Rebellion - Chap 19

"Tomoe," Riku breathed as he entered Junn's room with Kohaku at his side.

Tomoe lifted her head up tiredly. She'd been sleeping with her arms folded on Junn's bed. Her eyes were dark as she looked exhausted. "Riku?"

“Tomoe... you have to go now... it's Kohaku's turn..."

"But...what if he wakes up...?" She frowned, looking back at her son. "He needs me..."

Riku took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Something has come up... and the clan needs to split up. I need you with me... Kohaku will stay here..."

"W-What?" She blinked before looking at Junn. "N-No! I can't leave him!"

"Tomoe, you have to. I need your help with our three kids. I can't do it alone."

“B-But...can't A-Anita...?" She trailed off, watching as Kohaku moved to sit down next to Junn's bed.

"Tomoe. Kohaku is staying. You're leaving."

"J-Junn..." Tomoe started to tear up, feeling Riku's strength get the better of her.

He sighed. "Tomoe... I'm sorry... I really am... but I need your help... and Kohaku deserves to stay..."

"B-But I'm his mother..." She sniffled, a few tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Tomoe... please... just... we're all in danger... this is our way to be safe..."

Tomoe wrapped her arms around him and started to cry. Leaving her son behind was killing her. She wouldn't know if he woke up or not, and if he didn't wake up, then she wouldn't be there for his last moments.

"Come on..." He breathed, holding her close as they walked out.

…

"Alright...so we'll have Shiku, Kohaku, and Satu here for those who are still left in the hospital. Riku, Kaoru, Hoshi, and Tomoe will take Anita, Masaru, Honoka, and the three little ones with them to Iwagakure." Ace explained. He had a map out over the table as everyone was huddled against it. "We'll inform Len about your arrival. Next, Kakashi, Renata, Ami, and Yuudai will take Ruuto, Kosuke, and Tsubaki to Kakashi's temple. Hisao, Toshiro, and Tatana will take their families to Shun's village and warn them about the oncoming threat. Arai, Ryo, Sayuri, and Rune will take their families and go to Kirigakure and stay with Kaito and Rina for protection. Hotaka, Hideki, and I will take Syrus, Lumi, Etsuko and the remaining members with us to Kumogakure." He breathed.

"Talk about spreading out..." Arai mumbled.

"Just be careful everyone..." Deila breathed.

"I will visit you all periodically to update you on things here." Shiku breathed.

Ace nodded. "As we separate...I don't want anyone to suddenly appear in their location. I want you all to do it the old fashioned way. Travel on foot. It'll be safer that way because you can anticipate if you're heading into dangerous territory. If you do encounter anything or anyone dangerous, then you disappear back to here. Notify the Hokage and Shiku, and bunker down. These are my orders and you are to not go against them. We need this teamwork to survive." He looked at everyone.

"This means...we're going to be separated from Ryo..." Usui frowned as he looked at his sister and brother. The triplets had never been separated like this before.

Hakuryuu nodded. "We're all going to be separated..."

Ryo sighed. "It makes sense for the most people to head to Kumo...It's safe there with the Katorabe on our side." He breathed.

Setsuna whimpered. "U-Usui..." She cried, running into his chest.

Usui frowned, stroking her hair. "You'll be safe with Riku and Kaoru..." He told her. "Besides, you have Haku with you..." He smiled weakly.

"B-But... y-you can't go..." She sobbed.

"I'll be okay...I have Pops leading the way..." He breathed. "And Kana will be by my side too..." He nodded. "I'll be fine...I'll be worried about you though, so you be careful..." He kissed her head.

She whimpered as she clung to his chest.

"This will be hard for all of us..." Kana frowned. "But we'll save more live this way..."

"Kakashi and I will pray to the spirits..." Ami breathed as she looked at her older brother. If they were going to the temple, surely the spirits would hear their prayers better.

Kakashi nodded. "The spirits are already on our side. I've been praying much more than usual..."

Renata nodded as she held their young son to her chest. "Kei's still in the hospital..." She looked to Shiku. "Will you...visit him for us?" She frowned, tears stinging her eyes.

"Of course. I will update you on him as well."

Renata smiled softly. "Bless the spirits..." She breathed, hugging her sleeping child.

