A heavy silence filled the chamber, broken only by the slow ticking of an unseen clock.
Naruto stood at the center of the lavish yet ominous room, hands stuffed in his pockets, looking entirely unimpressed despite the circumstances. The air around him felt heavy, thick with the oppressive presence of one of the most powerful beings in existence.
Seated at an ornate black desk, directly in front of him, was Trihexia—the Mother of Sin, the first and most ancient of all demons, and the supreme ruler of the Underworld.
But despite her terrifying titles, she looked more like a small, elegant girl, barely reaching his chest in height.
Her long silver hair flowed like a river of moonlight, cascading down her back with a delicate, almost ethereal softness. Her gentle blue eyes should have looked innocent, yet they burned with calculating intensity.
She wore what could only be described as a nun's habit, a dark-blue one-piece dress with a high white collar, designed with two long triangles draping down. A dark blue cornette rested atop her head, decorated with a small heart-shaped emblem—a disturbingly ironic contrast to the sheer authority she commanded.
But what caught Naruto's attention the most was the necklace resting against her chest.
Dangling from the thin silver chain was a perfect replica of his Trihexa Key.
His Key.
Naruto's bored gaze flickered between the necklace and her unwavering stare.
Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he muttered,
"It still bothers me that you're wearing a nun's clothes…"
Trihexia's eye twitched.
Her fingers, which had been lightly tapping against the desk, stilled.
"You are dodging my question, Wrath."
Her voice was soft, almost playful, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath it.
She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the desk, her eyes glimmering with something dangerous.
"Tell me about that Lucy girl."
Naruto raised a brow, clearly unimpressed with the sudden interrogation.
"Why?"
Trihexia's expression darkened, and something in the room shifted.
The shadows on the walls writhed unnaturally, the atmosphere growing denser, like an invisible force was pressing down on him.
Her fingers curled into her palm.
"Everything."
Her voice was quiet, but the jealous fire in her eyes burned so intensely it could have melted solid steel.
Chapter 4: Black & White
Earlier… Aboard the Train to Eisenwald Territory
The train shook violently, metal screeching as a sudden explosion ripped through their cart.
A massive hole was blown through the side, thick smoke billowing into the air. The force of the blast should have torn through everyone inside, but—
A golden glow pulsed outward, forming a transparent barrier around the group.
The dust settled, revealing everyone unharmed inside the golden sphere of protection.
Gabriel let out a relieved sigh, lowering her glowing hands. "That was close…"
Lucy clutched her chest, heart racing, while Natsu, already recovering from his motion sickness, cracked his knuckles.
"Who the hell attacks a moving train?!" he growled, eyes darting toward the breach.
Naruto, on the other hand, sighed deeply—but not out of fear.
Out of sheer annoyance.
His eye twitched as he recognized the figures floating outside the ruined cart.
Two small girls hovered just beyond the wreckage, their identical emotionless faces staring directly at him.
Both had dull gray eyes, long black hair, and pointed ears—clearly not human.
They both wore black gothic lolita dresses, the frilly fabric somehow not moving despite the wind rushing past them.
The only difference between them was their hairstyles.
One had her hair done in a ponytail.
The other let hers hang perfectly straight.
And right now, both of them were staring at Naruto like a pair of abandoned kittens.
The one with the ponytail spoke first, her voice as flat and deadpan as ever.
"Nee-sama, Nee-sama. Naruto-sama has found new pets."
Her identical counterpart nodded slightly.
"Yes, I believe you are correct, Lilith."
Her gray eyes slowly shifted toward the women standing beside Naruto—Lucy, Gabriel, and Erza.
"Master has replaced us with those… slutty big-boobed girls."
A thick silence fell upon the train.
Lucy's eye twitched violently.
"Excuse me?" she asked, voice dangerously low.
Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose, already tired.
Lucy turned to him, crossing her arms.
"Who. Are. They?" she asked, her tone demanding answers.
"And why do they know you?!"
Before Naruto could answer, the girl named Lilith spoke first.
"We are Naruto-sama's pets."
Her emotionless tone somehow made the statement even more disturbing.
"**Please refrain from addressing Naruto-sama in such a disrespectful manner, or we will be forced to exterminate you."
Lucy's face contorted in disbelief.
"…You are a pervert, aren't you?"
Naruto let out a long, suffering sigh.
"This is infuriating…" he muttered under his breath.
The other girl, Ophis, nodded in agreement.
"You are correct. Master is the Loli Master."
Naruto's soul left his body.
Lucy took two steps away from him.
"…You're not denying it?!" she shrieked.
Naruto finally snapped.
"I AM NOT A DAMN LOLI MASTER!"
Lucy didn't look convinced.
"HENTAI! LOLICON!"
Even Erza, who had remained silent until now, gave Naruto a suspicious glare.
"I cannot condone such behavior," she stated, crossing her arms.
Naruto groaned and dragged a hand down his face.
"Okay, listen up, all of you."
He jabbed a finger toward the floating goth loli demons.
"These two—Ophis and Lilith—are my 'pets' in the sense that every Sin has one."
Lucy's suspicion didn't waver.
"That… doesn't make it sound any better."
Naruto ignored her and continued.
