Run!
Where? Why?
It doesn't matter! Just run!
Hide. Shade. Darkness...
There! Cave! Dark!
A small boy scrambled through the woods, racing with the rising sun. As the light peeked through the treetops his eyes caught something he might not have otherwise seen; a set of stairs, leading down into the earth.
Desperate for a place to hide, the boy ran down the stairs, into the darkness.
Once he was safely inside, out of the harsh rays of the sun, he collapsed on the cold, stone floor and let his exhaustion take over him.
Hungry... so hungry...
He was alrady drifting off into unconsciousness when lonely, echoing footsteps filled the hall.
The white-haired medic-nin frowned when he saw the unconscious body laying near the entrance to Orochimaru's lair.
Sasuke stared in shock as he saw why he had been called. Standing between Orochimaru and Kabuto was none other than Naruto. The blond was wearing blood-stained clothes that looked little more than rags on his slim body. The blond stood no taller than when Sasuke had last seen him, though he was surely at least fifteen years of age. His eyes, instead of the brilliant sapphires they'd once been, looked like glass marbles that had been placed in his skull in a feeble attempt to give the appearance of life.
"He was found near the entrance of the hideout early this morning," Kabuto explained, "He hasn't said a word since we found him."
"As you can see, he is covered in blood, so take him and give him a bath," Orochimaru ordered, his silky voice sending chills up Sasuke's spine, "I have other issues to deal with." With that Orochimaru turned to leave, his lapdog Kabuto following closely behind. Naruto didn't move, he just remained frozen to the spot. Sasuke found himself wondering if the fragile boy in front of him really was Naruto, or one of Orochimaru's soulless experiments.
Cautiously, Sasuke approached the small boy. If it was Naruto, he was much thinner than when they'd last seen each other. He came only up to Sasuke's shoulder, even with his slightly spiky hair. It took Sasuke a moment to realize that Naruto's once golden hair was now a silvery gray color, like Kabuto's. In the darkness it was difficult to discern it from it's usual color.
"Come with me," Sasuke said gently, using the tone of voice one would use to coax a fawn closer. His face for the most part remained stoic and cold, but his eyes held the smallest amount of sympathy. Naruto took a step towards him, a silent form of agreement, but nothing more.
Sasuke began walking down the corridors, occasionally glancing behind him to see if Naruto had yet to run off. He didn't. But as they walked Naruto had yet to say a word or even acknowledge Sasuke. Walking through the corridors it seemed more that Naruto was going towards the bath himself, completely independent of Sasuke.
"Would you like to hold my hand?" Sasuke asked. It was weird, even to him, but the silence between him and the blond was killing him, and he needed to know that the blond at least recognized his existence. If he could get him to talk, that would be better. Instead of answering verbally, however, Naruto latched onto Sasuke's arm and continued walking. Sasuke shivered when he felt Naruto's cold skin. If he didn't know better, he'd have thought the boy to be dead.
Sasuke led Naruto finally into the bath area. There were several large tubs in the floor with steaming water coming out of them. Sasuke led Naruto to one that smelled of herbs; the stench of blood coming off the small boy was making Sasuke sick.
"Would you like some help with your clothes?"
When Naruto didn't answer or even move Sasuke began to undress him. He moved slowly and cautiously, afraid that the fragile boy would fall to pieces otherwise. Naruto didn't struggle or protest once. He only stared through Sasuke with those silver-blue eyes. As Sasuke removed each article of clothing he found more and more blood covering the blonde's body. Even his silver-blond hair had a reddish hue near the tips. His heart pounded more and more furiously. The amount of blood was especially bad on Naruto's neck.
"Do you need help getting in the bath?" Sasuke asked as he removed the last article of clothing. Naruto didn't move or answer. Sasuke gently put an arm around Naruto's shoulders and led him into the water. As Naruto turned his back Sasuke noticed three symbols that had been tattooed in Naruto's back.
Naruto stepped slowly down into the water, aided by Sasuke. The murky water instantly took the color of the blood that stained Naruto's body. Sasuke was amazed when he didn't find any cuts or open wounds. It struck Sasuke for the first time that it may not have been Naruto's blood. Sasuke reached for a cloth laying by the side of the pool and dipped it in the herbal water.
