CHAPTER 12-RAISING A PATH
It was a clear sunny morning, with the serene singing of birds nesting in trees to provide an equally tranquil refrain for weary travelers on the road. This was what greeted four cloaked individuals on horseback as they strode forth. All but one had their hoods down, allowing any with even a moderate level of knowledge to recognize them as the all-female adamantite-ranked adventurer team, Blue Rose.
While Evileye remained masked as usual, and the twins wore the same blank expressions as ever, Lakyus and Gagaran possessed rather pensive, stern expressions. They had just recently left Leite Village, located just a few dozen miles from the city of E-Naüru, where they happened upon a brewing situation.
An unidentified group had threatened them with destruction after showcasing powerful magic ability, unless "sacrifices" were made. Five young girls willingly stepped forward to save their homes and families, before this group disappeared into the forested hills nearby. Some days later, Blue Rose caught wind of the situation thanks to an informant's tip, and rushed to the scene as fast as they could. They found the girls, but little else than empty robes. (A/N:CH.10)
Even after searching the cave where they discovered the girls later on, they found little beyond living quarters, a great deal of coin, magic items/scrolls, unknown iconography, and some sort of large, communal area. The twins seemed to pick up on what happened there early on, but insisted on waiting for the unconscious girls to relay their story before sharing their suspicions. When they did, it was as disturbing as they had assumed.
The group was some sort of cult, consisting of both human and demi-human members of both genders, worshipping an unknown "god" that wasn't of the Temple of the Four Great Gods. To make matters worse, the girls were violated for days and nights on end in some sort of ritual that collected "energy" from these deplorable acts.
The blonde and brown-haired village girls were crying messes when they were reunited with their families. The black-haired one was pensive and quiet, saying nary a word, but otherwise "appeared" to be fine. The red-head and eldest of the group was passionately wrathful over the ordeal, and was more than willing to sharing all that she could of what happened.
The one thing she could not clarify was what happened to their captors. Near as they could figure, someone else had intervened to save them from being killed for whatever twisted ceremony they were conducting. But that failed to explain the other mysteries. Such as what happened to their captors, and why they saw no one else.
After finishing their investigations, they took everything of value from the cult's lair as their payment and left. With each of them somber for various reasons. Evileye in particular seemed the most pensive. Even whilst wearing her mask, some of her teammates could tell. One of whom decided to nonchalantly probe her for answers, as Gagaran boisterously spoke up.
"Oi! Shorty. Something on your mind?"
"Hmph... Nothing you'd understand, muscle-head." Evileye dismissively replied.
"Don't be like that, Evileye. Why don't you tell us?" Tina insisted with a slightly eager voice that ran at odds with her straight, stoic expression.
"Yeah. We can't have 'our shorty', start to act like our evil-boss." Tia nonchalantly added.
"..."
While Lakyus grimaced at the twins' moniker for her, even she had to admit that she grew curious at Evileye's silence and slightly unusual behavior. She wasn't one to be as disturbed at the news of what happened to those village girls as they were. Meaning, something else was likely troubling her. Perhaps the information on that cult? Before she could give voice to her own curiosity however, Evileye frustratedly sighed, before speaking in a matching tone.
"Argh! Alright, fine! And take this with a pitch of salt, but I think I have an idea as to the identity of that cult the girls in that village mentioned."
"Hoh? What's this? Keeping things to yourself? Why didn't you mention something sooner?" Gagaran asked with a triumphant grin and raised eyebrow.
"Because I have no definitive proof you meat-head. And until I do, I wasn't going to blab about it, and maybe cause a panic. At least until I can get back in touch with the 'granny' about it."
This quickly caught their attention. They all knew who she meant with the 'granny" reference. She was talking about Rigrit Bers Caurau, the former leader of Blue Rose, and former member of the Thirteen Heroes. Anyone who knew her name would immediately respect her, and that was doubly so for the members of Blue Rose. If Evileye was contemplating contacting HER of all people, the seriousness of this situation increased several-fold.
"Tell us, Evileye. What's the matter?" Lakyus softly probed.
"Hmph... If the leader asks, then I've got no choice, eh?" Evileye softly and sarcastically grumbled before replying.
"Like I said, I need to contact the granny before I can be sure, but I think that cult might have some connections to the 'Evil Deities'."
"...!"
Everyone halted their horses the moment Evileye finished speaking, and any playfulness in their expressions and body-language vanished in the wind. It was common knowledge that powerful demonic entities known as the "Evil Deities", under the command of the "Demon God", laid waste to the known world, before being stopped by the, "Thirteen Heroes".
Of course, what most people didn't know, was the fact that there were much more than just thirteen. In order to promote a pro-human image to boost flagging morale for the beleaguered human peoples whose countries and cities were all but destroyed, most non-humans were wiped from the annuls of history. They knew full-well that Evileye was among those number whom were struck from history, so they gave her words serious weight.
"What makes you think that Evileye?" Lakyus inquired in a more serious tone.
"It's... a few things, leader. Those black robes left behind, some of the artifacts we discovered further in, and the testimonies of those girls all point to a specific kind of Evil Deity granny and the others encountered. I wasn't there for it, but they spoke of a demon that harnessed certain kinds of 'tainted' energy from people to grow in strength. It had the power to twist even the most pious of priests into depraved men to 'feed' it. Everything fits the pattern from back then... Back in that cave, it was faint, but I could sense a silver of demonic power the Evil Deities possessed." Evileye informed her comrades in a stoic manner.
"I see... So that's why you didn't say anything. You wanted to see if Lady Rigrit had any more information to add." Lakyus contemplatively stated as her right-thumb and index-finger rubbed her chin in thought.
