Chapter One: A Wounded Raven…

Disclaimer: I don't own anything!.

A.N: Yo Everyone here's another fic for ya and this one has been a long time coming. It was meant to be released much earlier but life, what are you gonna do?. I've also got two more new fics after this one and then strictly updates for a bit, I know you guys have been waiting for a few things to be updated that isn't Son of God lol. Obviously you guys know one of them is Helluva Boss which has also been a long time coming but I'm very excited to announce that the other fic is a Star Wars crossover taking place in the original trilogy, something I've noticed we don't have a lot of.

So I suppose I'll throw in the Link for two awesome servers that I'm apart of. AizenTheGoat's- /hgmK7uuM and Helghy' /fepMmjwC. Alright I'll let you guys get to readin, please enjoy.


"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, today looks like clear skies-"

Ksshp!

"-Just the way you are-"

Ksshp!

"-I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid), To take a stand (to take a stand), Everybody (Everybody)-"

Ksshp!

A beautiful looking car glided down the road flawlessly, it's engine roared powerfully along with the wind. The passenger inside had one hand on the wheel, the other was down changing the channel every so often, trying different stations until he finally settled on something he liked "-I hope you all enjoyed that, Runaway by Kanye West but I think it's time we slow it down a bit. While this might be an oldie it's still most certainly a Goldie. This was Trey and you're listening to 98.5" The speakers started to play the beginning of 'Hey Jude'.

The driver of the 1967 Chevy Impala started tapping their fingers along the steering wheel, matching in time with the beat of the song.

The rear view mirror showed a brief glance of golden spikes, as well as a dazzling pair of sapphire hidden behind some shades.

It was a decent drive to Fort Smith, requiring multiple stops and stays in cheap hotels but the abundance of nature was a refreshing change of pace.

The air felt cleaner, more refreshing. Yet it did little to hide a certain sinister aura surrounding the town. Regular civilians wouldn't notice a thing, just continuing with their day to day life but special people like the blond youth, could sense the evil lurking miles away.

The radio switched off with a 'click', leaving the sapphire eyed blond to study the city as he continued his slow drive.

Parking in the perfect spot with a nice large tree providing shade for his car.

Naruto Uzumaki removed his sunglasses with a sigh, tucking them into his jacket pocket as he quickly crossed the road. Finding some luck as he had parked across from a hotel, the electric sign in the front room flickered briefly, 'Vacancy' appeared in a flash settling on a steady blue.

Naruto sighed as he pushed the door opening, unsurprised as a little bell jingled to his left. A woman's voice called out as she walked out of the back room, puffing on a cigarette.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of the handsome customer, taking in his form to the very last detail.

However her wandering gaze focused on the six marks that riddled his cheeks, possible scars or birthmarks she couldn't be sure. Either way they framed his face perfectly.

"Can I help you handsome?" Naruto gave a charming grin as he leaned against her counter.

"I'd like a room for tonight and tomorrow" reaching down into a draw, she pulled out a single key with '204' elegantly written on the wood connected to the key "You can pay when you leave and don't be afraid to let me know if you need anything"

Naruto's grin grew wider at the woman's saucy wink "I'll keep that in mind"

With that he walked back over to his car, slowly driving around until a little diner caught his attention. It wasn't anything special yet something was drawing the whiskered blond. As Naruto stepped through the door, he instantly locked eyes with a rather beautiful girl or at least he thought she was. It was a little hard to tell with a lot of her features covered by her indigo coloured hood.

The blond youth didn't have to wait long until a waitress was by his side, guiding him to a booth that happened to be in front of the only other teen in the diner.

They locked eyes, Naruto gave a smile and wave, happy when he got a small one back. A small incident went off inside the kitchen, a blender exploded from mysterious circumstances.

The whiskered teen looked over his with a raised brow, surprised by the brief flare of magic. Once again he turned back to look at the girl a booth away, frowning when she wouldn't look at him but rather the mug she cupped gingerly between her petite hands.

That's when he finally sensed it, brimstone and darkness, coming from a redheaded man sitting in the far corner, eyeing the girl like a ravenous wolf waiting to pounce on its prey.

Naruto watched with narrowed eyes as she left, he didn't have to wait long before the creep in the corner started to follow her, stopping briefly to exchange a glance with the blond teen.

Cool sapphire met hellish red that was hidden behind a false hazel. This was no man, this was a greater beast.

The stranger adjusted his fine suit, combing a hand through his orange locks and then walking out the door, his horrible intentions clear.

Naruto only waited a single second before he was out of his seat, on the side wall looking around for either of them, frowning when he couldn't spot one or the other.

