A/N: EDIT: Trolls hiding in the comments again, and a lot less feedback this time compared to the first chapter. Kinda hurts, ya know...?

Did folks not like this chapter? I worked real hard on it, pushed through the pain...

Added some stuff too, sadly, no one seems to have noticed any of it. T_T

So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader.

Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs, so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard!

As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.

Now for your questions, comments, and concerns! We'll keep it brief this time around:

Q: Music for this story?

A: Someone recommended an interesting track "Find Me" by Aviators. The Rewind version. I'd say it fits the theme of this story. Not every scene, mind you, but it goes quite well.

Of course, you don't have to listen to it. Just a thought.

Q: ...is...is Naruto broken in the head?

A: In some ways he is, but he's still got a -somewhat!- good heart under it all. Think Hajime from Arifureta, but not quite as cold...and greedy as all hell. Our boy wants a perfect ending this time around, and only time will tell if he gets it.

Q: Will this be upgraded to M?

A: Depends on fan feedback, I suppose.

Q: Just how much has changed in this New Game Plus? Is Melina's eye the only change?

A: You'll just have to read and see. I'll just say this. You aren't prepared.

Q: ...on a scale one to ten, how screwed are his enemies.

A: YES.

Alright, I've kept you long enough.

As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Nope, not me, no sirree! Not a wit or a one. They're merely tributes to those far greater than I.

This iteration of Naruto is not the one from "Grace". This be a different beast. He's a mystery. One that will slowly unfold as the story progresses...

Last but not least there's some cut content here regarding Kale. Not hard to find on youtube.

"Why do I laugh? I find tragedy to be the best time for mirth. So, laugh. Laugh even when you die.

There is joy to be found in almost everything, after all. But if you cannot find that joy...

Keep laughing, if only to hide your sadness and sorrow."

~?

Second Frenzy

Melina vanished soon thereafter.

Naruto didn't much mind. She did that. He'd never really figured out "where" the Maiden went on her little jaunts the first time 'round; it had been something of a mystery, those brief hours when she left his side and went somewhere far away. He could still sense her well enough when she was nearby-that he couldn't do so readily now meant she was decidedly elsewhere. No use worrying about it. She'd gone off somewhere again he knew, and she'd be back soon enough. It gave him time to move unmonitored...

.

..

...and time to test things.

He believed himself to still be at his peak, but he had to be sure.

What better way to confirm that than with a good 'ol fashioned scuffle?

A sword whistled in at his head with a yowl; the sound of drawn steel snapped him back to reality. Naruto caught it with a bare hand, frowning only a little now as the edge bit into his palm. Hmm. He still bled red. That was a good sign. Keen blue eyes considered the furious knight before him; the poor soul who even now threw all their weight against their blade in a vain attempt to skewer him. He wouldn't succeed. Godrick's soldiers were numerous, but they lacked the strength and ferocity of their Redmane and Haligtree cousins.

Still, he'd noticed something just now.

Was it just him, or were the enemies stronger this time around? He hadn't grown any weaker, yet this lot seemed faster than he remembered. He'd actually felt pain just now. Granted, he'd allowed it, but still. An ember of curiosity sparked to life in him. This bore investigating.

"I wonder...

Sensing the weight of his regard, the knight in his grasp snarled at him and strained anew. Naruto took pity on him. He let go of the blade, swayed aside from the resultant swipe, then kicked off another, launching himself to safety as the oaf's greatsword splintered the earth. Bare feet settled on the grass; the ghost of a grin plucking at whiskered cheeks as the knight rushed him again. He weaved away from their wild swings, impressed by their determination if nothing else. They really were faster! Stronger, too!

"Ha!" he barked a laugh, startled by the discovery. "What fun...!"

Kurama noticed it, too. "That's...mildly concerning. If the grunts are this strong, then just how tough are the bosses...

"One way to find out~!"

The knight was still raising his sword from another overhand smash when Naruto blitzed him. A single punch folded the soldier in half over his arm. An elbow to the neck put him down, followed by a brisk stomp to his helmet to make sure he remained that way. Three strikes. Last time it had taken only one. He noted that and filed it away for later. Godrick's men were supposedly weaklings. He wondered what that old oaf would be like this time round.

Someone blew a horn.

Alerted by his presence, more knights rushed him with their dogs.

