[Hail to the King] Part Two (Patreon)

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Fate, or any other anime I use in this story. They belong to their respective owners: Masashi Kishimoto and Type-Moon.

Hail to the King - Part Two

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Sounds of thunder reverberated around the stone wall, echoing all around them, as stones collapsed around him.

"Y'know, this isn't exactly what I thought you meant by saying we should 'take a stroll'" Naruto shouted, as he continued rushing down the rocky tunnel.

As Al least ten of the wyverns that had been chasing them gave a terrifying screech.

"Ah quit your whining Naruto, you should have known me by now!" His companion, Modred sounded, as she sent a grin to the small dragons behind them.

Stopping in her place as they reached a vast cavern, one perfect for a fight.

Readying her large blade, Mordred used her immense strength to push off the ground, charging right toward the dragons that were following them.

Seeing this, Naruto sighed, knowing his friend probably planned this all out. He too brandished his sword as well, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

One of the faster wyverns at the front received a kick for its troubles, killing it instantly. She then used its face as a stepping stone to slash another two incoming dragon's wings.

All the while Naruto watched on in a mixture of pride and awe at his friend.

In the short past few months, he's known Mordred he'd always been a hothead. Emotional and carefree when things counted yet strong ever the same.

And although he had a displeasing attitude at times he always stood by him when it mattered.

His eye was redirected as they watched on in a slight bit of horror, rushing for his friend he called out. "Mordred look out!"

But it was too late, as one of the smarter wyverns had seen his chance. Striking at Mordred blind spot when his guard was too focused on the beasts in front of him. It aimed its long talons for her head, intent on taking it clean off.

Or it would have, had Naruto not been there to support her. He placed himself between the dragon and the red knight, as he used his armor to try and block any strike the dragon sent.

As the beast reached his line of vision. He saw it, scales tougher than metals, talons as sharp as blades, with teeth even sharper. As freak blood dripped out of its maw, its eyes sparking with a new-age wisdom he didn't know.

This one was smarter, larger too, and vastly stronger than all the other wyverns within its nest. That's why it's attack Mordred from behind, waiting for an opportunity to strike when her guard was down, seeing her as the real threat. As Naruto gritted his teeth, into barely able to take on this larger wyvern's claws as they swifter down at him. His muscles burn in agony, as a small indent appears just below his feet.

And, as it swatted him away with its wings, sending Naruto crashing into the air as if he were nothing more than a pathetic fly. It received a sword to its skull for its efforts, killing it instantly.

Mordred's sword, as it cleaved the larger wyvern in two, as she then instantly turned her attention to Naruto. Who had been blown back by the dragon's harsh strike. Lying on the floor, dirt marring his face.

The remaining wyverns died for this.

"Haha! That was a close one," Naruto laughed, happy that he had saved his friend.

Meanwhile Mordred sent a harsh glare to the whisker blond, growling. "Idiot, you could have gotten yourself killed!" She roared angrily.

As Naruto blinked. "Yeah but I didn't," he said as if it were fact.

Yet that didn't make things any easier on him, as Mordred saw a slight amount of blood marring his brow. Likely from the blow he took as he was knocked against the wall of the cave.

"That doesn't make it any better," Mordred yelled. "You're bleeding!"

As Naruto felt around his face, he felt the crimson warmth he had grown accustomed to. "Eh? It'll heal," he said offhandedly. Flashing her a bright smile, "The important thing is that you're alright," he told her.

Not that it made anything better on her nerves, as she huffed, turning away. But that didn't stop a slight amount of pink from reaching across her nose.

Saying, "Whatever, idiot, weren't done here, let's go."

As Naruto got off the ground with a smile, he realized this was Mordred's way do saying that 'he' cared.

XXX

"What's his problem?" A dark-haired youth asked, Sasuke, one of Naruto's knights under his command.

Naruto waved off his concerns, "It's nothing, Mordred's just acting like he usually does," he told him, as the Uchiha shrugged. The red knight wasn't his friend, and the only reason he even talked to him was because his superior was acquainted with him. And they sometimes did joint missions like this one; which usually involved Mordred and Naruto going off along like this and just completing it for them.

Nevertheless, the wyvern nest had been cleared, and it happened with minimal casualties, which was a win in his books.

As he gave his superior a letter addressed to him, "Sir. Naruto, this just came in while you were out, the message says it's important," Sasuke informed.

As Naruto read it, smiling. "Great! I better inform Mordred."

As he walked through their camp for the more than hostile blonde.

