A/N: Apologies for my absence, and sorry if this seems short. I'm in a lot of pain. T_T
Writer's block is an evil, VILE thing I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. It certainly doesn't help that Long Covid has been doing my head in, to say nothing of my lungs.
Not feeling my best with yet another damn HOLE in my side...but I've been watching Hazbin Hotel while recovering. Alastar is...entertaining.
Long story short, I had to get a massive swathe of skin on my side cut off the other day because my doctors are concerned and checking for cancer. And when I say cut, I mean CUT as in with several scalpels at once, leaving me in horrendous pain. Now I may need to go back to the hospital and get yet more "pieces" removed which has me stressed out even more. Don't get me started about the bleeding and the bandages. Painkillers aren't helping,
I've since had more pieces carved away on my chest, neck and NOW my arms and legs besides. In other words. I. Am. Suffering. Writing distracts me from the pain, if only just.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. They're tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me.
We'll keep the clarification up here for Naruto and Malenia's "children" since there are a LOT of names floating around right now. Nania's really the only OC here. The rest of Malenia's daughters do actually exist in the game. First and foremost we have the adorable Nania and Millicent. Mary is the eldest, wielding her halo scythe with ease. Maureen comes second, with a heavy-treespear. Amy, would be third with her curved swords. Polyanna is the youngest, having a dagger.
Miracle of Sound's newest Malenia song, Purest Gold, really helped kick me into high gear for this.
Be sure and give it a listen. The buildup is blood good.
Now then, let us continue.
"I AM AN UNCLE! I MUST TELL EVERYONE!"
~Over Fallen Leaves.
To be Known
"Awwww! He's just a big softy!"
"Uncle, uncle! Pick me up!"
"No, me, me!
"Me first!"
"ME!"
Naruto watched the strange scene unfold before him with a small smile, eyes half-lidded in amusement as his "daughters" crawled all over an increasingly baffled Radahn. The recently recovered general found himself at a loss and as such, quite powerless to refuse the demands of his needy nieces. They wanted all the hugs, all the kisses, all the attention. Any attempts to overrule them were doomed to failure. He knew from experience. It was difficult enough to tell Nania no on a good day, but to fend off five others at the same time?
Yeah, no. Poor bastard never stood a chance.
Almost made him wish he had a camera, ya know? Darn shame those didn't exist in this world.
Malenia tilted her head beside him. "He's getting swarmed."
"So he is." he chuckled at the man's plight.
"Shouldn't we...well, do something?
"Nah," a wave of hand soothed her fears. "Girls will be girls. Let 'em have their fun."
Nania yawned blearily in his arms, echoing that statement as she tucked her head into his chest. Small wonder she was sleepy; after all, she'd used a fair bit of her power to help him cleanse the Rot within Radahn. Little tyke must be tuckered out. Alas, the same couldn't be said for her sisters.
"Not the beard!"
A rather undignified squawk echoed throughout the square, reminding them that Radahn wasn't the only one trapped down there. "Uncle" Jerren was utterly at a loss as well; which was rather amusing in and of itself, given he'd lost that ridiculous helmet of his, which meant everyone could not only look him in the eye without laughing themselves silly, but tug on his rather prominent facial hair as well. The wizened old fellow had tried to intervene on the General's behalf some time ago, only to find himself dragged down by the rambunctious redheads as well.
Ah, well. If it kept him from tearing into Malenia, all the better.
Much of the tension between the two groups seemed to have evaporated overnight, but it wasn't gone, not entirely. Malenia remained anxious to go about righting the rest of her wrongs, forthwith. Credit where it was due there, she was dutiful in nothing else. In her heart of hearts she genuinely wished to make amends.
"I'm going to talk to him."
Not that kind of amends! Bad idea!
"I wouldn't advise thaaaaaaand she's gone."
He slapped a palm to his forehead and, careful not to jostle Nania in his arms, raced after her. Too little, too late. She'd already reached Radahn by the time he thought to intervene. Worse, she laid a hand on the big oaf's knee, practically demanding his attention.
"Brother, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"
Radahn fell silent for a long moment; the grim look on his face somewhat juxtaposed to all his nieces hanging off him. Milicent and the others were silent as the grave, for now the jolly general's countenance could've been carved from stone.
"Forgive?"
He levered himself upright, looming over her.
"Forgive, you...?"
A massive hand rose and she flinched despite herself.
"Forgive you, for all that you've done?"
Naruto tensed, ready to spring into action just in case the general had a change of heart.