Naruto's brief bout of mirth faded as quickly as it came. "Seems playtime's over."

The largest of them thrust a lance at his torso; he slapped it aside, casually conjuring a rasenshuriken in his free hand as he let the knight rush past. A lazy overhand throw summarily dealt with the knights; boost or no, their armor was still no match for the raw power of ninjutsu.

He walked away to the backdrop of shrieking wind, their screams swiftly stifled in the vortex.

A quick glance to confirm their fate -that they stayed down!- and he was off, sauntering toward the gatefront. It was tempting to just hop on Torrent and speedrun Limgrave. Blitz everything it had to offer and move onto the real threat. Yes, the desire was certainly there, but he knew better than to give into it this time. Instead, he reigned himself in. He'd rushed last time and paid for it. If he stormed in like an idiot, he wouldn't be able to save everyone now, would he?

His sixth sense twitched once more and unbidden, he found his gaze drawn toward the church he'd ignored.

The Frenzied Flame tugged at him like a petulant child. "Kale! Kale! Kale!"

"Fine," he sighed. "I'll go check on him...

With his speed it was a simple matter to double back and slip into the ruined church undetected; even while taking care not to draw the Sentinel's attention. It plodded on past as he ducked around a wall, wholly unaware of the massacre only a few yards away. Now there was a fight he'd surely win, but one he didn't need. Couldn't very well go wandering about when his clothes were falling apart now, could he?

Maybe Kale had some proper armor for him this time around.

Sure enough, he spied a familiar merchant nearby, huddled by a fire in the growing dark. He recognized the jolly red and white robes easily enough. Heard the melancholy tune from his instrument. He paused behind a pillar, listening the mournful melody, a dirge that stirred up old memories. He hadn't associated much with the scattered members of the caravan at first; didn't even know wholly who or what they were until he'd gone below the capital..with Kale.

What they'd seen down there, what they'd found, the horrors within. It still made him shiver.

"If that's what they expect from us, then that's what they shall get from us!

Poor Kale. His people deserved better. So had he.

"Well, lets see how this goes...

He stepped out. Kale saw him in the growing dark; his eyes were sharp as ever.

"Come warm yourself by the fire, friend." he beckoned to the fading flame. "You've nothing to fear from me."

The Frenzied Flame stirred in Naruto's chest, chirruping happily, like a child finding a long lost friend. He approached warily.

"Ahh, you're a tarnished." the wizened old merchant tittered a little, perhaps noting his wariness. "I can see it. And I can also see...that you're not after my throat. Why not purchase a little something?" Ever the eager entrepreneur, this one. "I am Kale, purveyor of fine...fine...?" he trailed off a moment later, scratching at his head. "No, no, that's not right." He looked around, as though he had forgotten where he was. Paused. Saw him, as he hadn't before. "My lord?"

Something came loose in his chest.

Naruto's body locked up. There had been recognition in his words just now. As if he knew him. Surely that was impossible. Yet he dared to hope. "Kale?"

"I knew it! It is you!" The merchant all but knelt before him, head scraping the ground. "My lord! You are just as I remembered!"

Confused heat speared up the back of his neck. "Stop that! Up with you!"

Kale responded like a loyal hound and leaped to his feet. Naruto clasped his arm, drawing him into a brisk embrace.

It was good to have someone who remembered...and terrifying in the same measure. He didn't know how Kale even knew. How did he remember him? Was the Frenzied Flame connected to those who wielded it? The fire was silent in his chest and for once, Kurama had nothing to say.

Kale had more than enough for all of them. "By the flame, you look a mess. When was the last time you ate? No, don't answer that! Sit down, sit down! Lets get some proper food in you...

Naruto let himself be wrestled down onto a log.

In short order the old merchant had plates out for the both of them; little more than bread and cheese with a bit of meat on the side chased down by a bit of wine, but after all he'd been through it was the finest of feasts. The drink helped settle his nerves. Gave him time to think, focus on the impossiblity of it all.

"What do you remember?"

"I saw the Erdtree fall from afar, heard it burn and then...?" Kale touched a hand to his grey forehead. "Well, that's rather strange. I didn't recall much of anything, until now."

Another mystery. The Frenzied Flame didn't make so much as a peep.

"I'm at a loss myself. What's the last thing you recall?"

