This is a Naruto / Ao no Exorcist crossover where I wanna just play around. Firstly, English isn't my native language, so if you find anything, anything really, please don't hesitate to point it out. This is some fun for me because I love both show, and I want to practice writing. This will consist of all kind of pairings, but while I'm not big on writing smut…even on my native language you don't have to be afraid. Mostly just fluff and some brain fart here and there…

Enjoy ~

It was a cold night; even the Moon was shivering on the sky. It was either that or it was the body of the little boy's shivering under the bushes as he watched the attack. The town was in turmoil, everyone was running for their lives, only a selected few stood their ground. The boy darted from the bushes, sliding on the wet asphalt. His feet tangling and slipping, right before the fence which separated the pedestrian from the street.

His breathing became erratic as his eyes widened in horror, seeing the Fox demon from this close, his knees trembled. His hands gripped the fence knuckles becoming white from the strength, he exhaled. Lunging his body over the fence, he jumped to the street, the hot wind scraping his tan skin like fire. He shielded his eyes as another big wave came, just to feel somebody snatch him.

He saw through light brown hair, his eyes never leaving the scene where that familiar back was ripped to shreds. A silent scream escaped his lips, while he tried to fight his captor, he needed to get back to the street, he needed to see them again. Then a familiar scent finally registered in his head, his mothers scent. He could feel the warm droplets of tears, and it wasn't just him. When his mother finally stopped and put him down, he could see the same turmoil in her eyes, he just saw on the street.

Her light brown hair danced around her kind face, which was wet from fresh tears. Her black uniform tattered, burned and someplace smeared with blood, stood out in the cruel red light and flames. The city was about to break down, he could hear the screams around them, as his Mother caressed his face her lips moving ghoulishly slow.

His mind only registered his name at first, then it was too late, the warm hand left him. So did his Mother as she ran back to the fight. He cried out again and again, till his throat became sore. His vision became even more blurred as the red flames ate his Mother.

The next thing he remembered were big calloused hands over his forehead in a hospital he didn't know.

"Welcome back Iruka…"

- I -

"Well if it isn't Iruka!" the old guy rumbled while he tipped his pipe.

"Sarutobi-sama!" said guy saluted, his black coat shifting with the intense gesture. "You called me."

"At ease!" Sarutobi shifted in his seat as he looked over his subordinate.

For the last twelve years he had followed the boy's progress, he saw him become an Exorcist just like his parents in no time. The little prankster, who wouldn't leave the Academy teachers alone, became one himself. Hiruzen couldn't suppress a chuckle remembering the scene when the little devil had turned the whole Canteen upside down with just a spoonful of spice. That mischievous glint never leaving his eyes, now intently focused on him.

"I called you because of you new class." he finally announced his face a riddle.

Iruka nodded, remaining silent and over analyzing the situation, again. It was really rare for the Paladin to invite anyone to his study. Well Iruka wasn't just anyone; even the hidden faced guards knew that. The boy was more in this study then many first class exorcist, or even the Arc Knights. His features hardened as several folders were tossed over the desk, followed with a lazy gesture for him to get them.

He collected them, opening the first one in the pile, shuffling thru the pages reciting the students' information. He looked up questions forming behind his dark eyes, these were normal files, and they usually got them right before the semester. However never right from the Paladin. He hurriedly looked over all the folders, his eyebrows jumping now and then but never stopping or saying anything. He flipped the last one open, his eyes narrowing with ice cold realization.

The first page had a picture of an aggressively blond kid, his face turned into a wide grin. Right next to it his data stated what Iruka already knew. He closed the folder with a huff; his shoulders stiffened with building anger.

"With all due respect…"

"When you start with that, it always turns into something disrespectful." Hiruzen pointed out for the grunting teacher. "He will be in your class, that's my last word."

"But Sarutobi-sama," Iruka gulped before continuing, shoving his poison back to his gut. " I don't believe I am capable of…"

"So you say I made a mistake?" the Paladin's voice was dangerously low and promising if the teacher was to disagree again.

