MONSTERS AND DEMONS AMONG MEN

Summary: As far as legends go the Bijuus were supposed to be ancient entities, reckless forces of nature with unimaginable power. But what if the prophecies and evidence of them just weren't there? What if instead they were someone's science experiment? SasuNaru, side pairings, OC, jinchuuriki. Pretty much backwards, and throwing canon out the window:)

Genre: Everything

Pairing: SasuNaru and other side pairings

Rating: M future smut.

Disclaimer- SasuNaru, Canon Divergence?/AUish?, Massacre-less, YOAI. No Madara, no Akatsuki? Maybe, we'll see.

I don't own the Naruto, just clarifying any possible mishaps. But, yes, I do sign autographs.

AN: Ok, ok in the great words of Drake "I ain't never told no lie" that being said I'm not gonna deal with no fucking B.S. So, I don't want hate, if you have problems with your own internalized homophobia then call (212)673-3000. They seem like nice people. Best of luck. I have mentioned it in 1. The summary for the story and inside the actual story's page. 2. The gotdam disclaimer. If you didn't read them well then I suggest you call your local optometrist. They're probably a nice person too.

01. Devil In A Black Dress

Team Seven was unique.

But what he actually meant was that Team Seven was a mess.

Kakashi couldn't have been more screwed with the luck of his draw.

There was Sakura, small dainty little Sakura Haruno. The girl with the baby pink hair and eyes the color of Konoha's summer leaves, girlish and naïve. The problem was that ninja weren't dainty. Her world was one centered around idealistic love and romance. She was sweet when she wasn't a feral creature that snarled with the fury of a prodded tiger. She could hit pretty hard when she was angry. Her chakra control was the best. For a civilian she did pretty damn well but as a ninja she had a long way to go.

Then there was Sasuke. Moody and brooding and dark and frowning Sasuke. He was an Uchiha, pale with tar black hair he most likely thought was the color of his soul and matching ice black lacquer eyes all the adolescent girls swooned for. What he was always so uncontent about he wasn't sure but it might have something to do with Itachi and Uchihas always trying to one up each other. As any Uchiha he was superb, top of his class with exceeding potential, but also,

an arrogant buttwipe.

He wanted perfection and nothing less, his world centered around the reach for power. Teamwork was his downfall. That and his attitude.

Then there was Naruto. Naruto the orphaned class clown at the bottom of his year the Hokage looked over personally. He was a boy of inexpendable energy colored in obnoxious colors. He bounded everywhere with childish powder blue eyes, a sunflower golden mess of hair, mischievous grin and a metaphorical wagging tail. If Sakura and Sasuke needed work, Naruto needed a personalized tutor. He moved with jerkiness which more often than not landed him in more trouble as opposed to his teammates more graceful movements and his self and chakra control were horrid.

Individually, each was a handful. Together they were a tapped land mine waiting to go off. Sakura bickered with Naruto who professed his undying love and constantly got the boot. Sakura bothered Sasuke who ignored her as she professed her undying love once again got the boot (not as violently though.). Naruto and Sasuke were in constant rivalry, no profession of undying love between the two but constantly giving each other the boot. Naruto, because Sasuke would ignore Sakura's profession and he was a bastard. Sasuke, because Naruto was never shut up and was an idiot who wouldn't leave him alone.

Two lonely souls who misunderstood rivalry for friendship and got caught up in a mess somewhere in between.

Or maybe that was just Kakashi projecting.

But Team Seven was growing, they were on their way back from a C rank mission that had gone up to a B rank. They had been ambushed by Zabuza and Haku, rogue ninja from Kiri when they were forced to deal with a gang that was controlling and crippling Wave Country. Kakashi had seen snippets, protecting each other and on the way back they were much more subdued, less hostile and more aware of each other and themselves all around. Sakura overlooked them with a hawks eye and stood taller, prouder.

So when Team Seven crossed the finish line at Konoha's gate Kakashi felt the small gush and slow swell of pride. It was still a far shot but they were a step closer.

That's was a step closer considering he was a hell of a lazy teacher.

So when the sun shone red and agitated against the roses and magenta of the sky and wisps of clouds began to dissipate like cotton candy in his mouth Kakashi told them to pick up the pace and report to the Hokage.

The kids were tired from the long trip so when they were moving at a snail's pace and Naruto slowly dragging himself up the stairs Kakashi didn't comment. As soon as access was allowed Naruto flung himself at one of the chairs and the Hokage merely smoked his pipe.

"Oh, do tell how it went" he smiled wide and amused at the child. Clearing his throat Kakashi gave his report and his wrinkled face slowly turned serious and reserved.

With a few words of praise and encouragement they were let go with a more handsome pay than previously expected. Outside the tower alongside the dirt streets with the background excitement of children Kakashi gave his own half-assed praise and watched Sakura and Naruto beam while Sasuke looked thoughtful, subtle pride easing his frown.

And then Naruto opened his mouth to badger Sasuke and strive for Sakura's attention which resulted in a smack to the back of the head and a mouthful of cockiness from Uchiha. Kakashi left them arguing in front of the Hokage Tower riding the whisper of a breeze and soft flurry of leaves without them even noticing.

