Chapter Text
“Imprint”
The Hatake were a prominent clan of werewolves. Their ability to use all elements without much effort rivaled that of the Senju druids. Their only true enemy being the Hunters. Kakashi Hatake was the son of the clan leader who was killed by the hunter known as Banshee. He could remember his father falling to the ground as her poisonous arrow pierced his heart. He memorized that sadistic smile that was formed by the pull of her full lips. He had vowed to end her life no matter the cost…
The two of them always somehow crossed paths. She was always cold as ice and her eyes never once flickered with any emotion or even life. It had never occurred to him to wonder how she had become like this. He couldn't stop his mind from pondering her and her reasoning for hunting his family and others like him. What made her want to hunt the Hatake down?
The tension between them was palpable, a fierce energy crackling in the air as if the elements themselves were at war. Each encounter left Kakashi more frustrated, not just by her seemingly invincible prowess but by the nagging curiosity about the woman behind the hunter's mask. Her detachment only fueled his determination, driving him to unravel the mystery of her relentless pursuit, even as he struggled to suppress the growing sense of respect for her.
Their confrontations were nothing but a clash of a deeply-rooted vendetta and the fate of the wolf’s life. Kakashi knew that if he failed, it would mean the extinction of the Hatake clan. For Banshee, success meant fulfilling her mission and avenging the past wrongs she believed had been committed against her own people.
They had been fighting for hours. He thought he had the upper hand… But she always found some way out of it. Always giving that lifeless stare and a demented smile.
“It seems that we are on equal ground, little wolf.”
“You…”
“Such hostility. You act as though I should be shaking in my boots," she aimed her arrow straight at him, her stance sure and steady.
He was exhausted. He knew she had the upper hand for now. He had let his emotions cloud his mind, and he had worn himself out. He had to find another way to win this battle. He took a deep breath and decided to change tactics. Instead of relying on brute strength, Kakashi focused on his cunning and speed, weaving through the trees to provide a shield for himself. By using the terrain to his advantage, he also hoped to keep her from getting a clear shot and create an opening for a decisive strike. Kakashi darted from shadow to shadow, disappearing behind thick trunks and reappearing in unexpected places. His movements caused her to constantly adjust her aim.
Banshee's eyes narrowed as she watched him dart through the forest with newfound finesse. Her grip on the bow tightened, her mind racing to adjust to his unpredictable movements. For the first time, a flicker of frustration crossed her face, and she realized she would need to adapt quickly if she wanted to maintain the control she had in their deadly game.
Kakashi knew that frustration could lead to mistakes, and he intended to exploit this to its fullest. If he kept on with his erratic movements, it may force her to make a rapid decision and increase the likelihood of her slipping up. Giving him the opportunity to strike when her defenses were down.
If he could lure her into thinking she had him cornered. As she focused on what she believed would be his next move, Kakashi would suddenly change direction, closing the distance between them with a burst of speed. In that critical moment, he would aim to disarm her with a swift, precise strike, rendering her unable to continue the fight and securing vengeance for his clan. Kakashi's approach, while clever, carried significant risks. By constantly moving and relying on speed, he risked mistakes of his own, such as tripping or losing sight of her by being too focused on maneuvering through the trees.
"A wolf playing cat and mouse... How quaint," she snorted, her green eyes narrowing as she followed him slowly.
He grinned, knowing that keeping her on her toes was the key to his strategy. His movements were unpredictable, zigzagging through the dense forest, making it difficult for her to anticipate his next move. He suddenly stopped, crouching low behind a large tree, waiting for the perfect moment to surprise her. As she approached cautiously, he sprang out from his hiding spot, catching her off guard. Her eyes widened and she didn't have time to aim in his direction. Seizing the moment, Kakashi lunged forward with precision and agility, closing the gap between them in an instant. His hand swiftly disarmed her, knocking the bow from her grip and pinned her to the ground before she could react.
Her breath came in short gasps as she tried to process the sudden turn of events, her mind racing to find a way out of her predicament. A flash of anger crossed her face, but it quickly gave way to a steely determination. She glared up at him, defiance burning in her eyes, refusing to concede defeat even as she lay immobilized beneath his grip. Kakashi couldn't help but admire her tenacity, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Her unyielding spirit reminded him of the fierce warriors he'd faced in the past, igniting a flicker of respect within him. Despite having the upper hand, he knew the fight was far from over; her resolve only made him more cautious, aware that any lapse in vigilance could turn the tide.
She took a deep breath, focusing her thoughts on the training she had endured for moments like this. With a swift twist of her body, she shifted her weight, using the momentum to unbalance him slightly. At the same time, she deftly reached for a hidden dagger strapped to her thigh, hoping to catch him off guard and create an opportunity to break free from his hold.
Kakashi reacted quickly, tightening his grip to maintain control, but she was relentless. Her dagger flashed in the pale moonlight as she swung it towards him, forcing him to dodge with a nimble sidestep. The movement created a brief opening, and she took advantage, rolling away and springing to her feet with renewed vigor. The forest echoed with their heavy breathing and the sound of their footsteps as they circled each other warily, each waiting for the other to make a move.
The forest was cloaked in shadows, with the silvery light of the moon filtering through the dense canopy above. The air was cool and thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, creating an eerie yet invigorating ambiance. The rustling leaves and distant hoots of nocturnal creatures provided a haunting symphony, heightening the tension of the standoff between the two.
"Why have you hunted my clan and I?" he questioned her suddenly. She stared at him for a moment. Pondering her answer? Perhaps... This was the first time he had even tried to speak with her.
"Are you not trying to hunt me down? For killing your father," she remarked, her pink eyebrow raising in confusion.
Kakashi's expression flickered with a mix of surprise and anger, her words striking a nerve he hadn't expected. The mention of his father's death reopened old wounds, and he struggled to maintain his composure under the weight of grief and vengeance. Yet, beneath the surface of his turmoil, he couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for her candor, acknowledging the tangled web of motives that bound them both.
