Alright, I've yet to see one of this game, so I figure I could probably be the first.
First, the Crossover is with a game called Monmusu Quest, or Monster Girl Quest.
So, I'm not going to give any spoilers for this one. I plan to play this one by ear as much as possible.
IKU ZE!
But first, the Disclaimer.
I OWN NOTHING HERE!
I don't even know who owns Monmusu Quest.
Chapter 1
Long ago, when the World was young, there was a young boy. His name was Heinrich, a Hero of a Goddess known as Ilias. Heinrich was known far and wide, fighting to protect those who couldn't do so, or simply did not want to fight.
One day, he had fought a being known as the Monster Lord. It's name was Alipheese the Eighth. In the end, he won. However, the cost of him winning was not because of what he did. No, the cause was that he had a Monster known as Alipheese the Ninth. The Daughter of Alipheese the Eighth. In the End, Alipheese the Eighth was killed, and her daughter replaced her.
Their win was short lived, however. Ilias, aware of the actions that brought Alipheese the Eighth down were not in compliance with her wishes, and as such, Heinrich was sealed in a place known as Sealed Sinners Prison.
500 years later, a young boy named Luka followed the same path as Heinrich. His father had attacked Alipheese the 15th. He had found a monster near death, and, against what most others would do, nursed her back to health. She had introduced herself as Alice and thanked him. From that point on, she had been teaching him to fight. It wasn't long after that he had found a sword known as Angel Halo. With Angel halo in hand, the two traveled across the continent, helping others, and finding who Luka truly was.
Luka's faith and beliefs clashed at nearly every opportunity. It had taken a long time, many battles, and a few friends made before he finally made it to the place known as the Monster Lord's Castle. What he was there for: Coexistence between humans and Monsters.
The four Heavenly Knights tried to stop him, but they failed. When he finally made it through he fought with the Monster Lord Alipheese the 16th. The fight was harsh, but with the power of the Four Elemental Spirits, he had managed to push her into a corner. One that she couldn't get out of, nor did she try to, as she was on her last legs.
He had refused to deal the finishing blow, and the Goddess Ilias intervened. Due to his lack of faith in her teachings, he questioned Ilias. After some talking, Luka drew his sword at Ilias.
It was then, a war had begun. Chimeric Monsters, monsters that were a combination of several others, and Angels had attacked the Castle. The battle was fierce, and great. Pure monsters, the Heavenly Knights, who had survived their encounter with Luka, and Alipheese the 16th all fought against the Chimeric Monsters and Angels.
The War between Ilias and the Monsters had finally begun for real.
The Monsters, led by Luka.
The Angels, led by Ilias.
The fighting had lasted a long time. It took a good week to find a weak point in the Angels Defenses. Luka had ended up facing all of the Angel's on his own, somehow being the only one that could even harm them.
In the end, the Monsters led by Luka had won, though with severe Casualties. Ilias had been dealt a Death Blow, never to be seen again. On her last legs, Ilias pleaded to him.
The one known as Black Alice had been defeated by Alipheese the 16th. The same Monster that had traveled with Luka the entire time. Ilias's pleas were heard, and yet promptly ignored. He then dealt the final blow, seeing her inability to change her ways and views. His final words to her as he plunged Angel halo into her body were "The only reason we won, is because we understand and care for each other's feelings. You, who do not care about the truth, is what blocks the coexistence that we all wish for. Without you, it will be possible. Goodbye, Ilias. I hope you never return."
It had taken him a good 10 years to finally get Coexistence into the heads of Humans. After all that time, Alipheese the 16th, and Luka had continued to travel together. The two of them were happy together, and managed to spread the ideals of Coexistence.
It had lasted a long time. The four Heavenly Knights, stayed in one region each. Erubetie, the Slime Queen, had stayed in Undine's Spring. Tamamo, the 9 tailed Kitsune, had decided to head home to Yamatai Village in the Northeast. Granberia, the Dragon, had decided to travel and find a worthy challenge as a Warrior. She never killed her opponents, but as a Warrior that has always held honor, she never ridiculed her opponents, whether they won or lost. After 20 years, the only one to ever beat her was Luka, and she wasn't entirely surprised. Alma Elma, the Succubus, just went around doing whatever she wanted to. She usually stayed to participate in the Coliseum in Grand Noah City under the name Kyuba.
Alipheese the 16th had done what no other Monster Lord had done and given birth to multiple children with the same man: Luka. They had a good few children. Their Children were a mix of Humans and Monsters, unheard of so far. Luka had finally passed on at the age of 72, while most Humans at the time only lasted a good 40 years.
The peaceful coexistence lasted a good 300 years after Luka's death. Luka's descendants had managed a different set of powers. Most of them lived longer than most. Some had the natural ability to use the four elements without the powers of the Four Elemental Spirits, who have been in hiding ever since his death.
The Coexistence was shatter when a Beast of massive destruction was released upon the world. The Four Heavenly Knights, who were still alive, tried to fight it, alongside a Human with strange eyes. A descendent of their old friend Luka. The fight lasted months, but without Angel Halo, which was hidden somewhere by Luka long ago, they had to find another way to bring it down. In the end, the Human was the one that defeated the beast in a way no one had ever thought before.
He sealed it into himself.
The beast was simply known as the Juubi, the reason for its existence unknown to all. The four Heavenly Knights and the man managed to make it back to the lands untouched by the beast, and told them the beast was sealed. The Man became known as the Rokudo Sennin. The Coexistence was nearly shattered, however, and the Four heavenly Knights had gone into hiding. It was years later, on the deathbed of the Rokudo Sennin that he had asked his 3 sons, and gave them a portion of his power. He then gave them the power that corresponded with their own ideals. One went on to found the Uchiha Clan. Another went on to found the Senju Clan. The Third went on to found the Uzumaki Clan. The Third was also the eldest of the three, and went off on his own.
