The Queen of the Amazon had never felt so hapless in her entire life. She knew her precious daughters were returning home and they would demand answers from her. She nursed her throbbing temples, anxiousness beating in her chest.
A few months ago, she was visited by an ungodly being who called himself the Spectre, a living embodiment of the Almighty's Wrath. He demanded Hippolyta to have her daughter assassinate Naruto Uzumaki, a man she had never heard about. He threatened to lay waste to Themyscira if she didn't comply. When she called his bluff, he snapped his fingers and Themyscira sunk into the treacherous sea.
Hippolyta witnessed the Spectre bended time to his bidding and undo the destruction he had wrought.
Jim Corrigan was inconceivably dangerous.
When news came that Donna and Diana failed their mission, the Spectre visited her again in her chambers.
"Have you heard?" Jim's expression was inscrutable as he peered at the moonlit sky.
"I apologise on the behalf of my daughters." Hippolyta gritted her teeth. "You are all powerful, are you not? Why do you need my daughters to risk their lives to kill something that is far beyond their reach? Why don't you dirty your hands and -"
Jim seized Hippolyta's throat, a dangerous glint shone in his burning green eyes. "Do not test my patience, Hippolyta. Your insolence grates on me."
Hippolyta was unwavering, her eyes unflinching and filled with hot rage. "Y-You don't scare me."
Tightening his chokehold, Jim snickered cruelly as Hippolyta was clawing at her neck, struggling to catch a breath. "I like strong woman like you. A warrior in spirit and body. But my admiration for your courage is diffused by your impudence."
"I…I will not let you hurt my daughters."
The Spectre grinned, releasing his chokehold while he was at it.
Hippolyta gasped for air, her eyes were burning holes at Jim. He reciprocated by shooting a wink of amusement at her, fuelling her bottomless anger in the process. She straightened herself, her shoulders tightened. "I know your kind. You use fear to control people. To win people's hearts. Manipulate them to do your bidding. I'm sorry, but fear does not work on me."
"Even Achilles was only as strong as his heels." Jim clicked his tongue disapprovingly. The Queen of the Amazon felt small in this being's presence and she hated it. "Fear is fundamental. It has worked since ancient times, it still work well even today. You will respect it."
"I don't submit to terror." Hippolyta stood her grounds. "Much less respect it."
"Sure you will. They always do." Jim stalked towards the Queen and was grinning madly with glee when she took retreating steps away from him. "I made the terror, Hippolyta. Terror that is unreal. Raw… Brutal… Total. Terror that makes people waver in their beliefs. Terror that turns even a saint into a sinner. I am able to do so because I leverage on one thing and only one thing."
Jim's eyes were in flames. "Fear."
Hippolyta swallowed her consternation when she was backed to a wall, caged by Jim's hands. "Now, you will not reveal our… session to your daughters. They shall never know of this."
"Why should I listen to you?" She tried to muster a strong façade, but her weak voice betrayed her.
"Do you want to know a secret?" Jim gazed dangerously at Hippolyta and leaned to her ear, whispering. "I was the one who convinced Zeus not to murder Heracles for what he did to you, Hippolyta."
Hippolyta's eyes widened fearfully. "Y-You…"
"I was the one who convinced Hera to bless your people with immortality." Jim's lips curved, his aura vile and pure evil. He was the very reason why Hippolyta loathed men. "You see, I am a man who will turn over the table if I don't like how it is set. As a jack of all trades, I am very good at persuading people too. But most of all, I am very good at making things… disappear. Your island for example. I can toss it into the sun. I also have a very vivid imagination too, you know? Your people? I can turn them into walking sunflowers."
He traced his fingers down Hippolyta's neck, appreciating her plum lips. "I hope I make things clear for you. I don't negotiate. You will keep your mouth shut and forget any of this ever happen. Because if you don't…"
His tone went dark and deep. "I swear… I will never, ever forgive you."
Jim narrowed his eyes. "Are we clear?"
It was nothing less than an order.
He demanded absolute obedience and he expected the queen to be subservient.
Hippolyta averted her gaze and balled her fists.
"Are you expecting me to twiddle with my thumb until I receive your consent? Do not make the mistake of thinking your time is as valuable as mine." Jim growled. "Speak when you're spoken to!"
"…yes."
The Spectre leaned in and kissed the trembling Hippolyta's forehead. "I'm happy that we have reached an agreement. Now, when Diana come to you, tell her that it is the Gods' decree that Naruto Uzumaki is dead."
"I…"
"That's all you need to say. Simple, easy." Jim spun around and marched towards the window. Hippolyta felt her breath hitched when he stopped in his stride and turned to her, his hawk-like gaze was glazed with lethal focus. "And Hippolyta… remember well. I have zero tolerance for betrayal."
As Jim's frame vanished into a swirl of green smoke, Hippolyta collapsed into her knees, her frame shaking in consternation.
"Alright, you have two options, my boy. You either screw her brains out right here, right now or you bring her to your bed for sexy time. Both options sound great actually." Kurama snickered. "My boy is finally growing up!"
