A/N: Slept through my alarm today, gonna be late for work. Sorry for any errors.
God of War and RWBY updates are right around the corner! Just gotta update this and "Strings".
Here we are, we've reached the end of Act I. There's a part of me that's tempted to end this story here. Things are good. Peaceful, even. Thoughts?
As ever, I'll say it plain, if this email opt-in business with the site doesn't get resolved soon, I'm probably going to retire.
It HURTS to say that, but with this new system, reviews and readers have dropped to an all time low, authors are leaving the site in droves.
If you're not already aware of it, ever since the 16th of November, you now have to turn ON your email alerts in account settings -AND MAKE SURE YOU CLICK SAVE SETTINGS!- else you won't be notified when anyone updates. No alerts, no email, no nothing. Apparently that's a thing we all have to do every ninety days or so, now. Alas, not many are aware of it...which is a problem. As things stand this new "fix" as it were, has cut everyone's viewership/reviewers in half because most folks don't know about it.
Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully they fix/fine tune it. If not...well. Might head over to A03 fully.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. Meaning, if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs at the time of writing this -holidays are right around the corner!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard!
Reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like. Feedback really is the wind beneath my wings, and I wanted to thank you, one and all. Really, none of this would be possible without you.
No questions this time, only story...and a timeskip~!
Alright! I've kept you waiting long enough! As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.
I'm just a humble author, someone making tributes to those far greater than me. May they make you smile!
Now, onto the madness, humor and drama that is this story.
So here we are. Act II or the beginning of the end.
Lets see if this story continues, eh?
"Even gods cannot deny fate.
"No? Lemme tell what happened to the last person who said I had a destiny...
~?
Rise and Shine (Interlude)
Mornings in Leyndell were something of a sedate affair these days.
Why wouldn't they be? The Lands Between were at peace; as they had been for the last five years. Many had been brought peacefully into the fold of the Golden Order and while they had their detractors, as any empire did, none had risen against them. Life was good. Life was simple. Relaxing, even.
But no one could sleep forever. Not even a former shinobi-turned-god.
Naruto creaked an eye open as the first rays of s
Marika lay nestled against him, clutching a pillow. At least he assumed it was a pillow. Probably not important. What was important was his current state of being; he was content and warm, the love of his life was spooned up against him beneath the sheets, and there was no reason to get up early today. No delegations to deal with, no treaties to make, no pacts to forge, nor enemies to fight.
For once, things were...quiet. Tucking his arms around her, he let himself drift off.
The door slammed open, striking the wall hard enough to crack it.
And with it came a singular cry. "Pa~pa~!"
His eyes snapped open an instant too late. In the nest a small body landed squarely on his stomach and blasted the breath from his lungs.
He heard Kurama wheeze somewhere inside him. "That damn braaaaat!"
Marika hummed where she lay, quietly smiling as she clutched her pillow. "Your daughter is awake."
Naruto hid a growl behind his hand and a scowl with it. "I noticed...
"Papa!" Tiny hands tugged a thim, and his treacherous heart skipped a beat. Even after all this time, that word was his one true blue weakness. "Are you alright?! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hit you like that, honest!"
And speaking of blue...
Little Reyna was a darling girl, the spitting image blend of her mother, Renna. Her skin a pale blue, her hair a cloud of curly azure threaded with azure, and her eyes just as bright, whiskered cheeks even now dimpling in genuine concern delight. She'd inherited her mother's four arms too; and she used those to cling on tight to him like a little spider monkey. A very upset little monkey, judging by the noises she was making...
"M'fine," he rasped and reached around to pat her head. "You just startled me...
Her eyes watered. "Then, you're alright...?"
A nod.
"In that case...
Mistakes were made.
...the sun's up! Up! Up! Up!" She bounced on his chest with every word, much to his agony and Marika's amusement. "Time to train! You promised!"
He groaned. Had he really forgotten about that? He already knew the answer." I said we would, but why so early?" Another thought occurred to him. "And where's your sister? Did you leave her alone again?"
"Nuh-uh." Reyna pointed. "She's right there.
As luck would have it the pillow in Marika's arms wasn't a pillow at all. Something squirmed in her grasp. No, not something someone. A familiar head of bright hair poked up between him and Marika, bleary eyes blinking up at them. In another life, another world, one of those eyes would have been sealed. Now...?
"Noisy...
Naruto found himself quirking a brow. "...Melina? When did you get in here?"
"Last night." Marika's youngest daughter yawned cutely. "Nightmare. Still noisy. Going back to sleep now."
Her peace said, she snuggled back down against her mother with a contented sigh and said no more. Sneaky girl. She'd taken to her shinobi training a little too well if she could sneak past him like this. In a matter of moment, she and Marika were fast asleep once more. Honestly, those two could sleep like the dead...
If young Reyna was the rowdy one, then Marika's daughter was quite, well, quiet for her age. She wasn't sullen or melancholy by any means, she simply didn't speak unless she felt the need...unlike her sister.
Thump!
"Ow!" he laughed as little fists beat at his chests. "What was that for?
"Don't ignore me, papa!"
Feisty girl. "Wouldn't dream of it.
The wry ghost of a smile graced his face. After the events of that night Renna and Marika could seldom stand to be in the same room as one another, but there could be no denying they'd made lovely children. Sure Reyna was a bit too energetic and Melina a touch too somber at times, but they were kids for crying out loud. If they weren't quirky then they were up to something.
Reyna gave him a shake. "Trai~ni~ing~!"
He laughed. "Alright, alright, little moon. Breakfast first."