However, there was a fourth clan that descended from the hero Luka. They held no relation to the Rokudo Sennin except by going back far enough to Luka's children. This Clan was named the Namikaze Clan, yet never expanded much. They were widely unknown for the most part, until the age of the Clan Wars had begun. They had dealt serious blows to other Clans. Regardless of their small numbers, they were also the most skilled. Far more so than the Clans descended from the Rokudo Sennin.
After a while, Several Villages were founded. The Namikaze had stayed widely Neutral. Until their near eradication in something known as the Second Great Shinobi War. The only known survivor: Minato Namikaze.
As a toddler he was taken to Konohagakure. His clan had remained Unknown to that day, and as such, no one knew of the power he held.
He grew up to be a Shinobi. His ideals, however, were similar to those of his ancestor. He would rather talk out a problem than kill to resolve it. During the Third Great Shinobi War, he brought victory to Konohagakure. He had then become Hokage, the leader of Konohagakure.
2 years later, he had a wife. Not knowing of their ancestry, they had a child. However, it was not to be.
On the day of the child's birth, someone had attacked. The Kyuubi no Yoko had been released and sent to attack.
In the end, the Kyuubi had been sealed in the newborn baby. The baby's name?
Naruto Uzumaki. Both of his parents were descendants of the hero Luka, his name unknown to this day. The heavenly Knights have been in hiding all this time, as well.
Granberia, the Dragon Queen, had been sticking to what has been known as Earth Country and is kept as a Secret to Iwagakure. Granberia never fought in the wars, so as to avoid useless bloodshed. She was the only Monster that has been known to any human for a long time.
Alma had decided to hide in the Southwest, now known as Wind Country. No humans alive knew of her.
Tamamo had decided to make a hideout in the Mountains of Lightning Country. Kumogakure was built nearby, at that. She still remained unnoticed by them.
Erubetie had decided to stay in a cave that was connected to every body of water in the continent. She had stayed cut off from humans from the get go, though she enjoyed Luka's Company. However, she had found another person that she found a general liking to. His name was Tobirama Senju. She had granted him an insane amount of control over Water in exchange for one thing: he was to keep her location a secret.
He had agreed, and he constantly protected the place where he found her. Konohagakure was built nearby, founded by the Senju and Uchiha Clans. Other clans soon joined in.
Now, 5 years after the forced attack by the Kyuubi no Yoko, and sealing, Naruto Uzumaki is where our story begins.
It was his fifth Birthday, and he had gone outside. He had recently gotten an apartment from the Old Man Hokage, as he called him. However, his happiness would not last. A Drunken villager spotted him, and started to attack with a ceramic bottle of Sake. It wasn't long until a mob had formed and had been chasing him. He had managed to get to the nearby forest, and found a lake.
Naruto Uzumaki had golden Blonde Hair, Cerulean Blue eyes, and 3 Whisker-like Birthmarks on each cheek. Supposedly, he was an orphan, never knowing who his parents were.
Back to the story, Naruto had tripped on a tree root near the lake. The drunken villagers had started to beat him, leave scars, burns, cuts, and then some. Finally, one got the idea of making him drown in the lake. They had gotten a particularly heavy rock, tied it to his ankle, and threw him in the lake. It was then the ANBU arrived, and took care of the mob. After the Mob was taken care of one of the ANBU jumped into the Lake, another went to inform the Hokage, and the rest got rid of the bodies.
The ANBU came back up soon afterwards. "No sign of him." The Hokage then showed up. He was old, definitely, with wrinkles and all. He wore White Robes with Red trim. The hat was in the same colors but had the Kanji for Fire on the front. "ANBU, where is he?" he questioned them, his voice hard.
"They had thrown Uzumaki-san into the lake as we were arriving. Cat went into the lake to find him." The ANBU with a Snake Mask said. She had purple hair, and a Standard ANBU outfit.
"Cat?" The Hokage questioned.
The ANBU with a Cat mask had a Katana strapped to her back. She also had Purple hair. Whereas Cat's hair went down to her mid back, Snake's hair was tied up in a ponytail. "Hokage-sama, there is no sign of Uzumaki-san in the lake. I could find no trace of him, and his Chakra is gone. I managed to find a trail but it cuts off with nothing in the area. It's as if he is no longer in the area."
"People do not vanish into thin air, cat." His voice was hard, but the pain in it was evident. "And he cannot use his Chakra, much less suppress it. Therefore, if he was thrown down there, he would be found."
"The trail ends. Not with a Chakra spike, but a cold end with no trace going anywhere. I will see if there is another lead down there, but..."
The Hokage looked at her. "Do it. He is down there somewhere. Find him. Before its too late."
"Hai." Cat went back into the water, and searched around the entire lake. Cat knew what was going on. Naruto was gone. Taken. Whoever had him wasn't giving out their location. Little did she know, this lake was a Sacred one.
Naruto was no longer in the Lake, either.
-unknown cave-
Naruto was lying on the ground, unconscious. There was, what seemed to be, a blue figure made of gelatin. There was a small fire near the kid. The figure was decidedly female, had no skin, and seemed to move like slime.
She continuously looked at the kid she saved from drowning. His features were off, but she sensed an old friend in him. Why, she didn't know. She just sensed that friend of hers. Undine, what seemed to be similar to the figure, also said he had a similarity to their friend.
"Erubetie, this boy... he hold's Luka's Blood." The smaller figure stated.
