As the Times Pass Part 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or The Legend of Spyro they belong to their respective owners.
Remember to read the bottom author's notes.
Tatsuo Pov
I've been blessed these past few years.
Great friends, a new awesome family, and two beautiful and special children.
Later on after the birth of my daughter Sakura our little mister decided to finally grace us with his presence.
Of course he wanted to be fashionably late so he came just around the time everyone was getting to leave at ten o' clock at night.
No one thought twice about staying couple more hours after the little man's hatching, and by eleven thirty just a thirty minutes before midnight…
Flagro Haruno was born.
He was noticeably smaller than his sister, but he however was just as healthy thankfully. He had maroon colored scales along his cheeks, the top of his arms, legs, and feet. His lower cheeks and neck had a dark brown face fin sprouted from each side of them. He also had tiny leathery wings that were maroon in color on the outside, and dark brown inside.
Flagro also had a perfect little tail. Maroon in color in as well with a dark brown fin at the base. A perfect gummy mouth, and to my happiness he had Ardenia's eye color, the beautiful red, gold, and black flecked eyes.
As customary among dragons only Sakura gets the middle name as she hatched first. I can't really say what I feel about that. I know Ardenia doesn't have siblings and thus wouldn't know sibling rivalry well, but I can't help but feel this will just cause problems do the road.
It just gives something for little Flagro to compare himself to herself, and notice the differences.
I know that feeling, and believe me it sucks.
However I do realize that dragons have a completely different culture around this fact, and I'm hoping that if we shower him with enough love, he won't care about that anyway.
I'm not going to make the same mistakes my father made.
My son won't suffer
He won't suffer.
Time has passed, and things couldn't be better.
The nice summer days fill the house with warmth.
The twins are only five months this July, and boy are they on the fast track.
Both are already talking slightly simple words like "Tou-chan, and Kaa-chan or mater, and pater. Words like bye-bye, hi, and all of it was wonderful.
They also walked…
Well sort of…
More like wobbled around on four legs like little chubby baby house pets. But eh it was still precious.
Though I'm guessing that the advanced mental and motor skills definitely come from the dragon genetics. Most human babies at this age can still barely move, much less talk coherently.
Speaking of which…
"Tou-chan scwatch!" Sakura coos as I scratch her scaly back. She aches her little chubby body up to my touch. I couldn't help but give a laugh. She just acted so much like a little kitten sometimes.
I continue to scratch the hybrid on my lap, as I watched Flagro from afar as he chewed on a cushy teddy bear. Rolling around and tumbling on the rug cover floor.
Even at this age their traits are so evident. Sakura's definitely got her mother's inquisitive playful nature. She always climbing up, under, and around things just to find new discoveries (much to Ardneia's and my dismay), and I'd swear she has my knack for sarcasm. Because every time I made a sarcastic remark she laughed.
But interestingly enough she would flip flop between jumping head first into action, and taking a step back and thinking about her next move. Going from foolhardy to calm and collected as she appeared to plan. She was a mixed bag that was for sure.
Meanwhile Flagro seems a lot more gung hoe about things constantly, he jumps in first and thinks later. He also seems to be very determined never giving up trying to get something until he does. Whether it be food or a toy. The boy has drive.
But he is also a bit well "friendlier" than Sakura. Whenever Minato and Kushina come over he runs straight to them happy and cheerful. Meanwhile Sakura liked hang back, and always seemed afraid of new people. They usually had to let her come to them, because if they actively tried to touch her sometimes she'd hiss at them.
I breathed in the fresh air.
These were the days I lived for.
On one of my rare days off. I loved nothing more than spending time with my family. The only thing that could've made it better if Ardenia was here with me. Unfortunately she had "Guardian" business to attend to back at her family home.
Oh well.
I get to hog the time all the time with the kids, and make myself the favorite parent. I smile down at my children.
My mind began to wander to an exciting subject a foot.
The freedom of my children which would be…
Soon.
The mix of charka and magic did not allow for our children to simply have a spell put over them to hide their appearance. Whenever Ardenia had tried, it seems their charka would help over surge their magic and cancel out the illusion frustratingly enough.
Conversely it didn't help matters that charka was barely effective against magical properties, which included bodies with any substantial amount of magic in them. This left me and Minato useless to do anything to try and help.
This problem has led to Ardenia and I having to confine the children strictly to the house and family volcano for the first five months of their lives. Not that either of us are fond of this, but we hadn't been able to figure out anything that would help with the issue.
Apparently according to Fomas the charka in their bodies saw the magic as a type of biological enemy entity that needed to be purged from the body. However since charka pretty much does almost jack shit to magic all that happens is their charka gets powered up and over surges their magic.
