Yellow!
Been a while lads!
Now I know you guys are excited for this. So all I'll say is…
…
…
Enjoy.
Now, let's begin.
Start:
Words utterly failed to capture the tempest of emotions that raged within Grayfia Lucifuge.
Each thought of her former fiancé, a man who had discarded her long ago like yesterday's trash, ignited a fierce blaze of fury in her veins. Her blood boiled, simmering with an unquenchable fire that seethed beneath her composed exterior.
Two centuries had elapsed, yet the wounds, though superficially healed, left deep, jagged scars that marred her soul—scars that never quite faded into the recesses of her memory.
Grayfia had honestly and truly tried to forget him.
She exerted every effort to expunge him from her thoughts; she had plunged into other relationships, sought refuge in fleeting encounters, desperately hoping that anyone's touch could eclipse the haunting presence of the man who had once claimed every corner of her heart. But deep down, she was never content, never satisfied.
A gaping void yawned wide where her heart should have pulsed vibrantly, rendering every attempt to find fulfillment utterly futile—a Sisyphean endeavor akin to attempting to fill a bottomless glass. The more she poured herself into others, the more she felt the bitter draught of emptiness.
Indeed, she was but a shell—a broken, hollow husk, devoid of the vitality she once radiated when she had devoted herself wholly to a man she deeply loved who, in the end, had cast her aside.
Her cold gray eyes, usually a wellspring of strength and authority, now narrowed in pensive thought. She had never been more grateful for her decision to not go to the grand ball. Learning that he was there…
Honestly, Grayfia didn't trust her own reactions should their paths cross anew. This way, learning that he returned, at least, she wouldn't be blindsided.
An ugly sneer curled her lips, an expression laden with loathing—not just for the man who had ignited such tumult within her but for herself as well, for the unwelcome, inexplicable lightness that bubbled up at the mere mention of his name.
This unbidden joy, this disconcerting buoyancy, was a betrayal of her own resolve. Grayfia despised herself for the flicker of happiness his return sparked within her, just as she loathed him for still wielding such power over her emotions after all these years.
Her obsession with erasing his impact on her life had only deepened her torment.
Each mention of him, each reminder of his existence, was a needle to the fabric of her day. Moving forward, she resolved fiercely, this had to end. She would no longer tolerate any mockery of her worth, no longer endure the agony of being haunted by a ghost she wished would remain in the past.
Grayfia's resolve hardened like the icy layers of frost that formed in the depths of the coldest winters. She was determined to reclaim her life, to purge the lingering influence of a man who should hold no sway over her life.
Her gray pearl eyes, normally the mirrors to her disciplined soul, now flashed dangerously—a clear signal of her inner turmoil and burgeoning resolve.
As she stood alone, her figure bathed in the pale moonlight that slipped through her chambers, Grayfia embraced the solitude that once suffocated her. This solitude would become her sanctuary, her fortress against the storm he had brought back into her life.
The quiet of the night wrapped around her like a cloak, yet within its soothing embrace, a turbulent conflict raged within Grayfia's heart.
Deep down, beneath the layers of anger and betrayal, another part of her, the more vulnerable and understanding part of her still yearned for the comfort only Naruto could provide. A part of her that had already forgiven him despite the pain he put her through.
It was a part of her that she was painfully aware of, and one that she utterly detested. Acknowledging this truth was like pouring salt into an open wound, yet it was a reality she could no longer ignore or suppress.
For as much as she hated Naruto Phenex for the pain he had caused, for the way he had discarded her as if she were nothing, she still loved him even more, knowing that he never truly meant to hurt her.
He was a beautiful soul whose heart was crushed by the death of his parents, and in that grief, he severed the bonds he shared with everyone before disappearing away for two whole centuries..
This paradoxical truth of both loving and hating him tormented her, it tore at her composure and challenged the very identity she had constructed for herself—the stoic ice queen, unflappable and untouched by the follies of heartache.
Yet, here she was, a contradiction to her own construct, painfully aware that despite her regal, icy facade, she had now lost full control over her own heart and feelings.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Location: Phenex Estate
Naruto sighed heavily as he flipped through one document after another. The stack on his desk seemed never-ending, filled with inconsequential items that demanded his signature yet hardly warranted his attention.
Trade agreements between clans, private invitations to gatherings he had no interest in attending, and an overwhelming number of marriage proposals cluttered his workspace.
