Yells reverberated through the castle as it shook from its very foundations by the barrage of blasts raining down upon it like a torrent of heavenly fire. In a room high above the ground, deep inside of the castle guarded by numerous guards, a young man with chocolate brown hair shuffled around slightly; the only indication of his nervousness after the barricade had been sealed.

"When is he going to get here," he growled, impatience dripping from his very words though he showed nothing of his emotions on his face, he was the Head Knight.

"You know how he is, or what the rumors we have heard about his demeanor say!' Another person with the same features as the male said, the princess of the castle; Hanabi, as she paced fervently, sword hilt in her grasp. "He arrives at the last possible moment perceivable," she continues, grey eyes harsh and too cold for someone her age, "when desperation is at its highest, so that others can give in to whatever he demands."

Hiashi, the current king of the Hyuga, nodded in ascension of his daughter's insight. He sat in his golden throne, calmly, as if his home wasn't currently under siege by the brutes known as ogres. Many more knights in silver armor stood scattered all over the throne room as they waited for the arrival of one of the most dangerous man known in all of the Elemental kingdoms.

Suddenly there came a tapping, a gentle rapping on the heavy wooden doors. All movement ceased, no one even dared to breathe too deeply, as their eyes seemed almost entranced by the redwood doorways.

"Well, is it him?" young Hanabi finally snarled out as she motioned towards the barricaded entrance.

"Open up," Hiashi commanded as he stood from his throne and walked forward. Two knights, in their ever shimmering mercurial armor, lifted the wooden bar that lay over the doors and pushed them open darting quickly to the sides as they pulled out their silver swords. It was as if time stood still as the entrance slowly revealed the hallway only, not a soul was in sight.

"Tch, overdramatic much," a deep melodious voice said from behind them. They all turned as one to stare at the figure lounging in the king's chair as if he owned all. What they saw, however, made all but the King, Princess, and Head Knight, who only let a small look of revulsion appear before wiping it clean, step back in utter horror; the kingdom's most stoic clan actually showed some form of emotion as they gazed upon the visage of the evil wizard known as Sasuke.

Almond shaped eyes with ebony sclera and four pointed honey irises regarded them with contempt plain in those demonic eyes. Worn, leathery skin stretched over what would have been handsome features if not for the sardonic smirk set on pale lips and the utter cruelty oozing from him. Long ivory canines that could rival those of the Inuzuka clan flashed before them as he sneered; the rest of his teeth where, surprisingly, the same shocking white as his canines not the putrid yellow that others claimed he had. Ashen hair with two long bangs framed his face while it sort of stuck out from the back like arrant tree brambles reaching outward. However, all that paled in comparison to the protrusions extending out from behind him, two claw wing-like appendages were flexing behind him; curling inward as they retracted the talons at the end of their fingers. It was beautifully macabre the way he seemed to resemble some sort of fallen angel as he stood up and walked to them all.

Neji's eyes narrowed as the monster, really that is all that could define him, walked to them. Reaching to his side he pulled out his sword with barely any sound rounded upon the creature. The warlock merely raised his brow in what could be described as amusement before, with a flick of his hand, he sent the young guard flying to the wall.

"You called," he said in his deceptively harmonious voice. How could something so repulsive have such a charming voice?

At the demon's prompting, Hiashi finally broke from his reverie and calmly regarded the being before him. With his usual stoic features back in place, Hiashi spoke to him, not a quiver in his tone, "The Hyuga clan is in need of your assistance to annihilate our, unwelcome, guests. We are prepared to entitle you with any finances you may need; as well as anything, that is behind reason, that you may desire." A stillness in the air appeared as both men stared intently at each other, measuring their opposing wills.

"Tch, as if; I can make all the gold I need and anything I want I take. However, there is one thing I need." In an instant he appeared behind Hanabi, whom stiffened at his presence, eyes wide in awe of his speed and fear. A hand with razor sharp talons was on her shoulder and she couldn't stop herself from releasing a shiver of fear and revulsion at the feel of callused claws on her.

"No," a voice growled and all turned to watch as Neji stood from his collapsed form on the floor.

"No?" was his response.

"There must be something else you require." Hiashi said, preventing the young Hyuga from charging at the wizard. Though, Hiashi himself was finding it difficult to refrain from activating his Byakugan.

"I need a servant and she's small enough to fit through and clean the vents." Sasuke deadpanned, smirking slightly at the look of horror that adorned their faces momentarily.

"Hanabi-sama is a princess and heir to the Hyuga Clan kingdom, no menial servant!" Neji hissed and charged at Sasuke, deftly avoiding the blast of lighting that came from his hand only to clash with a wing that protected him.

"Cease."

A clear sweet voice spoke from the darkest corner of the room. No light shone in that area and the voice that had spoken almost seemed to have been an illusion but the others knew better and by the wide eyes they had, they knew who it was. Hanabi took advantage of the situation and broke free of Sasuke's grasp to run to the darkness.

"Onee-chan!" she gasped out, almost as if she was holding back tears, as she hugged the figure that stepped from the shadows desperately. An utterly enchanting woman in a dress of deep sapphire that hugged her ample bosom before it spread like a flowing river past her hips, smiled serenely at all those gathered. Her hair was up in folds at the top and sides of her head, held together by glittering diamonds, sapphires and pearls as some of it was still let down and went to her waist. It was as if the night sky had descended and become one with her. Pearlescent orbs gazed at them from huge doe eyes giving them the impression of a glassy texture that pierced the soul, nothing was hidden from such divine eyes. Her soft oval face was framed by long side bangs as well as some bangs that barely touched the top of her brows. Soft, glistening, rose petal pink lips parted as she spoke; small demure hands petting Hanabi's earthen hair.

"No need to argue. I will take Hanabi's place instead."

_ So I should really be updating AitH instead of creating a new fic but this has been festering me and so far in the writitng process it's still ongoign but I have enough typed up to make this work. Anyway this is based on a particular episode of the amazing show called "Once Upon A Time" on abc/channel 7 partcularly the episode called 'Skin Deep' - that partially explains the title but the title is actually based on a quote I found online. I have a bit of this typed up while the rest is still in writing mode. Updates will be randam as usual but i have enough to maybe update a chap a week unless my Alziehmer's kicks in and I forget which most likely I will since AP tests/Senior portfolio/finals/college-prep is already killing me and I'm not helping by procastiniating. SO anyways read and review peeps!