Interestingly on side though, is the fact that while magic helps charka, charka does not help magic. Their magical levels fluctuate, and Ardenia worries this will affect their spell casting abilities in the future. The magic imbalance in their bodies is something that recently we've finally been led towards a permanent solution.
Of course it was Minato's idea.
A seal that combines magic and charka to help perfectly balance out these level imbalances. He figures that combining both would be our best shot at helping the twins. So who am I to judge against a world renowned seal master? I trust my friend's judgment with my life.
Once Minato and Ardenia finish that binding seal that keeps their appearance at bay. I'll be able to take the children out on my own. I won't have to wait for Ardenia to get home, or be available, and there will be less windows for accidently reveals.
We could really have some fun.
But for now might as well begin my evening workout.
"Okay little hatchlings whose ready for a bath" I announced ready for the exercise.
I laughed internally as the twins ears simultaneously pricked up, their eyes widened, bodies stiffed, and…
1
2
3
They're off!
"Let the chase begin!" I shouted aloud snickering as I chased two chubby fleeing babies around the home.
It had been a strange, strange day.
I was in central Konoha. Visiting the park with Sakura having a sort of daddy daughter day, while Ardenia spent the day with Flagro who was proving to be quite the momma's boy.
And I would know. I was one myself.
With the seal on her lower back finally functional and applied I was able to disguise Sakura myself and take her out to have some fun…
Then by chance I ran into my father.
And boy that was a confrontation I would easily want to go back in time and erase.
Of course the typical implications and berating's came along with a sorry interaction with him.
"I still don't know what that Ardenia woman sees in you lad"
"Sakura pudding looks just like her thank kami!"
"When are you going to grow up, finally become a real man and get promoted, you already managed to do everything else right somehow. So just get on with it!"
But I stayed fortuitous through it all for one reason, and one reason only.
My father adored Sakura.
As odd as I thought it seemed. Despite our own relationship still being very chilly. He doted on her something fierce. He didn't even dote on Puraido's and Duraibo's two bratty sons, or Flagro who he mostly seemed indifferent towards, as much as he doted on Sakura.
He even had an affectionate nickname for her "pudding".
I still can't fathom it, but he makes Sakura laugh so what can I do but bear and grin it?
I turned towards my father to see him lightly toss a laughing Sakura back up and down in the air. Her bubbly laughter filling the air along with his own gruff scratchy laughs.
Besides I had to admit it was nice to see a genuine smile light up my father's face. He hadn't smiled this much since Okaa-san passed.
"Her smile and laugh reminds of her, ya know?"
I turned my head sharply towards back towards my father wondering if I misheard those reverent whispered words, but by the time I did he was already walking further ahead of me. His face I little tighter than it had been before.
I'm never letting the twins over my to see my brother's ever again.
I still can't believe I even let father talk me into this. While Otou-san and I were at least now on civil terms. The same could not be said for my brothers and me.
Lord kami did I hate them.
I should've let Ardenia come with me like she offered. But nope I had to be the martyr and say no.
Those two monstrous sons of theirs are so self-destructive it's almost comical.
"So little bro those are your seeds huh? Honestly they don't look like much. I mean look at how scrawny the boy is compared to his sister! Hah!" Puraido laughed mockingly rocking back and forth on the couch mockingly. He pointed at our children who all sat in the crib in the middle of the family area.
"Yeah you're right bro, they look like they couldn't even beat our sons in a napping competition!" Duraibo ever the follower said tailing not too far behind comment wise.
It took every ounce of my shinobi training, and severe tongue biting to not get up and slap the shit out of them. However I held my tongue with all my might, because I know that's exactly want they want me to do.
Instead I went with a rebuttal.
"At least my children will actually have the brains not to run into something so visible it takes up the whole house. Unlike your son Puriaido who I distinctly remember running face first into a wall earlier only to get up and do it again" I replied only feeling a marginally guilty for talking about my nephew in such as manner.
Puraido growled raising up. However Jinin actually rose up and held him back. Releasing an exasperated breath as she did so.
"Really Puraido calm down. I'd rather not have to break up a fight with all of the children in such close proximity" Jinin stated glaring at both of us. Usually I would be spared from her exasperated glares, but then again I did just call her son stupid…
Surprisingly though, at least to me Puraido actually listened to her and sat back down angrily. Duraibo simply raised his fist at me glaring while Nezumi sighed into her hands.
This was turning out to be the pleasant family day huh?
The silence in the room lasted a long time. Such a long time in fact it felt like time itself stopped.
Though for me it ended when I heard my children crying.
