A/N: Warning, this note's a bit...raw.
Might have some more free time soon. Why, you ask? Read on.
Ever had a job you hate? We've all been there once or twice, I suppose.
You dedicate YEARS to a career, a chosen field. Maybe you even find a job that makes you happy; you rise through the ranks, you actually begin to enjoy your job-until someone comes along, mucks it up, and puts all that hard work to waste.
Suddenly, its all sour, and you can't take it anymore. Nearly a sodding decade, wasted.
In conclusion, I might be leaving one of the two jobs I currently have. Not by choice. Won't bore you with the details; I'm really angry right now, so this chapter might be a bit...sharper than usual. I usually try not to let my emotions/physical pain cloud my writing. I'll try to write some more happy stuff to offset the crap I'm dealing with.
What a daaaay...here's hoping it ends well on the work front. If not...I'm probably just gonna go home and cry for a bit.
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 at the time of writing this -holidays are right around the corner!- 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.
Only a few questions, comments, and concerns this time.
Q: Update schedule?
A: Always with this question. It never ends...fine.
Elden Ring is done for the month of October; next two days should be Bleach and RWBY.
November will have Shield Hero, MHA, Edgerunners, so on and so forth...
Q: Why is Mohg so focused on Naruto?
A: Why indeed...?
A: I feel the need to reiterate that Miquella and Malenia aren't cursed in this story. That occurred in canon because they were born from Radagon and Marika. The outer gods saw a chance to screw with them, and so the twins were cursed. Here? No such thing.
The twins are powerhouses, are growing stronger every day.
Unfortunately, that means things have changed.
How, you ask? Read and see.
Q:...we haven't seen the last of Renna, have we?
A: Nope~!
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.
"Let us leave a legacy. Something to be remembered by.
That is why are all here in the first place, is it not?
To make our mark upon the world."
~?
Hammer Down
Time waits for neither mortal nor god.
There was a certain irony to be had there, Naruto felt. Time was the one thing he'd never cared for in the past. Why would he? Those of the Uzumaki clan had an absurdly long lifespan to begin within; and that was before he'd met Marika. Since then he'd become all but a god in blood thanks to his time in the Lands Between. Yet now he found himself wishing he had more of it. It almost felt like a dream.
Where had it all gone? Five years, vanished in the blink of an eye.
The twins were getting older. Stronger.
"Yaaaah!"
And yet in some ways, they were so very much the same.
Cold steel whistled in at his neck, unleashing a shockwave in its wake. Stray strands of golden hair fluttered the ground as he evaded it. He swayed half an inch to the right and felt the breeze of her blade whistle harmlessly by. Glimpsed his own smiling reflection grinning back at him within in Malenia's blessed blade as it hurtled past his head. Fast. She'd improved once again, he'd give her that. At this rate she'd be able to topple buildings with a single swing.
"Scary little redhead...
"So you've chosen a longsword this time, hmm?" his spine arched near parallel to the ground for all of an instant, kicking back to vault away now when she cut out at his legs. "Wise choice." he alighted upon a nearby pillar some yards away, only to hop off when she cut that in half, too. "It helps you make up for your lack of reach. However!"
Malenia blitzed.
Rather than retreat Naruto stepped aside and swung a foot out to trip her up. In her haste to get at him, she blundered right into it, turning her impressive charge into a stuttering stumble that left her wide open. In the same instant Naruto pivoted and brought a fist swinging down on his daughter's head with an anvil's worth of weight.
To her credit, Malenia tried to course correct. Really, truly did. She just wasn't quite quick enough. The very moment she saw his arm swing back she gave up all pretense of attack and herself to the side. Exactly as he knew she would. He tracked with the movement and his fist thundered down into her still-too-large helm, knocking it over her eyes to blind her. She went down with a girlish yelp to clutch at her head.
He watched her for a moment. "What did you do wrong?"
She lifted her helmet to scowl at him. "That hurt."
"Its meant to." He waved his fist before her face. "I'll say it again. What did you do wrong?"
Her brow furrowed, squinting in the afternoon sunlight. "I tried to dodge...?"
"Precisely." He booped her nose with a finger. "Do or do not. There is no try. When you act, commit yourself to it. You need to work on your footwork."
Her face closed down. "I'll get better."
