A/N: EDIT: Made some tweaks and grammar edits. Looking forward to chatting with you all~!
Sorry if this seems rough in places.
Tturns out today be me nephew's birthday, and I'm expected to be there...all the way across the sodding city.
Aaaaaaargh! Thankfully I bought his gift weeks ago, but still, this puts a massive a crimp in my writing plans for today. Sorry about that.
*crackles knuckles* Still, I've got a little time, and I promised to update this story this weekend...so. let's see how much I can write in six hours. Here we go!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this little tale. Sad to say, but if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, I'll love the drive to continue it! 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.
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. Feel free to skip this if you like~!
Q: More fluff! More violence! More everything!
A: ...you okay here, bud?
Q: Timeskip when!
A: Timeskip now! A minor one.
Q: Ranni getting a proper body yet?! How many kids will they have?!
A: She's seriously contemplating it. And that be a secret.
Q: ...is he gonna save everyone in Ranni's immediate family? Cuz that'd be one hell of a wedding gift, if ya catch my drift.
A: Be assured, Naruto won't be content until he's sorted out and-or-dealt-with the tangled mess that is Ranni's family. Some may live. Some may die *cough*Mohg*cough* but I can't speak to their fates. Rennala and 'ol Rykard have been dealt with; alas, this still leaves Radahn, Godwyn -LOT of trauma there- Morgott, Mohg, Malenia and Miquella, and of course...Radagon/Marika.
To say nothing of Melina. Her origins are...murky. Suffice to say, the journey ain't over yet~!
Alright, then, this old man has kept you long enough now! I'll let you enjoy the story.
As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one!
They're tributes to legends far greater than I~!
"You have made your choice.
I pray it is the right one.
For all our sakes."
~?
Thy Warm Words
Flesh was fleeting.
Flesh was so very weak.
Flesh was...something Ranni craved right now.
Foolishness! She chided herself for such thoughts was soon as they entered her mind. The time was not yet right. She knew that. To falter now, so close to her goal, would bring her naught but misery. She must remain strong for yet a little while longer. Still, it didn't stop her mind from wandering, and wander it did.
Idly she turned one hand over head, watching the light of the stars dance across her pale blue palm as she lay sprawled in her bed. She could see the fractures between her fingers plain as day. This fragile body yet held, but the cracks had begun to show in her body as much as her spirit. This form was not well suited to movement, let alone battle, but she'd taxed it regardless. Truly, she had no one but herself to blame for her decline. It wasn't his fault, bu thers. She couldn't remain like this much longer. The thought pained her. Terrified her.
With a huff, she flung her head back against the pillows.
How strange it was to lay in a bed again. She could not feel the mattress beneath her anymore than she could the starlight on her false face through the window, nor the wind in her hair, but nevertheless, she enjoyed the chance to...stretch, for lack of a better of a word. Better than sitting atop her chair and the great stack of books atop it.
Lazing about like this gave her the chance to think...and consider her options.
For an age she had been content with this puppet body. Not happy, not necessarily satisfied, but content. It served her purposes well enough; kept her focused on more important matters. Devoid of the distractions that came with flesh, she had been able to plot against the Two Fingers with single-minded fervor.
And then he'd come crashing into her life.
Naruto. That sweet, silly boy, who just couldn't let her be. He'd ruined her. Tugged her out of her shell until she could no longer fathom the idea of returning to her former self. It was just like something out of one of her old childhood storbyooks, the hero slays the dragon, meets the princess in her tower, and sallies forth on a quest to win her heart. His trials and tribulations are many. He finds himself tested at every turn. But eventually he succeeds and returns to her. She welcomes him home, he sweeps her onto the back of his noble steed, and together, they ride off into the sunset. Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah, and all that.
Pah, said she! She was no mere maiden to be carried off! And there was still much to do...
Ranni grappled with the idea a moment longer before shoving it away. She had never been the sort to cry when frustrated. As a child she had seldom shed tears. She was who she was. Not even her first death she hadn't shed a single tear. She did not cry. She got even.
