A/N: EDIT: There's a reference/tribute to DBZ in this chapter. Also to TFS as well, seeing as I'm a massive fan of both. Thought I made it obvious, but here's a second disclaimer just in case. Ahem! Tributes to certain shows/movies are just that; tributes, nothing more, nothing less. Just me paying homage. I've said that countless times before, still some people fail to notice that.
Sorry if I seem cross, long chapters really take a lot outta me...
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; 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.
No questions this time. Only story...and all the surprises therein.
Hope you're ready; because this chapter's got a bit of everything in it!
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. Recall where we left off-Naruto's about to have a duel, much to Mirelia's delight and Eclair's dismay...
Now, then. Lets get back to it.
"At the end of the day, you only have one life.
Its your choice what to make of it.
Will you run? Or will you fight?
Hmm? That's your answer?
...surprising.
~?
Tame the Beast
"Are you certain about this?"
Naruto stepped into the ring, scratched the back of his head, and regarded Eclair with a rueful sigh. Certain? No. He wasn't certain about much of anything these days. Honestly, the idea of a duel didn't much tickle his fancy to begin with; had they been alone he would have vetoed it outright. But they weren't alone now, were they? Everyone from Raphtalia's village had gathered to observe them. Men, women, children all. Some had gone so far as to set up chairs; others were taking bets, and still more were actually selling food to Eclair's soldiers. Enterprising little buggers, these demihumans.
And he was fine with that, really. He was!
What bothered him was the expectant look in Mirelia's eyes. Clearly she didn't just want him to win; she expected to seem do so with style.
Style.
Riiiiiight.
Totally his thing.
Using her magic the Queen drawn a wide-yet-shallow ring of ice around them in the dirt; giving both parties plenty of room to pace about at their leisure. Most of the village had gathered at least a few steps back from it, the better to avoid being caught in any crossfire coming from said ring. Naturally, leaving its confines would equate to a loss.
Good thing he didn't plan to lose.
"The duel shall be to first forfeit or ring-out." Her piercing eyes swept between them, and was it his imagination, or did Eclair stand just a little straighter under her gaze? "No loss of life or limb will be tolerated. Are these terms acceptable?"
"Ah!" Eclair flushed, having been caught staring. "I mean...they are, my lady."
Naruto shrugged. "Works for me."
"Are you ready?"
He rolled one shoulder in a shrug.
Eclair touched a hand to her scabbard and nodded.
Mirelia hummed. "Very well. Take your positions now. Three steps back...
"The things I let her do to me..."
Naruto blew out a sigh and craned his neck toward the sidelines. Even from this angle he could see little Raphtalia and Rifana on the sidelines, watching with oh-so-wide eyes. Like they thought the world of him, ya know? He still didn't understand that. He wasn't all that special. Really, he wasn't. Spectacular feats like his were pretty commonplace. He'd though he had imparted as much upon the little tykes. Now if only they'd stop cheering for him, damnit!
"Go, Naruto!"
"Fight, fight, fight!"
"Awww, you have fans!"
A few chuckles arose from the crowd. The back of his neck seared red and he palmed his face. Exhaled heavily now. "...fine."
Just this once, he'd Raphtalia and Rifana a show.
And speaking of shows, he'd seen one an old one aways back in his world; it gave him an idea...
"Time to hop off, Amber." he rolled his shoulder to make his intentions clear. "C'mon. This is my fight, not yours." When the little balloon monster favored him with a baleful glare, he almost laughed. "No, you can't bite her." she didn't budge, and he sighed. "I'll find you come of those carrots ya like after this, promise."
Her eyes sparkled.
"Thatta girl. Go play with Raphtalia and Rifana." She made a questioning noise and he understood the intent behind it. "Yeah, fine, you can be a little rough. Now shoo!"
Amber all but launched herself off his shoulder and bounded their way with a proud squeak. Judging by her toothy grin, there might be more than bit of biting. Bah. Wasn't like she could harm anyone in her current state. Surely the girls wouldn't have any trouble with her...
