-Naruto: The Phantom Menace-
A Naruto/SW x-over here. This was a story I got really psyched about writing. I know I'll finished it someday because I just love the idea for it, it has such potential. I discontinued it because I didn't know enough about Starwars. When I (eventually) finish with my current stories, this will most likely be next on the list.
-Chapter I: Arrival in a Galaxy Far, Far, Away-
Thirteen year old, Leaf Village ninja Naruto Uzumaki was pulling his hair as he screamed at the heavens, cursing the gods for his misfortune.
Over the year he had been gone on his training trip, Naruto had matured greatly. He now sported an outfit much more befitting of a ninja, a black shirt, black pants which housed numerous pockets and a pair of standard ninja sandals (description sucks I know, so sue me, you get the idea).
The first couple of weeks had been interesting to say the least. Jiraiya the toad sannin, and self proclaimed super pervert had wanted to teach him to better harness the Kyuubi's chakra and Naruto was vehemently against it.
It took two weeks of constant arguing for Jiraiya to finally conceded and agreed to teach Naruto some more conventional ninja arts, and it had paid off greatly.
"Why isn't this working?" he screamed as he stared at the large scroll which was filled with strange symbols and markings.
"Why don't you take a break Naruto." said an older man with a long mane of white hair and red markings on his face in an amused voice, He was the great toad sage, Jiraiya of the Sannin.
"I just don't get why the seal array isn't working" Naruto replied, whining slightly.
Jiraiya gave a sigh as he gazed upon his apprentice, while he was proud of his work ethic and his astounding potential in the sealing arts, he was frustrated with the boys stubbornness.
"Space time justu aren't easy, even for me" Jiraiya admitted, "why don't you go work on those ninjutsu scrolls I gave you."
"I already have" Naruto replied absentmindedly stroking his chin "They were really easy, I really want to finish this."
"E-Easy" Jiraiya spluttered, "those are my personal jutsu, no way you could have mastered them in a week, prove it!"
"Fine" Naruto said, closing his scroll and placing it in a pocket, rolling his eyes, and muttering about annoying old men.
"Hari Jizou" Naruto intoned as he made a single ram seal.
At those words his vibrant yellow hard elongated and hardened, completely covering him in a protective shell.
"Ranji Shigumi" Naruto said again from inside his shell.
Hair exploded out and engulfed a tree, spikes then shoot inward and the tree collapsed with numerous holes inside of it.
"Kebari Senbon" Naruto then yelled with a look of slight concentration on his face, thousands of needles of hair shot out, taking out several trees as they punctured the heavy wood.
'Amazing' Jiraiya thought with eyes wide in disbelief as saw his apprentice preform his own personal jutsu with nearly as much proficiency as himself. 'He mastered those jutsu in so short of time, when he actually gets instruction, he is a prodigy.'
"Hmmm" Jiraiya said, poking at the hair in the tree and pretending to inspect it, no need to inflate the boys ego any more than it already was "Not to bad" he remarked.
"Right..." Naruto trailed off, rolling his eyes, he knew that he preformed the jutsu perfectly "Can I go back to my seal array please?" he asked.
"No" Jiraiys replied annoyed "Have you finished those sword stances yet?" he asked.
'This brat grates on the nerves' he thought with more than a little annoyance 'one little break, that's all I'm asking him to take. He is playing with fire and he is not the most careful person in the world'
"Yes" Naruto replied, slightly irritated "Would you like to see those as well?"
"If you don't mind" Jiraiya replied with a smile.
Reaching into his pocket Naruto picked up a very familiar brown object.
The Raijin was a sword once wielded by the Second Hokage which led the Leaf to victory during the Second Ninja War.
About a decade ago, the sword was stolen by a Leaf Village missing-nin by the name of Aoi. Aoi fled to the Hidden Rain Village, and became a jounin in their ranks.
Just over a year ago, a squad of Leaf Village Ninja met Aoi in battle. He was defeated and the blade was believed to be broken.
When the sword was returned to the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade Senju, the grand niece of the Second Hokage, she delivered the news that the blade was not broken and the true nature of the blade was revealed.
Using an extremely complex seal array and a crystal like that which hung around his neck, but yellow, the sword was able to solidify chakra, forming a powerful energy weapon capable of defeating all others.
Not even Jiraiya, for foremost seal expert in the Leaf could make heads or tails of the seals, and the blade was thought to be stored away, a relic of a glorious past now obsolete.
Then, months later, after the defection of Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki departed the Leaf Village on a training trip.
Before he left, Tsunade entrusted the blade to him, the sword was a weapon to be wielded by a worthy warrior, not a relic sitting on a shelf collection dust.
Then, with the blessing of the Fifth Hokage, bearing the necklace of the First Hokage and the sword Second Hokage, Naruto departed, the legacy of the Senju clan.
Flowing some chakra through the sword, it ignited and showed why it was called the sword of lightning.
As the energy arched across the blade, Naruto moved in a graceful and flowing manner with a ease which made it look like he had be doing it his entire life.
'Incredible' Jiraiya thought, 'While he is still hopeless in Genjutsu, and his Taijutsu looks like some sort of drunken dance, his ability to learn Ninjutsu, Kenjutsu and Fuinjutsu is outstanding. In a couple years, he should be able to handle himself from Akatsuki. While his Fuinjutsu talent has to be from Minato, his Ninjutsu style and Kenjutsu skill is just like Kushina.'
"Not bad Naruto" Jiraiya said with a smile "You are a bit stiff in a couple of places, but well done, especially since the Leaf Village isn't known for their kenjutsu prowess."
Naruto rolled his eyes as he heard he mentor talk about his prowess which he already knew, "Thanks, can I finally go back to my seal array?" he asked.
Jiraiya let out a sigh, closed his eyes and pinched the bride of his nose.
