Chapter 31

Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331

Naruto had finished listening to the mushroom that was named Elizabeth. She apparently was the guardian of the child in question. Making sure nothing bad happened to her. He did wonder how she could care for her when she was stuck in a tree, but he didn't push it.

Sighing, he rested at the bond fire again and thought over things.

'So, Artorias is here, Oolacile is in the midst of its fall, and Manus is active.'

"We can't leave this time until Manus is defeated meaning we need to find him and kill him."

'Also, dealing with the issues related to the Abyss and hoping we can find more information of the people that disturbed the Abyss.'

Naruto sighed. He loaded up his blades and quickly proceeded across the pathway and over the bridge. There he saw some wooden figures staring at him.

'Um, Gwynevere what are those things?' Noticing the pitch forks and other gardening tools in their hands.

'They are the workers. Apparently Oolacile managed to create them in times of care. Hinting that this place is only used for resources as necessary. However, I don't know how they managed to create them.'

"Something tells me they aren't friendly."

One of the figures jumped over the ledge and landed in front of him. He sighed and pulled out his flaming sword.

'Alright let's do this.'

The worker bum rushed him, but he quickly swiped down on his weapon making it hit the floor. Redirecting the blade up he pierced through the monster's chest. Killing the creature in an instant.

The other two came jumping down to join their fallen friend.

Naruto rolled his eyes and quickly dispatched them as well. Cutting through them with ease.

'Figured this would be easy but damn.'

"Be careful with that attitude."

Naruto nodded to Kurama's advice. Advancing through the forest on the left he saw more of the workers and cut through them with ease. However, upon reaching an elevated area looking into a valley he groaned.

There were many creatures present with one giant golem that was carrying a large stone weapon.

'I'm guessing more creations of Oolacile?'

Gwynevere hummed and then felt her nod in his mind. He wasn't sure why there was no answer but figured it was easier that way.

Naruto began cutting through the workers and managed to down them all before the big man noticed his presence. That is when he saw there was two more in the area.

'Of course, when there is one, more will come.'

Naruto charged up his sword and waited for the man to get close. The creature raised its weapon high above his head and brought it down in a massive blow.

Naruto's fire went through its wrist making its weapon fall to the ground with a thud. Then he spun the weapon around its body and sliced off its head.

The other giants charged him but soon met the same fate.

Naruto cut another head off and chopped off the legs of one of them. Leaving it on the ground with a thud and a powerful stab through the back of the head.

The last one rushed him as he was busy with his friend and Naruto released his grip on his weapon and out came Dragon Slayer which not only cut through its weapon but also its body. Naruto sighed and sent the weapon away before pulling his blade back up.

'Well, that was eventful hopefully I won't have to fight too many more of these creatures.'

'Be careful Naruto, something isn't right. They were all gathered here for a reason.'

Naruto scoured the area other than a couple of souls and some collectible stuff; he didn't find anything of worth.

Walking to the bridge that cut off the valley Naruto heard flapping. He raised an eyebrow and looked up, only to be surprised.

Above him was a black winged beast that was fast approaching the bridge. Naruto quickly rolled away from the bridge and avoiding the monster landing on him. However, the beast just stood on the bridge looking around for some reason. Naruto couldn't fathom the reasoning, but it was terrifying to say the least. It had two black wings that were unfurred, a triangle head with horns sticking out at the points on its head. A yellow underbelly that was barely visible from his angle.

It had one large red eye. Naruto wasn't sure if that was common, but it had one bright red eye staring out into the world. Before turning its head to face him.

'Kalameet!'

'Gwynevere?' He could feel the fear in her voice.

'Naruto whatever you do don't provoke him!'

Naruto raised an eyebrow, only to see the dragon staring at him. Its eye fixated on him, waiting to see what he does.

Naruto quickly sheathed his sword into his pocket space and held his hands up.

The dragon continued to stare its eye glowing brighter.

'Um, should I run?'

"Naruto Uzumaki running from a big ass lizard? What would Sasuke say now?"

He would retort but he had a point, Sasuke would never let him live it down. But in this situation he could take the taunting. As he didn't know what this creature could do and without his chakra, he wasn't the same confident powerhouse he used to be.

