The Last of Red Hair
Book One - Chapter 1:
"Discussion people"
'Thoughts people'
"Technique or Justu"
"Discussion demon or gods"
'Thoughts demon or gods'
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Stories told in the southern water tribes spoke about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But that all changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar mastered all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless fire benders. But when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years have passed and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the War. Two years ago, Men of the southern water tribe journeyed to the Earth Kingdom to help fight against the Fire Nation, leaving the tribe ultimately unguarded. Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Air Nomads, and that the cycle is broken. But all hope wasn't lost. There are those out there that still believe that somehow, the Avatar will return to save the world. However, the story over the years have forgotten the help he received through his journey to save the world. Especially from a certain red haired healer.
Our story begins eight years earlier. In one of the Fire Nations newly concurred colonies. A small village on the very edge of the Earth kingdom that was hidden deep within a forest of lushes giant trees named Konoha. Despite their beauty the trees were a sort of defense for the village along with the mountains that the village backed up against. This very defense became the fire nations advantage.
With the threat of burning the forest to the ground the firebenders gained the surrender of the small village. Konoha went from a village of green and yellow to a red and gold. Those that fought back were quickly silenced and imprisoned along with any bender that called Konoha their home. Leaving many orphans and widows to take care of the village.
One orphan in particular was well known as being both a prankster along with being able to take a hit and always get back up. This Orphan was none other than Naruto Uzumaki. He had spikey unkempt blood red hair, sky blue eyes that was uncommon for his lightly tanned completion. On his face were six whisker like marks three on each cheek, giving him a feral appearance.
Years of living on the streets have taught him how to survive with little to nothing. Very few bothered to pay him any attention, they too focused on surviving and providing for their own families. Especially during the initial transition from Earth Kingdom territory to a Fire Nation colony.
But, he didn't care he understood that family came first and since he didn't have one, no one cared. This never bother the young redhead too much but he did the only thing he could do to gain the attention he was lacking. Pranking, Naruto pranked everyone from the village elders to the Fire Nation soldiers that guarded the village. Of course this ended up having a negative effect on his reputation no one wanted to be associated with him. well almost no one. The other street rats looked up to him for his ability to steal from anyone.
Normally the village was quiet with only the sounds of bargaining taking place in the town's market. Along with the howls of children at play. Today was different. No children were out, if they were they were secured to their parent's side. The market place was unusually clean and no one was currently buying supplies. The banners for the Fire Nation looked to have been cleaned and placed in a more visible position than they previously were. Standing at attention on the main roads of the village were the Fire Nation Soldiers in full armor.
For Naruto it was strange almost unnerving how the whole village seemed to change overnight. Allowing his feet to hang off the roof he was currently using to observe the vendors. 'Ok, getting food today will be a pain.' his eyes followed the elders along with their guards as they made their way to the building at the center of the village. Taking position in front of said building a long with other officials from different parts of the village. "Something is going on. They look like they are waiting for something to happen." Spoke Naruto to himself in a low tone.
That's when he heard it. The sound began as a soft constant tapping. Then grew to a rumble the shook the ground, followed by what can now be defined as horse and buggies walking beside them is Fire Nation soldiers. From their armor they were firebenders and, from the markings on the cart Naruto could only guess those within are of some importance.
Moving for a better view Naruto could hear the murmuring of the villagers within their homes and on the dirt roads as he hopped from roof top to roof top. Arriving at a roof parallel to now stopped cart. He could now hear what looks like another noble stand at the exit of the buggy introduce those within. "Now presenting the crowned prince of the Fire Nation and his family, Prince Ozai." Stepping out of the cart was a handsome man in his early forties that was well groomed. He had long brown hair nearly black in color that falls below his shoulder blades with a small top knot situated at the top of his head. A long beard of similar color adorned his chin. Burning amber eyes peered out into the streets of the village judging all that fall under their intense gaze.
Following the man was a beautiful woman, Ursa if he heard the announcer right. She had long luscious black hair pulled back behind her head also having a top knot with a decorative piece holding it in place. On her face was a peaceful smile while her eyes the same amber as Ozai but, her's held a more calming gaze. Taking her position to her husband's right with enough room for the next occupant to take the spot beside her.
The prince's son was the next one to step out of the carriage. From the distance he couldn't tell how old the boy was but Naruto assumed he was the same age as him. his brown hair was pulled into the same top knot; his outfit was similar to his father with less flare showing his lesser status then the Fire Nation prince.