"Fine" he said, "I'm going into town" he finished with a small giggle as a blush started to form on his face.
Naruto gave a sigh as he saw the self proclaimed super pervert vanish in a swirl of leaves and reopened his scroll.
While the training trip had be productive, Naruto felt that something was missing in his life.
He had all but given up on Sasuke, the time alone has allowed him to reflect on everything that had happened in his life and he discovered one thing.
His life sucked.
His so called best friend had tried to kill him even though he had held back, he former crush never even acknowledged his existence until she needed him and his sensei, the man who was suppose to teach him, played favorites and he was forgotten.
While his time with Jiraiya has been fun, and by no doubt eventful and productive, Naruto felt empty.
On one side he faced Akatsuki and Orochimaru and the other he faced the scorn of the village.
"Lets see" Naruto muttered as he re-opened his scroll and looked upon it with a slight frown.
'Maybe a distance modulation seal will help stabilize the quantum fluctuations and maintain the temporal flux' he thought, eyes glinting as he pondered of this new idea.
Unsealing a brush and some ink from a storage seal in his arm, Naruto began making the adjustments to his array.
'Yes...' he thought as the brush flowed over the paper, 'this will work, I can feel it.'
As he finished the last line of the seal, it began to glow a brilliant while color and radiate pure power.
"This can't be good" Naruto said, trying to back away, but he found himself pinned to the ground. "I didn't flow any chakra into it, what is happening" he asked to himself.
Suddenly the entire area was engulfed in a brilliant light and all Naruto knew wad blackness as he vanished from the Elemental countries.
"Hey Naruto, I forgot my... Naruto?" Jiraiya frantically looked around and caught no sight of the blond. Spying something laying on the ground me picked it look and examined up.
"Oh Naruto" Jiraiya groaned in despair. "What have you done"
In his hands was a scroll, and the seal master immediately recognized the seals, space. time, and dimension seals all mixed in with some other clutter which was slowly pulsing.
'There are infinite dimensions' Jiraiya thought with downcast eyes 'He could be in anyone of them, and that combined with the space and time seals, he could be anywhere at anytime. I thought he was trying to create a technique akin to that of Hiraishin, nothing like this.'
"Tsunade is going to kill me" he groaned in horror as he thought of the Fifth's reaction. Giving a resigned sigh, me turned towards the Leaf Village and began the long march back. Sure he could have made it their faster, but he had to clear his head.
'I know you were never truly happy Naruto' Jiraiya thought as he gazed at the sky with a sad expression, legs going into automatic, dragging him along. 'I failed as your godfather, I failed as your teacher, I failed your father, and your mother. I failed Sarutobi-sensei and I've lost the final legacy of the Senju clan. The only thing I can hope, is that you'll be happy where ever you land, god knows you deserve it' as he was in his train of thought, the sky darkened and rain began to fall. The heavens were crying, the world had lost its champion.
- In a Galaxy Far Far Away -
"Uggg" Naruto groaned as he found himself on a bed in a white, sterile looking room filled with strange looking machines.
'This can't be good' he thought, unable to move his extremities. 'Something tells me I'm not anywhere near where I was'
"I see you are awake sir" a mechanical voice rang out, scaring the wits off Naruto.
Turning around, Naruto caught sight of the most bizarre thing he had ever seen.
The figure was vaguely humanoid, but its "arms" had all sorts of strange tools attach to them.
"Wha-What are you?" Naruto managed to spit out as he caught sight of the thing.
Before the strange machine could answer, a set of doors, which Naruto didn't notice were there, slid opened and a regal, elegant looking girl, about Naruto's age stepped in with an group of girls about her age wearing simple cloaks and a large group of what looked like security guards.
"2-1B Deactivate" the girl said in a soft, yet commanding voice.
Turning to face him, Naruto noticed that her face was white with make up with a red streak on her bottom lip which make her look even more beautiful than she did before. Even though it appeared she wanted to look cold and imposing, Naruto couldn't help be get a sense of warmth and comfort from the girl.
"My name is Amidala, Queen of the Naboo. I would be interested to hear how managed to appear in the Palace of Theed." she asked in a polite, but firm voice.
'Ahhh Damn' Naruto thought as he realized the implications that sentence revealed, 'I'm screwed'
–
Chapter II: Revelations
Naruto laid on his back on a grassy hill on the outskirts of Theed watching the clouds move slowly across the sky.
It had been a six months since his arrival at this strange new world, a hard, confusing six months.
Looking to his right, he saw the figure of a girl around his age, who was fairly average looking wearing ordinary, Naboo style clothing.
Nobody would imagine that the regal, elegant, and intimidating queen would look like this, she appeared to be just a carefree teen.
The queen, whose name he discovered was Padme, had helped him a lot during his stay, arranging people to teach him about the new world he found himself in and in turn he would fascinate her about stories from his home and some of the abilities he had decided to show.
They had grown quite close, Padme seemed to find him fascinating at first, but they soon became closer than one would consider normal especially considering his arrival, after Naruto got over the fact the she was a queen at least.
At first Padme was disgusted by Naruto's world with all the violence, but as time went on, it helped her understand human nature and become less ignorant of the outside world. This view allowed her to grow up in a way which would have not been possible in Naboo's peaceful and controlled world.
Naruto on the other hand, found the new world he was in to be fascinating. There were over a million planets in what was called the Galactic Republic. Naboo itself was only a very minor world in the grand scope of things. The technology was also so much more advanced, it took months for Naruto to grasp the concept, luckily for him he was a quick learner and soon became adequate in his knowledge.
The most interesting thing though, was the tangible energy everywhere Naruto went. In the air, the ground, the plants and people themselves, it was everywhere. While not receiving a lot of training in the field, Jiraiya had still showed him a bit of an art called Senjutsu, or Sage techniques.
