Testing, testing, 1,2,3…..Hello, is this thing on?
Note: I. OWN. NOTHING….well, except for my imagination!
Hello, my freaky darlings! I apologize for the wait, everybody! Welcome to the fourth chapter of…..
-The-Hunter:-Warden-of-Vytal-
Chapter Four: The Wrongs in the Woods, Pt.2
It had been many hours since they had entered the dark forest.
Having taken the lead, Naruto walked ahead of the group with the Tear Stone held out in front of him illuminating the path. At his back Ozma and Juniper followed, careful not to show fear for the chance of attracting Grimm. Kurama had yet to return, though the whiskered teen assured them that their four-legged companion would soon come back when his task was done.
Suddenly Naruto stopped, alerting the others as he bent down to one knee. Using the Tear Stone, the whiskered blond revealed tracks. Troll tracks. Bringing the glowing stone closer, it started to pulse before shooting out a blinking orb of light into the thick woods.
"Whoa, what was that?" the emerald wizard asked, rather bewildered at the sight of the orb.
"That, my spellcasting friend, is the tracking function. I brought it closer to these tracks so that it could find the Trolls for us." Naruto explained, "Meaning it'll keep going until whatever we're looking for is found. When that happens, this crystal starts pulsing, becoming faster and faster as we get closer to where the orb stopped. Understand?"
Ozma voiced his agreement whereas Juniper nodded, making the whiskered Hunter give an approving grunt as he got back up. Together, the trio continued their endeavor through the woods. It was only when they got to about ninety feet when they heard rustling from a nearby bush. Ozma readied his staff and Juniper her magic, only for Kurama to jump out into the clearing with the scroll secure in his jaws. Naruto held up his left hand, to which the nine-tailed fox threw the used object before leaping onto the blond's shoulders.
"Alright, that's all of them. Those ugly fuckers won't know what hit 'em when they get too close to the village."
"Good work, Kurama. Now we don't have to worry about the locals finding themselves on the menu tonight." At that moment the Tear Stone in his hand began to pulse, calling their attention to it. "Looks like we've found them. C'mon, folks, we ain't got all day!"
Faster and faster the crystal pulsed, and by it the hunting party followed through the thick foliage. Soon they were nearing the center of the woods, and within it:
"Look, there's the orb!"
Ozma and Juniper went to reach it, only for Naruto to grasp them by the wrist and yank them back.
"Ow!/Hey!" the pair exclaimed, to which Kurama rolled his eyes.
"Quiet, both of you!"
Juniper rubbed her wrist at the slight pain before turning to the former shinobi with furrowed brows. "Why did you do that, Naruto?" which earned her a frustrated sigh from the spiky-haired blond.
"June-bug, think for a moment. What did I just explain to you guys earlier?" As realization slowly started to creep its way across their faces, he continued. "We've been following the orb for almost half an hour. Now, the orb is here. And that also means so are the Trolls. Don't let your guard down."
Looking around, Juniper only saw the vastness of trees surrounding them. Nevertheless neither she nor Ozma lowered their guard. "I don't see them..."
Blinking at her statement, Naruto then figured what she was talking about. "Right, I forgot you guys don't know much about hunting Grimm. But first..." here he reached to unsheathe the Morning Star from behind his waist. Holding the weapon in a foward-style grip, he spun the Tear Stone by the chain before swinging it downwards as though to smash it against the earth. But instead of shattering it, the crystal glowed brightly before white flames spewed out from within. The flames spread out in an x-formation across the ground before instantly flaring out in a circle. And then they heard it:
GrrRROOOooooaaAAAAAARRRRrrrhhhHHh!
Three trees fell down from their roots. No, not trees. To Juniper's horror, the "trees" started to move and their "bark" started to change. Oak and pine quickly gave way to black tar and ivory bone. Then they stood up.
The first thing she saw were glowing angry eyes, the color of crimson. Broken armadillo-like skulls surrounded by thick black manes with tusks protruding from where the rear molars would be. Bone armor covering the chest, upper thighs, and forearms which allowed for the branch-like limbs to be seen. Small spines of pure ivory decorated their backs as they growled at the hunting party.
But where they best described the two Trolls on the sides, she saw what had to be the older of the three Grimm. Instead of being the size of an elephant, this particuar creature was about as large of a two-story building; its prized five-foot tusks a huge contrast of the other three-foot tusks belonging to the juveniles. The bone armor on its chest grew to also envelop parts of the lower back, and the spines were half a foot longer. All in all, it looked like-
"Oof, an Elder Troll. This is gonna be tricky..." Juniper turned to look at Naruto, who had one of the golden chains in his grasp. Bracing himself on the balls of his feet, the whiskered teen laid out the plan. "Alright, here's how we're doing this. Soon as those flames start to die out, the both of you help Kurama deal with the two juvies while I take care of big ugly. Trolls are quick on their feet, but they prefer to hide and wait out their prey. Whatever happens, do NOT lose sight of them or they WILL get the drop on ya. Once that's done, come find me to help with the Elder. Everybody ready?!"
