I don't own Naruto or Rising of the Shield Hero…

Chapter 10 – Let's get out of here…

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they don't quit." -Conrad Hilton

Naruto and the girls woke up early the next day from the festival. He visited Filo, Ryoko and his clone. The group loaded up the new cart and bid the town goodbye. The whole town of Lute was there to say goodbye to the party. Ryoko had Raphtalia on its back and the rest rode in the carts. They were making good time and found a man who was running down the pathway at almost a full run. Naruto asked, "Where are you going in such a hurry?"

The man stopped and looked at Naruto pleadingly. He asked, "Please get me to the next town as quickly as possible. I need to get this medicine to my ailing mother."

Naruto shrugged and turned to Sylvie and said, "Meet us at the village gates."

Sylvie nodded and Naruto jumped up on top of the cart's roof. Making sure not to stand on the cloth only. He waved at Ryoko. Who swooped down towards him. Naruto reached down and pulled the man up with him and jumped when Ryoko came close. He landed with the man on Ryoko's back gently behind Raphtalia. Raphtalia asked, "Where too?"

Naruto replied, "The village over the ridge." Raphtalia and Naruto seemed fine while the man seemed a little shaken by the ride on the dragon. It didn't take much time to go over the ridge and come up upon the town. Naruto pulled out his token and threw it gently at the guard and said, "I want that back when I come back."

The guard fumbled the token, but finally caught it, but dropped his spear in the attempt. He finally understood the comment from the man on the flying small dragon.

Ryoko landed and was panting outside a cabin with Raphtalia stoking it gently. She was saying, "You did great."

Naruto entered the cabin with the man and saw a woman in the bed. He extended his hand and said, "I'll administer the potion. Get some water boiled." The man walked into the other room. A green glow covered Naruto's hand and he ran it down the woman's body. He shook his head. He opened the potion and it glowed. He helped the woman to a sitting position and helped her to drink the potion. She glowed and life seemed to return to the woman. Naruto smiled and whispered, "Take more care when you push out your power. Don't use it all at once, or at least find me afterwards. I can heal the damage. You hurt the pathways in your body."

The woman looked at him and asked, "How do you know about Hengen Muso Style?"

Naruto shook his head and replied, "I am a shinobi, a doctor, among other things. I can tell what has happened to a body. Now let me examine you again." His hand glowed green and he moved it down from her head and to her feet. He then said, "You are now healed. You are in better shape than most baa-chans I know."

She laughed and said, "Thanks to you, sensei. You have fixed these old bones."

Naruto chuckled and said, "At least you admit your age unlike some people I know."

The woman looked at him pointedly and asked, "Who do you mean?"

Naruto sighed and replied, "The leader of my village. She is like a mother to me, but she is fifty, but hides her age and looks like she is in her twenties."

The woman laughs heartily and says, "I wouldn't worry about a woman's ego. She more than likely has other issues to deal with and thus want to hide this part of herself. I'm glad she treats you well as a mother figure."

Naruto blushes, but the man comes in from the other room and exclaims, "Mother, you're better!"

She grins and makes a muscle. She then exclaims, "Because of the sensei here. I'm ready to take on a dragon."

Naruto shook his head and replied, "I would advise you to rest for another day or so before beginning regular exercise."

The woman bowed and said, "As you order sensei."

The man asked, "What is the cost?"

Naruto replied, "I saw something different and learned something different, so no charge."

The woman shook her head and said, "That won't do. If you come back through this village. I will teach you or one of your companions something… Shield Hero…" she whispered the last part.

Naruto didn't show his surprise, but replied happily, "Thank you, I will. Both of you will be well and be safe during the waves."

The woman and man both replied, "We will and thank you sensei."

Ryoko perked up as Naruto exited the building. Raphtalia asked, "How did it go?"

Naruto replied, "I think we made an ally in this village."

Raphtalia asked, "What makes you so sure?"

Naruto smiled as they mounted Ryoko, "Trust me."

Raphtalia replied, "Of course, since you figured out that it would be better for me to ride Ryoko than to ride in the wagon."

The trio headed to the gate. Ryoko landed outside the gate and Naruto put his hand out. The guard handed back the token. Naruto said, "Thanks. Is there a road around the village, since we need to actually head more to the north and not stop in the village?"

