A/N: Aaaaand there we go! All my Elden Ring stuff updated for this month.
*collapse from exhaustion*
I really do need a break from work, but we just lost three people and NOW I'm expected to open a new office. Fun times. T_T
I've got a few surprises coming this October, and we'll be going around updating some fan favorites, Overlord, Arcane, Genshin, RWBY, etc...
As stated earlier, for future chapters, my AO3 account -Neonzangetsu, same name as this one!- will soon begin to feature lemons, more mature ratings, and so on. Some of them will even have alternate endings/paths compared to the stories I'm posting here. Feel free to head over there if you're interested. Wanted to say that first and foremost; because in the future there are going to be some...interesting scenes that I can't show here.
Still in a lot of pain, still feeling down...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.
Not many questions this time... T_T:
Q: Is Forget Me Not ending soon?
A: Quite possibly. Feedback/views for that story seem to have really tapered off compared to the others...
Q: Has Naruto spoken with the Elden Beast/Greater Will before?
A: As stated in an earlier chapter, yes.
Q: What will be the difference with stories on A03?
A: For instance! We're talking different chapters, and different endings over there. Its all the same for now...but soon things will start to diverge.
In all honesty, its a little exciting/worrying, if only because a lot of our viewers are over here on Fanfiction, but hopefully we can tempt you to give A03 a look too.
Hopefully folks notice, it'd be awful doing twice the work for jack all...
Q: More Naruto and Marika!
A: But of course! Their dynamic's so much fun to write.
Q: WTF is Renna?
A: ...I take it you've not played the game. Renna is Ranni's teacher, the one who taught her some of her most powerful cold sorceries. We never knew exactly what she looked like per se, only that Ranni based her current body on her, so there's room for interpretation.
Q: Finally some proper plot! Don't stop!
A: Okay...?
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!
Now, onto the madness, humor and drama that is this story.
"I don't really know what's wrong with me, but I'm not as nice as I used to be. If you hurt my family...
...I hurt you. Simple, no? Trust me, don't cross that line.
Lets all have a few drinks and calm down, eh?"
~?
Let us Dance
Marika wasn't a bad dancer.
Far from it in fact; Naruto found himself pleasantly surprised by her grace; if only because he'd never seen her move like this before. She was a whirl of dark silk in his arms, a graceful blur across the ballroom, a shining star for all to look upon with envy and awe. He saw more of the former than the latter. It didn't concern him.
Her smile did.
He liked to think he'd become something of an expert when it came to reading Queen Marika the Eternal. They'd spent years together and had two children, after all. He'd learned her many a tell since. Naturally her smiles were among those. Most of the time he could tell when she was happy, sad, mad, or just making plain 'ol mischief. This smile...well, it was different.
This one was her "I know something you don't~!" smile and it promised chaos.
The last time Marika had worn such a smile, she'd revealed her pregnancy with the twins. Before that, she'd dyed his clothes gold. She clearly wasn't carrying a little one at present -none that he could sense at an rate!- or preparing a prank, which meant she must be up to something else. He just had to figure out what.
"But that's the hard part, ain't it?" Kurama heaved a sigh in his head. "She's an unpredictable one...
His gaze swept across the ballroom as they danced, searching for any signs of mischief. He found none. The albinauric embassy seemed content to chat with Radagon and Rennala, the dragons were occupied by Godwyn, who'd arrived late to the ball, and old Hewg was haranguing a rather abashed Crucible Knight. He didn't sense so much as an iota of danger or malcontent from any of them. Marika wasn't the sort to prank her guests, at that. It would be the least of their worries.
"Art thou worried, consort of mine?"
There it was! She sounded too damn smug for his liking. But of course, he couldn't say that. She'd win if he did.
"Nah, just thinking you're pretty good at dancin-ouch!" He bit off a laugh when she stomped a slipper-clad heel down on his foot without missing so much as a beat. "Okay, okay. Maybe I deserved that one."
