Naruto: Path of Radiance
Gallia arc
Kurama no Kyubi: Welcome back dear readers to yet another chapter of Naruto: Path of Radiance.
Sasuke: This chapter, Greil'll die!
Kurama no Kyubi: Sasuke!
Sasuke: What? They all know it. Besides if Greil doesn't die, how are you gonna have Kabuto resurrect him in the fourth great…
Kurama no Kyubi: SASUKE!
Sasuke: What?
Ike: Enough of that, let's get over to the reviews.
Izanagi: Cool fic so far my votes are Lethe,Mia and Sanaki.
Kurama no Kyubi: To be honest, those are actually the ones that I hope for too, but you can only vote for Sanaki and Jill in the reviews.
kalakauai: I'm surprise that Kurama was able pop out of Naruto. And Naruto, I don't mind if you're a Laguz. Just read that the Hyuga Clan are the Cat Laguz kinda got me interested... :P
"Abandoning the mission, you are scum. Abandoning your friends and allies, your worst that scum."
My Questions:
1. Is Sakura going to join the Greil Mercenaries with Naruto for the time being? She'll make a very good asset to them and she can probably discipline Naruto if he gets out of hand. Seeing those to, they'll make a good comic relief.
2. Come to think of it who is going to be in Sakura's pairing poll?
3. A lot of people saw Naruto's Jinchuriki mode. Did he actually transfom into his Laguz form? In fact, Does any Laguz, who are not from Tellius, have the ability to transform?
4. So when is Kakashi and Sasuke going to pop in?
Kyubi: You shouldn't be too surprised that I was able to speak through Naruto's body – if that's what you meant – I was able to do it because that stupid kid touched Lerhan's medallion earlier.
Kurama no Kyubi: As for your questions, yes Sakura is gonna join the Greil Mercenaries and leave when Naruto eventually does.
Sakura: What do you mean about a pairing poll? (looks angrily at Kurama no Kyubi)
Kurama no Kyubi: Sasuke's in it (Sakura lets out a triumphant yell) and so is Naruto, Rolf, Sothe and I just recently decided to add Kurthnaga.
Ranulf: That wasn't like any Laguz transformation that I've ever seen!
Nailah: Actually, my homeland, Hatari isn't in Tellius or the elemental countries. And we can still transform.
Kakashi: I'm currently in the Begnion capital of Sienne, when do you think I'm gonna pop up?
Sasuke: I don't know when I'm gonna pop up, Tibarn likes to drag me along wherever he's going.
Tibarn: You're probably the last of your kind, I'm not gonna leave you alone, so that Naesala can steal you.
Mzr90: Cool chapter I'm voting for Sanaki but think its way to early to reveal Naruto's status maybe later would've been better and intrested in how Naruto will react to the fact the others know his status.
Naruto: Zzzzzz! (he's still unconscious)
Kurama no Kyubi: Thanks for your vote, that means 4 votes for Sanaki.
Naruto: Zzzz… let's get on with the story… zzz! (he's talking in his sleep)
"Fire Emblem." Normal speech
'Fire Emblem.' Normal thought
"Fire Emblem." Biju and transformed Laguz speech
'Fire Emblem.' Biju and transformed Laguz thought
Rolf: Kurama no Kyubi doesn't own Naruto or Fire Emblem, if he did though it'd be awesome!
Chapter 7: Despair and hope
Ike ran down a road in the Gallian forest, trying to find his father and wondering what's going on.
"Tou-san, what's going on? Where are you?" Ike asked no one in particular before he started picking up pace.
In a clearing, deeper into the forest were Greil and the Black Knight locked in battle as their weapons clashed, Greil's axe; Urvan and the Black Knight's sword; Ragnell.
Greil skidded backwards a little before charging at his black-clad opponent, but the Black Knight blocked Urvan with Ragnell just before Ike showed up. The Black Knight then pushed Greil backwards before he completely swung his sword and Greil jumped backwards as Urvan fell from his hands and landed on the ground a few feet away from where he himself landed.
"TOU-SAN!" Ike yelled as he ran towards his father.
"Ike, stay back!" Greil yelled and Ike stopped in his tracks as Greil got up on his feet again.
"Here, use this blade!" The Black Knight said as he threw Ragnell towards Greil and it got imbedded into a knocked-over tree that was lying on the ground in front of the commander of the Greil Mercenaries.
"What are you doing?" Greil asked.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time, I will prefer it if you use your proper weapon, so that I may see you at your full strength. General Gawain-senpai, rider of Daein!" The Black Knight said as he drew his second weapon, Alondite.
"That was my name, once…" Greil said as he picked up Ragnell "… But I threw it away." Greil then threw the sword back towards the Black Knight before picking up Urvan "The only weapon I need, is right here!"
"Do you… want to die?" The Black Knight asked.
"Your voice, I remember you. Think you can defeat me? The man who taught you how to fight? Heh, what a fool. Come on boy, come try me!" Greil said before charging at the Black Knight.
The two of them clashed their weapons once, twice, thrice, four times, but then the Black Knight thrusted Alondite forward in a stabbing motion and the sword went straight through Greil's body.
"Is that… all there is? No charge, no… resistance?" The Black Knight asked before pulling the sword out and Greil staggered backwards as Ike ran over to him and caught him before they both fell backwards down on the ground.
"TOU-SAN! Don't… don't lea… don't leave me. TOU-SAN!" Ike yelled as the Black Knight looked on.
"… Unbelievable. Is this truly what has become of my teacher?" The Black Knight asked.
"TOU-SAN! TOU-SAN!" Ike yelled as tears came from his eyes.
"I… Ike…" Greil said, weakly.
"Hold on!" Ike said.
"Now then, will you give me what I came for?" The Black Knight asked.
"I… don't… have it… I threw… it away…" Greil lied.
"Ha. You, who knows better than any what it truly is, threw it away? Surely you can craft a more plausible lie. You're not even trying anymore." The Black Knight said.
"I'm done talking to you." Greil said.
"So there's no way for me to get my answers, is that it? The dead keep their secrets, or so it is said. But you, however… you are not dead yet. I wonder… will watching your son's face grow pale, his eyes grow dim as his life bleeds away… and then your daughter… oh, the horrors I will visit upon her. Will that loosen your tongue, perhaps? I suppose we will simply have to see." The black Knight said before he took a few steps towards Ike.
