A/N: Please read this note, would you kindly?
EDIT: Pesky flames! Shoo! I've already deleted twenty. Really, this is just childish. Lets all get along, eh?
WARNING!
Intense doesn't even begin to describe this chapter. Its filled with emotion, and other concepts meant to make you stop and think. Writing it made me feel like I tore out my own heart and stomped on it. I usually don't write chapters like this, but my plan always called for it, and I can't put it off any longer.
As ever, reviews are my fuel. I can't continue this story with them, and I do love chatting with my readers...
Now then, lets answer your questions, shall we? Five should to this time.
Q: What're you updating next?
A: Remnants of a Shinobi, hopefully. Rags to Riches really isn't as popular these days...
Q: How strong is Salem in this story?
A: Why don't you read on and see? As per tradition, we've hit another two year timeskip. She hasn't been idle during that. She's a young woman now; one trained by a master shinobi with a plethora of tricks and traps to his name.
She ain't that weak little girl anymore, though she still struggles with her Surges from time to time. Wild Magic is named so for a reason...
Q: When are we going to get to the pairing?! GIMME! ROMANCE!
A: Really can't say anything for fear of spoilers here. This chapter has been a long time coming,
Q: Did Naruto and Salem just accidentally a war?
A: Yes and no. Its complicated.
Suffice to say the God of Darkness is SIGNIFICANTLY less inclined to put up with his Brother at the moment. For good reason!
Q: Naruto is still very much Naruto, yes?
A: Naruto is still Naruto. He IS aging however, and Salem's noticed. Seven years, ladies and gentlemen. Seven years spent in Remnant. He looks a fair bit like Minato these days -no losing his hair in this story!-and there's a bit of silver in it these days.
Q: Has the God of Darkness been idle during the timeskip?
A: Ha! Not a chance. Read on and see.
Alright then, I've kept you long enough. Grab some popcorn, some tissues, and get comfortable, because here we go!
I'm tempted to make puns of the chapter titles but I can't think of one right now. Maybe later.
AS EVER I own no quotes, references, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one!
Little!Salem is adorable and must be protected.
Even if she ain't so little now...
"It was you. It was always you. Its always been you."
"..."
"W-Well? Say something!"
"..."
"I don't understand. Why won't you answer me?!"
~The future.
Year Seven (Interlude)
Naruto didn't much like being a knight.
Strange as it might sound, he didn't think the title liked him either.
On paper the God of Darkness claimed wasn't all that different from his career as a shinobi.
Knights saved people. Knights stood for what was good and honorable. They were bastions of light and goodness, endowed with powerful charisma to sway the masses to their sides. People looked up to knights. But when one looked more closely...well. Knights were meant to stand and be seen. Ninja operated from the shadows. Knights were arrogant and loud, brash and bold. They took flowery glory from their many deeds and had bards sing songs of them. Ninja struck from the shadows. When they went out, their adversaries died. Nothing more; nothing less.
While the notion of helping those in need certainly appealed to him, the way this lot went about it...bothered him.
He didn't want people to sing songs about him. He just wanted to help them. He didn't want exhort tribute or worship from the masses he rescued.
He...He just wanted to help people, y'know?
Salem had eight less knights to her name now, each in turn who served him. Nine knights for one dark girl. Whether that was a nod to his power on the part of the God of Darkness or merely a coincidence, he knew not. But he knew he didn't like them. They were crass and rude and seemed to think little of him. He'd have to beat some sense into them. Soon. No, He didn't like this.
Two years spent in this castle crafted for the two of them.
Two years hiding away from the world.
Two years at war.
He'd not seen the field of battle himself, but there could be no denying what they'd done. In seeking out the God of Darkness that day, they'd changed the world. They'd fucked fate over and damned destiny. Whatever ws meant to be might never be now. On a certain level he knew they were an icon for the Younger Brother; a lone beacon by which to rally what few followers he had to his name. That meant keeping young Salem safe from those who would wish her harm. He knew that. Understood it as much as he disliked it.
