Narrator's Note-
Welcome to a wonderful fairy tale filled with crazy high schoolers, equally crazy exorcists, mysterious templars and maybe a dragon or two. So since you're here, stay awhile to listen to the story of how an exorcist and a regular boy came to love each other.
Once upon a time dragons ruled the land, air and sea. They were so powerful many humans worshipped them. Some protected the humans who worshiped them, others used them. Over time as the population grew they began to grow less fearful. Many even tried capturing the dragons. The dragons retreated, only to be heard from periodically but their interest in humans never waned. There are those who believe they still watch over humanity…
"The Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, or the Knights Templar, were a military branch of the Church. They protected pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land and fought there. They also held banks and accumulated some wealth. They lasted about two centuries. The Templars would eventually become persecuted by King Phillip IV of France. He brought up false charges against them and set out to destroy them so he could gain their riches, since he was in debt himself. The pope at the time didn't help matters any. He agreed with King Phillip and issued orders for the arrests of the Templar leaders. Their assets were sized, many were killed and the survivors scattered. I've given an abbreviated version but do you get the point?" Komui asked the exorcists gathered at the table. It was rare he ate in the cafeteria but Linali had begged him to take a break. He could never deny his sister.
"I've heard of them. Many say they didn't die out, that they in fact still exist today" Someone said. Komui nodded. They were only talking about the Templars because Lavi had seen a book on them in the library.
"A whole order wiped out. Did any ever become exorcists?" Another asked.
"Not to my knowledge…" He scratched his chin a bit.
"Their symbol is the two knights riding a horse right?" Kanda asked. He'd arrived late during the conversation.
"Yes"
"I saw it"
"In one of the library books right?"
"No. Marie, Daisya and I were in this village. That symbol…" He pointed to the cover of the Templar book on the table "…was on an inn we stayed in."
"Well look at the time!" Komui jumped up. "I have an experiment I need to finish. See you all later". The remaining exorcists talked amongst themselves about what they'd just heard. Komui hurried to his office. As he opened the door he heard Kanda speak behind him.
"Why are you lying?" It was such a simple question. Komui had two options: he could keep lying and risk angering Kanda or he could tell the truth and risk getting in serious trouble. He didn't like his options.
"Come inside" Komui sighed. Once the door was shut he faced an annoyed Kanda. "As long as you promise to keep your mouth shut I'll tell you why I was lying"
"Fine. I won't say a word"
"If you had been later I probably could have gotten away with the story I told"
"This order still exists?"
"Yes but they don't possess Innocence like exorcists. After their persecution started many began hiding the fugitives. They quietly began rebuilding their group. Some years later during Pope Benedict XII's papacy, he sent word out that he wanted to meet any survivors. He had never believed the charges brought against them and wanted to make things right so he signed a secret document allowing them to exist and giving them everything that had been taken away. Of course there had to be regular civilians to handle their lands and money so no one would grow suspicious. Pope Benedict allowed the Templars to flourish secretly"
"That's not telling me what they do today. Why are they still a secret?"
"The Templars today only deal with human issues, the worst in us. They track down truly evil people who would make the Earl seem like a mouse. Their existence has been secret for hundreds of years. It allows them to operate outside…" he paused searching for the right word "…normal laws and out of the sight of society."
"Their symbol was in broad daylight. Doesn't sound like they want to keep anything quiet"
"There was probably some reason for that. Anyway just leave it Kanda. Nothing good has ever come from those who try to investigate the mysteries of the Templars, even within our own Black Order." Komui gave Kanda the impression he had tried something similar and had failed. Kanda headed for the door.
"You're not going to listen to me are you?" When he received no reply he rolled his eyes "Well you'll find out the hard way. Make sure you don't involve anyone in your investigations, especially my sister"
"Che" Kanda simply said before leaving.
Naruto felt the punch. In fact he was pretty sure there'd be a bruise that night but instead of grimacing in pain and begging for his opponent to stop, a strange and creepy smile formed on his face. The other boy he was fighting hesitated to look at his friends. One shrugged. Another told him to punch the kid harder. The third did nothing at all except point. The boy turned back around to see Naruto standing. He cracked his knuckles then his neck. The smile still on his face. Behind him the girl he was defending, stood there in her leggings and overly large pink shirt that matched her hair. She crossed her arms.