"What?" Ike said as he stood up on his feet and charged at the Black Knight.
"NO! IKE!" Greil yelled, but it was already too late, Ike slashed his sword in a downward motion, but the Black Knight blocked it and pushed him back, so that he landed on his back on the ground.
"… Urk…" Ike grunted out.
"IKE!" Greil yelled.
"I won't check my hand again. Give me what I am after. If you offer no more resistance, I will leave your child alive." The Black Knight said.
"S-stop… you will not touch my son!" Greil said before Ike managed to stand back up and he slashed his sword at the Black Knight, but said knight just dodged it with ease, even with all that heavy armor he had on. But then they suddenly heard a loud roar.
"… What is this? The king of beasts? How bothersome. Do I retreat? Eh?" The Black Knight said.
"You're not going anywhere." Ike said.
"Tell me, is the son as stupid as the father?" The Black Knight asked before Greil tried to stand, but he fell back down as he grunted out in pain.
"TOU-SAN!" Ike yelled before he looked angrily at the Black Knight.
"Ike, stop. There's no way you can win." Greil said.
"But…" Ike started, but his father cut him off.
"Ike!" Greil yelled.
"You will not continue? Then I will finish…" The Black Knight said, but he was stopped when there was a roar, even louder than before "… So close. Now is not the time for me to deal with him. Hm. You get to keep your head today, boy." The Black Knight then stepped away before a glyph appeared on the ground under his feet and he vanished.
"Blast." Greil said as it started raining before he continued "So willful. So arrogant… of course… the one who… made him that way… was… m-me…" Greil then collapsed into the world of unconsciousness.
"… Tou-san? Tou-san! Hold on! I can't do anything here… I've… I've got to get you back to the castle!" Ike said and he knelt down to pick up his father tried to carry him over his shoulder as he walked back towards the castle.
"… Nngh…" Ike grunted after he had walked for a while and Greil opened his eyes.
"I-Ike…" Greil said.
"Tou-san? You're awake!" Ike said.
"I… there's something I need to tell you." Greil said.
"Tell me later. Right now, I'm getting you back to the castle." Ike said.
"Forget about revenge… leave that knight alone… stay away…" Greil said.
"What? Tou-san?" Ike asked.
"Stay with the king of Gallia… live here. Live in peace…" Greil said.
"Tou-san, stop talking. You're wasting your strength. Please…" Ike said.
"I need you to take care of everything… the company… Mist…" Greil said, already knowing that he's going to die here.
"Wait… you mustn't say such things! It'll be light soon. You'll be fine…" Ike said as they approached the end of the forest and he collapsed down on the ground as he saw the other coming towards him "A little longer… stay a little longer…" Was the last words Ike said before he fell unconscious.
Flashback
A young Ike got pushed back and landed with his butt on the ground.
"What's wrong, Ike? Done already?" Greil asked and Ike scoffed "Come on, son! You'll never beat me with that attitude!" Ike then stood up and swung his wooden sword at his father, but the seasoned warrior easily blocked it with his own wooden sword "Ha ha ha. Think you're as stubborn as your mule-headed father?" Greil then punched Ike in the face and said blue-haired boy was sent back several feet before he landed on his back before getting up "Ike. Grow up big and strong. I believe you've got the makings of a great warrior."
Flashback end
Urvan had been stabbed into the ground on a cliff, over-looking a river. Ike was standing in front of the large axe and Mist was sitting on the ground next to him.
"… Tou-san. This isn't a dream, is it? This… this is all real." Ike said as he looked at the axe, before he saw that the sun went down in the horizon "Mist-imoto. The sun's going down, and it's getting cold. Come on. Let's go." Ike looked down on her, but she didn't say anything, she just stared blankly at Urvan "Mist-imoto?"
"Oh… oh, Ike-onii-san… sniff…" Mist said in a low and sad tone.
"Mist-imoto…" Ike said.
"… W-why… why?" Mist asked.
"I was at his side, but… I couldn't save him. I'm sorry." Ike said as Mist continued crying "It's… it's so unreal…"
"Tou-san's gone… he's gone, Ike-onii-san. Sniff… and… I… don't… I don't know what to do…" Mist said in-between sobs and Ike kneeled down.
"Don't worry. I'm here." Ike said, trying to comfort his sister.
"O-onii-san…" Mist said.
"I'll lead the company… in Tou-san's stead… and I'll protect you all. You, the princess… everyone. I'll protect you. You'll see." Ike said.
"No… onii-san… Ike-onii-san… no…" Mist said, not wanting to lose him too.
"Mist-imoto?" Ike asked.
"I won't allow it… I can't lose you. Don't you see? If you go, then I'll be all alone… I won't allow it." Mist said.
"I'm not going anywhere. I promise you, Mist-imoto…" Ike said.
Gebal Castle, mess hall
"Commander… Greil-san… why is this happening? Why is any of this happening? Why now? First, Crimea… then we almost lost Naruto-san… and now you…" Titania spoke to herself where she was sitting in the mess hall as Ike walked in and Soren walked over to him.
"Ike-san…" Soren said, catching Titania's attention and she walked over to him aswell.
"Oh, Ike-san! Where's Mist-chan?" She said.
"She's resting in her room. Naruto-san, Rhys-san and Rolf are with her." Ike said.
"That's good… she needs to sleep. She's been through too much. We all have… you should rest too, Ike-san." Titania said.
"I'll be all right. Grief won't bring Tou-san back to life. I know I've been a burden on the both of you. Titania-taichou, Soren-san, I just need to thank you both for staying here with me." Ike said.
"Not at all…" Soren said.
"There's no need. Don't trouble yourself." Titania said and Ike looked around, but he didn't see anyone else there except for Aran who was sitting in the corner.
"So… where is everyone?" Ike asked.
"Ike-san, to tell the truth…" Titania started, but she stopped mid-sentence.
"Yes?" Ike asked just before the door opened and Oscar and Boyd came in.
"Boyd-ototou, Sakura-san and I are back." Oscar said.
"How did it go?" Titania asked.
"I can't believe it! They just left, and they didn't take one look back! Heartless scum! I'll never forgive them!" Boyd said.
"Boyd? What's going on?" Ike asked.