"I see that, Undine. But that's not all. I sense Luka emanating from this boy. The last one to come here was of Luka's blood, but did not give me this feeling. I don't just feel Luka's Blood in him, but rather, Luka himself." The larger figure, Erubetie, replied.
Undine then recognized the boy. "Wait. Erubetie... this kid is a Jinchuuriki."
This earned the Slime's attention. "A Jinchuuriki? But that would mean..."
"I'm not sure if it is him, but I can find out." Undine stated, before going into the boy's mind.
She ended up next to a large gate with a flimsy piece of paper on it. "Kyuubi..." Undine breathed.
The giant fox opened its eyes. "Who are you?" Then the eyes, which were sleepy before, were now wide awake after seeing Undine. She had seen the surprise and Shock in the giant fox's eyes. "UNDINE, IS THAT YOU?!"
"You know me?"
"That's right, you wouldn't recognize me as I am now." The fox replied. "In this life, I am known as Kurama. But I fought alongside you, Sylph, Gnome, and Salamander against Alipheese the Sixteenth, and then Ilias. After I died, my soul was taken. Some time later, my soul was pulled from the afterlife, which was quite boring, mind you, and placed in this fox body."
"You are... Luka...?" Undine was hesitant at the guess. The fox nodded at the guess. "LUKA?! How the hell..."
"Don't ask me why I was chosen to be this fox, or even what happened beforehand. I have no idea. How's Alice?"
"Dead. She died a good thousand years ago. 20 years before the Juubi attacked, and you were reborn." Undine explained. "The only Monsters left alive are in hiding. The Heavenly Knights included."
"I... I see. I guess I failed."
"No, you didn't fail. You brought coexistence. We don't know how the Juubi came into creation, but one of your descendants sealed it into himself. The guy was just as much of an idiot as you were. Still just as pure."
The fox paused. "Is Erubetie nearby?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Tell her I'm sealed in this kid. Take care of him. I sense a good 70% of my blood in him. Strange considering the fact that it should be diluted so far out. I can also feel he holds my Holy Energy. The same energy I used to take out those Angels. Only one of my children had it, but he went off on his own. Haven't seen him since."
"You think he could be descended from you in two paths?"
"Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest." the fox replied.
Undine nodded. "I see. I'll let Erubetie know. She'll take care of the kid, but he'll have to know about you. You know that right?"
"Teach him to follow the Flow. How to fight. I had hidden Angel Halo long ago. When he's ready, I'll lead him to it."
"Alright. We'll tell him of you being sealed in him."
"Only mention me by the name Luka, and that he knows NOT to let it out. If people find out that he knows of my existence, then it will only attract more trouble for him. Keep him safe. Stay with him. I know that Erubetie won't leave her home. Just... make sure to take care of the kit. And let the other Spirits know. If I were a betting man, Sylph would have a LOT of fun with this one."
"Alright. See you soon." Undine then left the sewer-like mind.
-Erubetie's Cave-
Undine came out of the Unconscious Blond. "What did you find, Undine?"
"I found... Luka." She breathed.
"Luka is sealed into this kid? Shouldn't that be impossible?" Erubetie inquired.
"Normally, I'd agree. But you and I both know that Luka was a bringer of seemingly impossible events. After a while, you get used to his impossibly surprising actions." She then delivered the message to Erubetie. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm gonna follow Luka's plan for him. I'm gonna let Gnome and Sylph known."
"What about Salamander?"
"Are you kidding? Salamander ALWAYS lives in a Volcano. I can't go there! I'd have Gnome head there. After I do this, I'm gonna stick with Naruto, here. He'll need a friend."
Erubetie thought for a moment and nodded. "I see. I'll watch over him. Who knows? This guy may be like Tobirama."
"We can only hope." Undine said, before heading out.
Naruto was asleep for a good few hours. When he woke up, he saw Erubetie. "I see you're finally awake." She said, softly. The boy was obviously scared. "I will not harm you. If I were going to hurt you, I'd have left you to drown in that lake."
This surprised him. Naruto was not familiar with this kind of voice. "W-Who are you?" His voice denoted he was still scared.
"My name is Erubetie. I am... a friend of your ancestor."
"My what?" Naruto's fear was almost all gone.
Erubetie simply chuckled a bit. "Let's just say he's family of yours, that has long been dead, ne?"
That got his attention. "F-family?" He didn't know what to make of it.
"Yes, Family. I can sense my friend's blood in you. There's a lot of it, too. I'm actually surprised, considering how long ago he died." She looked at Naruto for the first time. "Naruto... do you have any family out there? Anyone that takes care of you?"
He hung his head. She put a slimy hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry. I will make sure you have the family you need. Me and a few friends of mine."
"Y-you will?" he asked, hope in his eyes.
"Yes, I will. I sent another friend of mine that lives with me to let the others know. They will stay with you when I cannot." Naruto was on the verge of crying. "Do not worry. I will not abandon you to the wolves. I simply cannot be around humans for too long. They do not understand me. It is why I stay in this cave. Humans simply do not see me. Just like the Villagers do not see you. We are... alike, in many ways. I can see what you want. You want to prove yourself. You want to have a family. You, who has nothing to lose. You have everything to prove. I am willing to help you. Train you. Raise you. My friends will help, as well. We are all friends of your ancestor. I only have one condition. Something I want you to do in return."
He was curious now. All sense of fear lost, he wanted to know what it is. "What is it?" He asked, his voice denoting the change.
"I simply do not wish to be found by other humans. They do not understand me. They never did. The last one to see me, you would know him as the Nidaime Hokage. He kept his word, and even helped protect my home, by building the village nearby. I helped him out, and I wish to help you as well. I still do not wish to be found. That is the only thing I ask of you."
