Hello.
Pizza delivery right here! Let me just open the bo…x… oh… my mistake, seems like I brought a chapter instead.
Well, not much we can do about that now huh, let's enjoy ourselves!
Start:
(Before you guys start, check the end of chapter 14 as I made a small but significant change)
Startled was one way to describe how Naruto felt.
After the unique but definitely enjoyable night that he had spent with Grayfia, he had come to his room expecting a good night's sleep to follow and end the day.
Definitely not to see one Moka Bloodriver in his room and with the faint marks of tears staining her visage he might add.
Shock gave way to concern and despite the somewhat strained relationship he shared with the vampire princess, Naruto moved forward, concern clear in his gaze as he stood next to the seated shinso, torn between giving her a hug to alleviate her sorrows or maintaining the professional distance that had existed between the pair till now.
It wasn't an easy decision to make but wanting to respect her feelings, Naruto opted to simply sit down next to the shinso, allowing her to dictate the course of their imminent interaction.
They sat in silence, not unlike the one they shared from the past but now riddled with a tension that seemed mountainous to climb over.
Feeling out of his depth, there wasn't much that Naruto could do as Moka took her time to gather her thoughts, resulting him in choosing to make the only sensible decision he could, to wait for as long as possible for her to open up to him before he could finally and hopefully nip at whatever was burdening her down.
Roughly ten minutes had passed before Moka scoffed, the suddenness of the noise capturing his attention. "I'm pretty pathetic, aren't I?"
"What?" Naruto blinked incredulously before shaking his head in disagreement. "Definitely not. Why would you even think you are?"
"Because I am so goddamn stupid, that's why."
He frowned. "I don't think you are."
Moka let out a small, disbelieving laugh. "Yes I am, have been for the past three years." Her shoulders began to shake, the reminder of her great shame nearly resulting in another round of battling against endless tears. "How could I have been so unbelievably stupid? To destroy and ruin the relationship I share with my mother because of that b-bastard!?"
"Moka…"
"I don't know how to even face her!" She hid her face in her hands. "I caused my mother so much pain and grief, ignored her and rejected her and practically spat at her kindness for three years!, and all because I thought that my f… that he was a good person and you know what the worst part about it is?"
The shinobi remained quiet, prompting her to continue. "The worst about all of it is not that I was wrong about the kind of person I thought he was and that my actions were basically pointless, it's that throughout it all, my mother was always so patient and kind and understanding to me, no matter how much I scorned her for a decision that ended up being the right one."
"Moka, I won't say that I know how you feel, because I don't." Naruto admitted. "Maybe you were justified in the way you feel or perhaps you had no justification at all. But do you really think your mom will care about that?"
That caught the silverette's attention, eyes wide open as she peered at her companion.
Pushing back down the feeling of jealousy that surged within him, the jinchuriki continued unabashed. "Yes you made a mistake in really distancing yourself from your mom in all these years but she is your mom. There is no one out there who would love you and care about you anymore than her."
"I know." Moka whispered. "And I love her too. But how can I even look at her when I hurt her so much over practically nothing? over a decision she made to protect me?"
Naruto smiled softly. "By making it up to her."
The vampire princess frowned in confusion. "How?"
"By being the best daughter a mother could ask for. Spend time with her, bond over anything, let what happened bring you two closer than ever. I am willing to bet all my luck and fortune that being close to you is all that Akasha wants, she sort of told me even."
"Huh? Elaborate."
His smile shifted to a grin. "She came to me the next day after we had our conversation in the kitchen and you wouldn't believe how happy she was when she was telling me of how you spoke the magic words to her."
A small blush tinted Moka's cheeks yet despite the embarrassment, a glint of hope shone in her crimson gaze. "Really?"
Naruto nodded, grin still in place. "Really."
Floundered for words, the shinso vampire remained quiet, prompting Naruto to place a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. "Moka, I know you feel ashamed by what you did but tell me this, you obviously remember how protective your mom was of you when we were fighting those guys, when you think about that, the protectiveness I mean, how does that make you feel?"
"Happy."
