Hello friends! It's been forever since I wrote anything Naruto, much less GaaSaku, so I wanted to try my hand at it once more. This is a re-upload of my story 'Illicit', so for those of you wondering where it went, I took it down. I felt strongly that it was missing something, so I wanted to go through and give it a bit of a revamp. There will be new scenes, new demensions, and a lot more GaaSaku. Also, I wanted to focus a bit more on Sakura's average life before she gets involved with dear Gaara. And for those of you who haven't read it before, it's fine, just ignore my rambling. :)

I should be done editing the first chapter soon, so in the meantime, enjoy the prologue!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. That pleasure goes to our adorable Kishimoto.

"Well now, isn't this a surprise."

A deep, thundering voice reverberated throughout the atramentous cave. Hisashi Sabaku fought between the conflicting urges to gape at the shadowed mass residing in the far end of the rocks and smirking at the distinct feeling of satisfaction that resulted from his journey's end. After seventeen long, arduous years he had finally done it. He had managed to track down the notorious Shukaku; the Demon of the Sand. It was hardly a simple process. Information regarding the tailed demons was few and far between. Proving them more than mere folklore was enough of a challenge, but still, he persevered. After all, it was only he that could give Hisashi what he had so desperately sought.

The resurrection of his wife, Kurara.

After her death from the excruciating birth of his youngest child, he had been completely devastated. The feeling of true emptiness, the shock of losing one so dear to him, had sparked the obsession with the beasts. Kurara's body had been preserved to the best of his ability, for when he discovered the taste of success. Hisashi refused to rest until he was able to restore the family he once had. He spent seven years alone trying to locate the elusive demon and learning all he could about the beast.

But nothing could have prepared him for this.

Beige in color, his coat was marred with navy symbols resembling the jagged lines of lightning. The top of his ears brushed the roof of the massive cavern, and the appendage that began on his lower back seem more like a club than a tail. Completing the horrendous impression was a jagged jawline with canines as sharp as spikes. Overall, he was utterly terrifying.

And he was to make a deal with this anomaly? What could he possibly offer to such an incomprehensible creature?

"What brings four lowly mortals to my dwelling?"

Glancing over his shoulder at his three kids, he noted their similar expressions of apprehension. He has dragged them with him through his masses of research. He couldn't put them through so much in their short lives only to question his purpose. And what of Kurara? There was a tightening in his chest that always came from the thought of his late wife. All these years without her had nearly destroyed him. If there was anything he could do to return her to him, he would do it.

Swallowing hard, Hisashi spoke, "Shukaku-sama," deep breath, "we have come looking to reach an agreement. My wife, Kurara, has long been deceased, but…" he trailed off, steeling himself, before continuing, "I wish for her return to the world of the living."

Hisashi felt the sweat fall from his brow to his chin as silence echoed in the stony residence. As the tension grew, his nerves expanded alongside it. When it became too much to handle, he anxiously explained, "Please, I will do anything. We've traveled so much, if there is anything you wish from us, it's yours."

The demon's eyes, the color of the deepest shadows, seemed to pierce his being. Hisashi couldn't move, couldn't speak, and was powerless to look away. Before fully grasping what was happening, he was on his knees, grasping at his throat. Breathing had become a luxury no longer offered to the older male. Distantly, he believed he heard a feminine voice yell, "Father!" but it was irrelevant. All sense was lost to the pain blossoming in his lungs.

He wasn't sure how long it went on for. He was writhing uncontrollably on the stone floor of the cavern, helpless against the torrents shooting mercilessly through his body. If it went on longer, if it continued, he'd-

And then it stopped.

Gasping, he savored the feel of air returning to his quivering body. It was then he became aware of his children surrounding him, Temari rubbing his back soothingly as Gaara and Kankuro kneeled next to him with worried eyes.

Quietly, he consoled them, "I'm fine, I assure you, it has passed." Gaara and Kankuro exchanged a look, but rose to their feet and turned to face the shadowy mass at the far end of the cave while Temari helped him stand. It was dizzying at first, but the feeling quickly passed.

But what was that, exactly? There was no doubt in his mind that Shukaku was the one to implant the overwhelming feeling of suffocation, but why? Had he been out of line? While the tailed-demons were hardly known for their kindness, it was not uncommon for them to make deals with humans. At least, in the stories he had heard, that was the case. Men and women just as desperate as he going on a journey to reach some sort of solace.

His train of thought was cut short by a booming laugh echoing throughout the lair. The sound was low and ominous and sent chills through the four beings standing in the middle of the room.