"What is it you want?!" The red knight sounded, tapping her foot against the ground impatiently.

As Naruto showed her the document, "Our king requests our presence in the capital, says to take our troops and move out Tomorrow," he said, happy he would get to return to his home.

But, if you paid attention to you would notice she was less than pleased

XXX

A few days later.

(Camelot's throne room)

"… and then Mordred and I cleared the remainder of the wyvern nest." Naruto finished, adding. "Although it was really 's doing," he said, motioning towards the red knight upon his side.

As he kneels before his king.

His golden hair was tied up pristinely, his armor shining in the sunlight. As he sat down upon the throne impassively.

He was the perfect king and the one he served.

As king nodded, telling them. "Very well, I will assign you a new task momentarily, you may leave," he ordered.

As the two knights prepared to leave, "Not you, Sir. Naruto," he spoke with a raised hand.

Mordred's head snapped around, glaring at her king. "What! But that's—" Her objections were stopped when the impassive gaze landed upon her visage, leaving her speechless. And as such she was only left to glare at the king, her father, who took it without fault.

Left the large room and slammed the door in her wake.

"Such insolence," Agrivain commented, turning to his king at his side. "Surely such actions should be punished, my king."

At that comment Naruto gained a slight frown, not enjoying the fact that his friend might be punished for his less-than-stellar tendencies.

The king nodded, "Yes, but perhaps at a later date," he replied, before turning to his golden-haired knight, inquiring. "Sir. Naruto, how has your position taken to you in the past few months?" He asked.

As Naruto beamed with a bright smile, "Excellent my king, and I am grateful that I was honored to be among the round table," he spoke with such joy that it was almost contagious.

Almost, as the king still managed to keep his impassive visage.

"Good," Arthur nodded. "Then I would like you to accompany me to the western borders." The king spoke, as Naruto's eyes widened.

But it wasn't Naruto who answered, as another voice rang throughout the room. "Absolutely not! There is no reason to only take such a new knight to battle the Saxons, that's madness!" Agrivain sounded his protests.

As the king turned to his advisor, asking "Agravain, are you doubting your king's judgment?" He questioned, as a shiver ran down his spine.

Looking away, not being able to meet his king in the eyes, he spoke. "O-of course not, I must apologize, please forgive me for my outburst, my king."

But Arthur wasn't so forgiving, luckily, a new voice broke out to change the subject.

"My king, if I may speak…" Naruto spoke, unsure of his statement, as Arthur turned his attention to the blonde-haired boy before her.

"You may," his king nodded, unsure of what Naruto was about to ask.

"Sir. Agravain's resistance is sound, as I'm still new within the round table. If I may inquire, what is your reasoning for picking me?" He asked unsurely, before a light dusting ran across his nose, embarrassed. "Although, don't get me wrong, I'm honored to be chosen. It's just that I—" he tried to say, rubbing the back of his head.

But the slight raise of his king's hand stopped his ramblings.

"Your reasoning is sound," The king started. "But if I were to take either or Sir. Lancelot that would leave the southern border and capital exposed to attack, something we cannot allow. And with Sir. Galahad being sent on his expedition within a few days and Agrivain was needed in the capital. I need a capable knight who's exceedingly loyal at my side."

As Naruto's eyes widened, happy that his king acknowledged his efforts. "I-I… thank you, my king," Naruto spoke in full gratitude.

But the king waved him off, "Think nothing of it." Before continuing, "it is as Sir. Agravain said, the Saxons along the border have grown restless, launching crusades day by day, and Sir. Percivil is unable to keep up. As such, I will personally come to the border to see that these attacks cease, I trust you will be there to help lead my men."

"Of course!" Naruto told him, his words flowing out of his mouth too fast for him to think.

"Very well, we depart in two weeks. Make sure you leave no reservations left behind," the king spoke as he was dismissed.

As Naruto nodded, happy at this new assignment, but also a little unsure of leaving his home for too long.

XXX

Later.

(Within Naruto's quarters)

Each of the knights of the Round Table was given their own room within the capital's castle. As they were the king's personal guard it stood to reason that they would need to live close to their king.

However, that didn't mean they didn't own property elsewhere, as that was not the case.

As soon as a knight was appointed they were given a set amount of land around the capital and within Britain. Many of the knights simply used as farmland to garner profits when they were away on duty.

Although Naruto was a little different, he didn't have any land aside from his simple room within the castle… well, that wasn't entirely true.

