A/N: EDIT: Well, that's less feedback than I was hoping for...
I was planning a very early update with the second half of this chapter, too...T_T
Wasn't satisfied with a few scenes, so I expanded them. These longer chapters are killing me fingers.
Nevertheless! Here we go! Generaaaaaaaal Radaaaaaaahn!
I delayed this by two days, polished it up good and proper and added a TON of content as a result. This chapter's an absolute monster to unpack, so I hope you're ready!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story...and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs with ever increasing hours 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.
Two jobs keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Now for thine questions, comments, and concerns.
Q: Don't forget Milicent's sisters! Don't you dare. I won't let ya. Here, I'll even name them for ye. First there's Mary, the eldest. Amy's the third sister. Then we have Pollyanna, the youngest, who you can actually SUMMON against a boss in Caelid now. Didn't know that, did you?! More souls for Naruto to save~!
A: Thanks for that. Forgot their names.
And what's this?! A summon I missed?! Good thing I have a second character made; I'll see if I can track her down...
Q: Give the 'ol general a good sendoff, won't you? He didn't so anything wrong.
A: Can't speak to his fate. You'll just have to read the chapter.
Q: Brooo Melina needs to chill the fuck out.
A: Poor girl needs a lot of things; time to get used to Naruto; time to relax, and time to realize she isn't in danger. Not only is he confounding her at every turn, now she's afraid he might usurp her purpose. Granted he isn't aware of what a "kindling maiden" is, but if Greyroll deigns to tell him...
Worse, she just might. With Ekzykes healed and resting comfortably, she owes our boy a great debt...
Q: Are you only updating Elden Ring now?
A: This again?! Oh for the love of...no! Despite what some may think, I've been a busy bee. I make no excuses; I'll let the chapters do the talking for me. Strike a Match, Practice Makes Perfect, Set Your Heart Ablaze, to say nothing of others...their upcoming chapters need to be long ones. I can't promise perfection, but I'm determined to do my best.
And mind you, I'm doing this with a bad leg. One which may require surgery to fix at this rate.
Q: Therolina please! I know you can do her justice!
A: Ohhhh, the lass we run into at the Radahn Festival? Her? Sure. Why not? I had plans for her, and its gives me no small pleasure to screw over Seluvis.
Q: Neon, no! Don't you do it! Mercy!
A: IMMA DO IT.
Q: He can't possibly save every single soul. Even for Naruto, that's impossible.
A: Come now, he can hardly save everyone...nor is everyone worth saving, but he's certainly going to put his best foot forward. Of course, some deserve no less than death, nay, perhaps death is too good an end for them...
*stares menacingly at the Loathsome Dung Eater, Pidia and Seluvis*
Q: ...just how big is this battle going to be?
A: YES.
Alright then, this old man has kept you long enough! I'll let you enjoy this sappy little story.
As ever, I own no quotes references, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one!
Now then, I'll not keep you. Get ready to smile~!
Minor verbatim for ingame dialogue.
Won't be a thing much longer.
"...I don't think I can do it. Its such a long way to jump."
"Always is. When it matters, it always will be.
You just need a running start."
~A Wise Being.
Festival of War
Milicent was awake.
Naruto noticed at once; if only because he'd been keeping an eye on her as they neared the castle. It wasn't out of distrust, but rather, concern. For reasons he couldn't quite comprehend, Melina didn't seem much fond of the once-rotten girl. Indeed, she went well out of her way to avoid any and all mention of their resident redhead. Almost as if she knew her. Wouldn't even walk near her at that. He sensed a story lurking there, but now wasn't the time for such things.
"Please, water...
Definitely thoughts for later; because once Milicent stirred atop Torrent's and began begging for a drink, he couldn't help himself. He hastened to her side, canteen in hand; even gave her what remained of his field rations to chase down the lukewarm liquid as best he could. She ate sparingly, not once protesting, even when he helped her out the saddle and lowered her to the dirt. No surprise there. Poor thing must've been exhausted.
Not so exhausted to ignore him however; the second he set her down she raised her gaze, golden eyes pinning him.
"You quelled the Scarlet Rot...?"
"More or less." Naruto quirked a brow. "Good afternoon to you, too." when the recovering redhead sputtered to that effect, he craned his neck back, searching for another maiden. "Hey, Melina? Any chance you could get me a...?"
She was already gone, vanishing back into the ether from whence she'd come.
He clicked his tongue and glared at the fading motes of light.
'Sheesh. Who put a bee in her bonnet...?'
"She's awake, then?" Greyroll made a tutting noise behind him. "Good. I shall scout ahead and inspect this fortress while she gets her bearings.."
A rueful chuckle escaped him. "Pretty sure Melina called it a castle."
She shrugged. "'Tis all one and the same to me."
"And if the gate ain't open?"
Her eyes flashed, catlike slits narrowing in draconic glee. "Then I shall knock it down. Come Ekzykes. Let them have their moment."
Having said her peace, the Mother of Dragons sashayed off, leaving her looming son to lumber after her apace. Ekzykes paused a moment to regard Milicent with a giant eye. Abruptly it leaned forward and gave her a soft nudge with its snout. Soft for a dragon, that is.
Milicent squeaked and nearly fell over. Naruto barked a laugh and kept her upright. "Don't mind him. He's a friendly fella once you get to know him."
"This is friendly?!"
"Sure is." he ran a hand over the young dragon's mending scales then gave it a nudging, sending the massive beast stomping after its mother. "See? He's a good boy."
