Alright, seeing my Naruto - GATE idea hasn't been gone off the mind of everyone - let alone that it still has an 'average' amount of success.
I will say now that this chapter is going to be the introduction of the situation of the current world where Naruto will play a key part in, it will contain political elements, but this is both GATE with other animes where this is a bit prevalent, as it will play a role in this story. So it is for the best to try to make the best first representation of the 'prologue' I am trying to portray that I failed with my former GATE-Naruto fic.
I'm going to add some information for the characters who've been named and made their appearances, mainly also for some other characters who will be added, OC's for example:
Naruto Uzumaki: Renowned Shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Leaves, currently suffering from an mind spell that blocks both his memories and process thinking.
Raphtalia: An mixed-race of Raccoon and Tanuki demi-human girl, she's been enslaved for a part of her life, an orphan and the only one who's spend the most time with the wounded an confused Naruto.
Jean Colbert: The professor of the Tristain Academy of Magic, a professor dedicated to history. Having a major dislike to bloodshed and war due to his own experience in war.
Grey Co Aldo: an Saderan Imperial Knight, who has served multiple wars in the name of the Saderan Empire and has a long way of experience. An loyal subject but not an naive one.
Idol Rabier: an Melromarc Noble man, who is the best representation of the rotten core of the corrupt nobility, fanatic in his belief to the Heroes Church, and an total bigot.
Cattleya de La Fontaine: An Tristanian Noble young woman, who's a member of both the La Fontaine and de La Vallière families, having been a graduate of her former school, she accompanied the class to the conference in Rondel.
That's all for the introduction, I will do more underneath, for the OC's.
Also, for those wondering, I also will occasionally throw in translated words in the fic, like French, Arabic, German and others, because these countries often resemble ours.
On the Arabic part, it might get trickier because of dialect stuff, as my family is mainly Moroccan Arabic tongue, and Google Translate isn't the best option always. Also, don't mind some of the names that are loosely based off some places, because I'm trying with something new.
So I've decided to do another few chapters, just to make sure it starts getting a good following and reading, for both my old fans and the new ones who want to see what I have to offer. As I want to warn you all, this fic is a multi-crossover.
Hope you all enjoy it.
Naruto Uzumaki, the Hero of the Fourth Great Shinobi World War and renowned Shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Leaves, now was in a situation that perhaps he'd better be dealing with his full consciousness and with all his memories intact.
He just escaped a flying ship, after slaying a few guards, chopping a sadistic noble's hand, escaping out of an literal air raid, and had jumped into the lake with a small girl that was the only person who knew precisely what happened to him.
But now, he had to swim back upwards, trying to avoid drowning in the cold water together with the girl who was in a more weakened state than himself.
But even Naruto was struggling to get back up, with the cold water not helping the weakened state of his body. As ever peddle attempt he made, the harder it felt for him to get up to the surface level.
'Damn it… Too weak'
His eyes grew heavier, the blonde could feel his body close to giving up, as the impact of the explosion hasn't helped him either, leaving him to be a sinking human boat, ready to enter the bottom.
But he didn't care for that, he looked downwards to the girl in his chest, who was not conscious and had her face buried in his chest. Unable to see if she was breathing or not.
Looking back up, Naruto's eyelids began closing down slowly, his eyes began to close down…
Yank!
His eyelids opened back up, seeing that he was being dragged upwards by the sleeves of his shirt towards the surface - He was being rescued by someone.
By whom, he didn't know. As he still began going out of consciousness as he was exhausted, burned and weak to remain awake for now, only leaving him to question in his mind:
Who was saving him?
Moments earlier
In that lake, that overlooked both the amazing sight of the Knappnai mountains and the double moons, was a fisher boat, where a pair were seen on it.
"Alright, did we catch enough?" One person asked, an younger person who had tanned skin that was the norm for the region's inhabitants. His name was Emir Kalbouchi, an young native fisherman has curly short brown hair and was busy working, catching some fish very early in the morning, so they could sell it in the market.
With him coming from the fishing village of Mohda, their village primarily made their living out of fishing, and they had caught a whole lot of it in their nets, that were filled with it.
Some still flipping around, causing the young man to hold them down from escaping.
"Hold the net down, we're not having a repeat from last time." The older tubbier fisherman barked, Emir's father, Hamed, told him. "And if I see one fish escape, its coming out of your pockets."
"Come on, old man, don't be such a prude." Emir said to his father. "It was an accident, besides, it wasn't my fault-"
"No excuses, now move!"
BOOM!
The explosion caused the fishermen to stop arguing and focus on what that sound was. They both looked around, until Emir then happened to look up and spotted.
"Up there, a ship!"