"Ike! Are you all right?" Boyd asked.
"I'm fine. Tell me what's happened. Start talking." Ike said.
"Well, uh, it's… what I mean to say is… uh…" Boyd said, not knowing where to start.
"Shinon and Gatrie have left us." Soren said matter-of-factly.
"Soren!" Boyd said.
"What? There's nothing to hide, is there?" Soren asked.
"They left? Both of them? Why did they… oh, I see. They left because of me, didn't they?" Ike said.
"Ike-san…" Titania said.
"Titania-taichou told us you were going to be the new commander. Shinon-san just about exploded… he and Gatrie-san left not long ago." Boyd said.
"We went after them. We tried to talk things out, but it was a waste of time." Oscar said.
"We all knew that Ike-san was going to inherit command of the company, didn't we? It just happened sooner then we wanted. It was Greil-san's decision. If some of us aren't satisfied with that, there's no reason we should stop them from leaving. As far as losing fighting strength is concerned, we can always solve that by adding new members." Soren said.
"How can you say that? After all the battles we've been through together, how can you say that?" Boyd asked.
"Forgive me, Ike-san. I wasn't able to stop any of this…" Titania said.
"It's not your fault, Titania-taichou. They did what they felt they had to do. They didn't want to lose their lives to an inexperienced commander." Ike said.
"Ike-san. Don't talk about yourself like that." Titania said.
"I'm not saying that to gain anyone's pity. It's the truth. But even so, I have no intention of giving up command of this company." Ike said.
"Ike-san? Then what will you…" Titania started, but she was cut off by Ike.
"I'm going to follow tou-san's wishes. I'm going to assume command. If everyone will accept me, that's what I'd like to do." Ike said with confidence.
"Of course!" Titania said.
"I'd already made up my mind. That's what I was going to do all along." Oscar said.
"What, so now you want me to start calling you boss? Is that it? Well, I can do that. Boss it is!" Boyd said as Rhys came in.
"I'm in, too." He said.
"Rhys-san!" Ike said.
"Mist-chan's asleep. I know I missed most of the conversation, but I have a good idea of what you've been discussing. Commander Ike… yes it does have a nice ring to it." Rhys said.
"What about you, Soren-san?" Ike asked.
"… Ike-san. I'm not sure what help I could be to you. What place is there for me in a mercenary company, anyway?" Soren said.
"Heh, if you're not around, then who's gonna come up with all the strategies?" They all turned to the door to see Naruto standing there next to Sakura.
"He's right. We need your tactical knowledge. We need your objectivity. You're not going to leave us, are you, Soren-san?" Ike said.
"Don't worry. I'll be here, watching over you." Soren said.
"Thank you. I know I'm not as experienced as most of you. I'm going to make some mistakes, but I'll try not to let you down." Ike said.
"Well, you're going to have a lot to learn about being commander. I'm glad you're serious, because it's a lot of work." Titania said.
"Tell me everything." Ike said as Naruto walked over to where Aran was sitting.
"May I sit here?" He asked and Aran nodded before the blond Laguz sat down at the opposite side of the table "You're name's Aran, right? I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I heard from Sakura-chan that you were the one who saved her. I wanted to thank you!"
"You don't have to thank me, I'm glad I was able to save her!" Aran said.
"Earlier, I spoke with a merchant caravan that's taken refuge here in the castle. They fled Crimea at the same time we did. I told them who we are, and they asked if they could travel with us. I think they're worried about protection from Daein. In exchange, they've offered us a good rate on items and weapons. They'll also buy items and forge weapons for us." Titania told Ike.
"Uh-huh…" Ike said.
"They also said we could use their wagons to store our goods. That's one more worry off our minds." Titania continued.
"Uh-huh…" Ike said.
"So anyway…" Titania continued, but she was cut off by Ike.
"Titania-taichou!" Ike said.
"Yes?" Titania asked.
"I know I said "tell me everything", but… this is too much. I can't keep up. Maybe I shouldn't learn everything in one sitting. Can you show me the ropes along the way? Is that all right?" Ike said.
"Oh… yes, of course. Sorry. I got a bit carried away." Titania said.
"I'll take over for now. why don't you get some rest?" Ike suggested.
"I'm all right…" Titania started, but Ike cut her off.
"You worry too much. Get some rest. That's an order. I'll do my best to manage." Ike said.
"Yes… Commander." Titania said before she went to bed.
Support conversations
Naruto/Sakura
Naruto walked into the courtyard behind the castle to see Sakura standing there, looking up at the stars.
"Why didn't you tell us, Naruto?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
"Why didn't you tell us that you were the Kyubi Jinchuriki?" Sakura asked as she turned around.
"Oh! I wanted to tell you, all of you. But… I was afraid that if you knew…. Then you'd treat me like everyone else." Naruto said as he looked down on the ground with a sad expression on his face… before Sakura punched him and he landed with his butt on the ground "Ouch, what'd you do that for?"
"We're your friends, kami dammit. How could you ever think, even for a second that we'd hate you if you told us?" Sakura yelled.
"… I don't know…" Was all that Naruto said.
Ike/Oscar
Ike walked into the mess hall to see Oscar, walking towards the kitchen.
"Hey, Oscar-san, can you spar with me for a sec… wait! Where are you going?" Ike said and Oscar turned to look at him.
"Sorry, Ike! No time! I have to prepare the evening meal today." Oscar said.
"You? Where's Mist-imoto?" Ike asked.
"She's off training with Rolf-ototou and Naruto-san. It's been a while since I cooked. I hope I haven't lost my touch." Oscar said.
"I haven't had one of your suppers in ages! I'm looking forward to it." Ike said.
"Really?" Oscar asked.
"Yeah, of course! You're a great cook! Why do you ask?" Ike said.
"Well… I never knew that. Mist-chan, Shinon-san and Rhys-san were the only ones who ever commented on the subtle spices and flavors that I use… I mean, my brothers are used to my cooking, and Soren-san hates everything. I think he'd stop eating if he could… sure, Commander Greil-san, Titania-taichou, Gatrie-san and you ate everything on the plate. But… I feel like you'd eat anything." Oscar said.