"And?" He questioned with expectant eyes.
Her blush returned back with a vengeance before she forced it down. "And makes me want to hug her."
"Good." He replied much to her confusion.
"Huh?"
Standing up, Naruto pulled up Moka with him before fixing her with a stubborn look. "Then that's exactly what you're going to do." His expression morphed into one of understanding. "Moka, everyone in life is gonna hurt you, even the people you love, and that isn't a fact that centers just on you, what I said applies to everyone."
Allowing a quick moment of silence to settle in so she could absorb what he was saying, he then continued. "That includes Akasha. Everyone in her life is gonna hurt her, which naturally includes you, but it is up to her to deem if whoever hurt her is someone precious enough to forgive and wholeheartedly love."
"And when it comes to you, Akasha made her feelings blatantly clear for the world to see, that no matter how much you've hurt her, you're so precious to her that she can't imagine a life without you. She's already forgiven you, it's just up to you to close the distance so you can be together again, and if you still feel guilty, then apologize to her before doing what we talked about earlier."
"Which is being the best daughter a mother could ask for." Moka finished for him, prompting a smile to appear on his visage.
"That's right."
Taking a deep breath, Moka closed her eyes and allowed calm to wash over her, drowning out the insecurities and doubts that readily plagued her.
Thinking about what he said, really contemplating it, Moka envisioned what future she could think of if she took his advice. Knowing her mother and she knew her mother well, they could most certainly overcome their problems and be close again.
The question was, did she have the right to seek forgiveness after everything she had put her mother through?
"I have a good idea of what you're thinking and I'll say it again, everyone in life, no matter who they are, are going to hurt you, it's just up to you to deem if they're someone so precious to you that you have them in your life even after the pain." Naruto's voice rang through her ears.
Still in thought, she allowed his words to filter through her as she considered her thoughts "Your mom certainly thinks you're precious to have in her life, and keeping away from her even when you feel like you don't deserve to be around her will only cause more feelings of pain on both sides."
"I don't want to hurt her anymore." She bit out.
"Then consider the two choices that you could make and think of what it really entails."
His voice slowly faded away and now alone with only her thoughts to keep her company, Moka thought of what would have to be done to ensure that no more anguish would assault her mother.
If she stayed away, she would only continue to hurt her mother.
But to stay, to seek forgiveness even if she wasn't worthy of it… that would make her mother happy.
…
…
When she next opened her eyes moments later, Naruto found himself liking the new look in her gaze.
Clenching her fists in resolve, Moka sent the blonde a determined expression. "I screwed up bad, but I love my mother dearly, and if being around her even if I don't deserve her affections means that she would be happy, then that is what I will do, in fact, I'll work myself to the bone until I someday am worthy of her affections."
The shinobi nodded in approval. "That's what I like to hear. Though I know for a fact that she thinks you're worthy."
Smiling softly at his words, Moka allowed the determination to momentarily fade away. "Thank you, Naruto. For everything, and I apologize for having taken up your time and burdening you like this."
"Nothing to apologize for, it's my pleasure to help. And you're welcome." He replied just as kind.
Giving him one last heartfelt smile, Moka just stepped past him befo…
Rumble!
Slowly, Naruto looked over his shoulder, watching with fascination as Moka's milky complexion, from her arms to the back of her shoulders and to even the nape of her neck began to darken into an apple red color, courtesy of the full body blush that the silverette was experiencing.
…
…
Smothering the urge to laugh, lest he incur the wrath of the hot vampire princess, Naruto decided to make an offer he knew would be too irresistible for his companion to ignore.
"Here."
Peering over her shoulder so she could direct her gaze at him, Moka gazed at him, befuddled, before recognition washed over her, causing her eyes to widen with surprise before her gaze sharpened dangerously.
"You do realize what you're offering, yes?"
He wordlessly nodded.
"And you're fine with it?"
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I trust you."
Pivoting so that she fully faced him, her mouth began to water as her gaze landed on a certain piece of his biology that she simply found enthralling, he shivered under her gaze but she hardly cared.
