A/N: Double update day! This, and a RWBY story. Hope you enjoy them, and make they make you smile~!

To whomever coined the term Mamalenia...well done. Its stuck in my head, now.

This chapter's gonna throw folks for a loop. Hope you're ready~!

After all, we've been hinting at this for awhile...

Still alive, still in pain, still writing.

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.

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. Now then..

This will most likely remain a single pairing, but it may become a harem depending on feedback. It'll be a shorter story at that.

We'll keep the clarification up here for Naruto and Malenia's "children" since there are a LOT of names floating around right now. Nania's really the only OC here. The rest actually exist in the game. First and foremost we have the adorable Nania and Millicent. Mary is the eldest, wielding her halo scythe with ease. Maureen comes second, with a heavy-treespear. Amy, would be third with her curved swords. Polyanna is, the youngest, having a dagger.

Now let's pick up where we left off...

"I enjoy that look of Confusion. When an inferior being meets a higher power."

~Over Fallen Leaves.

To be Reunited

"This body will do."

Miquella stretched one arm and swayed side to side, idly reveling in the freedom of such simple motion. After so long spent in that ghastly cocoon, the mere act of moving under one's own power was a blessing beyond measure. Sensation was sweet. Sight, touch, smell, taste, hearing, all of it glory in and of itself...

.

..

...there was just one small snag.

Well, two, really. They were rather heavy on her chest. There was a third problem if one counted the distinct lack of...something in her current form. Despite all the trials and tribulations, Miquella's mind remained its own, tried and true, untainted by Mohg and the Formless Mother's influence.

Not so the body.

In his inane ambition, Mohg had sought a new dynasty. A dynasty required children...and a womb with which to bear them. By his own meddling and the Formless Mother's interference, the mad Omen had inadvertently broken the curse that besieged said body...at great cost. Eternal Youth was shattered. All that remained was Eternal Life. In trying to make him something he was not, said body had become something ghastly; been desecrated beyond repair. Malenia and Naruto had put a stop to that and the Haligtree-now an Erdtree-had saved his spirit by ushering in a rebirth. All traces of the Formless Mother were gone, wiped away with the old.

Now here she stood, reborn, basking in the sun.

How lovely the light felt after eons of darkness. Mildly amused, the Demigod raised one arm and admired the slender expanse of a pale-yet-healthy hand. Good. No trace of that infernal curse remained. Power thrummed through every pore. She was restored. It was not quite the form she would have chosen, but in truth it wasn't so much an annoyance as an inconvenience. After all she had masqueraded as Saint Trina using magic in the past. This was simply a more...permanent arrangement. She wasn't used to being quite so indefatigably...tall. She'd have to accustom herself to this new form, train with it-

"Brother?!"

Ah, but Malenia was looking to her and she must attend.

"Sister now, I suppose." She pivoted on a bare foot to face her fully, revealing golden eyes and a small smile. Her voice was much as she remembered it, only softer. "Good morning."

Nania clapped her hands and bounced up and down with a giddy grin. "Pretty!"

Miquella smiled despite herself.

Pretty, was it? Yes, she supposed that word would suffice. A cursory glance merely confirmed her initial assumption. She rather resembled Mother as she had been -pure and glorious- before Godwyn's demise broke her, body and soul. Marika had been beautiful once. Her current form mirrored that beauty tenfold.

Ah, but poor Malenia! She looked so stunned...

"Is something wrong, sister?"

Malenia absolutely choked. Behind her, Naruto took one look at Miquella and fell over laughing. Malenia shot him a baleful glower, to no avail; in a matter of moments was all but crackling, clutching his sides, legs kicking at the air as he howled merrily.

"Naruto!"

"I'm sorry! Can't help it!"

Ah. This then, was Naruto. She remembered possessing his body during that battle with Mohg. How lovely to look upon him with her own eyes.

Was it her imagination, or was he taller than she remembered? No, she wasn't imagining it at all...

Miquella tilted her head and tugged a strand of golden hair out her eyes, considering.

Oh.

Ohh.

Ohhh.

So that's what was happening to him. Of course. It made a twisted sort of sense. She wasn't surprised. He had fought Demigods and monsters and become Malenia's consort in all but name. That changed a man. Bonding to an Empyrean came with certain...benefits, after all. Malenia hadn't noticed yet. She wondered when she would.

He was rather handsome-no mustn't think that. He belonged to Malenia. It would be rude to intrude.

That said, the merry blond proved an able distraction; Malenia was so focused on him that she never saw Miquella coming. Bare feet strode briskly Over Fallen Leaves, closing the distance between them in an instant. With a pleased hum, she drew her startled twin into a warm embrace.