Naruto's form erupted into a puff of smoke, startling Grail. The blond delivered a swift chop to the back of her neck, knocking her out in the process. Her limp body fell into his embrace.
"Or you can be a wanker and do that."
Naruto sighed and lifted her up, one hand under her knees and the other behind her back. "I'm not gonna take advantage of her when she's not even in her right mind. That is not what I am."
"So you will take advantage of her if she is in her right mind? Is that what you are?"
Naruto groaned. "Will you shove that perverted thoughts up your arse? What are you? A teen with high influx of hormones?"
"Hey, I'm not the one who can use his eyes to friggin' trap everybody in this planet in an eternal illusion or summon a goddamn asteroid down to earth to bring the apocalypse, but noooooooo… you just can't use it to seehow much she loves you. She was sending you so much hints and all you do is ignore it like a blockhead that you are. You didn't even know she has feelings for you all this time! This is like the Hinata fiasco all over again, you donkey! You wanna know something? I bet my ass Grail has wet dreams about you every night. Hell, she probably touches herself -"
Kurama's venting became ranting and Naruto had to interject. "I'm shutting you up."
He went to his bed and gently dropped Grail on the mattress. Covering her modesty with a towel, Naruto grasped her wrist and sat at her bedside, analysing the turbulent energy rampaging in her system. He tucked a lock of raven hair over her ear, running his fingers across Grail's cheekbones. Malevolence was practically emanating from her body.
"This is the Anti-Life Equation, boy."
"Darkseid manipulated Grail and Donna?" Naruto clenched his jaw. "This is one whole mountain of cluster-fluck."
"Cluster-fuck indeed." Kurama let out a heavy sigh. "At this rate, the Anti-Life Equation will destroy her mind. You may be a grandmaster in seals, but the Anti-Life Equation is far beyond your comprehension. It was created by God to balance the universe. When there is light, so must there be darkness. Knowing the formula is not enough to undo its damage. You need to twist and rewrite the words of God to return everything back to normal. That takes centuries, boy."
"We don't have centuries, Kurama."
"I'm sorry."
"Damn it!" Naruto stood up, his hands on his waist as he paced around in his bedroom. "I will go to Apokolips."
"And demand Darkseid to stop his daughter from becoming the very thing he wants her to be?"
"Perhaps I can help."
Naruto snivelled to Jim Corrigan, his eyes were blazing in fury. "What the fuck are you doing here?"
"Hey!" Jim raised his hands in a surrender notion. "Language, mate."
"Answer the goddamn question!"
"I can help your beloved Grail."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, scrutinising Jim's possible ulterior motive. Every fibre of his being was screaming at him about how dangerous Jim was. Monsters like Madara and Kaguya didn't even make his legs weak, but a staring contest with Jim Corrigan was worse than a showdown with the Devil himself. "You are not that charitable, are you not? And how do you even know about Grail's condition."
"Oh, come on." Jim's smile bore a hint of mockery as he looked at Naruto as if he could see the darkest depth of his soul. "Let's cut the act, will ya? I know you know who or what I am."
With open arms, Jim beamed at the wary blond. "I am the Spectre."
"You mistook me for someone who cares." Naruto glowered.
"Maybe, maybe not." Stroking his chin, Jim glanced down at the unconscious form of Grail. "She is not infected by the Anti-Life Equation, if that's what you're thinking."
"What are you talking about? She's -"
"She is the Anti-Life Equation." Jim said coolly.
Naruto was gaping incredulously at the man before him. "What?"
"I can help her." Jim offered, a solemn scowl plastered on his features. "But it is like you said. I am not a charity case."
"You want me to join your hospital."
Jim grinned, his eyes flared with triumph. "I'll throw in Grail's scholarship into the package too. The same deal Diana came to you with. Sounds good?"
Naruto grunted. The offer was too good to be true, but the cost was too high to bear too. He didn't want to be involved in the web of lies and deceit crafted by an insidious nutter like Jim, but he couldn't afford to lose Grail either. He picked up Grail's hand, his thumb affectionately rubbing her wrist bone. He hated mystery like this. He could only wait, speculate, and be useless altogether.
"Time is clicking." Jim's expression was hard to read in the dark, but Naruto could detect the amusement in his voice. Jim has laid his chips on the table, or did he? Naruto was a man who paid more attention to the fine print than the noises, it spoke volumes of the selling price. Jim had him cornered, his generosity was in every way a symbol of his power. For Grail's sake, he would dance the Lambada with the Spectre.
"Do it." Naruto murmured wearily.
Jim's lips quirked up a half smile. "Very well then."
Placing his hand over Grail's forehead, Jim channelled divine energy in her body. Things escalated from zero to sixty. Grail's eyes flew open, her mouth spew out a blinding white light that led Naruto to shield his eyes with his hand. A deafening screech rattled in the air and thousands of horns blared to the night sky, as if signalling the end of the world. When a ripple of shockwave blast out of the room, causing a blackout to nearby towns, the earth went deathly quiet.
