It's been few months since the fall of beacon and Ruby understudied why I did what I did. I've gotten a few messages from Azazel saying that we need to talk but first I have to go to Liones and tell the king that I'm changing my mission to helping stop Salem.

*myself, Ruby and Team JNPR walk away from Ruby's home* "Me: listen once I've told the king about my change in mission and my talk with Azazel I'll be straight back to you guys with this. *I hand each of them a summoning sheet* with these I can teleport straight to any of you when you need me or once I've finished my business but you will need to use a drop of blood since it is mostly used by devils for contracts." "Jaune: Okay see you in a week or two then"

*me and Ruby hug* "Me: bye." *I teleport to outside Liones* Good to be back. Now to see the king and the sins. *I head into the capital and see the Capt'n and Elizabeth* "Me: Capt'n, Princess what are you doing here?" "Elizabeth: We were waiting for you." "Capt'n: Yeah we heard what happened and knew you would head back here after it" *I nod and explain why I've come back*

"Elizabeth: so before you go back to your friends, you are going to gather some people to help you in the battle against Salem after you have told my father about your change in your mission." "Me: Pretty much and I have a few people already in line." "Capt'n: Well let's get going."

*They lead me to the king.* "King Bartra: Your mission did not go as planned?" "Me: Yes Sire, Beacon still got attacked but Pyrrha survived." "King Bartra: I sense a, but coming." "Me: I wish to change the mission to helping stop Salem." "King Bartra: I will allow it after witnessing the destruction from the attack but first I will need to do something, kneel Zac. *I kneel and he draws his sword* As King of Liones I hereby knight thee. *he does the whole sword tapping my shoulders thing* Once you stand Zac you will be a holy knight of Liones."

*I stand and he hands me a necklace* "King Bartra: This is your sacred treasure. I will leave its name to you. Now go forth and complete your mission." "Me: Thank you Sire" *I head out and go towards where Nick live.*

2 days later...

*As I get closer to the town I learned how my treasure worked, it's like kings but with the sins style of weapons so it works better when I use each sins powers. Once I reach Nick's home, I knock on Nick's door. After about a minute or two Keiko opens the door.* "Keiko: Hello Zac, I take it you're here to take Nick with you." "Me: If he wants to help he can come with me, I'm just here to give him the option."

*Keiko leads me inside and to the lounge then calls Nick down, she then goes into another room.* "Nick: I'm coming. *he comes down the stairs and enters the lounge.* Zac, great to see you." *we fist bump.* "Me: good to see you too mate." "Nick: I got your message and it's a very simple answer, I'm going to help you like I said I would after we met."

*Keiko comes back into the room with a smile on her face "Keiko: Just like your father always willing to help your friends." *We head out after nick packs a bag and after getting a few farewell gifts from his family.* "Nick: So where we going next?" "Me: We still have one person who I need to ask if they are going to help along with apparently 2 new holy knights and a leaf ninja." *Nick: wait a leaf ninja, what is that a leaf wearing a headband?"

*we snigger* "Me: No, they're called leaf ninja's because they live in a village hidden in the leafs." "Nick: Okay, any info about them?" "Me: The leaf ninja is the adopted daughter of the hokage while the holy knights I haven't been told anything about since my captain decided I should be surprised." "Nick: so what happens after we meet them?" "Me: after we will be gathering any info we can get on the seasonal maidens like cinder." "Nick: that's the bitch who tried to kill your friend right?" "Me: Yeah."

*we head to an airport then board a plane heading to death city, on the plane Nick falls asleep by the window.* Hopefully after we get everyone for my own team we can stand a better chance against Salem *After a few hours we land in death city and we head into the lower city* "Nick: So this is death city *he looks around* it's a bit..." "Me: joyful despite the name." "Nick: Yeah."

*I lead Nick to the cafe where Artemis took me when I was first here* "Me: We are meeting Artemis, the other guy I was gonna ask to help here." "Nick: A maid cafe, really?" "Me: I didn't choose the place but we can trust him." "Nick: I'll have to take your word for it." *We enter the cafe and see Artemis talking to melody, we get close to the table and melody gets back to work* "Artemis: Good to see you Zac" *We fist bump and I gesture to Nick* "Me: this is Nick Urameshi." *Nick and Artemis shake hands* "Nick: good to meet you." "Artemis: Likewise."

