A/N: *coughs* Still sick, still writing.
Sorry if this seems short, I'm still wretchedly ill and didn't want to rush certain scenes.
We'll have more Elden Ring updates in April, March was a bit of a breather to catch up. Slifer's also back from his vacation, so you can expect some good updates~!
As my fifteen year anniversary on this site draws near, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things 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. The recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria serves as a terrible example. 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.
No questions this time. I think I've kept you waiting long enough.
As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes, or memes. Not a wit or a one!
I'm sure many of you have been waiting for this moment; because its time for some good old-fashioned fluff...
"What's to be done with his workshop and these corpses, then?"
"Burn them. Burn them all."
"Happily~!
~Rya and Naruto~!
Almost Human
There was a corpse waiting for him in Ranni's Rise.
Well, laying at Ranni's feet more like; Naruto made a point of stepping over the ghastly thing on his way in. Steam still smoldered from its shoulders, bringing with it a faint scent he didn't quite recognize; like fruit that had begun to rod. Whomever they were they looked to be freshly dead, not even an hour old at that. They wore light armor and clutched a staff, a build not unlike Seluvis. He couldn't tell much more beyond that; their body was still smoking from their ignominious end. Poor bugger should've known better.
You didn't mess with Ranni. He and Rennala were the exception in that regard; in part because they could handle her spells.
This one...clearly could not, judging by their wretched body.
"Anyone we know?" he nudged them with a boot.
"A faithless knave, nothing more." Ranni hissed out an icy breath from her seat as she crushed a stranger amber draught in one of her many hands. "The fool thought to make a mindless puppet of me, like their master before them." she finally seemed to notice him then, both his stern face and the blood on his cheek. "I assume Seluvis has been slain."
"Trish killed him." he rolled one shoulder, skirting the corpse to approach her. "Rya's burning the place to the ground. Therolina's helping.
"Yes, I can see the fire from here." A wry smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "T'would seem they are enjoying themselves. I will gladly reward them. Did you did not think to bring them to me?"
His own smile was more than a little chagrined. "Trish is exhausted, Rya's having too much fun being a pyromaniac, and the Therolina is a little...unhinged at the moment."
"Fair." the witch granted him a grim nod. "T'was a most trying experience, I'm sure." She tilted her head a little as he looked on. "However," He thought himself prepared for whatever she might say-but he was not. "I shall warn ye now, if you wish to woo me you will find it most difficult."
Heat speared up the back of his neck. "Woo?! Where in blue blazes did that come from!?"
"That is why you have taken so many consorts, no?" Four hands steepled in her lap. "The better to further thine own line?"
"Lay with me." Fia's words stabbed through his head, burning his cheeks red. "And I shall bear you a son.
"Aha!" Ranni stabbed a blue finger at him. "The silence is your answer. You do not deny it!"
"That's neither here nor there." He tugged at his collar and looked away, refusing to make eye contact. "I'm just keeping my promises. Same goes for you, ya know."
Her head tilted back. "You do not find me attractive?"
"You are a literal doll, Ranni."
"And what of it?" Now she seemed almost offended. Such a contrarian, this one. "I shall have thee know I was a great beauty before the shattering, exceeded only by mine mother and Marika herself. Even Malenia was naught compared to me."
"Still a doll.
"I shall not always be this way. Perhaps you will change your mind when I take my proper form."
...whatever you say." A thought occurred to him, then. "And the heck is Malenia?"
Her smile turned coy. "I expect you shall find out soon enough."
Riddles upon riddles with this one. He couldn't fathom her intentions."Guess we're headed to Nokron, then."
"We?" Ranni pulled a face in as much as she could make one with her doll body. "I cannot go with you."
"Eh?" he squinted her way. "Of course you can."
"I cannot for two reasons." she glowered at him with her good eye and held up two digits. "The first being that this body of mine is...limited in movement as much as strength. I have already expended a great deal of the latter to put down the Tarnished you see before you. Now I must rest and recover."
Someone was making excuses. "And what's the second reason?"
She almost seemed to squirm in her chair. It made her seem more human, somehow. "I do not entirely trust thee yet."
He quirked a brow. "After all I've done?
