Can't Fight the Moonlight

Can’t fight the Moonlight

 

Warning: Cursing, blood, gore, sexual content, supernatural content,violence, maskless Kakashi (yum)

 

Summery: In protecting his brother, Itachi is gravely injured to the point of loosing his memory. He’s found by a pack of werewolves and cared for. What will happen when his memories return? Sequel to It Happened One Halloween.

Chapter One

The warm summer night breeze brushed across Itachi Uchiha’s skin as he stood before the open window. It had been months since they’d seen a hunter. Despite the seemingly safe house the pair of brothers rented, neither could forget the nightmare creeping just out of sight.



Something was coming fast. It couldn’t be heard or smelt but his instinct told him to be wary of any changes in the wind. Glancing at the sky, his eyes narrowed at the red tinted moon. Blood on the moon. Not a good sign.



Activating his eyes, he scanned the thickly wooded area surrounding the small cabin tucked away on the lake, only twenty miles from town. Nothing moved in the darkness, not even nocturnal animals.



“Itachi?” Sasuke shifted nervously on the sofa, even his juvenile senses were on edge.



“Do you remember what we discussed?” Itachi’s eyes continued to scan the shadows until his eyes began to sting, forcing him to deactivate his powerful vision.



“I want to fight. I’m old enough to have a mate. I can fight.” Sasuke crossed his arms, a petulant pout on his lips.



“What female would want a weak protector like you? You only recently began going into heat. Your claws and teeth are barely sharp to pierce a piece of meat.” Itachi smirked darkly as his brother charged.



“And, your reflexes are slow.” he laughed pinning his brother to wall as the youth snarled and snapped, eyes bleeding from black to red and back again.



Sasuke was young. Though nearly a hundred and fifty years in age, to a Sharingan demon, he was barely an adolescent compared to Itachi’s nearly five hundred years. He was developing well despite their unorthodox lifestyle. Only recently he’d achieved the ability to shape shift indefinitely. While Itachi’s strength allowed him to hold the shape of a black leopard, Sasuke could only manage the size of a house cat.



He would grow. It was only a matter of time. Itachi hoped they could avoid the hunters for a little longer.



“You asshole!” Sasuke screeched, his claws swiping at his brother only to connect with empty air.



“Too slow, Sasuke.” Itachi smirked from behind the couch.



The annoyed growl from Sasuke only brought laughter to Itachi. He wasn’t laughing at his brother but with love for his brother. They two had been nearly inseparable since Sasuke’s birth. It was only because of Itachi that his younger brother was even alive today.



The topic was a source of incalculable rage in him. Sharingan demons were always feared and hated. The power to dominate battle, to win only because of their eyes caused many lessers to develop grudges. The demon community, lead by the one eyed Danzou, focused their malcontent on the most powerful of all demons.



Powerful though the Uchiha clan might be, an uprising of that magnitude was unstoppable. The Sharingan demons had no allies to call for when the anger and hatred came to a head. The witches turned blind eyes to the wars amongst demons. The were-creatures were notoriously antisocial, preferring the company of their own packs to outsiders. Their support would be for the victors. Pack logic was, the strongest lead, the weakest follow.



Claws burst from his hands at the memory. Sasuke, barely out of infancy, was left in the care of Itachi while their father met with the clan leaders. The screams of his aunts, uncles, and cousins still resounded in his ears. While the strongest Uchiha’s were drawn away, the hunters attacked. None were left alive, their sharingan eyes cut from them as a trophy.



His will to fight was strong but he could not ignore the pleas of his mother to take Sasuke, to run as far away as he could. With his brother draped across his back, slender arms clenching desperately, he ran. The smell of blood was over powering. He would never forget the scream of his mother as she was struck down mere minutes after they escaped.



For a while, the agony in his soul nearly drove him mad. Sasuke was the only thing keeping the darkness away. His innocent baby brother was his savior. As the days stretched into months and the months into years, he poured his knowledge into his brother, giving him the skills to protect himself should they become separated.



“Sasuke, you are nearly grown. Allow me the pleasure of teasing you. In our life, we never know when the next day will be our last.” Itachi released his brother’s hand, returning to his position near the window.



“Itachi, what is it like to mate?” Sasuke’s question startled him.



“Of all the things to ask.”



“I feel these urges and…jerking off doesn’t help.” Red flared across high cheekbones. Itachi fought the urge to tease him. He would have but the serious glint in Sasuke’s eye held him back.