"I told you he'd kick your ass" Sakura Haruno said proudly. It was widely known amongst most she could fight as well as any man.
"Do me a favor and stand just like that" Naruto held his hands up like a makeshift camera. The boy ignored the request. These two were weird as hell. He'd end this then go get drunk. He barely made one step when he felt something hit him. He was out instantly. Naruto brought his leg down while at the same time turned to the friends. They tried running. Not that it mattered. Naruto took out one, then the next and finally the third. By now people were watching, pointing and a few were yelling. Naruto could hear the police sirens. He went back to the first guy he'd taken out Sakura was kicking his groin area, well more like stomping it.
"And take that you little shit! No means no!" She shouted. The guy moaned in pain.
"I think he gets the point" Naruto smiled.
"Hey you think we'll get in trouble for this? My Mom said I had one more chance"
"Well its too late now" He grinned and leaned against the wall, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"I'd be willing to over look this if not for one thing…" Mr. Hatake paused dramatically, looking first at each student then each parent. Mrs. Haruno looked nothing like her daughter, with brown hair and a curvier body. Mr. Namikaze on the other hand looked very much like his son, only older, wiser and with much crazier hair.
"Naruto has been in three fights this month alone. Sakura has been in two. It just so happens that this time they were actually defending themselves"
"We were the other times too," Sakura blurted. Mr. Hatake rolled his visible eye. He wore an eye patch over the other. No one knew why. He told everyone it was because he always wanted to be a pirate.
"You beat one girl until the police had to restrain you. The other you put in the hospital. Overkill wouldn't you say?" She bowed her head in defeat. "The truth is the two of you are very good fighters. Naruto I kept telling you to join some martial art, like with your friend Neji. You could win championships. And Sakura you HAVE won several. I just don't understand you two"
"What do you suggest?" Minato Namikaze asked. He kept his face emotionless.
"The year is almost over. I think getting these two away for the summer would be beneficial. Maybe it's something here though I will say none of these fights actually happen on school grounds or during school hours. Anyway get them out of town. As for any remaining school work I can have their teachers prepare everything they'll need…however I'm sure it will matter whether Naruto does it or not. As you know Mr. Namikaze your boy is very bright"
"W-where c-can w-we send them?" Mrs. Haruno cried. Mr. Hatake sighed.
"I don't know. Anywhere out of the city. Hopefully when they come back to start their last year they will have calmed down"
"Thank you Kakashi" Minato stood, Naruto followed. To Mrs. Haruno he said "Call me tonight. I'm sure we can work something out. Sakura probably has our number"
"I-I will Minato" She nodded. Once they were all gone Kakashi pulled out his book to read, thankful it was Naruto and not Sasuke. That boy terrified him at times.
The car ride was silent. At the first red light Minato allowed a small smile.
"You have to stop defending others, Sakura could've easily handled them on her own"
"Yeah right, it's in my nature. Thanks for that by the way Dad" Naruto grinned. Minato reached over to ruffle his hair. Part of Naruto's problem was the need to protect others. If he saw someone getting bullied or harassed or attacked he'd jump in without hesitation, which of course led to the fights he'd been in.
"Sasuke won't be happy" Minato said referring to Naruto's best friend. They'd known each other since they were children.
"He'll live. Did you have somewhere in mind?"
"Probably send you with your Granny"
"Ugh. Granny Tsunade?"
"She's getting ready to head to a place to help with science stuff. She does it every year. I'm sure she won't mind taking you and Sakura"
"You think Mrs. Haruno will let her go?"
"Is that a trick question?" Minato raised an eyebrow "Unlike you, Sakura fights just to fight. I heard of an occasion when she beat two girls for simply looking at her wrong. She needs this more than you" He pulled the car into the driveway. Sitting on their porch was Sasuke. He had been on the phone but quickly got off when he saw them.
"You do have a key" Naruto said.
