Naruto: Infinity Divide
Kahs-wan
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
-This chapter will focus on Naruto's formative years before he starts a profession in particular. Basically (according to Memory Beta) you have primary education from 5 years old up until 13 to 15 when they start a professional track (i.e. college, trade school, etc.). No Starfleet just yet. Here is chapter 2. Enjoy!
-Kirk is was already in their twenties when Naruto was born, Spock is older.
Last time:
Sovar sprang up in alarm. He dozed off waiting for Naruto to come to bed. Opening the tent flap he saw Naruto sitting deep in meditation in the twilight of the evening. 'Has he done it? But I sense something…something very primal…' thought Sovar.
Suddenly Naruto was surrounded by blue flame and the shockwave of energy the blonde boy released nearly knocked his Father over. To Sovar it was like the roar of a hungry beast surging forth. Sovar reached to his son and found the flames were cool to the touch. "Naruto!...Naruto!...NARUTO!" yelled Sovar in fear for his son's life.
Naruto opened his blue eyes and they were aglow with power much to Sovar's shock. Naruto gave his Father a smile in the twilight. His longer than usual canines reflected in the low light and the blonde boy said, "You were right Father, I have found it!" Naruto held his hand up as he admired the blue glow dancing across his skin. "This…this is chakra!"
"Are you in pain?" asked Sovar in a worried tone.
Naruto flexed his fingers before making a fist. "I've never felt better in my life Father. This must be what I've felt in the back of my mind all this time. Wait until you see what I can do with this stuff. I can't wait to tell Mother!"
Sovar cringed. "T'Ara is going to kill me."
…
Chapter 2
Stardate 2260.028 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, T'Ara and Sovar's house
"Personal Log: My husband Sovar and our son Naruto have returned from their month of training. I sensed my son's excitement telepathically all the way from out in The Forge. When they got home I was very pleased to see how much Naruto had grown both physically and mentally during his short trip with Sovar. He explained that he had begun harnessing the power of chakra…Now my young son not only defies logic; he can defy gravity as well. As a scientist I am fascinated by this turn of events. As a Mother I wish my son would quit walking up and down the walls and across the ceiling…"
Sovar, T'Ara and Naruto were sitting down to their morning meal. Sovar looked at his son as Naruto seemingly consumed his own weight in food. "I think our son is getting ready to grow again T'Ara. Wouldn't you agree?"
T'Ara nodded. "It seems you've become quite ravenous of late Naruto. Slow down and chew your food properly. There is plenty more."
"I've just been so hungry and everything tastes so good." said Naruto. "There isn't as much variety out in the desert."
The onyx eyed beauty barely hid her smirk. "Your Father's culinary skills are rather lacking."
Sovar's face fell. "I never made the claim that I was an excellent cook even back when we were first introduced."
T'Ara was amused and it showed in her eyes. Naruto noted the affectionate banter between his parents and was enjoying the warmth of having his family together. 'It seems they missed each other very much while Father and I were out in The Forge. Mother almost smiled there.' The blonde boy happily continued to demolish his meal and soon thanked T'Ara for the food.
…
Stardate 2260.034 ShiKahr Primary School
A few days later Naruto arrived rather early to Instructor T'Partha's class and sat at his learning station. He was ready for the second session. T'Partha came in and saw her oddest but best scoring student diligently going through the start up protocols at his station and she said to him, "Welcome back young Naruto; it is good to see you are ready to learn."
The blonde boy nodded. "Greetings to you Instructor T'Partha. I am looking forward to the second session of the year. I believe good things will happen."
T'Partha didn't miss the gleam in her student's blue eyes and wondered what that portended. "I do hope you suffer less prejudice this session Naruto. You are an eccentric but a good student. You do not deserve the bias against you."
"Thank you, Instructor." said Naruto as his station came online.
The next student in was Arev's betrothed T'Lyra and she went over to speak to Naruto. The cute girl's long brown hair was down and she spoke with concern, "Are you still hurt Naruto? Arev told me he injured you badly."