Sunshine poured through Kara's window, flooding the room with a morning glow. Kara did her morning routine, put on an oversized flannel shirt, and went to the kitchen. She was surprised to see a plate of pancakes, muffins, scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages, and delicious bacons waiting for her. She almost broke into a giggle when she spotted Naruto grooving to the radio's music.
"Oh, you're up!"
Kara was rubbing her hand, salivating at the sight before her. "I have never seen food like this before. I rarely ate cooked food, to be honest."
Arching a brow, Naruto stirred the pot of porridge with a ladle. "Why?"
"In Krypton, my parents developed a pill that contain the necessary nutrients, calories, proteins, and carbohydrates for daily consumptions. We don't really need to eat anything." Kara sighed and sat down, smiling as the aroma of grilled bacon lingered in the air.
"That sounds… sad." Naruto took a taste of his porridge, nodded in satisfaction, and poured a trinket of pepper on it. "I mean, one of the best thing in life is eating."
"I guess." Kara picked up her fork, stabbed one of her chicken sausage, and took a bite. She almost squealed when the taste hit her. "This is so good. Is Grail coming down? She should try this!"
"She's sick." Naruto wiped his hands on his apron and sat across the Kryptonian, his expression unreadable.
"Grail is sick? What happened?" Her face contorted into one of concern and shock.
Naruto waved a dismissive hand. "Flu, I think. I cooked porridge for her."
Kara smiled. "It must be great to have you taking care of her."
"I will be doing the same for you if you're sick." Naruto grinned, wiping off the bread crumb beside her lips.
At that, the Kryptonian flushed. "I'm super, Naruto. I don't think I'm capable of being sick. I might be the one taking care of you if you're down with the flu."
"Heh." Naruto chuckled and gave her a mock bow. "I'm in your care then, doctor."
Kara giggled heartily. "Anyway, I was thinking of finding a job."
The blond raised his brow. "You don't like working for me?"
"No! No, of course not!" Kara waved her hand in a hysteria fit. "I love working in the clinic. Grail is so nice to me. Everything is wonderful." She shook her head and beamed. "But I want to explore this world a bit. You have done so much for me. I would like to depend on myself. Stand on my own two feet, you know? Get to know this world better in my own way and find a purpose for myself."
"I see." Naruto took a bite from his toast, nodding at Kara's determination. It's admirable. "Just don't accidentally kill someone with your super strength, yeah?"
Kara giggled.
"I'm shutting down the clinic, Kara."
Kara's mouth pursed. "You're shutting down the clinic? Why? Is it because of me?"
Naruto chuckled, amused by Kara's bubbliness. "It's not because of you. I've decided to work in a hospital."
"Oh. You're taking up that scary woman's offer?"
Naruto laughed. "Yeah, something like that. Getting a job outside is good for you. Make some new friends. Know the neighbourhood a little better. It's a great idea."
"Really?" She smiled cheerfully.
"Yeah." The blond gave her an assuring smile. "Anyway, I got something to sort out before I go to the hospital. Can you -" He eyed the plates suggestively on the table.
"I'll do the dishes. No sweat." Kara smiled toothily.
She could get use to this.
Apokolips was the sanctuary of the Dark God, Darkseid. A ruthless despot, Darkseid's reign was that of oppression. Those who defied him were met with brutal deaths, no exceptions. With battalions of ferocious Parademons under his hegemony, Darkseid was above reproach and he feared nothing, his strength insurmountable and his notoriety was a force to be reckoned with, but Naruto did not care.
It wasn't the first time Naruto had ventured into Apokolips; he had cast a seal onto the hellish realm to serve as a linchpin for him to gain access if situations demanded. He ambled surreptitiously towards the fortress of Darkseid's lair and noticed an acquaintance at the zenith of a guard tower in his peripheral. Frankly, he wouldn't go so far as to say they were acquaintance, but over time, he had come to respect the Chief Guardswoman, Big Barda.
Morphing into the shadows, Naruto slithered his way to a nearby Parademon. Manifesting his frame behind the armed fiend, he seized its head and gave it a violent twist, snapping the poor sap's neck with cold efficiency. Naruto glared at the corpse of his victim and blinked; the body burst into black fire, reduced almost instantly into ashes, leaving no traces of its existence.
A blade, black as night, slid out from his sleeves as he spotted a Parademon approaching his way. He leaned against the wall and waited, his eyes narrowed and calculative. When the Parademon made a sharp turn around the corner, it didn't even had the chance to retaliate as it was slammed to the floor, a blade was plunged straight up its jaw through to its brain.
Naruto clamped his hand over its mouth, ensuring its last struggle went unheard. His eyes – fierce, murderous, furious - gazed into the horrified eyes of the Parademon, its form sagged soon after. With a snap of his fingers, the corpse was lit up on unholy black flames. Naruto peered up, his form dissipated into smoke and like a wraith, he phased into steel and concrete, homing for his target.
The blond emerged from the darkness and posed his blade on the nape of Barda's neck, his voice devoid of life. "It has been a while, Barda."
Barda's breath hitched and her blood went cold. "Uzumaki?"
"You look great today, Barda. You did your hair?"
Swallowing her trepidation, she remained rigid. "I'm sure you didn't come all the way to Apokolips just to have a chit-chat with me about my hair."