"Indeed you did!" She huffed as they seamlessly slid past Rennala and Radagon, gliding into another waltz. "You are many things, my consort, but subtle is not one of them."
A blond brow quirked. "And you are?"
"But of course." she performed a little twirl, drawing close to him while still holding his hand. "Didst thou think me a brute who knows only of battle?" Back she swayed, laughing now when he caught her. "I am a master of all I set my mind to."
He couldn't resist that low hanging fruit. "Even me?"
Her grin became lascivious. "I got two children off you, didn't I?"
Naruto couldn't help but laugh despite himself. "Hey! That was low blow!"
"All 'tis fair in love and war~!
He tweaked her rear, drawing an amused noise from her and together they finished the dance and sketched a bow for the masses as the music began to fade. Applause swelled in its place. Naruto allowed himself to bask in it, if only for a moment. Dancing wasn't a skill he'd ever thought to cultivate in his younger years, but he couldn't deny its uses now. It certainly helped him keep up with his free-spirited partner...
"Ah." Marika made a bemused noise suddenly, recapturing his attention once more. "Finally noticed, did she...?"
Naruto didn't have a chance to ask who that might be. Someone beat him to it.
"My lord?" An unfamiliar voice inquired behind them. "My lady...?"
Marika's lips pursed in a thin smile. "Perfect timing. I was wondering when she might seek you out."
Naruto frowned. "She?"
"See for yourself." She planted a kiss on his cheek, gripped his right shoulder and spun him round. Warm lips brushed his ear. "Do be gentle with her...for now. I want to break her myself."
A firm shove sent him stumbling forward. He cast a glare back at her for it. "Where are you going?!
"To seek out the Albinauric embassy." she hummed, sashaying away. "I need to have a word with that darling Loretta girl. Now off with you!"
Time to face the music, then.
With a long-suffering sigh he pivoted and found himself face to face with a somewhat unfamiliar face. She was a classical beauty in her white gown, short, but not quite petite. Hadn't he seen her before when they'd first arrived? Yes, he certainly remembered her blue skin and that drooping white hat of hers, not to mention...other aspects of her.
Kurama scoffed. "Other aspects, he says. You could bounce a coin off that-
"Oi!"
"Sorry, not sorry."
"A pleasure to meet thee, second Elden Lord." two blue arms lifted the hem of her dress; two more sketched a graceful curtsy, all four rising in seamless unison. "I had hoped for a moment of thy time."
In the end, her drooping hat gave her away. "You're...miss Renna, right? I remember you. Ranni's teacher."
"Indeed." A smile caressed her pale face, nearly hidden beneath her hat. "I'm pleased to see you know my name."
"How's she doing, by the way?"
Renna's face closed down before she forced a smile. "She's...lovely."
"You can speak freely, ya know. She's not my kid."
...you shan't tell Lady Rennala of this?"
Narutuo mimed zipping his lips.
Renna took a deep breath.
And then:
"The girl is an absolute fiend!" the ice witch flung up all four of her arms. "All arms and elbows and not at all afraid to use them when she grows bored with her lessons! Nevermind the sass! Honestly, its like trying to teach a runebear-nay! A runebear has manners than she!"
Heh. Seemed Ranni and Malenia were more alike than either cared to admit.
"Hmm." he couldn't quite keep the smile from his face. "Sounds like her. Was there something else you needed, or did you just come over here to vent?
"Need...? Ah!" Ranni's mentor came back to herself with a blink. "Forgive me, I lost myself for a moment. I had hoped to beg a dance."
Naruto's brow shot into his hairline. He could feel Marika's satisfaction across the room. Had she pushed him into this?
"Please don't be distressed. I'm using you as a distraction." Renna stepped into him as the music swelled and he took two of her hands in his without thinking. "The scholars of Raya Lucaria have been hounding me for my spells all night, and I've had naught but their voices nattering in my ear for the last three hours."
