Chapter 10
The sun rose over the Minerva as it prepared to embark on its journey to Gibraltar once again. Everyone was on high alert as they flew through the air. Talia looked out onto the day, happy to watch the sun rise, yet not at ease. The previous night Naruto had informed her that they wouldn't see the Ark Angel again. She had questioned him on how he came to acquire this information but he told her it was not important. She stated she needed to have verification on the information she was receiving but all Naruto said was his word was all she needed.
"That man." she stated in annoyance. She was pulled out of her musing when her Vice-Captain Arthur came up. "Yes Arthur what is it?"
"Well the pilots are looking for Naruto but he is nowhere to be found." he stated. "We have checked his room, but he is not there. We have asked but all she said was he went to go meditate."
Talia let out a sigh. "Have you checked his machine." she asked.
Arthur nodded, "Yes we have Ma'am, but he is not there either."
'Where could he be?" she thought to herself as she checked the cameras but saw nothing. "Go through this morning security footage and see if you can see where he has gone."
"Um...Ma'am." Meyrin stated from her station. "I don't think that will be necessary."
Talia looked at Meyrin. "Where is he." she asked.
Meyrin pulled up the ships rear camera and turned it to face the bridge. Sitting on the top of the bridge was a human figure. She zoomed in and Talia saw the shirtless form of Naruto sitting perfectly still on top of the bridge.
"How did he get up there?" Arthur stated in surprise.
Talia just sighed, "Meyrin can you get a message to him to please come down."
"Yes Ma'am." Meyrin replied and got onto the ships outer microphone. "Naruto, please come in."
Meyrin tried to get any response from Naruto but he didn't seem to notice. Talia let out an exasperated sigh and shook her head. "Send one of the pilots to get him." she stated as she rubbed the bridge of her nose.
-With Naruto-
Naruto sat on the top of the bridge letting the sun and wind pass over his skin. He was currently gathering nature chakra to help him focus and prep for the fights they lay ahead. He took in a breath as his mind wondered to days past.
He was pulled out of his musing when he heard his name being called, but he chose to ignore it. After several attempts to get his attention the voice died away, leaving Naruto in silence.
"Let's see who they send to get me." He thought to himself with a chuckle, opening his eyes to reveal their change to sage mode. He looked around the land and felt every living thing as it moved, he then felt the presence of chakra and looked towards it. It was several miles away but from what he could feel it was very sporadic and floaty.
He knew it was one of the Earth Forces pilots and started to focus in on it, yet it was still too far away for him to get an accurate reading on the person. He let out a disappointed sigh and closed his eyes, letting the nature chakra leave his body. He stood up and stretched his arms high above his head, looked onto the sea once more and the turned to head back into the ship.
He reached for the hatch to enter the ship but found it was locked. After several tries of failing to open the hatch, a tired sigh escaped his lips. "I could always take the fun way down." He told himself as he walked toward the edge. He looked down below him and saw the outer deck.
A smile grew on his face as he took a few steps back. "Here I go." he shouted and took off running, as he did this the hatched opened behind him and out came Lunamaria.
Luna turned and saw Naruto as he was about to reach the edge. "Naruto." she cried in shock as she watched him jump. She ran toward the edge and pulled out her com. "Captain he jumped!"
-With Talia-
Talia gasped in surprise as she heard Luna's words. "HE DID WHAT!" she shouted and everyone on the bridge jumped in surprise. She quickly turned to Meyrin, "bring up the camera."
Meyrin quickly did as ordered and soon the picture appeared on the screen.
-With Naruto-
Naruto heard Luna call his name but he had already jumped out in the air. He didn't let that bother him as he started to fall, his arms and legs spread wide. He saw that the ship started to slant a bit and he flips so once he landed he could slide down the incline till the next drop. He slid for a good ways until the edge came into view, underneath the edge was the outer deck.
Naruto just smiled and pushed himself up and was able to run a few steps and jump. He sailed in the air for a few moments before tucking into a roll and hit the deck with his shoulder. He rolled a few times and was about to reach the railing when he popped up and slid to a stop.
Naruto turned and saw Luna run onto the outer deck with a few of the medical staff behind her. She saw Naruto standing there as if nothing had happened, the shock clearly evident on her face, "Are you all right?" she asked franticly.
"I could have stuck the landing better." He replied as he brought his hand to his chin. Luna and the medics looked at him with awe as he walked passed them and into the ship.
Naruto and Meer walked through the ship toward the cafeteria at a leisurely pace. Naruto looked at her and saw they uneasiness she had in her step. She looked calm to all around her, yet inside she was a raging storm of worry and fear.
