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chapter 25: date time, the night raven, and the auger
It was time after a week's anticipation. The time for Yang's date was here. One would think she would be nervous. This was the first date she would have with the boy she actually liked. It was not like she did not have the experience with boys. This emotion she was feeling was more a mixture of anticipation. Giddy excitement. With just a hint of trepidation.
Even as Weiss and Ruby helped her get ready. With Ruby helping style her golden locks. The one time she would let anyone else touch her hair. They had gone with braiding and pinning the braid of her hair out of her face. With Weiss it had taken a while, but eventually her teammate had compromised with her. On her outfit choice. Dresses were out of the question. So they had picked a black denim miniskirt that was frayed and ripped to show hints of her thighs, Biker shorts. A cropped yellow single strapped tank-top that bared her midriff and hung off one shoulder. Revealing a hint of the black bra she wore underneath. Yang also wore a pair of two toned thigh high stockings that faded from black to orange in a pattern like fire. Knee high black leather boots, and a brown leather jacket. A belt with her ammo pouches rested on her hips. Finishing her outfit with her weapons, Ember Celica
They were just finishing her makeup when there was a knock at the door.
"I got it," It was the bubbly and excitable Ruby who answered the door.
"Yang should be ready any minute, Naruto." Ruby said, breaking out into a wide smile, practically vibrating. As she took his hand, leading him to the living room to wait.
Ruby had practically molded herself to his side as they sat on the loveseat, waiting. Snuggling closer and melting when Naruto returned her affections. By patting her head.
It was only when Yang and Weiss entered that Naruto stood up.
"Huh, you clean up really good Foxy," Yang's comment drew their attention.
He wore white cargo pants that were tactfully ripped at the knees and had an orange stripe down the side of each leg. A dark blue, almost black jacket with a hood that had orange highlights on the sleeves, a band with the Uzumaki spiral on his right arm. A scroll dangled from his belt that held his pouches. He wore black shinobi sandals.
Naruto mussed Ruby's hair as he and Yang left. "Well, I think we'll be off now red."
Ruby hissed at Naruto for messing up her hair. Even then Ruby could not help but grin, Shewing the couple out of the room. "Narutooo!"
The pair could not help but laugh at Ruby's expense.
Once they left the dorms behind. Naruto and Yang took the path to the bullheads. It was a rather uneventful trip from Beacon to Vale proper. And another brief trip to the off campus storage garages for students that had vehicles.
After Retrieving her motorcycle Bumblebee. Naruto's own motorcycle impressed Yang. His was a monster of a machine. Designed for all terrine. yet still have the power to keep up in any chase. Made up of all sharp angles. With the primary color being orange with dark gray highlights that faded to black at the ends.
The ride to the Roost was rather uneventful. The pair arrived in time to see the horde of people just waiting to get into the closed store. The Roost being a rather popular, sprawling bookstore nestled next to its sister diner, the Funhaus. Resting on the border of the upper class district and the commercial. It rather surprised Yang to see the line wrapped around the bookstore. She could not help but smirk when she saw Blake near the front of the line, waiting. Next to a tent and sleeping bag. She had been mysteriously absent that morning when Yang was getting ready for her date.
"Hey Blake," Yang called out. Waving a hand to get her attention.
When Blake looked over it was apparent that the other girl had gotten little sleep. She had bags under her eyes. And it looked like it was a struggle just to stay standing. Based on how she was nursing a thermos of what looked like coffee, like it was a lifeline.
The couple walked up to Yang's bedraggled teammate; it was clear for all to see she was dead on her feet.
Rather than speak, Blake grunted, nursing the black sludge she called coffee in preference to words.
"So what are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
"It's rather obvious what I Am here for." Blake stated pointing to the sign advertising the latest release of Icha Icha: West and book signing. "Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"
Uncharacteristically Naruto fidgeted nervously. Not knowing how to break it to Blake, the reason they were here was for the book signing. But since it was his book, they would not have to wait.
Blake scowled at the whiskered blonde. "You're acting sketchy, so spill it now." she demanded.
Naruto looked around to see if anyone was paying attention. Before stepping forward and whispering in her ear. Just why they were here.
"What!" Blake hissed.
Naruto quickly pulled Blake from the line and to the back entrance of the store. Hoping that they did not attract too much attention. Swiping his scroll across the reader, the door opened.
Two toned eyes blinked, shifting from brown and white to pink. As their owner watched on from her spot in line. Gaining a grin from ear to ear, she followed the group. Twirling her umbrella as she skipped along after them. She would enjoy this. Slipping in just before the door closed. Her semblance covered her entrance flawlessly.
"Explain," Blake demanded. Crossing her arms, a frown gracing her face.
"It's like I said, the writer of the Icha Icha series is me. Well, to be more specific, I inherited it from my teacher when he passed. I have been writing ever since." Naruto explained.
"If it makes you feel any better, I Can get you a copy of his old work, and you can get your signed copy now rather than wait an hour or two." Naruto shrugged in his attempt to placate the girl.
"We can call it even if you throw in all of your teachers past work and the work you did since picking up the series." Blake countered.
