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Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me. The story and all its liberties do however. The time taken to making this is written on inspiration and motivation. Delays will be apologized for.

Happy Birthday Naruto.

SasuNaru Fanfiction

The Fox Princess

Chapter 10: Search For The Sun

The kingdom relished in the warmth and beauty that summer brought forth. The forest and farmlands burst forth with abundant colors and great harvest. The people marveled happily under the warmth of the summer sun. It had been a week since the Harvest Moon Ball. Sadly, the joyous occasion was marked with tragedy. No sooner had the king decided to announce his chosen heir, a great loss had taken place. No, not a death but a terrible loss none the less. And the youngest son of the king was taking the loss quite terribly.

Ever since his beloved wife was taken from him, Sasuke had resigned to locking himself in his bed chambers and deal away miserably in solitude. The few times he did eat were when servants would bring food up to his room. The eldest son stayed close by lest his last born sibling do something drastic. As for Sai, he preferred not to get caught up in the drama. It had nothing to do with him anyway. Sasuke sat at his bedroom window with his head propped up on his arms staring outside his window. He saw the outlines of the forest in the distance, the bustling of the crowds in the village going to and fro places, and the sun beams lighting up the dark outline of the grassy plains in the distance. He sighed sadly. It reminded him too much of what he had lost. He recalled crying quite a lot when his mother had died. As he got older that sadness dwindled down into numbness which he gradually dwindled down into distracting himself with princely duties. Stranger still was upon meeting Kitsune, he found the pain of losing his mother was slowly being replaced with the happiness he never thought he would feel again.

Looking back, he could not help but feel shame for the way he had treated her when she was in her fox form. Had he known that she was the girl from his dreams, he never would have spurned her like he did. Talk about being a shallow idiot. Only did her true form reveal itself to him, did his love her come to fruition. She had been there for him from the beginning; giving him guidance and comfort when he had doubts. Each time, she delivered what she promised. If only he hadn't been so gullible. The masked stranger came into thought. His face shifted into a glare and he growled lowly. It was his fault he had inadvertently betrayed his princess. His fault that he might never see his beloved again. Sasuke clenched his fist. No, he would see his beloved again. He would find her again. Even if the journey cost his life, he would regain his lost light.

Itachi paced back and forth in the garden with a harried look. He just did not know what to do to snap his little brother out of it. He barely got any sleep over the week for fear that he would walk into his brother's room and see…he just did not want to think of what Sasuke would do to himself. Itachi's wife, Karin could only glance in sympathy at her husband's duress. She had been there to watch her brother-in-law's emotional breakdown at the disappearance of his queen. She curved her lips in a grimace. The events of last week's grand ball still ran fresh in her mind. How she had humiliated herself in front of everyone and her husband at what should have been her last chance to shine. At least, she wasn't alone in that affair. That feeling soon passed when she saw the sight of the new king to be bawling like a child who lost his favorite toy. It was only later that Itachi told her the saddening news. Sasuke's wife had been taken from him. Finally after minutes of watching her husband pace back and forth, she finally lost her patience.

"Itachi dear would you cut it out! You're not helping the situation by acting like a lunatic!" she scolded. Itachi stopped only to glare at his wife. "Dammit Karin! I just can't stand back and do nothing while my brother slowly destroys himself! What if he one day kills himself and I'm not there to stop him?!

Karin lowered her eyes to her lap. Itachi ran his hands through his hair. "I'm sorry anata but; demo as the oldest brother, I can't sit back and do nothing!" Itachi leaned against the exterior of the gazebo's entrance and folded his arms. He closed his eyes and inhaled and exhaled a few times. Karin put her hand to her lips and waited for her husband to respond.

"When our mother died, we were a mess! Everyone in the kingdom felt the loss! My father try as he might, struggled to stay strong before his subjects and us. No longer did he smile as much or attempt to join in public events, he just…shut down. As the older sibling, I had to step in and see to it that our remaining family did not break apart. Easier said than done" he chuckled bitterly. Sai who was usually so quiet and withdrawn ultimately came out of his shell-and not necessarily for the better. It was no secret he always held Sasuke responsible for our mothers deteriorating health after he was born. But on the day that she died, Sai' Itachi's face scrunched painfully. "He outright snapped and screamed at him. He said if he (Sasuke) had never been born, mom wouldn't have gotten sick and she'd still be alive". Itachi sucked in a shuttered breath and hung his head to hide his pained expression. Karin clenched her hands on her lap and bit her lip.

