A/N: Dangit! I'm so mad right now! Why am I even doing this anymore?! All I do is sleep, eat, work, and write!
Sorry for vanishing yesterday, had to rewrite several chapters after I misclicked and lost all my work.
And I still haven't gotten it all back! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!
Read this note, would you kindly. Big changes are coming to this site.
If you're not already aware of it, ever since the 16th of November, you now have to turn ON your email alerts in account settings -AND MAKE SURE YOU CLICK SAVE SETTINGS!- else you won't be notified when anyone updates. No alerts, no email, no nothing. Apparently that's a thing we all have to do every ninety days or so, now. Alas, not many are aware of it...which is a problem. As things stand this new "fix" as it were, has cut everyone's viewership/reviewers in half because most folks don't know about it.
Sometimes the app helps. Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes it doesn't. I hope the admins fix this system.
This sudden change is driving authors away in droves; because no one knows, since not all of us have Twitter, which means most aren't even aware; as a result, they think we're not updating, and they don't read or review...which makes us write even less...So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. No reviews? No inspiration. No inspiration? Sad writer. So speak up! Your words matter! That's no joke!
Now for your questions, comments and concerns! Be assured, we'll keep 'em brief.
Q: Hol' up! The greater will named Naruto/Godrick an Empyrean after Godwyn and Ranni died! Doesn't that mean...
A: Yuuup. You'll have to read and see who it may be.
Q: Marika's really shooting herself in the foot here.
A: She's blinded by grief and rage, yes, but that's no excuse for her actions, not by any means. Or any of the demigods, really.
Q: I foresee great things ahead!
A: Can't speak to that for sake of spoilers, so once more, read and see~!
Alright, I've kept you long enough. As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.
They're merely tributes to legends and myths far greater than I...
And here we go!
"I'll come back here someday...and hell's coming with me."
~?
Shadows of Glory
All was in readiness.
Supplies had been packed. Provisions secured. An armored wagon was made ready for them pulled by two black stallions, and the grand doors of Leyndell were even now being opened to speed them on their way. Rays of dappled sunlight poured through, mingling with the blessed light of the Erdtree to frame the golden plains beyond; almost as though the world itself were welcoming him with her bounty.
...right, then."
Naruto closed his eyes to it all and took a deep breath to steady himself.
His true journey began here; the world was his oyster now, he just had to reach out and grasp it.
It should've been a somber affair-and perhaps it was to the nosy nobles and pages watching them from afar. After all, it wasn't everyday a demigod was exiled from the capital. Let them watch and make their remarks. He cared not a jot for what they thought. They were ants to him; cruel and petty, locked in their own insular little world. Their thoughts didn't matter.
"Careful. That's the kind of thinking that led Madara down a dark path."
'Why should I care what they think? They hate me because Marika tells them too. They can't think for themselves."
Bystanders aside, none of his so-called "family" had come to see them off. Naruto couldn't bring himself to be surprised. Not Marika or Radagon, nor the twins, and certainly not Rykard. He couldn't even blame Radahn for his absence this time around. They were all of them in mourning. Godwyn's death had shaken them all, to say nothing of Ranni...if she was truly gone. Something about the circumstances of her demise nagged at him still. Now wasn't the time for such things. He'd dwell on it more when he reached Stormveil.
Maria stepped up beside him, face carved from stone. "I...will be glad to leave this wretched place behind."
That made two of them, then. He had few fond memories of the capital. They might be starting anew, but it would be on their terms.
His trusted bodyguard looked to him, daring a smile. "Ready?"
He took a step toward the wagon. "As I'll ever be...
"Hold, boy."
Naruto clicked his tongue looked back with a sigh as a soft voice called out to him. "Suppose its too much to hope this would be a simple affair...
Sure enough, they weren't alone.
One of the Finger Maidens -yet another a pawn in service to the Greater Will- hastened their way at speed. Robed in white and gold, she moved with dignity and purpose, though her face lay hidden by a pale hooded veil. Naruto felt his lips curl into a small sardonic smile at the sight of her. He knew their kind-fickle as they were. He didn't recognize the two knights flanking her, however. Whomever they were, they looked ready for a fight.
...was this going to turn into a slaughter after all?
"Before you depart." the robed maiden swept an arm out to her companions. "We bring you gifts of the Greater Will."
Maria tensed beside him, one hand straying to the hilt of her weapon.
Naruto's brow furrowed. "What manner of gifts?"
