Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be continuing the Scan Quest as Naruto gathers more scans, but also seeing some flashbacks, as well as some of the other characters and what they're scanning. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Aivenna moved through Skeletal Springs, looking around warily for any sign of movement before quickly turning with her sword held up when she heard something. Only to sigh when she saw one of the large bones had broken and hit the ground.
'She's got to be around here, somewhere.' Aivenna thought as she continued searching for her target.
"Acceleration!"
Though before the OverWorld Hero could react a glowing green blur rushed through Skeletal Springs and slammed into her, knocking Aivenna back. Grunting at the hit, Aivenna quickly turned to where the blur ran off in, only to see it was already gone. Before she soon heard the sound of rushing footsteps again, making the bluenette immediately turn and block Nivenna's staff from hitting her.
"It seems you've finally gotten faster." Nivenna stated with a smirk, which Aivenna soon returned as her sword as engulfed in fire and began forcing her twin back.
"I'm also still stronger." Said Aivenna before pushing Nivenna back and slamming her foot into her stomach, sending the UnderWorld Conqueror skidding across the ground.
"Flame Fright!" Aivenna said, swinging her sword as Nivenna, unleashing a wave of dark fire that slammed into the redhead making her cry out.
Nivenna then gasped in fear as the flames began changing shape as they surrounded her, showing images of her worst fears. With her soon feeling the flames try burning away one of her Mugicians, making the UnderWorlder grit her teeth. Letting out a shout as she slammed her staff into the ground, causing the flames to disperse, relieved at feeling her Mugicians were still intact.
"And it looks like your courage is much higher as well." Said Aivenna, seeing how Nivenna was able to stop her attack from destroying one of her Mugicians.
"Obviously." Nivenna said, rolling her eyes, though was pleased at improving her courage as it was her lowest Discipline.
Which is what she and Aivenna were doing in Skeletal Springs, a training exercise to work on improving their abilities, especially where they were the weakest. With Aivenna needing to improve her speed while Nivenna needed to improve her courage, along with her power since it was her second lowest Discipline.
Both of them having been meeting up when they could to train together in preparation for the M'arrillians. Intending to make sure they were at their best and prepared for anything that'll happen once the Doors of the Deep Mines are opened.
"Oh? You sound rather confident. In that case, maybe I should stop holding back." Said Aivenna while pointing her sword at her twin, making Nivenna smirk while spinning her staff around.
"And here I was thinking that was the best you can do. I suppose I can actually start trying then, that is if you can handle a little pain." Nivenna said as dark lightning-like energy began sparking off her staff.
The twins stared each other down before they immediately lunged at each other, only to suddenly stop when Naruto appeared not far from them. Making Aivenna smile happily at the sight of the Uzumaki, while Nivenna was annoyed at the interruption.
"Naruto!" Aivenna said, running up to her friend/crush, with Naruto looking at her in surprise before smiling at the bluenette.
"Hey Aivenna. I didn't think you'd be at the Skeletal Springs." Said Naruto, not expecting to find Aivenna here, but was glad to see her and hopefully get another scan of her as well.
"Same, I didn't think to see you today, but I'm glad you're here. Nivenna and I are actually here training." Said Aivenna, making the Uzumaki look to the UnderWorlder.
"It's nice seeing you again too, Nivenna. And it's pretty cool that you're both training together." Naruto said while waving at the redhead, glad to see they were able to spend time together without fighting.
"Yes, we were training until you interrupted." Nivenna stated in annoyance, while Aivenna rolled her eyes.
"There's nothing wrong with taking a short break." Said Aivenna, only for Nivenna to roll her eyes as well.
"Is that you saying you're getting tired?" Questioned Nivenna with a taunting edge, smirking when her sister narrowed her eyes at her.
"I'm ready to go, whenever I need to. Maybe you're the one that needs to rest." Aivenna retorted, with Nivenna's smirk growing as she held her staff behind her head with her arms wrapped around it.
"No thanks, I don't rest until my opponent is crushed. But by all means sister, take a break, I don't mind finding someone else to beat." Nivenna said, causing the OverWorld Hero to smirk now.
"Is that you saying you know you can't beat me?" Aivenna said, throwing the redheads words back at her, making Nivenna narrow her eyes now.
Naruto looked between them and smiled slightly, as he didn't sense any genuine malice or negative intentions as they threw barbs at each other.
"Well, sorry I interrupted your training. But is it alright if I scanned you both, along with your BattleGear and any Mugics you might have?" Naruto asked, figuring if they were here to train they might have Mugic on them as well.
"Of course! I actually have a Hymn of the Elements Mugic, pretty useful when you want to quickly master another element." Said Aivenna, pulling out the OverWorld Mugic, while Nivenna smirked as she pulled out an UnderWorld Mugic.
"How ironic, I have Nocturne of the Elements. Very useful when one wants to wipe away an opponent's elements, and damage them for every one they lose." Nivenna said, making Aivenna look at her dryly.
"Do you have to do that?" Aivenna asked, wondering if her sister is purposefully trying to one up her.
"Yes, it amuses me." Nivenna said shamelessly, not caring how petty it was.
"Cool! Both of these Mugic will be really useful." Naruto said while smiling as he scanned Hymn of the Elements along with Aivenna and her sword, as well as the Skeletal Springs.
Only to be surprised when he looked at the scan and saw that if it's wielded by Aivenna specifically, it'd boost her Fire Attacks.
Looking at the BattleGear again, Naruto saw that Aivenna's sword is a large broadsword with silver-white edges and glowing light blue symbols going down the dark grey middle of it. While Nivenna's staff was completely pitch-black with a crescent moon-shaped part around the top of it.
"Huh. Where did you two get those BattleGear?" Naruto asked, recognizing them from the pictures of their scans, wondering if they were their personal BattleGear.
"Intress actually had this made for me after I completed my training under her and Drabe. When I wield it, it boosts the power of my Fire Attacks. While anyone that uses it gets a boost in their courage and power, and if their wisdom is high enough it also grants them extra energy." Aivenna said, smiling as she held her sword up, with it having been one of the happiest moments of her life when it was given to her.
