I don't own Naruto
For a little fun, see if you can figure out what series the new characters added in this chapter came from.
Impulse 8 Travel Impulse
It was around twelve noon later that day with in the living area of KNIGHT'S and things couldn't be more peaceful or serene. Naruto was sitting at the table next to the kitchen, his arms resting on their elbows on the table and his head propped up in his hands as he looked longingly at Hinata who was just a few feet away making them some lunch.
His eyes had a very aroused look to them as he watched Hinata work on their food. He was tempted to get up, go over to her, and take here right here and now in the kitchen. And to make things even harder for him, Hinata would turn to look at him every few minutes and give him a seductive look and even pucker up for him before turning around to continue her work, but not before shaking her butt at him. It was almost like she was daring him to come and claim her again.
Finally, he couldn't take it no more and decided to do just that. Slowly, he got up and made his way over to her. Hinata failed to hear him as she was busy humming to herself while her mind lamented over what had happened over the last twenty four hours with reverie and joy filling her whole being.
She let out a gasp as she felt Naruto's strong hands come down and grab her butt, gently caressing and squeezing them to his enjoyment. She let off a satisfied moan and Naruto fondled her bottom for a moment before tracing a line to the sides of her thighs, then slowly traced upwards till his hands fell onto her waist, which he then wrapped his arms around her and pushed her back against him.
She sighed happily as she felt Naruto come in and start to kiss the back of her neck, then trailing more kisses off to the side while feeling his growing hardness press against her bottom, to which she pressed back against which earned a pleasing moan from him.
"Naruto, you know this will cause lunch to take even longer to make than before, right?" she asked him though hoping he didn't stop anytime soon.
"I know, but I can't wait any longer. I'm so hungry, Hinata, and I need to satisfy my hunger now. I just want to carry you over to the table and have you for lunch. I know that will more than satisfy me" he said before sucking on the side of her neck hard.
She moan at this for a few seconds more till he stopped. She turned around and pressed as much of herself against him as possible as he went in and kissed her roughly. She kissed him back with an equal fevor for a few moments till they part again. She was all but ready to let him take her to the table and have her for lunch, butt....
"But Naruto, won't having me for lunch now ruin your appitite for real food afterwards?" she asked, hating herself for asking though.
Naruto just smiled and said "You could never ruin my appetite, Hinata. I will never grow tired of tasting you. You are so special to me that even ramen doesn't compare to how you taste. Now, do you want to have lunch now or later?"
Hinata blushed as she swelled with pride at hearing that Naruto held her even above ramen. Then his question filtered into her mind and she knew right away what it was she wanted. "Now" she said seductively as she moved her head inwards as did Naruto. They were about to have the kiss that would get them going into sexual ecstasy once again when...
"So, I hope you two are enjoying yourselves" came a familiar voice off from the side, causing Naruto and Hinata to separate quickly and blush red in embarrassment at having been caught. They looked to see a rather annoyed Roxas looking at them in his gray and white night clothes and Namine walking up beside him wearing her white night gown.
"Oh, hey Roxy. So your back already? Didn't see you or Namine here when we got back. Boy man, you look terrible. Did you get any sleep last night?" asked Naruto. He then realized how stupid that was and what Roxas's response was going to be.
Roxas gave him a dark grin and says "Of course you didn't see US here last night, bro. And yes, we did get some sleep. We slept while we were walking around trying to find your sorry butt. What do you think? You had us really worried, ya know."
Naruto pulled away and said "Sorry, didn't mean to make trouble for you guys. Some weird things happened and...."
"It's OK bro, I can let it slide this time given all the stuff that's been happening lately. But ever do it again and POW, your going down big time. Got it?" asked Roxas as he thrusts his fist outwards to show he meant business.
Naruto nods and says "Got it. Hey, you guys hungry? Lunch is almost ready."
Roxas grinned as he couldn't help but say "Ah, but I was hoping we all could have a Hinata sandwich for lunch." He laughs hard as Hinata goes red faced in embarrassment while Naruto becomes red faced with anger.
"Hey, only I can have Hinata for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (as well as all the sub-meals that come in between). If you want a special snack, then ask Namine. I'm sure she will accommodate you" says Naruto as he smiles at the last part.
Now Namine goes red with embarrassment while Roxas says "Wha....I......Oh, let's just drop it. Let's just have lunch already." Naruto and Roxas go to sit down while Namine goes to join Hinata in finishing lunch.