"How about you can have Jiraiya's work for free. I'll even throw in the first few books I wrote. And you can have half off my future work."
Blake considered his offer for a moment. Considering just how generous his offer was. "You have a deal." she said knowing she likely would not get a better deal. They shook on it.
Naruto took one of the first editions from the stock they had in the back. Opening the book to the title page, he wrote, "to a dedicated Huntress, may you succeed in your endeavors. Arashi Namikaze."
When Naruto gave Blake the book, she could not help but flush. "Thankyou." she said. "If you don't mind, I think I will head to the loft." Blake said as she excused herself.
"It's time for a nap." she muttered with a yawn.
Neo couldn't help but let out a wordless cackle as she watched on from behind the shelf. She was so engrossed that she failed to notice that she was being watched. She was about to make her move when she was caught by the scruff of her collar, by a rather large stocky man who was head and shoulders above her four foot ten inches tall. He practically towered over her.
She flailed impotently in his grip. Even as he walked around the shelf she flailed, struggling for even a bit of leverage. Pawing uselessly at the massive hand that held her.
"Boss." the man called
Naruto turned in his direction, with exasperation displayed on his face. He said, "Sig, you know you don't have to call me that. This is your shop."
"Yes, but it's thanks to you my Family made it here from Vacuo." Sig replied. "I think you would be interested in this."
He held up the pouting form of Neo. her arms crossed, feet dangling, looking very much like a recalcitrant child.
"Neo," Naruto sighed.
Neo had the decency to flush with embarrassment. Having been caught so easily.
"So just what are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
Neo rolled her eyes at him, letting out a silent huff before crossing her arms and turning up her nose in defiance.
"Neo."
She continued to ignore him. Merely swinging her dangling feet. As if to emphasize that she would not dignify him with a response. Hanging here like this.
"Sig would you…" Naruto asked.
Sig obliged Naruto's unspoken request, setting the girl down on her feet. He rested one of his massive palms on her shoulder. Giving her a withering glare.
Neo jumped, letting out a wordless meep of distress. Unable to do so much as move with his hand on her shoulder. She thanked the brothers, the Blessed Log, and whatever deity Kami was that Naruto talked about. Honestly, she would even praise the spaghetti monster in the sky. He glanced at Naruto. Nodded then left. Neo Let out a sigh of relief. God, was he a big man.
Naruto looked to the two toned girl, "So…"
When it was just Naruto, Yang, and herself. Neo gave him a haughty smirk. Quirking a brow at him. As if to say, "you know exactly why I was here."
"Neo…" Naruto groaned.
She gave him a saucy smile and a wink, then sauntered up to the pair poking him in the chest. "You were here for the signing aren't you. But you got bored. Then when you saw me..." Naruto trailed off. As if to confirm what he said Neo gave him a nod in the affirmative.
Blinking her eyes color shifted from brown to one pink, and one cream colored. She gave him a devilish grin.
Breaking out into a grin himself. It was times like this that Naruto found the Neo brand of chaos positively infectious. "God, you're such a troublemaker." Affectionately tussling the hair of the smaller girl. "It's a good thing I have such excellent help." Naruto added.
At the shudder that ran down her spine, Neo couldn't help but agree. Just how had that man found her, anyway?
"So Naruto who is this?" it was Yang who had been silent all this time who asked.
"Ah, right introductions. This is Neopolitan, ice cream thief, chief enforcer, and troublemaker extraordinaire. In short, this little troll works for me."
Amused by the intro, Neo played along. Bobbing a curtsy to Yang.
Forming the seal for the Shadow clone Jutsu Naruto made a clone. Said clone made the seals for the transformation jutsu. In a puff of smoke, an older Naruto took its place. Only with shoulder length blood red hair tied into a loose ponytail. And his telltale whisker marks absent.
Naruto nodded to his clone. Who gave a devilish smile back. Walking to the front of the store to handle the book signing.
Naruto picked up two more copies to sign himself. One for Neo and one for Yang. he gave one to Yang. he held out the other to Neo. pulling back as she reached for it. "Now Neo, this one comes with a price." he said.
She stomped one dainty foot, pouting. Giving him puppy dog eyes filled with the makings of tears.
"Don't be like that, it won't cost you much. Just a bit of your time."
Neo hid behind Yang as if to protect herself. Naruto scowled at the grinning she devil, hiding behind his girl. She was the perfect actor.
"Kami no, not like that you pervert." Naruto groaned, rubbing his face. "I meant join us for a bite to eat in the cafe."
Neo perked up at this, quirking an eyebrow in silent questioning.
"Yes, it's my treat." Naruto confirmed.
Yang watched, partly amused in the byplay between the two. Chuckling when the smaller girl pumped her fist in the air before skipping out of the back of the store headed to the cafe.
"Come on, I think we should get going before Neo orders the whole menu." Naruto said, offering Yang his arm.
She took it, linking her hand in his, while resting her head on his shoulder. The couple headed out of the backroom, through the foyer, through the history section, into the courtyard. And into the cafe itself. It was there that they found Neo waiting at a table. Steadily working her way through an ice cream Sundae.
