A/N: Really not feeling well. Apologies in advance if this chapter isn't up to my usual standards.
Long chapters take long time. Simple as that.
I'm back~! Been busy.
As ever, the Embers rule remains: If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I' won't be able to continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days with two jobs; holidays are HERE and basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
Only a few questions this time:
Q:...I'm getting Beast Tamer vibes.
A: Beast Tamer? Whuzzat now? *watches it*
Oh. Ohh? Ohhh! Well, now I've got even more ideas! It helps this was written before the anime came along, but still!
Q: Wave when?!
A: *whistles innocently*
Q: More beastly moments! Lemons too, plz!
A: Might post the lemons, altered chapters, and the like on A03...when I have time. Holidays are kicking my ass to kingdom come and an upcoming move isn't helping me any.
Alright, I've kept you waiting long enough, methinks. Enough of this old man's rambling; you're here for a story.
Once more, I own nooooo references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one. Nope.
They're simply tributes to legends far greater than I.
Hope you're ready for some surprises~!
"As expected of a Beast Hero!"
...you're mocking me, aren't you?"
"No, no, no! Not at all! Frankly, I'm amazed~!"
~?
Master My Master
Morning came with blazing surety.
Rays of dappled sunlight began to brighten the Queen's tent; gradually at first, but with increasingly regularity. Night was done-the dawn had come, and it would not be denied. Time to rise and shine. Slowly but surely the rest of their camp gradually began to stir, and Lurolona village alongside it. Shadow clones still worked around the clock to prepare the latter; a sleepless force that knew neither rest nor reprieve.
Naruto did his best to ignore the ruckus his boys made...among other things.
"You have acquired new skills."
...hrngh." he groaned. "Quiet...m'sleepy...
"You have acquired new skills."
...one more word and I will end you."
"Understood. I will inform you later."
Indeed, when those first warm rays fell over his face, when that pesky voice began to prod him, he made a valiant attempt to ignore both and stay asleep. First he tried turning his head away. Scrunching his eyes shut. That at least, stopped the voice. Not so the light. When it only grew brighter he growled and rolled over, content to bury his head in a pillow. Failed now as he realized someone was holding onto his waist. His chest was likewise trapped. His arms and neck weren't, however, and he craned it to see what held him.
Who, rather.
Blue eyes bulged.
'Oh, that actually happened.'
Mirelia lay nestled against him, and he could feel Eclair behind him, arms wrapped tight around his chest. They were utterly naked. Just like him. Anyone could've put two and two together.
A lifetime ago Naruto might've shouted. Flailed like a fool. Now? A small smile tugged at his lips. In a matter of moments it became a dopey grin. He sank back down, content to warm himself between their three warm forms and slip back into peaceful slumber.
Waitaminute. Three?
Kurama stirred. "That can't be right."
The blanket lifted beneath his legs and quite suddenly, Naruto found himself face-to-face with...
.
..
...a girl?
A bleary yawn greeted him as she crawled out onto his chest. "Mornin'...
Her eyes caught his first; a striking shade of blue mixed with violet, pupils slitted akin to those of a wild cat. Likewise her skin was pale, almost ghostly so. Her long hair -cascading down her back- looked like someone had taken yellow and purple, thrown a bit of pale pink in, tried to mix them together, then given up halfway. The result was a strange rippling color that seemed to shimmer in the low light. A single pink strand dangled across her face amidst the gold and violet, furthering his confusion.
She was just a kid. No, more than that...she kinda looked like a mini-Mirelia crossed with a bit of Eclair. Even had whiskered cheeks.
Naruto's throat closed up.
"No way...right?'
The sole mercy in this was that she was, thankfully, clothed; although it seemed she'd gotten into a fight with a burlap sack and lost. Hell, she was wearing the damn thing like a giant shirt; tiny holes poked out for her head and limbs. He'd never seen her and yet somehow it felt as if he knew this small child.
She grinned at him, flashing fangs. "Master, I'm hungry. We don't have anymore potatoes...
He'd never heard her speak. Not once. But the way she did...it had to be...
...Amber?!"
She grinned down at him, perched on his chest. "Hello!"
Thank the sage for small mercies. For a wild moment there, he thought they had a kid! Impossible of course, but his mind had leaped to conclusions. Unfortunately it brought forth another conclusions. How on earth had that adorable little balloon monster become...this! He peeked at her status. Balked, now.
And how was her level Nine?!
"Don't you hello me!" he hissed under his breath. "You're human! How?!"
She shook her head, setting her hair swaying. "No, I'm not."
He scowled at the sassy girl. "Yes, you are!"
Another shake. "No, I'm not."
