A/N: Double update day didn't quite work out yesterday. Sorry T_T
Holidays equal more hours at work, and I've got an absolute TON this week.
Can't for the Holidays to arrive. Just gotta make it to Sunday. Then I can sleeeeep...
Speaking of which, 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 it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully its fixed soon.
Time for the usual disclaimer: 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? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs -for now- 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.
Only a few questions this time!
Q: Oi, oi! Millicent is still Millicent, isn't she?
A: Thought that much was obvious. Millicent's essentially been regressed to the age of a child thanks the Greater Will's meddling, memories intact, but with all the emotions a child would feel and no barrier against them. Result? She's in for quite the trip.
Rennala's quite fond of little redheads-after all, she raised three!-so there will be no escaping her.
Q: I see you with that "All-Father" reference. Don't let him go down that path, please.
A: Your concerns are duly noted. If it helps, in time Naruto's going to be seen as the Father to end all fathers in the Lands Between. Styling him as a more benevolent, less knowledge-hungry Odin seemed appropriate. Sure, he seeks knowledge, but only to protect those he holds dear.
And would you look at that, he's REAL close to having himself a very willing queen in Rennala. Coincidence? I think not!
Q:...man does the Greater Will suck at math.
A: At the end of the day, its a God. Gods don't really understand "feelings" so much, I find. Heck if you look into the lore, the one "good" god in the Lands Between was butchered by its fellows.
It'll be interesting to see what it tries next. After all, third times the charm...or is it?
Q: Bed Rennala already!
A: Not rushing this. This one of my more realistic stories. Its actually kinda fun, writing a slow burn romance again.
Alright, I've kept you long enough. As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one. They're merely tributes to those far greater than I.
Here we go. Hopefully this puts a smile on your face and warms your heart.
Looking forward to chatting with you all once I get back from work~!
Chapter title is another pun, but for whom...?
"Long live the Father! Long may he reign! Greed and arrogance does he disdain!"
~A Child's Rhyme.
Father to All
"Papa! Look I found a sister!"
"Sure, sweetie," Naruto looked up from his journal absently, "That's great-OI?!
Oi, indeed. Melina had come traipsing in with Renala's Red Wolf as always. Not a problem, that...what was a problem would be the little redheaded girl currently dangling from in its jaws by the hem of her cloak like some kind of naughty kitten. His brain fizzled at the sight of it all. This...was not what he'd expected to find their enthusiastic walk. Belatedly he realized they were waiting for his response.
Naruto eyed the wolf with a sidelong glance. "Sit!"
It obeyed almost immediately and in doing so, dropped its prey.
"Heh. Good boy. Now, then," he closed his journal with a snap, set his mug down, and rose from his chair, "Who is this small redheaded child and where did she come from?"
"This is Milli!" Melina warmed to the question as only a child could. "Um, well, her real name's Millicent, but that's too long, so I'm gonna call her Milli!"
The girl in question raised her hand. "Don't I get a say in this...?"
"Nope!"
Naruto clapped a hand to his forehead. "Of course not. You said you found her...?"
"Yup~!" Came her happy chirrup.
"Where?" Surely she hadn't walked that far...? "In the yard?"
"Outside the academy." she must've seen the look in his eyes too; because she immediately clasped her hands. "Can we keep her? I always wanted a sister...
"EH?!"
In all fairness, Naruto hadn't meant to shout just now. But shout he did-and immediately regretted it. Melina barely batted an eyelash at his startled squawk, all too used to his wild exclamations and silly outbursts. But the new girl...she sniffled. Just a little. Just once. Just a tad. It was enough. He knew waterworks were a'coming...less so the reply that followed.
"You're loud!" her voice warbled, reaching that pitch only a child could just before bursting into tears. "And mean!"
The words were a dagger in his gut. "Urk!? Me?! Mean?! I'm really not, you just surprised me...
Another sniffle. "Really?"
"Really." he lowered his voice and cast about in vain for anything that might calm her down. No dice. Melina looked even more baffled than he felt, Renala's wolf had wandered off to who-knew-where when he wasn't lookin and he didn't have anything to eat or drink handy. Just his hands. In vain, he attempted to pat her head. "Erm...there, there?"
