Solitude Of A King
I'd like to thank you guys for the suggestions, I was able to find more options for the Hero Faction, so thanks a bunch guys!
Chapter 3: The Rising Tide
The Church had never seen it coming. A good number of churches under their command all suffered a fate condemned by their Lord. Following a common pattern, none of the churches that had been attacked were left standing. All of them had been burned and the ashes that formed were scattered in the wind. Accounts of such attacks spread far and wide, all of them following a similar pattern as witnesses declaimed what they had seen or heard. Terrified screams, followed by the blood-choked cries and then, silence. As fires were set upon the churches, death lingered in the eerie silence.
"Lord Dulio, you must not act so carefree! Our churches have been attacked by an unknown enemy! This no time to act so-"
Dulio Gesualdo, the strongest exorcist to ever grace the ranks of the Angel Faction, never cared for situations such as these. Lax in nature and compassionate as a fault, Dulio already knew the reason for the attacks. All of the churches guarded an Excalibur fragment, the attacks could simply be brushed off as attempts to obtain all the fragments. But, there was a hole in that theory, another church that had no association with the Holy Sword met the same fate. It did not take long until realization dawned, Dulio now knew the motive and individual whom had ordered the attacks. The feeling of sadness and pain clutching onto his heart, refusing to let go did not help either.
"No need to worry!" Dulio declared rather lazily, "I will handle this myself!"
Upon his declaration, Dulio began ushering the undesired guests out of the room. Slamming the door behind him, Dulio's slipshod smile dropped. Visage wan with emotional pain, the strongest exorcist walked across his luxurious room and looked out the window. A small, agonizing smile marred his features as Dulio looked off into the distance.
"Is this your doing, little brother? Is this your message to me for failing to protect Asia?"
Destruction, pure unmatched destruction was only visible in the distance. Everything had been annihilated, leaving behind only the eerie silence of loss. Death lingered in the dingy air as dust clouded the heavens, blanketing over the rubble of a once graceful village. No signs of life remained in the ruins. Tendrils of blood stretched far and wide, bodies littered the bloodied ground. The unsavory clash of blades rang clear in the silent ruins, echoing throughout whatever remains of the villages were left. A group of crimson eyed men surrounded a single woman standing amidst the hostile group. Tied into a ponytail, the woman's unruly blonde hair swayed under the gentle wind. Sword in hand, the woman's regal features remained calm as a slight smile played on her lips. The woman's brutish blue eyes scanned each and everyone of the hostile opponents with little interest escaping the ocean blue orbs.
Growling in outrage, the men, no-Vampires, circled around the woman in hopes of locating a opening for an attack. No matter how uninterested her outer appearance looked, a dragon rested beneath the fragile outlook. Mordred Pendragon was many things, and defenseless was not one of them. As a descendant of the traitorous knight, she had inherited the natural talent of a swordsman from her ancestor. Combating her at close range, was suicide. Unless an individuals skill was equal if not greater than an adept swordsman, surviving the clash of blades was nigh impossible. With only a few swordsmen at their disposal, the Vampires were at a tight end. If any off them broke off from the circular formation, Mordred would gain an opportunity to escape the encirclement and strike them individually.
"Filthy human, die!"
Shifting her attention onto the speaker, Mordred gracefully dodged a slash aimed at her being. Dancing around a number of slashes, Mordred quickly brought her own blade forward and sank it into her attackers exposed stomach. Yanking the blade free of its target, the Pendragon grunted in annoyance as more and more Vampires flooded the field. Swiping for blood, a few Vampires chose to engage her in close combat whilst others blasted her with magic bullets. Neither of the attacks nor magical bolts managed to land a hit, swaying past attack after attack with the agility of an cheetah and the grace of an eagle, Mordred danced past the attacks with relative ease. With strength unexpected from such a petite frame, Mordred swung her mighty two-handed blade, seeping the barren ground with the blood of her enemies. Motivated by the cries of pain, Mordred charged and split a second Vampire in half. Forcing her blade past the layers of muscle and bone, Mordred's endeavor ended when her once beautiful silver blade escaped the Vampire's body and splattered droplets of blood onto the remaining blood suckers.
From horror to fear, a series of emotions bypassed the enraged masks that her attackers wore, leaving them in a small state of shock. It was all the time she had needed. Rushing forward with her menacing blade in tow, Mordred sheathed her blade into the bodies of stunned Vampires leaving a few others to cry out in surprise. Silencing the remaining Vampires and splattering muscles and blood in every direction. Flicking away a string of blood, Mordred sheathed her mighty blade and observed her handiwork with a tiresome gaze. The job had been complete. Wiping out the Vampires that had bypassed their territory, Mordred no longer held any obligation to remain in the unsavory forests of Romania. Littering the earth with Vampire remains was not exactly her ideal mission, but, it was better than staying inside that godforsaken fortress dealing with Semiramis.
