Chapter 6 - Emotion
Homurahara high school, rooftop
"My baby girl is back!" Naruto cried out as he lifted Albedo in the air and started spinning her.
"Father please put me down! I feel nauseous!" she pleaded.
Naruto stopped and just shoved his daughter's face in chest slowly suffocating her. He then stopped and lifted her in the air like a small child.
"How are you my little princess?" he asked excitedly.
"A little sick." she answered before being put down.
"Anyways, how are you still alive? Is Zeref with you? Where have you been all this time? Why do you have horns?" Naruto asked rapidly.
Albedo's eyes started spinning, "Ok, one I'm not sure how to answer that one, but I think it's part of my transformation. You see, years after mother's passing. Zeref began to grow powerful and a bit nutty. Then I got the short end of the stick when my horns grew and my eyes changed color. Oh and that little brat is still alive too if you're wondering. Mother died nearly six decades later and we still looked the same so I can't explain our youth." she explained.
Naruto started crushing Albedo with a hug again hearing that, "At least both my children are alive. Where is he anyways?" he asked.
"I haven't seen him, but I'm guessing he's still with that one girl." Albedo answered.
"Good, then one more question. Did you know about our descendants like Shirou Emiya or Arthur Pendragon?" Naruto asked.
"Who? What descendants?" Albedo asked.
Naruto then went on to explain about his events of being related to Shirou and Arthur along with little Gil.
"Father, that can't be true. I never bared children and I was never aware that Zeref has either." Albedo claimed.
Naruto's eyes became the size of dots hearing that, "Albedo I think we might need to investigate a little. I think there's something my own son is hiding from us." he said.
"I think I should let him know that you're alive father." Albedo said.
"You should also let him know that your mother is also alive too." Naruto added.
"Good more news." Albedo said... "Wait mother is alive as well?" she asked gripping her father's shirt.
"Albedo you are ruining my shirt. Please let go of me." Albedo blushed and obeyed her father's wishes. "Yes your mother is alive. She also has pointy ears for some reason, but other than that, she looks exactly the same as on our wedding day." Naruto finished.
Albedo's eyes also dilated at that fact, "Mama's really back?" she asked in a low voice.
"For now, can you cloak yourself?" Albedo disappeared and reappeared. "Good, for now I have to finish work and deal with my descendants before we head home." Naruto said as he went to check on Taiga. "Also, my parents are in town along with my aunts and uncles. So I expect you to be on your best behavior." he finished making Albedo internally panic.
'Grandparents!?' she thought.
Afternoon
Everyone went their separate ways, while Merlin followed Naruto on his motorcycle. All the while she could see Naruto stealing glances from all around them. That's when she noticed the strange magical energy trying to maintain their distance away from them.
"Naruto do you sense that?" Merlin whispered.
"Sense what?" Naruto asked.
"The pocket of magical energy trying to avoid our radar." Merlin answered.
"Oh that, don't worry about it." Naruto replied nonchalantly.
"Why?" Merlin asked raising a brow behind her helmet.
"Trust me auntie, have a ever done anything to make you stop believing in me?" he asked with his foxy smile behind his helmet.
Merlin could tell he was doing that smile, "I trust you." she said hoping this wasn't the first he betrayed her trust.
"And that's why you're like a second mother to me auntie Merlin. Aside from Mrs. Armstrong in my past life, but then again you wouldn't like the past me. He wasn't exactly social." Naruto explained feeling sheepish about his cold attitude as Naruto N. Armstrong.
In the distance, Albedo kept her distance while still having a clear view of her father and Merlin. Deep inside, she felt anxious about the idea of meeting her father's family and most especially with her revived mother. She only feared what kind of reception she will receive upon arrival especially with her new appearance.
Emiya residence
Upon arrival, Naruto opened the door for Merlin letting her inside and waited a few seconds before sensing Albedo's presence. Knowing said woman there, he gestured for his daughter to come inside only to find Mordred stradling Artoria trying to slap her. Naruto didn't bother giving them a second glance since he assumed it was a mother daughter quarrel. Maybe they could learn from his wife and daughter.
Speaking of which, he grabbed his daughter's hand and carefully lead her into the dining room where everyone tends to hangout. Arriving he saw Berserker and Rider lying on their backs while covered in dirt and soot. Naruto felt bad and decided to try to cheer them up.
"You two look you've worked hard. I think a reward is in order." Naruto said grabbing their attention.
A couple minutes later, Naruto came back with some plates of food. The meals themselves were all shiny for some reason which only made their taste look greater. Almost like something out a studio ghibli film. (Come on, those meals look pretty tasty don't you think?)
"Enjoy." he said as he left the plates next to them.
"Thank you for the meal sir!" they both said at the same time.
Rider quickly paused for a moment, "Berserker you can speak in complete sentences?" he asked with shock.
"Er? Hn." Berserker grunted before chowing down.
"I don't think I'll ever get you." Rider said before shoving the meat from his plate in his mouth.
"Anyways, have either of you seen Semiramis around?" Naruto asked.
"She's outside with the baby and blond girl with wings." Rider answered with his mouth full.
"Ok thanks." he said subtly gesturing for Albedo to follow him.
Outside, Naruto saw Semiramis watched as baby Shirou was trying to stand up by himself with Elaine's help.
"Come on little Shirou. You can do it." Elaine said with a voice of encouragement.
"Au au au." baby Shirou muttered as started to use all his strength in his little legs.
"Almost there." Elaine said.
"AU!" he squealed as he found himself pushing against a wall.
Semiramis walked up to her adoptive son, "Already standing, can you say mama next?" she asked.
"Mama, mama." baby Shirou said pointing at a random direction.
