Please enjoy.

"XX" Thought

"XX" Speech

(XX) Flashback

Don't own Naruto

--

2. The Egg

A chill filled the air. Whatever was in the box seemed to suck all the room's warmth away, replacing it with a cloud of dread. Quickly, the king's attendants left the room, as though fearing what the box contained. Only the soldiers, the king, his servant, and the summoned, remained.

Everyone in the room, from the armored soldiers, to the king himself, felt a shudder run through their bodies. Everyone, except Naruto.

Naruto's hands clenched into fists, and he gritted his teeth against a sudden yearning. He wanted to step forward and seize what was in the box. It belonged to him. Somehow, someway, it was his. Only his.

The soldiers, curse them, they were in the way! Hm. Perhaps if he fought hard enough, he could beat back the soldiers long enough to--

Naruto stopped, and then shook his head, trying to clear it. Where in the world were these strange thoughts coming from?

The servant Vaguer had slipped on a pair of black-smith's gloves. As Everyone watched intently, He reached into the box, and removed an object wrapped in layers of silk.

Very slowly and deliberately, Vaguer unwrapped the object.

The cloth fell away to reveal a large, oval-shaped object. The thing was the size of a small melon. Its surface was the color of iron, and thick, red veins ran along its surface.

Naruto drew his breath in quickly. His pulse quickened. The yearning returned, so intense that it caused a dull ache in his chest. Naruto gazed longingly at the object Vaguer held. He knew it was a treasure, worth more than any king's fortune. It was a priceless treasure, and it was his. All his. The dark gray skin of the object seemed to shimmer like diamonds. The red veins were more delicate then rubies. The jewel was alive, wanting him, calling to him, all he had to do was reach out and--

"Oof!" Naruto was startled when a soldiers club jammed into his midsection. He grabbed his front, reeling from the unexpected blow. He turned to glare at the soldier, and then froze in surprise. He glanced at where he had been standing and where he was now. Somehow, he had traveled twenty feet without knowing it. Naruto blinked slowly, rubbing his bruised ribs. Then he looked at Vaguer.

Vaguer stood less that two feet away. Their eyes met for a moment. and Naruto thought he caught a glimpse of a misshapen face within the cowl.

Everyone in the room was staring at Naruto. His embarrassment got rid of what was left of his other emotions, and he sheepishly returned to where he had been standing.

Vaguer cleared his throat, once again drawing attention to himself and the object.

"As the king said, this egg is the reason you were all summoned." Vaguer announced.

"An egg?" Naruto thought. Was that what the thing was? Why such strong feelings over an egg?

"THIS is what you called us here for? Some stupid egg?" Sasuke snapped. He was starting to wonder if this was a joke.

The human wizard scratched his head, tilting it slightly as he looked at the egg.

"Well, if you want my honest advice, I need to know, are you going to make an omelet or are you going to bake a cake?" he asked, looking at Vaguer with a mischievous grin.

The king cast a dour look at the Wizard. Vaguer glared at the wizard in annoyance. Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw one of the sisters, the one called Temari, cover her mouth, and she was trying to hide a laugh.

The Wizard must've noticed too, because he flashed the sisters a grin.

"That egg," Vaguer said, a scowl in his voice; "Is worth more than the lives of everyone in this room."

The king looked uneasy at the statement, but he nodded in agreement.

"Why so valuable?" this voice was new. It took everyone a moment to realize it was the Gowordon who spoke up.

"This egg," said Vaguer, "Is to be a gift to Diabolus."

The room filled with shocked murmurs. Obviously, the attendants had known nothing about it. The summoned were equally surprised.

"What!?" Sasuke let out, his eyes going wide with disbelief. Now he was sure this was a joke.

"Diabolus is real?" Ino whispered to Temari. "He can't be..."

Naruto looked at Vaguer. Then, seeing that he could read nothing of the creature's expression, he turned his attention to the king. The king was frowning, his expression serious.

"Diabolus?" Naruto thought to himself, "It can't be!"

Diabolus was a monster of legend. Some said he was the result of a violent rape between a siren and an incubus. Others claimed he was a fallen god, whose handsome appearance and grace captivated anyone who looked upon him. Legend had it that for all his beauty, Diabolus was as cruel as a hundred demons. It was rumored that he was the greatest warlock in the world, and kept himself young by eating the young of all races.

Naruto shook his head. Diabolus wasn't real. He was a story told to frighten children.

"I'm sure you've all heard of the kingdom of Ire." Vaguer stated. This statement was met by silence. Ire was an entirely different country, separated from Kalias-Ker by demonic forests and deadly roads. The kingdom was said to be inhabited with perfect beings. None of them had traveled their before.

