AN: I have been thinking of writing this up for a while now, and so, like many other fellow writers, I have decided to try my luck. I mean what could possibly go wrong? Inspired by neglect fics in and around floating around fanfiction. By the way, this will be the last AU and the start of this chapter, with exception of the epilogue, yes there will be an epilogue.

WARNING: The story will start off with a dark Naruto, so if you cannot stand those kinds of fics, I advise you to turn back and stay away from this fic. But the main difference against similar iterations from other authors is this Naruto will head towards a more canon Naruto as the fic continues.

PAIRING: I have already selected a pairing for this story, but I have decided to not reveal it just yet. The sole reason for this is because I want to see what ridiculous pairings you (the readers) can come up with. All I have to say on the matter is that it is an underrated pairing. Pairings to be released in the 4th or 5th chapter. (Advanced apology to those who started following me later and Hello! from the past.) Whilst pairings could be an incongruent ingredient to successful fics for some, I sincerely hope you enjoy my story, regardless of that. I would appreciate it greatly.

Also, massive thanks to Portgas D megu, Ancient Sith Tulak Hord and inthenameofthe king999 for having followed me just after reading my profile. I hope I do not disappoint.

If you have any interesting ideas that have any relevance to my fic that you think could be implemented into my fic, PM me and I'll think about them. I'll try my utmost to respond to all of them at the end of each chapter.

And lastly, review to share your thoughts on my story. Whether it be flames or a single word of encouragement, any review will be helpful. Constructive criticism will always be appreciated. And hopefully, you have something to look forward to this year.

I have wasted enough of your time already so enjoy!

P.S. I will be trying to update every month. Don't quote me on that though.

PUBLISHED: 10 OCT 2018


DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto.


The Fate of Demons

By FCY Warrior

Outcast


As the sun settled behind the eternal horizon, the overhanging sky began succumbing into darkness, the bright yellows and oranges forcefully dissolving into colder, contrasting tones of violet and indigo. Birds returned to their nests, feeding their little ones whatever scrumptious food they had found in their day, and began preparing for the evening ahead. The wind whistled past trees, leaving a rustle of swirling autumn leaves in their wake, whilst navigating their way to areas unknown to mankind. Soon enough, radiant stars could be seen plastered to the sky, marking the end of another day's afternoon and retreat into its evening.

Life amongst animals soon dying to a silent peace, most not being able to function in the precarious conditions of the dark, the world quietened to an ambient peace. However, life amongst humans was far from peaceful in this particular day, some as far as to say it was anything but.

A boy gazed up towards the limitless sky, a pair of navy blue eyes twinkling in the rays of the stars, admiring the radiance of the stars above his head.

Every night, stars would descend upon the skies and shine ever so brightly, giving hope to so many children, orphanage or not, around the world. They would whisper freely whatever dreams, thoughts and ideas roamed their minds, feeling as though the stars would listen. And they did listen, at least for him they did.

He wondered on how it felt to be one.

They always seemed so... bright. So... carefree. So... forgiving. He would stretch his arm every night, palm facing the blaring sky, and lunge unexpectedly, praying he had caught one off-guard. Surprise is the best way to capture, he had once heard. But, it didn't matter whether he was on a sheltered rooftop immune to the bustle of rural life or on the solid grounds of the village open to the shouts and screams, the stars always eluded his touch as though he was death itself. He hoped, to one day, grasp one between his fingers. That was a promise.

Today though, the stars didn't shine with their usual warmth. They weren't listening.

A resigned breath escaped his lips, forming a cloud of rising, warm air that momentarily eclipsed his vision. Momentarily, he could only distinguish the soft under glow of the lanterns creeping over the edge of the puff of vapour. Eyes still fixated on the star's position, he wondered if something was off. If he was forgetting something. Then as quick as it appeared into existence, the haze dissipated through the air, the gentle breeze aiding along in its movement. The boy appeared startled, as if he had come out from a dream sequence, but quickly recovered, blinking repeatedly to diffuse the haze and confusion in his vision.