"Oscar-san, I didn't just shovel the food into my mouth. I enjoyed it! I really did! Remember the first day that Mist-imoto took over your cooking duties? Just thinking about it makes me ill… ha. Even tou-san was having trouble choking it down! But I think Mist-imoto is finally starting to get the hang of it." Ike said.
"Just like you're training to improve your swordsmanship, Mist-chan is training to improve her culinary skills. You should give her some support. Hearing someone say "delicious" is the best encouragement a cook can get." Oscar said.
"I see… then I'll make sure to say "delicious" from now on." Ike said.
"Ha ha. Thanks." Oscar said before walking into the kitchen.
Info conversations
Tree climbing
Naruto led Mist and Rolf into the forest until they eventually came to the clearing where – unknown to them – Greil and the Black Knight had fought.
"What kind of training, will we be doing way out here?" Rolf asked.
"Tree climbing!" Naruto said as he turned around to look at them.
"What?" They both said at the same time.
"I'll be teaching the two of you to climb trees!" Naruto said.
"But how will, climbing trees be training?" Mist asked.
"Simple… you're not allowed to use your hands!" Naruto said.
"But that's impossible!" Rolf said as Naruto walked over to a tree.
"No, not impossible." He said before putting his right foot on the trunk and then his left before he actually walked up to a branch and walked out on the bottom of it while the two pre-teens watched in awe. Naruto then threw two kunais down and they landed right in front of the younger kids.
"You have to channel your chakra into your feet to stick to the bark. It might help to run at first, and I want you to use the kunais to mark your progress. Now pick a tree and start the training." Naruto said and the two kids ran towards their own trees.
Merchant
Ike walked into the castle's entrance hall to see three men and a woman.
One of the men had long blonde hair that was in a ponytail and he wore a green, sleeveless vest with a white shirt underneath.
One of the other men had long brown hair that was in a ponytail and he wore a red sleeveless vest with a white shirt underneath.
The oldest of the men had a brown beard and was bald on the top of his head, he wore a light-blue shirt with a darker-blue sleeveless vest over it, and he wore grey pants.
The woman had long black hair, she wore a long pink veil and a red top.
Well, hello… you must be the young commander I've heard so much about. My, and you are a young one, aren't you?" The woman said.
"And you must be from the merchant caravan Titania-taichou told me about. The one that asked to travel with us?" Ike asked.
"Yep, that's us. It must have been fate that brought us all here together. If you'll offer us protection, we'll supply you with the provisions you require. At a reasonable price, of course. What do you say? It's for the greater good of us all, wouldn't you agree?" The oldest of the men said.
"Well… it is a sound proposition." Ike said.
"Yes! Then we have an agreement. I'm the weapon merchant, Muston. I'll be sure to stock the weapons you prefer." The oldest of the men, now identified as Muston said.
"And I am Aimee, a vendor of… various goods. I have a wide variety of items for sale. I hope you'll stop by soon." The woman, now identified as Aimee said.
"The name's Jorge. I buy things. Anything, really. You got any weapons or items you don't need, bring 'em to me." The blond man, now identified as Jorge said.
"My name's Daniel. I'm a craftsman. I specialize in made-to-order items." The last man, now identified as Daniel said.
"There's one last item to cover. If you'd like, we can also act as a storage warehouse of sorts, carrying your extra things. What do you think?" Muston said.
"That would be fantastic. We recently left our stronghold, and I was afraid we'd have to carry our goods ourselves! I'm happy to take you up on your offer." Ike said.
"Very good. Well then, may our enterprise be profitable for us all." Muston said.
Unknown
After having talked with the merchants, Ike walked out to think and as he approached the forest, he heard something that sounded like someone crying.
"I hear someone… is it coming from over here?" Ike said before he went to check it out.
In the forest was Titania alone, crying over the loss of Commander Greil-san.
"… Ah… sniff… why… Gre-Greil-san… why? Why you? Why did you… have to… sniff… sniff… why…?" She said in-between sobs.
Rolf
Later Ike walked to Mist-imoto's room to see if she was all right and when he entered the room, he saw her lying in the bed and Rolf was sitting on a chair next to said bed.
"What's going on, Rolf?" Ike asked.
"Oh, Ike-san. If you're wondering about Mist-chan, she just fell asleep." Rolf said as he looked towards Ike.
"Really? Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, Rolf." Ike said.
"It's all right. I don't mind." Rolf said.
"It's getting late. You should get yourself to bed." Ike said.
"I will, but… um…" Rolf started.
"What is it?" Ike asked.
"Mist-chan is just fine." Rolf said.
"Hm?" Ike was wondering what Rolf meant.
"You're here, Ike-san. So she's fine. I mean, she's going to be fine." Rolf said.
"Huh?" Ike said.
"That's all! Well, good night." Rolf said before walking out of the room and towards the one he shared with his brothers.
"Rolf… thank you." Ike said.
Boyd
Early the next morning, Ike walked into the entrance hall before Boyd came over to him.
"Hey! Working, already, Ike? If you need any help, just let me know." Boyd said.
"Boyd, how do you feel about this?" Ike asked.
"About what?" Boyd asked.
"About me being the new commander. Before, you hated the idea, right? So, I want to know the truth. Will you really take orders from me?" Ike said.
"Well… I know what you can do and what you can't… I don't know if I want you in charge if things get really dangerous. But on the other hand, this is what Commander Greil-san wanted… he had faith in you, and I've got faith in him." Boyd said before continuing after a small pause "The commander hired both Oscar-nii-san and me. When our dad died, I was the one who had to take care for baby Rolf… I had no clue what I was supposed to do. Oscar-nii-san received a discharge from his military service and came home, but life was hard. That's when Commander Greil-san found us… he gave us jobs, a place to sleep, food on our plates… he gave us our lives back."
"Boyd, you've all worked off any debt you may have owed him. You don't have any obligation to me." Ike said.
"This isn't about obligations anymore. Commander Greil-san always said we were all part of one big family, didn't he? I'll do anything to protect my family… that's why you can always count on me." Boyd said.
"I see." Ike said.
"Anyway, that's all I wanted to say. But don't ever try to hold us at arm's length. You got that?" Boyd said.
"Don't worry about that. I'm going to work you to the bone." Ike said.
"Oh, really? I'll take whatever you can dish out! Try me!" Boyd said.
Rhys
Ike walked into Rhys room to talk to him about something and he saw Rhys sitting on his knees with his hands clasped together.
