Paths Diverge and Converge

Third person:

Under the gaze of nightfall, the Senju anterage marched over the last distance to their final destination. No one waited at the entry way. Seeing as the clan lacked summons to send messages back and forth no one had been notified of the hasty, shameful retreat. Combined with the lateness of the night it was to be expected to not be welcomed. Chino was the one to alert the ones that stayed behind. With only the three of them and with little time or supplies to treat patients it was unsurprising when she ran forward for reinforcements. The commotion alerting the rest of the civilians and shinobi alike. It would not be long before mother arrived.

Droves of Senju came to investigate the commotion plaguing the streets of the formally silent dirt roads of the Senju homestead. Some came out sleepily, complaints on thier lips. While others came out stomping mad, loudly protesting being denied what they presumed to be their rightful beauty sleep. Many a eyes widened when they realized who had awoken them from their slumber, standing back while others came to our sides. Family and friends rushed forward to offer to help.

Shinobi were asked many things of them. Demands had only increased since their departure. Manywere cold and tired. Rations had long since ran out, too numerious to feed and fresh kills were not enough let alone prepared for consumption. After traveling at the speed of the four legged steer and ox that a pulled out supply wagons, a necessity considering the distance from the compound, stomachs were loudly demanding food, men and women alike were filithy and cut up. No one had gotten a bath in two weeks. Meals were sparce, happening after random hunts when the weather allowed it. Hunters were asked to hunt, bringing back whatever was possiple only for it to be sheapered off to the wounded and sick. The little warmth provided came from small breaks at night where campfires were made and a medical tent set up. More like three smaller medical shelters. Many went hungry and cold. Moving only kept one so warm and burned up more calories walking and keeping ones body tempature healthy. Sacrafices were not in vain, that was well known. Anything given up was to keep those back home safe and happy. Dispite not being victorious in the formal sense much had been accomplished. The military had returned with new information, having mad a succcesful breach of enemy territory. And with a new permanent member of the clan.

Never before had the clan reunited in the communal common area, a passed down from generations, generously size traditional building, one that was often used for parties, banquets, trials, ect…after a battle. The community came equipped with blankets, towels, teas and food, prepared to aid the shinobi anyway they could, even if they were not trained in medical care. Medics impatiently tried to work around the civilians and shinobi who remained at home as protectors. The matriarch came as soon as she could, dressed in night clothes, sword at her side and four legged life mates on her heels. As anyone would do when fear gripped her, worried for the safty of her children and mate, she wished to rush to their sides but knew where her duties recided. Orders were dished out for the best of the clan. The wounded was to be cared for above all else, at any means necessary. Catching her husbands eye, Hina Senju shared a look with her mate and the two got to work. “Any one not part of the Champaign or a medic out.” Ofcourse there was much opposition esspically from omegas who wanted to care for their significant others. But rather than helping, they were undoubtedly hindering. Getting under foot.

Heart break for the clan came when families and friends realized their loved ones had not made it home. Cries erupted and people broke down. Falling to the floor to wail and sob. Hina left overseeing the care of the new arrivals to her mate, heading over to large group of Senju that were mourning. Gentle words and hugs although would not bring them back, symbolized the love the clan had for each other.

Amoung the chaos Hashirama tried to get Tobirama to release Sakura. Head strong the powder puff haired man didn’t want to hand Sakura to the fresh, waiting medics. Hashirama, normally the teddy bear of the four heirs was rapidly losing his patience with his younger brother. The very one who was snarling and clutching the unresponsive women tight. “Tobi let her go. They just want to help” his cousin encouraged, “let her go.” Many eyes looked on as Tobirama refused, snapping his teeth and backing away in animalistic manner so unlike his normal self. Effectively cornering himself against the wall. “Outo-“ Hashirama used a threatening tone towards the other man, advancing non to friendly. “Whats going on here?” Their mother in her own white haired glory approached, the alpha women standing tall, arms folded over her grey night wear, giving the three youngsters a raised eye brow look that encased her inquiry and irration. “Who is that?”

“My mate” Hashirama answered, Tobirama tacking on before he could hope to finish, “our mate.” This pissed off his older brother more, increasing the tension in the already suffocating room, “no! You gave up that right when you rejected her.”

“Fuck you Hashirama!” Multiple eyes widened at the uncharacteristic retort. Tobirama was raised to respect his elders including his older brother, the heir of the clan. Tobi was known to be monotone, straight to the point and respectful. “Please release her Tobirama-Sama” one of the medics started only to be snarled at when she unwisely reached towards the pink haired women. “Please allow us to help her, help you both” the same medic encouraged. “No!”