His eyes were drawn out from the beauty of nature above, to the lanterns adorned atop of shops, as their lighting overpowered that of the stars. Slowly, music and cries of enjoyment faded into his ears. Cheers of celebration resonated throughout the surrounding walls.

Startled, he glanced at the direction of the sound. Why are they happy? Then back at the stars. His still outstretched arm receded back to the side of his body and onto the grainy and hard surface of the pavement. He forced his eyes shut, wishing he could stop the piercing ring that echoed his mind. His brain hurt. His eyes burned. His will diminished a little. Soon though, the ring faded from his ears and he felt something new.

A sensation. A sensation, which for some reason, eased his lips into a small, serene smile. Not a usual smile however, but one instead laced with sorrow and anguish. A smile that showed the hardships of life to anyone who saw it. For a moment in time, he felt free. Like a bird in the sky. Like a star in space.

Today is the day.

Where freedom will finally acclaim him. He looked up, gazing into the stars above and sent one last resigning smile to the fate cursed him for so long.

You win.

Using his arms as leverage to get up, he willed his muscles to move, almost immediately regretting it as a flare of pain shot through his spine and lower bones, causing him to lose balance and start falling towards his right. His right had always been his weaker side, he didn't know why, but it was always the case. So I'm falling again? He drew his eyes to a close and stiffened his right side, preparing for the damage. And waited for the contact that would inevitably come.

Thankfully for his body, the connection never come, as any further damage would put him in a pain induced coma, yet he had to wonder as to why. Did someone save him? If they did, he didn't sense any foreign touch. Was his saviour a ghost? Are ghosts as bad as they make them out to be?

Curiosity and a slice of gratitude overtook him and when he lifted his eyelids, he was surprised at the force holding his weight. Said force was his left arm, but that was not all. Vivid red energy surrounded his arm, and was encapsulated at its colour and power it radiated. Like a star.

He took a closer look at the energy. It looked like… like a star! The fierce colours mirrored that of a star's. It gave him power by looking at it, just like a star. So had he done it? Had he finally caught a star? But when? The power felt too good, it was like a warm blanket was wrapped around his whole frame. He couldn't think straight. He was losing himself. Unfortunately for him, the energy soon subsided, leaving nothing to indicate that its presence was ever there, and with that, the feeling left him, just like everything else that entered his life. Though not without a message.

To do it.

Now out of the obscurity of the shadows, the demeanour of the child, could be clearly seen. He wore a black pair of pants, a similar shade of black to the shadows from which he emerged from. His shirt appeared to be past its expiration date and massively oversize, hung over his frail torso, sporting a multitude of holes varying in size. He had spiky, blond hair with a pair of bangs framing either side of his face along with cerulean, yet lifeless eyes which seemed to radiate loneliness.

Seconds passed by as he stood up, raindrops hitting his frame. Hesitation overcame him. Self-doubt clouded his motives. Something inside him told him to fight it. Fight what?

Tilting his head backwards, he gazed at the boundless canvas of stars once again for reassurance. For guidance. For a sign. Yes. Yes, you are.

A renewed strength surged through his veins as he gazed at the stars - and listened to the voice - and with its power he forced his right leg forward. A step. He wobbled upon the touch of the hard surface meeting his worn-out sandals, but soon, the boy regained some composure and forced his left foot ahead. He took another step. He felt as though he was carrying lead bands on his ankles, yet its weight was lifting each time he took a step. So, he took another. And another. By every step and for every metre he advanced, he felt a tinge of confidence ignite within him, growing larger with every second. I can do this. His stumbling walk shortly evolved into a quick dash though the garbage of the alleyway and made his way towards the light. Emerging from the alley, a barrage of negative emotions clashed against him.

Hatred. Death. Fear.

Emotions, which in no matter the circumstance would invoke a sliver of doubt within the strongest of people. It scared them. Because only then, they would realise whether their cause was correct or not. Only then people's true intentions came out. He held no feelings. He held nothing. He was worthless.