(.0.0.0.)
They found Malenia in the yard.
Seeing these days her made him feel old. His little girl was growing up. Not quite a woman, not yet, but she was nearly there. She'd grown into that precious valkyrie helm of hers at long last and her blade with it; these days she looked downright regal in her armor. Her chosen mount only further served to exemplify that. There had been a time when she barely came up to the black destrier's knee. Now she was taller than it. Almost had him wanting to tease her, it did.
"Getting ready to set out, are we?"
"I am." She gave a tug at her mount's reigns. "Radahn expects me in Caelid by the end of the day. My shadow's already ridden ahead of me to prepare the way." keen eyes spied Reyna lingering at his knee and crinkled in thinly veiled mirth. "Dragged him out of bed early, did you? I had wondered why you were up this early...
Her younger sister beamed. "Yup~!"
"Radahn, hmm?" Naruto's thumbed his chin. "You two are awfully chummy these days. Anything I should know?"
Malenia made a point of tilting her helm down to hide her eyes from him.
He circled round her to get a better look. "That's doesn't sound like a no."
...I'm not a child anymore, father."
"You aren't." he took visceral pleasure in needling her. "I seem to recall you having a crush on him when you were younger."
That had her lifting her helmet to look at him. "Are you...giving me your blessing?"
"Eh, why not." he couldn't help but tease her. "S'not like you're related or anything."
His words broke right through her composure. Decorum shattered, she rounded on him with a wail. "Daddy, no!
"Daddy yes!" a wink went her way. "Marika's after me for grandchildren. Somebody's gotta do it."
She flung up her arms. "You have Melina and Reyna to look after!"
Naruto mirrored the motion. "Tell that to her!"
Reyna giggled at their feet.
For some reasons he couldn't quite fathom, Marika seemed hellbent on having a large family...be it extended or otherwise. Maybe it had something to do with her past. She wanted to surround herself with children, grandchildren and probably great grandchildren when it came to that. But just because he didn't understand didn't mean he wasn't averse to such a thing. More power to her, as far as he was concerned. The twins were nearly adults now and these were their lives to live.
Nor was Marika the only one eager for children.
Rumor had it Rennala and Radagon had a fourth on the way. Even the reclusive Godwyn was pursuing a consort these days.
A horn sounded from the gate. Malenia blew out a sigh. "...its time for me to be off, then.
He opened his arms. "Give your old man a hug?"
She didn't budge. Neither did he.
.
..
...nearly half a minute passed before she finally walked into his arms. He squeezed her tight. She put up a token effort but gave in with a sigh.
"And where's your brother." he made a show of peering over her shoulder, half expecting to find Miquella there. "Off training, again?
She squirmed in his arms. "I've not seen him since he returned from Nokron last night."
He let her go with a frown. "Wait, he actually went? I didn't hear about it...
Rather than answer, Malenia knelt and laid a hand on Reyna's head. "Take good care of Father while I'm away, won't you? We both know he likes to get into trouble."
Reyna chirruped happily. ...I will."
Oi!
His youngest grinned as Malenia swept herself up onto her steed. A crack of the reins and she was off, hurtling through the open gate to the golden plains beyond.
Naruto saw his opportunity and took it, rounding on Reyna. "Alright, you smug little imp. That does it. Training begins now!
His youngest daughter rocketed backward with a startled squeal and landed in a bale of hay. "What was that for?!"
"You weren't ready." he beckoned. "Care to try again."
Reyna righted herself and scowled at him.
Then she lunged.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
Hope you enjoyed it. Gotta get to work, now...
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others.
Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write. So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly? And have some previews~!
I'm deliberately being coy with them this time around.
Some are far off. Others are closer than you think.
Once again, SPOILERS AHOY!
Seriously, ye be warned~!
(Previews)
"D...did I pass the test?"
Melina shimmered back into existence behind him.
"Good girl."
she granted him a small, smug smile. She really did remind him of a younger Marika...
They'd hemmed her in. Bold...and stupid.
Malenia swept of her horse with a sigh. "Honestly. They never learn.
"Take the girl!"
...heed my words." she drew herself upright with a sigh. "I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat. I came here in good faith, but I will not allow you to pursue this madness of yours."
"Ignore her! Stupid brat's alone and without her guards. This is our chance! For our new Lord! For the-
Malenia leaped upward and the man's words died an ugly death. She hung there for a moment, blade in hand, defying gravity itself. Her attackers looked on aghast. More so when they realized there was suddenly more than one of her; two perfect copies rising from the smoke flanking them in a perfect triangle.
She granted them a thin smile, eyes flashing beneath her golden Valkyrie helm.
And then she was upon them.
Triple Waterfowl Dance.
"If she will not be the vessel of the Rot, then we shall find another. All shall ROT!"
"An army at our gates, you say? That is just...adorable."
"Marika, put the hammer down."
"No, I don't think I will...
"You can't touch me!"
"Alright." Naruto inhaled slowly. Deeply. Angrily. "Parry this, you filthy casual."
"A challenger at our gates? How quaint."
"He says he's a messenger...for someone called the Gloam-Eyed Queen."
Marika smiled. It was not a pleasant smile. "Finally got too big for her britches, did she? Perhaps I should send Maliketh after her...
"Godwyn's been acting strange...
"I'll have a word with him.
"Hammer down!"
"Aaaaand that is why you never piss off your mother."
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. Meaning, if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. If the story itself isn't popular? I'll likely discontinue it. I'm working two jobs -holidays are kicking my ass!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!