Chapter 25
Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331
Naruto found himself back before the giant soul once more.
"So, I have a question."
"Oh what is thy wanting to know?"
"Nito, he didn't take part in anything because he knew something right?"
The soul glowed,
"Yes, Nito had once dwelled too close to the edge, thy saw what was there, and thy realized that it should be best not to go there again."
"How so?"
"Simply put you must see it when the time is right."
Figures cryptic as ever.
"Now then shall we see what happened?"
Naruto nodded.
The Lord Soul of Nito appeared and he saw it glowing brightly.
He found himself in a dark cavern, staring at moving skeletons walking around the tomb, each carrying weapons or mining tools.
Each one of them moved along the caverns and tried to open new tunnels along the paths.
"Hm, not good enough."
Standing in the middle of the cave was Nito, in his real state. The dark skeleton was watching over the tunnels' construction and making comments as necessary.
"We must approach this with caution I don't want another cave in."
"Nito."
Turning his head he saw one of the black blob creatures with a mask floating over to him.
"What is it?"
It bowed to him awkwardly, "I apologize for disturbing you, my lord. But Gwyn has sent an emissary to speak to you."
The lord stared at his confidant. Naruto couldn't read his thoughts, he was a skeleton after all. He had no way of determining expression or emotions.
The being in question, kept his bow, not daring to move without his master's word.
Nito simply turned back to the construction.
"Tell them to leave."
"But sire-,"
"Nothing. Nothing will stop what is to come. I refuse to take part in such folly. If Gwyn wishes to pursue a fruitless effort, then I have no reason to assist him."
"Sire, the emissary would want to hear this from you."
"You are my confidants are you not? I have no reason to doubt your existence do I? You can do something as simple as telling him to go away, right?"
With each word, his aura started to grow, The skeletons quickly shuffled away from their angered lord. The attendant was shaking his body and moving around erratically; he was sure the fear was getting to him.
"I apologize my lord. But, as confident as I am in my abilities this fool wouldn't leave with just that. He might even brazenly try to make his way down here." He bowed deeper, "And to even think about gazing upon your visage, it is a sin that we can't allow."
Nito released a huff, or at least his version of it, and his aura disappeared.
"Very well, I shall convey my thoughts with this fool. Telling Gwyn my honest thoughts about his plans to extend this age. From this, I will move on with the expansion of my domain and soon, I shall reach even the Abyss."
The servant bowed,
"Another thing, my lord, one of your servants has been acting suspiciously lately. Should we deal with them?"
"No, leave the family be. I want to see what they are planning before making a decision."
The vision disappeared, and now he was standing in the middle of the crypt, where the family was fighting him.
"I dare say I thought I made my rule clear." He turned to the attendant from before. He was shaking under the gaze of his lord.
"Please, they were planning on fleeing this place, to swear their fidelity to you and then to leave? It is a great sin we can't allow."
Nito beheaded the dark mass before causing it to evaporate.
"You fool. Questions are what give life meaning." He turned and sighed, "You truly have been turned into a horrible creature. I'm truly sorry, you may keep this crypt as your own. And I shall entrust you with this." He held out the right of Rekindling, "I'm sure you will be able to use this or at least find something for it. Fare well, my child. Your name may be forgotten but I shall grant you one anew. Pinewheel."
The creature screamed, and he could hear the shattered remains of the souls inside.
He truly needed better care of his followers.
The vision faded, and Nito was in his cave once more, but this time, he had Gwyn there.
"You have to help!"
I refuse."
"You dare to question me! After all I have done!"
Nito turned to Gwyn, "All you have done? All you have done!"
Nito's aura exploded, Gwyn was made to back peddle.
"You are the one that awakened the Abyss; you're the reason that the city was ruined by the creatures of the Abyss. Your the reason that Kalamet was on a rampage. You're the reason that you lost all your trusted subordinates and your daughter. You are the one that pressured the Witch into finding a solution for the fire and now creating the demons that are rampaging all through the land." Nito released a low growl, "You are the reason for all the suffering in this land, and now you want my help to clean it up! After betraying all the people around you!"