"I see, interesting. Very interesting." Shukaku moved slowly towards the family, each step sending tremors through the rocky walls. "I will bring back your precious Kurara, but on one condition." Hisashi's heart stopped. He was so overcome with emotion, he couldn't fully process what the beast spoke of. Was he serious? Would he really bring back his precious wife? All his work would not be in vain. His children would know their mother. He would have the love of his life back. All he had to do was say the words and everything, this incredible ratrace, would conclude.

Shukaku was before them now. Bending down, a massive head was now leveled with the Sabaku's. His cold gaze settled on the leader of the troop before continuing his thought. "You must accept my… gift."

That gave Hisashi pause. His elation deflating somewhat, he stared cautiously at the monster. He wasn't so much of a fool as to believe the being would both return his wife and give them a present. In such a scenario, he would fail to benefit. Unless there was more to it.

Just as he was about speak, the soft, yet authoritative voice of his youngest pierced the electric air. "What is this gift you speak of?"

Abruptly, Shukaku's attention shifted to the red-haired boy. His twisted muzzle lifted into what would be a smirk on most humanoids. His face, still dark with what could only be described as pure wickedness, seemed to light up with interest. He looked into the young man's eyes, and to his complete shock, Gaara looked right back. He did not shy away as so many did. He simply stared forward with the unnatural calm control that Hisashi's youngest had always possessed.

"Yes, yes!" The deep voice exclaimed with black mirth, pulling away from the contest. "You will do nicely."

Turning away, Shukaku made his way back to his previous spot by the craggy wall. "I shall grant you immortality."

Hisashi gapped. Immortality? It was the one thing most men spent their entire lives trying to find. And here, a modest family with no intent on living forever, had stumbled upon it. Would they become legends? Or were they to hide the discovery? And Kurara? Would she be granted this gift as well?

Turning around to face his beloved children, he saw Kankuro's furrowed brow and Temari's wide-eyed wonder. A soft murmur of "Immortality?" could be heard between the two as they openly gawked at the hellion resting smugly in what appeared to be his favorite spot.

Gaara was the only one who seemed to keep his composure. In fact, he seemed neither surprised nor excited. Turquoise eyes were narrowed in suspicion, and his lips were titled downward in an expression of deep thought. "At what cost?" he questioned.

Of course. Hisashi chided himself on not considering this. Of course a demon would have an ulterior motive.

The sinister chuckle sounded once again. "Ah, a mortal who is aware that he is being manipulated. How… refreshing." The giant quickly sobered, and the air seemed to grow heavier. "You will be given a part of my power, but the repercussions are notable." The massive being licked its lips hungrily, "You will become a creature of the night. You will never die, and will possess strength that no mere mortals could imagine in their wildest dreams."

With the romantic explanation, Kankuro seemed to have returned to his senses, as he inquired, "What do you mean, a 'creature of the night?'"

The aura of evil was palpable. Fog seemed to weave through the damp atmosphere, and Hisashi had to suppress a shudder. He knew, no matter what the response, that it would change the course of their destinies.

But nothing could have prepared him for the haunting reply he would receive.

"I mean," he growled, "a vampire."

The chill that passed through his body was like nothing he had previously experienced. It was as if the word itself held a dreadful power that foreshadowed what would accompany such a life.

Vampires were legends in their own right. There were countless tomes written on the subject of what the demonic beasts were capable of, but all of it was myth and lure. However, there was one quality that all stories seemed to agree on: a taste for blood.

"Why?" Temari's voice was barely above a whisper, obviously overwhelmed, "What do you gain from that?"

A volatile look crossed the monstrosities shadowy feature. "You are the ones asking for my assistance. These are my terms. Accept or not, it is your choice."

Is that what it would take to bring back Kurara? Hisashi's mind drifted back to his love. Her smiling face that could light up a room with heavenly light. Her eyes that always seemed to reflect joy. If he had to become a… vampire to return her to the world of the living, he would do it. But what of the children? Could he really ask this of them? Would they want the life that would come with such a curse?

Hisashi did not need to speak the words to ask the question. Kankuro was the first to meet his probing gaze, and gave a small nod, albeit reluctantly. He would be joining him. Temari managed a weak smile, and placed her hand on his shoulder. He noticed it was quivering. How horrid of a father was he?

But they had conceded of their own accord. That had to count for something.

At last, he focused on Gaara. Hisashi met Gaara's indifferent scrutiny. He would not force him to join them. He had never met Kurara, it would hardly be fair. Almost as if reading his thoughts, Gaara's mouth set itself in a grim line. They would be doing this together.

Hisashi's heart fluttered, and he slowly turned back to face the monster awaiting his response. Taking a deep breath, he mustered as calm a tone as he possibly could under the circumstances. With his next words, he sealed his fate. "We accept."

And then everything was pain.

Thank you for reading the prologue, reviews are appreciated :)