(16th century past...)
"Seraphin please do not leave yet." Reynard snuggled closer into the warm inviting unclothed chest.
"It is daybreak, someone will seek me out eventually." Seraphin's sleep ridden voice caressed his neck ever so gently causing a shiver to run up his spine.
Blue eyes studied the face before him and smiled. "Do you know how beautiful you are?"
The raven cracked one eye open and frowned. "I am not beautiful," he spat out as if the word were a vile taste in his mouth.
The prince snickered. "Oh but my dear you are! I cannot begin to tell you of the amount of women who would die to look even the least bit like you."
"They are fools then."
"Do not pout love, I can tell you this much at the sake of your masculine pride. If you were to look... otherwise, this attraction might not have even occurred."
Seraphin smirked, "Is that so?"
"I'm afraid it is." Reynard laughed as his sides were furiously attacked by quick nimble fingers. When Seraphin was done torturing his prince he smiled as he lay his head down on the firm solid chest that secretly he was envious of.
"I must go..." he whispered reluctantly.
"mm.. alright ..if you must." Reynard lifted his head to gaze into loving obsidian eyes. Seraphin wordlessly pulled him down into a kiss. It was official, after five months of secret meetings and reckless behavior, the Captain had fallen head over heels in love with the young prince. Although he still could not properly declare his love, he knew that Reynard was more than aware of it.
Today was a day that he could not afford to leave behind bad impressions. The King had arranged a meeting for a prospective wife. And as much as he dreaded it, it could not be helped. He had stalled for as long as possible, but now was the time to tell his lover of the only secret he had ever kept from him.
"Come now, whatever is the matter love?" Reynard used the pad of his thumb to smooth out the creases between his brows.
Seraphin was a straight forward person so he would not beat around the bush. "I am to meet with a prospective bride today. I am told by your father that she is a perfect match and will be an asset to the French court." His face twisted into another frown as he watched his beloved's reaction.
"Absolutely not! I will not allow it!" He growled out in a most un-princely manner.
"I would like to see you deny your father." Despite his predicament he couldn't help but smirk. His prince could be so utterly adorable at times.
"What time is she to arrive?" Reynard huffed in defeat.
"At twelve noon sharp."
Reynard's nefarious little grin should have had the Captain worried, instead he was intrigued. Just what was running through his devious little prince's head had yet to be seen.
Seraphin watched with an impassive face as the carriage headed out in the same manner it had arrived. After a horde of unfortunate events the Lady had huffed out in a rage. No matter how in love she had fallen with Seraphin's status and handsome countenance, she simply couldn't stand for the humiliation she had gone through in the brief few hours she had been present for.
Seraphin couldn't really say he was sorry to watch her leave. He turned his back on the disappearing carriage and reported the failed attempt to the king. His royal majesty was sorry to hear of the mishap but he wasted no time in assuring Seraphin that another would be sought out soon enough.
The Captain refused to groan in annoyance. It was most disrespectful and could very well coast him his tongue...literally.
"So exactly how did you pull all that off your majesty?" Seraphin had a mischievous looking blonde pinned to a wall near the servant's quarters.
"I am a master of many talents Sir Seraphin...and ridding myself of an unwanted nuisance just so happens to be my specialty.
"Is that so?" Seraphin tilted his head in mock question.
"That it is..." Reynard smirked before capturing those laughing lips before him.
"I will never let you go, remember those words well my dear..." Really Reynard couldn't help it if his love was border line obsession. Could you really blame him?
It was simply too bad neither of them had noticed the woman who had followed them...The woman who now had rage and jealousy burning within the depths of her eyes.
'Prince Reynard belongs to me!'
(Present)
Naruto awoke in a mess of sheets as he'd done so many times before. He noticed a light weight on top of his chest and realized that once again Kyo ended up sprawled across him. It was an endearing sight that Naruto had to smile at. He thought back to the dream he had and let out a frustrated sigh.
For the past two weeks he'd been having these weird dreams involving Sasuke...only it wasn't him and Naruto wasn't exactly Naruto either. The whole thing confused him and he couldn't stand it. He wanted to know what it all meant but between his job and the growing attraction he felt towards the caretaker, it was becoming increasingly hard to bring it up. And to top it all off weird things seemed to happen on a daily basis. Naruto of course ignored it and brushed it off by trying to explain it logically, but Kyo was another matter entirely. He only ever seemed to be happy when he was around his Tou-san and it was starting to bother the blonde. He didn't sleep properly anymore either. Even Gaara's daily visits seem to cheer him up infinitely more than Naruto did.