"No Shirou, your mama is right here." Elaine said.
"Mama... papa!" both of the women turned to see Naruto walking towards them.
"Hi auntie, hi Semi." Naruto said waving to them.
"Papa!" baby Shirou said as he took a step and almost fell.
"Careful." Naruto said picking him up. "Oh and Semi I have some good news. I brought home a special person today." he said.
"Naruto don't tell me you brought home a wild animal again." Semiramis said with a glare.
Naruto and Albedo felt a offended for the same reason.
'Did she just call our daughter an animal?' Naruto felt feeling somewhat angry.
'She doesn't love me anymore!' Albedo thought ready to cry.
"Naruto are you ok?" Elaine asked.
Naruto's eye twitched as his curse mark appeared scaring baby Shirou, "Never better auntie, also I did not bring an animal with me." he said.
Elizabeth and Meliodas came out of the house and saw everyone together, "Naruto your back." she said going up to hug him.
"Yeah anyways, I'm glad you two are here as well. I want everyone here to meet a certain someone who means the world to me." Naruto said as he passed baby Shirou to Semiramis and grabbed the space of air next to him.
'I'm not ready!' Albedo interanaly panicked.
"Don't be shy." Naruto said activating his grids removing Albedo's astral form only to show that the woman was still wearing her helmet.
"You brought home a suit of armor." Meliodas said before Albedo started shaking. "That's haunted, you've brought stranger things home." he said.
"There was that grey demon Naruto found." Elaine mentioned remembering that Naruto still had the mind of a child back then.
"I didn't bring home a demon this time. Semi you know this person she's special to you too." Naruto stated.
The armor started shaking louder, "Naruto I think I would remember a knight or armored warrior of some kind." Semiramis replied unsure of what he was trying to say.
"Well let me reintroduce you too..." Naruto trailed of as he slowly removed the helmet revealing long black hair and a pale face making Semiramis gasp. "...our baby girl Albedo!" he cheered making said girl blush.
"Elizabeth please hold him for a moment." Semiramis said passing baby Shirou over and slowly making her way over to Albedo. Albedo felt nervous at her mother's gaze. Semiramis proceeded to stroker her daughter's cheek before moving her hand around her black hair. "Daughter is that really you?" she asked.
"Yes mother, I'm home." Albedo said releasing every ounce of courage she had to speak.
Semiramis began to slowly cry as she hugged her daughter, "My sweet princess your finally back!" she cried.
Albedo started cry as well as she returned the hug, "I missed you mother!" she cried.
"Naruto who is that?" Meliodas whispered.
"That's my daughter and your granddaughter." Naruto answered getting an odd look.
A few minutes later the two crying women broke off their hug, "Albedo, is Zeref alive too?" she asked.
"Yes mother, my little brat is off somewhere with his spouse." Albedo answered.
"Then is he the grandfather of Shirou?" Semiramis asked Naruto.
"That's my theory, Albedo claims she never had kids, but says Zeref never told her anything." Naruto answered.
"Anyways, is this little... dragon? One of my descendants?" Albedo asked noticing baby Shirou's long tail.
"Albedo sweetheart, there's a lot more I didn't tell you." Naruto spoke up getting a curious look.
A little while later
Albedo rubbed her eyes feeling unsure about what her father had just explained. It didn't sit well that her mother was briefly a solid ghost with the real Assyrian queen's memory and personality. Which left her poking her mother who quickly got annoyed at her antics and hit her upside the head. Another thing that bothered her, was the infant dragon hybrid who was a counterpart of another boy who already existed and the same was said between two saber class servants.
It also made it stranger that her parents adopted the child seeing as it's technically related to them. Even if the tail did creep her out, the baby's eyes did have her eye... slits. Little did she know about his transformation abilities including the massive one from last night. Oh would she be in for a surprise when he at least turns into the little furball.
"So are you ready to meet everyone else?" Naruto asked.
Albedo looked nervous and unsure, "I don't know." she said.
"Albedo, you are my daughter and not only that, you were the heiress to my throne. Are you telling me you can't handle socialization?" Semiramis asked.
"Well..." Albedo refused to meet her mother's gaze.
"Albedo look at me." Albedo found her boots interesting. "Albedo I am not down there." Semiramis said as she lifted her daughter's head by the chin revealing a more concerned face. "Albedo, I believe in you and I will be right by your side." she said adopting a motherly tone she hasn't felt in a long time.
Albedo felt a new resolve and hugged her mother, "Alright, promise never to leave my side?" Semiramis nodded.
With that, everyone went inside.
Later that evening
After another shell shocking meeting, Shirou, Arthur and Gil were stuck with another family member. Leaving Shirou to wish he never got caught up in this insanity in the first place. It didn't help that he had a third crazy woman in his life only recently adding Luvia who might have developed a one sided crush on him. Then there was his training that Naruto wanted to start tomorrow. This was going to be a long break.
The night ended with Aki coming back and retrieving her servants only after being invited for dinner. Thanking everyone for their hospitality, she left leaving everyone else to come out of hiding and get ready for bed. Naruto would actually find a great surprise in his bed tonight.
As he and Semiramis prepared for bed, they were met with another black haired woman already sleeping in the middle.
"Albedo, why are you in our bed?" Semiramis asked.
"Because I want to feel the warmth of my parents in which I've spent many centuries without." Albedo answered quickly sitting back up and then lying back down.
Naruto proceeded to grab her waist only for the girl to refuse to let go of their bed, "You're not going to make it easy on me are you?" he asked.
"No." Albedo answered.
"Naruto just put her down. She was like this when I was pregnant with Zeref." Semiramis said.