"Pets, in this context, are basically freeloaders. They follow me around, I feed them, and they stay at my place. They are not my lovers, servants, or anything weird."
The two girls blushed slightly, but their expressions remained neutral.
"Nee-sama, Nee-sama, Naruto-sama claimed us."
"Indeed. Master has finally confessed his love."
Lucy snapped her head toward him.
"WHAT KIND OF MESSED-UP CULT ARE YOU RUNNING?!"
Gabriel, who had been quietly observing, suddenly smiled.
"Oh! Then can I be your pet too, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto's brain short-circuited.
Lucy's rage was instant.
"DON'T ENCOURAGE THIS!"
Naruto let out a long, exhausted groan.
"Just tell me what you two want."
Ophis and Lilith, still floating calmly outside the train, spoke in unison.
"Trihexia-sama wants to see you."
Naruto froze.
Lucy did as well.
"Trihexia?" she repeated, her voice almost hesitant.
"You mean—"
Naruto clicked his tongue.
"Yeah. My boss."
The mood shifted instantly.
Gabriel, for the first time, looked genuinely concerned.
Erza narrowed her eyes. "Your… boss?"
Naruto stretched his arms, already accepting his fate.
"Welp, guess I have to go."
Before anyone could react, he vanished in an instant, disappearing without a trace.
At the same time, Ophis and Lilith also disappeared, as if they had never been there.
The train was silent once more.
Lucy stood there, shell-shocked, trying to process everything.
Then, slowly, she turned around—
And found Erza and Gray staring at her.
They were waiting.
Lucy let out a deep, nervous laugh.
"…I can explain."
Underworld – Trihexia's Mansion
A sudden shift in atmosphere.
The air crackled with raw energy, dark mists curling around the massive chamber as Naruto appeared in a flash of red light.
The moment his boots hit the floor, an intricate array of ancient runes flared beneath him, glowing faintly with a sinister pulse.
Restriction Seals.
A precaution, no doubt.
But Naruto barely spared them a glance, his face twisted in an expression of pure irritation.
Because at that very moment—
Two small girls were clinging onto both of his arms, their tiny hands gripping him tightly, their emotionless faces betrayed only by the slight pink hue on their cheeks.
His pets.
His adorable little menaces.
Ophis and Lilith.
"Infuriating." Naruto sighed deeply, his tone completely deadpan. "Both of you."
The gothic lolita twins remained unfazed.
"You have replaced us," they stated flatly.
Naruto groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
"For the last time, I did not replace you."
The twins blinked.
"Nee-sama, Nee-sama." Lilith turned to Ophis.
"Naruto-sama claims he has not replaced us."
Ophis nodded stoically.
"Indeed. And yet, he surrounds himself with slutty big-boobed girls."
Naruto choked on air.
"STOP CALLING THEM THAT!"
The twins, unfazed by his outburst, merely tilted their heads in perfect synchronization.
"Are they not?"
Naruto clicked his tongue, deciding to ignore that part.
"They're just… friends."
The two girls froze.
Then, slowly, they turned to each other again.
"Nee-sama, Nee-sama. Naruto-sama said he has friends."
"Yes, Lilith. This is the first time I have heard Master attempt humor."
Naruto's eye twitched violently.
"I HAVE FRIENDS."
Ophis stared blankly.
Lilith nodded sagely.
"Maybe."
Naruto felt annoyed but just sighed.
"Forget it. What does Hexia want?"
The twins exchanged another silent glance before grabbing his arms again.
"Come."
And with unexpected strength, the two tiny gothic demons dragged Naruto down the endless, dimly lit corridors of the Underworld's grandest mansion.
—
The walk to Trihexia's office was eerily familiar.
The dull maroon carpets, the excessive amount of bookcases, the weirdly normal-looking wooden doors—
It felt less like the lair of the most powerful being in existence and more like—
"A principal's office," Naruto muttered.
Lilith, still clinging onto his sleeve, nodded.
"Yes. Many souls cry upon entering this room."
Ophis, clutching his other arm, tilted her head.
"Does Master wish to cry?"
"No."
"That is disappointing."
Naruto chose to ignore that and instead focused on the large wooden door ahead.
Ophis and Lilith came to a halt, turning to face him.
Then, as if on cue, they both bowed in perfect synchronization.
"We will await your return, Master."
Then, just as quickly as they had dragged him here—
They vanished into the shadows.
Naruto let out a long exhale before reaching for the doorknob.
Before he could, a familiar smooth voice called out from inside.
"Come in."
With one last sigh, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
And just like that—
The real trouble began.
Onibus Station –
Lucy let out a deep sigh, rubbing her temples as she finished her long-winded explanation about Naruto, the Lost Keys, and her mission.
"So please, don't tell anyone!" she begged, bowing her head slightly toward Gray and Erza.
The two mages exchanged glances, taking in everything they had just heard.
Gray, arms crossed, let out a low whistle.
"So… you're collecting all these keys to bring your mother back?" he asked, arching a brow.
Lucy nodded firmly. "Yeah…"
Erza was silent for a moment before a small smile graced her lips.
"I don't see any issue with that." She crossed her arms. "Your secret is safe with us, right, Gray?"
