The four soldiers reached the top of the temple steps, panting heavily, lungs and legs burning from the rapid climb. Thick smoke hung in the air, obscuring much of the scene, every so often it lifted before shrouding areas in smoke.
"COMMANDER!" Shouted Sera, as she moved franticly through the smoke. The others too, were calling out to their comrades, fear present in their voices. For what felt like hours, Nathill stumbled upon several charred remains of their squad scattered around.
"By the Gods." He breathed out; the acidic stench of burnt flesh hung around like a dead weight. "Over here!" he shouted, doing his best not to allow the smell to deter him from looking for any survivors. One by one, he examined the charred remains, praying that someone was alive. He barely noticed the others joining him, he was too engrossed thought.
"Nath…." A strained whisper caught his attention, over to the side, slumped against a banister.
"Rilus." Rushing over to him, dropping to his knees, gingerly cupping the others face. "Jonas!" calling out for the medic. "I'm here, Rilus." Tears beginning to swell up, "I'm here."
"Help me lie him down." Pain spiking through out his charred body, trying his best to muffle the shouts of pain, but some were worst than others.
"Rilus, what happened?" asked Nathill, as he gently held the others hand, sucking in a harsh breath, when tormented eyes locked onto his.
"Were…betrayed." he managed to breath out, his voice hitching as more pain shot through his system.
"What do you mean betrayed? By whom?"
"She'll be fine." One of the remain soldiers said, as they all watch their team descent the stairs.
"I hope so." Replied the commander, turning away as the last of the team disappeared.
The remaining troops returned to find a way into the temple itself, leaving the commander alone. For several minutes he stared out over the secluded area when a warmth began to spread from within his cuirass; glancing around, satisfied that he was alone, he removed the small orb that was pulsating.
"Yes?" he whispered, still he looked around, finding a secluded area. He remained silent as he listened. "I've found the temple of Twilight. Yet, the doors to the temple itself are sealed shut." He growled lowly, his eyes hardening to the response he received.
"The wards are too powerful. If you want me to tear them down, then I'll need help." He snapped back, barely keeping his voice under control.
"I'm aware of our Mistress's orders. This is a temple of a goddess, not some other demon." A twisted smile grew. "I'll handle the remaining Matatabians, while you get here." Stowing away the orb, he unsheathed his blade, and began to find his targets.
It seemed fortune was with him, as he found his first target alone, observing a mural.
"Oh, Commander, I didn't notice you there." She said, glancing over her shoulder, then turning her attention back to the mural. "This is fascinating." gesturing to the mural. "It's a series of depictions of a prominent figure." Pointing to large figure that was present in all the murals.
"That is indeed fascinating." He replied, quick as a flash, he covered her mouth, then plunged his sword clean through her, muffling the shout of pain and surprise. For added measure he twisted the blade, killing her instantly. Withdrawing his blade, he guided her limp body to the floor, stepping back, he moved onto his next target.
Flattening his back against an outcrop, he peered around just enough to observe the remaining troops clustered around a still fountain. There were too many of them, for him to dispatch; he could not let anyone escape.
"Having some trouble?" a silky voice asked, making him to spin around, blade poised to attack. There, standing in front of him, were four agents: all in full battle gear.
"Hardly." He replied, rolling his eyes at his teammate. "Just thinking on how to dispose of them." Jerking his head in the direction of the Matatabians.
"There is only one way." Giving the other agents a sharp hand signal, they dispersed without making a sound.
"Killing them isn't going to be a problem, for you?" the remaining agent asked, tilting her head to the side, watching for any hesitation.
"Please." Scrunching up his face in disgust, "Pretending to be a Matatabian, made my skin crawl." Shivering at the mere thought, "I cannot wait to get back home."
"I can see why Mistress gave you this assignment." Smirked his counterpart, "You always had an affinity for bending other minds."
"Exactly." Smiling for the first time as he spotted the others in position. "Murder and mayhem await."
