Disclaimer: This is the standard... I don't own anything message.
Writer's Note I: I'm back in state and back at my computer. Which means more story content! Enjoy.
The Last Shinto Kami
Chapter Eight: The Fall of Troy: The Sun and Moon Meet
The sky-reaching stallion made of sheared olive wood, born of Naruto's mind and Athena's ingenuity, was delivered to the loyal Achaens under a cover of night. Whether the sheer scale or its divine craftsmanship, which gleamed majestically in the sunlight, the Trojan Horse commanded unrepentant awe from the mortals viewing it. Unsurprisingly, it became a popular attraction among the men drawn to the horse like flies to honey.
"Hey, are you sure this isn't some dream? I can't believe something like this is possible. It's unbelievable- I don't think I could make this, even in a dream." Despite feeling as massive as a mountain, the captivated man was almost afraid to blink. He felt like one second and this grand beast would return from where it came.
"I hear you. I've seen this thing five times already, and I'm still unsure how a creation like this is possible! The gods work in mysterious ways." In a mystical world where gods were linked with daily life, many saw this horse as a sign of their final victory against the Trojan scourge. On its lonesome, the wooden monument did more for their morale than any speech or warrior could provide.
"What do you think it's like in there?" The first man asked with a nervous scratch at the back of his ear and the slightest of fidgets. For the first time, he grasped how tall the horse stood, and imagining himself being in there triggered his fear of heights.
Totally ignorant of the festering doubts in his ally's head, the second fighter responded with the first things that came to mind. "Dark... probably hot when there are hundreds in there."
Laughing nervously, the acrophobic man put up a front of false confidence in an attempt to save face. "At least we have a good chance to finally end this bloody war. We're nearly there... never thought I'd see the day." Honestly, it was difficult for him to imagine he'd survive when he watched many good men die in puddles of blood-saturated mud. But here he was, alive and kicking with the end in sight.
A bitter-sweet smile played on his fellow soldier's face as echoes of a woman cradling her child stormed to the forefront of his brain. "I know what you mean. When I sailed from home, I left a babe with my wife. Soon my son will be a grown man, and I'll have missed it all..."
"When you meet your son again, you can proudly tell him how you and some of the bravest men shaped our history in a war that won't be forgotten." Both unaware men jumped in place when Naruto's familiar voice reached their ears. They were so enamored with the conversation started by the grand horse that neither realized their leader was behind them.
Naruto ignored their surprise and kept walking until he created a fair amount of space between himself and the various groups of conversing men. Typically, Atalanta would wrangle the men. However, every unit in the army had been reduced for this final gambit to sell the idea of a retreat. Half in the horse and the other half sailing away from the mainland; that was the plan. Therefore, managing the fifty men left behind was on his shoulders. Sticking his fingers into his mouth, Naruto drew attention to him with one loud whistle. "Gather up"
Moving as ordered, the men on hand formed a half circle before their leader. Unlike most of the army, who lost respect for Naruto because of his absence in the last battle, his men still held the utmost respect for him. "Listen up, what I'm going to say, I'll only say it once."
"When we're inside those damn walls, there will be rules. Namely, if I catch any of you raping or plundering the people of Troy, I will put you to death." Naruto knew he had their undivided attention. He saw it in their posture. He saw how the easiness was replaced with the weariness of a battle-hardened unit of combat veterans. "We won't become beasts. I lead men, not animals. Those people are the enemy, but they bleed the same as you or me. They live and love the same way we do. You will treat them with the same respect, or you'll meet my sword. If there are any problems with this, step up and do something about it."
All fifty troops looked around silently. When they realized their comrades were doing the same, they uniformly turned to their leader and showed compliance. "Understood, sir!"
The stone-stern visage on Naruto's face cracked beneath a proud smirk as he tasted the resolute cry from his men. He couldn't have dreamed of a better group of people to go into battle with. "Rest up and enjoy your time. Tomorrow we take the fight to Troy. If we do this right, tomorrow we end this godforsaken war!"
A series of hailing cheers propelled into conversations about what they'd drink and do once everyone got home. Hearing them be so hopeful for the future left Naruto alone and smiling in the Trojan Horse's sprawling shadow.
Speaking of the wooden construct, Naruto took a moment and examined the giant creature in depth for the first time. And what he saw caused the young god to whistle in appreciation. 'Athena really outdid herself with this. It's somehow everything I imagined and then some. No one can resist taking this handsome beast for themselves, Trojan or otherwise. Their prideful greed will seal their fate and deliver our victory.'
"Excuse me, my lord..." Approached by a young woman dressed like a servant girl, Naruto was about to correct her assumption when she put a rolled-up paper in his hand. "I have a message for you. It's urgent!"
"Thank you. I'll read it as soon as possible." With Naruto's assurance, the young woman bowed her head and quickly made herself scarce. Once it was just him, Naruto loosened the fabric binding the paper and read the message's contents.
