Chapter 2-Shades of Grey
For a long time, Naruto hated dreaming when growing up, as all they did was bring about nightmares of his past pain, and abuse he suffered growing up. They still didn't stop even after the abuse stopped when the massacre of the Uchiha Clan, which many first thought was him striking back for their transgressions, and made people afraid to make attempts on his life before it was revealed Itachi did it. Many blamed him for Itachi's rampage at first, saying the Kyuubi had offered the Prodigy some form of power to get kill the entire clan in demon's name, and was denied it after the event was over.
Fortunately, the nightmares were manageable as he got older, and Kyuubi wasn't afraid to help keep most of them at bay. Soon after talking with Hinata, the nightmares had soon changed to pleasant dreams, and his life became less stressful. They must have been for her too because the Hyuuga girl had secretly become more confident, getting stronger with each passing day, and was clearly happier being around him then she ever was with her clan.
At the moment, Naruto was dreaming once more one of his happier dreams, as they had always comforted him, and kept his mind sane throughout the years since being in the realm of Middle Earth.
Right now, he was a nine tailed fox in this dream, running through a grassy hill filled with flowers of all kinds, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and a lazy sloth that looked like Nara Shikamaru was in a nearby tree sleeping while muttering "troublesome" every few minutes. On top of the hill, Naruto saw a beautiful lavender fox with nine tails looking down at something before looking back to see him, and female fox smiled at the sight of Naruto. The closer Naruto got, the strong scent of lavender reached his nose, and made him run faster towards the female fox he knew was his mate.
The lavender colored fox was his Hinata-chan.
"I've missed you Hinata-chan. My sexy vixen," said Naruto nuzzling her face with his and wrapping their tails together in perfect sync.
"Naruto-kun! Don't say that. You know what it does to me," said Hinata, as her voice is still the sweet innocent voice Naruto remembers, and makes him purr into her neck.
"I know and what you do drives me wild in the process," said Naruto making the lavender fox blush and giggled at his words though her face soon became sad.
"I've missed you so much Naruto-kun. Konoha is a shadow of its true self. The Hyuuga Clan Elders seek to put the Cage Bird Seal on me so they can control my sister when she becomes Clan Head. Come back soon," said Hinata, as she began to fade, and Naruto instantly became enraged at these words before transforming into a massive fox that obliterated everything around him.
By this point, Naruto had woken up from his dream, and looked around at his current environment before letting out a tired sigh. Normally, the dreams didn't turn out like that when he slept, but not always were the dreams simply dreams, as Naruto believed that Hinata was indeed there with him, and it was through their bond that such a thing was possible. When it first happened, Naruto told her where he was, how he was trying to get back, and his promise to tear through the very fabric of space time continuum if it meant being with her again.
Now she had told him about this. The very notion of his lavender vixen having that Cage Bird Seal on her made his blood boil, his demonic chakra spiking dangerously, and a vow to make the village pay for their arrogance! Oh yes, nothing in the realm of Middle Earth, their Dark Lords, White Wizards, Grey Wizards, Elves, Dwarves, and Men would stand in his way of being reunited with his mate.
'Soon Hinata-chan. Soon I will have the means to be with you again and all those that have wronged us will die!' thought Naruto his eyes glowing red and the angry growl filled the air before the Namikaze let out a bloodthirsty roar that frightened the animals around him in the forest he was in.
And was heard by the newly formed Fellowship.
"Did you hear that?" said Aragorn, as he saw Gandalf look pensive at the roar that spoke of a great anger, and even greater hunger.
"Yes I did and I fear we may need to move sooner then expected if we are to make our way to Mordor," said Gandalf smoking his pipe before focusing on Gimli, who was the only Dwarf of the group, and him suggesting they go through the Mines of Moria that was owned by his dear cousin Balin.
"There is something approaching from the South!" said Legolas, who was the only Elf among the Fellowship, and heard Gimli state it was nothing except a bunch of clouds though Boromir stated otherwise saying that whatever was coming their way was moving against the wind.
It turned out to be winged spies of Saruman.
Thus provided the Fellowship with a serious problem regarding their path, with Gandalf trying to take them over the snowy mountain, but Saruman was one step ahead of them, and was impeding their path over the mountain with his powers. Boromir suggested that they make for the Gap of Rohan with Aragon stating it led them too close to Isengard, and Gimli once more stating that they should go through the Mines of Moria.
Gandalf was silently terrified of entering the Mines of Moria. For good reason, which only Saruman himself truly knew, as he had been aware of the events that took place in Moria, and what it was Gandalf feared. Even now, the White Wizard was speaking into Gandalf's mind mockingly, and it made the Grey Wizard even more scared to make such a decision.
Moria. The Dwarves dug too greedily down there. You know what they awoke deep in the mountain. A creature of shadow...and flame!