As they walked, Naruto put his arm around her shoulder in a fatherly manner. Meer seemed to relax at this gesture, the tension leaving her frame. He let a small smile grace his face, glad to be able to provide some comfort to her. They soon reached their destination and Naruto lifted his arm from her shoulder.
Everyone turned to watch them as they entered, but quickly went back to their meals. Meer took a seat at one of the open tables while Naruto grabbed them their food. He came with the food and they ate in silence.
Naruto finished first and watched Meer, a small plan forming in his mind. "Lacus." he said as she finished her food. "Have you practiced your singing lately?"
Meer just looked at him and nodded, "I sing in my room."
He nodded a smile growing on his face. "That is good." he state as he stood up. "But you need to practice in front of an audience." Naruto pulled Meer out of her chair and brought her to the front of the tables.
Meer looked at him with slight surprise but when she saw the crew's look of excitement she couldn't resist. "Which song should I sing?" She asked Naruto as she started to play along, putting to her chin in deep thought.
"How about Quiet Night." He answered her with a smile.
Meer nodded, "Ok," she said and closed her eyes, a look of tranquility appearing on her face. Naruto stepped back and watched as she began to sing, the notes of the song filled the air.
The crew watched captivated by her voice, as it sailed across the room. Naruto just smiled as the look of joy spread across Meer's face. When she performed it was the one place she had complete control and where she felt the most joy. He continued to watch the crowd when he saw Talia standing in the back of the room.
She waved for him to come over and he nodded, making his way through the mesmerized crowd. He reached Talia and she motioned for him to follow her out of the cafeteria. They were soon out of the room and the door closed behind him, leaving them alone in the silence.
"Yes Captain," he said in a warmly, leaning against the wall.
"I heard you are the one who started this impromptu concert." she questioned as she folded her arms under her breasts.
"Maybe," replied with a coy smile. "Is that a problem?"
Talia just shook her head. "No, I think it was a good idea." she stated, a small smile appearing on her face. "The crew needs the distraction before our next battle."
Naruto nodded, "Well I am glad I could have helped with bringing the crew some joy." he looked back into the room, his eyes watching Meer as she sang "They were not the only ones who needed this concert."
Talia looked at him with slight confusion but decided not to inquire about it. "Naruto," she started, getting his attention once again. "I was hoping you would join me in my office later to talk about this conflict. I would like to hear your thoughts on it."
He looked at her for a few moments, an unreadable look on his face. "That would be fun." he replied with a warm smile. "How about this evening?"
Talia nodded in agreement. "That sounds good."
"Then it a date." he replied with a coy smile and she just sighed and walked toward the bridge. As he watched her, he could swear there was an extra sway to her hips as she walked.
-The three hours later-
Naruto sat in his machine on the catapult waiting to be given the green to take off. Meer's concert had ended two hours before and everyone had headed back to work. Meer headed back to the room to take a rest; she had enjoyed herself immensely and signed a few things for the crew.
Soon after the battle alarm came on and everyone headed to their station. He was the last to launch and soon found him in the light of day. He flew toward his position at the rear of the ship. His eyes watched the approaching enemies with practiced ease.
"Let make this a quick one." he told everyone over the coms, a mischievous smile on his face. "I've got plans tonight."
Luna looked at him with interest. "What plans?"
"Just plans." he replied as he looked at Talia for a quick second. "Now don't die on me people."
"Roger." Everyone replied and the battle began.
The Earth Forces and Orb mobile suit flew forward determined to get their target but they were met by missiles and beam fire. Naruto observed that the attacking Fleet was a bit smaller than the previous day and this made him worry slightly. Also the black and green units were nowhere to be found.
He shot down a few enemies that got past, trying to figure out what brought on this feeling. Yet nothing came to mind, his focus once again turning to the battle and protecting Meer.
-With the Bridge-
Talia watched as her pilots held off the enemy mobile suits with great efficiency, only allow a few to get close to the ship but they were shot down by the next line of defense. She looked at the enemy fleet and saw that it was mostly Orb forces and a few Earth Forces ships.
"Meyrin I want you to do a scan of the area." she ordered as she watched the battle. "Something not right."
Meyrin nodded, "Yes Ma'Am." she quickly type on her computer, looked over the radar and sonar for anything amiss. "All clear Ma'am."
Talia nodded, "Ma'am." Meyrin suddenly stated, "We now have ten Earth Forces ships at our rear!"
Talia looked at Meyrin in shock. "It's an ambush." she stated with anger. "Have Shinn move toward the rear, Athrun, Luna, and Heine tighten your formation, do not allow those mobile suits to get through!"
"Roger." Everyone responded as the bridge came to life.