"Well, well, well, I can't have you slaughtering the members of my Faction now, can I?"
Turning her head towards the origins of the voice, Mordred narrowed her eyes upon sight of the speaker. Doll-faced and eluding an aura of self-importance, Marius Tepes stood in the shadows with a respectful smile adorning his fragile features. Grabbed in robes fit for a king, Marius gave Mordred a mocking bow as he continued to smile. Masked underneath his pleasantry, Marius continued to study Mordred with a glimmer in his crimson eyes. It was no secret that Marius was not as pleasant as he portrayed himself, far from it. Cruel and manipulative under his smile of friendliness, Marius was never an honest individual. Willing to do whatever the cost in order to benefit himself.
"Hmph, you will be cut down just like your men," Mordred declared, allowing her annoyance to seep into the tone of indifference, "If you challenge me, even the pack you have made with the Khaos Brigade will not save you."
"Quite arrogant of you, Mordred-"
Marius never finished his sentence as a soaring blade impaled itself inches away from his head and sheathed itself into the trunk of a tree. A snarky laughter filled the silent forest followed by the crunch of stone. Launching herself from the ground, Mordred had shot towards Marius whilst leaving behind a interstice of destroyed earth. Retrieving her blade, Mordred made use of the surprise generated by the sudden throw of her blade. Aiming for Marius's head, Mordred worked hard as her attempts at beheading the Vampire increased, with every slash forming a shallow cut on the agile Vampire.
"What are you doing?!"
"Oh, I was ordered by Uzumaki to kill all the Vampires. You just happened to be one!"
Unrelenting with her pursuit, Mordred's smile widened upon every cut she dealt to the doll-faced Vampire. Kicking him to the ground, Mordred's smile widened when she had foiled his attempt on casting a spell. Simply breaking the casters concentration would suffice, instead, Mordred had done a far greater deed. Removing the Marius's arm, a wondrous cry of pain escaped the Vampires's lips as he clutched the newly formed stub. Attempts of quelling the raging flames only ended in failure, Mordred continued to watch the display with a brutish smile playing on her lips.
"We'll be back to collect the Sephiroth Graal. Next time you get in the way, Uzumaki will kill you."
The gathering of clouds just about the Hanging Gardens continued in a leisurely pace. Swirling into a single blanket of darkness containing droplets of would be rain inside. Situated inside his room, Naruto seated himself behind a large desk adorned with wondrous decorations and a single chest set placed before him. Holding onto a Knight piece, Naruto merely gazed at the darkening sky in contempt. All the pieces were gathering. The time to act would be upon him soon. All plays were in need of an opening act. Slamming the Knight onto the board, a glimmer of thought flushing his features.
"My Lord!"
Storming into the silent room, Diarmuid's worry filled tone snapped Naruto back to reality. Setting a steady gaze on the ever so loyal knight, the blonde beckoned for him to speak with a wave of the hand. There was no need to reprimand Diarmuid, the man knew better. The situation was either dire or important for such an intrusion. Depending on the revelation, forgiveness would vary. Knowing Diarmuid, there would be no need for a punishment.
"Lady Semiramis and Lady Asia have left the Hanging Gardens!" Diarmuid announced whilst performing a bow of his head.
"To where?" Naruto demanded with a slight frown forming onto his calm visage.
"Kuoh, my Lord. Lady Asia mentioned the need of thanking a friend for helping her. I believe the two are headed there in order to do so."
The frown continued to increase as Naruto thought on the words. Semiramis was a wild card, that was for sure. Most of the time unwilling to any of the orders placed upon her, granting Asia's request to visit Kuoh was an abnormality. He needed to know the reason behind her actions.
"We are heading to Kuoh!"
Walking through the streets of Kuoh, Semiramis graced passing humans with a charming smile while both her and Asia headed towards Kuoh Accademy. Turning a number of heads, the almost flirtatious smile did little help the men from staring. Appealing in all areas, Semiramis continued to smile with no signs of stopping as she allowed Asia to guide her along. It did not take long until they stood at the gates of Kuoh Accademy. Already have sensed a number of demonic signatures surrounding the school, Devils ran this school, how ironic a Nun would come upon it.
"Issei-san!" Asia called out in a mixture of joy and relief.
Upon hearing the Nun's call, a plain looking male eluding a miniscule amount of demonic might bounded forward with a cry of his own. Happiness marring his features, Semiramis found the smile albeit disturbing. Ignoring the feelings dancing across her chest, the woman watched on as Asia and the newly named Issei hugged. A spark of interest filled her eyes upon sight of the affectionate gesture. Her interest did not align with the relationship between the Devil and Asia, it branched from Naruto and Asia's relationship. The thought of Naruto's reaction was priceless! The woman almost felt bad for the Devil. It was no secret Naruto took great care of anything that belonged to him, and a sister whom he clearly showed love for spending time with a Devil. How amusing!
