Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and Tales of Graces f they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san, Namco and Namco Tales studio.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Chapter 4 The lonesome prince
(Location: Lhant manor Lhant Windor territory)
Everyone present smiled after Asbel has given the mysterious amnesia girl an official name. She has been named after a rare flower her name is Sophie after the Sopheria. The lavender haired girl stood quiet but she was happy that she has been given a name to fit in with the rest of the group. Naruto was probably happier than the rest although he thought she was weird she could fit in well with them. Amnesia or not she was now an official member of their group, she was a friend too. Cheria was happy for the name it really went with her especially the color of her hair and eyes they were the same color as the Sopheria flower. But they were still some jealousy in her, Asbel was planning to take care of her and she didn't like how that sounded. The thought that this girl will become closer to her that eventually her will develop feelings for her was too much for to bear.
The happy moment was broken as the doors of the manor opened and came Aston with three soldiers holding spears. Asbel gave a boring expression just from looking at the sight he thought it wasn't worth to watch. Naruto was able to tell from the look of things that something bad has happened, like an emergency. If there we're armed soldiers it could only mean that there were monsters on the highroad again, maybe there were more of them than the times he and his brothers fought them off. He wasn't going to stand back and watch, if it was an emergency regarding monsters then he will help. And although had his issues with his father he knew he wasn't going to miss the chance to fight more monsters, or save his dad. It didn't mean he will start looking up to him or respect him if the lord of Lhant keeps treating him like a kid.
"Hurry this way!"
The frantic Aston left the manor with his soldiers in a hurry, he saw his son and the others but he paid no attention to them. They all moved out of their way for them to pass, while Naruto took Sophie's hand to get her off the way since she looked like she wasn't planning in moving in the first place. His face and behavior clearly told that he was worried about something, probably something related to the emergency. Maybe monsters we're heading towards town putting everyone in danger, or something worse. The whiskered blond couldn't possibly what was the problem, for his adoptive father to act like this could mean that the worse has happened. If it was enough to worry him then it made him feared what was it? He was probably the only one who was worried aside from the rest. Frederic walking over to the group, looking as calm as ever with the situation at hand.
"Forgive me young masters, but did Lord Aston perchance come this way?"
"He just ran by a second ago. It seems like he was heading out of town" replied Asbel.
"There's trouble isn't it?" asked Naruto.
"I'm afraid so young master. The Turtlez transport containing our young guest is long overdue. Lord Aston fears they may have met with tragedy on the road."
"Monsters….?" The Uzumaki got alarmed.
"I really can't say young master" the butler gave a bow before leaving.
"That guest must be the boy dad was talking about" said Hubert.
"He's in danger. Come on we have to follow dad and help that kid" said the whiskered blond.
"Don't be silly. What can we do? We'll just get in the way?" said Cheria.
"I can fight well no problem, and so does Asbel and Hubert. Nothing to worry about."
"We don't know for sure until we try. The kid's coming from the capital, so we should we in that direction. All right everyone let's take this show on the road" replied the red head.
"I'll take the lead."
"Why you?" the red head stared at the Uzumaki.
"Because I send a shadow clone ahead and he's currently following dad. He'll tell us what's going on when we meet up. I always make a clone just in case, and this was the perfect chance."
"Fine you can take the lead but you better leave some monsters to me, if there are monsters."
(Time skip)
The group has gathered at the eastern gate leading to the eastern highroad. This was the necessary path someone from the royal capital would take if they wanted to arrive to Lhant. They have prepared themselves for what they might face as they travel through the road in order to reach the Turtlez carrying the young boy from the powerful family. Naruto has made another quick stop at the item shop to buy a couple of gels and life bottles, better be ready and prepare than sorry. Chances that they will fight more monsters we're high also that monsters might be the reason why their young guest hasn't arrive yet. The Uzumaki was determined to help his adoptive if there was more danger than one could expect, the only thing that worried him that Aston won't be happy to see them. He would go against their decision to come to help him and put themselves in harm's way.
"This is the road that a visitor from the capital would use, right?" said Cheria.
"Hmm….?" Sophie reacted in curiosity.
"This road that we're on now is called East Lhant Highroad. It connects Lhant with the capital city of Barona, and primary used to transport cryas gathered from the Lhant region and-"
He was interrupted by the lavender haired girl who came and pinched Hubert's cheeks.