Be careful. The enemy is on all sides. Chaos begets accidents.
Naruto recognized the handwriting as Helen's right away. Having shared correspondence with Helen since her liberation, he became familiar with her penmanship. Despite being the definition of brief, Naruto understood the message well enough.
Be careful meant danger was coming his way, which was understandable. The enemy is on all sides- suggests his scorned King Commander still hadn't forgiven Naruto for stealing his glory. Chaos begets accidents told Naruto that the siege was when Menelaus would strike.
'These things are never easy, but I'll be ready for whatever waits on the other side. That's a promise.'
The Next Day, Sunset
"King Priam! I beg you, return to the palace where we can ensure your safety! Let us send men to confirm the reports until then! There is no need to risk your health like this!" This string of panicked shouts for a cease and desist came from a breathless, who scrambled like a fowl with its head chopped off. His panic was reasonable when one realized he chased after King Priam like one would a child on the loose.
Luck wasn't on the honor guard's side. The king would not be deterred. Priam continued on, shooting through the city's paths in a flurry of finery up to the walls of Troy. The steadfast king stopped on the first step just long enough to look over his shoulder. "No! I must see it with my own eyes! My family has sacrificed too much for me to do anything less!"
If he weren't busy sucking in oxygen, the panting man would've sent his king and lord an agape stare. Instead, he did his best to gather his breath. The links of his heavy armor clinked as he turned his gaze up the formidable city wall. And with a hand cupped around his mouth, he shouted up toward his brothers on the rampart. "Move! Clear a path for your king!"
Blasting up the stairs as quickly as a man his age could reasonably move, Priam nearly folded himself over the teeth partitions at the top of the wall. His zeal to see this new marvel was unmatched at the moment. "By the gods! What manner of beast is that?" The frantic king latched onto the nearest guard, hoping he saw something during his shift here on the city's front line. "You there, soldier, tell me what happened here!"
The movement was rushed, but the man forced himself into bowing. However, in haste, the nervous soldier forgot that he hadn't strapped his helmet. So when he flung his upper half forward, his headgear went flying. Wincing at the sound of his helmet clattering off the ground, he stammered a reply. "The enemy forces pulled... pulled this horse to the gates, then sailed off, my king!"
The aging king stored away the information while keeping a sideways stare on the horse. Soon a slow blink flashed through the stress marks around Priam's eyes. They just left? That couldn't be right... "All of them? Are you certain?"
An efficient nod came from the soldier man. "Yes, sir! Every ship anchored on our shore left at the same time. We haven't seen a sign of the enemy since."
Priam fell into a blanked trance, blocking out every noise but the sound of his beating heart, which pumped faster by the second. Then a rumbling thought overcame him with the blunt force of Poseidon's fury. "I don't believe it... it's over... finally over! The war is won! We won!"
What once felt impossible was now an inevitable future, and with their proclaiming victory, the weary warriors raised their weapons high and screamed to the sky. Their roar became a singular vessel for every repressed emotion locked away for the last ten years.
Tears flowed as the victorious warriors shared embraces with each other in a moment where exhaustion sapped everything they had. However, King Priam had eyes for something bigger. This fine horse would become a symbol to last the ages here in Troy. "Open the gates and bring in our prize! Tonight we shall have a festival around this great gift that the sons of Troy won through blood and bronze!"
Men moved to the whims of their monarch, but it still took the better part of ten minutes for them to find enough rope that they could tie around the horse's front legs. As they found out, even with wheels, it took the strength of forty to heave the mount into the heart of Troy. "HUGH! HAH! NNGH!"
Because of pure bulk, Priam had plenty of time to reach ground level. From there, he watched the wooden creature stalk his way. Seeing its approach left the older man stricken with an awe he hadn't tasted since the birth of his first child. "It's even grander up close. We shall call it Hector's Stallion! Tonight we begin a month of celebration!"
The immediate response didn't come from the mouth of a relieved soldier or an enthused citizen. Who answered the call ended up being a distraught princess. "No! No! No! Send the evil beast back! This is a trap! A ploy! A farce! It must go, or we'll drown in a sea of corpses! Death! Death to us all! The accursed horse must go! I've seen it! I've sworn I saw it all!"
"Cassandra! What are you doing outside the palace? The stress is corrupting your mind. Please, my daughter, you haven't been yourself. Let's return to the palace and pray to Lord Apollo for good health." An abundance of pain was splashed across the old monarch's wrinkled face. Having already lost one precious child, Priam doubted his heart could handle losing his beloved daughter. It's why he spent his mornings and nights praying for his poor Cassandra.
Troy's princess shook her head with the ferocity of a rabid bear, sending her braided black locks whipping across her face. "No! I need an axe and a torch! This deadly gift must go!"