The Queen's hand swept down with a flourish and his attention snapped back. "Begin!"
"Very well." Eclair's sword slid free from its sheathe with a wordless hiss. "I will attempt to strike you, Beast Hero. Please defend yourself in a manner befitting a warrior such as yourself."
Kurama grinned in the back of his head. "Poor choice of words."
Rather than strike first, Naruto stood his ground and allowed Eclair circle him. He could have ended things right then and there. Instead he chose to wait, letting her range about the ring, looping about him in tighter and tighter circles. Closer now. Any second. Watching, waiting...any moment now...there!
The lady knight blurred in at him with a mighty cry, striking with both power and poise.
Her sword hurtled in at his head...and he didn't move.
Eclair saw his smile and continued through, bringing her blade down in a devastating arc...that stopped just shy of his forehead. A stray strand of blond hair fluttered to the ground in its wake. Any closer and she might've taken his nose. He tilted his head just, smiling a little as her weapon came to rest in the soil at their feet.
Her brow furrowed. "Are you mad?! Why didn't you try to avoid that?!"
"I knew you would stop." he beamed back. "You didn't have any killing intent behind it."
Huh. She really didn't look half bad when she blushed like that...
"Yes, well!" Eclair looked away with a sputter, her face gone a pretty shade of pink. "This time I'm not going to stop."
"Whatever you say." he let her retreat, waving his right hand to goad her on. "Do your worst."
He could practically hear her teeth grinding from hear. "Defend yourself this time!"
Naruto raised a fist and uncurled a single finger from it. His pointer finger rose, and after a moment, glowed gold with chakra. Eclair saw it, frowned, but offered no objection as it continued to spark and sizzle. He granted her a small smile in return. Was he showing off? Undoubtedly. Did it feel good? Almost certainly. His point made, he planted both feet, stretched his arm out, then crooked that lone digit at her in a come hither motion. An awed murmur went up from the crowd, but he paid them little mind.
Eclair edged forward, made wary by his smile. As she should be. "Surely you don't intend to stop me with one finger."
He nodded once, little more than a bob of his head. It set her right off.
She flicked her blade at with a snarl.
Blue eyes blazed gold.
CLANG!
He parried with his glowing finger. Stopped her cold. Sparks flew as she strained against him, eyes bulging in disbelief. From there he twisted his wrist; diverting the force of her strike downward. Her blade went wide and struck the dirt, carving a deep furrow therein. The sheer momentum of her own strike sent her stumbling past him him; he reached around and gave her a soft poke between the shoulders for good measure. She squeaked in surprise, pivoted, brought her blade to bear again.
"How...?!"
He took up his stance once more. "Was that enough?"
Her eyes snapped to his, half-lidded with anger. "Do you mock me, good sir?"
"Not at all" he didn't waver in his stance. "You said it yourself, this is a duel, not a fight to the death. Why would I take this seriously?"
"Yes!" Eclair struck at him in a devastating sweep; a strike he stopped again with a single rigid digit. "I am a knight, good sir! I will not have you make light of me!" Another furious blow, another riposte that left her on the backfoot. "Stop that!" She cried! "Stop defending and attack me!"
"I can, but its no fun if I try."
Laughter swung up fro the crowd.
Eclair made angry Eclair noises. Naruto let her stomp and seethe, giving her more than time to cool her head before she came at him again. Some said the stick was plenty good-he found the carrot better. And besides, he was kinda curious. Was everyone in this world skilled like Mirelia? Or was she the exception to the rule? The outlier? He wanted to know.
Damnitall, he needed to know.
"Tell you what," he thrust his finger at the angry knight, bringing her up short. "If you manage to make me use anything other than this, I'll make it worth your while."
Her eyes narrowed. "And what, pray tell, might this "it" of yours be?"