It was suppose to be incredibly difficult, an art which few could learn, let alone master. The gathering of nature chakra was said to be incredibly difficult for even the best. In this world however, even Naruto, with his limited amount on knowledge was able to gather a small amount of this energy to augment his abilities slightly.
"The sky is beautiful, isn't it?" Padme suddenly said rolling over to look at him.
"Yeah" Naruto said, "Back in the elemental countries, a friend of mine would spend hours gazing at the clouds."
After the first couple of months, Naruto had began to call his home the Elemental Countries. He found himself becoming more and more at ease with this new world and quite frankly, he preferred it to the Leaf Village.
The people of Naboo, who at first were wary with his close friendship with the queen and his sudden appearance from nowhere (they were told it was via a spacial anomaly), became to enjoy his shining spirit and iron resolve and soon began to ardor him nearly as much as the queen. It was such a change from the scorn he had previous received that he was a bit unnerved at first.
"I can see why" Padme replied softly "Its nice to leave the duty of the queen for a couple hours, to forget about more stressful things in life, even for a short time."
Pulling herself closer to Naruto so that they were almost nose to nose, Padme gazed at his face with a slight blush on her face.
"One could almost lose themselves out here." she finished in a whisper.
"Milady" a female voice rang out, completely ruining the mood "Governor Bibble requests your presence, he says it is urgent."
The young women was dressed in nondescript clothing much like Padme in order to remain inconspicuous. She was one the the queen's handmaidens, and one of the few to have knowledge of the fact that Padme would often leave her duties to relax with in the company of the intriguing foreigner.
Padme sighed as she heard the news, while she loved the duties of the queen and the people of Naboo, sometimes it grated on the nerves.
"Alright Sabe" she said getting up "contact Rabe and Eirtae, tell them to begin wardrobe preparations."
"I already have Milady" Sabe replied with a bow "Also" she began unsure how to word the next sentence "Governor Bibble said that Naruto would be welcome to join if he wishes"
At hearing this declaration, Padme's eyes opened wide. While not against the law, the Naboo royalty were generaly discouraged to seek relationships or even companionship, seeing as it normally interfered with duty.
"I...how?" Padme muttered a range of emotions flashing through he face, embarrassment, anger before settling on confusion.
"He said that 'Even an old man like me can see the obvious'" Sabe replied with a small smile.
This explanation was not entirely entirely true, Sabe had helped push Bibble in the right direction and convinced him that spending time with the strange young man helped benefit the queen. With all the hard work she gave for the people, Sabe felt that the queen deserved some happiness, and as a handmaiden, it was her duty to ensure the queen's protection and happiness.
"Very well" Padme replied, setting herself into the cold mask which was reserved for the duties of the queen. "I assume you have arranged transport?" she asked, though it was more like a statement.
"Yes Milady" Sabe replied with a bow, "this way please"
-(Later)-
Naruto sat off to the side as Padme, no, queen Amidala sat in the throne on inside the place of Theed wearing her usual garb.
The throne room was huge and totally worth of all the important meeting which were held there. It was all stone done in the typical elegant Naboo style. Behind the large desk which was used by the queen was a huge window which gave a breathtaking view of the city below.
Governor Bibble, an older man with slightly receding hair, sat in front of her and looked worried.
"Milad" Bibble began, eyes slightly downcast "I bring terrible news from Coruscant."
"What is it governor?" Amidala asked in a concise voice which rang out through the large stone throne room.
"It's senator Palpatine Milady" Bibble said, sorrow evident in his voice "His ship crashed into the lower levels of Coruscant, his body was found a short while later."
"The senator...is dead?" Amidala asked in shock "H-Has their been an explanation about the cause of the crash."
"The Jedi Order has began their investigation, but there is no word yet" Bibbie said, shaking his head.
"What do you suggest I do?" Amidala asked softly, turning around and looking out the window directly behind her.
"A new senator must be elected" Bibble said firmly, "Naboo's voice in the galactic senate must not be compromised."
"I agree" Amidala said, her brows furrowed slightly "I presume you will make all necessary arrangements."
"Of course Milady" Bibble replied with a bow "Whom shall I place on the ballet?"
"I will leave that for you to decide" Amidala replied "I trust you can handle the task."
"Yes Milady" Bibble said with a bow as he rose from his chair "To the best of my ability" he finished as he gave one last bow and exited the room, leaving the queen and Naruto alone.
"This is terrible" Padme said when she was sure Bibble had left.
Rubbing her eyebrows absentmindedly, she pondered the situation.
It was times like this that she was grateful for the blond which dropped in their lap.
Though he didn't know it, he had taught her so much and even though he could be a block head at times, he was a natural born leader. He brought forth an almost world weary prospective which would be indicative of his world. He had the uncanny ability to make people believe in him. He also allowed her, as much as she hated it, to deal with the idea of death in a better way.
"What do you think I should do, Naruto?" she asked, looking over to the blond who had been unnaturally silent and was wearing a thoughtful frown.
"This Paplatine, he was popular right?" Naruto asked, though he thought he knew the answer.
"Yes" Amidala replied "He helped bring the end to King Veruna's reign, he was quite popular with the people."
"King Veruna" Naruto muttered, "He was the one who started to build up military forces isn't he?"
"Correct" Amidala replied "We of the Naboo do not believe in violence, the police force is a voluntary position, and King Veruna was making us more and more exposed to the outside worlds."
"How long do you think the elections will take?" Naruto asked, mind racing as he thought of various scenarios. Despite how he may have looked back in the Leaf VIllage, he actually had a firm grasp on politics, he wanted to be Hokage after all and they had to deal with scheming politicians all the time.