As if sensing his fathers troubled thoughts Kyo stirred awake and rubbed at his eye sleepily before yawing loudly and stretching. He settled back into his comfortable spot on top of his father and wrapped his small arms around the man's torso.
"I love you Tou-chan..." he whispered sleepily as Naruto smiled at him.
"I love you even more Kyo-chan."
"No you can't!" Kyo said suddenly wide awake. Bolting into an upright position, he straddled his father's stomach.
"And why not?" Naruto pouted and childishly crossed his arms to show his disagreement.
"'Cause I love you this much!" Kyo stretched his arms as far apart as his width wise arm span would let him.
"Oh yeah well I love you this much!" Naruto sat up just as fast stretching his arms in the same manner. Then in a surprise attack he grabbed his chibi into a bear hug before rolling them over.
"TICKLE ATTACK!"
"Wwaaahhh Tou-chan hahaha n-no-hha sto-stop plea-haha-please hahaha!" Kyo squealed as he tried to squirm out of his father's grasp.
When he was properly red in the face Naruto let up and hoisted his son on his shoulders while he heaved for air.
"Common Chibi lets go brush our teeth and shower before we bother your Tou-san."
"HAI!" The little boy mock saluted with his free hand that wasn't wrapped around his fathers head. His facial expression was so serious it made both blondes burst out laughing.
They were working once again and like everyday for the past three weeks Naruto, Kyo, and Akihiro went around taking pictures while awaiting Sasuke, and eventually Gaara, to join them after they were finished checking on everything.
"Alright you guys I'll be in that room right over there, I don't want you guys to move from here, if you need me come and get me okay?"
They were finally on the third floor. The first two floors and the dungeons had all been completely photographed and all that was left was a few rooms on the third floor and the last tower. It looked like Naruto would be finished early. But instead of being happy about it he felt a heavy weight in his chest. When he was finished he would have to leave Sasuke...and he had no idea how to prolong their time together. He didn't want to leave him, and if his dreams were anything to go by then he was starting to get a vague idea why.
Naruto watch for a moment as the two played a game of catch in front of the grand entrance staircase. He turned and headed towards the room. If he remembered correctly then this was the princess's room. He began his meticulous work lost in thought.
"Thump...thump...thump"
"Musuko, don't go down the stairs!" Naruto hollered as he continued to open the doors to her wood crafted dresser to get a picture of the workmanship.
"...thump...
...thump...
...thump..."
The noise came again and Naruto rolled his eyes he closed the door to the dresser.
"Uzumaki Kyo Seiryuu I'm not going to say it again young man!"
"...THUMP...
... THUMP...
... THUMP..."
The sound shook his core this time around. The more he thought about it the more he realized that the noise wasn't the gentle pitter patter of a child's feet but the more it sounded like something being dragged up the stairs.
'Oh hells fucking no...'
Naruto dropped his camera not even noticing it shatter upon impact as he ran out the room.
"Kyo? Come on it's time to go!" Naruto noticed with dread that Kyo wasn't there. He tried to calm his furiously palpitating heart as he looked around.
"SEIRYUU, AKIHIRO, COME HERE THIS INSTANT!" Naruto shouted barely able to contain the tremble in his voice.
As a cold breeze rushed past him for the second time during his stay, Naruto could only hold his breath as he began to tremble. 'There's no such thing as ghost...They're not real...' Naruto chanted over and over in his head.
When a hand clamped down on his shoulder Naruto nearly jumped out of his skin.
"You okay? You look...pale."
Naruto turned around to greet the worried face of Sasuke, and to his great relief, Kyo.
"Oh thank Kami-sama! Wait, where is Aki- chan?"
The dog sat obediently by Sasuke's foot when Naruto looked down. "Didn't I tell you two not to move?"
"But...but something was coming up the stairs so we ran away to hide!"
"Wasn't that you coming up the stairs Sasuke?" If Naruto was pale before he looked like a bleached white sheet now.
"No, sorry I came up thought the west wing."
"I really wish you wouldn't do that." Naruto said remembering the mysterious maid he'd never seen again.
"... What the hell are you talking about dobe? We don't have maids here..." The memory left a bad taste in his mouth the more he thought about it.
Naruto clung to the man's arm tightly as he led him to the room with his now destroyed camera.
