A/N: EDIT: Made a few tweaks and expanded scenes. Hope you like them all.
Couldn't wait a week, sorry. T_T
Six days! Still counts! Here we are. I've waited awhile for this moment.
As the chapter title implies, we've got a big scene coming up. Hope you're ready.
Do you guys and gals still want weekly updates? Kinda need to hear from you here, it determines my update schedule.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this tale...and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. 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! 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.
As ever, you can feel free to skip these over if you like...though it would make me sad T_T
Q: Ranni, Ranni, RANNI! Can't wait for you to *SPOILER* and *SPOILER* with *SPOILER* and don't forget to mention the inevitable steamy *SPOILER*
A: You'll get your wish, though I'll have to redact your question when I post...
Q: Will you include the cut mimic tear quest in this story? You can find it on Youtube!
A: Possibly. Depends on feedback.
Q: Pulling a multiverse stunt here, are we?
A: Not really. Its all but stated that there are other worlds, just as their are "lands beyond the fog". Heck, with the sheer number of Erdtrees we see at the final battle confirms it. The Elden Beast isn't the only one of its kind. There are many more. Many indeed. We, as the Tarnished, best the Greater Will in one world, but it has a stranglehold on others.
It opens an interesting prospect for more DLC I suppose.
Can't wait to see the Badlands!
Q: Update stuff besides Elden Ring, blast you!
A: I already have. Heck, I've been updating older stories at that. Sage of the Great Forest and A Most Unlikely Caster, for instance.
Q:...I'm getting Kenobi vibes.
A: You'd be right. This chapter encapsulates the horror of seeing your loved one turned into a monster, a horror Rennala's about to face first hand.
Q: What's to stop Naruto from going mad with power?
A: Uh, himself? The Greater Runes may influence their host, but that's all. If anything they've hardened him. Which is a damn good thing; because after the tragedy of Radahn, no one wants to see the poor guy suffer like that again.
Time will tell.
Q: Please don't kill Tanith and Rya! Rykard, yes, he deserves no mercy here, unlike "For Love of a Witch" but PLEASE spare those two! Naruto could take them as concubines! Just don't off 'em!
A:...you'll have to read and see when the chapter comes out.
Alright then, this old man has kept you long enough! I'll let you enjoy this crazy little story.
As ever, I own no quotes references, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one! They're merely tributes to legends far greater than I.
Now then, I'll not keep you. Get ready to smile~! Quote's something someone suggested to me.
Kudos if you recognize it.
"And who are you, the proud serpent said, that I must bow so low...
...only a fox with a golden cloak, that's all the truth I know...
...in a coat of gold or a coat of red, I still have my claws...
...and mine are long...and sharp...my lord...
...as long and sharp as YOUR FANGS!"
~?
Together
Mothers were terrifying.
Such a phrase embodied Rennala perfectly in this moment, Naruto found, as he watched her tear into Tanith. It also brought another to mind. Never piss off a mother. He knew that one to be a fundamental truth; one he'd both learned the hard way and seen firsthand. When he'd finally met his own mother some years ago, he'd come to understand that there were certain lines you just didn't cross. Kushina was awesome and all, but he'd some come to dread the idea of ever making her angry. Nope. Nuh-uh. Don't do it. In conclusion, he'd learned three things:
Moms were scary.
Don't mess with a scary mother.
Never come between a mother and her child.
In a matter of minutes Rennala had browbeaten Tanith into both removing her mask and divulging Rykard's location. That she hadn't reduced the poor woman to a whimpering wreck at their feet was honestly something of a miracle and one he'd chalked up to chance. If it weren't for Rya, he suspected she might've killed the lady of the manor outright.
Who, as luck would have it, turned out to be was Rennala's granddaughter. Small world!
Again, he couldn't much blame her for that.
In the end it wasn't his concern.
Even now he could feel Tanith glaring bloody daggers at him. How someone so beautiful could have such a twisted heart was beyond him. How could you serve Rykard, knowing what he did? What he was? Maybe she had her own reasons. Everyone did. It shouldn't bother him...but it did. It really, truly. did.
Naruto pivoted away from the door to look at her. "Alright, I'll bite. What's eating you?"
Much to his surprise, Tanith complied. Huh. Neat. "Why are you here?"
"Thought that was obvious...
"He's going to help Lady Rennala say Rykard." Milicent's voice called down from the main hall. He flicked her a quick glance. She looked a little weary from dispatching the sentries outside, but otherwise no worse for the wear, and Latenna was still with her. Good. Their party remained intact. "Don't try to stop him. It won't end well for you."