"A few weeks at the very least" Amidala replied quickly, she too in deep contemplation "the senator represents the entire Chommell Sector, its a job with a lot of responsibility and it will take a while for the people to vote and to get the logistics straightened out."
"The people will not like so easily replacing Paplatine" Naruto muttered, more to himself than anyone else "It is vital for Naboo to have a presence at the investigation."
"What are you suggesting?" Amidala replied, overhearing his mutterings.
"The people of Naboo need the assurance that the investigation is being taken seriously" Naruto began, thinking his idea through "And Naboo needs to make sure its voice is heard by the senate." Here Naruto paused as he pondered whether or not to say the next thing.
"And..." Amidala began, urging him to continue with a slight nod of her head.
"It is my suggestion" Naruto said, his voice growing in confidence "That you should leave for Coruscant."
-Chapter III: Breaking Mainstream-
"You want to do WHAT" a voice rang out through the large throne room of the Theed.
"You heard me Captain Panaka" Amidala replied, once again in her cold mask of the queen.
"But Milady are you sure this is the correct course of action?" Panaka argued, obviously not agreeing with the situation. "At the very least, bring myself and a security detail with you."
"Your presence is needed here Captain" Amidala replied, growing impatient "And remember your place" she added coldly.
"O-Of course Milady" Panaka replied with a bow "I was just concerned with your safety." he added.
"The senate will provide ample security" Amidala replied, feeling a bit sorry for the man "and the jedi have promised protection as well, plus Naruto will be going with. You need not worry"
"Your taking him" Panaka blurted out without thinking "why?"
"He is a trusted adviser" Amidala replied quickly, cheeks blushing slightly, not that you could see it through her make up "and, if you are worried about my safety, you should be pleased that he is coming with, I believe you have...sparred with him before."
Panaka winced slightly as he remember that err...incident.
-R2, activate flashback projector-
Naruto had been in Naboo for about two months and was just beginning to fathom this strange (and admittedly awesome) world he found himself in.
Of course instead of touring the beautiful Naboo city of the Theed, he was standing in front the the head of the security force.
Naruto gave a sigh and thought to himself 'Why am I doing this again...ahhh right, the queen wanted to see some of my abilities.'
"Now" the dark skinned man said, "I will only be using a training blaster, if you wish to surrender, merely say so."
"Yes Sir" Naruto replied with a none to little dose of sarcasm.
With a simple squeeze of the trigger Panaka sent a couple red, low level plasma bolts towards the foreigner.
Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he saw them 'Fast' he thought as he quickly jumped over them with outstanding grace and dexterity.
As soon as he landed, he say a dozen or so more bolds coming at him.
'Wait' he thought, a devilish plan coming to mind as he remembered the lessons he had been taking 'plasma bolts can only be contained through an electromagnetic field, and another plasma weapon can repel them since there will be an opposing electromagnetic field.'
Reading into his pocket he pulled out his sword, sending some chakra into the blade he neatly deflected all the bolts.
'I was right' he thought with a victorious grin 'Since lightning is nothing more than high energy plasma, it has the ability to deflect blaster bolts.'
Deactivating his blade, and noticing Panaka's gaping expression, he sent some chakra to his legs and gave him a nice, hard punch to the head, knocking him out.
-End Flashback-
"I...Remember" Panaka mumbled, embarrassed "Just please stay safe, we cannot afford to lose you too."
"I will" Amidala replied a small smile appearing on her face.
"Milady" another voice cut in "All the preparations are complete"
"Good" Amidala said, at little enthusiasm bleeding into her voice "You are sure you can handle Naboo in the mean time, Governor?" she added, already knowing the answer
"Of course Milady" Governor Bibble replied, "The council and I are prepared and ready"
"I wish you luck" Amidala said, "I will depart then" she finished, leaving Governor Bibble alone to deal with an entire planet.
-In Hyperspace-
"It's nice to get out of that gown" Padme said as she looked down at her simple, yet elegant traveling dress.
She was sitting in the throne "room" in the royal Naboo starship along with her favorite companion, not that she would admit it.
Since only Sabe, Rabe, Eirtae, and Naruto were with her, she was able to finally get out of the monstrosities that were forced upon here, stupid hundreds of years of tradition.
"They do look a tad unwieldy" Naruto replied, amusedly.
"You enjoy seeing me struggle don't you" Padme hissed at him, though there was only a playful note to it.
"Of course" Naruto said, chuckling "Its it quite entertaining to see you try to walk in the things" he finished, a twinkle in his eye.
"Hmph" Padme huffed, annoyed "Thats not very nice you know." she finished pouting.
Naruto just stuck his tongue out in response.
"So, what do you plan on doing once we arrive at Coruscant" Naruto inquired as several seconds of uncomfortable silence passed between them. Being so close for hours had made them a bit embarrassed around each other, Padme'e handmaidens had somehow vanished for the entire journey, leaving them alone.
"I shall meet with the Jedi council and inquire on the progress of the investigation, the next senate meeting isn't for a couple days, so I have time to prepare" she replied.
"Hmmm...the Jedi" Naruto trailed off "If I recall right, they are some interesting people aren't they?"
"Yes" Padme replied, smiling slightly at the blonds ease of which he spoke of such people, but then again, if she had abilities like the blond, she wouldn't see them as anything special either. "They serve as the police force of the galaxy, they are peace keepers, diplomats, and warriors all rolled up into one. They live a minimalistic lifestyle of life to serve the republic."
"Interesting" Naruto replied "But aren't they an organization separate of the senate?"
"They are" Padme said, nodding "But they are highly interwoven with the government as well, they have existed for thousands of years and are known and feared in every reach of the galaxy."
"Milady" The voice of the pilot, Ric Olie echoed through the chamber "We will arrive at Coruscant in two hours, Sabe requests your presence in your quarters for final preparations."