"May I wipe your neck?" he asked slowly. Naruto didn't answer still. Carefully Sasuke raised the cloth to Naruto's neck and began wiping the blood away. He was relieved when he didn't find any cuts or wounds, but again, that raised the question of, 'How did the blood get there?' Naruto gave no indication that he was aware of Sasuke or anything he was doing. He just sat in the water staring blankly ahead. Sasuke again found himself staring at the symbols on Naruto's back. The one on the top read 'suck.'
After the blood had been wiped away from Naruto's skin Sasuke set to work on his hair. He moved slowly as he reached for the bottle of shampoo, afraid that any sudden movements would cause the delicate blond to snap. It was easy to see that it was taking all of Naruto's willpower not to crumple. Kabuto had said that he'd found Naruto early that morning. So, if Orochimaru hadn't done this to him, who had?
Carefully Sasuke worked the shampoo through Naruto's silvery-blond locks. In the light of the bath, it was easy to make out the color now. It was also easy to see how pale Naruto's skin had become. As he washed Naruto's hair Sasuke became aware of how soft it was. Had it always been so soft? Come to think of it, this was the first time he'd touched Naruto's hair. Somehow the thought was strangely pleasant. His eyes slowly travelled from Naruto's hair slowly down his back. The second symbol read 'blood.'
Sasuke finished lathering Naruto's hair and rinsed his hands in the water. Absentmindedly he found himself wondering why he was being so kind to Naruto. He continued to ponder as he grabbed a bucket and filled it with water from the bath. It didn't take long for him to realize why. It was fairly obvious, at least to him.
"Close your eyes," Sasuke said gently. Though the words made it a command his voice turned it into a question. Naruto did as he was told. Sasuke poured the water over Naruto's head, rinsing all the shampoo and blood out of his hair. He set the bucket aside and gently brushed Naruto's hair out of his eyes. As the water dripped away Naruto opened his glassy eyes again. Sasuke frowned when he saw the look in Naruto's eyes. It was the same as the look in his own eyes eight years ago, when he'd lost his family. It was hopelessness, despair. The feeling that the sun would never rise again. It was basicly living death.
Sasuke wrapped his arm around Naruto's shoulders and helped him out of the tub. With Naruto's delicate features and pale skin, he looked more like a porcelain doll than a person. Sasuke found a towel resting folded on the ground and grabbed it. Carefully he wrapped it around Naruto. Absently Naruto took hold of the towel and wrapped it tighter around himself. Sasuke put a hand on Naruto's shoulder and began to lead him away.
"Come on," he said softly, leading Naruto out of the bath area. When Naruto had climbed out of the bath Sasuke had gotten a good look at the last symbol, the one farthest down on Naruto's back. It read 'demon.'
Sasuke led Naruto to his room. The walk was just as empty and quiet as before. Naruto's behavior wasn't normal in the slightest. Once they were out of the light of the bath Naruto at least lookedlike his old self. In the darkness he could tell it was Naruto, almost. In the light Naruto became a stranger. The only proof that it really was Naruto and not someone else was the set of whisker-like scars on his cheeks.
Sasuke ended up taking Naruto to his room. Orochimaru hadn't said what to do after he'd cleaned Naruto up so he did what he wanted. He shut and locked the door behind him, not wanting anyone to bother Naruto. He doubted any of the oto-nin would be as delicate as him with Naruto.
"Go sit on the bed," Sasuke said gently. Naruto gave no indication that he heard other than actually behaving. He didn't look into Sasuke's eyes, he didn't nod, nothing. He just walked silently over to the bed and sat down, acting as though Sasuke didn't even exist. Sasuke frowned slightly as he walked over to the wardrobe. He opened it and searched inside for some clothing that would fit Naruto. None of the clothes provided for him by Orochimaru would fit, but hopefully his old clothes would. In the bottom of the wardrobe was a backpack supplied with some of his old clothes, from when he lived in Konoha.
How stupid of him to have brought them in the first place. Of course Orochimaru would provide him with everything he needed. But, as it turned out, it was lucky he kept them. It looked like his old clothes would fit Naruto fine. He pulled out one of his dark blue shirts and the white shorts. They were still perfectly folded. He had never needed to use them. He brought the clothes over to Naruto and placed them on the bed next to him. Naruto didn't react.
"Do you want help getting dressed?" Sasuke asked tenderly. As expected there was no answer. Sasuke pulled Naruto off of the bed and took the towel. Every motion was done with the utmost delicacy and care. Sasuke took his old shirt and had Naruto turn so his back was to him. Without being asked to Naruto raised his arms, allowing Sasuke to pull the shirt over his head. Before he did Sasuke took one more look at the symbols on Naruto's back.
