So it may have been a bit of a wait, but at least I still update.=^-^=

Ch. 11 - Salamanders

Mephisto held up a key on his pointer finger while wearing one of his standard smirks. Shura hated his pompous attitude especially when he felt entitled to it. "Now now, what's that face? I was able to do it was I not?" Shura clicked her tongue as she watched the key with a side glance.

"You have my gratitude." Yukio said with an almost robotic tone of voice. He knew Mephisto's personality as well as anyone else and so he put up lip service to speed things up. Yukio reached for the key, but the demon pulled it away.

"Non non, my young friend. We must be very careful. I have been able to sell the story of Rin being on a special training assignment, but if you suddenly disappear as well... well that just wouldn't do am I right?" Mephisto then stood up and walked around his desk. "That is why I will leave it to Miss Shura to take care of things."

He held the key towards her and she held out her palm with an annoyed expression. "Fine whatever."

"But what about the fact that Rin is stuck?" Yukio inquired with annoyance in his tone. "Shouldn't we both-"

"No, you have a class to teach Mr. Okumura. Remember, we must keep up appearances. The Gregory have eyes everywhere." He wore an almost serious expression as he eyed Yukio from the corner of his sight. "Ah!" He began again as if a brilliant idea came to him. "But I suppose if you wanted to have field trip, well..." He turned to the teen with a knowing expression. "I'm certain that wouldn't cause any alarm at all."

Kuro hopped along building tops as swiftly as he could with ninja all around. Everyone but a small few were now headed for the ominous explosion. Neji kept just behind the large cat with his eyes focused on the tail he took note of earlier. Surely there was something to it? He couldn't help thinking back to the strange feeling he got from the teen at their first meeting. There was definitely something odd about this boy's chakra. Then, of course, there was what Naruto said to the fake exorcists. It didn't seem odd, but now that he thought about it... He assumed they were speaking about Rin when they declared the presence of a demon. He took a glance to the ninja in question who was a bit further ahead, and couldn't help thinking Naruto knew something about it. "We can worry about that later." Shikamaru cut in as he jumped alongside the jonin. "Right now, that is the problem." He then pointed to the strange column of fire that was shooting out from the ground behind the Hokage's office. It seemed to move and flail as it continued to burn.

"What the heck!?" Naruto shouted in bewilderment as he and Kiba made it to the source first. The street was collapsed in, and many of the debris were on fire. At the center of it all were two flaming lizard like creatures who were spewing the fire they all saw. They were quickly joined by dozens of other leaf ninja who didn't really know what to make of the scene.

"Good, I can assume the situation at the gate is taken care of." Shizune joined them suddenly with an Anbu at her side. "The Lady Hokage has already moved the priests, but we need to deal with these things now!" She then quickly found Suguro as he looked on at the demons with serious expression. "You there, Suguro was it?" He turned to her with slight surprise as she approached. "What do you make of these creatures?" She asked thinking back on the apparently very useful information the young exorcist had provided before. "We've tried several forms of water style ninjutsu but it has had very little effect in stopping their rampage." She informed thinking there might be a trick to it.

Suguro raised a surprised brow. "Well they're Salamanders so water should be their weakness." He then looked around, and saw the fires still prevalent. "These one's may be stronger than normal if it isn't working."

"These two happen to be higher Salamanders." Reisho dropped down from the sky with Dazzle on his arm.

"Higher Salamanders? But Salamanders are typically mid to low level demons." Bon countered with confusion on his features. His temple was well acquainted with Salamanders so this really struck him as odd.

Reisho nodded. "Yes, but these ones are not typical young exorcist in training." He moved his familiar to his shoulder before pointing to the surrounding fires. "Higher Salamanders cannot be simply put out with ordinary water so easily. You need to extinguish all surrounding fires before they can be quelled or the fires will just kindle their own power. These fires no doubt caused by the previous explosion are feeding their power." He explained seriously but with an expression that showed the scene bothered him immensely. Shizune quickly relayed the message to all of the ninja who had already begun to engage the creatures in hopes of stopping their rampage.

