A/N: Happy memorial day! Hopefully folks see this story.
Demon Slayer, Arcane, and Genshin are coming along nicely~!
RWBY's giving me a bit of a hard time, but that's the perfectionist in me, I wanted to polish Shed no Grace and the rest a bit more.
As ever, feedback really is the wind beneath my wings, and I wanted to thank you, one and all.
None of this would be possible without you. 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 -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.
Now for your questions, comments and concerns. We'll keep it brief to avoid spoilers and other things.
Q: MALENIA AND MIQUELLA! TWINS WHEN?!
A: Twins now~!
Unlike their game counterparts, these two lil' Empyreans are quite healthy, and not cursed at all, given their origins.
As we well know, Naruto's delighted to be a dad. Unlike canon, he's got plenty of time to dote on the little ones and ohhhh dote does~!
Likewise, before anyone asks, Miquella and Melania will eventually come have their own shadows. Just as Ranni has Blaidd, so too will they each have their own. We never got to see them properly in the game, but its heavily implied that Melania slew hers. Of poor Miquella, we know next to nothing. Pity, that. Mohg probably killed them...
Q: When the heck is he gonna pal around with everyone?!
A: To clarify, Naruto's not met the other Demigods for a multitude of reasons. One, Radagon hasn't brought his family around to the capital. Two, our boy's occupied with Marika and her lot at the moment. And three, as Marika stated, he HAS met the Elden Beast, she just didn't see it happen.
...but we will...
Q: More shenanigans! For the holidays!
A: Fine...fine. I suppose I can oblige given the long weekend. Not that I have any of it off. Work, work, work for me~!
Alright! I've kept you long enough! As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.
And as ever, in the words of Kaif....SPOILERS!
"Ha! Like father, like son and daughter! I'm so proud!
Here, let me show you two a proper prank.
First you take a bit of this and then...
~A Happy Father.
Something About Twins
The laughter of a little redhead rang through Leyndell.
Bare feet scampered across warm cobblestones, skipped down a hall, kicked off a wall, then darted round the corner to be lost from sight entirely. Although she vanished, her giggling yet echoed. Not a single royal knight dared challenge her trespass. Most knew better these days; those that didn't were swiftly warned by their fellows...if only for the retribution their Lord would visit upon them. T'was his only daughter, after all. To harm her was to bring the wrath of the Elden Lord down upon them all.
Malenia, of course, knew none of this.
Her mind was fixed on a single point with all the focus of a five-year-old. Only one goal, to the exclusion of all else. Merry blue eyes fixed on Mother's bedchamber only a stone's throw away, and beyond it, the might stairs leading up to the Erdtree proper. Miquella was up there even now, making the final preparations. She wouldn't let her other half down.
Because was so close now! The final stretch! If she could just make it up to the Erdtree unnoticed then-
"And what, pray tell," a gravelly voice intoned behind her, "Art thou doing, little sister?"
Meep.
Malenia froze.
Up did she look, up, and up some more. "Nothing at all, Morgott...?"
"Oh?" Her elder brother quirked a pale brow at the bundle concealed in her hands. "T'would seem to be something."
Malenia gulped. Mustn't let him see the bundles of dye!
Big brother Morgott looked scary with his great height and crown of horns, but in truth he was a big softy. He'd act gruff but show him a bit affection and he'd repay it in kind. She remember fondly the time he'd carried her on his shoulder or let her play with his tail. Not like Mohg. That one...frightened her. Far too quiet, far too bloody and far, far, FAR too interested in Miquella for her liking. More fool he! Her beloved brother had been trained in Father's martial arts. He wouldn't tolerate any unwanted advances.
But it was Morgott whom Malenia faced today, and she knew it was Morgott whom she must appease.
"Your lord father won't be pleased if he catches wind of your little scheme, nevermind...Mother." He always hesitated when he mentioned her. Father sad he was shy. Maybe he was. Melania couldn't pretend to understand any of it, but she did sympathize with the expression her kin wore now. "She was looking for thee.
Pah! More dresses, most likely, or perhaps another audience with the wretched Two Fingers. Melania squirmed in place and hung her head. "Could you...not tell anyone you saw me, perchance?"
"I could." Morgott allowed with a grave look, his dour expression never once wavering in the face of her pleading. "But whyever would I do such a thing?"
If it had come to this...time to break out her tried and true tactics. Malenia set her parcel down and clasped both hands before her. "Please?"
The Omen heaved a drawn out sigh and palmed his grey visage. "Whatever will I do with thee? Thy antics truly baffle me."
"Please, please, please!"
A golden eye peeked out through his fingers. "Do as thou will, sister. 'Tis no concern of mine.
Malenia's head snapped up, eyes wide. Wait, asking nicely actually worked?! He was letting her go?! Just like that?
A fierce flash of joy burned through her and she darted forward to gave him a hug."Best brother ever!"
Morgott stiffened, but made no effort to dislodge her from his leg. "Better than Godwyn?"