Indeed, what was flying up there, was an frigate ship that was being attacked from multiple sides by dragons that were swarming it and going around it. Only meaning one thing.
"It's an raid." Emir said it, turning to his father. "Its an raid, old man."
"Yeah, I can see that for myself, son." Hamed commented, watching what the colossal event that was occurring right in front of their eyes, as if it was something out of the usual.
Because for them, it sort of was. With the last two decades of turmoil that had been going on in the country, and especially on the countryside, air raids and attacks on bypassing ships wasn't anew to the fishermen who were themselves no strangers to the recurring violence they're witnessing.
"I wonder who thought it was an good idea to attack an frigate..." Emir questioned, seeing it was rather a big ship that was being assaulted... "Think it could be pirates?"
"Unless they're suicidal." His father scoffed at that suggestion. "It looks like one of those Halkeginian ships, not easy to take them down. So I doubt its that."
"Do you think its then one of the local groups?" Emir then dared to wonder, by meaning one of those groups, he actually meant-
"Son, don't bring up your hopes."
"But if it is them, then-"
BOOM!
A large explosion came from the side of the frigate, ending the conversation between father and son, watching part of the ship burn up in flames.
"Damn, they made a mess." Emir watched in awe as the flames were very visible. "You think it was planned?"
"Seeing those dragons fly off, I doubt it." Hamed stated, then noticing. "Look there."
Something was falling, and it was coming very close to their boat. Just when it was about to fall right into the lake, the two saw what it was.
A person, a young man perhaps - was holding in his arms a small child, having just jumped off the ship and right into the deep lake.
They watched for a good moment to digest what just had happened, until the youngest of the two reacted.
"Was that-"
"What are you waiting for, boy!"
"Huh?"
"Jump after them, before they drown!" Hamed shouted, yanking his son up. "Hurry!"
Doing what his father told him to, Emir wasted no time to jump into the lake, diving right downwards with all his clothes still on, including his long blue coat.
He swam as fast as he could, holding his breath as his eyes searched for the two he needed to rescue, not minding the cold freezing water that was as dark as the night itself with only the moon light being the only candle of light, he was focused on finding those he needed to rescue.
And he found them, the teenager and the child! Both still sinking to the bottom. That luckily he prevented when he got a hold of the sleeve of the blonde, young ma.
'Got you!'
He began then to pull the two upwards as he swam for the surface level, racing for precious time as his own lungs were beginning to cave in pressure.
'Whoever you two are, hold it together, you're not dying on my watch!'
Naruto's mind
Kurama, the Nine Tailed Fox, who was the most trustworthy ally and companion of Naruto, now was unable to do anything to help his vessel and friend in the situation the blonde Shinobi currently was in. and that was for two main reasons.
For one, the magical seals and spells that were enacted on the boy, were totally alien to him and he was unable to break through those barriers, to either help him with his mental health let alone communicate with him.
And secondly, he was himself unable to figure out what the fuck happened to them.
Even for the Fox, who has lived longer than any human being he'd ever met in his life, having gained a long line of life experience, was unprepared for the situation they were brought into.
Having been teleported to a other world was one of those subjects that some would say belongs to the realms of fiction, yet now it became an reality that even caught the strongest of the Tailed Beasts off guard.
"Damn these wizards, and damn that fat pig of a man!"
Kurama's claws extended out of the cage, he was yet locked in again, but this time without the full knowledge of his wielder, who to no fault of his own, was struggling himself to survive at the moment as he watched on for the last few weeks how these 'Nobles' were acting even more disgusting than the likes who he saw throughout the years.
Kurama watched, as he saw his partner being rescued by some fisherman boy. After which he was more relaxed, knowing his friend would survive, saying some words to him.
"Stay alive now, kid. Because right now I cannot help out. These damn spells are even more difficult to weaken than those seals of your old man - But once I manage to break those damn spells, I'm calling dibs on the fatman who's arm you cut off!"
And boy, did he really want to stab his claws into that fat pig.
GASP!
Emir's head sprung to the surface, holding both Naruto and Rapthalia's faces also, with the later being the first one to cough out water as she started regaining her consciousness.
*Cough!* *Cough!* *Cough!* *Cough!*
"Hold on, little one, you're in safe hands!"
Rapthalia couldn't answer, she kept on coughing violently with the water coming out off her mouth she had inhaled earlier.
"Just breathe."
"Emir!"
The son turned around, his father had moved the boat closer to help out, starting to extend his arms out to help.
"The girl first!"
Rapthalia got grabbed by the father, putting her on the boat, right on top of a few blankets and covering her with some of them before turning back.
"Now the boy!" Hamed instructed his son. "On three, you'll push him up and I pull him."
"One."