There. Hook baited. Now to see if she took the bait and pulled out any hidden tricks she might have.
"Well, you'll never if you keep standing there." He whistled and beckoned anew. "C'mon, the sun's going down~!"
Eclair exhaled softly and closed her eyes. They snapped open again a moment later, blue eyes burning with inner light. His own widened in momentary surprise. Well, well! Color him interested. Then she was upon him; her body a graceful whirl of steel, a dance of blades seemingly assaulting him from all sides, a flowering flurry of flourishes that rent the very air between them. She was fast alright, almost frightfully so, even with all of that armor. Anyone else would've been sorely pressed to defend themselves.
Naruto stopped them all.
Time and time again his finger interjected, thrusting itself between him and certain death. Fast. Faster. Fastest. Children cooed in awe as she whaled on him, and he in turn, deflected each of her attacks. Adults applauded the display, doubtlessly thinking it part and parcel of the show...even when stepped in, curled one finger inward, and flicked her forehead.
Eclair recoiled, shook her head and glowered at him.
Naruto stuck out his tongue. "Nyeh~!"
She rushed back in.
'Hmm.' he closed his eyes as that lone digit interposed itself between her blade once more. 'She's not bad, for a rookie.'
"Meh." Kurama scoffed. "In terms of physical strength, I'd rate her a mid-genin at best. And that's being generous."
'So cruel!'
"Why cant I hit you?!"
Oh dear, someone sounded angry. Had his eyes been closed that long?
Naruto opened them and found Eclair slumped over her sword before him, stamina spent, weapon driven point first into the ground. Wasted and gasping for air, she glared bloody blue daggers at him. Sweat beaded the length of her brow and...several other places. Oh, dear. He could see right through her soaked jacket. Probably best not to mention that. Instead, he settled for a compromise.
"Because you're green."
Eclair flinched as if he'd struck her across the face. "W-What?"
"An amateur." he meant the words to be frank, but judging by the way she'd winced he'd struck a nerve and she'd taken insult. "Its your not your fault, not really. I've been in more battles than you've seen sunsets. Heck, at your age I'd already fought elite ninja, several demons, and saved the world ten times over." a wry grin touched the corner of his mouth as he remembered something else. "Also made a goddess blush."
Mirelia snorted behind them. "Indeed, that sounds like something you would do."
Eclair's brow furrowed. "You made that last one up!"
"My sweet summer child, you have no idea...
"Nope." Naruto smacked his lips, producing an audible pop. "What I'm saying here is, really, its just a matter of experience. I have more than you now, but you'll catch up someday. Sure it'll be tough, and you might have to fight dirty along the way, but so long as ya stick with it, you'll do just fine."
Eclair pursed her lips. Huh. She really was adorable when she pouted. "A knight should fight with honor."
"Honor gets you killed sweetheart." Kurama spoke and he let him, eager to knock some sense into what just might be a promising fighter. "Take it from someone who knows."
...is that so?" she tore her blade free from the dirt and straightened with a pained grimace, wiping a hand against her dripping brow once more. "In that case, I'll take those words to...heart!"
Naruto knew what was coming next. Quick study, this one. Sure enough, she flicked her hand at him, whipping bead of sweat his way. Her glove followed, flung free to smack him in the face. He closed his eyes against it even as he feigned surprise. An admirable trick, but Kakashi had been trickier still. Blinding your opponent was Shinobi 101, after all.
"She's willing to play dirty! I like her!"
The moment he closed his eyes, Eclair cut out at his legs. He sensed her intent; she wasn't going to cut him, but give him a stern smack on the thigh to assuage her wounded pride. He still could've blocked; if not with his hands, than a knee. In a moment of mercy he deigned to hop over it instead. Her bright eyes flashed hot with triumph as he shot upward; so much so that he couldn't help but laugh. It was such a tiny, insignificant thing to be proud of, yet Eclair looked like he'd given her the world on a silver platter.
"I have you now!"