Quickly before the nearly-frothing princess could run off, Priam put an arm around his daughter's shoulders and hugged the girl. When her face hit his chest, she cried quietly into Priam's chest, venting frustration and fear into her father's embrace. After stroking Cassandra's hair soothingly, Priam looked back to the men. "Return to your barracks. Go ahead and turn in the armor and weapons. During that time, my courtiers will spread the word that the expenses for the festival will be paid by myself. Enjoy yourself. You've earned it."
The silence was palpable to the point it became painful for some. When someone finally found the courage to say something, the bronze warrior spoke a whispered question. "Do you think the princess is okay?"
"We all handle loss differently. It's not our place to judge. But you heard the king, we have a party waiting to start. Now's not the time to drag our feet!" A grizzled officer of Troy's army offered some perspective to his younger comrades. What the princess displayed wasn't uncommon over the years. So was the burden of living with the enemy at the gate for ten years, not knowing if today was your last day.
Many Hours Later
The men inside the Trojan Horse learned what it meant to experience darkness. What sunlight there was didn't penetrate the arbor hide of the construct, leaving them struggling to adapt. Some handled the pressure better than others, but together it created a tense atmosphere that only a fool would ignore.
"How long are we going to wait like rats in a cellar? Let's get down there and finish the damned Trojans." Questions of this kind were commonplace over the last few hours. However, the plan wasn't going to change. They came too far as a collective to let nerves screw things up.
"No! We won't move until they're too drunk to fight back effectively. If we go too early, then we're all dead. Be patient; the time is coming." As the man appointed to lead this deadly mission, Odysseus brought his calm leadership to the men. The certainty behind words sobered the urge for action long enough to establish a tentative peace.
All the while, tucked in the back, where it was the darkest, Naruto stood vigilant. He hadn't made a peep of noise since entering the belly of the beast. But that didn't mean he wasn't alert of what was happening around him. Naruto felt oddly calm about what came next. Maybe that was why it was so easy to link his breathing with the steady beat of his heart.
And so, the godly man's mind began drifting.
He thought about how far he had come. Years ago, before joining the war effort, he was a walking fire that relied on overwhelming force. No tactical thought, just an onslaught of raw firepower. And the crazy thing was... it worked! His enemies, while few, fell under the fury of his flames with one exception.
Baleful yellow eyes leered maliciously through the fire. Eight heads connected to a gluttonous, engorged mass loomed large.
Turning away from the snake he needed to skin, Naruto focused on something lighter. He thought about becoming friends with Atalanta. Correction, he thought about his first friend and best friend. Atalanta didn't treat him like a god. She scolded him for being stupid. And she celebrated with him when things went well. It wasn't an exaggeration to say Atalanta helped Naruto learn what it meant to be human.
And when he thought about his second-in-command, naturally, Naruto thought about his men. He had been a warrior for as long as he could remember, always trying to get the best out of himself. It wasn't until Naruto had the lives of others put into his hands that he learned what real responsibility looked like. Life took a whole new meaning when the lives of others thrived or died by his choices.
Speaking of poor choices, how could Naruto not mention the sad excuse for leadership currently residing on Mt. Olympus? What kind of pantheon let their subjects murder themselves for ten whole years? Worst, they didn't just watch; the Greek gods and goddesses joined the bloodletting. It made Naruto's skin crawl.
The time for reminiscing ended when Naruto's senses when the horse opened with a loud creak. What greeted him was the sound of shouts, screams, and cursing. Taking a final breath, Naruto exited the wooden steed last. His welcoming to Trojan soil came in the form of three inebriated guards, their shambling bodies hardly upright.
"Trust me, you don't want to do this." The Kami's calming gaze looked upon the shards of clay aimed in his direction unfazed. These men weren't just drunk beyond belief; they weren't adequately armed for a fight. They posed no threat to him. "Go home and gather as many civilians as possible. Take them to safety before it's too late."
"Shut up and die, Greek!" As expected from a drunk, the trio of men charged at Naruto with a distinct lack of coordination. The holes in their stances were so large Naruto didn't bother drawing his weapon. Even with a makeshift ceramic shiv coming at his face, Naruto didn't flinch.
SWOOSH!
Naruto flowed around the outside of his attacker's hip, taking position behind him before the Trojan knew what was happening. Using his divine strength, Naruto took the guard's loose tunic and heaved him to the side like a sack of grain. The crunch of said man's head hitting his comrade's skull preceded both bodies hitting the ground. They were unconscious but alive to see another day.
The final combatant committed the cardinal sin of taking his eyes off Naruto. Because in turning his back, he let Naruto disappear. The next time he saw the infamous redhead was with him on his back after Naruto swept his legs out. He barely got a look through the glaze in his eyes before Naruto turned his lights out with a stomp.
