Yeah...I know I shouldn't be doing such things, when I have another WIP on the go already, but this one really bit my muse in the buttocks so to speak...heh
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
It was a legend. A story. Told down through many generations of families. The story grew more and more unbelievable throughout the generations, but the situation stayed the same, no matter who was the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. Someone had to guard the gap in the stone wall.
Our story starts with a young man of 25 years, who grew up in said Hidden Leaf Village. He had grown up with the stories, handed down from the elders, how the gap in the wall was a gateway to another world. Some called it a portal, some called it the opening to a whole new world that was used by the ancestors. Was it used for war? Peace? What was the real reason behind the gap in the wall?
Questions like these rambled in Minato's mind as he stared at the gap in the great stone wall, that was several miles from the village. It was still several meters away, a lone guard stood before it, sitting on a small stool. It was dusk, and the setting sun beams were causing the damp moss on the rocks to twinkle, as if winking towards Minato. He squinted slightly, to see what was beyond the gap in the wall, and could see that it was just a field. A plain ordinary grass field, just like the one he was standing in.
'Going through the gap in the wall will have you in another world with no way to return.'
'Going through the gap, you will get eaten by unknown creatures and never return!'
'You will die shortly after going through the gap, our kind can't survive!'
These were the stories that Minato grew up with, and as a child, he believed it. But now, being a young man in his twenties, his mind was sharp and wanted answers. He tried to ask any elder, even the Hokage herself, but the answers were still the same. Do not go through the gap in the wall.
Pinching his lips and running a hand through his thick blond locks, he nodded his head and strode towards the gap in the wall with confidence. He was going through the gap, his curiosity was going to be fulfilled tonight.
"Good evening Minato-kun. What brings you by?" Izumo, the current guard smiled and asked.
"Good evening Izumo-san, I am well thank you. I ask you to let me pass." Minato gave a broad smile to Izumo.
"Come again?" Izumo scratched the side of his head and gave Minato a puzzled look.
"I'm going through the wall. Let me pass." Minato gave his most serious look to show that he meant business.
Laughter burst through the air and Minato stepped back slightly while the dark haired guard filled the air with his laughter. After several minutes, Izumo caught his breath, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. "I-I am charged with guarding the portal to another world," he snickered out while wiping the tears from his eyes. "And you're asking me to let you through?" Izumo chuckled out again as he said it.
"Yes, but let's be honest here. It's just a field." Minato lifted his hand and nodded his head, pointing towards the opening.
Izumo gave him a scoff.
"Do you see another world out there?" Minato tilted his head and crossed his arms now.
Izumo turned slightly and looked through the gap.
"No. You see a field don't you? Do you see anything nonhuman?" Minato was now the one scoffing at Izumo. Izumo pinched his lips in a frown towards Minato. "So no, nothing nonhuman over there because why? Because it's just a field!" Minato spat out, his arms flaring about.
Izumo growled out and pushed against Minato's chest, hard. "Listen here punk," Izumo spit out. "Hundreds of years this wall has been here. And hundreds of years this wall has been under 24 hour guard! And I! Me! Izumo Kamizuki, am honoured to be chosen to guard it in my life time!" Izumo poked Minato in the chest with each word, causing Minato to stumble backwards. "And if you think, for one second, that you can just waltz in here and go through it, you got another thing coming!" Minato stumbled onto his ass. Izumo towered over him with his hands on his hips, a scowl on his face.
Minato's blue eyes looked up at the frowning man, while the coolness of the ground soaked into his pants. He then relaxed his position and began to chuckle under his breath. Shaking his head between chuckles, he slapped his palms on his legs. "Well, I guess you're right Izumo-san." Minato moved to get off the ground and smiled at Izumo when the brunette man offered his hand.
Izumo tugged Minato up before him and placed a firm hold on Minato' shoulder. "Listen Minato-kun." Izumo tilted his head slightly to look directly into the young man's blue eyes. "Don't make me bring you before the village council because of this. Got it?"
"Woah," Minato breathed out at the threat. He gave a smile in response. "Well I guess that sounds rather final," he nervously laughed out.
Izumo smiled at the answer. "That's right."
"Well uhh...guess I should just head home then," Minato whispered out.
"Good idea," Izumo patted Minato's shoulder in a supportive manner. "Give my regards to your father." Izumo nodded firmly and turned to head back to the gap.
"G-good night Izumo-san," Minato called out quietly to Izumo's retreating back. Izumo lifted a hand in response but didn't look back.
NOW
Minato sprinted towards the opening with stealth, speed, zipping past Izumo in a yellow flash. Izumo didn't have time to yell out before Minato had already gone through the opening in the wall.
==some time later==
Minato followed the dirt path through the trees towards an opening from the forest. He stopped and his blue eyes stared in awe. He was out of the forest and in an open field. The path continued through the long grass, down a hill and Minato could see a village in the distance. The soft lights of the village shone through the night, like a beacon. Smiling broadly, Minato picked up his pace and followed the trail that headed straight to the village.