"Great... now I'll have to go and get my spare." He frowned as he picked up the ruined pieces of digital equipment. The day just kept getting better and better.
Naruto thanked Kami-sama that his camera was digital and had a memory chip. He didn't want to enter that room anymore for today if he could help it. He had already retrieved the spare camera and on his way met up with Gaara. The group was now making the last stop for the day.
Kyo and Aki-chan were playing in front of them again only this time they stayed a lot closer to the adults. Naruto, Sasuke and Gaara hung back to converse as usual, and the blonde had practically wrapped himself around Sasuke's arm. The raven showed no signs of discomfort.
(Que music: Naruto Response of the souls)
"So I guess this is your last room?"
"Yeah..." Naruto muttered dejectedly.
"What are you gonna do after this?" Sasuke asked eying him quizzically.
Gaara looked to the photographer curious for the answer himself. He wasn't blind he saw the growing attraction between the two.
Before Naruto could think of a proper answer, Kyo ran up to him and clung to his leg. It was then he noticed they had finally ascended the stairs to one of the higher towers.
"Tou-chan, please, I don't like it here, let's go!" Kyo wouldn't look at his father, instead he stared at a spot near what Naruto assumed was the closet. His voice was trembling with fear and it troubled Naruto a great deal. Neither he nor Gaara had ever exposed the child to horror flicks, or read him monster stories. So Kyo couldn't have an over active imagination. He'd never heard such fear come from his baby.
"GRRR...ROOOFF...ROOOOFF" Aki was standing in a manner similar to that morning as he growled and barked at the spot near the closet. The sound was different though. His puppy's voice sounded deeper and gruffer as if the sound were reverberating from deep within the cavity of his chest. It almost sounded possessed.
"Alright you two enough of that, we'll leave m'kay?" He spoke gently as he picked Kyo up. The boy wouldn't remove his eyes from the door, and for some weird reason Sasuke placed himself directly in back of Naruto blocking Kyo's line of vision. Naruto could feel the comforting warmth radiate off the man as he stood ridiculously close to him. Gaara gently turned the boys head forward and ordered Naruto to move now. Sasuke had Akihiro still growling over his shoulder in one hand, and he used his other to guide Naruto to the stairwell.
"Let's get the hell out of here." He said relatively calm, but still glanced over his shoulder every so often.
"What's the matter with all of you? Maybe the high altitude's getting to you guys. I know, what we need is some fresh air! Let's get out of this dingy old depressing place!" Sasuke knew exactly what Naruto was doing and shook his head in exasperation. Down playing the event was not going to make it go away.
"Whatever you say dobe." Sasuke muttered putting the dog down as they reached the outside. He led them down the stairs, once at the bottom he sat with his back against the banister and watched the two little ones run around all but forgetting their earlier discomfort.
"Alrighty teme spill, what's the story behind that place? And I know you know so no avoiding the question!"
"Geez I wasn't going to Usuratonkachi." Sasuke Grumbled.
"What was that?" Naruto's eyebrow twitched furiously.
"Nothing, nothing, I said nothing..."
Gaara smirked, 'Smart man.'
"You were saying Sasuke?" Gaara interrupted with an amused smile.
"Huh? Oh right...There were two young princes, Prince William was about eight and Prince Charles was around eleven, when their father King Edward, passed away. They were two young to take the throne so the Kings younger brother, Stephen, ascended the throne until Prince Charles was old enough to clam his rightful place. Unfortunately, like all rulers in power, he grew greedy and didn't want to hand over the throne. He locked the boys in the tower and sealed off the entrance. They eventually starved to death. The boys were declared runaways by King Stephen, and until recently their corpse remained sealed in that room. The kids still like to play in that room sometimes."
"And you didn't tell us this before why?! How did you guys even manage to find the sealed door?" Naruto's random angry outburst switching to fascination in 0.5 seconds was amusing to watch.
"I thought you didn't believe in this stuff? And it was an accident. They stumbled across it during their first attempt of renovating. That was the reason the deal fell though with the contractor the first time. It scared the shit outta him when he found the bones dressed in nightgowns.
"Creepy!" Naruto's arms wrapped around his torso as he shuttered, a little too exaggerated for it to be natural.
"That would explain that..." Gaara's enlightenment did nothing to help Naruto.
"So I'm guessing Kyo-chan and Aki-chan sensed them or something?" Naruto really didn't want the answer to that one. It would be hard convincing his son they didn't exist if he himself started believing in them.