Naruto looked up from his learning station. 'This is the first time she's ever addressed me personally. I wonder what Arev said to her to elicit such a reaction.' He didn't notice that T'Partha was discreetly listening in. "I am fine T'Lyra; I heal very quickly. Besides, it was Arev and his six friends that assaulted me, not just Arev."
The blue wearing girl looked surprised. "But he gave me the impression it was him alone."
"It seems that his ego matters more than the truth to Arev." replied Naruto. "That is shameful."
T'Lyra nodded slowly. "Still, I am glad you are okay. He had no right to hurt you." The pretty, quiet little girl went over to her own learning station and started it up.
As the rest of the class filtered in several peered over at Naruto with questioning looks. 'Obviously Arev has been bragging to all our classmates. Most of them seem surprised that I'm here.' thought the blonde crossly.
Arev and his little gang arrived soon and all of them seemed completely shocked that Naruto was there and seemingly unhurt. The bully stormed over. "How is it you are even here?! No one saw you over break so I assumed you left for good."
Naruto said in a flat tone, "I have no idea why you've taken a personal interest in my off time but I went camping in The Forge with my Father two days after you and your friends attacked me."
You could hear a pin drop in the room and T'Partha said sternly, "Arev, is it true you and your group attacked Naruto?"
The bully looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "N-no! I-I mean we didn't…"
T'Partha wouldn't stand for this. "I will not accept dishonesty in my class young Arev. Your parents will be informed of this and there will be consequences." She called out to each of the members of Arev's group by name and all of them admitted to attacking Naruto and leaving him beaten bloody.
…All Arev could do was glare hatefully at Naruto with tears of shame and embarrassment in his eyes. Naruto didn't bat an eyelash.
…
Over recess Instructor T'Partha asked Naruto what exactly happened, and the blonde boy explained. "I did not wish to escalate the situation any further. I told my parents what happened and they are training me to defend myself."
The Instructor nodded to herself. "Then you went camping in The Forge to train your body. I see. That is a very harsh environment to train in Naruto."
"My Father wished to train both my body and mind." said Naruto. "The Forge is a wondrous place for the spirit."
T'Partha looked into Naruto's blue eyes and saw a fire of sheer determination burning in them. "I see that young Naruto. You would be completely within your rights to bring this assault to higher authorities you know."
"Letting Arev suffer the shame of lying to the entire class is enough for me Instructor. It is a worse dishonor than him attacking me in the eyes of others." Naruto's tone of voice was like iron.
Instructor T'Partha looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "That is a logical conclusion Naruto. But do tell me if anything like this happens again. I will not have my students being abused physically or otherwise. It goes against my code of ethics as an Instructor."
…
The seasons came and went as Naruto learned in school. On his seventh birthday he was very disappointed to find he wasn't betrothed unlike other Vulcan children. This was not due to bias; the girl he was to be bonded to died with her parents in a seasonal earthquake. It saddened Naruto. He never met the girl but somehow her death made him feel very empty inside. It also led to him being teased by his meaner classmates that no one would want him as a mate anyway. Naruto grieved for some time before he returned to his normal self. He was told that there was a possibility of forming a new bonding when he took the kahs-wan*① test of maturity in a few years.
…
Stardate 2262.289 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, T'Ara and Sovar's house
Naruto turned eight years old and was looking forward to learning the basics of telepathy, etiquette, calculus and quantum physics. Of course, his Mother T'Ara had been drilling him in etiquette since birth. She adopted the unusual view that if Naruto was going to play pranks he should be polite about it. Lady Amanda Grayson thought the concept was hysterical.
The blonde boy was in his back yard with his Father Sovar practicing his Kareel-ifla and his V'Shan which the boy practiced both separately and combined into one fluid martial art. Though purists might be shocked; Sovar found his son's ingenuity and resourcefulness to be outstanding. Combining that with Naruto's far superior strength and aerobatics made the blonde boy an enjoyable sparring partner for his Father. Naruto rarely used visible chakra or jutsus (he learned a few from 'ancestral memory') except when they trained more heavily out in The Forge. The blonde hybrid wasn't ready to reveal his hidden abilities to the public just yet…
Naruto was getting ready to charge his Father again when Sovar held up his hand in a 'stop' motion. "It sounds like your Mother is home Naruto. Let's go inside and see her."
