Beauty and the Bastard

Sasuke hated life.

Of course, Sasuke usually hated life. It had been a basic characteristic of his since he had learned how to talk, skulking about the castle as his parents and older brother had drilled etiquette and proper decorum into him. Thus, while he had been carefree for a few years, the innocent little bubbly child, he had quickly changed into the brooding teenager and young man which prowled the castle and struck morbidity and woe in anyone he looked at. Unless they were fangirls, who seemed immune to his looks of death and depression. When his parents had passed away in an accident, his brother returning just long enough to tell Sasuke the news before disappearing, he had become the epitome of angst. Kakashi had loved to tease him, calling him emo-boy. But being sullen and unhappy had always worked for Sasuke. He just had the trait of seeming to despise life.

Except now, Sasuke actually hated life. How could he not? He was a giant black beast stuck in his once pristine castle now overgrown with weeds and run by people turned into objects. And his face, his beautiful, perfect, face had been covered in fur. Yes, Sasuke hated life.

It seemed like the gods (or demons) seemed to be delighting in his misery as it was currently pouring rain, probably the storm of the century raging outside. Lightning laced the sky, illuminating the North tower for a moment before it was once again cast in gloom. Sasuke was hunched, his dark fur keeping him warm, on his now shredded bed.

It had been a nice bed. Extremely large (he could spread out completely and not touch the sides), soft and comfortable it had been one of Sasuke's favorite places, coming second only to the library and ball room. The sheets had been silk, perfectly white and soft, caressing his equally soft skin as he slept. The duvet had been a deep royal blue, matching the hangings elegantly, providing a sense of deep relaxation and thought every time Sasuke had sat or lain there. Now, it resembled nothing of its old glamour, blankets and duvet shredded and mattress ripped. There were a lot of feathers littering the space from where Sasuke had ripped up his pillows.

He had attacked his bed the second day of being a monster. Now, six months later, and he had nothing left to destroy. Technically, he could still unleash his fury on every other portion of the castle, but it wouldn't matter. None of the other places were so unavoidably him, obvious reminders of what he had used to be than what had been in the North tower. And now it was destroyed. And Sasuke had nothing left from his old self, the only thing remaining being his now beast form, slumped on an old love seat by the large windows, looking mournfully out into the storm.

Oh yes, Sasuke hated life right now.

"Honestly, I've never seen someone so adept at moping," Kakashi the turned candelabra said, making his way past the shattered furniture towards his master. Sasuke grunted at him, dark eyes never leaving the glass of the large window as rain lashed against it.

"I'm screwed, Kakashi," Sasuke said flatly, his voice growling and unhappy. He hated his new voice.

"Because you're a great big beastie or because you're once again lapsing into suicidal tendencies?" Kakashi asked for clarification, face bland as he looked at the outline of the black monster, occasionally illuminated by flashes of lightning.

"Because I'm never going to be able to break this curse," Sasuke ground out, scowling slightly as he spoke, watching as a particularly impressive bolt of lightning lashed out.

Kakashi couldn't really argue much here. Since Sasuke had been turned into the giant beast before him, the Prince and entire castle had begun to try to find and contact all of his old friends and suitors (hell, the boy had more fangirls than God did nuns). Those willing had come to the castle to meet with the raven. However, it had become a sort of pattern. If they weren't at first deterred by the now grim appearance of the castle, as soon as they entered the castle to be greeted by a giant hairy black beast the majority of them had fled, the best of them screaming in terror and the worst literally pissing themselves. A few of the girls had quite literally fainted. One of them had gone beserk, actually attempting to attack Sasuke, screaming at him for apparently eating the prince. They had managed to get her out of the castle before she hurt herself.

After a month or so, people stopped coming. This was probably for the better seeing as every time a person reacted badly or reacted negatively to Sasuke he had either gotten angry, depressed, or a combo. Overall, their efforts had done nothing to help the situation. The only thing it had done was prove to Sasuke that all of the people he formally called 'friends' and privately referred to as 'leeches' were just as vain and self centered as possible.

Their last resort, a noblewoman named Sakura who Sasuke practically detested due to her obsessive tendencies towards the raven, had been a complete catastrophe. After calling her to the castle, Sakura had not only freaked at the state of the castle, but, upon seeing Sasuke, accused him of eating himself. Sasuke had tried to convince her, telling her he was himself and had been transformed. Kakashi had supported him, gaining another bout of screams from Sakura, before the pink haired girl was finally persuaded. Unfortunately, for Sakura beauty only ran skin deep and she, upon hearing that Sasuke was now a great black beast and no longer her handsome prince, had immediately repulsed him. The once sweet spoken and charming girl had turned incredibly nasty, spurning Sasuke horribly and leaving the castle in a huff. Sasuke had been, needless to say, extremely disappointed.

