Into the Woods

Sakura barely got any sleep after Tsunade had busted in on her. Once she realized it was lost to her, she insisted that she get filled in everything that was going on. After that she definitely wasn’t getting anymore rest that night.

Now it was a little after 5:30 in the morning, and here she was getting ready to go back in the room again off of 4 hours of sleep. It was decided she would be best for the job not only because she could help boost Naruto’s moral and Hinata’s care at this point was fairly simple unless she either woke up or coded out on them, but because she didn’t have the lab knowledge and she didn’t know enough about toxicology/immunology to really be of help in the research side either. In fact, she was the only genin in the unit, as this kind of situation usually demanded more experience. She almost felt pushed aside because of this, but for the most part she didn’t mind. Besides, she got to be near Naruto again.

After getting suited up, she grabbed the check list to see what she would need to bring in with her. The lab had two vials of a new serum they wanted her to try on Hinata for them. It was just an immuno-booster that they were hoping would help her fight it off better. There was also a note mentioning that if she stayed unconscious much further past the 24 hour mark they would have to look into nourishment options. Right now the drip fluids would be fine to provide electrolytes and glucose, but without actual caloric intake her body would start depleting it’s reserves. Being an active shinobi as she was, Hinata didn’t have much fat reserves, which would force her to start breaking down her muscle tissues. Sakura sighed to herself as she read over the rest of the notes. ‘Looks like another exciting day of sitting and worrying’ She gathered her supplies and climbed in the hatch.

She pulled the door firmly shut behind her, waiting for the go ahead signal that the seal was secure before proceeding in. When she finally pushed her way into the room, she was surprised to see Naruto still sitting in the exact same spot she left him. Yuhi, other medic opened her eyes sleepy at the sound of the door and heaved a sigh of relief.

“Neither of them have moved since you left. It’s been so uneventful I could barely stay awake.” Sakura blinked at this, shooting another glance at her blonde friend.

“You mean he’s been there the whole time?”

Yuhi nodded, clearing up her paperwork and making room for the incoming stuff. “I tried to tell him he needs to get into bed and rest, he just muttered something about ‘if Gaara doesn’t need sleep why should I’...does that make any sense to you?”

Sakura giggled softly at that one. “Yeah...that sounds like something the dobe would say. He’s my teammate... maybe I can talk some sense into him.” They did their reports quickly before she helped the other out the exit hatch and turned her attention to the patients.

Naruto was slumped on the stool, his eyes half shut, his mouth wide open. The only sign he was alive was the sudden twitch when he’d catch himself about to fall over. Suddenly he felt someone mussing his hair from behind and a soft voice teased him, “Hey you...I thought I told you to get some sleep?”

He chuckled softly, somewhat hysterically. “ Who needs sleep? I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Before he knew it his arm was flung over a small set of shoulders and he was being hoisted around his middle. He reluctantly let go of Hinata’s hand, to tired to fight his attacker physically, but unleashing a verbal barrage that would make Kakashi blush. As he turned to accost this hoodlum some more, he was startled to see those familiar Jade eyes not two inches from his face.

“Calm down, Naruto.” Sakura soothed him. “I’m just gonna help you over to your bed. I wanna talk to you about some stuff, and you’ll be much more comfortable over there.” He blinked at her dumbly, the slow realization that those were her arms holding him up eventually reaching his sleep deprived brain. With a swift movement he pulled her against him, squeezing her hard in a desperate embrace and burying his face in her shoulder. She stumbled back for a moment, caught off guard and nearly dropping him. When she realized it was just a hug, she squeezed him gently back, enjoying the contact. She held him for a moment longer before she pat him on the back and tried to shake him out of it. “Come on hun, let’s get you into bed.”

They made their way across the room, to where he was plunked gracelessly down on the second hospital bed. Naruto stretched, giving a massive yawn as she bent down to life his feet in as well, forcing him to lye down. He chuckled up at her as she pulled the blankets up to tuck him in and sit down next to him.

“Gee, if I had known this is what it would take to get your to come to bed with me I would have tried it years ago.”