"I've missed you." The agent fondly stated, grasping the handle of a massive battle axe, that rested against her back. "Now let's have some fun." In a blink of an eye, she vanished, reappearing behind an unexpecting soldier. Swinging the imitating weapon effortlessly, cleaving the soldier in two.
The attack happened soo fast, the Matatabians barely managed to react. Rilus watched in horror as his friend was brutally killed, revealing the smiling agent of Matsuho. He flinched as an arrow embedded itself in the soldiers to his left and right, he barely dodged the axe that came swinging at his head. Unsheathing his own weapon, the young demon darted into cover, gripping tightly the handle, he peered round watching the few remaining soldiers engaging Matsuho's agents.
Seeing an opening, he sprung from cover, keeping his movements unpredictable as to reduce the chances of being hit by the archer. Gaining momentum, he slammed himself into the enemy, knocking him out of the way. Not wasting a moment, he plunged his blade into the enemy. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end, his ears picking up the sound of an object cutting through the air; he rolled out of the way, as the axe came crashing down, slamming into the ground, destroying the floor beneath.
"You're an agile bastard." Grunted out the female, as she dislodged her weapon. "You would make an excellent addition to our forces." Eyes locking on the crouched man.
"I would rather die than join you!" he spat, tightening his grip that much more, the leather creaking from the additional stress.
"So be it." Leaping forward with great skill and agility, crossing the distance between her, and the Matatabians hiding place in moments. He watched as she leaped at him, her menacing blade primed, rolling out from behind statue, putting enough space between her and himself, he felt and heard the statue being obliterated; debris being flung all over the place.
Again, she came at him, but this time, he was ready.
As she came hurtling towards him, her shadow growing large be the second, he rolled towards her, feeling the air ripple as hit the ground behind him. Not taking a second longer, he spun around, his blade following the movement in a graceful arc. The vibrations of the impact rippled down the blade and up his arm, he frowned slightly at the unusual feeling. His eyes widened as he watched the armour glow purple, leaving no trace of his attack. Suddenly he was back handed, sending him flying, smashing into the fountain, destroying a portion of it. His body finally came to a rough stop, curled up against the banister.
His opponent casually made her way over, her axe scraping against the ground. The scraping came to a halt, as she stood over the limp body; she looked down at him.
"It's a shame you'll have to die." Tilting her head, "You are soo young, and with soo much potential." Shaking her head, letting out a disappointed sigh. "Such a waste." Securing a grip on her weapon, she rose it above her head, ready to kill the younger demon.
"Varala." Turning her head, she watched as the commander removed his blade from the last Matatabian, paying the fallen soldier no mind as he gestured her to follow him.
"Can't I kill him?!" she called out after him.
"Leave him. He'll die soon enough!" he shouted back, making his way towards the temple doors. Huffing, she shouldered the blade, and processed to follow him up the two flight of steps, regrouping with the rest of her squad.
"What now?" the commander began to investigate the majestic door, resting his hand against the cool surface, feeling the power embedded within. Slowly he released some of his chakra, nothing happened. Again, he tried, but this time with more power behind it. A barely recognisable tingle passed through his hand; steadily he increased the output until the tingle was constant and strong. Opening stepping back, he watched as the door glowed, revealing a multitude of symbols and glyphs, intricately woven together. He let out a whistle as he looked from one section to another.
"There is no way of getting through that." He concluded once he finished inspecting the last section. "Nothing less than the combined might of the tailed ones, would penetrate this door."
"Well, we're fucked if we can't get in." someone muttered, "We cannot afford to fail."
"Didn't that woman guide you here?" Varala asked, shooting him a side glance.
"I don't know where they went." He answered nonchalantly, "What do you have in mind?"
"Set a trap." She stated, "Set off the defences, making it look like something terrible has happened, or whatever." Waving her free hand around. "There is a high possibility she will come running to investigate. Once here, she will most likely figure out how to open this blasted door, and that's when we take over." Shrugging carelessly.
