DISCLAIMER: I don't own Naruto, and I certainly do not profit from this story. If I did, I would be on a beach in Hawaii, instead of sitting miserably in a basement with no air conditioning.

WARNING: This is an AU (Alternate Universe) story. Meaning that, aside from the characters, there are not many similarities to the Manga, Naruto, in terms of plot. This is a story of a more Yaoi persuasion. If this offends you, kindly find a different story to read. This story is rated M, though as of now I'm not sure how far I'll be delving into the M universe. For now let's be content with gore, language, tragedy and other mature references. :D

Please excuse all grammatical errors I only have myself and Microsoft to edit this. Not the greatest combo.

CHAPTER 1: A life worth living

A quiet rhythmic 'drip, drip, drip' sounded softly throughout the cave echoing across a vast expanse of darkness. The air was hot and humid with a tangy quality to it, and pressed close against everything it touched. Suppressive and cold, it writhed around the gloom like a predatory snake waiting for its next victim. The blackness was broken, only by a small flickering flame. A small sputter of hope in the deep gloomy expanse. In its light a shadow of a face could be seen, a green eye and sallow skin, wrinkled around a down turned mouth. Slick black hair fell across a puckered forehead, leaving a trail of wetness behind.

Now there was another sound in the cave, footsteps soft and unsteady. The small flame of the candle revealed the sheer vastness of the hole. It was at least a three hundred meters high and had small openings all over the walls. From twice the size of a man, to as small as a rabbit hole. Some of these smaller cave entrances were well worn and bore the mark of human footprints on the dirt covered ground. Others bore strange tracks, that were neither human nor any known animal. The light stuttered in front of one of the openings. An opening with the entrance littered with tracks, human and otherwise. The candle sputtered as if an ill wind was trying to snuff it out. The air was now almost suffocating and seemed to rush about whipping the man's hair around his shoulders. But there could be no wind, not this deep underground. The light began to quiver as its owners hand faltered. For several long minutes the circle of light was motionless. Before once again it started forward, into the unnatural opening.

/

The year 3627 was a dark year, much like the past 1000. The world was going through a state which had never been encountered before. Mistrust was everywhere. Evenwith all the advances mankind had made, human nature could not be suppressed. Greed eventually took over the minds of everyone. The age of peace was ended.

And so the sprawling cities- With their buildings 1500 meters high, interchanging hover highways, cars, solar and water powered structures- fell into ruin. All across the globe, countries had their weapons ready. They waited for a small mishap. If war broke it would be the end of the world. All the missiles and nuclear warfare firing and raining down on the earth would destroy the planet.

Disease was also spreading throughout the land. Like a wildfire that could not be contained. Illnesses which had never before been encountered or humans had forgotten, killed hundreds daily. Doctors were baffled, and could think of no way to prevent further contamination. The only thing to do was to be wary and keep away from others. Friends became foes, and demons took back what was once theirs.

As cities dwindled and fell, and man fell to the ravages of war and sickness, the monsters came. The ruined towns and cities were overtaken by forests filled with unspeakable creatures. For all the high technology and weapons humans possessed- laser cannons, energy beams, energy field, electromagnetic guns, invisibility shields, and forgotten teleportation- they could not drive away the demons.

An alliance was made. In exchange for being left alone, the demons taught a select number of humans how to manipulate energy. Much like the fabled magic in fairy tales. They bestowed these gifts upon the lower homo sapiens, and a few gave away their own select traits to some of the better humans. These select traits were called blood line limits. And so there was an uneasy truce, the humans kept their tools of destruction to themselves and the demons magic was not used against them.

The energy users that had brought about this change were called the White Kings or Queens. They alone kept the fragile peace together. But even that was now crumbling. A group of usurpers stalked the land, killing all those that possessed the 'magic.' If this group of murderers succeeded, the demons and humans would no longer have a reason not to war with each other. Everything would end with a red dawn.

So it is in this year that our story begins. In the city of Konoha, deep within the boundaries of what is now Fire Country. Here damage is minimal, and the city prospers better than most. Konoha is said to house a large number of the White Kings, and Fury's. The half creatures doomed to a grim fate out of their control.

