Unknown space
There stood a great tower, well it wasn't standing as it's foundation did not touch the ground. Though to be fair, it would only crush the beautiful flowers below it. It's foundation would only disturb the flow of nature and kill the innocent and harmless plants. The only living resident of this unique land was also very careful as to where he took his next step.
"How long have I been here?" the individual asked himself. The individual slowly approached the tower and stared at the seemingly infinite landscape, "I do not hunger, thirst or tire. Is this suffering or am I just lost?" he asked as the concept of time nonexistent to him.
The man stood under the foundation and was quickly lifted up into an opening that took him inside of the tower. He continued to make his way higher into the tower. From there he looked over the balcony and saw the end of the landscape where a massive wall stood.
"There is nothing behind there." the man said as he too a nearby seat and stared at the walls. "This is all one little world. It's difficult to think about. But I put myself here didn't I? At least that's how I remember it." he continued to mutter.
What the man failed to remember was the true meaning of the landscape and the true representation of this land he put himself in. The garden itself is not hell, but the embodiment of hope and a new utopia. However there are still quite a few mysteries as to what this place is.
"What exactly is Avalon?" the man asked himself.
PROLOGUE - Avalon
In Konoha, day of the funeral, hokage's office
Herodias stared at the group in front of her. The newly instated godaime hokage watched in interest as Kasumi and Menma were brought before her. Kasumi baring the eyes of her clan and Menma baring the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. This was rather problematic, there was no doubt the council will try to raise hell over having them put in a breeding program.
Thinking about their parents, Herodias put Kushina aside as she considered that the Uzumaki woman's current state of mind wasn't good. Between the death of her child and still overlooking the positive and negative aspects of divorce. Kushina was likely not going to get a say in this while Minato could either subject his children to making his clan great again or trying to avoid repeating his mistakes.
"Have you notified the elders?" Herodias asked.
"They want to have a meeting later today." Merlin answered making her nod.
Herodias stared intently at her teacher's descendants, "How are you two feeling? Do your eyes hurt, ache or even itch for that matter?" she asked.
"My eyes feel like fire." Menma said as he rubbed them.
"I feel sick." Kasumi said as she rubbed her own single active eye.
"Careful, your eyes are extra sensitive compared to normal human vision. It's like blinding a Hyuga with a bright light." Herodias said wondering whatever happened to those bright flash type jutsus.
"Oh yeah, I heard a lot of Hyuga got killed because of some light release technique." Ban said hearing those stories from Mito.
"Putting that aside, what do you believe is the best course of action?" Merlin asked.
Herodias sighed, "A lot of bullshit Sarutobi-sama was put through. The only problem is I don't age and I'm going to be on this planet for longer than my predecessor." she answered.
"Council can be a real bitch." Ban said.
"You said a bad word." Menma said with a pointed finger.
"What are you going to do about it brat?" Ban asked as Kasumi kept her little brother silent.
Herodias sighed, "For now, I suggest that you two find a pair of sunglasses. I don't want to remind you that we survived two er... three invasions with the first two being from our enemy and ally. There is also no doubt that forces within our village will try take such power for themselves." she said.
"What happened to ROOT anyways?" Ban asked.
"Gone for good and I will not bend to the will of a couple old crones who were once small children when I started my career." Herodias answered.
"Do they know about your status?" Ban asked with a raised brow.
Herodias nodded, "It took some explaining, but I managed to keep the power balance in my favor. Regardless of where I came from, the civilians assumed that male humans are suited for the hat." she said remembering how many merchants risked going into bankruptcy on that day.
"I guess that's all we can do now. So I suggest you two come up with an excuse for your parents and sister when you return home." Merlin told the two children.
"Alright, come on Menma-kun. I guess we have to explain our eye powers." Kasumi said as she lifted her younger brother in her arms.
"Ok, bye Mr. Ban. Bye Ms. Merlin." Menma said as he waved goodbye.
When the two left, Heriodias decided to play a risky act, "How are you two by the way? With the um..." Ban raised his hand.
"It's a lot, I don't want to get into right now if you don't mind." Ban said trying to keep calm.
"I understand, I apologize for prying." Herodias replied feeling some regret. "Although, even with the return of Lady Elizabeth and Sir Meliodas, I'm not sure how I should feel as I wasn't too close to Naruto." she said.
Ban nodded, "We should head back. I know how Elaine is about being good hosts." he said as he walked out of the office.
Merlin was about to walk away only to stop and turn to Herodias, "Herodias, did you ever have any family outside of your teacher?" she asked.
"None, my parents died from causes that I can't remember. Lady Cora was everything to me and I dedicated my life to locating her missing child. However, I knew I knew with their lifespan, the child would likely be older than an elderly Uzumaki to this day. However, I wasn't very fond of lying about my death and having to change identity all the time. It takes a steel will to handle being alone." Herodias explained.
"I see." Merlin said.
Herodias decided to add a little bit more, "However, the real harm is self isolation." she added.
Which made Merlin stop for a moment before continuing to make her way back to the mansion. Herodias returned to her normal duties wondering what the future had in store for them. However, while some say that you should focus on the present to prepare for the future. The past may not define you, but it will be where you originated.
Having said that, Herodias heard a knock on her door.
"Enter." she said.
