Chapter 29
Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331
Naruto was rubbing his eyes and Gwyndolyn was examining him.
"It would seem your injury isn't serious. I would just cast some healing and it should be fine." The masked man did raise an invisible eyebrow, "By the way how did you get your eyes injured?"
"Well, Quelana was responsible. She had poked me in the eyes when she saw me staring at their naked mom."
Gwyndolyn shook his head,
"Thy should have been more careful with wandering eyes."
"Hey! In my defense she was naked to begin with and passed out! I was worried about her sitting up and chucking fire spells!"
"Sure thy were. And her being naked was just a bonus."
"Shut up and help me."
"Poor sister having to deal with a man like you."
"Oh give me a break!" He groaned in pain. His head started ringing once more. "Great now she is even pisser mood than normal."
He felt his nerves hit and he fell to the floor screaming in pain.
"Thy should stop while you have a brain to use."
He couldn't win.
After a few seconds Naruto was healthy once more. Sitting up he sighed, he really had a lot to deal with.
"So, the Witch was defeated and by the looks of it the fire that was powering the demons is gone."
"No it isn't." Gwyndolyn waved his staff through the air, "It is just growing."
Naruto groaned.
"Great, more trouble then."
"Indeed." Gwyndolyn turned from him and walked back over to his throne. "The chaos flame has spread out of the capital, so the city will weaken over time. But the flame itself will continue to permeate through the world. I fear that it will only grow before it starts to disappear."
Made sense.
Something this powerful would have to spread out before it dies. Like many forms of flames the longer it burns the less power it will have over time. Eventually it runs out and dissipates. In this case the power will most likely spread to other lands and create trouble there, but in time the power will fade and if corralled then the power will lessen even further.
"But there is a new problem." Naruto sighed, "It is something I can't talk to the girls about because I know they'll react."
"The Lord Soul?"
"Yeah." Naruto rubbed his forehead. "It is hard enough to try and breach the girls about the matter but what I have to do to get the soul is even harder. I'm convinced as much as they like me they will run me through to protect her." Naruto rubbed the back of his head, "I mean it is their mother so I understand but I can't enter without her Lord Soul." He turned to the ruler of Anor Londo, "If I do take the soul that means she will die."
"That is not the case." Gwyndolyn pointed his staff, "If the witch is willing to bequeath the Lord Soul to you. It can transfer without having to ruin thy relationships."
So if he could get her to willingly hand him the Lord Soul, then he wouldn't have to fight her. Or the girls.
But would she willingly hand him the source of her greater power.
"Yes thy only has to talk to her." Gwyndolyn sighed, "However, the witch is deep in slumber. So thy can't get anything from her."
"True, until she wakes up it is best to put it on hold." Looking at the god of the moon, "This only leaves the Lords of New Londo. So I have to go there and unearth the city."
"It is impossible."
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"You can't enter the city, thy would find it difficult to make it through. Especially since the Kings are located in the Abyss."
He shivered. THE Abyss, a dark and horrible place people talk about. A place of a forbidden power, something that would swallow even the power of the Lord Souls. Or so he was led to believe.
"Is there no way into the Abyss without something happening to me?"
"No. I dare say thy is in greater trouble. As ghosts litter the city, blocking all from entering this place. They can't be harmed unless you have specific weapons for this or the transient curse." Gwyndolyn held his hand out and showed a little green hand. "This will curse you and allow you to kill the ghosts but the effect is short lived. So make sure you have more than one on hand."
Naruto found a few in the world so he wasn't hurting for them. But ghosts, why did it have to be ghosts? He shivered in fear of them coming after him while traversing the city.
Luckily this will help him in killing the ghosts.
"The other issue is the Abyss itself. It will slowly drain your health and kill you as time passes. So traversing is near impossible in your state."
Naruto grunted.
"Thy would need something as a catalyst to counter it. Which would have been the Ring of Artorias."