"You must all serve as armed guards for this egg. Along with the king's finest soldiers, you will escort the egg to Ire, and present it to King Diabolus as a gift from King Modred. If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask."

For a moment there was silence. The Gowordon spoke up first.

"Why don't you just send your own soldiers to Ire?" he asked. The Chief gave him a look, annoyed that the young one spoke out of turn.



The king answered, "This undertaking is too dangerous for my soldiers. They'd never be able to protect it."

The shape-shifter frowned sharply. She'd re-gained her strength, and was in the mood to fight.

"You drag us from our homes without explanation, threaten us with force, and expect us to take on a long, dangerous quest for you?" Ino demanded. Her sister nodded in agreement.

"He is the king. You have no right to question him." Vaguer said calmly, "However, His highness graciously saw fit to make this quest worth your while."

Before Ino could retort Sasuke stepped forward.

"HOW worth our while, human?" the chief demanded, folding his arms across his chest. He was still angry at the king's high-and-mighty behavior, but his interest had been peeked.

"If you successfully complete the quest, I'd be willing to grant each and every one of you one unconditional request. Within reason, of course." the king stated.

"You'd grant us any request?" the gowordon said, sounding amazed. Vaguer nodded, but didn't look at him.

"Anything you need." Vaguer said, keeping his stare on Naruto, "The king could give you five times over."

The half-breed sighed, so quietly no one heard it. "I doubt that." he murmured sadly.

Sasuke rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His expression was impossible to decipher, but his white eyes gleamed with guile. The king's offer intrigued him.

"And if we don't wish to accept this mission?" asked Temari.

Vaguer glanced up, one by one, his eyes met those of every one of the summoned.

"Diabolus is expecting this gift," said Vaguer, as his gaze traveled around the room, "It is somewhat of a peace offering. If he fails to receive it, no doubt he will take offense. When Diabolus is offended, he starts wars. If he were to wage war against Kalias-Ker, he would wipe out men, women and children of all races. Our kingdom wouldn't stand a chance. No one will be forced to take up the quest, but heed my words. If any one of you turns and leaves, and the egg fails to reach its destination, what will you say to your families, your friends, when they are ravaged by a war YOU could've prevented?"

Vaguer fell silent after that. His gaze settled on Naruto.

Naruto's pale eyes stared back at the king's servant. They were hard, revealing no emotion. If he was affected by Vaguer's words, he didn't show it.

Vaguer's eyes narrowed for a moment. Then he looked away.

The black-clad servant lifted the egg for a moment, as though consecrating it, then, he held the item out; an offering to the summoned.

"If you accept the quest," said Vaguer, "Lay your hand on the egg and give your oath."

For a moment, no one moved. The summoned looked at each other, all of them thinking intensely.

Naruto took a breath, then started to walk forward. Before he could, Sasuke spoke out.



"I don't like this." the Chief said to the king, "It could be a human trick."

The king bristled. "You doubt my honor?" he asked. Sasuke scowled. "The honor of a human isn't worth the spit on his tongue."

Sasuke paused, then glanced as his gowordon. He pressed one hand against the young ones lower back, and shoved. The Gowordon stumbled forward.

"You, go touch it. I want to see what happens." Sasuke said to his guard. The Gowordon looked at him for a moment, then nodded.

The young gargoyle stepped toward the egg. All eyes were on him. The gowordon raised his hand, hesitated, then, carefully, he touched egg.

As everyone watched, the Gowordon grew tense. His eyes went wide for a moment.

The Gowordon started shivering. Staring in amazement, he lifted his other hand then placed it on the egg. He just stood there, head bowed, both hands resting on the egg. He was shaking violently. Then, after a moment, he looked at the king.

"I give you my oath." The Gowordon said. The young gargoyle took his hands off the egg, then fell to his knees.

Sasuke looked surprised for a moment. The chief stepped forward, grabbing the gowordon's shoulder and yanking him to his feet. The gowordon swayed for a moment, looking exhausted. Sasuke whispered something to the gowordon, his expression angry and uneasy. The Gowordon took a breath, then said something to the chief no one else could hear. Sasuke glanced suspiciously at the egg, then he pushed the gowordon aside and started toward it.



"Don't touch the egg!" The words exploded from Naruto's mouth before he knew what he was saying. But once they were out, he couldn't take them back, he didn't want to. Sasuke was violent. He was cruel, and he liked to smash things. Naruto didn't want him anywhere near that egg.

