Chapter 2

Ending Era

1358 A.D.

First sole reign of Viktor

Standing alone within the Vampire Elders sleeping chamber, Viktor thought of what he was about to do and the consequences it may follow. Taking a deep, calming breath the Hungarian Warlord and Vampire Elder uttered a single word that would solve all his problems.

"Naruto"

The name seemed to echo in the chamber forever until a strong wind suddenly came to life. The Vampire Elder could literally see a miniature tornado form in the middle of the chamber right on top of where Marcus stood before it died down to reveal the Demon Lord in all his glory… with one slight difference.

"Ah, greetings Viktor the firstborn, how goes things in your coven? All is well I hope?" Viktor looked on in confusion as the great demon Uzumaki Naruto towered at least four feet in height. The confusion must have showed on his face as a mirth-filled laugh escaped from the demon. "You are confused yes, yes? Well don't be you silly! I take on many forms in the mortal plane and this form is actually one of my most preferred forms!"

"The form… of a child?" Viktor asked as he noted the differences in Naruto's 'adult' form and now his current form. Aside from the height decrease the demon's face no longer held the regal sharpness one would see on a prince's or king's face. Now it was rounded, containing a cherub like appearance. His hair was shorter and was not even long enough to reach the back of his neck. Naruto looked skinnier as well, no more of the powerful muscles that his last form held. The deciding factor that this was still the greatest Demon Lord in existence was that his eyes, which were once blue after drinking the blood of the Vampire Elder Amelia, were now the bloody hellfire red that he had when he was summoned. Those eyes were what legitimized this child as the same demon that helped them a century ago for when Viktor, feared Vampire Warlord across the lands, looked into them an unholy fear gripped his soul in such a way that it felt like he was drowning.

"Of course the form of a child, who would ever, in their right mind question a child's innocence? Children are the purest souls found in this world! With innocence as white as the freshly fallen snow, no one doubts!" Naruto tightened his coat over himself before the disturbingly child like smile disappeared from his face. An atmosphere of seriousness descended upon them and Viktor knew that the time for pretending was over. "Now what does a Vampire Elder want from this demon, Hm? It must be of importance to call upon me, of all things." It was frightening how Naruto could switch his voice from that of a child to the voice he used in his 'adult' form.

"Things have changed since last we met," the warlord started as he took a seat in one of the three thrones built into the walls of the chamber. "The Lycan threat is not anymore a problem and in fact is now our daytime protectors. The Lycans are not why I called you here, no. I called you here, for the sole purpose of protecting my daughter, Sonja."

"You actually called upon me the greatest of demons, general to the armies of hell itself, the devourer of men and gods to be your daughter's BODYGUARD?" Naruto seemed to swell in anger as the room was slowly devoured by darkness and his eyes blazed with fire and death. "Ok, sure I'll protect your spawn, why not? Being with you vampires I'm ninety percent sure that this will lead to some epic fights." Naruto smiled before offering his hand. Viktor took it and shook hands with the deceptively terrifying demon. "Now if you would please introduce me to your daughter and show me my quarters we can get this proverbial ball rolling, yes?"

XXXXXX

Sonja was surprised to see the other council members in their respective seats. When she had received a summons from her father Sonja had thought that they would be talking in private. Now it seems that he had called a surprise council meeting and when she meant surprise she meant that half the council members were in their sleeping attires. No one knew of this which gave the Death Dealer two conclusions to work with. Either some terrible news was about to be dispensed or good news for the coven in these approaching dark times.

"Lady Sonja, do you know what this meeting is all about?" asked one of the council members, an elderly woman looking to be in her fifties, as Sonja made her way to her own seat. The female Death Dealer took her time in walking towards her seat before answering the question.

"Unfortunately, I am in the dark as much as you are councilman. Whatever it is though I am sure it is something of importance. My father values time and hates wasting it." She was about to sit down when she saw an unusual sight. There, sitting on her father's throne was a child looking to be twelve or thirteen years old. Of course he could be much older than he looked. Her unwavering stare caught the other council members and soon enough all eyes were on the child.

"Oh please, don't mind little ol' me! Just here for the sites… and the cheese!" The child laughed merrily as he clapped his hands together, not a single care in the world.

"Who let this child in here?" One of the council members asked as he approached the child but stopped when Viktor entered the chamber.

