Chapter 3 - Buried Secrets
Remnants of Liones
Ban and King were just staring in confusion as the woman kept kissing Gowther. The thought of it is very strange considering what Gowther is. Sure he's shown to cry tears and his body feels like flesh. However he doesn't bleed or feel pain when his head is ripped off. So was Nadja kissing wood or…you know what? Humans have done stranger things that questions whether or not it was a good idea for them to exist.
"Gowther… what is this?" King asked before the doll suddenly invaded Nadja's mind.
Nadja shook her head once it was over. When she was suddenly lifted into a hug and spun around.
"Ok that's enough, care to explain who this lady is?" Ban asked with an annoyed expression.
Then Ban was immediately terrified by Gowther. The doll did something horrifying that made the ruthless thief turned bijuu feel like his skin was crawling. Making him wish that he was facing the Demon King again or the original Kyuubi.
Gowther smiled brightly and it was genuine.
"This is the real Nadja Liones!" Gowther exclaimed.
Veronica scoffed, "Don't make stuff up! My aunt died when my father was a child!" she said angrily.
"Oh you must be Bartra's daughter." Nadja said as Veronica looked annoyed.
"I think I should help with this." Gowther said as he connected Nadja's mind to Veronica's.
A few minutes later, Veronica shook her head as she stared at Nadja with wide eyes. As a precaution, Naruto recommended everyone take a seal to cancel attacks against the mind. Of course it had to be renewed and replaced every so often to avoid any possible damage. The seal she had on was recently adjusted by the village and despite how much stronger Gowther's power was compared to Ino's clan. They still had the ability to manipulate memories and information which Ino failed to do during the chunin exams.
In other words, what Veronica saw was genuine as the seal would have damaged anything Nadja would have presented. At least that's what Veronica assumed.
"…oh my." Veronica was at a loss for words.
"Your highness if you look at it. She does look like you with slightly different features." Jericho pointed out.
Mainly around the eyes and maybe the nose. Everything else looked the same, but the hair which Veronica kept short. For some reason as everyone compared both princesses, the two were making the exact poses whenever they moved. Awkwardly crossing their arms, putting their hands on their hips and even scratching their heads.
"Okay, okay, you two can play the mirror game later. For now, we need to find out whatever was making all noise or whatever Herodias mentioned was happening." Ban said.
"Oh you mean the light? I did that hoping someone would come. Although, I was rather nervous considering the fact that I learned about the new world." Nadja explained.
"So you know Nadja?" Gowther asked.
Nadja nodded sadly, "I woke up and found out that my kingdom is gone Gowther. Not only that, someone left a journal describing these "Ninja Lands" as they put it." she said surprising some of them.
"Wait, did Naruto drop a book when he went searching for us?" Jericho asked as no one had been to Liones since Naruto and Ban arrived.
"Better yet, how did we miss my aunt? Even if we ignore my aunt's sudden revival, that doesn't explain how she's been alone for son long. It's been a few months since Naruto found us after all." Veronica asked making a good point.
Ban squinted his eyes as he stared at Nadja, "I admit it, she is right. So how long have you been here Nadja? You don't look starved or dirty." he said before hearing Nadja's stomach rumble.
Nadja blushed, "To tell the truth, I have awakened a week or two ago and I did have to ration whatever food has not gone to waste." she said feeling embarrassed.
"I'm guessing taking a bath is also difficult." Ban said making a rainy cloud appear of Nadja's head.
"It's not that I'm high maintenance, but surviving on my own has been difficult." Nadja replied.
"Do we have any spare food for her? I mean, we can't just let her starve to death." King said as Nadja suddenly looked boney and frail.
Gowther lifted his shirt, "Maybe there's an old pancake in here." he said as he reached for the panel on his stomach.
Veronica stopped Gowther's arm, "Let's not freak out my aunt with you being a doll." she said.
"Oh I know very well that Gowther is a doll. I was the one who found him after all." Nadja spoke up, further surprising her niece. She smiled at the fond memories, "I may have been gone for a while but trapped in the body of a young woman. Yet I remember things as if I were elderly." she said.
Veronica sweat dropped, "Just how old are you… technically speaking?" she asked.
"I am 16 years old and what about you?" Nadja asked.
"I'm 19, now this is more awkward." Veronica said as Nadja blinked in confusion.
Later in the castle
Ban whistled at how dirty the castle is, "If I were my old self. I would have brought a lot of burlap sacks." he said as he looked around. Before noticing Nadja confused face, "Oh by the way, I used to be a former thief. Then a Holy Knight. Then a criminal again but that last one was because I was framed." he said with a smile.
Nadja giggled nervously, "Good to know. I suppose…"
"However old habits died hard." Ban interrupted as Nadja got nervous. "Then I became a demon fox that wasn't aware of what I was for a millennium or two." he said with a foxy grin similar to his adoptive son.
Nadja slowly reached for Gowther's hand, "Gowther, let me show you some new books I found." she said hoping to get away from Ban as quickly as possible.
Ban scratched the back of his head, "I wonder if Elaine would want me to bring her something nice." he said not caring if Nadja was still in hearing range.
With Veronica
The second princess looked around her old bedroom. Luckily the structure was just old and not decrepit and damaged. The place looked like no one was home for a few years rather than looking like an ancient ruin. Though Veronica wasn't going to be optimistic about finding any plants Elizabeth or Margaret want her to bring back.
With that in mind, Veronica grabbed a sealing scroll she was given and grabbed whatever was in fine condition. A couple of jewels she never wore as she hated dressing up, some photographs of her family and a few other personal treasures before moving onto the bedrooms that once belonged to her sisters. Doing the same with whatever she thought was valuable.