"Yes!"
"Right!"
"Got it."
The white flames gave out one last flicker...before dying out. Naruto spun the chain before letting go, the Morning Star reaching the Elder Troll in an instant before wrapping around its neck. The spiky-haired blond jumped passed the Grimm before proceeding to drag it further away from the others. But not before giving out one last cry:
"IT'S HUNTIN' TIME!"
Meanwhile back in the village tavern, there were talks and bets being placed on whether or not the hunting party would manage to kill the Grimm in the nearby forest before the sounds of battle and loud roars emitting from within were heard throughout the population. There was a brief pause before the tavern-goers resumed their murmuring and chatting amongst themselves.
However, there was one who did not take any part of the discussion rather opting to keep to himself. He was of average height if not on the short-end, about five-three or five-four. Thick, curly brown hair adorned the top of his head, and he had sky blue eyes that would at times sparkle with curiosity. Wearing an dark olive green cloak over a set of brown breeches, a pale yellow shirt, maroon waistcoat and chestnut brown jacket, he looked like any other traveller waiting for the boat fare to Anima. His fair skin and youthful features made him appear almost out of place in the tavern, though the freshly lit smoking pipe in his hand as well as the tankard of Ogden's Old in front of him spoke otherwise. Well, in spite of wanting to keep to himself, the individual couldn't help but overhear whatever sayings were taking place around him:
"...wonder if those three might pull it off..."
"...load of bull, I say! Bet they'll die within the first three minutes..."
"Eh, I say they don't find it at all..."
"...by the way, did you see that strange fox..."
"...yes, very strange, I'm sure..."
Oh, yes, he heard it all but wisely chose not to participate, instead wanting to keep his thoughts to himself. Rather, he finished his pipe, drank the last of his Firewhiskey tankard, paid the barkeep his due coin, and walked out of the tavern towards the inn. There was always a chance to see about tomorrow, but for now he would pot to turn in for the night.
"Juniper! On your left!"
"Yes!" That response was followed by a fire spell towards the nearest Troll that was trying to reach her blind spot. The Grimm roared in frustration as it backed off from the trio. Whilst Ozma and Juniper were casting spell after spell, they took care not to accidentally hit Kurama who was leaping from the back of one Troll to the other; going back and forth biting and clawing the eyes and neck. There were scorched patches of grass and burned down trees from wayward spells missing their mark, though it was most likely from warding off the pair of Grimm from coming any closer. There was a brief lull inbetween spells, and as though sensing a chance, one of the Trolls leaped towards them...
"Infernis!"
...only for Ozma to blast the creature to the side with a fireball to the neck. The Troll fell down if only for a moment before getting back up again, snarling as the nine-tailed fox immediately jumped onto its back before scratching out its eyes, making it growl in irritation. The barrage was working, when suddenly-
*THWOMP!* "GAH!"
Juniper turned to see one of the Trolls crouching over Ozma, its head inching ever closer to take a good bite. The poor wizard was sadly knocked unconscious as he laid on his back, his staff was battered away from his person.
No...
Juniper could only watch in horror as the Grimm's jaws opened very wide.
No...!
It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. The Troll she was facing had managed to shake Kurama off for a brief moment, but it was enough to start charging at the seemingly unaware maiden.
NO...!
The Troll came slowly closer and closer to Ozma's neck, its glowing crimson eyes looking at Juniper as though to mock the poor girl.
And then her eyes turned from blue to agonizing shades of blood red.
NO!
"RÒT!"
Suddenly root-like vines shot up from the earth and bound the Grimm tightly-so tightly that it appeared as though she were choking the very life out of them. The Trolls tried to claw and wrestle their way out of the restraints, but to no avail. Kurama, fortunately, was watching the whole thing go down. He did, however, see that Juniper was seeming to take her time in killing them both. And her eyes...the sharp wrathful glint that seem to leap out at her victims. He'd seen it before.
"Girl, enough."
Juniper merely narrowed her eyes as she proceeded to torture the Grimm. "No, not yet..."
"I. Said. ENOUGH."
THIS time, however she seemed to hesitate...before finally closing her eyes with a frustrated sigh.
"Thundaga!" *Kra-THOOOM!*
As though answering from the heavens, two streaks of lightning shot out from the sky to smite the Trolls before them. And when it was over, nothing remained. The young lady took a few deep breaths before opening her eyes again to reveal sky blue orbs once again.
