AN: Before I start out on the next chapter, I wanted to put this up here as I forgot to last time. This story was inspired by Mallius' Godking Geoff picture. Yeah, we all know the one. Beautiful, isn't it? I'm going to try and add a bunch of stuff they did, but let's face it: that's a lot of shit. If you guys what to see anything or anyone in particular, let me know. I'll see if I can work it in. Improv writing is fun, so throw it at me. I already have a chapter written up with Queen!Lindsay. It was mighty fun to write. Let's just say she's not pleased with the Mad King. Also, you'll start seeing their regular personalities shine through when they talk to each other. When talking to the Allfather, they're serious.

Thank you to Cloud Piece for the lovely review! I've been searching high and low for King AU stories, and I haven't had much luck either, so I figured I'd write my own. Also, I'm glad my writing is expressive enough to visualize. That's what I aim for. Also, puns win for life.

Now, on to the story!


Chapter Two

"I go by many names, but for now, you may just call me Allfather. I have created you five for very specific reasons. Reasons that I cannot share just yet. First and foremost, I have a task for you gents and lads. Are you ready to achieve it?"

Geoff watched as they exchanged glances, digesting the information. Michael was the first to step forward, head high and shoulders squared, looking every inch the proud fighter Geoff figured he was.

"I'm ready, Allfather. What's the task?"

At his enthusiasm, Geoff smiled lightly. The others seemed to follow his example. Next to step up was Ryan. He shot Michael a narrow look before staring at the Godking forcefully, as if attempting to draw Geoff's attention away from Michael and directly to himself.

"Whatever you need, I can do."

His words were firm, holding a slight edge to them. An edge that Geoff suspected wasn't aimed toward him, but rather Michael. In turn, Michael gave him an odd look before turning back to face the Allfather. Ray and Gavin stepped forward simultaneously, drawing a smile from Gavin as he chuckled at the coincidence. Then, Jack moved to stand beside his companions, a more cautious look on his face. He clearly wasn't the sort to just rush into battle unwittingly.

Geoff took a moment to look the five over for a second before he spoke.

"I have gifts waiting for all of you. However, I need you each to prove you deserve my gifts. You all must head out into the wilderness and bring me back a token worthy of what you will receive. What you bring back will determine what you gain."

There were gleams in their eyes at the mention of a prize. Determination filled them, burning with the intensity of a flame. Not only did they want to gain a gift from the Allfather, something no doubt powerful, but each of them wanted to prove to their creator that they can succeed, that his efforts weren't for nothing. They wanted to make him proud. None more than Ryan. An almost manic look formed on his face, but he kept it at bay. 'I will prove to Allfather that I am the best. I am the most worthy of his gifts. I will show him that I am his greatest creation.' With a smile, he spoke. His voice was low and smooth.

"Excuse me, Allfather. What are the...limitations on this quest?"

A special intonation was given to his words, and for a moment, his eyes slipped to Michael. He did not like the fierce looking male. He might prove a threat to Ryan and his quests. That just wouldn't do. His eyes snapped back to the Godking quickly, a polite smile on his face.

Geoff was no fool. He could see the distaste on Ryan's face, hear the hidden question in his words. 'Is killing against the rules?' He barely withheld the sigh behind his lips. Instead, he gave a benign look to the man.

"The rules are: Nobody is to go in the same direction. You must all choose a unique path. There is to be no sabotage, maiming, or killing of others. You will also have to use your ingenuity to achieve your goals. I will not be providing you with weapons or armor. That is for you to earn. Are the terms understood?'

There were dark looks on all their faces. No weapons, no armor, nobody to help them. How were they supposed to survive? None voiced their doubts or concerns. Instead, they all nodded. Geoff smiled again.

"Good. Now, when you gather what it is you deem to be a suitable trophy, you are to head to the center of the lands. There you will find a kingdom. If you feel you are lost, merely look to the horizon. The kingdom will be marked by a grand monolith that touches the very ends of the sky. A king will be waiting. Tell him it is I who sent you and present him with what you brought. He will then give you my gift."

