A/N: There we go. Hope the wait was worth it. Doctor of Demons/Take the Girl should be next.
Mirelia really snatched up this chapter and ran away with it~!
As ever, the Embers rule remains:
If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I'll not continue it. 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.
Now for your questions comment and concerns:
Q: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!
A: Oi! Wasn't gone that long, its barely been a month at that. Wanted to wait for the new season to start up.
...poor Rishia.
Q: Sasuke as sword hero!
A: I say again, OI! Don't tempt me!
Q: More sassiness! More humor! And lemons! We demand it!
A: Kurama's in rare form this chapter; why wouldn't he be? He's relaxed enough to tease. So is Naruto; remember, their world is at peace, and neither feel a particular need to hurry back, not when they've got another world to save.
Five days until the First Wave now.
As to the lemons...really?
Wanna see 'em?
Q: How big is the pairing?
A: The pairing is rather large this time around, but I'm doing my best not to rob Naofumi of his girls. I make no promises for the other heroes, and make no mistake, those bastards will be coming along; annoying though they are, they have a purpose...for now.
Q: We gonna get a lot of leveling clutter? No, please!
A: Menu and skills won't be listed overmuch -likely at the end of the chapter- unless folks wish otherwise.
Also, I'm glad someone caught the hint in the previews~!
Q: Which arc is this following? Light novel? Web? Anime?
A: Apparently the web novel and the actual light novel are separate; both deviate past the island arc. But the anime cut out a LOT of stuff, things I'll be looking to include.
For instance! That dragon Ren slew? It had an adopted daughter. Who knew?! Not me!
Alright, then. I think I've kept you waiting long enough.
Hope you're ready; because this chapter's got a bit of everything in it!
As ever, I own nooooo references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.
"A hero can only save so many. You can't be in two places at once.
*laughs* Yeah, about that...
~?
Settling In
Naruto suffered his first setback come morning.
For you see, the Kingdom of Melromac didn't have any ramen. Nay, not a single noodle to its name-not as he knew it. No Ichiraku Ramen here, no siree. No broth, no miso, no chopsticks...nothing. It was a true tragedy, a travesty unlike any other, an unforgivable sin in every sense of the word. He'd not soon forget it.
Hrmph. Point to the the old bastard.
That wasn't to say breakfast wasn't good of course; on the contrary, found it downright delectable really.
He'd woken to a veritable feast, breakfast in bed. Fluffy golden eggs, rashes of bacon, and more. The castle chefs knew their stuff. He'd eaten it all, heedless of their glares. Even...even if it wasn't his holy ramen...
"Are you still sulking about that?!"
"Let me have this, furball. You don't understand ramen."
"I reeeaaally do." came the answering drawl. "Sealed inside you, remember? I've tasted it before. Nothing to write home about, really."
Heresy!
Grumbling to himself, and ignoring such sacrilege he continued his meandering path down the hall. Tan fingers traced a tapestry in passing, eyes roaming the wrought corridor with idle curiosity. It really was a nice castle, possibly the largest he'd ever seen, finely furnished with both help and staff alike.
Now if only they weren't glaring bloody red daggers at him.
More than a few servants regarded him with scorn; rare was the sort who granted him a nod, much less a bow. He tried to ignore them. Left with more than to wander the halls at such an early hour, he'd chosen to familiarize himself with the castle as best he could. If there was going to be an attack, that implied a siege. Best to know the hill he'd chosen to die on and all that. Mirelia could always send one of her Shadows if she needed him. Probably would too, once she realized he'd wandered off. She was perceptive like that.
"Mirelia, eh? Not the Queen?"
He knew that tone. "Yeah? What about it?
Kurama's grin was of the shit-eating variety. "Just her name?
"What about it?!"
"Oh, no, no, no. You're going to figure this out on your own. This is far too entertaining."
"You there!" A regal voice called out to him, cutting through his reply. "Hold a moment! I would have words with you."
Against his better judgement, Naruto plastered a smile onto his face and turned to face the speaker. In short order he found himself gazing upon a bearded man clad in regal robes. A crown decorated his thick grey hair, bearing a singular purple gemstone set within. He couldn't help but think such a thing looked gaudy on someone like him.
"Ten bucks says he's the king."