"Captain." Naruto said over the coms. "Keep Shinn forward. I got it covered here."
She looked at Naruto with a questioning look. "I trust in your skills." she replied, "But this is too big of a fleet for just one person to handle."
She heard Naruto chuckle, "Let me show you what happens when you wake the dragon."
-With Naruto-
Naruto pushed his thrusters to make and shot forward at lighting fast speeds. The ambushing fleet before him. He lifted his beam rifle and began to fire beam after beam in quick succession taking out many of the mobile suits that had just taken off or were in the process of taking off.
He dodged to the side as a few suits tried to shoot him but they were quickly dealt with. Naruto backed away a bit and pointed his beam rifle at the enemies coming towards him. He began to pour some of his chakra into the Sinanju energy core, which was then transferred to the rifle.
"Enjoy meeting the Reaper." he stated with no emotions and fired. A huge beam blast left his rifle and traveled at amazing speeds taking out several squadrons of enemy mobile suits that were in its path.
He continued to flood chakra into the Sinanju and increased his thrust till he was just a blur of red. The enemy could only watch in horror and awe as a red blur of death danced among their ranks.
He reached the first ship and landed on the deck, and brought his beam saber down on the bridge, killing all there. He moved onto the next ship and struck at the bridge. He was about to move onto the next ship when he dodged a beam shot from behind him.
He looked at his attacker and saw it was the black mobile suit Gaia, its rifle pointed at him. He charged forward, and the Gaia shot at him. He dodged the blast and brought his fist back and punched the Gaia in the face.
The Gaia flew back a bit but quickly righted itself, landing on one of the ships below. The pilot changed the Gaia into Mobile Armor mode and shot towards Naruto at an alarming rate.
Naruto just brought his beam saber up and waited. The Gaia jumped igniting its beam saber. The two weapons connected but Naruto pushed the Gaia back with ease. He chased after it and was able to cut its rear leg, making it limp away from him.
He was about to follow up his attack when he had to dodge a set of beam blasts. He turned and saw a group of Wingdoms flying towards him. They fired their weapons and Naruto rolled to the side, countering with his own set of beam fire. He took out most of the units except one that was able to dodge at the last second.
He watched as the lone unit flew away from him and turned to look at the Gaia but it was nowhere to be found. He sighed, "I guess I have to try and get him next time." he told himself as he flew back a bit, the ships firing all their weapons at him.
"Time to end this." he told himself and began to pour more chakra into his suit. He pulled out his beam saber and everyone watched as it grew larger and larger. He brought it back high over his head and brought it down on the ships before him. With that one swing he took out two ships, leaving only six left. He dodged a set of missile fire and swung again taking out three more.
He faced the last three ships his saber held high. "Enjoy your end." he stated and brought the saber down, rendering the ships into oblivion. He turned back to the Minerva a scene of fire and death behind him.
-With Talia-
Talia looked at Naruto as he flew back to the ship, a look of awe on her face. She had watched as he single handedly took out the entirety of the ambushing fleet, all of its mobile suits and damage the Gaia, all without taking a scratch. One thing that surprised her was the sudden display of power he shown in his machine, the Lohangrin level beam and the ship splitting sword.
"How is he able to do all that?" she thought to herself as she watched him once again take his place at the rear of the ship.
The Minerva sailed on into the night, the aftermath of the last battle all but a memory. Talia sat at her desk in her quarters, looking over several files and reports she had received. One was from Athrun, who had also made contact with the Ark Angel, he confirmed Naruto's words. She had Luna follow him to see whom he met; she looked over the pictures with interest.
She was pulled out of her musing when she heard a knock on her door. She put the files and pictures away and looked at the door. "Come in."
The door opened and revealed Naruto; he wore a simple white button up shirt that had the top button undone, black slacks and black loafers. He had a bottle of wine in his hands. "It's evening." he stated with a smile.
Talia just smiled, "I am happy you could make It." she replied as she stood up from her desk, removing her Captain's hat.
Naruto just nodded, "I am happy to be spending time with you Talia." He moved toward the couch, as she pulled out two wine glasses from one of her cabinets. "It is not often I get the chance to spend time with such a beauty as yourself."
Talia blush slightly and gave him a small glare. "Flattery will get you nowhere."
"I wasn't trying to flatter you Talia," he stated as he took a seat. "I am merely stating the fact that you are beautiful."
She let out a small sigh and shook her head, as she took her seat. She looked at the wine and saw it was before they started marking time in the cosmic era. "Where did you get this?" she asked as she looked over the bottle.