The door opened revealing a fair skinned woman with raven hair and onyx colored eyes and a brown haired girl wearing a forehead protector. Naturally this would be the part where you would automatically expect Herodias to be wary of the girl as if she didn't recognized her. However this is the biggest shinobi village with probably the largest roster therefore, not even the hokage could remember every face and name.
(A/N: Let's keep the cliches to a minimum. Seriously, how would the main characters tell a stranger apart from the many people in the village?)
"May I help you?" Herodias asked.
The woman looked around in confusion, "Is the sandaime not here anymore?" she asked.
Herodias narrowed her eyes, "Hiruzen Sarutobi officially resigned once again as of last week. I think you would be aware of this. Especially with the recent invasion." she answered making the eyes of the pair go wide eyed. "Were you not aware of this?" she asked.
The woman shook her head, "Ma'am you won't believe this but... my name is Mikoto Uchiha and this is Izumi Uchiha. I don't know how but we awakened in the cemetery only an hour ago." she confessed.
Herodias quickly signalled her ANBU and restrained them, "I want Yamanaka to search their minds. They could be spies or sleeper agents." she said.
"Hai." the ANBU squad said.
"Ma'am this all a mistake! We're telling you the truth!" Izumi said as she struggled.
"Your logic is absurd. The only Uchiha left are Sasuke and Itachi with the latter having become a missing nin. Take them away." Herodias ordered as the two Uchiha women were taken away as they continued attempting to plead their case.
Elsewhere
A red haired woman awakened in a large field of grass. As she opened her eyes, she found herself alone with no sign of any other human near her. As she extended her senses, she sensed a dark power full of negative energy. She recognized the energy signature and it only made her go pale.
"Kyuubi." the woman said before running off to find the energy source.
She couldn't risk such a volatile power to run free. It was her duty as an Uzumaki and member of the village to keep it restrained.
Mansion, afternoon
"Thank you, goodbye." Elaine said as she waved goodbye to the guests.
Ban sighed as he made several shadow clones and started cleaning, "That's the end of that." he said.
"Hey Ban, do you want any help?" King asked hoping to be civil.
"Sure, grab a broom if you want." Ban replied.
Meliodas was standing against the wall thinking about things. The past week was playing over his head over a hundred times. First he and his wife wake up from the dead, they learn their grandson is dead and now they're alive while he's gone like the rest of his descendants. However that left Kasumi, Naruto's sister. But it's a mystery as to how Kasumi was able to awaken to her power.
The captain of the Seven Deadly Sins could only sigh as he wondered what was next. Meanwhile Elizabeth could only stare at the photos that Naruto had stored in a book. Meliodas was well aware of how excited Naruto was when he learned about his missing family members. All the adventures the kid would enjoy having as he would seek everyone out.
"Hey Elizabeth, anything interesting in there?" Meliodas asked.
"A few cute photos from when Naruto found your sacred treasure." Elizabeth said while wiping a tear away.
Meliodas watched as Naruto gave a fox grin as his little arms held Lostvayne. The next photo moved onto Naruto's first birthday cake, it was sloppy but Ban looked like he made some effort into making it despite having no baking experience. Another one showed Naruto going over his studies as several dead plants surrounded him.
"Naruto was studying the art of combining elements. I never figured out why, but he was able to use stuff like the mokuton and hyoton. I don't think my chakra was able to cause that, so it's still a mystery as to how it passed onto everyone else." Ban explained.
"How was he as a child Ban?" Elizabeth asked.
"He was tough enough to face a smaller version of my fox form. But he was still a kid nonetheless." Ban answered as he started tying up a trash bag. "You know, I remember having to break into the hospital. Civilians tried to hoard some medicine during something they considered a recession and claimed that they couldn't fund the hospital. A lot of those greedy bastards were keeping that crap for themselves." he explained.
Elizabeth shuttered at the thought of what Ban must have went through to keep Naruto healthy. Although, it's not as if another determined parent would have done something similar.
"Thanks for keeping an eye on him Ban... even if it was temporary." Meliodas said as he was grateful for his friend's help.
Ban sighed as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "Any time captain. I guess... well, I don't know what to think." he said as he left Meliodas's side.
"I'm worried about him." Elizabeth said.
"I am too, but I'm sure we can work things out." Meliodas replied as Elaine hugged the real Ban from behind.
That night
As everyone prepared for another night of slumber. Merlin had placed her hand on the doorknob to her room. Once more remembering the day Naruto had carried her in his arms. The day they practically moved in together, the day she learned of his scars and the day he created the home he always wanted. As she was ready to enter and sleep alone, she felt another presence.
"May I help you Calcifer?" Merlin asked as she faced the manifestation of the mansion.
"Miss Merlin, if you would like, I could create another room. There is still lots of space and..."
"That's alright Calcifer. Princess Veronica already offered me space in her room so I wouldn't be alone, but I already declined the offer. I don't mind sleeping alone, really." Merlin said.
Calcifer nodded, "As you wish ma'am." he said before sinking into the floor.
Merlin sighed as she went inside to rest for the night. Like everyone else, she just rested and prepared for whatever the next day had in store for them.
With Gowther
The Sin of Lust was looking out his window in deep thought. While many would consider Gowther to be emotionless and rather rude because of said behavior that could surpass an Aburame. Well... Aburame clan members aren't necessarily rude unless you count being introverted in general.