The last piece of consciousness within her took control and Moka sent the blonde the most serious gaze she had ever given him to date as she regarded him carefully. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"I'll say it again. I trust you."
And with that, he sealed his fate.
Lunging forward like a predator, Moka sank her fangs into the shinobi's neck, moaning as the flavorful river of red swarmed her taste buds.
Only nirvana came close to describing the heaven that Moka found herself in, the irony of a creature of darkness much like herself thinking of heaven being lost on her as she slumped into his hold, arms wrapping around the blonde torso's to secure him in place as she feasted on the most delicious blood she had ever tasted to date.
It flowed and flowed, a seemingly endless stream of ambrosia that she couldn't get enough of. It was a wonder that she still had enough sense to stop so as to not completely drain her companion and even then, she had most likely gone overboard.
Pulling back from his neck, an intensely satisfied expression marring her visage, with eyes glazed over with a kind of haze that Naruto could not help but find hot as fuck, he watched as the shinso vampire slowly snapped out of the blissful feeling that she been surrounded in.
Once she regained total clarity, a brief moment of panic assaulted her nerves, causing her eyes to widen in worry for the health of the blonde who readily offered her his blood.
It was with pleasant surprise that Moka found herself gazing at Naruto who looked no different prior to when she had been feeding on him.
"That was… thank you for the meal, your blood is really delicious." She admitted just a tad shyly.
Naruto smiled awkwardly. "You're welcome, it was no issue at all." 'Man, that hurt so much.'
A comfortable silence settled in between the pair before Moka broke it. "I'll let you go to sleep, I got a mother who I must spend time with in the meantime. Thank you again."
"My pleasure." He replied with a grin.
Chuckling, Moka whirled around before ambling away, a noticeable sway accompanying those impressive hips.
The shinobi would be lying if he said his eyes weren't on her curvy form.
Allowing himself to fall in bed once she was out, Naruto allowed his mind to relax, chest expanding and decompressing as he breathed the air, mind filtered of any thoughts as he listened to the serene sounds of crickets in the background.
Slowly… the lull of sleep enraptured him.
But though Naruto could fully insert himself in the region of rest, not all could welcome the comfort of sleep.
As Moka walked through the halls with a purpose, anxiousness intertwined with her nerves as she stepped closer and closer to her mother's office.
Her walk eventually concluded with her arriving behind the door that led to her mother's office and acting quick, lest she lose her confidence and chicken out, Moka knocked on the door and waited, her anxiety skyrocketing as milliseconds passed.
"Come in." Her mother's voice rang from behind the door.
Gulping slightly, Moka twisted the knob before pushing the door open, entering the home office and getting greeted to the sight of her mother seated on her leather chair, signing a few documents before the older vampire eventually peered over her paperwork.
"Moka?" Akasha uttered in surprise before it quickly morphed into concern, her motherly instincts fully taking over as she noticed the slight fidgeting on her normally stoic daughter's person. "What's wrong? Is everything alright?"
"I'm alright mother." The vampire princess replied before closing the door behind her. "I know you're busy but can we talk?" She questioned nervously before quickly backtracking. "If you can make the time, I mean."
Smiling comfortingly, Akasha stood up before walking around her desk. "I can and I always will make time for you."
Hearing those words and the sheer love and sincerity that oozed behind them… Despite her greatest efforts, Moka felt her lips begin to tremble as the words of her mother stuck dead in the center of her heart.
Seeing the reaction, the queen frowned in worry before cupping her daughter's hands. "What's wrong honey?"
Her eyes began to water and Moka sniffed before managing to squeeze out. "I might take all your time."
Smiling lovingly, the older vampire brought her daughter into her embrace, arms wrapped protectively around the younger shinso. "Take all the time you want and need." Akasha gently murmured.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Somewhere else.
In the encompassing darkness, cold crimson red eyes shone with apathy as they gazed at the kneeling ultimate vampire. "You mean to tell me, that a human was the cause of your failure?"
Inwardly gritting his teeth at the reminder, Issa nodded, expression schooled into one of professionalism as he peered above at a figure who held a class and power that far eclipsed his own.