There was a part of him, naïve and hopeful, that believed that when he announced that he was already married to a woman he loved, it would off-put any woman seeking to be his wife. But…he should have known better—His fellow devils were not so easily dissuaded.
Not at all when he took a look at that massive pile of paperwork that was solely about marriage proposals.
He picked up another paper, this one regarding a request from one of his clan people, his gaze narrowing as he skimmed the content.
A deep sense of irritation welled up within him as he stood abruptly and walked away from the desk, deciding that enough was enough. With a swift motion, he formed a shadow clone, which grumbled in annoyance the moment it materialized, knowing why it was created.
"Handle this, will you?" Naruto directed the clone towards the desk. The clone, resigned to its fate, trudged over and slumped into the seat, beginning the monotonous task of sorting through the paperwork.
Meanwhile, Naruto stretched out on the couch in a near-sleeping position, his body sinking into the cushions. A contented sigh escaped him as he closed his eyes. He should have thought to use a clone from the start to handle the mundane aspects of leadership.
As he lay there, a wave of calm washed over him, his mind transitioning into a more meditative state. The quiet of the room allowed him to drift into a reflective silence, thoughts meandering through memories and recent events.
It wasn't long before his mind stumbled upon a particularly significant memory—the recent reunion with a longtime friend he hadn't seen in years. Naruto's hand subconsciously reached into his pocket, fingers wrapping around a small, familiar object. He pulled out a crimson chess piece—the king—and turned it over in his hand, inspecting it thoughtfully.
Flashback no jutsu:
Naruto walked through the labyrinthine corridors of a laboratory so advanced and eclectic that it could make the world's leading scientists salivate with envy.
The sprawling space was crammed with inventions of every sort—some sleek and gleaming with the promise of future technologies, others bizarre contraptions with questionable purposes, and a few that bordered on the disturbing, with their odd, pulsating mechanisms and eerie, glowing lights.
It was definitely impressive…. Sort of. The entire setup looked like a scene straight out of a mad scientist's wildest fantasies, a place where the boundaries of conventional science were not just pushed but completely disregarded.
As Naruto strolled through the lab, his eyes wandered from one fascinating device to another, his interest piqued by the sheer ingenuity displayed around him.
The air buzzed with the low hum of energy that powered various machines, some whirring quietly while others emitted occasional sparks or bursts of colored light. It was as if he was walking through a maze, each turn offering new wonders, compelling him to absorb his surroundings with a mixture of awe and curiosity.
Eventually, Naruto's explorative journey brought him to a familiar sight—Ajuka, his longtime friend and an undisputed mad genius in his own right. Ajuka's back was to Naruto as he continued to tinker intently with what appeared to be a particularly complex device involving numerous wires and glowing tubes.
Naruto rolled his eyes affectionately at the sight, a smile playing on his lips. It was reassuring, in a way, to see that some things hadn't changed, even after a century or two.
"Ajuka!" Naruto called out, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space of the lab.
Ajuka continued his work for a moment, the only acknowledgment of Naruto's presence being a slight tilt of his head.
The scientist took a good minute to sort through the wires of the pesky device he was tinkering with.
Then finally, he placed his tool down and turned around, revealing his striking appearance. His hair was a vibrant shade of green, messy yet somehow fitting perfectly with the chaotic energy of his surroundings. His eyes, sharp and bright, scanned Naruto briefly before a rare smile broke across his face.
"I was wondering how long you'd take to come visit," Ajuka said, his voice tinged with both amusement and genuine pleasure. A few days had passed since the ball, and regrettably, they didn't get the chance to talk in there.
He stepped forward and extended his hand, which Naruto grasped firmly, shaking it with a warm, grateful smile. "It took me a while, but I'm here now. And it seems you've been quite busy," Naruto remarked, gesturing broadly at the surrounding techno-wonderland.
"Just keeping myself entertained," Ajuka replied with a chuckle. "And trying to not blow up the place, of course. What about you? How's life as a clan head treating you?"
"Let's just say it's been an... experience," Naruto said, his tone dry. "Between handling the clan affairs and dodging marriage proposals, I barely have time for anything else."
Not true since he did have shadow clones, but at the same time, if not for that, he would truly be swamped with work.
Ajuka laughed heartily, clapping Naruto on the shoulder. "Sounds like you need a break. Why don't we catch up? There's a lot I want to hear about."