The pink haired doll pulled out his glass heart and thought about the reason why he kept it out of his body.
Flashback, mansion construction
Naruto was working hard in the center of the foundation. It was late and it was safe to say that Naruto was likely close to falling unconscious.
"Almost... almost... where... where did I put that?" Naruto asked as he started closing his eyes rapidly. Then he slapped himself, "Focus Liones! If grandpa can handle seeing his lover die a lot of times. Then I can handle building a house... I hope they're proud of me." he said before chuckling and falling from losing his balance.
That's when he felt a blanket placed on him, "You will catch a cold if you sleep out here." said a voice.
Naruto managed to barely open his eyes, "Haku? Or some other random androgynous guy who looks like a lady?" he asked.
"No, it is Gowther. Were you expecting someone else?" Gowther asked as Naruto turned his head to the Sin of Lust.
"Nevermind, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
"Elaine and Diane have gotten worried about you. So I took the liberty and went to retrieve you myself." Gowther answered.
Naruto yawned, "Aw man, I was just about to give life to the foundation." he said peaking Gowther's interest.
"You are bringing life to inanimate object? Tell me more." Gowther said as he squatted down to look at Naruto.
Naruto started to close his eyes as his breathing started to sound a bit faint. He actually did put in some effort to stay awake to answer his self imposed brother. Gowther stared at Naruto's sleepy face and wondered about the idea that children look adorable when they are asleep. However Gowther still had his own extreme philosophy that he followed.
So he grabbed Naruto by the shoulders and shook him rapidly, "Wake up!" Gowther yelled.
"AH! Don't do that!" Naruto yelled as he started panting.
"Tell me about the sentient." Gowther requested.
Naruto took a deep breath, "Alright, I got inspired by that movie I took mom and aunt Diane to. In it, there was a house that was powered by a sentient flame named Calcifer and it was kept alive using a heart that belonged to the protagonist." he explained.
"So you want to give it life then. However seeing as you only have basic demon and goddess magic. I can only assume that you have limited knowledge in bringing things to life." Gowther said as he didn't believe that jutsus had the ability to grant life.
"That sums it up big brother. We shinobi made a jutsu to control the dead, I was able to revive the dead, but I can't create life. Although thinking about it, maybe I'm overstepping my boundaries." Naruto explained as he started to fall back asleep.
Gowther put his hands on Naruto and sat him up, "Well I have the tool to help you." he said as Naruto was very close to passing out. As the sentient doll attempted to maintain his brother's consciousness, "I'll give you my heart." he said as Naruto shook his head awake.
"Hey hey hey! I'm flattered but this is not a thing brothers are supposed to do. Also, I'm kind of in a relationship with Merlin." Naruto said as he had many mixed ideas by what Gowther was suggesting.
"Do not worry little brother. I already had a lover once and I do not intend to repeat the same mistake." Gowther replied.
Naruto raised a brow in confusion, "I thought you tried dating Guila." he said.
"And at one point, I thought you tried dating Jericho." Gowther said.
Both remained silent as they stared at each other with blank faces.
"This is going to be a weird memory to come back to." Naruto said as Gowther tilted his head in confusion.
"What confuses me is how a three thousand year old woman found interest in you. Especially since I can tell that her emotions are genuine for you." Gowther said.
"Ok are you trying to offend me or teach me how to finish my house!?" Naruto asked as Gowther removed his chest and revealed a glass chest.
"This is my heart." Gowther said.
"Then how are you still alive? Shouldn't... nevermind." Naruto said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
Gowther smiled as he presented his glass heart, "You see little brother. I was created by former member of the 10 commandments who was forced into working for them through threats. He was a powerful mage and was imprisoned by Zeldris so he was able to see through my eyes." he explained.
Naruto blinked twice, "I'm either really tired and hearing a lot of insanity or you just decided to withhold information like that." he said accusingly.
Gowther learned a lot from his surrogate brother, he just grinned as best he could when answering, "Take it as you will." he said as the grin scared Naruto.
"Ok I'm done now! Aunt Diane! If you can hear me, please pick me up! I promise to come home early! No more late nights! I promise!" Naruto yelled as he tried crawling away.
"Silly little brother, it is rude to escape while I am telling my story." Gowther said as he dragged Naruto back. "Anyways, my creator invented this heart so I would experience emotions. However there was a slight issue." he continued.
"Yeah, you and your creepy as smiles followed by you needing to manipulate girls into being your lover." Naruto replied as Gowther shook his head.
"No, you see after the war Holy War ended. I entered hibernation and found myself in a cave. My creator had died and I buried him under a few rocks." Gowther began to explain as he sat down after Naruto settled down. "That day, I realized I was in Liones. I was soon visited by the only princess of the time, Nadja Liones." he continued.
"Ok time out! Did grandpa know about this? What about Merlin-hime? Right before she met that Arthur guy, she was pretty close to the royal family." Naruto asked as these were questionable things.
Gowther nodded, "Yes, however it was not their place to say anything nor did it matter." he answered. Naruto sulked as Gowther continued, "Anyways, I met Nadja and her brother, the future king Bartra. Nadja had a frail heart and it was weakening by the day, however Bartra never told me of this until it was too late." he explained.