These Fury's could also manipulate energy. They were a race bred from human and demon couplings. They would have been powerful, if not for the hatred. Though it had been years since the treaty of The White kings, the hate and remembrance of blood was deeply remembered by both races. Thus they became the slaves of the Humans and the disgusting bastard creatures to the demons. They were unwanted, and unaccepted for something they had no control over. Every society rejected them.

This hate and misfortune will bring forth a new era. When the world will be thrown asunder. But for now the Council of Konoha and their Hokage focus only on the threat of their beloved White Kings. A focus that will bring their world crashing down around them.

Uchiha Sasuke was mad. Actually saying he was mad would be a drastic understatement. He literally wanted to rip off the man's head- who was standing in front of him oh so nonchalantly- and mount it on a spike in his yard as a sing of victory. He had been having a perfectly quiet afternoon studying. But his peaceful afternoon had been ruined by an unwelcome interruption. Arguing with the intruder for over ten minutes had made no headway. The man seemed immune to The Uchiha's cold glares, and callous attitude, and would not leave, not matter how Sasuke demanded. This was unheard of, when an Uchiha wanted you gone; you went, usually faster than you had come. Sasuke was contemplating teaching this to the stuck op intruder by way of foot in ass.

"Uchiha-san, I am well aware that you are capable of taking care of yourself. I have seen you sparring with Kakashi-san in the dojo. You have a reputation that has spread throughout the country, and your resume includes several great feats. That aside the fact remains that the council has decided that it is within your best interest to get a bodyguard." The man said calmly.

Sasuke stared hard at the man who was witless enough to even suggest such a thing. "So the council decided I needed a FURRY?" he hissed losing some of his well renowned composure. His mask of cool and calm slipping into something akin to shocked outrage.

There was, after all, a goddamn reason as to why he had no bodyguard, or any other living being here in this house. He had separated himself from others long ago and was determined to keep things that way. It was painful and lonely existence, but it was logical one. Something he had come to peace with. One that kept his soul from being tormented more than it already was. Something that kept him willing to go through each day as if it meant something. Logic was one of the only good things that remained in his broken mental state. Now the Council of Konoha would take that away from him too.

"I respect that you may feel violated in your privacy. But I would like to point out that you are the last of your kind. That is reason enough for the council to want to reinforce your security. They have left you to your own devices until now, but with the current threat, that is no longer an option. So I must ask that you please go along with their decision. At least until the danger has passed."

Sasuke pursed his lips. Indeed, there was an angry little boy in his chest going berserk with outrage because it remembered, all too well, being left alone by council decision. Yet now that he had gotten used to be alone, the council in all their abominable, interfering, NOT WANTED, concern was taking it away. Of course the Uchiha remembered living with others, could almost grasp the emotions people so often said he lacked. Like happiness and love. It was all so distant, a faint feeling of tightness in his chest when he saw other families standing close together and smiling. So familiar yet so alien. He could remember the smiles he used to be able to give, but the feeling that went with it he was close to forgetting entirely. He was out of practice, but it certainly wasn't something he wanted to get good at again. Those wussy emotions made a man weak, and Sasuke would not tolerate weakness.

Although the brunette was fairly confident in his standing of wanting the Konoha government to mind its own business, he also was confident that he would not be left alone. There had been some rather alarming incidents recently, and he was one of the government's precious pets. And he had to admit that he was also the type of person to respond better to bravery and logical arguments. So while he may wish the voyeur nothing but ill, he also knew he would soon succumb to the man's reasoning. Konoha had chosen their representative well.

The Konoha government was not run by a dictatorship, like most cities nowadays, but the people. The person highest in command was the Hokage. The strongest White King or Queen. Below the Hokage was the Council, made up of six chosen city elders. They were the advisers of the Commander of the City, and had a strong saying of the goings on of Konoha. Often they were more influential than the Hokage, as they had a better grasp of politics.

Under the council were two groups: the Representatives and the ANBU. The ANBU were an elite military squad, able to use life energy. They escorted Council members and Representatives of diplomatic missions, as a form of protection. Another duty of theirs was assassination, and spying. ANBU were well adverse in stealth. They were the ones that kept away the missiles the burning plagues, and the people who would ravage the city.

