To this day, I fail to understand why Disney's "The Black Cauldron" gets the hate it does half the time. Sure, it scared lots of children (including me at that age), but it was a stand-out amid typical Disney fare. Contains great characters no matter if we know less of them, and it was filled with themes like death, demonic rituals and the Dark Ages. :D

That said, here comes a brand new story which is a somewhat retelling - NARUTO STYLE!

Rated as such for safety, but there will definitely be NIGHTMARISH moments, so be careful.

Disclaimer: Naruto is property of Masashi Kishimoto; The Black Cauldron belongs to Disney as well as Lloyd Alexander (the author of the series, "The Chronicles of Prydain", in which two of the books inspired the movie).

Chapter One

The Dreams of a Pig Keeper

Legend has it in the mystic land of Konoha, there lived a man so cruel and so evil even the gods feared him.

Once, he was a hero of his people before personal loss and betrayal overcame reason. He avenged himself against those who wronged him and those he lost, and became overcome with the thirst for power that he turned his back on those remaining who once saw him as a friend, comrade and loved one.

The myth spoke of the creation by his own hands with the usage of black arts...of the great Dragon Cauldron. It was in this that his spirit would be captured and immortalized, thus death would be impossible.

Another price came for the power of the cauldron to work: a life to give, and thus the traitor gave the life of a woman close to his heart without shedding a tear.

As the first step, he became known as the Serpent King after breaking free from his former homeland, though he did not yet possess resources to forge his own organization. Hence he was often captured, yet no prison could hold him. Not even what remained of his former friends who sought to defeat him, therefore driving him away into exile...and the Dragon Cauldron itself vanished without a trace.

The myth speaks without written account out of fear that the Serpent King lived on, his spirit still connected to the Dragon Cauldron which, for many years after his flee from death and many failed captures, lay hidden and was continually sought after by wicked men - and the serpent himself - with no success.

Whoever to possess the cauldron would ultimately become the Dragon Emperor as the final step and summon an army of deathless warriors...and rule the world.

~o~

There was a war going on, yet here he was: hiding away for his own "safety" as well as the well-being of two others he was charged with caring for.

The battle was simply put, but resulted in the deaths of many: Konoha against the dark and powerful Oto which was run by his great enemy he all but gave up on so long ago.

Orochimaru.

You heard right. His old friend, once trusted comrade, was the leader of the strange but desolate nation that was smaller than this one - deadly and threatening to take over his old home for himself. Sometimes, he wished he killed that traitor himself, which he tried to do when there was no other choice, but no one ever could. Always slithering like the snake he is...but someday, he could evolve beyond that.

He tried to get him personally - his own friend - for what he did to first Sayuri whose love for him had been her downfall. She never did anything to deserve that; to trade your beloved for more power when tragedy clouded your judgment!

And to Tsunade especially, the woman who loved them both for different reasons - me the same way Sayuri loved Orochimaru once, the latter who was only a friend to us both - all because she tried to stop him from going farther than he already was. Now that she was gone and HE left with a broken heart, he had to protect something special left from her, just so that her death wasn't in vain and their home safe. So, here he was living in a quiet cottage within the forest not far away from the village of Konoha. Even raising a small farm because it was a purpose, and not too big but was better than nothing at all.

Jiraiya, the retired Toad Sage, living here with his hidden spells, weapons and legacy that would be passed onto someone worthy. And keeping in touch with the outside world as often as he could spare. Surrounded by mementos of Tsunade who had been more witch than him, even specialized in healing the sick and dying, though she didn't have the power to completely prevent death. Unlike the one who murdered her, ambitious enough to seek that forbidden gift...

The village wasn't touched by warfare; much of the fighting took place outside the boundaries, so everything was perfect as a painting. The flowers were of the season, beginning with gladioli: pastels consisting of lavender-blue, pink and white; passionate arrays of dark red, sunlit yellow and even refreshing green. Present were blue irises around the bodies of water, and even spectacular rose-like blooms called ranunculus in bold, paint-like colors from yellow to white, dark pink and red. Finally, just outside the windows suspended bleeding hearts to represent the good and the bad.

