Solitude Of A King
Welp, Goose Attack had predicted my plans all in one review. Bravo my friend, I have to say, that thought was near spot on. And to inform the others that do not know what I am speaking of, I had originally decided to have Naruto's character influenced by Gilgamesh but then found it way more interesting if I were to develop his personality into a much more mellow version of Gilgamesh with traits Naruto possesses, you know, as I go further with the plot. I kinda wanted it to mimic the change from Child Gilgamesh to the adult version. Better to be dynamic.
Chapter 4: Pieces Of A Puzzle
Inside the busy kitchens of the Hanging Gardens, Asia gingerly stirred the heated pot placed before her. A serene smile had snaked its way onto her countenance. Watching her purposefully work, a number of workers had eyed her with curiosity rolling off of them in waves. Here she was, Asia Argento, the supposed guest of one of the Faction's founding members, Naruto Uzumaki, work tirelessly on a dish. The look of determination that had taken residence upon her face had been enough to quell all offers of assistance. The situation had lasted for no longer than a few minutes before the blonde girl had vanished into the background. Returning to their work of preparing meals for the hungry heroes, the kitchen was soon buzzing with activity once again. An hour had ended with a cheer of joy escaping Asia as her smile exploded into existence. Resting on the counter was a steaming bowl of broth and noodles, glistening under the dim lighting.
The bright smile that had encased her very being continued to brighten as seconds ticked by and anticipation guided her actions. Gently placing the noodles onto a tray, careful not to spill the contents, Asia happily grabbed hold of the tray and began making her way out of the kitchen. Navigating through a maze of hallways and a sea of occupants, Asia headed straight for the quarters. It was not long until she had found herself staring at the door leading into her brother's room. Knocking in an enlivened fashion, Asia waited patiently for an answer her smile never dimmed. Minutes passed without an answer from the other side, making up her mind, Asia tested the door and found it unlock. Venturing inside with the meal in hand, the young Nun found herself inside a well-kept room adorned with a number of decorations. Taking in everything, Asia placed the cooked ramen on the desk and looked around once again.
'Big brother must be out training again.' Asia thought.
As her eyes scanned the room, a slightly opened desk drawer caught her attention. Uncertainty washed over her as a small debate between her curiosity and manners ignited. Finally, in what seemed like hour long minutes, Asia had decided to take a look inside to satisfy the growing curiosity. Quickly positioning herself on the desk's other side, the blonde Nun pulled the slightly opened drawer, allowing herself to gaze at the contents stored inside. Even though the drawer contained a number of interesting objects, Asia's gaze fell directly onto the picture frame resting face down inside. Grabbing hold of the frame, a spark of recognition filled her eyes. Compared to the luxuries her brother boasted, the simple frame decorated in a childish manner was pathetic compared to the other riches he possessed. The frame was orange in color and had small yellow stars plastered along the edges giving it a home-made feeling.
Upon seeing the picture frame, Asia's eyes sparkled in joy. During their time spent in the church as orphans, the two siblings only had one another. Celebrating holidays and birthdays had brought forth a lackluster of hand-made gifts incomparable to the possessions professionally made. The picture frame was one of the many prosaic gifts Asia had given to her dear brother. Seeing how the gift remained relatively the same since she had given it to him, her smile grew in size. Asia knew her brother loved her, there was little doubt. But, after his disappearance, a small hinged of uncertainty had spiked in her heart. That uncertainty still remained. Compared to their worry less childhood, Naruto had been far more distant as of late. Doubts revolving around her brother's feeling towards herself had all been vanquished upon sight of the frame. In comparison to other gifts that had seemed grandeur, that simple frame she had given was frankly, dull. Yet, here it was, still in his possession. How much her brother treasured the gift had warmed Asia's heart greatly.
Gazing at the picture safely tucked inside the frame, memories of the past flooded her mind. The aging picture was taken years ago, with both her and Naruto standing in front of Dulio. Asia remembered that day. It had been her birthday, Dulio had been kind enough to take them out to enjoy a fair. Those were simpler times. Just the three of them together. How much she yearned to see those days again.
"Naruto, how have you been, little brother?"
