A/N: Shorter chapter this time around. Hopefully you can see this. Site is being...weird in regards to updates.

Still in a lot of pain, but I managed to hit my stride here, Malenia's just a blast to write...when she's not being stab-happy.

Feedback keeps me writing happily, looking forward to chatting with ya~!

Enjoy~!

As ever, we're sticking with the tried and true "Embers" Rule for this story. If folks don't like it...well, it won't be continued. So speak up! Make yourself heard! Your voice matters! That's no joke! I have very little time to write these days, so feedback plays a large part in this. Daily updates ensure that I'm constantly busy working on one project or another. I cannot afford to stop and write something that folks don't like; if only because I feel that would a cold disservice to those of who who have stuck with me for so long.

Now for your questions, comments, and concerns. We'll keep it brief. As ever, feel free to skip this part if you like~!

Q: Update schedule?

A: Got a few surprises coming in, going around updating older stuff. Misadventures in Mordor will hopefully be one of them.

Q: Can we get some more worldbuilding?

A: Well, that was always the intent, so I don't see why not

Q: Is this eventually going to be a harem? Will Sasuke ever be found? And will Malenia ever be cured of her rot?

A: You'll have to read and see, won't you?

Alright, I've kept you long enough.

Once more! most likely be a single pairing, but it may become a harem depending on feedback. It'll be a shorter story at that.

As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one! Seriously. I mean that.

Now away we go! Hope this puts a smile on your face in these times.

"I made a choice. Maybe it was the right one, maybe it wasn't.

Regardless, I'm prepared to stand by it. Live with it. HER.

That's what a hero does. He sticks. To his. Guns.

~?

Homecoming

Their return to Miquella's Haligtree soon met with something of an...unexpected snag.

They returned well enough, mind. Miquella's cocoon certainly saw to that.

But what Naruto found waiting there...well...it was nusic.

Theirs hadn't been a long absence by any means, only a few hours, really. Not even an entire day, yet the fledgling sapling was delighted to see them-him!-again. He could feel it in his bones, a faint presence brushing against his mind, just like before. It almost sounded like the young Erdtree was...singing. In its every branch and every leaf, even the mighty bough they'd landed upon, shimmered with golden light. Yes, their return to the Haligtree was marked by song. Not just any song but a wondrous one, like countless chimes rising in unison to welcome them home.

"Home!" that was the word he heard, singing in his mind, like a child who'd patiently waited for their parents to return from a long outing. "Home, home, home!"

Just thinking of it filled him with pride. He had done this. Cleansed the Haligtree of its rot and helped it flourish into the Erdtree it was always meant to be. Even those who who dwelled here had changed in his absence; he could see others shuffling across the towering branches to approach them, yet unlike his first encounter, he didn't sense so much as a glimmer of anger from them. No, it looked like they were...

.

..

...Kurama snorted.

Naruto sighed. "Not one. Word."

"Hey, I'm not the one making them bow."

First things first, they needed to get Miquella's cocoon back where it belonged. That meant a long trek back to where he'd first fought Malenia. Once there they would slot him back into the Erdtree. It should speed his healing if nothing else. If no one challenged them this time around, it would make the trek faster.

"Ready to get going?"

...why were Malenia and Loretta looking at him like that?

The latter found her voice first. "Just how many of those clones can you make?"

He shrugged, not quite understanding their line of questioning. "Couple hundred, maybe more if I try. Why?"

Malenia's pale face flushed a fascinating shade of scarlet. "So many?!"

"Yup. Is this about the litter? We needed one to carry the cocoon, and I didn't want it to break...

"Ah!" a wizened voice cried out, distracting him from their curious looks. "There you are."

An older albinauric in a yellow tunic shuffled their way on lame legs, back hunched and stooped with age.

It took him the work of several moments to reach them; indeed, the very moment he did, the old codger bowed at the waist.

"My lord, my lady." his voice cracked but a little as he spoke, yet remained one of purest reverence. "It seems we have you and Loretta to thank for the current state of things." He looked past the three of them, to where a litter of clones carried Miquella's cocoon. "And you found the young master! Oh, happy day!"

"Yeah, we did, uh...?"

"Albus." Loretta saved his bacon as Malenia squirmed in the background, bless her heart. "It is good to see you again."

The old albinauric perked up, misty eyes widening in thinly veiled surprise. "You remember me, my lady?"

"I will never forget." she skillfully took the conversation from him, and Naruto yielded it to her gladly. "I'm pleased to see you made the journey. How fares young Latenna?"

