Yo!
Welcome back to Chapter 46 of Shadow Light. I'm really sorry for not giving you the date between Naruto and Grayfia. I know you all are eagerly waiting for that, but what can I say, as I sat to write the chapter, things began to spiral out of control and we have this...
It was supposed to be longer chapter, but due to the amount of complex content that I already have on this chapter, I have to split it. Hope you enjoy the chapter! The date is on the way, I promise!
Without further ado, let's jump into the chapter.
Shadow Light
Chapter 46
Revetion
Dimensional Gap
In the ethereal vastness of the Dimensional Gap, a tear in the very fabric of space-time shimmered, the space breaking like gss, as though reality itself had been punctured by the needle of existence. From this tear, a figure emerged, her form a blend of substance and shadow, composed more of light and thought than flesh and blood.
The entity was undeniably female, with an elegance that transcended the mortal concept of beauty. Her form was semi-spiritual, ethereal, like a goddess conjured from the mists of some ancient and forgotten world. Her hair flowed around her like a halo of soft, luminescent blonde with red threads, each strand glowing with a pale, otherworldly light that seemed to pulse in rhythm with the beats of the universe. Her eyes, wide and luminous mauve, mirrored the cosmos—vast, deep, and filled with the swirling nebus and starlight of distant gaxies.
Her attire seemed woven from the very fabric of the night sky, adorned with consteltions that moved and shifted over her form, a map of celestial wonders that was both armour and insignia. The air around her was perfumed with the scent of ozone and jasmine, a fragrance that spoke of rain-soaked earth and the electric charge of a storm.
This is Aethra, a being of profound origin and purpose. As she floated gently in the boundless void of the Dimensional Gap, her thoughts raced at an incredible pace. She had been drawn here by disturbances that rippled through the yers of space-time—a series of anomalies that had unsettled even her ancient and inscrutable kind. Only days ago, these disturbances had been mere whispers on the cosmic winds, but they had swiftly grown into cmours impossible to ignore.
Her purpose here was threefold. The first was to investigate the source of these disturbances, disruptions that had the potential to unravel the threads that held their universe together. The second, more pressing concern was the sudden and arming disappearance of one of her own—a fellow entity who had vanished a day ago, her magical essence abruptly ceasing to resonate in their dimension. Though they suspected she fell to their enemies, they knew better than to lose trust in one of their own, given their capabilities and the one missing is a special kind which their enemies fear.
Third was a pivotal warrior, a messenger that came to their world with news that could help them in the relentless war their kind waged against a race of self-procimed superior machines, entities that viewed organic life as a redundant precursor to their own cold, calcuted existence. These machines, calling themselves the pinnacle of creation, had long sought to eradicate the other beings, seeing them as obstacles to the ultimate order of the universe—a universe governed by logic and efficiency, devoid of chaos and emotion. Preposterous.
Hovering in the void, Aethra focused her senses, extending her awareness across the dimensional divides, searching for any trace of her lost sister. The urgency of her mission was palpable, each moment stretching out like an eternity. The fate of entire worlds hung in the bance, hinging on her ability to uncover the truths buried within the chaotic folds of the Dimensional Gap.
"Astrid, report," she commanded softly, her voice resonating within the confines of her mind, prepared to delve deeper into the mystery.
Analysing current dimensional signatures... Data integration is in progress, came the crisp, ethereal voice of Astrid, her system-type assistant designed to aid in her navigation and analysis of cosmic disturbances.
As the vast, digital-like streams of data flowed before Aethra's eyes, a more pressing reality dawned. Her presence, a ripple in the cosmic weave, had not gone unnoticed. The deities of various pantheons, sensitive to even the faintest disturbances, had detected her arrival. And amongst those who sensed it, one reaction was swift and unmistakable.
She could sense an immense Draconic? Divine? entity coming towards her at an insane high Bang speed. Unlike the subtle and often secretive nature of deities, this entity's approach was direct and imposing.