When she did take back her body, Ranni resolved herself to savor it. But she could not. Not yet.
With a long-suffering sigh, she sat up, considering her surroundings. If having a bed again was strange, returning to her old room was stranger still.
In the wake of Rykard's defeat-followed by his subsequent capture!-her forces had retreated to the Academy for safety, in preparation of reprisal from his remaining rebellious Recusants. Rennala-mother!-was delighted to put them up even when faced with the imminent risk of invasion. Together, they'd spent the better part of three days preparing for a siege while she recovered. She'd feared the worst. That she would wake to an attack, or an ambush at the very least...
.
..
...it never came.
Ranni could guess why; in hindsight, it seemed painfully obvious. Naruto and Rykard must've sought out the stragglers themselves while she was resting. Doubtless they'd converted those they could, and eradicated the rest. Tanith likely knew their hideaways. Whatever the case, they'd had three days of peace, of silence, of rest...
She grabbed a pillow and hurled it against the wall.
All this "rest" was driving her mad!
If even she had begun to get antsy, then Naruto must be losing his mind. The thought drew a grim smile to her face. Even now her consort was ever eager to rush off to the next adventure; to save everyone and everyone he could. Rarely did he consider his own well-being. Truly, it was a miracle he'd stayed put for three days at all. And yet for all that, he hadn't run off to Caelid without her...perhaps there was some hope for her yet.
A faint knock resounded against her door. "You alright in there?"
Speak of the fox and he shall appear! She raised herself up with a small smile. "I am. Come in."
He slipped in and closed the door behind him. "Sorry I'm late," he grinned, whiskered cheeks dimpling in a small smile. "This place is a damn maze...
Her open eye raked over him, noting the distinct lack of armor, the towel draped round his shoulder...and his wet hair. He must've come straight from the baths. As she looked on he whipped his head back and forth as he entered, flinging his blond locks to and fro. Her heart skipped a beat. This...this was new. She'd grown used to seeing him with his hair up to have it down so...he must've come fresh from a bath. He'd even changed his outfit for once, opting for a navy tunic and a pair of black breeches with matching boots. Made him look downright handsome-nay! Bad brain!
With a cherry grin, he sat beside her on the bed. Ranni felt herself stiffen.
Things had been said between them back in the Volcano Manor. Words that could not be refuted. She'd thought he might die against Rykard. So had he. But he hadn't now, had he...
.
..
...she couldn't find the words. For once, her tongue remained tied.
Mercifully, he saved her from making a fool of herself. "I wanna go after Radahn."
She blew out a sigh. Aha! There he went again!
"We shall seek Radahn later."
Naruto pursed his lips. "He's a danger to people."
She scoffed. "Only those fools who traipse out into Caelid. Must you insist on this?" Sure enough he lifted his chin a little, and it was then that she knew; one way or another, he was going to be stubborn. She reached out and touched a hand to his face. "I do wish you'd rest a bit longer."
"I did rest." he squinted at her, not quite comprehending her intent. "M'fine...
Was he? Was he really? He'd healed rather nicely, but Rykard's hexes were not so easily ignored. He'd bear scars on his arms from the rest of his days. Oddly enough, she didn't mind them. The marks gave him character. Each battle had marked him in its own way. For so long now they'd bounced from one conflict to the next. First that mess with Dariwell, then Mother, followed by Rykard, and now he wanted to rouse Radahn. Would it ever end? Would they ever run out of enemies to fight?
She stared at him overlong and for once, he surprised her.
"Well, I guess there isn't that much of a hurry for the time being." Naruto reached up to cup her hand with his. "We can deal with Godwyn and Malenia, then Radagon, once we find them, but we at least know where Radahn is...
"When you leave," she hopped down off her bed. "I will accompany you." Naruto opened his mouth to protest. Ranni glared at him, chin lifting in mulish defiance. "Do you think me so weak?"
He sputtered at her. "Of course not!"
She pressed her advantage, planting one hand upon her hips. "Do you think I cannot fend for myself?"
