A/N: Ouch. Not a lot of feedback, given notifications are down yet again. T_T Do let me know if you can see this in the reviews! Appreciate you all~!
Apologies for the short chapter, shaking the rust off. But here we are, as promised.
After many, many hours, I've beaten the DLC...and I am dead inside.
What. Was. THAT ENDING?! How am I to sleep after that?! What a gut punch! The DLC also screwed up a few story beats in several of my stories for Elden Ring, while, oddly enough, making some better. Runt of the Litter -Naruto reborn as Godrick- and Forget Me Not -Naruto reborn as Miquella- come to mind. To say nothing of my other stories.
In other news, I have a vehicle again...I just owe a lot of money on said vehicle after the repairs. Now I need the bloody brakes fixed and the AC besides. I can live without the latter, though it'll be hot and uncomfortable. The former...not so much. Truly, the world runs on money these days, and this is what I get for having the same car for so long. Still taking care of my sister until mid-July, so that's eating into my time as well. But once that's done, I'll finally have more time to write...I hope. If not, I just might shatter like the Elden Ring.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. They're tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.
Time and feedback will determine if this remains a story. Simple as that.
In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!
And now...in the words of an infamous man...
Here...
...we...
...gooooo~!
"Fear he who fears nothing.
Leave he who has reasons left to live.
Dread he who was people to protect, family he can't neglect...
~?
Name thy Conquest
Conquest waited for no man,not even an Elden Lord.
Once the dawn came Naruto -Godfrey!- was quick to greet it; after a brisk breakfast of bread and cheese and a brisk wash besides, he donned his armor and went to work. His keen gaze scrutinizing the roundtable with its many maps, giving each one its due consideration before dismissing each in turn. All the while, mentally preparing planning for his next battle.
Where, however, he had yet to decide.
Lucaria was well in hand -Rennala was actually quite nice once one got to know her, really- no matter how his Tribe and Marika's Tree Sentinel's might turn their noses up at their new allies, the sorcerers would be a boon to their ranks. Marika insisted he write letters to Rennala as well, and not seeing the harm, he'd already sent the first of such at first light. He didn't see the harm in keeping correspondence between the two of them, and besides, it would be nice to have someone to which he could mention his wose.
Strange that Marika kept giggling whenever he mentioned Rennala, though. Did she know something he didn't? Such a strange woman.
But even with their newfound alliance, Leyndell remained vulnerable, beset by enemies from within and without. Setting the matter of the Crucible aside for now -he really needed to train up his own band of warriors and make proper knights of them- was still the matter of the Dragons, the Fire giants, and of course this so-called Storm Lord down in Stormveil that everyone was on about. Not to mention whispers of this so-called Gloam-eyed queen that nobody had seen...
Then there were mysterious Nox, the latter of whom had apparently send an envoy to the castle while he was way battling Rennala. Thankfully, she was presently sound asleep and would be for quite some time. Their people were nocturnal it appeared. He was expected to entreat with her later this evening.
But until then...!
So many fights, on so many fronts!
Decisions, decisions, and decisions more! He was, quite literally, spoiled for choice!
"I say we take the Dragons next."
Naruto rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. "You would, Kurama."
"What can I say? We foxes are far and away superior to those winged lizards. It'll be fun tearing off their scales."
"Riiiiight." he scoffed anew. "I'd rather speak with them before we start supplexing people, thank-you-very-much."
"To whom are you talking, dear consort?"
The softest of yawns at his back set his blood racing suddenly; or perhaps that might be the pair of slim arms that encircled his waist. Well, they made a valiant attempt at it to. He really was quite tall. Something -several somethings!- warm and soft pressed into him and despite his best efforts to focus, he found himself standing just a little straighter in more ways than one.
"A hard worker thou art. Marika crooned into his right side. "A most admirable trait."
He grunted, unable to completely restrain his smile. "Did you sleep well?"
She leaned into him. "I have the most abominable headache."
"I'm sure you do. You were drunk. Its called a hangover."
Marika paused. "I was? I mean, it is? I can hardly remember last night.
He chuckled. Really, it wasn't his fault. He couldn't help himself.
The queen's pale face went red. "Oh gods. What did I do?"
Naruto looked away and whistled ever so innocently.
