No Good Deed
Have you ever had a day where things are really looking up, only for things to go tits up in an instant? The sun is out, low cloud cover, birds singing, only for a volcano to go off right underneath you?
That is what Naruto was feeling right now.
Team 7 had been doing well against Kaguya. After Obito's sacrifice to save Naruto and Kakashi, they had rallied. Pushing the Rabbit Goddess back steadily. For a brief, shinning moment, they had actually thought they had it in the bag!
Then, a cheap shot from Kaguya's will had disabled Sasuke. A shot to the ribs from the left that left the Avenger with a punctured lung and heavy, shallow breathes. He would defiantly be down for more than a few minutes, something Naruto knew they couldn't afford.
To make matters worse, it seemed Kaguya wanted to cash in on the lull in combat, by which she immediately set out to unleashing her full power on the world around them.
It was like hell. Mountains crumbled, large bodies of water began to boil. Cracks ripped through the ground like a vengeful god had struck the earth with a hammer. Tears in the very fabric of reality began to pop up every where, some leading to the dead void of space itself, sucking all manner of earth and plant life into itself.
Naruto was thinking harder and faster than ever before in his life. They was always a way out. Always a way to win! He just needed to find it! They needed something anything! They had to balance the scale now! As if waiting for the word, Naruto saw it, inconspicuous, innocent even.
Behind Kaguya another tear formed. It wasn't the same though. Something was different. It was bright. Colorful. Like a rainbow backdrop on the former princesses. He knew what he had to do as soon as he felt the raw unbridled power leaking from the tear. He saw the results of the action forming in his mind. If nothing else, he could do this!
'Hey Kurama! You thinking what I am?' He shouted into his mind "I know exactly what you're thinking, and it does seem like something you would do, YOU CRAZY BRAT! No knowing what happen to us though!"
Naruto grew a solemn, thinking over his decision, knowing how it all might end. 'Are you with me on this? It isn't ideal, but we're out of time.' "Brat I'm stuck either way." Naruto grew a small smile. Leave it to Kurama to make light of the situation.
'Can you link with the others inside Kaguya? I want you to ask them if they are okay with me doing this.' Naruto asked the mass of chakra. It wasn't just his life he was gambling with after all. "...Give me a second." The moments ticked by, second after agonizing second passed in almost slow motion. "They're with you Naruto. Or in Son's words, 'We ain't got much of a damn choice!'" Kurama rumbled, they trusted him to make the right choice.
"Thanks Ku...I'll do everything I can to make sure you guys make it out, that's a promise of a lifetime!" A proud grin came over Naruto's face, before he turned to his oldest, and dearest friends.
"Kakashi! I need you to do something for me!" Kakashi swung his head to look at the glowing blond, curious on what crazy skeem he had cooked up this time. "Lay it on me Naruto! I'm all out of ideas!" He called back.
The smile that came over Naruto's face set Kakashi on edge, something about it just...didn't seem right. "I need you to lead everyone when you guys get back. I need you to watch over Sasuke and protect Konoha, teach the future generations like you taught me, Alright?" Kakashi looked confused, before understanding grew in his eyes. "What are-"
"Sakura! I need a favor from you too!" The pinkette looked up from where she was healing Sasuke. "What is it Naruto?! I'm a little busy!" She was a bit annoyed. Didn't Naruto get that healing took concentration!
"I know I know! Look take care of Sasuke okay? And apologize to Hinata for me! I have to break my promise to her. Shes gonna need you to support her too!" "What the hell are you on about?!" Sakura shouted back, miffed that he would ask such a thing during at this point in the battle, its not like he was going anywhere! "Just do as I ask okay! I love you guys!"
Kakashi wanted to stop him, he wanted to so much, but his body just wouldn't move. The shock of what his student was about to do, nailing him in place. "NARUTO WAIT!" The blond grinned, melancholy clear on his visage. In a burst of light he was upon Kaguya, his body bowling her and himself into the portal as the white haired chakra monster reacted by stabbing an all killing ash bone into Naruto's right side out of reflex. They both cried out, one in pain, the other in shock, as the portal closed behind them.
It was like a switch was flipped. The world they where stuck on righted itself almost instantly. The waters calmed, the ground stopped shaking, and the tears in the world sealed.
