Gimme Everythin' I wanted
Chapter One:
"Are you slow or what boy," Chiyo, an elderly woman with little to no patience in her old age, screeched, causing her disobedient charge to flinch. "I told you to collect the crystals from that damned geezer, go now!" She motioned her hand like she was about to strike him, but held it in place as she glared.
The young demon that had been named Sasuke stubbornly held his ground, only serving to further irritate her.
Sasuke knew that his defiant glare and fast mouth would soon earn him a slap across his face, but that was a lot better than the threat of being humiliated and ensnared, again. Frustration grew in his thin body at the thought.
"Old man Ebizo won't give them to me. He says you have to go there and get them yourself…" Sasuke struggled, nearly gagging as he spat the word, "Mistress."
The word itself left a bitter taste in his mouth.
To be controlled, to be under the command of another…Sasuke had a crawling hate for it all. He wanted to do what he wanted without anyone telling him otherwise. He didn't want to owe anyone shit, he just wanted to be free to be himself!
Chiyo was stubborn as well, as she continued to look impatient, tapping her foot as she stared him down, wanting to break that damned attitude of his. It hadn't been by choice that she kept this brat around. In fact, his parents had been an unfortunate pair killed before they even got a chance to spend time with their newborn.
If she wasn't so damn soft, she would have killed the kid the moment that she got the chance.
Having some form of mixed blood in this damned demon realm was always a cursed reality.
The fact that he was mixed meant he was doomed in this world to begin with. Honestly, she felt sorry for him.
Even as their kingdom had tried to encompass a change in the prejudice held for so long for such beings, it remained fruitless after the death of the righteous king and queen. It had been entropy that had destroyed any dream that they had tried to bring to life.
These days all the kingdom was left with was the bated breath of when the sole surviving heir would take the throne. Hoping against hope that their new king would bring about the change that they so desperately needed right now.
Not that Chiyo cared anymore.
That was a problem for the younger generations.
Just realizing that Sasuke would soon be an adult made her feel the weight of her age. She was so withered now, even if she was a demon, she had gone through her own life, lived it, and lost. The moment that she lost her mate a long time ago, her fate was set on its spiraling end that would soon meet with his.
Once you lose your mate the time that had stopped at inheritance, started up again. If anything she would soon be dust left behind in this world, but the brat before her would continue to live life.
Continue to try and figure things out for himself because he had no family left to guide him.
She should probably warn him, teach him a bit more and tell him about the importance of a mate and what his familial inheritance meant…
"Sasuke," she sighed deeply, looking away. No, Chiyo closed her eyes, she was too tired now to keep wasting her breath on him. Sasuke was just going to ignore and fight her as he usually did. "Go pull out the weeds in the garden, I will be back. Expect no dinner tonight as punishment," Chiyo pushed past the boy, making him blink at the fact that she had not hit him like usual.
Not that he was going to complain about it.
He watched her go for a moment, releasing a relieved breath.
That was close.
He could have ended with a new bruise. It was only the guilt that she had drilled into him since childhood that kept him from really lashing out at her. Sasuke looked around the small house, it didn't hold much besides a small table, stove, a rolled up bed pallet that belonged to Chiyo, and the cold floor.
Opening the closet door, he pulled out the large oval bucket that was used to collect the weeds.
He stepped out of the house and went towards the vast garden that she kept just to the side.
Sasuke scrunched up his pale face once the glare of the sun hit his pitch black eyes, glaring up at the bright sky. If there would be no dinner that meant that she expected him to pull weeds well past it. It wasn't the first time that he would go to bed hungry, from the very moment that he had been deemed capable of doing things himself he had to earn his keep.
Nothing was a gift, and nothing was for free.
He needed to be grateful for what he could get. Chiyo said that all he could ever get was what he worked hard to earn. That meant if he wanted to eat he would do exactly what Chiyo asked of him.
Today, already, he had not done that.