There was no need.
Radahn's heavy hand did indeed descend as he feared, but not to attack. He ruffled the Empyrean's hair gently-yet-deliberately, frizzing her long scarlet locks, as an elder brother might their younger sister. Right, he was older than her, wasn't he? Perhaps that was why Malenia made a startled noise, one that only multiplied as the great goliath reeled her forward into a one-armed embrace.
"There is nothing left for me to forgive, little sister."
Her face crumpled. "But everything I did...!"
"Has already been forgiven." he replied.
Naruto moved forward-
"Let it be." Kurama's response stayed his feet. "Its high time someone lanced the poison from this wound."
"It shouldn't be forgiven!" Malenia tried to reel back, but his grasp on her was ironclad and she could only glare up at him. "Not so easily! I destroyed Caeldi! I'm a monster! I-
"Who decided that?" Radahn's voice rumbled over hers, deep and resonant. "You're a monster? You deserve to suffer? Caelid is my domain! I decide such things!" he flicked her forehead with brisk dispatch when she made to protest again, drawing a petulant whine from her lips. "And I say you're forgiven. After all, you wish to make amends and correct your mistakes, no?"
She dared a tremulous nod.
"Then all is well, sister."
Malenia sniffled, warbled once, then burst into tears. Actual tears. Naruto hadn't though she was capable of them anymore. Not like this. Not to this extent. They flowed freely now, pouring down her face in silvery cascade as she crumpled to her knees in a ruined heap as she wailed.
"I'm sorry." she babbled, clutching at herself with both arms."I am so, so, so terribly sorry for all of this...
Her daughters closed ranks around her with Radahn to embrace her, bless their simple souls.
Naruto moved to join them...and hesitated.
Did he have any right to be here? His face closed down at the intrusive thought. He suddenly felt like an intruder here, witness to something he shouldn't be privy to. This was a family matter, something that occurred long before he found himself in the Lands Between. Maybe he should just let them have this, give them their space, ya know?
"Papa?"
Startled, he looked down to find a sleepy Nania tugging at his sleeve.
He set her down for a moment, then swiftly rubbed his face with his sleeve. "Hmm?"
"We did a good thing, right?"
He looked back to Malenia, still bawling her eyes out, but not as loudly now. Ah, he understood. Those were tears of joy, not sadness and sorrow. Happy tears. He never though to see the day. Maybe...maybe he'd helped after all. If he hadn't blundered his way into the Haligtree all those months ago, none of this would've been possible.
"Yeah." he felt his own eyes start to sting a little. "We definitely did."
His daughter made a pleased noise at that. "In that case...pick me up again!"
Need, greedy girl. She didn't have to hop in place like that to get his attention, but she did so any way; and the moment she did, he just had to retrieve her, because he couldn't bear to see that little pout. The very instant he did, she nestled herself against his chest and closed her eyes, content with her place in the world.
By the log, he felt so tired.
Maybe it was time for a nap of his own.
He shook his head and walked away, letting the Family have their moment.
(.0.0.0.)
Malenia found Naruto hiding atop the wall.
Tucked into a corner, Nadia nestled in his arms, sound asleep; the sight nearly made her start weeping again. It didn't feel fair sometimes; just how incredibly blessed she'd been these last few months. She'd always craved a family of her own, and now that desire had been granted an ore. When she looked at Naruto now, her heart fluttered like some flowery maiden, not that of a warrior and maybe, just maybe...
.
...
...that was okay.
"Why did you run away, earlier?
He looked up, careful to keep his voice low, lest he wake their daughter. "Just...thinking."
She sat beside him without invitation. "Might I intrude upon your thoughts?"
His smile hurt her heart. "You know you don't gotta ask."
...my apologies. Old habits. She looked down to Nania, sound asleep in his arms and marshalled her thoughts. "You should be down there with us and...thank you."
Her whiskered warrior made a confused noise. "For what?"
"I've waited so long for someone like you-no, wait." she shook her head, dispelling his dark doubts. "That's not quite it. I've waited waited so long for YOU, carried on for you, lingering in my dreams to avoid the pain of being alone. And now I never will be again. Its finally started to sink in for me.
His visage softened. "Malenia-
"No, let me finish before I lose my nerve." a hand touched her bosom, squeezing into a fist just above it. "Before you came along, I was nothing. No, less than nothing-
A chuckle shook her resolve. "That even possible?"