Gray nodded, though his expression was still one of mild disbelief.
"Yeah, sure," he muttered. "I still can't believe that Naruto is a devil."
"And I'm sure Natsu will keep it a secret as well," Erza added confidently, glancing at the unconscious pinkette sprawled out on the bench.
Lucy let out a relieved sigh, her eyes glistening with gratitude.
"Thank you… I really mean it."
"You'll need to tell Master at some point," Erza advised. "He might have information about these keys. He's the most knowledgeable person in Fairy Tail."
Lucy bit her lip before nodding. "I will! Once I've gathered more information, I promise."
Erza gave a satisfied nod.
"How many keys have you found so far?"
Lucy perked up at the question and quickly reached into her pouch, retrieving three ornate keys, each with a unique aura.
She carefully laid them out on the table before them.
"Three," she answered proudly, gesturing to each one.
First, she pointed to a chrome key with jagged, demonic engravings, pulsing faintly with a crimson glow.
"This one belongs to Naruto."
Then, she gestured toward a golden key, its surface engraved with intricate angelic wings, radiating a warm, soothing energy.
"And that's my key!" Gabriel chirped, smiling brightly as she pointed at it.
Gray, who had been taking all of this surprisingly well, suddenly froze mid-drink.
His eyes darted between Gabriel and the golden key.
Then back to Gabriel.
Then back to the key.
"Wait. Wait, wait, wait."
Gray set his drink down and slowly lifted a finger, pointing it at Gabriel as if she had just committed an unforgivable crime.
"GABRIEL IS A SUMMON?!"
Lucy let out a nervous chuckle.
"Ah-hehe… yeah, I kinda forgot to mention that…"
"How the hell do you forget something like that?!" Gray shouted, exasperated.
Gabriel, still smiling innocently, placed her hands together.
"Yes, I am a Zion Angel. It's my first time being summoned to the human world, so please show me around!"
Gray blinked slowly, then turned to Erza.
Erza merely sighed and took a sip of her tea.
"Just accept it, Gray. I already have."
—
As the group stepped off the train, the overhead announcement crackled through the speakers.
"Due to an attack, the train will stop at Onibus for repairs. We will be arriving in a few minutes."
"That's our stop, then," Erza said, nodding.
Gabriel clapped her hands together, beaming.
"Oh, wonderful! I'd love to admire the town before we move on."
Erza chuckled. "We still have some time, so let's look around."
Gabriel's eyes sparkled. "Ah! Thank you, Erza-san! You're such a nice soul!"
As they walked through the bustling streets, Gabriel's head whipped left and right, her excitement growing with every step.
"Ooh! What's that?" she gasped, pointing at a food stall.
"That's yakitori," Lucy explained, laughing at the angel's excitement.
"And this?!"
"Dango."
Gabriel tilted her head curiously.
"Human food is so… cute!"
As they walked, Erza decided to educate Gabriel on more practical things.
"What kind of weapons do you use, Gabriel?" Erza inquired, ever the battle-hardened knight.
Gabriel placed a finger on her chin, humming in thought.
"I don't use weapons much, but… for emergencies…"
With a graceful motion, she summoned a radiant, golden sword.
The blade glowed with holy energy, its presence alone exuding power.
"Onii-sama gave this to me for protection." Gabriel smiled proudly, holding it up for Erza to admire.
"It's called Excalibur!"
Erza's eyes practically SPARKLED as she gazed at the legendary weapon.
"That's… an amazing sword, Gabriel."
Gabriel giggled as the blade vanished into golden particles.
"Thank you!"
Lucy, intrigued, decided to ask another question.
"You have an older brother?"
Gabriel nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes! His name is Michael! Onii-chan is soooo cool! Unlike me, he's a fighter! He's great with swords and stuff!"
Lucy smiled. "He sounds amazing."
She imagined Michael looking like a male version of Gabriel—probably in shining white armor, majestic beyond words.
Gabriel hummed in thought.
"Now that I think about it… he kinda looks like Naruto-kun too. Strange…"
Naruto, in shining white armor?
Lucy shuddered.
Before she could ask more, Gabriel suddenly perked up, looking concerned.
"Oh! I forgot to ask! Why did we leave Natsu-san on the train?"
Lucy, Erza, and Gray all froze mid-step.
Their eyes slowly widened in horror.
Then—
"WE LEFT NATSU ON THE TRAIN?!" Lucy shrieked.
Erza's face went pale.
"I was too distracted showing Gabriel around! It's all my fault! Someone hit me!"
Gray facepalmed.
Gabriel, oblivious to their panic, tilted her head.
"I can retrieve him."
She spread her arms wide, and with a sudden burst of divine energy, twelve magnificent wings extended behind her.
The sheer sight of it made the entire street fall silent.
Pedestrians stared in awe, some dropping their food, others practically worshipping her on the spot.
"Holy crap…" Gray muttered.
Even Erza, for all her experience, bowed her head slightly.
"Please bring him back, Gabriel."
Gabriel nodded cheerfully.
"I will be back in 20 seconds!"
And with a single mighty flap of her wings, she vanished—a sonic boom echoing behind her.
The train rumbled violently as it sped through the tracks, moving farther away from Onibus with each passing second.