"I can't help how I should feel. Is this me packing up and moving or looting my own home?" Veronica asked before finally moving onto Bartra's room.
As she looked around for anything emotionally valuable. Veronica came across a large painting of a younger Bartra and Caroline Liones with the Queen appearing pregnant in the portrait. Veronica smiled as she slowly tried to take down the portrait to seal away in storage. Only to screw up as she attempted to take it off without realizing how attached it was to the wall. Veronica panicked as she thought she ruined the portrait once the frame broke apart.
As she clumsily tried shoving broken parts together. Veronica found herself in dire straights as she didn't have the materials to put it back together. Not that she would know how or notice how bad it really was if she could somehow connect the pieces. Luckily the painting itself was in fine condition and was dirtied or damaged in any way. With a loud sigh, Veronica gently rolled up the painting and tied it before sealing it away as well.
Just as she saw if there was any ways to save the frame. Veronica noticed something trapped between the broken frames.
"Is it junk or…" Veronica trailed off as she found a little wrapped up sheet of paper.
The paper itself had a symbol of scales. The type to usually seen being held by statues of lady justice. Veronica could be too curious, but she decided to pocket the paper and see if there was any significance later.
"I swear, this world makes me too paranoid." Veronica said before leaving her parent's bedroom.
With Nadja
The former princess dragged Gowther to her library where she presented her book, "I see, you've found more tales that have caught your interest." he said.
Najda shook her head, "No, it's full of explanations of the world outside of Liones. Even more so, it's filled with unique magic." she said.
Gowther raised his hand to stop her, "Nadja, you could not cast any magic at all. How would you know the difference between unique and common?" he asked with the tilt of his head.
Nadja blushed, "It just felt unique, I even felt hope seeing it. I cannot explain the phenomenon as all the other books are still in good condition." she said handing the tome over to Gowther.
Book of Avalon
Gowther nodded at it, "I see this book is…" Nadja looked at him with great interest. "…in fine condition and very knowledgeable I am assuming. Yet I see nothing special." he said making his lover almost face fault.
"Maybe I was just scared." Nadja said.
"Then again, Merlin is our expert on magic. Although I fail to see the logic in seeing how a book from over a millennium ago could anticipate the modern era. I doubt any one of us left it here during our first arrival." Gowther said as he contemplated the book's purpose.
A minute later, Veronica came down, "I've packed up everything I need. What about you two?" she asked.
"I will pack up anything still of value and prepare for our departure." Nadja said as she ran.
"I will keep this book safe." Gowther said.
Two hours later
After the castle was finished and Nadja really hoping Ban didn't steal anything of emotional value along with taking anything Merlin might want from her old shack. Everyone gathered up all of their belongings into several sealing scrolls and securing them into their bags afterwards. With that out of the way, the group awaited Jericho who was probably paying her respects to her deceased brother.
"Sorry I'm late, just went on a tangent with Gustav." Jericho said referring to her brother.
"It's fine, anyone forgetting anything? I don't want complaints or other people suddenly resurrecting." Ban asked.
"I think that's it. I even did a quick scouting run to see if anyone was still frozen." King said as he was very thorough in his search.
"I guess that's it then. What's that? Like 10 total people from Liones?" Ban asked, wondering how still lived after all these years.
Nadja frowned, "I heard of civilizations and kingdoms falling and growing. Yet it's only really scary when you witness it. I am lucky enough that I only had to see the aftermath." she said looking back at her home.
"It's fine princess, at least your mind wasn't altered for the past millennium." Ban said.
"Well we should go then. It only gets harder the longer I stay." Nadja said before hearing her stomach growl. "That and the difficulty of fresh food." she said.
"I will scrape off that pancake if there is one." Gowther said as he pulled out a spoon.
"I'll make something on the way. We don't need to see you scrape off a moldy pancake." Ban said as he made Gowther put the spoon away.
Days later, Konoha
Ban groaned, "Finally! King go fill the report." he ordered.
King's eye twitched, "We all have to make a report remember?" he asked.
"Nope, just you today and make it a good one." Ban said before King turned his pillow into it's guardian form.
"You're coming with me. Gowther, just take the girls back and… hopefully keep Nadja from accidentally giving Margaret a heart attack. I think the cycle of death itself is already having a field day." King said as he dragged Ban away.
Jericho sighed, "Well, what's another dead person back to life?" she asked as Nadja looked around curiously.
"So unique! The calligraphy here is different as well!" Nadja exclaimed as eyes started to look upon her.
"Time to go!" Veronica said dragging her aunt away.
At the mansion
Meliodas was sitting and smiling while Elizabeth was just staring in confusion. Both looked at Nanashi who had just arrived after being allowed to follow Guy's group. Luckily he managed to make a quick story to Herodias who recognized him for reasons he had yet to explain.
"I'm surprised you're skin is so smooth after all these years." Meliodas said.
"Meliodas, that is not the surprise here." Elizabeth said.
"She's right you know, although I should be the one shocked here. How are you two alive?" Nanashi asked.
"I have an explanation for that." Meliodas said garnering the samurai's attention. "Is what I would say, if I had one." he said making him sigh.
"Well I have some news for you." Nanashi said as he pulled out a scroll. "I would tell you who it's from but I got a bit of a curse stuck on me." he said.
This news concerned Elizabeth, "Nanashi, if you wish I could attempt to break it. I may have recently awakened but I've awakened to my true potential before my death." she said.