"I wanted to make sure my baby brother was safe." Albedo said in a child like tone.
"Of course." Naruto said pinching the bridge of his nose.
Naruto and Semiramis decided to try to ignore their daughter and get some rest. Sadly they forgot how much of a cuddler their daughter is in bed and refused to let go. At least she doesn't sleep in the nude anymore like when she was a child.
The next morning
Naruto woke up to see Albedo attached to her mother. Thanking mother Chaos, he got up and started working on breakfast again before planning out today's agenda. First he would schedule his training with the boys and see if he can convince his mother Elizabeth to help with the basics before chasing them around in his basic dragon form. Talk to Artoria later about her daughter/son issues or whatever she calls it. Spend time with his uncles and maybe catch a few drinks. Then end the day with dinner and some sleep. What could possibly go wrong?
So about after an hour of cooking later, he saw his aunts and mother arrive first.
"Morning Naruto!" they called out.
"Good morning dearest mother and dearest aunties." Naruto replied as he swiftly gave them plates of food.
"Thank you for the meal!" they all said having adjusted to Japanese culture.
"I'm assuming my uncles and Gowther are still sleeping?" Naruto asked.
"Pretty much." Diane said knowing that King was a heavy sleeper.
"Ban may have sneaked in a couple of drinks again." Elaine said knowing Ban could probably be out of it until night for all anyone knows.
Naruto chuckled, "I remember they weren't like that when Lancelot and Gawain were born." he said remembering when his uncles learned what parenthood would be like.
(A/N: Diane and King's child is mentioned at the end of the manga, but they never say their name or gender. However Tristan and Lancelot were named after knights of the round table and their arthurian counterparts were the sons of King Meliodas and King Ban. So I'm just going to use Gawain since there is no accurate story of Arthurian Diane and King having a son or daughter.)
"I miss my three little knights." Naruto said remembering when they asked for training when Tristan pointed out he wanted to be a strong ruler and prevent anymore catastrophes like a demon attack or another holy war.
"You weren't exactly gentle with them you know." Elaine said remembering having to heal the three at the Fairy King's forest.
"Auntie Elaine, I was still trapped in the form of a child until a century later. I wasn't exactly in the path of using my cute powers." Naruto replied.
"I don't know Naruto. Gawain was pretty bruised up." Diane spoke up remembering hearing her child screaming about a sadistic big brother trying to kill him despite his massive size.
"You and uncle King didn't exactly have peaceful live either auntie and besides. He was half giant so he couldn't mature until another couple of centuries." Naruto replied.
"And your own brother?" Elizabeth asked with worry.
"Tristan falls down a two foot hole and suddenly he panics for his life. If you could see into my memories, you would know I wasn't initially that hard on them. I even gave them my own brand after we formed our own team." Naruto explained.
"Ah yes, who could forget the Swirling Tide's Onion Knights?" Merlin asked sarcastically.
"We had some good times. You just didn't know it." Naruto replied with a challenging look on his face. "And now I get to restore them with my new son figures!" he said pointing at the hallways revealing Shirou, Arthur and little Gil following them.
"What's for breakfast?" little Gil asked.
"Something nutritious and full of life giving energy my child! For today I begin your training!" Naruto said dramatically as he presented them with their meals.
"Oh cool, are we going to learn to fly like you?" little Gil asked seeing as Naruto showed him some of the powers of a goddess a few days back.
"Gil you don't even have your wings yet. Besides, my mother had to start from scratch every time she resurrected." Naruto answered making Gil look sad.
"He's right you know, seeing as Shirou is has the eye and Arthur is not far behind. It would be best to activate your basic skills like healing." Elizabeth added.
"And this time I'm making sure there is a seed in that plant." Naruto said.
Elizabeth giggled remembering that time Naruto confronted Zaneri about failing her trial. It was kind of embarrassing and despite being over a hundred at the time, Naruto still had the attitude of a child. A sweet one at the very least when he called Zaneri a mean lady for failing his "mommy" when the test was rigged. It was only a few days later they learned that there was no seed for Elizabeth to heal in her trial. Thus proving how perceptive the boy was at the time.
"Anyways, you three should start eating while I set up an agenda. Little Gil you have a lot of catching up, but being a child alone is already a handicap for you. So don't worry about it." Naruto said as he laid their plates and went outside to work on a proper schedule.
"How bad is his training?" Arthur asked.
"I can perform last rites if that is what you are asking." Merlin said not answering his question.
"That's not what I asked." Arthur said with a sweat drop.
"It was nice knowing you Arthur, Shirou and little Gil." Diane said waving at them with a sad smile.
"Hey don't be planning our funerals yet!" Shirou yelled.
"Don't worry about it Shirou. According to aunt Semiramis, Naruto is too soft around family. So he can't kill us no matter how much we provoke him." Arthur said.
Elizabeth could remember the day Meliodas tried to leave the Seven Deadly Sins and rejoin the Ten Commandments. It was a sad day and Naruto was pretty broken about it to the point he went chasing after him. Refusing to give up until he saved his father and defeated Zeldris and Estarossa. Only Naruto never had it in him to kill Zeldris and Estarossa was too slippery up until he remembered that he was the archangel Mael.
Merlin did not like that side of her godson either when Naruto started tapping into his own demon powers. For some reason, when Escanor attempted to calm him down, it ended in a draw rather than a victory for Escanor as with Meliodas. Neither woman could handle seeing what used to be some boy having to reveal the worst in himself.
Their thoughts broke off when Naruto came back inside, "Hey you three, let me know when your done. I have your basic exercises ready." he said before going out again.
"Oh thank goodness, that means you only have to worry about the boring parts." Elaine said.
"Boring parts?" little Gil asked.