"Those worthy of a prince." He caught the glimpse of a smile beneath the veil. "Behold swordmaster Oleg," she indicated the leftmost knight; a towering warrior clad in full plate, twin swords sheathed across his back. "No one of the mortal realm can match his skill with a blade." received a grim nod of the man's helm in return for her kind words, "And mighty Engvall," another gesture to his companion on the right, "Champion of the Arena." a faint grunt was her only reward. "We grant you these warriors, two of the finest knights in all of Leyndell, the better to shepherd you to Stormveil safely."
Ah. So these were the "escort" Marika had promised him. He'd expected more. "You have my thanks-
"And we grant you another," the Finger Maiden spoken over him.
The knights parted in lockstep, revealing a fourth figure:
Naruto's throat closed as found himself presented with a willowy young woman clad in a white dress. Her pale skin almost seamed to gleam in the early morning light. She too wore a hooded veil, though she now lifted it to reveal herself while he looked on. Strange scale-like markings shaded bright blue eyes, framed by dark green hair and a tiny tremulous smile. And yet there was something...strange about her. The longer he looked at this odd girl, the more certain he became; she wasn't entirely human. Even her bare feet bore some tiny semblance of scales and belatedly, as he looked past, them he realized she possessed a tail not unlike that of a dragon.
"Who...is she?"
"Her name is Yorshka." The Maiden replied. "She is to be thy Shadow."
Naruto felt his heart skip a beat. Right, right, he'd been declared an Empyrean just last night...
Maria stiffened behind him, eyes narrowing to thin, angry slits. "I am his guard. He has no need for such."
"Yet you are no Shadow, girl." the Maiden glanced at her askance and dismissed her immediately. "Your lord hath been declared an Empyrean, middling though his blood may be". Ah yes, how very kind of her to remind him of his weakness. "Each and every Empyrean must have a Shadow. And so she is his."
"Greetings, my lord." the girl bowed her head and curtsied feebly. "If I can provide thee succor, you need only tell me how."
Maria's hand strayed to her twinblades. Oh, dear.
"What," Naruto swallowed once to clear his throat, then looked back to her. "Why give her to me now?"
Each and every Empyrean received their Shadow from birth. He knew this for a fact. They grew up with them. Lived with them. Cherished them. Ranni did, as had Godwyn, though his had unfortunately fallen with him on the Knight of Black Knives. Even Miquella and Malenia were since granted shadows of their own shortly after they came into the world, or so he'd been told. This was done to foster friendship between each Empyrean and Shadow, to better bind them to one another. Yet they were only giving Yorshka to him mere moments before his departure. It smacked of an insult...another to avenge.
"Because now you are worthy." the Maiden said simply. "We wish thee good fortune in all things to come.
The words reminded of Ranni and he shivered a little. A gift, she said. Ha! He knew what this was-the truth of it. Yorshka was no gift. Just another leash to bind him to the Golden Order, to the Greater Will. A well-crafted leash perhaps, and not at all aware of her purpose, but a leash still. She would turn on him-against her own will if need be-and try to kill him should he ever move against the Order. He pitied her plight, but to to take her with them was folly, even if he bore her no ill will. Yet neither could he turn her away without revealing his hand. Refusing a "gift" from the Fingers would only draw their ire, and their suspicion.
...we're going to bring her with us, aren't we?"
They had little choice in the matter.
"Come along, then."
She bowed. "As you will, master Godrick."
Maria made a strangled noise caught somewhere between a snarl and a hiss.
Naruto palmed his face to stifle a sigh. "None of that from you! I only just got her to stop calling me that."
Her bow deepened, much to Maria's express displeasure. "Your wish is my command."
"Then I wish for us to leave." his smile was decidedly strained. "Get in the wagon."
Yorshka didn't need to be told twice. Maria followed her with a sour expression and after a moments pause, Oleg and Engvall moved to flank the vehicle on either side. Those were certainly were a silent lot if nothing else. Hopefully they wouldn't try to stab him in the back the moment they were out the gates.
Naruto moved to join them and reached for the reigns.
"Wait." The Finger Maiden's voice tugged at him before he could. "I bear a message from the Greater Will. A final gift to thee before ye begin your journey."
"Journey?" There was no one to pretend for here, and so he rolled his eyes. "Call it what it is. This is exile."
The face behind the veil didn't waver. "Even so, I must deliver my message."
He waved her on. "Speak then.
"As you wish...
The finger Maiden tugged back her cowl to reveal her face in its entirely. Bright eyes shone like golden stars from a lovely face framed by raven-black hair and a faint smile. Younger than he expected, too. Much younger. Despite her height she was little more than a girl herself and only a few years older than him. She knelt with eerie grace, bringing herself level with him for a fleeting moment until her forehead touched his.