He loved Konoha with his heart that he contributed with his friends and loved ones to keep it safe from enemies - only for one of them to become the newest and greatest. When he heard Orochimaru had even gotten strong enough to kill two leaders of two rival nations, the sheer macabre detail was too nightmarish to imagine. Not even could he tell it to his ward.

Today, on a cheerful and sunny day which illuminated the flora and forestry like gems, he dwelled once more on what the Serpent King was up to. Things had been quiet even after some of Konoha's finest were taken prisoner, which was a rarity for the enemy who often killed whoever came his way...after gaining the information he needed.

"Well, my friend," Jiraiya said bitterly to one of his last friends, Bunta the toad who rested in his tank and croaked in response, "all I can say is that I am done hunting him. Though I'm still prepared even now when he returns - no, IF. Because I know even without that damned cauldron, he's useless."

Even so, the feeling of something wrong would be present everywhere: in his bones, his brain and his heart, most of all. And the feafōku know it, too, which is why they went into hiding from the world's eye. Their powers could be used for his wicked benefit.

He frowned when he heard the familiar sound of bubbling water, which turned out to be - "Oh, Naruto! Damn it, boy, the pot is boiling over AGAIN!"

There the young man of seventeen was, the daylight radiating off his hair, when he stood by the window and gazing at nothing in particular, making the white-haired old man shake his head. Daydreaming again.

"Oh, Pervy Sage -" And there he was with the nickname for his antics towards young women when the opportunity came, which made the elder growl through his teeth only out of pure irritation. "- I was just thinking again..." He was walking towards the pot over the fire pit. "...that if the war is over soon, I'll NEVER have a chance to fight."

There he was going again with his ambitions to become a great warrior like his father, Minato, had been. That was precisely why he was protecting his former protégé's son: both Minato and his wife Kushina were killed when their only child was barely old enough to walk. "It'd be a good thing, too. Naruto, how many times do I have to tell you? War isn't a game," Jiraiya said, standing up from behind the desk covered about with scrolls and Bunta's tank. He needed a good stretching of his bones and a cup of tea after the lad was done with the pot for the "special someone" outside.

"But I'm not afraid - OUCH!" Jiraiya chuckled; just like the little idiot to not pay attention once again as he was reaching for the handle of the pot without a cloth. Grimacing, Naruto tried again by picking the rag up to settle on opening the lid and revealing the mushed chow...for a pig.

"There you are right there. Imagine that if Orochimaru returns, you'd have more to worry about than just a burnt finger." Still sniggering especially at the boy's pout, Jiraiya helped him by holding up the bowl for the special creature outside. The smell made the lad flinch, and come to think of it, it used to do the same for Jiraiya. "Tonton will love this, as always."

Naruto snorted. "Tonton, Tonton...always about her out of the other animals." The old man sighed; ambition and impatience really kept you from seeing what was really in front of you. But then again, he was like that when he was the boy's age...and it also took his friend down the path.

He was picking up the hot pot by the handle, cloth covering it, and setting it down so he could get the tea kettle ready. "You're right, kid; it's always about her, but one day, you'll understand why. Now, no more dreaming. You have chores to do." He shooed the blond youth out of here, the latter muttering "yes, sir" before going out the cottage door which was a bamboo curtain.

Jiraiya never told his charge the truth behind Tsunade's favorite pig, because it was for the best. Anything could happen. Though, soon he would have to, because Naruto was at the age. Then he would see why he had to protect him, the son of his students, as well as the sow belonging to his dearest, rest her soul.

~o~

The old man with the plain maroon and fishnet garments, odd facial markings and big white hair was the only thing close to a family he had all his life. Raised him, taught him everything he knew, but he refused to even TEACH him anything advanced.

Count those times he saw the old pervert ogling young women his age or older when they were in town! He could just go his life without seeing some things, but those were also lessons he got besides the technicalities of man and woman coupling.