With Great Red
In the vast, ethereal expanse of the Dimensional Gap, a realm where the fabric of reality stretched thin, the sudden appearance of a being of light and ancient power, caused subtle yet significant ripples. As she hovered, wrapped in her attire woven from consteltions and the night sky, her presence alone began to stir the cosmos. Each pulse of her aura sent waves through the delicate bance of the interdimensional void, an intrusion that could not go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, not far from this cosmic disturbance, Great Red, the True Dragon known for his dominion over the Dimensional Gap, was engaged in an activity that belied his formidable reputation.
The dragon, whose mere movements could warp reality, found a peculiar joy in what could only be described as a cosmic joyride. He was weaving through dimensions with the glee of a child, spiralling around bck holes and surfing on supernova shockwaves, a pastime that brought him a simple, uncharacteristic delight amidst the often-lonely void.
As he looped around a particurly bright neutron star, his enormous form shimmering with a red glow, Great Red's mood was one of utter contentment. However, his revelry was abruptly cut short. "Ah, Joy!" Red gave a contented sigh. If only Naruto could join him in his endeavour, it would be better.
But before he could fully enjoy his journey, a disturbance, a new and powerful presence within his realm, snagged his attention away from his pyful exploits. It was not just any disturbance, but one that resonated with a depth and intensity he hadn't felt in eons.
With a flick of his colossal tail, he tore through the fabric of the Dimensional Gap, creating a portal that shimmered like a wound in the universe. Great Red's entrance from this self-made tear in space was anything but subtle; it was an assertion of his power and authority. He emerged directly in front of the being causing the disturbance, his massive eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the ethereal entity whose arrival had interrupted his joyous escapade.
"Why do you dare disturb the tranquillity of my domain?" Great Red's voice thundered, the sound echoing through the yers of reality, his annoyance palpable yet tinged with a curiosity about the boldness of this intruder.
Aethra, though taken aback by the sudden and dramatic appearance of the divine dragon, she confirmed, maintained her composure. Her luminescent eyes met his, holding the gaze of the creature whose whims could alter dimensions. She stood serene, her form barely stirring in the cosmic wind.
As Aethra and Great Red faced each other amidst the swirling energies of the Dimensional Gap, the tension was palpable—a cosmic standoff where every moment held the weight of eons. It was then that Astrid's voice, ever precise and informative, resonated within Aethra's consciousness, providing a crucial overview of the formidable dragon before her.
My dy, you are currently engaging with one of the primal guardians of the cosmos, known among many as Great Red, or in more ancient texts, he is referred to as 'Eclix, the Primordial of Chaos, Dreams, and Destruction,' Astrid intoned, her digital voice overying images and streams of data into Aethra's mind's eye. He is one of the Draconic Duos, alongside Ophis, the Infinite Dragon Goddess of Void and Creation. Together, albeit often in contention, they bance the forces of chaos and order within the current world structure.
Astrid continued, detailing Great Red's mythic lore. Eclix's birth predates the formation of what is now known as the dimensional framework. Born from the very chaos that he now strives to keep in check, Eclix awakened during what ancient chronicles call 'The First Echo,' a cosmic event that occurred at the dawn of reality.
The overview shifted to his role and nature. As the Primordial of Chaos, Dreams, and Destruction, Eclix does not merely exist within the dimensions—he is intertwined with their very essence. His body is woven from the threads of colpsed stars and nebu, and his breath can weave or unravel the tapestry of gaxies. His primary role has been the safeguarding of the dimensional boundaries, ensuring that they are neither breached nor colpsed, maintaining a bance between creation's expanse and the void's encroach.
Aethra listened intently, her understanding of Great Red deepening with each piece of shared lore.
His awakening was marked by the Second Starfall, an event that realigned many astral bodies and set forth the current era of cosmic stability. Eclix's influence extends beyond mere power—it is his essence that deters those who would seek to disrupt the cosmic equilibrium, for to challenge Eclix is to challenge the framework of existence itself.
