Um... Hello everyone. Wow, it has been a long time hasn't it I haven't seen you guys in quite a while. I apologize for not updating quicker, but... well Real Life is a pain. And now that the Summer is over, time is even more constrained. I noticed that I'm not the only author who's dropped below the radar for a while now. Hopefully this chapter, and subsequent updates make up for it. Now before I continue, let's take a look at some reviews:
1TroublesomeGuy: Ha, I somehow don't think he'd be happy about that.
Scotty77: Glad to hear it.
Baron von Nobody: Thanks. I am going to have some fun with Yue, when he does eventually appear. It won't be what anyone is expecting!
Dragon and Sword Master: Yes, Mist would love to get Naruto alone to have a... chat with him. Also, yeah, I noticed that when I get into 'the zone' I get a little over ambitious and don't check as well as I should. As for whether they live or die... I'm bouncing both ideas around.
drake202: I figure I will have Naruto learn to use the cards in such a way, but not for a while, that'll give him something to learn during those training arcs.
with an m16: Yeah, I like writing Wave, and she's definitely the most happy go lucky of all the cards. Kakashi cares for his students, equally. No favoritism here!
9foxgrl: Thanks. What! Who told you... I mean... I have no idea what you're talking about.
CalcBoy91: I actually don't plan on having Watery show up this arch. And Mist has always been able to do that. In Card Captor Sakura, Sakura uses them Mist to eat through solid steel bars, so that power is canon.
Toria-Neko: Yes. A walking target surrounded by people who have no idea what's coming.
YoukoTaichou: Really? I suppose, I always picture Armstrong from FMA.
The Keeper of Worlds: Thanks. Yeah, Mist doesn't play around.
Sekishiki: Well welcome aboard! I don't have much of a pairing in mind right now, but Tomoyo was sort of a cameo thing. I don't plan on pairing her with Naruto.
Animeguy1101: Good job, you got all of them but one: When Tenten makes reference to a watch maker named Azmuth, that is a reference to Ben 10 (the Omnitrix that Ben wears was made by an alien named Azmuth). And yes, that time is now!
turtlefan16: Glad you like it. Yue won't be around for a while, and I plan on taking a rather unusual approach with him.
OH! Did you guys know that this story is on the Naruto-Crossover Recommendations Page on TV Tropes? Yeah! I know right! I am so honored! The only thing better then that, is the story actually having a TV Tropes Page of its own...So... you know... if anyone wants to make one... That'd be SO AWESOME!
Many of you were able to guess the card for this chapter (How?! I thought I was SOOOO subtle!), but for those who didn't (like all two of you), I won't spoil it. This chapter introduces us to Zabuza, Haku, and we'll have a startling reveal! What is it? You'll have to read and find out! I'll talk to you all later, it's time to begin the long awaited...
Naruto: Card Captor
Chapter Eight: Beware the Assassin and the Mist!
-Naruto; Card Captor-
All was quiet as the rowboat cut through the water. The motor had been shut off once they'd reached the halfway point. When asked, the rower had admitted to fearing alerting Gato's men to their presence. Tazuna was very grateful to his old friend for taking such a risk in the first place.
Keros had been forced to keep silent to, and was unable to talk to Naruto while they sailed through the fog. He didn't like it here; the swirling mists were disconcerting, and felt somewhat unnatural. And he wasn't sure, but he could swear that, on the edge of his senses, he felt some of Clow's magic. Was a Clow Card following them? He didn't know, and he couldn't tell Naruto to warn him. If a card was following him, it would be more trouble then usual. They'd gotten lucky with Wave, and no one had seen them. But if they were forced to battle one now, then their secret would be out!
Slowly the boat ground to a halt, allowing the passengers to disembark. Tazuna whispered a few words to the rower, who quickly shoved off the bank and retreated back into the fog.
When he was completely hidden from view, the ninjas quickly formed a tight guard formation around the bridge builder, and began heading towards his home as quickly as they were able. For Keros, this was maddening. He was almost certain he felt a Clow Card coming up behind them, but knew the slightest movement to warn his thickheaded charge would alert the others!
'oh… whoever it is… I hope it's one of the friendly ones!' he thought, reaching out desperately with his senses. While all the Clow Cards were basically good, on their own they had a tendency to… well… cause trouble; some more then others. That was another reason to fear an encounter now. While Naruto was skilled in fighting magical spirits, and was more then capable of using the Clow Cards he'd captured (who, if he was correct, seemed to be growing very… fond of their new master), the others were not, and may get injured.
But for now, there was nothing he could do, and so he was forced to play the waiting game
-Naruto; Card Captor-
Shinji the rower had been going for about five minutes after he'd dropped off Tazuna, when suddenly the thickest fog swirled around him, obscuring his view of all else. But something was strange about this fog, something… unnatural. It seemed to sizzle and crackled with energy, as though it was actually alive!