Naruto didn't hate the Pervy Toad Sage, because the man gave him everything he needed - a roof over his head, the best food they had - and even taught him everything he knew now...but the stories about his parents' deeds made him wish he could do something since Konoha was his home, too. Would he EVER be anything but an assistant pig keeper?!

"Sometimes, I feel like he doesn't understand me at all," he grumbled as he made his way out to the small house, which was outside the goat's keep but still attached. The smell of sow slop made his stomach lurch. "He treats me like a little boy, won't even teach me anything else besides basic swordsmanship, which is what he did when he was MY age, huh!" Angrily, he kicked at the dirt before him. And so did my parents! Ma and Pa gave their lives for me, so I feel like I should honor them by following in their footsteps, not just for myself!

He scoffed. "I should be doing just that: heroic deeds for Konoha, not weighting hand and foot on a spoiled little sow - HEY!"

He had just put the bowl of slop down and pushed it into the little house with his foot, only for it to be sent back out to him and nearly knock him off his feet. Some dust flew into the air, but not enough to hit his eyes. He just about cursed himself and sarcastically thought what a great thing he did in calling the hut's occupant spoiled. "Okay, Tonton, please don't be mad. I didn't really mean it." So, he didn't really mean it, that's right. He really did like the little pig, because if she meant that much to old man Jiraiya and his woman who was killed - by that serpent Orochimaru, someone they once saw a friend - then he cared about her, too.

Finally, the pig's little head stuck out, looking up at him and giving a small smile of forgiveness, then down at the meal Jiraiya made specially for her and began to dig on in, but when Naruto watched, he couldn't help but feel a little...backlashed. He had a good life, but he always wanted more than this. More excitement, like Ma and Pa as well as Pervy Sage and Tsunade used to. Except the old man said nothing out there was a game: people died, they lost people they cared about, and vice versa. Lives were always taken without mercy, even for a good cause.

But I'm not afraid. I swear I'm not; if I could ever meet that Orochimaru snake myself, I'd get him for taking Jiraiya's woman from him as well as others - including my parents!

Grinning, Naruto had a great idea when he saw the long stick laying there a foot away from him. "Hey, look at me, Tonton! Naruto of Konoha - the greatest warrior of all! Ha!" He whirled down and pointed the stick at the poor pig who squealed in shock and retreated away from her half-finished meal, attempting to find refuge from him; oh, so she WAS afraid of him! Now, who was next...?

There were the white geese, and they did flee when he made way for them - but when they cleared, left behind was none other than the wise goat whom he decided to pretend was the Serpent King himself.

Big mistake.

Naruto eventually found himself being hit in the butt by the old goat's horns as revenge, and he slip-slid across the mud near Tonton's spot; this was enough to make the geese act up as if this was a comedy play for them. Partially, he agreed, but in haze of his fantasy he was acting out, he continued to play the part of "Konoha's finest warrior" now drawing his last breath, and he laid back, pretending to be dead - which earned the sweet little Tonton nudging her nose against his cheek.

Touched, Naruto opened his eyes and looked her over with a smile...until a shadow covered him. He bolted upright. "Pervy Sage!"

"Hm." Uh oh, I'm gonna get it now. "Not the best ending for a hero."

Damn it, he had to get out of this somehow. Naruto noticed how his tunic was so muddy he needed to wash it soon, but first came the little lady herself, and there came his excuse: he was playing with Tonton for a bit after she ate, and she got dirty. She looked up at him and oinked, proudly going along with him. She was such a good girl.

Jiraiya chuckled and reached down to scratch her head. "Well, then, you should get to work on cleaning her up and then yourself. Still more work to be done, kid."

A nice bubble bath was something Tonton loved, and he admitted he liked giving them to her out of everything else. The bucket was next to her small house, and he got the water from the nearby well, even the soap bars, and set to work on rubbing the smooth, firm skin and scrubbing the back which was how she liked it...