"How did this happen? How did they get so far into the village without being seen?" Shikamaru asked as he held his shadow possession stance several feet away. He had succeeded in stopping one of the demons though his hold appeared shaky at best.

"We're not completely sure ourselves." One of the Anbu guards notified us of a disturbance in the underground bunker where we were holding the priests, but by the time we arrived these Salamanders were already out of control. According to what I was told, a man with a demon mask infiltrated the bunker with several unidentified creatures. These ones here were summoned by the priests in defense." She revealed with uneasiness in her tone.

"Wait, are you saying these things are familiars like Rin's cat?" He asked in bewilderment. From what he'd been led to believe, familiars were tame and did not go wild.

"So it would seem, but I do not know what has become of them. If these are indeed familiars of my temple then these two are most likely Kizu and Mizu. They are some of the most powerful familiars we have." He watched as the two of them were boxed in by the ninja, and with the surrounding fire now gone their flaming bodies were getting dimmer.

Two of the Anbu leaped forth with lightning fast hand signs. "Water style! Twin Geysers!" They shouted in unison before two columns of water erupted around the demons effectively extinguishing their flames. Their roars fell to whimpers in the onslaught before the ground shook from their collapse. As the water dispersed the two salamander's bodies laid limp like damp coal with large patches of dim red light around them. They were gone in a puff of smoke seconds later.

An Anbu appeared at Tsunade's side as she stood over an old priest with a severe burn to his arm. Many of the priests had been injured by the attack, but she was focusing on their head priest as he gave her more information on their strange enemies. "So this Onigami group was also behind the attack on your temple?" She asked after he explained to her about the masks. "We've been tracking this group for some time."

"Yes Lady Hokage, but please do not think we were foolish not to inform the village of our problem before now. The Onigami have caused problems before, but they have never been this powerful. We have always been capable of keeping their usually low level familiars at bay." He revealed with an apologetic tone. "That they could suddenly be so formidable... I simply do not know how to explain it." He was truly at a loss. What could have happened so recently that they could gain so much power?

"It's alright, there is no point in worrying about it now. They are here, and we will deal with them."

One of the priests jogged over to kneel beside the old man. "We haven't been able to locate the young master since the attack Master Miroku. I fear he may already be in the hands of the Onigami."

"Do not worry Kenta, he has not been harmed yet. If he had indeed been captured there would be no reason to keep him alive." He then turned to his injured arm. "Though whether we can invoke the Golden Dragon Call in this state has me worrying all the same. With Mizu and Kizu running wild, we'll need two high level tamers to replace them."

Kenta nodded with a grave expression. "Yes Master, but Jugo is the only one among us now other than you who can perform it."

Miroku shook his head. "That is not entirely true. I was informed by the Lady Hokage a short time ago that Tendo is still in the village. He should be on his way here."

Kenta bowed. "Yes Master."

Tsunade watched the younger monk leave with a curious expression. "What exactly is this Golden Dragon Call?"

The old priest didn't bother trying to dismiss the question and looked to his injured men. "If I had to explain it simply I would call it a cry for help. It isn't something we perform unless we have no other option."

After appraising the situation Shizune turned to Tendo who still looked disturbed by the smoldering scene. "I need all squads back to surveilling the village. We still need to find those masked intruders. I need you to come with me." She directed as ninja squads regrouped around her.

He turned to her with a serious expression. "Yes, I need to rejoin the others." He agreed as he turned to follow her.

She then turned to Naruto who kept beside Kuro instead of regrouping with Sakura and Sai. He was still charged with keeping an eye on the boys after all. "Naruto, bring those two as well. We need to keep Lady Tsunade informed of the situation, and those boys may have information we need."

Naruto seemed confused at first but quickly nodded. "Yeah, okay." He turned to them. "Come on guys." Both Exwires got down from Kuro's back to follow.

Shikamaru watched as Rin followed his friend while the strange tail swayed behind with each step. He hadn't been able to put a lot of thought into what it meant. Something about it seemed odd to him since he didn't feel particularly worried about it. "Aww geez... Worrying is a drag." He grumbled as he turned to his waiting team mates. He'd worry about it later. He was with Naruto after all, and he'd be able to deal with him if something happened.

