A/N: EDIT: ...well, darn. Feedback really dropped off compared to last chapter...did readers not enjoy this one? And here Dark and I thought folks would enjoy a quick update...T_T
I even added an extra scene from the upcoming third chapter at the end...
...no one noticed...
Behold! We return with yet another update! Not quite weekly -off by a day- but close enough!
As always, every review truly does help us out here, large or small, any bit of feedback is better than nothing at all.
Secondly, after some careful consideration with my team, and in the interest of fairness, we have revised the weekly update schedule. It now goes as follows. Do let me know what you think of it:
Sunday = GOT/HOTD (barring occasional interruptions)
Monday = Free day/Surprise Updates.
Tuesday = Welcome to Heaven.
Wednesday = My Day off.
Thursday = Invincible Two-Week-Rotation. Meaning! On one Thursday it'll be Apples and Atoms, on the next, it'll be Vanguard. So on and so forth.
Friday = Elden Ring/Also Surprise Updates. This is usually where the monthly updates will slot in.
Saturday = RWBY. (Practice Makes Perfect but will strive to update Embers of Hope and other RWBY stories this day as well.
Its not perfect, but I'll do my best to maintain it. This way, almost every category is getting something done, with Monday being the free days where I can go nuts and freestyle things. I only ever have one day off a week due to the two job situation, and that day is usually Wednesday, which I spend resting/recovering. I wish I could update update every day, but that's just not feasibly possible without a severe drop in story quality.
Just wanted to say, I appreciate you all! More feedback means faster updates! It's especially important, in these, trying times, with the main site notifications down. Every word counts and i appreciate you all! All these reviews really keep me inspired! Looking forward to hearing from you~!
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. They're tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me. I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time. Time and feedback will determine if this remains a story. Simple as that. In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!
Lastly, since someone asked, to be clear...yes, we clarify what that is in this chapter.
All I can say is this: You won't be disappointed. Now, then! Onward~!
Terminator reference is quite obvious, and an homage at that~!
"I need your clothes."
~Vanguard.
Give Me a Reason
Naruto floated above the planet's atmosphere, Earth a quiet blue jewel against the stars.
Even from this height, his keen eyes could make out the glimmer of city lights on the night side of the world.
So this is Father's cherished target, he thought, heart thumping with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The third planet from this yellow sun looked so peaceful from here—nothing like the battle-scarred, intense gravity worlds he and Conquest had left in ruins during training. Naruto inhaled sharply, savoring the unfamiliar tang of the air as he began his descent. The atmosphere tasted of salt and smoke as he breached the cloud layer and fell toward the surface, gravity tugging at him in welcome.
Everything felt so...light here, compared to the last world.
Mustn't move too fast lear he break something.
Someone.
Conquest's final instructions echoed in his mind as he streaked downwards like a silent comet. "Ditch the uniform, boy. Blend in. This is recon, not an all-out assault—at least not yet. Observe, learn, and don't draw too much attention."
Sound advice, Naruto mused, though his father had smirked while warning him. As if not drawing attention was ever his strong suit. A tiny grin tugged at his lips. Vanguard he was called now—the tip of the spear. He had a job to do here as the first of his kind to engage Earth ahead of the inevitable Viltrumite conquest.
But that didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun along the way.
The young warrior angled his body, slowing from hypersonic speed to a gentler glide as he neared a cluster of lights along a lonely stretch of highway. It was night over this part of the world—somewhere in the American Midwest, if he recalled correctly. The neon sign of a roadside bar sputtered below, casting a garish red glow onto a gravel parking lot crowded with motorcycles and pickup trucks. Loud country rock music and raucous laughter drifted up to Naruto's ears, far keener than any human's. He touched down lightly behind the establishment, boots crunching on gravel.
Immediately, he slipped out of his white-and-grey Viltrumite uniform, folding the iconic garment and stashing it under a tarp behind a dumpster. The night air was cool against his bare skin, but a Viltrumite's hardy physiology hardly noticed.
This world was certainly...livelier than the last one, if nothing else.
Naruto rolled his shoulders and stood tall, now wearing only form-fitting black briefs from under his uniform. Anyone who saw him might think him a lost daredevil or an odd streaker. He suppressed a chuckle at the thought.
Now, to acquire some local attire. He could have broken into a store, but this rowdy watering hole offered a more interesting opportunity—and a chance to blow off a bit of steam after the long journey. Despite his father's advice to keep things low-key, he felt restless energy thrumming in his muscles.
