Someone once said, its not the length but the quality that matters... *cough*
You know that it was in regards to the length of chapters written in fan fiction right? *snickers*
Hi ya'll, I hope those fans/readers/creators/authors are doing okay all around.
You know, those of you who actually give this tale a chance are amazing right? It can be so hard to get into a story and stick with it, especially when you are just DYING for an update. I myself, had looked at various stories that I have been following, many had not been updated for over 3 years. That makes me sad for those authors, for I will never know what became of those persons.
And then those stories that have been abandoned because writers have found passion somewhere else (some other fan-iverse), I feel sad for the characters in the abandoned stories... isn't that weird?
Mah, enough chat from me, on with the story :)
Itachi lifted a brow as he took in the disheveled look of the blond alpha that stood before him, who practically growled out a warning and gave a threatening stance directed straight at him. Obito looked ready to intervene should the blond alpha become a threat, but thankfully, Itachi knew better. Being an alpha himself, an overly protective alpha with a mate of his own, he could empathize with Naruto. Somehow he knew that this may happen, as if the fates were against him, Sasuke running off in the wilderness, his omega wolf in the lead and of course that would be the time that Naruto returns.
"Uzumaki Naruto my friend, do come in, we have much to discuss." Itachi nodded again at the alpha, turning slightly and tipping his hand out in a welcoming gesture.
Naruto just huffed heavily through his clenched teeth, his yellow eyes zeroed in on Itachi, not moving and a low growl continued to rumble through his chest.
Itachi tilted his head slightly before stepping closer to Naruto. His cousin Obito grabbed his arm quickly before Itachi could place it on Naruto's shoulder. Itachi glared at his cousin.
"Don't Itachi-sama! He seems out of control, you don't know what he will do!" Obito squeezed Itachi's arm while his eyes didn't leave Naruto.
Naruto snarled loudly when Obito grabbed Itachi, stepping closer to him with a walk that promised a fight. Itachi turned quickly, stepping between Naruto and Obito, so his back was facing Naruto who immediately stopped advancing. Itachi held the arm up Obito was still clenching and threw Obito a glare. "I suggest you leave. There is nothing to fear here, but because Naruto doesn't know who you are, currently you are a threat."
Obito slowly released Itachi's arm and peered over Itachi's shoulder, those yellow eyes glaring at him and his lips snarling, but the blond stayed behind Itachi. "Who is he then?" Obito snapped back at Itachi. "He just barged in here demanding to know where Sasuke was!"
"This," Itachi spoke in an icy voice, "is Sasuke's mate." Obito's eyes widened a fraction in surprise and he snapped his mouth shut. "And at this time, I understand why he is somewhat irate on returning to his pack to find his mate absent. So I say again, it is best you leave at this moment. I certainly do not want to think of the mess you two would leave should Naruto become unbridled and release his wrath upon you."
Obito scoffed out an amused laugh. "As if he could! He has nothing of significance! I've fought bigger, badder-"
"Enough," Itachi cut off his cousin alpha wolf. "I have this under control. Go inform mother and father that Sasuke's mate has arrived. I'm certain they will want to meet who has stolen their youngest son's heart."
With a huff and a snort, Obito turned on his heel and left the front entrance. Itachi closed his eyes and shook his head. This was the most family drama he has ever had to deal with it seemed. He turned back to Naruto, "now then, where was I?" Naruto's frantic demere was calmer after Obito left the room and Itachi placed his hand on the blond alpha's arm. "Let's go sit and talk shall we? I have much to share with you." He gave a small twitch of his lips into a semi smile and turned to walk down a corridor to a sitting room.
The blond alpha released a huff that sounded like annoyance and watched the other dark haired alpha walk away. He licked his lips, covering his canines and snapped his neck. With a grunt he stomped off after the Uchiha.
==/\/\==
Sakura grumbled under her breath as she put together some food on a plate. "Baka! Getting all huffy and having a hissy fit." She slammed down cups and plates on the counter as she threw bread, meats, fish and crackers down on them. After examining Utakata and Kisame, determining that they were both on the mend, she was now preparing a meal for them, after her discussion with Naruto.