*We sit at a table* "Artemis: So when we heading out." "Me: Well that answers my question if you want to help and the answer your question is once you get your stuff together and told your family about the fact you're leaving" *his face changes into one of fear and dread. Myself and nick order drinks.*

3 Hours Later...

*Myself and Nick wait at the city airport for Artemis, only to see him walking towards us with a book shaped dent on his head.* "Nick: what the hell happened?" "Me: His mother happened." "Artemis: She wasn't happy that I said I was going on a dangerous mission." "Nick: so she hit you with a book." "Me: his family like whacking people with books." "Nick: And I thought my family was weird."

*We get onto a plane heading to a town about a few days travel from Konoha.* "Artemis: so any info on the holy knights?" "Me: the king chose them to help me so good chance they are strong and trustworthy." "Artemis: Gotcha." *him and nick fall asleep on the plane while I just pull out a book to read.*

3 hours later...

*I put my book away and go stretch my legs and go to toilet. On my way back from the toilet I notice things are floating in mid air and people are frozen* "Me: So is this how you're gonna talk to me by freezing time." "Amenadiel: Well I think this would be the best way." *I turn around to see him but as I turn to look at him and time resumes.* "me: *under my breath* Motherfuckering bastard." * I head back to my seat.*

*as the plane lands, I wake up the others and we head off to Konoha and after a few hours we set up camp.* "Nick: So how exactly are we supposed to find a village hidden in leaves?" "Girls voice from trees: It's not actually hidden in leaves, it's just a name." *I freeze and put head down* "Me: *under my breath* Son of a bitch" *I see nick and Artemis stand up and look around* "Artemis: who are you?" "Nick: Show yourself!" Please don't be greeny, PLEASE DON'T BE GREENY

*the girl chuckles then appears in a buff of smoke* "Girl: My name is Lily Uzumaki and I believe I'm here to help you three out, isn't that right Zac" "Me: *under my breath* Fuck *I lift my head up* Hey greeny, long time no see. *I get up* How did you know it was me" *she comes over and we hug* "Lily: not hard to forget a voice I haven't heard in around 7 months. *I look at her shocked* What?" "Me: I haven't seen you in just over 2 years now greeny."

"Lily: Oh so that explains why your older." "Me: Yeah." "Nick: Old friend of yours?" "Me: Ay, went were friends in first school from year 1 at 6 years old to year 3 at 8 years old then we went to different middle schools, jump ahead 4 years to high school and we ended up in the same form group." "Lily: yeah then we both ended up here but well as Zac just said he was here around a year and a half before me."

"Me: I was told that you asked to help me." "Lily: Yeah I saw what happened at beacon. Of course when I saw you with that blonde guy helping people and saving the red head I knew I couldn't let you have all the fun plus you might get into more trouble." "Artemis: And you want to keep him out of it as much as possible." "Lily: Ha. I don't think that's possible but I might as well help him deal with the trouble that comes this way."

*I chuckle* "Me: fair enough greeny, we should be at Konoha in day so you're gonna join us or go back." "Lily: I'm a join you here and travel with you." *I chuck her a tent bag* "Me: Well set up your tent then we can speed you up one everything you don't know." *she sets up her tent then joins us around at the fire.* "Lily: so what's going on?"

*I explain what's happened when I arrived to the battle of beacon.* "Lily: So you have a girlfriend huh." "Nick: After all he just said, the fact he has a girlfriend is the thing you're gonna question." "Lily: given how long I've known Zac it's quite a surprise." "Me: *sarcastically* thanks greeny." "Lily: I'm kidding, I'm happy for you."

*after two hours Nick and Artemis go to their tents to sleep leaving only me and greeny at the fire to talk* "Lily: so what's Ruby like?" "Me: Of course you would ask about Rubes." "Lily: Aww you have a nickname for her." "Me: Rubes is great. She is fun loving kind and will always think about her friends before herself." "Lily: Who does that remind me of." *I chuckle* "Me: yeah I know but although she is childish sometimes she is still a great leader and girlfriend."