I quickly fled over to the crib to see the two brats pulling on Sakura's delicate hair as Flagro was doing his all-out best to get one of them off his sister. Tears of frustration evident as he pulled with all his might.
I quickly maneuvered trying to quickly but carefully remove the two sons hands from my daughter despite me wanting to be anything but civil to them. I had to remind myself that they were still babies and that was I still their uncle.
Whether I liked it or not.
"Good job Saiko! That's right already learning when to put others in their place!" Puraido said congratulating his son for his thuggish behavior.
"Same for you Shori, show 'em what you've got!" Duraibo encouraged as well actually getting up walking over to the crib and cheering his son on.
Jinin and Nezumi however quickly apologized and as fast as they could. Came to help me pry their sons off my children. At least these two had brains if anything I feel sorry that they gave birth to these little monsters.
So much for improving familial relations.
I'm never doing that again.
Being civil is so overrated sometimes.
The day I met the other Guardians was something I wasn't going to forget.
Not by a long shot.
I still remember the titillation I felt when Ardenia barged into our bedroom. Telling me it was time to meet her comrades, as they wanted to meet our children, and see the future Fire Guardian. So faster than a speeding kunai we were back at the volcanic home waiting for their arrivals.
Only Fomas was present along with Ardenia this time. I guess because of some it was some sort of formality to her being here.
Well that and she told me the rest of the family was in the away trying to belabor Uro's return.
I make a mental note to remind myself to get a gift basket for Carbunculus and his family.
We sat with the children behind the barrier field waiting for their arrival. A nice completed picnic lay under us, as Sakura and Flagro now free to be in their birth forms tussled with each other on the blanket like a wrestling kitten and puppy.
Even Tarandrus was lying down close by with us but this time he wasn't alone. A chestnut with doe with dark brown spots pebbled around her body, and with bright sky blue eyes was by his side, who assuming the pregnant belly was more likely than not his mate.
Ardenia explained to me that Legato's were a hereditary position as well in her society. So within a month Sakura would have her Legato as well so they could grow up together.
Of course I had to ask how that was possible because Tarandrus was the same age as her and while yes I know he is magical, it sure didn't look like his mate was.
Which Ardenia did confirm that no she wasn't.
Then Ardenia said that like the Guardians Tarandrus doesn't have children until she herself does. So Tarandrus simply never looked for or took a mate until she did.
"That's one of the reasons he likes you so much Tatsuo. Thanks to you he was finally able to pursue any romantic interests he had" Ardenia said giggling with a blush. No doubt embarrassed she made her friend wait so long.
I laughed along with her, but still had to stop and marvel at the self-control Tarandrus really had. I mean to go nearly two hundred years with no sex or female interaction at all?
That stag had the resistance of a finely tuned rock.
I wrapped my body over Ardenia's, and Fomas was laid down in dragon form behind us. Moving her snout very gently towards her grandchildren. Who upon noticing their obaa-chan's nose, hustled over to it wobbling all the while.
"Avee, Avee" Sakura called scooting over to her grandma.
Despite all the climbing all over her nose and playing with her snout not once did the smile ever leave Fomas' face.
It was a comfortable silence for the next ten minutes, nothing but children's laughter, and soft breathing could be heard in the air.
But then the silence was interrupted by the ground shaking, and the sight of pebbles bouncing with the ground. The doe beside Tarandrus flinched for a moment, before Tarandrus calmed her down.
Ardenia slowly got out of my embrace (much to my dislike), and went full dragon. Easily reminding me that in her true form she towers over almost all the buildings in Konoha combined.
However that didn't compare to my feelings of inadequacy once I saw the constantly mentioned but priorly never seen four Guardians in all of their glory.
Ardenia walked over to them talking in Latin. Of course by now I understood a few words, but all I managed to hear was "welcome", "It's a nice day", and…
"You weren't joking about this huh? Disgraceful"
That sentence struck a painful cord with me, but I stood strong and simply hoped I hid my hurt well from my face. The perpetrator of those words appeared to be the yellow, black, and neon blue dragon who appeared to be hanging back the most. A sour look evident on its face.
Though the sour look could be more because of the growls both Fomas, and Ardenia let out. No doubt in warning. I couldn't be happier to have these women on my side.
I went to pick up the startled children, and walked over to the Guardians, and tried to talk but ended up doing nothing but staring in awe. Along with my children I'm sure.
Suddenly the white and silver dragon looked down at me, and actually gave a smile.
"Well, well what's the matter human? As your kind says does the felidae have your lingual papillae?"
"uhhhh…yes? Huh? I think?" I replied confused slightly at the odd wording of that phrase. The voice was light and airy it seemed to hold a certain freedom, and wisdom at the same time. However it appeared deep enough to be a male voice.