"Why don't you take a break from duty?" It wasn't a question. The Naruto Uzumaki she knew was a man of conviction and sheer will, someone who would make everything die in his wake if it justified his cause. It was nothing sort of a miracle that she survived her encounter with Naruto's rampage all those years ago. That dreadful war had scarred her for life. She was ashamed to admit it, but the elite guardswoman of Darkseid was rooted fearfully to her spot.
Barda knew very well Naruto was offering her an opportunity to live, an act of magnanimity that he rarely offered. "B-But…"
The temperature in the room went down dramatically. "But?"
This was not how Barda envisioned her death to be. There were no honour, no gratification, no great battle to indulge, just meaningless death. She didn't want to be squashed like a bug. Barda dared not mistake Naruto's generosity for mercy. The massacre – No, the genocide he had wrought during the bloody war not so long ago proved one thing: Naruto knew not about mercy.
Heaving out a heavy sigh, she regained her composure and loosened her shoulders. She would not look a gift horse in the mouth. "I guess I have to go back to my bunk to retrieve my helmet."
She turned around, glancing at the blond longer than she should. "Do you want me to call off the guards for you?"
"It won't be necessary." Naruto smiled, sending a chill crawling up Barda's spine. She knew very well Naruto was more than capable of slaughtering his way to Darkseid and come back unscathed. She felt her legs went weak. "You should let your hair down. It would make you even more beautiful than you already are. Good day, Barda."
When Granny Goodness had returned from her mission, Darkseid was zest, a side of him that not many people had the fortune to witness. His fingers drummed anxiously at the armrest of his throne, eager to hear the report.
"Milord." Granny Goodness bowed.
"How is my daughter?"
"She is well." Granny Goodness glanced up, a dark smirk found its way to her face. "I have taken the liberty to ensure she mates with Naruto Uzumaki."
At that, Darkseid scowled. "Your mission is to watch over her."
"It is for the greater cause, milord." Granny Goodness reasoned hastily; she could discern a subtle hint of Darkseid's rage creeping from his voice. "If her highness mates with Naruto Uzumaki, she is bound to him and him to her. If that's the case, once she is married to Naruto Uzumaki, he is bound to you too. You will earn yourself the harbinger of destruction under your arsenal. In fact, we already have something going for us."
Darkseid would have raised a brow if he had one.
Flailing her hands, Granny Goodness cackled. "Naruto Uzumaki loves her highness."
"Oh?" Stroking his chin, the Dark God snickered. "That is fantastic."
"All we have to do is -"
The wall was sheared away by a violent wind, sending tremors that shook Darkseid's stronghold to its core. Darkseid kept his composure, his rage bare contained within him. Naruto appeared as if a mighty archangel of the Lord had come to judge the nefarious and corrupt, with condescending eyes gazing down upon Darkseid and his legion.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Darkseid drawled. "The man. The myth. The legend."
"I demand -"
"Nothing!" The dark god interjected. "You demand nothing! This is Apokolips! This is my kingdom! Mine and mine alone! Your reputation means nothing on this very soil."
"You have no idea, Darkseid." Naruto's cruel grin played about his lips. "You have no idea what it's like to be born nothing, have nothing, be nothing, and then burn your hands whenever you try to do something."
"Why are you here? Trying to play God?" Darkseid scoffed. "Laughable. You are just a monster who charades as a god."
Naruto remained afloat in the air, chagrin smeared his face. "God? Me?"
Cold fury coursed through Naruto's veins, his eyes reeking of pure hate as he glowered at a nonchalant Darkseid. The platoon of Parademons guarding their master were mindless beasts, shackled to a cruel and narcissistic ruler. He pitied them, he truly did. He turned to Darkseid and shook his head. "I am no God, for He is love. He will forgive, but I will not."
"Forgive? Me? What audacity." Darkseid stood up from his throne, his hands behind his back. "You are in no position to forgive."
Naruto descended and landed right before Darkseid, his expression dauntless and his eyes aloof, as if the dark god posed no threat to him. Granny Goodness couldn't fathom their moods; if a battle were to break out between those two heavyweights, there would only be catastrophe. "I am in every position to forgive and punish, my man."
Darkseid made a moue of contempt. "Do you know why I find you ludicrously naïve? A murderer seeking redemption. You are unredeemable, Naruto. Do you really think your past can be forgotten? Can you really keep on pretending like nothing had happened? Do you lie to yourself, believing that what you did has no sway over your future? No. We are rewarded for our misdeeds. God took Grail away from me. The only heir of my throne who is truly worthy. The heir that I aspire to have. Instead, he gave me three worthless sons. As for you…"
Red shone dangerously in Darkseid's eyes. "Well, God took everything you ever cherished away from you. You live the rest of your immortality as a pained soul. Do you understand now? Our lives affect this universe. We are cursed, you and I."
"I'm not here to talk about our lives." Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"Oh?" Darkseid feigned innocence. "You're not? Then why are you here?"
"Stay away from Grail."
Darkseid almost guffawed, then his laughter was replaced with an infuriated scowl. "I am her father!"