The village was a bustle of activity. There were vendor carts set up all in the market square when first entering the village. People were moving about under the lit lamps, vendors had many different types of lights that sparkled all around, making the area bright like it was the middle of the day.
No one paid any mind to Minato, as he walked slowly between the people and carts. He stopped at one cart, finding several cages set up. Curious he looked closer at one of the smaller cages to see a creature he wasn't familiar with. It had large round ears, a long nose, and a fat body. It's large black eyes blinked at him and Minato jumped when the creature made a honking nose at him from its long nose. 'Huh! Weird.' Minato then chuckled and continued out.
Vendors selling clothing, jewelry, trinkets, food, and things Minato couldn't identify, were spread out all over. Minato was entranced with the site. He stopped at one vendor to look at vials that were filled with various coloured liquids. He gasped when one of the glass jars looked back at him! He stood up quickly and was met with old eyes. Her hair was several different coloured shades and thin. Her face showed her age with several aging lines littering her face. Her eyes glared at Minato.
"I don't deal with time wasters," a cracked husky voice spoke out from aged cracked lips. Those old eyes looked Minato over. Minato just blinked, his body frozen with surprise. "YOU! Get over here and tend to the stall. I'm going for a drink." The old woman turned and began to walk away. Minato just stared after her, still shocked at her talk and appearance.
"Hello," a soft spoken voice broke Minato's stare.
Minato turned towards the voice, finding sparkling green eyes that held amusement. He felt the heat rush across his face and his mouth drop open.
"See anything you like?" The green eyed woman asked with mirth in her voice. She smiled and flipped her deep red coloured hair over her shoulder.
Minato snapped his mouth closed and the woman giggled at his antics. He felt it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard, and he wanted to hear more. "Um...ummm yeah!" Minato finally smiled and his hand went immediately to the back of his neck. "T-these here look nice," he pointed to the small tray before him, but his eyes never left the brilliant green eyes. Her oval face, smooth skin with a few freckles that crossed her cute button nose, Minato was becoming entranced with the beautiful woman before him. "H-how much for this one?" he managed to choke out.
Full pink lips gave a smile, her eyes glinting with interest at the deep blond, blue eyed man that stood before her. "Well, for that it could cost you the colour of your hair….or a few memories from you before you were three. I can check if you like." Her smile widened, her cheeks getting warm.
Minato's heart fluttered at the site. This woman was beyond beautiful, practically a goddess and the smile she gave him he felt an immediate sense of protection. Never had a woman made him feel this way.
She fluttered her eyes lashes at him and shook her head, causing her deep red hair to sway gently. "Anyhow, you shouldn't buy the blue ones." She glanced about the table, bringing her finger up to her lips, giving a small hum while her eyes moved about.
Minato was suddenly jealous of that finger that got to touch those pouty pink lips.
"Here!" She popped her head back up, her green eyes wide with excitement and pinched between her delicate fingers was a small white droopy flower made of glass. "It's a Snowdrop flower." She tilted her head and gave Minato a soft grin, her cheek bones pronounced. "It'll bring you luck!" She placed the small flower in Minato's chest pocket before tilting her head with a smile, looking at her work with pride.
"How much?" Minato whispered, his eyes not leaving the radiant redhead.
"Hmm," the woman giggled out while tapping her finger on her chin. "A kiss!" She winked and smiled.
Minato's heart sped up even faster at that price. He nervously swallowed thickly as she smiled at him and tapped at her cheek, turning her head slightly. The action was clear, one kiss on this beautiful woman's cheek for the tiny glass flower currently in his chest pocket. Minato leaned forward, lips pouted out slightly, his heart beating so fast that he worried he might keel over with a heart attack.
His body exploded with fire when his lips met other lips. She had turned her face at the last second and pressed her lips into his. His groin twitched when he heard the soft groan escaping from her lips and he growled in response, pushing his lips harder into hers. Their lips moved in unison, Minato saving every heated taste.
She pulled back first, her cheeks flushed red, her eyes half lidded and sated, her lips moist from their kiss. Her pink tongue traced her lips, and she shuddered slightly. Her crystal green eyes focused on the bright blue eyes of the man that had just kissed her. She looked over his shoulder suddenly, "Is she gone?" she whispered. Her eyes scanned the area. Seeing the old lady no where, she tugged the blond man's hand. "Come with me, quickly." She took steps back, a coy smile played on her lips and she pulled on the dazed blue eyes. She giggled and turned when he responded.
She ran up the small steps to a covered wagon. She turned and flashed a smile at the top of the stairs, her hand on the door knob. Minato smiled in response as he walked towards her, but a small jingling noise had him stop in his tracks. He saw a silver strand of rope, attached to the woman's ankle that led along the ground and to the side of the wagon. Curious, he knelt down and picked up the rope, confirming that it was attached to the woman. He tugged the other end to find it securely fastened to the wagon. The small glittery silver strand may look fragile, but clearly it was not.