“Tobirama!” His mother snapped back, the two Hataka’s nature shinning through, more animal than human. She might not know or understand what was going on entirely. But the newly arrived alpha female understood enough that she needed to get the unconscious women to the medics pronto. Having long since noticed that the visitor was unresponsive in the wake of all the negatively. Anyone could see that the normal two peas in a pod brothers were ready to rip each others throats out. The only reason Hashirama hadn’t wielded his wood against the other was because he was nearly out of chakra, a rare sight. The heir to be in a similar state but still determined not to give her up without a fight. Now was not the time to get answers, that could be done later. Coming up with an on the spot plan, Hina sent Shin and Keito, her furry life mates to distract her eldest biological son. And he fell for it. Shin approached from the left and Keito from the right. The red eyed man unable to keep his eye on the brown and tan haired wolf and the reddish brown one at the same time. Attention diverted long enough that the quick footed full blooded Hataka swooped in to grab Sakura. The alpha male lunged for his mother and Sakura, the former having handed off the later. But his mother grabbed both his arms, wrapping her own around him to force his to his sides, pulled his back to her chest. Holding him hostage, unafraid of her sons aggressive behavior, born from being unhinged, enduring the teeth marks in her arms and the scratching attacks, the alpha female knew something was terriably wrong.

Watching out of the corner of her eyes Hashirama is tackled to the ground. “Fuck off” the man never swore when sober. Only having a filthy mouth when drunk off his hinges. Without his strength he was easily to man handle into getting the care he required. Any given day his automatic healing justus would kick in but not when his power was virtually nonexistent.

As a clan of healing the Senju had a single building reserved for healing. The structure was situated away from most others in the compound to allow for quiet healing. The large space was single story, divided into two. One side for omegas and one for alphas. Sakura recided in a private room instead of a dual bed room to afford her privacy and care for her immacuated state. At least one trained medic remained at her side at all times, pumping chakar into her system at all hours. Hashirama due to his burn injuries and physical damage was housed at the other end with the rest of the alphas, something that pissed him off, all he wanted was to be by her side and no one would let him go to her, effectively tied to the bed.

Hina and Butsuma Senju finally reunited at in the communal building of healing. Kisses and a long hug we’re exchanged, the two mates relieved to be by the others side once again. Thankful that the gods spared the omega after the long separation and draw out battle. Hands linked and loving words said the two checked back in with the staff in the early morning hours. Hashirama had to wrangled back into bed after escaping the sheets and mattress. The fool giving his parents and medical personal a run for their money after leaving without approval. Aruging to be besides his omega. Finally the couple managed to go check on Sakura, making the trek to the omega’s side. As the two waited to speak privately in her room with the caregivers, Butsuma filled his alpha in with all that happened, watching in horror as he spoke of Tobi’s actions.

“He did what?” His birth mother facial features twisted in a mixture of horror and disgust. The Hataka, similar to the Senju thought highly of their omegas, worshiping the ground they walked on. After all their goodness of life, Mother Earth gifted the God Fatherstorm’s alphas, omegas. Per the Hataka origin story, Fatherstorm and Mother are the original two beings, the creators of all. Dedicated to their destiny and overwhelming with creativity they made the world what it is today. Mother Earth brought forth the soil, plant life and animals. Coloring the earth in greens, blues, yellow, oranges and white. For her final touch she created omegas, the gifters of life. Calmer beings, with natural mothering instincts like their creator. Fatherstorm contributed the life giving water and sun. He brought forth sunlight, clouds, thunder storms and winter weather. Helping the life his significant other thrive. Lastly, the holy being made alphas and betas. The former were the main providers, ensuring the protection of their weaker counterparts. Loving omegas for all they were worth. Lacking instincts and animal traits betas were the middle man. For Tobirama, his actions were a clear betrayal of all his mothers clan instilled in him, what the Senju raised him to be. Reprocusins from both clans would be harsh and swift.

As for where the white aired man was, was unknown. He wasn’t answering the knocking at his lab door. No one but Tobi was able to enter the lab unless he personally opened the door. Toko was on the hunt for the man along side his younger brothers. The three’s minor injuries relatively healed.

“You wanted to see my lord, my lady” enter Juan, the clans senior head medic. The short blond hair beta male bowed politely. His wooden clipboard a perfect compliment to his white uniform and doctor coat. “How is the young lady?”