"It seems you have to get ready" Naruto said in a jovial voice, hearing Padme groan in despair.
"But I hate those things" she groaned.
"Now Now" Naruto chided, waving his right index finger back and forth "Do you want to ruin thousands of years of traditions?"
Padme glared at him as she reluctantly got out of her seat, "You can be vindictive when you want to be" she said at the grinning blond.
"You know you love me" Naruto replied with a big smile.
As soon as those words left his mouth, Padme froze "Err.. Y-yeah" she replied leaving the chamber in a hurry.
"What got into her" Naruto said to no one in particular, as he found himself alone in the large chamber.
"Ahhh well" he said shrugging "she must just be nervous, I know I would"
Deciding a quick nap was just what he needed, Naruto too left the chamber and headed to his room, which he had to admit, were very luxurious.
-(Two hours later)-
Naruto had just woken up, taken a shower and changed into a pair of the clothes which had been packed for him, apparently since he was going to be alongside the queen, he needed fitting attire.
He wore a deep, royal blue outer garment with the traditional Naboo style neck piece and wrist cuffs with intricate silver styling all throughout it. Underneath he wore a armored vest, similar to those worn by jounin back in his world, but you couldn't see it. He wore a simple, but well put together black pants with a comfortable and practical pair of boots.
'Not bad' He thought to himself as he looked in the mirror, 'I could do without the overcoat, but at least the rest if fairly practical'
He looked pretty good as well, if he could say so himself, the deep blue of the garment brought out the lighter shade of blue of his eyes.
"Well, this should be fun" he murmured.
Now, Naruto was never one for nerves, but he was about to embark into a world where hundreds of different species lives, it would definitely be an eye opening experience.
"" Olie's voice rang out through his room "We are landing in Coruscant, her Highness Queen Amidala requests your presence at the unloading chamber."
"Well" Naruto said, running hand through his hair "show time"
As Naruto entered the so called "unloading chamber" he caught sight of Padme, err...Amidala along with here three handmaidens.
Amidala was wearing a flowing black gown with intricate gold inlay, which reached down below her feet, which symbolized the feeling of mourning, or thats what he thought anyways.
Her Handmaiden's, Sabe, Rabe, and Eirtae were all wearing deep maroon cloaks which large hoods, a perfect complement to the queens attire.
"Well don't you look sporting" he remarked as he entered the room, amusement running into his voice as he said Amidala clench her jaw slightly at his words. "Are those peacock feathers" he asked, referring to the large feathers which adorned her head piece.
"Yes" Amidala replied, in agitation, though she could feel her face heat up slightly as she caught sight of him, and for the first time, she was happy she wore so much makeup. "You look nice as well" she remarked.
"I do don't I?" Naruto said, looking himself over in an over exaggerated manner "Though I don't see the point of these cuffs" he added, fidgeting with them.
"Its thousands of years of traditions" Amidala reminded him sweetly "and you wouldn't want to do against tradition would you?"
"Of course not" Naruto retorted, deciding to play her game "After all, tradition is what make a culture stand out, and what drives us to a new and better future while staying in tune with the past." he finished, fake pride in his voice.
"Of course" Amidala replied, with more than a little sarcasm "how eloquent of you."
While this banter went back and forth, Sabe smiled, face hidden under her cloak , she knew leaving those two alone for the entire journey was a good idea. She had rarely seen the queen as content as she was right now.
"We have landed, docking doors are opening" Olie's voice rang out, as a ramp lowered, and natural light flooded the chamber.
As Naruto and Amidala heard this, they schooled their features into natural expressions. Joking around in private, or as close to private as they got, was one thing, but they knew they were both going to be in for the test of their lives.
Amidala, with Naruto to her left, and her handmaidens behind her descended off the ramp and towards a person surrounded by his own security force.
"Queen Amidala" a said a man who was wearing an ornate dark blue robe over a black tunic and pants. "I am Chancellor Valorum of the Galactic Senate, I welcome you to Coruscant and offer you condolences, Senator Palpatine was a great man" he finished with a slight bow of respect.
"Thank you chancellor" Amidala replied with a slight incline of her head in return "It am eager to see the progress of the investigation, this is a terrible tragedy for my people."
"Yes" The chancellor began in a sober tone "He was loved by everyone, a better and more honest man, you'll never find."
"Yes" Amidala replied, in a lower tone "Star ships don't just crash for no reason, especially one belonging to a high level official, I wish to see the ones responsible punished." she finished, almost hissing the last part.
"Of Course" Valorum replied a little scared, who would have thought the young queen would be this vicious. "The Jedi council has informed me that they would like to meet with yourself to discuss the investigation."
"A prudent idea" Amidala replied, nodding "The next senate meeting will be in 70 hours, correct?" she inquired.
"Yes" Valorum replied, "Now..for security..." he began.
"I merely need an escort" Amidala quickly responded "I am unfamiliar with Coruscant, and could do with a guide."
"O-Of course" Valorum replied, looking a little flustered "The Jedi have agreed to send a team to guard you and show you around the city."
"That will do" Amidala said after a couple seconds of contemplation "When are they to arrive?"
"Right now, Milady" spoke up another voice as two figures came into view.
Naruto, who had been watching this conversation closely, looked out and saw the two men.
The older of the two looked a little over middle aged with a slightly balding head.
The younger looked around twenty or so, and Naruto noticed both wore simple, nearly identical outfits of a rough looking tunic with a dark brown robe.
"Greeting Milady" The older of the two and obviously the leader said as he stepped forward and gave a large bow. "I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon-Jinn, and this is my padawan learner Obi-Wan Kenobi" he said.
Hearing his name mentioned, the younger man stepped forward and he too gave a large bow and said "It is a a pleasure to meet you Milady"
"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo" she introduced herself, though it was fairly unnecessary "My handmaidens, Sabe, Rabe and Eirtae, and my adviser and confidant Naruto Uzumaki."