"Ah shit"


It was difficult sometimes, being Rachel Roth. Forever cursed to carry her fathers sin's. Unable to accept a smile from a cute boy without her powers fluctuating out of control.

As she continued walking to the abandoned factory that she had been using as a sort of makeshift home, lost in her own thoughts, she failed to notice the red headed man from the diner right behind her. The air started to grow warm and thick with the smell of ash.

"I have finally found you, daughter of Trigon!" The air was tainted by an intense heat that swallowed Rachel whole, swallowing her disguise and revealing her true form.

Grey ashen skin with a single irregularity coming in the form of the red chakra stone embedded into the centre of her forehead, lovely short indigo coloured hair that came down just past her thin cheeks.

"Ahhh there you are. Such a shame to hide yourself behind such a bland illusion. You dishonour yourself and your heritage" Rachel growled as her eyes were overtaken by her power, glowing fiercely with her magic.

Pure shadow started to generate between her hands, a shimmering energy started to whirl and warp "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"

The dangerous stranger grunted as he was struck dead center, body bending and flipping from the force of the attack, puffs of dust kicked off the ground as the red head skipped across the ground like a pebble across a lake.

His body started to steam and turn red, almost as if it was being cocked from the inside out, his brow hardened until it looked like stone "I finally have you in my grasp! I shall be rewarded for my efforts by the mighty Trigon himself!"

Rachel didn't have time to give a retort, fire started to swirl like a hell storm, her makeshift home broke apart and very quickly started to turn to ash, swept up by the hurricane of destruction.

"Beware my power and tremble in despair of Alister!" His demonic scream spread the flames from her home to the trees outside, the half-demon panicked and forced her magic to surround and suffocate the evil blaze that continued to grow with every passing second.

Her desperate attempt to stop the ever growing fire and protect the innocent people of this city left her vulnerable and open for Alister to attack.

A sea of flames consumed anything and everything in its path, it's unstoppable destruction edging closer and closer towards Rachel. She could feel the heat start irritating her skin, unable to do anything but watch as the inferno was upon her.

The ash skinned teen closed her eyes in acceptance, her final thoughts of her mother and the life she wished they could have lived together.

Just as the sea of flames was about to fully consume Rachel, a burning orange-golden barrier with a bundle of symbols and shapes appeared in front of the confused teen, protecting her and parting the raging inferno.

Alister looked confused, searching for the one who had stopped his raging fire and protected the daughter of Trigon.

Rachel focused her power, using this brief opening to extinguish any existing fires, finally the people were safe. She could focus on protecting herself 'That doesn't mean I'm safe, this mysterious saviour is still lurking about'

"Who dares oppose Alister?! Show yourself stranger!" Alister's demand came true in the form of sparking energy whips wrapping around his right arm followed quickly by his left "Coward! Show yourself!"

"You're not in the position to be making demands hellspawn" Rachel managed to conceal her surprise well but she still couldn't help but be shocked. When she first saw him at the diner, she sensed no magic or supernatural ability but now? Magic was practically flowing off him in waves. He turned towards her with clear concern shining in his dark sapphire coloured eyes "You okay?"

Before Rachel could answer, the evil entity tried to move, snaring the whiskered blond's attention. Naruto's arms flexed as he formed another magical whip, faster than the demon could react, it fastened itself around his bulging neck, bringing Alister to his knees.

"You can do magic?" The whiskered blond glanced over to the ash skinned teen with a smile.

"I suppose I should introduce myself? My name is Naruto Uzumaki, I'm a Sorcerer" Naruto tightened his magical hold on Alister, eyeing the entity of evil with a frown "Why is this demon after you?"

"It's…difficult to explain" Rachel muttered as she glared at her fellow demon.

"I'm sure it is. Help me deal with this jackass and we can sort everything out. Sounds good?" Naruto grinned at the ashen girl's nod "Good, let's deal with this fiery prick"

"Fool! While my mortal form is no match, you shall witness my wrath, you shall witness my fury, YOU SHALL WITNESS THE RISE OF THE MIGHTY ALISTER!" Alister roared as fire started to twist and mold around his shaking form. Naruto looked surprised as the magical whips broke apart, no longer was this demon of flame restrained.

Like clay the fire monstrosity started to mold and change, burning away his mortal coil to allow his true self to fully emerge.

Alister the Condemned was finally loose.

He had grown tremendously in size, a being of pure fire and demonic energy. Each step rumbled the ground, simply existing made the two teen's feel as if they were standing next to the sun itself.

"Come to me, Daughter of Trigon" Alister growled as he summoned forth his sword, dragging it along the ground as he reached out for Rachel.