'No bet!' outwardly, he kept smiling. "Did you need something, or...?"
"I am Aultcray Melromac XXXII, king of this land." the man drew himself up, preening like a peacock. "You are the...Beast Hero, are you not?"
"That's me!" Naruto couldn't quite fight down the eye twitch that followed. 'By the sage, I HATE that nickname.'
"What would you rather be called, the Golden Hero? The Healer Hero?"
He died a little on the inside. "Both of those sound better than Beast!"
His smile was just a little strained when next he spoke.
"How can I help ya?"
A scowl wrought his face. "You can leave my wife be and return from whence you came, demi-human."
One could hear a pin drop in the silence that followed. And then:
"Ha?" A vein pulsed in Naruto's temple. "Wanna run that by me again, old man?"
"Well," Kurama blew out a sigh. "He's one of those, is he? Suppose it was too much to hope he'd be like the Queen...
Naruto planted both hands in his pockets. Physically, he didn't budge. Not so his mind. His gaze roamed the halls. Noted the sudden and abrupt absence of any and all servants. Not unexpected. The King had good timing if nothing else. He had chosen his moment well. There were none in the hall to challenge them, none to contest whatever was about to happen.
They were, in every way, alone.
"Alright," he yawned. "I'll play. What's your problem with me?"
"What do you think someone like you can accomplish with mere parlor tricks?" His tone reeked of derision. "Begone from my sight at once. The three Heroes will be summoned soon and I will not have you sully them with your presence."
Well, well, well. Wasn't this one full of himself? "Ain't there supposed to be four?"
"No." The king's face darkened. "Only the sword, spear, and bow heroes matter. The shield devil deserves death and nothing less."
"Sounds like someone I'd get alone with, if someone like you hates him."
"If you will not leave, then know this." the man turned his nose up at him. "I will be watching you. Stay away from my wife. After all, it would not do for you to have an...accident."
A blond brow rose. No. Surely not. He couldn't be that suicidal.
"Was that a threat?"
"Not at all. Merely a warning-why do you laugh?!"
Naruto doubled over with a hoot, clutching a this sides. Make no mistake, he was laughing. He couldn't help himself. It wasn't done out of cruelty or spite, he just found it so dam n funny. After all he'd seen and done, the gods he'd fought, the monsters he'd tamed, the idea of a mere monarch having any sort of power over was just that. Laughable.
"May I?"
"Sure, have at it." he'd heard all he wanted to hear today. "Just don't kill him."
The switch came easily, his mind receding as Kurama surged to the fore. Teeth gone sharp, eyes burning red. Naruto found himself aware of every instant, every moment, even as he ceded control; control he could easily reclaim at any time.
The king must've realized something was amiss; it had him stepping back, but too slowly. Far too slowly. There was no chance of escape, much less calling for his guards.
"Listen, little man." Kurama used his body to step forward, bringing himself well within spitting distance. "You don't seem to understand, so let me explain the pecking order, here. You?" his head tilted, fangs flashing. "You're about as intimidating as a rat in an empty larder."
"You dare?!"
"Hey look, you puff up like one, too!"
"I am the King of this kingdom!" the monarch's face turned a fascinating shade of puce. "I am in charge!"
Naruto knew what was coming before Kurama even said it. Sure enough, Kurama laid a hand upon Aultcray's right shoulder. Clawed fingertips bit through the mantle he wore, ready to pierce his flesh.
"Do you feel in charge?"
Aultcray's face drained of color, but only for a moment. "You wouldn't dare. This kingdom would be nothing without me." He drew himself up, face twisting once more into a sneer. "If you so much as scratch me I'll see you clapped in irons, your name dragged through the mud! No peace will be had you, no refuge, no-
"Fall."
A spike of killing intent drove the meddling monarch to his knees, word gurgling in his throat. Firm palms clapped around his face, gripping each cheek in hand. He applied just a hint of pressure, twisting his neck at a vile angle. Not enough to break, but enough to cause him pain. That was all it took to turn his wicked words into squeals of terror. It reminded Naruto of a pig. Fattened and ripe for the slaughter. Any sense of presence or any anger he might've manifested bled away as his head twisted.
An odd tinny voice chimed in the back of the blond's brain, distracting him momentarily.
Unlocked new skill. Terror of Death. Would you like to apply?
