A/N: Trolls all over the comments again. I've given up trying to moderate them. T_T
Added some more stuff, and tweaked the chapter a bit, too.
I'm alive! Sorry for the delay, this chapter fought me tooth and nail; in part, because there were so many different perspectives to write!
As ever, the Embers rule remains.
If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I'll not continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days with two jobs; basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
Now lets answer some questions:
Q: Will you include Sasuke in this?
A: You've been asking me that an awful lot. Why, though? It might hurt the story to have him in here.
I'd need a VERY good reason, and even then, it wouldn't do to simply shoehorn him in.
Q: Can we get some more snarky Kurama? He's a treat!
A: Ask and ye shall receive.
Q:...Venti thrashed those Fatui, didn't he? DIDN'T HE?! Please tell me he didn't die?!
A: Honestly, I thought his fate went without saying, but yes, he's fine. Remember, it took Signora to take him down, and this time around, our boy's got his guard up. Signora is...elsewhere at the moment, which meant those little bastards stood no chance.
Do recal, if he needs to recharge, all he has to to do is pop over to that tree in Windrise.
Q: Don't forget the other characters of Mondstadt!
A: Rest assured, I haven't.
Q: When will we get more romance?!
A: I want things to be done tastefully, not rushed. Naruto's hardly the sort to jump into bed with someone out of the blue. Lisa's putting work in on him, but its a bit of a slow burn...for now. By his very word and deed, he's begun to draw attention to himself.
Can he even get consistently roaring drunk for that matter?
A time or two makes sense yes, but blackout drunk? Wouldn't Kurama just burn the alcohol away if he wanted to? Hmm. Thoughts?
Q: Ying'er when?!
A: Wait, you mean the perfume lady from Liyue? Oh, dear. Don't tempt me. She'd probably drive Naruto up a wall.
Q:...how many people in Mondstadt saw that stunt with Shenhe? And the fireworks beforehand?
A: Everybody.
Q: Alright, I'll bite. What the hell is Morax up to?
A: Why don't you read and see?
Alright, then. I think I've kept you waiting long enough.
Hope you're ready; because this chapter's got a bit of everything in it!
As ever, I own nooooo references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.
Minor verbatim from certain quests ahead. Nothing major.
"Pray, not for the gods, nor the betterment of others. But for yourself."
~?
Faithless
Childe disembarked quickly.
It wasn't as if he wanted to of course; in truth he would have much rather stuck around the docks to see if the Archon showed...and the fireworks that followed. But as much as he might've liked to linger, he knew it just wasn't possible couldn't. The Fatui didn't exactly have a good reputation in Teyvat these days -not even in a free city like Mondstadt!- and he knew he'd have to tread carefully.
Thus, the moment the Crux docked, he made his excuses and slipped away.
Zhongli must've done the same beforehand; he hadn't seen that sly bastard anywhere before leaving. Didn't matter. If there really was an Archon lurking in this city...he'd smoke them out soon enough. He suppressed a tiny smile at the thought as he slipped through another alley, dodging another patrol. Feh! And they called themselves knights. What a shame. This lot didn't even have visions. None of them were good for a bout.
"Just gotta be a little patient," he hummed to himself, skirting a barrel. "Won't be long now."
Anemo Archons were supposed to be strong, right? If so, he'd have the fight he desired. That was all he'd been searching for, really. A proper battle, a true foe, a worthy prize. If this one was strong enough to hold onto his Gnosis and fend him, then that would be that. He, Childe, would die. He'd go to his grave without regret.
But if he wasn't...then the tables would be turned.
Snagging an apple from a nearby cart, he flung down some Mora and sauntered deeper into the city. A hearty bite helped to lift both his spirits and his stamina. It also gave him time to think. He couldn't exactly go haring off hollering for the Archon to show himself. Best save that option for last. He'd not brought any men with him on this voyage; he had nothing to rely on save his own strength and arms. It would be enough. He was hardly about to ambush the bastard. Signora would've done that in a heartbeat. Not him.
He wanted -needed!- that fight, craved it like the air in his lungs.
Right, then. Priorities. First have to ask around, find out what he looked like, then get him away from the city...
And wouldn't you know it, where was someone to ask right now!