Naruto sat at the table, Yang at his side. He handed Yang one menu to look through. As he did the same. Looking at the menu, Naruto saw the special for the day was the bacon mac & cheese for 633 Lien.
It was not long before a waitress came to take their orders. Setting down a complementary basket of rolls "Hello my name is Lisa, I will be your server today can I take your order?"
"I would like a green tea, with the bacon macaroni and cheese, and the Whisky bacon cheeseburger with the fries and the house salad for my sides." Naruto said.
Neo pointed to the burger and endless fries special. Seeing the selection of burgers, Yang opted to choose the same thing. "I would like the smoked brisket burger, onion rings on the side, and French onion soup please."
"Will that be all for you?" their waitress asked.
"Yes, thank you." Naruto said.
Their waiter left to go place their orders.
Naruto looked to Neo. "you know as well as I that roman went a bit too far. In his escape, don't you?"
Yang stiffened but remained silent. Neo hesitantly nodded.
"It's needless to say he needs to be punished a bit for this transgression."
Neo looked shocked but kept her head down.
"Relax Neo," Naruto said, placing a hand on hers, comforting the girl. "Of course you need to be punished as well for trying to interrupt my date." he said, his tone slightly mischievous.
She all but flinched, looking at Naruto, his smile all teeth.
"My, isn't she just adorable?" a feminine voice said from behind Neo.
Neo spun around to find the speaker.
"Hi, Izumi how are the twins?"
"They're down for a nap right now Naruto. It will be such a shame that the girls missed their uncle." Izumi said, the tone of her voice sing song.
With the building pit of dread in her gut, Neo could not help but glance between the two. Neo would swear that this was just a setup.
"How are the Elric's and the Rockbell's doing?"
Izumi's smile only seemed to grow. "Ah, well, Pinako and Winry are doing just fine at their practice. And Trisha and her husband are deep in their research as usual." Izumi couldn't seem to keep in her excitement. "the boy's just got accepted into Signal. They were so excited when the letters came."
"I see that's good news. But it seems with the boys off at Signal and the twins too young to help. You're rather short handed, right?"
Neo froze, eyes wide as she turned to Naruto, disbelief written across her face. God damn the blonde bastard.
Damn him. He absolutely set her up. Neo positively seethed. Damn him and his smug grin.
Crossing one arm and resting the hand in the crook of her elbow. Izumi rubbed her chin in the other palm. "Well yes, we will need to look for some help soon. With the boys out."
Naruto's grin only grew. "Well, I think you're in luck," Neo only shrunk further in her seat the more he spoke. "Neo here is looking to do some volunteer work."
When Naruto directed his gaze in Neo's direction. She wished that she could disappear. She considered using her semblance to slip away.
But no, she knew that would not go over well. In fact, it was likely that Naruto would see through it.
"Wouldn't you, Neo?"
"Damn him!" She thought. There was only one choice in this. Neo nodded her acceptance. As tentative as it was.
"Are you sure, dear?"
Neo gave another jerky nod.
"Excellent! We can start your training tomorrow. We need to get you up to speed for the maid cafe theme starting next week."
Neo froze rigid, staring in disbelief at Naruto's stupid, smug grin. He tricked her. Pulled a fast one. Had she known. Neo would have never agreed to this. Not that she had much choice, mind you. It was the principle of the matter.
"It's been nice talking to Naruto and thank you so much for your help Neo. but I have to run."
"See you later, Izumi." Naruto waved
Neo practically jumped Naruto once the older woman had left. Jabbing a finger into his chest. Naruto was sure if she could speak, she would be all but screeching at him. Just based on her scowling expression alone.
Raising his hands in the air, "you know considering you were spying on me this is the least you deserve," Naruto said to placate the mute girl.
"But compared to Roman, I think you are getting off rather light." his grin growing wider. "I hear that Izumi needs a sitter for her hellions in two weeks if your interested in avoiding roman for the duration of the month of hell he is in for."
Neo thought about it for a moment. She nodded moments later, gaining a grin to match his own.
She looked at him in a bit of curiosity just wondering what he had in store for roman.
"I think for starters, his shoes all being a size too small to start out with. You know drive him crazy over time."
Neo couldn't help the grin slowly spreading across her face. Oh, how fun it would be to watch. If she could cackle, she would do so with glee. Best part was she was just given an alibi in the form of "punishment". All she had to do was sit back and watch the fireworks go off.
It was at this point that their server brought their food.
Just as they were about to tuck into their food Yang asked, "So, Neo, just how do you know Naruto?"
Neo grinned, her eyes flashing a blue to match Naruto's. She pulled out her scroll and started typing.
Neo sent, "well that's simple, I met him on a job."
She pushed the device over to Yang to read.
"This sounds like a story I want to hear," Yang said, grinning.
Neo sent, "well, we were in Mistral. It was the heist of the century, and Roman and I had just pulled off the biggest caper of our lives."
Naruto snorted, amused by the tale midway through his meal.
Neo huffed her irritation. Glaring at him.
"What?" he asked.