As soon as Tsunade saw Shizune she demanded a report. "What's the situation?"

Shizune bowed and gestured behind herself. "The Salamanders have been dealt with my lady, and so has the golem at the main gate. I have sent all squads back to searching the village for the intruders, but I brought Tendo with me along with the young exorcists."

Tsunade nodded and looked to the young priest who approached behind her subordinate. "Good, I need to know exactly what happened both at the gate and in the bunker. We cannot afford to have them keep taking us by surprise." She looked angry and determined as she crossed her arms.

Tendo went over to the head priest nearby and kneeled in worry. "Are you alright Grandfather?"

The old man nodded. "Yes, this is nothing compared to the burns suffered from the temple attack. There were no casualties, and these will heal in time." He reassured as he moved the bandaged arm a bit to back up his claim.

"I am relieved then. I don't imagine the flames of Mizu and Kizu are anything like those strange blue flames you told me about earlier." Suguro froze at the mention. He'd taken an interest in the conversation after hearing Tendo call the old man 'Grandfather' but now his interest was for a whole new reason.

"I'm certain nothing compares to that flame." The old priest agreed with a look of fear on his features. Suguro turned to Rin who was looking around at the injured monks as they were treated by medical ninja while Kuro sat on his head. Naruto seemed to be more interested in the conversation between Shizune and the Hokage until he saw the strange expression on Bon's face. "Hey... you okay Bon?" Suguro took a quick glance to the old priest before turning back to Rin. His mind was racing over the thoughts with most of them hovering around the Blue Night. Was it Rin?! But why would he do anything like that? He couldn't have. He knew Rin enough to know he wouldn't intentionally... wait... "Hey Tendo." He called with a serious tone without looking at him.

The young monk turned to him curiously. "Yes?"

"When was your temple attacked?"

The old priest seemed confused at the question, and answered instead. "It was two nights ago."

"Why do you ask?" Tendo wondered.

"Alright, and just now, I heard you say something about a blue flame?"

Both priests seemed shocked at the inquiry. "Yes, our temple was burned to the ground with it." Tendo explained as he looked to his grandfather.

The old man looked grave as he eyed the boy. "A man cloaked in those hellish flames along with the ones in the masks, the Onigami."

Suguro seemed to think over the information before turning to Naruto. "And Naruto, where was Rin two nights ago? I know you were with him last night, but what about before? He was in this village right?" He asked while remembering a little of what Rin had told him before.

The ninja nodded with a confused expression. "Yeah he was staying with old man Ichiraku."

"What exactly are you getting at boy?" Master Miroku asked sharply as he sat up straight and eyed the boy. "Do you believe that boy has something to do with it?"

Bon seemed serious for a moment before shaking his head and letting out a breath. "No, not if he was here." He finally replied with relief. There's no way Rin would have done it even if he was an idiot most of the time. It was impossible if he was in the village the whole time anyway.

"Are you talking about the boy with the Cat Sidhe on his head? How is he related to any of this?" The priest demanded in a level tone.

Bon turned to him and shook his head again. "It's nothing really. It's was just a thought but it was wrong." There was only one other demon that could have produced those blue flames, but this world was strange. Maybe it wasn't a demon?... Yeah, that was unlikely, but if he brought it up now than it would only complicate things for them.

Meanwhile, back near the gate a young boy was skulking around the ruins of one of the doors. "I know I saw big brother here, but where did he go now?" He held his hood on his head as he sniffed the air. "And I can't smell Dazzle nearby either. Did I miss them?" His golden eyes shined under the hood as he looked around more. He suddenly turned his head, and ducked behind a pile of rubble as he heard voices approach. He couldn't make the figures out very well since they ran by so fast, but he could tell the one in front was a woman. He knew none of them was the one he was looking for, and so he remained hidden until they were gone. "This is getting bad..." The young boy muttered after everyone was out of sight. He was finally starting to regret running around before even if it was fun.

