Author's Note: Hello! This is my first story for fanfiction… Though I'm unsure if this site is still in popular use, it has gotten me through some tough times and I thought : Why not publish something? This is just something I have developed on a random inspiration, so I'm still working on the technical stuff. I appreciate all advice and reviews ^.^ I also have replaced the chapter – in my attempt to get the paragraph breaks. It hasn't worked so far, but hopefully this one does it! Anyways, enough of my rambling! Enjoy

Tira.


A terrified breathe escaped her lips silent, her heartbeat racing as she dodged small obstacles amidst the alley way. Struggling to keep her footing, she propelled herself forward in last ditch spurt of energy –gripping the chain-link fence and hauling her petite body over the top.

"COME BACK HERE!"

Hearing the loud shout, she didn't dare to look back. Adrenaline bombarded her body as she continued to urge her body to its limits. Tightly gripping the small pouch in her hand – the reason she was risking her life- she used her other hand to pull down trashcans to block anyone that manages to hop the fence as well.

The men on the side of the fence could only stare as they saw the vanishing cloaked figure disappear, the hood made it hard to identify who it was – but their guess was probably on a young boy, an aspiring thief. A really good one. Somehow the child had snuck into the reigning Lord's compound and stole some valuable stones- nothing of real value in the grand scheme of things, but still… it stung at their pride.

Gruffly, the head guard commanded, "Put out a search warrant for the little bandit. We will report back to Lord Orochimaru… and you'll be doing the talk, Takashi… since it was under your watch. The rest of you, keep searching!"


The lone figure continued to run, the black cloak billowing behind her. She was so close to home…

Taking a sharp turn, she looked up to see if her usual path on the rooftops was cleared.

Suddenly she flew back, knocking herself into a hard body. Large warm arms encased her, just as her wide emerald eyes stared into two pools of obsidian. Her hood fell back, letting the long ringlets of pink spill out over her back. Her full lips slightly fell open, the moonlight reflected pleasantly off her high cheekbones.

In front of her, one of the most attractive beings stood before her very own eyes. Smothering black eyes, thin lips, and a high nose – the embodiment of aristocracy. His skin rivaled her in paleness, practically glowing against his midnight hair.

They stood there for a few moments – just drinking each other in. His strong arms rested like iron manacles against the dip of her waist, towering over her small figure. Her small hands fisted onto the expensive silk dress shirt, inadvertently pulling her body closer to the stranger's. Loosening her grip, she felt the crevices of his muscle flex against her as he shifted with her.

Sakura felt her face flush, averting her eyes before pushing against the handsome man. Missing his look of amusement, she furrowed her eyebrows and began the attempt to free herself with more vigor. She was stronger than she looked, usually most men would feel the power behind her little body by now – but the man refused to let her go.

"Itachi!"

Seeing a group of men running quickly upon them and coming to the conclusion that the man was some lower end royalty, Sakura began to panic.

The beryl orbs snapped up to the amusement of the young man, her lips pursed in determination.

"Sorry."

Quickly tapping at a pressure point behind his neck, Sakura sent a small prayer to the Gods to forgive her. Feeling the tall man slump onto her, she was about to gently shoved him off before his arms further tightened around her. Realizing that she couldn't run away, her eyes widened as she felt her impending doom.

'I'm so dead.''


"No."

Blinking, Orochimaru cocked his head. Never been defied so outright before, the slimy lord was hardly cowed.

"Itachi… I'm sure you will logically see that this will benefit Konoha the most in the end. I am the highest ranking lord in Sound, and as the King has not produce an heir – I myself offer you my eldest Daughter, Karin. This will merge Fire and Sound, with Fire getting a majority rule," the snake persuaded.

"I was told of a peace treaty… not of a marriage, Lord. Unless you are willing to admit deceit…"

Swallowing in, Orochimaru laughed nervously. If he was to admit to it… it would be treason in all 4 nations.

"Of course not, Itachi. I would never dream of something of such treachery. We will discuss the treaty upon your next few days here… however, until then I must retire now. Let me introduce you to my beautiful daughter… she will be entertaining you in my absence, " he hissed at the young prince seated across from him.

"KARIN!"

The French doors slammed open, a scantily clad girl rushed into the room. Fire red hair spiked up randomly into a … dare he say, Mohawk Mullet? Cold yellow eyes instantaneously warmed up at the sight of the Princeling.

"Yes, Daddy?"

Rolling his own yellow eyes at the red head, Orochimaru got up, "You know the drill. Make sure to be the most pleasant with our guests."

Gripping his daughter's arm, he guided her in front of Itachi like a merchant attempting to sell a chicken.

"This is my beautiful daughter… Duchesses Karin of Sound."

If Itachi had any facial expressions, he would've winced. Though the wench had a pleasing body… she was entirely too artificial. An inch of caked white make-up…thick eyeliner that rivaled her father… at most, Itachi would do is let her warm his bed.

"And this is Prince Itachi of Fire."

A feral smile spread across the redhead's face, a long talon reached down to tap Itachi's black slacks. As the offending appendage was about to make contact, Karin screamed.

"OW! LET GO!"

Itachi peered up, giving his body guard an amused quirk of his eyebrows.

"Sorry sweetheart, no one can touch the Prince unless it's in private."

Karin gripped her finger, eyes watering behind her circular glasses. Furiously, she jabbed her other hand into the guard's chest.

"You BLUE FREAK."

Crying and in a fury of red Mohawk mullet (?), she ran out of the room.

Listening to the snickering of his longtime friend, Itachi deadpanned, "Good job Kisame. We lost our entertainment for the night."

"Ahe, you should be thanking me. I could smell her from across the mansion…. Me and you both know I should be one that knows the scent of fish."


Contrary to popular belief, Princes was usually well trained in the art of fighting. Though it is unknown knowledge, the royal males are the best fighters inside the entire army – anything less would make them unfit to rule. After dismissing Kisame and the rest of the high guards, Itachi decided to wander a few blocks away from the bar they had magically found themselves in.

'Wow…Sound really is a shit hole.'

Glancing around him, the Capital (Oto), was dreary and bleak. Most place had already closed up shop… so unlike Konoha which was bustling with life no matter the time. It was eerie… and if Itachi was any lesser of a man, he could say creepy.

Scoffing, Itachi thought, 'This place would drag Fire down…not benefit it. The snake must really be delusional if he thought I did not see through his plans.'

Caught up in his internal dialogue, he was surprised when a small figure crashed into him. Winding his arms around it, the impact dropped the dark hood from the person's face.

In his arms, was a nymph. He swore upon all the Kami's, she was.

Thick dark pink lashes framing vibrant emerald eyes as they peered up at him. Hip-length pink tresses spilled down in silky curls, a few unruly strands grazed his arms. A small pert nose sprinkled with a freckles scrunched up in confusion, her full light pink lips opened slightly in shock.

Feeling her hands loosen from his shirt, Itachi only strengthened his hold on her. Smug male satisfaction permeated through him as he saw her soft face glow pink enough to match her hair. However, it was gone within the instant she began to shove against him. Seeing the panic on her face, he could only smirk in amusement – She was very strong for a women, surprisingly so. But he was stronger.

"Itachi!" Kisame's booming voice echoed down the street.

Feeling the girl's panic grow, Itachi let his guard down. Unsure of how to soothe the little creature in his arms, he was about to loosen his hold before he heard her voice.

It was soft, sweet…

"Sorry."

Understanding her intentions, Itachi braced himself a millisecond before he felt her nimble fingers behind his neck. Slumping forward only for show, the Prince actually allowed himself a half smile into her neck before he tightened his embrace once again.

'Mine.'