"Takinom did the same for me, she gave me my staff when I finished my training. Though it doesn't just boost any specific attacks for me, it makes it so all my attacks do more damage. And like her sword, it boosts the speed and power of any Creatures, along with giving more energy to those wise enough." Said Nivenna with a pleased smirk while leaning against her staff, preferring it over any other BattleGear or weapon.
"Wow, that's pretty cool you both have your own personal BattleGear and how you got them." Said Naruto, smiling at the twins as he ported away to upload his scans before returning after a few moments to scan Nivenna, her staff and the Nocturne of the Elements Mugic, along with getting another scan of Skeletal Springs.
"Great! Thanks girls, all these new scans will be really useful. Also maybe next time you two are training together I'll join you. I already know Aivenna's really strong but I'd like to see what you can do too, Nivenna." Naruto said, making the bluenette smile while the redhead was intrigued at the chance to see the whiskered blondes own abilities in action.
"We'd be happy if you joined us, Naruto." Replied Aivenna, always happy to spend more time with him, even better to have them train together.
"Hmm, it would be interesting to finally see what you're capable of. Just don't complain too much when I lay you flat." Nivenna said, only for the Uzumaki to smirk at her.
"As long as you don't complain either." Said Naruto before waving at them as he ported away to upload his new scans and continue his Scan Quests.
Looking at where Naruto had been standing, Nivenna turned to her sister only to see her smiling while also noticing how it dimmed after the whiskered blonde left.
"You truly care about the human, don't you." Stated Nivenna, intrigued at how happy Aivenna was the moment he showed up and excited at the idea of them training together.
Even more so when she counted Takinom's own interest in him, and if what she's heard is true, then Intress was also interested in Naruto. Making it so three of the strongest female Creatures in Perim were all interested in one person, even more that the person is a human.
"Of course I care about him, he's my friend." Aivenna said, playing it off as just being happy at seeing a friend again, only for Nivenna to give her an unconvinced look.
"You know even if we didn't grow up together, we're still twins and I was raised in the UnderWorld. Being trained by one of Chaor's most trusted advisers and one of the strongest warriors there, so I'm also good at knowing when someone is hiding something. So…do you want to try telling me what you're really feeling for the human." Said Nivenna with a raised brow, while Aivenna kept trying to play it off only to soon sigh and sit down.
"Fine. I…suppose I do care a lot about Naruto. Though it didn't start out that way, when we first met he was just the human that Intress had befriended and did seem pretty nice. But I…shut him out when he asked me about you, given we look the same and I got angry since this was before the Tribal Alliance was being established. I was angry that he brought you up and our similarities, which only got worse after Intress invited him to join us on a patrol mission. But then…we were attacked by some Mipedians and UnderWorlders, those that worked for Van Bloot, and we fought them off. Only I let myself get distracted and would've been attacked…but Naruto took the hit for me instead." Explained Aivenna, while Nivenna listened closely, frowning in annoyance at the mention of Van Bloot's followers working with the Mipedians.
"When he woke up we…started talking, I learned more about him and he helped me better understand some things. And since then we've been friends, training together and hanging out, and the more time we spent together, the more I grew to care about him, seeing the kind of person he's like." Aivenna said, smiling as she remembered one time when she saw just what kind of persona Naruto is.
*Flashback*
"That was amazing! I can't remember the last time someone completed the obstacle course that fast!" Aivenna said, smiling at Naruto as they left The Barracks after training there for the day.
Having worked on their evasion with some cannons firing at them before doing some sparring, finishing it by running the obstacle course a couple times. With Aivenna being amazed at how quickly Naruto was able to go through it, even when the weapons were turned on for an added challenge.
"It was pretty difficult and a lot more dangerous than anything I've done, before. But it helps that I have training to deal with things like that, though the climbing wall was definitely tricky with the electricity going through it." Said Naruto, looking at Aivenna with a smile.
"Besides you went through it without any problems, so I'd say you did a lot better." Naruto added, making the OverWorlders smile grow.
"Thanks you. But I have been going through it since I started my training when I was little, so I'm just familiar with it. Give it time and I'm sure you'll have it handled in no time." Aivenna replied, confident that with his training Naruto won't have any problems getting past the obstacle course.
"As long as I don't end up falling in that acid." Said Naruto, still surprised at how dangerous it was if you messed up.
Before the two suddenly stopped when they saw a small group of Creature citizens around some guards, making them curious of what was going on. Looking at each other, Naruto and Aivenna moved closer to hear what was being said.
"Please, you have to help us!"
"Our children having been missing for nearly three days!"
"We've searched all around Kiru City, but we can't find them anywhere!"
"If you could just please send out search parties to find them! They have to somewhere!"
Hearing this made Naruto's eyes widen that there OverWorld children missing, while Aivenna frowned at how this could've happened. Only for the Uzumaki to frown and clench his fists when he heard the guards response.
"I'm sorry, but we can't afford to send out any search parties. We can't risk leaving any locations in Kiru City defenseless." Said one of the guards.
"All we can do is inform Maxxor and wait until he's able to gather anyone who can go out. But I'm afraid it will take time." Another guard said, since they can't risk leaving Kiru City undefended by sending out guards to find a few missing children.
"We don't have time to wait, they could be hurt or worse!" Said one of the parents, only for them to soon notice Aivenna standing nearby, giving the parents hope as they ran over to her.
"Aivenna! You'll help us right?!" A parent said hopefully.
"Our children are missing! They had gone outside of the city to play, something we normally don't mind! But when it started getting dark we got worried and went out to find them!" Said another, explaining what had happened.
"But they were gone! We thought they might have just run off somewhere, but we didn't find any sign of them around the outskirts of the city!" Another parent added.
"Then we tried searching inside, but we still didn't find them, and they still haven't come back!" Said a parent, all of them feeling worried and scared at what could've happened.
"Please, you'll help us won't you?! Just…just try and find them, wherever they are!" A parent said as they looked at Aivenna pleadingly.
Aivenna wasn't sure how she's supposed to respond, as while part of her did want to help, she also couldn't just leave Kiru City on an unsanctioned mission. Especially in the event the children's disappearance had been caused by a Creature and were being used to lure someone out into a trap.
"I'll find them." Said Naruto, betting Aivenna's and the parents attention.