She grabbed at his arm. "Godfrey! Tell me!"
"You may have...demanded I carry you to bed."
Her thoughts fizzled out; he saw it in her blank expression. She buried her face in her hands with a whine. "Kill me, dear consort. Kill me now. Make it quick."
...I think not."
Marika made angry Marika noises and he absently reached around with one hand, patting her head as she refused to look at him. She really was quite enjoyable to be around when she let her walls down. He couldn't see why so many were terrified of her. If nothing else, he wouldn't let her become the monster so many thought she was. And speaking of monsters...
"I don't suppose you saw Orin on the way up here?"
The queen-to-be looked up from her palms, thankful for the save and eager to change the subject. "Why, yes! I did!"
Naruto noted the most notable absence of the stab-happy-girl. "And where is she?"
Her grin grew. "She challenged me to a fight."
Now it was his turn to groan. "Why?"
"She thought I was weak and foolish, easily bested, like Radagon."
He looked away with a rueful smile. "Of course she did. And where is she now?"
Marika slapped a fist into an empty palm. "Planted her like a turnip tree in the yard."
What was she on about? "Turnips don't grow on trees."
Her brow furrowed. "Do they not?"
"They definitely don't...
Was she pulling his leg? No, surely not. She really didn't know.
"Wow." he almost pitied her for a moment. "You really are sheltered. How do you expect to run a kingdom when you don't even know how crops grow...
"Enough talk of the harvest," She looked him up and down. "If it is battle you speak of, I would not be remiss to a spar with thee...
Exasperated, he finally looked away from his maps to face her fully,. "And what manner of spar would that be?"
She licked her lips lasciviously, but he could tell her heart wasn't in it. Not yet.
Nice try. "Perhaps later."
"Hmm," she leaned past him, made curious by his intent." Where shall we strike next?"
A silvery brow rose. "We?"
"But of course, my dear consort." Marika's grin grew impish. "Didst thou think I would let thee have all the fun? You have more than proven yourself over Radagon's objections. Let him stew in the infirmary awhile and lick his wounds. There's battle to be done!"
He felt the subtle thread of her Voice push against him, trying to urge him on. He frowned at it an batted her hand away from his bicep. "Stop that. You know that charm doesn't work on me. Speak plainly.
"Boo. I was just having a bit of fun." Her voice fell back to that rough-yet-slightly-regal drawl he'd grown comfortable with. "But mine point remains. Where shall the hammer fall?"
Naruto glanced back to the map and gave it a good long look. On a whim, he snatched up nearby knife, and...
.
..
...Here." He drove a knife down into the parchment at a given point.
Marika saw whom he'd chosen, squealed happily, leaped up and flung her arms around his neck. "This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship!"
He chuckled ruefully. "If you say so...
"I do say so! Oh!" she perked up suddenly and dipped a hand into the satchel hanging from her waist. "I nearly forgot!" Before he could think to ask what she was on about, she withdrew a red-gold vial and offered it to him. "Here! My gift to you!"
He accepted it and sniffed once, frowning at the curiously sweet scent within. What's this, then?
"Sap from the Erdtree." She beamed. "A potent concoction that can heal any wound. I thought it would make a fine housewarming gift."
Housewarming she said. Clever girl. He knew she was up to something, he just didn't know what.
"It will do." he tucked the vial into his belt stiffly, secretly disappointed.
"Oh my," Marika batted her long lashes at him, hand flitting up to her mouth to conceal a laugh. "Were you expecting something else? How bold.
He twitched at her teasing. "Wicked woman."
She winked. "Marvelous man."
(.0.0.0.)
He was playing hard to get.
Marika rather liked that; this game of theirs, it let her focus on other things than the matter at hand.
He wasn't aware of the Realm of Shadows yet, but he'd unwittingly chosen a battlefield quite close to it. How incredibly vexing.
It was all she could to smile and wink and flirt, but every word tasted like so much ash in her mouth. Mustn't tell him about Messer or the Shadow of the Erdtree. Trust was a fragile thing an their bond was young; such a revelation might well break it. Messmer wasn't a mistake, she would never think of her poor, dear boy as such, but that first dalliance with Radagon so long ago, before they first came to these lands...that had very much been one.