The dragon turned its head slightly and huffed.

Its wings flapped and he was gone.

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief.

'Gwynevere who the hell was that?'

'That was Kalameet he is a Every Lasting Dragon, like the ones of old. Unlike the others though he seemed to possess unique powers that are out of this world. He also only possesses a singular eye which many have assumed is related to his power. But no one has every confirmed this.'

'Okay but why is here?'

'I don't know, we had gotten reports that Kalameet was in the area, but we never figured out his goal. Some believe he was drawn to the Abyss, others thing that he was here for the humans, Havel even suggested before his imprisonment that he was after something. Or someone in this area.'

What a puzzling situation. Naruto couldn't imagine there was many reasons for an all-powerful dragon to wander near the Abyss. I mean if his power came from the Abyss maybe that would make sense. But it was clear he had no interest in the place. So why come all the way out here? With beings like Gwyn still lurking around and others like Seath he had to be aware of their presence. So, why risk raising their ire so close to the city of Anor Londo?

He would ponder this later, for now he had to make it through the city.

Traversing the bridge, he walked into the nearby alley way and came across a dark hole in the land. It was clear, the land had given way to the dark ooze that was seeping out.

Jumping down he touched the dark substance and recoiled. It had a heavy texture and seemed to be sludge like. He almost gagged at the sound of the goop hitting the ground.

'So, this is the Abyss?'

'Residuals of it.'

Naruto shook his head; he would examine it more later.

Entering another clearing he saw more of the workers and a stone figure standing guard over the nearby stone tower. Naruto narrowed his eyes; he really didn't have the energy to deal with this, but he knew that if he wasn't careful they would follow him.

So, pulling out his Dragon Slayer he rushed to the first group and got them to all come near him. The creatures noticed his presence immediately and quickly acted on their instincts. Naruto managed to line them up and without hesitating he sliced through all the monsters. They screamed in pain and dropped their weapons on the ground, continuing forward he brought his blade to his shoulder. Seeing the stone figure looking at him, it slowly trudged to him. Naruto smiled; it was too easy to read.

The creature raised its weapon up and Naruto thrusted his sword upward into the monster's swinging arm. It stabs through the stone and cut off his weapon.

The creature turned to its missing limb and looked confused.

But Naruto didn't care, he quickly brought his blade up. Slashing through his chest and causing the monster to fall to the ground with a thud.

Another stone figure was approaching from behind, but he ignored it as it was moving too slow to keep up. Naruto would have cut him down, but he was tired of dealing with enemies.

Plus, reaching the tower is more important as there was no telling what awaited him at the bottom. So better to save up his estu flasks and his weapons.

Entering the tower he stood on the pad, causing it to light up, and felt the elevator taking him down to the lower level.

Stepping off the elevator, he saw a coliseum in front of him. It was weathered and crumbling. But unlike some of the coliseums that he had seen in some other countries this one had a giant tower tied to it, behind it at least.

Looking around he noticed no one there other than a dark figure standing off to the far right. He had his hat down covering his face and he was standing near some stuff on the ground. From what he could tell it was things not relevant to this place and he had to admit some seemed even advance.

He decided to talk to the man.

Walking across the bridge he saw the man more clearly. A top hat on his head, a forever smile on his face, in the form of a mask, and a dark trench coat and button up shirt.

'He is not from these parts. In fact, he looks way out of place.'

"Naruto be careful, we don't know his true intentions."

'I know Kurama.'

Walking up to the man he waved,

"Greetings."

The man looked up,

"Oh, a fellow traveler in these lands. Let me guess, a dark ominous hand reached through a portal and grabbed you?"

"Yes, same?"

"Yes, unfortunately, I thought I was being grabbed by one of the Great ones, but sadly it would seem that wasn't the case." He looked around, "Now I'm in an unfamiliar place and don't know how to return."

"Great One?"

"Ah, they are being similar to your gods, but they are those that have ascended to a higher being of existence." He gave a cold laugh, "But what is the price if one forgets what they once were."

"Not much more than the very monster that one would hunt?"