The blue eyed boy nodded in concern. He had been worried about T'Ara as she had been to the Doctor twice now. 'I hope Mother is okay.' he thought.
When they came inside T'Ara and Sovar touched their middle and forefingers together in a warm greeting and she ruffled Naruto's blonde locks affectionately. "I bring good news." said T'Ara. "We will soon be welcoming a new daughter into our home."
Sovar was immensely pleased and it showed. "This is excellent news. Just as importantly; how are you T'Ara?"
T'ara beamed. "Both the baby and I are fine. She is in perfect health and we are three weeks along." She looked at Naruto. "What do you think my son? Are you looking forward to having a little sister?"
Naruto's blue eyes were big as saucers. "This…This is awesome! Can I teach her calculus? Can I?"
Both of his parents expected and emotional reaction from their son. This was just too big for the blonde boy to contain himself. "I'm sure we'll all have lots to share with her Naruto." said Sovar proudly.
The news made Naruto's day…
…
ShiKahr Primary School
"So I am going to be a big brother." said Naruto enthused to some of his classmates while at recess.
He received many polite congratulations on this good news until Arev said, "So she is going to be a freak like you?"
Naruto's blue eyes flashed and he was standing in front of Arev in a split second. No one could follow his movements. He had the head taller Arev's throat in his grasp and pulled the choking boy down to his eye level.
"I TOLERATE you and your taunting of me Arev." said Naruto in a calm voice cold as death. "If you ever insult my family or my baby sister again I will BURY you. Do you understand me?"
The choking lummox could only nod emphatically as his oxygen supply was running out. Naruto nodded once and threw the bully to the ground. Then he went indoors to meditate and calm his rage. No one had ever seen Naruto act violent before and basically avoided the subject of Arev and his bruised neck for the rest of the day. Insulting an unborn child was considered rather crass by everyone…including T'Lyra.
…
After school Instructor T'Partha was talking with Naruto quietly. "I will accept whatever punishment you see fit Instructor." said Naruto in a subdued tone.
T'Partha shook her head, "I didn't ask you to stay for punishment Naruto. I wanted to make sure that you have calmed down and are all right. My concern is for you; not what you did. Arev's comments were inexcusable and I was going to reprimand him but you already did that…so to speak."
"Some days it is hard to deal with all the insults Instructor." said Naruto sadly. "To insult my baby sister was just too much."
"Do you talk to your parents about these things Naruto?" asked the Instructor kindly.
Naruto nodded. "My Mother and Father are my biggest supporters. They know what happens to me and help me with it."
T'Partha nodded. "You've never made a display of anger before Naruto. Other children have reacted just as badly. Let's just consider this issue closed. Do talk to your parents tonight though. Will you be alright to walk home?"
"I will be fine Instructor T'Partha." said Naruto. "Thank you for caring."
Naruto went home to his Mother and quietly cried with his head in her lap. T'Ara gently soothed her young son and ran her fingers tenderly through his blonde hair until he fell asleep…
…
Stardate 2265.289 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, ShiKahr Primary School
Three years had passed and Naruto was entering his eleventh year of age. He'd spent his morning divided between his studies and his adorable two year old baby sister Talok*② that tended to keep the whole family on the go in the morning as she was an extremely curious child and full of activity at all times. Naruto's class work was rather busy with core logic and definition and the principles of analysis among other heavy subjects. Now he was starting his school day…
"These are your final years of Primary Schooling." said Instructor T'Partha. "In the next two to four years you will all complete your formative training and your formal training for your future careers will begin. The first part of this session we will begin the kahs-wan ritual for those prepared for it. You should speak carefully with your parents before taking this trial. If you do not deem yourself ready then it is logical to wait. You are to inform me and I will submit it to the headmaster for approval."