But he spent most of his time within the castle when he wasn't out on any missions or on guard duty. This had been the same room that he had woken up in after his battle with the red knight. As well as the same place where he first began their friendship.

As a knock reached his door.

Knock. Knock.

"C-come in!" He told them, before he spotted just who exactly was at his door.

"Lancelot?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow, not expecting to see his purple-haired friend so soon.

"Hello Naruto; I take it your latest assignment went well," the handsome man spoke.

As Naruto beamed, "Of course it did, me and Mordred's companies made it so none of the wyverns were left standing after we were done. The Lord knows they won't be terrorizing any villages anytime soon."

"That's good," Lancelot nodded. Although he never really understood how Naruto could handle being around Mordred for so long. Much less being friends with him.

Although to be fair that's just how Sir. Naruto was; he had the strange ability to seemingly become friends with anyone. That's how they were friends, after all.

Before he took notice of Naruto's room, as it hadn't changed much since he had first gotten it. Naruto seemingly lived the spartan life as it was almost identical to all the other empty rooms within his castle. In a way it was almost similar to his, although to be fair he didn't spend the majority of his time in his room…

"I heard you have to depart for another venture soon," Lancelot spoke, changing the subject within his mind completely.

"I do, the King seems to think I am ready for it, and I do not wish to disappoint him," Naruto said with a smile, Lancelot nodding at his statement.

"As you should," he told him before he got to the crux of the reason he came here.

"Are you free tonight? Would you like to go drinking together, to celebrate your past few months as a knight of the Round Table, after all," Lancelot asked.

And at his request, Naruto only seemed hesitant, "Lancelot, I don't know, I…"

"Oh come on, you said that last time." Lancelot rebuffed. He was right, as he had politely declined the last time he had asked him to go out since he was sadly too busy. "And besides, perhaps you will meet someone, a nice lady friend, who knows…" he shrugged. Heaven knows he needed to find a woman in his life, he deserves it after all.

Her Naruto was still unsure of the whole ordeal. Although at the notion of finding a potential wife or lover, he frowned, not knowing what to think of that.

"Very well, just think about it. It'll be good for you to find someone to rely on," Lancelot sighed, trailing his hand along the stone wall as he began to leave.

However a voice stopped him, it was Naruto's. "Would I be able to bring someone?" He asked.

"Of course, just as long as it's not…" Lancelot told him, trailing off.

Naruto sighed, realizing who exactly the purple-haired knight was referring to. "You really ought to talk to him sometime, you know…" he told him.

At which Lancelot grimly nodded, "I know, and I will, it's just…" he trailed off. The same excuse he used every time he brought on this subject.

Naruto nearly rolled his eyes, "he's still your son, Y'know, that will never change."

And at that Lancelot looked conflicted, before resolve shined through his eyes, nodding. "Y'know what, I will… but after he gets back from his expedition. It's best not to trouble him with these thoughts now."

Naruto shrugged, "if that's what you think is best."

"I do," Lancelot nodded before he changed the topic to something less serious. "Let's have a good time, maybe you'll find a nice lady. Y'know I hear married women are the best," he laughed a somewhat perverse chuckle.

As Naruto lightly patted his shoulder, "Yeah, so I hear you old pervert," he laughed a little as well.

XXX

(With Mordred)

Crack.

The stone wall under her fist cracked from the pressure as if she were punching through nothing but cardboard and paper. Yet that didn't quell her rage in the slightest.

He was just so infuriating!

Every damn second he was just so infuriating! Risking his own life for hers, getting himself hurt in the process!

And sure, she had been the one to suggest they go off to fight the wyvern nest alone, but she knew none of them would be able to defeat them. And so what if she wanted to spend time with the idiot? That was her business, not anybody else's.

But who could have predicted Naruto would get hurt— well she should have!

He was just that lovably idiotic, it irked her to no end… not that she'd ever admit it of course.

No, she wouldn't. She would admit that his smile shined brighter than the sun, nor that he feared at her heartstrings with every word he spoke. And not even about the butterflies that flew through her stomach each time she thought about him…

She would… not… talk about it!

Each word was emphasized by Mordred's fist to the unfortunate wall that had raised her ire. It had been one of the unlucky few that had been picked by the captain, which caused many onlookers to run away in a panic.

Finally, when the wall was as good as rubble and stones within her path she stopped, huffing not out of exertion but out of anger.

This wouldn't solve anything, she knew that yet she didn't want to get to the heart of the problem.

The insufferable blond that had somehow worked her way through her heart.

He was such an idiot, such a bastard! Yet why did his face run through her mind so much… well, she knew the reason, not that she would tell anyone.