Naruto chuckled, "Like you, I have many friends who are collectors of fine wines." he answered as he took the bottle from Talia and uncorked it. In all actuality he had made this wine himself back when he owned one of the largest wineries in the world. He poured her a drink and handed it to her. "Enjoy."
She took the glass and looked at the wine, its ruby color dancing in the glass. She swirled the wine slowly and took a small sniff. Naruto watched her as she took a small sip of the wine, and remove the cup from her lips.
She was silent for a moment as she savored the taste of the wine. "This is one of the best wines I have ever tasted. " she stated with a genuine smile.
Naruto felt his heart stop as he saw this. He was slightly surprised by this, because it had been several years since it had happened. He quickly pushed the feeling away and picked up his own glass. "I am glad that it is to your liking." he said and he took a drink.
Talia just nodded as she took another sip. She set her cup down and gave Naruto an inquiring look. "Naruto," she began as she looked him in the eyes. "What are your thoughts on the war?"
Naruto took another sip of wine and slowly set the cup down, a look of deep thought on his face. "This war will bring more heartache and misunderstanding before it is over. "He stated.
Talia nodded as she looked at her wine, "Yes many lives have been lost and will be lost as long as this conflict continues." She turned once again to face Naruto. "Do you believe this conflict has an end?"
Naruto looked away from Talia for a moment. "This war wills end." he stated simply. "All wars do."
Talia was silent as she processed his words. He answers did not show any sign of siding with either side, just a concern for everyone as a whole. She admired this, his ability to see past their genes and to who they are. "Do you think there will be peace once the war ends?"
Naruto took a sip of his wine, "There will be a time of peace, as always after a war, but over time a new battle will begin," he stated sadly, memories of past conflicts coming to his mind. "Peace last only as long as the people wish for it to last."
Talia looked at Naruto, and saw a different person, his wall of flirting and joking down. She saw a man who had seen many battles, a man scarred by war. His eyes told her a story of a man who had seen more than anyone else in a lifetime.
She reached out and touched his arm in comfort. He looked at her and gave her a thankful smile. His sadness soon faded and she just smiled. They were silent for a few moments each lost in thought.
Naruto looked at Talia his heart once again slowing. The way the light hit her face showed her supreme beauty to all. Talia turned and caught him staring at her. "Yes Naruto?" she asked pulling him out of his trance.
A blush spread across his face and he looked away, "Um..." he stammered, trying to rein in his growing emotions. "Would you like to dance?"
Talia looked at him with surprise at the random question. "Yes, I do enjoy to dance." she answered her eyes watching him with curiosity.
Naruto just smiled, but was inwardly freaking out, the question had just popped out of his mouth while his mind rebooted to a normal state. He thought for a moment a rush plans coming together. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a music file. He popped it into the wall console and the music began to play. It was a slow rhythm, great for a waltz.
He stood up and offered his hand to Talia. "May I have this dance?" he asked in a gentleman-like manner.
Talia took his hand and he helped her stand. He guided her into the proper position and soon they were off dancing to the music. She watched as he guided her around the room, flowing from one move to another. Soon they became one with the music all the thoughts of the war and conflict leaving their minds. All they thought about was each other.
As the song ended Naruto dipped Talia and slowly drew her back up, bringing her face inches from his. He looked into her gray eyes and felt like time stopped, he didn't want this moment to end.
Talia broke away first, a red tint to her face. "Thank you for the dance." she said warmly, brushing some of the hair from her face. Her hands slipping away from his.
"Your welcome Talia." he replied, as he wished to hold her hands once more.
-A while later-
Naruto walked through the halls of the ship, a contemplative look on his face. He had a wonderful evening with Talia and was sad to have it end but he needed time to think. It had been a long time since his heart had nearly stopped when he was with a woman.
"What is the matter with me?" he thought to himself as he walked out onto the outer deck, looking out into the night.
"Hey Brat" the voice of Kyuubi cried and Naruto turned to see the large fox looking at him. "How was your date with the Captain?"
"It was nice." he replied with a joyful smile.
Kyuubi just watched Naruto a knowing smile on his face. "You're falling for her."
Naruto sighed. "It seems so." he replied as he ran his hand through his hair.
"Then make her yours," Kyuubi said as he walked up next to Naruto, a large smile in his face. "All you do is claim her as yours and you're done."
Naruto just shook his head, "You know it is not that easy." he commented with a sigh.
Kyuubi shook his head, "It is that easy, and you just overthink it."
Naruto chuckled, "That may be true." he stated as he looked at his companion. "But I still have hope that she will awaken, I can't betray her."
"You know that she may never wake up, "Kyuubi bumped his head in Naruto's hand in a comforting manner. "Talia is a good woman; she would be a nice one to be with. You have to decide."