"Ow! Don't pinch my cheeks! It hurts!"
"I think she's heard enough, little brother. But you know, Sophie, Cheria's cheeks are great for pinching, too…."
"N-o no Sophie stop!" the pink haired girl took a step back from the incoming girl.
Naruto chuckle at both of them before clearing his throat" sorry about that, that wasn't nice Sophie."
The whiskered blond got what it was coming to him as the lavender haired girl tackled him and started tickling his whiskers again while everyone sweat dropped.
"Stop! I-hahahahahahahahahahahah stop it!"
"Guys hahahahahaha help me!"
"That's enough Sophie. He's going to die from laughter" Asbel has stopped her actions.
The Uzumaki had comical tears while his lips we're trembling" oh no…."
"What's wrong Naruto?" asked the worried Hubert.
"I-I peed in my pants from laughing too hard."
"Gross!" said Cheria.
"That's horrible I understand how you feel."
"Yeah little brother you wet your bed a couple of times before, when you we're younger" replied the red head.
"Can we stop talking about gross things!" said the annoyed pink haired girl.
"That's not funny" said the Uzumaki.
"Soft" Sophie was still staring at his whiskers.
"I'll be right back" the blond gave a sigh,
(Time skip)
Fifteen minutes later Naruto returned to the group with a fresh pair of boxers and pants. There was something different thing about him. He was wearing tape on his cheeks covering his whiskers it was obviously to prevent a certain lavender haired girl from tickling them. Now the blond wasn't angry with her, he felt more embarrassed that she would tickle them just like that. She was that bold to have that kind of physical contact with him, even if she was clueless about it. She was curious to see them and she like them because according to her, they are soft. The Uzumaki checked his gear again making sure everything was present and ready to be used for emergency if they get into a battle. His cerulean eyes gazed at Sophie who was staring at him in thought, just her usual expression which it was hard to tell what she was thinking.
"Let's get going already, we wasted too much time."
As they traveled through the road it will be too good to be true if they don't encounter any enemies. But they did, a couple of monsters a Peeplt and two bears monster that they haven't seen when they were traveling the northern highroad. The Peeplt was too easy to defeat because of its small, fragile body and his attacks weren't life threatening the poor thing was just pitiful. Asbel and Hubert didn't broke a sweat taking it down, the bear was another story. The two creatures have proven to be quite tough and their attacks were strong the two Lhant brothers got hurt from some of their punches. Naruto came to the rescue coming to their aid with Sophie backing him up. A combination of shadow clones rasengan and eagle dive did the trick to defeat them. After the fight was done Cheria came to the group she was keeping her distance, as the Uzumaki gave apple gel to his brothers.
"You feeling better Hubert?"
"I'm fine thanks to you."
"And you Asbel?"
"All better now!"
He nodded turning to the lavender haired girl" what about you Sophie? Are you hurt?"
"No" she replied in her usual monotone voice.
"Good thing you're always prepared Naruto" said Cheria.
"It's good to always be prepared believe it!"
Suddenly Naruto's shadow clone arrived, coming to report the situation of Aston in his search for the Turtlez caravan with the young boy from the capital. The original blond stood quiet listening to his clone and once he was done he vanished and with it, he obtained the memories from the clone. He tightened his fist seeing his adoptive father fighting a group of bird creatures, the rest of his men we're badly wounded. He was the only one in good shape and capable of fighting, he signaled to the rest of the group to follow him. The images from the clone were clear they weren't that far from the caravan's location, but if they don't arrive on time then the inevitable will happen. The whiskered blond erased the horrible image from his head as he increased his speed while he heard Asbel, calling to him too slow down. The Uzumaki wasn't planning in stopping after what he saw through his shadow clone, reaching not too far from the stone bridge that leads to the further path of the capital they saw him.
Aston was holding his sword while facing four deadly eagles, behind stood the Turtlez caravan. He was on his own, the odds were not good. Neither of the Lhant boys was going to let their father fight this battle on his own, the chances we're high that he might get hurt. Not that they doubted his skills with a blade, both Asbel and Hubert we're taught to fight by him. They went to him ready to help him, Naruto chose to team up with Sophie again. It seems fighting together with the lavender haired girl really gave him a boost of confidence, it's like they made a pretty good team since both used hand to hand combat techniques. It didn't got pretty as the lord spotted his sons here in all places, he wasn't happy to see them. They shouldn't even be here with these monsters around it was too dangerous for them to be here.
