A/N: Still here, still kicking.
Scarlet Vow, Forget Me Not, and One With Spirits might get moved back in the update rota. They're not all that popular.
Speaking of less-than-popular things...
I'll say it plain, if this email opt-in business with the Fanfiction site doesn't get resolved soon, I'm probably going to retire. The app helps for some, for others it doesn't.
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, and it feels like the end of an era.
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-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. Authors are leaving/quitting because of this.
Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully the devs can fix tweak/update this system before everyone leaves.
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.
I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
As ever, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story, POOF! Away it goes. Gone forever. With two jobs and rent to pay, my free time is...well, at an all time low. I'm lucky to have four hours to write a day. I can't afford to pen stories that no one enjoys. So by all means, speak up! Every bit of feedback matters here! Truly, it does! That's no joke!
No questions this time. Only the merry madness of this story.
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, I'll discontinue it soon thereafter. I'm working two jobs -holidays are upon us!- with no days ogg so I barely have time to write; what little I do is either before or after work, or occasionally on break.
As such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard!
Now for your questions, comments, and concerns. We'll be brief:
Q: Update schedule?
A: I'm trying to get to Doctor of Demons, but Misadventures in Mordor and A New Archon are calling my naaaame. To say nothing of the Elden Ring updates for this month, which I've fallen a little behind on due to the holidays/health issues.
Q:..just how many kids is he going to have by the end of this?
A: YES.
Q: More Gwynevere time, please! Best tall girl for best big guy! And how tall are they right now?
A: For the sake of a reference, they're Lady Dimitrescu levels of tall. Hell, did you SEE how big Gwynevere got?! According to lore, Radahn would've been taller still if he hadn't been blighted by the Scarlet Rot.
this point, they're both s you wish.
Q:...why do I feel like this is the calm before the storm?
A: Depends on your definition of the word. Radahn-Naruto!- is the storm. The Lands Between are not ready for him...or the timeskip.
Alright then, I've kept you long enough. Lets get into the meet of the matter and have some fun!
As ever, I own no quotes, references, or memes. Not a wit or a one. NOPE!
They're merely tributes to legends far beyond me~!
Bits from my "Shards of Shattering" bin here...
"To all things housed in her silence...
...nature offers a violence.
~War.
Standing Tall
Three years passed by in the blink of an eye.
In all fairness, Naruto -Radahn!- knew that was his own fault for not paying attention to them. He didn't try to keep track of time. He could have, he knew; he just didn't feel the need to do so mind you; rather, he simply became...busy. Between having a little sister, training, growing stronger, spending time with his family and and deciphering the truths of this world...well. Suffice to say he was preoccupied.
Case in point, he was very much occupied with his latest spell.
He considered the straw dummy before him. Unsheathed his twin greatswords. Black metal gleamed in the low light of the fading stars. Sunrise wasn't far away now. Each blade felt light as a feather in his grasp; all the better for what he had planned. He could've used a Rasengan, a Rasenshuriken, anything he wanted. But he didn't. He'd already tested all of his old techniques long ago. There was no need to restrain himself. No one suspected a thing. There was no need for a ruse; he was accepted just as he was.
He was the eldest child of Renala and Radagon after all.
One day he would reach up and grasp the very stars themselves.
But today, today...there was something he wished to test; something he'd feared.
Chambering both blades together, he raised both weapons to the sky and roared in defiance of the stars. Baleful light bled across his greatswords to rattle the very earth itself. He held the pose for a moment, letting his cry reverberate into the night as his power built, swelled. Wind lashed at his long red hair, his strength piquing, reaching a crescendo...
.
..
...now!
A rare grin tugged at the corner of his mouth; no harm in having a bit of fun here now, was there...?
"My Naaaaame... Is General Radahn ! As I Breathe, You Will Not Pass The Castle Gate!"
So laughing, he whirled around, blades in hand. A thought, a flicker of movement.
A movement, a thought, and his target exploded into a shower of splinters.
"Just as I thought." he hummed in a voice that both was-and-was-not his own. "In terms of sheer strength, this body's finally exceeded my old one." An awful crack pervaded the pre-morning dawn and he winced slightly as he realized he'd carved a deep canyon into the earth, one that was growing wider with each passing moment, until finally...
CRUNCH.
Sure enough portion of the Academy cliffs -thankfully unoccupied!- crumbled down to splash into the lakes below.