"Oh Aerius you always were overly articulate" The largest green, brown, grey colored dragon said sounding exasperated. The deep baritone easily letting me know this was a male.
"Yes Aerius aside. It's a pleasure to meet the human who charmed our Ardenia. Now we can finally go have our own damn children!" The blue, purple, teal, and yellow dragon said rolling its eyes. Although going by the voice I would guess this was a female.
"Oh shut up you! Anyway Tatsuo amor. This is the rest of the Guardianship" Ardenia laughs standing in front of the flight.
With her right forepaw she gestures to the first dragon. The silver and white one. The dragon had a smile on his face. His hooded silver eyes were serene. I can just feel his easy going air, and it's comforting. His white horns were very wavy looking like a moving snake that froze in place. Then there was long floppy white pointed ears, which constantly appeared to be drooped down.
He had wispy like whiskers that billowed down his face, along with a white beard that hung from the tip of his jaw. He was littered with silvery white feathers on the back of his jaw, elbows, and balls of his hind feet, which turned golden on their tips. Along with three prominent similar feathers that hung over the top of his head, before where his mane started.
He even appeared to have silver windy looking markings on his body similar to Ardenia's flame patterns.
He was quite different from the other dragons. The main thing I'm noticing is his lack of wings. However I had a feeling that it didn't inhibit his ability to fly one bit. His body shape was different as well. Long, sleek, and slender instead of robust and powerful. He also had long toes, and long nails that resembled talon like claws similar to an eagle or falcon.
I noticed that the scales on the top of his fore and hind paws appeared much harder and were a dark gray color.
He had a long light silver mane that sky that had grey highlights that stretched from the top of his head to the near the bottom of his tail. His tail was also an impressive display of white and golden feathers.
All in all he was quite the majestic creature.
"Tatsuo this is Aerius the Wind Guardian. He rules the area I believe you call The Land Hidden in the Sand." Ardenia introduced formally.
"Hello my friend, we should hang out sometime. You seem like a trust worthy lad if you've kept us a secret this long. Along with putting up two rambunctious baby wyrmlings" Aerius laughed jovially smiling down at Sakura and Flagro.
"Gah, petty!" Sakura screamed waving her little chubby arms towards Aerius.
"Oh, hello young wyrmling!" Aerius said giving Sakura the tiniest of nuzzles with his great snout.
Ardenia smiled before moving on the next dragon. Definitely the largest in the bunch. Heck he actually towered over the entire volcano itself not to mention the other Guardians as well.
He was the size of a mountain. He had a rocky texture appearance to himself. His bold dark green eyes were full of wisdom. He definitely gave off the strong silent type vibe.
He was a mix of grays, browns, and a mossy green. He had a rocky dark gray beard that resembled a stalactite at the tip of his jaw. His horns resembled those of a male ram, and they were the same dark gray his beard were. The same type of rock shapes stuck out from the end of his jaw as well. Oddly enough I couldn't see any then that remotely looked like an ear on him.
His elbows were covered in a mossy like grass, but lighter, kind of like green fungi. His back was aligned with rocky spikes and pebbles that trailed all the way down to his tail. The rocky spikes were the same dark gray as his beard and horns too.
Although the spotted pattern on his scales under the spikes were actually a pine green.
His wings were massive as if he wasn't big enough, the wings made him look even bigger. They were a stony dark brown along with his wing claws, with the inner actually the same pine green as his spots.
The color of his main body was the same stony colored dark brown. Similar to the mountains I remember seeing Iwa (before things got really sour) interestingly enough. His under scales were a lighter more sandy beige/ brown color. His claws were also the same gray as his spikes and horns.
Though by far the most intimidating thing on this dragon was his tail. The base of the tail formed instead into a natural mace. Towards the end the top spread out to make room for the large circular under tail that was covered in gray spikes.
Definitely didn't want to be on the wrong end of that thing!
"This love is Montosus the Earth Guardian. He reigns in the area called the Land Hidden in Stone…umm..." Ardenia stated awkwardly trailing off. Realizing Konoha didn't exactly have the best relationship with Iwa at the moment.
Not that I really cared. It's been five years, pretty of time to cool down. At least for me I'm not one to hold a grudge.
"Nice to meet you Montosus." I said giving the best bow I could holding two little ones.
"Pleasure we should meditate sometime. I feel that can be the best way to get to know somebody" Montosus stated short and concisely his booming deep baritone voice.
"By the way glad to see your children are quite healthy. I must admit I worried about the success of human and dragon hybrid children. But sometimes it's nice to be proven wrong" Montosus said smiled looming over me casting a shadow over half the field.
Ardenia gave another appreciative smile towards her friend.