"Yeah... If there really is a cult worshipping these things running around, then it's bad news for everyone, Lakyus."
"That's just great. Like we didn't have enough to worry about with a cult like Zuranon running around." Gagaran wearily remarked with a face-palm.
"Oh? Muscle-head's not arguing. She's being serious." Tina stated in a flat deadpan.
"Yeah. It's most worrying of all if Gagaran's being serious." Tia chimed in with the same tone.
"Oi, you two! This IS serious! Even back home... Che!" Gagaran angrily retorted with her right-fist raised in the air, before silencing herself with a clicking of the tongue.
"Back home?" Tina almost innocently asked, as both she and her sister simultaneously tilted their heads.
"Eh, you...! Forget it." Gagaran dismissively scoffed.
The sight was almost comical for Evileye, and on any other circumstance would have used this to poke fun at their resident muscle-headed "cherry-picker", but now was not the time.
"Now, now you three. That's enough. So then, when's the earliest that you can contact Rigrit, Evileye?" Laykus said in a professional manner.
"As soon as we arrive in E-Naüru. The sooner the better, and before we start fulfilling Renner's requests."
"Then that's what we shall do. Let's pick up the pace everyone!" Lakyus declared as she poked her horse with her heels to burst into a full gallop, leaving her team behind in a dust cloud.
"Ah~ah... There goes our evil boss again." Tina tiredly commented.
"It can't be helped. Let's catch up before she realizes she's alone on the road and yells at us." Tia plainly replied as she bid her horse to follow at the same pace, with the others swiftly following suit.
However, unbeknownst to them, the Madara-Clone had been shadowing them the entire time he encountered them in the cave. Using an Earth-type Jutsu to follow them undetected. He caught every word that was spoken, and relayed the information back to his original. This had all but justified his tailing them since that encounter. Especially when the names "Rigrit" and Renner were uttered.
Those bits of information increased their usefulness to him a great deal. Fully convinced that shadowing them was the correct course of action, he decided to continue to do so, ever waiting for an opportunity to present itself...
...
Meanwhile, deep in the underground compound that the real Madara was using as his base of operations, he acknowledged the information his clone relayed with approval and satisfaction. One more cog in his machine was now taking shape, while he prepared for another.
To his front a fox-type beastman lay on the ground, bound and under the throes of a [Dōjutsu], keeping it calm and placid. Delivered by one his clones that had been monitoring the borders of the Re-Estize Kingdom, this beastman belonged to a tribe that lived in the kingdom's fringes. While they "normally" kept to themselves, occasionally they raided a village or caravan for food, goods they couldn't make themselves, or just for fun.
One of Madara's clones put a stop to one such raid, and captured the whole raiding party for his latest experiments in using [Edo Tensei] in this new world. The circles and patterns for the ritual was set, and a bundle of bones wrapped in gray-colored cloth was being draped over a circle to his front by one of Lottus' undead skeleton minions.
While a mindless drone, it still bowed to Madara in respect as it completed its task and stepped to the side. It was a gesture that its master Lottus had instilled into his skeleton workers that most would consider odd, but Madara disregarded it all the same. Since they were created by his subordinate Lottus, one could argue that they are like extensions of himself, and thus showed the same deference as their creator would.
Speaking of whom, he quietly sidled up to his master as he gave his own bow, and spoke in a tone of deference and respect.
"Everything is set for your experiments, milord. If I may be so bold, I am quite eager to see this after what you have told me."
"Oh? Is that so, Lottus?" Madara said with a raised brow.
"Y-Yes, indeed. From what you have described, the beings created from this [Edo Tensei] are very similar to the 'Revenants' spoken of in the tomes left behind by Zuranon." Lottus hurriedly said, thinking he had displeased his master, but was relieved to see that wasn't the case when Madara turned back to the summoning circle, and spoke in his usual calm tone.
"Hmm... From what I have read, they are indeed similar. Although the methods differ. So I cannot be sure how it will behave in this world."
"As I recall milord, you said it was a type of summoning, whereupon the soul of the departed would be called from the 'Pure World', or what those of us in these lands would call the, 'Afterlife'. To intrude upon the Domain of the Gods themselves... Tis' truly exhilarating. If I may milord, do those whom have returned by this 'forbidden art', recall anything from the other side?" Lottus inquired with almost eager curiosity, whilst Madara replied in his usual, almost disinterested tone.
"No. Those brought back do not recall anything from the other side. Their last memories will be of those just before their death."
"O-Oh... I see. I suppose that is understandable. The gods would not want their secrets to be so easily revealed... Hmm..." Lottus said in an almost disappointed tone, as Madara ignored this and kneeled to the circle.
"Now, let us begin..."
Madara molded and focused his chakra as he closed his eyes and prepared to weave the Hand Seals. From his previous experiences with the Jutsu, the collaborator named Kabuto had all-but-perfected it beyond its original form. He suspected that this was due to the infusion of the Hashirama cells into the process, as evidenced by his condition when it was used on him.
Of course, whether or not this was truly the case, he could not say. However, it did give him ideas on how to improve upon the technique. After all, the strength of the subject was greatly reduced from their prime when it was first devised. If this Jutsu was to be of any use to him in this world, such flaws could not be tolerated. So he had devised some of his own methods to improve upon it. Now was the moment of truth as he weaved the Hand Seals...
"[Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei]."
Slamming his palms upon the circle, there was a palpable surge of power that both Madara and Lottus could feel in the air as it swirled, but then suddenly dispersed. As if the summoning was rejected! Lottus could not understand what was happening. He followed each of his master's instructions in preparation for this ritual. It should have worked! Only a subtle chuckle from his master helped to settle his growing unease.
"Heh-heh-heh... As I suspected..."