"I don't know, but I wouldn't suggest it. It's not as strong as the Supreme Deity's curse. Yet I wouldn't recommend messing with it for now." Nanashi said as Meliodas took the scroll.
The short man proceeded to read the contents of the letter, "It's more of an instruction manual than a message." Meliodas said.
"Really?" Elizabeth asked.
1. If Arthur lost Excalibur, you have permission to kill him
Elizabeth didn't like that message, "I would rather keep the death threats to a minimum." she said.
"I won't promise anything. Merlin might get mad." Meliodas said knowing Merlin isn't mean but a bit strict.
2. Find Avalon
"That one sounds familiar. What was it again?" Meliodas asked wondering what Avalon meant.
3. Do- -us- rl- n
"Okay I definitely don't know what that one is." Meliodas said as Elizabeth also felt confused.
"It's not legible." Elizabeth said as it was blurry.
Nanashi sighed, "That better not be priority. Even I don't know or remember everything it was meant to hold." he admitted.
4. Be Patient
Meliodas gave the scroll a blank stare, "That's it? I'm already bored." he said.
"Perhaps it's encrypted. Once Merlin feels better, I should ask her." Elizabeth said as she wrapped up the scroll.
"Or maybe Vivian, she's been looking super nervous lately." Meliodas suggested.
"Anyways, is there a place I can stay the night?" Nanashi asked.
"I think Cal can make a spare room." Meliodas answered.
"Cal?" Nanashi asked.
"Cal something, he's like the heart of the house." Meliodas answered.
"Good grief." Nanashi said with a sigh before hearing someone open the door.
"Uh Ellie, I think there's someone you might want to meet." said a voice belonging to Veronica.
Elizabeth perked up, "Welcome back sister, who is your visitor?" She asked as she reached the doorway. Only to see Nadja smiling nervously, "Oh my, a doppelganger!" she said.
Veronica sighed, "You might want to call Margaret and sit down for this one." she said confusing her sister.
With The Namikaze Household
Kasumi was looking over some scrolls she was secretly given. As they were copies of the notes Naruto used. Along with a duplicate of Naruto's research. Apparently despite being himself, he was pretty smart when actually focusing on something. Because the notes were clearly written well and organized meaning Kasumi had to put in the effort to understand her bloodline.
Meanwhile she had to worry about the Rinnegan that Menma had. As he had to be more isolated because of how rare and powerful the dojutsu was. With the village barely surviving two attacks with the latter luckily having been prepared because of Naruto's scouts within the Goddess Clan. It didn't mean that the internal threats were gone. Deep down, there are still greedy people that are willing to do crazy things out of their own self interest. It didn't help that Menma also found the shinobi world to be very scary and didn't want to be a shinobi.
Much to Minato's ire but at least Kushina was willing to accept the choice. She didn't want to force her family to go through anymore suffering. Mainly because they were slowly being divided as she gave into her delusions of her second home being protected and everything being fine in the end. Things couldn't be any worse with the death of her eldest and the last thing she wanted to do was force her second son to go through something similar.
"This is getting stressful." Kasumi muttered as she was lost with the notes.
However something else caught her eye. Among the notes was a mysterious envelope that had yet to be open. From the looks it, there was no sign of it being tampered with. Kasumi held it up and inspected it. She couldn't find any proof of it being opened before or even being put back together. It left her wondering why Naruto had yet to open it.
Although it didn't help much as Kasumi herself couldn't find any way to open it. Not even with a sharp weapon like a kunai or a sword could do as much as tear it. This was followed by Kasumi being a bit reckless and trying a small technique meant for practicing fire jutsus. With the small light of fire on her finger, she attempted to burn a small part of it thinking she could tear a whole into it. Unfortunately Kasumi almost burned the entire letter and her room.
"No! No! No!" Kasumi panicked as she ran to the bathroom to put out the fire in the sink.
A moment later, Kushina ran in, "What's wrong Kasumi-chan!? Is it that time of the year!? There's tampons under the sink!" she yelled frantically.
Kasumi blushed as she hid the letter, "Kaa-chan that's not the issue!" she yelled.
"Then what happened?" Kushina asked, with the tampons already on hand.
Kasumi started to sweat, "Uh… bad food. I'm having the runs!" she said forcing her mother to leave.
"Okay, just let me know if you need anything." Kushina said, still suspicious of her daughter.
Once the door was locked and Kasumi was mostly sure no one would barge in on her. She looked at the envelope again and was shocked. It was covered in smoke and dust but after a quick wipe. The letter was clean and didn't look like it was touched.
"Seriously?" Kasumi asked before she tried putting it under the sink.
Risking the chance to dampen it with water (like an idiot), she patiently waited for results. Instead of the envelope merely dropped all the water that covered it. Kasumi even went as far as to tap it against the sink to see if it was made of some sort hard material.
"I guess there's no helping it." Kasumi said, seeing no way for her to see the contents of the envelope. She let out a groan as she tried stretching and pulling on it again, "What is this thing made of? Is it the seal?" she asked herself.
There was a seal on the envelope. The best way to describe the strange seal is to say that it was looked like a cross inside of a ring. It was an odd cross that was horizontal rather than vertical. Kasumi was sure that the shape was special in some way as fuinjutsu is sensitive and the slightest wrong markings could function to do something else. This left Kasumi in a tough spot and she knew that only someone else of greater skill and intellect would be able to open the seal.
"Maybe I can ask Merlin-san?" Kasumi asked, seeing as Naruto had surpassed her parents.