Skill...? Sure. Why not. Lets scare him a little.
"You may think you're necessary for this kingdom." Kurama leaned in, recapturing his attention as his face twisted in an eerie smile. "And perhaps you are. However, to me?" his forehead touched that of the quivering man before him, breath hot on his face. "You're just a candle in the wind. I could snuff you out right now; there wouldn't be a thing you could do about it." The king opened his mouth, doubtless to call for his guards, only for those clawed palms to wrench his jaw shut. "And unlike my partner, I don't mind dirtying my claws. They'll never find your body. Do remember that. It would be a shame if we were to have this conversation...again."
Seamlessly he dropped the king and walked away.
When he inhaled, the faint smell of urine reached his nose soon thereafter. Kurama wrinkled it, tutting softly.
"Clean yourself up, man! That's no way for a king to behave."
Only then did he release the reins on Naruto's body.
A wordless whimper echoed behind him as they walked away, punctuated by the sound of rapidly retreating feet.
The latter blew out a sigh. "Did you really have to terrify him that badly"
"Yes. It was a powerful need; one I couldn't deny."
"Bah! You've been pretty snarky lately.
"What are partners for?"
Kurama was better at playing the villain than him; he just didn't have it in him to terrify someone like that. Strange voice aside, this worked out; hopefully the king would leave them be after this. He best, if he knew what was good for him. Surely he'd let this be. Only an idiot would try to cause him and Kurama trouble after an act like that.
But that voice...he'd not heard that before. Where had it come from?
On a whim, he turned his thoughts inward. 'Hello? Anyone there?'
...error. There is no skill called "Hello". Please try again."
What the hell was that?!
A shadow stirred in the edge of his vision, cutting him short.
"Lord Hero." Pivoting, Naruto beheld a masked woman in black knelt before him. "The queen wishes to speak with you in her chambers.
...pretty sure she does, after that stun." tucking his thoughts away, he palmed his face. "Alright. Time to face the music."
There was a paused. The queen's shadow frowned.
...what stunt do you speak of?"
(.0.0.0.)
Mirelia looked good in armor.
Really good. Downright fantastic, really. Such was Naruto's first thought as he laid eye on her; he had a remarkable view from behind as her servants helped fasten it on. Gone was the gown of state, in its place she wore glistening steel set strategically over tight black-and-gold cloth. It was light armor all told, just the sort one might wear to effect adequate protection while still retaining full freedom of movement. Better than full plate to be sure, but still, he couldn't help but wonder why she was armoring up in the first place.
His guide made a pleased noise as she led him in. "It would seem she wishes to join you today."
Naruto's head whipped her way. "Eh?"
Her masked eyes betrayed nothing, but he glimpsed the ghost of a smile upon her lips. "A true leader leads from the front, as they say."
A strange feeling stirred in his chest as his gaze swung back to the queen. He'd never really paid attention to the fairer sex before, not back in the village; never given them more than a cursory thought. He simply hadn't the time. There were always missions to complete, Sasuke to save, and promises to keep.
But now?
He couldn't stop staring. There was just something about her, that dignified mien perhaps, that drew the eye. No, more than that. He'd noticed it before when she'd called him "Her" hero, earlier. He'd thought it a joke. It very well might be. But still...she knew he was looking. Had to be. Didn't she have any shame? He could feel his face burning, but he just couldn't bring himself to look away.
"Ah, there you are. Don't move, I'll be just a moment."
She knew! As he looked on aghast, the queen craned her neck, a lively purple eye flashing over her shoulder. Her eyes held his. Her smile was content, preening, even, before she looked away. She did not shout like some, did not shriek, did not demand that he leave. She simply stood there, arms out and allowed her servants to finish lacing up her corset and breeches. She cared not a jot that he saw. She stood tall and proud, as though daring him to find even the slightest imperfection in her body. There was none. Not at all.
"Hey, Kurama?"
"Hmm?" the fox sounded far too smug. "Something on your mind?"
Naruto bit back an anxious gulp. "I think I have a thing for older women.
"Oho? Did she awaken something in you?"
"Aw, shaddap! She's married."
"To a king who's proven himself both craven and a coward. He wants us gone, and I'm convinced he'll try to make trouble for us down the line." His partner had that tone again, he knew at once what he was plotting, spiteful old kitsune that he was. "Marriages can be annulled; they often are, were royalty is concerned...