"Where…" a voice hissed from the mist. Okay, maybe it was alive. "Where is he…" the voice whispered in annoyance. Shinji clutched his lucky paddle to his chest, and started praying that whatever water spirit was accosting him didn't hurt him to badly.
Mist mentally rolled her eyes, but tried to force herself to calm down. She could tell this man was guilty of no crimes, so she wouldn't have an excuse if she burned him in his boat like she'd done with the two criminals. This was why she didn't like dealing with people, give her a nice animal any day, thank you very much. They didn't talk back, were easy to train, were often adorable…
Mist shook her head, realizing she still had a cowering grown man before her. With a sigh, Mist tried to think how best to phrase the question. She realized as she'd followed the only path on the road that not only was Wave gone, but her magical signature had vanished. Now this could only happen two ways: Either she had died (which was impossible… she hoped), or she had been Sealed. Now, to her knowledge (which was admittedly quite out of date), only one thing could seal a Clow Spirit, and that was the Sealing Wand. Therefore, whoever had the Sealing Wand, had Wave.
So, with a wave of her hand, the mist congealed, forming the shape of a familiar bird-headed staff "Have you seen… this." she said, slightly annoyed by the raspy effect her voice got when in fog form.
Shinji blinked, glad he wasn't being struck down. Staring hard at the foggy staff, he tried to recall if he'd ever seen anything like it. But he hadn't! The only thing that came close was…
"Well…" he gulped, feeling the whole fog brace itself in anticipation "I saw a young boy with blonde hair with a staff sorta like that in by boat not long ago but-" before he had the chance to point out that the boy was carrying a fox head staff, not a bird, the Mist interrupted him.
"Where! When!" it snapped, sounding anxious.
Shinji pointed over his shoulder towards the secret spot Tazuna had asked him to drop him off at. No offense to his friend, but no one had said anything about dealing with angry spirits! "That way, just up the bank… about five minutes ago!"
The whole fog shuddered in jubilation. Then, as though a mighty wind had blown through, the fog moved with lightning speed where Shinji had indicated, leaving the rower alone once again.
Mist grinned, no easy feat in her insubstantial state. She was so close! She didn't know how this boy had gotten his hands on Master Reed's prized Staff, but she would make him pay dearly for both its theft and the kidnapping of her sister!
-Naruto; Card Captor-
"It's time" came a muffled voice. The owner's face was heavily bandaged, hiding most of his features. He had been watching the target from afar for awhile now, and he felt this was the best time to strike. He recognized the jounin as Sharingan Kakashi; who'd have thought such a famous ninja would take on a couple of brat students. It was almost a shame he was going to kill them all. Almost.
"Zabuza-sama can't I come with you?" Haku asked, looking at him with her big chocolate brown eyes.
"No." He said simply, turning away before she could use more of that stare.
"Pleeeaaassseee" She drew the word out, leaning closer, pouting. Zabuza rolled his eyes and ignored her, even as he repressed a shudder as the drop in temperature that accompanied his apprentice increased, and frost started to form on the wood around them.
This never would have happened a few weeks ago. Haku had been the perfect obedient tool. But then all of a sudden she'd flipped her lid! Not only had her personality taken a turn, but her powers had also increased to insane levels. She hardly even needed hand-signs anymore! It was only because of her unbreakable loyalty and usefulness that he didn't end her for the obvious threat she posed. Well, that and… maybe because he… thought of her as family, and the only real companion he had (but if you tell anyone that he would not only deny it, he would shove his sword up your ass!).
"No." he said firmly, shaking himself out of his thoughts "Remember the plan." and with those final words, he vanished.
"Darn." Haku said, her voice once again becoming monotone again as she settled into her tree to watch the show. She briefly winced as a sharp pain laced through her mind; something that had been happening for a while now, but which she wrote off as her body adapting to her knew powers.
-Naruto; Card Captor-
A rustle in the bushes put everyone on edge, and it was only Keros presence that kept Naruto from blasting the bush to kingdom come with Windy.
Sadly, Tazuna had no such restraint; and had been on edge ever since the Demon Brothers incident. With a startled yelp he tossed his sake bottle at the bush; which resulted in a startled cry and a frightened hare bolting out from under its cover.
As one, the four ninja (and one plushy) turned to glare at Tazuna.
"Hehehe… oops" he said sheepishly, scratching his head.
Kakashi shook his head 'Civilians…' he thought, before his mind took another look at the hare 'Wait… that thing's fur… it's the wrong color! That can only mean-' That's when he heard a noise just barely on the edge of perception "Everyone get down now!" he shouted, pulling Tazuna to the ground with him as he ducked. His students did the same, just in time to avoid a giant flying sword that swooped in overhead and would have split them all in half had they not listened.