Kind enough to rotate his defeated foes onto their sides, Naruto scanned the city for an indicator of where he was needed. His choice was taken out of his hands when a wave of bloodlust washed over him. With a frown, the deity headed toward the sickly sensation's origins. The palace district.
Along the way, Naruto came across a sight that made his blood burn like the midday sun. He saw Greek men piled in around a single man and a group of women and children. The lone enemy was beaten beyond belief. But he still stood guard against his aggressors. Said Greek men were leering darkly at the women, young and mature alike.
Naruto didn't need to see anymore. Greek or Trojan, these men weren't getting the benefit of the doubt. They were dead men walking. And his was the hand that'd deal out their punishments.
The only one who saw the vengeful god act was the Trojan, and all he saw was a singular golden flash before twenty men fell dead. Naruto's unexpected move caused the fearful citizens to scream in shock. As their protector, the Trojan was about to try and calm them when Naruto stood between him and the pile of fresh corpses.
"Don't move... this will only take a second." Whatever plans the sandy-haired Trojan had toward grabbing his blade ended when Naruto's eyes glowed gold. Whatever lingering doubts he had disappeared under a flood of relief courtesy of Naruto's healing skill. In a few seconds... all cuts closed shut, the bruising vanished, and even his awkwardly-pointing foot righted itself. "There, good as new. Does anyone else here need medical attention?"
None of the Trojans dared move until their rejuvenated guardian nodded toward them. Once they got his approval, two women moved to the front. Their dislocated shoulder and slashed wrist were easy fixes, which added to the admiration directed at the fire-haired god. Naruto's constantly kind smile didn't damage his growing fandom either.
"My lord! Please help the child next!"
When Naruto saw a young girl brought to the front with one eye swollen past the socket and an ugly cut connecting her jaw to her chin, the god felt his fury seethe. 'Those fools are lucky they can only die once!'
Contrary to the inferno within, Naruto didn't show that fuming rage as he kneeled in front of the injured child. The godling favored her with his brightest smile. "What's your name, little one?" At the same time, Naruto carefully brushed the child's hair from her face with the back of his hand.
"Uhm, it's Anna, mister." The strength she had to smile in spite of the terrible things done to her caused Naruto's heart to soar and ache in the same beat.
"That's a lovely name. Okay, close your eyes and count to five, Anna. Once you reach five, open your eyes, and everything will be okay. I promise."
Anna quickly followed Naruto's instruction, closing her eyes and starting a silent count in her head. She was curious like any child but kept her eyes shut like she was asked.
One.
Having her eyes shut meant an inability to see Naruto's hand coming. That's why his touch, no matter how gentle- made the injured child flinch on contact.
Two.
The feel of a thumb caressing her gnarly gash started a welling of tears behind Anna's eyelids. A few moments more and the sniffles would've begun in earnest, but the brave child held strong.
Three.
Her tears never came, thanks to being covered with a warmth that encompassed her soul. It felt like being wrapped in a blanket and a hug simultaneously. Anna's smile was the most genuine response her childish body could muster.
Four.
A phenomenon only Naruto saw played out in slow motion. He watched Anna glow a bright gold before it faded into a healthy sun-kissed tone. The damage cruelly inflicted upon the girl was gone.
Five.
"You can open your eyes now." And she did just that, revealing a set of innocent brown eyes. Anna took three blinks before she realized she was seeing through both eyes. Her unintended gasp lined up with her rubbing at her unmarred face. Nothing could stop Anna from shooting into Naruto's chest like an arrow. A flood of fresh, hot tears soaked his shirt while he leaned over to whisper soothing words into Anna's ear. It took a good minute before they separated, and Anna was willing to return to her mother's side.
Naruto allowed a smile to take hold before he returned to business mode. Looking at the first person he healed, Naruto gave the man orders in what others had dubbed his commander's voice. "Get these people somewhere safe. Out of the city would be best. If I find anyone else, I'll point them your way."
His claim caused the man's brow to tighten under a furrow brought about by confusion. "How will you know where we are?"
A mysterious smile did little to ease his confusion. "Worry not, my friend. I have my ways." Here Naruto's eyes flashed gold, cementing the Trojan man's suspicions. The young god was already turning around when he was halted by a rushed verbal call.
"Stranger, please hold! May I ask for your name? I am Aeneas, and I'd like to tell my people the name of their savior." There was a strength in Aeneas' voice, an admiration that wouldn't take no for an answer.
"I'm Naruto. Now if you'll excuse me... there are others in the city who need my help."
The taste of a burning sky…
The smell of freshly shed blood…
The sound of warriors screaming and dying…
It was the sight of war.
Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, thrived in carnage and devastation. Finally, he felt alive after a dormant age of peace. Skirmishes occurred here and there, but it wasn't anything worthy of his attention. But none of that mattered now because his ichor sang with every swing of his sword. "I want more! Give me more blood, you cowards!"