The Representatives were used on diplomatic missions of a lesser degree. Or on errands the Council could not (or would not) perform. They made treaties with other countries trades and demands to keep everything running smoothly. Trying to bring out a sense of normalcy in the world full of chaos. Most of the time the Representatives were normal people. But occasionally you would find one that could use life energy.

The White Kings and Queens were next on the government ladder. They served to do the missions of behalf of the humans and sometimes demons. Their job was to protect important people and artifacts. It was they that held the alliance together. The missions that gave people a reason to live and gave the demons a reason to let them alone.

Last of the government were the police, who upheld the general law.

The man before Sasuke (the representative) was a stout man that stood about 6'2 just a little taller than himself. Appearing to be around thirty or so years old. Long brown hair stood up slightly in the front over his metal head guard. Matching brown eyes gave off a warm and intelligent gleam.

"What's your name?" Sasuke asked with much reluctance.

"Yamato" he replied gently.

Sasuke bristled at the tone. He wasn't some damn kid that needed to be spoken gently too, or some frightened rabbit that would be scared off with a few words. He was a full-grown adult. His mental state had been such for many years. Just because his legal earning of that title had been only months ago, did not mean he needed to be coddled or spoken down to. Who did this guy think he was?

"You're more persuasive than I gave you credit for Yamato-san" He said eyeing the man with anger and slight suspicion.

At this rather unhappy observation from the Uchiha prodigy, Yamato straightened from the wall he had been leaning against. His white robes with the blue sigils, and kerchief signifying his rank, rustled with the movement. Bringing a tan weathered hand up to the blue material of his kerchief he stroked it with two fingers as if out of habit, as one would twirl a lock of hair or bite nails. After fingering his kerchief thoughtfully for a moment Yamato sighed looking at Sasuke with a small smile.

"Does this mean that you will go along with the council's decision?" he asked.

'Like I have a choice.' Sasuke thought bitterly.

There was a lot the council could do to make his life more miserable than it already was, should he refuse. Bile rose in his throat at the thought. Outwardly he remained stoic and impassive, the only indication of his ire being the small crinkle of skin between his eyes.

"Yes, for the time being." he replied coolly.

Yamato stared at him for a moment longer before turning and saying casually. "A limo will be waiting for you at the front entrance at 1900 hours. Try not to be late, ne?"

That said, the Representative walked briskly down the dimly lit hallway leaving Sasuke behind to seethe.

'Those devils! Trapping me into another useless commitment.'

Angry enough to commit murder, he bit his lip until there was a warm steady trickle sliding down his chin. Turning he stalked down the hall to his room. Fists clenched tightly at his sides his nails biting into the flesh of his palm drawing more pinpricks of blood. He had already punched enough holes in his wall for one month. The Uchiha decided then that he needed better control. Maybe after he calmed he would participate in some relaxing yoga.

But his peace had been disrupted; it would be hours before he could calm himself enough to resume studying or exercising. For a time he would go into that black hole of memories, where he would indulge in unspeakable and weird things. Afterwards, standing blankly in front of his parents' bedroom, not daring to go inside, but unable to turn away. No one knew about these 'fits' and he was determined that even a lowly furry shouldn't find out. Better control, that's what he needed to achieve. As he slid opened the door to his room he was hit with a queasy feeling. Bringing a pale hand to his front, Sasuke clenched the blue material of his shirt tightly.

He had a very bad feeling about this.

/

Uchiha Sasuke was not someone people would call friendly. He did not go to parties or any other social callings, and any hobbies he had would not be considered fun by the general public. His attitude was arrogant, cold and distant. Much too serious for one his age, he was, in short, a bastard. That however, did not stop him from being popular.

Some problems the ever brooding prodigy had were that the Council always wanted his opinion on one frivolous thing or another, or made him attend functions of 'great importance.' He had to repel many pigheaded, clingy women who wanted dates. Worse yet was telling off the men who wanted him as a friend, dates he could deal with. Friendship was an entirely different matter, one he could not afford to get into, he'd been through those muddy waters already. No doubt they only wanted to extort his money and ask for favors anyway. That was hard to admit because secretly he wanted a friend to confide in. But he didn't trust people enough to gain one.

