Once again, thank you all for sticking with me and reading my ridiculous story. Hopefully I will not take as long this time!
The weeks following the chaos that Kakashi caused were interesting. The castle was put on lock down of a sort, but Neji and Hinata managed to keep Kakashi hidden. No one had asked after his body which was a relief. It had taken a whole week for the silver prince to even wake up which terrified the Hyugas. But they were overjoyed that he had woken up. However, the drawbacks to using that poison were horrible. For the next two weeks after that, Kakashi hadn't been able to move. He was barely able to eat now and it had been difficult to keep his body nourished enough to not shut down. There was still no word from Itachi which was also concerning. Neji felt worried that the other was gone and they wouldn't be able to find him again. The only hope they did have was the fact that Gaara was now able to send them small messages. They were often one word and needed to be put together, but it was helpful. That was allowing them to get a plan put together so they wouldn't be stuck in this castle for much longer.
Knowing that Gaara was on the outside, making a plan for them was good, but Neji was also concerned about the plans that the Hyuga and Akastuki were still making. Not to mention, the underlying knowledge that they were planning on killing Hiashi while using Hinata to manipulate the kingdom. It made Neji upset. As he walked into the room, he felt surprised that Kakashi was sitting up already. "You're able to move a small amount now?"
"Sitting up is my biggest achievement," Kakashi replied with a weak smile. "I barely managed it. My body still feels like lead. I don't think I'll be able to move fully on my own for a few months maybe."
"That's certainly going to make getting out of here much harder than we initially thought, but manageable," Neji mumbled to himself. The only thing they really needed to do was make sure Hanabi would be safe as well. If they could get her to come with them when escaping, then things would go much better. "Don't worry Kakashi, we will figure a way out of here. I swear."
"You do not have to keep promising me. I believe you and I trust you to keep your word," the silver prince said gently. "Has...has there been any word about Itachi? Is he safe?"
"I'm sorry Kakashi, there is still no word. I do not know what happened, but he is likely out there, trying to think of a way to rescue you himself. Try not to worry too much over him," the other prince replied as the door opened again to reveal Hinata with a bowl of soup. "Good timing Hinata, he needs some food."
"You're sitting up, that's wonderful!" Hinata gasped as she walked over to sit on the bed next to Kakashi. "Is it still hard to move your arms?"
"Yes, unfortunately. I barely managed to get myself to this position and even then I'm amazed I did it," Kakashi confessed with a sad sigh. He just wanted to be able to move without worrying so he wouldn't cause problems for the other two. "I wish we had Tsunade with us. That would be amazing."
"Tsunade? That would be incredibly difficult since there is war all around us. She wouldn't pick a side in all of this," Neji explained as he shook his head. They did need someone more proficient in medical magic, but there wasn't anyone around that would be trustworthy. "We certainly need someone that can use that kind of magic though. It would speed up your recovery a lot."
"So what is the plan then? We can't just search around can we?" Kakashi asked with a small smile towards the pair of Hyuga. He wasn't sure what they could do to actually get him to recover faster that they weren't already doing. Hinata made him nutrient rich broths and some solid food, they tried to help him sit up and move with help to get his muscles used to moving again. But it seemed like it wasn't working as quickly as needed. "Well...I suppose we could always throw me into the laundry cart and see if that works?"
"The laundry cart?" Hinata repeated in confusion. She looked at Neji before turning to look at the other prince. "Perhaps, but what would we do once you were down there?"
"I have no idea. I mean...we don't know what the servants would do or if they're under orders to keep you two under watch. It might actually be a bad idea," Kakashi said, shaking his head slightly.
"It's not a bad plan per say. Just too many variables. We would need someone we trust to be there so you wouldn't be discovered or handed over. Then there's still getting us out, that's a problem. How would we get Hanabi to leave without causing her to panic?"
"Perhaps Gaara could help?" Hinata asked gently as she looked at her cousin. "Or maybe their other informant?"
"Sadly, I don't know who that is, but I'll try to send him a message about it and see what he thinks," Neji said gently as he gave the two of them a soft look of uncertainty. "Until then, we have to be careful about our movements."
