To Woo A Prince

Yay I Updated!...At any rate, on with the story.

That Much Closer

War was a glorious thing! The rush of adrenaline one gets as they swing a sword and hold a shield above their head in order to save their life. Brown eyes narrowed as his right arm threw back the handle of a steel sword before unleashing the weapon on a wounded man. His face was adored with small scratches and light bruises, yet that was all. The howl of pain didn’t faze him as Inari jerked his head skyward smiling as the blue-eyed devil engaged in combat with three other men. He laughed; three men would hardly be enough to bring down his master!

“Inari! Stay alert!” At the sharp command Inari looked behind him to find Sai nodding towards the humans rushing in to help their comrades in the fight.

“Fools…you are out numbered…” Sighing he pushed up from the ground, giving his sword a quick spin within his grasp before rushing off to fight along side his coven.

Sai smirked watching the young mortal fight with such strength one could easily mistake him for a vampire as well, though that wasn’t the case. Naruto had deemed it unfair to have the boy turned when he was still young and had much to experience. Though the blond felt it was more than right to teach him how to kill. Seven years of blood, battle, and death, it was like Naruto was training Inari for something. Just what, Sai couldn’t be sure, but it was something big. Black eyes never left the young teen as he dispatched one man after another with his sword. Blocking, ducking, and dodging like he’d been doing this for years! Inari was without a doubt a wonder to be seen on the battlefield. The coven quickly began to see him as an asset more than a hindrance. They looked after him, taught him, and protected him as if he was their own. It was Sai’s job to make sure nothing too serious happened to the boy. So while Naruto educated the child, Sai trained him. There was no greater feeling then to see the praise in Naruto’s eyes at Inari first kill. The first time had been hard on the mortal, yet his grew to accept the terms of war.

Kill…or be killed.

He was a human child living with the enemy. Inari was nothing short of a traitor, and in battle he would be shown no mercy. If Inari was going to be accepted by the coven he had to prove his worth, what better way than to fight by their side? To show true loyalty than to kill your own kind to protect another, it worked. Human or not…Inari was kin. A member of the coven, though one would have sworn the brat had fangs of his own.

Naruto, shirtless and eyes red with bloodlust vanished from sight only to appear on the blood soaked grass and began to fight with kin. His skin was covered with the blood of his victims his fangs drawn and his smile demonic at the least. Welton was the field of choice the ground stiff from drought; was now soft with blood from the defeated. Bats swirled in the heavens swooping down and taking the form of humans. Fangs grown to their full length as women shrilled into the night. From over the hilltops the humans ran, giving life to tales of bloodthirsty creatures. Demons from hell’s gate risen to kill them all. Sai smiled, and small reaction as he drew the vision before him.

His sketchpad held the image of a blond, tall and valiant. His golden hair wild and lose from its normal ponytail. Naruto watched his sword steady at his side while the others cheered on the victory. Welton was the last strong hold they head to face. The Slayers would turn tail and head east. The Eastern Lord would then handle matters from there. Though his job was done, this war was far from over, his lands were clear. They would not have to fear their return for while. Closing his eyes in peace Naruto could feel his blood cooling, his bloodlust feed for now, and his hunger at bay.

“Master?”

Blue eyes opened turning to the boy at his side. Inari stood tall, and ready to attack at any moment, the stance only caused the blond to laugh. It was deep and rich, and Inari could only blush from it.

“Relax young one. The battle is won…the east will handle things from here out.”

Turning with an elegant grace he address his awaiting coven.

“The battle has been won, yet this war is far from over. Go…enjoy the spoils of your victory and await the time I call on you all again.”

A lesser man would have been disgusted with the image of men and women feast on the dying bodies around him. Though Naruto was no normal man, if he yet to prove that point tonight. Without another thought he sheathed his sword and began the long trek towards the village of Isle. He didn’t speak but felt the presence of Sai and Inari at his side. It was enough, well maybe not for Inari.

“Wait…I don’t understand…why are we leaving the others…shouldn’t we be waiting for them?”

Naruto looked over his shoulder meeting Sai’s eye. The message was received without the use of words. It was time Inari was given yet another lesson.

“Inari.” Naruto returned his eyes forward moving back through the brush to gather his forgotten coat. It of been a shame should anything happened to it. Easing it on, Naruto sighed reaching within the pockets to remove the faded orange hair ribbon.