"I'm afraid so, he was powerful, in one move he had taken out Tepes and though I had not witnessed it, he emerged victorious after engaging in battle with Gyokuro and Carmilla with seemingly no injury."
The figure hummed. "So a human, this Naruto Uzumaki you called him, was in company with Grayfia Lucifuge, and they were staying in the home of the vampire queen, and Uzumaki defeated three ultimate class vampires… Interesting."
Raising his glass, he allowed the wine to travel down his throat, enjoying the drink and grunting in satisfaction before he set the glass aside. "While this is unprecedented, nothing changes, everything goes as planned.
Issa stood up. "But I ca-" "Everything goes as planned." The figure reiterated firmly, practically boring holes into the vampire with his cold gaze, Issa gulped and knelt down in a kneeling position, adopting a subservient position. "You will leave Akasha Bloodriver and the vampires alone unless I instruct you otherwise. Is that understood?"
Swallowing his anger and resentment, Issa nodded. "Crystal clear sir."
Courage gripped his nerves and before the vampire could stop himself, he blurted out. "And what of the human?"
Furrowing his brow menacingly, the mysterious figure coldly glared at the paling vampire. "You dare to address me in such a manner?"
"N-No! please forgive me my lord, I humbly beg for your forgiveness."
"Disappoint or aggravate me again and you'll wish you were dead by the time I'm done with you."
Knowing he was dismissed, Issa stood up. "Thank you my lord, I won't waste your mercy." He declared before excusing himself politely.
Picking up his glass, the man sipped on his beverage once more before pulling the glass away from his lips. "From Mito's clan, huh?" The figure chuckled.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Time-skip: Twelve hours later
Though she hadn't spent all her time with her guests during their stay, Akasha couldn't help but grow incredibly fond of them, especially of Naruto after everything he had done for them.
It was the dreaded time where they parted ways. Less than two weeks after they had first met and yet the young human who was as old as her daughter managed to make such a strong impression.
Needless to say, the faction leader wouldn't be ever forgetting about him.
Standing apart as they readied themselves to exchange their farewells, Akasha exchanged a professional nod and handshake with the strongest queen, watching as Grayfia then walked away and gave them their privacy before she turned her attention over to the blonde, a large smile tugged at the end of her lips.
"You have done so much that I have to wonder how I can ever repay you, both as a faction leader and as a mother. I and the entire vampire faction owe you all our thanks, Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto grinned awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head. "The thanks is not necessary Akasha, after all you yourself were more than happy to help me unconditionally when I told you of my circumstances. So… yeah."
"Oh?" Raising an amused eyebrow, a teasing smile slithered across Akasha's features. "So you're telling me that I shouldn't be grateful that you fought against the invaders, defeated three ultimate-class vampires, saved and defended so many of my people with your clones?"
Paling, Naruto frantically shook his arms. "N-N-" "And that's of course not mentioning." She expertly interrupted. "That throughout your stay here, you did so much for me and my daughter on a personal level. Why it was as though you made it your mission to help close the gap between us even though it wasn't your business."
Just recollecting the events of last night filled Akasha with an intimate level of comfort and peace that she desperately needed.
Rendered silent from her words, Naruto could only scratch his cheek sheepishly, causing the vampire queen to let loose a demure chuckle. "Regardless, there is one thing I know with absolute certainty."
Curiosity taking a hold of him, Naruto looked at the vampire queen inquisitively, silent but immensely interested in what she had to say.
Raising a hand and lightly cupping his cheek, Akasha smiled in gratitude as the blonde blushed. "And that's that I am beyond thankful that you came into our lives. Thank you Naruto, and I promise to try reach and find an answer for your… situation."
Grinning just as she dropped her hand, Naruto gave her a thumbs up. "I am beyond grateful too, I really enjoyed my time here Akasha and I'm also grateful for your help." He declared before looking away, a miniscule frown tugging at his features. "I just wish Moka was around before we left, I felt like we sort of became friends."