Naruto winced at that. "Kurama, no."
"Kurama, yes! He tries to take our life? We take his wife!"
"Oi!" he sputtered right back, cheeks darkening. "I'm no homewrecker."
"Doesn't look that way to me...not if she's letting you watch her get dressed."
"..."
"What does it matter?" leave it to the demon fox to be the literal devil on his shoulder. "The king hates you, the nobles of the court dislike you for making a fool of Rabier. If they've already made up their minds to hate you...to hell with them and what they think."
"Thank you for coming." Mirelia's voice wove itself into his thoughts, startling him out of his reverie. "Did you enjoy your breakfast?"
Fully dressed at last, she pivoted to face him, armor clinking softly with movement.
A rapid brink brought him back to reality. "Hmm? Yeah, it was fine."
"Truly?" her right shoulder slumped a little. "I didn't know what you might like, so I'd asked the cooks to make a bit of everything."
Naruto felt his visage convulse in a full facial twitched. No wonder they'd been giving him the evil eye this morning! They'd thought him a glutton! That was a rumor he didn't want getting around!
The queen must've seen his chagrin; because she stepped to him.
"There is no need to hold your tongue." Her fan flitted out, sheltering a small smile within. "We are alone here and I am not so indolent as you might think."
...are you trying to show off for me?"
"My, my." that bloody accessory surely hid the small smirk she wore. "I'm pleased you think so, but no, I simply wish to make you comfortable and show you what our kingdom has to ffer"
A blond brow rose. "By getting dressed right in front of me?"
"I am a queen." she lifted her chin, daring him to object. "I have nothing to hide."
She wasn't going to come out and say it, then. Troublesome woman. "Alright, I'll bite. What's with the armor."
"I'm so very glad you asked!" She took his arm in hers and steered him toward the door. "Come, we can talk while we walk."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest, saw the look in her eye, and thought better of it. They moved together but tactfully, him well beside her, neither in front of nor behind her. Nor did she press her bosom against his as some slattern might. She proved herself the very picture of decorum...it was something of a relief, actually. He'd thought she might throw herself at him or worse, but no, she seemed content to dance about him awhile yet for reasons he didn't understand.
"How are you finding your stay in our fair kingdom thus far?"
"Well enough, I guess." his anger burned through his smile, and her felt her arm tighten around his. "I met the King. Guess you could say he hunted me down."
"Ah." Mirelia made a noise caught somewhere between a sigh and a snarl. "Yes, I thought he might have something to say. Unfortunate. I had hoped to better prepare you for him, but it would appear he's made the first move, clumsy though it may be. Well?" her eyes held his again, demanding answers. "What did he say? The truth, if you please."
"Well," Naruto scratched the back of his head. "He doesn't much like me...
Her pale face became stormy indeed. "Elaborate."
Naruto told her in no uncertain terms.
...I see. You remind him of the Shield Hero, no doubt." the weight of her regard was cool, but not cold; it came with the gentle promise of frost before the morning thaw. "Pay him no mind. I will speak with him. He shan't trouble you again."
Something told him it wouldn't be that easy. "And if he does?"
"Then you may deal with him as you see fit." she steered him past a pair of balking servants. "Regardless, I will be accompanying you today."
Naruto caught himself nodding, then balked. "Yeah sure, great-what?!"
He'd forgotten all about that!
"Where did you think I was taking you, on a morning stroll?"
Mirelia released his arm as they reached a set of wrought iron doors and flung them open herself; belatedly, he realized he'd let her escort him right to the castle entrance. Not a single guard in sight. He wasn't sure if he should be amused or alarmed. She'd planned this and kept him distracted until she was ready to spring her trap. Clever woman.
He'd do well to be wary of her; there was no telling what she might do.
"I am not the sort to stand idly by while my nation is in peril." she turned to face him fully, sunlight silhouetted against her back, framing a subtle smile. "If nothing else, today will help you gain a better understanding of your newfound abilities."
Well, he was curious about this Skill thing...
She offered him her arm anew. "Shall we then, my hero?"
Aha! A triumphant little voice crowed in the back of his brain. She said it again! I knew we weren't imagining things!
(.0.0.0.)