Sasuke could not get rid of his heritage. Changing his attitude, and staying away from most civilization, did not change who he was. Being the last of his family had left him with a lot of money. The Uchiha's had already acquired a vast amount of wealth living. Being as most citizens called them 'The defenders of the flame.' Owning their own district and running half the town with the police force, the Uchiha's were a clan many respected. After they had all died, the life insurance had come in. Being the sole inheritance to this wealth, Sasuke became the richest man in Konoha.

Power was also something that attracted people to him like flies. Sasuke was one of the few remaining humans that could use life energy. Being a White king he could manipulate his body energy into actual matter and use it as a weapon, changing its size, shape and potency. His own unique power was passed down through the generations. The All Seeing Eye. The Sharingan. Bestowed upon his ancestor Madara by a wolf demon. It was known as one of the 'super powers' among the chakra users. Copying any move, concerning body energy -otherwise known as chakra or ki- was a simple task. Anything that used chakra he could copy and make his own. Seeing through illusions was his specialty. Sasuke could understand the human psyche better than most. Entering the brain through an alternate reality and confronting a person's soul could cause a breakdown in seconds. Theoretically anyway, he was still trying to obtain that particular talent.

Wealth and power were only part of the problem. The last Uchiha was also attractive. He was tall, six feet in height. Muscled, in a lithe sort of way, with pale skin most girls would envy. His hair contrasted dramatically with his skin. As it was silky straight midnight black and stuck up in the back creating a rooster tail effect. Long bangs framed high cheekbones, and served to hide coal back eyes. Lips were full without being feminine, and were more often than not curled into a disdainful sneer. And he always dressed in the latest fashion.

Maybe it was partially his fault that he had so much trouble with other humans. If he truly wanted Sasuke could have gained sixty pounds, shaved his head, and worn rags, to make himself look less than appealing. But he had always been brought up to look the best and act the best. To be the best. If he truly wanted he could have gotten rid of that. Yet he was desperately trying to keep the ties with his family, trying not to lose himself. Trying to fix shattered glass with tape, pretending that the remnants were whole even as they sliced him to pieces.

The council may not have realized it, but they were putting the brunette in a very bad position. He had only two goals in life. One was to become stronger, so that no one would ever be able to take away what was precious to him. The second was to revive his clan.

To obtain those goals he trained relentlessly. Studying every technique he could get his hands on. Training until his body refused to move was a daily ritual. He was always striving to gain more. To have more. It kept him from reliving the past. Kept him sane.

Bringing someone else into his life would disrupt his routine. It would disrupt HIM. If he were being honest with himself, he might have acknowledged his need for another being. The need for contact. But he was stubborn and refused such absurd notions. Letting them filter out of his consciousness just as they surfaced.

/

As Sasuke walked out to the gates of his mansion, he wondered idly if the furry he got would be good for him. A constant sparring partner would be nice. Kakashi, his mentor, was only able to train him occasionally...

'...Maybe, maybe it won't be so bad having someone else here.' Sasuke thought, before mentally slapping himself.

He DIDN'T want another person here to annoy him. And he was damn well going to stand by that.

His limo chose that moment to pull up to the front gate. It was three doors long- small for a limo- and a shiny maroon. Coming to a stop the compressed air that was let out of the jets on the bottom of the limo, let out a smaller amount and lowered so that it hovered a foot above ground. Steam began spouting from the coolant jets under the engine. The lights on the underside glowed invitingly.

Sasuke glared daggers at it before opening the door himself and getting in, not wanting to wait for the driver to do it for him. It wasn't as if he was an invalid either, being perfectly capable of opening his own doors and getting in a car. The brunette snorted at that thought. Long ago he had always been excited and proud to have people wait on him, showing off his status and good fortune. That feeling had faded and died long ago, along with other things.

The driver looked at him through the glass opening startled, before settling back in the seat he had been in the process of getting out of.

"Sasuke-sama?" The driver questioned somewhat tentatively.