"Indeed, and all you might yet do." the little witch huffed. "You have defeated a great many shardbearers already, my own kin among them. If anyone shall become Elden Lord, it will be thee. Thou canst not blame me for being wary; not when you might upset my plans." She flicked an errant glance to the cold Tarnished corpse still moldering at her feet. It was finally beginning to dissolve. "I have been betrayed twice and I shan't suffer a third. No," her hair swayed as she shook her head. "I shall remain here and search for Blaidd in thy absence.
There wasn't something she wasn't telling him. He knew it, but he couldn't be arsed to ask. "If that's all, guess I'll be going.
"Hold!" Ranni cried out at his back, eliciting an annoyed noise from him. "I never said I wouldn't guide thee from afar. Come here and hold out your hands.
He did and she pressed an odd item into them, a tiny thing swaddled in white cloth, fitting perfectly into his palms. It was slightly cold to the touch. He peeled back the cloth in question and found himself frowning down at what appeared to be a perfect miniature replica of Ranni sprawled in his hands. She was in every way intricately carved, right down to the last detail.
And then she sat up in Naruto's hands, climbed to her feet, and looked about herself. "Hmm. It seems all is in order.
He nearly dropped the damn thing outright. "Wha?!"
She hadn't told him it would move!
"Do not be alarmed." Ranni's voice issued forth from the little doll's lips, slightly higher in pitch, but no less petulant. "A demonstration was in order lest thee didn't believe me." she planted a tiny fist on her hip. "This doll will allow me to communicate with thee. I shall see through her eyes, feel what she feels, even speak to you in a pinch. This is not a gift given lightly. Lose her -me!- and I shall be most cross with thee."
Her peace said, the doll went limp in his hands, leaving him to look upon the original once more. Gingerly, he stored the former in his pouch.
"A last warning. Ranni stared him down. "Nokron is full of secrets and treasures. but also horrors and worse. All are well guarded. It would suggest you travel lightly...and alone.
A blond brow rose. "Asking a lot of me, there."
"I am simply being cautious. Many would not approve of this journey. Mine mother chief among them."
Ahhh, now he knew what she meant. "Don't wanna get spanked again?
The silence was his answer.
Naruto refused to let it end like that.
"Say, if you can feel whatever this doll does, then I wonder...?"
He fished the doll out and poked its cheek.
"Meep!" Rennala's daughter squeaked and covered her stomach with all four arms. Huh. It was a surprisingly girlish sound. "Why didst thou do that?!"
"Aw, this is kinda cute!" Another poke elicited a second yelp from her. "See, when you let your walls down, you're almost human!"
Ranni could not blush, not as she was now, but she sputtered all the same. "Out with you, knave! Out!"
Naruto scarpered with a laugh.
(.0.0.0.)
Rennala met him at the stairs.
"You're headed to Nokron. It was not a question.
To her great delight, Naruto didn't try to dodge said inquiry.
Sure am." he scratched a finger against his whiskered cheek. "Figured you'd know that."
"A mother always knows what her children are getting up to. Ranni is no exception." She flicked a quick glance back to the tower. Angry noises came from within. Oh, dear. It seemed little Ranni was throwing a tantrum up there. A bit of a tsundere, that one. Her daughter had never been the best at hiding her true feelings. "And you intend to go alone?
"Probably for the best." He fell into step with her, idly glancing at the camp they'd erected just outside the Rise. "Trish nearly died, Greyroll's got a kid to look after and Rya...
.
..
...they both looked to her grandaughter and found her coiled up on the ground near the campfire, basking in its heat.
"I'm terribly sorry," she offered them a sleepy smile so pure that Rennala physically felt heart hitch in her chest. "I think I might have overdone it burning that workshop down. Would it be remiss to let me rest for a time and recover my mana?"
"Of course, sweet girl."
Her granddaughter made a pleased noise and closed her eyes. In a matter of moments, she joined Trish in slumber. She didn't doubt that the two of them would sleep for some time. As well they should. She'd heard tell of the horrors they'd encountered down in the depths, the mad workshop Seluvis had hidden from the world. She would've killed him herself if he weren't already dead.
...there you have it." Naruto said. "Best to let 'em rest, you know?"
"I can accompany you! Therolina forced herself up on one knee, despite her wan expression. "I still have a few incantations left...
"You just went through hell." Naruto planted a hand on her shoulder and forced her to sit on a log. "Rest a little."
She whimpered. "But I'm your maiden...
"And you'll still be here once I'm done with Nokron." he kissed her forehead, drawing a sharp sputter from the humble girl. "Have a little faith."