"Ooops...?" his frown deepened as shouts of alarm rang from the towers above. "Well, at least that confirms my theory...
"Being stronger's all well and good, but I swear, if you try to ride me like Leonard, I will BITE you."
"It was just an idea I had, Kurama." his mouth curled in a sardonic smile. "Don't get your tails in a twist."
Leonard had grown, too. No scrawny steed was he; not his trusty steed, not any longer, not after a healthy diet of oats an chakra. But that was a tale for another time.
He had so much power now; but for what purpose? The world was at peace...wasn't it?
Radahn wanted to believe it was. Truly, he did.
So what was his purpose then?
What did he want to do?
He'd grown both in size and power since Ranni was born...perhaps a little too much on the former. It was a source of constant consternation for him...and a pain when ducking through doors. Rennala and Radagon had worked their magic long ago to make the academy more accessible for him, but there could be no denying his rate of growth. Already he towered over his parents and something told him he wasn't done growing yet. Friede had hinted as much with one of her prophecies. He still didn't put much stock in those, but she could be quite smug when she was right...
.
..
...and he had the sinking suspicion he was going to be tall indeed.
With great power came great responsibility, and although he'd long since resolved to do what he pleased, he couldn't help but feel some small manner of responsibility for the Lands Between and its people. Large though he was, he had a big heart, one that would likely grow larger still in the coming years with his new body.
"Brother!"
And then there were those who didn't much mind his height at all.
A shadow fell upon him from on high; then a small weight settled against his back, squarely between his shoulders. He grunted, feigning surprise. He'd sensed her lurking on the balcony above a few minutes ago. Small wonder his little spectacle had drawn her attention.
"Morning, little Ranni." lively little spider monkey, his baby sister was. She had hops for days. "You gonna get down from there?"
Pale arms latched tight with a musical giggle. "I will not!"
...didn't think so."
Strange as it might sound, he still found himself somewhat startled by just how demanding the little tyke could be at times.
"Forward, noble steed!" Sure enough, his baby sister wriggled and moved to sit atop one of his broad shoulder, somehow managing to looking imperious despite her small stature. "I wish to be carried."
"Alright, where to?"
Long red hair tickled his nose. "The castle!"
The ghost of a smile touched his face. "As my lady wishes-
"Lady Ranni!" A familiar voice cried out, cutting through his words. "There you are!"
His little sister hissed and tried to hide in the long mane of his hair. Quite possible, given how large he was.
Nevertheless, Naruto craned his neck back toward the noise. "Hmm?"
"That sounds an awful lot like...?"
Sure enough, they found Loretta hastening their way, helmet tucked under one arm. Her steel eyes were fixed just over his shoulder; a sure sign she'd seen through Ranni's would-be deception. Ranni knew it too, judging by the hissing sounds she made. Silly girl, always trying to dodge her mentors...
"My lord Radahn." Loretta stopped just short and sketched a bow, one he returned with a bemused smile as her pale gaze fixed firmly upon Ranni's hiding spot. "My lady, your lord father is looking for thee. You're late for your lessons."
Ranni grumbled into his hair and didn't budge.
Naruto chuckled hoarsely. "I think she can go without just this once."
Loretta knelt, ever the picture of grace. "As you will my lord."
"I do say. Why don't you join us for a walk?
Her pale face flushed rose red. "M-Me? I couldn't possibly, such would be untoward. Whatever would Lady Friede say?!"
Honestly? "She'd probably say it was foretold. You're lucky she's a late sleeper...
Ranni made retching noises in his hair, this time for an entirely different reason. "Ewww...stop talking about making kissy faces!"
Loretta absolutely squeaked. "We aren't!"
Naruto guffawed openly.
"Radhan! Ranni!" Rennala's voice called from a distant balcony. "Come inside! Lord Godfrey is here! Your cousins have come to visit!"
His brow shot into his hair. They were visiting this early in the morning...?
Ranni saw her chance and bolted. "Freedom!
"My lady!" Loretta gave chase.
Naruto made to follow, but those words gave him pause. He lingered, letting them race ahead.
Godfrey...hadn't he made a promise with the Elden Lord long ago?
He wondered if Gwynevere's father had forgotten it...
...probably not. Maybe he should wait here.
Just in case.
(.0.0.0.)