"like father like son I guess." Spoke Naruto with a shrug. He was about to leave figuring the family was nothing of real importance until he caught sight of the youngest member of the royal family. Daughter of the prince, Azula. Much like her mother she has the darkest of black hair, with a majority of it pulled into a big top knot with a flame hair piece made of gold holding it in place. The rest of the hair was laid in two bangs that framed her face. Her yellow amber eyes held a façade of disdain but, Naruto could see the spark of curiosity held in her golden eyes. She held herself much like her father more of a fighter lacking the grace Ursa showed. To Naruto she was what the men in the bar would describe as cute.
Smiling down at her without their notice Naruto moved closer while still remaining hidden. The family moved to stand before council and elders, while greetings were exchanged the rest of village watched with baited breath. Praying nothing was to go wrong during the visitation of the prince and his family.
Time went by quickly Naruto used his time relaxing while staring at the clouds. He could hear the crowd begin to stir once again. As the fire prince along with his family exited the building they were followed by council who eagerly began to show the prince around the village. Naruto following not too far behind but still unseen. He gazed curiously at the siblings catching bits and pieces of the conversation they were having with what could only be their mother.
"Why are we even here?" the voice of the youngest of the royal family spoke annoyed. Her sibling Zuko nodded his head prompt the only adult paying them attention to response.
Smiling down at her children Ursa began to explain their purpose here. "Your father has certain duties he has to attend to as the prince. One of them is inspecting new Fire Nation colonies much like this one." Using her right hand, she rubbed her eldest head. Unnoticed to her Azula scowled at obvious show of affection that her mother showed her brother.
Naruto could only laugh, at the small sign of jealously coming from the girl. Seeing no reason to follow the family any further Naruto let himself fall to the ground. Making his way along a parallel rode looking for any venders with merchandise that catches his eyes. Blue eyes scanned one side of the rode only stopping when he caught sight of a man scaling the walls of an alley then disappearing to another roof top.
Curious Naruto followed after the man darting into the same alley. Looking up he could see the chipped tiles from where the man got onto the roof causing the red-head to scoff. "Amateur." Naruto deciding to follow on the ground exited the alley to see he was now on the same road as the fire Prince's family. He could see the male figure moved into some cover at ended of the street before taking something long and curved off his back. Squinting with the sun's rays entering his eyes, "A bow?"
Looking at the direction of now notched arrow his young face was filled with horror seeing the royal family being the target. Not thinking just moving Naruto was running in between the Fire Nation Guards. His movements brought the entirety of the streets attention to him. The men began to move to apprehend him but failed as Naruto used his small size to dodge the hands that tried to grab him.
Finally making it to the opening between the guards and the family he finally found his voice. "Assassin!" yelled Naruto. He managed to gather the attention of the fire prince and his wife. But the two children were arguing over something and didn't hear the boy.
The Assassin gave a scowl before training his sights on the only targets with a clear shot, the two children. Moving his bow back and forth he spoke quietly. "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Which child will go." Using the distractions of the red haired kid he finally leveled his bow towards the girl who was still arguing. "Nothing personal kid." Drawing in a slow breath before holding it the string was drawn back at full length. Then it flew cutting through the air with a silent hiss of the wind.
Ozai catching the glint of the arrow as it flew moved to defend both his son and daughter, having already pushed his wife into his personal firebending guards. Everything seemed to slow down his trained eyes followed the arrow as it grew closer and closer. Ursa not having the training still realized the threat to her children all the same as she screamed their names. "Zuko! Azula!"
Before either child could face their mother they were knocked over. Zuko being pushed while Azula was now being covered by the redheaded boy who warned them. Ozai who fell into his militaristic training begun to order his men after the assassin who is moving away from the area. While Ursa went to Zuko's side first, before moving to help her daughter.
However, Zuko was already on his way to her side. "Mother what is going on?" his confusion was evident in his voice.
The mother not knowing what to say continued to check on her sons wellbeing. Seeing no external wounds, she looked over his shoulder to her daughters prone formed. Once the amber eyes locked on the body of her daughter and the figure beside her she went pale. She mechanically moved to her daughter the blood slowly pooling around her. Kneeling in the now small pool of crimson liquid her trembling hands grasped her daughter rolling the small child over. To her delight and slowly growing horror her daughter had but a small wound that could be easily healed over time.
