Naruto jumped quickly from tree to tree, the meeting of the Kage's had ended three days prior and they were headed back home. He had wanted to travel at a quicker pace to get back to Konoha but Tsunade had taken a day to talk with Gaara. Naruto was happy to see Gaara but he wanted to get back to Azula.
She had occupied a lot of his thoughts over the past two months since he had left the village. Azula was someone he had grown to care for, she had gone through a lot in her life, and it had left a deep scar on her. Naruto had seen the scar heal and peace replace fear. Her once sad face had been turning into one of happiness. Just being around her made Naruto never want to see her sad again.
He was pulled out of his thoughts as the gates of Konoha came into view and a smile began to come across Naruto's face. He was about to pick up the pace even more when he heard Tsunade call his name. He turned and saw her motion for him to stop.
Naruto nodded in agreement, a little miffed at having to stop. He hopped down onto the main road and waited for Tsunade to join him.
Tsunade landed next to him, a large smile on her face. "Now Naruto," she stated in calm tone. "No ramen before seeing Azula ok."
Naruto just smiled, "Then I have to take Azula with me to get ramen then." he replied. "Can I go now?"
Tsunade nodded and Naruto shot off into the trees. She let a smile graced her face. She couldn't believe how much he had come to care for this girl, and he had only known her for the past five months.
-With Naruto-
Naruto quickly made his way into the village, only stopping for a quick moment to say hi to the gate guards. He ran quickly over the rooftops, his destination soon coming into view. He hopped down from the rooftops and landed in front of the Nara compound.
He took a few breaths before he knocked on the door, his excitement clearly evident on his face. He heard the sounds of footsteps and the door slid open, revealing and tired Shikamaru.
He looked at Naruto with annoyance. "What is it Naruto?" he asked with a yawn.
Naruto gave Shikamaru a large smile. "Is Azula here?"
Shikamaru shook his head. "She is out with mom,"
Naruto nodded, "Thanks Shiki!" he jumped away and headed into the village. Shikamaru just sighed and closed the door, ready to go back to his nap.
Naruto ran quickly and was soon in the village's main shopping area. He looked around for any sign of Azula or Yoshino, but found nothing. He frowned slightly but continued his search. He created a few shadow clones and had them go to different parts of the village to see if they could find the pair. He ran all about until he felt one of his clones disappear. He smiled as the information came into his mind. He turned quickly and ran towards training ground 7.
-With Azula-
Azula dodged another punch as she sparred with Rock Lee. She turned quickly and, kicked at his side. He blocked the kick with his arm and threw another punch at Azula's chest. She redirected the punch to the side and got in close, brought her hand into her chest, and struck Rock lee with her elbow.
He stepped back a few paces and smiled, "What a youthful hit." he stated happily, bringing his hands back up into his basic stance.
Azula just smiled, and charged forward. She brought her right leg up and kicked towards Lee's head. He blocked the attack and sent a punch at Azula's shoulder. His attack hit knocking her a bit off balance. He pressed his advantage and struck with a lightning fast kick, knocking Azula to the ground.
Azula got up quickly, her eyes filled with resolve. "I will not lose." she told herself and she charged in once again. She engaged Lee and they continued to fight. Each blocking and countering as best as they could. While this was going on Yoshino and Guy watched from the side, evaluating the two fighters.
"She has gotten used to being up close." Yoshino stated as she watched Azula sent a low kick at Lee, who blocked and countered with his own kick.
Guy just nodded. "She has," he replied, as he crossed his arms under his chest. He then noticed a shadow out of the corner of his eyes, which then disappeared into smoke. A smile spread across his face.
He walked toward the sparring pair and held up his hand. "That is enough." he called stopping Azula and Lee. The pair looked at Guy for a moment but stopped fighting.
Azula gave him a look of confusion. "Why did you stop the spar?" she asked slightly annoyed. "Our time is not up yet."
Guy just gave her a smile. "We have a visitor." he said and suddenly someone appeared.
Azula's eyes widen as she saw Naruto stand up and give her a happy look. "HI Azula." he said with a large smile.
Azula's body acted on its own and she rushed over to Naruto, wrapping her arms around him, and rested her head on his chest. She didn't know why she did this but it felt right. She felt him wrap his arms around her and held her tightly.