"Tch, I was in the process of getting it out when I got an interesting call from a hysterical Sakura. She told me you two got in trouble"
"That was fast" He kept walking, not offering any info.
"Naruto what the hell is going on?"
"Nothing really. I'm being shipped away" He said it so nonchalantly that Sasuke felt the need to be upset for the both of them.
"Uncle Minato" He started to say until mentioned man shook his head.
"Promise you'll stay calm?" Minato asked already knowing he wouldn't. His son and Sasuke were like brothers. Normally Sasuke was the cool, calm, collected one. When it came to Naruto, however, he could easily loose that cool. He was fiercely protective of 'his idiot', as he called Naruto.
"Hatake-sensei thinks it'll be a good idea for Naruto and Sakura to get out of the city. He's letting them have the rest of the year off so that by summer they will have calmed down" Minato watched the different emotions play on Sasuke's face. He moved to go in the house, counting down to himself "5…4…3…2…1…"
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Rang through the neighborhood. Naruto's laughter could be heard following it. Naruto relaxed against the back of the couch while his father went to the kitchen. Sasuke stepped inside, fuming.
"You can't do this Naruto. Why aren't you upset?"
"It's not a big deal. It'll be like a vacation"
"You two don't deserve this….wait I mean you don't. Sakura has serious issues"
"I'll be back before you know it and besides you have Neji now"
"That's a dumb point. Neji is my boyfriend. You're my brother Naruto. We haven't been apart since the day we met"
"Which is probably part of our problem"
"You're just now figuring it out?" Minato called from the kitchen.
"Promise me one thing then" Sasuke said.
"What?"
"No more fights. You and I both know Granny Tsunade hates it and will keep you with her longer if you do"
"How'd you know I was going with her?"
"Your other grandparents aren't anywhere near here. Besides I heard Uncle Minato and my Dad talking about her going out of town so I assumed"
"Fine, no fights. That shouldn't be hard"
And so Naruto spent the next few days packing and relaxing. Minato spoke with Tsunade who of course agreed to take both children. She saw this as an intervention and would do all she could to set them on the right course. Sakura would call every few hours to cry and lament her situation. No more flirting with guys or actually taking one from right under his girls' nose. She didn't even think there'd be people where they were going. Naruto listened to all of her complaints patiently, most of the time he'd play his PSP while she cried. Sasuke acted like a mother hen. He made a checklist of supplies then went through Naruto's things to make sure he had everything. His boyfriend, Neji Hyuga, even stopped by to help. Neji had been slightly protective of Naruto when they'd first met and ever since he officially began dating Sasuke, it became worse. Naruto couldn't even say hi to anyone without the two of them swooping down to glare at whoever it was who had gotten his attention. Minato spent most of his time lounging on the couch or laughing when his son tried getting away from Sasuke and Neji to no avail. During that week word spread though the school. A steady stream of his friends stopped by. Kiba made him promise to call every week. Hinata sniffled and had to be comforted by Neji. Shikamaru gave him a very nice chess set as a going away gift. Choji munched on his snacks and even managed to stuff some in Naruto's bags. Karin, Suigetsu and Jugo were more Sasuke's friends but even so they came over to say their goodbyes. That Friday after saying his farewells at the Uchiha house, Itachi fake cried the entire time, Minato drove his son to the airport where Tsunade stood waiting with Sakura's family. Sakura and her parents made quite the show. Tsunade kept giving them annoyed looks. She finally went over to Minato
"I'll take care of him"
"I know"
"Alright, I'll call when we get there" She hugged her only child then announced, "Let's go! We don't have all day"
"See ya idiot" Sasuke tried to act as if he didn't care but Naruto knew differently. He hugged his best friend. "You better come back"
"Of course he will unless he wants me to kick his ass" Minato said, wrapping his arms around both.
"You guys are really annoying" He told himself he wouldn't cry but he started sobbing like a baby. Sasuke pounced.
"Uncle Minato he can't go. Seriously"
"Naruto" His father said calmly. He looked up into his eyes. Minato placed both hands on his shoulders. "This is only temporary. You WILL come back. I love you"
"Love you too" Naruto sniffed and wiped his eyes. He quickly grabbed his bags. The small group watched as the trio disappeared inside.