"I am here you idiot." A familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Moka!" Naruto whirled around, having been taken by complete surprise. "Don't tell me you were behind me the entire time."
The princess shook her head before a large cocky smirk appeared on her countenance. "Only around the part where you wished I was here. Awww, what a poor baby."
Fighting the blush that so badly wanted to appear, Naruto scowled. "No offense Akasha, but your daughter is an ass."
A vein instantly bulged on Moka's forehead, she opened her mouth in indignation, ready to give him a piece of her mind, only to have to close it as her mother replied before she could have the chance. "Now, now, don't fight, we are supposed to get along before we part ways after all."
Huffing, Moka looked away, not noticing the mischievous glint in the vampire queen's eyes. "In fact, you'll be sorely pleased to know, Naruto, that I am not the only one who's really grateful and happy that you came into our lives." She declared while gesturing to her now horror and panic struck daughter.
"Mother!"
"There is nothing to be ashamed of dear. It's only natural that you would no doubt grow to like him after one-quarter the stuff he's done for us." Akasha shrugged her shoulders with a seemingly innocent smile.
Aiming a face-splitting grin right at the vampire princess, Naruto continued to grin away, knowingly and thoroughly mocking Moka whose face burned brighter than a firestorm from sheer embarrassment.
Growling, Moka fell back on the usual tactics that helped ease her back into her comfort zone.
Violence.
"Oww!" Naruto cried out in pain.
Courtesy of the silver-haired vampire raising a leg before she stomped her shoe right on the blonde's toes.
(I think I stated this in the beginning of the arc, maybe, but just to be clear, Moka's hair is mostly silver but has pink highlights, an outward connection to her Shinto heritage.)
Smirk back in place, Moka ignored the disapproval in her mother's gaze as she taunted her victim. "Painful, isn't it? Just be glad I didn't stomp on your face instead."
"If you wanted a second ass-kicking, you only had to ask." Naruto bit out, fire now dancing in his eyes.
Akasha cut in before the pair could get any more carried away. "Alright, no more fighting, and Moka? apologize."
"B-but." Moka withered underneath her mother's stern gaze, sighing before she looked at the blonde and mumbled a half assed "Sorry."
"Now Naruto." Smiling gently as she turned to the young man, Akasha pulled out a necklace which she promptly handed to the confused shinobi. "Before you leave, I would like you to have this."
Accepting the gift, Naruto glanced at it intriguingly, noting the eerily shaped sword pendant hanging of a black steel chain before he directed a befuddled glance at the vampire queen. "Thank you for the necklace Akasha but you didn't have to."
"Oh, on the contrary." She rebutted. "I did, this necklace is one of the few sets in existence that only I am in the possession of handing out. They're royal accessories and your possession of one is proof of acknowledgment that we see you as one of our own. Excluding you, only my daughter and I have that necklace." Akasha declared before she and Moka pulled out said necklaces from their top.
"To any vampire who sees this." She continued. "They will instantly recognize you as not only a vampire, one of their own, but as a royal vampire, someone who is recognized and is favored by the queen."
Naruto looked back at the necklace with a bit of awe. "Huh? That's cool."
"Most definitely." Akasha chuckled demurely. "Wear it, and know that no matter what, you are always welcome here."
Smiling, Naruto nodded, pulling the ends of the necklace around his neck, clipping both sides of the chain together before he pocketed the necklace inside his shirt. "Thank you Akasha. For both the necklace and the whole 'Welcomed here'."
"It's my pleasure." She replied kindly before stepping away, giving some degree of privacy for the young pair.
Allowing a few moments to pass until her mother was well away, Moka crossed her arms. "So you're leaving." She stated bluntly.
"I am." The shinobi replied just as bluntly.
…
…
"To be honest. There is still so much about you that leaves me very confused." Moka admitted with a sigh.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, not exactly sure what to say.
"But as embarrassing as it is to admit, I too am grateful that you were here, that you were here to fight for us and for… helping me." She said the last part with a bit of vulnerability.