“I don’t…know what it feels like. You know our kind are…” He fought for a word to describe it. “...particular.”



“But you are like five hundred years old! I can’t wait five hundred years to get laid. I’ll go insane.” The panic in Sasuke’s eyes brought a chuckle.



“You’re young. It’s more controllable as you age. The thought of it is what revs you up. Your body will release heavy pheromones when you find the one you want to mate. Reach behind your fangs.” Itachi pointed to the small fangs in his mouth.



They were small, making it easier for Sharingan demons to blend in with the clueless humans. For vampires, the teeth were used for sustenance. For the Sharingan demon, they carried a much more erotic use. The fangs provided a way to pour mating hormone into one’s lover. For all the violence and power of his kind, their teeth were an erotic tool. Go figure.



“What am I looking for?” Sasuke was confused. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.



“Exactly. When you have found the person you desire as a mate, the glands in your mouth will swell. Biting is an intricate part of Sharingan mating. The hormone in the glands pours into your mate’s body. It’s very potent. Remember this, Sasuke. If you every find a mate, you must not initiate the mating until you are sure of both your safety. During a full blown mating, you will be unable to stop. The moon will not allow you to stop. You will likely fuck until dawn. Don’t be stupid. You will be responsible for your mate’s safety.” The seriousness in Itachi’s tone forced the smirk from Sasuke’s face.



“Don’t worry, Sasuke. If I’m around, I will guard your mating. But you’re still young. It’s likely you won’t meet a suitable mate for many years. I have yet to meet one who rouses my lust.” he smiled sadly; it was unlikely he would meet any.



For several minutes quiet was maintained. Sasuke continued to shift on the sofa, his clawed fingers scratching grooves in the wooden arm. Every second ticking by seemed to increase the weight of the heavy cloud of nervousness developing on his subconscious. Finally, Itachi had enough.



“We‘re leaving.” Cracking his knuckles, he began to pace. The feeling was getting to strong. They could not stay here any longer.



“Why? Nothing has happened.”



“I know you can feel it. Something feels off here. We are creatures of instinct, Sasuke.” Itachi wrenched up a loose floorboard as he spoke. To hide among humans, one needed money. Shoving a wad into his pocket, he put the rest in a duffle.



Grabbing the ornate daggers from the drawers, he began shoving them into sheaths along his body and interior of his trench coat. Sasuke did the same, taking a large katana from its stand; he strapped it to his back while tossing a similar one to his brother.



“If we leave, we’ll lose the defense of walls.” Sasuke eyed the darkened woods, his eyes flashing red and black instinctually.



“You know better than to trust your defense to mere walls. Hunters can get to you from anywhere.” Itachi began to run, knowing Sasuke would follow.



“Itachi, something feels off. Maybe…” Sasuke was unable to finish the sentence.



The ground exploded in front of him. Clumps of soil, grass, and debris fell from the sky as the younger brother was thrown against a tree, the breath knocked from him. Itachi was by his side in an instant, helping him to his feet as the sounds of roars grew loud in their ears.



“Hunters!” Itachi drew his sword, the blade catching what little light there was.



Of all the bad luck. The hunters were getting more cunning. To think they choose the night of the new moon when their strength was at its natural low. Were-creatures were not the only ones affected by the moon phase.



“Itachi, what should we do?” Sasuke’s own katana was drawn as the hunters, all of different breeds raced towards their prey.



Itachi fought with every ounce of strength. Sasuke was a strong fighter but he lacked experience. He couldn’t fight at his full potential while worrying for Sasuke’s safety. They would both die if something wasn’t done soon.



“Sasuke!” Itachi sliced through several hunters stopping beside his gasping brother. A few nicks and minor wounds decorated his body. Nothing life threatening…yet.



“These aren’t just hunters, ‘Tachi.”



“No.” Itachi eyed the mark of the eye tattooed on a severed arm. They were HIS mercenaries. Danzou didn’t hire just any person. He hired only the best. The most vicious hunters in all realms were under Danzou’s control. How had he found them after so long?



“Sasuke, I need you to take your cat form. I’ll hold them off while you escape.” Itachi began pulling daggers from Sasuke’s coat to replace those lost in the first wave.



“I’m not leaving. I’m old enough to fight along side you.” Sasuke reached to snatch the dagger’s back but found his body slammed against a large tree with considerable force.



