Blurred Lines
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 3
"You really think that you've discovered a Traveler?" Kimimaro asks Orochimaru.
They had been stuck in this realm for years. Kimimaro hated it here. He hated the loud noises, the pollution, the crowds, and everything about this realm. He just wanted to go home. He wanted to be able to fly again and not have to hide his wings.
If Orochimaru had really found a Traveler, they might be able to return. That would be wonderful. The white haired man felt positively giddy at the possibility.
"I don't think that I've discovered a Traveler. I know. The only problem is that he's suspicious of me. We must earn his trust. He has three friends. If you can get close to one of them, that might be the key." The college professor says.
"I will certainly try my best. Who are his three companions?" The green eyed fairy inquires softly.
Orochimaru smirks. He knew that he could count on Kimimaro. That was a good thing because humans were so unreliable. Honestly, he couldn't wait to get back to his own world.
"I pulled up their files on the computer. You can have a look and decide which you think might be the most agreeable to your friendship." He offers.
"Alright." The fairy replies as he glances at the computer.
Hmm. This Traveler had a diverse group of friends. The first was a red headed woman with glasses. According to her files, she was quite bright. The poor thing had changed her major three times already though. She was what he would call indecisive or what some humans would call a space case.
"Hmm I don't think the girl would be a good choice. I'll have a look at his male companions." Kimimaro murmurs as he looks at Suigetsu's profile.
The fairy gives the second profile a once over and frowns. Hmm. He wasn't entirely sure. This one was handsome, but he was almost certainly a man who preferred the company of women. Seduction would make things much easier. That and he seemed far too abrasive for his tastes.
"Suigetsu appears to be rather aggressive. Let me examine Jugo's information." He says.
Orochimaru nods. He couldn't really argue with Kimimaro's assessment. By the Gods and Goddesses, Suigetsu had a foul mouth and he was completely uncultured. He wasn't their best target.
Kimimaro would likely choose Karin or Jugo. He wasn't entirely certain which. He didn't care either. As long as his "friend" was successful, it didn't matter to him. The Goblin King just wanted to return home.
"Is Jugo a man who prefers the company of other men?" The fairy asks softly.
Hmm. Come to think of it, Orochimaru wasn't entirely certain. Karin and Suigetsu were obviously straight. He was almost certain that Sasuke was gay. Jugo was a bit of a wild card in that department though.
"It's unclear. Though he's obviously the most gentle between the four of them. The man is certainly a gentle giant." Orochimaru observes.
"Alright. I shall see if I can befriend Jugo. If he turns out to prefer men, seduction is my natural first impulse. Humans are so easily tricked when it comes to such things. That and he is quite attractive. I've rarely seen a man his size either." He muses.
The Goblin King nods in agreement. If Jugo belonged in their realm, he was almost certain that the other man would be a giant. What else could he possibly be?
"Well I believe you have your target. Good luck. With any luck, we'll be home soon." Orochimarui says with a smirk as Kimimaro nods and heads off.
Hmm. Now it was just a matter of finding Jugo and trying to win him over. Fortunately, he at least knew where the gentle giant's dorm was. That was a start.
He knew this was fighting dirty, but Kimimaro just wanted to return to his own realm. Besides, he wasn't actually going to hurt Jugo. He was just going to get close to him, so the other man could convince Sasuke to take them back. That's why he pretended to fall and cries out in pain.
"AHHHHH!" He screams in feigned agony.
It didn't take long for the door to immediately slam open and for the orange haired man to race to his side. Kimimaro fights back the impulse to smile. Such a sweet human, he was so eager to help another human in pain. He almost felt guilty for deceiving him.
"Are you alright?" He asks as he sits down to try to help Kimimaro.
"I think that I broke my leg. Can you help me up?" He groans in pretend pain.
"Of course. You're lucky. The nurse's office isn't far from here." Jugo says as he helps the fairy up and escorts him off.
The white haired man smiles. It was a start. Nothing endeared humans to you faster than allowing them to rescue you. There was some things that were truly universal regardless of species.