"Big! Oh! Hi!" nearly everyone laughed as Flagro said three words a mile a minute. Sakura however was obviously feeling more intimidated as snuggled closer into my shoulder.
I just smiled like Aerius this guy just exuded a comforting aura. Despite the fact his voice felt like it literally shook the air around me.
Ardenia moved over to the aquatic looking blue dragon, and wrapped an entire forearm around her.
"This here is Unda my best friend…at least in dragon terms. She is the Water Guardian, and actually guards both the seas and the area in the Land Hidden in the Mist" Ardenia announced tugging Unda close to herself before playfully pushing her to the ground.
Unda…this was our children's secondary godmother after Kushina!
"Well I see you have changed at all. I thought motherhood would make you act less like an annoying young wyrm!" Unda laughed getting into a playful crouching position similar to a cat.
"Oh please darling don't start you couldn't handle the heat" Ardenia quips back just as swiftly.
"Ugh when you're right, you're right Ari. Divus you know I hate being near these hot places" Unda whined playfully although from her panting there was definitely a grain of truth there.
Getting a closer look at her it was interesting to note she was the second smallest of the flight. Only beat out by the one hanging in the back…
That aside her aquatic origin was so evident in everything about her. She had purple eyes and two huge blue and purple fins on both sides of her face. Both at the top and end of her jaw. I could also tell that these fins also functioned as her ears judging by the very small holes I could make out in the center of them. Her teal horns were very reminiscent of a narwhal's horn. Straight out, sharp, and spiraling.
The top of her head actually had an esca and "fishing rod" just like the angler fish. It had a light yellow glow to it. Unda also had webbed feet and gills on the each side of her neck. Although but gills were tightly shut. I guess to allow her to breathe on land.
The main colors of her body were dark blue. Her under scales though were teal in color and seemed to have an almost glowing like quality to them. Her claws were the same teal too.
Her wings looked like giant fins, however instead of delicate they seemed to have the same property as whale or shark fins. Strong and aerodynamic most likely her fins allowed for both swift sea maneuvering and aerial flight. The outside of her wings were the same dark blue as her body, and the inside was lighter purple color.
Her tail was similar to a dolphin tail. It was also dark blue with purple coloring near the base of it. No doubt it let her make powerful turns under the water. She also had a row of purple fins running down from the top of her head to the base of her tail, and on her elbows and ball of her feet.
She too had teal water looking patterns that trailed her back like Ardenia, Montosus, and Aerius.
However the most eye catching thing about Unda were her bioluminescent spots. Her back, fore and hind legs, and snout all had bioluminescent yellow spots, within purple patterns. That even in this broad daylight I could still see their slight glow.
I could only imagine what she looked like under deep, deep, water.
"Nice to meet you Unda, glad I'm not the only one Ardenia annoys to death"
Unda laughed as Ardenia sent me a playful glare.
"Well, well a sense of humor I like it, and to think I thought Ardenia lost her mind when she told me she mated and conceived with a human. Eh you don't seem that bad" Unda said I think giving me a compliment?
"Thanks?"
"Oh but by the way on a serious note if- you even think of hurting my best friend or her children in any way- "
"You'll bite off my balls, and make me eat em?"
"Not quite what I was gonna say, but I like that idea better! Wait…how you had kno-"
"Believe me Ardenia's amita Glisca already gave me that talk"
"Well she was always very wise"
"If that's what you want to call that then sure I guess"
Unda just laughed again but this time we almost all joined.
Unda was definitely my favorite out of them so far. I loved finding anyone who could match me in my banter.
Though I was dreading this next introduction.
The air became silent and cold, even my children could feel it as Sakura cuddled into me even harder, and the every friendly Flagro quieted down.
Ardenia simply walked up the dragon hiding in the background, and sharply jabbed her forepaw into it. The dragon let out and angry growl and hiss, before turning to face me with a face of disdain.
"Tatsuo…this is Fulgur. The Lightning Guardian he guards the area around the Land hidden in the Clouds" Ardenia said slowly though the heavy irritation and layered warning in her voice was very obvious.
Fulgur despite being the angriest and least friendly was ironically the smallest and thinnest. He was shorter than Unda, but his body shape heavily reminded me of a cheetah so I'm guessing he more built for speed over strength.
He had a sharp under bite his lower jaw heavily protruding out a very sharp chin. His black horns looked like lightning bolts themselves with their crooked form. His sharp neon blue eyes, held a coldness to them that honestly seemed unnatural.
His main body was yellow, while the under scales were the same black color as his horns, but they were outlined by neon blue highlights.