Kale looked him dead in the eye. "...Hyetta.

Naruto felt his composure crack. His face twitched.

To his credit, Kale saw it. "Poor lass. She's dead, isn't she?"

Naruto felt a rush of Frenzied Flame flare in his eyes. He beat it down until silence reigned supreme, polished off the last of his wine, and blew out a sigh. "Don't suppose you still have that crafting kit?"

"But of course!" Kale practically thrust the box into his arms." Here, I'll throw in a bit of leather armor as well, can't have you walkin' about in rags...

They talked for hours, just the two of them, reminiscing about old times. About friends and foes alike, journeys taken and comrades lot. It felt...good, in all honesty. A balm for his tired soul. Naruto wanted to cling onto it forever, even if he knew it couldn't last. Night was coming, the fire dimming, and while Melina had yet to return, she might at any moment. If she discovered them talking like this...

He wasn't sure if he could Reset from a Reset, but he didn't want to find out.

"Look," he lowered his voice, "I need you to keep quiet about this. Tell your fellow merchants if you gotta, but no one else can know."

"Yes, yes, of course." Kale didn't even think to question him. Not after all they'd been through. "I shall set out at once!" He bustled upright, packing up camp, lashing items to his mule. "This very instant!"

Naruto craned his head, regarding the rising moon. "Its getting dark...

"These old eyes of mine can see just fine by moonlight." Kale spun back to him and clapped his shoulder. "I shall spread the word to my brothers and sisters." he didn't miss the fervor in his eyes, the faint flicker of flame carrying from one lifetime to the next. "You'll not finding us wanting m'lord, not this time. When the time comes, we shall stand beside you. Here." he pressed something into his palm and belatedly, he realized he'd been given a worn horn of sorts. "Send for us when you're ready."

He gripped his arm. "I meant what I said, Kale. This needs to be a secret. Pretty sure I'm not getting a third chance here...

His former companion nodded once and drew back. "You won't need one, not if these old bones of mine have anything to say about it! And you...!" He stared overlong at his chest, and belatedly, Naruto realized where -to whom!- he was looking. "You take good care of that him, you hear me, little flame? He's suffered enough."

The Frenzied Flame sang in his chest.

It was enough for Kale. "Until we meet again!"

A rueful smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as watched Kale swing himself up into the saddle. A crack of the reins and his wiry mule was off, skirting the Tree Sentinel's patrolling path. For an awful moment he feared the knight might give chase, but no, it plodded on, blissfully oblivious to the Merchant and the world at large. He envied its ignorance.

"Well." Kurama sighed. "That happened."

"It certainly did." he shook his head. "I didn't expect that. Maybe this'll work out after all...

A cold chill crept into his bones, defying that very thought.

And with it, he felt an all too familiar presence.

"You keep curious company."

Naruto froze for a different reason. Don't turn around. Mustn't turn around. He'd absolutely snap if he turned around so now.

His body betrayed him, the faint creak of his new leather armor the sole sign of his distress.

And he saw her.

'Ranni.'

He hissed out a low breath.

She appeared in a slow rush of pale blue light, manifesting as he looked on. Even now she remained much as he remembered in her snow white robes with that drooping hat, pale blue body and her four arm...no, there was a difference there, too. Though he could see her soul peeking out just as before-the wrong eye was open. Much as Melina's had been, the opposite orb was sealed. Why? Another change he didn't understood. There was something afoot here, but for the life of him, he couldn't put his finger on it.

She tilted her head to regard him. "May I have a word?"

Worse, it...hurt to see her again. They'd parted on better terms, but she'd betrayed him too, in the end.

Leaden feet carried him forward. He wasn't sure whether he would slap her or try for a hug. The uncertainty alarmed him.

"A pleasure to meet thee, Tarnished. I am the witch, Renna." She graced him with a thin smile, so like the one he knew. "I'd heard tell of a Tarnished hurtling about atop a spectral steed." Four hands steepled in her lap, fingers conjoined. "And upon looking into the matter, the talk, I surmise, is of thee? Thou'rt possessed of the power, no? To call forth the spectral steed named Torrent?"

He rubbed the ring on his finger, hidden beneath his new leather gloves, and managed a numb nod. Nearly there, now.