The former biju seemed to raise an eyebrow as he called her attention. "Mind telling me what that was about?"
Juniper shook her head as she turned to tend to the passed out wizard. "It's nothing, I assure you..."
"Hmm...if you say so, girl. I still think there's more to it that you're not telling me." Giving the girl a once over, Kurama eventually relented. "But for now, I'll let it slide. Just hurry and wake the dead weight."
"I know, and...thank you, Kurama for respecting my decision." Her hands began to glow a white light as she placed them on either side of Ozma's head. Soon there was a sharp gasp, and the emerald wizard returned to consciousness. He rubbed his forehead with a pained groan as he slowly sat up to see Juniper's relieved face. "Wh-what happened?"
"Well, Ozma, you see-"
"You were careless, boy." To which earned a sheepish and irritated look from Ozma and Juniper respectively.
"Kurama!"
"Listen we can argue about this now, or you can actually get a move on for fuck's sake, capisce? Now hurry up, 'cause we've gotta find Naruto!"
GGGrrrRROOooaaARrrgH!
*Crash!* *THOOM!* *Crash!*
'Why won't this fucker STAY DOWN?!' thought the forementioned whiskered blond as he was currently riding upon the Elder Troll attempting to sap its strength with the Morning Star's chains. Naruto had managed to drag the two-story tall Grimm away from the others so as to not risk collateral damage. However, it had appeared that he had become further separated from the group than he'd liked. Currently, the damn thing was rampaging through the woods trying to knock him off.
It wasn't until he was hit by a third tree branch that he decided that he'd had enough.
With his right hand he drew forth one of his Talons, the blade glowing with while light before extending to form a single-bladed axe. Pivoting the blade in a forward-style grip, Naruto then gave an angered yell as he swung the axe construct down at the exposed neck of the Elder Troll. The Grimm gave out a roar of pain before proceeding to go faster in desparation, so the Hunter kept swinging and swinging, cutting deeper through the monster's neck. Finally, the Troll had managed to take its last few steps before its head was finally severed. And the mighty slain enemy was brought crashing down to earth as Naruto recalled his weapons to their base forms. The whiskered teen was about to sheathe them when he heard a twig snap, drawing his attention to the left. It was only a pair of rabbits humping away in the bushes, so he paid them no mind. He turned towards the path before him...and froze
-Hello, Naruto...-
Standing before him, the same as when they saw each other last, was Sasuke Uchiha. Or, rather, a ghostly apparition of his former teammate. And there was a vertical scar running down his right eye. But he could recognize that chakra signature or the glowing Sharingan just about anywhere. And because of that, Naruto merely stared. "You've got some balls to show your face to me after what you've done, teme."
-Oh?- the Last Uchiha merely raised an eyebrow at the long-overused insult. -And here I was under the impression that we were brothers...-
"Brothers don't stab each other in the back for selfish gain. Or did that little trip down memory lane seemed to pass your mind, brother?" that last word was spat out with borderline contempt. "Now I know better than to think that this would be a social call. So how'd you find me, and what the absolute FUCK do you want?"
-As always, brash and straight to the point.- the apparation sighed before straightening himself. There was a coldness to his face that seemed natural to the both of them, but to an outsider, it might as well have spelled doom. -I'll keep this brief, then. The Nations are now mine to command. The last of resistance has now bent the knee to my rule.-
"Figures, what with me minding my own business here, but please!" The blond scoffed as he held out his hand in front of him in mock gesture. "Don't let me stop you, Your Highness. But that still don't answer the question of just how the hell you managed to find me."
-Hn. You're such a dobe. Did you forget of what it is I'm capable of?- Here he moved the bangs in front of his left eye to reveal his damned Rinne-Sharingan to Naruto, who couldn't help but twitch his fingers in irritation. It was, after all, that eye which sent him here.
-Regardless, there is a reason I sought you out. You see, Naruto, during my takeover there were many enemies that I had made. Granted, of course, they're all dead now, but their research was lost to me...or so I thought.-
The whiskered blond pinched the brow of his nose with a sigh. "Oh, let me guess..."
Sasuke merely smirked as the weight of that realization finally started to sink in. -That's right. Somehow they managed to leave here, and find their way there. I'd very much appreciate if you were to destroy all their research, they're very much dangerous.-
"If they're that dangerous, then why don't you do it yourself?" But all Naruto received no reply as the apparition of his former friend quickly dissolved. "Tch! Fuckin' prick." Just then he felt Kurama's signature rapidly approaching his location, and before he knew it the others had popped out in front of him. They saw him, then turned to look at the slowly dissolving Elder Troll corpse. "Hey guys! Took ya long enough!" he bellowed with a wide grin on his face.