"Rhys-san?" Ike asked as he entered the room and Rhys looked over his shoulder to see the Ranger.
"Ike-san…" Rhys said before he stood up on his feet and turned around.
"What were you doing?" Ike asked.
"I was praying." Rhys said.
"For my father?" Ike asked.
"Yes. You see, the commander… he… he…" Rhys started as tears started welling up in his eyes.
"Rhys-san…" Ike said.
"I'm sorry… I know this must be… so much harder on you… forgive me…" Rhys said.
"… A long time ago, tou-san told me a story… it was about the dead… he said the more tears we shed… the more blessings they receive in the hereafter… I envy you, Rhys-san. For some reason, I can't seem to cry at all… Rhys-san, if you could, shed a tear for me, too. I'd be grateful." Ike said.
"… I-Ike-san. I would be honored." Rhys said.
"… Thanks, Rhys-san. Thanks for caring so much about my father…" Ike said.
Newcomers
Ike walked into the mess hall to get some breakfast and he saw Mia, Sakura and Aran sitting at the same table, so he walked over to them hoping to get to know them a little better and wanting to know what they think about him being commander.
"May I sit here?" He asked.
"Sure, I don't see why not, Ike-san!" Mia said and Ike sat down.
"I would like to know what your opinion on me being commander is, if you don't like it, then you could leave at any time." Ike said.
"Hey, I'm not leaving. Greil-san might be dead, but he still saved me, so I think I'll stay with this company for a while. As for you being the commander, I don't mind." Mia said.
"What about you… eh, Sakura-san. Was it?" Ike said.
"Don't worry, I've heard of people younger than you who have lead teams before!" Sakura said.
"You have?" Aran asked.
"Yep, take Kakashi-sensei for example, I heard that he became a jonin – the highest shinobi rank next to Kage – when he was only 12!" Sakura said.
"12? Then he must be strong!" Mia said and Sakura nodded.
"Yep, that's true!" She said.
"And what about you, Aran-san? You could return to Daein anytime!" Ike asked.
"If I returned now, they'd have me executed. But I knew that what Ashnard's doing is wrong, so I'm not returning until he's dead. I don't mind having you as commander either, I don't think your father would have gone up against someone that he knew could possibly be his match without having faith in your ability to lead!" Aran said.
"Thanks, I appreciate it." Ike said.
Gebal Castle, entrance hall
As Ike walked out into the entrance hall after breakfast, he noticed that it had started raining, and he walked down the stairs as Titania came over to him.
"Good morning, Ike-san. How are things going? Does everything look good?" Titania asked.
"Titania-taichou. Did you get enough rest?" Ike asked.
"Enough as could be expected, given everything that's been going on. But now, we've got some business to deal with. First, we need some new recruits. Oh, but our audience with King Gallia-sama comes first. Any word from the palace?" Titania said.
"No, nothing yet. According to the Laguz who brought our food, we should be receiving word sometime soon, but…" Ike said, but he got cut off when Aran, Mia, Sakura, Naruto and Oscar came running out of the mess hall.
"Ike-san, look out the window!" Naruto yelled and Ike looked out and his eyes widened… they were surrounded by Daein soldiers.
"That's not what I think, is it?" Ike asked.
"We're surrounded on all sides by Daein troops!" Aran said and Soren, Rhys and Boyd came out from their rooms as they heard what he had said.
"Why do they have to show up now?" Rhys asked.
"What gives? We're inside Gallia's borders, aren't we? They must be out of their minds to pursue us this far!" Boyd said.
"If they've come this far, I'm sure getting out of here alive was never one of their priorities." Oscar said.
"We're in trouble. They have us completely surrounded. We cannot escape." Soren said in his normal calm voice.
"If only Kakashi-sensei was here…" Sakura said.
"So many of them… and so few of us… it doesn't look good, does it?" Titania said.
"Doesn't matter. We have to fight. Greil Mercenaries, ready yourselves!" Ike said.
"Yes, sir!" Titania said.
"I'll begin formulating a strategy immediately." Soren said.
"Ike-onii-san!" Mist said as she walked over to Ike.
"Mist-imoto. I want you and Rolf to go in the back and hide!" Ike said.
"But, Ike-onii-san…" Mist said.
"Just do it now! Everything will be fine, but I need you to do this, all right?" Ike said.
"Mm… All right. Be careful…" Mist said as she noticed that her medallion started glowing "Ah. It's happening again… my medallion's glowing."
"Ka-chan… tou-san… if you can hear me, please watch over Ike-onii-san. Please. Will you protect him?" She said.
Gebal Castle
The Greil Mercenaries ran out of the entrance to the castle and into the rain to fight the Daein forces.
"All right, everyone, are you ready? Greil Mercenaries, move out!" Ike said.
"Well, at least there's one good thing about this." Naruto said.
"Like what?" Sakura asked.
"They've stopped underestimating us!" Naruto said.
"I've devised a strategy!" Soren said and the others looked at him.
"What is it?" Ike asked.
"First of all, we are vastly out-numbered and they have us surrounded too. In order to fight them, we have to divide our forces and fight back the Daein troops. Mia, Naruto-san and Aran, you three take the east side! I, Boyd and Sakura will take the west side! Titania-taichou and Oscar-san will take the south! And Ike-san and Rhys will stay here, Ike-san to make sure that none of our enemies gets inside the castle and Rhys so that he can easily make it to anyone of us who've been injured!" Soren explained his plan.
"Alright, we'll go by that plan!" Ike said.
"But won't dividing our forces, increase our risk?" Sakura asked.
"True, but in a situation like this, we'd be in greater risk if we'd all stay in one place!" Soren said and Sakura leaned towards Naruto's ear.
"He reminds of Shikamaru." Sakura whispered.
"No, are you kidding me? Shikamaru's way smarter!" Naruto whispered back.
Mia, Naruto and Aran then moved towards the staircase that was on the east side of the castle and led up to the east wall. Soren, Boyd and Sakura moved towards the staircase on the west end that led to the west wall. And Titania and Oscar rode down the staircase that led out of the courtyard while Ike and Rhys stayed where they were.
Naruto was the first who made it up the stairs and when he got up, he saw several Knights standing there. One of the Knights tried to stab him with his lance, but the young Laguz easily jumped over him and kicked him hard in the back of his head before landing.