.*.+.*.

"Guys, Kakashi-sensei already left" Sakura whined and Naruto quickly looked around while he and Sasuke gripped the collars of their shirts.

"And just when we were making progress" she sighed lightly to herself, hand on hip. A lightbulb went off over her head, slight blush overtaking her and she flustered.

"Hey um,...Sasuke-kun do you wanna-"

"I'm going home" he shoved Naruto and headed without so much as a goodbye, the sun reflecting off the shine of his jet black hair and his relaxed posture.

"Bastard! She was talking to you! Come back here you dick!" Naruto shouted shaking his fist at him.

"Naruto! There are children here watch your mouth!" She chided and he deflated but perked back up, resilient as ever.

"Hey Sakura do you wanna-"

"I've gotta get home my parents are gonna be worried..." so with arms pulled behind her back she pivoted on her heel and headed east while Sasuke headed north. Pouting to himself Naruto stuck his hands in his pockets and headed south towards his apartment.

Crossing the shimmering surface of the lake Naruto watched kids swimming with floaters and waddling with bright flippers, laughing and carefree. The empty pull of loneliness gnawed at him and he sighed. It sure was a nice day no matter how fast that dick managed to mess it up. He's such a jerk, what's his problem?

Blowing a raspberry to himself Naruto scuffed the ground with his sandal and turned towards home with his hands behind his back.

Being alone was nice, Naruto was sure of himself without needing the validation of anybody else, but it would be nice if sometimes people were there when his apartment was a little too quiet or a little too big. He just didn't know what people's deals were, he was branded the delinquent and stamped 'trouble' by shopkeepers so he wasn't too friendly with them. The only reason he pulled pranks was because he wanted people to talk to him, maybe some admiration from kids his age or care from elders. But that ended in a tarnished reputation and a cold shoulder.

The only reason he wanted that attention was because his parents were dead. Naruto never knew them but the old geezer did and sometimes he would tell Naruto little snippets about them. He knew the honor his father had once had as Hokage. They had died when Oto had overwhelmed Konoha on a surprise attack when he was an infant, and Naruto rarely saw the old geezer even though he paid for his living and food. His old man was the whole reason he wanted to be Hokage.

Climbing the stairs Naruto shuffled for his keys but they clattered to the floor so looking upside down between his legs he saw a cat looking at him from the dirt road where it meowed.

"Well hello there, whatcha doing here?" he cooed.

All black with large yellow-green eyes the cat rubbed against his leg and a soft purr rumbled through its chest.

"Are you hungry?" Naruto crouched and rubbed the pads of his fingers against its soft chin. Opening the door the kitty followed and Naruto lead it up to his apartment. Opening his door the cat stepped in hesitantly and began going around, sniffing and curious.

"Hmm, what do you like? I don't suppose you like ramen? No, but I have chicken! Do you want chicken?" The cat wasn't paying attention so Naruto took that as a yes and heated chicken scraps for the cat and some take out from Ichiraku, mouth already watering.

"Ooh, I almost forgot about you guys. Whoops" Naruto carefully watered the collection of plants and flowers lining the window sill, the kitty rubbing up and dancing between his legs. Then it just stared at him.

"C'mon, eat, your food is right there"

The cat stared at him and then followed him to the living room where Naruto sat on his couch and turned on the tv. The small ball of fur nestled in the cradle of his crossed legs and purred, nose flaring gently as it sniffed him and licked him.

"Alright suit yourself" digging into the noodles Naruto sighed in contentment, Ichiraku was sent down straight from the gods themselves. Gods bless that man. After devouring the noodles Naruto pet the cat until he noticed that the trash was overflowing in the corner. Ehhh but I don't wanna.

Naruto didn't usually bother with cleaning and in an apartment as big as his, it was a problem, and he knew that.

But this was trash, even Naruto couldn't stand to be breathing in that mess all the time. So, gathering his mess he emptied the cans and opened the door, ready to put on his shoes when the cat came over and started swatting his shoe.

"Hey, stop that I gotta go"

Looking at him with narrowed pupils the kitty, as fast as a shadow picked up his sandal and darted down the stairs and out the slightly open front window.

"What the hell! Get back here theif!"

Trash forgotten on the street, Naruto caught the cat running into the outskirts of the forest.

"Hey come back here ya damn cat!" With fist in the air and ready to take off a girl running towards him caught his attention. She was a tall and pretty woman with purple hair and amber eyes and the ink on her white skin caught his attention the most.

"Did you just say cat?"

"Yea?"

"I'm sorry but my cat got out today, she's black-"

"-Green eyes?"

"Yes!"

"She just took off with my shoe" Naruto said rubbing his neck and laughing and bashful.

"That's her! I'm so sorry, she usually just takes socks! Do you mind telling me where she went?"

Blushing at the pretty girls apologies Naruto nodded and lead her towards the trail of the miniature burglar. It wasn't really dark but the moon cast pale light through the patches of leaves and branches, lighting their way. They weren't that deep in when the Naruto pushed away a clump of branches caught the sight of something and the girl shuffled behind him.

"Hey! I think that's my-"

And that's when the blow came to the back of the head and the world tilted before falling away into the lull of darkness.