"Back up!" Naruto growled as he bumped his two wrists together, miniature tao mandalas similar to the one he used to protect Rachel, appeared above each fist "Hey, I'm gonna need your help. I'll strike low, you strike high"

"Got it" before the duo could act the firestorm of an enemy surged at them like wrath come to life

"Diiiiieeee!" Alister ripped the earth apart with his mighty swing, a trail of smoke and stone laid in its wake.

Rachel was quick, her dark magic clasped the two in a light embrace, the flaming sword mere inches away from bisecting the duo. The ground hollowed out into a crater spewing fire and brimstone, no sign of Naruto or the indigo beauty remained.

Alisterlooked satisfied, he was sure the daughter of Trigon lived, having possibly fled and left the mortal to die. He could smell her demonic blood, she was near…

SWISH!

SCHLICK!

THUD!

Alister stood frozen in shock, he had felt a quick sharp pain then nothing. He couldn't feel his right arm.

It laid limp on the ground with his hand still clutching the handle of his sword.

Slowly he turned, eyes glowing furiously at the sight of the mortal still alive with the daughter of Trigon.

"You…"

"You like that? Something new I've been working on" Naruto rolled his shoulders, sighing in satisfaction as he heard a satisfying pop "We wanna end this quick before he burns the entire place to the ground. I'll give you an opening and once I do, I need something big to finish him off, do you think you can do that?"

Rachel nodded reluctantly, grimacing at the possible power she could unleash "I've got something"

Naruto could sense the unease and dread flowing off the ashen skinned girl, she didn't want to do what she was about to do. The whiskered blond looked gave her a sympathetic look "I can be the one that deals the heavy blow, I just need you-"

"No! I can do it" The whiskered blond grinned at Rachel's sudden burst of confidence, though the indigo haired beauty looked embarrassed from her sudden outburst "Sorry"

"*Chuckle* It's fine, you got this?" Naruto turned back to face Alister after her positive head bob. The ashen skinned girl took to the skies, blending in with the darkness.

"I underestimated you Sorcerer, but I am hellfire incarnate. You can't kill me" Alister bellowed as he held his dismembered arm, the process was quick as the demonic molten skin fused back together. The demonic terror was fully whole once again.

"You think so do you? I'm afraid you will find us mortals are more than what we appear" Naruto's hands faintly glowed blue and the earth started to split apart. Trendrill's of pure energy latched onto the demon's burning form, the outer layer of dark blue mysterious energy contrasted greatly against the hellish beings skin "Whenever you're ready!"

Alister roared in fury as he fought against the trendrill, struggling to not be pulled under the crust of the earth. His sword alite ablaze, its fearsome heat spreading across the blade in a desperate attempt to incinerate the whiskered youth.

Rachel cupped the side of her head, muttering over and over the chant she used to control her magic. Darkness swirled around her in a protective barrier "A-Azarath! Ngh! Metrion! Zinthos!"

Alister was taken aback by the halflings' building power, his distraction halted his attack and allowed another tendril to snatch his sword out of his hand.

Rachel screamed as she started to change, gaining two additional eyes with all four of her optics glowing a sinister red.

Soon the darkness started to shift and shape itself into a large raven made of pure shadow with four red eyes similar to the indigo haired teen's.

The shadow avivan screeched loud, flapping its gigantic wigs, sending its feathers that were sharp as knives at the trapped demonic being.

Alister roared as each one pierced his skin, growling viciously at the half breed. Rachel paid him no mind as she gave a sadist smile, the Raven charged down at the trapped demon, striking him dead centre. He roared in agony as his chest was ripped open, his skin started to turn grey and dead, a once raging fire dimming down to a mere ember.

The monstrous demon exploded in a shower of ash and darkness. Extinguished from this plane of existence.

Rachel lost her demonic appearance, the drain on her magic caused the ashen skinned teen to start panting in exhaustion. Her flight faltered slightly and she began to gently fall, only for Naruto to catch her with his own abilities, bringing her down to his side so she could rest "You okay?"

The half demon managed to nod as she turned and stared at where Alister once stood "I'm okay…"

Naruto looked around taking in the damage to the area, it was more brimstone and fire then the abandoned warehouse that it once was, the blond youth frowned as he could hear the faint sounds of sirens "We better get moving"

"'We'?" Rachel asked as she eyed the whiskered stranger, looking away when he flashed her another smile.

"Yeah sure, you did help me take down that big bastard. Least I can do is buy you a cup of coffee or something to eat" the half demon chewed on her bottom lip in thought, her brian was telling her it was dangerous, that she didn't know him and it could be a trap but her gut and heart was telling her something else. That he might be able to actually help her with her…'situation'.

