flushed red from the laughter, but his face looked relaxed and carefree. So different from what he had been seeing of Kyuubi since they met. The alpha's big smile was inviting and Utakata felt safe, in his presence. He nodded firmly and grabbed Kyuubi's hand, who helped him to stand back up. Kyuubi slapped a hand on Utakata's shoulder and grinned again.
"Let's go then!" Kyuubi boomed out.
Several hours later, Naruto returned to the group with a big smile on his face. He had left to go mail a letter to the pack, mixing in with the bus tourists and then came back. He plopped his bag by the group and sat down. "Guess what I got!" Naruto giggled as he started digging through his bag. He promptly pulled out a few small bags of what looked to be potato chips. "I got snacks for everyone! Check these babies out!" Naruto was nearly buzzing with excitement as he threw bags to everyone.
Utakata held his small blue bag up by the corner, his eyes taking in the name on the bag and he scrunched his nose. "What are Twists?" Utakata turned the bag about in front of his face.
Naruto's mouth fell open, his eyes wide in surprise, staring at what Utakata said. "How-wha? Seriously? How could you not know what twists are?" he gasped out, slapping his hand on top of his head. "Only the sweetest treat alive! It's not a chip, it's a popcorn twist! They melt in your mouth man!"
"Who the hell eats ketchup chips?" Kyuubi grumbled out as he looked at the bag Naruto threw his way. "The whole concept of it just doesn't make sense!" Kyuubi stuck out his tongue and threw the bag back at Naruto. Naruto returned a gesture of flipping his finger up at Kyuubi before throwing the chip bag back in his own backpack.
Kakashi chuckled away at the two. "We will head out at sunset. Better to head out when it's easier to not be seen." Kakashi tucked away the bag of chips in his own bag. The other three hummed out their agreement and settled into eating dinner.
"I'll show you the way past the town that leads to the border, then you'll be on your own," Utakata spoke up. "I trust you won't get lost from there." His lips curled up in a smirk when he looked up at Naruto and Kyuubi.
"Aw, really? You can come with us ya know!" Naruto gave a slight pout towards Utakata. "Even if you just wanna visit, that would be cool," he added.
Utakata shook his head.
Naruto let out a sigh but then smiled up at Utakata. "I really want to thank you properly, and you are more than welcome to drop in at our place anytime! We could show you the area, go for runs and stuff." Naruto waved his hand enthusiastically through the air as he expressed his excitement.
Kyuubi shook his head but the smile was apparent on his face as he listened to the blond alpha babble on about home. 'Home-will it be the same? Fuck-Kimi…' Kyuubi took a deep breath and breathed through the sharp pain in his chest. Closing his eyes and lying on back, he focused on the happy memories he had of the small omega.
Later on, the four wolves were walking through the forest, making sure they weren't anywhere near the town. The moon was bright enough that it lit the way between the trees, not that the wolves needed extra light to see through the darkness. Naruto, Kyuubi and Kakashi followed behind Utakata who led the way.
Utakata suddenly stopped, his head and ears were straight up and he stared into the darkness. His black nose twitched about and his ears flicked back and forth. Kakashi came up quietly beside him and looked in the same direction Utakata was and listened.
'Kakashi wha-' Naruto whispered out through the bond.
'Somethings over there,' Kakashi whispered in response and continued to focus staring into the distance, his ears pointed the same way. He took a step closer.
Kyuubi and Naruto held perfectly still, turning their ears and eyes the same direction as Utakata and Kakashi.
'Someone's being attacked!' Naruto called out before sprinting through the trees.
'Naruto! WAIT!' Kakashi called out as he took off after Naruto. Utakata and Kyuubi followed on his heels.
The sounds were actually several miles away, carrying on the wind, but the sounds felt as if they were closer with the speed the wolves could travel over the land. The closer they got, the more apparent it was that it was werewolves fighting against something else. And from the sounds of the yelps of pain and barks of anger, whatever they were fighting wasn't friendly and was most likely incredibly dangerous.
The four burst through the trees where they found two werewolves, both desperately fighting against what looked like humans. But, their scent was not human.
'Vampires!' Kakashi howled out through the bond as he made to charge one of them that appeared to have a stronghold on the back of a large silver werewolf. The silver werewolf was snapping at his back the best he could, but the creature held strong, swiping out its clawed hands at the wolf. Another vampire was trying to lash at the silver wolf's face, zipping around it, slashing and hissing out. Kakashi leaped and grabbed the vampire with his jaws, ripping it off the silver coloured wolf.
Utakata charged at the other vampire who was suddenly surprised at seeing that another wolf had taken its partner. It quickly hissed out when it saw Utakata charging for it and leaped high into the air, latching onto the branches of a tree. Utakata pushed against the thick tree trunk repeatedly, snarling and snapping his jaws while the vampire hissed at him.
'Kyuubi, hurry! Over here!' Naruto called out through the bond, his paws ripping through snow and dirt as he charged to where another werewolf was covered in at least three of the vampire creatures. Naruto could see that the werewolf was struggling, as he tried to get up on his legs, his jaws snapping out furiously but not managing to catch any of them. Naruto wasted no time leaping fast and hard, his jaws wide as he flew through the air and snapped hard on one of the vampires that was latched onto the dark werewolf.