He needed to move, to act.
A heavy stench of tobacco and spilled beer wafted from the bar's side door. Voices—boisterous and unguarded—spilled into the night. Naruto peeked around the corner, seeking their source. A cluster of rough-looking men in leather vests and jackets stood near the door, laughing over a crude joke. Burly, tattooed, and a little drunk, they looked like what Earthlings called bikers—and they wore just the sort of rugged clothes he needed. His bright blue eyes—marked by three faint whisker-like birthmarks on each cheek—lit up with mirth. This would be perfect.
Stepping out of the shadows, Naruto approached the group with a confident stride. Gravel crunched under his bare feet, drawing the bikers' attention. One of them—a bald giant with a bushy beard and arms thick as oak branches—turned and squinted at the unexpected sight of a near-naked young man. His companions straightened up, puzzled grins spreading.
"Well, well," the big man drawled, cigar clamped between stained teeth. "What do we have here? Lose your clothes in a poker game, kid?"
His buddies snickered alongside him, eyeing Naruto's athletic, scar-splashed body.
Naruto stopped a few paces away, meeting the man's gaze calmly. He noted the biker's stance shift—feet planted, shoulders squared. Ready for trouble despite the joking tone. These men were used to brawls. That was fine; so was he. Clearing his throat, he spoke in a steady, almost polite voice, imitating a line from one of his father's favorite old movies.
"I need your clothes," he said, enunciating each word with a faint smile. Then, after a beat, he added another word, just in case the locals were slow-witted. "Now."
For a moment, silence.
The bikers stared, as if unsure they'd heard correctly. Without warning, one burst into laughter, and soon the whole group was guffawing. The bearded leader wasn't amused for long. He stepped forward with an incredulous scowl, towering over him by a good head.
"You serious, boy?" he growled, prodding Naruto's bare chest with one thick finger. The sour reek of whiskey wafted from his breath. "You walk into our place and think you can just—"
Naruto moved in a blur. He caught the man's finger before the biker could finish his threat, gripping it in an iron vise.
"That wasn't a request," he said quietly, blue eyes locking onto the biker's bloodshot ones.
He applied a tiny bit of pressure; there was a sickening crack as the finger snapped.
The biker's howl of pain shattered the night's calm.
In an instant, chaos erupted.
Two of the big man's friends lunged at Naruto from both sides. They were impressively fast for humans—but to his reflexes, honed by decades of combat training with one of the deadliest beings in the universe, they might as well have been moving through molasses. He sidestepped the first attacker, letting the burly man stumble past, and casually blocked the second's swinging beer bottle with his forearm. Glass shattered against his skin, the broken bottle falling away in shards. Not a scratch marked his tan flesh.
Was this all they could do? How incredibly...disappointing.
More heavy footsteps thundered behind as patrons from inside rushed out to join the fray. Shouts of anger rang out as a half-dozen bikers swarmed into the gravel lot, encircling Naruto with makeshift weapons and beefy fists. Naruto planted his feet and raised his hands in the ready stance his father taught him, reminding himself to hold back.
...well, insomuch as he could.
They rushed him all at once. To them, what followed was a blur; to him, it was a controlled dance. He weaved through wild swings with effortless grace; each strike he made was measured—enough to incapacitate without killing. A sharp jab to one man's gut, a sweeping kick to another's legs, a casual backhand that sent a burly attacker crashing into two others. In mere seconds, the entire group lay scattered on the gravel, groaning or unconscious.
Naruto exhaled, rolling his neck until it cracked. Tension bled from his muscles. That had been…fun, he admitted to himself. Not much of a workout, but it felt good to let loose, even a little. He surveyed the damage: a half-dozen bikers sprawled about, a couple of motorcycles knocked over, one pickup truck with a dented hood and a shattered windshield. Sirens wailed in the distance—local authorities alerted by the ruckus.
He winced; oops. So much for staying under the radar.
Striding over to the bearded leader, who was currenly cradling his broken finger and cursing in pain, he reached down and dragged him upright by the scruff of his neck.
"I did warn you...
The biker only groaned in response. Without further ceremony, Naruto bent down and unceremoniously divested the moaning man of his leather jacket and boots. The biker was in no shape to resist. He also plucked a pair of aviator sunglasses from another fallen thug's vest pocket.
