Naruto: Knight of Highever

Chapter 6

Written By KitBeast

Beat'd by Vixen's Shadow (Again much appreciated)

Disclaimer:- In no way do I owe any franchise use in this story. They are the property of there creators.

Naruto was woken up by strange sounds from the hallway outside his room. Naruto wasn't the only person woken up by the noise because Iona stood up lazily from the bed and made her way towards the door. Watching as she made her way over to the door, Naruto pulled on a pair of black trousers and boots, clearly getting ready to investigate whatever was causing it.

Having just finished tying the laces on his boots Naruto watched as Iona pulled the door open, only to back up into the room in clear terror.

Since he couldn't see what was happening from his perspective, Naruto jumped onto the bed, however he was stopped instantly in his attempt when Iona was struck by an arrow. Watching in horror as she fell, Naruto scrambled to get off the bed and get to her side.

"Look here Ralph, an Elf. An extremely attractive, half naked elf," snickered a sickening voice from just outside the doorway.

"I know Lucas, It's a shame we have to kill her." Ralph said.

"Don't worry, there's nothing stopping us from having some fun." Lucas said as he made his way through the doorway.

Naruto finally broke out of his shock and immediately rocketed towards the two disgusting animals that were dressed as soldiers. Since they had made their way into the room, approaching the fallen Iona, Naruto found himself between the men and the door. Gathering his chakra, Naruto charged his favorite technique, the Rasengan. However this wasn't just one Rasengan, but one in each hand; the training that he had been given clearly improved his control. The deafening roar created by the twin attacks gained the attention of the two soldiers.

When they turned to see what was causing the noise, Naruto slammed the attack into their chests.

The compressed spiral of chakra drilled its way through the armor that they wore. After the briefest moment, the armor was destroyed by the attack, and then the spheres met the soft, vulnerable skin with devastating effect.

Not even caring as the two soldiers slammed into the wall on the opposite side of the room, Naruto threw himself down to Iona's side, clutching her hand in his.

"IONA!" Naruto shouted desperately searching for anything he could do to save her.

"It's okay Naruto." Iona spluttered as blood poured out of her mouth. "No one could have known this would happen."

"Is there anything I can do? Please tell me there is something I can do." Naruto begged.

Running flat out down the hallway Eleanor was desperate to get to Naruto. Since the army was away everyone was needed to defend the castle against this unexpected attack. Although he might not be enough to single handedly win the battle, Naruto's attacks which he had brought from his homeland would be enough to at least turn the tide of battle. However if it took much longer for her to find him it wouldn't matter because then there would be nobody left to save.

Turning into the hallway leading up to his room her hopes began to rise as she saw that the lights were on in his room. After all everyone knew not to leave the candles on unattended, because of the risks of fires.

Coming to a stop outside his door, she was shocked to see Naruto hunched over another body. Taking a closer look at who it was, she was surprised to see a near naked Iona laid motionless on the floor. Knelling alongside Naruto, Eleanor could see that she had been struck with an arrow, and that Naruto had tears pouring down his checks. Placing a hand gently on his shoulder, she shook him trying to get him out of his stupor. After several tense moments, Naruto finally looked away from Iona's blood streaked face.

"Naruto, what happened? Why is Iona in your room half naked?" Eleanor asked in clear confusion

"You know that me an Iona are...were very close to one another. She said she wanted to help me celebrate becoming a Knight, by helping me become a man."

"I see, but please, tell me what happened." Eleanor asked, desperate to find out.

"We heard a noise. Iona went to take a look, while I got dressed. But when she opened the door, those two monsters attacked her, before I could stop them." Naruto said indicating the two dead soldiers slumped against the back wall of his room.

"I see. I'm sorry I have to say this, but we have to leave her Naruto."

"Leave her?" Naruto demanded

"Just for now Naruto. The castle is being attacked, so we must go and defend it. I promise you Naruto, she will be here afterwards." Eleanor said gently

"I understand. Please My lady, would you do me a favor?" Naruto asked

"Of course Naruto. What is it?"

"Please take Iona's body and put it somewhere her body can't be defiled. I'm going to go get my equipment." Naruto said while moving towards one of the majestic mahogany cabinets.

Opening the door, Naruto immediately went about removing the armor stored within. The interlocking scales of armor glinted against the dying light given off by the candles. After a couple of minutes, Naruto had finally finished putting on the armor. It looked like it was going to see combat a lot sooner than he had thought. He might have simply been naive but Naruto had truly hoped that he would never have to wear it in real combat, a hope that died within its first 12 hours.