Gwynevere wasn't happy.
No, nay, nope, not one teensy bit.
For you see, it was all that wretched witch's fault.
Radahn's witch she may well be, but she didn't trust her all the same. And neither should her cousin! Yet he did! That was entirely the problem! For the last three years, every time he came to visit, so too did he have her with him. A silent shadow. A watchful guardian. Ever visible. Ever vigilant. Ever a third wheel!
She knew the woman had a name, but she didn't care to speak it, let alone think it. Speaking it aloud always made Friede-blast!-smile, a small smug thing that twisted her heart into fretful, ugly knots.
Sure she was tall for her age, almost terribly so, but Radahn understood her. He was like her and she liked him. Father did, too. Even her twin Godwyn approved. Mother had expressed some...interest in their friendship, perhaps even the hopes for a marriage match in the future, the better to tie their two families tighter together.
...Gwynevere wasn't opposed to such. Radahn was bold and handsome and very kind. Ever the perfect gentleman; he spoke sweetly to her whenever they met, yet didn't trip over her every whim as other suitors did. He did not seek her hand for money, fame, or power; if anything he didn't even seem to be aware of her blooming feelings whatsoever.
And didn't that just sting?
In all likelihood he was the one person who ever could wed her, given the way she towered over nearly everyone else. But not him. He helped her forget. She liked having someone the same size as she. It made her feel normal; not quite so large; not a constant source of gossip back in the capital. Not an...embarrassment. When she was with him, she felt delightfully ordinary. There were even rumors he may well be named General soon. Commander of Liurnia's armies. Yet another feather in his cap.
Everything was fine between them, good, grand even!
Then that wicked witch waltzed in with her...her...witchery and wrapped Radahn around her finger ! T'wasn't fair! She got to see Radahn every day while she was lucky to see him but a few times a year! Even today was something of a miracle; Father had expressed his intent to bring Godwyn to Liurnia for some minor matter and she'd begged to come with him, meek though she was.
But no more!
Today things changed!
Today she...she...oh gods, she couldn't do this!
Gwynevere ducked back around the corner, gripping her parcel in hand. Her heart wasn't ready! She'd thought she was, but she wasn't! He was right there, just around the corner, and yet she couldn't bring herself to try and approach. It felt as though her very legs were rooted where she stood; unable to take a single step forward.
"Whyever are you holding those for flowers, dear sister?"
Gwynevere nearly leaped clean out her slippers!
Panic! Deny, deny, deny!
Indeed she jolted where she stood and glared down at her twin. Godwyn might be smaller than her but he was ever the calm one, reasonable. Rational. Not prone to fits of panic or self doubt like her, not he. He was the golden son, the apple of Marika's eye, favored to rule when Mother and Father stepped down. And she...she was...nothing.
'No!' she shook her head. 'Musn't think that!'
She mustered what she hoped was an imposing scowl and glared Godwyn. "When did you get here?!"
"I've been standing here calling you to for several minutes now." The ghost of a smile graced her twin's visage. "Tis not my fault you failed to notice." His eyes strayed to the thorny roses in her grasp, so small against her hands, and brightened with quiet glee. "Those are for Radahn, then?"
...yes."
"Red roses. A wise choice. No flowers for his guard, then?"
This time, Gwynevere didn't have to feign her scowl. "I dislike that witch."
"I am aware." Godwyn granted her a limpid smile. "You'd best do something about her. Lest she, or someone else, steal him away."
Gwynevere bit her lip. "Someone else...?"
"He has many admirers." her twin rolled his slim shoulders in a simple shrug. "Friede is but one. Loretta is fond of him in her own way, and why wouldn't she be? As captain of the guard, she sees him every day. To say nothing of the sorceress Sellen. Many would leap a the chance to be his bride."
An ugly feeling bloomed in Gwynevere's chest. It felt like jealousy. She tried to hide her face in the roses, but she was much too tall for that and succeeded only in feeling foolish.
"They only seek him for power and prestige."
She had to believe that for the time being. She must. Because if she didn't, she would break.
And so she steeled herself, her heart anew. Yes. She could do this. Breathe!
They'd talked countless times before. This would be no different.
Godwyn planted a palm against her back and pushed.
She let him. The act gave her courage.
Charge!