"Relax, councilman Orsova and please take your seats," Viktor didn't even make eye contact with any of them as he took his seat on his throne, the child getting off as soon as the Vampire Elder walked into the room. "I have called you all today," he started as he adjusted his cloak and looked into the eyes of each vampire present, "to announce the return of a powerful ally, Uzumaki Naruto."

The whole room burst into chatter at this piece of information. The infamous being summoned by Marcus Corvinus had made a huge impression on the whole coven. No one on the council except Sonja forgot about the Demon Lord who had the power to create a sun.

"The Róka Démont has returned? When did he get back?" Councilman Coloman asked as he stood from his seat. "Has he decided to finally stay with the coven?" Viktor smirked as he slowly lifted a finger to the child and spoke.

"Why don't you ask him yourself? After all Naruto standing right in front of you."

"Oh don't look so shocked!" Naruto said as he took a seat on the floor and smiled at the gathered immortals. "I'm a demon! You think changing my physical experience is impossible for me? Please, I can move the very world my thoughts! I can do anything!" To prove his point Naruto morphed into his 'adult' form, hair growing to reach the middle of his back and body maturing. His child like face aged until the familiar regal features of Naruto's most favorite form surfaced. "There, now have your doubts disappeared or do you want me to prove my demonic heritage?" The unforgettable grin of his which showed a mouth full of fangs dissuaded the council members for asking anymore proof, not like they would ask after watching the transformation.

"Lord Naruto," asked a councilman named Ulrick, "If I may, but what made you decide to return to Castle Corvinus? We have not heard a word of you for at least a century!" There was a silent murmur of agreement as they watched the Demon Lord turn on his seat to look at the council member with his bloody hellfire eyes.

"I go where the wind takes me," he lied smoothly as he glanced back at Viktor to see if he had any reactions, "and after following it around the world, it brought me back here! So here I am…"

Naruto watched the emotions flow through the chamber like water. The member's faces kept changing from one feeling to another that it was amusing to watch, some showed relief while others showed fear. He looked to Sonja who surprisingly had a blank expression on her face. While looking at Sonja, he took his time in observing what she looked like. Long, wavy black hair framed a beautiful face that consisted of sharp blue eyes and full rosy lips. She wore a battle corset over a chainmail shirt. The black corset extended into a dress of sorts and hid her metal grieves. Naruto could tell that she was a warrior through and through. He turned to her fully and approached Sonja.

"I'm sorry, but have we met a hundred years ago? Uzumaki Naruto, Demon Lord" He extended a hand to her which he was expecting her to shake, but was surprised when she offered her hand like a lady would. He went through the motions of slowly bringing the hand up and kissed her knuckles.

"Sonja, Vampire, charmed to meet you Demon Lord." There was an emotion that passed her eyes that Naruto almost missed. It made him grin his feral grin as he stood straight and looked to Viktor.

"Joyful times are ahead, Viktor the firstborn! I can feel it in my blood!"

XXXXXX

The next night the whole coven as well as the Lycan slave force was treated with a rare sight. Naruto stood at the center of the plaza a simple white cotton shirt and his black pants. His coat was nowhere to be seen and his hair was tied into a long ponytail. What caught the gathering crowds attention was the fully armored Death Dealers around him, at least twenty strong. They had their swords out and helmets on while Naruto only had his hands and… claws.

"Begin the training session Death Dealers. Viktor had boasted oh so much about your fighting prowess and I, being a believer of seeing is, well, believing I want to test it out." The Death Dealers wanting to prove themselves to the great demon fought as one and showed a ferocity only shown to Lycans. Naruto was a bit impressed with how they flowed with one another. Two would attack him from the front while one attacked on each of his sides and another two behind him. A pincer move, no way out… Until Naruto stomped on the ground so hard that the ground trembled and broke apart, sending large chunks of earth up and in turn knocking the Death Dealers back. Naruto didn't waste any opportunity as he rushed into the rest of the warriors with a sweeping high kick that felled three Death Dealers. Shifting his weight as he dropped his foot Naruto spun for a backhanded punch that sent one unfortunate vampire flying to the crowd. He followed the last attack with a brutal palm thrust that sent one vampire into a group of three, knocking all of them down.