Cold steel speared up at his face while he was still airborne. Sound tactic, really. It was next to impossible to dodge in the air. Unfortunately for her, he had no desire to. He turned his head a fraction of an inch to one side, let the blade come and caught it between his teeth. Gravity did the rest for him. He crashed down into Eclair, all but smashing her into the ground. She went down with a most unladylike squeak. The crowd went wild.
All but sitting on her stomach now, and with both hands planted firmly on her shoulders, he grinned down at her. She blinked back up at him, terribly startled.
"Aw ya dawn?" he slurred through a mouthful of steel. "Cuz thiz tastz aful."
Her face drained of all color...then brightened. "Not yet! I can still-
A twist of his neck tore the saber from her grasp and sent it flying out the ring. When she struggled to rise, he took one hand from her shoulder and jammed a rigid finger under her chin, forcing her to look him dead in the eye. The tiniest gasp escaped her as he dug his fingernail into her windpipe. Just for a moment, but long enough to make his intent clear. Eclair froze beneath him. The world went silent, but for her own heavy breathing.
At last, she averted her eyes. "I...yield, my lord."
Everyone went wild. Raphtalia and Rifana applauded loudest of all.
"Requirements met." And once more, that insufferable Voice came back, chiming merrily in his mind. "Knight, Eclair. Tamed."
Naruto's jaw clicked open.
Kurama howled with laughter.
Naruto didn't. 'Oh, c'mon! I know I beat her handily, but this is ridiculous! Since when can I tame people?! She ain't even a monster!"
"From a certain point of view, humans were once beasts."
He scowled, blinked the message away, and climbed off the poor knight.
If he could tame people by besting them in a duel...no, no, he didn't want to think of that.
Eclair didn't seem any different than before. If anything she looked rather cross at her dismal showing. As he looked on she thumped a fist against the ground. One, twice, thrice now as she glared at the slowly sinking sun burning across the sky. At length she sat up with a huff. He watched her for a long moment, considering her as one might a skittish foal. Wasn't she going to say anything? At length she stood...only to immediately drop to a knee before him. Her head bowed and her fist struck the ground one last time. Wait. Was she? No. She couldn't be.
She could and she did.
"I beg of you, take me into your party."
Naruto's brow shot into his hair. "Come again?"
Eclair raised her gaze and gave him an arch look. "Is there a problem? Do you find me lacking?"
"No, no," he waved a hand. "You're plenty strong, but I mean, you're a knight. Why throw that away to go adventuring?"
"Your strength is...extraordinary." a hint of pink dusted her pale cheeks. "I want that-no, I need that. Please, teach me your ways. I wish to improve."
Naruto felt his face begin to burn. He couldn't recall the last time someone had asked to learn...well, anything from him, in quite awhile.
Behind them, Mirelia touched a hand to her cheek and hummed softly. "Very well. I'll allow it. You've done well, Eclair.
"I have?" Eclair sputtered incoherently. "I-I mean yes, of course. I live to serve, my lady."
Perhaps, had Naruto seen the sly smile Mirelia now wore, he might've been concerned.
Alas, he didn't and so he reached a hand down for Eclair. She met him halfway, clasping her palm against his. He felt something pass between their linked fingers then, a spark of some sort. Whatever it was, she must've felt it too; because she jolted with a little yelp. She smothered it against a fist and beamed up at him beatifically, still on bent knee.
"You'll not regret this, my lord."
The blasted Voice needled him again. "Knight Eclair has joined your party."
"Welcome aboard."
(.0.0.0.)
Mirelia's tent wasn't hard to find.
Framed in the light of the setting sun, it stood tall against the coming night; a bulwark before a fiery swathe of light cutting across the horizon, a burning blade in the dying dark. Almost gave him hope, it did. Her knights had set up something of a perimeter of sorts; both to keep well-wishers at bay as much as any who might wish her harm. Unlikely, given all they'd done for Lurolona, but he supposed it was better to be safe than sorry, lest someone try to strike at her.