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house, that evening…
Naruto was sitting at dinner with his family. "…And therefore, it seems logical to me to get the kahs-wan ritual over with as soon as possible." stated Naruto. "I've been spending two or three months a year camping in The Forge with Father for years. I'm quite familiar with the area."
T'Ara automatically intercepted some thrown food from her daughter Talok and set it back on the baby's plate. "While I can't refute your argument Naruto; you shouldn't take the kahs-wan so lightly. The Forge isn't a forgiving place and you've always had your Father with you."
"I think he's more than ready." said Sovar. "Naruto is probably as good at foraging in the desert as I am. Like that time he scared off a Le-matya*③ with his chakra alone…" Sovar's eyes suddenly got huge and he covered his mouth.
"Somehow I don't think I was ever informed of that particular instance husband of mine." said T'Ara with a frown.
'Oh, boy…' thought both Father and son as one…
…A thorough (and irrefutably logical) tongue lashing later both Sovar and Naruto were sent to bed early…but T'Ara was convinced her son was well prepared for anything the Forge could throw at him during the kahs-wan and she gave her consent…
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house, two days later…
"The game of sublime logic, poker." said Sovar grandly as he dealt the cards to his wife and son. He immediately put on his poker face (they came naturally to Vulcans) and watched for any signs of T'Ara or Naruto's identical poker faces slipping up. Baby Talok was giggling as she watched from her high chair. This was family bonding at its best in Naruto's household…
Naruto said, "I'll take two Father." Picking up his two cards and discarding two others, the blonde said; "I have been studying the concept of cheating and sleight-of-hand recently."
T'Ara raised an eyebrow as she looked at her son. "To what purpose Naruto?"
"I'd be interested in knowing as well." said Sovar curiously.
Naruto narrowed his eyes and said, "When humans invented this game with a strict set of rules they also invented ways to circumvent those same rules at the same time. It baffles me. There is no discernible logic whatsoever. It is like creating a government that is designed to fail from the outset."
T'Ara explained, "What you are grappling with is the concept of greed my son. Many races play poker with the only goal of material gain by winning. We Vulcans logically play for the pleasure of the game. Some races get very emotional about it. I learned this in Starfleet."
Naruto's eyes widened as his Mother took two cards herself. "Is that why you are so good at playing Mother?"
The onyx eyed beauty said, "No, it is because one of my Doctoral Degrees is in quantum physics. Counting cards is child's play."
Sovar and Naruto's faces fell and little Talok giggled again…
"Why do we play with her again?" Naruto asked his Father.
Sovar said, "Because it is a pleasure to be repeatedly trounced by a beautiful woman." Seeing Naruto's look of utter disbelief he said, "You'll understand when you are older my son."
T'Ara looked rather pleased with herself…
….
Stardate 2265.319 Planet Vulcan, The Forge
It had been a month since the kahs-wan had been announced and eleven children from Naruto's class had elected to try. Twenty three other children from other classes were there to try as well. It wasn't considered a total disgrace to fail and try again when they felt more mature about themselves so a few of the students were just testing the waters. When Naruto put in his submission first he wasn't surprised to see his rival Arev automatically do the same as well as Arev's six followers. There were also three girls including the quiet T'Lyra. 'She must be going because her betrothed is…' thought Naruto. Truthfully Naruto didn't think the blue wearing girl looked ready…
The Proctor for the ritual outlined the rules. "You have ten days to survive in The Forge. You have no food, water or weapons so you must forage to survive. You are forbidden from helping one another during your journey. If you find another injured or dead you are to report their position back to the proctors at the end of your ten day survival course. The path you must take is marked on your maps. There are four different paths and each of you will be sent out an hour apart so there will be no interference between participants. There will be casualties. This ritual has been in place since before our enlightening to the ways of logic and is your first step towards adulthood. Do well and you will prevail."