Inside one of the damaged train cars, Natsu Dragneel was not having a good time.
His motion sickness came back after Gabriel left and had him nearly incapacitated, leaving him easy prey for the Eisenwald thug currently beating him senseless.
"What's the matter, Fairy Tail brat? Not feeling so good?" sneered a shadow-cloaked mage, his knuckles cracking as he loomed over the Dragon Slayer.
Natsu could barely focus, his stomach twisting violently as he wobbled in place.
"Ugh… I'm gonna barf…"
The Eisenwald mage scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"Tch. You're supposed to be one of Fairy Tail's strongest? What a joke."
The next punch was already coming for him—
And then the ceiling exploded.
A sonic boom shook the entire train car as a golden blur shot through the hole in the roof, landing gracefully on the floor.
A rush of divine light filled the compartment, and suddenly—
Gabriel stood between them.
Her twelve radiant wings unfurled majestically, her entire presence exuding celestial authority as she gazed at the Eisenwald mage with disappointment.
"Hurting sick people is cruel."
Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying an undeniable weight of judgment.
The Eisenwald mage froze, eyes widening as he took in her angelic form.
Gabriel looked at Natsu, her expression shifting to concern.
"Oh no, Natsu-san! I forgot about your condition!" She hurried over, placing a glowing hand on his forehead.
A warm, soothing light radiated from her fingertips, immediately erasing his sickness.
Natsu perked up instantly, blinking as he regained his energy.
"Whoa! I feel great again! Gabriel, you're the best!"
Gabriel smiled warmly. "You are welcome!"
The Eisenwald mage, having recovered from his initial shock, took a step back, panic flashing in his eyes.
"Another Fairy Tail brat? And she has freakin' wings?!"
His gaze dropped to his pocket, then back to Gabriel.
Gabriel's gentle smile vanished.
"You have something powerful in your pocket, don't you?"
The mage flinched.
"W-What are you talking about?!"
Gabriel didn't answer immediately. Instead, she closed her eyes, focusing.
A faint golden aura surrounded her, and when she reopened her eyes—
Her gaze pierced through the mage's very soul.
"I sense dark magic… Are you a member of Isensewhat?"
"IT'S EISENWALD" He shouted to correct the seraph out of annoyance.
The mage gritted his teeth, then suddenly smirked.
"Hah! Guess the wings come with brains too. Yeah, that's right. I'm from Eisenwald. But since you figured that out—"
He lunged at inhuman speed, shadows swirling around his fist—
Only to freeze mid-motion.
His entire body locked up, his limbs refusing to move.
"W-W-What the hell is this?!" he stammered, his eyes darting around in confusion.
Gabriel calmly walked toward him, her finger glowing faintly with divine magic.
"You wanted to use the Song of the Children to hurt innocent people… That is unforgivable."
She plucked a single divine feather from her wing and pressed it gently against the man's forehead.
A surge of holy energy passed through him, and within seconds—
His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Gabriel bent down, reaching into his pocket, and pulled out—
A strange flute.
It was dark and menacing, its surface engraved with cursed symbols. One end was shaped like a skull with three eerie eyes, and the other had root-like tendrils curling around it.
Gabriel frowned, tilting her head.
"A flute? This is the dark magic I sensed?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What the heck did you just do?!" Natsu gawked at her, pointing at the unconscious mage.
Gabriel held up her feather with pride.
"I wiped out his memories. He won't remember anything about Lullaby or anything at all."
Natsu blinked.
"You can do that?!"
Gabriel nodded.
"Of course! I believe in redemption and wiping his memories would give him a chance to redeem and restart his life. I can also give people sweet dreams if I alter the spell slightly!"
Natsu sweatdropped.
"Okay, that's kinda scary."
Gabriel tilted her head.
"Is it? I think it's useful!"
Before they could discuss further, Gabriel's eyes widened in realization.
"Oh no! It's been over 20 seconds! Erza-san is going to be disappointed in me!"
Without another word, she grabbed the back of Natsu's shirt, flared her wings, and—
FWOOOOM!
They shot out of the train like a golden comet, heading straight back to Onibus at Mach speed.
Onibus – The Aftermath
Back at the station, Gray, Erza, and Lucy stood waiting, still stunned by the fact that they had completely forgotten Natsu on the train.
Gray sighed. "Well, this is awkward."
"I still can't believe we left him," Lucy groaned, covering her face.
Erza crossed her arms. "It was a mistake, but one that we are now correcting. Gabriel will retrieve him."
Suddenly—
A sharp gust of wind ripped through the station as Gabriel descended gracefully from the sky, her radiant white wings folding inward before vanishing like wisps of light.
She landed with practiced elegance, gently setting Natsu Dragneel onto the platform beside her.
His wild pink hair was even wilder than usual, tousled and sticking up in every direction, evidence of the Mach-speed flight he had just endured.
And yet—
Natsu was grinning like an idiot.
"That was AWESOME!" he shouted, laughing with excitement as he pumped his fist into the air. "I thought flying on Happy was fast, but that?! THAT WAS NEXT LEVEL!"
Gabriel smiled warmly.
"I am glad you enjoyed the flight, Natsu-san."