The spikes that went down his back to his tail all look like miniatures versions of his horns. Though the black spikes, were highlighted with the same neon blue color as his eyes. His long sharp claws were also a heavy black as well.
His tail which appeared to end with a side edged black blade with the neon blue at the base that heavily reminded me of some lightning rods I've seen, looked as if it would cut through any tree with ease.
I tried not to picture me in the tree's place.
His swift looking jagged wings were yellow on the outer side, and black in the interior, a similar neon blue lightning bolt pattern showing up from the bottom of the wings interior.
Though the biggest eye catcher for this guy, was the neon lightning bolt pattern that began at his eyes and trailed all the way down to the base of his tail.
His design sure enhanced the speed I had to imagine he had. However all I'm hoping if he doesn't use that speed to kill me.
All Fulgur did in response is continue to growl.
Then unfortunately he opened his mouth.
"Ardenia by far this is the dumbest thing you've ever done. It defies the laws of nature. Thos-those things shouldn't even exist" Fulgur grumbled glaring down at the children and myself.
I glared back and tightened my grip on my whimpering children to my chest. If he was picking a fight I certainly wasn't going to be a coward and fail my children.
But before anything could come to blows…
Ardenia tackled Fulgur and pinned the smaller male to the ground.
"Don't you dare Fulgur! It was my decision and if I trust Tatsuo shouldn't that be enough for you? What has he even done so far to earn you ire?! And if you ever talk about my wyrmlings like that again, I'll make sure you join Diabolus in Infernum!" Ardenia roared as the other Guardians looked at Fulgur disappointed, and Fomas went into an attacking position.
"Fulgur…please comrade while I can understand your unease with Tatsuo, you should trust Ardenia's judgment here. She was always good at reading others, and to bring the children into your rant is quite uncalled for" Aerius said sounding like a disappointed father scolding a child.
"I agree with Aerius, Fulgur the comment about the children was unnecessary they are innocent in all this" Montosus agreed a frown now on his maw.
"Yeah Fulgur I know you're always the blue oni to Ardenia's red but that was low even for you" Unda said with a fierce glare.
Fulgur did nothing but continue to growl, and actively struggle against Ardenia's hold.
"You're all in insane this could only spell disaster for us to come! We were never supposed to intermingle with these creatures in the first place! Who knows the consequences of this action! What it could mean for us?! For everyone we know!" Fulgur shouted roaring but as he continued to talk his words became quieter and quieter.
Everyone even Ardenia and I shared uncertain glances at that. Because as much as I hated to admit it. He did have a point…
After all who's to say that in the future I or my children won't slip up…
"I just to want anyone to get hurt from this. I just don't want anyone hurt…"Fulgur finished finally collapsing from his halfhearted struggling. I noticed Ardenia's eyes softening along with the other Guardians.
So at least he meant well with all of this…
"Fulgur…you reasoning is valid but your methods are skewed. When the consequences come from this action, because you are right there will surely be some. We will deal with it accordingly. Besides how much longer can we as a magical community really stay hidden?" Fomas began to say walking over and bending down to look at the still pinned Fulgur.
"More and more we've had to erase the memories of humans who've spotted magical creatures, more and more slip ups, and close calls have happened as the humans have become more aware of their world. One day it will all come to head on way or another there is no denying it" Fomas continued on closing her eyes in thought.
"But who's to say they won't surprise us? Sure there will always be some humans who will not like our presence. However that isn't to say there won't be any more humans like Tatsuo here who is just fine with us" Fomas finished turning to give me a genuine smile.
I didn't even try to stop the tears that flowed from my eyes at her approval.
"Tou-chan? Don't cwry!" Flagro said wiping my cheeks, along with the also scared and teary eyed Sakura who also despite her own obvious fear still tried to comfort me.
I just smiled at them both. They were too precious for their own good.
Fulgur didn't respond to Fomas as Ardenia finally let him up. He simply gave everyone a regarding look before taking off. Spreading his wings he flew straight up into the air leaving a spread of static in his wake.
I don't think that ended all too well. But at least I still had some support.
I really need to get Fomas a gift sometime though.
It was nice to see good interactions between my children and others. I couldn't help but sigh as I watch my family from the kitchen.
Today we had a couple of guests in house today. The recently given birth Mikoto Uchiha and the heavily pregnant Kushina sat on our couch along with Ardenia, Sakura, and Flagro who of course had their seals charged up.
Flagro was crawling around on the floor exploring safe nook and crannies that we allowed him to find. Meanwhile Sakura was being held up by Ardenia as she moved her little legs on top of her Kaa-chan, who sat in the middle of the couch flanked by the other two mothers.
However Sakura's attention was actually mostly focused on the young baby Uchiha nestled in his mother's arms.