"Just drive me to wherever you're taking me." Sasuke bit back.

The driver, Yuki, so his tag said, turned a shade whiter and nodded putting the limo in gear. It rose the standard height, and shot forward. The flame powered jets coming to life and making the car gain speed.

Traffic at this hour was light. Late sunset saw most people in their homes getting ready to either venture out again or to quietly relax with family. The highway rose some 100 feet above the rest of the city. Often changed into different positions, to suit the cities purpose. Ramps were spotted every few hundred feet and went on a decline of 40 degrees down into the streets.

Konoha was getting ready for the night. All the decent shops were closing, while others such as brothels, slavery houses, and clubs were opening for business. The bright lights flashed and beckoned unsuspecting passers-by. Begging for attention and money. Music with a powerful beat shook the ground at random intervals. Young men and women flocked the streets. Wearing skimpy clothes, and heavy make-up. Sasuke sneered at them. They thought they were so cool. Being out at night showing off their independence. They didn't know how painful it was to lose the people they were no doubt rebelling against. Spreading their legs and snuffing substance that killed their already shriveled brains. Humanity was certainly reverting back on the evolutionary scale. He wondered whether he would have been like those people too, had his circumstances been different. The thought made him shudder.

After about twenty minutes of driving along intersecting highways, Yuki took an off ramp and pulled in front of a large brick building. Flickering green neon letters adorned the front proclaiming;

'Chousho's Furry and slave department store! Prices and items for everyone and anyone!'

Sasuke scowled at the sign. Items? Is that really what people thought of furries? The Uchiha didn't care much for slavery. He felt that humans were lazy enough as it was and didn't need the help of being that were more powerful than they were. It must have come from his mother Mikoto. She had been very outspoken against slavery, often organizing demonstrations that the council disapproved of, but could do nothing about. She definitely wouldn't approve of what he was being forced to do.

"Is something the matter Sasuke-sama?" Yuki asked from the driver's seat.

Sasuke looked at him coldly for a moment. Now wasn't the time to think about his mother. She wasn't here, and thinking about her would only make this task more difficult. Carefully he slid his indifferent mask back into place. Something he had perfected over the years. He found it kept him safe. Keeping his emotions in check was the key to his sordid existence.

Who gave a shit about the monsters anyway? He had his own problems.

"No." he said, at last and got out of the car.

At the entrance a plump man, who called himself Taro, greeted him while ushering him into the store. Once inside Sasuke's lips turned down further. The place was full of Furry filled cages. Plaques above the cages told the names, ages and power or manner of the being inside as well as the prices. It was repulsive.

"May I ask what you're looking for...?" Taro asked trailing off.

Sasuke knowing what he wanted answered the man's inquiry. "Uchiha, Uchiha Sasuke"

The man's eyes widened, in realization. Sasuke felt a moment of smugness before he squashed it down. Old habits and feelings died hard.

"I am looking for a furry, preferably one with a decent level of power and knowledge of martial arts and standard weaponry." He said stiffly.

He loathed himself for even saying THAT. It was like he was buying a laser cannon or something, not a living breathing creature that could obviously had a brain. Taro looked thoughtful for a moment before leading Sasuke towards the back of the store. Cries and pleadings for help followed him, and the prodigy thought he might well and truly be sick.

It was like they were animals.

His stomach did an unpleasant flop with the thought. He didn't often feel sorry for people. But putting a being in a cage, only able to do what you were told, pulled at even his heartstrings… Not that he had any.

The pleas were getting louder, and more frequent. The black eyed man was starting to feel slightly panicked. He was sorely tempted to leave the store and tell the council exactly where they could shove their decisions, when at last they came to somewhat a secluded row of cages. Here the cries for help were kept to a minimum. The furries here either had some pride, or were too dumb to know what was happening.

"We have a variety of Furry's here. Standard level of power ranging is from 7-10 on the chi scale. Each one has the basic knowledge of fighting and defense." Taro said somewhat proudly.