"Two."
"Three!" Both men used their strength to pull Naruto out of the water, allowing for Emir to enter as last.
"Cover him in blankets, hurry!" Hamed ordered, pulling off his own coat. "The boy's been in the water for too long."
Naruto's body was laid just next to Rapthalia, watching in shock of the state of her savior was in. But being unable to speak, duo to her freezing from the cold water she was just in.
"What now?" Emir muttered those words to his father. "What do we do now?"
"We'll bring them back to the village." Hamed stated. "They need to be warmed now."
"But-"
"No buts! Start rowing."
The two kept on bickering to each other, all the while Rapthalia kept herself silent as she stared at the body of her savior, who like her was covered in blankets but was struggling for the moment.
Still unable to mutter even a word out, she made a small prayer in her mind for him.
'Please, stay alive.'
Mohda
At the riverbanks of the small fishing village of Mohda, a small crowd was watching from the harbor at the burning ship that was making its way over the mountains, with the explosion being heard from afar, it caught the attention of everybody that was close by.
"Hey!"
The shout got everyone on the dock's attention, turning to whoever was yelling and saw one of the fishing boats returning, and saw they were in distress.
"We need help! Hurry!" Hamed shouted, pointing at the two drenched bodies. "Help me with them!"
Upon seeing there were kids in the boat, the villagers reacted quickly.
No hesitation was seen as the men already were running down the landing dock, with some even jumping in the water that was only to the height of their knees and began to escort the ship to land.
"Hamed, what happened!?"
"Who are these kids?-"
"No time for questions! Don't you see those kids are reeling?" Hamed shouted, holding the little Rapthalia in his arms as he exited the boat. "Let me through, bring the boy to my house!"
Once the boat finally docked, the villagers swarmed it and began pulling Naruto out of it and in a matter of moments they were dragging him off into the village, almost six pairs of hands were moving him by the big blanket that allowed them to carry the young man.
"This boy's a heavy one!"
"Hamed, where to?"
"My house!"
The residence of the Kalbouchi family, was at best a home with two stores, with inside the first floor having the furniture of a small tea table with carpets all over the floors with cushions for to sit on, with the kitchen literally being in the same room as the living room.
In that kitchen there were two women standing and preparing dinner for the late evening.
THWACK!
That was the sound of a cleaver cutting the head off the fish that was being prepared on the cutting wood, proceeding the head to be thrown aside.
"Hurry up, Layla, we've got only an half hour before your father and brother gets home."
"Don't rush me, mom. I'm already busy on it."
The woman who was busy cutting the fish, was Layla Kalkbouchi, an fairly light skinned girl with an large braid of hair laid on her shoulder, as the person standing next to her, was her smaller mother named Amiha.
The mother was the one rushing once she glanced at her daughter's work. "By the Gods, Layla love, you're working too slow-"
"Wa Mi! (Mom) Please," Layla began, nearly snapping at her mother. "Just please, let me finish this."
"Fine, fine." Layla's mother threw her hands up, surrendering as she returned back to her part of the kitche. "Just finish those fish."
"For the love of-"
Then the door slammed open, and entering in were Hamed who yelled out for help.
"Amiha! Layla!"
The two women ran for the living room and saw the young girl in his arms.
"Hamed, what-"
"No time, get me towels and hot water!" Hamed said, running with Raphtalia to the spare bedroom. "We'll be in Kemal's old room, prepare as much for the both of them!"
"Both? Dad, what-"
"Mother, Layla, Move out of the way!"
The two women were forced to step aside when more men entered their house through the small entrance, with most of them being Hamed's fishermen colleagues who were being ledc by the youngest son Emir, who was pointing them.
What caught the two women's their attention was the person the men were carrying, the young blonde man who's chest was exposed and bleeding with the head bleeding slightly.
"Where to, Emir!"
"Upstairs, upstairs!" Emir told them, holding on the cloth and warning them. "Mind his head, don't let it hit something!"
In the confusion, the young woman took a close look at the bloodied blond's face before he was brought upstairs, for some reason this got her full attention until-
"Layla! Towels, now!"
The house would remain in total chaos for the next following moments.
Half hour later
With the news having travelled quickly in the small fishing town, already a small crowd of onlookers were standing outside the residence where the rumors flocked them to.
But inside the house, things were more calmer, especially when Hamed had pleaded for those who had nothing to do here, to leave their house and wait for further news, even his fishermen colleagues accepted this plead and left the house.
This left only a few people in the house. The Kalbouchi themselves and the two strangers. Both of which were now laid in the spare bedroom.
Emir was by the door, watching how his mother and sister were busy cleaning up the now warmly clothed Raphtalia and Naruto were laid on the beds while they were being cleaned.