Neo rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, pouting.
"Eh, what's up now?" Yang asked.
"She's pouting because she knows that's not how we met." Naruto said amused. "What really happened was. Neo here and her partner Roman ruined an infiltration mission that I had been working for the better part of three months. It took me just that long to gain the interest of the man."
Neo cut in quickly, typing. "Neo: it was not like we knew. All we knew was art by the rising star artist Sai was being transported to some rich dude." she shrugged.
"That 'art' was bait. It would have marked all who handled it with a Hiraishin marker. But you and roman intercepted it. Forcing an already hard mission to extend by an additional two months."
Neo sent, "in my defence we helped."
Naruto snorted. "Only after you had already tried to run. Not realising that the two of you were already marked."
Neo pouted, shrugged and with a smirk went back to her food with a grin.
They eventually finished their meals amid light banter.
]|[
It had taken years, but at last she had finally done it. Nearly three years worth of tireless research into the many dimensions of the multiverse. And now she had a path to where the foolish kage had sent him. To where they had sent Naruto.
With the decline of the shinobi over the past three decades. Orochimaru had grown rather bored with this world. Now that it lacked that spark. That drive to improve. The very thing that drove her to the very depths of madness. An insatiable thirst for knowledge.
It was ironic that it was that same drive for knowledge, that same drive to make things better. That caused the other four nations to look elsewhere for their military might.
Orochimaru felt that it was a direct response to the reformation of Uzushio, and the support the island nation received from Konoha, because of the association the village held with Naruto Uzumaki. The village's former Seventh Hokage.
As it stood now only the Leaf and Whirlpool had a standing force of shinobi. The other countries are demilitarizing their shinobi forces. Looking elsewhere for the bulk of their military might. Relying almost exclusively on autonomous puppets and soldiers equipped with cartridge guns and chakra cannons. Claiming that they could field a trained battalion of soldiers in a month or two. Compared to the near decade it takes to train and deploy shinobi.
Orochimaru thought it was an interesting concept to be sure. However, many were of the same opinion as her. That one trained chunin was worth an entire platoon of soldiers. The other nations have stagnated. It was a situation she absolutely abhorred. Especially since they broke the spirit of standing agreement with Uzu and Konoha. By imposing sanctions against the two countries. It was an effort to force them to demilitarize their shinobi forces.
It was inevitable given the mysterious death of Ay. that lightning country would fall in line with the policies of the other three countries soon after his death. Thus putting pressure on Konoha and Uzushio.
Given how the fire daimyo was now putting pressure on the village. Orochimaru could see the writing on the wall. Itachi could not find the dimension where Naruto and Sarada were exiled on his own.
Orochimaru theorised that the multiverse was shifting and ever changing. It was like trying to find a single grain of rice amongst a vast desert. But at long last she had found that grain of rice, she found Naruto.
"Kukuku," she chuckled to herself as she looked over the results one last time before entering them into the computer. After all, it would not do anyone any good. If she accidentally sent herself to an acid dimension. While she would survive just fine. It would be embarrassing to explain such a blunder.
"Mother, you're acting creepy again." a young woman called out from behind her.
"Kukukuku, oh hush you. Is that anyway to talk to your mother, Kagura-chan," Orochimaru teased.
"Ha, you have no room to talk. You've been cooped up in your lab for the past week. If Mikazuki-chan and I did not check up on you at least every other day. I'm sure you would have starved to death." Kagura scoffed, a hint of a triumphant smile gracing her delicate features.
Orochimaru flushed scarlet with embarrassment. Knowing full well that she did, in fact, owe part of her survival the past two years to her progeny.
"Anyway, my work is done, all that is left to do is install the sealing formula into the gauntlets computation drives and attach the beacons to the device's core." she said to change the subject. "Now if you would be a dear and fetch Kabuto and your sisters,"
As Kagura left Orochimaru idly wondered just how Naruto would handle the triplets. Or herself given her rather fluid proclivities and current gender. She likened it to a haircut. Today, just like last year, she felt like a woman. For that matter, how would he handle the remaining shinobi.
AN/ So, guys I Am in need of a bit of help here. It's nothing to worry about but I Am in need of some names that are of Japanese origin that have something to do with the moon in some way. I only need two, so if any of you would like to throw your hats into the ring on picking out the names of two of the three upcoming OC you will get a special mention and I will put up a poll to vote if we get over two. In other news, you get a double issue this week. Why, you may ask? Well, that is simple, it's because like I mentioned on my last AN/ I got addicted to the worm Series (sorry bout that). and I would like to show you the results of said addiction. and without further ado may I present the prologue to my worm x Naruto crossover inspired by James D. Fawkes, illustrious An Essence of Silver and Steel and shaman king. (I squealed like a little girl when I saw that shaman king was getting another anime adaptation. a rather odd sight, all things considered.)
Rebirth 1.1
It went by many names the Root of the world, the Great Spirit, throne of heroes, soul king, and the pure lands to some. But at its core it was the origin of all things.
It was always his goal to become the shaman king. He had spent four lifetimes striving toward that goal. Traveled through hell's unimaginable to do it. And now he had finally accomplished his goal.