"No...No but…" the teacher nervously hugged the piled folders, crumpling them by the process.

"You may leave now." Hiruzen said pointing with his pipe to the door. Iruka was just about to leave when he dragged the teacher's mind back "I am expecting good results."

Iruka nodded before bidding Goodbye and leaving in hurry.

- I -

"So my name is Umino Iruka." the chalk made a little sound while the teacher wrote on the board. "You may call me Iruka sensei." putting down the white utensil and patting away the extra powder from his fingers. "For the coming year I'll be teaching you the most basic elements of exorcism and Demonology."

Iruka looked around the classroom. They choose twenty students this year. If only five passed the full process it was a victory, marking last year's three students. This time it was even more intriguing with all the special cases in the rooster. Half of the kids came from either prestigious families or from broken ones. Some of them being outright orphans.

Iruka desperately overlooked the young blond hurricane that was up to no good in the last row. His eyes remaining on the curriculum and register, while he continued his introduction, just like every year.

"Our goal is for you to become an Esquire also known as Exwire." a small rumble waved thru the class. Iruka couldn't hide his smile for the kids' anticipation. "Right now your rank is Page." he wrote it up right under his name. "A Page must pass the Exwire Authorization Exam. The exam consists of both written tests and a field test, which determines the class' overall combat abilities and teamwork skills." once again patting his fingers he folded his arms before himself.

He could already spot several students who were taking notes, others feigning ignorance. One of them already was causing trouble. The blond bundle jumped up his desk, catching the attention of the class. Iruka rolled his eyes, of course the one student he wanted to forget made himself heard right at the start.

"You lot listen well!" he screeched "I'll become Paladin in no time! Then everyone will obey me!" he said while gesturing wildly. His speech only caused some laughter and snorts across the room.

Iruka huffed while pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's continue with the register."

"Naruto Uzumaki here!" he shouted, and then managed to fall from the desk with a painful noise.

"Yeah, right…" Iruka ticked his name of the list, already feeling tired and angrier then necessary.

- I -

Naruto causing trouble became a daily fight on the Academy ground. He either pestered the teachers or was debating over useless stuff. The kid recognized fast that the best student in his class was the Uchiha kid, so he tried to overpower him in any way he could. Messing up and becoming the laughing stock of the whole class.

Iruka sighed as once again the board's eraser landed on his head with a loud thud. He already knew Naruto's modus operandi.

"Bwahahaha!" Naruto laughed while others snickered as the teacher patted the white powder from his ponytail. "You fell for it again Sensei!"

"Sit down Naruto, the lecture is about to start." Iruka said while stuffing back his anger once again. Not bothering with the kid was the best solution after all. He would most likely fail the Exam and then he would be taken back wherever he had been till now.

Iruka stepped forward handing out tests for the class, he looked over the class once more. It was already a week ago that he started teaching them. He could see all the hints about Naruto being bullied, but just like the other teachers he decided to ignore it. The kid was asking for it with his attitude, he sighed and pointed a dagger to the kid right before him.

"Please reconsider cheating, before I'll have to take steps!" he said with a smirk, bathing in the yelps all the students let slip because of his threat.

He let the dagger slip back into his sleeves, when he looked up he could feel a stare locking with his. Clear blue eyes drilled holes into his face, with admiration and something else he couldn't really put. He felt his stomach flip at the memory of the demon fox, and his eyes narrowed, making the blue ones widen in surprise.

The bell stopped their stare off, and Iruka collected the papers after his class hurried out of the room. Naruto's empty of course, he cursed and crumpled the paper tossing it into the bin.

True Cross Academy had more than one park with greenery and fresh air between classes or for classes. Iruka marched down the corridor for the nearest one while fuming. His fists curling into balls and an angry shout left his lips as he stormed out of the building. Leaning over the fence he breathed in fresh air, and shook his head. He considered ripping his black coat off but decided against it, and slumped down to one of the benches.

"Hard day?" a familiar voice stopped his mind from overheating again.

