A Winter's Promise
Part 1: Pain of a lifetime
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Kishimoto does. All copyrighted material goes to him.
"I'll see you in hell, fool…"
Naruto watched as his bitter rival, the man who killed thousands of shinobi for his own sick plans, finally succumb to the swirling, blue rasengan in his chest. At that moment, everything he'd been fighting for, from his precious people to Jiraya's vision of peace, came into perspective. The world could now rebuild, reform, and live peacefully without fear of the masked man who once threatened to bring all nations under his knee. And as a bonus, Sasuke didn't have to die as Naruto had predicted.
"I'm not going to hell, but if I do…" he paused to throw the corpse off his body, "I'll make sure you suffer for each and every life you've taken until you understand what true peace is, Obito."
Sasuke limped towards Naruto, nodding slightly as he saw the motionless Uchiha fall to the ground. "So it's finally over… eh, dobe?…" he managed to say, heavy breaths and a small smile marring his weakened figure.
Naruto leveled his stance with that of Sasuke's, his eyes burning with exhaustion and victory. "Yeah… we did well Sasuke, and now you can I can finally bring peace to this world."
"About time… brother." With that, Sasuke collapsed into the blond's arms, physical fatigue overwhelming his desire to stay awake.
Naruto and Sasuke both walked back to Konoha, dragging their feet across the battle-torn lands that served as a stark reminder of how devastating the war had been. Allied Shinobi Forces had clashed amongst resurrected friends and foes, each impure monster crushing the bones and spirits of countless battalions. But now all that remained was a cold, eerie landscape where snowflakes would ruffle the blood-stained flak jackets of fallen warriors. Thinking back on all the people who helped him, Naruto couldn't forget that the Kyuubi no Kitsune was the one who willed him on up until the very end. So although his body refused to exert itself any further, he had to say a proper thank you.
"Hey you lazy fox, wake up." Naruto materialized in his mindscape, smirking as he walked up to the pure iron bars that caged the Kitsune. Though Kyuubi specifically requested at least a day of solidarity, Naruto couldn't suppress his excitement, and the old idiot ten year old mind took control. "Hey you big ball of fur, where didja go? You know it doesn't help when you try to hide your ugly…" He paused as a whitish figure seemed to come into view. "What the heck is that? It looks like…" His blood ran cold as his eyes widened, "… It's a woman…"
"Get away kit. I request ONE DAY to myself and you have to show up. So much for respect on your part."
A stunned look crossed the blond's face. "B-but.. how.. YOU'RE A FEMALE?"
"Yeah, what's the matter? Can't take the fact that the big, mean monster inside of you is not a guy?" she smirked, crossing her arms in anticipation for his answer.
Naruto was absolutely dumbstruck at what he'd heard. Throughout his life, the deep and malicious voice of the Kyuubi had always been the reason for all his fear and hate. Now that the Kyuubi was female, everything went haywire. I thought Sakura-chan had a half-demon personality, but now I have to live with this? He thought to himself, hoping to humor the last traces of anxiety away.
"Well, that aside, I should congratulate you kit. You've made me proud and I'm sure the ol' sage of the six paths is smiling down at you now. Now get out of here so I can rest."
"But how are you human? I thought you were a demon."
"It's easier to recharge my chakra in this form. Now stop playing 20 questions with me."
"Fine. You're no fun at all Kyuubi-teme. I'll talk to you later and…" he grasped the bars to get as close to her as possible, causing Kyuubi to shift back a few steps. "Thanks for all help. We couldn't have done it without you."
Kyuubi looked at the blond ninja, her mind sifting through all the memories they shared since her sealing. His goofy grin reminded her of the days he would come in and demand chakra as if she was just some toy for him to use and abuse. He'd matured so much since them, and though she didn't want to admit it, he was also becoming more to her than just a mere human. Every look into his cerulean eyes washed away the anxiety and doubt that plagued each battle, and every signature smile he made spread infectiously to her heart. But what she loved most about him was that he cared for her not as a bijuu, but as an individual. That sole reason calmed her once enraged mind, and now that he sincerely valued her help, she would never hurt him again.