With them at first dismissing the idea of a human being able to find the missing kids, only to soon realize who Naruto was. Nearly everyone in the Tribes having heard of one human different from the rest of Chaotic players. One that managed to fight and defeat Odu-Bathax, seemed to have favor with the leaders of the four Tribes and was close to both Intress and Takinom.
Giving them hope that he was the human they heard about upon hearing his offer to help and that he actually would be able to locate their children and bring them home.
"You…you will?" A parent asked hopefully, while Naruto nodded in response.
"I will, I promise. You said they were playing outside the city when they vanished. Is there any place they could've gone to?" Naruto asked, wanting to start with where they were last seen.
"The…the Forest of Life. It's not far from where they were, they could've gone there." Said a parent, making the whiskered blonde nod.
"Then that's where I'll start. I'll be back with them as soon as I can." Said Naruto, much to the parents relief as they thanked him repeatedly before returning home to, hopefully, wait for their children's return.
"Naruto…are you sure about this?" Aivenna asked, with Naruto frowning at her.
"There are missing kids, Aivenna. If the guards won't do anything to find them, then I will." Said Naruto, refusing to stand by and do nothing if innocent Creatures are in danger.
"Yes, but…" Said Aivenna, only for the whiskered blonde to interrupt.
"If you don't want to help either, then fine. But I'm going to go and find those kids." Naruto said before heading for the exit to go where the kids were last seen then make his way to the Forest of Life.
Watching him leave, Aivenna sighed before reluctantly following after him.
*Later*
Naruto and Aivenna moved through the Forest of Life, having gone to where the children were last seen and looked for any sign of what could've happened. With them managing to find faint tracks that looked like something had been dragged across the ground, leading to the Forest of Life. Showing that whatever happened to cause their disappearance wasn't normal.
Leading them to follow the trail as far as it went to the Forest of Life only to soon vanish, much to their confusion, though they kept going in the direction it had gone.
"We should've just waited until an actual search party could be made." Aivenna muttered, making Naruto look at her with a frown.
"Why should we wait when there are kids missing? Those guards refused to help and you didn't even seem like you were going to help either when those Creatures came begging for help. Isn't protecting the OverWorld your responsibility?" Said Naruto, not believing why Aivenna and the guards didn't seem to care that innocent children were missing and possibly kidnapped, not to mention being hurt or worse.
"It is! But our duty is to protect the entire OverWorld and it's a large place with many different locations to look after, making it difficult enough to make sure none of the other Tribes can sneak into our territory and attack us. Even with the Tribal Alliance forming, there are still those who refuse to work with other Tribes or have grudges they refuse to let go of. Now with the preparations being done for when the M'arrillians attack, we need to do everything we can to ensure all of Perim is safe now." Said Aivenna, knowing they had so many bigger things to worry about that they couldn't afford to ignore.
"I understand that there are bigger problems. I want to make sure Perim is safe just as much as anyone else. But that doesn't mean you should ignore the little problems either, especially when there could be potentially lives in danger. Maybe it's not some world-ending threat for you or any other Creature, but it is for those who could lose someone they care about, ever worse should they never even know what happened to them." Naruto said before he continued on his way, while the OverWorld Hero frowned at his words.
Before she saw Naruto suddenly stop and look around with a frown, making Aivenna go up and look around as well.
"What is it?" Aivenna asked, only for Naruto to hush her.
"Quiet. Listen, do you hear anything?" Naruto said, swearing he heard something just now and wanted to make sure he wasn't just hearing things.
Frowning at this, Aivenna looked around and focused on anything she could hear, only for her eyes to widen when she heard something. Recognizing it as the sound of someone crying out only for something to covering their mouth.
"This way!" Aivenna said, motioning Naruto to follow her to where the sound is coming from.
The closer they got the more the bluenette could hear it, with Naruto now fully hearing it as well. Meaning that the children had been kidnapped and were being held here, or it meant that someone else was in danger.
Though they soon stopped when the muffled cries were as loud as they could be, only they didn't see any sign of where it was coming from. Until the whiskered blonde looked up and his eyes widened when he saw a large web in the trees with numerous small figures wrapped in webbing on it.
"Up there!" Naruto said, jumping up to the trees seeing it was the kids who were crying out, with Aivenna look up in shock before jumping as well.
Pulling out a kunai, Naruto began cutting open one of the cocoons seeing one of the missing OverWorld kids and pulled them out, while Aivenna burned away the webbing on another.
"It's okay, you're safe now." Naruto said while making some Shadow Clones to help bring the kids to the ground and free the rest of them.
"What happened?" Aivenna asked the child once she pulled them from the webbing.
"S-s-s-so-some b-b-bi-bi-big Cr-Cr-Creature g-gr-gr-grabbed u-u-u-u-us. Th-th-th-th-they…th-they c-c-c-co-co-covered us i-i-in-in we-webs a-a-a-an-and d-dr-dr-dr-dragged u-u-us-us h-he-he-h-h-here." The child stuttered, shaken and tired from how long they had been trapped in the web.
This made Naruto and Aivenna frown, seeing that someone had kidnapped the children and was holding them hostage, for whatever reason, though neither of them really wanted to know.
"Well you don't have anything to be scared of now. You're all safe and will be back with your families in no time." Said Naruto, smiling reassuringly at them as he and Aivenna freed the last of the children.
"Don't be so sure, human! Web Cocoon!" Someone said, making Naruto's and Aivenna's eyes widen before Naruto grunted when a string of webbing hit him in the back and yanked him up into the air as he was ensnared in cocoon.
While the children screamed in fear when a large spider-like Creature emerged from the shadows, holding the web that wrapped around Naruto.
"Spyder?! What're you doing here?!" Aivenna demanded at seeing the UnderWorld spy, while Spyder smiled wickedly at the OverWorlder.
"I was hoping Zalic would be the one to show up, but I suppose you'll do Aivenna. Perhaps we'll see if anyone will come to save you and the human." Said Spyder, having hoped one of his OverWorld enemies would arrive, but wouldn't mind crushing Aivenna either.
Especially since she's Intress's student and Intress is one of Zalic's closest friends, so he doesn't mind working his way through those close to Zalic until the OverWorld Guardian comes to him.