Lottus was now wholly confused. Did that mean that his master expected this to fail? He had to know as he spoke up in a respectful, but still inquisitive tone.
"Begging your pardon milord, but it sounds like you expected this result."
"Hm... I did. Or rather, I had a feeling that it might not work." Madara replied in a slightly amused tone.
"Milord?"
"Think on it, Lottus. What fuels the [Wild Magic] of Dragon Lords?"
"That would be... Ah! Now I understand."
"Indeed. In my world, this would not work if the soul of the departed did not reside in the, 'Pure World'. This applies if the soul is sealed away, or in this case, used as fuel in the Dragon Lords' magic. Once I learned of the magic the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord and his kin used, the chance of this result became apparent."
"I see. Now I understand, milord. Then, what shall we do now?"
"Hmph! The only thing we can do for now. We continue until a subject is successfully summoned. Bring me the next." Madara stoically commanded as he closed his eyes.
"Ah! At once, milord."
As Lottus motioned for the undead drone to remove the batch of remains from the circle and to bring the next, Madara was honestly vexed by this turn of events. While the possibility existed that he could use the abilities of the [Rinnegan] to bypass this bothersome limitation, that did not mean that the risks of doing so outweighed the rewards. The risks associated with the use of [Gedō: Rinne Tensei no Jutsu] were not to be taken lightly. Unless he found a solution to its fatal side-effects, he would not use it quite yet.
Thus began another series of rather infuriating failures. One after the other, a half-dozen tries failed to conjure a single [Edo Tensei] from the living sacrifice that lay sleeping on the floor. For a moment, Madara contemplated the thought that it would not work in this world at all, due to its differing natures, and considered abandoning the use of [Edo Tensei] altogether.
That was until the seventh batch of remains were brought, and a reaction occurred! The ritual circles glowed in response, and almost paper-like debris whirled around the beastman subject. Whom woke up from his slumber just long enough to lazily yawn and ask the question...
"Hrm... W-Where am I?"
"..."
It was far too late to receive an answer. The beastman was enveloped by the debris, and its howls of pain and agony echoed throughout the underground chambers. Then there was silence as it clung tightly to its form, and slowly morphed into a more humanoid shape. There was brief glowing for a moment, before the debris slowly fell away to reveal a human man in his mid-thirties.
He possessed short-cut, light-brown hair, a tanned skin complexion, and surprisingly wore little more than a simple brown one-piece robe. Something that intrigued Madara, as the subject was supposed to be "reborn" with whatever they wore upon their death. Though he attributed this to this world's differing nature from his own. The skin possessed the telltale signs of [Edo Tensei] reincarnation, with small cracks and other imperfections.
"Guuuuh!"
Suddenly, there was a loud gasp for air that echoed throughout the chamber from the revived subject as he stirred on the ground. He forced himself up on all fours before propping himself up on his knees. His eyes slowly fluttered open as if disoriented. While his irises were ocean-blue, the sclerae of his eyes were of a dark-gray that was almost black.
Lottus was amazed at this spectacle. Not only could the man before them almost pass for human, but he radiated almost no negative energy whatsoever. Although his master told him of the effects of this "forbidden technique", seeing truly was believing. Of course, he would have to muse on this later, as their subject blinked and stared at them in shock and uncertainty.
"W-Where am I? W-Who are you?"
He still panted and gasped for air from the shock of his revival, uncertain as to what was going on. Before him was a semi-skeletal undead dressed in magic caster robes, and a man in red and black armor of superlative quality that he recognized as magic items, but far more powerful than anything he had encountered before. The man himself stared at him with a combination of indifference, and an odd smirk of success before he straightened it and stoically spoke.
"My name is Madara Uchiha. This is Lottus Javyn Dale Franklin. You are within an underground compound that serves as my base. And you? What is your name?"
The man was at first bewildered at the situation. The man named "Madara" motioned to the undead as if it were no big deal at all, whom politely bowed after being introduced. Their names were also an odd mix. The undead clearly bore a name of nobility, while the man that spoke possessed a clearly foreign name. Did he come from the southern countries? Although those enigmas were second to a strange connection he felt to him. Like a mental link that had tethered them to each other, compelling him to answer.
"D-Damar. Damar Tvenstrup."
"..."
The [Edo Tensei] did not know what to make of their reactions. The clearly sentient undead perked up his chin and then looked at the man named "Madara", whose brow slightly twitched to his reply. It was as if they recognized his name. Before he could speak again, Madara then questioningly spoke again.
"Welcome, Damar Tvenstrup. Tell me, what it the last thing that you remember?"
"I... I... I remember, fighting to defend my home village, with my wife and a few others. My wife was hit, I came to her aid, and then I was... I was... Oh, gods! Am I... dead?"
Madara slightly narrowed his vision on the man. He was never one for the more sensitive moments, so he thought it best to simply get it over with and explain the man's circumstances.
"Yes, you and your wife fell in battle that day 7-years ago. I have revived you with a method quite different from that of resurrection. For all intents and purposes, yours is an existence to where your soul has been bound to a living sacrifice, so you may walk upon this world once more. You are similar to, yet quite different from an undead in some respects."
"...!"
This news shook Damar to his very core, and indeed he could feel what this man was saying as he looked down at his hands. His pulse was nonexistent. He felt no heartbeat. Though some of his physical sensations remained, many others were missing. It was like he was possessing a body that was not his own, and as he realized this, he came to realize the "tether" that bound him to this man named, "Madara".
As an educated magic caster, he knew full well what it meant for anything "summoned" via magic, or whatever this man was using. The summoned as slave to the will of the summoner, regardless of their own will. A notion solidified as he looked down upon the circles on the floor that he assumed were for the summoning ritual. Though he didn't care about any of that. As he thought back on that fateful night, only one matter occupied his thoughts...