The narrative provided by Astrid painted Great Red not just as a creature of immense power but as an entity whose very existence was essential to the structure of the universe. This deeper understanding allowed Aethra to appreciate the gravity of her request and the dialogue she was about to engage in.
As for her nature, Astrid added, Eclix is known for his independence and his desire for freedom to roam the expanses he protects. While often solitary, he possesses a wisdom that is sought by many who understand the deeper currents of the cosmos. His decisions are not made lightly, for they ripple across dimensions.
Great Red's mind raced as he processed the information Astrid was feeding Aethra. The entity before him was not just a random intruder but a being with a purpose, a mission that could potentially align or conflict with his own duties, that he could gleen. The speed at which she had gathered information about him was arming, indicating a level of sophistication and capability that demanded his respect and caution.
'What could she want here?' He pondered, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities. 'If she seeks to alter the bance, it could spell disaster for my realm and beyond. But if her intentions are aligned with maintaining or even strengthening the cosmic order, she could be a valuable ally.' He deducted. Not that he needs any allies aside from Naruto.
Aethra, on the other hand, felt a growing sense of hope. Great Red's presence, though intimidating, also represented a potential ally of immense power and wisdom. His role as a guardian of the dimensional boundaries made him uniquely suited to assist her in her quest. Not to mention he is a fellow Deity who can understand her plight!
'If anyone can help me achieve my purposes, it is him. But I must tread carefully, as the consequences of our interaction will ripple across dimensions.' She resolved after taking in everything Astrid shared.
The tension between Aethra and Eclix thickened the endless void. Eclix's vast, ancient eyes studied Aethra intently, understanding the depths of her mission without a word being spoken. Suddenly, the cosmos around them began to shift, a subtle, powerful magic emanating from Eclix enveloping both beings in a cocoon of draconic energy.
This barrier, spun from the very essence of Great Red's power, shimmered like a curtain of red and bck, woven with threads of cosmic force. It obscured them from the prying senses of all other entities, a private chamber set amidst the stars.
As Astrid began to react, preparing to deploy countermeasures, Aethra dispelled her worry. 'Wait, Astrid,' she whispered, her voice calm but firm. 'There's no malice.' Her instincts, honed over eons of diplomacy, told her that Eclix's actions, though sudden, were not a prelude to battle but rather an invitation to dialogue without outside interference.
Once enclosed by his magic, the dragon's demeanour shifted. Aethra felt he is more willing to listen to her unlike his intent to confront her prior.
As the tense silence stretched, Aethra floated before the colossal form of Great Red, her radiant presence a stark contrast to the swirling iridescent vortex of the Dimensional Gap that surrounded them. The ancient dragon's eyes, twin suns burning with an intensity that defied comprehension, bore into her very essence, scrutinising her motives and intentions.
"State your purpose, being of light," Great Red's voice rumbled, a deep, resonant timbre that reverberated through the fabric of reality itself. "Why have you come to my domain?"
Aethra took a deep, steadying breath, her voice calm yet resonant, carrying the weight of eons of wisdom. "I seek knowledge and guidance, Wise One. My mission is threefold: to find my lost kin, to ascertain the cause of an anomaly and to search for an ally who can help our kind."
Great Red's massive tail flicked, creating a ripple in the Dimensional Gap that sent shockwaves through the surrounding space. "And you believe I am such an ally?" He questioned, his tone ced with a hint of scepticism.
Aethra nodded, her gaze unwavering, meeting the dragon's piercing stare with a resolute determination. "Your role as a guardian of the dimensional boundaries makes you uniquely suited to understand the intricacies of these disturbances. Your wisdom and power are unparalleled, Wise One. With your guidance, I believe our kind can find a way to restore bance."
A flicker of interest flickered in Great Red's eyes, though his expression remained guarded. "Fttery will get you nowhere, being of light," he rumbled, his voice carrying a subtle warning. "What assurance do I have that your presence here will not disrupt the bance I strive to maintain than it already did?" He said with a hint of irritation.