Kimimaro didn't have any qualms about exploiting that fact. Orochimaru had a Kingdom to return to and he had his enchanted forests. It was all going according to plan. Soon, very soon, they would be home.
Meanwhile Sasuke had fallen asleep. He immediately knew when he was back in the other realm because he was still wrapped in Naruto's furs. He feels himself blush at that knowledge.
"You're awake." Naruto says cheerfully.
"Yeah. Naruto, what happens to my body when I fall asleep?" Sasuke asks cautiously.
He had been wondering about that. Apparently, his body didn't go anywhere in the human world when he went to this strange place. That might or might not be the case here though.
"Well you just kinda fade out. I don't really know what happens to you when you aren't here. I assume you go back home. It's very advanced magic. I'm more of a practical dragon. I've never been gifted at magic. I like it. It's pretty, but I'm better at raiding, hunting, and things like that!" Naruto exclaims.
"Good to know." Sasuke says, feeling a bit relieved.
At least his body wasn't still in Eien no yume, when he woke up. That was good. Wait. What was he saying? This was still just a bunch of crazy dreams.
"If you desire, I can take you to Gaara's Kingdom!" He exclaims brightly.
"Who is Gaara?" Sasuke asks warily, not at all sure if he really wanted to leave the cave.
Naruto was strangely cuddly for a Viking. Sasuke wasn't an idiot though. He could see from the blonde's muscles that he could do some damage. Despite the fact that the other man was clearly powerful and could turn into a dragon, Sasuke felt ridiculously safe around him.
The Viking was obviously into him. Naruto wouldn't let anything happen to him as long as he played nicely and Sasuke couldn't lie. Naruto was hot. That was a stupid thought, but it was a reoccurring one. He might have been half crazy, but he wasn't blind. The blonde was gorgeous.
"He's my friend. Gaara lives in the next Kingdom over. He rules over a land known as Egypt. It's very hot there! He's a Pharaoh. That's what they call their King." Naruto explains.
Of course. His Viking Dragoon was friends with a fucking Pharaoh. It made perfect sense in some demented way. Why wouldn't Naruto be friends with an Egyptian Ruler?!
"Is Gaara human or is he a Dragoon too?" Sasuke asks cautiously.
"Gaara's not human or a Dragoon. He's blessed by the Gods with something else. He's a sorcerer!" Naruto exclaims brightly.
Wonderful. A Pharaoh with magic. Of course. It all made sense, Sasuke thinks to himself bitterly.
"What kind of sorcery does he practice? Is it good magic?" The elf inquires cautiously.
"Well Gaara has Earth Magic. Mostly he uses his Sand, but he can do other stuff. His magic is very strong. They say he has the Ultimate Defense. His Sand is a lot stronger than it sounds. You have to see it, to really understand his power." The blonde finishes.
Right. Sand. Well Sasuke supposed that made sense. He did live in Egypt. The sorcerer had an endless supply of sand to work with for his ultimate defense.
"I'm not so sure this is a good idea. I kinda like it here." Sasuke says.
"Well it is tempting just to hide you away in the cave and I can cover you with lots of fur and show you all the treasures, I have. Father says that it'd be a good idea for you to see more of our world though." The Viking says.
"Alright. I guess it's okay. My location doesn't seem to matter when I go back and forth." He says with more confidence than he really felt.
Narutao nods approvingly. He quickly stuffs some items into a sack and takes Sasuke's hand. The blonde then proceeds to lead them out of the cave.
"Is that the Traveler?" A busty blonde woman asks.
Sasuke blinks. He didn't know that cleavage could get that large. If this was the modern era, he would seriously think that she had breasts implants. Those had to be real though. I mean they were in the Viking Era!
"Yes, this is Sasuke. He's a Traveler and in this realm, he's a Forest Elf. I'm going to take him to visit with Gaara. Our King thinks it's a good idea for him to explore our realm more." Naruto says as if this was all perfectly natural.
