Chapter one: Promises
A/N: I love Bacon! Now that you know a little more about me, Iet's get on with the story!
Please, please pretty please review (Even if it's anonymous) so that my heart can swell up like a balloon and burst with joy.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto or the Disney princess concept.
(Key)
Bold – Sakura's inner thoughts
Italics – Sakura's thoughts
The music blasted through the stereo system, causing vibrations to seep through my bedroom walls. I groaned in frustration. It wasn't the music that annoyed me, oh no. It was the fact that I wasn't good enough to be invited that angered me.
I stumbled out of bed and made my way towards the window. I seated myself on my tower's windowsill and gazed at the neighbouring castle. Most of the guests could be seen through the glass walls of the party room. Even though they were dressed in their finest attire, they danced and grinded against each other as if they were in a club.
My emerald eyes then searched for the four guests of honour. I caught sight of a brunette beauty named princess Ten-Ten, who was jabbering away to her violet haired friend. No doubt she was still droning on about how she escaped from the 'terrible' beast that had held her captive. Her yellow dress swayed as she retold her story with the use of dramatic motions.
I scowled. She always describes the beast in the most horrific way possible, making him seem like a total monster. Everything she had said about him is absolute bullshit! You will never find a more kind and gentle soul anywhere but inside that furry creature. And besides, the only reason she was held captive was that he could teach her a lesson. Princess Ten-Ten is known as the weapons mistress and she loves to hunt. And the beast was going to be her innocent victim.
I looked at her friend who was timidly tapping her two index fingers together. Her snow white face looked down to the ground as she nibbled on her bottom lip. Her lavender eyes kept darting around the room suspiciously. Poor princess Hinata, she's been through so much. She had lost all sense of security ever sense her step mother had tried to assassinate her numerous times. The old hag had even resorted to poisoning an apple. Her step mother is really fucked up in her head. Imagine trying to murder someone just because you are jealous of their beauty? Fortunately she was caught and thrown into a dark dungeon by King Hiashi himself.
The third princess suddenly caught my eye. Princess Temari slowly made her way towards her royal friends. She was wearing her favourite dress that hugged her petite figure and draped off her shoulders. The dress's colour kept changing from pink to blue and back to pink again. Her fairy guardians had crafted the dress for her but they could never agree on the colour. With a flick of their wands they repeatedly dyed the dress and accidently enchanted the gown. It automatically shaded itself to the two optional colours.
With a sleepy expression on her face, she greeted her friends. I chuckled to myself. She still needs to shake off the lazy habits that she had inherited from her ex-boyfriend, Shikamaru. I remember how those two were inseparable. Their dates would always somehow involve cloud gazing, whether it was a planned activity or not. It's too bad they broke up. I was sure Temari found the so-called 'one' and that they would be soul mates forever. A true princess happy ending but I guess not.
As I continued watching the party, a pair of hands suddenly grasped my shoulders. They teasingly pushed me off my tower but still held on to me tightly. I shrieked and glanced back to see two cerulean eyes staring back at me. His sniggers echoed through my ears. I growled and elbowed the intruder in the stomach.
"That wasn't funny Gaara!" I screeched at the red haired male who was now clutching his stomach.
"And how many times have I told you to stay out of my room?"
"Since when do I listen to a bitch like you?" he mumbled.
"Nii-san!" I shouted angrily as I tried to tackle my brother onto the ground.
Unfortunately his reflexes were extremely good as he dodged my attack. I tripped and crashed onto the cold floor. Gaara quickly pinned me down as he sat on top of me.
"Help! Incest rape!" I screamed.
"Shut up before I stuff sand in your mouth again." He said, cringing at the sound of my loud voice.
I stuck my tongue out and twisted my face in disgust. Yuck! I can still taste the sand he crammed into my mouth from the last time. "Alright, you win this round" I said rolling my eyes.
The bastard smirked and released me as he stood up.
"What are you doing sitting on the windowsill anyway?" he asked plonking himself onto my bed.
"The music woke me up, so I decided I might as well watch the party and see what's going on" I shrugged. I returned back to my seat upon the window. The wind gently blew my pink locks across my face. I giggled as it continued to play with my black silky nighty. "Ever notice how the wind is a very perverted element?" I giggled.
Gaara shook his head sadly. "Only my sister could think of something like that" he grumbled to himself.
"What are you doing in my room just so by the way?"
"I couldn't sleep either so I..."
"Well you are an insomniac" I interrupted, pointing to the dark circles around his eyes.
"So I thought I'd come check up on you" he finished.
"Check up on me? What, did you think I was going to jump out the window and kill myself?" I joked.