"How nice it feels to finally hug thee..."

The redehead tensed in her arms, yet for all her anxiety she didn't try to flee. "Is that truly you?"

She patted the back of her head. My, but it was nice being tall. "In the flesh."

"How...?" she coughed, sputtering a little. "Why are you...?!"

"Like this?" the sound of her own laughter amused her even now. "My former body was ruined beyond repair. I was reborn in the Haligtree and granted a proper body reflecting my might." she turned a bemused glance on her sister's "child" who had shimmied up to their side. "I believe your little one is to thank for that."

Nania chirped happily. "Yup!"

"Proper, is it?" Malenia looked oddly sullen. "...they're bigger than mine."

Miquella blinked, somewhat taken aback by the words. "Pardon?"

Only then she look down. Step back now.

Ah. Of course. She'd no clothes.

A brisk breeze blew through the Haligtree.

...I suppose I cannot walk about like this now, can I."

Someone draped a light blue cloth over her from behind.

"Here," Naruto coughed into a fist, studiously avoiding looking anywhere but at her eyes. "You can have my cloak. Don't really need it."

"My thanks, friend." Miquella released her dazed sister and offered him her hand. "Its good to finally meet you face to face."

"And you, more or less." he returned the handshake briskly. "There a particular reason why you look like this?

"Its something of a long story." one she did not care to repeat. "Thank you, for looking after my sister. I owe you a debt; one I may never be able to repay."

"Then don't."

Malenia laughed ruefully behind him.

The sound -and his words- brought Miquella up short. "Pardon?"

"I didn't do all this for a debt, or because I wanted to be repaid." as she looked on, the baffling blond grinned, jerked his hand back and thrust a thumb against his chest. "I did it because it was the right thing to do."

Such a noble sentiment. He believed every word of it, the lovable lad.

Her lips twitched. She couldn't herself. She laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"You truly are a remarkable being." she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye before it could fully form and sighed. "I almost wish I'd met you first. No," she amended, sensing Malenia's suddenly intent state, "Perhaps that is selfish of me. In any case, I'll do everything I can to aid you."

To accomplish that, she would have to grant Malenia's dearest wish. Radahn must be dealt with, and her trauma with him, or her twin would never be able to move on. After that, the Rot could be dealt with. She had not been idle while she was trapped in the Cocoon. She'd heard everything. Seen everything.

Malenia kicked at the ground like the child she no longer was. "Miquella, you've only just awakened. There is no need to strain yourself-

"There is a need." she interjected gently. "I would be delighted to help you save this world. There is little time and much to do-

She heard footsteps racing down the starirs. It was her only warning.

Then they were upon her.

Mary, Maureen, Amy, and of course Polyanna. She remembered their names well.

Evidently, they remembered her; they were certainly happy to see her.

"New auntie!"

Resistance was pointless. The quartet swarmed her and she went down, falling in a tangle of limbs as her nieces babbled happily. Milicent wasn't quite so hasty and proved more reserved; she lingered near the edges with a longing smile; one that did nothing to stop her sisters. It certainly didn't stop Nania from jumping into the giggling dogpile

Wells She'd always wanted a large family.

Hmm. Now there was an idea. They surely had enough now.

Why not? This seemed as good a time to broach the subject as any.

Miquella struggled upright, propping herself up on one elbow. "Do you wish to face Radahn, now?"

Malenia perked up.

Naruto sighed. "Out of the fire and into the frying pan, eh?"

"I'll happily watch over these five for you, if that is your concern." Miquella made no effort to hide her smile. Perhaps this was a little manipulative of her, but it was for the best. "They shall be safe with me and Morgott to say nothing of Loretta. We shall protect the Haligtree while you are away-

Five voice rose indignantly:

"What?

"Without us?!"

"Not a chance!"

"No! I'm going, too!"

"You cannot be serious!"

One voice had been silent amongst them.

Sure enough, Miquella looked down and found Nania stared back up at her most defiantly. She was, in a way, a little goddess of her own. Still young in her power, but so eager to change to world. She would go far once the Greater Will was dealt with; indeed, given time she might even supplant it properly. The Lands Between could certainy do better than that meddling space squid. Yes, the more she dwelt on it, the more she liked the idea. She was already strong enough to "cure" Omens, as evidenced by Morgott's miracle. And she'd grow stronger yet. Better to give this one room to grow, rather than limit her potential.

...I take it you wish to join them?

Nania needn't be told twice; she was already out the door like a bolt of lightning, her target the stairway. No doubt she wanted to pack for the journey.

