LoveShinobi A/N: Well hello, hello. I know what you're thinking "What the heck! What about Aftershock?" Do not worry my devoted fans we have already finished that story and are updating at our leisure because we're mean like that. =) This new story is going to be pretty freaking amazing, it takes place back in the good old Middle Ages time. Knights, Princesses, and all that good stuff you just love. I really hope you all like this story because we are having so much fun writing it. And we already have eight chapters done. Hehe!

Angelv A/N: Okay, so I know that LoveShinobi and I have yet to finish updating Aftershock, but come on. We're done writing it. And we get bored easily, do we decided to start on another project. We got the idea for this story off of Robin Hood, but as you read you will realize that they are completely different. And, as always, this story is freaking AMAZING! You guys are just gonna love us. I know this chapter is a little short, but it's just a teaser to see how you like it. Yes, we will finish writing and updating it even if you don't like it, but how can you not? So, read and review!

And yes this is another collaboration.

So please REVIEW.

The Chivalrous Crook

Chapter One

-Façade-

Sasuke sat in the throne room, a bored expression on his face. He hated filling in for Itachi when he was off fighting in the war. He slouched in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. His boredom increasing, he began to count the ceiling tiles, which was really difficult since they were so high up, but he liked a challenge.

The door opened then, causing the young Uchiha to sit up and appear like he had been busy doing something. One of his advisors walked in then, an elderly man that had been with his family since before he could remember. He walked up to the throne and bowed.

"Your Highness." He said respectfully.

Sasuke inclined his head in acknowledgement. "What is it Hamish?" he asked.

"I was just wondering if you had gotten a gift for the Princess when she arrives." He said.

"Of course, I'm not a fool. I'm having a few things brought in from our neighboring kingdoms and such, they should be here shortly." He told the elder man, resting his elbow on the arm of his throne.

"Excellent sire. I didn't think I needed to remind you of the proper protocol for these things. I will inform the gatekeeper to keep an eye out for the caravan that is bringing the gifts." His advisor said, bowing once more.

Sasuke waved his hand in an uncaring manner. "You're dismissed. I need to get back to work." He said, even though all he would be doing was restarting his ceiling tile count. Once he was sure he was alone he swung his feet over the other arm rest and made himself comfortable, laying his head on the opposite arm. This way he could get a better view of the ceiling, ensuring that each and every tile was included in his count. With a sigh, the young prince began counting.


"There it is." Jade eyes focused on two carriages that were hastily making their way towards the palace. "Ready Neji?" a read haired man glanced over to the brunette beside him. Neji nodded and tied his long hair back tightly. They turned to the other two men with them and smirked, "How about you two?"

"More than ready Gaara!" the blonde snickered, almost bouncing with excitement.

The brunette with shorter hair nodded to Gaara and smirked. "More than ready."

The four were dressed in a similar manner. They all wore tight black outfits, wrapped together and covering all their skin, so none of their features could be distinguished. Gaara and Neji pulled out two pieces of black cloth and wrapped it around their mouths, tying it in the back and doing the same on the top of their heads, so nothing but their eyes were showing. Naruto and Kiba did the same, they grabbed their swords and took off to intercept the caravan. They each pulled out a different color strip of cloth and tied it around their foreheads like a headband. Gaara's was red, Neji's was blue, Naruto's was yellow, and Kiba's was green.

When they reached the road, they heard the screech of the wheels and the loud whines of the horses that were halted to an abrupt stop. Gaara smirked at their ignorance. They should have simply run him down. Everyone knew of his identity and he could tell by the looks on the faces of the men that they recognized him. "Go!" Gaara commanded the other three.

Neji and Naruto passed the first carriage and cut the horses' restraints with one fluid swing. They took off, wanting to get away from the reflecting steel of the weapons. Gaara ran at the men who were now coming out to try and defend their loot. He moved expertly, avoiding their slashes and disabled them both without even drawing blood. They collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Gaara pulled the curtain back and smirked seeing the contents. They would look so nice in his room.

He looked back to the other cart where Neji and Naruto were already dragging the unconscious guards into the forest. Kiba hurried over and started pulling the other carriage towards the first. "Alright hook it up." He pointed and Naruto ran over and helped the brunette attach the two together. "How stupid, to actually try and have them disconnected. You know it's so that if one is over taken, the other can try to escape." The redhead explained to his and Neji's subordinates.