She had found out the reason a few months ago.

Perhaps talking to Naruto would make things better? It always did.

He'd only received a minor blow after all, one that likely would have already healed due to that broken healing ability of his.

Her fist clenched in resolve.

She had stormed off in front of her king, 'that' man. Yet she didn't care, what she did care about was whatever Arthur had planned for Naruto.

Mordred wasn't billing, had seen the special attention her father was giving Naruto, and she didn't trust it! That's how her father was, he used people, and when he did want them he would, he would…

Now she was even angrier.

But one thing did come to her mind… she had to find Naruto.

XXX

Later.

Finding the blonde knight was surprisingly difficult, and she had been serving for what felt like hours.

First, she had checked his quarters, then asked around if any of the guards on duty had seen him.

Then she went to the old lady he usually visited, the park where he played with children, the orphanage, the market, and the street corner where he would talk to the homeless.

But nothing, honestly, she had even felt tempted to demand Naruto's location from even the king himself.

And, in her anger and frustration, she never seemed to ask Naruto's squadron's training field. But that meant talking to the irritating duck-butt that Naruto seemed to like talking to. Honestly, he was almost as irritating as talking to that shield bastard, maybe even a little more.

"Hey duck butt, where's Naruto," Mordred demanded.

Sasuke blinked, realizing exactly who it was addressing him by that insufferable nickname. "Mordred, must you call me such an atrocious name?"

Which only caused the red knight to growl even more, her anger reaching its peak as she had been searching for Naruto all day.

"I don't care! Just tell me where the bastard is, ya bastard," Mordred growled.

As Sasuke sighed, before thinking of where exactly he remembered Naruto saying he was going.

"I think he went to some bar with Sir. Lancelot," he told the knight honestly, as there was no reason to lie.

Crash.

Sasuke blinked in surprise when he saw Mordred's fist crash into a nearby tree. This caused many of the nearby training knights to put down their swords and run away in terror, knowing just how scary Mordred could be when she was angry.

"He… what!" Mordred spoke, a fire lighting in her eyes.

Sasuke tried to quell the situation, knowing there was no escape from the other blonde's ire. "Yeah, he…"

"I know what you said!" Mordred shouted. "Which bar?"

"Huh?" The dark-haired knight asked in confusion.

"Which bar. Did he. Go to." Mordred yelled in a dark tone.

"Konoha!"

"What?" Mordred asked again.

"The Konoha bar, on the east side of the capital, next to the market, you can't miss it," Sasuke told him, knowing he could defeat the red knight when things came down to it.

Yet Mordred's anger only rose… and it was directed at only one person

XXX

Naruto felt a chill run down his spine for reasons he did not know.

Honestly, at this point, it wasn't unwanted, as the apathy he felt at the moment was the only thing he could experience. He felt out of place, and in a way he was.

Lancelot had left him to dry, he should have expected it. Although don't get him wrong, the day started pretty normal. Lancelot took him to what was one of the man's favorite taverns. And he ended up having a good time, even if the people he had invited had refused his offers. Not get a chance to invite his friend Mordred as he was still angry at him for some reason.

Lancelot and he had genuinely a good time. For some reason, their friendship wasn't defined by rank or experience but by something else. They joked about their nearly failed missions, and their time with their troops. And overall it was just a good time, even the usual stoic knight had a small smile on his face.

But then he left, or at least he believed he did. One small look from a mature maiden and Lancelot had promptly excused himself, saying he would be right back. Both of them knew that wouldn't be true.

But in a way it was his fault, as honestly he should have expected as such. He had known of the dark-haired knight's more scandalous habits and specifically his attraction to married women. Although he didn't know the extent to which that love went, dropping everything at the drop of a hat seemed like the proper epithet.

He didn't know why he was still here.

Naruto was out of place, sitting along the counter of the tavern's bar, as many drunkards sat around him. Idly spinning his finger around the rim of his glass, the bartender did not pay attention to him. He didn't drink much, if at all, and the only times he did was merely for the thought of it. Drinking with his friends and his subordinates was a good way to lighten the mood. But he wasn't all too fond of the alcohol, given that he couldn't get drunk no matter how hard he tried. Sasuke and Galahad had said it was probably nothing, that he had something of an iron liver, but he wasn't so sure.

A voice interrupted his thoughts at his side.

"Hey, there? What's a guy like doing all alone in here?~" the feminine voice asked sensually.

