Little was known about the void. It was an endless expanse, or so one would think.
In reality it was a meeting grounds, a point connecting two end's—and they were at the very center. The violet hues and whimsical colors he'd grown semi-used too gave way to a pitch black that stretched on as far as the eye could see. It felt like he were floating within an abyss. There was no light here, just the darkness. No warmth. No comfort.
It was empty.
He looked both the parts of an angel and devil floating in that vast nothing. Naruto's white hair and olive skin were a striking contrast to the inky blackness. He was almost glowing, rippled eyes gazing out into the rift. His heart raced, and he let out a long sigh in an effort to calm it before speaking. "You know, somehow. I thought this would've been easier." His lips moved, a bitter smile working its way onto his face.
"You should have brought the witch with us. I warned you. This was a monster beyond even my comprehension." On his left shoulder rested a tiny lizard, no bigger than a common one you'd find in your backyard. The Great Red, once massive in its size, was reduced to this. Having exhausted most of its power battling against an army of one-million Ancient Dragon mail's.
The fight had indeed been a long one and Naruto himself looked on the brink of death. His right arm was gone, for whatever reason the severed limb was taking its sweet time in growing back. His flesh was scorched, his body ached. With every labored breath he regrettably felt himself grow weaker.
And yet...
He laughed nonetheless.
Surrounding them, above, below, everywhere—the broken remains of those Ancient Dragon's were scattered like space debris. And amidst the wreckage of the fierce battle was the cause of his current condition. A being that, just as Red said, was beyond anyone's comprehension—even his own. If there was an end to everything, than this was surely it.
This indescribable thing, locked down here, alone with its empty army.
This was the Apocalypse.
"It's sort of nice." He said fondly. "I forget sometimes. That I can be hurt. It's nice to be reminded that a little piece of me is still human." Even now he could see him. Resting inside of that monstrosity, exposed for all the world to see. Sheltered by a bright ball of light, shining like the brightest star yet illuminating nothing.
That light was the reason why this fight had taken a turn for the worst. A monster he could kill. A child?
Never.
And what slept inside of that beast was a child. Curled up into a ball, bright blond hair framing his pale face. The moment Naruto laid eyes on him, he hesitated. And it was that hesitation which decided the outcome of this battle from the very beginning.
"Why does everything have to be so damn complicated...?" He mused aloud, shutting his eyes for just a second.
"Blame your rotten luck." Red said, grunting as it unfolded its tattered and torn wings. "Well...I suppose this isn't a bad way to die, right? I've been bored of living for a long time anyway. I hope death will be a little more interesting."
"So you think there is an after-life?"
"Who knows, brat. But I suppose we're about to find out soon enough."
The shell of a beast roared, an inhumane sound. Somehow shaking the very nothingness itself with the act alone. It was angry and just as hurt, but the child slept on nonetheless, unaware.
Hundreds, thousands of magic circles came to life above them. Each a different color. They went on, of every size and shape, until it was all he could see. There would be no escaping this one. Indeed, it didn't take a genius to figure that out. He fought back a dry laugh. Oh...I get it. What a sore loser. It was planning on taking itself, Red, and him out in one final blast. The boy would survive and the body would probably reform as a direct result. Despite that fact, it made for a rather pretty sight, if Naruto were to be honest.
A lot better than the decor, that's for sure.
"I'll let you know how it goes."
Before Red could respond, the blond spared him a glance and then smiled as if to say I'm sorry. That odd third eye on his forehead focused on its tiny form, blinked once, and then the dragon vanished. Teleported away as far as Naruto possibly could with home in mind. Moments later and a torrent of white encompassed everything and anything, turning the dark world a pure white. The sound of the blast was deafening.
Ophis sat at the counter, her legs crossed while she floated mid-air behind the blue oak. In her hands was her favorite manga and floating alongside her was a bowl of white-chocolate pretzels.
Vali was gone, having stormed out after their argument and not returned since. The fool was probably out looking for Naruto right now. Issei only stopped by a few times a day to ask if Naruto had yet to return, only to leave empty-handed, hiding behind that lecherous smile. He could try and fake it all he wanted, but she knew he was worried. The only person keeping her company, so to speak, was Asia—who had been relevantly quiet for the most part. Nervously sweeping the same spot all the while stealing glances her way every now and again.