"That sounds nice, thanks" Naruto grinned as he led Rachel towards his car, opening the door. The ashen skinned girl's cheeks flushed, two of the remaining working street lamps exploded from her power, much to her embarrassment.

If the whiskered blond noticed, he didn't say anything. Grinning as his car roared to life, the radio faintly played 'Carry on Wayward Son' "You ready?"

Rachel gave a faint nod with a smile, getting comfortable as she quietly listened to the music. Sighing tiredly, for the first time in a long time she didn't feel the need to keep her guard up or feel the need to constantly suppress her power, she felt…content.


The magical duo found a place to eat, a small little place called 'Dairy Freeze', both sitting comfortably on the hood of the sorcerer's car.

"Mmm! This is a tasty burger" Rachel missed the iconic movie reference as she watched Naruto scarf down his second large meal, quietly nibbling on some fries herself. The whiskered blond sighed in content as he whipped his mouth then started slurping down his shake "So Rachel, how come that demon was after you?"

The ashen skinned beauty was taken aback, not expecting the sorcerer to be so blunt "It's…"

"Complicated?"

Rachel sighed as she brushed an indigo coloured lock behind her ear "Yeah"

"I understand, I didn't hear much but I heard the name 'Trigon' and I can guess he's bad news?"

"Bad news is an understatement. He's one of the strongest beings in existence and an enslaver of worlds,"

"Right" Naruto nodded as he dusted his hands clean, grinning as he gestured for Raven to jump into the car "Well if that's the case, we better get some help then"

"Help?"

"You know the Justice League?" The whiskered blond started to explain after the half demon's faint nod "I know someone who can help us meet them, he's a good friend of mine"

"And you think they can really help?"

"I know they can" Rachel seemed to trust Naruto's word and it wasn't like she had many other options, the ashen skinned beauty hopped into the blond sorcerer's car, sighing as the whiskered youth soon followed, grinning as he ignited the engine "Alright, we just gotta make one quick stop and then off to New Orleans!"

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see"

(One Hour Later)

The sun was beginning to go down and the heat started to change into a strong chill. Rachel was fully wrapped up in her hoodie, watching Naruto with a frown "What are you doing?"

"I am getting rid of any and all supernatural activities. Purifying the house and all that lay inside" The blond sorcerer explained as he walked away from the wooden chipped entrance of the old home, sitting on the hood of his car with the ashen skinned beauty by his side.

Rachel looked confused as she stared at the simple tag resting elegantly on the door "The piece of paper is doing all that?"

Naruto grinned as he leaned back completely, watching as the sun was starting to set and the skyline to an enchanting orange hue "Never underestimate the power of sealing, an elegant art but in the right hands a deadly tool"

The half demon looked down at her hands then back over to the smiling sorcerer, brows frowned in confusion "Who are you? How do you know how to do all these things?"

Naruto sighed as he sat up, rolling his neck as his grin dimmed to a light smile "I'm nothing special but I suppose, I can introduce myself properly. My name is Naruto, one of the last remaining members of house Uzumaki, I'm a pretty damn good Sorcerer if I do say so myself and currently the new Master of the Mystic Arts"

Rachel looked stunned to be in the presence of a master, especially one so young. However, her thoughts went back to his house "What is house Uzumaki?"

"Ah now that is an excellent question. The people of house Uzumaki have been protectors of the world since the very beginning" Naruto explained as he kept his eyes on the house, watching with satisfaction as the seal did it's job "Fighting against evil since the dark ages"

The ashen skinned frowned sadly as she rested her arm along her knees "Now it's just you…"

"Now it's just me" Naruto repeated with a sad smile.

Rachel decided the best course of action was to change the subject "So what exactly does that seal do? I know it's purifying the house but how?"

The blond sorcerer grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement "Oh now that is a good question! So what this seal does is send a pulse of pure magic around the house, slowly the energy starts to go back in the seal, dragging any every evil force back inside"

The Ashen skinned beauty looked stunned, staring at Naruto with a slightly dropped jaw "T-that's amazing! Did you invent this?"

Looking a little sheepish, the blond found himself scratching the back of his head "Ah well, I used the notes of previous sorcerers before me. It was thanks to them, I was able to create it"

"That's still impressive" Naruto smiled softly, his sapphire coloured eyes glanced over to his fellow magic user.

"Thank you, Rachel" Rachel's own smile was hidden by her hood, yet the whiskered blond could tell.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by Naruto's seal, pulsing with energy, glowing faintly in the darkness.

"Looks like it's done"

"Already?" Rachel asked with a raised brow.

"Yep! Now we can be on our way" Naruto held the glowing seal between his two fingers. The edge of the paper started to simmer then burst into a strong inferno, the great flame died down quickly to nothing but ashes "Alright let's roll!"