"Let the Ring Bearer decided," said Gandalf looking at Frodo to make the choice.
"We shall go through the mines," said Frodo, as he saw Gandalf nodding his head, and the Fellowship made their way down the mountain.
All the while, the Fellowship was unaware that they were being watched by Naruto when they reached the base of the mountain, and communicating with Saruman through his Palantir. Saruman was surprised Naruto found one of the lost seeing stones, but it was short lived, as the Demon Fox Mercenary told the White Wizard of the group coming down the mountain, and was awaiting further instructions.
"Keep following them Naruto. Simply watch the group and let the dark creatures within the mountain do their job before retrieving the One Ring," said Saruman through the Palantir to Naruto.
"Understood Lord Saruman," said Naruto seeing it was now getting late in the day and would be nightfall soon.
By the time nightfall did come, the Fellowship had made its way to the entrance to Moria, and with a little nudge in terms of magic, Gandalf was able to reveal the secret doorway made by the Elves, and tried to open the door. The keyword is that he tried, as the secret door would not open, and had stumped the Grey Wizard in what the password was that would make it open.
The sight amused Naruto, as he watched from his position above them using chakra to stick to the mountain wall, and stay hidden within the shadows despite the moon shining down from the sky above. As this happened, two of the Hobbits were throwing stones into the small body of water by the entrance, and Naruto saw a massive creature within it slowly stirring awake.
"Speak friend and enter. It's a riddle! Gandalf, what's the Elvish word for friend?" said Frodo before Gandalf spoke it and the moonlit door opened for the Fellowship to enter.
'Smart for a Hobbit,' thought Naruto, as he saw the group enter, and slowly walked down from his position to the entrance so see if he could sneak in.
Only to stop when he heard Boromir's voice after they saw the state of Moria.
"This is no mine. It's a tomb!" said Boromir, as he saw the dead bodies of Dwarves, and Legolas stating it was the work of Goblins before the group began to retreat back with their weapons drawn.
'That's the least of your worries,' thought Naruto, as he saw the tentacles of the watery based creature rise up, and snatch Frodo's leg.
With the group suddenly distracted by the monster, Naruto snuck into Moria knowing that to flee any other way was impossible for the Fellowship since the weapons they possessed did not have the means to slay it. After Frodo was freed from the monster's grasp, they retreated back into the mine with the creature destroying the doorway, and burying itself within the rubble.
Creating a light using his magic put into a crystal on his staff, Gandalf began to lead the group through the dark war ravaged Mines of Moria, and saw more dead bodies of the Dwarves that once lived here. They traveled upward to the complex center with different paths that led in multiple directions and to make matters worse for the Fellowship...the Grey Wizard had no knowledge of the area they were in.
In short...they were lost.
"This place smells of death no matter where are. How can you stand it?" said Boromir seeing Aragon give a small smile and shakes his head.
"There are worse places then this that smell worse then this I'm afraid," said Aragon while Legolas was being unusually focused on the walls around him.
"Someone is here," said Legolas, as he brought out his bow, and an arrow while focusing on the location of the unwelcome guest.
"Very perceptive of you Master Elf. You are indeed a credit to your race," said Naruto deciding to make himself known by moving closer into the light Gandalf's staff was generating before moving his head slightly to dodge the arrow Legolas fired at his skull.
"Make one more move and you're life is forfeit," said Legolas, as he saw Naruto raise a large rock, and looked ready to drop it.
"Please do shoot me. I dare you. Simple fact is once I drop this, it will make a lot of noise, and we all know that the army of Goblins in these mines will not pass up the opportunity to spill more blood," said Naruto seeing Legolas hesitate for a second in taking out another arrow.
"You! Arwen told me of her encounter with the Demon Fox Mercenary," said Aragon, as everyone now drew their weapons, and prepared to do battle with Naruto.
"Then you also know I showed her and the Ring Bearer mercy when I could have easily done the opposite," said Naruto, as he saw Legolas preparing to fire again when Aragon stayed his hand, and eyed the mercenary for a moment.
"Why are you here?" said Aragon knowing the man before them could have easily attacked earlier and yet was holding back.
"Aside from the obvious in retrieving the One Ring from the Halfling not three feet from you? I'm here right now simply to watch you and observe. Nothing more," said Naruto, as he saw the trio of Hobbits once more create a defensive wall of sorts around Frodo, and it only made the Namikaze smile.
"You are a spy for Saruman. I saw you at Isengard where you stopped me from fighting him within the tower walls," said Gandalf seeing Naruto chuckle.
"Spy? Please! My talents go far beyond that being a mere spy. As for my interference in your fight, I merely removed your weapon of choice from your hand Grey Wizard, and sped up the inevitable end to the battle when I could have easily killed you. Besides, we both know Saruman would have taken your staff from you had I not interfered and the results would have been the same," said a now chuckling Naruto before taking out his pipe and began smoking some weed within it.
