A/N: EDIT: Made a lot of tweaks and improvements to this chapter. Hope you enjoy...and hopefully it'll get more feedback T_T
Are you ready? Because here we go.
Hope this update puts a smile on your race; Ranni's in rare form, here!
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. We'll keep this brief. Feel free to skip this if you like~!
Q: Update schedule?
A: Lots of things this this month. You'll see~! I'm trying to spread the love around, but the pain make some days harder than others. Doesn't help that we've got the holidays right around the corner, not to mention a potential move.
So...yeah. Busy life for 'ol Neon way out here. Busy, busy, busy.
Q: RADHAN WHEN?!
A: Shhhhh!
Q: Yo, why you dragging your feet with Radahn?
A: I'm really not. Its a matter of prudence. Simply put, once he's dealt with and that Finger Slayer Blade is found, it kicks off a LOT of events for Ranni's questline. Shit hits the fan fast, as I'm sure those who play the game may well remember. If you haven't yet, eh, that's fine. Just get ready for a few surprises.
Q: He can't possibly save all her family, can he?
A: CAN they all be be saved? Suppose that's the questions Radahn condition is tenuous by the time we find him. Theoretically it might be possible, but let us look at the other end of the spectrum for a moment. What of Godwyn? His spirit died during the Night of Black Knives, but his body lived and eventually became that...creature. How can that be dealt with? Even if he did return, he would be LIVID with Ranni. He died because of her, after all.
Then we have Morgott's slavish devotion to the Golden Order, Mohg being a regular P.O.S. and Miquella turned into a literal abomination, and Malenia unable to even see reason. She's quite mad by the time we meet her, and at this point, Naruto does NOT have a favorable opinion of her. Don't get me started on the mangled mess that is Marika/Radagon. One is barely alive by the time we meet them, the other a soulless puppet to the Greater Will.
Some may live. Some may die. Some may very well pray for death by the end. You'll have to read and see.
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~!
"That boy will not stop. Come hell or high water, he shall not abandon his chosen path.
Even if it breaks him? Mind and body alike? Even if it kills him?!
...even so."
~?
Thy Falling Stars
"This is your scheme, then?"
Naruto nodded. "Best thing I could think of, really."
Ranni felt a smile touch her lips. A faint smirk, some might have called it.
She would've slaughter anyone who said such of course, but that was neither here nor there. His was a sound scheme all things considered; her dear consort was nothing if not thorough when it came to saving others. But such plans seldom survived contact with the enemy. Who could say whether his would be the same? The trek to Caelid would be a long one. Any number of things could go wrong.
Naruto sensed her fear, of course. Clasped two of her four hands in his. "Have some faith in me."
Her remaining duo clasped over his in turn, holding tight. "Its not a matter of faith."
"Belief, then." He pressed his forehead to hers and laughed, cheeky boy that he was. It felt...nice. Very nice indeed. His words, less so. "I believe we'll win. That's all there is to it."
He really was too bold for his own good. Her spirit fluttered and she cursed softly. Another ersatz emotion she had no control over. The heart wants what the heart wants as they say, and hers most assuredly had a mind of its own. It wanted to be loved! To be held and feel it, not some flimsy facsimile. The urge burned in her even now, demanding release.
Naruto released her hands and walked away; too late she realized she'd lost her chance.
"Hold a moment."
He paused, one foot over the threshold, and looked back at her. "Hmm?"
She pinned him with a steely glance. "If it comes to your life or his...
Naruto flashed her a cheery grin. "I won't die, Ranni."
She huffed. "How can you be so certain?"
He shrugged. "Just am. That's all there is it to it."
Such staunch certainty. He truly feared nothing. Ordinarily, she didn't mind that blase attitude. It was usually inconsequential in the greater scheme of things. But not here. Not today. Not against Radahn. Her brother was strong, perhaps the strongest of the demigods. Even in his maddened, rotten state, he still held some semblance of his wits about. Still held back the stars, despite it all. Odd how such a concern had become secondary to her now. But if her brother held even a third of his old strength, he'd cleave Naruto in two. She'd seen him do it before. He'd go it again, given the chance.