"Is that so." Kiba tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Guess it doesn't really work." He said with a laugh, getting chuckles from the other two.

Once everything was set together, tied and secured the four got onto the carriage. Gaara took the reins and slapped the horse with them roughly. "Onward!" he ordered and they took off, leaving the unconscious guards in their forced slumber.


Sasuke was roused from his dose abruptly when the door to the throne room was thrown open. He sat up and righted his vest, not wanting to get discovered sleeping on the job. A page ran in, breathing harshly. "Prince Sasuke!" he yelled, bending over and placing his hands on his knees in order to catch his breath.

"What?" he asked, slightly annoyed. What could be so important as to wake him from his slumber? Not that anyone knew he was asleep, but still. Awareness prickled in the back of his mind. No…it couldn't be, he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"The caravan was ambushed. A group of travelers saw the unconscious guards. Everything was taken." The boy said, standing.

"What?" Sasuke yelled, standing up from his chair. Then he brought his hand up and began to rub the bridge of his nose. "Everything you said?" he asked, sighing.

"Yes sir. Everything." The page answered.

He dropped his hand and looked straight at the young boy. "Don't tell me. It was-"

"The Chivalrous Crook, yes."

"Damnit! Why does he always have to ruin everything?" the young prince asked, throwing his hands up in the air. Then he looked back at the page. "Leave. Tell Hamish to send a missive and procure me some sort of something to give the princess when she arrives."

The boy bowed respectfully. "Yes sir." He said, leaving the room hastily.

Sasuke fell back into his chair and let out another sigh. He really hated that stupid redhead. He hated him with all of his being. He began to rub his forehead in an attempt to get rid of his oncoming headache.

The doors opened again, causing Sasuke to look up. "What now?" he asked in irritation.

The announcer bowed. "Your Highness, the princess is here." He informed him.

"Great. Where's the damned missive? Go get him." He ordered standing up. The boy ran from the room frantically, knowing that his sire was not in a good mood.

The doors opened once more and in walked the princess. She had light pink hair that was pulled back in a tight bun, a few ringlets hanging down and framing her face that held the most vibrant emerald green eyes Sasuke had ever seen. She was about a head shorter than him, and wore a dark blue traveling dress made of velvet. It had long sleeves, the neck scooping across her collar, showing just enough of her skin to still be considered modest. Following her were her ladies in waiting. One had long ebony hair and pale lavender eyes, and the other had brown eyes and hair that was braided on both sides, hanging down her shoulders.

Sakura walked up to the prince and curtsied, bowing her head. "Your Highness. It is a pleasure to meet you." She said, standing and looking up at him. She was surprised at how handsome he looked. His coal-like eyes were deeper than she imagined eyes could be, and he had an air of authority about him. His attire of a loose white shirt covered by a tight, dark blue vest and black pants and boots that went up to just below his knees was very flattering to his muscular frame.

"The pleasure is all mine Princess Sakura." Sasuke said, bowing. "And please just call me Sasuke. There is no need for formalities."

"Then you may call me Sakura." She said, smiling slightly at him.

Sasuke turned as the door was opened and the page ran in, holding a cloth in his hand. The young Uchiha reached out his hand and took it from the boy. "I got you a present, as a welcoming gift." He said, unfolding the cloth and revealing a small ring. It was made of a bright gold and wrapped around the finger like a small vine, coming together with two small hearts that held four small diamonds each.

She took the ring gracefully and placed it on her ring finger on her right hand. "It's lovely. Thank you." She lied, pretending to admire it. It wasn't that the ring was ugly or anything, but she didn't like gold. To her, it would look prettier in either silver or white gold, but she knew better than to say anything about it.

The doors opened again and in ran another page. "Prince Sasuke! There's-"

Suddenly the doors opened once more, getting everyone's attention as they slammed against the wall. A tall red haired man walked in, dressed in formal armor. He was a bit taller than Sasuke and approached the group of four.

"Lord Gaara." All the servants in the room bowed respectfully. He was dressed in nothing but black, dark boots stopping below his knees. His dark pants met his loose black shirt that was covered by a matching breast plate. He wore a black cloak that pinned with an emblem of only one of the symbols of Skyde. It was an hour glass, missing the fan of the Uchiha family. He had a sword fastened to his belt and stopped once he was in front of their visitor.