Iruka snapped his head back, looking up the tree which was giving a little shadow for the bench he was sitting on. He needed to squint his eyes a bit to get the outlines of a man on the branch. The guy was wearing the same uniform as him, his face hidden behind a book. Rather than straining his eyes Iruka dropped his head back, sighing one last time.

"You could say that." he leaned back in his seat again, sprawling over the backrest, searching for the fellow Exorcist's eyes.

A light shuffle came from the greenery "Care to share?" the voice was so familiar yet Iruka couldn't connect it to a face, but he wasn't so keen on pester the one guy who was ready to hear him out.

"I teach at the Academy, Page kids are always a struggle but this year…" he closed his eyes enjoying the sun a bit before continuing. "…I got chosen to teach the Fox demon's vessel." just as he said it out loud he already could feel the guilt eat at his very soul.

He wasn't this type of person, he never discriminated any of the kids, he always put just the same effort into all of them.

"Must be hard…" the voice reassured.

"No…I may just give up being a teacher altogether." Iruka chuckled, poison dripping from his every word.

No answer came for a long time, Iruka was almost ready to walk away, with his newfound guilt ripping him apart.

"But you wanted to become one right?" the question was almost whispered. "I mean I can remember you saying something about Will of Fire and that you want that to be given over."

Iruka stopped altogether, his breath hitching, could be that this guy was there on that mission. The mission what made him realize his potential and outmost goal. How come that a random guy could remember that while he himself seem to forget it conveniently. Now he was really curious as to who his audience was.

"Ah, you are right…" he said finally with guilt and hope in his voice "...by the way you are…"

"Sorry Sensei I have to go." the voice said and Iruka could hear the book snapping close, and just like he came he disappeared with the wind.

Iruka sat there for a while before picking himself up and walking back. His goal was the canteen taken he haven't had any food all day.

On his way he could hear screams and shouts, so he turned and hurried to the source. Finding no other then his student being held up by one of the upper class Exorcist.

Said man sporting a bright yellow line over his black standard uniform. Answering his suspicions Iruka spotted the yellow painting bucket in Naruto's hand. Him grasping it with all his power.

"Are you an idiot, kid!" the superior shook the kid. "Look what you did."

Iruka took a probing step; it was always bad to step between an Exorcist and his pray, even more when he was in outrage.

"Now, now Iwafumi-san" he tried sounding placatory. "you don't need to…"

"What Umino!" he snarled. "Is this kid one of yours?!" he shouted while he shake Naruto again.

Iruka felt his anger growing as he saw Naruto wince with every movement. "He is."

Iwafumi examined Naruto for a moment before realizing who the kid was, and letting go of him. The kid dropped to the ground with a loud thud. Iruka was surprised how he still didn't let even one drop slip from the bucket.

Iwafumi looked down the kid, and for once Iruka knew exactly how he must have looked when their eyes met over the test sheets. The concentrated disgust in the Exorcists eye was so much even he felt unwanted. After some snarled words which Iruka couldn't distinguish the victim left.

Naruto still sat where he was dropped, he pouted, nursing his wrist where he was held up before. He looked up at Iruka just to avert his eyes right away.

Iruka sighed, he was defeated. He crouched before the blond bomb, and patted his head. Shocking him so much he almost squirmed from his touch.

"Wanna have lunch with me?" he smiled and the little kids disbelieving stare was more than a prize for this little gesture he could imagine.

- I -

"NARUTO!" the shrill scream rippled thru the Academy.

"Ah they are at it! At it!" Anko almost jumped with joy, clapping her hands together. Her open trench coat floating behind her.

Her company sighed, and awaited the income of the hurricane which, after such a scream was already a given.

"I can't believe he still takes care of that kid." Suzume chimed in replacing her glasses and flipping her hair over her shoulder.

She wiped the windows will with antibacterial tissue before sitting down neatly on her long coat.

"I can't believe you are still surprised about it." Mizuki sighed while tossing the used tissue to the nearest bin. Still hearing some echoes of the shouts and screams and occasional laughter from the corridor. "Iruka was always a sucker for losers…" he spat.