"Indeed." He sighed, "Oh but it is good to meet a fellow time traveler in these parts. However, it would seem that my gap is further than yours sadly." He laughed, "I came from a far-off land and I'm guessing further along the timeline."

"How so?"

"Where I'm from, everyone knows of Anor Londo as the place that is long since passed. A time of nothing more than ruins and chaos, all seeking to understand the plight of a once great people. However, many speculate the ruins that lie beneath our wonderous home might be the remains of this once great civilization."

Interesting, "Your opinion?"

"Oh, I don't have one. Let that be the work of scholars and those that seek information of that nature. I'm merely a man that seeks to continue existing without trouble."

"How has that worked out?"

"Terrible."

Naruto roll his eyes.

"What is the place you're from?"

"Oh, a lovely place, it is called Yharnim. A beautiful city with a dark red sky." he sighed, "I miss the smell of even the dank sewers. the sweet scent of blood in the air, it is intoxicating."

Naruto noticed a particular gleam in his eye.

"So, any news about this area you can share?"

"Oh, curious are you? Why bother the past is the past. You could say nothing we do will change the fate of this land. Or even the fate of the future." He laughed, "But if you must know, I would warn you about Artorias. I just saw him running around here, he seemed a little, bleak." He laughed harder, "You'll see soon."

Naruto frowned, "Thanks."

Turning on his heel he walked away from the masked man and could only think that something was particularly wrong with him. Especially with the warning about Artorias. He must have been through the ringer. But he wasn't sure if that meant that he was badly injured or what.

'No point in worrying about it.'

Naruto pressed against the fog door and walked through.

Inside he saw a strange creature. It had a large brown orb thing on its head and had multiple red eyes peering out. The head piece was almost bigger than the whole body and would make them top heavy. But he could see the being moving around normally with its arms being longer than its body. They were like monkey arms, and he had to admit they were quite goofy.

This being was gurgling something and he turned to face Naruto. He pulled out the flaming sword and prepared for battle.

Suddenly a big sword impaled the creature through the chest and a large figure landed on the ground. He was wearing a full metal plated armor with a blue scarf around his neck. The man was also tinted in blue tattered cloth and his helmet hid his face from view. On top of that, Naruto noted the man's left arm was dangling and his grips as firmly on the sword.

'Artorias.'

Naruto's eyes widened, "No way."

The man in question started gurgling and a dark power swirled around his body. He could feel the aura growing as a few seconds pass and soon a large explosion erupted through the arena. Releasing a torrent of dark power.

"What the hell? Is that the Abyss?"

'Naruto get ready he is coming!'

A body came flying and was aiming for him. He quickly sliced through the body.

Artorias had already closed the distance and thrusted is sword forward.

Naruto fell backwards and avoided the strike.

The knight quickly reacted by jumping backwards and dragging the sword across the ground.

Jumping to his feet, he quickly brought his blade up with both hands. Aiming it at the knight.

Artorias dragged his blade across the ground in a complete spin. Naruto watched as the tip was scratching the floor. He was anticipating when the blade leaves the ground and aim for him.

But he found himself lifted off the ground by a powerful metal boot to the chest. Flying into the wall, grunting from the pain, and releasing some spit.

'Shit didn't see that coming. But should have, he is an expert knight.'

Naruto regained his footing but soon found Artorias holding his blade above his head.

No time to dodge, he quickly summoned Dragon Slayer and brought it up to block.

The blade's clashed in an explosion of metal on metal. the floor cracked under the blow and Naruto grunted.

'Shit his sword is so heavy, I don't know how he is just one handing that thing.'

He would have to two hand the blade.

Artorias dragged his weapon across the top of Naruto's and spun again, but this time getting some distance.

Naruto grunted and summoned his flame sword once more,

'Okay he is quite fast, he is using everything he can as a weapon, and obviously he is strong.' Naruto glared, 'This is not going to be easy.'

Artorias released a grunt before bending his knees.

Naruto held his blade up and started charging up the flames.

Artorias leaped into the air, spinning around and bringing his blade in a downward strike.

