A/N: Read this note, would you kindly?
Feels like Fanfiction is dying as of late, as am I.
Why, you ask? These. Holiday hours. Are killing me.
Its a madhouse! How am I to run a store/office with a skeleton crew?! I can't be there every hour of every day, but the moment I leave for the day/night, the place falls apart without me and I start getting phone calls left and right. Its madness I tell you! Just need to survive a few more weeks...with barely any sleep.
Speaking of which, latest chapter of No Strings on Me didn't get much feedback, though I suppose that's to be expected given how long it was, and the holidays. In other news, my muse is revving up to update Surpass Your Limits (Weekly) again, so I'm hoping to have that ready by the 4th. Slifer and is hard at work on Father of Monsters, so that should be ready by the 20th once we go over and improve it.
Someone asked for this to be updated next. Ask and you shall receive~!
Hello, hello~! Can anyone see this? Yes? No? Maybe so?
Not sure if notifications are working...
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. Disclaimer over.
"Journal entry #9,
It was a night to remember!
Here, let me set the scene for you.
My baby brother had just been born and...
~?
Dance the Night Away
A grand feast was thrown the next night.
All in his honor; all to celebrate the grand achievement of the great "Radahn".
As though Loretta and Friede hadn't been right there with him, fighting alongside him.
Such was the stigma against Albinaurics and Outcasts ranked Naruto, more than he cared to admit. This was their celebration as much as his; together, the three of them had beaten back the beasts from beyond the stars. Yet everyone acted like it was his doing, and his alone. Someone had even tried to deny them their rightful place of honor at his side. That they should be seated with the servants! The gall!
Needless to say, said someone was currently nursing a cracked skull in the infirmary.
That thought, at least, brought him some small modicum of pleasure.
"Who knew Loretta could hit that hard? Good on her!"
Resting his chin against one hand, he permitted himself a small smile was he watched the festivities take place. Arrayed before him was a scene straight out of legend; a veritable feast laid out both before and below him. Seemingly overnight, the whole of Raya Lucara had been transformed from a bastion of sorcery and learning to a place of delight, depravity and debauchery.
He would've been taken aback if he weren't the reason for it all.
Hardy workers had stripped out the benches in the lecture hall, dragged out a series of heavy tables alongside multiple oak chairs, crammed them all together, then piled them high with the finest food and drink the Lands Between could offer. If that weren't enough, each and every table was absolutely crammed with people. He didn't think a single soul down there was sober.
Neither was anyone up here, barring the expection of two.
And here he was, sitting at the head of it all, drinking it all in. Ah! Speaking of drink!
"A toast!" Naruto slammed his goblet into the air, wine sloshing in it golden depths. "To victory!"
Men and woman raised their cups in salute. "Aye!"
"To my beloved Friede and Loretta!"
More cups rose at that. "Aye!"
"TO RAYA LUCARIA!"
"AYE!"
A fresh chorus of shouts answered him from the tables below. The academy was happy to have a chance to feast come morning. It was a feast unlike any other at that, attended by old friends, familiar and otherwise, even if he did note more than a few missing scholars. Many were eager to investigate the Astels corpses. Feh. Creepy bugs. They were welcome to them.
"And of course," a tipsy grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, "To my baby brother!"
Naturally, there were other things to celebrate this day, chief among them the loud, lusty little cries of a rather surly baby currently tucked in at Rennala's breast. A wave of indulgent laughter rippled through the room and taking offense, little Rykard squalled at them all. Only just last night he'd come into the world kicking and screaming -literally!- much to the delight of the family. Radagon seemed pleased by the sheer volume of his voice, little Ranni was delighted to be a big sister, and he was happy to have a brother.
Naturally, Rennala remained regal about it all even now.
Inwardly, he knew she was delighted as the rest of them, perhaps even moreso.
He glimpsed her smile and smiled himself. Plenty of reasons to celebrate for everyone!
Still he was warm and happy, full of wine, with Friede was sat on his right and Loretta his left.
...so why did he feel so hollow inside?
Loretta leaned into him, momentarily distracting him. "Word has it, a statue is already being commissioned in your honor."
Ugh, more posing. Lovely.
"Nonsense." Friede waved her hand, momentarily disturbing her dark cowl. "He has no need of such foolish frippery."