Dropping to sit on the top step, sad green eyes looked upon the man. "I am a princess, tricked into being a witch's slave." She turned away, ashamed that she admitted such a thing.
Shocked, Minato stepped forward, using his finger to tip the beautiful woman's head up to look at him. "What's your name?"
"Kushina," she smiled sadly.
"I'm Minato," he responded with a smile. He stood back up, grabbing a kunai from his pocket, he folded the silver chain in two and sliced it clean through. Feeling smug, he held up the piece he cut from the chain. He gasped when the end attached to Kushina and the end attached to the wagon, slithered its way together, sealing it back up, as if no break ever occurred. He held up the piece he cut off in his other hand, shocked to still see it there.
"It's an enchanted chain ya know. I'm only free when she dies." She shook her head at him, as if he was an idiot for not knowing.
"I cannot liberte you," Minato shook his head angrily. "What can i do for you then?" He clenched his fists, shoving the silver chain piece in his pocket. He needed to do something for this beautiful woman! She didn't deserve to be a slave!
Cheeks flushed, a slight smile played upon her lips and she stood, grabbing Minato's hand, giving it a tug. "Come, stay with me awhile." Reaching behind her, turning the knob, she slid the door open to the wagon all while her green eyes held blue. Her intention was obvious.
Minato's anger dissipated, his heart began to flutter and he felt hot inside. He felt his body respond to her smile, her warmth and those brilliant crystal green eyes. He nodded dumbly and let Kushina lead him inside the wagon, the door clicking closed behind him.
Minato wandered back to the gap in the wall, his mind in a pleasing fog. He had a goofy grin on his face and he hummed a cheery tune. His body was on autopilot as he stepped through the gap on the wall on the opposite side, coming back through with Izumo eyeing him wearily. Minato just smiled at the guard and continued on his way home.
==10 months later==
Minato opened his home door late one evening, after hearing someone pounding on the outside. Holding up his oil lamp to see into the darkness, he found himself surprised to see Izumo with snowflakes peppering his hair. Minato could see the stern look on his face from the soft glow of the lamp, his scarf tucked in tight around his neck to keep out the chill of winter.
"This was left at the wall for you," he gruffed out while nodding at his feet.
Minato looked down to see a large wicker basket, covered with a soft looking blanket. Kneeling down, he pulled back the blanket to see a round chubby face, eyelids closed and a tuft of blond hair peeking out from under a winter cap.
"It says here his name is Naruto." Izumo then turned and walked away into the darkness.
==20 years later==
"Naruto, don't forget the flowers," Minato called from the kitchen.
"Yeah dad, I got them! Thanks!" Thumps echoed through the small homey cottage, the sounds of someone taking the stairs too quickly.
"Stop running down the stairs!" Minato yelled out. He shook his head. "Kid will break a leg or the house one of these days," he chuckled to himself.
The stomps came to an end and a tall, tanned skinned, toned body with wild blond hair came trotting into the kitchen. He headed for the fridge, tossing open the door and grabbing some juice. Twenty years had passed and baby Naruto had grown up - not knowing nothing of his unconventional heritage and a spitting image of his father. His skin was a little darker, his blond hair a little lighter, but he held the same dazzling blue eyes as Minato. No matter he would go, there was no question on who his father was.
Minato came to stand before Naruto, giving him a proud smile before pulling him in for a hug. "You ready?" he whispered into his ear.
Naruto grinned and hugged his father back. "Yeah, I got this dad." He pulled back and threw his father a beaming grin. "Wish me luck!" Naruto held up the bouquet of flowers before turning around and heading out the door. Today was indeed a big day for a boy that was now a man.
Naruto practically skipped down the dusty roads in the village, nodding and saying good day to all he passed. The villagers smiled and nodded in return, not giving much more thought to him. Naruto continued to beam his smile, for he felt that today was his lucky day. Today was what was going to prove how much of a man he was. Today he was going to win his true love's heart.
Stopping outside a small house, that was covered in lattice that allowed vines to grow around the home, was a most beautiful sight when the flowers were in bloom. Since it was currently summer, the house was covered in white blossomed flowers and Naruto could only think how his true love could not compare to the beauty of the flowers covering her family home. He picked up a few small stones and flicked them to the second story window, stepping back slightly as the small pings reflected and his blue eyes focused on the window. He bounced on each foot, patiently waiting for his love to come to her window.
"Sai? Is that you Sai?" a voice called out from behind the now open window.
Naruto cringed inwardly before clearing his throat.
A mess of pink hair and a fair face peeked through the window. Green eyes were wide and looking about. "Sai?" The green eyes looked down to see the noise of a throat clearing. "Oh, it's you Naruto." The disappointment apparent in her voice. She slumped slightly, "did I forget something at the shop?"
Naruto cleared his throat again, ignoring the sound of disappointment in her voice. "Hi Sakura-chan, and no, no you didn't forget anything at the shop." Naruto worked at the local grocery shop as a shopboy, and often saw Sakura there. "I just thought I would bring you-"
"Naruto Uzumaki," a cold voice interrupted Naruto. "Shop boy by day, and now a peeping tom? Have you no shame."