"That actually explains why you are still friends." Anko smirked, pulling out a dango from her pocket. "Come to think of it Mizuki…" she wolfed the dango down. "…when did you exactly become such a stuck up… "

"Mitarashi-san!" Suzume scolded her purple haired colleague before she could finish her complaint.

"Suzume-sensei, you should be happy that you were even invited to this little chat." Mizuki smiled sweetly at the teacher.

"NARUTO IF I GET YOU!" the threat remained unsaid as a loud laughter rippled through the building.

"YOU CAN'T!" Naruto's voice tore over the air, as he turned the corner, skipping a bit then continuing down their direction.

The young guy's uniform was smeared with something dark, preferably with some kind of food. The trio could only guess, as Naruto stormed over them. Then abruptly halting totally and ripping one of the windows open.

This exact moment Iruka sized the corner too, menace flowing from his every pore. A dagger flew inches away from Anko's face to stab the wall where the unruly student just stood. Iruka's hair stood up more than normally and seemingly without the hair tie, dark liquid dripping from his locks. His nostrils almost flaming with anger as he lunged forward.

His student already out the window, but the teacher only one second behind slid before the trio. His boots screeching on the fine marble floor before he jumped over the window sill without losing his momentum.

The trio looked after them stunned, before Mizuki smirked again "Well good to see that he is still in shape."

Anko giggled while Suzume just rolled her eyes.

"Just my words." a joyful voice stated behind their back making all the three of them jump a bit.

- I -

"Naruto…" Iruka massaged the bridge of his nose, looking over the kids test sheet, it was a disaster. "You have to pass the written test not to mention the field test."

The boy just squirmed in his seat averting his gaze as much as possible "I know Iruka-sensei…" the same tone again.

"Look you can retake it tomorrow…" Iruka said with a little smile, making the kid's eyes widen in excitement. "But!" he lifted his finger stopping the kid before he hyperventilated. "That is your last chance, got it?"

Naruto grinned widely and nodded vehemently, before ripping the test out Iruka's hold and ran for it. Iruka grinned to himself, in the last year he learned to love the little runt. He looked at the class rooster, nine of the kids seemed pretty good including Naruto. Even though his attitude and lacking knowledge in Demonology, he was a good candidate.

Iruka flipped the paper, turning it lazily. He being the vessel meant that with a tutor and guardian he could be a superb tamer in no time. Given that until now the fox never managed to slip thru the kid's seals. The teacher flopped down the table fanning his face with Naruto's Intel, he would invite the child to Ramen if he passed this damned test.

After grading and marking the remaining work of the others, and some additional paperwork the Third Paladin gave him, he packed up. When he pushed the sliding door someone almost ran him over. Then others joined, frantic shouts echoing through the school building.

"Wha…" he stepped back just in time before Mizuki could collide with him.

"Hurry Iruka!" he grabbed the teacher's hand and dragged him to the study in the tower. "Naruto is breaking free."

Iruka's stomach flipped, he heard his bag hit the floor, but by then they were already several corridors away.

"What happened?" he asked between pants.

"I don't know, some Upper class Exorcists saw him enveloped in red flames before he ran for it." the silver haired man explained turning yet again.

Iruka stopped abruptly just before the stairs, ripping his wrist from Mizuki's hold. "I think I know where he is!" he said and opened the nearest window. Turning back he shouted back "I'll find him!"

Before Mizuki could do anything Iruka was on the loose, stepping on the fence, he rocket started for the nearby forest. His momentum slowing just before a light pole, he stopped for a minute sizing up the situation. He couldn't see any red flames as of yet. Good, they still had time, Naruto still had time. He crouched down the pole looking around sensing and seeing many other Exorcist slip by the darkness to find their convict.

Iruka slid down the wire, using it as a sling-shot, he jumped over some trees. He landed on a wide branch, listening. Only the sounds of the night, and a cricket made a 'racket'. He resumed his search hurriedly, he had to get to the kid first, no matter what, and he was almost like family by now. This last year made him realize that the disgust he felt wasn't because of the kid, because his cowardice toward the situation.