"You should be more worried about anyone coming to save you. Flame Or-" Aivenna said, creating a fireball in her hand to launch at Spyder, only to stop when he suddenly held Naruto in front of him.
"Ah, ah, ah. You wouldn't want to hurt the human, would you?" Spyder asked, making the bluenette freeze at the chance of hurting the Uzumaki.
"She wouldn't. But I don't mind hurting you! Wind Style: Drilling Air Bullets!" Said Naruto before Spyder cried out when numerous blasts of compressed air slammed into him, sending the UnderWorld crashing to the ground.
"Flame Orb!" Said Aivenna, launching several fireballs at Spyder, seeing that Naruto had managed to escape the webs.
"Ember Swarm!" Said Spyder while shooting out torrents of burning embers, stopping the fireballs from reaching him as the attacks collided.
Before Spyder saw Naruto suddenly jump down from a tree, much to his shock that the human had managed to escape his webs. Only to scowl when he looked at the cocoon, only to see that it was a log that was wrapped up.
"You, you're that human with powers like a Creature." Spyder said, having heard of Naruto before just not what he looked like.
"And you're a giant bug that needs to be stepped on. Earth Style: Earth Flow Spears!" Naruto said, slamming his hands on the ground, causing numerous rock spikes to shoot up towards Spyder with the UnderWorlder jumping up to avoid them.
"Fearocity!" Said Spyder, shooting a spiraling vortex of black, spirit-like heads at the whiskered blonde.
"Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu!" Said Naruto, going through handsigns before spewing out a stream of fire, incinerating the vortex as the flames rushed towards Spyder.
With Spyder's eyes widening at seeing the fire coming at him before shooting out a web at a tree, yanking himself at of the way only to see Aivenna lunging at him.
"Power Pulse!" Said Aivenna punching her fists at Spyder, launching multiple green energy fists at the UnderWorlder, making him cry out as he was sent crashing into a tree.
"Rasengan!" Naruto said, forming a Rasengan and charged at Spyder to finish him off.
"Delerium!" Said Spyder, shooting a multicolored beam that impacted the Uzumaki.
Naruto grunted as the attack hit him before feeling his vision grow blurry as it messed with his mind, giving Spyder the chance to jump out of the way. Just as Naruto thrust the Rasengan forward in an attempt to hit him, only for it to hit a tree.
"Shadow Strike!" Aivenna said, making the surrounding shadows rise up to strike Spyder, with the UnderWorld Spy quickly turning towards her.
"Inferno Gust!" Spyder said, unleashing a stream of fire causing the shadows to disperse.
"Torrent of Flame!" Said Aivenna as she quickly shot out jets of flames before Spyder's attack could hit her, causing both attacks to collide together trying to overpower the other.
While Naruto shook his head, trying to shake off the effects of the Delerium and regain his focus, before looking at Spyder trying to overpower Aivenna, making him go through handsigns.
"Lightning Style: Electromagnetic Murder!" Naruto, shooting out a stream of electricity from his hands at Spyder, causing the spider-like UnderWorlder to scream in pain as he was electrocuted and sent crashing into a tree.
Grunting as he got up, Spyder saw Naruto and Aivenna in front of him ready to attack, making him scowl before looking around. With his scowl turning into a wicked grin when he spotted the children looking from behind a tree, getting an idea. That if he can't beat them, the least he can do is hurt them in another way.
"Surrender now Spyder, you can either run back to the UnderWorld or enjoy your stay in a cell in Kiru City." Aivenna said, with Spyder holding his arms up in "surrender".
"I'll return to the UnderWorld, but not before I do this! Fear Projection!" Said Spyder before shooting blasts of fear-infused energy at Naruto and Aivenna, forcing them to jump out of the way.
"Paral-Eyes!" Said Spyder, unleashing blasts from his eyes at Naruto, making the Uzumaki grunt at feeling his body suddenly be paralyzed.
"Web Cocoon!" Spyder said, continuing his attack as he shot webbing at Aivenna, ensnaring the OverWorld Hero in a cocoon before he then turned towards the children, making them scream in fear and try running away, only for Spyder to lunge at them.
"Fire Ring!" Said Spyder, holding his arms out and unleashing fire blasts around him and the children, trapping them in a ring of fire, causing the children to whimper and huddle together at being trapped.
"I'll return to the UnderWorld, but before leaving behind a parting gift for the OverWorlders! Inferno Gust!" Spyder said, opening his mouth and releasing a powerful flaming gust of wind to incinerate the kids, much to their horror.
But before they could be burned, Naruto appeared in front of them, gritting his teeth in pain as the fiery wind hit his back, feeling it burning the back of his body. Gasping as he fell to his knees once it stopped while the kids looked at him shock and amazement that he protected them.
"Hey, don't look so surprised. Didn't you know a hero always shows up at the list minute to save the day." Naruto said while grinning at the kids, which they tentatively returned, only for Spyder to chuckle cruelly.
"Well this time, the hero dies! Inferno-" Said Spyder, pleased he'll get to kill the human and the brats.
"Sudden Flare!" Aivenna shouted, releasing a powerful blast of fire from her body, vaporizing the webs around her, which also got the others attention.
"Power Pulse!" Said Aivenna, gathering energy in her fist and unleashing a much stronger and large green energy fist that smashed right into Spyder, launching him back.
"Rasengan!" Said Naruto, seeing Spyder flying at him and formed a Rasengan, slamming it straight into Spyder's back.
With the UnderWorlder screaming in complete agony at feeling the attack grinding and drilling against his back, until he was sent flying and crashing through a tree.
Though Spyder managed to stand up, struggling to do so and groaning in pain, while seeing Aivenna had rushed over to Naruto. But rather than take a chance to attack again while she's distracted, Spyder ran as fast he could to escape back to the UnderWorld. Deciding he should run while he could rather than take the risk of them deciding to just kill him, now.
"Naruto, are you alright?!" Aivenna asked in worry after she saw the burns on him, mentally cursing that she didn't have any Mugic to heal him.
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Besides, it'll heal in a few moments." Said Naruto, much to the bluenette's disbelief before her eyes to widen in shock and amazement when she looked only to see his injuries emitting steam and began fading away.