However, the god of war's raging bloodlust would go unanswered. The only ones around to hear his demands were piles of mutilated corpses. Greek and Trojans alike, no one was immune to the mass destruction that followed Ares like a heinous shadow. Heaving his blood-leaking greatsword over one heavily-armored shoulder, Ares looked at the dismembered corpses with a disparaging scoff.
"Is this all there is? Weaklings? Where are the real warriors? I want a fight worthy of my time!" An angry Ares kicked a loose arm in a show of his displeasure. To the war-hungry creature of conflict, it didn't matter if his victims were praying to him or the enemy. He was here for battle and death. He was here to enjoy war. Else wise, he'd be spending time in bed with Aphrodite.
Thinking about the most beautiful, fairest woman in the world had the temperamental son of Zeus licking his lips behind his helmet. The memories of their many nights tangled together in bed caused the blood-soaked deity to chuckle darkly. "That worthless fuckin' cripple doesn't deserve a woman as fine as her."
"That's not nice to say about your own brother."
Ares paused, and his red eyes searched the area for the man responsible for the comment. But with all the smoke in the air, the Olympian's vision was severely limited. "If you have a problem with how I treat the stupid smith, how about you do something? Or will you keep hiding like a coward?"
The tenuous quiet lasted until Ares' battle instinct kicked in. Turning around as commanded, his lackadaisical behavior cost him bodily harm. Because he turned into a diving slash that cut through the armor on his shoulder and sent a splash of golden, godly blood into the air.
Most would have crumbled from the pain. Ares did the opposite; he began howling with laughter. It was as if the pain became a sick euphoria to the massive man. "Finally! Someone with the balls to fight like a man! This is what I wanted! Blood! Then again, you wouldn't have cut me if I wasn't wearing this cheap Trojan crap!" Licking the blood off his fingers, Ares regarded his opponent for the first time.
When Ares stumbled upon a shade of red he'd grown to associate with Aphrodite, his eyes grew large. He hadn't forgotten where his girl got her new look from. This was him. The one mortal Ares wanted to fight over any other. "You... the demon! Yes! YES! I've been waiting for this for years!" Ares couldn't help but shake with murderous delight!
Naruto swallowed the spiteful retort that almost came out instinctually. He attributed these atypical thoughts to Ares' violent presence. Because he honestly didn't feel angry enough to warrant such blind hatred. But that wasn't to suggest the battle in his brain was easy. "You killed all these people?"
"You're damn right I did! And I enjoyed every drop of blood!" Ares gleefully hacked at the air with his sword, sending a wave of blood droplets at Naruto's feet. "Too bad they died so quickly. I would have thought years of war would've made someone worth my time. Instead, all I got was disappointment."
The Shinto deity's hand tightened around his hilt so tightly that his strained knuckles went white. His weapon trembled not in fear but with anger. "How could you be so despicable? These people sought your guidance! They believed in you for years, and this is how you repay them!?"
"So what?" Ares' cold indifference toward the massive loss of life stopped Naruto in his tracks. In disbelief, Naruto managed a blank stare, eyes wide and mouth open. "They couldn't stand by their strength, so they were cut down. I have no use for weak men. Fodder like them was fortunate to taste my blade. Besides, they were just mortals. They're nothing to a god like me."
Naruto had one thing on his mind. Attack. He came so very close to following that impulse. So close that his forward-placed foot took a firm step toward Ares. Said god smirking at the fuming redhead's wrathful sneer. But just when battle seemed inevitable, Naruto's tense shoulders sagged as he expelled the rage from his heart. "You're nothing, Ares. What kind of leader sends his people to a senseless death? It's no wonder Athena has proven herself a better god of war!"
"What did you fucking say?" What appeared to be crimson lightning at a glance flickered over the exterior of Ares' armored physique. But having his divinity sealed away stopped Ares' true power from manifesting itself. He could break the seal, but even the reckless Ares wasn't stupid enough to break that edict. The dangers posed to him for such a thing weren't worth it. "I dare you to say that again!"
"Athena is better than you. In every way, Ares."
"Then go tell the dead all about her!" Ares stormed forward like a raging bull with enough speed to catch Naruto off guard. His deceptive quickness caused Naruto to step back and ready his guard. A harsh clang of metal echoed in Naruto's ears as he blocked Ares' surge of overhead slashing.
From behind his shield, Naruto was almost too slow to stop Ares' attempt at cutting him in half at the waist, but Naruto managed to relocate his shield in the nick of time. Shaking his shield arm to get some feeling back in his limb as he was knocked away, Naruto said nothing and readied for another charge. Ares didn't disappoint, but Naruto learned from their first exchange. Instead of blocking, he slipped under the Olympian's attack. Without the resistance, the war god extended himself too far, allowing Naruto to get behind him and slash at his back.