As Naruto turned his head to meet the person, his eyes nearly widened. She was beautiful, that was to be sure, with her exotic platinum blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. With a stray strand covering her right pupilless sky blue eye, the other gazing at him with nothing but desire. Even her clothing was seductive, as she wore a usual women's gown that was far too short for anyone to go unnoticed. It was sleeveless, and the neckline was far lower than any conservative dress would allow, showing off her considerable bust and cleavage.

But there was also this aura about her, seductive, yet playful at the same time… it honestly set him on edge. Yet that didn't stop a small amount of pink to not crossing his cheeks as she leaned forward in her seat ever so slightly to give him an even deeper view of her cleavage.

"Oh, I-I… my friend left me so…" he trailed off, not understanding why this person was talking to him.

"Oh that's so sad…" she said as the young woman gave a fake sad expression. As his look became far more devious. "You must be so lonely…" she trailed off, giving what she hoped was a comforting touch to his shoulder. "Perhaps I could help with that~"

Her touch was like a fire, scorching hot, as she trailed her fingers even further up his arm, nearly reaching the shortened sleeve of his tunic. Like a poison seeping through his veins directly into his heart.

"Oh I don't know about that," he tried to tell her. Naruto politely tried to move her hand away, but the woman was persistent.

And she almost looked hurt by his response. "Well that's rude~" she gave a fake pout. "You're going to make me cry."

"Hey, hey, it's not like that," Naruto tried to calm her down, as he raised his hands in a placating fashion. "I don't even know your name so…" he tried to change the subject away from whatever she was leaning towards. Not trusting her for a second.

"It's Ino… Ino Yamanaka~" Her words were like honey, so sweet, yet something dangerous lay within the hive. Even her name was foreign.

As the blonde woman looked at him, Ino, as she called herself. Her eyes filled with desire as a sweet smile graced her lips. As she adjusted the hem of her dress a little, showing off even more of her breasts to him.

"Oh sorry, it's just so hot in here," Ino apologized, as her cheeks flushed slightly.

Naruto, not being one to be so uncompassionate as to not even show a little concern asked. "Are you okay," he asked, eyeing the girl.

But the woman only seemed to feel even more ill "Why yes I should be fine, but I would just love it if you—oh?"

Suddenly, the woman fell forward, a hand across her forehead as if she collapsed from some ailment.

It was on instinct that he reached his arms forward to catch the girl. The woman collapsed onto his chest, pushing her considerable bust onto him, which only seemed to make him even more uncomfortable.

"Oh I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me,.," she fake apologized, resting her head on his chest.

"I-It's fine," Naruto tried to tell her off, slightly embarrassed at her actions.

But the girl wasn't having any of it, "No really I do owe you." So told him, as Ino trailed her fingers across his chest, "You must be so strong, I can just feel your muscles beneath your shirt~, you really are a knight in shining armor." Ino said flirtatiously, having overheard his occupation from overhearing his conversations earlier with the other knight.

As Naruto gulped, trying to get this girl off of him. "Listen; Ino, it was really nothing, now can you please get off of me," he requested.

But the pushy girl wasn't listening, "But won't you let me show you how grateful I am?~" Ino asked, leaning even more forward onto him, nearly causing him to lose balance on the shared bar stool they were on.

But luckily, or rather unluckily, this weight shift caused him to reflexively try to balance themselves. Which caused him to accidentally grab the woman's ass as she leaned onto him, much to her inner delight.

"Oh how forward~" she teased, causing Naruto to flush even more, even as they were barely able to balance themselves. "Why don't I show you just how grateful I am?" The maiden asked with a wink, although she didn't give him any time to disagree.

Imo leaned forward in an attempt to lay her lips upon her own, much to his inner turmoil. As he was left unable to speak, from the flirtatious girl's more forward actions.

And she would have kissed him too, had an abrupt sound not stopped them…

Boom!

All of the occupants' eyes turned toward the bar's entrance, seeing the wooden door being destroyed into splinters.

"What the hell are you doing?!" A voice asked.

As Naruto's eyes widened even more, recognizing this voice, turned his head. "M-Mordred?" He questioned.

And upon seeing the disguised girl's angered look it was only then he realized what a precarious position he was in. Ino was sitting on his lap, his hands currently on her behind as was leaning up against him. Their faces were mere inches apart as the woman had also taken to observing what the ruckus was about.

Time seemed to stop within the bar as all the occupant's conversations had stopped. Everyone's eyes were on the red knight who was still wearing her armor, her helmet being nowhere to be seen as she glared murderously at them.