"I'm the reason your domain is flourishing!"
"You think I wanted more people in this land? I wanted more people to die!" Nito's aura exploded out of control, and he saw his eyes glowing, "You damn fool, I didn't want anything that would disrupt the natural process of the world! You created all this trouble for us! Because you couldn't stand not having control or being on top!"
Gwyn was growling. Naruto could tell he was weaker than Nito by this time, probably having separated his soul into fragments. This meant that he couldn't draw on the same level of power that Nito could.
Soon the aura disappeared,
"Be gone from my sight. Take your theories and ideals with you."
"But you're the only one who can undo this curse on the land."
"I can't. I have tried, but this is something that exists beyond the boundaries of life and death, something that is unnaturally occurring." He turned his head, "Leave."
"Wait, Frampt, a great visor told me how I can continue our age without any change, how the Age of Dark may never come to pass!"
Nito sighed,
"It will. It doesn't matter what you do. The question is, how many more people do you feel you have to sacrifice? How many more lives do you feel you have to destroy? How much more destruction must be wrought before you finally are satisfied with your sin is Greed?" He waved his hand, "Show yourself out, Gwyn."
"You will regret this Nito!"
"I doubt it."
The vision came to an end, and Naruto was standing before the flame once more.
"So Nito was aware of what was happening and didn't dare to usurp the natural order."
"Indeed, the one called Nito would never dare do such a thing. However, greater forces are in play, and you should be careful when talking to those you don't know."
Naruto frowned, what the fuck did that mean?
But the light soon blarred and Naruto found himself back in the land of the living.
Looking up he saw he was by the shrine in Firelink.
"Damn." Naruto sat up and stretched. "Sorry you all had to carry me here."
Quelaag smiled, "It was no trouble at all. Priscilla just mentioned keeping the promise of finding her and her people a land they could live in peace."
Naruto nodded.
Sitting up he frowned, "Where is Patches and the priestess?"
Quelaag sighed, "She didn't make it Naruto."
"…..No."
He clenched his fist, damn it! If they just had more time, they would have escorted her to the exit and back to the shrine. But no they had to make sure they were reaching Nito as quickly as possible! Trusting that asshole was the wrong move and he should have realized it.
"However, it wasn't Patches that killed her."
"Huh?"
Naruto was surprised by this.
"It turns out that the other knight, the one that we couldn't find in the cave? Apparently, he was a man who had a grudge against her and her family. So he set out to kill her if she managed to escape the cave. Patches stated he wandered off and came back to see the end result of the killing. He was horrified and just tried to talk the guy down. But he managed to get the drop on him and kill him."
Naruto doubted that was the truth. From what he could tell, the man would do anything to save his own skin, even if that meant stagging things. But he had no reason to doubt his story, as it could be possible that he just happened to wander off. Unfortunately, a life was lost in the end.
Speaking of Patches, he walked over to the couple.
"Ah, see you woke up their, old chap. Good on you." He smiled, "I'm terribly sorry about the young lass. Such a sweet girl even wanted to pray for my soul." He laughed, "I haven't had much use for it in the years, but I did appreciate the sentiment."
Naruto sighed, "Thanks for at least making sure she made it here."
"Of course, Patches always keeps his deal." He then reached behind him and pulled out the Right of Rekindling.
"I picked this off the lass's killer. Thought you would want it back. From what I reckon, it increases the potency of your fancy drinking flasks. Meaning you'll get more uses for less of the effort." He handed it to him.
"Surprise you aren't trying to sell it."
He shrugged, "Even I felt bad for the young lass; there was no point in sullying her soul more."
Naruto nodded. Standing up, he sighed, "Well, we need to head back to the capital. Patches, I hope you have a safe journey."
"Thanks lad but trust me I doubt this is going to be the last time we meet."
Naruto had a feeling he was right.