He stopped, breath hitching when he finally spotted a low glow from the deep woods. Just where he once followed the mischievous student, after he poured soy sauce on his hair. He approached slowly, the child was curled into a ball mesmerized with something he held.

"Naruto" his voice came out calmer then he thought it would in this situation. The red and orange flames radiating and leaking from the little body made him quiet anxious. "Naruto what are you doing?" he stepped closer.

"Look Iruka sensei!" he sat up fast tossing the paper into the air. "My power is really great!" he said laughing, his face was smeared with dirt and his hair was drenched.

The paper slowly slipped thru the air, landing right before Iruka's boots. The unmistakable seals embedded on the paper.

"I'll ace the test tomorrow!" he boxed into the air and jump in his excitement, only making his flames more powerful.

"Calm down Naruto!" Iruka felt the dagger slip from his sleeve to his palm. The rigid steel never felt as cold as right now. "You can't take the Exam like this…" his voice broke from the tension he felt, as the blue eyes looked at him in disbelief.

"But Mizuki sensei said…"

"Wait, what?" Iruka almost tripped.

"Really Iruka…you are just as annoying as ever…" the poisonous tone didn't suit Mizuki. "… or just useless."

Iruka could hear a blade being drawn, than the all too familiar sound of a dagger flying his direction. He leaned forward just in time to evade the tiny blade. Pulling his own out just in time to collide with the long white katana. The sounds of the two blades fight against each other was shrill and all too loud in the night.

"Sensei!" Naruto shouted, stepping forward.

"Stay where you are Naruto!" Iruka felt his balance waver, and the opponents blade cut a big chunk from his coat.

Mizuki drew back the katana just to stab and cut through the air again, cornering the teacher, with every step.

"Give up Iruka! Don't you hate him too?!" Mizuki cried over the silence, making some of the nearby birds fly up. "I'll give him over to Illuminati, Orochimaru-sama will be more then generous with us." he stepped back unlocking the pistol on his left side.

"The illuminati…" Iruka stood his ground "…Mizuki don't tell me…"

"Listen kid!" Naruto's eyes still wide with uncertainty snapped to Mizuki holding up his gun. "Did you know why no one likes you?"

"No, don't listen Naruto!" Iruka shouted. "Why are you doing this?!"

"Why?!" the shrill scream that sounded more like a dying animal then a question ringed in the teachers ear. "Why? I hate him, despise him. He is the demon fox who killed, how many people Iruka?" he smirked. "You know I could just give his body to the Illuminati, no one said not to play a little bit."

"Naruto RUN!" Iruka shouted before jumping between him and Mizuki.

The kid was as good as rooted to the ground the revelation of the hate that was sent his way. All the questions answered, he wasn't capable of anything.

The loud bang rang through the woods, before everything falling back to darkness and silence. When Naruto looked up something warm dropped to his face, however it wasn't blood. Iruka shielded him, crying over him.

"I am so sorry…" he panted, tears from long before welling up in his eyes. "…you must have been so very lonely I'm sorry…" he coughed. His back hurt like hell it was really long ago anyone hit him with a bullet.

He smiled at the shell-shocked kid, whose orange aura was shrinking by the very second. "…now run…." he said tossing two of his dagger blades to Mizuki's direction. Missing completely but giving just enough time for Naruto to run for it.

Iruka looked after him, for a moment longer than necessary, and Mizuki used that opportunity. "My. my Iruka…always so sentimental, are we?" he said while kicking the revealing blood spot on the tan teachers back.

Iruka could hear as the katana was drawn again "Did I hit a nerve sensei?" he asked sweetly "let me help you!" his brain was too riled up to realize what was happening at first.

Then the pain came, as the blade was dragged over the shot wound again and again. His spine wanted to give out so much, he was already begging for his arms to hold him up. With his last efforts he kicked Mizuki's leg, missing miserably again. Earning a snicker from Mizuki.