"Mom, how are they?" He curiously asked.
Instead of answering directly, Amiha chose to continue to clean the little girl's visible wounds on her arms, having the demi-human already clothed for most parts of her body, she now squeezed the soaked towel and began whipping the dirt off the girl.
"She's cold, very cold. If she stayed longer in that lake she'd be dead by now. Given how her back is." The woman of the house referred to the lashing wounds on the girl's back that were painfully visible. Meaning she most likely was an escaped slave. Poor thing. Hopefully she'll sleep warm tonight after what she must've gone through.
The mother then shifted her focus to her daughter. "Layla, how's the other one doing?"
"He's still not awake, but I'm working on him." The daughter responded. Layla herself, was a bit busy squeezing her own towel of warm water, before starting to clean the exposed chest of the mysterious person who's body was just covered in dirt, blood and scars.
Soo many scars, young and old, fresh and marked of all times, on the body of a person who was perhaps the same age group as herself.
She then went on to scrub the body, apart from the pants that was left, she continued to clean his arms, hands, neck, face, chest and even blonde wavy hair that was covered in dirt, all the while he wasn't responding to any of her movements.
Amiha then stepped up next to her daughter and took it over once she had finished with the demi-human.
"I'll wash his underparts, so you can check on the girl-"
Then Naruto's eyes shut open.
*Gasp!*
Nearly shocking the women, they stepped back, and watched as Naruto sat up and looked around in confusion.
Yet no word was being said from him, only looking around, seeing he was laid in a bed, with blankets, given a warm room, and surrounded by two women and a man who was looking at him with suspicion.
It was then when he shifted his focus to the second bed next to him - where Raphtalia lied down, covered in blankets and with water laid next to her.
"Raphtalia!-"
"Wait."
He then felt a hand pressed against his chest, forcing him to turn to whoever touched him, the words that came up his mind died out, once he saw the person who stopped him, caught his attention.
Layla, with her calm stance had somehow stopped the panicking mind of Naruto, and began speaking to him in her native language that he for no other reason he could explain, understood without any problem in mistranslation.
"iinaha bikhayr, lidha la daei lilqalaqi. faqat ahda wastarih, sawf naetani bik."
"She's doing alright, so no need to worry. Just calm down and rest, we'll take care of you."
How he managed to understand every word what she just told him in a foreign language he never heard of, the sudden words vocabulary out of his mouth, in hope he could ask her:
"How can I...understand you?"
Layla's eyebrow raised up by that sudden question.
"Excuse me?"
Not knowing how to respond to that, he looked back at Raphtalia, and decided to change the subject to some pressing matters while, unknowingly, speaking to her language by the multilingual spell he was still on.
"Where am I?" Naruto asked her. "What is this place?"
"You're in Mohda, a fisher town. In the southern province." Layla answered in hope to calm him down. "You don't need to worry, you're in our house, we'll take care of you."
Just then another person entered the room, this time it was Hamed, walking in and seeing one of the strangers had awakened. Leaving Naruto to have one more question before laying back down as told.
"May... I know your names?"
Being the one closest to the blonde young man, Layla was glad to answer that question.
"My name, is Layla Kalbouchi." She introduced herself first before pointing to her mother. "This is my mother, Amiha." And then she pointed to the two men at the door. "Those at the door are my brother Emir, and my father Hamed. They were the ones who rescued you in the lake."
Taking a look at his rescuers, Naruto nodded to them and thanked them.
"Thank you, I'm indebted to you for your actions."
Being quiet polite, Hamed already saw this young man had manners, and just nodded back, with his son doing the same.
Amiha then held up the woolen blanket that laid over Naruto chest and pulled it back over to him and told him. "Rest now, okay? I'll bring some water for you, and tomorrow, you'll be eating with us."
"Ma'am, you don't need to-"
"Please, as people in need, you'll need to rest and its our task to provide you with help." Amiha spoke in all calmness and wiseness in her voice. "So please, allow up to fullfill our duties."
Not knowing what she meant by, Naruto took her advice and lied back down, just before that, Layla then asked.
"Wait, what's your name?"
Naruto quickly realized, he hadn't introduced himself, and found it fair that he needed to at least tell his rescuers his name.
"Naruto Uzumaki, that's my name, ma'am." Naruto answered and added. "The girl next to me is Raphtalia."
With the introductions out of the way, Layla then grew a smile on her face, that caught attention of Naruto as that smile became a click moment in his mind.
That of a lavender haired girl, with white eyes.
"Now, please, sleep."
Naruto nodded and laid back his head on the bed, with the family leaving the room and allowing the candle lights to be left on
Turning his head to the only other person in the room. Raphtalia laid with her head pointed to him, having moved around, she seem to be sleeping well.