Naruto, whom had been tiring himself out in his ever so painful training regime, jumped upon hearing the all too familiar voice. Turning to face the originator of the voice, Naruto bit back the indescribable emotions that erupted inside his heart. Standing there with a gentle smile drawn upon his lax features was Dulio himself. Grabbed in the traditional robes of an exorcist, Dulio continued to smile, masking his nervousness that had forcefully invaded his heart. Both joy and anger marred Naruto's features as his fists clenched upon the sword he held. How Dulio had managed to find him was an immense breach in security.
"What are you doing here, Dulio?" Naruto finally asked with his emotions kept at bay.
"For two reasons," Dulio responded as he calmly walked through the maze of weaponry, "To apologize for my inability to protect Asia... And to ask you to stop pursuing your foolish goal. Leave Trihexa alone, the beast cannot be slain without the powers of both Great Red and Ophis. Facing it is comparable to scaling a never ending mountain."
Anger flared to life as Naruto attempted to reign in his emotions. The attempts were vain, the explosion of both anger and frustration had came in the form of words.
"Then I will find another way! Weren't you the one who taught me hard work and determination could accomplish any goal? The Uzumakis, my family have been hunted down for centuries! With our blood being the only key to awaken Trihexa, we are the targets of both good and evil. Those that wish to force Trihexa to sleep forever and those who wish to awaken it. I have to kill it, even if I die! Without Trihexa, the Uzumakis no longer have to suffer!"
Dulio flinched at the words. Using his own teachings against him. Even so, it did not stop his own frustration from expressing his view on the situation.
"Then what about Asia! If you die then what about her! I can't just let you throw your life away! We have been through far too much! Think about her would you! How would she feel if you died!"
"I am thinking about her!" Naruto bellowed. The blade he held onto shivered under his intense grip as the clash of ideals between brothers began. "Asia's life was entrusted to me. For the future of the clan, for her future, I have to kill Trihexa! She already suffered enough being an Uzumaki!"
Dulio stamped both his feet in frustration and anger. What Naruto spoke was true. The Uzumakis had been hunted down to near extinction for uncontrollable reasons. Possessing Uzumaki blood already painted a target on ones back. The mind set of many wished for the death of all whom possessed Uzumaki blood. Be it child or adult. If no Uzumakis walked the earth, then the Blood Seals placed upon Trihexa would forever remain in place. Giving no chance for people whom wished to awaken it a chance to do so. That was how Dulio had found the two. He could still remember it, coming off as a exorcist in training, Dulio had found the two siblings huddling inside a ruined fire place. Their village had been wiped out, family, friends, elders, neighbors, all gone. That was when he had taken them in, after all, fellow orphans had to stick together, right?
"My Lord!"
"I will be taking my leave..."
Dulio stole a glance at the approaching figure and relented with a sigh. Giving Naruto one more look, the exorcist retreated into the woods, feeling much worse than he had felt before the talk. The attempt in talking Naruto out of his outrageous plan was for naught. Opportunities would still arise, if they did not, he would make opportunities. For now, he would leave. A fight was unnecessary between the two.
Naruto acknowledged the haunting words with a nod. The explosion of anger had left him emotionally taxed, yelling at Dulio, someone he had looked up to for as long as he could remember was not a pleasant experience. Sure, the two had tussled, what friends didn't? No, this was different. It was the idea of fighting Dulio that had been the real pain. To bring himself to fight his friend, the one whom had taken him in and taught him of the world. Yet, none of it had effected his determination, in fact, it had only strengthened it.
Rizevim was in a joyous mood. How could he not be, with all his plans and schemes falling into place, there left plenty of room for pleasure. With a sickening small twisting his pale features, and a glass of blood red wine situated in a hand, the son of Lucifer sat upon a extravagant throne. Inside the lavish room, the throne like all others was built to draw attention towards it. Decorated with gold and other forms of precious materials, it could only be described as grand. For decorative purposes rather than necessity, imposing stone pillars stood dignity like sentinels. Beside him with a tray which a bottle of wine sat, Euclid stood firmly beside his lord with his unmatched emotion free expression. Filling the room with sickening laughter, Rizevim conveyed his happiness through a lengthy laugh.
"My Lord, is it not best to dispose of the bodies?" Euclid asked.