It wasn't long before they reached their destination.
Any other time, Naruto would've been more than happy to stop and see the sights, even further acclimate himself with this world, but he simply didn't have the time. With the Wave only five days away, every second was precious. Perhaps that was why Mirelia drove him onward. Together they made their excuses, waved when folk called out to them, ignored the catcalls, and otherwise hastened on their way.
There would be days to sightsee and get armor later. For now? Time to grind.
In the end, Mirelia brought him to a grassy knoll not far from the gate, just off the main thoroughfare. The sight didn't quite take one's breath away, but it was a peaceful vista nonetheless. Rolling green hills trailed out as far as the eye could see, tapering off into flowing plains lined by fields of wheat and corn.
Naruto inhaled deeply, eyes drifting shut for the merest of moments.
He'd known he was far from home, but seeing it firsthand...
'This really ain't our world, huh...?'
"There are weak monsters here, known as Orange Balloons." Mirelia flung out a hand, indicating a swarm of of bouncing orange spheres even now bounding their way. "They'll make for fine fodder. Please, attack them at your leisure. They should break in a single hit. Even my youngest daughter, Melty, would have no trouble with such."
Naruto couldn't help but perk up a bit at that. "You have kids?"
He'd recalled her mentioning such, but it had slipped his mind until this moment.
Kurama muttered something under his breath, a phrase he didn't quite catch. The hell was a MILF?
"Two." the queen did not preen as he'd expected her to, but rather, appeared chagrined. "Melty takes after me, but Malty...
Then the monsters were upon them, stealing her words away.
...allow me."
Mirelia stepped past him, tilted her head back, and swept out a hand. A current of frost danced at her fingers, just as it had yesterday. This time, she didn't cease her spell. Frost flashed beneath her feet, breath emerging as a rising cloud of purest steam.
"As the source of thy power, the Queen orders thee." her voice intoned in a low contralto, stern and uncompromising, regal even in its declaration. "Decipher the laws of creation, surround my targets in a cage of ice and capture them!"
With her words, the temperature plummeted.
"All Dritte Fall: Icicle Prison!"
At her command torrent of hoarfrost sprung up to ensnare the encroaching monsters, freezing the bulk of them solid in a towering spire of ice. Naruto flung up an arm, wincing only a little as frost shot up his sleeve. He, at least, was able to endure. Not so the monsters. Defeat was instant. A few stragglers remained, made sluggish by the cold and the imprisonment of their kin.
"There you have it." Mirelia preened.
"Awww." Naruto padded over to one of the survivors, humming a little. "They look so harmless now...
One bounced right into his palm when he held out his hand. Little more than an orb the size of his head, it had no arms or legs to speak of, only glaring eyes and a toothy maw made for biting. Alright, maybe that last bit was a little worrying, but still. It wasn't as though they could hurt him, right? Hell, it seemed downright placid as he stroked its smooth skull, almost purring even-no, wait, it was!
"Not bad."
"Seriously?!" he grumbled. "Next thing I know, you'll be telling me I can actually tame beasts...
Silence followed.
...can I?"
"Confirmed." As though waiting for that very moment, the same voice he'd heard before returned. "Unique Skill: Tamer, has been gained."
That voice again!
"Kurama? Do you hear...?"
"Hear what? I don't hear anything.
Was he losing his mind? Why was he the only one who could hear that voice...?
"Still seems a shame to hurt 'em." he muttered.
"Strange," Mirelia murmured in kind. "Ordinarily, they're quite aggressive."
"Are they?" The Orange Balloon purred as he patted its head. "Looks harmless to me."
The Queen made an exasperated noise behind him. "Naruto, I wouldn't underestimate them."
"Hey!" he looked over his shoulder with a grin, inadvertently taking his eyes off his new pet. "You finally said my name!"
Mistakes were made.
He didn't see the gleam that flashed through the monster's eye, but he did sense the spike of wild intent. Almost felt like jealousy, that, though he didn't know why. It was right in his hand. There was no time to dodge.
CHOMP.
Darkness fell over his vision. A beat of painful silence passed through the plains, accompanied by a dry breeze. Neither shinobi nor queen spoke.
At length, one of them finally sighed.
"Its biting my head, ain't it. Can't see a damn thing."