Naruto grit his teeth at the voice. He squared his shoulders and turned to the voice.
"Sai! Be nice to him, there is no need for that!" Sakura voiced out, but she didn't hide the mirth in her voice.
"Were those for Sakura?" Sai stepped towards Naruto, jutting his chin out towards the bunch of flowers that Naruto still clutched in his hand. He crossed his arms when he stopped just before Naruto's form. His dark eyes challenged blue.
"Hello Sai," Naruto kept his voice steady. He wasn't about to be outdone by this charmer. "And yes, these are for Sakura, though it's none of your business." He kept his eyes steady on Sai, trying to not be intimidated by the other man.
"Humph, figures. Those flowers are cheap and Sakura certainly deserves a much better class." He pulled out a larger bouquet, vibrant in colour with roses, lilies and one large beautiful bird of paradise right in the middle of them.
Naruto's heart sunk immediately. His bouquet consisted of daisies, carnations and baby's breath. True they were the lesser costlier of flowers, pretty but certainly did not live up to Sai's vibrant bouquet. He felt the flowers in his hand wilt just being next to the other bouquet.
"Oh Sai, stop it now." Sakura's voice carried down from the window, but the tone in her voice spoke a different tune. Several giggles were heard in the window behind the pink haired woman, and Sakura turned her head, shushing the others, but with a sly grin on her lips.
Naruto was speechless, and felt defeated. Embarrassment flushed his cheeks, as he realized he was outdone by his rival for Sakura's heart. Clenching his fist that still held the bouquet, he did his best glare towards the other man. 'This isn't over!' He thought to himself while he glared at the smirking dark haired man. Naruto stepped to the side and walked away, hearing Sai huff out a satisfied snort behind him. As he turned the corner, he tossed the flowers in the trash, "you won this round Sai." He growled out to himself. He was going to win Sakura's heart, no matter what stood in his way!
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
The next morning Naruto stood in front of the bathroom mirror, looking at himself mournfully. Still feeling the result of defeat from yesterday, Sai interrupting his time to court Sakura, Naruto found himself questioning himself. What am I doing wrong? I'm handsome enough aren't I? Sure I'm not rich, but I have a good job, I can be a provider. He stood there staring into his own blue eyes, insecurities riddling through his mind.
"Naruto! Are you alright?"
Naruto blinked to see a pair of similar blue eyes looking into his own from behind his shoulder, reflecting in the mirror. "Yes father, I'm alright. Why?"
"How did it go last night?" Minato tilted his head slightly, not missing how Naruto seemed to be distraught. When Naruto came back yesterday evening, he headed straight to his room and didn't come back out. Obviously his courting didn't go well, it didn't take a genius to figure that out. Naruto was normally smiling, outgoing, full of laughter and sunshine, and this morning, well it seemed that Naruto was more like a dreary cloudy day. His eyes were sad, his lips appeared to be struggling to smile and even his wild sunshine hair looked limp. Minato's heart ached for his son to see him in such a state.
"Oh, umm good, yeah, really good." Naruto plastered the best smile he could for his father in the mirror. He didn't want his father to know of his failure with Sakura. The embarrassment still fresh in his mind.
Minato felt the sadness in his chest, watching as his son forced himself to look happy. "Breakfast is ready," he whispered and put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, squeezing it lightly.
Naruto sighed out sadly. "Thanks dad, but I'm late for work." He turned and slipped past his father, heading down the stairs to the front door.
Naruto stood behind the shop counter, taking and filling orders from each customer that was lined up. The line up was especially long this morning and Naruto was constantly moving between the shelves, cash register and the line up of customers. He was just bagging up a customer's order when he heard a muttering and looked up to see Sakura pushing her way to the front of the line.
She had on a white frilly hat that tied under her chin with a bow. Her pink hair had a slight curl to it and fell upon her shoulders. The light green dress she had on made her eyes sparkle like emeralds and Naruto was momentarily dazed by the site. She fluttered her eyelashes at him and gave him a soft smile. Naruto felt his heart stutter suddenly as he was pulled under her spell. "Sa-Sakura-chan…" he whispered out.
"Good morning Naruto, a pound of sugar please." Her voice dripped with sweetness and her smile left Naruto frozen.
"Umm...y-yes okay." Naruto found his voice and moved to grab what she requested, not realizing he pushed the half finished bag he was packing for another customer to the side.
Sakura beamed another smile. "And let's see," she hummed out while tapping her finger to her chin. "I need a dozen eggs and some flour." She fluttered her eyes at Naruto again, who stumbled slightly at getting the rest of her order into a bag for her.
"A-anything thing else Sakura-chan?" Naruto breathed out, feeling like he just ran a marathon for a couple grocery items.
"Nope, that'll do! Come along then!" Sakura flashed a smile at him again and turned around, heading for the exit.
