~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Gyokuro seized Naruto aggressively and crashed her lips into his, her serpentine tongue snaking into his mouth. The blond was startled by the vampire elder's abrupt action as she moaned into her rough kiss. Gyokuro pushed Naruto away violently and licked her lips. "I finally understand why my Kalua loves you. Your blood is… both stimulating and intoxicating. I almost lost myself there…"
Naruto felt disgusted as he averted his furious gaze.
"Now that the contract is done, I'm sure you will oblige to the deal." Gyokuro stood up and eyed the blond patronisingly. "Don't forget who holds the leash, my fox. This is it for the day. I shall have fun torturing you. If you could excuse me, I have a damsel in distress to save."
The vampire elder chortled triumphantly before she marched out of the chamber.
Naruto touched his neck, the spot where Gyokuro had bitten him; his wound had ameliorated at an astounding rate. The blond shook his head, dismissing his pessimistic thoughts. He had accepted the deal in order to save Moka. There was no turning back. Naruto stood up and trailed after the vampire elder.
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Gyokuro bit her finger and dripped a few drops of her blood on Moka's lips. "My blood has purifying properties. It is the reason why I am immune to your blood."
Naruto stood wordlessly behind the vampire elder, who was sucking her finger. The blond was surprised as Moka's pale face regained its healthy complexion. The vampire elder swirled around and smirked malevolently at the impassive blond. "I have kept my part of the deal. Now, it is your turn."
Gyokuro strode past Naruto and caught a glimpse of despair displayed on his features. "I will enjoy breaking you, my fox. I will make your memories bittersweet. I will make you shed those tears of sorrow until you can't cry. I will make you live the rest of your life with a heavy heart."
Naruto clenched his fist as he recalled his treasured memories with Moka.
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
(A year ago…)
"Are you sure this is okay, onii-sama?"
"You wanted to see fireflies, right?" Naruto smirked as he held his sister's wrist with a tender demeanour. "Just follow me, alright? I promise you will be happy to see what I'm going to show you."
Moka smiled and nodded fervently. "Kay."
They ambled through an underground passage. Moka clung to the fabric of Naruto's dark trench coat, unwilling to let go. The blond draped a reassuring hand over her shoulder and quickened his pace. When he reached his destination within the tenebrous dungeon, Naruto pulled down a lever and an ancient gate slid open. The blond brought Moka into a chamber, which was illuminated by countless intermittent lights.
Moka was flabbergasted as she stared in awe at the display of wonder before her. She raised a hand and opened her palm, garnering a swarm of beautiful fireflies circulating around her slender fingers. She giggled buoyantly as the thousands of fireflies danced around her. Naruto smiled blissfully before he scooped Moka up suddenly, earning him a cute yelp from the startled girl. "O-Onii-sama?"
"I'll show you around." Naruto levitated into the air and smirked. He sailed through the air as Moka stared in glee at the fireflies, which tailed after them like miniature shooting stars.
"W-Where did you find this place, onii-sama?"
Naruto smiled. "I just found it."
"Liar!" Moka accused. "I only said that I wanted to see fireflies a few days ago. You couldn't possibly find it this fast!"
"What can I say?" The blond grinned. "I'm awesome."
"Umm!"
Naruto kicked the air, twisted his trajectory and flew to the apex pillar. The blond settled comfortably on it; Moka followed suit as she leaned against the blond. Swinging her legs freely, Moka chirped buoyantly. "I want to be with onii-sama forever."
"Why?"
"Because only you care for me so much." Moka smiled.
"Oh?" Naruto arched a quizzical brow. "You still have Lady Akasha. She loves you."
"I know." Moka sighed. "But you know. Mommy is always busy tending to daddy's work. Nowadays, she rarely has time for me."
The blond ruffled the vampire's silky silver hair. "That's why I'm here for you, right? But you must never forget that you cannot rely on me. One day, you will grow up and take on the mantle of a noble vampire. You will find a mate worthy of your stature and you will get married. You will have kids and so on."