But they weren't happy here.
"I don't like it." He said as much one night as he drank alone.
Salem was fast asleep in her bed -and really it was difficult to ignore how often she looked at him now- which, as ever, left him at his lonely vigil in her chambers.
"What's not to like?" Kurama uttered a jaw-popping yawn. "Salem's safe here, we've got a roof over our head, three meals a day, and we get to discuss strategy with a God at least once a weak." When no response was given, he heard his partner stretch somewhere in his mind. "You're a good influence on them both, I think. More than that, we're making a difference. For the most part."
But this world wasn't changing.
People still died. Followers of Light and Dark slew each other wherever they met. They'd turned a shadow war into an open one, and everyone was suffering for it. Salem might well be safe here, and the God of Darkness really was surprisingly more chill than he'd thought him to be -poor sap just needed a friend- but the way they were going about this was all wrong. If the Brothers had problems they should talk it out like adults. Instead they waged war by proxy through champions and avatars alike, all the while refusing to meet...like stubborn children.
Salem shouldn't be holding court, not when she disliked it so.
He shouldn't be stuck in this blighted castle, not when he could be out in the world making a difference. Not when the God of Light had supposedly selected a champion of his own. He was growing restless. Stir crazy. For too long he'd been tied down in one place, and that was fine as long as he had Salem, but now they were, the both of them, trapped in the role they'd forged for themselves. Things needed to change.
No, he didn't like it one bit.
Naruto frowned as he tipped the bottle to his lips and drank.
"If things won't change, if the gods won't fix this mess, then I will." he whipped the glass away, smashing it against a wall. "Maybe I'll become god."
A beat of silence passed between the two partners. Finally, one of them found his voice.
"You sure that's not the ale talking?"
"Yes? No?" the blond sighed and pinched the brow of his nose. "Things need to change.
"Are you sure about this?" Kurama frowned. "Divinity changes you...
Did it? Did it really? He was technically a demigod thanks to the Sage of Six Paths, and he'd not lost himself to this power. By contrast, becoming a god was simply a step up. He knew who he was. He'd not lose his way if it came to that; if only because he couldn't afford to. He didn't want such power for selfish reasons; nay, the very act of wanting it was unselfish. Someone needed to fix this messed up world. Salem didn't give a flying fig for it; so long as she had him, he was happy. The God of Light was too busy with his power plays. And the God of Darkness...that one meant well, but he clearly wasn't strong enough.
No, he decided, downing another flagon,. Had to be him. Someone else might get it wrong. "I've got you and Salem to ground me."
"How would you even go about doing such a thing?"
Naruto grimaced. "You...might not like the idea.
"Well, that's not worrying at all...
And so he told him.
(.0.0.0.)
Was this what it felt like to be a lady?
Salem wasn't sure she liked it.
Give her a life in the country any day; a simple existence that encompassed two people and little more. Living off the land with nothing but their own power. A simple time when she didn't have to worry about entertaining people or listening to supplicants begging for a blessing from the God of Darkness. A better time. How she longed for those halcyon days.
But that life was over. In the span of only two years, she'd gone from a tired teen standing before a Dark God to...whatever this was.
Sat atop a dark throne carved from onyx, a silver diadem draped around her head, she looked every bit a queen...at least on the outside. Her body bedecked in fine dark silks -the better to contrast her pale skin- and the finest jewelry from every corner of the globe. She hated it. Give her riding leathers any day. Give her action! Give her violence! Not sitting her like some dressed up like some ponce as men and women came from far and wide to ask for her blessing. Not always the most...reputable sort either, but beggars couldn't be choosers. This was a far cry from the meager life she lived with Naruto.
Surely it wasn't all bad; now she and her protector would never go hungry again.
"Thank you, my lady!" A grateful cry snapped Salem back to reality. "May you live a long and fruitful life!"
Right. Supplicant. Best pay attention. Dark eyes looked down, regarding the poor wretch prostrating herself before the throne.
