Patronus Maximus
Chapter XLVII: Journey Ahead
It was one week after New Years' that life continued for the people of Earth. But for shinobi, it hasn't begun until you are put into the ringer of hellish training.
"Leo…"
"Yes?"
"Be my assistant when I commit seppuku."
Two loud 'slams' akin to gunshots echoed through the Homestead. At the training area stood an irritated Naruto while two brothers lay on the ground, their heads sporting steaming bumps. "First of all, that's for samurai, idiots." Naruto exhaled like a steam train from his nose. "And don't be so dramatic. It's only been an hour."
"An hour of unimaginable pain."
Sighing at Leo and Donny's responses, Naruto pointed at the other, non-whining brothers. Surprisingly, it is the temperamental and fun-loving brothers who are progressing in the training. On their heads were a single leaf that served as their focal point to sense and control their ki. The two turtles really want to learn his ninjutsu even though it might be impossible for them.
If it turns out to be that case, then there is the speed-based Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique) of the Furinji Style. By their own physical prowess or using ki, they can create clones in battle, much like he does with the first option for this technique. However, by any chance, if they could use the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu with their ki, then things might look brighter for the shinobi of future generations.
"All righty, you two, lunchtime!" Naruto said to the brothers as they ran to their bento boxes. Each one was marked by color like their eye masks. "Except you two!" He grabbed hold of the excited Leo and Donny's shells. "Where do you two think you're going?"
Donny gulped nervously as he nervously looked at him, "L-Lunch?"
"Sensei, please. We need to eat," Leo pleaded exhaustingly. "Rest heals the body as you well know."
"Naruto, don't push them too much," Gyuki informed his Jinchuriki, "They're not you." With a soft growl, Naruto released his students and let them join their brothers in the midday feast. "Still, they're making good progress in feeling their Ki and channeling it."
"I think so too, but it's still too early to tell." Today, only Gyuki remained with the shinobi as his brethren were nearby eating lunch provided by the Uzumaki women. Despite they are pure chakra and don't really need sustenance, the Tailed Beasts still enjoy food whenever they can, especially of the free sort. "I think we should join the others for lunch too."
"Cannot argue with that."
Gyuki materialized in his chibi form again and joined his brethren along with Naruto. "Nice, tamagoyaki with bacon." He snatched one with his chopsticks, relishing the taste. "Oh, that's a good omelet. Oh guys, what do you think about me taking this place with us when we leave this dimension?"
Silence met him as his occupants stared at him dumbfoundedly. "Are you serious?" They asked incredulously in unison. "Tch, to think he'd be so arrogant after becoming a god." Naruto stared dumbfoundedly after Shukaku's comment.
"But I'm serious," Naruto remarked strongly after punching the tanuki, leaving him with a massive bump on his head. "My training with Santa makes me confident." He looked at the direction where his family resided in the manor. "I know this is me being nostalgic and all, but the Homestead… it feels like home."
Being the one who was with Naruto the longest, Kurama understood his words. The Homestead became a second home to him and the clan. Natural energy is more abundant in the perimeter, most likely because of the magical barrier that shields them from wandering eyes. The dense forest and mountain range that surrounds the grounds serves as great deterrent against ground forces if they ever got invaded or discovered.
"You make a decent point, Naruto, but what about the others?" Saiken commented after eating the last of his katsudon, "The families you took in to shield them from persecution and the MRD. This is their home too, whether they realize it or not. And is this not a safe house for the Assassin Brotherhood?"
"Crap, I forgot about that." Naruto mentioned off-handedly. So much has happened to the shinobi and the clan that he forgot about the Brotherhood. "Oh speaking of which…." He stood up and bid them goodbye before leaving with a Hiraishin.
Looking up from his bowl of takayoki, Isobu looked at the strongest of the beasts. "Kurama, where did he go?"
"How should I know? I'm not his babysitter."
Matatabi snickered, eliciting an annoyed expression from the fox, "That's what you were since he was born." Kurama growled at the flaming nekomata. "What do you all think? Of Naruto's words for this place."
"To be fair, we really haven't had a home, not since Old Man Six Paths," Chomei stated as his brethren nodded, agreeing with him. "We were captives by the villages who sought our power. Only Gyuki, Matatabi, and Kurama had a home with their villages. The rest of us never had that feeling… until this place. With Naruto and his family."
"It's not the shinobi world, but with all of us here, it's the closest thing to it," Saiken remarked in her usual high-pitched squeaky voice. "That is until we bring back our world."
Kokuo gave her input. "Is the world we bring back going to be the same as we know it?" That forced her brethren to rethink about their creator's plan. "And are we prepared to bear the burden that is to come once that happens?" The burden of being the ones who know about the original home-world being destroyed and they the only survivors with memories of that world.
"We are Tailed Beasts." Kurama said strongly. "But we are also shinobi by heart. As a certain blond-haired ramen-loving addict and his perverted teacher of unparalleled proportions, we're meant to endure anything." Not physically, but emotionally and mentally. "The old man trusts us to guide and protect Naruto and his family."
"Wow."
"I know."
"Kurama sounded so cool and wise for a moment."
"He sounded like Old Man Six Paths there."
Irked by Matatabi, Chomei, Isobu, and Kokuo's comments of him being wise, Kurama growled as he stuffed his jaws into his meal rather than pummeling them, "Jerks!" His brethren laughed at his flusterment.
To the side in their own spot, the four turtles stared at the nine unique beasts in awe and confusion. "Do they realize we're near?" Donny asked his brothers. They shook their heads before the turtles returned to refueling their bodies.
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South End, Boston
Ever since the Siege of Boston, the civilians were on edge. For one reason, they assumed crime would skyrocket after the rogue MRD, the Inner Demons, and the Hand's destructive bout throughout the city. The other reason was that those strange and terrifying monsters with terrible energy might still be lurking within the shadows.
For both reasons, they didn't due to the presence of their savior and mightiest hero in Boston's city. It must have something to do with the weird power Patronus exhibited at the sea against his deadliest enemy so far. Crime was at an all-time low with three occurring once a week. They were handled by the police, but the weird part was the criminals hoped it'd be them instead of Patronus.
It made the rookie members of the force feel their training in the academy was wasted. Not her though. She had to be in the police department. For access to criminal records and resources. Luckily for the latter, it got bolstered after severe criticism towards the federal government for cutting the local police's budget and left the city with only less than half the force including those in the academy. After the siege, the budget increased tremendously from the government and numerous benefactors such as Stark Industries, the Baxter Building, and the Hero Association.