From there, the two old friends settled into a comfortable rhythm, catching up on lost time as they strolled through the lab. Ajuka showed Naruto some of his latest projects, explaining their functions with a passion that was infectious. Naruto listened, fascinated by the genius of his friend and occasionally offering insights from his own adventures and experiences.
As the hours slipped by, the atmosphere relaxed further. The reunion morphed into a casual hangout, with both enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company. They reminisced about the past, discussed potential future collaborations, and laughed over inside jokes that had stood the test of time.
Eventually, though, Naruto knew he had to address the deeper reason behind his visit. He cleared his throat, breaking a brief lull in their conversation. "Look, I came here to see you and catch up, but also to apologize," the shinobi admitted, his voice carrying a serious, almost solemn tone.
Ajuka waved off the apology with a knowing smile, his demeanor understanding and forgiving. "Naruto, there's nothing to apologize for. I know you lost a crucial part of your world. I don't hold it against you," he reassured his friend.
Naruto's face relaxed into a smile of relief, visibly unburdened by Ajuka's words. "Thanks, Ajuka. That means more than you know."
The scientist clasped a hand on Naruto's shoulder, offering a brotherly squeeze that spoke volumes of their deep bond. Naruto mirrored the gesture, placing his hand on Ajuka's shoulder in return. For a moment, a peaceful silence enveloped them, a shared contentment in the simple understanding and support between them.
After a brief pause, Ajuka's eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement. "Oh, wait here for a second. I've got something to show you." With that, he quickly excused himself, leaving Naruto waiting with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Moments later, Ajuka returned, his hands carefully cradling what appeared to be a chess piece. But this was no ordinary chess piece; its design was intricate, and its aura darkly powerful. He handed it to Naruto, his eyes gleaming with pride. "This is one of my greatest creations, Naruto.
Flashback no jutsu end.
As Naruto examined the intricate chess piece, he recalled the detailed explanation Ajuka had provided about the 'Evil King' piece, the peerage system, and their unique attributes.
While it was true that Naruto had initially learned about the supernatural intricacies through Yasaka and Amaterasu during his first month in Kyoto, along with how it can forcibly reincarnate other species into devils, he had never delved deeply into the topic.
He had chosen to wait, preferring to hear about it directly from Ajuka, no matter how long it would take for them to meet again. There was a certain trust in the information received from an old friend who was deeply entrenched in these matters, and Naruto valued this above all.
Naruto twirled the king chess piece between his fingers. With a thoughtful hum, he placed the chess piece into his pocket and leaned back, allowing his eyes to drift shut. His body relaxed as he succumbed to the calm, meditative state induced by the gentle hum of his secluded office.
As Naruto's breathing deepened, his consciousness gradually faded, and he slipped into a light nap.
Meanwhile, the clone he had left in charge of paperwork sat diligently at the desk, processing documents with a mechanical efficiency. However, there was a great deal of bitterness in its movements—a silent resentment toward being tasked with the mundanity of bureaucracy while the original enjoyed a moment of rest.
Time passed quietly in the office, the soft ticking of the clock marking the minutes that slowly stretched into nearly an hour.
Eventually, the stillness was broken by the appearance of a teleportation magic circle in the center of the room. The clone looked up, a knowing smile playing across its lips as it recognized the familiar runes. With a silent pop, Serafall Leviathan materialized within the circle.
Serafall glanced around the room, her eyes landing on the clone. A brief moment of confusion flashed across her face before she discerned the true nature of the figure at the desk. The clone, understanding her realization, pointed nonchalantly towards the couch where the real Naruto was napping.
…
…
A wicked grin spread across Serafall's face, mirrored instantly by the clone's own mischievous smirk. She flew up near the ceiling and instantly understanding what she had planned, the clone nodded approvingly.
Justice would be his!
They shared a silent countdown—
Three.
Two.
One.
Naruto's eyes snapped open in shock. The air whooshed out of him as Serafall landed squarely on his stomach, her playful attack knocking the breath from his lungs. He wheezed, trying to catch his breath, his consciousness snapping back to full alertness from the sudden and unexpected assault.
"Serafall! What the—" Naruto gasped out in pain, out of breath due to the cannonball he ate right at the stomach.
Certainly not the best way to wake up from a nap.