A young mother clad in little more than rags bowed back at her, clutching a babe to her breast. A once sickly child that she'd healed. Wild Magic was powerful. It could heal as easily as it could hurt. And what she could not heal...well. She had Naruto for that. Without warning, her mind betrayed her and for fleeting moment she recalled the old corpse she'd seen back at the altar. Salem shivered a little at the memory. They'd been too late to help that poor wretch. But she'd saved this one. Surely that had to count for something.
"You will be given food, clothing, and shelter here until such a time as you have recovered or developed a skill." she said to the new mother. "None shall harm you."
The peasant woman babbled her thanks curtsied once, then made to leave.
Salem frowned after her. "Hold. I would ask you a question."
Her supplicant paused. Poor thing. So afraid. Everyone was always afraid of her. Some still called her Forsaken. Others spat at Naruto when they saw him by her side. The insults he received proved themselves far more visceral by far. Kingslayer, Oathbreaker, Man Without Honor. How silly. Naruto had more honor than anyone else! And what oaths had he broken? Was he a betrayer for killing humans? For slaughtering those who would do her harm? She thought not.
She didn't understand the first bit either. What king? Naruto had killed no king that she knew of. Really, humans were such silly creatures.
It didn't stop them coming to ask boons of the Grimmlands. Time and time again the God of Darkness gave his kindness freely, generous with his boons. And why wouldn't he be? He was delighted to have followers. When he wasn't about, they acted in his name. Maybe it was time she started asking something of her own.
"Your child." She spoke at length. "What is her name?"
The mother seemed a bit taken aback at that and flushed behind her dark hair.
"I've not named her my lady." her voice had a rather pleasant accent. "Beggin' your pardon, but I was afraid she wouldn't survive the journey...
Despite her best efforts, Salem found herself wincing. A child without a name was a woeful thing indeed. She'd nearly been one herself. What was a life without a name? Even a poor one might doom someone to a life of misery and bullying. She'd never suffered the latter, but she'd seen enough of it from afar. On a whim, she decided to be altruistic.
"And what is your name?"
Another clumsy curtsy. "Autumn, m'lady."
"My lady." Salem corrected her. "If you're going to live in my castle, you will speak proper." a faint smile touched her lips. "Properly."
"Y-Yes." Autumn hiccuped a little. "Of course...my lady."
"And does the child have a father?"
...none that I wish to speak of."
Oh, dear.
"He was a wastrel." beneath her burning gaze, the young woman -more a girl, really- was quick to recant her previous statement and even clarify it. "Ran off as soon as I had a bun in the oven, he did." her little shoulders hunched in a bit as she tried to make herself small. "M'parents threw me out after. Said I was a disgrace."
Naruto made an understanding noise behind her.
A faint thorn of guilt tugged at Salem's heart anew as she regarded the baby in the woman's arms. Autumn was but a single parent then with no means to her name. Small wonder she'd risked herself to come this far. She had no other options.
"Since you failed to name her, I shall." she rose from her throne and descended the dais at a sedate pace. "May I see her?"
Behind her, the guards bristled, no doubt flabbergasted by her kindness. Piss on them. This was her castle and she would do as she pleased. Naruto would bash them about their heads if they got uppity.
Credit where it was due, the woman didn't falter. There was undoubtedly fear in her eyes to be sure, yet she stood tall. Even when Salem reached a pale hand out she didn't falter. Pallid fingers peeled back the cloth to get a better look at the infant. Bright little eyes stared back at her, set in a pudgy little face with wisps of dark hair. There was something about those eyes. They almost looked...silver. No, surely it was nothing.
"Rose." The name came to her almost immediately. "Her name will be Rose. May she live a long life."
Autumn lit up.
"Rose." she cooed down at the child in her arms. "My little Rose...
The infant burbled happily.
Salem felt her heart twitch again, for an altogether reason. So small. So adorable. So...cute! She wanted one. No! Bad brain! Resist!
