A/N: EDIT: Ach, not a lot of feedback? Oh, well. I tried.

Read this note, would you kindly?

First, nearly done with my Elden Ring updates for the month. Then comes God of War. Blood Upon the Snow and A Boy's Journey, Running to the Edge, Just a Shinobi, Untraveled Road, etc.

Second, a warning! You've reached the point in this story where things will soon diverge, in other words, there will soon be two separate versions.

One, obviously, is this, the Fanfiction version. The other will soon be posted on Archive of our Own...which may turn out to be be considerably more...*ahem* lewd than this. Why the Alternate version, you ask? Had folks beating down my inbox for the alternate path I mentioned awhile back. Two guesses as to what that path was. First two don't count. Or it may the the other way around!

Of course, that's only if I continue writing. If so, I'll, literally make a different chapter for A03.

I'll say it plain, if this email opt-in business with the site doesn't get resolved soon, I'm probably going to retire.

It HURTS to say that, but with this new system, reviews and readers have dropped to an all time low, authors are leaving the site in droves.

If you're not already aware of it, ever since the 16th of November, you now have to turn ON your email alerts in account settings -AND MAKE SURE YOU CLICK SAVE SETTINGS!- else you won't be notified when anyone updates. No alerts, no email, no nothing. Apparently that's a thing we all have to do every ninety days or so, now. Alas, not many are aware of it...which is a problem. As things stand this new "fix" as it were, has cut everyone's viewership/reviewers in half because most folks don't know about it.

Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes we get alerts. Sometimes we don't. Really depends.

So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this story, and all others. 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.

No questions this time. No one seems to like them, And I'll not spoil things. 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.

"What gets bigger the more you take away, yet shrinks the more you give to it?"

...I confess, I've never been good at riddles. What is it?"

"A hole. Oh, wow, that actually made you laugh...

~Naruto and Malenia.

To be Loved

She found him beneath the stars.

Not unexpected, given all that they'd been through today. There he lay, sprawled out on a golden branch, a blue blanket spread out over his knees, arms folded behind his head as he watched moon rise. He was humming to himself; some soft nameless tune she couldn't quite recognize, yet one that appealed to her heart all the same. He looked so peaceful in that instant. After all they'd said and done together he finally seemed to be at his ease. So much so that she nearly found herself loathe to disturb him. And so she stood there instead. Observing him.

In the end, desire won out

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

"Do I?" he didn't look away when she sat beside him, not once taking his gaze from the shimmering sea of light overhead. "How's she doing?"

Malenia fought down a flinch at the mention of Millicent. She did not entirely succeed. "Slumbering at last. She cried herself to sleep."

A blue eye finally swept up to look at her. "She fell asleep in your arms, didn't she?"

Her ears burned a pretty pink. "...yes."

"You know, for someone who's never been a mother before, you're pretty good at this whole parenting thing."

And wasn't that curious? She'd only just grown used to having little Nania running around underfoot. Now quite suddenly she had another "daughter" who might be of her blood, and far more clingy because of it. Whatever their connection, the same tainted blood ran through their veins. They undoubtedly shared a kinship. And if Nania had helped tie Naruto to her, then Millicent was undoubtedly another bond to bind his heart, the better to keep him from searching for his friend.

Strange as it might sound, Malenia rather enjoyed being a mother for another reason; if only because it allowed her to give these little ones the love she and Miquella had been denied in their youth.

And speaking of dearest Miquella...

"She wishes to remove my brother's needle embedded within her flesh."

Naruto heaved a long-suffering sigh. "I'm aware."

Was he? "She'll die if she does."

...I know. We'll figure that out." he changed tact before she could ask what he intended. "So...a kid. How'd that happen?"

A question to end all questions, that. "I do not know."

"Malenia." He almost sounded hurt.

"I do not know!" She couldn't keep the anguish from her voice as she looked away. "I never took a consort." she dug a finger into the bark, tracing frantic circles in the wood in a desperate attempt to distract herself from the hammering of her heart. "Never...bedded another. It was impossible at the time." Oh gods, her face felt so warm, surely she would combust at any moment. "I didn't even consider such before I met you.