But in a way, Naruto was sort of thankful for his angered friend's sudden arrival, lest the woman on his lap do anything any further.

As Mordred seemingly stomped towards him many of the much smarter occupants ran straight out the door. Not wanting to be an object of the blonde knight's wrath. The more foolish and intoxicated drunkards were left within the bar.

"I said what the hell are you doing?!" Mordred gritted her teeth once again, glaring daggers at the blonde woman who was flirting with Naruto.

And whether it was foolishness or bravery that Ino remained unflinching as she leaned onto his chest he didn't know. As the blonde maiden smirked, "Im

afraid don't know what you mean, all I was doing was chatting with this lovely knight that I—"

"Don't try to pretend I don't what you were doing, bitch. All you were trying to do was get into his pants so you could have an easy life hooking up with a knight of the round table, I know your game," Morded interrupted, and if looks could kill the one she sent at this blonde floozy would have made her drop dead on the spot.

As Ino's blue eyes widened, she realized her plan had been found out. As she narrowed her eyes at the red knight. "And what if I was, he doesn't seem to be complaining~," she smirked, upon seeing Naruto flinch at the statement.

"He's not complained because Naruto is far too kind to push off bitchy big-breasted bimbos like you," Mordred countered, bringing her head closer to the woman's top to look her in the eyes. "Luckily I'm not, so I'll make this simple for an idiot like to understand… Back off!"

Ino glared back, "And what if I don't?" She asked.

Mordred crashed her fist onto the bar's nearby wooden countertop, nearly cracking it into as many splinters as she did the door just a few moments ago.

That seemed to give Imo a wake-up call, as she quickly got off of the uncomfortable blonde knight. Rushing out of the building to try and figure out a new plan to get a good life.

All the while Mordred's anger turned towards Naruto, as for some reason he felt the slightest amount of guilt for the reason he didn't know why. But the hurt look she sent him for the briefest of seconds was enough to send his heart to pieces.

As Mordred stomped away, rushing out the same way she came in. Something compelled Naruto to follow his friend, as a cough broke him out of his stupor.

"Ahem," The nearby bartender grabbed his attention. The old man with closed eyes was left seemingly cleaning a glass the entire time.

"Oh right, I should follow him," Naruto blinked, as he tried to get up.

Before the bartender coughed again, "ahem."

Naruto looked confused for a second as to what he was referring to. But the bartender just motioned to the broken bar counter and door, the blonde realizing what he meant.

A guilty look sprouted across his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, right…" but he realized he had to go. "Don't worry, Teuchi, I'll come back and pay for all this," he promised, as he rushed out the door for his blonde-haired friend.

Teuchi the bartender sighed. But it wouldn't be long before Naruto came back a few days later, with several pieces of gold in hand, just as he had promised.

XXX

(With Mordred)

"Mordred, what's wrong?" Naruto called out, as Mordred continued to stomp away from him on the streets of Camelot.

Mordred only continued to huff, angrily walking further and further to her small shack at the corner of the kingdom. "Nothing is wrong, now go away!" she roared out, but Naruto wasn't having any of it, as he continued to follow her. Something she should have expected given his stubbornness.

But she was equally as stubborn, choosing to give him the cold shoulder instead of talking to him.

Although a part of her did know that her anger was unjustified, if even partly. Naruto had done nothing wrong, as he was just being polite to the girl he had no interest in. And she had seen him looking at her, or rather the way the woman looked at him. With pure and adulterated lust within her eyes, and a greed so high it made her turn green. Just looking upon her, she had known what she was doing from the very start, trying to score big and live high as a wealthy housewife for the rest of her days. She had heard similar things happening with some of the other knights. Although of course it never really happened to her, as she naturally scared off anyone, regardless of their sex. Such was not the fault of Naruto, as it was in his nature to be nice and not turn her away.

But the even larger part of her couldn't help but be angry.

How could Naruto allow some floozy to take advantage of him? It was outrageous, it was absurd and had been exactly what she had been expecting when she had first heard about Naruto going out with the little wife snatcher. Oh, she had heard about Lancelot's rather promiscuous habits, and truthfully she didn't care in the slightest. But now that he had brought Naruto— Her Naruto into the fix, she would have a few choice words with him.

She was too engrossed in her anger to take note of her thoughts.

"Come on, Mordred, tell me what's wrong," Naruto yelled back again, breaking her from her thoughts.

"Nothing is wrong, you idiot, now go away!" She yelled, moving even faster to try and shake the blonde from her tail.