So there was no doubt Merlin who is a genius from her own era could figure it out. It's a long shot but Kasumi had to put her confidence in the abilities of her brother's lover. Yes, it was very weird to put that last part into her mind. However Kasumi and even Naruto himself would be more surprised to see the real side of Merlin if she revealed herself.
Meanwhile, Narumi was briefly listening in on Kasumi.
'Stupid imouto, you're siding with those strangers.' Narumi thought before storming off on her own.
At T&I
Mikoto and Izumi were still being grilled on having the truth given to Ibiki and the rest of his staff. It was only until Inoichi arrived that he did his mind scan. With the many days of interrogations having gone by. Inoichi couldn't deny that they were who they said they were. With having requested the option of having Mikoto's grave dug up to prove if this was trick. Herodias did not want any stone unturned and needed to confirm everything.
The concept of a human being resurrected without any drawback is virtually impossible. Although it's not as if the under cover Goddess would reveal Meliodas and Elizabeth. It's something that bothered her, especially with supernatural creatures such as demons being only of myth and wild stories. Especially if Herodias herself revealed who she was as Hiruzen and Inoichi are the only ones who know with the latter being under oath to not say anything.
Despite those two being resurrected, they aren't humans despite their appearances. So initially, Herodias thought that was something else as this isn't the first time Meliodas and Elizabeth have escaped death. Yet, two random Uchiha coming back from the dead would be something of great concern. Leaving Herodias wondering what caused this as the closest thing to this happening was the Edo Tensei, but those might as well been manipulated zombies. Then again, the Edo Tensei could have just been a jutsu that manipulates the biology of a sentient with the memories of the person who was resurrected.
Well, that's at least what T&I is thinking as Elaine's resurrection would say otherwise.
Ibiki sighed at Inoichi's explanation, "How did this even happen? The only thing we can do is go grave robbing." he said.
"And it would be risking the desecration of a grave." Inochi replied.
"Damn it, we're overthinking things." Ibiki said cursing under his breath.
Inoichi rubbed his temples, "I suppose if all else fails. We can only pray that kami forgives us." he said.
"Talk about a literal graveyard shift. We better get some poor souls to dig them up. Because this is not funny." Ibiki said as he looked over the files on the Uchiha women again. Only he quickly remembered something and cursed, "I'm being an idiot. I forgot about relationships." he muttered.
"What relationships?" Inoichi asked.
"I know we can't expect to know everyone's connection to each other, but as the wife of a clan head. Did Mikoto Uchiha not have a decent number of friends? To be fair, she's not exactly an anti-social wall of bricks like Fugaku." Ibiki explained.
Inoichi nodded, "I think I might have a few candidates in mind as to who she might know." He said. "But regardless, maybe try getting a bit more information about their personal life first. Just to find any discrepancies." he said before putting in a request to Herodias.
Ibiki sighed, "Just what is going on? I don't If I can handle the answer, but we all need one." he mutters as Inoichi leaves. "And then there's Anko. What the hell did she do the kid and why did she escape her cell during the second invasion?" he asked himself.
Later that afternoon, in the cells
Mikoto was beyond stressed, very confused and mentally lost. She keeps telling them that she's Mikoto Uchiha and did her best to explain the events of her life until Itachi killed her and most of the clan. Yet, there was still the detail of truth of the massacre. Somehow Inoichi didn't get that, most likely just to confirm her identity but it's a miracle that her mind hasn't revealed a truth that big or even asked about it. Then again, Inoichi could know and decided to use this as incrimination.
'And then there's Izumi. I wonder where she is.' Mikoto thought before hearing a door open.
"Right this way." said a guard to a visitor.
Mikoto felt a sense of curiosity as to who was coming. Only to lie down on her bed as she expected Ibiki or another interrogator to bother her again. With Mikoto slowly giving into despair as they refuse to believe her and Izumi's tale. Yet, she would be surprised by the appearance of a familiar face.
"Mikoto?"
Mikoto sat up and looked shocked to see who her visitor is.
"Kushina?" Mikoto asked.
Kushina grabbed the bar of the cell, "Mikoto, how are you alive? I was told that Itachi murdered everyone but Sasuke." she asked.
Mikoto shook her head, "I don't know, I woke up in the graveyard with Izumi, but no one will believe us." she said.
Kushina paid close attention to Mikoto's words. As a sensor from the Uzumaki clan, she could vaguely remember Mikoto's chakra signature as well as sensing no lie in her statement.
"But what happened before you supposedly died?" Kushina asked.
"Itachi killed me along with Fugaku." Mikoto answered.
"Are you sure he didn't seal you or anything like that? I know Itachi had a relationship with Izumi of sorts." Kushina asked.
"I don't think so, his fuinjutsu is limited to storage scrolls and I didn't see Izumi during the massacre." Mikoto answered.
"Is there any details missing? Was it really just Itachi or did someone help him?" Kushina asked, wanting to see if Mikoto would slip up as an impostor or give any detail to prove it's really her.
Mikoto shook her head again, "I don't know, it all happened so fast. Fugaku wanted the entire clan to be in one place…" she stopped herself, realizing she slipped up.
"Mikoto, why would Fugaku want the clan together?" Kushina asked.
"There was an emergency clan meeting." Kushina believed that much so far. "So Fugaku and the elders were communicating about the latest issues. Including the recent discrimination due to the kyuubi attack." Mikoto continues as Kushina nods. "Things weren't going well with how things are handled. Especially when there are so few willing to speak with the sandaime as to finding a peaceful resolution." she finishes.
"Resolution for what?" Kushina asked, feeling the anticipating building up.