"What are you doing here? It's dangerous stay back!"
"Relax we can handle this!" replied Asbel.
"And like we'll let you face these bird brains on your own, we'll do this quick so we can get the soldiers back to town to have their wounds treated" said Naruto.
"All right, just gotta draw one of them this way…."
One of the bird creatures spotted them and flew towards them.
"Eeekkk it's coming for us!" shouted Hubert.
"Asbel, Hubert Naruto!"
"You guys handle this one, I'll help dad with the other two" said the whiskered blond.
"I'll go with you" replied Sophie.
"Thanks!" he smiled as they ran towards Aston.
"Cheria take care of the transport!" said the red head while the pink haired girl nodded knowing she would only be getting in the way with her illness, at least she will make sure the caravan is all right.
"This way everyone!"
"Bring it on!"
Asbel and Hubert put a lot of effort in fighting the Prable eagle it was more than just a fight, but a chance to prove their fighter that their training has been worth it. Aston was present and this was the best way to show how strong they've become, so there was some pride in all of this. To Asbel it was also the chance to show him that he wasn't a kid, if he can see him defeating the flying creature then maybe he will see that he doesn't deserves to be treated like a child. Naruto on the other hand he only fought the monsters just to beat them and help his adoptive father and he had help from Sophie, both had made quite the work of one of the eagles. Aston has taken out the other one with his sword, with only one it was very easy to defeat. Fighting them as a flock is almost suicide and very dangerous, they're quite strong they're together.
The eagle that was fighting Asbel and Hubert decided the battle was futile so it decided to fly away, while the other two weren't so lucky. The guards of the caravan we're all right, Cheria who was with them noticed that none received any serious injuries. If the guards we're fine then the young aristocratic boy was fine too, everything was all right. Naruto gave a sigh of relief as he joined the others, Sophie next to him. Once again both have shown to make a nice team fighting together they had quite the advantage against monsters. The whiskered blond spotted Aston heading their way and he didn't looked happy, that made him turned his skin pale and his hair to get even spikier. Of course he knew they were in big trouble for coming here, and maybe Asbel didn't had a clue about that, he will have to give one heck of an explanation.
"Whew! I think they gave up. That's the last of them" he turned to his father.
"You fool!"
"Wh-what?"
"What did I do now?"
"How many times must I tell to stay put? You could have been hurt! Or worse!"
"Wait dad it's not Asbel's fault it's mine" said the Uzumaki.
"What?"
"What?" the red head boy was shocked.
"I convinced and Hubert to come and help you, so don't get mad at them."
"Naruto…." Hubert was the same as his older brother.
"You…you're supposed to be looking out for them not encouraging them to get into dangerous situations" the lord of Lhant was angry.
"We couldn't let you face this alone helping you is the right thing."
"It doesn't matter. This is not a matter for children to get involve!"
"Sorry dad" he lowered his head.
Suddenly the lavender haired petite got in front of the blond shielding him from any more harmful words from his adoptive father.
"Stop…."
"What's she doing?" blinked the Uzumaki.
"Sophie….?" asked the red head.
"Sophie? So she remembers her name after all?"
"Actually Asbel named her Sophie" Hubert corrected.
"I see I suppose you intend to play her guardian now?"
"I will take care of her and Asbel too. I will make sure they're all right" spoke Naruto there was determination in his voice.
"Like you did just now with putting them in danger?" countered Aston.
"They can fight dad, you taught them well. You saw how they handled that bird. Sophie can fight too you know?"
"Her skills are awesome she must have had one heck of a training."
"This is crazy I can't let Naruto get scolded by dad, it's not his fault" thought Asbel.
"Wait dad it's not-"
"Lord Aston" one of the knights guarding the caravan came to him.
"Is everyone all right?"
"We are well thank you."
"Please accept my humble apologies. I shall accept whatever punishment you deem fit for providing such inadequate protection."
"Why is dad apologizing? Whoever is inside that caravan must be so important that will make dad tremble in fear, this kid really have some strong authority" thought the Uzumaki.
"In light of your sons' bravery, I think this incident can be forgiven" replied the knight.
"I am worthy of such kindness, noble sir."
"Are you all right?" Sophie turned to both boys.