However, if there was a bright side, it was that Sasuke had begun to see what it was like to be despised, to feel the pain of being alone, unwanted, and ignored. For once, he was not the pampered one, being waited on hand and food by cooing women and nobles. Sasuke for the first time was experiencing rejection. Too bad Sasuke was terrible at dealing with it.

Kakashi glanced at the lotus, currently suspended above a small table, the only intact piece of furniture in the entire tower. The beautiful flower was just as pure, white, and innocent, almost glowing softly in the dim light, protected by a large glass cover. It had only been six months and already three of the petals had fallen, lying perfectly on the tables surface, a reminder of Sasuke's slowly ending existence here.

"Must you be so pessimistic?" Kakashi asked, sighing as he tore his eyes from the flower, giving Sasuke a worn look.

Sasuke grunted again, finally tearing his eyes from the rain lashed window to glower at Kakashi. "I've been turned into a giant beast and you expect me to be optimistic?" he asked, deadpanning. "And, to top it off, I have to get someone to fall in love with me. Name the last time I was willingly nice to someone." Kakashi had to admit, the boy had a point.

"Look at it this way," Kakashi tried, hoping that Sasuke wouldn't let himself begin to wallow. He was impossible when he wallowed. "You still have time. Maybe someone unexpected will show up and be the one."
Sasuke snorted. "Or maybe I'll be stuck here until that stupid flower dies, me with it."

Kakashi sighed, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. Giving the boy up for loss, he turned, exiting the glooming tower to return to the main part of the castle. Maybe he could bother Yamato some more. Yamato had been the events coordinator, making sure Sasuke threw balls and feats, keeping his reputation among the nobles. However, when the castle had been cursed, the once handsome man had been turned into an old clock, like the kind you see set on a mantelpiece. Kakashi thought it suited him. Yamato thought Kakashi could go to hell.

Smiling to himself as he recalled a rather amusing incident involving one of Yamato's many cogs and springs, he was jerked from his musings as he heard someone knock softly on the large oak doors. Freezing and staring wide eyed at the large doors, Kakashi waited, wondering if it had been his imagination. Another series of knocks sounded and Kakashi, now positive he wasn't hallucinating, hurried to one of the long tables lining the entrance hall, jumping onto it and freezing just in time. A moment later the large doors creaked open, an older man with long sopping wet white hair poking his head inside.

"Hello?" Jiraiya called out slightly tentatively, eyes flashing about swiftly before he brought himself fully inside. "Anyone home?" Not exactly waiting for a response, the old man removed his drenched cloak, dropping it on the hatstand (Kakashi was sure Shino didn't appreciate being used as such) before he strode into the hall, dripping water everywhere. With a loud squealshing sound, he dropped a large bag onto the smooth floor. "Care to purchase some wares?" Jiraiya called, voice now louder as he looked about curiously.

When met with no response, Jiraiya shrugged, kicking the bag to the side as he walked carelessly into the castle, muttering about poor hosts and stingy bastards. Curious, Kakashi quietly hopped down from his post, following the wandering old man from room to room. They seemed to go everywhere, from the large banquet hall to the ball room to the kitchens (he particularly liked it here) before finally settling in the parlor. Grinning, Jiraiya made his way over to the large fire place, currently hosting a friendly and warm fire. Not waiting for permission (not that it was going to be given), the old man let himself collapse into a large plush couch, groaning in pleasure at the heat from the fire and safety from the cold.

"You know, it's often polite to ask before entering into another's house," Kakashi said, jumping up onto the table beside the couch and giving the old man a pointed look.

The expected reaction didn't disappoint the candelabra man as the old man jerked up, eyes flashing around the room frantically to find the speaker before focusing on Kakashi. He narrowed his eyes, old face frowning as he looked at the candelabra, leaning forward slightly as if trying to make sure he wasn't imagining things.

"You just talked," Jiraiya said, eyes still squinted as Kakashi rolled his eyes.

"Who else?" Kakashi asked, gesturing around the room.

Jiraiya, seeming to get over the fact that he was holding a conversation with a candelabra, grunted, flopping back down onto the couch. "Wanted to make sure I wasn't sitting on someone," he stated, stretching out on the piece of furniture like a cat. "Besides, I called when I opened the door. Your own fault for not answering."

"I don't own this place," Kakashi said simply, watching the man with interest. Of all the people he had met since he had been turned into a candlestick, this was the first time they hadn't freaked out. He had possibly the shortest and mildest reaction of anyone as of yet. Then again, he hadn't met Sasuke yet.

