Chapter 17: New Developments

Raven hovers in the air making sure to keep to the shadows. She silently watches as a certain ninja easily takes out several bank robbers. The past three days, she has been keeping an eye on the hero that helped her to stop the rise of Trigon. For reasons she is unable to explain, she is drawn to the mysterious blond. Well, there are several reasons that come to mind, but she knows none of them are the true reason that she follows him.

The first reason that she decided to follow him is due to his incredible power. Raven is not one to brag, but she is well aware that her magical power is greater than most. In this dimension she is sure that she is one of the most powerful magic users. Being the daughter of Trigon blessed her with incredible magical power. The only positive of being the daughter of the demon. Naruto on the other hand possesses power that dwarfs her own. He possesses super speed, super strength, ability to manipulate the elements, incredible fighting talent, and much more that she knows he is hiding. There are others in this dimension that possess incredible power, but most of them are much older and experienced. Uzumaki Naruto is about the same age as her. His potential has yet to be reached. How strong will he be when he reaches that full potential?

Second, he has the power to resist demonic powers. Minions of Trigon are based off the seven deadly sins that reside in all humans. Trigon uses those sins to gain strength and open portals to this dimension as well as other dimensions. Even she is not immune to such demons hence the reason she keeps her emotions in check. Naruto on the other hand was able to resist the demon's ability. He openly admitted to having greedy/selfish desires yet the demon was unable to feed on them. Raven still had no idea how he was able to accomplish such a feat.

Cold metal presses against her throat. "Is there a reason you have been spying on me these past couple days?"

Raven stares down at the Naruto on the street. She had foolishly forgot about his ability to make clones. Once again, he piqued her interest. "I meant no harm," says Raven. "I merely wished to learn more about you."

"I have enough people spying on me from the shadows. I rather not add you to that list."

Naruto removes the kunai. Raven turns around. "I apologize," she bows. "There is something that has been on my mind." He stares at her not making a sound. "Why are you so interested in finding a demon called Kyuubi?"

Gotham – November 4th

"When do I get to meet this boy?"

Artemis almost drops her eggs. "What?"

Paula looks at her daughter with a knowing smile. "Did you really think you could hide it from me?"

A groan escapes the archer. There is no point in trying to hide it at this point. It is times like these that Artemis hates that her mother used to be a super villain and assassin. "I am not bringing him home so that you can try to intimidate him," glares Artemis.

"I just want to meet him," lies Paula. "I want to make sure that he is worth my daughter's attention."

"Well, he did save my life a couple times so I think he qualifies."

"Oh? So he is someone on your team then?" Artemis groans wishing she had never said anything. "It is not Robin is it?" frowns Paula. The idea of her daughter spending time with Batman's protégé did not sit well with her.

"No way," Artemis ruffles her nose. Robin is cute, but way too young.

"Aqualad?"

"No."

"Superboy?"

"No."

Paula gains a surprised expression. "Uzumaki Naruto?" Artemis doesn't say a word instead choosing to finish her breakfast. "I did not expect that." A smile lights up the woman's face. "I want to meet him."

"Mom!"

"Or I could take a trip to Japan. I do have some money saved up and I could call in a couple favors…"

"Fine!" Artemis sends a glare at her mother. "I'll talk to him about coming over for dinner or something."

Paula smiles victoriously. "Good, I look forward to meeting him."

Japan – November 4th

"Kyuubi is not an actual demon."

"I am not sure I understand."

"Like you, I am not originally from this dimension. In my dimension there are nine powerful beasts known as the Tailed Beasts. These beasts have incredible powers. Many consider them to be demons because of their terrible power," explains Naruto. "Few individuals know the truth about the Tailed Beasts. Kyuubi was the name given to the demon. Kyuubi's true name is Kurama."

Raven gains a pensive expression. "Kurama?" Naruto notices a flicker of recognition. "I have heard that name."

"Tell me," orders Naruto.

