TaiyoKage
Naruto and Sakura just finished a mission to protect a low politician from the Hidden Water Village. Kakashi is with them when he comes across an injured eye-masked female ninja on the way back to the Hidden Leaf Village. The ninja is from the Hidden Sun Village.
"Do you need some help?" asks Kakashi.
"I sure could use it. I am trying to get to every village to warn them, but the Sound Village is trying to stop me. This mission is of dire importance to all."
"Where to first then?"
"Yours would be best." As Naruto tries to help her up, she makes several hand gestures that let her float in a lotus position. She floated past the three Leaf ninja, leading the way. "We need to hurry for more come as I speak."
Kakashi knew they could not stay in the shadows or their new companion would slow them down. Sunlight helps Sun Ninja heal faster while giving them more energy.
The female ninja wore a black trench coat over a dress. A two inch sword hung from a gold loop chain. The Sun symbol, a circle with a spiral inside, on a yellow cloth is on her right ankle. Her left leg showed damage from a recent attack. The unnamed ninja performed a quick summoning jitsu. Three wild felines popped into existence. They circled their summoner, awaiting orders. Taiyo was the snow leopard while the albino panther was named Apollo. Helios was a white tiger.
"Find our unwanted followers then come tell me how many and maybe delay them," directed the mysterious ninja.
In unison, "Right away." they vanished as white blurrs.
Apollo and Helios were back twenty seconds before Taiyo, "There is a ninja on both sides with two tailing, mistress."
"Thank you very much faithful friends."
All three felines stayed around the ninja. She seemed to know they were worried about her so she lowered herself down. They took turns licking her to their satisfaction, plus it healed her a little bit faster and cleansed her wounds. They then surrounded her.
Gold wings burst from her back, letting her fly. She kept pace with the three sprinting others. They were fifteen minutes away from the village when ninja stars were thrown then four ninjas showed, surrounding Kakashi's group.
"I am too close to stop now. Bring help from the near-by village," while quick hand signals were done, causing a Sun Lion to energize.
A lion twice a real lion's size literally roared to life. Its mane was yellow fire along with its tail's end. The body was white fire with burning blue eyes. It eyed the enemy for both weaknesses and strengths.
"Ha, look a kitty cat came to play, Kalee," a dumb man in a green jumpsuit named Torji said.
"Torji, that is not a domestic cat. It is called a Sun Lion," a shinobi in a purple shirt was apparently Torji's intelligent sister, Kalee. She gave orders while Torji followed through. "If it touches you, it will burn you to a crisp."
"Oh, bad kitty," Torji shook his fingers at the Sun Lion.
The Sun Lion looked at Torji like he was crazy or something.
Kalee rolled her eyes.
"Naruto take care of Torji while Sakura goes for Kalee."
"Your plan won't work Kakashi, those two are too close plus there are two others to worry about. Do you know how to defork, Kakashi?"
The mysterious ninja spoke in code so Kalee could not decipher her strategy. Deforking meant getting two separate ninjas together then attack.
Kakashi looked unsure until she put two fingers up separately then put them together. He nodded to show he understood her plan for the other two ninja.
She attacked the right shinobi while he took the left one. Her attacks forced hers to the left while the other went to the right. They looked confused when they bumped into each other's backs, unknowingly.
"Majestic Lion Strike!" the Sun Lion seemed to smirk before it claws extended to swipe at the two shinobi at the same time. They passed out from the pain as their epidermis was charred. Blood dripped from the cracked skin. They were out and completely useless from now on to Oorchimaru. The air smelled like burned hair and skin.
"Torji kill that Sun Ninja," commanded Kalee, taking charge.
Suddenly, that same Sun Ninja perked up. She stopped the Sun Lion. She healed the rest of her body as she floated in the sunlight.
Torji charged like a bull towards the calm ninja. He raised his oversized fist to aim for his target's stomach. "We don't have all day!" screamed Kalee.
The Sun Ninja vanished the second Torji almost hit her. She reappeared, causing Torji to look dumb-founded like he just saw a new magic trick. She opened her now sparkling eyes. "You heard her, Torji. She told you what to do like you did not know what to do, already."
Torji paused and blinked as he thought. He really concentrated, almost making smoke come out.
"Do not listen to her, just kill her," she yelled out before muttering imbecile under her breath.
"Torji can I ask you something, personally?" she waited for him to nod. "What do you think is the right thing to do? What do you really want to do?"
He turned to look at his elder sister.
"Follow master's orders," answered Kalee.
"Gee. I did not know you had such a feminine voice, Torji. I could of sworn I asked you," commented the Sun ninja. She stood on her feet before straightening her multi-colored dress. She unhooked her sword charm, in case she might need it.
"I can answer that," blurted out Torji in anger.
At this point, Sakura knocked out Kalee since she was defenseless.
"I am guessing that you want to grow a garden next to a cabin hidden in the woods. Go follow your dreams, don't let others tell you what you can and cannot do anymore."
Torji looked pleased as ever as he ran off to build a cabin of his own.
