Chapter 22

Naruto walked inside the space filled with nature, it was the new soul space. It even had spirits of the monsters that had become part of him.

In the center of the space was a cage, where Alice was sealed. Naruto stood in front of Alice while her eyes were closed.

He felt pain from seeing her like this and he could even feel the deep emotions emanating from her flexible form.

Naruto felt touched that she cared so much for him and that it helped her survive the change. It was better than getting killed so he was relieved somewhat.

"Alice, thank you for being alive. Please listen to my voice and come back to your senses." Naruto muttered slowly as his powers focused on the WIND OF death.

"Scree" A loud sound was released from Alice as she woke up and struggled inside the cage

Naruto entered the cage and embraced her, as he controlled the wind to return Alice to her original form. He felt pain from the dark forces violating his body but his power over nature had increased so he was not in danger.

It was painful but useful to him as Alice now was a pure Yin being, which balanced his Yang.

"Please get better; I accept your emotions so come back to me." Naruto muttered in a gentle tone as he kissed her lips. Alice stopped struggling and stared at him, and fell asleep after being exposed to his powers that calmed her down.

'I hope you have sweet dreams.' Naruto thought as he smiled and tried to leave but instead was pulled towards another direction.

Naruto didn't resist as he felt no threat and found himself staring at Nemesis and Hestia.

"Hello Naruto, it's been days since we saw each other." Nemesis said with a smile as she moved around him like a shadow, analyzing all the changes.

"I have been busy as you know. Are we going to just talk or is there something important?" Naruto asked as he sat down beside Hestia

"In a hurry I suppose but haste makes waste, remember that. I want you to know that Hades has made contact with me and he wants you to come to him."

"Why should I go to this thing?" Naruto muttered with distaste

"Naruto, he is not a bad person. Unlike his brothers, Hades has actually cared for the mortals and his children. He has changed since long ago and regrets his mistakes but the others suppress him from doing anything." Hestia interjected

Naruto looked towards Nemesis as she represented justice so she was a better judge.

"She is right and I was already going to tell you to go the gates of the netherworld and kill Cerberus to finish your transformation." Nemesis responded with a chuckle as she saw how much trust Naruto put in her, it was a first as most people ignored her warnings.

"What does that mean?" Naruto inquired while he took in the fact that Hades was actually a different person from what he knew

"You need a little bit more to insure your win against the Titans. They will be at their full strength against you so now the chance of winning isn't 100%. Also getting the abilities of Cerberus is good for you."

Naruto thought for a while as he played around with tea cup in his hands and drank it up. He got up and nodded, "Thanks for the advice, I will do it. Guide me."

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Outside the hut, the group sat down to discuss their action plan.

"Are you sure you can take on Hyperion?" Medusa questioned as Naruto said he will take Hyperion while they will take on Krios

"Yes, I am sure but just to be sure and to avoid any complications we will visit Hades." Naruto replied in a confident tone, he felt a bit uncomfortable with his new body. It could have been worse but thankfully he could make the wings disappear.

Damasen and Medusa looked at him to see if he will change his mind, "Okay but why go to Hades, thought you hated them."

"I hate those who have harmed me and my loved ones. I always give a chance to people who desire change and Hades has changed so it is better for him to live." Naruto responded to Damasen's quarry

'He still has the core of his personality.' Damasen thought and this fact brought relief to him as he didn't wish to see such a pure person turn mad.

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"I hope I am not disturbing you gentlemen but I wish for some entertainment." Nico muttered in an arrogant tone as he walked through the shadows towards the two titans

The titans were shocked at the sight of a demi goading them.

"Is he crazy?" Krios muttered

"Doesn't matter deal with him. Stop!" Hyperion said nonchalantly when he felt the unrestrained power flow from Nico as it ate away at existence

Krios was about to attack him when he felt the danger and jumped back while a dark spike appeared in the place he had stood.