"Oh?" Jiraiya said, smirking slightly as he looked at Kakashi. "Then who does?"

"I do," a deep snarling voice said from behind him, causing Jiraiya's eyes to widen impossibly as he whipped around to face the new speaker. There, barely illuminated in the glow of the firelight, was the largest more terrifying creature the old man had yet seen. The beast was taller than any man, towering menacingly, covered in thick black fur. It's eyes burned dark black above a snarling mouth, fangs bared. Two curled horns sprouted from the sides of the monsters head. It didn't look at all pleased to see its guest.

With a yell, Jiraiya fell to the floor, arms flying up before himself in protection as he scrambled away from the irate being. He'd seen his fair share of strange and terrifying things in his life, the primary one being Naruto, following that being the hags he met daily in travels, the occasional wizard, and that one talking frog. But nothing would have prepared him for seeing the giant spectral beast he had thought only existed in fairy tales before him, glaring down at him like death incarnate.

"What are you doing in my house, old man," Sasuke growled out, climbing over the back of the couch towards Jiraiya as the man scrambled across the floor. Sasuke was furious. Not only was he treated like a terrifying beast (which technically he was), but his home was now being broken into. By poor old men none the less. "Answer me!"

Jiraiya, wondering how long he had until the beast decided to get a first hand view of his internal organs, shakily pushed himself to his feet, bowing to the black demon before him respectfully. "I apologize," he said, voice wavering slightly and half expecting to feel claws sink into the skin of his neck. "I called when I arrived but no one answered. I meant no disrespect."

Sasuke snarled, lip curling up to show sharp teeth as he swept around the old man, watching in distaste as he shuddered and clenched his fists. "Don't lie to me," Sasuke spat, black eyes blazing in anger. "You've been sent here to kill me, haven't you." It wasn't unlikely. Nor the first time that there had been someone sent to kill him, both when he had been a human and after being turned into a monster. All of the assassins had been disposed of properly in what Sasuke referred to as 'a proper fashion' and Kakashi called 'murder with niceties.'

Jiraiya's eyes went wide with shock, staring at the enraged being before him. After stammering incoherently (something which greatly annoyed Sasuke), he finally managed to find his voice. "No, great sir," he rasped out. The damn monster was in a freakin' castle. To not call it sir would be like addressing the Queen of France as 'woah, bitch.' Not a smart thing. "I am but a simple peddler, tired and cold from my travels and seeking solace. I meant no harm." Mentally, Jiraiya was patting himself on the back. At least he knew how to sound respectful when the time came for it.

Sasuke's eyes flashed. "Meant no harm?" he ground out, taking a step towards the withering man, feeling anger race through his veins. "You're trespassing on private property!" he practically yelled, fur standing on end. Probably the only thing Sasuke could appreciate from his new form was the fact that he could get his hair to stand on end, making him look twice his normal size. Talk about impressive.

"I meant nothing by it, great demon!" Jiraiya protested.

This was the wrong thing to say and Jiraiya realized it the moment it left his mouth. The beast before him froze, eyes wide before narrowing to slits, anger rolling off of him in waves.

"Demon?" Sasuke repeated lowly, practically shaking in anger. "You think me a demon, old man?" Jiraiya didn't move, simply observed Sasuke in what could be described as 'pants-wetting fear.' Bellowing angrily, Sasuke threw out an arm, catching the nice couch and sending it flying across the room to smash into a wall. "You think me a demon, old man!" he roared, grabbing the old man by the front of his shirt and bringing his face so close he could feel the terrified rapid breathing from the other. Jiraiya simply looked at him with terrified eyes.
"You're not?" the old man managed, his voice high as fear gripped his throat.

Sasuke snapped, snarling loudly as he whipped around, one hand still gripped firmly in the old mans shirt, dragging him along the ground after him as he stormed through the castle. Behind him, he hear Kakashi yelling something before his butlers voice faded, replaced by the pleads of the old man.

"Please!" Jiraiya whimpered, tugging at the hand dragging him across the floor. "I'm sorry! Don't do this!" His words fell on deaf ears as he was dragged up and down corridors, bumped down staircases and through doors. "Let me go! You can't kill me!"

"Why not?" Sasuke demanded, his voice loud and roaring, angling to glare over his shoulder at the man.

Jiraiya seemed to pause for a moment in shock at finally being responded to. "I have to return to care for my grandson!" he gasped out, eyes pleading. "If you lock me away, he'll die! You can't be this cruel." Of course, Jiraiya knew he was lying through his teeth to save his own skin. Naruto was perfectly capable of getting along on his own, had demonstrated it multiple times. Usually the only thing Jiraiya did was tell the blond to occasionally take a bath as it was typically the blond taking care of the old man.