"Thanks Naruto," she said, lips curved up in a light smirk, "now get back to Konoha, and please, call me by my real name, Asuka."
"Eh? So the legendary mean fox is now feeling gracious enough to let a human know its name?"
"Shut it, kit, or I'll tear you limb from limb." Asuka's face softened as she saw him put on an irresistible pout. "Now leave, be with your friends for a while, Naruto"
Naruto waved her off, beaming with excitement as his body began to phase out, "Alright then, Asuka-chan!"
He didn't even notice the –chan added after her name, but Asuka caught it and blood began to rush up into her cheeks. "You baka, playing with my feelings…"
The wide doors of Konoha steadily grew larger after each agonizing step the two took. What the heck did I do? Rip all my muscles in half? Naruto thought, wheezing and panting in frustration. Through the drooping of his eyelids, he eyed the frail form of his surrogate brother. The peaceful look on his face seemed to register a hint of remorse, regret, and a sense of relief now that they could be home, one that Naruto worked to save and one that Sasuke was finally returning to.
"There's the brat!" A loud, feminine voice proclaimed, piercing the silence that pervaded the allied shinobi forces that were all awaiting Naruto's return. Upon hearing his name, the blond slowly managed to look up. There, rushing at him, were all of the Rookie 11, Tsunade, and Killer Bee. He smiled as all his friends praised and congratulated his accomplishments, feeling the burden of his battles being washed away. It was this moment of peace and happiness that he had been fighting so hard for, and now that it was a reality, everything just felt so surreal. Catching a flash of pink hair in the dense crowd, he immediately broke away and chased after his unrequited love. Her unmistakable green eyes and adorable forehead came into view as he spun her around, giving him just enough energy to stay conscious.
"It's done, he's back Sakura-chan." And now I can finally achieve my dream of Hokage. He whispered before falling onto the ground from pure exhaustion.
Waking up inside his mindscape, Naruto rubbed his head in pain as he groaned, "Damn, I feel like someone just sucker punched me."
"That's because Obito-teme did, kit" A soft voice replied.
"Asuka-chan? Is that you? Look I'm really sorry but I blacked out and you know where that always takes me-"
His voice died down into silence as he heard her shuffle towards the bars of her cage. He caught sight of the irresistible pout on her face as she playfully pulled on the iron cage, a suggestion for him to open the gate. Entranced by her actions, he slowly released the barrier to let her through. Though he never really saw what she looked like at their last meeting, his eyes were now locked on the epitome of beauty. Each perfect curve on her lithe body, each sway of her alabaster skin, and each curl of fiery red hair that dangled across her shoulders scattered all logical thought in his mind. Her own eyes were locked on his, the blood colored orbs fading into a lighter shade of orange as she stopped just inches from his face.
"You finally did it Naruto... I'm sorry I was so irritated the last time you were here, but I'll make it up to you now." Asuka praised, pulling him into a deep hug.
Wrapping his arms around her, albeit with much more caution, he let out a small sigh, "Yeah, for the first time in this world, true peace can finally be achieved. Ero-senin, Dad, my friends, Konoha, this whole world… We can all be at ease now." Naruto gripped the Asuka's red dress, tears dripping down his cheeks to their final resting place on his orange jacket.
"And it's all because of you, Naruto." Asuka quipped as she tightened her hold, hoping to comfort the blond. "I just wanted to say that I wouldn't enjoy being contained in anyone else. What you've done for me is more than I could ever dream for."
Wiping his tears away, Naruto chuckled. "Well… Then you better start dreaming again 'cause I'm not done. I have a plan to release you from me, and then you can truly be free!"
Her ears perked up at his offer. At another time, she would have been elated to gain freedom, but now she cared too much for the blond ninja to let him make the ultimate sacrifice. She grabbed his arm and pulled him close, a scowl forming on her face, "Don't EVER THINK ABOUT THAT NARUTO. You can't just give your life up like that… It's just not right…"
Naruto saw the pain forming in her eyes as she held him close, as if trying to prevent him from his plan. If there was one thing he hated, it was one of his friends in pain.