His gaze alighted upon a little slip of a girl over there by the diner, all bright eyes and brighter hair, wrapped in a pale dress. There was another girl with her there, a brunette in red, but he paid that one little heed. She wasn't his target.
"Hey there, girlie!" he called out to the former. "Gotta sec?"
The blond turned, doe-like eyes blinking. "Are you talking to me?"
"Yup, you!" he polished off the last of his apple and tossed it into a nearby bin as he sauntered over. "Any chance you know this Archon guy I've heard so much about...?"
She hung her head, fists balling at her sides. "Did you call me...girlie?!"
Awfully hung up on that, this one. "Yes?"
Her gaze rose to scowl at him. "No."
...what?"Well, that was fast. Childe blinked. "No?"
Lumine scowled right back, fire and fury wrapped in a small package. "No. You insulted me!"
Oh, dear. He didn't like that look in her eyes."It wasn't an insult!"
"LIES!"
"Now what just a sec-
Her elbow nailed him in the ribs.
The Harbinger doubled over with a groan. "Why me?!"
In the background, Amber palmed her face. "Why do I feel like I'm being ignored here...
(.0.0.0.)
Rosaria didn't hold much faith in the gods.
Barbara wouldn't be much pleased to hear that, but there it was. The truth.
She didn't particularly hate them per se, but neither could she bring herself to love them as most did, either. Why should she? Archons were strange figures; powerful yet distant, a reminder of the gap between humanity and the divine. Gods were ancient. Cruel. Foreign. They lived as they pleased, caring not who they trampled underfoot. Yet they demanded respect, love, and adoration from those beneath them. She liked it not. Honestly, if the gods cared more for their people, then so might she for them.
But they didn't now, did they?
As far as she was concerned the world of Teyvat would be better off without them. One had but to look at the nations to see why. Sumeru's deity was a naive little thing who kowtowed to corrupt advisors. The less said about Snezhnaya and its Tsaritsa, the better. Inazuma played host to a petulant shogun who pushed her will upon the people and stripped their Visions away. Liyue had a reclusive lord who showed himself only once a year at best. Mondstadt had Barsibato...no, wait, it was...Bartobas...?
.
..
...
Alright, maybe she couldn't remember his name. Didn't matter! Whatever his name, Mondstadt's oh-so-precious god of freedom had abandoned his people long ago. Free? Bah! Probably free to slack off and drink wine somewhere! Just thinking of it made her clench her teeth. Gods? Children, more like. They went and did as they pleased, and to hell with the consequences.
Today's quarry was no different from the rest...no matter how much he might claim to be.
Bloody blond bastard, walking back into the city without a care in the world...and was that an adeptus on his arm? She looked like one. Had he really befriended her that easily? Only a few minutes ago they'd been trying to kill one another. How had he managed to tame her? It didn't make a lick of sense. He'd even managed to deceive Klee and Lisa, the bastard-
"Sister Rosaria! There you are!"
Cold eyes drifted shut with a tired sigh.
Rosaria was not one for prayer. But in this moment? She prayed.
"Please don't be Barbara, please not Barbara, for the love of any god out there, don't let it be...
She turned, looked down, and found earnest blue eyes gazing up at her. Yuuuup. The gods were assholes.
...Barbara. did you need something?" She spoke in a languid manner, hoping she would take the hint. Whatever she wanted, she didn't have time for it.
The idol of Mondstadt flinched beneath her gaze, tented her fingers...and stood her ground. Blast. "Well, its about the ceremony...
"I've told you already, I don't go in for that kind of thing. I've got more important matters to attend to." Every second she spent talking with this silly girl was another moment for her quarry to get away. "You're wasting your time here."
"But this event has commemorative significance!" Blasted girl didn't know how to take a hint. "The church hopes that all sisters will be present when we lay the foundation for the statue...
Rosaria nearly choked on her spit. Statue?! It hadn't even been an hour after that "display" and they were already kowtowing to that blond bastard?! No, no, no. She wouldn't have it. She refused to accept it. Every fiber of her being rejected the very concept.
"Hopes?" she bit down a snarl. "That's odd, 'cause I don't recall a fulfill the hopes of others clause in my job description...
Barbara faltered. "I mean, sure, but...
