A/N: Double update day today, somehow.
...very sick now, my voice is almost gone, my sinuses are clogged, and my throat hurts so bad. Off to the doctors. T_T
Still, said I would update this little tale if reached a hundred reviews. So be it. Here we are. Hope you enjoy.
We'll see if this chapter gets a good response/feedback. If so, it continues with weekly updates.
If not, ah well. Folks don't seem to appreciate single pairings these days...
In other news, updates for "One With Spirits", "Scarlet Vow" and "Omen of Change" are being pushed back, their slots being replaced with "Let Them Rot", "Upon My Name" and an unnamed Elden Ring story -Naruto as Morgott- that I'm contemplating. "Flame of Ambition," maybe? They'll still be updated, mind you, just not as quickly. They're just not as popular compared the rest. Heir of Dragons managed to claw its way out of that pit, and I'd like to think that they will, but I don't have much hope. Consort and Forget me Not may be ending soon as well, as reviews have dropped off.
It all depends on onto other matters.
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, wicked world, one word at a time.
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.
Really, that ought to be rather obvious by now.
Hope this chapter makes you smile!
"Dibs on the big guy!"
What-wait! You can't do that!
Can, am, have! The other one's all yours~!"
~?
I Call Dibs
"You will bloom."
Milicent awoke with a gasping, eyes wide, heart hammering, bosom heaving for air that never quite seemed to come. Eventually, it did and with it, she felt some semblance of calm begin to return. There was no pain, no agony, nothing at all beyond a pleasant soreness and a comforting warmth tucked against her back. That and arms wrapped around her waist, warm breath against her ear, the quiet promise of protection against any and all horrors of her dreams. In fact she was so comfortable that she found her worries drifting away as she snuggled back down into his embrace. Well, that settled it. She was dreaming. Nothing to worry about there.
.
..
...what?!
Her thoughts fizzled most spectacularly as she rolled over to find herself tucked against Naruto's chest. Golden eyes widened in mute disbelief. She was most certainly the little spoon here and for a moment she feared the worst, but no, they were each fully clothed despite being nestled against one another. She must've huddled closer for the warmth during the night. Yes, had to be it. She must be sore thanks to her recovery from the rot, not...that. Still, it was the first time she'd ever slept with a man...
Not! Like! That!
She chastised her dirty mind for running off into the sunset without her. Breathe. Focus. Think. She must be calm. She must remain in control. She must stay awake and not snuggle back to sleep, no matter how thirsty she might, or how blasted comfortable she might be, nor how nice her companion smelled. The Rot had ceased to writhe within her now, quelled by the needle, but not silenced. She could still feel it there, lurking just under the surface. Particularly powerful emotions might force it to the fore once more and she'd no desire for that, which meant...
...blast.
She had to get up, didn't she?
Sighing, she poked a finger against Naruto's cheek.
He didn't budge. She jabbed him again. Still no such response. Being stubborn was he? So be it! A third and far more powerful poke prodded his cheek ever so slightly. The moment it did, he exploded in a plume of smoke, leaving her coughing and sputtering in surprise.
Milicent recoiled with a gasp, her remaining arm flailing, warding her shamshir blade before her. "What manner of magic is this?!"
"Not magic," a voice called from the ruined arch of the church, "Chakra. There's a difference.
She righted herself with an effort and found Naruto standing only a few paces away.
"Sorry about the shadow clone," his winning smile flashed out at her, "Had to do a bit of reconnaissance ya know? Don't worry," he amended at her mulish glar, You were never in any danger. I left one to keep you warm, and another to keep watch." he pointed upward. "See?"
Miicent followed his finger and blinked. There was indeed another one of him standing atop the ceiling of the ruined church. She hadn't noticed at first, but now that she peered into the dark, she could clearly see his blue eyes glowing in the early morning gloom, giving him away.
"All clear, boss." It hopped down as she looked on and snapped off a merry salute, like a soldier reporting to its general. "One of the beasties tried to come up here, but we drove it off before it got too close.
"Good job."
Its task completed, the jolly fellow vanished in plume of smoke.
Milicent looked to him with wide eyes. "Is it possible to learn such a power?"