"Lily: You really love her don't you?" "Me: Yeah I do. Now enough about my love life, you found anyone special." "Lily: Um I think we should go to sleep now." "Me: No come on who is the poor bugger." *She gives me a glare then heads to her tent.* Good to talk to again greeny. "Amenadiel: Good to see that your team is almost complete."

*I turn around to see him standing behind me* "Me: You could have joined ya know." *he looks at me then sits next to me* "Amenadiel: I don't see why?" "Me: You're my friend that's why." "Amenadiel: Really?" "Me: Yeah ma dude after all how can we not be after all the crap that's happened so are you gonna stay or you gonna stay hidden." "Amenadiel: I'll join you when the time is right." "Me: well whatever mate, see ya then." *I head to my tent and go to sleep*

Morning...

*we get up and pack the tents up* "Nick: So Lily, how long will it take to get to your village from here?" *Lily looks at him* "Lily: About 4 – 5 hours depending on how slow we walk or 3 hours if we run at normal speed in *she points north* that direction." "Nick So 2 hours if we go at our "superhuman" running speed" "Lily: Pretty much."

"Artemis: So let's go already. *he sprints north* Last one there has to buy the supplies for the journey!" "Nick: Bring it on!" "Lily: I won't lose" *They go after Artemis, Lily using the speed she has gained from ninja training while nick sprints after Artemis and gets ahead of him.* "Me: Fine. Lion Sin, Full Cowling! *Escanor's mark glows and energy surrounds my body. I kick off the ground flying past all three of them* You should have made that bet Artemis."

*after two hours we all arrive at the gate with me getting there first, then Lily and Nick getting there just before Artemis.* "Lily: well Arty I think you just lost your own bet." "Artemis: Don't remind me and my name is Artemis." "Lily: I prefer Arty." *I chuckle* "Me: Oh how I've missed you greeny."

"Lily: So I will be your guide to the city of Konoha after we go see my dear old dad." "Me: lead the way Greeny." *we head into the city and Lily takes us two the hokage office where we see a male holy knights.* "Nick: you the other one we were supposed to meet." "Artemis: I thought it supposed to be two holy knights not one."

"Male Holy knight: My name is Scott Freriches and the other holy knight is inside, she is talking to the hokage." "Me: We can all talk and catch up after the meeting, now let's go."

*I lead everyone inside. When I get to the door I hear another voice I haven't heard in nearly two years.*Nicole, it can't be *I head inside and see Nicole standing there next to Naruto.* "Me: Nicole." *Nicole turns around.* "Nicole: Zac *she rushes over and we hug* I knew it was you I saw and I only hoped you were safe." "Me: It's so good to see you two Nicole, you have no idea how much I missed you and a few others. *I let go of Nicole and look at Lily* Well now that we're all here let's get down to business." "Naruto: He's right."

*he takes us to a table big enough to seat all 8 of us plus Sasuke and sakura along with a spare seat and we all sit.* "Naruto: So now we wait for our final seat to be taken." "Me: Azazel should be here shortly." *a teleportation circle appears behind the empty seat and Azazel appears out of it.* "Azazel: Sorry I'm late, let's say that after the battle of beacon as it's called I've been trying to find out as much as I can about the maidens."

"Me: That's fine Azazel, just sit down and tell us what you've found." *he sits in his chair* "Azazel: Outside of the story you told me sadly only the name of the spring maiden and nothing else." "Me: What is the name of the spring maiden?" "Azazel: Her name is Raven Branwen." "Me: What!?" "Naruto: You know her." "Me: Not personally but she is the mother of one of my best friends and older sister of my girlfriend."

"Nick: Oh shit, is there any way to find her." "Azazel: No as the gods of remnant that made the powers of the four maidens make it so the maidens can't be found by magical means." "Lily: Son of a bitch." "Naruto: Language young lady." "Lily: Sorry dad." "Artemis: So we have to find them the old fashion way then." "Azazel: Correct."