"I give you two weeks, three at the most" Sasuke said quietly, referring to how long he felt Minato could go before he hopped on a plane to bring his son home.
"That's funny. Your parents said one"
"Either way you won't last a month and when you leave to get him, I'm coming too"
"Deal"
And so that's how Naruto Namikaze, Tsunade Namikaze and Sakura Haruno found themselves on a plane headed to a small town in Europe. It wouldn't be a straight flight; they'd have to change planes three times. Once in Russia, another in France and finally in Italy. They'd then take a bus to the town. Sakura bought books to study Italian even though Tsunade explained the people at the place where they were headed spoke English. Sakura didn't listen. She wanted to be prepared. Naruto decided to just listen to his iPod and read his comics. The two didn't know anything about where they'd be staying. Tsunade refused to explain until they were on the bus headed there. The three had managed to get seats in the back, not that it was a big deal since the bus was sparsely populated. Sakura and Naruto sat together while his grandmother sat on the other side of the aisle. She flipped through her magazine for the fourth time as she casually explained where they'd be staying.
"It's called the Black Order. They're under the Vatican. They go out stopping these creatures that are machines attached to souls. Quite interesting actually. Anyway I go every so often to help with their research since I'm a friend of several of the generals"
"Huh?" Naruto and Sakura said at the same time.
"What?"
"Granny you gotta be joking"
"I'm not. The Black Order is not an organization to talk freely about. There is a reason for the secrecy. You'll like it there. We'll have to find you regular jobs of course"
"Wait a minute! You're telling us we're going to some freak show where they hunt souls?" Sakura asked incredulously.
"Well it's more like they're freeing the souls since the Earl makes them his slaves"
"Who the hell is the earl?"
"An evil being who wants to destroy all humans"
"This is BS! Tsunade-san you're joking right?" One look from the older woman told Sakura her answer. "She's not joking"
"Does Dad know about this?" Naruto couldn't believe his father would send him out like this knowing everything Tsunade had said.
"Yes, as he should. Now let me get some sleep before we get there"
"This is BS" Sakura mumbled again.
"Look maybe she's just pulling our leg. I bet when we get there it'll be an old school or something" Naruto tried to reassure her.
"I'd believe that if your grandma was known for her sense of humor, she isn't!" So Sakura went back to lamenting her situation as Naruto thought about what he'd just heard. A couple hours later they arrived at an inn where Tsunade had them leave their luggage. She was great friends with the owner who would keep their belongings safe for the time being. She then led them to an ominous looking building in the distance. As they walked Naruto heard a scuffle. He turned to see a couple arguing outside a shop. He was going to leave things as they were when the man slapped the woman so hard she fell backwards. Without thinking he ran over to stand in between them.
"You shouldn't hit women dumbass" He practically growled as he knelt to help the woman. She was crying hysterically and muttering in Italian.
"She should have kept her mouth closed" The man said in perfect English. "This isn't any of your business. Now get out of the way"
"Like hell" Naruto inspected the woman's face. A server from the café nearby brought over ice.
"I said get out of the way!" The man moved to kick him but was swiftly thrown into the wall. Naruto assumed Sakura had interfered, however when he turned to make one of his smart remarks he saw an older boy there instead. The boy was dressed simply in black pants and white shirt. A sword was attached to his side. When he faced Naruto, he tilted his head as if he were studying him.
"Thanks" Naruto said, half in awe. The boy didn't answer. "Fuck" Naruto protectively moved in front of the woman as the man pulled out the gun but the shots never went off. Instead the dark haired had cut the man's hand off without hesitation. It all happened so fast Naruto at first thought he'd imagined it until he hear the man's screams. The boy locked eyes with Naruto once more before simply walking away as the scene became chaotic.
"We haven't even been here for an hour!" Tsunade shouted, slamming her hand so hard on the table it cracked. There were three people Naruto feared, his grandmother when angry was one of them.
