A/N: Had a blast writing this, hopefully folks enjoy it.

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 be 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: Protecc the child?

A: Yes. Protecc the child.

Q: What kinda crazy voodoo is that?!

A: In its prime, the Erdtree is supposedly capable of granting wishes. This "new" Erdtree is very much in its infancy, and healthier than the old, brittle one we find in the capital. Whether it chooses to grant said wishes, however...

Q: Right then, this is gonna sound strange, but could you remake Miquella as a girl? Since hes' being "reborn" in that cocoon and everything?

A: Ehhhh? That's...a bit out of left field now, ain't it? Do people really want to see that?

Q: Can you make this a harem? Plz, plz, plz?!

A: That depends entirely on fan feedback, as I've stated. Naruto and Malenia are the primary focus of this story. Of course, we'll occasionally get other viewpoints. The insanity is far from done.

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.

We've got a minor timeskip ahead, nothing major...

"Halt! You tread upon sacred ground!"

...you already know me."

Identify yourself!"

~?

To Feel Something

"I must make amends with Radahn."

Naruto leaned back in his chair. Loretta mirrored him, making a baffled noise.

Nestled deep in Malenia's arms, Nania tilted her head, blue eyes blinking up at her mother. "Who's that?"

"Well," the goddess looked upon their child with a small, sad smile, "I suppose you could say he's your uncle, dear."

Her eyes flashed. "I have another uncle?!"

"Aaand she's been won over...

Ensconced safely within the boughs of their new Haligtree-turned-Erdtree, their ragtag party warmed themselves by a roaring hearth while a rainstorm raged outside. Malenia claimed it was the first true storm Elphael had experienced in decades. A great cleansing rain to wash the last of the filth and detritus away from their new home.

It certainly sounded like such to Naruto's ears; he could hear it beating against the walls from here.

He chose to see the symbolism for what it was; out with the old, in with the new. In the days that had followed their return, he found himself grateful for the chance actually sit back and breathe for once. Loretta might be chomping at the bit to face their enemies, but he appreciated the chance for quiet while he could get it.

"This from the one who jumpstarted it all?"

A bit of heat hit his cheeks at Kurama's remark. He cast a quick glance to his companions. None of them had noticed. Malenia and Loretta were too busy fussing over Nania. Little tyke was eating their affection right up as always. He looked on with a rueful smile as they cooed over her.

It was an...oddly informal gathering, given the three of them -four if one included Nania- were essentially running a new kingdom under the Greater Will's nose.

Naruto loved it.

None of that madam-fussy-britches business here, the brave faces their put on for their allies, nor the grand speeches they gave to their followers. Here they could be themselves and plan out the future together.

Still, one thing thing concerned him.

"When you say Radahn," He pursed his lips. "You mean the big fella you and Loretta told me about?"

Malenia kissed Nania's forehead and dared to look at him at last. "The very same."

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

Loretta proved just as merciless. "When she fought a battle I advised her against."

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

Nania patted her arm and reassured her as only she could. "Its alright, mama. We forgive you."

Naruto blew out a quick sigh.

Oh, yes. He knew the story. She'd told him everything. It was one of the things he was still wrestling. The idea that the gentle, loving mother before him had essentially laid ruin to half a continent in a moment of madness wasn't exactly something he could forget. Forgive, but never forget. Even now a small part of him itched to run off to Caelid; to go there and try to make things right. How would he knew he couldn't if he didn't try? It was only the knowledge of Malenia's condition that prevented him from doing so.

The worst of her Rot was contained with him around. If he left, it wouldn't be.

Moreover, he was already stretched thin here with Elphael and the new Erdtree; his clones working near constant shifts round the clock before being dispelled and replaced with a fresh regiment. Fielding three hundred clones had already given him a massive migraine. Creating three hundred more might well knock him clean out.

"..."

He could feel Loretta looking at him. Willing him to agree with her. Wanting him to knock some sense into Malenia. It pained him to do so, but she was right. They needed to present a united front here. They leaned back as one, glared at one another, then looked back to her. For the first time since they'd met, they found themselves of one mind.