The blade smashed into the floor, but Naruto had managed to sidestep his attack. Aiming his blade at the knight's side.

Naruto thrusted the sword forward and the torrent of flame was released.

Artorias saw the attack coming and quickly swung his blade to the side. Cutting the attack in half and leaving Naruto annoyed.

He charged up another bout of flame and brought the blade down in a downward strike, but he again managed to cut through the attack sideways.

'Shit that is getting really annoying.' He noted that the weapon wasn't working in this situation. So, the only other option he really had was raw power.

Sending the sword away he summoned the Dragon Slayer blade once more.

"Okay, long range won't work let's do this with raw power."

Artorias titled his helmet and looked at his broken arm. He wobbled it around a bit but then released a grunt. One that sounded of annoyance.

Naruto drew back his sword and quickly released the weapon on Artorias. His spin slamming his blade into the knight's sword. However, unlike before the weapon managed to push the Abysswalker back.

Artorias skidded across the dirt and quickly jumped into the air again this time bringing himself down with a front flip. Naruto managed to avoid the first slam but then he leapt into the air once more. Naruto grunted but brought his weapon up and blocked a third spin of the weapon.

'Okay this is getting annoying. So, he has greater physical ability than I originally thought.'

Pushing him off Artorias ate a ball of flame to the chest making him moan in pain.

The knight jumped back and soon was forming a dark cloud around him.

'Oh, he is powering up. The last thing I want.' Naruto bum rushed him and quickly thrusted his weapon into his chest. Making him fall backwards from the blow and release all the energy he had gathered.

'I got this.'

"Don't get cocky."

Naruto saw what he had to offer so he wasn't too worried. All he had to do was bait some of his attacks again and-

Artorias stood up and dark tendrils started moving around his broken arm.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, but his eyes widened realizing what was happening.

'Is this possible?'

"Naruto I would suggest ending this fight before he recovers!"

Naruto agreed and rushed him, aiming to impale the knight with this next strike.

A clash of metal was heard, but it was only a hand stopping the blade from reaching the body. It had slapped down his weapon and buried the blade into the floor.

'No way, he got his arm back that fast!'

"Naruto!"

Being brought back to the battle, Naruto saw Artorias staring at him. Gauging him for a second before his free hand grabbed him by the front of his jacket. Lifting him off the ground Artorias brought him close to his helmet.

Naruto growled and pulled a good arm free of his blade and summoned an orb of flame. he was going to hit his mark for sure this time.

A small orb of flame spiraled in the palm of his hand.

Artorias threw him into the air.

Then threw a powerful kick to his stomach sending him skidding across the ground.

Naruto grunted from the pain but then screamed.

Artorias had leapt into the air while he was skidding and slammed the blade into his shoulder.

His left shoulder to be exact.

Naruto growled at the pain his arm was in and was trying to fight through it.

But he could feel a heaviness washing over him.

'W-w-what's happening?'

'Naruto the blade is coated in the traces of the Abyss; it is seeping into your body. It is slowly weakening you making it easier for him to do hurt you even indirectly.'

Naruto groaned and screamed again as Artorias withdrew his sword roughly.

Lifting his right foot, he slammed it down on his face. Making him grunt in pain and breaking his nose.

Naruto grunted in pain, Artorias responded quickly by grabbing him by the front of his outfit and lifting him into the air.

But this time he dropped him.

Why?

While he was standing on his face Naruto was subtly charging up his pyromancy into the Rasengan. From this, he managed to get the rotation started and aimed at the knight's chest. So, when he was lifted into the air again as almost a way to taunt him, he managed to slam the orb into his armor forcing him to grunt.

The force of the blow wasn't much but it was enough to break his grip.

Naruto slowly stood up summoning the fire sword again but this time already having his pyromancy powered up, he thrusted the blade upwards creating a large torrent of flames. The attack tore through the air and blasted Artorias. Making the knight skid across the ground and his armor damaged from the attack. Naruto had succeeded and getting the man to back up, and it would seem his armor was malforming due to the heat.

The attack didn't stop there, Naruto quickly brought his blade up and brought it down. The weapon created a large blade of flames soaring through the air and reaching for Artorias. However, the attack was cut down again by Artorias.

