Clash 2: The Wolf and the Desertstorm - a collab with Amaterasu

Chapter 15

A/N Song for this chapter is for the fight between Satoru and Taryn ^-^

Daisuke walked home with heavy feet, his pace deliberately slow. He was not looking forward to facing his father.

Ichiya had been locked up again in prison, though the Kazekage had not chained him this time. A medic had healed his injuries and he had received warm bedding and a hot meal. All he could do now was wait and hope that Taryn-sama and the others would return to Suna safely.

Daisuke let out a frustrated sigh. He had wanted to do something for Ichiya, to thank him for getting him home safely. No, Daisuke thought to himself, not because of that. He had started to enjoy the man's company. On their way to Suna, Ichiya had taught him how to recognize edible plants in the forest, how to look for tracks in the mountains, how to build a fire at night. He had never realized how useful that kind of thing could be. Then again, he had never found himself in a situation where he would need such skills.

How Kumiko would laugh at him.

No, she would not laugh he realized. She would smile. And then help him build a shelter.

He frowned in concern. Was she alright? Had she found her friends? 'Just come home,' he thought to her. He swore he would never make fun of her again. At least not in a way that would hurt her. Maybe just occasional teasing. Wasn't that what a brother was supposed to do?

Daisuke sighed as he reached the front door and braced himself before stepping inside. "Here goes nothing."

The hall and the kitchen were silent, but he could hear voices further down where the living room was located. Quietly he made his way over.

Kumiko's sister Hoshiko was fighting with her cousin Emi over some toy. His sister Izumi was sitting on the couch ignoring the fight while trying to read a magazine. Little Kaito was lying on his stomach on the floor making a drawing with some crayons. He was the first to notice Daisuke's arrival. "Daisuke!" he yelled and he crawled to his feet to great his cousin.

Daisuke was taken aback when the boy hugged his waist. He had always thought the little boy did not like him much. Probably because he was scowling most of the time or picking on Kumiko.

The boy's shouts had stopped the argument in the room. Instead, the shouting turned into chaos.

"Daisuke!" Both Hoshiko and Emi darted over to join Kaito in his hug. His sister Izumi dropped the magazine and stared at him with open mouth.

They all started talking at the same time.

"Where have you been?!"

"What happened?!"

"Where is Kumiko?!"

"Are you okay?!"

"Is Kumiko not with you?!"

"You're back!"

"Father is so angry!"

"Daisuke." The last voice was soft and made him turn around. His mother was standing in the doorway and had her hands over her mouth. Tears were in her eyes.

"Mother," he said softly.

She walked over and took his face in her hands. "Where have you been? Why did you leave? Do you know what you put us through?"

Daisuke sighed. "I had to. I saw Kumiko sneak out the window. I had to go after her."

"Why did Kumiko not come with you?" Kaito looked up at him with fearful eyes. His lip started to tremble.