Naruto looked at her, his mouth hanging open in surprise. He then looked over to his boss, who was frowning with a red face at him, while trying to take care of the customers that were still in a line up. Naruto knew that he couldn't just leave work, he was in enough shit as it was for letting Sakura take first priority in a long lineup. He looked to the door, where Sakura stood, looking at him, giving him a soft smile and then he looked to his boss again who was busy bagging the customers order. He grabbed Sakura's order and headed for the exit.
"I'm sorry for Sai's behaviour last night. That was really rude of him," Sakura explained out while Naruto and she walked down the road. "I'd like to make it up to you," she offered.
Naruto's eyes widened. Sakura was wanting to make it up to him! She is making the initiative! Naruto was suddenly on cloud nine. "C-Can I perhaps see you tonight?" Naruto blurted out, his lips pinched hard together with worry. What if she says no? What is she says yes? Naruto didn't think his heart could take anymore of these wild emotions.
"Yes Naruto, you can." Sakura stated in a firm tone with a nod. She turned to give him a small smile. "Thank you for walking me home," she concluded as they had reached her front door. She grabbed the bag from Naruto and left him on her doorstep.
Naruto stared at the closed door for several minutes, going through what had just happened. Sakura said yes to him seeing her tonight! Yosh! Naruto pumped his fist in success and turned to head back to the shop. His head full of thoughts on what to do for Sakura tonight.
==Later that day==
"Father...I lost my job." Naruto stared at blue eyes firmly, keeping his face stoic. "Father, I'm sorry, but I lost my job." Blue eyes softened slightly, looking guilty. Naruto sighed out, running his fingers through his hair. He cleared his throat and looked back into the mirror, taking a deep breath and once again practicing. "Father…"
"You lost your job." A voice behind him finished.
Naruto immediately looked down, away from the mirror, the guilt running through him like a flood. He wasn't ready to look at his father and the possible disappointment in his father's eyes that would come with it.
"So I have heard," Minato said again from behind him.
"Dad, I-I'm so sorry," Naruto choked out, the familiar lump in his throat that threatened tears. "Maybe I'm not good enough for Sakura...even my boss said said the same thing while he-"
"He said such a thing?" Minato spat out, sounding annoyed. "Naruto, that's rubbish, he doesn't know anything about you." He placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder, slowing pulling him to turn.
Naruto hung his head, refusing to look into his father's eyes. He felt like a failure. He lifted his head when he felt his father's fingers cup his chin and lift his head, forcing him to see into his doting father's face. Caring blue eyes that matched his own met his. Minato gave him such a soft smile that Naruto felt the sting behind his eyes. "D-do you really want to know what happened last night?" he managed to whisper out.
"Sure, but only if you are ready." Minato pulled Naruto in for a hug. "Let's make some tea." He draped his arm around his shoulders and led him out of the bathroom.
After a hot tea, an explanation later of how Sai showed up, then showed him up in front of Sakura, Naruto felt better. He let his dad know that Sakura had agreed to see him tonight but he didn't know what he could do, feeling that Sai had already etched into his subconscious of how poor he was. He made it painfully clear that he was nothing like Sai.
"Naruto now listen," Minato started as he put down his tea on the table. "I've envied a lot of people when I was a boy, thinking those people were amazing. And you know what?" He gave a chuckle when Naruto looked upon him with question. "Those people ended up leading an unremarkable life. And I had to wonder, what it was that I envied so much about them when I was younger." Naruto continued to look on, confusion still apparent on his face. Minato chuckled again. "The point being, is that if someone appears great now, who's to say that they really are that great throughout the rest of their life? One can only guess the future Naruto, and the real answer is do what you can now to ensure your future is a great one." Minato smiled as he watched Naruto pinch his lips in thought.
After a moment, Naruto slapped his knees with his palms and smiled across the table at his father. "That makes sense dad, thanks!" He brought his hand to the back of his neck, pulled at the small hairs as he looked to the side. "Umm… now what can I do that will knock Sakura's socks off tonight?" He laughed nervously.
Minato grinned, "well, let me help you with an idea son."
==Later that evening==
Sakura opened the door to a smiling Naruto, who had a blush across his face and was holding a small wicker basket that was closed with its own lid. Sakura blinked her eyes a few times and looked at the basket. "What's this?"
"It's a surprise Sakura!" Naruto exclaimed.
Sakura folded her arms over her chest and leaned against the door frame. She gave a flirty smile at him, "well my birthday isn't for another week yet, what could it be?"
"Get you coat and I'll show you, please?" His voice full of hope.
"Hmm...okay then," she turned and grabbed her coat. "Lead the way." She laced her arm through Naruto's and they walked into the night.
The pair sat on a blanket, laid out across the field grass, the starry sky above them and the forest line behind them. They faced the open field and Naruto could see the wall in the distance, a silhouette at the gap by a small fire. 'Always a guard, for hundreds of years,' he thought to himself.