"Well you are mentally unstable, so it wouldn't surprise me"
I rolled my eyes and childishly stuck my tongue out at him, then returned my attention towards the party scene. Teenagers continued dancing while others stood at the bar to help themselves to the alcohol. Some had already drunk too much as they kept crashing into furniture, while some passed out on the floor. I laughed at the pathetic mortals. They really should learn how to keep their liquor down.
My laughter stopped abruptly when I saw her enter the room. I clenched my fists as I saw her gracefully walking past the crowd, bewitching them with her beauty. Her glittery light blue dress framed her small waist perfectly. Her cleavage peeked out into the world, thanks to her push-up bra. The skirt of her dress poofed out, allowing males to imagine what was laying underneath all that material. She flicked her platinum blonde hair behind her shoulders and smiled sweetly at her subjects.
My fingernails tried to dig into the concrete blocks beneath me. That sweet and innocent act was enough to make me throw up. Why couldn't anyone see past her act? Why couldn't anyone see her for the little monster she really is?
Flashback (Earlier this week)
I firmly grasped the shopping list in my hands. I was almost done; just a few more ingredients and I'll be ready for my training.
"Sakura, are we done yet?" A grumpy Gaara groaned from behind me.
Feeling a little frustrated, I turned towards him, "It's your own fault you know. I told you I don't need an escort anymore. I'm 17 for fuck's sake." I snapped at him. He had been complaining for the last half an hour now and I was getting sick of it.
"Just hurry it up!" he waved his hand in the air, dismissing my comment.
I rolled my eyes. Just to piss him off, I'm going to take my sweet sweet time. Take that bitch! My inner laughed manically. I turned my back towards him and continued sauntering to my favourite store.
I looked up at the dusty sign above the door. The letters faintly spelt out the name of the shop. 'Ol' Granny Witch', it read.
The rusty old sign dangled dangerously from the outside wall. Gaara laid his eyes upon it too, glaring at it suspiciously. He hurriedly rushed me inside; worried that it would fall and crush me. I sighed. Did he always have to act like he is my bodyguard?
While I slowly browsed the shelves, Gaara stood by the doorway. He leaned against the wall, waiting for me to finish with my shopping. With his usual serious facade, he watched me as I bobbed and weaved through the wooden shelves, filling my basket.
Eye of newt. No one uses that anymore. 50 grams of fairy dust. Wow, I always wanted sparkly skin (Sarcasm). Troll snot. Uhm, EW! As I threw the items in my basket, my inner conscience couldn't help but comment on every ingredient. She can be such a temperamental little brat sometimes. What did you say? My inner Sakura started cracking her knuckles.
Ignoring my mental state of mind I walked to the counter to pay. An elderly woman smiled at me as she rang up the items one by one.
"54 Konocoins please."
I placed the money in her frail hands, grabbed my purchase and headed towards the door.
"Sakura-san!" a voice called out, stopping me from walking out the store.
I turned around to see a green elf on the far side of the shop, waving his hand frantically to try and catch my attention. It was none other than the speed demon himself.
"Hi Lee." I shouted.
In the blink of an eye, he stood in front of me. The slow breeze trying to catch up to him, brushed his bowl cut hairstyle. He grinned, showing off his pearly whites.
"How is my favourite youthful cherry blossom?"
"Can't complain, how about you?"
"I am feeling most youthful today." he grinned, giving me a thumbs up.
"What are you doing here? I didn't think this would be your type of store." I asked, pointing towards all the potion ingredients.
A blush formed on his light green cheeks as he looked at the ground. His pointy ears gave a nervous twitch. "Actually I was looking for you." He said, while rubbing his neck."I was wondering if you wanted to..."
Crap! Ugly here is going to ask you out! Run! Aw, come on. He's not THAT bad. Do you not see the caterpillars above his eyes, the ludicrous hairstyle or the creepy circular eyes? Ok, so he might not be the most attractive but he is so sweet. A proper gentleman. Face it honey, elves and our kind do not mix.
"Yeah, maybe we could go for some..." Lee continued.
A hand suddenly grabbed onto my shoulder and pulled me back, forcing me to stand behind a figure. An arm extended out in front of me, as if it was protecting me from danger. My head jerked upwards to see the head full of red hair.
"She's busy!" Gaara retorted.
Lee's bushy eyebrows rose in surprise as he stared into the eyes of my brother. "Ah, Gaara-kun. I did not see you there."
Gaara glared at the elf. His fury caused his veins to throb at the side of his neck.
"I just wanted to ask your sister if she wanted to go out for some..."
"She's not interested!" he snapped, interrupting Lee.
Anger clouded the elf's eyes. He puffed out his chest as he took a step towards my brother. "No disrespect Gaara-kun but it is not up to you to decide. Sakura-san must answer that for herself for that is the power of youth!"