By contrast to Marika, Renna proved herself something of a slow dancer; more content to sway in place with him rather than the energetic swings and whirls of her queenly counterpart. It was a little odd dancing with a four-armed woman-in that he didn't know where to put his hands. In the end he gave up and linked them behind her waist.
"I'm sure its not that bad-
She granted him a flat look, both eyes now. "If you finish that sentence, Lady Marika shall need a third Elden Lord."
"Fair enough." a faint smile touched the corner of his mouth. "I could send the scholars away, if you like."
Her eyes flashed. "And what would I have to do in return?"
"Nothing."
Renna blinked. "Nothing?"
"Yup." he smacked his lips loudly and guided her into a slow waltz. "Not a thing."
"Hmm. Thou art certainly a strange sort." she stepped closer, pressing her bosom against his chest. He caught the faint hint of a smile beneath the brim of her hat. "Does this please you, my lord?
"It does...?"
How else was he supposed to answer that?! Still he could feel the scholars of Selia and Lucaria watching them like vultures, waiting to pounce at the slightest sign of weakness. He caught Radagon's gaze across the dance floor and jerked his head in their direction. Marika's other half nodded and made a beeline for them. The cravens scattered before him as he raised his voice; moreso when he went for his sword. Ha! Served them right.
Renned hummed her appreciation. "You have my thanks, second Elden Lord."
A seed of confusion sprouted within him. "You keep calling me that."
"Because you are the Second Elden Lord, 'tis true." She drew him close, matching his steps perfectly. "Tell me, do you know the tale of the first?" some of his confusion must've shown through, because she laughed a little, a soft, airy sound. "No? I'm not surprise. Its not something the court would share with you. It is not my tale to tell.
"T'would seem the children are watching us."
Hmmm...?
He craned an eye toward the children's table. Ranni and Radahn were watching with Rykard, and even Morgott had stopped feigning disinterest. Malenia looked on and clapped happily. Miquella was nowhere to be seen however, and thought Where had that boy gone-no, don't worry about it. He wouldn't be a helicopter parent. His son was no pushover and could surely fend for himself, surely.
"Then lets give them a show to remember...
(.0.0.0.)
Miquella was missing.
Malenia noticed it first; the telltale absence of her twin was something she was not at all accustomed to; as such she'd developed a sixth sense for these sort of things. She tried to ignore it at first. She really, truly did. But as five minutes passed into ten, then fifteen, followed by thirty and now an hour, her confidence began to wane.
None of the adults seemed to notice. Was that a good thing? Surely her twin could look after himself...?
Wait who was that giant half-wolf in armor headed their way...?
Her eyes widened. A smile bloomed across her pale face.
She gathered up her skirts and vaulted the table.
"Uncle!"
(.0.0.0.)
Elden Ring save her from bloody idiots.
Marika pinched the bridge of her nose as she stalked the halls.
The albinaurics had taken her questions in good grace; oh, young Loretta had sputtered and stammered at first, but the knight made no attempt at denying her overtures. And besides, little Latenna might well grow into a lovely beauty someday. Perhaps she and Miquella-no, no, pleasing as that thought might be, there was business to attend and work tob e done.
They weren't the source of her migraine; the other nobles were.
A pack of them had cornered her soon thereafter and she, gracious host that she pretended to be, found herself forced to entertain them. Honestly, if it wasn't one thing it was the other. Slay the giants, Marika. Rule the land, Marika. Crush all opposition, Marika. Where are our riches, Marika? We want, want, want! We need, need, need!
Blah, blah, blah!
Would that she could just smash them with her hammer and be done with this farce. Honestly she just wasn't up to it these days. All these nobles, all their vapid words of praise, their less-than-subtle demands, attempts to ingratiate themselves with her...such tripe had begun to bore her. She'd much rather be playing with her children or, if that could not be afforded to her, making sweet love to her consort.
But no, she must be presentable and a Queen Mother did not inspire the masses like a Queen Eternal.