"Be thankful Iruka," the katana was back at his sheath "I just gave you yet another souvenir from our friendship." he smiled while kicking the tan body so it was looking up the starry sky. He crouched down next to the heaving body, to run a finger over the scar on the teachers face.

A snarl left Iruka's lips when he saw Mizuki leave the same direction as Naruto, that wasn't good, the kid didn't get a big advantage. He should have held up Mizuki longer, what a pathetic loser. He thought while he forced his body up, tripping a bit before his willpower pushed over, and he was on the hunt too.

- I -

Naruto ran for his life, while sobs ripped his lungs, his orangey flames what came from the seal slowly getting weaker. He stopped on a branch clutching his shirt, while his chest heaved fast. He peaked around the tribe just to spot Mizuki sensei. His heart hammered in his ribcage, and with that his flames came back to life.

He squinted his eyes even more, trying to suppress whatever that was. Not whatever, his mind raced, the fox demon. That nearly destroyed the town. He stuffed a sob, which wanted to break from his throat, yet again. A snicker came from the back, and he could hear his own voice, and when he opened his eyes, he even saw flames.

"Come here Naruto I won't hurt you!" Mizuki almost sang, pursing his lips and unsheathing his katana once more. "I just wanted to play…"

"Play my ass…" Iruka's voice came out raspy.

"How…" Mizuki asked while kicking away the burning coat.

"We were in the same squad, you should know my fort…" he gasped.

Mizuki only lifted an eyebrow before shaking his head in disbelief. "You just never give up right?" tossed his hands in mocking manner.

"Yep, guilty…" he said with a wry smile.

Naruto listened in absolute silence, clenching his shirt, and trying to make the flames fade.

"You, why don't you hate him?" he drew his blade, pointing it at Iruka while slowly closing the distance between them. "He is the fox demon who killed your parents…the one demon you despise the most."

For a moment Iruka hesitated then finally gave in "You are right I hate the fox demon…" he said clutching the remnants of his uniform, searching for anything that could be helpful.

Naruto felt his heart clench, and fresh tears drop from his eyes. "But…right now that boy, he isn't the demon fox…" his eyes widened with every word Iruka pressed out. "He is Uzumaki Naruto, the student of True Cross Academy…"

Iruka's vision became more and more blurred his heartbeat erratic, the white glinting blade came closer and closer.

"What a shame you can't witness him graduate…" Mizuki's tone changed yet again, sounding mockingly joyful.

Iruka grunted, and felt the burning pain from his back signaling that this was the end of the road for a while.

"Don't you DARE to TOUCH IRUKA SENSEI!" Naruto's voice almost cut the air, his tiny figure standing on a branch just above them.

Iruka slowly looked up at him, his aura burning, lighting up the whole clearing. Mizuki snickered, moving for the pistol on his side, never touching it, as Naruto's flames ate his body. His shrill scream waking all of Iruka's senses once again. Orange flames tickling and hugging him, while slowly burning the culprit.

"Naruto…" Iruka's voice came out meek, while he waved for the scared kid to himself. Mizuki finally fell to the ground, his skin burnt but not dead.

Naruto slowly walked over to his teacher, just be enveloped into a hug. A breath taking hug, while Iruka scolded him over and over again.

"…close your eyes." he finally ordered his student.

Naruto did and he could feel trembling hands fasten something on his shirt.

"There…I nominate you Naruto Uzumaki for becoming an Exorcist." his grin was like the sun in the night, blowing Naruto's flames out instantly.

Naruto fumbled a bit before, he finally could see the True Cross's pin on him. Every Exorcist wear it on their standard uniform, and Iruka just gifted it to him. "You'll give it back once you get your own." Iruka flicked the pin with his pointing finger.

"Congrats kiddo!" a voice came from behind them, making Naruto spun. Iruka still held his hands, and with a wry smile he finally drifted into the darkness.

Hope the first chapter wasn't boring, this is the longest thing I have written in English I think…well if we don't count my comicS back in 2010…or so… Dunno when the next chap comes, will try my best tho. :) Reviews make me smile even the grammar nazi ones, because I totally need one….