"It's worth ago." The commander concluded, noticing an excellent vantage point to the die. "Move to that outcrop, have your weapons ready." He instructed, in seconds he was alone before the temple door, a foreboding feeling began to worm its way through his soul.
Ignoring the feeling as best as he could, he began to regulate his breathing, feeling his own chakra twist and coil within. He knows he would only have a fraction of a second to teleport out of the way; slowly, he began to condense his chakra. After several minutes, he had reached his desired concentration of chakra; the condensed ball of chakra was no bigger than the palm of his hand. All the malice and hatred of the past several years of working with the Matatabians, was poured into the ball. The ominous feeling permeated throughout his body and soul, still he ignored it, all that mattered was completing their mission, by any means necessary.
With that he hurled the ball of chakra and hatred at the majestic door, teleporting away as soon as it left his hand.
Boom
A violent wave of blue flames erupted outwards barely a second later, making the area around the temple to shake. A thick column of smoke followed shorty after, shrouding the temple in darkness.
"Now we wait."
They did not have to wait long.
"There." Pointed out the archer, as four Matatabians rushed up the temple steps, dropping in and out of sight.
"Now, let see what will happen." Muttered Varala, all eyes were now watching the scene unfold below them. Several time they lost sight of them, as the plume of thick smoke obscured them from view.
"This blasted smoke!" growled out the female, loosing track of the demons below for the umpteenth time.
"Will you shut up?" snapped the commander as he shot her a dangerous look.
"Commander." Whispered the archer, pointing towards the battlefield, where the remains of the Matatabians squad mates laid scattered. Now all eyes were transfixed on that position, watching as Nathill moved from one body to the next.
"Jonas!" That single word echoed throughout the area, making the commander go ridged.
"Fyr, end him." He ordered the archer, "The rest of us will get ready to move."
Stealthily Fyr moved to a better vantage point, after a few minutes of searching, he had found it. A clean shot.
Keeping within the shadows, he withdrew an arrow from the quiver, notching the projectile securely to the string. Drawing in a breath as he pulled back the sting, waiting for an opening. In seconds it presented itself, with that, he let loose the sting, the arrow flying straight for its target.
"What do you mean betrayed? By whom?"
Rilus breath hitching, eyes becoming unfocused as he struggled to remain conscious.
"Rilus!" franticly shouted Nathill, trying desperately to get him to focus. "Who betrayed you?" Tears were beginning to swell up in the corner of his eyes. "Come on, Ri. Stay with us!"
"Nath…" gripping the others hand, "I'm sorry." tears running down his face as he looked at the other man. "I…I…I don't want to go."
"You don't have to go anywhere, Ri." Looking desperately at Jonas, seeing the sweat rolling down the medic's face, as he tried to keep his teammate alive. "You can stay here with us." Reaching over cupping the blackened cheek. "You can stay, as long as you want."
"It…It doesn't hurt anymore."
"You're endanger, Mortal." Whispered the disembodied voice, sending a chill down Pala's back. "The enemy is here." Pala began to look all around, her eyes flickering from one spot to another.
"Just because you cannot see them, doesn't mean they aren't there." Retorted the voice, with a hint of exasperation. "When they strike, be ready to head to my inner sanctum. You'll be quite safe there."
"Pala what's wro…" seemly out of nowhere, an arrow plunged itself into Rilus's head, killing him instantly. Shock gripped the remaining troops, they were jolted out of their shock when a second arrow slammed into the remains of the fountain, ricocheting off some of the masonry.
"Run, Mortal!" ordered the voice, "Know that I will protect you!" a third arrow, slammed into a barrier.
"We need to go. Now!" shouted Pala as she poked her head around a destroyed statue. "Head towards the temple doors." With that, she ran as fast as she could, her injuries making themselves known.
"Nathill, we need to move." Gently stated Jonas, his eyes full of sorrow. Gripping firmly the other man's shoulders, still he didn't move, letting out a frustrated breath, he forcefully pulled the order man away.