"I've never had champagne before, this is great!" Sakura exclaimed, pulling Naruto from his thoughts. She let out a giggle when Naruto smiled at her. Their blanket was surrounded with small candles in jars, giving a soft glow around them so they weren't completely in the dark. Sakura looked at the small spread of snacks on the blanket before looking back at Naruto. "How does a shop boy afford all this," she asked while moving her hand over the spread.
"I'm not a shop boy," Naruto responded, slightly disgruntled that is how Sakura viewed him.
"Oh my gosh, I heard! I'm sorry. What will you do now?" Sakura blurted out, drinking the last of her champagne in the small plastic glass.
"No no, I mean I'm not a shop boy," Naruto nervously laughed out. "I mean, I was just working in a shop." He grinned sheepishly at Sakura who just gave him a confused look. He brought his hand up to the back of his neck, pulling lightly on the hairs. "Well now, now I'm not at the shop so I'm free to do what I want with my life I guess." He shrugged his shoulders.
Sakura exaggerated a gasp and brought her fingers up to her lips. "Oh my gosh! This must have cost all your savings then!"
"So," Naruto shrugged again. "I can always make more, I'm not an idiot." He gave a small snort before looking up at her green eyes and gave her a serious look. "I wasn't planning on always staying in this village Sakura." He gave a slight nod, to express his seriousness in his point. "It's a big world out there! So much to see! Other places that are probably more exotic than our small little village and I'll make my fortune!" He waved his arms out and she giggled at him.
"You sound like Sai now," she snorted out with a small laugh while holding her plastic cup out when Naruto held up the bottle. "You know," she took a gulp of champagne, "Sai is quite the traveller." Naruto just let out a huff while slipping the empty bottle into the basket. "You know, he's travelling all the way to Suna to buy me a ring?" She wiggled the cup a bit, her eyes sparkling at the news she just shared.
"Only to Suna?" Naruto questioned.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Green eyes narrowed at Naruto.
Naruto moved a little closer to Sakura. "Sakura, I would travel over oceans for you. Would go to the other side of the world to get you a ring!" Naruto kept his voice deep and serious, his eyes not wavering from hers. She just stared at him, speechless. Naruto then sat up quickly, "wait...a ring? What kind of ring?"
Sakura's lips lifted to a coy smile. "The word is that he is planning to ask me to marry him on my birthday," her voice sounding breathy as her eyes looked up to the stars.
Naruto's mouth hung open, his mind in shock at the news. "He-He's going too…" He trailed off, watching Sakura look at the stars in a daze. He snapped his teeth together, "and you're going to say yes?" Disappointment filled his mind suddenly and the happy feelings he was feeling earlier suddenly drowned.
Green eyes snapped back down. "Well of course I would! Especially since he is going all the way to Suna!" She rolled her eyes at him and let out a huff of irritation.
Naruto inwardly panicked. He couldn't let Sai outdo his quest to make Sakura, his true love, his! As Sakura looked up at the stars again, sipping at her cup of champagne, Naruto bit the inside of his cheek, pushing back the disappointment that overwhelmed his mind, that Sai was once again making him look pathetic.
==Elsewhere on the other side of the wall==
Far away on the other side of the wall, stood a grand castle that overlooked its kingdom for miles and miles. Its kingdom was the land situated within the walls of the very stone wall that kept out the human world. The land beyond the wall was magical, full of magical creatures and people to say the least and was always well hidden from the human world. The magical land of Uzushiogakure.
It was in this castle that the magical kingdom's king lay in his grand bed, surrounded by several treasures that any king could wish for, but alas, these treasures couldn't save the king from his fate. The elderly king was coming to his end, taking his last few breaths, his crown still perched upon his head.
"Where are my sons," the king raspily called out.
"They are on their way my king," a servant whispered who sat by the bed.
"Sorry I'm late father," a voice boomed through the room. A broad man, with long flowing silver hair clomped into the room, his large sword on his side, a deep purple cloak fluttering behind him. He stood before the foot of the bed and bowed. "Honorable father, I have arrived."
The old king coughed slightly and raised his tired eyes. "Ah Hidan my son," his voice cracked out. "Now where is…"
"Here father," a new voice floated through the room. A tall thinner man, with long black silky hair, wearing black cloak floated to the foot of the king's bed. "Honorable father, I am here." Hidan scoffed at the other man who responded with a sneer.
"Oh Orochimaru my son," the king responded with a wheeze.
The two sons knew why their father had called them, both were aware of his ailing health but the question remained, who will be the next king?
"W-where is your sister?" the king moved his eyes about, as if trying to find someone.
Hidan coughed loudly so his father would look his way. Tired gray eyes looked upon him. "I'm sorry father, she is still missing. It has been many years and I fear the worst." Hidan looked at his father briefly before glaring at Orochimaru.
"Black eyes narrowed back at Hidan. "What? You think I had something to do with her disappearance?" he scoffed out at his brother.
"Would make it easier for you to have the crown now wouldn't it!" Hidan growled out in response.
