Castle Dusk [Naruto Various x Reader]

Emperor's New Clothes

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The streamline bus service had never taken anyone all the way to Castle Dusk in all its history. Rumors and legends were more than effective in deterring any potential visitors, despite the castle's legendary beauty. However, you were a special case as legends, good and bad alike, were precisely what you longed for―  especially when it tied back to you. It matters little to you that the drop off point is at least half a mile away from Castle Dusk, even with your camping gear.

"Be careful, Moon Child."

You laugh heartily into your Bluetooth earbuds, heart warm with fondness at your dad's favorite nickname. You shift the camping gear on your back into a more comfortable position.

"I'm always careful, Papa!" you titter into the microphone happily. "I've got everything that I could need for these next two weeks― well unless I feel like I need to extend my stay. You know just how much I adore learning about our family's history. Oh, I'm so frigging pumped for this!" You take a deep breath, tired from saying so much in such a short span of time.

Your father laughs loudly, "Slow down, Moony. Take a breath!" He sighs softly as his laughter subsides into uncomfortable silence. "I really wish that you would have let me come with you. I wouldn't have distracted you from writing, well, that much."

"Yes, you would have!" You hop over a large puddle in your path, taking in the lush foliage surrounding you. "In fact, I don't think that I would make any progress with you here! My book is too important for me to be distracted― even by you."

"And you have neglected to tell me for the past two months exactly what it is that you're writing about."

"Historical fiction! One based on our family history of course― knights, blood feuds, and betrayal with a healthy dose of sex!" You giggle deviously, a sly smile stretching across your face.

"No, (Y/N)!"

You pouted at your father's words, "I'm joking, you absolute walnut. Even though I'm an adult you'd never let me publicly publish erotica." You gently pluck a yellow flower from a bush as you pass by a worn path. Though I could technically get away with it if I were to go under a pseudonym, you think to yourself.

"Is this really that important to you?" Your father inquires softly.

You smirk as you stand aloft on a giant rock, "Duh. You said it yourself anyway, 'A person must always treat history with respect. People without knowledge of their past―"

"―have no roots and are destined to fall prey to the passing wind.' I didn't tell you that just so you could turn it against me, young lady."

Triumphant, you sidle up to the castle. Perhaps in the height of its day, it would have been an impregnable fortress, but now it is no more than an impressive ruin. With a pleased yell, you shove the mighty doors open. "Father, I may be young, but I assure you I am no lady!" An ear-splitting bang resounds through the Great Hall as the doors hit the wall.

You stand transfixed for many moments before traversing forward. The clopping sound of your hiking boots on hard stone echoes just as loudly as the bang in the deafening silence. "By the gods, it's gorgeous!" You shout, unmindful of your dad's sensitive ears. Casting aside your camping pack, you break into a dance.

A displeased snort crackles through your earbuds. "I take it you made it there in one piece."

"You betcha!" A laugh escapes your lips as you spin and twirl, careful not to trip over any debris. "Castle Dusk, your rightful queen has arrived!"