With that silent cry, Gwynevere stumbled around the corner before she could catch herself or think better of it; hurling herself before him. He didn't seem to notice her, not at first, until she managed a timid wave. Here at last Radahn pivoted. How someone so tall could move so quickly was beyond her.
"Did you need something, cousin?" he lowered his swords. "I'm a bit busy here. Well," he grimaced at the ruined practice dummy. "I was."
Now or never! Gwyenevere bowed her head and thrust her hands at him, offering the flowers within.
"They...they reminded me of your red hair."
His jaw clicked open.
"Oh."
(.0.0.0.)
"Oh."
Naruto's jaw clicked open.
His brain fizzled out hopelessly.
He wasn't rightly sure how long he spent like that; standing there, balking at Gwynevere's gift before it finally occurred to him that he should accept her offering. It certainly felt long enough. Numb fingers curled around the stems and pulled them close. A fragrant aroma assailed his nose and yet despite it, he couldn't bring himself to look away from her. He couldn't remember the last time someone -anyone!- had given him flowers like this. Probably not ever.
"Do you...like them?"
"Very much." he laughed to hide just how hoarse his voice was in that moment; he'd almost shed a tear just now. "Did you pick them yourself?"
She squirmed a little under his gaze. "Yes. It proved rather difficult due to my size, but I managed."
It must've been a struggle indeed given how tall she was. He wisely chose not to remark on it.
"They're lovely." he stowed the bouquet in his belt for safekeeping. "Thank you."
Gwynevere shivered a little beneath those words. Odd. Was she cold?
Of course she was! It was still early morning, the sun was hardly up, and that white dress of hers hardly looked warm at all.
"You must be freezing," he moved without thinking, unbuckling his cloak and moving to wrap it around her. "Here. You can have my cloak."
Her face went scarlet as he tugged it around her shoulders. Again, he failed to understand why, or the significance of what he'd just done. It wasn't until she latched on and stepped into him, pressing her backside against him-among other things!-that he got the hint. This time he wasn't quite so dense. It was impossible to ignore someone like Gwynevere cuddling up to him. Granted, he wasn't quite sure why or what had possessed her to do such a thing, but she was certainly doing it well!
He caught the thread of a whisper on the wind. "Haven't even given me a ring yet...
His brow furrowed. "What was that?"
"Nothing!" she gasped. "...may I keep this cloak?"
He nodded numbly in return, not knowing what else to say.
Kurama chortled softly. "Heh. She may be shy, but the girl certainly knows when to press her advantage."
Gwynevere looked up at him, blinking through long lashes. Reached a hand back now to grasp at his. "Would you mind if we stayed like this, for awhile?"
My, my. Hand-holding. How lewd. Rennala would be over the moon if she saw this.
"Not at all." he swallowed, throat gone dry. "I won't let anything happen to you in the meantime."
"And if something came between us?" Gwynevere perked up, warming to his words. "You'd fight anyone?"
Now she was just milking it. "Of course." He grinned. "I'll take on all challengers. Even the stars themselves."
"Well said! And speaking of battle...
The hackles on the back of his neck rose in unison.
That...hadn't been Gwynevere's voice just now. Worse, it came from behind. The heavy footsteps and low growl of a lion that followed only served to further confirm their identity. Balls. He should've known Godfrey would seek him out once he was done with Radagon. Was it too much to hope the big bastard would wait a little while longer?!
Gwynevere squeaked and pulled away. "Father? I can explain...! He didn't know!"
Know what? What was he missing here...?
"No need, daughter of mine." The First Elden Lord approached at a sedate pace as they parted. "I would, however, have words with your intended.
Naruto nearly choked on his own spit. "Intended?!"
"Indeed." Godfrey's grin bordered on triumphant. "You gave her thy cloak, did you not?" at his nod, that grin gained a savage edge. "In my homeland such is a binding promise. An oath...between husband and wife."
"Aiiiiiiieeeeeeee!"
Naruto choked. Was it just his imagination, or had he heard Rennala squeal somewhere in the distance just now?
"Big guy say what?"
Gwynevere buried her head in her hands.
Kurama laughed at them both in his head, the absolute bastard.
"That said, you seem to be a calm and reasonable person these days, Radahn." Despite the disparity in their height, Godfrey loomed before him. "Are you still?" he reached a hand back, touching the haft of the ax against his back. "A calm and reasonable person? Or are you the brash boy I remember?"