At the end of the day, Messmer had done his duty and helped her ascent to Godhood.
And how so she repaid him? With terrible treachery, the blackest of betrayals.
She was afraid of her own child.
Not just him, but his power and hatred, so much hate for those who held not the grace of gold. She'd nurtured such emotions in him, fostered them, never once thinking of the future, only the present, only her promised godhood. And once she had it...
.
..
...what had she done to remedy her mistake hence? Nothing. No, less than nothing. When the Serpent within her son revealed itself she had...overreacted. She'd panicked, plucked out his eye, placed a seal of Grace in its wake, and left him the shadows to rot; banished him to a realm of darkness with so many others besides.
Should her dear Godfrey ever get even a whiff of this...no. He must never know.
Not here, not not now, not today.
Perhaps not ever.
She would be better other future children. Messmer would calm in time and they could be made to meet and-
"Marika?"
"Hweh?" She made a soft squeak, belatedly remembering where she was. "What? I didn't do anything?!"
Godfrey's brow crinkled in thinly veiled mirth. "I didn't know you could make such a sound. Shall we be off then? We've an army to command."
...we shall."
"Great." he smirked her way. "There's just something I need to check on, first."
"But of course," she waved him on halfheartedly." You're free to do as you see fit. We will join you shortly."
"Ah, the royal we." he laughed and drew her into a brief crushing hug that left her heart alfutter before releasing her. "I'll meet you downstairs in the courtyard, then."
"Indeed." She forced herself to smile for him, to nod and hide her concern, her fears, her regrets. "I wish you good fortune in the war to come."
He laughed at that for some reason, then let her be.
Only once she was certain he'd gone did she she dare to slump against the map table, bury her head in the parchment, and heave the heaviest of sights. "Fucketh my liiiiiiiiiife...
Why couldn't things be simple with him? Why did she want him so badly? Why couldn't she get him off her mind?!
Calm. She must be calm. Godfrey did not did not know. He didn't. He couldn't. He wouldn't, until she was ready to tell him. She would not make the same mistakes twice. She had a new lease on life now; her first fiery crusade was ended. With a true consort of her own, she had a chance to usurp that foul sea slug and the Greater Will with it.
All would be well.
She would make it so.
With her hammer, if she must.
(.0.0.0.)
A shadow stopped at the bast of the stairs.
He sensed it, long before he saw hm.
"Hold, consort of Marika."
"...?"
Naruto craned his neck down and found an armored warrior in jet black barring his path, preventing him from descending further to the courtyard below. They were large, toweringly tall, near of a height with him. His first instinct was to brush the interloper aside, his second said that would be a grave mistake and the third gibbered at him to turn around and run. Even then, it took him a moment to realize why said instincts were howling at him.
They'd never met before, but by his dark armor, bestial visage and black blade, he knew him.
"You must be Maliketh."
"I am indeed." Marika's Shadow -the first of many- rumbled deeply, his voice akin to that of a giant boulder tearing its way down the mountsainside. "And you are Hoarah Loux."
He smiled thinly at the intentional slight. "I prefer Godfrey these days."
Her shadow snorted. "'Tis all one and the same to me, boy."
They considered one another in stoic silence for a moment, two titans, neither willing to move.
Maliketh broke the silence first. "I understand you conquered Lucaria."
"I did." he looked him up and down, idly noting the bandages on his face. "You're still wounded."
"I am well enough," he gave his concern all the attention it was due, which was to say none at all. "We must speak."
"Aren't we doing that now?"
With an annoyed sigh, the old warrior grunted and stalked away into the courtyard, forcing him to follow if only a for a moment.
Their journey was admittedly brief; Malekith paused before a water fountain, idly watching it burble softly.
"I have raised that girl since she was but a pup." his dark eyes stared down into the water's surface below. "From the moment the Greater Will chose her, I watched over her. T'was I who first taught her to walk, to talk, to stalk her prey. In many ways, I am the father she never had, though I doubt she remembers me as such."
Naruto held his tongue. Warrior he might be, but he wasn't rude. The old dog was clearly going somewhere with this.
"Take other women to bed if that is what Marika wishes of thee, father more children than the stars themselves, I care not. However," with frightful speed he whirled and thrust his muzzle at him, lips peeling back to reveal wickedly sharp fangs. "You will be good to her. Do I make myself clear?"
