A/N: ...my old computer's starting to break down. T_T
Of course it is! Because that's just what things in my life do, don't they? They break. It not like I don't NEED said computer for work and writing, not like I don't have dozens of other expenses to account for atop this. I'm absolutely done with this month. July's been pure pain and suffering for this old man.
Aaaaaaand we're back~!
Chapter title is a bloody big hint for obvious reasons~!
I'm exhausted, but I'll rest once I've brought all my Elden Ring stories current. Updating them all this month to get caught up.
Only "The Golden Son" and "Scarlet Sky" yet remain to be updated.
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds sometimes. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.
Time and feedback will determine if this remains a story. Simple as that.
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. Disclaimer over.
Its time to see more Demigods...and the chaos that awaits.
Let chaos take the world...our kind of chaos!
You're not ready for Rykard in this.
Hope you enjoy~!
"The boy will do."
"Rykard, you cannot be serious!"
"I'm quite serious, Ranni. He is of royal blood. Rya is nearly of an age with him."
"Have you taken leave of your senses?! He is an Omen! The Fingers will never allow you to-
"What do I care of the Fingers and their thoughts, sister? The boy's blood remains pure. He is a child of Morgott through and through; who, if you have forgotten, is a son of Marika. Rya is my daughter. The blood of Caria runs thick through her veins. TOGETHER they will unite our families, while keeping our bloodlines intact. I can think of no better outcome than this."
"Have you at least broached the subject with them?"
"..."
"You haven't, have you?"
"I will do so today. I can be subtle."
"Brother, thou art as blunt as a hammer."
~An Unseen Discussion.
Omen of Marriage
This really was the life.
Even now, Naruto couldn't quite comprehend his good fortune. Words alone couldn't even begin to describe the luxury in which he lived. He had a bed. An actual bed with sheets and covers, one that wasn't infested with lice or mice. Clean clothes without holes in them, and food that wasn't spoilt. He could sleep in as late as he wanted, and never have to fear for his life or those he had taken under his protection. No need to sleep with one eye open here...
.
..
...and it was glorious.
The Formless Mother hummed in his head. "Feels nice, doesn't it?"
It did. More than he wished to admit. This strange second life of his had led through countless twists and turns, but it felt like he'd finally found himself better for it. Why would Morgott -Dad!- ever want to keep him and Albedo away from this? He never wanted to go back to the sewers, though he knew he might have have to one day. Which begged the question:
Did he want to?
"My lord...a little lower...
He looked across the room.
Albedo snored daintily in her cot across from him, dead to the world. What kind of dream was she having to smile like that...? He chuckled softly and ran a hand through her hair. She made a pleased noise in her sleep and rolled over to clutch at his hand. His fingers traced her horns, drawing a small shiver fro her. He hoped it wasn't one of fear. She, at least, deserved this life.
A knock echoed at the door.
Naruto looked up, expecting Godwyn. Time to face the music, then. He'd known this was coming; he was on the surface for a reason, it was art of his deal and htere was work to be done. If he had to sing for his supper, so be it. He'd play their game and help them find the Dung Eater's allies...for now.
"Come in!"
The door swung open.
Naruto blinked quickly. That...was not Godwyn.
A rather grim-looking man entered in his stead, clad in dark robes of blue an black. His was a stern face with gleaming golden-green eyes, framed by impressive red hair and a magnficent beard besides. He stood there in the doorway for a long moment, considering him intently as one might a priceless artifact. He vaguely recognized him from the parade, but the man's name escaped him.
Discomfited by the intensity of his stare, he found his voice at last. "Can I help you?"
"Very well." the stranger spoke after a long pause. You'll do.
His brow furrowed. "Do for what?"
"Rykard!" Godwyn bustled in after him, looking positively aggrieved. "I told you not to rush ahead."
Albedo rose blearily behind him, rubbing at her eyes. "So noisy...
"I merely wished to meet my nephew." The now-named Demigod replied, heedless of her sleepy stare. He noticeably made no mention of him being an Omen. "I have a daughter nearly of an age with you...