"You forfeited your right to be her father the day you abandoned her."
"I did what I have to in order to make her strong!" Darkseid bellowed, raw rage was fuelling him with unspeakable power.
"You let her watch her own mother died!" Naruto's roared shattered all the windows panelling the enormous throne room.
"You think you can come to my realm and lecture me about parenting?" It was then an epiphany came to Darkseid. There could no false steps now. Darkseid may be powerful, but his unwavering desire to achieve absolute power through any means necessary was what made him the conqueror he was today. The higher up the path to power, the more treacherous the path. "What are you to her?"
Naruto glared at Darkseid. He knew about the dark god's fondness to play mind games with his adversary. Tyrants like Darkseid would always exist in this universe to herald evil upon the innocent, but men like Naruto would never yield before despotism. Darkseid was nothing more than a provincial and petty warlord to Naruto. "Someone who cares about her."
"You love her?"
"Don't talk about love as if you know anything about it." Naruto spat. "You know nothing."
"The fact that you refuse to answer my questions confirm my suspicions." Darkseid stroked his chin, his eyes triumphant. "How curious."
Naruto gritted his teeth. He knew the dark god had him in his cross hairs. "Is this what it is? Conquest?"
"It has always been about conquest."
He took a step forward, glaring eye to eye with Darkseid. There was no longer compassion in his voice, but cold, lethal fury laced in his tone. "You can go after me all you want, but you go after Grail, I'll slit your fucking throat right in front of your servants."
"Is that a threat?" The Omega Effect was blazing in Darkseid's eyes.
"You haven't seen threat yet." Naruto grinned. "Go on. Test me. Shoot those lasers out. Try and kill me. See what happens."
Darkseid was seething. The aggravating blond got the nerve to instigate a war with him. Darkseid was strong, but not unwise. He knew not to start a war he couldn't win. The Omega Effect died down and Darkseid grudgingly conceded.
"I thought so."
With a flick of his wrist, Naruto vanished. Darkseid couldn't contain his rage any longer and he unleashed the menacing Omega Beams, vaporising his throne in the process. "That imbecile!"
"Calm down, milord." Granny Goodness grinned. "Our plan is going very well."
Darkseid grunted. "Plan?"
"Naruto Uzumaki has proven to us that he loves her highness unconditionally. The seed has been planted, milord." Granny Goodness cackled. "It won't be long before he succumbs to her highness's beauty and become your loyal soldier. All you need is patience."
Naruto brought his bike to a screeching stop and switched off the ignition. Removing his helmet, he glanced at the architecture marvel that was Paragon Manhattan Hospital. It looked more like a thirty-storey grand hotel than a healthcare facility. He was kicked out from his daze when a valet approached him. "Sir, you can't park here. It's reserved for Doctor Uzumaki."
Flashing out his doctor's ID badge, Naruto smirked. "I am Doctor Uzumaki."
The valet bowed apologetically, much to Naruto's surprise. "Oi, it's cool. Don't bow, it's weird. Here." Rummaging his back pocket, Naruto shoved a twenty dollar tip to the valet. "Please take care of my baby, yeah?"
"I will sir." The valet nodded fervently.
Naruto chuckled, gave the valet a light pat on the shoulder, and glanced his environment. It was like a supercar convention going on; doctors and wealth are synergy apparently. He strolled to the lobby of the hospital, which was all glass, steel and white sandstone, designed to be intimidating and comforting at the same time. He was approached by a redhead in a well-cut navy blue suit, a great contrast to the plethora of doctors roaming in white coat.
"I am Imogen, the CEO's secretary. He is expecting you." Naruto gave her an appraising look; she was groomed, attractive, a pleasant smile, immaculate. He knew what Imogen was. An angel of the Lord and Heaven's war machine. Naruto raised a brow and surveyed the lobby; it was heavily protected by angels in black. The average Joes wouldn't be able to see their halos, but it was clear as day to him.
"This way sir."
Naruto offered a kind smile and nodded, following Imogen to the elevator.
When the door to the lift opened, he gaped at who he saw. "Circe?"
"Oh my." Circe was otherworldly beautiful, her magenta hair curled perfectly down to her waist and her bewitching crimson eyes could captivate any men. Her beauty put any scantily-clad Baywatch babes to shame, which was befitting of her status as the Goddess of Sorcery. She pursed her lips and dropped her Hermes Kelly handbag, startled to see the blond. "Naruto Uzumaki?"
Imogen raised a brow. "You two know each other?"
Circe almost jumped at Naruto, hurling him into her embrace and inhaling his neck with a stifled moan. Naruto reciprocated her affectionate gesture and wrapped his hands around her back; she smelled intoxicating as ever. Their moment was crudely interrupted by a deliberately coughing Imogen, who was manning the elevator door with a peeved expression. "Can we save the unity later?"
Paying no mind to Imogen, Circe coiled her arm around Naruto's elbow and led him into the elevator. "How long has it been, my dear?"
"Ten years." Naruto chuckled light-heartedly. "And you are still as stunning as I first met you."