Ursa eyes caught sight of the still expanding pool beneath her. Looking at the body beside where her daughter was she could see a crimson locks of the boy the same age as her own children. And, he was bleeding heavily. Her now awake Daughter moved to his side not saying a word to her mother as she tried to stop her.
Blue met amber only for a moment before the connection was lost once again. His eyes open once more to see the girl from before she was holding back tears from what he could tell. But, more importantly he could see a wound on her chest. Blood still seeped out of it. 'That must hurt… A lot' thought Naruto. Reaching up Naruto placed his hand on the wound then spoke softly his blood filled mouth visible to the Azula and Ursa. "Are you ok?" he managed to whisper out.
Tears slowly flowing out of her eyes. "Don't ask stupid questions." She managed to choke out. Her hands moving to the arrow that sticking out of his chest.
He ignored her and continued to speak. "You are crying; you must still be hurt. I'll fix it." The hand on her chest began to glow the brightest of blues only to become white before dying out. He removed his hand from Azula it falling limply at his side. "Sorry I am not good at healing others. You may have scar but, scars are cool." He passed out after that, not able to keep himself conscious with the lack of blood.
Blue eyes fluttered open before shutting just as quickly. Naruto couldn't remember a time he slept so good or, more importantly the last time he was on something so comfortable. 'Oh boy this is so soft..." his hand roamed the silk sheets that covered his body. This is when his adolescence mind caught up with his senses. Shooting up from his prone position followed by a groan of pain escaped his throat. Blue eyes clouded with pain looked towards the source.
His chest was completely wrapped clean white bandages while a small amount bandages covered his forearm and hand. Bringing the hand to his face forming a fist then releasing it once, twice, then a final time. 'Well my hand seems just fine.' Putting pressure on different section of his chest figuring most of his wounds have been healed now just a soreness remains. Realizing only one hand had ever moved he turned to see what was keeping his left arm locked and place.
What he saw caused his breathe to catch in his throat. Holding on firmly to his left hand was the girl he saved. Her face cocked to the side looking towards, him while her eyes remained shut. He was tempted to yank his hand out and run, a couple of reasons popped in his head to justify his soon to be actions. One he didn't know where he was, two being so close to the fire prince's daughter could only spell trouble. Third she was drooling on his hand.
"Ewwwwwww! It's everywhere!" his slight scream caused said drooling girl to shift slight. Seeing this Naruto's right hand shot up on instinct to keep him from speaking more. He almost released another cry when the shifting finally stopped and his hand was released.
Wiping the excess salvia on the red sheets of the bed Naruto managed to get out of the bed without aggregating his still healing injuries. He looked down and saw a set of new pants they were the usually fire nation red they were much better than his old tattered ones. The simple red pants were relatively snug on the upper portion of his leg while keeping the same size all the way down leaving it loose below his thigh. Looking around he saw no other clothing. Deciding not to waste any more time he went for the door.
A groan could be heard causing his hand inches away from the door to stop. Turning he could see the girl was uncomfortable in her hunched over position. Sighing he begun making his way back towards her. "Curse my bleeding heart. Whatever the hell that means." He shrugged before placing the girl in his arms. 'She is really light…Or I am really strong." His grin showed which option he believed true. He placed the smaller girl on the bed then covered her up before going back to the door.
Opening the door slightly, he was seconds from opening it further when a guard posted at the door spoke. "Do you know who this kid even is? I mean guard duty in the palace is better than having to be in the dungeons but, who could he be?"
the visible guards head turned slightly to where the voice came from. "You ask me that question again I will roost you alive." His head turned back, done with the conversation.
"But I have only asked like two times." He was going to continue when the other guard spoke up.
"You have asked that question every ten minutes and we have been here for four hours." The man growled. "So like I said ask me again and I will roast you alive." Returning back to his position on the wall.
Naruto turned around knowing that the door was not a valid option at this point. Scanning the room, he turned to only open window. Making his way towards said window he was shocked at what he saw. As far as he could possible see there was Fire Nation structure while the streets were littered with more soldiers and weird dress civilians than he had ever seen. Looking closer seeing the snobbish look on their faces Naruto conclude they were nobles. Blue eyes focused on the structure surround where he was. Seeing a massive wall surround him along with an equal massive gate with the all too familiar Fire Nation sigil.
That's when it hit like a ton of bricks. He didn't know where he was and, he promptly spoke his mind. "Where the hell am I?" he questioned a little louder than he meant too.