One Death Dealer almost got in a hit as he came in quiet and fast, sword already drawn overhead for a powerful chop. Naruto wasn't fooled and quickly spun in place, delivering a palm thrust to the flat surface of the sword shattering it to pieces. But instead of backing away, the Death Dealer who tried striking at the Demon Lord went in for a drop kick that successfully hit. It didn't even make him budge.

A crossbow bolt flew through the air and was easily caught by Naruto who threw it away. "Relentless little children aren't you? You have my respect for your extensive efforts!" Breathing as deep as he could before releasing a demonic roar made up of pure energy. The attack did not discriminate and blew everyone, even the bystanders, away from him.

When no one was strong enough to stand Naruto turned to the closest person who was in good fighting condition. He approached a man with long brown hair and a dirty beard. Naruto noted that he was probably one of the Lycan slaves but didn't care as he picked up and threw a sword for the man to use. The slave looked hesitant when he looked at the red eyes of Naruto but slowly stepped forward. "What is your name, Lycan?" the Demon Lord asked as he spread his feet apart and bent his knees just a bit. His left hand was cocked back at his waist while his right fist pointed up towards the sky, bent at the elbow.

"Lucian, Lord Naruto" the now named Lucian spun the blade a few times before dropping into his own fighting stance.

"Prove your worth to me, Lucian the Lycan!" Naruto rushed in on Lucian and dropped to his knees as he slid under the swing that would have sliced his head off. From his sliding position Naruto used his right hand as a pivoting point to sweep the Lycans legs from under him. The wolf was quick, however, as he jumped high into the air before spinning into a devastating heel drop attack. Naruto dodged the heel kick and slapped away the blade that Lucian tried to bring down on his head. Naruto went with the motion and spun into a reverse sweeping high kick that he used to hook onto Lucian's shoulder to knock him to the ground.

Naruto slowly stood up as his latest fighting partner groaned on the ground, cradling his bruised head. The Demon Lord huffed in frustration as he wasn't feeling the excitement of a true battle and made an on the spot decision to break Lucian's collar, the collar that controlled his transformations.

"Turn into a wolf Lucian and let us continue our fight! I want to see the extent of your abilities!"

Feeling the excitement of a real battle, Lucian was about to transform and grant the demon his wish when he was stopped by the voice of Viktor.

"That is enough excitement for one night, Lord Naruto." The Vampire Elder said as he walked towards them, Sonja and the entire Vampire Council in tow. Naruto looked a bit perplexed in why he would bring everyone out with him but shrugged as he didn't care that much. "Before the night ends, would you care to join us in discussing future plans for this coven?" Naruto sighed in irritation like a child who was told to stop playing with his toys but complied nonetheless. As he followed the collection of the wisest vampires alive, his long overcoat slowly manifested itself from the shadows that surrounded the castle. It was interesting to note that Naruto was not sweating at all.

"We should continue this some other time Lucian…" the Demon Lord idly stated as he disappeared into the depths of the castle.

XXXXXX

1402 A.D.

Aside from 'protecting' the more than capable Sonja when she went out on patrols or fighting Lycans, Viktor made use of Naruto's vast knowledge of anything and everything to help him plan out for future events. Upon the Demon Lord's suggestion, Viktor added an escape dock under the castle just in case the castle fell to an invasion. Aside from added security measure for the castle proper, Naruto also designed new and more secure, not to mention advanced, coffins for the Vampire Elders. Viktor had asked the great being if he knew any new weapon designs he came across during his century long travel but was only answered:

"I use my bare hands to kill, why would I need something as weak as metal to help me do the deed?"

Naruto noted things were starting to heat up when one night, while resting on the castle's roof he saw Sonja sneak away with the Lycan Lucian in tow to who-knows-where. He grinned as he secretly watched the two climb to the highest point of the keep before making love to each other.

Oh ho, when did this forbidden tryst start? The blonde demon turned away as he glided down to the main floor of the keep to make his way to his quarters. Naruto decided to wait and see where this led. He wouldn't interfere as something this controversial would surely spark something good. For the demon that is

Later on in the night, a family of human nobles arrived at the keep. There were six unarmed humans; Naruto noted them as the noble and his family, as well as twelve guards. Naruto knew of the agreement between Viktor and the local human populace. The deal was that Viktor and his coven would protect the local human kingdom from the wild werewolves in exchange for a tithe, human slaves for food and silver and gold for other commodities. Naruto stood at the castle entrance, dressed in his regal clothing, to greet the Vampire Elders guests.