"But…" Moka shook her head. "I just want to stay happy with you for the rest of my life."
Naruto chuckled. "You're just like Kokoa-chan."
"What's wrong with that?" The silver-haired vampire pouted.
"There is nothing wrong with that." The blond sighed. "But you cannot be dependent on me. You have to grow up someday."
"No! If I have to leave you, then I'd rather be a little girl and never age!" Moka placed a finger on her lips and pondered. "Just like Peter Pan! Yup! I just want to be like these fireflies, sticking on you forever!"
Naruto pulled Moka to him affectionately and smiled. "Your innocence is precious to me, Moka-chan. You have been sheltered for your entire life and showered with love. I would not expect you to understand the cruelty of the outside world, and I would never want you to. If possible, I will shelter you forever."
Moka giggled and nodded. "Umm!"
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
(Present…)
Naruto caressed the unconscious Moka's cheek and sighed dejectedly. "For your safety, for your health, this is worth it, Moka-chan. Forgive me for what I must do. Your eternity is no longer in my possession."
The blond spun around and strolled out of the chamber.
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Gyokuro's butler stood beside his giggling master, who was toying with her cup of white wine. "Milady?"
"Yes?"
"May I ask?" the butler said with a tone of uncertainty.
"Stop with the ambivalence and speak."
The butler cleared his throat. "What has amused you this much?"
Gyokuro broke into a guffawing frenzy. "I simply find it hilarious to think that a little parlour trick would make that fox my little plaything. The virus that I spoke of was a nonsensical enticement. It is true that such a virus exists, but it only lingers in the depth of hell. It doesn't surface in our realm. It was I who spiked that abomination's food. In fact, there is no cure for that poison. The only thing that is clos enough to be considered a cure is my blood, but even if I chose not to offer the girl my blood, she would still have recovered in the coming week."
"So… you have deceived Prince Naruto?"
"Prince?" The vampire elder scowled. "That fox is no prince, but I intend to make him a king. As for lying to him about Moka's imminent demise, it is all part of my plan."
The butler blinked in confusion. "Pardon? Aren't you tormenting him?"
Gyokuro smirked. "The sixty-six seals of the Armageddon. In order to free that fox's true potential, the sixty-six seals must be broken. There are a total of six hundred and sixty-six seals. However, the rule of the game states that shattering sixty-six of any of the seals will suffice. Tormenting him and drowning him in despair is one of the many seals, and I have broken it. Once all the required seals are broken, he will be restored and the world will end with hiscoming."
The butler was surprised. "I thought you hated that boy? Why are you aiding his growth?"
"This whole fiasco is for the sake of breaking the seals, nothing less. I still have a few more seals to go." Gyokuro smiled. "As for my hatred towards that fox and why am I helping him, well…"
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
(A few days ago…)
Listening to soothing music, Naruto sat on his bed and contemplated. "Moka-chan has contracted something. A vampire's anatomy and physiology is immune to illness. Hence, they don't get sick. Father's library has only limited information about the virus. Her symptoms are too drastic to actually pinpoint what exactly is the problem. In other words…"
The blond gritted his teeth. "Lady Gyokuro is behind all this."
Suddenly, a blinding light enveloped the blond as the dimension fabric ripped open, startling him in the process. When the illumination dimmed, a slender pair of hands wrapped around Naruto's neck and a seductive voice cooed from behind. "We meet again, Kyubi no Yoko."
Naruto blinked as he discerned the bewitching voice of the intruder. "Urd, I assume?"
"Bingo." Urd's ample bosom pressed firmly against Naruto's back as she inhaled his distinctive scent.
"The last I checked, we're enemies."
"Well, I figured everybody deserves a guardian angel." The goddess grinned. "Even the devil deserves one."
Naruto tilted his head and raised a dubious brow. "And you expect me to believe your bluff?"