"Artorias?"
"Yes one of my father's knights. He is probably the most famous of the four due to his accomplishments. From being one of the fabled knights to lead the attack on the dragons. Defeating several Ancient Dragons and having the support of his wolf in battle. He was also considered one of the strongest next to Ornstein, even though he was the captain."
Naruto was impressed.
Ornstein was a battle that was still in the back of his mind. he had nearly killed him in their duel. Something that was too close for his own good, luckily the girls were there to help. Especially with distracting the bigger guy in the back of the room.
It left an impression, but this Artorias is supposedly as strong as him if not more? Damn Naruto wasn't sure he wanted to fight someone like that.
"Artorias created a ring that would allow him to traverse the Abyss without trouble. He wore it when he went to confront the Abyss in Ooalicle, but I don't know what happened to it. Originally I thought Sif had the ring but it turned out the wolf didn't have the ring on her." He sighed, "Which means the ring was lost during his battle with Manus."
"Manus?"
"The Father of the Abyss and considered the first human with the Dark Soul."
"So, he would be the first Pygmy?"
"I'm unsure." Gwyndolyn shook his head, "From what I can gather, he isn't the first one. But his power was more than warrant him being the Father of the Abyss and holder of the original Dark Soul."
That, was terrifying. Artorias defeated a monster like that?
What a man.
'Without the ring I can't get into the Abyss.'
"There might be another option out there Naruto maybe we should explore the Duke's Archives for information?"
'Kurama might be onto something, if anyone would have a means that dragon might have created it.'
Naruto nodded, to the Archives.
Gwyndolyn was watching Naruto have his mental conversation and saw him nodding his head. He wondered if it was complicated to have multiple voices in his head? He wasn't sure he would be able to handle this.
"Gwyndolyn, is it possible that Seth would have had something?"
"Hm, it is possible." Gwyndolyn rubbed his jaw. "He did study the Abyss on the request of Lord Gwyn but I'm not sure if he found anything. Most of his research is centered around gaining immortality. Or Crystals to help with battle and to create the monsters around the caverns."
Naruto nodded.
"Worth a shot, hopefully by the time I come back the Witch will be awake again."
"We can only pray." He smiled, "I would warn you that Solaire has returned to the capital. He seems more content than last I saw thy."
He was happy to hear that. Solaire seemed happier after they talked and he seemed to be pushing forward.
Naruto walked over to the bond fire and appeared in the Archives. Looking around he frowned.
Something was off.
The silence of the Archives is haunting. The crystal enemies weren't around and looking up none of the magic casters were in their normal positions.
'This is concerning.'
"It could just be Logan. You know he was excited to study everything inside of this place."
'But even if he killed everything here, where is he? there is no sign of him even being in this room.'
'Maybe he is in another room?'
Naruto sighed, that could be the case.
Walking away from the bond fire he walked into the other library and noticed more books scattered on the floor.
'What the hell happened here?' Tracing the path of books, it led to a spot where the table was broken and the chairs were destroyed.
'Something happened in this room. Wait,' Naruto sweated, 'Is it possible that Logan found the research that Seth use to summon something beyond this world?'
From his memory of Seth he had done this and after reaching over it drove him mad.
If Logan did this, did he have the same fate?
'Naruto look out!'
Naruto rolled and managed to avoid a powerful blue blast hit the ground.
Turning around he drew out his Dragon Slayer.
Standing there on a lowered platform was Logan.
But he was only in his hat, a cloth around his waist, and pale blue skin. His staff was different with crystals imbedded inside of it. Naruto noticed that he was carrying a small shield in his off hand.
"Lo-"
He waved his staff again and a bright blue ball of energy formed.
Naruto quickly rolled out of the way, barely avoiding a blue spear like attack. This one was different than the ones that he has seen before. It had a much stronger presence with some white particles inside of the attack.