The guard pointed to the trial that led to the east around the village and replied, "That will lead you around the village. It connects to the road on the other side of the village. It is quicker than going through town."

Naruto flipped the guard five copper coins and said, "Thanks. Time to head out, everyone." He left the guard stunned holding the copper coins. Naruto mounted the carriage. The dragon took off while the carriage took off to the east.

They were able to make it several leagues before nightfall. Naruto began to prepare the meal while Milly and Raphtalia gathered water for the group and the monsters. After dinner Naruto sat on a stump and began to read one of the magic books that they had purchased. He noticed Filo and Ryoko move up to him and cuddle up to him. He put the book down and began to pet the animals' heads. He did this for about twenty minutes with a smile on his face. He was glad that they had learned to get along even though filolials and dragons seemed to have a history of not liking each other. Suddenly both were covered in smoke and he had two children laying on his lap. What really surprised him was that they were naked and had wings. Filo had white, angelic wings. While Ryoko bat-like wings had white arm portion, the membrane was a light red. He surmised that the girls were about ten or so in age from their figures. Having seen the girls in his party at that age. He touched a seal on his wrist and two blankets came out. He set them on the girls as best as he could. He then said, "I'm either going to have to find some clothes that transform with them or teach them how to transform, so that they have clothes."

Sylvie woke and looked over at Naruto and his new admirers. She asked, "Who are they?"

Naruto replied, "The blonde is Filo and the white haired is Ryoko. They are also girls. We will need to work on teaching them how to transform with clothes or at least some modesty. I figure that with their age it might be a little hard."

Ryoko opens her eyes sleepily and says, "Thank you, master."

Naruto smiled and rubbed her head. He replies, "Any time."

Sylvie walks over to Naruto and rolls up Filo in the blanket and puts her closer to the fire. Filo lets out a mild whine. Sylvie giggles and says, "You just can't get away from having more girls. So, are they going to be daughters or more lovers?"

Naruto gently rolls Ryoko in the blanket and places her near Filo. He and Sylvie sit in between the pair of shape changing monsters. Naruto replied after a minute, "I think I have enough possible lovers. Heck we're heading to get Raphtalia's friend, Rifana. I also have a feeling that Keel is also a girl for all the things that point to boyhood."

Sylvie giggled and replied, "You may be right on both. How are you going to train them on chakra?"

Naruto looked down at Ryoko and replied, "The same as I did you guys."

Sylvie then said, "So we do it in the morning?"

Naruto shook his head and replied, "No, we need a place where they can rest after starting their chakra. So, after we hit the border. It shouldn't take more than a few more days to hit the border."

Sylvie then asked, "Siltvelt?"

Naruto nodded and replied, "Siltvelt."

Naruto woke Raphtalia for the next shift for guarding and informed her about how Filo and Ryoko could transform. The next shift was Sylvie and she woke Naruto for breakfast. He began to fix breakfast and had to say loudly, "Filo, Ryoko, keep the blankets wrapped around you while in human form for now. I don't want any strangers to see your wings or your bodies."

Both girls smiled and replied happily, "Okay!"

They sat by the campfire and watched Naruto making breakfast. As he was dishing out breakfast he explained, "For you who don't know. Filo and Ryoko went through yet another transformation. It appears that they have a human transformation. We need to support them in that they don't understand modesty as girls and that we don't have any clothes for them right now. It will be a week before I can train them in chakra or even activate their chakra. So, if they transform, we need them to get in the wagon as soon as possible. We will buy them some dresses or something they like when we get to the next town. It should be in the border town. Filo, Ryoko, I want to make sure that you understand that you need to remove the clothes before you transform back to your dragon or filolial forms. After breakfast we will head out. Raphtalia, how is riding Ryoko instead of the wagon?"

Raphtalia replied, "I don't seem to be getting an upset stomach. Thank you, Naruto-sama."

Naruto nodded and looked at Ryoko. Naruto said, "I want you and Raphtalia to be the warning for us about bandits or trouble ahead of the cart. Do you understand?"

Ryoko nodded and replied, "Yes master."

Naruto smiled and rubbed her white hair. Filo puffed her cheeks at the attention. Naruto knelt down to Filo and said, "Filo I need you to keep the cart going at a good clip, but let me know if you get tired. I want to make sure that you're healthy. I'm counting on you." He rubbed her head and this seemed to calm the girl. Naruto then said, "Alright, time to head out."