"What...what just happened...Kakashi?" Sakura spoke softly, shock running through her. "Where did Naruto go?" Desperation colored her words, as her hands gripped into fists tightly. She knew what she saw...she just couldn't...it didn't make any sense!
Kakashi just stared at the stop Naruto had disappeared into, the consequences of his inaction starting to weigh on him slowly. "Kakashi! Where! IS! NARUTO!" Sakura's voice slammed into him like a hammer. He looked down, his eyes shadowing his face.
"He...he's gone." The answer was like a whisper, a ghost floating on the wind. That didn't stop it from cutting into Sakura like a knife. The hurt was instantly on her face.
"You're...you're lying!" she shouted in a panic "Naruto! Get out here! I'm gonna pound you so hard if you don't get out here right now!" Silence met her declaration. Final. Absolute. "NARUTO! GET OUT HERE! YOU PROMISED ME WE'D BRING SASUKE HOME TOGETHER! GOD DAMMIT NARUTO!" Her vision blurred slowly. Her eyes searched the empty field, desperate for that glaring orange outfit. She turned again and again, frantic, before two arms wrapped around her, halting her movement.
"Sakura, he is gone. He...he tackled Kaguya into one of the tears, you saw her stab him. He. Is. Gone." Kakashi spoke softly, but each word rocketed into her. Tears quickly spilled from her eyes, she wanted it to stop. He had to be lying, Naruto didn't know how to lose! He was unstoppable dammit! He wasn't gone! Sakura turned to scream that in Kakashi's face only to stop short. Something was wrong. Sakura knew the person before her was suppose to be her teacher, a strong man, a man that never broke under pressure. Seeing the tears staining his face mask didn't...didn't make sense.
"I'm sorry...He's gone." Her throat tightened harshly. "No. NO! NO! NO!" She tried to shake the hands off of her arms, anger, and hurt and despair in her voice. "NO! YOU'RE...YOU'RE WRONG!" She screamed in defiance, even as she sank to her knees. Kakashi quickly wrapped Sakura in a hug. They could worry about leaving this world later, right now, right now it was just the three of them. The remnants of Team 7. Now, for this one moment, they could mourn. Kakashi sighed bitterly, hot tears marring his face, as Sakura wailed in his arms. How would he explain this to everyone?
'Fuck. That hurts!' Naruto grit his teeth as he dragged Kaguya into a long fall.
He could already fill the All Killing Ash Bone going to work, his Yin Yang release worked to counteract the damage, but he knew it wouldn't last forever. Hell, if it weren't for all the co-existing power ups, he'd probably be dead already! Sage mode, plus the Tailed Beast chakra, on top of the chakra given to him from the Old Sage, left for one resilient motherfucker.
Kaguya was distracted, looking around shocked at the area around them. Naruto could hear a battle in the distance, but that wasn't important right now. He had to act! "RAGH!" With a mighty cry, he latched his left hand on Kaguya's forehead, directly over her Third Eye, the seal on his hand glowing brightly. 'NOW KURAMA! PULL WITH ME!' he screamed into his mind.
You see, chakra transference worked both ways. It was give and take. If one had the proper skill, and timing, you could literally steal another's power.
Naruto was a master of chakra transference, and right now, he was stealing back his friends!
"AGGHH!" Kaguya screamed in pain and shock, her power! NO! Forming another all killing ash bone, she slid it into Naruto's ribs neatly. She had come to far! Was to close! "GIVE! ME! BACK! MY! FRIENDS!" Naruto shouted, ignoring the ache in his chest, as he ripped his hand away from Kaguya's forehead, pulling the chakra of the nine tailed beasts from her body in one harsh withdrawal.
It entered his system as they both continued to fall. "Damn...damn you..." Kaguya's eyes dripped, her tone full of anger and hate, light leaving her eyes as they continued to fall. Naruto savagely pulled the bone out of his side, and slid it into Kaguya's neck as they dropped. He had to make sure.
A tear opened a dozen feet beneath the falling duo, leading to a grassy over hang from what Naruto could see. Naruto blanched, 'Fuck...ground'.
Naruto smacked into the earth with a vengeance, the All Killing Ash Bone in his ribs driving deeper into his body. "AGH FUCK!" he shouted. Casting his eyes around he surveyed his surroundings. Kaguya's body at his side. Good no one near by. He didn't have long, the bone was in his lung now, it wouldn't be long.