"We've all been rather careful. But I'll remember to be cautious," Hinata said with a small nod as she turned to help Kakashi eat some more. Once he finished his food, she quietly stood and turned to the door. "I think it would be good for us to see if we can find something that might counteract the poison?"
"That's probably a good idea, but I think it would be best if I look for that instead of you Hinata. I don't know who might be lurking around there," Neji said gently. People were always watching Hinata since she was the next in line, but Neji was more expendable so they didn't worry as much about him. So, it was easier for him to do things without being found out. Not to mention, he simply worried over his cousin constantly.
"Very well, I will wait with Kakashi for now," she replied with a gentle smile.
"Don't stay here too long. People will notice if you're gone for much longer," Kakashi warned as he gave her a soft smile. He didn't want to get her in trouble for going missing just because he needed to be taken care of. "I don't want them finding us because of that. It would make all of your and Neji's hard work for nothing. I don't want that at all."
"Kakashi, I don't want to leave you alone like that," Hinata said gently as she shook her head. He chuckled and shook his head. "What?"
"I know you don't want to leave me alone, but I want you safe as well. That is more important to me right now," Kakashi explained gently as he looked at Hinata and gave her a reassuring smile. "So, please, go and get some food, rest, and make sure you are up to whatever comes tomorrow, yeah?"
"Alright, I can do that," Hinata replied with a soft smile. "Good night Kakashi, I hope that you are well until the morning."
"Thank you Hinata and I hope you have a good night as well," Kakashi said gently as he watched her leave. The sound of the lock being turned made a sense of relief fill him as he sighed. It was still going well as far as he was concerned.
The next morning, there was rushing around the castle. Kakashi couldn't make out what was happening, but there was definitely running. It almost sounded like the day that he had faked his death honestly. He sat for some time, listening to the sound of footsteps moving quickly about outside, Kakashi slowly sat up and stared at the door. He wasn't sure what exactly to do for the moment. Would it be better to sit and stay? Or should he try to move and hide better? Groaning, he tried to shuffle himself to the edge of the bed. While he moved his legs, he shivered and tried not to panic at the thought of standing. He hadn't done that since that day and he wasn't sure what would happen. As he tried putting weight on his feet, he could feel and see them give out beneath him. Before he could stop himself, he was falling off the bed.
"Damn it!" the prince whispered as he lay on the ground, trying to sit up again. His legs were still too weak for the time being so he couldn't walk normally. Looking around, Kakashi tried to figure out where to go. He could drag himself somewhere, but not fast and who knows who would be coming into the room aside from Hinata and Neji. As he started to drag himself towards the far corner of the room, he heard the lock begin to open. However, it wasn't the same as if a key was being used. For a moment, Kakashi panicked. There wasn't anywhere for him to hide, so he simply went limp. Not long after, he heard the door finally open and several sets of footsteps coming into the room. They faltered for a moment before going towards him. Before he knew what was happening, Kakashi was being turned over and picked up. He didn't open his eyes, but he could feel them looking him over.
"He's breathing. It's shallow, but he's not dead. That's good," the one holding him said they moved. It was definitely a man, but the other hadn't spoken so he was getting a little worried. He felt a gentle touch to his face before one of his eyes was forced open. It was hard not to blink for the moment or keep his eye unfocused. "We should hurry before they find us or something."
"You're right," the second person agreed as she allowed Kakashi's eye to close. He could feel the one holding him tighten his grip as they started walking. Being carried like this was terrifying since he wouldn't really be able to escape if he tried. Not to mention Hinata and Neji were going to be upset that he was gone. Unless these people were going to help him, he needed to figure out some way to get away from them. Despite that feeling of need, he had to admit that he didn't quite feel in danger. It was alarming, but he didn't feel the need to escape truthfully. Despite being carried by someone he couldn't see and didn't know, his mind was telling him he was safe. However, he kept his eyes closed for the time being, feigning unconsciousness. "We should hurry, that distraction won't last much longer."
"You're damn right about that. But I'm not sure the best way to get out of here with everyone. You know he'll kill us if we don't get everyone," the man replied as he started walking quickly. It didn't take long for there to be shouting and lots of running around, which concerned Kakashi a lot. He didn't like not knowing what was happening. Worst of all, he didn't know if Neji and Hinata were safe which made him even more upset. Whatever was happening and whoever these people were, their goal was obvious. They were taking him as well as others out of the castle, but he had no clue who the others were. "Hey, I know you're awake now. I can feel you trying to remain relaxed. We need your help to try and find some more people that we're taking with us."