"I beg you forgiveness." Milicent's face flushed at the last as it plodded away. "My apologies for fainting before I could thank you. Its just as you said. The rot...it has ceased to writhe." she reached up to grip her restored arm, seemed shocked to remember it was still there, then comported herself enough to continue. "I may not understand it, but all the voices in my head are...silent. Even the nightmares have abated." a fresh spot of color hit her cheeks and sh ducked her head anew. "I slept like a babe...
"I'll say!" a laugh burst from his lips. "You were out for a while."
Once again, her pale visage darkened with color. "A thousand apologies...
"Don't be embarrassed, its fine." he patted her head without thinking, heedless of the curious noise she made. "How're ya feeling?"
...better." She frowned but a little when his palm pulled away. "Though I can scarcely believe it, I can move as I please." she rubbed her wrist again, doubtless to make certain it was still there. "It is all thanks to you."
Was that...adoration in her eyes? Naruto wasn't sure how to feel about that. The young warrior clearly respected his efforts, but he still couldn't bring himself to look her in the eye and meet the awe there. It wasn't as if he'd done anything particularly noteworthy.
"Anybody would have done the same."
"No." she shook her head, red locks swaying. "You saved me. I will not forget that, so long as I live." She frowned when several strands of hair tickled her nose. "Could you perhaps...?"
"Sure~!"
With deft movements and a bit of cord, he held her bind her hair back into a loose bun.
...my thanks." with her crimson locks out of the way, she looked even more human than before. "I'll never be able to repay you at this rate."
"No problem. Just be careful and try to avoid any sudden moves." he almost didn't want to say it, but he had to warn her all the same. "I'm not sure if I got all that crap out."
Milicent gasped and glared at her arm as though it had betrayed her. For a wild moment she looked as though she might cut it off again. "The rot still remains within me? Even now?"
"Only a little. He made a pinching motion with his thumb and forefinger to reassure her. "If it comes back, I'll wipe it out, same as before."
Her face lit up, and not for the reasons one might expect. Oh. She squirmed beneath his gaze, knees twisting in thinly veiled agitation. "I see...so you'll do that again."
Naruto sputtered at the memory. "...if I have to."
Milicent didn't make a sound. Her flustered expression spoke for her.
Silenced reigned anew. Surprisingly, it was the redhead who finally usurped it.
"There is no way I could ever truly repay you, but," a hand dipped into the pouch at her side, "I would like you to have this, by way of thanks." out came her hand, clutching a golden medallion in her palm. "A mere trifle it might be but it would mean the world to me if you were to take it." trembling fingers pushed it into his own. "Consider it a token of my appreciation."
On a whim, Naruto reached for it. Just holding it made him feel stronger. Strength he didn't necessarily need. What was the point in having more power?
Without so much as a second thought, he pushed it back into her hands. "You keep it."
Milicent flinched. "I beg your pardon?"
"You need it more than me." his fingers closed around hers, forcing her to hold fast to the medallion. "I'm tough enough without it."
She tried to give it to him still, but he wouldn't have. it. I really don't need-
"Yes. You. Do." he stepped back and crossed both arms before his armored chest to rebuff her attempts entirely. "You're still recovering, and I ain't gonna take away something that will help you." A grimace stole over his face as he remembered just where they were headed today. "You'll probably need it in the days ahead."
That spurred a different reaction in the recovering redhead.
"You sound as if you're marching to your death." her lips pursed into a thin line when he didn't deny the possibility. "Just who do you intend to face here?"
Naruto told her in no uncertain terms. Why not? He gained nothing from refraining and everything for being honest.
Unfortunately, said honesty immediately sent Milicent spiraling down into a right and proper panic.
"You wish to fight General Radahn?!" something sparked in those rotten golden eyes. "Alone?!"
"Probably not if Greyroll has anything to say about it, but I will If I gotta."
Milicent climbed unsteadily to her feet. "Allow me to aid you, then."
"Yeah, no." he shook his head. "You just woke up an' all-
Her eyes met his. "I. Will. Aid you."
Don't discard me, her expression seemed to say. Don't cast me aside. Let me be of use to you. Please. I can't bear it.
Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose. Pushy redheads.
Kurama was of no help at all whatsoever here; he wanted nothing to do with this and thus chose to stay silent. Which in turn left the onus of choice with him. He could hardly afford to turn Milicent out into the Wilds as she was now. She might catch the Rot a second time and then where would he be? No, he couldn't turn her away. She'd probably follow him in any case. She seemed the sort for it.
He stepped to her and grabbed her by the shoulder, sending another pulse of chakra through her body to strengthen her further.
Milicent jumped with a yelp, one that was overshadowed by his words. "Fine, you win! But stay close. I mean it!"
She ducked her head a touch and nodded. "As my Lord wills...
"Eh? Lord?" Naruto poked himself in the chest. "Me?"
"That is what you are." the fervent belief in her words, the gleam in her eyes, startled him more than anything else he'd seen in this world. "Only a Lord would go so far as to help a perfect stranger, let alone convince an eclectic band of such as this to work together in pursuit of a common goal. And you bear a Great Rune, do you not?"
He touched a hand to his chest, where Godrick's rune even now pulsed with life. "Well, you're not wrong on that front...
"Do you perhaps have a weapon I could use?" she pressed her advantage before he could think to challenger her other account. "I would prefer a longsword or a katana, if you have such...