Commanding nine of his Truth seeking balls, he molded them into a vaguely human shapes, using the power of Creation of All Things, much like the Old Sage. He couldn't just let them out for others to use, they needed a way to keep themselves from being sealed!
With a grunt, he pushed the souls of each Bijuu into one of the forms, along with a portion of power proportionate to the number of tails they owned, he made sure to leave a bit of his own power for each of them as well, he knew they might miss him.
'Hehe I wonder if this is how Old Man Sage felt when he made them the first time.' Naruto rolled onto his back, exhaling sharply before he gazed off to his left, huh, he must have landed on a cliff side. The sunset was really pretty.
"Naruto!" He blinked slowly as forms filled his vision. If the nine tails meant anything...it was Kurama! He had really soft features though...long hair too. Odd. Though that was okay, it was orange!
"Hehe hey guys, sorry it took...took so long." He spoke as a cough interrupted him, racking his body. "Hey it's...it's fine!" Why was Kurama's voice so high? "How do you guys like the bodies? I Had to wor...work quick. I...wanted to give you guys your old...bodies, but...i had to use something I was more familiar with haha..." He tried to be cheery, dying really hurt though, so grinning and laughing was a touch difficult.
"It's...we love them, now be quite okay? Matatabi and I are gonna start healing you." Casting his eyes downwards he gasped softly, Kurama had tits! "Kurama! You're...a woman!" He was shocked as hell "Is this...my fault? Dammit...I'm sorry...buddy." Naruto felt his voice soften as the warmth of Kurama's chakra invaded his system.
"Psh...Don't worry about it Brat haha! I still kick ass!" Kurama spoke back, even as SHE desperately tried to push chakra into her former hosts body. "What did I say about talking? You're...You're making this hard for us ya know?"
Kurama felt strange, her throat was tight, and here eyes kept blurring for some reason. "Hey... are you crying Ku?" Naruto spoke softly before a cough ripped through his lips, blood spattered across his mouth and face. "STOP TALKING DAMMIT!" Kurama pushed more chakra into him, trying to will his injuries to heal. "Hey...it's okay Ku...we both know I was done the instant...that old bitch put her...first all killing thingies in my side..." Naruto stretched his arm out and whipped the tears off of Kurama's cheek. Huh, almost 17 years of constantly fighting, and here was the beast of malice, crying over his dying body. Ironic.
"It'll be...okay guys. You...you have each other...look after each other...okay? Hehe, other wise...I'll have to...leave my rest to...set you all straight, Ha hah in...some weird way...I kinda am like your Old Man now." Kaguya was beaten, his world was safe, and he even saved the Bijuu! He was awesome Dattebayo! He smiled up at Kurama, her hair was really pretty.."Ya know, at least...I did a few things right...you have really pretty hair now."
Kurama could feel her chest tightening in despair, even as Naruto's breathing grew more labored. The other eight Bijuu had already stepped back to allow them some privacy, Matatabi had grabbed her should briefly as she walked away, tears falling from her face. "Y-yeah..thank you Naruto haha..." She grabbed the hand on her cheek and held onto it like a life line. He was such an idiot.
"I'm glad t...this is where...I'll die...the view is...really beautiful..." Kurama looked up and saw the sunset that had caught Naruto's eyes. "Yeah...it's like the world is sending you off brat..." "Hehe...still on brat huh? I...guess I can live with that...haha" Naruto chuckled even as his vision began to rapidly fade, his grip slowly slackening.
"Naruto...please don't go. I...WE still need you!" Kurama was desperate, anything just god please anything to keep this magnificent person alive! "Hey...it's okay Ku...protect...your brothers and sisters...do it for me...okay?" Naruto spoke softly with a grin as his eyes slid closed, never seeing the frantic nod as Kurama clutched his hand tighter.
"I swear! I'll keep everyone safe! I Promise! My promise of a life time ya know!" Kurama hated this. Emotions where the worst. "Hehe...looks like I...did really well with...making you all as...human as possible...you...even have a tick...like me and mom...hahaha wel...welcome to the family...Kurama." Naruto eased his smile, soft and bitter sweet.
He was really tired...this was a good place for a nice long rest. Dying took a lot out of a man. Hahaha, saved the world, all his friends, stopped a goddess, and even became a 'father'. How could a man as awesome as him find a better way to go! Cracking his eyes open one last time, he cast a bright bloody grin to Kurama as the light in his eyes finally faded.