"Oh, don't worry so much, Euclid! Worry is bad for the skin~" Rizevim cheerfully responded with a wave of the hand, "Have Marius handle it! Enjoy yourself, Euclid! My plans are almost complete!"
Euclid relented and returned to his former action. Unwillingly spread across the grand floor, bodies of various Vampires littered the polish ground, oozing out profound amounts of blood. Killed in unimaginable ways, the bodies were left there by a ever so cheerful Rizevim as he enjoyed the pleasantries offered by wine. Inside Tepes castle, a ritual was currently in the works. Valerie Tepes, the current wielder of the Sephiroth Graal. To make contact with the principle of life, in order to proceed with his plan, to awaken Trihexa, the dead needed to be brought back to life. The necessary conditions had to be met, to awaken the Apocalyptic Beast, it was comparable to waging war against the world. He was in need of a force to complete an ambition he had worked tirelessly on.
"Euclid, is the Sepiroth Graal ready?"
"No, my Lord. Marius is still working on the extraction."
Rizevim responded with a nod of his head. Nothing could ruin the joyous mood now. Everything was going according to plan. All he desired now, was the blood of an Uzumaki. That could easily be acquired, he simply needed to slaughter a few more humans, get the last Uzumakis attention and then kidnap him, easy. Though the only issue would be the Hero Faction that he currently headed. Though Cao Cao officially ruled over thee Hero Faction, it was no secret Naruto Uzumaki held a massive amount of influence over the Faction. With a large number of supporters backing him, a struggle for power between the two would soon come to life. If he played his cards right, Rizevim could secure the help of Cao Cao and the Uzumaki.
"Euclid, I need you to meet up with our friend, Cao Cao from the Hero Faction," Rizevim cheerfully ordered as he drained his glass of wine with a withering smile, "Give him the information I have given you. Then let him go and play with the Uzumaki~"
"At once, my Lord."
Euclid inclined his head and bowed. Forming a teleportation circle wit a flick of his wrist, Euclid proceeded forward and left Rizevim to enjoy his wine.
Mordred grunted in annoyance as she walked the halls of the Hanging Garden with a scowl marring her features. Undeniably angry with an issue best left alone, the descendant of the Traitorous Knight stomped through the halls drawing attention from other occupants as she did so. Drawing forth a growl of anger, Mordred sent withering glare at Semiramis whom only stood at the hallways end with a smirk adorning her features. The anger that had been residing in her heart exploded into activity upon the sight of Semiramis. The witch always managed to make her blood boil, even with a simple smile.
"Oh, Mordred, how nice of you to arrive tardy again," Semiramis tutted with her smile widening when she caught sight of the anger influencing Mordred's actions, "Naruto is going to be very pleased."
"Just lead the way... Witch..." Mordred growled.
Semiramis huffed at the epithet. While originally orchestrated by Naruto, she never really taken a liking to the displeasing name. Preferring something more beautiful in comparison to her unsavory nickname, Semiramis never lived down the name as others continuously reminded her of the unlikable name. Though the usage of the name only came from either Naruto or Mordred, having someone such like the descendant of the Traitorous Knight use the name only angered her. Perhaps it was the annoyance for the woman she had grown during their time together, or perhaps she simply desired to tease the young woman out of boredom.
Proceeding forward, an illusionary wall that had sat at the hall's end, shimmered out of existence, allowing both woman to bypass the reassurance. Placed behind the illusionary wall, was a door, leading into a room built specifically for meetings best left in secret. Beckoning for her to follow, Semiramis ushered Mordred inside the room and cast a swift illusion with a flick of the wrist. There was no need for anyone to find out about the events of this meeting. Information exchanged in these secretive gatherings was not for everyone. Killing someone for hearing anything would be a shame.
Inside the dimly lit room, Naruto sat at the far end with Diarmuid situated beside him with a stern expression set in stone. Among the gathered members, Aivebron, a tall man garbed in fully body suit along with a blue mantle, a featureless golden mask shrouded his face, preventing anyone from looking upon his face, was present. An immediate reaction came from Mordred, with a raised brow, seated herself far away from Semiramis and turned her confusion onto the other members. Meetings such as these were filled with more than five members, thus leading to the birth of a question.
"The other members are away," Naruto said as he answered the unasked question. Sighting the odd look sent by Mordred, Naruto held back a snort of amusement whilst scanning the gathered members before nodding his head in acceptance, "Now, since everyone is here. Let us begin."