Hinata looks over at Namine and sees her still blushing from what Naruto said. She then leans in close and whispers into Namine's ear so only she can hear "So, do you like Roxas like that already?"
Hinata giggles as Namine tenses up from the question. 'She's alot like me a few years back when ever anyone asked me how I felt about Naruto. It seems so silly now, after every thing that's happened. To be honest, was I really that girl who was always so shy and insecure? It seems hard to imagine right now.'
"It's OK. Roxas is a nice guy and he would be a good match for you" she then says. Namine looks at her and says "But we just met each other. How can I be sure that he's the one for me?"
"What does your heart tell you? Just believe in what you feel and things will work out. When I first met Naruto, I knew right away that he was the one. No matter what happened, I knew he was the only guy I could be with. I admit that there was times I feared we would never be together, but I never stopped believing that he was my one and only. And look at us now? Take a chance and hope for the best" said Hinata.
Namine smiles and goes back to work for a moment before she suddenly whispers "So, what's it like? Sex, I mean."
Hinata blushes and says "It's one of the most wonderful feelings you can ever hope to have, especially when it's with your one true love like it is with me and Naruto. You never feel more connected to that person than you do when your bodies are connected like that. It feels like you're one in both body, heart, and soul. And you want to stay like that forever. You saw us, didn't you?"
Namine nods and says "Yes, when me and Roxas got back from looking for you guys. I went to check Naruto's room after I looked in yours and...well....I saw just how connected you two were to each other." Hinata blushed at hearing that.
"OK Namine, here's my advice. If you really do like Roxas like that, then tell him. Don't make my mistake and wait for years because of fear and uncertainty and only have your feelings come out after an accidental kiss, which is how me and Naruto got started. Tell him and everything will happen as needed" said Hinata who was surprised to hear herself giving love advice.
Namine nods and says "Yeah, your right. Thank's Hinata. I'll tell Roxas at the first availible moment we have alone together. One question though? When should we....you know....form that special connection with each other?"
Hinata blushes at the question, but then says "That's really up to you two. For me and Naruto, it happened a few hours after my feelings for him were revealed to him. And even though we have no regrets about that, we did both admit that it happened way sooner than it rightly should have. Still, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Except for what happened the morning after that is."
Namine nods as they finish up with lunch. Meanwhile, Naruto and Roxas are talking at the table.
"Seriously bro, what were you thinking? Going and disappearing like that? Didn't you have any idea about how that would worry us?" asked Roxas.
"Sorry, but thing's happened just so fast that my normal thinking processes failed me. At least thing's didn't get any worser than what they could have" said Naruto.
Roxas nods, then says "So, what did happen to you anyways? What would make you run off like that?"
Before Naruto can respond, a knock is heard from the door. Maze then enters and says "Well, looks like we have ourselves a nice little family unit here now, doesn't it?" He smiles as Naruto and Roxas tell him to shut up.
"So, what brings you here this morning, Maze?" asked Naruto. "It's simple really, as soon as the four of you have finished having lunch, seeing as you lazy guys are making the girls do all the work. The four of you are to report to the medical wing to receive the required inoculations all member's of KNIGHT must have once becoming full member's.
Hinata looks at Maze and says "But we like doing this for our boys. It's like you said, a nice family unit. Right, Namine?" Namine nods her agreement.
"Hey, why did you say the four of us for? Only Naruto, Hinata, and myself are member's of KNIGHT" asked Roxas.
"Oh, I guess Namine didn't tell you guys yet. Namine, I think you better tell them now" says Maze.
Namine nods and says "On the train ride back, master Sephiroth asked if I wanted to become a member of KNIGHT like you guys did. I would be able to stay here with you guys and would become part of your team. I said yes and I've even already got my forge gel weapon. It's a battle staff that's in my room and I'll show it to you after lunch. And it's name is Memory Chains."
"Hey really? Congrat's Namine. We will need to celebrate tonight" said Naruto. Roxas nods, then asked "Why Memory Chains?"
"You'll understand when you see it" said Namine.
"We'll be there with in the hour, master Maze" adds Hinata.
Maze nods and then says "Very well. I shall see you four there." And with that, Maze leaves the room to resume his usual duties. A few minutes later, the girls bring lunch over and sit by their favored guy.