Didn't he have one of those? Naruto turned, regarding the bundle on Torrent's bag. He'd scrounged through a few the battlefields they'd passed, leaving his steed's saddlebags full to bursting. She didn't seem the sort for a greatsword, and a shortsword probably wouldn't be enough for someone like her.
"Gimme a sec...
It was the work of moments to find something that would suit her. He'd stumbled upon it by chance when some maniac attacked him near a cave. If it had a name, he didn't know it.
He pressed a slender katana into her hands.
Milicent accepted it, unsheathed the blade, and cut a quick slice through the air. A blade of light burst forth to annihilated a nearby boulder with ease; leaving its severed halves to slide apart and crash down into the rot ridden dirt. Naruto blinked. Curious, she sheathed it again and repeated the process twice more, producing an arc of blue transience each time.
"This...is Moonveil." she whispered quietly, sheathing it for the final time, "An ancient glinstone blade forged by a Selian sorcerer in times long past. Where did you find this?"
Naruto shrugged. "By chance?"
Her gaze met his. "No one's that lucky."
"Maybe I am?" he offered a selfsame smile. "Dunno what to tell ya."
"This is a fine blade. I gladly accept it. Only," Abruptly, she flushed anew. "Would you mind...averting your eyes for a moment?"
Now what was she up to? Still, he sensed no ill intent and complied, presenting his left side to her as he looked way.
"Alright, there. Why'd ya want me to do this?"
Something warm, soft, and infinitely yielding touched his right cheek. Little more than a feather's brush, a lingering touch, it nevertheless startled him all the same. When he looked back, he found Milicent kneeling hastily before him; head bowed, one fist pressed against her bosom, eyes fixed firmly on the road underfoot.
Kurama perked up. "Would you look at that...?"
"I've decided that I would rather trust you than simply continuing to spoil from within." Milicent's words were faint, almost a whisper, cheeks burning brighter than her hair. "I had expected to die, to simply rot away, to be little more than a footnote in history. You changed that. And yet, though it shames me, I fear I must ask another boon of you." her eyes met his, damp with unshed tears. "Please, I beg of thee, take me into your service."
Naruto's brow shot into his hair. "Wanna run that by me again?"
"I wish to aid you in your quest to become Elden Lord." The former amputee spoke quickly, hastily, even nearly tripping over herself in her haste to explain for fear of him denying her. "Let me be your sword, your shield, your shadow in all things." As he looked on aghast, Milicent planted that fist into the dirt and bowed her head anew. "I would protect you from all those that would do thee harm. Sullied though I am, I promise to uphold your vows, your morals, all that you are. And someday," this she added in a voice so faint even he had to strain to hear it, "those that come after you...
Oh. Ohh? Ohhh~! Naruto's brain fizzled out when she didn't finish that sentence.
How did one respond to a proposition like this? No, how could you respond? Help, please!
"Not a chance." Kurama snickered, grinning from ear to ear. "You're on your own here. Have fun."
His right eye began to twitch.
"Stop that!" And so he spat out the first thing that came to mind, You're not sullied at all! Stand up! You can help me if ya want, but don't go throwing yourself in the dirt!"
Her head rose tentatively. "Will you accept my into your service?"
She wasn't going to get up until he said yes. Naruto just knew it. What did Shikamaru always say? Such a drag...
"Yes, sure, fine!" he looked away, palming his face to hide burning cheeks. "Now get up! C'mon! You're embarrassing me...
He felt a fierce flare of joy from the redhead as she climbed to her feet; one so powerful it threatened to take his breath away. For a singular moment she shone to his senses because of that singular emotion. She caught it and tamped it down quickly, composing herself, but he couldn't forget what he'd seen.
Pure girl. his mind bleated. Must protect.
"Then my sword is yours." Milicent straightened with a smile, all but glowing with pride. "I promise, you shan't regret this. Although," She took a small, shy step toward him. Into his personal space, and touched a hand to one breast. "I wonder what this feeling is. I feel oddly...warm?"
Naruto's heart leaped into his throat. She was close. Too close, bring with her the scent of herbs. It was...not an unpleasant arma.
A triumphant shout shook the world, followed by a distant plume of dust.
Milicent blinked. Once. Twice. Thrice now. "Whatever was that?"
He heaved a sigh, almost dissapointed by the distraction.
"Huh. Guess Greyroll found a troll."
(.0.0.0.)
"Champions welcome!"
Of all the greetings Naruto had expected in the courtyard, those were not among them.
Greyroll had been true to her word; by the time they'd caught up, the gate guard lay dead and the castle gates were ripped asunder to grant them passage. Well, most of them. Lacking a human form, Ekzykes was forced to wait outside while they conducted their business within. He'd make a fine guard if anyone tried to creep up on their flank.
Even so, no such ambush was forthcoming, for none barred their entry.
"The stars have aligned!" now they knew why, as a man's voice boomed out as they entered the plaza. "The festival is nigh!" sure enough, his keen eyes spotted a masked man hoisting a flamberge high atop one of the ramparts well above them. His very voice brimmed with gusto. "General Radahn, mightiest demigod of the shattering, awaits you!"
Milicent tilted her head to regard the bevy of warriors awaiting them within, some spectral, others mercifully solid. "Seems a strange place to hold a festival."
"'Tis a human rite." Greyroll groused, lips pursed in a thin line as she glared at a giant jar. "Thy kind has always been known for such foppery and finery. We dragons celebrate in a different fashion."