Not to mention an overhaul of the curriculum that now taught them how to engage not just humans, but also superhumans and the supernatural. It was overseen by several police veterans and Patronus himself whose knowledge in combat against all types of opponents allowed him to make sure they have a better chance to survive in this world of heroes, villains, gods and monsters.
And she benefitted from his teachings albeit indirectly during that time. Her current training has her in a café, sitting with a cup of tea. She waits for him although her patience began to thin three hours ago. The rookie policewoman noticed a glint next to her hand and saw it blink four times, followed by a brief pause, then seven times. Morse code? Interesting but necessary in this age of digital technology.
The woman exited the café after paying and walked to the nearest alley. Before she knew it, the officer found herself standing before her secret mentor. Then this nauseous feeling overwhelmed as she threw up on the floor. "Give me a warning next time."
"My bad," said the costumed Patronus. They were on the building across from the café where he signaled his apprentice in Morse code. "I watched the graduation. You could've smile at your accomplishment, Sarah."
Sarah groaned before wiping her mouth, "You were there?"
"Of course, I was there," Patronus answered simply. "I even took pictures. See?" Sarah gasped when he showed a holographic photo of her sporting a blank look from his wrist computer. "So how's the job?"
"It takes more than a month to get used to the job," Sarah dead-panned at the sheepish Patronus. "But I'm stationed at the Fourteenth Precinct." She'll be his eyes and ears in the streets while he trains her to be an Assassin. "How is it going on your end?"
"Same old, same old. Heroing this, heroing that, I'm heading overseas." Patronus off-handedly said.
Sarah did a double-take after hearing his plan, "I'm sorry, what? Where are you going?"
"In the east."
"Where?"
"No idea except I've been invited for something."
"Such as?"
"No clue."
Sarah groaned as she face-palmed hard. "Why does he have to be a numbskull?"
"Which is why we're meeting here," Patronus tossed a portable device that Sarah caught and inspected it. "That is a wrist computer like mine, courtesy of Horizon Labs." Sarah attached the computer to her left wrist, fitting perfectly with no discomfort. "Now I leave Boston in your capable hands."
"Wait, what?"
"Don't worry; I believe in you. Bye."
Before she could stop him, he vanished in an instant. Sarah sighed at this development. His training methods were bizarre at best: one of them had her walking through a crazy free-sale at one of the city's mall… blindfolded while carrying an egg in her mouth without crushing it and bumping into anyone. It was to teach her a new level of stealth akin to a shinobi's level.
"Guess I better get ready." Sarah resigned to her current assignment: defending Boston in Patronus's absence. "But I can't exactly patrol in casual or police clothes." Her wrist computer 'bleeped' and gained her attention. "Coordinates? What's in an old theater?"
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Uzumaki Manor, Homestead Grounds
Forested Massachusetts
"Hagumi, say mater (mom)," Rhea said in baby-talk to her daughter.
"Hagyu~"
"No, mater."
"Hagyu~" Hagumi squealed while pulling her mother's left cheek, happy to be with her.
Rhea sighed as she carried her daughter from the bedroom to downstairs. Her sister-wives were on the couches, watching the holographic television. "Still saying 'hagyu'?" Medusa questioned knowingly. Rhea nodded in resignation. "At least she's kind of saying her name. You shouldn't rush her, Rhea. Though she may be a Titaness/goddess, Hagumi is still an infant."
"I know. I just never had a child of mine call me 'mama' when they were infants," Rhea pouted as her daughter switched to playing with her hair. "You're right; I should enjoy these moments." Hagumi giggled while tapping her puffed cheeks. "Hagumi, I wuv you so much~ Yes, I do," She said in baby-talk.
Saeko chuckled as she tended to her bode eating lunch. "Kids, after this, brush your teeth. We're going to the city for the day."
"Yay!" cried the twins. "Auntie Kuroka, will you and Auntie Ray-Ray come with us? Can Fujimai and Hagumi come with us?" As if they understood, the newer set of twins laughed baby-like. "See? They want to come."
"I think we should," Kuroka said while a curious Fujimai reached for her cat ears, wanting to play with them. "It'd be good for them—well, all of us to get out of the Homestead. Honestly I'm getting a little cabin fever after birth."
"A little?" It's been more than six months. Though she's a reincarnated devil with yokai physiology, perhaps births and the aftereffects must vary between species. "I'm in," Lara voiced after closing her book on Norse mythology. "I need a break from research."
Medusa entered the living room from the kitchen, holding a freshly-made sandwich. "Researching for what?"
"For my masters in College of London," Lara answered her friend. "I'll need it if I want to work at museums." And there's the fact she loves reading all sorts of literature.
The women went down to the basement and used the magical tunnel to reach the city. Interior of the manor was quiet until the front door slammed open and walked in was four, battered and dirty turtles as they dropped their weapons on the floor before falling down. "Hello? Four exhausted turtles in need of aid," Mikey yelled out tiredly. "Anyone?" His brothers called out as well, but they all met silence.
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Minato Ward, Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Honshu, Japan
Standing atop the building he chose as his vantage point, All Might stared at the city that's part of the country he'd swore to protect. The Hero Association has made great strides for Japan and Akatsuki as both nations greatly stabilized the economy even more in the island nation's history. The hero profession swelled up in regards to rookies and aspiring heroes, though this forced new requirements into those who want to heroes and new training methods.
All Might was soon joined by his German counterpart, Adolf Reinhardt AKA Aal, or eel, in his home language. "All Might."
"Hello, Reinhardt. How are you on this fine day?"
"Okay considering."
The Symbol of Peace looked down physically because of his towering height at his peer. "About?"
"Nothing." The heroes stood in awkward silence. "Is he always this late?" Aal asked his comrade.
Just then Patronus appeared behind in a brief yellow light. "Sorry about late, but I got lost on the path of life." He finished with a merry salute. All Might and Aal had this weird feeling of wanting to say 'yeah right' in a disbelieving manner. "So, what's going on?"
"I do not know. Aal called for this meeting," All Might said with his ever-present smile.
Aal coughed into his sleeve-covered arm to get their attention, "I've called you two here because I have… difficulties regarding my class."
"Oh?" Both men chorused with intrigue.
"I fear they do not have the mindset for this life."
"How so?" asked All Might inquisitively. He and Naruto received a disk each as they revealed several holographic photos of ten people. "Your class?"
Reinhardt nodded as he pointed at his students. "They all have abilities that makes them suitable for certain professions. However, in case of emergencies, they're lacking severely in one concept."