"Go in peace then, Rose."
She turned and ascended the steps once more, lowering herself languidly back into the throne. Like any monarch she held the position until Autumn was away with her child.
Only once those mighty doors closed did she dare to relax. Her shoulders slumped and a small sigh escaped her.
There. She'd done her good deed for the day. Naruto would be proud.
"No more for today." she muttered at a guard. "I'm tired."
Exhausted, more like. Her magic was growing restless after being used for so long. She felt a Surge coming again, and she was never in the best of moods after one of those. Life in the Grimmlands was certainly something. She felt stronger here, more powerful here, yet even she had her limits. Still she had a guardian, a fine knight who would never let her come to harm.
'Heh.' a small part of her preened. 'Mine.'
She grinned a little in a rare moment of girlishness, legs swaying over the edge of her chair as she took a rare moment to back. She had a castle now! Her very own domain. Naruto was her knight. Hers and hers alone, forever and ever. Perhaps that was a child's way of thinking, but at the end of the day she was still very much a child at heart, due in no small part to her stilted upbringing. She knew of no other way to think.
Things were fine as they were.
She didn't want them to change, not now, nor ever. If she just kept quiet and pushed this feeling down then surely it would go away...wouldn't it? He'd raised her from childhood, yet she was hardly a child anymore. She was nearly a woman now. She was beginning to notice things. Things she hadn't.
Rather pleasant things...
"You're bored."
Salem jumped a little as Naruto materialized beside her. Speak of the devil.
"Aren't you?" she managed.
"A little." he shrugged. "I've only dealt with five assassins this year. God of Light's not very subtle."
Perhaps not.
"I've been thinking about that." her fingers drummed against black stone of her throne, "Maybe its just that. His followers. Not him. If he wanted to confront us directly, surely he'd do so." a brow quirked, allowing her to continue. "His brother had no qualms with answering you when you called to him. If the God of Light truly wished me dead, I would be dead." It galled her to admit it, but there it was. The truth. "We can't fight a god."
"We can if I have anything to say about it."
She smiled a bit, even as his grin made her falter. Salem couldn't help herself. She started laughing. It would all work out. She just knew it. Nothing could go wrong. She refused. She wouldn't allow it. This was her life. Her fate. She would not lose it. She refused!
...can we be alone for a bit?" she tugged at his hand, fingers curling around his. "I want to get away from this. Just like old times."
He favored her with an impish grin, and she knew at once he was up to something. "As my queen commands."
Salem sputtered. "Stop that! I'm no queen! Certainly not to you!"
"Yes, my queen!" Naruto's grin grew. "At once, my queen!"
"Daddy!" She wailed in embarrassment! "Stop that!"
(.0.0.0.)
The King in the Tower gazed upon his men.
"You will retrieve my daughter and bring her to me."
As one the trio before him saluted sharply. "Your will be done, sire."
In the end, it was about sending a message. She thought herself untouchable.
She was not.
(.0.0.0.)
The very next morning, someone new came to court.
No, not merely some stray peasant. A Knight.
Nor the sort she was used to, either!
Salem frowned down at him from her throne as she gazed upon this striking young man with dark skin, messy brown hair, and almond-colored eyes. Clad in a blue-green tunic with a tan undershirt, an azure cape and black trousers with brown boots. Both his tunic and cape were outlined with golden markings. Over this, he wore mighty metal armor held by strange belts and straps. The armor itself was etched with ornamental patterns that she couldn't comprehend. Were those runes of some sort, strange spells she'd never seen?
"Who are you?"
Whoever he was, he was bold; because he walked right up to her throne and knelt before her.
"I have heard tell of your beauty and wisdom, oh fair Maiden." He knelt before her and took her hand, then raised it to his lips. "My name is Ozma. A pleasure to meet you."
Salem blinked rapidly, not quite comprehending what just happened.
"The pleasure is mine...?"
