A/N: Still in a lot of pain, but still writing.
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. 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.
As ever, feedback really is the wind beneath my wings, and I wanted to thank you, one and all. Really, none of this would be possible without you.
Now for your questions, comments and concerns~! I'll try to keep these brief. Feel free to skip 'em if you like:
Q: Update schedule?
A: Rise of the Beast Hero is begging to be written, so you'll have that to look forward to. I am...trying not to post new stories atm. Hopefully I can restrain myself.
Q:...changes, you say? What kind of changes?
A: Much has changed. This chapter and the "ball" makes that abundantly clear. Whatever plans Marika might've had...those too, have been altered thanks to Naruto's presence. This story focus more on the events before the Shattering, but as the saying goes, nothing lasts forever.
Q: More Naruto and Marika teasing!
A: Its fun having them torment and prank one another, isn't it~?
Of course it helps that Malenia and Miquella are happy, healthy, and full of mischief. Just wait until they come into their own. The children of a literal Goddess and Naruto...yeah, they're going to be movers and shakers, that's for sure.
Q: Wait, who's the bad guy in this?
A: *zips lips*
Alright! I've kept you waiting long enough! As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.
I'm just a humble author, someone making tributes to those far greater than me. May they make you smile!
And as ever, in the words of Kaif....SPOILERS!
"Let us drink and make merry~!"
~?
With Great Power
"Open your eyes~!"
Naruto scowled at his ghastly reflection.
The mirror scowled right back, looking every bit as cross with his outfit as he was. He clapped a hand to his forehead and tried to remain calm. Really, he did. Gave it his best shot and everything...
.
..
...he failed spectacularly.
"I ain't wearing this."
"Yes," Marika's voice chimed behind him, "You are."
"No," he pivoted to face his fellow blond with a thunderous look, "I ain't."
The Eternal Queen stepped smartly to him and pressed her forehead to his. "Are.
"Ain't!" the jinchuuriki folded both arms before his chest and shook his head. "I'd rather wear armor!"
The ghost of a smile touched her full lips. "You hate armor, beloved."
"Not as much as I hate this!" he raised a golden sleeve, scowling at the hideously bright fabric sheathing his arm. "I look ridiculous!"
"Not at alll...snrk...you look-ha!-great! Honestly!"
Kurama's laughter didn't help!
If looks could kill, his outfit would've combusted on the spot. Sadly they couldn't; not where cloth was concerned.
Against his better judgement he'd let Marika choose his outfit for tonight's outing. It had seemed harmless enough at the time; he didn't think she'd be the sort to pull a prank on him now of all times. More fool he. Marika was just as much a trickster as he; the difference being see saw opportunities where he didn't. Still, he'd wanted to nope.
Mistakes were made.
Gold was all well and good in tiny amounts, but this much made him feel like some jumped-up ponce. There wasn't so much as a hint of orange to be seen anywhere, and he didn't much appreciate the way it left his right arm bare, likewise bearing his scars to the world. Fashion was an enigma to Naruto at the best of times, but the Lands Between absolutely baffled him with outfits like these.
"Ah, but how do I look, dear consort?"
He knew Marika was baiting him. He looked anyway.
He'd said she looked good in black, once. Evidently she'd taken his suggestion to heart.
She stood resplendent in a sheer ebony gown; a flowing garment that graced her full curves without clinging to them, accentuated her figure, yet teased at what lay beneath and damn her, Marika knew he was looking. A light curve of her lips said it all. As he looked on she raised both arms and performed a little twirl, sending the train of her dress flaring out around her ankles in a dark halo. He got a good, lasting look at those long legs of hers before it swept back down and his throat went dry.
A coy smile touched her lips. "Do you like it?"
...I do."
"As do I, yours." she threw his own words back at him, relishing in her victory. "We match, you and I. If I have to dress up for this farce then so do you. Come, set a good example for our children."
Naruto flicked a quick glance over his back, reminded of their unwilling audience. He'd almost forgotten about the kids in their argument.
Miquella hadn't yet emerged from his changing chamber, but Malenia looked downright miserable in her gown. Maybe it was the bow at her back, or perhaps the tight slippers, but she clearly wasn't best pleased with them at the moment. Gold and saffron went well with her bright eyes and long red hair, not that she seemed to care.