"What are you? You are not a demi, not one of us or them." Hyperion demanded as flames covered him and spread like wildfire towards Nico

"Your death" Nico responded with a chuckle as he unleashed the darkness, a wave towards the foes which covered the flames and went towards them without trouble.

The titans were arrogant but not stupid and they realized this was a threat that needed both their attention. Hyperion and Krios used their power over light to stop the attack, which caused a hole in the wave.

Hyperion utilized this opportunity and used his light speed to move towards Nico, "Die."

Hyperion exclaimed as his flame clad fist went towards Nico but unlike what he had expected, the attack didn't succeed.

The darkness reacted to his movement and from Nico's body countless spikes of darkness were released that harmed Hyperion even though he tired to dodge.

Hyperion looked at the wound and saw that he was not healing, "What kind of abomination are you?"

"Brother, it seems this stinking hole is making him stronger." Krios commented about Tartarus strengthening Nico

"You fool!" Hyperion screamed as the place shook and all of them were brought to their knees except for Nico who was resisting

Krios was shaking like a new born fawn along with Hyperion as they saw a figure wearing an old roman armor with a face made of darkness.

"What did you say about me?"

"I said what did you say?"

"Please forgive me, it was a mistake."

"Mistakes against me will never be forgiven. Rejoice that you saw Tartarus in flesh, little titan." Tartarus muttered as he took hold of Krios and within a moment he was absorbed into the dark face

Nico may have gone crazy and was filled with arrogance but he was not stupid so he decided to intervene.

"I am the representative of Death and Darkness, you have slighted me with your presence and disregard for my authority. Suffer the folly of your arrogance." Nico muttered as he threw a charged spear at his target while hitting Hyperion with his aura, freeing him from the shock

Tartarus turned around and looked on in disdain at the pathetic being that utilized borrowed powers to stand against him.

'The power seems familiar but I can't tell where I have felt it since it is corrupted and not like the original.' Tartarus thought as he swiped his hand and the spear was deflected but he felt slight sting on his hand

The pain brought him annoyance as he felt slighted by an inferior being, "You should have just stayed quiet and died peacefully. Now you will experience the pain of eternal torment."

Tartarus walked towards Nico and his face revolved like a dark whirlpool sucking in everything around him for miles.

Hyperion was dazed and he was feeling hesitation, to fight or flee. But then it came to mind, he was on Tartarus so there was no escape.

'I will to work with him, if I want to survive.' Hyperion thought as he attacked with a shower light spears while charging a light beam in the dark skies

Nico saw that his foes was hardly affected by this charade but was taking his time to affect their minds, to introduce despair into their souls.

The fear and desperation within him was acting up, and more power was being unlocked from the crown.

The power was becoming too much for him as it was being accelerated by Tartarus presence and Nico was clearly losing his mind as he wasn't even considering backing of.

"HAHAHAHA" Nico started manically at the situation and the power of darkness enveloped him, forming his armor and weapon.

"Bow to your King, I am darkness, and I am eternal." Nico muttered as he stepped forward, his speed was instantaneous as he was the darkness itself and he slashed at Tartarus.

'What is the source of this power? He is already close to my realm in control of darkness and he is feeding off me.' Tartarus was surprised and curious but couldn't remember as unlike Gaea and the others, he was always sleeping.

"Come, show me your worth." Tartarus acknowledged his powers as he could at least survive them

Nico's sword was blocked by his arm but the sword was malleable and it extended as countless spikes, hitting Tartarus.

Tartarus was pushed back by the move along with punch by the large fist of darkness formed from Nico's back. Before he could gather his bearings Tartarus was hit by the sky beam, which lasted for several seconds and destroyed the land where it hit.

The attack caused a large pit and Tartarus floated without any harm, "That was an interesting move."

Tartarus was genuinely impressed since he only used brute force in all his battles so seeing such malleability was new.