The blade slammed through a few trees before coming to a halt. As Team Seven stood a flicker of moment caught their eyes just as a tall shirtless man landed lightly on the handle of the blade.
The man looked over his shoulder to gaze down on them, and as soon as he did, Kakashi's visible eye went wide with recognition. "Get behind me. Now." he said, his voice deadly serious. The genin watched as the sensei's hand went to his headband and, for the first time since they'd known him, lift it to reveal a single, blood-red eye.
-Naruto; Card Captor-
Keros did his best to follow the conversation that went from there. Apparently, the kid's sensei was some hot stuff ninja with a reputation, while the shirtless guy was also famous… for killing his entire class. Jeez these ninja were violent!
Anyway, things had basically devolved once the guy asked for the old man and was rejected. After that, a thick fog obscured everything, except for the guy's (Zazu wasn't it? He really shoulda been paying more attention) voice.
All of a sudden: BOOM! There the guy was behind the kids! Not even Dash moved without making SOME noise.
The kid moved on reflex, his hands channeling the power of Clow's old wand by sheer instinct. Keros was proud to say he was impressed with the kid. A blast of wind struck the underdressed ninja in the stomach hard enough to make him double over, while at the same time Keros saw the kids sensei appear with a knife in the guys back.
Well, no matter who struck first, the guy wasn't even there, and just dissolved into a puddle. Both the scarecrow and the kid were surprised, and Keros didn't blame them. Cloning spells weren't really common in Clows time, the closet being the Mirror Card.
The sensei was suddenly blindsided by a punch the face, his body sailing towards the trees that lined the road. The guy looked at Naruto, more annoyed then angry. Probably didn't expect a genin to destroy his clone. Looks like he wanted payback, and wanted to get it with that big ass sword of his.
Time seemed to slow down for Keros, the blade was coming down straight towards Naruto's head at such speed, the weight of the blade might split the kid right in half. No way could the kid get out of the way fast enough. Maybe the kid could try using Windy again, but there just wasn't enough time.
There was only one option. Normally he'd call himself crazy, but it was the only way. He'd do it for the kid, secrecy be damned!
And with that thought, Keros narrowed his eyes and braced himself…
-Naruto; Card Captor-
Stare. That was all anyone could do. Stare.
Naruto stared. Sakura stared. Sasuke and Tazuna stared. Zabuza especially stared.
What were they staring at?
Zabuza's sword had been blocked by a small flying plush toy flying inches above Naruto's head.
How is this possible you may ask? Well Keros, as the Guardian of the Clow Cards, was endowed with certain magical powers. At full strength, he was actually a large flying lion that could breath fire and stuff. That said, with the scattering of the Cards spirits to the four winds, he wasn't strong enough to assume his full form.
However, with each card Naruto captured, a bit of his former power returned. Currently, the kid had gotten eight. Not a lot considering how many were left, but it was enough to increase Keros strength and durability. There was also the fact that the Zabuza holding the sword was a water clone, which were only a tenth Zabuza's actual strength. Sure nobody else knew it was a clone (well, Kakashi might), but that didn't change the heroic nature of the deed any!
Oddly enough, it was Sasuke who acted. Sorta. Against his will, the boy's hand grabbed the blade at his hip and lashed out, slicing at Zabuza's back. But instead of blood, a trail of water dripped down, right before it turned back into a puddle.
All was quiet for a moment.
"…Naruto?" Sakura asked, looking from her blonde teammate to the floating plushy "Just what… is that?" admittedly it was cute, and it was only due to the life threatening situation that she didn't hug it to her chest with all her might.
Keros scratched his head, not sure what to say. After all that had happened, it had been him that screwed up and revealed his existence instead of Naruto. "Uh… well you see…" he mumbled, not sure where to begin.
Kakashi took a few steps towards his team and client, but his eyes were locked on the creature hovering over Naruto. It was… amazing. Not just the creature itself, but the aura around it. His Sharingan spun at dizzying speeds, memorizing ever inch of the creature and the strange energy it was putting off that was visible only to the red eye.
Of course, he ended up so mesmerized that he only just had time to turn and block a a kick that sent him skidding across the ground. As he stood, Zabuza was on him, trading blows back and forth and pushing him back.
As they fought they ended up on top of a lake by the road, hands locked trying to push each other down. Neither were willing to let go, lest they give their opponent the opportunity to use a weapon or jutsu.
Sadly, Kakashi had been tricked. The Zabuza in front of him suddenly exploded in a shower of water, sending Kakashi stumbling back. As he did, his Sharingan noticed the water around him moving irregularly; and it was at that moment he realized he'd been set up.
The water all around him sprung up and formed a perfect sphere, trapping him inside. Looking up, he saw Zabuza standing there with his hand on the water bubble, his chakra circulating through it and keeping him imprisoned.
"Water Prison Jutsu" he said simply, smirking behind his bandages. Turning to the group of genin he remarked "I don't know what kind of summon that is kid, but if you know what's good for you, you'll hand over the old man."