Little Sasuke Uchiha had been born only two weeks ago on July twenty third. The tiny babe looked exceptionally like his mother. Definitely having her softer features compared to the sharp angular features that Itachi had gotten from Fugaku.
He was quite the quiet baby, though I hear that's common among their clan.
"Bi-biby! Teeny!" Sakura squealed waving her arms towards the baby. Sasuke just stared back with wide eyed curiosity.
"Hi! Hi biby I'm mmm Sakura" Of course Sasuke couldn't respond but a tiny smile appeared on his face.
"My, my Ardenia such a smart set of children you've got here! Already talking and crawling efficiently at just six months old. I'd never even known such a thing was possible." Mikoto complemented impressed as she moved Sasuke a bit closer to my curious baby girl.
"Yeah it's quite something huh? Guess I got lucky" Ardenia responded sharing a conspiratory look with Kushina, just laughed in response.
"Yup! My god children are smarties alright, plus they're good practice. For what's to come I babysit them anytime I get the chance." Kushina said with a motherly expression on her face, as she used one hand to rub Sakura's head, and the other to rub her belly.
In that moment I swore I saw a flicker of sadness flash through Kushina's eyes. But I hope I just imagined that. I know there could be problems with the Kyuubi in her stomach, but I just hoped everything went smoothly.
It was nice seeing Kushina and Minato this happy and excited. I didn't want anything to ruin it for them.
"Though I think little Flagro and Naruto will be the best of friends. That baby seems to be as restless as the little guy in my stomach. Always kicking and tumbling around" Kushina remarks with a smirk.
"Hopefully all of our children will be good friends. Sakura especially seems to be taking an interest in little Sasuke here" Ardenia noted smiling at our daughter who was still looking at Sasuke.
"Oh do I smell wedding bells?" Mikoto joked playfully, as they all burst into laughter.
I however didn't find that joke very funny. My baby girl did not already need to start being paired off.
However the women just seemed to find my expression funny and began to laugh harder.
"Ugh" I said as I went to pick up get Flagro out of a corner he got stuck in.
"We're outnumbered by all the girls huh?"
"Gah!"
"That's right we'd better stick together huh?"
"Ah!"
"That's my little man!"
October tenth.
It started just like any other ordinary day.
Ardenia had left recently as she and her family had gotten word that her father had be sighted over in the Land Hidden in the Sand somewhere. She hesitantly left hoping to finally to be able to tell him about his grandchildren in person.
"Hopefully I won't be gone long love. I just can't let this opportunity pass me by"
"I understand anata don't worry I can take care of Sakura and Flagro just fine"
"Just in case though Tatsuo, you don't mind if I send Tarandrus over here to help out?"
"Not at all. Tarandrus is cool but isn't he busy with his own son now. What was his name?"
"Ramus, but Tarandrus assured me his mate will watch him."
"Ok, now go and find your Otou-san I know you've been dying to talk to him"
"Arigato Tatsuo"
That had been yesterday, and since then I hadn't gotten any word back from Ardenia. But I went under the philosophy "no news was good news". Plus my wife was a giant dragon so I think she could take care of herself.
Tarandrus had indeed come over but this time I let the stag inside, we chatted about mundane things as the day went on and everything was going well…
Then night came…
And the sky was filled with screams, fire, death, and destruction.
Out of my window I could see it looming over the village.
The Kyuubi was free…
Author's Note: HAHHAHAHA I'm evil have a cliffhanger!
Whew this was probably my longest chapter to date but there were certain tidbits I had to explain. Plus I finally got to include the other Guardians. This chapter had a LOT of set up, even more than the previous chapter, and many things in this chapter will crop up in the story again so be on the look out!
I wanted to make sure everyone got there chance to shine this chapter, and to show that my characters all had different sides to them. The Senbi scene was actually my favorite to write. Closely followed up by the early Team 7 meeting you cannot convince that these three were not all together some point canonically when they were babies, born or not! It was too good of a scene to pass up.
Now for the Lore Tidbits:
Draconic Pregnancy: This was something I meant to mention in the previous chapter, but I figured the more meaty explanations deserved that slot.
Anyway draconic pregnancies and symptoms all differ depending on the type of dragon. So fire dragon symptoms usually include cool downs, lack of energy, and noon sickness instead of morning.
Conversely a pregnant Lightning Dragon's symptoms would be too much energy, constant electric jitters (think of it as that feeling when you hit your funny bone), and loss of speed.
Although symptoms that all dragonesses share not matter what element include: increased territorial tendencies, needing to nest, usually going to nest alone, and staying near the eggs 24/7, to the point of nearly being in a state of hibernation around them.