Sasuke jumped over the small fence allowing his bare feet to sidestep the plants that he knew were poisonous, although at this point poison wouldn't kill him. He had gotten stung so many times that his body had built immunity to it, with some just giving him a twenty four hour fever at most.
These plants were special though, because most demons were able to overcome poison. But not the one created by many of these plants, and not the one that Chiyo specialized for the kingdom.
It was a weapon, although Sasuke was unsure of how it was fully utilized.
If not to kill an enemy then was it used to kill high demons in power. Chiyo always did wonder if perhaps the poison had been used on the king and queen all those years back.
After all, killing high demons was hard to begin with.
Personally, the plants Sasuke dared not come near were the ones that burned and irritated the skin. Their afflictions could last for longer than a day, and they were just plain annoying.
The field of medicinal, poisonous, and exotic plants that Chiyo kept was dangerous if not handled right, circled only by what looked like the start of a deep forest. Sasuke had never gotten to venture out to figure out just how dense that forest was, mainly because he didn't care to. He had heard rumors that different species of demons resided there, but nothing more.
Sasuke had yet to tell Chiyo, but he had been practicing using what little of his powers he could access. She had snapped, and slapped his hands every time he had tried in the past, that he had started to hide it from her in general.
Concentrating enough, he was able to connect with the small life form that the weeds seemed to produce. The first time that he had done this, a deep sadness had washed over his entire being. As if the thought of him cutting that life, no matter how small it was, devastated him.
Sasuke hadn't been sure where that emotion had come from, as it was there one second, and then gone the next replaced by accomplishment once the life had been snuffed out. Sasuke then directed the weeds into the bucket, piles and piles of them settled neatly and stacked. He wasn't sure how long he had been concentrating but he gasped when he heard a voice call his name.
For a moment, he feared he'd gotten caught.
Turning his head he spotted Sakura, a pink haired sprite, a lower form of a demon, but a demon nonetheless. She was waving at him while carelessly jumping over the fence. She flitted about, missing all the plants as she made her way over.
"Sasuke, what are you doing?" she curiously asked.
Sasuke placed his hands on his hips giving her a look, "What does it look like I'm doing?" He asked her, as if it was not obvious.
Sakura gave a mischievous grin, "You're disrespecting lady Chiyo and using your magic, you know she told you not to because she's trying to keep you safe,"
Sasuke huffed in exasperation, "Wouldn't it be safer for me to be able to defend myself?" He made a face, "Even that old man is able to ensnare me." Sasuke could still recall how trapped he had felt, pinned to the floor, unable to move, and completely at the old man's mercy. All he'd done was laugh at his face, jeering at him to stand up, calling him useless until Chiyo had intervened.
Sasuke hadn't thought about it then, but feeling powerless…he hated that feeling right next to being controlled.
"You know he meant no harm, he was just angry that you didn't listen to him and Chiyo keeps making you go back and forth, If anything I think he was mad at her," Sakura gently tried to justify.
She knew that Ebizo was angry at Chiyo for holding Sasuke back from using his powers and training. He actually thought Sasuke had potential to go out and make something great of himself, with no fear if he hid the fact that he was mixed well.
"He could have tried punishing her instead then," Sasuke grumbled, reaching for the bucket and moving to the next section.
"You know his power can't compare to hers, it was easier to mess with you," Sakura giggled softly, getting to her knees to properly pull out the weeds. Sasuke watched her, unable to respond to her. Of course she would defend Chiyo and that old man.
Sakura had learned a lot from her since medicine was her main objective in life.
Being a demon was a complex thing, because although immortality was offered in its territory, it didn't mean that you got to live forever. If that was the case, then his parents would still be alive and they wouldn't have abandoned him! What use was it being a being with a long life span, surrounded with magic, when death still waited for you at every wrong move?
If that was really it, then Sasuke wanted to live by his own means before he had to die.
All he had in life was to make at least something out of it! He wanted to claim that he at least enjoyed some of it before it had to end…
"Stop thinking so hard already and get to work. I came to help you," Sakura called out to him when she saw that Sasuke had not moved.
