A/N: Okay people. Here's what's going' on. Lately, I've been using video games, movies, and good old-fashioned books for my muse. That's all fair and good, HOWEVER! I wouldn't mind having a few voices to be heard in the review comments and PMs every now and then. I'd feel warmer than a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night, yes I would! So go ahead! Don't be a stranger! Enjoy yourselves, people!
I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
P.S.: I'm terribly sorry for the long wait, but it was what I could cobble up for the holidays. Also, my laptop wasn't working and I had to save up to get a new one.
Testing, testing, 1,2,3…..Hello, is this thing on?
Note: I. OWN. NOTHING….well, except for my imagination!
Hello, my fellow merry-makers! And welcome to the eleventh-yes, eleventh!-magnificent chapter of...
-The-Hunter:-Warden-of-Vytal-
Chapter Eleven: Vermintide Pt.2
Naruto and Kurama bolted through the streets and over rooftops as quickly as they could. The whiskered blond vaulted over rooftops, his danger senses going haywire in the back of his mind. As he neared the inn, he could see silhouettes moving in their rooms-one of which was poised to strike at a sleeping Ozma and Juniper. Moving quickly, he drew his Silver Talons, vaulted through the window, and did not even blink as he pinned the would-be assailants to the wall by digging the hidden blades into their throats. The sudden noise startled the sleeping pair awake to see Naruto digging his blades out from the fresh corpses, letting them hit the floor with a loud thud. Letting out a gasp in shock, Juniper made to rise from her bed, Ozma following from his seperate one soon after. Grabbing his staff, the Emerald Wizard muttered a quick "Lumos" and shined a light over the bodies. And much to their shock-
"What the fuck?"
They were Cretan men wearing the distinctive purple and black armor of the City Guard. Only their skin was palid, the eyes sunken in and blackened; black veins were seen branching from their sockets beneath the skin. It wasn't until they heard the door thrown open that the group noticed Frodo had barged in, finally returning from his performance at the tavern. He was shaking, sweat cascading from his face as though he'd been running amok in the city. Gasping for air, the short-statured bard was finally able to speak after a time.
"What happened here, Master Naruto?"
The whiskered blond took a moment to process what he was seeing before turning to give his companions a brief reply:
"Nothing good."
The Next Morning...
"And that's what happened, Your Grace." The God of Light's Hunter was currently explaining to the King and his Small Council, the two corpses laid out in front of him. As the king peered down at the bodies, Naruto took this chance to continue. "If I hadn't shown up when I did, my companions would be dead by now."
King Minos said nothing for a moment before removing himself from his throne and walking down to one of the bodies. Taking note of the damaged armor, he turned to his Master of Laws. "Lord Aurelius, they seem to be wearing the armor of our own City Watch, do they not?"
The elderly noble cupped his chin as he carefully observed the faded yet unmistakable armor of the Watchmen. "Yes, Your Grace. So it would seem. They appear to be two of the scouts I had sent upon the first expedition through the sewers." Closing his eyes, Aurelius gave a soft tired sigh. "Now we know what became of them."
"Indeed." Hippokrates commented. "Truly a travesty to have occured amongst our finest."
"It would be a travesty, my dear Maester, if we continue to let this Grimm threat remain any longer." Malenia cut in. "In which case, I recommend that we send out any available forces to the main sewer entrance immediately, Your Grace."
"What about the Wlidfyre, then?" Medea inquired. "Would Ser Ozma's newest discovery truly help us, we must think of the consequences. Wildfyre by itself is highly volatile, and I fear for Crete's safety if such dangers are contained."
"Not to worry, dear Medea. The lad ran the idea by me yesterday, and I've had my best workers setting up the necessary measures at every possible entry point." Roran assured. The Master of Forges held a twinkle in his eye as he spoke. "I dare say this might be exhilarating for us!"
"IF we can get back to the matter at hand, lords and ladies." King Minos boomed, gaining the attention of his council. The dark-skinned monarch took a moment to compose himself before moving on. Turning to Naruto, he spoke: "Are you and you compatriots ready, Hunter?"
Without respite, the seventeen-year-old blond briefly replied. "We'll see it done, Your Grace."
Three Hours Later...
Sewer Main Entrance...
Crete...
Naruto, Ozma, Juniper, Frodo, and Kurama were gathered around with almost a good amount of Cretan men-at-arms standing in front of the sewer entrance. It was a big, rusty iron gate nearly surrounded by shield-bearers and pikemen, save for an opening that would allow for the group to pass through.
"Do you think this will be enough?" Juniper asked, wanting to know if their efforts would mean anything.
Naruto turned to look at her before giving a reply. "It has to. Oz, you ready with that Wildfyre?"
The Emerald Wizard motioned to his left side, where there was a burlap sack attatched to a sling hanging over his shoulder. "All accounted for. I've checked with Roran's people; they say the precautions are set up at every possible entryway. The only passage the Wildfyre should emerge from is this one."