Sasuke decided to ignore him -so he wouldn't be tempted to choke him for taking pride in caged beings- in favor of looking at the cages and their inhabitants. Most were a type of canine furry but there were some feline furry's as well. Sasuke didn't really care for any of them. They all looked at him with dull begging eyes and pleaded for him to buy them, boasting all sorts of promises and talents. They had no fight left in them, no personality and no life. Just utter sorrow and acceptance.

A little disappointed Sasuke came to the end of the row, when a Furry caught his eye. Intrigued he stopped and peered into the cage. The Furry inside was different from the others. Rather he got glanced at and then ignored. Now interested he glanced at the plaque adorning the top of the cage.

'Uzumaki Naruto, approximately two decades of age, Fox (canine) Furry, power level 10'

Sasuke was startled, a fox furry? But those were quite rare. Looking closely at the dubbed Naruto he saw that the boy had golden skin and a shock of bright blonde hair. No… It was more of a gold color. The color of ripe wheat, glistening against a summer sunrise. His cheeks had whisker like markings, and the ears on the top of his head were a light red with black tips. The long sleek tail peeking out of the demon shorts was a shade darker than the ears, and twitched angrily. The fox looked to be about 5'10 and was lightly muscled maybe a bit thicker than Sasuke himself. He wore the standard overly large white shirt and shorts of a slave. In fact, this particular furry's clothes seemed even more disheveled and unclean than the others.

But what really caught Sasuke's attention were the kitsune's eyes. Crimson with a small cat shaped pupil, the glittered in the dim light, full or fire and rage. Sasuke had never seen such eyes on a furry before, usually what he encountered when looking into the eyes of the slaves, was a soulless pit.

Another moment of staring and he heard a growl, and was barely able to stumble backward in time, to save himself from bodily harm. The furry had thrown himself forward and tried to sink his claws into the Uchiha's face. Sasuke was stunned. Few people were able to catch him off guard like that. More surprising was that a Furry had the guts to accomplish it. Most knew to be contrite and obedient. It was obvious why Naruto was ranked 10 on the chi scale. Of course he had been distracted and naive in thinking that the slave would stay obedient, but still it was skill, and Sasuke knew enough to recognize and give credit.

"What the Hell are you staring at teme!" The fox demon snarled.

Sasuke's lips thinned a moment before opening in an attempt of retort, but Taro chose this moment to bustle over. He looked furious as he pulled a lever sitting at the side of the cage. A shocking amount of electricity surged through the chains binding the kitsune's wrists and ankles. Naruto cried out in pain, eyes rolling into the back of his head. As the power receded he slumped boneless to the floor. Sasuke watched in disgust and outrage. None of the other furry's had chains.

"Filthy demon!" Taro exclaimed, before turning to Sasuke "I wouldn't recommend that one. He can't be controlled and is quite violent."

Sasuke merely glared at the man. He wanted this furry. This one was obviously a fighter. This one wouldn't get attached to him. This one wasn't dead inside.

'And it's rare.' he admitted to himself.

The Uchiha's had a liking for rare things. A trait that seemed to be rearing its ugly head now, even if it had been years since Sasuke had associated with another Uchiha it seemed he still kept some of their habits.

He looked at the pricing on the fox and grinned somewhat evilly. 7,000 gold pieces. The Council had agreed to pay for his furry in exchange for his compliance. This amount could buy someone a house. Grated it would be more of a hovel than a house, but it was the principle of the thing. It would serve the old geezers right. It gave him even more incentive to buy this furry.

"I want him." Sasuke stated plainly.

Taro sputtered and looked pained for all of two seconds before he too looked at the price tag.

"If that is what you wish Sasuke-sama, come this way. I will set you up with its papers and the standard equipment." Taro said gleefully.

Sasuke smirked and followed. Both missed the snarling and cursing that came from the cage moments later.

I'm dipping my feet into the waters of the FF,net community. I am not confident in my computer skills, so I can't say I like how this chapter is formatted. I would love to get reviews, I like to hear what people think about my stories and I would also like to see how well this is accepted. Please refrain from mindless flames, I'm sure that there is something else you could be doing with your time, instead of deliberate meanness to someone you have never met.

I hope to post the second chapter sometime soon! Please don't hesitate to leave a review.

Over and out

Chishio