The finger maiden looked away from him, red-faced. "I have no lack of that...
"Didn't think so." Here at last he turned to Rennala herself. "Would you mind looking after them awhile?"
Not at all! It would give her a chance to better bring Therolina into the fold while Naruto was away. Such a brave, bold boy. So foolish, ever willing to take his risks. She didn't doubt for a second that he would return from Nokron, but even so, concern compelled her to speak. "And what of you?"
"Melina's coming with me." he glanced over his shoulder to an empty patch of faintly shimmering air. "Not like I could get rid of her if I tried, ya know...
"Good." His response pleased the Queen of the Full Moon greatly. "'Tis high time the two of thee apologized and mended the rift between ye."
"What rift?" Naruto squinted. "She started it. She's the one who owes me an apology."
Melina made angry Melina noises in Astral form but didn't manifest. Stubborn girl. She reminded her of someone most dear, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Ahh, but she heard the faint sound of wings in the mist. Greyroll must be near.
No doubt she'd accomplished her mission flawlessly...aha! There she was!
Her gaze raked over those sprawled near the fire with a wry smile.
"Such a motley crew you've assembled...
(.0.0.0.)
"Such a motley crew you've assembled...
Naruto tilted his head.
He didn't fail to notice Greyroll's approach, nor the way she staunchly avoided looking at Rennala. "What's with the two of you?"
The Queen of the Full Moon tittered a little. "I suppose you could say she owes me a debt. She fears I will air said debt to your ears."
Curiosity reared its head. "There has to be more to it than that.
"There is." a note of mirth danced through her voice as the mother of dragons drew nearer. "I once knew her when she was quite small." she mimed a gesture for emphasis, "Would you believe there was a time when she barely came up to mine knee?"
Naruto bit his lip to hide a snort. "No way."
"Indeed." she countered. "This was before my children, mind you. She was quite feisty, even back then. I had to put her in her place several times.
His brow furrowed. "Wait, but that implies...
"Death has little hold in the Lands Between at the moment." Rennala rallied him with her smile. "So long as one does not lose oneself or fall in battle, it is possible to live for a terribly long time, as many of us have."
...how old are you exactly?"
Rennala's smile never wavered. "How old do you think I am?"
Danger, danger, danger! Nope! Not going there! He wasn't touching that subject with a ten foot pole.
"Afraid to answer, my dear?"
Very much so!
Greyroll saved him with her approach, bless her simple soul. True to her nature, she stomped right up to him first, paying little heed to anyone else. He'd expected that. Prepared for it, even. He wasn't prepared for her to thrust her face against his and sniff him, least of all the savage smooch that followed. The dragoness didn't so much kiss as she did attack his lips with hers, tongue plundering his mouth, teeth biting down hard enough to draw blood as she pulled away.
His brain fizzled. Kurama absolutely cackled.
.
..
...bwuh?" he managed eloquently.
"Good." she drew back thrice as quickly, licking a bead of red from her lips. "You've not bedded another in my absence. I might have jumped thee, otherwise." From there she craned her neck, took one long look at the still-burning ruin of Seluvis' workshop behind them and grinned like the dragon she was at heart. "You were successful, I take it?"
"We were." What else could he say?
"And you are preparing to leave again." Clever girl. She saw right through him. "Alone."
...just this once, yeah."
"Excellent." she stepped aside. "Then I needn't wait~!"
"I'm guessing you dealt with Adula." Odd. There was a figure behind her. "Who's that with you?"
"Hmmhmm." Greyroll preened like the proud mother she was. "Come now, child. Don't hide behind me. Say hello."
...I do not wish to." a small, reedy voice whispered. "He frightens me."
"Nonsense. He is a true friend to dragons, and from this moment onward, thou shall call him father."
Naruto absolutely choked his own spit. "Dragonladysaywhatnow?!
The newcomer whined as well. "Mother, nooo!"
"Mother yes." The mother of dragons stepped aside fully, revealing her ward-no, her child. "He is to be mine mate and that is all I shall hear none of your protest."
Naruto's jaw clicked open and stayed open as he balked at this girl in her dark robe. Oh. This one could take human shape, like her mother. All told, she rather looked like a miniature Greyroll right down to her pale hair and stern gaze, but for her eyes; they were a deep, roiling blue, like pale fire. They almost seemed to glow as he looked on.
Little Adula absolutely glared at him. "I do not accept this. Nor you."