“Hina-Sama” the man begins, “I have no information on her medical history, just the verbal passing from the medics at camp. I’ve been informed and have updated the staff on how to treat her. Sakura-sama’s heart beat remains steady though still lower than normal. Her breathing is steady. Her lady ships temperature has dropped down significantly which puts her at great risk. It’s vital we keep her warm. Unfortunately our best efforts ,” the man is careful to look both clan heads in the eye as he speaks, “are just prolonging the inevitable. I predict sooner rather than later her body will give. It’s important that remain hopeful of a better outcome while preparing for the worse.” Bustsuma and Hina share a look, one steeped in concern for not only their future daughter in law but also their son. Alphas didn’t survive without their mates. Sure many held normal life’s until they met them but once their significant others passed many succumbed to darkness. Self harm and suicides were common. Others turned to drugs and or drinking. Violence became all they knew. “We need to be prepared to make a decision that is best for Sakura-Sama” the beta began again. “Consideration must be taken for her quality of life.”

“What are you saying? Just stop treatment and let the girl and Hashirama die?” The mother questions, “is there any hope at all?”

“No, of course not. But it is my duty to inform you that there is a likely hood she will not pull through. And even if her condition doesn’t lead to death we have to think of its fair to drag this out. We must take into consideration that she will never walk again, never eat on her own and will be in pain for the rest of her life.”

“She’s in pain?” The head of the clan questioned, “yes and a lot of it.”

“Why did no one tell me?!” He demanded shifting from concern to anger in heart beat. Hands clenched at his side, looking ready to throttle something or someone. “I was never informed of this.”

“I apologize I will speak with them to immediately” Juan replies, clearly upset himself at the lack of professionalism practiced by those on the field. There was always a chance the medics were not aware she was in agony but that was impractical. “You will inform me of any changes, minor or major. Am I making my self clear?”

“Ofcourse my lord” the beta bowed, acknowledging the clan heads demands. Understanding his frustration and anger at not being properly filled in. Unless there was a significant reason to not fill the family in, such as suspicious activity and behaviors that could prove threatening to the patient or lack of proper examination which information could be provided later, it was unexcusable to not fill in the clan heads and Hashirama. Tobirama was not apart of the equation, seeing as he was easily removed from her care. A long talk was indeed over due.

Tobirama:

Pace to the right. Pace to the left. How the situation played out no one could’ve predicted. Ever since Sakura came into the clan’s life everything had been turned upside down. In reality no one could reasonably blame her. Not for our defeat at least. A part of me pointed fingers at her for all the emotional and mental anguish I was under. As soon as she appeared I should’ve anticipated my relationship with my Anji would alternate from all I had ever know. I knew no long being the youngest brother would change everything. How I would have to share his care, attention and protection. Share our time and memories. But not even the arrival of two younger brothers could’ve prepared me for the stained relationship that linked Hashirama and I. Ever since he found out she was his other half, all he’s cared about is her. I knew he was obsessed with finding his mate but I didn’t think she suddenly become his whole word. When word reached his ears of my abondoment he confronted me, yelling and screaming at me about how I took all his dreams from him, recalling my protests baout a permanent ceasefire with the Uchiha and how I nearly permanently harmed Sakura. “I will not forgive you for her death” Hashirama had vowed as our father escorted him from tent, fierce and dedicated to his stance.

The first time he spoke to me since the incident was during the battle and only once after that on the way home. Being tensed and stressed during the fight was understandable. But the lack of love and affection on the way home reinforced our bonds condition.

Regret downed me better than any whiskey. Hands in my hair, running through the strands, I stared at the note covered walls of my supposid safe space. The labs dark interior reflecting my internal conflict. The logical side of my brain cried out that we had no right to blame her for our painful past. After all what was she maybe 60 years old at most. I was nearly twice that age, meaning she wasn’t born when I was little and suffering. If anyone was to blame it was the gods and goddesses, not that the revolution made it any easier. On the other hand it was completely reasonable to blame her after all she never saught us out. Logic was quick to point out that it wasn’t like she had opportunities. A single, unclaimed omega with no alpha guardians had little possibilities to travel the word to find romance. Survival took precedence, it was all she could to survive day to day. Finding enough to eat, keeping warm no doubt was her first priority.

Madara’s and Inzua’s, the bastard brothers ruined everything. They kept her locked away, a dirty little secret. Who could tell if she would ever let my older brother court her let alone mate her. Knowing the clan and him she could be reassured no one would sway or force. She would be able to live her life out in peace is she chose to do so.