Naruto quickly got his footing again and started at Logan. He couldn't' see his eyes but given how blue his skin was, he was sure.
'He saw it. Whatever Seth saw he saw it too.'
"Naruto this might be hard for you to hear but putting him down might be the most humane thing."
Naruto grunted. He didn't want to, but he knew it was for the best.
Pushing off the ground he rushed to Logan who brought up a small round shield to block his attack.
Naruto shifted his attack slightly and passed by the shield and impaled his blade through Logan's chest. He grunted from the pain, and he dropped his staff on the ground. His staff hanging loosely from his arm, and his body going limp. His entire body shuttering for a few seconds, then turning to dust.
"Logan. I'm sorry."
He didn't say anything, he disappeared without a word.
"Naruto it was the best move."
'I know but it doesn't make this easier.'
Naruto narrowed is eyes and turned back to the table. He quickly started looking for the book.
'Whatever book it is, I have to destroy it.'
'Will it make that much of a difference. The knowledge is reachable so that means anyone else can find a way to do it.'
"True but in this situation, it would make more sense to destroy the book. That way they don't have a leg up on the method. Preventing them from continuing on from Seth's example."
'Exactly, Gwynevere, I can't stop people from looking but that doesn't mean I can't slow them down.'
The goddess nodded at their reasoning and remained silent.
Naruto scoured the ruins of the library and after reading more than share amount of books, he found himself without anything to show for it.
He could at least confirm his theory that whatever method that Seth used to access the powers beyond, it was gone. Someone else was in here other than Logan and took the book with them. but who? Gwyndolyn mentioned no one else has made it to the capital. If that was the case, that meant that no one else could be here. Maybe someone else had made it and they escaped his gaze?
Hard to imagine but there was that onion knight that got into the fields around the Duke Archives.
But the book was gone that was the biggest issue. Also, looking through the books Naruto confirmed his theory that Seth didn't know how to traverse the Abyss. I mean he didn't read every single book, but he read enough to know that he never had any interest. Focusing mostly on crystal sorcery and finding his own path to immortality.
"So that makes this even a bigger waste of time."
Naruto sighed, he would report back to Gwyndolyn and hopefully the could find another means of traversing the Abyss. He wasn't sure he could do it without the ring or some method other than, dealing with the pressure. But he was sure that wasn't the best option in this situation.
Looking over at where Logan once was he frowned.
He saw his hat, his staff which was covered in crystals, and a book lying on the ground.
Grabbing the staff he could feel the immense power coming off it and looking at the book he could see it was worn.
Opening it he was surprised to see so many different spells inside of the book. Each one detailed how they work and how powerful they are against foes.
It was fascinating but since he didn't have a thing for sorcery and was focusing on pyromancy it was useless for now. So, putting it in his space along with the staff and the hat, he proceeded out of the archive and to Gwendolyn's throne room.
"So nothing?"
"Other than Logan going mad like Seth, yes there was nothing there. I had scoured most of the library looking for the book. Or evidence of where it could have gone but nothing. There was nothing to see or hear."
"I see, oh well. It was a long shot to begin with. But I will look into anyone that might have escaped my view when they came into the city." He looked behind Naruto and frowned.
Seeing the expression, he turned his head and saw the Witch standing there. She had a smile on her face and her long black hair was tied up in a ponytail.
"Hello, I'm sorry for disrupting your meeting."
"It's fine my lady. Welcome to the Capital Anor Londo." Gwyndolyn bowed his head to the witch. Why wouldn't he? This was one of his father's former allies and someone that was powerful enough to defeat Ancient Dragons. She was worthy of respect and honor.
"It is fine Gwyndolyn, how long has it been since I have seen you?"
"I believe it has been 200 years if thy memory is correct."
"Ah, the memories I remember when you got teased by your sister all the time as a child." She giggled, "it was quite the sight when my son questioned you and asked you out on a date."
Gwyndolyn turned his head.
Naruto raised an eyebrow,
"First time?"