"OK bro, so why did you run off again" asked Roxas as they all began to eat.
NH
The four teens sat in the doctor's room, awaiting the arrival of the head doctor. They heard the sound of foot steps out side and waited a few moments as the door opened and both Sephiroth and Maze entered the room. The two older men took a seat opposite their young charges and things remained quiet for a few moment's.
"Alright, before the doctor comes in to see you and we get the necessary work done, there is a few things that need to be asked and discuss" said Maze as he locked his focus on Naruto and Hinata.
"I think I know what it is you want to ask" said Naruto who was more serious than Hinata could ever remember him being in the past.
"Good, then you won't have a problem with telling us about the source of that power you called upon during the fight with Mada's illusion's" said Sephiroth.
"Naruto, you..." started Hinata, but Naruto stopped her and said "No, it's all right. We're member's of KNIGHT now and they deserve to know everything." Hinata, though still worried, simply nodded her understanding. This was Naruto's story and only he could decide who should know and who shouldn't.
Naruto looked at the older men and asked "So, do you remember what I said about the Hidden Leaf village back on the train, master Sephiroth?"
"Yes, I already told it to Maze here. Both you and Hinata came from that village. Hinata was first born to it's strongest clan; the Hyuga. But she had been wrongly stripped of her birthright because she failed to live up to her clan's rigorous style while you ware an orphan who was ostracized by almost everyone save for Hinata and a few others."
"Well now it's time I tell you why" said Naruto. Off to the side, Roxas and Namine stayed quiet as they wanted to hear every word Naruto was about to say.
Hinata took Naruto's hand into her own and their finger's entwined as he began to talk. "Fifteen years ago, a powerful demon call a Bijuu attacked our village. It was the Nine Tailed Fox who was one of nine legendary chakra beast that are known to exist on our side of the world."
"The current leader of our village, the 4th Hokage, bravely challenged the beast in defence of his home. Though he managed to defeat it, he could not kill it. In fact, it's impossible to kill Bijuu since they are immortal. You might be able to destroy it's current body, but it will just be reborn soon after."
"Anyway, the only way the 4th Hokage could save the village was to seal the beast into the body of a new born baby. That baby was me. I became the Jinchuriki of the Fox." At hearing that, Namine gasped as Roxas found himself clenching his fist in anger. Naruto looked at them sadly, afraid that they might now hate him.
"That Hoakge guy sounds like a jerk. How can he justify doing that to a new born baby" said Roxas. Namine nods and says "That's just to cruel a thing to do. No matter what he might have thought, that was just horrible" added Namine. Hinata relaxes at hear that they didn't hate him for that.
"Go on" said Maze. "Well all the adults in the village knew the truth about me. But the 3rd Hokage, who came out of retirement to lead the village after the 4th died because of the strain his body suffered from the fight, decreed that no one was to ever speak of it to their children. It was his hope that I might live a normal life. He also wanted me to be seen as a hero as was the wish of the 4th because of the burden I had to carry."
"But, most people didn't listen. They kept the no talking policy going because breaking it was punishable by death, but most families made sure that their kids knew to stay away from me. That added to the fact the most adults treated me like trash rubbed off on the kids my age and they treated me in the same manner. Hinata was one of the few who never judged me in that way."
"I see, it would seem you truly did have a rough childhood. I'm glad you turned out alright in the end , you called on the power of the Fox during the mission, am I right?" asked Sephiroth.
"That's the weird thing. I shouldn't have the fox no more" said Naruto. "What do you mean?" asked Maze.
"Well, the last mission me and Hinata did in the village before we found ourselves here was a search in a place called the Living Valley. About a day into the trip, we were attacked by a special forces op called Anbuu from our own village. We were both injured badly, such as me loosing my leg during the attack. The last thing either of us remember is a sword being sent down to strike at Hinata's heart. And after that, they were going to remove the fox from my body and put it into a scroll. And once the fox was removed, I would die."
There was quite in the room for a few moment's as Sephiroth and Maze thought about this. "Well, it's obvious that he was an Avatar. But if the beast was removed, then why does he still hold it's power. And how did they survive to be with us now?" said Maze more to himself than to anyone else.
"Well, we know that once you become an Avatar, you remain one for life. Even if the demon is removed, you will still retain a portion of it's power with in you, like an echo. That is, if you can survive the removal process. As for how they are still alive, who knows" says Sephiroth.