Gaara balled his fingers into a fist. He closed the small gap between him and Lee as he stepped forward. "Don't think I won't kill you or your fucking youth" he rasped.
Worried that a fight was going to occur, I grabbed a hold of Gaara's hand and pulled him towards the door, "We have to go now Lee. Maybe some other time, neh?" I smiled at the speed demon. "Come Gaara."
My brother gave Lee one last death defiant stare before allowing me to tug him outside.
"Bye Sakura-san!" Lee called out before speeding out of the store. He's green body blurred before me and then vanished.
Stupid males and their need for violence. And they accuse woman of always looking for drama. I thought to myself. I turned around, my eyebrows turned into a frown. My hand extended out, striking my brother across the face. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I demanded.
Gaara shrugged, his face turned to the side. "I just don't like him."
"For fuck's sake Gaara, you can't act all mucho everytime a boy takes interest in me!" I shouted angrily, not caring about the people who were now watching our argument. "Don't you want to become an uncle? How do you expect me to get married and have kids if you chase away every male that even breathes my way? Until what age am I even allowed to lose my virginity? If that's even an option. Probably not, you'd most likely prefer it if I became a nun for the rest of my life! I swear you can be so hot headed sometimes..." I rambled on. Gaara stayed silent, listening to my incessant babbling.
"A hundred." He finally said.
"Huh?"
"When you're a hundred years old, I'll consider it."
"A hundred wha...? BAKA! I'll sleep with whom I want, whenever I want!" I screamed, lunging for his throat. I pushed him down onto the ground, trying my best to strangle him but his brawny hands prevented me from doing as I wish. An audience had now gathered around us, taking a big interest in our fight.
"Oh look girls. It seems the riff raff has come out to play." A sarcastic voice spoke. The audience shifted their attention from the fight. They immediately fell to their knees and bowed respectively.
I froze as I realized who was standing behind me. My face twisted in disgust when I uttered her name, "Ino"
"That's princess Ino to you, peasant." She spat.
I stood up and spun around to face my nemeses in the eye. "What are you doing here?" I sneered.
"What? Can't I just wonder the streets of my kingdom, greeting my fellow subjects?" She asked innocently. She placed a hand over her chest, pretending to be offended.
"Well you're on the wrong street. The prostitute corner is two streets over." I smirked.
Ino suddenly grabbed onto my shirt, her eyes narrowed dangerously, "Be careful what comes out of that dirty little mouth of yours. Being disrespectful to a princess has its consequences." She hissed.
"I-I-Ino-chan. Let's just d-do what we c-came here t-to do." Hinata's soft voice spoke from behind her.
I peeked over the blonde's shoulder to see the rest of the princess crew. In their hands lay multiple scrolls, each one tied with a small red ribbon.
"Yeah, just leave bubblegum head alone. She's not worth the trouble" said Temari, yawning.
"In a minute. I'm considering a suitable punishment for this little witch." Her baby blue eyes sparkled as evil thoughts began crossing her mind. Her grip tightened on my clothing, her nails were now scratching my skin.
"Your highness, I must respectfully request that you let go of my sister immediately" Gaara's deep voice boomed from behind me.
The royal pain shifted her gaze from me and stared at my sibling. Her lips tugged into a flirtatious grin. "Ah, Gaara-kun" She purred, "The young warrior in training. Why do you waste your time protecting this insignificant being, when you could do so much more? I could offer you my castle to become your new home, where you will live a life of luxury. In return, all you have to do is make sure no harm will befall on me or my family." Her icy glare returned towards me, "And to forget about this worthless peasant"
"Thank you princess, but I must courteously decline your offer." He said. I could hear a hint of rage in his voice but he was trying his best to keep his temper under control.
Ino's face fell, disappointment was evident in her facade. But she quickly recovered and returned to her lady like composure. Her hand released my garments. She gracefully took a step back, her stare still fixed towards me.
"Hinata!" she barked. "Give Gaara-kun his invitation."
The violet haired girl nervously stepped forward and handed him a scroll.
"Arigato Princess Hinata." He said in his usual monotonous tone.
The timid royal blushed and nodded her head, before retreating back to her friends.
"And where is Sakura's scroll?" Ino asked her.
Hinata looked at the blonde, her usual shy and timid concealment now replaced with shock and embarrassment. "B-b-but we didn't m-make o-one for S-Sakura." She nervously tapped her fingers.
"We didn't?"Asked Ino, acting surprised. "That's too bad. I guess she can't come to our little celebration then." She smirked as she spun around to recoil back to her carriage. "I hope to at least see you there Gaara-kun." She glanced back, eyeing him up and down. "Maybe we could have our own private fun" She giggled as she entered her coach.