The others, however, were less concerned with Natsu's joyride and more with what the hell had just happened.
"Natsu! Are you alright?" Erza stormed forward, immediately checking him over.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine! But listen, Gabriel knocked out one of the Eisenwald guys! It was insane!"
Erza's sharp eyes widened.
"WHAT?!"
Without warning, she grabbed Natsu by the collar of his vest and started shaking him violently.
"DID YOU INTERROGATE HIM?!" she barked, her iron grip tightening.
"DID YOU ASK ABOUT LULLABY?!"
Natsu flailed helplessly, his head snapping back and forth from the force.
"I—I don't know—Gabriel just zapped him!"
Lucy sweat-dropped at the scene before shaking her head and turning to the angel.
"Gabriel, what exactly happened back there?"
Gabriel, ever cheerful, reached into her pocket and pulled out a strange, dark flute.
It was twisted in design, its surface etched with cursed runes, and one end was carved into the grotesque shape of a three-eyed skull.
Even just looking at it, Lucy could feel the dark magic oozing off of it.
"I found this in the man's pocket earlier, Lucy-sama. It radiates a very dark aura."
The moment Lucy's eyes fell upon the object, her entire body stiffened.
Meanwhile Erza knew exactly what it was.
"That's… Lullaby…" Erza announced.
Gabriel blinked, tilting her head curiously.
"The cursed song?"
Lucy slowly nodded, a shiver running down her spine.
"It's real… I thought it was just a myth—just a story to scare children."
Gabriel frowned deeply, holding the flute between her fingertips like it was something filthy.
"So this is the weapon… Shall I dispose of this instrument, Lucy-sama?"
Lucy hesitated, glancing at Erza for confirmation.
The Titania nodded firmly.
"That is our priority. Destroying it is the safest option."
Lucy took a deep breath before turning back to Gabriel.
"Go for it, Gabriel."
Gabriel nodded once, then walked a few steps forward, setting the flute on the stone pavement.
Behind her, Lucy, Erza, Gray, and Natsu all watched closely, anticipation thick in the air.
Gabriel squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and then—
"Begone, foul instrument!"
She lifted her foot and began stomping on it.
Repeatedly.
The entire group stared blankly.
Stomp.
Stomp.
Stomp stomp stomp.
Gabriel's face was set in determination as she continued stepping aggressively on the cursed artifact like a woman trying to kill a particularly stubborn cockroach.
Everyone sweat-dropped.
"…That's your method?" Gray finally asked, rubbing his temple.
Lucy sighed, exasperated.
"Gabriel, do you have any more effective ways?"
Gabriel, still mid-stomp, finally paused, looking up at Lucy with a slightly flustered expression.
"I-I do… I was just warming up."
She dusted off her skirt and cleared her throat, clasping her hands together.
A golden glow surrounded her, and she took in a deep breath.
"Vanish thy—"
Before she could even begin her spell, the flute suddenly pulsed with dark energy.
Thick purple smoke erupted from it, swirling violently as an ominous voice echoed.
"I will not let you destroy me!"
A massive magic circle flared to life, covering the entire station.
The crowd of bystanders screamed, scrambling to flee as the dark energy grew more unstable.
The flute shook violently, lifting into the air as a monstrous roar filled the space—
And then—
The flute began to transform.
The cursed object stretched and expanded, morphing and twisting into something massive.
A pair of glowing eyes emerged from the shadows, and a grotesque maw split open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Towering at 50 meters tall, a demonic beast now loomed over the city, its form blocking out the sun as it let out a bone-chilling howl.
The entire station shook from the sheer force of its presence.
Gabriel blinked, her head tilting slightly.
"Oh. That's new."
Lucy's soul nearly left her body.
"IT TURNED INTO A GIANT MONSTER?!"
Erza immediately re-equipped her armor, eyes narrowing in battle focus.
"We'll have to take it down. Prepare for battle!"
Gray cracked his knuckles, ice forming at his fingertips.
"Looks like we'll have to freeze this thing solid."
Natsu, grinning with excitement, cracked his neck.
"Hell yeah! Time for a fight!"
Gabriel, meanwhile, simply sighed.
"That means I have to use more energy… I'm going to need Naruto-kun to massage my chest after this."
Lucy whipped her heads toward her.
"WHAT WAS THAT?!"
Gabriel smiled innocently.
"Nothing! Now let's defeat this beast!"
The Lullaby Demon roared, The ground trembled violently beneath them as Lullaby, the cursed song turned monstrous demon, let out a bone-rattling roar. The very air itself seemed to vibrate with dark energy, sending shivers through the spines of every mage present.
The town trembled as the monstrous entity unleashed its power.
Gabriel, standing at the frontlines, let out a slow breath, her hands pressed together in prayer.
"Guardian Angels… Protect the innocent!"
As soon as she spoke, dozens of her pure white feathers scattered into the air, shimmering with divine radiance. They swirled and reshaped, materializing into humanoid figures clad in white armor—their golden halos glowing above their helmets.
With a single motion, the angelic knights took flight, moving with incredible speed as they began evacuating civilians from the collapsing train station.
The battle was about to begin.