"You flatter me, my lady." he stifled a phlegmy cough against one fist, steadying himself upon his cane with the other. "She is well. Very well, indeed! Alas, she's gone off an adventure with a rather peculiar Tarnished and his Maiden. I wouldn't be here now, if not for that sharp-eyed fellow."

Naruto stilled. "Sharp...eyes...?"

"Heavenes, yes! What a fight he was." Albus coughed anew into his fist. "Never seen eyes like that before. Cut right through those awful brutes, he did. Kept them from overrunning our village. Latenna was smitten, and away she went and Lobo with her, bless him...

Naruto...didn't know what to make of those words. They presented a curious contradiction. If Mohg was to be believed, his old partner had refused to fight him -refused to save Miquella!- yet here was a survivor from the very village he'd rescued. It baffled him.

'Damnit, Sasuke. What the hell are you doing out there? Do I even want to know...?

"He's an Uchiha." Kurama put in with a terse sigh. "They've always been a little on the odd side...

"Ah, but I've kept you." Albus coughed again, jarring him out of his thoughts. "I'm sure the young master needs tending to. Don't let this ailing old man bother you.

His eyes flashed. "You're not feeling well? Lemme have a look at ya...


(.0.0.0.)


He'd really done it, hadn't he?

Once upon a time, the knowledge might've rankled Malenia. Galled her very soul. She had her pride after all...broken though it might be. She considered herself capable in combat, if not necessarily other areas. Until him, she'd never known the sting of defeat. Then he'd come along, fulfilled her brother's work and brought him back to her. It should've angered her. It didn't. She felt nothing but greatest gratitude towards him; because were it not for Naruto, none of this would have been possible. She would've slumbered still by the roots, heedless to Miquella's suffering.

Now he was actively healing everyone they came across in the Haligtree.

It had begun with old Albus; he'd taken the time to mend the ancient albinauric's aching joints and fix his legs. That was the catalyst. Every soul they encountered was one he had to look at, had to speak to, had to help, from her weary knights to even the strange Erdtree avatars that stomped across their crumbling bridges. None lifted so much as a finger against him. He was changing things, even if he didn't wholly realize it.

Would that change end once he left? Would things return to normal?

Malenia shook her head, tossing her hair side to side with a scowl. She was admittedly somewhat shy and stoic out of combat, a wretched and rotten woman who knew little of love, much less the ways of romance. But, but... she wanted him to stay. She ached for him, craved him as she never had another. The idea of him leaving, of them going their separate ways...it hurt. A knife to the chest would bring less pain than this.

It would be fine she tried to tell herself, after all, he was still looking for his friend, his brother in arms. The Lands Between were vast indeed, and fraught with danger. Even with all the resources at her disposal, such a search would take some time, nevermind if this "Sasuke" fellow didn't wish to be found. There was a small, vicious part of her that hoped he might never be found. If he stayed missing, Naruto would never had reason to leave her side...so long as he wasn't found.

But what if he was?

Her answer was obvious. Naruto would leave. He might even return to his world. The thought burrowed into her heart and took root. Gods above, what if he left?

The rot within her writhed at the thought. He'll leave you. Just like the rest.

Malenia took a deep breath to steady herself. She must act and soon.

If only there was a way to convince him, to bind her to him...

"..."

She fiddled with her glove and tugged out Miquella's ring. It glimmered in the low light. Madness. This was madness. She'd seen it fall from her brother's finger and kept it on a whim. She wasn't sure why, only that she had. But she'd not thought about this! Her heart hammered in her chest, blood rushing to her face. Still! Was she honestly considering-

"Hey!" Naruto's voice called behind the tunnel. "You alright there?"

She curled her fingers around the tiny thing and hid it up her glove. Don't look at him. Mustn't look at him! "I'm quite fine, thank you!"

"Whatcha holding?"

Her face burned scarlet "...nothing!"

It was much too soon to tie herself to him, wasn't it?

But if he didn't have a reason to stay...if she wasn't enough to hold him...

Malenia stowed the ring back up her glove and tilted her helmet down to hide her incandescent blush...and her fearful tears.


(.0.0.0.)


Unbeknownst to Malenia, the new Erdtree heard her prayer.

Fledgling though it was, it caught her earnest wish.

And it answered.


(.0.0.0.)


Malenia was watching him.

Naruto could feel it. Golden eyes kept drifting his way as they descended into the Haligtree. At some point she'd latched onto his hand and hadn't let go since. Loretta had grumbled a bit at that, but otherwise hadn't tried to challenge them further. He wondered if she would. He could feel a restlessness in the albinauric, one that began to grow when he tended to Albus, swelling with each passing moment.

