A/N: EDIT: Lets all get along, eh? No need for flames or Trolls T_T
Read this note, would you kindly?
Well, seems I'm really updating quickly this week! In less than a week at that!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story.
If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that.
Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Now for your questions, comments, and concerns.
Q: Update schedule, please!
A: Rise of the Beast Hero should be next, then a Rwby update, followed by Doctor of Demons, Bones -The Boys story- and others.
Q: What's the difference between this and "Shed no Grace on Me"?
A: Glad you asked!
In that particular tale, Naruto pretty much plonked down at the start of the game, a Ring on his finger, no idea who it belonged to, and the sinking suspicion he got hitched while he was out. There's a fair bit of mystery and madness going on in that tale. While Ranni did indeed make an appearance in that tale, it was less to give him the spirit bell and more along the lines of "Who the hell is this fool, and how can I keep him from influencing me?" She's very much wary of him in that tale, though he may well win her over sooner or later.
Here?
Naruto practically landed in her lap, caught her eye...and intrigued her.
Likewise, he's a bit baffled/worried by her, and never one to leave a sad soul alone, he does what he does best.
Naturally the focus here is more centralized on Ranni and her group, while fleshing things out in the Lands Betweeb. The Tarnished is running about doing his own thing with Melina, seeking to become Elden Lord. Which implies they may well come into conflict with Naruto and Ranni down the line. Because as well all know, she wants to usurp Marika, and oh, does she want it bad.
Melina wants to preserve the status quo, more or less. Ranni?
Ranni, as we know, seeks to remove the whole system, get the world away from the Greater Will and the Two fingers.
There was some mistranslation in that regard, but she's actually out to change the world, even if she has to tear down everything that came before.
Q: Did you know dragons can shapesift in this game?
Well, in one of the item description, Lansseax was a female ancient dragon who shapeshifted into a human priestess to maintain the Church of Dragons. Also, she adored a human Dragon Knight named Vyke.
A: Dragons can do that?!
Huh. Guess I killed off a potential Waifu when Naruto murked Adula. Ah, well...
Q: Harem please?
A: Why on earth would I do that in this story? It would mess up the dynamic.
Alright then, this old man has kept you long enough! I'll let you enjoy this sappy little story.
As ever, I own no quotes references, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one!
Now then, I'll not keep you. Get ready to smile~!
"When was the last time you smiled, Ranni?
Go on. Take your time. I'll wait.
Can you even remember?
No? Didn't think so.
Live a little."
~?
Fox and Hound
"So you're the fellow that fell out the sky?"
Naruto creaked a bleary blue eye open where he lay. "Guess that depends."
"On?"
Much to his amusement, a wolf's muzzle stared down at him, bound to a man's body. Honest and curious to a fault, Ranni's sworn sword seemed inordinately pleased to finally meet him. The sentiment was shared. Not a week ago, such a sight would have scared the daylights out of him. Now? He'd slain a dragon, caught the eye of a Witch, met a gentle giant and a sleazy sorcerer alike. What was a half wolf compared to all that madness?
A sleepy yawn split the air of Ranni's rise as Naruto stretched.
"You must be Blaidd." He rolled upright, bounced to his feet, offered a hand, then grinned when the larger warrior clasped it. "Nice to finally meet ya. Ranni told me a bit about you."
A wolfish grin was his reward; in as much as a man with the face of a wolf could smile. "Only good things, I hope."
"Eh. mostly."
They shared a laugh.
Really, it was a miracle he hadn't met Blaidd until now; and only because he'd been on some far flung mission to the Caelid Wilds. Nasty place. Ranni had told him stories, both of that place and Blaidd himself. Her sworn shadow was like a half-brother to her, a decent sort like Iiji, albeit better with a blade...and far more curious.
"So," the lupine warrior inquired, releasing his hand, "You really fell from the clouds?"
He winced. "Not by choice, I assure you...
"Ha!" a heavy hand clapped his back, blasting the air from his lungs. "How'd you manage the landing?"
Poorly.
Naruto took a deep breath and bit off an angry sigh. He knew Blaidd wasn't trying to bait him. Not like Seluvis. Needed to watch that one. He felt...wrong. Nasty. Vile. Ranni claimed he had his uses, but something seemed off about him. He just couldn't see what it was. But back to the present.