The commander watched with twisted glee, as the arrow hit its mark dead on. With a simple sign, the rest of the agents sprang into action, leaving just himself, his eyes locked on the mighty temple doors, waiting.
Barriers blazed to life, as projectiles of fire and wood, rained down on the four escaping Matatabians. Pounding feet, heavy breathing filled their ears, as they skidded and slid over the cobblestones, racing towards the temple doors.
Adrenaline flooded their system, hearts hammering, their destination slowly coming into reach.
A massive explosion of ethereal green flames erupted in front of them, making them skid to a halt. Again, and again the flames smashed against the barrier.
"We need to find another way!" shouted Sera, as she instinctively shielded her face. Spinning around on their heels, they started back tracking, but were once again put to a standstill.
On all side's attacks struck against the barriers, giving no leeway, effectively pinning them.
Nathill clenched his fists, anger, and hatred roared throughout his body. Eyes narrowing to mere pinpoints, with his mind made up, he shoved past Jonas and Pala, raising his hand, and let loose a torrent of blue and black flames.
He poured everything he had into the attack, allowing his anger, hatred, and sorrow to fuel him. Again, and again, throwing attack after attack against the agents; hot tears flowed steadily. Taking the initiative, they moved upwards, the barrier moving with them. Step by step, until finally they reached the upper platform.
The majestic doors flashed a mixture of blue and gold, the sound of massive locks being released echoed loudly, as the finally lock released, the massive doors slowly parted.
The attacks eased; the soldiers watched as the agents turned their attention to the newly opened doors. Disregarding the Matatabians, they rushed towards the opened doors, the commander appeared several paces ahead of them.
"Finally." Together with the other agents, he walked over the threshold. Instantly they were surrounded by bright blue energy, freezing them to the spot.
"You dare trespass inside my temple, Agents of the Purple Dragon?!" Spat the disembodied voice. "You have spilt innocent blood on my grounds." A primal fear ran rampant through their bodies.
"You have no power over us!" shouted back the Commander, struggling against the field of energy. Laughter bouncing of the polished surfaces, sending a shiver down their spine.
"Your souls are mine." With that, they vanished.
Around the Matatabians, the protective barriers melted away. With a large gust of wind, the hanging plume of thick smoke dissipated.
No one could relax, the adrenaline still coursed through their veins.
"Step into my temple, Mortals." Called out the voice, as reassuringly as possible. "You will come to no harm. I wish to speak to you." Nervously, they looked to one another, unsure whether to accept the invitation or not.
"Are we seriously going to step foot in there?" pointed out Nathill, "It could be a trap!"
"What other choice do we have?" countered Jonas, "Whatever we are dealing with, is well out of our league."
"Seriously, Jonas?" asked Sera, her voice full of disbelieve. "I vote, we leave while we can." Turning to face Pala, "Pala?!" spotting the younger female, walking towards the temple. Without thinking, Sera ran after her, grabbing a hold of her shoulder.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?!" spinning the young demon around to face her, ignoring the other two catching up with them.
"We don't have a choice in this." She said quietly, "We're alive because we followed the advice of the voice."
"No." She firmly stated, "We followed you."
"Then, follow me one last time." For several moments, the two females stared at each other. Finally, Sera let out a long, deep breath before nodding slightly.
"Thank you." Pala replied, a small smile lighting up her face. Turning back around, a sense of foreboding settled in the pit of her stomach, as she gazed into the inner sanctuary. "Here goes nothing." With that, she marched into the temple, not daring to look back.
"This is a bad idea." Muttered Nathill, nevertheless he followed the others. As soon as he crossed over the threshold, a sharp shiver ran down his spin. Deeper they went, the area was spotless, as though untouched by time. Braziers and torches ignited all around them, illuminating the area. At the far end, stood a large statue of a women with her arms raised to the sky, flowers of different colours decorated the pedestal. All four soldiers whipped around when they heard the groaning of the doors close, flaring, signalling the wards were once more engaged, trapping the demons inside.