He noticed it too late as two thing happened. First the girl in the bed begun to wake slowly her lidded eyes turned to where he was. Her hand unconsciously moving to wipe away the remains of droll on her face. While the door was quickly opened with the two guard's attention was strictly focused on the bed and its lone occupant. There heads turned to each other in question. That's when everyone's eyes locked on the redhead near the window. Raising a hand sheepishly he waved then spoke. "Hey."
Their reaction was expected. One blink, two blinks, then the guards fell into a firebending stance prepared to move. While the girl looked shocked at her position on the bed that was until a blush a realization formed on her face.
"Halt!" Was the order that flew from the more talkative of the two guards. They inched closer to Naruto body still prepared to strike.
Looking back out the window then to curtain surround it a plan formed quickly in his head. "Sorry but no." with his words said he flung himself out the window. Cries of shock could be heard from the three remaining in the room. None of whom saw that the curtain was also outside the window.
Azula was the first to make it the window and saw that the window below this one was broke. Her normal haughtiness and royal attitude quickly overtook her shock. Turning on her hills she gathers the guard's attention. "Find him! And bring him to me!" as the two men quickly scurried away she spoke once again. "Unharmed." The last word caused them to pause and look at her confused. Shock was present confusion was also there. She gave them a glare and they were off again.
Looking back down at the broken window below her she could only wonder what he was thinking. 'Idiot. I just wanted to thank you.' Leaving the room starting her own search for the crimsoned haired boy who had save her life.
Naruto was seconds from pulling out his hair. He had run only ten feet before he heard the alarms sounds followed but the shuffling of guards everywhere. He cursed as he made it to the end of the hall turning to right hoping to find some stairs. And he did but, the three armed soldiers that had just came up from them were blocking his path.
No one moved then the youngest of them shot forward body moving faster than the older men could believe. The redhead dropped into slide just as he reached the first man. His momentum carried him in between the legs of guards. Finally, the shock stopped holding the guards in place but it was too late. Naruto had made it to his feet then kicked the men in the back. The first stumbled forward causing a domino effect leaving all on the floor.
Not staying to bask in his work he turned for the stairs. He could easily see the bottom despite the still four floors between them. With pace that would be hard for anyone to rival he was on his way. out of the corner of his eye he could see the guards from earlier along with another five accompanying them. 'Really how many of these bastards are going to show up.' As if answering his question ten more guards appeared on the entrance to the second floor. 'Really what's next they going to start throwing fire at me.' He would have continued down the stairs had a fire ball not landed a step in front of his right foot. Eyes wide he looked at the attacker that's when he noticed the movement stopped and everyone without a weapon had taking a firebending stance.
"Crap." Using his past experience, he hopped over the railing grabbing the parallel railing with practice easy. Continued running down the stairs making to the first floor that's when he saw her again. Surprised blue meet victorious amber, as Naruto grinded to stop.
"Why hello there?" her voice was a soft as it was deadly and even though she was younger than him but, he knew she was trained. And, trained well if the strike that nearly hit his face was anything to go by. He dodged and she struck again the process continued until Naruto got behind her and took a couple hops back.
Naruto was confused and all of it focused on the younger girl before him. she had attacked him even after he had saved her but, unlike the guards she had a childlike smile on her face. Her smile was contagious. Forcing his own smile to appear that was until a fire ball flew at his chest quickly side stepping the danger ball. See the stampede of red armor and pointy things Naruto turned tail and ran once again. If he had waited he would have seen Azula glaring heatedly at all those behind her before giving chase.
Now once again Naruto was on the run but now the was a group of guards and one well trained girl chasing him. turning a corner, he saw what could only be the exit. 'Big door, check… Fire Nation symbol, check… Guards…' looking over his shoulders he nodded a silent check to himself. 'Definitely the exit.' Slamming into the door forcing it open barely missing a stride.
He soon realized he mess up. Looking up he was struck with the realization that instead of sun there was an elaborate ceiling before him. looking around he could see a lot of older men, one women and child. "Where did all my luck go?" at that moment he was surrounded.
The men sitting on the floor stood and took up the same position as the guards behind him did. Placing his hands in the air the universal sign for surrender. He could see a man much younger than the others in the room beside the guards take up a position behind the men. He spoke and his words put fear into Naruto Heart. "Kill the intruder, we have a meeting to continue." Looking closely Naruto could tell he was the Fire Nation Prince.