"No..." Naruto almost let out a sigh of relief when...
"...they saw them..." Sasuke's no nonsense tone kept Naruto from trying to prove him wrong.
"When we first got here, Kyo said a woman was trying to take him away from me. I didn't know what to think. He's never been exposed to horror themed...anything! I thought it was a nightmare but..."
"Don't think too much on it, what's passed has passed." Sasuke looped one arm around the blonde's waist and pulled him closer so Naruto could snuggle up. It was moments like these that Naruto could swear he was in love. It was also moments like these that reminded him about his nightly dreams.
"This Castle sure does have a lot of interesting stories."
"Yeah... Come on lets go get lunch." Sasuke stood and stretched.
"Seiryuu, Akihiro, lunch." That was all that need to be said in order to get those two to come running. Sasuke's food was to die for!
On their way to the kitchen Naruto found him self inspecting every inch of the place much like he'd done when they'd first arrived. A burnt tapestry caught his eye and he had to wonder if it had always been there.
"That's the only thing that remains from King Henry the VI's reign. There was a siege that took place and they destroyed everything, as I've mentioned before. Hundreds of Soldiers fought and lost their lives here, not to mention the Royal family. It was during that time that Prince Reynard lost his life." Naruto heard the edge in the man's voice and for an instant Naruto could recall the details of the ruined tapestry.
Which completely didn't make sense considering how old the thing was and what era Naruto was born in.
"Thank the lord, I have always hated that thing, it was hideous!"
"What did you just say?" Sasuke blinked, his face colored in shock.
"Huh? Oh, I said the thing was ugly..." It was then Naruto realized his error. Sure this tapestry was burnt but he had a feeling he wasn't' referring to the burnt state it was in.
"That is not what you just said." Sasuke put an emphasis on the word 'not' to get his point across.
"Yes it is!" Naruto huffed as he placed his clenched fist on his hips.
"That is not what you just said!" Sasuke and Gaara practically yelled/growled in unison. Those two were scary enough on their own. But put them together and... Kami, they were terrifying!
"Hehe... Tou-chan's talking funny again." Kyo tried to muffle his giggling behind interlocking fingers.
Sasuke's delicate brow rose about a half an inch as he gave man a 'and you were saying...' kinda look. Gaara resisted the Urge to knock the blonde over the head. He found in the past that that was actually counterproductive to his cause.
"What are you talking about Kyo-chan?"
"You talk funny in your sleep. I don't understand it sometimes."
Naruto's eyes were as large as saucers. "Lunch...lunch would be nice he muttered while stalking towards the kitchen lost in thought.
Sasuke shrugged before picking the child up and resting him on one shoulder.
Kyo couldn't contain his laughter this time, "Look Tou-san, I'm a giant now!"
"Yeah, my little giant maybe," Sasuke grinned as Aki trailed along happily behind. Kyo held his hand out for Gaara to hold. It was a little awkward walking in such a manner but it made the adorable chibi happy so they did it anyway despite their pride.
Naruto was busy getting ready for bed, and like always he spoke to Kyo about his day.
"...and then he said... my little giant maybe!" Kyo flailed his arms trying to mimic the voice from earlier and failing horribly at it.
"Ne, Tou- chan do you think I'll grow up as tall as Tou- san one day?" he asked with hope filled big round eyes.
Naruto sweetdropped, he didn't really know how to explain that since Sasuke was not his biological father it most likely wouldn't happen.
"I dunno chibi... you might just get stuck that height for the rest of your life..." Naruto was never good at pulling a straight face, so he ended up laughing and the pouting boy who had his arms crossed in an indignant manner.
"Alright, alright already! Maybe," Naruto poked his cute nose, and like an on switch, the boy lit up with a smile.
"Really?"
"Maybe." Naruto wasn't short himself so it wasn't exactly a lie per say.
Kyo readily jumped into bed and waited for his father to cuddle him like he did every night. When he didn't get in right away, Kyo got worried. "Tou- chan aren't you coming to bed?"
"In a minute Musuko, I was so busy brushing your sparkly white teeth I forgot to brush my own! I'll be right back I promise. I'll leave both doors open so if you get scared, just yell, and I'll be right here before you know it. Besides Aki-chan is here." Naruto winked and planted a kiss to the wary boy's forehead.
"M'kay" Kyo finally settled down and closed his eyes. Naruto quickly left the room with the sole intent of coming back right away.