“These are the best hunters money can buy. I can’t fight with my full strength if I’m worried for you. You aren’t ready to deal with these. I want you to live to find that mate you are so anxious for. I’ll be fine if I don’t have to worry for you.”



Spinning crimson eyes met. For the longest of moments, neither spoke. Itachi waited for Sasuke to start balking again but he didn’t. Perhaps an understanding was reached. Itachi would never know why Sasuke agreed. He could possibly be giving his life for his little brother, which alone deserved respect. Sasuke was not one to deny others the respect earned.



“I’m sorry I’m not strong enough to help you.”



“You are Sasuke but I can’t risk it. You are too precious to me. Listen. I’ll distract the hunters. They will want to take me out first. If you head east towards the town, it will be much easier for you to hide. They won’t be able to track you as easily in your cat form. Take care. I’ll come for you after I take care of this. Find some place safe and lay low.” Itachi pulled his brother into his arms, breathing in his scent. Tears threatened to well in his eyes as his fingers tightened in the black leather coat.



Sasuke pulled away, his eyes downcast. Itachi watched as his body contorted almost painfully until large house cat stared up at him through large green eyes. It blinked a few times before taking off through the woods, not looking back. Good boy.



Thunder cracked ominously above. The reinforcements were here. Dropping his black leather duster to the ground, he drew his katana again. Fear wasn’t even considered. He would buy Sasuke as much time as possible. If he survived they would meet later, if not…he would hopefully buy Sasuke enough time to go into hiding.



“Stay safe, Sasuke.”



Lunging into battle, the shockwaves of steel against steel reverberated up his arm. Teeth clenched, he beheaded the first attacker. Each fallen enemy was replaced by two more. Without Sasuke fighting beside him, the battle carried much deadlier odds.



Swinging his katana with deadly precision, he didn’t see the hunter behind him until it was too late. The large wooden staff crashed painfully into his arm. The sickening crack of bone breaking knocked the air from his lungs as he quickly disposed of the attacker. The arm was useless now, leaving him at a distinct disadvantage. His balance with the katana was seriously impaired as he whipped his leather belt from his waist to tie the broken arm to his chest. This was a bad turn of events.



The longer the battle waged, the more exhausted he would become. There were so many. How did Danzou acquire so many new hunters? His body was already beginning to bear the telltale signs of fatigue. His body would give out soon.



Once again cursing the moon and its impact on his strength, He groaned as he parried another swipe, agilely dodging what could have been a fatal blow. Blood dripped from the various nicks, dark against his naturally pale skin. There was no stopping them, his only chance would be to lose them in the forest. The blood dripping from the wound in his thigh was a problem.



Stabbing the approaching demon, he ran through, slashing any demons coming too close. The scent of water was close. The river! It was risky but his only shot at losing the mob. The recent rains made the normally quiet Konoha River, a dangerous route to take indeed.



Ignoring the danger signs, he raced towards the roaring sound of water. Almost there. This would be the largest gamble he’d ever taken. Please let Sasuke have made it to safety. The rains began to pour from the sky, further obscuring his vision as he broke through the last bit of trees.



A small cliff hung perilously over the rushing water, made even more ominous by the pouring rain. Was he willing to take his chances with the water or attempt to fight back the horde of demon hunters rushing him? To chance living or go down fighting? The warrior in him screamed to fight, to die with honor. The brother in him said otherwise. Sasuke would need him. There was still so much left to teach him, so much he needed to learn.



The decision was made, may the fates have mercy on his destiny. As the first hunter lunged at him, weapon drawn; Itachi tossed his weakened body from the edge. They would not have his eyes today. The fall was short but the landing was painful, his arm screaming in agony as his fall was broken by the not so gentle water.



The only pleasure he received was from the angry shouts as he plunged beneath the cold mountain river. Even in summer, the river maintained some of its cool temperature as it worked its way down the mountain.



Itachi gulped in a breath of air as he emerged several meters downstream. His reprise was short lived as he was sucked beneath the churning depths once more. With only one good arm, he was unable to find any equilibrium in the water. He was truly at the mercy of fate. He knew from experience, she was a vindictive bitch who seemed to take pleasure from the suffering of man and demon kind.



Sputtering as he surfaced again, he gasped for what little oxygen he could manage; his uninjured arm reaching wildly for anything to grab. A fallen tree seemed a godsend at first glance. The branches seeming to reach for his flailing arm.