The last thing that was in the cabinet was the longsword that Naruto had used for the last 3 years. He had only had it returned the night before. As an apprentice he was expected to always be ready to defend himself like any other knight was, however since apprentices were made to carry a blunt sword, to signal that they weren't fully trained. Only when their skill had been sharpened were they allowed to sharpen their blades.

Having finished gathering his equipment Naruto waited for Eleanor to finish inspecting the two men he had killed moments before hand. He wasn't used to seeing her like this, in her full battle armor. In fact the last time he had seen her wield a weapon had been during the spar he had against her years beforehand. But the large bow that dominated his view of her, combined with the hardened leather armor made her look like a deadly warrior. Seeing her stand up Naruto knew she had finished and by the horrified expression on her face, she didn't like what she found.

"My lady, what happened?" Naruto asked in concern, his duty to the Teryna taking precedence to his own emotional turmoil.

"A scream woke me up. There were men in the hall so I barred the door. Did you see their shields?"

"No my lady, I must admit that my emotions blinded me."

"They are Howe's men. Why would they attack us?" Eleanor said in confusion.

"I do not know my lady, but with the majority of the troops gone this is the perfect time to betray the Teyrn."

"You don't think Howe's men were delayed on purpose?" Eleanor asked in disbelieve. Seeing Naruto nod she said "That Bastard! I'll cut his lying throat myself."

It took several seconds for her to gain control over the anger surging threw her system. And not that it had been calmed she remembered one of the reasons she was here.

"Have you seen Bryce? He never came to bed." She asked with worry

"No my lady, I didn't. I have been in my room all night."

"We must find him then."

"It sounds like the battle is downstairs my lady. It is most likely the Teyrn is commanding the remaining troops."

"We must fight our way to him. He will need us both." She said with conviction.

"Perhaps you should stay here until the coast is clear my lady."

"I'm no Orlesian wall flower. Give me a sword and I'll use it. Now let's go."

Nodding Naruto made his way out of the room and down the hallway. The normally peaceful silence shattered by the sounds of battle echoing throughout the empty hallways. Surprised as Eleanor stopped outside one of the rooms, it took Naruto several seconds to notice that this was in fact Fergus's room. Understanding her intent Naruto took a quick look around to make sure that they wouldn't be blindsided by any lingering enemy soldiers. His search however was disturbed by the soul destroying scream that emerged from the room. Stepping into the room he was shocked to see that Eleanor was sobbing over the dead body of a woman and a young boy. Looking closer he saw that it was Oriana Cousland, Fergus's 25 year old wife, and Oren Cousland, Fergus's 6 year old son. Seeing such an innocent person as Oren killed for no reason made Naruto's heart sink. Moving to stand alongside the kneeling Eleanor he began to hear what she was muttering as she held Oren in her lap.

"No... my little Oren. What manner of fiend slaughters innocents?"

"We'll make them pay my lady." Naruto said placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Howe's not even taking hostages, he means to kills all of us, oh my poor Fergus." Lowering Oren onto the floor once again Eleanor stood and said in disgust "Let's go, I don't want to see this."

After what seemed like an eternity Eleanor and Naruto left the hallways that joined together all of the living quarters. Standing in the expansive outside passageways, Naruto took a moment to take in all he could. The peaceful pale moonlight betrayed the chaos that was underway just meters away.

Naruto was shocked out of his peaceful moment when a scream tore through the silence.

"Can you hear the fighting? Howe's men must be everywhere." Eleanor said

"What should we do then my lady?"

"The front gates. That's where Bryce must be." Eleanor said desperate to get to her husband.

"Then that is where we will go then my lady." Naruto said heading down one of the side passages which would take him straight to the gates. However after just several strides he realized that Eleanor wasn't following him. Confused since she is clearly desperate to get going, yet she is refusing to take a single step.

"What's wrong my lady?" Naruto asked.

"It's Howe's men. If there already far enough past the gates to attack us in the living quarters then they must already control the castle. If that's true then we must use the passage in the servant's larder to escape?"

"But my lady, what about the gates?"

"There are things that need to be done beforehand. Bryce is more than capable to hold his own for a while."

"Well then my lady, what needs to be done?" Naruto asked interested in what could be more important than the Teyrn.