"Which is…" The hooded Naruto inquired in a draw.
"I think it'd be better if you see it yourself."
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Training Area, Hero Association Headquarters
"You want to tussle with me?!"
"Screw you!"
"My Quirk will demolish you all!"
Reinhardt's class was spilt into two groups, led by leaders who apparently have a hostile rivalry. From the looks of it, the rivalry has reached the breaking point recently and separated the class. There were only three people who did not team up with the two groups as they didn't want to be part of hostilities.
"Oh no, this is worse than I thought," said one of the three. She was German like their leader/teacher with long blonde hair, light blue eyes and the Hero Association gear that did not to alter the visibility of her assets. "Why are we out here anyway?"
"No idea, Eva. Where is Reinhardt?"
Eva shrug her shoulders, but she was concerned about all of this. Reinhardt did his best to mediate the situation between the ones who are rivals, but even he could not do it. And this morning, they were all told to meet at the training area for a special project. Eva and her friends did not feel good about this.
They were all drawn into the hostile yelling until a great blast of wind knocked them off their feet. Most of them landed on their butts and the few that didn't had the unceremonious act of their heads breaking the fall. It was the two hostile rivals as they stood back with angry vein marks. "Who's the wise guy?!" They shouted venomously before blasting by another but somewhat weaker wind pressure.
And despite the two wind blasts, there was still debris coverage as it shrouded the one responsible the for the unnatural acts. "What is this? Heroes arguing amongst themselves?" A strong stomp to the ground expelled the coverage, revealing a very intimidating All Might whose smile reflected a villainous aura. "I guess villains and public safety are not your main concern."
A pale crowd all stepped backwards in shock, "It's All Might!" Eva gulped nervously. "Why is he here?" She asked, shrinking from his unnatural presence.
"Hah!" One of the men scoffed arrogantly as he cracked his fists. "All Might here? This is a great opportunity to show everyone here that I'm the best."
His rival snorted derisively while small green flames flickered around his shoulders. "Yeah, right. Like I'm going to let you steal the spotlight, Mikael."
"Watch your mouth, Ulrich," Odd warned. "I'll tear your arm off and beat you to death with it."
As soon as he finished saying it, an equally oppressive and intimidating presence swarmed over Aal's class of recruits. Especially Odd and Ulrich as they slowly turned around, their faces riddled with drops of sweat. The horrified rivals shuddered when they saw Patronus, walking towards them like a lion eyeing its prey in the outlands of Africa.
"Hm, I see what he means," Patronus remarked lowly, disappointment in his tone. "You three!" He pointed at Eva and her friends, surprising them. "Stand to the side." They hastily heeded his command and kept a distance from him and All Might. "If they think that's safe, they have a lot to learn." He cracked his knuckles. "So, you two think you have what it takes to be a hero. How about the rest of you?"
Seeing that they looked away, All Might laughed haughtily but it was without his cheery demeanor. "Seems they followed two bad examples of heroes." His facial expression switched to be serious. "How about this, you two lead your groups and try to beat us? Come on, you bunch of newbies."
"… I think that might be good." Patronus said to his fellow hero. "Let's show them how the real world works. Here's the deal, newbies." He shared a chuckle with All Might at using the latter's last taunting word. "I get the one led by Steinburg; All Might, you fight Mikael."
"Ha! I get the Savior of Boston; this will boost my fame," Odd arrogantly boasted, only to gasped when his opponent was already in front of him.
His fist cocked near his torso, Patronus scoffed at the recruit, "Disappointing." He released it as an uppercut, sending Mikael soaring to the sky after connecting the latter's chin.
"He sent him flying with one punch!"
Ulrich gulped or rather exhaled forcefully when All Might made his move, driving his right fist into his stomach. "You should never take your eyes off the villain." Eva and the rest of her class watched Steinburg fly uncontrollably before Patronus met him in the air and axe-kicked him to the ground. "How about the rest of you?" He asked as Mikael crash-landed behind him.
The separated groups looked at Patronus and All Might, scared that these experienced heroes are going to make minced meat out of them. "Don't… underestimate… us." Odd painfully said between heavy breaths. "I'm… just getting… started."
"Y-you're not…" Ulrich shakily stood up, his body now encased with emerald flames. "…upstaging me! Stay out of our way, you clowns!" His and Odd's groups swiftly regrouped with Eva and her troop. "I'll take you… down… and-" He cringed from the pain in his stomach. "—and be a pro."
"Really?"
After hearing that, the arrogant recruits watched the hooded hero do something weird with his hands. A large smoke cloud covered him before a mighty wind breeze blew it away, revealing six huge monsters whose heights reached around twenty feet. They had deep red skin with lava-like blisters in separate parts of their bodies. Their faces were in permanent scowl comprised of immeasurable hatred and their glowing horns amplified their menacing appearances. In their hands were wooden shafts with metal spikes around it.
"Listen up, you two! If you two think you're heroes, then take down these oni." Naruto snapped his fingers as the yokai slowly trodded to their target. "And take heed of their kanabo (iron club). They're hurt like hell." At least that's what the turtles told him during their training sessions. For a normal human. He wouldn't know though since an oni never touched him nor he would never let it do so.
And these particular oni are actually his transformed clones. The smoke cloud produced from his signature ninjutsu allowed them to transform and made it looked like he summoned yokai here.
"Have fun."
The yokai split into two groups as they charged the arrogant heroes-in-training via Patronus's command.
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Afar on one of the buildings, Reinhardt watched his students struggle against the yokai. Mikael and Steinburg tried their luck and attacked Patronus and All Might, respectively. It failed given they got swatted away by the experienced heroes and into the oni's arms before being hit by their signature weapons.
Though this might be out of hand or excessive in his eyes, Adolf knows this was for the best. All of them had no sense of teamwork except for Eva and her friends. Though their reluctance and slow reaction to take charge hindered their progress. Mikael and Steinburg's two clichés were at odds with each other and made no effort to work together whatsoever.
He felt they had no idea of the reality behind hero work in the world; the impression of glory, fame, and government pay awaited them only. Not the responsibility, the spilt-second decisions, possible civilian casualties, or villains who will kill them if they had the opportunity.
Patronus and All Might volunteered to set them straight by pretending to be villains. They are to show them their current behavior would get themselves and others killed in the field. "I thought you'd be joining them." Adolf simply grunted as he was joined by a colleague.
"I wanted to, but I thought to myself that I might go too easy on them." Adolf answered candidly.