"Issei! Get away from them now!"
Issei and Asia both were snapped away from the hug as a commanding voice pierced the serene silence. Quickly backing away, Issei turned to the origins of the voice and blinked in surprise. Standing a distance from him with her Peerage was Rias Gremory. Crimson locks swaying under the slight breeze, the Gremory heiress stood firm and approached the three with narrowed eyes guiding the way. Semiramis merely smiled one of boredom, signifying the lack of interest involving the Gremory. Issei, was simply standing there with confusion spreading across his simple features. Looking from the two attractive girls to Rias, the perverted Pawn knew little of the true dangers of interacting with Asia Argento.
"Why are you here, in Gremory territory, Witch?" Rias growled with her eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Hmph, if it isn't the spoiled Devil," Semiramis muttered with a mocking smile adorning her regal features, "Be careful with your words, little girl. I may not be as brutal as my Lord, but, I will not hesitate to end your meaningless existence either."
"You are in Gremory territory! I rule this land and not only have you trespassed, but you are threatening an heiress of one of the remaining 72 Pillars! I will not stand-"
"Then kneel!"
The sudden declaration had silencing Rias and brought attention onto the new voice. Entering the fray with a golden magnificence only befitting of a King, Naruto Uzumaki strolled out of shining teleportation circle with arms crossed and a displeased frown adorning his features. Following closely behind, Diarmuid held his two faithful spears and directed them at the group of Devils. Looking upon Naruto, Rias and her loyal Peerage members knew only of the untamed pressure seated above them. Issei eyed the man with a critical gaze as the Boosted Gear soon formed on his left arm. Readying himself for an attack, the perverted Devil felt the world freeze when he locked eyes with the blonde. It was not anger of a simple man, it was the untamed fury of a lion!
Despite the might that eluded the blonde, Rias had quickly snapped out of her stupor. Regaining her bearings, the Gremory heiress stalked forward and placed herself beside Issei and glared at the blonde. Perhaps it was the naivety that had drove her or even the stupid bravery. All she knew was absolute fear when Naruto turned his gaze onto her. All forms of courage escaped Rias as she flinched under the glare. Yet Rias had found solace upon her own words. The humans were at her territory, and attacking the sister of the current Lucifer would be punishable by death. Asia on the other hand, feared for what Naruto's dislike of Devils would bring forth.
"I am the sister of Sirzechs Lucifer! I will not stand for the-"
Laughter. Mocking laughter escaped Naruto's lips as he outright released his mirth upon the face of the naive devil. Semiramis joined in with a giggle of her own, clearly amused by the sudden declaration as well. Nothing more than the laughter of both hero descendants filled the air with little to combat the mockery. Finishing the laugh, Naruto sent her an arrogant smirk.
"Well then, mongrel. Your pit-"
"Bastard!"
Issei bellowed as he charged forward with the Boosted Gear glowing with magical might. Before he could even reach Naruto, Diarmuid sprang into action. Bring his cursed spears forward, the man retaliated with a slash of his spears. Successfully slicing the Boosted Gear along with his shorter spear, Diarmuid kicked Issei back. Sending the pervert back, Diarmuid readied his demonic spear once again with a frown marring his features.
"I, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, shall never forgive anyone whom attempts to attack my lord! You, Devil, prepare yourself! Mine honor will not allow such disrespect towards Lord Naruto!"
The first issue Issei noticed, was not the stinging pain of his newly acquired wound. But, the lack of power multiplication from his Sacred Gear. It had been more than ten seconds already and his Longinus had not double his power!
"You have noticed. My demonic spear, Gáe Dearg the Crimson Rose of Exorcism severs the connection between magical enhancements and its source. Your Boosted Gear allows you to multiply your strength twice its amount. But, with Gáe Dearg's curse, the Boosted Gear's ability is rendered useless!"
A horrified expression disfigured Issei and Rias's visages as the two looked at Diarmuid. Such a powerful ability from the spear had neutralized a Longinus in a single strike! The sheer potential with the spear was enough to draw on the greed all Devils held from within. Severing the connection between Issei and the Red Dragon Emperor was an admirable feat, it only paved way for more questions to surrounded the demonic spear. Rias was quick to react, shrouding herself in an aura of demonic red magic, directing a blast towards Diarmuid. Slashing the bolt away, Rias looked upon the spear in shock. Her Power of Destruction had never failed in vaporizing weapons before, then a thought of realization struck her. Perhaps it was the curse placed upon the spear that had allowed it to neutralize magical connections.
"Lets leave our servants to fight, shall we, Devil?" Naruto mused whilst calling forth the Gate of Babylon, showering the space behind him with a sea of weaponry, "If you wish to fight so much, then I shall grace you with my presence!"