Tanith blanched, looping a strand of dark hair around her finger as she fussed over the words. "When you say kill...
"Radahn was to be pitied." Latenna clicked her tongue in mild admonishment. "That monster will not be."
"We shall see." Rennala swept out from an adjacent room, smoothing down her robes. "His fate remains to be seen."
"Death." Kurama chimed. "Its going to be death. Nothing else will do."
Naruto noticed the absence of their guide straightaway. "Where's Rya?"
"I spelled the girl to sleep." for once, her smile seemed less strained; realizing Rya was kin seemed to have done wonders for her mood. "She need not be awake for this."
His spirits sank. So they were really doing this, then.
"No!" Tanith must've realized it too; because she all but flung herself at him. "You mustn't! He is our Lord! I won't let you take him!"
Naruto caught her by the wrists and firmly wrestled the inconsolable woman back into her chair. Behind her, the Crucible Knight stiffened, but made no move to intervene. Just as well too; he was ready to turn them inside out if they lifted their sword now. It didn't stop Tanith from flailing at him, wailing, weeping, cursing his very name, and he began to wonder if he would have to put her down for good.
In the end, there was no need for either.
Rennala flicked her scepter in Tanith's direction. "Sleep."
The weary woman slumped with a woeful whimper and after a moment, her Crucible Knight suffered the same. Even in slumber the silent sentinel remained standing. He couldn't fathom the kind of dedication that took. If it weren't for its helm bobbing, he would've thought the creature unaffected.
He stepped up and gave its breastplate poke. No response. "...right, that settles it. That spell is overpowered."
"Indeed." the mistress of magic hummed. "Alas, it only works on humanoids."
Half of which have proven their enemies. "Still pretty damn useful!"
She preened. "You have my thanks. Shall we go, then?"
"Alright." Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved a sigh. Now came the hard part. "Milicent, Latenna." Each perked up when he called their name, which made this all the more difficult for him. "I need both of you to stay here and keep an eye on the manor."
Milicent gave him a fearsome pout, bless her sweet, simple soul. "My place is by your side, my lord."
Latenna folded both arms before her chest. "I concur! You shouldn't face such a beast alone!"
"I won't be alone." he countered. "Rennala's coming with me."
Milicent looked to her, golden eyes narrow. Why?"
The queen favored her with a small, sad smile. "Because, dear girl, Rykard is my son."
Understanding dawned in her gaze. Pity soon accompanied it. "...you have my condolences."
Latenna still looked fit to argue the point. Eventually, she wilted under his stare. "I'll allow it this once. There will not be a second time."
Proud, proud little thing she was, unable to say how she really felt.
In truth, he couldn't blame them their protest, but he had good reason for this. He'd already killed Radahn and truth be told, he didn't much like the idea of killing another soul who could be saved. Milicent had nearly died against Radahn. He wasn't about to risk her against something far worse. Latenna was skilled, make no mistake, but her arrows would be of no help against what they were to face. Better they stay here, were it was safe, and prevent any stray Recusants from flanking them. Those, they could handle. Rykard...was another matter.
He couldn't bear the thought of them coming to harm.
Naruto patted her shoulder.
...thank you."
(.0.0.0.)
Ranni opened her good eye with a lingering frown. Strange.
She'd experienced the most curious dream.
She had dreamnt of Mother.
T'was nothing, surely.
Wasn't it...?
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto followed Rennala down.
Down, down, down they went, through the manor, through the prison town and all its horrors, through all the blasphemy that followed. Into darkened shadows rife with corruption, abominations, and broken souls beyond any hope of redemption. None were spared. They were, all of them, put to the word. In truth the fights that followed were a blur, for he didn't wish to recall the wretched creatures he fought...nor the ghastly abomination and beasts that took pride in their power. Man-serpents, crazed albinaurics, even the odd omen killer and feral dog.
All were slaughtered.
Rennala acquitted herself well throughout the chaos; he hadn't had a chance to see her fight before; what she'd done to Gideon had been an execution, not proper battle. But this?
This was poetry in motion. Fluid grace personified. She was no god, or even a demigod at that, yet she had power all the same. Her spells knew no mercy, her summons even less so. Like watching a well-trained dancer sway atop her stage, so to did he find himself amazed.
More than once he caught her smiling as her sorceries scythed down serpents; heard her bell-like laugh as swatted aside twisted wretches who crossed their path. Yet in the same vein she proved her mercy; gently putting maddened albinaurics out their misery
Of course that wasn't to say he let her do all the fighting.
When they encountered a magma wyrm, he annihilated it with a Rasenshuriken. Likewise, Kurama's jaws made short work of the Godskin Noble they encountered in the Temple of Eiglay. It was merely a matter of luring the massive oaf outside and then...crunch.