She had the courage to speak truths that others avoided, confronting the painful realities head-on without flinching. Her ability to see through the facade and address the heart of the matter showed an insight that Kakashi couldn't ignore. Despite the pain her words caused, he admired her strength and honesty in laying bare the complexities of their connection. His stormy grey eyes met her own eyes.
That's when he felt it... A warmth in his chest that expanded through his body. He saw images of them as if they were glimpses of an uncertain future as if he was flying through each one, vanishing as quickly as it arrived. He felt something else stirring within him... A need to mark her and it terrified him. She was his enemy! How dare his soul betray him and choose to imprint on her. He took a step back and ran.
Kakashi had never run from his battles. She was the one to escape them to avoid a gruesome death. There was something that scared him more than a hunter did... She stood frozen for a moment, stunned by his unexpected retreat. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of triumph and unease swirling within her. She couldn't quite comprehend the depth of what had just transpired, but she knew something had changed. She felt the shift in the wind. A storm was coming and she needed to return to the Hunter's village.
As she made her way back, a whirlwind of emotions churned inside her. Confusion and curiosity mingled with a sense of urgency, driving her forward with each step. Despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, there was an undeniable thrill at the thought of unraveling the mystery that Kakashi's reaction had sparked within her. The leaders were not going to like that she had failed once again to kill Kakashi... She would be on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing of which she was certain.
The leaders might question her loyalty and competence, casting doubt on her ability to fulfill her duties. She feared they would send another, perhaps more ruthless, hunter to finish what she could not. Worse, she worried they might decide she was expendable, viewing her failure as a betrayal rather than a mere setback. The Hunter's village was a secluded enclave, nestled deep within the shadowy embrace of the forest. Its significance lay not just in its strategic location, but in its reputation as a bastion of elite warriors, trained from childhood to carry out the most perilous tasks with precision and stealth. The village was governed by a strict code of honor and discipline, where success was celebrated, and failure was met with harsh consequences.
They hunted creatures that moved in the shadows. Kakashi Hatake was such a creature. A werewolf, but unlike other werewolves, he and his clan kept control of themselves. Making them the most deadly. She and the other warriors had wiped out the Hatake clan almost entirely. She could not bring herself to kill Kakashi that day when she killed his father. She, like Kakashi, was a child at the time... Only able to handle a bow because of the ruthless training she endured. The village leaders were not happy back then either about her choice to leave Kakashi breathing...
Sparing Kakashi's life had haunted her ever since, a decision that had set her apart from her fellow hunters and raised questions about her resolve. It was a choice that had not only influenced her standing in the village but also reshaped her own identity, forcing her to confront the complex emotions that warfare and duty often buried. In the quiet moments, she couldn't help but wonder if her mercy would eventually lead to her downfall or if it was the very thing that made her different, perhaps even stronger, than the rest.
She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts floating in her head as she walked through the village gates. The air was thick with a sense of purpose, each villager moving with a determined stride, their expressions hardened by years of discipline and the weight of expectation. The clang of weapons being sharpened and the muted sounds of intense training echoed through the narrow streets. Despite the ever-present tension, there was an unspoken camaraderie among the hunters, a bond forged through shared trials and the silent understanding of the burdens they carried.
She let out a breath of relief to be home and not out in the wild. Where she would be the most vulnerable. Her steps were graceful and quick as she pressed on to the main structure that housed the leaders of the village.
"Sakura! You are home. Look at you! You are all dirty what happened," a blonde woman around her age ran to her, the woman's thumb cleaning a smudge of dirt off her face.
"I am fine Ino. Just a roll in the dirt. I got away."
“Was it that Hatake guy again?"
"Yeah."
"Sakura... He's a dangerous werewolf..."
"Ino, I know that. I killed his father. It's only right that he would want revenge."
"I know...," Ino's turquoise eyes fell to the ground.
"Don't worry I will be fine. Now let me go report to the elders and I will see you later," Sakura patted her friend on the shoulder and moved past her to the leaders…
The leaders were a group of seasoned warriors who did more bossing around than fighting. If Sakura was completely honest... Danzo concerned her greatly. He had given her the order to kill Sakumo Hatake and when she reported her success, she found it odd that the other leaders seemed upset that she had killed him. Hotaru went as far as saying the old wolf had let her so she would not face their wrath.
"Report," Danzo's voice echoed in the room.
"I was on my usual route when I ran into Kakashi Hatake. We had a brief scuffle but I was able to get away."
"You let him get away again? This is becoming a repetitive thing for you. You killed his father, surely you can kill him." Danzo's remark made her clench her fists. Hiruzen, the main leader, had told her to flee when she saw him, but she didn't. She fought him and he eventually overpowered her. What was she supposed to do when she had a flee on sight order, but another leader wanted her to fight him?
For some reason they either wanted her dead or there was something about the Hatake that Danzo wanted to get rid of completely. The question was what would they know, have done, or have that the old man feared? Perhaps there was something deeper at play, a secret that the Hatake family held that Danzo desperately wanted to erase from existence. It could be that Sakumo Hatake possessed knowledge or power that threatened Danzo's very livelihood.
Alternatively, Danzo might have had a personal vendetta against the family, seeking to eliminate any trace of their legacy to consolidate his own authority. She would never know the answer to her thoughts unless she asked Kakashi himself.
"Next time you encounter him you either kill him or never come back," Danzo spat and Sakura looked up at them in shock. Her eyes fell on Hiruzen to see him look troubled but kept his mouth shut. Sakura's suspicions grew in her heart, but she still gave a bow of respect and left.
Just why was the Hatake such a top priority when there were other creatures that were a threat? The Snake Sage Orochimaru and so many more were dire threats, and yet Danzo wanted the Hatake completely eradicated. Why are they spared? Sakura decided she needed to dig deeper into Danzo's motivations. She resolved to covertly gather information from the records in the village archives, hoping to uncover any connections between Danzo and the Hatake family. Additionally, she contemplated reaching out to trusted allies who might have insights into Danzo's true agenda, even if it meant risking her own safety to expose the truth.