"I don't wish to remember this memory."
Fair enough Naruto hated remembering that his first kiss was with a guy.
"Greetings young man I have to thank you again for saving my soul from the cursed flames."
Naruto smiled, "Well your daughters have been a big help on my journey and saving you happen to be a chance of a life time. So it is fine." He frowned, "Though having my eyes poked by your daughters wasn't exactly my highlight."
"Oh? I see," She giggled, "Quelana was always the more prudish of her siblings. Quetiva probably took after her as they were always close growing up. Quelaag might have just been jealous."
"I can see why."
Naruto was no fool the Witch was hot.
"Oh my, would you like another show then?" She started parting her robes slightly, "I do find the idea of being seen by such a striking young man to be delightful."
Naruto blushed and turned his head.
"I would rather not get my eyes poked again."
The woman laughed and Gwyndolyn snorted.
Naruto sighed, yeah they were making fun of him but he was fine.
Mostly.
"So, I understand that you have slain Nito and are planning on claiming the other Lord souls from Gwyn's chosen holders?"
"Yes, I have defeated Seth and claimed his fragment but all that remains is the Four Kings of New Londo and-"
"Mine."
"Yes." Naruto grimaced, he knew that if the daughters were here he would be toast. They wouldn't allow him to take the soul.
"I see," She sighed, "Oh well, I guess this is the least I can do." She held her hand out and showed him the Lord Soul that once dwelled inside of her.
"Thank-"
"Not so fast." she narrowed her eyes. "What do you plan to do with the flame? Are you planning to continue the Age of Fire?"
"No." Naruto glared at her, "I plan to end it. This age has gone on long enough and if this continues more innocent people are going to pay the price. There is no reason to drag this out any further."
She stared for a few seconds.
Then a smile appeared on her face.
"That is good." She pushed the soul into his hand which he put into his body. Making him grunt at the sudden intrusion of the power.
"Truth be told I was ready to see this world end after the age of Fire turned me into that monster and cost me everything."
Naruto raised an eyebrow,
"But you willingly helped Gwyn in his pursuit. From what your daughters told me you were convinced to do so."
"Partially true, I was originally worried about the age but over time I grew less content with things. Wanted to put everything behind me and move on with my life. However, a few years before I was absorbed by the flames of the tree, I was approached by Gwyn.
Flash Back
"You haven't answered my summoning's."
"Because I have other things to take care of Gwyn."
"What could possibly be more important than maintaining our reign over this world."
"Oh, I don't know, making sure my people are fed and cared for?" She was really annoyed with this holier than though speech.
"Your people will be fine for a little while. We need to find a solution to the flame! Nito has refused to hear me out and continued to wallow in his home!"
"Are your surprised the man never did care for any of us. He just did what he had to do to ensure his domain. Other than that, he couldn't care about this age or the next one."
"I plan to make him see reason!"
The witch rolled her eyes, reason? Nito? yeah good luck with that train of thought. He was more stubborn than Gwyn when it came to sticking to his guns.
"You need to create another First Flame."
"Are you serious?" the Witch rubbed her forehead, "Gwyn you understand that is near impossible right? Even if I was to somehow create something close to it. IT wouldn't fill the same role as the one that was created out of nowhere. You understand we don't even know how the First Flame was created or what powers it."
"Of course, we know it is the souls! The Souls are what power the flame!"
"Then the same could be said for the Pygmy. They have as much right to their coming age as we did this one."
"THEY HAVE NO RIGHTS!"
She saw lighting crackling off His body and she gulped. As powerful as she was, she wasn't sure she could match him in a straight up fight.
"Those damn filth deserve nothing! I gave them their stupid city and now the ones that didn't join them are silent to the rest of the world! I refuse to leave myself vulnerable to pest that would sooner destroy me and everything I have built!"
We, she wanted to correct but could see he was in no mood.