"But what?" Rosaria pounced with a wolfish smile, seizing the moment of weakness for what it was. "You're the event organizer, aren't you? Do you not find it the least bit odd...?" the girl dithered and she pressed the attack. "Someone sent you out to get me at this hour? Even if you turn around right now, I'd wager you'll still miss the opening ceremony." Unlikely if she ran, but still possible. "Who knows? Maybe this is someone's grand plan to make a fool out of you?"
Her eyes widened. "That can't be! P-People aren't like that!"
The bandit Rosaria once was scoffed at her naivete. They really are, little girl.
Barbara didn't know the true face of this world. Many loved her for her innocence, her purity...but sometimes it frustrated her to no end.
"Hah! Evidence decides what people are like, not your feelings. Maybe you're a little too trusting of other people?" the idol made a piteous noise and so too did Rosaria take pity on her. "Don't fret." she reached out to pat her head when it hung. "Nobody's gonna blame you if you go back empty handed. I can't imagine anyone else was delusional enough to think I was gonna show up."
Barabara made one last pitiful stab at it. "But...
"Commemorative event. Psh." she scoffed. "If this is about Barsibatos then I'm doubly uninterested."
Barbara's face flushed. "You shouldn't disrespect the Lord Archon like that!"
"Then why don't you ask him our new Archon? He's right over there." She jerked a thumb over her shoulder; this time the sneer she wore wasn't entirely feigned. "Who knows? Maybe he'll only throw you into the lake...
Barbara squeaked, no doubt recalling the spectacle they'd seen in the bay. Gotcha. Rosaria went in for the kill.
...but if you dally any longer you really won't make it."
It was the final straw. Barbara mumbled an excuse and scarpered.
Rosaria watched her go with a sigh.
Foolish girl. If she tried to bother that one, she'd regret it.
This "Naruto" didn't strike her as the sort to enjoy worship, let alone needless questions.
"Stop." She tapped clenched knuckles against the side of her head to quell such maudlin thoughts. "You're working. Focus."
She leaned back out, following her target with watchful eyes.
Despite Barbara's interruption -or perhaps in spite of it-he hadn't gotten too far into the city. Maybe his entourage was to blame for that. She didn't know. Didn't care. He was headed to the harbor now, with the rest of them well in hand. So calm. So carefree. It made her sick. But she'd seen his true colors -everyone had!- glimpsed them in that moment of fury down by the bay. She wouldn't be fooled. No. She refused. Still, he seemed so...chipper now, a far cry from the fell ire she'd seen beforehand.
When his merry band rounded a corner, she hastened after them.
No matter what some -Barbara included!- might think, this newcomer was not their God. Poor Barbara was all in a tizzy about that; unable to decide if he was the genuine article in disguise or merely some impostor with clever tricks. But what this individual lacked in "divine right" he more than made up in power. That in turn, made Rosaria wary.
'Careful,' she chided herself. 'Don't get caught. Who knows what he might do?'
She'd watched him for some time now, observing his movements from afar ever since he'd taken down Dvalin. It had taken every ounce of her skill to remain hidden. No one thought to question a sister of the church. Why would they? Most of Mondstadt knew her...eccentricities by now. They'd chalk it up as nothing, unaware of her true work. Her identity was her armor, her shroud, a clever cloak with which to conceal herself. For if fear was a sure bet, then so too was suspicion toward a stranger such as him.
This man swore he had no ulterior motives, yet he'd worked quickly to ingratiate himself with the Knights of Favonius.
Likewise, she'd seen his power; Archon or not, she would be a fool to face him head on. It made her all the more paranoid, but she couldn't well leave him alone now, could she? He was a clearly a danger. But to whom?! Himself? Her? The world, or none of them? Aaaargh!
Rosaria wanted to know. More than anything. She had to know.
Who was this "Naruto" really? What did he want? Would he become a threat to Mondstadt in time, like Albedo? Or perhaps...?
After all, she wasn't one for trust. She would rather hunt in the wild than settle into a life of dutiful service as a sister. As far as she was concerned, the golden sunlight was not so much cleansing as blinding. It wasn't that she couldn't trust others; rather, she was just choosy about it. In a way her current quarry reminded her of old man Varka but brighter. He lived in the light, while she dwelled in the dark. It was better this way. But sunlight hid shadows of its own.