If she could get into the Archives she knew she could find at least a clue, but knowing Danzo that would be the extent of it. She walked to her home and stepped inside. Her blood ran cold seeing Kakashi there in his human form. His eyes locked on to her, an index finger across her lips telling her to be quiet.
"You are either very bold or very stupid," she whispered, nearly lashing out when he rolled his eyes at her.
She crossed her arms as she weighed in on the reasons why he came there.
"Why are you here?"
"Reasons."
"And what reasons are those?"
"I will tell you when I have the answer to that."
"Get out."
"Now hold on... Let's just say something happened in that forest. One I am curious about. I am also intrigued as to why you seem puzzled by your leaders."
"You were spying?"
"It's not that hard. Are you the only elite one or are there others? Because I haven't seen many."
That earned Kakashi a snort from her. She was glad he recognized her skills, but the tone he used made it clear it was more sarcastic than praise.
"Either way, I am intrigued by my pull toward you and intend to explore it to its fullest."
"Typical dog behavior." her words caused him to chuckle.
Kakashi stood and walked to her, his steps slow and deliberate. He could hear her heart hammering in her chest. She could at any moment call for help or fight back, but that look in his eyes sent her into a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. The way the light illuminated his muscular frame made him seem more beautiful, graceful, dangerous… Most of all she felt curiosity fill her as he continued his approach. She mentally berated herself, he was a werewolf, a creature her village was destined to destroy. They were enemies and yet, she felt a sliver of anticipation.
Why was she feeling this desire for him? Why did she always spare him? Why had she allowed him to escape? Why had he let her get away when he was the victor in their many battles?
"Tell Danzo that the only person who can lay a hand on you is me," his words held a husky tone, but was deep and smooth like the finest velvet. She could feel his intense stare, as if he could see right through her. He slowly stepped back, his expression unreadable.
"All that you want to know... Is it really worth it? To have the world you live in shatter like glass? To know the truth behind your orders? To discover why you were sent to kill my family and so many others? Is the supernatural your enemy or is it really your salvation from the shadows within?"
"W-What are you talking about?"
"You'll know with time. There is a home deep in the woods to the south of your little village. The answers you want are there."
"Why..."
"Think about it first... Because once you discover the truth, the lines between friend and foe will be blurred. Be sure that you are ready for whatever comes from you gaining the knowledge you seek," and with that, he was gone as quickly as he came.
She stood there, her heart pounding, as his words echoed in her mind. The idea that everything she'd been taught might be a lie was terrifying. If she pursued these answers, she risked not only her own safety but the very foundation of her beliefs and loyalties. She struggled with the thought of betraying her village, the people she had sworn to protect and fight for. Yet, the allure of discovering the truth tugged at her, making her question if her blind loyalty was justified. Torn between duty and the possibility of understanding a world she had been taught to fear, she wondered if she could face the consequences of unraveling the secrets that lay ahead.
Kakashi's words were cold and yet warm. There was a tiredness in his eyes. Was he tired of fighting her? Or was it something else that made him seek her out? The way he stared at her like she held the key to his life... His survival... No, that couldn't be right. He had sworn to kill her because she had taken his father's life... Why had his motives changed so suddenly? She was bewildered by Kakashi's sudden shift in demeanor, unable to reconcile the vengeful werewolf she had known with the enigmatic figure who now seemed to offer guidance. Confusion and curiosity intertwined, leaving her unsure whether to trust his intentions or remain wary of his cryptic advice. Despite the danger, there was an undeniable pull towards understanding his true motives and the secrets he hinted at, sparking a flicker of something that implied that their fates were more intertwined than she had ever imagined.
She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts that something was forming between the two. He wanted her to let her guard down. That had to be why he was doing this... So why did her heart clench in a subtle pain at her denial? What was happening between her and Kakashi? Perhaps it was the conflicting emotions of revenge and compassion that tore at her heart, forcing her to question her own feelings. The history they shared was painful, yet there was an undeniable connection that seemed to transcend their past enmity. Maybe it was the realization that beneath the layers of anger and resentment, there was a shared humanity and vulnerability that neither could ignore.
She scoffed at herself for letting the man get to her, and walked to her bedroom. She was not going to let him have the upperhand in whatever he was doing. Still, his words echoed in her head. Sure, she was questioning her home, but there had to be a reason as to why the supernatural were hunted like they were. When she was younger… She didn’t question her orders, it was one of the few things she could count on. Now, however, she found herself questioning it all more and more. She removed the ribbon from her hair and carefully swept her fingers through her tresses.
A bath is what she needed and that would clear her head for a moment. She was meticulous and careful, her stride graceful as she swept through her room gathering what she needed to go to the bathhouse. With one last look around her quiet home, she left without another word. Walking the village streets once more. Unaware of the eyes on her figure…
What was he doing? He couldn’t even tell you. Kakashi wanted to scream and throw things when he had gotten away from her after he felt the imprint on his soul and now he was bound to her. The very woman he had sworn to end the life of was his soulmate, his kindred. He rolled his eyes and snorted at that thought. He prided himself on being able to control the urges of his wolf blood to find a mate, but the call of it was stronger than even he was.
The first chance it got when his eyes looked into her green eyes and his beast within was captivated. So, here he was watching her like some lecher or worse a lovesick pup. His friends and family were probably laughing at him. He was sure his father was rolling in his grave that Kakashi’s beast had picked someone. And not just anyone obtained the bond. It was a hunter…
He ran his fingers through his silver hair and sighed. How did he even get into these messes he would never know, but he cursed the fact that being a creature of evil as Danzo had called it… A secondary curse would be rotten luck and poor timing. He watched her movements with a scrutinizing gaze. Was she always that short?
He figured he really didn’t have time to pay attention when they were fighting, but now that he was analyzing her he couldn’t believe how small she actually was. Her looks were disarming, they screamed innocence. She, however, was anything but innocent. Kakashi felt his lips twitch, the more he followed her. She was naive, that was certain. She walked around her home like she was completely safe.