“Now is the time I explain who were are to you.” Naruto secured his hair behind him neatly before taking a seat on a fallen tree truck.

Inari, excited by the idea of the lesson, eagerly sat at Naruto’s feet, Sai taking his rightful place on Naruto’s left side. A Leader’s right side was reserved for their mate only.

“Tell what can you recall about our kind?”

Thinking for only a few second Inari recapped what he had learned over his seven years of being Naruto’s ward.

“Vampires require blood as a source of living. A fully mature vampire, such as you, can go three months without feeding, before they start to feel them self weaken. A lesser vampire, like Sai, can go about one month. A newly turned must feed every night.”

Naruto felt the need for Inari to know what he was willing putting him self in danger of, what he was dealing with of sorts. The boy was taught, different languages, science, the stars, and mathematics. Reading, writing, and Sai personal joy the arts. No one would every mistake him for a fool as long as he remained at Naruto’s side. Naruto had taught Inari to expect nothing else from anyone else. If Inari was every told no, that was simple unacceptable.

‘A man can have anything he desires. It is merely a question of how bad he wants it…and what he is willing to do to get it.’

“Impressive…what else?”

“Vampires do not require. In the beginning they believed they still required sleeping. Only when they did, countless vampires were slain in their rest. So instead they enter a state of mediation, where the body appears sleep. The mind at ease, it’s easier for a vampire to shift through thoughts and past memories.”

“I always did hate that…I use to enjoy sleeping.”

“Then by all means Sai…sleep. It shall be your own undoing should you not awaken.”

“Cruel Master…”

“Enough…

Sai hissed, “Tell him, what we stopped to tell him.”

Naruto nodded, “Very well…Inari vampires are lone creatures. If a coven is seen together it is because a war is about them. Normally our kind has no more than two maybe three.”

“Wait…so because the southern war is over…we’re just going to leave the coven?”

“Yes. Sai is my responsibility, so he will remain with me. When the time comes and he reaches a mature age, he will leave my side and fend for himself.”

Sai did his best not to show his displeasure at that announcement. He knew one day he would have to leave Naruto, but he’d hope the other would grow to want him around. It mattered little, Naruto was still his for now, and he’d soon prove that to Naruto as well.

“Alright…so it will be just the there of us now. What will we do?”

Naruto smiled, “At the moment we will head to a village called Isle. The sun will be upon us in a few hours. We’ll stay until sunset. From there we will be boarding a train.”

“Train…we’re going on a journey?”

“Yes Inari…”

“What of my lessons?”

“They will continue in full. I will need you at your best…”

“Why is that? Are we going to meet someone important?”

Mindlessly Naruto lifted his fingers to play with the chain around his neck. The action did not go unnoticed by Sai who hissed his displeasure.

“Important indeed Inari…”

“May I ask who?”

“No. Be steady….soon you shall know more than enough.”

Inari took the answer well enough as the three began the first leg of the trip. Naruto’s mind began to wonder. It would seem Sasuke was but a child when he left, though he was far along in years compare to Inari. The boy had only reached sixteen, its only been seven years spent that Inari came to join Naruto. Though Sasuke was but fourteen. Judas…eight years. Naruto had been away eight long years. Sasuke was a man now, he should have been near twenty-one if not already. Had times pasted that fast. Blue eyes turned taking in the teen at his side. Inari stood, a light warm smile resting on his full lips. His skin tone was the same honey bronze from the night they met. His brown eyes were much darker, a comparison to dark chocolate, colder perhaps from a year of fighting in the war. Naruto felt the boy need to ready before crossing blades with a Slayer. Six years of training had done him well. Inari had grown like a weed, tall and buff, with a strong jaw line and square shoulders. His style had changed a bit from his old dirty blood-soaked sleepwear image to a fine neatly pressed shirt and slacks. A plain long sleeved dress shirt with gray slacks and a worn brown over coat. All in all…Inari hardly came across as the sixteen year old he was.