"What about you? Are you alright now? None of you are hurt, right?" Naruto asked while looking at the kids, with them still looking at him in amazement.
"W-w-we're fine, mister. Y-you…you saved us." Said one of the kids.
"Of course I did, I wasn't going to let that jerk attack you all, and when I heard some kids went missing I also wasn't going to stand around and do nothing." Said Naruto, with some of the kids looking at him in confusion.
"But…you're human. Why would you help us?" A kid asked, as despite his abilities, none of them thought a human would risk their life to save Creatures.
"So? Human, Creature, it doesn't matter to me, if someone's in danger and they need help, then I'm going to help them. Besides I promised your parents I'd bring you home and I never go back on my word." Naruto said as he smiled at them, while the kids looked at him in awe that a human would do all that.
While Aivenna looked at him in stunned amazement at his words and actions, having already known Naruto was a kind person. But that he'd once again was willing to risk himself just to save others, she's beginning to realize just how kind and caring he really is. Before she felt a horrifying realization on what would've happened if no one had come looking for the kids, not doubting Spyder would have eventually gotten bored and just killed them. Making it so their parents never learned what happened, or if they did then they'd just know their children were gone.
Neither option was something Aivenna would have wanted to happen, but it would have, if Naruto hadn't offered his help.
'Help…that no one else was going to give, not even me.' Aivenna thought, ashamed at how by doing nothing she would've been just as responsible for the children dying as Spyder would be for doing it.
"Now how about we head back, I'm sure you all will be eager to get back home. Also, make sure to be a lot more careful of where you go out to play." Said Naruto, with the children all nodding before they all began asking him different questions as they began heading back to Kiru City.
Aivenna stayed back for a moment and watched them, knowing that her duty is to safeguard the OverWorld, but now was seeing she had let that duty cause her to forget what's important. With her quickly catching up to them, swearing to make sure to do better at trying to deal with the little problems as well as the big ones.
*End Flashback*
Nivenna frowned as her twin finished telling her what had happened, telling her how they made sure each of the children was brought home to their grateful and relieved families. Before the redhead sat down next to the bluenette.
"…That could've been us you know." Nivenna stated, given their own origins and what would've happened in if they were never found by Intress and Takinom, respectively.
"Yeah, I know." Said Aivenna while looking down, having realized that as well after they returned the children to their homes.
She and Nivenna had also been lost and separated at birth while somehow ending up in completely different Locations, they had been lucky to be found and raised by Intress and Takinom. But they could have easily been overlooked and left alone, with no one coming to save them. It made both sisters sometimes wonder what would've happened if they hadn't been found. If they would've grown up alone, if they would've somehow found each other. Maybe their places would even be switched, with Aivenna ending up in the UnderWorld and Nivenna in the OverWorld.
"So…he's a strong warrior and is kind, even to those he knows nothing about to point he'll even risk his life for them. Is that why you care so much?" Nivenna said, only for Aivenna to smile softly.
"Part of it, but it's not the entire reason why." Aivenna said, thinking over another moment where she began realizing her feelings for Naruto were more than just a friend.
*Flashback*
"This is definitely an amazing view." Naruto stated as he and Aivenna stood at the top of the wall around Kiru City, looking at the setting sun.
"Yeah, I used to come up here a lot when I was younger, usually when I'd need some time alone or get frustrated during training. Intress and/or Drabe would sometimes join me, always being willing to talk when I needed to get something off my chest." Aivenna said, smiling at the memories, while having wanted to show Naruto one of her favorite spots in the city.
Though when she looked at the Uzumaki, the bluenette frowned at seeing the solemn look on his face, making her worried she did something wrong.
"is something wrong Naruto?" Questioned Aivenna, making Naruto shake his head
"No, nothing's wrong. It's just…back in my world, in my village, there was a spot like this on top of a mountain at the back of the village. I'd always go up there when I'd want to be alone, which was…usually a lot of times." Said Naruto, frowning at remembering what his childhood was like.
"Why?" Aivenna asked, unable to help herself in learning more about him.
"I wasn't…liked by a lot of people in my village, most either saw me as some nuisance or they didn't want me around. But the worse was when they simply ignored me, they'd just walk by me without so much as a glance. Like I wasn't there, like I didn't exist." Naruto said while looking down, much to Aivenna's shock and disgust.
"Why would they do that?!" Said Aivenna, wondering why anyone would treat a child like that.
"It's…complicated. But the night I was born the village was attacked by a powerful being, the leader at the time the Yondaime Hokage defeated it saving the village at the cost of his life. But because I was born on the same day, everyone only saw me as a reminder of the destruction caused, all those that died." Replied Naruto, which only angered the OverWorld Hero.
"But that's not right! You didn't ask to be born during an attack or be seen as a reminder of it!" Aivenna said, only for the whiskered blonde to shake his head.
"It didn't matter, that's how almost everyone saw me as. It lead to me acting out, trying to get attention, whether it was good or bad, as anything was better than simply being ignored and treated like you don't exist." Naruto said with Aivenna frowning sadly at this, that he'd accept any kind of attention as long as he wasn't ignored.
"What about your family? Didn't you have anyone looking after you?" Aivenna asked, only to wince when Naruto shook his head.
"No. I never knew my parents, the only thing I learned about them is that they're dead, nothing else. The Sandaime Hokage, who took over after the Yondaime's death, helped give me an apartment and a monthly stipulation. The only other people who helped me were the owners of Ramen Ichiraku, Teuchi and Ayame, they'd always let me eat there whenever I wanted. Even for free sometimes when I was low on money. But other than them, I looked after myself." Said Naruto, which only made Aivenna feel even worse.
"I'm sorry you went through that, no one should have to experience such a thing." Said Aivenna as Naruto nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's the worst feeling you can imagine, but I found those that were like me. Who were alone and ignored." Naruto said, thinking of Haku, Gaara and even Sasuke.
"Who?" Aivenna asked wanting to know, while Naruto looked out at the setting sun.
"The first was a girl I met on a mission, she had a special power called a Kekkei Genkai, an ability tied to one's bloodline. But in her homeland, those with Kekkei Genkai were seen as freaks and monsters, which forced her mother to hide that she had one only for her daughter to inherit it. And when her father found out…" Said Naruto, much to Aivenna's shock and horror at realizing what it meant.