"You'll leave me alone if I don't..."
"My friends will not, but I might. I... don't like the humans out there. Those who do not try to understand. You and I are in the same boat. I want to be with you, but... I don't want to be with them. They spit on Tobirama's grave. Either way, you are welcome to stay until you are fully healed. I would prefer that actually."
Naruto thought for a moment, and nodded. "Okay. I won't tell anyone about you."
Erubetie had a small smile. "Thank you. I'll make sure you have a family. You have a friend in me. Always remember that. For now, rest. I'll find some food for you." She laid him on a bed of her own slime that detached from her body. "Remember, I'll be there for you when you need it."
She left the cave, after he fell asleep. She managed to find a few good meals, for a human at least, and brought them, before cooking them the way Luka used to. She was long immune to fires, even though she preferred to stay away from them.
He woke up, and she handed him the fish she had been cooking. "Eat up. My friends are not here yet, which is no surprise, I guess. Do not worry. They will be here soon." Naruto nodded, before eating the food handed to him. He smiled at Erubetie, who returned the smile.
She began telling him a few things of history. More of her own with Luka. "Back then, Monsters and Humans rarely got along, except in some places. Slimes, like myself, hated humanity because they polluted our homes. I had learned to trust a select few, because they had shown me that not all humans are bad. The first one I had ever trusted. He was related to you, even. His name was Luka. Never learned his surname. Now that, was a human that I will never forget." She had a smile, lost in her own memories. She then shook her head. "Luka and I weren't always on the best of terms, I'll admit. He changed my views. I've always cared for his descendants, people related to him. Granted, some of them are complete idiots. They disgrace his memory. Those, I care nothing for, and would love to see them killed. You... I would rather you follow in his ideals. They were for peace. I have been watching most of his descendants, for they all lived around here."
"Can... Can you tell me about Luka-jiji?"
"Of course." Erubetie started talking about Luka, what he stood for, what he did, who his greatest friends were, what he had to do to achieve his goals, everything about him. "Luka... is the greatest man I have ever met."
Naruto looked at Erubetie with a fire in his eyes that she had not seen in him until that point. "I will be just like Luka-jiji. I will get peace to return. I promise you that."
Erubetie's eyes widened. 'That voice... the feelings behind it... It's just like...' She smiled. 'Luka... he is more than just your host, or your descendant. He is just like you. Down to the voice.' Her thoughts ended there. "Naruto... Hold to your word on that. I will be waiting for the time I finally come out of here and not fear for my life."
Naruto nodded. They continued to talk about random things, when Undine came back in. There was what seemed to be a small fairy with her. "Undine? Sylph?"
"Hey, Erubetie! Been a while!" The fairy spoke in an overly happy voice. Undine punched the fairy. "Undine, where is Gnome?"
"Went to her first. She went to get Salamander. They'll be here shortly... I hope." Undine said, earning a slight nod from Erubetie, who turned to a confused Naruto. "Naruto, this is Undine. She has been living with me all this time." She gestured to the more solid slime. Then she pointed at Sylph. "This is Sylph. While Undine is a Spirit of Water, Sylph is a Spirit of Wind. Sylph is more of a Fairy but she is a reliable friend, if not a little annoying. Though if what I'm told is correct, then you will get along best with Sylph."
Sylph then floated up to Naruto. "So, you are the one I was told about?" She asked. Earning a slight nod. Sylph looked into Naruto's eyes, and then cried out in happiness. "YAY! Natural Wind Element!" Undine and Erubetie shook their heads, which was a weird sight. It wasn't long before a rock hit Sylph, stopping her rapid-fire mouth. "Owie!"
"What have I told you about talking too much?" Another voice unfamiliar to Naruto said, the four of them turned and saw two others. One seemed to be made entirely of fire. The other looked to be a small human, though she had metal armor in dark brown colors.
"To not to..." Sylph was depressed, before Naruto gave her a small hug, which returned her happy mood. Gnome sighed. "So, is that the kid?"
Erubetie nodded. The one on fire looked at him. "I see a passion in him I have not seen since..."
"I know." Erubetie cut her off. "He is his Descendant, after all."
"I was surprised that 70% of his blood is that of his." Undine stated.
"That's got to be wrong. Over 1,000 years, and someone with 70% of his genetics is in them is not possible." Gnome pointed out.
"Remember, Gnome, Luka was a good indicator that nothing is impossible. It could be genetic." Salamander, the one on fire spoke up.
Naruto looked at Gnome, Salamander, then at Erubetie. "More friends?"
She nodded. "The one on fire is Salamander. She is the Spirit of Fire. The smaller one is Gnome, the Spirit of Earth."
"Gnome is such a downer." Sylph said, earning a smack from Undine.
"We only hit you because you're annoying." She said, as Sylph rubbed her head. "Gnome just has no qualms doing it because Earth and Wind have always been opposed. She'd hit you if you said something stupid, at that."
Gnome shrugged before tossing another rock at Undine. "I just like throwing rocks. It's fun... for me." The was a small smile on her face.
"We will stick with you." Sylph said. "We can stay with you, no matter where you go. Undine can't maintain her body in really hot places, though."
Naruto looked at Erubetie with a smile. "So... I can come back as long as I don't let anyone know where you are, right?" She looked at him and nodded. She looked up. "It's getting late. Get some sleep. I'll take you out there later on. Downstream, actually. Undine and the others will keep you company. Right, girls?"