"Maybe." he rolled one shoulder in a shrug. "We can do that later." belatedly, she noticed the worn leather pack slung over his back. "Time to get moving."
She blinked quickly at his sudden declaration, but when he turned to leave, found herself following him nevertheless. "Where are we going?"
"Found a castle down the hill." he pointed to a distant shape on the horizon. "Seems like a good place to start for answers as any."
What could she say? Milicent shrugged her shoulder, feeling rather directionless herself. "I have no objections."
Great! his face lit up again. "This'll be a grand adventure. We'll be best buddies in no time."
"Buddy?" She blinked, mildly bemused by his words. "Is that what we are? Buddies?"
"I mean, yeah!" He tilted his head. "Would you rather we be enemies?"
"No, no, no! She waved her arm. "Friends! Lets start with that...
(.0.0.0.)
Two cripples wandered into Redmane Castle fortress and asked each for directions.
Sounded like the beginning of some bad joke, ya know?
Naruto was still waiting for the punchline.
No one challenged them when he walked up the walls-carrying a startled Milicent on his back of course!-and sauntered into the castle. No one bothered to bar their path as they wandered their way through the empty halls framed by long-since-faded banners and broken weaponry. The place seemed to be full of nothing but ghosts, really, and the dead held no answers for them.
But the moment they passed through a fog gate into the courtyard beyond...
.
..
...something was waiting.
He sensed the presence long before he saw it; even then its roar took him aback.
A snarling beast with a red mane and a long flowing tail lumbered forward on two legs, sword in hand. It didn't look much pleased to see them.
Nor he, it. "Aww, he looks weak."
The universe must've taken offense at that; because slammed down behind the beast; a mighty knight clad in armor the color of burnished bronze. A horned helmet tilted their way, the warrior within glaring intently at them. A brief pall of silence passed between their little quartet and the knight broke it by hefting his horned shield and lumbering forward. Huh, neat. Slow but strong. He could sense it at a glance.
This might be fun.
Milicent sucked in a sharp gasp. "A crucible knight? Here?! Of all places?! And is that a leonine misbegotten?"
"You're saying a lotta names and they're all going over my head." he craned his neck, regarding the steadily approaching knight. "Either way..dibs on the big guy!"
He lunged forward, only for her to grab his wrist. "Wait just a moment! Those knights were trained by Great Godfrey himself, the first Elden Lord!"
"And?" he tilted his head, baffled. "Don't worry, I got this. You can fight the monster! I already called dibs ya know-
Something smacked into the the back of his head.
"Oi! Wait your turn!" He drove a backfist into their chest, sending them skidding away. "I'll deal with you in a second!"
The Crucible Knight wasn't so easily dissuaded; its blade whistled in at his head, forcing him to sway back, only to find that horned shield rushing in at his face. He caught it with one hand and grappled it aside, grinning up at the baffled noise the knight made.
A cursory glance over his shoulder confirmed Milicent had engaged the Misbegotten. Good. No distractions, then.
"You need me to make you a chakra arm?"
'Nah,' a smile split his face. 'Might be fun to fight with a handicap just this once.'
"Hey!" he beamed back at Godfrey's knight. "You must be pretty tough, huh? I'm a bit rusty with one arm these days. Mind helping me warm up?"
It made a noise that might've been conveyed as annoyance or acceptance. He wasn't sure which.
So he started swinging, hammering punch after punch into his opponent's solar plexus.
Turns out its armor wasn't so sturdy after all.
The knight went mad and pulled out all the stops. It stomped down, conjuring earthen spikes. A spectral tail burst from its back, trying to trip him up. Golden wings erupted forth as it took flight and sought to mow him down where he stood. It was entertaining, if nothing else, and its constant aggression forced him on the defensive for the first time in ages.
But all good things must eventually come to an end; even this, despite the fun he was having.
Pivoting with a whistle, Naruto dodged another sweep and conjured chakra to his hand.
"Rasengan~!"
The Crucible Knight careened backward with a tortured cry, crashed through a wall, and went still. A dull thunk heralded its fall as it crashed facefirst onto the plaza. It did not rise again.
And that, as they say, was that...
.
..
...or rather, it should have been. It wasn't.
A glint of metal and stone in the rubble caught his eyes.
