Chapter 16

Meeting the Toothy One

Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331

Naruto had woken up after a few hours and went into the throne room to talk to Gwyndolyn.

The god seemed to be just staring out the window in boredom. For some reason Naruto was sure he was looking directly at something in the sky but he wasn't sure what it was.

"Hey Gwyndolyn."

The god turned slightly,

"Ah have though come to see me so soon?"

"Actually we had a bit of a problem."

"Yes that knight and his allies. Thy was quite loud in their approach."

Naruto nodded,

"Yeah, unfortunately we got the drop on them and after fighting your Ornstein, I didn't really struggle that much against him."

"No surprise. Thy is quite strong in your own right and with thy sister managing your souls and increasing your power and abilities, it is no surprise he would be simple to defeat."

"Yeah, we found the fire keeper's soul and he was talking about something related to New Londo and that had to relate to the Abyss and the Four Kings. What was that about?"

Gwyndolyn looked out the window, "It is a dark piece of our history. Thy should ask sister about this but I guess, I can elaborate. The truth about New Londo's drowning was more systematic than one might think."

"Huh?"

"Gwyn had learned from an ally that someone was guiding the Four Kings of New Londo. Teaching the ways of the Abyss and the powers that dwell inside of the absolute darkness. The Kings themselves gained access to a power that would allow them to manipulate the souls of those that they encounter and even teach their soldiers how to steal souls."

"Yeah the Night Wraiths right? I saw them in one of the memories of the wizard I killed."

"Ah that one, he was there. He was one of the many that abandoned New Londo and allowed it to become more festered with the undead and the Shadow beings all over."

Naruto frowned,

"Are there more followers that are still there?"

"No most have fled or abandoned their duty and those that didn't flee either went hollow themselves or were killed by the many creatures that wandered into their land." He turned to Naruto, "Be warned, New Londo is a dangerous place, with the Wraiths you have no guarantee to survive a one hit encounter."

Naruto nodded,

"Well I wasn't planning on visiting that city but I do remember something else I saw in the vision. Something that has me a bit, disturbed."

The god stared.

"I saw these dark orange eyes and large set teeth, they were looking straight at me and it was talking about the Dark Lord shall see this vision. Or something like that."

"I see." The god sighed, "So it was true."

"What?"

"Beware Naruto, if you plan is to really end this age and begin the next beware the serpents with silver tongues. They will try to manipulate you and guide you down their chosen path."

Naruto raised an eyebrow at this comment and wondered what this is leading to.

"Naruto though should head back to Fire Link, only there will you find the next step to your journey."

Naruto frowned at the comment, but he sighed, no point in arguing.

Walking to the nearby bonfire he teleported to Fire Link where he saw the depressed guy from before was no longer there, the cleric was gone along with this other group that had arrived a while back, and Logan had disappeared with him.

Naruto raised an eyebrow,

'Guess they moved on due to the lack of a bonfire.'

"Definitely, what do you think Gwyndolyn meant by this place being the next step in your journey?"

'Probably something related to that warning he gave me.'

Naruto walked through the shrine but soon he cam across something quite terrifying. It was a snake with a fat head, it was just popping out of a hole and just gently moving to side to side. From this, he saw the creature had larger than life teeth in his mouth while his eyes were more orange compared to the red set he saw in the past vision.

"Greetings young undead. You have secure the Lord Vessel and thus have been chosen to take on this great endeavor."

"Um, I'm guessing you're a guide of sorts?"

"Not entirely young one. For I, Frampt, am here to speak of the next step on thy's quest into the unknown. For if one wishes to follow the path of Gywn they must embark on the journey to find the Lord Vessels and return them to the Cradle."

"Okay?"

"As you know; Gwyn had relit the flame and has continued the prosperity of the Age of Fire however, there are those that sought to extinguish the flame. Leading an unknown and terrifying age known as-"

"The Age of Dark yeah I know."

"Good then thy knows that the only path forward is to maintain prosperity is by relighting the flame as the Lord of Sunlight did long before."

Naruto nodded but on the inside he rolled his eyes.

