Naruto Multiverse

Wasp, with her graceful landing, approached Raven with a smile that radiated warmth. Her voice was soothing, gentle, and devoid of any ill intentions. "I am Wasp. Do not be so wary, Raven. I like you a lot and am your fan. I'm happy that you help this world, even though you don't need to."

Raven's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in Wasp's words. She stood still, hesitant, as the unfamiliarity of the situation gnawed at her. Raven wasn't used to being praised or even acknowledged in such a manner. Her life, often clouded by darkness, had made her wary of others' kindness. Yet, there was something in Wasp's eyes, something pure, that made Raven pause her usual guarded stance.

She saved me; I should not treat her like a stranger, Raven mused silently, her thoughts carefully forming. I don't sense any darkness from her... She's a pure being, truly rare. Not someone to look down on. Raven's attention sharpened on Wasp's ability to block her from reading her mind. She doesn't even show any connection to my father's influence, so how does she block my power?

"Thank you for helping me, Wasp," Raven said at last, her voice calm and measured, though the skepticism in her eyes remained. "As you seem to be a new hero, and that guy was already dead, I don't mind. But could you refrain from going around killing people? It will get you in trouble."

Wasp chuckled softly, her smile never faltering. "No problem," she said nonchalantly. "I killed him because I knew he was undead. No harm, no foul." She tilted her head, her expression softening as she added, "Would you like to hang out with me? You seem to be feeling lonely. I might be able to help if you could share your worries."

Raven hesitated, her sharp mind analyzing Wasp's words with caution. She's lying, Raven realized. She doesn't care if he was alive or dead. This is about something else entirely. But Wasp's demeanor, her apparent kindness, made it harder for Raven to dismiss her entirely. Her aura didn't seem threatening, and for a moment, Raven wondered if she might find comfort in a simple conversation.

"I appreciate your concern, but I would like to be left alone," Raven responded, her tone steady as she began to lift off the ground. She wasn't one for company, especially not in times like these when her mind was cluttered with dark thoughts.

However, Wasp was swift. Without hesitation, she intercepted Raven midflight, floating gracefully before her. "It's not good to keep everything within," Wasp said, her voice warm and caring. "I can tell you are suffering. You don't need to share your life with me, but it would be better to spend time with friends than stay alone in such moments."

Raven's patience thinned, and a surge of irritation bubbled inside her. She had never been one to seek pity, nor had she ever welcomed unsolicited help. Her emotions, long locked away, surged to the surface as she snapped, "I don't need your pity. Please, get out of the way."

Wasp's smile remained, soft and unperturbed. "I'm not showing you pity, Raven," she said, her voice still filled with kindness. "You are an important person. You may be connected to something big. If something were to happen to you, many things could go awry. Let us just talk over tea and biscuits."

Raven's emotions swirled, conflicted by the warmth that radiated from Wasp and the cold, fearful darkness within her. How can her powers combat the devil within? Raven wondered, as a part of her felt an odd sense of hope rising.

If she is there, I might be able to stop it, Raven thought, her heart pounding in her chest. The prophecy might not come true...

She paused, her gaze softening as she faced Wasp. This is the only hope I have now. But can I really trust her with something so important? Her internal struggle raged for a moment longer, but ultimately, Raven made her decision. She could not bear to face the approaching storm alone.

"I accept your offer," Raven said, her tone still calm but tinged with a rare vulnerability. "But do not expect me to divulge personal information."

Wasp smiled brightly, clearly pleased with the acceptance. "Of course," she said with a knowing nod, "I wouldn't dream of pushing you too far."

With that, the two women took off together, their forms cutting through the air with ease. They headed toward the nearest Starbucks, the hum of the city surrounding them as the weight of Raven's troubled heart still lingered. For once, Raven allowed herself a moment of peace, unsure of what the future might hold but feeling a small comfort in Wasp's company.

Maybe, just maybe, this simple break would offer her some clarity.