"Oh." Now it was his turn to look away, face gone red.

"But after I bloomed in Caelid...?" her head hurt suddenly. She frowned, touching a hand to her forehead. "My memories are still jumbled from that day. Radahn pushed me to my very limit. I was so terribly desperate. If Finlay had not recovered me, I may well have died there." the ache in her temples intensified. "Perhaps young Millicent was born from that catastrophe. I suspect there may be others.

"Then we'll prepare for them."

His silence wasn't enough for her. Malenia scooted closer and laid down beside him. She reached out with her good hand, seeking his palm. He didn't shy away from her; on the contrary he welcomed her fingers in his and gave them a reassuring squeeze. Heat speared through her face, yet nevertheless she found herself snuggling closer to him in search of warmth.

"Jeez, you're freezing!" he yelped as her metal arm brushed him. "Here, "he nudged her a little, "You can have my blanket."

...I'm a bit too big for that."

"Nah, its fine." he smiled. "I like tall girls."

Malenia sputtered. Odd how such words could undo her.

They'd hardly done anything together. Holding hands, a few embraces, the odd tentative kiss, initiated on her part. It was the very definition of a slow-burning romance, not at all like those torrid tales Miquella oftentimes read of. She liked it. This felt natural. Good. Pure. There was no need to rush. There was a word for this. Courting? Courting! Yes, that was it. This was courting. They could move as slowly or swiftly as they liked. She would much rather take her time. She...she wanted to savor this.

Her eyes flitted down to his. She wanted to kiss him again. Desire burned within her.

No...she mustn't. He was able to resist her Rot, even push it back to an extent, but she didn't wish to try her luck.

"My brother was a studious sort." she said at last, trying to distract herself. "Surely there are other needles out there. Millicent should keep hers."

His shoulder brushed hers. "Even if it could cure you?"

She glared at him. "I will not sacrifice an daughter to gain my happiness."

"Daughter, hmm?" His eyes sparkled and she knew she'd stumbled right into his trap. "Alright, if you say so...

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

Naruto gave her a sidelong glance. "Always."

"If others come seeking her...we may have to fight them." she spoke laconically, choosing her words with great care. "Nor shall the Greater Will sit idly by forever; not when we stand in such direct opposition to it. I cherish these peaceful days with you, but I fear war may soon come."

"Hey, now." he nudged her nose with a finger. "I ain't a weapon. I'll help you, but lets not go the genocide route, eh? Maybe we can talk our enemies down."

Our. Not hers. "And if we are attacked?"

Naruto's 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...

.

..

...to hell with it.

She tugged him closer.

"May I...kiss you, again?"


(.0.0.0.)


His brother was dead.

Slain, in coldest of blood.

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 kin. He would be avenged.


(.0.0.0.)


Was this what it felt like to have a family?

Millicent couldn't make heads or tails of this. She'd never had a family before, not one she could properly remember at any rate. The notion of family had ever been a fleeting concept to her, vague and confusing. She knew what the word meant of course, what it implied, but she'd not given much thought to it. Her duty had always come first, superseding all else.

Yet here she sat before the Haligtree, being fussed over like the child she no longer was. It was humbling.

"Sister~!"

Milicent sighed. "Must you braid my hair?"

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

The ghost of a smile touched her lips as she let her "sister" twist and tug her scarlet tresses into a clumsy braid. It would not hold she knew, but she appreciated the sentiment regardless.

How much time had passed since she first found her way here? Days? Weeks? Months? She no longer knew. Time meant precious little here in the depths of the Haligtree and as such, she'd soon lost track of it.

Was she wasting her time here? The thought had her squirming.

"Do hold still." a lower, richer voice at her flank had her perking up. "We'll never be able to fix your hair like this."

Millicent bobbed her head, cowed. "Yes, mother...