"Heed my words, you who bear Destined Death, a piece of mineself." Her voice reverberated with otherwordly splendor and he felt Kurama bridle within him as that alien presence touched their minds. "Your mother may shun you, but I shall not. I know the truth of what you are. Seek the bounty beneath Stormveil and you shall prosper."
"Wha in the...?!"
"I have spoken." Warm lips alighted upon his forehead -drawing an angry hiss from Maria in the carriage!- and linger for a heartbeat. She drew back, eyes sparkling, and considered him for a long moment. "Fare thee well and may we meet again."
The glamour faded from her eyes and hair, leaving only the vessel behind.
"So may it be." The Finger Maiden bowed. "The Greater Will has spoken. My part in this is done."
"Now wait just a second-
He made a blond grab for her sleeve, only for his hand to pass right through the garment like so much air. Naruto jerked back and balked at his hand. That was all the time the Maiden needed. She stood soundlessly and slipped away into the morning mists, vanishing back from whence she'd come.
"Did...we just talk to a god?
"Goddess." Kurama corrected him gruffly. "Ain't no way that thing's male."
Well. That was mildly concerning now, wasn't it? "You're sure? Mighta been a fluke, ya know...
"After that display? I'd bet all my tails on it. Honestly, you always attract the most troublesome things...
(.0.0.0.)
The journey to Stormveil was made in stoic silence.
No one said a word when the gates closed behind them. No sound was given as they left the golden plains of the Altus Plateau behind. No noise made save for the tromping of Oleg and Engvall's boots alongside the rolling wheels of the carriage. Maria and Yorshka spoke little and ate even less as they trundled on.
Naruto found it wasn't even a terribly good carriage at that; blasted thing had an awful squeaky wheel and rattled something fierce.
The horses, at least, were of decent stock and thanks to them they made good time.
They steered well clear of Mt. Gelmir and the Volcano Manor, having no wish to intrude upon Rykard's domain and test his temper. Likewise the Lakes of Liurnia were avoided. Rennala had gone mad long ago-rumor had it she'd been sealed in the library by her advisors to prevent yet further damage-and so they skirted the academy well. They dare not rest near the road for fear of bandits and brigands, and so on they rode. On and on they went, until at last... one...
At last, they reached Limgrave and he saw Stormveil in the distance.
It lived up to its namesake, but little else. Shrouded by storm though it was, it did little to conceal the castle's disrepair. Even from here his keen eyes saw much; likewise he could see the crumbling walls and broken gate; as though some mighty beast had tried to climb over the castle, given up halfway and simply smashed its way through.
.
..
...he had a bad feeling about this.
"Well," He sighed and squeezed the reigns, leather creaking in his grasp. "...this castle is gonna need a lotta work."
Maria leaned over his shoulder. "We shall make it our, own then.
"Make what now?" Yorshka poked her head out the carriage. "And do you hear that?"
Naruto flicked her a quizzical look. "Hear what?
"That." She tilted her head. "Listen."
He did.
...'ello!" A rich, resonant voice rang out, faded by distance, but notable nonetheless. "I say! Is anyone out there?!"
Kurama hummed his appreciation. "Well, I'll be. Your shadow has sharp ears, for a dragon girl."
Naruto tugged back on the reigns and brought the carriage to a grinding halt.
"Please, I am in need of aid!"
There. Just over that hill and down the beaten path. He couldn't very well ignore that, could he? "Stay with the carriage. I'll be right back."
Yorshka sputtered.
Maria bridled. "Surely you jest!"
Oleg and Engvall grunted their disagreement as well.
"Fine." he heaved a sigh and cracked the reigns. "Together, then. Lets have a look."
Have a look they did...though what they found boggled the mind.
It wasn't a man, or even a woman, but a large warrior jaw, trapped in the earth. It perked up upon seeing them and waved a spindly arm.
"Oh my stars I'm so happy to see you!" A man's voice issued from its hefty confines. "Please, can you help me out of this pickle?!"
Naruto stopped short, rather baffled himself. "And you are...?"
"Alexander the Iron Fist, Warrior Jar, at your service!" the jar tried to bow, then faltered when he realized he couldn't. "Could I ask you for a bit of help? As you can see, I'm stuck here...
...poor guy.
"It shouldn't be too difficult," Alexander prattled happily, "Just give me a good smack in the rear with something nice and big and I'll pop right out, I'm sure."
The ladies flushed. Naruto choked. Even the knights couldn't quite restrain a chuckle.
"Fine. Best brace yourself."
"There's no need to fret, friend!" Alexander waved him on. "I can take it!"