Lullaby let out a guttural growl, lifting one of its colossal legs before slamming it down where Gabriel stood.
"You dare step on me?! THEN I SHALL CRUSH YOU!"
Gabriel's blue eyes burned with resolve as she lifted her hands.
"Aegis!"
A golden sphere of pure divine energy erupted around her, shielding her from the monstrous foot that came crashing down.
A shockwave of force burst outward, sending debris flying, but Gabriel's barrier held firm.
"Lucy-sama! Please retreat!" she shouted.
"No! We're fighting together!" Lucy called back, her eyes blazing with determination.
Behind her, Erza, Natsu, and Gray stood their ground.
"We're Fairy Tail! We don't leave our friends behind!" Natsu roared, flames erupting from his fists.
"That's right. We fight as one." Erza's armor flashed, and in an instant, she requipped into her Heaven's Wheel Armor, summoning an arsenal of floating swords.
Gabriel, despite the situation, smiled warmly.
"You look like an angel, Erza-san."
Before Erza could respond—
Lullaby let out a horrific screech, the sound distorting reality itself.
A paralyzing wave of magic surged forward, sweeping across the battlefield.
"Wha—?" Lucy gasped as she suddenly felt her body freeze, unable to move.
Gray and Erza stiffened, unable to even lift a finger.
Even Natsu, despite his burning energy, was caught in the binding force.
Gabriel, the only one unaffected, gasped in alarm.
"A curse? No—sound magic!"
Her wings flared, and she shot forward, weaving through Lullaby's massive claws as she reached her paralyzed allies.
"Aegis!"
A protective dome formed around them, temporarily shielding them from further attacks.
With gentle but urgent hands, she touched their foreheads one by one, pouring healing energy into them.
Slowly, they began to move again, their limbs regaining strength.
"Damn… that thing nearly got us." Gray flexed his fingers, shaking off the numbness.
"Where's Naruto when you need him?!" Lucy muttered in frustration.
She grabbed Naruto's key and swiped it through the air.
"OPEN! GATE OF HELL—WRATH!"
Nothing.
The key remained silent.
"What?! Why isn't it working?!" Lucy's heart pounded in her chest.
The barrier cracked again—
Gabriel gritted her teeth. "Lucy-sama, hurry!"
Lucy's gaze fell on another key—
One she had never used before.
One she had been hesitant to summon.
Her fingers tightened around it.
"I don't have a choice…"
She lifted the pitch black key, its metal cool against her palm.
Taking a deep breath, she sliced her palm with the sharp edge, letting her blood drip onto the key's surface.
It shuddered in response, glowing a soft purple light, waiting—
Welcoming.
Lucy raised it high.
"Open! Gate of Hell—LUST!"
Trihexia's Office – Present Time
The underworld was a realm of eternal twilight, a land caught between endless dusk and dawn, where the very air hummed with demonic energy. The grand citadel of Trihexia, the Queen of the Underworld, loomed above it all—a gothic palace of obsidian and gold, its spires stretching toward the heavens it once defied.
Inside, in a room that resembled both a throne chamber and a war room, Naruto stood before the sovereign of sin herself, his arms crossed as he finished his reluctant retelling.
"—And she's basically like Layla."
Trihexia, seated upon her ornate, crescent-shaped chair, leaned forward, her crystal blue eyes gleaming with mischief as she studied the blond devil before her.
"Hah! So I was right! That Lucy girl found a new man after your contract with Layla ended!" she said smugly, tilting her head with a knowing smirk.
Naruto exhaled sharply, unimpressed.
"I do not own her," he muttered, voice even but tinged with something almost imperceptible—a weight, a faint trace of something long buried.
He continued, "She's free to choose whomever she wants. And besides…" His eyes darkened slightly. "I'm a devil. I have duties to fulfill. That's my only focus."
Trihexia's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second.
But the moment passed, and she quickly raised a playful hand toward Naruto, her grin returning in full force.
"Then be mine, Naruto!"
His deadpan stare met her sparkling enthusiasm.
"No."
Trihexia dramatically slumped into her seat, feigning devastation. "Foiled again… Is it because I look like a child?" she asked, feigning innocent sorrow.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "No. Because you're my boss."
Trihexia perked up immediately.
"So if I retire—"
"Why did you call me here?" Naruto cut in, pinching the bridge of his nose in growing irritation. "Time moves slower here, and I need to get back before things spiral out of control."
Trihexia huffed, crossing her arms like a pouting child.
"You're so attached to that Lucy girl, aren't you? I bet it's because she reminds you of Layla."
Naruto tensed ever so slightly.
The movement was small, barely noticeable—but Trihexia was watching carefully.
"Hmph. Anyway, I called you here because I have a task for you."
She snapped her fingers, and immediately, a holographic projection flared to life above the table.
Displayed before them was an image of five shimmering gemstones, each one pulsating with ancient draconic energy.
"What are these?" Naruto asked, his gaze narrowing.
Trihexia smiled, resting her chin in her palm.
"The Gems of the Five Dragon Kings."
Naruto's expression turned serious.
"Go on."
Trihexia gestured toward the projection, her soft silver hair cascading over her shoulders as she explained:
"These five gems serve as keys—each containing a fraction of the power of the greatest dragons to have ever lived."