Naruto planned on it.

Aiming his sword he had created a small orb of flame that he thrusted into the ground. Causing a small cuts cloud to fill the arena. Artorias couldn't see and was growling at the lost sight of his prey.

Sighing, Naruto sent his blade away and drew out the Dragon Slayer once more. This time he was going to finish this fight with his strongest blade. But he saw Artorias was barely hurt from all his attacks.

'I probably shaved off a bit of his life but not enough to make him back down.'

Kurama was silent, he was amid something inside of the seal.

Gwynevere however noticed something and shouted,

'Naruto you need to attack him now. It is the only way to prevent him from using another charge up.'

Another?

He interrupted the first one that happened. But the second one he was able to top without resistance. The knight started pulling more of the dark Abyss into his body and Naruto saw him standing up proudly. As if trying to draw out what strength he could for a final attempt at killing him.

Naruto knew that Artorias powering up is a bad thing, but he was in a bad way too. Even with Estus flasks that he was now chugging, it wasn't enough to fix his nose or some of the physical damage he was going through. Even more so, it was terrifying that he was struggling this much, and he was barely breaking a sweat. Even though he had clashed with a powerful monster before, if that is to be believed.

Artorias gathered more of the Abyss, Naruto rushed him, but it was too late.

Artorias released a powerful wave of dark energy that pushed Naruto backwards.

Naruto gained his footing, but Artorias was on him again. This time even faster than before with his sword already connecting with his mid-section. Naruto grunted in pain and was sent flying through the air. Naruto slammed into the wall and caused a crack to appear.

Peeling himself out of the wall, he found Artorias grabbing him by the throat and throwing him into the air only to be hit again with the side of his sword. Cutting into some of his flesh and sending him flying across the floor. Naruto wasn't sure if his blade was just not blunt or if he was hitting the back of the blade. But either way the damage was starting to add up.

Rolling his way through he dodged a downward plunge attack that went through the floor. Artorias grunted and roared; Naruto rolled back. Trying to stay out of his range long enough to recover.

A loud roar ripped through the knight and the blade tore through making a dark energy explode around him.

Naruto grunted, there was no way. this power up was on another level. He was straight dominating the fight and seemed to be growing as time passed.

But then again it is to be expected.

Naruto shakily stood on his feet and took a few drinks of his flask. Luckily he kindled the flask before his fight, and he had saved up all his healing resources for this moment. Gathering his strength, he held his blade forward.

Only to have to lift it and block a downward strike.

Artorias vanished in a blur and Naruto had to rely on his instincts. Blocking to his right side while digging his sword into the ground. The blow was not enough to make him falter but it was enough to make him cut through the floor.

Naruto stopped moving after a second and brought his blade out of the ground.

But he was kicked in the side and sent flying across the floor.

He couldn't catch his breath, the power up had made his speed and power far greater than expected. He had to almost equivalate it to Rock Lee during the Chunin Exams. He was moving so fast to the naked eye it looked like was teleporting.

'I have to stop his power up, somehow I have to cut him off from his connection to the Abyss.'

Artorias released another primal roar, vanishes into thin air.

Naruto looked around; he was desperate at this point. There was no way for him to catch Artorias unless he could predict where his attack was coming from. Kurama seemed to be unresponsive at this time and Gwynevere could only see as much as he could.

Naruto felt a sensation behind him, and he quickly put his blade behind him.

A clash of steel was heard revealing Artorias trying to impale strike once more to kill Naruto.

But thanks to the timing he managed to catch him off guard.

Artorias pulled back from his attack and Naruto took his opening.

Spinning around he slammed the weapon into the man's side lifting him off the ground and spinning him a circle.

In a dizzy haze he manages to send Artoria flinging into the wall and crack the stone behind him.

He landed on the ground with a thud, but he was still standing.

Naruto sighed, but watched the knight disappear once more.

Naruto didn't fathom how he was pulling this off, but his attack was really getting to him. If he could just pin him down or hit him with a killing blow, this fight would be over. Or at least that was what he was hoping.