"Since you are a mercenary, then perhaps you'd be willing to side with us for the right price, and not inform Saruman of where we are?" said Gimli knowing how people like Naruto were when it came to money, and could look the other way if the price was high enough.
"Trust me Master Dwarf when I say I'm not getting paid for this. If anything, I am paying back a debt I owe to the White Wizard, and I always payback the debts I owe people if they are owed," said Naruto seeing the group was shocked by this news.
"So nothing we have on hand could interest you in terms of buying your cooperation, if just for a time?" said Aragon seeing Naruto shake his head no.
"You have nothing I want. Not even that amulet around your neck glowing with Elvish light from Lazy Arwen interests me," said Naruto seeing Aragon's eyes widen slightly and instinctively grabbing the item around his neck.
'How does he know it's from her?' thought Aragon while keeping an eye on Naruto.
"But you do desire something. It's in your eyes," said Gandalf seeing the mercenary did have a price, but they didn't know what it was, and therefore could not pay it.
"Perceptive as always Gandalf the Grey. I do desire something. Sadly, none of you have the means to grant it, which is a shame in itself, for if you did have the power to grant my desire, I would side with your Fellowship without question, and personally carve a direct path to Mordor myself," said Naruto before looking at Aragon and focused on the man's smell for a second and let out a chuckle.
"May we ask what's so funny at the moment?" said Gimli not really understanding the Demon Fox Mercenary right now.
"Nothing. Well...its just that I never thought I'd be in the presence of Gondor Royalty," said Naruto focusing entirely on Aragon and it made the Ranger's eyes widen in surprise.
"There is no one here like that," said Gandalf knowing Sauron could not know of Aragon and what the man really was.
"Don't lie Grey Wizard, you simply aren't good at it. I know the man beside you is indeed Gondor Royalty because I can smell it in his blood. There is a reason people call me the Demon Fox Mercenary after all," said Naruto from his sitting position on the rocks above the group and laughed slightly at their surprise.
"So the rumors are true. You really are a demon fox," said Boromir seeing Naruto nod his head while letting his chuckle grow slightly louder.
"Yes. Though that was not always the case," said Naruto, as his eyes became sad for a moment, and continued smoking pipe-weed.
"What do you mean?" said Frodo seeing Naruto shake his head.
"That's a story for another time. If you truly want to get out of this place, I suggest this path since the air smells less foul, and clearly doesn't have so many dead Dwarves like the others do," said Naruto pointing to the pathway to his right just below his position on the rocky wall.
"And why should we trust someone like yourself when you clearly work for Saruman," said Boromir seeing Naruto smile further and thought he saw fangs for a brief moment behind the orange cloth.
"I don't want you dead. Not yet. Not in this depressing place. Besides, if I really wanted to kill you, I'd have dropped this rock, and let the noise it makes from bouncing around alert every Goblin in Moria of your presence," said Naruto casually threw the rock at Aragon, who caught it easily, and see the possible future King of Gondor weigh things out in his mind.
"He has a point," said Frodo seeing Naruto now looking at him with those blue eyes that occasionally turned red before going back to blue.
"Perhaps, but I'd still feel better if he wasn't the one to suggest the path, and have him go first," said Gimli seeing Naruto move his head to the right slightly, as if in deep thought, and then put it back.
"I would, but there is a chance your Elvish friend would shoot me in the back the moment you're free, and I'd rather have your friend be blamed for upsetting me. You see, despite my service to the White Wizard Saruman, as well as the Dark Lord Sauron to an extent, my powers are far beyond either of them, and I'm holding a great deal of that power back right now," said Naruto seeing Gandalf's face go paler at his words.
"So what I sensed is true," said Gandalf seeing the others look at him for a moment.
"That's right. My power is a force of nature unlike anything you've ever seen before. I don't like to use it because of the damage it would cause, not to mention make me your worst enemy should Sauron be defeated, and I'd rather not be hunted like some rabid animal," said Naruto narrowing his eyes at Gandalf seeing him grimace.
"We have little choice in taking your advice I take it?" said Aragon seeing Naruto look at him now and smile slightly.
"If you are concerned I may lead you into a trap, then I shall make a promise with you, and uphold my end of the deal if you do yours," said Naruto seeing Aragon look at him still with suspicion.
"And how do we know you will honor whatever promise you make?" said Boromir more suspicious of Naruto then Aragon.
"I always honor my promises. Kind of a family thing on my Mother's side I inherited. Whenever her side of the family made a promise they did everything in their power to keep it. What about you Aragon? Will you honor your end of a promise in the name of the Royal bloodline of Gondor?" said Naruto seeing Aragon now deep in thought.