As if anyone could. Mirelia was quick with her spells and powerful to boot.
"A fitting match."
"..."
Emboldened by those words, he threaded his way through.
The guards saw him at once and let him pass with knowing smiles. One even clapped him on the shoulder and wished him well. Blast it. Did everyone know about this? Was she even trying to keep it a secret? Grumbling to himself, he parted the flap to her tent.
She was waiting for him.
Limned in the candleight she lay upon her cot, basking in the silence as she read from a book.
His eyes narrowed. Strange. That bed looked oddly lumpy. Probably nothing to concern himself with...
He drank her in. For once she'd shed her crown, leaving her hair to tumble free down her back. Of her armor there was no sign; she'd cast it aside in favor of a black gossamer silk gown as thin as it was fleeting. It clung to her figure yet kept it concealed all the same, hinting at the curves beneath without giving anything away.
He saw her. She saw him. Naruto's throat went dry and he froze, feet all but rooting themselves to the floor.
Here lay a foe far more dangerous that anything he'd ever faced. Give him Madara or Kaguya anyday. At least he could face those two, fight them head on without fear in his heart. But this? It wasn't a matter of mettle or battle, but a test of his very will. He wasn't even afraid of Mirelia; on the contrary, he'd rather begun to enjoy her presence. She'd teased out a side of him he hadn't even known existed. Her staid confidence in the face of any conflict and bemused smile were something he'd grown used to...if not the constant temptation she represented.
Simply put, Naruto didn't now how to respond to that.
"There you are." She smiled at him, fire casting dancing shadows across her face. "Won't you come in?"
His mind ran a gamut of emotions, his thoughts, a riot.
Amber had no such conflict. She hopped off his shoulder, bounded over to the nearest corner and made tidy little nest for herself amongst the baggage there. In a matter of moments she'd fallen fast asleep. Naruto almost envied her simplicity. Pah! Would that it were so simple for him!
Mirelia must've sensed some semblance of hesitation; because that soft smile became a wicked smirk.
"Dear hero of mine," one hand rose, idly tugging at the leftmost strap of her gown. Her bosom shifted against it, drawing his eyes. "I'm hardly going to stab you."
"Ain't the stabbin' I'm worried about."
Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second. One hand flew to her mouth to stifle a smile. "Well, you certainly don't mince words."
"No, he looked away with a grumble, "I just put my foot in my mouth. Repeatedly."
Mirelia tried -and failed!- to stifle a snort. It burst out of her all at once, a short sharp bark of amusement that had no business with a lady's mouth, a noise for his ears and his ears alone.
'Right. I almost forgot.'
It wasn't the queen he'd fallen in love with. Not the woman who put on airs in public and payed the part of distant dignitary for all the lords and ladies of court. No. He'd fallen for Mirelia. That wild wolf of a woman who all but begged for his help, who let her hair down in his presence, who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to chase it. Take it. Pin it down and...
He shook his head, dispelling pleasant thoughts.
Maybe Kurama was right. Screw the king. What did he owe that bastard?
Might be love, might be lust, but here in this instant, he just couldn't bring himself to care anymore.
That thought finally freed his legs; he stalked to her side. Didn't miss the way her eyes followed him either, gauging his every step. He sat beside her. She laid her head against his shoulder and more of her body besides. This close there could be no escaping the scent of her; it quickened his pulse and burned in his blood. Damnit, she was so soft...
"I thought you might flee." her words were a whisper in the low light. "I wouldn't have blamed you." her hand found his, fingers threading through his own. Strange how such a simple gesture could be so intimate. "I know I've been terribly forward."
Understatement of the century, there. "Heroes don't run, ya know."
"Hmm." she nuzzled his shoulder for a moment, comported herself, then looked up at him through long lashes. "I won't force you to do anything you want." As if she could! "I simply wish to be with you tonight." her lips pecked his neck, planting a line of fire across his throat. He found himself inhaling sharply despite himself. "That girl, Eclair. What did you think of her?"