"I... I don't know if you'd know this or not when you brought me back like this, in this parody of a body, but I had children. Nigel and Suvi. Do you know what has become of them?"
Madara was reasonably sure that this question would soon arise, and thus answered it in a straight, matter-of-fact tone.
"Ah, yes. Those two. Do not worry. Your children are fine. They are adventurers, and after receiving some of my training, they have become strong."
"Ooooh... Thank the gods... It wasn't all for nothing..." Damar said in a breaking voice full of emotion and relief, and after a minute spoke again.
"What will happen to me now? I doubt that you brought me back in this pseudo-life just to tell me that."
"Hm... Indeed. You do not need to know the details right now. I will say that I am building up an army using this method. Yours was but a test, as you were adequate in your field, and you possess a [Talent] that allows you identify those whom also possess a [Talent]. Such a skill will prove useful to me." Madara coldly and pointedly replied.
"Ah... I-I see..."
Though Damar was taken aback by the rather blunt reply, he had to admit that it didn't entirely surprise him. To summon the deceased to fight for you? It would make the perfect weapon. As he tried and failed to move his body to lash out at the two standing before him, he also knew that there was nothing he could do to resist. He was completely at their mercy.
As he looked to and fro, he saw that his wife was not present. Perhaps it was just as well. He did not want her to be used as a weapon like he would soon be. If anything, he would bide his time to, at the very least, see his children again. After all this time, they should have grown into fine young adults. Especially if they are now adventurers.
"I see you have come to accept your situation for now... Good. Do not worry. In time you will come to understand. For now, follow Lottus and he will get you some proper clothes, items, and equipment for you to use. You will work under him and assist him as needed."
Damar could only numbly nod as he was compelled to obey the commands of his "summoner" and follow after the named undead. After walking some distance, they reached what appeared to be a storage area filled with many different types of items and gear. He was guided to one corner with a footlocker that rested on a raised platform. Lottus bowed respectfully as he turned and went around the corner to give Damar some privacy to change.
It did not take him long to swap out the simple robe he wore and don the items, which he had to admit were of quality make. They were on par with some of the best magic items and gear he had seen in his travels across the Kingdom. They would have cost a fortune, which left some questions on how they were acquired. As he emerged from changing and stood before Lottus, the undead nodded in satisfaction.
Damar now stood in place wearing a long-coat with hood and armored shoulder and forearm guards that was gray in color with some bronze-colored accents. This was likewise for the trousers that bore cuisses, poleyns, greaves, and sabatons on his legs and feet. His gloved hands gripped a metallic staff of dark, navy-blue coloration with a ruby-red jewel at the top, with a simple short-sword at his waist as a backup weapon. Finally, there were ten rings of different colored jewels and amulet hidden underneath to round out his equipment.
"Very good, Sir Damar. That panoply fits well on you. You will find that equipment to be equal to what you would find even adamantite-ranked adventurers to be using these days." Lottus said in a pleased tone.
"Yes, it is surprising... Oh, and no need to call me 'Sir'. I'm no knight on whatever chessboard this 'Madara' is creating. If anything, I am little more than a pawn." Damar replied in a sad tone of resignation, eliciting a thoughtful hum from Lottus as he cupped his chin with his left-hand.
"Perhaps that is so. However, be that as it may, 'tis my way of showing respect to the sire of good Nigel and Suvi. I grew rather fond of them in the time I spent with them." Lottus said in a thoughtful tone.
"Y-You're fond them? But an undead like you... Ah, forgive me." Damar quickly said in an apologetic manner, unable to hide his surprise.
"Hah-hah-hah... Think nothing of it. As far as undead go, mine is an unusual case to begin with. Though we can discuss such things at a later date. Milord will be waiting for us after all, and it is best not to keep him waiting overlong."
"Right... I would very much like to hear how my children have grown later." Damar said with more energy in his tone.
"As milord said, all will be revealed in time. Shall we?"
As Lottus motioned down the hall, the pair silently walked side-by-side until they returned to the summoning chamber. One of Lottus' undead drones had already placed a pair of remains and beastmen to be used for the next, now dual summoning. Although the amount was smaller for each than what was previously used to revive Damar, whom thoughtfully rubbed his chin as he watched. Without even turning around to address them, Madara spoke in his usual tone.
"Now that you have returned, we can begin again."
"Hmm... Those bones... Can it be that you're using the remains of the deceased as a sort of 'beacon' to call upon their souls to return?" Damar thoughtfully said, as if thinking aloud.
"Indeed. An astute observation, Damar. I see raising you was not a waste after all." Madara plainly replied with a perked brow.
"Hmph. I shall take that as a compliment I suppose. And you're using demi-humans as living sacrifices?"
"Yes. Do you disapprove?"
"..."
There was a brief moment where Damar's mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for its next "breath". A sight that would have been comical to Lottus if he were still human. Though he could see Damar's hesitation, confusion, and internal conflict as he wrestled with the moral implications. A supposition that was correct, as Damar's morality warred with the memories of beastmen like these attacking his home. It was that memory that won out as he coldly spoke.
"I've seen too many good, decent people struck down by savage beasts like them to argue the point. Especially with one who has me on his 'strings'."
There was a slight tremor from Lottus as he worried that his new comrade may have said too much. Surprisingly, this elicited an amused chuckle from Madara as he spoke in a dry tone.
"I see you have noticed. Well done... Though you should not get the wrong idea. You may be bound by my 'strings' as you put it, but if I truly wanted a mindless puppet, I would not have kept your will and personality intact. Keep that in mind."
