Princes of Desert
(A/N: okay, so just a little tid-bit of info right here and now: A) there are no ninjas. Fighters, but no ninjas. B) Gaara does have his demon, but he's not as blood-thirsty and evil he is in the show. C) Kankuro is not wearing paint or his black outfit. Check out Google. Ages: Gaara: 18, Kankuro: 20, Temari: 21. Everything from here on that's in italics I don't own, such as Naruto and all it's characters and such.)
Chapter 1: Kingdom with no King
"Sires, your presence is requested by Queen Temari!" one of the head servants said. Both Prince Gaara and Prince Kankuro were relaxing the royal hot springs in their castle.
"Always when I'm in the springs!" Kankuro rolled his eyes.
"What does she want now?" Gaara said with annoyance. The servants around them gave the two princes their towels. They changed, and headed down to the thrown room.
In this world, there are many regions with several kingdoms. Some are more powerful than others. From most powerful to weakest is as goes: Leaf, Sand, Mist and Sound. (Okay, I don't know if there are more villages in the actual show, and I'm sorry if there are and I did not say them, but these are the most talked about in the show anyway, so try to let it go.) One of the largest kingdoms in the Sand Region is Suna Kingdom, lead by Princess Temari, one of the royal sand siblings, after the last king and queen had died.
"Temari, what do you want?!" Kankuro snapped. "Can't you leave us alone for once?"
"This is important, Kankuro."
"Sure, like the time you needed us to open the royal peanut butter?" Kankuro said.
"Or the time you needed us to unclog the royal sink?" Gaara said next.
"Or the time the royal carpet got a stain?"
"Why is everything royal in this place?"
"Yeah, what the hell's up with that, I've been wondering that myself."
"Brothers, please! This truly is important. Gaara, you have reached the age of 18, correct?"
"I have the solid gold tiger to prove it."
"Then both of you should be aware of what is to happen."
They stayed silent.
She sighed, "The Law states that a kingdom must be ruled by a king and queen, and when the prince has turned the proper age, they will rightfully take the thrown. I'm not fit to rule this land, nor do I want to, so-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on! I'm older than Gaara, why is this just now happening?! Why haven't you let me be king?!" Kankuro shouted.
"You know as well as I do that mother and father chose the son with the curse to be king!" Temari answered. This meant the son born with the demon, aka, Gaara. "But…since they have long past away, it's really my choice. I wish to follow what mother and father wanted…"
Kankuro glared at Gaara who smiled evilly.
"But I don't think it's fair, since, Kankuro, you are the older son. I decided to wait when Gaara was of proper age, and now that he is…" Temari trailed off.
The two princes stood on edge.
"The neighboring kingdom wishes for its princess to marry one of our princes. She will arrive in our castle tomorrow. If you both wish to marry her, you will fight. Whoever wins will become king of Suna."
Kankuro gulped, Yeah, like that's fair…
"And Gaara is not allowed to use Shukaku."
"What?!"
"Yes!"
"But, I would like to say this: please actually think thoroughly whether you wish to be king or not and especially if you wish to marry this princess. You must remember, if you marry her, you're stuck with her for life."
"Pft," Gaara rolled his icy blue eyes. "Since when did marriage have to do anything with love?" He turned and left.
The Next Day…
"Alright, are you two ready to meet Princess Lori?" Temari asked.
"No, just keep us in suspense for a few more hours," Gaara said with crossed arms.
Ignoring her baby brother, she motioned for her servants to open the main door. The two unlocked and opened the large colorful doors.
The princes' jaws dropped open once they saw her.
End Chapter, please review!