"We will head towards the Treasury. We will be able to see how many people have survived since the Common quarters are on the way. We would be able to direct any survivors to the larder passage. And we can NOT allow Howe to get into the Treasury. Within the treasury is the ancestry and wealth of the Cousland Family. I will not allow Howe to destroy my family." Eleanor said with conviction.

It took a few seconds for Naruto to realize what was happening, when Eleanor set off running flat out down a different path. Following after her, Naruto found that even though she was past her prime, she was by no way weak or slow. Eleanor came to a stop as she came to a corner of one of the many small armories that were scattered around the castle.

Coming alongside her, Naruto peered around the corner and was horrified by the carnage he saw.

Several Knights lay in puddles of their own blood that oozed from the countless wounds that covered their bodies. Not that they had failed. That was proven by the numerous enemy soldiers littering the path, and of course he could see even more corpses in the armory itself.

"Keep watch Naruto, while I check this out." Eleanor said while creeping through the corpses and peering in the open doorway.

Deciding that the easiest way to carry out his new 'mission' would be from the doorway itself, Naruto followed Eleanor, however unlike her, he stopped at the door. The perspective that this position gave him means that no one would be able to sneak up on them. And of course while he knew Eleanor could take care of herself, he could help but feel nervous since it was his duty to protect not only the people but his lord and lady as well. And leaving her to go on so unprotected went against everything he had been trained to do. But she was his lady, what could he do when she had given an order. An indirect order, but an order all the same.

As she entered the armoury, Eleanor could easily see the conflicting emotions that warred for dominance on Naruto's face. She knew how hard it was for Naruto to leave her. And while she knew he was just doing his duty, not only as a knight but as a friend, she wanted to show if only to herself that she was still capable of doing things on her own.

Seeing dead bodies always troubled her but seeing that a fair few of the bodies that surrounded her, her own men hurt. While she might not spend a lot of time with the soldiers individually, she always thought of them as an extended family of sort. So each soldier she saw dead hurt just a little but more than the last. The dead enemy soldiers didn't affect her since they had attacked her home, attacked her people. So in her mind they deserved their fate many times over.

Searching for something to distract her from her disturbing thoughts, Eleanor began the process of searching the bodies. Remembering to always treat the bodies with respect, even the enemy bodies, she found a fair amount of useable gear. Mainly just basic health potions, stamina potions and mana potions but she found a couple of sacks of money. Not a great deal but she had gathered at least half a sovereign from the twelve or so bodies in the armory. While it was not a great deal in itself but she knew every single piece of money would help either rebuilding the Castle or starting over.

Having gathered everything she could out of the room she made her way back out to join Naruto.

After what seemed like hours, but in reality only minutes, Eleanor finally left the armory and Naruto could finally relax again. When Eleanor left the room, she immediately went about sorting out the potions she had found. Giving two health potions and a stamina potion to Naruto and keeping the others for both herself and any other soldiers they came across that needed them.

When that had been done, they set off to the treasury. Hopefully it would only take two or three minutes, but that's only if they didn't run into any other enemy soldiers. Thankfully though the only soldiers they did see were already dead.

Having finally arrived at their destination, they were surprised to find that they hadn't been the only ones to have the idea of getting to the treasury. As they approached the open door they head the telltale sound of colliding metal, which could only be from hand to hand combat. Taking a brief glance, Naruto could see that the fighting was being done by two of the castles guards and five enemy soldiers.

"Who's in there Naruto?"

"There are two of the castle's guards fighting against some enemy soldiers. I can see five of them but I don't know if that's all of them."
"Ok, you go ahead, and I'll cover you from the entrance." Eleanor said, once again drawing her bow.

"There appears to be an upturned table to the left of the door, my lady. It would be a perfect place for you, since it would give you some protection." Naruto replied drawing both his sword and his shield.

As soon as they were ready they burst into the room. One of the enemy soldiers were instantly killed by Eleanor as she went to the left and took shelter behind the table as Naruto had said.

While she was on her way to the table, Naruto had exploded into action, and already got close enough to fight on of the other four soldiers that were left.

The first soldier was killed within seconds. Since they hadn't been expecting anyone it had been easy for Naruto to catch him by surprise. However now the other ones knew they were there. But fortunately the number advantage was now in their favor. Naruto joined one of the guards in fighting one of the three remaining enemies. By the time Naruto had dispatched his new opponent, Eleanor had already killed the remaining two and moved to distribute the health potions to the guards.