"Greetings to you, human" Naruto was amused how they cowered before him too scared to even proceed into the castle. He would guess that his title as a demon had spread to the local human populace. Not wanting to piss off Viktor in fear of a long-winded reprimand the Demon Lord stepped to the side to let them pass. The group of humans did so with bowed heads and quick steps. One of the humans, the nobleman's daughter dared to look up and make eye contact with him. As soon as the young blonde made eye contact with him she froze in fear as the bloody hellfire eyes peered into her soul.

"Lord Naruto," a guardsman spoke as he rounded the corner and caught Naruto's attention. The loss of eye contact was enough for the poor girl to regain some of her senses and run to her group. The guardsman bowed his head in respect before relaying his orders to the demon, "The council has requested your presence for the acceptance of the payment from the humans." Naruto gave a nod before following the guards lead.

When he arrived at the designated area where the council would meet on that day he saw that aside from the cart full of silver and gold pieces that was put aside, there were human slaves in a row in front of the council. A quick scan told him that there were no more than a hundred of them.

"You're here Lord Naruto, now we can begin." Viktor turned to look at the gathered vampires as well the noble's own group before speaking, "As per our contract with the local human kingdom, we have agreed to protect them from any and all vampire attacks while in turn, they will pay us a cartful of gold and silver every two months and a hundred human slaves every six," the Vampire Elder swept his hand across the gathered beings and smiled at the nobleman, "So far they have not failed in their part and we will continue giving them protection. Now then, Lord Naruto," the Demon Lord raised a single brow at being addressed suddenly but stepped forward nonetheless. "Would you like to sample some of the… local delicacy?" the gathered vampires laughed at the joke but the humans stayed silent in fear.

The demon smiled at Viktor before nodding in agreement as he walked towards the gathered slaves. He gave a show of inspecting some of the female slaves, turning their heads from side to side and placing a comforting hand on their shoulders. No one noticed that he was getting closer and closer to the noble's group. When he stood in front of the nobleman's daughter, the whole room turned deathly silent.

"They are not part of the menu Lord Naruto," Viktor chided as he watched in amusement on how they cowered before the greatest of the demons.

"Perhaps… But I wouldn't say no to her if she chose to give me her blood, yes?" He offered a hand to the girl and to everyone's shock she took it and was led to the center of the room.

"Anna!" The father screamed as he rushed to get his daughter away from the unholy being but stopped in his tracks when his daughter spoke.

"It's alright father… I offer my blood to Lord Naruto." With the offer made, Naruto's eyes seemed to glow brighter in the dark of the night. He slowly brought the girl closer to him and watched as the father cowered in fear while his fists shook. He carefully bent her head sideways to give him free access to her veins and opened his mouth to show his fanged teeth. When they saw this, the mother started to wail in despair. Naruto looked to the group of gathered vampires and noted Viktor's smirk and Sonja's absence.

Gone again, Sonja? With the human girl seemingly in a trance, the Demon Lord bit into her neck. The girl gasped in surprise and pain as she held onto the demon feeding on her.

"Brave little human aren't you Anna?" He looked into the weak eyes of the girl before laying her on the cold ground. "And don't worry about her turning or anything, humans. Being a demon, or turning into one is something that cannot be transferred." He let the humans take the girl before walking back towards the Vampire Elder. "Your spawn is absent, Viktor the firstborn."

The Vampire Elder scowled at that. He was getting tired of Sonja dodging her duties to the council and needed to remind her of her responsibilities. Viktor turned to the Demon Lord and asked a favor of him, "Bring her to me, if you would. She seems to be forgetting her place."

XXXXXX

Sonja gasped in surprise as she was pulled into one of the grounds alcoves before a hand was placed over her mouth.

The female Death Dealer was walking back to the castle after her and Lucian's latest… meeting. She was about to enter the wing reserved for the higher ranked vampire when she was pulled from behind.

"Your father's been looking for you." Naruto whispered as Sonja's eyes widened in fear. Had the demon found out about her involvement with Lucian? Her heartbeat was rising and rising as she thought of what might happen. Naruto grinned at the terrified girl before turning on his heel and leaving.