And still, Naruto acted like he wasn't a threat.
She scowled at him for it. "You must take this seriously, mine consort."
"I am." he shrugged. "I'm seriously going to Caelid, and I'm seriously gonna save him."
Her temper sparked. "Spoken like a man who has never tasted death! You cannot be certain this will work-
Blue eyes met hers. "I know death."
His words were the fangs of a great fox, biting right through her anger and tearing it to pieces. In that moment, her heart stopped. "...what?"
"I said I know death." There it was again, the painful twist in her chest once more. "More than you could possibly know."
"Do not trifle with me!"
"I'm not." Naruto pushed off the wall, stepped to her, and planted one hand against the door. "Really, I ain't." She cursed her lack of height as he towered over her. Blast it all, why did he have to be to tall? She'd never felt so small in her life. Why did her face feel so blasted warm? Ah, but he was still speaking and she must attend. "In terms of "death" I've nearly bit the bullet more than a once...
Her brow furrowed. "You lie."
"Nope." his smile was the saddest thing she'd seen in quite some time. "I could tell you so many more stories, tales to chill your very soul. My heart's stopped, my body's been burnt, I've nearly had my mind broken. I've taken so many injuries that I no longer remember them all. So yes. I know death. Seen it. Tasted it, so many times. I'll never forget. Likewise, I've killed before, even when I didn't want to." he stepped in, wrapped both arms 'round her and pulled her into his chest. "You know I have." those stern words didn't waver, even as he held her. "I've already told you some. That's I want you to believe me, to believe in me," his hands curled around hers, "when I say I'm not gonna die. Alright?"
Ranni looked away, tugging her hat down over her eyes.
Had she a proper body, her face would've been absolutely incandescent.
Damn him and damn his silver tongue. Double damn him for sparking these feelings in her.
"...I will trust in you, then. Nevertheless!" she whirled out his grasp jabbed a finger against his chest. "I shall say it again. Should it come to you or him...if you must choose between yourself or Radahn...choose correctly."
His face closed down. Brightened soon thereafter. Oh, dear. He was going to say something foolish again, wasn't he?
Sure enough, he surprised her. "Don't worry!" he flicked her a thumbs up. "I'll choose you."
Ranni's mind fizzled.
Had she a heart of flesh, it would've been doing flips in her chest right about now. Backflips. Entire cartwheels. That sort of thing. As it stood, her soul burned. It was the most absurd, ridiculous, corny thing she'd ever heard. So why was she swooning?! She was a princess! A demigod! She was no mere maiden to be swayed so! And yet! The way he looked at her...it did things to her. Foul, treacherous thing. Still, t'was all well and good, wasn't it? He'd simply professed his loyalty to her. She chose to interpret it as such, even if she secretly knew otherwise.
"As you should!" she sputtered. "Such is expected of you."
Pearly white teeth flashed in a rueful grin. "And there's the tsundere again."
Her good eye narrowed upon him. "You've used that word before. Whatever does it mean?"
"Nothing~!"
"I would have you answer me." she grabbed him by his jacket. "What is this tsundere you speak of?"
"Nothing important." his grin became decidedly cheeky. "Even so, I'm pretty sure I'd wanna mar-ahem!" Blue eyes widened and he coughed harshly into a fist, silencing himself before quickly changing the subject. "In any case, isn't it about time we get ready? We've got a long walk ahead of us."
Distracted or no, Ranni wasn't fool enough to miss that. Her soul stilled. He'd almost said another word just now.
Mar? Mar what? Marriage?! Was he talking about marriage?! No, nay, surely not. Her world spun as her imagination produced a girlish squeal and ran away with the words. She ruthlessly chased that fleeting fancy down, caught it, wrangled it under control once more, and murdered it. Only then did she dare speak.
