Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, or any of the Final Fantasy games.
Two blonds were riding a silver fox throughout the desert. One holding on to the other. Naruto was sitting closer to the back of the fox holding onto Rikku, making sure she didn't fall. The girl had already fallen asleep. The boy still had his Goukatoushin strapped to his back, which was now his favorite weapon. However the ninja was extremely pissed at the moment. He didn't even bother to watch where they were going, knowing that Tsukiakari could find the way quite easily. The blond boy was thinking mostly about what he would end up doing to both Yama and Yamu when they made it back to Home. Oh, he was going to make them pay dearly...
While Naruto was plotting, Rikku wasn't actually asleep. She was thinking about what had happened. Not only had a giant worm eaten her, but Naruto was powerful enough to kill it. She was even betrayed by two of her own people. But what she finally realized, was that she barely knew anything about her blonde friend. How can he stick to walls? She had never asked, she just simply accepted it. The girl didn't know about the boy's family, his home, his friends, or his abilities. However, she vowed that she was going to find out. With that the Al Bhed fell asleep. For real this time.
About two hours later (which was much longer than the buggy ride, but Tsukiakari found it hard to find scents in the sand) the three could finally see Home again. Naruto decided to let Rikku sleep though, while he went to find Cid. After all, she was the one eaten by a giant worm, not him. When the two blonds riding the fox came close to Home, they attracted quite a few stares. Which was most likely because they were riding a giant (by their standards) silver fox. The shinobi decided that they were getting too much attention, and dispelled the fox in favor of walking. After a while though, Naruto noticed that people were still staring. He knew that it was strange for him to be carrying Rikku bridal style, but why did they all look like they'd seen a ghost?
The ninja ended up brushing it off to focus more on getting to Cid's office. A little more than halfway there however, the blonde boy ran in to Gippal. The man looked shocked also. What was so strange? He decided to simply ask. He had talked to Gippal a few times, but they weren't buddies or anything. They just tolerated each other.
"Gippal, why is everyone acting like they have seen the living dead? What happened?" Naruto asked curiously.
"N-naruto, Rikku, we heard that the both of you were dead." Gippal said with confusion evident in his voice.
"What! Who told you this?" Naruto thought for a moment. "It was Yama and Yamu right? It was them that told you we were both dead." He said with a slight growl.
"Yes, they did. But I see that you are both alright now. I also imagine that you would like to speak to Cid as soon as possible. Would you like me to take Rikku up to her room for you?" Gippal said while stretching out his arms to take the Al Bhed girl.
"Alright. I need to speak to Cid soon and get this mess all fixed up. Thank you." Naruto told the man as he gave Rikku to him. They both went their separate ways then.
Naruto wasn't happy at all. Not only had the two brothers left him and Rikku in the desert with that worm, they had told everyone they had died! Those two...
When he arrived at Cid's office he could hear three people talking. The ninja was familiar with all three. Cid, Yama, and Yamu. Apparently they still haven't finished telling the tragic story of how the blondes 'died.' Naruto immediately strolled into the room, shocking all three occupants. Although Cid was less surprised. He probably knew that they would survive whatever was out there.
"Well you two, if Naruto was 'swallowed by the sands' as you say, why is he standing right in front of us? And Naruto I am guessing Rikku is fine as well?" Cid asked. Naruto nodded in response to his question and the two Al Bheds were beginning to get very nervous.
"Sir, I believe these two have lied to you and nearly cost me and Rikku our lives. Would you mind if I thought of a suitable punishment? I promise I won't kill them." The ninja said with a big fox grin and a glint in his eye. Now the two men had nearly wet themselves, and were constantly looking towards the door for a slim chance at escape.
"Very well. And welcome back." Cid said with a smirk in the direction of the two men.
For the rest of the day, many people could hear mysterious yells and screams all throughout the top level of the tower. Many claimed it was ghosts, others claimed it was Naruto and Rikku's spirits seeking vengeance on their murderers... Which wouldn't have been far from the truth. Not everyone had been informed of the two still being alive yet. Naruto had the perfect punishment for the two traitors. But that tale would wait until another day...