Mikoto took a deep breath before answering. Where she briefly saw the guard reaching towards one of those small radios used to communicate with others between short distances. For despite everyone's hesitance to believe that Mikoto was who she said she is. Any danger to the village, even as a joke is not something to be ignored.
"For however people saw Fugaku. He was a man who fought for his village as well as caring for his own clan." Mikoto says as she closes her eyes. "Yet when the clan itself was willing to go through reckless actions that would endanger Konoha. Yet when the time came, Fugaku refused to fight Itachi and I felt the same." she said.
"Mikoto, what exactly did the Uchiha clan want to do that could harm the village?" Kushina asked.
Mikoto took one last deep breath, "My clan plotted to overthrow the sandaime… and rebuild the government where they rule." she said.
Then all hell broke loose once several squadrons of ANBU arrived. The sudden action surprised Kushina as she was shoved out of the way and Mikoto was dragged out for further questioning. Like Mikoto thought, the smallest details, even if seen as jokes, will not be tolerated.
At the same time, Kushina had her own questions, 'If they were planning to overthrow the village. Did Itachi have a hand in it or did he really lose his mind.' she wondered before being forcefully escorted out.
With Herodias, some time later
The Godaime found a lot more files on her desk. Herodias was shocked to see what really happened. Despite her constant identity change, she's been in Konoha since it's founding. She knew very well that the Uchiha were not exactly loved and Tobirama only made this worse. Herodias did not want to blame the Nidaime, but she knew he only further encouraged internal clan warfare. Hashirama sought peace and despite the death of his brother Izuna, Madara wanted the same.
To end all needless fighting and build a village. Yet Tobirama continued his mistrust and this finally lead up to the Kyuubi attack. Where Konoha no longer saw the Uchiha clan as one of many things the village had pride in. Of course the Uchiha clan had it's reasons for wanting to break down a corrupt government that ignored the distrust.
Yet they were wrong in doing it. As this would have caused civil war. Perhaps some would side with the Uchiha in fear of either their power or that their own clans would face the same fate. On the other hand, it would only encourage hate for the Uchiha and amplify the village's reasoning to distrusting them. Creating an all out war that would have either destroyed the village or weaken it further.
With Itachi preventing the worst case scenario. The village seeing the clan as victims one wild individual who betrayed them and no war being started.
"There's a lot to understand, but this will be an internal issue. If this gets out…" Herodias stopped herself and looked towards the corner of the ceiling. Where she threw a pen that embedded itself into the wall, "…chaos will break out. But that's just thinking of the worst to possibly come." she said before white lightning spread around the corner of the room thanks to the pen.
Causing a loud scream to be heard and making an ANBU with a blank mask to fall down onto the floor.
"And with Danzo dead because of Naruto's possession. There's still his faction." Herodias said as she stood up. By now, the ANBU already surrounded the room to look for more rogue shinobi, "ANBU, take that traitor away and someone have I&T fetch Mitokado and Utatane. There's something they are hiding and they will answer all of my questions." she said before leaving the office.
At the mansion
Kasumi was waiting on Merlin's analysis and knowing the woman this long, she was aware that the mage takes a lot of precautions and enjoys taking in new details. It also did not help that she passed out a few days ago from having to speak with Gowther about his brand mark. Only now, did Merlin come up with something and Veronica indirectly helped.
"I found something, but I'm not sure I can open it without destroying the contents." Merlin said as she revealed the envelope and the paper.
"So what? Is this supposed to be from a scholar?" Kasumi asked.
"I sincerely doubt it." Merlin answered bluntly. "No, there is more to this. As if it came into a sequence of sorts." she said before using her magic to reveal a hidden message.
Temperance
Kindness
"What does that mean?" Kasumi asked.
"Temperance is an act of abstinence and I am sure you know what kindness means." Merlin answered.
Kasumi whined, "Does this mean there's more puzzle pieces to find? How am I going to find them?" she asked.
Merlin wondered about the same thing, "It's only a coincidence, for now at least." she said as she thought about it more. "You said this was hidden among Naruto's notes?" she asked.
Kasumi nodded, "Nii-san's notes were full of junk and this, but I don't think he was able to open it." she answered.
"Strange, Naruto's notes and a portrait in Liones." Merlin muttered.
"I thought you said it was a coincidence." Kasumi said.
"For now, but maybe it's a poor choice of words. I can sense the magic from the Goddess Clan here." Merlin said as Elizabeth arrived with a drink platter.
"You should not over exert yourself Merlin." Elizabeth said as she put down the drinks.
"I am doing no such thing. Just feeling confused by recent events." Merlin replied as she used her levitation to pick up a drink.
"What is confusing?" Elizabeth asked, wondering if she could lend some advice.
"This, Kasumi found an envelope with a strong seal attached to it. When I studied it beside an old sheet of paper that Veronica presented me. These words came out." Merlin explained as Elizabeth read them.
"This is indeed interesting, but I think I can open it if… oh no!" she said as a small spark of fire happened.
"Elizabeth!" Merlin almost shouts as she drops her drink to stop the fire.
"I'm sorry! Even now, I'm still so clumsy!" Ellizabeth said apologetically.
Kasumi sweat dropped, "I think I see where the air headed relatives come from." she said earning a confused look from Elizabeth.
Merlin sighed in relief, "At least the envelope is still intact. Although that still begs the question as to why these were hidden. If these were hidden among the notes and a portrait in Liones. It would leave a fractured timeline of events." she said unable to explain the phenomenon.
"Perhaps there's more in the old apartment where Naruto lived?" Elizabeth suggested.