"Ah!" Her good eye lit up, her smile become a touch more genuine. It rooted him. "As I had hoped. I was entrusted with this, for thee. By Torrent's former master." She drew forth a small token from her pouch, one well known to him, for the very same rested in his pack. "Tis a bell for calling forth spirits...

How many times had he used that bell? More than once. Tiche had been useful. Finlay, too. He still had their ashes with him, even now.

Huh. Now there was a thought...

"Now it is thine." Blast, he'd spaced out; she was still speaking "To do with as thou wishest. Forgive mine intrusion, warrior. I doubt we shall again meet." she had no idea. How could she look at him with that face, speak to him with that voice, and say those words? "But all the same, learn the Lands Between whilst thou can. How long will it be, I wonder...before the Tarnished tire of obesiance to the Two Fingers...?"

It was too much. His facade fractured. A rusty chuckle escaped him.

Ranni, sharp as ever, caught it at once. Her gaze lanced into him. "Why do you smile?"

Naruto blinked. Was he smiling? He touched his lips. Hid his face behind a hand, peeking out at her between open fingers.

"I'm just happy."

His Ranni would have sputtered a protest, whaled on his chest with her four hands. This one merely frowned at him. "Happy to meet a stranger? A most odd fellow thou art."

His smile cracked. "Says the woman who started the Shattering."

She jolted. He knew the words were a dagger in her heart, her secret shame.

"That...is a knowledge few possess." She found all four of her hands once more. "How did you come by it?"

"Now, now, I'm not knocking you for what you did." he shrugged and threw her own words, the very thing Past!Ranni had said, back in her face. "I wouldn't want to be bound to that thing either. I'm sure the Two Fingers are cursing ya even now. Screw the rest, am I right? Who cares who lives and who dies, so long as you get to be free?"

Her brow drew down. "If thou'st seeketh the curse mark-

"I don't want anything to do with your dried-up-corpse on that tower, Ranni."

"...?!" She jolted with a decidedly unladylike sound, her true name causing her no small amount of distress. A small, wicked part of him reveled in it; the panic in her eye. "Who art thou?"

Everything. And now, nothing. "That would be telling."

He took cold comfort in the slight widening of her eye, the hurt that flashed across her perfect face. Maybe it was wrong to hurt her like this. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe she deserved it. Maybe she didn't. Maybe, maybe, maybe. She didn't even remember what she'd done to him, yet for him it was an old wound and her fool words had torn off the scar. She'd hurt him, and a part of him wanted to hurt her back. Now he had. The feeling was fleeting, his joy ashes in his mouth. He had to get away from her. Now. Before he did something stupid.

"Say hullo to Blaidd and Iiji for me." His peace said, he drew himself up, sketched a shall bow, and walked away. "I'll be in touch."

"Wait."

A cold mist coalesced at his ankles, freezing his feet where he stood. Oh? That was a new one. He hadn't seen her use that spell before. Naruto craned his neck, still bitterly amused by it all. Ohhh, now she wanted him to wait! She couldn't wait for him, but he had to for her?! Where was the justice in that?

The answer was simple. There was none. He would have to make his own.

"I misspoke." At length, Ranii wilted beneath his gaze and lowered her hands, cancelling the spell. "It was not my intent to anger you. I would have your name."

A harsh bark of laughter split the air, angry and sharp.

"I'm sure you would, Ranni." there it was again, that beat of panic in her eye. "I'm almost tempted to give it to you."

A lifetime ago, he had. He'd given her all that and more. A stupid boy head over heels. Not this time. He wasn't willing to open himself to her, not yet, not when everything was still so raw.

"But no," he thumbed his nose at her, "You're gonna have to work for it, this time. You'll know soon enough."

"I said wait a moment!"

This time, he didn't let her distract him.

"Don't worry!" he waved over his back. "I'll give Radahn your regards...


(.0.0.0.)


There was something wrong with her Tarnished.

Melina wondered what it was, yet try as she might, she just couldn't put her finger on it. She'd left him only for a short while to ascertain if Godrick was in his proper place -he wasn't!- yet now that she had returned, she found him silent and dour, almost sullen, even.

Stranger still was the way he acted toward her.

Always with wariness, never quite taking his attention off her. Sometimes he would grant her the faint ghost of a smile, but he never once let his guard down in her presence. She could not blame him for such of course, they hardly knew one another after all. Trust came with time and closeness, intimacy. He did not yet rely on her as she wished him to, but he surely would in time.

