MadHatter: Standard disclaimers apply. In other words, NO I do not own any of these characters, much as it pains for me to admit it.
Warnings: angst, lots of it if my story goes the way I intend it to
Pairings: SasukexNaruto
Consequencesof the Heart
Prologue
"The City of Desolation"
Murky streams of white reached out like fingers to caress the land, as night swiftly came and plunged the world into an ethereal darkness. Streetlamps flickered with harsh streaks of yellow and white, casting shadows where the light couldn't penetrate; adding to the glow of the moon as it shone brightly overhead, shedding light to the activities these unholy people indulged in as they littered the streets.
Every building around the block seem to come alive with loud music blaring from the inside and couples going in and out at regular intervals. Bright neon lights flared atop each structure, like beacons calling out to passersby to have a taste of the goods they offered. Others not already caught up in the excitement inside were too busy ogling at some of the men and women in flimsy transparent garments lining up the streets. Occasionally, a man would come and casually drape his arm around the waist of one of the women then disappear in one of the town's cheap motels, while others get picked-up by cars that rode by. The City of Sin, it was named, The City of Desolation others would say in the back of their minds. But definitely not the one and only. For there were thousands of it scattered around the globe. It was only the degree of immorality, the relative feeling of helplessness in which they differed.
There are other creatures of the night. Other creatures crawling through the City of Sin, giving more conviction to the name. Though not as visible, they were just as active, and probably the greater evil. These were the thieves lurking in the corners where they would not be noticed. Hiding until they find an opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting victims, taking away their cash, their jewelry, their life, and even their dignity. Little followers of Satan scourging the streets for money, life and pleasure. His band of minions set out to conquer the world for him. Minions that can be found in places both high and low. The world had many of them, and in each day that passed, they grow in number at an alarming rate. Soon the earth will be engulfed by a newfound terror: devils guised as the world's trusted leaders bent on crippling the world they are trusted to lead.
While on the quieter part of the town, in dark alleys of the streets, homeless people could be seen camping out; either huddled by makeshift fires, or laying shivering on the cold concrete ground with their eyes tightly shut as they tried to ignore the grumblings of their empty stomachs. One could even make out small figures here and there. Some were lucky enough to be decently attired, acquiring adequate protection from the chilly November winds. Others were not so lucky, ranging from different states of undress; small limbs violently quaking from the onslaught of the frosty winds.
Still, there are other occupants of the so-called City of Sin. Decent enough people working hard to earn their living, yet not quite making it through the poverty line. Stuck in the bottom, as was the life of their parents, and the life that will be passed on to their children. Sad eyes looking out through the windows, wishing for better days; a sudden twist of good fortune in their bleak monotonous lives.
This is the harsh truth of reality. A world infested with the corruption of mankind. Death, hunger, and degredation. These are but a few of the lasting effects of the recent wars that plagued the world. War. Such a powerful word that can evoke so many emotions with a single utterance can change the lives of so many with only a single stroke. And strike it did on the virgin land of Konoha. One would assume that a city as far and as remote as Konoha would be untouched by the horrors brought about by the endless killings. Yet somehow it wormed its way to their land, shattering the peacefulness and serenity they once owned. And like everywhere else in the world, it left the people scarred with haunting memories of the grim days that never faded from their minds. War destroyed their homes, ruined their families...their lives. Death kept a nightly vigil in the land, leaving behind countless numbers of dead bodies in his wake as he swooped down from one town to another. There was never a night that passed without hearing the mournful wailings of a mother, or of a child crying out for his parents. Nevertheless, the time of war had come to past. And peace once again reigned over the world. That is, if peace could be called to the kind of life they lived in. True there were no more wars being waged, but still its traces can be seen even by the naked eye. And there is still the never-ending battle that ranges on in one's soul. Individuals battling the demons that can be found inside one's head. And more often than not, failing miserably. And it was then that it was said that Satan himself walked the face of the earth, as humans tried to regain the tattered remains of what can be called life. People living their lives in shame and misery, but unable to do anything about it. Souls ladden with sin and grief with no more hope left in their hearts. No more light to shine on the world, just an unrelenting darkness veiling the earth...and their hearts.
A/N: (sweatdrops) Kinda heavy isn't it? It's just the prologue though, so don't mind it much. It's intended as a quick background to the kind of past one of my main characters belonged to. Hehehe! Next chapter contains our star. Promise!
Reviews and constructive criticisms are welcomed, always. I'm kinda nervous about my portrayal of Naruto since I never could understand how his mind works. Any helpful suggestions are gladly accepted. Flames are not. Also, this is my first fic, so please be kind. Thanks!