"Good work, Ozzy." the whiskered blond turned to give him a smile. "Though hopefully we won't have to use it."
"Aye, Master Naruto. Wildfyre itself is a temperamental thing-not one to be taken lightly." Frodo added. The short-statured bard gave a wary glance to the sewer entrance. "Though do we have to go inside?"
"We made a commitment to see this through, Frodo." Juniper scolded, hoping to make the bard understand. "To renege on a deal made with nobility-and one such as King Minos, at that-would be most unwise. Understand?"
With a heavy gulp, Frodo nodded in affirmation. As they stood right in front of the entrance, the former shinobi had given his de facto team a once over before making to speak.
"Okay, everyone. You remember the plan?" Naruto asked them as they gathered at the sewage entrance.
"When we get to the nearest intersecting chamber, Ozma and I are to set up any barrier wards whilst yourself, Kurama and Frodo proceed to navigate and clear out the tunnels further of any Skaven." Juniper reiterated.
"And in the event of becoming overwhelmed by numbers, the three of us would retread to a safe distance behind said wards and resume combat there until it is safe enough to proceed." Frodo finished. Naruto gave a once over to everyone before nodding his head in approval. "Right. Just remember: no matter how well laid-out a plan seems to be, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. If things start to go wrong, make your way back here so we can hold them off. Frodo, you're sticking with me. Ozma, Juniper, keep those wards up and have your spells at the ready." As the whiskered blond turned toward the entrance, he pulled the Morning Star from its sheathe. "Everyone ready? Let's go..."
Meanwhile, Castle Courtyard, Crete...
"Is everything ready, Hippokrates?" the dark-skinned monarch asked his Court Maester as he gazed at the cityfolk below from one of the massive castle windows. From here Minos could also see the Skaven extermination mission well underway. Beside him, the Royal Council kept their head bowed in the king's prescence as a show of respect. Only Malenia di Nikos and Roran Stonehall were absent, as she was overseeing the operations in collaberating with the Hunter's Band. The Master of Forges, meanwhile, was on a different errand.
"Yes, Your Grace. There should be absolutely no complications. Master Roran followed through with the exact specifications."
"Good." King Minos nodded in approval before turning from the view to look at Medea. To her credit, the Mistress of Secrets did not flinch when he turned his piercing molten gaze upon her person. "What of your little birds, Medea? Anything from our neighbors?"
"Everything seems to be in order concerning the north and south, Your Grace. However, in the west," she grabbed a scroll from within her sleeves recieved from one of her agents based along the furthermost western borders before extending it to the king. "we seem to have unwelcome news."
Minos calmly accepted the scroll before unfurling it to read its context. A deep frown slowly formed upon his face as he kept reading before setting the parchment down onto a nearby table. Clasping his hands behind his back, he gave a tired sigh before saying:
"Alamut has fallen."
The court responded with widened eyes and short gasps as the remainder of the people finished registering their king's words come to light. The Kingdom of Alamut was one of their greatest allies. A mighty kingdom, their siege defenses and mages were almost second to none. Ruled by King Eobart, Alamut was brought up by great infrastructure and agriculture, followed by an impressive academic structure of both material and mystical. The kingdom itself and its people could trace their history back to their founding as one of the earliest civilizations to exist on Vytal.
For such a kingdom to have fallen...
"Forgive me for asking out of turn, Your Grace, but how? Alamut was one of the strongest kingdoms along the westernmost part of Anima; not to mention our greatest ally." Aurelius inquired with a shaky breath.
King Minos did not give any response at first. He only turned to his spymaster to ask. "Lady Medea?"
The ivory-clad woman was quick to give her reply. "Official reports indicate a massive horde of Grimm reaching an unprecedented scale, Your Grace. At least fifty Goliaths were sighted. My birds sing of survivors making their way to us as we speak."
The dark-skinned king remained stone-faced as he listened to her report. "Good. We must prepare for their arrival. Did any of the royal family survive?"
Medea glanced over the parchment before turning her gaze to her liege. "My spies whisper, but cannot substantiate at this time. Though I'm afraid to say that King Eobart was not among them. He died defending his people."
King Minos closed his eyes at the news. Eobart was a good ally and an even greater friend and confidant. He would be missed. "And the unofficial report?"
"They say that he was involved, sire."
A cold chill permeated the chambers. Minos stared off into the distance, his eyes seemingly burning from within-the only indication to his state of mind. The members of his council wisely said nothing, knowing full well as to the reason. Instead, they opted to wait until he let loose an aggravated sigh before he gave his answer. "Aurelius," At their response, he continued. "Inquire to the Coin Magistrate as to the funding to build proper housing for the Alamut refugees. If anyone give you any trouble, have them know that it is by my own royal decree."
"At once, milord."
"Medea." he turned to his Mistress of Spies. "Have Maia and Brasidas completed their respective missions?"
"They have, Your Grace."