Following their commanders order fire spewed forth. The cried from the two females in the room could be heard over the roar of the flames. But nothing could be done at this point. The force of each flame colliding forced the flames to shot upwards nearly licking the ceiling with its deadly tails. Seconds past in silence the fire continuing to gather together before in sync they all stopped.
Shock and relief was the only emotions present in the room. At the center of the room was a dome of compressed super-heated rock. The dome was slowly cooling if the glowing red fading to normal brown had anything to say about it. The room remanded silent as now cooled rock fell away to present an unharmed boy. Said boy was looking at his hands then back to the rocks around him then back to his hands a smile crept over his face. As his mind finally confirmed what he was and where he was a second order was given.
"Again!" and with those words fear once again surged within him. but was ceased with the following command from a different voice it was older but held the same authority as the previous one. And simultaneously everyone returned to attention.
"Who are you, boy?" the aged voice asked from behind him. Naruto turned towards it unconsciously. What he saw was an old man in his opinion sitting on a throne surrounded by fire. He had his long white hair pulled into the common royal top knot of the Fire Nation. Long thin beard and mustache with dulling amber eyes. His clothing was that of red robes with golden trim, his shoulders were covered spiked up armor.
Naruto remained quiet which caused the tension in the room to rise in all but five people. The older man waited patiently for the blue-eyed boy to speak. When the boy spoke it was not his name. "Isn't it polite to give one's name before asking of someone else's?"
Absolute silence prevailed over the room. Rage consumed the prince's face, followed by all the soldiers in the room. No action was taken as laughter escaped from the older man's voice but he wasn't the only one laughing. A slightly younger man was also laughing. "Do you not know who I am child?" the man on the throne asked after his laughter had died down.
The red heads arms went to the back of his head and his eyes squinted giving him a vulpine appearance. "Well considering everyone is listened to you over prince Ozzy, and you are sitting up on a throne. You could be the fire lord." His comment on the prince's name caused the slightly older man standing beside the prince to laugh quietly.
"Yes child I am Fire Lord Azulon. Now I ask you again who are you, and why are you here?" even though his voice was calm he was it held a tone of superiority.
"Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki. And I have no idea how I got here I don't even know where here is." His voice was frantic the situation slowly becoming too much for him. and he begun to ramble. "the last thing I remember was tackling the fire prince's daughter so she wouldn't get hurt. Then I am in some really soft bed like that was the softest thing I have ever felt. I put little miss punch a lot in the bed. Then I was chased all over this place, and I am just so hungry." His rambling was concluded with the loud growl from his stomach.
The Azulon Ignored the stomach of the child before him, his thoughts solely on the information given to him. 'This child saved my granddaughter and was injured in the process if his bandage body is anything to go by. After just waking up he lead the majority of my guards on a wild chase with him only being caught because of his ignorance of his location. And that red hair proves he is a true Uzumaki. I thought I would never see one again.' His aged eyes then glanced to the remains of the earthen shield the boy erect. 'from his reaction this was his first time bending. I didn't think an Uzumaki could be a earthbender but, he will no doubt become strong.' His eyes returned to the boys his decisions finalized.
"Naruto Uzumaki…" blue eyes focused intently on his own. "My family owes you a debt and I intend to repay it in full. I have a proposal for you. Become the guardian for my granddaughter Azula. Protector her, guide her, never leave her side. And in turn you will be treated as a member of my family. A roof over your head, a soft bed and food fit for the royal family will be yours."
Naruto was smart and he knew what a guardian did but could he do it. 'I don't even know how to fight.' Speaking his mind was the common reaction when stumped. "I don't know how to fight though. Aren't Guardians supposed to be able to fight or something?"
Azulon's wither hand rubbed his chin in thought. Stumped by the boy's question. That was when his eldest son Iroh spoke up. "I will teach him how to fight father. He seems like an interesting child and if it keeps my niece safe it would be my honor." Azulon nodded agreeing with his son's actions, he also knows his oldest probably made the connection between the child's name and his heritage. His head turned back towards the boy expecting an answer.
His offer stunned the boy beyond words. He turned to judge the reaction of the rest of the royal family. The two females gave him a smile despite the intentions behind them being different. The youngest boy of the family looked confused nothing else showed on his face. But, the fire prince was giving him a glare that he could have sworn sparks jumped from his fingertips. Smirking he already knew his answer. Grinning much like a fox would he spoke up. "It would be my honor." Giving a nod of the head instead of a bow.
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