"Erm...nice to meet you, too?"
Rennala laughed softly at his plight.
"I shall teleport thee as near to Nokron as I can. Prepare yourself."
Naruto rounded on her. "Huh? Wait just a second! You can't just hit me with a bombshell like this aaaaand-
(.0.0.0.)
-aaaaaand sonuvabitch!"
He was still swearing when the world shifted and he found himself...somewhere else. Everyone and everything vanished in a rush of blue light, replaced by a crumbling countryside-no, that wasn't quite right. It wasn't so much crumbling as it was an abyss; one he stood upon the very edge, a terrible tear in the earth. It awaited him. Beckoned to him.
Swearing softly, he wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "I swear, I'm gonna spank her raw when I get back...
Steeling himself, he walked to the edge and plummeted into the depths.
Laughter echoed in the depths as he fell in the dark.
He had no idea what he was about to face.
None at all.
A/N: Nokron next chapter.
Well? Did you like this story? Yes? No? Maybe? Speak up! Make yourselves heard! Your voice matters~! Silence hurts worse than any flame.
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? It will remain, but it won't be continued! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs to keep the lights on, as such 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...
Mind you, most of these previews are the same.
Wouldn't do to spoil what's coming up.
Vote for what you want to see!
And as ever:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
SPOILERS LAY AHEAD!
YE BE WARNED!
(Previews)
A faint shimmer behind him told a different story. "Finally done hiding, are you?"
I would speak with you.
Oh? He tilted his head. "Finally come out of hiding, have we?"
Why do you woo all these women?
Ranni asked me a similair thing.
Did she? No matter. It is as I said. One day you will die, or so will hurt them.
That's an awfully insular way to look at the world.
It is the truth as I see it.
He blew out a sigh. "Do you have me that much? A pause.
"I do not...hate you. She said at length. "You frustrate me, but you are capable. Even so, you will have to let me die before the end.
Nope.
She scowled at him. What?"
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."
"You're headed the wrong way. Nokron is down there."
...oh, hey! Thanks for the directions but who in blazes are ya?"
"Think of me as," She lifted her hood, revealing long, flowing blond hair, striking scarlet eyes..and a blood red Great Rune etched into her forehead. "A friend." she looked past him, finding no one, and looked back to him. "Are you undertaking this journey alone?"
Melina, still in her astral form, remained silent as the grave.
Naruto blew out an exasperated sigh. Cheeky girl. "You got a name, friend?"
"I do." The Stranger patted his shoulder and walked by, hips swaying. "Perhaps someday I shall tell you it. This way," she beckoned lazily over her shoulder without looking back. "I shall show you the way. What you seek is not far...
Come to me...
Milicent grit her teeth and ignored the voice.
She would not. She refused. She was herself and no one else...wasn't she?
She jumped him.
"So that mimic tear thing's mimicking me, eh? Alright. Lets see how quick it is-
CLANG!
Naruto flew backward with a laugh.
Melina tutted softly. "He can be such a boy sometimes...
"Hey, there's a grace here, too! I wonder if...
He touched it and unbidden the image of a golden plain sprung to his mind.
The warm rune-ring on his finger sang, striking a low harmony with the Great Runes embedded in his body.
Without warning the world lurched around him, shifting in whorls of myriad gold on black. A faint sense of nausea shot up his throat. He choked it down.
Please. A voice begged. Help me...
Everything went dark.
"What have you done now?!" It was to that oh-so-familiar, exasperated cry that he returned to the roundtable.
"OI! I wasn't gone that long!"
"...I've finally hit my limit, boss. Take care of her, will ya?"
Naruto frowned at his exhausted shadow clone. "Take care of who?"
"Its not like I'm dying. My experiences, my memories, my emotions will live on in you."
"Oi!" he grabed him by the arm "You're starting to worry me! Just what did you get up to while I was gone."
His doppelganger didn't answer. His eyes had already gone dull.
He crumbled in his grasp and turned to so much smoke.
And the very moment he did..memories rushed in.
Naruto felt his lips move. "Irina?"
Who is Malenia?"
Milicent shied away. "No one you need concern yourself with...
"Take care of our sister."
He drew forth a needle from the muck of Caelid. "Well, that's certainly something...
"I wish us to travel together for a time." Melina spoke softly, her voice a low drawl. "You and I. Alone. For one last journey."
"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.
Silence...silence only hurts.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!