"Greetings, Mortals." The voice carrying throughout the building, causing all of them to look where the voice was coming from. "Have no fear, Mortals. You are safe here."
"That remains to be seen." Retorted Nath, anger, and hatred bubbling beneath the surface.
"Nath." Hissed Pala, shooting the man a dirty look.
"No." he spat back, "This mission has gone to shit ever since we got here."
"Calm yourself, Mortal." A hint of a threat present within her tone.
"Don't you dare, tell me to be calm!" hot tears began to trickle down, "You, who tells us we're safe! But what about our squadmates? Our Friends?!"
"They were not needed."
"Not needed?!" he shouted back, "You sadistic bitch! You're no better than Matsuho!" instantly he was lobbed across the room, slamming into the wall. The whole room was charged with energy.
"You'll show me some respect, Mortal." Her voice echoed loudly, "It is by our whim who lives and who dies." After what felt like several agonising minutes, the suffocating energy that permeated the place, began to settle down. "The loss of their life, though regrettable, was necessary."
"Why where they necessary?" asked a confused Sera, trying to keep her tone respectable.
"So that you'll carry out our Will, unburdened."
"And if we refuse?"
"You cannot." Her answer was simple, but final.
Four bodies slammed onto the ground, kicking up a mound of dirt. Shakily they rose to their feet, taking in their environment.
"Where the bloody hell are, we!" shouted out the Commander, ignoring his hazed companions. Out on the horizon, he could just make out the mountain range. "That bitch!" half of him was angry, while the other half found the whole thing amusing.
"It looks like you've failed." Commented Varala, examining her fingernails. Looking up when she heard him start chuckling.
"No, my dear Varala. We're just getting started."
"Just who are you?" laughter filled the room.
"Have we really fallen so far into obscurity, that our own creation, no longer know us?!" they all got the impression that the voice, was seconds away from facepalming. "I'm the Goddess of Twilight. I guard the realms between day and night."
"Never heard of you." Mumbled Nathill, as he stumbled his way back to his group.
"No matter. We have a task for you." Returning to the subject at hand.
"And what exactly is this mission you're sending us on?" inquired Pala, gazing up at the statue.
"You are to travel throughout the world, and find the other temples, dedicated to the Gods." She began, "With my blessing, you'll gain entry and locate the artifacts, before the forces of Matsuho does and corrupts them."
"Those three can be your pets." Harshly stated Nath, jabbing his thumb to the others, "But, I've got my own mission." Spinning on his heel, he began to march towards the doors.
"They have been marked for death." She called out. "They dared to spill blood on my grounds." The anger evident. "But it will not be by your hand, they die. But by another."
"Ohh really?" sarcasm etching through, "Where were those sprites be encountered? The ones that attacked us?"
"They can not step foot on this soil."
"Well a load of good they were."
"Nath…" a pair of arms wrapped around him, embracing him tightly. Feeling the warmth, radiating off the medic. His heart began to ach, his throat seizing up, grabbing the arms that wound around him, pulling them tighter, hot tears now fell freely. Nothing needed to be said, as both Pala and Sera joined in, embracing their broken comrade and friend.
The goddess remained silent, allowing the mortals to have their moment. She knew the journey they were about to embark on, will test them in ways they could not imagine. Enemies would turn into friends, and allies into enemies. Both old and new. Time was off the essence; things were moving too fast. They could not fail.
"I have a gift for you, Mortal." a ball of bright light floated lazily down, settling gracefully on the marble floor. The Matatabians watched as the ball of light, morphed into a silhouette of a person.
"Rilus?" disbelief etched across his face, as he stared at the younger man, pulling away from the others. Walking uncertainly towards the familiar face.
"Hi, Nath." He replied, wearing a sad smile, taking an involuntary step back as he was embraced by the older man. There, they hugged, holding each other tightly.