Coughing a little, he straightened his back, winced at the bruise already forming between his shoulder blades, and dared a grin.
"So, how was you trip? You find what you were looking for?"
Now it was the wolf's turn to look sheepish. How he managed it with a mug like that, he'd never know.
...not really." he sighed. "Couldn't find the bloody entrance to Nokron there."
A blink. "Nok-what-now?"
"Nothing you need worry about yet." the wolven warrior replied with an easy laugh. "Actually, I came by for you...with a question."
Naruto sensed the question coming long before it was spoken; Iiji had hounded him with the same.
"Are you here to serve our lady?"
"Eh, I wouldn't say serve, more like I feel I can't leave her alone, ya know?" He walked to the balcony and sat down, looking out into the mists as he scratched his cheek. "Feels like she needs help...and I'm really not a fan of gods, you know?"
Blaidd sat beside him. "Bad experience, I take it?"
Yes!" he flung up his arm, frustration slipping its leash at last. "Her name was Kaguya and she was such a pain to deal with! Her at least, I could beat. I'm good at fighting, you know?" wringing his fists, he turned his eye toward the distant mountain peaks. "Not sure how I'm supposed to help here. I'll figure it out, I'm sure, I just need time...
"Then perhaps you'd appreciate a little diversion."
Naruto blinked. He blinked hard. "Wolfman say what now?"
"I'm off to hunt down a traitor, you see." this time, there could be no denying the smug edge to the wolf's words. "Was wondering if you'd care to join me."
An idea dawned. He'd been so very bored these past few days; with Ranni asleep -her body required such for days at a time- and little in the way of company beyond a bored Kurama, he'd found himself ranging further and further from the tower. Maybe a chance to stretch his legs was just what he needed. But first!
"Tell you what." Naruto snapped his fingers. "I'll go hunting with you, if you help me with a little pet project of mine."
Blaidd cocked his head like the loyal dog he was. "And what might that be?"
"I wanna prank Ranni."
Silence reigned.
...pardon?"
"Ranni." he spread his arms wide at his sides, warming to the words. "I wanna play a little joke on her while she's asleep." Try as he might, he couldn't quite keep the grin off his face. "Help her lift her spirits, you know?"
Blaidd dithered, quite uncertain. "She won't be hurt by this, will she?"
Hurt her? He didn't think he could bear to do that; not in his wildest dreams. For all her brave front and facade, he could read her easily. When she wasn't sleeping, she just...sat there. Alone. In her chair. Staring wistfully out the window. Her dreams weren't much better; they were dark, melancholy tings, even more miserable than her waking moments.
No more. It ended today. Time to cheer the Witch up.
"Nah." a wave of the hand was all it took to assure him. "If anything, this'll cheer her up; might even make her smile more.
It was almost cute, the way he perked up at that. "...it has been some time since I've heard mistress Ranni laugh...
"So?" Naruto rubbed his palms together. "You game?"
The wolfman made noise that sounded vaguely like a chuckle.
"Alright," he rumbled, leaning forward. "I'll play. What did you have in mind?"
(.0.0.0.)
Movement woke her.
Ranni creaked an eye open, distantly aware of a shadow looming in her peripherals, of a blanket being draped about her slumbering form. She felt hands on her shoulders. Heard voices whispering in hushed tones, their words muffled and indistinct. The hands gripped tighter now, and she felt something touch her face. Dread shivered in her soul.
Close.
Much too close!
Much, much too close indeed!
Panic reared its ugly head and her heart hitched, mana mustering in response as she prepared to fling her her assailant back with a spell. The Fingers had found her at last. She had to fight, had to run...wait. Dimly, she recognized the worn black-and-orange colors her so-called assailant wore, and her panic eased. Naruto? She glimpsed Blaidd's mighty form looming near the stairs as well, and with it, and the last of her discord flashed past, shooting away like some stray shooting star across the night sky. He wouldn't let any harm come to her. Neither of them would.
Bleary thoughts swept back to Naruto's ragged clothes.
Really, she'd have to see about getting him some proper attire. Dark leather armor, perhaps.
"Yes?" she fought to keep the little hitch from her voice as she woke. "What is it?"
Naruto stepped back, waving a stick of charcoal before her face.
