Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to Ayame.
Chapter 1-Linked Bond
Sasuke was running. His heart was thudding loudly and his breath came out in heavy pants. He ran as fast as he could, eyes desperately searching for refuge. There was none to be found. He was really in a panic now. Having no choice, he resorted to retreating in the forest. Quickly, he ducked behind a tree; it's width thicker than his waist. Straining his ears, he listened with a bated breath. He didn't have to wait for long.
"SASUKE-SAMAAAAAAAAA! WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUUUUUUU?"
As the pack of rabid fan-girls stampeded by, Sasuke breathed out a sigh of pure relieve. Finally, I thought I'd never be able to escape. Still…don't they get bored of repeating the same ritual of chasing after me everyday after so many years? For crying out loud, it's only five in the morning…the sun isn't even up yet…I woke up early since it's the only time of the day I get to enjoy peace and quiet and THIS happens!
Earlier, Sasuke had been focused on saving his sanity. Now that he took a good look around, Sasuke realized something that didn't make him feel very happy-he realized he was lost. Figures this would happen.
Sasuke wandered through the forest, trying to find his way out. It took very little to put him in a bad mood. Therefore, after walking in circles for about a good fifteen minutes, Sasuke felt irritated. Very irritated.
"How am I supposed to get out of here?" Sasuke growled at a tree.
"So that's what you were trying to do! I thought it was kind of weird, the way you kept circling. Why didn't you ask me then? I could have showed you the way out."
Sasuke stared. Nope, it wasn't the tree that replied. A blonde boy was sitting on a high branch, observing him with calm blue eyes.
He felt his irritation grow ten-fold. "If you were watching me, why didn't you say something?
The blonde seemed to think for a while. Sauke grumpily noted that the thinking did not suit him.
"Oh forget it. Just get down here and tell me how to get ou- Hey! Are you crazy?"
Sasuke was incredulous. That idiot can't possibly be thinking what he thought he was! The tree's at least 6 meters high! He stared as the blonde neatly landed on his feet. What the heck is he? It's not possible for a human to jump from that height and not end up at the very best, half-paralyzed.
"Im Naruto. What's your name?" Naruto grinned, casually brushing leaves away as though such physical feats were normal. Maybe he really isn't human…
"…Sasuke…"
The catlike boy's grin only deepened at that sulky mutter. "What is?"
Sasuke head was begging to hurt. This twerp is really getting on my nerves…"My name is Sasuke."
"Ooooh! Why didn't you say so?"
Okay, that did it. "I ALREADY DI-!"
"You have twenty seconds to state your name and business. Depending on your answer, I may give you an extra minute to start running."
The threatening hiss came from behind him. Sasuke felt something cold and hard being pressed against his neck. Something cold, hard and…sharp.
A dagger.
Tension filled the atmosphere. The skies were still dark and all was silent save for the sounds of forest life and the gushing rumble of water flowing from a nearby waterfall. Sasuke was tense, although he did not show it outside. Think! What do I do now? Who's this anyway? A bandit? It couldn't be an assassin; he asked for my name. As Sasuke's hand inched towards his vest where a stiletto was kept hidden, Naruto gave a loud sigh.
Sasuke jumped a little; he had almost forgotten about the blonde. Sasuke stared at him, trying to send him mental messages. Run, you idiot! Do you want to die that badly? Hurry up and run! Apparently, Naruto really was a natural moron. Not only did he not get Sasuke's message, he actually kicked the unknown attacker in the shin instead, drawing attention to himself. THAT TOTAL IDIOT!
Sasuke immediately hooked the attacker's right foot with his and send him flying over his shoulder, hoping to at least knock him unconscious before a certain blonde ended up dead.
What is he made of? Sasuke stared in amazement as the attacker got up instantly. He's not even a little winded! The attacker rushed at Sasuke, dagger in his hand. Sasuke was preparing to feel a sharp blade stabbed through his guts when Naruto suddenly appeared between them, blocking the attack. When did he get here? I didn't even see him move! Oh, crap. Now HE'S in danger!
"Okay, that's enough, Iruka-sensei."
Huh, Iruka-sensei?
"But Naruto-sama, he's an intruder!
Naruto…sama…?
"You overreacting. He's just lost."
Wait a minute-"You know each other?"
Naruto looked at him and grinned. "Iruka-sensei is my guardian. Sort of like a bodyguard…except he's more like my nanny. The last bit came out as a cheeky statement directed at Iruka.
Iruka flushed. "Naruto-sama! I'm not your nanny! I just…worry about you."
Laughter from Naruto. "You mean you're overprotective!"
Before Iruka could protest, Naruto's stomach rumbled. "I'm hungry…I know! Lets go get breakfast! Food, food, FOOD!"
Sauke could tell the brunette nanny –oops, guardian- was trying to refrain from throttling Naruto.
"Naruto-sama! You were supposed to be studying!"
Naruto whined. "But I want to play with Sasuke! This is the first time I've actually spoken to someone from the outside world!"
Outside world? What was that supposed to mean?Iruka gave Naruto a death glare. "Naruto-sama, maybe you would like to explain to your father how exactly he ended up with a spot of bright pink hair while he was sleeping?"
"Eep!" Naruto squeaked and scuttled off hurriedly, throwing a "bye, Sasuke!" behind his shoulder.
Obviously, he wasn't interested in clarifying the mysteries of pink hair.
With Naruto gone, Iruka turned to Sasuke and said in a business-like tone. "You're lost, right? I'll show you the way out." He started walking without waiting for Sasuke.
Sasuke hurried after him, wondering about the man's spilt personalities. What the…? He's a totally different person than when he was with Naruto. Speaking of Naruto, who was he anyway? This Iruka person called him Naruto-sama…he must be pretty important if he needs a bodyguard. Strange…Usually the wealthy or noble citizens would present themselves in court at least once; I've never seen him around the palace before though… I'll ask Father later…he would know.
The two of them walked in silence, Sasuke trailing behind Iruka. The guardian stopped suddenly and Sasuke, lost in thought, almost collided into him. Iruka pretended not to notice and spoke in a distant tone, pointing. "If you continue straight from here, you'll reach the city in about forty minutes time."
Forty minutes? Just how deep into the forest had he wandered? Well, whatever it was, at least Sasuke could find his way back now. "Thank yo-"
"Do not thank me. If it hadn't been for Naruto-sama, I would have killed you there and then, no questions asked. We not take intruders lightly "
Sasuke stared in shock. There it was again. Intruders. How could he be an intruder? His family ruled the country. Sasuke opened his mouth to say so but was cut off by the cold voice.
"Do not speak of what happened in this forest today. If you do, I will find out and you will die. Never set a foot into the forest again or search for Naruto-sama."
Iruka's eyes softened a little. "This is for your good, as well as his. If you value your life, don't ever go near him again."
"What is that supposed to me-…" Sasuke trailed off, looking around in confusion. Iruka was nowhere to be seen.
The sun was just rising, flooding the skies with a pinkish blush. Sasuke sighed as he continued his trek home. At least I can't complain I've never had life-threatening situations.
This is my first multi-chaptered Naruto story. I hope it's okay. Please review! .:offers virtual Sasuke plushies:. Thanks!