"Kurama was mentioned in my studies on Azaroth. A being of great power that wiped out many civilizations. Not much else is known other than it wiped out almost all life before vanishing never to be heard from again."

"How long ago?"

"I would say at least five hundred years ago."

Naruto gains a small smile. Kurama is alive. Not only that, but the bastard managed to find a way to beat Akatsuki and destroy the Elemental Nations. He held no love for the Elemental Nations. The idea of villages and thousands of people being killed by Kurama didn't bother him in the least. Still, there is the issue that Raven claimed it happened five hundred years ago.

Raven interrupts his thoughts. "How did you know…Kurama? Do you share a connection with the beast?"

"Is it possible that when traveling from dimension to dimension hundreds of years could pass?"

"Time does move different in each plane. A day here could be a month elsewhere, maybe even a year."

That supplies him with the answer that he desired. "I used to be partners with Kurama. Kurama was not inherently evil, but in the Elemental Nations he was treated like a slave and used to serve a village that gave him no respect," states Naruto.

"You two were friends," states Raven.

A nod comes from the ninja. The ninja notices the worry in Raven's tone. She is scared that he will summon Kurama to this dimension to do the same thing it did in the Elemental Nations. "I may not care what happened in the Elemental Nations, but I do care what happens to the people of this world. If he were to come to this world and try the same thing, I would fight him without hesitation," clarifies Naruto.

There is a great deal of emotion in his statement. She can tell by that alone that he truly does care for this world. Once again he intrigues her. Raven had thought that he kept his emotions in check like her, but in truth, he just displays them in different manners from other humans. Perhaps that is the reason the demon was unable to affect him. "Do you plan to spend your time in this world spying on me? Or continuously keep an eye on those that might try to raise Trigon?" asks Naruto.

"I have not yet decided on my purpose," admits Raven. "I left Azaroth to stop Trigon. Past that…"

"I understand," nods Naruto. He turns around and begins to walk away. "The team could use a magic user if you ever have the desire to use your powers for justice." In a cloud of smoke he vanishes.

Raven turns around to look out over the city. A thoughtful expression is on her face.

November 5th – Mount Justice

Zatanna laughs in amusement. "Are you really that nervous about introducing your mom to Naruto?"

"Wouldn't you be if had to introduce a boyfriend to your dad?"

"Not really," Zatanna shrugs. "My dad doesn't have a secret identity. Everyone pretty much knows that I am the daughter of Zatara. If a guy can't handle that then no point in me wasting time dating them."

Artemis can't argue with that. Last thing she wants is some wimpy guy that is afraid of her mom. Still, Naruto tends to be very blunt and direct. Her mom finds out that Naruto is the one that is responsible for putting Jade behind bars on two separate occasions, it might not be pretty. "I just didn't picture our second date being dinner with my mom."

More laughter erupts from the younger girl much to Artemis's ire. "I wish I could be there. Can you imagine Naruto making small talk at a dinner table?" Zatanna clutches her side.

"I so hate you right now."

Roanoke Island

Klarion comes to a stop. "This is it." He magically summons an orange crystal that radiates mystic power. Smirking, he thrusts the crystal into the ground. He takes several steps backwards. "Now it is time to have some fun with the old band!"

A magical runic pentagram forms on the ground. Klarion begins to call out powerful sorcerers. "Felix Faust…" As each name is called out the sorcerer appears at a corner of the pentagram. "Wotan, Blackbriar Thorn, and Wizard." Klarion's face morphs into a demonic visage and an evil smile stretches across his face. He rubs his hands together in glee. "Now, time to get to work." Each of them begins to chant.

Japan

"Do you have a new sword for me yet?"

"No."

"How long is it going to take?"

Higurashi throws a dirty look at the brat. "Keep bothering me and you will get nothing from me."

Naruto is not in the least bit threatened. There are plenty of other weapons shops including ones online. Artemis introduced him to online shopping a couple days ago. Higurashi heads to the back room. The ninja waits patiently. It takes a minute or two, but the old blacksmith comes back carrying a large object that is wrapped in a cloth. "I want you to give this a test. I think it will suit you more than a sword," smirks Higurashi. He drops the object on the counter with a loud thud.