"The Lord Vessels must be gathered to help relight the flame. You must claim the souls of Lord Nito in the Catacombs, the soul of the Witch of Izalieth in her kingdom of Izalieth, and you must claim the fragments of Gwyn's soul that are held by the likes of Seeth in the Duke's Archieves and the Four Kings of New Londo."

Naruto frowned,

"So basically your saying I have to wage a one man war path down into the uknown, defeat beings that brought down the Eternal Dragons, and basically do all of this before the flame dies out which is who knows how long?"

"Yes thy understands one's role perfectly."

Naruto sighed,

"Okay yeah no pressure, so which one should I start with in your opinion?"

"Thy may choose one's path for I have completed my role. Farewell young one, may we meet once your path reaches its end."

Soon the Serpent returned to the underground, vanishing in a manner that Naruto question the Snake's size.

"Am I the only one that questions how this snake is able to pull his head down through a well as if it is nothing?"

"Frampt, I knew that snake had something to do with this mess."

'You know him?'

"Know him, no. But I heard mentions of him from Seath and my father from time to time. Stating that he appeared a fear years ago just before father went about relighting the flame. I have long since held the belief that he was the one that told my father how to go about doing this."

'But why, what would he gain from the continuation of the age?'

"Who knows Naruto, some beings have their own madness that makes sense to them and for others it is just that, madness."

Naruto sighed, 'I guess your right. But still he looks almost identical to the one from the vision I saw. But he wasn't talking animatedly about the Dark Lord so is it possible that this one is a different serpent?'

"More than likely, I heard that there was a race of talking serpents that survived the Age of the Ancient Dragons but no one knows who they are or what their goals are. Personally, I think they are just creatures vying for power in some manner or another."

'And one is using the Age of Fire to do so?'

"Yes, sadly even I don't understand why or who is in the right, at this point Naruto I think it is best you come to your own decisions."

'Yeah I kinda have, this age needs to end. As much as I understand the prosperity of this land during its time and how people are afraid, I just can't stand by this mess anymore. I mean look at this,' He looked over to the city, 'The undead are rampant, madness is everywhere, death is polluting the area, and some people are even falling to shambles.'

Naruto sighed, 'At this point, I think this is just Nature striking out against all who dare to defy it.'

He frowned, 'But still that doesn't explain that one incident.'

Naruto shivered, he could remember it clear as day. The giant sea monster that emerged from the oceans and radiated power, it just stared him down as if he was nothing but a bug. But something it said, he couldn't remember, something it was pointing at seemed to be driving him. As if, he orchestrated his arrival in this land and wanted him to accomplish something for it.

But what could that thing be?

Naruto rubbed his head,

'Guess there is no point in thinking about it.'

"About what?"

'That thing we saw the first time we left.'

Kurama frowned and said nothing else.

Gwynevere frowned but figured this was a personal subject and to leave it alone for now. But she had questions she would try to ask Kurama later.

Going back to the bonfire Naruto returned to the capital of Anor Londo, he saw that the girls were still resting and that the Fire Keeper was still sleeping.

He figured that this journey and little sleep has been rough on them so it would make sense that they would need the time.

Walking to the throne room he saw Gwyndolyn continuing his observation of the landscape and decided to leave him be.

Leaving the castle he walked around the city's upper areas for a bit but for some reason he was drawn back to the church.

Entering, he saw the statue of Gwynevere and he could only stare at it.

'Hey Gwynevere.'

"Yes?"

'What was it like? Being loved by a lover?'

"It was…. Nice. Naruto, my husband, it was a relationship that is hard to explain by modern standards."

'Were you arranged?'

"Yes, but that didn't mean I didn't try. I swear to you-"

'You don't have to justify your feelings Gwynevere, I was just curious. As I have never known that kind of unconditional love.' He frowned at the statue, 'My whole life it feels like I was alone. The only person in the world who understood me was gone most of my time growing up in the Leaf and tried to tell me about the bullshit the Leaf spewed. But I didn't listen to him. That was my greatest fault and the one thing I wish I could have changed. Listening to him, as he was right in the very end.'