"Take care...Kurama..."
"Naruto?...Naruto! NARUTO!" Kurama shook his body. Not yet! Dammit not yet! It wasn't right! "Come on breathe! Come on COME ON! Naruto!" Matatabi and Son wrapped their arms around her, slowly pulling her away from the boy who had saved them all at the cost of his life.
"NARUTO! STOP! LET ME GO! I CAN STILL SAVE HIM! NARUTO!" That smile. That damn smile was still on his face. Son Goku was amazed, Kurama, the strongest and harshest of them, crying over a human. Naruto really was one of a kind.
He whipped a stray tear as he held his wailing...well sister now. It didn't bother him too much Kurama was a hard ass either way. 'Rest easy kid...you out of everyone...you've earned it.' He gazed out into the sunset. It really was a beautiful place to die.
Naruto opened his eyes slowly, before quickly sapping them shut. Could somebody kill the sun, please? Fuck. A low groan escaped his lips.
"You're awake I see.." Naruto's eyes snapped wide open again, trying to locate the voice. "Easy child. I mean you no harm." The voice spoke, a calm settling over the blond ninja.
"Yeah well excuse me for not trusting a disembodied voice." Naruto lamented. "Why can't I move either?" He felt far to calm especially considering he couldn't move. "You are a soul now. Nothing but thought and feeling. I would be amazed if you could move." And there was that voice. It was close, yet far. Familiar and warming, but also strange and hollow. Naruto grimaced, he hated weird supernatural things.
"So I actually died huh? Man that blows." "You are unusually calm about this revelation." The voice responded. "Well, I did save my friends. And I saved Kurama and his...well her family now. Man I screwed that up Hahahaa... There isn't much reason for me to be worried. I died doing what I loved to do, saving others." He felt a grin spread across his face, that's right, whose the man! Right here baby!
"So you are a hero then?" The voice asked, it was curious as to how this person saw themselves. "I wouldn't say that. I don't like watching people suffer, ya know? If it means my life, well, that's okay then." Naruto shrugged, people always put labels on things, to him, it just came down to doing the right thing. Even if it means you get hurt.
"You are fascinating, most humans weep for more time, when they are called upon. Even those that others call hero shed a tear at the life they can no longer lead." There was a certain praise in the voice calling to him. "I Could be upset I guess," A frown marred Naruto's face "but I don't see the point. I know they are all safe now, and they can handle themselves." Silence permeated the area, long and drawn out. It was like people just didn't get it. If you didn't have to be sad, why would you be?
"Would you return to the land of the living, if you could?" The voice questioned, honest curiosity in it's tone. Naruto rubbed his chin in thought, mulling the question over. "Well yeah I suppose. I made Kurama cry, which sucks, so it'd be nice to make it up to her. Not to mention I could have ramen again. Man I'm gonna miss the hell out of ramen." Naruto sigh despondently. Hey! Maybe this place had ramen!
"What is ramen?" Outrage and shock quickly filled our resident blond. "RAMEN IS THE FOOD OF THE GODS! ALL SHALL WHORSIP THE BROTH OF LIFE AND NOODLES OF KNOWLEDGE!" Came Naruto's vehement reply. How does someone not know it's noodily goodness!?
A tinkling laughter reached his ears. "Oh my. I wasn't aware that I had made such a dish."
A beat.
"...Come again...?" Naruto said as he swallowed softly. He was dead, he realized. This...this might just be the afterlife. Heaven. Aw fuck.
"Close, but not quite. You see, I am what you would call...an elder god. A Primordial. I came before the cosmos, and I shall be here after." "Oh well when you put it that- HOW THE HELL DID I BYPASS HEAVEN!" He screamed mid sentence, this wasn't how it was suppose to go! He should have met his mom and dad in the pure land! Had bowls of ramen galore! It wasn't fair!
"My oh my you are excitable. You see, when you died, you did something no organic life before you has done. You ascended to the levels of god-hood. To some that just means you became powerful, but really it is a state of mind. You accepted the cycle of life, understood the ins and outs of creation and destruction. Frankly, and in lay mans terms, you got really lucky as you died." The voice informed. It wasn't everyday a mortal breathed life into the world. To handle souls as easily as he had...was unheard of.