"Little boy..." He suddenly heard in a strange voice that chuckled. "Oh dear, are you lost?" They continued before chuckling again. All at once a rancid smell swept over him as he grabbed his nose in disgust. "That's alright... he he, I found you."

Bon was now the center of attention as Reisho and head priest Miroku refused to take no for an answer. "If you know something boy, you must tell us what it is."

"Yes, and if your friend Rin has any part as well." Tendo added in.

"Rin, I think they're talking about you." Kuro pointed out as he turned to the serious conversation. Rin turned to them and saw Bon was in a bit of a bind. "What about me?"

He approached, and Naruto did as well. "They want to know about some special blue flame or something. Bon was asking them about it, and then about you, but I don't really get where he was going with it."

Rin seemed surprised at the information. "Blue flame? What do they know about it?" He asked back with as much urgency as Bon had previously.

"Their temple was attacked by someone who used blue fire." Naruto informed with slight confusion on his features. This was the first time Rin had looked so serious about something, and he wished he had more information.

"It was attacked?" Rin asked thinking it sounded familiar, but not really getting why.

Naruto nodded. "Yeah uh... what's got you guys so worked up over these blue flames anyway? It's just fire isn't it?"

Rin nodded slightly as he turned to the monks. "Yeah, but it can still hurt people..."

He seemed strangely melancholy when he said that which was something else that made Naruto think there was more to it. "I suppose, but people can be hurt by lots of things Rin." He pointed out as he crossed his arms. "At least no one was killed."

That surprised Rin immediately. "Huh? No one died? But that..." He trailed off thinking back to the one and only time he'd seen the blue flame used by someone other himself. Satan, the demon he wanted more than anything to beat the crap out of. He wasn't completely sure, but he said something about killing anyone he possessed because he was too strong. As he thought back more he quickly became frustrated trying to remember more details about what he was told. "Damn..." He cursed in frustration. "I should pay more attention..." He finished with a grumble.

Before Naruto could ask him what he was grumbling about a loud roar drew the attention of all around. Just above them a new salamander flew with something squirming in its teeth. This salamander was even bigger than the higher salamanders and had broad wings. Much of its body glowed a brilliant orange which dulled to black around its face, spine and each claw. "It is Razzle Grandfather!" Reisho declared with a relieved expression.

All the priests seemed overjoyed to see the demon as he hovered lower right into the center of the crowed. They all gave him plenty of space as he set his hind talons down and turned to Master Miroku. Tendo helped him to his feet so that he could address the demon better. "Great Razzle, I am relieved to see you are well."

The demon narrowed his eyes at the old man before dropping the cloaked boy in his teeth. As soon as he squirmed to his feet many of the priests recognized him, and were even happier. "Young Heir!" Several of them proclaimed while Reisho approached the boy with a furrowed brow. "You must be more careful with him priest! He would have been killed had I not arrived when I did!" The salamander berated before glaring over the rest of the monks. "You humans have but one requirement to fulfill and you would do well not to disappoint me!"

Naruto looked on in confusion as many of the priests bowed in penance including the supposed master. "The heck is going on here? I thought these guys told the salamanders what to do not the other way around."

"It's probably part of the hierarchy of their temple." Bon suddenly answered as he stood just a few feet away. He was more than happy to not be getting the third degree from those priests anymore.

"Hierarchy? But isn't the master in charge?"

Bon nodded. "Yeah, but only of the temple. If these priests are contracted with demons it wouldn't be weird for them to have some sort of contract with an Agni. Although I've never heard of a salamander being one, I bet this one is at least just as powerful." He then turned to Rin. "An Agni is a higher level demon like Ucchusma. You remember him right?" Rin raised a brow to think a moment which made Bon roll his eyes. "The one who helped defeat the Impure King? Ring a bell?"

Rin suddenly seemed surprised. "Yeah, I remember that guy! So... wait, he bosses your temple around too?"

Bon was angered by that. "No idiot! He is a high level demon we use to fight other powerful demons. In order to use their power we have to fulfill certain requirements!" He then let out a breath and looked more calm. "Protecting that kid probably has something to do with this demon's requirements." Both Naruto and Rin seemed a little lost, but it's not like he expected them to pick up on something when neither of them came from a temple.