"I am a ninja. I have no need for such a bulky object," replies Naruto.

"Just give…"

The blacksmith suddenly vanishes from the room. Naruto sniffs the air. Higurashi is not in the shop at all. He stares down at the weapon. A single swipe of the hand rips away the cloth. Naruto raises an eyebrow. "Interesting." Hefting the weapon up, he throws it onto his back and heads outside to try to find an answer to the missing blacksmith.

A black portal opens up in front of him. "A powerful mystic spell has been cast. All the adults in the world have been moved," says Raven stepping out of the portal.

"Moved?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Raven understands the underlying message. "There would have been no point in wasting the extra magic in removing dead bodies."

Naruto nods, "point taken."

Mount Justice

Robin is typing furiously. "We have set up a refugee center in the high school gym. Any luck on finding out what happened to all the adults?" asks Wally over the radio.

"I have tried to raise communications at the Hall, Batcave, and Watch-Justice League. Nothing at all," answers Robin.

"Right. Kid Flash out."

Zatanna stands a few feet from Robin. "It looks like everyone eighteen and older has disappeared." She pulls up various websites, blogs, and social media pages. "Kids all over the world are posting."

"Recognized Uzumaki Naruto, B07."

Naruto appears in a flash of light. He walks over to the main consul and begins to type rapidly. A second later, Robin and Zatanna watch as the Zeta Tube activates. "Access granted Raven, C01." Raven appears in the cave.

Robin frowns, "who is that?"

"An ally," answers Naruto. "Have you found the ones responsible?"

"The team is working around the clock to help the children while we try to find the source of the problem," states Robin. "Wait, do you have information?" Naruto gestures towards Raven.

"I felt a large rise in mystic power before the adults went missing. Whatever the cause, it is magical in nature."

"If that is the case I may have a way to find the source."

"How?" asks Zatanna.

"I have video footage of Zatara casting a spell that was used to locate the Injustice League. You can use it to find the ones that cast this spell," Robins bring up the footage.

Zatanna takes a step back. "I can't…it is more than just words. It takes a great deal of training and time." Her head lowers. "I am not on Zatara's level."

Raven steps forward. "Perhaps I can help. We have worked together in the past."

"I know this is hard, but I believe in you. You can do this," encourages Robin with a warm smile. Zatanna's worries begin to vanish. She gives a nod.

Mount Justice – Adult World

Zatara stares at the Helmet of Fate. He doesn't need to turn around to know that his old friend is behind him. "I would do anything to get my daughter back."

"We will find her and everyone else," promises Batman.

"So not that desperate...not yet."

"No."

Batman leads the way back to the main monitor. "League members are around the world trying to maintain the peace as we try to find a solution to the problem. Captain Marvel is the only league member unaccounted."

"Where is he?" frowns Zatara.

Mount Justice – Kid World

"It is nice to meet you. I am Miss Martian, but you can call me Megan."

Raven stares at the outstretched hand. Reaching out, she gently takes the offered hand. "I am Raven."

Miss Martian smiles warmly at the younger girl. "I take it that is your code name right?" Raven remains silent. The green skinned hero shifts nervously. She is suddenly reminded of the first time that she met with Naruto. A bit on the scary side how similar the two behave. "Right, well I look forward to working with you. The team needs more females," smiles Miss Martian.

"So she is on the team now?" frowns Superboy.

"No," Naruto walks towards the group. "Raven is here to help Zatanna locate the source and nothing else."

"But she could help us," argues Miss Martian. "If we are going up against magic users, she could be useful." Her eyes drift over to Zatanna. "No offense."

Zatanna gives a small, false smile. "None taken. Whoever or whatever cast this spell is powerful, my magic alone will not be enough." Naruto doesn't like the sound of her tone. Usually, Zatanna is confident and walks around with a certain deal of self-assurance. But this entire time at the cave she has been distracted, filled with doubt. He didn't like this side of her at all.