...but then it was over when she jerked up as if in fright. But he didn't sense anything and thought maybe she was just acting like this because -

"Tonton, stop that!" She started lashing out, squealing at something he couldn't see, and Naruto panicked because he didn't know what to do. He ended up toppling the bucket over and spilling soapy water all about the dry ground, getting them both dirty once again.

The antics got the attention of old man Jiraiya who threw open the window and shouted out, "Naruto! What's going on?!"

"I - I don't know! Something is wrong with Tonton!" She was still squealing even as he got her in his embrace. When the old man saw this, his face contorted in horror, raising his suspicions even when he was told to bring her inside at once.

Why is it that I have no idea there is trouble? But then again, animals are smarter than humans, like Pervy Sage always says.

~o~

It had been years since he used Tonton's sightseeing abilities, which had been one of the reasons Tsunade cherished her. Because Tonton's kind had the gift that was passed down through the ages. Thus his beloved's Senju family prized the seer sows of Konoha as they were reliable in seeing trouble coming their way...but that was also why enemies sought them out.

Hence Tonton was one of the last of her kind, and that was why she had been hidden all this time. Her abilities hadn't even been for Naruto's exclusive eyes...but now he would finally know. The time had come sooner than anticipated. For that, Jiraiya was anxious more than he could remember.

The windows had to all be locked, every nook and cranny blocked as chances could NOT be taken. All sound and spying eyes had to be shut out. When all was said and done, he took out a few candles to light up if keeping much of the cottage dark.

Candles, Bunta's only witnessing beady eyes - all was ready, and that left a wooden bowl he filled with purified water. Pure as Tonton.

"What...is all of this for?" Naruto asked, scrutinizing as he set down the pig who had calmed as she knew what was going to happen but could not tell him. Jiraiya held up a hand, telling the boy to wait a moment, before finally answering him.

"This is the reason Tonton is extremely special, and why you and I have guarded her all these years. No one else knows of this besides her existence, as she appears to be an ordinary sow. Which is why I never use her...powers unless I absolutely have to." He reached down and rubbed the pig's head gently, and she oinked softly.

Naruto opened his mouth to ask another question, but he never got to because of the warning to NEVER reveal what he was about to see to anyone. With that, the Toad Sage raised a finger and then dipped it into the bowl of water to swirl a whirlpool, chanting the rite.

"Tonton, from you I do beseech: knowledge that lies beyond my grasp. Pray now that troubled thoughts part ways."

As anticipated, Tonton's mind appeared to spin as her eyes followed every movement of his finger; when he withdrew it, her snout and mouth dropped to touch the surface of the pristine fluids.

At the same time, the candle flames dimmed and the air became denser as the pig's magic began to work.

Her eyes had turned to dark pink with lighter tones towards the core. But it was the water that attracted the entirety of attention from him, the softly croaking toad and his baffled ward who became intrigued as the secret was exposed...and he would see why Tonton had been worked up.

First, the water swirled dark blue with the pink that removed itself from its user, mingling with the forces that answered any questions which were not asked...

...and there formed a malevolent figure in light blue which had the body of a serpent but the head of a man. Jiraiya hissed as he knew WHO this was, clenching his fists on either side as he knelt on the opposite of this bowl, across from the entranced pig and Naruto whose jaw had slackened.

"Orochimaru...he's searching..."

The colors majestically became darker and more dangerous, as did the characters which shifted: black being those murderous serpentine dragons he sent out, amidst an inferno of red and gold...ultimately becoming what it was his friend turned adversary and greatest enemy of Konoha was seeking. Black amid bloody red, like that on the battlefields we once fought on...

Damn it all, it was what he feared and expected all this time. "The Dragon Cauldron - so, THAT is what he desires!"

Unfortunately, what came next was what made him brusquely halt the séance, and poor Tonton jerked backwards, clearly frightened as much as he was. Now I know!

Amid a canvas of green was a vibrant, sweet image of pink that Naruto pointed out and prompted all of this to end: it was Tonton...and it meant Orochimaru knew of her existence. He cursed under his breath; he had done a fine job keeping her safe next to Minato's son, but it wasn't meant to be forever.