Mirelia snorted. Naruto heard her, even with half his face obscured. It was a sharp, unladylike sound, and it instantly endeared her to him even more. By the time he reached up and pried the naughty little monster free from his face, he saw her laughing outright; a great heaving guffaw that had her doubling over and clutching at her sides. It trailed off into a choked giggle once she realized he was staring.
"Pardon me." she didn't have her fan with her, but she still concealed her smile behind a palm. "I didn't mean to laugh at you. I simply couldn't help myself. Are you unhurt?"
"M'fine." he tucked the snarling Balloon under his arm, heedless of its attempts to escape and bite the queen. "Hey, I don't mind. Makes you see more approachable, ya know?"
"Oho~?" when her eyes flashed, Naruto knew he'd made another mistake; albeit one that might have altogether more pleasant consequences if he pursued it. "Do I seem so distant to you?"
"Not...distant," he hazarded a shrug, "Just more human to me, now."
Kurama whistled. "Now you've done it. Want me to put some flowers on your grave?"
"Then what did you think of me before?" Mirelia cooed, voice gone silken with menace. "By all means. Enlighten me."
Now in all fairness, Naruto knew very little about the female psyche, but he knew a loaded question when he heard one. He wasn't treading on that landmine.
...I don't think its in my best interests to answer that."
"My, my, how wise of you." Another giggle lilted through the air, much more pleasant than the last. "See? You can use your brain when you wish to."
...am I being tested?"
"In a sense." Mirelia didn't lick her lips, but the way she looked at him made him feel like a juicy stake. "You pass, by the way."
"Damn she's thirsty."
"What, for water?"
"A tall glass of hero, apparently."
His new ally bit at his side, earning a growl.
"Stop biting me, oi!"
Much to his disbelief, the Orange Balloon did just that; it complied wholeheartedly. What was once an irritating gnawing ceased entirely, even if the little bugger didn't let go of his hand. Wait. Why was it looking thim like that?
"Ohhh." Kurama drawled in understanding. "So that's this skill does...
A tiny notification flickered in the right corner of his vision. Looking at it caused it to expand. On cure, the tinny voice returned.
"Female Balloon (Level 1) successfully tamed. Status: Pet. Two slots remain."
"So you're able to tame beasts to some effect, then?" Mirelia touched one hand to her cheek, a faint smile plucking at her full lips. "As expected of the Beast Hero."
Naruto wrinkled his nose. Expected, not so much. Useful? Very...even if the little orange ball continued to gum on his arm.
"Aw, stoppit! You're gettin' my sleeve all wet!"
The queen laughed anew. "It likes you~!"
"She." he couldn't stop himself in time.
A blink. "She?"
"Yup." Naruto offered a selfsame smile and shrug to hide his mounting embarrassment. "...well, that's what it says on the screen, so...guess I should name her?"
Golden eyes glared up at him.
...how's Orange sound?"
It bit him again.
"Ow!" he recoiled with a yelp. "Okay, okay! Just give me a second! Another word for orange...hrngh...how about Amber?"
The biting abated, and the creature -pet?- made a pleased noise before tucking itself into his side. As he looked on aghast the screen changed yet again, the words Female Balloon replaced with the title he'd just given his unlikely ally.
'Huh. Maybe this skill and status stuff ain't so bad after all...
"Curious," Mirelia granted him a nod and paced past him, "This is an intriguing development, but you will need to form a proper party eventually." she looked back, a hint of regret touching her lovely face. "As much as I might like to, I cannot accompany you every day."
His spirits wilted.
Great, more people. More responsibility. Yaaaay.
Naruto whined, grimacing at the implications. "Do I have to?"
"Yes!" she whirled to face him, eyes blazing."It would not do for me to monopolize your time."
"I'm fine with that!" He raised a hand. "By all means, monopolize away!"
"Careful," she glanced at him through half-lidded eyes, "If you keep talking to me like that, I just might-
"Your majesty! There you are!"
A sharp cry had them turning, in time to see a phalanx of armed and armored riders approaching. They'd sallied forth from the gate in a cloud of dust. Well, he'd known their little excursion wouldn't last forever. Any half decent guard was bound to notice Mirelia's absence sooner rather than later."
"Boo." he heard her hiss under her breath. "Just when it was getting good. I suppose I shall call it here for a day...