"I've missed you." he said, resting his head on top of hers
"I've missed you as well." she replied with joy. He was back; he had kept his promise to her.
"That is so cute." They heard someone say and turned to see Yoshino, Guy and had a camera in her hands, a large smile on her face. Naruto and Azula quickly broke apart, Naruto having a large blush on his face, while Azula had a look of anger and annoyance on her face from the sudden break of contact.
Guy walked over to Naruto and slapped him on the back, "Welcome home Naruto."
Yoshino just walked over to Naruto as well, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome back," she said as well, sliding her camera back into her pocket.
Naruto just smiled, "It is great to be back, his eyes rested on Azula.
Yoshino followed Naruto's vision and giggled. "I bet you are." a knowing smile on her face. "Now let's go back to the house, I bet you and Azula want to catch up."
Naruto smiled, "That sounds great," He turned to Azula and held out his hand. "Shall we go?" Azula just smiled, her hand sliding into his, and stood beside him. She couldn't explain the feelings she was having but she knew that it was something that she wanted to have.
Naruto and Azula left the Nara compound after several hours of catching up. He had told them all about the meeting as well as the attack by Sasuke. When Azula heard about the attack she, nearly set her chair on fire. She vowed if she met Sasuke she would make him burn. Now they were on their way back to their home, Naruto held Azula's things in a bag.
They walked through the village at a level pace, both happy to be in each other presence once again. Naruto looked at Azula and couldn't help but be happy with all the changes that had occurred while he was gone. When he left she was still very dependent on him, yet now she stood tall on her own. She was once scared and now she was strong.
"Naruto." he heard Azula say, a calm look on her face.
"Yes Azula?" he replied
"I am glad your back." she said in a whisper, leaning against him as they walked.
Naruto smiled," I am glad to be back." he replied.
Their home soon came into view, a sigh of happiness escaping from Naruto's lips. They entered and took a seat on the couch. Azula brought her legs up and rested against Naruto's side, her eyes slowly being overtaken by sleep. Soon she was asleep and Naruto just wrapped his arm around her sleeping form. He soon joined her letting the rest of the day go by.
-A few days later-
Four days had passed since Naruto had returned. It had taken them a few days for the pair to readjust to living with each other, but some things did not change. Their second night that Naruto was home, Azula had joined her in his bed. Even though she was able to silence the voices by herself, she said she felt the safest when she was near him. Now they were in their backyard, enjoying the day.
Naruto simply smiled as he watched Azula going through her stances. Her strikes had determination behind them, and he could swear he saw some slight fire coming from her fist. She looked at peace as she trained, and Naruto couldn't help but admire her natural beauty.
She finished going through her last stance and turned to look at Naruto, a large smile on her face. "Shall we spar?" she asked excitedly.
Naruto just stood, cracking his neck as he got ready. "I am down." he stated as he took his stance. "Bring it."
Azula nodded and charged forward, she threw a quick punch at his face. Naruto blocked it and counter with his own punch. She redirected the punch and struck his chest with her fist.
Naruto didn't show any pain from the hit and brought his foot up and kicked at her side. Azula blocked the attack but it made her slide away from him, by the sheer force of the kick. Her arm was slightly numbed from the attack but that made her more determined.
She didn't have time to think when she saw Naruto in front of her throwing a large haymaker at her. She ducked under the punch and got in close, using her palm to push Naruto away. He slid back a few feet and smiled.
She just smiled, "It seems that you are weaker than I thought." she stated with superiority. "I expected more from you."
Naruto continue to smile. "I am just getting warmed up." he replied as he settled into his stance.
Azula tilted her head to the side, a wicked look on her face. "Then show me!" she shouted and charged forward.
-With Mei, Ty Lee and Toph-
The trio sat in a wagon with Tazuna. It had been about five days since they left Wave Country to go to Konoha. Ty Lee had spent most of the trip talking with Tazuna and learning about his family. Mei had spent the time looking over her weapons and things, and Toph just relaxed in the wagon.
Toph let out a yawn, as the wagon moved; she wished that Aang and the others were there. She could picture Sokka freaking out by their disappearance and being more paranoid around the people of this world.