"Life is cruel!" Sasuke yelled, stopping to spin around and snarl in his captives face. He had lost everything from his life, all the things which were important to him. His family at a young age, his brother disappearing without word, his happiness soon following. He had never known true love, those surrounding him only painted faces and painted emotions. And now, he had lost the last thing he had, his name, honor, and humanity. Oh yes, Sasuke hated life for being so cruel to him.

Jiraiya froze, staring at the beast as it continued to drag him along the floor, brooding and furious. He was going to die and there was nothing else for it. He was going to die and he hadn't even been able to tell Naruto he really cared. He was going to die and this damn beast didn't give a damn. Life's a bitch.

Sasuke flung the old man into a cell, having dragged him down a long damp flight of stairs into the castle dungeon. The place had never been Sasuke's favorite spot, always so damp and musty, reminding him of pond water. Snarling, he slammed the door to the cell shut and leaned down, hot breath fanning against the old man's face as his eyes blazed.

"Tell you what, old man," Sasuke growled. "You say you have something to live for? Well, how about this. You keep your life until that brat you say needs you comes to find you. You have two weeks. If no one shows up, you're mince meat. Let's see if the world isn't as cruel as I think."

With that, Sasuke rose, anger pouring through him as he stormed from the dungeons, leaving Jiraiya weakly propped against the cold stone.

Naruto was a completely self sufficient boy, able to take care of himself and Jiraiya together. He could easily get a job (if not simply model those dresses for pay), provide for himself, and forget all about Jiraiya, writing him off for being eaten by wolves. But that wasn't like Naruto. Naruto believed in relationships, bonds he called them, and he usually made sure to do everything in his power to keep those close to him just that, close to him.

Yes, Naruto would most definitely come looking for him in a few days, worried by Jiraiya's extended absence. Yes, Naruto would care enough to try to rescue him, packing for a trip and locking up the cottage. Yes, Naruto would be able to prove to the beast that the world was not always cruel, that there was light, happiness, and kindness.

The only problem was that Naruto, though gifted with compassion, energy, and determination, was not exactly as gifted in intelligence. Knowing the blond, he would get more lost and confused, putting himself into danger rather than succeed in saving Jiraiya. The problem wasn't Naruto's dedication and heart, the problem was Naruto being an idiot.

Groaning, Jiraiya wrapped in on himself, trying to gather warmth in the freezing dungeons. This was going to be a long two weeks.


Many floors, winding passage ways, and staircases above, Sasuke sat once again on the torn bed, eyes mournfully gazing at the lotus in the center of the room, shining faintly in the darkness. It had been four days since he had locked the old man in the dungeons and so far no one else had shown up at his castle. Sasuke wasn't disappointed. No, he hadn't been expecting that the boy the old man had mentioned to actually come. Of course he didn't believe that maybe, just maybe, the world would try to prove that even miracles were possible, therefore giving him hope in his situation. Sasuke hadn't been rolling those thoughts over in his head for the past four days at all. What kind of beast would he be if he allowed himself to think such things?

"You could just decide to take that stick out of your ass and let the old coot go," Kakashi suggested from the door way where he and Yamato were watching.

Sasuke glanced over at them, scowling as usual at his two companions. "And what, have him kill me?"

Yamato huffed angrily, striding into the room to poke at Sasuke's hairy foreleg. "He's sick, you sadist," he snapped, glaring up at the large form of his master. "How would he kill you? Coughing at you to death?"

Sasuke glowered, growling slightly, feeling the sound reverberate through his body as Yamato sighed, stomping back to Kakashi who was giving Sasuke a pointed look.

"Let him go," Kakashi said flatly, eyes stern as he looked at Sasuke. Sasuke glared angrily. "Let him go," Kakashi repeated with slightly more force.

Sasuke growled, his fur beginning to stand on end. "You are not one to order me around, Kakashi," he snarled out, eyes flashing. "He is my prisoner and I shall do with him what I wish!"

Kakashi suddenly sniggered, coughing to hide it as he turned from Sasuke and Yamato who were both giving him looks. "Sorry," he said, waving a candle-hand. "Just sounded dirty."

It took a moment for the words to process in both Yamato's and Sasuke's minds before both of them began yelling at him. Candelabra or not, Kakashi was still a pervert. Probably one of the reasons he and the old man in the dungeons seemed to get along so well.

He just hoped that the boy Jiraiya had mentioned would show up soon. If not for Jiraiya's sake, then for the seven lotus petals lying on the table. They needed at least one miracle, why not two?