"You slippery little shit!" Slamming the pommel of his massive sword back into Naruto's gut, Ares created enough space to turn around. A heavy kick followed that, driving the redhead back into a nearby stand that remained intact throughout the chaos. Naruto opened his eyes in time to see Ares' weapon coming down. He quickly moved aside, and the wooden stand was chopped in two with startling ease.
Naruto reached behind him for a clay jar. He took one of those jugs, and smashed it against the godly warrior's helmeted face. The impact didn't do nearly as much as the alcohol within, which splashed into Ares' eyes. "You fucker!" The imposing man's cursing turned to grunting when Naruto returned the favor by burying the soles of his feet into Ares' chest.
First to go was the helmet, as Ares did his best to wipe the alcoholic fluids from his eyes. However, the lingering pain didn't stop the black-haired brute from laughing. "That's more like it! Fight with everything you have! If you aren't cheating, you aren't trying!" Without a helmet, Naruto saw Ares' bloody red eyes in their entirety. "Time to pick up the pace!"
Arming himself with a dagger from the hip and shaking free the chain wrapped around his arm, Ares' brow sunk toward his eyes as he grinned maliciously. "Make this fun for me before you die!" With that final howl, Ares' arm jerked violently.
CRACK!
The purple in Naruto's eyes expanded when the heavy, rusty chain shot at him faster than any arrow. Its hooked end gleamed against the orange hue, promising grave injury should it connect. Naruto showed excellent reaction time when he narrowly inched away from the clawed prong of the unorthodox ranged attack. Now it was finally time for him to go on the counterattack-
"Gah!" Naruto failed to see the hooked chain latch onto a large chunk of the ruined stall. That piece of debris was taken when Ares pulled back with his arm, sending the wooden clump smashing into Naruto's back, knocking the breath from the amethyst-eyed Kami.
Ares didn't let Naruto catch his breath, literally or figuratively. In a second, he was in front of Naruto with his dagger plunging toward the redhead's eye. But stunned or not, Naruto wasn't an ordinary man. His instinct had him lifting his shield, saving his eye in the process.
"A real warrior doesn't cower behind a shield!" Ares wrenched Naruto's bronze bastion from his grip. But in throwing the shield away, Ares opened himself up to Naruto's silent dagger, which the redhead hid, waiting for a chance to strike. Ares gave Naruto the opportunity, and he took it when he hilted the knife in Ares' chest.
Grunting through the pain of having a blow aimed at his heart, Ares wasn't nearly as amused this time. "That's twice! I'm tired of this shit! You die!" The furious war-maker took Naruto by the wrist and threw the grown Naruto like a small boy, sending Naruto tumbling over himself like a child's ball.
When Naruto slowed down enough to balance himself, the scuffed Shinto spat a mouthful of red blood into the dirt. 'Thank Mother Chaos, the seals are still doing their job. The last thing I need is Ares knowing what I am. Okay, think.. His arrogance makes him sloppy. I need to use that.' Naruto advised himself as he shakily climbed back onto his feet.
Naruto sensed something change in Ares because the Olympian attacked without banter. Showing his expertise as a god of war, Ares came forth bearing yet another weapon. This time Zeus' bloodletting son barrelled down on Naruto with twin swords. And not even the dagger stuck in his chest seemed capable of slowing the storm of sword strikes Ares unleashed with devastating accuracy.
It became clear to Naruto why Ares removed his shield from the picture. Defending against this level of attack with only a sword proved to be a near-impossible task. The Shinto sun-born did all he could to protect himself, but the growing number of cuts along his arms and shoulders showed that Naruto's defense was far from perfect. 'Why did I think challenging a god of war to straight martial combat was a good idea? Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!'
Aware he was losing this battle, Naruto decided to do something questionable. Thankfully, he didn't have time to second-guess his suspect choice. So when Naruto let Ares' blade hack into his shoulder, Naruto was fully committed.
The warrior god of Olympus had a sick grin in place as fresh blood pooled at the hilt of his sword. However, Naruto didn't take this bodily harm quietly. With Ares close, Naruto lashed out like a coiled viper. His sword flashed and cut Ares across the eye, making the god shout in pain and stumble back with a hand clutching against his ichor-oozing wound.
Having ichor rolling down his wrist and inner forearm sent Ares into a seething period of murderous hate. His whole body darkened with a miasma of hatred. Not even Naruto standing helplessly with one good arm eased the furious deity's bubbling rage. "You should have cut my head off, you fucking piece of shit."
"You can say whatever you want. I'm not afraid. Kill me if you can... I'm ready to see the river of the damned!" Naruto's broad grin showed blood-stained teeth in a last, defiant stand. His devilish attitude didn't waver, even with Ares bearing down on him, blade in hand.
"Remember, you are nothing to a god, mortal. Do what your ilk does best and die!" Ares believed his victory to be total and imminent. This belief in his triumph made the bloody god drop his guard, leaving an opening for Naruto to exploit.
That would be Ares' last mistake.