The girls dropped the blankets and transformed. Naruto sighed and picked up the blankets. He sealed them away. While Raphtalia led Ryoko away from the fire and Milly led Filo to the cart. Naruto, Sylvie and Rino cleaned up the campsite and loaded the cart. When they finished, they headed north.

Just before they entered the town, they were met by a group of three cloaked youngsters, and two adults. The youngsters entered the cart and the older pair were at the front of the cart. Naruto asked, "So, how has your recovery been?"

A female voice answered, "Very well, thank you. Van Reichnott has been very accommodating. I again thank you for the rescue. The queen will also thank you for the rescue."

Naruto smiled and said, "It was my pleasure. You didn't deserve to be locked up. I'll be back in a couple weeks at most. I just need to get a couple more hourglasses on my shield."

The female bowed and said, "We need to head back and I hope the children will help you out. Keep them safe. I was able to get them up to level ten. I put them under your care. I know one does fancy you."

Naruto rolled his eyes and replied with mirth, "I know. We shall see how that goes. She will have to work it out with Sylvie here. Safe travels. Keep her safe."

A voice that sounded just like Naruto's replied, "You got it boss." With that the pair headed to the west.

Raphtalia and Ryoko landed right beside the cart and the group made their way to the entrance to the town. Naruto was surprised that there wasn't a guard waiting to charge entrance, but he wasn't complaining. They entered the market square and he sent Rino to pick out dresses for Filo and Ryoko. He picked an out of the way location and parked the wagon. He then had Filo and Ryoko transform and get into the cart. Rino soon returned with several dresses. Naruto was happy about this. He then said, "Good job Rino. Now girls get dressed. Fold your wings, but you don't need to hide them. Stay close to me." The girls put on a dress that appealed to them and then got out of the wagon.

Naruto then grabbed the wagon yoke and began to pull the wagon to a stall. The group then set up the goods to sell. After a few hours of sales, they had made some money.

On an overlooking balcony a masked archer slumped down and was flanked by a pair of shadowy figures. A feminine voice said, "I dare say that you didn't give her much of a chance to target anyone of the party at all. I dare say."

The masculine replied, "I'm a shinobi and my job is to protect the boss and make sure that he makes it to the other countries and get a meeting with the queen. I'm not sure if we will make it by the time of the next wave though."

The female giggled and replied, "I dare say. That isn't a problem. The queen has met you and it is a close approximation of meeting the Hero."

The masculine looked up and the purple eyes glowed. He then said, "In a way yes and in a way no. I am a portion of his personality, but I have been reinforced by a power you don't understand and that is dangerous. I should report in and bring a new one to replace myself to you. They should be the one that you take to the queen."

The female bowed and nodded. She began to go through the equipment of the downed assassin. While the Male jumped off.

Naruto looked up and said, "Girls, I'm leaving Raphtalia and Rino in charge. Close up shop and head to the local inn. We will be crossing the border in the morning. Sylvie, you're with me."

Sylvie nodded. Filo grabbed Naruto's hand and whined, "But, master. I want to go with you."

Naruto rubbed her head and said, "There is something I need to do. Sylvie needs to help me. Please help the others clean up and I'll make sure that I buy some good food."

Filo became excited and asked, "You mean it?"

Naruto smiled and replied, "You know it. Now go help the rest clean up."

Filo ran off with a smile while exclaiming, "Alright!"

Sylvie giggled and said, "You know how to deal with children. You will be a good father."

Naruto got a faraway look in his eyes. He then said, "I was a troubled child and met a few growing up. I try to help them not make the mistakes I made. Hopefully, I don't make the mistakes that were made with me."

Sylvie took his arm and pulled him close. She then guided him down the street. She said quietly, "You will make your own mistakes, but I'm sure that you will make sure that they have a minimum impact on your children."

Naruto patted her hand on his arm and said, "I hope you're right."

The pair headed down the street, but suddenly took an alleyway with such speed that to most people they just disappeared. In the alley they met a cloaked figure. Naruto raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're different."

The cloaked figure pulled back the cowl and revealed a clone, but this clone had purple eyes, messier hair, and darker whisker marks. The clone replied, "I know, but I'm not sure how. I should have dispelled more than a week ago. It's almost like I'm creating my own chakra."