"Well it's not like I have any clues. That is unless Jenna and Zaneri are hiding something and are not aware of it." Merlin suggested.
Elizabeth smiled, "It would be a good start." she said before remembering something. "Actually, do you think Kasumi could try signing the scroll?" she asked.
Merlin deadpanned, "If your other grandchild did it at age 5 and showed it off to rub it in someone else's face. Then there is nothing stopping you Elizabeth." she said having heard about Naruto bragging about his bloodline and connection to the goddess realm. 'He was a fool… but sometimes fools are more open to new paths.' she thought with a smile creeping around her lips.
'Why is she suddenly smiling!? And what scroll!?' Kasumi thought fearfully.
Elizabeth gave another bright smile, "Kasumi, I think despite the incident with your toads. There is still the option of signing the scroll to the Goddess realm." she said.
"EH!?" Kasumi asked.
"Summoning scroll." Merlin answered.
"Is that what they call it?" Elizabeth asked, still sounding air headed as ever.
"A summoning scroll that can summon a goddess!?" Kasumi asked.
Merlin sighed, "And the apple does not fall far from the tree. Did you forget your bloodline already?" she asked making Kasumi scratch her head sheepishly.
"Oh yeah, I forgot." Kasumi replied with a sheepish smile.
Merlin sighed again, "What will we do with you?" she asked.
"Was Nii-san this tough to work with?" Kasumi asked, hoping she doesn't bring in bad memories.
Only to receive silence, making Kasumi internally squeal thinking she screwed up. It was bad enough that they were constantly talking about her deceased brother so casually. Yet, she felt like it hurt them more than it did herself. After all, Naruto's real family were not the ones who birthed him, but the ones who raised him.
"Actually, to be honest. I only knew Naruto for a few months." Merlin admitted.
"I was recently resurrected after his death." Elizabeth also admitted, still confused by this phenomenon as well.
Kasumi suddenly had a bad migraine, "I think I should just head home and sleep." she said as she could not handle this.
Although some would wonder why Kasumi did not know this. Her knowledge was not of understanding everything just yet. Starting with the concept of the rules of death having been violated.
"Okay, have a safe trip back." Elizabeth said as the blonde girl left the mansion. "Perhaps you should call it a night as well." she told Merlin.
"I'm fine Elizabeth." Merlin said.
"Big sis sis." Elizabeth said.
"Hm?" Merlin asked.
"I'm your big sis sis and when I say it's time for bed. You put the pencils and papers down and go to sleep." Elizabeth said sternly as if she was speaking with a child.
Merlin gave Elizabeth a blank stare, "I can stay up longer." she said.
Elizabeth gently placed her hands onto Merlin's shoulders, "To bed, now." she said.
"I am not a child Elizabeth." Merlin said as she tried to pry Elizabeth's hands off of her.
"Merlin, I know you are hungry. But you will have to feed yourself in the morning." Elizabeth said.
Merlin sweat dropped, "I am not hungry." she responded.
"You are Merlin, not for food, but something that can never fill you." Elizabeth said before forcing Merlin to head to her room.
Meanwhile, at the forest
At the makeshift Fairy King's Forest. The fairies were all continuing to adjust inside of the forest. Naturally keeping to themselves until they were able to make a barrier to keep out the humans from stumbling into their land so casually.
King was still speaking with Gloxinia, who surprisingly did not disappear with the Demon Clan during Naruto's final sealing. Instead, he and Drole were still here and hiding among the fairies. Both renounced their ties to the Demon King's faction and surrendered their respective commandments, which completely removed their demon marks. They could visibly see that Gloxinia appeared normal but they did not want to confirm with Drole.
Not because they seemed imposing or had some misguided mistrust. Rather, Droll mentioned that his commandment was on his butt cheek and wanted someone to check to see if it was gone for good. Nobody wanted to see a giant's butt. Now both were still here, hoping to at least find a new sense of purpose and spend the rest of their existence rather than siding with the demon clan. Though, they were heavily surprised by how much has changed.
Especially with the few demons that abandoned their clan at the end of the previous Holy War.
Although, the real surprise was Gloxinia learning that his sister was alive. Rather strange as he initially believed that a human named Rou killed her as that was his main reason to join the Demon Clan. As he blamed the humans from Stigma.
"At least we both have our sisters again." King joked.
"We should appreciate what we have Harlequin. We all lose what is precious to us and we lose ourselves." Gloxinia told him.
"I know, I didn't expect history to be repeated though." King said as he remembered the time he tried to kill Ban.
"Those who do not know it. Are doomed to repeat it. How is your hound by the way?" Gloxinia asked.
"Oslo is usually nice and friendly, but I don't know what's gotten into him." King said as Oslo snarled and tried to attack Gloxinia upon witnessing him.
"Would it be strange to say that I have some familiarity with it?" Gloxinia asked.
"It would." King answered honestly.
What King did not know is that Gloxinia almost felt like he recognized Oslo. Strange to say the least considering that he never once met Oslo. Yet, Gloxinia felt as if this was something meant to be expected. The familiarity was too confusing to understand.
"Still, this feels too convenient." King said.
"In what way?" Gloxinia asked curiously.
"That somehow, in someway. The Demon Clan was summoned because of a temporary resurrection technique." King answered. "Ban explained the technique that was used to resurrect my sister and it was the same one to resurrect the Commandments. It's like controlling the dead, but Naruto healed my sister to the point she was a fresh person." he explained.
"I see, it does sound confusing. Yet, as the son of the Demon King. Zeldris has certain authorities, as well as some powers from the Demon King himself. We all believed he would succeed his father because of his abilities." Gloxinia said as he thought more about it.