"Good. Inform them of Alamut's fate and that they are to return immediately. In the meantime, have your agents scour the lands west of us in search of bandits and roadmen. Work with Lord-Commander Malenia to see it done."
"At your command."
"Maester Hippokrates." King minos turned to look at the forementioned man. "Have your people start gathering the necessary herbs and remedies starting now. I will not have Eobart's people have to travel all this way only to die off due to incompetence on our part. Work with Roran to set up medical tents, if needed."
"Your will be done, Your Grace."
With a wave of his hand, the King of Crete bid them permission to leave. Sometime afterwards he sat down on a nearby chair and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration at the recollection of events. First the Skaven threat beneath the city, now this.
*sigh* "By the gods above, I must stay strong."
Sewer Main Entrance, Crete...
Two Hours Later...
Naruto, Frodo, Ozma, Juniper, and Kurama had just entered one of the largest underground chambers within the city sewers, the two spellcasters utilizing their magic to cast any barrier wards at the oncoming passageways to repel the Grimm. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kurama were divinding the jars of Wildfyre between themselves and Frodo for their venture further into the sewers. If all goes well, it would only be an hour at most for them to find the Skaven nest.
One Hour Later...
"OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIIIIIIIIIITT!"
"SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Naruto was seen running through the tunnels like a bat out of hell, Kurama and Frodo not far behind him. The former biju opted to leap upon the whiskered blond's shoulders, while the short-statured bard then proceeded to simply run faster.
Fear is, after all, a great motivator.
"HOW MUCH LONGER, NARUTO?!" Frodo yelped as he could hear the high-pitched shrieking get louder and louder.
"WE SHOULD BE AT THE RENDEVOUZ POINT SOON! HOPEFULLY OZZY AND JUNE-BUG ARE GOOD ON THEIR END!" the former shinobi then turned towards their third companion in tow. "HOW THE FUCK COULD THERE BE THIS MANY OF 'EM BENEATH A CITY LIKE CRETE?! THEY WOULD'VE BEEN FLUSHED OUT YEARS AGO!"
"I DON'T FUCKING KNOW! JUST RUN!"
"OZZY! JUNE-BUG! IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, WE'RE COMING IN HOT! GET READY!" The former shinobi grasped at Frodo before channeling his chakra throughout his legs, leaping in bounds away from the oncoming danger. As soon as he saw the makeshift camp, the whiskered blond then activated the traps via chakra flare. No sooner had he jumped towards safety that small metal cylinders started shooting up from the ground amidst a sea of black. Then-
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
"SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
"What did you do?!" Juniper cried out as she helped Frodo to his feet, who looked worse for wear.
"Make a wall, Juniper! QUICKLY!"
"SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Eyes widening at the oncoming threat, the fair-haired spell-caster swiftly erected a massive ice barrier in front of the tunnel the three came out of. It was only moments that they could hear the scratching and clawing from the other side of the wall. Not wanting to stick around for much longer, Naruto and co. made their way further into the camp, where Ozma was at one of the tables working on something while using an alchemy book. Looking at the table surface, it seemed to to be numerous jars filled with a green liquid. Catching his breath, a weary Naruto turned to face the Emerald Wizard. "Will that help?"
"If I've done the formula right, then yes." was the given reply.
"Then pray that it is enough"
*C-CRACK!*
The group widened their eyes before turning to see a small crack on the wall of ice that was slowly expanding with each impact coming from the other side.
"Master Naruto, they're starting to break through!" Frodo exclaimed, readying his slingshot.
Gritting his teeth, the whiskered Hunter grabbed a few jars and marched towards the wall, though not before handing the short-statured bard the newly-made jars. Saying: "These will do ya much better than stones, Frodo! There's more on the table!"
*C-CRACK!*
*C-CRACK!*
*C-CRACK!*
"SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Deploying his new shield, Naruto readied his Morning Star in his right hand as he roared out. "WE HOLD THEM HERE! EVERYONE READY?!"
"""AYE!"""
"RIP AND TEAR!"
*BOOOOOOOOOOOMM!*
The icy barrier came down to reveal what they came for. It was a giant, six-legged rat with two sets of eyes glaring with unbound hatred. Its large, foaming mouth opened wide revealing jagged teeth dirtied with grime and dried blood; a long, barbed tongue poised to lash about at its prey. Gnarled claws digging into the earth as more of its body crawled through the hole. All black with a bone skull and jaw covering its face; bone spikes jutting out from its spine and ribs wrapped around its midsection. As the Grimm drew closer, the group of five could see more of its kin emerging from the dark. Splitting its mouth into four, the Skaven gave a vicious snarl before leaping towards its quarry.
Naruto grinned.
"Come, on!"
-End-Chapter-
A/N: Well, this chapter was overdue by a freaking month! Honestly, I don't even know where to begin to apologize to all of you! T^T
*sigh* I dunno. Maybe I'll start up a new story or something. God knows that I've enough distractions as is. I can only promise that I'll further do my best to give you guys a good story to read.
Ciao for now!