Taking a few steps forward, he started toward his half brother. Two soldiers crossed their lances in front of Naruto, blocking him. He growled at them, his whole body quivering in rage.

Once again, everyone stared at Naruto. But the half-breed didn't care. All he knew was he did not want his brother touching the egg.

Sasuke looked bewildered for a moment, then he smiled smugly.

The Gargoyle Chief stepped forward. Then, brazenly, he pressed one palm against the egg.

There was a burst of red light, and Sasuke flew back as though a giant hand had picked him up and threw him. Sasuke crashed into the closed doorways with a grunt of pain, then fell to the ground. The stone archway above the door was cracked where the chief's head had struck it.

Naruto looked surprised. He wasn't the only one. The sisters glanced at each other, and the human wizard grimaced.

The Gowordon moved quickly. He went to his chief's side. The gowordon reached down and gripped the chief's arm to help him up, but was shoved away.

"Blasted thing!" Sasuke snarled, rising to his feet. He drew out a large battle axe, and instantly the soldiers had all their weapons drawn. Sasuke moved toward the egg.

Vaguer stepped back slightly, and the soldiers surrounded him protectively. They all pointed their weapons at the Gargoyle Chief,

Sasuke paused a moment, looking at the soldiers. His wings were spread aggressively, his fangs bared in a snarl.

"Mark my words, humans," Sasuke growled, "If this so-called summons was a cover for you to make an attempt on my life, my clan will--"

"Please," Vaguer stepped forward, kneeling before Sasuke while covering the egg protectively, "I can assure you, Chieftain; the only reason we summoned you was because we desperately need the help of you and your great clan. We know very little about this eggs magic. We did not know it was dangerous to such a powerful race as yours. Please accept our humblest apologies."

Sasuke scowled, glaring warily at the egg. "Didn't know it was dangerous?" he said with sarcasm, "Well, it's lucky you're wearing gloves, isn't it?"

Sasuke looked at Vaguer, as if debating whether or not to attack him. Then, with a faint growl, he turned his back on the king's servant and stormed toward the door, putting his weapon away.

The chief walked past his Gowordon, but the young gargoyle didn't follow. Instead, he just stood their, gazing at the egg, as if in a trance.

"Joh!" The gargoyle chief bellowed, "Come on, Boy! We're leaving!"

The gowordon, startled out of his trance, turned quickly and followed his chief out the doors. Naruto watched them go, a strange look in his eyes.

Vaguer watched them leave. Then, he glanced around the room. "Now, any other who wishes to accept, step forward."

-XXXXX-



Joh was uneasy as he and his chieftain left the throne room. He was feeling strange. The egg had felt cool against his hand, and as soon as he touched it, he'd felt something moving beneath the shell. He'd wanted to protect the egg; he'd wanted to protect whatever was inside it. When he stopped touching it, he'd been struck by such a feeling of loss...

Suddenly, Joh felt a harsh blow to the back of his head, and he stumbled forward and fell.

"Idiot!" Sasuke snarled, "Why didn't you touch the egg!?"

Joh lay stunned. He blinked, trying to clear the stars from his eyes. "I-I did, Sasuke." he said, trying to get up.

Sasuke put his foot on his guard's lower back and applied pressure. He pinned the boy to the ground.

"Then how is it," Sasuke said, his voice growing louder with each word, "That cursed thing threw me across the room, but a miserable little scrap like you remained unharmed!?"

"I don't know, chieftain," Joh gasped, struggling to get the words out, "But I swear, I really did touch the egg."

Sasuke looked down at the Gowordon. Then, he took his foot away.

Joh stood up slowly. Without waiting to see if he was all right, Sasuke continued onward.

"Sasuke?" Joh said. The chief glanced at him. "What is it, boy?" he demanded. "I give you my word," Joh said, "I really did touch the egg. I wouldn't risk your life, chieftain."

Brutis stared at his guard thoughtfully. Deep down, he believed him. The entire clan had raised Joh, but he belonged to the gargoyle chief, Ever since childhood, he had been groomed by Sasuke to be a skilled 

warrior and a loyal bodyguard. The chief had done all he could to train the boy. When Joh made a mistake, he corrected him. Either with blows or words, depending on the situation. Sasuke felt little love for Joh, but he trusted him.

"Well, don't just stand there." Sasuke growled, "We need to gather supplies."

"You're going to accept the quest?" Joh said surprised. The Gargoyle chief smiled slightly.