For long seconds, he used this as a time to gather what little strength remaining. His broken arm cradled limply against his chest, a useless appendage in his struggle to use the tree to reach the shore. He couldn’t have known the dead limbs would fail to hold his weight coupled with the harsh tug of the swirling waters. He couldn’t have seen the massive rock nearby, not on a night when the moon was hidden so fully from sight.



Itachi probably would have cursed fate on this night, had he been able to do more than cry out as the limb he clung desperately too snapped. The water renewed its pull on him with surprising strength, flinging him wildly towards the half sunken rock. The crack of his skull against the rock was harsh, strong enough to kill a human in the same situation.



His last thought before sinking beneath the dark current was of his brother, a prayer that he find what he was looking for, that he be safe. The twinkle of stars, the only light in the dark sky, disappeared as his eyes drifted shut.



One would debate fate’s hand in this trial. A lesser creature would have given up hope and simply drown. Itachi wasn’t such a creature but there was no chance of him saving himself alone. Incapacitated as he was, the river pulled him swiftly, tossing him this way and that until finally washing his broken body into the roots of a riverbank tree.



The massive roots caught and clung to his ripped shirt, tearing additional lacerations in the skin of his back as the river continued to tug at his limp body. The night was fading but in this nearly deserted part of the forest, little hope could be kindled that he would be found. In all likelihood, he would die without even waking up.



Perhaps, fate thought it to be more fun for this beaten and bruised demon if he was rescued. Fate is funny like that. The shuffling of leaves and branches were the only sign of life as a young girl, her hair pulled high, pushed through towards the river. Fresh fish was the only thing on her mind as the sight of the broken man, kept from death by a seemingly weak branch.



“Daddy!” she screamed, not daring to attempt to pull him in, the river continued to swirl ominously around him. One mistake and she would be pulled beneath, never seen again or at the very least, found dead miles downstream.



“Oh, merciful gods” Inoichi Yamanaka gasped as he came upon the sight of his daughter watching helplessly as the long haired stranger dangled perilously by a seemingly fragile branch. “Ino, go alert the pack.”



The girl was gone in a flash, a morning fishing trip lost from her mind as she ran at top speed. The change came swift as her clothes ripped from her body. Where a lovely teenage girl once stood, now a cream colored wolf remained.



The slender body of the wolf raced through the woods far faster than humanly possible. Each log was cleared easily in her race to the pack. Were-creatures might prefer their own company to that of humans or demons, but they were not so cruel as to leave a dying man in the river.



The run was short, ten minutes at the most. She entered the small den, a series of tunnels stemming from a massive central room. Each tunnel opened into leaving quarters of the small family units. The change was harder this time, her speedy run leaving her slightly tapped on energy. Her frantic change drew the eyes of a few members of the pack.



“Ino? Where’s your father?” Lola, the alpha female of the pack stood from her seat at the table.



“Injured man in the river. Father sent me for help.” Ino gasped out as she caught her breath. Sudden changes were harsh on the body. She wouldn’t be able to change again for several minutes.



“Human?”



Ino frowned. It was well known among the pack that Lola did not tolerate the presence of humans well. If she had her way, they would all be destroyed to lead way for the were-creatures to flourish. “I don’t know.”



“Hmmph. None of our pack are unaccounted for. We should just leave the creature to nature. If she designs that he lives, then it is her will.” Lola turned to leave the room.



“All life is precious. We are no better than the humans or demons!” Ino shouted, her eyes flashing dangerously.



Lola’s own eyes darkened in hue. Ino was young but had the potential of being an alpha. Already she was starting to stretch the limits set for her. In a few years, she might very well push her from her place as alpha female. Only mating with the alpha male could make Lola’s position permanent.



“You forget your place.” growled Lola, her voice barely human as she stalked close to the panting Ino.



“And you abuse yours.” Ino barely had the words from her mouth before she was shoved roughly against the hard stone walls of the meeting hall.



“You push your luck, pup.”



Ino growled low in her throat, already her alpha tendencies getting the best of her. She would likely be ‘taken care of’ soon. Lola wasn’t known to take too kindly to competition.



“You girls really shouldn’t stand around like that; it might give men the wrong idea.”