Besides that little inconvenience however, it was fairly quiet. By all means Ophis should have been pleased at the lack of any noise or interruptions. Instead however, she felt empty. A feeling she was no stranger to, but this time it was different somehow.
Whatever the reason may be. That was the last straw. "It's impolite to stare." She said abruptly, sparing the blond girl a glance.
Asia flinched, her cheeks flushing red.
"A-Ah, I'm sorry, Ophis-sama."
. . .
"You're still doing it."
"S-Sorry, Ophi—"
"—Stop apologizing so much. You haven't done anything wrong. If it's my wrath you fear, you shouldn't. Unlike the rest of these idiots you're relatively tame."
Asia almost bit her own tongue when the word 'sorry' threatened to leave her lips for the third time. Thankfully, a sharp glare from the woman helped to remind her. "R-Right." It was at this point that Asia realized she had nothing else to say, which ended up with her staring again.
I'm beginning to see a pattern here... Naruto was adopting them. The idiots and the outcasts of society. He was taking them in, one by one. And she was playing nanny of all things while he— "Can you please stop staring?" Ophis snapped her book shut, unintentionally spooking the dazed Asia.
The blond jerked back in surprise and fell against a row of empty shelves behind her, knocking them over in the process.
"O-Ouch..."
"You really are hopeless." Ophis said, watching the dazed girl struggle to stand again.
Asia let out a weak laugh at that.
"Y-Yes, I suppose I am..."
Ophis watched her for a moment, violet eyes studying the blond, and then she fought back a sigh. "That isn't a bad thing. If you're hopeless, you've an advantage many do not. It means you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain."
Was that supposed to be a pep-talk? Asia mused to herself, stunned. That was...terrible.
"Anyway, like I said before. Stop staring at me. It's very distracting." The woman continued. "I'm aware that I have the ideal body image, and you're questioning if you're starting to fall in love with me. Which you probably are. But I don't very much appreciate being ogled."
. . .
"Wh—What?"
"Forget I ever said that." She groaned. "I need to stop hanging around that idiot so much."
"A-Ah, I see.." With nothing else to say, and with the hopes that she wouldn't be caught staring again, Asia began a vain attempt to clean up after her mess. All the while Ophis watched her until she could no longer hold it and the words left her lips, a question that had been bothering her for some time now.
"Girl, tell me. What was your desire?"
Naruto hadn't spoken a single word of it to her or anyone else for that matter, and at this point she was more than just curious.
Asia stiffened at the mention. Ophis could hear her heartbeat grow erratic with every breath the girl drew, and the song it sang was...melancholy. "I..." The girl bit her lip, before she spoke. "I would rather not talk about it. I made him promise, Naruto-san that is, that he wouldn't either."
A raised brow was all Ophis managed in response, the smile that threatened to come to life squashed down as quickly as it came.
A promise, a vow forged by words alone. How very simple, idiotic even. Of course Naruto of all people would find something so insignificant, so easily broken—sacred. He was the embodiment of all things human, everything moronic, right down to the fragile nature of what was called the soul. The link shared between all living things. What made them want, strive and achieve. What caused them pain and endless suffering.
Shortly after meeting him, she'd began to wonder if she were any different. Could a creature born from nothing have one? A soul?
A heart?
Asia awaited the darkly dressed woman's response, and when she found none, the girl decided amidst the silence that lingered in-between them to ask a question of her own.
"Ophis-sama...
...do you think that he'll leave us?"
Violet eyes blinked back into focus and the words that Asia uttered bounced around in her mind. A dozen different responses came to mind at her question, and yet Ophis couldn't translate a single one of them into proper words. She'd tried to stave off the peculiar feeling in her chest at the thought of him leaving, but it was pointless. Whatever it was, it hurt, and it stabbed her and buried itself deep within her bosom.
But there was no blood. Only a creeping numbness.
If this was the soul, than Ophis was was better off without it.