Serafall rolled off him, laughing heartily at her own antics as she stood on her feet. "Got you good, didn't I?" she chuckled, clearly pleased with herself.
Naruto managed to regain his breath, propping himself up on his elbows as he shot her an annoyed look. "Seriously?"
Serafall playfully stuck her tongue out at Naruto, who simply rolled his eyes in response. But his irritation quickly melted away as he got up from the couch and stepped towards her, opening his arms to wrap her in a warm, welcoming embrace.
"It's good to see you again, Serafall," Naruto said, his voice genuine and relieved.
Serafall's face lit up, and she returned his embrace enthusiastically. "I missed this, Naruto! It's been too long," she replied, her voice bubbling with joy.
They stayed locked in the hug for a moment longer, enjoying the much more private reunion. As they finally pulled away, Serafall took a step back, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
She spun around once, showcasing her outfit—a magical ensemble that was as vibrant as her personality. The outfit was a striking combination of pink and black, featuring a short, ruffled skirt and a matching top adorned with a large bow at the collar. Her accessories included a pair of long, black gloves and thigh-high socks that added a dramatic flair to her whimsical attire.
"So, what do you think of my magical outfit?" Serafall asked with a wide grin, clearly proud of her look.
Naruto took a moment to appreciate the effort and style she had put into her appearance. The outfit itself was nice, a bit too pinkish for his liking but definitely not bad. "You look good, Serafall. It suits you perfectly," he said with a warm smile.
Serafall beamed in response, twirling once more in her outfit. "Thanks, Naruto! I thought it might brighten the place up a bit. Speaking of which, while I'm thrilled to be here just to hang out, there's actually a bit more to my visit," she said, her voice a mix of playfulness and seriousness.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And here I thought you came to simply hang out, or is it both the hanging out and a specific reason?"
"Both, actually," Serafall chuckled. "But I'll explain the specific reason a bit later. For now, I'm just enjoying the catch-up." She then turned her attention to the clone who was diligently working at the desk. "And what is he up to?" she asked, nodding towards the clone.
The clone, without looking up from the paperwork, replied sarcastically, "Oh, just doing the duties the original is skipping out on." It then shot a cheeky grin at Naruto and flipped him the middle finger.
Naruto rolled his eyes and, with a slight wave of his hand, dispelled the disrespectful clone, leaving behind a stack of slightly disorganized paperwork. The sudden disappearance of the clone made Serafall blink in confusion.
Seeing her puzzled look, Naruto explained the application of the shadow clones, how they were used, the memory transfer, everything.
Serafall 'ohhed' in understanding, her eyes lighting up with a mix of admiration and a hint of jealousy for such a handy ability. "So, what kind of paperwork was the clone handling?" she asked curiously.
"Just the usual stuff—alliances with different clans, stock trades, individual requests from clan members. And, of course, sorting through the marriage proposals," Naruto answered, his tone turning a bit dry as he motioned towards the remaining documents.
"Marriage proposals, huh?" Serafall raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "Are you actually taking any of those seriously?"
Naruto grimaced slightly, his discomfort evident. "Well, I do have to consider them eventually. I do need a Lady Phenex, but whoever it is I choose would have to meet a very specific set of standards, though." He sighed tiredly. "And it certainly won't be easy figuring that out."
His mind briefly flashed back to the days before he had lost his previous family, to a time when he knew exactly who met his standards and who would become Lady Phenex.
Although only a second had passed in the real world, it was long enough for Serafall to read his thoughts. He returned back to the real world, where a pair of soft and understanding eyes greeted him, perfectly aware of his confliction. She smiled softly at him, and Naruto returned her smile, his own less bright than usual.
Seeing that, Serafall took a deep breath, as if bracing herself to share something important. "You know, Naruto," she started, pausing for a moment as if to organize her thoughts. "I preferred to say this a bit later but..."
Naruto waited, his curiosity piqued by her hesitance.
"But since you're feeling a bit down, I'll just be upfront right now... I know you're going out on a date with Selah in two days," She revealed, her gaze even and non-judgemental.
Serafall's revelation hung in the air, a surprising yet sincere confession that caught Naruto slightly off-guard. He took a moment to process her words, remaining silent as he recognized she had more to say.
"I came here because I wanted to ask you out, Naruto," Serafall said, her voice steady yet carrying an undercurrent of nerves she seldom showed.