"But it sounds like it wasn't his fault" Sakura said. The trio sat in the café. The police wanted to ask Naruto questions and when he got to the part about the boy, the officers started talking excitedly in Italian. The man had been carted off to the hospital while his girlfriend had simply thanked Naruto and gone home.
"The officers knew who this kid was"
"So do I but that's beside the point" Tsunade rubbed her temples. "The Exorcists have gained much respect in the city"
"Exorcists?"
"Let's go. You two need to see what I'm talking about" She put money of the table for their coffee. Slightly confused, Naruto and Sakura followed. Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the building Tsunade explained as the Black Order's HQ. A huge staircase led upwards. She began climbing. Sakura almost passed out just from looking at it. At first she refused to move until Naruto started to drag her. Once at the top Tsunade moved to knock on the door but it swung open and a girl threw herself into her arms.
"Granny!"
"Lenalee! You've gotten taller" She chuckled. Lenalee pulled away to smile.
"No, it's probably just my boots" She spotted Naruto and Sakura. "Are they the ones you told Komui about?"
"Yep. My grandson and his friend"
"Hello. I'm Lenalee Lee" She held a hand out. Sakura rolled her eyes but Naruto shook her hand.
"I'm Naruto and the bitch is Sakura"
"Hey! Wait…no you're right" She shrugged. Lenalee's mouth dropped open at how casually Naruto called his friend that.
"What? She is a bitch, even she knows it"
"Young man that's enough!" Tsunade grabbed his ear.
"Owwww" He wailed. Lenalee giggled and gestured for them to come inside. Immediately Sakura and Naruto were in awe. The place was huge.
"We have dorms, a science department, vast library, cafeteria and many training rooms. Of course there's the chapel too. I can give you the tour later"
"They would appreciate it. Komui there you are!" Tsunade saw him walking towards them and introduced him to her temporary wards. Komui took an instant liking to Sakura who told him to "Fuck off creeper". She then proceeded in exploring, with Naruto grinning behind her and leaving the other three stunned, well Tsunade not so much. The two walked around taking in as much as they could. They came to a sudden stop outside the cafeteria.
"Why'd you quit moving?" Naruto asked, trying to see what got her attention.
"Hey describe that boy again"
"Why?"
"Just do it"
"Little taller than me with long, dark hair. He kept a sword with him…"
"That's him!"
"Where?"
"Over there" She pointed in the direction of several trashcans. The mentioned boy was throwing something away. He looked up when he felt their gaze on him. "HE'S A HOTTIE" Sakura said happily grabbing Naruto to shake in happiness.
"He's alright, reminds me of a colder, meaner version of Neji"
"Granny told me about what Kanda did earlier" Lenalee said from next to Naruto.
"That's his name?" Sakura was taking mental notes. She was determined to make him conquest number fifteen for the year.
"His name is Yu but he doesn't like for anyone to call him by it"
"I think he knows we're talking about him"
"No shit" Naruto put his hands behind his head. "We're looking right at him." Though all three were looking at him, Kanda only watched Naruto causing the blond to finally blush slightly and turn away.
"I'll introduce you" Lenalee waved to Kanda as she headed to him. Sakura happily went with her. Luckily for Naruto his phone started ringing.
"Yep it's me"
"Idiot, I called twice earlier" Sasuke's voice said.
"Well I…there was an incident so tha-"
"DID YOU GET INTO A FIGHT ALREADY?"
"No I-look it's a long story. Can I tell you later?"
"Fine. Neji says hi by the way"
"Tell him I said hello…" His voice trailed off as he spotted Kanda walking away from the girls, leaving behind a fuming Sakura. Kanda glanced at Naruto before disappearing through the other entrance. Lenalee was trying to calm Sakura down.
"Naruto?"
"Sorry. You just missed Sakura getting rejected"
"Really? I'd like to give the guy who dared that, a prize. Is she pissed?"
"Is the sky blue?" He laughed as he heard his friend repeating the story to Neji. He absentmindedly dug in his pocket, only to pull out an object. It was a strange red cross. He'd seen it somewhere before but where and how had it gotten into his pocket?