"I..." Her lips parted, and she paused. "I'm—"
"—What the hell are you on about?"
Ophis blinked. Asia gaped.
The Great Red was very confused, but only for a moment. The instant it laid eyes on the two, it all clicked, and a rage it hadn't felt in a long time burst to life within its now tiny lizard body. The weakened dragon could only curse its begrudging friends name.
"Naruto... That fucking moron!"
"It's dark. But, it's warm too.
I'm safe here."
"..."
I am.
. . .
"..."
"I don't. It's ugly out there. I don't want to see any of it, I want to stay here."
. . .
"..."
Play?
"..."
"Okay... I'll play with you."
"..."
"I promise. But, you have to promise me something..."
. . .
"..."
"Promise me. That no matter what, you'll stay by my side.
Promise me I won't be alone again."
"..."
It was a gathering unlike any before. The Gutsy Toad was packed. Team Naruto in it's entirety took up most of the space inside of the shop, and the tension was palpable. A grim, heavy feeling that lurked in air. The news had been quickly shared and no one took lightly to it.
"We need to move out! Like, right now! We can't just sit here while the boss takes on the fucking end of the world by himself!" Vali wasn't just upset this time, he was downright livid.
"I agree. We're wasting time as it is." Issei was next to his opposite, a fire burning within his eyes. The green gem lodged above the back of his hand glowing brightly in response to his resolution.
"If he's even alive that is..." Raynare mumbled, her arms crossed.
Next to her, Kokabiel looked as if he'd been stricken. "Ack! You take that back, you! Naruto-sama would not fall in battle, especially not to a creature most un-holy! I would lead a crusade against such a beast and make sure my last dying breath is spent avenging our glorious leader! For if that is to be my purpose, than by my Fathers will and by His perfect light I will fulfill my duty!" He gripped his chest, tears trailing down his pale cheeks as he wept. "Oh! This swelling in my chest! This feeling...? Could it be?! Devotion, of course! Hear me, Naruto-sama! We are coming for you!"
A few scooted away from the openly weeping man.
Vali was blinded by the act.
This light...he really is...
"There's no way I'm letting you rescue him first!" Vali cried, pointing an accusing finger at the older teen. "I'm the number one subordinate here! I'll be the one to show my devotion and come for Naruto-sama!"
. . .
"Oh my." Micheal repressed a thin-lipped smile and a blush at the thought.
"Oh god, my sides." Azazel was dying of laughter, having to lean on a giggling Sirzech for support.
"I liked it better when he was evil." Kuroka mused to herself in her cat form, watching the events unfold with something resembling a smirk. If cat's could—well, you get the fucking picture by now.
As for Vali, he remained entirely ignorant to the shitty dialogue joke the shitty author of this fic came up with. "What? What did I say? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"Who care's about that! We're wasting time!" Issei was quick to put everyone back in line.
"As much as I want to help, don't you think we should come up with some kind of plan first? I mean...we are about to fight what is essentially the Apocalypse right?" Dohnaseek was all about saving Naruto, he thought he was a col guy. But unlike most of the people around him right now, Dohnaseek wasn't god-tier. All Trihexa had to do was think in his general direction and he would most likely explode.
A gruesome end indeed, one he hoped to avoid. The rest of his party agreed.
"We probably should. Naruto is tough, he can take care of himself for a—" Azazel was cut off by a very irritate Red.
"Did you blank out during my cleverly cut-out explanation, bird? In which I will now re-cap a small portion of in order to reach a certain criteria of words? Tch, how typical. Listen well to my words, Naruto is clinging to life right now. And that's if we're lucky. That last attack was meant to be a one-way ticket for all of us. There was no way out, at least, not for the both of us..." It sighed, thinking back on that smile. "I don't think I could have made it out of that in one piece even in my prime. That monster has too much power. More than I ever imagined."
That didn't help. Not one bit.
Deep down they wanted to believe Naruto would be okay, but, the thought still lingered
The unease, the fear. The guilt.
Ophis bit her lip behind her book as she watched them all bicker. People she'd never thought she'd know or bother to spare another glance. This room was full of them, full of emotion. Full of life.
Naruto is alive... He's got to be.