Of that he had no doubts. She made his younger self seem slow by comparison. Give her a few more years, time to polish her skills, see the world, become a little less worldly and...well. She'd make a remarkable warrior someday. Perhaps even a queen when Marika grew tired of ruling. She might even find someone to rule beside her in the far-flung future.
Kurama huffed. "You just want grandkids."
"I wouldn't say no...
"I know you will." he reached down for her and she grasped his hand, pulling herself upright. "Why do you insist on wearing that ridiculous helmet?"
"I'll grow into it eventually." she adjusted it with a rueful look. "Didn't you tell me to protect my head in combat?"
"I did," he granted her a bemused nod. "But that thing's still a little too...you know."
Malenia removed her valkyrie helm and hugged it to her chest, suddenly afraid he'd take it away. "Master Hugh made it for me."
Naruto considered it with a frown. Watched her now as she donned it anew. "Hmm...
THUNK.
"Ow!" Little Malenia recoiled with a yelp, cradling her head once more. "What was that for?!"
"Testing its integrity." he withdrew his steaming fist. "I've hit that thing twice now, and still not a dent. Old smith knows his stuff."
"But it hurt!"
"You still have your head, don't you?"
"Father!" She pouted. "You're not this rough with Miquella."
A low tremor rattled the other side of capital, punctuated by low laughter.
"You're right." Naruto grinned, even as Malenia balked. "Marika's even harder on your brother. Now move."
His fist scythed down before she could protest, splintering the floor and forcing her to scramble away or be mowed down.
"Pain is something to be avoided ordinarily, but if you can take it," he whirled when she slashed at him, letting him drawing a bloody line across his white tunic. "You gain an opportunity. Case in point!"
His arm hooked around her chin, snapping her head back.
"LARIAT!"
Malenia rocked backward in a mottled red blur of silk. The comet that was her body struck the southernmost wall of the courtyard with an awful crunch, cratering it. She hung there, back crushed against the stone, arms trapped against her sides. Her sword clattered to the floor out of reach. It would be of no help to her now.
A better father would've given her time to recover.
Enemies wouldn't give her that time. Malenia wouldn't find her true strength unless her back was, quite literally, against the wall.
'Sorry, kiddo. Might have to get a bit rough.
Naruto stormed in after her and delivered a devastating right hook.
An open palm caught his fist. Against all odds, she managed to hold him back.
Scarlet sparks stemmed from her shoulders as he looked on, burning a bright cherry red.
"What was that for?!" Malenia's head snapped up, golden eyes stained a startling shade of amber. "You almost killed me just now!"
"Ahhh, and there it is. We just had to make her angry."
"Almost?!" Naruto grinned despite it and swung down with his other fist, forcing his fiery daughter to catch that one, too. "Almost doesn't count, daughter of mine!"
Radiant wings of pure crimson chakra burst forth from little Malenia's shoulders, buffeting him away. Unsatisfied with her Pyrrhic victory, his daughter growled and burned brighter still, scorching her way free from the wall altogether. She alighted one one knee, fumbling for her sword. A hand came up to clamp her face as she panted harshly for breath.
Naruto hummed in appreciation.
"Don't be afraid to use that power." he grinned down at her. "Its yours as much as it is mine. It responds to your emotions, remember?"
She grimaced and reached up to rub a glowing shoulder. "Feels like cheating."
"It really isn't. You were born with it."
In truth it was something of a miracle Malenia possessed it at all; to have inherited even a tiny portion of his power alongside his chakra was a miracle in and of itself. Her faux-chakra-cloak didn't quite live up to the same moniker as his; it was more a shroud that clung to her body and mirrored her movements like armor. It would never be quite so potent as his, but it spoke further to her status as an Empyrean.
He really was raising a little godling, wasn't he? The thought made him smile. She'd be untouchable in a few years.
"Now hop to it, or no desert tonight!"
Malenia righted herself and lunged at him. "Why...you...!"
Father and daughter collided and grappled with one another once more; wrestling, gold versus red.
His knee crashed into hers, forcing them apart.
"You need to more poise." he chided, warding her blows away while he spoke. "Fight harder." Pinched fingers caught her blade and swung it away. "Better. Faster. Stronger. Use every ounce of your training to defeat me, every technique at your disposal. You need to get stronger while you still can. I won't always be here to help you."
Her lips thinned. "Yes, you will."
Kurama sighed. "Oh, my sweet summer child. Even gods die eventually."