Another tingling appeared to his right so he instinctively ducked, avoiding a wide swing from Artorias.

Pivoting off his foot, he slammed the blade into the man's stomach once more sending him into the air. but Artorias flipped through the air and landed with a light thud. Before jumping into the air once more.

This time spinning in a front flip with his blade fully extended.

Rushing forward, Naruto thrusted his blade forward the moment he was about to touch the ground.

Naruto felt the blade dig into his shoulder again and he grunted from the pain. It was intense and the darkness coming off the weapon was stinging his very essence.

But he managed to finally impale his blade through Artorias.

He smirked,

"Checkmate Artorias."

Artorias grabbed the blade with his free hand and started pushing against the weight. Pushing himself further and further off his blade, slowly edging his way to the tip.

He didn't see this coming, was his body indestructible then?

Naruto didn't have time to think about it. He quickly lifted his blade up and carried the full weight of Artorias on his sword. The man roared in pain and was sliding down the bade extending the damage internally.

Naruto flung him off his blade with a mighty swing to the right but the minute he fell off his blade, he moved.

Rushing behind him he brought his blade upward and brought it down crushing Artorias under the weight of his weapon. Doing so as he was off his sword and about to sail away from him.

Artorias groaned but started wiggling under the weight of his blade.

He didn't get it, he just seemed unfazed, nothing was doing anything. His impalement, the slam, nothing. He just seemed to be numb to the world.

Numb...

That was it.

'That's why Artorias is able to fight so much, the power up didn't just increase his physical ability it removed his ability to feel pain and restrain himself.'

Struggled to keep his blade weighted down, Artorias was pushing against his blade with his hand and slowly unpinning himself from the attack. Naruto had to admit this attack was probably his best bet, but there was no assurance that he would get another round like this.

Artorias finally broke free from the pressure and stood on his own two feet, still holding Dragon Slayer's tip.

Naruto glared; the knight really was the stuff of legend. Strength unmatched and speed that was only as impressive as his strength. Meaning, he was truly one of the great knights like Ornstein. Though he admitted that Ornstein was faster, but he didn't have the same level of power that he did.

Artorias pushed the blade off and stood there with his weapon now gripped with both hands.

Naruto realized that he was about to get serious, so he had to be ready for it. Pulling his blade in front of his face he aimed it at the great knight.

The knight released a minor growl and vanished in an instant.

Naruto rolled backwards avoiding a powerful explosion on the ground. Rolling again, he dodged another explosion, followed by a third one with this time, black ooze forming at the bottom. Naruto swung but Artorias slammed down on the weapon. Having his sword pinned under the weight of his own weapon.

Naruto released it and summoned the fire sword releasing a torrent of flames with his wide swing.

The knight slashed through it again but then felt itself lurching forward.

Naruto had closed the distance and slammed another flaming Rasengan into his chest. Making the knight grunt and then fly backwards, this time leaving a dent in the metal.

Artorias leaped backwards through the air and landed on his feet in a crouched position. He was rubbing his hand over his damaged chest.

Vanishing again Naruto felt a foot in his face, sending him skidding backwards.

Another blow to his side causing him to fall on the ground and roll in the dirt.

Rolling on his back he brought up the Dragon Slayer and laid it flat side up, blocking a powerful blow that landed against his weapon. Making him grunt in pain and see that Artorias was again trying to impale him.

'Too easy, he wants to skewer me badly.'

Naruto pushed the blade off and glared.

This fight was dragging on and he was running out of Estus flasks to drink. He had to find a way to end this battle or at least find a method to slow him down.

Slow down, that was it. He knew what he had to do.

Naruto pushed Artorias off and swung at his chest.

The knight blocked the strike and parried the blow, but Naruto had released the Dragon Slayer. Instead pulling out his flaming weapon again charging a powerful slash.

Artorias brought his blade upward and aimed to cut his attack away again.

But this time the blade of flame wasn't aimed for his head or chest.

It was aimed for his ankles.

Artorias seeing this quickly leapt into the air to avoid the attack.

But found himself hit with a powerful flaming cut.