"Shhh, Asuka-chan. That's what I've already thought about. You can get out safely and I won't die when I perform the Ten Elements Seal Release. It's something I created myself, dattebayo! I'm not that stupid genin anymore!"
Asuka just stared at him, stunned by what good fortune crossed her. She could finally be free, not only to roam the world, but to do it together with Naruto. Placing her head into the crook of Naruto's neck, she cried her first tears of joy. Not even Kami-sama could make things better than they already were.
"If you're going to do that for me, then I'll…"
Naruto interrupted her by placing two fingers on her lips. Asuka was puzzled at his sudden change in demeanor, his face showed signs of seriousness and sorrow. What happened?
"Asuka, this is your choice, but what I'm proposing isn't foolproof. There is one condition you have to accept… It's a tough decision so I'll give you the night to think about it." Naruto cleared his throat for a moment to wash away his anxiety, "You're going to have to give up your demon status and become human. I tried to find another way, but I just couldn't. Most of your power will be gone, though I'm sure you will regain it, and… you won't be immortal anymore."
He watched as her hands and knees started to buckle under the sheer emotional weight of his remark. There wasn't much comfort he could give her, only a word or two to let her know he was there to help, "It's going to be a tough decision, Asuka-chan. It's fine if you want to stay here, no hard feelings there."
"I-I… yo-you're ri-ght Naruto-kun. I re-really h-have to think this o-over. Thank y-you for the o-offer though."
He hated to see this scene. In all his years as a ninja, the emotional impact of every decision always tugged at his heartstrings, emboldening him to fight for a better future for all his precious people. Now that he was the one causing all the pain, all he could do was harden his soul and hope Asuka would pull through. "I'm waking up now… Please don't cry much… and take your time."
"He's awake, make sure he's conscious and stable before you do anything else, Sakura." Tsunade said, exhaustion etched on her face right before exiting the emergency room.
Groaning loudly, Naruto tried to sit up straight, but was blocked by a Sakura's hand. "Wha?... Oh, right. I blacked out didn't I"
"Mmhmm, baka. But I'm glad you're finally awake! Soon enough we can be Team 7 again…" She glanced up at the ceiling, basking in the glory of the halcyon days. "Arigato, Naruto. You've done so much for the world and I'm just honored to be the first one to say so."
"Yeah… We can finally be together on missions, work out strategies as a team, and just enjoy hanging out with each other…" He looked up at her face, the green orbs encasing his heart like a pillow. He longed to be with Sakura, but knew that her heart was on a different level than his. Sasuke had always garnered a reputation with women, and it was no different with his pink-haired teammate. But Naruto had to try, even if it was only going to be a repeat of the past, "Sakura-chan, do you still love Sasuke?"
Her eyes softened as she grabbed his hand, "Naruto…"
"It's okay. Just take care of that teme alright? He can be a pain at times" Naruto managed to spit out, laughing cynically at his own words. That was the last time he'd ask, but hopefully the two would get together well. He watched as her lips moved, probably as an apology or comforting phrase, but he tuned out for his own sanity. Guess you can't have everything, ne, Naruto? He thought to himself, tuning the world out to count the ceiling tiles.
-One Day Later-
Naruto found himself in his mindscape once again. He thought a day and a half would be sufficient for Asuka to decide, but just in case, he had another surprise that was guaranteed to lift her spirits. He spotted lying next to the gates, her chest heaving up and down, probably an indication that she was lightly snoozing.
"Asuka-chan, wake up. I have a surprise for you!"
He watched as she stretched out and yawned, bearing a set of razor-sharp canines. She blinked twice at his voice, and then fell back in a loud scream.
"WHAT THE HELL NARUTO. Next time don't wake me up when you're one inch from my face!"
"Well there was no other way to wake you."
Grumbling in irritation, she crossed her legs and looked him straight in the eye.
"This is about your proposal isn't it?" He nodded in conformation. "I think I've made a decision, Naruto-kun. But that doesn't mean I'm not afraid. Being a demon all my life, having a family back in my realm of existence… I don't really know anything about human customs or culture." She said, her eyes falling into a downcast position.