Panic! Her mind flailed for answers and found none. Frantic, she turned in search of Naruto and found him at her elbow was always. His smile was nowhere to be seen; indeed his very face looked like it was carved from granite itself. There could be no denying the tightness around his eyes.
Was he...jealous?
It stirred something in her.
Perhaps that was petty of her to think thus.
He'd shown no inclination to act as anything other than her parent thus far, and she was loathe to force the issue. A strange thought stirred in the back of her mind. Maybe it was time to find some happiness for herself. Perhaps this strange knight would yet fill the hole left in her heart...
Something had to.
Something surely would.
Something must, if only because she couldn't live like this.
(.0.0.0.)
They came for her in the dead of night.
Slipping in through a window like the wretched warriors they were, three men stole over the bedroom threshold with intent, shrouded by black cloth and darker magics. As one body and one mind they crept forth across the carpeted floor of her inner chambers. They knew their target was here; indeed, they had been paid well to ensure her safe return. Their mission was not to kill, but to capture; Each had been selected for skill and stealth and above all, their fanaticism. They were loyal. Unfalteringly so. Nothing could sway their devotion unto their King.
Keen eyes flashed in the gloom. There.
They found a dark shape in a large bed, shrouded by pale curtains. Wrapped in thin silken sheets against the summer hear, a woman lay sprawled out across many pillows. Her pale skin, rimmed with red veins, told her all they needed to know. Their leader flicked a hand forward and two separated, moving to flank the bed from either side. He himself stalked forward, slipping through the curtains to approach her bed. Thunder rippled just outside, muffling their footsteps as they crept closer.
The King in the Tower desired his daughter's return. And so it would be done-
Red eyes snapped open.
"Nice try."
A pale fist slammed into the man's chest with a bone-crushing crunch, found his heart and ripped it from his torso. His body toppled forward, bleeding all over her sheets. He didn't even realize he was dead. Salem kicked his corpse away and jolted forward, hitting the floor at a tumble. Strangely enough, she felt no fear. Only elation. Finally! Some action!
She heard an agonizing splat as Naruto caught the second and tore him apart.
The third met her halfway, slashing wildly with crazed eyes.
"For the King in the Broken Tower!"
Something still in her soul.
He never made it.
His blade barely came within an inch of Salem; her magic surged and engulfed him in flames. Her would-be kidnapper pitched backward with a yowl and clawed furiously at himself, to no avail. The inferno was relentless; it clung to him like the cloth he wore, shriveling his skin, sapping the very life from his bones. He thrashed to the floor and tried to roll in a desperate attempt to quell the blaze. Once again, he failed.
"You don't seem to understand." she hummed as the poor man writhed beneath her spellfire. "This life isn't yours to take. Its mine. Take this message to your Master...
Her victim twitched once and lay still.
"Oh, well." she shrugged. "I'll do it myself, then."
Naruto drew up beside her, idly patting himself down. "You alright?"
"Yes, yes," she waved him away, still drunk on what she'd experienced. "I'm quite...fine...
Lightning flashed outside and Salem saw him; truly saw him for the first time that evening. He looked absolutely resplendent in the light of the night, blood spattering his face, his eyes wild and red as his body glowed seven shades of gold. He was the light to her dark. He completed her. Her heart did a little flip in her chest as she realized he was wearing little more than a night-shirt and breeches beneath that cloak. All that taut skin beneath. All that lean muscle. He must've been asleep when he heard the noise. And yet he'd come running regardless. Without thought. Without hesitation.
Salem's blood sang. Her body ached. Her magic surged.
And something gave way within her.
...I love you."
Those words burst from her before she could think to hold them back and damned her. She cursed herself immediately. Lighting crackled across the sky outside, spilling light into the room. Three little words. A simple set of syllables. And yet they changed everything.
Naruto blinked, somewhat baffled. "Thanks, I love you too."
"No," she pressed closer to him. "You don't understand. I . Love. You."