The plan was simple make Artorias do the thing he could bait. IF he used the sword to cut at his ankles he is going to leap into the air. If he did this then would land a powerful blow against him. Cutting through the knight and injuring him more directly.

Artorias screamed from the searing pain, before landing in a hunch over state.

Naruto brought the flaming sword down and struck against Artorias's good arm. But the sword came up just as quick, blocking the blow.

Naruto could feel him pushing against him and slowly regaining his balance.

He had to keep him off balance.

Seeing Dragon Slayer on the ground he quickly released his flaming sword and grabbed the blade by the tip.

Artorias already was on him, leaping into the air and coming down in a spiral attack.

A sharp piercing sensation ripped through his stomach, and he groaned and coughed up more dark gunk.

However, he grabbed the blade and tried pushing it out of his body.

Naruto slammed a flaming orb into his face.

This time, he was using the Chaos flame that was created by Quelana and the Witch, infusing it with longer lasting burn damage. The powerful attack pushed against the helmet of the knight, and he screamed in pain. Naruto grunted and put more of his power into it. Hoping this would end the fight in a matter of seconds.

The flames intensified and soon the dark armor of the knight was oozing more gunk and being burned by the flames.

Artorias released a primal roar and soon the power of the attack was snuffed out and he was sent flying backwards.

The knight was releasing more dark energy and Naruto wasn't sure he could keep up with him if he continued to grow stronger every time he did this.

"That is enough Artorias."

A woman draped in a blue cloak appeared and dug her weapons into his back disturbing his ritual.

He reached behind him to kill the woman for daring to attack him.

But soon found his body once again impaled but this time with the fire sword. Naruto released the rest of his pyromancy into this move and soon Artorias started burning brightly from the inside. Light peering through his helmet, and his body shaking from the damage.

In moments, Artorias stopped moving and his body turned to dust. With his soul now in the hands of Naruto.

'Gwynevere, please take care of him.'

'I will.'

Collapsing, Naruto could only look at the woman in confusion. She had two dagger blades in his hand and looked sad.

"It would seem you finally ending Artorias's suffering. As one of the Four Knight I appreciate you." the woman smiled, "You have freed his soul from the taint of the Abyss."

"Um, your welcome but who are you?"

The woman shook her head, "Just a friend of your opponent. Please, don't mind me. I'll be setting up a sight to mourn my dear friend. You can do as you please now." Tears formed in her eyes, Naruto could tell she was holding a lot of emotions in. But the thing that stood out was her genuine desire to be left alone.

Naruto could see that Artorias meant more to her than just a friend and comrade.

Nodding his head,

"I understand please, mourn him. He was a great knight and a greater opponent. I hope that he can find peace knowing that he went out on his sword rather than dying on his back."

The woman nodded.

"Indeed. I shall hope so and pray that we can meet again in the future." She started gathering up some rocks and putting them in makeshift graves, marking the being made of the Abyss and one for Artorias.

Naruto didn't say anything else, he walked into the town and started to prepare for the next part of his journey. Reaching the Abyss and dealing with the monsters that dwelled down there.

While this was going on Naruto's friend Kurama was examining something.

'If I do this, then maybe, maybe I can help Naruto again.' He smirked; he would make sure this succeeded. Otherwise, he wouldn't be helping his friend and that is something he can't accept.

The woman in question was working on the grave for Artorias but heard some footsteps behind her. Turning around she saw the creepy masked man standing there.

"Oh? He managed to kill that crazy knight. I must say quite impressive." He laughed, "I wonder what other challenges he might propose in the future?"

The woman stood up and pulled out her daggers,

"That young man is going off to save the land from the darkness of Manus and you plan to interfere with it?"

The man shrugged, "I couldn't care less about the plight of these people. They brought it upon themselves allowing them to be interested in the Abyss. The darkness that fell on their head, the horrors that unraveled, that is all on them. I'm only interested in one thing, that is the hunt." Pulling out a crossbow and a sharp thrusting sword he smiled, "I would like to hunt that young man down first, but I guess you will have to do for now."

The coliseum echoed of their clash.

In the valley a black dragon was sitting on the edge of the hill looking down below.

'Gwyn, you will pay.'

Chapter End