"I hate this." she tugged at her tiara, a tiny crystalline thing that the servants had woven into her lustrous scarlet locks. The act was as much complaint as plea. "Can I not wear something else?"
"Not a chance, daughter of mine." Marika tutted with a shake of the head. "You'd be running about in a tunic and long breeches if you had your way."
Far from being insulted by such a remark, little Malenia took it as permission and turned a powerful pout upon Naruto. "Can I, papa?"
Urk! Didn't his heart just kick against his chest when she said that? Oftentimes he still had trouble believing he was a father. And then moments like this smacked him upside the head. She really did remind him of a mini Kushina sometimes, in attitude alone, if not appearance.
'Heh. We made a cute kid, didn't we?'
"Much to my surprise."
'Quiet, peanut gallery.'
"Sorry, kiddo." On a whim he reached out to ruffle his daughter's hair. "Looks like both you and I gotta bear with it for now."
Malenia drew back with an sullen scowl. Oh, dear. He knew that look. She'd raised her chin to glare up at him, yet her had brow gone stormy; a sure sign that she was all of an instant from tearing her dress off at the knee and making a run for it. She would too, wild child that she was. She would much rather fight in the yard and practice her swordsmanship than attend balls and feasts like this. Made him proud, she did.
"I hate you all! You're going to wake up with glue in your hair!"
Aw. Kushina would've adored their little tomboy.
"Peace, sister." Miquella emerged from his chamber and laid a hand on his sister's arm. At least their son seemed content enough in his heavy white robes. "Its only for tonight. You needn't wear that gown on the morrow. You can even burn it later if you like."
"She shall do no such thing." Marika interjected, finishing up her own braid. "And I will know if she does."
Malenia hissed.
"What are you, a snake?" Her mother tittered. "Do not make such a sound."
Their daughter gave a little huff and stomped her foot...but the dress stayed on. So too, did her protests. "Why do we have to dress up like this? We're gods, aren't we?"
"Indeed." Marika preened.
"Then why do we curry favor like this?" her brow furrowed. "We have the power. The Golden Order serves us. We should be able to wear what we want, do what we want, when we want."
Naruto frowned. He'd seen that arrogance before in another, and it hadn't ended well for them. Nope, nipping that attitude right in the bud.
"Gods can't do as they please," he put in quickly, drawing a baffled look from the little redhead. "With great power comes great responsibility. If we flaunt our powers, abuse them, use them to hurt those we're supposed to protect, that makes us no better than those we fight against."
"He's right." Marika slid in seamlessly before he could take action. We all have our parts to play, sweeting." She flashed him a sidelong look. "Some more pleasing than others."
Heat speared up the back of Naruto neck. She really did give as good as she got.
Malenia and Miquella made gagging noises.
"Oi, not in front of the kids."
A quick glance confirmed his suspicions; Miquella at least seemed to understand the lesson. Miquella had his mother's patience. Malenia...did not. One look at her still-sour expression left Naruto sighing. She was going to be difficult about this, wasn't she? Of course she was. She wouldn't be his daughter if she weren't. Stubbornness ran in the Uzumaki blood, much like their famed crimson hair.
"...would you mind waiting outside for us?"
Marika wagged an eyebrow at him, but saw the message therein. "Very well. Come along, Miquella. I'll see to your hair in the meantime."
Their son took the remark in good grace and followed his mother with a nod.
Naruto waited until Marika closed the door behind them, counted to three for good measure, waited a little longer to make certain they actually left. Then and only then didn't he turn to face his surly child. Malenia refused to look at him. Unsurprising. He'd seen her like this before. His proud, willful girl, so stubborn, so strong, so very...fragile when it came to matters of the heart.
"Alright, what's the problem?"
Malenia glared sullenly at the ground. "Nothing's wrong, father."
Father, not papa. She was most certainly in a mood. He suspected he knew the reason. Still, best to be certain.
He sighed and dropped down onto his haunches, bring himself eye level with her. "I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong."
"..."
A blond brow quirked upward. "We're going to play the quiet game, are we?"