Naruto just nodded, once more a sigh escaping his lips. "Why does love like to sneak up on me?"
-A Few days later-
The Minerva flew along the coast, the night sky bouncing off the white armor of the ship. They had received an order to check out an abandoned Earth Forces facility in the area. The crew went about and prepared for their journey into the facility.
Captain Gladys sat in her chair as she looked over the orders, a bit apprehensive about what the facility held. She had ordered Athrun, Ray, Luna and Shinn to be part of the investigation team, while having a few of the other crew members provides support.
"Captain," Meyrin stated as she typed at her station. "The facility is ahead, initial scans have shown no Earth Forces in the area."
Talia nodded, "Understood, have the investigation team prepares to embark."
"Yes Ma'am."
Talia felt as the ship landed and saw the investigation team depart. She still has everyone on high alert. Heine was in his machine ready to launch at a moment's notice. She listened to the to the com chatter and soon found soon the facilities secure.
"All clear Ma'am." Athrun said via the coms. "Awaiting your orders."
Talia smiled, "Very good, meet me at the entrance and we will search the facilities."
"Roger."
Talia got out of her chair and headed towards the outer hatch area of the ship. As she entered the elevator, and came face to face with Naruto.
He smiled at her, "Hello Captain." he stated with a friendly smile. "Fancy seeing you here."
Talia just gave him a neutral look. "What can I do for you Naruto?"
"Can't I visit my favorite Captain?" he asked as he stepped closer to her.
Talia tried not to sigh at his antics. "I am needed elsewhere." she replied, giving him an incredulous look.
Naruto just beamed and put his arm through hers. "How about I join you, you never know what dangers lurk on this adventures."
She just shook her head, but she did like the idea of having him there to help them look at the facility. "I would like that." she stated as they exited the elevator and walked through the halls, still arms locked.
They exited the ship and joined with the pilots. By this time Talia had unlinked herself from Naruto and looked at the assembled group before her. "Athrun," she stated and he stood at attention. "I want you on point, Shinn and Ray you are to cover the rear.
"Yes Ma'Am." they stated as they took their positions and the group headed into the facility. Power had been restored so the halls were full of light. They walked silently through the facility, checking the rooms as they passed. The first few rooms were holding units and had not seen use in a long while.
Talia watched as Naruto frowned as he looked into the rooms, his eyes roaming every inch of it. He walked into one of the room as set his hand against the wall, closing his eyes, his frown growing.
He removed his hand, his eyes still closed, and sadness clearly seen on his face. Yet he saw nothing, he opened his eyes, and Talia could have sworn they were orange for a second.
"We need to go deeper." he stated as he exited the room and headed down the hall, passing more of the doors. He seemed focused on finding something. Talia followed after him, but stopped as she noticed Ray acting strange.
"Ray," she said getting his attention.
"Yes Captain?" he replied
"Are you ok?" she asked with concern.
"I am fine."
She nodded, and turned to follow after Naruto. He had made it down the hall and had entered on the last room. Inside was a computer with the walls lined with brains in jars. Naruto stood at the computer, reading over the data, his shoulders shaking.
Talia walked next to him and looked at the information, and began to read. As she continued a gasp of shock came from her lips. "What have they done." she stated in shock.
"They wanted soldiers to fight the monsters." Naruto replied, the anger barely restrained. He moved away from the console and headed from the door. "I will leave these to you Captain."
-With Naruto-
Naruto left Talia in the room and headed to the top of the facility. He continued walking until he felt that he was alone. He stood frozen for a few moments before he released a strong blast of chakra, his eyes red with rage.
"Those disgusting, degenerate, inhuman, animals!" he shouted as a Reasengan formed in hand. "They have no idea what they have done!"
He had read the information and discovered they had unlocked the ability to use Chakra. Yet it was an unable way of the use, much like Rock Lee it was used to make them stronger and faster. Yet they did this by experimenting on children, sacrificing many to make a few chakra user.
He was pulled out of his anger when he saw the Impulse fly past. He quickly turned his sense on high and found the one of the chakra users had come. Shinn had engaged the target and disabled the enemy. Naruto rushed to the scene in time to see the Gaia cockpit to open and out came the pilot. She fell to the ground as she tried to fight, her breath labored The ZAFT forces going over to her. Shinn was to her side and seemed to know who she was. Naruto was about to get closer but she was taken into the ship.
Well this is another chapter come and gone. I really like this story and I have lots of plans for it. A few of you have guessed some my idea on the pairing idea and I think it the best way to do it. Thank you for all the support and I will do all I can do to make this story the best.