"Why are you helping me, usually you just come to make fun," Sasuke said, still not looking at her. Instead he was looking at his hands, the tips of his long pale fingers were turning pink from where the little bit of magic he had used now tinged his skin. A side effect of the medicine, and what would give him away to Chiyo that he had used magic.
Sasuke didn't care.
"That's because I wanted to do something nice for you," a slight flush took over her cheeks as she turned away from him. At the lingering silence between them, Sasuke turned his head towards her. She was smiling and giving him shy glances.
It was like she wanted something from him.
Or was it that she wanted him to ask her what was on her mind. He frowned, why did she have to play these guessing games?
"You don't do nice things for others Sakura. You complain, or argue with them," Sasuke deadpanned, successfully getting her to puff up her cheeks in anger, hair frazzled, and glaring at him.
That was the Sakura he knew.
"For your information, this might be the last time I see you okay! I was just trying to be nice," She got to her feet, the glare on her face melting into a teary eyed look instead. "I'm leaving, Sasuke," she whispered.
"What, where are you going?" Sasuke's expression changed, more concerned now.
Sakura was about one of the only friends he had made in his short life. Slowly many of them had started to depart, but he didn't think that the pink haired girl ever would. She had made it seemed like he would never be able to get rid of her, but it seemed like that had all been an illusion created in his own head.
Sakura puffed up her chest in pride, "I got accepted to be the apprentice to Lady Tsunade up in the palace. It's such an honor Sasuke, my family and I could get recognize if I do well. We won't be considered trash anymore," She sniffed a bit a tears pricked her eyes, "I can give my family a real chance in this world."
"I see," Sasuke muttered, looking down because he couldn't stand the happy hopeful look on her face. He knew that everyone that lived down, in the bottom of these cliffs and tended to the fields all had that goal. To get out of here and be considered more…what about him though?
Sasuke had never thought about what he wanted to do, but right now he just felt like he was being left behind.
"Sasuke," Sakura's voice trembled, "Are you going to be okay?" she asked, worry filling her green eyes. "I will write to you, you know. You always worry me since you're always up to something disruptive," she giggled.
Sasuke nodded, a small smile coming over his face.
He didn't want her to think that he was sad that she would be leaving. He especially didn't want her to know that he was upset that he had never really put much thought on what he wanted to do with his life, besides live.
"Of course, I'm strong you know. Soon I will get out of here and find a way to be more too. So don't worry about me, Sakura," he assured her.
Sakura's green eyes brightened as she grinned and threw herself towards him, hugging him tight. "I'll be cheering for you!" she said.
Sasuke tensed under her hug, never one for physical contact, but knew she wouldn't release him until he returned it. Just as he willed his body to relax so he could properly hug her back, something from across the field exploded.
The recoil of it sent them flying, crashing against the poisonous plants.
Sakura cried out as she made the mistake of touching a plant that burned, cursing under her breath.
"What's going on?" Sasuke wondered, maneuvering himself to a crouching position, his eyes scanning the area of where the explosion had come from. His eyes bled into a crimson shade as he focused on his surroundings. Sakura started to look around as well, holding her hand to her chest, preparing for an attack.
They weren't uncommon after all.
Another crashing explosion sounded around them, shaking the earth beneath their feet. Dread colored their faces when they noted part of the cliff crumbling down, an avalanche of thick debris, dirt, and rock threatening to crush everything in its path.
"The plants!" Sakura cried, immediately moving to create a magical dome shield to protect Chiyo's beloved garden.
Sasuke on the other hand thrusted his arms out, demanding that it all stop. It was heavy, but he was able to hold off the disaster for the meanwhile, but he had to think fast about what to do. He wouldn't be able to keep holding off this disaster forever.
Another explosion followed, and along with it came the body of a demon, zooming over to them. Not just any demon, but one that was held an animal shape.
These kinds of demons were usually known as diminutive, and they were either kept as pets, or trained in armies to defend land. Its ugly face twisted in agony as it screeched against Sakura's shield. She screamed, closing her eyes as it disintegrated to nothing under black flames that vanished right along with the creature.