Who knew is she was even a virgin. If she wasn’t the elders would never accept her, fated or not. The fuckers too engrossed in the old ways of purity and masculinity. Curse the Uchiha’s for ruining her for anyone else.

My head hurt just thinking about it all. The complications, the confusion, the conflict were all eating at my normal functioning and logical capabilities. Digits came up to rub at my throbbing temple.

I went back to pacing unable to do anything else. Instincts tore at my throat, chewing me out for my actions and words. Remorse battled with disgust. Hands running through my hair I allowed my self to give into a long since broken habit that radiated stress. The floor would give in under me if my feet kept at it.

Hashirama:

Snarls broke free from my throat for all the pocking and prodding I was being put through. The medic at my side only lifted an eye brow, so used to the resistance by patients. Alphas simply didn’t like to be messed with. “Ow” I snapped, arm pulling back out of the reach of Dasuske who apologized. “Please bear with it my lord. We’re almost done.”

“You better be” I muttered under my breath, presumably too low for him to hear but apparently he did because he smiled while chuckling. “Damn it.”

“I know its frustrating Hashirama-Sama but please be patient. You will be up and about in no time.” More mutters left my lips, cussing mixing perfectly with complaints. I wasn’t made to lie in bed for hours at a time with nothing to do. I wasn’t made to stare at the ceiling and the same four walls day after day. The whole thing was made all that much worse because my healing abilities were nonexistent. Any other time my chakara healed me almost immediately. Usually the residual power replenished quicker but I guess this was the one exception. Figures when I needed it most. The Uchiha could sprout up at any time and I would be virtually helpless to fight my rival. I was the only one strong enough to defeat him. Closing my eyes brought forth daymares, filling me with fear as I watched Madara pluck Sakura from the arms of the medics, cutting off all hope of her resurfacing to the world. Her body cradled bridal style in his arms. The man I used to love would look victorious, proud as the compound burned around us, watching on as his men murdered innocent women and children. Relished in the screams of fright and pain from my beloved clan. Tobi lied dead at my feet, head turned my way enabling me to see the light flee his eyes and blood fall from his lips, a sword through the chest . The very blade that belonged to Inzua Uchiha. The bloody Uchiha’s face matching the emotions on his older brothers face. My younger siblings sprawled on the winter ground not far away, hacked into peices. My parents fell infront of my eyes after the long hard fight. My throat seized as I forced my eye lids open, grasping for breath. Dasuke noticing my change in behavior signaled for help. Another medic and him aided me in sitting up, the movement pulling on my chest stitches. I coughed, throwing up slighting into a waiting tray.

“You pushed your self too hard” my two relatives admonished, “ah shut up” I retort after rinsing out my mouth with a cup of water. Swishing the cooling liquid until I felt clean, depositing it in a waiting bowl. Daisuke only snorted at my antics, the easy going male not fazed in the lest bit. He was slightly older than me meaning he had grown up dealing with me as a child. Although my birth mom had died young, at the rip age of 34 during my birth, Tobi’s mother quickly picked up the slack and began to mother me. She dragged me to all my appointments at the hospital. Meaning she put up with my resistance tendencies. Esspically my fear of needles. Meaning he had watched on more than one accession how Hani-Sama had dragged me protesting to the doctors. My clan still liked to tease me about it today. “I’m the strongest shinobi alive” had I been paying attention I would’ve catched the eye roll, “I’m the heir to the clan. I will lead us to peace. Why in gods name do I need to stay here. I’m not weak!” By the end I was panting, stomach rolling and arms sore form being thrown about. Stomach pain started up again as I once again pulled on my stitches, injured curtsy of Madara’s sword. Inzua got a few good hits in because I went in with low charaka levels. I’m sure he went back home to brag about the burns on my right arm and the gash to my leg. Juan cut my rebellious tendicies short by ordering me to lie back in bed, threatening to tie me down if called for. Spolit sport. He had the authority to do so too because he was backed by my father.

Lying down and looking like I had a halo over my head he left me alone with a huff. Both Dasuke and I chuckling when he was out of ear shot. Juan was not a person to mess with, too professional and set in his ways. At least Tobi wasn’t here, I had to endure even more scolding and no one made me feel more like a child than he. Just thinking about saddened my heart. The poor man was deluded. What else could make him hurt her like he did? Genjustu? No, someone would’ve stepped in. Drugs? My brother wasn’t stupid he checked all his meals and drinks before anything went down his throat. I knew that even as I preussed this train of thought that it was meaningless. Making excuses would not change anything. I’d just wish I knew why.