Naruto took a thinking pose and then said, "I've gotten all of the information that you've sent from the dispelled clones you've made. I would like to do an experiment. You have appeared on the party list as Clone 9. If I'm right you might be a unique being, if not this might dispel you. Are you game?"

The clone nodded and replied, "You know it. I'm a portion of your personality. I get the information when your clones dispel. So, whatever you want to do, go ahead and do it."

Naruto nodded and said, "Sylvie, I want you to cut the clone's hand deeply."

Sylvie looked at Naruto in confusion, but pulled out her sword and drew it across the clone's hand. They watched the clone's hit points drop, but he didn't disappear. They looked down at the clone's hand and blood was flowing out of the wound. Naruto did several hand seals and his right hand turned green. He ran it over the clone's bleeding hand. A look of shock came over him. He then did a couple more seals and the wound began to seal very quickly. He repeated the first set of hand seals and passed them over the clone and then declared, "You are not a clone. You are an actual living being. I think that after being alive long enough and having Kyuubi chakra in you. You have attained living status. You will need to eat and keep in shape. You will need to select a name for yourself and you will be my envoy to the queen."

The clone had a look of surprise and then said, "I guess Menma will work." They both saw the change on their display. Menma saw as Naruto nodded to him and asked, "What do you want me to do?"

Naruto replied, "You are my eyes and ears besides Erosenin. We will use both clone and scroll communication. I will consider you my brother and you don't have to call me boss."

Menma became teary eyed and asked, "What do we do about the shadows?"

Naruto smiled and replied, "You are their consultant. You can deal with them however you like."

Menma blushed and asked, "What about girls?"

Naruto chuckled, "If you find one you like. I will not stop you."

"I dare say. Then we do have a connection to the Queen. If he wants experience I can give it to him," The female shadow said in a sultry voice.

Naruto stepped forward, but Sylvie said in an authoritative voice, "You hurt him and you will have to answer to us."

The woman pulled back her cowl and let down her mask. Naruto and Sylvie recognized her from the King's court. She was one of the women that had handed out the rewards. She smirked and said, "Given the abilities of Menma and Naruto. I am interested in them, but with so many after Naruto I would prefer the one who is not taken. My job gets lonely and he is more than skilled to be a fellow shadow and someone with whom I share my life with. It is rare that a shadow can share our lives with someone. I'm sure that the Queen will allow this. I dare say."

Naruto looked at Menma who just shrugged. Naruto then said, "I'm not opposed to it, but we are not going to be obligated to this country."

The Shadow nodded and replied, "I dare say that I agree."

Back at the cart Raphtalia, Rifana, and Keel were all talking together. Keel exclaimed, "Yeah Lord Van Reichnott has been great. We've learned so much in his lands."

Rifana sighed and said, "Idol Rabier is gone."

Raphtalia looked surprised and asked, "Really?"

Naruto put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Those things are not to be spoken about in public."

Rifana blushed and said, "Yes, Shield Hero-sama."

Naruto rubbed her head and said, "Naruto will do. Now let's finish up and get to the inn." He looked at the third person in the group and walked up to them. He asked, "And who would you be?"

The boy bowed and replied, "My name is Fried, Shield Hero-sama."

Naruto sighed and said, "Let's get this straight all of you. Call me either Master for those of you who understand why, or Naruto for those of you who don't, otherwise sir will work. I don't want to attract too much attention. We will be heading into Siltvelt. I want to see what type of people they are. Now that we're done, dinner and bed for all of us."

The group headed to the inn and he purchased three rooms. He put Rino, Rifana, Keel and Fried in the first room. A clone, Filo, and Ryoko in the second and the rest in the third room. After setting rooms, the group went down and had dinner. They talked about training, but Naruto watched as Rifana and Raphtalia talked. Raphtalia seemed teary eyed as the two talked. The pair hugged and continued to talk. Keel also joined in the conversation, but didn't seem to contribute as much. After dinner the younger members of the party seemed very tired, as was Raphtalia. Naruto has a clone carry each of the children to the first room and he carries Raphtalia to their room.

The next morning the group gathered up everything and moved to cross the border. They were met by a group of Melromarc guards. The lead guard stopped them about twenty meters from the gate house. The lead guard exclaimed, "Halt! Where are you going?"