Naruto started giving a sentimental look to Gowther. He only knew about Bartra's deceased brother Denzel who died after he let his body be possessed by a goddess clan member that was sealed away in a sword but was killed during the assault on Liones. So he wasn't aware of Nadja and it sounds as if she died prematurely.
"For every day we spent together. I soon fell in love, as Nadja motivated me to do so many things that she had yearned to do herself. Such as riding a horse and various other things she's read in fairy tales. However, reality is cold and uncaring." Gowther explained as his voice started to lower.
(Naruto OST - Sadness and Sorrow)
"I'm sorry." Naruto said as he lowered his head.
Gowther shook his head, "You wouldn't have known." he said.
"How did it happen?" Naruto asked.
"Nadja was born with a weak heart and wasn't meant to be doing anything too exciting for her health. Often times Bartra would recommend her to stay in bed. However Nadja was adventurous and wanted to live a life of adventure such as what was written in her fantasy books." Gowther said as a genuine smile slowly appeared on his face.
Naruto smiled as he recognized the emotion present on the doll's face.
"But as I said, not all fairy tales have good endings. I attempted to replace her heart with my own, but I failed. The knights broke in and mistook my deeds for murder and I was tried and punished to be burnt at the stake, but survived. I threw this heart away until King Bartra presented it to Merlin to convinced me to hang onto it." Gowther explained as he handed it over.
Naruto smiled as he received it, "You're really giving it to me? Won't it hurt to part away with it?" He asked.
"Silly little brother, it's not an actual organ so therefore my health will not be affected. Just as is it is pointless for you to keep feeding me pancakes." Gowther said.
"Then why do you keep eating them? Also, where do you store them?" Naruto asked as he wasn't aware of Gowther's biology as he isn't sentient.
Gowther gave another smile when he answered, "That's a special secret." He said.
"Well if you're ok with it. I'll give it a try." Naruto said as he took the heart and scanned it.
Gowther smiled, "I hope you like it. It's likely more valuable in your hands than in my own." he said.
"Oh shit." Naruto said.
"Little brother, swearing is not good for you." Gowther said.
"Manure then, we have a problem. I don't think you're going to like this." Naruto spoke up.
Gowther turned to his nervous looking brother, "Please do not tell me that you've broken it immediately after I have just given it to you.." he said.
Naruto looked up with an offended look on his face, "Hey I may be reckless and have issues, but I'm not dumb enough to break someone else's property." he replied angrily.
Gowther folded his arms, "Well then, what is the issue?" he asked.
Naruto scratched his head nervously, "Well um... there's no magic." he said.
Gowther blinked twice, "You broke it." he said accusingly.
"No I didn't! I know dad barely taught me any magic since the only thing I know is grandpa's sword, breaking seals and even a few of his fox hunt tricks. Except there's nothing in this thing. It's just fancy glass." Naruto said as Gowther's eyes widened.
"No that cannot be true. Perhaps you did something wrong." Gowther said as he took his heart back.
"Gowther, I hate to break it to you, but unless that things broken. It's just a placebo effect." Naruto said as Gowther was in denial as he frantically tried to see what was wrong.
"No, there's a reasonable explanation. Perhaps Merlin can take a look at it." Gowther said as he was trying to leave only for Naruto hold him back.
"Gowther! This means your emotions are real! You've just been holding them back!" Naruto told him.
Gowther just stood there in silence, "No... then my pain... it was real and I could never rid myself of it." he said as he started to channel his magic into his palm.
Naruto acted quickly and held the doll's hands back, "Gowther stop it! What the heck are you doing?" he asked.
"I have to erase my memories again! I can't bare the thoughts again." Gowther answered as he started to shake.
"What? Why?" Naruto asked.
"Naruto, I can't handle it! Goodbye!" Gowther said as he tried to use his magic on himself only to be stopped by a chakra chain that restrained him. "Why are you stopping me?" he asked.
"Gowther, I'm not letting you tamper with your memories!" Naruto said as he tried to avoid applying too much pressure on him.
"Why not? It's just information, some things aren't worth exploring. Take your technique where your eyes turn into stars for example." Gowther argued.
"Gowther, memories are what build you. They're what the define. What creates your morality and basically tells you right from wrong." Naruto said.
Gowther still failed to see reason, "Then just make more. You can avoid all the bad experiences and move on!" he said.
"Then what's the point of living!? Why do you want to live in a world where you pretend nothing happens!?" Naruto yelled.
(Prisoners of the Sky OST - ELIEtheBEST)
"I... I do not understand your question." Gowther said as he suddenly felt something stopping him.
"Gowther tell me, why do you live?" Naruto asked as he called back his chains and his bangs covered his eyes.
Gowther just stood there in silence for several minutes, "Self preservation?" he asked.
"Are you asking or telling me?" Naruto asked as Gowther looked at him in confusion. "Gowther, without memories. What purpose? What goal do you have if you don't understand what you want?" he asked.
"Memories are merely information stored in our minds." Gowther replied.
"Then you're just erasing everything you've learned. After that you're just wandering around until you find the next thing that interests you. Only then you're repeating the cycle." Naruto explained.
That actually stumped Gowther. He had no purpose and was just extending his existence into an unknown period of time. It was a conundrum that the puppet had found himself in.