The girl rolled one shoulder in a halfhearted shrug.
"Malenia."
She flinched.
...rather be training."
Kurama chortled softly in his ear. "She really does take after you."
'Bah. You're just saying that because you're her favorite uncle.'
"I'll let you in on a little secret." he leaned in and laid a hand on her tiny shoulder. "I'd rather be off training, too."
"Then why can't we?" at last her eyes met his, her words were a whine, a plea to understand. "We are we even here, playing dress up for a bunch of people we barely know? I hate this. All the balls and pageantry...!" she looked like she wanted to stomp again-but thought better of it when faced with his gaze. "Its so stupid! We're royalty! Gods! Everyone should come to us, bow to us! We're greater than them! Why should we waste our time on-ow!" He words piqued into a yelped a little as he flicked her forehead. "What was that for?!"
"Just because we're strong, that doesn't everyone else lesser." he gave her a nudge. "Each life matters, just as much as ours."
She scuffed the floor with a slipper in a fit of pique. "I don't understand. Mama says strength is all that matters."
Time for a different tactic. "Remember the time you found that baby hawk with a broken wing?"
Malenia dared a nod.
"You cried and cried, because you were sure it was going to die during the night. But it didn't now, did it?" Another nod, and he barreled on. "You spent weeks nursing it back to health. There wasn't a day I didn't see you without that bird. You even gave it a name, remember?"
A third nod, barely noticeable. "...Artemis. I named her Artemis."
"Soy you did." he chortled a little at the memory. "Tell me, did Artemis' lack of strength make her lesser?
Her face flushed. "No!"
"But you still tended to something that was, by your own words, lesser than you." when he didn't respond he nudged her further. "Yet you gave that "lesser" bird your own blood, didn't you?" she grumbled and he knew a fourth point had been won. "From that blood she grew big and strong. All thanks to you. Do you understand what I'm saying?
Her face flushed. "...I think so." and then. "I want to be like you!"
That sudden exclamation had him leaning back. "Eh?"
"You fight monsters and save people." his daughter turned sparkling eyes on him. "Everyone looks up to you. Nobody bosses you around, not even mother!"
Yes, victory! Not quite the way he'd intended it, but still. He wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Maybe this way, he could help her be a bit more humble in the future.
"Alright, alright. If you want to be more like me, then I'll try to teach you." On another whim, he dared to push the proverbial envelope yet further. "You know, Ranni and her brothers will be her tonight. You should try befriending them. That's something I'd do.
Her face closed down. "Don't like Ranni."
"Mal."
This time she did stomp. "But she's so mean, papa!"
"You like Radahn though, don't you?"
Her head whipped to the side. "He's nice, I suppose...
"Tell you what." he leaned back on his haunches. "If you behave tonight, and I mean be on your best behavior, I'll teach you a new technique tomorrow."
Her eyes lit up. "Shadow clones?"
Oho? Malenia wanted to learn that, did she? In truth he'd planned something more simple like wall-walking...but why not? She was much too young to learn something as destructive as the Rasengan or -log forbid!- the Rasenshuriken, but he could give her a nudge in the right direction and teach her more when she grew older. And really, what harm could she cause with a few copies?
...do you really want the answer to that question?"
Against my better judgement...
She squealed and threw herself at him. "Best papa ever!"
His heart did a little flip in his chest. Pure child. Must protect that smile at all costs.
Laughing, he drew her close.
"Oi! I'm your only papa!"
(.0.0.0.)
Marika had chosen her location well.
A grand gala for an equally grand ball; though where and how she'd constructed the building was beyond him.
Carved from white stone, the exterior had all but shimmered with golden light. The interior? Well it made him think of something straight out of a storybook; boasting a sweeping staircase from which they now descended, a great room stretched beyond, filled with people and tables heaped with succulent dishes...he couldn't even begin to describe it all, so he didn't even try.
"Well, well. Seems her majesty pulled out all the stops."
That she had. This place hadn't existed a few days ago. Naruto knew it hadn't; if only because he knew the capital like the back of his hand. He'd had years to learn its every nook and cranny; and he could say with utter certainty this ballroom wasn't one of them. Queen or no, Marika always been a bit of a showoff. He wouldn't put it past her to abuse her godly powers and just create the damn thing for the sake of their guests.