...or we could give them the slip."
Her gaze fastened to his. "Would that be wise?"
"Probably not, but we've just gotten started. I don't want to stop here."
"Be that as it may," She dithered but a little. "I highly doubt you can outrun mounted cavalry."
Horses? Bah! He could run circles around them, but he didn't want to hurt the poor beasts more than he had to.
An impish grin touched his lips. "Well, I can, but I can also think of a way to spook them. Just stand right there for a second...
"Wait, what do you meeeeaaaaan?!"
Her words piqued into a startled shriek as Kurama's full, towering form manifested around them in all its golden-black glory. The approaching guards cried out and fell over themselves. Mounts reared. Riders crashed out of their saddles, scrambling back, all trying to get away from the sudden demon looming large over their fair city. Even more so when said beast crouched down and let two humans climb onto his back.
"Here, this is faster." Naruto held out a hand. "Hop on!"
The Queen blinked up at him, mouth agape, eyes wide. Finally, she recovered and clamored up after him.
Her arms settled around his waist and held tight, body nestled against his. Heat shot up the back of Naruto's neck again but he hadn't the time for it; because then Kurama was moving, bounding forward, racing across the plains at breakneck speed. He smiled despite himself. Of course he wouldn't be content to wait. He never had been before.
"I...you...how?!" Mirelia's gaze practically sparkled, voice rising to be heard over the wind. "How did you summon such a thing?!"
"Lady," came the sigh, "you ain't seen nothing yet."
She took one arm fro his waist to run a hand over Kurama's coat, stroking a giant ear. "So warm...fluffy, too...
"Great. You flipped her switch...
Naruto wouldn't notice until later that night.
He'd gained two levels by "taming" a single monster.
A/N: Monster girl harem, anyone?
The plot thickens! Among other things...
I believe it was stated somewhere that Queen has no shame. She's just good at hiding it.
Furthermore, if it helps, think of the voice as the "Great Sage" from That Time I Reincarnated as a Slime. Spares me the excess menus and the like, though I just might stamp those at the end of the author's notes from now on. This was more of a buildup chapter than I would've liked, but still, it had to be long, if only because there was so much to include.
We'll be meeting a certain Demi-human village and seeing more madness next chapter. Hope you enjoyed~!
As ever, the Embers rule remains: If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I'll not continue it. 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)
Kurama wouldn't stop grumbling.
"According to this, our stats are off the charts, but...why?! Why am I at level one?! I should be at least a hundred times that!"
Naruto slapped his forehead, then ducked a clawed paw. "That's what's bothering you?! Help me out here! I'm getting swarmed!"
"Eh, the monsters like you. They probably won't kill ya. Reputation might take a hit, though...
"The King has been poisoned?"
"Don't look at me?" Naruto held up his hands. "I didn't do anything!"
The next day saw them ranging further from the castle than ever before, though not with some...unfortunate side effects.
"Bleurgh!"
"Hmm." Mirelia leaned back with a grimace. "I didn't think you were the sort to get carriage-sick.
"Neither did I! I've run way faster than this, so whyyyy?!"
Lurolona village was a little seaside hamlet near the cliffs, filled with demi-humans.
"This place has no defenses. If the wave hites here, they'll be wiped out. I won't allow it.
"You're just one man. You can't be everyone at once."
His eyes sparked. "About that...
"I'm not happy."
"You're tail's wagging."
She squeaked and hid it behind herself. Adorable.
"Hmph?" he considered the little orange balloon he'd tamed. "So you can level up, too? Wonder if there's a limit. You gonna stay this way forever? Think you'll evolve?"
Amber bit his finger and gnawed happily.
...is that a yes?"
Malty flung up her hands. "No, no, no! I didn't say anything! I'm a good girl!"
"You'd better be." he warned. "Bad girls get spankings."
Her face drained of color. "You wouldn't!
A blond brow rose.
Never challenge a prank master.
He wouldn't let that filthy hero get away with humiliating him like that. Vengeance would be his!
"Help me with this too, won't you?" Mirelia lifted her arms. "I'm afraid I can't get out of my armor."
Naruto's throat ran dry. "You're having me on, aren't you?"
She looked at him over her shoulder
Long lashes blinked.
"Am I...?"
R&R~!