Sasuke felt like he was the new kid at school and Naruto had volunteered to show him around. It was a strange sensation. As he was pondering the matter, he decides it would probably be a good idea to lower his gaze.
He very much doubted that the Viking woman would appreciate him staring at her chest. It wasn't his fault though. He was gay, but that didn't make him blind. How could he NOT notice?!
"Very well. Make sure to take good care of the elf. Travelers are rare." She reminds him.
"I know. I'll make sure no harm comes to him." Naruto assures her as the two of them head further off.
Sasuke shivers. He didn't know if he particularly liked the way that all the other Vikings were gawking at him. Though he figured that likely had something to do with the fact that most of them had swords, axes, or spears. Seeing all those weapons, made him more than a little nervous.
"Don't worry, Sasuke. They wouldn't attack you. Father and I would be furious, if they did. None of them want to earn our wrath." Naruto assures him as they get further into the forest.
"That's good. Naruto, what are you doing?" Sasuke asks as the Viking hands him the sack.
"I'm transforming. It will be easier, just to fly us there." He says as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Sasuke blinks. Naruto wanted him to RIDE him?! He was going to ride a dragon?
Yes, that settled it. This HAD to be a dream. There was no way that he was actually about to ride a freaking dragon!
"You wouldn't mind me riding you?" He asks in surprise.
"You can ride me as much as you like in all manner of ways. In this case though, I just want to get us to Egypt. I really think that you'll like it." The blue eyed Viking informs him.
Sasuke feels his face burn red. Naruto was anything, but subtle. He was pretty sure if the blonde had his way, they would already be lovers.
"Good to know. I guess it's okay. I mean if you don't mind." Sasuke says quickly.
"I don't." Naruto says as he begins to transform.
Sasuke watches in awe. A handsome Viking suddenly morphed into a terrifying dragon. It was incredible. Honestly, he was a bit impressed by his subconscious.
"You're amazing." He whispers.
"Thank you. Ready to go meet Gaara? I think that you'll really like him and Egypt!" Naruto says.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Sasuke admits as he gets on the back of the dragon and Naruto takes the sack into his mouth, before they fly off.
Back on Earth, it was now morning. Suigetsu had gone off to find Karin. He was worried about Sasuke. That didn't mean that he was going to spill the other man's secrets of course, but he needed a distraction.
"Morning, Karin!" He says cheerfully.
Karin was always good for that. He loved riling her up. Damn. That woman could get really, really mad over the stupidest shit.
That was one of the reasons why he kept her around. She was funny. Oh and she had some nice legs. Yep. That was why.
"Suigetsu, don't. Just don't. I have to focus on my term paper." She informs him.
"Awe. That's no fun. Besides, that thing isn't due for two whole weeks! Come on! All work and no play, makes you a dull girl!" He exclaims.
Jugo chuckles as he walks over to them and pushes Kimimaro in a wheelchair. Kimimaro was apparently a new exchange student and the poor guy had slipped over the wet floor and broken his leg.
Naturally, he felt bad for the gorgeous exchange student. So Jugo had offered to help him get to his classes. Kimimaro seemed nice. That was why the gentle giant was going to introduce him to his friends.
"All things in moderation. Perhaps Karin could join us for breakfast and then work on her paper." Kimimaro says serenely.
"Wait. Who the Hell are you?" Suigetsu asks.
"This is Kimimaro. He's a new student here. I thought that it would be good to introduce him to more people. Suigetsu, don't be a jerk to him. He's from Iceland." Jugo says.
Suigetsu raises an eyebrow. Jugo was a nice guy. He could understand the big guy wanting to be nice to a newbie. This seemed a little bit more serious than that though.
No way. It looked like Sasuke wasn't the only gay member of Taka. Jugo was totally feeling Mr. Forest Eyes. That or maybe Jugo was bisexual.
"Don't worry about him. Suigetsu has a foul mouth. That's all. I'm Karin. It seems that you already met Jugo. I'd introduce you to Sasuke, but I'm not sure where he is at the moment." Karin says.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Kimimaro says with a sweet smile.
