Konnichiwa, everyone.
This chapter is dedicated to Kakashi T-T me and Bob are in deep mourning, word from Bob – I'm getting an ANBU tattoo! Partly in memoriam! I don't like talking about it, it depresses me. *sad face*
I'm pretty proud of myself for getting this up so fast, and I had a lot of fun. I hope it flows well. Enjoy ;D
Royal Delivery
Chapter Two – Moonflowers For A Prince?
"You just had to say it, didn't you?" Shikamaru asked venomously.
"Say what?" Temari asked. She frowned at the tone he was using with her.
"You just had to say 'how bad could he be?'"
"I didn't foresee this obviously!" Temari defended loudly, gesturing to the small royal heir in front of them.
"I will have you arrested for manhandling royalty!" The prince cried (again). The ANBU, not even the least bit phased, simply dropped Kurono in front of Shikamaru and Temari. "Stupid jerks! I don't like your masks!" He shouted childishly.
"Here," said an ANBU officer. He wore a tasteful silver and ruby crow mask.
"Thanks…" Shikamaru replied warily. The other ANBU officer with a sapphire and amethyst wolf mask put his hand on both Shikamaru and Temari's shoulders.
"Good luck." He sounded like he truly meant it. "This prison complex has never been so noisy."
"Great…" Temari growled. The ANBU officers nodded disappeared from sight, happily leaving the jounins alone with the Geyser Country royalty. "Hey kid." Kurono crossed his arms and glared at Temari. She didn't even flinch. "A kid's glare doesn't scare me. How old are you anyway?"
"I am not a kid! I am ten years old!" Kurono shouted at Temari. Shikamaru faced her.
"Yeah, so not a kid…" Shikamaru commented sarcastically. Temari turned to look at him with a 'please shoot me' look imprinted on her face.
"You have got to be shittin' me."
"Hey lady, I'm reporting you to my father for using abusive language in front of royalty!" Temari groaned. Shikamaru did too.
"Wish I was." Shikamaru truly meant it.
x. .X. .x
"Shizune, please go and check to see if we have another message from Geyser. I don't want any information getting lost. This problem must have all your priority until it is solved," Tsunade ordered. "Is that understood?"
"Hai, Tsunade-sama!" Considering this her new mission, Shizune bowed and left the office swiftly. Tsunade's second apprentice stepped forward.
"Shishou, I have finished my training for the day," Sakura informed professionally.
"Good work, Sakura. You have been working very hard. I'm proud of you." Tsunade smiled at her. Over the years Tsunade had become very attached to Sakura. It felt like she was her younger sister. Tsunade was very proud and interested to see Sakura's strength continue to improve.
"Arigatou, Tsunade-sama." Sakura smiled at her master brightly, her cheeks almost the same colour as her hair. "Shishou… if you don't mind me asking…"
"Hmm?" Tsunade questioned.
"I know it's important that we get Prince Kurono home regardless, but, why are we bending to the will of the Geyser Country? I know it's respectful, but it's a very hard feat for us to get him there in 3 days," Sakura asked, standing firmly in front of her master.
"I understand what you are trying to ask, Sakura. The Geyser Country is a small country and that usually would play as no threat to a nation like the Fire Country, but the Geyser Country is a very wealthy country, and because of that wealth they are a valuable asset to us that we cannot afford to lose."
"I see… that is problematic then." Sakura frowned. She twirled a finger in her short pastel pink hair. "Shishou, would you like any help with some of your work?" Sakura asked sweetly. "You look awfully tired; Jiraiya-sama has even mentioned it."
Tsunade was indeed tired. She had been up since 5 o'clock that morning dealing with their royal problem. And she had also gone to bed late the night before due to an ANBU meeting that ran long.
"Hai, a cup of sake and some help sounds great." Sakura smiled at her, glad to help. Tsunade growled. "All this work is going to give me wrinkles." Sakura bit back an comment about if the sannin didn't alter her appearance she would already have wrinkles. But Sakura valued her head and kept quiet. "Can you please map out a route to Geyser for me? I forgot to give one to Shikamaru and Temari."
"Hai."
Sakura pulled out a map and information book about the local areas from one of the shelves and began plotting the quickest route to the Land of Geysers. After they had been working for no less than five minutes Shizune opened the door and peered inside.
"There were no messages sent… and… ano…"
"What is it Shizune?" Tsunade asked harshly, finishing the last few drops of her sake in her cup.
"Ano… we have Naruto-kun."