"Let me finish! I just wanted to say...thank you." she took ahold of his hand with her false limb to avoid hurting him, and gingerly brought it up to her cheek."For this; for all of it. For finding me. For loving me. For saving me. Thank you." How she wished she could feel his fingers within her own!"
She didn't miss the flash of sudden trepidation in his eyes. "You make it sound like you're going somewhere."
As he would, someday, if he kept searching for his friend. The inevitable loomed large between them.
No! He couldn't leave. He must never, ever leave; because if he left, she would surely shatter.
And then the Rot would creep back in.
Her hand tightened around his. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
"I...good." he released a breath. "That's good. Had me worried there, for a second."
As he had worried her. It seemed so simple. And yet...
His hand touched hers. "Malenia, I-
"Mother!" Milicent hurtled up the stairs and around the bend before he could finish giving voice to her hope. "There you are!"
Her brow furrowed. "What is it now?"
"I nearly forgot!" she darted forward, something held in her hand. "Miquella wanted me to give you this. In all the chaos, it slipped my mind."
She held out her hand, revealing a pale golden handkerchief and there, within was a needle, unlike any they had ever seen.
"It won't last very long," she babbled shyly. "Maybe a day or so at most, but you should be able to touch-
Malenia ripped it from her grasp and slammed it into her side. It slid between her ribs with ease and alongside it came...sensation? Was that the right word? All her senses, once muted and numb, woke up again. She felt alive, awake, aware as she hadn't been in years. Looking down at her hands, she glanced about. "Did it work?"
Naruto was watching her closely. Closely indeed. Very.
"One way to find out."
"...!"
Bracing herself for failure, she touched his face, gently at first, ready to draw back if he winced at all in pain. When he didn't, her gaze narrowed, eyes becoming molten slits of purest amber as she leaned in. She wasn't sure who kissed who first; only that his lips were on hers and suddenly all her worries about him leaving seemed so...small, somehow. The worries of tomorrow could wait. This was far, far, FAR more important.
Desire seized her in its gluttonous grip, passion restrained for many months now surging to the fore.
Milicent gulped and swept Nania out of Naruto's arms. "I'll...just take her to bed then, shall I?"
Malenia drew back and inhaled slowly, taking a deep, shuddering breath. "You'd best."
Her dear daughter nodded and scarpered for the stairs in a bolt of scarlet silk.
Only then did Malenia dare round on Naruto. "Can we go to bed, now?"
He laughed, face red. "If that's alright with you...?"
The last of her restraint shattered.
Permission granted!
She stepped in and drove her lips against his with furious passion, all but crushing him against the nearest wall she could find. Her bosom pressed into his chest. Wings bloomed behind her back, sending beautiful baleful butterflies flitting through the air in a storm of noise. She paid them no heed; because there was no need, because the Rot did not bloom with them; because he was holding her, returning her affection with slow, gentle sincerity, kisses so sweet that she wanted to cry. It was too much. She lost herself.
A hand flitted out, tearing his shirt away in a shower of fabric...
She pressed her lips to his with but a single thought.
Mine.
A/N: There we go.
"Can we go to bed now!" is a reference to Karlach.
That said, would you like weekly updates for this story? Do let me know~!
Well? Should this remain a story? Yay or nay, what say you? Not much else to say this time 'round. Reviews keep me writing, and without them, my inspiration falls flat. Ever bit of feedback helps. Pain hurts. Pain hurts a loooot. But silence from readers and reviewers? That hurts even more. As ever, reviews keep this old man alive during these dark and crazy times. I ain't joking.
Just wanted to thank everyone for their heartfelt support. Covid has...given me a lot to think about.
There are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things, of this site, when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds sometimes. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas... Review...Would You Kindly?
May the make you smile~!
SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Read at your own risk!
Mostly the same here. Didn't want to spoil the next arc.
(Previews)
"Speak, and I will listen."
Gowry grinned. "All part of the plan...
...to what do I owe this visit, Sister?"
Ranni raised her hands. "I would have words with you."
"Bold words, coming from the witch who begot this madness in the first place." She clicked her tongue. "Oh, yes. I know about the night of Black Knives. You were its architect...
Ranni's gaze cooled. "Then you know of what I am capable. I would ask you to stay out of my way."
"You come here, into my home, and threaten me?"
"Not a threat, sister. A warning. I wish no more death between us. Has there not been enough?"
"WARRIOR!"
"Oi, oi, oi! Its too damn early for this!
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
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? Well, 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.
Looking forward to hearing from you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!