“Baka” she giggled back, making a small fist and pushing his head gently to the side as he grinned at her stupidly. “You’re lucky you’re in the hospital all ready otherwise I’d put you in here for that. Now hold still and make a fist for me, I have to get some bloodwork from you.” Sakura quickly tied the tourniquet and got started filling the vials for Tsunade. He stilled beside her, a calm expression washing across his face. She noticed his breathing slowing as she snapped the elastic off his arm and removed the needle, fearing he’d already fallen asleep. After putting everything safely away in her caddy, she turned to him for a moment. ‘He needs his rest...I can talk to him later after he wakes up.’ She ran a gloved hand over the whisker marks on his cheeks.

“Do you hate me, Sakura-chan?” he asked quietly, his eyes shut, his voice a whisper. She blinked at this.

“Naruto, why would you think I hate you?” His head was starting to loll over to the side as sleep begain to claim him. She moved his arm from where she had held it on her lap to do the draw, folding it across his chest and patting his hand gently. As she stood to leave his side he spoke out again before giving in completely.

“I’ll always love you Sakura, you’ll always be one of my precious people...no matter what...”

Sakura turned back to him, a slight ache starting in her chest at those words. “I love you to...you little idiot.”

~*~

She lay there, content to be wrapped in his warmth. She was feeling terribly weak after she’d gotten over her initial panic, so she kept still, enjoying the gentle humming that emanated from him. It was starting to seem like they’d been here forever. He felt warm and safe, and sooo familiar. If only she could figure out why. She skritched playfully at his muzzle, eliciting a soft rumble of a growl to emanate beneath her.

Feeling any better?

Actually I’m getting quite tired. How long have I been here?

It doesn’t work the same way here, little one. You’re no longer trapped in the linear movement of time.

Where is here again?

A quiet sigh. You are right to be confused, but I’m not sure what comfort you’ll find from any answers I have for you. I’m afraid I’ll just upset you again.

His red eyes were troubled, and she could feel his unease drifting off of him. She snuggled closer against him. Please? I promise not to be mad at you...you’ve been so kind to me.

He nuzzled her gently back. Then ask what you wish, dear heart, and I will try my best to answer.

Who are you? Why do I feel like I’ve known you forever?

Not forever, though I suppose this is not our first meeting either. You’ve seen me before, and I’ve been near you for a long time. I already told you, I’m a friend

But do you have a name?

A rumbling laugh. I have many. Some honorable, some horrible and some never spoken by human lips.

She smiled at his riddle. But none that you will admit to?

No, little one, though I will happily answer to whatever name you would wish to give me.

She thought quietly for a moment, deciding to proceed with her questions and worry about that later. Where are we?

Sigh We are not actually anywhere, but at the same time we’re everywhere. We just are. This forest you see isn’t really here...but it does very much exist in reality. Just as you have a body that holds your current shape, but at this moment those are not your real hands and eyes. I held this form once, but my fur is no longer there. We take these shapes because they are comforting...familiar..and they keep us from losing ourselves completely.

He watched her for a moment, knowing it didn’t make any sense. He could see her trying to grasp the concept but it just wasn’t working.

Perhaps it will be easier if I show you.

The forest flashed away to be replaced by the view from the top of the Hokage monument. After a moment it changed to the village square in Suna. It switched a dozen times: the Hyuga compound, the frozen mountains, a tropical beach, the waterfall, even a glimpse of the prison Naruto sees when he speaks to him, until the last image was replaced with the darkness she had encountered before meeting him. Panic started to set in at the vast expanse of the void around them, at the total all encompassing dark. He pulled her closer

It’s ok, I won’t let you go.

She soon realized he no longer was a fox, but had been replaced by a swirling cloud of what appeared to be red chakra wrapping completely around her. Likewise her body was gone, but she was a brighter blue. Where the two met they seemed to mix into a soft indigo. She noticed a thin coil that was curling off her and seemed to vanish into the distance.

What’s that? Why am I doing that?

That, little one, I suppose you could call your life line. As I told you, you are not dead...not quite. As long as that thread ties you to your body, you can go back to it. If you’re gone for too long, you’ll be unable to sustain the connection, and your body will die, leaving you trapped.