The Albinauric glowered at the exile, pale eyes flashing. "Spoken like one who has no need of honor!"
"Why would I?" the heretic took a long draught from her goblet. "Victory is all that matters."
Just like that they were off, descending into another petty argument.
"Well done, son." Although Radagon couldn't clap him on the back him on the back from across the table, his father nevertheless made a valiant attempt to rescue him from their infighting. "Those beasts will make a fine trophy. For a moment there, I thought we might have to send the Outrider Knights after you, but you handled the situation admirably!
He quirked a brow. "You mean Vordt and the Dancer?"
"The very same!"
Naruto made a face at that, but wisely chose not to say anything further. Mother was of no help at all; she was busy chatting with the girls. Even Ranni had forsaken him; she only had eyes for baby Rykadw at the gven oment leaving him to raise his goblet and muffle a sigh within his wine.
The Outriders were...well, he knew they were very good at killing things, that was certainly true, but not much else. Although their loyalty was beyond question, no one knew what they looked like under those helmets of theirs, they never spoke a word. Stranger still, they were frightfully large, nearly of a size with him and Gwynevere. And that was saying something!
It made him curious!
Who were they really? Where had they hail from? What was their purpose?
Darn it all, He wanted to know what they looked like! He might be "Radahn" now, but he still retained his curiosity.
Alas, information on them was damnably scarce. Supposedly they hailed from the mythic Boreal Valley, a land far from here, and had once served a certain princess Fillianore. He himself had admittedly never seen either with his own eyes..
..
...thinking of princesses made him think of Gwynevere. He hadn't seen her in so long now.
For a moment he felt so alone.
"Son?"
"Hmmm?" He looked Rennala's way, mildly nonplussed to find her staring, idly rocking Rykard in her arms. "What ails thee?"
"Nothing."
She kept staring.
A sighed bubbled out of him; Mom always could suss out his motives.
His mother granted him a decidedly motherly smile. "Mayhap you would prefer some fresh air. Some peace and quiet as well, perhaps?
Naruto nodded halfheartedly.
"Then go. Worry not, we shall see to your guests."
Radagon heaved a sigh. "We will? Ow." he grunted as she elbowed him. "I mean, yes, of course we will."
He tried to muster a smile and failed. "...much obliged. I'll pay you back for this, I swear.
Rennala flicked a hand at him. Think nothing of it. Now be, off with you! Shoo!
He bid everyone his farewells, made his halfhearted excuses...
...and let his legs lead him away.
(.0.0.0.)
Serenity wasn't so easily found.
Escaping the festivities was one thing, but all of Raya Lucaria was celebrating and everyone wanted to talk with him. It took him the better part of an hour to find a place secluded enough to gather his thoughts; let alone gain some some small semblance of peace. Leaving Fried and Loretta behind at the feast might seem cruel to some, but it was something he had to do. Just this once, he wanted to be alone.
"Ahem."
Well, relatively alone.
Kurama's jab aside, thoughts of Astel weighed heavily on him; those foul creatures from the stars were still out there somewhere. He just knew it. They'd not seen that last of them. He knew it in his bones. Would he be ready to deal with the lot of them the next time they reared their ugly heads? He tried to muster up some small measure of certainty.
It didn't last.
Because you see...
...he heard something.
"...a song of conquest and fate..."
A haunting melody form afar tugged at his ear.
His right ear twitched just so, and unbidden, he found himself following it. That darn song. It sounded so familiar. As if he'd heard it somewhere before, somewhere long ago, but just couldn't recall. Blast! It was right at the tip of his tongue! Whatever it was, it eased the worries and cares that had been weighing down on him and brought peace in its wake, soothing the muddled mire that was mind. He let it lead him as he'd never been led before, and soon enough, found its source.
There she was.
A slender young woman stood resplendent before the moon, clad in dark robes, humming softly to herself as she flitted about the empty courtyard. Her movements couldn't be anything other than intentional; the sway of her hips, the smooth flowing steps as she sashayed across, bathed in moonlight.
He cleared his throat. She didn't hear him and kept singing.
No, not merely singing, but dancing. She sashayed to and fro, wisps of watery mist trailing at her fingertips. The sight haunted him; moreso the words she uttered, which now descended into a language he could decipher. He found himself lingering behind a pillar, feeling like a voyeur as he listened. And yet...