Naruto remained silent for a moment, considering her proposition. He looked at her, a mix of surprise and embarrassment coloring his features. "I... I'd be happy to go out with you, Sera. But I have to admit, I didn't know you felt that way about me," he confessed, his voice tinged with honest surprise.
A blush crept across Serafall's cheeks, and she smiled shyly, her usual confidence tempered by a rare vulnerability. "I've always had those feelings, but I never had the courage to say anything," she admitted softly, her eyes meeting his with a newfound openness.
The room fell into a quiet lull as they both processed the shift in their dynamic. After a moment, Serafall reached out and gently cupped the side of Naruto's face.
"I don't like seeing you, or anyone I care about, being sad. And, the way I see it, us going out means your mind won't be on her," She softly stroked his cheek with her thumb. "We get to have fun and enjoy ourselves. It's a win-win for both of us. And I really, really, like you." Loved even, but Serafall wasn't going to admit that right now when it was obvious he still had much on his plate.
"Thank you, Sera." He smiled gently, touched by her thoughtfulness. the warmth in his expression genuine. "Are you free next week? I'm thinking we can go out this coming monday."
Her face brightened, though her usual exuberance was tempered by the seriousness of their conversation. "That works for me," she replied, her voice soft yet happy.
"Great."
…
…
They both smiled sheepishly, a bit unsure where to go next considering their new dynamic.
Fortunately, one of them quickly had an idea of what to do from here.
In a bold move, Serafall stood on her tiptoes and pulled Naruto slightly down toward her, planting a quick, tender peck on his lips. She stepped back, her face flushed with a deep blush. "I'm really looking forward to this," she said, her voice a whisper of excitement.
"Me too," Naruto replied, his heart fluttering slightly from the unexpected kiss.
Stepping away, she sent the blonde a smile, her cheeks still tinged with pink.
Just then, a teleportation circle formed beneath her feet, and Serafall's form began to dissipate, leaving Naruto alone in his office. As her presence faded, his mind lingered on the kiss they had shared and the evolving dynamics with another of his closest friends.
Naruto sighed, a wry smile playing on his lips. "When did I turn into such a player?" he mused to himself. The thought was quickly followed by a pang of concern as he considered how Grayfia might react to these developments.
The thought of his former lover, someone who he still cared for and loved, despite the hate he no doubt knew she must harbor for him, surfaced unbidden in his mind, bringing with it a weight of unresolved issues and guilt.
Naruto could almost hear Grayfia's icy tone, her anger exacerbated by the news of his burgeoning relationships when there had yet to be any closure between them. "She's going to be furious," he murmured to himself, envisioning the confrontation that awaited them.
But…
Truthfully, Naruto didn't regret the sudden closeness that manifested between him and Selah, or with Serafall.
Neither did he regret his relationship with Yasaka whom he loved and treasured deeply.
Never would he regret the intimacy he shared with them, even if it meant that Grayfia's ire would increase, because he treasured that intimacy with the women in his life that he cared for.
As he sat alone, Naruto's thoughts drifted back to the warmth of Serafall's embrace, the joy in Selah's eyes, and the comfort he found in Yasaka's affection. These moments of closeness had become his solace, a way to combat the deep-seated loneliness that had haunted him across different lives.
Perhaps it was because he had grown up with affectionate parents in his first life.
Perhaps it was due to his lonely childhood in the second life.
It could also be because his first wife, Hinata, had been the especially affectionate sort and Naruto got used to it.
Or maybe it was a combination of all three, regardless, Naruto had noted that he was affection starved ever since he arrived here, and that remained to be so even as he dated Yasaka who much like Hinata, was super affectionate whenever the chance arose and she had time.
As it was, Naruto couldn't find it in him to refute the physical comfort from the woman he sincerely cared for, the physical comfort from them that helped bring alleviate much of his loneliness he felt in a world he no longer was familiar with.
End.
Ooof, we finally got to see Grayfia and man, I wouldn't know how to feel if I had a woman who was obsessive about me like that.
But speaking of woman, Serafall actually asked out our boy!
Who thought that would happen? So the next chapter isn't going to be the date between Naruto and Selah, rather, it will be the chapter after that. chapter 10 basically.
More Chapters 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)
Anyway, I've said enough, I hope you all enjoyed this lads!
Take care now.
Peace.