"Gwyn even if I create a fire similar what are the chances that something is going to allow us to continue this age when it wasn't meant to be."
"It doesn't matter I'm the god of this world, I rule over all the lands and the people in it! Even Nito and you shall answer to me in times of crisis! Even Seth knows better than to anger me!"
The Witch shook her head.
"Fine, I will try to make this stupid fire. But don't' be surprised if this backfires on us."
"Just do it!" Gwyn trotted away from her and she just shook her head. She would've to warn her daughters of the impending problem.
Flash back ends
"After that I managed to create something similar to the First Flame."
"The Chaos Flame."
"Originally that isn't what it was. It was just a great Flame that I was able to create that was able to substitute for a little while. I knew it wouldn't last but Gwyn was insistent that he would find a new solution. However, I had my doubts. That was until he told me about Frampt. This serpent that told him how to continue the age of Fire and he was ecstatic about it. He even considered him his advisor from that point and always went to him whenever he had questions."
Naruto frowned. Frampt did strike him as someone that would manipulate someone as prideful as Gwyn. Making him think he was greater than he really was while working behind the scenes.
But why? What was his goal?
"However, after a few years I noticed my flame was fading and he started panicking. So, I tried to fix it but all I did was reach this unfamiliar place, and then nothing."
"You can't recall what happened after that?"
"No," She shook her head and put her hands on the side of her head. "Everything is a blur and if I'm being honest I'm kinda glad. All I heard is a faint scream and then nothing else and after a while I woke up in Anor Londo with my daughters around me." She smiled sadly, "It was sad my eldest child went down a dark path but I'm glad she was stopped. As for my son you have my thanks, you ended his suffering when we failed to help him." Tears formed in her eyes, and she held her hands in front of her and smiled.
Naruto couldn't imagine what she was feeling. To lose her children, one betraying them and the other dying of a horrible condition. After suffering for who knows how long? It was a terrible feeling.
Naruto walked up to her and hugged her tightly. She was shocked, but he whispered,
"I said he loved you all and he would do everything again. As long as he could protect his family."
The Witch broke down. She cried into his shoulder muttering about her babies and the horrors she wrought on the world. Not caring how she looked in front of Gwyndolyn, she wanted to mourn.
The God off the Moon did share her pain. He had watched his eldest sibling flee into the unknown, his sister was killed by their father, and he was forced to live in fear of the man. Even having his identity stolen from him just because he was born under the moon. Having to seal away his niece and keep her locked away from the rest of the world.
'One day I will answer for my sins but I hope I can atone for some of the things I have done in this life.'
A few minutes passed and the witch regained her composure.
"As of now, we have no method of reaching the Kings." Naruto sighed "So that leaves us with nothing to do."
"Actually," The witch smiled, "I'm planning on eliminating the remaining demons and putting down anything that might cause greater harm in the future. My daughters are planning on joining me on the excursion. I wouldn't mind you tagging along." She snapped her fingers, "Oh that reminds me I broke your sword Quelaag gave you."
"Yes."
"Well then I want you to have mine." she held out the great flaming sword she was using in their fight. "It should work well with your pyromancy, my daughters tell me your quiet creative with how to use it both up close and at range. So, this weapon should be powerful with it. Plus, the more proficient you're at pyromancy the stronger you're going to make the weapon." She smirked, "In short, your weapon is probably on par with some of the tools of the gods."
"Thank you but are you sure?"
"Yes, I have other weapons at my disposal, so this is nothing. Plus using my daughter's flaming blade that she has will do until I can retrieve more of my lost weapons."
Naruto nodded.
Gwyndolyn shuddered.
"Naruto."
Turning his head he saw the god of the moon shaking.
"You alright?"
"No, there is something wrong in Dark Root Basin. Please can you go and check it out?"
Naruto frowned.
"Can you tell me where in the forest I need to go?"
"Remembering the tower that is near the Undead burg?"
"Yeah."