Turning his head, nearby residents were intently eying his face, mentally seeking their stares could send the boy to hell. Others were readying themselves to play another round of chase the fox. Their oppressing glares and hateful emotions diminishing the boy's built up strength slightly, though now resolve edged him on. He had to remind himself. They are human, I'm not.

It had once been terrifying for him, watching these residents of Konoha racing toward him like a pack of moths circulated around a fire, to finish 'what the Yondaime had started'. He had no idea what a Yondaime was or where this Konoha place was but then again, he never knew anything. He grew accustomed at the act. He welcomed the hateful glares as though it was part of him. And he learned to accept them.

The villagers named him Kyuubi.

Apparently, its meaning is that of a demon. Maybe he was. However, to him, it held no meaning. He had always refrained and ignored whatever these people threw at him. But now he felt free. Awake. New. After all, he was grateful that he had a name.

Kyuubi.

Something not human.

He was grateful for the name. It kindled a warm feeling every time someone would say it. It meant that they acknowledged and liked him, right? He wondered whether that was the feeling that kids felt after being called by their family. Maybe the villagers were his family.

But if they were his family, wouldn't they look after, feed and nurture him? He never did understand why they loathed him, why they chased him, why they had brought him countless times within inches of death and not finished the job. If they were a loving family they would have wanted him to be happy, right? To be free and joyful? So why didn't fulfil their wishes and do so?

Maybe today, their wish would become a reality.

But he didn't need to understand anymore. Everything would be over in a couple of hours. Hopefully.

He glanced back and saw said villagers breaking out of their celebrations and paced after him. Adrenaline flooded his system. He would wait. Let them get closer. They were doing so by the second. And then he would wait some more, with a smile on his face as he departed to the afterlife. But as he peered towards them, his face scrunched into bewilderment, which served to fluster the audience for a second.

"What? Are you confused demon? Because you sure won't be when we kill you once and for all today!" The lead villager chanted, bringing the group out of their stupor and wear those familiar malicious grins they always wear, weapons glinting mischievously in the faint glow of the lanterns.

However, he wasn't listening. This is not enough. He needed more.

Not even with that thought finished, he swiftly broke into a run, leading a pack of lions demanding his head close in tow, having one destination already in mind.

Konoha Central Square

He took the side routes to the centre of the village rather than the central routes, as less people would be there to witness his plan. And plus, a runner who attracted dozens of villages was bound to pull in some of those ANBU.

As he raced through the cramped side streets to the Square, he ignored the violated walls to his sides, which in the lighting of lanterns seemed to be written in paint, but as its musk entered his nose, realisation dawned on him. He knew what that smell was. He knew because he had smelled it before. It was the symbol of death. … Something stirred inside him. It was that feeling again. Freedom. He was getting closer. A sinister smile swelled on his face.

5th Anniversary of Kyuubi's Death

Oh

The fire inside him dwindled slightly.

I am five years old.

Didn't humans call this a birthday?

He did not understand why this day was so special to humans. To him it was a day to forget. He assumed that everyone's birthday was like his. But how wrong was he? He would watch from the shadows, families would be shouting cries of celebration and young humans would be running around with a cake in their mouths. What a waste of food, was the first thought that came into his mind as he saw the crumbles falling from their ecstatic mouths onto the dirty pavement. But that didn't compare to the look on their faces as they laughed and cried over the care they received. They felt loved.

"So, it is probably fitting you die today, demon." A villager voiced manically, followed by the laughs of some crazed villagers behind him.

Of course, he thought, this is true love.

"You can't even catch me. How are you going to kill me?"

He thought that that's how love works. Someone chased someone else, calling out cries of lovable names, both running around with smiles on their faces. He had a smile on his face. They had a smile on their faces. The villagers were chasing him. It even looked the same - albeit without the weapons in their hands. So, what was the difference?