"I don't have much time." Rilus whispered, pulling away. "You need to focus on the task you've been given."
"I need to kill those who murdered you." Nath retorted back, grabbing both of his arms, looking at him desperately.
"Killing them won't bring me back." He replied, "Please, Nath." He begged, giving the other his best puppy dog eyes.
"For fuck sake!" letting go of him. "You had to pull out the big guns." A half-hearted laugh slipping past his lips. "Fine." Relenting, "How do I explain this to mother?"
"You'll find the words. I know you will." Trying to lighten the mood more, "My time is almost up."
"Please don't go." Nath begged.
"Before I do. Tell mother something for me."
"Anything."
"Tell her, it was my fault the cat was always ill after her beets stew."
"You're the reason, she was always sick after we had that?!"
"Yeah." Scratching his cheek, flushing slightly from embarrassment. "It's time." Embracing his older brother tightly. "See you on the other side." With that, his entire body was engulfed in a bright white light. Turning him back into a ball of energy, drifting slowly back into the air.
" 'bye." Nath breathed out, watching what remained of his brother fade. Silence followed, no one dared to break the somewhat peaceful atmosphere. After what felt like an eternity, Nathill looked up at the statue.
"I have a question for you, Goddess." He called out, his hands balling into fists.
"How quaint." She replied, the eye rolls evident in her voice. "What is your question, Mortal?"
"Do you swear, the ones who murdered our friends. My Brother. Will pay for what they did?"
"You have my word." Her tone changing sending a chill done their spines. "The one that betrayed you, and his associates that dared spill blood of the innocent, will be killed. Their souls will be tortured until the end of time itself."
"Fine. We'll do as you say."
"We will?" asked a confused Jonas, looking between the other male and the statue.
"We will." Stated both Pala and Sera, standing beside their friend.
"I better come too." He muttered to himself, "Someone has to look after you idiots."
"Brace yourselves. This task is monumental in size." She began, "Never loose faith, in the task or each other. For if you fail, so too does this world."
Within the Inuzuka, Tsume was hunched over her desk, muttering to herself as she went through the mound of paperwork. This was one job she detested about being clan head. Loud pounding against the front door, resonated through the home.
"Hana!" she called out, not looking up from her task. No reply. "Hana!" the knocking got louder. Muttering to herself, she pushed away from the desk, and made her way towards the door.
"Alright, alright. I'm coming." Pulling the door open, shock took hold of her, as the newcomer walked right past her.
"Finally!" a petit women walked past the stunned matriarch, walking into the living room, and proceeded to make herself comfortable. "Close the door, Tsume. You're letting in a draft!"
Slowly, Tsume brain began to restart, finally processing what was happening. Slamming the door shut, she followed the older woman.
"Ma!" her brain failing to assemble anymore sentences.
"Hi, Tsume." Giving her oldest daughter a cheeky smile.
"Wha…What are you doing here?!" flabbergasted at seeing her mother, the last she saw of her, was a decade ago, when she went into a home.
"What, can't I visit my oldest daughter?" shrugging her shoulders.
"You only see us when you want something." Glaring accusingly at the sheepish woman.
"Ma, are you alright?" taking a seat next to her.
"I'm fine, no one was hurt, everyone got out safely." She said as she rummaged around in her bag.
"What are you talking about?"
"The home burnt down." As if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"That's terrible!" Tsume cried, grabbing her hands, in a comforting gesture.
"What's terrible?" asked Hana as she walked in from the kitchen.
"The retirement home, Ma was staying in burnt down."
"That's awful!" taking a set opposite.
"Not to me. It was a retirement home!" looking at both as if they were stupid, "Do you know what they did; they set of the fire alarms in a retirement home. Who could rush? Half the people there had walkers, the other half cannot get out of their chairs, but they got bells coming off like crazy! Do you know what that does to hearts that only beat a few times a week? It's not pretty." Silence followed her little rant, Tsume and Hana just looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
"Anyway." Looking around, "Where's that grandson of mine?"