(Que Music: Enya, Requiem for a dream)
Kyo shifted around nervously, his Tou-chan was taking awfully long. When the air around him turned freezing Yuki started to tremble out of fear.
"T-tou- chan?" he whispered.
"T-tou- chan I'm scared!" He tried to yell but for some reason he couldn't raise his voice. Aki was unresponsive as he lay there dead to the world. Something was very wrong with his puppy and the child couldn't understand what.
"Help!" This time his voice wouldn't come out at all. When he opened is eyes he could feel the trembling get worse, and tears started pouring out.
He opened his mouth and...
Naruto hummed as he entered the room and locked the door behind him.
"Kyo-chan, are you asleep?" No response could be heard.
Naruto vaguely rubbed his arm before deciding to turn the heat up, it was freezing in there. He clambered into bed and started talking in hushed tones like he always did. "Since work is all done tomorrow we can do what ever you want, and then after that...well, we'll see where we go from there."
Naruto wrapped his arms around his son and noticed immediately how cold he was, something was very, very wrong. He wasn't expecting an answer, in fact he rather wish he didn't get one.
"Will you take us to the forest to play tomorrow Father?"
There were several things fundamentally wrong with that sentence. One, his son was missing his lisps. Two, he called him father. Three, his slight Japanese accent was replaced by a crisp clear English one... no, make that two. And four, since when in frigs name did his son refer to himself as 'us'!
He knew right away what was going on and fought the urge to pass out. He took a shaky breath and braced himself
"William...? Charles...?"
"... Clever fellow is he not?" Naruto got the impression they were not speaking to him but rather about him.
In a flash, he was straddling the tiny frame pinning his arms to his side forcefully restraining him...them.
"Get... out... of... my... son..." he growled threateningly putting an emphasis on every word.
"Does he not fancy us anymore?" the voices mocked with a wicked grin on the once angelic face. His eyes were half lidded and surrounded by dark shadows.
"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY BABY!" he shook the small frame frantically, only receiving evil laughter for his fear and anger.
"HAHAHAHAHAH"
"SO HELP ME GOD, IF YOU DO NOT RELEASE MY CHILD, I WILL DAMN YOU TO THE DEEPEST DEPTHS OF HELL YOU INSUFFERABLE WRETCHED DEMON SPAWN!" Naruto roared in a language not his own, but clearly different from the one of his possessed son.
The laughing abruptly stopped and Kyo's body went stiff before it went limp as the boy lay there unconscious.
Naruto shook his limp form as tears welled in his eyes. "Kyo? Kyo? Musuko please, please be okay!" he prayed.
"T-tou-chan?" the small voice was groggy, but it was undoubtedly his son's.
"Gomen! Gomenasai! I'm so so sorry I should have never left you on your own." Naruto was all over him the minute his eyes cracked open. He smothered him in hugs and kisses but the tears would not stop.
"I don't like it here anymore Tou- chan." Kyo clung to his father as if his life depended on it.
"Okay, we'll leave I promise... we'll leave."
Aki finally shook himself awake as if he were in a long deep slumber. Without thinking Naruto grabbed Kyo in the bundle of blankets and made sure Aki was following as he ran down the hall to the only safe haven he knew.
He practically banged the door down by the time Sasuke even opened the door.
"Naru...wha...?"
Before he could ask anything Naruto flew into his unsuspecting arms, child and all. Sasuke felt his violent trimmers and the wetness against his bare chest.
He wrapped his arms around the two and tried again.
"What's wrong?" he soothed his hands down the trembling back.
"M-my Baby, they tried t-to take m-my baby!" Naruto chocked out in frustration between gritted teeth, crying.
"Sshh you're safe here...who tried to take Seiryuu?"
"I w-want to leave! I want to l-leave now damnit!" he answered completely ignoring the question in his frazzled state of mind.
"Hey its okay, relax take a breath and then try to explain."
Naruto took a shuddering breath but was unable to calm his racing mind.
"The boys in the tower don't like me." Kyo's faint whisper was all the answer Sasuke needed to put two and two together. He locked the door behind Akihiro and led them to his bed. He took Kyo from Naruto and placed him in the middle of the bed. He then tucked Naruto in the corner of the bed that was farthest from the door. Aki curled up at the bottom of their feet's. When Naruto was pulled into an embrace by those blessed long arms, he allowed himself to relax for what seemed like he first time in a long time. He threw his own arms across Kyo and onto Sasuke. Kyo had never felt safer in his life.