Normally this would be those rare moments where Gowther would just stand there in silence. Oblivious to the sentient world surrounding him. At least until he realized that his body felt restrained, pressure was on his chest and it was felt as if there were liquids leaking onto it. Gowther had come to realize that Naruto was hugging him and crying at the same time.
"Gowther, you can call memories information all you want." Naruto said with a sniffle. "But no matter what... Ban is my dad. Elaine is my mom. Jericho is the sister figure I like to tease. Merlin is the woman I love and everyone else. You included." he said before looking at the pink haired sin with teary eyes. "You're all my family and I never want to lose that. I don't want to live in an idle life where I have nothing." he said ever so passionately.
And just for once... Gowther wanted to agree.
Gowther's response was to return the hug as he also started to cry.
(End of Song)
End of flashback
"Little brother." Gowther muttered before feeling a foreign vibration on his chest. "What is this? Did I suddenly develop a true heart? No, this is on the right side of my chest." he said as he lowered the collar of his shirt and noticed something odd about the mark of the ram on his chest.
Gowther went to a mirror and decided to take a better look. After a matter of minutes, Gowther realized that there something off about his tattoo. Did Meliodas or Merlin tamper with it upon having him recruited? Perhaps it was something worth asking in the next morning depending on their mood in the next morning. Then again, it was likely that it could be that Gowther is overthinking it and just didn't bother paying attention to detail.
Perhaps ending the day was the best choice of option.
With Arthur
Arthur couldn't help but to feel depressed. It was all planned. He and Vivian knew this would happen. They were told! They should have done something! They could have done something! Arthur could have finished Zeldris there and ignored the plan!
Though it wouldn't do any good.
There was too many anomalies and potential issues that could arise.
At best, everything would have been reset to before Arthur delivered the final blow.
"I bet Vivian is going through the same thing. I just hope everything clears up soon." Arthur said to himself before tucking himself into bed. "Please, let this curse end." he said before entering his slumber.
However there was something else in his mind that wouldn't let him sleep.
Find Avalon
The next morning
Meliodas took a good look at the ram sign on Gowther's body, "I think I figured it out." he said.
"What is it?" Gowther asked.
"The only way to truly find out this mystery... is to ask Merlin herself. This kind of stuff is out my league." Meliodas answered as Gowther nodded.
"Captain, didn't you place Naruto's mark on his shoulder with your ghost magic or something. Actually now that I think about it, how did you even give Naruto a note to give to us? There's so many questions that are confusing as to how you were able to affect him." King asked.
"In a phrase, the power of family!" Meliodas said though it was not really a truth or an answer.
"Actually, it's something we passed down to Tristan who would have it passed down to his children and descendants." Elizabeth interjected.
"See? Power of family." Meliodas interrupted.
Diane shushed him and gestured for Elizabeth to continue, "Originally it was meant to be a way for a part of our souls to help Tristan or anyone else in their time of need. As well as passing down our magic should an issue arise where they need it." Elizabeth explained.
"That still doesn't explain the note." King said.
"Well actually, it's kind of hard to explain. You see when we spoke with Naruto, we..." Elizabeth soon found herself interrupted yet again.
This time it was by Kasumi who came running in with Menma in her arms, "I'm sorry! I know I shouldn't be barging in here but I had nowhere else to go!" she said in a panicked voice.
"Slow down there, what's wrong?" Meliodas asked.
"Mama and papa were fighting and they got really loud!" Menma said in a scared voice.
Elizabeth picked up Menma in her arms and started to calm him down, "There there, can you explain why?" she asked.
Menma sniffled as he tried speak, "They were yelling about my eyes. Papa said something about the family being great and mama kept yelling at him and got angry because of something about aniki." he answered.
There was no doubt Minato was still trying to save face or tampering with that ridiculous prophecy from a long time ago. It was hard to tell, but no doubt Menma is too shaken up and they didn't want to press this onto Kasumi who was most likely scared by what she saw. Even if she was a highly trained shinobi. Parents often put their pride and patriotism before remembering that people like her are still children.
Elizabeth gently stroked his head, "Poor child, I always hoped things would be different after the war." she said.
Meliodas nodded, the average genin wasn't much younger than a Holy Knight. Guila is one of the younger knights he faced in battle and she almost got killed by having to turn into a monster from the demon blood. A 16 year old shouldn't be throwing away her life like that. It was too difficult to decide who should take the blame for this.
It's most likely just human nature.
"Ms. Elizabeth, why did my family leave aniki behind?" Menma asked.
Elizabeth looked saddened as she didn't have a real answer to that.
Flashback, dreamscape
Elizabeth and Meliodas looked down at a younger Naruto, "Why did my family not want me?" he asked.
For once Meliodas wasn't too blunt, "Well kid, some people aren't very smart. They say they want something, but they just dump it after they get it. People do selfish things to get what they want." he said as Elizabeth liked his wording.
"Naruto, it's not a matter of not being wanted. It's just that sometimes people make poor choices by having the right idea. You can't say your actions are right if other people get hurt." Elizabeth added as Naruto wiped his eyes.
"Well I don't want a family who won't hurt me because they think they love. I want a family who thinks about me first." Naruto said hoping not to sound selfish.
Elizabeth kneeled down and hugged the young boy, "There's nothing wrong with that Naruto. While some duties come first in some cases. Family should never be ignored or abandoned." she said.