"Phhtt, as if I would bother. You know only a male can take the crown you uneducated brat," Orochimaru sneered out then rolled his eyes.
"Silence!" the old king coughed out. The old king gave them both a glare that had both men turn to look at him. Hidan just looked towards his father, where Orochimaru again rolled his eyes. "Since only a male heir can be crowned king, and I have two adequate sons, the decision has been difficult." The king moved up slightly more against the headboard of the bed, coughing slightly. "Orochimaru," he started. Orochimaru's eyes widened. "You are the son who has always been brilliant, sharp, cunning and excelled at your studies." Orochimaru beamed with pride at the words.
"Hidan," he then looked to the silver haired man. "You are the son who has always been strong, athletic, courageous and excelled at political war studies." Hidan snorted towards Orochimaru, puffing his chest up. "Both of you have proven yourselves worthy of running a kingdom, and in the past *cough*, there has only been one heir to choose."
The king began coughing uncontrollably and a servant rushed to his side, bringing him some water. After a few minutes, the elderly king took some calming breaths. "Therefore I have chosen to settle the matter in a non-traditional manner." Orochimaru and Hidan inhaled deeply at hearing their father's words. Never in the history of the kingdom, has choosing a new king been done any differently than in the last hundreds of years.
The king raised a shaky hand to his chest, placing his crooked fingers on a large ruby that was embedded within a gold clasp that was attached to a silver chain around the old king's neck. The ruby necklace began to glow after the king touched it and raised itself high over the king's head and hovered in a slow spin before the king's eyes. Orochimaru and Hidan gasped as the red from the ruby coloured jewel began to slowly disappear leaving the jewel to look like a large diamond. The king's voice suddenly dropped to a low growl as he spoke.
"Only he of royal blood can restore the ruby. And the one of you that does so, shall be the new king."
The jewel began to spin and glow as the king began to chuckle and cough. Orochimaru and Hidan watched the jewel spin and glow, and didn't notice as the elderly king fell limp upon his pillows.
Orochimaru slowly tried to reach for the still spinning jewel, not noticing his father's death, but the jeweled necklace shot out through the open balcony windows leaving a tail of light behind it.
Hidan grabbed his father's limp hand, giving him a last kiss of respect before walking towards the balcony to watch the shooting light head straight up into the night sky. Orochimaru stood beside him, watching the same light.
The jeweled necklace shot straight up, heading for the heavens and didn't appear to stop. Both princes watched until an explosion happened far above. Keeping their eyes in the night sky, Orochimaru and Hidan watched as the blinding light came back down to earth, falling as a shooting star would, falling towards the north, hundreds of miles away.
Hidan turned on his heel, stopping briefly to bow to his now deceased father. "I will make you proud father," he whispered before leaving the room.
Orochimaru sauntered to the foot of the bed, his eyes resting on the king. "What a disappointing way for you to do this father," he snorted out and turned, leaving the room.
==back at the wall==
"Oh Naruto look!" Sakura squealed out happily. "A shooting star!" Her eyes sparkled at the marvel that flew across the heavens. "So beautiful," she whispered.
Naruto watched in awe at the sight before looking at Sakura. "More beautiful than a ring from Suna?" he pointed out, a plan on his mind. Sakura turned to look at him, her green eyes round with surprise. Naruto leaned closer to Sakura, his hands on the blanket just inches from her legs. "Sakura," he breathed out deeply. "For your hand in marriage, I'd cross that wall and bring back that fallen star for you." His voice was but a husky whisper.
Sakura tsk'd in response. "Don't be silly, you can't cross that wall," she scoffed in return. "Nobody crosses that wall. Now you are just being silly." She took another drink from her plastic cup and frowned that there was nothing left.
"I'm not being silly. I'm serious Sakura, I'd do it for you." Naruto pleaded out. "For you, I would do anything," he emphasized the word, to express how serious he was.
Sakura looked back at Naruto, her eyes flickering between the two blues, looking for any signs of lies. She then lifted the corner of her lips and lowered her eyes slightly. "Hmm… my very own star…"
"So do we have a deal?" His eyes never left her face.
Sakura tilted her head and pinched her lips, as if thinking about the offer. She then turned to the hopeful blue eyes, "you have exactly one week or I'm marrying Sai."
==elsewhere on the other side of the wall==
Golden eyes widened as they took in the sight of the bright ball of fire zooming across the night sky. As it passed overhead, red lips dropped open in a silent gasp and the eyes focused on the ball until it dropped from sight, miles upon miles away. A broad grin replaced the shocked lips and the figure turned right around and stepped back in through the balcony doors.
"Hinata! Tayuya! Wake up!" the voice called out down through the corridor. Hurried steps were heard echoing off the walls and two doors burst open. "Come on, wake up!" the voice growled out when it stopped at the foot of a large bed. Golden eyes narrowed at the two sleeping figures in the bed.
"Hinata! Tayuya!" the sharp voice barked out.