Sai was a different matter. Sai had remained exactly the same. Naruto knew what he would see if he looked up. He’d see that smooth flawless face as if Sai had been craved out of marble. Yes…marble, silky smooth to the touch, with a slight unearthly chill about him and hard. Sai…like all of his kind felt like a statue wrapped in a satin curtain. Sai with his creamy white skin free of scars or blemishes, and wrinkle lines. Black eyes, black like the sky on a moonless night, with no chance for the stars to guild you. Those eyes, had been the death of many women, women who could dare not look away from them, lost in their glory all for the sake of lust. Sai was the tall, dark, mysterious stranger the women swooned overl. The elegant stranger, who was the creator of your impure thoughts and desires, this is what Sai was and would always be. Never dressed outside of black, from his pullover long sleeved shirt to his loose fitted back pants and knee length boots. His trench coat was the only non-black item he owned.

Had Sasuke changed as much also? Would his eyes still slow the loneliness he felt at night? Would his raven locks still stand on end oddly behind his head, looking much like the hind of a duck? His skin pale, smooth, and free from marks, would it still make the moon sick with envy? Though what mattered most…had Sasuke waited for him like he promised. Eight years…Naruto sighed he would soon see for himself.

|Elsewhere…|

Sinfully disgusting creatures’ vampires were. If only King Sasuke knew of the lengths he went through to protect him, he’d surely drop down on his knees and kiss his mud caked boots. As it were his heavy booted feet trekked through the thick ankle high marsh in order to reach the hidden cellar chambers tucked away in the bellows of the castle. Oh the sacrifices he made for that spoiled gilt of a King. White gloved hands clenched at the mere thought of Sasuke. How…how had things come to be like this? Making Sasuke a King was a mistake. He was sure of it, the tightening of his jaw showed his frustration on the matter.

No war.

That was what Sasuke had commanded. There would be no war, too many man had been lost already he would not send more to the slaughter. Slaughter, young men were breed now to swing a sword in combat, and Sasuke thought it his right to take that away from them. Over his dead body! Oh no…he would have his war, and if it required the head’s of both the young King and his queen so be it. Approaching the door he beat his fist against the faded wood. A small chuck of wood was pulled back from the door, brown eyes looking out in confusion.

“Who goes there?”

His snarl left his lips before he could hold it back, “Open the door you fool, I have no time for this!”

Those brown eyes grew wide in shock.

“Lieutenant General Hakate…forgive me sir!” The wooden chuck was placed back before the door was opened wide.

Hands once clenched in anger were now released from their tight position to shove the young boy away from behind the door, hardly sparing him a glance let alone another word. He was a man on a mission and it was only a matter of time before the sun would rise, and then what would he have to look forward to? The sound of his boots echoed off the cobblestone beneath his feet. The eerie flicker from the wall mounted torches caused his eyebrow to twitch. It was fair to say Kakashi was indeed having a bad day and felt the need to take it out on anything and everyone. Though, his day hadn’t started out this bad, no it had showed great promise with the hope of finally getting his war approved. Though once ‘the King’ made his little announcement and left to cater to his wife’s needs, the day turned dark. So, it was by no fault of his own that Kakashi felt the need to do, what he was about to do. No, Sasuke has brought this all on himself. Well personally, Kakashi was never fond of the little brat. Sasuke always seemed so…well weak. Nothing compared to his older brother. A man, Kakashi felt, was a great man and would make an even better King. Sasuke never showed strength or knowledge of leadership. He hid within his brother’s shadow a mere weak copy of the elder brother. Sasuke was fast, Itachi was faster. Sasuke was smart, Itachi was smarter. It was pointless…their father was a fool. It would seem the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Iron locked doors passed by in a blur his feet rushing towards the spiral stairs in the back of the single hallway that would take him to the only cell on the level upstairs. It was because of his intentions that Kakashi felt...remorse.

“…it must be done.” Sighing he straighten up and sped up the stairs one gloved hand gripping the railing as he moved.