The implication was not lost on Damar as his eyes widened, then stealing a glance at Lottus, whom cautiously nodded. The man had shown considerable intelligence, and thus proved his worth with his sharp eye and intellect. Perhaps that is what their master sought in his underlings beyond mere strength. He honestly could not say.
What he could determine though, was that perhaps he shouldn't push his luck. Not when it was starting to register with him just how overwhelmingly strong this man was, and it honestly made him shiver. A sensation he never experienced before, even in life.
"Ahem! M-My apologies. I shall endeavor to be more conscientious in the future." Damar then contritely said as he performed a head-bow.
"Umu... See that you do. Now, let us return to the matter at hand. Enough tests have been conducted, so now it is time for the main event..."
With that dealt with, Madara once again focused his attention on the next set of [Edo Tensei] summonings. A pair that would prove to be among the most important out of all he wanted to use in his future plans as he focused his chakra, weaved his Hand Seals, and slammed his palms down as he invoked the Jutsu...
"[Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei]!"
For a brief fraction of a moment, there was worry from Lottus, when in that brief pause, there was nothing. But then, the circles shines with a brilliant light as the effects of the Jutsu took effect. The beastmen awakened from their trance, only to howl in agony before their voices were silenced forever by the cocoon of earthen debris, which began to take humanoid shape.
Then sudden, something unexpected happened, as the figures slowly rose from their crouched positions upright. As if being lifted up by hands unseen. Both Lottus and the recently revived Damar could feel the strength emanating from these two. It was as if the very air around them began to distort from the pressure these yet-to-be-revealed beings exuded. Madara on the other hand, grinned without reserve. It would seem these two would exceed all expectations.
As the debris fell off the powerful pair of figures, they beheld their features, which now bore the obvious signs of [Edo Tensei]. The first was a fair-skinned, blue-haired, red-eyed man who had his hair tied off in a rattail that reached down his mid-back. He appeared to be in his mid-to-late 20s, and despite the simple robe he wore, they could tell he possessed of a toned, muscular physique of medium size that went at odds with the strength they felt from him. Out of the pair, he felt the strongest.
The second man was quite different. Surprisingly so in fact, as his skin sported an inhuman reddish complexion, with long flowing black hair that was framed by a pair of horns on each side of the top of his forehead. They weren't large as they curved back on his head, but were clearly noticeable. His deep-blue eyes held a depth that made it seem he could look into the very depths of one's soul. He looked like he was in his mid-30s, and possessed of strong, stout, and dignified cheekbones.
For a moment they stood with blank stares, as if in a daze, until they both gasped for air in much the same way as Damar did. Though they nearly stumbled, they caught themselves and displayed a preternatural balance that bespoke of skilled warriors that always maintained the most optimal footing whenever possible. They held onto their chests for a moment as they got their bearings, and when they did, the blue-haired man spoke in shock and disbelief, while the red-skinned man remained silent, but no less bewildered.
"W-What in the hells going on here?! I should be dead! I clearly told her I did not want to be raised!"
"...!"
"Interesting... So the stories were true."
The attention of the pair was drawn by Madara's cool, calm voice that possessed a tinge of fascination. For a moment they didn't know what to think as they noted the presence of the trio to their front, but when they noticed each other there were clear signs of recognition as they each spoke in turn.
"I-It's you..."
"Hmph... Indeed. It seems we've both been brought back. After all, I died after you, Leader." The red-skinned man said in a deep voice that possessed a subtle growl.
The blue-haired man clenched his teeth in anger, clearly seething at this turn of events. It became clear to them that one of the three before them brought them back. The powerful presence and the gear Madara wore made it obvious who the responsible party was, as the blue-haired man shouted in anger.
"WHO the hells are you! Why have you done this?!"
While his voice bounced off the walls, it felt like a wave of power swept over Lottus and Damar, as they both unconsciously took a step back. It was like his voice carried with it power that was sent out in waves. While this seemed to affect the lower-leveled pair, Madara was unmoved as he lifted up his right index-finger, and casually spoke.
"Your voice. It is too loud. Lower it."
"What are you..." The blue-haired man growled, suddenly noticing that he was unconsciously following Madara's command without meaning to.
"What... is this... This isn't [Raise Dead] or [Resurrection]. What's going on?"
"Hmm... You may be incensed at being brought back, but perhaps we should be calm and hear this man out. Something feels... off."
The blue-haired man breathed in and calmed himself as the other spoke. That was the most reasonable course of action right now. The last thing he remembered was bidding his comrades farewell as refusing their offers of resurrection, before then slipping into death. Now? Nothing made sense. He was brought back by a complete stranger, with one of his old comrades having been raised with him. Although, their bodies felt... different.
"Umu... That is indeed wise council, Black Knight."
"...!"
Damar was utterly stunned at Madara's words. The red-skinned man was THE Black Knight, hailed as a national hero Karnassus City-State Alliance, and wielder of the Four Swords of Darkness?! If that is true, then given what has already been said thus far, that would make the blue-haired man the Leader of the Thirteen Heroes! All at once he was overwhelmed, soon realizing the reason why these men felt so strong. He was in the presence of legends reborn!
"My name is Madara Uchiha, and I am indeed the one that has brought you back..."
Madara then went on to calmly explain the method he used to bring them back, why their bodies felt so different, and how much time had passed. To say they were surprised would have been a massive understatement. They were now, for all intents and purposes, a new type of undead. Bound to the land of the living, and nigh unkillable for the most part. Although unlike Damar before them Madara was quick to explain how they were bound to him as well, when prompted. Needless to say, the former Leader of the Thirteen Heroes was less than pleased.
"Dammit all! I didn't give my life to end up someone's puppet!"
"Hm. Nor did I, but it seems we now have little choice, old friend."
"Keh!"
"..."