"Nothing. Just admiring our handiwork."
Ranni's good eye widened, then snapped to his fingers, noting the black smudges there. Realization dawned, and she took in several things at once. He was leant over her body, arm half extended. A nigh-on-impish smile wreathed his whiskered visage, even as those beautiful blue eyes beamed at her. Beautiful? Bah. Her mind was still drowsy, it seemed.
"Morning, Ranni." he waved at her. "Did you sleep well?"
Comprehension broke like the dawn. "You did not."
"Me?" He laughed. "I dunno. What didn't I do?"
"You...!" Her brow furrowed. "You did not take that charcoal to mine face."
He only smiled at her, the scamp, much to her mounting dread.
Ranni stared him down, not willing to yield, yet aching to know all the same. What madness was this? Why had Blaidd played a part in it? And why was he smiling, so?! Had she been played for a fool? She hadn't been caught out like this since she was but a child. Was this...was this a prank? She'd never fallen prey to such. How quaint. Unfortunately any amusement she might have felt was overshadowed by all this unyielding rage!
"I command you-
"Nope." Naruto shook his head.
She hissed. "You will tell me what you did!"
"Nope."
"Answer me at once, lest I smite you where you stand!"
"Nope~!"
Third time's the charm, or so the saying goes. Finally the tableau broke and Ranni reached up. Four fine hands flew to her face, patting it down exhaustively. Damn him. She'd been had. It would take forever to get all this gunk off her face, nevermind the amount of time...
.
..
...they came away clean. Not a single smudge to them.
Ranni looked down at her palms, clean as ever. Back to him again.
"What sorcery is this? You really didn't?"
"Did you really think I'd be that mean?" Naruto leaned back, still grinning like the cat that caught the canary. "I mean I thought about it, but still." Two fingers flitted forth, flicking her forehead. "Maybe don't take such a long nap next time, eh?"
A faint smile touched her pale face.
'd been pranked. Taken for a fool. Of course, she couldn't let such slide. She'd seldom suffered such fun as a child, even with her own brothers. How long had it been since she'd smiled hence? Ohhh, she would make him pay for frightening her of course. He would rue the day.
Her brow furrowed. "I will have recompense for this."
"Good." Naruto chirruped happily, as though expecting it. "Then you won't mind going for a walk with me and Blaidd."
Ranni tilted her head, hiding beneath her hat. "A walk. Whatever do you mean?
Blaidd's smile was nothing but teeth. "A very enthusiastic walk."
When faced with such cheery grins, Ranni's spirit couldn't help but falter. It had been an age since she'd left her Rise to see the outside world. She dared not venture out into the Lands Between alone, not for long, but if she were to be shepherded by these two...? Surely they could fend off any danger the Fingers sent her way.
...I suppose I shall allow it."
Naruto fell silent. And then. He lunged.
"Aww! You're still being a tsundere about this! How adorable!"
Strong arms locked around her, drawing her into a crushing embrace.
Ranni's body lacked the ability to flush, but she burned with shame all the same.
"Unhand me at once, you oaf!" she cried, wriggling in his arms. "Forget I said anything! Forget!"
He would not forget this moment, the baffling blond...
.
..
...then again, neither would Ranni.
A/N: Naruto is, at his heart, still a prankster.
And there we have it. Ranni's actually out and about for a bit.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story.
If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs during the holidays 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.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
And have some previews.
Granted, some are far off, but still...
(Previews)
...I would not see you come to harm.
"I must do this alone."
"Nope."
Cease that at once!"
She touched a hand to her chest. "A heartbeat. I'd almost forgotten what it felt like."
"You would help her tear down this world!"
"And build a better one.
"Behold! General Radahn!"
Naruto exhaled. It was a short, sharp thing. "That's Ranni's brother, right?"
Blaidd levered himself up, wheezing a little where he'd taken the last blow. "Used to be. His mind's long gone.
"Yeah, this is gonna be a pain." the blond hoped down off the dunes, heels skidding against the sand. "C'mon then, lets put him to rest...
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, was a mindless monster. But as its lone eye stared down the blond, it felt something.
Fear.
"You're in my way. Move, you bag of bones!"
"Dogged fool. You should learn to hold thy tongue.
"But you're smiling.
R&R~!