He didn't need to look as he was well-acquainted with the woman. She was elderly around her mid-forties and wore a white lab coat over a suit attire. A lit cigarette hangs out of her mouth. "Your wife called the office. I gave her the usual answer."
"… Thank you."
"…"
"…"
"You should kick her out."
"Please don't."
"… She betrayed you and you left the apartment to her? She's the one who did—"
"Not. Another. Word," Adolf warned sternly, flickers of lightning danced around his left arm. His colleague left him as feelings about his home life rose once more. He hated it whenever memories of that event provoke him. That is not to say that his wife escaped with no repercussions at all. His quiet rage took the form of a small lightning storm in their apartment that blew out the power in five blocks. Needless to say, she was afraid of him. Adolf realized his pent-up anger may hurt her and the baby, but he doesn't want to be with her anymore. A month in their separation, he sent divorce papers to her to move on from their scrambled marriage. Hence her recent call to his office. "I need a strudel."
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(The Next Day)
German Branch Hero Association HQ
Berlin, Germany
Adolf was stumped by the change in the atmosphere. His class were in shambles as they had exhausted expressions, after being put through the ordeal of being destroyed by All Might and Patronus. Especially Ulrich and Odd. They bonded over their shared trauma and became best friends through that bond.
"Perhaps I should have Patronus and All Might as guest teachers from now on," Adolf chuckled after hearing everyone yell out 'no.' "All right then, how about we go out for some dinner?" He met his students' loud cheers in return. "Of course, you're all paying your own meals." Another wave of groans made him chuckle. "Plus Ultra."
Just another day for Germany's future heroes.
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(Four Days Later)
Chinatown
Boston, Massachusetts
Sarah hid herself behind one of the many Chinese-themed restaurants' signs, using the night to complete her stealth. "What's with the hood? Is it supposed to be menacing? For someone whose hero name means 'Protector,' this look is menacing." Her attire played in parallel to the Assassin motif: her black bodysuit adorned with a pair of sai, each one in a holster on her thighs, and two guns attached to her belt via the lower back. The signature beaked hood was attached to the nape of her bodysuit and, like Patronus', shadowed the facial features from anyone.
"How does he do it?" In fact, how do any of them do this? Hero work: patrols, arrests, and community service. "I'm barely able to keep it together." In spite of Norman Osborn's 'supreme bloodline' in her veins that is. "When will Patronus come back?" She whispered to herself.
"I'm back."
Drawing her twin sai only for two hands stopping them in mid-action, Sarah grunted when she found herself facing Patronus. "You're back."
"And you need to be more aware of your surroundings." Patronus remarked chidingly. "I've been here for an hour." Sarah huffed in annoyance. "So how was your time as Boston's protector?"
"I don't know how you do it." She stuck to the shadows while patrolling the city albeit with difficulty at first. "But crime is still low." Hearing an exaggerated sigh from him, Sarah asked the obvious. "What is it?"
"How do you think I'm able to perform my duties not only as a hero, but an Assassin?" Patronus asked rhetorically. "I made contacts with people in each neighborhood to serve as my eyes and ears in ways digital technology can't replace." That's how past Assassins functioned to perform their duties during the conflict.
"So, you want me to be all buddy-buddy with people everywhere?"
"It wouldn't kill you to try."
Cooperation and communication are key for the Assassin to succeed in his/her mission. His friendships with Jim the officer and Max of Horizon Labs are examples of that. They help him perform duties both logistically and technologically. This is what he'd been observing Sarah during the past four days after returning home. Well, his clone actually. He'd stayed home to be with his family.
"You did a good job overall, but you still need more training." Patronus remarked as Sarah huffed in annoyance, but she understood his reasons. "Here's your assignment though." He gave her a small SIM card and Sarah accepted it. "Reconnaissance and background check this guy."
Sarah watched Patronus leave without another word and jumped off of the roof. She didn't bother to look for him over the edge since he was already gone. The Assassin-in-training inserted the SIM card into her wrist computer before the screen display opened with its digital data. It was overwhelming to read about her target, but if Patronus suspects this person of doing something that could threaten humanity, then she needs to check it out. Though he might have overestimated her current abilities given the name of the target.
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Uzumaki Manor, Homestead Grounds
Forested Massachusetts
The four turtles sat seiza in a half-circle in front of their real master. This is one of the exercises to sense one's ki and pull it out, even if it is for a moment. The endgame is for them to increase their reserves and capacity to use ki to enhance their physical abilities. Lara is an example of this via supernatural means; her usage of Ame-no-Makakoyumi allows her to instinctively use her ki. Still, she needs formal training in case the bow ever left her possession.
Lara's place was next to Naruto who also was meditating as per habitat. She too participated in the training to get stronger in the world of heroes and villains. Though she wished he'd be as harsh on her like the turtles. "Despite being a god, he can be lovely." Lara thought amusingly to herself about his caring attitude to his family.
"Okay time!" Naruto called out after opening his eyes. The turtles and Lara exhaled deeply before stretching out their legs. "You guys rest for fifteen minutes." The brothers bowed and left the god behind with his bode. "Is there something, Lara?"
"I was going to ask you that," Lara remarked as she sat back down in front of him. "What is it?"
"Something I mentioned to the Tailed Beasts not too long ago."
"Which is?"
"Our departure." Lara looked a little crestfallen, "And I want to take the Homestead with us when we leave." Naruto quickly added in a whisper.
"Say what now?" Lara replied to make sure she didn't misunderstand his words. Naruto explained his plan to the archeologist. "Is that even possible for you?"
"Maybe."
"… Have you talked to the others?"
"Not yet. That's why I spoke with the guys before. I wanted their opinion." Naruto sighed as he laid on his back, joined by Lara resting her head on his chest. "Shit."
"What?"
"I forgot to consider you." Lara's life in this dimension he means. "You have friends and a life here." Naruto said as Lara nodded. "What do you want to do?"
To his surprise, Lara slapped him, which she regretted since her hand hurts now, "Damn it, I forgot you're hard."
"Euphenism?"
"You know what I mean."
"Of course, I do. You say my name after 'do it faster' every thrust."
"Shut up."
"Okay sweetie." Lara and Naruto stared at the slow-moving clouds in the sky. "So, what do you think?"
"I think this is something we all need to talk together, honestly," Lara replied softly. "Not just us, but the people living in the Homestead too. This is their home too."
Naruto sighed deeply, unintentionally blowing out a strong breeze of wind, "You're right." Then his stomach growled loudly, embarrassing him and amusing Lara at the same time. "Are you up for some lunch… in Paris?"