Naruto's mind was put into rest for this, as he stared to the ceiling, wondering what will happen next, he closes his eyes and entrusted his safety with these strangers.
He'll just now sleep, and regain his energy for a new tomorrow.
Rondel Docks
Unfortunately, that new tomorrow would be cut short for the passengers of the frigate ship that just docked on the outskirts of the independent city of Magical learning, Rondel.
Having sustained heavy damaged to the rear, with it mainly being due to the fire that was caused by the exploded gunpowder residue. The ship was being evacuated the moment it had landed in the city, being evacuated by the remaining knights who had survived the raid. With the wounded being treated by the doctors and medical staff that were called in.
"Please remain calm and follow the line towards the carriages." Grey Co Aldo repeated to the line of students who were exiting the ship. "You'll be brought to your sleeping quarters provided by the Academy."
When the last of the students had finally left, it gave the Saderan knight the chance to turn around to the deck, and saw the extensive damage that was left:
It was left with total destruction, as the wooden floor that was just a few hours ago clean as it was new, now was covered in dirt, pools of dried blood and dropped weapons that once were wielded by their fallen owners, both the knights and the rebels who've died in this raiding attempt.
But also laying there were the wounded, some that were either recovering or were part of the dying, with some even giving up their final gasps of air before they also left the land of the living.
Grey walked through the deck, watching his steps as he took glances at the remains of some of those who he had been eating with just hours earlier, and now were left with their dead widened eyes focused to the skies.
Including some of the young conscripts who weren't even old enough to drink any wine, such a waste of life.
*Gasp!*
Turning his head sharply towards that sound, he saw it came from an body, It was one of the raiders that was mortally wounded, who was left without an disguise for his face where his fatal wound, a stab to the throat, that and many other wounds that were visible on him, was left open as he was leaking blood like a lamb that went through a botched up slaughtering.
Grey walked over to the dying raider, and kneeled down to him, examining the face of the man. It was unfortunately not a man, but a young boy, perhaps in his early 20's who laid dying as he chocked on his own lifeblood.
With the blood coming from both his mouth and open throat, the boy still managed to focus his eyes on the man standing above him, and gave him a look. Even raising his shaking head up slightly, using whatever strength he had left to face his adversary.
A defiant one, of a person who didn't seem to mind the fact he was suffering an horrible way to die, and instead focused on leaving one last impression on the last person he would encounter.
*Gasp….*
The boy's life went out like the wind, with his eye pupils changing with his body finally stopped trembling, this young man now had been added to the list of deceased on this ship, and left an painful impression on the Saderan knight...
"Rest in peace." Grey whispered.
He proceeded to close the young man's eyes before using the jacket he wore to cover his face. Giving the child at least an peaceful moment of rest.
"Such an waste of life."
Hearing that, Grey stood back up and turned around, to see a older man having entered the ship, who was an old man with a long gray beard, with a small height but an very recognizable face that he could see from afar. This was one of Rondel's most known and prestigious wizards, his name was Cato El Altestan. An professor at the Rondel Magic Academy.
"Sage El-"
"Please, just call me Cato." The old sage politely interrupted the knight as he stared at the young body. "We've been acquaintances for a long time, Grey. You're free to call me by my first name. Without saying much, Grey nodded to the sage's wishes.
Who now, still, was staring at the body of the fallen young man's covered up body, bringing some painful words out of the old magic user.
"I've got students who are his age in my classes, this hits too close."
Not wanting to engage in this conversation much further, for the sake of his own, Grey decided to change the subject to something more important.
"Are you here to inform us about something?"
"Ah, yes." Cato turned around, facing the Saderan knight to inform him. "Come with me, there's somebody who's wanting to talk to you about today's events."
With everyone having already left the frigate, those who were watching from the bay were especially astonished by the fire damage that was left on the warship that was used to transport them. With some wizards still using water spells to put out the remaining fires that were still present from the explosion, having left an huge mark all across the frigate.
The one especially surprised by this was Jean Colbert, who was one of the last to leave the ship, having made sure the safety of his students was an priority, and wanting to make sure all provisions were made for their stay in the city.
Yet he was still copping with what has happened.
"Mr. Colbert."
The professor turned his head towards the voice, seeing Sage Cato and the captain of the ship, Grey, approaching him, he proceeded to greet them.
"Thank Brimir you're safe." Colbert stated upon seeing Grey being alive. Then turning to the older sage. "Professor El Altestan. It's a pleasure to meet you, but I wish the circumstances were different."
"I share that same thought, Professor Colbert. But unfortunately, with the current situation, you're in the right." Cato replied while shaking the fellow educator's hand. "But that's not the reason why I am here. I've come here with the presence of someone important."