"Fine. Fine. Sorry. I guess I just didn't get much sleep last night. Anyway, Kimimaro has the right idea. We should get some breakfast. You can't type up a kickass essay, if you are hungry." The violet eyed college student reasons.
Karin shakes her head in amusement. Half the time, she wanted to strangle Suigetsu. The other half of the time, he was funny as Hell. She was never really sure what to do with him. Well other than yell at him. A lot.
"I guess that's a good point. After all, they do say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day." She says as she gets up and heads off with her friends.
Inwardly, Kimimaro smirks. It was all going according to plan. Soon enough, he and Orochimaru would be able to return home.
He just had to bide his time and be patient. It was important to earn the trust of these humans. Luckily, he was a fairy. Fairies could be quite charming, when they desired to be so.
Back in Eien No Yume, Sasuke was riding on the back of a dragon. He couldn't believe it. He knew that this was just all a really vivid dream, but that didn't stop him from feeling utterly elated.
"I can see the pyramids from up here!" Sasuke exclaims.
"Yes, there's no better view than up in the sky. I'm glad you like it. Gaara's Kingdom is well known for its vast monuments. My tribe prefers just to collect treasure, but Egyptians are really big on building." Naruto muses as he flies them towards the largest of the palaces in Egypt.
"Aren't they going to be afraid? When they see you in the sky, won't they try to shoot us?" Sasuke whispers.
Naruto chuckles. His elf had a lot to learn about their world. That was okay though. He certainly didn't mind teaching him.
"No. They know that I'm friends with Gaara. They won't attack. That and unless they are enchanted arrows, arrows won't harm me. My hide is too thick." He explains.
"Oh right. Well that's god to know. My hide isn't though. I'd rather not get shot." Sasuke says.
"I would never let anyone shoot you." The golden dragon assures him as they land and he shifts back into his human form.
Sasuke smiles. He knew that it was crazy, but he believed Naruto when he said that. Still it would be nice to know that he could handle himself in this world.
He had his quiver of arrows. Thankfully, he had taken archery lessons in the real world. That and supposedly he had magic. He just had to figure out what kind of magic.
"Do you think that Gaara could teach me how to use my magic?" He whispers.
"It's possible. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to bring you here actually. Gaara's magic is highly specialized, but his siblings are also blessed. Princess Temari controls wind and Prince Kankuro can bring his puppets to life!" The blonde exclaims.
He said it in such a way, that Sasuke was sure that the blonde thought all those abilities were really cool. Honestly, they all sounded interesting. Sasuke still thought that Naruto had won out on the magical contest though. He could turn into a dragon. That was something that was hard to top!
"Prince Naruto, what are you doing here?" A young man asks.
Sasuke estimates that he was probably around their age. Then again, they were in a magical realm where people could control elements and turn into dragons. Maybe he shouldn't assume that he understood anything.
A few moments ago, they had been in a forest. A forest that Vikings lived in. Now they were inside an ancient Egyptian Palace. Clearly, time and space worked differently here. So maybe age did as well.
"Good day, Lord Shikamaru. I wanted to speak with the Pharaoh. It's a very important matter. I found a Traveler!" Naruto says.
Once he said Traveler, Sasuke notes that Shikamaru's jaw dropped. Yeah. Apparently, these people really loved their Travelers.
"Well I am loathe to interrupt his private time with his Queen, but this is something of an emergency. Please come with me." Shikamaru says as he walks off and the two men follow him down the corridors.
It didn't take long for them to arrive outside what Sasuke assumed was a grand bedroom. Shikamaru knocks. A few moments later, a rather irritated red head peeks his head out.
Sasuke blinks. This man was an Egyptian?! Since when did Egyptians have red hair?! His eyes were also exotic, aqua in color and framed by black tribal like markings. His build frame was medium. He lacked Naruto's stockiness, but those abs were very impressive.
Sasuke could see his abs because the man was only wearing a long white sheet of fabric over his legs and other more interesting areas. There was more than one lovebite on his neck. It didn't take a genius to realize what they had just interrupted.