"I have been instructed to escort you to the Temple first" the man, Qui-Gon said with another bow.
"I see" Amidala said, relieved to finally get going, though only Naruto could see it in her eyes "Chancellor" she said, turning towards him and giving a slight bow "I appreciate your help, I will see you at the next senate meeting."
"Of course" Valorum replied with a smile, "Ir was a pleasure meeting you, Milady, Master Jedi" he finished, bowing to both parties, before he retreated from platform and entered his ship which took off.
"This way" Qui-Gon said, gesturing towards a similar ship "The transport will take up to the Jedi Temple, it shall only take a couple of moments."
As they took there seats, with Amidala, her handmaidens, and Naruto on once side with the Jedi opposite them, Naruto took the time to study them.
Frankly, they didn't seem like the legends he had briefly read about back on Naboo. He wasn't really getting the vibe of great warrior the the two, but then again, looks could be deceiving.
"I must admit" Qui-Gon said, beginning the conversation "There was quite a stir in the Temple when the communication came in stating the queen was personally arriving at Coruscant to oversee the investigation"
"Senator Palatine was resident of Naboo" Amidala reminded him "He was a national figure and endeared by everyone, I will not abandon his fate after death to those I know nothing of."
"I see your wisdom" Qui-Gon conceded as the cabin fell into an uneasy silence.
As he heard this, Naruto couldn't help but silently applaud Amidala, she had handled that scrutiny excellently.
"Sir" the voice of what Naruto would only assume was the pilot echoed throughout the cabin after five minutes of travel, in which Naruto found himself marveling at the giant city planet "We are entering the Jedi Temple"
"Understood" Qui-Gon said as he smoothed out his robes as Naruto felt the transport descend. "Brace yourself" he warned as Naruto felt the transport activate the anti-grav brakes.
"Please Follow us to the council chambers" Qui-Gon said, getting out of the transport "We were instructed to bring you there with all haste" he added before they all set off at a brisk pace.
-(In the council chambers)-
NOW, Naruto, found himself a bit intimidated, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had left, and he found the twelve Jedi council members to be pretty intimidating.
"Queen Amidala" a green being the about three feet tall and had more winkles and Naruto had ever seen spoke out "Arrived safely you have, warms my heart it does."
"Thank you Master Yoda" Amidala replied "Not that I mind it, but I must admit I am curious, why was there so much haste we arrive here quickly.
"Hmmm, miss nothing you do" Yoda remarked, looking slightly downcast "Found disturbing things our investigation has, like to know we thought you would."
"Disturbing things?" Amidala questioned "What?"
"Do you trust the company you are in" another man who had darker skin and a bald head asked rather bluntly.
"Of course" Amidala replied, with a bit of venom in her voice "I trust each and everyone with my life"
"No harm did Master Windu intend" Yoda said, trying to calm the situation down.
"Inside a statue in the senators quarters an interesting object we found" Yoda said, gravely.
"An object?" Amidala inquired, "What kind of object could get you worried?"
"A lightsaber we found"Yoda said almost growling at the end "A dark lord of the the Sith, we suspect senator Palatine was."
–
-Chapter IV: Shocking Truths-
"WHAT" Amidala said, losing her composure as she heard this shocking news. "H=How is that possible?" she asked, bewildered, of all the revelations she was expecting this was not it.
"A grave matter, it is" Yoda agreed, looking all of his 800 years as he pondered the severity of the matter. "The force, clearer it is now, not so clouded by the dark side.
"Who are the Sith?" Naruto piped in, looking confused. Truthfully, the entire conversation up to this point had been over his head. Most of the time spend on Naboo had been focused on bringing him up to speed and comfortable with the unfamiliar technology. History and foreign culture were still fairly new to him.
As he said this, the eyes of twelve Jedi Masters turned to face him, giving him piercing looks.
"Err.. never mind?" he muttered, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. 'Damn they're creepy' he thought dryly.
Yoda hummed slightly as his attention was diverted to the blond human standing beside the queen like an equal, which was most peculiar. 'Strong in the force he is' he thought himself hearing the Force speak to him 'Most curious'.
"The Sith, thought to have died two thousand years ago they have" Yoda said, focusing more on this blond that had peaked his interest. "Started a terrible war thousands years ago they did. Consumed by the dark side, they are, hate, rage, and suffering, bring, they do. A terrible cult, wrought death and destruction they do."
"Has this information been told to anybody" Amidala asked apprehensively, this is not what she needed. She had thought it would be easy, find the people responsible for the death of the senator, and punished them, then represent Naboo until the next senator was elected. This however, was something which could cause civil war.
"No" Yoda replied, shaking his head and giving the young queen an intense stare as he tried to figure out what she was feeling, "information, harmful it would be to the Naboo, correct? Under obligation to reveal information to the senate, we are not"
"Yes" Amidala replied with a frown and she fully realized the implications of what could happen, "This could destabilize Naboo's position in the senate and cause undo suffering for my people."
"A secret, it will be" Yoda finalized with a nod, surprising the rest of the council, while they technically were able to keep information from the senate, it was frowned upon. "Cause undo suffering, the revelation would."
"Could their be another Sith?" Naruto said speaking up again, stroking his chin "I would find it hard to believe that he would allow his art, his religion to die with him." he concluded, thinking of some of the deranged cults back in his world and shuddering slightly.
"Hmmm" Yoda hummed, diverting his attention to the young man again and taking notice of his attire "Adviser to the queen you are" he noted with a nod, hey being over 800 years old was good for something "Much insight you possess. Yes, since long ago a rule of two was established, the Sith always have a master, and an apprentice they do."