"For the love of...!"
His body might be trapped, but his hands weren't. He placed them together -a quick substitution jutsu swapping himself with a pillow- hauled on his pants, swept the grinning girl into his arms, and clamored to his feet. She made a pleased nose and let him carry her to the corner of the tent without protest.
The moment he reached it, he saw the broken barrels and torn sacks; bits of food crammed into a corner.
Understanding dawned. He knew she liked to gnaw on everything. She must've founded and raided the queen's larder. It would explain her level if nothing else.
But why on earth was she human? No matter what she might say she was clearly.
Amber tugged at his sleeve. "Watch, watch! Don't be afraid, okay?"
"Watch wha-hey!" he jolted in surprise as she dissolved into scarlet goo and fell out his arms to hit the floor with a dull splat. "Amber?!" he balked at it, at her now in mute horror then genuine confusion as she swept over the remaining detritus. They sank into the liquid, never to be seen again. Not a single scrap remained. "I...you...how?!"
The goop solidified, forming an almost cherry red semi-spherical shape, just like Amber's namesake.
"See?" She sprang back up, assuming humanoid form once more, arms flung out at her sides. "I'm a slime, now!"
Naruto choked down a relieved sigh. "I...can see that."
Now that the disguise was broken, he really could. She looked human, like a mad blend of him, Mirelia and Eclair, but were one to look closely, they could see the imperfections. He could see through her in some places before she managed to master her human shape once more.
It still didn't explain how she looked like...this!
"Guess she evolved or something?
Clearly! "What in the world did you do last night?!"
"Weeeeelll...!" The former balloon monster touched a finger to her chin, then grinned up at him with all the innocence of a child. "You guys were being really noisy last night, so I left the tent. I was hungry."
His eyes bulged. Oh, dear. Realization dawned.
"I went into some tents and I found a lot of yummy food!" she clapped her hands, licked her lips, then made a face. "Some icky tasting stones too. They tasted weird, but they made me really hungry!" Still she barreled on in the face of his disbelief. "I got lonely, so I came back here. I went to sleep in one of the sacks, but then I woke up and I felt really cold for some reason.
His right eye began to twitch. "So you crawled into bed with me. That still doesn't tell me why you look like...well...
"Dunno!" she granted him a guileless grin. "I woke up like this!"
...of course you did." Naruto palmed his face to stifle a groan. "Mysteries for later, I guess. "Look, you can't just go around eating everything. I think it might be raising your level-
"Where...?"
Noise behind them, cutting through his words. Naruto pivoted and found Ecclair rising with a yawn, still clutching the pillow he'd left behind as a substitute. She held it to her chest with one hand, the other scrubbing at her eyes, blinking blearily now as she took in her dim surroundings.
She saw them.
Squeaked, face going red. "Um...!"
Her eyes widened, blue eyes flitting left and right
In hindsight, he wasn't sure if Mirelia had goaded Eclair into this, or just bullied her into it, but the fact remained that she'd done it. She remembered too, he saw the look in her eyes. Her gaze flitted down to herself in an instant, taking in her naked form, no doubt realizing what she'd done.
Memories rushed back.
Her body in his lap as Mirelia held her; slim arms locked around his neck, hips bucking as she cried his name...
Heat speared through the back of his neck.
Amber waved. "Hello!"
Ecclair buried her face in her pillow. "I...I...
Naruto tilted his head. Amber mirrored the motion. "I...?"
It was the straw that broke the camels back. Eclair burst to her feet, wrapping the sheets around herself like a lifeline. She did not move. She absolutely blurred.
"Ihavetogoseeyoulaterbye!"
...aaand she ran." Naruto blew out a sigh as he watched her flee out the tent. "Great. Now I'll have to track her down."
"What's all the ruckus?"
Amber dove behind a battered barrel.
Just as well she did too; because Mirelia sat up and stretched with a languid yawn. By contrast, she didn't panic at all. When she saw him, her eyes widened. Narrowed. Softened. She laid down atop the remaining blankets and stretched again, taking her time. He watched her breasts heave. His mouth went dry.
"Sleep well, did you?" Her eyes rose to meet his. "My my, raring to go again already? I suppose there's something to be head for a hero's stamina."
His face burned all seven shades of scarlet. "Can you not right now? Its too early in the morning for this.
"My apologies. You're simply too fun to tease." Mirelia craned her neck, noting the absence of a certain knight. "Did little Ecclair run off? No, don't answer that. Seems she did. Silly girl. Seems it'll take more than that to draw her out her shell. I'll have to try harder next time.
A harsh clamor behind them drew her attention. Amber tumbled out a barrel, an applied fixed firmly in her mouth.