"My son always complained that they would sit around plants in some nature retreat. Knowing my nephew he's likely making you try learn tranquility." Elaine answered.
Arthur and Shirou sighed in relief that Naruto wouldn't make them do anything crazy... just yet.
A little while later
The three boys reluctantly went outside to see what Naruto was up to and found the man working on a lock in the middle of the air.
"What is he doing?" little Gil asked.
"He's doing his key thing again. I bet its another space like his closet." Shirou answered.
The three approached Naruto who quickly finished his work and turned to them.
"Oh good you three are here. Anyways, since I don't to destroy Shirou's home any further or waste auntie Merlin's or my own energy rebuilding it..."
"You could have rebuilt it yourself!?" Shirou asked with wide eyes.
"Yes, but I wanted to teach Saber and those other servants the meaning of hard work. I also wanted Arthur to learn, but he needed his education. Besides how would Ayaka-chan feel if he wasn't around and learns he got assaulted and left covered in bandages?" Naruto asked.
"Because you put me in bandages!" Arthur argued.
"And I forgive you." Arthur's vein popped out of his head hearing that. "Anyways, let's go into this open space that I made. Its not as easy as me making a bathhouse. Although I should give those keys to Semiramis and the other ladies." he added.
The trio didn't even want to bother asking and just followed Naruto into his little pocket dimension.
Training grounds
Upon entry, the three looked in awe as they were on a large hill looking over an ocean with the sun already setting. Looking down, they could see they were about a hundred meters from the ocean below them. That was a long drop and there weren't any rails or safety lines to prevent a fall. So it was best to pay attention to your surroundings.
"Don't worry boys, I made sure the gravity is a lot slower when falling. Even if you did manage to fall, it would be the same as rolling off of your bed." Naruto spoke up making them sigh in relief. "Anyways, I'm hoping to unlock your eyes as well as activating your abilities. Depending on how fast we work, I might teach you flight if your wings manifest." Naruto continued as he led them to the edge of the cliff.
From there he sat down crossed legged and gestured for them to sit. Doing as they are told, Shirou was the first to notice the sun go down completely making a bright green light.
"Uncle how do the physics work here?" Shirou asked worried about the concept of time in this space.
"Time is irrelevant and can often be longer. I haven't measured it yet since I only started making this space a couple of days ago. For now, don't underestimate the reality marbles I can make. You can still feel pain and hunger while in this space." Naruto explained.
The boys sighed hearing that and just awaited for their ancestor's instructions.
"First step, I was forcefully awakened during this lifetime to use both of my powers and the first time was through my birth. So I'm going to have motivate you three in awakening to your bloodline." Naruto started as his eyes turned black and revealed his curse mark and black wings.
"How are you going to do that?" Arthur asked raising his hand.
"My mother awakened to power in her last incarnation because of the thought of her losing my father and the near death of a pig named Hawk. So I can assume the power requires a heavy amount of stress. I am going to use my demonic intent and trap you three in separate illusions hoping you can at least connect with your powers through there." Naruto finished.
"Is it going to hurt?" little Gil asked wincing as if he were already in pain.
"A little bit, but only emotionally. You will be fine when your body reacts to the demonic intent and counters it with heavenly intent. So you should feel better right after you regain consciousness." Naruto answered making little Gil gulp. "Are you ready?" he asked them.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Shirou said.
"I don't see why not." Arthur said still feeling nervous.
Little Gil nodded although still afraid of what he will see.
"Then I'll begin the process." Naruto said when suddenly a large transparent wave of air crashed over them making them shiver in at how cold it suddenly became.
All they could see after that, was darkness.
Meanwhile back inside
Semiramis woke up shortly after the boys left with Albedo still attached to her like a parasitic animal. Luckily Diane wanted to be helpful and used a crowbar to remove the horned girl away from her mother. Although disappointed, Albedo gave her mother some space and joined the women for their breakfast where Artoria eventually joined after a long night of thinking.
After finishing up, Artoria finally decided to speak up about what was on her mind.
"Everyone, I have an important question to ask you all." Artoria spoke up.
"What is it Saber?" Diane asked.
"Um... what does it mean to be a parent?" Artoria asked nervously and avoiding the term father.
Everyone including Merlin thought about it seeing as she looked at her own Arthur like he was her child.
"I would say, it's about watching your child grow and making sure they develop into a healthy adult." Elizabeth answered.
"Helping them reach their aspirations no matter how wild they may seem." Merlin answered.
"Understand when how they feel." Elaine answered.
"Diane make sure their needs are met versus their wants. You showed avoid spoiling your child." Diane answered.
Everyone turned to Semiramis who had a finger on her chin. As they waited, Albedo felt nervous about what her mother was going to say. She didn't feel like she's done anything worth warranting any hate or disliking towards parenthood.
"I would say being there for them. The most important thing would be to give them the attention they deserve. Although no matter how much they drive you insane or how much you get rid of them. You soon realize you cannot live without them and often their pain becomes your pain. So it only makes sense that you want to be around them every chance you get before they move on with their lives." Semiramis explained in detail getting around of a applause from the other women.
Albedo grabbed onto her mother as she was ready to cry hearing that, "I love you mother." she said.
"I love you too Albedo." Semiramis said as she kissed her head. "Will you finally move on and sleep in your own bed?" she asked making the other women face fault.
"Nope, I'm kicking father out. I'm keeping you all for myself!" Albedo answered.
Semiramis looked less than amused, "Don't worry about Semiramis. Tristan was like this with Naruto saying he didn't want to share his parents." Elizabeth whispered.
"Where is Naruto anyways?" Semiramis asked.
"He's training Shirou and the other two boys." Merlin answered.