A soldier charged at Mia and swung his sword at her, but she blocked it with her own sword before pushing him back and stabbing him in the stomach.
A Knight threw his javelin at Aran, but said Soldier blocked it with his shield before charging at the guy and stabbing his lance through the guy's neck.
Boyd ran up the stairs and charged at a Daein Fighter who was carrying a poleax and he swung his own axe at the enemy soldier, but said soldier blocked Boyd's axe, however he didn't notice Sakura who threw a shuriken into his neck.
An archer then fired an arrow towards Soren, but said Mage sent a small gust of wind towards the archer and the arrow was sent back to where it came from.
Titania and Oscar came riding down the stairs and were faced with six enemy riders. Titania rode towards one of them and swung her axe at one of them before another one charged at her and she blocked his axe with her own before a Lance Knight that was carrying a javelin came up behind her and threw it. Titania ducked under the javelin and it hit the other Daein in the face. She then took the javelin out of him herself and threw it through the stomach of the one who had originally thrown it.
Oscar thrusted his lance through the stomach of one of the enemy riders before charging at another one who in turn charged at him and both of them were holding their lances out before thrusting them towards each other as they approached each other. Oscar hit the enemy rider in the stomach and now there was only one Daein rider left. He charged at Oscar and swung his axe, but Oscar ducked under it and pushed the guy off of his horse before stabbing him with his lance.
Gallia palace, Lethe's room
In her room in the Gallian palace was the female Cat Laguz Lethe currently sharpening her claws as her mind kept going back to that battle when they saved the Greil Mercenaries. She couldn't stop thinking about that one Laguz who had knocked out nearly their entire platoon without even trying, not even King Caineghis-sama could do that. Well sure, he was strong, but not so strong that he could knock out nearly an entire platoon by simply roaring. And Lethe, just like any other female Laguz liked strong men. Well, sure, she knew that it wasn't really Naruto-kun's own power, but it didn't matter, she had already fallen for him, which is why she's currently sharpening her claws, after all, she wants to be in top shape when she meets him again.
"So, who is it?" Lethe froze, she recognized that voice all too well. She turned around and sure enough, there stood her twin sister, Lyre-imoto.
"Lyre-imoto? What are you doing here?" Lethe yelled.
"I came here to visit you. Now tell me, who is it?" Lyre said.
"Who's who?" Lethe asked confused.
"Come on, Lethe-nee. You know what I mean. I can tell that you have a crush on someone, now tell me, is it Mordecai-san? Kysha-san? It better not be Ranulf-san?" Lyre said as Lethe blushed.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Lethe said.
"Oh, really? Then why are you sharpening your claws? You would only do that if you were going to see a guy!" Lyre said.
"Alright, it's a guy I saw on my last mission, you happy now?" Lethe said, frustrated.
"On your last mission? But wasn't that when you met up with Princess Crimea-sama? Don't tell me that you've fallen for a human?" Lyre said.
"Of course not, there were a Laguz amongst them!" Lethe yelled.
"Ah, so that's the one you've fallen for? Well, I can't wait to meet him then!" Lyre said before someone knocked on the door and Lethe opened it to see the Tiger Laguz, Mordecai standing there.
"Lethe-san, it's time to go!" He said before running off and Lethe ran after him, their destination… Gebal Castle!
Gebal Castle
Naruto threw a kunai into the neck of one of the Daein soldiers before he noticed a girl with long bluish silver hair, a green blouse and a white cape. She didn't seem to be like any of the attacking Daeins, nor did it look like she wanted to be there.
"Who're you?" Naruto asked.
"I… I… I'm a traveling mage. My name is Ilyana. This castle… oh…" The girl, now identified as Ilyana said she shivered.
"Hey, are you all right?" Naruto asked concerned.
"I'm sorry… this rain is so c-cold. I feel like I'm f-freezing…" Ilyana said.
"You don't look too good. Are you sick? Do you need medicine?" Naruto asked.
"You're awfully kind, aren't you?" Ilyana said.
"Ya know, you don't look like any Daein soldier I've ever seen. Nor do you smell like them. Are you really one of them, or have they press-ganged you into service?" Naruto said.
"I was traveling with some merchants, but we got separated. I came here to escape this rain, but some soldiers in black found me. They thought I was a Crimean refugee. I tried to tell them who I was, but they wouldn't believe me. They said they would put me to the sword if I didn't help fight you. I'm… very sorry…" Ilyana said.
"There's no need to apologize, must people would've done what you did. But listen, the merchant convoy that you were with might be the same one as the one in the castle! There was a weapons vendor named Muston-san, and I think a woman named Aimee sold items…" Naruto said, but he was cut off by Ilyana.
"That's them! Oh, that's incredible! Are they all unharmed? Where are they?" Ilyana exclaimed.
"Don't worry, they're just fine, Dattebayo! And I think we had come to an agreement with them so that they would travel with us. If you're with them then we can protect you from Daein." Naruto said.
"You're right! Yes, would you please allow me to join your company, too?" Ilyana asked.
"That's just fine by me, Ilyana-san. But I think you'd have to take it up with Ike-san. Now go ahead and seek shelter in the castle. We'll hold of the Daeins." Naruto said.
"No… I'll fight, too." Ilyana said.
"But you're sick…" Naruto started, but he was cut off by Ilyana.
"You'll need some help. This isn't the full force of Daein soldiers. More of them are waiting in the forest. You need me." Ilyana said.
"… Alright. Get back at the Daeins for what they made you do!" Naruto said.
"Thank you." Ilyana said before she looked towards a nearby Daein and chanted something in an ancient language before a bolt of lightning came down and killed the soldier before several Daein reinforcements came from the forest.
"Great, there are more of them!" Boyd said as he cut down a Daein soldier.
"You can't worry about that, Boyd-san!" Sakura said as she cut her kunai into a Daein's throat.
"She's right. For all we know, there can be even more Daeins in the forest!" Soren said as he blew a gust of wind and sent two Daeins into the wall.
Mia blocked the sword of a Daein soldier, but then, an archer who was carrying a longbow fired an arrow at her and hit her in the knee. The Daein soldier then pushed his sword forward and Mia fell to the ground before the Daein was about to kill her. But just in time came Aran and stabbed his lance through the Daein.