As a sigh leaves my lips, eyes closing at the overwhelming situation. If I took Sakura’s side, the victim and innocent women gifted to me by the heavens above, it felt like I would be betraying my closest friend, the man always at my back, the person I love the most, Tobirama. Yet if I sided with him, what would that make me morally? A man that backed omega abuse and abondonment? A person who endorsed hurting an innocent person whose only crime was being born? Senju teachings aside, I could never ally with an individual who practiced such bias behavior. But to just cast him aside? Part of me wanted to. Wanted to link the mental image of him to the one of her laying on her bed at deaths door. Part of my desired to hate him, to blame him, to witness his punishment. But the bigger part of me still loved him, able to acknowledge as I did now that the anger was over and the moment of betrayal had passed. How could I throw out all the time we spent together? When he was little he used to love being read stories before bed. I’d sit there and verbally change voices for different characters and act silly when reading. Tobi, with big red eyes would lean forward, listening intently, often giggling like children do when they find something funny. Or when we’d go on nature walks, just the two of us. His little legs would have to be twice as quick to catch up to my wide strides. Although we never went far from the compound still too young to be out on our own but snuck out anyway, taking a different trail each time. I’d bend down to point out a interesting plant or he’d ask about one he’d spot. We sit and stare as I taught him all I knew about that particular plant. Heck I even bought a plant book with my first mission earnings at ten to teach my five year brother. I was the one to teach him the basics of fighting, to train with him in the feild. We still did to this day, stealing private moments to reassure each other of our bond. All the memories we shared, could I really burn them to ashes?

My answer to my silent, internal inquiry was no. Perhaps I was to forgiving? Gave too many chances? Loved to hard as so many claimed? But who was I to condem my brother?

My internal division was damming. On one hand Tobi was my brother, my partner in crime and life long campaign. Yet Sakura was the women gifted to me by fate. We’d walk this earth together until the end of our days. My hope was that we would create memories, ones filled with lauphter and happy crying. If lucky enough she would become the mother of my pups. By sticking by my eldest brother’s side I felt that I was enabling and saying unintentionally,”that behavior is acceptable.” And it certainly wasn’t.

“Son?” Jolted from my thoughts my eyes opened to find my father and mother standing at my bed side. Both their faces set in what I called their worried parental expressions. I hadn’t heard them enter. “Yes?”

“Are you alright?” Father asked, taking a seat in a free chair, one left behind by the medics for visitors. Mother came forward to stand at her omega’s side, hand coming up to rest on his shoulder.
“We’d been calling your name for a couple minuets now” my biological parent started, “you were staring off into space again.” For being a shinobi, for being the one to train me though harsh lessons and brutal training regiments when younger, my omegan sire had a gentle side, one that shinned through at my bedside. “I’m fine, just lost in thought. How is Sakura? No one will let me see her” mother smiled in her own way of showing passive humored exasperation. “Soon son” she responded, “when the medics release you of their own violation and only then can you you go back to your self destruct guard duty.”

“Now now, Don’t rile him Hina” father held up his arms in the air as the omega attempted to remain sideless, “he’s hard to keep in check as it is.” His mate rolled her eyes, folding her hands over her chest as she shook her head, trying to hide her lauphter even as she smiled. “I’ve already had to chase him down twice” my father whined, looking over his shoulder to give her a special look, one usually reserved for her. I wouldn’t dare label it as a puppy dog eye look. “Fine fine but only because you asked.” If they were going to act all lovely dovey I’d wish they do so anywhere else but here. My brothers and I usually fled then they acted like love birds. Pitiful excuses were made and hasty exists taken. Taking the facial features for youngster disgust the two snickered, gaining great pleasure in my discomfort.

“Sakura’s condition hasn’t changed Hashirama” my father said hesitantly, obviously wary of my reaction. A deep sigh escaped my lips as I pressed my hand to my head. More hope left my chest. If Juan the best healer in the clan was at a loss of how to heal her then…My brown hair flew left and right as I shook my head in defeat. “There must be something that can be done” my words come out as a mere whisper, feeling defeated, stressed and pessimistic. During the low times when I imagined life without my destined partner, it was always I who passed away first. If granted, I’d die on the battlefield battling Madara one on one. We’d be going all out, no hinderences, nothing held back. The scene would be ominous, raining with thunder breaking up the sounds of metal clashing and resounding bangs from where Justus collided. There once was a time where the picture found me faced down in the mud, defeated and dying while Madara walked away, wounded but still alive. In this dream, my death was earned, swift yet painless. But I was no longer sastifed leaving the two Uchiha brothers to fight it out with Tobi and allowing me to escape into the world of the afterlife where peace was finally achieved. No , that dream had changed. It still rained and the sounds were unforgettable. Physical pain was exsistance but lessend after Madara received my final blow. This time I was the person walking away to live out the rest of my existence. The war would no doubt contuine but at least I have a family to home to. How low I had stooped for my dreams to contort in a manner I had never thought possiple.