Grey couldn't help but ask. "Who would that be?"
"That would be me." An unannounced, 4th voice entered the conversation. Forcing the three men to turn to the source of it.
And it was Grey who recognized the man on the spot, with his two Royal Imperial guards standing next to the balding middle-aged man wearing roman-like attire, who he knew was an powerful person in Saderan Imperial politics:
Marcus, is the Internal Minister of the Saderan Empire, meaning he wasn't some random government bureaucrat with a measly amount of responsibility. No, this meant he was a person with an immense amount of power, being basically the right-hand man of the current Emperor of the Empire, Molt Sol Augustus.
"Minister Marcus." Grey greeted the minister.
"Grey Co Aldo, I see you're still alive, that's very good to know." Marcus began, knowing the veteran knight very well due to him being the teacher to one of Molt's children. "It would've been a shame to see you have died at the hands of those terrorists."
Grey kept a straight face, but even then he didn't show the distaste for the politician, who in his eyes, was nothing else but a dog for the emperor, following every order without any question.
Cato noticed the stance of Grey, and started to try to derail the tension away with a different question. "Minister Marcus, If I may, it's highly unusual for an Saderan official to come uninvited to Rondel. I hope you have a reason for your sudden arrival."
Marcus replied. "Well, first, for your information, Sage, we're not exactly on Rondel ground. We're on the border of it."
Sounding nearly like an insult, it was true. The docks of Rondel basically laid in waters that was shared by both Rondel and the Saderan controlled part of the Western Desert, where numerous of entrances were guarded by the Imperial Army with the Knappnai Mountains in full sight of the old city.
Colbert looked back at Cato, who didn't buy the cockiness of the minister and proceeded to answer.
"Point taken, but what's your second point?"
"We've been getting reports from the capital about a spike of attacks that have been occurring for the last few weeks." Marcus replied, giving his reason for being here. "With the violence really taking up in the countryside. Especially between the regions of Jilachi and Jakka."
Cato brought up. "But Jakka's only a few miles away from here."
"That's the main part why I'm here." Marcos explained further. "Both the Emperor and the Senate are having concerning beliefs that the active rebels are operating from the mountain terrain and the neighboring non-Imperial controlled regions. So that's why a decision has been made by the Emperor, with the blessings of the Senate."
Hearing this got veteran knight and two professors to look kinda baffled, knowing that for a fact, that both the Emperor and the Imperial Senate never got along with one another, and hearing that they got to an agreement on something, was worth knowing what the intent was.
"And what the Imperial Senate and the Throne agreed on is that there will be an increase of military presence in the Imperial-controlled parts of the Western Desert, in an effort to neutralize the terrorist and criminal elements that are there."
"Yet another military campaign is going to be organized, Mr. Minister?"
The now 5th voice that had entered the conversation was an woman of the same age group as Cato, and was also of the same position as the sage, wearing formal clothing, she was another one of Rondel's renowned and outstanding wizards:
"Madam Mimoza La Mer." Colbert uttered, knowing her name from far and wide throughout the magical community.
"I see you've gotten yourself yet again in an conversation that is none of your business." Marcus, on the other hand, scoffed and spoke. "Mimoza…"
Normally having the smiling personality she always carried out, the strictness on her face showed the clear contempt she had for the Saderan elite.
"I'm merely pointing out that you're using the same ineffective tactics, that you've all been using for the past decade."
Marcus turned back right to her, as he knew that Mimoza, was and still is, the biggest critic from Rondel, who wasn't afraid to call out the occupation of the Western Desert with other foreign powers over the large landscape.
"Its none of your concern, ma'am. The Empire is merely trying to stop the spread of terrorism."
"Oh, is that so?" Mimoza questioned, crossing her arms in response. "Then I got a better strategy for you how to stop all this 'terrorism': by stopping the participation in it."
The tensions could be cut through, as Mimoza really didn't bother to hold back, making the bystanders watch what the responds of the Saderan minister would be.
"I'm not going to participate in this lousy conversation anymore, Mrs. Mimoza." Marcus replied as he turns his head back to Grey and ordered him. "Co Aldo, you'll be transferred to Jakka now with your remaining men. You'll be the scouting party to try and locate the terrorists."
Grey wanted to protest this, but he knew that he couldn't ignore orders, and complied by nodding his head down.
"Yes, minister."
"Good, you'll be leaving within the hour." Marcus added before turning back to Mimoza, "As for you, try and keep your city stable from those savages." He ended that note before walking past her with his guards.
"The only one acting like a savage now is you, minister."