"Raven is not a member of our team. She has no experience in working with members of the team. It would be a mistake bringing along a new member against an enemy that can cast such powerful magic," states Naruto.

"I agree," nods Artemis.

"Hey, last time I checked the leader of this team is Aqualad. Not the wannabe ninja," says Kid walking over to the group.

Artemis glares at Kid. She is about to make a comment, but is interrupted. "That is correct, I am the one that you all chose to be leader. And I happen to agree with Naruto. This could be one of the most dangerous threats we face. Bringing along an untrained individual, no matter her powers, would be a liability in the long run," says Aqualad. Kid grumbles under his breath. "Zatanna, Raven, please go with Robin. It is time to try to find the cause of the recent situation."

Zatanna and Raven head off. Aqualad makes sure to make eye contact with each member of the team before he continues to speak. "Once we have the location of the source, we will head out."

"The entire team?" asks Naruto.

"What is that supposed to mean?" frowns Kid. "Of course we are all going."

"There is no Justice League, no law enforcement, no adults. If we are all fighting against the enemy who is helping to keep order?" A silence fills the room. "Worse, if we happen to fall in battle this world is left with no back up plan. Did you all forget the psychic simulation? We all stuck together and loss members one by one until none of us were left." Miss Martian lowers her head. Superboy remains silent but there is an edge in his eyes. Kid for the first time doesn't argue. Artemis places a hand over her stomach where she had been impaled and killed. Aqualad gains a guilty expression.

Aqualad looks directly at Naruto. "Two teams?" A nod comes from the ninja. "If the first team should fail, the second team will at least have basic information on the threat increasing their chances of success."

Robin, Zatanna, and Raven interrupt the conversation. "The spell worked. Roanoke Island is the location of the mystic powers at work…"

A blast of lightning fills the cave. The entire team turns to see a child standing in front of them. "Where did you come from? Who are you?" demands Aqualad.

Naruto sniffs the air. "Captain Marvel," says the ninja.

"Might want to get your eyes checked. Captain Marvel is not a kid…"

"Geez Wally, do I have to get you nachos and cheese to get you to remember me?" smirks the kid.

Miss Martian's eyes glow a bright green. A gasp escapes the girl. "It is true. He is Captain Marvel."

"Captain Marvel's secret identity is that of a…child?" whispers Robin. "I am officially whelmed."

"The name is Billy Baton. I just came from a world filled with adults. In fact, I was talking to Batman and Zatara a second ago."

"My dad is alright?"

"Yep, everyone in the League is fine. Well except for having to deal with crazy adults trying to find their kids," smirks Billy.

"Does Batman have a plan?" asks Aqualad.

Billy smiles sheepishly. "I sort of came here before getting to that. I'll be right back! Shazaam!" In a blast of lightning the boy vanishes. The team waits patiently. A minute later, Billy reappears in a flash of lightning. "Batman has located the source on Roanoke Island. The spell has split the world in two so a two-pronged attacked is to be launched. Unfortunately, it is only going to be the four of us; Red Tornado, Zatara, Batman, and me. The rest of the League is helping out around the world."

Aqualad glances at Naruto. "Tell Batman that we are splitting into two teams as well. One team will help with keeping order while the other assists in the two-pronged attack."

"Got it! Shazaam!"

"Alright, now we need to split into two teams," Aqualad turns to face everyone. "Superboy, Kid, Robin, Artemis, and Raven…" Kid smirks victoriously thinking he is part of the main assault team. "The five of you will stay behind to help out."

"What?! Dude!" yells Kid.

Artemis grips her bow, "why us?"

"Superman, Flash, Batman, and Green Arrow are four of the most well-known heroes around the world. You four are most likely to be recognized and can garner the respect of the younger generation. Raven is new and will need guidance. Robin, I am placing you in charge of the team. If we should fail then it will be up to you five to finish the mission," explains Aqualad. "The rest of us need to gear up. We head out in ten minutes."