~flashback~
Sakura had gone upstairs to find Naruto going through the rooms, slamming open doors of each room, sniffing and looking about as he stomped through.
"Baka! Stop being such a barbarian this instant!" Sakura growled out when she cornered Naruto in one of the bedrooms. She held her stance when the blond alpha whipped around and snarled at her, his yellow orange eyes glowing with dominance. "Don't you pull your all mighty alpha status on me!" She clenched her fist and punched Naruto in one of his arms, hard. Naruto let out a yelp of surprise and maybe pain? But Sakura snarled and glared at him in response.
"What the fuck!" Naruto snapped out in surprise as he stumbled back slightly at the impact. He returned the glare at the strawberry blond beta, "you got a lot of nerve! Where is Sasuke!" Naruto growled out fiercely. His alpha was not impressed at how the beta wolf defied his dominance.
"If you would just calm the fuck down, we could talk to you about it!" Sakura snapped back at him, crossing her arms across her chest and giving Naruto a frown.
Naruto breathed heavily, his alpha still not pleased with his pack member acting how she did, and his alpha demanded Naruto take control. Naruto clenched his teeth hard, as his alpha slammed against his mental walls, demanding authoritative control and demanding to know where his mate was. He pinched his eyes closed as he willed his alpha to calm down and the pain between his eyes only intensified.
Sakura softened her eyes as she saw Naruto struggle mentally. She placed her hands on his arms gently and gasped when yellow orbs snapped open with a deep rumbling growl coming from Naruto's chest. "Where...is...Sasuke," the voice was deep, fierce and intimidating. Sakura trembled in surprise and fear when the goosebumps rose across her arms. Naruto's alpha was incredibly distressed and pissed right off. She could feel the waves of supremacy washing over her beta who fell into submission so fast Sakura felt her knees would give out on her.
"He's gone-no!" she stammered out when a snarl escaped Naruto's lips at the word 'gone'. "I mean he went-he went to his brother's! A f-few nights ago." Sakura stepped back slowly, alarmed at the menacing aura that Naruto's wolf was giving off. She felt herself lower her eyes and give a submissive pose.
Naruto released a sudden heavy snarl before shifting and making his way around Sakura and out of the bedroom.
Sakura stood shivering for a moment before lifting her eyes to see that Naruto had left and she distinctly heard the front door slam. She hugged herself while she found her senses. She had never seen nor felt Naruto in such a superior way and she shivered again. Her inner beta was rubbing at her mental walls, as if trying to console her after the event. She took some more breaths before heading back down to the kitchen.
~end flashback~
Sakura arranged the food on the tray, still mumbling under her breath before she heard others come into the kitchen. She inhaled and found that it was Kiba and Hinata, whispering softly to each other as they made their way through the kitchen.
"Where did Naruto go?" Kiba asked as he snatched a piece of fish off the tray that Sakura was preparing. He yelped suddenly when Sakura turned and slapped at his hand, her eyes flashing at him and releasing a small growl. "Hey! Why so bitchy!? Geez," Kiba whined as he stepped back suddenly, racing behind Hinata.
"That's for the wounded, you idiot!" Sakura spat out and turned her attention back to the food on the tray.
"Mah mah Sakura, what's got you riled up?" Kakashi's voice chuckled through the kitchen when he stepped in. "You are going to scare our guests away!"
Sakura snarled and glared at the gray haired wolf before huffing out a snort of annoyance. She chose to not answer and started filling up the cups with water.
"Naruto went to find Sasuke I recon," Kakashi breathed out. "Considering he was just racing around looking for him and then left, I guess someone told him where he was?" He raised a gray eyebrow at Sakura.
"That baka, threw a tantrum and stomped out of here like some barbarian!" Sakura spat out and threw her hands up. "He's acting like a damn spoiled brat!" She harrumphed out and folded her arms across her chest.
Kakashi scratched at his head, flopping his hair about. "Well, I imagine the alpha isn't too pleased at not finding his mate present," he chuckled. "It's an alpha thing." He smiled behind his mask, his eyes squinted up in amusement.