Five Hidden Leaf medical ninja few onto the scene to arrest four criminals, but only got three since Torji would never be heard from again unless the Sun ninja went to him.
The Sun ninja sprinted ahead of everyone else with great zeal. A sigh of relief escaped when she reached the outer gates.
The ninja there said, "You have been expected, Aurora Hikari."
Naruto looked to Kakashi in question, "Who is that?"
Kakashi was astonished to be in her presence.
"Aurora Hikari aka Sunlight is the Kage of the Hidden Sun Village. She is the Taiyokage and good friend of Tsunade. She is the matriarch of the Hikari clan. She can perform the Hikari clan's secret jitsu, the Sun Phoenix," explained Kakashi, stunned. "She is also a genius in healing."
After Aurora removed her eye mask, she winked at the boys. She blew a kiss to Kakashi before teleporting to Tsunade's office, scaring her.
Kakashi picked up the golden sun mask that had Sun phoenix feathers sticking up at the sides. He decided to find out more about Aurora.
"Oorchimaru is up to something devious, friend," Aurora told her friend of 16 years.
"Why do you think that, Aurora?"
Aurora fished out seven pictures, "he has been stealing weird machines along with two of my top scientists."
One picture showed a laser while another was Kenji Chogun, a scientist in a white lab coat. A wheeled device was hooked up to an engine.
"I will get my best shinobi to go with you on this mission."
Aurora left Tsunade to her business after she heard that Kakashi would be that shinobi. She went to the local art shop to purchase black paper and charcoal in different colors then to stay with two friends.
Kakashi found her six hours later, creating a picture of a little girl running to her mom's arms. She was at a park bench close to twilight.
"That is quite life-like, Taiyokage," complimented Kakashi.
"Since, we will be working together for quite some time, call me Aurora," She suggested while adjusting her head band that she was using as a hair tie. "I do not want you to feel inferior to me."
"I understand that you are a leader with exceptional skills, Aurora," stated Kakashi.
Aurora seemed to know that he research on her to impress her or protect her better. "We will leave at dawn through the gate. One copy of us will distract Oorchimaru's assassins from both exits while we will be disguised."
Kakashi decided to get to know this blonde woman better (personally). He was with her when she sold her latest masterpiece for a fairly high price. Her artwork was well sought after. He tried his hand at art at her bequest. He did a scene of a swan at the lake.
They ate smoked pork sandwiches including sweet lemonade.
Kakashi was told that no man in her village dared to marry her since she was a kage and a matriarch, too. She was a highly honored shinobi.
He saw her to her current residence. He stayed outside on the roof to watch over the Taiyokage. He could not risk making too much noise or the Azumas would yell at him.
Aurora woke up at 4 am to swim in the hot spring to wash off her night sweats. She changed into an off the shoulder dress with an emperor waist. It stopped mid-thigh. The top half was yellow with a white bottom.
"You did not have to watch over me as sweet as it was," commented a bemused Aurora as Kakashi approached her from behind. She knew he was coming.
Kakashi kept pace with her as she sent the false copies then changed their appearances.
Kakashi gained 150 pounds in a green track suit with brown hair and green eyes. Aurora's eyes turned teal while her hair became black. She shrunk from her 5'6" to 4'11" height.
Aurora and him stayed in disguise until they were in the tree cover.
Aurora flicked her pony tail over her shoulder. She smiled as a white cockatoo swooped down. "Hello Ra. What news do you bring?"
Ra affectionately nuzzled Aurora's cheek. Ra was Aurora's personal messenger, who brought her news whenever Aurora was away from the Sun Village.
"Sakura gave birth to Mei Ling, who has her dad's temper. A fight broke out again between Tai and Sozin over who's technique is better. Sulin is begging the Sun deities for my return, she is going bonkers. Mrs. Chogun is crying her heart out. My cousin passed his final. Chiko is plotting to join me."
Ra stayed with the traveling duo, signing for entertainment.
"Go home, Ra," ordered Aurora as they came upon ninjas that were in fighting stances on the way to Garra's home village.
They were greeted warmly by Garra. He kissed Aurora's right cheek before he sent her to heal. He went with her to hear what she had to say. Garra agreed that Oorchimaru must be stopped. He was going to join them on their exhausting journey.
The three traveled from village to village. The Honoo clan sent Reiko to represent the Fire Village. Most villages sent their ninja to take care of Oorchimaru individually.
"Fools do not realize victory is in numbers," was Aurora's sage advice.
They came across Yolei, a crazy woman who used illusions. Aurora forcefully slapped her crew to bring them back to reality. Aurora kept her eyes closed to block out the illusion and used her other two senses to track and defeat Yolei.
Aurora at this point, released her sword charm's shrink trigger, letting it grow to a real sword's size. A few dodges left Yolei with deep sword wounds. An aim to the head from the hilt knocked Yolei out.
The group walked through the plains. Garra picked some healing herbs that he passed incase they might be needed by Aurora after a fight.
"Hmm, very thoughtful Garra. Witch hazel, laurel leaves, aloe vera, and strawberries."