Some donned confused looks for a moment. Ray spoke up, voicing the others' question.

"But, wait, you're not going to be there?"

The Godking merely shook his head. This time, it was Gavin who spoke.

"Why? I thought these tokens or whatever were for you."

Geoff smiled slightly, a light chuckle coming from him.

"Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not watching. I have other business to attend to. Don't feel completely alone. If you find yourself in danger you don't think you can get out of alone, just call for me. I'm always listening. Good luck, lads and gents. We'll see each other again soon."

And with that, Geoff vanished. The overwhelming feeling of power and comfort dissipated with him. The five men stood there for a moment, awed at the display. Then, they turned to look at one another. After a moment of silently eyeballing one another, Jack spoke up.

"I guess we should head on our way. I'll take the Northern path. See you at the kingdom."

There was a 'hopefully' at the end of the sentence that he left out. The others bid him farewell and good luck as he turned and left. Ray was the next to leave, taking a dirt road that led East. His parting words were a simple, 'Well, I'm out. See you bitches at the throne room.' It caused a good laugh from the remaining three, particularly Gavin and Michael.

Then it was Michael who left, claiming the Western path and a parting, 'Later, assholes.' Ryan gave a hollow parting to the man, eyes narrowed on the retreating figure. Gavin was more enthusiastic in his departure, his accent making Michael's name sound more like 'Micoo', prompting a laugh from the distancing warrior.

Gavin turned, a wide grin on his face. Ryan, while less enthusiastic, smiled at the younger man. He had mentally assessed Gavin already and deemed him a lesser threat, if any threat at all. If anything, he'd be the Court Jester in his kingdom. At the thought, his eyes drifted to the grand tower in the distance. 'One day, it will be mine.'

His attention was snapped back to Gavin as he spoke.

"I s'pose it's time we stop faffin' about, eh? Good luck, Ryan!"

Ryan gave a smile laugh and nodded in agreement.

"Good luck to you too, Gavin. Stay safe."

Gavin gave a small salute and a parting 'Will do!' before turning and taking a winding North-Eastern path. That left Ryan at the crossroads, looking at every path and staring at the looming monument. He could feel the desire for it in his veins. Oh, he knew that if he could take that crown, then the Allfather would have to see that he is the greatest of his creations. Ryan's mind simply wouldn't let go of the idea. 'I'm not his first creation. His first sits upon the throne. It is His favorite. I am not his most beloved. If I take the crown, I'll take his place in more ways than one.' A small, malicious smirk settled on his lips as he took one last glance at the monolith before walking down the Southern path. 'It will all be mine.'

Geoff watched the group disperse from the air. His eyes traced each of their destinations, mentally marking where they were heading. They had chosen their path, and it held more weight than they understood. In each area was a different breed of monster. And in each area lay a different kingdom. Whether they knew it or not, they were subconsciously drawn to their rightful thrones.

His eyes drifted to his own kingdom in the center. What he didn't tell them was that he was the King. He was merely in disguise. As a deity, he could not interfere in their lives too much. Even all powerful Gods have limitations. So, he worked around the rules. Transporting himself to his throne, he felt his body change. In many ways he still resembled his divine self, but there were enough differences to pass as a mere mortal recreation of the Allfather. After all, King Geoff was rumored to be the Allfather's first creation, molded to look just as he does. The rumor made him chuckle a bit. It was a good enough cover.

Granted, his powers were severely dampened in this form, but if that's what it took to remain near his creations, then so be it. His unearthly armor changed into a more conventional, albeit slightly futuristic green model. He lost his ethereal glow and seemed to age some years. Although protected by armor, thus making them impossible to see, his arms were covered in several many tattoos. They remained hidden in the presence of others as moving tattoos were not normal on mortals, even ones crafted at the hand of a God.

He placed his crown of gold on his head and sat upon his throne, also completely gold. Knowing no one was around, he unclipped the metal plating around his left forearm, rolled back protective padding, and looked at the map tattoo. He seen five dots, each of a different color, moving down separate paths. He smiled, keeping part of his awareness open to any pleas for help.