"Yes, we are!"
The duo saw the clan and the turtles standing not too far, smiling as if they were invited. Naruto and Lara shared a chuckle before they got together and went to Europe through the portal in the basement. After all, they haven't been to France at all except for Lara. They'd always wondered about the legendary cuisine that is French.
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(Two Weeks Later)
Amaterasu's Room, Imperial Palace
Takamagahara
The leader of the Amatsu-Kami and her right-hand man sat in front of the one whom had urgent news regarding Yomi. Being the messenger god and thereby the fastest, Inari's speed is unrivalled in the Shinto pantheon. Well, except perhaps by his adopted son and Susanoo.
"Are you sure about this?" Susanoo asked the fox god.
"I am."
Yato and Naruto's earlier information about Yomi's seal being altered was proven correct after all. There have been increased Yōkai activities in the surrounding area. Said activities has begun to spread to the provinces. Takamagahara's sentries suppressed the Yōkai who threatened human lives.
"This is troubling, brother," Amaterasu said deeply concerned. "Besides Father, who else can alter the seal?"
"Most likely one of the other pantheons. I'd say it would be those Olympians."
"That is unlikely." Inari countered respectfully. "The Greeks wouldn't take action, not after the war."
The war. Between them and the Olympians over matters that they don't even remember at this point. It cost many wounds and pride broken, but it ended after the Amatsu-Kami utilized one of Her Majesty's scared treasures against Zeus's own weapon, a blade proved inferior to the Shinto weapon. Eventually the battle had turned into a stalemate and ceased with no victor. There had been no contact between the pantheons for nine centuries until New Years' Eve.
Luckily a fight didn't occur (in their standards) and neither of them were injured. Still, if the other party exaggerates this encounter, it would give Zeus reason to restart the war. It is no secret that the Olympians are physically stronger than most of the Amatsu-Kami except for a few. They had their magical powers to offset their Greek counterparts, but it was a tough bout.
"…" Inari glanced over his shoulder before vanishing like the wind. His small kodachi fell slightly before it was caught by the god as he returned along with something else in his other hand. "I sensed a foreign power near our borders by one of my kitsune. It was gone by the time I got there, but this remained in its place." He recognizes the handiwork. It belonged to the Greek messenger of the gods and his counterpart.
The elder gods shared uneasy glances and steeled themselves for whatever comes next. Upcoming War or continuing but fragile peace. It all comes down to the stone tablet in Inari's hands. "Read it," Amaterasu told the fox god.
Susanoo watched his fellow god read the foreign tablet. He saw Inari's eyes express seriousness, then confusion, followed by being dumbfounded. "Well? Do not keep us waiting, smith god."
"'Let the games begin'."
"Eh?" The dumbfounded siblings responded with a tilt of their heads.
"What games?"
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The Louvre Museum, Rue de Rivoli
Paris, France
"Many places in the City of Lights and we're here in a museum." Kuroka pouted with puffed cheeks.
Though she is an archeologist like her father and if there is new knowledge out there, Lara will learn about it. Naruto loved not only her personality, but her brain too. The Uzumaki women appreciated her dedication to her aspiring field. She influenced to continue studying about everything their mutual loved one can, particularly the supernatural variety. As for the turtles, they were given transformation tags connected to Naruto's chakra so they would appear human in public. When they had arrived, the brothers were already out of the arriving point before the clan could say anything.
And speaking of Naruto, he had to step out after all four kids made accidents. Said 'accidents' started to stink up the rooms. And it was his turn to change the diapers… with no Ninjutsu whatsoever. That means no clones to help him. Pure torture.
"This is really nice," Medusa mentioned as she admired a 15th century painting. "Though it seems to be a bit derivative." Rhea nodded in agreement, sharing her sentiment. Being immortal allowed them to experience the Renaissance at its height. They knew the famous the painters whose artwork is feverishly searched for by wealthy families or owned by humble people who had it after the century passed.
Four paintings down from them stood Lara and Saeko as they admired an exhibit of Greek artifacts. They were recently excavated from a dig site in the country's outskirts. "I can never understand the fascination about Greek culture. The gods were arrogant and adulterers." Well most of them anyway.
"But their stories and myths fueled Western Civilization."
"Yes, but the civilization is riddled with bloody history."
"All places have bloody history, Saeko."
"None so more than Western Civilization."
Both ladies glanced at each other with bolts of electricity, the sign of tension between differing personalities. A playful growl came from an amused Kuroka as she, Rhea, and Medusa approached them. They too shared the Nekomata's expression about the mortals' mental battle.
"Look who we have here."
The five women directed their collective gaze at the voice who spoke to them. It was a group of men who had slightly tanned skin except for one who was darker.
"Such beauties ripe for the taking."
"Excuse us." Medusa replied indignantly.
"Especially the one with the black hair and gold eyes."
Kuroka gagged audibly, "Ew."
"Ah, she's smitten by you brother."
"No way."
"You won't say that afterwards." The ladies showed a mutual thumbs-down and booed at them, which still didn't faze the strange group of smug men. "Feisty… we like that." They were then showered by a wave of pure terror before running away in fear.
Lara sighed while shaking her head, "You didn't have to do that. We could've handled them ourselves." She and the others turned around to see a confused Naruto and the clean kids.
"But… that wasn't me." Naruto glanced at the twins in his arms. "Girls, was it you two who scared those men away from mommy?" Hagumi cooed while her half-sister Fujimai laughed. "Just like daddy, are you? You don't like it when other males flirt with mommy." Mommies in this case. The kids consider all the ladies as their moms.
But this is concerning to say the least. The older twins displayed an instinctive connection to their father. Hagumi and Fujimai, the latest demi-god children, are already exhibiting their abilities and they weren't even a year old yet. This is concerning for the clansmen. Except for Rhea as her own children and grandchild, specifically Hercules, exhibited their powers during infancy.
"Daddy's little girls they are~" Rhea said in baby-talk, taking her daughter in her arms as Kuroka did the same. "But we'll have to teach you to be more accepting than your dad."
Naruto grunted annoyingly while Ashla and Masaki shared a laugh at his funny face. After more exploring the museum's new exhibits, they left for a local café near the renowned building. As they were walking towards their next destination, a French accent stopped one of them in her stride.
"Mademoiselle Croft!"
Lara turned around to find a woman with short brown hair tied in a bun and wore a gray pantsuit. She was around her height, maybe slightly taller than her by half an inch. A strange air circled around her like exceptional wisdom befitted her despite the youthful appearance.
"And you are?" Lara asked in French.