"Well that didn't give him the right to rip my head off!" Sakura snarled back out, her bottom lip pouting out in a frown.
Kakashi just sighed and shook his head. He thought he better not say anything more as it appeared nothing would appease the upset beta wolf. He knew that Naruto would most likely explain or apologize later and he let it be. "How are our guests otherwise?" He changed the subject.
Sakura huffed out a snort before she relaxed her shoulders and dropped her arms. "They are healing. Utakata didn't have anything serious, and Kisame looks as if he will need a bit more time for his wounds to fully heal." She tapped her chin in thought. "Just what happened that his wounds are healing like that Kakashi?"
Kakashi took a seat at the kitchen table before wiping his palm over his forehead. "Kisame had taken the worst of the damage from the vampires. From what I could do and what I saw, I was sure, almost certain, that Kisame wouldn't make it…" His voice trailed off in a quiet sad whisper.
"He doesn't appear to be in any danger now, just exhausted. What is it that saved him?" Sakura asked.
"I'm not sure, but I hope to find out." Kakashi didn't want to let too much information go about Utakata, being he was a guest in their home, but there were still many unknowns that needed to be explored. He looked up to Sakura, knowing she didn't like not getting the answer she was looking for. "When I know more, I'll be sure to let you know, but at least, Kisame is going to make it." He shrugged at her and gave a tired smile behind his mask. She nodded her head at him and picked up the tray, leaving the kitchen, but threw Kakashi a glare before she left.
As Kiba and Hinata began to put together some food, the door opened and the purple haired beta poked his head in. "Hello? I'm back," Nagato called out and looked about the room.
"Come in Nagato-san, we are making some food, join us please," Hinata called out, giving the beta man a smile.
"I brought Konan and Iwai." Nagato opened the kitchen door wider to allow Konan, holding Iwai in her arms through the door.
"Oh! Look at that little guy!" Kiba jumped up and went over the Konan, cooing at the small pup in her arms. Konan gave a smile to Kiba, allowing him to fuss over Iwai. "Oh I swear he's gotten so much bigger!" Kiba poked at Iwai's small hand and fingers immediately wrapped around his finger. "Look look! He likes me!" Kiba gave kissy noises at the baby, who's eyes just stared at him.
Hinata giggled in the background while putting various foods and drinks on the table. "Kakashi, let me introduce you to Nagtao-san, his mate Konan-chan and their pup, Iwai. He was born here a few weeks ago." Hinata smiled warmly at Konan and Nagato who turned to nod to Kakashi.
"Ah, yes, there must have been some excitement here while we were gone. I'm Kakashi, friends with the Uzumaki pack." Kakashi extended his hand to Nagato and nodded at Konan. Kiba continued to fuss over Iwai during the interaction.
"So why don't you tell us how you came to the Uzumaki home?" Kakashi held out his hand to the table, inviting the small group to sit. "I'm sure it's a very exciting story ne?" he chuckled.
==/\/\==
Kyuubi and Kimimaro were still quietly sitting in the other room, Kyuubi seemingly content on just holding the small omega and basking in his scent.
"MM...Kyuubi?" Kimimaro broke through the silence. His head was still tucked against Kyuubi's chest and under his chin. He was running his fingers up and down Kyuubi's back, listening to the deep rumbling purr of the alpha. "Are you leaving again?"
Kyuubi immediately stopped purring, his eyes snapped open wide at the thought. Pulling back slightly and pulling Kimimaro away from his body, he placed two fingers beneath the omega's chin to have those soft eyes look up at him. His alpha shuddered at the soft look those eyes gave him, the small frown on those lips clenched at Kyuubi's chest at the obvious sadness and uncertainness that was being expressed. The strong emotions that washed through him had Kyuubi slightly confused on why he was feeling so strongly about this little omega, but his thoughts about why Kimimaro was looking so sad overruled those emotions. "I-I…" He couldn't get his throat to extract the words that he thought he was going to say. Was he leaving? Would he stay?