They all nodded. Sylph cheered as well. All four spirits glowed and then hit Naruto's stomach, causing him to fall over, being caught by Erubetie. "I probably should have warned you about that. Rest up. I'll make sure you are found in a good place." He nodded weakly, and passed out.
-Forest, near a tower-
Naruto was left floating to a bank. It was right next to a large tower, and he was unconscious.
It wasn't long before a female in a trench coat, miniskirt, and chain mesh found him nearby. She had purple hair, tied up in a Pineapple. Her eyes a deep emerald with no pupils. Her eyes widened as she pulled him all the way out of the water, and checked him out. "Pulse is nominal... no visible Injuries... I'd better get him to Hiruzen." She put him over her shoulder and left in a whirlwind of leaves.
-Hokage's office-
The same female that picked Naruto up appeared in the room, with the old man in Hokage robes inside working on paperwork. "Hokage-sama..."
This earned the old man's attention. "Yes, An... Is that..."
"Yes, Hokage-sama. It is."
The old man was right in front of her. "Where was he?"
"I found him in the forest of Death. He was floating down the river. I was about to blow off some steam. Now, it looks like I don't need to." She replied, as she put him on the couch in the room. "What I found strange was that his pulse was fine, his temperature was normal, and no injuries could be seen. It's surprising, to say the least."
The old man nodded. It was at this point, Naruto groaned as he opened his eyes. Then, remembering what happened before he met Erubetie, he was immediately scared. Then he saw the Old man considered a Grandfather to him. "Jiji...?"
"Naruto... thank Kami you're safe." he breathed out.
"Jiji... Why do people hate me?" Naruto asked, though he already knew the answer.
"I'm sorry, Naruto. I can't tell you yet. Don't worry, I will be able to one day. Either you'll be 13, or a Genin of this village. I need to make sure you're safe, and if you knew... it would only make them hate you more." he said. "I'm sorry, but... it's for your own safety."
Naruto started crying. "I... I see." 'He never gave me a reason before. But... Genin?' He then heard the voice of Salamander.
"Naruto, that's the lowest rank of Shinobi. Ask him how to become a Genin. It's going to be the quicker path." She said. "And think what you want to say to me. That way he doesn't know about us. The longer he goes without knowing about us, the better off you'll be."
"How can I be a Genin, Jiji?"
"You'll have to go to the academy. From there, you'll have to graduate and then you'll be a Genin." He answered. "If you want I can make it so you enter next year. It'll be early, but it should help you protect yourself."
Naruto nodded. "Thanks jiji! You're the best!" he jumped up, and the old man chuckled. "Yes, I suppose so. Come. Let's get you some ramen. You look like you need a pick me up."
The desired response was acquired. Naruto shouted in joy. "RAMEN!"
In his mind, Gnome looked at Undine. "He's as bad as Tamamo with Thin-fried Tofu."
"Something tells me he isn't that bad." Undine replied.
-a few minutes later-
Undine, Gnome and Salamander somehow had a sweatdrop. Sylph was just cheering him on.
"Okay, it isn't as bad as Tamamo." Undine said.
"You're right." Gnome said. "It's worse."
Naruto just finished his seventh bowl. "Thanks Jiji!"
"Come off it, guys. It's probably his comfort food. With the life of a Jinchuuriki, he'll need something. Besides, he's just like his mother in appetite. Sealed in her too."
As Naruto finished his eighth bowl, Sarutobi chuckled. "You're quite welcome. I'll do what I can to get you in the Academy. Okay?"
"Okay! Thanks Jiji!"
"Come on. Let's get you home."
Naruto and Sarutobi went to Naruto's Apartment, and Sarutobi had to restrain himself from killing half the villagers. "This place... what happened?"
He looked at Naruto, who he knew didn't do it. "Naruto do you..." He then saw that Naruto was not there.
Naruto was still at a somewhat random gate. When Sarutobi and a couple of ANBU found him. "Naruto..."
He snapped out of his trance, and looked at the old man. "Jiji? What's wrong?" Then he looked at the place in front of him. "How did I get here? Where is here?"
"This is the Yondaime's old home. Come on. I'll get you a new place. I can't let you live in a place like the apartment if someone is going to do what was done to it."
"It was destroyed, wasn't it?" Naruto asked, quietly. Sarutobi was disappointed.
"Naruto... I want you to be safe. I won't let them harm you if I can help it. Remember that."
He nodded in response. "Come on. I'll get you a safer house."
"Jiji... I think it better if I live in the forest until I go to the academy. Is that okay?"
He looked at the ANBU, who nodded. "I'll try to make sure they don't find you. Just... make sure you're okay, alright?" Naruto nodded, and ran off into the nearby forests.
Sarutobi watched him. "Cat, Bear. Make sure no one gets him. Ongoing A-rank."
"Hai!" The two mentioned ANBU left in a whirlwind.
-Forest Clearing-
Naruto stopped in a clearing a good area wide. He stood at the middle of the clearing, and looked around. "This looks like a good spot."
"Yes it is. Naruto, close your eyes and let me take over for a second." He heard Gnome say. "I'll make the house for you. It'll be good for now."
Naruto closed his eyes, and when he opened them they were a more Brown color. When they were opened, Gnome used Naruto's body to put his hands on the ground. "Gnome House Revision!" The ANBU was a good bit away, thanks to the fact that Sylph got them there. After it was there, Naruto had a single story earthen cottage standing right in front of him. Naruto's eyes went back to blue, before the ANBU had already arrived. He entered it as the ANBU saw the clearing.
Sylph let him know that the Mask guys were there. Naruto then heard the someone knock on the door. "Mask guys."