"Wait!" Sonja shouted as he gripped onto Naruto's overcoat. She was surprised that the material slithered away from her touch. Still, the action caught his attention and the Demon Lord turned an amused smile at her. "What… what do you know?" She asked as the thought of her father finding out would mean the death of both of them. "Do you… know?"

"Know? Know what? I'm sorry lady Sonja… but I am oblivious!" He bowed at the waist before looking up at Sonja's confused expression. "But a small, friendly word of advice to you; be very careful in the coming days. I am not the only one who has eyes wide open to what you are doing." He approached Sonja and placed a hand on her stomach. "Try and protect this if you would."

After that meeting, no one saw Naruto for the coming months. Viktor didn't worry about it as he could summon him if needed. Sonja took the Demon Lord's advice and was more cautious in meeting with her lover. Although she really wanted to elope with the Lycan, the threat of the Demon Lord chasing after them was too great a risk. She had read on his battle prowess that the Elders saw a century ago and seen it first hand when he tested out the Death Dealers. He was faster and stronger than any of them combined and if the scroll contained the truth, then he could move the very land against them. She looked out her window which had a clear view of the courtyard and the blacksmiths forge further back. She could clearly see Lucian working hard in the forge. Leaning into the cool glass of the window, she relaxed her body as it soothed the building headache.

XXXXXX

The sunlight felt good on his skin. Naruto basked in its warmth in silence, enjoying the temporary peace that came with it. With peace came the chance to reminisce about past events. As he silenced the world around him, the Demon Lord was able to arrange scattered and forgotten memories into order. Ever so slowly he fell asleep

Looking up into the burning sky, Naruto couldn't help but wonder why he chose this particular path in his life. Sure, he could have picked the easier way, no troubles or worries ever bothering him. But he was Uzumaki Naruto damn it! He never backed down and never broke a promise! That was his Nindo, his very way of life!

Letting out a deep and tired sigh, he slowly stood from the blackened earth and looked to the distance where his new family resided in. Castle Evergloam

As he entered the great castle, he saw his mother waiting for him by the grand staircase. She wore her usual attire, a beautiful black robe that left the sides of her legs and arms bare. What was so eye catching about it; was that the front of the dress was almost nonexistent as it showed a good portion of her bust and toned stomach. It had an attached hood to it that was always pulled up, covering half her face in darkness; the shadows did not hide her glowing red eyes though.

"And where have you been, little demon?" She asked as she cupped his cheeks in her hand, forcing Naruto to look into her red eyes. "Have you been a good little boy?"

"Yes, mother…" He replied as he avoiding looking at her eyes. Nothing can escape those red orbs, no lies, no deceptions. When she didn't let go of him, the boy tried to struggle away from her but she held on, a smile creeping from her lips "M-mother you're hurting me…"

The sounds of footsteps broke the Demon Lord from his memory. He slowly sat up as he rubbed at his cheek, feeling the phantom pains of his 'mother's' sharp fingernails. "Is it of such great importance," he said tom himself as he looked to his approaching visitor, "that you had to wake me from my slumber?" Naruto looked to Lucian who quietly stood a ways away from him. Naruto was interested to note that he did not wear his usual blacksmith's smock and heavy leather gloves but instead wore light traveling clothes under a set of armor.

"I am leaving this place," the Lycan blurted out as he looked at the resting Demon Lord, "Me and Sonja are escaping the castle tonight, never to return." Lucian watched as Naruto slowly stood up and turned to fully face the blacksmith. "Will you try and stop us?"

"Why would I?" Naruto asked as he looked towards the setting sun. How long had he slept?

"Do you not take orders from Viktor?" the Lycan was getting confused.

"My contract with the vampires ended two centuries ago. I am only here as a favor."

"But when the time comes will you stop us?" Lucian pressed on wanting an answer from Naruto. His plans of escape would be useless if Naruto came after them. With the new information that he wouldn't interfere even if ordered by the Vampire Elder, he was hoping that it wasn't a ploy to get them to drop their guard.

Looking at the tense form of the wolf, Naruto watched how intense Lucian's eyes were before shrugging to him. "Viktor has a secret armored transport at the castle's southeastern walls. It is heavily armored with silver plating and no sunlight can enter. It also locks from the inside, so for all intents and purposes that transport is impenetrable. Be warned that it is under heavy guard. The only time you can get to it undetected is through the old sewer system." He placed a hand on Lucian's shoulder before smirking at the man, "Is that answer sufficient?"