Urd sighed and shook her head as she assumed a serious demeanour. "I'm here to warn you."
"Warn me?"
"I think it is time for you to know about the truth behind your powers." Urd settled herself behind the blond and leaned against his back. "And the six hundred and sixty-six seals of Armageddon that keep you and your sanity in check."
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Naruto sat on his chair, custom built with the finest leather, and moved a queen piece across the chessboard. "Checkmate."
The blond smirked as he picked up his glass of wine and stared through the panel of windows at the scenery. "Lady Gyokuro must be thinking that I have no idea what she is intending to do. I bet she is laughing in victory now. The Hellion Virus has no cure; her blood serves only to speed up the recovery rate. I have already found out about the virus the day before she contacted me. As for the blood seal, well, let's just say no witch spell can control me. Well, I have to thank you for that, Urd-chan."
Tendrils of darkness emerged from the shadows and from them an entity materialised. Urd, the enchanting goddess ambled in a sensual gait towards Naruto and sat suggestively on his lap. Naruto caressed her cheeks and smiled benignly. "I wouldn't be able to pull off this act without your aid, my queen."
"Oh? Now I am a flimsy chess piece in your uncanny game?"
"Of course not." Naruto scowled. "Thanks to you, I predicted every move up her sleeves. As for the intricate seals, I will have Lady Gyokuro to do all the work for me."
"Then why the act?" Urd questioned.
The blond cocked a brow. "Act?"
"The way you treat that succubus is definitely unruly."
"You saw everything, huh?" Naruto sighed. "I have no choice. I must force all of them to leave. Even without Lady Gyokuro's command, I would still make sure they move away from this castle. Their lives are at risk if they stay here any longer than they should. No doubt, Lady Gyokuro would hurt them in any ways possible. I cannot allow Lady Gyokuro to use them as part of her insidious plan to break the seals. Who knows what's next? The next seal might involve spearing any one of them with a pike."
"Then what do you have in mind?"
The blond took a sip from his wine and grinned. "I chose their safety. I will send Kokoa-chan and Kalua-chan back to England, Moka-chan to Japan and Akuha-chan to China. When they've reached a certain age, I will handle the mandatory documentation and transfer them to Yokai Academy so they can reunite. As for Morry-chan and Lilith-chan, I have the perfect plan."
"Are you certain about this?"
"I'm at the point of no return." Naruto stared dispassionately at the chandelier hung on his ceiling and sighed. "Once all of them are out of Lady Gyokuro's reach, I can dance the tango of war with her in peace. The fact that she has used Moka as bait to lure me into her trap serves my point. All of them are in danger as long as Lady Gyokuro desires my powers."
Urd grinned impishly as she tapped Naruto's nose with her gloved finger. "You sure are a great actor. When you cried in front of that witch, I thought you almost lost it. Turns out, even I was fooled."
"What?" The blond smiled. "If I'm going to present her an illusion, I might as well give her the full package."
Naruto opened his palm and Urd watched in awe as azure flames ignited upon his fingertips, before the fire merged and morphed into the shape of a miniature planet, hovering above his hand. "She thought she had me dancing in her hand. Truth is… it is me who has her dancing in my hand."
"I see." Urd nodded. "Can you bear with it? The loneliness?"
"I will endure the loneliness, in order for them to have a better life." Naruto's eyes flared undying determination, before he turned his attention to Urd. "Right now, nobody knows of your existence. I have already cloaked you with my demonic essences; a powerful sensor like Lady Gyokuro wouldn't be able to differentiate between you and me. And because nobody knows of your existence, it grants me a greater advantage over that woman. Will you stand by my side, Urd?"
"I'm a runaway." Urd whispered sultrily into Naruto's ear. "My best bet is you, my darling. Though I must say, the coming future will be a harsh path to walk. You will have to put up a mask before your loved ones. Why don't you just disintegrate that witch?"