"You know that little village on the other side of the river?" Sasuke said. Joh nodded slowly. The human village was roughly a mile away from the Gargoyle Village; separated only by a small river and a bit of woodland. Often, the gargoyles and humans clashed over ownership of game. Although the gargoyles almost always won these disputes, humans still posed a threat. Especially where gargoyle children were concerned.

"Well, wouldn't it be a nice addition to our clan?" Sasuke asked. Joh paused. The human village rested on very fertile land. If the humans weren't there, then they could claim the land. More room and food meant more children could be born. More children meant more warriors; and that meant a stronger; safer clan. Aside from that little village, there were no humans for miles around.

"Do you think the king will really give the land to our clan?" asked Joh. Sasuke smiled slyly.

"The king really wants that egg of his to arrive in Ire safe and sound." Said Sasuke, almost cheerfully. Joh thought about it, then nodded.

"Well, then, that's what we'll do." Sasuke said, "We'll go on this little quest, and we'll keep the egg safe... as long as the king gives in to our demands."

Joh stopped for a moment. "And if he doesn't do as we demand, the egg won't make it to Ire, will it?" He said, realizing his guardian's plan.



Sasuke smirked softly. "Now your learning, boy." the chief said, continuing on.

Joh didn't follow. "Chief," the gowordon said, sounding worried. "What is it?" Sasuke asked without turning. "I gave my oath..." Joh said uncertainly.

Sasuke paused then glanced at his charge, frowning. "Honor is an important matter." The chief admitted, "But, since humans have none, exchanging oaths with one means nothing. Besides, what means more to you, the welfare of your clan, or what the humans think of you?"

Before Joh could answer, Sasuke ended the conversation. "Now, stop asking such stupid questions. You're here to follow orders, not to think."

Joh bowed his head and followed his chief. Both were silent the rest of the way.

-XXXXX-

Naruto stood, feeling strangely uneasy. The remaining summoned stood on the other side of the room. The Shape-shifter and her sister were holding the stunned wizard. Naruto hadn't liked what he'd just seen.

The wizard had touched the egg, wanting to test it before the girls touched it. At first, it looked as though he would be all right, but then he fainted, the hand he'd used was slightly burned. In spite of that, the girls also touched the egg. The one known as Ino looked like she'd faint as well, and Temari's hand had been lightly shocked. Both accepted the quest.

There was a moment's pause, when everyone glanced at Naruto. He was the only one who hadn't touched it.

"Well, Halfling" Vaguer said to Naruto, "What choice will you make?"



"Do not accept." Naruto thought, staring silently at the egg. "Don't get yourself into another one of these messes."

Years ago, he'd gone on another quest. An elf-woman had hired him to be her guardian as she traveled with a human girl. They were on a journey to clear the name of a Dragon-lord on trial for murder. Before that quest, Naruto's life had been difficult, but simple. During the quest, he had eventually found himself; Fighting savage bounty hunters, Dodging flesh-eating kelpies, putting up with a revoltingly arrogant dragon lord and a mischievous pixy, falling in love with a mysterious elf, dying, returning to life, taking a mate, having a son, and nearly becoming a hero.

"Turn around now." Naruto thought to himself, "Turn around right now and walk away."

He tried, he really did, but it was like his feet had turned to stone. They wouldn't move.

Naruto stared at the egg. Before, as he'd watched the others touch it, he'd been struck by overwhelming feelings. None quite as strong as the urge to protect the egg. It was his possession, it belonged to him, somehow.

But now that he actually had the choice to make, his noisy emotions were giving away to a Nagy little voice called common sense.

"Sorcery." Naruto thought, "That's why you're drawn to it. Everyone else probably felt the same thing. It's a spell and you want nothing to do with it. Don't get involved, Naruto. Turn around and walk away."

He kept staring. He couldn't walk away from it. If he did, some one else would take it. He couldn't allow that. No one else could protect it properly. He was the only one who could care for it. It belonged to him. It needed him.

Naruto walked forward. After a few moments, he was standing in front of Vaguer; looking down at the cloaked figure. Vaguer stared at him, waiting.



Naruto looked down at the egg. He closed his eyes, then he reached out and touched the egg; bracing himself for the pain.

The first thing Naruto felt was how cool the egg was. Its surface felt as smooth as silk. He shifted his hand slightly. Suddenly, he felt a hard thump against his palm from within the shell. A shiver ran through his body. There was no pain.

"What is this?" he murmured.

Ever so faintly, the king made a gesture to his soldiers. Naruto was too enthralled with the egg to notice.