Without warning, Malenia came to a halt.

He nearly walked right into her back.

"Hey! What gives?"

"I...would like to try something." she spoke slowly, still not looking at him. Be still, and let me know if you feel any pain."

He frowned. "Any wha-

She pivoted, leaned in and down, then pressed her lips to his. It was a chaste kiss all things considered, little more than a peck, a feather's brush really, there and gone before he could truly comprehend the like. It left a curious buzzing sensation behind-likely the rot within her trying to gain a foothold in him. His lips tingled as she pulled away. He touched a hand to them and found her staring at him.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Bwuh? I mean, no. I'm fine."

Her eyes lit up with girlish glee. "I'm glad...

Then she was off, tugging him along after her once more.

Kurama chuckled. "Wipe that dopey smile off your face. There's work to be done."

Malenia, as Naruto had come to learn, was a cuddler. She liked to be close to him, brush up against him at the oddest intervals. Small touches, little things, to make certain he was still there. She seldom said much, or even why, but she seemed to revel in it all the same. As though to remind herself this wasn't some wretched fever dream. Apparently the act of kissing now fell under that umbrella. It was absolutely adorable and he wished he had a camera, if only to preserve the moment.

In the end, he decided to follow her, as he always did.

He still didn't regret his choice. Not one bit.

"Its always tall girls ain't it...?


(.0.0.0.)


Someone awaited them.

Malenia sensed it as they stepped out into the roots of the Haligtree.

Saw someone sitting in her chair now, the very one she'd slumbered upon. A tiny little slip of a girl with red hair, wearing a faded dress of unalloyed gold that ended just above her ankles. Her heart hitched in confusion, but it did little to slow their advance. Naruto made a baffled noise, one she and Loretta shared. She seemed to be sound asleep, in a deep slumber as that. She didn't react as they drew closer, nor did she respond to the litter of clones carrying Miquella's cocoon. She seemed, for all purposes, dead to the world.

Loretta noticed something first. "Her face. It almost looks like."

Naruto's clones lowered Miquella's cocoon to the floor. A faint thud echoed through the chamber. The girls stirred in her borrowed chair, sleepy eyes fluttering open.

They were the most piercing shade of blue Malenia had ever seen in her life.

The child yawned. Blinked. Saw them. Grinned, now. "Mama! Papa!

Naruto and Malenia exchanged a baffled look.

Malenia rounded on him. "How on earth did this happen?!"

"You're asking me?" he flung up his arms. "She looks like you!"

Which was precisely the problem! They hadn't done...well, that! Hand-holding and kissing did not a baby make! At least it shouldn't...?

Loretta twitched and keeled over in the background, making happy noises.

Malenia's heart flipped in her chest, kicked off her ribcage, and made a happy sound.

At least Naruto looked just as baffled by this phenomenon. Truly, that was her sole consolation in this.

He dropped down on his haunches to look at the little one and Malenia took the chance to better inspect this strange, miraculous child. Gods above, she really did look like them. A flawless blend of both, as if life itself had conspired to select their very best traits and brought them to life in a single perfect child. Her startlingly long red hair and pale complexion surely belonged to her, but those bright blue eyes and grinning whiskered cheeks were every bit Naruto, weren't they?

The little girl hopped out her chair and bounced in place, tiny arms reaching for them as only a child could.

Malenia drew back without thinking. No. To touch her meant death.

The child saw her hesitation. Blue eyes gleamed with tears.

"Hey, there!" Naruto saw it and swept in before she could, distracting her. "I'm Naruto! Who're you?"

The little girl opened her mouth. They leaned in, waiting her wisdom...

"..Dunno." There was none to be had.

"Alright," he sighed. "Lets try this again. Where," he pointed at her, "Did you come from?"

Her little face writ with thought. She turned and pointed a finger up at the glowing roots of the Haligtree. "Tree!"

"Eh? Naruto's jaw clicked open. "You came from the new Erdtree?"

Her head bobbed. "Mmm!"

Malenia reared back. Was such a thing possible? Naruto had given the Haligtree a substantial portion of his energy to be sure, and while her rot did exist in the Haligtree prior...was it feasible? Just as the capital's Erdtree held the Elden Beast -the tether to the Elden Ring- could this new Erdtree have birthed itself a guardian of its own? Something to better root itself in preparation for the coming age?

Gods above, this was making her head spin...

"Okay, now we're getting somewhere." Naruto nodded his head to something she hadn't heard, lost in her musings as she was. "What's your name?"

The little girl tilted her head. "Nam...?"