Naruto smiled sadly. "Lady Gyokuro is an influential figure in the vampire council. You, of all people, should understand the reason why I must do this. You are, after all, an elder sister amongst your siblings. Lady Gyokuro isn't stupid. She has planned ahead. If I killed her, thousands of vampires serving faithfully under her hegemony would assassinate my sisters; I'm sure she has backups. Those mindless goons serve only her, no one else, not even my father. I must play this game cautiously."
"Sounds like your life is overwhelmed with burdens."
The blond grinned. "If that's the case, why are you here? I am the devil. A goddess like you shouldn't be associating with me."
Urd flicked Naruto's forehead playfully. "I told you, didn't I? I am a runaway. I have no place to go. You will take care of me, won't you?"
"I have better things to worry about." Naruto gently hoisted Urd bridal style and tucked her into his bed. "Don't leave this room. I have to finish some unfinished business."
"I'll wait for you." Urd smiled.
"You sure are a strange woman, Urd-chan."
The goddess sighed. "Perhaps."
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
A grand obsidian Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked outside the royal palace of the Shuzen residence. The chauffer strolled to the door and opened it, allowing the emperor to step out of his luxurious transport. Issa offered a hand to Akasha, who gladly accepted it and they ascended the stairs to their home. A maid bowed politely as she stood on the doorway. "Welcome back, Issa-sama, Akasha-sama."
Before they could march to their chamber, a flicker of brilliant flame ignited and the fire morphed into a silhouette of a figure. "Father, mother, I'm glad you've returned."
Akasha arched a brow. "What's with the formality, Naruto-chan? Something happen while we were away?"
"No." Naruto smiled as the ominous shadow hid half of his face. "Everything is under control. I'd like to talk to the both of you in private."
"Whatever the matter is," Issa interjected. "Your mother and I have just returned. We-"
Naruto immediately interrupted. "If it wasn't an exigent circumstance, I would not request an audience from the both of you."
The vampire king sighed. "Very well. Make it quick, shall we?"
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
"What?" Akasha yelled in disbelief. "How could you even suggest something as preposterous as separating your sisters? What happened, Naruto-chan? Tell me!"
Naruto retained a placid façade and spoke monotonously, "I personally find it beneficial for them. Akuha is used to the oriental culture. I believed she should return to China and complete her studies overseas. As for Kalua and Kokoa, I believe England is both suitable and compatible for their lifestyles; they should study abroad. As for Moka, Japan is an ideal place for her. They must learn independence and we must cultivate their growth. Learning to mingle with the human's society is the solution."
"But," Akasha protested vehemently. "Kokoa and Kalua have never been to England before. Moka has been living in this castle ever since her birth. I'm afraid they might not be able to adapt to the sudden changes. I think we should not hinder their childhood and-"
"Hinder?" The blond chuckled. "They have been sheltered for their whole lives. Unlike Akuha, they know nothing about the lives of others who are living in poverty. They have everything they want, while others are suffering under the harsh night of winter. They have everything they need, while others have to fight for their lives. If this continues, I can assure you that they will be brought up with an ignorant mind-set."
Issa stroked his chin.
However, Akasha was bemused and upset. "Naruto, where did you get this idea from? Why would you all of a sudden propose this-"
"It is all for their sake," Naruto said.
"And have you asked for their opinions?" Issa queried in curiosity.
"There is no need for me to indulge myself in such mundane matter." The blond replied. "They will accept it. Regardless of whether they refuse or not, the plan must go on."
Akasha shook her head and glared cynically at the blond. "This is wrong! We shouldn't pass judgement on their lives."
"This is right." Naruto countered. "And I'm not playing god in their lives. I am only doing it for their sake."
"I will not accept this."
Issa sighed. "Actually, this is a plausible idea."
"Issa!" Akasha chided.