"Sasuke was never the same after that. He would not come out of his room for days. He rarely ate and would train himself for days to the point of exhaustion. One time he disappeared for two whole days. By the time we found him, he was at the verge of death dehydrated, exhausted, and sallied with a high fever. It was a miracle he survived. Oh god Karin you have no idea. No idea at all what it means to wait in anguish and pain awaiting news of your youngest brother's fate, whether he be alive or dead" he finished his story no longer bothering to hide his emotions. Karin wiped her eyes furiously. It pained her to know that her husband had been holding such a pain in his heart all the while attempting to appear strong before everyone. It was true being an only child herself, she never had to know how it felt to have a sibling nor the pain of watching him/her suffer in any way. She felt guilty for having snapped at him seconds ago and did the only thing she knew how. She sat up and embraced him.

"Forgive me Itachi. I had not known. I cannot undo the pain Sasuke is suffering, but I can at least do what I can to help be there for him as a sister-in-law and family". Itachi only smiled and embraced her back. The couple stayed in that pose for sometime just enjoying the warmth and quiet the garden provided. Watching them from behind the rafters, was the owner of a pair of clear blue eyes.

()

Sasuke sat atop his bed with his knees curled beneath his chin. He glanced atop his bedside table which contained the swan's feather containing the last words his beloved left: Goodbye my beloved moon. The night of the Harvest Moon Ball should have been the happiest night of his life; he got to see his love's true form, had won the title of king, and was about to cement his future with her…only to have it all erupt into flames, literally. The raven's expression turned from sad to furious. He growled as he gripped his sheets tightly into his fist.

"Why in the world did I listen to that stranger? "Burn the skin and she'll be freed' huh? Freed my ass! Oh what gullible sod I turned out to be" he bemoaned. He opened his eyes again and sat up. He swore a vicious oath. "If I ever see that hooded fiend again, I will make him rue the day he intruded upon our happiness!" He got off the bed and made his way to the table where he picked up the swan's feather. By grasping on to the quill, he could almost feel her presence through the feather speaking to his heart. It was at that moment that he realized that he could no longer live without his precious light. If he was the moon, then she was the sun. With determination blazing, he made ready to make preparations for a journey.

The castle staff were perplexed when Sasuke finally left his bedchambers and ordered a bath drawn. With the prince now clean and reenergized, he made plans for a long journey. He addressed Kakashi who he ordered to find the king and his brothers for a meeting. He agreed but told him he would have to wait as Fugaku was busy with dignitaries from another kingdom. It was midday when the king finally met with his son. Sasuke entered the throne room and saw not only his father but his two brothers. Their wives were not in sight. Sai merely sneered at him while Itachi only glanced. Fugaku stared at his son.

"What is it Sasuke? Kakashi told me you wished to seek counsel with me". Sasuke knelt on one knee and bowed. "Father, I know in my heart that Naruko is still out there waiting for me. And that is why I must go out and find her!"

All in the room gaped openmouthed at Sasuke. Fugaku composed himself before speaking.

"Son even if you were to take upon this quest, how can you be so sure that she is even out there? Whatever this force that has taken her, will not be easily overcome. Besides, if you were to take up this quest, would you come back alive?" he asked. Sasuke shook his head. "I understand that what I ask is impossible, even possibly dangerous. But I must try. I cannot stay locked away nice and cozy inside the castle while she is out there suffering! I have to go!"

Fugaku lowered his face onto his hand. He glanced at his youngest son sadly. "Sasuke I cannot release you to undertake such an arduous quest to search for one woman. We can always find you another wife if that-

"Are you serious?!" Sasuke slammed a fist down hard on the ground.

"What was the point then? Why give us the arrows passed onto you by grandfather? Why send us on a search for a wife? Why do all that only to tell me to just give up because you have a hunch that she might be dead?" Fugaku seethed."Of course not you foolish whelp! I just can't stand to lose even one of my sons like I lost your mother!" The room went silent. Fugaku stifled sobs threatening to spill from his lips. He did not dare look from his lap. All his sons watched sympathetically. "Losing her was one of the worst things to happen not just to me but to you three as well. I prayed ever since that never again would you all have to experience the pain like that. But alas, that was a false hope. With the loss of a faithful wife such as yours as well as the prospective queen, it seems that indeed darkness has once again descended upon the kingdom".

Sasuke stood up and glanced determinedly at his Father. "Then give me this. Allow me to go throughout the land and beyond for search of my beloved. I know not when or how long it may take me, possibly a little over a year. If in that time, I do not return, prepare to declare me dead and pass on the crown to Itachi since he is the eldest and original prospective heir. I know with him the kingdom will be in good hands".

At that instant Sai could no longer hold in his voice. He stomped his foot and glared at his youngest brother livid. "You wretched little brat! Of all the things you could pull this has to be the worst. Not only do you and that fox of your trick Father into naming you king but now you have the gall to pass off the title of king to Itachi just to spite me! Honestly Sasuke, spending time with that fox witch must have rattled your brain something awful for you to run off after a girl that might possibly be-

"If you your life Sai, you will be wise not to finish that sentence" Sasuke snarled. Sai did not falter and crossed his arms with a smirk. "Or what will you do? Are you going to kill me like you did our mother on the day you-

"THAT's ENOUGH SAI!"