The two magic users were back in the whiskered blond's car, the engine flared to life with a great roar.

Naruto sighed as he leaned back in his chair, looking over to Rachel who finished strapping in her belt "So what kind of music do you like?"

"I'm um, I'm not sure"

"Rock? Rap? Hip hop?" The ravenette could only shrug, finding the blond sorcerer exasperated look amusing "You've listened to David Bowie at least?"

"Uh.."

"The Beatles? Elvis? Queen?" Rachel reluctantly shook her head, much to the blond's growing shock and horror "You haven't listened to Queen?! Oh we need to fix that asap!"

Naruto reached behind his seat, pulling out a case filled with CD's, the disc was swallowed by the slot and soon a beat started to flow from the speakers.

"Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time, I feel aallliiiivvveeee~, And the world I'll turn it inside out, yeah, I'm floating around in ecstasy. So, (don't stop me now), (Don't stop me), 'Cause I'm having a good time, having a good time'' Rachel couldn't help but start to bop her head, giggling slightly at Naruto's giddy grin.

"Now this is music!" The whiskered blond yelled as his foot hit the pedal, his tires kicked up the dirt in a large smoke screen.

Rachel gave a shocked laugh as she held on to her seat tightly, staring at Naruto with wide excited eyes but she couldn't help but realise, this is the most she's enjoyed herself in a long time.

"I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball, (Don't stop me now), If you wanna have a good time just give me a call, (Don't stop me now), 'Cause I'm having a good time, (Don't stop me now), Yes, I'm havin' a good time,I don't want to stop at alllllllll~"

Music continued to play lousy as they zoomed down the bare road, riding straight towards the sunset and hopefully to Rachel's salvation.


Azarath was a place of purity and tranquility. The sun shone down on the large floating city, the large hunk of earth being the foundation and strong hold for all the lives resting upon it.

All the citizens were dressed in mainly white cloth and silk robes. Roaming their home to their own whim.

Such as Rachel and her mother Arella, sitting together in a beautiful garden, meditating while saying a singular chant "Azarath Metrion Zinthos"

She was in perfect harmony, gracefully floating by the older woman's side.

It was quite clear she inherited a lot for her mother, similar features that would only become more beautiful the older she grew.

Arella was the first one to stop, gently placing her hands in her lap, turning to face her daughter with a sad smile "It's almost time"

Rachel kept her face hidden from her mother but all her efforts were for nought, she could read her so well, sometimes better than herself.

The young girl didn't struggle as her mother pulled her into a hug. Removing her hood so she could run her fingers softly through her hair.

"I'm going to miss you Rachel, I'm going to miss you so much" Rachel nuzzled into her mother's warm and loving embrace, wrapping her arms around her mother as tight as she could. Never want to let go but knew she had to.

With great will and even greater reluctance she let Arella go, wiping her cheek of a stray tear.

"I'm going to miss you too Mom" Rachel whispered but her mother heard her all the same.

The crunching of grass caught the duo's attention. A high priest of Azarath.

"Miss Roth, it's time"

Arella sighed sadly, attempting to push down her emotions but found herself struggling. With a faint nod she moved away from her daughter.

The priest followed by his followers moved forward, they started to chant and soon a portal formed behind Rachel.

A gateway from Azarath to Earth formed perfectly. It was time for the ashenskined girl to leave.

Just before Rachel could take a single step, Arella called out to her "Rachel!"

Looking over her shoulder, mother and daughter's eyes met, the older woman's lips trembling, trying to smile.

"I love you"

Rachel looked away and walked forward, not even trying to stop her silent tears.

She didn't say it out loud but her mother heard her perfectly, just like she always did "I love you to…"


"Rachel…" a voice called out to her, slowly breaking sleeps hold on her "Racheeeeel"

The half demon groaned as she slowly opened tired eyes, glaring at the bright smile being sent her way.

"Have a good sleep?"

Rachel found herself sighing at his genuine question, she couldn't find the strength to be mad at the cute blond "It was alright"

Looking out the window, she raised a brow, it seemed like Naruto had parked them in the middle of a field, if you looked from their parked spot, you would be able to briefly see the faint sight of Massachusetts.

Lost in thought she didn't notice the whiskered blond had left the car, surprised to find he had opened the door for her.

Rachel found herself flushing slightly at the kind gesture, mumbling a quiet "Thank you" as she got out of his Chevy.

The ashen skinned beauty looked around, frowning when she wasn't able to find where they needed to go. She couldn't sense or see anything magical in nature, it was rather frustrating for the magical prodigy "Where is it?"