"I'm fine" replied the red head.
"I am now thanks to you. But you didn't had to do that" said the whiskered blond.
"Friends…happy."
"it feels like she's acting more human now" he smiled at her.
"Hmm. Now he's putting his own groveling act" Asbel gave a small frown at his father's behavior.
Aston turned to the kids after the knight left" our visitor. Master Richard will be staying at the manor's guest chambers I shall say this but once: Do not approach him for any question him for any reason."
"I will not accept any more troublemaking from any of you am I clear?"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Dad why not?" the Uzumaki got curious as to why such order to evade any conversation with the young guest.
"Do not question me Naruto, I am very disappointed in you."
The whiskered blond nodded lowering his head it hurt him to hear him say those words, he tightened his fists" damn it…."
"Lord Astone we should be off" said the knight escort.
"Yes of course. Please permit me to escort you the rest of the way."
They finally left as they headed towards the entrance of the eastern gate. Asbel was upset but her shrugged it off, like he could care if his father gets angry at him for doing the right thing. Hubert was worried for both brothers expecting his father was going to get physical on both of them, including himself too. And Naruto was in deep thought remembering his words, unlike the others he was angry that the lord felt that way about him. He was trusted with keeping both Lhant brothers from getting into trouble and instead that's what he brings them in, not like was Asbel who wanted to get involved in this more than him. It still hurt him that's how the lord felt about him when he chose to took him in as his own, he didn't argue that he was right feeling guilty and ashamed. He completely ignored that Cheria went to them, now that the caravan has left.
"I am very disappointed in you."
"I messed up didn't I?"
"Asbel are you okay?" asked the pink haired girl.
"Aw, that was nothing. That Richard person was inside the Turtlez transport I wish we could have met him" said Hubert.
"Well, he'll be in the guest chambers…."
"Asbel, no! You can't possibly-"said the nervous younger Lhant.
"Oh yes! I can!, were going to meet this Master Richard for ourselves!"
"B-but you can't if dad finds out, he'll have our heads!"
"He's right this kid is too important for dad and I think we should obey him" said an un-happy Uzumaki.
"Look, it'll be fine. We're just gonna take a peek. Now let's get home and meet our new guest!"
"Something tells me taking a peek is the last thing on his mind" the blond gave a sigh.
(Time skip)
The journey back to town was very quiet and luckily they didn't encounter more monsters in the way back. Hubert and Cheria turned to the two boys who looked to be in deep thought, and Sophie was being her usual quiet self. Asbel was still not happy with his father's remark of coming to his aid, still treating him like a kid. No matter what he does he wasn't going to be treated like an equal, it only makes him want to become a knight even more. He wasn't fitted to be the next lord Aston can still choose his younger brother for the spot not him. His only interest is to become a knight and serve the king of Windor. To the red head it was hard to believe that his father cares for him no matter how many times his mother told him, he could never see it like that. Maybe meeting this young boy will put him in a good mood or make him erased the bad memories.
Naruto was feeling the other way around. He was feeling bad with himself after being scolded by Aston, telling him that he was disappointed in him has really hurt him. It was better to get scolded than Asbel, the lord already had some issues with his son. Sometimes he was too kind for his own good and yet there wasn't even a thank you from the red head. That didn't bother him but was it really worth to take the blame from him when he was the one who was currently disobeying his father. Both father and son had issues with each other and they couldn't come to an understanding, now he understood what family issues are. Having a family was still the best thing that has happened to him so he didn't regret these setbacks between his adoptive brother and father. Arriving at town he smiled at the thought and not noticing that Sophie was gazing at him, her usual expression she kept focus on his smile.
When they arrived at the manor their destination was the guest chambers. They found out that the chambers were being guarded by one of the knights that serve as escort for the young guest. They couldn't get in and it was no surprise, they've been warned by Aston not to get involve with the youngster from the capital. This got Asbel annoyed expecting to meet the guest looks like he won't be able see him, unless he finds a way to get inside the chambers without taking the door of course. Naruto gave a sigh as much as he wanted to see the guest there was no way they'll be able to get near him if he was been kept under close watch. Hubert sighed giving up the same with Cheria one thing it was clear the red head Lhant wasn't giving up. He figured a way to enter the guest chambers with the others following him leaving the manor, Asbel opened the window of the chambers located on the right of the manor quite obvious.