Lola dropped Ino like a hot potato. Her body swung around to gaze at the new arrival. The alpha male watched lazily as both females blushed brightly. It was expected. Both desired him as a mate, though young Ino didn’t realize it. The females always longed for the stronger male. It was nature.



“Kakashi, you must come quickly. Father found a man in the river. He needs help.” Ino was the first to snap from her admiration of the Alpha.



All lazy pretenses dropped as he sent Lola a withering look. It was obvious she’d ignored the girl in favor of pushing her weight around. “Gai!”



“Yes, my leader and rival?” Matt Gai bounded from a side room, anxious to see what his leader wanted.



“Follow in the trunk. Bring Ino to show you the way. I’m going on foot. Make sure you have blankets and first aid equipment.” With those words, Kakashi’s clothes were shed from his body.



The pack watched as the beautifully sculptured body contorted and shifted, gray fur popping from pale skin. To them, it was a beautiful sight. The lack of modesty was nothing among the pack. Instincts ran more powerful than tender sensibilities.



Within moments, a beautiful gray wolf stood before the pack. A low growl, followed by an authoritative bark sent the members of the pack jumping into action as he raced from the den.



His power and age allowed him to cover the ground in half the time. He arrived just in time to see Inoichi tying a rope around his waist. The stability of the body floating had become too precarious to wait any longer.



“What do you think you’re doing, hmm?” Kakashi’s naked body gleamed pearly in the early morning light.



“Forgive me, Alpha. I could wait no longer. He’s about to slip. He’s as good as gone if that happens. I can’t see the extent of his wounds from here but it looks bad.” Inoichi continued to tie when scarred and calloused hands stopped his movements.



“I’ll go.”



“Alpha!”



“Besides, I’m already naked. No need for you to ruin a perfectly good outfit, now is there?” Kakashi chuckled despite the dire situation.



The man looked in bad shape. He could see his chest moving faintly. He looked to be on death’s door. They needed to work fast. “Inoichi, I need you to tie the rope around that tree and brace me as I go in. The others should be here in the trunk by the time we get him out.”



“Yes, Alpha.” Inoichi tied the rope securely before moving into position, keeping the rope taunt.



Kakashi shivered a little as he inched into the water, using the rope for balance, his claws digging into the visible roots of the tree. Inoichi was correct. He was barely held from death by the thinnest of branches hung in his shirt.



Grabbing the torn shirt, he nodded to Inoichi. “Pull us in.”



The current was vicious. It took several minutes before both Kakashi and the stranger were on the muddy bank. The luminescent skin of the stranger seemed otherworldly. Even Kakashi’s naturally pale skin could not compare. For a moment, both men wondered if he was a vampire. The presence of the sun dispelled that idea.



“Is he human?”



Kakashi shook his head in confusion. “I don’t know. Regardless, he needs medical attention.”



A pale hand shot latch onto Kakashi’s arm, claws digging into the skin. The Alpha simple gazed down into the spinning eyes. That was interesting. What was a Sharingan demon doing in this part of the world? He’d assumed they were extinct. Will wonders never cease?



“Who…?” The voice croaked, barely able to utter that one word.



“Rest, you are with friends.” Kakashi stroked back the matted hair, frowning as his fingers came back red.



“Friends…” Eyes went black before fluttering closed.



“Inoichi, you will not speak of what you know. I don’t want anyone knowing what he is unless necessary. He could very well be the last of his kind and I will not be party to the extinction of a species.” Kakashi’s eyes brokered no refusal.



“Of course, Alpha. What if he proves to be dangerous? The Sharingan demons are known for their vicious nature.”



“Ha! So they are. I will take responsibility for him. Did you know these demons mate for life? Not so different from us, ne?” Kakashi smiled sadly before ripping the black shirt from the shivering body of the stranger.



His torso was riddled with fresh cuts, some from trees and rocks, but some also from blades. Hunter demons, thought Kakashi with distaste. Hunting one’s own kind was a distasteful practice. Occasionally necessary but distasteful, none the less.



“My leader and rival, I have arrived with the first aid!” The loud exclamation could only be from one man.



“Over here, Gai.”



Blankets were immediately placed over the shivering body of both their Alpha and the stranger. Once his most dire wounds were stabilized for the moment, the men lifted the stranger to the back of the truck. Stroking a hand over the long silky hair as the truck bounded along the dirt and gravel road, Kakashi mused at how exciting their lives would be now.



To be continued.