Well, wasn't that interesting. Someone his and Albeod's age? "...you have a daughter?
"I do." Rykard preened. "Her name is Rya. Would you like to meet her?"
Albedo bridled behind him. "He most certainly would NOT-
"I would, actually."
She winced.
Godwyn proved more vocal in his protest. "Rykard!"
"What?" the younger demigod blinked. "I'm being subtle.
"This is not subtle! This is exactly the opposite of subtle! Seems Ranni was right about you...
"We need to keep the bloodlines pure and his," he flung a finger at a now-baffled Naruto, "Is royal, despite what those tittering twits in the capital might say.
Godwyn turned an apologetic look on him. "Forgive him, he's always been rather blunt.
"For which I make no apologies."
"Clearly!" Marika's eldest pinched the bridge of his nose; Naruto knew the look well, it was that of a man trying to stifle a migraine. "I'm sorry, nephew." his smile was decidedly straight I had intended to summon you to my study, but it seems someone," he cast a baleful glare Rykard's way, "Had other plans.
Rykard offered an utterly unapologetic shrug. "The boy's only been here a few days. Give him and his woman time to acclimate before you throw them headfirst into your witchhunt."
Godwyn rolled his eyes. "I suppose you'll want him to see Radahn as well."
"When he returns from his campaign, yes." the youngest of the demigods granted him a limpid smile. "Mother will want to meet him in the interim before I take him to Mount Gelmir."
"You're doing this on purpose aren't you?"
...why did it feel like he'd become a pawn in a game he wasn't properly prepared for?
The Formless Mother hushed his fears. "With me, you will be. The machinations of mere demigods -no offense meant to thee- are nothing compared to the interstella intrigues I play with my brothers and sisters."
-perish the thought, Godwyn." Rykard was saying as he came back to himself. "I harbor only the best intent for our nephew."
Godwyn squared up to him, golden gaze gleaming with lightning. "Yet you are keeping him from helping me."
"I am teaching him how to live, brother." Rykard retorted. "Or have you forgotten?"
Something terrible flashed across Godwyn's face for a moment.
He quelled it with a smile not a moment later.
"Perhaps you're right." he planted a hand on his shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow, nephew. Enjoy your day off."
Naruto could feel his head was spinning from the byplay between them, but he rallied and perked up. "So...where are we going and what are we doing, exactly?"
"I," Rykard replied with a stiff upper lip and a stern look Godwyn's way, "Am taking you to meet the rest of your family posthaste. Despite a certain workaholic's protests."
"Just a moment." Godwyn interjected quickly. "Might I borrow Albedo while you're gone? There are things I wish to discuss with her."
Albedo looked like she wanted to go with him, but he accepted the olive branch for what it was. Godwyn had been nothing but kind and supportive. Who was he to deny him? He was clearly eager to track down whomever had supplied the Dung Eater with that accursed artifact, if only to prevent more chaos. That was good of him.
"Go right ahead."
Albedo had deferred to him and held her tongue until this moment. No longer, for she rounded on him. "My lord?!
Why did she sound so startled? "You're better at hunting than I am. I'll see you tonight."
She faltered, eyes downcast. "I...yes, of course. As you wish."
"Come." Rykard planted a hand on his shoulder and steered him toward the door, "I shall take you meet my mother first."
"Huh? I though we were going to meet Rya?"
"All in good time my boy, in good time...
Rykard whisked him from the room before he could contemplate it further.
He couldn't help but think back to Godwyn's expression.
For a moment there, he'd almost looked...angry.
Surely he'd imagined it.
Hadn't he?
(.0.0.0.)
What followed would soon prove a whirlwind.
Naruto pouted throughout it all, an action that seemed bizarrely cute to an outsider given his horns. Not so to him. Not here. Not now. When he'd first laid eye on the Carian Queen amidst the totality of martial and arcane might, he had thought Rennala to be a cool and aloof beauty, only to be blindsided but just how… how…
MOTHERLY SHE WAS!
Rykard's mother tutted softly, running a comb through his messy tresses. "Dear boy, you simply must take better care of your hair."