Ace looked at everyone. "This...could be the last time we see each other for a while. Say your goodbyes fast because we leave in the morning. Pack only the necessities. You'll be taken care of once you reach your destinations." He looked to Shiku. "Remember, you're our liason. Once we safely reach our destinations, one of us will contact you to report in their safety. That way you know it's safe to reappear there if anything happens." He breathed.

Shiku nodded. "Sounds good. I'm going to head back to the hospital to update the doctors and the patients what is going on."

"Suzu will provide backup in case anything goes wrong. I'll also be informing the Hokage and once I reach Kumo, I'll inform Z as well. Sayuri will tell Kaito and Riku will tell Len. We'll have back up in four of the five main villages." Ace breathed.

"What about Suna? It's close to Kakashi's temple." Renata stated.

"I can have the Hokage report to the Kazekage. Konoha has strong relations with the village." Ace nodded.

"The Kazekage and Hokage are married, remember?" Tatana breathed. "They had a baby a few months ago."

Ace touched his head. "Yes...that's right..." He nodded. "Then she should be able to comply with our request for sure." He breathed.

"Everyone, just pack and say your goodbye's. I'm heading out." Shiku said before rushing out.

Ace looked to Deila. "Could you pack for me? I need to speak with Tetsuya and Anaza." He breathed.

She nodded. "Of course." She kissed his cheek before heading upstairs.

...

Kei's eyes fluttered open as he took in a sharp breath. His body ached. Where was he? He looked around, feeling his heart pounding in his chest.

"Shhh..." A voice cooed from his other side. "You're alright, sweetie..." It was a woman's voice. "You're at Konoha's Hospital." She told him.

His head snapped over. "I-I... when... d-did I get here?"

"A few days ago." She breathed. This woman was dressed in deep red scrubs with white doctor's coat. Her pink hair was tied back into a bun as she had her glasses on top of her head. She smiled softly, her blue eyes gentle as she looked at him.

He winced as he sat up. "Wh-Where's my family?"

"They were here earlier this morning...but I haven't seen them since." She shook her head. "However, I've only been around a few times, so they could have been here when I wasn't."

He frowned. "Wh-What's wrong with me? Wh-Where am I hurt? What's... my condition?"

She shook her head. "Relax, hunny." She smiled softly. "You're going to make a full recovery. You had a few broken bones, cuts, bruises, and you came in a coma." She sighed. "You got quite the beating, sweetheart." There was a slight accent to her voice as if she came from the southern isles of the land of water, though with the Haruno clan's crest on her clothes, that didn't seem likely to be her origin.

He frowned. "Yeah... I did..." He looked at her. "Are you my doctor?"

 "Oh, yes!" She nodded, smiling. "I forgot to mention my name, haven't I? I am Dr. Manami Haruno."

He nodded. "I guess I do not need to introduce myself..."

"Not at all, Kei-san. However, it is nice to finally speak with you." Manami smiled and pulled up a seat. "Now that you're awake, may I ask you a few questions?" She tilted her head, holding her clipboard out and taking the pen from behind her ear.

He sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Doctor protocol, right? Ask away..." He flopped back down.

Manami smiled. "Alright then...Are you feeling any disorientation? Dizziness? Headaches?"

"Headache, yes..."

She nodded as she wrote that down. "Are you feeling nausea or cramps?"

He shook his head.

"What about pain? Do you feel any discomfort? If so, where?" She looked at him carefully over the rim of her glasses.

“Um... well my head hurts a lot... and I'm having muscles spams kinda everywhere..."

Manami got up from her chair, putting her glasses on her head. "Where did the spasms originate?" She asked as she gently ran her two fingers underneath him to feel his spine.

“My legs..."

Manami pressed her fingers on his lower back. "Does this hurt?"

“Yes..." He winced.

She nodded to herself. "Don't worry, Kei-san. That's normal after the way you came in...I'll just up your painkillers and that should ease the spasming and pain in your back. As for your head, it should ease it as well, but if it doesn't, you will be able to take aspirin two hours after I adjust your painkillers."

He frowned. "Alright... thank you, Haruno-san."

"I wish I could do more, Kei-san, but recovery is still in process. You'll still be here for another two weeks or so." She breathed.

He closed his eyes. "Where's my mother?"

"I do not know...but I believe there is another Kasai on this floor visiting. I can bring him in if you wish." She smiled softly.

He sighed. "No... I think I will just rest more...”