"Hurry, get yourself to Rhys-san!" Aran said and Mia stood up and started lumping towards where Rhys-san was while pulling the arrow out of her knee. The Daein archer then fired two more arrows at her, but two shuriken came flying in and cut the arrows in half before said arrows fell to the ground and the shuriken hit the wall.
A third shuriken then came and went straight for the archer, but he managed to just barely dodge it. However, when the shuriken was behind him, it transformed into Naruto and kicked him in the back of the head.
Two fireballs then flew at Naruto, but as he turned around, Ilyana came up in front of him and summoned forth a bolt of lightning which cut straight through the fire balls – dispersing them – and hit both Mages.
Mia came lumping down to the courtyard that Ike-san and Rhys-san were in and Rhys-san came over to her as she fell down on the ground.
"What happened?" He asked as he held the ball-end of the staff over Mia's knee and it started glowing.
"One of those bastards hit me with an arrow." Mia said before the staff's ball-end stopped glowing and she stood up and headed back.
"You should be a little more careful!" Rhys yelled after her.
"Huh? What's going on? All troops, attack!" The general of the Daein forces, Kamura said before even more Daein reinforcements showed up.
"There are still more of them? Everyone, fall back to the castle! Regroup! Regroup within the castle!" Ike said.
Gallia, road to Gebal Castle
Lethe and Mordecai ran down the road towards Gebal Castle before Mordecai suddenly stopped.
"Mordecai-san, what is it?" Lethe asked.
"I smell Beorc, lots of them! And they have weapons and armor!" Mordecai said before Lethe sniffed the air.
"You're right, and they don't smell like the Mercenaries!" Lethe said before she was engulfed in an orange light and transformed into a cat while Mordecai was engulfed in a blue light and transformed into a tiger.
"Let's go!" Lethe said before she and Mordecai ran as fast as they could towards Gebal Castle.
Gebal Castle
Ike and the others were in front of the castle's entrance and they were completely surrounded by Daein troops.
"Haa… haa… ah… blast! Not yet… not yet… we will not fall!" Ike said before he cut a Daein soldier that was in front of him before Mist suddenly came out of the castle.
"Onii-san!" Mist said.
"Mist-imoto? You're not supposed to be out here! I told you to stay…" Ike said, but he was cut off by Mist.
"I don't care!" Mist yelled.
"Mist-imoto?" Ike said.
"There's no way we can escape! This is it, isn't it? We're all going to die here, aren't we?" Mist said.
"Don't be foolish! No matter what happens, I'm making sure you and Rolf get out of here alive! Once you're out of danger, you go straight to the palace and stay with Princess Elincia-san." Ike said.
"No! I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here with everyone! I'm staying with you!" Mist said and Ike was surprised by her determination to stay "As long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid to die. We'll see ka-chan and tou-san. We'll all be together again. So, please… stop telling me to leave you. I can't. I can't leave any of you again. All right?"
"All right. Don't leave my side." Ike said.
"Thank you, onii-san." Mist said.
"But one thing… you're not going to see ka-chan just yet." Ike said.
"What?" Mist asked.
"I'm going to protect you. I'm not going to let you die. I gave tou-san my word." Ike said.
"Ike-onii-san…" Mist said.
Kamura then approached them and Mia swung her sword at him, but it didn't even leave a mark in his armor as he pushed her away with his spear.
"… Haa… haa…" Ike panted as he looked at him.
"You took on the Daein army with meager numbers, and you've fought well. My compliments. However, it ends now. Prepare to die!" Kamura said before they could suddenly here the screams of several Daeins "What was that? What happened?"
Suddenly Lethe came running from the north while Mordecai came from the south and they easily cut through any Daein soldier that was in their way.
"Cursed Gallian beasts… there are only two of them! How could they have brought my army to its knees? How… how are they so strong?" Kamura said.
"Is that why people fear the Laguz?" Ike asked before Lethe suddenly threw some kind of orange stone over to Naruto.
"Pick that up and use it, even if you don't know how to transform that Laguz stone should still transform you!" Lethe yelled and Naruto picked up the stone.
"How do I use it?" Naruto asked.
"Hold it above your head and yell "transform"!" Lethe yelled before Naruto held it above his head as Kamura thought back to something that General Petrine-sama had told him.
"We don't know if those wretched beasts has taught that sub-human amongst the mercenaries how to transform yet. But if they have, you must make sure that he dies before he can transform! Do you understand?"
"No, I won't let him!" Kamura said before he ran towards the blond Laguz, but it was already too late.
"Transform." Naruto yelled and he was suddenly engulfed by a yellow light.
Naruto's mindscape
Kyubi looked down on a small yellow fox that was lying unconscious in front of him.
"It's time for you to finally wake up, and show the world that the power of a Fox Laguz even surpasses a Lion!" Kyubi said and the small fox was engulfed in a yellow light and when the light faded, the fox's body had been replaced by Naruto's.
Gebal Castle
As the light faded, Naruto let out a powerful roar which created a shockwave that sent Kamura skidding backwards and everyone looked at Naruto's new form.
He was slightly bigger than Mordecai, had yellow fur with a white tip on the tail, cerulean-blue slitted eyes, a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and equally sharp claws on all four feet. He still had his Konoha Hitai-ate, but instead of on the forehead, it was now wrapped around his neck.
"You think that your transformed state scares me?" Kamura said before he threw his spear towards Naruto, but the fox dodged it before he caught it with his tail and he ran towards Kamura.
As he approached the enemy general, he jumped onto the enemy general who then fell down on the ground as Naruto was standing on top of him. Kamura noticed a lance that was lying not far away from him and he tried to reach for it, but Naruto noticed it and used his tail to stab the spear through Kamura's arm and afterwards he cut his claws clean through Kamura's armor and into the general's chest.
"Urgh… aaa… glory to… to… Daein…" Kamura said before he died and the three Laguz then reverted back to their normal forms before everyone went inside.
"So, uh… are you two from the palace? Did the king of Gallia send you?" Ike asked.
"He did. I am Mordecai, warrior of Gallia. Your hair is blue. You are Ike. Is this correct?" Mordecai said.
"That's right, I'm Ike. You saved us back there. Thank you." Ike said.