An odd question out of the blue...
"She's alright." he rolled one shoulder and looped a lazy arm around her waist . "Might be able to train her up a bit now that I've apparently gone and tamed her...
Mirelia blinked. "Tamed?"
He palmed his face and cursed himself for the slip. "Its a Skill thing. Happened without my say so...
"Fascinating. I agree." Mirelia's smile widened for reasons he couldn't understand. "You should take her under your wing." she kissed his neck again, drawing a gasp from him. "Eclair is a very capable girl. Loyal, dutiful, never one to stray...you couldn't ask for a more loyal follower."
"Wait, wait, you don't have a problem with me taming people?! Ain't that something to worry about?!
She took him by the chin. "Was it something you intended to do?"
He scowled at her in return. "No?"
"Are you going to abuse it?"
"Of course not!"
"There you have it." She let his face go with a pleased hum. "Its merely another tool in your arsenal. In fact, I think it works out quite nicely...
Naruto felt his brow furrow further at that. What was she getting at, here?
Kurama made an amused noise. "I have an inkling."
'Care to share?'
"Nope. Gonna let you suffer for a bit."
"Oi!"
"This world is yours for the taking. I must confess," Mirelia's fingers fisted in his jacket, playing with the buttons there. "I'm curious to see what you do with it."
"Wait."
She stilled. "Have I offended you in some way?"
"No, no, its not that." his hands closed around hers. "Its just...
"Just?" She blinked up at him, batting long lashes. Bloody succubus! Damn him fore beng sentimental.
"I want this to be special, ya know." he fumbled for the words, then found them. "I want it to mean something. I wanna give you flowers, take you out places, and-
"There will be time aplenty for that." she cut him off with a squeeze of her fingers. "But tonight, this means everything to me. Here, let me help you relax...
She sat down in his lap, legs resting fully on either side of him. Reflexively he moved to hold her by the hips; something that only served to excite the Queen further judging by the pleased cry she made. Her rear ground against him and his world went white. He kept control, but only just...
...until Mirellia whirled and pushed him down.
Dark hair spilled across his face, blinding him to the world at large. Vibrant violet eyes met his. Their noses brushed. A coy smile tugged at her lips as she leaned in and claimed his lips for herself. When she kissed him, he returned the favor. Her lips were fire on his, burning in his blood as her hands roamed across his chest. She tugged and teased his jacket off, even as he reciprocated, delighting in the feel of her...but he wasn't content letting her ride him.
So he shoved her.
Mirelia fell back with a scream-turned-laugh as she landed on the cushions of her bed. He followed, pinning her down. His fingers found the straps of her gown and slipped the white shift off her shoulders, exposing her full bosom to his wanting. Her eyes flashed and quite suddenly he found her atop him again. In the same instant she grinned reached down, no, past him now...
"I have a surprise for you, beloved." Mirelia whispered, lips brushing the outer lobe of his ear. "I do hope you like it. I had to be very...persuasive.."
Naruto didn't have a chance to ask what; because Mirelia reached past him, grabbed a fistful of heavy sheets and yanked. The blankets flew up with a flourish, landing on the other side of the bed. Someone squeaked out in surprise, a soft nose he'd heard once before. Naruto blinked. Wide blue eyes blinked back at him, only inches from his own, growing wider with each passing moment.
Well. He had thought the bed was oddly lumpy on one side. He hadn't been wrong.
Now his mind fizzled, struggling for thoughts that wouldn't come.
White lace, his brain supplied helpfully. Not helpful! At all!
"Eclair...?!"
She creaked an eye open, wearing a sheepish smile. "Hello, my lord...
"Come, now." Mirelia gave her a nudge before she could falter. "Don't blush. You asked for this, dear girl. And I am a most magnanimous queen. Are you not grateful?"
