A/N: Revised version 9.9.13
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Chapter One
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Demons could be separated into two categories.
Evil ones and good ones-
Good demons could live for many years without harming anyone; if they train long enough they might even reach a state of divinity.
Evil demons could absorb the life force of humans or consume innocent demons to increase their power level. A strong demon could also gather an army of worshipers and control an area they desire.
In a world with such evils, peace keepers or Taoists were highly trained martial combatants and they possessed great spiritual energy to fight against demons. Taoists will exterminate both good and evil demons.
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Two young mischievous foxes have decided to travel far away from their snowy hometown.
They were forbidden to come into contact with humans, but curiosity got the better out of them. Despite the warnings from the elders and having lived 100 years, these two young maidens decided to take a journey and explore more of the world.
Every five demon years were equivalent to one human year.
The girls looked about 20 years of age to their human equivalent.
It had taken them 50 years to master the ability to appear in human form.
Sakura and Ino had grown up together and they were as close as blood sisters, they were both orphans as their parents were killed when they were young. They were raised by Grandma Chiyo and Papa Hiruzen. Both girls were trained with magic powers to defend themselves from danger but their skills would be useless against evil demons.
The white landscape had always protected the girls from outsiders. They had moved to the snowy mountains under their grandparent's guidance since becoming orphans.
Grandma Chiyo and Papa Hiruzen were not biologically related to either of the girls.
They had found the fox duo starving and malnourished, out of kindness; they decided to take them in.
Having reached 100 years of age, both girls had reached adulthood, and they really wanted to find their own paths. Traveling outside of their snowy fortress was indeed dangerous but it was a gamble both girls were willing to take.
They were determined and filled with courage.
Their aim was to find a purpose in life.
Their mission was to see as many places as they could and learn more about the human race, unbeknownst to them, they weren't aware that many evil demons lurked about. They prayed that Grandma Chiyo and Papa Hiruzen would forgive them.
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Since their departure the old couple has been searching frantically for them.
"I knew this day would come." Grandma Chiyo sighed.
"If we knew, we should have taught them more magic." Grandpa Hiruzen added.
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Outskirt of Konoha
Sakura and Ino sat together on a slender thatched pogada roof, the tall architecture allowed them to oversee the entire Konoha city. They both rested their eyes on a gigantic castle; it was a magnificent building that stretched for many kilometers.
"I bet you that the inside of the castle will be beautiful." Ino exclaimed. She always had an eye for pretty things.
"I have to agree the outside of that building is stunning! I wonder what sort of people lives inside?" Sakura wondered.
"Shall we go inside and have a look?" Ino asked.
"Sounds dangerous how do you suppose we go inside those thick walls without getting noticed?" Sakura asked curiously.
"We will disguise ourselves as palace maids. I have a plan in mind; you just have to follow my instructions. By the way, I heard the prince of this Fire Country will be getting married tomorrow." Ino stated.
"Enlighten me tomorrow as long as we don't use our magic." Sakura exclaimed.
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The fox duo had always wondered what life would be if they had parents.
All they could ever do was imagine a- 'what if'?
But at the very least they had each other so they weren't lonely.
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"I wonder if the prince is handsome." Sakura pondered out of the blue.
"He probably is no doubt, I'm sure his wife would be very pretty too." Ino answered.
"Maybe we'll get to see him tomorrow." Sakura suggested.
"Maybe…" Ino replied.
The girls chatted for a while and discussed what they would like to see and do. They also enjoyed the tranquil shimmer from the stars as well as the warm glow from the moon. Sakura grew a little tired and decided to rest her head on Ino's shoulder.
Ino decided to play a sad tune on her bamboo flute; it was the only possession she had to remind herself of her parents. The hypnotic melody from the flute emitted a drowsy affect on Sakura; her eyelids grew heavier with each passing minute.
Sakura fell asleep peacefully; she had always been a heavy sleeper.
"Sakura-dear, I hope you don't get hurt." Ino whispered, she knew that entering the palace domains would mean putting both of them at risk.
Ino picked Sakura up and placed her over her right shoulder. She jumped off the roof and dashed back to a run down temple, it wasn't the most glamorous place to stay; but it would have to do. The girls have not used any magic since the start of their journey; they didn't want to take any unnecessary risk of their scent being discovered by another demon or Taoist.
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The blonde headed back out to meet a special person. She looked forward to entering the palace through his connections. He had promised to lend her some maid uniforms.
Ino was also very curious in learning more about the country's history; she planned to find out more once inside the castle walls. She clenched fiercely onto a medallion with the fire country's symbol on it.
She had found the foreign piece of metal lying next to her parent's dead body.
She was always inquisitive and eager to explore.
Her curiosity got the better of her.
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Konoha Palace
The palace was situated underneath a dormant volcano hence the residents were able to enjoy hot springs all year round. Although inactive, steam floated from the top of the volcano while molten lava was still present at the very bottom of the cone shaped mountain. The volcano was a famous symbolic icon to the Fire Country.
High ranking bureaus would often wear black cloaks with red swirls.
Royalties would be distinguished with a swirly orange design on their clothing items to symbolise the clan's hierarchy.
During this beautiful clear night, Naruto decided to relax in the hot spring in his living quarter's courtyard. He was still drinking his sake and unwilling to sober up. He could still admire the cherry blossom trees planted around the big yard.
A cool breeze made the petals flutter and land across the steaming water.
After a few more drinks Naruto's vision became a little blurry, but he suddenly felt another person's presence. The steam and his fuzzy vision were making it hard for him to see. He could make out some pink and skin colour, as the figure came closer he realised the person was not clothed.
He noticed some long pink hair and guessed the person was female, naked and advancing closer to him.
His heart pumped faster, the pink colour felt very familiar.
He decided to close his eyes and let the figure come closer.
He really couldn't tell whether it was reality or a dream.
Naruto felt the figure's soft curves squashed against his rigid torso; he had really wished it was Saki. He could sense her breathing coming closer to his lips; he was about to lean forward and kiss whoever it was but stopped.
Saki was always a little concerned about her petite figure and the owner of the large rack pressed against Naruto's chest was definitely not his wife's.
Naruto pushed the woman away from him and opened his innocent blue eyes immediately.
He saw Hinata wearing a pink wig in front of him.
He felt disgusted.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Naruto yelled.
"I..."
"Seriously Hinata you've gone too far! How could you possibly think that you can replace Saki?" Naruto continued.
His words felt like glass piercing into Hinata's heart.
"I.. I..." Hinata cried. She didn't know how to explain herself. She didn't know what magic bean she had eaten to give her the audacity to play such a cruel trick.
"We... The marriage tomorrow... I thought..." Hinata mumbled thinking it was ok to act like husband and wife with Naruto considering they were to be wed tomorrow anyways.
"Please do not ever do that again," Naruto warned and added, "If you do that I will disappear from this country, I mean it so believe it!"
Naruto quickly hopped out of the water and grabbed his black yukata with an orange swirl design on the back. He wrapped the cloth around his body and grabbed his hakama pants and ran. He couldn't stand a minute longer being near Hinata.
Hinata really did step pass a fine line.
Naruto felt betrayed by his friend and worst of all he felt guilty to have mistaken Saki with another woman.
Naruto decided to stop drinking from this day onwards and it was a long night ahead for him as he lay awake sober. He didn't know how he should face Hinata tomorrow. The thought of her becoming his wife sent shivers down his spine.
She was definitely not allowed to sleep on his bed.
Definitely not.
TBC