Naruto couldn't help but quirk a brow at that. "How so?"
Her hip brushed his in a telling fashion. "Perhaps I shall show thee sometime."
Milicent bridled in the corner of his eye, but said nothing. He knew she'd have words for her later. Mercifully, Melina manifested between them they could snap at one another.
"You should see the festivals in the capital, dragon." the bite in her words had him drawing back. "They would put your petty rituals to shame."
Greyroll glared golden daggers at her, but with her ire thus diverted, Milicent took her chance and stuck to his side.
"Champions prepare for battle!" Once more, the castellan's voice rang out above them, diverting their attention for the umpteenth time. "Defeat the General! Claim glory and grab that great rune!" his words piqued low with fervor bordering on mania now as he addressed the scattered souls standing before them. "Such is our celebration of war! The Radahn festival!"
Naruto scratched the back of his head, feeling more than a little chagrined. "Guess we've got competition."
Understatement of the century, there. He counted nearly a dozen stalwart men and women assembled in the plaza. A man wearing what he thought was a wolf's mask, a giant jar, a big brute in armor, a maiden clad in thin cloth; the list went on and on. He could've sworn he saw a samurai among them too, but surely that wasn't possible...why would one of Mifune's people be here? Nevermind that, how many people were after this Great Rune?
The low whinny of a horse cut through his thoughts.
Naruto pivoted toward it, only to find himself somewhat caught out when he failed to find the source. That noise hadn't come from Torrent; the spectral steed was enjoying a well-earned rest outside with Ekzykes. And besides, this sounded bigger. Much bigger. Now who did he know that rode a giant horse...?
An answer smacked him upside the head
In the same instant, a long shadow fell over him from on high. A familiar shadow, one he knew all too well.
Melina manifested not a stone's throw away, head tilted a fraction of an inch.
"Ah." was her sole exclamation. "T'woud seem she caught up."
That was Naruto's only warning.
Someone crashed down into the plaza directly behind him, startling every champion in the plaza. Dust kicked up and he flung up an arm against it as his hood was blasted back. Squinting into the haze, he beheld a mighty steed, and a mightier shape even now clamoring off its back. Dull gold armor glimmered in the light of the Erdtree, contrasting harshly against the crimson sky of Caelid.
A familiar grunt had his hackles rising. Then she was upon him.
He barked out a laugh, knowing what was coming.
"Trish! Don't you dare!
Too little, too late. The last word was only just leaving his mouth when a golden arm got hold of his ankle. Not a heartbeat later, he found hoisted himself into the air, all but dangled upside down like a child's toy. Blue eyes fluttered in a brief blink, gazing into that wrathful helm and the scowling face within.
"Hey." he managed a cheshire grin. "Mind putting me down?"
The tree sentinel poked him again, checking him over for wounds.
...hey!" he laughed. "Not in front of my friends! Ow! I missed you, too. Did ya really ride all the way out here?"
"She must have." Melina confirmed his suspicions as she reappeared only a stone's throw away, looking faintly bemused by his plight. "I lacked the strength to bring her with me."
The Tree Sentinel made a decidedly unimpressed noise at that and waffled a golden hand in the Madien's general vicinity. For her part, she paid her little heed.
Naruto winced at the fire there. "Look, I really am sorry, but I didn't think I'd get yoinked back in the roundtable, ya know...
Greyroll tilted her head. "T'would seem you don't lack for interesting company. However did you tame her?"
"Bit of a long story there, and I didn't tame anyone...
"Then how did she entier in your service?" Milicent was giving the Sentinel a rather odd look as well, all the while gripping her restored wrist. Leave it to her to focus on that."
Another thought occurred to him as he dangled there. Her arm!
"Hey, that's right! I can heal ya now! Almost forgot!" Slipping out of the Trish's grasp, he caught himself in a crouch and took a step forward, moving well into her personal space. "Just take your helmet off and I can fix you right up~!"
"Nnngh!"
The Tree Sentinel made a noise that couldn't be anything other than a denial. A golden gauntlet slapped his chest, forcing him back a peace.
"What the heck?!" When she shook her head, setting the plume atop her helm swaying, understanding dawned. "You don't want me to?" She made a less than pleasant gesture across her throat, prompting a frown from him. "Oi! I still can't understand you!"
With a long-suffering sigh the Sentinel snatched a stray dagger off a nearby table. Dragging its rusty edge, she used it to carve words into the dirt at their feet.
"My penance. Don't waste your strength on me. Not worthy."
Indignation sparked in his soul. "Screw that! I've got plenty of chakra left. Now off with your helmet!"
Trish shook her head anew, for all that good it did her. A quick step and a hop and he had hold of her helm; a twist of his wrists tore it free, revealing her wide eyes to the world. More than a few champions winced when they beheld her ruined visage. Milicent hissed. Greyroll actually made a rare noise of sympathy as she saw her scars. Even as she did, the Tree Sentinel slammed back, furiously shaking her head.
"Its not gonna hurt, I swear." Naruto stepped after her. "Here, just hold still."
Melina laid a hand on his wrist. "Now is not the time. Surely she has a reason for resisting you so. Perhaps you should wait until after the battle."