Eclair buried her head in her hands with an embarrassed whimper. Naruto tried to speak. Tried to say something; console her, apologize for Mirelia's behaviro. He really, truly did. Unfortunately his mind was...preoccupied at the moment All that emerged was a string of gibberish. Kurama's laughter didn't help and gods, Eclair looked so damn red right now.
"Now then," Mirelia nestled against his back. "Where we we? Ah, yes. I remember...
Much to Naruto's dismay, a faintly trembling Eclar took his front.
As one, the unlikely duo pulled him into their arms.
The night descended into carnal pleasure.
A/N: Did I just...? Yes, yes I did.
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)
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!"
Rishia Ivyred was not a brave girl.
But the man before her undoubtedly was.
"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."
"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."
"An egg...?"
Amber tilted her head, eyes aglow. "Looks tasty...
"No." he flicked her forehead with one finger. "Don't even think about it."
"Awwww...
Keel scowled at him. "Oi! I'm a boy!"
Naruto sniffed. "Nope, you're a girl. The nose knows. Anyway, was there something you wanted...?"
That...was a big crowd.
Kurama gave him a jab. "Say something!"
'I ain't good with speeches! Not with this many people!
...fine. Switch with me real quick. I'll handle this one.."
"What? Why?"
""I've been around for centuries! I know a thing or two when it comes to speeches.
"Eeeeeh, I don't know.
"Just switch!"
"Fine, fine..
His eyes flashed red, drawing a few curious sounds from those closes to him. He didn't miss the way Eclair gasped at his flank, nor the pleased noise Amber made on his shoulder.
"People of Melromac! Hear me!"
Bravery isn't having no fear; bravery IS having fear. But you do it anyway.
That's what a hero does! No matter the odds. No matter the danger.
Stand your ground! Hold the line! FIGHT!
"The time has come."
Startled from peaceful dreams. Naruto jerked upright,
He looked up. Saw the sky, the ghastly swirls of light dancing within.
"Please tell me that's some kind of weird storm...
...no." for the first time since he'd met her, Mirelia sounded genuinely afraid. "That...those are the signs of the wave! Why now?! I though we had more time!
"Don't worry, I've got this." He moved with sinuous grace, raising a hand.
"It isn't that simple!" she grabbed at his sleeve, drawing him back. "You'll need to defeat the strongest monsters that spawns and-
An earth-rattling roar pierced the dragons.
"Gods save us."
"Dragon!"
"Ha! Always wanted to wrestle one of those!"
"Fight?! Not kill?!"
"I mean hey, he's not harming anyone. C'mon, a dragon! That's so metal!"
"You have to die. For the sake of my world."
If the Waves are raging all across this world, then that's where I'll go. If other worlds are in danger? Then I'll save them too."
A fan flicked out under his chin. "Bold words. But can you back them up?"
"Y'know, for a woman named Glass, you're awfully sharp."
"Parry, parry, parry! Is that all you can do?!"
His fist shot out. She rocked backward.
And a voice chimed in his head.
"New Skill Unlocked."
"Rifana, right? That was very brave. But you need to stay put, alright?"
"Thank you for helping us..." The little girl blinked up at him, ears twitching atop her head. "Are you sure you're not the Shield Hero?"
"Nope. No shield here. Just my fists!"
"But that's silly." She wrinkled her nose at him. "Everyone knows you can't be a Hero without a weapon."
He blinked back. Then laughed. "Who decided that?! Of course you can! Just you wait. And I'm sure you'll meet the Shield Hero someday." a large hand came down, tousling her hand. "He'll be amazing, I'm sure. Run to your parents, now. They'll keep you safe."
...but what about you?"
"Well, a Hero's gotta do what Hero's gotta do...
She would remember that smile for the rest of her days.
"Wait! Take me with you!"
"Please, kill me."
He palmed a kunai knife from his sleeve, and brought it up under their chin. "Care to say that again?"
R&R~!