For what it was worth, Madara could sympathize with their feelings somewhat. Both as one who experienced the [Edo Tensei] himself, and later on learned how his path was manipulated from day one. He unexpected felt a tinge of kinship with these heroes out of time, and felt the odd need to reassure them as he calmly, even softly spoke.
"Do not worry. I have no intentions of using any of you as slaves or blunt instruments. Know that I have once experienced this technique myself, so I can understand the surprise. This form can be inconvenient in many respects, but for the way ahead in the future, it can be an advantage."
"What do you mean, by that?" The blue-haired man suspiciously asked with narrowed eyes.
"Before that, I believe you two have yet to tell us what you wish to be called."
Madara's stoic reply made the pair twitch in surprise upon realizing that all this time, they had not introduced themselves. Although, given the circumstances, it was understandable. Though they hesitated for a moment, they calmly replied in turn.
"You can call me, Benkei." The blue-haired man said.
"Call me, Dorian." His red-skinned compatriot stated.
"Hm... Very well. That will suffice. It would not do to have your real names be recognized on the outside after all." Madara lazily replied.
Once again, another surprise came for the former Leader of the Thirteen Heroes and the Black Knight. It is true they gave aliases instead, but they began to wonder why. Was it because this Madara willed them to, or did they truly decide on their own? His ambiguous statement of what they "wished to be called" gave them a degree of freedom in how they could respond, so did that mean that this man deliberately tested them? As the pair stole side-glances with each other, that seemed to be the most likely reason.
"So, to answer your question 'Benkei', my goals are simple. I mean to change this world."
Madara's confident, steely tone caught all those present off-guard with such a declaration. What did he mean by that? That was the question shared by the newly revived [Edo Tensei], and one that he could easily predict as he continued...
"The two of you fought and died to save this world from destruction, but unbeknownst to both of you, very little has changed in it. The countries, the names, and playing field have, but little else. Powerful monsters hide in the shadows gaining strength. Meanwhile the weak, oblivious masses continue to idly fret over petty matters, getting only weaker while their so-called leaders fail them at nearly every turn. When this dissonance comes to a head, wars break out, and the masses suffer and die. Especially when the powerful throw their might around, not because they had to, but simply because they could..."
A deathly serious edge to Madara's tone could be heard from those present as he spoke that last line, and his thoughts drifted to the Overlord of Death, Ainz Ooal Gown. The lizardmen, having done no wrong, were simply toys to be used and discarded by uncaring monsters, not because they had to, but simply because they could. A callous disregard for life that was even worse in nature to the wars he fought. In that moment, he stood up, and a new passion arose from his tone of voice.
"It is a sad, pitiful cycle that continues ever on, and will continue, so long as this disparity is allowed to fester. If it does, before long it shall devolve into chaos, where the concept of 'winners' and 'losers' no longer matters."
He outstretched his hand as those in the room seemed enthralled by his now uncharacteristic charisma and passion.
"You know this to be true. History has shown this, in the stories of a strong group of disparate individuals, who stood up against that chaotic force known as the 'Evil Deities'. Such was their power and nature, that it forced an alliance between different races, and the heroes that set forth from them. All were equal during this time, regardless if they were human, demihuman, or heteromorph. Though history has forgotten this, I have not. I have summoned you here now, to aid me in making that a reality once more. Once in the past I had this very same dream, but I was misguided in how I tried to see it through. So much so that the world rose up against me. Though they were right to do so, my dream wasn't wrong. Just wrongly executed. I have seen the state of this world, and the path it is leading towards. Join me in creating this new world, where the mighty temper the weak, instead of trampling them. Where there is order and equality, instead of chaos and disparity."
All present were completely speechless. Even Lottus, who knew of his goals, and heard his words to the lizardmen, was not prepared for the passion, the sincere "belief" in his words. It was a charisma that inspired devotion and enthralled those to gladly and loyally follow. Damar was likewise at a loss for words. He expected to be a puppet dancing on this man's strings, not to seriously and willingly consider devoting himself to such ideals that resonated so strongly in his mind and his soul. He could see himself following this man. This... sage.
Similar feelings and reactions resonated with the two revived heroes. They fought, and they fought, and they fought to protect this world alongside their comrades. They did everything that was asked of them, and things that weren't, and things STILL ended up like this. They could feel it in their bones that he spoke true. Whether it was the power and charisma in his words, or the "link" they had with him, or a combination thereof, they could not say. Regardless, there some something indelible that spoke to their very souls; this man was worthy of following.
With this in mind, both "Benkei" and "Dorian" glanced at each other, nodded in wordless agreement, and bent the knee to their new leader. An act that deep touched the two others in the room. Legends like them were willing to follow Madara's lead, and soon they too joined them in genuflection of this man.
"I will admit, I did not want to come back. Not after the sting of my own failures left me broken. But that you know what that feels like, and yet still continue on, makes me think I was the one that should have continued. Though I cannot for the life of me understand why, I am willing to follow you, Madara Uchiha. I will enter your service, so you can prove to me words be true."
As the former Leader of the Thirteen Heroes resolutely spoke, his comrade stoically did the same.
"My old friend here says the same as I feel. I will follow his lead, and follow you."
"Umu... Then I accept your service, in both practice and spirit. Now, rise all of you. Warriors of your caliber should not have their knees on the dirt, but upon the throats of their enemies."
Three sets of light chuckling echoed as the pair rose, joining Madara in his little joke, and all were soon on their feet. Like before with the lizardmen, Madara surprised himself with his speech, and the sincerity that poured forth. (A/N:CH.11) As much as he was loathe to admit it, inspiration and devotion inspired by the like of Hashirama and the brat had seemingly rubbed off on him. Thoughts he put aside as he calmly spoke.
