Last time, Will confronted the Empress. This was a distraction to allow Naruto and Luffy to get into position. When everything was ready, Naruto cut off the arm of the Empress holding the red Behelit with a large shuriken. Luffy then stretched out to smash the stone. This caused a red vortex to from which sucked up all the biots, demons and the Empress herself. The vortex then consumed the entire mountain. And now, on with the show!
Chapter 23: Separate Ways
Life was slowly returning to normal on Metamore as the children had been returned to their families. Tensions in Meridian had cooled down and no further riots were expected. "I guess your job is safe," said Cornelia to Elyon, "Not that it was ever in any danger." "It was," said Elyon, "How can I ever thank you guys?" "By doing exactly what you've been doing," said Will, "Being the best Queen you can be."
"Now could someone please tell me how this happened?" asked Sakura, for Shikamaru and Ino were still locked in a passionate embrace. "Well," said Kiba, "He said some things that really got Her mad. She called Him an 'insensitive bastard,' He called Her a 'bleached headed bitch,' She slapped Him, He slapped Her, and they just kissed." "What we have here," said Taranee, "Is what is known as a 'love/hate' relation. It should wear off soon."
Then I'd better make my move before Ino snaps back to normal, thought Sakura as she walked over to Saske. But Saske got to her first. "Sakura," said Saske, "I've thought about what you said to me down in the cavern." "And?" asked Sakura, hoping that he was about to say what she has been waiting so long to here. "And," continued Saske, "I just want you to know that I do care about you. More than just as a teammate, more than just a friend."
"Go on…" said Sakura, her voice wavering in anticipation. "I would love to have a more closer relation with you," said Saske, "But…" "But what?" asked Sakura in a more serious tone. "You have to realize," said Saske, "That until I've accomplished my true mission, my quest to avenge my parents death and restoring honor to my clan, I just can't have that kind of relationship."
"It's me isn't it?" said Sakura, more stating than asking. "No," said Saske, "You are beyond wonderful. But if the man I have to kill ever finds out that I have a personal relation with you, he'll use it against us. Until said man is dead, I can't be involved with you any further than we are now." "I understand," said Sakura, "But is there any hope for 'us' once said person is dead?" "There might just be," said Saske, "There might just be."
Meanwhile Naruto was having a serious discussion with Hinita. "I can't believe you went down there," said Naruto, "Even though you're scared of small, dark places." "I know I'm scared," said Hinita, "but what would you have thought of me if I decided to remain on the surface, while everyone else went down? Would you have thought me a coward?"
"Not at all," said Naruto, "I would have thought no less of you." But before Naruto could continue, he was interrupted by Will as she asked, "Has anyone seen Hay Lin? I can't find her anywhere." "She's probably in the same place Rock Lee is," said Irma, "I saw them leave the room together."
Up in one of the castle turrets, Hay Lin and Rock Lee were gazing into each other's eyes by the light of the moon. "You realize," said Rock Lee, "That when my friends and myself return to Konohamaru, we may never see each other again." "That's not gonna happen," said Hay Lin, "I intend to come see you at least once a week, if not sooner."
They embraced. "Just being with you makes me feel alive," said Rock Lee, "Like I've never experience life before meeting you." "And just your touch makes me feel so safe, " said Hay Lin, "So strong like I can do anything when I'm with you." With another gaze into each other's eyes, they kissed.
Back in the castle, Luffy was standing by himself, a somber look on his face. "Why so glum Luffy?" asked Chopper, "We won." "This time," said Luffy, "But I feel that this whole thing with the God Hand is still far from over." "He's right," said Will, "We may have saved the children and stopped the Empress, but the God Hand is still out there. Call me pessimistic if you want, but I'm sure we haven't seen or heard the last of the God Hand."
"Well if you do run into them again," said Naruto, "You can count on me and my fellow ninjas to help kick they're asses, believe it!" "Same with me and my crew!" exclaimed Luffy, "The next time they try something, we'll stop them for good!"
The next day, after several rounds of 'farewells',' 'good by's' and 'see you later's,'' Will opened two folds, one to Naruto's world, the other to Luffy's. With one last 'good by' from Naruto and Luffy, both groups returned home.
"Well," said Will, "That wasn't how I was expecting we'd start the summer, but it was well worth it." "Yes," said Taranee, "The demons are gone, the children are safe…" "And we made several new friends," said Hay Lin, "And one extra special friend." "Plus Irma finally realized her feelings for Martin," said Cornelia, "and about time I should think."
"I thought we agreed we weren't going to talk about that!" exclaimed Irma. "Talk about what?" asked Martin. "Nothing, nothing!" exclaimed Irma, "Just remember that you gave your word that you wouldn't go bragging about that little incident, or else." "Oh I remember," said Martin, "I'll remember till the day I die." "You'd better," said Irma, "Or that day is gonna come sooner than you think."
"Now what?" Matt asked Will. "Now," said Will, "We go home via Candracar. Because time flows differently in Candracar, we can return to Heatherfield as if we never left." "Sound good to me." said Matt, "Sounds good to me."
The end of chapter 23. Next chapter, we get a little insight on what happens to Narut, Luffy and their friends when they go home, plus a glimpse of the next adventure for our five favorite girls form Heatherfield. See you next time!