Both of them touched the bond fire and soon they were gone in flash of light.
Patches sighed; his plan worked. He figured they would doubt him, but at least they gave him the benefit of the doubt. Of course there is the saying there is a sucker born every day. He was sure that he wasn't as big of a sucker as most but he was definitely easy to fool.
He sighed, looked behind him and frowned.
"I didn't break our contract."
Out of the shadows came a hooded figure. Their face was covered in darkness and they were looking at him. They held up a pale white arm with long black finger nails. They pointed it at Patches, and he growled when a collar appeared around his neck.
"jyu qerf't gottew yqor conman?"
"No." He was pulled to the figure and saw that their face was still unseeable.
"Iatie aouwr mnatuo malgint,"
"I know." He sighed, "Don't forget I remember our contract really well."
"manto ritowat inmantoin gomtqnot"
Patches hadn't forgotten, not with her here, not with the collar around his neck, and not with her refusing to show her face. He knew the price, and he would continue to pay.
But life was unpredictable, and he was sure that one day, he would find his chance and take it.
Patience was the key.
Naruto arrived back in Anor Londo. He saw the sisters sitting by the fire and playing cards. The fire maiden from Fire Link was also playing in the game, and they saw no one else around. Naruto was hoping to see Solaire, as talking to him proved enjoyable.
"Have any of you see Solaire?"
The girls shook their heads.
"No, I think he mentioned about going off to find his own sun still."
Naruto frowned.
While Solaire was hopeful he could tell his faith was wavering. He needed to find something soon, or he would be driven mad by it. Naruto figured he would help him out with this as the time comes, but he was worried where hew as looking.
But now was not the time.
"Listen, we have managed to slay Nito, and we have claimed his soul. However, we need to consider our actions. We can't just sit around and wait anymore, so if you girls have an idea, I'm all ears."
Quelana played a card.
"Reaching the Four Kings will be near impossible. They are in the depths of the Abyss, meaning we would need something that would help us traverse that dark place. Sadly, there aren't many people who know the method to do so other than Artorias. As he was known as the abysswalker and the slayer of Manus."
"Okay so is there anything that he owned that would allow this?"
The girls turned to one another while Queteva nodded.
Playing her card, she said, "Yes, a ring he had. Apparently, it was said to give him the power to traverse the abyss itself. But it was lost in the old lands and now is guarded by his once loyal pet."
Naruto sighed. Of course things wouldn't be easy.
"So where was this kingdom located?"
"In the forest."
Of course.
"But the thing is that it is in the ruins of what was once a major city. Oolacile, it was once the home to many marvels. But sadly, after their incident with the Abyss, the city would soon fall into ruin. Also, the Black Dragon Kalamet attack didn't help them."
Naruto couldn't help but feel bad and suspicious. Nito mentioned something about Gwyn related to the Abyss. Is it possible that he was the reason it attacked the city? He would ponder that later when he had more proof.
"Then that means the last location we can reach easily is-"
Izalith our former home."
Naruto could sense the tension. I mean, why wouldn't they be tense? This is their former home, the land they once ruled. It was the place where their mother had her domain and the birth of the demons. But more importantly, it was the remnant of a place they lost, a location that was taken from them by whatever their mother did.
Naruto sighed, it wasn't going to be easy.
"If you girls want you can stay here. There is no reason for you to drag yourselves through this. I can try and handle this on my own."
Quelaag frowned, "No we have to go back. It is our home." She puffed out her chest, "Our mother made a mistake, and it is our duty to fix it and ensure we end whatever has taken over."
Naruto nodded.
Quelana nodded, "Indeed sister we must make sure this ends."
Quetava jumped to her feet, "I agree, I won't be as useful in a fight with you but I can still support. Don't worry about me."
Naruto liked their resolve; he had to admit he was impressed. They were willing to jump into a place they lost and cause so much pain without care. Or, they did care, and it was more to make sure they ended the pain in their family.
"Alright then." Naruto stood with them, "Let's get everything ready, and we'll head out. But rest assured I'm going to be with you all."