"I'm sorry. I wish we could tell you more. But both me and Naruto don't remember anything after when the lead Anbuu was going to stab me" said Hinata.
"Well, this mystery needs to be solved. If for no other reason than for the peace of mind for the both of you. That's while I'm officially allowing you to take your team across the ocean so that you may go to this Hidden Leaf village and hopefully get some answer's" said Maze as he stood up.
"You mean it?" asked Naruto. Maze nods and says "Only if you both want too. I'd understand if you don't. I would be nervous about going back to a place with such a bad history coming from being there" said Maze.
Naruto and Hinata look at each other and nod. "We want to. Like you said, we need to know the truth if we are to be able to move on with our lives" said Naruto. Maze smiles and says "OK then. I must go and make arrangements for your team's trip. I will be back later so we can discuss it further." And with that, Maze leaves the room.
"Umm, master Sephiroth. I was wondering why you guys called Naruto and Avatar?" asked Hinata. "Oh, that's what we call demon container's over on this side of the world. Unlike what you had to go through in your village Naruto, Avatar's are seen as hero's over here because they hold the power that can protect people. Thou to be honest, not all have used that power correctly. One in particular who was once a member of KNIGHT."
"And who was that person?" asked Roxas suddenly. Sephiroth sighs sadly and says "That's a stroy for another time. But, for right now, we...."
The door flies open with out warning, scaring the four youths as a woman with red spiky hair enters. "So, these are the latest fools to come and join us" she asked with an amused voice as she looked them over.
"Huh? This is the head doctor. But she's younger than us" said Naruto.
"Don't let appearances deceive you. She may look young, but she's actually a lot older than even me" says Sephiroth. The doctor gives him a sharp glance and he immediately shuts up, knowing better than to anger her.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Washu and I'm going to take good care of you three. Sephiroth, have they been told about what to expect yet?"
Sephiroth shakes his head and says "I was about to get to that when you arrived. Should I still tell them, or do you want to?"
"I'll do it, seeing as I'm here and all" said Washu. Naruto, Hinata, Roxas, and Namine looked at her with their full attention focused onto her.
"Alright, listen up. Since this is your first time for this, we will be doing the usual like getting a full physical. Your height, weight, blood type and such will be done. And you will be injected with our special J-Cell serum for your own benefit" she said.
"Oh, you mean like the stuff that was used on Naruto and Hinata back in Parcella?" asked Namine.
Washu shakes her head and says "Not quite, What was used their was strictly medical healing type of J-cells. What I will be giving you now will increase your strength, speed, and ability to think. Your reaction time will also be affected among other things. It's all standard operating procure here. So, you guys ready to begin?"
They all nod. "Alright then, follow me and let the fun begin."
RN
Washu's idea of fun really hadn't been all that fun in retrospect for the young teens. She had taken them to a large room with special cylinder shaped pods that they were told to get into, once they stripped down and put on some special clothes of course.
Once done, Washu explained that the device would do all the necessary work on them as well as infuse them with the J-cells that would make them stronger. The process would most likely knock them out for a few hours. They nodded which earned a rather scary laugh from Washu as she punched in several commands and the process began.
As they were told, several hours had passed before they awoke still in the pods with Maze present. "So finally awaken have we?" he said in an amused voice. How do you guys feel?"
"Don't ask" said Naruto as he reeled from the headache he was feeling at the moment. The others nod in agreement. "Well, that's the norm after having the J-cells infused into your bodies. I'm guessing Washu didn't tell you about that before?"
They all shook their heads which earned a laugh from Maze. "Figures, she was never one to talk about the details which has been known to make many a member of KNIGHT mad as hell."
"Master Maze, where is Washu? And master Sephiroth for that matter?" asked Namine. Maze took a seat in a nearby chair and said "Washu likes to do research and is always busy. I believe she's currently in her private lab going over Naruto's data in the hopes of determining what might remain of his connection to that Nine Tailed Fox and the power it might have left behind. As for Sephiroth, he's making final preparations for your journey across the sea."
Roxas looked at Naruto and saw something interesting. "Hey bro, have your eyes always had that aqua green color at the edge of the iris?" Naruto turned to look at him with a confused expression as he said "What do you mean, my eyes have always been pure cerulean in color. Wait, your eyes have that aqua green edge."