At last, her words trailed off as she ceased singing.
'Say something. Anything. At least let her know you're here...
"You have a lovely voice, you know." his words rang hollow, hoarse even to his own ears. "Why not use it more often?"
She rounded on him with a start and before his very eyes, a finely crafted illusion shattered like to much glass. In an instant he found himself face to face not with a small, slight, unassuming girl, but a woman nearly of a height with him. Her emotions assaulted his senses all at once, raw and startled and surprised; with them glimpsed the lower half of a pale face behind her veil, full lips parted in a round O of surprise. Her hair was pale, almost blue really and-
"Aaaaah!" The Dancer jerked backward and covered her face with both hands. "Don't look at me!
(.0.0.0.)
This was not happening
The Dancer nearly jumped clear out of her dark robe; because she knew that voice!
Panic! Fear! Why was he here?!
"My lord Radahn!?" she spun to face him, cheeks burning pink as she yanked her veil down. "You mustn't sneak up on me like that! You nearly scared the life out of me!"
"I wasn't sneaking." he grinned back at her, utterly unfazed by her anger. "I've been here for the last five minutes. I even tried calling out to you."
Has she truly been that distracted? "Did you...hear me singing?"
A rueful grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he leaned forward settled his weight upon his swords, even now buried in the courtyard. "Saw you dancing, too."
Oh gods, she wanted to die! She wanted to sink into the floor and never be seen again! Would her humiliation never end?! "Please don't tell Lady Friede...
"To be fair, I was all the way over at the other end of the yard." the demigod rumbled a laugh when she groaned. "You just didn't notice me."
The handmaiden buried her face into her hands and prayed for the Greater Will to end her and take her to the havens. Alas, it did not.
"I have to ask, though," the delightful rumble of his voice sent shiver through her. "You're beautiful. Why wear the veil?"
Because she was ugly. Because she was hideous. Because she had been told to never EVER take it off.
"That vow of silence doesn't make much sense, either. You have a lovely voice-
Her face burned, no, she could feel her very soul ignite.
It was too much for her part.
...I should go!"
She fled.
(.0.0.0.)
What in blazes was that about...?
Naruto scratched at his red hair as he watched her flee, utterly baffled by her behavior.
So that was the Dancer. Curious. He hadn't thought her the sort to sing, let alone be so skittish.
It made her seem more human somehow. What next, would Vordt be a tap dancer or something? Or perhaps an opera singer? Now there was an amusing thought. In fact, said thought did more than draw a simple smile to his lips, it made him laugh. He threw his head back, roaring at the Full Moon merrily in thanks for this merriment, until finally, his voice gave out on him.
"What a lovely night!" he chortled softly, wiping a mirthful tear from the corner of his eyes, and sketched a shallow bow to the Moon, just as he'd been taught. "I give thanks for this entertainment."
A hand touched his shoulder.
"You are welcome, Son of Scarlet Skies."
The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and he whirled.
No one was there. He was alone in the courtyard, nothing but his thoughts for company.
And yet...for a moment there, he could've sworn he felt something on his shoulder, almost as if...
"Did you hear something just now, Kurama?"
A jaw-popping yawn answered. "No...?"
Bah. Must be hearing things.
Shaking his head, he filed that odd little experience away and returned to his quarters. Once there he shut the door behind him, shucked off his armor, and went about his business. He contemplated simply turning in for the night after he'd washed and toweled off his hair, but thought better of it.
In the end, he found his gaze draw to a well-lit corner of the room. He rose, stalked over, and yanked the tarp off his prize.
It was a massive mirror, as large as he was tall, its functions many and myriad. For now, it was merely a looking glass.
'Is that me...?'
His reflection looked bone-tired; he could see the dark circles under his eyes, the slump of his shoulders, the faint stubble running the length of his chin. Best deal with that soon. He ran a hand through his damp scarlet locks and heaved a sigh. Right. Wouldn't do to be seen like this now, would it? With an effort, he straightened up, squared his shoulders, and plastered a smile to his face.
Only then did he dare touch the mirror.
It rippled at his touch.
"Gwynevere."
To his great delight, her response was near instantaneous; the ripples began to clear, resolving into a familiar face, hazy and indistinct.
And then, quiet suddenly, she stared back at him, lips curled in a delighted smile. "Radahn!"