The girls thanked him and went off to get their stuff.
Naruto, on the other hand, went to get his weapons repaired.
"So though, has defeated one, and are you advancing to the next?"
"Yes, is there something you need Gwyndolyn."
"Nah, I wish to confirm your progress and what must be done. Be wary, though, of the witch's domain. It is one even Lord Gwyn hesitated to enter. And for good reason as even with his power, there are forces in play. Some are more dangerous than others, but all are dangerous. Please be careful and when you have time. I need you to return to Root Basin."
"Why?"
"I do not know why, but something there is creating a disturbance in a hydra. Please go there and deal with it when your done hunting down the Witch."
"I see." Naruto wasn't sure why the dark moon had brought this to him, but he knew that it must be important. If something that powerful was being disturbed, then that really shouldn't be ignored.
Naruto went to find the girls gathered around the bond fire. He looked at them, and they all had driven expressions on their faces.
"You girls sure you are ready?"
They smiled and nodded. It was time for them to put the past behind them.
Naruto sighed, before touching the bond fire and teleporting them away from the city.
Gwyndolyn sighed,
"I truly pity thy. You will see the folly of hope soon. But maybe, you can even stop him."
In the Duke's Archives, Logan looks through some books and finally finds what he is looking for. He reached out and touched it, a book that seemed to be the newest of the collection, signaling that this was the last of his creations.
Opening he smiled,
"Excellent. Now I can find out what Seth saw and maybe I can surpass him." He was confident in his strength. Especially since he was one of the greatest magic casters in the last 100 years. Or at least since the founder himself Seth.
He would worry about this later. He quickly read through the book and found the spell he was looking for. Taking some of the crystals around the room, he carved the run into the stone, making it more visible as he progressed.
After a few minutes of this, he then put his hand out and started chanting.
"Ishva Natva Kuupag!"
The seal on the floor started to glow, Logan smiled.
He was close, so close to finding what Seth saw.
The glow intensified and soon his eyes were blinded. He covered his eyes with his arm and turned around to see what it was.
But his eyes widened, and he threw upon the floor.
It was impossible! He couldn't believe it, something like this was real? It was really out there! No, even Seth didn't radiate this aura!
A soft sound of flesh tapping across the floor could be heard. He didn't dare to look up, fear wheeling up in his heart.
He quickly pulled out his staff and casted a great crystal spear.
But it shattered to pieces and his eyes widened.
His attack was stopped? No there was no way.
"!#( % %!)$(% !)(%&!*#~"
What the hell did it just say.
A soft hand touched the back of his head, and his mind wavered. The pressure was like being crushed underneath a giant mass. His body did not dare move, in fear of what he was feeling. The fear in his chest started to well, and his mind slowly fell apart. The sensation was growing, and the longer hand remained on the back of his head.
But something was slithering around his head and down to his ears. He didn't think those could count as fingers. Tentacles?
"!$%!%, )%!)#(, !(%!& ,"
Logan eyes widened.
Did he hear right? What was-,
Logan's screams echoed through the room, and the Archives themselves started to shake.
Gwendolyn shivered.
"Though was a fool. They tried to reach the stars. Only for the stars to devour thy." He looked up at they sky, "Just like the others."
Back with Naruto and his group, they returned to the same place where he fought Quelaag. The group had gotten situated on the floor and started to progress into the inner chambers, near the bell that he rung to enter the fort.
"My lady."
Turning around they saw the man with puss on his back slowly moving his way to them. "You are safe, we are grateful."
Queteva frowned before turning to Naruto.
"Isn't there anything we can do for them?"
Naruto shook his head, "What I did almost killed me. If I try that again there is no guarantee that he would survive or I would either."
Queteva bit her lip. She hated leaving them like this. Suffering, being unable to release themselves from the suffering.
"My lady please do not cry for us. We are grateful you care for us this much. We truly are honored to know that you wished for our safety. But all we want is for you to live freely and happily. If you do this, then that is all I can ask." He bowed his head slightly, "Please honor this one wish for me."