Hao found it ironic that in becoming shaman king. The one who sits upon the throne of heroes. His former goal of eradicating humanity was short sighted. He could admit that. His new goal was to watch over humanity, to guide them to a better future. In all worlds within the multiverse.
]|[
"Destination."
"Agreement."
"Trajectory."
"Agreement."
"Consern."
"Error!"
"How odd?" Hao thought as he intercepted the fragment. "Just what are you?"
Even as he analyzed it tried to form a connection to an individual. Curious, he followed its projected path. He found its destined host. She was a slight, frail thing trapped in a locker of all things. And she was quite Dead. Her body ravaged by the very insects she was meant to control. Thanks to this shard.
Disappointment. The shard relayed.
As impassive as he was, Hao felt a bit of pity for the being before him. Had he not interfered then the girl would have, should have lived.
He looked through the multiple realities until he found what he was looking for. A world where the girl had connected to her Shard. The two watched until the end.
Disagreement. The shard fervently replied.
"Little one, this would be her fate." Hao countered. "It is in every world where she is not powerful enough. In every world where there is no interference in her fate."
Deliberation.
It took a moment for the agent to process all the information.
Alteration. The shard requested.
It was a simple request. One Hao knew he could grant. "You realise if I do this, if I alter you, you will never be the same."
Determination. The shard said resolutely.
"Why?" He asked.
"Cycle flawed."
"Determination." The shard reiterated.
"If I Am to do this, then what should I call you?"
"Designation."
"Queen Administrator."
"Well, Queen Administrator, I Am Hao Asakura. Now lets begin."
"confirmation."
It took only the act of a single moment to send the shard on its way. Another to revive her host. He knew doing so would change the girl forever and she would need protection. She would be the first shaman of this world. So he looked to his counter opposite. The only man to reach the throne while still alive.
He was sleeping like always. All the centuries that he had been king. He could never so much as wake him. Instinctively he knew the name of this man, Naruto Uzumaki. He knew why he was here. He was waiting for a purpose to live once more. So he gathered his power and cast Naruto towards Earth Bet. There could be no better for a protector for the girl.
As the shard approached its destination Hao reached out with his power. Changing it on a fundamental level. Hao took inspiration from another world. One where the mages of that world. Used a device to connect to the throne. Linking the shard to the throne of heroes. This change would allow the girl to draw on his power and reach out to warriors from across the multiverse.
"Agreement." Queen relayed.
"Unification," Queen sent.
"New Cycle."
"New Network."
]|[
When Taylor awoke, it was not to the filth of a locker or even a hospital bed. No, it was to the icy darkness of a metal box. She was laying in.
"Oh, god." she cried.
She was keenly aware of the cold and darkness of the box that contained her. "L-LET ME OUT!" she wailed.
Kicking and pounding her hands and feet on the unforgiving steel interior.
Her panic at her situation quickly turned to anger, an unrelenting rage. Something clicked into place in her mind. And she instinctively drew on that rage. Burning and unrelenting.
Even as Taylor placed her hand on what she hoped was the lid of the box. Hoping it would lead her to freedom. A small diminutive figure appeared, with glowing yellow eyes. Two horns came jutting out from the sides of its head. It had short arms that had over sized claws. Small stubby legs. And a tail. Its sleek body seemed made of the very fires of creation. Its body was just a shell that contained the blaze.
The surrounding air vibrated with her power as it got hotter and hotter. "More, I need more," she thought. She did not even feel the heat she was generating. If she had it was likely that she would have stopped. Consumed in the fires of her rage as Taylor was. She did not stop, she could not stop.
Steel turned red and buckled under the heat. Her hand sank through. First one hand, then the other. She crawled out of her molten prison. And into a sea of fire. It was only after crawling out and taking in the room she realized that she was in a morgue.
"Oh, how lovely." she sarcastically thought.
Naked as the day she was born. In a morgue. And to top things off, it was on fire. Granted, the last bit was her fault, yes. She scowled, "just who puts a perfectly healthy and living girl in a morgue?" she muttered.
Despair washed over her as she rolled that over in her mind. The answer to her question was simple. No one would…
It was this despair that brought forth another creature as she leaned against the cabinets and slid to the ground. "No,no,no,no,no,no…" she thought as she wept.
This creature just as small as the other had a squid-like head. With two tentacles hanging down either side of its face. Between its emaciated form. And It's over sized hands that would drag on the ground if it walked on its two short legs. It looked positively adorable with its oversized big blue eyes.
With its appearance, the fires that once raged. Died down as it drew in water from all available sources. It seemed to rain throughout the entire building.
She did not have time to wallow in her own grief for long. The door to the room she was in burst open. It was Armsmaster, followed by Assault and Battery, Miss Militia, Dauntless and Triumph.
They were all stunned to find a girl. Naked as the day she was born, curled up in a ball, in a morgue alive at what had once been a blazing bonfire.
It was the surprise that their entrance caused. That made the two spirits act.
A shell of water formed around Taylor by the spirit of water, while the Spirit of fire sent a fire ball toward the heroes. Courtesy of the spirit of fire.