Break

Zatanna enters Wally's personal souvenir room. Her eyes are locked onto the Helmet of Fate. She walks up to the shelf. Slowly, she begins to raise her arms and her fingers extend towards the helmet. "If you put on the helmet, there is no guarantee that you will accomplish the mission." Zatanna jumps in fright. Quickly, she spins around to see Naruto standing a short distance from her. He is staring at her with a knowing look.

"I…" A frown forms on her face. There is no point in trying to make up some excuse. He has the ability to sense lies. "I just want to make sure that my dad is okay."

Naruto walks past Zatanna. He grabs the helmet and holds it out to her. "Your dad fights evil on a daily basis. At any given moment he can die." Zatanna bites her bottom lip. "Do you really think putting on this helmet will change all that?"

"It is easy for you to say, you don't have any family!" She gasp in horror. "I'm sorry."

"You didn't answer my question." Zatanna stares deep into those gorgeous ocean blue eyes. Naruto once again offers her the helmet.

"Is it so wrong of me to want to save my dad? Why are you trying to make me feel so guilty?"

The ninja steps forward placing the helmet in her hands. "A helmet is not needed to save your dad. You have the power to do it."

"And if my power is not enough?"

"Then you have mine. Not to mention the rest of the team as well."

Zatanna's eyes widen. Naruto gives a nod. He leaves the room without another word. She stares down at the Helmet of Fate.

Roanoke Island

Klarion is humming a light tune. He is in a great mood. The entire world is in absolute chaos. It has been a long time since he enjoyed so much chaos. Best part is that the longer the spell is active the greater the chaos grows. He would have more fun if he could see all the chaos in action, but knowing that the world is in a mass panic is good enough for the moment.

Shuriken and kunai head at Klarion from opposite directions. A red barrier springs up deflecting the projectiles. "Is that all you got?" smirks Klarion.

Zatanna chants launching a spell of her own. It hits the barrier doing no damage at all. "Really? You think that little kiddy magic will work on me?" Klarion begins to chant. "This is real magic." An invisible blast knocks Zatanna high into the air.

"I got you!" Miss Martian uses her telekinesis to catch Zatanna.

"We have to take down that barrier!" Aqualad charges forward. He manipulates the water into a pair of large hammers. Klarion raises his hand creating a torrent of flames. The flames slam into Aqualad.

"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!"

Naruto exhales a giant fireball. It slams into the barrier causing it to ripple. Klarion grits his teeth. "So you like to play with fire huh? How about you try this!" A wave of the hand mutates the fireball into a large snake. The snake slithers towards Naruto with the intent to devour.

A wall of water rises up in front of Naruto. The snake slams into the wall of water filling the entire area with steam. "Good work," praises Naruto.

"That was not as easy as it looked," pants Zatanna.

Miss Martian lifts up several large boulders with her telekinesis and tosses them at the mystic barrier. The boulders break upon the barrier. Klarion notices lightning surrounding the crystal. "Decided to team up with the grown-ups. Teamwork is overrated!" He channels the lightning out of the crystal and directs it at the members of the team.

Naruto leaps in front of Zatanna. He reaches into his pouch drawing a scroll. Biting his thumb, he swipes it across a seal. The scroll explodes in a cloud of smoke. Twin bolts of lightning never get close to the ninja as he swings the newly summoned object. Blades of wind burst forth cutting through the bolts of lightning.

Zatanna blinks not believing her eyes. "Is that a giant fan?"

"It is a battle fan," corrects Naruto. A large fan that is as large as he is tall. The handle is a dark orange and the fan part is a midnight black with three red tomoe.

"I don't get it. I thought you used a sword. What is with the fan?" asks Zatanna.