And yet she couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching her.

...did he suspect? Did he know the truth of what she was?

Could he speak? Or did he just refuse to with her?

He fought his way to the gatefront with nary a sound, ripping apart Godrick's men like straw dolls. Even a stray troll proved no match. Further up he stumbled upon a wounded woman wearing a red hood. He patted her head, listened to her woes, guided her to a windswept shack, then went on his way. Strange. Very strange indeed...

And then he arrived.


(.0.0.0.)


"Foul Tarnished!"

Naruto's head snapped up.

Well, at least some things were still the same.

"In search of the Elden Ring," yes, he knew that voice well, heard it coming from the castle parapet up and to his right. Strange, there was no golden shimmer this time, yet the words continued. "Emboldened by the flame of ambition...

The Frenzied Flame seethed in him childishly. "Not ambition!"

He gave her a little pat. "There, there...Melina, you might wanna step back...

The Kindling Maiden bridled beside him. "Pardon?"

A shadow fell over her.

Naruto grabbed her by the waist and whisked her out of harms way. Just as well he did; because an old "friend" came crashing down on the space they'd just vacated, blasting them with dirt and dust. A gnarled old cane swept through the haze, dissipating it a moment later to reveal the culprit.

"Someone must extinguish thy flame." he knew the towering horned figure all too well. "Let it be Margit the Fell."

Melina squirmed against him with a squeak, still tucked into his side. Naruto let her go halfheartedly as she vanished into astral form.

"Well, I'll give you this." a fist swept forward. "You're right about one thing...

A hard punch sent the Omen skidding back.

"You're gonna fall."

Morgott.

In a way, he was responsible for all this, wasn't he?

The Omen King and his Night's Cavalry had been an implacable enemy in his first go around. They'd become such a pain that he'd rushed to Leyndell to deal with him. That was his first mistake. Rushing. In his haste to fix the Lands Between he'd left himself be goaded, poked and prodded, tricked at nearly every turn. Morgott's final words rang in his ears, even now.

"Thou art a fool...

"That's my line. Sorry." a savage grin tore across his face. "I'm gonna take my rage out on you."

He blurred forward. Morgott moved to meet him in a whirl of death and paid dearly for it, croaking in surprise as he stomped down on his tail, using it as leverage to kick him away. He wasn't entirely sure if this was the Omen King in the flesh, or just a projection like last time. He was certainly stronger than before, faster too. It was a noticeable difference compared to the boost he'd seen in the soldiers .Didn't matter.

Only one of them would fall here today, and it wouldn't be him.

He bulled forward, uncaring as the cane smote him across the chest. His leather armor did little to soften the blow. Irrelevant. A rasengan flashed out, catching Morgot's ribs in a glancing blow before he managed to skitter back to safety. Naruto stomped after him. Always loved his leaping, this one. Never staying in one place for more than a moment. It wouldn't save him.

Bastard.

This horned bastard.

It was his fault! All his fault! Every last bit of it!

"Well." Morgott pivoted, conjuring a mighty golden hammer to his hand. "Thou art of passing skill. Warrior blood must truly run in thy veins, Tarnished." Even now he sneered at him. So smug. So arrogant. So superior. Slavishly devoting himself to a doomed world. "Still, I do not fear you!"

How many times had he heard those words?

Naruto snarled, eyes gleaming.

His body blazed gold.

"You will."


(.0.0.0.)


What madness was this?!

Morgott flailed backward, crying out in shock as clawed fingers raked across his chest, tearing another hole in his tattered cloak. Any closer an' he might've lost his heart. He barely had time to comprehend the danger before that thing was on him again. This Tarnished fought like a man possessed, with not a care in the world! Did he not fear death?! There was no retreat. No effort to dodge or evade his blows; nay, he barreled right through them, accepting each hit as though it were owed to him, and dealing back thrice the damage.

He couldn't stand up to such an assault. Not in this form.

And yet:

A strange feeling kindled in the old Omen's chest as he fought on; a curious sensation he'd not experienced in an age. With each second that he saw that smile, it only grew stronger. When his foe began to laugh at him, a wild lilting sound that never seemed to end, he finally found a name for it.

Fear! This was fear! Sheer bloody terror incarnate!