Kimimaro noticed the lost look in Kyuubi and cupped the alpha's cheek. He gave him a soft smile, "don't worry about it. You are here now, and that is what matters. I was so worried I would never see you again." He rested his chin against Kyuubi's chin and let out a long breath, relaxing into Kyuubi's hold again.
Kyuubi could feel his heartbeat pulsing hard suddenly. His mind suddenly full of questions regarding Kimimaro's question. Just what was his plan now that he was technically home?
A murmur of voices flowed through the air and Kimimaro suddenly jerked up. "Oh! You haven't seen Nagato, Konan and Iwai!" He wiggled out of Kyuubi's grasp and stood up, his eyes full of excitement. Kyuubi tilted his head, looking up at the excited omega. Kimimaro's eyes sparkled with excitement, rocking on his heels looking between Kyuubi and the voices that were coming from the other room. "Come! Come! I want you to meet my otouto, Iwai!" Kimimaro grabbed at Kyuubi's hands, pulling the alpha from the floor.
Kyuubi stayed silent, his eyes watching the now excited omega and allowed himself to be pulled along. He would worry about Kimi's question later.
==/\/\==
The tension in the room was to say the least thick. Itachi could feel the anxiety and underlying fury coming from the blond alpha and he could see that Naruto was struggling to keep his alpha under control. He couldn't blame him though, he couldn't imagine what his alpha would do should his mate suddenly not be within his sight and missing. The mere thought made his alpha vibrate with aggravation and Naruto suddenly looked at him. Itachi nodded towards the blond alpha, knowing that Naruto must have sensed his own alpha's slight irritation and he gave the look of its alright, towards Naruto.
The door opened and Obito held the door as Mikoto and Fugaku came into the room. Following behind was the large intimidating alpha, his head and face covered except for his piercing eyes. The large alpha looked to Naruto and Itachi, and Itachi could feel Naruto's hackles rise towards the unknown alpha. Naruto's fists gripped his pants tightly and his Itachi could hear his breathing quicken behind clenched teeth.
"Naruto, these are our parents, Mikoto and Fugaku, who have come to visit." Itachi quickly said out in hopes that Naruto would calm down. Kakazu-san is part of the clan and you met our cousin, Obito." Itachi stood and put a hand on Obito's shoulder. Naruto's yellow rimmed eyes watched Itachi closely before the blond started to blink rapidly.
"Fugaka-sama, Mikoto-sama, it's a pleasure to meet you," Naruto managed to keep his voice steady as he stood, his hand out to shake their hands. His alpha was still raking its claws against his mind, not pleased with not seeing his mate anywhere and was pushing at his instincts to go find Sasuke. But he needed to do this, he needed to be respectful towards the parents that brought Sasuke to his life. He owed Sasuke that much and even though Itachi had said that Sasuke is safe, he wished silently that this meeting would hurry along. He recalled Sasuke telling him about the family dynamics, how alphas and omegas were viewed in the Uchiha family, the memory flashing through his mind.
"I have certain expectations of me, being an Uchiha, and if those expectations are not met, punishment can be expected." Sasuke's sad voice rang through his ears.
Naruto was brought out of his thoughts when warm arms embraced him. He looked down to find a head full of black silky hair and a warm inviting scent. 'Sas-?' Naruto was suddenly filled with warmth and excitement. His alpha pulled back its aggravated sensations and embraced the warmth and scent.
"Naruto-kun, it is a honour to meet you," the femine voice, soft, smooth, and silky flowed through Naruto's ears.
Mikoto pulled back and cupped Naruto's cheek, her large round black eyes sparkled as she looked up into Naruto's eyes. "So you are the one that has won Sasuke's heart," she smiled warmly, stroking her thumb on his cheek briefly. She stepped back, her hands on his arms, giving him a squeeze, her eyes looking over Naruto from head to toe. "What an amazing strong and handsome alpha you are. Sasuke is so lucky to have you in his life." She hugged him again before stepping back, her warm smile made her face glow.