"Igraine De Rune, deputy director of La Louvre."
"What can I do for you?"
"I believe it's better if I show you."
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After telling her family, Lara went with Igraine back inside the museum. With her special access as deputy director, the French woman brought her to the Restoration and Preservation room. As soon as they entered the room, Lara immediately felt it. Perhaps it was her ki training or hardened instincts as a survivalist, the atmosphere was heavy.
And it has to do with the artifact Igraine wanted her to see. Said artifact was a tome ornately decorated with jewels. It was bigger than the Codex, at least in the physical space, and the cover was black. Its spine inscribed in an unfamiliar language to most people in the world. Except for Lara whose vast studies allowed to recognize it.
Only that it is very ancient and related to Britain's folklore.
"This… This can't be right."
"I had the same reaction. Then again, we live in a world of gods, magic, and cosmic beings."
"This language has to be centuries old. Honestly, I could barely read it." Since there were not abundant sources of written evidence. "The best I could make out of this is…" Lara's mouth moved as she read it silently, her brain working hard to decipher the content. "'Earth is Eternal. Magic is Universal.' Well, that is…"
"Pessimistic?"
"Vague. Perplexing. Odd." Lara responded equivocally before focusing back on the tome. "This is really something. This is obviously pre-Middle Ages, 11th century." Around the time Arthur's reign as Camelot's monarch determined by history books. "I would really like to examine this more closely."
"Then why don't you?"
"What?"
"The Louvre has wanted to employ you as their archeology department head since your discovery of Yamatai." Igraine told her, admiration for the younger woman present in her voice. "You're in the final semester at College of London, are you not?" A subtly wary Lara nodded in response, "When you have your credentials, you can work here." Igraine gave her a card with her information on it. "Please, think about it, Mademoiselle."
Igraine walked with a dumfounded Lara out the museum, then back inside. The Croft heiress looked back at the museum, her mind back to the tome that was dangled in front of her. "Lara!" Her attention was drawn to Medusa who approached her. "You got to come quick! The twins look ready to walk."
"Seriously?" A stunned Lara asked as she put the card in her pocket. "Their demigod heritage must've really kicked in earlier." Medusa walked fast ahead, forcing her to catch up with the former priestess.
"What did that woman talk to you about?"
"… Business opportunity."
"Oh?"
"I'll explain later."
And Lara will do that right after watching the new twins take their first steps on Earth.
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(The Next Day)
San Francisco, California
Though no one could see it, Naruto was pouting audibly inside his hood. "One second." He muttered angrily. "One second…"
To the side floated Thor and Wasp, unsure about their teammate's current attitude. "Do you think he's okay?"
"Nay," Thor answered surely. "Tis a matter of personal nature I assume. He is angry with himself."
"Over what?" Wasp asked the god. He gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I'll ask him." She floated next to the muttering Patronus. "Hey… how're you doing?"
"Crappy."
"Why?"
"Issue."
"Home?"
"… Yes."
"What happened?"
"… I don't want to talk about it," Patronus choked up as he held back his tears. Wasp placed a comforting hand, rubbing his back while exchanging unsure glances with Thor. "It's too much to talk about."
"In all the times we worked together, I've never seen Patronus like this before." Wasp thought to herself, clearly worried about her teammate. And so is Thor.
"Raise thy spirits, Patronus!" Thor floated next to his fellow god, tapping the shoulder. He heard a shriek from Wasp and 'what the hell' by Patronus, forcing him to realize that the tap had sent the Amatsu-Kami into the Bay. "Oh… my fault!"
"You mean 'my bad'," Wasp corrected the thunder god.
"Aye. That as well."
"Oh boy."
A soaked Patronus burst out of the bay and flew swiftly back to his teammates. "Thor…" Naruto growled annoyingly. The Asgardian sheepishly put up the 'peace' sign. "Wrong fingers, Hammerhead." His nickname for the god's association with Mjolnir.
"My head is not shaped like a hammer."
"Oh…" Naruto and Wasp groaned exaggeratedly at the god's literal take.
That aside, the reason for their location at the West Coast was security detail. Three Avengers is more than enough, especially when two of them are gods. Though there is a hero team in the state, the person, or 'client' as Tony described, wanted them there. Mainly since one of them is a friend of Patronus.
"Sir Modell seems more relaxed," Thor pointed out despite being in the air.
Wasp chuckled, "It does help to have the Savior of Boston and two Avengers looking out for him."
"Max was so nervous about this."
"It's a great thing for him and his company," Wasp remarked with admiration.
This event was the opening of Horizon Labs' West Coast laboratory. With the additional funding from private donors, the lab was about to expand as well take another path. That is technological support for superheroes and law enforcement community. That is what the West Coast branch's role is: the development of armor and technology for new generations. Max was inspired by the Hero Association in Japan and its R&D companies to aid the nation's heroes. So, he thought to get that ball rolling in the States.
Speaking of Max, he and his senior department chairpersons stood in front of the building with a red ribbon tied at the front door. "The Horizon Labs' West Side is hereby open!" The rarely formally-suited CEO declared with pride as he and his long-time friends cut the ribbon together.
Just then, both Mjolnir and Kogitsunemaru shook against their wielders' possessions. They share the ability to sense supernatural and magical energies. "Here we go." Patronus commented as Thor nodded, agreeing with his words.
"Where?" Wasp asked, her game face on instantly. Two tears opened in space near the building as an incredibly cold wind blew everywhere. "Oh, come on! Who brought in the cold?!"
Patronus pointed at the ones responsible. "I'd say them." There were seven of them as the tears closed behind them. They towered fifty to seventy feet high or more, their skin deathly ice-blue and adorned with what looked like tribal tattoos. None of them wore shirts or tunics, but ragged skirts or pants. In their hands were long wooden shafts carved with runes all over.
"Frost Giants."
Both Wasp and Patronus noted the unusual excitement in Thor's tone. Then they remembered the Thunderer's hobby was to beat down Frost Giants since they are Asgard's foremost and ancient archenemies.
"To battle and glory!"
Wasp exchanged a look with Patronus. "Well at least he didn't say—"
"For Asgard!"
"You were saying." Patronus retorted knowingly. At least he has pride for his homeland despite being exiled. Though that's at least what Thor originally thought. Now he believes something happened to Asgard, according to what Thor told him during one of his drunken nights. "Wasp, help Thor and I'll secure a perimeter and evacuate the civilians." Patronus created thirty clones while he said this.