Kurama came howling back to life in his head. "He dares threaten us?! I'll devour him!"
Only a supreme effort of will kept him from laughing outright. "Oi."
"Let me eat him!"
"Kurama, no."
"KURAMA YES!"
In desperate attempt to prevent such an unpleasant outcome, he let his gaze stray to the hound's black blade. "That's an impressive weapon."
Marika's Shadow drew himself up with more than a little pride. "This is no mere blade; it is Destined Death itself.
"Is it, now?" That would explain the ominous whispers currently screaming at his soul. "You might actually be able to hut me with that."
Maliketh rumbled a warning. "Break my daughter's heart and I shall do much more than merely harm thee."
Aw, the old wolf was being protective. How adorable. Downright quaint, really.
But in the same vein, he wasn't about to let himself be pushed around.
"Is that so?" He drew himself up to his full towering height and looked the champion in the eye. "Luckily for you, I have no intention of wounding her in any way."
Malekith snarled iright n his face, trying to rattle him. When he didn't waver, he reluctantly relented and drew back. "I believe you...for now, Elden Lord. For the good of the Golden Order. But beware. Misstep and you shall taste my blade."
He sketched a bow. "I'd be honored to spar with you."
"That is not what I meant and you know it, fool!
"Shall we make a game of it, then?"
Marika materialized behind them, lifting a mimic veil from her head. Her grin said it all.
Naruto frowned her way nevertheless. "How long have you been there?
Long enough~!" she chirruped happily. "I couldn't help but listen in."
Maliketh heaved a weary sigh. "Marika. What are you doing there?
"I could say the same of thee, Maliketh." she turned a fearsome glower upon him. "Threatening my King consort are we?"
To his credit the old hound didn't back down. "I was merely teaching him proper manners."
"Is that what they call it these days? Well, if you two can't get along...aha! I've just the thing!" She brought both her hands together in a resounding clap, beaming all the while. "A duel! The two of you shall battle before our troops, with all of Leyndell in attendance! It will surely raise morale!"
Malekith whipped around so fast that Naruto physically heard his neck creak. "I beg you pardon?"
"You are forgiven~!" she sang over her shadow's resultant exclamation and looked back to Naruto, practically bouncing on his feet. "If my lord fails, he shall remain pure as the driven snow with me and me alone, since it seems that is what you desire.
Naruto scoffed to that effect. "I'm hardly pure...
"But when he wins," and by log, he didn't miss the way she shivered as she said that, the absolute letch, "he gets to do as he pleases, with whom he pleases, where he pleases, with my full permission."
Heat spiked up the back of his neck and roared into his face, setting it alight in a rare flush. 'Ha?"
Maliketh's protest proved more vocal. "You would have him father that many children?"
Marika smiled. It was not a nice smile. "The Golden Order requires heirs. And besides, I wish to be a proper Mother. The more the merrier, I say."
There was something in the way she said that last bit; had she mothered children before already? No, surely not...
Despite that, her stoic Shadow tried to rally one last time. "Do not be foolish, pup. There is no need to-
Naruto saw his weakness and pounced on with a smug smirk. "I accept these terms.
Marika crooned, darkly delighted by his agreement. "Sensational!"
Maliketh did not. "Fool of a boy! the shadow snapped at him, "I cannot restrain mineself with this Black Blade of mine! You will die!"
"Good," he sneered. "If you think you can rip my life away from me that easily?"
He beckoned at him with a shit-eating grin.
"Come and take it."
(.0.0.0.)
Farum Azula trembled.
Placidusax felt the coming storm in his aging bones, a dull ache deep in his scales that resonated with the Dragonlord's very soul. Perhaps it was a portent of things to come. Perhaps not. He'd always been sensitive to such such things even as a young hatchling, long before he ascended.
Raising a weathered claw, he conjured a crackling portal of red lightning and gazed through it. The ancient spell hearkened to his will and reflected his desire; to see the comings and goings of Leyndell from afar.
Curious, this new consort of Marika's. Most curious indeed. Few would dare challenge Maliketh himself.
"Interesting." his very voice conjured a bolt of crimson lightning through the dark clouds above.