"Bring him in." Sakura sighed. She could almost feel Tsunade's dark aura.
Jiraiya and an ANBU officer emerged holding a struggling Naruto by the arms and roughly dropped him. Naruto looked up and the Godaime and whimpered.
"Crap."
x. .X. .x
"What do you mean you 'won't walk'?" Temari growled.
"I won't walk! The ground is dirty!" Kurono huffed.
"It's a dirt road!" Temari shouted, "Of course it's dirty!" Shikamaru placed his fingers together in his thinking "seal".
"Well, I won't walk on it! Royalty does not get dirty!" The prince insisted stubbornly.
"I don't care if you won't walk! I'll just carry you!"
"I'll scream."
"Go right ahead, kid." Temari leaned down so her face was in front of his. "Cause your voice will wear out eventually." Temari smirked as she saw the prince fume because he didn't know how to counter her. Then his face brightened.
"I'll report you to my father for disrespecting and neglecting royalty!" Kurono grinned triumphantly. Temari felt like she wanted to cry for the first time in her life.
"Shikamaru…" She begged.
"I know, I know." Shikamaru broke his concentration. "I think I have a solution."
"You do?" Temari asked with a raised eyebrow. Shikamaru nodded.
"I think we should use one of the imperial bulls. Their stable is just down the road and we do have royalty with us."
"Hm, worth a shot." Temari leaned down and grabbed the prince.
"What are you two- hey! What are you doing? Put me down!" Kurono was effortlessly draped over the Suna kunoichi's shoulder. "You're manhandling royalty!!" He whined.
Temari took no notice of the kicking and screaming ten year old. She felt Shikamaru's gaze on her.
"What?" She asked.
"Was that really necessary?" Shikamaru questioned.
"I have no patience for kids like him," she answered simply as she led Shikamaru to the stable. Shikamaru watched the prince beat his small fists on Temari's back in a form of protest to being treated like a sack of potatoes (It didn't appear to affect her.)
"Troublesome brat…"
"The stable smells bad."
"Don't care," Temari sighed. She walked over to a dark brown bull with impressive horns and nearly threw the prince into the carriage. "Get in, familiarize yourself with it, whatever, and just stay here while we go sign out this bull." Temari turned around and walked to Shikamaru, almost collapsing on him.
"This kid is going to be the fucking death of me," she groaned. Shikamaru finished filling out the form and handed it to the stable watcher.
"I hope not, I'm quite fond of you."
"Aww, the Nara can be sweet." Temari pinched his cheek. Shikamaru frowned.
"We might as well get going, better now than never… I guess." Temari began packing their equipment and supplies onto the bull, making sure everything was secured safely. Shikamaru held onto the reins gently and the bull followed calmly. Temari adjusted the fan on her back. She walked to Shikamaru's side.
"This ought to be fun."
"Hn," Shikamaru grunted.
He unknowingly allowed a scowl onto his face. He could hear the royal heir making snide remarks about the carriage from inside. Shikamaru glared at the closed door of the carriage. Why did he have to be so difficult? He could be difficult with him, sure; hell, Shikamaru was used to troublesome individuals, but did the prince have to be rude to Temari? She had to go through with a lot every day, more than he would ever have to go through. She had to lead her team, teach at the academy and look after her brothers when she was in Suna. She didn't deserve this kind of kid.
Shikamaru's train of thought was disrupted by a strange squishy feeling from under his foot. It felt a little bouncy, and it was soft- yet strangely hard under all that softness. He looked down and saw a bright green and yellow toad positioned under his foot. It gave out muffled croaks of protest and thrashed its arms around.
"What the-" Shikamaru lifted his foot and the toad instantly shot onto his face. Shikamaru let out a muffled yelp of surprise, startling the toad that then jumped onto the top of his head.
Temari spun around to look at Shikamaru quickly, startled from all the noise. She spotted a grumpy looking Shikamaru with a bright green toad sitting on his head. She laughed at him.
"It's not funny," he argued and avoided her gaze, his cheeks gaining a pink tinge.
"It kinda is," she replied with a giggle. She carefully picked up the toad and held it against her chest gently. "It's quite cute," she said, her voice filled with humour.
"You too, doll face," The toad croaked.
"ACK!" Temari's arms shot out and held the toad as far away from her body as possible. She started at it for a few moments and came to a logical conclusion.
"It must be a summoned creature."
"Yeah, I'm pretty certain he's Jiraiya's."
"Why are you stalking us?" Temari asked harshly.
"Hey, don't get all hostile on me; I just came to deliver something from someone called Sakura," the toad croaked again.