"Speaking of which, warriors such as yourselves cannot do with simple robes."
"Shall I lead them to our supply stores, milord?" Lottus respectfully inquired.
"No. Beings of their caliber are deserving of much better than that." Madara dismissively replied.
"Ah, forgive me, milord. I should have realized. Then it is a trip to Lord Dy'vom's treasury I take it?"
"Hm. Indeed. Let us all go then. Our newest recruits could stand to meet him."
"Oh! Of course, milord."
As Lottus stood to the side to allow his master to pass, he then motioned the newest trio to follow as they collectively began to wonder just who and what this "Dy'vom" was. However, unbeknownst to all of them, including Madara himself, the named Deep Darkness Dragon Lord had been watching everything through the eyes one of the figurines he had given Lottus as a "gift". Which he had been using as a means to spy on Madara this entire time.
Although, after he finished his speech, even the Dragon Lord had to admit that he was moved by Madara's words as he rested within the deepest parts of his lair. For one as old and powerful as him, he could say without a doubt that Madara had the right of it. His words and the era of the "Evil Deities" mirrored the age of when the True Dragon Lords had their collective worlds crash down upon their heads with the advent of the Eight Greed Kings.
He was young then, but bore witness to when his complacent forebears ignored the dangers that the Players of YGGDRASIL represented. They were most certainly NOT like the Theocracy's "Six Great Gods", whom were content to shepherd the weaker humanoids races, and prevent their collective extinction. No, the Eight Greed Kings lived up to their name as they fell upon the prideful, disparate, and vulnerable Dragon Lords, who made no contingency plans for when those like them rose against them.
The hunting of their kind was made all the more painful when, as he grew older, realized that if the Dragon Lords had not been so foolishly complacent, had they been more the united, and been the shepards for the other races that they should have been, perhaps they would have had a chance. He lamented this then, as he did now.
To prevent just a thing from happening again, he banded together in an alliance of five other Dragon Lords to combat the next wave of hostile Players. But when they didn't show, they once again grew prideful and complacent. The "Evil Deities" as they became known to be called, with their "Demon God" fell upon them as surely as they did the other races, when they were isolated and vulnerable.
These facts could not be disputed, and Dy'vom Nivra'mortis found even himself drawn in by Madara's words and beliefs. And it was positively galling. Never did he expect such a display from this powerful enigma, and frankly he was simply looking for the chance to kill him and free himself from his service. Now? This Madara was genuinely beginning to win his loyalty and respect.
"Grumph! It leaves a foul taste in my maw."
Dy'vom huffed as he rose from his relaxed posture, knowing that soon he would be receiving "guests". Though he had to admit, he was rather curious as to what to expect...
...
Damar was positively speechless. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would end up in the personal treasury of a dragon. None-the-least of which a Dragon Lord! Despite no longer having a beating heart to call his own, the awe and excitement he felt for being here and now, and being able to gaze upon the powerful form of the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord would have left him faint in his old life.
The fact that his new liege Madara had defeated this Dy'vom in single combat?! The very concept beggared belief. (A/N:CH.6) He was only take out of his daze as Lottus' inquisitive voice echoed in this dazzling chamber of riches and magical artifacts.
"Are you well, Lord Dy'vom? You seem unusually... pensive."
"Hrm? I'm fine, Lottus. Now leave it be." The Dragon Lord tersely replied.
"A-Ah, oh. Very well then."
"..."
Madara quietly took note of the change in Dy'vom's demeanor. It was subtle to be sure, but the Dragon Lord had been uncharacteristically reserved in his words and actions upon their arrival, and amusingly shocking the new arrivals. Lottus had the right of it. The normally prideful dragon had been unusually contemplative. Madara could guess that Dy'vom somehow bore witness to his speech, and that it affected him in some way.
How he managed that drew in his curiosity, but Madara was mildly amused by this turn of events, and soon found himself contemplating ways to use this to his advantage. Whether from a tactical standpoint, or simply his amusement, would be decided later. The sounds of footsteps drew his attention, all present saw the former members of the Thirteen Heroes exit the armory, wearing their new equipment.
The Leader of the Thirteen Heroes, calling himself "Benkei", stepped out with bright colored armor that gleamed in the light, covered in shining runic symbols. He wore no helm, instead having a solid silver circlet, also with runic symbols, with a shining ruby-colored jewel in the center, and a pair of silver-colored earrings that reflected the light. A layer of vanilla-colored fur lined around the collar, much like the mane of a lion, giving him the air of a great beast.
The upper-torso's cuirass and plackart was exquisitely crafted to allow freedom of movement, whilst providing protection from glancing blows and direct strikes. His shoulders' pauldrons blended well with the rerebraces, couters, vambraces, and gauntlets of his arms. Though the lack of fabric beyond these sections exposed the muscular arms they clung to, even his skin seemed to shine with magical luminescence, indicating that it was hardly a weak point.
His lower torso was clad in deep ultramarine-color tights with silver trim, with the knees down clad in shining silver poleyns, greaves, and sabatons. Like the upper half, they too appeared to be covered in glimmering runic symbols. A belt-harness could barely be made out as a plate covered the front of the waist. Hidden beneath his gauntlets were four rings, whilst under his armor was an amulet. Hanging from his waist was a silver/gold-colored longsword with a ruby-colored jewel upon the pommel to seemingly complete his panoply.
In stark contrast to Benkei's gleaming look Dorian, once known as the "Black Knight", was made true to his moniker as he stepped out in a dark, foreboding set of full-plate armor. It bore the appearance of being forged from cold, wrought iron, having seen more seasons than most warriors lived, and ribbed vertically to deflect both blade and blow. Whoever its smith was, he or she was a master artisan, as the ribbing also gave a fearsome aesthetic to the appearance, making the wearer look inhuman.