'Well, that was less than inspiring.' thought Naruto. He sat down to await his turn. Naruto was in his sleeveless traditional desert robes like his Father's that he always wore in The Forge.
"Why are you dressed in rags?" asked Arev contemptuously.
Naruto ignored his 'rival' in favor of meditating. Eventually Arev got bored trying to antagonize Naruto and went over to his group of friends instead. Four hours later, Naruto's name was called. "Naruto, Son of Sovar. Are you prepared?" asked the Proctor.
Naruto took one last drink from the provided canteen and handed it to the Proctor. "I am ready sir." said the blonde.
The Proctor handed Naruto a map and said, "Survive and succeed young one."
Naruto nodded and went on his way…
…
The first day out in The Forge was very routine for the blonde given his experience. On Naruto's second day in the desert he sat down to meditate during the hottest hours of the day. Planet Vulcan's blazing sun overhead shot the temperatures up to nearly 65 degrees Celsius and staying in the shade during that time of day was the best way to conserve energy and stay cool. 'I've been travelling at a steady pace for two days and haven't run into anyone else. Of course, many travel faster than they should so I may not run into anybody. I hope that all survive. I know logically that casualties are inevitable, but all life is precious…'
When the sun got lower in the sky Naruto set off again gathering edibles as he travelled along. He thought back to his Father Sovar's teachings in The Forge over the years. "The Forge is a wondrous place Naruto. Once your spirit becomes one with it you will see life is everywhere in the desert. The desert will provide food, water and shelter as needed. You just have to know where to look for it."
'Father was right of course.' thought the blonde. 'By staying in the shade of the L-langon mountains it's easy to stay protected from the elements in the mornings and watching for native flora and fauna has become second nature to me.' As Naruto walked along peacefully he heard a moan that was definitely not an animal. Naruto walked over and looked down in a ravine. He saw one of Arev's followers there. He recognized the boy as Kesh. Kesh was bloodied and it was obvious he'd fallen into the ravine somehow.
Kesh saw Naruto's shadow and looked up. The boy had tears rolling down his cheeks. "N-naruto; it's you…My leg is broken. Am I to die here?"
Naruto couldn't tell if Kesh was crying from fear or pain from the injury. "Stop crying and staunch your wounds to preserve your fluids. Stay where you are. When I finish I will send help for you. Be strong for those who love you." commanded the blonde as he marked Kesh's position on his map.
Kesh hiccupped and nodded. He said, "T-thank you Naruto."
The blonde nodded and went on his way wondering if he would ever see Kesh alive again. "I didn't actually help him; I just encouraged him…" the blue eyed boy muttered to himself…
…
Three days later Naruto opened his eyes in the morning to sounds of a scream in the nearby foothills. He went to investigate and a half hour later he found a girl from another class. She was dead and torn in half at the waist. Le-matyas got her from what Naruto could tell. The blonde boy felt sick inside. He wanted to cry or throw up but either would cause him to lose precious fluids and he couldn't risk dehydration. Naruto gently reached down and closed her eyes. He noticed she had a necklace on and took it off of her to give to her family. It was sad to say but her body would probably be consumed by predators in the next few days so there might not be remains to be found.
Marking the site of the body on his map; Naruto travelled onwards and tried not to think about it…
…
On Naruto's seventh day in the desert he heard a whimper and recognized T'Lyra's voice. Remembering what he'd seen two days ago Naruto shot off in the direction of the noise. He saw T'Lyra with her back against a tree paralyzed in fear. Two large Le-matyas were stalking her and Naruto unleashed a shockwave of killing intent upon them. One of the Le-matyas turned tail and ran but the other roared at him. Naruto gave the creature a chakra enhanced whirlwind kick to the nose to knock it back. While the creature was stunned he said, "Wind style, gale palm!" The big predator was sent tumbling before it whimpered and ran away in fear.
Naruto looked over at T'Lyra and saw she had slid down into a sitting position. She looked dehydrated and fearful. Finally, her breathing slowed down and she said, "Y-you saved me Naruto, how did…?" She shook her head to clear it. "I thank you."