The kid looked up at the large salamander with a frown as Reisho took his hand. "You don't have to be so mean big brother. I just wanted to play around."

The salamander quickly turned his glare onto the boy. "Yes, and it could have gotten you killed child! Do not act as though you have done nothing wrong when you were just as foolish as these humans!" He shouted in annoyance which quickly drove the boy to hide behind Tendo. He snorted smoke before looking back to the old priest. "So Miroku, are you able to continue on? Should you prove unfit for battle, I must find another to align my flame with."

Miroku stood taller and adjusted the bandage on his arm. "I am fine Razzle, and perfectly fit to fight." He then pulled some beads from his other sleeve and wrapped them around his hand.

"I am pleased to hear that Miroku. The enemy will not be easy with the power of God's flame on their side."

"So this is another one of your familiars is it?" Shizune suddenly asked as she approached from the other side. She had left with Lady Tsunade to coordinate a few of the ninja squads before coming back.

Tendo turned to her. "Yes he is..." He trailed off when she instead looked around for someone else.

"Naruto?"

"Uh, yes ma'am." He responded from around several of the monks who were drawn by the demon.

Shizune looked to him. "Are those boys still with you?"

Naruto turned to them and nodded. "Yeah, I got 'em right here." He pointed with a smile since last time he'd lost track of Rin.

"Good, bring them with you. Lady Tsunade needs to speak with them." Naruto raised a brow before motioning them to follow. Both Rin and Suguro traded glances before The demon hybrid shrugged and followed. Bon was a bit annoyed by how easy Rin just did what they wanted, but he did admit there was no reason not to.

The Lady Hokage was now positioned on a nearby roof to better keep track of the priests while still being able to get a good view of the village. From what she could tell the damage wasn't very extensive aside from the main gates, and the street behind the Hokage's office. None of the other teams had yet to report any activity at all though, and it made her anxious. "What are these bastards playing at?" She grumbled as she crossed her arms with a frown.

"Lady Tsunade!"

She turned to see Shizune with Naruto and the boys right behind him. "Good, they'll be here soon."

"What's going on? Who's coming?" Naruto asked as he stopped just beside Shizune.

"The tracking team I sent out earlier today. We just got a message from them." She then turned to the boys. "They had a run in with someone else who claimed to be from True Cross."

"Really?" Rin asked.

"Then we're not stuck here!" Bon cheered at the first bit of good news since he got here.

"That means Kekashi Sensei is on his way too right? Wasn't he on that mission?"

Tsunade nodded. "Yes he was, but how did you know that?"

"I ran into him when he was on his way out of the village." Naruto replied before turning to Rin. "I was with Rin too."

"Oh you mean that broom hair guy from this morning?" Rin questioned as he remembered the strange encounter.

"I suppose I could have made more of an impression." The ninja in question replied as he stepped onto the roof.

"I doubt it would have mattered. He's kind of an idiot." A woman commented as she appeared next to him along with 3 other leaf ninja.

"Ms. Kirigakure?!" Bon called in surprise.

"Why so surprised? I thought you'd be glad to know you're not stuck here." She then turned to Rin with an annoyed expression. "And you! Why the hell are you just standing there huh?" She stomped over to him as he took a step back. "I'm ready for an apology!"

"A-an apology?" He muttered back not really getting what she was mad about.

"Yeah! Do you have any idea how the hell it feels to be scolded by that pompous clown!?" She explained in a rage while Rin didn't really know what to say in the face of her anger. "And not only that but the four eyed chicken too!" She then grinded her fist into his head with all her fury.

"Cut that out! How the hell is this my fault!?"

And to end it all with Shura being urked just makes a nice ending doesn't it? Anyway, I'm sorry about the wait, and I am still writing. I just ask for patience. After all if you didn't want quality I could just wrap it up with two sentences, but that really wouldn't be fulfilling now would it?

Thanks for reading and please feel free to ask questions and comment below!=^-^=