Suddenly, Vaguer stepped back, taking the egg out of Naruto's grasp. Naruto, instinctively moved forward, not wanting to break contact with it. He heard the soft clink of metal shifting, and saw the soldiers slowly, almost casually, reaching for their weapons. Goliath stepped back, reluctantly.

"Your service to the crown is greatly appreciated." Vaguer stated, addressing the summoned, "And it will not soon be forgotten. Preparations all ready have been made; you'll leave in the morning." As he spoke, he handed the egg to a few soldiers. The soldiers cautiously wrapped it, then put it back in the box, closing and locking it up once more. Naruto never took his eyes off it.

"Wait, what are you doing!?"

Naruto glanced at Temari and saw she was speaking to some soldiers. The soldiers had carried away the human wizard, and now were trying to do the same to a barely-conscious Ino.

Temari gripped a soldiers arm, trying to pull him away as he picked up her sister.

"Don't worry, your sister will receive the best medical care the crown can provide." Vaguer said to Temari. "In the mean time, a banquet has been prepared for all our guests. Why don't you eat while we take care of your sister?"

Temari glared at him. "I'd rather stay with my sister."

For just a moment, Vaguer was silent. Then, "Of course. The guards will show you away."

Temari looked at Vaguer; suspicion apparent on her face. Slowly, she followed a group of soldiers out of the door, glancing once or twice over her shoulder as she did.

Naruto watched the doors close behind them. With a sinking sensation, he realized that he was alone now. Other than the King and his consorts.

"You never said anything about your oath." The king stated, speaking directly to Naruto, "Will you give your word to serve on this quest?"

Naruto hesitated. Before, when surrounded by the other summoned, he hadn't been worried about the king. But now he was struck by a case of nerves.

"I... I am unsure," Naruto said. Then, after a pause, "Why me?"

Yes, why him? He had no considerable skills for the king to notice. He was strong, good at fighting with brute force and a decent hunter. But any pure-blooded human or gargoyle could provide the same services. Probably better than he could. And a pure-blood would draw less attention when traveling. He wasn't really clever, or valiant. He wasn't an expert swordsman, or archer. He wasn't a legendary wizard, or a fearless hero.

So, why did they summon him?

"Don't look too much into it." Vaguer said coolly, "We summoned many others before you and this group. Though the others were summoned for obvious reasons, you were more of a last resort."

Naruto glanced at the ground. "Why am I not surprised?" He thought wearily.

As he examined the stone floors, carpeted by a rich red and gold rug, he found himself gazing at the box again.

Vaguer noticed him staring, and spoke up. "When you touched the egg... were you hurt badly?"

Naruto blinked, surprised at the question. "No. I didn't feel a thing." he stated.

Vaguer nodded slowly. "Does the king have your oath?"

Naruto closed his eyes for a moment. "Yes, I give my oath." He sighed, with great reluctance. For some reason, he just couldn't say no.

Vaguer waved a hand in a dismissive gesture. "Very well," he said, as if he didn't care either way. Then, with slight distaste, he added, "The soldiers will take you to the banquet hall; after you make yourself more presentable."

Naruto paused at that last statement, wondering whether or not to take offence. After a moment, he decided against it. He lived in the forest; occasionally bathing in a stream that was an hours walk away on a good day. Of course he wasn't presentable to the royalty; who had servants to draw their heated rose-water baths for them.

"All right." He said. He glanced at the egg once more, and then turned to walk out of the throne room. To his surprise, he was soon flanked by two soldiers.

"What are these for?" he asked, looking at the soldiers.



"They are going to show you to your room." Vaguer explained.

Naruto blinked in surprise. "My room?"

His room, it turned out, was a cozy little chamber near the castle gardens. It wasn't fancy; four stone walls, with Modreds gold and purple banner draped over the wall. A simple, straw-stuffed mattress with a large pillow and blanket decorated one side of the room. A large, wooden tub took up most of the other. Naruto looked at the room, uncertain what to think. The soldiers left him, shutting the door behind them.

Naruto walked over to the other side of the room. He pushed aside the banner, revealing a window that looked out into the garden. It was a nice view. The gardens were well kept; and as the sun set, it cast a peach-colored glow over the flowers.

Naruto stood still for a moment. A cool breeze wafted by, carrying the scent of flowers and fruit trees. The soothing scent did nothing to calm his nerves, though.

"Another quest; this time to a city no one knows anything about, in order to deliver a cursed egg to a king who is not supposed to exist." Naruto thought as he looked into the garden. Then, he sighed. "What have you gotten yourself into now?"

-XXXXX-

Well here's chapter two, I hope you enjoyed it.

And please R&R thank you.