Manami nodded. "Alright...Let me get you some more painkillers to ease your discomfort." She breathed before leaving the room.

...

Len sighed as he was taking a break from his paperwork. It had been a long day for him. He just wanted to go to bed.

"Lenny~" Tami knocked on his office door before coming in anyways. "I got a letter from Shikun~" She smiled, waving the letter around.

“A letter?" He blinked, leaning back in his seat. "What's it say?"

Tami looked at the letter and smiled. "He said that some of his family is coming to stay with us." She looked at her brother. "They need to speak with you as a favor from Ace Kasai~"

He blinked. "Oh... very well then... let me know when they all arrive..."

"Well...about that..." Tami giggled. "They're waiting right outside for you~"

He looked at her blankly. "Then why tell me about the letter?" He blushed faintly. "Is that... Chika girl there?" He had only spoke to Chika once. They hit it off, but due to distance they never saw one another again.

Tami shook her head. "I'm sorry brother..." She smiled. "But I can send them in." She went to let the small group in.

Len straightened himself in his seat as he saw them come in. "Welcome."

It was Riku's group. Riku had come in, leading the others as Kaoru stayed by his side. Anita was helping Tomoe to carry Loki while Tomoe carried the twin girls, Satomi and Nozomi. Hoshi followed beside Tomoe, keeping his hand on her back while Masaru and Honoka were holding hands. Hakuryuu was carrying Natsumi, probably giving Setsuna a break, while Hatori was carrying Cera and Hoshiko was carrying Maemi. It was quite the caravan of people, but they were all familiar faces.

"Len, I am sorry for the short notice. But our clan is in danger and we needed to split up... may we stay here?"

Len nodded. "Sure. So long as your presence doesn't destory my village."

Kaoru nodded. "Yes, of course, Tsuchikage-sama."

"Thank you..." Anita smiled softly, gently rocking Loki back and forth as he slept. Everyone was exhausted. The travel had taken a toll on everyone especially the children and Hoshiko--seeing as she was expecting another child. They were all looking forward to spending the night in a hotel.

Len nodded. "Very well. Sis, please show them to their temporary home."

"Okay~" Tami smiled as she looked to Riku. "So where's Shikun? Will he be coming?" She asked.

"For a visits yes, but... he won't be staying."

"Oh..." Tami frowned a bit.

Anita smiled. "He sends his love. He wonders how you're doing."

"Really?" Tami smiled.

Riku nodded. "Mhm. I'm sure he'll try and see you before he leaves."

"I hope so." Tami smiled, noticing the little children. "They're new." She noticed.

"These three?" He pointed to his own.

Tami nodded. "Mhm~ They're so cute~" She smiled. "How old are they? Are they triplets?"

Tomoe looked at her three kids. Anita held Loki while Tomoe carried the girls. It was easy to mistake them for triplets despite the girls being a year older. However, they had been small and underweight whereas Loki was an eating machine. They matched in size perfectly.

"No. Loki is younger by a year. They're mine and Tomoe's children." He smiled.

"Oh," Tami blinked, looking at the kids. "Wow...they look so similar." She giggled a bit. "So cute~ I want kids one day, but Lenny doesn't like any of the boys I show him." She pouted.

"He's a protective brother. I was like that with Tomoe..."

"You're still like," Tomoe smirked at him, her eyes glancing at Hoshi before she leaned against her husband.

Tami nodded. "Yeah...He says it's for the best...but I'm getting older and older...I'm not getting any younger." She puffed her cheeks out.

"When you find the one you really love, you will fight against your brother to have them." Hatori stated.

"I guess..." Tami shrugged as she had arrived at the closest hotel. She went to the front desk and smiled. Tami was a celebrity in the village. Being the Tsuchikage's sister, everyone and anyone knew her. She was never denied anything. "Hello~ I'm here on behalf of the Tsuchikage. These people are to get..." She turned around. "How many rooms?" She asked.

"Five." Kaoru stated. "At least five."

Tami nodded and looked back at the clerk. "Five rooms in the name of the Tsuchikage." She smiled.

The woman nodded and handed out keys. "Your room numbers are on the keys." She smiled.

"Thank you~" Tami handed them their keys. "If there's anything you need, just ask me. Lenny can kinda be stiff." She giggled. "But I can help you out."

"Thank you very much." Riku smiled.