After the two guards recovered they all began to move to the main gates. While the progress was slow, they did eventually get to there.

The brief peace that they had before was shattered when they entered the Entrance Hall. The remaining castle guards were being attacked by Howe's soldiers that had managed to get through the outer defenses.

As soon as they entered Naruto had to immediately duck as one of the guards were blasted overhead by a fire ball. Searching out for person who did this, he saw that Howe had somehow got a mage to join his forces. The only way that could be possible would be if he was an apostate. Thankfully Naruto knew how to deal with this. After all, this is the reason he had gained one on one training from the Templars. Leaving the other soldiers to the guards and Eleanor, Naruto immediately moved to intercept him. And even thou he had all the training to be able to fight mages one on one, he had never actually done it outside of training yet. So his nerves were understandable.

The mage was prepared for Naruto's initial attack. An energy barrier surrounded him and caused his strike to bounce off.

Strike after strike rained down onto the mage's shield, causing the shield to become weaker and weaker, much to the shock of the mage.

"How? Only a Templar should be able to do that." The mage shouted in frustration

"I might not be a Templar, but that doesn't mean I haven't been trained to fight against mages." Naruto replied confidently

"Even if you do have some Templar training, you won't survive long."

Ignoring the mage's bluff, Naruto began attacking him again. Coming up with quick plan Naruto once again went with an obvious overhead strike. Predictably the mage once again cast an arcane shield. He then casted a quick Cleanse area skill to destroy all magical constructs in the room, including the mage's shield. The mage could only look on defenseless as Naruto's strike struck, cutting from his shoulder to the opposite hip. Not watching as the mage drew his final breaths, Naruto searched for the next enemy. To his shock though, all the others were already dead; he refused to lower his guard even though there weren't any other enemies around. Taking his place next to Eleanor, Naruto waited while Eleanor looked for who was in charge.

"Your ladyship!" Came a shouted a man clearly out of breath "Ser Naruto! You're both alive! I was certain Howe's men had gotten through."

"We're fine Ser Gilmore, although some of Howe's men did get through. However we have to know if you know where the Teyrn is?" Naruto asked

"He was looking for both of you. When I realized what was happening it was all I could do to shut the gates. But they won't hold for much longer. If you have another way out of the castle, you have to use it quickly." Ser Gilmore said desperately.

"We're not going anywhere Ser Gilmore until I find my husband. Now do you know where he went?" Eleanor demanded.

"When I last saw the Teryn, he was badly injured. I urged him not to go but he was determined to find you. He was heading towards the Kitchen. Perhaps he meant to find you at the servants' exit in the larder."

"Thank you Ser Gilmore. Bless you." Eleanor said.

"Maker Bless us all, my lady." Ser Gilmore said moving back to the gate, resigning himself to his fate.

"You heard him. We have to get to the Kitchen." Eleanor said directly to Naruto.

The two of them moved through the gate room, to the opposite door. Opening it, they were back out in the outside halls. Moving at a stead jog they were getting closer and closer to their destination. However like everything today, it wasn't as easy as that.

Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw a large object headed towards his head. Instinctively he leaned backwards, however his momentum meant that he slipped. From his position on the floor he had a brilliant view as an oversized two handed axe smashed into the wall right where his head would have been. Rolling immediately to his right, Naruto lashed out with his sword at the enemy. While he only managed to score a shallow cut, it bought Naruto enough time to get to his feet, only to be attacked by one of the other soldiers. Outnumbered five to two Naruto knew that this will be a hard fight. Especially since one of the soldiers appeared to be a Knight.

Positioning himself so he stood between the soldiers and Eleanor, Naruto began to swing somewhat wildly to keep them at a distance. Striking at the first soldier that came into range, Naruto quickly created an opening in his defense. An opening that Eleanor was glad to exploit with her arrows.

Moving quickly onto the next attacker, Nartuo was desperately trying to keep the enemy away from Eleanor. As good as she was with a sword, she was using a bow, something that needed distance to be able to be used to full effect. However as good as Naruto was he couldn't imagine how he would be able to keep them all back. While only outnumbered two to one, they were all attacking him head on to get to Eleanor.

Thankfully after a rather violent strike that rattled his entire body, Naruto had a brainwave.