The blonde boy looked around and said to no one in particular; "You know, I don't remember saving or helping anybody. There were two Le-matyas in my way and I chased them off. I shouldn't have wandered into the foothills they live in. It's much safer down by the tree line. I guess I'd better had back down in that direction…There are some edible white flowers that really smell bad there. The taste terrible but are very nutritious and have water sacs in the bulbs." He gave one last look at T'Lyra who nodded hesitantly in understanding. He said, "Use your mind and you will overcome the adversities in this place." Then Naruto went on his way. 'I hope she makes it…' he thought worriedly.
…
On the tenth day in The Forge Naruto saw his chief tormentor Arev lying face down, flat on the ground under a tree. The boy wasn't moving and wasn't in a natural sleeping position either. Naruto debated with himself for a few moments until he remembered his Mother T'Ara saying, "You will learn that all lives are precious, even those of your enemies."
Naruto sighed. "Technically Arev isn't my enemy even if I dislike him greatly." He thought aloud. Naruto went over and saw Arev wasn't dead; the larger boy was dried out. 'The dumb lummox tried to hurry and got himself dehydrated in the process.' thought the blonde with a frown. 'He'll live if I report his position.' Naruto marked the spot on his map and continued on his way.
Several hours later Naruto made it back to the starting point feeling exhausted. Seeing the one girl had died and having to leave three others alone in the desert had been truly taxing on the blonde boy. Logic told him he did everything he could for the others because of the rules of the test but his conscience still nagged at him. Naruto had a meal provided and lots of water but mentally he was completely worn out. He gave his reports on everyone's locations except T'Lyra's who he never mentioned. He also gave the necklace he recovered to the Proctors. Naruto was going to meditate and wait up but he dozed off in the shelter provided by the Proctors. His personal kahs-wan journey was complete. All there was now was to wait for news of the others…
…
When Naruto awoke he heard T'Lyra's exhausted voice as she spoke with a Proctor. "I was fortunate that I overheard someone saying those flowers are edible though they taste so foul. It probably saved my life."
The Proctor said, "It is an old desert journeyman's trick. Most are so repelled by the smell that they stay away from them. It is a natural defense of that plant. You are most fortunate indeed young one."
Naruto stepped out of the sleeping tent into the main area where food was provided and saw T'Lyra eating ravenously along with many other children in various states of exhaustion. Her normally vibrant blue robes were a mess. The blonde went over to the head Proctor and asked, "If I may ask sir, were the injured ones I reported on rescued?"
The old Proctor had a gleam in his eye. "Thanks to your diligence they were both found and were taken back to the city for medical treatment. Tell me Son of Sovar; your maps to them were extraordinarily well detailed. We would never have found young Kesh if you hadn't listed the precise elevation. Are you familiar with the lay of the land?" he asked knowingly.
The blonde nodded. "My Father has taken me camping at least twice a year in The Forge since I was five years old. It is a wondrous place."
The Proctor raised an eyebrow and then said, "Indeed it is young one; indeed it is."
…
The next day…
"Of the thirty-four who tried, twenty-six passed, five failed to complete the ritual and three died." said the Proctor. "Our casualties were high this time but The Forge is an unforgiving place for those that do not know the ways of the desert. All twenty-six of you here have done well and have taken the first steps into adulthood. You families will be proud. The five who failed are in the ShiKahr City Hospital recovering. The three who perished have been recovered and their families have been notified. Peace and long life young ones."
The children answered with "Live long and prosper." and were soon on a transport back to the city…
…
Stardate 2265.331, T'Ara and Sovar's house
T'Ara and Sovar welcomed their relatives into their home to celebrate Naruto's passage into adulthood. Terrifyingly for Naruto (and his parents), all of his cousins and other relatives suddenly considered him part of the family. All of the blonde boy's relations outside of his nuclear family always kept Naruto at arm's length because he was a hybrid but now they all seemed to embrace him and brought him many gifts.