She was pulled out of her thoughts when the wagon came to a halt. "We here." she heard Tazuna called and felt as everyone exited the wagon. She soon joined them, as soon as her feet touched the ground she looked around at the surrounding area. She saw that they were in a large forested area, a large wall in front of them.
She let out a whistle, "Man that is big." she stated, she felt as Mei and Ty Lee nodded.
Tazuna just laughed, "Yeah most people are always amazed by the wall of Konoha." he said calmly. "Now come on, let's get checked in."
They nodded and soon were in a line to enter the village, many different vendors and merchants about. Toph just kept tapping her foot, watching for any hidden attackers. To her surprise she felt as people came and went through the trees at amazing speeds. The guards seemed to take little heed of the people in the trees, most likely due to the fact they were allies.
After about an hour of waiting they were at the head of the line. The guards had Tazuna, Mei, and Ty Lee signs their names down. When they found out Toph was blind they put some ink on her finger and had her push it against the paper. She wondered why they did that but thought little of it afterwards.
They walked through the gates and found themselves in the village. Toph couldn't help but be in awe at the sheer size of the village. It was bigger than Ba-sing-se. Mei and Ty Lee were also in awe and Ty Lee could not contain her excitement.
"This place is amazing." she stated as she walked with the group. "It so big!"
Tazuna just chuckled, "It is pretty big," he replied, "Konoha is the biggest of all the Hidden Villages."
Mei looked at Tazuna with slight confusion. "Hidden Villages?"
"The Hidden Villages are the home of the shinobi, ninja that protect the land." Ty Lee stated as they walked. "Isn't that right Tazuna."
He nodded, "That's right."
Mei just nodded. "So where do we go now to find out information about our friend?" she asked
"You go the Hokage Tower, which is the center of the village and hire some shinobi to help you find your friend."
"Doesn't that cost money?" Toph stated in a knowing tone. "Money that we don't have."
Ty Lee frowned slightly but that didn't deter her. "It will work out," she said happily, "We just have to talk with them and see what we can do."
Tazuna nodded, "That the spirit. Shall we be off to the tower?" Everyone nodded and they followed after Tazuna.
-A while later-
They had gone to the tower but due to the current times no new missions were being taken. Tazuna was nice enough to give them some money to use for the next couple of days. So now they were sitting in a park trying to figure out what to do.
Mei sat with her arm resting on the bench arm rest, her chin resting in hand. Ty Lee sat with her legs crossed Indian style, playing with her braid, and Toph just tapped her feet on the ground tried.
"This was a bust," Toph stated in annoyance as she watched the people around her.
Ty Lee shook her head, "It's ok!" she exclaimed as she flips forward to her feet. "We will think of something."
Mei just shook her head and stood up, "Let's just find a place to stay for the night and continue our search later."
Ty Lee and Toph nodded and started to follow Mei toward the hotel district at a leisurely pace. Toph continued to watch all those around them, as she thought about leaving her friends. "They are probably freaking out right now, wondering where we went."
-With the Gaang-
Sokka ran around Wave Country like a mad man, "TOPH, TY LEE, MEI, and WHERE ARE YOU!" he shouted as people looked at him with shock.
Katara ran over to her brother and slapped him on the back of the head, "Stop making a scene!" she shouted at him and looked at the crowd a sorry smile on her face. She grabbed his arm and dragged him away from the crowd, quickly.
"What are you doing!" she demanded as she dropped him on the ground in a heap.
Sokka looked up at his sister, "I was looking for the others." he replied as he sat up. "They just disappeared on us! What if they were taken by Azula's forces? They could be in danger!"
"That may be true but you running around screaming their names are not going to help." Katara countered and watched as Sokka deflated even more.
"Then how do you propose we find them?" Sokka demanded.
"I have the answer to that," said Aang as he stood in front of them, with a young man their age wearing a hat.
Sokka jumped up, "Great, and who's the kid?"
The young man looked at Sokka with contempt, "I not a kid," he stated with confidence. "I am Inari."
"Well Inari," Sokka stated as he walked over to him acting all tough. "Where are our friends?"
Inari just smiled, "They went with my Grandfather to Konoha."
Sokka just looked confused, "Where the heck in Konoha!"