Naruto cried out. "Oi! Now wait just a second, you!"

She most assuredly did not.

Quick as a flash, she was back again, a little brown pack slung over her shoulders, eyes sparkling. "Ready~!"

"You can go now, if you wish."

Malenia winced. "It would be a long journey...

"No, it wouldn't." Miquella held up a hand. "I happen to know a rather useful spell. I'd be happy to send the others over once the danger has passed. Here, let me show you."

Naruto swore aloud. "Now wait just a second-

She didn't give him time to protest.


(.0.0.0.)


Light shimmered.

Reality reluctantly reasserted itself.

Naruto dearly wished it hadn't; because with it came nausea.

He retched, and Kurama with him. "Never again," he groaned, wiping his mouth with a battered sleeve. "No more fast travel. We're walking next time!"

Malenia massaged the small of his back, rubbing small circles against it. "There, there...

He punched the red soil and uttered an unprofessional oath. "I can't believe I'm even considering this."

She delivered a quick kiss to his cheek. "It is for the best. What is the saying you use? Better to rip the bandage off rather than let the wound fester...?

It took more effort to climb to his feet than he cared to admit. "That's not it at all...

Against his better judgement, he looked up.

Caelid was very...red.

By luck or design, Miquella's spell had dropped them near the castle in question, but it did little to distract from the horrors of the continent. It was, in every way, rotten. They weren't even near the worst of it, but he saw the horrors from here, the massive shapes of beasts loping across tainted soil, the awful fungi straining toward the sky. Malenia looked stricken at the sight of it, on the verge of saying something.

"Wheeeee~!"

Nania was their salvation; the little redhead came crashing down and landed on his back in a shimmer of golden light. "That was fun! Again, again!"

Malenia quirked a brow at her "Where are your sisters? Surely they mean to join us...

"They're coming later. Miquella's tired. Said she needs a few minutes."

...very well, then. Let us prepare for their arrival."

Together, their little family approached Radahn's castle.

None challenged them...well, not until they reached the gate.

Movement on the walls caught their eye. Figures shuffled to and fro. Orders were exchanged in hushed tones.

"HOLD!" A deep voice overshadowed them all, braying from the battlements, harsh and flinty. "You approach Redmane castle! Identify yourself at once!"

Malenia looked to him for strength, took a deep breath, and steeled herself. "...I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella."

An angry cry went up from the castle. Naruto tensed, expecting a hair of fire, or a torrent of arrows.

They received neither.

Instead, a man leaped down to confront them. He landed nimbly, alighting in a pointed crouch. Naruto idly noted his odd armor and the strange bearded mask he wore. Then his attention was decidedly elsewhere, because the old geezer straightened up, ripped the flamberge sword from his back and thrust it at them both. "You have some nerve coming back here, witch...

Malenia smiled softly. Sadly. "Hello, Jerren...

"That's witch hunter Jerren to you, woman." he suspected the warrior might've spat were it not for his mask. "This my castle and you are not welcome here. State your purpose and begone!"

Naruto quirked a brow. "Why call her a witch...

The older man scoffed. "That is what she is. And who are you, boy? One of her servants?"

Malenia stood a little straighter. "He is my consort."

Ha! A bitter bark of laughter burst from him. "A fine jest. Tell me now, and tell me true, or I'll run you through. Who are you?"

Naruto took a deep breath for calm, failed, crackled his knuckles, and stepped up beside her. "The guy who's about to kick your ass if you don't cut the crap...

"No." Malenia interposed herself between the two of them before they could come to blows. Shame. He would've liked to smack some sense into this one. "I'm here to help Radahn, Jerren. I wish to make amends."

Laughter answered her, sharp and bitter. "You think you can, do you?

Malenia looked to him, golden eyes crinkling ever so slightly. "If I cannot, he most certainly will.

Naruto winced inwardly. "Sure no pressure...

The old witch hunter wasn't so easily swayed. "And if he recovers his wits enough to demand your life?"

"That...I cannot give." she amended with a grimace." I have a family now. Children who depend upon me. I cannot afford to die here. I will give him the satisfaction of a proper fight."

Jerren made a baffled noise. "Gods be good, you really have changed, haven't you?

"I'd not be here if I hadn't."

"Hrrmph." he grunted. "The Malenia I knew cared only for victory. What has changed?"

Nania poked her head over his shoulder and waved. "Hello~!"

Jerren recoiled. "A child?!"

He noticed how much she resembled them. It was impossible not to. The little child of the tree was the best of them, even if she didn't have their blood. The sight of her smote Jerren into silence and rendered his acerbic insults moot. He almost wished he could see the man's face, but the sheer shock radiating from him would have to do.