But if Sakura was to pass away first, then Madara would be my only option, if I got my way. I’d hunt him down, challenging him to a duel to the death before allowing him to deliver the final blow. My family and clan would mourn but I wouldn’t miss living. For when I opened my eyes next Sakura would be there waiting for me on the other side.

“Your looking off into space Hashirama” my father challenged my private thoughts for my attention, pulling me back into reality. I forced my self to renengage. “I don’t like how your scent soured” but I merely waved off his concern, if they knew what abis of a black hole I just went down they would deem me unfit to care for Sakura and that wasn’t something I could allow. Multiple days had already gone by since I had last laid eyes on her, one day was more than enough, no reason to give them any more power to keep us apart. “Just thinking.”

“Do you want to share?”Hina-sama asked. “No thanks.” Me being quiet was never a good sign, usually my parental figures assumed I was up to mischievous acts but even I had the right to think in peace. I stared out the window not for the first time for something to do, the window pane blocking out the snowy weather outside. “Don’t get depressed Hashirama” normally the statement was associated with the imaginary raincloud Tobi often said appeared over my head when something went wrong, but jokes aside I was down in the dumps. I wanted to be out of bed. To be by Sakura’s side. She needed me to be there for her and everyone kept me from her. It was hard not to be hurt or frustrated by thier actions. Not to be pissed off at my own weakness for failing my ailing mate. Shinobis relied on patience every day they worked in the feild. Planning and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But how could I have such a thing when I had to wait all the time for news about Sakura. Being forced to wait hour after hour to reunited with her. Waiting for her to possibly die and me not be with her. Anger wasn’t my first emotion, not my go to or something I enjoyed taking out on others but I was losing what ever cool i once had. Rapidly.

“I know its not ideal” father laid his hand over mine, “but she is strong and so are you. You’ll reunite soon I promise.”

My hand pulled away from him, causing our skin to lose connection, “and when will that be? When she dies?”

“Son-“ but my hand being held up in the air silenced his words, “just leave” I murmured. Turning on my side I endured the aches and the pulls of the stitches to dismiss them.

That night I refused the meal brought to me by the doctors. The steaming hot meal remained untouched on the nightstand even as the nurses tried to presue me to eat. But I didn’t move and didn’t acknowledge their presences. Then Juan had to be called, of course the beta just had to. “My lord”- Patience at an end and not in the mood to be trifled with I cut him off, “How is Sakura?”

“Please lay down property and I will be happy to tell you.” Turning my head just enough, I sent him a rare glare, eyes blazing with fury even as the temperature in the room dropped, “how is my omega?” I growled out, making it known nad clear I wouldn’t ask a second time. The beta’s reaction was instantaneous, his back went ridged right in front of my eyes but I. Gain no sick pleasure in seeing him jerk, eyes widening and looking anywhere but at me as his swallow became auditable. “She is stable my lord but has not waken. Her heart beat and breathing are steady” his head is bowed. For a moment I feel that my eyes have made out a few drops of sweat beading on his forehead and face. “I have consulted with the omega elders” he stampeded out, appearing at this rate to say just about anything to avoid my reaction and the threatening silence. The very elders he spoke of passed down the clans oemgan history through generations, carefully guarding paper tombs and oral history. They were the keepers of the sanctum, an omega sanctuary where only omegas could enter. The building was a place of old. Carfuly constructed even before the birth of my grandfather, the sanctum was a place of comfort and safty for those in need. It was a safe haven for windows, orphans, victims of all forms of abuse and neglect. It was one of the main reasons the Senju has the nick name as “omega protectors.”

“They said that they would look her condition” the finally mumbled out, not daring to court my wrath by standing up straight or looking me in the eyes. Unwilling to look confrontational. “I have put with your separation nonsense long enough. I will be moved by her bedside and I want updates on her condition at all times.”

“My lord-“ I roared when interrupted, his eyes reaffirming on the floor after jolting to meet my gaze unwisely. Hands thrown against the bed, I sit up blazing with fury foreign to me. “Silence.” The medical staff backs away at my outburst, back hitting the wall as he kneels. “Please forgive me.”