Malenia stomped a foot, unaware of what he'd just said, but sensing the sentiment all the same. "You'll always be here! Don't act like your leaving!"
Oh, dear. He'd stepped on a bit of a landmine here, hadn't he? Might be best to backtrack before things got worse. "I ain't. I just want you to be prepared for anything."
She scuffed a shoe against the floor and looked to him with watery eyes. "...promise?"
Aw. She looked so small in that moment.
He opened his arms.
"C'mere."
She rushed into his arms and latched on for dear life. Naruto bit back a rueful smile; knowing that to speak now would have her sputtering and snarling at him. Such a needy little daughter he had. She tried to act tough, to play the part of the stoic Empyrean that she was meant to be. She just couldn't quite muster it. He reached down to pat her back, stroking her long hair.
"There, there, you're alright...
...he feared the day she and Miquella received their Shadows. It would be coming soon.
Ranni had gained Blaidd early as a child, likely because she'd been the only Empyrean in the Lands Between at the time. But more and more, the Greater Will turned its gaze toward Malenia and Miquella. He might have to teach that twiggy-tree-god another lesson before it got too uppity.
But that was a matter for another time.
"I need you to be strong." he spoke slowly instead, choosing his words with great care." You can do that, right?"
She stepped back with a tiny hiccup. "...yes.
"That's my girl." he patted her head. "Then show me."
Her eyes narrowed into golden slits, shimmering with willpower.
"That's it." he smiled and let her go.. "That's the look. Come on, then.
His daughter drew her blade back, running one hand across the longsword.
"Show me."
She darted forward, hopped up on one foot, seemed to linger in the very air like a graceful butterfly-nope! He caught her by the ankle, swinging her away. She landed hard on her rear. Bounced once. Scowled his way. This time he didn't pursue. A golden hand waved, ushering her upright. Taking a moment to comport herself, she did just that.
"Again."
Malenia drew back.
This time, she kept her distance.
Leaped up into the air, hung there, defying gravity itself.
He grabbed for her again, only for his fingers to close around so much smoke. Good. She'd finally used a jutsu. He'd have to hammer that habit into her.
Sure enough, she triumphant cry echoed behind him. "Waterfowl dance!"
"Oi!" he scowled. "What did I tell you about shouting out the name of your attaaaaacks?!"
His words warped into a startled laugh as his daughter dove on him, raining down dozens of strikes in an instant. Blocking was a mistake. They hammered through his guard and cut his into his hands, arms, even his chest wasn't spared the bloody assault.
Then she was past, skidding by, rounding on him with a look of absolute horror.
"Father?!" she hastened to his side, fumbling in her pack for a roll of bandages. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt-
"M'fine." he straightened with a sigh, pumping chakra into his wounds. They'd closed by the time he stood fully. "See? No harm, no foul."
She fretted a little. "Truly?"
"Oi, oi! Have some faith in your old man."
'Though it was a bit of a close thing there at the end...
Another explosion rattled the courtyard before she could call his bluff.
Malenia craned her neck towards it. "Was that Miquella? I wonder how he fares...
Naruto suppressed a grimace as Marika's laughter ran through the air. "I'm sure your brother is...fine."
(.0.0.0.)
Hammer go down!
Not the most eloquent of thoughts, that, but Miquella found it rather prevalent given said hammer was trying to squash him flat. He flung himself forward, rolling under the blow, felt the wind of her weapon's passing rush over his head as he tumbled to the cobblestones. A knife slid down his sleeve and landed in his waiting hand. There! She was overextended from her swing, and he was inside her guard. He swung upright, a blur of black robes and pale gold. If he struck now-
It availed him naught.
By the flash of her golden eyes, Mother saw his tactic.
She countered with speed and aplomb.
Up became down.
He must've blacked out at some point; for he woke to find himself sprawled out in the yard. Listless clouds wafted across the blue sky to bask in the gaze of the Erdtree. Gazing at them brought him some small manner of peace-if not necessarily from the pain currently aching through his skull.
"Truly, thou hast improved, my son." Marika's voice congratulated and taunted him in equal measure. "Once upon a time, such a blow would have kept thee down."
How nice of her to say. Pity he couldn't feel anything.
"Oh my," he heard her coo. "Giving up already? Were you not the one who asked for this?"