"Roger that!" Wasp answered before her hooded teammate and clones vanished, leaving behind a collection of wind pressure from the sudden speed burst. "Little warning next time!" She shouted after regaining her balance.
It was four seconds and already the Horizon Labs became secured along with the civilians. Max and his employees were put inside their building and activated its security protocols. Patronus left his clones behind as added security and regrouped with Thor and Wasp battling the Frost Giants.
Or what's left of them at least.
Patronus saw bruised bodies of unconscious Giants or Jötnar as they were called by ancient Nordic people. Thor went easy on them it seems. "Avast, Patronus!" Hearing his words, Naruto saw and caught the lone Giant, holding him above his head with one hand effortlessly. To think he'd need Sage Mode or even Kurama Mode to lift something like this pre-ascension. Then again, Kurama is heavier and bigger than the Frost Giants here. Regardless, he is drastically stronger than before.
"Let's make you gain some pounds," Patronus channeled chakra as the Jotunn suddenly felt heavier. "Doton: Kajugan no Jutsu (Earth Release: Added-Weight Rock Technique)." The cold-bearing creature couldn't move after being left on the street despite his audible grunts of exertion. "Stop squirming." He lazily kicked the giant's face and knocked him to sleep.
"Feel the might of Mjolnir!" The legendary hammer smacked against his enemy's face, knocking out teeth as Thor stood on the giant's chest. "Once again, Frost Giants fell in the glory of Asgard!" Thor boasted proudly, unnoticing his teammates' blank expressions.
"We'll let him clean this up," Wasp said as if it was already decided. Patronus nodded, having no problem with it. "How did these Frost Giants get here anyway? I thought Thor said all gateways throughout the World Tree was closed." By an unknown force she might add.
The World Tree, or Yggdrasil called by the Nordic people and Asgardians, connect nine realms on its branches and supports them with life. These realms are Asgard, Jötunheim, Muspelheim, Vanaheim, Nidvallir, Svartfulheim, Helheim, Nifelheim and Midgard. The latter is called Earth and the center of the World Tree. If anyone wanted to conquer the Nine Realms, then they would have to take control of Earth first.
If this was an attempt to invade Earth, then it failed. At least that's what amateur combatants would think. Naruto played out the scenario in his head several times and came to a single conclusion. "This is a diversion." He was right as his clones were just destroyed. "Fire?" He turned around while swiping Kogitsunemaru from its sheath.
A startled Wasp watched as a wave of yellow fire was absorbed into the blue blade, saving them from being burned. "Thanks." She said before noticing the one who conjured such flames. "Her."
"You know her?"
A woman stood in the street below them yet exuded confidence of the arrogant type. Her looks allured many men as she was Caucasian with long blonde, or blonder, hair that reached her waist finished with a tiara, pink lips and green eyes. She was slender, voluptuous yet athletic, more so than the average Human. What enhanced her beauty was her outfit: a green skin-tight suit that left her shoulders bared with a matching miniskirt, tight green arm-sleeves reaching her shoulders, and black tights with green circles on the sides.
"Take that as a yes, Naruto." Saiken said in her usual squeaky voice.
Matatabi scoffed disapprovingly, "That is not appropriate wear for any combatant."
"But she's not a shinobi." Isobu countered weakly.
"It's still fighting, Isobu."
Patronus chose to tune out his tenants as he landed on the ground while Thor and Wasp remained airborne. "Amora, how could you, an Asgardian, ally yourself with the Frost Giants? What is your business here?" The prince asked with steel yet softly.
"Oh, my dear Thor, still playing around in Midgard with these mortals?" Amora asked condescendingly. Her expression assumed a very vague intrigued look after seeing Patronus. "Mortal." She corrected her words while inspecting the unusual aura Naruto exuded to his lack of knowledge. "Another god from a different pantheon? And you reprimand me for allying with the Frost Giants."
Wasp glanced while crossing her arms, "What does she mean by that?"
"Gods from different pantheons typically keep to themselves, mortal." The Enchantress coldly remarked, eliciting a raspberry from Wasp. "First that boisterous Greek lion and now this… silent rat god."
"Huh?!" Patronus grunted audibly as he grinded his teeth, incensed by her insult. He would have attack her, but Kurama restrained his movements. "Thanks, buddy." Gaining a welcome from the fox, Naruto suddenly stabbed his blade into the street. A single line of blue flames burst from Kogitsunemaru and swiftly encircled the Enchantress as it became a dome. "Enro no Jutsu (Flame Prison Technique)." A ninjutsu enhanced through the power of Inari's crafted item.
"A fire spell?" the Enchantress asked condescendingly and amusing. "How cute." Despite that, she felt no heat from the flames which meant two things. Either that it's weak or the flames are more than she can handle despite her advanced magical knowledge.
An impressed Thor landed next to Patronus as he nonchalantly slapped his shoulder. "A fine work, Patronus. Now the Enchantress can't do harm to anyone in the Nine Realms."
"… It's too easy." Patronus remarked casually, sheathing Kogitsunemaru meanwhile. "She seems like the type to have some henchman fighting for her honor and—" A shadow loomed over the Avengers for a brief moment before it landed in front of them, shaking the street. "There he is."
He was taller than him and around the same height as Thor. He was slightly more muscular than the Prince of Asgard and wore dark armor from their native realm. His shaggy long black hair fluttered against Earth's wind breeze. The man sneered at the Avengers and swung his battle axe in rage, "Die!"
Patronus and Wasp backed away while Thor blocked the axe with Mjolnir, cracking the street from the collision. Naruto was surprised by the fact of the axe not breaking against the hammer. He learned from Thor that all of Asgardian armory and weapons are made from the magical metal known as Uru including Mjolnir. Like the Olympian metal Adamantine, Uru is nigh-indestructible but absorbs magical energy like a 'sponge'.
"Skurge the Executioner… Still under the Enchantress' spell." Thor chided the traitor, effortlessly pushing him back. He swiftly backhanded the Asgardian brute and sent him hurtling over the Enchantress. It wasn't even a minute when Skurge returned, stomping his way and leaving footprints in the process. "Stubborn fool."
While Thor focused on his bout with Skurge, Wasp and Patronus were on the imprisoned Enchantress. Or at least she was. The prison of fire was empty, much to Janet and Naruto's surprise. "I forgot that she can teleport." Wasp snapped her fingers indignantly.
"You should've said something earlier," Patronus answered annoyingly. He felt the street rumble and it was behind him, looking over his shoulder only to be slammed by a hairy backhanded fist.