Honestly, nothing put up much of a fight. It gave him time to think.
Milicent and Latenna weren't happy at being left behind with Rya, but he knew they'd understand in time. Someone was needed to keep Bernahl and the rest from fleeing, for the ranks of the Recusants would surely break once Rykard was dealt with. They couldn't have killers like that out and about in the world. Rykard...he was their sin to bear. This was something he and Rennala needed to do, alone. It was better this way. Had to be the two of them, you know? Someone else might've gotten it wrong.
And then they found him.
It wasn't a sudden thing by any means; the ground sloped suddenly past a lava flow and they followed it. Soon enough their path branched off into a cavern and past that, massive chamber filled with calcified bodies, poor souls froze in their final moments of horror. Their faces told him all he needed to know. They'd arrived.
One such being clutched a massive spear in hand. Naruto snatched it up without thinking.
'Not a bad tool. Still has some power in it...
He saw the beast before Rennala did; a tangled mass of scales lurked in the center of the chamber, writhing over an ugly pool of magma. A grisly heartbeat thumped in his ears, a steady thud-thud-thud that threatened to swallow the very world. Just being near it threatened to deafen him. Still no sign of Rykard, though. He could sense something nearby, a vague, oily presence, slipping through his grasp when he tried to focus...but where?
Rennala's breath hitched in her throat. It brought him back to himself and he turned to find her stepping back, one hand over her mouth.
"I thought I was ready," the words tumbled from her lips, "But this...this is beyond what I imagined...
He couldn't blame her. This place-no, that didn't do this den of depravity justice. This place was a grave. A tomb for countless dead, many lured to their death in the name of greatness. Some might have come of their own accord, seeking an audience. The knowledge did little to diminish his disgust. They'd died all the same.
Rennala wasn't moving. The onus of choice fell upon him.
"What do you wanna do?"
"This." Rennala steeled herself, raised her scepter at the serpent and her voice with it. "Rykard! I would have words with thee! Show thyself at once!"
A chance came over the creature. Tiny, minuscule at first, so small he didn't even notice it; not right away. The beast dragged his head back, scales scraping across the hardened floor. Slowly, almost ponderously, it rose to regard them. He tensed, anticipating an attack, some suicidal lunge. It never happened. The serpent continued to rise, and rise and rise. Hideous limbs burst from its body at jarring angles. Arms. Legs. Too many. His gorge rose as the chamber began to tremble.
"He's coming."
'Who? What're you talking about...
Naruto had his answer a heartbeat later.
As he looked on aghast the beast turned its head round to regard them, revealing something near what passed for the back of its skull. Were those scales? No, scales didn't look like that. A bruise of some sort? Whatever it was, the ghastly thing was moving. Opening their eyes. Not a bruise. Not at all. It took him a long moment to realize what -who!- he was looking at, but once he did, he immediately wished he hadn't. Rennala's words came to mind.
"He fed himself to the serpent...
The face twitched, as though waking from a long slumber.
...very well." A twisted limb stretched from the snake's skin and thrust itself into the serpent's gaping maw. Pale fingers found the hilt of a longsword, once golden, now covered in rusted blood, and tugged it free. He could see the wriggling tendrils etched upon it, those countless, innumerable dead falling into the magma below..
Much to his chagrin, the viper pivoted to gaze upon them.
The serpent stirred. "Who ssssspeaks to me so...?"
Rennala stepped forth. "Thy mother!"
All went still.
"...I sssee." Rykard hissed a low laugh, shattering the silence. "It isss good of you to come to me. Now join the ssserpent king as family!" his very voice promised death. "Together, we ssshall devour...the very godsssss!"
Rennala looked upon him, mute with horror. "What have you become?"
That got a reaction. The abomination hissed down at her. "I am what you made me."
"Me?!" The words burst out of the Carian Queen in a bitter laugh. "No." she shook her head, setting her dark hair swaying. "No, no, no. I had no part in this. You fed yourself to that thing."
"And where elssssssse wasssss I to turn, mother?" his words were pure poison, hissing out every second syllable. "Godwyn lay dead. Radahn, rotten by Malenia, who fled to partsssss unknown with her dearesssst Miquella. Father isss gone, and his whore of a queen with him. I will break the cycle. And youuuu?" he leaned forward to leer at her, massive face mere inches from her own. "You are no better than Ranni! A wretched sssshadow of a ssssissster, come to claim what issss rightfully mine! I wont allow it!"
Rennala made an anguished noise.
Naruto felt his right ear twitch despite it. "Ranni?"