He smirked, locking his jade eyes with hers and taking her hand, lowering down and kissing it pleasantly. "My Princess, an honor." He said, rising then and pulling something from his cloak. "It is customary in my country to bestow a gift to a visitor." He offered her, opening his palm to reveal the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. The entire string was made of bright diamonds and it held a giant ruby, the size of an infant's fist.

Sasuke's glare increased when he saw the necklace. That was what he had ordered to give to her. This just showed that Gaara had been the one to rob the caravan. But, as always, there probably wasn't enough proof to support Sasuke's claim.

Emerald eyes widened and she looked up to his in surprise. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed, taking it from him and examining it. The metal used was even white gold. "Thank you." She said sincerely.

"It is nothing Princess." he lowered his head again in respect. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sabaku no Gaara. I am the highest ranking knight in our land, as well as Prince Sasuke's babysitter." The redhead snickered, glancing towards the now seething Uchiha.

Sakura laughed and looked at the prince. "I'm sure his highness can take care of himself. At least I would hope so. And you can just call me Sakura." She said, smiling at the handsome redhead.

"Are you sure Princess Sakura? I would hate to step out of bounds." He gave her a thoughtful look, making sure he was nothing but respectful to their guest.

"It's fine. My name defines me more than my title, so I would prefer to go by that." She reassured.

He nodded and then looked at the other two, giving them a small nod. "I see beauty keeps lovely company. I hope you all enjoy your stay here in Skyde. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything."

"We will Lord Gaara." Both girls said, curtsying to him and bowing their heads respectfully.

Angry at how bad his 'friend' was making him look, Sasuke turned to him. "Was there anything you needed Gaara?" he asked tersely. He had never once called the redhead by his title, because he believed that he was better than him. And he had too much pride to do so.

"Right." He faced Sasuke and smirked. "I was just greeting our guests. Since Itachi and Sasori are out in battle, both heads should make a good impression don't you think?" he rested one of his hands on his sword hilt and sighed. "But…I did get a message from them. Itachi sends his regards and that things are going well. They will return as soon as possible." He informed the prince, taking a satisfied breath that he was causing the man so much displeasure.

"Hn. The sooner the better." He said. Then he held his arm out to Sakura. "Come. I will show you around." He said, smirking at her lightly. He wanted to get away from Gaara before he said something that made him look bad.

"Of course." She said as she took his arm. As they began to walk away she looked over her shoulder and smiled at the redhead. "It was a pleasure to meet you Lord Gaara." She said.

He bowed his head and gave her a suggestive smile. "The pleasure was all mine, fair Sakura. I will definitely make an effort to have you grace me with your presence later."

She blushed at his compliment, but was pulled from the room before she could reply. Hinata and Tenten curtsied once more before following their lady out.

"If you ask me, he seemed royally pissed." Naruto's voice said, humor evident in it. He had arrived just as they were leaving, and chose to stand in the doorway and watch the show.

Gaara's kind expression fell and his normal stoic face was revealed. "Well…I did give Princess Sakura the ruby necklace Sasuke was bringing in for her." He said as a small, dark smirk crept up his face. He looked over at the blond who was now beside him. "So is everything at the hideout?"

"Yeah it's all set up and inventoried. We can hock some of the uglier things he ordered. He even got this nasty smelling perfume. I mean, who would want to smell like flowers on steroids? It's just gross." Naruto said, shaking his head.

He laughed and nudged his friend and trusted ally. "Sasuke isn't very good with perfume. It infuriates him, almost as much as I do." He snickered, starting to walk out of the throne room. He had things to take care of anyway. "Now," he sighed, crossing his arms as they walked down the halls. "What's on the agenda for today? I've grown bored, though…" he tapped his chin and stopped. "Would it be too cruel to get at Sasuke by using the princess?"

"Well you should probably check in with Temari. She was riding my case about your 'lack of consideration' again." The blind said with a roll of his eyes. "Honestly she should be used to it by now. But as for the princess…I don't know. You might want to wait and see if he actually cares about her. He could have just acted the way he did today because you pissed him off." He said, thoughtfully tapping his chin.

"I see." he nodded, rubbing his chin, lost in his thoughts. "I shall wait then and see, until then tell Neji we will be in training till dinner." He waved his hand, dismissing the man and headed towards one of the open areas near the castle walls.