A hand patted her head. "Hmm. Good girl."

Eeeeeeeeee! The praise made her squirm girlishly. A quintet of tiny Millicents squealed in her head. She praised us!

"I must confess, you're not at all who I thought you would be."

"Nor I, you." the demigod hummed behind her. "Perhaps you'd be willing to tell me of your journey? How did you come to be here...

Millicent was eager to accommodate her.

She'd come here to return what was meant for Malenia. Her pride. Her strength. The needle embedded in her flesh. And in doing so...she would die. Yes, she had known that. Thought herself ready to give her life. Such she knew, was her purpose. Her meaning in life. Hers would be a short existence; she would die with her purpose fulfilled, and Malenia restored.

But they weren't letting her take the needle out!

It had begun with that blond brute; he'd not let her remove it when she woke up, and afterwards everyone kept fussing over her, taking care of her, attending to her every need treating her like...like a person, all with naught asked of her in return. Initially she had tried to push them away. To distance herself from these strangers; to sever any bonds that might yet form. She'd failed. For you see, despite all her reservations, she had come to cherish these little moments of peace. The Lord and Lady of the Haligree were...

What was the word...?

Selfless? Yes, that was the one. They gave and gave and gave all without asking a thing in return. She didn't know what to do with selflessness! How did one respond to kind deeds such as these? Even the strange man who gave her the Needle and her new arm had at least asked for aid in battle. That much she could understand. A favor given must be repaid; a debt made, one to be settled.

By contrast? This was madness.

And yet here she was, having her hair brushed someone who may or may not be her sister and someone who was, in all likelihood, her mother. She possessed dim memories of others being kind to her before in such a manner; of other girls with red hair but their faces were murky, their names even moreso. Pain racked her head whenever she tried to think of them. She'd forgotten something, lost a piece of herself, something terribly important. Its absence gnawed at her, a hole in her heart.

Nania tugged her sleeve. "Big sis?"

Precious little light. Must protect. Always.

She looked down. "What's that you have there?"

The little girl offered her something. "Flower crown!"

Millicent felt her face begin to burn all over again. When had the Child stopped braiding her hair to make that? No, it didn't matter. She bent her neck and let the Child place it upon her head. Lady Malenia -Mother!- smiled softly and drew the smaller girl into her lap, drawing a giggle from her offspring. Jealousy reared its ugly head in Millicent's heart. It should have been here. Could that have been her in another life? Could she have been loved? It made her chest ache.

"You're crying."

"Am I?" Nania's innocent observation had her touching a hand to her face. It came away wet. "That's strange." She hiccuped. "Why am I...?"

Two arms, one flesh, the other metal, drew her backward. Mother's chin came down over her shoulder.

"Dear girl, if you wanted a hug, you had but to say so...

Something loosened deep inside Millicent's bosom.

"I...think I would like that. Very much."

Right on cue, Nania plonked down in her lap and hugged her as only a child could. Merry blue eyes beamed up at her. "Love you!"

Milicent warbled softly. Fresh tears rolled down her face. "Thank you...

This was it, then. She could feel herself breaking. There could be no turning back now. They'd ruined her. Spoilt her purpose. She could never bring herself to take the needle out now; no matter what she may or may not become; because she didn't want to die anymore. She wanted to be held. She wanted to be loved! She wanted...!

A distant tremor rattled the tree, shattering her thoughts.

"Ah." Still holding her, Malenia craned her neck toward a distant bough, high above their heads. "Seems he found them. They've finally made their move."

Millicent followed her gaze with a frown. "Found who?"

Another quake rattled the world, closer now. And over it, a familiar voice. A shout of triumph. "ORAH!"

"No one you need concern yourself with dear girl." Malenia patted her head, making her feel like a small child. "He has them. They'll be dealt with shortly."

An odd itch gnawed at the back of Millicent's mind.

Nania swayed in place with a merry giggle. "More sisters?"

"Yes, dear girl. Though I doubt that these four will come quietly...