He looked back suddenly. Their eyes met...
Her soul froze. How did he notice me?!
...and his gaze swept past.
Cheeky boy, mocking her like that. She'd show him!
But his smile had been pure. Good. Honest.
Impossible. Such purity couldn't exist.
And if it did...?
(.0.0.0.)
The Red Ropes were gone.
Cloud Retainer confessed a certain concern to this; if only because she hadn't thought it possible. One could remove them of course -as little Shenhe had done a time or two- but One had not expected that they could be destroyed. She'd made them herself; and thus felt the very moment of their unraveling.
Now one found herself...vexed.
Though she wished for her pupil to see the word, to do as such promised disaster. Her emotions might well rage out of control, bringing devastation in her wake. She
Cloud Retainer tutted once.
...perhaps someone needed to retrieve little Shenhe.
"Hmm." she lifted a wing, considering herself. "It has been some time since One wore the guise of a mortal...
She craned her long neck to make certain no one was watching. Left. Right. Nary a soul in sight. Ganyu was far from here. Likewise, those old fossils Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver were also away, doing whatever it was they did. Content that none were present to witness her flight of fancy she drew her wings around herself, closed her eyes and hummed softly.
At her call light burned, impossibly bright, obscuring her form from view.
Wind sang, stirring the flowers around her in a gentle breeze. As the luminescence fade it died, bare feet settled upon the ground. Human feet.
She twisted her hip to one side, running a hand down her flank.
"Hmm." full lips pursed, considering her pale, naked skin as she blinked with stark silver eyes. "One may need to acquire...clothes."
(.0.0.0.)
"Is that nun still following us?"
Kurama uttered a jaw-popping yawn yawn. "Yup."
Naruto valiantly resisted the urge to look backward again, but only just. He could feel Rosaria gaze glaring a hole between his shoulders. Sizing him up. Trying to get the measure of him. To look again was to damn himself well and truly; he wasn't sure he could keep his tongue still if he looked her in the eye a second time.
...she still muttering to herself, or am I imagining that bit?"
"Nooope."
Naruto blew out a sigh and kept walking. "Well, so long as she doesn't try anything...
"You're kidding, right?" his partner's retort was nothing short of caustic. "I can taste her frustration from here. She's not best pleased with you."
"Why?!" He resisted the urge to fling up his arms. "I haven't even spoken to her!"
"I know. You seem to have a unique talent for setting folk off in this world."
"Well," he bit out, "She hasn't attacked or tried to seduce me; frankly, I'm content to leave it at that...
"Uncle?" a faint tug on his hair pulled him back to the waking world. "You're making a scary face. Why did we stop?" familiar red eyes framed by pale hair filled his vision as his charge dangled herself over him. "Aren't we gonna see the ship?"
Right. He'd given Klee a piggyback ride. Evidently that wasn't enough; because she'd decided to perch herself atop his shoulders.
"Hmmm...maybe he's spacing out again?" Paimon took the chance to flit closer in a whirl of starlight. "Hello? Anybody there?"
"I'm still here," he sighed and nudged the girl back with his free hand. "Relax, ya know. I've not forgotten anything."
Her smile was nothing short of smug. "Then you remember the three course meal you promised Paimon?"
Naruto knew had said no such thing, but he decided to humor her.
A faint tug on his right arm took his attention elsewhere.
...unfair."
He looked down with a sigh.
"Did you say something, Shenhe?"
Rather than answer, the adeptus disciple buried her head into his shoulder.
Lisa cooed softly behind him. "Adorable. Where did I put my Kamera? I need a picture of this...
Why was she enabling them?!
Naruto blew out a sigh. Trapped. He was strapped and there was no way out but through. Shenhe hadn't released his arm -or his hand for that matter!- since their return to the city proper and it didn't look like she would be anytime soon. He could escape from her at any time of course-but he had the strangest feeling doing so unprovoked would hurt her. At least they'd managed to patch up her outfit for now; thank the sage for small mercies. Creation of All Things was a pretty handy technique.
But all the power in the world couldn't save him from this predicament.
If only Sasuke could see him now. He wasn't sure if his old friend would laugh at his plight, or simply scoff. Likely the latter. Sasuke seldom laughed, and only ever laughed in his darker moments. Wherever he was now, hopefully those emotions were long behind him.