"How are you?"
"Well enough, I suppose." she flushed a little. "There was an attack on the capital since last we spoke."
His smile cracked. "More of those?
"Yes. We dealt with some of them here. Mother slaughtered six. Father killed sixty three." heh, that sounded like Godfrey, but then Gwynevere's face lit up and he realized there was more to tell. "I beat one!" She seemed most proud of that fact. "All by myself!"
"Really? Do tell."
She did. Loudly, long, and at length. He listened, drinking in every word, basking in the sound of her voice. She went on like that for nearly an hour, regaling him of everything that had transpired in his absence, from said attack to more mundane matters such as a new dress she'd acquired, Godwyn's recent exploits with the dragons, and an upcoming tourney that was to be held in his honor. And then she was asking after him and he had to tell her all that happened here in turn because shehadsomanyquestions.
Speaking to her like this helped...
.
..
...but it wasn't enough; not by half. "I miss you."
Her eyes widened. He hadn't realized he'd said the words aloud.
Gwynevere's face softened and she touched her right hand to the glass.
It rippled and for a moment he could've sworn he felt her palm press against his. "And I you. Thankfully That can be remedied, my lord. I've learned a rather useful spell...
Her hand speared through the reflective surface like so much water, startling him terribly. Gentle hands found his wrist.
His eyes widened in a brief moment of surprise, then understanding as his eyes rose to meet hers. "Oh."
Gwynevere's gaze gleamed with singular intent. "Get over here."
She yanked him through the mirror to her.
The world rippled and he fell through.
His intended was waiting for him.
She must've moved back while his vision was clearing; because he found her hurriedly sprawling herself out on her bed, clad in a flowing robe of diaphanous silk that did not hide her bountiful beauty-only enhanced it. The sunlight danced across her tan skin where she lay, lending her a lustrous vigor, her eyes an almost holy She looked every bit the princess she should be.
Her head tilted to regard him. "You've gotten bigger.
He stepped to her.
"As have you."
That drew a flush from her; she averted her eyes and looked down, mumbling prettily.
He took the reprieve to blinked, squinting a little in the light. "So its already morning over here, is it?"
Her laughter rang out, soft and pleasant. "Its always bright in Leyndell. Or have you forgotten the Erdtree?"
Truth be told, he had. He'd not thought of that twiggy-tree-twit in ages. Its light did little to affect Raya Lucaria, but here in Leyndell, one couldn't ignore its radiance. Annoying, that. How did anyone managed to sleep in this city when it was always so darn bright?
Gwynevere looked at him for a long, lingering moment, so much so that he began to wonder if he'd broken her.
She took a deep breath and then:
.
..
...will you kiss me, my love?"
Naruto's brow shot straight up to his hairline. "That's a sudden request." one he wouldn't mind honoring, but still. "What brought this on?"
"Can I not ask for a kiss from my intended?" Gwynevere drew herself upright as he sat beside her. The motion did...interesting things to her chest and he forced himself to meet her gaze. "I cannot let Fried or Loretta let them get ahead of me; not any longer. I've already fallen to far behind. I must catch up."
Still seemed like a silly reason for a kiss out of the blue. I still don't see why-
"Radahn." her voice cracked out, suddenly sharp. "Please stop talking."
She was quivering he realized, practically trembling really.
"Am I so unattractive that you wouldn't touch me?"
"That's not-
"Did you not decide to court me...?
"I did...
"Then why? she turned her gaze upon him, eyes swimming in tears. "So why won't you look at me?" a hand touch her throat." Why won't you see me? Feel me? She leaned into him and pressed herself against him fully, bountiful bosom molding to his chest. "My body to yours. What do Friede and Loretta have that I don't? Do you look at them or lay with them? Do you...?!"
"Hey!" He took ahold of her wrist before she could whip herself into a frenzy. "I've never touched them like that.
"But they would let you! She tore her arm from his grasp, voice piquing with distress. "In a heartbeat! They'd happily be wedded and bedded, bear your children and-
Words weren't going to cut it. Best let his actions speak for him.
He dove down and kissed her.
Gwynevere crumpled against him with a faint noise then, the softest of moans. It set his very blood aflame. She drew him closer and tilted her head for better access and guided his hands down through her robes, where they fled to her flank, not kneading, but gently holding. She clawed at him, tearing at his tunic with one hand, while forcing his fingers lower with the other.