There, just behind of the stairs was a single steel door, adjusting the forming fitting jacket of his uniform he inhaled deeply moving towards it. The key attached to his belt was removed with great hast and put to good use. The door was thrown open without sound and Kakashi stepped into the chamber. Inside the curricular room captured the light of the moon breaking down through the steel bars that worked as a ceiling. One creature sat huddled against the wall whimpering in what Kakashi could only assume to be pain. This…creature, thought it wise to seduce his men with lies and pretty looks only with the intention of bleeding them dry before the coming of the sun. He’d seen through her act and quickly had the wench taken care off. Well, by quickly he meant sent here. Where she ‘starved’ for four months, oh Kakashi knew how to deal with vampires; he’d dealt with his fair share in his time. They seemed to be perfect, beautiful people with sinfully desires, lust demons that were being punished for their crimes. They moved quickly and their strength was unheard of. Yet deny them a drop of blood and they were nothing. They were soon reduced to nothing. It did depend on the vampire though; it would seem some could go for quite a while without feeling the effects of not drinking. Yet luck was on his side, his pretty little captive was freshly ‘born’ as they say. New to the world of darkness and all, suits her well enough to teach one did not mess with Kakashi Hakate!

“Raise your head.” His voice was like always strong and cold, no mercy…especially for the weak.

With hesitate movement she did was she was told. Trembling with fear as pale blue eyes looked up into his smoke filled gray orbs. At one time Kakashi could have believed this girl to have been lovely, to have been some woman’s child with hopes of becoming some type of ballet dancer or whatnot. She held the tall slender frame of a dancer, her movements on that night long ago had been graceful with a fluid motion that made on think of a swan on water. Her smile sweet and innocent, holding back the demonic fangs just beyond her pink painted lips. Her pale blond hair held a shin of polish, like the brush moved through silk and not hair. Everything about her screamed fragile. Her touch, her pale eyes and hair, her flawless skin and soft whisper of a voice. Yes… sinfully disgusting creatures’ vampires were. Her gown had not be changed since that time, it was still the same silvery fabric of a simple corset like bodice and a narrow skirt the swayed around her bare feet.

“Ino.”

Yes the foul creature had a name, though if he wanted her aid in his plan, it is best to pretend to be kind.

A shiver passed over her before she nodded her head proving she was listening. Too much movement would rattle the iron collar attached to her neck and cause a dreadful headache.

“Have you an idea was to why, you were placed within this room?”

“No.” Four months and her voice still carried the soft melody of a spring time song.

“I bring you salvation on this night. I promise you death in this place. Take note sinner…the ceiling above you will allow the sun to pass through freely and burn the flesh from your skin. There will be nothing left of you…but dust in the wind.”

The horror on her face was priceless, the sharp jerk of her head as she gazed upwards, the panic filling her blue eyes and she scanned the smooth stone walls for a place to hide. No corners to hide in, a perfect circle with smooth walls. He’d had this room constructed for this very reason.

“Sad is it not? The totally damnation you willing accepted shall be your undoing. Forsaken by the sun, only to die again.”

“I beg you…please. I’ve done no wrong! I’ve brought no ill will towards you!”

His eyes glared at her pleading face, “You plotted to kill my men!”

“Yes! But not you…never you Kakashi!” Her lower lip quiver slightly.

That was nothing thing with vampires…it didn’t matter they level among their inner circle they only showed respect to each other never a human. There were no such things as Mr. or Mrs. or sir or madam. If you weren’t like them…you were beneath them. Damned Bastards…the whole lot of them, he was below no one.


“So you feel that is reason enough for me to spare you, Ino?”

“I do.” She moved forward pulling the chain attached to the wall to drag along the floor.

“What more could you want from me...need from me…I have nothing left to give.”

Good things came to those who wait, Kakashi time had come, “Your service would be enough.”

Ino stilled, allowing her pleading looked to vanish in a moment’s notice. She tilted her head in question, her eyes no longer looking scared, but focused.

“You want my touch Kakashi…my flesh…I’d be more than willing to give you want to you desire.” She licked her lips, pulling them back in a smile that exposed her pretty white fangs.

Though Kakashi was not amused, he snarled taking a firm step back in disgusted, “Watch your self wench…I would not touch you to kick you.”

Ino’s lips pulled back fully in a demonic hiss as her eyes narrowed, “Speak! What must I do to escape my death?”

“I am your master now Ino. As such you will speak to me with respect and nothing less!”

Her eyes narrowed though she said nothing farther.

“Dawn is coming and with it your death. Admit I am you master and my will is your own and freedom…to a degree is yours.”