Having heard that, Marcus stopped for a moment, this caused the others to flinch, minus Mimoza, thinking she had gone too far this time, and might be arrested.
Instead, he just walked away, leaving the insult as he continued on. With the guards following up.
The tension then began to ease down as Cato began. "Mimoza, you really are willing to push the buttons, aren't you?"
*Chuckle*
With the smile having grown back to her face, Mimoza replied. "You know me, Cato. I'm just a woman of knowledge." She looked at the Halkeginian professor. "I assume you're professor Jean Colbert?"
"Yes, that's me." Colbert extended his hand out. "Its an pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
"Oh, please keep the formalities for the students," Mimoza stated, having shaken his hand. "I'm able to give you good news about your students, Colbert. I just came back from the hospital."
Colbert stiffened, causing Mimoza to laugh while she calms him down.
"Do not worry, they're all in good health, even that lovely pinkette woman, Cattleya, her name I believed was." She did mention. "Also, that very rude man is stable, despite now having his hand lost."
Having mentioned, Governor Rabier didn't seem to be bothered in the minds of the others, as they all seem to be collectively glad that the students were unharmed.
It was then when Grey spoke up. "I guess it's time for me to leave now." He picked up his belongings and sword and bade farewell to everyone. "I hope you all enjoy your stay here."
"You really have to leave now?" Colbert questioned.
Grey sighed as he replied. "Unfortunately, orders like these are not easily avoidable. Plus, I swore an oath, so I cannot avoid my duty."
They both shook hands, allowing for Jean Colbert to properly bide his farewell to the man who helped him throughout this voyage.
"May Brimir protect you."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Grey stated before turning and bowing to the other professors before leaving, going towards the rest of his men who were assembling for the soon new deployment.
This left Mimoza to watch and see many of these Saderan men, were still recovering from the previous fight, and was unable to stop the following words coming from her mouth.
"Pour souls won't know what they will go. Right towards their early graves."
Mohda - Kalbouchi Residence
Outside the small fishing town, the night was relatively calm, as hours have gone by ever since the events had taken place.
And trying to go through the day as usual - The family was around the table, sitting carpet ground, eating the fish and baked potatoes that were prepared, with it being met with an silence that hasn't been broken.
Given the recent situation and the two unknown strangers that they've taken in their house, it would be Layla who broke it after finding the right first questions she had in mind.
"Do you think they were involved in the attack of the frigate earlier?" Layla went on and asked the most pressing matter that was on her mind. "You said you witnessed that attack on that ship, so do you think they were part of it?"
With this question directed towards the only two closest witnesses, Emir was unsure how to answer that, while the grey haired Hamed sighs and decided to answer his daughter's question as he knew, she wouldn't give up.
"I thought first for myself he might've been involved, but right now I'm not convinced." He began as he took a sip of water from his mug before continuing. "And by the looks of it, he's more likely an escaped slave now, same for the girl he had taken with him."
The mention of slavery, alone, brought an heavy sigh through the nose of the young Emir, who held the anger to himself. Not wanting to make a scene. Yet his mother puts her hand over her son's shoulder to calm him.
Layla took a moment to digest that, but then pressed. "Still, how are we going to continue with this?" She picked up another piece of potato with her fork. "We're still struggling to make ends-meet ourselves, and the tax collector comes in a few weeks."
"That is why I'll be asking the young man if he's willing to help me and Emir to work at the docks." Hamed proposed, he continued on. "He might still be in a bad shape, but I think he's able enough to help out with the business."
"The fishery isn't bringing up much, father, and you know it."
"It's enough to pay the rent, like anybody else in the village, Layla." Hamed countered, trying to go on eating. "With the boy, we'll be able to make much more needed catchings than me and Emir can do on our own. And it will be good enough money for him-"
"That I know you will cut in half, of course."
BANG!
The sudden smash of Hamed's hand planted onto the table, was the reply to Layla's comment that went (for him) too far, with that forcing him to mention.
"You're now speaking like your brother, Layla."
The mere mention, it was clearly implied it wasn't about the current other sibling who was at the table, but the one who had left years ago, on abominable terms with his father.
But this didn't stop Layla's pressing. "Maybe he's right, you know. Kemal always looked further then the rest of us-"
"Because someone reads a book or two more, doesn't make him a brighter person, Layla." Hamed stated. "And the books he read, poisoned his mind into thinking irrational-"
"By fighting what he saw was injustice!"
"By leaving his family who are in need!" Hamed nearly roared out, clearly knowing his daughter would take his oldest absent son's side for his actions. "And going to join those dreamers into those mountains!"