"I'm not in the mood, Margit!" The tarnished parried a vicious swing with an equally vicious smile and struck back, causing his cane -the blade within!- to creak ominously. "Or should I say Morgott?! Move, or I'll move you!

He knew who he was? How? "What madness is this?!"

...hmm." the man's eyes flickered with yellow fire, madness made manifest. "Suppose that's the right word."

His cane swept down. Smacked into an open palm.

"I warned you...

Breath blasted from his lungs as another punch folded him in half

"I don't care if you're a projection or not. You're still my punching bag." A second blow sent stars dancing before his vision. "C'mere, you horned bastard. Class is in session. Ready to learn?"

Clenched knuckles hammered under Morgott's chin. A tooth whistled free. Even as his head snapped back a golden hand caught him by the horns and reeled him in for another punishing blow. He reeled and tried to shield his face but the hits came hot and heavy now, smashing aside his guard as though he wielded naught but a twig.

He'd never been batted about like this before, not even in his younger daaaaaaack?!

His thoughts shattered in a spiraling scream of pain as a spinning kick shattered his left ankle. Bereft of balance, he buckled, catching himself with one palm. The Tarnished pounced in his moment of weakness, driving a spiraling sphere into Morgott's exposed back. The pain sprawled him flat and once more, the wretched Tarnished took full advantage.

His hated foe grabbed one of his horns, using it as a handhold to lever himself upright, swing his body around Morgott's neck. He landed on the Omen's startled shoulders, gripped his head and-CRACK. Something popped in his neck and his fingers went numb, cane clattering out his grasp. The last of his strength failed him.

Still the assault didn't end.

A hand closed around his hair, yanking his head up.

"That's it, Morgott." The Tarnished loomed over him, eyes ablaze. "That's the look. I want you to remember this feeling. Take it to your grave."

His lips moved of their own accord, body betraying him at the last. "Mercy...!"

"Mercy, huh?" the Tarnished ran a bloody hand through his hair. "I wish I could give you some. Unfortunately...

His hands scythed down. Blood spattered his face.

...I'm fresh outta mercy.

Morgott's world began to dim.

The fear didn't. It bleated in his heart, even now.

"Damnit." he heard the Tarnished scoff. "Seems he was a projection after all...


(.0.0.0.)


The defenders died hard.

Nepheli could respect that much. She'd fought for every inch of ground into the castle, each step was carved in storm and blood. Already the idea of facing its master alone daunted her. No one had heard from the Lord of Stormveil for nearly a fortnight now, and his gatekeeper was nowhere to be seen. Yet for all their absence, the castle's men fought like frenzied beasts, determined to the last. No quarter was offered and none given in this madhouse of slaughter.

But said slaughter had taken its toll on her.

She'd long since exhausted her flask of crimson tears, with naught a grace in sight. Spent and weary, she ducked into an alcove to catch her breath, but now she found she didn't want to leave her shelter. Her arms were heavy, knees weak, her stamina yet to return. Worse, she could hear the noises within, ghastly screams and shrieks to chill the very soul.

Stop. Nepheli shook her head to rally her thoughts. She mustn't falter here. Father had entrusted her with this task. She must succeed. Failure was not an option.

...you're not supposed to be here."

a new voice had her jumping; Nepheli's heart leaped into her throat!

A young man clad in battered leather armor squinted down at her just outside the alcove, tawny blond hair shading blue eyes half-lidded with concern, whiskered cheeks dimpling in a frown. She tensed for her axes. If she was to die here, she would not disgrace herself...

.

..

...wait. He had spoken to her. The defenders of Godrick's castle were all silent, their tongues carved out by their lord to ensure they kept his secrets.

Nepheli released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Well met. I take it you're not one of Godrick's, then?"

...no."

He offered her a hand. She clasped it and levered herself up, using him for balance. Felt the callouses beneath his fingers as her fingers gripped his. He didn't stumble when she set her weight against him. Not once. Didn't balk at the closeness of her presence. A blond brow rose. Nothing more, nothing less. She considered him anew as she withdrew.

The strength of his posture. The firmness of his jaw.

Oh~? No merchant at all, this.

Here stood a warrior.

They exchanged greetings from there, and she leaned his name. Naruto. Curious, but he did look a foreign sort. Doubtless another Tarnished guided by grace.