"Come on, Mordred, I know that's not true. Now please, let's just talk this out as friends!" He pleaded.

There was that word again, 'Friend'. It was what Naruto had called her, oh how she utterly despised that word. "Just fuck off, Naruto, I'm in no mood to talk right now!" She yelled, wanting to punch his face in for even insinuating that she would do so. She wanted to punch something, anything, just to get her mind and anger off the blue-eyed blonde behind her.

Naruto frowned, but even still he was persistent, following Mordred even further out of the city. Hollering every once in a while just to get through to his gender-disguised friend. Eventually, they reached Mordred's house, or what he assumed to be her house, as he had to take a momentary pause just to take a moment to observe things.

Mordred's house was small, overwhelmingly slow, as it was only a single story, likely built with only a single room with boards along the wall that were almost hastily put together. It was old, overwhelmingly so, as overgrowth and foliage seemed to litter its walls as the wood was almost caving in on itself. To most people this house– No, a shack, it couldn't be called a home– it would be considered a death trap, and he couldn't imagine anybody living here.

But in his shock, he did notice Mordred trying to get away, entering her house as she reached for the doorknob. Luckily, Naruto was able to stop her, placing a worried hand on her shoulder, "Mordred wait!" he shouted.

And finally, the girl turned around, anger flaring in his eyes to face him, "Hey, I told you, get the hell away from me!" she shouted, smacking his hand away.

But Naruto didn't listen, as he got close, grabbing onto her body in a tight embrace and not letting her go inside, fearing that he might lose her forever should she get away." No! I won't let go, not until you tell me what's wrong!" he roared back, as she struggled to break free.

And surprisingly, even with her monstrous strength she was unable to get away from him, "No, I won't!" she said stubbornly.

Yet Naruto was just as stubborn. "Just tell me!" he reiterated, struggling to keep hold of her.

"I can't" she yelled, not wanting to tell him the truth of the matter, her anger only rising during this ordeal.

"And why not!" Naruto yelled, his body and bones nearly breaking just from the strain. But it was at that moment Mordred rented, her anger finally reaching its boiling point…

"Because I like you, okay!" she finally yelled, admitting it to herself and Naruto.

"Huh, what?" And at that Naruto was utterly confused, accidentally letting go of the girl in the process, luckily, it seemed the girl's desire to leave had vanished completely, and what was left was a feeling he didn't know. But he was able to see the faint tracing of red dusting her cheek, almost as if she were utterly embarrassed. "What did you say?" he asked, not understanding.

That only causes Mordred to turn away, not meeting him in the eyes at all. "Please don't make me say it again…" she whispered under her breath, the blush on her face becoming even more prominent. But she took a deep breath, realizing this might be her only chance to get her point across, lest she ruin things even more than she already has. "I said I like you!" she repeated, completely flustered.

Naruto blinked, before smiling. "Well, I like you too," he said, not understanding at all.

Mordred huffed, realizing how much of an idiot Naruto was, so she would have to be even more precise with her wording. "Look, I mean I love you, alright!" she reiterated, hoping she finally got her point across.

Naruto's smile grew wider, as he quirked his head. "Well I love you too," he stated. Of course, he did, he loved all of his friends, Galahad, Sasuke, and even Lancelot and Gawain as well, so of course he loved Mordred as well.

The red knight nearly smacked her face a little, not realizing how dense Naruto could be with these things. "Look I mean I love you, like… like a woman!" she finally stated.

It was a stark contrast to how she had personally felt before she had begun to come to terms with these feelings. Namely, the fact that she was utterly, and unashamedly, a woman. There had been no two ways about it, and originally, when she was raised by her mother, that blasted woman, she had been raised with the sole intention of being Mordred's heir. Being a male-only helped in that aspect. But now, meeting Naruto, and being away from that woman, she had realized that she no longer needed to live that way.

Coming into herself as a woman was only a caveat, as she really had gotten over it once she realized that she had completely, and utterly fallen for this idiot.

Naruto soon came to an understanding of just what exactly his friend had meant…

And he blanched, raising his arms in the air against one another, saying. "Look, Mordred, I love you and all, but I don't swing that way," he told her, having completely gotten the wrong idea.

Mordred's eye twitched, yes, she had completely and utterly fallen for an idiot. "What? No! You… just get over here!" she resolved, taking Naruto's hand and dragging him into her home.

"Mordred, what are you–?" he questioned out, being dragged into her household too fast for him to react, and then…

Soft.