Namine and Hinata looked at each other and saw they had it as well. "I can explain that. What's happened to your eyes is the norm here. It's a sign that the infusion was a success. You may not have noticed it, but both Sephiroth, myself, and Washu have it as well. You might also notice your pupil's have become slightly more oval in shape."
They looked at each other and saw that it was true. Well, they couldn't see it in Hinata as her pupil's were the same color as her irises. "Is this going to be OK for our eyes to be like this?" asked Hinata who was worried about what effect it would have on her blood limit.
"I don't think so. If anything, you will probably see even better than ever before as well as being more perceptive. Now, about the mission to the other side of the world. I'm assuming that Roxas and Namine will be going with the two of you and Sephiroth?" asked Maze.
Naruto and Hinata looked at them as Roxas said "Of course. We're a team now, right? It wouldn't feel right for us to just stay here and wait for them to return." Namine nods and says "That's right. Besides, they helped me and I want to help them in return. And besides, my power might be able to help them learn the truth."
Maze nods and says "Very well. Naruto, Hinata, you two better take these with you." He then reaches into a bag and pulls out two devices and hands them to the young former nin. "What are they?" asked Naruto.
"Holo-imager's, created by Washu. Seeing as you two are believed to be dead by your village, or so we are assuming, it would be better if you guys are is disguise when you first arrive. At least until you learn the truth and determine if your old home is still friendly towards you or not."
Naruto and Hinata took them and placed them on their wrist. "How do we activate them?" asked Hinata. "Sephiroth will explain how on the boat ride over. Be warned though, they will only have enough power for seventy two hours total. So try to make sure you have what you need in that time."
They nod as they stand. "OK, return to your rooms and ready yourselves for the mission. Sephiroth will be along to get you when he has everything ready to go. One more thing. Naruto, Hinata, if you two decide to remain back in the Leaf village, we will understand. Just remember, you will always have a place here should you choose to stay and have seconds thoughts later."
"Thank you, master Maze" said Naruto and Hinata together as they and Roxas and Namine left the room. He looks at the door they just walked out of and says to himself "Good luck, and have a safe journey."
As they walk down the hall way, Naruto sees Roxas lost in thought and ask "Hey, what you thinking about Roxy?" Roxas shakes his head and says "I still have this feeling that I am forgetting something."
Naruto pats him on the back and says "Hey, if it was anything important, you'd remember it. I'm sure it's nothing."
(elsewhere)
"Hey, miss Sheena. I found her" yelled a young girl with bright green hair and dressed in a ninja dress garb colored in several shades of blue.
Sheena walked over and said "Good work, Natsume. Go and find Kite and let him know we found her and we will need his help in taking her back to the Guild." Natsume nods and runs off to find her good friend.
Sheena looks down at the girl beneath her and says "Yuffie, what are we going to do with you? It's not proper to cause your guild this trouble. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Yuffie is laying in a pile of trash, her body pale and slightly shaking as she looks vacantly into the sky while muttering "Naruto.....must kill...Naruto..." over and over again.
(two hours later, Rastara docks)
The group had arrived at the docks and were about to board the ship when Maze appeared before them. "Is there something we forgot?" asked Sephiroth as he walked over to Maze. Shaking his head, Maze said "No, just wanted to see you guys off since you'll be gone for who knows how long. And the fact I need to know what name your team will be called."
Sephiroth realized that he was right. He had yet to give them an official name to be known as. He stood there for a moment before smiling as he said "How about the One Winged?" Maze thinks about it and says "That's a little weird but it's your team so what ever. Well guys, good luck and stay safe out there."
They all nod as they bord the ship. A few minutes later, they set off for the other side of the world. Naruto, Hinata, Roxas, and Namine spent the first half of the day looking around the ship and enjoying some of it's finer features. It was near in the afternoon that Naruto and Hinata decided to have some private time on the front of the ship.
They looked out at the sunset as the day started to come to an end. Hinata looked to Naruto and saw him with a serious expression on his face. "Naruto, is something wrong?" she asked.
He turned and looked at her and said "Maybe, I'm not really sure. There's a part of me that wants to go and get some answer's from back home. But there is also a part of me that want's to not go back and just try to forget about all of this."