"Naruto is right." The emperor said with a heavy tone. "I brought Akuha to this castle because I wanted her to tame her violent nature. I have not seen many signs of hostility ever since she arrived. As for Moka, she is pampered. For noble vampires like us, survival of the fittest is our tradition. I'm afraid Moka is not ready. As for Kalua, her innocent heart is unwilling to unleash bloodshed. Kokoa is still pure, and she can be easily swayed by agendas. Naruto's idea is… productive in the long run."
Akasha growled and snapped her attention to Naruto. "What about your promises? You promised you would protect them! Even though I detested the idea of how you wished to bear the burden all by yourself, this is… wrong! Plain and simple!"
The vampire elder shook Naruto's shoulders. "Tell me, Naruto, what's going on? Did something happen while were away? Tell me, Naruto-chan! Say something!"
"Nothing happened, mother." The blond smiled. "Like I said, everything is under control. What do you think of my proposal, father?"
Issa narrowed his eyes as he studied Naruto's unreadable features. "This boy… I couldn't even differentiate between the lies and truth in his words. Impartial and wise, this boy has reached beyond my expectations. But, his growth is stunning. I dare say, without my telepathic powers, I can decipher anybody's emotions. However, this boy… I don't even know what he's thinking."
The emperor sighed and conceded. "After Moka's 10th birthday celebration ceremony, I will announce this news to them."
Akasha spun around and slammed a fist on the table, crushing the furniture into bits. "Issa!"
"Akasha! This is for the sake of our children!"
"I can't believe this!" The vampire elder stared at Naruto and gritted her teeth. "I'm disappointed in you."
Akasha strode past the blond and stormed out of the chamber.
"Don't mind her, Naruto." Issa smirked. "I'm glad, despite your attachments with your sisters, you can still be unprejudiced about their welfare."
"It is as you have taught me, father. One should not let their emotions cloud their judgement."
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Venturing through the hallway while humming a blissful tune, Naruto took a sharp turn and halted when he met Morrigan. The succubus glared lividly at him before snatching his wrist and dragged him to her bedroom. As she shut the door, Morrigan's devilish wings sprouted from her back and her canine fangs sharpened. "You can fool everybody with your blasphemy, you can fool even yourself with lies, but you cannot fool me."
Naruto avoided the succubus's furious gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play those silly mind games with me." Morrigan growled. "I know your quirks. When you're in deep thoughts, you sigh often. When you're genuinely happy, you will drink white wine. When you're nervous, you fidget with your fingers unconsciously, like what you're doing now."
The blond blinked and switched his attention to his finger, which was twitching. Naruto immediately hid his hand behind his back and looked away. "Morrigan, I'm sure you're confused. Go get some rest. I have other important things to attend to-"
"Look, I just need to know the truth."
"The truth is," Naruto interjected. "You are a useless… thing to me. Your father, Belial, grand emperor of the 4th hell, was exiled by his council. That made you a fugitive. I don't need-"
Morrigan slapped the blond.
Naruto froze by the stung from his reddened cheek, before he turned his glare of indifference on the stunned succubus. What horrified Morrigan was the fact that his glare had intensified its ferocity as his eyes decolourised into a sinister crimson with feral slits, displaying blatant umbrage at the audacity of the succubus. Somewhat, his fury subsided as he stifled a chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Morrigan growled. "How can you be laughing after making someone a fool?"
"Like I said, I don't know what you are talking about."
"Why did you tell me you don't love me when you clearly do? Why are you being evasive of the topic?"
"Did you come all the way here just to ask me this inane question?" Naruto smirked and took a glance at his watch. "At this time? If you're wondering, I need some sleep."
"Are you not going to tell me?" The succubus persisted.
Naruto sighed. "I told you before. My duty is to attend to your every need. Now that your status as the crown princess of your kingdom is on the verge of denaturalisation, your value is negligible to say the least. Have I answered your question?"
"What?"