Hadn't he heard that name before? It had been a while, but near the beginning of his journey, hadn't there been a meddling witch who offered him a bell...? She'd identified herself as Renna at first, before he'd wheedled her real name out of her, then fled shortly thereafter. Could it be? The Ranni he'd met, and the one Rykard spoke of...could they be one and the same...?
Rennala snapped something at Rykard. he caught the tail end of it, little more. "...speak ill of the dead!"
"Dead?" another raspy chuckle. "Isss that what you think?"
"No...
"Ohhh, yessss." that hideous visage twisted in a dark rictus of a grin. "She livessss. A ssssshadow of her former sssself, lurking in the old manor, hiding from the Two Fingersss...
"You lie!"
Naruto raised a tentative hand. "Actually, he doesn't."
Rennala rounded on him with wide eyes. "...explain yourself at once."
"Well, I met someone named Ranni awhile back," he scratched the back of his head beneath her fierce scowl. "Granted, she called herself Renna before I managed to ferret out her real name, but...yeah. Her body seemed kinda weird, all empty and hollow, like she wasn't even there. Just a spirit clinging onto life."
Rykard made a pleased nose. "Sssee? Even your ssservant betraysss you-
"ENOUGH!"
Clenched knuckles slammed into his chin, cutting him short.
Naruto stalked after him. His arms betrayed him, casting aside the Serpent Slayer to reach over his shoulders for Radahn's twin greatswords. The general's great rune burned in his shoulder. Such a strange feeling. Did he take wicked pleasure in shutting Rykard up? Possibly. Did he enjoy watching that sadistic serpent fly across the chamber? Most certainly. Was he going to do it again?
Undoubtedly.
Rykard coiled upright and rounded on him with a sibilant hiss. "And what isss thisss, then? You dare defy a god?"
Naruto opened his mouth to reply...closed it now as a firm hand settled on his shoulder. He jolted, startled to find Radahn's specter standing beside him, face carved from stone. He glared at it. The runewraith glared back at him. Guilt and regret reared their ugly heads in his heart. No! Not now! Had he come to torment him once more?!
"..."
The wraith spoke, lips moving slowly. As ever, no sound emerged for him to hear. Indeed, he couldn't hear a word he said but at this close proximity, he found he could read them all the same. Six little words. A simple series of syllables, no more. They shook him to his core.
"Finish him, please. Use my blades...
Understanding broke like the dawn, burning away his dread.
Naruto clapped a hand to his own face. Laughter echoed in the cavern.
"Art thou broken?!" Rennala looked to him, aghast, fearing the worst. "Hast thou gone mad?!"
"Maybe I have." he wiped a mirthful tear from the corner of his eye. "Its almost funny. I'm thankful, you know."
Rykard-no! The creature wearing his likeness!- made a low noise that might've been anger or confusion. Impossible to tell. "Hrrm...?"
"I thought we might be able to save you." he chambered the black blades, taking a step forward. Rykard slithered backward as his smile grew. "I wanted to try, ya know? After what happened to Radahn, to your brother, it seemed the least I could do. But now...
The serpent struck with a snarl as he spoke, and his body responded accordingly. For the first time since he'd slain Radahn, he felt the man's blades move with him. Help him. Guiding his body into a high stance he'd never known. It felt good. Felt right. He embraced it. Let it fill him. A single sweep of his arms parried the fallen god's sword and brought Rykard low.
...I know what I need to do."
Rykard reared back, on the defensive. "You wisssh to fight me?!"
"Fight you?" Blue eyes misted over with gold. "No. I wanna kill you."
Rykard hoisted his sword high. "Even with Radahn's power, you cannot best me!"
Naruto raised the Starscourge Greatswords and shouted to the sky. Radahn's weapons answered with a mournful dirge of their own, bathing the chamber in baleful violet light. Gravity itself inverted, yanking the serpent king forward. From there he swept in and swung hard, carving a canyon across rotten scales in a single sweeping cut. Blood bubbled across Rykard's bulk, warping his cry into a roar of rage.
"You dare?!"
A sphere of purest moonlight smote him in the face to stun him. Bless Rennala and her spells.
"Wretch!" Rykard swatted her asid.
Naruto saw his opportunity for what it was and waded in. Rykard saw him coming, tried to ward him away with a spindly limb. Too large. Too slow. He let the abomination's lunge sweep harmlessly overhead, slashed it off at the elbow, ducked another, and cut into him again. The Starscourge Greatswords bit deep. More of Rykard's bulk gave way with a squeal of pain. He kept cutting. That was all he had to do. Mercy meant nothing here, no, less than nothing, because Rykard no longer deserved it.