It was a worrying thought. Had she grown tired of being Queen?
.
..
...no, she conceded after a moment's thought. She had not. She enjoyed the power of a goddess and the prestige that came with it.
She'd simply grown just tired of suffering fools like these!
Naruto was the one who inspired. T'was he who rallied the people to their cause, he who had drawn other races and nations under their banner. He, much like Godwyn, was the linchpin that held it all together. Try though she might, Marike didn't begrudge him for that. Frankly she pitied him. She was the hammer, the stick to his carrot, the iron fist behind his velvet glove. She need only pretend at court. His was an act that would last a lifetime.
"My lady...?"
A muscle jumped in her jaw. She'd not heard her approach. "Whatever is it now, Alecto?"
Her handmaiden/assassin didn't flinch. She was Numen, after all. "You have a guest waiting for you outside."
"Do I, now?" she tutted in mild annoyance. "Send them away. I'm in no mood for pleasantries.
"I had hoped you might make an exception for me...
Marika paused. Whirled, now.
She knew that voice!
"Malekith!" her face lit up as she pivoted to look up at the new arrival even now shuffling her way. "I didn't think you would come."
Her shadow grunted and scratched at his chin.
"Against my better judgement...
She rushed forward to embrace him and for once he allowed her. Grumpy old wolf he may be, but he was her grumpy old wolf. He'd come in armor. Of course he had. Her shadow could do no less. Not for him, these formal functions. She could feel her guests staring at them now, hear their whispers, see some making excuses to leave. The court feared him. As well they should. Any who thought otherwise were fools. He could slaughter these imbeciles and lickspittles with ease.
As befitting of her shadow, he who held Destined Death.
"Come, come," she dew back, took hold of his hand and tugged him inside. "Come see your nieces and nephews...I'm sure Malenia would be delighted to see her favorite uncle."
...if I must."
She didn't miss the faint hint of longing in his voice. Such a softy.
In the meantime, it was high time she went and reclaimed her consort!
(.0.0.0.)
Renna kept Naruto on his toes.
In truth he almost found it amusing trading barbs with her; there was no need to hold back for fear of hurting her feelings, nor was she afraid to speak her mind. It reminded him of Marika, but in a rather refreshing way; they were free to vent upon another without a care in the world. Let the rumor mill spin and churn. He was rather enjoying himself.
"There are many here who admire you my lord," Renna hummed into him suddenly as they spun into another waltz, "but you have made enemies. Surely you realize this."
Of course he did; he knew them well. Aged adherents of the golden order, stubborn bastards who would cling to the old ways because it brought them power and prestige, or idiots who thought themselves above those who existed outside the Golden Order. Such could not be reasoned with. He'd tried in the past.
Hmm. He might need to have another chest with the Elden Beast soon. A loud one. With his fists.
"I'm all for that. Its high time we reminded these fools of the pecking order."
Damn, but that was a tempting idea...
"See there," Renna tilted her head just so toward the dragon contingent, where he saw...blast, what were their names again? Marika had told him, but he'd forgotten. "Fortissax and his dear sister Lansseax." Renna prodded, sparing him embarrassment. "The knight with them is Lord Vyke, her intended, an ardent warrior. Rumor has it she's already carrying his child."
"Oh? Why not take a look?"
Naruto squinted her way, noting the Lansseax's long lavender robe, a garment designed to conceal her figure.
Blue eyes flashed gold for a moment as he drew upon his chakra.
...yes, he did sense something around her. A tiny spark of life in her belly. He squinted deeper. Oh! It was going to be a girl! Good for her! A child born of a human and a dragon would make for an interesting offspring if nothing else. Miquella and Malenia might have themselves a new playmate soon. Lansseax was fairly far along at that. Small wonder she wore the robe. He withdrew his senses slowly, mentally apologizing for the mild intrusion.
Lansseax's gaze snapped his way.
'Uh-oh. Think she noticed?'
"Probably."