"No one said it was easy, but I understand. We have plenty of time to talk anyways since I can only perform the jutsu when the full moon is out." He shuffled over to her and slowly raised his hands, "In the meantime, here's a gift I've been planning for you! Now you won't have to live in this dump!"
Right as he spoke, Asuka felt the whole mindscape tug and pull in all directions. It was like her mind was being scattered into a million places and then slowly pieced back together in a different way than before. "Naruto, what are you doing… oh…" Immediately she could see that the old sewer landscape had completely changed into a replica of Naruto's apartment. So long, old and ugly place. Welcome Paradise! She thought to herself. "Naruto… This is great! Thank you so much for this. I was beginning to get depressed in here ya know," she yelled while tackling him with a giant bear hug.
"Ohooooo, what's this?"
Naruto caught her looking out one of his modified windows. "That lets you see what the world out there is like. I put my memories into there so you could see how beautiful it is this time of year. We really did get a lot of snow."
"But how did you do all of this?"
"Well, you know, it was nothing, haha. I just figured out that my mindscape is my own mind. So with enough concentration I can change it." He said while scratching his head in modesty, another signature move that only caused Asuka's smile to grow larger. "Just thought you needed better living space Asu-chan."
"Jumping to nicknames already I see, hmm, Naru-kun?" Asuka whispered, hoping to elicit some feeling of giddiness in his mind. She laughed as Naruto blushed slightly and turned away to hide an awkward smile. He was always the same idiot she knew since he was a boy, but also the same, lovable man he was famous for. She couldn't deny that every moment in his presence made her heart flutter in desire and her mind drown in a pool of happiness. "So this is what they call love," she quietly mused, watching the cute antics of the blond, "I guess I'm falling in love with a baka… Yeah… A hard-headed, lovable, and handsome baka…"
Naruto visited Asuka every day after their talk, both to teach her what she could expect in the human world and to take his mind off the stressful Hokage training Tsunade put him through. Every moment he spent with her was not only fun, but also carefree; both were qualities he found irresistible. Likewise, Naruto couldn't help but feel proud of her tenacious personality. She was struggling with her own inner conflicts about his offer, but made every effort to stay happy on the outside. Her cheerful laughter and curiosity flowed infectiously over his body, giving him a sense of purpose to make her life enjoyable no matter the cost. And he just couldn't deny it anymore, because everything about her was perfect. Every time his eyes rested on her, he felt a small gnawing at his heart. Soon, it grew into a tug, and then an inseparable yank that intoxicated his every motion. His Sakura-chan never had such a profound impact on him, and what Asuka was doing could simply be called divine.
"So… One more day until a full moon. Are you sure about this?" Naruto whispered, lying next to Asuka on the mindscape floor.
"Yeah… I think… I'm fine with your deal. Your motto has always allowed you to do the impossible, to be greater than yourself… and… I think I'd like to explore what being human really is. Your species only lives to around 100 years old, yet you live without fear of that mortality." Asuka could feel the blond nod his head in agreement. And that washed away any doubt in her mind. All his small actions attracted her like no other man had ever done. Each time he appeared in his mindscape, Asuka would see a different side of him, each showing what made the blond so special. And she loved it. From happy to excited, and sad to heartbroken, she could see just how dynamic human emotion was. "Just one request though. I want you to take me back to the demon realm. I'd like to get one last day there if that doesn't bother you."
Naruto's face became flustered for a second as he struggled to comprehend her words. Surely she didn't expect him to just open a random portal! It would be in the realm of magic to do so. But all that came out was, "…what?"
Asuka sighed loudly. Typical idiot he was, "You know, that baka inside of you still hasn't died out. Of course I'll give you instructions and tell you the risks. I never expected you to know how."
"Oh, yeah… HEY I WAS ABOUT TO GET TO THAT!" Naruto blurted, hoping to cover up his previous stupidity. Seeing the neutral face on Asuka was a slap to his face, so he dropped the act and chuckled, "Well… fine. So how do I take you there?"