"No!" Kakashi shouted, getting his teams attention "Take Tazuan and run!" he said, making his team gape "This battle was over the moment he caught me, but he can't move away from here to pursue you!"
Team Seven shared a look. They knew that staying might be a very bad idea. But they also knew-
"Those you break the rules are trash." Sasuke said, just loud enough to be heard.
"But those who abandon their comrades are worse then trash!" Naruto finished, a grin spreading over his face. He gripped the wand a little tighter; no matter how bleak things were, he would never back down, and he knew his teammates (both Clow and human) would be there with him.
Zabuza repressed a chuckle. These kids were idiots. They had no idea what being a real ninja was all about. He considered breaking them by telling them the cold hard truth, but frankly he felt like he was already wasting his time. With a single gesture, the water beside him gathered into another duplicate, which quickly charged the genin.
For a fraction of an instant, Sasuke froze, having not expected an attack again so quickly. What could he do? He was an Uchiha, sure, but he was also a genin! What could he possibly do against-
'Oi! Enough dallying lad!' Sasuke felt his arms move of their own accord, tightening his grip and shifting his stance.
Oh no, not this guy again!
Didn't we already get rid of him?
Despite these strange thoughts ringing through his mind, Sasuke felt himself moving forward. Wait! WHAT?! Why was he moving towards the water clone?!
'Toughen up lad, and banish fear from your heart! If thou art to succeed, you must be firm of conviction! Your team needs you, now more then ever! Would you let that brutish ogre kill this decrepit old man? No? Then HAVE AT HIM!'
Sasuke burst away from his teammates towards the charging clone, his eyes slightly glazing over. Had Naruto been able to sense the subtle magics in the Sealing Wand, he would have felt Sword's magic pulse and flit towards Sasuke a moment before he'd run.
Sasuke saw Zabuza's eyes widen an inch. Good, surprise was always a good weapon to have on your side. Zabuza raised his sword, and made to split Sasuke in half from head to loins.
But from the moment he moved, time seemed to slow down for Sasuke. Thoughts flooded his mind, and a voice that didn't quite sound like his own seemed to be whispering in his ear…
Look at the size of the blade… made more for crushing then cutting that is…. the weight does most of the work for him. The flat of the blade is quite large and can be used for as a shield, but we can work with that. The amount of momentum it must take to move such a large blade… Of Course! The plan is simple!
Sasuke's face broke into a cocky smirk "Fool!" he snapped, his blade coming up and connecting sharply with the side of Zabuza's cleaver. Though Sasuke didn't have enough strength to stop the blade, he could muster up enough force to drive the blade to the side slightly. From there, Zabuza's own strength and the blade's momentum did the rest.
Zabuza's clone couldn't believe his eyes. This little brat had just diverted his blade into the ground with a single swipe. How? This little punk didn't look nearly old enough to know how to pull off a move like that with such precision.
Apparently Sasuke was just as surprised as Zabuza, cause he was just standing there with a dumbfounded look on his face.
'I can't believe I really did it!'
'Holy Shit That Was Awesome!'
'Look at his face! He is pissed!'
'Yeah! Hey wait a sec-'
Sasuke's shock would be his undoing though, as he didn't dodge the punch to the nose that Zabuza gave him. Internally, Sword was groaning in frustration. If he had full control that brute would have lost his arm! As it was he was keeping Sasuke from feeling the strain on his muscles from moving at speeds his body simply wasn't use to.
As he watched his clone punch the genin, Zabuza growled internally. He really didn't want to stand around all day holding this one eyed loser hostage. He had expected the clone to decimate the genin easily, then kill the old man. Now it looked like even that was going to be a bother. Why was nothing going his way lately? Guess there was only one thing for it…
With a thought and flexing his chakra, Zabuza formed two more clones. This was much harder them using hand-signs, but for a technique he'd used in nearly every fight his entire life, it was rather easy by now, as his chakra naturally knew what to do.
As the two clones touched down, they charged towards the genin. No matter how skilled, there was no way they could stop these.
Naruto watched the clones charge, and for a moment, was not sure what to do. Ever since becoming a ninja, he'd mostly fought Clow spirits, and they operated on a completely different set of rules.
Thankfully Keros saw this and intervened "Naruto! What Card did we JUST capture!" he said, bopping Naruto lightly on the head and whispering urgently.
Naruto's eyes widened. It was so obvious! 'Wave, do you feel like helping out?' he asked in his head. Wave's response was an enthusiastic flood of words that was hard for Naruto to pierce together, so he just shrugged once he was sure he had the affirmative.
Flipping the switches, Naruto aimed his wand at the clone that had punched Sasuke. He was unprepared for the kick as Wave's invisible spirit form launched itself from the mouth of the wand, zooming towards precious water.