"No, no!" he sounded almost mulish about it. "You can definitely kick some serious ass with your spells. Its just," he looked away, scratching the back of his head. "I just don't wanna see you get hurt."
Eeeeeeee!
Ranni's heart betrayed her and did a silly little squeal in her chest. She dipped her head and tugged her hat to hide both her face and the most ungraceful expression she now wore. Damn him and his words. If she had a proper body, her face would've been a most striking shade of scarlet.
"Um...well!" She sputtered for a moment, hastily mastering herself. "You needn't worry about m. Nor Mother for that mater. She's busying herself babying Rya. The world will go on without us for awhile yet."
"Speaking of without," his brow furrowed. Ah, and now they came to the meat of another matter, "You seen Seluvis around lately?"
"I have not." T'was true, Her sorcerer had been hiding as of late. "His absence does not concern me."
"Really?" he frowned. "Because it bothers me an awful lot...
She drew him down into her harms before another argument could erupt. It felt...nice. Even if she couldn't feel his flesh, she could still experience a vague sense of pressure and with it, ease in her heart. Comfort even. A steady rock in the storm of her heart. Would that she could hold him forever. But she couldn'. There were matters to which she must attend.
"Go,then. " she nudged him off. "Find Blaidd and seek him out. He has been restless as of late. Perhaps the two of you can ascertain what he hath been up to."
"Fine, fine..." He made to stand and her heart hitched. "See ya later-
"Wait."
He did, bless him.
"Earlier," She reached up touched his face again, this time cupping it with two of her four hands. "What you said to me, before you faced Rykard...
His whiskered face turned a lovely shade of red. "What about it?"
Oh gods, her face was burning. "Didst thou speak truly?"
His eyes flashed in understanding. "Ranni...?"
...I would have thee prove thy intent once more."
The moment -her emotions!- seized her and she tugged his face to down to hers.
His lips touched hers as she tilted her head in response, seeking a better angle. She couldn't feel that, either. Only the faintest sensation of pressure. For all that her spirit soared, she couldn't feel him. Blast. In a fit of pique she sought to kiss him again-her rewarded was only numbness. When made a pleased noise; it only made her angrier. T'was not fair. He could feel this, all of this, but she could not.
Unfair!
Her remaining arms threw themselves round his neck; she used them to drag herself into his lap. Seconds passed, dragging onto into a minute until finally, she had to let him breathe. Pulling away only made it so much worse; because she could see the fire in his eyes, the emotions she'd stirred in him. She squirmed under his gaze in silent need.
She nearly demanded he fulfill his promise then and there; that craft her a new body. Her ring was only a few floors away, secure in a chest under her mother's watchful eye. All her fears might be for naught. The Two Fingers were powerful to be sure, but her new body would be supreme, almighty, able to feel all this and more, to consummate every sensation she craved...!
But if they could still control her...
With a wicked effort of will, she reeled herself back in.
Curse the Two Fingers. She would have to wait awhile longer.
"Do not think that I am some wanton woman!" Restraining herself, she hopped off his lap and shoved him away with a huff, hoping hide her stammer. "You will have to earn more."
He walked backwards, wearing a cheeky grin. "Whatever you say, your highness...
Her face flushed and she flung a pillow at him. "Naruto!"
He ducked and darted down the hall with a cackle.
(.0.0.0.)
He found Blaidd lurking near the elevator to Rennala's chambers.
Perhaps that wasn't the right word. Blaidd wasn't exactly lurking per se; Ranni's shadow didn't make any effort to hide himself from prying eyes. As such, Naruto heard the half-wolf long before he saw him. He could see him down there in the plaza Moongrum usually occupied, greatsword cutting vast icy swathes through the mists as he raged against an unseen opponent.
He could hear him snarling from here.
Ranni's pet wolves -and he was so glad she hadn't left them to starve back at her Rise- lay sprawled near the steps, basking under the moonlight. They seemed happier here at the academy at any rate. As luck would have it, the largest of the trio perked up at his approach. It raised its head, and bounded his way, tongue lolling out its mouth.
He knelt to pet the beast. "Awwww," who's a good boy?"