Naruto was frozen in time for a moment. He could see Sasuke in her, her smooth soft light skin, her soft deep coloured eyes and the satiny feel of her hair. Sasuke had all her soft looks and scent and Naruto's heart ached suddenly thinking of how much he needed his mate. Finding his voice, "it's an honour to meet you Mikoto-sama." He beamed her a bright smile and rubbed at the side of his neck, feeling flustered and the heat rose to his cheeks.
A deep voice cleared before Naruto, "I am Fugaku Uchiha, head of the Uchiha clan." Fugaku's voice sounded strong and authoritative while his eyes looked sternly at Naruto. He held his hand out towards Naruto, grasping Naruto's hand when offered and giving a solid strong squeeze and shake. Naruto nodded in respect, pinching his lips together in a small smile. He could see where Itachi got his authoritative demeanor from as well as his looks. Raven black hair, light skin and deep black eyes certainly ran in the family. His alpha could feel the authority radiating from the Uchiha head and perked its ears in interest. Though he felt no hostility from the man, his alpha was always apprehensive towards other alphas at the moment, especially knowing what he did of the Uchiha clan from Sasuke's perspective.
Fugaku nodded firmly before turning his hand towards the table and chairs. "Come, sit Naruto-kun, we have much to discuss. Being a clan leader yourself, I would like to know more-"
"With all due respect Fugaku-sama, I need to go find my mate," Naruto managed to hiss out between clenched teeth. His alpha was getting anxious again, and listening how his parents didn't seem to care about how their son was missing wasn't sitting well with Naruto. His yellow rimmed eyes were solid on Fugaku, his stance solid and steady. He flicked his eyes briefly to Mikoto but then redirected himself to the Uchiha clan member.
Fugaku raised a brow in question. "There is time for that after we have a quick meeting-"
"We can meet after I find my mate," Naruto clenched his teeth and took a deep breath. He was having trouble keeping his alpha calm, not to mention the worry coming from his own human self was adding to the anxiety.
Fugaku looked ready to rebute, taking a step closer towards the blond alpha, his chest puffed up and his chin thrust out with his lips pinched tight in a frown.
"Fugaku," Mikoto's voice rang through. "Let Naruto-kun go find Sasuke, after all, it can't be easy on him since he is just returning from a long absence." Mikoto had slid up beside Fugaku and grabbed a hold of his arm. She rubbed her delicate fingers up and down Fugaku's arm in a soothing manner. She gave Naruto an understanding smile before looking up to Fugaku again. "We have lots of time to talk when both of them get back. Don't you think?" She practically purred out in Fugaku's ear and Fugaku looked over at his mate.
Izumi pushed through the large doors with a hurried pace into the room. All eyes turned to the sudden intrusion and she stopped just inside the doors and bowed. "Uchiha-sama, forgive my intrusion," she breathed out heavily.
Naruto stepped forward suddenly, a low growl escaping his lips at yet another stranger that barged into the room that he didn't know. His alpha was on edge and didn't appreciate the sudden changes happening around it. The two other alphas in the room stepped forward to intercept Naruto, their snarls low enough to be heard and notify the other that they were ready. Naruto's eyes and canines flashed at the two, noticing their threatening stance. Naruto stopped when he felt Itachi's hand on his shoulder, causing Naruto to whip his head back to look Itachi in the eyes.
"My other cousin, Izumi Uchiha," he softly spoke and pointed with his eyes at the woman. Naruto relaxed slightly under Itachi's touch at the explanation. "I believe we should let Naruto go to Sasuke and we can all meet upon their return." Itachi gave Naruto's shoulder a tap of assurance and nodded at his parents. "After all, there is much to discuss with Sasuke as well when he returns."
Fugaku grunted out an approval, Mikoto smiled warmly before turning around to see Izumi. "Come meet Sasuke's mate Izumi," she called out.
The beta woman stood quickly, "with all due respect Mikoto-sama, it will have to waitI bring news." She bowed again for an apology. "Sasuke is just outside, I could sense him."
Naruto was gone before Izumi could finish that sentence.