"What is the promise exactly?" said Gimli wanting to know the details of this promise.
"Very well. I promise not to fight anyone here in this Fellowship while within the Mines of Moria, nor will I try to take the Ring of Power from the Ring Bearer, and I will allow your group a one day head start before we become enemies again once more. In return, you must promise not to try any attempt to kill me, and also honor the one day head start after we get out of here. Promise?" said Naruto seeing Aragon look at the others and then back at the mercenary while weighing the decision of making such promise.
Finally he came to a decision.
"Very well. I Aragon, son of Arathorn promise on Royal bloodline of Gondor that I along with the rest of the Fellowship will not make any attempt to kill you, and grant a one day head start once we leave the Mines of Moria," said Aragon seeing Naruto smile before leaping off his position on the rock wall in front of the Heir to the Gondor throne while Legolas kept his weapon aimed right at the mercenaries head.
"We have an accord then. Follow me," said Naruto walking towards the path he pointed to earlier and saw they were still hesitant to listen.
"Its either follow him or stay here with this deathly smell. Might as well die where the air is cleaner," said Gimli, as he was the first to follow Naruto, and the rest doing the same.
"Sometimes it is best to follow your nose," said Gandalf before doing the same.
The group made their way through the path Naruto was leading them, but the Demon Fox Mercenary stopped in front of an area leading to a tomb filled with the skeletal bodies of Dwarves. Gimli seeing the tomb rushed in, ignoring the others calling to him to stop, and fell upon the tomb of his kin while weeping at the loss of the Lord of Moria.
"Did you bring us here so we could see you make him suffer at the loss this place has brought to his eyes?" said Legolas seeing Naruto shake his head.
"No. That was not my intention," said Naruto quietly, as he saw Gandalf take a large book, which turned out to be a journal, and read out what was written.
"We cannot get out. We cannot get out. They have taken the western hall and we have barricaded the eastern passageway, but it will not hold. Drums in the deep pounding in the darkness. We cannot get out. We cannot get out...they are coming," said Gandalf reading the page with the last word being written having blood stains on it.
A loud noise behind them showed one of the Hobbits, a one Peregrin "Pippin" Took had accidently knocked over a skeleton of a Dwarf holding a bucket down a well, and it was making loud echoing noises throughout the mines. Of course the initial action had scared everyone almost out of their skins and the guilty look on the Hobbits face didn't help the angry mood Gandalf was now in.
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself down the well next time to relieve us of your stupidity!" said Gandalf before closing the book in his hands.
"If he doesn't do it I will," said Naruto making Frodo smirk for a second and it took some effort to not laugh.
Any humor that may have come, didn't manifest itself after the sound of drums echoing throughout the deep regions of the mines, and the sound of many scurrying feet heading in their direction like a swarm. Quickly, Boromir looked outside the doorway, only to pull his head back to prevent an arrow from hitting the side of his face, and shut the door with Aragon's help.
"They have a Cave Troll," said Boromir with a grimace on his face to match his voice.
"That explains the drums. I didn't want to use this under these circumstances, but...well I did make a promise, and I can't keep it if you are all dead," said Naruto, as he took out a weapons scroll, and took out his weapon of choice for this that made them pause to see the what the weapon was that the mercenary seemed to cherish.
It was a golden bo staff with crimson seal and rune designs etched on it. Ball spikes were on either side of the staff the size of his fist and was indeed a think of beauty. What was surprising was when Naruto touched certain parts of the bo staff that the seals and runes on it glowed crimson before it began to change into an Elvish Glaive.
"How did you get that?" said Legolas with his bow and arrow already aimed at the door slowly being destroyed by the wave of Goblins on the other side.
"I had it made by some Elves I helped out a few years ago. Custom made just for me and of my own design. Baffled its smith at the forge in terms of the runes and then the seals I placed on it to make it change from one weapon into another. I don't like using this unless I absolutely have to and to be honest...its one of the reasons I got the name 'Demon' in my title 'Demon Fox Mercenary' from the way I wield this," said Naruto, as he let out a small chuckle, and prepared himself for battle along with everyone else.
Which was a good thing too because the doors had been destroyed and the Goblins had come storming in with their Cave Troll eager for smashing everything in sight.
The Goblins clashed against Aragon, Boromir, Naruto, and Legolas first with those that moved around them going after Gandalf along with the four Hobbits of the Fellowship. As per Naruto's words about his special hybrid Glaive, he was indeed fighting like a demon with it, as he swing his prized weapon viciously down upon the almost seemingly never ending swarm of Goblins that came his way, and even save Aragon twice at one point from being stabbed by the blade of one of the enemy.
As for the Cave Troll...that was a different story.