"My lord?" Renna tugged him back to reality.
"Thanks." he muttered aside, deflecting her. "I'm not good with names."
If the dragon contingent hadn't been wary of him before, they were now; they watched him keenly now as they danced, with their sharp, slitted eyes.
"They're not terribly fond of you."
He could sense that much. It wasn't so much dislike as general wariness. They regarded him as one might a fellow predator; uncertain whether he was a rival to be feared or prey to be consumed. At least they didn't hide behind honeyed words and veiled smiled like the rest. He'd take what he could get in this confusing court...
"Why would they dislike me? Recent efforts aside...
"'Tis a simple, if confounding matter." Renna stifled a sigh behind one of her many hands. "Their loyalty is to Godwyn. You are not him. No doubt they wish him to pit his strength against yours."
Godwyn wouldn't do that, he knew. Marika's boy was never the sort to pick a fight he couldn't win. Could he? He knew for a fact that Godwyn was far and above Radagon. Something to consider, then. But he had no real reason to quarrel with Marika's eldest, and he wouldn't let himself be pushed into such.
"He's got a good head on his shoulders." One better suited to negotiation that battle, but that was neither here nor there. "Don't try to pit me against him. It won't end well for you.
"That is not mine intent." Not a lie. Her words were true. "I wish to keep you informed of dangers to your rule, that is all."
"And how do you benefit from this?"
"Ah, and now he asks the all-important question." Her smile turned sly as the music slowly trickled away. "Your reign is founded on understanding, not mere strength. You seek to push the boundaries of that which is both known and unknown." a faint note of longing slipped into her words. One hand came up to hold his left shoulder. "I can go far in such a word. I would not see it, and what you represent, come to an untimely end."
"Pragmatism, then." he said.
She laughed. "Did you expect anything less?"
"Bold of you to say such, witch." the reply hadn't come from him, but the hand now perched upon Renna's shoulder. "You dare to trespass upon that which is mine...I like it. Mind if I steal him back...?"
"But of course." Renna sketched a deep curtsy. Her eyes met his. "Until next time, my lord."
By the way she said that, he had the feeling next time might come sooner than he wished...
She turned and left them as they were.
The moment she was gone, Naruto rounded on Marika. "You set that up."
"Lady Renna and I are...allies of convenience at present." She watched the snow witch retreat to the children's table to harass poor Ranni. "You should feel honored. She seldom speaks to anyone unless she deems them worthy. Her standards are exacting."
"Can we trust her?
The queen shrugged. "She will serve her own self interests above all...and those happen to align with ours at present.
His brow furrowed and he waved a passing server down, snagging a pair of goblets for them both. "Is that a no?"
"Its a maybe." Marika sipped languidly at her wine. "I have plans for her. She shall serve in her own way; be it in court...or our bed."
Naruto nearly choked on his own drink. "Do you want a threesome that badly?!"
"Four hands, my dear consort." She grinned at him. "Four. Does the prospect not excite you?" A pale hand traced his bicep. "Doesn't it make you...curious?"
In a morbid way perhaps, but-no. He pushed it aside. "Maybe."
She pounced. "Just think what your children would be like...
"Huh. They'd look pretty nice actually...
"Oi! Stop getting baby happy, the both of you! And don't give me that look, Marika!'
"As you wish." She took the loss for what it was and tugged at his arm, leading him aside. "You needn't bed her now. will be much to do in the coming years."
"Already planning ahead, are we?"
"But of course." She scoffed. "I have not kept my throne this long by being an idle ruler."
A blond brow rose. "The omens and others races might have something to say about that, Marika."
"Yes, well!' here at last a pretty pink flush graced her face. "That is mine sin to bear. But you!" she surprised him, stepping in to kiss him fiercely and tweak his hindquarters in revenge besides. "You have changed things, my dear consort eteranl. There's no going back now."
There it was again; the faint suspicion that she was keeping some secret or other from him. It shouldn't bother him. It was simply her way.