"Hello, Gaara. I'm sorry about interrupting your merriment with Queen Mei, but I thought that you'd like to know that I found a Traveler!" Naruto says.
"I'm pleased to hear of this. Though it would have been nice, if you had brought him a few hours later. Come in, my friend." He says dryly as he opens the door.
Inside was a grand royal bedchamber. Sasuke was sure that the bed's sheets and curtains drawn around it were made of the finest silk imaginable. There was gold, silver, and gems everywhere with a fireplace roaring in the middle. Sasuke saw more than a few bottles of what he assumed to be wine.
"My love, who is it?" A woman says as she saunters off the bed.
Sasuke wasn't sure if he would call her a red head exactly. Maybe auburn was more accurate. Either way, she had long hair that reached to her toes. Her eyes were green and had wrapped one of the sheets around her rather curvaceous frame.
Apparently, it was VERY good to be King. Well Pharaoh. Sasuke wasn't even straight and even he had to admit that she was beautiful.
"Naruto is here and he has brought a friend. A Traveler. An elf by the looks of it." Gaara replies in amusement.
"Only Naruto." She says with a giggle as she glances at them up and down.
Sasuke felt like he was being sized up. The elf quickly stands besides Naruto. He wanted to make it clear that they were very much a packaged set in this case. Pissing off an Egyptian Queen or her Pharaoh was likely a one way ticket to a swift execution.
"Indeed. I'm Gaara and this is my Queen Mei. In public, you will address me as Your Excellency and her as Your Highness. In private, we shall be friends and call each other by our birth names. What shall I call you, Traveler? I believe something other than Naruto's lover is necessary." He muses.
"I'm not his lover." Sasuke grumbles and tries his best not to blush.
"He's a little shy, but he laid with me last night. I just haven't actually Claimed him yet." Naruto says a bit sheepishly.
Yet?! Sasuke wasn't sure how he felt about Naruto's usage of the word yet. To the blonde, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that they were going to be lovers. He didn't know whether to be flattered by Naruto's desires or annoyed at his presumptuousness.
"My apologies. I shouldn't have assumed things." Gaara says.
"Mmm you're more patient than I. I would have already done so. Such a handsome little elf. Perhaps we can all play together some time. My husband likes appreciates both feminine and masculine beauty." She says brightly.
To Sasuke's relief, Gaara's face was now as red as his hair. It looked like Mei was the more aggressive one in that relationship. Good to know.
"Mei, you really shouldn't invite someone into our bed that quickly." Gaara lightly chastises her.
"If Naruto desires him and thinks he's a trustworthy companion, I see no reason not to trust his judgment. Of course, you will always be my first love and I love you most. Still I think that it would be quite the grand time." She says.
Gaara sighs. He loved his wife dearly. He couldn't entirely blame the woman. She was half succubus. Her mother had been a succubus and her father had been a desert elf.
"Please forgive my wife. She's half succubus. She would never bed someone without asking me first, but well…Mei can not always control herself." He sighs with a sigh.
"It's alright. I'm flattered really, but I'm a one person elf." Sasuke says.
"Understandable. Well I suppose this calls for a celebration. It's not often that we find a Traveler. Do you do it consciously or unconsciously?" He inquires.
Sasuke sighs in relief. Finally, they could get down to business. He was beginning to wonder, if anyone other than maybe Shikamaru was a professional in this world.
"Unconsciously. I have no idea why I keep coming here. I just know that when I fall asleep, I come here. When I wake, I'm home." He says.
"In that case, there is much that you have to learn. You may have full usage of the Library of Alexandria." Gaara says and Sasuke blinks.
Wait. THAT Library? The one that had been burned down? It still existed in this world and the red head was going to let HIM use it?!
"That's very kind of you. Thank you." Sasuke says.
It was amazing that he could even speak. First, he had ridden a dragon. Now, he was going to explore a wonder of the ancient world. What the Hell was he going to dream up next?!