Taking a deep breath, Sasuke finally managed to move the rocks so that they fell around the house and field. Before them a gaping hole was left in the center of the massive cliff that had always proudly surrounded the sanctuary.
Sakura sighed softly as she dropped her shield, and shakily made her way closer to Sasuke, wanting to get a better look. There was still a thick cloud of dust in the air that obscured what was going on, or what had caused the massive destruction.
"You fools," A voice called, making Sasuke and Sakura look towards the sky. "How can you be having such a hard time, just finish that little brat already. I've weakened him enough so it shouldn't be that difficult!" the man snapped. The top left side of his face was hidden in bandages as he floated up in the air. The ire on his body was tangible, as he thrusted his hand out in command, "End him now!" he roared.
Several large demonic beasts that had no real will of their own howled downwards, making their way into the chasm that had been created.
The dust had cleared enough by then, to show that the figure of a lone beautiful demon was standing there. A male with long raven hair, pale skin, with ripped clothing, and matted in blood. Somehow his stance remained unwavering, seemingly not faced by the oncoming diminutive demons.
"They're going to kill him," Sakura whispered, frightened.
"No," Sasuke was trembling, the strong need to do something burning in him. He wasn't sure why, it wasn't in his nature to feel this but, he had to help. He wanted to do anything that he could to help. Something deep inside burned in him, telling him that he needed to help now! He turned to Sakura, grabbing the girls shaking hand. "Sakura go get help, anyone," he commanded.
Sakura nodded, not hesitating to run off and find help.
Sasuke looked back.
Just as the diminutive demons were about an inch from the long haired demon, a burst of black flames erupted, burning through each and every one of the diminutives. In seconds they were nothing but ashes in the wind.
"AAARRGGHH" The man in the air yelled with such irritation that it consumed the air around them. He thrust forward, intending to come down and get the long haired demon himself.
Sasuke wasn't sure what he was thinking as this time his body moved, skidding and within seconds, he was standing protectively in front of the long haired demon. Just in time he froze the one that had been making his way down from the air.
Sasuke was breathing hard, the damned older demon was just about a foot away from them, and he was powerful compared to Sasuke. It was painfully obvious, it was simply the adrenaline rushing through him that gave him the momentum at the moment.
"What are you doing?" The long haired demon demanded from behind him. His voice a deep, commanding tone that sent pleasant shivers down Sasuke's spine. He ignored it though, in favor of turning to give him a glare over his shoulder. Sasuke's red eyes met pitch black ones that seemed to question his motives. Honestly, Sasuke wasn't sure what the demon could be thinking about him and his actions.
He didn't think he wanted to know anyways.
"Helping you out, duh. What does it look like?" Sasuke snapped what should already be obvious. He was pissed that the demon he was saving was so ungrateful for his help.
The long haired demon's eyes widened, like he was still unable to comprehend what this random demon was doing for him.
Honestly, it made sense for him to react that way. They didn't know each other. The demon was being attacked for a reason so why would he believe that someone wanted to genuinely help him?
Fuck, Sasuke had no idea why this demon was being attacked. There could be many reasons, most of them bad.
"You really don't have to do this, I can take care of it myself," The demon suddenly said, his eyes going cold. "Release him and run. You don't have to place yourself in danger for my sake." he urged.
That condescending look on his face was so annoying!
Sasuke shook his head, ignoring the demon's pleas, concentrating on keeping the threat at bay. He looked up at the old demon and bared his fangs. This made the other demon bristle and shuffle behind him. Sasuke changed another glance at him, briefly, finding that the stony handsome face was calculating what his next move would be. His dark eyes were locked on Sasuke, debating, Sasuke just knew.
Please don't do anything stupid, Sasuke begged inside his head.
Sudden laughter had both of them turning back to the older demon.
They had nearly forgotten the danger they were in with how concern they were for each other.