"Moka…" He uttered her name quietly, watching in surprise as the vampire princess shied away from his gaze. A sudden bout of confidence burst from within and Naruto raised a hand before laying it on her shoulder. "It was my pleasure to be around and help."
Silence descended on the pair after his proclamation, comfortable and serene.
The shinobi removed his hand, currently at a loss for words as he wasn't too good with goodbyes.
Fortunately, he didn't have to as Moka uncrossed her arms, a small, genuine smile crossing her features, accompanied by a small influx of pink on her cheeks. "Make sure to come by. Just so that I am not as… confused."
Naruto grinned. "You don't have to tell me. We're friends, aren't we? Pretty sure that means that I'm forced to visit."
"F-Friends…." Moka began to grin, an unintentional giggle letting loose from her lips as she nodded in agreement.
Knowing he made Grayfia a lot longer than what was deemed appropriate, Naruto sent the vampire one last grin. "I got to go, but I'll see ya around."
"See ya." She returned his farewell, quietly watching as he turned around before joining up and walking away with Grayfia.
The scent of red cherry and jasmine assaulted her nose before her mother stood alongside her on the right.
…
…
"He's something else, isn't he?"
Moka nodded in agreement.
Smiling softly, Akasha grabbed a hold of her daughter's shoulder before gently leading her back to their home. "I will say this honey, none of us know how our life will progress the next day, each future moment is a mystery, so once you see him again, make sure to enjoy every moment. Okay?"
"Mhmm."
"But if you're not too interested, then I suppose there is nothing wrong with me making the moves instead, make him infatuated with me and what not. He is a dashing and handsome young man after all."
That snapped Moka out of her daze. "Mother!"
"Ohhh…so you are interested in him." Her smile transitioned into something more sinful. "In that case, we both can make the moves on him, make him infatuated with us, what do you think?"
"No mother!"
Akasha pouted. "Dear, you have to be more honest with yourself, I know that we haven't been very close in the past few years but do you really think I wouldn't know when my own daughter catches feelings for someone?"
Blushing, Moka shook her head before she began to feel downtrodden at the reminder of her mistake.
Sensing the change in feelings and knowing what it was about thanks to motherly intuition, Akasha let go of her daughter's shoulder to cup her hands. "Moka, sweetie, don't blame yourself, I don't blame you."
"I know mother but." "But nothing. You were being a good daughter by choosing to love both your parents, it's not your fault that he is the way he is, okay?"
"Okay."
Seeing the frown on her offspring's visage, Akasha smiled gently, a rush of warmth sloshing in her core as she held the younger vampire's hands. "Now if you ask me, you and I have a lot of mother-daughter bonding time to make up for, don't you agree?"
Her words managed to perk the younger vampire who eyed the excited pinkette. "I agree."
"Good." Akasha beamed before she drew Moka in for a hug. "I love you so much, Moka."
"I love you too mom." Moka quietly uttered, a small smile plucking at the corner of her lips. "And I promise that I will be the best daughter I can be from now on."
"You already are honey, you already are."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So we're going to this assgard place?" Naruto questioned curiously.
"Asgard, Naruto-Sama." Grayfia corrected before nodding. "Home to Odin, the God-king of Norse mythology."
"God-King… I can't lie, that title sounds cool."
"Indeed it does." The strongest queen agreed. "Unfortunately, he does not act as… befitting as the name of the title suggests."
Naruto frowned in confusion. "You mean by not being as serious?"
"That is… one way to put it."
"Hmm, he's probably not as bad as you make him sound."
End.
And that concludes the arc for Bloodlust.
So this was the first time I created an arc, so I know it's not the best but I do hope you all enjoyed it. After this next arc which as you all can obviously guess is intertwined with Norse mythology, we'll finally be moving on to Kyoto. But that won't happen for at least another seven or eight chapters.
I won't be spoiling who that man with the crimson eyes was but no doubt you guys will be guessing since he knows all about the elemental nation.
Chapter 16, 17, and 18 are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)
Now with that said, I do hope you all enjoyed the chapter, it was pretty fun to write.
Truly has been a while since I wrote but yeah.
Take care lads.
Peace.