"No," the blond shook his head slowly. "Na~me."

"Name!" She parroted back with a gormless giggle.

Naruto palmed his forehead. "Aaaand we're right back where we started. We're not getting anywhere with this...

The Child of the Tree made an unhappy sound and stomped her foot.

"Hey, hey!" he saw it and shifted gears at once. "Its okay. If you don't have a name, I can give you one. Would you like that?"

She nodded eagerly, awaiting his words.

Naruto looked back to her.

"Nania."

Malenia nearly fell over! What manner of name was that?! He'd stuck the first two letter of his name with the last three of hers! There was simply no feasible way it would work. No doubt the little one would have a fit and then they'd be right back where they started...!

Little blue eyes lit up, first in confusion, followed by comprehension soon thereafter. "Nania..? My name...?"

"Yup." her consort grinned, acting every bit the doting father, even if he wasn't. "Do you like it?"

"Nania!" she giggled and clapped her hands, then swayed in place with a weak yawn.

"Oh~?" Naruto caught her, tugging her into his chest, "someone's sleepy."

Another yawn. "M'not tired." she scrubbed at her eyes. "I'm a big girl...

Malenia hid a smile behind her hand.

...you're good with children."

"Heh." he grinned over his shoulder. "Babysat a few back in my village. Ain't that hard. Just gotta know how to talk to 'em. See?" Sure enough, the child snuggled against his chest, allowing him to pick her up as she rose to his full towering height. "Aw, she's precious. Wanna hold her?"

Her fingers twitched toward her-no! She mustn't! She would rot!

"Don't worry about it." His smile never once faltered, despite her fear. "If this kid came from the new Erdtree, she's definitely resistant. I can sense it. Trust me."

She did. Gods damn her, but she did, didn't she?

Naruto gave her a nudge. Malenia pulled the sleepy girl to her breast. Nania latched on and cuddled close. The Scarlet Rot sizzled harmlessly against her skin. The child made a sleepy noise, squirmed a little, rolled over in her arms...and yawned. Nothing more. Nothing less.

"Mama...tickles...

Malenia's heart leaped into her throat and took up residence there. Every maternal instinct she'd never been aware of flared up at once. Such a small child. She'd never been a mother before. Hadn't believed she ever would be. Her womb was rotten, her body incapable of bearing so long as the Rot afflicted her. And yet...

Never had she wanted something so badly and never known until she received it.

She would protect this little light.

No matter what.

A/N: Didn't see that coming, did you?

If you got Alas Ramus vibes fro Maou, those were intentional.

Felt nice to do a bit of world-buiding write a more down-to-earth chapter.

Nania actually has quite interesting meaning if you look the name up. I was quite surprised...

Aaaaaand there we be! Hope you enjoyed it? Well? Should this be a story? Yay or nay, what say you?

Not much else to say this time 'round. Reviews keep me writing, and without them, my inspiration falls flat. Ever bit of feedback helps. Surgery hurts. Surgery hurts a loooot. But silence from readers and reviewers? That hurts even more. As ever, reviews keep this old man alive during this dark and crazy time. I ain't joking.

Seriously, we're all locked away anyways these days, feedback is all that sustains me.

So in the Immortal Words of Atlas... Review...Would You Kindly?

And enjoy these previews! Remember those hints?

Yes? No? Hope you paid attention. Because!

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

PLOT DETAILS AHOY!

YE BE WARNED!

Read at your own risk!

(Preview)

"Miquella? Brother? Are you awake?"


"There must be a way to cure her. We just gotta find it...

"Begging your pardon m'lord, but I may know of a way. There is a needle...


"You cannot be serious. Take the child?! Nania?! With us?!"

"Well, we can hardly leave her with Loretta.

"I heard that, you brute!"


Gowry all but flung himself at their feet. "Yes, yes of course! It shall be done. Anything you ask!"


"I have journeyed far to meet you...to return this to you...


"I feel I must make amends with Radahn."

Naruto pursed his lips. "Radahn...you mean the big guy you and Loretta told me about?"

"The very same."

His frown deepened. "The one you reduced to a mindless beast."

She squirmed, feeling every bit a naughty child beneath their combined stare. "T'was...not my intent at the time...

Naruto and Loretta leaned back as one, glared at one another, then looked back to her. "Are you insane?!/My lady has lost her mind!"


"You've got that look about you, again."

"Do I?" he didn't look away from the stars shining above.

He felt her hand -the real one- settle against his. "Would you heed my words, for but a moment?"

Naruto gave her a sidelong glance. "Always."

R&R~!