Miquella groaned an imprecation where he lay. He had asked for such, yes. Mayhap this was a mistake. Better to train with Radahn, Morgott, or even Father in a pinch. At least they didn't break his everything!
"Ha!" He didn't miss mother's peal of laughter. "Thou becomest more like thine father every day."
...is that a compliment?"
More laughter.
"Perhaps." Mother raised her weapon and saluted, turning the hammer like a key in the lock before them. "Now let us see if you can evade...this."
Motes of golden light rose from the ground, growing larger with each passing moment. Miquella noticed it and blanched.
She wasn't going to give him time to rest. Moreover, he recognized that spell.
Elden Stars.
Alone each ember of light did little more than sting, but together they could overwhelm the unprepared. And in Mother's hand...!
"Do dodge this, dear boy~!"
Miquella tumbled aside as a searing beam of coruscating light savaged the space he'd just vacated.
Marika met him with laughter and her hammer as he tumbled to his feet. Her swings split heaven and rent the earth, each bringing with it an arc of golden light. No escape. Her hammer was here, there, everywhere; for every blow he dodged another hurtled through to smack him about. In desperation he grabbed at her hammer, locking it in place against his side. He realized his mistake a moment later when she laughed. Her fist filled his vision.
Mother didn't need strategy, but that didn't mean she couldn't employ such when it suited her.
And he'd blundered right into her trap.
No time to dodge!
Miquella closed his eyes and pulled upon the natural energies around him, just as he'd been taught.
Golden eyes burned brighter still, hints of orange dust licking at the edges of his eyelids.
And he struck.
His fist flew forth in a singular lunge and for once, he struck true. Clenched knuckles barreled into Mother's solar plexus. She grunted in surprise. Then she was gone, her back struck a tree and drilled through it, sending her tumbling across the yard. Through the chapel, now. Into a building...and another...
Miquella lowered his fist. Considered the ruin before him.
Winced now, as Mother dragged herself out of it.
He at least managed to look sheepish.
"Oops."
Marika's head snapped up.
"Mother, wait! I didn't mean to-
She was upon him a moment later.
Strong arms closed around him. Hefted him from the floor. "My baby boy! I'm so proud of thee!"
(.0.0.0.)
"You look pleased...?"
Marika was waiting when Naruto came to bed.
Sprawled out beneath silken sheets she awaited him, body limned by the faint light of the full moon. He couldn't tell if she was wearing anything underneath. Naruto paused on the threshold of their chamber, briefly struck by the sight of her as he sometimes was these days. In times such as these, the moniker of "Eternal" really did stick with him. She just didn't seem to age.
She was smiling, too. So was he, he realized. Right, she'd asked him a question, hadn't she...?"
"I am." he sat beside her with a small smile. "Malenia actually managed to hurt me today."
"Did she, now?" she beamed back, wearing a spritely grin of her own. "Dear Miquella sent me flying with a single punch."
Naruto bit his lip. "Sounds like him."
"He also swore at me."
He scoffed. "No!"
"Yes!" She thumped a fist against the bed. "The boy seems to be picking up your habits, husband."
They shared a laugh at that.
"Will you not come to bed?" she cooed softly.
Tempting. So very tempting. "I just wanted to check in with you. I still need to have a word with...
Marika raised the sheet with languid grace. She wasn't wearing anything beneath it.
His throat went dry. "Well, that's one way to win an argument."
Her eyes flashed. "Come here before I come to you."
She grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked.
Clothes flew through the air.
In a matter of moments they fell into a familiar rhythm. Some much say such familiarity often breeds contempt. Not so. He'd come to enjoy the little barbs they flung at one another. The constant teasing, the pranks that followed, the bites, the kisses...
He rolled over.
"Have you given any thought to what we discussed?" Marika's voice pierced the silence, startling him a she cupped her breasts. "A third would certainly make things...interesting."
'I swear, she's obsessed with getting me a harem...
"Shecan hear you just fine." Marika drapped herself over him again with a pleased purr and too late, he realized he'd said the words aloud. "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 down 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...
He turned away with a sigh...wait.
There was a lump in the bed. A decidedly human-shaped lump. He'd not noticed it before, lost in passion as they were. Their bed was large, after all.
His gaze snapped to hers. "You didn't."
"Didn't what, dear consort of mine?" Marika's face as the very picture of innocence. He distrusted it at once. "Whatever do you mean?"