"Simple, just activate your chakra cloak and I can channel my youki to open a portal. But you have to keep the cloak active until we get into the demon world or else you will be vaporized, got it?"
Naruto gave her his signature smile. "You know it! Dattebayo! Let's go!" He immediately stopped as he saw iron gates through the window. "Well… maybe when I'm out of my mindscape that is…"
"There really is no one like you, Naru-kun" Asuka said, patting him on his back for his momentary lack of intelligence, "Now I'll keep in contact with you once you activate the cloak."
Phasing out of the mindscape, Naruto began to concentrate on his chakra control. Feeling the usual tug of chakra inside of him, he materialized a pure yellow chakra cloak lined with thick black streaks across his body. "Hey, Asuka-chan, can you hear me? The cloak is on."
"Yup. Now let me open the portal for you. Remember, don't disperse your cloak yet" she said with a hint of harshness, "and you really have to focus because the trip isn't a smooth one."
Bracing himself, Naruto walked through the now glimmering portal. Immediately he felt an immense crushing force, then a soothing calmness, and finally an unbearable heat. But he maintained the cloak and found himself in a surreal landscape. Crystal clear water was flowing around a small island dotted with lush vegetation, a tranquil scene like the training grounds he'd been in all his life. Looking to his right, he saw creatures of all sizes roaming around, from seemingly civilized ones to something like the dogs in Konoha. As Naruto peered closer, a figure popped into his view, boiling red chakra enveloping its body. "What the..? Who are you?" he asked, getting into a battle ready stance. Immedately, the creature frowned and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Well, to think you wouldn't recognize your Asuka-chan. I can manifest myself, well at least my chakra form, in this realm. It takes a lot of chakra, but I think I can maintain it here."
"…I really should be more observant" Naruto replied, scratching the back of his head. "Anyways, what is this place? Did we take a wrong turn somewhere? Cause I thought the Demon world would be a bit more… red."
He heard her chuckle and sigh. "Ah Naruto, just because you call us demons doesn't mean we live in some nightmarish hell with lava and blood-thirsty creatures. We don't have a lot of green scenery here though. This place is one of the sacred temples that allows travel through realms, which is why it's so well decorated. Now if you'll let me, I'd like to take us some place."
Letting Asuka lead, Naruto turned his attention back to the landscape, hoping to learn about the demon world. It was almost like the forests around Konoha, but with a more angelic twist to it. Each tree seemed to feed off of the tranquil atmosphere and grow with a vitality not seen in even the lushest areas of his world. It was almost like magic. Looking around him, Naruto could see small beetle-like creatures scurry around his feet and bird-like creatures fly aimlessly in the sky. Looks like this really isn't so evil after all… He thought, lost in the beauty of the world.
After what seemed two hours, Naruto finally mustered enough courage to interrupt Asuka's thoughts, "Umm, Asuka-chan, where are we exactly going?"
"I'm going to meet my parents one last time." She stopped to hold back the tears that were welling up her downcast eyes. "I haven't seen them for such a long time…"
Naruto couldn't help but feel sympathetic as he tried to soothe her feelings of longing and anger. Though he never got to see his parents in the real world, he knew how hard it was to live each passing day without someone there for support. "It's okay Asuka-chan, just stay strong… I'm sure they miss you just as much."
Taking a moment to wipe the droplets from her eyes, Asuka curved her lips up into a half-smile. "Thanks Naruto, you really have a special ability to make others feel better."
Naruto just smirked as he signaled for her to lead on, "Well, that's the number one most unpredictable ninja for you!"
"Sure… Oh, by the way, my parents are very protective of themselves, so hopefully they won't attack you on sight."
She grinned as Naruto's cheerful face drained to a pale white color. Honestly, her parents wouldn't do anything like that, at least she thought, but she liked to tease Naruto once and awhile. "Don't worry, I won't let them. If they start attacking I'll stop them."
