Naruto lay peacefully on the ground, his body still recovering from the intense battle and the subsequent strain. But even in the quiet of rest, his mind was far from calm. As he slipped into a dream, it quickly became apparent that this was no ordinary vision.
He found himself floating in the sky, looking down at an ancient city below. The architecture was traditional, old stone buildings and narrow streets winding through a majestic landscape. He moved toward the center of the city, drawn to the tallest structure, the one that stood above all others. It was a place that exuded power and history, a reminder of the city's long-standing influence.
When he arrived, Naruto saw something that stunned him. In the garden of the grand building sat Kaguya, seemingly at peace, surrounded by what looked like maids tending to two young children. Her demeanor was strikingly different from the fierce and calculating woman he had encountered before. She exuded an aura of kindness and generosity, as if this was a life she had longed for.
But that peaceful image was fleeting. Kaguya's face slowly contorted with worry. Her brow furrowed as though lost in thought, searching for something she couldn't find. Her gaze shifted into the distance, a deep sigh escaping her lips. "How do I fight against the clan? I don't know when they might find out about this place," she muttered, the tension in her voice palpable.
Naruto watched in silence, his curiosity growing. He could feel the growing unease around her, a palpable sense of dread. Suddenly, she snapped her head up, eyes wide with fear. The atmosphere around her shifted, as though the weight of some unseen force had settled in. Her body tensed, and he could feel her power stirring.
"No," Kaguya's voice was sharp, filled with defiance. "I will not comply." Her words were directed at someone unseen, her teeth gritted in determination.
The shift in her mood was abrupt, and Naruto felt his pulse quicken as her hand moved towards him, her eyes locking with his in a gaze that sent chills down his spine. In that moment, a surge of danger washed over him, so intense it nearly consumed him. But just as her hand reached its full motion, the world around him began to warp and shift, and he was torn from the dream.
Naruto awoke with a sharp gasp, his body drenched in sweat. His heart hammered in his chest as he struggled to calm his breathing, the lingering effects of the nightmare still gnawing at him. "Huff, huff…" he exhaled, desperately trying to ground himself. That had been too close—whatever he had seen, it felt like a warning. "That was too dangerous. Damn, these visions might end up killing me someday."
Gaea, who had been watching over him, saw the clear distress in his expression. She perched nearby, concern flashing across her features. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine worry.
Naruto looked up at her, the terror from the dream still fresh in his mind, but he forced himself to smile, trying to ease her concerns. "No worries, just a nightmare," he said, though his tone didn't quite match the calmness he was trying to project. He didn't want to burden Gaea with his unsettling visions, particularly since they seemed tied to his past, his world. It wasn't something he wanted to drag her into, especially when there were bigger issues to face.
Gaea eyed him with suspicion, sensing that there was more to the story, but she didn't press him further. "Okay," she said, though the doubt lingered in her eyes. "I believe you'll share it if necessary."
"Thanks for understanding," Naruto said, grateful for her trust. He appreciated her respect for his space, even if the truth was something that weighed heavily on him.
Gaea sighed, her expression shifting from concern to focus. "That's fine, but we've got a problem. There are other dragons nearby, and they'll most likely come to check on Albion. We can't stay here anymore."
Naruto's face hardened slightly, but he didn't let the information shake him. He had already been contemplating their next move, and the dragon situation wasn't going to change his plans. "It's not a problem. We were already planning to leave, so we can just go today," he said, his voice steady.
Gaea blinked in realization. "Ah," she said softly, as though just understanding the gravity of their situation. She had assumed that they were planning to stay and protect the nymphs for at least another week, but now it seemed the urgency had taken a new form.
She sat down on his shoulder, her frustration with the situation making her posture stiff. I'm letting my annoyance and disgust affect my mind, she thought, but there was little she could do now but push through it.
Naruto couldn't help but suppress a small laugh. It was rare to see Gaea so affected, though he knew it was only natural. Even beings like her, who had witnessed the rise and fall of countless centuries, had their limits. But he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to cause any more tension.
With a deep breath, Naruto stood up, feeling the weight of their next decisions. He called out to the nymph leaders, his voice carrying with authority. "Gather everyone. We're moving out today."
The nymphs, who had been busy tending to the wounded and clearing up the aftermath of the battle, began to mobilize in response to Naruto's command. It was clear that the winds of change were sweeping through their camp, and the sense of urgency was felt by all. They had already faced powerful enemies and survived, but now they had to move quickly before more threats arrived. The dragons' presence in the area had only increased the stakes.
As Naruto prepared for their departure, he couldn't shake the feeling that something even more dangerous was coming—not just from the dragons, but from the visions, the memories, and the hidden truths he had yet to uncover.
"Yes, how can we help?" The water nymph asked, her voice filled with respect and concern.
Naruto gave a slow, gentle nod, his words calm but carrying an underlying weight. "We need to leave as other dragons might be coming sometime later to find Albion. I'll have Albion make noise out of the city and leave clues so they won't come this way. I enjoyed your reception, but this is goodbye for a time."