Hinata nods as she says "I'm worried too. I can't help but wonder if this is a mistake on our part. If it might be better if we just let the past remain as just that, the past. But I know this is something we have to do. If we don't, then we'll spend the rest of our lives wondering about what happened and if we really were betrayed."
"Yeah, even if this does turn out be a mistake and we find ourselves wishing we hadn't come back, we still need to see this through to the end. At least we have people we can trust with us now" says Naruto.
"Hey Naruto, Hinata, master Sephiroth wants to see us" shouts Namine as she appears nearby. "Well, we better get going then, huh?" says Naruto. Hinata nods as they clasp hands together and walk to Namine. It doesn't take long for them to arrive in the room assigned to them were Roxas and Sephiroth are waiting.
"You wanted to see us, master?" asked Hinata as she, Naruto, and Namine take a seat. Sephiroth nods as he says "Yes, seeing as we won't be arriving till tomorrow afternoon, I thought I'd take the time to tell you some thing's you might need to know."
"Like what?" asked Roxas.
"Well, like about me for example and about KNIGHT as well. You may not know this, but you guys are not my first team. Your actually my second and...well.....thing's got a little dicey here and there. So I'm going to tell you about my previous team, the team I was on during my early days, and about several others who's names you should know."
"OK, were all ears" said Naruto.
Taking a moment to catch focus his mind, Sephiroth says "This is story of myself, Angeal, and Genesis and our mentor Ghaleon. The story of my original team; Zach and Aerith. And the story about the man who betrayed KNIGHT who was an Avatar like yourself, Naruto. This will be hard to hear, so please bare with me."
They all nod as Sephiroth began his tail.
YT
"As your test giver, I'd like to welcome you three to KNIGHT. My name is Cid, now tell me yours." said the bald headed man to the three kids before him. The first to stand up and speak was a boy with black hair. "My name is Angeal sir." Next to stand was a red headed boy wearing a red coat. "I'm Genesis." And the last to stand was a boy with shoulder length silver hair. "And I'm Sephiroth."
Cid nods and says "I see, and all three of you are from Balamb Garden, correct?" The three boys nod, earning an affirming nod from Cid. "So tell me, why join KNIGHT? From what I remember, Balamb has it's own force that's comparable to KNIGHT. I believe it is called SeeD or something like that."
"That's correct sir, but there is a very good reason for us wanting to join" said Angeal.
"The problem with SeeD is that they only focus on dealing's happening in the immediate territory. KNIGHT, on the other hand, does mission's that encompass the entire continent and will even go beyond if need be" said Genesis.
"I understand. But still, it seems a far way to come just to be one of us. After all, Balamb Garden is far west on the far side of the continent from us here in Rastara" said Cid.
"That is true, sir. But we are willing to go any distance to achieve our goals and dreams. And becoming Seed's just doesn't give us that opportunity like KNIGHT can" said Sephiroth.
"And that would be?" asked Cid.
"To see the world, become as strong as possible, and save any and every person that is in trouble" they all said as one.
"In other words, you wish to become heroes. Is that it?" asked a man who had just walked up. The young hopefuls looked at the newly arrived figure. He was dressed in dark pants and a dark long sleeved shirt and a purple colored cape. He had pale skin, pointy, elf like ears, and very interesting eyes with red irises and what looked like a slit like pupils.
"Ah, master Ghaleon, I see you have returned. Did your mission go well?" asked Cid as he turned to looked at the best agent in KNIGHT.
"Of course, it was easy for me. To be honest, I'm kind of getting bored with the missions as of late. I feel like I need a new challenge to help me escape my growing boredom" said Ghaleon.
"I think I have someting that might give you a challenge. Stop by my office later and we'll talk about it" said Cid.
Ghaleon nods, then turns his attention back to the boys. He then says "So, do you three want to be hero's?"
The three boys just shrug which earns a laugh from Ghaleon. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to become a hero. Just a word of advice though. Don't seek out the hero title. Just go about your lives as you normally would. If you are destined to become heroes some day, then history and the people who write that history will be the ones to make it happen."
The three boys nod as Ghaleon turns and walks away. Cid watches him go, then turns back and says "Never forget what he said. Heroes don't go seeking the title, they just do as they do and let other's give them the status of heroes. Now, follow me and we will see about giving you guys some weapons."
Fifteen minutes later, the four of them are standing inside the Forge Gel room as Cid finishes reading the information they wrote onto their application's. "I see all of you are proficient in sword play from my readings. Not surprising seeing as most prefer swords as weapons over anything else. Let's begin."