He cut and cut and cut, uncaring of the blood splashing his face, of the magma melting his armor, until finally, the titan fell at his feet.
Even then, he didn't die. "I...will not...perisssh...
"Yes, you will." he stomped down on the serpent's face, raising Radahn's blades overhead one last time. "See, I'm starting to realize something. She was right. Maybe I am broken...
Rykard gurgled in wordless pain below him.
"But I. Do not. Care." He stabbed down. "People like you need to die."
Rykard shuddered.
"Never...
"I'm sorry, Rykard." Rennala limped over to them before he could deal the final blow. "For all of it." she laid a hand on his ruined visage, her voice wavering at the last. "For breaking after your Father left. For not being there for you, for Ranni, for Radahn. I wish I could take it all back."
A mangled eye rolled towards her. "Rykard issssss gone. I am what remainsssss."
She closed her eyes. "Nevertheless, you were right. failed you."
...you did not desssssstroy Rykard." A flicker of sanity stirred in the depths of his eyes. "I did." It died a moment later. "The same way I will desssssstroy you!"
Rennala's face closed down. "Then my son is truly dead...
The beast spat magma in her face.
For once in her life Rennala was hair too slow. But she didn't falter. She cried out and powered through. Even as he burned her, she swept in, twirled her weapon. Her staff scythed up and stabbed down, slamming into his skull. The glintstone bit deep into an already open wound. Blue light built behind his eyes. Glimmered in his skin. Panic mounted within. The creature tried to plead.
"Mother, wait! No! Pleasssse...!"
Rennala snarled a sorcery, drowning his words out. Moonlight shone through Rykard's ruined body, penetrating his every orifice in an instant. He burst, not into blood, but runes; the seer magnitude of which struck each of him and Rennala like a wave, forcing them to their knees. Yet there among them, gleaming brighter than the rest...
'Gotcha!'
Naruto grabbed Rykard's Greater Rune and slammed it into his left shoulder without hesitation. It seared itself into his flesh, glowing a cherry amber to match Radahn's on the right. Power coursed through him, vibrating his very veins with vicious vitality. He shuddered against it, taking a moment to center himself as pain spiked through his chest.
And a voice trickled in his ear.
"Fool! No one will hold me captive." Sure enough, Rykard snarled at him, defiant to the last. He'd anticipated such. "A sssspernt never diessss...! I sssshall grow anew in your body and sssswallow the world!"
Blue eyes rolled. "No, you won't."
"You cannot stop me!"
"Kurama?"
"On it."
Golden chakra burned through his veins and clamped down on the malignant tumor before it could truly root in him. What remained of Rykard's consciousness burned away with a sibilant shriek. His pleas withered away to whispers, and then, not even those. Only his power remained. Fuel for the furnace. Still the pain lingered, causing his muscles to spasm. Four great runes now. How many were left...?
"Enough. We can handle it. Blech, he tasted foul."
Naruto looked back to Rennala and found her where he'd left her, sprawled down on her knees. She didn't budge. One hand idly stroked her burned face. He could see scorched muscle and a hint of bone. His body howled at him when he tried to move, but he managed to rise on faltering legs and limped her way. Wasn't fair to leave her like that. Not after what she'd been through...
He saw it and winced.
"No." She batted his hands away. "Let me be."
"What're you on about. Hold still and let me heal ya."
"I deserve this!" Rennala rounded on him, good eye watering. "Look upon me. A mother who slays her own son." she laughed bitterly at Rykard's still resolving remains. "Let the world see me for the monster I am."
Indignation sparked in him. "Screw that! I've had enough of people refusing to be healed!"
He cupped her face in his hands again, firmly this time, wincing only a little when she hissed in pain. She'd lost an eye, too. Easy fix, that. Ignoring the tremors still wracking his body, he closed his eyes, mustered up his chakra and gave it a nudge, directing it into her ruined face. Remarkably, Rennala allowed it. He knew she could've broken his arms in three different places, skewered him with spells, yet she let him all the same. It spoke volumes of her trust in him.
He didn't see her face heal, but he heard her little gasps all the same. A minute passed. Another still.
Without warning, he felt Rennala shift against him, dragging his hands down.
...thank you." she said at last. "Open your eyes, please."
Naruto let go and dared to do just that.
Against his better judgement he looked down. He had to, just to confirm his suspicions. Sure enough, Rennala lay in his lap, fully healed, head resting between his legs. His own nearly went scarlet. No, no, no. Calm down. This was perfectly natural. She was just...resting. Yeah. That was it. Nothing untoward here. Nothing at all...eh?