"It didn't even occur to me" sweat dropped the whiskered blond.
Entering the guest chambers they saw the young boy sitting on a table. He was the same age as Asbel only a little short than the red head with blond hair, chest nut eyes, wearing a long sleeve elegant shirt colored white, blue and a red collar neck with red shorts and brown short height boots. The blond youth saw that the window was opened having a bad feeling about this. Fear started emerging from him thinking it was another person trying to claim his life he was always in their mark's list. The youth rose from his seat it was more than one person, yet there was no fear in his eyes. As it wasn't enough that his caravan was attacked by monsters, it was never easy being who he is. No matter how many times he has regretted living this life, been born to his family.
"Who…who's there?"
They group has taken a small jump to land safely on the chambers. When it was Cheria's turn to take the jump she accidentally tripped landing on her knees.
"Are you okay?"
"Why do even listen to you anyway" she rubbed her back but she knew the answer already, she always enjoy being with Asbel and the others.
"Hold it right there who are you?" the blond youth still felt like they could be hostiles even if some of them looked his age.
"I'm Asbel Lhant. My father's the lord of this manor. And you must be Richard from the capital. Come on let's get out of here and have fun! You've never been to Lhant right? We can show you around."
Richard turned his back to them" leave me alone I would prefer to stay here."
"You'd rather stay here in this dark room, all alone? Are you crazy? Don't you want to have fun?"
"…"
"Shessh Asbel introduced yourself when there are other people present, let me handle this. Hey Richard I'm Naruto Lhant, well I'm not really blood related to the family I was adopted but I see them as my family. This is Hubert, Asbel's younger brother, the girl with the pink reddish hair is Cheria and the cool girl with the purple pig tails is Sophie. I think she's cool because she kicks butt when she fights."
"I told you to leave me alone" replied the annoyed youth.
"I can tell by looking at your face that you're very bore. How about if you join us, so we can give you a tour of town and then if you want to. We'll show you a real good time, trust me that you'll laugh and have fun with us. If you don't laugh then you're free to leave, those are my conditions well what do you think?"
"Stop pretending that you're my friends."
"What did you say?" asked the red head.
"You're only pretending to like me so you can use me later."
"Use you?" Naruto blinked wondering why he would think that.
"It's always the same. People are only nice to me when they want something for themselves. Or when they…"
The door opened and entered a man looking in his mid-twenties with silver hair, his eyes were closed making him give the vibe that he was a suspicious character. He was wearing a green olive long sleeve shirt with yellow lines in the middle and the sides. A blue scarf wrapped around his waist with white pants and grey boots. The young man has noticed the kids but he didn't go hostile on them having an idea who they were, he calmly walked over to the young blond. However it was different to members of the young group, Naruto stood staring at him with some neutrality in his cerulean eyes. There was something about this guy that didn't go well with him he had a bad feeling about him. The whiskered blond was probably the only one who felt that way or maybe he was mistaken, Sophie started at him in with some suspicion too.
"Quite the sneaky character…."
"Master Richard."
"Bryce…."
"It is time for your daily sword training. Please ready your equipment."
"Not today. I'm not feeling well."
"Enemies will attack whether you're feeling well or not. Avoiding training will only end up weakening your skills."
"Are you Lord Aston's sons? These matters are no business of yours. Leave at once!" he took a glance at the group.
"You shouldn't make him practice if he isn't feeling well" said Asbel.
"And with a guy like that I wouldn't want to practice either" added the whiskered blond.
"Don't be a fool! My lessons are of the utmost importance and not to be skipped for any reason."
"Then I'll-"
"Hold on" Naruto stopped the red head as he took a glance at Richard.
Just by looking at the blond youth he could see it clearly, that expression in his eyes. He has seen that expression before and he knew of it more than anyone, he wasn't feeling sick but he was experiencing something common from most people. It was loneliness how cold and devastating was such feeling, he experienced when he was younger when everyone in Konoha ignored him and hated him for being different from them. For carrying something that wasn't his fault or that he asked for, how much it hurt when they murmured bad things from their back as they passed him by. It also brought him memories when he met Gaara something who shared his burden as a demon container. One thing he hated the most was seeing people going something similar that he experienced, he went through hell and back. But most of all he knew how horrible been lonely really is, he understood the blond youth and remembering his behavior that people pretend to be nice to him to get something in return from him.