Cave Trolls didn't go down easily. They had thick skins and were walking powerhouses of strength with any weapon they used being more deadly in their hands then it would in most other races. Right now, the Cave Troll in front of the Fellowship plus one demon mercenary had spear in its hand, and was eager to spill blood of anything caught in its line of sight.
Right now it was aimed at taking down Naruto.
Dodging right to avoid the spear, Naruto had to dive underneath the Cave Troll to avoid the massive fist from the beast, and quickly cut deeply into its back. The Cave Troll now howled in pain, becoming enraged at its target hurting its body, and continued trying to kill Naruto while the Goblins with it went after the Fellowship. It tried to smash Naruto, but the mercenary was too fast, too quick, and too deadly with the Glaive. He cut at the tendons of the legs, followed by cutting off an arm, and then leaping onto the back of the Cave Troll before stabbing the Glaive right into neck to pierce its spine.
With a small groan, the Cave Troll fell down dead with its blood staining the area around him just as the last of the Goblins that were with it fell at the hands of the Fellowship, and had given them a moment of reprieve. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief seeing everyone was alive and unharmed with the blood staining their clothes was that of the Goblins they killed.
"They were right to give you the title of demon with the way you fight with that weapon young mercenary," said Gimli, as he saw Naruto turn it into a bo staff, and then reseal it again in that scroll while wondering how the man could do that with such an object.
"You fight pretty good yourself with that axe of yours Master Dwarf," said Naruto before picking up his downed straw hat, dusted it off, and then put it on his head.
"So the rumors about him being part fox are true," said Legolas with Aragon nodding, as they saw Naruto's hair color being blonde mixed with crimson, and saw the fox ears on the mercenary's head.
"Be on guard. Just because he keeps promises doesn't mean the trickster in him won't try to make things easy for us," said Aragon in a whispered voice.
"If you saw the fox ears, then you know my hearing is just as keen in picking up your conversation, and hearing your words of caution," said Naruto looking back at the two looking somewhat embarrassed at hearing that.
"We cannot dawdle here. To the Bridge of Khazad-dum!" said Gandalf, as he leads the group with the light of his staff making it easy for them to see him, and are quickly being chased by an army of Goblins.
Pretty soon Goblins had surrounded them on all sides, ready to slay them easily due to their vast numbers, and the bloodlust showing in their eyes. Naruto at this point was now considering using some of his more restrained talents, but just as he was about to, a great roar echoed throughout Moria, and even scared away the vast Goblin army that had the Fellowship completely surrounded.
"For once...that was not me," said Naruto, as he sensed something coming their way, and it was not friendly to anyone!
"What is this new devilry?" said Boromir into Gandalf's ear and Naruto could see the Grey Wizard was afraid this would happen to the Fellowship.
"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world," said Gandalf, as he held his staff for support, and could no longer hold back the fear this creature was bringing out in him.
"A friend of yours?" said Legolas looking at Naruto.
"No. I had no idea such creature still even existed. Its powerful in its own right, I'll give it that much, and I have a feeling that discretion is the better part of valor right about now," said Naruto seeing Gandalf nod before leading where they need to go, and outrun this new foe slowly catching up to them.
They made their way down the long flight of stone steps, as they continued run deeper into the mountains, and only looked back so often when the crashing of the was heard indicating the Balrog was catching up. Reaching a gap in the steps on the long stone staircase down, the group was intercepted by Goblins on an area high above, and perfect for picking off people from their vantage point. Legolas returned fire, killing several of the Goblins, as Boromir jumped across the gap, followed by Gandalf, then Aragon helped throw three of the Halflings, and the Legolas made his jump before the stairs began to shake violently from the impact the Balrog was making behind them.
Naruto decided to speed things up, as he made a Shadow Clone, picked up Frodo, and Gimli despite the Dwarf's protest in being picked up in such a manner before jumping across with them with the Shadow Clone dispersing seconds later. Naruto himself then grabbed Aragon, as they leaped across next, as the group continued to make its way to the Bridge of Khazad-dum, which upon seeing it was a narrow path no doubt meant to be used mostly for strategic military purposes in keeping large enemy forces from crossing.
By this point, the Balrog was nearly on top of them, and all that stood in its way was this thin path of a bridge that looked like it could barely support a Cave Troll.
That and Gandalf was also blocking its path.
The rest of the Fellowship along with Naruto watched, as the Grey Wizard battled the being of fire, and push it back away from crossing the bridge. Using his power, Gandalf broke the bridge by weakening it so when the Balrog tried to take a step forward, the path to the Fellowship fell, and the great demon of the First Age fell into the abyss below.