If she decided to investigate the village, he wondered how safe she would actually feel. These woods her home belonged to his family for generations until the Senju stepped foot in it. His clan and others were in awe at the powers of nature the pack of humans possessed. Almost as if the very earth itself blessed them and chose them to rule. Hashirama and Tobirama, were revered amongst the Hatake clan. He had thought they were friends…
That was until the day that the last Senju brother passed on. Danzo and Hiruzen wasted no time in ordering the extinction of anything that was not human. The Uchiha clan was first, and only four of them remain. They left the territory in the shadows and never returned. With good reason, he supposed. He wasn’t one for running after all. He would much rather tear his enemies to pieces and howl over their remains. A proclamation that he was the victor, superior to the so-called elite hunters. It was survival of the fittest in this God-forsaken cesspool anyways. It never ceased to amaze him of the arrogance of humans. Only one person would be able to kill him and that person is the one he is currently watching over like some loyal dog.
Kakashi supposed she wasn’t too bad to look at, she had nice legs, a modest cleavage size, and her rear looked soft yet firm. He placed his head in his palm while his eyes continued to rove over her. She was the perfect size for him if he was being honest. He liked towering over and protecting those he wished to protect. He gave him a power trip in a sense, but not to the extent of being too cocky for his own good.
Did she fall asleep in the water? He leaned closer, his superior hearing listening for any indication that she was unwell or sleeping. All he could hear was the steady beating of her heart and slow inhale and exhale of breath. His nose twitched as he caught the smell of lavender, rain, and mint. She was at peace then, her head was tilted back, eyes closed.
If she was not feeling completely serene at the moment, she was a good actor. His line of sight traveled down the expanse of her throat. He felt his throat go dry when his eyes locked on to her collarbone. Exactly where his mark would go when his fangs sunk into her neck. He licked his dry lips and growled trying to reign in the desire to do just that. Just when he was about to give in, someone had joined her…
Sakura looked at the newcomer with a smile.
“You could have waited for me, Sakura.”
“Sorry, Ino. I was preoccupied with something and by the time I decided on a bath. I just went without thinking much else.”
“I know that look all too well. What did the elders say?”
“Just that I better kill Kakashi Hatake next time. There was a storm moving in and it's dangerous to roam the forest at night. I am not a werewolf, so my sight would be significantly reduced as well. Nothing they do makes sense anymore.”
“Has it ever since we grew up?”
“Hmm true. The more I hear from them the more that I am confused by them,” Sakura admitted looking around.
Ino sighed and shook her head.
“We are alone, but if you want reassurance we can always talk through my telepathy.”
“No, it's fine. Something happened in my fight against Kakashi… The whole battle felt different, but when he had me pinned and I was resigned to my fate to die… He froze and before I knew it he was running off as if I just infected him with some disease.”
“That is odd. I mean, he had no problem trying to decapitate or disembowel you before… His freezing up is strange. However, from what we know of werewolves… Maybe he imprinted on you?”
“Imprinted? Ha! That’s hilarious Pig! Hell would freeze over before that happens!”
“It can happen! Kakashi’s not immune to his wolf wanting to mate with someone! You could be the one his beast was waiting for!”
“Pig, you are delusional! There is no way in hell that Kakashi Hatake imprinted on me,” Sakura laughed, ignoring her friend’s pout. Kakashi scoffed from his hiding spot. If only she knew, he thought with a roll of his eyes. Deciding he had wasted enough time, he left disappearing into the shadows…
The sun was unforgivingly bright, Sakura groaned, shielding her eyes with her forearm.
“Good morning,” Kakashi’s voice reached her ears and with a sharp intake of breath she shot up and tried to get out of bed. Her blanket got tangled around her legs and she hit the ground hard.
“I hate you.”
“What was that?”
“I said I hate you!”
“That’s what I thought you said. I couldn’t hear you the first time because you were kissing the floor.”
“Mutt,” she grumbled, her face flushed red from embarrassment and her fall. She slowly got up and glared at him.
“What are you doing here again?”
“I already told you why yesterday. Are all hunters’ memories this bad?”
“You told me why you were at my home yesterday, yesterday. Why are you here today?”
“You’ll see soon enough. Are you hungry?”
“Stop joking around Kakashi.”
“I am not joking. If I was joking I would be smiling.”
“Why are you here?!”
“I told you, you will see soon enough. Now, are you hungry?”
“No,” she answered, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
His hunter was so entertaining… The littlest thing could put her on edge. She really was something else entirely. He found he liked this side of her, not as much as he liked fighting her of course, but he liked it nonetheless.
“I didn’t poison it or anything. That’s a cheating tactic that your village likes to use frequently.”
“Poison it? You mean you made the food yourself?”
“Yes. Your pantry is almost bare… What have you been eating? I had to go fishing for some meat.”
“Werewolves fish?”
“We are not as helpless as those domesticated wolves you lot have.”
“True… You have been acting weird.”
“I have.”
“Why?”
“That explanation will have to wait for now.”
“You…”
“Just for right now. I thought you wanted answers for the reasons why Danzo wanted the Hatake clan killed?”
“I do.”
“Then shut up and eat. So, we can go get those answers,” he cut her off, grabbing a plate of food from the dresser and handing it to her.
Sakura grabbed the plate, plucked a piece of meat from the grilled fish, and put it in her mouth.
“Maybe you can tell me your side of things,” she suggested as she continued to eat. Kakashi sighed, leaning against the wall.
“The Hatake clan used to own the lands around here. When the Senju clan came to our territory, we fought to keep our land… But Hashirama and Tobirama were far stronger. They had the power of nature that they could summon at will. There are tales of Hashirama summoning giant full grown trees out of nowhere. One day after a particular gruesome fight, the leader of my clan and Hashirama made a treaty. They could have the land which is where your home resides and in return, they leave us the forest.”
“So, Hashirama was like a druid.”