Fuck, I wanted to kill her! Let me at that skank, I'll rip her to shreds! I don't care if is a royal! How dare she have such filthy thoughts about Gaara! For once I am in complete agreement with you! My fist clenched as I was about to rush up to her but Gaara grabbed onto my wrist, restraining me.
"Until next time, my loyal subjects." Ino called out, as her hand gave an elegant wave out the window.
Everyone stared in awe at the cart that carried the royal blood. They whispered praises amongst themselves of 'how graceful Ino was', 'how kind she was' and 'she would make a fine queen someday'. Where these people oblivious to what just happened? Did they not just see her true personality come forth and announce its presence to the world?
"Sometimes people only see what they want to see." Answered Gaara, as if he read my thoughts.
I scowled. "What does the scroll say?"
"We don't need to..."
"Just read it ok?" I snapped.
Gaara sighed and gently removed the red ribbon. After unrolling the piece of paper, he cleared his throat.
"
Gaara
Ye are invited to the festivities occurring at the Yamanaka castle in honour of:
Princess Yamanaka Ino.
Daughter of Yamanaka Inoichi - King of Konohagakure.
Princess Buki Ten-Ten.
Daughter of Buki Akihiko - King of the Buki lands
Princess Hyuga Hinata.
Daughter of Hyuga Hiashi - King of the Hyuga lands
And sister of Hyuga Neji - heir to the throne.
Princess Temari.
Daughter of Sabaku no Yondaime - King of Sunagakure
And sister of Sabaku no Kankuro - heir to the throne.
Time: From sunset until early in the morrow, next week.
Formal attire is required."
"So, will you be attending?" I asked once he had finished reading the text.
He slowly started tearing up the page and tossed it into the air, allowing the wind to scatter the pieces across the street. "Hn, I don't wear formal clothing" he shrugged.
End of flashback.
As I watched Ino enter the room, my lips formed into a smirk as an idea suddenly popped into my head. I raised my thumb towards my teeth and was about to draw the blood I required when another hand caught mine.
"Behave yourself!" Gaara growled behind me.
I scowled, "Come on! You know she deserves it!"
"That may be true but you shouldn't be abusing your powers"
"Says the one who uses his power to stuff sand down his sister's throat" I shot back.
Gaara pulled me back inside and gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. I shivered as I saw the rage in his eyes.
"You know that performing spells on a royal is forbidden and that the ultimate penalty is death!" he hissed.
"Ow Gaara! You're hurting me!" I whimpered but his grip tightened, his fingers sunk deeper into my skin.
"Don't you ever attempt such a stunt again! Do you hear me?"
"But it was only going to be a small spell, no one would ever know." I tried to explain but I immediately regretted my words as I felt a trail of sand coiling up my leg. The roughness of the sand scratched my skin, causing it to bleed,
"Promise me Sakura!" Gaara snarled.
"Fine! Whatever, just let me go!" I shouted.
He scowled but released my jaw and commanded the sand to let go of my leg. My body fell onto the concrete floor. I looked up to see him trudge towards my window and stare at the outside world. He took deep breaths and tried to calm himself down.
I looked down at my leg to examine the damage. It wasn't too bad. Just a few minor scratches, nothing a healing potion can't fix.
"Sakura."
I looked up again. His back was still turned to me.
"I just don't want to lose you Sakura, you are my entire world." He said. The sadness in his voice tugged at my heart strings. "You are the person most precious to me."
Sighing, I slowly rose to my feet and walked towards my older brother. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face into his back, taking in his scent.
"Will you sleep next to me tonight? Just so that I won't be tempted?"I asked.
He smirked and ruffled my bubblegum pink hair.
As we climbed underneath the covers, he protectively enclosed his arms around my body. I beamed. It's times like these that I loved having an older brother. He always had a way to make me feel safe and secure. Although it gets annoying, I am grateful that he is always looking out for me.
"Goodnight Onii-san"
"Goodnight brat"
Okay, I'm taking my previous comments back. FUCK YOU GAARA!
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed my first chapter. I realise Gaara seems a little OOC but next chapter he'll return back to normal. And I know this chapter wasn't that exciting but tune in next week for chapter two. Trust me, you'll want to. Why? Well you'll have to wait and see.
Just a little side note, I didn't know what Ten-Ten's second name is or who her father is so I used the internet to find a suitable name.
*Akihiko means 'Bright prince'
*Buki means 'weapons'
And last but not least, would you please push the pretty little review button below and leave your comments? Come on, you know you want to! Do it for Gaara-kun! (^^,)