Naruto shook his head as he laughed "Hahah well Kakashi did say I had the luck of the devil. So did Pervy Sage come to think of it...And Old Lady Tsunade...huh." Naruto grasped his chin and thought. Looking back to it, he really was good at poker and games of chance.
"Oh my. It seems you have truly earned the right to be called a god. Few can move in my presence. Yet here you are making it look easy." "What are you talking about lady? I still can't-" Naruto spoke as he pointed a finger into the empty white around him. Pointed. His arm. And hand. It moved! "Holy Shit! I can move! Awesome!" Naruto shouted as he began to do a small jig.
"Hahahah marvelous, just marvelous." the voice spoke again, before a bright light flashed in front of Naruto. What is it with being dead and brightness? It was like some sick joke. Heaven? White. Meeting the Old Sage? White. Hospitals? WHITE! Give a man a break.
A woman stood before him now, a long flowing white gown, rainbow colored tresses cascaded down her form, soft angular features and eyes that may as well be beams of light in their brightness.
"Yes, you can. Move that is. So tell me. If I granted you a way to go back to the last world you where on. Would you? I much enjoyed watching your life, I would be remiss to not see it continue." The Goddess spoke, even as Naruto stared at her in abject shock and awe. Damn she was pretty! "Why thank you, but that doesn't exactly answer my question."
Naruto shrugged as he sat down, trying and failing to remove the blush from his face at the all powerful being hearing his thoughts, "Doesn't that go against the cosmic balance or something like that? I died...shouldn't I, ya know, stay dead?" he spoke, honestly confused.
"If you where merely a mortal, yes. You die, go to one of the many after life's serve time there, then become reincarnated, however as you are now a god, you now have the choice on just going back. Though you would have to act as an actual god of something, things like love or luck, and you wouldn't be able to interact with your friends." Let's see how this human handled a chance at being all powerful.
"Hmm that kinda dampens the whole point of going back." Naruto leaned back on to his hands, crossing his legs. A deep look of concentration o his features before inspiration struck him.
"Hey! What about being reincarnated?" He looked up at the elder god. He wouldn't be as awesome, but then he could be with his friend's right?
"I'm...sorry...what? You would give up being a higher god...just like that?" the being spoke, shock coloring her words, never in all the potential gods she had judged, had any said this.
"Well I may not remember my friends if I become reincarnated, but I could meet them again right? You could reincarnate me in the place I'm most likely to meet them all again, couldn't you?" Naruto spoke, waving his hands in an exuberant manner, trying to use them to convey his idea.
"Well yes, but there is still no way of-" Naruto cut the all mighty off, "Then lets do that! You can watch me grow to be a super bad ass again, I get to meet my friends and make new ones, and we don't fuck up the balance of the universe!" The being stared, it truly couldn't comprehend the young man in front of her.
"But...why? Would it not be better to watch over them from on high?" Would this mortal really give up ultimate power for...other mortals? "Not if I can't help them when they're hurt, or scared, or lost. I know I can't go back to my world. I can feel that much, the world I landed in...it was different. The way it felt was...off; but the Bijuu, Kurama most of all, still need someone to help them. I can't really do that as a god now can I?" Naruto spoke, as if it was the simplest thing in the world, and to him it was. Power meant nothing if he couldn't use it to help his friends.
"You truly are one of a kind, aren't you Naruto...Fine, I suppose we can do this a different way for once. I will personally reincarnate you into that world, and put you on the closet path to your friends. In return, all I ask is a good show, being an all power goddess is woefully boring." That tinkling laugh again, it was pretty if Naruto was honest. "You got a deal...uh...hey what should I call you? I cant just call you, You after all." Naruto felt like an ass. A whole conversation and he never asked for a name. He really needed to work on his manners.
"I do not have a name. I have existed for all time child, a name wasn't necessary." A frown marred Naruto's face once more "Well that's not right! Everyone deserves a name...hmm...how about...Megami? Its a little unoriginal but it really does fit you to a T. Haha." Naruto scratched the back of his head with a grin, a little nervous at being so informal with...well god. "I suppose if that is what you wish. Megami hm?"
Naruto smiled a little, seems like he was on god's good side! Suddenly a thought struck him, "Hey, Megami...Is there anyway I can keep certain memories? I know it might be asking for too much..."
"Consider it down. You stopped a world killing beast, saved the lives of thousands, millions even, and you've even given me the gift of a name. I can spare you a few powers and skills." The goddess spoke, she had expected such a request.