The Zabuza clone didn't know what hit it as Wave entered its body. One minute everything was normal, the next every bit of chakra was forced from his construct body, and the image of Zabuza vanished, leaving only a mass of floating water.
Everyone could only stare as the now semi-human shaped water bubble turned its 'head' to face the other clones, who looked at each other, unsure of this turnaround.
Wave lashed out, its arm/tentacle flying like a spear towards one of the Zabuza's. The clone reacted, and sliced the arm off while the other charged. However, Wave was able to dance and dodge around every blow, and those that she couldn't dodge merely passed through her watery body.
Of course, Sasuke wasn't just going to let the Dobe get all the credit for saving their sensei (Uchiha pride would not allow it) and Sakura didn't want to feel completely useless. So they began to help their teammate by peppering the the battlefield with fireballs and shuriken from the safe distance (which just so happened to be behind their blonde friend, and that was a total coincidence).
One of the clones dodged a fireball that came so close part of his body steamed, only to become constricted by Wave. Wave crushed his body in a matter of moments, absorbing his watery mass into her own. Now the size of a large bear, she formed a massive mallet and smashed the remaining clone like a bug.
Inside Naruto's head, he got to hear Wave keep up a constant commentary while she fought 'Oh wow that was so awesome did you see me master Naruto diddja diddja diddja I was all like wham pop smash sploosh and he was all like no don't smash me but I did anyway cause did you see the size of that sword I mean really where did he even get that hey I feel funny I don't think I like chakra water I don't feel so good hey how is that one eyed guy breathing in a bubble of water that must be really-' You get the idea.
"Don't worry Wave. Just free Kakashi and you can take a break if you want" Naruto said keeping his eyes on Zabuza, who was looking at him with hate.
'Okie dokie lokie smokie pokie' Wave said cheerful as she shot towards Zabuza. The mist demon, knowing a lost cause when he saw one, sidestepped just as the bullet of water shot past him, landing in the lake he was standing on. And since this forced him to remove his hand from the Water Prison, the bubble collapsed, releasing Kakashi, who quickly took a ready stance.
"Naruto! Sasuke! Sakura! Hold back! I'll take it from here!" Kakashi said, giving them an eye smile. Keros thought he'd feel a lot better had he not already seen the scarecrow get captured so easily.
-Naruto; Card Captor-
She was close! So very very close! The fog shifted and a grin was clearly visible in her form as she moved across the ground, a strong chemical smell permeating the air.
The bushes rustled and Mist paused as a bunny rabbit ran out. She quickly moved her body out of its path to allow it to run freely. She was only in the business of punishing those who deserved it, not the innocent. Especially not an adorable fuzzy innocent.
Focus Mist! She could feel Clow's magic, and she could swear that she had felt Wave's aura not far from her! Don't worry sister! Help was on the way!
-Naruto; Card Captor-
Keros would admit, what followed was actually rather impressive. The two circled each other, trading blows tit for tat. And somehow, the silver haired weirdo must've been playing some kinda mind game with the bandage guy, because he was flipping' out!
In frustration Zabuza yelled "Stop it! It's nothing but a cheap trick! You're just copying me like-"
"A stupid monkey?" Kakashi finished, having apparently read the Demon's mind.
Keros blinked. That was a neat trick. He didn't know of any spell that let you read someone's mind!
The battle got rough when both of them went through a long string of seals, finishing at the same time. From the water rose twin dragons, which circled each other before exploding. It was cool and all, but Keros wondered why bother with a spe-jutsu that had so many hand gestures?
Zabuza didn't know why he was so angry, he just knew that looking at Sharigan Kakashi, staring into that famous eye, was making him feel weird. It was like he was being read mind, body and soul. But he would show that bastard! He'd wash him away once he finished his-
"Giant Waterfall Jutsu!"
What?! No! How had that monkey finished before him? Zabuza had no idea how it had happened, but somehow he'd been so distracted that ass had beaten him to the punch!
There was no way to dodge the blast. As the water swept him up, Zabuza wondered if he had been hit harder then he thought. There was no way the water was actually… talking to him right?
'Oh my gosh wow that was amazing you were all like bam woosh rawr and he was all like denied and then you were all like noooooo and then the water went weee and I was all like oh yeah that was awesome and hey you're face is turning blue you should really try breathing hey look a tree underwater how did that get there'
WAM!
At that point, Zabuza found it hard to concentrate on anything, as his body was slammed full force into a tree. Several bones cracked, and Zabuza was sure he had a concussion. From behind drenched hair, the once proud demon on the mist gazed up at Kakashi, wondering if this was how he was going to meet his maker. It made him wonder…
"How… Can-Can you see the future?" he asked shakily.
Kakashi gave him his best condescending eye-smile "Yes. And I have foreseen… your death."