Sai whipped his head around just in time for Ino to deliver a stinging slap to his face. The pale brother massaged his face which now sported a large red handprint. Ino glared at her husband with angry, red tear filled eyes. Her fist were clenched at her sides.

"Have you no heart?" she asked. "You truly think you're the only one in the world who has suffered a heartbreak?! Well guess what you are not alone in that. Let me tell you something dear husband…I lost my mother when I was a child". Ino sniffled as she furiously wiped tears from her face. "She was fragile from the start and just barely survived birthing me. She held on as long as she could but years later, her illness proved too much for her body to handle and so she…she lost the fight". Ino sobbed into her hands. Sai wanted to rush over and hold his wife in his arms although that was probably the last thing she wanted right now. Soon Ino calmed down before continuing. "Sai, you always believed you were the victim in the tragedy that claimed the life of the queen correct? Did it ever once occur to you that Sasuke is in pain over Queen Mikoto's passing?" she yelled.

Sai 's breath halted. "How did you know about that?" he choked out. Ino turned her eyes to the floor. "I overheard Itachi talking with Karin in the gardens. I was rather livid to learn that your unmitigated consternation was not born merely out jealousy. True, that night at the ball I was jealous of Naruko for her beauty and was just as keen as you to see Sasuke fail. But did you ever once stop to consider that your brother isn't upset or sad over your mother's death as you are? Do yourself a favor Sai and get over yourself this very instant. Or are you prepared to lose me too?"

Sai looked at his wife incredulously. His wife not only outright scolded him for his recklessness but she even threatened to divorce him. It brought him back to their conversation in the gazebo the day just before the ball. Now here he was breaking his promise never to hurt her again and yet that was what he was doing. What made it worse, was that he was doing the same thing to Sasuke. At that instant, shame completely washed over Sai. He walked up to Ino and took both of her hands in his.

"Gomenasai Ino. I never intended to hurt you again but here I am doing exactly that. You told me that your mother had died from a strange illness when you were a child. I just never knew that your mother's death was comparable to mine. Forgive me. I allowed my anger to get the better of me". Sai released his wife and glanced at his youngest brother with remorseful eyes and something else, unshed tears.

"Can you forgive me also…brother. I caused you so much grief over the years and done a list of other unimaginable deeds that I'm far too ashamed to want to recall. I allowed my misguided anger over mother's death to take over me. But I never blamed you for it". Sasuke stared wide eyed and open mouthed at his estranged elder sibling. "Mother was sick long before you were born. Deep down, I always knew that eventually her sickness would overwhelm her. It was not your birth that weakened her. It was a lie I said to hide the fact that I was' he bit his lip as a stream of tears fell down his pallid cheeks 'jealous!" The room went completely silent.

"I was upset because you got to spend more time with mom than Itachi, father, and I combined. I was jealous because despite being the youngest, you were her favorite. Even into her last days, it was you she would light up when you would come visit her". Itachi chuckled bitterly. "You understand that Sasuke was still young and Mother likely knew she had not long to live so it is only natural she would want to spend her last few moments with her youngest child". Sai smiled crookedly. He tented his fingers before speaking. "It is so funny really. Just before she died, she called me to her. Her last words to me: Sai, I have not long to live and I will be going to a higher place. When that times, know that things will be tough and with that you will need to be strong. Not only for yourself but for your brothers, Sasuke included. He is still so young and will need you to comfort him through those dark days. Promise me you will stick together through thick and thin and remember me in your hearts".

The elder's eyes ran afresh with tears streaming downwards as he sniffled. "Tch, wouldn't mother be proud of me? Her wish for me to honor her memory and what do I do? By acting like an insufferable power-hungry tyrant and an all-around bastard to everyone, you being the sole target. I am probably asking a lot of you to want to forgive me. After all, I have done little to deserve it and…"

Sai was stopped mid-sentence when he found himself being embraced by not only Sasuke but Itachi as well. Sasuke buried his face in Sai's chest as he sobbed. Itachi held both his younger siblings in his strong arms [A/N: Can I join too ;)]. Fugaku watched the scene with half-lidded eyes happy and overjoyed that his sons were allowing their emotions to show after so many years. Ino smiled caring very little that her tears were staining her dress. After a while, the brothers released each other and composed themselves. Sasuke inhaled deeply and wiped some tears from his eyes as he smiled at Sai. "Thank you for finally understanding. I only wish our time for reconciliation was longer. First, I need to get back to the matter at hand".