He tugged on the scuffed black jacket and pulled the heavy boots onto his feet. They were almost size too large, but serviceable. He even slid on the sunglasses for effect. The clothes fit well enough and would help him blend in. Catching his reflection in a cracked side-mirror of a toppled motorcycle, Naruto smirked at the sight of a spiky-haired blond youth in biker gear staring back.
Not bad, he mused. Not at all.
A few feet away, the big biker's motorcycle still stood upright, keys glinting in the ignition. Naruto couldn't resist. He picked up the fallen motorcycle's keys and swung a leg over the chrome-plated bike. He turned the ignition, and the machine snarled awake beneath him.
He had no idea how to drive such a vehicle, naturally.
Didn't mean he wasn't about to try.
Just as he revved the engine, a sharp WHOOSH cut through the night, followed by the crunch of gravel behind him.
Naruto's instincts screamed a warning; abandoning the bike, he darted aside in a blur. A split-second later, something slammed into the ground where he'd been, spraying dust and pebbles. He skidded to a halt and rose from a low crouch, eyes narrowing at the figure now straightening from the small crater in the parking lot.
It was a woman—tall and broad-shouldered, clad in gleaming red-and-gold armor that hugged a powerfully built form. In her hand she gripped a massive silver war mace, its spiked head catching the bar's neon glow. A scarlet cape fluttered behind her, settling as she stepped forward. Her face was striking: bronze skin, strong jaw, and determined dark eyes fixed upon with authoritative fury. A golden tiara rested over her long black hair. Naruto recognized her from Conquest's briefings. War Woman—one of Earth's greatest champions, leader of the Guardians of the Globe.
Dust swirled around the heroine's feet as she planted herself between Naruto and the now-battered bar. She took in the scene at a glance—the groaning bikers, the scattered debris—then focused on Naruto. "That's enough," she said in a deep, commanding voice that brooked no argument. She lifted the heavy mace and leveled it at him. "I don't know who you are; you're coming with me. Now."
"Oho...?'
Naruto slowly raised his hands in a placating gesture, though his muscles remained coiled. He could sense raw power radiating from this woman; it wasn't Viltrumite strength, but something else—perhaps mystical, or simply the honed skill of a champion. Either way, he knew a seasoned fighter when he saw one.
"I didn't start this," he said calmly, inclining his head toward the bikers sprawled around. "They attacked me. I was just about to leave."
War Woman's eyes flicked over the unconscious men and the still-idling motorcycle, then back to Naruto's borrowed biker attire. Her frown remained. "You expect me to buy that? People don't just fall out of the sky and start brawls for no reason." Her grip on the mace tightened, knuckles white against the metal shaft. "I won't ask again."
Naruto sighed inwardly. This wasn't going to be solved with words alone. He remembered his father's warning: Earth's heroes would not be pushovers.
Still, he had no desire to seriously hurt this woman.
And besides, she looked strong.
He liked strength.
Best end this fast, without making things worse, then.
He wasn't about to let himself be taken prisoner on day one—but he would try not to escalate needlessly.
War Woman clearly decided talking was over; with a yell, she lunged forward in a blur of motion, swinging her glowing mace at his head.
He darted aside at the last instant. The mace whooshed past his ear, the force of its swing whipping at his spiky blond hair. She was fast—faster than any ordinary human—but to his Viltrumite reflexes, her movements were almost predictable. He countered with a sharp maneuver of his own, stepping in and driving his elbow toward her midsection.
War Woman twisted, bringing the haft of her mace around to block. Naruto's elbow struck the metal handle with a clang that reverberated through the night. The heroine skidded back a couple of yards, boots gouging the gravel. Eyes narrowing, she charged again without hesitation. A feint to the left, then she brought the mace down in a crushing overhead blow aimed at his shoulder.
This time he caught the weapon's handle with both hands, halting it an inch from his collarbone. The ground beneath his feet cracked from the force War Woman exerted. For a heartbeat, they strained in deadlock—War Woman pouring her strength down through the mace, him holding firm. She was strong; his arms almost shook with the effort of containing her power.
Almost.
With a grunt, Naruto twisted the mace aside and shoved hard, throwing War Woman off-balance. She stumbled back a step. He longed to press the advantage and finish her, but he didn't. "I don't want to fight you," he said instead, feigning heavy breathing, "But I will defend myself."
War Woman's answer was a wordless glare.
His stance remained ready.
Wise choice.