“Something like that. It was only seventeen years ago when we met as children that I realized that the Senju treaty meant nothing to your village when the Senju were all dead. So, we are back to being at war with humans once again.”
“We?”
“What, you thought only werewolves were a threat? Surely you remember the Uchiha? The masters of manipulation and shadows?”
“Well… Yes, I do. But that still doesn’t mean that they were a big concern, right?”
“Not exactly. The Uchiha were rivals of the Senju clan. Think of the Senju as the light and the Uchiha as the darkness. It’s a lot easier that way.”
“But you just said that they wielded the power of nature.”
“I did, light and dark in itself is nature. Just like my transformation into the werewolf was once a druid trait. Somehow through time it became permanent.”
“I guess I should tell you my name?”
“No need, I know it.”
“How?”
He cleared his throat to suppress the fact that he had been watching her.
“While at first I only knew your codename, I found myself wanting to know my enemy. So I did recon.”
“Recon? I thought it was impossible to obtain information on hunters. Especially from my village.”
“Generally it is. However, recon is not simply gathering things from the rumor mill. It is searching for proof to support those claims. Not all the information I obtained was accurate and I already proved that sneaking into your village is too easy. They should really work on their defenses.”
“Agreed. It would seem they are not as secretive as they had hoped.”
There was something in the way that he was speaking to her, telling her he knew more than he was willing to say on the subject. Opting to hide it instead of sharing it with her. Whether or not it was something she would find out later remained to be seen. His posture was slightly tense and guarded. Almost as if speaking more on the history would do more harm than good. She finished her food, the silence between them making it almost suffocating…
They had been at each other’s throats since they left her home to head to the house he spoke about the day before.
“I have been in these woods hundreds of times! There is no home here.”
“Patience.”
“Don’t tell me to have patience! You are not listening to me!”
“You may have been running through this forest hundreds of times, but I lived in them. I know every nook and cranny of this place,” he answered his own patience hanging on by a thread.
How this woman was his mate to be he would never understand. She was infuriating, always complaining about this or that. How she was able to fight him was surprising. He was not sure what she aimed to get from the knowledge she was about to receive but he hoped it made her more tolerable.
“We are almost there.”
“You said that an hour ago! You are lost aren’t you?’
“I am not.”
“You are.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No.”
“Ye,” was all she got about before she was pinned to a tree. His anger-filled eyes bore into her own.
“I am not lost and you are pissing me off. Now follow me quietly and be patient.”
“I..”
“Not another word about me being lost.”
They stood there for a few moments, he could feel the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. The smell of cinnamon and fire filled his nose. It was such a unique smell, that he felt himself taking a shaky inhale of it once more. It was thrilling at how much her scent could change by the situation she found herself in. This aroma permeating from her skin was one he had not smelled on her before…
Sakura took a shaky breath, not quite understanding how his close proximity and touch were affecting her so much. She figured it was because he was of the opposite sex and ridiculously attractive. Even if he was a werewolf… He was a beautiful being. She fought the urge to lick her lips while they continued their staredown.
“Can you… Can you get off of me?”
“Right,” he said quickly and released her from his entrapment. He turned on his heel and kept walking.
“Ah, here we are.”
“There’s nothing here.”
“Just a moment.”
Kakashi grabbed a boulder and rolled it out of the way, revealing a door.
“A home hidden within the rock face… Genius.”
“The Hatake were resourceful that is for sure.”
“It is a great safety measure. Hiding the door with a rock that could not be moved by normal means was a brilliant idea.”
“It is weird that you are praising people who are not like yourself.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what you think it does. It is no secret that you humans are always egotistical and carry an air of superiority. You have no real power, you just have the numbers. Well except in your case. You are the only one I have seen that I would dare call an equal.”
“Will you tell me now why you spared me? You had a clear chance to kill me.”
“I… I just didn’t want to.”
“That’s a vague answer.”
“You sound disappointed.”
“How observant of you. I almost deemed you worthy of intelligent and meaningful conversation. I was sorely mistaken.”
“You deeming me worthy is not something that holds any weight to me. What you humans find worthy one minute is considered a sin the next. You flip quicker than the turning of a page. Nothing ever holds value to you for long.”
“That’s a fair assessment, but not all humans are like that.”
“Really now?”
“Yes really.”
“Let me remind you Princess that you were once treasured by your village elders and now that you cannot kill something you are threatened with exile. Give me one human that stuck to all of their convictions.”
“I…”
“That’s what I thought,” he snorted, opening the door and ushering her inside.
Sakura walked briskly past him and her nose scrunched up at the stale smell of dirt and wood that filled her nose. It was clear that the home had been abandoned for a longtime. The walls were dull in color, the roof and floors rotting. The only thing holding it together and looked better than the rest of the home did was a peculiar painting.
“This place is a trash heap.”
“Abandonment tends to do that to a home.”
“Thank you for stating the obvious. I was wondering about that for a second there.”
“You are welcome. I placed too much faith in you having more intelligence than your village.”
Kakashi removed the painting to reveal a safe, he reached into his shirt gripping a chain around his neck, he carefully pulled it over his head. He put the key into the keyhole, unlocking, and opening the safe. He stepped aside letting her see a multitude of files and scrolls.
“Last chance, to turn back and stay ignorant.”
“I am not running.”
“Good. Hopefully your bravery sticks around when you are labeled a traitor.”
Sakura took a breath to steady herself, stepping to the safe. She pulled out the first file and began reading its contents.
“Senju-Hatake Treaty…,” she whispered more to herself than anyone. She felt her throat constrict painfully as she read every account in the file. The Hatake were once allies, and protectors from the shadows. What had changed so much that they were now an enemy to her home and possibly other hunter villages?