"Ranulf-taichou told me Ike-san is not a bad stranger. Mordecai and Ike-san… we will become friends." Mordecai said.
"You don't know that. You don't know if we can trust him. It's too soon to tell. He's a Beorc. A human. You know all humans have two faces." Lethe said.
"Lethe-san!" Mordecai said.
"Beorc? What's that?" Ike asked.
"That's what you are. We with power are Laguz. You soft, hairless things with no power at all, you are called Beorc." Lethe said.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that, I've met many Beorc who could easily go toe-to-toe with a Laguz!" Naruto said.
"Oh, yeah? Like who?" Lethe asked.
"Take Tsunade-ba-chan for example, she's a Beorc and she's got the strength to knock back most opponents with a flick of finger!" Naruto said, surprising everyone else in the room but Sakura. (Kurama no Kyubi: Actually, she's a Branded, but Naruto doesn't know that. If you want to know where her Laguz blood comes from then go back two generations.)
"Lethe-san! The King forbids us to talk about Beorc like that!" Mordecai said.
"Most Beorc call us by hated names, look at us with eyes filled with scorn. "sub-human"? hss! Is that how Beorc treat their friends? Is that how they treat their allies?" Lethe said.
"You're right… some of us use that name far too readily. I guess if we had thought about it, we'd have realized it's not a polite term, but we didn't know you by any other name. I'm sorry." Ike said.
"You knew no other name for us? Are we really so little to you, human? You, who forced us into slavery? How easily you forget. But we Laguz! We remember. We remember how we have suffered at your hands. The king can say whatever he likes, I will not trust you. I warn you now… never speak to me in such a way!" Lethe said.
"Lethe-san…" Mordecai said.
"What's your point? Did you come all this way to complain to us? ha ha… typical sub-humans." Soren said.
"Scum! Those who use that name are enemies of Gallia!" Lethe said.
"Grrr, grraa, sub-human… enemy… he is enemy…" Mordecai growled.
"You think you're humans? The only human about you is your conceit! You filthy, hairy sub-human!" Soren said before Mordecai transformed.
"Mordecai-san! Kill him!" Lethe said before Mordecai charged at Soren, but Ike then jumped in his way and was sent skidding backwards by Mordecai who then stopped his charge.
"Ike-san!" Soren said surprised.
"Ow…" Ike grunted in pain.
"What?" Lethe said.
"I-Ike-san…" Mordecai said as he reverted back to his humanoid form "… Ike-san, I'm sorry… I have hurt you… I did not intend to hurt you."
"Mordecai-san, this injury is nothing. I'm fine." Ike said.
"You're nothing but a beast." Soren said before he ran past Ike and charged up his wind magic.
"Soren-san! Stand down!" Ike ordered and Soren stopped.
"Why did you stop me? He hurt you! He could have killed you! We can't let him get away…" Soren said, but Ike cut him off.
"If you hadn't provoked him, none of this would have happened. Right?" Ike said.
"But… I only… I'm sorry…" Soren said.
"Mordecai-san, Lethe-san, I apologize on behalf of my company. Please forgive Soren-san. It's a poor excuse, but we recently lost… some companions. We're tired, and we're not thinking clearly." Ike said.
"Ike-san forgave Mordecai. So now I forgive Soren-san. No one needs to be angry." Mordecai said.
"I apologize as well. My behavior has been unkind. I forgot our mission, and I have blundered terribly." Lethe said.
"Mission?" Ike asked.
"The king wants to see you. We are here to guide you to the royal palace." Lethe said.
Chapter preview
Titania "This place brings back such memories. It hasn't changed in the slightest."
Mordecai "That smell on the wind… it's iron. It is the smell of weapons. The smell of Beorc. Heavily armored. Well-armed."
Kotaff "Ha. They're trapped! Call every man. Ready for battle! We stop the enemy here!"
Marcia "Let's see now… where are they? Aha. I've found them!"
Ike "Enough. You two go back."
Mist "No! We don't want to! All Rolf-kun and I do is sit and wait and worry about all of you. We're tired of waiting! We want to fight by your side!"
Naruto "Next time on Naruto: Path of Radiance: Gallia."
Character status
Naruto: Class: Genin.
Level: 16
Techniques: Henge, Kawarimi, Oroike, Harem, Kage Bunshin, Uzumaki Naruto rendan, Kuchiyose, Rasengan, Futon: Kamikaze.
Weapons: kunai, shuriken.
Race: Fox Laguz.
Ike: class: Ranger.
Level: 13
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: regal sword.
Race: Beorc.
Titania: Class: Paladin.
Level: 13
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: steel axe.
Race: Beorc.
Boyd: Class: Fighter.
Level: 9
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron axe, hand axe.
Race: Beorc.
Oscar: Class: Lance knight.
Level: 12
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron lance.
Race: Beorc.
Rhys: Class: Priest.
Level: 8
Techniques: Heal.
Weapons: heal staff, mend staff.
Race: Beorc.
Soren: Class: Mage.
Level: 8
Techniques: Wind, Critical hit.
Weapons: Wind tome.
Race: Branded.
Mia: Class: Myrmidon.
Level: 8
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron sword.
Race: Beorc
Sakura: Class: Genin.
Level: 3
Techniques: Henge, Kawarimi, Bunshin.
Weapons: kunai, shuriken.
Race: Beorc.
Aran: Class: Soldier.
Level: 9
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron lance.
Race: Beorc.
Ilyana: Class: Mage.
Level: 7
Techniques: Thunder, El-Thunder.
Weapons: Thunder tome.
Race: Branded.
Lethe: Class: Cat.
Level: 3
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: none
Race: Cat Laguz
Mordecai: Class: Tiger.
Level: 2
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: none
Race: Tiger Laguz.
Greil: Class: Hero.
Level: 10
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: Urvan.
Race: Beorc.
Black Knight: Class: Black knight.
Level: 20
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: Ragnell, Alondite.
Race: unknown
Kurama no Kyubi: I hope you liked it, and if you're wondering when Naruto woke up… it's a secret.
Ike: I didn't know Ilyana was a Branded.
Kurama no Kyubi: Well, according to the Wiki she's either a Laguz or a Branded, and since she doesn't have a tail, wings or pointy ears I figured that she must be a Branded.