"Art thou...truly satisfied with a wretched witch such as myself?"
His eyes met hers. The air felt charged between them.
Only one thing for it, then.
Her hands cupped his face. His head dipped down. They shared a chaste kiss. Once again she cursed this blasted body of hers. She could feel only a vague sensation of pressure as she returned his affections; a faint tingly numbness in her hands when she held him. Nothing more. Nothing less. How she loathed this form of hers.
She wanted to feel!
...no matter. It wouldn't be a problem much longer. After Radahn, she promised herself. Once her brother was dealt with, one way or another, she would consent and ascend to godhood; let him craft her a new body, and use her ring to be -hopefully!- free of the Finger's influence once and for all. Then came Nokron. With the Finger Slayer Blade in hand, she would slay them and be free, Consequences be damned.
And then...no. Don't think about her imminent departure. That way lay another argument.
"Ranni?"
"My apologies," she drew away with a low murmur. "I know I am not the most...expressive sort. I am unused to feeling this way." And she was! She'd never fallen in love before! Now that she had, she wanted him all to herself. She wanted to lock him, keep him safe, but he'd never let her. "Forgive me."
He grinned. "Ain't nothin' to forgive."
...then, I shall allow thee to court me truly."
"Wait." 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!"
He truly had ruined her. But perhaps this wasn't so bad.
(.0.0.0.)
There were few things Rykard feared in the Lands Between.
He'd committed all manner of blasphemy and heresy without blinking. Without hesitation, knowing they were necessary. Granted, he had lost himself along the way-but even so. All that he done, all that he would ever do, was for the sole sake of destroying the Greater Will. And so he'd carried out his task without fear. Until he came. Until things changed. Until he found his ambitions undone.
Now he felt fear once more, but for an entirely different reason.
Here was an enemy he could not hope to face, a foe against which he stood no chance...yet he must face them.
Steeling his heart, he pushed the door open. Sure enough, he found Mother within. He heard her long before he saw her.
"Grandmother, please!" A familiar voice whined. "Not so tight!"
"Aren't you just precious?" she cooed, cuddling a baffled Rya in her arms. "My first grandchild! Oh, your hair is just lovely~!"
Ryan whined a little.
Rykard hid a smile behind his hand. He pitied his child, truly, he did, but Rya had served as an admirable distraction for the past few days. Her sacrifice had given him time to muster his words, if not necessarily his nerve. He'd stalled, lingered, fobbed everyone off with excuses while Mother fussed over Tanith and Rya. No longer. Even if he didn't do this here and now, even if he didn't face her before marching off to Caelid, Ranni would tear strips out his hide. To say nothing of Naruto himself.
...fire and damnation. Nothing for it, then.
He coughed into a fist, drawing their attention. Dropped to a knee before them both.
...I have returned to thee, mother." he bowed his head, touching the floor. "Please, forgive me mine transgressions."
Renala dropped Rya. Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly. "Rykard...?"
Oh gods, she was furious. "Mother, please, I know you must be angry-
No use. She was upon him now...but where was the pain?
"MY BABY BOY!"
"Ack!? Mother, please!"
Rennala really did give powerful hugs.
Blasted blond. This was all Naruto fault! He'd be having words with him about this...!
(.0.0.0.)
"Well?" Seluvis scowled at his helper. "Do you have it?"
They pressed the item into his hands.
...excellent."
(.0.0.0.)
"What are your intentions toward my sister?"
It was the most Rykard had said to him since his salvation. He'd given him credit for that.
Naruto craned his neck back and kept walking, idly eyeing the scarlet sky ahead of them. "Thought that was pretty obvious already."
The bearded redhead scowled at him. Moved to match his pace. "I would have it said. Do you love her?"