Naruto got off of the cart and walked towards the guard and stopped three meters from the guard. He replied, "We're the Shield Hero and party. We're going to Siltvelt to do some trading and try to help your king with some diplomatic problems."

The guard drew his sword and said, "The Shield Demon will not go to the Demon kingdom to help them attack us. Surrender now and your death will be swift."

Naruto smiled and shook his head. He then explained, "You understand that killing me right here on the border will have the Siltvelt nation roll over this garrison and slaughter all the humans in this area in revenge for my death and then Shieldfreeden will come later to follow up on said revenge? Also, I doubt you and your church going followers understand that you will bring the fury of at least two nations down upon you, if not three. Faubrey would also attack for killing a Hero. All of us are needed to stop the waves."

The man raised his sword and shouted, "Shut up!" Naruto shifted his shield to the Chimera shield and made some hand signs. Sylvie disappeared, Milly appeared on the roof of the cart and had made a few hand signs. The guard then said, "In the name of the Kingdom of Melromarc, I am arresting the Shield Hero for treason."

Naruto laughed and said, "You and what army? You have what ten men? I could beat that many when I was twelve. I'm sixteen now."

The guard exclaimed, "Charge!" and the group of ten advanced on Naruto and the cart.

Naruto sighed and looked at the group. Most were level 10 with the leader being level 15. This was going to be a slaughter. Naruto quickly did several hand seals and put his hand on the ground. He then exclaimed, "Earth Technique: Swamp of the underworld." The area in front of Naruto became mud and the guards sank to their chest. He then ended the jutsu. Naruto then walked up to the leader and reached down and pulled the necklace off of the man. Naruto sighed and explained to no one in particular, "Church of the three heroes. Figures… Have fun digging yourselves out. Let's go girls." Exp 100 appeared before Naruto. He chuckled lightly.

The girls exclaimed, "Alright." The cart rolled around the ten stuck guards and through the open gate. Naruto jumped into the back of the cart as it passed by. He smiled and gave a salute to the stuck guards.

On the other side of the gate, formerly angry Siltvelt guards were just looking at the scene in awe. The thought going through their minds was, 'The Shield Hero is really strong.'

The cart stopped on the other side of the gate and the Siltvelt guard looked at the rabbit woman looking at him in awe. She smiled and politely asked, "May we enter?"

The man nodded dumbly.

She smiled and said, "The Shield Hero and his party thank you. We respectfully thank you for allowing us into Siltvelt."

The man's only reply was, "Uh huh…"

Keel called back as they left, "You might want to close your mouths. Otherwise, you might catch some flies." Keel then fell back into the cart laughing heavily.

The guards seemed to catch the joke and clothed their mouths and regained some decorum.

Naruto chuckled at Keel's joke. The town on the other side was only a little different. It just reversed the number of humans vs. demi-humans. Naruto kept the shield up until the road became crowded with people who wanted to see the Shield hero. Naruto waved and kindly asked for the people to part so that he could continue. The people gladly parted, but they also gave him a hero's welcome. He became a little self-conscious about all this attention. Finally, a guard stopped the cart and asked them to see the mayor.

Naruto and his party entered the mayor's mansion. They noticed the demi-human guards who seemed to stiffen at attention in the presence of Naruto. He sighed at this and the girls noticed this. The attaché welcomed them, "Hello, Shield Hero and party." He seemed to scowl at Raphtalia, but quickly schooled his features. Naruto noticed this, but the others didn't seem to notice. The dog man continued, "The mayor has prepared a banquet in your honor."

Naruto smiled and bowed. He then replied, "I will thank him personally for this honor."

The attaché nodded and said, "He will be honored in your presence."

Naruto was tempted to roll his eyes. He hated the pomp of politics, but he smiled and he replied, "Please lead on."

The man led them to a large room with a large table with a lot of food. Filo excitedly exclaimed, "Food!"

Naruto said authoritatively, "Filo, we need to wait for our host to offer a seat at the table and then we can then sit. He will then tell us the customs on when it is time to eat. There may be a prayer before eating or not. We mustn't upset our host."

A loud laugh came from the head of the table. A lion-faced man was smiling and exclaimed, "Shield Hero, you and your guests are welcome in my home. Please be seated. I would prefer you to sit by me so that we can converse more easily. As for the young one. She is free to eat, as soon as she sits down."