"Kiba?" Hana asked, looking at her mother, having a conversation with their eyes.
"I can barely smell him." Her nose twitching, "His scent is extremely stale." Scrunching up her face when she detected another unknow scent wrapped around Kiba's. "Why is there another scent intertwined with his?"
"That would be Naruto." Supplied Tsume, ready for her mother to say something.
"It doesn't smell like a fish cake." Tsume, wasn't expecting her to say that. Hana on the other hand started laughing. "Why are you laughing, child?"
"Not the fish cake, grandmother. Uzumaki Naruto." Wiping a loose tear away. "His boyfriend."
"He's gay?!"
"Mother!"
"Gran!"
"What!? I was not expecting that!" slouching back into the chair, "Wow. That explains a lot." Nodding to herself, after a moment of compilation.
"Kiba, was exiled for having sex with Naruto, before I could welcome him into the clan." Tsume stated, eyes closing briefly lost in the memory. "So now, they live together."
"Ohh, don't tell me those idiots elders used that bogus law?"
"What do you mean?"
"How do you think I had you?" she asked pointedly, "Those idiots were conceived the same way, so was the majority of the clan. Kami, didn't you bother reading the law?"
"No." face palming. "So, I can allow them back into the clan?"
"You're the clan head, Pup. You get the final say." Clapping her hands, she got up off the chair, and began to make her way towards the door.
"Ma, where are you going?"
"To see my gay grandson." Opening the door and walking out, leaving the other two standing there. It did not take long before the old matriarch walked back in, scratching her cheek, looking rather sheepish. "Where does he live now?"
A calm atmosphere hung around the two teens as they laid on the settee, lightly snoring. It was the first time for a while since they had time to themselves. A loud knock on the door echoed through the still apartment, Akamaru was the first to rise from his nap, letting out an unhappy huff, he trotted over to the still sleeping teens. He started to headbutt Kiba's hand, trying to rouse the boy from his sleep. He did that several more times, before having enough, he took a few steps back, then leapt on top of them. What ensued was an explosion of shouts of surprise and profanity, giving a short bark of laughter, Akamaru leapt off the curing pair and hightailed out of the room.
Untangling themselves, Kiba shot up and ran after the wayward Ninken.
"Get back here you dozy mutt!" slipping on the wooden floor as he rounded the corner. Another loud knock sounded, making his way towards the door, he noticed his companion sitting on their shared bed wagging his tail enthusiastically. "Bastard." Unable to keep the smile from breaking out on his face, his reply was a happy bark. Opening the door, he stood stunned; there stood his mum, sister, and grandmother.
"Are you going to invite us in, Pup?" the old lady asked, as like before she made her own way in.
"Err, yeah. Come on in." allowing his sister and mum entry, shaking his head as he closed the door.
"Kiba!" shouted out Naruto, as he emerged from the sitting room, clothes ruffled from sleep and the surprise wake up call. "Where is that…" the words coming to a holt, upon seeing the newcomers. An awkward silence followed as everyone looked at each other, Naruto began to fidget when he noticed the old lady eyeing him up.
"Naruto, it's good to see you again." Tsume said, cutting the awkward silence.
"You too, Tsume-san. Hana-chan." He replied, Hana gave a short wave, then once again the awkward silence settled over them like a dead weight.
"For Kami sake!" shouted the older women, startling everyone. "Aren't you going to introduce me to you boyfriend?" looking expectantly at Kiba.
"Right." Making his way passed everyone, he stood next to the nervous blonde. "Gran, this is my mate, Uzumaki Naruto."
"Mate?" she said walking up to the whiskered teen.
"Nice to meet…" suddenly he was yanked down by his collar, a cool hand pushing aside his head, baring his neck to the older women. A shiver ran down his spin when a finger ran over his bond mark. A different type of shiver ran down his spin, settling in the base of his stomach when he heard Kiba growl possessively.