Naruto nearly missed a step. Ahead of them, Blaidd actually tripped. Ranni, walking several paces ahead of them, heard none of it. Thank heaven for small mercies. He was sure she'd have words for the lot of them if she caught Rykard prattling on like this. Eventually, the whiskered warrior found his voice once more. "I...think so."
"Do you know?" Rykard remained relentless, his glare fierce. "She deserves to be with one who would love her, know her, see her journey through to the end."
He frowned. "And I will."
"Yet you will not be able to save Radahn."
A seed of anger sprouted in Naruto's chest. He stifled it.
"I've heard those words before, ya know." he clasped both hands behind his head, never once slowing his pace. "They always say that. You can't help me, Naruto. You can't save me, Naruto. You don't understand, Naruto. Its just not possible. But something's only impossible until someone does it. Then...well." a wry grin touched whiskered cheeks. "It becomes possible.
"You are rather known for that...
See? This was why he liked Kurama. He understood.
Rykard's growl drew him back. "You know nothing. This foolishness will get you killed!"
"I saved you, didn't I?"
The Demigod looked to the east, where the sky still lay stained with scarlet. "Despite my protests...
"And I'll save Radahn, too." he reached around tugged up his hood, obscuring all but his lower face from view. He felt the strength of Ranni's subtle spells woven into the cloth, empowering him further. Whiskered cheeks dimpled in a smile. "I'm gonna save everyone. Whether they like it or not.
Rykard quirked a brow. "Even if such foolishness kills you?"
"Even then. But it won't. I've planed for this.
...very well. I take it you have a plan?"
He patted his pouch. "Of a sort."
"What's in there?"
Something just crazy enough to work...or see him chopped into small pieces. Hopefully the former. If not he had at least three different plans he could try; assuming the first two didn't succeed. Radahn would not find him lacking. He knew what he was walking into today. Some might call it hell. Perhaps it was. But he'd seen worse.
In the end, he settled for a simple answer. "...stuff."
The demigod's glower intensified. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"
"Nope."
Rykard glared pale daggers at him. "Thou art truly a fiend."
That was low hanging fruit, but he couldn't help himself. "Your sister thinks otherwise."
"Indeed she does." Ranni's voice chimed ahead of them. "And she would prefer you stop talking about her behind her back."
Rykard stomped on ahead. The rest of their trek to Caelid was made in comparative silence.
Naruto began to whistled as they walked, without a care in the world.
Ranni's brother glared at him the whole way.
(.0.0.0.)
Indeed, the last leg of the march proved a brisk, if silent one.
Soon enough, they found the castle.
Its gates hung open for them.
In silence, they advanced.
And so it began.
(.0.0.0.)
"Champions! Welcome!"
Ranni knew that voice; knew it well.
She'd not heard it in an age, but still, she remembered it.
"The stars have aligned!" Sure enough, a familiar figure awaited them on the parapet as they slipped into the main plaza. "The festival is nigh!" His armor was worn, his stance slouched, but she knew that old coot anywhere. His words only confirmed it. "General Radahn, mightiest demigod of the shattering, awaits you!"
"Well, well." Blaidd rumbled behind her. "Seems he's still kicking."
Naruto made a quizzical sound. "Who?"
Rykard shushed him.
"Champions prepare for battle!" Yet again, the castellan's called down to them and the other combatants, heedless of their ascent up the stained stairwell. "Defeat the General! Claim glory and grab that great rune!" Ever the eccentric, this one. He really knew how to whip up a crowd. "A celebration of war! The Radaaaahn festival!"
Ranni broke the tableau with soft sigh. "That's quite enough, Jerren!"
"What have we here?" The old swordsman whipped around. "That's a name I haven't heard in an age. And I know that voice." she couldn't see his eyes behind that strange bearded helm, but she heard his startled gasp all the same. "Lady Ranni...?"
She lifted her chin. "Indeed, 'tis I. A pleasure to see thee again."