"And he probably using that reality marble so now I can't reach him." Semiramis said face palming.
As this went on, Artoria was thinking back to everyone's answers. Most importantly the way Semiramis interpreted it and it didn't help the Assyrian queen was rather ruthless during her rule. How can such an evil woman be a better parent than her? And why does it matter that she's thinking about this now? Maybe Mordred's words from the other day really did hurt home.
"You know I really wish I was an orphan with no parents. Only then I wouldn't feel like garbage for looking up to you. Because I'm the son of garbage!"
Although she wouldn't show her emotions, those words did impact the King of Knights. Those words cut deeper than any sword or sharp weapon. If words were a weapon, Mordred would have killed her saying all that.
"Did that answer your question Saber?" Semiramis asked.
Artoria looked up and nodded, "Yes, I think I'll go bother Naruto and get a second opinion." she said getting before anyone could object to her interrupting him.
"What was that about?" Diane asked.
"It may have to do something with the other Saber girl. Those two seemed to have a relationship in their past lives." Merlin answered.
"Oh Saber plays for the other team?" Diane asked with a blush.
"No Diane... actually Naruto says she might, but that's not the reason." Merlin answered thinking about Artoria's concept of surrendering identity as a woman to be King which made absolutely no sense to her especially when som woman had the right to fight in Artoria's era.
Outside Artoria looked around before noticing the locks in the middle of the air. Going there she attempted to tamper with them before knocking on them a few times. After about a few minutes of messing with them, she heard several clicks and the gears began to open revealing a tear in the middle of the air. Out came Naruto wearing a black robe that covered his bodies and most of his face.
"Can I help you?" Naruto asked.
"Naruto? I was wondering if I could ask for your advice on something." Artoria answered.
"Fine, but you better come inside. I need to make sure those three don't go into shock." Naruto said leading her inside and locking the entry behind her.
"Why are you dressed up like you're in a cult?" Artoria asked.
"In a way I am a cult leader... and its really cold. I don't know why I didn't reset the temperature." Naruto said as the King of Knights began to shiver as well. "I will get you a coat." he said.
A few minutes later, the two sat near the three boys who were all twitching and kicking the air. Almost like they were fish out of water or the victims of heavy shock therapy. Artoria didn't want to question it seeing as she wanted answers to her own questions.
"Now that you are here, what is it that you needed Saber-chan?" Naruto asked.
"Please don't call me that." she deadpanned. "Anyways, ever since Mordred entered my life again. We argued and got into many fights which left me awake at night. Seeing as you are a father and grandfather, I thought you would give me an opinion." she explained.
"You want to rekindle with your daughter." Naruto said.
"Son actually I..."
"Saber unless you identify as a man instead of pretending to be one. (sorry if this triggers you) You can't say that you are not a woman. Perhaps its is your own blindness or narrow path that causes you to only now realize that you have a child. Now, what is it you wanted to ask?" Naruto asked in a sage like tone, although he was much more of a hermit.
Artoria sighed, "What does it mean to be a parent?" she asked.
"Have you asked my wife or any of my female relatives this first?" Naruto asked.
"Yes and the real one that stuck to me was what Semiramis said." Artoria answered.
"Go on." Naruto gestured.
"She said, that the most important thing was being there for them and at the end of the day. To still love them no matter how big of a quarrel you've had with your own child." Artoria finished.
Naruto nodded, "That is the most important concept of any relationship Saber. The power of bonds, for no one is meant to live alone in this world, they should be willing to accept companionship. Whether by friendship, love or mutual agreement, a bond can take you so far. Especially when the two of you face difficult times whether it is together or against one another." he explained.
"But can a bond be repaired if it was never forged?" she asked.
Naruto stroked his non existent beard making her sweat drop, "Like sewing a damaged fabric, there would be no point in trying to stitch nothing together. Although that doesn't mean you can add your own design to another cloth. How far are you willing to go to stitch yourself into another person's cloth?" he asked.
"I'm not so sure. I don't even know if I want to try to enter my child... my daughter's life. It's already too late anyways." Artoria said lowering her head.
"Time waits for no one, but seeing this atrocious war in action. I understand that fantasy can become reality. For when I believed my long since deceased family was gone. I was blessed with the second chance of seeing my wife again, then my daughter and now my son is out there on his own adventure with a wife of his own. Saber, do not fear and lie down every night pondering what can and cannot happen, instead live your new life to the fullest. Even if you are a ghost." Naruto explained.
Artoria nodded before she got up, "I will think about it. Thank you for your time Foreigner." she said as she opened the locks from behind and left the reality marble.
Naruto nodded feeling that he's done a good job, "Now what, to do about you three?" he asked looking at his twitching students.
Perhaps he should wait another twenty minutes before forcefully making them snap out of it. The last thing he needed were to have these kids develop mental breakdowns. He didn't need them to turn into his other godmother Tsunade from before they forced her into those therapies. Although, could you imagine what kind of mess she would have been? Imagine her running around blaming others for her pain and what not so she could gamble her life away. It was only until six months after his birth that they snapped her out of it.
Putting his thoughts aside from his second godmother, he turned his attention to Shirou who woke up with one of his his eyes revealing the goddess clan symbol. The boy was panting and covered in sweat.
"Shirou are you ok?" Naruto asked with a look of concern.
"Did I pass?" Shirou asked.
"Well your eye is there and I can only assume everything else is on the way." Naruto said as he kneeled beside him. "What did you see?" he asked.
Shirou started shaking his head, "I saw Kiritsugu telling me to give up the path of a hero and forget about the grail. I didn't understand it and said people will continue to suffer as long as the grail war continues." he explained.