“I order you to escort me to her bedside. You will update me every hour and every altercation of her condition.” No ifs ands or buts. No excuses. No delays. No tolleration. My temper was in full force. My individual invisible line had been crossed. Logically I knew this was unreasonable. On some many levels. I was an alpha so it made sense to house me until released in the alpha ward. I needed to recover from physical wounds from my most recent battle. But I was beyond reason. Frayed instincts ran rampet through my viens dictating that Sakura and I not be separated. Even as I was afraid to find her dead upon my arrival.

Primal alphas were rare. Alphas by nature, by design by above we’re dominant, yet even they kneeled at the feet of primal alphas, some shivering in fright, others relieving their bladders. Primal were more dangerous, one hundred times stronger, more ferocious, naturally impatient and aggressive. They were the most defensive and possessive beings on the planet. Only those with a death warrant would step between an primal and their desired partner or that alpha’s pups. I was an anomaly, my day to day personality didn’t meet those characteristics. But here and now in this room, this side of me came to light. Using my primal alpha voice I forced compliance.

Seeing her breathing, almost as if she was sleeping, I could not have felt more relieved. Sakura’s pink hair spread out to stain the white covers beneith her pale skin. To pale to be healthy but at least she was inhaling and exhaling. Behind me Jaun and other staff moved swiftly and without pause, doing as I bid without meeting my eyes or verbal protest. Shuffling out as soon as they were finished obeying my orders. Stretching out my arm to reach her pasty flesh I connected our fingers together, feeling the frosty temperature of her flesh. Cold enough that I shivered. “It’s ok baby” I murmor, “I’m here now. Alpha will protect you. I promise omega.”

Tobirama:

Resurrection complete. The metal notes richashade off my brains perimeter. Pride and happyness come next as I look down at the little brown rabbit at my feet. Ignoring how the raccoons life had been sacrificed just for a expirement, just for another prey animal to live. The fur was of the fluffy being was parted in some areas like cracks in concrete, but it operated like normal. Hopping around and investigating the four walls of the laboratory. The justu its self was tiring, costing a considerable amount of power to function, but that was an nonnegotiable price for life renewal.

Now all that was left was to test it on humans. As unlikely as it was that father and mother would allow me access to the clans hostages to take my tests to the next stage.

Tiredness pulled at every part of my body. Muscles and organs protested the continuation of work. Viens pulled in protest as I made myself move. My brained throbbed from being over worked and used for far too long. But I couldn’t stop. If I did then the guilt would return. All my focus would be on the pink haired beauty. Sakura would permeate every part of my being.

The original plan was to sit down to record carfully noted expirement test results. But as the words began to blend together and the papers on the desk blur, I knew something was wrong. Instistanious panic grips me. The first and only word that pops in my mind is MATE.

I’m moving before I can even comprehend that I’ve moved an inch. Not my first footstep or my last has an ounce of pose or grace as I tear across the compound. Breaking into the hostipal, I scare numerious doctors and nurses that have the unfortunate fate of passing me in the halls. My mind can’t catch up where my instincts are forcing my feet to take me. My brain doesn’t register that I’m now in the omega ward. But my ears are functioning, taking in the wails and pleas coming from down the hall, from the very room I stop outside of. Huffing and puffing my ears inform me something is very wrong. Why would someone be screaming in such a manner? My noise supports a similar story, finding the strong presence of Hashirama’s pain, fathers desperation, my moms sparrow and our youngest siblings sadness. Toka is also inside when I finally find the consciousness to open the door, finding her hugging Hashirama to her chest, hands burried in his hair as she holds him tight to her. My older brothers fighting to get free, words muffled from the hold. But his tears are unhidden. Fathers head is bowed near his ear, trying to comfort him with words and a gentle hand to the shoulder. Mother and Jaun and another medic Meania, the latter flowing chakara into Sakura are standing near the bed, deep in discussion.

Kawamara and Itma notice me before anyone else, the two coming to stand besides me. “Tobi-nii-San?” The first murmors, a hand reaching out only to falter. The pause of movement ending with the limb falling to his side as the young man clearly didn’t know what to do. “What’s going on?” Although it didn’t matter to me and not just because I wasn’t aware of it but my words didn’t sound like me. I’d Iike to think I was confident and intelligent, able to push all emotions aside for what needed to be done but here an now my voice dripped in long suppressed emotions. Fear, confusion, guilt. So much negativity was causing my head to spin. “I don’t think you should be in here” that came from Itama. My eyes narrow at the second speaker, neither him or his twin helping when they contuine to block my path when I make to go forward. Red eyes narrowing, I demand answers but they only ask me to step outside. “Tobi let’s you, Hashirama and I step out” Toka finally acknowledges my presence, but as soon as she makes for the door her grip on the heir loosens enough for him to whip around. What he does next shatters me beyond atoms.