Sighing in relief, Naruto just diverted his attention to the now lively Asuka. She was telling him all about the unique traditions and culture the demon realm celebrated since the start of time, and even pinpointing specific dates. Naruto wondered how she could possibly remember everything since she hadn't been home for centuries on end. "Ne, Asuka-chan, how do you know so much about this realm? You haven't been here for ages."
"Well… I guess I can tell you. My father is a well-known scribe and adventurer, and he would take me to all his exploration sites whether my mother said no or not. There was nothing he was afraid of, nothing he wouldn't do, and he loved everything precious to him." She stopped to look up into the azure sky, losing herself in memory. "My mother is a hard-headed, methodical woman who just loves to plan, make deadlines, and make life one big chore. But she had a kind heart and helped out the community with their activities. They both were really stubborn individuals, kinda like you."
She felt Naruto let out a remorseful sigh. "Wha? I didn't mean to offend you Naruto, I just…"
"No I'm fine… it's just… You have such a good family and I can't imagine why you would give all this up. I would have died for this kind of opportunity! I mean, I can just let you open up a portal anytime! Then you can always visit!" Naruto pleaded, hoping to alleviate some pain from her heart.
"Well, it takes a large amount of chakra for you and me to travel here, and even then, I can't freely move around forever... I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it'll just be some fake reality for me."
Naruto sighed once more in defeat. Why did everything have to be so complicated?
"Hey baka, we're here." Asuka chagrined, causing Naruto to snap out of his thoughts.
"OH YEAH… please don't let them hurt me Asuka-chan…" he meekly replied, sending an emotion of fear to her.
She chuckled, "Just trust me you worry worm." Knocking on a large ornate door, she prepared herself for the first reunion in centuries.
"Yeah, just hold on a minute you people" A thick, masculine voice yelled. In no time, a huge, muscular demon with iron green eyes opened the door. He had bed hair and a stench of fresh cologne that assaulted the atmosphere as if the beauty salon had just done a makeover on site. Naruto couldn't believe that even creatures of this caliber still suffered from lack of civility, and tried to stifle a small bout of laughter.
"Who the hell are you people… Wait a minute…"
"DAD!"
Naruto couldn't help but smile at the sight. Though Asuka was only in chakra form, he could tell that her father missed her dearly. It reminded him of his encounters with Kushina and Minato in his mindscape, their love for him still intact after 16 years of absence…
"Oh my dear daughter… I can't believe you've finally returned! But… you're in chakra form…that means…" He instantly glanced at Naruto, who immediately began to back away. "You DISGUSTING human, I'm going to BREAK YOUR NECK!"
Naruto was powerless to stop the force of the huge demon as he began to choke the daylights out of him. "Please… sir… This isn't what you think…"
"YOU TRAPPED MY DAUGHTER, AND NOW YOU WILL SUFFER AS SHE HAS." The demon responded, arms increasing in force.
"STOP DAD, HE'S A FRIEND." Asuka's voice penetrated the scene just before her dad could kill Naruto. "He may be my container, but he was the one who let me go here… so please… let him go…"
Dropping the now asphyxiated blond, the demon cocked his head back in puzzlement. "I thought I was doing you a favor by destroying the scum who caused you so much pain… but if you really wish, then I won't harm him... for now" Grabbing the blond and shoving him into the house, he beckoned Asuka to come in. "We have a lot to catch up on, dear."
Naruto slowly regained his senses, testing each of them to see if he was still alive. "Am I alive…"
"Yes you are, and if it wasn't for my daughter, you wouldn't be."
Bolting upright, Naruto bowed and shook the demon's hand. "Uzumaki Naruto, container of Asuka, pleasure to meet you." He looked up into the confused eyes of the large man and then shrunk back. Was he going to choke him again?
"HA! Again with people and their formalities. I talked this over with my daughter and I trust you… for now. I'm Masato, royal scribe and adventurer to boot." Masato shifted his hand toward Naruto, hoping to gain the blond's acceptance. "My wife will be here soon, and then we can talk things out."
Gripping his hand firmly, Naruto proceeded to plop into a comfy red chair next to Asuka, waiting for her mother to walk in. Spotting a dark-haired, curvaceous woman walking into the room, Naruto stood up and immediately began to address her. "Uzumaki Naruto, and you must be…?"