The Uchiha clan members rushed to the front of the home where the door was still open and stepped outside. The sun was high, the rays causing the snow to glisten off the tops of the trees and around the area. It would have been a beautiful sight to see if the clan wasn't busy looking about to see where Sasuke was. They found Naruto, several meters away from the house, the sun reflecting off his golden hair and the small breeze ruffling random strands of hair. He was moving his head about slowly, he was scenting the air and looking carefully between the trees. The Uchiha's watched closely and quietly, not wanting to disturb him, knowing that a mate could become aggressive should anyone interfere in a situation like this.
Naruto removed his shirt and sweater, dropping them into snow before slipping out of his pants. He was barefoot, but that didn't seem to matter. His fists clenched and large swirling puffs of white moisture came from his lips as he breathed out long deep breaths into the winter air. His body flinched and shook, he bent over slightly before opening up his arms and falling forward. His wolf body emerged in a fluid transformation before he hit the snow with four large paws. Shaking his body, the thick dirty blond fur waved about in the breeze before Naruto sprinted off in one direction, pushing up snow and frozen ground in his tracks. The wolf was gone into the tree line within a moment and the area was silent once more.
Itachi breathed in a deep breath, closing his eyes momentarily. He could sense Sasuke not too far, but not fully consciously, which meant Sasuke was still in wolf form and his wolf was still in the lead. He pinched his lips into a frown and hoped that his otouto would be conscious enough to come home, with Naruto. "Let's get some food and tea ready for when they return shall we?" Itachi sighed out to his family. The Uchiha clan agreed and slowly made their way back inside the manor.
Naruto's eyes scanned the area constantly as he ran between the trees. The alpha could sense his mate nearby and his anxiousness to be near Sasuke again rose ten fold. His mind chanted 'Sasuke' over and over and he pushed his legs to go harder and faster. He figured he must have covered two miles and Sasuke's scent was getting so much stronger. Pushing himself even harder, he cleared a jump over a large cavern before crashing through a thick area of forest and thrust himself through a heavy barrage of prickly thorned bushes. He skid to a stop, his nose getting covered from the deep snow and he shook his head quickly to clear his head of the white powdery substance. His eyes came to focus on the sleek black wolf several yards away, standing stone still, ears perked up straight and he was eyeing him suspiciously.
The black wolf's fur shone in the sun, the brilliant navy blue highlights noticeable and the alpha shivered uncontrollably with excitement the moment Naruto saw him. Huffing out an excitable gruff, Naruto bounded up through the snow excitedly towards the beautiful wolf. 'Sasuke-Sasuke-Sasuke!' Naruto called out with glee, his heart thumping erratically at finally seeing and sensing his mate. Sasuke's wolf didn't move and just watched him gallop towards him. 'Sas! I'm home!' Naruto called again when he got within a few feet and lept high into the air, intent on tackling him. His body hit the deep snow, his nose got a snout full of cold snow and Naruto 'eeped' out a snort of surprise when his body sunk into the dark white coldness. Though he couldn't feel the cold with his thick wolf fur, but he rolled about trying to get back on his feet when he realized that he hadn't landed into Sasuke. Finding his footing, he shook his massive wolf body vigorously to rid himself of the snow and wet before his yellow eyes focused on his mate.
Sasuke had jumped out of the way of the plummeting blond and he had his head lowered, ears were flat back against his head and white snarling canines growled out warningly towards Naruto.
'Sas? What-?' Naruto called out, his head tilted in confusion at the unexplainable action that Sasuke had just done. The black wolf stamped his feet and snarled louder towards him. 'Sasuke, it's me!' Naruto called out again, giving a small bark in the process. The black wolf moved slightly backwards, his lips snarling over his teeth, red eyes glowed and narrowed at Naruto.