To say Naruto was impressed, as he was sure this creature would make him work up quite a sweat, and from the looks of things had drained Gandalf of most of his strength for the moment. The breath of relief from the Fellowship was short lived though, as the Balrog in an act of defiance, used its Fire Whip, and wrapped it around Gandalf's ankle before dragging him to the edge of the broken bridge barely clinging to the edge.
Not knowing why, Naruto rushed forward, and grabbed Gandalf to pull him up from the edge. However, even as he tried, the mercenary felt the Grey Wizard was resisting him, and it didn't make sense until he saw the elderly man's eyes.
"Fly, you fools!" said Gandalf before letting go of Naruto and fell down into the abyss.
"Noooo!" screamed Frodo, as he was pulled back, and the group soon had to leave when arrows from the Goblins were shot at them.
With the group now having their back to them, Naruto made a Shadow Clone, and had it follow the group out while he himself dived down into the abyss knowing that look in the Grey Wizard's eyes. Naruto was not about to miss this contest between two and in the end could prove to be something quite beneficial for what he has planned in the future when returning to the Elemental Countries.
(With the Fellowship)
"Well that was fun," said the Shadow Clone of Naruto, as he saw the group depressed, tired, and just about ready to fall on their knees in despair.
"Legolas. Boromir. Gimli. Get them up. We need to go," said Aragon telling them to get the Hobbits of the group.
"Give them a moment for pity sake!" said Boromir, as they needed rest, and now was a good time as any.
"By nightfall, this area will be swarming with orcs. We need to reach the Lady of the Wood where we can be protected from harm. Hurry!" said Aragon knowing this place would soon be covered with the forces of Saruman and Sauron within the hour.
"What about him?" said Pippin pointing at Naruto.
"Don't worry about me. If anything, I have to report back to Saruman saying you traveled to the Lady of the Woods, and I could not enter knowing how well guarded it is. Enjoy your reprieve when under the Elf Queen's protection for I sense you're troubles will soon start again once you leave her realm.
"Thank you for your help in getting us through Moria young mercenary. You are indeed someone with honor despite your chosen profession," said Aragon seeing Naruto smile at him and nod his head slightly.
"Your welcome future Heir to the Gondor throne. I wish you all the best luck despite the fact we are on different sides of this war and for future notice my name...is Naruto. Is means maelstrom," said Naruto tipping his hat to them and then walked away before he went "poof" when out of sight.
(Isengard)
Saruman frowned, as he sensed something lurking in the shadows, moving silently within them doing its best not to be seen, or sensed at all by anyone. The White Wizard let his senses expand to their fullest, but found nothing of what he sensed earlier, and played it off as a spy for Sauron keeping tabs on him. Not for the first time did the Great Eye send agents to Isengard to make sure the White Wizard was indeed making an army for the Dark Lord and using it to crush the world of Men.
'Sauron will see the army I have created and once they have crushed Rohan...I will move them to take out the Dark Lord once I have the Ring of Power,' thought Saruman, as he headed down to the breeding chambers to see the dark fruits of his labor made from his machine of war.
While this happened, Naruto appeared from the shadows, and wiped his forehead while silently cursing himself for being so careless. Of course, this Naruto wasn't the real one, but rather one of the many Shadow Clones the Namikaze made before leaving tower to continue making preparations, and studying different things under the White Wizard's nose.
'Now where was I? Oh yes, the making of these creatures Sauron wants the White Wizard to make, and how they are made,' thought Naruto, as he wrote down exact copies of what he saw, put back the originals, and then took the copies to a location where the real him could pick it up later.
His Master plan was coming along well.
(Woodland Realm)
"I see. So the Demon Fox Mercenary tried to save Gandalf from falling into shadow and yet the Grey Wizard sacrificed himself nonetheless. How peculiar this demonic figure is and keeping his promises. I find that hard to believe when it comes to a mercenary," said Galadriel, as she spoke to Legolas alone, and saw her fellow Elf to tell her of all the accounts that happened in Moria.
"So did I, but he kept them regardless of it, and I also know this Naruto is serving the White Wizard out of some form of debt. Do you know what it could be?" said Legolas seeing the Elf Queen pondering what kind of debt the Demon Fox Mercenary was paying back.
"I do not. He walks through the shadows, staying hidden in them, and only striking when the eyes of his enemies do not see it. At the same time, I can sense his power, and the depths of it all is truly astounding," said Galadriel, as she could once use her powers to sense Naruto after word reached her of a demonic entity roaming the lands, fighting for whatever side paid mercenary the most, and felt the power of the Namikaze the instant she locked onto his unique signature.
The Elf Queen knew how much the man was holding back in terms of his demonic power and the way he described himself as being a force of nature if fully unleashed did seem to be an accurate statement to that fact. She had wanted to talk to Gandalf about him, but now the Grey Wizard was lost, and now the Fellowship was on the brink of destruction.