"It's not like we-"
Without hesitation, Morrigan pressed her lips roughly on Naruto's; spontaneously, a series of memories projected into her vision and she saw his formulated schemes and his unfathomable list of sophisticated tactics to overrule Gyokuro's reign in a flash. Before she could indulge further, she was violently sprung back to reality. The blond grasped the succubus's shoulders and jerked her away, his face the epitome of utter bewilderment and consternation. "Y-You saw it, didn't you?"
Morrigan was in a trance before she regained conscious. "H-How dare you!"
The succubus attempted to slap the blond once more, but he caught her offending hand and snarled. "Don't you ever… read my memories! You understand me?"
Unwilling to submit to Naruto's oppressing will, Morrigan snapped. "Why you…"
Reacting to impulse, the succubus threw herself on the blond, but he had anticipated her assault as he adroitly snaked his arm around her waist and tossed her to the bed, before he climbed atop her and pinned her limbs dexterously with his weight. They shared a silent moment as they glared at each other, before the blond leaned closer to the succubus's ear and whispered softly. "Do you know why the little mermaid died and dissolved into bubbles?"
Morrigan kept dreadfully quiet.
"Because she loved the wrong man."
"No, you're wrong," the succubus countered. "She didn't love the wrong man. She believed in love. She didn't regret loving the man, even at the brink of death. Do you know why, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto closed his eyes and averted his attention away Morrigan's piercing pair of emerald eyes.
"Because she truly loved the man. Even if destiny had to force her to suffer for the love she cherished, even if she had to walk the rest of her life with the terrible sensation of blades slicing her feet with every step she took, she would be willing to accept her fate."
The blond caressed the succubus's cheek and wiped the cascading tear from her eye. "Is she willing to accept a fate worse than hell? A fate where she ceases to exist and becomes nothingness. A fate where she is forever tangled in the web of incessant conflicts… is she willing to go to that extremity just for the sake of someone she loves?"
"If it is for the man she loves…" Morrigan captured Naruto in a passionate kiss and moaned lustfully in their loving embrace. Pushing the blond gently away, the succubus smiled and stroked his bangs. "She is willing to accompany him to the depths of hell. I accept this destiny… because fate makes a dream so far beyond any of my expectation… a reality. I don't want you to seal your heart away from me, Naruto-kun."
"Morry-chan, I-"
"Shh…" Morrigan tapped Naruto's lips with her finger. "If you're broken, I'll mend the shattered pieces. If you're out of love, I will shower you with my love. If you're down, I'll pick you up. And for all the joy you brought to me, and all those times you stood by me when I needed you the most, my world is a better place because of you. For the love you have given to me, I will stand by your side."
Naruto sighed and grasped the succubus's hand, giving a peck on her fingers. "Are you sure about this? If you make this decision, there is no turning back."
"I don't mind."
The blond pushed himself away and sat beside Morrigan as he slicked his hair to the back. "Regardless, the party has already started. I can't end my orchestra with someone playing the wrong note in my play. I have already started the ball rolling, I cannot let it stop."
"You want me to play my part as the damsel in distress."
Naruto smirked. "Not really, maybe a mooing cow in distress."
"I'll bite you for that snarky comment." The succubus licked her lips, before she frowned. "But I don't appreciate how you attempted to shake me away. With those hurtful words…"
"You know what I have to do to keep you protected." Naruto traced his sight to Morrigan's lithe frame and sighed. "I have no choice."
The succubus pinched his nose playfully and smirked. "Everybody has a choice. Promise me you won't do that to me again."
"Not on purpose, I won't." Naruto smiled. "So, will you still forgive me?"
"For the sake of your show, I think I can deal with it."
The blond cupped her chin and grinned. "I guess the first phase of my plan is ruined."
Morrigan raised a brow, retaining her serene smile. "I sense a change of plan."
"I guess you know me well after all."
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Shizuka sat on her swing, staring contently at her Sakura trees blossoming the countless vibrant petals glowing under the moonlight like a million falling stars. Unsatisfied with the thick chunk of maroon clouds concealing the granite sky, Shizuka's vivid vermillion eyes illuminated and she swiped her arm; simultaneously, the obstructing clouds were dispelled, revealing darkness with glitters of light sprayed all over the sky.