Naruto smiled as he threw his hand forward sending a stream of golden magical energy into an invisible wall, the air rippled and tore apart revealing the Tower of Fate itself.

Rachel was amazed by the tall building, following the whiskered blond's lead into the tower, it wasn't quite what she expected. They walked into not a room filled with magical trinkets, an elaborate stairwell with endless directions or even an endless void but a regular sitting room with a roaring fire.

The door behind them slammed shut before opening again, gone was the lush green fields replaced by an ordinary hallway, one you might find in your average home.

"Just take a seat and I'll be back soon" Naruto promised as he flashed her another of his bright smiles, the indigo haired beauty gave a smaller, shyer smile as he left, leaving the door open.

Rachel looked around the small room, her curiosity getting the better of her as she admired the different paintings and photos that littered the wall.

However one stood out in particular, it was an elegantly framed black and white photo of a woman, smiling lovingly at the camera.

"That's my Inza. Beautiful isn't she?" Rachel was startled by the voice, whirling around she saw an elderly man walk into the room, he had very kind eyes and a warm smile that seemed genuine.

"I'm sorry, I was just-"

He waved off Rachel's apology, offering her a seat as he took his own "It's fine Rachel, Naruto told me he would be bringing a guest. That you need our help"

"I do" she said it in a whisper but he managed to hear it all the same. He reached out and took her hand in his own. He gave off an aura of understanding, wisdom and comfort.

"Do not fret my dear. We will do everything in our power to help you" Rachel felt her worry leave as she thanked him, leaning back into her seat and sighing.

While Naruto's car was nice, it wasn't exactly comfortable to be in for hours upon hours on end.

While the indigo haired beauty was finding herself sinking more into the heavenly pit that was comfort, yet she couldn't help but glance to the kind man who sat across from her "Thank you for what you're doing mister…um. Naruto didn't give me your name"

His chuckles ruffled his beard, mirth shone in his tired eyes as he shook his head in amusement "That boy, he would lose his own head if it wasn't attached to him. My name is Kent Nelson, it's a pleasure to meet you"

"You too"

Rachel found herself fiddling with her hands, a question stuck on her mind and she wasn't sure if she should ask but the wait for Naruto seemed to drag on.

The ashen skinned beauty cleared her throat gaining Kent's attention "So um, how do you know Naruto?"

"Naruto is or rather was my apprentice for a time. He's quite gifted when it comes to magic but that's not to say he's a prodigy. Heh, no that boy has nearly destroyed this tower more times than I can count" the old sorcerer chuckled as he seemed to get lost in the memories "He's a hard worker. He'd stay on a spell and wouldn't stop till he mastered it and was able to use it in his sleep, no matter how simple or easy"

Rachel found the mental image of a young Naruto surrounded by books, scrunching up his face as he tried to master whatever spell he was trying to learn. It was in her humble opinion adorable to think about.

"Hey sorry I took so long"

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear," Kent said with amusement, getting out of his seat to pull Naruto into a hug "It's good to see you, my boy"

The whiskered blond returned the embrace from his 'grandfather', looking apologetic as he broke the hug "It's good to see you. Sorry I haven't been able to visit much"

Kent waved him off as he took a seat, smirking once he saw Rachel's cheeks heat up when Naruto took a seat beside her "Don't worry about it, son. Protecting the world from the out of wordly is a full time job"

"Well someone has to" The whiskered blond's demeanor took a shift as he changed the topic to something more serious "Kent the reason, I brought Rachel"

"It must be diar if you brought her here. How big is the threat?"

"League level" Kent's eyes widened, how could such a lovely girl be involved with such dangers? What was out there looking for her?.

The kind grandfatherly man was replaced by the master Sorcerer and Doctor Fate's avatar. He stroked his beard as he kept his eyes on the duo.

"Tell me everything"


Space…an endless cold void, yet even something like an endless blackness was still filled with beauty. It's burning stars, the planets that littered its universe, the blue and green gem that was Earth.

Close to Earth's orbit was the base for all the members of the Justice League, The Watchtower.

Within the League's base was Naruto showing Rachel everything while Kent followed silently behind the teens.

The half demon looked amazed as she took everything in. As well as the amazing view. Cold and deadly as space was, it was still beautiful.

Naruto took Rachel's hand, bringing her closer to the window "Not bad right?"

The ashen skinned beauty was taken by surprise at his bold move but nonetheless was glad he did.

"It's not too bad I suppose" Rachel said with a hint of playfulness hidden in her usual quiet and apathetic tone.

Naruto grinned before the trio was called over by none other than the Scarlet Speedster himself, The Flash.

"Yo Flash!" In a blink and you miss it moment, the hero of Central City was over by the whiskered blond's side, throwing an arm lazily over his shoulder.