"You died." his words were a rasp. His gaze swept past her. "Blaidd?! And lord Rykard?! As I live and breathe! Is this some waking dream?"
Her brother looked away with a growl. "I wish it were...
"Send the other combatants away, old friend." she laid a hand on his arm. "We are not here to slay my brother, but save him, and thus have no use of them." He seemed pensive, and so she hastened to amend her words for his sake. "Distract them or somesuch. I care not, but they cannot join us on the field. They will seek to kill him."
She could feel his unease. "Begging your pardon, m'lady, but that's easier said that done. How do you intend to perform such a feat?"
Naruto, having held his tongue 'till this moment stepped forward.
He was smiling. It wasn't a nice smile.
"Watch and learn."
(.0.0.0.)
They found Radahn in short order.
Naruto heard the roar across the dunes long before he saw the General; a wave of wrathful sorrow, mingled with suffering. It struck him with more force than the scream ever could and for a moment, he froze. Seeing was as they say, believing. He'd knew Ranni's brother was rotting, dying from the inside out, but to actually sense it. His agony fouled the very air. Radahn had long since lost the ability to reason, but he could almost hear the words forming in his mind.
Let me die. Let me die. LetmedieletmeDIEEEEE...!
"Brother...
He cut the link and looked to Ranni; found her quivering where she stood.
"Hey." he laid a hand on her shoulder. "It'll be alright."
She gave him a long, lingering look. "We shall see."
Ranni yanked him backward. "But in what state of mind is he?"
"That...remains to be seen." Naruto exhaled. It was a short, sharp thing to muster his resolve. "That really is your brother, huh?"
Blaidd levered himself up, growling a little as he shouldered his greatsword. "Used to be. His mind's long gone now. You sure this'll work?"
"Yeah...but its gonna be a pain." He hopped down off the dunes, heels skidding against the sand as he raced the rest of the way. "C'mon then, better get to him before he gets to us-whoa!"
An arrow whistled their way. Rykard slapped it aside with an open palm. Radahn didn't take kindly to that. A mighty shout boomed across the dunes as he strung yet more arrows to his bow. He took aim at the sky and let them loose. Then another volley. Another now. Still another. Naruto looked up. Realized his intent a moment later.
"Scatter!"
Ranni went right. Rykard and Blaid, left.
Radahn had lost none of his strength. That much became glaringly apparent when the big brute surged forward to backhand Blaidd across the dunes. Rykard ducked a similar sweep, golden sword singing out with unholy flame. He made the mistake of parrying and was flung away like a straw doll. That was all he had time to see; then the general was upon him and he was too busy trying to survive.
Black greatswords swept for his head. He swayed backward. Left. Right. Center. Timed his moment and...there!
Dropping low to the ground, he immediately kicked back up and slammed a fist into Radahn's torso with half his strength. The general grunted even flinch. Maddened golden eyes locked onto him. A low growl peeled back pale lips, exposing teeth twisted by the Scarlet Rot. Fetid breath blasted him in the face, and he felt his gorge rise.
Kurama winced. "Ya shouldn'ta did that."
Radanh didn't move. Movement implied motion.
He absolutely blurred. Blood splashed through the air...
.
..
...
Golden arms intercepted the swords, crisscrossed before his face. Red eyes squinted out over them. Radahn scowled at him, maddened mind not comprehending. He pushed down, bringing his full weight to bear upon him as best he could. Naruto shifted his stance, grabbed his blades and pushed back, forcing a stalemate. And still Radahn strained against him...!
A cold spell struck Radahn in the face. His head snapped up with a snarl.
Ranni raised a hand behind him. Her voice rose over the wailing dunes. "I would have thee cease, brother of mine."
Radahn paused. He heaved himself upright. Sniffed. Shuffled past him to inspect this strange new threat. Suddenly all his plans and schemes seemed inconsequential in the face of something this big. Bastard was quicker than he looked, faster than he'd any right to be.