"Yup, just like I needed to abandon the tavern when the war came. Though, if you don't mind doing me a solid by cleaning up the Boar Hat." Meliodas said.
"Meliodas!" Elizabeth exclaimed as now was not a good time to mention his old business.
Naruto nodded, "I will grandpa. I'll do it for you." he said the older blond man ruffled his hair.
"Speaking of which, Naruto. What would you say if I told you there was some family that would be happy to meet you?" Elizabeth asked as she caught her descendant's interest.
End of flashback
"Kid, sometimes people make poor choices and claim to be the good guy." Meliodas told Menma.
Menma didn't entirely stand, but knew his parents did questionable things. Even now, as he had the eyes of the kami no shinobi. The child had no wisdom to guide him and needed to see both the ugly and beauty of the world in order to understand it.
With Vivian
The former arrogant apprentice of Merlin, Vivian, sat in her room while looking out a window. She was having the same thoughts and feelings as Arthur. Vivian was a bit saddened by recent events, but was well aware that things were beyond her control at this point. All she could do was accept that stuff happened and has to hope for the better.
"Ugh, but why did his era have to be so weird!? It's just less clean version of Liones! Even worse, there's a lot more wars now!" Vivian complained before covering her mouth and bracing herself. As nothing happened, she took a deep breath and felt relieved, "I swear he was just going to hit me over the head again." she said with a giggle.
However her mind was clouded by a strange message that embeds itself into her thoughts
Find Avalon
"What? Ava... Avalon?" Vivian asked as that named familiar.
Was it the name of a song? Maybe a poem? A title of a big figure? Maybe it was a book or mentioned in a book by chance? It was something she decided to look into. Vivian proceeded to go through her journal and see if she could find anything related to the term.
"No good, maybe I should check the library. Maybe they have something related. Sensei did build this place after all and it's better than the house he showed us." Vivian said as she quickly ran out the door only to run into her original teacher.
"Is there an emergency I need to be aware about Vivian?" Merlin asked.
"Oh hello teacher." Vivian said a bit nervously.
Merlin smiled at the title, "I still find a bit surprising at how humbled you've become." she said.
'Yeah, you try getting hit about a hundred times on the head. Though seeing as he is my teacher. He wouldn't dare hurt you.' Vivian thought.
"I think I like you this way." Merlin said as she placed a hand on Vivian's head as a light blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Well, sometimes patience is hard so I have to learn the hard way." Vivian said as she gently removed Merlin's hand from her head. "Oh by the way, do you know what Avalon means?" she asked.
Merlin raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Where did you hear that?" she asked.
Vivian gave her a sheepish smile, "It came up in my head and now it's bugging me. I thought that maybe it was a lyric in a song or poem. So now I can't get rid of the curiosity." she answered.
Merlin placed a hand up to her chin and thought about it, "I remember now, that was the island where Excalibur was forged. Thinking about it now, where is the sword? Something that powerful shouldn't have been lost. If so, we should look for it." she said in a serious manner.
"Oh that thing? I'm sure Arthur left it somewhere safe." Vivian said.
With Arthur
"AHHH!" Arthur panicked as he clutched his head as he felt as if someone had hit him on the head. Then he realized nothing had happened, "Whether he's dead, alive or just not in the same vicinity. I can still feel a well placed punch in the head." he said.
Back with Vivian
Merlin's face turned into a frown, "He better, Excalibur isn't any ordinary sword." she said.
"One more question Ms. Merlin. Where exactly is... was Avalon?" Vivian said having to correct herself, it's not like she patiently waited for the world's geographical change to occur.
Merlin thought about it, "That... I honestly can't remember." she answered.
Vivian nodded, "Well I guess that satisfied my curiosity." she said with a giggle.
Find Avalon
Vivian grunted as she put her hand on her forehead, "Is something wrong?" Merlin asked.
"Yeah, just light headed is all." Vivian said as she went back to her room.
Only leaving Merlin's infinite curiosity to invade her thoughts, 'What on earth would make Vivian so concerned about Avalon? I know Excalibur was forged on that island, but what else is there for her there?' she wondered as she went to her lab.
A week later, Naruto's Grave
Kushina stared at the headstone. All sorts of emotions and voices invaded her mind. Denied her the right to think for herself. All thoughts bombarding her and making her feel sick of herself. Emotions ranging from depression, hate, fear. The voices in her mind begging for forgiveness, telling Kushina that she is filth, speaking as if her worst nightmares are going to become reality.
"I'm so sorry Naru-chan." Kushina said as her eyes started to water and she covered her mouth.
'That's not going to work. You can't undo death with simple apologies.'
'If you feel remorse, then you should be down there instead of your child you witch.'
'It's inevitable. Your delusions are not reality. Your mistakes define you and you shall suffer for them.'
Kushina gripped her head in pain as the tears fell down her cheeks. All the while she begged for the voices to stop. Only for them to argue back that she had no right to request such a luxury. Kushina's suffering only ended when a hand touched her shoulder.
"Are you ok ma'am?" asked a female voice.
Kushina wiped her eyes and turned to find Elaine in her human form, "W-Who are you?" she stuttered.
"My name is Elaine. Are you grieving for my step son?" Elaine asked as Kushina's heart kept panging in regret.