"Sleep, we'll figure something out in the morning. I'll watch over you guys for now... so just sleep." Naruto noticed for the first time, strange red illuminated eyes stared back at him. However, instead of feeling threatened a deep sense of safety washed over him. He stretched across the bed and placed a light kiss on Sasuke's lips, unmindful of their now sleeping chid, he was exhausted after his ordeal.
No words were exchanged, but Sasuke kissed his forehead before laying him down again. Naruto was fitfully asleep within minutes.
One thing was for sure...the blonde could no longer deny the existence of ghost.
Sasuke lay awake just staring at the striking face before him, his eyes burning in rage.
(16th century past...)
"Your highness, a moment please?" Lady Alexandra called out.
Prince Reynard resisted the urge to cringe while stilling for the obnoxious princess to catch-up. He was seriously contemplating an annulment of their engagement. It should have been a crime to stalk a person such as she did. Every waking moment of the day, no matter where he hid, she somehow managed to find him. There was never any proper excuse to flee from her side either. This particular pattern had been playing out for the better part of the past two months. It was almost as if she were putting him on a leash.
This aggravated him beyond belief, she was dominating all his free time and that only left him with night's to see his beloved. He had a sneaking suspicion that she was doing it on purpose to.
"How can I be of service Milady?" Reynard slightly inclined his head forward to hide his gritted teeth.
"Well, I was wondering if you had considered my proposal as yet. I believe a significant amount of time has passed and we are to be wedded soon, so..."
"Enough! Show some dignity will you? How highly could I possibly think of a wife who has the audacity to suggest such, sacrilegious wanton desires? You will do well to remember your place... by my side, not in front of me." Something in him snapped.
"You're not thinking straight love. You've had a very stressful day..." She tried again.
"Hear this and know it well, I will no longer allow your free reign of my courts. You are too bold in your assumption that I would allow a woman such as yourself to lead my people."
Alexandra bristled where she stood. "We shall see how far your foreign politics take you in England. You cannot afford to forsake ties to our country. We shall see who is victorious in this game you insist on playing."
"Avec plasir Mademoiselle Alexandra!" He smirked before bowing. To bad she never learnt French. If this was all it took to rid him self of the problem he would have lost his temper weeks ago.
He renewed his venture to his room with a bounce in his step. He couldn't wait to share his wondrous news!
Reynard found him self in a familiar position as he laid curled in his broody, yet romantic Knight's arms.
Finally he didn't have to worry about that she demon! As he lay there basking in his glorious afterglow, Reynard heard possibly the most horrendous sound he would ever live to hear. A terrible bell like sound suddenly rung out, reverberating through the air.
Seraphin was up in a heartbeat stumbling around for his clothes.
"What is it love? What on earth is going on?" Reynard had a nauseating feeling churning within his gut as he also dressed within record time.
"Those bells signal a raid on the castle. And judging from the smoke in the air this is no small scale attack." Seraphin quickly strapped his belt and sheathed longsword to his hip as he looked out the window to assess the situation.
"Stay here while I find out what is going on." The captain's trek to the door was interrupted by the blonde who beat him to it.
"I think not, I will go with you where it is safe. I refused to be ambushed because you are trying to protect me. And incase you have forgotten, you taught me the proper instruction for swordplay since I was old enough to walk." Reynard pulled him in for a quick kiss stealing any argument he may have had.
"Fine but do not leave my side." Seraphin warned grumpily, unhappy about his new found problem. He couldn't say 'no' to his spontaneous, strong headed, very persuasive, lover.
"Yes Sir!" Reynard saluted before opening the door. When they stepped out of the door it was like stepping into a whole other world.
People were rushing back and forth adorning heavy armor. Everyone was to busy panicking to notice the Captain walk out of the Prince's private chambers. Seraphin grabbed the nearest soldier and questioned him.
"What is going on here?"
"The castle is under siege your grace! They ambushed us only moments ago but already they have half the Castle under their control. We are trying to evacuate all inhabitants."
As if noticing Reynard for the first time the solider hurriedly bowed his head. "Prince Reynard you must come with me, all Royal personal must be brought to safety first!"
Before Reynard could get a word in another platoon burst through the corridor.
"Captain Seraphin! Thank heavens! You must come at once, King Lothair is in the other half of the Castle, and we must rescue him at once! The leader of the platoon wheezed out between pants of breath. They must have ran a long way, he quickly guessed.