The armor's plates were layered to emulate twisted draconic scales, further serving to dehumanize its wearer. Its sable coating sealed the suit from both corrosion and finished the demonization of the warrior within. Along with a full-helm that looked like a charred, twisted parody of what most humans would wear. This look was intensified as the armor bore subtle, flame-like patterns with traveled it lengths like magma veins in the earth. Whatever sort of magical enchantment this was, it gave off heat and a sense of danger in equal measure.
Like the man beside him, he bore a magical amulet under his armor, although unlike him he had a blood-red sash under his armor, a full-set of ten rings, and no earrings under his helm. The first sword in the Black Knight's new arsenal appeared worn well beyond suitable use, as its forward third looked as if it had long since either broken, and/or corroded off. Chips, pits, and dents marred the blade's surface, like legions to a leper's face.
Despite the weapon's rather poor "appearance", sufficient integrity remained to show that long ago, it was a greatsword of fine quality and worksmanship. Now it only looked like a well-balanced but blunt club, only able to answer its foes with crushing malice. Though the jagged edges of the blade's forward portion promised brutal and grisly laceration for any foolhardy enough to test it. The air seemed to distort around it, indicating an unknown enchantment.
The last set of weapons was an identical pair of twin-greatswords that were black as obsidian, but lacked its sheen. It instead had a... molten quality to it that would make one think it was plucked from the very earth itself. The blades' edges possessed a curve in the middle that was like a stretched out "S". The pointed tip appeared ideal for stabbing/thrusting attacks, but given the size of the twin-greatswords, they seemed better suited for open-field combat, allowing the user to mow down groups of enemies with casual swings for one strong enough to use them.
The guards of each weapon were of a twisted amalgamation of draconic horns that entwined with each other like weeds, while the handles had the appearance of molten rock, and the pommels looked more like square-shaped weights to provide additional balance for the wielder of such ungainly weapons. And while all three of the massive blades hung from his back, they did not seem to impede Dorian's movements in the slightest as he casually joined his comrade.
Both Damar and Lottus were astonished by the newly emerged pair. It felt like their power had increased single-fold, just from donning that gear. Madara approached without reserve, nodding in satisfaction at the results as he spoke.
"Excellent. This equipment is more fitting than anything else the outside could have offered. What you have there are artifacts a being that Dy'vom here once defeated and subjugated. The arms and armor he possessed is what I now wear."
"Huh. I figured as much, but I won't complain. This gear will definitely come in handy." Benkei said in a neutral tone.
"Hm. I would have preferred my old gear, but I cannot deny that the quality and power of this to be top-notch. Thank you, Dy'vom." Dorian the Black Knight said in gratitude.
"Hrmph... Were the choice mine alone, you would not have been allowed access to my vault. Direct your thanks to Madara, half-demon." Dy'vom curtly replied.
"Now, now Dragon Lord. They are your allies now, and the time may come where you may need to call on them for assistance. As strong and prideful as you are, even you must have realized that having strong, well-equipped allies would be to your benefit." Madara then admonished in a calm manner.
"Hrm..."
The Dragon Lord simply nodded and then lowered its head as if it wished to sleep. Again, Lottus was taken aback by the quick acceptance from Dy'vom. He would have expected at least one or two more rebuttals from him, but there was nothing. As bewildered as the undead was, he ignored it as he stepped forward.
"Now that our newest allies have been suited outfitted milord, what shall be our next move?"
"Umu... First, you and Damar will conduct further research into the arcane, using the tomes provided by Dy'vom's stores. Our recent encounters with the magical might of this undead king calling himself 'Ainz Ooal Gown', demands further knowledge and preparation. Especially if we come into conflict with him and his minions in the future."
"...!"
The moment Madara had finished his sentence, there was a very visible reaction from the former Leader of the Thirteen Heroes. Benkei's eyes widened unnaturally as his mouth hung open. This didn't escape Madara's notice as he perked a brow, and questioningly addressed the former legend.
"I take it that the name is familiar to you?"
"I... Yes... Ahem! It very much is. Something from long ago in my youth. But the name didn't belong to a single person, but a group. If they're here in this world, then... Oh, no." Benkei said as he gulped at the implications.
"How interesting... Then when we return, your next task is to tell us all you know of the one whom carries the name 'Ainz Ooal Gown', as well as the group itself." Madara firmed instructed.
"Right... I'll tell you all I can. I just need you to tell me what you know first, so I can more accurately fill in the blanks."
"Hm. Agreed. That is only logical..." Madara said as he turned to the "resting" Dy'vom.
"Whatever new information we glean will be passed along by Lottus, Dragon Lord."
"Hmph... Very well. I shall await these new revelations with interest."
Though his tone was sardonic, Madara could tell that the dragon was being genuine in his interest in this newest development. Truly, Dy'vom's change in demeanor was an amusing one.
"Very well. Then let us depart."
As he led them out of the treasury, Madara bore a cunning grin upon his lips. This exceeded his expectation by a wide margin. Never did he think that a new source of information of this "Ainz Ooal Gown" would simply fall into his lap like this. This newest path he was forging ahead on was very much turning out to be an interesting one...
...
*A/N: Whew! Damn. Sorry for the LOOOONG arse wait for this latest installment. Life got crazy. The world got crazy. And here I am just trying to stay sane in the middle of all that craziness. Anywho! Speaking of which, events probably took quite the different turn than what most of you were expecting. Well, strap in folks! There's more to come later. With a blend of altered events from canon, as well as brand new ones from the journeys of Madara and his now ever-growing posse. Until then, take care of yourselves and have a good one!*