Aethra's posture straightened, her determination evident in every fibre of her being. "I have no intention of disrupting the bance, Wise One. My goal is to preserve it, to ensure that the cosmic order remains intact. I believe that with your guidance, we can achieve this."
Eclix's thoughts churned, a maelstrom of considerations and calcutions swirling within his ancient mind. 'She speaks with conviction, but can she be trusted? Her knowledge of me is extensive, that 'Astrid' proves her worth. Yet her intentions remain to be proven.'
He leaned closer, his massive form casting a shadow over Aethra, his breath a scorching gale that threatened to consume her. "Very well," he rumbled, his voice ced with a hint of reluctant respect. "I will hear you out. But know this: any action you intend to take that threatens the bance of this realm will be met with my full wrath."
Aethra's eyes glowed with a renewed sense of purpose, her radiance intensifying as she met the dragon's challenge head-on. "I understand, Wise One. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our goals align and that the bance of this realm is preserved."
Eclix's gaze turned neutral, a hint of calm settling over him. "Then speak, being of light," he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of eons. "Tell me of these disturbances."
Aethra took a moment to gather her thoughts, her mind racing as she formuted her words with the utmost care. "The disturbances I speak of are ripples in the fabric of reality the space-time continuum itself," she began, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "They manifested as fluctuations in the dimensional boundaries, causing instability and chaos three celestial days ago."
Eclix's eyes narrowed, his attention focused intently on Aethra's words. "Go on," he rumbled, his tail flicking in anticipation.
The celestial day is equivalent to 1.44 Earth years, Astrid chimed in, converting the time difference. Aethra conveyed the same and continued her expnation.
"We feel these disturbances are not isoted incidents," Aethra continued, her expression grave. "They are symptoms of a rger, more insidious force at work, one that threatens to unravel the very tapestry of existence as we know it."
Though Aethra should have mentioned that they are different worlds, she knew that the Wise Dragon in front of her is aware of that.
Red's thoughts raced, his mind grappling with the implications of Aethra's words. '... A force capable of disrupting the dimensional boundaries on such a scale... That arrived almost four years ago… She couldn't mean…' His thoughts raced as he remembered the fateful day he gained a new ally, someone who is capable of standing on the same footing as him.
Not wanting to come to a premature conclusion and do something rash, he decided to ask 1 st question before deciding. "What does your kin pn to do with such an entity if you found who they are?" He asked seriously, his eyes narrowing on the ethereal goddess.
Aethra noticed the sudden shift of the dragon god's demeanour and the feeling of the magic around them. She felt as if Eclix was on edge about something, and with a slight gulp, she responded. She wouldn't have bothered about the Dragon's reaction if it were her world, but as she was splitting her capacity to maintain the warfront while also being here on a search, she was cautious.
"We pn to eliminate this entity to stop the further disturbances and suppress the chaos…"
The air around them seemed to thrum with power as Aethra awaited Eclix's response.
DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!! Astrid's arms bred.
Few Moments Ago
Underworld
In the shadow-filled chambers of Falbium Asmodeus aka Shikamaru Nara, a sudden disturbance rippled through the air—a subtle but unmistakable tug at the edges of his consciousness awoke Shika. Ever the strategist, he quickly recognized the signature of this disturbance as something emerging from the Dimensional Gap.
With a furrowed brow, Shikamaru contacted Naruto. He was about to share something disturbing he had discovered, intending to discuss it the next day as Naruto was visiting. But now, this disturbance changed everything. "Naruto, things are going out of hand. Can you come?"
Across the dimensions, Naruto, who had also sensed the peculiar shift in the cosmic bance, was already on high alert. At Shika's call, his response was immediate and decisive. "I'm there," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of his resolve.
With a subtle shift, Shadows around him deepened, taking him into Shika's residence. In a heartbeat, he stepped out of the shadows into the grand hall of Shika's residence in the Underworld, the air was thick with magical energies and instruments, befitting the Devil Army Commander. As Naruto emerged from the shadows, his presence shifted the atmosphere, a testament to his formidable power.