Ah, to be young and full of vigor again! How he envied the youth these days!
He was old, yes, wounded, but strong, and that strength had made him cautious, much like himself. Bayle may have maimed him, but his fellow dragon had not emerged unscathed. T'was the black dragon who had fled to the realm of shadows after their battle, not He. Victory was his. In time he would recover. The traitor would not.
Still, it was a shame. Treachery was not the nature of dragons; they were endless, eternal, immortal, unable to fall to anything beyond battle. Yes, there was the occasional conflict among them, but such were settled in combat, not through base treachery and backstabbing.
Bayle had proven him wrong. Proven them all wrong. Nearly ruined them, he had.
Even now the great gasping wound in his chest burned horribly at the memory of that day. He'd suffered a grievous blow, but he'd taken the usurper's left leg and both wings besides before he fled. He and his foul drakes would be hunted forevermore now. And in time, Bayle the Dread would be dragged back to Farum Azula to face justice.
Oh yes, He knew well the promise of patience...
.
..
...
Not so Lansseax.
"They are distracted!" he looked down, mildly nonplussed to find the younger dragon near his tail gazing raptly upon the portal he had conjured, her eyes bright with hunger for battle. "We must strike!"
Arrogant, bold, crass. Such bountiful emotions gave her strength; but they would be the end of her one day, he knew it. Perhaps that day would come sooner than she thought, very soon indeed.
"You are young." he deigned to tap her scaled head with a claw, cowing her and forcing her to assume human form as a warning. "You know not the power of Marika and her ilk."
"I'm not a child! Alas, the reprieve proved most brief; even in this state, little Lansseax still possessed the fire and fury of ten of her kin. "I'm hundreds of years old!"
"And I, thousands, if not millennia." he chided her sternly. "Listen to your elders, hatchling. Fetch Fortissax and Gransaax. I would speak with them."
Her golden eyes lit up. "Will it be war, then?"
"I gave you a task, child. Why are you still here? Tend to it. Now."
She looked like she might protest, but a look from her made her scarper.
His peace once more achieved, Placiusax looked back to the portal and the warrior within.
A wry smirk tugged at his scarred, scaled face. "At last, a worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!"
(.0.0.0.)
Away in Raya Lucaria, other legends had taken a somewhat...different view upon the new Elden Lord.
Rennala clutched a letter tight to her bosom, eyes wide.
Why was her face so blasted warm?
No, she already knew the answer in her heart of hearts. That thrice damnable Godfrey...
He'd done this to her. This was all his fault. Every bloody bit of it.
Bad enough that he'd bested her on the battlefield and made her feel things, but now this?! No warrior should have such a way with words! What was she to think after this?! He was just so...so...so..
.
..
....aaaargh!"
The Queen of the Full Moon buried her head into a nearby pillow and screamed herself hoarse.
Because you see, Rennala already knew the cause of this mysterious malady. Oh, yes.
Godfrey had captured her heart.
A/N: Surprise~! Hope you enjoyed.
Waiting for the DLC really helped out my plans!
Would you like weekly updates? Do let me know~!
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, as such, 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?
(Previews)
You found a what?
Marika gestured expansively.
The young Fire Giant regarded him with wide, glassy eyes, her lower lip quivering.
Naruto-Godfrey!-blanched at the sight for he knew it well. "Oh, dear. Easy there, lets just calm down-
She threw her head back and began bawling.
"Can you kill something that big?"
"I'd prefer to talk with it, first...
Gransax loomed before the capital. Before him.
Naruto -Godfrey!- raised a hand and waved. "Mind putting that Bolt of yours down?
Naruto blew out an angry breath. Enough of this. "Orin!"
His disciple perked up like an eager puppy. "Yes?"
He pointed at their enemies. "KILL!"
She dove on them with a cackle.
"As my lord commands~!"
"Father, look!"
Godwyn really was a golden child.
Naruto heaved a small, bemused sigh as he watched his son conjure up a fresh gale. "Thatta boy...
"No. They won't be sending our sons to the sewers. Morgott and Mohg will stay. Right here. With us. If the Greater Will has a problem with that I WILL BREAK ITS BACK."
EDIT: Hope this made you smile, and have a great day!
Warm regards,
~Nz.
R&R~!