A lone hand rose to cup one of his cheeks, stroking his whiskers with one thumb.
"Thank you." she spoke softly, her words a naked whisper. "Thou art a true companion. I am unworthy of your loyalty. Allow me to repay you in some small measure...
She raised her head from his lap and tugged his face down to hers with intent.
Soft.
That was his first thought, strange as it might sound. Rennala's lips were soft, sweet, and infinitely yielding to him. Even now she tilted her head to get a better angle, one he found himself returning as he warmed to her, leaning into her arms. How could he not? She was a beautiful woman and they'd just been through hell and back together.
More than that, his blood was up. He couldn't stop himself if he wanted to.
She made a pleased sound and looped both arms round his neck, dragging him out from under her and down; all but pulling him atop her in her haste to get at him. He felt the hard ground poke at his skin through the tears in his armor, but it was a faint, distant concern; because now she was deepening the kiss, pulling him closer, her tongue tangling with his...
Code red! To battle stations! All hands on deck!
He could feel her body beneath her robes, softer than soft, her curves warm beneath her fingers. It was all he could do not to tear her clothes away. His armor proved an unexpected boon in that regard; when it became clear that Rennala wouldn't be able to remove the melted metal in its current state, she drew away with a reluctant sigh.
"There." she laid back down and nuzzled into his side. Have I made my intentions clear?"
He managed a numb nod. "Pretty sure you did...
"Good. Our accord is complete, but I'm afraid I must ask thee a boon once more." her face darkened even as she spoke, one hand idly tracing his chst. "Ranni...if my daughter yet lives as you and Rykard claim...
"She does." he put in quickly, dashing her fears. "Don't doubt that."
...then I must speak with her." Rennala tried to rise, grimaced when her legs failed her. "Take her to task for what she's done. T'was she who wrought all this. I would have answers."
Easier said than done, that. She might well flee if she knew they were coming. He chose not to say such. She'd suffered enough.
Naruto quirked a brow at her. "And if you don't like them?"
Rennala frowned. "Then I shall punish her. I...oh. She tried to stand again. Faltered. "...might I lie here awhile?"
Naruto patted her head, running his fingers through her dark hair. "As long as ya need."
Her frown faded into a smile as she nestled into his side.
"I just might take thee up on that...
(.0.0.0.)
He'd eaten Rykard.
Such should not be possible, yet Tanith knew it to be true.
She woke from the sleeping spell and saw him coming up the stairs and knew the truth. Rykard had been consumed. Of that, there could be no doubt. Even now she could feel his power listing within him. The man who had plucked her from her wretched homeland and given her a place at his side...was no more. Her mind threaded into fractures, threatening to shatter at the slightest provocation.
Gone. Gone...just, gone.
Her knight wasn't nearly so hesitant. The stalward warrior took one look at the Tarnished, saw the new Great Rune he bore in his shoulder...and attacked. His speed was great, his strength greater. He was upon the blond in an instant. There was no time to move, nay, to even react.
CLANG!
Tanith didn't see the blow that felled him. But she heard it all the same. Saw the poor warrior crushed against the wall.
The Tarnished lowered his fist. "Stay there if you know what's good for you."
Her mind raced. She could not die here. She wished to live.
But this "Naruto" had consumed her lord...
.
..
...wait. If he had done so, if Rykard's power lived in him, then were they not one and the same? Was this not his plan? Had her lord been reborn in him? Her fractured mind pounced on the notion, clinging to it as a child would their mother's skirt. Yes, yes that must be it. Zorayas seemed fond of him. That, she knew, was her only chance. Appeal to his better nature. She must make amends before her daughter woke, and soon.
And so she flung herself at his feet; bowed her head until it touched the floor.
"Please, let me serve you na-no, Lord Naruto." He looked surprised by the worlds. Had he not planned this? No. Surely he must have. She barreled on, fearing the stroke of his sword at any moment. "Your triumph has opened my eyes. You bear Four Great Runes now." Mustn't look him in the eye overlong, not until she was finished. "None have come so far as thee. I have made many a mistake, but if it is your will, then I shall spend the rest of my life trying to atone for them...!
Her new lord cast a baffled look to Lady Rennala and received a nod. "Take her, then. There has been enough death this day. And besides...
"Besides?"
...she has good child-bearing hips."
Heat speared down the back of Tanith's neck. "It is as she says...
Naruto clapped a hand to his face. "Ugh...sage save me from matchmakers!"
(.0.0.0.)
There had been a small scuffle shortly in their absence.