Genesis looks around and then asked "So, where are the weapons? All I can see is row upon row of that weird gel stuff."
Cid smiles as he inputs some commands into the computer. "That's what your suppose to see. It is our belief that everyone has their own true weapon sealed with in them. The gel you see in this room is called Forge Gel. By using special technologies we have here at KNIGHT, we can access the weapon of your soul and manifest it through the gel as a physical object."
"You serious?" asked Angeal.
Cid nods and says "More than serious. Once the weapon is summoned forth, it becomes an extension of yourself. You and only you will be able to us that weapon to it's fullest extent. You will give it it's name by listening to your heart and will be the one who gives that weapon its strength. The weapon will only be as strong as the one who wields it."
Sephiroth laughs and says "Boy, that sounds really corny." Cid laughs as well as three gel samples are lowered onto a table. He then looks at Sephiroth and says "You're probably right about that, which is why you get to go first. Just put both hands into the gel and the machine will do the rest."
Sephiroth nods as he walks up to one of the gels and sinks both hands into the gel, earning an eww and a shiver from him. "You OK, Sephy?" asked Angeal. "Yeah, but this is really gross and unnerving" said Sephiroth. Genesis grins as he says "Ah, just grin and bare it, ya big baby."
"OK, that's enough of that. Sephiroth, until the process is over, keep your hands in the gel. Removing them before the process is over will mess the weapon up. Ready?" Sephiroth nods as the machine is activated. Two metal orbs emerge and electrical energy begins to pass through the gel, causing it to glow and become very hot feeling.
Sephiroth keeps his hand in the gel, even though he wishes he could remove them. After a minute, the process is complete and Sephiroth and the others look upon a curved sword blade that is over three feet in length.
"Wow, never seen a blade that long before. So, what will you name her?" asked Cid.
Sephiroth thinks for a minute, then smiles as he says "Masamune."
Cid writes it down, then turns to Angeal and Genesis and says "So, who's next?"
Angeal goes next and what he gets is a big thick looking blade with two small holes near the hilt. "Buster Sword" he says as he looks at it.
Finally, Genesis turn comes up and what he gets is a red colored blade with an ornate looking hilt. He smiles with pride as he looks at his weapon as he says "Loveless."
"OK then, you three are going to become something special, I just know it. Now, I'll show you to your quarter's so you can get some rest. I will also give you some money so you three can go into town and buy food for yourselves. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to your KNIGHT Master and tell you about your test mission."
"Wait, what do you mean by test mission?" asked Angeal. "Simple, even though we have welcomed you into KNIGHT, it doesn't mean that you are truly one of us yet. You need to take a special test mission in which your master will observe you three and determine if you have what it takes to be a KNIGHT. If you don't impress, you will be let go and your weapons taken and returned to being forge gel again for future use."
(the next day)
"OK boys, you ready to meet your new master?" asked Cid. They nod as the door behind them opens and Ghaleon enters. "Master Ghaleon?" says Genesis as the older man enters. "Ah, I see you three remember me. Good, now we can get on with the mission details."
"Wait, no offence but why are you here sir?" asked Angeal. Ghaleon laughs and says "Well, remember me saying about being bored when we met yesterday and Cid here saying he had an idea to help me?" The three youths nod at hearing that. "Well, he said I should become take on a team and that would make things interesting for me. I figured what the hell, it might be fun. So I went with it and here I am now."
"That's right, he will be your master....if you can prove yourselves worthy of him that is. Now, let's talk about the mission..." said Cid as he began his explanation of what they were to do.
(seven years later)
Ghaleon stood before his team he he finished presenting them with their KNIGHT Crest which symbolized their new status as masters. "You three have worked long and hard for these and now, you have earned them and all that rights that come with them. I am very proud of you guys."
They stood and looked back over the assembled crowd of fellow KNIGHT members. It was weird seeing everyone here, but it was also expected seeing as they had become rather famous for the things they had accomplished in this short time. Cid stepped forward and said "I now give you the newest master's of KNIGHT; Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis."
Everyone cheered and clapped widly which brought smiles the the three of them's faces. With the cerimony over, it was time for the party. Sometime later on, Ghaleon approached his now former team. "Well, I must admit I never thought this day would come. But it's not for the wrong reason."