Circe giggled, her voice sultry and filled with hot innuendos. "So, when are we going to carry on where we left off that night?"
"You remember?" The blond smirked impishly.
"How could I ever forget?" Circe caressed Naruto's cheek and glanced up, her lips curved sensually. "That night in Cuba. The Havana Club we drank. The medium-rare steak we ate. The song we sang."
"Take my breath away, by Berlin." Naruto grinned. "We danced to that song."
"The song from your favourite movie." Circe teased, tapping his nose playfully. "We did more than just singing and dancing, my dear. It was the best night ever for me."
The goddess was eyeing Naruto's lips, her eyes hungry and burning with carnal desire. Her fingers snuck into the gap of his button shirt, exploring his ripped abdominal muscles. An exhilarating shiver ran through her body as she felt his skin. Circe had always been a touchy-feely woman, always curious and physical but never satisfied. A femme fatale at heart. She was a fan of singing, something that entranced the blond to her in the first place.
She peered down at his Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, a sparkle of mischief and joy filmed her red eyes. "You still wear it?"
"You bought it for me." Naruto smiled warmly.
"I should get you a new one." Her fingers traced the worn-out leather, but her eyes lingering at his crotch. "It's old."
Naruto however was confused at the lab coat she was wearing. "Why are you here? Are you a doctor here?"
Tilting her head, she smiled dazzlingly like a seductress, her eyes intense and always impish. "Yes, I am. Mister Corrigan hired me to supervise and lead this hospital's gynaecology."
"And you just say yes to that?" Naruto was in disbelief.
She dug out a Maserati key fob, dangling it between her fingers for the blond to see. "Let's just say he offers great employee benefits."
Naruto sighed. Jim didn't measure his wealth by how much zeroes he had in his bank account, but purchased souls. Sadly, even the Goddess of Sorcery had fell victim to his manipulation.
The elevator door opened to the gynaecology's department floor.
"Let's have dinner tomorrow night. I know a great place downtown. They have live jazz and good food. You can dine me and maybe I can leave you a… gift afterwards if you make me happy." Circe shot the blond a playful wink and gave Naruto's rear a lustful squeeze, much to Imogen's dismay.
Naruto was unflinching, as if it was a normal occurrence to him. He shook his head, clicked his tongue, and chuckled to himself, watching as Circe strode out of the elevator with extra sways to her perfectly curved hip. "Same old Circe. Never even give me a chance to reject her. Guess I have a dinner date tomorrow night then."
Imogen's cheeks was a pink tint. "I suggest you keep your private matters to yourself, Doctor Uzumaki. This is a hospital. A working environment where professionals thrive. It's not a place for your games."
"Got it." Naruto offered a two-finger salute to the uptight angel and gazed at the glowing numerals on the LCD panel. The elevators whispered to a smooth stop and the door slid open.
"You think all these powerful freak-shows working under one roof is a matter of coincidence?"
"Not on your life." Naruto headed out. "By the way, Circe and Diana are working here. They aren't freak-shows. They're my friends."
Kurama giggled lewdly. "Heh… Right. Friends. Cheesy and delusional at the same time. Congratulation, my boy, you just friend-zone yourself. Ya miserable donkey!"
There were two more angels in their signature black suits guarding the front door of an office. Imogen walked briskly to the door, gave it a knock to signal her arrival, and they stepped into the office, which was big enough to sate a man's ego. Jim leaned against his huge modern dark-wood desk, a glass of Lagavulin in his hand. Everything else is white, gold and a hint of green. He smiled and waved at the blond towards the charcoal leather button couch.
Jim turned to Imogen and flicked his wrist. "Leave us be."
It was an instruction so absolute, Imogen had scurried out of the room in a blink of an eye.
Naruto raised a brow. "What's your deal with the angels? This place is infested with them."
"Yes." Jim snickered. "They are loyalists, actually. You see, God… is an absentee Father. When He creates, He doesn't stick around to check on his pet projects. He leaves and make more. He's a dreamer, a greedy one too. He makes so much, yet naively expects everything to compensate and complement each other. Hoping everything to fall into places like it should be."
He took a sip of his whiskey, smiling at the blond. "God realises His creations are not as great as He hopes to be, even when reality has already crept in. You see, He has this ability to block the real world out. Some might call this… insanity. Any who, the boss went MIA and the angels were left with no leader. I came in, shepherded them, promised them what they wanted to hear, and voila! An army of angels at my disposal. Quite handy too."
Jim took a seat at his couch, eyeing the blond predatorily. "So, do you have any question about your new job?"
"Yeah, on any given day, I would have something cute to say about this, but I gotta be honest with you." Naruto grinned, stroking his stubble as he eyed the CEO of the hospital with mischief. "I never thought I would be working in a hospital again, so I never get the opportunity to mentally prepare myself for this alternative, horrifying scenario where I work for a shady man I know nothing about."
Jim snorted. "You make it sound like I'm a shark hungry for blood. I'm flattered, but please, Doctor Uzumaki, I want you to know my intention."
"And it is?"