Naruto nodded and opened the door. "Jiji want you to watch me?" The ANBU were surprised, but it didn't show. They nodded, and vanished. Naruto then closed the door and started looking around the place. It had a single bed, a small one, the basic necessities, and a small table. A few chairs, even a small fireplace. 'Thanks Gnome.'
"No problem. Now come on. Undine has got a few lessons for you. She'll be first, instead of Sylph." Gnome replied.
'Huh? Why?' Naruto asked them as all four of them appeared in his vision.
"Like it or not, Undine has a few skills you'll need."Sylph admitted. "You may be a Natural Wind Element, meaning me, but that just means skills I know will be a lot easier to learn. Undine has the things you'll need to know first."
"Annoying you may be, at least you know when something's needed." Undine commented.
"Doesn't mean I like it, though." Sylph crossed her arms. Naruto chuckled at that.
"Okay. Where do I start?" He asked aloud.
"Talk in your mind." Undine said. "Remember those ANBU are still out there."
Naruto was looking around. 'I know, but that is something that they would think I'm just talking to myself, and not anyone else.' He saw Undine blink at that.
"You know, he's got a point." Salamander voiced. "That saying is always used when at a new place, or something new is learned. People can't always tell the difference."
Undine then told Naruto to sit down, close his eyes and find the flow around him. Sylph's comments did not make it easy. Gnome just smacked her again. "Gnome..."
"Shut up. He's trying to get the Serene Mind." Gnome spoke.
"But he's of the Wind. Not water."
Salamander hit her next. "Sylph, he needs this the most. The Serene Mind helps all Shinobi. They never take it all the way, and only half-ass the state. Undine has to teach him how to access the full Serene Mind. It's the most important part of what we can teach a Shinobi. We'll also be able to train him to use a sword, and teach him the techniques that Luka used. He'll need this the most."
"Aww..."
Naruto chuckled, and was slapped by Undine. "Focus on the flow."
Naruto stopped Chuckling.
This continued on for 6 months. On the third month, Naruto had found his Chakra instead, and told Undine what it felt like. Salamander heard this, while staying next to the lit fire. "Looks like he found his Chakra, Undine."
This earned all of their attention. The fact was that the ANBU were gone for a while. Naruto was still safe, because only the ANBU had come into the clearing. For some reason, Jounin could never find it, neither could most Chuunin, Genin, and even civilians. Heck, only the ones with training in the Wind Element could find it, surprisingly.
Sarutobi couldn't even find it with his Crystal Ball. No one knew why, except Sylph, who set up the barrier in the first place. Civilians could never find the place, because it has an unnoticeable barrier that makes sure that only those that can manipulate wind and has training to do so can enter the clearing. Gnome and Sylph him how to hunt for his own food, and what to do with them.
Salamander had taught him how to control his Chakra after it was pointed out, but still said the Serene Mind, which he could never truly get in 6 months, would help immensely. With the four Elemental Spirits at his sides, his vocabulary increased by a major level. He knew how to hunt, Gnome taught him a few things about Gardening, as well. Being the Earth Spirit she knew a thing or three about what went into her element.
The ANBU stopped coming around after the second month ended, seeing that he was safe.
It was on this Sixth month, that someone had come into the clearing. Naruto had long recognized the signature. It was the Cat ANBU that always helped him. The Spirits all went into his mind, and he walked to the door as she knocked on it. He opened it and saw him. "Jiji wants to see me?"
The ANBU nodded. "Okay. Let's go!" he was happy at the moment. Cat put a hand on his shoulder, and they vanished in a Shunshin.
-Hokage's Office-
Cat and Naruto showed up in the center of the room. "Naruto. Good to see you in one piece."
Naruto nodded. He had long since learned why he was hated, but kept it a secret. "So, what's up Jiji? Academy got a spot open early?"
Sarutobi shook his head. His ANBU had stopped watching over him 4 months ago, since he had found that none of the Civilians could find the clearing. The fact of the matter was: He couldn't even find the Clearing with his Crystal Ball. That in itself was a shocker. "Naruto, I wanted to let you know I was going to another village. I was wondering if you'd like to come along?"
Naruto took a thoughtful pose, crossing his arms and scrunching up his face. He came up with this face while talking to the Spirits. 'Undine? You think it would be a good idea to put the Training on hold and go with him?'
"I don't think it's a good idea to skip the training." Undine said.
"Come on. You never let him have any fun. Let him relax and unwind." Sylph complained. "He'll probably get it faster if he does. Besides, he'll have to learn what the world outside is like, anyway. This is a good reference for later on."
"Sylph's got a point." Salamander commented. "I say go for it. Maybe we can run into one of the other Heavenly Knights."
"As much as I hate to admit it, I'm with Sylph here." Gnome commented.
"And when that happens, you know that it's the best choice." Luka told them.
They all heard Undine Sigh. "Fine. But we're starting it back up the moment we get back."
This earned a loud cheer from Sylph. "Road trip!"
Naruto held back the chuckle. "Count me in, Jiji!" Sarutobi nodded. "Good. I see you're still wearing those furs that you skin off of Deer that enter the area. How did you even learn to do that?"
Naruto blinked in confusion. "I didn't."
"Naruto..."
"I just don't think when it happens. You know, play it by ear?" He continued.
Sarutobi blinked. "Okay... Think it'll handle the trip?"
"It should." Naruto said. "I mean, they work so far."
"Well then, we leave tomorrow."
-the next day-
Naruto was hiding near the gates as the Hokage walked up to them. "Cat, where is he?"
"He said he would meet us here." The ANBU replied, before Naruto came out of the nearby bushes.
"Hey Jiji. Time to go?" He asked, excited.