Suck - blood - demon. Together they spelled Kyuuketsuki. What did that mean?
Sasuke finished dressing Naruto and helped him into the bed.
"You should get some rest," he said as he pulled the blankets up to Naruto's chin. For the first time Naruto looked directly into Sasuke's eyes, and Sasuke saw something he hadn't noticed before. A silent sort of pleading, deep in Naruto's icy orbs. Sasuke frowned, confused. Naruto's eyes closed and he seemed to fall asleep instantly. Sasuke sat on the bed and watched the steady rise and fall of Naruto's chest. Naruto's eyes were just like his on that night. That being the case, Sasuke felt he knew what Naruto was asking.
Sasuke stood up and walked to the door. He hit the light switch, letting the room go dark. He gave Naruto one last look, pretending that he was once more the confident, hyperactive boy he'd befriended.
"Please, please kill me."
Three years ago Naruto and I could be called best friends.
B-BUMP
Then I betrayed him.
B-BUMP
The last time I saw him I left him half-dead out in the rain.
B-BUMP
Not because I hated him...
B-BUMP
Because I wanted him to hate me.
B-BUMP
So he would stop following me, and be safe.
B-BUMP
But it didn't work.
Naruto's eyes shot open. A burning pain in his stomach woke him up.
Be it coincidence or fault or fate, I don't know, he found me.
He clutched his stomach, drawing his knees towards him and clenching his eyes and teeth. Blood dripped down from his lip where his canine touched the skin.
Maybe he and I are intertwined.
Naruto whimpered softly, trying to push the burning hunger away.
I thought some monster had hurt him.
The sound of voices came to his senses, but only after the smell... the sweet, coppery smell... Naruto gently licked the blood from his lip.
I never would have geussed he had become a monster as well.
Blood was so close... so close... Naruto's lips parted in a low hiss, revealing two blade-sharp fangs.
A beast in human form...
"Are you finished with Naruto-kun?" Orochimaru asked immediately upon Sasuke's arrival. Sasuke nodded. The two were currently in Orochimaru's office, the snake sannin was going over some files and Sasuke stood across the desk from him. Sasuke had visited Orochimaru's office regularly over the course of three years, but the Gothic decor still gave him the feeling of being trapped in a vampire's castle.
"Well where is he now?"
"He's in my room, asleep. He seemed tired," Sasuke answered, eyes narrowing. Orochimaru wasn't looking at him. The sannin's yellow eyes were focused on the papers in front of him, but he could tell Orochimaru was deep in thought about something... Sasuke suppressed a growl forming deep within his chest.
"I see." Sasuke expected more than that, but Orochimaru receded into his own thoughts.
"What happened?"
Sasuke's question drew Orochimaru from his papers. His yellow eyes locked with Sasuke's obsidian orbs. Sasuke kept his face stoic, even as a slight smirk formed on the snake's face.
"Whatever do you mean, Sasuke-kun?"
"You know what I mean," Sasuke snapped, "What happened to Naruto?"
Orochimaru's smirk never wavered. His yellow eyes returned to the documents on his desk as he pretended to read them.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that. As I told you Kabuto found him early this morning near the entrance of the hideout. He was unconscious and covered in blood. When he woke up we tried to find out what happened but he refused to speak. Then we handed him over to you. That's all I can tell you. I don't know what happened to him."
Sasuke scowled. The silent plea from Naruto continued to echo in his mind.
"Please, please kill me."
"Is there anything else?" Orochimaru hissed.
A scream interrupted him.
Naruto let the lifeless body drop to the floor. He hadn't meant to take so much, but he was so hungry...
The silver-haired boy raised his bloody hand to his mouth and began licking the blood off his knuckles. The blood of the oto-nin wasn't very good tasting, but it was blood all the same. He turned and began walking down the corridor, in search of more food. The smell of this particular person's blood was making him sick... He broke into a run, in search of a more sweet aroma...
Sasuke returned to his room to find the door ripped completely off its hinges, and the smell of blood thick in the air. He brought his hand to his nose to block out the smell. Three years with Orochimaru and he was used to the stench, but that didn't mean he enjoyed it.
The source of the smell lay in a crumpled heap in front of his door. A random oto-nin drenched in his own blood lay on the cold stone floor. Upon closer inspection one would find two puncture wounds on his neck...
Sasuke ran quickly into his room, panic rising.