Naruto, now confused at the action, took hesitant steps to the side, trying to get a good look at Sasuke's wolf. His eyes looked all over the wolf's body, looking for any signs of injury and all the while those red eyes continued to watch his every move. Sasuke's ears were still flat back on his head, the snarls did not let up and he moved to watch Naruto circle around him. Naruto sniffed heavily about the air, since he didn't see any signs of injury there had to be something wrong and perhaps he could smell it. Naruto could smell the familiar deep earthy scent of his mate and his alpha whined and clawed at his mentality, wanting to get closer to its mate he had missed for so many months. He moved closer to the black wolf, intent on finding out what was wrong, he lowered his head lightly and let out a whimper as he stepped up to the snarling wolf.
He cried out in pain when Sasuke lunged forward and clamped his jaw on Naruto's one ear, giving it a hard shake, causing Naruto to fall to the ground in surprise. When Sasuke's muzzle released his ear, Naruto struggled to get back on his feet but took it slowly, realizing there was something wrong when his mate just attacked him! 'Sasuke! It's me! What's going on?!' Naruto called out in a panic. He opened his eyes to see Sasuke's red eyes still focused on him, his lips rippled up over his canines and the snarls continued. Naruto lowered himself more to the ground and began to crawl his way towards the irate wolf. He whimpered out loudly and he snaked himself closer and closer to the black wolf. He yelped out in surprise and pain when the black wolf attacked his neck, clamping hard with his jaws and shaking at Naruto's thick coat of fur. He could feel Sasuke's huge claws scraping and scratching at him, his teeth held strong and Naruto yielded to the attack. He whimpered loudly as Sasuke continued to gouge at him with his paws and head shake him.
'Sasuke! Please! Wake up!' Naruto whined out loudly, the pain of his mate's attack on him causing his alpha to howl out in rage. His alpha demanded justice at being treated this way but a pack member, mate be damned! And Naruto squeezed his eyes and concentrated on holding the rage of his alpha down while Sasuke's wolf continued his attack.
It was suddenly quiet and Naruto could hear the birds in the distance, the wind blowing softly through the trees and the echoes of wildlife that trekked through the forest. He knew his body was still on the ground, the snow around him and the pain from where Sasuke attacked him was still fresh on his body. But he opened his eyes, his wolf vision taking in the sight around him. Snow, forest, blue sky and a black wolf, several feet away. He watched the black wolf, who seemed to be just standing in the deep snow, watching him and not moving. Groaning inwardly and clenching his teeth from the stabs of pain, he slowly rose to his feet, watching the black wolf carefully. He limped onto his four paws, his skin trembled from the cold air hitting his open wounds but he sat back on his haunches and stared back at the black wolf. He wasn't sure what to do. Would Sasuke attack him again? Was Sasuke blacking out? Naruto had no idea how to explain what was going on, but be damned if he was going to leave Sasuke alone! His alpha was still pissed that his mate treated him as such, but Naruto wouldn't let the alpha take charge. If his alpha took control, he may end up hurting Sasuke as an alpha wolf pack leader in the wild would do.
The black wolf stood eerily still and Naruto could see the small puffs of white, indicating at least the black wolf was breathing. Those red eyes seemed to bore right through him and Naruto felt himself shiver with confusion. When the black wolf exhaled a long breath, ending with a whine and collapsed in the snow, Naruto dashed towards the fallen wolf in a panic. 'Sasuke! Sasuke!' he called out again when she slid to a stop by the fallen black wolf. The black wolf's breathing was quick and shallow, Naruto could see waves of trembling all over Sasuke's body but his eyes were closed, and when Naruto nudged gently into the black wolf's fur, Sasuke didn't respond. Naruto whined loudly over and over as he sniffed about the black wolf's body, trying to figure out why he collapsed. He stepped back in surprise when the black wolf began to shrink in size, bones making a popping noise, the body trembled and shook. Naruto immediately realized what was happening so he stepped back slightly, watching as the black wolf contracted and Sasuke's naked form appeared.