"I guess we have something in common…."
"Naruto….?" Asbel said not knowing why he interrupted him.
"Listen Mr. Richard isn't feeling well. There's no need to push him when he's not in the best shape for some training."
"I shall not repeat myself again boy. My skills are essential and are vital for Master Richard to learn if he wants to defend himself against enemy attacks."
"Bryce. All right I will get ready for-"
"No don't listen to him!" the Uzumaki interrupted the youth.
"What?"
"I said don't listen to him. If you're not feeling well then it's not the right choice to get some training. Or maybe you're forgetting pal, if he's not well then the chances that he might get hurt are high he won't give it his best in the training."
"This conversation is over. All of you leave before I call upon Lord Aston and he will take matters into his own hands. Master Richard gathered your equipment and meet me outside of the manor."
"All right" replied the young blond.
"You seem so sure of your skills how about if you prove you can back your words" the whiskered blond kept his eyes on the swordsman trainer.
"What are you inquiring?"
"If you're so good with your skills then prove it, by fighting me."
"What?" Hubert and Cheria we're shocked.
"Naruto I was going to ask him that I will take Richard's place. You can't possibly take him on" said Asbel.
"I know, but I feel like I have to do this."
"You challenge me? None sense, fighting you will be against my morals. The last in my intentions is to hurt one Lord Aston's son, it will only sever the strong ties between Barona and Lhant."
"Ties what are you talking about?" asked the red head.
"I can take you on."
"Naruto don't be foolish, Bryce is very skilled" said Richard.
"Then he will show it to me when we fight."
"All right very well. Although you will regret your words, you will have your match. Meet me outside of the manor, do not keep me waiting" Bryce left the room.
"Way to go Naruto I'll be cheering for you!" said Asbel.
"Is that all you can say brother? Naruto can get hurt or worst" said Hubert.
"Was that really necessary Naruto?" asked Cheria.
"Just let me handle this."
"You shouldn't have done that. Bryce is among Barona's finest. That is the reason why he was assigned to be my personal trainer."
"I can do this just make sure you watch me."
"…."
"You can do it" Sophie gave a nod.
"Thanks for the boost of confidence."
There was no fear in the Uzumaki's eyes as he left the guest chambers with the others following him. He has fought stronger opponents than him, he was that confident that he could take him on. His past battles against Neji, Gaara and Sasuke have given him the strength and the experience to take him on. After all he was pretty sure that Bryce hasn't fought against the genius of a prestigious clan like the Hyuga, or a giant one tail raccoon or a dark power possessed former best friends with dragon like wings. He opened the front door as his eyes were on the silver haired man who was at the center of the garden of the manor waiting for him. Richard was the first to go next to Bryce not that he doubted the whiskered blond but he was pretty sure that his chances of winning are very slim. The rest we're cheering for him and Sophie, although she was her quiet usual self she seemed to be interested in the upcoming fight.
"Go Naruto!"
"You can do it!"
"Be careful!" followed Cheria.
"I see you've come. Shall we begin?" said Bryce.
"I thought you would have a weapon like a sword or something."
"I have no need to arm myself against a mere child."
"That's fine by me I don't need a weapon either, my fists will do."
"This should be easy" thought the arrogant Bryce.
"Very well prepare yourself."
Bryce has charged at the Uzumaki shocking him at his speed, he was caught off guard. He got hit by an uppercut to the shin, sending him to the ground. The group gasped seeing the blond downed in a second they couldn't believe that the fight was over before it even began. Richard lowered his head he wasn't surprised that it was over, aware that the whiskered blond didn't stood a chance against his trainer. But there was another gasp that made the young blond to looked ahead, he was shocked when Naruto's body vanished in smoke and his place stood a wooden log. Bryce was shocked too he wasn't there he shortly followed with looking at all directions but there was no sign of the whiskered blond. He was gone just like that and everyone else followed the trainer looking everywhere, no one has seen something like it.
"Believe it!"
"What?" Bryce looked above in shock.