Falbium turned to greet him, his expression grim but composed. "Thanks for coming quickly," he said, gesturing towards a rge, translucent screen dispying fluctuating energy patterns and data streams. "Look at this," he pointed to a specific cluster of data that showed unusual energy spikes emanating from the Dimensional Gap. "This isn't normal. It's as if something—or someone—is trying to manipute or pass through the dimensional barriers."
Naruto, already aware of the intruder, nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, there was an intruder. Red was currently talking to her." Naruto said in a neutral tone. As someone who experienced breaking through space-time, he knew the feeling of someone doing the same.
Though he thought of leaving her be, as Red engaged with her, he kept an eye on the magic, not wanting for realms to be destroyed by the new entity's power or Red's rage. Not to mention he felt a new sense of thrum in his heart as he continued to sense the energy. It almost feels like… nostalgia?
The blonde's lost look didn't go unnoticed by the sharp Nara. Sighing, he decided to share the info he was collecting for the past years to prepare. "Naruto," Shikamaru began, dragging the words a little, showing his reluctance to delve into potentially troublesome matters.
"There's something you need to see here." He motioned zily towards a particur set of readings on the dispy. "Found something odd in the remnants of a war-torn region of my territory. It's been on my radar for a while now, just simmering on the back burner."
He paused, running a hand through his hair, a gesture that belied his growing concern beneath his outward calm. "It's not just any anomaly. This one's different. Been trying to wrap my head around it, developing strategies for the Devil army, and then this shows up. It's like finding a puzzle piece that doesn't fit any known puzzle."
Shikamaru clicked on the screen, expanding a complex diagram that illustrated the unusual energy signatures. "See this? These patterns are too structured to be random. I've been analyzing it, and it's... well, it's just pin odd. And with that recent shift we felt from the Dimensional Gap, I can't just ignore it. Feels like whatever's happening there might connect to bigger issues."
Kurama, whose form coalesced beside Naruto, peered at the data with a scrutinising eye. "You think whatever's did that is linked to the disturbances in the Gap?" His voice rumbled, carrying a hint of intrigue mixed with caution.
"Possibly," Shikamaru replied with another heavy sigh. "And that's exactly why I think we should send you to check it out, Kurama. Not to mention your interest to stretch your legs. You've got the sensory abilities and power to handle whatever's there. And frankly, it's getting to a point where not knowing is becoming more troublesome than knowing."
Naruto folded his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. The room was thick with the weight of decisions, each carrying potential repercussions far beyond their immediate understanding. "You're sure about this, Shika? It's a lot to ask of Kurama, going into unknown territory based on a hunch."
Shikamaru nodded slowly, his gaze firm and serious—a sharp contrast to his usual zy demeanour. "I know, Naruto. And I wouldn't ask if I didn't think it was necessary. Whatever's happening there, it's important. And after feeling that power shift in the Gap, waiting around feels like the bigger risk."
Kurama let out a low, thoughtful growl. "Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse? Just make sure those coordinates are spot-on, zy bum. I'm not keen on popping into existence in the middle of a star or something equally unpleasant."
"Got it," Shikamaru replied, tapping a few commands into the dispy. "I'm double-checking everything. We need precision, not just for safety but because this mission could provide us with the answers we need."
Naruto nodded, his demeanour reflective of the trust and respect he held for both Kurama and Shikamaru. "Alright, Shika. Set it up. Kurama, be careful out there. Whatever he's found, it's big enough to rattle him, and that's saying something."
As they finalised the preparations, the air in the room seemed charged with a palpable sense of anticipation mixed with the usual undertones of foreboding that came with delving into the unknown.
Shikamaru's mind raced with strategies and contingencies, while Naruto and Kurama prepared for a reconnaissance mission that could very well alter their understanding of the cosmic bance they decided to protect.
As moments passed, in the silent expanse of the Underworld chamber, Shikamaru meticulously confirmed the coordinates for Kurama's mission, Naruto stood slightly apart, his gaze unfocused yet intensely aware.