It had dropped something, or maybe simply knocked it loose from some hidden cache he hadn't yet seen. Regardless, his gaze lingered on it all the same. Grey and heavy, yet intricately curved, it was a colossal weapon in ever way that mattered. Violet sparks skittered across its edge as he looked on, beckoning to him. Here was a weapon with little finesse, meant to crush as much as slash. No subtlety here...and he liked it.
His fingers twitched toward it.
Well...what was the harm? He'd won this weapon by right of conquest.
"Oooh! Nice sword!" he reached down to grasp its simple handle, pleased to find it fit his grip. "I'll keep it."
"Are you certain?" he turned back with a bemused smile to find Milicent standing over the Misbegotten's bloody corpse. Even one-armed, she was deadly...and gorgeous. The pensive look she was currently giving him was slightly...less so. "That blade looks much too heavy."
"Nah, its perfect for me!" Grinning he gave it a test swing, letting the massive blade carry him forward. "I don't do subtle, ya know. Lets see what else it can-ha!" He brought it down and the greatsword sang, splitting the earth in a sea of violet light. The sword almost seemed happy, pleased, dare he say content? "Yup!" His shouldered his new best friend with a happy noise. Mine, now. What about you, find any plunder on that thing?"
...no." she said after a moment's pause.
"Wanna go find some after this? We can make a game out of it.
A red brow arched. "You're not going to let me out of your sight, are you?"
"Hey!" he touched a hand to his chest, feigning offense. "Us cripples have to stick together."
"I just watched you beat a crucible knight. Cripple indeed!" Milicent flung up her good arm with an exasperated cry. "Keep the blade if you wish. But I'll not be lugging it about for you!"
"Wouldn't dream of it!"
"Hmmph!" She looked away, indignant.
Aaawww, she really was cute when she got all huffy.
All that remained before them was a lowly wooden door. Together, they forced it open, one hand at each side, urging it to part at their touch.
An old man awaited them within, hunched over a worn wooden chair. Clad in fanciful clothes, he looked more a jester than a warrior, although the hulking flamberge on his back would suggest otherwise. Even his face was likewise concealed; hidden behind a bearded mask of some sort. He looked up at their approach and made a bemused noise of confusion.
"Oh?" his head tilted a fraction of an inch to the right, regarding them in. "How did you two slip inside with the gate closed? Hmph, no matter, I supposed. If you can fell our guards with such ease, you're both champions in my book." a brief bow followed, ringing with low laught. I am Jerren. Foolish old warrior...and witness, I suppose.
Naruto felt a shiver shoot down his spine. "To what?
"To the end of an era and the beginning of a new one," the old man's retort proved unexpectedly cryptic. "Incidentally, might the two of you enjoy a good festival, from time to time?" When they shared a baffled look, he only laughed. "Truth be told, this fortress houses only the vanquished...but when the stars align, we celebrate. A war festival honoring the last battle and death of General Radahn. The mightiest demigod of the Shattering, and bearer of a Great Rune.
Milicent flinched at his side and touched a hand to her head.
Jerren continued unabated. 'What say you, lad?"
A shrug. "Sure, why not. I love festivals.
"And well that you do!" the old codger slapped his knee. "As you should. The festival affords glory to warriors, even wounded ones such as yourselves. All you need is a little patience. When the stars align, the festival will be declared. I expect it will be any day now.
He considered the two of them for a long moment.
"Unless of course, you wish to face the good General now? You seem impatient."
It was tempting. Very tempting indeed. "Just how big is this Radan guy? We talkin' big," he gestured expansively wit his hands. "Or biiiiig? You know what I mean?"
"Aye, I do." Jerren smiled behind his mask. "Why not see for yourself? The worst you can do is die."
Milicent squeaked. "That...is not encouraging."
(.0.0.0.)
Radahn was...not as they expected.
Naruto saw him easily enough out there on the dunes. The poor fellow was howling at the sky like a mad dog, just as Jerren said. If he looked that large from a distance...well, damn. He didn't relish the idea of facing him up close and person, but neither could he bring himself to leave the man to linger like this, wallowing in squalor.
Millicent gulped beside him. "Was this truly a wise idea?"