Schlink
Before anyone could move, two hair thin projectiles struck Zabuza in the side of the neck. The assassin twitched, before his body fell with a thud.
Everyone else halted, staring in shock at the dead swordsman. Even Wave stopped moving, the result being that the water in the battlefield went unnaturally still. Kakashi could only stare dumbly at his unmoving opponent, his brain still processing what had just happened. He put it together a moment before-
"Well, I suppose some thanks are in order…" a voice called out to the group. In a gust of wind, a shinobi appeared, covered in blue and green robes, their face obscured by a distinctive mask. Kakashi's eyes widened as he recognized the symbols on the mask. He also noted that since the ninja had appeared, the temperature seemed to have dropped at least ten degrees.
The unnamed hunter kneeled over Zabuza's body "I apologize for ending your battle so abruptly, but I needed to put this traitor on ice as soon as possible." Satisfied, the mask turned to face the Leaf Ninja "I have been hunting Momochi for some time now, but he has always managed to elude me. Thankfully he didn't slip from Death's cold touch this time."
Kakashi was honestly surprised. Judging by the voice, this ninja (boy or girl was hard to tell) was only a little older then Naruto. To think that someone so young could be that strong… what a world.
The hunter hefted Zabuza onto his shoulders "Congratulations on defeating such a strong opponent. Your reputation is well earned." he turned to the genin, Sakura finding herself somewhat disturbed by the expressionless mask "I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your mission."
And just like that, the assassin vanished in a swirl of frost. Kakashi noted briefly that the spot where the Hunter-Nin had stood was frozen over. Weird.
But not the weirdest thing he'd seen today. It was time for some answers. "Naruto-"
"Oh Crap…" he heard the little toy thing say as it looked at the path they had come from. He was about to question the toy when he was again interrupted.
"Ew…" Sakura said, covering her mouth and nose "What's that smell?"
A moment later Kakashi knew exactly what she meant (sadly, his facial coverings meant he had a somewhat delayed sense of smell…). Once he had it though, it was fairly obvious. It was like chlorine, but about a hundred times stronger.
And as the group took notice of the smell, they watched as a veritable wall of vapor rolled towards them. Nothing could be seen beyond its swirling depths, and as it got nearer the smell grew stronger.
"Keros…" Naruto asked, his eyes swiveling to the toy as he clutched the staff a bit tighter "What exactly is that?"
Keros gave a shudder, knowing exactly who it was, and knowing that if she was as pissed as she looked, they were in trouble. He turned to his ward "It's the Mist Card."
"I've finally got you…" the strange chemical smell suddenly faded, as the fog congealed in the center of the group, taking the form of a tall shapely woman, who's eyes were locked on Naruto.
Her body was pale, much like swirling vapors that made up her body. Even though the breeze itself had stilled, her body still flickered like a candle, a sign Keros knew meant she was agitated.
"No more running…" she spoke again, her voice like tiny raindrops on a tin sheet. "Prepare for your punishment!" She raised her hand, palm facing Naruto, and the fog began to encircle him, a faint sizzling noise filling the air.
Sakura, in a surprisingly bold move, hurled two shuriken at the fog-woman. Mist barely moved her head as the blades entered, then past through, her. As they exited her body it was clear they were now heavily corroded, and looked like they would fall apart if touched. Sakura gulped. She wanted to help her teammate, really, but what was she supposed to? What could she do?
Keros cleared his throat, hovering between the irate Mist card and his charge. In a situation like this, diplomacy was the best course of action. Hopefully, they could settle Mist down without having to fight her. While he was sure Naruto could think of a way to subdue her (be it a Clow Card or just his words), there were civilians and non-magic users here. It was already bad enough they'd found out, there was no need to make a spectacle that might attract more attention or get anyone hurt.
"Mist, I know this is a confusing time, but I promise I can explain!" he got her cold eyes on him now, better talk fast. Even if she probably wouldn't/couldn't kill him, better not to take that chance. "Clow has been gone for a long time now… and the Clow Cards are scattered throughout the world. I needed someone to help me gather them all, and this boy fits the bill to a T! He's everything Reed would have wanted in an apprentice, and he's done the best he can for your siblings so far. So please, just calm down…" he trailed off, hoping he had convinced her not to melt Naruto into a blonde puddle.
"This… boy?" Mist tilted her head, moving slightly closer to Naruto. To the boys credit, he didn't flinch away. Those words Keros had said meant a lot to him. She turned to Keros, raising a single smokey eyebrow "Is that a joke?" she asked incredulously "Master Reed was a saint! This boy is… is…" She struggled for a moment to find the right word "NOTHING! He is nothing compared to Master Reed!"
She turned on Naruto, hate burning in her eyes as she advanced on him, the ground hissing with each footstep "Master Reed was kind, generous, pure! HE was a SAINT! You are just some punk, who has done nothing to earn the power he's stumbled across!" Mist was in his face now, and he could smell the chlorine on her breath "I don't know how you managed to enslave my sisters, or trick Keros, but I swear I will melt the flesh from your bones if you don't release them. Now!"