Naruto chuckled as he made his way to the head of the table. He then said, "Thank you, but you may regret your decision with Filo. She has quite an appetite and is still learning table manners."

The man offered the seat next to him and said, "My name is Lionex and as you have figured out. I am the mayor of the town bordering Melromarc. I would also like to thank you for calming down the king and not sending us into war with them. I would not like for my town to be the center of the fighting. No matter what the feelings are on both sides of the border. My people also tell me that some of the guards on their side attempted to arrest you."

Naruto sat down and chuckled. He replied, "A misunderstanding. Those guys are church zealots and not following the king's orders."

Lionex nodded and said, "I see. I'm glad you were able to defuse the situation."

Naruto nodded and changed his shield into his medical glove. He then grabbed the glass of water and took a sip. He then said, "In my world, fighting is common and death is a way of life. I try to avoid it if possible."

Lionex nodded and replied, "A good personal motto to have."

Naruto took some fruit and put it on his plate. He put some of it in his mouth and chewed it. He looked around and saw the rest of his party eating, but watched the guards looking at Raphtalia. He then looked at the mayor and asked, "Is there a reason why your guards have a problem with my party members? Specifically, the tanuki girl?"

Lionex finished the gulp of wine he was drinking and set it down with a sigh. He then replied, "I must apologize for my men. There was a problem with a group of tanuki some years ago who crossed the border into Melromarc. After that they are on the edge of any tanuki or racoon demi-human. I personally don't bear any animosity towards them, but I can't say that for all my people."

Naruto nodded and said, "I will let her know to be on guard or be at my side at all times."

Lionex chuckled and said, "A traitor at the side of the god. That will confuse people. I love it." He continued to laugh.

Naruto got the joke and laughed with the mayor. He then asked, "So like Melromarc, but just the opposite, you have the church of the Shield, while they have the three heroes' church?"

Lionex chuckled and replied, "You catch on quickly. I know that you're not a god, but I will not stop the cardinal in the capital from proclaiming you such."

Naruto has eaten some more fruit. He asked, "Can we register and Class up at the Dragon hourglass in your capital?"

Lionex smiled and replied, "I would expect nothing less. Would you like an escort to the capital?"

Naruto shook his head and replied, "I would only like a single scout to lead us there. I want to finish leveling the girls and getting the Class up when we get there."

Lionex smiled and said, "I will send a letter, so that I will not get in trouble for not guarding the Shield Hero to the Capital." He winked at Naruto, who shared a laugh with Lionex. He then said with mirth in his voice, "I like you, young man, but watch the intrigue in the capital. There are those who will use your position for personal gain. Be on your guard. I would also say be on your guard with me too. I am a politician too."

Naruto chuckled and replied, "Of course. I noticed three people in the rafters watching this meeting."

Lionex's eyes went wide. He leaned towards Naruto and asked, "Three? I only have one."

Naruto whispered as he pulled more fruit to his mouth, "Yours in the far side to listen to my party. The one in the middle is from Melromarc. Not sure if they are from the Queen, King, or Church. The third is just above us and is from a jaguar-like race." He popped the fruit into his mouth and said, "This fruit is delicious." He then pulled a leg from the bird on the tray on the table. He cut it and put it on his plate. He then whispered, "She is keeping an eye on both of us, but also Raphtalia, my tanuki, party member."

Lionex then asked, "Would you like to see the armorer copy his shields?"

Naruto looked at him in surprise and said, "That would be nice. I of course will compensate them for this."

Lionex smiled and said, "Spoken like the true Shield Hero. Not taking advantage of others. From what I've heard you've had some problems in other countries."

Naruto sighed, but Sylvie spoke up, "The first princess caused us no end of problems. As did the Spear Hero. The King saw the error and eventually corrected it. So, there isn't really a problem now. Other than her still walking around…" the last part was a whisper.

Lionex was laughing heartily. He then said, "I shall make sure that the Spear Hero and the First Princess shall not be allowed across the border. How about the other heroes?"

Naruto smiled and replied, "They should be okay. How long a trip is it to the capital?"

Lionex smiled and replied, "It should take you a few days to a week by cart. Three if you have a fast filolial."

Filo raised her hand and exclaimed, "I'm very fast!"

Lionex looked surprised and asked, "What does she mean?"