"Me: Leave that to Raven's brother Qrow." "Nicole: Are you sure he won't tell his sister we are looking for her?" "Me: Qrow isn't a fan of his sister but he was loyal to Ozpin when it came to the Maidens and will carry on the mission he was set by Oz." "Azazel: He is loyal to Ozpin." "Nick what do you mean?" "Azazel: Turns out that while the Remnant gods concealed the maidens powers they also made it so Ozpin's soul transfers to a new body when the last one dies."

"Artemis: So he is still alive." "Azazel: that's right where he is, I don't know but it means that for whatever reason the remnant gods are keeping him around." "Me: Salem, she is the reason he is still being reincarnated." "Naruto: How do you know?" "Me: It's a strong theory but given what we just learned it makes sense why they keep doing it, he must have a stronger connection to her then what I know."

"Nick: Zac is right. I can see if Koenma knows anything but given what I know and from what I have been told everything Zac has said makes more sense." "Scott: What about this Cinder women?" "Me: Dead hopefully." "Sasuke: Sadly no" "Me: SHIT! How the hell is she alive" "Sasuke: I don't know but I have found many reports about her being alive, badly injured but alive." "Me: Okay we have time but I still need to tell the others." "Azazel: Okay, now Zac get to know your team then go and get supplies to help on your quest."

*as my team leaves Azazel hands me a letter* "Azazel: Odin said this came straight from the fates. I don't know what's on it but it's apparently important enough to be sealed so only you can open it." *he heads back inside and I open the letter while the others head to the a training ground*

"Letter: Zacharias the child born of Merlin and *Name in unknown language* apprentice of the seven deadly sins shall fight a being only met as a mere baby but an enemy as old as his grandfather and a being of great power. One shall die for whichever transcends enough to wield the sword of Zacharias' grandfather shall kill the other. Zacharias will gather allies of old friends and new to fight to help and must put aside differences. He will find his true linage and either embrace or disown it for that will turn the tide of events to come."

I a child of prophecy, well screw destiny. I am who I am and no one decides what I do but me *I put the letter away*

"Lily: Zac you coming." "Me: yeah. *I catch up to the group* Sorry just reading the letter Azazel gave me" *Nicole looks at me with a worried face "Nicole: What was it about?" "Me: Nothing to worry about just something from Odin." "Nicole: okay." *Once we reach the training ground I look at all of them* "Me: Right, we need to see what we can all do so we know how to work with each then we will spend a week training with each other." "Everyone else: Right!"

Training...

*We all see Nicole use light magic creating light dagger, a sword and arrows and that she has received training enough to fight. Scott can create controls portals and uses his scythe with it. Greeny has received training to summon and most of naruto's and hinata's move set. Nick got a rose whip and a hilt to make it easier to make a spirit sword. Artemis has gotten more training to turn parts of his body into the weapons he can become.*

*as the others train against each other Azazel walks up to me* "Azazel: I take it you've read the letter." "Me: yeah" *I hand him the letter which he reads* "Azazel: Oh." "Me: How long have you known I was a child of legend." "Azazel: I knew it wouldn't be long before you found out. To answer your question when I found out who you really were and I figured the rest out from there." "Me: okay."

*I walk over to an empty part of the training field and focus my sacred treasure.* It is said that to wield a weapons true power I must know it's name. *I feel a strange energy coming from the necklace as though it is speaking to me.*

"Me: SACRED TREASURE AINCRAD LEND ME YOUR POWER! *I feel the energy from the weapon show me 9 different forms.* FIRST CONFIGURATION!" *The necklace becomes a short sword * "Azazel: That is a powerful weapon" "Me: yes it is."

*We all spend the next 5 days training till I feel Ruby's summoning symbol be used.* "Me: Everyone to me." *Everyone comes to me* "Nick: What is it." "Me: the summoning symbols I gave to Ruby has been activated." "Lily: They are endanger aren't they." "Me: Yes." "Artemis: what are we waiting for lets go."

*I teleport us outside of a town and hear a grimm roar and Ruby scream.* "Me: RUBY!" *I run towards where the scream came from and see a grimm holding ruby down.* "Me: GET AWAY FROM HER YOU PIECE OF SHIT!*I summon a sword and throw it at the grimm hitting it in the back only to do no damage* "Nick: Jesus and I thought demons were ugly." * look behind me and see the others followed me. I look over at ren*

"Me: Ren any idea what this is?" "Ren: I will explain later." "Me: Okay." *We all work together with ren delivering the finishing blow* (A.N. Sorry for not doing full fight scene but I have trouble putting down how I want to describe things in words and other reasons which I will put in the end of the chapter.)