He flashed back to the ancient forest, returning her to the illusion of being wrapped up by the large fox. The fear was back, and he quietly hated himself for having to scare her like that, but he supposed she needed to realize the gravity of the situation. Flashes of why she fled, the pain, the burning searing agony returned. She buried herself against him and he drew her closer, wrapping his very essence around her protectively.

So if I die...I’ll be stuck here with you forever?

No. As much as I would enjoy that, you won’t be with me. I can’t say for sure what will happen to you. My fate is far different then the one you will experience. She started to ask him again but he quieted her. I’ve already upset you enough now...you need to not wear yourself out. We’ll have to get you back to your body soon, and I’m afraid that won’t be such a pleasant task. But I am happy to sit by you till then.

~*~

“What do you mean ‘all missions have been canceled?” a very irritated Kiba growled at a frustrated Iruka-sensei. The remaining gennin stood behind, their expressions ranging from irritation to boredom.

“I means that it’s been decided that all non essential missions be canceled. The only ones still active are those that were already out in the field that haven’t returned yet, and any critical A or B ranked.” the chuunin replied calmly.

“But what does that mean?” Kiba asked again, trying to refrain from clawing the desk between them.

“It means that there is something troublesome afoot.” Shikamaru chimed in from behind. “And you should enjoy this break while you can.”The other’s turned to look at him as he shook his head and strolled out of the building.

“Oi! Shika wait!” Ino called, grabbing Choji and running out after him. The others hurried behind, wondering what was going on and if the lazy teme actually knew anything, or was just jerking them around. They found him outside, leaning against a tree with his hands in his pockets. “Ok Shikamaru, spill it...what’s going on?”

“I already did.” came his annoyed response.

“So what is this ‘troublesome’ thing you’re talking about?” Kiba jumped in again, annoyed that he was going to be stuck doing nothing all day. He unzipped his jacket and let Akamaru jump down to go ferreting in the bushes.

“If you think they tell me anything, you’re giving me too much credit.” the lazy nin replied, putting his hands behind his head. “Just cause I out rank you doesn’t mean I know anything either. All I heard was something about village security or something.”

“Village security?” Tenten asked, shaking her head to herself. “No they couldn’t possibly be related...could they?”

“Do you know something, Tenten?” Lee asked her quietly, not realizing everyone was already fixed on the girl.

“No, not that I know of. It was just something me and Neji were talking about last night.”

“Speaking of Neji, where is the snobby pain in the ass today anyways? Too good to grace us with his presence?” Kiba snarled, playing chew-tug with Akamaru and a stick he’d found on the ground.

“Do not insult my teammates, or I shall have to defend them with my youthful fists!” Lee shouted, jumping up to challenge the dog boy. “Bring it on stringbean!” Came the reply. Shino quietly placed himself between the two. “You’re both being rude.”

The pretty brunette grabbed Lee by the ear and drug him over by her, causing him to sit on the ground and sulk at being denied his glorious battle. “As I was saying, Neji and I were talking about things last night. He was telling me about some stuff that happened at the hospital yesterday Now I don’t know everything, but apparently Hinata and Naruto aren’t doing very well...the family is pretty worked up about this.” She paused for a moment to gauge their reactions.

They were all frozen in a stunned silence. Kiba’s jaw was on the ground. Ino looked confused, Choji had stopped mid bite, a potato chip hovering on front of his face. Shikamaru was incredulous. Lee was near tears. Even the usually stoic Shino looked dumbfounded at her, his glasses sliding slowly down his nose as his eyebrows raised in surprise. She sighed, fearing she’d said to much.

“Like I said, I don’t really know anything...but it’s getting bad...really bad in there. They won’t even let Neji or the Hyuga’s in to see her, and that was the excuse they used...that it was ‘a matter of Village Security’”

The air was heavy with the tension, till Shikamaru broke it with a long, low whistle. “Talk about troublesome, ne?”

~*~

Tsunade was as close to being ecstatic as she could come in the last few days. Things were finally starting to go right. A follow up message from the mist informed her they believed they had captured all the phoney medics who were secretly infecting villagers instead of treating them The majority of the people had actually had the original virus and were responding well to the supplies she had sent to them, however at this time those with the engineered version were still doomed. On another confusing note the new virus was so effective that it was killing it’s hosts off to quickly, preventing the spread of it to others. They had lost many to this sick experiment. This part wasn't quite good news to her.