She grinned up at him, eyes alight. "Much better!"
...do not get caught."
Morgott muttered something else and gave her a nudge. That was all the prodding she needed. Off she shot, faster than an arrow loosed from a bow.
Her mind wandered as she ran. Godwyn was grand and all, but more often than not her eldest brother was away from the capital, brokering peace in Father's name. Morgott was the face she'd grown up with, a familiar face alongside Miquella. She rather liked her brothers. Miquella was best, of course. No one could be better than him. Everyone said he was special, just like her, that they were both Empyrean. The Two Fingers hailed her and her twin as New gods, destined to lead the Lands Between into a new era, to guide the world with the Shadows they would soon receive.
Malenia didn't want to rule. She was just a child. She just wanted to live.
"Carefully now...
She poked her head round the corner. Mercifully, there wasn't a soul to be seen in Mother's bedchamber. Thank the spirits for small mercies. Had an attendant been nearby, they surely would have seen here, and then all would have been for naught. But they did not; thus, she escaped without a care in the world.
She spied Miquella hanging from one of the lower arches in the plaza ahead. He sensed her approach and offered a jaunty wave, making a sign with his right hand. It was a code only they used, and one that had Malenia moving just a little faster. Excellent. He'd nearly finished. Once she brought her dye up to him, they'd finally get one up on Father. He'd never see this coming.
He'd best not! After all, he'd promised to teach them a secret technique if they ever managed to pull one over on him.
T'would be a prank to end all pranks, of that Malenia could say for certain. Dare she say proudly?
A shadow fell over her as she cleared the last step. "What are you up, clever girl?"
...blast.
Malenia whirled to face her sire. Naruto Uzumaki, Consort to Queen Marika and Second Elden Lord, Sage of the Lands Between, stood not a stone's throw away, leaning against the very arch she'd just passed through. To many in the capital, he was akin to a god. But to her, he was daddy. In this moment that made him all the more terrifying. He looked, well, happy. That usually spelled ill for her and Miquella.
"Malenia...
The little redhead squeaked and hid both arms behind her back. Blast. She'd gotten distracted. "Yes, father?"
Naruto knew that look. "What have you got there?"
Malenia didn't budge. Not a jot.
"Is that paint?"
...no?"
His brow furrowed. "Wait, where's your brother?"
High above the, Miquella lost his footing with a yelp and fell out a nearby tree spattered in blue dye. Naruto casually caught her twin by the waist and slung him to the floor, uncaring of the paint that fell down to spatter his hair and tunic. Realization dawned. Blue eyes widened. His gaze swept to her. Narrowed. Malenia squeaked anew.
Miquella tried to rally. "Surprise...?"
The cat was out the bag now! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! "Ha!"
Malenia flung her own packet of dye at Father with a cry. Naruto didn't even deign to dodge. It spattered his chest a merry green, adding another blotch of color amidst the blue and amber. His brow climbed yet higher as he gazed down at his ruined outfit. Silence stretched between the three of them. No one moved. No one dared to breathe.
And then Father blurred.
Malenia found herself hauled into his paint-spattered chest, and Miquella with her.
For a moment, it almost sounded like Father was laughing. No, wait. He was. "I'm so proud!"
(.0.0.0.)
"You wish for them to meet Radagon's spawn?" Marika pursed her lips. "You will do no such thing."
"Nope." Naruto folded both arms behind his head. "Already set it up."
She scowled at him. "Cease thine noping!"
"Eh, let the kids play with one another. Builds bonds...
(.0.0.0.)
Malenia wanted to be a good girl.
Truly, she did. She wanted to prove that she could listen and learn; to make her family proud. That was all she longed for. To prove herself to them. Father and Mother and Miquella alike.
Father, who had gone so far as to procure the services of a certain blind swordsman to train her. Mother, who would always comb her long hair and sing softly to her. Miquella, who understood her better than anyone else. Morgott and Godwyn -and possibly Mohg- mattered to, but those three were ever at the forefront of her mind.
She knew, she just knew, that given time, she would be the most skilled in the land.
But right now she found herself grappling with a different foe.
Father had arranged something he called a...whatever was a playdate? Semantics she supposed. Regardless of his wording, had three siblings she'd not known about -three!- two of which had been brought to visit today. One of them was meeting with Miquella. The other, a girl, had been brought to her. So yes, she was trying to be the best he could be. She really was! But it was just so haaard!
How in blazes could she behave when this...this girl was being an absolute witch to her!
"T'would not be a problem if you weren't such a child."
Malenia hissed out a breath.
To look at her, one could easily see the resemblance; they were each pale of skin and fair of face, with striking red hair. The difference being that Ranni had at least two years on her; that, and her eyes were a cold starry gold, while Malenia's were blue as the sky itself. Likewise her robes stood a cold blue on white, the shade of winter, a stark contrast to the verdant green tunic she wore.
"Are you listening, churl?"
To say nothing of her attitude!