And there were so many guests.
He saw them look their way as their family crested the stairs. Nobles from far and wide; sorcerers from Selia, warriors from the Weeping Peninsula, a stray Crucible Knight conversing heatedly with a slender four-armed woman in white robes. Whoever she was remained a mystery to him, for a large drooping hat concealed her face. Was that Ranni's mentor, Renna? Marika had made mention of her. His keen eye even caught sight of an Albinauric embassy near the back, and an old scaly Misbegotten that couldn't be anyone other than old Hewg.
Good. Seemed someone had managed to drag the surly curmudgeon away from his forge for a night.
Sadly, he failed to see any Omens among them, save Morgott and Mohg. Pity, that. He'd pushed Marika for reforms and Godwyn had done his best, but words only went so far in this world. Fine. They'd just have to crack a few more skulls, then. The list went on and on as his gaze raked across the rest of the dignitaries, yet he failed to find two among them. Shouldn't Renala and Radagon be here, somewhere...?
Marika tugged his arm, snapping him back to reality.
Though they were last to arrive, the crier noticed them quickly, and proved even quicker to announce their presence.
"Presenting her highness, Queen Marika the Eternal!" his voice rang out, strident and clear. "And her consort, the Elden Lord, Sir Naruto!"
Naruto almost balked at the title. 'Sir? Doesn't that make me sound kinda old...?'
"Their twin children, the princess Malenia, and the prince Miquella!"
Malenia huffed. Miquella, stoic as ever, waved to those below.
Delighted applause swept his way.
"Behold your Queen and her King!" with a final sweeping bow, the crier made way for them. "Long may they reign!"
"Long may they reign." Came the dutiful response. Some even deigned to kneel.
"That's a lotta people." he whispered aside as they descended the steps.
"These are our subjects, dear." Marika preened under their gaze, glad for the attention. "Do pay attention."
"Our?"
"Oh? She batted long lashed at him. "Did I stutter? Many here know you by your deeds, my consort, but not your face. Is it any wonder you have admirers? They wish to meet their Elden Lord.
He groaned a little at the reminder.
"Now, now, don't sulk. I'll be with you every step of the way.
...you're being unusually persuasive tonight. Do I want to know what you're after?"
"Must I be after something each time I counsel you?" she turned a light smile on him. "Gods we may be, but our people are not. The Golden Order prevails through us. They look to us for strength." Then, more softly now, "'Tis your fault, after all. Many of mine plans have...changed, because of you."
There was something more to her words there, but he chose not to pry. Rather, he didn't ant to. Marika was a clever woman, ever scheming a scheme within yet more schemes. She was selective with her secrets; forcing her to do something she didn't want to do was akin to trying to swim upriver. Possible at a push, but difficult as all hell. She'd tell him sooner or later. Hopefully.
After all, she was so very fun to tease. But he'd play along just this once.
His gaze raked across the delegates again and noticed something he'd missed. "That one has wings!"
"Ah, yes, the dragons." Marika followed his gaze and hummed a little. "T'would seem they responded to Godwyn's invitation."
"Dragon? He looks like a person!"
"They can shapeshift when it suits them, dear consort. What's wrong?" She waggled a brow at him. "Looking to take a consort of your own? Such is fine with me." sure enough, when he sputtered, she only continued to tease him further. "Those two there would be Fortissax and Lansseax. Godwyn is rather...friendly with them, so I would suggest you search elsewhere."
"You're horrible."
"So you say." she hummed against him.
Fate took pity on him and he spied a flash of red hair near the table, then several others with it. Aha! Target acquired. He'd found Ragadon and his family. Marika and Miquella still looked bored out of their minds. Perhaps they'd fare better among those near their age...?
"Hey, there's Ranni." He gave Malenia a nudge. "Why don't you go say hello?"
His daughter gave him a long-suffering look. "I don't want to."
"C'mon, it won't be that bad. I'm sure she's mellowed out since you last saw her."
She scowled and clung onto his robe like the child she still was. "Can't I stay with you and mother?"