"But you get a failing grade, worthless." He turned to Hyperion and pulled him towards his hand

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The journey to Hades was peaceful as the group was too strong for the monsters and they arrived in front of the giant guard dog of Hades.

Cerberus was strong, stronger than Albion and majority of the monsters but Naruto was already beyond its level at this stage. His speed was close to what it had been when he fought Pain using the sage mode along with his durability while his healing was beyond what he had before along with his unending stamina.

Naruto looked down at the foe beneath the hill and felt sad for it but it was life and he needed its essence.

'The power of nature is really great. I had never thought it could go so far. I never imagined I could achieve this kind of stamina and an endless power source.

But the cost is also worthy of such benefits, I feel the call of Nature. Seducing me into its embrace, telling me I will never be alone. A power that I never had before and more, such promises are really something and declining them left me with lower increase but It is good enough when I see the results.' Naruto thought as he held his hand and slashed down, a large wind slash was produced and it traveled at extreme speeds.

Cerberus stood no chance and didn't even react before it was almost completely destroyed by the attack. Some body parts remained and Naruto closed the distance to absorb the essence.

"That seemed too easy; I remember that dog being an actual threat." Medusa commented in disbelief at the crazy situation

"Naruto is strong so obviously it shouldn't stand a chance. Get used to it." Ella muttered as she looked around for any threats

With Cerberus absorbed, Naruto felt his body become bigger and stronger. The elemental affinity increased, especially darkness.

"Poor child, I am sorry you had to suffer."

Naruto looked towards the voice and saw a man formed from the blood of Cerberus.

"Hades"

"Yes, I am Hades and you must be the infamous executioner of Gaea." Hades said in a calm tone as he looked towards Naruto

"Not an executioner but peace bringer. What do you want to talk about?" Naruto replied as moved his body slightly to adjust the new found power

"You will kill the rest of our kind, isn't it?"

"I judge fairly, there will be no mistakes."

"I suppose I can believe that. But what about the children with those artifacts, what will you do?"

"I will kill them if they resist."

Hades moved around a bit and then looked at him; Naruto could feel the warm feelings of parent.

"I only wish to ask you to save them. The items are causing them to lose their mind. Just save them in spirit so they may live outside that is enough and in return I will give you my helmet and sword." Hades voice was filled with worry, which surprised everyone present as they never expected an Olympian to act like that.

Naruto looked at him in sympathy and nodded, "I will try if it is possible but I will not put their life above mine."

"Thank you for at least trying. I hope these will provide you with assistance as I am unable to join you because of this unknown power." Hades said with a smile as he looked towards the gate

Naruto took the items which bonded with his body naturally and looked towards the gate; he walked closer as he felt a connection.

'It is natural chakra, like Kaguya. This is a seal similar to what I have seen. Someone from my world is here.' Naruto thought but didn't know what to feel about it, he was sure it was going to be troublesome.

As he was about to go back, Naruto felt the earth shake.

"What's happening?"

"Tartarus has manifested, the titans might be killed." Nemesis responded and Naruto looked towards the group

"We will be leaving now as we don't have time." Naruto muttered as he picked up Damasen

"No problem, I hope you are victorious over my insane brother."

Naruto carried Damasen while Ella carried Medusa and they flew at full speed towards their ultimate destination.

Naruto left Ella behind quickly and arrived within minutes as he crushed anything that came in his path.

Damasen dropped from the skies as Naruto let go and dived towards Hyperion who had been distracted by Tartarus and was being pulled.

With the sword of Hades, Naruto pierced Hyperion's skull and blasted him with concentrated nature energy.

Hyperion had already received a parasitic attack by Nico and Naruto's attack resonated with it, making it more affective.

Naruto was fully transformed using his sage mode enhanced with the power of Yin by wearing the Helmet and handling the blade.

It was a clean shot and Hyperion was killed instantly, absorbed by Naruto slowly as the essence was large.