Okay, first they needed to deal with this crazy demon and then he will figure out the rest. Whether the demon he was trying to save was a villain or not, Sasuke had made his decision. All of it based on the twist of his own feelings churning deep in his gut, urging him to help and protect—something so foreign to him that he didn't want to let it go.
He wanted to hold on.
"Don't you dare think that you can stop me for long," The elder demon could now move his head, just barely but still.
Sasuke's eyes widened. His fingers scrunched up, trying to tighten the control that was slowly slipping from him. Desperately wishing that he could make this damn old demon disappear, but sadly he was too weak.
He didn't know where to go from here.
He didn't know much about his powers or strength.
This was frustrating to him and he hated feeling so fucking useless. He closed his eyes, begging for the core he felt deep inside to not give out on him. To please, for once, let things go his way.
"Shut up, what do you think you are trying to do? This is a peaceful sanctuary for the ill." Sasuke growled with fury. Lifting his head in determination he glowered at the old demon. "You can't come here destroying things, I won't fucking let you!"
That was right.
Chiyo might be a tough woman in her own way, but since young she had grilled into Sasuke's head that this place was not one for fighting. Only the weak came here searching for help and it was their duty to provide that help. No one else and nowhere else offered that fleeting comfort in this wretched kingdom. Their job was to give anyone a second chance to redeem themselves and better themselves.
He couldn't allow this man to come here destroying things, much less kill another demon.
"Once I get out of this hold, and I will, you will die first for standing in my way! And then I'll end you, ITACHI!" He snarled with so much hatred as his face started to violently shake back and forth. He had more wiggle room, "I'll make sure to eradicate your very existence you little useless spawn, you should have never been born!"
Itachi…that name sounded familiar.
Sasuke couldn't place it at the moment. He didn't try to as he kept his eyes locked on the demon in front of him. Sasuke took a moment, but quickly realized that the old demon wanted to shake the bandages that covered his right eye.
Why would….
The bandages suddenly fell, and Sasuke struggled, demanding his powers to hold. He needed to keep this man in place so Sakura could come back with the help needed. His eyes widened slightly as the revealed eye glowed red and glared down at him, locking him in place.
He felt like he was chocking now.
His breathing had stopped and he was losing control of his body. No, no, he didn't want to be at the mercy of anyone, no!
The demon behind him shifted, moving closer to Sasuke's locked and trembling body.
Sasuke heard him gasp, as if he realized something, but he wasn't sure. He couldn't turn his head to look at him and see what it was that had shocked him. It had to be that red eye the demon had just revealed, there was nothing else that Sasuke could think that it could be.
He faltered when warm arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a solid chest.
Those arms went around his small waist. Sasuke gritted his teeth when the other demon's head tucked into his slender neck. He shifted his eyes in time to catch sight of the demon's head, so close to his, and watched as his eyes bleed red.
Fear, or any other feeling he had running through him melted at the sight. It left him in a state of wonder instead.
Perfect lips moved to call a soft spell, pulling forth a power Sasuke wasn't familiar with.
"The hell!" The elder demon cried, closing his eyes at the sudden white flash of light that erupted from the two bodies in front of him. "Damn you Itachi what the fuck are you doing!"
Something appeared beneath them, hollow and endless. Sasuke gasped, tensing up against the demon that was holding him.
"What are you doing!" the younger demon called, wondering why he was not panicking. The thing under him was unknown and scary and yet a sliver of uncalled for and foreign pleasure caressed its way down his spine at the feel of the other's warm breath on his neck.
Had he said something….had he answered him…
The two tumbled forward blindly, and Sasuke braced himself for a harsh fall.
Instead, he was left breathless when he realized that no such fall or hit would come. Before him was nothing but a dark void, like time and space and yet nothing, holding him gently, safely as he could still feel those strong arms around him.
Behind them, he could vaguely make out an echoed outrage cry of 'NO' that couldn't touch them. Lost to the void until it was gone.
At that moment all he felt was like they were going to keep falling forever.