"I didn't know your powers extended to the point where you can control the course of the weather." Naruto applauded. "I must say you're… amazing."
"That coming from the notorious conqueror of hell…" Shizuka smiled as she turned her attention to the blond sitting beside her. "I'm honoured. So, what brings you here, Naruto-sama?"
The blond chuckled. "I'm just fulfilling a promise. Keeping a lonely princess company and all that."
Shizuka smiled. "I appreciate it. But I know you didn't come here to tell me those ludicrous jokes of yours… or entertain me with your charms. So, why are you here?"
Naruto knelt on the ground upon one knee and smirked at the vampire princess. "I need your help in the coming events, Shizuka-hime."
"The Zeptotech Corporation is a multinational company and the largest private sector in the States. With your company's net assets, it towers over mine. I don't think the Hiou Industries will be any help to your enterprise." The silver-haired vampire cooed. "Your dilemma is not related to some financial predicament, I assume?"
The blond stood up and chuckled. "No, I need your help to get rid of someone for me, Shizuka-hime. Your influence in the vampire council is both respected and feared. With you as my ally, it will make my work far easier."
"And what might that be?"
"You should know the answer."
Shizuka simply giggled.
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Moka jolted up from her sleep and staredm, horrified, at the canvas of her portrait on her wall. The piece of professional art was dedicated by her beloved brother, who had painted it for her seventh birthday. Easing her agitated heartbeat, Moka stared at the glass of water on her table and blinked. "O-Onii-sama?"
"You're awake!"
The silver-haired vampire spun around and saw Naruto beaming in relief at her.
"Onii-sama… have you been here the whole time?"
Naruto smiled and ruffled her soft, albeit dishevelled silver locks. "Of course. I had to accompany you, in case you woke up and couldn't find me. How are you feeling?"
Moka managed a small smile. "A little headache but… I feel much better now."
"That's good." The blond pulled the girl to his broad chest and kissed her forehead with a tender grace. "Everything will be okay. I will always be here for you. I will be your strength if you're weak. I will be your voice if you can't speak. I will give you back your faith if you lose it. As long as I am breathing, I will always protect you."
"Because you love me?" Moka smiled as she nuzzled into Naruto's embrace.
"Because I love you." The blond rested his chin on his sister's head and sighed.
Unbeknownst to the pair, a silhouette dissolved into the shadows.
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
"I understand, grandfather." Akuha bowed respectfully to the grotesque monstrosity before her. "After Moka's tenth birthday, I will lure Lady Akasha into a death match. With her sacrificed blood, I will be able to revive you."
The dark-haired vampire spun around and ascended the stairs. "And when I revive Alucard, his powers shall be mine. I will devour every ounce of his strength until he withers away. After that, and only that, will I be able to unleash rightful vengeance upon those who have wronged you, mother. With the accursed blood of the devil, as well as the fabled blood of the Shinso, my sovereignty will be absolute."
The royal magenta rings, illuminating in Akuha's eyes, morphed into a black crescent, signifying her complete control over the unholy blood of the devil. Akuha giggled with glee, before she broke into a sinister guffaw and the horrifying echo reverberated throughout the chamber.
"Vengeance… shall be mine."
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
Morrigan was combing her silky jade-coloured hair and closed her cosmetic cabinet. She snapped her fingers and the shadows enwrapped an intruding entity. Suddenly, the darkness dispersed into shreds and Gyokuro stood behind the succubus with a malefic smirk plastered on her features. "This is surprising. What do you want, Gyokuro?"
"Oh? Your lack of formality is irksome as usual." The vampire elder folded her arms and smiled. "However, I am here for business."
Morrigan arched a brow. "I don't want anything from you, especially associating myself with the likes of you."