Ozma blinked, Juniper gaped, and Kurama deadpanned.
Naruto merely shrugged. "What?"
-A-Few-Minutes-Later...-
A crowd of people were waiting at the village border, wanting to see if the party was successful or not. They were peeling out from almost every building now. It was only after an hour had passed when someone shouted:
"Hey, there they are!"
And the party of four were making their way towards the harbor village when the local children came running towards them, marveling at the five-foot tusk being carried over Naruto's right shoulder. Juniper couldn't help but smile as they seemed to parade around the blond Hunter in mystified wonder. A thought passed through her mind as she turned her gaze toward Ozma. She saw the way he was with children, how he tended to give out more than genuine smiles as he plucked a boy no older than six to be placed upon his shoulders. How the twinkle in his eye seemed to shine as he made small animal constructs for them to play with.
'Someday he would make a great father...'
Her eyes widened as the blond maiden quickly fought off the blush on her face. No need to get any ideas, now!
"Oi, Kurama, whatever happened to those traps I gave you?" His response was catching the before mentioned scroll in midair. After checking to see everything was secure, the former shinobi nodded his head as he pocketed the scroll. "Thanks. I'd hate to just leave it there and someone finding it."
"Knowing you, that's probably what would've happened."
"Oi! Whaddya mean by that?!"
"I mean, baka-ningen, that you'd be knee-deep in trouble without me bailing you out!"
"Oh, yeah? Name one time I needed your help!"
"I have plenty! Hell, I've got a list!"
"Fleabag!"
"Hairless ape!"
"Greedy prick!"
"Careless Fool!"
*CLAAAAANG!* "OUCH!" "OW, DAMMIT!"
"Enough, both of you," The aforementioned pair shivered at Juniper's narrowed eyes as she held up a frying pan. "You're starting to scare the children." They turned to see that, sure enough, some of the children were starting to look a little bothered by their bickering. Turning back to the looming figure of the woman before them, Naruto and Kurama allowed her to continue, "I do not want to see you two argue in such a manner whey they are around. Is that understood?"
*GULP!* "Y-yes, ma'am!" "Loud 'n clear!"
"Good!" Suddenly the foreboding murderous intent had vanished, and Juniper seemed to do a one-eighty for she was all smiles again. "Come along, children! Your parents must be worried about you already!" Like the pied piper she was, the young maiden lined up the little ones in a single rank and file back to the village. Though one thought ran through both the heads of man and fox:
"Where the hell did she get the Frying Pan of Doom?"
Ozma, on the other hand, wisely chose not to comment on the matter for the time being...
-The-Next-Morning...-
Naruto was the first to wake up after the massive celebratory feast that took place the night before. Of course Ozma and Juniper were still asleep, so he let them be. Walking downstairs to the dining hall the blond was greeted by many locals as he made his way to the bar counter. Ordering a simple breakfast of eggs, meat, bread, and Jade Tea, he promptly sat down and proceeded to devour his plate. Sometime later, he noticed someone sitting in the stool next to him. A rather short fellow, and appearing to be a traveler of sorts, judging by the heavy cloak he wore over his attire. Not wanting to be rude, the whiskered blond started off with a simple: "Good morning."
The response he had gotten, however, was by far both unusual and amusing.
"What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning or do you mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not? Or perhaps you mean to say that you feel good on this particular morning? Or are you simply stating that this is a morning to be good on? Hm?"
Naruto blinked once.
Twice.
Thrice.
Then, he answered. "Well, when ya put it that way...I guess all of the above."
At first there was a pause, and then the stranger's mouth started to twitch, causing Naruto to do the same. Small chuckles followed, and then laughter. Naruto and the stranger both struggled to stay in their seats. And when they finally calmed down...
"Ha ha! That was pretty good! Name's Naruto Uzumaki, I'm from Rivia!"
"A pleasure. Frodo Baggins, humble bard of the Shire, at your service!"
Then they proceeded to talk. And they talked and talked and talked. Eventually, Ozma, Juniper, and Kurama came down for breakfast where Naruto introduced them to the now-named Frodo. They said their casual "good mornings", and he gave them his customary reply. Immediately they took a liking to him and of course extended an invitation, to which the bard of the Shire humbly accepted. A round of Butterbeer later, and the merry group was off on another adventure. The ferry that was to take the group to Anima was finally nearing to dock, so the party split up to to gather food and supplies for the journey.
While doing so, Frodo Baggins came up with an idea for a song. A song that, once complete would forever engrave itself into the minds and hearts for all generations to come. But for now, he simply reached into his pack, brought out a lute, tuned up the chords, and with a pluck of his strings, he began:
When a humble bard,
Graced a ride along,
With Naruto and Company,
Along came this song!
-End-Chapter-