He's not. That's what her inner voice told her. An annoying little thing that had made its home within the confines of her mind some time ago, and hasn't left since. What she knew of that monster told her that Naruto was surely dead. No one. Not God, not The Great Red, not even her could take that Beast on alone without losing something in the process—their life.
Such was it's power.
It could not not be defeated.
Sirzech nodded his head grimly. "I'm afraid I have to agree with Azazel. If anyone other than Ophis or Red enters that place they will die before ever even reaching the middle. Even I would perish if exposed to the powers inside without the proper precautions."
Red growled. "My apologies. I forget how weak you all are sometimes."
"Ah. No worries." Kuroka said, deadpanning.
"So then...what do we do?" The silence was broken by a meek Asia, who voiced the question on most everyone's mind.
. . .
"Red. We're going." It was Ophis who found the answer.
"About damn time." The tiny dragon unfolded its wings and flew to her shoulder, acting as if he'd expected as much. "I can guide you there. If we move fast enough we should be able to make it in ten to fifteen minutes."
The dark haired woman stifled a frown.
"That far?"
"I'm afraid so, witch."
"Then we shouldn't waste any more time." Ophis tapped her finger once on the air and a portal opened.
"Wait, I'm going with you!"
"And I as well!"
Vali and Kokabiel followed behind the duo, only for a venomous glare to freeze them in place. Ophis tilted her head back, her glowing eyes visible for them to see. "You will both remain here. And make no mistake, I'm not doing this to save that bastard. He will die. And his death will be long, painful, and more importantly, dealt by my hand and mine alone." A shark grin made its home on that usually blank expression. "Remember these words, weaklings, and know that I will one day destroy you too. Until then, take care of the shop for me."
It was as if fire and brimstone had invaded their souls. It burns. Vali thought to himself, sweating all the while. Her stare, it hurts.
Ophis nodded and then turned there back to them, only for a third person to hold her up again.
"And what the hell am I supposed to do then?!" Ophis's fiery gaze fell on Issei, who in spite of the fierce glare did not stand down. "He's..." The boy seemed to struggle for a moment, before all but yelling the words out. "He's my friend too, you know!"
Ophis wasn't entirely prepared for that. It almost wasn't even fair really. At the word friend, she blinked once, and all the fake bravado turned to ash and soot.
This boy... She fought back a smirk. Maybe he really isn't so worthless.
"It's simple. You'll remain here." The woman began. "Just like them. It's what you can do right now, and you will do it well." She watched his hands ball themselves into tightly wounds fists, his entire form quivering."We each have a part to play. I will play mine, and you will play yours. That fool will appreciate it all the same. So clean up that snot and stop being such a wimp. I'll bring him back. I promise."
She didn't smile, but the conviction in her eyes was clear as day.
"And when I do I'll gut him myself."
. . .
"You didn't really need to add that last part..." Issei trailed off.
"Oh, but I did. And I will."
"Tsk! Fine, but you'd better not mess up!" Issei walked toward her, that same determination in his eyes, and then he stopped. "Or I'll kick your ass too, and that's a fucking promise!" He then extended his fist and waited patiently.
Ophis couldn't help the smirk this time.
"Fine." She brought up her own fist, and just as it was about to meet Issei's, the center of the room warped.
A black hole came to life in the very middle of the Gutsy Toad and it's occupants quickly gave it room, preparing themselves as best they could for what came next. Unsure of its origin or its purpose. The black hole fluctuated a few times, and then out stepped a child. Not even teenager yet, with golden hair and impossibly blue eyes.
"Is this the place?" The child spoke, a soft tenor. Suddenly they were all made very aware of the person lugged over the child's small back.
Naruto weakly lifted his head up, his one good and not swollen-shut eye taking in the blurry face's of Issei and Ophis. Then he grinned.
"Yeah, we made it."
Author's Note: Thank you for reading everyone! Sorry about all the mishaps that happened along the way, but now the entire story is better for it and I can have some peace of mind that you're not being fed entirely too much crap! A small note, if you haven't already, join our Discord. We're pretty popping now and have a lot of cool authors, and some very cool people.
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