"Oh?" Temari replied, marginally more interested. She brought the toad closer to her chest and pulled a small scroll off of his back.
Shikamaru looked at the toad and saw it waggling its non-existent eyebrows at him and looking generally pleased with his position in relation to Temari's body. Shikamaru felt his eyebrow twitch slightly. He never thought he would want to punch a toad. Surely that was animal abuse? What was wrong with him?
"Hey, Shikamaru, it's a map."
"To?" He asked looking over her shoulder.
"Land of Geysers. According to the footnote, Godaime forgot to give us the map when we were in her office."
"Well, at least we know where we're going now," Shikamaru said. He put his hands in his pockets, along with the map that Temari had just given him.
"Ok, scurry along, little frog." Temari leant over and put him on the ground. She heard the toad wolf whistle. She attempted to step on him. The toad dashed off into the distance.
"No doubt about it, he was definitely Jiraiya's," Shikamaru commented.
"This carriage smells bad!" Came a loud cry from the carriage. Kurono opened the door and glared at them. "You." He pointed to Temari. "Fix it."
Shikamaru could almost feel the murderous intent radiating off of her. His brain jumped into action.
"Why I oughta…" Temari was ready to lunge. Shikamaru stepped in front of Temari so that she crashed into him instead. Shikamaru felt her rather developed chest squish into his, making him feel quite uncomfortable.
"Before you kill him, I have a plan…"
x. .X. .x
Ino hummed happily to herself as she leaned across the counter, in her flower shop, playing with the silver and aqua butterfly ring on her right ring finger.
Ino was in a happy mood this afternoon and nothing could bring her down from it today. She plucked a small white rose from the flower arrangement on the counter and placed it behind her ear.
She heard a light tinkling noise of the shop's bell that sounded whenever the door was opened. Ino turned her gaze to the door.
"Konnichiwa, Shikamaru!" Ino chirped brightly. "Oh, and Temari-san, how nice to see you again," Ino added after she saw Temari step into the shop after he teammate.
"Likewise," Temari replied, trying her best to smile. Shikamaru just nodded to Ino in his form of greeting.
"So, what can I do for you today?" Ino asked.
"I need to buy a bunch of your most fragrant flowers." Ino raised an eyebrow at him and placed her hands on her hips while looking between the pair.
"Honestly, Shikamaru, how unromantic," she scolded. Temari looked slightly amused at Ino. Shikamaru slapped his palm into his face.
"Ino, I wouldn't buy flowers for Temari if she was already with me."
"Oh, so you would buy her flowers if she wasn't with you?" Ino teased. Shikamaru groaned and slammed his head on the counter muttering 'troublesome' at random intervals. Ino giggled at him.
She was one of the many people that thought they were a couple, or at least should be one! The chemistry was undeniable and she just knew (although it was yet to be confirmed) that Shikamaru had feelings for the Suna kunoichi.
"Alright, I'll get you some moonflowers." Ino smiled at them.
She walked into the backroom where all the flowers were kept.
"So, how is Chouji doing?" Shikamaru's voice came from the other room.
"He's doing well, from what I can tell," Ino replied while picking twenty moonflowers from out of the bucket. "And things are going well between us too!" Ino just had to add. She walked back to the counter.
"Well, that's good." Shikamaru commented. Ino nodded and sighed dreamily.
"He got me this ring for my birthday, isn't it lovely?!" She squealed. Shikamaru agreed sheepishly; he knew nothing about jewelry. That was good enough for Ino though. "Oh, and thanks for the earrings, Shikamaru, they are really pretty." Ino was referring to the pair of silver tear drop earrings Shikamaru had gotten her for her birthday.
"Don't worry about it, but Temari had to tell me what to buy. I don't know anything about women." Ino laughed at him.
"Well then, thanks, Temari-san." Temari gave her a small smile.
"Anyways, here are your flowers." Ino placed a neatly wrapped bouquet of pure white moonflowers on the counter for Shikamaru. They had a heavenly scent.
"How much do I owe you?" Shikamaru asked. Before Ino could reply, the shop door burst open to reveal a small child with dark brown hair.
"What is taking so long?! I demand to know!" Shikamaru groaned and hit his head against the counter again. "Are you doing something about the smell?!" The prince demanded. Temari glared at him.
"As a matter of fact, we are," Temari snapped. Ino looked at Shikamaru sympathetically.
"Are the flowers for him?" She pointed a thin finger at the young royal.
"Yes," came a muffled reply.