Even his Paternal Grandmother Varek seemed enthused about the kahs-wan ritual and she previously didn't consider Naruto related to her in any way. As the festivities went on Naruto chakra hopped up to the roof of the house to meditate in peace. He didn't want to make waves but the behavior of his kin was highly irritating and hypocritical in his mind.
'Father's Mother Varek actually told me to address her as Grandmother!' Naruto thought angrily. 'I calculated the odds of a meteor striking my home to happen before that would. Everyone is being so kind and welcoming that I want to move to Andor…'
Down in the house T'Ara and Sovar felt much the same way as their son did but were focusing on being gracious hosts rather than ruffling any feathers. They both knew where Naruto was and didn't say anything. Neither of them appreciated the two faced behavior of their families either.
"Where is that grandson of mine?" asked the ever chatty Varek. "We need to discuss his future place in the clan and his choice of profession."
Sovar bit his tongue but thought, 'Since when have you considered Naruto family Mother?' "I believe he stepped out for some fresh air Mother."
"Hmmm…Well, the family always has been adept at being merchants." pondered Varek aloud. "I can think of two cousins in the family that are close to his age and unbonded…"
"I do not believe matchmaking is logical or appropriate at this juncture Mother Varek." said T'Ara. "I also have no idea which cousins you are referring to."
"I was referring to Metana or Zerin my dear." said Varek. "Zerin in particular is so radiant. Besides, she lives close by in the Artisan Quarter of ShiKahr."
T'Ara said, "That child will judge everything in aesthetics if she is anything like her artist parents. She will be too shallow to see Naruto for who he is."
"Nonsense." scoffed Varek. "Zerin has never even laid eyes upon Naruto. As artistic as she is, Zerin might be captivated by his lovely blue eyes alone. They are both unbonded and the same age. We should arrange for them to meet."
"They seem like an unsuitable match Mother." said Sovar.
Varek asked, "Then what about Metana in Vulcana Regar? She's a lovely child of twelve years of age…"
…
Later that night…
After Naruto came down and bid all of his relatives the appropriate farewells and thanked them for their gifts; he said to his parents, "I believe that my kahs-wan was far easier than dealing with a bunch of 'relatives' that I've never met before."
Sovar nodded. "It was stressful for all of us Naruto. Your Mother and I think that the way you've been treated as an outsider all these years is very wrong. It is shameful the way they have treated you; their own blood."
"I am in total agreement with your Father." said T'Ara as she rocked little Talok gently in her arms. "Both sides of the family are looking into potential mates for you so we will have to tread carefully."
"Is it too late to move to Andor, Mother?" asked the stressed out Naruto.
"You are truly my son." said T'Ara with amusement in her onyx eyes. She yawned. "Our home is a mess. Tomorrow we will all be at home so we can straighten this place up. I am simply too tired to stay up all night cleaning after that mob."
…
The next morning was a busy one for Naruto's family. They basically cleaned and straightened the house back to normal standards after an early breakfast. Around noon everything was as it should be and little Talok was taking a nap in her Mother's arms. T'Ara heard a knock on their front door and said, "Naruto, will you get the door please? Talok is asleep."
Naruto got up and went to the door. To his surprise it was T'Lyra. She said bashfully, "Naruto, I am glad you are home. Do you have time to visit?"
The blonde hadn't ever had a classmate come over before and was a bit stunned to have any sort of personal company. "Um, certainly. Please come in." he turned to T'Ara and said, "Mother, I have a guest from my class at school."
T'Ara looked over and saw a very lovely young Vulcan girl with her brown hair tied back in a braid. She was wearing the blue robes of the old dynastic clan. The girl bowed formally and said, "Hello I am T'Lyra of the Tolaris Clan. Thank you for inviting me into your home."
Naruto's Mother said, "I welcome you T'Lyra, I am T'Ara of the M'Fau Clan."
"Ah, I did not realize you are of the M'Fau Clan Naruto." said T'Lyra. Her eyes glittered. "How fascinating. Your noble ancestors rode dzharels*④ across the plains in ancient times."