Naruto was above him and quickly send a kick hitting his head the strong attack has sent the trainer crashing. That was enough as everyone already got the big picture of who was the real winner of the fight. It all took one attack from the Uzumaki to defeat Bryce which it was very impressive for the audience who witnessed the battle. They stood in awe as they saw the blond falling from the sky hitting his target, they we're in awe even if they have seen his abilities when they fought monsters. However Bryce wasn't happy as he recovered from that attack, he was glaring at the Uzumaki. To think a skilled combatant like himself was caught off guard and attacked at such matter, he wasn't letting this go. This was an embarrassment act he was never going to forget.
"Unbelievable he beat Bryce" thought an awed Richard.
"Way to go Naruto!" shouted Asbel.
"That was amazing!" followed Hubert.
"Did you see that?" Cheria was still trying to figure out what just happened.
"Why'd you little-no more games this ends now!" he took his weapon which it was a large steel claw, looking very sharp that could probably cut human flesh like a hot knife through butter.
"Bring it!"
"Stop this at once!" stood one of the escorts not approving of the sight.
Bryce stood in thought but ne nodded he wasn't behaving correctly" this fight is over. This is no ordinary kid."
"Thanks for the fight, that uppercut really hurt. Sorry if I was acting like a jerk" Naruto gave a silly grin while rubbing his chin.
"This is why I want to become a knight, who knows what strong opponents one will face" said the red head.
"You should be ashamed Bryce. There is no honor in provoking a child" said the escort knight.
"I apologize, sir."
"I will take over master Richard's training from this point forward. You may join the other guards inside."
"I understand, sir."
"With your leave master Richard" the escort went back inside the manor, Bryce gave a bow to the youth as he followed the knight shortly.
"That was amazing Naruto!" said Cheria.
"Yeah I think you might have more talent to become a knight than Asbel" said Hubert.
"Knock it off!" the red head gave a frown at his brother's teasing.
"I'm just glad Richard won't have to practice when he's not feeling good" said the red head.
"Hey how about if we take Richard a tour around town, and while we're at it let's have some fun" said Naruto.
"Fun….? What kind of fun?" asked the blond youth.
"Fun you know something that we'll enjoy and share a few laughs."
"I guess I don't have a problem with that" he smiled feeling comfortable been with the group.
(Time skip)
The group has shown Richard all around the town showing him the best places, the shops and the spots where to get a nice view of the horizon. The blond youth smiled happily enjoying the tour and just by looking around and the people, Lhant was truly a peaceful town. It reminded him of Barona, the amount of people always happy and hardworking proof that they love their city capital. After this he hasn't regretted his decision in being part of this tour, so far his favorite spot was the top of the giant windmill. Feeling the breeze hitting his face gazing at the view of the Windor kingdom, it was better than looking at it from any spot of the capital. After the tour they have taken a small break near the front of the Lhant manor. Each was holding a small pouch of juice, enjoying the taste of the sweet drink. They have bought a different flavor according to their respective tastes in fruits.
"So what do you think of the town Richard?" asked Asbel.
"It's very pretty, I feel like I'm back at home."
"Glad that you like it, now how about if we start our small challenge" Naruto took a sip from his juice.
"But I've never done this before."
"You can't be serious, I'm sure everyone does this kind of thing" said the red head.
"Richard comes from the capital, maybe it's because of his family that they didn't allow him to do that" said Hubert.
"Of course it's grotesque to be doing that" replied Cheria.
"Watch me Richard, then you do it" the red head took another sip of his juice removing the straw from his lips.
"Burp!"
"That one was average Asbel" said the whiskered blond.
"I like to see you do better."
"Fine watch the master" the Uzumaki took a long sip a she was ready to make his move.
"BURP!"
"That one was huge" said a shocked Hubert.
"Beat that Asbel."
"It's not fair. You obviously know some secret to belch louder."
"Don't be a sore loser and face the fact that no one can beat me in this competition."
"Boys and their gross games" thought an annoyed Cheria.
"My turn" said the blue haired boy.
"Burp!"
"Average like Asbel's."
"Your turn Richard" the red head waited for him.
"Okay" the blond you're took a long sip from his juice.
"burp…."
"That was pitiful Richard, do you even know how to belch right?" the whiskered blond was shocked.
"I told you I've never done this before."
"Looks like I will have to teach you the art of belching by yours truly" Naruto went teacher mode.
"Enough I can't take this anymore!" shouted Cheria with a vein popping on her forehead.
"What's wrong Cheria?" asked Asbel.
"Stop belching! It's disgusting and impolite and inappropriate."
"But we're just having fun" pouted Hubert.