"I saw him in battle. He does indeed live up to his name. The weapon he chose to fight the Goblins was a Glaive that could change into a staff of some sort when he wished with strange runes and 'seals' as he called them to make it transform," said Legolas, as he saw the Lady of the Woodland Realm nod her head in thought, and ponder this information.
"I will speak with Elrond about this later. Go back to the others and send Frodo to me. I wish to speak with him," said Galadriel seeing Legolas bow his head and then leave to carry out his assignment.
(Isengard-2 Weeks Later)
"Welcome back my friend. Were you successful?" said Saruman seeing Naruto shake his no.
"They made it out of Moria and quickly headed to the Lady of the Woods Domain. I can't risk entering that place and risk getting captured or killed," said Naruto though the dying part was a lie since his healing factor made it nearly impossible for him to be killed.
"Then it was mostly likely for the best you didn't finish your mission in striking when they least suspected it given how close they are to her domain. If she gets involved now, aside from aiding the Ring Bearer with temporary sanctuary, it will make things for us increasingly difficult, and we cannot have that. I am curious though as to why you didn't use the Palantir to tell me this?" said Saruman seeing Naruto looking down at the mass of mud and the movement within it.
"I didn't want Sauron to know what you were scheming in obtaining the One Ring for yourself. If he learns of your secret plan, he will find a way to replace you, and take over the operations here," said Naruto seeing what came out of the mud being examined by the orcs below.
"Yes. That's very true. Sauron is constantly watching my actions," said Saruman before motioning to one of the orcs to bring forth one of his newest creations to him.
"They look dangerous," said Naruto seeing one of the creatures now, stained in mud, barely clothed with just a loin cloth, and hungry like an animal.
Yes. Do you know how the orcs came into existence? They were Elves once, taken by the Dark Lord, tortured and mutated! A ruined and terrible form of life. And now, perfected. My fighting Uruk-hai. Whom do you serve?" said the White Wizard inches from the creatures face.
"Saruman!" said the Uruk-hai with a hunger in his voice and bloodlust in his eyes.
'Perfected indeed,' thought Naruto seeing these creature before him and knew this was what he needed for his own army one day.
Oh yes. Such an army, loyal, and obedient only to him would be his one day though Naruto knew they were only one piece to the puzzle of his Master plan.
"I wish to test my new army out by sending a small detachment to hunt down the Ring Bearer. Go with them to find the Halfling with the Ring of Power," said Saruman seeing Naruto nod his head while keeping in mind the promise was now void in terms of not killing anyone in the Fellowship.
It was a shame because they were good guys, but alas professionalism was in charge over personal feelings, and couldn't fight his debt owed to the White Wizard.
"Get them ready and I'll lead them," said Naruto walking away from the White Wizard and knew the elderly man was expecting him to make good completing the objective of getting the One Ring.
After an inspiring speech to his Uruk-hai, Saruman ordered the group to head out, and Naruto beside them keeping relatively easy pace. Of course, Naruto knew this group was merely the prototype version for the real army Saruman was making, and any weaknesses from this batch would be corrected within the rest.
(With the Fellowship-Several Days Later)
Frodo was scared now. Boromir had tried to take the Ring of Power from him just as the Elf Queen knew the man would for his selfish reasons that the One Ring instigated. Now Aragon was looking for the young Halfling mere moments after Frodo used the One Ring to escape Boromir before seeing the Great Eye of Sauron. When Aragon approached him, Frodo moved back from the man, and questioned the Heir to the line of Kings if he would take the Ring of Power while holding it in his hand for the man to see.
"I would have followed you to the end. Into the very fires of Mordor," said Aragon in a whispered voice, closing Frodo's hand that held the One Ring, and stayed on one knee before the slowly calming Hobbit.
"I know. Look after Sam. He'll be sad about me leaving," said Frodo seeing Aragon nod in understand knowing the trip to Mordor could not be made with the Fellowship.
It had to be done alone by the Ring Bearer himself.
"Frodo!" said Aragon, as he saw the sword Sting at Frodo's side glowing blue.
"Orcs!" said Frodo trying to run, but looked back to see Aragon telling him to run, and hurry before they arrived.
"Run!" said Aragon seeing young Hobbit hurry out of sight before turning to face the large force of Uruk-hai in front of him and Naruto leading them.
"We meet again so soon," said Naruto keeping a hand up that was the silent order to make the force with him stop from charging at Aragon.
"You are here for Frodo. You won't get to him," said Aragon pointing his sword up ready for a fight.
"We'll see about now won't we. Kill him," said Naruto before snapping his fingers and the small army with him charged the possible future King of Gondor while Naruto now walking around them to find Frodo.