-Back with Toph-
Toph just shook her head as she imagined how Sokka would be going crazy, when she suddenly felt a familiar presence walk by. She tapped her foot once again but the familiar presence was gone. Toph just shook her head. "Was that Azula?"
-A few days later-
The trio walked around the village, going from store to store, gathering supplies for the trip in finding Azula. Tazuna had given them more than enough money to gather more supplies as well as pay for their room. They planned to try one of the other major villages to see if they could get any leads on Azula.
Ty Lee walked on her hands as they traveled through the village, which usually back home got some attention but here it seemed as the villagers didn't care. Mei had a bag with all the supplies as well as some of the thrown weapons of the village. She was surprised by the level of craftsmanship and balance they had and nearly spent two hours talking one of the stores employees that had her hair up in two buns.
Toph just let out a yawn and ate a piece of bread that tasted like melon. She had to admit the food in this world was really good. She yet a tired yawn escape her lips as she sent another seeing wave out. As she looked at all the people around her nearly dropped her bread in shock. On the other side of the village stood Azula. She stood tall and seemed to be not crazy, which threw Toph for a loop. She watched as a boy walked over to her and they started to head toward the other end of the street.
"Mei," she stated getting the girls attention. "Azula is here."
Mei looked at Toph with surprise. "Are you sure?"
Toph nodded, "My feet don't lie," she stated simply and started down the street. "I am keeping track of her and her new friend."
Ty Lee jumped in excitement and grabbed Toph's hand. "Let's go see her!" she cried and started to pull her along, only to feel Mei's hand on her shoulder.
"We got to approach this with a plan." she stated, making Ty Lee deflate a bit. She turned to Toph who nodded. "Can you keep track of them?"
"That not a problem." Toph stated as she started walking. "Now make a plan, because mine is to trap her in rocks."
Mei just nodded, "Just follow my lead." she replied in a quiet tone, as they followed after Toph. "We can hopefully get Azula to come with us without any fighting."
Toph just snorted, "This is Azula we're talking about. It is always a fight with her"
Naruto and Azula had just started up the path to their home. Azula had just had her latest session with Inoichi and progress was slow. Azula still was having trouble with facing her father, and a bit with her mother but it was slowly getting better. Yet she still had a ways to go before she could fully be healed and at peace in her mind.
She was pulled out of her thoughts when she felt Naruto squeeze her hand gently, "You ok?" he asked with concern.
Azula just nodded, "I am fine," she stated as she moved closer to him. "Just tired from the session."
Naruto nodded, "What did you talk about?" he asked as they walked, happy to have Azula so close.
"We talked about my mother." she stated in a slight angered tone. "We talked about how she treated me and how it made me feel.
Azula just felt his arm wrap around her, "That is in the past," he stated with understanding. "She won't hurt you ever again with me around, that a promise."
Azula looked at him and let a small smile graced her face. "Thank you."
They walked toward the house when they noticed a trio of people standing in front of them. Naruto looked at them and couldn't recognize who they were. He had never seen them around the village and wondered how they found the house. He let a hidden kunai drop into his hand as he watched the trio. He felt Azula freeze as she stared at the people before her.
She began to shake and hold her head, "No…" she stated as she stared at them. "You can't be here."
"Azula," the one with black hair stated in a monotone voice.
Naruto quickly stood in front of Azula, the kunai raised in front of him. "Who are you." he demanded as he began to gather chakra. "What you want with Azula?"
"I am Mei," the girl said simply and pointed towards the other girls. "This is Ty Lee and Toph. We are from Azula's world. We have come to take her home."
Azula glared at them, "You are here to lock me away again aren't you!" she shouted at them, her anger growing.
"We are here to help you." Ty Lee stated in a caring tone.
Azula's anger grew as she heard these words, the memories of their betrayal coming to the forefront of her mind. "You are here to hurt me, like all the others." she retorted, the rage showing on her face. "You never cared for me!"
Ty Lee looked like she had been struck, "That is not true," she replied with conviction. "We are your friends."
Azula began to laugh, but quickly stopped, "Then why did you betray me?"
Mei looked at Azula, "You know why." she said simply, "but we still are your friends."
"You are no friends of mine!" Azula shouted, grabbed the Kunai in Naruto's hand and charged the group. Ty Lee and Mei were surprised by the sudden charge but a wall of earth blocked her way.