"Lead the way."
Without further instructions the group took off again without paying the captain any mind.
"I am comm..." Reynard began before being cut off.
"...No it's too dangerous." Seraphin didn't even look at the prince as he watched the platoon fade in the distance. Instead he turned to the soldier still awaiting commands.
"You, go scout ahead and make sure all is well before you lead his highness anywhere. Is that understood?" His voice was powerful and commanding, everything an awe inspiring knight should have.
"Right away Captain," with a quick salute, the nameless soldier was gone leaving the two alone in the halls.
"Please don't go, come with me!" Reynard pleaded desperately grabbing onto Seraphin's arms.
"I have to save your father it is my duty ..."
"You will come back to me will you not?"
"I promise I will find you..." he trailed off kissing the prince on the corner of his mouth.
"...and then I shall take you away from here." Seraphin added in afterthought.
" Je t'aime Seraphin." They shared a passionate kiss that was sweeter than life itself.
"I..." love you too...
Before the words could be said a desperate voice cut though their endearing moment.
"Captain we must make haste!"
"Be careful your majesty," were the last words Reynard heard before he was dragged away by the nameless soldier.
"There are boats set up in the moat to get you across your highness, once on the other side a carriage awaits you." The man had led Reynard through a servant's entrance and out the back. When Reynard arrived at the boats dock his heart stopped for a moment before it gave a painful thud.
"Father we were told you were in enemy territory..."
"No matter I am safe now, we must leave at once." The king's voice was urgent but his expression was lax. It looked horribly wrong.
Reynard didn't budge. "Sir Seraphin, I have to get Sir Seraphin." He choked out dazed instead. Before he knew it he was being manhandled into the boat as it took off from shore.
"Do you think I could just sit back and watch your soul be damned due to your insufferable sins? Fear not my son I have taken every precaution to save your soul and rid you of your temptations. The devil will die tonight."
'Seraphin...' Reynard went cold as realization dawned on him. He tried to jump from the row boat but the guards restrained him. "NNNNOOOOO!" his agonizing cry rang throughout the heavens.
"You...you set this up...This was all a trap..." he whispered in disbelief.
"Yes and no, you should be grateful to your fiancé. She loves you dearly. Lady Alexandra came to me at once when she discovered your shameful affair. And once we caught wind of the ambush, it was easy giving him a noble death. This way, he may die with honor and be spared the humiliation of a public hanging."
Reynard couldn't stop crying. He gathered his bearings and went slack in their grasp. When they though him calm enough, they released him.
To their horror, the prince lept from the boat and swam back to shore ignoring their horrified cries. If Reynard couldn't have him in life, he would have him in death! His determination spurred him forward.
"Where is the king?" Seraphin had fought long and hard to reach the other side, loosing men along the way. But when he got there, there was no one there.
"RIGHT HERE!" Before Seraphin could move he felt the sword pierce the flesh of his back and exit through his right lung.
"W-why?" he choked out unable to understand the betrayal.
"You are the worst of sinners. You will rot in hell!" The man spat on his dying corpse in disgust.
As his body lay on the ground Seraphin could only think one thought... 'I am sorry love...'
His vision faded rapidly but in his dying stupor, he could have sworn a blonde angel ran towards him calling out to him.
"SERAPHIINN!!"
Prince Reynard dropped to his knees upon reaching his fallen warrior. "No please god no! please..." he let his tears fall as he ran his fingers across the cold skin of his cheeks. Reynard didn't have the strength to move anymore. He kissed Seraphin on his lips and whispered useless promises over and over again. "You promised...you promised me..."
Seraphin watched as the fire raging in the room grew. He sat there holding his beloved to his chest and waited for its flame to engulf them.
The prince and the Captain perished that night with naught but a single promise binding them together. In the end, a heart's cries were left unspoken while another lay broken...
(Present)
Naruto bolted awake as the sun hit his eyes. He was drenched in sweet and his breathing was heavy...
He finally understood those dreams. Why he was here...what the unforeseen draw to the castle was...and who was finally there once more...
Red eyes locked with blue and Naruto cried out with uncontainable happiness, "SERAPHIN!" he threw his arms around the man and squeezed as tight as his arms allowed.
"I found you...your Majesty." Sasuke hugged him back with equal vigor, finally finally getting his prince.