The lead wolf whined and nosed his hand. Its head turned toward Blaidd's distant figure with intent.
"Yeah, I know." he gave its ears a final scratch and rose. "Ill go check on him.
The hound licked his palm, paced back to its fellows, circled once, and laid down, intent to watch.
"No pressure...
Blaidd didn't even seem to register his presence as he approached; he was muttering to himself as he drew nearer.
"No, its fine." his comrade in arms snarled and drove himself through another flurry of slashes faster than the naked eye could see. "Ranni needs me. She needs us." He shook his head and swiped at some invisible foe once more. "I am me. No one else! Stop whispering!"
...that's a red flag if I've ever seen one.
Right, getting more than a little worried now. He dared to step out of cover. "...you alright there, Blaidd?"
The warrior rounded on him with a howl, teeth gone sharp and eyes glowing red. Steel flashed toward his face. For a wild moment he felt his emotions, furious and feral, and so full of pain. Then the steel was upon him and he had no time for further thought. He intercepted the blade with an open palm, shunted it down, stepped in, and drove a heel palm into Blaidd's chin. Still grasping the blade he lowered his stance and charged with his shoulder, barging the braying wolf into a wall.
"Oi!" he snarled at him, holding him there now when he began to thrash. "Friendly. Frieeendly...
The half-wolf heard his words at last, blinked, and gave himself a mighty shake. "...sorry, mate. You startled me."
"I tend to do that." he released both sword and owner alike, letting them fall to the ground. "You alright?"
"Just a headache." the half-wolf waved him away. "I'll be fine."
"Not if you're lashing out blindly like this...
His brow furrowed. "Its nothing. A slip. Won't happen again."
"Ranni would be heartbroken if I left something happen to you."
...I am aware."
Heartbroken, yeah right. She wouldn't cry. She'd smack him. Come to think of it, if Blaidd wouldn't listen, maybe it was time time to channel a bit of Ranni.
"Sit!"
Blaidd dropped down onto his hindquarters without thinking. He righted himself to tower over him trhice as quickly, but the distraction worked for what it was and broke the tensions.
"Look," he glowered up at him, "I don't know what's wrong with you, but you're clearly stressed. Lemme help."
What did he do when he was restless? Another prank sounded all well and good, but Ranni would be meeting Rykard soon. He didn't want to trouble Rennala or Rya, either...
An idea dawned. "Wanna spar?"
Blade balked back. "I don't think that's wise."
"C'mon, it'll be fun." he beckoned. "I won't even fight back. Try to smack me around a bit...
(.0.0.0.)
The door to her chambers creaked open anew.
Ranni raised her gaze, wholly at ease once more. "Are you well, dear brother?"
Rykard entered, grunted, and looked away.
"Come now," she couldn't help but chide him for it. "Do not be cross. You live, do you not?"
...thine consort nearly had my head." he plonked down in the empty chair beside her bed. "Was that on your order, sister?"
"No, no," she hid a smile behind one hand, "I can no more command him than I can demand the sun rise and set. You live by his mercy."
"Even so," He glowered golden daggers at her. "Are you goals still the same?" his words had her lips pursing in a thin blue line. "To defy the Greater Will?"
"But of course."
A small smile fractured his stone-grey face. "Then we remained united still."
"A curious choice of words." She quirked a dark brow at him. "Even after all you have done."
Rykard looked away in quiet shame, stewing under her stare. "You needn't remind me. My reach exceeded my grasp."
Needn't say it? A flash of anger burned through Ranni's cold, cold heart. As if such a thing would undo all he had done. All he had tried to do. Had he succeeded and devoured Naruto -as was his original intent!- they would not be having this conversation. No doubt he would have turned his serpentine gaze to her as well in due time. He may well have succeeded in his aims, were it not for her consort. And he only now admitted his folly? That his reach had exceeded his grasp...?!
"Indeed it did!" she retorted hotly. "To feed yourself to a serpent of all things! What were you thinking?!"
"That I could consume it!" He snapped back. "I had intended to take its power and add it to my own!"