In a burst of speed, she closed the gap and lashed out with her free hand. Naruto wasn't expecting the move; her metal-plated fist cracked across his jaw like a gunshot. Pain blossomed along his face as the hit actually staggered him. He tasted blood on his tongue and hissed in surprise. The woman's strength and skill were no joke—if he'd been a lesser Viltrumite, that blow might have shattered his jaw.
Once again, might.
Naruto recovered quickly, leaping back to gain distance, hovered a foot above the ground, unconsciously revealing his ability to fly. War Woman's eyes widened ever so slightly as she realized he was truly airborne, but she masked her surprise behind a determined scowl. The two of them faced each other warily now: she with her mace at the ready, he with fists raised and a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth. Both had felt the other out, and neither emerged unscathed from the exchange. That could easily change once he let loose.
Don't kill her.
He wanted to stop holding back.
Don't do it.
He wanted to kill her.
Don't!
He wanted to try.
Grinning, he burst forward, surprising War Woman with his speed; he knew he had her; because rather than advance, she backpedaled, trying to gain distance. He'd been taught better than that.
Conquest Lesson #1: Never retreat when you're on the backfoot.
Naruto launched himself at her and hammered a kidney punch into her torso. She buckled with a startled gasp.
Conquest Lesson #2: Never take your eyes off your opponent!
Even as she doubled over, he seized her by the face and drove his skull into hers, delivering a debilitating headbutt. Once. Then twice. Finally thrice, now.
Conquest Lesson #3: Seize every opportunity!
Rather than reel like some rank amateur, War Woman proved her mettle and took the chance to attack. Her mace swung in at his face in a devastating arc, but this time he was ready for it; he stood his ground and braced himself, intent on taking her greatest attack head on.
Literally.
Her treasured weapon struck his skull and shattered against it like brittle glass, creating a small shockwave with its demise. War woman was left stumbling back, balking at the haft of her ruined weapon in utter disbelief. If it was any consolation to her, the impact hurt like hell; she'd rung his skull like a bell and left him seeing stars for a moment. But it wasn't enough to stop him.
Not nearly enough.
Had this been any other planet, he would've used her moment of dismay to punch out her heart. But she'd managed to impress him with her tenacity; for that, she lived a little while longer.
So he told himself.
Instead he paused, brushed the ruined fragments from his hair, and let her get her second wind. "What was that supposed to accomplish...?"
To his great delight, she stowed her ruined tool and adopted a fighting stance, fists raised. "I'm not finished...!"
His blood sang at the sight. "Good."
Before their battle could escalate further, the distant wail of sirens grew loud, blue and red lights flashing through the trees. Police were almost on scene. War Woman's gaze flickered toward the approaching authorities, then back to Naruto. Frustration warred on her face; he could see it plain as day. She hadn't subdued this stranger yet—but if they kept trading blows with officers incoming, bystanders could get caught in the crossfire.
Weakness.
Though his instincts howled at him to continue, Naruto lowered his fists slightly, seizing the chance to reason with her. "Please," he called out over the din of the sirens, "I don't want anyone to get hurt. Not you, not them. My name is Vanguard. I'm… new here. This really is a misunderstanding." He kept his tone calm and earnest in the hopes that she would believe him despite his own raging bloodlust. "I have no desire to kill you."
Yes, he did! All the desire! Every damn bit of it!
But dad would be disappointed if he outed himself on his first day.
In the end, that gave him the strength to resist...if only just. Mustn't disappoint dad.
War Woman held her fighting stance a moment longer, mace still glowing faintly. Finally, with clear reluctance, she eased her arms down. "Vanguard, huh?" she said, breathing heavily. "Fine. I'll give you one chance. Walk away, now. But if I ever see you harming people again…" She let the threat hang, unmistakable in her tone. "We won't be having words.
Naruto nodded, relief flooding through him. "Thank you," he said sincerely. He slowly touched back down on the ground. His jaw still ached, but he allowed himself a small smile. "I promise, I'll do my best to stay out of trouble."
War Woman stepped aside, still watching him like a hawk. "Go." she warned. "And keep your nose clean, mister!"
Not needing to be told twice, Naruto began backing off toward the darkness beyond the lot. He paused once, catching War Woman's gaze. "For what it's worth," he offered, "you're incredibly strong. I respect that. I truly hope we don't have to fight again."
Because if we do, I might kill you. Or seduce you.