"Yes, I suppose I can't argue that he's my child. I lost that right haven't I?" Kushina asked as Elaine looked surprised for a moment.
"Are you Kushina-san?" Elaine asked as the woman nodded. "I see, Ban doesn't have many good things to say about you and Naruto didn't want to talk about any of you. Please don't take that as personal offense on my part." she said.
Kushina nodded, "No it's fine... my parents always told me that family comes first regardless of the situation. It's a creed I broke because I believed more in an outsider's ideals. And look what happened." she said as she started to weep again.
Elaine stepped closer to Kushina and hugged her, "I know it's painful. I'd only known Naruto for a couple months and yet I felt so close to him. My husband raised him as if he were his own child. I could never forgive myself if I was the cause of his death. So I can understand your pain. It doesn't mean you're a bad person." she explained.
Kushina hugged back, not because someone listened to her rant or because she was given sympathy. But because someone else as there to keep Naruto from suffering.
Ban watched from afar, he didn't want anything to do with his previous jinchuuriki. Though that didn't stop Elaine from giving her some sympathy. Minato and Kushina were garbage in his opinion, but he couldn't force everyone to have the same opinion.
"Whatever." Ban said before walking back inside.
With Gowther
Merlin continued to study Gowther's mark, but while she could see that it was clearly different from the standard marks everyone else had. It was strange, the ink wasn't any different and it didn't look like someone tampered with it. Sure not everyone received their marks at the same time and Naruto's mark didn't appear until after the chunin exams invasion. Though Merlin and everyone else wasn't really in the state of mind to visit the deceased boy's body just to study his mark.
"I still can't see anything worth noting Gowther." Merlin told him.
Gowther rubbed the mark, "Perhaps it is a function with my body?" he asked.
"Possibly, perhaps your creator left some hidden secrets within you. For a long time you assumed that your emotions were only functional due to an accessory made of glass." Merlin stated.
"Or perhaps it's the tasting seal that was placed on my tongue." Gowther suggested.
For a moment Merlin frowned and Gowther believed it was because it was just bringing back more memories of the dead. However the real reason due to the logic behind why Gowther was given a tasting seal. Sure he was able to enjoy food but since he's not a sentient with all the required functioning body parts.
"Gowther how exactly do you remove the food that you put inside of your body?" Merlin asked.
Flashback
Naruto sighed, "Why do I do this? Because I'm weak hearted? Charitable? Humble?" he asked himself as he tried digging out all the chewed up pancakes inside of Gowther's torso.
"Because you are prideful and wish to be appreciated little brother. Therefore you gave me a seal to enjoy your cooking." Gowther answered as he ignored the fact that Naruto had to cut him open with tools he borrowed from Merlin.
Thing quickly got weird as Ban came in and witnessed the situation, "Why?" is all he asked.
Gowther decided to answer, "There is a lot of butter and syrup clogging up several gears and pieces. I need them removed in order to properly function." he answered as he knew this would become a routine.
Ban sighed, "Why did you choose to feed him?" he asked.
"Why do anything dad?" Naruto asked as he started scraping off the syrup. "Why did I think this was a good idea?" he asked as the syrup was hard to remove.
End of flashback
Merlin gave an emotionless stare after Gowther told that story. The greatest mage in all of Britannia had yearned to learn everything she could in her lifetime. Yet there are just some questions that aren't meant to be answered. Then again, there are just some things in life that are not meant to be discovered or studied.
"At least now we know Ban won't feed you." Merlin said as Gowther nodded.
"It was rather tiresome to have my abdomen removed just to scrape away the syrup and butter. Though I should have the seal removed." Gowther said seeing as there was no need to taste anymore.
Merlin gestured for Gowther to open his mouth and took a look at the seal on his tongue, "It looks simple. Not that I mind a challenge but I doubt Naruto would use something stronger." she said as she used Magic Cancel to break the seal. Though she was surprised by the sight of a signature slowly fading away, "It looks like my little dragon was prideful enough to leave his hand signature on his seals." she said with a light giggle.
"Are signatures required for sealing?" Gowther asked.
"I believe not, I did have to borrow some knowledge from the village library. Fuinjutsu as they call it is sensitive so a wrong brush stroke can cause trouble. Though Goddess Clan fuinjutsu is more powerful, it's more complicated but able to ignore minor details like a signature with the proper handling." Merlin explained.
Gowther nodded, "For a moment there I assumed we could have found a signature on my symbol." he suggested.
Merlin tilted her head as she placed her hand over his symbol, "Magic Cancel." as the spell took effect, a small glow appeared over the symbol but it still stood there. "Well, I guess it's not a seal or magic of any kind." she said.
"I see, well anything is worth trying." Gowther said before putting a shirt on and preparing to leave.
"Anything interesting is worth investigating Gowther." Merlin said as she opened a journal. "Whether it's you finding a piece of art created by ink to be filled with magic or Vivian rambling on about Avalon." she said.
Gowther stared blankly at Merlin, "Avalon? Is that a plot of land or the name of a plant?" he asked curiously.
"Maybe there's a garden there. I haven't been there in a while, but all lands have something unique about them. Maybe there is a garden on Avalon." Merlin said causing Gowther's pupils to dilate and disappear completely.
"Garden of Avalon." Gowther muttered as he started to lose his balance.