"Azami, it's so nice of you to bring Asuka back to us! I've been dreaming of this ever since our little princess disappeared. " The woman said before giving him an enormous hug.
Naruto blushed lightly. She really is like Asuka… He thought, grinning from ear to ear. "Nice to meet you too Azami-san. Masato-san informed me that we'd all have a talk, and I guess I'm ready for anything you have to ask."
"First, explain to me what your plan is for my daughter. She said it would be dangerous." Asuka's parents asked, not even realizing they had the same question.
"Well, you see…" Naruto couldn't sugar coat the harsh reality of the situation. Asuka was going to be free, but she couldn't see her parents anymore. That was the truth, and he had to give her parents the blunt, harsh version of it. "I can free Asuka from her cage, but at the cost of her demonhood. She'll become human and mortal, and unable to visit you two again. I'm sorry."
Silence followed his speech, the only indication of a response. "THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I WILL NOT ALLOW MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER TO BECOME ONE OF YOU" Masato suddenly exclaimed, fury boiling in his voice. "TAKE YOUR PREPOSTEROUS IDEAS, AND LEAVE."
Naruto only lowered his head even further, knowing that her parents couldn't take the harsh reality he'd given them. "I know… It may be hard to accept, but Asuka-chan here also agrees with my plan. This is the only way we can both survive the process and I was hoping you would accept her decision."
Asuka shifted closer to her parents, eyeing them with a look of honesty, "He's right, I think seeing me like this all the time does no one any good. I'd like to be free, even if it costs me all that I know… So please, let me do this."
Masato just stood there, fuming at his daughter's decision to give up immortality and live amongst the human scum. But then he stopped as a devious idea crawled into his head. Well, if I can free Asuka right now, then she could be with us forever. All it costs is the life of that flesh-sack just sitting there. Yeah… I think Azami-chan and I can do this. He thought, a malicious smile forming on his lips as he pulled Azami into the other room. "Azami, I think we should just kill Naruto and then stabilize the release of Asuka as he dies. Then she'll be back with us in no time!"
Azami just eyed him in a funny way. "You can't be serious. Naruto gave us the chance to see her again and now we turn on him?"
Masato stepped back, would his wife turn on him at this critical moment?
"I love it Masato-kun… I love the idea of ripping the blond piece by piece and feeding him to the demon vultures that roam the desert. Anything for our beloved daughter. I can't stand the fact that he wants to make her a mortal."
"So Asuka-chan, do you think they'll accept? They didn't look too happy about it, kinda like how baa-chan views paperwork…" A bead of sweat fell off his face. "I really hope they'll understand…"
"And we have!" Masato returned into the room with Azami, both wearing gigantic smiles. "I guess you can go. We wish you the best!"
Naruto's face lit up, "Wow! I knew you would see it our way." Giddy with excitement, he bounded towards the door.
"Wait Naruto… Something's off about this…" Asuka communicated telepathically to Naruto, "Why would they just wave us off that fast? I didn't even get to say goodbye…"
"Oh that's right, well, we got time to spare anyways…" As Naruto turned around, a huge fist collided with his jaw, sending him flying into the hard rock wall of the house.
"Naruto!" Asuka's mind raced in confusion as her dad began to beat Naruto senseless. Stunned at the vicious turn of events, Asuka stood in shock as her Naruto was about to be killed.
"STOOPP!" Asuka instinctively screamed, a bloodcurdling cry for the madness to stop.
Looking up from the unconscious and bloodied body of Naruto, Masato and Azami enveloped Asuka in a hug. "It's okay, we'll kill him and get you out. It'll be alright dear…"
"NO, YOU DON'T UNDER-der stand… I-you don't know…" Asuka cried, tears choking her words. Her parents were never the violent type, and yet, here they were betraying all that they'd taught her as a child.
"But papa, I hate that boy. I want to hurt him." Asuka chimed, hoping to get a few fighting tips.