"Probably not." he shrugged, not worried overmuch. "Don't worry. If worst comes to worse, I'll pin him down with Kurama." He placed his hand to his mouth and cupped it. "Oiiiiii! Big guy! Get over here!"
Millicent rounded on him with a squeak. "What're you doing?! Don't call him over here!"
"It'll be fiiiine~!"
Definitely. Hopefully. Probably?
Too late to take his shout back now, in any case.
The great general heard them, saw them now and bulled forward; he approached rapidly, growing large, lager, largest indeed...
And yet he didn't draw his weapons. He simply crawled their way on all fours like some ind of deranged dog. One missing its feet. He winced at the sight of the man's rotten legs. That had to be painful. And all those foul spears sticking out his back make him seemed more a porcupine than a man. He willed himself to stand his ground in the face of this towering titan. He didn't sense any ill intent from the demigod oddly enough; he only experienced a strange...excitement?
Kurama rumbled a sigh in his head. "This bodes poorly."
Radahn grunted, leaned forward, sniffed Millicent once as a dog might another. His grave face considered her for a long moment, golden eyes lingering on her scarlet hair. Whatever he was looking for in her, he must have failed to find it; because he grunted and plodded away, knees dragging on the smoldering sands.
She tilted her head his way, daring to hope. "He's...not attacking? Is that a good thing?"
Radahn lumbered back and dropped a pair of dead bodies at their feet.
From there, he reared pack on his haunches and waited for them.
Milicent coughed. "...I think he wants us to play fetch?"
No way. Surely poor Radahn couldn't be that far gone.
Naruto scratched his head. "Uh...good dog? Sit?"
Remarkably, the broken general obeyed.
Naruto slapped a palm to his face.
"This is gonna be a problem...
A/N: Aaaaand scene.
Didn't see that on coming, did you?
Radahn clearly isn't sane...but he's not a monster.
And alay, alas, he lost Leonard in this story; hence why he was seen crawling.
And Milicent wants cuddles, of course. She's been touch-deprived her entire life, poor girl.
To be clear! This pairing is exclusively NarutoxMilicent...with possibly Milicent's sisters as well.
Well? Did you like this story? Yes? No? Maybe? Speak out! Make yourselves heard! Your voice matters~!
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? Well...I'll not continue it.
That's no joke.
I'm working two jobs these days -and been promoted atop that- 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.
Next chapter title: Long Live the Queen. *whistles innocently* gee, I wonder who that is...?
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas....Review, Wouldst Thou Kindly?
And have some previews. Some are quite off, but still...
(Previews)
Milicent crashed backward with a giggle. "Stop, stop-ha! That tickles!"
...the knight lurched up behind them with a grunt. He knelt and thumped a fist against their breastplate, producing a hollow clank.
Naruto turned a baffled look on Milicent. "What's he want?"
"She, actually."
A blink. "How can you tell?"
That armor is far too slim for a man.
The knight bowed their head in agreement and Milicent heaved a sigh; it was as she feared, then. "I believe she wishes to serve you.
"Eeeeh? Look, I'm flattered, but I dunno about this...
"MAY CHAOS TAKE THE WORLD?!"
"How about no. I'm taking this world without your chaos."
"Heresy!"
"Sisters?"
"I have four of them."
Naruto whistled despite himself.
"TOGETHA-
A giant golden fist smashed the snake down.
"No! Bad snake! I have had entirely enough of you!"
"Is that...an arm? Wherever did you find such a thing...?"
"What are you doing?!"
"Huh?" he looked back at her. "What's it look like? I'm fixing Caelid."
"Even you cannot-
"See this mark?" he held up his hand revealing a single circle etched within his palm. "It lets me do some pretty incredible things. Now watch!"
He slammed his hand down.
...I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat."
Milicent flinched back despite herself. "Mother...?"
Malenia stalked ehr way. "I have no child."
CLONG!
Clenched knuckles crashed into her helm, leaving a decidedly fist-shaped impression behind. Back she went, landing on her rear. Another kick knocked her flat.
Down she went into the puddle.
Naruto planted a boot onto her bosom, pinned her there, leaned down, and smiled.
It was not a nice smile; his was all teeth, promising pain if she angered him.
"Say that shit about Milicent again. One more time...
R&R~!