"Not that...can you let me remember Kurama and the others? I wanna know them when I see them. So I can apologize." Naruto spoke. He still felt like an ass. Matatabi and Ku looked so hurt as he lay there. He owed them something.
The Goddess stared at the blond, an unreadable look on her face.
"Alright. Hold still, things are about to get very uncomfortable for you. To reincarnate you I must seal your powers, doing so will make moving, or even seeing me, impossible." The Goddess warned.
"Aw, that sucks. I hate not-" It was like a dam burst on top of him. An unholy weight barred down on him, freezing him mid word. Panic filled his heart, before his world once again went black.
Inside the Gremory owned territory of Kuoh, a child wrapped in a blanket was set at the steps of an orphanage, two blond fox ear poking out. A small mew left the infant's lips as a soft hand rubbed it's cheek. Megami looked at the child, knowing what kind of life he was set to lead. Heartache, joy, sorrow, love, peace, war.
It was a never ending battle with this boy, one that he thrived in. Megami disappeared in a flash of light, the only thing to alert the Matron of the orphanage who had been on her way to bed.
Megami watched on, hidden from the senses of the world. "Now then Naruto, give me a good show." She said to herself as the matron opened the front door and gasped at the small bundle at her feet.
"What on earth! Who left a child out here in the cold! Come here sweetie, lets get you in side to somewhere nice and warm!" She waved her finger softly in front of the infants face, taking notice of the two animal ears upon his head and the name sowed into the blanket. 'Hmm Naruto...a young yokai, fox by the look of him. The poor dear's mother must have abandon him.' The middle aged woman, thought to her self, softly brushing the blond ears atop Naruto's head.
"Come on now, I bet your hungry." Happy little gurgles met her words as the infant gave what would pass for a smile. 'I can't believe someone would leave such a cute baby.' The old matron thought to herself. Some people could be so deplorable.
A ten year old Naruto gazed out the large window before him, the bight sun shining down on the yard outside. He hated being cooped up, but Granny Aijo made it clear more than once, he wasn't allowed outside right now. It was made worse by the fact one of his best friends was leaving, having been adopted by the Sitri Family, one of the most prominent families in the area!
Hima-chan was so lucky!
Naruto sighed, leaning on his arms in abject boredom. Sometimes he lamented being born a Yokai. Sure they had things like enhanced senses, fluffy tails, and great physicality (something that had helped Naruto more than once in the last few years) but no one really liked them.
The families that came to see the young orphans here never asked about him. He never got to meet any of the families either. If Naruto didn't know any better, he'd say Granny Aijo was hiding him from the world!
Naruto hung his head. He was gonna miss Hima...She was always really nice to him and loved petting his ears! It was the best! He never did figure out why she turned red around him though. Maybe it was a secret like Granny said his tails were!
'At least Yuuto was still here.' Naruto thought, they were as thick as thieves! Where ever one was, the other was sure to be close by, and both Naruto and Yuuto got in trouble more than once together. A lot of the new caretakers always thought they were brothers, what with their shared passion for trouble making and similar looks.
Unfortunately Yuuto went to church today, something about a volunteer youth group thingy, Naruto wasn't really listening. He was never a big fan of the Church, but to each his own. So he was stuck inside, alone, and bored as all hell.
In the center of the shopping distract, a fair skinned woman felt a shiver of dread move through her spine.
Naruto perked up, the tails that had lazed on the floor behind him suddenly swaying happily. Struck by sudden inspiration for mischief. He was gonna go into town! Granny Aijo had recently taught him some illusions that allowed him to hide his ears and tails, so if he wore a hoodie, it shouldn't be a problem!
With a plan set, he made his move, sneaking as quietly through the orphanage as a ten year old could, ducking behind doors to avoid the other caretakers. He didn't want to explain himself if he could avoid it. Most of them avoid his room anyway, so it shouldn't be too hard.
Okay, so maybe harder than he thought. The caretakers were running around like crazy, checking the rooms. Maybe they lost something?
All well! Naruto hummed as he walked down the street, passing a few strangers as he went. It was a really nice day out. Low clouds, a bright sun. Nice cross winds comi-.
Naruto felt his nose twitch as a smell hit him. Once...twice. Naruto turned, trying to find a trail. He knew this smell. Sand and heat, something copper too...Naruto closed his eyes and let his nose lead him.