"How's it goin magic man?" Naruto chuckled as he bumped fists with Flash before gesturing with his head towards Rachel.

"Flash, I'd like you to meet Rachel. Rachel, I'd like you to meet one of the coolest guys I know" The ashen skinned girl tentatively shook the hero's hand, quietly greeting the man before moving closer to her fellow magic user.

"As you clearly heard from our mutual friend, the name's Flash, the fastest man alive" the speedster gave his chuckling friend a raised brow "What?"

"I keep telling you man, that's not something you wanna say in front of the ladies" it took the scarlet hero to process what his friend said before he started to scowl, shooting the whiskered blond an annoyed glare.

"Come on dude" Naruto just grinned as he guided Rachel towards the other members of the League.

One by one they all turned to stare at the entering trio. The ashen skin teen was left breathless as she stared at the world's greatest heroes.

The first to greet her was Superman, he was humble and kind. Like a gentle giant as he greeted her with a smile "Hello, Rachel. You have nothing to worry about, the League will do everything in their power to help you"

"That's right" Wonder Woman spoke up as she stood by Rachel "You're safe here. Come, tell us everything"

Softly the demon hybrid was guided to stand in front of the Justice League, yet she couldn't help but pause and look over her shoulder. K hawing at her lip when she noticed Naruto wasn't following.

He gave her a comforting smile "It's okay Rachel, I'll just be over there while you do your thing. Just tell 'em everything you told me"

It seemed to be the boost she needed. Rachel gave a small smile of her own, something she's noticed she's been doing a lot lately, she gave a nod as she followed Wonder Woman and Superman out the room.

Naruto watched them leave before looking to his right, seeing the dark knight himself standing there quietly watching the trio leave before turning to face the whiskered blond "How bad is it?"

The Master Sorcerer sighed as he scratched at his spiked locks "On a scale of one to ten? Fifteen"

Batman frowned as he lead the blond over to a computer "Tell me everything"

(With Rachel)

Rachel found herself quite as she stood before Earth's mightiest heroes. Her heart was racing a mile a minute.

She felt afraid, afraid that they couldn't help her, afraid they wouldn't help her once they realized what she really was, afraid….that she would never see Naruto again.

It was strange, she's only known him for a short time and yet, he's the closest she's ever had to a friend.

"Rachel" Superman's soft voice pulled her out of her depressing thoughts. Looking up she was shocked to see a kind and understanding smile, it almost instantly calmed the ashen skinned teen.

It wasn't just him, each member was offering her their support.

Rachel took a deep breath before she began to tell the League her story, about her mother, where she grew up, about Trigon and how he would eventually come for her; she felt exhausted by the time she was done explaining it all.

Martian Manhunter was the first to voice his concern, his arms folded as his eyes looked troubled "This Trigon…Such a being coming to Earth, he and his army could hurt and kill millions, possibly billions"

Superman for the first time since Rachel has met him looked grim, he sighed deeply as he leaned back in his seat "I agree, we need to take the necessary steps of precaution before it becomes to late"

Rachel breath was caught in her throat, she felt a tightness in her chest as past thoughts came barreling at her with a vengeance 'T-This is it. They'll probably send me away or kill me for being a monster… '

Wonder Woman was next to speak, her eyes warm and inviting as she walked over to the scared teen and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder "Who is going to be the one to watch Rachel?"

'What?' Rachel felt hope bloom as she looked up to one of League's strongest, feeling her worries start to melt away.

Green Lantern sighed, looking apologetic "With my duties to the Lantern Core, I'm afraid I'm not able to, sorry kid but if there's an emergency I'll get back as quick as I can"

Rachel thanked the emerald themed hero with a nod before her attention was drawn back to the Man of Steel himself.

"I'm more than happy to watch after Rachel" Not a moment later another member offered then another, soon every member had given their support and said they were happy to take Rachel. It left the ashen skinned beauty relieved, it was as if a great weight had been taken off her shoulders.

Wonder Woman once again got her attention "Looks like you get to choose. We're all happy to help you and take you under our wing so to speak. Is there anyone in particular you wish to go with?"

Rachel was thankful for everyone in the room, them all being accepting of her and her lineage. That they didn't hold her father against her.

But there was someone in particular she did want to go with…

"I'll take her" Rachel looked over her shoulder, shocked to see Naruto leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets and a lazy smile on his face "I don't think she could be any safer then with The Master of the Mystic arts himself"

Wonder Woman arched her brow with a smile, chuckling as she looked down to the faintly smiling teen "Rachel, it seems you'd be in safe hands if you decide to go with Naruto. Is that what you want?"