"Ah, Naruto. You made it." He smiled. "Come. Let us get going."
They all walked out of the gates, Naruto and Sarutobi just walking. Over this time, Naruto just fired question after question, much like Sylph would. Sarutobi would just answer them, as they held nothing secret, mainly the lands, where things were, and what people would do.
On the second day, Naruto asked a question as they were stopping for the day. "Jiji?"
"Naruto, you've asked a lot of questions so far. Perhaps you should ask fewer questions on this trip."
"I know, but... This one has me more confused than the rest." Naruto said, his voice was much lower than before. This was cause for some worry on Sarutobi's part.
"Naruto, what's wrong?"
"What's a Heavenly Knight?" That was the all important question, that Naruto had wanted to ask. Sure, Sylph had told him all about them, but he hadn't seen Erubetie since she saved him that day.
"Naruto, where did you hear that? There are no records of them, whatsoever. No one knows what they are, or even if they truly exist." Sarutobi said.
"I... A few nights before we left, I had a strange dream." He said.
This was even more worrying for Sarutobi. Even the Spirits were confused. "What Dream?" Undine asked.
'I'll tell you at the same time I tell Jiji.' Naruto replied.
Sarutobi echoed Undine's question. "Well... In it, I was a kid named Luka, trying to bring... I think it was called co-existence? I don't know. I was trying to bring Humans and monsters together, and some guys calling themselves the four Heavenly Knights were in my way. Something about bringing terror to humans, or something. Never saw them, but... I woke up after finding a Spring which sucked me in. I found myself in my bed, as if nothing had changed. I was wondering what these Heavenly Knights were."
Sarutobi sighed. 'At least it wasn't meeting the Kyuubi.'
He then went into the story of the Mighty hero, whose name had been forgotten. He had battled the Four Heavenly Knights, gained their powers, and fought the legendary Monster Lord. "The names have been lost to time, but it is said that all of them are dead, or simply hiding. The Heavenly Knights were seen as evil, but some saw their actions as good for the world. I'm sorry, but that's all that I know. It's an age old Legend. I can barely remember it myself."
"Hmm... Sounds like Luka's trip In the Noah Region, mostly." Gnome said. "The Spring was Undine's home at the time."
"Is it written down anywhere?" Naruto asked.
"To my knowledge, no. But there probably is one written version somewhere." Sarutobi admitted. "Get some rest, Naruto. We move out into the desert Soon, and you'll need it."
"Desert huh? Looks like it's my kind of place." Salamander said.
"I'll be silent until night, I hope you know that." Undine pointed out.
'I know, Undine. Besides, I've got most of my questions answered now. And Sal? Any way to give me some resistance to high temperatures?'
"Been working on it all this time. You can handle the desert heat a lot better than most your age."
Naruto mentally nodded and sat down a if he were training for the Serene Mind, his back to a tree. His breathing evened out, and before he fell asleep he felt the flow. Then he lost all sense of anything and everything.
Undine, surprised at the result, found that the first time he got into the right state he was almost asleep.
The next morning, they managed to hit the sands, of Wind Country. Naruto was fine, which was surprising to Sarutobi and the ANBU.
It wasn't long into the Desert that a Sandstorm was approaching. It was a surprise because it appeared out of nowhere. Naruto was instantly on guard. He was more in tune with Wind than most, and Sylph only added to that. His eyes narrowed at the Sandstorm. "Naruto, we have to... Naruto?" Sarutobi said, stopping to see Naruto glaring at the Storm. "Naruto!"
"That storm... is not natural." He said, his voice even and calm. Something that surprised Sarutobi was the fact that he wasn't running from it.
"Not natural?" Sarutobi looked at the ANBU. "Cat?"
"I'm not sensing any Chakra usage in the area."
Sylph then spoke. "I know who it is. Didn't think she'd be in this area, though."
'Sylph?'
"Yup! It's Alma!" Naruto's eyes widened.
'Any chance she'd leave us be?'
"Not likely. Unless... Naruto, have the Hokage use Henge on you. I'm sending you what you need to look like. It may get her to stop the sandstorm." Luka said.
"Jiji, can you use a Henge on me? I've got something in mind, but..."
"If that's not natural someone's coming to harm us."
"If I'm right, the form may be able to stop it!" Naruto retorted.
Sarutobi was surprised, but did it anyway. Naruto went from blonde hair, blue eyes, to Light Blue hair and dark blue eyes. He grew to a full 6' 3" tall, and had what seemed to be a purple double helix sword. Luka interfered, and made it an actual transformation. He had light armor on his torso, mainly leather.
As the Sandstorm got closer, it started to thin out. When it was entirely thinned out, there was a female with Dark Purple hair, a skimpy outfit. There was also Bat wings coming from the back. "You..." She pointed at Naruto. "You look like an old friend of mine. He died a long time ago, though. What's your name?" her voice was slightly seductive, but held no feeling other than curiosity.
"Uh..." Naruto couldn't answer. "This is... uh..."
"Wait, you're in an Illusion." She said. "Why are you..." Her eyes then widened. "Sylph? Where are you?" She looked around.
Naruto then released the henge on his own. 'Sylph?' Sylph channeled her power through Naruto, earning Alma's attention once more. "You... Why do you carry Sylph's power?"
"I... I don't know." He replied.
"What are you?"
"Oh, where are my manners?" The girl said. "My name is Alma Elma."
"And why are you here?"
"I live around here. Have been for years."
"And the Sandstorm?" Naruto asked. "I could tell it wasn't natural the moment I laid eyes on it."