Two faces rolled over, their eyes blinking sleepily. "What is it Konan that you feel the need to wake us so early," a grumbled voice groaned out.
"A star! A star has fallen!" Konan called out as his eyes watched the two in the bed, waiting for them to realize what she had just said.
A pair of lavender and a pair of light brown eyes both opened wide in sudden surprise, both their mouths giving out a gasp before jumping out of the bed. Konan grinned at the response and rushed out the room, the two other women following behind her.
Konan began opening up various cupboard doors in a store room and closing them just as quickly. Each cupboard she opened, she would let out an angry growl and slam the door hard. "Where are the rinnegan candles!?" she snapped out at the two women who entered the room.
"Rinnegan candles? Seriously?" Hinata scoffed out and folded her arms across her chest.
Konan glared at her, her one eye twitching in irritation. "Well?" she hissed out between clenched teeth, becoming angry at her sister's attitude.
"You used the last one like 200 years ago dumb ass!" It was Tayuya that spat out this time. Her arms flew up showing her annoyance.
"Well, lets get another one then!" Konan barked right back. "We need to get to that star!"
"You speak as if rinnegan candles are easy to come by!" Hinata now raised her voice. "Where the hell are we going to find one?" She put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot.
"Forget it Hinata. We can't waste our time looking for a rinnegan candle while some other witch gets our star!" Tayuya growled out at the both of them.
"We need to find out where it fell first. If we go out on foot, then so be it." Tayuya nodded her head and pulled out a pouch from a drawer. Opening the pouch, she poured the contents onto one of the tables in the room. A fine glitter sand and small stones fell into a pile. Pulling her flute out from somewhere behind her, she quickly twirled the flute between her fingers before placing it at her lips. An eerie soft tune began to fill the room while Hinata and Konan leaned closer to the pile of sand and rocks. As the tune continued, the rocks began to roll and slide about through the sand, spreading it into intricate designs around the table. After a few seconds, the rocks and sand stopped and Tayuya stopped playing. All three eyes looked down at the designs left on the table.
"If these divinations are correct, the star fell but a hundred miles away," Konan hummed.
"We've waited four centuries for this, what is waiting for a few more days," Tayuya piped up, nodding her head and slipping her flute back to wherever it came from behind her.
"Which of us will go to fetch it and bring it back then?" Konan looked up to each sister, raising a brow.
"We shall let fate decide," Hinata spoke up quickly, pulling out five objects from her pocket. "The runes will decide who will go." She shook the five objects in her closed hands, holding them up to the others, so they could hear the rattling within her palms. She gave them a smirk before opening her palms and dropping the objects on the table. Three sets of eyes watched the objects bounce about before settling.
Hinata jumped up and pumped her fist. "Yes! Can't beat fate sisters!" she stuck her tongue out at the other two who glared daggers at her but didn't dispute the fact. Hinata gathered up her small rune stones and tucked them back into her pocket. Little did her sisters know that her stones were rigged into her favor everytime she rolled em. She was a witch after all as she chuckled inwardly.
"You will have to use what's left of our last star," Konan sighed out. She moved over to a far shelf and pulled a thick wooden box down off the highest shelf. Blowing the dust from it, she placed it on a table, Hinata and Tayuya standing on either side of her. All three lowered two fingers and pointed towards the box. Several clicks were heard and a long slender rope became visible and untangled itself from around it. Konan slowly lifted the lid and a soft bright glow quickly filled the room.
"There is not much left," Tayuya spoke.
"Soon there will be enough for us all sisters," Hinata chuckled lowly as she quickly grabbed the glowing object from the box and slipped it into her mouth.
The fast moving fire ball zoomed across the treetops, igniting the tips of the pines that looked like burning candles in the distance. As the burning ball began to dip more closer to the earth, it twisted, burned and popped in its wake. Crashing through thick trees like matchsticks that stood for hundreds of years, the trees were no match against the thick burning ball of flame that began to skid along the forest floor.
Forest debris flew up and away from the force of the mass before the flames were suddenly smothered when the giant star hit the earth, pushing out a wave of pressure, leveling the area and leaving a wide round crater. What trees were left surrounding the crater rocked back and forth from the blast, smoked gently from the heat until the night was calm again, as if nothing fell from the heavens.
The dust and mud in the air began to clear, showing what burnt area remained from the force of the falling star. And in the middle of the giant crater, a figure lay splayed beneath the starlit sky. Upon closer view, the figure was dressed in black slacks, pointed shoes and a dark blue shirt that showed a hint of chest. Blue black shoulder length hair lay spread out and deep onyx coloured eyes stared up in a surprised manner.
Deep pink lips frowned suddenly and the marbled skin toned face turned its head to side. A sharp jawline with a straight nose and refined cheekbones reflected off the moon light. The dark orbs narrowed in displeasure as it focused on an object laying beside him.
The moonlight sparkled off a large diamond, surrounded in a gold clasp and attached to a silver chain.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Has this perked some interest? Anyone have any questions about this one? *wink*