"Are you insane?!/My lady has lost her mind!"

Malenia flinched. "Is it so wrong that I wish to do a little good?"

"Its not that you want to its just...worst case scenario, we'll have bring the kiddo along."

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

Naruto chuckled. "Well, we can hardly leave her with you...

"I heard that, you brute!"

"You were meant to," he grinned as she sputtered and Nania laughed sleepily, then swung his gaze back to Malenia for good measure. "I think we should wait a little. You're still recovering from your fight with Mohg. The way you tell it, Radahn's even stronger, right?"

She nodded.

"Then we definitely gotta wait." he shook his head. "

Golden eyes narrowed, thinly lidded with concern. The hearth crackled, flickering shadows of fading fire flitting across her face. "You do not wish to face him fairly as you did me?"

"Hell no!" he barked a laugh. "I'm a ninja! Ninja cheat all the time! We're gonna blitz him. Gimme a few months, will ya?" His gaze slid to Nania, only to find she'd drifted off to sleepy when he wasn't looking. A hand ran through her hair. "Don't we at least owe it to her to be better parents than ours were?"

Loretta stilled at his side. "You're right. I'd not thought of that."

Malenia's honest smile surprised him.

"As you wish."


(.0.0.0.)


Golden eyes opened.

Reality swam back in but slowly, the faintest of babbling brooks in an arid desert. Thoughts reasserted themselves. Sense followed yet remained hazy, as though seen through a faded glass window.

How quaint. The demigod realized. This is a dream. I'm dreaming again.

He had a name, didn't he? Right. That was important.

Remember. It started with an 'M'. Didn't it?

Miquella.

With that, memories rushed back in.

He tried to look down in the void. Sought to see his hands. Something. Anything, really. No such luck. He couldn't see his body in the dream anymore. Only motes of golden life; the tattered threads that comprised what remained of his battered soul and Great Rune. Curious. He didn't "have" a self at the moment. His body was being reborn anew within his restored cocoon, wrapped in the Haligtree's gentle embrace. He wondered what form it would take. Would he be reborn as a child once more? Or an adult, the curse broken?

Or perhaps...?

No, no, mustn't let the mind wander. He'd be here all day if he started theorizing again.

"Good, good. I'm alive then."

He could still think and dream or no, there was much to do.

He was more or less aware of what transpired outside his cocoon, and it pleased him.

Malenia had fallen in love. Just thinking of it left his thoughts light. His inscrutable twin, finally finding someone with whom she wished to spend the rest of her days. There could be nothing sweeter.

He approved of his sister's choice, really, he did. Lord Naruto -he could think to call him nothing less after the service he'd done him- had been quite busy in recent days. Not only did he complete the Haligtree project, but he'd managed to make it evolve, as well. T'was a Haligtree no longer. He rested withing the benign boughs of an Erdtree, clean and pure, a beacon for the coming age. For that alone, he had his respect. He would've happily helped were he able, but it was far too amusing watching his twin bumble through her first romance.

And there were other aspects to consider.

This young Nania, the Tree's miracle child, had confused him for a time. Buts his mind was sharp even in this formless state and eventually he'd come to grasp her purpose. Rather, the truth of what she was. Quite obvious in hindsight. Just as the old Erdtree had its guardian beast -the foul Elden Beast!- so too had this little light been born to protect the Haligtree from those who would do it harm.

He. Born.

Was that the right word?

Miquella supposed it would have to be.

Birthed from Naruto's golden chakra and Malenia's divine rot, she was theirs in every way that mattered. The Haligtree had both answered his twin's earnest wish and gained itself a protector in one fell swoop. And should her presence better bind Sir Naruto to their cause, then all the better.

For just as he had changed Malenia, so too had she begun to change him.

He wondered if Naruto even realized it. Perhaps he would someday.

Together, they would bring about a new world.

There must be some way he could help them. Even in this formless, er...form. His mind remained sharp as ever, and his power potent. Perhaps a projection would suffice? If he lacked a body, he could simply craft himself a temporary from magic as Morgott often did. Or mayhaps he could send one of his needles their way? They were, each of them connected to him. He'd made them after all, imbued them with a piece of himself. As such he could sense them, their relative location, at any given time.