Confirmation of consent by the various members were in various forms. A simple nod from Aivcebron, a flirtatious smirk by Semiramis, and lastly, a grunt from Mordred. A final glance was sent to every member before Naruto relaxed in his seat, in preparation for the meeting ahead. Motioning from Semiramis to begin, the Witch merely smiled before gathering the attention onto herself with a cough.
"My doves have learnt of a meeting between Cao Cao and a Devil," Semiramis began. Glancing at the neutral expressions sent her way, the Witch continued, "Though I was unable to listen in on the entire conversation, I have more than enough information to conclude their actions. The Devil had a proposition from his "master". A mention of cleansing the Hero Faction was said by Cao Cao..."
"Tch, that bastard!" Mordred snarled with distaste lacing her voice, "We can't just sit here! If he wants a fight then we give him one!"
"As expected from a brute such as yourself. Waving that sword of yours without any thought."
"You damned Witch!"
Shaking his head with a sigh escaping his lips, Naruto watched on as the two battled it in a fight of words. With snide remarks from Semiramis and cheap insults dealt by Mordred, it was beginning to look like every other verbal spat the two participated in. Beckoning for Diarmuid to break up the fight, Naruto entangled his fingers and leaned forward onto the table in an attempt to hide the amused smile playing along his lips. Once Diarmuid had regained control in the room, Naruto forced his smile to die down before he garnered every occupant's attention.
"As you can see, Cao Cao has aligned himself with the Devils... There is no escaping the fight Cao Cao is preparing for. That is why I asked you all here. I want to push our plans ahead of schedule if possible," Naruto said, allowing the words to sink in before continuing, "Aivcebrun, I need to know how many Golems you have created."
Aivcebrun, the member whom had remained silent the entire time, acknowledged the question with a nod before speaking in a voice filled with neutrality, "The Gogmagogs you asked me to reproduce have been delayed... I am currently studying their magic enchantments made by the Ancient Gods... Though the progress is slow, the other Golems have been coming along quickly... I managed to reproduce four hundred of them so far..."
A pleased smile crossed Naruto's as a nod of both gratitude and acceptance was sent towards Aivcebrun. Accepting the talented magician into his ranks had been a very beneficial decision. Aivcebrun, the descendant of Solomon ibn Gabirol, had inherited not only his ancestors Latinised name, but his work as well. Studying the vast amount of knowledge his ancestor had managed to accumulate, Aivcebrun had been keen on continuing the research of Solomon. The ultimate goal in creating the golem of all golems had been left incomplete, and thus Aivcebrun worked tirelessly in order to complete the ultimate golem. Finding work under Naruto had been an opportunity that had been beneficial to both parties. While Naruto provided him resources and protection, Aivicebrun in return, provided Naruto a vast number of destructive golems.
"Semiramis, what about the fragments?"
"I found them... The fragments had been stolen by a rogue exorcist by the name of Freed Sellzen who now works under the priest Valper Galiei... The only fragments left are wielded by two Church exorcists... Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou... None of them pose a real threat to our members..."
"Good, I want them found... And lastly, Mordred... Is the Sephiroth Graal ready for extraction?"
"Yes, but that bastard Marius made another deal with a Devil... They are probably extracting the Sacred Gear at this point..." Mordred scowled with displeasure marring her features, "Tepes Castle is under heavy fortification and is filled with Vampires... It's going to be hard to get the Sephiroth Graal, Uzumaki..."
Naruto frowned at those words before a look of realization crossed his features, bringing forth a smile. Turning to Mordred whom looked pained with her bruised ego, Naruto's mind was already racing. Marius had never been reliable. Denying them of the Sephiroth Graal was an obvious declaration of war.
"Then storm the castle," Naruto declared, drawing raised brows from every member, "Since Aivcebrun has been so kind to provide us with a small army of golems... We will use it to regain what was promised to us. I want you to take twenty golems with you to sack Tepes Castle."
Directing the order at Mordred, Naruto watched as a sinister smile arose from the ashes of the scowl. The prospect of gaining revenge on Marius was enough to draw her in. To sack an entire castle, that was an opportunity that was scarce in a lifetime. Accepting the orders wholeheartedly, Mordred pondered on the possible outcomes with the smile still in place. That smile she wore only fell when Naruto's next sentence became audible.