"This is troubling, but seeing as that's only an illusion. You can't really trust it. Was there anything else?" Naruto asked.
"Sakura, she was in trouble. I kept seeing her crying every time she left my house. At one point she looked back and I tried to run to her, but the hall kept on extending." Shirou answered.
"Ok your girlfriend is in trouble and you can't do anything about it. The hallways are likely from watching too many horror movies. What else?" Naruto asked.
"Sakura was being dragged away by a figure whose face I couldn't see. Then this guy in tattoos and a red headband was holding her down and force feeding her some bugs. It made me sick to my stomach that I couldn't stop her and when I was finally able to grab him. I lost my mind. I was so angry I started crushing the man's head only for everything to go dark." Shirou stopped for a moment to breath.
"Shirou I think that's enough. I should get you some water and..."
"No uncle, I need to finish. In my hands... my hands were... they were wrapped around Sakura's neck... her face was lifeless. It was like a doll or if she was a light bulb, it just went out. I fell apart right there and held her close to my chest hoping that she would wake up and say something. Even if it was how much she hated me." at this point Shirou was crying.
Naruto held Shirou close as the boy started weep, "Its ok Shirou. Sakura's fine and I promise not to send you into a hell like that again." he said cursing himself that he put Shirou through hell like that.
For god sake, Shirou isn't as mentally capable to handle those kinds of situations. He was only a child at his age, he wasn't meant to be handling whatever images were going on in his mind. The real mystery was what the figures and other symbolism meant and why Sakura of all people was being hurt. Naruto could only hope Arthur and Gilgamesh were doing much better in their dream states.
"Come on, let's get you cleaned. I bet Sakura is probably on her way here finding an excuse to be near you." Naruto said.
"Why?" Shirou asked in between sobs.
"Because she cares about you Shirou. You aren't able to tell, but she has feelings for you. Sakura sees you as a pillar of strength and you need to be there for her." he answered.
Shirou nodded as he wiped away the tears, "Ok, I can do it. I'm going to protect everyone." he said as Naruto led him out of the reality marble.
"I know you will, but along the way I will teach you how to be strong." Naruto replied.
"Thank you dad... I mean uncle." Shirou quickly corrected himself.
A little while later
Naruto returned after helping Shirou cool off. By the time he got there Arthur woke up just lied on the ground while little Gil remained on his side quietly. Naruto could tell both were restless and stressed out from the dreams. He could only hope neither one of them broke down and gave in like Shirou almost did.
"Hey you two, are you ok?" Naruto asked with a concerned look on his face.
"I don't know." Arthur answered.
"I feel tired." little Gil answered in a low voice.
Naruto kneeled near them, "You two want to talk about it?" he asked.
"I feel useless uncle. I feel like there's no purpose in me being here or there in Camelot. What purpose do I have?" Arthur asked sadly.
"I'm not so great. I'm just some stupid kid. The real King of Heroes is out there and if he's like me or... I'm like him, then we both know there's no room for two kings. Am I missing a purpose too?" little Gil asked as his eyes started water up.
Naruto picked up little Gil and started patting the sad boy's back, "Come on you two. We can talk about it over lunch." he said leading them outside of the reality marble as he did with Shirou.
Inside the Emiya residence, lunch time
Naruto worked on meal prepping hoping to cheer the boys up. He felt like a piece of crap for what he put them through, Shirou especially. Although they were able to activate a single eye and likely had access to their basic powers. How much are they willing to sacrifice to get stronger?
"Uncle, do you ever feel like you don't have a reason to be here? Like your existence doesn't mean anything?" little Gil asked with his big orange eye looking at Naruto.
Naruto sighed, "I did the moment all the information about the world entered my mind. I realized so much time had passed. I learned about my wife's death, I thought both my children were also dead, and worst, I thought I had no home or place left in this world. So yeah I did." he explained making little Gil look down.
Naruto gave him a plate along with the other two.
"Although, that's when I met Shirou and learned he was the one who freed me from my seal." Naruto continued trying to brighten up the mood. "Oh was I happy when I learned I had some hope left. I knew Saber didn't trust me, but I didn't care. Seeing what the war was, all I really cared about was the safety of my grandson seeing he was what I had left of my wife and kids." he finished making Shirou smile.
"And what about those flashing lights from my house the day after you showed up?" Shirou asked feeling interested in reminiscing.
"Well after my hand turned into a stump. I got a note on how to perform the summoning of a servant. So I did it and the next thing I knew, I almost blew myself up and was reunited with my wife. Although the pointy ears were a surprise along with the eye slits. I didn't say anything because I didn't want any poison in my food or kick in the baby maker..." that last part left him thinking.
"Uncle don't you dare." Shirou said.
"I wonder what you three would think about another addition to our family besides baby Shirou? Maybe a girl this time who actually looks like me. Not that Albedo isn't beautiful, I just feel that us blond men don't get enough recognition. I bet you two get me!" Naruto said pointing at little Gil and Arthur.
The two actually have a small laugh, "Why do you need more kids anyways uncle? I thought you adopted Saber?" Shirou asked.
"Meh she's got her own kid problems. I'll disown her." Naruto answered. "Besides, I wouldn't trade little Gil for anything in the world." he added ruffling the boy's hair who playfully smacked Naruto's hand away.
"Thanks uncle, I feel a bit better." little Gil said.
"I do too." Arthur said cracking a smile.
"Good to hear, besides I guess I'll hold off on anything to difficult and ask my mother to teach the thing with the dead plant. If you don't want to try that, you could go on dates with your individual girlfriends and learn about sensing emotion." Naruto suggested getting blushes from the teens and a laugh from little Gil.