"Wait, he's awake?" The woman asked as Kakashi slowly opened his eyes. Looking around at the two people, the prince took a few deep breaths and nodded slowly. "I'm Temari and this is my brother Kankuro. We've been sent to bring you and others to your family."
"My family?" Kakashi asked gently as he tried not to freak out. They were alive? And safe enough to hire some people to rescue him? That small bit of information made him so happy that a few tears started streaming down his face. He sniffled, trying to keep himself more calm. "T-they really sent you?"
"Yes. And we agreed to help get the princesses and prince from the Hyuga as well. So, where are they?" Kankuro asked as he looked down at the silver prince.
"I-I don't know. They might be in their rooms or just protecting Hanabi. But I've not been allowed to explore or leave the rooms I was kept in because I was a prisoner," Kakashi explained as he sniffled again.
Temari frowned a bit in thought while shaking her head. "Just take him and go since he can't move on his own. I'll find the others and meet you and Gaara at the rendezvous point."
"You're sure?" Kankuro asked gently while he glanced at Kakashi. They had their main target, but he didn't want to leave his siblings alone. After all, who knows if they would need help or not. And if they did, he wouldn't want to leave them high and dry.
"Go, we can handle this. He's the most important part of our mission, now go," Temari ordered. Despite wanting to argue, Kankuro sighed in defeat and nodded as he started down the hall to leave with Kakashi.
"So, how long have you been looking for me then?" Kakashi asked as they moved quickly down the hallway.
"We've been looking for you for a while. You've…you've been hard to find," the puppet master replied as he shook his head. Hopefully they could help the other recover completely before returning him to his family. Or something close to it.
"How long is awhile?" Kakashi asked in curiosity. After all, he'd been separated from his family for a long time now. Had they been hired just after that? Or some time after? The questions were moving through his brain as he tried to keep from crying. It would be nice to see all of them again.
"Honestly, I'm not sure how long it's been. A few months or more maybe," Kankuro answered with an apologetic look. "We'll talk more once we have you out of here and in a safe place."
"Out and in a safe place. I kind of doubt there is really a safe place for me," Kakashi said with a soft scoff. Of course it helped that everyone thought he was dead. So there was that silver lining. Then again, if Kakuzu found out he was alive, things would be very difficult. For a moment, Kakashi kept quiet to let the other think as he tried to find a good way out. He was running fairly fast, but somehow not falling. It was relatively exciting to think that he would possibly be free after all this time.
"Alright, I'm going to need you to try and hold on now. We're…not going to make it to a door at all." Kankuro said looking ahead. That made Kakashi frown as he tried to think about how they were leaving. Window. That was the only word that came to mind. So, he moved his arms as much as possible and got them around Kankuro's neck. He couldn't hold on too tightly which frustrated him a lot. "Good enough. I'll make sure you don't fall."
"Alright, I'm counting on you then," Kakashi mumbled as he tried to turn into the other's chest while holding on. Not long after he felt Kankuro slow down slightly and then they were falling. He could feel his body starting to separate some from the puppet master. Try as he might, his grip wouldn't tighten. However, he soon felt himself being held again, but only with one arm.
"Try to hang on a little more," Kankuro said carefully as Kakashi realized they weren't falling as fast as they should be. He glanced around only to see a strange figure holding the other. It was floating but attached to the other by strings. That was different. "I know, it's strange magic, but it's easier to use than anything else for me."
"It's neat," Kakashi corrected when he felt them finally hit the ground. It wasn't hard, but not soft either. Then there was yelling and Kankuro looked a little panicked. "We're in trouble aren't we?"
"A little," the puppet master agreed.
Kakashi could see in the other's worry that they were in quite a bit of trouble. In any other circumstance, he figured Kankuro wouldn't have any trouble with the number of guards coming towards them. However, he was currently at a massive disadvantage due to carrying Kakashi. "I'm sorry I can't be of much help in this case."