*I rush over to Ruby and kiss her* "Me: I have missed you so much." "Ruby: I missed you two." "Lily: The hell was that thing." "Pyrrha: It was a grimm." "Lily: wait so Zac you've been fighting more of that." "Me: No that's a new one." "Jaune: Uh guys Qrow has gotten worse." *we rush over to Qrow and Lily goes to heal him* "Lily: What happened to him." *Ruby looks down and I hold her.* "Ruby: he got hurt saving me."

"Qrow: It's not your fault, it's my semblance. *he chuckles then coughs* Kinda best for one on one not with a group as well let's say one on one the opponent has bad luck" *he passes out* "Lily: he's been poisoned but I don't know what poison, it's one I've never seen before." "Jaune: the guy who poisoned him was a faunus in service of Salem." "Me: Crap. Nick get up as high as you can and see if there is any transport nearby to signal."

"Nick: Right. *he jumps up the tree Qrow is against* there is a transport ship heading this way. *I see him send up a blast.* Well that got their attention." *the ship lands in front of the tree and a few men get off it.* "Soldier: We saw your signal flare, what happened." "Me: we were attacked by a grimm and he *I point to Qrow* has been poisoned." "Soldier: okay we'll get him some help in Mistral." *they take Qrow on to the ship and we get on the ship.*

*I hold Ruby close* "Me: Why didn't you guys call me when Qrow got hurt?" "Jaune: We didn't want to worry you Zac after all you had to get your team together." "Me: Jaune I care for my friends more than anything, I was worried about you all the minute I left." "Nick: besides I don't think any of us would mind if we had to stop training earlier." *he looks at the rest of my new team and they all nod in agreement*

"Me: While we wait to arrive at Mistral, introductions need to be made. My assembled team so far is Nick Urameshi, future spirit detective." *Nick waves* "Nick: Nice to meet you all." "Me: Artemis Evans, student of the DWMA." *Artemis: does a friendly salute* "Nora: DWM what now." "Artemis: DWMA or death weapon meister academy." "Nora: OHH"

"Me: I'll explain when we can get more rest. Now you have one of the holy knights helping me, Scott Freriches" *Scott bows* "Scott: It is my pleasure to help you." "Pyrrha: Thank you." "Me: Now for my old friends Greeny and Nicole Pur..." "Nicole: Noble, my name is Nicole Noble." "Lily: My name is Lily Uzumaki.""Me: Nicole Noble then. Greeny is a ninja of the hidden leaf and Nicole is the other holy knight."

*Ruby looks at Greeny and Nicole* "Ruby: Nice too meet Kirito's old friends" "Lily: Kirito. *she giggles* Really Zac." "Me: Quiet Greeny." "Nicole: Good to see Zac has found someone." "Lily: I kid but I agree with Nicole, it's great to see Zac found someone after..." "Me: Okay that is enough Greeny, I left that life behind including all the bad memories." "Lily: Fine, fine."

*we all try to relax as much as possible after all that's happened. After about 2 hours we are arrive at minstral and are given a place big enough to hold about 20 people living comfortably.*

*Scenes from next chapter play* "Lily: Now for the preview. Zac spends time catching up with me and Nicole while also thinking about whatever was in the letter. Hopefully I can find some info to make fun of Zac for. Next Time, Catch Up & Preparation."

Okay that is the first chapter in Book 2: The Next Step. I will say the reason this chapter took longer then I wanted it to was for multiple reasons one being writers block and the second reason was I had a bought with depression again but that hopefully won't be an issue. Now I will probably cover alot of volume 5 next chapter with a much longer chapter as this is 7 pages long. Now peace out my Beautiful Readers also DOMinMatrix I will carry on writing as I have the ending to this set of stories ready and waiting while I have also done a small plan for my next story and hopefully one day we can work together on a project, hopefully by that I will have improved in my writing more.