With the functioning arm Naruto still had, he released the mirage seal on his back, revealing Amenonuhoko in a gleam of light. Before Ares could do more than widen his eyes, Naruto lunged at his lumbering frame spear first.
SCHLCK!
Naruto's legs churned forward, driving the bulk of Ares' body with him until the end of his spear punched through a building wall. He had Ares pinned in a place where he could see the light drain from Ares' eyes as his essence left his mortal shell in favor of wherever a deity went to regenerate from their death.
Once the deed was done, Amenonuhoko vanished beneath the seal Naruto kept on its haft. Meanwhile, Naruto fell onto his back and breathed out a large sigh.
Days Later
Naruto hoped against it, but the sack of Troy was inevitable. Bitter defenses bred bitter hatred, and the Greeks showed how deep their hate went. They reduced buildings to rubble and executed any civilians too stubborn to leave the city. So was the zealousness of the Greek victors.
Yes, he saved as many people as possible before the killing began, but Naruto was saddened he couldn't save more. Feelings like these caused the hidden deity to take sanctuary in the peaceful wilds around Troy. Here he could rest his mind and body alike.
Naruto let the necklace he got from Helen dangle off his fingers, catching the sunlight off his green gem. "I don't suppose it was all bad now that I think about it."
But Naruto knew it was only a matter of time before someone sniffed him out. So with a smile, he called out to the woods around him. "I know you're there. You can come out."
The familiar form of Atalanta emerged from the forest's shadows, but she wasn't alone. She came with a woman, one with long red hair and silver-white eyes. The bow on her back and practical garb raised some questions, however. "I knew you'd track me down sooner or later, Atalanta."
His playful comment won Naruto a small smile from said woman. Part of her expression came from the immense relief of seeing her most trusted friend alive and well. "Yes, well, someone has to keep an eye on you. It might as well be me."
Atalanta's bit of wit brought laughter from Naruto. And honestly, it felt good to laugh again. As of late, Naruto hadn't had many reasons to express the pure joy of a good laugh. "When you're right, you're right. It's good to see you again. Who is your friend?"
She looked familiar for some reason…
Naruto's not-so-subtle reminder forced Atalanta toward her real purpose. With this came a wave of sobriety that slammed her expression with seriousness. The sudden change had Naruto looking more intently. In particular, he focused on the silver-eyed woman, who met his stare with one of her own. Neither showed animosity per se. However, neither appeared ready to back down without good reason.
Atalanta wasn't ignorant to the tension created by the silent battle of wills. It was like seeing two wolves eyeing each other, waiting for a moment of weakness. She knew it was up to her to remove the tension before something pointlessly harmful occurred. "This is Lady Artemis..."
Hearing Artemis' name is all it took to obliterate the fog of confusion in Naruto's mind. The pieces snapped into place all at once. The bow made sense. But more than that, Naruto understood why Artemis looked familiar. It was because he saw bits and pieces of Leto's facial structure in her daughter's face.
Careful that he didn't stare too long, Naruto's weariness melted into a small, polite smile. He took it a step further when he stood up and bowed his head enough to show respect. It was like this that Naruto greeted the divine huntress. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Artemis."
Once it became apparent he wasn't getting more than a nod, Naruto moved on from Artemis. His focus on Atalanta came with his brow cocked to the plain-as-day question. "Not that I mind, but what does the business between you and Lady Artemis have to do with me?"
Atalanta could've reacted in countless ways, but the one she chose made Naruto balk in disbelief. He couldn't recall a time in all their moments together when the bold and fearsome Atalanta looked nervous! "Ah... you see... I am..."
Patience won out as Atalanta found the fortitude required to force out whatever she wanted to say. "I wish to join Lady Artemis' followers, the Hunters of Artemis. I was hoping you'd give me your blessing."
Naruto's confusion turned into a smile bearing acceptance. This was typical Atalanta. Always looking out for others instead of thinking about herself. But that's one of the reasons they got along so well. "Atalanta... if you want this, you don't need permission. Not mine or anyone else's, for that matter. Go, follow your heart."
Hearing his kindness unlocked Atalanta's heart, releasing all her worries in one fell swoop. To know Naruto didn't hold her choice to leave him against her meant plenty to Atalanta. Her smile and the subsequent hug she slammed into his chest was planned and spontaneous. Because in embracing her fire-haired best friend, Atalanta could hide her happy tears on his shoulder. "Thank you so much, Naruto."
From the peripherals of his vision, Naruto caught Artemis tensing at Atalanta's surprising move. The goddess looked conflicted but otherwise remained aloof. Making his deduction in seconds meant Naruto had plenty of time to put a reassuring hand on Atalanta's upper back. "You deserve it, Atalanta. You deserve it. But I have a gift for you..." [1]
Using his hand as a medium for his spellcraft, Naruto applied a seal to Atalanta's back. To anyone else, the moment was indecipherable. But the princess felt something fundamentally change within her. Everything around her felt more clear. Atalanta didn't have to ask; Naruto had her answer ready.