Naruto let him go with a grimace, eyeing the man's vast bulk. "Ranni, I changed my mind! This is a bad idea...!"
She didn't look at him. "Be assured, I have this well in hand."
The giant loomed over her with a low, questioning rumble. He hoped it was just that.
"Do you not recognize me, brother?" she stood firm in his shadow. "Knowest thou not my voice?"
Her poor brother leaned in closer. Sniffed once, like some sort of overgrown dog.
Ranni touched a hand to his forehead and whispered something.
"Come," she cooed. "Remember...
He didn't hear the rest. Whatever it was, it made Radahn recoil.
Naruto lurched with dread in his heart. "Don't...!"
She was just too close.
A giant sword slammed into Ranni's body. She didn't even have time to cry out. One moment she stood only a stone's throw away; in the next an awful crack filled the air as she was cleaved in twine; one of her four arms sailed through the air to land at his feet. She crashed down to the dune sea, the separate halves of her body flying away from one another.
"Move, you dolt!"
His mind rebooted a moment later. If she'd had a flesh and blood body-if she'd given into his cajolin-she would've died in an instant. As things stood, he could hear her colorful cursing across the dunes. She was alive...for now. Could she survive in such a state...? And if so, for how long?
Radahn bounded after her.
Naruto's world went six shades of red.
His body flickered, intercepting him. "That's your sister, damnit!"
A rasengan sheathed itself in the madman's chest, bowling him over. Deprived of its master, Radahn's horse fell with a startled whinny, bounced once, and slumped to the ground in sore need of a rest. He scarcely noticed at all. He was already moving, bounding past the beast of burden, his world fixed to a singular point.
He roared at the crazed shell of a man and jumped on him.
Those giant swords came up. He slapped them down. A fist struck his face, snapping his head to the side. He punched back, forcing him to the ground.
"Calm down! Do you hear me?!" He snarled, perching himself on his chest. "I'm talking about Ranni! Your sister!" Radahn headbutted him for it and he returned the favor, all but bloodying the goliath's nose and stunning him. "Remember, damnit! Just stop holding back the stars! Do it for her!"
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!
...Ra...nni...?"
"Yes! There we go." he blew out a sigh, relieved at his victory. "Now lets just talk about this. I'll have you fixed up in a jiffy-
"RANNI!"
A sudden surge of gravity magic ripped Naruto into the air, depriving him of all balance. 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?"
Naruto dragged himself out, spitting sparks.
"That does it! No more mister nice guy! You're going down!"
A/N: Battle continues next chapter.
Will best boy live? And if so at what cost? We'll see if he survives.
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)
They were themselves holding back, trying to hobble him, not kill.
But he just wouldn't stay still!
"Move aside, move aside!" Renala pushed past them. Saw Radahn, bleeding on the ground. Rushed forward. "Oh, my dear boy...you're alright, I'm here...
She flicked a look to him. "Does he live?
Ranni was silent for a long moment.
Then she walked past him. Knelt before the chest.
She could feel Naruto's gaze searing into her back. His curiosity. Did she dare?
Naruto."
"Hmm?"
She scowled. "Flee."
He was quick to realize he'd teased her too far. "Fleeing!"
"That's your idea?!"
"Indeed. 'Tis a brilliant one, no?"
She sounded so serious; it was all he could do not to laugh.
"You will be good to my sister, or so help me, I will BURN you."
"Awww, you really do care about her, Rykard...
"Did you think the Greater Will would stay silent forever?"
"I think I don't five a flying F**k about some derrange god. Get out my way or I'll stick your head up your arse!"
"Now just hear me out, Iiji. There's no need to lock Blaidd away. I've got an idea."
"Do you, now?" he felt a flicker of concern stir in his withered chest.
"I want to take him to Nokron with me."
His mirror helm tilted toward the boy.
That would be...ill-advised."
"Lets give this one last go, shall we?"
R&R~!