She grinned around it, slurring her words. "Fon mer foo, maser!"
"Well, well!' Mirelia cooed. "Who is this little one?"
The slime girl perked up. "Mmm?"
Naruto swatted her head lightly. "Don't talk with your mouth full."
"Hungry little thing, isn't she? Its quite alright." The Queen tittered. "I don't mind-wait." her eyes narrowed and he glimpsed the keen intellect within. "Is that Amber?"
The evolve girl finally finished her treat and dared a merry wave. "Hiya, boss lady!"
Naruto tweaked her arm. "Oi!"
"Still, how did she gain a humanoid form? She was certainly larger before this, but to undergo such a drastic change...
Amber wilted. "Did I do something bad?"
"No, no! I just think you shouldn't advertise your abilities so openly. Maybe disguise yourself...
A hooded figure poked their head inside before she could finish their theory.
To his credit, the newcomer didn't panic. They saw them. Paused. Rallied, now. "My lady, the people are ready."
"Excellent." Mirelia lifted herself I trust you and the shadows made all the necessary preparations...?"
A curt nod. "We did indeed."
"Good. You may leave."
Naruto frowned, feeling his head spin. "Am I missing something here?"
"Not at all." Mirelia's smile was impish when she turned to face him. "Shall we address the people?
What was she up to now?
He grimaced. "Do we have to?"
"Indeed we do. expect most of the camp is aware of us now...
(.0.0.0.)
In short order, she drew him outside.
Naruto wasn't surprised to see so many eager faces awaiting them.
He was, however, decidedly less-than-pleased that they were all waiting for him. How long had they been standing here...?
Mirelia ushered him onto a wide, raised wooden platform; a sturdy thing that looked to have been made overnight. Unsurprising. His clones were still laboring to build walls around the village -though they'd let the villagers off early from morning drills for this- something like this wouldn't have taken them more than an hour to make.
Amber bounced once on his shoulder. "We're so high up!"
Shh." he shushed her, unable to completely keep the smile fro his face.
He sensed a speech coming when Mirelia ushered him out onto the platform and stood beside him. He wasn't wrong.
"You are the sole hero this kingdom, no, this world, has to defend it." Her voice rose, pitched well to carry. "In time others will yet stand beside you, but for now it falls to you. Will you take up this burden-no, this mantle?"
A bead of cold sweat ran down Naruto's brow, and not for the reasons one might think.
'Laying it on a little thick there, your majesty...
"Really? I find bluntness best."
Mirelia WAS putting on a show for his sake, doing her best to build his reputation and likewise enamor the people to him. Fine. He was no actor, but surely he could play the part.
How hard could it be?
Rather than sketch one of those awful courtly bows he'd seen back in the castle, he stood tall and thumped a fist against his chest.
"I accept this responsibility. Leave it to me." he raised his voice for all to hear. "I won't let ya down."
A ripple of approval flowed through the crowd for the most part. They respected his spirit if nothing else. It wasn't enough to win over everyone and probably wouldn't sway those truly entrenched against him, but it would go a long way to easing the hearts and minds of those who'd been on the fence.
He could still feel some animosity from a number of them, but it was better than nothing.
"Well said, my hero." Mirelia must've thought so as well; for she raised a hand into the silence. She favored him with a warm smile that had his heart racing. "But we cannot expect you to fight alone."
Ahhh. That was her angle. Alright, she was outright advertising it now.
"We are looking for capable warriors who might join us in the battles against the Waves to come!" She turned back to the crowd, the picture of decorum once more. "Be you of skilled hand or steady heart, all are welcome!" a ripple of excitement passed through the villagers. "Anyone who thinks themselves worthy of this task, step forward!
"Pick me!" Rifana's hand speared into the air.
Raphtalia's timid arm joined it only a few moments later.
Naruto ignored them, keeping his gaze above their heads. "Anyone?"
"Me! Me!" Rifana didn't falter; the little demihuman frantically hopped in place. "Meeeeee~!
Do not make eye contact! "No takers, then?"
"I volunteer as tribute!"
"Tribute denied!" Naruto crossed both arms in the shape of an X. "Go home, Rifana!"
"Awwwww, why not?"
"You're much too young!
"Hold a moment." Mirelia laid a hand on his arm. "Her proposal has merit."
"What?" Naruto rounded on her, incredulous. "No! You can't be serious. She's just a child.
The queen didn't falter under his baffled gaze. "If she has the consent of her parents, then why not?"
Judging by the twitch of her ears and her determined expression Rifana must've have heard her. "I'll get it!"
He watched Raphtalia scamper off after her with a sigh. Mirelia caught it. "You disagree with this?"