"Then I guess the question is" Naruto said, letting his bangs hang in front of his eyes, giving him a mysterious look "Was that the master, or the apprentice?" he finished finished ominously, flaring a small amount of chakra, causing a slight wind to travel through the chamber.
Yoda chuckled slightly as he tried to shake the slight felling of uncertainty which accompanied the boys words. "Most mysterious you are, young man, Wise beyond your years, are you, young Naruto."
"How do you know my name?" Naruto asked in surprise and more than a small amount of suspicion. This Jedi Master had more knowledge on him and he did on on the Jedi, it was not a feeling which Naruto enjoyed.
"Relayed it was, from master Qui-Gon Jinn " Yoda replied with a small grin, noticing the boys surprise, though he mentally frowned at the thinly guarded suspicion the boy held "The Force, strong it is, but tells us names, it does not."
"Heh, I suppose not" Naruto replied with a alight chuckle trying to alleviate his felling of unease, this frog, thing kinda reminded him of the old Third Hokage back home.
"Have you discovered anything else" Amidala asked, cutting back into the conversation, while she did believe the Jedi, the fact still remained, someone had murdered the Naboo senator. It was her duty to the people of Naboo to see justice served for her people.
"Suspect the organization known as the Trade Federation we do" Yoda said firmly through half lidded eyes, "However, enough evidence to prove we have not." he finished with a small amount of suspicion.
"The Trade Federation?" Amidala questioned, surprised "why would they have anything to do with it?" They were merely a merchant group after all, why murder such a high key official?
"We believe they are planning something" the dark skinned man, Windu informed with a frown "The Neimoidian are cowards, to make a move like this, it's something big."
"I see" Amidala said, rubbing the bridge of her nose, this was a lot to take in and way more than she bargained for.
"Rest, you should" Yoda said gently, taking notice of the young queen plight "much to take in, it is, wait in the hall perhaps while brief Master Qui-Gon we do?"
"Of course Master Yoda" Amidala said with a slightly strained smile and a slight bow as she and her handmaidens twirled around, Naruto lagging slightly behind as he gave one last look at the twelve, powerful and mysterious council members.
-(Outside the Council Chambers)-
"So what do you think?" Naruto asked seriously as they found themselves just outside the doors as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were called back in. "Do you trust there judgment? Are you willing to except what they said about the senator?"
"I am" Amidala said in sadness, "Truthfully, I didn't know the senator very well, Naboo is quite far from Coruscant as you experienced from travel, and the journey is not one which is made often."
"It is rather disturbing though, isn't it?" Naruto pondered "From the vibes I was getting, these Sith were some bad news, to think a public figure like Palpatine could be one...It makes you think."
"It does" Amidala said, looking lost and like the young age she really was "What should I do? Should I tell the people of Naboo? Shall I take the secret to the grave?"
"Telling the people would bring nothing good" Naruto said, though his eyes had a far away look to them as he remembered some past experience, "People need heroes, those they can look up to, to destroy that image, it would be horrible."
"A tragic accident" Amidala said in a somber voice, "That is what we are lowered to, a pitiful excuse to those who know the truth."
"Aye" Naruto agreed "But its a necessary half truth , for the good of Naboo." he justified
"Yes" Amidala said, slight wistfully "For the good of Naboo."
"There is something else thought" Naruto trailed off with narrowed eyes "I can sense it, those Jedi are hiding something, something big, which involves us."
-In the council chambers-
"Masters" Qui-Gon said as he entered the council chambers with a deep bow to the assembled Jedi Masters "What are my orders?" he asked, ruder then would be considered polite.
"Impatient you are, Master Qui-Gon" replied Yoda with a small chuckle as he looked at the middle aged Jedi Master with an unreadable face "Important assignment, you and have padawan have." he informed, still giving Qui-Gon his piercing look.
"Could I assume it has to do with the queen from Naboo" Qui-Gon asked with a raised eyebrow, not showing the council the respect normally shown to them by Jedi Knights.
"Yes" responded Mace Windu with a nod, frowning at the Jedi's obvious lack of respect "We believe that she is in danger, the Trade Federation may try something while she is vulnerable and out in the open"
"Have you told her?" Qui-Gon asked bewildered "If she is in danger, shouldn't she know?"
"So young, the queen is." Yoda said sadly as he thought back to the young, brave, overwhelmed, and frankly if he could say so, scared queen. "Need more trouble, she does not. Speculation, the threat is"
"Also" Windu piped in, frowning slightly as he too thought back to the previous conversation, but he was focusing on a different person "We need you to observe her advisor. Something is...off about him"
"The Blond one?" Qui-Gon asked in surprise, he had met the young man and it didn't appear to be anything amiss "Is he a danger?" he asked, bewildered.
"Vibrant he is, in the force" Yoda said humming slightly in thought, trying to reach out to the Force. "An unknown he is, missed by the Jedi Order for training he was."
"A force sensitive?" Qui-Gon asked in surprise. While of course it was possible a force sensitive was missed, it didn't happen very often, and if what Yoda said was correct, which it undoubtedly was, he was quite powerful.
"Clouded, he is" Yoda growling lowly, brows furrowed as he became frustrated "Future, uncertain it is, watch him you must." he finished, pointing two of his fingers outward at the master padawan pair to enforce the point.
"Of course Master Yoda" Qui-Gon replied, recognizing the dismissal for what it was. He turned around and exited the chambers, Obi-Wan closely following behind looking as confused as Qui-Gon felt.
-With Amidala and Naruto-
Both Naruto and Amidala looked up when the heard the sound of doors opening. Looking backwards, they caught sight of the pair of Jedi which had led them to the council in the first place.
"Milady" The older of the two, Qui-Gon said with a VERY deep bow, Naruto almost wanted to laugh with how stupid it looked "If you with, we can escort you to your hotel."