"P-Pervy Sage, what exactly is going on?!" Naruto demanded, standing up and wincing as he forgot to stretch his legs beforehand. "What is this 'Dragon Cauldron' and why is Orochimaru after it - and why would he want Tonton?"

Jiraiya growled through his teeth as he set about preparing the travel pack, as he could think of one thing to do for now until he had everything figured out, rather than letting them both remain here a minute longer. There was one place the Serpent King didn't know about, and he kept the tabs on even today. This cottage and its recorded acres were all protected with a barrier that hid them from unwanted company, but it would not work against Orochimaru and his followers - those vile beasts at his disposal.

But the one out there will have even more powerful magic to keep them safe than here.

"You must leave here at once, Naruto. Take Tonton with you to the cottage at the edge of the...Forest of Death." He had everything necessary for the travel, but the mentioned safehouse would have a greater, preserved stock ready. Naruto would have bread, a couple apples - one for him, the other the pig - along with several vegetables freshly plucked from the garden that morning. Finished with a flask of water to soon be taken from the well.

And as to the location of the protective cottage. The Forest of Death had its name for reasons: gigantic and often lethal flora along with monstrous beasts of any sort - tigers, bears and even leeches. Jiraiya cringed. Hell, when he was younger than Naruto was now, he faced a giant wild snake with Orochimaru and Tsunade, the latter who cured them both of the poison that got into their systems. Orochimaru eventually developed an unnatural immunity to these things more than they did.

When Naruto learned of the place, he was flabbergasted as he'd been warned all his life to NEVER venture there, but now he was old enough and responsible - to an extent. Which was why the Toad Sage was giving them protective charms to wear; they worked for good periods of time, but in order for their power to not drain too quickly, he instructed the boy to remove them periodically to recharge. The trip was a couple hours away from here.

"But why? You didn't answer my question."

"You impatient idiot. That thing is the reason my friend is the way he is now." Time was short, but he was going to say what he could. "The Dragon Cauldron is a weapon of great power you can't comprehend. For ages before and after you were born, it's been hidden. Orochimaru created it so that he wouldn't ever have to worry about dying like those he couldn't save, even had to trade the life of the woman he loved for this bloody magic...and killed Tsunade and your parents for trying to stop him."

The revelation of the truth stunned the young man, and for a moment, he couldn't speak.

"You're saying...not only did my parents die because of him - and Tsunade - but he murdered his own LOVER?!" Then his eyes narrowed as the bleeding hatred intensified. "That bastard...if I ever see him, he's gonna pay."

And that was what made him such a fool, even so now that feelings of revenge were coming. "Don't think you'll stand a chance the way you are now, Naruto. Because if he finds the cauldron by using Tonton, nothing and no one -" He took the younger one by the shoulders, shaking him firmly but not harshly. "- will stand against him if he unleashes its power."

"But I'm still not afraid of him, now with what you told me."

He sighed. As ever, there was no getting through to this stubborn head which belonged to his mother. "Untried courage won't be a match for the Serpent King's evil." He settled on handing the food pack for the other to wrap around his shoulder and place on his back.

"I only know of Tonton's power besides Tsunade and your parents, and so did Orochimaru. That is why you have to keep her safe now, away from here. There is no telling what may come..."

And so much to now rest on your shoulders, my boy.

So, even though there are elements of Naruto canon as well as Japanese culture, this is purely fantasy in terms of the original material as well as aspects of D and D. :)

Sayuri (Orochimaru's mentioned lover he sacrificed for the cauldron to work in the beginning) is an OC I planned a long time ago to pair with him, except so far I haven't gotten a good story to develop and make work, but she's FAR from a Mary Sue. I thought it was now a good chance to place her in here and also sit to see where the future goes.

Feafōkumeans "fair folk". More about that later.

Original chant: "From you I do beseech: knowledge that lies beyond my reach. Troubled thoughts beyond your heart, pray you now those thoughts in part."

Reviews appreciated, much love!