Queteva had tears slipping down her face.
She eventually said thank you to her old friend and left with the group to head to the bell. There was an elevator that they could take to the lower floor, which was important in traversing into the kingdom of Izalith.
Traversing through the land they eventually arrived in a large opening.
"Welcome to Demon ruins. At least that is what we call it considering there is nothing here but demons now. But first, we have to head to the left as we can't traverse while the lava is up."
Naruto nodded, following Quelana's instructions. They walked to the right and walked over al ong stone bridge before arriving at a fog door. Passing through, the group continued traveling up the road and arriving at a large clearing.
Standing there was a mountain of a figure.
Naruto was surprised by the being's size and how grotesque it looked. The being in question had what looked like lava dripping out of pores in his body, and lava tentacles came out of holes on his back. His face was awkward. He had a longing look in his eyes, as if he was trying to recall something, but he couldn't accurately remember. His face dropped to the side, making him have a dopy look.
Naruto could see the man was in pain, as he was hunched from the branches out of his back and looking at something in the distance.
"Brother." Quelaag covered her mouth. She couldn't believe it.
"Ceaseless."
"Little brother." Quelana bit her lip.
"So, this is your brother?"
"Yes." Quelana walked slowly to the edge, "His name was Ceaseless Discharge. Or at least that is what others called him. But we called him Quavara. He is the only son in our family and he was born with this terrible condition. Mother did everything she could to make his pain easier or to remove it entirely. But nothing she could find worked and nothing lessened it."
"That is when that bastard gave us that ring." Quelaag gripped her fists, "Telling the ring would help bring him some peace but we should have known better. All he did was make his pain worse than before."
"But at the same time, he was able to feel some sense of relief." Quelteva defended their choice.
"He is still in pain though." Quelana walked to the edge, looking at her brother with saddness.
She took a ddep breath.
Then she shouted,
"Brother!"
The being stood there. Slowly shifting to the side. Turning his and slowly walking to the edge. He was getting closer and closer, making Naruto shake with every step he took. He was making him feel like an earthquake was about to break out.
Discharge arrived at the edge and looked closely. His eyes stared close at Quelana, and the sisters watched in baited breath, wanting to see what he would do.
"Do you see me brother?" Quelana, bit her lip, "Please tell me you can see me."
The creature stared at her.
Shaking slightly before one of its hands was raised up to the ledge. Touching the side, Quelana could feel the heat coming off his body and was sweating. But she wouldn't falter, not this time.
Quelaag walked next to her sister and stared at his eye.
"Brother, it is Quelaag, remember? We used to play hide-and-seek when you were younger. You would always hide in the same spot, though, so I could find you easily. But sometimes, I would take my time to let you enjoy the game."
The being turned, and it seemed to shake a bit, as if trying to say or do something.
Quetava walked to the edge and tears streamed down her face,
"Please brother, tell us you can hear."
The being stared for a few seconds.
Naruto steadied his hand. He was afraid that if he went for a weapon now, he might provoke him into attacking, which was the last thing he wanted, given how tense the situation was already.
"S-S-S-Sisters?"
Discharge's voice echoed through the cave. All the sisters were crying now.
"Brother!" They were shouting in unison.
But the being tilted its head.
"A-a-a-are okay?"
"We are okay." Quelana smiled, "Thank you brother for everything you have done for me and the others."
"S-s-s-s-sister, protect. F-f-f-fail mother."
"No you didn't," Quelana cried out, "You gave yourself for me! You gave up your body to stop the influence of that monstrous flame! Preventing it from reaching me and allowing me to escape! But I left you, leaving you like this!"
"S-s-s-s-sister. L-l-love you. D-d-d-do again, if p-p-possible."
Quelana cried out to her brother while she wanted to touch him. She knew that would only burn her.
Turning to Naruto she shouted,
"Heal him! Do what you did for our sister and heal him!"