"I'm sorry wha..." Merlin was stopped as Gowther's magic managed to affect her mind.
What she didn't already know was the fact that the doll wasn't even in control or aware of his actions. After a few seconds had passed, Merlin collapsed onto the floor and lost consciousness along with Gowther.
"Is everything alright in here?" asked a voice belonging to Escanor as heard the noise only to be shocked by the sight of his teammates. "Ms. Merlin! Gowther!" he exclaimed as he tried shaking them awake.
"What's going on!?" Ban asked as he along with Meliodas heard all the commotion.
"I don't know, something happened and now these two are unconscious." Escanor answered.
"I'll get Elizabeth." Meliodas said as he ran off while Ban tried taking a look at the situation with Escanor.
Meanwhile, in the remnants of Liones
In one of the old bedrooms of the castle. A young girl with pink hair and blue eyes awakened. She sat up and stretched out her arms before giving out a loud yawn.
"Oh my, that a long rest wasn't it? How long was I out Gowther?" she asked as she looked around before realizing the state of her bedroom. "What!? What happened!?" she asked as she got up only to stumble.
Taking a deep breath, the girl felt as if her body had just come to life for the first time. As she shook her head and regained her bearings, she walked out of her room. Only to be further disturbed by the sight of the castle's interior decay.
"How long was I asleep?" the girl asked as she started to look around for others in the castle. "Father? Mother? Bartra? Denzel? Anyone!?" she asked as she started to get worried.
There were no guards. Where are the guards?
There are no servants. Where are the servants?
There was no sign of her family. Where is her family?
Gowther wasn't here either. Where is Gowther?
All these questions, but no answers. Only more questions and a mystery that terrified her as she made it past the gates to witness that the entire kingdom was deserted and had fallen apart. The buildings were hollow and ready to fall apart. This really terrified the girl as she could only find herself wiping away her own tears at the thought of something bad happening to her citizens as well as being isolated.
"It's just me. Someone! Anyone! Please answer me!" the girl pleaded before falling onto her hands and knees.
Where there was nothing but a seemingly endless dark void of despair. Only hope could reveal a path of light for the girl to follow.
"What is this?" she asked as she noticed a light coming from within her home.
As the girl made her way deeper into the castle. She immediately noticed some strange portraits that were never there before. One of them was of an older Bartra being crowned. Then one of Denzel standing in front of the Holy Knights. After that, there were a few of various girls she had never seen before with dates that would state that they were from a future period of time.
Margaret Liones, 1st Princess
Veronica Liones, 2nd Princess
Elizabeth Liones, 3rd Princess
"Bartra had daughters? This is unsettling." she said to herself as she noticed an older painting of herself with a more current date.
Nadja Liones, 1st Princess
"Calm down Nadja, I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for this." Nadja said to herself as she finally found the room where the light was coming from.
Nadja realized that she was in the old library and that the light died down to one spot. A single book was sticking from upon a high shelf. Letting her curiosity take over, Nadja looked for a stable latter and climbed to grab the glowing book. It was large and very heavy, but it appeared brand new as if it had just been published. No sign of preservation or decay of any kind.
"How strange. Wait! That means someone as likely here earlier!" Nadja said as hope had returned to her heart.
Even when everything she knew was gone. Nadja Liones knew that there was a reason for her to live. It was odd and it may sound ridicoulus, but she believed it was all because of the miracle that she had found this book. A book she would consider to be a sacred tomb.
Book of Avalon
With 012607
"Hey are you still sleeping in there?" asked a male voice.
The person they spoke to was a black haired little girl who sleeping in a hand made backpack. Luckily with the combination of her height and the size of the backpack, she was able to be carried around easily.
"I just woke up, but I feel drowsy." the girl said as she rubbed her eyes and peaked out of the bag.
"Ok just checking, let me know when you get hungry. I'll make a quick stop since there's still a lot of daylight out here." said her companion.
The girl's companion was a young blond man in his mid teens. His clothes were a bit worn and torn, but he was able to keep them put well together.
"Where are we?" the girl asked.
"I don't know, but we're really close to the ocean. Maybe I can make something to start fishing." the boy said with a light chuckle.
The girl smiled, "Hey look over there. I think I see a mountain." she said as she pointed to the ocean.
The boy looked on with interest, "What do you think that place is?" he asked.
"I heard there's an island outside of the continent where elves live. They have beautiful gardens and create lots of nice things." the girl said.
"I'm guessing there's a lot of fancy magic there." he said with a chuckle as the girl gave a light blush. "Don't worry, if you want. Maybe I can give it a try and walk on the water like I showed you." he said.
"But it has to be a few kilometers away if you walk it somehow." the girl said.
The boy scoffed, "I can do lot of things. Walking isn't too hard." he said defiantly.
The girl looked a bit disbelieving but decided to trust him, "Ok, but I guess I owe you a debt if you can get us there." she said.
"I'll call you on it in the future. For now, we should stop and eat first." the boy said as he carefully put her down.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Yes, it's here after a long and painful process. So while you may be happy to here that there will be a third part. HOLD YOUR HORSES! DON'T GET EXCITED YET!
Part 2 will be short for reasons you will soon understand. Anyways, let me know what you all think. Because I'm sure there are a couple of secrets you can all figure out on your own.