"Ouch." Gyokuro feigned hurt as she stood behind Morrigan and caressed the succubus's soft complexion. "I know we do have an… unpleasant past. But that's history now. I am aware that you have already chosen Naruto as your mate. It is an excellent choice. He is charming, a debonair individual and a guardian. He has a bright future and will eventually inherit the mantle as the conqueror of hell. Whoever becomes his bride will definitely gain immense wealth and reputation."
"Just get straight to the point, Gyokuro." Morrigan snarled.
The vampire elder smirked. "Well, it is because he is such a magnificent prize. I mean, everybody is trying to get a piece of him, angels inclusively."
The succubus narrowed her eyes. "What are you implying?"
"I am a sensor, my dear. I can discern between an angel's spirit signature and a demon's presence within a few kilometres radius. No matter how hard one may struggle, it is futile to hide from me. I am much capable of detecting the presence of a holy entity as acutely as possible." Gyokuro smirked. "I don't know what that fox is trying to do, but I do know something for certain."
Morrigan blinked. The jarred image of a woman with beatific features jolted her impulse; the succubus swore she saw a faint woman in Naruto's memory. "I-If only I could resist Naruto-kun's power… I would be able to see the truth."
"He is hiding a goddess in his room."
"And… why should I believe you?"
Gyokuro's scheming smirk widened as she opened her palm and displayed a few strands of silver hair to the succubus. "I found this near the fox's chamber. You might fool yourself and tell me this hair belongs to Moka, however, I'm sure you can differentiate between that girl's scent and this… alluring fragrance that is emitting from these strands of hair."
"How would I know you didn't perform some magic spell on those hair strands?"
The vampire elder sighed. "Perhaps I did, but there is something I am definitely incapable of doing."
Gyokuro extracted a white sparkle of light from the hair as she clawed out the potent angelic energy with her hand, and it vaporised into luminous glitters. "I'm sure you can feel it, can't you? It's undeniable. Only someone who possesses the heavenly grace of divinity can emanate this kind of power."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"You are so in love with that fox that you couldn't see the lies in his words." Gyokuro sighed. "I was once like you. I was blinded by love. I failed to see my destiny until I realised that I was fooled by the love I once cherished so much. Akasha took the man I loved. She took my love away from me forcefully. Because of her, I lost everything. The reason why I am disclosing this to you is because I see myself in you. I certainly do not want to see my tragic fate befall someone else."
Morrigan averted her gaze.
"You can lie to me, you can lie to your sister, but you cannot lie to yourself. One day, you have to face your own demons." Gyokuro twirled around and walked to the door. "I don't know what that fox is planning, or why is he associating himself with a goddess. However, locking a goddess in his bedroom and not telling anybody about this, don't you find this a little suspicious?"
The vampire elder smirked malignantly when she caught a glimpse of Morrigan's eyes, which were displaying a mixture of confusion and a hint of fury.
~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
I have practically fooled many people in the previous chapter. :P As for the 1000 review thingy, I didn't know I will hit the 1000 mark on the second day. I was writing this chapter half way through when I noticed the 1000 mark was hit. So I hurried to deliver this chapter.
Pairings:
Pairings undecided:
1.)NarutoXAkuha
2.)NarutoXKalua
3.)NarutoXMoka
4.)NarutoXMorrigan
5.)NarutoXShizuka (From Vampire Knight)
6.)NarutoXSelene (From Underworld) - This is surprisingly quite a popular choice. I'm already considering this pairing.
7.)NarutoXSuggestion
8.)NarutoXFelicia (From Darkstalkers)
9.)NarutoXRuby
10.)NarutoXMizore
11.)NarutoXKurumu
12.)NarutoXUrd (From Ah! My Goddess)
13.)NarutoXUriel (From Darksiders)
14.)NarutoXFury (From Darksiders)
15.)NarutoXLady (From Devil May Cry)
16.)NarutoXTrish (From Devil May Cry)
17.)NarutoXHarem
Please review