It wasn't long before the others had caught up with the rest of the Fellowship, as Legolas assisted Aragon by firing arrows with deadly accuracy, and killing them from a distance while Gimli got in much closer with his axe using his short stature to his advantage in not being seen right away by them until it was too late. Not that far away from them, the Horn of Gondor soon bellowed for all to hear, drawing the Uruk-hai forces away from the three members of the Fellowship, and towards the Horn of Gondor's user.
The eldest son of the Steward of Gondor...Boromir.
Like moths to flame, the Uruk-hai swarmed towards Boromir to kill him, and possibly take the Ring of Power from its holder in the process. At the moment, the man was trying to protect two of the four Hobbits in the Fellowship in a means to regain his lost honor for nearly succumbing to the dark will within the Ring of Power, and his own weakness to not see the truth until it was too late.
Sadly, his skills with a sword in slaying the monstrous foes around him were stopped by an arrow piercing his chest in the heart. Struggling to stand, Boromir continued to fight off the Uruk-hai, but another arrow from the archer walking towards him stopped him yet again for a moment, and then the man continued once more before a third arrow stopped his body entirely. Boromir fell to his knees, seeing his executioner aiming an arrow right at his head, and Naruto standing beside the archer with a sad look on that masked face.
"Farewell Boromir. May you find peace in the afterlife," said Naruto before signaling the Uruk-hai to fire the arrow at Boromir's skull while the others took Pippen and Merry to be taken to Saruman.
Neither was Frodo Baggins, but they would have to do, and appease the White Wizard for the moment.
A yell from his right made Naruto turn to see Aragon sword in mid-swing take his head off, only for the entire body of Naruto to go "poof", and revealing himself to be one of his Shadow Clones. Leaving behind the Uruk-hai to fend for itself against Aragon while the real Naruto not that far away inwardly cursed at the timing the man had and decided to let the to duke it out while the Namikaze hunted down Frodo himself.
It was becoming troublesome.
When he followed Frodo's tracks to the river, Naruto saw the boat the Elves gave them was already far down stream, and soon sensed the others running to his current position to stop Frodo from leaving. Leaping into the trees, the Demon Fox Mercenary now saw Legolas, Gimli, and surprisingly alive Aragon looking a tad beat up seeing what he did.
"The Fellowship has ended. It is over," said Gimli in a defeated voice.
"Not while we still have heart and are true to ourselves. We can at least give Frodo a fighting chance by drawing the Great Eye away from him. We'll travel light. Now...let's hunt some orc!" said Aragon hearing a roaring "YES!" from Gimli before the three of them went off to rescue their captured friends.
The Fellowship was damaged, but not truly lost, and could still exist given a strong center.
Once the group was gone, Naruto leaned back against the tree he was on, and pulled out the Palantir to communicate with Saruman. As expected, the White Wizard appeared before him, and saw the elderly appear happy.
"Ah, my young friend. How goes the search for Halfling with the Ring of Power?" said Saruman seeing Naruto's cloth covered face looking around to make sure he wasn't being overheard before speaking into the orb.
"I almost had them, but Frodo got away with another of the Halflings down the river, and are now making their way to another area to disembark before continuing their quest to Mordor. The only good news I can deliver is that the eldest son of the Steward of Gondor is dead and the two other Hobbits of the Fellowship were captured by our forces. The rest of the Fellowship is trying to catch up with them while leaving the Ring Bearer to travel on his own," said Naruto seeing the White Wizard frown at this since despite news of Gandalf's little Fellowship being crippled greatly without the Grey Wizard guiding them.
"It cannot be helped now. Any further attempt on our part to take the Ring of Power for my own purposes would make Sauron suspicious of me. Let the Hobbit continue his path to Mordor, as it will keep Sauron occupied, and head to Rohan. I have need of your lethal talents with the King Théoden's only son Theodred before he returns to Edoras in a few days time. If he does, I will lose control over Rohan, and Grima will be watched more carefully by those close to the Theodred like his cousins already there," said Saruman, as he knew Theodred along with the more younger members of the Rohan Royal family were not so trusting of Grima, and keep him at arms length.
"As you wish Lord Saruman. How goes the army you plan to send to sweep through the people of Rohan like a plague?" said Naruto seeing the White Wizard smile evilly at him.
"Very well actually. Soon I will have an army that no force of Men have ever faced in this age," said Saruman seeing Naruto nod.
"Understood. I'll contact you after I kill Theodred," said Naruto, as he broke the mystical connection Palantir he had with Saruman's, and pocketed the orb before heading out for the Kingdom of Rohan.
Within his mind, Naruto began playing back everything that had happened recently, and what he saw with the different memories of his Shadow Clones before coming to one logical conclusion.
Things kept getting more interesting. Very interesting
(A/N: YAY! I updated again. Hope you like it. Give you some insight into Naruto's plans for the future and whatnot. Until next time...PEACE!)