"It's not fun, I don't want to hear another belch or I-"
"BBBBBUUUUUUURRRRRPPPPPP!"
The group was shocked beyond words when they heard the longest belch ever. Turning to the source their eyes widened with their jaws dropping looking at the person responsible. Sophie who was silent as usual has taken another sip of her juice, but everyone saw as she made that inhuman belch. Cheria stood with the same shocking expression as the boys, only difference she dropped her juice. To think the day will arrive when she witnesses a girl belching louder than a boy, it was just impossible to believe. Naruto was the first to react as he got on his knees praising the lavender girl, his eyes filled with comical tears.
"Master I'm not worthy! Please Sophie you have to teach me the secret to belch like a giant monster."
"Oh for crying out loud that is nothing to be proud of!" snapped the pink haired girl.
"Brother did you see that?' asked the shocked Hubert.
"I see it and I don't believe it, Sophie beat Naruto in the contest."
"That was really amazing, it was so loud maybe everyone in town heard it" said Richard.
"Boys will be boys" the young girl gave a sigh.
Sophie was still drinking from her juice not mind telling the whiskered blond the secret.
"Please can we just drop this topic now?"
"Okay fine Cheria. Hey Richard I want to show you a really cool place" said Asbel.
"What's that?"
"A place filled with flowers."
"You want to take him to the Lhant hill meadow? said the Uzumaki.
"What but it will be sun down soon" replied Cheria.
"It's okay we'll be back soon before dads finds out we're gone."
"I heard that before, and dad found out" sweat dropped the whiskered blond.
"Maybe we should go tomorrow" said Hubert.
"Fine how about if you and Cheria stay. What about you Naruto?"
"I'll go because if I stay dad will have my head on a platter for letting you go."
"You can use your clones to fool him."
"I won't bother this time he might figure out like last time."
"Be careful" said Cheria.
"Come back soon" followed the blue haired boy.
"We'll be fine come on guys."
"Sophie you go with them. Make sure they don't get into trouble" replied the worried pink haired girl.
The lavender haired girl nodded following the boys.
"They better get back soon, before sun down or dad will find out" said Hubert.
"At least Naruto and Sophie are with them. We won't have to worry that much."
"Dad is already upset with Asbel and Naruto I don't want him getting more upset than he is now."
While the two kids stood watching as the others we're getting further away, heading towards the northern gate. They didn't realize they weren't alone a figure stood watching his eyes we're on Richard. A grin has formed on his lips, the youth has decided to run off from Lhant without any of the knights that we're escorting him, he has left un-protected. The moment couldn't be any better as Bryce felt like celebrate at the opportunity that has been brought to him. He left hiding carefully not wanting to bring attention to him he headed towards the north gate in pursuit of the four kids.
"This is the perfect chance to fulfill my deed to Lord Cedric…."
(Scene change)
"Lord Aston?" Frederic entered the study to see his master seated on his desk looking very busy with the paperwork.
"What is it?"
"My Lord, a letter has arrived for you."
"Not now Frederic, I'm too busy to be answering any correspondence."
"I believe this letter is quite urgent my Lord. The sender is from the city of Strata."
The red headed man stopped writing hearing the name of the city" I see, I would like to take a look."
"Right away my Lord" the butler handed him the letter.
"Thank you."
"I shall take my leave sir" he gave a bow as he left the study.
Once the older man was gone Aston proceeds with opening the letter, he was curious to know what would the city considered to be one of Windor's enemies would bothered with writing him a letter. Taking the envelope inside his eyes were fixed on the writing and each sentence he read his expression became deadly serious, until he was in deep thought. When he was finished reading he lowered the piece of paper down, still looking in deep thought. He got up from his desk walking towards the window and after that, he kept gazing at the view outside. It's like he had no opinion whatsoever of the contents of the letter. He had no comments about it but his thoughtful expression said many things. It was anyone's guess what was going on in his mind.
"….."
"Strata…."
To be continued
There we go another chapter done and as always I am very happy for those who are reviewing and marking the story on alert list and favorite list. Next chapter will be up sooner than expected hope you enjoy this chapter I still haven't play all side quests so let's keep the reviews free of spoilers. Don't want to spoil any of the readers who still haven't play the game or clear it yet. Well that will be all I will see you all next time farewell!
Next chapter: Pact of friendship