"She's not my girlfriend!" Arthur and Shirou yelled at the same time.
"Oh really? I guess I will just tell them myself." Naruto said just before they heard a knock at the door. "I'm going to assume that's Sakura and/or Taiga. I'll tell them what you told me Shirou." he said as he went to answer the door.
"Uncle can be funny sometimes and other times... he can be too much." Arthur said as he heard Naruto open the door.
"Shirou says you're not his girlfriend and that he will never love you." Naruto said in the distance.
"W-what!? W-why I care!? It's not like I like him or anything! So Its like his opinion matters to me!" they heard a feminine voice say.
"Oh sorry, I thought you were Sakura. Wait, how did I confuse a sweet and quiet girl with an ill tempered tsundere?" Naruto asked.
"Just let me in already!" Rin demanded.
"Hey where's Archer? I wanted to invite him to go drinking with me and the boys." Naruto said.
"I'm not letting you borrow my servant to get drunk!" Rin yelled.
"Ok party pooper, anyways I will let my aunt know you are here to start your lessons." Naruto said as both walked in with Archer following them in. "Shirou your stalker is here. Don't worry I told her how you felt." he whispered in the red head's ear although the pig tailed girl was able to hear it.
"Uncle!" Shirou yelled in embarrassment making the man chuckle.
"I'll be back in a bit. You kids don't have too much fun." Naruto said only to make a serious face. "I swear this place better not be trashed when I come back." he added before leaving.
"Your ancestor is weird." Rin complained.
"And yet he's related to the greatest mage in his timeline." Arthur argued making Rin make an annoyed grunt.
Merlin's lab
Upon arrival, Naruto found Merlin studying those seals and trying to find a connection between mana and magical energy.
"Auntie is it okay if I bother you for just a moment?" Naruto asked.
Merlin smiled and shook her head, "You could never bother me Naruto." she said as she closed her book. "Now, what does my favorite godson need?" she asked.
'I'm sorry Tristan, but he came first.' Merlin thought.
'Sorry little brother, but auntie knew me for much longer.' Naruto thought.
"Rin's here and I guess she wants to start her training." Naruto answered.
Merlin nodded, "Good, but before we get to that. Can I speak to you about something?"" she asked.
"What is it auntie?" Naruto asked as she gestured for him to approach her.
"It's about those insects." Merlin answered revealing her notes and the orb containing the now dead worms. "They are parasitic and can damage the body over time unless provoked. From the looks of it, they can also tamper with the mind and create changes in human anatomy as far as I know." she explained.
"And we can't risk any testing of these creatures on a similar species like certain members of our family." Naruto said with Merlin remembering the terrible fight they once had over the grey demon's remains.
Internally, Merlin's heart panged because of all the things they said to each other when they battled. Although Merlin won the fight, it was only because Naruto refused to harm someone he cared about. Merlin may seem to have that smile of hers giving the idea that she's always happy or satisfied. One night, she just locked herself away and cried realizing her worst mistake. While she was caught up in her search for knowledge, she lost sight of someone who was important to her.
It was only shortly after Naruto was unsealed the first time when the fight with Hendrickson was over. The boy was energetic and confused, but didn't care when he recognized Meliodas first and then Elizabeth. It was heartbreaking to see Naruto begging Elizabeth to remember him only for the woman who was a teenager at the time who was confused as to who he was. Not only did Naruto almost lose a mother, but he almost lost his godmother when he was on Ban's side about destroying the grey demon's corpse.
Merlin would never forget the day she knocked him out with a blow to head against the stone cave wall. Merlin panicked and quickly ran to the unconscious boy's side threatening Merlin to stay away from the captain's son. At that moment, the ice queen that she was completely shattered. From that day forward, Merlin realized that some knowledge isn't worth seeking. The main reason she would not dare to test these parasites on another human or someone of another species like Diane or King.
"Auntie are you ok?" Naruto asked feeling her emotions turn to sadness.
"Yes Naruto, I just feel a bit under the weather today. Anyways, it may seem cruel, but I require a few more samples of these worms seeing as these were already close to death. For now, I don't suggest expelling otherwise the host might develop permanent cerebral damage at least making them a vegetable." Merlin explained.
Naruto sighed, "And the worst case?" he was met with silence. "I will have to talk to Shirou about those samples. Maybe we can convince Sakura to spend the night and use that a chance to expel more worms." he said planning it out.
"Good, Naruto you know after... just know I'm doing this only to help your grandson's friend. I'm not doing this for the sake seeking out knowledge. I..." Merlin was interrupted by a hug.
"Auntie I forgive you ok? I don't want you to think about anything that feels painful. If you want to learn something, just make sure it doesn't involve someone getting hurt ok? I'm going to talk to Shirou about further testing." Naruto said getting a nod.
"I should start helping Rin." Merlin said quickly returning the hug then breaking it.
Naruto couldn't help to feel bad for his godmother. It was a rather traumatizing experience for the both of them, but they both understand that it was many years ago for the both of them and should just move on now that everything has been fixed.
Back inside
Upon arrival, Merlin switched to her armored look in hopes of not putting up with Rin's angry look for her attire. Why can't Rin learn to grow up and accept other people's way of life? Better yet, why is she so stiff? Can a prodigal magus like herself not learn to relax?
"Hello Rin, are you ready for today's lesson?" Merlin asked.
"I sure am Merlin sensei!" Rin answered happily.
Merlin smiled at the enthusiasm, "Good, now if you would please follow me. Your associate can come as well." she said.
"Come on Archer." Rin said as she followed Merlin.
That left the boys alone until someone knocked on the door.
"Hey Shirou should I tell this person you don't love them either?" Naruto asked.