Her voice piqued. "Lower."
His fingers dipped deeper into her gown.
"Lower...
The door flung itself open without warning!
"Gwynevere!" Marika barged in, hammer in hand, face carved from stone. "I heard a noise-oh."
She spied the two of them and her thunderous expression brightened into radiant delight.
"Ohhhhh...
The slow flushing of Gwynevere's face was truly a sight to behold. "M-Mother?!"
"Oh, don't stop on my account." she stepped backward, swinging the door after her. "It must have been the wind. Do enjoy yourselves!"
The princess balked, her face going redder than a rose.
Her door shut.
A beat of silence passed.
"Well, that was all kinds of awkward-
Marika head poked back in. I'm looking forward to my first grandchild!"
A pillow whipped at the door, to no avail, she was already long gone.
Gwynevere buried her head into his chest with a keening whine.
Naruto turned a bemused look on her. "Are you angry?"
She thumped his chest with a fist and made angry noises.
It loosed a laugh from him. "I'll take that as a yes."
She whined softly and smacked his chest again.
Smiling, he patted at her back. "There, there."
Alas, his kind act drove her over the edge.
...enough. I will not be denied!
Gwynevere tackled him.
A/N: Awww~!
Aaaand scene. There we go!
Glad folks saw the Dark Souls references~!
Should this remain a story, then? Yay or nay! Do let me know~!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it will remain...but it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular, it will fall further and further back in the update schedule. 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 my lifeblood. Without them, I cannot write.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas... ...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?
They keeps an old man inspired and alive.
Previews are mostly the same.
Didn't have time to make new ones with the site BREAKING.
As ever:
POTENTIAL PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
YE BE WARNED!
Some are very far off, mind you.
Obvious references are obvious, of course~!
Someone requested the first preview, and I acquiesced. Guess who~!
(Previews)
She was waiting for him.
Lounging upon a bed of delicate silk, she appeared every bit the princess she truly was, regal and composed...if one couldn't sense her emotions. She must've flung herself down on the bed while his vision was adjusting; because she looked proper frightened laid her palms in her lap and studied her feet.
...I need your help.
Anything. He knelt, and clasped her hands in his.
But can you even help with this? She almost seemed to despair for a moment before rallying. Even you have limits
. Who decided that? I decide my limits. No one else.
A small bereft giggle tumbled past her lips. "Such confidence. Would that I had such ...would you help me grow stronger?
Time passed.
I always thought, everyone in that place was crazy. That notion was never true. But the crazy ones have the louder voices, and make it seem like they're all there is, so they can trample all over other people's lives. Although...I guess that wasn't entirely the case. I mean, just look at him. He's crazy, isn't he? An outsider, too.
I'm sorry. I wish I could've kept our promise.
"Another one?!"
Friede seemed amused.
"I swear, if you told me you saw this coming...
She smiled softly. "The girl is an oddity, one I encountered during my travels before we met. May she serve you well."
A single dread-inducing THUMP behind him served as Radagon's only warning.
...where do you think you're going, old man?"
"I have a duty, son. It must be done."
"Duty, is it? I have a duty, too...
WHAM!
...its called dragging you back to Mom."
"You cannot stop me, or what is to come. Marika is more powerful than either of us."
"Your faith in her is misplaced. As is your faith in the Golden Order."
"You would speak such blasphemy to me?!
"Blasphemy, is it?" Radagon looked on aghast as his son raised his arms. "Poor choice of words." Black flame smoldered within the younger man's palms, danced up his arms, writhing across the seals carved there. One by one they smoldered away and his eldest began to glow gold. "I see only one blasphemer here and it ain't me...
"You DARE-
Burning knuckles slammed into his chin, hurtling him away into the sky. Massive hands closed around either side of his head as he flew. Radahn's scowling face sneered at him, inches from his own. Radagon felt his skull creak beneath those giant palms but still, his son didn't let up. "Time to pay your dues, father of mine!"
They hit the mountain a moment later.
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, I'll discontinue it soon thereafter. I'm working two jobs -holidays are upon us!- with no days ogg so I barely have time to write; what little I do is either before or after work, or occasionally on break.
As such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard!
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back!
R&R~!