The latter did not sound...unappealing.
Not at all.
Something in War Woman's stern expression softened—just a touch. She gave a curt nod, accepting what she no doubt saw as an olive branch.
"Move along," she said firmly, though not unkindly.
Naruto turned and, with a powerful leap, launched himself into the sky.
Within seconds he had accelerated into the cloud cover, the parking lot and its flashing police lights shrinking beneath him. He left behind a very perplexed War Woman and a crowd of astonished officers. Whatever rumors would spread about this brawl, Naruto knew the heroes of Earth had taken notice of him.
So much for laying low, he mused wryly as he flew higher, disappearing into the night.
And to think, he didn't even have to use that.
Seemed Dad had been right after all.
This...this was gonna be fun.
(.0.0.0)
High in the clouds above Earth, Conquest hovered in low orbit like a silent sentinel, watching his son's first encounter on this planet with a mix of apprehension and pride. Through his lone good eye he observed Vanguard—no, Naruto—dispatch the bar full of thugs with efficient ease. When the heroine War Woman made her dramatic entrance, Conquest felt a rare stab of worry.
Actual concern. How far he had fallen. He'd nearly leaped into the fray.
But Naruto handled the challenge brilliantly, matching the Amazonian champion's blows and, more importantly, choosing to end the fight without killing. Good. Dead bodies were all well and good, but they wouldn't serve him as well here. Conquest's mustache twitched into a satisfied grin. The boy had shown not just strength, but restraint and creativity—exactly what Conquest had hoped for. It warmed the old warrior's battle-scarred heart to see his son temper brutality with mercy.
So he was a bit sentimental. Sue him.
He'd wanted to make sure the Boy didn't mess up his first day on the job.
Not even a day in and he'd already met someone; someone who wasn't afraid to smack him over the head, by the look of it. She'd make for a good mate. Strong children.
Reminded him of the good old days, it did.
"Just like your mother."
Kushina hadn't been afraid to take him to task either...
A shadow fell over him.
...what are you doing here, Conquest?"
Damn. He really was getting sloppy, wasn't he?"
Conquest craned his neck back. "Nolan. Can't I check in on an old friend?"
The younger viltrumite crossed both arms before his chest, concealing the crimson emblem there, red cape drifting behind him as he fixed him with a hard glare. "You don't have any friends."
And didn't he know it? The Viltrum Empire had certainly seen to that. Everyone still thought he was their mad dog; they were all scared of him, like some mad rognarr on a leash. Only one person besides the Brat had ever seen past that and she was dead.
Was gonna be a lonely few years without the Boy. It just wouldn't be the same.
Until then he would play his "part" a little while longer.
Conquest met Nolan's fury with a calm, cold smile. "Relax, Nolan. I'm just checking on things." He gestured vaguely toward Earth below. "Twenty years on this rock and it's still not under Viltrumite rule. The Empire grows impatient."
"I have my mission under control," Nolan snapped. "Leave. Now. That's an order."
Conquest's single eye narrowed. He uncrossed his arms slowly. "Careful. I don't take orders from you." His tone was dangerously soft. "Besides, I didn't come alone."
Omni-Man's brow furrowed. He had noticed the commotion below, of course. "That wasn't you fighting War Woman. Someone was with you."
It wasn't really a question.
Damnit.
He'd screwed up, so now the plan would have to change.
It was tempting to lie. To say this was all his doing. To protect his Boy. But Nolan was already suspicious and besides, Naruto wouldn't grow stronger with someone constantly holding his hand. Let Nolan think he was here for his own reasons. Let him believe he was here to "conquer" this planet. Let him make his assumptions.
Besides, he didn't know what Vanguard looked like...yet.
"Aye," Conquest bared his teeth in a proud grin. "That'd be my son," he said simply. "I brough him along. Thought he could… learn something from this planet."
Omni-Man's eyes widened in surprise. Your son? He clearly hadn't known Conquest even had offspring. The revelation rattled him for an instant, but his expression quickly hardened again. "I don't care who he is. I won't let either of you jeopardize my work here." Earth is my domain. These people worship me. I'm their guardian. Their savior. Their protector."
Not talking like a Viltrumite there at all...
'Course, he didn't say that aloud. "So it seems. Anyone worth killing?"
Nolan bridled. "Conquest, no."
Wait.
Was that...
...sentiment?
He knew that look in his eye; it was the same one that stared back at him every day.