Alma looked at Naruto. "You've been getting training from Sylph haven't you?" Naruto shook his head. Sylph's power waned out. "The winds are much happier with you than the last one I know had Sylph with them." She looked lost in memories. "Sadly, his family didn't take up his values. Part of it, at least. They were too arrogant. Ole Luka would be ashamed of his family doing that."
This earned Naruto's and Sarutobi's attention. "Naruto, you do realize we're on a tight schedule, right? We have to get going. As much as I want to know your connection to this Luka, such as that Dream you had..."
This earned Alma's attention. "Dreaming about Luka?" She was curious. "He was alive a long time ago. Long since dead. Mind if I come with? Maybe I can find out myself. Luka was an old friend of mine. Maybe I can fill in a few holes."
Sarutobi was wary, but Naruto nodded with a smile. "Sure! Maybe you can tell me what those Heavenly Knights were."
"Oh, you want to know about the old group before we went into hiding years ago, ne?" She said. "I guess I can tell you about us."
They started to walk, and Naruto walked alongside Alma, Sarutobi keeping a careful eye on Alma as the two talked. Naruto had no qualms asking weird questions about places he had never heard of. Alma had been talking all about it, giving details that would never be known, as if she were there. The Heavenly Knights had gone into hiding long ago. Granberia had become a traveler, though she normally stuck to Earth Country. She was the honorable warrior of the group. Tamamo hid herself in the mountains to the Northeast. Sarutobi then knew she was in Lightning Country.
"Tamamo and the one known as the Kyuubi no Yoko share a lot of physical traits. But that's really where the similarities ended. Tamamo, though reckless at times, was really kind hearted. She preferred Coexistence long before Luka came along. Apparently, Kumogakure was built near where Yamatai Village was. Erubetie went into her home, which was Undine's Spring. All I know, is the Spring is somewhere in Fire Country. Then there's me. I stick to the deserts. Wide open spaces, and no one to hurt in the crossfire. Here a Wind Element such as myself can do a lot without having to worry. I like it here."
"Excuse me." Sarutobi interrupted. "You say this Undine's Spring is somewhere in Fire Country?"
"Mhmm." She replied. "Undine is a Spirit of Water. Her very presence can keep a lake pure. I haven't seen her in a while, because she doesn't like the Desert. Comes with being a Water Spirit, I guess. I wouldn't be surprised if Erubetie and Undine were together."
She looked at Naruto. "Sylph is the Spirit of Wind. For her to stick with you, you must have an unnaturally high Wind Alignment. I could help, but... I don't do well in large groups of humans anymore."
Naruto nodded sadly. "What about the other spirits? I mean, aren't there four?"
"Undine is the Spirit of Water. Salamander is the Spirit of Fire. Last I checked she stayed in a volcano on a place known as Whirlpool Island. She watched over one of the Clans from Luka's heirs. The clan was known as the Uzumaki Clan."
This was news to Sarutobi. "Uzumaki Clan?" Naruto asked. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki."
Alma giggled and flicked his nose. "You'd have to go to Salamander's home to see for sure, Naruto. Salamander knows the Uzumaki Clan Blood inside and out. She'll know and be able to tell you for sure."
'Sal?'
"You are."
"Your mother's side, I'll admit." Luka admitted.
"I... I see. Jiji?"
"You were an orphan, but there was a Kushina Uzumaki who died during the Kyuubi attack. The reason was unknown, but the only thing we found was her head. Her body was never recovered." Sarutobi stated. "If that was your mother, it's anyone's guess. She was one of the last survivors of the Uzumaki Clan. You were given her name at random, though. I couldn't tell you for sure."
Naruto nodded, getting the information for later. "Thanks jiji. At least now I have an idea of my mother."
Alma giggled. "You know, there are 3 known clans descended from Luka. It was his descendents that started the clans."
"Which Clans?" Naruto asked.
"Well, from what I know, the Senju and Uchiha Clans are from the younger two sons of the same one. The one older than them both went separate from the two and started the Uzumaki Clan. Luka may have had three children, but only two started clans. It wasn't until a few centuries later that the three clans were made. Everyone called the father of all three clans the Rokudo Sennin. I heard tell that there was another Clan, that was much smaller in number than the other three. They had the majority of Luka's abilities, but remained widely unknown. I know them personally. When I went into hiding, they were near the area. I stay with them as a Guardian of sorts... well, I did until a good 30 years ago. They were mostly wiped out. I found out a few years ago in the Major War that broke out that one of them survived. His name was Minato Namikaze."
Sarutobi's eyes widened. "Minato was the last of a Clan?"
Alma looked at him. "You knew him personally?"
"He was my successor before he... died."
"Hmm... Went out fighting the Kyuubi no Yoko?" Sarutobi nodded. "No surprise. His family had all of Luka's greatest traits. Even the holy Energy he used. This was long before Chakra was even discovered. Back then, the only way to use the Elements was to have a Spirit like Naruto here does, or not human. At least, not entirely human. Whether Monster or Angel, you had to have the blood of one of them if you didn't have a Spirit, and even then, only females had True Monster Blood until Luka. Luka's children were a combination of Monster, Angel and Human. He had Angel Blood himself. It's why he could use his preferred weapon: Angel halo. Even I don't know where it is, so don't ask. No one does. He hid it somewhere before he died. Even us Heavenly Knights don't know where it is."
Sarutobi then saw a plateau, and the fact that it was almost dusk. "Perhaps we can stay on that rock formation." He said. "It is getting late, and Naruto will need to rest up. He is young."
"Young or not, he's got the stamina to do what needs to be done. I can guarantee you that much." Alma said.
They went to it and set up. Naruto getting a strange feeling.
00000x00000
Chapter complete.