She tilted her head. "At what cost? You've done horrid things, crimes that make mine own pale in comparison. To say nothing of your own blood...
"What of it?" His gaze went slitted, a hallmark of his old form. "Rya may be of my blood, but she is blameless in this."
An admirable attempt, but she wasn't about to let that slide. "And is Tanith?"
He flinched. "Tanith...has promised to atone for her crimes."
"Has she now? I suppose death would suffice."
Rykard surged up out of his chair. "...!"
She left him on the proverbial hook for a minute more. And then. "Calm yourself. I speak in jest. But you, you will see Mother and make amends for the heartbreak you have caused her.
Her sibling squirmed. "...must I?"
"Of course you must" She zapped his leg with a jolt of cold magic, causing her bearded brother to slam back into his seat. "She's been worried sick!" too late, she realized he was balking at her and struggled to comport herself. "You will also help us face Radahn. Such will be your penance."
His brow furrowed. "...if I must."
She scowled. "Yes, you must. After nearly killing that which is MINE it is the last you can-
CLANG!
Both siblings started.
"What the devil was that noise...?"
Naruto hurtled past the window with a peal of raucous laughter.
Ranni palmed her face and sighed aloud. "Truly, that boy will be the death of me...
A/N: Creeping closer to Radahn...wonder if things will turn out differently than Shed No Grace On me...?
Well? What say you? Hope you're enjoying this, so by all means, lemme know!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this little tale. Sad to say, but if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, I'll love the drive to continue it! 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 remain far off, but still...
(Previews)
...I shall allow thee to court me."
Naruto blinked. "You mean we weren't already?"
She looked away and muttered something softly. Naruto heard it.
He fell over hands clasping his stomach and began to roll around laughing near hysterically. His feet kicked wildly in the air.
"Stop that!' She delivered a feeble kick to his ribs. He only howled louder. "Forget what thou heard! Forget!"
There were few things Rykard feared.
...this was one of them.
Still, he wasn't about to stick around while those two duked it out.
And so he pushed the door pened.
Sure enough, he found Mother within.
"Aren't you just precious?" she cooed, cuddling a baffled Rya. "My first grandchild! Oh, happy day!"
...I have returned to thee, mother. Please, forgive me mine transgressions."
Renala dropped Rya. Her eyes widened. "Rykard...?"
"Mother, please, I know you must be angry-
No use. She was upon him. Rennala really did give powerful hugs.
...do it."
"Are you sure?"
She lifted her chin to look up at him. "Yes."
Renala squealed in the background. "My little girl! I'm so proud...!
Ranni couldn't blush in her current form, but she could squirm in embarrassment. "MOTHER!"
Rykard grunted. "See? Now you know how it feels!"
The trek to Caelid was made in comparative silence.
Rykard glared at him the whole way.
"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...
"I would have thee cease, brother of mine."
Radahn heaved himself upright. Sniffed. Shuffled forward.
Naruto grimaced, eyeing the man's vast bulk. "Ranni, this is a bad idea...!"
"Do you hear me!" Naruto roared at the crazed shell of a man, still perched on his chest. "I'm talking about Ranni! Your sister!" a headbutt blooded the goliath's nose and stunned him. "Remember, damnit! Just stop holding back the stars! Do it for her!"
...Ra...nni...?"
Radahn went still as stone, all fight leaving his body as he sprawled on the dunes. He barely even breathed. Naruto winced. He'd take it after that flurry of blows. Say what you would, but demigods hit hard!
"Yes! There we go." he blew out a sigh, relieved a this victory. "Now lets just talk about this. There's gotta be a way to fix ya. Just let me think!"
"RANNI!"
A sudden surge of gravity magic ripped Naruto into the air. He was still airborne when a falling star smote him from the night sky and drilled him into the ruined land.
"Bugger." Blaidd winced from where he lay. "He's definitely dead this time. There's just no way he could..."
A trembling fist arose from the crater, bearing a middle fingered salute.
"Radahnyouabsolutesonuvabitch!"
...survive?
R&R~!