Spectrum

by Karasu87

Chapter 2

“Think, Rainbow, think!” Rainbow Dash pulled and pulled at her short locks. She ran through a checklist: 1. She had no tail. 2. No fur. 3. A lack of wings. 4. What's with this weird body? And 5. She was forced to wear clothing.

That strange, Pinkie Pie looking creature told her she must wear cloth. Sakura, said creature introduced herself as. Of course, Dash didn't take too kindly to that, and kicked and squirmed as they attempted to wrangle her. During the struggle, she even attempted to leap out of the window. Perhaps the fall really would wake her, but the pink creature proved to be strong.

That was an hour ago, and the clothing she now wore felt itchy, hot, uncomfortable, and just plain weird. Different than the dresses Rarity forced her to wear. But during the hour, she did learn plenty.

“Konoha,” she said, her voice scratchy. It hurt to speak, either from all that screaming or something else, she didn't know. But she did learn that the city was called Konoha. She was never good at Geology, Geography, or any other thing that starts with 'G', but she did know that she had never of a place with that name. And likewise, when she mentioned Equestria to the doctor, Sakura, she only looked confused. “Celestia… where am I?”

“Test him,” the voice echoed around the young man's head. Test him. It was like a mantra. His mission. And like any mission, he followed the orders. That wasn't the only order either. He followed and obeyed another person.

The Hokage.

“I read your file,” Tsunade had told him, but he made no noticeable twitch or movement. Not even a smile or nod. Just silently listening. “The Akatsuki changed their tactics. Something happened.”

She slid over a dossier of a single person, and that was when two of his missions became one. From his position on the rooftop, he could see the entire shopping district, which also contained several popular restaurants, not like he ever ate at one.

His paintbrush dripped black ink as he drew on a scroll. Despite being focused on his art, his senses were aware of everything. From the bumblebee hovering near a flower box outside a window, to children playing ninja directly below him.

His eyes lit up when he saw his target entering Yakiniku Q. His eyes weren't the only thing to light up either, as he drew, the ink gave off a faint glow.

“Meet your new teammate,” Tsunade's voice echoed.

“Geez,” Ino mumbled. Eating with Naruto and Chouji should be considered a lethal mission, at least an A-Class mission. You're very lucky to be alive with all the meaty debris flying around. Onlookers were forced to either dodge or take cover, with children hanging on for dear life. It was the same with Naruto and his ramen. When he slurped, people held onto their stools. She plucked up a piece of meat from her plate with her chopsticks. “At least show some dignity.”

“What? I Respect the meat! The succulent juice, to the mouthwatering smell...” Chouji replied, his mouth full, barbecue sauce dripping from his lips. Naruto was no different as he nodded in agreement. Ino sighed. She much rather have girl time, shopping, a nice hot spa day, something that wasn't...

...this.

“You two...” Ino trailed off, giving up.

Shikamaru glanced out the window, lost in thought. Children were playing ninja, people going about their merry business, Akamaru dragging a screaming Kiba through the street. It was completely normal. The only thing that would make it less normal would be if Hinata Hyuuga suddenly burst into song.

She chomped down on a piece of meat to hide her laughter. Hinata suddenly sing would make the day less boring. It was just her team, plus Naruto, in the restaurant. People tend to vanish when those two got together. Luckily, Asuma had an ongoing tab, so Naruto and Chouji didn't seem to mind pigging out.

“So, Naruto,” Chouji said through a mouthful. “Learn anything awesome?”

Ino paused, food half way to her mouth.

Sakura trained with Tsunade. Naruto trained with Jiraiya, Surely he learned something amazing. He blushed under their gaze. She figured he learned so much, he just didn't know what to brag about. Yeah. She could see it now.

“There it was! Gamabunta had his sword out, and I was on his head, arms folded. Blond hair swaying in the breeze.” Naruto would say.

Wait. Did I actually just imagine that?