"There."
Naruto frowned.
"What am I looking for?"
"You shall know when thy reaches the spot."
Naruto rolled his eyes.
"Alright I guess I can use the surprise." Turning to the witch, "Sorry looks like I'll be handling this while you clean up Izalith."
She giggled,
"Don't worry we are powerful enough to deal with the mess. Plus, I wouldn't worry too much my powers are almost back to where they were before I faded away."
Naruto nodded.
"Well stay safe and tell the girls I'll see them as soon as I'm done with whatever this is."
The witch nodded and Naruto left the room.
Turning to the god she shot a glare,
"What is it?"
"What are you-"
"Don't play dumb with me child. I know there is more to that feeling than a disturbance. Whatever is out there it affected you greatly."
The man started at the witch and shuddered once more.
"Yes, I dare say I held back on the information because I feared what it could mean."
"Oh?"
"I sensed something of great power and darkness."
The Witch's eyes widened.
"You don't mean the Abyss?"
"Yes. There is something of the Abyss there, I don't know what but its power is immense. It reminds me of the time of Oolacile."
"And you sent him there alone!"
"I dare to hope it is nothing."
"But what if it isn't."
"Then he shall return triumphant."
The Witch glared,
"As soon as I'm done with the city I'm going after him, if something happens to him I will come for you brat. Don't think your too old for me to spank." She turned on her heels and ran out of the throne room.
Gwyndolyn blushed in embarrassment that someone like that would threaten him. Especially with that method. But he was terrified, more so the fear of what was waiting in the forest. He was sure he felt it, but he was praying he was wrong.
'Stay safe Naruto, thy are very important.'
In the Shrine Frampt was sleeping away, not noting a thing in the world.
"You can fool many people, but you can't fool me brother."
The snake sighed,
"I see you have come Kars."
Turning his head up he saw a dark figure standing in front of him.
"Please drop that silly form, you know that we only agreed to them when we lost the bet to our youngest brother."
"Treu but I have grown to like this form."
"Idiot, why hasn't the chosen undead shown up at New Londo."
"He isn't undead."
"What?"
"Yes apparently a new factor has come into play and he is a warrior hailing from a land that we haven't touched."
"I see." The man sighed, "Great, this throws a wrench into things."
"Maybe, maybe not, but the game has become more interesting no?"
"You are just saying that because you were right about the Flame."
"Oh is that jealousy I hear in your voice?"
"Please you have been jealous of me for eons." Kars had his nose in the air while Frampt scoffed,
"Again you wish. Now answer me why hasn't he appeared in New Londo?" Kars was in no mood.
"I don't know he should have gotten the ring by now?"
"What ring?"
"The one that Artorias had."
"Where did you leave it?"
"I gave it to our brother and he was going to put it in the resting place of the Abysswalker and his wolf would protect it."
Kars exploded,
"Are you serious!? For all we know he could have thrown that ring into the river!"
"Why would you think that lowly about our brother?'
"Because he would do something like that just to say he was right. You are working together on this one and are planning on making sure I lose aren't you?"
"I don't cheat brother and while we have the same opinion brother and I wouldn't do something to make the game invalid."
"Hmph, we shall see, I guess it is time I go and visit him." Turning from him he growled "Remember the rules we aren't allowed to alter anything on our own, just make sure all the pieces are in place and they make the decision on their own."
"Of course, brother. I wouldn't dare to interrupt the rules of the game. It is more fun this way." Frampt smirked harder, "Now then I shall see you in the far future."
"Indeed and tell that parasite Patches not to say anything. I don't want our game ruined."
"He is bound brother don't worry."
The man nodded and vanished.
Frampt wished he could roll his eyes, his brother was always melodramatic. Oh well, he would sleep until the return of the Lord Souls.
Then they would see who was right; the kingmaker or the one ushering a new era?
Ah messing with the mortal world is so much fun.
Chapter End