Jim stared at Naruto, his expression was jovial and… amused. "Speaking of sharks, I always find them fascinating. They are fierce and noble creatures who define natural selection at its finest. You see, when they were babies, they would eat their brothers and sisters in their mother's womb. The one who woke up late to the party gets chomped. The one who is the strongest lives. This is my vision, Naruto."
Pointing a finger to the floor, Jim grinned. "I want Paragon Manhattan Hospital to be the best hospital this world as ever seen. I can only do that when my hospital has the best staff, the best equipment, the best management, and most of all… the best doctors to run the show."
Naruto's gaze was steady and impassive. "It doesn't explain why some of the doctors in this hospital are clearly not human."
"Most, if not, all doctors in this hospital are not humans." Jim corrected and shrugged. "What can I say? I sympathise with the aliens living amongst humans. They want to live in peace, contribute to society, and be good people. I felt compelled to make it happen for them."
Naruto gave Jim a sturgeon face. "Quite a Good Samaritan."
"An angel army and a legion of supers work for a Class-A douche who nurses a semi over sharks? Wow! What a creep. Is he planning world domination or what?"
"Let's talk about work, shall we?" Jim smiled, his shoulders dropped. "I would like you to run our neurology department."
Naruto arched a brow. "Why me?"
"You have a good track record, apparently. You were a splendid neurosurgeon in the army and during your travels."
The blond smirked. "You did your homework."
"I have to." Jim placed his empty glass on the fine wood coffee table. "I will have Imogen escort you there. And Doctor Uzumaki, please try to stay away from trouble."
Kara didn't realise how quiet the shopping district could be on a Tuesday morning. She was humming to a tune that she heard in the radio earlier when she was having breakfast with Naruto. Smiling gleefully, she walked past a waffle store, caught a sniff, started drooling, and next thing she knew, she was munching her waffles on a stick.
Her traipsing led her to a small, empty cafe with a garden motif. She saw the notice pasted on the window that said, 'Hiring'.
Mustering her courage, she straightened herself and opened the door, the Victorian door chime wafted. The café was modern, the wall adorned with tendrils of roses, the windows framed by fine Redwood, the ceiling tall and white, and the furniture were made from sustainable materials. Kara spotted a woman chewing peanuts at a round table, her eyes were gazing at a faraway land. She seemed… despondent.
"G-Good morning!" Kara bowed meekly.
The woman blinked and turned to the sheepish blonde standing in the doorway. "Takeaway?"
"Hmm?" Kara tidied herself hastily and shook her head. "N-No! I'm looking for a job. I notice the shop owner is hiring people, right? Can I speak with the shop owner?"
"You're looking at her." Her lustrous red hair was the first thing that caught Kara's attention. It was unruly, yet silky and long. She was elegant and flawlessly dressed, yet her eyes carried an untold story of sadness and it somehow embellished her beautiful features. She was tall and statuesque, her figure voluptuous, the kind of figure that only appears in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues.
The beautiful redhead jerked her chin at the empty seat beside her.
Kara swallowed, pulled the chair, and sat down. "Umm… I'm sorry I didn't know you're the owner. I mistook you as a customer. You look very pretty."
The redhead smiled. "Are you a college student?"
Shaking her head, the Kryptonian smiled weakly. "N-No. I just moved into town."
"I see."
Kara swallowed again. The redhead didn't say anything, perfectly content with the silence. It was unnerving to Kara; the redhead was either eating peanuts without a care in the world or studying her collarbone. Kara wasn't even sure if the redhead was actually looking at her. The redhead's apathy was poignant, so much so that it was making Kara sad too.
Kara opened her mouth and closed it, twice. She was floundering for words, but the confounding silence diminished any will for her to utter something.
"I'm waiting for you to say your name." The redhead muttered, her voice soft and melodic.
Kara flushed. "K-Kara."
The redhead raised a brow. "You don't have a last name?"
"Uzumaki." Kara scratched the back of her scalp nervously.
"Are you Japanese?" The redhead tossed another peanut into her mouth.
"N-No?"
"I'm Maxima." She grinned. "Just call me Max."
"Okay."
Maxima's eyes were gazing at the faraway land again.
"Umm…"
"You have any plans later?"
Kara shook her head. "No…"
"You can start work now then."
In a fit of joy and victory, Kara jolted up from her seat and started jumping exuberantly. She grabbed Maxima's hand and beamed. "Thank you so much! I will work hard and do my best! Please take care of me!"
Maxima glanced up, a small smile graced her pink lips. "That's great. But since there is no customer, you can just sit down and talk with me."
"O-Oh! Okay." Kara plopped down on her seat.
Maxima didn't talk. She ate her peanuts, a sigh escaped her lips as she turned to the window, her gaze cloudy once again.
The silence continued.
The hospital campus illustrated its immense wealth in all its glory. Naruto was shocked that he had to be fetched by a black Lincoln Continental to the neurology department, which happened to be situated in a colossal glass and marble edifice that was separated from headquarter. The building was an architect's fantasy, a testament to the hospital's dedication of making each and every department the pinnacle of medical advancement.
Imogen dropped Naruto off, informed him about the route to his office, and wished him good luck.