Bounding forward, Asia shook off the moments of fear and approached her beloved brother with confidence exploding upon her visage. Placing herself between him and Rias, the blonde Nun drew looks of curiosity whilst she stood before her brother with defiance obvious in the actions performed. Semiramis marveled at the girls willingness to face Naruto. The latter's legendary anger resulted in the deaths of many individuals that had disrespected him. Now, faced with an overly spoiled Devil, the witch wondered how she remained alive thus far. Many have died for much less.
"Big brother... Please. They helped me..." Asia pleading with desperation in her eyes. Hoping to stop her beloved brother from eradicating her first friend and his master.
Naruto remained silent as he held a steady gaze with his sister. Neither willing to back down from their decision, both siblings held the silent battle. Relaxing his shoulders, Naruto snapped his fingers and the golden majesty of halos illuminating the space behind him vanished, leaving no signs of their presence. Eyeing his sister for a minute longer, Naruto beckoned for her to follow as he began to leave the school grounds.
"Remember this, Devil. Asia's benevolence has saved your pitiful lives for this much longer. Next time we cross paths, expect your numbers to be reduced! My tolerance only extends thus far. Pray we do not meet."
Completing his words, a flight of doves shrouded the four hero descendants in their welcomed shadows. Vanishing, the four that had once been in the center of the birds too followed the example of the birds. Leaving behind only a group of dazed Devils. Yet, they had not gone through this situation unscathed. Issei had lost the connection between himself and the Red Dragon Emperor. For how long the effects of the curse lasted none of them knew, all that was on Rias's mind was the upcoming Rating Game that was to decide her future.
Inside the Hanging Gardens, Naruto had returned to his room without a single word to Asia. Residing in the darkened room without much light illuminating it from the incoming darkness, Naruto's piercing blue eyes bore directly into the welcomed shadows. The door leading into his room were forcefully opened as light flicked into existence, slaying the shadows and bringing forth light to quell the arising darkness. Semiramis shuffled to Naruto's side without a care for the glare sent her way. Ignoring the deathly glares had became almost of a habit. Spending so much time with the blonde, the glares of annoyance never really meant much compared to the outrage he had shown at times deemed necessary.
"Are you not going to offer a lady a seat?" Semiramis asked with the ever so graceful smile gently stretching her lips.
"I care little if you sit or stand," Naruto mused as he stared at the chess set, "Tell me, have you any news of the fragments I have been asking for?"
"Yes, yes. The so called "Excalibur" fragments have all been located by my doves. It was only been a matter of taking them."
Prompting her to continue, Naruto already knew a complication had arisen. There had been little times he had been able to operate without an issue coming up with the plan, forcing him to compromise.
"The churches holding them had already been attacked. I only managed to secure one of the blades left untouched by the chain of attacks. The others have been lost or still remain in the possession of new Holy Sword wielders. That much I am certain of."
"What of the stolen ones, any clue as to who had stolen them from the Church before we could?"
"No, though I do have my suspicions. The Devils are immediately out of the equal, they possess no members able to wield Holy Swords without hurting themselves in the process. The Fallen-Angels are more likely, possessing quite the intricate network of spies, they are some of the more likely candidates. Unlike the Devils, they can wield Holy Swords without pain in return. Other Factions are questionable as well, though many care little for other Factions so it is less likely than the Fallen-Angels."
"Very well then, I want the blades found."
Semiramis merely smiled in response, finding comfort in the soft cushion she sat on. With the conversation dying down, the witch decided to have her fun. Leaning forward, Semiramis eliminated the distance between their faces to a paltry number of inches. Even though they were inches apart, Naruto kept his calm demeanor. His reaction was not the one Semiramis was looking for as she leaned forward, cutting the distance between themselves even further. Stopping her attempts to fluster him, Naruto pushed her back and flicked her forehead in retaliation. Rubbing her forehead in annoyance, Semiramis left in a huff.
"Pesky woman," Naruto muttered with hints of amusement laced into his voice.
As she left, Naruto returned his attention to the chess set. Lips twitched upwards, the neutral gaze he had wore was shattered by the ghost of a smile. Undeniably so, the smallest hints of a smile played on his lips. Though he would not admit it, the Uzumaki found her attempts quite amusing. Refusing to give her the satisfaction of victory, Naruto was adamant on winning the little challenge Semiramis had issued.
Chapter end
Hope you guys liked this chapter and sorry for the time delay. Anyways, I added Mordred since it would interesting to write the interaction between her and Semiramis. Tell me what you thought about my portrayal of her, I got hints of what she would act like but I am unsure. Tell me what you think of the story thus far and there is going to be a slight change in the Excalibur Arc. And warning, deaths will be occurring later on. Thanks for reading and leave a review!