"Apology accepted but unnecessary," Kankuro mumbled as he started adjusting Kakashi. Once he had the silver prince held tight to his chest, he started running as quickly as he could. That wasn't quite fast enough as some of the guards caught up, telling Kankuro to stop and hand over whatever he was carrying. So far they didn't realize it was him. That was good at least. As far as anyone else knew, Kakashi was dead. "Any bright ideas?"
"Not so far. Give me a few seconds," Kakashi joked as he looked around slightly. He flinched when Kankuro's grip tightened ever so slightly. "I may have an idea actually. Tell them you're recovering my body for Kakuzu and anyone who interferes will die."
"You seriously think that's going to work?" The puppet master asked as he moved his left hand to keep the guards away from him.
"From what Hinata and Neji told me, he left the day after we caused that uproar," Kakashi explained. Hopefully their fear of that vampire would actually help, but he wasn't too sure at the moment. "Make sure that you tell them you'll remember their faces."
"Alright, here goes nothing," Kankuro mumbled as he stopped and stared at each guard around him. "I suggest you all leave me to my business. You see, lord Kakuzu isn't going to be very happy when I take too long bringing him this body. And I'll be sure to let him know who got in my way when I was trying to leave."
Despite having his eyes closed, Kakashi could hear the men falter. They mumbled to each other before stepping back. "Just go then, don't tell him we tried to stop you."
"Much appreciated," the puppet master replied as he was finally able to support Kakashi with both hands. After that he quickly made his way out of the castle grounds and into the town below. Now that this part of the mission was completed, he needed to clear out their safe house. "Sorry Kakashi, but I can't keep carrying you like this. Going to need to go over the shoulder."
"That's fine. It's easier to carry me that way," Kakashi mumbled as he looked up at the castle. He felt a few tears escaping as he tried not to think about everything that had happened there. If only he could see Itachi then. That would make him feel so much better. Before he knew it, they were inside an inn. It didn't seem busy at all as they went to a room. He looked around at the interior and smiled. It would have been a nice place to be if they could stay. "I like this place. It's quaint."
"Good, you can sit for now while I pack up," Kankuro said as he gently put Kakashi in one of the chairs. At least he had the strength to keep himself somewhat upright. "I'll be right back."
"I'll be here," Kakashi said with a soft sigh. He hated being so useless. Then he heard movement from another part of the room. Who else was here?
"Kankuro, you should have said you'd returned," came the familiar baritone. Kakashi turned his head as much as he was able to stare at the other doorway and felt himself tearing up. He had to be dreaming. This couldn't be real right? He'd escaped however long ago and he should have gone far away. But here he was standing in that doorway. Itachi was alright. He had a sling around one of his arms, but otherwise alright. "Kakashi?"
"Y-you're okay," the silver prince gasped as he finally moved. It was stupid since he couldn't really support himself and jut fell out of the chair. He didn't hit the floor as he was caught by his lover. Looking up, he felt the tears falling. "I'm so glad you-you're alive. I was so scared."
"Hush my love," Itachi whispered as he pulled Kakashi into his lap and kissed his cheeks. It didn't make sense. Kankuro, Gaara, and Temari said he was dead. They all said their intel was right and he was dead. So how was he sitting here? Or had they all lied? Or were they lied to? Did Neji and Hinata mislead them on purpose in case there was a spy? The questions moved through his head until he realized Kakashi was still crying against his chest. "You're safe now and we won't let anything happen to you."
"Thank you," Kakashi mumbled as he hiccupped to try and stop the sobs racking his body. "I missed you so much."
"And I missed you as well my love. But, we will have to save this for another time. We have to leave," Itachi whispered while glancing at Kankuro. He had packed all of their things which meant they needed to leave quickly. "Can you walk at all?"
"No, the poison that we used paralyzed my body for the most part. I can barely keep myself sitting upright," Kakashi answered with a soft scoff. How pitiful he must seem. A gentle kiss made him forget those thoughts as he leaned into it with a hum.
"I'll carry him since I've got two arms. You carry the pack," Kankuro said as he set the bag down next to Itachi. "We'll have more time for this once we're out of this town."
"Agreed," Itachi said gently as he lightly nuzzled his nose against Kakashi's. After that, he carefully took, taking the pack while Kankuro picked up Kakashi. He felt relief wash over him as it set in that Kakashi was actually here and alright. He couldn't have been happier.