Naruto frowned.
"Like I told you I can't. Whatever this fire is, it almost took me over and the poison before weakened me. I can't afford to do that again, and if I did, I could cause him greater pain." Walking closer, he looked up at him, "Because the flame has spread through him, and his body has mutated beyond recognition. If I were to try this, I could kill him in the midst of it. "
Quelana growled,
"You have to do this, it is the only way! I can't leave him like this! Because if we do then that means I abandoned him again!"
Naruto shook his head, "You didn't. He gave his life for you. He wanted to protect you more than anything. Don't sully that choice he made. Cherish the memory that he loved you to protect you."
Quelana was about to continue, but her brother's hand slammed down.
"P-p-p-pain hurt. W-w-want to stop, be with others."
Naruto bit the inside of his lip. He knew what he was asking and it wasn't something one would ask easily.
"I-I-I can't do that brother! If I let you-,"
"S-s-s-sister, I happy. Y-y-you safe, I at peace." He turned his eyes to Naruto. "P-p-please protect them."
Naruto frowned before pulling out his Dragon Slayer sword. He slammed it into the ground before the giant.
"You have my word. I will protect your siblings with everything I have! They will never fear loss. I will be their sword! I will be their shield like you were before! Trust me, I will never break my oath!"
The giant shifted slightly, and Naruto saw that his face changed a bit. He revealed a crooked look, but Naruto knew he was smiling.
"S-s-s-sisters proud?"
"We are brother," Quelaag cried.
"you were the bravest brother, I will always remember your strength brother." Queteva cried while hugging her sister Quelaag.
Quelana cried, falling to her knees.
"Y-yes, you were the strongest, you're the bravest. I'm forever grateful to having a brother like you. Please never doubt I was proud of you, and all I wish now is for you to remember this." She looked up and smiled at her brother.
Discharge's right eye started releasing lava.
Naruto felt tears running down his own face.
'This is the love of family, just like you loved me huh Sasuke?'
He could only think of his older brother. How he was always proud of the path he went down and what he stood for. How he was always there for him when he was struggling in the end.
The pride of an older sibling.
He wish he knew it.
Naruto picked up his sword and walked closer to Discharge, and he bowed his head to him.
The creature nodded, before lowering his head to the man.
Naruto saw his eyes shining with content. He took a deep breath and quickly thrust his sword through his forehead. The man released a sigh, and his body started to glow before disappearing in a burst of gold.
The sisters watched this and hugged one another, crying their eyes out. Naruto joined in the crying as he couldn't stop his own tears.
"Sisters... love you forever... beware of the stars."
The voice was more childish, and while the sisters cried hearing their brother's real voice one more time, Naruto took his message and knew that it was a warning—his last attempt at protecting them from something he knew.
But, he would worry about it down the line.
'Gwynevere please do me a favor.'
'Of course.'
'Don't show me his memories, just put his soul to the side and allow him to rest. He truly deserves it.'
The goddess smiled and put his soul to the side. Allowing him to find some comfort in this new home.
Naruto watched below as the fire and magma faded from the surrounding area, leaving a clear path down to the ruins. But in their way was a horde of demons: Taurus demons and Capri demons.
He was really worked up but he saw the sisters were a mess.
They would wait. Naruto quietly sat at the lower levels' entrance and waited.
His sword thrusted into the ground and his eyes focused down below. If anything tries to come up, he would smite them. He would make sure they regret trying to get close.
They deserve to mourn.
He wouldn't dare disturb this.
Naruto looked up,
'Mom, dad, I hope your still proud of me.'
Turning his attention back, he faintly felt something on his shoulder, and his eyes widened.
'Always my Malestrom.'
Naruto's eyes watered again, this time from the warmth.
In the depths of a dark chasm, a pair of orange eyes glared through the darkness.
"Continue the path, come to me my Dark Lord, free us from the shackles of the flame. End this area and begin anew."
Four screams are heard in the back, and the being ignores their existence.
Chapter End