"When the moment calls for calm." His eyes sparked, but he didn't rise to the bait. "What's gotten into you?"
Godfrey growled. "I want what was promised when we first met, boy. You are of age now. Fight me."
...yuuup. He had been right on the money after all. Still, here of all places? "Now?!"
"Now." Godfrey reached for his ax. "I shall wait no longer. Have at thee!"
Cold steel filled his vision.
A/N: Fight, fight, fight! Didn't see that coming, did you?!
And did I just accidentally a marriage? Why yes, yes indeed, I did.
Clearly, there will be more bonding bits between Naruto/Radahn and Gwynevere, they're not just going to fall head over heels for one another.
Just wait 'till the rest hear of this "accidental" marriage...
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, I'll delete it soon thereafter. 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 my lifeblood. Without them, I cannot write.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?
They keeps an old man alive.
And enjoy the previews.
As ever:
POTENTIAL PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
YE BE WARNED!
Some are very far off, mind you.
Obvious references are obvious, of course~!
God of War vibes incoming, but you knew that already~!
"BOY!"
Naruto heaved a sigh. "What now?"
Godfrey's grin was grim indeed. "Watch your head."
"What do you mean-ow!" Stars burst before his vision as he hit the floor. "...all of my hate, Godfrey. You have it."
"Get up. I'm not leaving until I see the real you."
"Is this what comes of it? Being a god? All this pain and death, and for what?
No. We will be the gods we choose to be, Ranni. Not those who have been. Who I am, is not who you will be. Nor will I be what you are. We must be better then one another. For if we are gods...
...we make our own fates.
That's called ambition.
"Can it be? Has my boy finally found himself a wife?"
He refused to meed Rennala's eyes. Far too clever by half, his second mother was. She had ways of reading him when and where he least expected it.
He slapped his forehead.
These days he had begun to think of himself more as Radahn than Naruto. That...was concerning. He was still himself, still empowered by all his skills and more
"Brother?"
"M'fine, Rykard." he waved a hand. "Now why don't you introduce me to your friend."
His little brother ushered the woman beside him forward. "I would have you meet mine consort, Tanith."
The dark-haired woman sketched a graceful curtsy.
Naruto dropped the scroll with a hiss, reeling from what he'd read. "Oh. Ohhh, that's bad...
Gwynevere smiled. "This means war."
Friede returned it. "May the best of us win-oh, wait. I will." she smiled softly. "If anyone can deny prophecy, it will be him."
"You don't understand. There are horrors in the stars, abominations and gods you have never known. They will come for this world.
That is why they must be held back. That is why they must be restrained. That is why I will endure.
And if this burden falls to me...then so be it."
"You're so much stronger than you know." Her mentor's words came back to her. "For if Radahn is the sky that holds the stars, then you are his Sun."
Was she? She hoped so. Gwynevere took a deep breath to still her soul.
She opened her eyes and found her surroundings bathed in warm golden rays. Of the boulder before her, naught but smoldering embers remained. No, just just the boulder. She'd burned far beyond that...
Golden eyes widened. Wind swept forth, ruffling her curls.
"Oh! I did that...?
...where do you think you're going, old man?"
"I have a duty, son. It must be done."
"Duty, is it? I have a duty, too...
WHAM!
...its called dragging you back to Mom."
"You cannot stop me, or what is to come. Marika is more powerful than either of us."
"Your faith in her is misplaced. As is your faith in the Golden Order."
"You would speak such blasphemy to me?!
"Blasphemy, is it?" Radagon looked on aghast as his son raised his arms. "Poor choice of words." Black flame smoldered within the younger man's palms, danced up his arms, writhing across the seals carved there. One by one they smoldered away and his eldest began to glow gold. "I see only one blasphemer here and it ain't me...
"You DARE-
Burning knuckles slammed into his chin, hurtling him away into the sky. Massive hands closed around either side of his head as he flew. Radahn's scowling face sneered at him, inches from his own. Radagon felt his skull creak beneath those giant palms but still, his son didn't let up. "Time to pay your dues, father of mine!"
They hit the mountain a moment later.
EDIT: Hey, you made it!
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, I'll discontinue it soon thereafter. I'm working two jobs -holidays are upon us!- with no days ogg so I barely have time to write; what little I do is either before or after work, or occasionally on break.
As such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard!
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back!
R&R~!