Tami smiled. "Just let me know when Shikun comes~ I wanna say hi." She waved as she left them in the hotel.

Tomoe looked to Riku. "We have to get word to Dad...Let me go." She asked.

He sighed. "Will you come back?"

"I say someone goes with her..." Anita breathed, looking at Riku.

Tomoe frowned. "You don't trust me?"

"Tomoe, I know you want to be with Junn... but we're under order from Pops..." Riku frowned.

“I can go report to Shiku." Hakuryuu spoke up.

"Sure." Riku nodded. "Go ahead."

Haku handed Natsumi over to Setsuna. He kissed their cheeks before disappearing.

Tomoe frowned as she held the girls closer to her chest. "I-I would've c-come back..."

Riku frowned at her. "Come on... let's get to our rooms..."

Tomoe sighed as she leaned against Hoshi again. They went up to their rooms and Anita helped Loki to Tomoe's room. She left, leaving Tomoe alone with her husband and the three children. Tomoe frowned as she went to lay down curling up with her babies. All she wanted was to see her son in the hospital. It killed her to know she couldn't be with him.

Hoshi sighed as he sat down and rubbed her back. "Junn will be okay, you know."

"I just...I want to be with him..." She closed her eyes. "H-He...only has three months..."

“If he has no progress, Tomoe. He will."

"Ma! Ma!" Loki cooed as he wiggled around on the bed.

Tomoe sniffled as she looked down at her son. She leaned down and kissed his head. "I love all my babies..."

“That just makes you a great mother."

"Mama~" Satomi smiled as she tugged on Tomoe's hair.

Tomoe smiled a bit as she looked at her children. She pulled her daughter in and tickled her stomach.

"Ah...!" Nozomi squeaked. She was starting to get a bit more vocal, though sometimes she was drowned out by her siblings' voices.

Hoshi smiled. Despite them not being his children, he still tried to be a part of their lives. He pulled Nozomi into his arms and smiled at her.

Nozomi reached up and touched his nose, giggling softly. Despite knowing that Riku was her Daddy, she had grown attached to Hoshi. They didn't know why, but the little girl seemed happy whenever he paid her attention.

Tomoe glanced over at him and smiled softly. He had missed this when he was a god. He never had the chance to experience this with Toshiro, Junn, or Hoshiko. Even if Nozomi wasn't his, Tomoe was happy he was giving her attention. She didn't mind her having two daddy’s.

"You're so pretty~" Hoshi smiled as he poked her tiny nose.

Satomi cooed as she watched her twin. She didn't seem all that attached to Hoshi, just curious.

Tomoe looked back at her other two kids. She smiled at them and sat up before scooping them into her lap to kiss their little faces.

"Ah~" Loki giggled, trying to escape his mother's kisses.

"Da..." Nozomi cooed as her eyes fluttered from him poking her nose. She clapped her hands together before giggling.

Hoshi chuckled. "Tomoe... once these two are a little older... would you want another with me?" He looked at her. "Since I'll actually be there this time..."

Tomoe smiled at him, looking up from her children. She tilted her head, letting her hair fall to her side. "You...want that? Really?" Her eyes were soft as there was a small flicker of pink in her blue irises.

"I do... I really do."

She nodded. "Yeah, alright," she smiled. "I would love to have another with you." She breathed. "You...really do make a good father."

He frowned now and looked down at the babbling baby in his arms. "No I don't... I've never had the chance to be one..."

Tomoe tilted her head. "Hoshi...Just because you aren't Nozomi's biological father doesn't mean you aren't a good father figure. You're Nozomi's dad too as well as Satomi's and Loki's." She breathed. "You're in their lives so that makes you a father figure."

"I don't want to take that from Riku, though..."

"You're not." She shook her head. "He's in their lives just as much as I am. They know who their father is. They're not stupid."

He sighed. "I suppose..."

Tomoe reached out. "Come here..."

He scooted closer and sighed.

Tomoe leaned in and kissed him softly. She pulled back and smiled. "I love you...and I want you to have the chance to be a father." She breathed. "I would love to have another baby with you." She kissed him lightly again.

His eyes fluttered as he kissed back, moving a free hand into her hair.

Tomoe smiled against his lips. For once, her Kasai seduction abilities affected him. They hadn't really been together since he became human because of the children she was taking care of. In fact, she hadn't really been with anyone. Her babies consumed all of her time and she would neglect herself. However, in this moment, her body ached for attention.