First a side street, then a back alley. Many turns and steps which brought him out to the outer market district. Stalls lined the cobblestone street and voices filled his ears, but Naruto payed it no mind. That smell.
Naruto felt the hit before the smell caught up to it. "Stop that thief!" a voice cried from down the street, a hoodie figure jumped up from where they had run into Naruto and immediately tore down the alley Naruto had just walked out of.
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The blond lay there stunned for a moment, unsure of what the hell just happened. That smell assaulted his nose again, this time trailing the hooded figure...It was them! Naruto clambered to his feet and gave chase, hoping to find out just who they were.
Left, right, straight, double back, over the fence, through the ruined house.
It was taxing, trying to keep pace with the person running, but as they ducked into an old building, Naruto hoped the chase was over. He was cautious as he entered, trying his best not to spoke the person he had spent a better part of thirty minutes following.
As he came out the other side of the hole, he bore witness to a run down looking sleeping area. A couch which had seen better days and a few ratty blankets sitting on the arm rest. The hooded figure sat in front of the couch, on the floor. Teeth cutting in to the most likely stolen bread. It ate ravenously, quick to demolish the bread and lick it's fingers clean.
Naruto approached slowly, taking in his surroundings, and feeling sadness at the sorry state of the living arrangements. No one should have to live like this. "Hey...are you okay?" Naruto spoke, and the figure tensed, it took a large jump away from Naruto, trying to put as much space between it and the voice it had heard. Naruto stopped moving, afraid he had scared off the strange individual.
The hooded figure turned to look at him, freezing in place as it did. It cocked it's head to the side, a strange hum coming from the darkness of the hood. Naruto just put his hands up, trying to placate the individual.
"...Father?" A rough, though young voice spoke. Naruto had a perturbed look on his face. He most certainly was not a dad! The figure slowly reached for it's hood, and for the first time, Naruto could see the strange black markings marring the figures arms. Like skewed words in a purple tint.
The hood dropped away and Naruto took in the figures face. It was a boy, a bit older than himself perhaps. He had soft features, with black circles around his eyes. Almost like a raccoon! Twitching of the boys dirty blond hair drew Naruto's eyes to the top of his head, where two soft sandy colored ears sat, twitching this way and that as Naruto knew his own did.
This was a Yokai, like him! Naruto moved closer to the boy, curiousness eating at his heart. As far as Naruto knew, he was the only Yokai in Kuoh, to see another was a new experience for him. The boy drew closer to Naruto as well, shock and disbelief written in his eyes. "N...Naruto?" The rough voice came from the boys lips, his hand reaching out to touch Naruto.
Naruto was a little weirded out! How did this boy know his name? Then again...he was a Yokai too...Maybe he knew Naruto's family! Naruto grew hopeful at the prospect.
"Yeah! That's my name. Who are you?" Naruto asked, as he stopped just in front of the other boy, the outstretched hand was inches from him, and Naruto felt compelled to reach out and touch it.
So he did.
Naruto's mind was assaulted by memories and visions. Moments in time that had been ingrained into his core. Names and faces filled his head, one leaping forward at that moment.
"Shukaku..." Naruto said in a daze, the memories had given him the boy's name. He was important. Naruto knew that much. He couldn't remember why though...they had fought...or fought together? They knew each other. Naruto fell, his legs losing strength as his young mind tried to process all the information that was being dumped on it.
"Naruto!" A voice called out to him, before his world turned dark.
Shukaku sat there, the younger boy in his arms. What...What was going on?! Naruto died! He had been there! Shukaku stretched out his sense, took everything about the boy in. His smell, his state of dress, his chakra...a scent lingered on him, a faint smell he hadn't known in a long time.
Aijo.
That's right...she worked for the Gremory's around here. Shukaku narrowed his eyes, something was wrong with all this. She probably had the answers he needed. He picked up the look alike in his arms and swung him over his shoulder.
It was time to pay his old student a visit.
A.N. Hey guys, like I said, first chapter on the rewrite is here, and as you can already tell things are a bit different. I wanted to try to keep Shukaku the same as last time, but it didn't fit with the way this story will flow, He'll still be a bit bat shit, but a bit more serious as well. Next chapter should be up either by next Monday, or the following Sunday. I started up a discord if anyone has questions or ideas to throw out. All the information is on my profile.
DarkStar out.