"She had been alone after that, only to be found by someone and taken in by them being raised and trained to be used a tool. Something she didn't mind as she had found someone precious to her, and if being his tool gave her purpose and helped him achieve his goal then she was willing to do whatever he needed her to. But…that didn't stop her from being a kind person who didn't like killing, even when she met me and had a chance to kill me for being an enemy, she didn't. Then…she gave her life to protect her precious person. And then he died afterwards, doing what he could to honor her sacrifice, acknowledging that she was more than just a tool to him." Naruto said sadly at thinking of Zabuza and Haku.
"The next person I met…he was just like me, being seen as a reminder of a creature that attacked his village, only…he's what I could've been like if I didn't have anyone." Said Naruto as his mind turned to Gaara.
"Like…what?" Questioned Aivenna, not sure she wanted to hear more, but felt she needed to.
"He had been feared and isolated by his village, even from his own family. It soon pushed him too far and…he began killing anyone that got in his way to prove his existence. It didn't matter if they were an enemy, an ally or even just a random person, he'd kill them to prove he existed. He even was going to kill my teammates and me, after seeing that we were the same." Naruto revealed, making Aivenna's eyes widen.
"Did…did you…" Aivenna asked, wondering if Naruto killed him instead.
"No. Though I'll admit that I was willing to, after he threatened to slowly crush one of my teammates to death after knocking them out and bounding them to a tree. But thankfully she was freed after he ran out of Chakra and I was able to show him that it wasn't too late to change, that there were people who cared about him with his siblings, with him now fighting to protect those he cares about. Something I'm glad for, as I really didn't want to kill someone who experienced the same pain I did." Naruto said, with the bluenette look at him in amazement.
Amazed that even though an enemy tried killing him and his teammates, Naruto still fought to save him from himself despite his temptation to kill him when he felt he went too far, changing him from a monster to someone better.
"It's thanks to these encounters and battles, as well as what I learned from them, that I became the person I am now. To make sure to protect those who are precious to me and my home, which is now Perim and Chaotic." Said Naruto as he turned to look at Aivenna, much to her shock.
"Maybe I wasn't born in Perim and I'm not from the same world as everyone else in Chaotic, but it's my home now and I'll do everything I can to protect it and those I care about. Takinom, Intress, you, Sarah, Tom, Kaz, Peyton and everyone else in Perim and Chaotic I care about. Whether it's from the M'arrillians or any other threat, I'll do everything I can to stop it. Because I don't want anyone else to feel the same pain and sadness me and so many others have before." Naruto said, while the OverWorld Hero looked at him with wide eyes before she smiled and grabbed his hand.
"Well, you won't be fighting alone. Because I and many others here in Perim will be fighting beside you to protect our homes and each other." Said Aivenna, feeling a new determination to make sure she'll be fighting beside Naruto against any threats to protect not just Perim and the OverWorld, but him as well.
*End Flashback*
"Naruto is…he's not just a skilled and experienced warrior, but he has the biggest heart I've ever seen before, making him kind and compassionate, something that's rare in Perim. Before the threat of the M'arrillians began uniting the Tribes, the constant fighting made us all untrusting and suspicious of anyone not from our own Tribes. Then when humans began appearing in recent solons, it took a while before the Tribes begun opening up to them with some being more reluctant than others. Yet Naruto doesn't care who you are, whether you're a Creature or human, nor what Tribes you're part of, he'll still help anyone regardless." Aivenna said with a soft smile, while Nivenna looked at her with wide eyes at everything she said.
Before the OverWorld Hero gained a solemn look, thinking over everything Naruto's done for her, understanding how Intress and Takinom could care so much about him.
"Is it really surprising that I would fall for him, even if he's human, he's done too much that it's impossible to only see him as just a friend." Said Aivenna, wishing more than anything to tell and show Naruto how much he means to her, but also didn't want to put any pressure on him to choose her over the others.
"He was kind to me even with how cold I was to him when he brought you up, risked his life to protect me, and helped me understand that even if we're from different Tribes we're still sisters. That I never really hated you, Nivenna. That it was really just betrayal and devastation to learn I had family, a twin sister no less, only to learn she was a part of my Tribe's bitter enemies. Thanks to Naruto, I finally got a chance to really meet and spend time with you." Said Aivenna while looking at Nivenna, with the UnderWorlder not sure what to say to that.
"But…I also know the only reason we're even able to meet under non-hostile circumstances is because of the Tribal Alliance to fight the M'arrillians and once the threat has been eliminated…things will go back to how they were before, with us all fighting each other to reach the Cothica. We'll even go back to fighting too…if we don't end up dying when the M'arrillians attack" Aivenna muttered sadly, given she's finally gotten her sister back, but knew it wouldn't last.
Nivenna looked at her twin with a small frown, trying to think of something to say or do, before she hesitantly reached out and patted her on the shoulder.
"It's…fine. Even after the M'arrillians are dealt with…we don't have to go back being bitter enemies. We can still…try to…spend time…together, even after the alliance is over." Nivenna said awkwardly as she was still getting used to being around Aivenna and not trying to crush her, let alone trying to comfort her.
Not helped that she wasn't much of a people person to begin with.
"How can you be so sure?" Questioned Aivenna, only for the redhead to shrug.
"I'm not, honestly. But we're all going to be fighting the M'arrillians together and that's not something everyone will just forget. I've even heard that Dardemus has become friends with Owis, even going as far as helping him learn to use Fire Attacks, and I doubt they'll stop being friends after the M'arrillians are defeated. So…if you want…we could…still train…and…do stuff." Nivenna replied, making the bluenette smile at her.
"I'd like that, I really would." Aivenna said, wrapping an arm around her twin, surprising Nivenna before she gave an awkward one-arm hug.
"Great… Can we go back to training now?" Said Nivenna, preferring if they got back to training.
"Yeah! Maybe I can even help you develop a Fire Element, of course I'll always be better at Fire Attacks." Said Aivenna with a smirk, only for the UnderWorld Conqueror to scoff.