Naruto twitched.
He tumbled off her, yanked the sheet back and found...
.
..
...only pillows beneath. Pillows arranged to resemble a vague human figure. He released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. For a moment he thought she'd actually done something terribly foolish. Just another one of her pranks, then. She'd gotten him good."
"Oh?" Marika's chin came down over his shoulder. "Aren't we jumpy today?"
He scoffed and shook her off. "You're messing with me again.
"Indeed, I think I outdid myself this time."
She really had. For a moment there he thought there was someone else in here. He rolled his eyes. "I'll show you doing."
Her smile hadn't shrunk at all. Wait. Why was she still...?"
Marika snapped her fingers. The door opened.
Someone stepped through.
Clad in a thin azure gown, her skin gleamed in the moonlight. He had time enough to note a gossamer thin golden gown, pal blue skin, four arms, dark hair...
"Renna!?"
"..."
She stood there before them, hesitant, refusing to meet his gaze. She seemed like a skittish colt, ready to bolt if he so much as twitched. Where had she been hiding? Why was she here?! No nevermind, why was she dressed like that?!
Marika made a pleased noise behind him. "My, my, 'tis rare that I can fool thee twice in one evening. Hast thou been slacking?"
Naruto choked. She'd set this up somehow, concealed Renna from him until the last instant. Wasn't hard to imagine why.
Marika was having none of their silence. "Don't just stand there, girl. Come in."
Naruto made a strangled sound.
"'Tis just one night, beloved." she stroked his arm. "What's the harm?"
"Besides the fact that the kids'll be confused?
"Methinks thou doth protest too much."
"And you not enough! "
Make not that face." she kissed his neck, drawing a shiver from him. Renna took the chance to climb into their bed. "I nearly dragged Rennala into this, but alas, she remains ever loyal to Radagon. A shame, I would have liked to her her scream...
His throat went dry.
No, no, no. Not thinking about that. There were certain lines a man didn't cross.
"Renna wants a child, dear." Marika barreled on, startling him. "Does the thought not entice you?"
"Why are you being so stubborn about this?!"
"Because nothing else will get through to you. Our children are nearly of an age, Beloved." she moved to embrace him from behind, preventing him from grabbing at her. "Soon they will move on, out into the great wild world." her lips planted another kiss to his cheek. "When that time comes, we will be alone again. I am not yet ready for that. I will go to any lengths to avoid it."
His eyes snapped to her stomach. "Are you...?"
"Nay." she smiled. "I am not...
Naruto heaved a sigh. "You're gonna give me a heart attack at this rate."
...yet."
He flung up his arms. "Marika!"
"Naruto~!" she sang back. "You shall get both of us with child here, tonight. You have no say in the matter."
His eyes flitted to the door. "...I could walk."
Marika called his bluff in an instant. "If thou truly felt that way, ye would've left the moment Renna entered the room."
Renna silently settled down into his lap. He tried to ignore just how good that felt. "You're really set on this."
"I am. But first...
She snapped her fingers and quite suddenly Renna found herself trapped beneath them, hands bound above her to the headboard by golden bands.
The snow witch made a baffled noise. "What is the meaning of this?! This is not what we agreed upon!"
"No? I believe it is. Marika leaned in, eyes half-lidded with delight. "Remember what I promised you?" A predatory smile tugged at her lips, hunger threading its way into her voice. "I said I, would break you. I can think of no better time than this." a finger stripped away her gown, running over the witch's pale, bare breast. "You wish for a child? This is my price. Is it not a fair one?"
Renna growled at the Queen. "You will not find me so easily cowed in this."
Marika grinned. "I am well aware. That's what makes it so fun...
She descended upon her.
A/N: Aaaand scene. Might post the mature version on A03 if enough folks want it.
That scene was most likely a one-off, most folks don't want this to be a massive harem, so...
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others.
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)
"Papa!"
The carriage rocked.
Malenia sighed. "Honestly. They never learn.
"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.
"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."
"I really hate this thing."
Sighing, he walked into the Erdtree. Time for a chat with the Greater Will...
"If she will not be the vessel of the Rot, then we shall find another. All shall ROT!"
"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."
"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."
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. Meaning, if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. If the story itself isn't popular? I'll likely discontinue it. I'm working two jobs -holidays are kicking my ass!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!