Millicent absolutely froze beneath his palm, eyes bulging. Oh dear. Had he frightened her even more...?
"See?" Melina bulled her way in from the right side to pres against him. "Papa's nice!"
Millicent still hadn't moved. Was she broken? Worried, he took his hand away.
"I didn't say stop...
"What's all this rucks about? A bemused sigh heralded Rennala's arrival -and his salvation!- near the stairs. "Thou wert making quite the commotion and it suddenly grew quiet-
She took one look at little Millicent and Naruto saw her maternal instincts slam into place. Melina was one thing, but "Milli" as Melina chosen to nickname her, was on the very verge of tears, hiccuping now as she scrubbed at her eyes. Countless emotions flitted across her face, gone before he could even hope to sense them all. Perhaps, had he known the truth, or her past, he would've understood why Renala froze as she did. Why she took a trembling step forward now.
"Ranni...? You poor girl! Come here!"
There was nearly no chance for evasion, let alone questions. Naruto had half an instant to step aside; then the Queen all but dove on Millicent, sweeping her off the floor, up into her arms, holding her flush against her bosom. The little redhead absolutely froze in her grasp and that was another tell; a sure sign that she'd never before experienced the comforting warmth of a hug.
Rennala remained blind to all of it, seemingly lost in the throes of some distant memory. "Tell me what ails thee. Mother will make it better...
Guileless golden eyes blinked up at her. "But you're not my mother.
Rennala flinched.
Naruto blinked. Who in blazes was Ranni?
Melina saved them both. "Her name isn't Ranni, silly. She's Milli!"
"Milli...?"
Naruto coughed into a fist. "Short for Millicent."
"Oh." Rennala's face fell, completely crestfallen. "I see. My apologies...I suppose I'm not your mother. I?" The words brought her back from her daze. "My apologies, child. Unless...? "She stroked the girl's little head and looked upon her anew. "Dost thou have a mother?
A glum shake of her little head followed. "No...?
"Excellent." her tone brooked no argument. "Then henceforth, I am thy mother."
Yikes, how did one argue with a fore of nature like that? Millicent certainly didn't; something finally caved in her and she latched on for dear life. She started bawling a moment later. Poor girl. What kind of child burst into tears from something so singular? Just who was she, really?
Rennala reacted as any mother would and cooed softly. "Such a darling girl! Wherever did you come from?!"
"Question of the hour, that...
Something kicked in Naruto's chest as he watched duo. It was a strange feeling, something he couldn't quite quantify. He'd felt it before when Rennala fussed over Melina, yet now it returned with a vengeance. She looked good with kids. A natural, really. Better than he could be. She clearly had experience at this short of things; more than him at any rate. He liked that, ya know? Made him feel like he wasn't quite so alone in this...
.
..
...that was a good thing, wasnit it?
A tiny hand tugged at his sleeve. He looked down to find Melina pouting. "What's wrong?
She kicked at the ground. "Wanna hug, too. Sleepy...
Easily remedied. Naruto opened his arms. "Well? What're you waiting for?"
Little legs carried her forward; Naruto met her halfway and let her leap into his arms.
She cuddled close.
(.0.0.0.)
The Greater Will seethed.
This was was not over. No. Nay! Never!
It would see its new Beast brought to heel...no matter the cost.
(.0.0.0.)
...are they asleep?
"Soundly." Rennala eased the door shut behind her with barely a whisper. "I had not thought they'd fall asleep so quickly."
Naruto wasn't surprised. Melina had snuggled up with Millicent for an afternoon nap and the two had proven nigh-on inseparable since. Good. He was glad to see her making friends -although she still insisted Millicent was her new sister!- better yet, if her presence brought the bereaved redhead some semblance of comfort, then more power to her.
Shame this world didn't have cameras. He'd have to settle for his eyes instead and carve the scene into his memory. They were just too damn cute snuggled up like that!
"Come," Rennala walked past him. "Let us leave the girls to their rest."