Naruto replied, "She is a filolial queen, thus the reason she has the human-like form." He turned and said sternly, "No transformations in the dinner hall, Filo."

Filo looked depressed and exclaimed, "Aw!"

Lionex looked at Ryoko and asked, "So what is she?"

Naruto chuckled and replied, "A dragon queen."

Lionex exclaimed, "What?!"

Naruto smiled and said, "No need to get excited. I think it has to do with them being raised by me, a hero. The magic of the shield. If one of the other heroes raised a filolial or a dragon they might become a queen or king."

Lionex rubbed his chin and said, "They are not queens. They are candidates. The current queens will test them and it may not be pleasant for you or them."

Naruto looked concerned and asked, "What do you mean?"

Lionex explained, "The current filolial Queen has helped us with a wave we had about a month ago. We had Vassal Weapon holders help us before that. We know that she is going around helping where she can with the waves, along with the Vassal Weapon holders. The waves come about once a month as far as I can figure around the countries that have a Dragon Hourglass."

Naruto frowned and said, "That means that we need to level up and get to the hourglasses soon."

Lionex replied, "You have a week or so before the next wave will hit an area. Either it will be an area where you will be or not. You can't be everywhere at once. It will also run you ragged. Our king has sent for adventurers to join your party. You should choose very carefully. Some will help. Some will not. I want you to succeed. I also want my people to prosper. I don't have many problems with humans, but do understand that slavery is legal here and humans are the largest portion of the slaves we have here."

Naruto nodded and said, "Thank you for the information and best wishes. Most of my party members are slaves. The only ones who aren't, are the young ones. I own one human and the other women are demi-human. Do you have a problem with this?"

Lionex laughed and replied, "From what I can see. You treat your slaves well and I would guess most are either mid-teen or younger, but have grown in levels. I commend you for their growth." He also nudged Naruto and said, "I also see that some have devotion beyond a good slaveholder. The type that is tantamount to love I would say."

Naruto sighed and just looked up and stared at the shadow that was on the ceiling above him. She finally got the impression that he could see her and began to sweat. She saw him smile and wink at her. She gulped at this. She was one of the premier shadows of Siltvelt and the King wasn't going to be happy that she was caught.

Naruto finally looked back down at the table and filled his plate. The rest of the afternoon was filled with aimless chatter and food.

A/N: First thanks to my beta MajesticStarX-Overs. Sorry for the wait. I'm basically finished with chapter 11, but there will be a delay so that I can get my mind in a space to edit it. I will send it off to her soon and I'm working on chapter 12. I'm also looking over my previous stories and seeing which ones I can easily pick back up and restart the easiest. I've already looked at Frozen, 7th, New Avatar, not sure which will be the one I start back up on though. All have complicated ideas and I'm not sure where I was heading and I don't have any notes since I didn't copy all the information over from my other laptop. As for home life… still chugging along and working on getting qualified for a house. Ex is an annoyance and silliness continue to ensue at home, 'but the young don't always know what they do…' slight change to Nox – Stargate. I did misquote them, but hey you get the idea… LOL.

Here are the affinities of the those in the party:

Naruto= Magic: Support and healing; Chakra: All basic except earth; Lvl: 31; Race: Jinchuuriki

Milly = Magic: fire + light + darkness (illusion); Chakra: fire; Lvl: 36; Race: Fox

Raphtalia= Magic: light + darkness (illusion); Chakra: wind; Lvl: 38; Race: Tanuki

Sylvie = Magic: fire + water; Chakra: water; Lvl: 38; Race: Rabbit

Jiraiya = Magic: fire + wind; Chakra: all basic except lightning; Lvl: 34; Race: Human

Rino = Magic: lightning + fire; Chakra: none; Lvl: 34; Race: Human

Filo = Magic: Unknown; Chakra: Unknown; Lvl 7; Race: Filolial

Ryoko = Magic: Unknown; Chakra: Unknown; Lvl 7; Race: Wyr Dragon

Rifana = Magic: Unknown; Chakra: Unknown; Lvl: 10; Race: Weasel

Keel = Magic: Unknown; Chakra: Unknown; Lvl: 10; Race: Wanui

Menma = Magic: Unknown see chakra; Chakra: Assumed to be same as Naruto; Lvl: 31; Race: Blood Clone

Fried = Magic: Unknown; Chakra: Unknown; Lvl: 10; Race: Dog