Kakashi studied her while she read each word written within the parchment and scrolls. Her brow furrowed more and more, her eyes becoming wild and enraged the more she devoured the knowledge. Her jaw was tight and her teeth clenched. Her anger was righteous in a sense, she was after all lied to. Trained to kill those that were sworn allies with the pretense that they were the traitors and not her village. The killing intent and bloodlust tainted her sweet scent, and made him shift with a complexity of emotions. His inner beast was reacting to it. Some of it was that he wanted to calm her, some wanted to relish in it, and the rest wanted to claim her as his.
His grey eyes roved over her, committing this moment to memory where she was a myriad of emotions and her scent was intoxicating. She was a human yet she was a temptress unlike any other. What a grand thing to experience, his mind thought. She was not something he needed to taint. She was already tainted after all. She was in the same darkness as he, but she held a light that never seemed to dim even with that darkness wrapping her like a cocoon.
She was a conundrum of complexity and intrigue. Now he hated to admit the wolf within was becoming consumed by her. While his mind wanted nothing more than to end her. His heart, however, was so sensitive to the things he was reminded of time and time again. He hated that part of him that clung to anything that showed him an ounce of compassion. It made him too warm-hearted. Maybe werewolves were like domesticated dogs in a sense. He hated his loneliness more than anything.
“What do we have here,” a voice spoke and Kakashi jumped in front of Sakura to shield her.
“What are you doing?! I can fight.”
“Sakura hush. You can’t fight this one.”
“Kakashi. I came here as a friend… You wound me with your callous disregard,” the man stepped into the light. His black hair was short and unruly, his red eyes glew with malice and the threat of death, his handsome face held a smile that was between smug and sinister.
“Obito.”
The said man burst into a fit of laughter that blossomed from his gut.
“You seriously did not recognize my voice? Surely you caught my scent… Or were you distracted?”
“Why are you here?”
“Shisui’s crow reported such an interesting development. It seems the Banshee was showing signs of being a traitor to her village and a certain werewolf was entertaining himself with her. I was curious and decided to investigate it myself.”
Kakashi growled under his breath, he may have been guarded when it came to everyone else. The remaining Uchiha he had not prepared for. Damn their ability to use animals of shadow to spy. Even with his sense of smell it was hard to detect the Uchiha magic on creatures of nature unless it was a stronger manipulation.
“Easy now. When have I ever given you pause to believe that I am here to stir up discord? You giving this woman the truth has made her a target. You need allies right?”
“You are offering an accord?”
“Something like that my dear. You see Kakashi and I go way back. I saved him from a trap once. We were still children at that time, but nonetheless, he and I have been friends ever since.”
“Friends? Do friends normally look ready to kill each other?”
“In our case… It seems like that doesn’t it, he simply wants me to assure him I am not here to kill you.”
Those words made Sakura’s body stiffen, her fingers twitching to reach for her weapon.
“I am not by the way. At least, not yet. Depends on how you feel about your newly acquired knowledge after all.”
“Obito…”
“Kakashi, your wolf imprinted on her. I wish to make sure that you are not foolishly blinded by it.”
“Imprinted?!”
“Oh dear. You didn’t tell her? For shame Kakashi,” Obito’s head cocked to the side and his smile turned into a grin.
“I hate you so much right now.”
“Aww Kakashi… Don’t be like that.”
Kakashi turned his head away from them and Sakura cocked her head to the side. The Kakashi she was seeing was not what she had seen from the man before. He looked embarrassed and vulnerable. Even as she heard the deep chuckle of his friend, she wondered if what he had said was intentionally done to cause the wolf harm in some way.
“Do be careful my dear. Because if you reject him he will die, if you die he goes on a murderous rampage and winds up dead, and if you accept him… You will forever be changed.”
“You mean no matter what, I will kill him.”
“Exactly so… You can reject him and he will die. Perfect way to end his threat to your home don’t you think?”
“What? No! There is no honor to be had in killing someone by purposely breaking their soul and mentality.”
Kakashi took in a sharp breath, had he heard her right? Even if she didn’t want him, she was not going to reject him. She didn’t want to kill him in any way that would take away her honor. His head turned so he could really see her. She was noble even though she was made to be a monster in his and other’s eyes.
“You are serious.”
“Why would I lie? You have given me no reason to.”
“You are something else my dear. Your wolf picked a good one, Kashi.”
“Can it Obito! You have revealed enough.”
“I said it was an accident! I didn’t know you didn’t tell her!”
“Sure it was an accident and I am actually a werebear.”
“You are a bit scrawny to be one aren’t you?”
“I said it once I will say it again. I hate you.”
“Sure you do my brother. Sure you do.”
“I am not your brother.”
“Not by blood that’s true… But in our hearts and souls we are. I will always be there for you.”
“Obito… I…”
“Don’t get all mushy like a pup now.”
“And there you go with all that teasing again.”
“But of course! You teased me when we were children. Now, it is my turn,” came Obito’s response and they paused momentarily to see Sakura burst into laughter. Her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed, head thrown back, and mouth open as the laughter came without restraint.
The two men looked at each other and then back at her, she was starting to compose herself and wiped the tears from her eyes.
“S-Sorry. It’s just… You two really do act like brothers. I never had a family so it was like watching… Nevermind,” she averted her gaze then, the scent of melancholy filled Kakashi’s nose.
“Hey… It’s okay.”
“It is. When I was little I used to dream of what family was like. I was raised by the elders. Mainly Danzo. So… I don’t know, I guess I fantasized about what my life would be like with a family. Soon that turned into rage that I was alone and everyone else had a family. That’s why I trained and trained. Eventually, I took my rage out on those I was sent to kill.”
Kakashi sighed and his eyes narrowed. Obito after a moment spoke.
“I see. Who taught you to utilize your hate as a weapon or did you learn that on your own?”
“Both Danzo and myself, I suppose.”
“You know while it does give you strength it is fleeting for what happens when there is nothing to unleash your rage on?”
“I…”
“You have been taught to fear, to hate, to kill and never ask questions… You are here now though. That speaks volumes my dear. Your soul is asking to be free. Perhaps that’s why Kakashi’s inner beast decided you were worthy of him.”