"Semiramis, I want you to assist her. If they have not finished extracting the Sacred Gear, do not let them."
"I can handle this alone, Uzumaki! I don't need help from the witch!" Mordred scowled with anger burning into existence.
"My decision is final. The two of you will work together."
Mordred growled in defeat as she saw the determined gaze sent her way. When it came to decisions, Naruto remained stubborn as a mule. Unwilling to back down at some of the worst situations, the descendant of the Traitorous Knight honestly could say arguing was useless. Semiramis took the orders with a smile, though the smile held traces of annoyance. Mordred and Semiramis working together was going to be a sight. If they were able to work together, a dangerous combination they would become, that is if they did not kill each other before attacking Tepes Castle.
Naruto had finished the meeting with relative ease after the orders had ben issued. Though a few amusing spats between the two females had ignited, nothing of importance had been dabbled on. Heading for his room with intentions of rest, Naruto had found company along his path. Asia, who had been in a hurry to reach Naruto's room, cursed her luck with a mouth unsuspected of a Nun. Having ran into Naruto during her dash for the other blonde's room was an ending to her attempt in recovering the now ruined ramen. Unable to predict his return, Asia had left the ramen there for the blonde to eat when he had returned. With no signs of his return, Asia had realized the dish she had created was now ruined.
"Asia, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked with a raised brow.
"I-Ah, w-as, um, I-I wanted to spend more time with you, big brother!" Asia shouted through a rush of thoughts. It only took a second before realization dawned upon the Nun, clasping her hands over her mouth, Asia froze with her blue eyes enlarged in shock. The random thought had been sudden and desperate, though it held some form of truth.
Naruto eyed his sister closely before a sad smile twisted into existence. Accepting her brash answer with a second smile, Naruto guided her forward as the words Dulio had spoken returned. Focusing on the statement made by the strongest exorcist, Naruto had completely encased himself around the possibilities if his plans were to be fulfilled.
"Big brother... Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm fine, Asia."
Shaking away the thoughts, Naruto entered the room not before giving his sister a confused look. A small yelp that had escaped Asia was quickly smothered by the raging blush that turned her face tomato red. Smiling further, Naruto entered the room without anything to stop him. Upon his entry, Naruto had immediately spotted the tray and bowl resting against his desk. Perplexed by the appearance of the bowl, the blonde's eyes focused on the soggy noodles lazily swimming around the gentle broth. Asia who had been watching the entire reaction winced at the lack of words, shuffling nervously, the young Nun played with her fingers in an attempt to quell the nervousness that had invaded her mind.
"B-big brother... Y-you don't h-have to eat that... I-I j-just made that and I-"
Asia's sentence forever remained unfinished as her eyes widened in shock. Naruto who had been staring at the noodles with a questionable glance had seated himself and began dining on the ruined dish. Reigning in her surprise and hurriedly moving to his side, Asia attempted to stop her brother from consuming the dish with no form of success.
"Big brother, you don't have to eat that!"
"You cooked this for me, right?" Naruto asked after downing another mouthful of brother and soggy noodles. Receiving a nod in response, Naruto merely snorted before continuing the meal, "If my sister made me a meal, then I won't let it go to waste."
After his declaration, Naruto returned to his meal leaving Asia there to watch. A surge of warmth filled Asia's heart as she watched her brother dine. Yet, the feelings did not stop there. Nostalgia soon came into existence. Seeing her brother eat an unsavory meal that she had created, reminded the blonde Nun so much of the past. A smile full of warmth and joy crossed her visage. Asia could not help herself, the gap that had been erected between the two was finally being broken down. The hope of reigniting their relationship as children had only grown stronger. As for Naruto, his own determination had exploded. The simple gesture of cooking his favorite meal had been enough to erase all traces of doubt. Then and there, the two promises that had driven him in life repeated themselves like a mantra fueling his determination.
He would slay Trihexa.
He would protect Asia.
Chapter end
Hope you guys enjoyed and thank you for reading. Leave a review on what you think and answer an question for me. Should Rias marry Riser or not. Honestly I wanted to know your opinions on this matter, so thanks.