"The seal I put on you will ensure you're immune to the treachery of trickery. Not even the schemes of gods and goddesses will affect you. This is my blessing to you." Making sure he spoke softly enough to go unheard, Naruto smiled once more- when Atalanta's hug doubled in strength. He took this as another form of her gratitude.
But all good things come to an end.
"Atalanta, we must be on our way." Artemis' first words ended the platonic moment between the two friends. Separating from Naruto with a final amicable nod, Atalanta went to her new patron. She walked past Artemis and into the abundant embrace of the wilds. This left Naruto and Artemis alone with silence and space between them.
However, the silence didn't last long. "Thank you for looking after Atalanta for all these years. Atalanta... she speaks highly of you." The huntress woman took the lead, coming out with the comment that set the tone for their discussion.
A nod was Naruto accepting her unexpected thank you. She didn't have to thank him, but Naruto didn't want to be rude for no reason. "There is no need to thank me. It was my honor to fight alongside Atalanta. I imagine she will grow even further under your careful watch. As her friend, I couldn't ask for more."
His implicit belief in her as the best option took Artemis by surprise. Not only were they strangers, but she was a woman in a world dominated by men. That alone would've caused other men to laugh her off. Assuming they didn't know about her divine status, obviously. "How can you be so sure?"
"It's in your eyes, Lady Artemis. I see you care for Atalanta. That's all I need to see; I trust you'll do everything possible to help my friend succeed." Naruto's unshakable belief in people crystallized into a formidable charisma that made Artemis believe him.
"I'll treat her like one of my own. You have my word." With a fleeting promise between them, Artemis vanished into the woods, hot on the trail of her newly-recruited acolyte.
"Good luck, Atalanta."
'Why would I give that man my word? He is just a man... but something about him is different. It's hard to explain.'
Artemis had several things on her mind. Most revolved around the man she and Atalanta left back in the clearing. When Atalanta first mentioned him, Artemis had a trove of doubts. These doubts were nothing personal. They were a result of her past experiences with men.
Men, in general, were cruel, power-hungry creatures who cared little for the harm they inflicted. This was especially true when it came to women.
So seeing Atalanta and her man friend interact firsthand left Artemis genuinely surprised. She expected the man to try and exercise his power over Atalanta to bind her to his side. But instead, the man welcomed the opportunity Atalanta had before her. 'And his happiness was genuine...'
"Is something wrong, Lady Artemis?" The gentle prodding from Atalanta took the goddess away from her mental deliberations. It was clear to the newest Hunter of Artemis that something was weighing on her lady patron.
Seeing no harm in sharing her suspicions with Atalanta, Artemis viewed this as a chance to build a relationship with her newest follower by being honest. "You trust that man to keep his word?"
Despite Naruto being dear to her now, Atalanta didn't blame Artemis for letting her doubt seep to the surface. She also had reservations about Naruto when they first met. "It feels like an age ago, but I had the same thoughts when I first met him. But he proved himself to be different through his words and actions. I wouldn't say he looked after us like his children... but he treated us like family. His family..."
"A family...?" The reiterated words were hardly louder than a whisper. But they conveyed a subtle shift in Artemis' tone. After thinking about it momentarily, Artemis returned her steadfast gaze to her companion. "And he never abused his power? Over you specifically?"
Her amused snort came out long before Atalanta thought of restraining it. The idea Naruto, of all people, would abuse his people was downright comical to her. "Never. He made it his mission to get the best out of us. Man or woman, there isn't a difference in his eyes. He took care of us because we believed in him."
The headstrong daughter of Leto planned on calling Atalanta's belief foolish until she saw the unflinching certainty in her new daughter's eyes. Then she remembered how he seemed to affect her personally. Maybe there was a hint of truth in Atalanta's admiration. "Perhaps... he is more than most..."
Aware of the terms mandated by Artemis to become one of her immortal hunters, Atalanta understood why her lady distrusted men. She also didn't like men in general, but Naruto was far from the norm. However, Atalanta felt it'd be best for Artemis to learn this herself.
Best to change the subject!
"Where are we off to next, Lady Artemis?"
The shift in conversation topic worked like a charm. Instead of a chilly indifference, Artemis carried a measured smile that belied her true happiness. "You're the fifth to accept my offer. I want to gather you all in one place. We'll train together, travel together, picking up new recruits as we go. Women and girls who need help will have us."
END
[1]: Remember, we are still early in history, so Artemis hasn't built the level of high mistrust in men, not yet. She is weary of them however.
Writer's Note II: The relationship between Naruto and Artemis begins! My next chapter will be out sooner than you think! Thank you for reading and reviewing. I'll be seeing you lot soon.