"The same mountains you served as an officer for the Sultan's army-"
"-Yes, I served, previously, not now!" Hamed shouted, getting heated. "To which I was dismissed, the moment we've lost-"
"And laid down your weapons-"
"TO PREVENT ANY UNNECESSARY BLOODSHED!" Hamed interrupted his daughter, raising his voice up loud enough, for the first time in years. S
This temporarily stopped the conversation that was rarely made, with the mentioning of Kemal, the oldest son who had been gone for a good half decade, the family had a gap in their heart that was unfilled with doubt and no news about his whereabouts.
It was especially painful for Hamed, who had perhaps the best bond with his oldest son for the main reasons he wanted to keep him around; to be the main man in the house.
Deciding to change subjects again, he asked his daughter in a lighter tone.
"Would you please check on our guests, and see if they need something?"
Without saying a word, Layla stood right up and walked out of the living room and did what she was asked to, going up the stairs that the remaining family members could hear.
This left Hamed to turn to his wife, Amiha, who he had dependent on for years now as he began.
"Amiha, I'm sorry-"
"Don't apologize, I miss him too." Amiha spoke calmly, "We all do…"
Hamed turned his head towards his youngest son, Emir, who ceased to continue eating and was holding his mother's hand. Which was understandable, as Emir was more of a mother's child and he wouldn't blame him for it.
Having then Amiha's hand reach out and hold his, Hamed watched as she began a prayer.
"Let us pray, for a better tomorrow, and the All Mighty watch over us."
The two men lowered their heads and allowed the wisest family member, the religious mother, to pray the tension away and reignite the bond of the often bickering family members.
Hearing her mother make a prayer down below, Layla, who was on the second floor by now, couldn't help but grow a genuine smile on her face.
"God Bless you, mother."
Having arrived at the door of Kemal's old room, she took a moment before pushing the creaky wooden door open slightly, to peak what was going on inside.
And what she saw, was absolutely adorable:
Laying there, was Naruto who finally managed to fall asleep, with his head laying onto the pillow, he was joined with the presence of the other roommate. The small Tanuki/Raccoon girl, Raphtalia, had somehow, in her sleep, snuggled up to the human who had rescued her, and laid her head over his chest as Naruto's arm laid over her head, in a manner to protect her.
It was indeed an wholesome view the Kalbouchi woman was able to see, and decided to not disrupt this moment and close the door, but not before saying some silent words.
"Sleep well."
The door closed down, allowing the darkness to return again.
Raphtalia's ears twitched, before she yet again, snuggled closer to Naruto, who in return, just let it going on, and grew a smile on his face himself.
Outskirts of Mohda
Overlooking the fishing town, was a ridge of mountains that was a watching distance away from it, and there was a person sitting there.
And that person was the same Keffiyeh wearing man, who had participated and lead the raid against the frigate, where he had led some of his men into an battle where a few lost their lives, in exchange for many of the enemy invaders now having been slayed, by his hands.
But now those hands were wide open, as he just finished a prayer on his knees as he watched over to the village, and muttered a few words to himself.
"May the Gods look over to the fallen," He began. "As I now lay their souls' in your hands, let them please, live in peace, and have them watch over their families. As I am honored to have fought amongst my martyred brothers."
A cold wind blow went past the coat wearing man, who held a knife, an bundle and musket rifle next to him, as he finished his prayer.
"Amen." He closed his eyes and planted his hands over his face for a moment, before stepping back up and looking at the village once more, before he started walking down to where he kept his horse.
But unknown to him, his prayers were listened to, as coming out from the dark shadows, the bystander who black clothing that fitted a young dark-haired girl, wielding an giant blade that only she could handle.
She was the demigoddess and an apostle of Emroy, named Rory Mercury. An walking servant of divine rule, who had just heard the prayer of the warrior that she heard.
Rory was glad to know, and to say. "Your prayers have been heard, young warrior. And they've been answered."
Watching the warrior leave on horseback, the apostle then turned to the town of Mohda, where her smile grew more of that of interesting curiosity.
"Let's see who dares to enter this realm, with that power, so I can meet him."
TBC
Okay, now I'm finally done with this chapter, I plan for another one to be made soon, of course.
Now for the info.
Emir Kalbouchi: youngest son of the Kalbouchi's, a reliable and loyal young man who has only the goal to try to provide for his family.
Amiha Kalbouchi: Wife and mother of her three children who she'd raise with love and care. Being very religious, traditionalist and the woman in the house, she's the glue of the family.
Hamed Kalbouchi: The man of the house, an small business owner and an former military officer, an born leader who is also the village elder.
Layla Kalbouchi: the most stubborn member and middle child of the family, with an often rebellious temper, against her parents, she's also very respectful and caring.
That's it for now, I hope you all liked it, and please leave reviews, they mean a lot to me.
Good night.