The image shifted, displaying five legendary dragon figures, each one possessing an unmistakable aura of dominance.
Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon King (Blue Gem)
Igneel, the Fire Dragon King (Red Gem)
Acnologia, the Black Dragon King (Black Gem)
Albion, the White Dragon King (White Gem)
Fafnir, the Gigantis Dragon King (Gold Gem)
Naruto's brows furrowed.
"Dragon Kings, huh? That's a tall order."
Trihexia waved a dismissive hand.
"It's not like I'm asking you to fight them—just retrieve the gems. Though… you might have to, considering these things tend to take the form of different artifacts over time."
She leaned back with a grin, resting her legs over the arm of her chair.
"Right now, only two of these dragons are still alive and active—Tiamat and Acnologia. So… keep an eye out for them."
Naruto let out a slow, measured breath.
"Why do we need these gems? What's the end goal?"
Trihexia's smirk widened, her expression unreadable.
"It's a secret."
Naruto's eyes twitched.
"Of course it is."
Trihexia laughed musically, waving her hand dismissively.
"Trust me, Naruto. All will be revealed in time. But for now… collect those gems."
She flicked her wrist, and the hologram vanished into the air like mist.
Naruto exhaled sharply, creating a portal beside him.
Before he could step through—
"Wait."
Trihexia's voice lost its usual teasing tone, suddenly softer.
Naruto glanced back.
She twirled the silver chain around her fingers, letting his duplicate key dangle loosely from it.
"Don't forget to visit me. Or I'll drag you back here myself."
Naruto snorted.
"Yeah, yeah. I get it."
And with that, he vanished through the portal.
Trihexia remained seated, her playful demeanor fading.
Her grip on Naruto's spare key tightened.
The underworld's ruler had many secrets—things she couldn't yet reveal.
But lately…
A vision had come to her.
And visions were not common for beings like her.
She closed her crystal-blue eyes and inhaled deeply, allowing the image to resurface.
It came in flashes—
Fire. Endless fire. Entire cities reduced to rubble. The land itself fractured and broken, as if the world was unraveling.
Lightning arcing across the sky, striking the earth like divine punishment.
A shadowed figure, standing atop the ruins of existence.
A being. No… something greater.
It's black-feathered wings stretched outward, casting a massive, ominous shadow.
It's long, flowing obsidian hair whipped in the wind, and It's crimson eyes glowed like twin suns.
Above It's head, a blood-red halo crackled, sparking with black and red lightning.
And there—kneeling before it—
Was Naruto.
Bruised. Bleeding. Barely standing.
His breath ragged, his body broken—yet his blue eyes still burned with defiance.
The dark-winged figure not showing any emotions, lift it's hand—
A spear of crackling black fire formed, and it hurled it forward—
Straight at Naruto's heart.
Then—
The vision ended.
Trihexia's eyes snapped open, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps.
Her fingers dug into the wooden armrest of her chair, nearly crushing it.
She had never experienced a vision like that before.
"I… need to find out who that dark angel was."
Her voice, for once, lacked its usual amusement.
Because for the first time in thousands of years—
She felt fear.
Back at Naruto
Naruto stepped through the portal, the swirling vortex of hellfire and shadow collapsing behind him as he landed in front of a familiar sight—his home.
The two-story house stood tall in the heart of the Underworld, surrounded by a landscape of darkened skies and crimson rivers. Unlike the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the realm, his home was surprisingly modern, a structure that looked more like it belonged in the human world rather than in the dominion of devils.
Naruto ran a hand through his golden hair, exhaling softly.
"Still standing, huh?" he muttered.
As he took a step forward, the front door swung open, revealing two identical figures standing in perfect sync.
"Welcome home, Naruto-sama."
"Welcome home, Master."
Their deadpan voices greeted him at the same time.
Ophis and Lilith, the twin embodiments of destruction and void, stood before him with their usual expressionless faces, but their gray eyes gleamed with something bordering on relief.
Naruto sighed, stepping past them and ruffling their heads.
"I'm actually relieved that the house is still in one piece."
Ophis, still clinging to his sleeve, nuzzled against his arm. "Of course, we would take care of the house while you were away, Master."
Lilith, mirroring her sister's movements, clutched his other arm tightly. "We wouldn't want you to be angry if we let it get messy."
Naruto deadpanned, staring at the two clinging onto him like leeches.
"Why are you two always so clingy?"
The twins froze, then slowly turned their heads toward him, their cold, doll-like eyes narrowing.
"Because those big-boobed sluts might steal you away from us."
Naruto groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Of course.."
Ignoring their suffocating possessiveness, he walked toward the kitchen, but the twins, of course, trailed behind him like shadows.
As he reached the fridge, Naruto paused for a moment before opening it.
Then—
"Why am I not surprised…"
The entire fridge was empty.
Not a single trace of food remained, not even a speck of ice in the freezer.
Naruto slowly turned his head, his icy blue gaze narrowing at the twins.
Ophis and Lilith immediately pointed at each other.
"It was her."
"It was her."
Naruto rubbed his temples, exhaling sharply.
"This was full before I left."
"Welcome back, nya~"
A sultry voice purred from the open window.