"Oh please, don't forget who's the UnderWorlder. And in case you forgot, one of my abilities lets me have any element I want, I'd say that makes me better by default." Nivenna retorted, with Aivenna's smirk growing as her sword ignited.
"Want to test that." Aivenna challenged, making Nivenna smirk as well as she held her staff at the ready while sacrificing one of her Mugicians to gain the Fire Element.
"Try not to get burned, sister." Said Nivenna before swinging her staff and unleashing a wave of flames.
Though as they sparred against each other, part of Nivenna still thought over everything her twin told her about Naruto, the kind of person he is and everything he's done.
'Naruto Uzumaki…I hope to get the chance to see the kind of person you are myself.' Nivenna thought, feeling her intrigue and curiosity grow, wishing to finally get the chance to see who Naruto is herself.
*With Tom*
Meanwhile, Tom had decided to take a chance and ported to Cordac Falls Plungepool, hoping that Kerric would be here to get a scan of him.
"Okay, Kerric would probably be flying around somewhere. I should probably also get a scan of the Plungepool, being able to deal even a little damage to any opponent's Creature at the start of a battle is too good to pass up." Tom said, scanning the Location.
"What're you doing here, human?!" Someone said, making Tom look up before he saw Kerric flying down behind him.
"Kerric! Awesome, I was hoping you'd be here! Would it be cool if I got a scan of you?" Tom asked, glad that Kerric is here, giving him another UnderWorlder, even better one that can use Air Attacks.
"You want to scan me?" Questioned Kerric in slight surprise given how Chaotic players usually don't scan him, much to his annoyance, due to his size.
"Yeah, you're one of the few UnderWorlders that can use Air Attacks and you're also pretty fast." Said Tom, making the Scout smirk proudly.
"Ha! It's about time someone finally sees a real warrior! Alright human, go ahead and scan me!" Kerric said, with Tom nodding as he scanned Kerric, smiling once he had it.
'Sweet! Kerric can move an additional space on the board and move through occupied spaces! If I give him the right BattleGear, then he'll be a major threat for anyone I face.' Tom thought, glad he decided to come here.
"Thanks Kerric, you'll be a great addition to my team." Said Tom before porting out.
*Chaotic*
Appearing back in the Port Court, Tom went over and uploaded his new scan, seeing how his tournament deck was coming together.
'This tournament actually seems like a good chance to finally get that scan of Banshor I've wanted to get. And I know he haunts that shipwreck, another good Location scan to get.' Tom thought, nodding before he went and ported away again.
*Perim*
Reappearing back in Perim near the shipwreck, Tom saw how dark and foggy it was, barely being able to see where he was going and only hearing the splashing from the water.
"Okay, that shipwreck should be somewhere around here. I just need to find the wa-" Tom said only to cry out when a wave crashed down on top of him, knocking him down to the rock he was standing on.
Coughing and sputtering from getting soaked, Tom stood up only to hear the sound of something moaning and groaning. Making him look only to see the shipwreck and Banshor floating over the deck, making him smile.
"Cool, now just hold still Banshor." Tom said, locking onto the UnderWorlder and scanned him, much to his excitement at getting another powerful Creature for the tournament and one he wanted to get.
Getting a quick scan of the Location as well, Tom ported out to uploaded his new scans.
*With Peyton*
Peyton gasped as he was tossed out of a pond in Everrain, gasping for air before Skreeth burst out of the water.
"What're you doing here human?!" Skreeth demanded as Peyton pulled out his Scanner and scanned the UnderWorlder, wanting to start building up his non-Mipedian Creatures.
"I'm uh…on a Scavenger Scan." Said Peyton, much to Skreeth's annoyance at the response which only grew at the Mipedian Players next comment.
"Your stats aren't bad Skreeth, but you need to work on your speed. Quit the pond and hit the gym!" Peyton said, seeing Skreeth's speed was really low.
"How about I hit you! Steam Rage!" Skreeth said, releasing a blast of burning steam at Peyton,
"Later gator!" Said Peyton as he quickly ported out before he was hit.
*Later*
After uploading his scan of Skreeth, Peyton had went to find Tartarek in the Riverlands, jumping across some rocks before grinning when he saw the turtle-like OverWorlder nearby. Looking as though he just woke up from a nap. Pulling out his Scanner, Peyton quickly scanned him, glad to have a Creature like Tartarek added to his deck before porting out.
Unaware that if he just stayed a moment later, he would see some kind of mass moving swiftly through the water towards the elderly OverWorld Hero. With it not being long before a large red tentacle burst from the water, wrapping around Tartarek and pulling him in. The area of the water that he was pulled into glowing a dark pinkish purple for a brief moment before Tartarek emerged from the water, shaking his head as he held it in one hand as something seemed somewhat off about him. Before he quickly covered it up as he made his way to Kiru City.
*With Naruto*
'Kepiaan is definitely a Danian I wish I got a scan of, earlier. His ability fits perfectly with my style.' Naruto thought, grinning at managing to scan Kepiaan, a Danian BattleMaster that gains ten energy and boosts to his Disciplines for each Tribe he controls.
And since Naruto always mixed his teams, that means Kepiaan will always get a boost from the different Tribes he controls, even more if he includes M'arrillians for all five Tribes.
"Ah, Naruto. I'm surprised to see you here, but it's a welcomed surprise." Said a familiar voice, making Naruto turn, before smiling when he saw Aszil approaching him with her guards.
"Princess Aszil, it's good to see you again." Said Naruto, with the Danian Princess returning the smile.
"It's good to see you as well. I take it by your presence you're scanning some Danians." Aszil stated as Naruto began walking beside her.
"Yeah, there's a tournament being held in Chaotic, all those participating though first need to gather new scans across Perim, at least six Creatures and ten Locations to be eligible. I've been going around collecting scans and came here next to start building up the Danian side of my team." Naruto replied, making Aszil hum in thought.
"Interesting. If you wish, perhaps I could help you. I'm sure you're familiar with the Ur-Shard from your battle against CodeMaster Crellan, it's located here in the Mount Pillar Royal Treasury as one of my mother's prized possessions. If you wish, I will allow you to scan it." Offered Aszil, surprising the Uzumaki at the offer.
"Y-yeah, that'd be really great. Thanks Aszil." Said Naruto, knowing the Ur-Shard would definitely be useful.