"That would be nice, thank you. Thank you all"

"Think nothing of it, it's our job after all to help people" Flash responded with a grin.

Wonder Woman soon left her side and was replaced by Naruto, who was grinning down at her as he nudged her softly with his elbow "Looks like your stuck with me for a little longer"

Rachel felt her pale cheeks lightly flush, thankful to have her hood up "I suppose I'll have to bear with it"

League looked amused at the interaction. Superman was the first to get out of his seat, giving his farewell to Rachel and a pat on the shoulder for Naruto.

Wonder Woman followed, then the Flash, soon every member said goodbye and an offer of the duo needed help then they knew where to find them.

Soon it was just them slowly walking back to where they started.

"Thank you…" Naruto curled a brow as he glanced down to the violet haired beauty "For all your help. When I left Azarath, I felt so…alone. I had no idea what I was doing but run away. I'm glad I met you and I um, I'm happy you're taking me with you" Rachel found herself pulling her hood over her face to hide her rosy cheeks.

Naruto was pleasantly surprised and touched by her kind words, not thinking his simple act of kindness meant this much to her. With a sincere smile he said "I feel the same way. I'm happy your with me too"

Rachel quickly fought down the happiness she felt at his answer, less she blew up the lights or god forbid cracked one of the windows.

"So where are we going and where's Kent?" Rachel asked as they walked towards the Zeta-Beam.

"Kent stayed back to speak with Batman and then talk to me. He said 'Good luck' by the way" Naruto grinned when he saw Rachel quirk her lip slightly with an eye roll "As for where we're going, well it ain't much but there's more then enough room for you and you can have your room anyway you want"

Rachel glanced over to the grinning blond, unflinching as the machine whirled to life "I can't wait"


A door to a fairly clean and larger than it had any right being apartment, slowly opened. Rachel slowly stepped through the doorway, taking in her friend's humble abode.

It was…homey.

Naruto gently tapped her on the shoulder, gesturing to where her room would be "It's pretty bare at the moment. I didn't really think I'd be having a roommate anytime soon"

"It's fine"

Rachel walked into her room with timid steps. It was large, turning to face the whiskered blond with a quirked brow, her question lingering in the air.

Naruto grinned as he tapped the wall with his finger, it started to glow golden with different types of symbols and seals "A little Uzumaki sealing trick"

"Amazing, I can't even feel the magic, it's almost like it's being suppressed"

"Close" Naruto said as he brought Rachel to his side by the wall, tapping it with his finger once again "See that seal there? That's the main one that expands the room but hidden within it is a secondary seal. It was made for sensor types, being in a room constantly oozing magic can leave empaths with a mean headache"

The ashen skinned beauty looked as fascinated by the concept of seals, her eyes twinkling in delight at the new gift of knowledge "So if it doesn't suppress it, I can only guess it eases the magic out in a different way or silence's it to sensors somehow"

Naruto was left momentarily surprised before he gave Rachel a large smile, his blue eyes shining mischievously "That's spot on. You catch on fast huh?"

Rachel shrugged as she walked over to the lone bed in the room, sitting on the edge with a sigh "When your on Azarath most your life, all you can really do is learn and meditate"

"Well I don't want to disappoint ya' but this isn't gonna be like Azarath, fun is allowed" the indigo haired teen couldn't help but chuckle, watching with a faint smile as Naruto stole the spot on the bed next to her "Don't be afraid to decorate however you want, this is your room now"

Rachel glanced around the room, already starting to get an image in mind of what she wants "I think I have an idea, thanks"

"I guess I'll leave you to it, I'm just gonna be down the hall in my room. Master of The Mystic arts duties and such" Naruto gave the ashen skinned beauty a wink before moving to leave, stopping when she called out to him.

"Naruto…Thank you" he could see how sincere and true she meant those words.

"Anytime" with a final grin he left her to enjoy her room, to reflect on everything that's happened and of her mother, wishing she could tell her she was finally safe.

(Naruto's Room)

The whiskered blond sighed as he closed his door, shrugging off his jacket and throwing his shirt to the side. He stopped briefly to stare in the mirror, reflecting on the scars that littered his muscular form.

Naruto didn't linger, he swiped a book from his bedside table, falling onto the soft mattress with clean sheets and blankets, flickering through old yellow pages until he stopped on a marked chapter.

"The Mirror Dimension…Now isn't that interesting?" The whiskered blond muttered to himself. As he studied from the old ancient text, learning every bit the knowledge had to offer, he continued to push his limits.

Not just for himself or the desire to learn more magic but for the world, to better protect people and to help Rachel when she will need him the most because that's his job, his duty as The future Sorcerer Supreme.