Gwynevere frowned,

"Naruto."

'Sorry got a little melodramatic there, just seeing this and knowing you had at least someone or people that cared about you I was curious if it was always bad.'

"No it wasn't. Father wasn't always like this but for some reason, his paranoia and fear became all the more real when he finally destroyed his enemies. Many of us wonder; was this always him or did he become this way because of the influence of others around him? Did achieving everything he ever wanted drive him to this?"

"Hmph, I think Gwyn was always paranoid. You said it yourself he was the one that really push for the war to start. In the end, he was looking for any reason to gain more power than before. But when he conquered his enemy he realized that he had no one to really oppose him and thus his power was secured. But in time, he knew that the end would come and those that were 'allies' would eventually try to overthrow him like he did the dragons. So, I think it just grew worse as time passed. I have seen it; people who achieve this level of status and power equivalent to kings and gods, they lose themselves in the end."

Kurama thought about the old man; ever since staying with Naruto and seeing what he went through and the old man saying it was all necessary. He wondered if the man got deranged or so detached from the world that he didn't realize his decisions and actions caused so much pain.

More, did he ever wonder how he felt with the sealing of the Bijuu and if he left the notes behind to do this to them? If so, were they also a means to end?

He had a long time with Naruto to think about this and after seeing how people treated him, he wondered more and more; were they all just tools for his so called peace?

The more he thought the more it hurt.

"Kurama."

"Yes?"

"You seemed to go quiet for a second."

"Sorry, was thinking about something."

"I see."

'Either way; I've made one promise to myself: finding my reason to keep moving forward. I have people who care about me and wish to follow me but in the end; I guess like Solaire I'm looking for my own 'sun' to guide me.'

"Naruto."

The young man sighed and turned from the statue before staring at the painting on the other side of the wall.

'Huh how long has that been there?'

"All the time Naruto you were just too busy to notice it."

'Really, weird.'

Naruto narrowed his eyes and stared at the painting. It was an image of a snowy landscape with a castle of some kind in the distance along with a long rope bridge. Walking up to the painting he put his hand and on it and his eyes widened,

'What is this feeling?'

"Naruto it is mana!"

'Seriously, that means that this thing, it is something more than just a normal painting!'

Kurama deadpanned,

"Congrats captain obvious, you stated the obvious."

'Shut up Kurama.'

Naruto took his hand off the painting and narrowed his eyes. "I need to talk to Gwyndolyn."

"About what?"

Naruto turned around in shock and saw Gwyndolyn standing there with a blank expression.

"When did you-"

"I sensed you touched the painting." Walking up, "This painting is special."

"Yeah I can tell by the mana flowing from this."

Gwyndolyn sighed,

"Yes though is correct, this painting is special. The mana is meant to keep those that dwell in it inside."

Naruto frowned,

"Seriously? Why did they do something?"

Gwyndolyn looked at the painting,

"Being born."

Naruto growled,

"Gwyn?"

"Only one was put there by Gwyn and she was a young child when this happened."

"A young child?" Naruto's eyes widened, "Wait are you talking about Gwynevere's daughter?"

Gwynevere shook.

"Yes." Gwyndolyn touched the painting, "This painting is the home of said child. While exploring this realm she created her own little kingdom and invited those that were outcasts and 'freaks' to come and live there. Most that came were those that were seen as monsters or abominations to the rest of the world. Sadly, they had no place in this world but in the Painted World, they at least had a home to call their own. With her, ruling over them and guiding their every step."

Naruto nodded,

"So she really is inside of this painting?"

"Yes."

"How do I get her out?"

Gwyndolyn snapped his head to Naruto,

"How dare-"

Naruto turned his eyes to him,

"You said by right of conquest the capital is mine correct?"

"Yes."

"Then that means, the Painted World too since it is in the capital?"

Gwyndolyn hissed,

"Yes, that is true."

"Meaning if I wanted to know how to get her out of this painting and make the capital her home, I can?"