"So maybe, the previous seal was somehow broken? It's too hard to think about." King said. "I should ignore it, but I can't help but feel stressed about it." he said.
"That's the point of becoming the Fairy King. You will not always be able to relax as anything could happen. Good or bad." Gloxinia said as King went into deeper thought.
At least until Diane came out, "King! You won't believe what we found!" she exclaimed.
"What? What happened?" King asked.
'We were hanging out by the tree when Gerheade found something." Diane said as Gerheade appeared and extended her hand.
Only for King to face fault, "What? Is it some sort of clothing accessory?" Gloxinia asked, wondering what his sister found.
King sighed, "This Gloxinia, is called a pen. It's like a pencil with markings that can't be erased." he answered.
Gloxinia felt patronized, "I see." he said feeling slightly annoyed. "Modern people no longer use feathers. Is there any significance at all?" he asked.
"It's made of plastic, uses a string and already has ink inside." King said blankly, but somehow intrigued his predecessor.
"You don't have to be mean King." Diane said with a pout.
"She is correct Harlequin. This modern tool is not something we carry. It was among the few things I was able to take from the Sacred Tree." Gerheade explained.
"What happened to the Sacred Tree? I forgot to ask about that." Gloxinia asked.
King sighed, "It's dead." He said as Gloxinia's eyes were the size of dinner plates. "I know, I'm a bad king but it wasn't my fault that I wasn't there. Besides, there was nothing we could do to save it." he explained.
"Actually, I did not think about it at the time because I was packing up whatever was left before being cramped into that storage magic." Gerheade started to say before Gloxinia looked confused.
"We can explain that later." King said.
"When this petite figure with blond hair and golden eyes appeared and presented this among our belongings." Gerheade said.
"And where are they now?" Gloxinia asked.
"They disappeared, as if they were a spirit or an illusion." Gerheade answered.
"Yeah it was really creepy. She even said her name was Dahlia." Diane said surprising the two kings.
However King saw a discrepancy, "That doesn't make sense, it couldn't be King Dahlia could it?" he asked while in thought.
"Who is Dahlia?" Gloxinia asked.
"The second Fairy King who succeeded you after you left. I also found it confusing as Dahlia looked more masculine." Gerheade answered.
"And muscular, he was big and had ginger hair. That was either an impostor or it really was an illusion." King said.
"But what about the pen?" Diane asked.
King gently took the pen from Gerheade, "Maybe Merlin or someone else can look at it. I don't want to find out that this thing can suddenly explode." he said.
Diane nodded, "I guess that makes sense. Then again, you should have questioned how modern office supplies were inside the tree when no one could access it." she said, making King stop midair.
"Your lover makes a point." Gloxinia said.
"I don't know, a lot of stuff is still backwards here. We just figured out colored pictures in Britannia when this era just figured out how to make flying ships and moving pictures." King said as the modern era was not too advanced in some aspects.
"They even have these things called radios to communicate in short distances." Diane said.
"Do you not have access to mages with messaging style magic?" Gloxinia asked.
"Only few people have skills such as that brother." Gerheade answered.
"Still, this is pretty suspicious." King said as he looked at the pen in his hand.
Elsewhere, with Fillmore
The fox was panting as he lied beside a tree. The fox had run for so long and finally made it to the Land of Fire. Wondering what it was that his companion was asking him to do. At the same time, he really wanted a cold yet strong drink. Maybe find a good place to urinate before finding this same tree to sleep under.
"Why did he send me here of all places? We still have… oh… wait a minute. I haven't been keeping up with the times! Damn it! What year is it!?" Fillmore asked angrily as he looked around for any nearby people.
While Filmore could not see anyone nearby. He could hear the sounds of laughter. Fillmore immediately got into a defensive stance as he looked around for whoever was near him.
"Show yourself! I'm just a fox but I'm also a martial artist that has over 900 championships in the past millennia with over a million students!" Fillmore said hoping his lie would work.
Only to hear more laughter, "Silly fox, you cannot fool me." said the voice.
Fillmore snarled, "Show yourself coward! I'll kick your ass and take your money for… for nutrients! Yeah, nutrients!" he lied again.
Nutrients was code for alcohol.
"Don't make promises you can't keep. Because threats on their own are just petty." said the voice's owner as she revealed herself.
"Oh a wise… wha-wha-wha what!? It's you!" Fillmore exclaimed.
"What's wrong Fillmore? Are you not happy to see me? I know my master would feel similar." the woman asked.
Fillmore glared at the woman, "You little piece of… if you weren't a lady. I would say something really mean!" he yelled only to be mocked by more laughter. "Damn it! How the hell did you escape Lilia!? The old man and woman sealed you before the war!" he asked.
"That would be telling. However, I do have a request from you." the woman now identified as Lilia said.
"Not happening! Not for all of the honey flavored alcohol in the world!" Fillmore said defying her.
Lilia grinned, "Too bad, I thought I would have to get this done with no resistance. Oh well, I suppose there will be no reunion when I meet my master again." she said as her hands started to glow.
Fillmore snarled, "Don't say that like I'm an easy opponent." he said looking angry.
(Seven Deadly Sins OST - Big Tsum Tsum)
Lilia raised her palm, "Requiem!" she casts a large magic circle under Fillmore.
Who immediately jumped, "You should have focused on containing me! Not trying to tire me out!" he says, recognizing that spell. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" he yells as he unleashes waves of small fireballs at Lilia who moved around them.