Well, what could Naruto do? He cast a glance at Keros, to see if the plush toy had any advice. The doll could only shrug. Diplomatic relations had broken down, and now it seemed violence was the only answer.
Boo hoo.
With a push of a button Mist found herself struck in the face with a gale force wind which slammed her into a tree. The bark hissed as Mist's anger rose, but before she could retaliate, she had to duck as a leg drove itself into the tree, cracking it. It was Kakashi, who while not really understanding a lick of what the hell was going on, knew that this… spirit… wanted to kill his student, which he couldn't really allow.
He sent a punch to her jaw, but she leaned out of the way at the last second, before blasting him in the chest. The compressed mist bolt sent him flying back, the acidic substance eating at the fabric of his flak jacket. Thankfully Mist was somewhat out of practice it seemed, as it looked like both Kakashi and his stylish jacket would be fine.
Kakashi groaned as he sat up. He would have dodged that if he hadn't just been in a fight with a high ranking Missing Nin! Kami he was starting to hate this mission.
Mist didn't get more then a foot closer to Naruto before she was assaulted yet again. This time, instead of a hurricane to the face, or a foot at her throat, she was instead disemboweled.
"Have at the wench!" the duck-haired boy cried as he slashed at her with his sword repeatedly. Mist frowned; while some might have seen the attack as random, she could tell he was moving the blade in such a way as to keep her form in a vaporous, non-conjoined state. She tried upping the acidity of her form, but the sword wasn't affected in the slightest… and the way the boy was talking, it was almost like…
'Sword?' she asked telepathically as the blade separated her head from her shoulders. 'Is that you?'
'Greetings sister!' the blade answered her in her mind, his voice as boisterous as she remembered.
As glad as she was to hear her brother's voice, Mist couldn't help but be somewhat put off by his behavior. She could tell that he was influencing the duck-haired kids movements; but the question was WHY?! 'What do you think you are doing?! I am trying to free our siblings if you haven't noticed! Why are you helping HIM!' she asked trying to flow around Sasuke towards her true target, only to get hit in the face by another blast of air, and forced to melt some of those knives thrown by the silver-haired dude.
She heard Sword chuckle 'Oh sister, thou hath made a most foolish mistake! Sir Naruto is not nearly as malicious as you portray him in your mind! Nay! He is a fellow of exemplary moral fiber!' the unbreakable blade said, quick to jump to his new master's defense.
'Naruto? You're on a first name basis with this joker?' she asked incredulously. Said boy summersaulted over her and tried to whack her in the head with the Sealing Wand. The nerve! Using the Sealing Wand in such a barbaric manner! 'I cannot believe you have fallen for this monsters tricks!'
She could tell Sword was frowning, despite his obvious lack of facial features 'Now Mist, really. That's no way to talk about someone you just met. You barely know the boy. Trust me, he's really quite charming… most of the time anyway. Master Reed would be proud.'
Mist actually growled, and Sakura was forced to grab Tazuna and leap away as the Mist started to swirl with violent intensity.
"Master Reed would not be pleased by a bumbling JESTER!"she roared, and Naruto, Sasuke, AND Kakashi suddenly dropped to their knees as the mist got into the their eyes, blinding them; while at the same time they coughed as it seeped into their lungs and throats.
Then, with an explosive splash, the water from the lake rose up and enveloped everyone present, Mist included. Naruto and co. were quickly deposited off to the side, while Mist was trapped within. While she writhed and bubbled, none of her escaped to the outside. Wave would not let her big sister make such a mistake.
'Oh my gosh Misty hi I've missed you get it missed like mist I made a funny and I really wanted to hug you when you first got here but you were all grrr and I was all like whaaaa and Keros was all like Hold It and you were all like OBJECTION and then you and Naruto started fighting and I heard you and Sword talking and he's right you know Naruto is super nice and he's funny and he doesn't even mind that I ramble sometimes which I worry that I may be doing now but that's cause I'm a little nervous because I love you like my sister because well you are my sister but I'm also worried because I really like Naruto to and you want to melt him like he was a witch or something.'
Mist blinked, her mind taking a moment to process Wave's convoluted stream of thought. Once she had though, she couldn't help but sigh 'I'm to late… he already got to you. Wave, I'm sorry but I promise I will free you!' she declared before struggling harder, more bubbles forming as the deadly gas struggled to escape its watery confines.
Wave actually sighed. Mist was always so stubborn, and the fog headed spirit often lost control of herself once she got rolling. It was time for Wave to use the one course of action she never thought she would have to rely on:
Logic!
Bum. Bum. Bum!