"How did you know? How long have you had your memories for? When..." Naruto's rambles were cut off by one mind blowing kiss. His eyes closed of their own accord as he moaned in delight. Sasuke lapped at his bottom lip and received no resistance as Naruto eagerly opened his mouth. It had been centuries but the feeling was still as strong as ever. Naruto dug his fingers into the thick lush hair and tried his hardest to make the moment last longer than forever.
When the kiss was broken Sasuke's gaze searched his own for something he was desperate to find.
"I've always been aware of them, ever since I was a kid I knew I had to find you. And something told me to come back here... that you'd come to find me here. And you did, only you didn't seem to remember a thing...and apparently had moved on with your life." Sasuke was referring to Kyo and guilt instantly flooded him. Not for having his precious child, no, but for his infidelity towards his lover. Of course he didn't know at the time but it still must have hurt him deeply.
"I'm sorry." He rested his forehead against the taller mans and sighed.
"Don't be, we've got a real great kid in the end didn't we?"
"Yeah."
"I love you." Naruto's eyes widened as his heart sped up.
"W-what?"
"I love you Naruto, and I'm sorry it took so long for me to say." Sasuke kissed his brow bone and watched as the most beautiful smile lit up his angels face.
"I love you too Sasuke." Naruto whispered barely able to contain his happiness.
"Can we be a real family now?" came the sleep-ridden voice from the bed.
Both adults spun around to face Kyo who was rubbing his eye with the fist of his hand adorably. He crawled off the bed and stumbled and wobbled toward his parents. Sasuke picked him up and tossed him in the air causing him to giggle.
"Yup, sorry chibi your stuck with me." Sasuke half smirked half smiled. Kyo let out his loud whoop of approval as he stretched his hand over to pull his Tou-chan into a group hug. Aki came bounding off the bed moments later and barked happily while rubbing against their legs. Naruto laughed while petting his head.
"Hey guy's I've had enough of this place, let's go home." Naruto said still smiling.
The group stood at the airport awaiting Gaara's arrival. Kyo was being held by Naruto who was resting in the embrace of his dark haired lover.
Gaara arrived not to long afterwards but the scene he walked into was one that stuck him as odd.
"Good morning. I hope you all had a good sleep?" Gaara greeted with an inquisitive smile on his face.
"Good enough, I just can't wait to go home!" Naruto laughed as he recalled his 'more than a little' strange trip.
"Aren't you heading back to the castle Sasuke?" Gaara questioned in good nature.
"Nope I quit this morning,"
"Really? If you don't mind me asking, how come?"
"He's gonna live with us!" Kyo cheered.
Gaara turned to Naruto for verification, and the older blond nodded vigorously. He looked the men over closely and noticed something that hadn't been there before.
"Are those wedding rings?" His surprise was justifiable. They had only known each other for what, three weeks?
"Gaara I'd like to introduce you to my Fiancée." The foreign word rolled right off of his tongue like silk.
"Don't you think it's a bit too soon to be talking about marriage?"
"Not at all, I love Sasuke teme!"
"Me to! Me to! I love Tou-san!"
"Something tells me I've missed something vitally important here..."
"Don't hurt your head over it." Sasuke grinned.
"I believe Congratulations are in order then." Gaara smirked and unknowingly parroted his blonde brother.
"Welcome to the family."
"Thanks, I think I like it here already..."
"ALL PASSENGERS TOKOYO JAPAN BOUND WE ARE NOW BOARDING, I REPEAT..."
"We'll that's us we should get going." Naruto pointed out.
As they were boarding the plane Naruto turned to Sasuke and grinned.
"Guess what I found out Sasuke- teme!"
"What is it?"
"I know French!" the blonde laughed as Sasuke bopped him on the head. Living with the blonde sure was going to be interesting.
Gaara wondered if he should warn Sasuke about hitting Naruto across the head...On second thought, good entertainment was so hard to find nowadays...
Kyo could only laugh at his good fortune. He finally had a complete family...
"Je t'aime Sasuke."
"Je t'aime aussi Naruto."
...and it couldn't be more perfect.
Owari
A.N. Yipes! I know I know I have tons of other fics to work on but I couldn't resist the temptation of putting this story in the Naruto Fandom! This took longer to convert then than I had originally thought... I hope I did a good job at making it into a genuine Naruto fic. If anyone's interested in the original Tsubasa version hop on over to my profile and check it out.
Well what do you think? Good? Bad? Please review guys even if it's to say it sucked. Please drop me a line. The more you review the more I get encouraged to write.