"Who are you?" Tartarus questioned as he never saw this being but felt the traces of Gaea over him

"Are you another child of Gaea?" Tartarus muttered in chilling tone, no being liked it when its partner bore children for another person.

"No, I am the Gaea's chosen. Will you retreat or will you fight me, Tartarus?" Naruto asked as his eyes were attracted to the crown over Nico's head

'Kurama' Naruto could almost feel tears coming to his eyes but he held himself strong in front of enemies

"So you are Gaea's messenger in this age. Prove it to me and I will go back."

Naruto nodded and released the power within; it affected the landscape and caused fauna to pop up on this dead land.

"Impressive, you must have passed the test. A strong soul with strong convictions, she made a good choice. I will leave as you have proven yourself worthy but next time be careful how you talk to me. I am your superior." Tartarus muttered as he had closed the distance and pushed Naruto down to his knees by pushing his shoulders

Naruto felt the pain and the pull over his soul; he decided not to look up as his face was marred with anger.

Tartarus chuckled and left like silent warning leaving Damasen, Naruto and Nico.

"Child of Hades, we hope you are fine and will consider relinquishing that crown. It belongs to my friend over there." Damasen said as he looked at Nico

Nico analyzed the duo and looked at them in disdain, and hate.

"It is mine; it is the crown of the king. How dare you demand it?" Nico replied and dark bullets were sent towards the duo

Damasen destroyed them with his weapon but felt it difficult to move forward while Naruto blocked them with his Darkness shield.

"I hope you will listen to me. Your father is worried for you. Let go of the crown." Naruto muttered as he stood up but received nothing but derision in kind

'I tried Hades now only the outcome will decide whether he lives or not.' Naruto thought as he rushed forth while deflecting the attacks with his shield or cutting them down with his sword

The land beneath Nico became unstable and slippery while the wind provided more resistance, causing him difficulty.

Naruto didn't attack with long range attacks and decided to just attack with focused close shots. His blade shone with dark green glint and he stabbed Nico in the leg, cutting of his left foot as he dodged the attack and appeared in a different location.

"AHHH, you dare sully the king. I will murder you." Nico screamed as he unleashed his powers erratically while being strengthened even more by the crown

The power was higher than Naruto's but the control was nonexistent at this rate and Naruto had resistance to death and decomposition at this point so the passive affects didn't work on him.

'Too much power isn't good when there is no control behind it. The situation is similar to mine when I was a kid.' Naruto thought as put the sword through Nico's abdomen and caught the Crown

Naruto kicked Nico away while holding it so it came off along with some of Nico's flesh and hair.

"Finally, I have gotten you my friend." Naruto muttered as he removed the skin and hair but then his attention was taken to Nico.

Nico was unconscious and his body seemed to be disappearing, Naruto quickly acted and pulled on the connection.

Nico had become a being of darkness, his body had been flooded with energy so he was comprised more form that energy than flesh and blood.

Naruto connected with the yin energy and absorbed Nico into his soul, giving him sanctuary.

"Huuu" Naruto let out a relieved breath and sat down, and started laughing in joy

'Wake up Kurama; I might need your help.' Naruto called out but there was no response, he couldn't feel the connection with the artifact and Kurama seemed to be still asleep from the chakra depletion.

'It's good; at least he is here with me now.' Naruto smiled happily as Ella crushed into him while pouting

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"The crown has awakened completely, wonderful.

Soon it will walk back into my hand but before that let us handle the rest." Zeus was happy at the progress and looked down at Jason

Zeus held his hand as the artifact devoured him along with the rest of his kin.

"You have done well my son, rest now." Zeus muttered as he ate the necklace along with the artifacts from Leo and Piper

His form shimmered with power and a wide smile was plastered over his face.

"If this is from only three minor artifacts then what will it be like when I get the crown." Zeus asked in an excited tone and flashed away like lightning, destroying all traces of the children

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a.n Hope you enjoyed.