'What the hell am I doing? When I was in Konoha I was a one man army. And here I am worrying about being outnumbered two to one.' Naruto thought frustrated with himself.

Using the basic Shield Bash to create some room, Naruto immediately used a handsign he hadn't used in what seemed to be years.

The popping that signaled the arrival of the 10 Kage Bunshin drew the attention of everyone from the enemy soldiers to Eleanor. Stepping back while the Bunshin attacked the now outnumbered enemy soldiers Naruto was faced by a shocked Eleanor.

"What kind of magic is this Naruto? I thought that you were incapable of magic?1" Eleanor said confused.

"No magic, my lady. It's a NinJutsu technique I learned in Konoha." Naruto said

"Why didn't you use it earlier?"

"To be perfectly honest with you my lady, I forgot about it." Naruto said sickened with himself. "I have only ever used Kage Bunshin in battles, so therefore I had no need use it until now. But I have been so used to using the skills that I learned here at Highever, that my previous skill set was pushed to the back of my mind."

"How many can you make Naruto?" Eleanor asked hopeful of being able to rescue the castle.

"I'm not sure. The constant exposure to Lyrium has somehow reduced my chakra stores. So I won't be able to make the thousands I had been capable of before."

"Don't worry about it Naruto, but please make as many as you can."

Concentrating as he called up a large amount of chakra, Naruto was able to make just over a hundred Kage Bunshin. They combined with the 10 previously summoned Kage Bunshin to make a grand total of 115 clones.

"I'm sorry my lady, but if I made any more I would probably suffer from exhaustion." Naruto said with a ragged voice

"There is nothing to apologize for, Naruto. With the help of your NinJutsu we just might be able to hold the castle." Eleanor said softly. Turning to address the gathered clones, she said "Now I want half of you to head to the gate. You will aid Ser Gilmore for as long as you are able. The rest of you will search the castle for any survivors."

"Yes my lady" the clones answered moving to fulfill their tasks.

"You Naruto will come with me while I look for my husband." Eleanor said as she once again started down the pathways. "How long will they be able to last?" She asked

"The clones? They will be able to survive until they receive a major wound. Then they'd simply disperse."

"Anything that they can do to help will be appreciated."

Finally making it to the kitchen Eleanor and Naruto were desperate to find Bryce. Practically destroying the kitchen in the search for her husband, Eleanor was quickly becoming more and more frantic when she couldn't find him.

While Eleanor was working herself into a frenzy, Naruto was trying to think of anything they could be missing. Hearing an almost silent groan, Naruto threw open the larder door and was shocked by what he saw. There lying on the floor in an ever expanding pool of blood was a pale Bryce.

"There you are." Bryce groaned.

Hearing his voice Eleanor ran into the larder, coming to a halt when she saw her husband's condition.

"Makers blood, what happened Bryce? You're bleeding." Eleanor said forcing herself not to cry.

"Howe's men found me while I was looking for you...They almost did me in right there." Bryce said with a small chuckle.

"We need to get you out of here my lord." Naruto said kneeling next to him

"I won't survive the standing, I think." Bryce said groaning in pain.

"Then I will stay and defend you my lord." Naruto said with determination clear in his voice.

"No Naruto." Bryce said with a sigh.

"Once Howe's men break through the gate they will find us. We must go." Eleanor said desperately trying to keep control of her warring emotions.

"Someone must reach Fergus...Tell him what's happened." Bryce said through clenched teeth.

"You can tell him yourself, My lord."

"I wish I could Naruto."

"Bryce no, the servants' passage is right here, we could flee together, find healing magic." Eleanor said clinging onto Bryce's hand.

"No my love, you must go quickly before Howe's men find you." Bryce said not wanting to see his wife die.

"The Teryn is right. Howe's men have not yet discovered this exit; however they surround the castle so it will not stay that way for long," said a deep voice from the doorway.

Jumping at the new voice, Naruto moved to stand between the blood soaked stranger standing in the doorway and the mortally wounded Teryn lying helpless in his wife's arms, his hand immediately on his sword.

"You are Duncan are you not? The Grey Warden." Eleanor said from her place beside her husband, when she saw him nod, she said, "It's alright Naruto. He won't harm anyone."

Lowering his hand from his sword, Naruto stood back allowing Duncan into the room. However, even Eleanor's word wasn't enough to get Naruto to lower his guard. Standing over the Teryn and Teryna Naruto knew he was in the perfect position to defend them at a moment's notice if he needed to.