Naruto smirked. It was like he was visualizing the same scenario. She squelched the blush. It's Naruto. Nothing blush worthy about him. At all. Nope. She quickly ate the bite that was lingering between her chopsticks, and chomped down on it.

“Let me guess, an improved Sexy no Jutsu?” Shikamaru said, mirroring Naruto's smirk. Naruto sputtered trying to come up with a comeback, only to pout. Shika glanced out the window again. “Did that girl wake up yet?”

“Girl?” Naruto looked confused, before his face turned red. Ino raised a brow at that.

“She's Sakura's patient,” Ino replied. “She's awake, and is just like Naruto.” Naruto perked up. “She is constantly trying to escape her room.”

“You think she's an alien?” Chouji said, way too casually. “Like that manga. Explains why she was found naked, and has that hair color.”

Alien? Ino felt a chill. It made perfect sense. She was glad the girl was Sakura's patient, in case the girl craved virgin flesh. She laughed at loud, then frowned. Perhaps she should keep her distance from the girl.

“Maybe she's a ghost,” Shikamaru said, nonchalantly. “Don't jump to conclusions.”

Naruto gulped, then mumbled as he chomped on a piece of meat. “Never saw one with rainbow hair, tan skin--” He blushed. “--small, perky breasts--”

“Come again?” Ino raised a brow.

“Come on,” Shikamaru interrupted. Chouji looked at the piece of food still on the table, going to waste.

“What's the rush? We don't have a mission today, and I'm not needed at the flower shop.” Ino said, following her teammate out of the restaurant.

Shikamaru stopped once outside. His eyes dancing around the empty street. His normal bored expression, now set in curiosity. “Announce yourself.”

Ino and Naruto looked around. Ino knew Shikamaru got serious when he felt a threat near. It was weird. The crowded streets were now vacant, like a ghost town. Like a genjutsu was cast around them.

Crunch.

That was the only warning they got. And they barely had time to react to it. Naruto pulled Ino back just as an animal flew past them. Shikamaru and Chouji quickly dodged. It resembled an inky lion, it's face expressionless. Not letting the creature have time to act, Shikamaru proved how fast he can be when motivated. A kunai left his hand and struck the creature between the eyes.

It dissolved into a black substance.

“Ink?” Shikamaru whispered to himself. “Where did--”

Sitting on a nearby roof, with a blank smile on is face, was a boy their age. He was scribbling on a large scroll. He dark eyes turned to Naruto, like a curious cat.

“Friend of yours?” Ino asked.

Naruto ignored her, and just glared back. “Hey, bastard! What's the big deal?”

Where were the other shinobi? The ANBU? The Hokage?

It wasn't normal. She had an idea of what was going on. Looking at her teammate, he appeared to be thinking the same thing. Naruto kept yelling profanities at the mysterious boy, who doesn't at all seemed fazed by it. Instead, the boy's smile seemed to get wider.

Shikamaru stood stock still. His hands formed the handseal that she had seen many times before. His shadow stretched, bending and weaving around many objects on its way to its destination. The boy didn't seem to notice, he continued to draw.

Naruto got into a stance, legs bent.

But just as the shadow was about to ensnare the boy, he vanished. He appeared on another roof, still scribbling in his sketchbook. Shikamaru entered the stance Ino had dubbed 'the stance Shika used while planning to kick ass'. But he was forced to react quicker than he thought.

Smoke exploded from above the group. Wings, black as ink, appeared first, looking like a shark's fin. Then a beak appeared with a squawk. Then faster than Lee with his weights off, it flew out of the smoke.

“Shika, you ever see anything like that?” Chouji asked, eyes darting around. Shika shook his head. But for those that knew him, knew he was trying to figure out a way to end the fight in as few moves as possible.