At length, the man's masked visage turned back to regard them anew.

...you're in love." he almost sounded surprised.

Malenia didn't deny it.

"I hadn't thought it possible for you to bear children."

Malenia bridled.

Nania pouted. "Meanie...

Naruto hissed. "Careful now...

A pang of burning silence stretched between them.

Jerren broke it with a weary, forlorn sigh. "You ask for much."

Malenia sighed. I don't ask for your forgiveness. Only a chance to make amends.

...we will not help you."

Yo

-but neither shall we impede you." the old warrior continued apace. "If you think you can face the mightiest demigod of the shattering and survive, then be my guest. But know this!" He thrust a finger up into her face, cutting off anything she might have said. "Should you bloom here again, there will be nowhere you can run, nowhere you can hide, that I will not find you. Do not test me."

...understood."

Good." he looked back to the castle and raised his voice. "Open the gate!"

Malenia shot him a rueful glance. Naruto returned it.

They trekked up the steps to meet destiny.


(.0.0.0.)


Red sand.

Corpses as far as the eye could see.

Weapons piled eye amidst heaps of broken bones and rotten flesh.

And the smell. By the sage, the smell. His eyes watered. His nose burned. The very air seared his lungs and made it difficult to breathe. In an instant he understood. This wasn't ground zero, not the place where Malenia had first bloomed and everything had gone terribly, horribly wrong, but it was tainted in its own way. The soil here had rotted away to sand, leaving the air wretchedly humid. Even the seashore itself wasn't unaffected; he could see grasping tendrils reaching out into the water, only narrowly rebuffed by the oceans embrace. . Only the salt water remained pure.

Nania whimpered a little and clung onto his back. "This is a bad place...

Naruto agreed, his gorge rose at the sight. "What...is this?"

Someone gagged. It wasn't him.

He looked back to find Malenia wiping her mouth. She retched once more, tugged a hip-flask from her belt, drank quickly, then spat upon the ground. "I didn't know." she muttered. "I hadn't thought...I never meant...this is my doing. I could not bear the sting of defeat...and I did this. I destroyed a good and honorable man...

"I'm sure you didn't mean to-

"I did." she turned a miserable gaze upon him. "I knew what I was doing. I wanted to win, no matter the cost-no, I didn't even consider the cost...

"Where is he?"

"Strange." she frowned. "He must be here, but where-

Nania pointed up at the horizon. "There he is."

Naruto's blood ran cold. He turned to follow her finger...

There was something in a sky. A distant speck of light, shining amongst the heavens.

"...!"

A faint whistling noise reached their ears. No. Surely he wouldn't...who was he kidding?! Radahn absolutely would.

He thrust Nania at Malenia and shoved his family away.

"BACK!"

A burning shadow fell upon them.

His hands snapped upward in a golden blur.

Twin massive swords crashed down like a falling star.

Naruto didn't see anything else beyond that blur of black, didn't feel anything else beyond pain; he was too busy grabbing the mighty weapons, holding on for dear life as the sand cratered underfoot. Blinking the spots from his vision, he finally laid eye upon his attacker.

Said attacker howled wordlessly in his face.

A massive behemoth of a man leered down at him clad in mighty armor, pale face drawn in a rictus of a snarl. Rot clung to him like a miasma, his great back pierced with countless weapons, legs rotted away, his hair a tangled red man billowing behind him. He pushed down now, trying to break him, make him bend the knee...

.

..

...not today.

"OFF!" he flung his arms up and out with a shout, breaking the stalemate.

Radahn stumbled back, swords in hand, to loom over them.

"Oh, bugger, you didn't say he was that big...

"MALENIA! MALENIA! MALENIAAAA!"

"I think he recognizes you!"

All hell broke loose.

A/N: It makes a twisted sort of sense that Radahn would jump straight to phase two at the sight of Malenia.

Aaaand scene. We'll have the brawl next chapter!

...assuming there is one.

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?

May the make you smile~!

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

PLOT DETAILS AHOY!

YE BE WARNED!

Read at your own risk!

Mostly the same here. Didn't want to spoil the next arc.

(Previews)

It was a battle for the ages.


Radahn was furious.

Even in his mindless state, he remembered.

Her. Her! HER! This was all her fault. He wanted to kill Her. Rip and tear!


...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...

Ranni's gaze cooled. "Then you know of what I am capable. I would ask you to stay out of my way."

"You come here, into my home, and threaten me?"

"Not a threat, sister. A warning. I wish no more death between us. Has there not been enough?"


"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~!