Now do you see? he could just imagine his old friend chiding him. This is what I had to deal with. Every day.
As a body he'd been madly jealous of his rival; indeed, back then he had craved the raw attention and adulation his then-nemesis attracted. Bastard seemed to get it just by existing, you know? He'd wanted that; craved the affection he gained just by being him. He'd wanted folks to look at him, too. To see him. Admire him, you know?
But now? He didn't know what to do with all this attention!
Shenhe on one arm, Klee riding his shoulders, and Paimon floating ahead of him, all while a bemused Lisa looked on. Honestly! If Razor hadn't run off to fetch the knights, he would've been here, too. Somehow, without even realizing it, he'd formed a nice little...what was this, family, for himself? On the outside looking in, it might well appear as such.
While the bonds he'd forged weren't quite that, all this attention was a little much!
He couldn't even begin to explain it. Paimon had crashed into him, Lisa had come onto him, taking Razor in was a whim, and Klee...well, she'd declared him her uncle and that was that. He didn't rightly know what to make of Shenhe either; so long as she didn't make trouble he was content to let her have this moment...even if he didn't rightly know what this moment was. But he couldn't well ignore her. Not when she was pouting like that.
.
..
...best do something about that. "You alright? You've been pretty quiet."
"Mmm." the crane-in-training made a conflicted noise. "For now." those bright, radiant eyes rose to meet his. "I'm not sure if I'll lose control again."
"No worries. "Naruto laughed. "You won't."
"But what if I do?" she glared at him. "What if you're not around to stop me, next time?"
"Alright." A fair question deserved a fair answer, he felt. "Then you face those feelings head on, ask yourself why you feel them, and accept them."
Shenhe went silent for a moment. And then. "The day you learn how to use your strength for the good of others, is the day you can truly become part of human society, huh...
Naruto blinked, somewhat taken aback by the sudden philosophical turn. "Pardon?"
She looked down. "My master, she said that to me, once."
"Did she, now?" he tapped her on the nose when she nodded. "Alright. Lemme add something to it." He tugged his hand from hers, ignored the displeased noise she made, and reached around to wrap it around her waist with infinite care. She stiffened for a moment, then relaxed and nuzzled closer, leaving them side by side as they walked. "Listen to your heart, but don't ever let it control you." maybe if he kept his chin up she wouldn't see him blushing like mad. "Do what you think is right, ya know?"
Shenhe sniffled, unwilling to look him in the eye. "You sound like my master."
"Do I?" he smiled at her. "She sounds like a very wise woman."
She scooted closer still, melting into him and leaning her head against his shoulder. Forced to change pace, Naruto slowed a little, but kept walking. This close, he became intimately aware of her presence, and the faint scent of herbs. Warm. For someone who wielded a Cryo Vision, Shenhe was so incredibly warm. When she looked up at him, he stiffened.
"Paimon sees the ship!"
The moment shattered like so much glass. Shenhe glared bloody red daggers at her, but the little fairy paid her no heed, already racing ahead. Klee all but leaped off his shoulders to race after her. There it was again, that surge of parental concern. Paimon was small. Tiny, even. She might be learning to defend herself, but still. Klee...well, she'd probably blast anyone who tried to hurt her. Still, that didn't mean he wanted to see her get hurt...
Good girls. Must protect. Yeah, that about summed it up.
"Oi!" he cried out after them, hastening his pace. "Don't run off!"
In short order they reached the harbor.
Naruto didn't have much experience in the realm of ships. He would be the first to admit it of course; he knew which was the front, what was the back, and...that was about it. He'd only ever been on the sea a handful of time in recent memory. One to the land of Snow -heh, fond memories there, hopefully Koyuki was still doing alright- and a few other miscellaneous missions that escaped him.
Hell, he wasn't entire surely how a ship got into the bay in the first place; supposedly the waters of Mondstadt opened out into the ocean further north or somesuch. Who knew?
It didn't change the fact that a ship had come in.
Large and sleek it rested against the dock, dwarfing all other vessels. A ramp had been flung down some time ago; one could see sailors swarming about it, unloading cargo and like. And there, just now coming down the ramp...
"Heh. Never quite get my land legs back after a long voyage...