His heightened senses, honed through countless battles and experiences, extended beyond the physical room, reaching into the intricate energies of the Dimensional Gap. Even the formidable barrier erected by Red, designed to isote and conceal, could not completely shield its contents from Naruto's probing awareness.
As he tuned into the distant cosmic vibrations, a sudden surge of magic spiked through the Dimensional Gap's normally steady hum—a sharp, discordant note that spoke of imminent conflict. The intensity of the energy shift suggested that the two powerful entities were on the verge of a csh, the tension between them crystallising into a moment of potential violence.
Naruto's reaction was instinctive. His years as a protector ingrained in him a rapid response to any threat, especially those involving cosmic powers that could ripple disastrously across dimensions. Without a moment's hesitation, he turned to Shikamaru, his expression grave. "Shika, something's wrong in the Gap. It's about to escate."
Shikamaru looked up, his analytical mind immediately shifting from the task at hand to the broader implications of Naruto's words. Before he could respond, Naruto was already moving, his chakra swirling around him in a vivid dispy of power and precision.
"Stay here, I will pull you in quickly," Naruto instructed, his voice firm yet calm, as he extended a protective shadow barrier around Shikamaru, the shadows coalesced into a dense, dark shield, encapsuting the strategist in a cocoon of safety making him nostalgic.
With no time to spare, Naruto tapped into his deep reserves of chakra, focusing on the dimensional coordinates he had been monitoring. Using his Rinnegan, he wove his essence through the fabric of space-time, targeting the exact location of the impending csh. The air around him crackled, the very atmosphere charged with the potential of his action.
Dimensional Gap
DANGER! DANGER! DANGER! Astrid's sharp arm bred, but it was too te as Eclix's potent destructive attack was about to reach her. Aethra sighed in sadness, resigning her fate for a failed mission. Maybe she would try a better approach in her next attempt.
In an instant, Naruto was there—between Red and Aethra, just as a massive burst of magic was about to strike Aethra. The world around him slowed as he emerged directly in the path of Red's unleashed power. Naruto's appearance was sudden, a blur of motion and magic that intercepted the destructive attack mere moments before it could reach Aethra.
As Naruto materialised in the ethereal vastness of the Dimensional Gap, positioned directly between Red and Aethra, the imminent csh of colossal forces was palpable. The matter, if one could call the nothingness that filled the Gap matter vibrated with the tension of contained cosmic power.
Red unleashed a torrent of apocalypse, a formidable fusion of cosmic fire and draconic essence that roared towards Aethra with the ferocity of a supernova. The attack, radiant and terrifying, was a visual spectacle of red and bck energies swirling together, weaving through the very fabric of the Dimensional Gap.
Naruto, invoking the full breadth of his Shadow Powers, raised his hands in a swift, fluid motion. His chakra, dense and potent, sprang forth, manifesting as a vast barrier of swirling shadows around Aethra. The shadows, dark and impenetrable, stood poised to protect Aethra.
As the overwhelming force of Red's attack bore down on him, Naruto's eyes fshed with determination. "Dragon Force," he muttered, and in an instant, his Sacred Gear's Bance Breaker activated. Dragon Force surged through him, enhancing his already formidable abilities.
Naruto's body glowed with a dark, draconic energy, shadows coiling from the void surrounding him like living serpents as the attack hit him, the shadows consumed the catastrophic attack whole. His Rinnegan still active, absorbing the raw magic of the attack, nullifying it.
The impact was more than just a visual spectacle; it was a cataclysm of energies that could be felt across the cosmic scales.
Amidst this cosmic tumult, Aethra had braced herself for the impact. Though she resigned herself for the failure, she wanted to prove her strength to the Wise Dragon, feeling that would allow for a better conversation between them next time.
Her form, ethereal and composed primarily of light and celestial magic, shimmered with defensive spells. She summoned a shield of starlight, a radiant barrier woven from the consteltions that adorned her attire. As she prepared to meet the attack, her eyes widened, not just in determination, but in a flicker of fear—for the power unleashed was truly monumental, capable of shattering dimensions.