Fugaku nodded having resumed his stern façade. "If you are certain she is alive and your tuition has never proven you wrong, then I have no recourse to stop you from your quest. That is to say if your brother do not have any objections" he replied. Sasuke looked to both Sai and Itachi. Sai was the first to step up. "Sasuke when you return, I shall gladly welcome you with open arms; my lord and king" he then bowed. Itachi placed both hands firmly on his brothers shoulders and glanced at him. "Come back to us alive with our queen, otoutou. Besides, I want to have a bunch of little nieces and nephews to love and spoil. So don't stay away too long" he said teasingly causing the younger to blush. Fugaku cleared his throat. "It would appear that my mind is made up for me. So be it then. Prince Sasuke you are free to go on your quest and do what you can to return Princess Naruko to us. Take as long as you need and be sure to come back unscathed and alive. How else will I be able to see my grandchildren?" Sasuke blushed but retained a stoic façade. "I will. Now enough talking. I would like to set forth immediately.

Fugaku nodded. "Do you have any idea of where she might be or how you might find her?" he inquired. Sasuke stood up. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the swan's feather. "I might have an idea".

The next day, Sasuke wasted no time in sending forth his servants to prepare his horse and his luggage for the long and arduous journey that lay ahead. Sasuke came out in a plain grey tunic, grey pants, and black boots. They were nothing fancy as there would be no need of them. He hitched up his swords on his saddle. He patted Mangetsu on the side. "You ready for a long journey my old friend?" he asked. Mangetsu snorted and nodded his head as if to say 'of course I am'. Sasuke smiled. He double checked his cargo making sure nothing was amiss. Once satisfied, he prepared to jump on the saddle.

"I hope you're not planning on leaving without saying goodbye, are you?"

Sasuke looked behind him to see his brothers and their wives watching him with sad expressions. Sasuke shook his head. "I thought I'd get a head start" he quipped lightly. Itachi scrunched his face unamused. "Do you even know where to start?" he asked. Sasuke held out the swan's feather at his fingertips. "I have a theory regarding this feather. Since Naruko was able to change forms at will and do many other amazing things, it would be natural her essence would resonate from this feather. Therefore, I could use it to find her if I concentrate hard enough".

Sai gulped. "Are you certain that it will work? For all we know, you may as well be on a wild goose chase" he stated. Everyone including Sasuke glared. "I have to try…for her sake". Sai bit his lip realizing he was right. Sasuke walked up to the middle of the courtyard. He stretched out both arms and held out the swan's feather in one hand. No sound was uttered. Suddenly, by the dawning of the sun, a miracle happened. The swan feather lit up and levitated off Sasuke's palm. The feather hung midair in front of the gates. A chorus of gasps resonated. Sasuke smiled pleased that his prayers were answered.

He hitched up on his horse and pulled the reigns. He looked behind him one last time to give farewell to his family. Karin and Ino waved their tissues in their hands to their brother-in-law. Itachi and Sai waved as well. Sasuke then sped off to wherever the swan's feather led him. "Come back to us soon brother" they all thought simultaneously. They all looked onward sending prayers to the brother/in-law they would not see for half a year. Meanwhile, Sasuke followed after the feather without concern for the wealth he would not see for who knows how long. He rode on with one goal in mind only.

"Hold on Naruko. I'm coming to get you. We will be together again. I promise".

I wish to take the time to apologize for the unspeakably long hiatus I took from updating this story. I meant to update sooner but a whole list of issues came up. Shamefully, I am guilty of the sin of sloth and lack of motivation. I pray you forgive me someday. In order to reform myself, I have decided to update in honor of one Naruto Uzumaki birthday. The joy this guy has brought us will forever go down in history and have imprinted a sense of worth in all of us.

On a side note, I may have made the raven's act a bit OOC but it was relevant for the plot. Plus, Sai was getting a bit too full of himself. I figure all he needed was a quick slap to the face by his wifey-poo to make him see sense. It is rather funny how a tragedy can bring families close together and meet on common ground. I am aware the magic swan's feather seemed a bit farfetched and silly, but hey its better than how the original story put it. Much like Sasuke, Ivan went out into the world with nothing but his weapons via bow and arrow and his trusty steed which sadly died due to the elements. Hopefully, a similar tragedy will not befall Mangetsu. At least the family has decided to reconcile and everyone can stop being so full of themselves. Fugaku and Itachi are such trolls lol.

Fret not faithful and patient readers who made this journey possible, Naruko has not given up on our heroine and no she has not fallen prey to the machinations of evil. She is a fighter through and through and will continue to do so. Sadly, evil does not play fair. Stay tuned another chapter will come forth. And please pray to god that Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump drop dead. If either become president, I'm transferring out of the country.

Until then.