The position also gave him a perfect perspective to take in Duncan's appearance. His silver armor had dulled from the constant exposure to the blood that stained it, but still held a magnificent shine. His legs were covered by a chain mail skirt, which also stopped him from knowing what he had on beneath it. The main things however that caught Naruto's attention was the two blades on his back. Both blades where made of a blood red steel, a basic straight blade easily made for blocking and thrusting. The biggest difference between the two blades however was the size. The left hand blade was short, only a foot in length. While the right hand blade was almost twice this size.

"I'm glad to see you are safe your ladyship. The Teryn and I tried to reach you sooner." Duncan said in a smooth voice.

"Naruto helped me get this far, praise the maker." Eleanor said.

"I am not surprised." Duncan said, looking Naruto in the eyes.

"Thank you for saving him Duncan." Naruto said after several tense seconds.

"I fear your thanks may be a bit premature." Duncan said breaking the eye contact.

"Whatever were going to do we must do it quickly." Eleanor said desperately trying to get some form of action happening.

"Duncan...You are under no obligation but I beg of you. Take my wife and son to safety." Bryce said through a mind numbing amount of pain.

"Son?" Naruto asked surprised as to what had been said. "Fergus has already left the castle my lord. He's safe."

"I know Fergus is safe. I meant you Naruto." Bryce said "Ever since you arrived here in Highever you reminded both me and my wife of our youngest son. He died a couple of years before your arrival. At first that is why we helped you so much. But over the years we stopped loving you for being our dead son's replacement and started loving you for you."

"I don't understand." Naruto said confused

"He's telling you the truth Naruto. We were going to talk to you after Bryce returned from Ostagar about officially adopting you into our family." Eleanor said

"You wanted to adopt me? Why?" Naruto asked not able to believe them fully.

"Like we've already said Naruto, we really do love you. That love might not of had the noblest of births, but it's real all the same. And of course Fergus loves you. He might not say it but to him you are his brother." Eleanor said

"As much as I hate to interrupt, but Howe's men will be here soon. But to answer your question Teryn Cousland, I will keep them safe. However what you have seen here pales in comparison to what is to come. I came here to search for a recruit and the Darkspawn threat demands I leave with one." Duncan said once again in his smooth voice.

"I...I understand" Bryce said resigned to what he knew was about to happen

"Are you talking about me?" Naruto asked finally coming out of his shock.

"I will take the Teryna and your new son to Ostagar; there we will tell the King what has happened. Afterwards Naruto will join the Grey Wardens."

"As long as Howe comes to justice, then I agree." Bryce said

"Then to you Naruto I offer a place within the Grey Wardens. Fight with us."

"I'm honored but I can't. My duty is to take vengeance on Arl Howe." Naruto said with single-minded determination.

"The King will see that Howe is suitably punished. I'm sorry but a Grey Warden's duty takes precedence, even over vengeance." Duncan said in a calm voice.

"Our family... always does our duty first. The Darkspawn must be defeated. You must go, for your own sake and Ferelden's." Bryce said through clenched teeth.

"I will...father, for you." Naruto said

"Then we must leave quickly if were to get past Howe's men." Duncan said making his way towards the passageway.

"Bryce, are you sure?" Eleanor asked.

"Our son will not die of Howe's treachery. He will live, and make his mark on the world."

"Darling, go with Duncan. You have a better chance to escape without me."

"Eleanor..." Bryce began but was interrupted by Eleanor

"Hush, Bryce. I'll kill every bastard that comes through that door to buy them time, but I won't abandon you."

"No, your ladyship...Mother, I won't let you sacrifice yourself." Naruto said distraught.

"My place is with your father, at his side, to death and beyond."

"I'm...so sorry it's come to this, my love." Bryce said.

"We had a good life, and did all we could. It's up to our children now."

"Then...go, Naruto. Warn your brother." Bryce said only to be interrupted by an earsplitting crash, "And know that we love you both. You do us proud."

"They've broken through the gates. We must go now." Duncan said in a desperately.

Running towards to the servants' passageway Naruto refused to look back, knowing that if he did he wouldn't have the strength to resist going back to help his new parents. Just as he entered the passageway he heard a faint voice saying "Goodbye, Darling."

Right that's it. All of the unbeta'd work has been beta'd so now anything that is published will have been beta'd beforehand.