One was nearby. Close, even.

Terribly close indeed.

Oh, dear.


(.0.0.0.)


"Papa can't catch me!"

"...!" Naruto tripped as a root caught his foot.

No time to course correct. He yelped and ran headlong into a wall.

Stars burst before his vision; his daughter took full advantage. Nania sprinted on ahead of him, kicked off a wall, and darted around the corner with a merry little giggle that left him grinning despite his sore nose. He gave chase but she'd already lengthened her lead on him.

How can one word make a man so weak?!

He could smash boulders, outrun arrows, heal from just about any wound. He'd grappled with gods and monster and demons alike.

And yet!

When he heard that word!

Well. The results spoke for themselves.

Nearly an entire month had passed since their daughter first come into their lives and still! STILL he wasn't used to being a father. A single smile from his "Daughter" laid him low as Madara and Kaguya never could. They couldn't even hold a candle to Nania. Magic kid or not, there was no denying that she was the sum of his and Malenia's best parts.

Another thing he'd learned. She loved to run. Really, really, REALLY loved to run.

What she lacked in power she made up in speed and purity, sweet little bean that she was. Must protect at all costs.

Quick though she was, she was still no match for him.

Ducking another root that threatened to trip him up, he lowered his shoulder and charged through a wall. Ancient stone shattered before him as he barreled through. Shortcut acquired. In an instant he made up the ground he'd lost and cut his fiery little progeny off at the pass.

Result? Nania ran right into his arms.

"Gotcha!" He caught his daughter and swept her up into his arms, fingers dancing across her ribs as he went.

She squealed and went "Papa, no fair!"

A low grumble hit his ears a moment later.

"Sound's like someone's hungry. Whaddya want for lunch?"

She squirmed in his arms to grin gormlessly up at him. "Roast boar!"

Voracious little carnivore. "I'm sure I could persuade Malenia to cook some...

"Mama's the best cook!"

She really wasn't, not by any means or measure, but no one could tell little Nania otherwise. Just thinking of her made him smile. Malenia was a damn good mom. A bit skittish, still a little awkward, but she was putting her best foot forward and making an effort.

Naruto thumbed his chin. "Guess I should, too...

Today he was taking her to visit Miquella once more-or rather, his cocoon- just as he did every day.

It has proven surprisingly good exercise for the two of them, so much so that it soon became something of a daily routine.

He allowed his mind to wander as they took the elevator down to Miquella's resting place. Maybe one of these days he'd finally wake up. And once he did, he could help him cure Malenia. He'd found his notes. He knew there was a way. Sure he could touch her, and Nania too, but they couldn't banish her fears so easily. Even Loretta had to keep fair distance from her at all times, lest she find herself infected. That aside, there was always the risk that Malenia might taint the new Erdtree he'd worked so hard to restore. Outside of his presence, her rot writhed al the more.

It wasn't a tenable situation. Even he could see that.

But how to fix it? Make no mistake, he had to. He wanted to hold onto these peaceful, halcyon days awhile longer. Sasuke would be fine. He wasn't in any immediate danger. Malenia was. She took precedence, selfish as that might sound. Until he could find a proper, permanent cure, he didn't want to leave her side.

Soon enough they reached her brother's wresting place. "Don't mind us Miquella., we've come to visit...

Nania yawned a greeting and mimicked him. "Come to visit~!

"..." As ever, silence was his answer.

Much had changed since they'd returned Miquella's cocoon to the Haligtree; great roots had grown across the length of the once empty chamber, filling the room with golden light. In time he suspected they might grow to consume the chamber entirely. For now they remained at the southern end of the chamber; though he suspected that would change once Miquella finally left his "cradle" as it were and regained his body. It would be a sight to see, he was sure.

"Papa? Where's Mama?"

Strange. Malenia usually was here at this hour. Maybe she'd gone off to hunt another boar beforehand? They were low on food after all...