Hoshi could feel how eager she was and blushed. He couldn't. Not now. Not with the babies here.

"Ma...?" Loki squeaked as he looked up at his mother, sitting in her lap.

Tomoe pulled back and blushed. She'd almost lost herself. She gave herself a moment before smiling down at her son. "S-Sorry sweetie..." She panted a bit, kissing Loki and Satomi's heads in apology for nearly squishing them.

"Later... someone could look after them for us..." He suggested.

“R-Right..." Tomoe nodded. "Later..." She breathed, blushing before looking back down at the babies in her lap. "I'm sorry~ I didn't mean to squish you~" She kissed them again.

Satomi giggled as she moved to try and crawl away off the bed.

"And where are you going?" Tomoe smiled, leaning over to scoop her back up.

"Nuu~" She giggled.

Tomoe chuckled as she attacked her daughter with kisses. "No leaving the bed, missy~" She blew kisses onto the girl's stomach.

“Nya~ Mama~" She giggled as she tried to push Tomoe away.

Tomoe let her hair cover Satomi's face as she continued to play with her.

 

Nozomi bounced up and down in Hoshi's lap. She saw how her sister and mother were playing, wanting to do the same. However, Tomoe and Riku didn't play with Nozomi that way. They didn't want her to worsen herself. Nozomi already went through surgery to repair her vocal chords, which made her a bit more fragile than Loki and Satomi.

Hoshi blinked as he saw Nozomi bouncing in his lap. "You wanna play too?"

"Ah~ Ah~" Nozomi squeaked, clapping her hands in response.

Hoshi smiled as he tickled her sides.

Nozomi giggled. It had been the loudest she'd ever been. Her voice sounded strained and airy.

Hoshi chuckled and continued. She never used her voice. He thought maybe that was why she was taking so long to heal.

Tomoe blinked and stopped playing with Satomi as she heard the strange sound. It was as if a seal was gasping for breath. She looked over and her eyes widened as she saw Hoshi playing with Nozomi like he was. "H-Hoshi!"

He stopped instantly. "Wh-What? She's okay."

"That...doesn't sound okay..." She breathed.

"Her voice is unused."

"Well...that's not how she should use it."

He sighed. "She was left out."

Tomoe frowned as she looked down. "I...I know..."

"Ah..." Nozomi frowned as she reached up towards Hoshi.

Hoshi looked down again and poked her stomach.

Nozomi gave a small giggle, smiling at him with her blue-green eyes.

He smiled at her. "See, Tomoe? She's fine."

Tomoe bit her lip. "But...she could strain her voice..."

"She needs to use it."

"But...she could strain herself..." Tomoe frowned. "We don't want her to over use her voice..."

He sighed. "Relax."

Tomoe frowned and looked down. "How can I relax when my children are so fragile?"

"Tomoe, you can't cage them all their lives. They'll be miserable."

Tomoe frowned. "I'm just...trying to protect them..." She sighed.

"I know that... but children learn their limits."

Tomoe sniffled a bit. "You know...it's funny...I've been a mother for so long...but I think you're the better parent..." She laughed a bit.

"Maybe it's my little experience."

She nodded. "Maybe..."

"Ah...!" Nozomi reached up, wanting Hoshi's attention again.

"Can I...?" He asked.

Tomoe nodded. "She wants you to play with her...Don't wanna tell that precious face no." She smiled weakly.

He smiled and moved to play with her again. She was so adorable. It was a shame her and her twin were weak.

Nozomi giggled happily as Hoshi played with her. Tomoe tilted her head as she warched them. It was nice to see him act like a father. He was a natural.

He smiled and leaned in to blow on her stomach. He only chuckled as she giggled louder.

Tomoe smiled softly as she looked at the other two. Loki was curled up as he'd fallen asleep. It seemed he was more tired that they thought.

Satomi was lying on her back, playing with her feet as she cooed.

Tomoe chuckled as she took the girl's feet. "This little piggy went to the market~" She sang as she played with her toes.

Satomi squealed. She was still blind in one eye, but had become natural with it.

Tomoe chuckled, leaning in to kiss her all over. "Who's mommy's little girl~" She laughed. "Well, one of them~"

"Ah~ ah~"

Tomoe scooped her up and held her against her chest. "I love you so much..."