Predictably, scowls deepened, and smiles widened amongst the pack. Teeth stuck out like fangs and eyes pierced like wolves in the darkness of the night. They looked like they really wanted to kill him. He smiled. They looked like they finally wanted to grant him his wish.

He didn't have time for that though. He was still running and had to concentrate. He couldn't afford to mess up. His bones were grinding against the little muscle he had left, so much so that he felt they were about to fall off. Just… a bit… longer.

His pace slowed. Their pace hastened.

There were two metal waste bins ahead of him. He ran straight through them. Agony flared through his legs. He knew he was getting closer. He had to be. A light shone at the end of the alley and with a lacklustre jump, thrust his body towards it.

He emerged out of the alleyway in a daze. Emotions of displeasure clashed against the drive to do what he wanted to do. He forgot where he was. He didn't know where he was. Then he looked at the confused faces of the people around him and remembered where. And that he was also was in mid-air. He landed however, ignoring the ache and strain in his ankles and forged on.

To a casual onlooker, this might seem like a normal occurrence, though what ensued wasn't. A group of 20 to 30 people bathed in garbage clattered out of the avenue, weapons raised above their heads and roaring obscene cries about the boy. A look of solidarity passed over a few whilst irritation passed over most. Smiles curled their faces. And with that came hatred.

A few more joined in. But still not enough. And on top of that, it hurt. A lot. Every step he took felt heavier than the last. He could barely keep his eyelids open now. His arms were limp by his side and he couldn't afford to move them if this was his last act. He didn't have enough energy to make it to the Square, he thought. This will do. He glanced behind him.

The mob was still there. There was still some hope. One last push. He veered into an alleyway to the right of him and thrust his legs into the air. His feet landed awkwardly, and he felt his ankle crack. Regaining some balance with his other leg, he dragged himself deeper into the alleyway, away from the light. His other foot gave out soon enough upon excess pressure, causing his body to hit the cold road. He rasped for breath. Just a little more.

His legs were dead, but that didn't mean that his arms were too. He hurled his arms forward and forced his body over them. His right arm gave way and with one last move he tossed his left arm forward. Dragging his torso up, he heard a load crunch. A pain seared throughout his body not long after. He forced his eyes shut, as a tear escaped his eyes. He looked up. A man's foot was crushing his left wrist. So... this is my end.

"I got him cripppled.", the man glared at him momentarily before guiding his voice to the exit, "Now quickly finish the job before the ANBU get here." the voice above him hissed.

So, a runner caught up to him, huh?

The voice echoed through the walls and soon enough, the marching of the mob got louder and louder. Time slowed, as villagers, residents and people alike neared his vulnerable self. He could feel their hate, their despise, for him. He could hear the cries of revenge and vengeance. He could see the specks of colours hovering above him.

His energy was fading away rapidly, he wouldn't be able to keep his eyes open much longer. He inhaled the aroma of dirt and garbage, felt the hard, grainy surface of the floor and tasted the familiar liquid that erupted from his mouth, for the last time.

Maybe today, freedom will overcome him.

His vision blurring, a smile etched onto his countenance.

Maybe today was the day he would finally meet his parents.

His body limped onto the ground.

And just maybe, just maybe, today was the day he became a star.


You were not expecting me, and I wasn't sure I expected you.

When I came into this world, I wasn't sure about what you were. I refrained from you, because like everyone else, I was scared of change.

When I understood you, my life seemed worth something.

When I barely knew how to walk, I crawled towards you, your secrets alluring, without knowing anything about you.

I have seen you change, whether it be good or bad. Every time I feel like crying, I feel your warm embrace wrapping around me, your energy. There is nothing like it.

But today, when your warm embrace feels a little more than a numb arm, I feel it is the right time to say sorry. And today, this is how I want to remember you.

I can only be grateful to you for sharing memories with me, for having introduced to me so many feelings and lessons, and for having been with me.

And as I come to the end of my journey with you, I realise I'm not scared of change either.

Because I know you love me. And be certain that I love you too.

Goodbye.