Some of the Recusants tried to resist their intrusion, as was their wont. They were put down. Hard. Ghiza and Henricus perished under Milicent's blade and Latenna's arrows and Bernahl might well have followed if not for Rya's pleading. The other denizens of the manor had likewise yielded to them without fighting.
A curious fellow by the name of Patches surrendered outright. He seemed awfully eager to make himself of use. Something of a vendor, that one. His wares were useful enough. Nor was he the only one to stay out the conflict. Tanith's knight hadn't resisted and been summarily knocked out for its rebellion. Not once. Perhaps the warrior within didn't concern themselves with such squabbles. Maybe it was only loyal to Rykard, and had believed they would perish to him...?
In any case, now she too, had been put down.
That left one last item on Rennala's agenda, one final task to be meted out.
And so they set out to find the last wayward member of her family. Yes, a wayward daughter indeed...
(.0.0.0.)
Ranni stilled.
She heard noise outside her Rise.
No. Nay. Surely not. She was imagining things...
She wasn't one prone to overreactions, but the years had made her cautious and besides, she felt she could be forgiven for this.
For now that she listened, she realized her Rise had gone quiet.
It began with a curious stillness. Her dragon roared once then fell silent. Her wolves snarled at this new threat...and promptly descended into a chorus of happy barks and yipping. As if they recognized this intruder. Such commotion had her scrambling off her seat -and her stacked books!- to peer out her window, but she was too late. She saw a flicker of dark robes. No more.
She heard the telltale clank of a lever and knew the elevator was rising with it.
Her heart sank in the same instant. Blaidd was away. Iiji was watching the entrance to the manor. Seluvis was in his own rise, and nowhere near her.
Which meant...!
Steepling her fingers, she cast a warding spell over the stairwell. She felt the barrier cling onto steel and stone, holding fast. There. Now they would be trapped within the spire-
Someone tore right through it.
How?!
An ugly pang of panic bleated through her mind. She was still a demigod in spirit, if not necessarily flesh at the moment. Her sorcery was of the highest caliber, potent beyond measure. No one should be able to shred her spell so. Radahn was...gone. Rykard was still lurking down in his manor, last she checked. Morgott ruled over the capital while Miquella and Malenia were far, far to the north. She knew Marika was trapped, and Radagon with her.
So who was this, then?
Mother? Nay, surely not. She'd gone mad...
.
..
...when did I last check up on her?'
But there was no time for further thought; Ranni could hear footsteps approaching even now. She raced back to her chair and plonked down upon her covered books, determined to at least appear taller than she was. She called her darkest sorceries to her, ready to fling them at whomever stepped through that door. So be it, then. If her last line of defense had fallen, then she would defend herself.
They would not find her lacking. She was Ranni the Witch! She was...was...
Oh.
Ohh.
Ohhh, dear.
Because that was no Tarnished coming through her door. Ranni balked, and her spells slipped from her grasp, rocketing forward.
The newcomer raised their staff and her sorcery sizzled out.
"Mother?!"
It was but a whisper, little more than a startled rasp, but she heard it all the same. Sharp eyes cut to her. Blast! Still! Be still! She must be still! Maybe if she remained seated, she would think her a doll. There was another with her now, a man in tattered armor, bearing four Great Runes -one upon his chest, two to his shoulders and another carved into his neck- yet she barely had time to notice these. Why, you ask?
Mother was upon her.
"I know thy voice," she hummed, "If not necessarily thy form. Speak!" two fingers flitted out, pinching her cheek, her voice the lowest of hums. "Art thou an impostor? If so, I shall strike thee down!"
She would, too. In her current state Ranni she knew herself no match for her.
She tried not to whimper. Really, she did She failed within three seconds. "No, 'tis I, Mother...
Rennala made a strangled sound. Another hand came up, cupping her face with infinite tenderness. "How is this possible?"
She didn't give her the chance to answer; strong arms hauled her into a warm embrace, holding tight. Ranni didn't move. She absolutely did not dare. Even when Mother began to weep, she didn't dare make a sing solitary sound. Sentiment and shock warred within her, shredding any semblance of plotting or planning. She could only sit there, stunned, as Mother fussed over her, and pray she wouldn't find reason to be angry at her. Because she, of all people, had every reason.
And if she remembered that...!
All at once Rennala drew back, holding her at arms length. "How are you here, my daughter?! You died! I saw your corpse!"
Ranni's mind fizzled. In a panic, she said the first thing that came to mind. "My death was...greatly exaggerated?"
It was the wrong thing to say.
...I see." Rennala hummed softly, eyes going half-lidded. "Is that so? Is that all you have to say for thy part in this madness?" her grip tightened. "For all the sorrow and pain you caused me, and this world...?"