"Now now, Asuka. We can't go around hurting other people. We all have something we hate, but letting that go is a true test of character." Her father reprimanded, gently patting her on the head.
"Fine… But, why would you forgive someone who did something bad to you?"
"That's how peace is achieved, within yourself, and between your rival. Remember that well Asuka…"
"ASUKA, LET'S GO. NOW." Naruto had just woken up from his bloody stupor, clutching his shoulder in pain. "I'm sorry, but I have a duty to protect fellow Konoha shinobi, ya know." Flashing hand seals, he forced Asuka back inside of him.
"You've sealed your death this time, human" Masato proclaimed, charging up a dense cloud of chakra in his right hand.
Naruto had no choice but to run. Favoring his right shoulder, he forced his body to move, one foot after another, step by step. Activating his chakra cloak, he sped on for miles, ensuring his escape from the wrath of Masato the demon.
"huh…hu…huh… Asuka-chan… Are you there?..." Naruto wheezed. He'd been running for so long that his chakra reserves were near empty and his body refused to exert any more effort. It might not have been a good idea to run away in an unknown world without a clear place to go, but he'd never been so frightened in his life.
"They almost killed you, Naruto…" Asuka meekly responded, distraught by the turn of events. "Here, let me open up a portal. We shouldn't be here any longer."
Naruto, sensing small wave of KI emanating from Asuka, decided not to press any other questions. After all, she could be close to breaking point after the crazy swing of events.
"Well, here we are. Back in my apartment… Are you okay Asuka-chan?" Naruto materialized in his mindscape, hoping to find her okay. The only thoughts racing in his mind were for her well-being.
"Naruto… Please… Start the process tomorrow. I want to be human…" She whispered, burying her face in the blond's orange jacket.
-A Day Later-
"So you're sure we'll both be alright, Naruto? And are you going to do it here in the mindscape?"
"Don't worry about it, I'll do it from the outside. I've got everything planned out." Naruto brought her close, their face only inches from each other. "I promise, okay?"
Asuka relaxed as he patted her on the shoulder. "If you say so… but how do I know you're not lying? You always care for you friends but never yourself!"
"You see the winter outside?" Naruto whispered, gesturing to the blankets of snow that covered Konoha like a sheet of paper. "There's a saying that the first signs of winter mean a time of renewal, a time to do new things in your life and start fresh. And that's what I'm' going to do for you, it's a Winter's Promise."
Naruto went through multiple hand seals as he channeled his chakra, focusing all his thoughts on the physical traits of Asuka. "Fuinjutsu: juugyō kaiin!" Naruto slammed his hands onto his seal, causing a bright blue and red light to flash. I can still modify this jutsu… I can do more for her… he thought as the process began. Chakra began to leak from him, slowly taking shape and condensing into human form. With a final burst of energy, both of them fell onto their knees, alive and well next to each other.
"huh… It worked… IT WORKED NARUTO!" Asuka ran over to him, giddy with excitement.
"Yeah I guess, and it looks like you maintained some of your looks" Naruto moved her in front of his mirror, revealing her furred ears and fanged canines.
"I just remembered Naruto… I'm human now, and no one will like this… I've become a freak haven't I" She broke down and began to bang the walls of his apartment, trying to convince herself that she was still the Kyuubi no Kitsune, all powerful and dominant.
Naruto watched on as she exacted fury across his apartment, flinging his ramen and decorations around in a tornado-like fashion.
It was now or never.
Slowly pulling up from her maddened frenzy, Naruto cupped her face and slowly brought his lips to hers, brushing them together before she reciprocated.
"Better?" He said, gasping for breath after the heated exchange.
Asuka eyed him, her face now content with her new reality. "Definitely… Naruto-kun."
Oho, so what is going to happen? You'll have to find out in the second part!
Well, first part of two done! I'm really enjoying this right now and I would appreciate if anyone R&R's. And please, tell me how my writing is. Anything to change? Anything I can add? Any stylistic things you want to criticize? Etc. And I will read every review, just saying.
P.S. (I had some notes in my word document, and after I finished this part the word count was exactly 6666. Don't know if magic or something else...)