And yet...
"Earlier, Renna called me the second Elden Lord." he pulled her closer. "What happened to the first?"
Marika went still in his arms. "Too clever by half, that girl...
"Marika."
"I made...an error." She spoke haltingly, uncertain of her words for the first time in a long while. "You're right. There was another lord before him. His name was Godfrey, your predecessor. I loved him for a time. Godwyn, Morgott and Mohg, they are his sons."
He'd always wondered about that...
"We had a plan, he and I," Marika continued apace, "A grand scheme that saw him hounded from the capital...a plan that has long since changed. "I sent him and his away so that they could wage war in foreign lands and grow strong through hardship and death. One day they shall return to fulfill the promise I set them. I have sent missives to him in the Badlands. He is a man of honor. It is my belief that he will understand."
"And if he doesn't?"
Her eyes eyes flashed. "Then you shall see firsthand my skill with this hammer!"
An army, he realized. She's building an army.
But for what? To usurp the Greater Will? Why not just say so? Unless she couldn't? Was it watching them even now? He'd gone into the Erdtree and had words with it before, thought the matter of conquest settled, but if Marika was actively building up her forces to rebel against the bloody thing...he didn't know how he felt about that.
"I've upset you." Marika tutted, seeing his pensive expression. "Let us shelve this conversation for another time. Perhaps you should check in on the children in the meantime...?
He craned his neck back.
From here he could see an armored wolf -Malekith!- fussing over a starstruck Malenia and the other children while a bemused Morgott looked on, but...
.
..
...where was Miquella?
Cold dread seized his heart.
No one held any answers for him.
He couldn't sense him. As if he'd simply vanished. "I thought he was with you!"
Marika's frown mirrored his own and in it, he caught a glimmer of concern. "He isn't."
And then all at once he could sense him again; a burning brand blazing in the back of his mind.
Naruto flung his goblet aside and took off in a tear of gold, blasting down the hall. Servants scurried out the way. Doors whistled by. He found the right one in an instant and flung it open, took the room in at a glance.
This one was One of those empty chambers they kept on hand for guests, all gleaming upholstery and a grand bed besides. And there, seated at the foot of it, engaged in a lively debate with Mohg of all people-
"Miquella?!"
"Oh, hello, father." his son offered a genteel smile. "I'm sorry, did we worry you?"
"If so, I apologize," Mohg stood and sketched a hasty boy. "We were just discussion the matter of-
Naruto didn't give him the chance to finish. Three swift steps carried him forward, brought Mohg well within arm's reach. An open palm swung out, snatched the Omen up by his collar, and slammed him against the wall. A pained yelp filled the air. He ignored it, all but dragging him upright. "I couldn't sense you! Either of you! What did you do?!"
"That was my doing." Miquella confessed. "Mohg spirited me away, and wished for us to have some privacy. I suggested a concealing spell."
It did nothing to quell the panicked rage bleating in Naruto's head. Something was wrong here-or had been-but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Neither of them were lying, moreover, Mohg wasn't making any attempt to extricate himself from his grasp. If anything, the Omen looked terrified. As well he should be!
...take him like that again and I'll have your head."
Mohg nodded eagerly. Too much so. "Yes, yes of course, I am your loyal servant-
Naruto dropped him. "Mohg."
The Omen winced. "Yes, m'lord?"
He all but jerked his head to the side. "Get."
Mohg got.
Naruto let him rush past -quelled the urge to snuff out his life!- and counted to ten. Slowly. Only then did he dare speak again. "We're leaving."
Miquella hopped off the bed and followed with a patient sigh. "You can't kill him, Father."
Naruto thumped a wall with his fist as they walked. The pain helped center him. "Can't I? He's given me good reasont o."
"You can," Miquella allowed with a shake of the head, acting so much like his mother that he found himself given pause, if only for a moment, "But you shouldn't. Annoying as he may be, killing him will paint you as a brute and will weaken your position. He commands a sizable faction at court."