"Ohh, hush pup." Chiding him, satisfied she released her hold on him, turning expectantly to the older teen. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he leaned over baring his neck to her. Again, she ran her fingers over his own mark, frowning, then shooting Naruto an unreadable look.
"Why haven't you marked him, as he has done to you?" her eyes hardened, as she watched the boy fidget, refusing to make eye contact.
"That's none of your business." Kiba said shortly, pulling away from her. Wrapping his arm around the other. "Naruto, why don't you get the kettle on." He said softly, planting a soft kiss on the whiskered cheek. He watched the other head into the kitchen, before turning his gaze on his Grandmother.
"If you dare make him feel like that again. You'll never be welcome here again." His eyes and voice hard, baring his canines at her. "Am I clear?" the barest of red outlining his irises.
"I meant no disrespect, Pup. Only your mark had no charka infused, while his does." Keeping her tone even.
"Like I said before; it isn't your concern." His tone holding a finality to it, so for now, she dropped the subject. Sensing the matter dropped, he indicated towards the living room. "Why don't you go on in and make yourselves comfortable, while I go and give Naruto a hand." Watching his family make their way into the room, he turned and walked into the kitchen, spotting his mate, silently making tea. He could feel and smell how the other was feeling, walking up behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist, and pulled him into his chest.
They stood there in silence, the kettle merrily bubbling away. No words were exchanged between them, slowly, Kiba began to deposit kisses along the back of Naruto's neck.
Painstakingly ensuring that every inch of his mates tanned neck got the same treatment, finally, he reached his claiming mark. There he softly panted a kiss, over and over again, each time getting harder, until, he ran his teeth over the mark, causing the boy to shiver, tilting his head even more.
"You are my mate, just as much as I am yours. Never forget that, love." He breathed out, as he ran his nose up and down the expanse of the others exposed neck. "I do love you. No matter what."
Turning around, Naruto threaded his fingers through the spiky mop of hair, a gentle smile on his face.
"I know." He whispered, before pulling the other into a loving kiss. The sense of calm and comfort radiated from him, sighing happily into the kiss, the tension melting completely away. "We should join your family."
"Fuck them. I want my mate." The brunette growl, grabbing the others arse cheeks.
"You're such a dog." Picking his lips, "Later." The promise loud and clear.
"Not a word, Ma." Tsume warned, not looking up from the paper she found, lying on the floor.
"I wasn't going to say anything." Annoyed that her own daughter would say something like that.
"Uhuh." Was all the other woman said, turning the page.
"Shall I be mother?" Naruto said, walking in with a tray, settling it down on the coffee table.
"How do you take yours?" he asked the older women, his head tilting to the side.
"Black. Two sugars." She responded, watching his every move, accepting the cup. "I'm surprised someone of your generation, would do something like this."
"I had it drilled into me, by someone I considered a father." Sadness flashed across his expressive eyes, then it was gone. After everyone had a drink, silence once again hung between them.
"You remind me of someone, Pup." Nora said, taking in the teen's features. "You have an uncanny resemblance to the Yondaime." She could feel the shift in the atmosphere. "I take it I'm on the money." Silence was her answer. "Well if things don't work out with my Grandson, and I was a younger women, I could do things to you that would make your toes curl, and brain melt through your ears." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Naruto started to choke on his tea.
"Ma!"
"Gran!"
Nora simple sat there with a playful smile on her face, as she watched the teen flush the brightest red, either from embarrassment or from hacking himself to death. After a few minutes, Naruto managed to regulate his breathing, his brain short circuiting. Never in his life has he heard an elderly person say such a thing.
"I'm flattered by the offer." He began raspily, noticing the look his boyfriend shot him. "But I must decline. Kiba can manage that quiet nicely." Smirking around the rim of his cup. Both Hana and Tsume burst out laughing, soon, they were joined by the other Inuzuka's.
"You'll fit in nicely, Pup."