Dauntless stepped forward to take the blast head on. His shields aura expanding. The blast carried him out the door and down the hall.
The smoke cleared as the temperature rose slightly. It was only then that they could see the two spirits floating in midair. Just beyond them the girl lay, one emerald eye dimly glowing and visible. Peeking out from behind a curtain of hair.
"Stay back," she whispered.
Armsmaster advanced, paying no heed to her warning. "Stand down!"
Another diminutive spirit appeared to block his path. This one more bulky than the others. Eyes the color of gold. A body that seemed made of the earth itself.
Armsmaster thrust his halberd forward. A gravity well met his thrust head on. Wrenching the weapon from his grasp as a whip of water lashed out and threw the hero back bodily.
Taylor shrieked in response.
The situation was only escalating. Hao could see it. If she pushed any further than this. She would wind up killing herself.
"Wake up."
Triumph let out a sonic roar to suppress the torrent of water surging forth. The wave of flames her panic brought to bare.
"no stop!"
"Wake up."
A PRT trooper aimed his foam sprayer at Taylor. Discharging a volley of foam at her.
Another spirit formed, blowing away the containment foam sprayed to suppress the fires. And to keep her bound in one spot.
"WAKE UP!" Hao roared.
Eyes of crimson burst open. In the next moment, he was gone in a flash.
Having to retrieve his halberd, Armsmaster opted to end things now. "Dauntless, Triumph, Militia with me, we need to end this now."
Space warped between them and Taylor. Out stepped a blonde wreathed in a golden aura. A well worn cloak draped around his form. Nine orbs of obsidian black resting at his back.
"Who are you?!" triumph demanded.
Naruto glanced at the heroes, then turned to ignore them. A lone sphere. Separated from him when he walked towards her. Hovering in place for a moment.
It rapidly expanded to block off their view.
He took one step, "no, get away I Can't control it!" he took another step. Stepping into the flames. Then past them, unharmed. Through the gales of wind and the torrents of water. Not even the gravity well stopped him from reaching her.
Crouching down, he cupped her cheek. "It's ok I'll help you. Just breath."
She felt his presence expand as she did as he asked. Inhale a deep breath. A peace spread over her. Taylor felt so tired and exhausted. The fires died, the torrents of water died to a trickle. And the wind and tremors of the earth ceased.
Naruto took off his cloak, wrapping the girl in the cloth.
The wall collapsed back into a spear. Nothing the heroes had done had so much as scratch it.
Arms master stood at the ready. With his other fellow heroes. "I won't ask again, who are you?!"
"You'd lose," he snorted.
Armsmaster bristled visibly. Pools of rippled crimson stared back at them. Even as the other spirits faded into the ether. The only one that stayed was the spirit of fire.
"I think you should get her father now that the threat has passed." Naruto suggested.
The spirit shrank even further, becoming a small orb. Just a face, tail and horns.
Naruto headed for the door, the girl in his arms.
"Just where are you going kiddo?" assault asked.
"Kiddo?" Naruto seemed almost amused. "to the PRT of course, and oh, take care Dobe."
He disappeared from sight in a flash.
The usually stern Armsmaster snorted at the comment.
]|[
When he had been asked to come to the PHQ building. initially he had refused, stating that it was late. That whatever they had to say could wait until the morning. When they had mentioned taking over his daughter's case. Because of an ongoing and developing situation. It piqued his interest. They had stressed the importance of coming in as soon as possible.
That got him in his truck heading to the building moments after hanging up.
It had taken him roughly fifteen minutes to get there. Even then his head was filled with questions. Namely, why would the PRT take over the investigation of his daughter's murder? And yes, murder, for what would you call finding her half eaten corpse crammed in a locker. Nearly a week after she went missing. She did not end up in her locker by accident.
The moment Danny entered the building, immediately he was escorted up several floors to a conference room.
Danny was on guard the moment he entered the room. Why one would ask. It was simple sitting right in front of him was his daughter among the other people in the room. Taylor.
"What kind of sick joke is this!" he snarled. The famous Hebert anger getting the better of him.
"Please, Mr. Hebert, have a seat, there is much we have to discuss." a blonde boy with whiskers on his cheeks said.
"Young man, if this is some kind of sick joke, I swear!"
"Dad!" the girl wearing his Taylor's face called.
"Oh, god, she even sounded like her. His Taylor." he thought.
The blonde placed a hand on her shoulder. Keeping her from getting out of her seat to approach. She gripped the spirit in her lap all the tighter. Her eyes lit with a dull glow.
"Mister Hebert please sit, I know this is stressful for you. But I assure you this is no trick." a heavyset blonde woman with a bob said. "I am Director Emily Piggot, they have brought me up to speed on your daughter's investigation. And it was my decision to take over the case. Please have a seat, I assure you this is no trick."
Danny took the furthest seat from the girl, wearing his daughter's face as he could. She only seemed to shrink in on herself more.
It was only once he had taken the time to for his anger to abate slightly did he notice the others in the room. Aside from the director and the blonde boy. There was Armsmaster, Miss. Militia, and two others that he could not identify.
