A/N: Still kicking despite life throwing curveballs my way.
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, and it feels like the end of an era. Sometimes the app helps, other times...not so much.
Sometimes the app helps, sometimes it doesn't.
If you're not already aware of it, ever since the 16th of November -more than two bloody months now we've been dealing with this!- you now have to turn ON your email alerts in account settings-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. Authors are leaving/quitting because of this.
Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully the devs can fix tweak/update this system before everyone leaves.
No questions this time. Only story. Alright then, I've kept you long enough. Lets get back to it.
Once more, I own no quotes, references, or memes. Not a wit or a one. NOT! A! THING!
They're all tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me.
There we go. Disclaimer over. Hope you enjoy~!
Chapter title is unabashedly a pun.
"...alright, you want me to put the hammer down?! Fine!
"Rykard! Wait just a moment!"
Nope! HAMMER DOWN!
~?
Hammer Time
The boy was ignoring him again.
For once Radagon couldn't bring himself to blame his son. No, this time the onus of guilt fell squarely upon his shoulders. He had wronged him, through no fault but his own. And didn't that just sting? His boy, his youngest boy, thought nothing of him, barely even saw him as his sire. He realized that now and it humbled him. Moreso the words that were said unto him:
"I don't hate you, dad. I just don't CARE. I stopped caring what you thought of me a long time ago."
With each passing step down this lonely road they gnawed at him, like so many maggots festering in a rotten wound.
After their last argument there was much left unsaid between them, but perhaps that was for the best. He did not trust himself to speak further in this moment. His temper was roused and his tongue threatened to betray him at any given instant. Perhaps it was just as well young Rykard's attention was elsewhere at the moment.
For they had a guest and she was not the silent sort. Nay, for Tanith was a feisty little lass; now that she'd overcome her initial fears of them and the serpent, the young girl had proven herself most inquisitive. She should not be here and yet here she was; worse Rykard refused to send her away.
"We cannot take her with us."
"Says who? You?" Rykard had planted his feet. "We will, and that's final." Gold light had burned in his son's eyes. "Get that stick out your ass before I pull it out and beat you with it."
The boy's defiance rankled Radagon more than he cared to admit. This journey was meant to be for the two of them. Father and son. Not this...hanger-on or whatever she was. She had spoken of her origins and while he pitied one being sold into slavery, her place was not with them. They would leave her in Leyndell. He would hear no more of it. Doubtless Marika would find his plight terribly amusing. For all her claims of peace and order, his wild sister truly delighted in chaos, in the defiance of his seed.
A small part of him was pleased they were getting on, but another, larger part seethed with an altogether more familiar emotion. Anger. Perhaps it was selfish of him, but he wanted his son to understand his Path; to set aside his pointless pranks and mad mischief so that he might better dedicate himself to the Greater Will. Instead he found himself flummoxed. Did the boy not understand?
Radahn had a purpose. He would be the one to hold back to the stars someday, to be the grand general of Leyndell's armies.
Ranni had a purpose. She was Empyrean, their only Empyrean, meant to rule after Marika ceded the crown.
Rykard lack such a purpose.
Of all his children, his second son cared naught for duty and honor-if anything he actively disdained them. He alone made a mockery of the Greater Will at every turn. He alone openly defied its edicts. He alone did as he pleased, all the while blind to the anger he was stirring. He must be made to see. To repent. Before it was too late. But he refused! Instead he focused on this blasted girl! This wilting wastrel of a wench was a distraction, nothing more. She should be expunged!
Radagon listened to the children with half ear as they trailed behind him.
"That's a beautiful falcon." Tanith crooned at the boy even now perched upon Rykard's arm. "May I pet her?"
"Careful." His youngest child chided. "Freya's got a sharp beak...
She did indeed, and she wasn't afraid to use it. Radagon knew that from experience. The foul fowl disliked him, as did every beast tamed by his son. Part of the reason he wasn't keen on him training a dragon. He caused chaos enough with his made menagerie of beasts. The last thing he needed was a wyrm by his side. Least of all one of the larger ones!