Malenia never understood how dear Miquella could weather such insults with a smile. He ha father's patience, bless him. Alay, alas, she did not possess such. She only had Mother's temper. Her smile became just a trifle more forced. She had brothers aplenty, t'was true, but a small part of her had always longed for a sister. If this was how she would act, if she was going to treat her like she was nothing and no one, beneath her in every way...then to hell with it.
"Are words your only strength? I could beat you in a fight. My father could certainly trounce yours!
"Nonsense!" Ranni tutted. "Mine would wipe the floor with your sire."
Her head butted against hers. "Nuh-uh!"
"Yeah-huh!"
Something ugly stirred in Melania's heart, rotting her self control yet further. She pulled back and drew herself up to her full height. At such a young age she was still shorter than Ranni, but Mother had taught her how to command a room and respect with it. She drew upon those teachings now, wrapping herself in a cloak of confidence.
"I am the child of a God and a Sage. Watch your words."
Ranni bridled. "You dare?"
"I dare?" Malenia scowled and let a touch of power turn her eyes red, eyes slitted like those of a great best. "Do you know to whom you speak? One day I will rule this realm in my Mother's stead. What say you of your parentage?"
Ranni tried to rally. "...I'll be a queen as well."
"Queen, you say?" she didn't need to fake the venom in her voice. "Queen of a kingdom my father could trample in an instant."
Ranni's mouth clicked shut.
"What's wrong?" Each word was a battering ram now, hammering down the older girl's confidence as surely as a great sword. "You were so full of confidence earlier. Is this all thy wit amounts to?" she tossed her head, flicking her scarlet tresses over one shoulder. "There's no accounting for taste, I suppose."
It was too much. Ranni lunged. Malenia met her with a snarl.
In hindsight, she wasn't sure who got the first hit in; in truth, she didn't much care. It never mattered how a battle started; only how it ended; with her planting her foot on the bigger girl's back a fistful of hair in hand as she pushed Ranni into the floor. She stomped down now, yanking furiously, drawing a cry from her victim.
"Say you're sorry!
Ranni snarled. "Never!"
Strong hands pried them apart.
She looked up, alarmed to find Father there. "Apologize."
Rennala nudged her own child with a frown. "You too, little Ranni."
The latter huffed and crossed both arms before her chest as she looked away. Malenia did the same.
Naruto jostled her a little. "Don't make me spank you."
In public?! He wouldn't! Oh, who was she kidding. He absolutely would. She still thought papa was stronger than Uncle Radagon-nay, she knew.
"Mama!" Ranni cried suddenly, startling her! "Melania pulled my hair!"
She rounded on her with a hiss. "Ranni started it!"
"Not me! T'was her!"
Melania scowled at Ranni.
The witch scowled right back.
In a moment, it was settled. Enemies for Life.
A/N: Aaaaand cutting it there. See you next week, hopefully~!
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 -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.
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~!
Far flung though some may still be.
Once again, SPOILERS AHOY!
Seriously, ye be warned~!
(Previews)
"Perhaps we should give them what they want."
Naruto's brow shot into his hair."
"You can't be serious."
A blond squared off against a redhead.
Malenia and Miquella looked on, rapt with attention.
Everyone knew the Second Elden Lord was no powerful. Of that there could be no doubt. But still...he was facing a true god. This would be no easy battle and in truth, she bore Uncle Radagon no ill will. Still, she wanted to see her Father to win, if only to silence Ranni.
Radagon hefted his hammer in a stoic salute. Naruto raised his staff and mirrored the motion. "What'll it be? First blood, or yield?"
Marika's other half smiled and took a stance, hammer raised high in his right hand. "I'd prefer the latter."
Naruto chuckled. Malenia saw it, then. A glimmer of something int he eyes of her father. "Same."
Maliketh stepped back sharply and brought his left arm down. "YOU MAY BEGIN!"
Naruto and Radagon blurred. Wind blasted out as their weapons collided.
Mohg slammed backwards.
"BEGONE FROM MY SIGHT!"
Malenia blinked at the Shadow that had been offered her.
It was a girl. Just like her. ...what is your name?"
"Milicent, my lady."
Marika held out a hand. "May I have this dance?"
Naruto laughed. "See, you can be nice!"
...I will bite you."
Miquella considered his notes.
"Yes, perhaps if I use that, then I might make some progress..
Some might call his work hersey. Blasphemy, even. He disagreed. He would do Father proud.
If this work of his succeeded, they might yet rip the Greater Will out of the Lands Between entirely. Then Father and Mother would be able to rule unmolested. But his needle was not yet complete. To finish it, he'd have to find a way to surpass time itself. He had an inkling of how he might yet do so, but such would require Father's aid, and that was sure to rile the Two Fingers...
Someone knocked on his door. Once. A pause now. Then thrice.
He smiled, knowing it was his Shadow. "Come in, Marcus."
"My lord, there's been a disturbance...
R&R~!