They had also provided a clue as to how Naruto and Hinata had gotten infected. And for once her luck held up. Someone had apparently decided to wait till the end of the week before sterilizing or destroying their belongings, figuring it would be easier to do it with all the hospital linens from the unit at the same time. After searching the items, they found a greasy residue in the money pouch in Hinata’s pack. Upon inspection in the lab it was confirmed to be full of the virus. If they hadn’t decided to go through all this trouble with the quarantine, there was no telling how many people would be in here suffering or dead...including Tsunade herself.

Yes it seemed for once that the legendary sucker was actually being graced by good luck for once. She just hoped that trend would continue. Hinata was still stable, though her fever still threatened to come back if they didn’t keep on it. She was still unresponsive, and appeared to be stuck in a deep comatose state. There was no telling at this point if this was due to the disease, or if possibly she had suffered some kind of brain damage during her seizures. For the most part, she was alright for now.

Naruto was at least giving them hope about being able to save her life. The lab was optimistic that they should be able to work something out. The only thing they needed at this point was time. She sighed, ‘Time is the one thing we don’t have much of.’

And then there was the “other” matter...the one that made her sick to think about. It was definitely a priority, but she was a healer first. She couldn’t even begin to think about what to do about that while her plate was full trying to prevent an epidemic in the village. She had sent messages to Jiraiya and Kakashi to return to the village ASAP, but it could still take weeks for them to arrive back from their missions. She hadn’t told them much, hoping the curiosity and worry would carry them faster. The point she made that would draw them back... that Naruto is in grave danger. Knowing those two, that would bring them faster then any other disaster she could think of. Her thoughts were shattered however, by frantic screaming coming from outside her office window.

~*~

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN SHE’S DYING!” Kiba screamed rabidly. Shikamaru had him held fast in his shadow-bind, but the dog boy struggled hard against it. Akamaru tried to help free his master, his teeth clamped around the captors ankle. Lee stood protectively in front of his terrified teammate, both of them shocked at the rage their shaggy friend had unleashed towards her.

“Kiba...calm down...just stop screaming and calm down...” Ino in front of him, her hands on either side of his head trying to get him to look at her and focus.

“I WILL NOT CALM DOWN DAMNIT! I WANNA KNOW WHERE THE FUCK SHE GETS OFF SPOUTING SUCH BULLSHIT!” He screamed back at her. Ino flinched a little but didn’t back down.

“Kiba, she already said she didn’t know anything...”

“DAMN RIGHT SHE DOESN’T KNOW ANYTHING! HINATA’S NOT DYING! SHE CAN’T BE! WE JUST SAW HER THE OTHER DAY AND SHE WAS FINE DAMNIT!” the rage in his eyes was slowly being replaced with tears, his breathing ragged. She looked over his shoulder to see how Shika was holding up. He was trembling and sweating...looks like she had to work fast before he was let loose.

“It’s ok hon, just listen to me ok? Tenten was just telling us what she heard from Neji and her family. Please calm down...” she brushed the tears off his cheeks, running her fingers through his coarse hair. “Please Kiba you’re scaring us”

“I’M SCARING YOU? SHE’S THE ONE RUNNING AROUND...SPEWING OUT LIES! HINATA’S FAMILY HATES HER! THEY WANT HER DEAD...THEY...They...” his voice beginning to choke. “They would come up with such crap...she’s not...she can’t be...”

Shikamaru let out a groan as he let up, unable to restrain the boy any longer. Kiba launched forward, pulling Ino down with him. He collapsed onto her sobbing. She held him tightly as he pounded her back with weak fists like a 4 year old throwing a tantrum, cooing into his ear that they would go to the hospital and everything would be fine. Akamaru had released the leg, and was now whimpering at the bottom of the tangled pile. Everyone else just stood and stared, frightened by not only the small kunoichi's words, but the emotional display that it evoked. Only Shino looked away, not so much to save his team mates pride over crying in public, but because he too was fighting his own emotions. His head down, unable to hold it all back, he let a single tear slide down his cheek.