And yet his son's favored falcon allowed Tanith to pat her head; indeed, the blasted bird actually preened and let this strange girl, this little maiden whose purpose he knew not, touch her! He'd nearly lost finger to it more than once and yet here it acted like some placid pigeon?!
.
..
...the universe was laughing at him, he just knew it.
Naruto caught him staring and laid a hand on his hammer.
"My lord?" Tanith saw the same and looked to him as only a child might. "Is everything alright?"
...you will speak when spoken to. Nothing more." he'd said the words in anger and immediately regretted them; because her eyes absolutely flashed. For a wild moment he found himself inexpicably reminded of a young Rennala. That in turn made him think of his wife, which broke his resolve. "No, wait." he regretted his actions immediately. "I did not mean-
"You're quite rude for a father!" Tanith, as Radagon immediately learned, could give just as good as she got. "Have you no shame?"
...no?" Errors were made.
She turned away with a huff. "I thought not! Rude brute!"
Rykard didn't even deign to hide his smile. "He certainly is, isn't he?"
Radagon slumped with a sigh. She was no fighter. Nay. Not yet. That much was certain.
But ohhh, could she sass with the best of them.
If she made his son smile in such a way...
...perhaps that was all to the good.
He felt a portend of the end then, a realization of what might yet come. Rykard wouldn't let this girl go so easily. Doubtless he saw a kindred spirit in her and perhaps she was. They were, the both of them, cut from the same cloth. Had he not been the same once? Listless and adrift until he found Rennala. Or was it she who found him? In time this tired, frightened girl might make a man of Rykard. A proper lord perhaps. And yet.
"I must ask, good sirs, where are you headed?
Rykard shrugged. "Meh, the old man's dragging us around on a pilgrimage to the capital and all that-
"Boy." Radagon growled. "That was to be a secret."
"Leyndell?" Tanith seemed to shrink a little beneath their gaze. "...I was to be sold there." her voice warbled a little as she hung her head. "Do you wish to be rid of me that badly, my lords...?"
He saw no reason to lie.
"We intend to leave you in Leyndell, yes."
Irving absolutely hissed atop Rykard's stern shoulder.
Freya took flight with an outraged squawk of purest fury.
Tanith made a pained noise and Rykard...his son just stared at him.
If looks could kill, Radaon suspected he would be a moldering corpse in the dirt. But why? What had he done wrong?
.
..
...he'd blundered again, hadn't he?
"Was it something I said?"
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto wanted to throttle his father.
Blasted old man, had he no common sense?! There were some things you just didn't say. Even a blind man could see the misconception Tanith might've made. Granted, maybe Radagon hadn't meant it like that, but the damage was already done and had clearly taken it that way. It felt to him to undo the damage his "lord father" had unwittingly caused.
With a long suffering sigh he reached around, took Tani by a quivering shoulder and gently steered her off to one side of the road for privacy.
When his father made to follow and he GLARED bloody red daggers at him. "You stay put! You've done enough damage for one day."
...as you wish."
For once in his life, Radagon listened. He turned his back on them, choosing to remain where he was. Good. Violence was the question of the day and the answer was yes. If he pulled a stunt like that again he was going to meet Mjolnir. With his face. Or maybe fling Freya at him. She certainly looked cross enough to peck his eyes out right about now...
"..."
"Listen to me." He planted both hands on Tanith's shoulders. "No one is selling you. And we won't leave you in Leyndell. I promise."
She sniffled and scrubbed at her face with the back of one hand, not quite willing to look him in the eye just yet. "Truly?"
"Definitely." he patted her hand, noticing when she clung on. "You can stay in Raya Lucaria with me, if you like.
The maiden tilted her head a fraction of an inch. "And what would my purpose there be?"
Now there was a loaded question if he ever heard one. A young girl snatched out her carriage by a demigod, spirited away to his castle, never to be seen again. Those kind of stories never ended well and from the look in her eye he could see she was thinking of more than a few with unpleasant endings. Wisely, he chose to skirt that topic.
"Whatever you want it to be."
Her face turned a pretty shade of pink. "I have your word?"