Kyuubi snarled loudly and slammed into another vampire that was clawing at the dark werewolf's head, clamping shut his muzzle on the arm of the vampire. With a quick jerk of his massive head, he ripped the vampire's arms off and had his paws grab the body, ripping at it with his huge claws. A scream tore through the night air from the vampire as Kyuubi knocked the body to the ground.
Naruto shook his massive head fast and hard, the vampire still between his jaws, hissing and screaming out in agony and anger. Naruto was so caught up in the fight he didn't even feel the vampire's claws scratching and waving about on his face. He then tossed the vampire through the air and it crashed through thick tree trunks.
Kyuubi turned and ran at the armless vampire on the ground that wailed through the night, trying to get up from the snowy ground. Kyuubi pounced on the vampire like a fox would on a rodent, snapped his jaws on the head and ripped it off. The body stopped moving immediately and began to turn to ash. Kyuubi dropped the head which in turn, also began to disintegrate into ash.
'NARUTO! Take the head off! It kills it instantly!' Kyuubi called out frantically through the bond as he turned to look around and try to find the other vampire.
Naruto quickly chased after the vampire he sent smashing through the trees, grabbing hold of the creature as it tried to run and stepped on it into the ground. The vampire's body squealed out like a pig as it began to sink into the ground from the weight of the massive blond wolf. Naruto grabbed its head quickly with his muzzle and ripped the head off, spitting it out across the snowy ground where it rolled to a quick stop. The vampire's body immediately began to disintegrate to ash and Naruto snorted out loudly at the sight.
Naruto ran back to Kyuubi, and the one vampire that was there hissed and snarled at them both from the height of a tree. Naruto and Kyuubi circled the tree, looking up at the angry vampire, willing it to come down.
"You won't get away with this dogs! Enjoy your one victory!" the vampire snarled out as it leaped from the tree to another. It didn't stop as it quickly leaped to another tree, out of sight. Both wolves snorted out annoyed before turning back.
Naruto looked over to where the large dark coloured wolf lay, its breathing was wheezy, blood oozed from the wounds that littered his body.
'Hey, hey!' Naruto barked out as he ran towards the injured wolf. His nose sniffed around the wolf, checking his injuries and listening to his breathing. 'This doesn't look good, he's really badly hurt.' Naruto nudged at the dark wolf's head, noting that he was unconscious but his breathing was so ragged, Naruto whimpered. The scent of this wolf, it was familiar… 'Oh my god! Kisame!' Naruto frantically called out. 'He's from Sasuke's clan! What the hell?! Why-what-!' Naruto started nudging at Kisame's body, checking out the injuries, trying to wake the large wolf.
Kakashi and Utakata ran up to the two, a large silver wolf between them, limping but making it over. The silver wolf barked out frantically as he made his way to the dark wolf.
'Hidan! What's happening? Why are you and Kisame-' Naruto barked out frantically but it was useless. Hidan and Kisame weren't from the same pack, they couldn't hear Naruto through a bond.
Hidan fell to his knees at Kisame's side, his nose nudging and tongue licking at Kisame's fur. Naruto cringed at the sight, seeing Hidan's silver fur also covered with blood, his body with wounds as well but not as bad as Kisame's. Kakashi ran to Kisame's side as well, his nose checking all the areas as he moved around him.
'Naruto! This isn't good. Kisame's hurt bad. I-I don't know if I can-' Kakashi sadly called out as he looked him over.
'What are you saying! He just needs time right?! We can give him that!' Naruto screamed out as he paced around the three wolves. Kyuubi and Utakata stood to the side, whimpering slightly and watching.
Kakashi snapped out a bark, irritation and stress laced his tone. 'Naruto! These are vampire injuries! He needs specific medical attention! The poison from their bites and claws is already in his bloodstream!'
Naruto shook his head at the explanation. 'NO! We can save him! We'll build a fire! Kyuubi and I can go back to the town and get what you need!' Naruto was growling out desperately.
Kakashi just stared at the blond alpha, Hidan beside him whimpering at his pack mate while licking at the wounds. Kakashi looked over at Hidan and Kisame, then back at Naruto, who's eyes were pleading desperately back at him. Kyuubi and Utakata were silent, watching the scene before them unfold. Kakashi closed his eyes and let out a big sigh. 'Fine,' he breathed out sounding frustrated and exhausted. Naruto barked in response, padding his large feet into the snow, eager to get started. 'But Naruto...don't, and I mean don't, get your hopes up.' He stepped up to Naruto, his eyes glaring hard back at the blond wolf. The young alpha apparently didn't know what it meant to a werewolf be poisoned by vampires and this situation just might give him a nasty life lesson.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Yeah I know there are some cliffs in this, but ... I'm thinking those readers may know what's going on? I am definitely interested to see what everyone's guesses may be on what's to come!
Thanks for sticking with me this far. I'm ending this night with a cold special drink to Kurama, this was an awesome idea by my buddy kcisjohan, cheers to you buddy.