In a flash, Milicent remembered. Her sisters! She shooed Nania offer her lap, wriggled free from Malenia, and staggered to her feet. He'd kill them. She just knew it. She must stop him-hey! A hand caught her by the scruff of the neck and reeled her backwards as one might a naughty child in need of discipline. In an instant she found herself right back where she started.

"Release me at once!"

"I will not, child." Malenia's arms were akin to bands of steel, holding her fast. "Fighting them now would only bring you pain. Trust in your father.

"Mmm!" Nania nodded. "Papa's strong!"

Millicent's face turned an atomic shade of red. These two she could accept, but that blond brute?! No! Nay! Never! "He is not my...!

"Rest assured," he isn't the sort to kill needlessly. "He may leave them wishing for death, however.

Millicent gulped. "That...does not reassure me?

"No? Then let me tell you the story of how we first met. Of how he showed mercy, even to a rotten woman like me...


(.0.0.0.)


The quartet advanced.

Down they went, through root and stem, they followed in search of the Fifth.

Of their lost long sibling, she who had failed to bloom. She who had forsaken them so.

None challenged them. Yet for all the lack of resistance, something was...wrong. The Haligtree did not rot. For it was a Haligtree no longer, but an Erdtree reborn. It was healthy. Golden. Though it allowed their passage, it rejected their presence. Weakened them. The divine rot that strengthened them began to ebb away.

Step by step did their strength erode. They became sluggish, their bodies became tired. Weaker. Doubts began to surface as they forged on. They who were of one mind, began to falter.

Four were they, sisters all:

Mary, the eldest, no longer to wield her halo scythe with ease.

Maureen, the second, clutching her now-heavy-treespear tight to her chest.

Amy, the third reached for her curved swords, unable to draw them with the dexterity she once held.

Even poor Polyanna, the youngest, clutched at her dagger and began to falter in the face of such unexpected change.

But still their purpose spurred them on. They must reach the heart of the Haligtree. There, they would bloom. For their Mother. For their rotten goddess.

There! Maureen spied the path ahead and waved her siblings on. Below awaited their goal, their prize.

They would return to the beginning. They would bloom. They would-

Roots rose ahead, denying them egress.

"Going somewhere~?"

Much to the sister's annoyance, a man emerged from behind a golden bough to bar their path. Fair of face was he, messy blond hair swaying in the breeze, blue eyes bright and keen, whiskered face set in a stern scowl as he looked upon them. He did not walk their way, nor did he make any move to challenge them. He simply...stood there.

Frowned now, as he gazed upon them.

"Four?!" He blinked, guffawed, scrubbed at his eyes with the back of one hand, and blinked again. "Unbelievable. You really do look just like her. Five daughters in as many months." Palming his face, he shook his head, setting his hair swaying. "I swear, this tree is messing with me." he leaned past them looking toward the now-barred exit, as though he expected to see still more. "Are there any more of you? Anyone else joining the party?"

The sisters didn't respond. They saw no need. Why would they to such drivel?

Mary found her voice first. "You are no sire of ours."

"Y'see," he wagged a finger at her, "Ordinarily I'd agree with that. I wish I could say I've gotten used to fatherhood. I really do." He began to crack his knuckles. "But something tells me you didn't come here to join the family.

"Step aside." Amy stepped past to flank him. "Our destiny awaits. She must bloom."

His smile gained an edge. The Sisters found themselves disliking it.

"Destiny? Yeah, no." He raised his hand. They saw the golden fire shimmering within. "Not gonna happen. She's free, now. You can be, too. You can be better."

"No, we cannot." Maureen shook her head. He did not see. He did not understand. "What you ask is impossible." she hefted her weapon with intent, wondering why it felt so heavy. So large, when she had been able to hoist it with ease only hours before. "Move. Now. Or you will be moved."

"It IS possible!" He stabbed a finger at them. "You can change. If Millicent and Malenia can be their own selves, so can you." his voice rippled over them, bringing with it a wave of searing anger. "I know you have your own names. Identities! Don't pretend otherwise! Take a moment. Think this through!"