"I would like to start by apologizing for the grief you have suffered." the director stated. "I am sure you know of Armsmaster and Miss militia. This is deputy Director Alfred Renick." she said, pointing to the man sitting to her right. "and this is Dr. Jessica Yamada." the woman in question gave him a small wave.
"last is Naruto Uzumaki." she said directing his attention to the only one she had yet to introduce. The blonde sitting next to his daughter.
"I would like to start things off by saying without a doubt this is your daughter Taylor Anne Hebert." Armsmaster said while tapping on his wrist mounted keyboard. He pulled up several documents, including her autopsy and a DNA test he had done. "As you can see here, we had several tests done. That brings us to the theory that your daughter had a trigger event in the locker. It was this that put her body into a state of metabolic stasis."
While Naruto did not comment on this. He knew the truth intrinsically. He had after all met her soul in the root. Even if it was only briefly. Had it not been for Hao then she would have stayed dead, trigger or no.
"We would like to perform a paternity test to compare DNA just to be sure."
Once her father had agreed it had taken a mere thirty minutes for the results to come back. Without a doubt, it came back with a positive match. Danny couldn't believe it, he did not know whether it was a miracle or a curse. But Taylor, his baby girl, was back. Now that he knew who she was he swore to never doubt her again.
"Now that the matter of Taylor's identity is clear, we would like to understand what happened for you to wind up here." the director said.
"Ah right, well if you hadn't known yet then I was the victim of a near two yearlong campaign of bullying. All of my attempts to distance myself from my attackers Sophia Hess, Emma Barns, and Madison Clemons failed." when he heard just who was responsible for his daughter's suffering, his knuckles went white. "It culminated on the morning of January third. Where I suspect Sophia forced me into my filth filled locker. The rest is fussy after the first fifteen to thirty minutes. I really can't tell you much more than that." Taylor shrugged, wrapping her arms all the tighter around the Spirit of Fire.
The director scowled, someone would pay. Her glare bored into the visor of Armsmaster. "I would like to thank you for your time, we have much to discuss Miss. Militia if you could escort them out."
"You're hiding something." is what Naruto wanted to say, but he knew there were more important things to discuss.
As they left the building Danny's budding curiosity got the better of him. "I've been meaning to ask, but just who are you?"
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, so do you want the long or short version of why I Am here?" he asked idly.
"Short please."
"Right so I come from another earth farther away than the cluster of earths you know about. And an omnipotent bastard I have the displeasure of knowing woke me up to train your kid." with a grin he continued with a hint of pride. "She is to be my apprentice."
Taylor let out a sad sigh as she covered her face. Her father was speechless. As she lamented about the loss of normal in her life.
]|[
She was weak, a coward, and she hated it. Madison knew that. She lacked the courage to stand up to Sophia like Taylor did, had. She knew if she stood up to Hess. she would be the target of her. Not so tender mercies. Madison was not sure she could last under such attention.
It was a choice between doing what was right and helping Taylor, one that if Sophia had any choice about it. Would see her suffering just as bad as Taylor. Or stick with Sophia and Emma. It was obvious what her choice was.
Sophia and Emma were acting rather unusually tight-lipped about their latest prank. Then Taylor went missing. It was not until four days later that they found her. It was horrid to see her. Or rather, what was left when the police pulled her from her locker.
It was the sight of Taylor's body left in that state. That Madison found the courage to confront Sophia for the first time. "What did you do?"
Sophia scowled as she hissed, "not here! After school."
"No! What did you do!" Madison growled. Unusually brave in her determination.
"After school!" Sophia said, her tone firm.
Even when she confronted Sophia. She lacked the courage to do what she knew was right. She backed down. Once she did, once she showed that weakness to Sophia in backing down. She only gave Sophia a new target.
Determined to get answers, Madison waited until the appointed time after school. Once she had found Sophia. She had been lead to one of the many unused classrooms.
It was there that she found out just how Taylor died. Trapped and alone in her locker. It chilled her to her core. Just how cavalier Sophia could be about what could only have been murder.
Even worse was her threat. If Sophia was to go down, then she would kill Madison and her entire family. It's telling that Emma did not get the same threat.
They considered Madison to be the weak link. And acted accordingly.
It had only been two weeks since Sophia had made Madison her new target. "How had Taylor put up with this for almost two years?" Madison wondered. As she delt with their latest prank. They soiled the belongings she had left in her locker in garbage from the dumpsters.
Isolated and alone, Madison idly wondered if this is what Taylor felt. Putting up with the abuse heaped on her. For Madison it had only been three weeks since Taylor died and she was already wishing it would end.
Eventually she gave up and stopped going to school all together. Becoming a recluse, refusing to leave her room. She usually spent her time trolling the internet.
That was when she found a news article about the coroner's office being burnt down. It would not be until the next day that the PRT would reach out to the media with an explanation of why.
Madison couldn't believe it when she heard the news. Taylor had Triggered and was alive. It felt like the world was closing in on her.