“Is it a summon?” Naruto asked

“I have to admit, that's pretty cool.” Ino said in awe. Naruto nodded in agreement. Then her eyes widened when the creature suddenly appeared again, directly before her. A pair of arms wrapped around her waist and yanked her away, just as talons struck the spot where she was at.

She frowned. She hated being rescued. Twice by Naruto in the span of three minutes.. She trained for three years straight, trying to get better. Was it all for naught? She needed to best Sakura. A squawk brought her back to her sense.

“Damn,” Shikamaru grunted. “It was a distraction.”

A lion appeared, followed by another. “Alright, that wasn't so cool.”

The boy was gone from his spot, so was the eagle. The two lions sprung forward, intent on doing some damage. Naruto held out his hand, a blue swirl began to form. But before Naruto could use it, Chouji took a step forward, his muscles bulging until he became larger. He braced himself, then tried to grab the ink creatures using his large hands.

But they weaved and dodged him with incredible agility. And like a speeding train, they hit him. Ino stifled a gasp as Naruto once again grabbed her. Chouji flew back, where the two were just at, and crashed into the building behind him, sending up smoke and debris. When the smoke cleared, an ink stained Chouji sat among the wreckage, eyes swirling.

“Chouji!” Ino screamed. From the open wall that was now an entrance, the waft of barbecue became strong. Ino's eyes widened as she realized what was just destroyed. “Chouji?”

“Gah, not good.” Naruto said.

He was quiet as he stood up, his eyes shadowed.

Three more ink creatures appeared this time. A lion, a snake and a boar.

“Glad Sakura isn't here to see this. It looks like her team! Oh?” Ino mumbled, then glanced to Naruto, who put his hand on her shoulder. Then she saw it. Chouji had an aura around him. A dark one. Fire burned in his eyes. His face set in determination and rage. His fist shook in anticipation.

“You… bastard!” Chouji suddenly looked up, where the boy made his reappearance. “I'll rip you to shreds!”

The remains of Yakiniku drifted around him. The owner could be heard screaming in the distance.

“We should give him some space,” Ino said, backing away. Then Chouji vanished from his spot.

“500 on Akimichi.” Anko said, smirking. She adjusted herself on the window as an explosion rocked the area. If only she had some popcorn.

“That's a sucker bet,” another voice said from behind.

Her smirk widened. “Aren't you the Legendary Sucker?”

“Watch it,” Tsunade said, stamping some papers. She paused and glanced at the woman. “That's a first. You didn't bet on Naruto this time. Lost interest in him?

Anko popped a piece of dango in her mouth and spoke with a mouthful. “Nah.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “Yakiniku was just destroyed. Figured the Akimichi is gonna destroy a section of the village.”

“That's paperwork I don't won't to deal with. Isn't your dango place near there?”

She choked on her dango. “...crap!”

Tsunade sighed. Whether in frustration or exasperation, Anko didn't know. Probably both. “More work for me.” She stamped one more paper, then rested her hands on the desk. “About my proposal.”

Anko wiped her mouth, then sniffed. “Do I get a ring? Not very fond of diamonds, too girly for me, maybe an emerald or amethyst.” The look on Tsunade's face made her frown. “My place isn't exactly inviting. I dropped my custom made kunai last week, still haven't found it.

Damn thing cost 2,000 ryou to make, and she hadn't even gotten a chance to use it.

“She's an odd one. Like most in the village, she would probably fit in. She keeps mention places that I've never even heard of.” Tsunade picked up a piece of paper, balled it up and threw it at Anko. “A female shinobi to be her guide and protector seems to be the best viable option.”

“Yeah, I'm the only kunoichi in the village.” She wiped the snot that started trickling down her nose.

But on the bright side. Having a female in the house could be a good thing. Make the bed, clean the house, buy some dango, guard the house, bite Naruto--

“She's not a dog,” Tsunade mumbled. “I chose you because, believe it or not, you seem like the best choice.” Yelling and another explosion came from the distance. “Sakura is too busy, Kurenai is in the same boat, Ino has her hands full, a civilian is out--”

“Okay, I get it.”