She watched the comprehension break in his eyes like the dawn. "I...you can't do that."
"Why not?"
Her was lying to himself. Fighting it. She heard it in his words, felt the beat of hesitation even as her poor heart twisted. It wasn't disgust that stayed his hand. He thought this was wrong. Perhaps it was. Perhaps she was wrong. Perhaps she was the wretched one here, trying to seduce him as she was. He'd all but raised her after all. And yet these feelings had persisted over the years and grown into something more.
Something that couldn't be denied.
No, rather, it would be denied no longer.
"Please don't be this way." she grasped at his jacked and buried her head into his chest. "I'm not a little girl anymore." all her repressed emotions came bubbling, all the feelings of nearly a decade burst forward and there was nothing she could do to hold them back. "I love you. I want you!"
Naruto didn't answer.
"It was you." she cupped his cheek. "It was always you. Its always been you."
"..." Rather than reply, Naruto held his tongue.
"W-Well? Say something!"
"..." Not a word.
This wasn't happening. "I don't understand. Why won't you answer me?!"
"..."
Salem felt her voice warble."Surely we can at least try...?"
He looked away and found his voice at last. "Salem, this isn't right-
Her lips met his and he recoiled explosively. Something akin to anger flashed across his face.
"Please." she pounced and kissed him again before he could speak. "I'm begging you. I've never asked for anything from you." her body met his, pushing him into a wall, "Not once. Not a thing. Not ever. Just try. For me...?"
Fear reared its ugly head in her heart. He wouldn't reject her. He couldn't reject her. Just the thought of it threatened to paralyze it; it would be the darkest of betrayals and she wasn't sure her heart could handle it. Were he to push her away now...her very soul would fracture. Break. Shatter into a thousand pieces.
"Is there someone else?" surely she would have noticed. Surely! Had she been blind? Had she missed someone?!
"No." his words were a croak. "There isn't."
His words relieved her and terrified her in the same instant. Then what was the problem?! If there was no one else, why refute her so!
"Would you rather I be with someone like Ozma?!
He looked away. "It might be better for ya in the long run."
"I don't want better!" she flung up her arms. "I want you!" her hands closed around his, reeling him back in. "The man who saved me." pale fingers guided his hand to her breasts. "The man who raised me, taught me what it means to live...everything! I want all of you! I am your devil. You made me. Now take responsibility, damnit!"
She stood on the very tips of her toes and pressed her lips to his.
Lightning flashed through the night, illuminating them both.
For better or worse, Naruto made his decision.
A/N: But what decision did dear Naruto make?
Suppose that depends on the reviews, no?
Time will tell what the final pairing is.
And there we go. Looking forward to your feedback/chatting with you all! No review is too large or too small! Thank you all! By all means, speak up! Make yourself heard!
And so passes Year Seven. Next comes Year Nine.
I'm still genuinely shocked by the amount of reviews this story has received; looking forward to reading through your feedback when I get back from work. Well, until then! I'll talk with you later!
Once more, Reviews help keep me going, truly, they do. Every bit helps! Speak up! Make yourself heard!
So In the Immortal Words of Altas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
(Preview)
The God of Darkness leaned back. "Perhaps you are right."
A most unexpected surprise, but a welcome one!
Naruto blinked. "Eh?"
"My brother has become a nuisance." he reclined in his pool of darkness with a put upon sigh. "His ways are old. Stagnant." that horned head looked up, regarding the starry sky high above. "Perhaps a fresh perspective is needed. I would not object if someone were to...take his place."
"Y'know, you're a pretty cool guy."
His faceless visage tilted. "I do not understand the meaning of this world "cool" you speak of. What does it entail?"
The God of Light frowned.
"I will not be betrayed. When this is over, I will have you answer for this, Brother."
"You're not her Father. You didn't raise her. You locked her way."
"If I have to choose between a life without the man who raised me and oblivion...
...well. What did you think I would choose, you silly little man?
He is the last reason for me to tolerate human life."
R&R~!