A blank-faced Wasp stared at the spot her hooded teammate stood before shifting her glance at the creature. "Um… hello?" She shrieked while shrinking to avoid another fist attack. "Rude!"
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(Meanwhile)
La Louvre, Paris
France
Though she always had been excited about new findings in her field, this was new levels for Lara. Another artifact from a mythical and legendary era of Europe—Britain's specifically—is right in front of her. She accepted Igraine's offer but politely refused the staff's aid, preferring to work alone. One would say irony since her boyfriend helped her in the past whenever they came across ruins and their messages inside.
Near Lara's station was another table that had several books for references and notes pertaining her research. She wasn't in full research mode, but this was close enough. She stayed home at the Croft Manor in secret to Igraine, but traveled to Paris with magical transportation.
"This is boring~"
Though she does mind said magical transportation being loud.
"You don't have to stay, Kuroka."
"I know, but I'm kind of hiding from Rhea."
Lara paused and turned nonchalantly at a sheepish Kuroka. "What did you do?" She asked her knowingly.
"Nothing."
"Really?"
Her ears drooping down, a resigned Kuroka groaned before answering Lara. "I may or may not have… accidently… kneaded Rhea's downstairs."
"You did what?" Lara asked stupefied after stopping her research to look at the Nekomata.
"I was sleepy and I thought she was hubby."
"Oh my God," A clearly amused Lara laughed behind her hands, failing to contain herself.
Despite Rhea and Saeko telling Kuroka of her usual wardrobe to be changed whenever she leaves the Homestead, the cat yokai still refuses to heed them. Her assets were much more prominent than usual and Lara could not stop glancing at them every ten seconds. And Kuroka noticed said action. "Jealous much?" She gently squeezed them proudly. "The gals got bigger during the pregnancy. Naruto couldn't keep his hands off them."
"I know," Lara replied under her breath steely. She can't keep her envy about Kuroka's breasts inside her. "But I have the tightest ass," She remarked with a confident smile. The Nekomata growled in response, apparently jealous of the human's backside. "No retort?" Lara pumped her right fist into the air. "Yes!"
"I just refuse to dignify that with a response."
"You just did." Snarling like a cat, Kuroka huffed out a breath to vent her frustration. Literally a breath of fire that stuck to the tome. "Kuroka!" Lara angrily shouted as she shook the yokai by the shoulders. "You idiot!" She let go and ran to grab the nearest fire extinguisher, pressing the trigger as the cold smoke covered the flames. It didn't work. "Put it out!"
Rolling her eyes, Kuroka raised her left hand with fingers positioned to snap on her command. It wasn't necessary as the flames were put out by a gentle breeze. "That wasn't me this time I swear." Now that she's focused, Kuroka sensed a strange power from the tome. "What is this exactly?"
"I know you weren't listening to me," Lara, over her shock, walked back to inspect the tome. There was not a single sign of damage from the magical fire. "This tome is from time period when King Arthur ruled Camelot."
"Really?" Kuroka asked excitedly before throwing a raspberry, "Boring." She'd grown tired of hearing about King Arthur after her teammate, also named Arthur, spouted her ears off with stories of the man's reign.
An indignant Lara coiled back from the attitude, "Excuse me?" She said with a scoff. "This is actual proof that Camelot exists in my world." That and the legendary figures in her country's history partly influenced her interest in pursuing archeology. "My father would be so jealous right now."
"Way to speak about the dead."
"Please shut up, Kuroka, or I'll shove an arrow in your bubble butt."
A shocked Kuroka gasped with her mouth gaping while her hands swiftly held her butt. "You take that back!"
"No!"
"Come here!"
The Nekomata and archeologist's bout didn't happen as the tome released an omnidirectional purple wave. It was directed at Kuroka, seeing that she was sent flying across the room. "Kuroka!" Lara shouted with concern as she ran to her friend's location. Helping the woozy mother to her feet, Lara helped stabilize her footing. "Are you okay?"
"Other than the girls betting melon-sized bruises, I'm fine," Kuroka replied snarky as she rubbed her chest area. "Lucky they're bigger because of Fujimai." Her car ears lowered at the mention of her daughter. "I need to see her."
Smiling at her, Lara tapped Kuroka's shoulder assuredly, "Motherhood suits you somehow." She left while muttering the last word. "But what was that?" She inquired about the strange energy, cautiously inspecting the tome.
"Magic." Kuroka answered, now standing next to the human. An unusual serious expression took over her as the Nekomata warily inspected the artifact. "No, I can't read it."
Lara rolled her eyes and pulled another book that had references related to her research. "There are symbols a little difficult to read, but I think I know what they are." Her finger tapped the page after she found it. "The language is of the Druids."
Her ears pointed upwards, the surprised Kuroka asked, "The Druids?" She knew of the race and their unique, powerful magic claimed to be unrivaled in her world. Maybe this dimension's version also possesses the same potential. "Where is it?"
"What?"
"The name."
"What name?"
"The author!"
"An artifact like this doesn't have an author's name. Besides I looked for it first and I couldn't find it," Lara answered somewhat embarrassed. She scoffed when Kuroka looked closer at the spine. "Please if I can't find it, surely you can't."
"Here it is."
"Nuh-uh!"
"Uh-huh!" Kuroka proudly shoved the book against Lara's face. "Check it." She pointed at the spine, showing Lara her evidence. "Symbols can mean names, right."
Pulling the book from her face and reading the spine, Lara inspected the apparent evidence. There is only one symbol inscribed on it. "No way." She whispered in shock. Her hours of researching tired her mind and fatigue plaguing her physically, but Lara knew what the symbol meant. It represents perhaps one of the most famous figures in Arthurian folklore. "No way, no way, no way, no way!"
Taken aback by Lara's excitement, Kuroka asked her hesitatingly, "What?"
"This tome used to belong to none other than the wizard who helped Arthur be the man that he was."
"No…"
"Merlin."
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"I don't care."
Before Lara can think of a witty retort or physical retaliation set against the Nekomata's mood-killing words (an arrow in her bubble of an ass), Merlin's tome glowed again before it engulfed the entire room and blinded the women. Then it disappeared, allowing them to slowly open their eyes. "You okay?"
"I think so," Kuroka answered slowly. Her hands touched all parts of her body to make they are all there. "Yep, all good." Her eyes were drawn to the immediate third presence. "Lara?"
"Yeah?"
"What is that?"
The Croft heiress shifted her gaze to what Kuroka stared at and blinked at the new guest. "I have no idea." She answered before the presence made its first sound.
"Fou!"
END OF CHAPTER