The Guardians: Yes more, and more got revealed about the Guardians and magical world in this chapter, and there is still more to explore. However do note they all share the similar elemental markings, and like Ardenia the others also have Legato's we just haven't met them yet.
However the biggest thing to pay attention to his their attitudes and temperaments. Remember what I said about how the oldest and fire Guardian typically has the most authority among them? Well now this chapter displays a bit about how that works and the positives and negatives that come with it.
It shows that for the most part the Guardians follow Ardenia unquestioningly, but we also see where the Defiance is displayed. I'll state here that any sort of defiance of the leader in the Guardianship is not allowed…
Unless it is WELL INTENTIONED. Only acts of defiance with a purpose is allowed. Disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing or to try and make the leader look incompetent is generally looked down upon, and something most dragons do not tolerant. This is only allowed if the leader ever becomes a tyrant of sorts.
This is important please make a note of it!
Charka and Magic: It is important to note that Charka can effect magical creatures but to do so. A. It must be extremely strong, used by someone incredibly powerful. B. Aimed at the correct weak spots. And finally C. The person using Charka must be able to fight for a long while. Especially if they are not aiming at the proper weak spots, and even when aiming at the correct weak spots it would no doubt take a LONG time to bring the opponent down.
For example in an earlier chapter I said that Minato's Rasengan was effecting Ardenia.
Which was true but while it was powerful enough to make her feel a minimal amount of pain. He made one would be fatal mistake; not aiming at her correct weak spots. It would take him hours probably even days to bring Ardenia down that way. Especially since of course she is retaliating back, and even if he aimed at her weak spots it still would take him a long time, and Ardenia sure as hell would've been prepared for that!
Plus it's also interesting to note that for a moment Kushina had more of an effect on Ardenia anyway with her Charka chains. I'll just say go back and reread the prologue and trust me you'll figure out why ;).
The main point is magic/ magical items will always be more effective and efficient against magical beings and creatures than Charka ever could. Heck magic even helps Charka become better in the case of a magic/ charka fusion.
But anyway if that's too confusing think of it like Pokemon.
Magic against Magic= It's super effective!
Magic against Charka= It's super effective!
Charka against Magic= It's not very effective…
Charka infused with Magic= ?
*New Edit*So since Sakura and Flagro have both charka and magic it messes with the balance even more. That's why even Minato can't do much work with his non lethal charka to help disguise them*
Finally one more important note:
The reason magic generally has the upper hand over Charka is that magic CANNOT run out! It is not like normal Charka (so not including the tailed beasts or any god charka) in that there is no real limit to it, because unlike Charka magic is an innate source in their body that can't run out. Magical beings bodies are nearly completely surmised with magic in some way.
Sure it gets significantly weaker as the being gets closer to death, whether that be in a fight or naturally. But the point still stands that a dying fire dragon could still kill someone with a small magical last ditch effort explosion.
Whereas a downed shinobi would have to have thought ahead enough to plan something like that, and save enough charka to let that happen. If they had not charka left, were downed, had no man made body bomb, and were still alive.
They would not be able to take their opponent with them. They would be too spent and noting would come from one last feeble attempt, unlike a dying fire dragon. Who's death explosion can cover a mile radius.
This is be explained in more detail later!
*Also note that in the phrase Aerius says Felidae is the scientific name for the cat family, and lingual papillae is the scientific word for tongue and taste buds. I think you all know what he is saying there ;). Also remember italic words are to show a past event, and sometimes for emphasis. But mostly it's the former.
Voice cast for the chapter: Montosus would sound like Goliath from Gargoyles the Disney series. Aerius would sound either like Dumbledore (The one from the Goblet of fire onwards) or Gandolf from Lord of the Rings. I'm still deciding about Unda and Fulgur, if you guys have any ideas I'd love to read them in the comments!
Anyway here are the Japanese and Latin Translations for this chapter!
Infernum (In-fur-num)- Is one of the Latin words for Hell.
Diabolus (Di-a-bowl-us)- one of the Latin words for Devil/ demon.
Flagro (F-la-grow)- Is the Latin word for Flare.
Ramus (Ra-moose)- Is one of the Latin words for Branch or Antler.
Amita (Ah-me-ta)- One of the Latin words for Aunt.
Fulgur (Full-gore)- Is the Latin word for Lightning
Unda (Uoon-da)- One of the Latin words for water.
Aerius (Ah-air-a-use)- One of the Latin Words for airy, or air.
Montosus (Mon-toe-soos)- the Latin word for Mountainous.
Saiko- the Japanese word for supreme.
Shori- the Japanese word for victory.
Anyway FusaoKairi out! Please Read and Review!