"Yup. Wanna swear on it?" He offered her his pinky finger, wriggling the little digit at her.
Tanith needed no further prodding. She hooked her finger in his, pulled her palm into his own and held tight, fingers locking around his own.
Naruto bit back a rueful little smile. ...fine. If holding hands made her feel a bit better, then who was he to complain.
They would journey on in silence thereafter. Tanith didn't let go of his hand until they reached Leyndell.
(.0.0.0.)
In no time at all, the gates of the capital loomed before them.
Naruto eyed them with dread. He hadn't expected their journey to come to an end so suddenly; the fact that it had concerned him; less so the welcoming they received.
"Halt!" A cry went up from the wall, stopping them in their tracks. "Who approaches the bloody gate-Lord Radagon?!" their words warped into a startled yelp as the man in question raised his blazing blue blade and fired a great comet of light high into the dark clouds above. "What are you fools waiting for?! The gate! Open the gate at once!"
Radagon swept an arm wide as the gates parted. "Welcome to Leyndell."
Naruto leaned past him, squinting as the light of the city was revealed in all its splendor.
In this one thing, he would admit he'd been wrong. Leyndell was a grand city unlike any other, truly worthy of its namesake. Towering spires and grand gothic architecture, sweeping buildings and a city full of life. He was loathe to admit it, but it put the academy of Raya Lucaria to shame. Unfortunately its majesty was overshadowed by his unyielding concern. Everywhere he looked there was so much...life. Knights and nobles and squires all. To say nothing of the common cityfolk, many of whom paused to gawk at their little group. More than a few saw his red hair and pointed his way.
Irving hissed atop his shoulder, forked tongue flitting in thinly veiled agitation.
Naruto ignored their pointed looks and hushed whispers. Heh. It seemed word of his exploits had traveled even here. Too bad, so sad. He'd have to leave this place with one helluva prank before he went home...
.
..
...if he made it home. He didn't much like the idea of facing the Greater Will; if anything it made him all the more determined to avoid the accursed creature. Whatever it wanted with him, assuming it wanted anything at all, it couldn't be good. Damnit Radagon. If only he hadn't brought him here...
"Come." Radagon took him by the hand and indicated a path ascending through the city, toward the Erdtree temple proper. "The Greater Will awaits."
Naruto dug his heels in. "Can't we stay at an inn for the night or something?"
"We cannot."
Naruto stomped down, refusing to move.
"You misunderstand." Radagon amended at his black look. "We are royalty. It would not behoove us to stay at such a place. We shall speak with the Queen and stay in the royal quarters, should she permit it."
He meant Marika. Blast it, he'd been so worried about the Greater Will that he'd completely forgotten its avatar...who was technically his aunt, come to think of it. The thought unmoored his legs and Radagon took full advantage to tug him along and young Tanith with him by extension. All the while his mind continued to whirl. There had to be a way out of this. An escape, something he could do to prevent the impending disaster he just knew was headed his way.
'Think, damnit!'
Sensing his distress, Irving hissed anew.
"I know, buddy..." He idly patted his partner's head as he looked toward Tanith.
She made an awed sound, eyes cast toward the bright sky. "I hadn't though it would be so large...
Wasn't hard to guess what she spoke of. The Erdtree loomed large overhead, casting all in dappled rays of sunlight even this late in the evening. It outshone the very stars themselves. Just looking at it made him squint! By the sage, how did anyone sleep with an infernally bright night-light like that?! A more gaudy thing he'd never seen. And they were headed straight towards it. Even now he could feel the ground sloping under his feet as Radagon hauled him toward disaster at a reckless pace.
.
..
...no. He couldn't allow it.
His eyes flashed and he reached for Mjolnir.
"Hello, brother." A rich voice intoned ahead of them, stopping them in their tracks. "This is a most unexpected visit."
"Who...?"
His eyes snapped towards the voice. Widened now, as he beheld its owner.
A woman appeared before in a swirl of golden light to bar their passage, one arm flung out to impede them.