Naruto nearly protested...until he saw the look on Trish's face. Although she loomed over the lot of them, she suddenly looked fit to bolt-no, she was afraid. Terrified. Not of him, but something else. What, then? What had her so spooked that she wouldn't accept healing? In the end, he chose to heed Melina's advice. Just this once. He'd seek the Sentinel's secrets after Radahn was dealt with.
"Here." He tossed her helm back and stalked up the steps. "I'll be having words with ya when this is over. Stay put, ya know. I'll be right back."
Without pausing to see her reaction, he left the lot of them behind to have words with the castellan. It was as much an excuse to get away from the look in her eyes as anything else; he couldn't bear to see Trish wearing an expression like that.
Imagine his surprise then, when he found the man waiting for him atop the rampart.
"Aha! It seems we have a Godlsayer among us." despite his aged mask, the man beneath it all sounded heartened as he turned to meet him. "Come to grab another Great Rune have you, young chum?"
There was something almost merry in that affable voice that both made him lower his guard and tense in the same instant. "You know me?"
"I know of you, rather." the castellan cackled merrily. "I didn't think the Slayer of Godrick would grace us with his presence."
Ah. Seemed word had gotten out after all. "Why does everyone know about that?!"
"Lad, you're the first Tarnished to hold a Great Rune since Vyke, may the stars smile upon his sorry soul." The aging warrior made a strange sign before his own chest, nodded, then jerked a gloved thumb toward Naruto and the pulsing golden green shard even now beating near his heart. "But I'm afraid you'll find no easy prey here. Godrick was-
"The runt of the litter, I know." he felt an old anger overtake him. Why speak ill of the dead? Whatever he'd once been, he was gone now. "The others will be stronger, yadda yadda yadda,. I've heard it all efore. And you are...?"
"Call me Jerren, lad." quick bow of that bearded mask. "I imagine you have questions about the good General?"
"I do." he certainly did. It was why he'd come up here in the first place. "Who is Radahn? What's he like?
Was he another Godrick? Another monster to be put down? He hoped not.
"Allow me to paint you the full picture." Jerren swung an arm out past him, towards the wailing dunes below, where monuments of blades and banners stood etched within. "General Radahn was, and still is a mighty warrior, strongest demigod of his generation. Now, he is cursed ever to wander. Eaten from the inside, by Malenia's scarlet rot, his wits are long gone." his voice dipped in rare melancholy, head hanging just a touch before he recovered himself. "Now he gathers the corpses of former friends and foes alike, gorging on them like a dog...howling at the sky."
A baleful roar echoed from the dunes. Naruto swallowed despite himself. "...so he's lost his mind?"
"Long ago." Jerren didn't even sound sad to say it anymore, just..resigned. "But now we must make merry," he righted himself as he looked on, For the time has come to give him his rest." Quick as a flash the castellan pivoted back to Melina and the others below, hoisting his flamberge high once more. "O gathering of champions, the revels begin! Our celebration of war!" his sword crashed down, splintering the wood beneath him with a sonorous crack. "The Radahn Festival!"
...color me surprised. Didn't think the old coot would be that honorable."
"Go now," said old soul straightened up. "Speak with the others. Make your preparations. It will take a great man of you to stand even a slim chance against our commander."
Naruto pivoted, stifling a second sigh of his own. "Don't have to tell me me twice...
Jerren called out to him before he could take a single step. Boy."
He stilled. "Yeah?"
"Give him a good battle, won't you?"
Naruto reached up and tugged at his headband. "...I'll do my best."
(.0.0.0.)
Alexander perked up the moment he saw them.
How could he not? This was to be a festival of champions after all.
And these were a sterling sort indeed. Nor was he the only one to take notice of them...
(.0.0.0.)
Therolina was but a humble Finger maiden.
She didn't consider herself particularly strong compared to some of the heroes here, but she was well versed with incantations of the Golden Order and quick on her feet. Such was was expected of her naturally; for she served the will of the Two Fingers, bringing their grace and guidance to all whom cared to listen.
And one day -someday soon!- she would share that strength with her Tarnished.
She still hadn't found him -or her!- yet, but Therolina was certain she would eventually encounter her destined one. The Two Fingers had promised her, after all. Such was the guidance of Grace. She just hadn't searched in the right places. Yes, that was it. Long had she scoured high and low, following rumors all about the Lands Between, hoping in vain.
Until finally, finally, she stumbled upon an odd man known as Seluvis.
Such a strange wizard that one, but he'd proven himself a relatively trustworthy sort thus far; t'was he who took her in when she was starving, t'was he who first told her about this festival, t'was he who even offered her a potion to help her on her quest. She would've gladly take him up on the latter, but she did not wish to be indebted to him any further than she already was. And so she had kindly refused the tonic he offered and taken her leave with great thanks, promising to return if she failed to find her intended here.
.
..
...she must succeed here. She did not wish to impugn upon his generosity any longer.
Surely she would find her Tarnished in these grounds. T'was a tournament of champions, after all, sure to attract Tarnished far and wide. Doubtless some already had Maidens of their own, but surely, surely there was at least one here without, one person who could fulfill her purpose, make her feel complete...
"C'mon, Melina!" the voice of a young man plucked her from her misery as surely as a bird would a worm. "It'll be fine!"
"T'will not be fine!" A woman snapped back. "I'll not see you haring off again without a plan!"
Drawn by these words the young Finger Maiden pivoted, seeking their source.