He'd never really had someone brush his hair before. It felt...strangely nice.
"How are you so nice? Ranni's such a...a…"
She smiled. "Brat?"
"That!"
The Queen giggled, weaving a ribbon into his hair, "Finding someone able to match you tends to curb your delusions of grandeur, little culver."
Naruto scoffed, "I'd think myself a Shrike…
"Nonsense, while you may not be a dove, you are hardly the bird of torture."
He winced. "You don't know me.
"I know you never knew a mothers love," Rennala hummed sincerely, "So little one, before we decide what bird you shall be, let me give you wings...after we fix that hair!"
He tugged at the blue cloth she'd woven into his hair, tearing it free. "Fine...but no ribbons!"
The Formless Mother giggled in his head. "It suits you!"
It most assuredly did not!
Rykard observed his plight with a faintly bemused expression from his perch against the wall. "Best let her get it out of her system."
"But I wanna see Ryaaaaa...
"Is that so?" Rennala cooed. She looked to Rykard and a gleam of understanding passed between the tow of them. "You're off to see my dear granddaughter, are you? Then by all means don't let me keep you. Shall I send you to Mount Gelmir with a spell?"
That got a curious look from him. You could use magic to fast-travel in this realm? Good to know...
Rykard bowed his head. "We would appreciate it, Mother. It would save us some time."
"Then by all means, dear boys. Come closer. And do hold still...
(.0.0.0.)
The Volcano Manor lived up to its namesake.
Nestled in the very heart of Mount Gelmir, it was large indeed, and the interior very...red. Bright scarlet flames sizzled from multiple braziers mounted into the walls, casting eerie dancing shadows across the hall. A roaring hearth awaited them as they neared the foyer, tapering off into a parlor on the right before leading into a rather wide staircase on the left. From this angle, he could just see another hall in his peripherals, hidden by large gaudy crimson curtains. Low voices issues from within, impossible to discern.
Rykard spoke up, distracting him. "My thanks for humoring me, nephew. I know you'd rather be resting."
"Sure, sure," Naruto waved his concerns away. "Don't mention it. Its just...
Rykard paused just shy of the threshold and looked his way. "Just...?"
"You really don't have a problem with me being an Omen?
His uncle granted him a grave look. "I do not."
Curiosity reared its ugly head. "Why?
"Because there is power in perception." he patted his horns between his hair, looking unused to delivering such physical affection. It helped humanize him in his eyes, somehow. "Would you believe there was once a time when people scorned for my serpentine gaze and pallid demeanor. Even now my adversaries whisper harsh denunciations behind my back."
"And it doesn't bother you?"
"No." the praetor shook his head. "It does not."
A blond brow rose, practically climbing into his hairline. "How."
"Simple. Never forget who you are, nephew. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like an armor, and it can be never used to hurt you.
Wise words. He'd endeavor to remember them.
"Naruto."
"Hmm?" he looked back to Rykard.
The inquisitor stared hi down. "Be good to my daughter."
What kind of question was that? Of course he'd be nice to her! "I'll be on my best my behavior, no worries."
Oddly enough, that seemed mollify the man.
His peace said, his uncle led him within at a brisk pace. He paused just over the threshold.
"Rya?" His low voice in a baritone as they entered. "Where are you?"
Noise arose from the stairs on the left. "Here~!"
A darling girl clad in a long green dress barreled down the stairwell at speed. As he looked on she tripped over the hem of said dress, righted herself at the last second and somehow kicked off a wall to launch herself their way like a heat seeking arrow. Naruto barely had time to glimpse golden hair pleated back in a long flowing braid and piercing green eyes, then she was past, throwing herself at Rykard with a delight squeal. He thought to shout a warning, but his uncle surprised him once again. Much to his surprise, the magnanimous monach caught her beneath the arms with surprising grace, spun once to bleed off momentum, then set her down.
"Hello, father!" she beamed up at him, all sunshine and smiles. "How was your trip?"
Naruto's jaw popped open. How could someone so terrifying have a daughter like this? She must take after her mother...
"It went well." By contrast his response was practically taciturn. "I trust you're faring well?"