My eldest brother cries out pleas to stop, begging for the life of his mate as he tries to break free from the unforgiving grip of our cousin, father and two brothers, “stop. Please I love her! Your going to kill her!”

“It’s for the best, Hashirama- Sama” Jaun nearly whispers, the normal emotionless man turning sentimental as he speaks the words that cause my blood to run cold. “She’s not going to wake up. To end her suffering its best to let her go.” Let her go? What does that mean? Weren’t the medics supposed to be healing her? Preventing her from going further down the rabbit hole? “What are you talking about?” I’m speaking before I can mentally function enough to plan out my next move. “Tobirama-sama” Jaun says, not missing a beat, as if he knew I was there the whole time. “Tobi” my biological sire murmors, the female stepping up to bat, “Sakura is-“ a lick of the lips, a nervious procrastination habit born out of difficult conversations that was unavoidable. “She’s not getting better”. This is the first time she’s looked at me,really looked at me since my return all those weeks ago. No longer looking at me with disgust or anger, my mother now approaches me with what I can only describe as sadness. “Sakura- its her time to go.”

“No!” My eldest brother screams, “don’t please!” This cries are not those of a mopey adult whose depression is born from his dufus actions. There of a man desperate, willing to do anything needed to save the life of a person he so cared for. As for me, I just stared at her, shocked. What did that even mean? “Sakura’s in a a lot of pain. She’s not going to wake back up” As she speaks I automatically step forward, closer to the bed with every step, until my mother forces me to pause when she presses her palms to my chest, eyes staring up to meet mine, pleading orbs meeting confused ones. “What do you mean?”

“You-“ she’s at a loss so, Jaun steps in. “Sakura-sama will not survive the abondoment. Her organs are failing. She can not eat on her own or regulate her own tempature. She’s in deep pain…It’s only fair to let her go in peace.” Survive? Peace? None of this made any sense. Numbly I just stared at the two of them as if they both had three heads a peice. “The council and clan heads have decided to stop treating her. It’s time to let her pass.”

What the fucking hell? This couldn’t be happening. No fucking way. For all ours clans omegan saving fame we were about to kill an innocent omega whose only crime was being born and mated to four alphas. “No” I shook my head. “No”I told them again, pushing back against my mother. “Tobirama” she started but I began to protest loudly, repeating the single word over and over again, as if that would fix everything, keep her alive and releive her from her pain. Release me from these feelings. To bring forth a perfect time where we accepted one another and lived out the rest of our days content and happy. “Tobi!”

“No don’t you dare” I snarl turning aggressive in the face of losing the thing that I held dear. Even if I fucked up. Even if I didn’t know how to process my own thoughts or emotions I knew I couldn’t be without her. “Please don’t.”

“You caused this” Jaun murmured, verbally pointing a finger my way “you should’ve thought about these consequence before speaking.” As I winced, even without external witnesses, there was no way to deny my heart wrenching actions. “I didn’t-“ I murmured, plagued by guilt and tears. “Don’t do this.”

“ I have to do what is best for my patient” Jaun turns his back to me, completely dismissing me. Leaving me in the hands of my mother. “Don’t watch” she hugs me to her, trying to burry my head into her shoulder. Even in the face of her disappointment, her anger directed at me, neither is enough to stop her from looking out for me, from protecting me from watching Sakura pass away. “Sakura” Hashirama is fighting with everything he has, opening wounds and struggling against the physical bonds of our families hands and arms. Fear grips my heart as I watch Jaun approach a very reluctant Meania, telling her it was time. Shaking I watch her look to each person in the room, meeting my unbroken gaze last. There is remorse in those black orbs. But I knew without a doubt that even as she had her own personal stance she would do what needed to be done.

In the last moment I threw a single kuni, watching it meet his mark to the other side of Sakura’s bed, opposite of where the medics stood. Meania took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she withdrew her chakra. One second that is all I had before she wouldn’t breath, heart would stop. Wrenching out of my mothers grip I know that running alone was not enough to get me there in time. Relying on my teleportation justu I flashed to my mates side, catching one quick glance at her face before I pure instincts took over. Right as the last dregs of charkra stopped entering her system, I bit into Sakura’s scent gland.