"Sure, if you want to be bored to death." He knew the way to her heart. "We'll be talking to ambassadors, dignitaries, and diplomats all night long. But if you like boring stuff like that...
It was like flicking a switch; Malenia all but jettisoned herself from his side and arrowed toward Ranni's table.
Miquella followed. "I'll look after her, father."
"Please do. And Miquella?"
His son paused.
"I'll have that scroll ready for you by tomorrow."
A spark of interest danced in his son's eyes. "I look forward to it."
He watched them go with a wistful sigh. Would that it was always so easy...
Marika leaned into his side, sensing his moment of regret. "You're good with them."
"You think so?" A rueful smile tugged at his lips as Malenia trudged over to Ranni and her brothers. Rykard said something that had her squawking angrily. "Doesn't feel like it sometimes."
"Don't they just look adorable...?"
...not the word I'd use." Malenia looked fit to take her plate and smack Rykard in the face. Such a wild child. "Still, they're only children." he tugged her aside. "Let them have their one. Its not one they'll have for much longer."
Her lips curled. "Hmm. Speaking of children...
He knew that tone. "Marika, no. We talked about this."
"You talked. I didn't listen." she ran a hand over her flat stomach. "Are you so afraid of a third child?"
Afraid? No. Hands full? Yes! He adored Malenia and Miquella, he truly did, but to throw a third child into the mix at so tenuous a time...even he could tell that
He lifted his chin. "Don't try to bait me."
"Who's baiting? Not I. Melina has lovely ring to it, don't you think?" She looked past him and frowned. "Ah, but it seems there's work to be done. Dance with me."
"Well, that's a little sudden. Why do you-
"My lord, my lady!" A woman's voice called their way. "Might I have a moment of your time?"
He didn't miss the way Marika stiffened at being called second. Nor did he fail to notice the way she took his hand and whirled him away from said voice. He tried crane his neck back, only for her to steer him even further to the right toward the dancefloor. She was up to something again, he knew she was, but for the life of him, he couldn't see what.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Marika held out her hand. "May I have this dance?"
Naruto laughed. "See, you can be nice!"
...I will bite you."
(.0.0.0.)
Truly, his family was a strange one.
In hindsight, Miquella wasn't sure when he'd realized it. Father, at least, he felt he could understand. Mother was more of an enigma, but they were often of a mind on many things. Malenia he loved with all his heart, but it was clear that his sister had inherited father's wild side more than father's calm ego. And that was to say nothing of his half-brothers and sister. Aunt Renala and Uncle Radagon mystified him yet further. Even now, they welcomed Malenia to their table with open arms, little spitfire though she was, and made not a fuss about it.
Would that they made a lick of sense.
Honestly, he wished he could understand them all.
Shaking his head softly, he continued to nurse his glass of water. "What a strange evening indeed."
So focused was he on the revelries, that he failed to see the shadow approaching him...until the last moment.
"Dearest Miquella." a low voice hissed in his ear. "Please forgive my rudeness."
"What the devil are you-mmph?!"
Someone clamped a palm over his mouth and yanked him into the dark.
A/N: Guess who~?
Ball's not done yet, second half next chapter.
Felt good to write a more family oriented one this time around.
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~!
I'm deliberately being coy with them this time around.
Some are far off. Others are closer than you thinl.
Once again, SPOILERS AHOY!
Seriously, ye be warned~!
(Previews)
"WHERE IS MY SON?!"
"Congrats, you're getting your Shadow today."
Malenia frowned. "Then why do you look so cross, papa?"
...its nothing." his twitching right eye said otherwise. "I'm just gonna talk to the Greater Will. Loudly. Repeatedly. With my fists."
"If she will not be the vessel of the Rot, then we shall find another. All shall ROT!"
""You don't seem to understand. This world isn't yours to conquer...
"An army at our gates, you say? That is just...adorable."
"Marika, put the hammer down."
"No, I don't think I will...
"You can't touch me!"
"Alright." Naruto inhaled slowly. Deeply. Angrily. "Parry this, you filthy casual."
"Again."
Malenia drew back.
Leaped up into the air.
And so was the Waterfowl Dance born.
R&R~!