"Of course I do." an ember of anger stirred in his chest. "I learned how to fight when I wasn't much older than her."
"Then why-
"Because!" His temper finally spiked as faced her with a snarl. "Children should not be soldiers!"
"Oh." she blinked, somewhat taken aback by his sudden outburst. "You feel strongly about this, don't you?
"I...yeah. I do." His anger faded as quickly as it came and he looked away, one hand over his face. "Kids shouldn't have to fight. Looking back, that was something my village made us do; at her age we were learning to throw kunai and shuriken and human-shaped targets." he'd been blind it at the time. Naive, even. "By the time I was a genin, people were actively trying to kill me whenever I went out on missions.
"Was it that bad?"
"You have no idea." Bitter laughter bubbled out of him. "Remind me to tell you about the chunin exams." Orochimaru had made that test a nightmare, but the past was the past and he'd rather not dwell on it. "In any case, I won't have her fighting on the front lines."
"You needn't worry there." once more she assailed him with sweet, sweet logic. "Demihuans grow very quickly as they gain levels, both mentally and physically.
He squinted her way. "Do they? You could've led with that...
"I tried. You did not give me a chance."
A wince. "M'sorry...
"Do not be. Its fine." she patted his arm to mollify him, but her glare was stern. "A relationship is a two way street. Disagreements are bound to occur from time to time. I do not expect you to cater to me anymore than I would you. If you disagree with something I do, tell me. As I shall you."
"Mirelia...
"Flirting aside, we could use someone with Rifana's enthusiasm... "
"Not you too, Kurama." he grumbled a moment more before deciding. "Fine, but only her, and only as support for now. Don't feel right taking kids into battle." Realizing the battle was lost, he turned back to face Mirelia once more. "I'd like to have a look at the other provinces before we head back." Maybe he'd get lucky and Rifana's enthusiasm would cool in his absence. "We can leave this place to Eclair and the clnes for a few days...pick up Rifana if she gets permission, maybe. How's that sound?
Mirelia nodded. "I don't see why not...
(.0.0.0.)
Was this going to be the end of her?
Rishia Ivyred couldn't think of a worse way to go.
They'd thrown her in a cell, locked her up, and thrown away the key. That wretched Noble. He'd done this. Ruined her parents. And for what? Wealth? Fame? Power? Father lay dead in a pool of his own blood back at the farmhouse. Mother had already been...ruined by that pig.
She would be next. She just knew it.
It wasn't fair. What had she done to deserve this? What had any of them?
Maybe someone would find her. The kingdom had to know about someone like this. Surely they wouldn't let this tragedy stand...
The door creaked open and her thoughts turned to ash. Ah. It was to be her turn, then.
Dumont was a particularly gravid man even for a noble, bordering on grotesque. Certainly ugly too, for he wore a mask to hide his ruined face. She loathed him. If only she had run when she was told. If only she were stronger. If only she had fought. If only, if only, if only. If, if, if. She hated those words almost as much as she hated herself.
"Oh? " her tormentor cooed, rubbing his fat fingers together. "Is that a spark I see in our little rabbit's eyes?
...I won't give you what you want!"
"No, I suppose you won't. Hendrick? Dispose of her...
One of of his men stepped forward. "Any last words?
She grit her teeth. Something tore deep inside her. "I want you to BURST you sonuva-
Something struck her, sending her world spinning.
Blood spattered her face...
.
..
...It wasn't hers.
Rishia blinked down at the bloody boots before her. Boots had held the steaming remains of what had once been legs.
It was the door, she realized.
Someone had struck it, sent it flying across the room...and right into him. The results spoke for themselves. All that remained of her killer was a grisly red stain on the wall. Even that steamed, the blood superheated by the force of the sudden implosion.
Footsteps echoed outside in the dimly lit cell.
Dumont stumbled back, eyes wide. "What is the meaning of this?!
"Meaning?" A blond man walked through the gap, blue eyes ablaze. He was garbed in light armor, a strange orange creature sitting atop his shoulder. "I think that's quite clear...
"What's this? An intruder?! In my home?! Marcus, kill him!"
A fist swung out. The man splattered the wall.
Rishia Ivyred was not a brave girl. But the man before her undoubtedly was.
Dumont was not. "Y-Y-You can't kill me! You have no proof of anything! Nothing at all!"
He stepped forth.
"You're right." he pivoted in place to address the noble before him, blue eyes flashing like fire. "A good man would take you in, question you. Prove your guilt. Unfortunately for you, I have all the proof I need. Right here." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder, uncaring as she clung to his coat -to him!- in a vain attempt to preserve her decency. "You locked this girl away. And for what? Your own selfish desires. You would've had your way with her if I hadn't come along. No, don't respond. Your silence is all the answer I need here...