"None of whom I saw tonight." he could feel his anger cooling, but he refused to let go of it.
"Of course you didn't." was that a hint of anger in his son's voice, or had he imagined it. "Unlike the dragons, the followers of the Formless Mother are not yet welcome under the Erdtree's grace due their...practices. The same could be said of those who follow the Gloam-Eyed Queen. There is also the matte of the Omens and the sirens...
Naruto knew a distraction when he heard one. "It doesn't change the fact that he took you!"
"Mohg did kidnap me, yes, but his intent was to talk." Placid eyes met his, serene as a calm ocean. "Nothing more. He's an awkward sort and likely couldn't think of any other way to get my attention. If he did have any untoward intentions toward me, I would've rebuffed him."
...hmmph." it seemed a flimsy excuse, but his son wasn't lying; Miquella truly did believe he was telling the truth. "Morgott doesn't have these problems."
"Morgott is loyal to Mother, and by definition, the Golden Order." Leave it to his son to be the voice of reason.
"What did Mohg want with you, anyway?"
"Well," here at last, his son's face became pensive, "He asked me about you."
Balls. This was even worse than he'd thought. Naruto nearly missed a step and walked into a wall. "Excuse me?"
"You." Miquella continued apace, navigating the corridors with ease. "He wanted to know of your origins, where you hailed from, what you liked, what your dislikes were...
Naruto felt his brow furrow. "Why?"
"I do not know for certain." his son shrugged. "I believe he wishes to impress you."
Why in blazes would Mohg of all people be asking after him? "He's done the opposite of that tonight."
"A fact I shall be sure to tell him." Miquella hesitated. Dithered a moment now, much to his chagrin. "I do not think he means any harm. Who can say? Nevertheless, I shall remain on my guard."
It wasn't enough for Naruto, not by half. "We'll step up your training."
Malenia would've bolted by now. Miquella at least had the good grace to blanch. "Father, no."
"Father, yes!" He gave him a light shake. "You need to be able to defend yourself. That silver tongue of yours won't save you everytime...
This was his home now.
No one would harm his loved ones.
If they did, they'd learn to fear the Fox.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
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 think.
Once again, SPOILERS AHOY!
Seriously, ye be warned~!
(Previews)
"I swear, she's obsessed with getting me a harem."
"She can hear you just fine." Marika drapped herself over him with a pleased pur. "Come now, you act as if it is a sin to spread your bloodline throughout the world."
...it ain't."
"Then do not treat it as such." She pulled him back to the bed and straddled his hips. "If I have my way, I shall see your descendants more numerous than the stars themselves. Do you not wish for more children? Little Malenia and Miquella are growing older...
"Take the girl!"
...heed my words." she drew herself upright with a sigh. "I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat. I came here in good faith, but I will not allow you to pursue this madness of yours."
"Ignore her! Stupid brat's alone and without her guards. This is our chance! For our new Lord! For the-
Malenia leaped upward and the man's words died an ugly death. She hung there for a moment, blade in hand, defying gravity itself. Her attackers looked on aghast. More so when they realized there was suddenly more than one of her; two perfect copies rising from the smoke flanking them in a perfect triangle.
She granted them a thin smile, eyes flashing beneath her golden Valkyrie helm.
And then she was upon them.
Triple Waterfowl Dance.
Miquella lowered his fist. Considered the ruin before him.
He at least managed to look sheepish.
"Oops."
"I really hate this thing."
Sighing, he walked into the Erdtree. Time for a chat with the Greater Will...
"A challenger at our gates? How quaint."
"He says he's a messenger...for someone called the Gloam-Eyed Queen."
Marika smiled. It was not a pleasant smile. "Finally got too big for her britches, did she? Perhaps I should send Maliketh after her...
"Godwyn's been acting strange...
"I'll have a word with him.
"Hammer down!"
"Aaaaand that is why you never piss off your mother."
R&R~!