Naruto's heart clenched painfully seeing the human form of his mate, but Sasuke didn't appear to wake up when Naruto nudged his wolf nose into him. Naruto let out a whine again as he continued to nudge at Sasuke's body and panic was beginning to build. 'Sasuke! Sasuke! Wake up!' Naruto frantically began to sniff around Sasuke, seeking out any signs of injuries, but finding none, now he needed to figure out what to do to keep Sasuke safe. In his human form, there was no way Sasuke could survive the elements, and if Sasuke wasn't awake to transform back into his wolf form...his mind began to think of Sasuke freezing to death. 'NO!' Naruto scolded himself for thinking like that. He quickly moved around Sasuke, nudging Sasuke's body so Naruto could wrap his warm furred body around him. He managed to maneuver Sasuke's unconscious body into his own, and Naruto tucked the small raven haired man's head under his neck. With his large tail, he finished covering Sasuke up within his fur and let out a long whimpering howl sound. He would stay there as long as he could, keeping Sasuke safe until he woke up.
==/\/\==
Izumi and Obito raced through the trees following Naruto's scent that still hung in the air. It had been several hours and the Uchiha's couldn't sense Sasuke as strongly anymore and the clan began to worry. If Naruto had found Sasuke by now, Itachi was certain that they would have come home, but as the hours ticked by, Itachi began to find himself by the window more and more. Itachi's alpha was becoming edgy with each passing hour and when his cousins suggested they go and see if they could determine the issue, Itachi all but pushed them out the door.
The two dark wolves dodged the heavy trees, the sun was near setting but thankfully they didn't sense another winter storm coming, but the nights were extremely frigid and they worried for their fellow family and clan member. Thankfully Naruto's trail was still fresh in the snow, his scent was heavy and Izumi leaped over a cavern, her cousin on her heels when they both broke through the thick thorny bushes into a clearing. Both wolves stopped and sniffed at the air and the ground where Naruto's tracks became thin. The wind had begun to cover the tracks made hours ago and Izumi let out an excited bark at Obito. She pointed her nose towards a large mound of snow before pushing her way through the snow cautiously, Obito following close behind. Her large nose wiggled and the air she breathed out pushed the loose snow from the ground. Pushing her head deep into the snow, Obito's ears perked up in interest when Izumi's snow covered face back out and uncovered what looked to be a wolf ear. The ear flicked about and the large blond coloured wolf's head popped up out of the snow, yellow eyes peering at the two of them with a snarl of a warning. Izumi and Obito hopped back, both barking out happy sounding yips at the blond coloured wolf, indicating they meant no harm.
Naruto's large wolf head shook, the snow flying all around him and his ears perked up. He looked at each of the wolves before letting out a whine and dipping his head back into the snow. He began to plow at the snow covering him with his muzzle, pushing it away carefully before allowing Izumi and Obito to come closer to see. Izumi and Obito began to push the snow away as well before whining out in unison at what they scented and could now see. Sasuke was tucked away within Naruto's thick fur coat between his massive legs, no snow had touched his nude form and he appeared comfortable, but he was still unconscious. Naruto nuzzled the thick black locks showing Izumi and Obito that Sasuke wouldn't wake. Obito was the first to transform back into his human form.
He checked Sasuke's vital signs, his face, and checked Sasuke's head for any apparent injuries. "We have to get him back to the manor," Obito explained as he shivered in the snow. "He could freeze if he stays out here too long in this form." Naruto released a low growl at Obito before releasing a snort. Obito ignored him and moved Sasuke into his arms bridal style and stepped back into the deeper snow. "Get yourself cleaned off and we will put him on your back. Izumi and I will flank you to ensure he doesn't fall off." Obito gave his most authoritative voice when explaining it to Naruto.
Naruto snorted out a response and quickly got up, shaking his fur clear of all the snow. Obito quickly got Sasuke on Naruto's back and Izumi stood against Naruto's side ensuring Sasuke didn't fall off while Obito quickly transformed back into his wolf form. The three wolves then moved as one as quickly as they could back to the Uchiha manor.
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So to me...this chapter was kinda short, but ... the direction the story goes, it made sense for me to chop the story here and fold the chapter into a loaf of bread, bake and serve to the fans. It may be a little smaller than the regular portion sizes, but I figure the fans can share evenly. As always, feel free to leave a comment or something of interest. I apologize I haven't been updating my tumblr, because tiktok keeps standing in the way LOL