'Mist, you know how you said Naruto was just some idiot who stumbled across Master Reed's power which okay I guess is kinda true but if you think about it for a second you would realize that Clow Reed was a genius and if Naruto was just some idiot which he isn't really by the way that's really kinda mean for you to keep calling him that sorry gotta focus if Naruto was just some idiot there should be no way he could enslave all of us right?' Wave asked hopefully.
Mist paused, taking that in. There was… some sense in what her sister was saying… But what if-
'Oh and if that doesn't work do you really think he could just trick us how does that work I don't even know I mean how can he be so stupid yet so smart at the same time and really tricking us into serving him I mean how would he fool everyone not just Keros but like Windy and Erase those two are some smart cookies so have I convinced you cause I'm getting really really tired Misty so would you just knock it off already!'
Mist sighed. It was true. If the boy couldn't actively bind the Clow, he would have had to resort to trickery. But as Wave said, her siblings and Master Keros were all to smart to fall for such tricks. That meant that she had almost killed a group of innocents for nothing!
As Wave released her, Mist fell to the ground, clutching her head in her hands. What had she done? She had fought to kill! She had imagined torturing this boy in such terrifying ways! SHE was the monster here! Oh sweet Clow what had gotten into her?!
She felt a hand on her chin, forcing her to look up. It was the boy, his blue eyes boring into her sulfury yellow ones. She was surprised to see not anger or pity, but understanding. But how?
"I think I understand" he said, helping her to her 'feet' "If I thought someone close to me was in trouble, I'd probably go a little crazy trying to get them back too." he chuckled scratching the back of his head "You know, my sensei, that's the guy with the weird eyes over there, has this saying: 'Those who break the rules are trash. But those who abandon their friends are worse then trash.' " Mist blinked, she rather liked that saying.
He stuck his hand out "So what do you say we put this behind us, and work together from now on?" he asked hopefully. Mist was surprised. As she was, she figured he could probably seal her without to much fuss, and he was still asking permission?
"Alright, I'll admit I may have overreacted a little." she said, putting her hands up in surrender (and pointedly ignoring the stunned looks and rolled eyes at her statement). "I suppose if everyone else is willing to vouch for you, I suppose I should side with the cooler heads."
Keros sighed; typical Mist, never able to admit when she was wrong.
Mist grabbed Naruto's hand "You've got a deal" she pulled him into a hug, and placed her lips by his ear, whispering "But if I think for one moment you're less then what my siblings deserve, I will melt your insides into a fine broth." she said, before stepping back and giving him a proper hug and a pat on the head. She took another step back and giggled at Naruto's stunned look.
Naruto shook off the feeling of dread he had, and brought the wand down. An incantation later, and the Mist card was safely tucked into the wand, where he could only hope Mist could be controlled by her siblings. That girl had issues. He resealed Wave, and after conferring with Keros that no more Clow were in the vicinity waiting to ambush him, he finally smiled, glad he was in the clear.
*ehem* he heard his sensei pointedly clear his throat.
Oh. Right. Crap.
Turning, he saw his teacher and teammates (Sakura having returned once the sounds of fighting had died down) and even Tazuna all pointedly looking at him.
Kakashi stepped forward, arms crossed, looking just as serious as he had when Zabuza had appeared, and spoke only two words:
"Explain. Now."
End Chapter 8
-Naruto; Card Captor-
Windy, Fly, Rain, Float, Erase, Sleep, Sword, Wave, Mist
Uh oh! Looks like the cat is out of the bag for poor Naruto! How will he explain himself? How will his teammates react? What will Kakashi do now? All of these question will be answered next time... probably.
When I originally outlined this chapter, I wanted to combine the Mist fight and the Zabuza fight into one giant three way. Sadly, I just couldn't find a way to make it work. I promise though, that this is the last major plot fight to not have a wild Clow Card join in. So when it's time for the Battle on the Bridge, look out.
Mist was an odd duck to craft. I wanted her to be a good spirit, as all the others were, but I needed to make her a threat. So I decided that she would be super-over protective, and when she perceived Naruto as a threat, she became one herself. Once she was sure her siblings were safe, she reverted back to her normal personality (we see snippets of it leading up to the confrontation, but not a lot).
Again, I apologize for this taking so long, and I will try to do better. That said, if you'd like to pass the time between updates reading some of my other work, check out my profile! I'm sure you'll find a story there you'll like! If you enjoyed this chapter, please let me know by leaving a review. If you didn't sorry (but please no flames!), maybe next time. Either way, thanks for taking the time to read this!
Next Time: Naruto and Co. arrive at Tazuna's village, but something strange lurks in this dilapidated town. Naruto faces a foe immune to his usual methods. Training takes place. Secrets are made and revealed. The fallout of Keros and Naruto's actions. All of this and much much more!
Next Time On Naruto Uzumaki: Card Captor
Chapter 9 - Ssshhh! People Are Training!
Until Next Time...