His body glowed gold.
...if you acknowledge any gods...start praying. NOW."
Silence reigned supreme.
"No?" the blond man tilted his head. "No prayers? Fine. Amber?"
The creature atop his shoulder perked up.
"You can eat, now."
The balloon monster leaped forward and suddenly it wasn't a balloon at all, but a person, lunging forward. One of Dumont's remaining guard swung at her with a heavy truncheon, only for the blow to bounce off. His strike went wide, his only reward an annoyed whine from the girl he'd tried to kill.
"Hey, that hurt!"
The man recoiled. What the devil are you?!
"I'm not a devil!" The grinning held out a hand, letting it drip red. "I'm a slime!"
She was joking, surely? There was just no way a little girl like this could possible beohgodswhatonearth?!
Her body burst into red goo and grabbed the man. Consumed him. He vanished with a scream.
Everything dissolved into chaos after that.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
Yeah, might be upgrading this to M soon.
Well, well, well. You'll just have to read and see now, won't you?
As ever, the Embers rule remains: If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I'll not be able to continue. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days with two jobs; basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the previews!
POTENTIAL ones!
Mind you, many are in the far flung future, but still.
Why not have a taste?
(Previews)
"I want to be strong! Like you!"
"Alright." his assent surprised her. "We'll start with your footwork."
"Hweh? Just like that?"
"Hmm." Naruto considered the screen before him. "That's useful. Wonder what happens if I...
Rishia squeaked. "What did you just do?!"
"Oops! Sorry about that."
Its kind of hilarious in a mundane way, isn't it?
...what is?"
"That you don't realize how outmatched you are."
"That's not fair!"
Raphtalia and Rifana were having it out when they finally found them.
"Why do you get to go and I don't?!"
Grow up big and strong, Raphtalia. We'll see you again. As for you, Rifana...
The girl perked up.
...do you really want to join us?
"Yes! Her tail was swaying so fast it may as well have been a blur. "More than anything!"
"I have conditions."
"Anything! I'll do whatever you say!"
"Careful with your words. We'll start light. You're too small for a sword right now. How do you feel about daggers?"
"Aren't you afraid of fighting?
Here at last, her smile faded. She looked down.
"...of course i am. Her knees knocked together. "Blood is scary and most monsters are bigger than me. But I have to do this!" Her head snapped up, eyes gleaming. "I want to protect Raphtalia.
"So she can meet the shield hero?"
"Meh." She waved a hand. "He's probably cool 'an all, but you're better. Besides, you're the one who came and fortified our village. He isn't here right now, you are. I wanna join YOUR party. Not his.
"Fine. He plucked a kunai from his sleeve and tossed it at her. "Catch."
She caught it nimbly around the handle.
Good reflexes. We can use those. "I'll train you up a bit before we set out. Until you can kill something with those, you'll be in a support role. Afterwards,
Eclair cut a monster in twine. "I feel stronger. Why is that, I wonder...?
"Master, I'm hungry...
Naruto rolled over with a groan.
His brow leaped into his hair. "You can talk?!"
"New skill unlocked. Obliterate. Confirm?"
'No, no, no! Not using that! Do NOT apply!"
"We've compiled a list of those willing to join you on your quest." She pulled forth a sheet of vellum. "You may inspect them at your discretion."
That...was a lotta names.
"Would you prefer they be brought in one at a time, or all together?"
"No point," Kurama drawled. "They'll only slow us down.
On that they were in agreement.
"You need to at least be seen making an effort. Humor me...
It was a disaster.
One after the other, he just couldn't bring himself to mesh with them. Warriors, scholars, barbarians and rogues alike. None of them were to his liking. In an hour alone, it was beginning to look hopeless.
"Perhaps a small recess?
And you are?"
She dipped a curtsy. "Myne, lord hero."
A lie from the start. Still he had a feeling he needed to keep an eye on this one, if only because he didn't know what she might get up to.
The queen frowned. "I didn't send for you.
"All must serve in this dangerous time, mother. I must insist...
"You keep going on about that. Magic, magic, magic. Well as luck would have it, I've picked up a few new tricks myself. Care to see them?"
As he looked on, a beat of sweat ran down the face of his foe. He didn't give them time to respond. A hand rose.
From the heavens! From the sea! From the earth!"
Mirelia saw the sky darken. No. Not just the ocean. Even the very ground underfoot.
"Oh. Amber, dear, come here. I think he's about to-
Naruto's palm snapped forward.
The world erupted.
R&R~!