"Mmm!" She nodded back, then paused, noting him at last. Her head tilted to the left a little. "Who's this...? He looks familiar."
Rykard steered her towards him. "Morgott's son, the one I told you of. I'll let him introduce himself."
Her eyes lit up all over again. Does that make him my cousin?"
A nod. "It does indeed. Where is your mother?
"Downstairs, praying."
Naruto opened his mouth to speak. "Um-
Aaand just like that he found himself the center of her attention once more. Rya didn't move. She absolutely blurred. One moment she was standing the opposite him, holding her father's hand. In the next she crossed the distance between them in an instant, kicking up a small breeze in her wake.
"Hello~! I'm Rya. And you are...?"
He laughed a little bemused by her energy. "Naruto."
Comprehension dawned in her eyes. Toward what, he knew not. "Ohhh, so you really are the one. Aunt Ranni mentioned you!"
Bitch! At the mention of his aunt he twitched and forced a smile that he didn't entirely feel. "Did she, now? Only nice things I hope."
"She called you a horned reprobate and a rascal." Rya replied, all innocence and butterflies.
The smiled thinned. "Really...how very...kind of her."
"She also said I should stay well away from you."
Naruto felt his smile crack further. "I see."
"But you seem so nice, so she must be wrong. I'm Rya!" her pale face flushed with shame a moment later. "Oh, but you already know that, don't you." A hand rose to scratch at the back of her head. "Sorry. I'm not very good at this...
"It's fine...?" What else could he say to that?
"Sensational!" She took hold of both his hands -still at his sides- and pumped them up and down, arms flailing. "Its so very nice to finally meet you. Do you like games?"
He took one hand from hers and rubbed two fingers together, conjuring up a scarlet spark. "I know a few."
"Oooh!" Her eyes lit up, even as she still clung to his othe rhand. "You know magic, too! We can swap spells!"
Wild, excitable girl. If only he had half her energy.
"I like her."
Naruto rolled his eyes at the Formless Mother. 'You would.'
He could feel Rykard watching them, his parental gaze searing down the back of his neck.
"Let's play hide and seek!" Rya took him by the hand and tugged him toward the stairs. "C'mon! I know some great hiding places!
Mildly bemused by her behavior, Naruto let her drag him away. Just like that, he was lost.
Some might call that an omen. A portent of the distant future yet to come.
And it was, although he didn't yet know it.
An omen of marriage.
A/N: Rykard be out here matchmaking~!
Little Rya is adorable and must be protected and given all the headpats.
And here at last, we finally see the ripples of Naruto's "birth" here in the Lands Between.
Merely by existing, his presence has subtly altered more than a few things in our favorite game.
For instance, Rya is a quite-human daughter of Rykard here, no hunched back or hidden serpentine scales to speak of...or does she?
You'll have to read and see now, won't you?
Once more, we're sticking with the now infamous "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, it will remain, but it won't progress. 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.
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?
Here, have some previews.
Some are the same.
And as ever.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
HERE BE SPOILERS!
(Preview)
Are you an Omen, or are you a King?
ACT LIKE ONE.
Are you...jealous?"
I most assuredly not!
Naruto sighed. "You definitely are."
A blade whistled down at his head. He caught it with one hand and reeled his attacker in. "Hello, there! Is there a particular reason you're trying to kill me?"
"Wretched Omen! Die!"
"Hmm, hmm." Naruto nodded. "You make a good point. Allow me to offer my rebuttal."
CRUNCH.
"Why are you crying? This is your doing. You said it yourself; you'd rather feel pain yourself than inflict it. You choose to be neutral.
But you know what happens when you play both sides?
In the end, everybody loses.
This is the result. You've learned a lesson few seem to grasp. Sometimes, to protect one thing, you need to have the resolve to let go of another. You're not weak. Break your chains. Even if your decision is wrong, its your decision. You started this, after all."
I'm not wrong. What's wrong is this messed up world! And I'm gonna fix it.
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was a blast to write.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
Seriously, writing only to receive silence hurts. It hurts alot.
Tired,
~Nz.
R&R~!