"Yeah, talk about girly!" taunts Klarion. The Lord of Chaos raises his arms launching a barrage of crimson magic balls. Naruto grabs Zatanna and dodges with ease. Aqualad manages to avoid three, but a fourth and fifth blast him backwards. Miss Martian flies high into the air. Klarion creates several magical chains that wrap around the Martian girl. With glee, he slams her straight down into the ground.

Naruto leaps high into the air. With one hand, he swings the fan with great force. "Kamaitachi no Jutsu!" Air currents collide together forming a tornado that surrounds the mystic barrier. Klarion smirks reinforcing the barrier to withstand the attack.

Klarion laughs, "you children should have stayed home!" That laughter soon vanishes when a familiar mewl draws his attention. Turning, his eyes widen upon seeing his pet cat sucked into the tornado. "Teekl!" A screech of pain comes from the cat as the wind begins to cut it all over. Klarion begins to fade away. "No!" The Lord of Chaos summons a powerful blast of magic that destroys the tornado saving Teekl.

Aqualad stands up with a slight wince. 'Miss Martian, did you see that?'

'He started to fade for some reason.'

'It is the cat!' Zatanna explains. 'Klarion is a Lord of Chaos. I remember my dad told me that Lord of Orders and Chaos need an anchor to stay in our dimension. The cat must be Klarion's anchor.'

'I'll handle Klarion. You all focus on the cat,' says Naruto.

Miss Martian uses her telekinetic powers to lift Teekl into the air. "Want to play with Teekl? Show them what a familiar to a Lord of Chaos can do!" Klarion casts a spell that turns Teekl from a defenseless cat into a giant Sabretooth tiger.

"Your plans will not succeed!" Aqualad creates of pair of whips that wrap around Teekl. Teekl roars and uses its newfound strength to stay its ground. "Now Zatanna!" Zatanna chants before thrusting her arms forward. A wave of fire rises up surrounding Teekl.

Klarion seethes in anger. "I'll show you…"

"Futon: Kazekiri no Jutsu."

Multiple blades of win slam down upon the barrier. Cracks start to form on the barrier. Klarion turns to glare at Naruto. "You lose," states the ninja. "If you focus on helping your pet, the barrier weakens. If you focus on me, my team will eventually kill your pet and you will vanish from this realm."

"Do you really think you have the power to challenge me?" Klarion's face morphs into an evil visage.

"We shall see," Naruto's eyes bleed red.

The Lord of Chaos and ninja stare each other down. Neither one is willing to back down. Klarion breaks the eye contact upon hearing Teekl's cry of pain. A scowl forms on Klarion's face. His face returns to normal. "Another time," Klarion whistles. Teekl stands up and runs over to its master. The red mystic barrier opens. "This isn't over kiddies." Laughing, Klarion leaps into the portal followed by Teekl.

Naruto's eyes return to normal. He hefts the war fan onto his back. Higurashi was right. The war fan is a more useful than a sword. It enhances his wind jutsu to really high levels.

"Is it over?" wonders Miss Martian.

"Not yet," Aqualad walks over to the stone. "We have to find a way to reverse the spell to join the two worlds."

Mount Justice

Raven notices Naruto watching Zatanna hugging her father, Zatara. "Naruto," Artemis walks over towards the two. He turns to face his girlfriend. "Do you think you could come over to my place tomorrow for lunch or dinner? My mom really wants to meet you. Also, I kind of promised I would bring you."

"Sure," nods Naruto.

Artemis smiles. She steps forward capturing her lips with her own. The two kiss for a couple seconds before breaking apart. "Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow." With a wave and smile, Artemis takes the Zeta Tube back home.

Naruto turns to face Raven. "I heard you did well. How did it feel?"

There is a hint of satisfaction in her eyes at the compliment. "I…I enjoyed being able to help others," admits Raven. "But I am not sure about the team dynamics. I am not comfortable around so many people."

"I was the same when I first started. It takes awhile to get used to it, but you will find there are people on the team that you can trust. Maybe even learn to call them friends like I do." Raven remains silent thinking deeply on his words. Naruto heads over to the Zeta Tubes. In a flash of light he is gone.