Naruto froze.
A sleek black cat had slipped through the window, but as soon as it landed, it shifted—a dark aura surged around its body, reshaping itself into a stunningly attractive woman.
Long, flowing black hair with split bangs framed her golden, cat-like eyes. A pair of black feline ears twitched, and a swishing tail flicked behind her.
She was dressed in a black kimono, loose enough to leave her shoulders bare, and the fabric struggled to contain her ample curves, especially where the kimono parted slightly at her chest.
Her playful smirk widened as she stretched.
"Mmm~ It's been a while, Naru-kun~"
Naruto's eyebrow twitched.
"Kuroka."
The black-haired beauty pouted, stepping closer, her hips swaying with each step.
"Mou~ That's no way to greet an old friend."
Naruto's gaze sharpened, quickly scanning the area. If she's here then Lust must be around as she is her "pet".
"Where's Lust?" Naruto asked with his eyes squinted.
Kuroka tilted her head, her smirk turning teasing.
"Master got summoned, nya~"
Naruto's entire body stiffened.
"What?!"
Kuroka giggled, placing a hand on her cheek. "Oh, don't worry, I'm sure Akeno-chan is just being her usual naughty self—"
But she didn't get to finish.
Because Naruto had already opened a portal.
"Infuriating."
Without another word, he stepped through the swirling vortex, disappearing instantly.
The moment he was gone, Kuroka let out a mock sigh, crossing her arms under her generous chest.
"Mou~ I wanted to spend more time with Naru-kun…"
Then—
"Nee-sama, Nee-sama, a stray cat has entered our home."
Ophis' expression remained unreadable, but her tone dripped with disapproval.
"Yes. A filthy stray with unclean paws. What shall we do?" Lilith added coldly.
Kuroka's golden cat-like eyes twitched.
"Tch. You two again? You're just flat-chested brats—what's the matter? Jealous?"
The twins stepped forward, their auras shifting dangerously.
"We do not fear you, stray cat."
The air in the room grew tense, the temperature dropping significantly.
Kuroka's smirk widened, her tail flicking in amusement.
"Oh? You wanna play, little kittens?"
The room crackled with energy.
The tension between them was thick enough to cut with a blade.
Then—
A vortex of shadow swirled behind them.
A familiar icy voice spoke through the reopened portal.
"I swear to Trihexia, if I come back and my house is in ruins, I'm throwing all three of you into the Void."
The room went silent.
Kuroka, Ophis, and Lilith all paused mid-movement, their energies dissipating instantly.
The stray cat let out a nervous chuckle, scratching her cheek.
"Mou~ No need to be so scary, Naru-kun…"
The twins immediately stood straight, their deadpan expressions returning.
"Of course, Master."
"We shall behave."
Naruto didn't bother answering.
The portal snapped shut—he was gone again.
Kuroka, now left alone with the twins, groaned.
"Tch. Buzzkill."
Ophis and Lilith simply stared at her, unmoving.
"So, about kicking you out."
Kuroka's ears twitched again.
"Heh. Bring it on, brats."
And just like that, the battle for the house resumed.
As Naruto stepped through the portal, the suffocating scent of smoke and scorched earth immediately hit him.
The once-bustling train station now lay in ruins—shattered stone, broken tracks, and twisted metal littered the ground. Fires still burned, casting an eerie glow against the darkened sky, their flickering light reflecting off the war-torn battlefield.
His sharp blue eyes swept over the scene.
Lucy was panting, hands on her knees, her body trembling from exhaustion. Next to her, a pink-haired girl he didn't recognize was slumped against a pile of debris, barely conscious.
Erza, normally poised and composed, was breathing heavily, her armor cracked, her once-gleaming swords now chipped and dull.
Gray was on one knee, blood dripping from a cut above his brow, his usually cool demeanor replaced by gritted teeth and frustration.
Even Natsu, whose energy seemed endless, lay sprawled out, his flames weakly flickering as he groaned.
The only one untouched was Gabriel—standing pristine and unharmed, golden light emanating from her outstretched hands as she healed her fallen comrades.
Naruto's gaze flickered behind them.
A charred, monstrous husk—the remains of what was once Lullaby—lay engulfed in hellish flames, the acrid scent of burning wood and demonic energy thick in the air.
And standing before the smoldering wreckage, bathed in crackling black lightning, was a woman.
Her long raven hair cascaded down her back, her purple eyes gleaming with sadistic delight.
Electricity danced along her fingertips, snapping and crackling like a storm barely contained.
Akeno—the Devil of Lust—stood before him, her sultry smirk twisting into something dangerously enticing.
She tilted her head, her eyes drinking him in as if he were prey caught in a web.
Then, in that smooth, honeyed voice, she spoke—
"Ara~ I was expecting you, Naruto-kun~"
Her words were soft and teasing, but the air between them crackled with tension.
Naruto exhaled, rolling his shoulders, already knowing that this wasn't going to be simple.
"Infuriating."
Next update for the two chapters are going to be tomorrow (maybe), 4 chapters should keep you guys busy. Till next chapter!
Please let me know if you guys are having a hard time seeing the updated chapters. I can't even check the first chapter and only seeing the old one.