The sisters paused, conferring among themselves for a moment.

But only a moment. At length they drew apart.

Mary spoke for them first. "We have made our decision."

"Yeah?" Hope bloomed in his eyes. It saddened the sisters, somehow. "What might that be?"

"You will take us to the false flower." Maureen intoned. "And we shall kill her. Do so and we shall let you live."

His face fell and he shook his head once more. "M'afraid I can't let you do that. Guess its time for the 'ol Uzumaki special...

Polyanna tilted her head. "...what is this this special you speak of?"

"Nothing much." An ominous haze rose around his the blond's body. "Just the part where I kick your asses and make you listen. Its a skill of mine. And here I was hoping not to bully a bunch of kids...

Maureen briddled. "We are not children!"

"No? You're acting like it." he tittered at them, much to their dismay. "Look at yourselves. You've lost a lotta strength by coming here. Didn't ya know this tree purifies Rot?"

An ominous silence stretched between them.

Mary raised her weapon. "We are still four. You are but one. You would go to war with us, even so?

"War?" He crouched low to the ground, one hand gripping the bark. "Nah. This ain't war. This is discipline."

The wind whistled and he was past them.

Pollyanna fell first, driven into a wall by a vicious punch.

Maureen whirled, only to find her spear intercepted and crushed down by a booted foot.

"Young and eager." even as he spoke he caught Amy's blades with both hands and hauled her off her feet. "Is that all?" A lazy overhand toss sent her hurtling through the air. "I've spent years training to keep my friends and family safe. Now I have one to fight for again. I bled for this power. Every day. Where did you train?! In a swamp?!"

Mary's scythe raked across his back, staggering him...or trying to. He only laughed and fell to a knee.

...hold thy tongue." she hissed, anger mounting at last." 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, shaking his head once more. "...I'll spice it up for you then! Kurama!"

His body burst into golden light. Then he was among them.

A clawed hand closed around Mary's attackers face and whipped her into Maureen. Amy and Polyanna were still righting themselves when he fell upon them. 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 seem to hear it. Rather, he ignored it. Hardened his heart. Enemies were to be dealt with, and if he didn't deal with them here and now, they'd never learn their lesson.

Slitted scarlet eyes snapped to the remaining duo, bringing with glee.

He hunched his back and dove at them with a snarl.

"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!"

Cries of terror filled the air.

A/N: Aaaaaand there we be!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

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)

Four little heads bowed in submission. "We're sorry."

"You better be!" he huffed at them. "Darn kids...

Millicent blinked. She blinked hard. "How?!"


Loretta stumbled in with a yawn. Forgive me, I was sleeping. What did I...miss...?"

Her jaw clicked open.

"Who are these four!"


"Sisters, please, be reasonable about this-

"Says the one with a headstart!

"I saw him first!"

"No, I did!"

"Me!"


...to what do I owe this visit, Sister?"

Ranni raised her hands. "I would have words with you."

"Bold words, coming from the witch who begot this madness in the first place." She clicked her tongue. "Oh, yes. I know about the night of Black Knives. You were its architect...


An army stands against you!"

"Piss on that!" a shout came from the parapet. "We have a Kurama! Your argument is invalid!

...what in the Greater Will' name is a Kurama?"

Take one more step and you'll find out!"


Radahn raised his head.

All hell broke loose.


"WARRIOR!"

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


Malenia took a deep, shuddering breath.

Then she rounded on Naruto.

He balked. "Uh-oh."

She stepped in and drove her lips against his with furious passion, all but crushing him against the bed. Her bosom pressed into his chest. Wings bloomed behind her back, sending rotten butterflies flitting through the air in a storm of noise. She paid them no heed; there was no need, because he was holding her, returning her affection with slow, gentle sincerity. It was too much. She lost herself.

A hand flitted out, tearing his shirt away...

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~!