Imagine her surprise then, when her eye fell upon a strapping young blond being fussed over by not one, not two, but four women. Clad in amber drakescale armor, he stood apart from the rest not solely for that, but for his aura alone. Fair of face was he, with striking blue eyes and whiskered cheeks even now dimpled in a sunny smile. But what truly drew her attention was the Great Rune pulsing in his chest. As a Finger Maiden Therolina recognized its make at once, for the wisdom of the Fingers was always with her. T'was the Rune of Godrick. There could be no doubt.
Ah. She understood now. Like so many others, this one sought the Rune of Radahn.
Therolina couldn't abide that. She needed that Great Rune. With one such as that, she could find her destined tarnished. The other shardbearers were out of reach, or otherwise beyond her meager means to find. But here, if she had help, here, with numbers on her side...she had her chance. Her best chance. Her last chance. Her only chance.
The blond blinked suddenly, regarding another competitor. "...that is a big dog.
"Half-Wolf, actually." the being retorted.
"He talks?!"
Therolina almost found herself smiling despite herself as the two struck up a rapport. Was that the half-wolf Blaidd, shadow to Ranni? The Two Fingers might be pleased to learn of his location when next she visited the Roundtable. Still, her eyes strayed to the woman near the blond as the duo conversed. A dragonkin woman bickered with a redhead, while a towering woman in golden armor glared bloody daggers at a lass bearing one eye. Oddly enough, the other looked to have been sealed by something. The other was fixed firmly on the blond. That last thought tore at her heartstrings.
She had the look of a Maiden.
Which meant...the blond wasn't the one. He'd no need of her. If he already had a Maiden tending to his every need, he would not take a second. Rare was the sort who did such, and rarer still the blond that persisted as two Maidens fought over a single Tarnished.
...and yet.
Therolina turned her gaze inward. She could feel the strength of runes lingering about him, a great many of them. Hundreds, no, hundreds of thousands, untapped power jut waiting to be unleashed at the right moment. Surely if he had a Maiden, all those runes would've been turned to strength long ago. But he hadn't used any of them. Not a one.
What, then, did that mean?
A tiny, timid hope bloomed in Therolina's heart. Did he not have a Maiden after all?
He looked her way suddenly, no doubt sensing her gaze. The moment their eyes, Therolina averted her own and managed a polite bow. He returned it with an awkward wave; by the time she looked up, he was distracted yet again. Thank the Fingers for small mercies!
She couldn't bring herself to speak to him. No, nay, not yet. She dare not approach, not now, not when he was surrounded by so any, certainly not with that giant jar trundling their way. To approach him now would only see her swept up with the others, one voice lost among many. But perhaps...yes. After the battle she would try.
If she lived.
If Radahn didn't slay her.
So many ifs. She just had to survive.
(.0.0.0.)
"There he is."
Naruto saw a giant shape across the dunes, a great hulking warrior that dwarfed them all.
The distant figure of Radahn moved with impossible speed.
An arrow hurtled their way.
Milicent yelped.
(.0.0.0.)
Radahn feasted.
He bent low to the ground and gorged himself on another would-be champion, tearing great strips from their flesh with his teeth alone. His teeth scoured rotten flesh, managing little more than a few middling bites before he had his full. His meal secured, he reared back and howled at the sky.
Kill and eat. Eat and kill.
He killed and he ate. He ripped and tore.
It was all he was. All he knew. All that he could do.
Sometimes there were moments in which he despaired, brief seconds of sanity that surfaced once every decade or so. Even now in his mad state, his body falling apart, his organs rotted, his instincts yet remained. His addled mind still clung to three precious tenets, even now. They anchored him
Must not eat Leonard. Leonard was horse. Horse was good boy, all he had left of his family.
Hold back the stars. Do not let them fall. Never let them fall.
And above all...fight. Fight, so that he might end.
So long as he held the stars back, the world would be safe. Someone had told him that once. A man with red hair. He no longer remembered who. There were monsters in the stars. Beasts that came from the void, cruel creatures who loved not and knew only destruction. So long as he held the cosmos in check, all was well. But there was another reaosn, wasn't there?
And Ranni...Ranni would be safe. Ranni? Who was Ranni? He no longer knew.
There. Movement in the dunes. The moment fizzled out and Radahn righting himself, reaching for his greatbow. A giant hand ripped three spears from his skewered back and took aim. T'was a simple action. Gravity magic flared, forming a distant nebulae at the tip of his arrow as he drew the string back...back, back yet further.
His eyes saw much, even at this distance; chief among them a woman with stark red hair. The rot in him stirred at the sight, seething like the frenzied flame itself.
Radahn recalled a woman with such flaming locks. Rotted though he was, his body knew well the face of the one who had brought this blight upon him.
Malenia. Blade of Miquella. Rotten, dishonorable witch who couldn't bear to take a loss.
And now she was come again, come to mock him, taunt him, torment him?!
Her fault! All her fault!
He loosed the arrow with hate in his heart. Straight and true did it fly, crossing the distance in an instant before they could hope to react.
A cry of pain reached his ears. One down. He could see dark shapes racing across the sands toward him now.
Radahn roared a challenge at them.
Something roared back.
"RADAHN!"
A man's voice ripped through the wailing dunes, a shockwave of sound tearing across heaps of broken weapons and moldering bones to reach him. And for the first time since the Rot had come upon him, Starscourge Radahn quivered. But not in fear. Nay. He shuddered for an altogether different reason. T'was a brief momentary thing, but it gave his prey time enough to speak again.