Gwyndolyn slouched,

"Yes. You are the new ruler of this city so I can't deny your points but at the same time, I do know Lord Gwyn feared her release. Something, something she could do was so terrifying to him that he couldn't bare to see it come to harm his realm."

Naruto shook his head,

"Fear what you don't understand. That seems the course for him." Glaring at the god, "Tell me how to enter this." He tapped on the painting.

Gwyndolyn looked at him and turned his head, before slithering away.

"I can't, the one order Gwyn had for me was to make sure that no one entered the Painting World."

Naruto opened his mouth,

"But," Gwyndolyn continued, "I do know that before she was there, she was in the Undead Asylum."

He continued to leave while Naruto narrowed his eyes,

'So, there is something in that prison that can allow me to access then?'

"Yes, Gwyndolyn while loyal to father, he is willing to help you if not covertly. But I must thank her, as she kept her promise and protected my child."

'Yeah. Time to go back to jail, if I can find this item and get into the painted world we can then talk to her. Maybe, just maybe, we can give her the freedom that was denied to her.'

Naruto sighed, walking out of this building he proceeded to the bonfire with the firekeeper watching him like a hawk. He touched the bonfire and soon thought about the Asylum and soon found himself moving through the bonfire and winding up back in the prison.

"Okay, time to find this key."

She watched as people kneeled to her, praying and begging for her aid. She was saddened she couldn't help them.

She was terrified of the thought she couldn't help them and was on the end of their screams and shouts.

Pain coursed through her body as she could continue to watch as they feared it; the coming age ending and the eventually hollowing of all of those that dared to exist. Death would not come for them.

Walking into the throne room she saw her father sitting there with a stern expression on his face.

"It is time." He stood from his throne, "I have discovered there is a means to continue the Age of Fire."

She raised an eyebrow,

"How?"

"Simple, all I must do is go to the cradle of the First Flame and use my power and relight the First Flame once more. With this our age shall continue and in time others will follow in my wake to continue this day and age."

"Father are you sure this is wise? This person could be lying to you."

He growled,

"Unlike you right?"

"Huh?"

"You think I wouldn't find out; how you were helping Havel and the Kings of New Londo? How you were planning on killing Seath all because he made you sire his child and punish you for interfering in advancing our country!?"

"Father he raped me; you took my child from me out of fear! More, Havel always hated him he was going to go after the dragon in time. Plus he is right how can we trust me if he was so willing to betray his own kin!?"

"It doesn't matter he honored his deal with us and I shall keep mine! Havel has already been punished for his actions being sealed in that tower near the Valley of Drakes. But you," he sighed, "You have failed to learn from the mistakes of those before you."

"Because I refuse to turn a blind eye to things anymore! I'm tired of seeing our people suffer because you fear what might come! I'm tired of seeing my priestesses tortured and experimented on! I'm just so tired father! Tired of just seeing this Age of Fire turn into nothing but a nightmare because you can't accept it is ending!"

"IT WILL NEVER END AS LONG AS I HAVE A SAYING IN IT!" Lighting tore through the throne room and fire started to engulf his throne. Storming to his feet he growled, "MY AGE WILL LIVE FOREVER! PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS! THEY WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT TO PROTECT THE BRIGHTEST AGE IN ALL OF EXISTENCE!"

"Brightest? I don't see that father I think your just blinded by your own light."

He roared and rushed to her, and she flew into the wall within seconds.

"I tried being patient hoping you would understand, all you have to do is listen. But in the end your just as stubborn and I wonder where I went wrong with raising both of you." He glared, "But it doesn't matter after this the Kings of New Londo will no longer have their pawn to use."

"The kings?"

"Don't fool me dear, I know your in cohorts with them. There is clear evidence with the Occult appearing in your chambers."

Gwynevere stared at her father,

"Your mad. That is all you have ever been is mad."

"Damn brat."

Soon he raised lighting in his hand while Gwynevere still tried to beg her father to stop he didn't and soon the world started to turn darker.

"It is done." He turned to the now fading remains, "Soon the Age of Fire shall continue into then next era but first I have to deal with those Four Kings."

Chapter End