"Sure." Naruto hummed noncommittally and followed her down the hall. Curiosity nagged at him still, until finally, he have to give it voice. "Back there, you called Millicent...Ranni. What's up with that?"
Rennala missed a step and walked into a pillar with a yelp. He moved to catch her-only for her to squeak again and thrash out of his arms.
Kurama radiated smug contempt. "Told you so...
"Yes, I'm sure you noticed." The Queen flinched, sighed, then comported herself. "My daughter, Ranni, she once looked much as young Millicent does; red hair, golden eyes...and every bit a crybaby.
A blond brow arched, but he couldn't quite hide his smile. "No!"
"Yes," she laughed softly, wiping a rueful tear from her eye. "You should've seen her. My daughter never could be honest with her feelings. The slightest thing would set her off; be it a stubbed toe an argument with her brothers, or a failed lesson. She was always clinging to my skirts before...
"Before?"
Rennala's face closed down, walls of icy pain locking around her mind. "Another time perhaps."
Naruto sensed a story there, but for once, his every instinct howled at him not to pry. From what little he'd learned of her...he didn't think he'd like what he found in her past. Maybe that made him a coward; but here and now, he desperately didn't want to broach the subject. Things...things were good right now, no matter how chaotic his days might be. He didn't want them to change.
With that thought, fatigue crashed down on him at last. "M'tired...
Rennala blinked. "Pardon?"
"Don't worry about it." the blond stifled a yawn with the back of his hand. "Just need some rest. Its been a crazy day...
"Yes, it certainly has! She seemed to warm to the idea all too quickly, another sign she wasn't eager to have him dig into her past. "Perhaps you could rest in-ahem!" She coughed harshly into a fist to stifle her words. "No, nevermind." Was that a hint of pink in her cheeks just now? Maybe? He wondered why. "Think nothing of it," Her words came a little too quickly, almost frantic really. "I hope you sleep well. Might I speak to you again on the morrow?"
"Sure...? My door's always open?"
Kurama absolutely cackled in the back of his head.
"So bold..." For some reason that turned her Rennala red all over again. "I...ah, there are things I must attend to. Fare thee well!"
Naruto watched her go. Flee, really. His eyes betrayed him and focused on her swinging hips. Was it just him, or was there an extra sway in her hips today? She'd stopped wearing those loose robes long ago for reasons he still didn't understood-instead opting for garments that better emphasized her curved-but he'd never really noticed until this moment. Here and now, he couldn't bring himself to complain.
"You're staring."
Wha-No! Treachery! He shook his head to clear it. Treacherous thoughts!
Rennala was, well, Rennala. Sure she acted strange at times and baffled him at others, but she'd proven herself a good hose. More than that she was good with Melina too, and now little Milli as well. He didn't want to mess that up. He couldn't screw that up. He absolutely mustn't ruin it. Whatever these strange feelings were, whatever they might become, he couldn't let them get in the way of his girls.
...your girls, eh?" Kurama's reply smacked of smugness.
Buzz off. Not like anyone else is going to look after them.
"Rennala would." leave it to the old kitsune to poke holes in his argument. "Boggart too, if you asked. You could leave them here-
"Never!" The anger he felt, the anguish at the idea of being separated proved visceral, so much so that he found himself taking a quick breath before speaking again "I won't abandon Melina. I promised."
"And the new girl?"
Naruto firmed up his jaw.
"Oho? There's your answer then. You've gotten attached, even if you don't want to admit it. Softy."
He thumped a wall with his fist in passing. "Hush, you."
Kurama most assuredly didn't. "Two kids and not even married yet. Such a scandal. Whatever will your folks think...?"
He knew the answer.
Kushina, if she were still alive, would've been over the moon for little Melina and Millicent. He could just imagine it now.
"Grandbabies! Ooooh, just look at you two! You're adorable!"
Minato...well. He could just imagine them swinging off Dad's back and shoulders, using his old man as a human jungle-gym, laughing their heads off all the while. Well, Melina would certainly do the laughing. Not so sure about Millicent. Still, the point remained. Warmed his heart, it did, even if it made him miss them all the more.
"I won't give up on them." he decided. "Any of them. Don't ask me too."
"Wasn't gonna."