Shenhe stilled against him. That was his only warning.
A woman clad in red and black disembarked the vessel at a languid pace, hips swaying, dark hair flowing in the breeze. She was confidence personified; uncaring of who saw her. She paused at the edge of the wharf, saw him and tilted her head, regarding his torn shirt and his scars. Her lone eye narrowed upon him, and he found himself thinking of a sea dragon he'd seen once. Even with one eye she was a beauty to behold; he could say that with full confidence now that he knew what true beauty was.
Damnit Lisa.
Life had been so much simple when he was blind to such things. Speaking of which, children aside, why did every Vision wielder look like a supermodel?! It was a question that bore pondering; a question he didn't have time to answer; because the Captain -he could only assume such- was upon him. There was no escape.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." She planted a hand on her hip. "See something you like?"
Naruto saw several things but he kept his eyes firmly on hers face.
A blond brow quirked. "Can I...help you?"
Shenhe squirmed free of him and muttered something under her breath. It sounded more than a little like a curse. The Captain followed her with a questioning look, only to earn a baleful one in return as she stormed past. Naruto watched her stalk away toward Paimon and Klee, shoulders tense, chin held high. In the end she thought better of staring her down -as did he!- and turned her attention back to him.
"Nope." She smacked her lips with an audible pop. "Just admiring the goods the way you were admiring my...ship."
Right. Goods. Ship. Naruto coughed into a fist. "And you are...?"
"Beidou, captain of the Crux." She extended a hand to him. "Nice to meetcha."
...Naruto."
Without a second thought, he reached out to grasp her hand. Her fingers bit down against his immediately, testing his strength. Instinct demanded he return the gesture in kind; he found himself treated to a rare widening of her eye as his palm crushed against hers. And yet she didn't yelp in pain. He could have shattered every bone in her hand, and yet her smile didn't waver. Not in the least.
"Quite the grip you got there." her tone took on a teasing edge. "You good with your hands?"
Even he couldn't miss that. Color flooded his face as he released her hand, feeling positively scalded. "Hey!"
"Relax" she swatted his shoulder, "I'm just joking. Couldn't help myself."
Was she? He wasn't so sure. Her emotions were like a storm-tossed sea, none of them negative. He couldn't even begin to discern what she felt.
Behind him, Lisa hummed softly. "Well, someone has a keen eye, and no shame at that...I think I might like you."
"Eh?" Beidou balked, but only for a moment. Then she threw head back and laughed. "Feeling's mutual!" she cast the magician an appraising grin. What's your name...?"
Lisa made to respond, but her words were lost as another woman with long hair descended the ramp after Beidou.
Naruto's jaw clicked open.
His Gnosis sang in his heart, sensing a long lost friend.
"Right, right," Beidou was smiling for some reason, like she knew some grand secret. He wondered what it was. "Almost forgot the reason I came here. I've got someone who wants to meet you...
"I do apologize for the untimely arrival." a new voice intoned, thrumming in a low contralto.
Clad in an flowing amber robe, the newcomer was the very picture of stoicism. She was the same height as him, no, maybe a little taller at a stretch. Keen eyes met his, bright and alert, framed by a curtain of dark tresses so long as to nearly touch the dock itself. When she moved he glimpsed the pale expanse of a slender thigh beneath -by the log he hoped she was wearing something under that- yet every stride was measured, collected. Calm. There was something about her, something odd...
...it has been some time since I last set foot in Mondstadt." those peerless orbs met his, sharp and alert, singling him out. "And yet so much has changed...in more ways than one."
He didn't like the way she was looking at him. If Bediou was a predator then this...person, was a force of nature. As if he stood in the shadow of a looming avalanche, like the very earth prepared were to throw itself against him if he said the wrong word. Well! If she wanted a fight she wouldn't find him wanting. He found himself standing that much straighter, squaring his shoulders, lifting his chin to look her in the eye. In his peripherals he was vaguely aware of Lisa stepping forward to stand beside him; for the first time, he noticed the complete and utter absence of her signature smile.
"The heck are you?"
Morax -Zhongli!- hummed softly.
"Call me Mora-ahem!" she coughed into her fist to hide the slip. "Maeve will do." She reached out, clasping his hands in hers. "Might I have a moment of your time...?"