However, before her defences could be tested, Naruto's intervention brought an abrupt halt to the potential devastation. The sight of the shadow barrier intercepting the attack left Aethra momentarily stunned not to mention, the suppression of her power went unnoticed by the ethereal beauty.
In the background, almost unnoticed amidst the dramatic confrontation, Astrid was in a flurry of activity. As soon as Naruto appeared, Astrid initiated a rapid scan, her systems working overtime to analyse this new, powerful ally who had so abruptly entered the fray. Her sensors extended, probing the yers of chakra and shadow, light that composed Naruto's defences, cataloguing the energy signatures with a precision born of advanced creation.
The data streamed in—a complex array of readings that painted a picture of Naruto not just as a warrior but as a nexus of powerful, well-honed abilities. Astrid's analysis would ter prove invaluable, but at that moment, it was the immediate aftermath of the csh that captured everyone's attention.
As the energies from the collision of destruction and shadow began to dissipate, settling into a tense but stable equilibrium, Aethra's gaze shifted from the space where the attack had been halted to Naruto himself. The realisation of who had saved her, and the implications of his presence, began to dawn on her, adding yers of complexity to an already intricate encounter. Her initial instinct to thank him was tempered by a surge of curiosity and newfound respect for the depth of power he had just dispyed.
As the residual energies from the csh between Red's destruction and Naruto's shadow barrier ebbed into a quivering stillness within the Dimensional Gap, Aethra's ethereal form shimmered with residual starlight. Her eyes, deep and wide as the cosmos, fixed intently on Naruto, the figure who had so suddenly emerged as both a shield and a mystery. In her mind, the presence of Astrid hummed with activity, processing data at a pace that belied the chaotic environment around them.
With Naruto
"Red! Stop!" Naruto's voice boomed through the Dimensional Gap, imbued with the authority and power of his spirit. His eyes, bright with Rinnegan's undeniable power, locked onto the dragon's ancient gaze, conveying not just a command but a plea for reason.
Red, taken aback by the sudden intervention, halted his magic output, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Naruto. The magic around them fizzled out, leaving a tense but stable stand-off.
Aethra, for her part, recovered from the near strike, her ethereal form shimmering slightly as she regained her composure. She looked at Naruto, a mixture of gratitude and surprise evident in her cosmic eyes.
Before Aethra can convey her gratitude, Astrid's voice, always clear and imbued with a slightly metallic tone, began to rey the comprehensive analysis she had compiled on Naruto. My dy, the entity before us does not conform to any known species cssifications within this or our universe. Identified as Uzumaki Naruto, his physiological structure is based on a highly unique form of energy known as Chakra.
Naruto stood calmly between the two divine beings, his posture rexed yet alert, an embodiment of controlled power. His gaze shifted slightly towards Aethra, acknowledging her focus on him, a subtle nod to the scrutiny he was under.
Astrid continued, her systems projecting schematics and energy readings that flickered in the air like ghostly blueprints. He possesses a mastery over elemental forces, extending beyond the typical fire, water, earth, air, and ether. His command includes the primordial elements of Light and Shadows/Darkness, which appear to be fundamental to his defensive and offensive capabilities.
The visual data showed streams of light and dark swirling around Naruto's form, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his abilities. The orange light ball with wisps of darkness leaking from it was the image Astrid projected. Aethra observed, her understanding deepening, her expression a mix of awe and contemption. 'And the dragon?' she prompted, her voice soft yet carrying a weight that filled the space around them.
Astrid's response was accompanied by a visual of a majestic dragon, scales shimmering with a bance of shadow and light. He is the host of Skiadrum, the Dragon of Bance. This entity is the second most powerful dragon known, ascending to prominence after his reawakening in Uzumaki. Skiadrum's essence is interwoven with his host, suggesting a symbiotic retionship that enhances both their strengths.
As this information sank in, Aethra's gaze drifted back to Naruto, reassessing him with new respect and a hint of caution. The yers of complexity surrounding him were unlike anything she had encountered.