"I came here to face a champion!" his voice was fire and death, hope and light incarnate. "I am still waiting! Come and get me! Unless you're afraid~!"
Radan's heart sang. Those words. A worthy foe. A good death. And end. At last. Long had he waited.
The last broken scrap of his mind howled and as he did, he heard the challenger howl back.
Something stirred in him as he spurred Leonard forward with all due speed.
Stowing his bow, he drew his blades and howled at the sky.
A glorious battle. An end. That was all he wanted.
'Finish me...please...!
(.0.0.0.)
"Owwwww!"
Naruto hissed furiously as he ripped the great arrow from his shoulder.
It went unwillingly, worsening his wound, but he grit his teeth and forced it free fro his flesh. Blood spattered the sands, drawing a fair share of gasps fro his companions. He shut his ears to them. Not a small wound by any means or measure, but what choice did he have? If he hadn't shoved Milicent aside at the last moment there, that would be her skewered in the sands. He could take a hit like this an laugh it off. She couldn't. What was one more scar by comparison? Had to be him. He could tank things like this. He could live.
"My lord! That wound...
At his flank, he was vaguely aware of Milicent fretting over him; his sword sword fingers running down the length of his arm. Bless her simple soul. He patted her shoulder with a smile and let her haul him upright; truth be told her help wasn't needed, but it was pivotal that she felt useful. If even a single arrow struck Milicent, she would die. She didn't have Trish's armor, nor did she possess Greyroll's draconic vitality. She couldn't vanish into the ether and hide like Melina, either.
"M'fine. Just gimme a second...
Forcing chakra to the wound was easier than ever before. Almost effortless. Godrick's rune had empowered every aspect of him, regeneration included. An injury like this would close in a few minutes. Hardly enough to slow him down...even if it did enrage his companions.
Trish took one look at his would, snarled, and leaped onto her mount. Greyroll raced barefoot into the dunes beside her. Most of the others followed their lead and charged in, seeking strength in numbers.
Naruto alone lingered.
"You cannot heal him as you did the others." Melina appeared at his side in a shower of blue light as the last of his wound stitched itself shut. "He's rotted, inside and out, and for far longer.
"Hmmm."
She scowled at him. "He was at the epicenter of the blast that ravaged Caelid! Whatever you're plotting, it won't work."
Naruto lifted his chin in mulish defiance; he was sure it was writ across his face. Won't work, she said? Wouldn't know until he tried. But first he needed Radahn's attention on him. On him, and away from everyone else. There was only one way to do such. Time to put on an act to end all acts, something he hadn't done since he was a boy.
Milicent saw the look in his eye and scowled. "My lord, no. Don't you dare...!
"Too late."
"RADAHN!" Naruto stepped forward spread his arms wide, voice echoing across the wailing dunes. "I CAME HERE TO FACE A CHAMPION! I AM STILL WAITING!" Still grinning, he turned around, bent over, and slapped his flank. "Come and get me! Unless you're afraid~!"
A moment of awful silence followed. And then. The world shook with an answering roar.
Someone whistled behind him. "Big brass balls on this one...
Naruto never saw who it was; he was already bounding forward, fixed on the melee in the distance. Milcent pelted after him at his left, and a rustle of cloth told him Melina was hovering near his right. He knew better than to tell her to step aside this time. She had done that for him once. Never again.
The first blow decided the course of the battle. It also nearly killed Milicent.
Naruto moved to intercept the moment Radahn closed with her, only to find that there was no need or time for him to do anything. Much to his surprise the redhead bounded forward and leaped into the air, leaving a giant blade to sweep harmlessly underfoot. The second came racing in hot on the heels of the first, only for her to kick off its edge with both feet, using the blackened blade as a springboard to further her leap. She hung in the air for a moment in blatant defiance of gravity. Parallel with his chest, her sword arm rose. Radahn looked down. Milicent's blade swung up, sheathing Moonveil in an impossible arc and then-
The blade flew free and so did she..
Radahn roared in surprise as Milicent's weapon upon him in a storm of glowing azure blades, whirling and flowing as he'd only ever seen once before. All combat ceased as she singlehandedly forced him back.
The ring on Naruto's finger sang in blissful harmony, bringing two words to the forefront of his mind.
Waterfowl dance.
Whatever it was, it put Radahn on the back...leg? No, a quick glance confirmed didn't have feet. They'd long since rotted away at the ankles, leaving him to rely on his scrawny steed for locomotion. Locomotion he could not maintain as he staggered under the storm. Shoulders sagged, armor buckled beneath the onslaught of steel and blue light. Milicent didn't give him the chance to counter. She just kept moving, ripping into him as if she'd been born for this, created for nothing but this singular moment.
But her stamina wasn't infinite. Radahn was a demigod. She, was not.
Rumbling like thunder, he warded the blows away with one sword. The other rose.
Naruto saw the counter coming in the same moment that Milicent finally faltered. "Trish!"
The Tree Sentinel stepped in seamlessly as the redhead fell to a knee and brandished her golden shield. Naruto stepped in behind her, swept Milicent up, and darted back.
Those Starscourge Greatswords descended and combat resumed.
Trish ducked behind her shield, ready to weather the storm. And weather it she did. Her defenses held in the face of his fury, enduring not one, but three singular strikes that would've split a lesser warrior in half. Radahn ignored those tearing at his flesh and raised both blades high, prepared to break her guard with an overhand smash...only for both blades to smack into a pair of open palms. The mad demigod made a noise of confusion and glared down at the immutable barrier that had saved her life.