“Everything I have ever known has been a lie. I slaughtered so many and for no reason other than the elder’s fears and own thirst for power… I… I feel like a monster.”
“You are not. They lied to you, not the other way around.”
“But I…”
“Enough!”
“K-Kakashi…”
“It’s enough. You are not a monster. You are simply what they taught you to be when you were but a child. You are not to blame… At least not to me you're not… Not anymore.”
“Kakashi… Thank you,” she whispered and Kakashi gave her a small smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes. There was still a part of him that held onto the malice he always had for her. As if that would be the only thing to save him.
Obito crossed his arms and watched them for a moment.
“All right, since we got the necessary drama and sappy stuff out of the way. Let me formally invite you to the Land of Illusions.”
“You mean the Sanctuary of Crows?”
“The very same one Kakashi.”
“Are you sure your brother and cousins will be happy to have a hunter there?”
“They have no choice. She can teach us how they fight and the poisons they use. Besides, we have a trump card of sorts.”
“A trump card?”
“You will see when we get there. Meet me at the Valley’s end,” Obito said, vanishing without a trace.
Sakura looked at Kakashi who seemed to have placed an emotionless mask on his face to hide his emotions.
“Valley’s End… He expects me to leave behind my forest… My land.”
“It’s only temporary Kakashi…”
“If I leave that means Danzo and your village gets what is mine!” She took a step back seeing that wild look in his eyes. He was so angry, he felt like he was betraying the last thing he had that belonged to his family.
“Kakashi… Just for now. If… If we hope to beat them then we need allies.”
“We? You think because I imprinted on you and I believe it’s not your fault that you became a monster that I trust you? You are very foolish.”
“No, I don't believe you trust me. Like you said that would be foolish. I was simply reminding you that you are not the only one after them. That regardless of what you tell yourself on trusting me or not, you need me to show you how to defend against their poisons and the reaper magic.”
“Reaper magic?”
“It’s how I got the Banshee name. I become like a mist of death. You never saw it because I never thought to use it I suppose. There are a lot of things I question now more than ever. Like how I always spare you for some reason and you always spared me. Even before that day in the forest… If you want… We can go right back to killing each other after this is all over.”
“You,” he started, but stopped as if he lost all the words in his mind. He scoffed, throwing his hands up, and stalked off, his anger still rolling off of him.
She turned towards the stack of files and scrolls that opened her eyes and tenderly placed them back and closed the safe. She carefully replaced the painting making sure that it did not look out of place. With a sigh she left the home, stepping back into the sunlight made her eyes blink and her hand came up to shield them. Kakashi moved the rock back into place and without speaking nor looking her way began walking away. Her lips turned down at the corners and once her eyes adjusted enough, she caught up with him.
“You are a confusing person. One minute you are a dick and the next you are kind. Right now… You are just being a brat.”
“A brat? You would know all about being such wouldn’t you?”
“What…”
“You feel as though since you told some of your story that we all should give you a hug? Wrap you in a blanket? Whisper soothing words into your hair?”
“I don’t expect to be coddled like some infant. You are so… Ugh,” she growled and walked ahead of him feeling her own anger bubbling to the surface. If Kakashi wanted to be an asshole, he could do that by himself.
She looked around the scenery just to keep her mind off the werewolf from following behind her. The birds were singing the song of nature with the other critters like they were the audience to a symphony to a song that only these creatures knew. Sakura felt a slight peace fill her heart, the crisp air of the forest was refreshing. Such a welcome smell compared to the smells she was accustomed to. Her lungs were almost grateful for having the clean air fill them. The trees rose high to the sky, each one holding scars of the past.
Of past wars and conflicts, and the occasional bear marking his territory. They had a story to tell… She wondered if anyone would ever be as powerful as Hashirama Senju and be able to extract the memories from these trees as she had heard tales of. It was something she had always wondered about in years of training and learning the history of her home. If what was written in those files were true then Danzo and the elders had destroyed everything that the Senju clan had built within what her villa… No, what once was her village. She was walking away from it now…
The trek to Valley’s End was silent. Almost too silent in Sakura’s honest opinion. Yet, it gave her time to reflect on the turn of events that have occurred throughout the years she had the run-ins with Kakashi. Her eyes moved to glance at him, he was handsome. More handsome than any mortal or supernatural creature she had come across. His grey eyes were something else entirely, almost otherworldly. She supposed even her own eye color was a bit odd, but his were like a storm brewing in their depths… And yet there was also a peacefulness to it. Even wisdom glittered within them. His aristocratic nose and strong jawline no doubt made him all the more desirable to the female species. His hair was as silver as a sword with white highlights that gave them a soft cloud-like look. She felt her fingers twitch with the urge to touch his hair to see for herself if it was as soft as it looked.
She must have been staring at him too long because his eyes locked onto hers.
“Is there something on my face?”
“N-No.”
“Are you sure? You are staring awfully hard. One would think something was on their face. Or was there another reason for your gaze on my person?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Hahaha… I wasn't. I was merely trying to figure out why you were looking at me so intently.”
“Y-You.”
“You… Sakura you sure stutter a lot,” his smirk did so many things to her.
Some of which were completely fueled by anger. The other being something that was a bit foreign to her to an extent. Sakura tore her gaze away with a frown.
“Now, you are upset. You do not like small talk as much as I thought you did.”
“This is not small talk. This is teasing.”
“Not to me it isn’t. I can tease you if you’d like.”
“Asshole,” she muttered, her eyes narrowing to slits.
His laugh echoed through the forest at that point and Sakura’s attention was back on him. It was heartwarming hearing that laugh come from him. His eyes brimming with tears as the laughter shook him and came from his diaphragm and out his mouth. She could see his sharp canines as he gasped for breath between his laughter.
“You are so easy to swing the mood of.”
She felt her lips twitch to smile, but she forced it down. She would not give him more power over her than he already gained since their new alliance of sorts.
“Wasn’t it you that wanted distance? You said as much back at that house.”