Gold. That word suited her nicely. Gold was her hair and gold her eyes, gold threaded the hammer at her side, hanging from an equally golden sash at her waist. Clad in a long flowing dress the color of flaxen straw, a garment that clung to her every curve, she was more goddess then woman. Fitting, given who she was.
"Sister." Radagon inclined his head in a shallow nod. "I had thought to surprise you."
"And indeed you did." she planted a fist on her hip. "Had I not sensed you, thou would've woken me in the dead of night."
"...the matter is dire." Radagon offered no apology. "I seek an audience with the Greater Will.
Marika moved to block him. "Come brother, there's no need to rush."
Golden eyes flitted to Naruto. He stiffened beneath them.
"So you're the one I've heard tell of." His aunt smiled at him, a dazzling thing indeed. She crouched down to look him in the eye, regarding him as one might a fascinating jewel. "Well met, my mischievous nephew. From one trickster to another, I've found your deeds most entertaining."
Naruto felt his jaw pop open. "Ha?
Tanith muffled a giggle behind her palm.
Radagon absolutely sputtered. "Sister?! Surely you speak in jest-
"Hush, you." Marika's gaze swung back to him, alarmed him with its intensity. "I see you also wield a hammer, blood of my blood." there was something in her voice just now, a hint of eagerness that hadn't been there a moment ago. "I'm rather known for that myself. Tell me, do you know how to use that thing, dear boy?"
A rare trickle of concern bled into Naruto's innermost thoughts. "...yes?"
Poor choice of words, but it was too late to take them back.
Marika's grin gained an edge, noble in its savagery.
Weeell. This might bode poorly for him.
"What say thee to a little...contest?"
A/N: Didn't see that coming, did you?
Well? Should this little ficlet be a story? Yay or nay!
If this story is voted into the "yay" category, I can promise much more merry madness to come.
And romance of course, can't forget that. Gotta bring little Rya into the world somehow now, don't we?!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story...and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. It will remain, but it simply won't progress further. I'm working two jobs with ever-increasing hours 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 matter! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustains me. Without them, I cannot write a single word. Simple as that.
So by all means, speak up! Raise your voice! Make yourself heard! Your reviews matter!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review Would You Kindly?
And enjoy some previews!
Potential ones at that.
As ever:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
SPOILERS AWAIT THEE!
BEWARE~!
(Previews)
Hammers clashed.
"Is that a dragon?!"
Rykard vaulted the fence with a cackle. "I CALL DIBS!"
"Boy! You are not taming a dragon!"
"Try and stop me, old man!"
"Blessed be the lord of blasphemy, champion of the forgotten and the accursed. Long may he reign...
"You're nothing but the second son. You will inherit no lands, nor father any children. You shall die as you lived, Rykard, FORGOTTEN-
They were still laughing when clenched knuckles barreled into their face.
Their body hurtled into the air and struck a mountain.
Needless to say, they did not survive.
Naruto lowered his bloody fist.
"Who else wants a go?"
"We are gods, boy. We must be better."
"Really, then I choose to be myself.
"Begging your pardon my lady, but I do not NEED your approval.
Ranni hummed. "I approve of her."
"Of course you would...
"What's this now?" Radahn's head poked around the corner. Then he grinned. "Oho? Little brother! You took a wife before me! I'm so proud!"
"She ain't my wife, damnit! We're still kids!"
"Oh?" Rennala perked up, a gimlet gleam in her eyes as she gazed at his companion. "And who might this be?"
Naruto ushered Tanith forward. The girl gulped once, bowed her head, and sketched a clumsy curtsy.
...a pleasure to meet thee, lady Rennala." she dared a tremulous smile. "My name is Tanith."
Naruto counted the seconds. Three, two, one-yup, there it was.
"My sweet summer child! Come here!"
EDIT: Hey, you made it!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story...and others.
If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well...I won't be able to continue it.
I'm working two jobs with ever-increasing hours and the holidays are right around the corner; 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 matter! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustains me. Without them, I cannot write a single word. Simple as that.
So by all means, speak up! Raise your voice! Make yourself heard! Your reviews matter! Really, they do!
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work!
R&R~!