"Please don't." Shirou answered.
Naruto nodded and went to answer the door, "Arthur doesn't love you and says he never will."
Shirou started to rub his temples hearing that, "That's ok, I don't love him either. Is Shirou here by chance?" asked another female voice.
"Yes he is." Naruto answered.
A moment later, Sakura arrived with her stoic expression, "Hello Shirou." she said
"Hi Sakura, it's really good to see you." Shirou said stressing his emotion as the vision he saw was still fresh in his mind.
Sakura smiled hearing that and found herself engulfed in a hug.
"I think we should give these some space boys." Naruto said.
"No need uncle, I'm planning on taking Sakura out for today. If that's alright with her." Sakura nodded as she agreed to the idea.
"Anyways, don't forget your wallet. I didn't raise a cheapskate for the past week." Naruto teased.
Sakura blushed while Shirou gave him an annoyed look, "Don't listen to my uncle Sakura. Just give me a moment to get ready. Okay?" he asked her.
A couple minutes later, Shirou was wearing his jacket and quickly grabbed Sakura's hand and left. Naruto smiled at the sign of affection, Shirou may have already figured out the meaning of what it means to be strong. Even if he doesn't realize it yet.
"You what, maybe the three of us should hang out. Have a guys night out. What do you guys think?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah!" little Gil cheered.
"Maybe some time outside would be good for us." Arthur said.
"Father are you going out?" Albedo asked coming into the room.
"Yeah I'm going to take the boys out on the town." Naruto answered wrapping his arms around the two.
"Good, mother and I can come along with baby Shirou." Albedo said with a bright smile.
"Ah heck no, this is a..." Naruto covered little Gil's mouth.
"Little Gil, don't argue with the women. I didn't even tell her about the day we found you running around naked. She hates nudists, perverts and any man that argues with her outside of myself. Besides you don't want to see my wife angry again." Naruto whispered into his ear making him go pale.
"Uncle not that I am against them coming, but did you forget the obvious details about your children? And us?" Arthur asked.
Naruto went wide eyed, "Albedo I think I might need to hide your horns and baby Shirou's "features". For some reason no one notices your mother's ears, but I'm not going to take that chance." he explained confusing her.
"Father how exactly are you going to hide my features? Or their eyes for that matter?" Albedo asked pointing at Arthur and Gil.
"My dear daughter, before I met your mother. I was in an era similar to this one. Except it was in a city called New York where I met this man who could turn into a wolf and..." everyone just stared in silence at him. "Nevermind, it's a long story. Anyways, after a few bribes and potential crimes that could make me considered to be a public enemy against society. I learned how to make a special potion called Glamour." he explained.
"And?" Arthur asked.
"It helps non humans or humans with unnatural implants or abilities disguise themselves from the normal humans." Naruto answered.
"Then what are you waiting for?" little Gil asked.
"Right, tell your mother I'm going to take a while." Naruto said quickly opening another doorway with his locks and keys. "This stuff was counterfeited at one point, so the real stuff is difficult to recreate without incident. However when I do it, they last one day at a time." he added before entering the new space.
"Good I will tell mother about our trip." Albedo said walking away happily.
"Hopefully we don't have to carry shopping bags." Arthur said although little Gil felt like his brother figure just jinxed them.
Meanwhile elsewhere
"Hey careful dumbass! That thing is worth more than you life, your mother's life, your father's and everyone after that." yelled a middle aged man at younger employee lifting a crate onto a dollie.
"Sorry, it's only my third day. I'm still getting used to fragile things that aren't marked fragile." replied the younger employee who was sweating nervously.
"Whatever kid, anyways you should know that our employers are expecting big bucks from that stuff alone. So do not screw this up!" he threatened.
Along the way many crates were moved by other employees. So after a long set up process, the employees all opened the packages and were revealed to be old artifacts from the past.
"What the hell is this? I got yelled at for some shield?" the young employee asked looking at the thing.
From the handle and corners, it looks like the preserver attempted to prevent it from rusting. As he carefully put it aside for later display, he opened the next box and it appeared to be several worn out arrows and dirty bow.
"Oh joy, I'm getting yelled at to afford my rent while some rich nut goes gaga over a dead guy's weapon. The idiot probably tripped on his feet and broke his neck for all I know." he said to himself as he set it up as well for later display.
Then another older employee came with a steel platform with the glass displays on it.
"Hey kid, what great item you can't find in a pawnshop do you have for me to carry?" asked the older man.
"Some bow and shield. So much for world peace I guess." the younger man answered as he began to work on opening another crate.
"Pretty sure the pawn shop by my house had the same things just like these. Only they didn't have signs of rust." said the old man as he carefully started putting them on their displays.
"I guess it's meant to be authentic like ripped jeans." the younger employee said taking out the artifacts.
"Back in my you would get ripped jeans for a lot less. How the hell do you make money from damaged product. It's like making 10,000 yen for selling spoiled milk." the old man responded.
"I guess that's why I can't be rich. I would go nuts and by stupid crap from a thousand years ago." the younger employee said as they continued preparing every artifact.
"At least now you know how these auctions work from the back side of things. I'll see you later kid." the older man said as he took off with the artifacts.
"Pfft, I bet his tooth brush would be worth as much in the next thousand years." the younger employee said.
Although the common phrase about not understanding will lead to history repeating itself. This was an era where history would live again and continue to spread violence for the false ideals of preserving the peace. Unknowingly, the younger man just opened up the box containing two more potential challengers in this grail war.
One from an era of a hero who protected those who lived in poverty and were ruled by an unjust ruler.
The other, a hero who was once thought to be invulnerable and fought in the Trojan war.
TO BE CONTINUED...