Naruto tidied the lapels of his auburn jacket, slotted his hands into his jean pockets, and marched into the building lobby. He was severely underdressed compared to the doctors who were in neat suits and white coat. Formality was never an issue to Naruto. A doctor's pride didn't derive from the coat they're wearing, but from their skills on the table and their drive to save people.
Instead of heading to his office, he veered off schedule and went to inspect one of the medical wards. The corridors were white, clean and modern, but what truly hit him was the antiseptic smell. Every detail of the interior design of the hospital was bespoke, a statement of luxury. He saw a nurse pushing a cart, plates of freshly cooked salmons with sides of salsa sauce and fruits were on it; and they say hospital food was crap. He snatched an apple away, much to the nurse's protest. "S-Sir! You can't do that!"
Naruto winked at the nurse. "Sure I can. Hey, that guy is calling for you."
He pointed a finger over her shoulder and the nurse took the bait. When she saw there was nobody behind her, she spun around sharply, but the blond was gone, his guffaws echoing throughout the hallway.
"This place is too white and professional." Naruto's eyelid twitched. "Too boring. Heh, I know what I'm gonna do. I shall hit town and buy me some orange paint to brighten the hospital."
It was a poor excuse for him to shirk.
With a snap of his fingers, Naruto found himself in a boisterous and lively market. As he sauntered along the aisle of shops, he stumbled across an antique shop. It was as if something was beckoning him to go in, and so he did. The display cabinets lining the wall showcased ancient Chinese vase, vintage watches, typewriters, gramophones, Italian Renaissance paintings, and scythes; he wasn't sure why scythes were sold in antique shops.
There was a woman with black hair, black tank-top, black jeans, and black heels behind the cashier counter, smiling almost motherly at him. It was odd because she looked younger than him, yet the way she looked at him was how a mother would – kind, loving, and full of warmth. "Welcome."
She spoke with an eloquent and soothing voice, but Naruto couldn't explain the anomaly. He dismissed his thoughts and looked at her strangely. "Have I seen you before?"
"Maybe we have bumped into each other in the past, who knows?" She smiled. "See anything you like?"
"Not really, I -"
She raised a brow, but her smile widened when he spotted a distinctive ring on the jewellery tray.
Naruto felt captivated by the ring forged by white gold and adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. A wave of nostalgia hit him, but he couldn't recall where he had seen it. It stood out amongst the others, like a beacon in the dark. There was nothing fancy about it, yet he felt a pull towards the peculiar ring. As he reached out for the ring, he was surprised that a redhead got to it first.
He turned to her, his eyes widened in horror. He didn't know why, but his body was paralysed and his jaw unhinged, as if it was acting on instinct. A stream of tear unconsciously cascaded down his cheek as he was mesmerised by the enigmatic redhead.
Maxima examined the ring nonchalantly, but she was perturbed to notice a man staring intensely at her. She shifted her attention to the blond, but was confused at his bitter expression, her finger pointing at his tear. "A-Are you crying?"
She glanced back and forth from the ring to the enigmatic blond. "I pick it up first, but did you need to cry over it?"
"Crying?" Naruto touched his sodden cheek and was flustered. "Why am I crying? Why am I… sad?"
Giving the blond an appraising look, her gaze softened; he looked like a lost puppy, adorable and desperately needed a hug. Peering down at the ring in her grasp, an impish grin curled at her lips. "If you want this ring, then you need to pay the price."
She offered her hand. "Give me your number."
"My number?" Naruto was still dumbstruck and astonished by his tears.
"Yeah, if not, this ring is mine." She thrust her hand forward, the ring resting atop her palm, but only for a brief moment before her fingers clamped shut. "Oh, I should introduce myself."
Raking a hand over her crimson hair, Maxima smiled, the smell of rich lavender wafted to Naruto. "I'm Maxima. Maxima Almerac."
Jim stood atop a skyscraper, the ominous thunderclouds looming over him. Gazing at Maxima and Naruto from afar, Jim couldn't help but laughed. "So, it has begun."
Imogen stood behind her master, her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, milord?"
Jim chuckled. "Fate and destiny sure have a wicked sense of humour. When Naruto left his world, he was in such despair that he tossed his wedding ring into the abyss and scrubbed his memory clean. That way, he wouldn't feel the pain of remembering his dead wife."
Scratching his nose, Jim turned to Imogen, a mocking grin curled at his lips. "But I guess fate and destiny have plans for these two… Romeo and Juliet. You see, Warrior Princess Maxima of Almerac… is the reincarnation of Hinata Hyuga. If they were to reunite once again, one of them is destined to die a tragic death. The vicious cycle is bound to repeat itself. I guess we know how this will turn out eventually."
Author note: Thank you for the support. I hope you caught on who the shop owner of the antique shop is. Please take note that next chapter will contain lemons. Readers' discretion is advised.
Pairing:
1.) NarutoXDiana
2.) NarutoxGrail
3.) NarutoXKara
4.) NarutoXBarda
5.) NarutoXCirce
6.) NarutoXMaxima
7.) NarutoXHarem
Let me know your opinion.
Please review!