"You know what? They're free." Ino pushed the flowers in front of Shikamaru.
"Thanks, Ino," muttered Shikamaru.
"What a commoner's shop," sneered Kurono. Ino leant over the counter and glared at him.
"I dare you to say that again, brat," Ino dared fiercely. Kurono held his ground.
"The palace's courtesans dress like you do." (AN: A courtesan is a mid-16th Century usage that refers to a mistress or trained artisan of dance and singing.)
Shikamaru's head shot up from the counter in a state of panic. At the same time Temari grabbed onto Kurono's shoulder and ran for the door. As much as she wanted Kurono to be punished, it wouldn't be great for them if he was dead. (Temari was sure Ino would kill him.)
Shikamaru grabbed the flowers and shot out the door, just after Temari basically threw Kurono into the carriage, with Ino right on his heels.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU LITTLE PRICK?!" Ino screamed. Temari and Shikamaru threw themselves onto the bull at the same time.
"GO!" shouted Temari.
The bull, motivated by fright, charged off towards the gate and was through it within a matter of seconds, Ino chasing after them and shouting hurtful curse words towards the royal.
Finally the bull stopped in the middle of the forest with no Ino in sight and all Kurono had to say was:
"I'm calling this bull Ino."
Shikamaru groaned and hung his head. Somehow he didn't like the fact that a bull was being named after his team mate of six years. Temari smiled mischievously.
"You know, I think this kid may grow on me."
"Great…"
x. .X. .x
"I'm really, really, really sorry, Tsunade-baachan!" Naruto pleaded. Right now he was grovelling on Tsunade's floor. "I really didn't mean to! It was an accident 'ttebayo!"
"How could something like that be an accident?!" Tsunade shouted. She was ready to maim Nauruto to within an inch of his life.
"Sakura-chan, help me!" Naruto begged. Sakura shook her head at him.
"Sorry, Naruto, but you need to learn from this," Sakura replied, folding her arms sternly. Sakura was not prepared to get in the way of an angry Tsunade. She actually valued her life. Naruto wailed.
"But surely you could fix it! It's not that big of a deal!"
"Not that big of a deal?!" Tsunade bellowed.
"And how do you propose we fix it, Naruto?" Sakura asked.
"I dunno, maybe some rock and a little glue-"
"How is that going to solve our prince problem?!" Sakura and Tsunade shouted in unison.
"Prince problem? What prince problem?" Naruto asked, generally confused.
"Wait, you mean you didn't get Prince Kurono locked up in the ANBU prison?" Tsunade asked.
"No ways! We have a prince?!" Naruto asked energetically.
"No, baka!" Sakura scolded. "The prince from the Geyser Country."
"Geyser Country?" Naruto asked. Sakura sighed.
"It's no use, shishou. As much as it amazes me too… Naruto didn't do it." Tsunade groaned and cursed her life.
"Ha! I told you I didn't do it 'ttebayo!"
"So, if you didn't get the prince locked up… what did you do?"
"Oh, I just broke the nose off of the First Hokage statue on Konoha's cliff face."
"Sakura, I want you to go to ANBU headquarters and get me the roster of who signed in the prisoners."
"Hai, shishou!" Sakura hastily left the room.
"And, Naruto…"
"Hai, Tsunade-baachan?"
"If you think you can get away with breaking my grandfather's nose, you are very much mistaken!"
"I didn't mean to!" Naruto wailed as he raced out of the office.
"GET BACK HERE, NARUTO!" Tsunade was hot on his heels.
x. .X. .x
"He won't even use the flowers."
"What?"
"Says they're too girly."
"Saw that coming."
"Well, then, I guess… here."
"Aww, flowers for me. Smooth."
Scowl. Blush.
"Troublesome woman."
"Crybaby."
Glare.
Glare.
Silence.
Shuffles feet.
"Thanks."
Like I said, dedicated to Kakashi. (Even though he didn't feature.)
Oh and Deidara… I think all of them will be dedicated to those two. I loved them so very much. QQ Anyway, got ideas for chapter 3 already, so expect a new chapter soon!
Oh, and letting you know. Kurono is pronounced Ka roo no :) just so you don't get confused. And Ino's birthday was like a week ago, not on the day.
[please tell me you have been infected by the subliminal message. =D]
Ja ne
p.s. thank you to Randomonium again... she almost died from laughter editing this story apparantly. Hostel girls thought she was on drugs. Oh and before this story is all edited Shikamaru is a medical marvel. =D best you not know about it.