He frowned. "...you were testing me, weren't you?"
A pause. And then: "I was. Regardless, you passed."
"Passed what?"
"Call it curiosity. I wanted to see the strength of your devotion. What now?
Therein lie the question. Millicent's surprise arrival aside, he wasn't sure what he wanted right now, beyond sleep. "Well, I'm not really in a hurry to do anything, but I feel like I should be doing something." Something that didn't involve sleep, but he'd already reached his room, and the door parted all too easily for him. "I just don't know sometimes...
"Might have something to do with those runes on your back...
"Maybe." he shrugged as he made his way to bed. "I can't help but feel we're forgetting something. Or maybe someone?
"Meh, its probably nothing...
Naruto kicked off his boots, drew back the covers.
"See," he yawned a little, "When you say it like that, it's definitely...something...
Sleep came quickly.
(.0.0.0.)
Sellen prided herself on her curiosity.
It was a point of some contention amongst many; more than a few would claim that said curiosity had driven her to profane, obscene depths. Fools, the lot of them. It was no sin to be curious, likewise, she held no grudge against Renala, truly, she didn't. If she'd simply permit her access to the grand library, then all would be well. The Carian Queen was simply in her way, as was this strange consort she'd taken under her wing.
Her spies had seen little of the latter-before said spies had been silenced by the infernal blond. They weren't even dead at that, just...gone.
Ordinarily, she would dare not approach them...or so she thought, but she wanted to know!
How did he do it?! How HAD he done it?! She needed to know! She was a mistress of magic, but this spell or whatever rhyme or reason they were using to to expel the sorcerers from the academy baffled her. How had they expunged them so, while keeping them from returning? There must be a way to see it, to learn it, a way into the academy...She must know! The need to ascertain the answers gnawed at her, consuming her every waking moment. For in her heart of hearts, Sellen was a scholar, and scholars craved answers to all things.
She would not be deterred!
Surely there was a way to slip into the academy, now that the barrier was done.
Perhaps she could disguise herself? No, an ordinary disguise would never work, he'd see right through her...aha! She had just the thing...
A/N: Didn't see that coming, did ya?
Well, should this continue to be a story?
Hmm? What say you? Yay or nay! We need to hear from you guys!
Slifer's going to be doing the bulk of the next chapter; so it might take a bit, but we'll undoubtedly have it ready for you by the end of November.
Of course that is, if you want to see this continued.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others.
If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs -damn holidays!- 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.
Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write. So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly? And have some previews -potential blot bin things- that I'm working on.
Things that may or may not become stories in the far flung future.
(Previews)
...This wasn't over. This was far from over.
"No more. We can choose to be better-no, we must be better. For the sake of our children."
"Come on out!" A mighty fist banged against the door. "I know who you are! More importantly, I know what you are! No need for this to get bloody! Just give us the girl and-
The door slammed open and smacked them in the face, sending them sprawling into their fellows. Down they went, clutching their bloody nose.
Naruto loomed over them, eyes blazing like twin coals in his skull. "Bit late for that...
Rennala felt her blood warm at the sight.
Moreso at what followd.
"Where's the love of the fight?!"
Sellen winced. Nope. Not getting involved in that madness. Whoever those fools were, they'd serve as an adequate distraction, but she wanted no part in that insanity...
Rennala tutted once, and planted a fist against her hip. "I would have words with thee."
Naruto winced. "Alright...? Did I do something wrong?"
"Not as such, no. I merely wish to talk."
"Truly?" Ranni tilted her head. "He's taken in a second child, you say? You did well to report this, mine shadow...
She found herself curious, but curiosity was tempered by caution.
What manner of madman had mother taken into her home?
She wanted to see. She wanted to know...
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
Double update day didn't quite work out yesterday. Sorry T_T
Holidays equal more hours at work, and I've got an absolute TON this week.
Can't for the Holidays to arrive. Just gotta make it to Sunday. Then I can sleeeeep...
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 it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully its fixed soon.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. Meaning, if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. If the story itself isn't popular? I'll likely discontinue it. I'm working two jobs -holidays are kicking my ass!- 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 chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!