"And you are descended of the Honorable Blue Dynasty." said Naruto. "I realized you favored blue robes; now I know why. Please come in and I'll make some tea for us. Mother, would you like some?"
"No, I already have water Naruto." said T'Ara. "Go ahead and spend some time with your friend." 'He seems very shocked she is here. Of course, Naruto has never invited a friend over.'
Naruto soon served his guest some hot tea and said, "I was not expecting company or I would have been better prepared for a guest." 'I've never even had a guest before.'
"It is all right; I wanted to thank you for your advice. I think it is safe to say you saved my life Naruto." T'Lyra was beaming at this point.
"You are welcome." said Naruto. "But I was only talking to myself."
T'Lyra hid a small smile behind her teacup. "Of course you were Naruto."
"Did Arev make it out of the hospital yet?" asked Naruto.
T'Lyra frowned ever so slightly. "Arev gave into emotionalism when he found out he failed the kahs-wan. He was absolutely furious at me for completing it when he didn't and grew enraged when he found out you saved his life. I cannot bear to be around him at this point."
"I am very sorry to hear that." said Naruto. 'Someone should smack that creep.' "His actions towards you are unacceptable. He should have been proud of you and congratulated you for passing the kahs-wan."
The brown haired girl said pointedly, "He should consider you a great friend for saving his life." Her dark brown eyes flashed with emotion. "Arev behaves like an infant. I no longer wish to be with him. This is the final insult he has heaped upon me." Naruto's eyebrows raised is surprise at her declaration and T'Lyra said, "I also spoke to Kesh. He is eternally grateful for your efforts. Kesh told me he had given up but you inspired him to stay strong and survive. He said from now on he wishes to be a great friend to you and how wrong he was about you in the past. That is how Arev should have acted."
"I will have to visit Kesh and see about his recovery then." said Naruto. 'I'd best not even mention Arev again…'
T'Lyra nodded in approval. "I think that is an excellent idea Naruto. I believe Kesh would truly appreciate a visit from you." She paused and looked into her teacup before she looked back up at Naruto hopefully. "If you like; we could visit him together…perhaps tomorrow morning? I could come over and meet you here."
Naruto said, "I think that would be all right. Let me check with my Mother."
T'Ara had been quietly listening to her son's conversation while she rested her eyes and Talok slept. 'This girl wishes to get out of a betrothal…And she seems to have eyes for my son instead. I wonder how he saved her life…?'
Naruto came into the front room and quietly asked if he could visit another classmate at the hospital the next morning.
T'Ara gave her consent and T'Lyra seemed immensely pleased. The brown haired girl soon bid both of them farewell and left with a spring in her step.
Naruto thought to himself, 'I wonder what tomorrow will bring…'
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Kahs-wan maturity test which is a survival ritual that dates from before the time of Surak. It consists of ten days without food, water or weapons. Those who survive it take their first step into adulthood. It involves a trial into the desert where the Vulcan child is expected to survive in order to be considered an adult. The rules of this maturity test meant that it is a test of individual survival and as such, teamwork is forbidden. Those children that are wounded and discovered by another are left until the kahs-wan student returned home at the end of the survival course where they would report the dangers faced by the other student. Due to the nature of the rite, there are always casualties faced by those that participate in the kahs-wan. This left some eleven year old's unbonded and tradition allowed this to be the case. Following a suitable period of mourning, it is deemed appropriate by those families who had been widowed by the death of a mate at Vulcan's Forge to approach each other in order to partake in a new bonding.
*②: Talok means "Precious" in Vulcan
*③: Le-matya is a large predatory beast, bearing poisonous claws, native to the planet Vulcan. Le-matyas were known to live in the foothills of the L-langon Mountains along Vulcan's Forge. They look like a green and yellow tiger like cat.
*④: Dzharel, a Vulcan horse like species.
There are still too many footnotes for my liking. There is just a huge amount of stuff out there on Vulcan Culture. See you next time. Blue out. 7/22/23