Finally, Astrid brought up the analysis of the mysterious fox-like entity associated with Naruto, the visuals showing a fierce, ethereal fox enveloped in fmes that dwarfed stars in intensity. Additionally, he is accompanied by a 10-tailed fox entity. This Fox possesses a threat level cssified as Hypernova. It is an unprecedented designation, reflecting potential for destruction and creation on a cosmic scale. Its powers are vast, not fully quantifiable but deeply integrated with Uzumaki's own life force.
Aethra absorbed the information, her eyes reflecting the starry data streams projected by Astrid. 'Such a confluence of powers,' she murmured, more to herself than to Astrid, 'anchored in a single being. Could it be?' She thought, her mind coming to a sudden realisation. She looked at Naruto with new found intensity, trying to ascertain her realisation.
Aethra's gaze, enhanced by Astrid's Astral and Divinity detectors was drawn not only to Naruto but to the figures that seemed to manifest just behind him, ethereal yet distinctly powerful in their presence. The first, a fusion of fox and dragon, an entity she had never envisioned nor encountered in any lore, stood with a majestic aura that both intrigued and unnerved her. It was an amalgam of raw power and ancient wisdom, its eyes flickering with a fire that spoke of battles fought across dimensions.
But it was the second figure that caused Aethra's breath to catch in her throat, her celestial heart skipping a beat as centuries of memories flooded her senses. The figure behind Naruto, bathed in a soft, radiant light, bore the regal demeanour and the golden, intricate armour of divinity. His 7 pairs of wings, resplendent and wide, shimmered with a divine glow that softly illuminated his surroundings, casting gentle rays of light that seemed to warm the cold void of the Gap.
His face, though matured and marked with the wisdom of ages, was unmistakably familiar to Aethra. Those green eyes, kind and deep as the emerald forests of their youth, those gentle, knowing smiles that had comforted her in times of turmoil. This was no stranger from another dimension; this was her long-lost little brother, whom she had not seen since the cosmic tides had torn them apart.
Aethra's mind raced, her thoughts a whirlwind of disbelief, joy, and a pang of ancient sorrow. How had he come to be here, standing with Naruto, in the heart of a potential cosmic conflict? His presence here, in such a time and pce, could not be mere coincidence. It spoke of fates intertwined and destinies that crossed the boundaries of time and space.
As her eyes locked with his, a cascade of emotions washed over her face—surprise, recognition, and a dawning realisation of the profound reunion unfolding before her. Her lips parted slightly, a myriad of questions poised on the brink of utterance, yet no words came. For a moment, the Dimensional Gap was filled with a silence profound enough to echo through the cosmos, a silent testament to the weight of their encounter.
Her brother, sensing her turmoil and confusion, offered her a smile that was both reassuring and mencholic, a smile that seemed to bridge the vast expanse of time and loss between them. His posture was supportive, standing just a step behind Naruto, indicating his role not just as an ally, but as a pilr of strength in the brewing storm.
Astrid, ever vigint, continued her scan, her systems processing the profound implications of this celestial reunion. Her analysis, though clinical, captured the extraordinary nature of this moment—two beings of celestial origin, separated by cosmic events, now reunited in a dimension far from their origins.
"Brother…" Aethra's voice faltered, carrying the weight of eons of separation and a profound sense of reunion. The word hung in the air, a whisper that carried the power to shatter worlds, leaving the outcome of this unexpected encounter poised on a knife's edge as Naruto and Red slowly processed her words.
And Cut.
That's it for this chapter folks.
AN:
Damn, that's a lot. Too much info dump and twist of tale, I know. But you should have expected things won't stay as they were after Naruto's arrival. There are quite a few clues I gave in this chap about things to follow, do share what you feel on each of them.
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
I'm very delighted to share that you can now read 8 early chapters on my patron. My user name is same BckInfinity1289 on patron website.
Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.
Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.
link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b
Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading.
Good Day!
Bck Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.