A glimmer of light from Miquella's cocoon greeted him, growing stronger with each passing moment.

"Aw, hell." he swore softly. "Better go get Malenia if he's waking up-

Nania tugged a this sleeve. "Papa...

Someone stepped out from behind the roots ahead of them.

A woman with striking red hair.

Naruto's body locked up.

"Where is she?" the stranger demanded, pointing a strange curved weapon at him. "Speak!" her lovely face creased in a scowl when he didn't answer. "What have you done with her?"

At first glance he thought he was looking at Malenia, but no, there were subtle differences. Her clothes and hair, for one. Malenia didn't wear traveling leathers like that. Her voice was different, too. The newcomer was a good foot shorter than the demigoddess as well. Which begged the question.

.

..

...why did they look so similar?

Naruto tilted his head, squnting at her.

Nania mirrored him. "You look like mama. But you're not mama...

The woman faltered, but didn't lower her weapon. "No, child. I am not."

...Auntie?

"I beg your pardon?!" The woman went redder than her hair. "That is most uncouth to say-I mean, no! Don't call me that!"

Nania stabbed a finger at her with all the wisdom of a child and said otherwise. "Sister, then!"

"NO!"

A rustle of fallen leaves behind him heralded Malenia's arrival. Naruto knew it by the soundless stride of her footsteps, the sudden spike of anger seething at his flank. He stole a glance backwards; sure enough, he found a large brown boar slung over her shoulder; one she dropped even now. Huh. She'd been hunting after all...and now it looked like she was about to hunt a human.

Her face was certainly writ from stone now. "Remove yourself from this chamber at once."

The younger redhead did no such thing. If anything, she looked delighted.

"It really is you." she fell to her knees and bowed her head. "At long last...

"Who are you? Identify yourself!"

"My name is Milicent. "A trembling hand reached out. She looked up, tears rolling down her face. "I have journeyed far to find you...to meet you...Mother...!"

Malenia squeaked. Actually squeaked, as she hadn't since their duel. "I beg your pardon?!"

Naruto clapped a palm to his forehead. "I knew it. Here we go again...

Nania giggled happily and clapped her hands. "New sister!"

A/N: By lore, Milicent and her sisters are "technically" daughters of Malenia. Daughters of Rot, yes, but daughters nevertheless!

Aaaaaand there we be! Hope you enjoyed it? Well? Should this remain 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. Pain hurts. Pain hurts a loooot. But silence from readers and reviewers? That hurts even more. As ever, reviews keep this old man alive during these dark and crazy times. 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)

"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."


"Sister~!"

Milicent sighed. "Must you braid my hair?"

Nania hummed happily. "Yes, we must! Now hold still!"


"WARRIOR!"

"Oi, oi, oi! Its too damn early for this!


Morgott rose from his throne.

"This blasphemy cannot be allowed to pass.

Mohg had been many things, but at the end of the day, he was his brother.


"Hey now, I ain't a weapon. I'll help you, but lets not go the genocide route, eh?

And if we are attacked?"

His smile gained an edge. Malenia shivered pleasantly.

She hoped for a cure soon. If he kept looking at her like that, she might go wild...


...hold thy tongue. This pointless resistance avails thee naught. We will have what we came for. Your words bore us."

"Girls, girls. Four against one, and you're worried about this fight being boring?" He dragged himself upright with a low laugh. ...I'll spice it up for you then!"

Then he was among them. A clawed hand closed around one attackers face and whipped her into her siblings. Two were still hurtling back when the rest fell upon him. He caught the spear slamming at his gut in one palm conjured a golden claw from his stump and spun, bludgeoning the redhead who'd sought to stab him. A cry of pain went up, but he didn't care to hear it. Ignore it. Harden his heart. Enemies were to be dealt with, and if he didn't deal with this idiots here and now, they'd never learn their lesson.

Slitted scarlet eyes snapped to the remaining duo. He hunched his back and dove at them with a snarl.

"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!"

Cries of terror filled the air.

EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!

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? Well, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.

So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.

Looking forward to hearing from you all when I get back from work~!

R&R~!