Greyroll grinned up at him, exposing rows of razor sharp teeth in a wild leer.
"Come." Scales sprouted from her flesh. "Face a dragon."
She kicked outward, staggering him.
From there it all dissolved into a mad melee of blows.
Naruto made the mistake of parrying a greatsword; the impact alone nearly ripped his arm from its socket and forced him to punch up with the other. Clenched knuckles barreled into Radahn's chin. His head snapped back but still, he remained seated atop his horse and came at him again. A rasengan put paid to that, warping his armor to tear at his flesh, but still he didn't go down.
And was with that horse?!
The sight nearly brought the blond up short. How on earth could a giant like Radahn ride such a scrawny steed without crushing it?
His hesitation nearly cost him an arm; even then he barely got his guard up time. The Starscourge Greatswords swept down, seeking his head. Giant golden palms rose to meet them, not to deflect this time, bur rather to meet the blades head on as Greyroll had. Unlike her, he caught the blades and yanked them down, wielder and all. Radahn and his mount crashed into the sand. When they tried to rise, he raised his fists and brought all his strength down on the general's back, using Kurama's paws as battering rams.
He could hardly use his full form here, doing so would harm his allies. And there were many of them now, more than he could count.
Here he heard Blaidd howl then saw the half-wolf pounce onto the general's thigh, driving his frozen greatsword deep. Radahn roared in pain, but even as he sought to rip him apart, Greyroll rent the giant's chest with her claws, causing yet further bloodloss. Milicent crouched backwards, steadied herself, then flew into a fresh flurry of blows that hammered the general's wounded back. Melina landed atop his back and drove a dagger deep, only for the general to buck and hurtle her away. A certain jolly jar caught her, spun around, and flung the Kindling Maiden back into the fray with a mighty cry.
Others joined in, raining down blows on the genral from all sides, chipping away at his mighty vigor.
They were wearing him down. Slowly but surely. Now if they could just knock him down...!
And then the tempo changed.
Radahn shuddered to a stop atop his tiny, aging mount, gone still as stone.
Naruto swore softly, not like the look of that one bit. "What in the...?"
A low growl seemed to rattle the dunes, no, the very air itself.
Radahn was still snarling when he leaped into the air.
The world fell silent. Milicent looked left first.
Naruto looked right. Frowned. And then:
He remembered to look up.
"Alright, where did he-IS THAT A METEOR?!"
A/N: Fight continues and ends next chapter.
Had to split this bad boy into halves. Will Radahn live? Will he die? Will he get a Third Phase?! Well, you'll just have to read and see~!
Well? Did you like this story? Yes? No? Maybe? Speak out! Make yourselves heard! Your voice matters~!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story.
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 during the holidays 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.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas....Review, Wouldst Thou Kindly?
And have some previews. Some are quite off, but still...
(Previews)
Radahn dragged himself upright...and fell off his horse. The poor beast slumped with an exhausted whine. A giant hand descended, cradling its exhausted body. Set it aside in the sands .In his heart of hearts, Naruto heard a voice. The general spoke. Slowly, haltingly, but words emerged nevertheless.
"Ah... you were...at my side all along...
A shiver shot down his spine.
"What's he doing?!"
Therolina bowed her head. "Brave Tarnished, might I have a...moment of your time?"
Limgrave and Liurna had problems of their own.
Of course they did. It was too much to hope that they wouldn't.
Naruto sighed, rolled his shoulders, and stalked down the hill at a sedate pace.
"Right, then. Time for work."
"I'm...considering leaving. On a journey. I've started to recall, however dimly...my destiny.
"NOT ANOTHER WARP GATE!"
"Who goes there?" A shadow stirred in dimly lit temple. Something -someone!- inhaled deeply and made a snarling noise. "You are no Tarnished."
"Finally!" Naruto nearly hugged the beastman on the spot. "Someone who understands! You get me!"
Gurranq blinked beneath his hood. "...what?"
Fia patted the empty space beside her, pale fingers creasing the bed. "Might I have a moment of your time, my dear?"
Siluria was a Crucible Knight. She feared nothing.
"Hey~!"
She feared something!
Ranni tapped her foot. Surely she'd not been forgotten.
...surely?
"But how do I do it?!" He flung up his hands. "I can't undo death! If someone dies, that's on me! How do I prevent it!"
"Take this opportunity to learn to master your emotions." the wise being before him intoned. Worry not, I take no offense at your outburst. But others are not always so forgiving. Some take to anger, other, sorrow. Bonds are fragile things, wont to break under strain. And once they're broken, everything is lost, with naught to gain. Do your best to protect them. Safeguard them. Strengthen them. In the end, that is all anyone can do."
Those words punched hard, hit home in a way few had.
...hehe. you're a wise old turtle, ya know?
Miriel smiled. "So I have been told."
"I've been thinking like a ninja. Time to start thinking like a tactician."
Melina blinked. Was that a flicker of pride she felt just now?
Nay! Surely not! She shoved it down.
It lingered still, smoldering.
And she listened to him.
"Let chaos take the world!"
"Witless tarnished! The Lands Between cannot be saved!"
Alecto sneered behind her mask. "Why have you come to my gaol? To mock me? I am imprisoned for eternity with naught but my daugher's ashes for company. Begone!
The blond man crossed both arms before his chest.
...not until you answer my questions."
R&R~!