Naruto looked down at the broken armor in his hands, his gaze focused but thoughtful. The armor, once a symbol of Deathstroke's might, now lay in tatters, corrupted by the demonic essence that clung to it. The feeling of it sent a shiver down his spine, and a flicker of recognition crossed his mind. A demon's pawn... He thought bitterly, a deep well of anger rising from within him.

"Father, can you check this?" Mea's voice broke through his reverie, her bright, innocent face framed by the soft glow of the evening light. Her presence, so full of life, was a reminder of the world he was trying to protect. She had spent the day outside, away from the looming shadows that constantly threatened their peace.

Naruto smiled softly at his daughter, his heart swelling with pride. He trusted Mea to bring him only things of importance. Her report was clear, her determination palpable. "A souvenir from your first time, huh?" He muttered, more to himself than to her. Deathstroke, brought so low... The thought was bitter, yet the reality was undeniable. The very same warrior, once feared across battlefields, now corrupted by dark forces, turned into a tool for something far more sinister.

He felt the demonic energy radiating from the armor, like a vile stain. It was a warning, one he couldn't ignore. "You did well in bringing me this," he said as he gently hugged Mea. Her eyes shone with pride, and his heart warmed at her willingness to help, no matter the cost. "I can feel the demonic connection, and the being behind it is something we cannot allow to enter this realm."

He paused, his expression turning serious as he continued, "Take care of the girl and, if necessary, bring her to me." The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. There was no room for hesitation.

Mea nodded dutifully, but a trace of concern lingered on her face. "Thank you, father," she replied with a soft smile. "I will do my best. But... how do I introduce her to you? Won't that disrupt your normal life?" She had seen enough to know that her father's life was not one of simplicity or peace. His world was far from normal.

Naruto's eyes softened as he looked at his daughter. "Emergency situations require solutions, even if they are undesired," he said calmly, though his voice held a trace of something deeper. A sorrow perhaps? "I will just change my shape to look like one of my friends and meet outside. With armor, it would only cause her to be wary, especially since I am... a guy." There was a hint of distaste in his voice when he spoke about the armor. It wasn't just the look; it was the weight of those memories, the regret that had been bound to each piece.

His fingers lingered on the edges of the armor, feeling the coldness of it seep into his skin. He had crafted it to compensate for his own weaknesses, but now it felt like a cage, a symbol of his failure. His body resisted it, his mind recoiling from the trauma that still haunted him whenever he even touched it. The pain was mental, deep-rooted, and it gnawed at him from the inside.

Mea noticed his hesitation but didn't comment. She understood more than most what that armor represented. Her father's struggle was hers too. "Okay, Father," she said with a smile, trying to lift his spirits. "Also, dinner is ready."

She kissed his cheek before quickly leaving the study, eager to escape the weight of the books and the intensity of the conversation. She didn't mind the study's quiet, but she couldn't stay there for long—it always felt like the air was thick with unspoken things, things she wasn't sure she understood yet.

Once she was gone, Naruto stood there for a moment, the armor in his hands like a weight that threatened to break him once more. His thoughts darkened, his mind racing with questions. Could killing her solve the problem? He wondered, his anger slowly rising. Can I sever the connection? The thought of that demon's influence spreading, of it taking root in his world, made his blood boil. Filthy demon... His anger erupted like a storm. The chair beneath him creaked and splintered under the pressure, a clear sign of his frustration.

But then, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, cutting through the chaos of his thoughts.

"Naruto, relax," Kurama's voice rang in his head, steady and soothing. "Nothing is happening right now, and anger only makes things worse. So be calm, like always. Together, we can do this."

Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath, grounding himself. Kurama, his partner and brother in all things, had always been there to remind him of what truly mattered. "Thanks, brother," Naruto murmured quietly, his voice low but filled with gratitude. He knew he couldn't let his anger take control; not now, not when he had so much to protect.

With one last glance at the broken armor, Naruto stood up, the weight of his decision settling in his heart. "I'll take that in stride," he said softly, walking away from the study. Dinner would wait, but there were more important things on his mind.

His world was shifting, and he needed to be ready.