"Naruto!" he cried before he even realised. The room was exactly as he had left it. Other than the door, there was no sign of struggle. Not even a drop of blood could be found inside his room. Unfortunately neither could Naruto.
In a daze, Sasuke ran out of the room and took off in search of Naruto. Images of Naruto's dead eyes and that silent plea kept invading his mind, pushing out all rational thought. Something had killed that oto-nin, whatever it was was still loose in the hideout somewhere, and Naruto was missing. To top it off, Naruto was very unstable. Sasuke couldn't be sure that his blond wouldn't try to kill himself.
Suddenly Sasuke screeched to a halt.
'My blonde... Where did that come from?'
A sudden scream snapped Sasuke out of his thoughts. He took off running again, praying that the scream wasn't Naruto's.
There was a sick squelching sound as Naruto removed his arm from his victim's chest. He would have much preferred to feed from his victims alive, but there were too many this time. It was much simpler to just kill them and then feed. Fortunately for him, they weren't all dead. Turning his head he saw a young girl, thirteen, maybe fourteen years old, backed fearfully against the wall. Her verdant eyes were wide with shock and horror, knowing she was soon to join the rest of her fellow ninja.
Naruto approached the girl in a graceful stride. His beautiful features painted with the blood of his slaughter made him look like an otherworldly creature, straight out of hell. Naruto took the girl's shoulders in a firm, yet gentle hold. She was to afraid to run or even struggle. Her heart beat increased as she felt his ice cold lips brush gently against her skin. For a moment her fear seemed to leave her as some other feeling rose in her chest. Fear returned full force as something sharp scraped her skin, and fangs slowly sank into her neck....
As Sasuke ran more screams pierced the otherwise silent corridors of Orochimaru's hideout. The myriad of screams did nothing to allay his fears for Naruto. He turned into another hallway, finding a door slightly ajar, and the smell of blood dense in the air. The screams had been silenced. Suddenly, a single piercing scream sounded from behind the door, dieing like all the others. Sasuke walked slowly towards the room, already feeling nauseous from the smell of blood.
B-BUMP
Sasuke approached the door making as little sound as possible.
B-BUMP
He placed his hand on the brass doorknob, hesitating for a moment.
B-BUMP
Hardening his resolve he swung the door open forcefully.
B-BUMP
B-BUMP
B-BUMP
Sasuke's eyes widened in horror at the bloodbath within. Blood was splattered across the walls and floor. There were bloody trails on the inside of the door from people who had tried and failed to escape. Fresh corpses lay across the ground in heaps, many with gaping holes through the chest or abdomen. And at the very back wall, stood Naruto, with his back to the door, seeming to have not noticed the door slamming on the wall.
"N-Naruto..." Sasuke choked out, voice barely ghosting past his lips. Suddenly Naruto twitched, for lack of a better term. Naruto released the girl Sasuke had only just noticed he was holding, letting her limp body fall to the floor, and turned to face Sasuke. The Uchiha gasped in horror when he saw.
Eyes with a blood red luster....
Naruto wiped the blood away from his mouth with the back of his hand.
Fangs protruding openly from his mouth....
The girl Naruto had been feeding on gave out one last quiet moan, alerting Sasuke to her presence. His eyes were drawn to the thick bloodstain on her clothes near her neck.
A beast in human form. This is his true self....
Naruto licked the blood off of his hand, taking in the sweet taste of the girl's blood.
Suck - blood - demon. Kyuuketsuki.
The smell of blood had long since overridden all of his senses and thoughts. All remorse that had existed had been wiped out, only leaving the insatiable hunger.
Vampire.
Hi Miss Alice.
In your glass eye, what sort of dream,
Are you seeing?
Are you seeing?
Once again, my heart has split in two, and is pouring out.
"Repair it." Call the memories trapped in the crevice.
Still, you do not answer.
Still, you do not answer.
Author's Note: Hello. This would be my first ever story on this site, so I would appreciate any criticism that would improve my writing. This isn't my first fan fiction, but it is the first I've posted. As you've probably guessed, this story has been inspired and influenced by Vampire Knight, but it is not, and never will be, a cross over. I don't own Vampire Knight or Naruto.
On another note, I'm a bit worried about making Sasuke too OOC, but I hope I explained it well. At this point in the story he's only nice to Naruto because Naruto kind of reminds him of himself. He is still a bastard. He will open up a little later.
This story will stay T for now, but it may rise in rating later. Unfortunately I have little experience writing lemons so that possibility isn't too strong. Just a forewarning: there will be mentions of sex. Please review!