Toph stamped her foot down and sent the wall of earth flying at Azula. She was then surprised to feel it gets destroyed by the boy. He stood in front of Azula protectively; who just rushed pushed past him and continued her charge at Mei and Ty Lee. Toph went to block her way again when the boy appeared in front of her.
Toph was slightly surprised by his speed but quickly sent him flying away from him. He reset himself and landed on the ground lightly, which made Toph raise her eyebrow. She had only met one person that could and that lightly and that was Aang.
She quickly shifted her feet and sent rocks flying at him in quick succession. He dodged the rocks with ease and sent a few knives flying at her. Toph just smirked and blocked the attack with a rock.
"If that all you got then this will be easy." Toph taunted as she launched more rocks at him. He kept dodging but she waited until his foot touched the ground and surrounded him with walls of earth. She cut of his escapes and hit him square in the chest with a large rock. He flew back and through the wall, not moving.
She smiled and turned to face off with Azula when she heard a popping sound and felt the boy's body disappear. "That a crazy strong jutsu." she heard from beside her and felt with her feet that he was right next to him. "Where you learn that?"
Toph just twisted her foot and sent him flying away from her followed by several more blast of rocks. He dodged the rocks and landed on the ground, his feet spread and he shot forward at amazing speeds. He jumped in the air and Toph lost sight of him. When he landed there was three of him, which threw her off a bit.
She quickly went of the offensive and threw rocks at three attacking boys, talking out two who went up in smoke but she had to dodge the last attack from the remaining one. She rolled and got to her feet, glaring at the boy. "What the heck was that!" she stated
Naruto just smiled at him as he formed the seals and was covered the air in smoke. Toph wasn't fazed by the smoke but was shocked when suddenly ten copies of the boy appeared around him.
"This might be harder than I thought?" She told herself as she started her next attack.
-With Azula-
While Toph and Naruto were fighting, Azula had continued her attack on Mei and Ty Lee. She dodged several of the Mei's knives and was able to counter a Ty Lee's chi attack with a kick to the chest. She glared at her two former friends and her anger growing as the fight went on. Why were they here? What caused them to betray her? Those thoughts raced through her mind as they fought.
She was pulled out of her thoughts as she dodged away from Mei's knives, she then barely dodged Ty Lee's attack on her arm. She put some distance between herself and the duo, panting a bit from their exchange.
Ty Lee looked at Azula with sadness, "Azula please." she said as she lowered her arms. "We just want to talk."
Azula just growled. "There is nothing to talk about." she spat back, not lowering her stance. She charged forward her attacked aimed at Mei. Mei dodged to the side but Azula was hit by Ty Lee's attack, making her arm go limp.
She put some distance between them, not wanting to be taken out by Ty Lee once again. "Azula," Mei stated as she aimed her knives at her. "Calm down."
"Never!" She shouted, "You left me! Why! I needed you!"
Ty Lee looked at her with sadness, "You didn't listen to us." she stated, "You never took into account what we wanted."
Mei lowered her knives. "You are the one who left us." she said in her emotionless tone.
Azula growled, small tears pouring down her face. "You chose to leave Me." she replied, her emotions getting the better of her. "You left me, you didn't care for me. You are just like my mother, you never cared at all. All those memories we had mean nothing."
Ty Lee started to cry, "We do care for you!" she stated with conviction. "We just wanted to stop you from doing something you regret."
"Enough talk!" Azula screamed and charge forward, ready to remove Ty Lee and Mei completely from her life.
Well that the next chapter and it taken me a bit to get it right. This next chapter will be more about the fights between the two groups and Azula's interaction and facing her friends and seeing what her feelings are. This story is a wonderful but difficult thing to write due to Azula's mind and how she will react. One thing I want to do more is make her more bitter and angry at things. I want to bring her personality into it. She is healing but she still cruel and she still Azula. Also building the fight between the two groups is something hard to bring together as such. So any ideas will be helpful. I am working on the plot points and things. Thanks for being awesome readers and sticking with this idea. Keep on being awesome and it makes me want to write. I may be not be the fastest at posting but I will post when I can. Also a beta would be nice, do my best to edit but I miss a lot. Let's see where this goes!