"Very Well" Amidala said with a straight face, but Naruto, who had gotten surprisingly good at reading her, could tell she too was suppressing a laugh at the terribly deep bow.
Straighting up, Qui-Gon took the lead as he led them through the Temple. "So" he began, unsure how to address the young queen "What do you think of Coruscant?" he asked, kicking himself afterward for asking such a stupid question. He was the one who has rushed them through before they could see much of the city after all.
"Far different from back home" Amidala said with a small sigh, remembering the wonderful grassy plains of Naboo, the while sandy beaches, which she enjoyed to relax on. She had been meaning to take Naruto to one, but had not gotten the chance yet.
Naruto could see the Amidala showing signs of homesickness, and grabbed her hand and gave it a small squeeze, discreetly of course. He had known the feeling just a few short months ago, and she had helped him through it, he could only return the favor.
Amidala relaxed slightly feeling the touch, for some reason she always felt so much calmer when Naruto grasped her hand, though the thoughts of her home kept her mind busy
"I imagine" Qui-Gon replied, not noticing the exchanged going on beside him, "Coruscant, can be overwhelming to those who have never been here before."
"I bet" Naruto cut in, seeing the queen had a far away look in her eye, thinking about something else "There are so many people here."
"Yes" Qui-Gon said as they exited the Temple and got into the same transport which brought them there "Coruscant is strong in the living Force, with so many people living here." he finished looking out a window of the transport and seeing the towering buildings, he could almost small the force in the air.
"You know" Naruto said, dubiously "I've been hearing a lot about this mysterious "Force" and frankly, I doubt it can do all you claim it to."
"You don't believe in the force?" the younger of the two Jedi, Obi-Wan or something said in surprise. To him, seeing someone who didn't believe in something as basic as the force. It was incomprehensible.
"You boast super human insight" Naruto deadpanned, but was careful to say his words in a manner which wouldn't seem TO rude "To some, that might be considered magic."
Qui-Gon chuckled as he heard this "Jedi powers have been called magic by many people, but the Force is what drives all of our powers, it surrounds us and protects us." he finished with passion clearly evident in his voice.
'It seems more like a drug to me' Naruto thought with a frown as he heard the passion in the man's voice 'I NEVER want to have that stuff run through me' the thought with a shiver, 'I might go shouting about the Flames of Youth, or something.'
"I'm...sure" Naruto trailed off, luckily, neither Qui-Gon, nor Obi-Wan noticed his freaked out expression.
"Master Jedi" the voice of the pilot echoed through the cabin, which Naruto noticed was the same as the last trip "We are arriving at the destination, landing in aproximently thirty seconds."
"Thank you pilot" Qui-Gon replied, tapping a button on the wall, which Naruto assumed was some kind of intercom system. "You will be given an apartment at the 500 Rebublica for the duration of your stay, the Chancellor thought they would be the safest and most continent. This transport will be available for your use at anytime, and either myself or my padawan will be available for any duty you desire." he informed informed as the descended into the tall, ornate looking building.
"Thank you Master Jedi" Amidala replied warily "It had been a long day, I am sure everyone wants to just get some rest."
It had indeed been a long day. The sun had completely set by now, and the trip from Naboo had taken a couple days as it was. Plus the disturbing news, Naruto was surprise Amidala was still awake.
"I imagine" Qui-Gon as he led them out of the transport and they were able to fully see the 500 Rebublica.
Immense would be understating it, the thing was HUGE, well over 3000 feet high, it towered into the sky.
"Wow.." Naruto said with a whistle as he looked at the building "Damn, it would stink to fall from the top wouldn't it?" he said, mostly to himself.
"Indeed it would" Qui-Gon said with a brief chuckle "Its over 1000 stories tall, its one of the crowning jewels of Coruscant. Now right this way." he said as he led them towards the entrance and as they entered he steered them into an elevator like contraption.
"Each executive suite has their own turbolift" Qui-Gon informed as they entered a large, elaborate turbolife. Now Naboo had little in the way of tall buildings, so this was an experience not only for Naruto, but Amidala and her handmaiden's as well.
"The lift as been keyed in to allow only a select few people into it." he continued as the life ground to a halt and the doors opened. "As you can see, as we exit the lift, we come to a hallway with a set of doors at the end and another smaller door off to the side, "only you will have the key card, so your privacy is assured. If you need more, myself and Obi-Wan here will be in the side room should you need anything." Qui-Gon finished with a bow as he let the queen and company enter the apartment.
As they entered the room, Naruto couldn't help but whistle in appreciation. There was a large room which had a deck and a couple couches surrounding it. A small, awuare dining table was off to the side with four chairs around it. Letting his legs leading him around he found there were actually three rooms and and two bathrooms of decent size. "This is a pretty nice place." he said, meeting the others back in the main room who had also taking a look around.
"Sabe will bunk with me" Amidala said once she had thought the sleeping arangments out "Rabe, and Eirtae, you two will share the second room, and Naruto can take the third." she finished, nodding to herself.
"That works" Naruto agreed, "And if there is noting else to say, I'm going to bed." With that said, Naruto turned headed towards a room.
"I think we all should" Amidala said, looking at the retreating back of the blond, "Tomorrow we can see more of the city."
-Elsewhere-
"Master" Obi-Wan said as he and Qui-Gon got themselves situated in the room off to the side of the queen apartment. The room was spartan to say the least, and a couple cots were all that were really in there. "Is what the council said true?" he asked, looking confused, he had been unnaturally silent the whole day mulling over the words.
"I don't know" Qui-Gon confessed "The queen and those around her have a clouded future, and an important one ahead of them. But Obi-Wan" he said, looking at his padawan "be mindful of the living force, live in the now, not the future." he warned.
"I know master" Obi-Wan said, his head bowed slightly "But I have a bad feeling about this."
–