Those haunting blue eyes looked up towards the heavens once more. She’d kill him. That much was clear, she’d killed before and she’d kill again. Though what more could she do? He held her life in his hands, and she was no match for him, her movement slow due to starvation. A man of Kakashi skill would have her head chopped off in no time. No, best to play it safe until she regained her advantage in this game. Blue eyes fell on the cruel man before her, and they said her heart didn’t beat; whoever thought vampires were cold creatures never truly meet Kakashi.

With a voice laced with mild defeat she spoke, “I am at your command…master.”

“...better Ino.” Turning head he looked around making sure no one lingered near the stairs.

Making his way towards Ino’s still form he knelt before her, out of her lunching range of course before reaching out and grabbing a hand full of blond hair. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the hiss of pain she let out from the action; his large frame hovered over her. Blue eyes burned slightly from the need to hold back tears from the harsh pull on her hair, yet she watched slightly worried as the sky began to lighten. Had he lied? Did he truly mean to kill her, and his promise of freedom was only his last act of cruel. Oh she wouldn’t put it past him! She was scared, swearing on the blood of her fallen mother she was scared, but she wouldn’t scream. She would not give this man what he wanted; she wouldn’t utter and sound no matter what she had to. If her hands weren’t bond behind her back she’d rip her own tongue out to insure it.

“Nervous? Though you remain silent your body is shivering.”

Stupid emotions. She was promised a life of never ending beauty and youth, a lifetime of pain free nights, she’d given her soul, and yet she still felt human emotions. Her Master…her true master had been a selfish bastard, a man who taught her nothing of the life she could lead. Train her they way she was meant to be trained. She was left with no choice but to fend for herself. Oh and look where that got her! She frowned; she’d said enough, she wouldn’t say anymore.

“I am a man of my word sinner. I will give you freedom, should you do as I say.”

“Then be quick with this. The sun will be upon us soon.”

“I want you to take a life for me.”

“It is done. Let me loss.” If her heart was still beating, it would racing from her panic.

“Do you not wish to know the name of your victim?”

The clouds were parting the sun was rising, “I care not! Release me!”

“Come now…surely it matters to you.”

“Kakashi!”

With a harsh pull Ino was snatched from the room her slender frame lay sprawled over Karachi’s hard body as the first rays of light touched the ground here they just been, the key still lingered within the lock of the collar that was once attached to her neck. The light of the sun began to quickly fill the small room, but it was Kakashi foot kicking the door shut the ended the sight. Shaken but still upset she turned her eyes on the blond man beneath her. He looked rather smug with himself, scaring her half to death. Heh...half to death…

“I am not one to be trifled with.”

“I shall do as I please.”

Shoving her over she body landed roughly against the stone floor, as Kakashi moved to stand. His hands making quick work of the dust that clung to his attire.

“Well?”

Kakashi paused lifting a blond eyebrow in question, “Well what?”

Rolling her eyes would on tempt the man to become a bigger ass than he already was.

“Well, who is it you desire to have taken from this world?”

Kakashi nodded in understanding, “Itachi.”

Ino frowned; if she could move to sit up she might laugh at the man. Surely he was insane; killing Itachi would be invoking the wrath of the King and all he fury. It was plan knowledge the brothers were close, protecting each other with their life. Should anyone be daft enough to harm Itachi Sasuke would call the hound from hell to hunt them down and leave nothing left of whom ever it may be. Her eyes widen, Sasuke would willing start a war of his brother. A war in which the likes have never been seen…

“From the look in your eyes…you see what I aim for…” Ino jumped, slightly lost in her thoughts she’d forgotten the man standing over her.

“Are you mad? A war…you are trying to create war?”

“No…I am starting a war. There is no trying about it. You will kill Itachi, and place his body on the enemy’s home front. Sasuke will then find him, and demand justice. I will have my war Ino…and you my dear are going to help me get it.”

It was pointless, and with a sigh Ino let her head rest on the cold ground while Kakashi went to fetch the key left in the collar. He knew she won’t run, she was too weak to sit up let alone, take kill the men downstairs. Plus once outside the door, she faced another problem. The sun was up. Yes, he knew she’d lay unhappily where he left her. Though, it was in this little moment Ino thought. Should be some chance she’d be forgiven by God for damning her soul and have a chance of being in heaven. It was gone now.

Glaring at nothing she pouted, “To hell you Kakashi…to hell with you.”

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Thank you for reading, more to come soon, please comment and share your thoughts.