“By the way, go see Shizune. Maybe she can help with that cold.”

Before she jumped to the next rooftop, she decided to ask another question. “What's her name?”

“Rainbow.”

“Seriously? With that name, I bet she has a bright disposition too.” Anko sighed, then shrugged. “Ya do know I'm not the role model type, right?”

“Exactly why I'm assigning you.”

Rainbow Dash looked down at her new clothing in disgust. She wanted to rip it to pieces, and escape her confinement. But that creature, er, Sakura, gave her the clothing. So the least she could do is respect that.

But it itched like crazy. Which was why there was a bra lying on the floor. She didn't know what it was, but it was a pain to deal with. Her new clothing consisted of a piece of black cloth, which Sakura called a shirt, along with black 'pants'. She hoped Rarity didn't know about the clothing in this place, otherwise the mare would enter a shopping frenzy.

What am I gonna do?

She never been in this predicament before. She'd always had her wings, and her friends to back her up. But now it was without both. She tried to calm herself. Sakura did advise her not to enter another panic. She inhaled deeply, and held for as long as she could, which was ten seconds. Sakura told her to do that when she felt another panic coming on.

But back to her predicament, she still thought it was some type of magic being placed on her. Maybe even a scheme by Discord, but there was no point for the redeemed villain to pull off something like that. But then again, it was Discord.

She ran a hand through her short locks. Near the top were warm colors, while the back contained cool colors. She was thankful her hair stayed the same, somewhat. She wouldn't know what to do if her hair color was plain pink or purple. She shivered at the thought.

She thought about going back to sleep, like Sakura suggested. She hated being cooped up. This must've been how Twilight felt before coming to Ponyville. And to make matters worse, she didn't have her Daring Do books. It was agonizing! After calming herself down once again, she caught sight of the door.

“Open?” It was cracked, small voices were heard, but they weren't near her room. She gripped at the collar of her shirt, as if it was choking her. “She did say I need some rest, but she also said I needed to stretch my legs.”

She smiled. Probably the first smile that graced her face since she found herself in the strange city.

At least ten minutes later, Sakura came in.

“Good news, Rainbow--” Only for the rainbow haired girl to be gone. Sakura only shook her head, and went to make up the bed.

“Wow!” Rainbow whispered, astonished. The sights, the strange creatures, er, strange people. The smells were intoxicating. It was strange, and made her mouth water. She didn't realize how hungry she truly was.

“I-is that natural?” Someone suddenly exclaimed, nearly causing her to fall onto her face. But when she looked at the source, she found someone rocketing backwards with a nosebleed. She debating going to help, but decided it was too weird to even lift a hoof.

Hoof. Sakura called it a hand, She heard that term in Equestria too.

“I swear, when I see that bastard again! I'm gonna thrash him!” Dash heard from behind her. A group of three, two boys and one girl. “Why the hell didn't I think of summoning an army of clones? That would teach him! Stoic bastard!”

“Perhaps your sexy jutsu would've knocked his socks off?” The girl said. The three were covered in black substance, likely soot and dirt.

“Hey! That's not a bad idea!”

“… I was joking.”

Dash quickly hid around a nearby corner, watching. The corner was actually a restaurant, and one of the patrons suddenly flew back with a nosebleed.

“Poor Chouji,” The blond said. He looked like the person she saw at the window of the hospital, but vanished before she could say anything. “If that happens to Ichiraku, I'll… i'll...”

“Probably do more damage than Chouji did.” The other boy said. She held her breath as they entered the restaurant. Which was small, awfully small. “Hey, isn't that--”

“Rainbow hair, tan skin, yep. That's her. I had to look after her for an hour while she slept. Sakura must've discharged her.” The girl said. Dash blushed at being caught. “Naruto? Why're you blushing? Uhg, pervert.”