"Eh?" Naruto's brow furrowed before he recovered. "Look, lady, I've had a really long day. Unless someone's in danger, whatever this..." he waved a hand, "...is, I ain't in the mood for it."
"I see." her eyes flitted to his ruined clothes. "It seems I've come at a bad time. "Tomorrow evening, then."
It didn't sound like a question.
Who on earth was this "Maeve" anyway?
...and why did he have a bad feeling about this?
A/N: Felt nice to do other perspectives; the better to show how Teyvat is changing~!
Disguised Zhongli is a sneeeeaaaky Zhongli, Beidou teases, and Shenhe is jealous. Kazuha's around, you simply haven't seen him disembark...yet. Rosaria wants nothing to do with Naruto, Childe wants to fight him, Barbara's terrified of him, and Zhongli...hmm. What DOES Zhongi want, I wonder?
Once more, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story? Well...I'll not continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days; basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
Right then, as ever, Reviews are love, Reviews are Life.
Reviews keep me safe from any and all strife.
So in the immortal words of Atlas...
...review, Would You Kindly?
Every bit helps out!
(FUTURE! Previews?)
Some are very far out indeed...
Hope you enjoy the taste of what's to come. HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS!
(Previews!)
Morax drank deeply of the wine.
It had been some time since such a disguise was required. Nevertheless, the part was well played. No one suspected a thing.
...so why was the blond one staring so?
"Did you need something?
"Who are you, really?"
"Aren't you just adorable?! Can I keep you? Pleaaaaase?!"
"Gah! Let go! Paimon is not a toyyyyyyy!"
...nice to finally meet you, Lumine."
"Ever drank before?"
The ghost of a smile touched Naruto's mouth. "Once."
"Good." Beidou all but purred the words. "Then you won't mind a drinking game."
In the background, Shenhe tilted her head and contemplated bloody murder. Her eating fork stabbed into the table. Maeve quirked a brow, but continued to sip at her wine.
Klee touched a finger to her lips. "Does this mean I have another auntie?"
Naruto toppled back with a wheeze even as Lisa giggled.
She couldn't allow herself to die. Not yet.
There was so much to live for.
Maeve smiled.
"What say you to a wager...?"
And just like that, all Lisa's joy turned to ash her mouth.
"And as far as I'm concerned, the things I deal with are far simpler than living the life of a traditional sister...
"Sneakedy-sneak...
"Paimon, what are you doing-
"Shhh! Paimon can be useful, too! Just watch!"
"Why in blazes would I want to go to Liyue?"
"I'm told they make excellent...what do you call it? Ramen?"
Naruto twitched. Just a little. "...I find myself sorely tempted."
"You're interrupting us. Please leave."
Amber eyes flashed.
"I. Will. Have. Order."
And the heavens answered.
"For what its worth, I enjoyed the conversation. Now about the bill...?"
A bead of sweat ran down Zhongli's brow. "Yes, about that...
Diluc twitched.
"So you're the one, then? One is most amused!"
Naruto made a face. "One thinks that one speaks most strangely."
That only made the woman laugh harder. "Do be kind to little Shenhe...or one might have to kill you."
"Pray, not for the gods, nor the betterment of others. But for yourself."
"Sorry. Never been one for praying...ouch! That's a mean kick you got there, lady! Aren't you supposed to be a nun?!"
"You want me to act like a nun? Fine!" Rosaria lunged at him. "False god! DIE FOR YOUR SACRILEGE!"
He danced back, fending her off with one hand.
"Nevermind! Don't act like a nun!"
"For the last time! I'm not gonna fight ya. I've fought enough people today! Buzz off!"
"Yes." that smile was still friendly, but now it had an edge to it. "You will."
He blurred.
Naruto grabbed his spear, using it to slap away the offensive attack, pushed Paimon out of harms way, then stopped the second sword with his elbow. The impact rattled his arm, but he held firm, scowling even as it bit into his arm. Still clutching the spear in his off hand, he put both together in the perfect position to summon a shadow clone. A faint flicker of surprise was all he saw in his face before, said clone swung.
Did he relish the crack of bone that followed? Maybe. Just a little.
His attacker stumbled back, clutching their ribs.
"So you've got some skill after all!"
Then he raced back in.
~Nz.