Well, this was a stroke of luck, wasn't it? She'd not thought to find an ally here. Had Father sent someone else, or was her fate turning for the better?"

Worry nagged at her. She made her offer, subtly offering to aid him against the lord of the castle.

Imagine her surprise then, when took her request in good grace and clapped her shoulder as though they were old friends. But they'd never met before! Hadn't they...? She'd been in many a battle but surely she would've recalled someone like this-no, no that wasn't important right now. Her thoughts mustn't get away from her, not while her mission remained paramount.

Still, her eye strayed to the battered shortsword at his hip. "That's your weapon?"

Naruto shrugged. "Its a loaner. I'll find something better."

Fair. "Shall we?"

He nodded.

Together they fought their way through the keep. Against her, the defenders had held firm, but with her companions aid, they faltered, falling to his ferocity. It was a thing of beauty and glory; her axes tasted flesh time and again, hewing down all who dared stand in her way. Naruto proved himself no slouch either; what his sword could not strike his fists shattered steel and stone alike, rending apart his foes.

The sight made her shiver; her blood was already up from all the fighting, but this made her warm.

He looked her way once as they fought for a brief moment, she could've sworn his eyes glowed gold. A strange, mesmerizing shade. Fire flowed from his fingers, scorching any who came close. It made her want to bask in that heat. In him. Strange as it might sound, she felt stronger just being near him. Wild. Frenzied, lost in the mad rush of battle.

She couldn't get enough. More. She wanted more. No, she need more.

One of the castle's tame Omen rushed her, gibbering. She cleaved it in twine with a single sweep of her axes. Laughter burst from her lips as the severed halves fell to the floor. "Ha! You...truly you are a warrior indeed!"

Naruto ducked a knight's jab, stove in their face, and flattened another under his heel. "That's high praise, coming from you."

He flung his sword past her face, nailing another knight to the wall before it could creep on hr.

Nepheli shivered anew. It was like he knew exactly what to say to -to do!- to her, the right words to push her buttons.

The moment they cleared a corridor she lost herself to the madness; she dropped her weapons, grabbed Naruto by the face and kissed him roughly, physically pushing him back against a wall. He didn't reject her. Nay, no words were needed. His hand dove beneath her left leg and lifted, warm fingers tracing her thigh. Good. He understood what she wanted, the stress relief she sought. Easier that way. She made a pleased noise and pulled him closer, crushing her bosom against his armored chest...reaching for the clasps of his armor...

Another scream echoed in the distance; a high, reedy shriek that had them reluctantly drawing apart.

A faint scent reached her on air with it. Nepheli paused. Sniffed. Frowned. "What's that smell?"

It fouled the very winds.

Naruto's face closed down. "Nothing good."

The moment lost, they ranged deeper into the castle, encountering less and less resistance as they went. The once stalwart defenders seemed frenzied now, fighting to get through them, rather than defend their cherished home. Almost as if they were running away from something. Most were put to the sword, others allowed to flee. The reason soon for their fear soon became apparent as they reached the final bastion.

And with it, the last of Nepheli's lust guttered out at the sight. "...?!"

Bodies lay everywhere in the main courtyard. Some torn apart others half-eaten, still more ripped into pieces, none of them among the living. A trail of blood let to the inner keep and with it, the awful smell only grew yet stronger. Even a Troll had been slain and left to rot with the rest, its bloated body consumed by a cloud of flies. A human hadn't done this. It was too feral. Too savage.

Nepheli gagged, covering her mouth with one hand. Ugh, the stench!

"What is this?" she muttered, words muffled against her palm. "What manner of beast kills and leaves its meat to spoil? Even Godrick himself could not be so foul."

Her companion had no answers for her as they plodded forward. Good. She didn't think she could stomach them.

Together they stepped through another arch, ready to face Godrick...

.

..

...sure enough they found him.

Godrick the Grafted was long dead, naught but a corpse in the yard, grafted body sprawled out among rotten cobblestones. Great Rune nowhere to be seen. Judging by the smell he'd been gone for some time. They crept closer and she beheld a myriad of wounds littering his large form. His pallid face frozen in some final expression of horror.

"Who could have done this?"

Naruto grabbed her by the arm and yanked her back.

Something detached itself from the shadows of a nearby statue. A shape.