Kakashi then dashed off so he would not be out done, he came back with sunflowers, and fruits to eat.
Another enemy angered Aurora when he ripped her jean top jacket, leaving her chest half bare. Then he called her a know-it-all while drooling at her.
"You pervert, my cousin made this for me after she went into fashion. Now her stuff is sought after!" screamed Aurora, her aura flamed red. She brutally slapped the horny man, leaving a swollen red welt for all to see. She called the Sun Lioness to life with five quick hand jitsu.
The Sun Lioness was twice as powerful as her male counterpart, the Sun Lion. She viewed Aurora as her off spring and any lioness is protective of their off spring.
"Royal Feline Doom!" a body tackle crushed the enemy's bones like they were toothpicks. No bone was left on one piece.
Aurora laughed in triumph as they passed the cowering and defeated man.
Garra was able to defeat their next two opponents. Kakashi's summoned dogs allowed them to avoid the last two since they knew where they were at.
Ra joined them briefly under Aurora's request. He flew away half an hour later to bring back Hiroshi Taiki from the Sun Village and the Book of Battles.
"Reinforcements are never a bad idea."
Hiroshi arrived half a day later in black pants with a white muscle shirt. The Sun band was wrapped around his left biceps. He carried the Book of Battles. He knelt at Aurora's feet while ignoring the rest of the group like they were nothing compared to him. His dark hair that was almost black was two inches long.
"I need you to take out Oorchimaru's hidden traps," Aurora commanded with a superior air since Hiroshi would not talk to her unless spoken to first. He regarded her almost as if she was a goddess.
"No problem, Taiyokage." Hiroshi had a scar below his head band. He could see what could not be seen to the naked eye. Some say that he could see into the future by a few minutes. He kissed Aurora's hand before rising to his feet.
He put some food into a pot to cook for dinner since it was time to eat. Then he served Aurora and himself before giving any to the other two. He started to write a letter to Sulin to inform her on how the Taiyokage was doing. They made a plan on how the next day would proceed.
The next morning, he led the group, but gave his kage all his extra attention. He made sure they went around the traps. Garra took out the guards while Kakashi watched their backs.
Aurora freed Kenji Chogun and the other while Hiroshi destroyed Oorchimaru's plans. Kenji Chogun and his associate took the laser back to the Sun Village. Garra freed all the other captives.
Oorchimaru came in unannounced, slamming Aurora into the ground.
"Stop right there, nutziod," shouted Hiroshi with his arms spread, shielding his kage.
Aurora in a daze raised herself to her knees. Three cuts were on her wrist from a broken piece of glass. "You have taken it too far this time, Oorchimaru." she pulled off her half eye mask. Gold wings developed, cocooning Aurora with pure energy. "Golden Sun Phoenix!"
The wings burst open, revealing a phoenix that shrieked, sending its enemies to the ground on their knees covering their ears. Some were worse off than others with blood seeping from busted ear drums. Aurora was covered in energy that burned anyone that dared to touch her. A yellow sun dress was Aurora's dress of choice. She was singing a song of tragedy and it reached out to the heart.
Hiroshi blew a hole in the ceiling to let the sun in. He saluted Aurora before pulling the good guys out. He knew how the Sun Phoenix attacked.
"Enough innocents have fallen by evil's hands," Aurora sang as the Sun Phoenix grew, consuming the room and its occupants. Screams lasted mere seconds. As the Phoenix touched sunlight, it became hotter and expanded faster.
"The true of heart will free these lands." Aurora sang as Oorchimaru lost consciousness.
Afterwards, the Phoenix shrunk with Aurora running out of chakra. Hiroshi rushed back in, in time to catch the falling Aurora. Garra and Kakashi had never before seen the damage the Sun Phoenix could do. They looked around astounded by the charred room. Hiroshi did not let anyone know he had a broken rib.
Oorchimaru was sent to jail in bandages, covering every inch.
Aurora was in the hospital for a week. The Hidden Sun Village sent Aurora's apprentice to speed up her healing. Kykio came as Hiroshi's replacement. Aurora got a visit from Kakashi daily.
Aurora woke up at noon on Sunday. Her arm was bandaged along with her shoulder. After a drink of water, "Where is the nut job?"
Everyone looked down, not wanting to be the one to say that he escaped with help.
Aurora exhaled, "Let me guess, he escaped from prison."
Tsunade in the doorway, nodded. "Sulin begs for your return."
"She has finally learned being a Taiyokage ain't all that is cracked up to be."
Ra, Taiyo, Apollo, and Helios greeted Aurora next. Luckily, Aurora was given a king sized bed or they would not all fit on it. Ra sat on the head board while Aurora used Helios as a pillow. Apollo and Taiyo laid next to Aurora. Dawn, a blue tipped siamese cat and Aurora's domestic cat, laid on Aurora's stomach. All purred to prove that they were glad to see her alive and well. Aurora slept till dawn the next day.
Kykio helped Aurora into the carriage that would take the Taiyokage home.
Kakashi wanted to say good-bye, but Aurora kissed him instead. He tried to hide his blush.
"Until next time, Kakashi."