That was the first thing his mind went to as it registered this new feeling. But then his brain caught up to him as he saw what was in front of him.

It was Mordred but gone was her heavy magical armor, and in place was a new set of clothing entirely. It was… revealing, enlighteningly so, as of now she had on a red and black collar across her neck and similar arm guards stretching down her elbows. She also wore a red and gold dress, black leggings, and crimson boots. But the most surprising thing of all was the strange, crop-top-like belt across her chest that barely hid anything but her nipples. Completely showing off her toned and shapely midriff to the world.

A single thought reached his mind, Mordred was far too curvy to be a boy. Her breasts, even as small as they were, were visible given her revealing clothing. Plus, add in the fact that she had a slim waist, wide hips, and a very shapely behind that her leggings did nothing to hide, she could only, and completely and utterly be a girl.

That thought rattled his mind, as realized just where exactly his palm was resting over, as his fingers instinctively squeezed.

Breasts, even though they were small, they most definitely were still there, as he realized Mordred had rather forcefully placed his hand onto her chest.

The girl's face was practically burning red at her own brash actions, but she realized this partially was the only way she could get her point through to him. "Idiot, are you just going to keep staring, or are you going to do something?" she questioned, unable to look him in the eyes, as he was gapping like a fish.

"I-I… Y-You… You're a girl!" he realized, how long had she been a girl?

Mordred blushed, "Y-Yeah, I am…" she spoke, prying his palm away from her breast, and clutching onto it with both of her hands. "So, what do you think… I-idiot…?" she asked, wondering just how he felt about her.

That's what reminded Naruto of what exactly Mordred had said before, that she had loved him, not like a friend, or a sibling… but as a woman. Originally he had written that off, placing it in the back of his mind in the wake of new discoveries. But she had said it, didn't she? That she loved him like a woman would a man.

Like a woman would love her husband.

"Mordred, I-I…" he said, truly thinking about it. Sure, he loved Mordred, he truly did, but he had never in a million years thought things would end up this way. But, looking at her now– And she was most definitely a her!- he couldn't help but find her beautiful.

And sure, he had always known Mordred was pretty, but he had always likened it to be like that of his king, being a really pretty face and overall rather feminine looking despite their massive strength. But to look at her as a woman, a real woman, he would have to say she could only be called beautiful. From her rugged looks to her wild hair and toned, muscled skin most would see her as burly or even man-like. But he saw differently, as her looks only emphasized her fiery personality. Which made her look and seem, utterly Mordred.

Yes, this was Mordred he was talking about, his best friend, and the person he was probably closest to in the entire world…

He resolved himself, his tightening as he made his decision. "Mordred, can I… can I think about this for a little while?" he asked aloud.

This was his best friend he was talking about, and while he did find her beautiful, he couldn't go after her just because of that. That would be utterly selfish, and it would tarnish their friendship in its entirety. No, he couldn't quite do that to Mordred, that wouldn't be fair to her at all.

He knew saying that might hurt Mordred, but he needed to be fair to her, and it wasn't like he was put off by accepting her feelings. Truly, if he wanted to be fair to the girl he would at least have to give Mordred a shot. But that involved sorting out his emotions as well, and he needed more time to do so…

He realized he just might have hurt Mordred in doing so, but this was what he needed to do to be truthful to her…

"I see…" the girl spoke, her head dipping down, as her hair shadowed her eyes. Her knuckles nearly went white as she gripped her fists. "Then go!" she roared out, unable to speak.

Naruto saw this, realizing he might have made a mistake, "Mordred I–" he tried to speak before he was interrupted.

"I said go!" she yelled, anger and hurt evident on her face as she snapped at him.

Naruto was surprised, as he didn't think that Mordred would be hurt by his answer. He just needed a little more time to sort out his feelings. But maybe she thought otherwise, as she thought he had cleanly rejected her. Wanting to explain himself he opened his mouth, saying, "Mordred, it's not like that, I–" he tried to say, but the girl beat him to it.

"Naruto, I swear if you stay any longer I will kill you!" she yelled, her anger reaching its point.

Naruto's eyes widened, as he could tell there was some truth to her voice. Sensing her inner hostility, he chose at this moment that it may be better for them both if he were to let her cool off for a little while.

So he went out the door, just like that, although he did give one final look towards his blonde friend as he left…

He didn't catch the slight amount of tears in her eyes.

Crash.

Her fist was launched into the nearby wall, caving in the rotting boards. Tears streamed down her eyes at the thought of her actions.

"Damn it…!"

End Chapter.