In the Empire it would've been called weakness. Punishable by death.
Once upon a time, he would've killed him for it.
Now?
The lad didn't look quite as burly as he remembered. He had a good memory. He'd been slacking; wasn't hard to guess why.
Nolan had found himself a woman. Probably had a little spawn of his own.
Nolan might not be so loyal to the Viltrumite cause as he believed.
Nolan could be turned.
Well, well, well. Color him interested. Very interested.
"Why are you really here, Conquest?"
"Boredom, really." he shrugged a shoulder, reveling in the white lie. "Haven't had a decent planet to conquer in awhile; our illustrious Grand Regent hasn't given me anything better to do."
"So you sought me out."
"You?" Conquest scoffed. "You're not a challenge, Nolan. Not yet, at least."
He would put up a fight, better than most, might even land a few solid hits, but a challenge? A proper fight? Him?
Naruto was a challenge; if only because the Boy had been training since he could walk. His powers -and durability- had manifested early, and he'd moved him around from one high gravity planet to the next always just a few steps ahead of the Empire; always doing his best to challenge him, push him, test him. He had his mother's spirit, her legacy, and damn good genes besides. Fighting him had become a genuine challenge.
Nolan, for all his bluster...was not.
Conquest knew it.
Did he...?
All technically true. The galaxy was quiet for the time being. No orders had come through. Which meant something big was coming; that, or new orders were on the way. Might take a while to reach him, though. Still, were Nolan to ask anyone connected to the Empire, he'd get the same answer. "Conquest" was on task. "Conquest" was just being a bully. "Conquest" wasn't defying orders.
Besides, only Thragg could bring him to heel. And right now?
Thragg wasn't here.
And until then...
Well.
Nolan glanced to his ride side, noting the metal stump there. "What happened to your arm?"
Damn, he'd forgotten about that. He'd been in such a hurry to follow the boy that he hadn't bothered to return to headquarters and get it replaced. A true Viltrumite would've done so. Instead he'd allowed sentimentality-his own parental affection- to lead him around by the nose.
"Gave it to someone strong." the lie came easily to him.
Nolan quirked a brow. "Are they dead?"
Naruto might well wish he was once Earth's women got through with him.
But that was neither here nor there. For now, he needed to keep Nolan distracted by any means necessary.
"Tell you what," he rumbled a laugh. "You want me gone?" he spread his arms wide. "Make me move. I'll even give you one free shot. But if you waste it, you're gonna regret it."
Nolan didn't budge.
"Not going to resist?" Conquest's grin grew. "The truth is...I want you to resist. I'm not here to help you, Nolan. I'm not here to spread the greatness of the Viltrum Empire. I'm here because I enjoy this." raising his flesh arm, he clenched his fingers into a fist. "See, to me, there is no greater pleasure than feeling the warmth of my fist... drenched in blood. Yours or another's, it makes no difference in the end."
Drawing himself upright, he loomed over Nolan, teeth bared.
"Please, resist."
Credit where it was due, Nolan didn't flinch. His hands clenched into fists at his side; he heard the man's knuckles pop; no doubt he was imagining driving a fist through his face. Just as well; he was imagining smashing a fist through Nolan's torso and skewering him like a fish. Things would be so much easier if he were removed, wouldn't they...?"
It was a heady thought; only that gleam in Nolan's eye stopped him.
If he killed him here and now, he'd be no better than Thragg.
But he wanted to...!
A memory snagged him, drawing him back.
"You're better than this, Connor."
Conquest trembled.
Connor. Kushina had called him that; started doing it when he admitted to hating his given title. He'd never told anyone about that. Not Thragg when he'd tortured him, not any of his victims, mot even the Brat. Probably never would. It was something he'd take to his grave.
She would be so disappointed if he fell back into his old ways.
With a supreme effort of will, Conquest forced himself to exhale. "...nevermind. Killing you would be boring."
Nolan looked surprised; confused even, but rallied quickly. "Then get off my planet and stop jeopardizing my mission."
Conquest's smile twisted wryly. "Jeopardize? We're here to ensure the job gets done, Nolan. You're the one who's been dragging his feet." He cast a pointed glance at the blue world turning below them. "Don't tell me this backwater planet has made you soft."
Nolan bristled, a flash of anger crossing his face. "Watch it," he warned, voice low. "You have no idea what I've done here… what I'm prepared to do."