He took a stance and pulled on the natural energy in the air. His eyes glowed gold, eyelids dusting over with the faintest tint of amber. Then he swung upward. Hard.
True to form, the warrior jar popped right out with a rather startled yelp.
"Well played, good sir!" he boomed a laugh and rubbed at his dented hide. "Though that mighty wallop of yours almost spelled the end of me!" so speaking, he sketched a grand bow. "I thank you, and as a token of my appreciation, I'll give you a word of warning." he leaned close, as though to mime a whisper. "Stay away from that castle over yonder. Its infested with all manner of beasts and foul ilk."
Yorshka shivered a little. "Truly...?"
Maria smiled. It was not a nice smile. "Is that so? Good. My blades have grown dull these last few days."
"My lady, I must insist! Its most dangerous!
Dangerous for Maria's enemies more like. Naruto couldn't help but take pity on him.
"Funny thing, that." he patted his arm. "We're actually going to settle there. Hence the wagon and the nights..
"Is that so?" Alexander puffed up. "I see, I see. You're capable fighters, then?" At their nods, he laughed anew. "Very well! I shall help you clear it out, and so repay my debt to you!"
Determined fellow, wasn't he? Naruto felt the beginnings of a smile touch his face. "Alright. We'd be glad of the help.
He had no way of knowing, but he'd just found his truest friend in all the Lands Between.
A true friend indeed. The truest of all.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
Yes, that's Yorshka from Dark Souls 3. Who better to be Naruto's shadow in this?
Well, what say you? Should this be a story or not? It'll likely be rated M with Mature themes, lemons, character death, and the like.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this particular story, and others.
If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. I'm working two jobs -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.
Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write. So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly? And have some previews -potential blot bin things- that I'm working on.
Things that may or may not become stories in the far flung future.
(Previews)
Guess who?
Before long, folks came to visit. People. Peasants. Supplicants all, begging for his aid, his intervention, his wisdom, his resources.
Marika was laughing at him back in the capital.
Naruto knew she was.
"An ax?"
"Aye, a weapon fit for a prince."
"The damn thing's bigger than I am!"
"You'll grow into it Lord Godrick, of that I'm certain."
Maria drew her blades. "Face me."
Yorshka tutted softly. "I am not so weak as I appear."
Be that as it may-
Her tail cracked out. A knight went flying. "Thou wert saying?"
"I stand corrected?"
...I greet thee, heir of Godwyn." the newcomer knelt with fluid grace. "My name is Fia. I carry your sire's last will and testament."
"Art thou happy now? Art thou pleased? Art thou...enough. I'm tired of talking like this." he wiped a bloody hand through his hair, staining it red. "No more games."
The army prepared to march.
"Lord Godrick!" A servant swept the tent flap aside. "Lady Malenia has made contact! She wishes you to meet her on the field of battle alone! Failure to comply will see the city put to the torch!"
"A challenge?" the giant stood slowly in the shadows, sun glinting off his bare, broad chest. "Alright. Fetch my ax."
His servant paused, not quite comprehending. "My lord? Surely you don't intend to meet her demands?
"Of course I do." Bright eyes burned bright in the gloom, one sapphire, the other scarlet. "Don't you know its rude to keep family waiting?"
"What is this?!
Not so fun when the shoe's on the other foot now, is it?
You once told me to lick your boots. I'll take a page out of your book. I command thee...KNEEL."
"Long live the Age of Reunion!"
...stop throwing concubines at me, Gostoc!"
"A lord must have heirs, sire. You are no exception."
"I understand that, but seven is way too many! I'd be happy with three!"
"You're weak, boy. Though thou art a descendant of Godwyn and Godfrey. You'll never measure up to them."
Young Godrick -Naruto!- swept a hand through his silver hair. "I do so love being underestimated."
That smile worried her.
"What's wrong?
Morgott grunted as a boot stomped down on his throat, pinning him in place.
"You were talking a good game a second ago." A golden ax swept down, shimmering in the light of the sun. "Then I blew your legs off." The giant reached down. Squeezed. "What was that you called me, old man...? I believe it was something along the lines of being a Runt? Well, now...
"THE ERDTREE IS MINE."
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
I hope the admins fix this system.
This sudden change is driving authors away in droves; because no one knows, since not all of us have Twitter, which means most aren't even aware; as a result, they think we're not updating, and they don't read or review...which makes us write even less...So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. No reviews? No inspiration. No inspiration? Sad writer. So speak up! Your words matter! That's no joke!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. Meaning, if folks don't like this, it won't be continued. If the story itself isn't popular? I'll likely discontinue it. I'm working two jobs -holidays are kicking my ass!- 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.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!