She'd not seen it, not at first.

Her throat closed.

A pale, feral-looking creature clad in tattered rags draped itself over Godrick's fallen form, ghostly skin glowing in the low light. Even its body was wrong, elongated and twisted, limbs stuck to hits body at horrid angles in the hideous impression of some twisted arachnid with a head several sizes too large to be natural, almost disproportionately so compared to its long, spindly limbs. Said limbs ended in razor sharp claws slick with blood, grisly stains matching the bloody ill-fitting crown wedged tight against its massive head.

"...!"

The twisted creature dipped lower to bite into Godrick's corpse and as it did, Nepheli glimpsed at last the Great Rune etched into his chest. She felt her gorge rise the longer she looked upon it. Like someone had tried to fuse a man and a giant and a spider together, then given up half way.

Was this the horror of grafting? No, this was something worse. Much worse.

"Gostoc...?"

Nepheli risked a glance backward. "You know him...?"

Naruto stepped forth, placing himself between her and the beast. "I did."

The creature's head snapped up at their approach.

"Well, well, well." it grinned at them, eyes pits of black rimmed by red, mouth a mess of crooked rotten fangs. "What have we here? Come to see old Gostoc, have ye? To bargain? To trade?" Those baleful orbs centered on her. "You'd do. Aren't you a peach...

Nepheli found herself stepping back.

"Now, now~!" It saw, rasped a laugh and lurched toward them. "Come closer, dearie. I don't bite...much."

Naruto made a noise of revulsion. "What happened to you?"

Nepheli shrank away.

She remembered the name Gostoc; it belonged to the humble-if-craven keeper of the gatehouse. This was him? What could have twisted him so...? What could've made him such a monster? She couldn't even call this creature human; whatever dregs of decency clung to this soul had long since been worn away, corrupted by something foul. This was not a man. No. This...this was a beast.

"Happened?" the thing-that-was-once-Gostoc tittered wetly. "Why, I just helped myself to a bit of parts, I did. Like the lord before me."

"Parts?" Nepheli all but spat the word. "You're a monster!"

It was the wrong thing to say.

"Monster, am I?!" the abomination rasped at her, bladed legs skittering as it turned to face them fully. "You're one of them, aren't you? Bandits and burglars, the lot of you," "Braggarts all. Just like my fool of a father. You want to take my Great Rune, don't you?!" one of its many hands clutched at its chest. "I'll not have it, I won't! I'll show you! I'll make see! Just like the rest!"

"No." Naruto shook his head slowly. His eyes were glowing again, Nepheli noticed. "You won't be showing us anything."

Gostoc lunged at them, jaws gaping wide.

"Bear witness!"

A/N: Read this note, would you kindly? Got some important info.

The Lands Between are well and truly broken; surprises await.

Well? Should this be a story? Did you like it? Yay or nay?

Really need to hear from you on this; I'll likely be upgrading this bad boy to an M-rating pretty darn soon...if that's what folks want.

Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others.

If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.

Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write. So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review...Would You Kindly? T_T

Here have your previews, wild though they are.

As ever:

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

SPOILERS AHEAD!

(Previews)

"Just how much has this world changed?"


"Patches."

"Oh balls, not you again!"


He sensed her.

"Begging your pardon sir, but do you have any grapes?"

Naruto bit his tongue until it ached. He knew what fate awaited her if he answered. Did he dare...?


Melina could feel him breaking. Something must be done.

He needed comfort. Succor, perhaps. But what to say? What to do?


"VYKE! Calm your ass down!"


No, no, no! This was wrong! All wrong! She shouldn't be here!

He flung up his arms. "What are you doing here?!"

"Have we met? You seem most familiar...


"How did you know that?!"

"I suppose you could say...this is my second time around.

A hand closed around their face. "And you're going to help me...friend."


On a whim, he touched the bloody medallion beneath his chest. There was something he needed to be certain of.

Another way to confirm his theory.

"I'll be right back...


You mad little fool. You cannot save them all. Perfection is a fleeting dream.

...who decided that?


"Chaos?" he rasped the word. "No, this ain't a flame of chaos any longer. This is purification."

His victim died screaming.


She kissed his cheek. "That was kind of you. My thanks."

EDIT: Hey, you made it!

Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.

Looking forward to chatting with you all~! Have a great day~!

R&R~!