Conquest drifted a hair closer, bringing them almost face-to-face. "Then consider this a friendly reminder," he rumbled. "If you won't finish the task, I will. And trust me—" his voice dropped to a gravelly whisper, "—you won't like my methods."
They hovered in tense silence, the stars themselves seeming to hold their breath. Two seasoned conquerors, coiled with power, each judging the other.
After a long moment, Nolan-Man broke the standoff. "Stay out of my way," he bit out. "This is my planet to subdue. I won't warn you again."
Conquest slowly recrossed his arms, chin tilting up in defiance. "Do your job, then, and we won't have a problem."
Nolan locked eyes with him, and for a heartbeat it looked as though they might come to blows right then and there. The monster in him longed for it, chomping at the bit for violence. The man he'd become -and was still trying to be- begged him not to.
At last, Nolan granted a curt, albeit reluctant nod.
With a final glare, he turned and streaked back down toward Earth in a blur of red and white, leaving Conquest alone in the darkness.
Conquest watched him go, a smirk tugging at his scarred lip. His blood sang at the promise of a future battle. "That's more like it," he muttered to himself, voice tinged with savage satisfaction.
The game was on, and they would be ready.
Conquest waited a moment.
Followed by two.
Three, now.
Only by the count of five did he dare chance a glimpse over his shoulder and check for any signs of his progeny and his potential paramour.
To his great relief, Naruto and War Woman were nowhere to be seen. Long gone, and none the wiser of the death they'd dodged.
He smirked, broken teeth gleaming. Alright, then. Mission accomplished.
Still, he couldn't help but worry for the fate of his Boy.
Maybe he ought to stick around awhile.
Surely a few days couldn't hurt...?
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto rocketed into the clouds, laughing all the while.
This was great! He'd never felt so alive!
And yet...
Breaking past the cloud cover, he paused, hovered behind a cloudbank, placed his hands together and closed his eyes.
"Alright. No one can see me up here, can they...lets see if I can still use that."
Anger came easily. It was just a matter of maintaining control.
Reign it in; don't let it master you. No losing yourself !
Scarlet light began to bleed forth from his stomach.
His eyes snapped open, blazing wild red.
A grin split his face. "Well, alright...
That settled it, once and for all.
Earth was his oyster.
A/N: He's still our Naruto. This proves it.
I'm sure you're all wondering how he just did that.
Be assured all will be explained in the fullnes of time.
As for Nolan, you know what they say; no plan survives contact with the enemy.
But instead of Naruto lousing things up, we've Conquest to blame this time around.
Hope you enjoyed this~!
Pairing is going to be bonkers; though I will say this, my team and I remain hesitant to to take Eve from Mark. Unless that's what folks want to see...?
Do you want this to remain a story? Yes? No? Maybe so? Make yourselves heard! Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write. So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly? Previews are most the same, wouldn't do to spoil anything.
(Previews!)
"Uh...who's the new guy?"
Don't be a dick, Rex."
x
Cecil swore softly. "Ah, shit. That's another one.
x
Anissa tilted her head and blinked twice.
Smiled ever ao softly, now.
"Interesting...
x
"Who are you supposed to be, exactly...?
The colorfully clad youth, nearly of an age with him, placed both fists on his hips and preened. "I'm-
*insert title card*
Naruro decked him, sending him tumbling through the air:
"No." He shook his head slowly. "You are not invincible. At all. No one is."
Dad wasn't.
Mom hadn't been.
No one was truly invincible.
"Dude! Not cool! You broke my nose."
"You punched me first. I'll do a lot more than break your nose if you get in my way again."
"Whoa, hey! " the younger man raised both hands to ward him off. "Just calm down-
x
I spent my entire life training. Where did you train, MARK?! ON A FARM?!"
x
...enough.
He drew himself up and stepped over the fallen fighters, regarding his attackers and the man behind the desk with keen intent.
"I don't want to hear any more speeches from you chumps." he shucked his ruined shirt, baring his chest. "Not one word. You can breathe, you can blink, you can cry... hell, you're all gonna be doing that in a second. But no more words."
Lightning crackled across his skin as one struck.
His fist snapped up, backhanding the zapper clear out the building.
Battle Beast licked his lips."Finally! A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!"
Naruro felt something shift in his eyes then, blue snapping into feral red. "What did I just say?"
Machine Head swore. "Ah, shi-
All hell broke loose.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
Warm regards,
~Nz.