"Whys that, master Ghaleon?" asked Genesis.
"To be honest, I guess I just got use to you three being with me. You definitely made my life much easier and at the same time, more difficult. But at least I wasn't bored like I had been before hand" said Ghaleon.
"So, what happens now?" asked Angeal.
"Actually, that's what I came here to talk with you guys about. I've decided to retire from KNIGHT after I complete my next mission" said Ghaleon.
"But why? We were hoping we might still get to work with you again in the future. Not as master and student's, but as partners" said Sephiroth.
"I know, but this was something that has been in the coming for a long time now. The truth is, with the three of you here now, KNIGHT doesn't really need me anymore. Plus, this gives me a chance to fulfill a promise I made years ago to an old friend by becoming head Magister of the magic kingdom of Vane."
"And what about us? What happens to us three from here on out?" asked Genesis.
"Well, once we are done with this party, we are to go to Cid's office and he will tell us as well as give me my last mission. I believe he is also retiring as he has recently began to train a successor to take over for him here in KNIGHT. I believe his successor is named Maze. Well let's go see him now, unless you three still want to party" said Ghaleon.
They shake their heads and they join their former mentor to see Cid.
(Cid's office)
"Ah, I was wondering when you four would arrive. Thought I might have to send some one to find you" said Cid as he looked on his new arrivals.
"Hey Cid, hear you have a replacement to train" said Angeal.
"That's right. I can feel myself becoming to old for this crap so I'm going to push it onto some poor sap for future trauma. Now, I bet you are feeling curious about your first mission as master's., am I right?" asked Cid.
They nodded as Cid takes a seat at his desk and says "Alright then. First, I think we should talk about a mysterious series of event's that have been happeing recently throughout the continent."
"We've heard of it, but we haven't been told anything other than rumors" said Sephiroth.
"Well, according to reports we've been getting about the incident, it appears some sort of malevolent force has appeared and has began to attack people. We don't know all the details yet, but we've given this force the code name PHAZE. The symptoms for PHAZE are that your eye ball turns pure black, the iris turns blood red, and black bubbles began to emerge from the body. We aren't sure what causes it, but anyone exhibiting these symptoms becomes extremely violent and even more dangerous. And worse is the fact that it appears to be contagious if you are cut by some one infected with PHAZE" said Cid.
"And I guess our mission is to deal with this?" said Sephiroth.
Cid shakes his head and says "Well, sort of. I want the three of you to go investigate one sight that happens to be near your home of Balamb Garden. We've been getting reports of people exhibiting these symptoms in surrounding villages and we felt it best to send you guys, seeing as you are familiar with the region."
"What do we do if we encounter PHAZE infected people?" asked Genesis.
"We have Washu making a device that can purge the sickness from people right now. Once she is done, you guys will leave to deal with the issue. Now, as for you Ghaleon. We need you to go north to Novotia. PHAZE has been spotted there as well. And as you know, Novotia is dragon territory. We're worried about what might happen if a dragon is infected, to say nothing of many dragons."
"Understood, this seems like a good way to end my time here with KNIGHT. So, will I be going alone?" asked Ghaleon.
Before Cid can reply, the door opens and a blue haired man enters the room. He is wearing white pants, a blue colored top with a scarf wrapped around his neck and orange colored shades on his face. "No, I will be coming with you. Cid doesn't want to take any chances with this. After all, even an AVATAR such as yourself needs back up from time to time."
Ghaleon looks at the new arrival and grins as he says "Ah, so we get to work together at last. I must say, I've been looking forward to this for a long time, Ovan."
"Indeed, as have I. I don't see any trouble with this, but still..." said Ovan.
Cid broke in and said "Ovan here is the one who first discovered the PHAZE and reported it to us. As such, I felt he would be the best choice to accompany you, Ghaleon. Is that alright?"
"Yes, it will make things fun" said Ghaleon.
"Alright then, once Washu is finished, you all will leave to complete the mission assigned to you. I wish you all luck" said Cid.
Impulse 8 Travel Impulse
next time: the look into the past continues as we learn about what happened to Genesis, Angeal's decision to leave, Sephiroth's first team, the great tragedy of KNIGHT, and the loss of Ghaleon. And also, the arrival in the Leaf village and the beginning of the truth there.
be here next Impulse for: Hidden Impulse.