Taylor was alive, which meant that her involvement in the bullying at Winslow would come out. She was the weak link that meant Sophia would come for her.
It was at that moment Madison broke. It was inevitable given the compounded stress, guilt, and heaps of abuse. Shattering like so much glass.
It was then she saw a vision. Two entities of massive proportion. Swirling in a helix through the void of space. She saw a fragment, a shard, a fraction of a whole. Traveling through dimensions. Choosing hosts. Then she saw it, a destined shard flying through the void of space, through the barriers of dimensions. Fractal in nature, ever changing. It weaved between planes of existence until it existed in every dimension at once.
Destination.
Agreement.
Trajectory.
Agreement.
Consern.
Error!
At least until a being far more powerful than the entities reached out. From beyond time and space. With a simple gesture, he reached out and touched the fractal being.
While she did not know what she was seeing. On an instinctive level, she intrinsically understood. Just what was happening. Even as he let go of the shard to continue on, it's way. Forever altered, changing the fates of so many with that simple act. And it was all on a whim. A mere whim changed the course of history forever.
When He took notice of Madison, her blood ran cold. She could see it in his eyes. If he so chose, he could annihilate her very soul. There would be no running, no hiding, just oblivion. If he so chose.
Yet he did not act. Another fractal entity caught his attention. It was the act of a mere thought that altered its path right towards him.
Her eyes widened. On some level Madison recognised that shard. It was to be her shard. Her power.
With the shard in his hands, Hao looked on at the girl before him. He found her wanting just based on her past actions alone. Yet when he looked to her future, he found her doing great things with this power he held. Standing next to her as if to prove this point, that the girl was worthy of a second chance, was Yoh and Ohachiyo.
It was with a flair of his power he altered the shard, removing the shackles placed upon it. "Know that I will watch you. Don't waste this second chance." with his peace said Hao let the shard go.
She faded from that plane of existence in the same moment.
Madison awoke with a start. Her heart beating a rapid rhythm in her chest. "Kukuku, finally awake, are we?"
The blood in Madison's veins turned to ice at the sound of that voice.
"Take it easy there kid, I think you just scared her to death."
Madison stiffened when she turned to see not one, not two, but four people in her room.
"Ahhhh!" she screamed. Scrambling to the other side of the room. She could only stare helplessly as the two argued.
"Look at what you did, Orochi!"
She scoffed, "how many times do I have to tell you if you're going to say my name then say it right. It's Orochimaru." her tone of disdain making it clear just how much she hated the nickname. Especially Coming from him.
"Oh my, the poor dear looks frightened. I think we should explain things to her Johann." a strange woman said
"Yes, you are quite right, Eliza." Johann said.
While still freaked out she hesitantly nodded. Thankful that she was at least getting an explanation.
"To start things off I Am Johann Faust VIII and this is my wife Eliza. And we are spirits of the dead brought back to be your to be your guardian ghosts." Faust explained.
"Wait what!"
"Goodness one would think you're hard of hearing. We are dead, dear. Please try to keep up." Orochimaru said with a sarcastic lilt.
"Hey, Gimme a break! I got these powers like five minutes ago." Madison groused.
"That's more like it, girl. I look forward to training you." Orochimaru seemed to take pleasure at the mention of training her. "Take heart that you have one as great as me as an instructor. Rather than one of my teammates. One was a drunkard, and the other was a shameless pervert with a penchant for throwing children off cliffs." the creepy smile she wore only disturbed Madison more. "Ah, good times. I can't wait to see what this version of my Naruto is capable of, Kukukukuku."
Madison reflexively shivered out of part fear and distress. "Um, I need an adult."
"Kukuku, oh, but I Am an adult."
"Orochi!" said the only one in the room who had yet to introduce himself.
"Fine kill all my fun. Put the fun in camps, why don't you." Orochi huffed. Crossing her arms, pouting. "you're such a killjoy, Hank."
It was only now once her shock had worn off that she inspected the group. The man of the couple who had introduced himself as Johan was wearing a tattered long sleeve shirt that looked like it belonged in the renaissance era with its long billowing sleeves and oversized collar. A pair of pants that could only be leather. And a pair of shin length boots. His wife Eliza wore a crimson stereotypical nurse's outfit with thigh high stockings and red ankle length boots.
The one called Orochimaru was a pale woman with a slender frame. Amber-colored eyes that bore purple markings. She also wears a white robe tied at her waist by a dark-coloured sash and a purple rope, blue pants and shirt.
The last one, Hank, wore segmented armor of orange and blue. That bore a distinctive crest. One of a winged shield on his left shoulder.
"Wait," Madison thought to herself, she knew that crest. It had not taken her long to remember, "your Hero!" she blurted out, pointing at the man.
"Yes," Hank confirmed.
Madison would swear by all that was holy later that she did not squee in joy at the news of getting to meet Hero. the man who was considered the best Tinker in the world before Dragon.
It was after getting past the revelation that she was a shaman, that she could now speak to and see the dead. That additional information filled her mind. It was like this new knowledge was downloaded directly into her brain. She had a new goal in mind and to do that she needed to tinker. There was so much to do.