Numbed by shock, Ranni's tongue betrayed her. "Yes...?"
Fool! She'd all but thrust her foot int her mouth!
The blond behind Mother sighed. "You shouldn'ta did that."
Ranni scowled at him, recognizing the arrogant oaf. "Did what? Why have you brought mine Mother here, Tarnished? Speak!"
Naruto shook his head slowly.
Mother blurred.
In an instant Ranni found herself yanked forward and draped over her mother's knee. A hand swept forth, parted her robes, arched her back . T'was a position she'd not been held in since she was a little girl, a punishment most familiar. Her face darkened in sudden shame. No. Surely she wouldn't. Not here. Not in front of the Tarnished.
She looked up and found Mother's face carved from stone. "Thou hast chosen poorly."
Ranni balked, her good eye widening. "Mama, no!"
Mama yes.
WHAP!
Her entire body jolted as an open palm collided with her hindquarters. From a physical standpoint puppet body could not feel anything. No. Nay. Not a thing. Her soul was another matter. Mother was a mistress of magic; she knew spells that were unknown even to the gods. T'was she who had beat back Radagon himself, forcing him to win by love what an army could not through war.
In short? Ranni's spirit felt every blow as if she were flesh.
WHAP!
"Stop!" she squirmed, to no avail. "Cease this at once!"
WHAP!
Another hand hit her flank, drawing a yelp from her.
WHAP!
"Mother, please!"
Rennala wound up for another smack.
WHAP!
Ranni whimpered like the child she no longer was.
There was only one thing for it.
"I'm sorrrrrrry~!"
A/N: Well, I said someone was getting spanked, but now who~!
Aaaaand scene.
Someone was bound to pounce on Naruto sooner or later.
Well? Did you like this story? Yes? No? Maybe? Speak up! 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)
"All my hate, Tarnished. You have it."
"Well, I was just helping your mom out. She called it a boon, or something...
"Then you shall do me in return as recompense!
A blond brow rose. Ranni wilted under it.
...I phrased that poorly, didn't I?"
"Yes. Yes, you did...
Greyroll tapped her foot. "T'would seem you have been most busy since I saw thee last...
"Yup. Pretty much."
"So blunt!"
"We'll rest here."
A faint shimmer behind him told a different story.
"Finally done hiding, are you?"
Melina was silent for a long moment.
"This is not the place of my death."
And didn't that just sting? Well, screw that! He wasn't going to let her die. Even if it killed him.
Then she sat beside him. Her head came to rest against his bloody shoulder. As he looked on, her good eye closed.
"The enemy you face is no base foe. You will need all the strength you can muster." she offered her hand once more. "Shall I turn your runes to strength?"
He blew out a small, irritated sigh. "Do it."
His world burst into light.
And through it, he heard her voice.
"I wish to tell you a story."
Latenna hid a laugh behind her hand. "No, no, you look wonderful."
...you're mocking me, aren't you?"
"Godrick?! I don't wanna hear about Godrick! Godrick is dead! Take your daughter and go to the roundtable right now or SO HELP ME I WILL SHAVE YOU BALD!"
Irina tugged at her father's sleeve. "You'd best listen. He sounds rather cross."
"CROSS?!" Naruto's clone growled, and although Irina couldn't see his face, he sounded every bit of it. "HE is! HE just cleared out an entire castle and HE smells like a fucking fishery! While your own men tried to kill me, mind you! And what the hell am I supposed to do with this big sword?!"
Edgar winced. "You could always keep it...?"
A finger jammed his skull so hard it practically sought brain matter.
"One more word out of ya and I'm hitting you with a thousand years of death."
Some base instinct sealed his mouth shut. Irina stifled a small smile into her palm. Her Knight could be so crass sometimes...
Patches raised both hands to ward him off. "Nice fox, goood fox, please don't eat me...
Morgott creaked an eye open. Was he being ignored? Nay, surely not. The Tarnished had to come this way sooner or later...
.
..
...didn't he?
Somewhere in her tomb, Sellen sneezed.
"Oi! Got you something!"
Milicent turned to face him. Paused. "Is that an arm...?!"
Naruto hefted the prosthetic limb like some bloody trophy. "You have no idea what Patches and I went through to get this...so much poison...
Rya tilted her head.
Tilted it some more, now.
Blinked at the item in her hands. "Is this for me?"
"Sure is!"
"Oh!" her eyes watered. "No one's ever given me a gift before...
All the more reason to master her shapeshifting, then. She wanted to be of use to him, and she was of none in either form. Perhaps if she could find a way to combine the two...?
R&R~!