“I did. I am not good with emotions that have power over me and influence my ability of thinking clearly.”
“Neither do I, but that is part of me… Accepting it as part of you helps you gain some control though. I knew I was different from the other hunters… I was good at what I did…”
“But you questioned why and you never killed a child.”
“How long have you really been watching me?”
“Ever since the day we met. I knew if I was going to kill you… I needed to know all about you. I tried hard to not like you… But you always showed something else that made me question my motives.”
“What did I show you?”
“When I figure out how to put it into words I will tell you.”
“Will you tell me about this imprint?”
She heard him suck in a breath and sigh.
“Imprinting for werewolves is different in a sense to regular wolves and dogs. We are capable of having familial imprints, but only one mate imprint. The familial imprint is a feeling of safety and belonging. A mate imprint is like a fire through your veins. A catch of breath, visions of a future together, and a need to be close to that person. It is a bond that cannot be broken like the familial one.”
“I see… So you and Obito have a familial imprint?”
“Yes. He was there when I needed him most.”
“Understandable. When I went into elite training, is when I met Ino. She was my rock when the village elders were at my throat about my shortcomings in our encounters. I could not understand why I was so expendable, but now I know why. It’s not because I wasn’t good enough… It was because Danzo wanted you dead no matter the cost.”
“You were a tool. A shield and nothing more.”
His words were a truth that if Sakura didn’t know what she knew now then it would be hard to believe. A pill she could not swallow, she nodded not trusting her words. How was she supposed to really respond to his words? The very home she knew was a shell of what it was meant to be. It was hollow and unfeeling. The sound of a waterfall filled their ears. They saw Obito at the top waving at them.
“Give me a moment and I will transport you up here,” Obito called to them.
“No need,” Kakashi answered his friend.
Sakura’s eyes widened when Kakashi’s aura glew a pale white around him and his teeth elongated. He clutched his sides as his body morphed into his wolf form. His clothing ripped during the transformation, unable to withstand his changing. He extended his arms out letting out an inhuman growl that turned into a howl once it was complete. She had never seen a werewolf transformation and it looked so painful yet the power that was felt was something akin to a marvel to see. He turned to her, his eyes were still a beautiful grey with a slight glow in them.
Kakashi was still there within this creature. All the more solidifying that her village had lied to her about the creatures she was sworn to hunt. He stalked her and picked her up. Holding her body to him as he leapt from rock to rock to Obito.
“You know you have to stay like that right?”
“You have no spare clothing or something?”
“No. Not that it would fit you anyway. I am taller than you. Well human form wise I am taller than you.”
“You came to retrieve us without a change of clothes?”
“No one pulled your arm to transform to carry your future mate, you possessive dog.”
“I…”
“You and I both know you did that to show her she can rely on you without having to rely on someone else. We are soul brothers, remember?” Kakashi’s low growl and him looking away spoke volumes…
Obito laughed and walked to a cave, his eyes bleeding into red with an intricate scythe-like design, and a portal opened.
“This way,” he said, not waiting for them to follow. Sakura looked at Kakashi before stepping through with the wolf following closely behind her. The Valley of Illusions, as Sakura knew it, was like something out of a novel. It had perfectly symmetrical rectangles jutting from the forest ground. Crows flew in the purple skies, cats' eyes gleamed in the darkness ahead of them. There was something eerily beautiful yet spooky about this place.
Sakura looked around in awe of it all.
“Welcome to the new home of the Uchiha. Also known as the Valley of Illusion or Valley of Crows, Shadows, etc etc… I could never understand the incessant need for a place to have so many names. It’s a bit ridiculous since they all mean the same thing you know.” Sakura released a giggle and a hum of agreement to Obito’s statement.
“It’s not so different from the World’s End Valley. Although, this has more vegetation I will admit.”
“Sakura, how much did your village tell you of World’s End?”
“Not much I am afraid. I was just going by a painting of it I saw in the elder’s council room.”
“I see. It is not a place for any living creature. There is no life there. It is a place of the utmost loneliness. No one should ever be sent to that place. Supernatural or otherwise.”
“Understandable.”
“Come let me introduce you to the others and we will get you both settled in.” with that Obito grabbed their arms and teleported them to his home.
He showed Kakashi and Sakura to their respective rooms.
“No mating while I am here. A warning would be nice when you plan on that and I will give you space to do so. Kakashi, there should be clothes in your room. Get some rest and we will continue the tour.” Obito turned on his heel and left before they could retort. Sakura shut her door quickly to hide her blush and threw herself on the bed. She stared at the ceiling mulling over what all these changes meant and would bring. One day when they would all be ready to fight the village she called home at one point.
She turned on her side and curled up into herself. She felt the tears finally come to her eyes as she thought about having to fight the people she came to know and care for. Ino and so many others. She wept silently at the loss that racked her heart and the pain that made her feel paralyzed. How did her life get so much more complicated than it had been before? Part of her wanted to blame the day she had run into Sakumo Hatake and killed him. Throwing her into the lifepath of Kakashi, but that was unfair and if she was being honest she was happy. A hunter was nothing without their prey after all. Or that’s what Asuma had once said to her when he taught her close-range combat with daggers. She felt her eyes become heavy even as the tears continued to flow. Soon slumber claimed her and she never heard the door open…
Kakashi approached her silently, his nose picking up the smell of salt and water. She had been crying… His finger gently wiped away her tears and he sat down in the chair next to her bedside. His eyes watched her sleep. The slow and steady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed in. His head cocked to the side as he took all of her and committed her peaceful and beautiful expression. His soul felt more at peace having her near him and while it should have terrified him, he felt all the more powerful.
“I’ll protect you Sakura… I will be all you will ever need,” he whispered, watching her curl up more and give a sigh that sounded like it was one of relief, but it also sounded like one of content and pleasure. That could have also been the beast inside him’s wishful thinking though. He crossed his arms on the dresser and laid his head on them, his eyes not once leaving her. He let his eyes droop closed with a sliver of a smile on his lips…
The End For Now…