“Not blushing! The blood is still rushing to my head.”

“Looks like the blood is rushing towards something else,” the girl said. “Why are we here? Like the barbecue didn't fill us up.”

“We hardly hate anything! Just a quick miso bowl, and then I'm good.”

“Shika, why did we even follow him?”

“To make sure that boy didn't return. He is Naruto, after all. A trouble magnet.”

“Great. Guess I will take a small bowl, after all. Day off, and all that.” The girl turned to Dash. “Rainbow Dash, right?” The girl patted the stool next to her. “You must be starving. I'm Ino Yamanaka, by the way. And from his blush, I assume you already met Naruto Uzumaki. And with the deep thought on his face, that is Shikamaru Nara.”

Dash didn't really know what to say, but she'd be darn if she became shy like a certain pony. Even if it was another world. So, she held up her head, slowly walked closer to them, opened her mouth--

--only for nothing to come out. She settled for a nod.

“How about a vegetable bowl?” She turned to the woman at the counter, who nodded. “It's Naruto's treat.”

“Wait, what?” Naruto sputtered.

“I have an idea of who that boy is,” Shikamaru suddenly said. At Naruto's look, he just shook his head. “I think I'll keep it to myself, until I confirm it.”

Dash didn't know what they were talking about, but she settled for sitting in the seat between Naruto and Ino. Vegetables sound nice, and she could use a nice, plump fruit as well. It didn't take long, about a minute, before a bowl was placed before her by the smiling waitress.

“That hair is just, amazing.” The waitress said, beaming. “If I had hair like that, this place would be filled up each day!”

“...for the wrong reasons,” the man cooking mumbled to himself.

“You're just mad I have hair.”

“I have hair! it's just hiding at the moment.”

The bowl was filled with steaming noodles, which had a spicy aroma. Around the noodles were some familiar looking vegetables. At least food was the same. She was about to dip her head into the bowl, but then she remembered the hospital food. It wasn't really food, just juice. But even then, she had to use her hands. Not really different from her world, she drank juice by holding the container with her hooves.

Naruto was using the two sticks with a burning intensity. She just got her bowl, but he was somehow on his third. She picked up the two sticks and tried to follow his lead, but the noodles and the vegetables kept falling off.

“Never used chopsticks before?” Dash shook her head, so Ino decided to show her how. “Just don't follow his lead, if you want to keep your figure that is.”

Somehow, that sounded like something Rarity would say. If you added, “Dearie, over did it on the deserts, haven't you?”

Her eye twitched. That was one thing she wouldn't miss, but then again, she did kinda miss it.

After a moment of watching Ino using her chopsticks, Dash found it somewhat easier to use. But getting use to the fingers was kind of difficult.

“Where are you from, anyway?” Naruto asked her, mouth full. He tried hard not to look at her.

“Ponyville,” she mumbled, slurping on some noodles. Then her eyes went wide at the sensation, and before she knew it, she was stuffing her face like Naruto was.

“Ponyville?” Shikamaru questioned. “Never heard of it.”

Dash didn't pay any mind, instead focusing on curing her hunger with noodles.

Naruto pushed his bowl forward. “How about some pork this time?”

“Where do you put that? Are you secretly an Akimichi?” Ino asked, still on her first bowl.

But Dash froze at what he just said. Pork. As in, pig. Meat. She gulped, which nearly caused her to choke on the mouthful of noodles.

“P-pork? Meat?” Dash whispered.

“What's that?” Ino said, then nodded. “Don't worry, there isn't any in yours. Did you want some?”

“Meat?” Her tan skin slowly became green. “You… eat meat?” Her hands shook, and sweat dripped from her face. “T-that's sick!” She stood up and pointed at the waitress. “Oh, Celestia… I-I don't feel so good...” Before the world swirled around her, she felt someone catch her. “…gross...”

“Just who is this girl?” Ino asked, as the world faded to black.