The nymphs felt a deep sense of guilt, knowing that their presence had forced Naruto into this situation, and yet they were powerless to change it. "Is there anything we can do to help?" one of them asked, her voice desperate to make up for the inconvenience they caused.
Naruto smiled softly at their concern, wanting to reassure them, but knowing there was little they could do. "Just some fruits for now, and you can provide me information later when I come by," he said, not wanting to burden them further.
The water nymph nodded and quickly turned to her friends, gathering the best fruits they could find. The group worked in unison, soon producing two large bags filled to the brim with nourishment for the journey ahead.
Naruto's attention shifted to Ella, who was still unconscious, her body battered from the battle. He knelt beside her, gazing at her silently. She needs rest, he thought, deciding not to disturb her for now. As he made his decision, his gaze fell on Alice, who was also unconscious. She had given everything during the fight, her energy fully spent. Though he wished he could take her with him, he knew it wasn't the right thing to do. I can't bring others into my problems, he reasoned, looking away.
He walked toward Albion, who had been patiently waiting for orders. The dragon had healed from his injuries, though some battle marks remained. When Naruto approached, he gave an annoyed huff, as though irritated by the situation, but reluctantly transformed back into his original form.
"Get ready to leave," Naruto muttered under his breath, his annoyance with the backstabbing dragon evident, though he kept his words in check. "I hope you'll change sooner or later."
Albion said nothing, merely glaring at Naruto before walking behind him as they began to make their way out of the area. Naruto couldn't help but glance back at Ella one more time. The little wind nymphs had gathered around him, their small bodies circling him as they cried and begged him not to leave. Their tiny hands reached out, grabbing at his clothes, their desperation palpable.
They were so innocent, so pure in their attachment, and the sight tugged at Naruto's heart. The strength of their bond with him was touching, but at the same time, it reminded him of the harsh reality—he had to leave.
"Calm down, little friends. We'll meet again. I'm not leaving forever," he said, offering a reassuring smile, though it didn't seem to comfort them. They were children, after all, and the idea of him leaving was beyond their comprehension.
The leaders of the nymphs soon intervened, helping Naruto out of the situation by gently pulling the little ones away. "Don't disturb the Champion, little ones," the water nymph said, her voice firm yet gentle. "We'll be going soon."
Naruto felt a pang in his chest as he saw the sadness on their faces, but he knew it was the right choice. They needed to move quickly for their own safety, and staying behind could put them in danger.
He turned to the nymph leaders, who were apologizing profusely. "We're sorry that you have to suffer all of this because of us. We will never forget this favor and will help whenever possible."
Naruto shook his head, his expression softening. "You are my friends. I don't like seeing good people get hurt. No need for thanks," he replied sincerely. His words seemed to ease their guilt, and they nodded in understanding.
One of the leaders approached with Alice in tow. "Please, take her along," she said in a tone filled with genuine pleading. "She wanted to help you as much as possible. This is her desire, so please grant us this request. It would make it easier to provide information to you through Alice."
Naruto hesitated, torn. He had seen how Alice had fought beside him, but he hadn't planned on bringing anyone else with him. Still, there was something in the way the water nymph spoke that made him feel it was the right thing to do. She's not lying. They all truly want to help, he thought.
As if sensing his inner conflict, Gaea spoke up, her voice cutting through his indecision. "You should take her along. With her help, we can finish the quest at a faster rate and with fewer obstacles."
Naruto glanced at Alice, her exhausted form still unconscious. He thought back to when they had fused together, their powers blending with ease. There was a bond there, and her presence had been helpful in ways he hadn't anticipated.
He sighed, giving in to the inevitability of the decision. "Okay, but if there is too much danger, I will send her away," he said, his tone serious. He remembered how Ella had been in the same position, and he didn't want to take any unnecessary risks.
With the gang now assembled, Albion took flight, the powerful dragon lifting off from the ground with ease. As they flew out of the city, Albion let out a loud roar that echoed through the mountains, ensuring any nearby creatures knew of his presence. The dragon's actions sent a clear message—he was leaving his mark on the land.
"Good enough," Albion's deep voice boomed.
"That's enough," Naruto shouted, trying to focus on the task at hand.
"So, where are we going?" Albion asked, his tone curious but wary.
Naruto thought for a moment before responding. "Camp Half Blood."
He wasn't sure what to expect from the people there, but it seemed like the best place to assess their situation and see what kind of allies they might be dealing with. I still haven't seen what kind of people they are, so what better place than their base?
Albion, still puzzled by Naruto's choice, pondered aloud, "Is he working with the demi's? Doesn't matter, I will definitely be free," he muttered, but the determination in his voice was unmistakable.
As the dragon flew on, Gaea couldn't help but wonder what Naruto's decision would be when the time came to face the children. She hoped he wouldn't hesitate, but she knew how difficult it could be. The children may seem like sad little existences, but they made their choices, she thought, flying beside him as they journeyed on.
The road ahead would not be easy, but Naruto was determined to face whatever came his way—no matter the cost.