Lilia's smile never left her face, "La Sylphide!" she says as a magic bow appears in her arms.
From there, Lilia proceeded to fire multiple arrows of light at Fillmore who quickly dodged them before running up to her. Where he attempted to slap her with his tail. Only to have it grabbed and pulled tightly as he was tossed onto the ground.
"Brute force? Really?" Lilia asked before attempting to fire again.
Only to be scared away with a giant wave of flames from Fillmore's mouth, "Scared? Really? Face it you sad excuse for a student. Your teacher is always the best and even if she's back now. There's no way in purgatory you're going to beat her. You're a sad arrogant child that's angry at the world because of your flat chest!" he yelled.
Lilia's eye started to twitch as her pride was hit very hard, "Pathetique!" she yells as several lasers chase Fillmore around.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Fillmore yells as he blows a giant gust of wind at Lilia who starts to fly away.
Lilia started grit her teeth as she used her levitation to avoid hitting the ground, "La Sylphide!" she casts again, shooting more light arrows at Fillmore.
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Jutsu!" Fillmore yells as the dragon engulfs Lilia. "That won't stop her." he said as the fire dispersed as Lilia had surrounded herself in a Perfect Cube.
"Your jutsus are really annoying. I hate the fact that all these modern monkeys can use them now." Lilia said sounding peeved.
"Oh you're annoyed now? Gee, here I thought Vivian was a bad student. At least she learned to make up for her mistakes unlike a stubborn mule playing pretend!" Fillmore yells, further goading Lilia.
"You asked for it! Pathetique!" Lilia yells as she tries to shoot Fillmore again.
"Wind Style: Air Bullet!" Fillmore yells only for the attack to be dodged. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he adds as several foxes run at Lilia who started destroying them with her lasers.
Until one of them tackled Lilia onto the ground and clawed her face. Lilia let out a scream of pain before blasting the clone's head off. Along with the rest of the clones until the real Fillmore revealed himself above her head.
"Wind Style: Violent Whirlwind!" Fillmore yells as he catches Lilia in a vortex of wind.
Lilia glared at the fox as her anger started to come out, "No more!" she yells before her whole body was engulfed in darkness.
The sudden appearance of the darkness was so intense that it destroyed a great big portion of the field. Fillmore barely survived the attack as he was sent skidding away by a few hundred feet. A few seconds after stopping, the fox slowly stood up and looked to see that Lilia transformed and had a giant black snake beside her.
"Tch, you really would take these kinds of measures for power Lilia." Fillmore said as he slowly stood up to face her. "You really are Merlin's student." he said as a snide remark.
Instead of being angry, Lilia laughed again, "You are incorrect my vulpine aquaintence. I am far better. You might as well give me what you have." she said.
"You don't even know what it is, you brat." Fillmore shot back.
"True, but I have some idea of what it's for and that there are six more parts." Lilia said before she started to power up even more. "Goodbye fox, I suppose you were entertaining at one point." she said.
Fillmore scoffed, "And at some point, you were a good person. Bring it on you brat!" he said preparing for his demise.
Lilia sighed, "Very well, Leviathan!" she yells as her dragon grows bigger and crashes onto the fox.
In the distance
Fillmore winced in pain as he heard a loud explosion in the distance, "Tch, stupid kid forgot that kitsunes are tricksters. She was probably too busy showboating to notice that I left a clone in my place." he said before stumbling off. "I gotta hurry though. She knows this thing won't be destroyed so easily. Lilia is impatient and she will get frustrated until she realizes I duped her." he mumbled as he pulled out a small file from a seal on his shoulder.
The fox sighed, he wondered why all seven of these things were in the shape of office supplies. Maybe it's a reference or something? Who knows. At least they look too ordinary for anyone to get suspicious of at first glance.
"Let's see, I think this one is Humility. That leaves six more and unless those fairies screwed up or go back to their tree. That means they should at least have three, making this four. Or did I count wrong?" Fillmore asked himself.
With 012607
The boy was in deep thought as he wrote in his book with great passion. When the young girl approached him with a curious expression on her face.
"What are you doing?" the girl asked.
"Just categorizing some things. To remember for later." The boy answered.
"Anything I can help with?" the girl asked.
The boy smiled, "Not yet, for now. Just remember Avalon okay?" he asked.
"How can I forget? We just got here." The girl asked.
"Just do it, for me. There might be a chance we come back in the future as adults." The boy answered.
The girl nodded, "I wouldn't mind." she said with a blush.
"Good, but for now. I think it's time to rest. I've been working on this for too long. Studies can wait until tomorrow." the boy said.
The girl nodded, "I'm excited to learn more on Avalon too, but even I know when it's time to take a break. Though it's so hard to do." she said.
"Patience, it's a virtue… a heavenly virtue." the boy said before going into deep thought.
"Well patience is going to keep me awake at night." the girl said.
"You sound like you are starving. Starving for knowledge." the boy said with a small chuckle.
The girl looked down for a moment, "Well I won't be satisfied until I get more knowledge." she said.
"Then you need to practice chastity, another virtue." the boy said before resting for the night.
Consider your origins: you were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.
-Dante Alighieri
TO BE CONTINUED…
NOTES: I am beyond sorry! I have no idea what happened! This was meant to be out two months ago and I think I'm just hurting you guys more than myself. Especially since the upcoming chapters are so intense.
Heck, I already have the name of part three ready and no, it's not seven disasters. I have one a bit more unique than that.
Although, hopefully you guys enjoy this and I hope I can get chapter 4 done soon! I'm really sorry again with how late these chapters are!