Boosting his Creatures' Earth Attacks and getting rid of his opponent's if the Creature he has it equipped to is coded, which also means he'll be giving them Recklessness as well to damage themselves.
"Of course. Though it's not without you giving something in return. I'll let you scan the Ur-Shard, if you scan me as well and use me during the tournament." Aszil said, surprising Naruto again.
"Really? You want me to scan you for the tournament?" Naruto asked, with Aszil nodding in response.
"I do. After witnessing your battle against CodeMaster Crellan I wish to see how you battle as me against other Creatures. It would certainly be intriguing to witness, as well as help me better see where my strengths lie and what I would need to improve." Replied Aszil, intrigued at the chance to see Naruto as battle as her.
"Definitely, it'd be awesome getting the chance to battle as you." Said Naruto, smiling at the Danian Princess as he remembered how powerful she was in his battle against Sarah, it made him eager to get his own scan if her.
"I'm happy to hear that. Now come, I'll take you to the treasury." Aszil said, motioning Naruto to follow her.
Moving through Mount Pillar with any Danians they encountered bowing to the princess, they soon entered an elevator and went up to a higher level. Before the doors opened to set a large doors guarded by over a dozen Mandiblors, who all immediately quickly bowed to Aszil.
"Just a moment, Naruto." Aszil said, stepping forward while taking out an object.
Stepping towards the door, Aszil inserted the object, with six more Danians stepping forward and taking out similar objects and putting them in. Before Naruto was surprised when he heard a Mugic playing as the doors opened up.
"What…what was that?" Naruto asked in surprise as Aszil and the Mandiblors removed the objects.
"A special Mugic lock that Lore created for the vault. It's broken into seven pieces for the seven notes on the Mugic. I have one of the pieces, while the rest of them are divided among the vault guards with them all passing them to new guards during a shift change with only those guards knowing who has the real pieces as all the others have fake key pieces. Should anyone try assembling the key without the correct pieces, it will seal the vault and send out an alert of someone trying to break in." Explained Aszil, much to Naruto's surprise.
"You guys take your security really seriously." Naruto stated, only for Aszil to shake her head.
"It's actually a new defense system. While I'm sure CodeMaster Crellan has no intention of threatening Mount Pillar, he was still capable of sneaking into the royal treasury to scan the Ur-Shard. And I believe humans have a saying, it's better to be safe than sorry. It's to ensure no actual threat is capable of breaking into the vault." Aszil said, with Naruto nodding in understanding before he looked around in amazement at everything in the vault, seeing why the Danians would want to make sure it's locked up tight.
"And this is what you wish for, the Ur-Shard." Aszil said as they reached a pedestal where the Ur-Shard rested, with Naruto smiling as he scanned it and the Location.
"Thanks again for this, Aszil. Now I just need to quickly port back to Chaotic to upload my scans since I already scanned a Creature and the Scanner can only hold one scan at a time. So I'll be back in a few moments." Said Naruto, with Aszil nodding in acceptance before he ported away.
With it only taking a moment before Naruto returned and scanned Aszil as well, only to be surprised when he looked at her scan and stats.
"Aszil, The Young Queen." Naruto said in surprise at her new stats, seeing she's even stronger than when Sarah scanned her, before looking at Aszil in confusion.
"Yes, it was a decision made by my mother not long after your CodeMaster Match. As the war with the M'arrillians will begin in the coming days, it was decided I will serve as Queen of the Danians and should the worst happen, I will retreat to Kiru City if the M'arrillians show they can penetrate Mount Pillar's defenses. While my mother will remain here to act as a decoy, especially since she can't move like she used to." Aszil said with a frown, with Naruto frowning as well.
"I'm sorry to hear that. You probably didn't want to be named Queen like this." Said Naruto, only for the Young Queen to shake her head.
"Perhaps, but the duty of all Danians is to ensure the protection of the Queen as should she fall, the entire Hive falls with her. And regardless of the circumstances, I'll do my best to help ensure my Tribes survival and see that it flourishes." Said Aszil, making Naruto smile at her.
"Then I'm sure the Danians couldn't ask for a better Queen. Though, sorry I missed the chance to see your coronation." Naruto said, with Aszil returning the smile.
"You didn't. Since my mother will be acting as a decoy, my official coronation won't be until after the M'arrillians are defeated, and I would be happy if you were there when it happened. You may also extend Sarah an invitation as well." Aszil said, wishing for her human friends to be present when she's officially crowned as Queen of the Danians.
"We'll both be there, I promise." Replied Naruto, smiling at the Danian Queen before porting out to upload his new scan of Queen Aszil.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Aivenna and Nivenna training in Skeletal Springs to boost their Disciplines, before Naruto arrives and scans them, their Mugic and their personal BattleGear (the staff and sword they use on the artwork of their cards). Before he leaves but not before offering to join their training next time which they accept.
With it then showing Nivenna seeing just how much Aivenna cares about Naruto, leading to some flashbacks showing Aivenna's growing feelings for Naruto as they grew closer and she learns the kind of person he really is, something that also increases Nivenna's intrigue and interest to get to know Naruto herself. While also seeing the sisters slowly rebuilding their own bond as well.
Then we see Tom heading to the Cordac Falls Plungepool, getting a scan of Kerric, as well as taking the chance to get his scan of Banshor for the tournament. Which then goes to Peyton scanning Skreeth in Everrain and then Tartarek, given here Tartawrecker was the one who missed scanning Tartarek allowing Peyton to scan him this time.
Only to miss Phelphor attacking Tartarek, placing the OverWorlder under his control and sending him back to Kiru City to begin spying.
Finally we see Naruto a Mount Pillar getting a scan of Kepiaan, a Danian that fits perfectly with his battle style, only to run into Aszil. With her offering him the chance to scan the Ur-Shard in exchange for also scanning her and using her in the tournament, something Naruto happily agrees to. Only to be surprised when he scans her and sees she's been crowned the Danian Queen, something that was decided after his CodeMaster Match, in the event the M'arrillians manage to breech Mount Pillar she'll be able to escape to Kiru City. With Naruto giving his condolences at the circumstances for her crowning and promises he and Sarah will be there for her official coronation. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out