A/N: There we go! All caught up on Elden Ring for certain this time.
Had a bit of a dizzy spell earlier. Doctor chewed me out for moving around too much after hitting my head. Ergo, more bed rest.
But I don't want to stay in beeeeed! Can't pay my bills if I'm stuck resting...
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds sometimes. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
As ever, I own no quotes, references, 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~!
I do hope you're ready...because Naruto isn't.
Boy's about to go waaay off the deep end.
Also some verbatim from Watt's now rather infamous speech in RWBY volume 8.
We all know I'm a fan of that~!
...very well. And now it begins."
"No. Now it ends. You just haven't realized it."
~?
Shatter Your Fears
It wasn't everyday Naruto entertained a dragon in his courtyard.
Come to think of it, he'd never really met a proper dragon in the flesh before, let alone one that talked. It was something of a novel experience for him...and frankly, he wasn't sure whether if was a good one. Part of him was curious as to Fortissax's sudden presence here in Stormveil; the rest of him wanted to send this uppity dragon packing for interrupting his beating of Rykard.
"Whuzzat...?"
Said demigod groaned where he lay underfoot, starting to stir.
A vicious kick to the head made certain he wouldn't be waking up anytime soon. Although...!
"Maria!"
His Second appeared at his elbow immediately. "My lord?"
"Change of plans. Throw him in the dungeons for now. We'll deal with him later."
"Happily." she didn't question him, not in public. He wasn't a child anymore, and it showed. "I'll see to it at once."
She took the older Demigod by his heels, lifted his legs and dragged him away. And if Rykard cracked his head on every flagstone on the way down, no one cared to mention it.
Fortissax rumbled lowly; it took him a moment to realize that the old dragon was actually laughing. "You beat him bloody, didn't you? I would expect no less from a scion of Godwyn. And without grafting at that!"
Naruto turned up his nose at the word. Grafting was a vile practice, and one he had no desire to indulge in. Easy paths to power were always the most dangerous. He had no need of such. He'd seen what grafting did to a human body, even killed a few wretched "spiders" himself since he claimed Stormveil. Anyone who fell to that level of depravity deserved death and nothing less. Their bodies had been nailed to pillars outside the castle and left to the crows for that very reason.
Ah, but the old wyrm was speaking to him again and he must attend...for the time being.
"And I see you've a dragon of your own...or not quite." He amended with a tilt of the head toward Yorshka, even now never far from his side. "I see how you hide your tail, little one. Have the Fingers made you forget who you are? Did they take your memories from you when they made you thus?"
His Shadow blinked and scooted a little closer to the wounded dragon, "You know who I am?"
Fortissax considered her for a long moment. "...it is not for me to say. I am sorry. I have sworn an oath and said too much already. I pray that you remember soon. For all our sakes."
Yorshka took hold of his elbow and held tight, quivering a little.
Naruto sighed, time to take charge, then. "To what do we owe this visit?"
Here at last, Fortissax finally faltered. "I have need of your skills, little Godrick."
"Of course you do." he sighed. "Everyone does. Well, what is it? Out with it, then."
Godwyn's old friend lowered himself down on all four, allowing him to glimpse the ugly wounds on his chest and legs.
"I have come here to ask your aid in freeing Godwyn." when he didn't immediately respond, the dragon mistook his silence for acceptance and barreled on. "I made an attempt myself, but was soundly rebuffed, as you can see." he raised one wing, revealing the dark scarred scales below and the foul tendrils festering. "He is trapped in a waking nightmare, his spirit slain, but his flesh still alive. None can approach him without being afflicted by the curse of Deatblight. But you bear the blessing of Destined Death itself. Only you can save him.
A muscle jumped in his jaw. Save him?
"Yes. I know you can. The world thinks you are weak, boy." Fortissax prattled on."That 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."
Kurama sensed what was coming first. "Naruto, just calm down-
Calm? He was calm. He was perfectly calm.
"But I know the truth." The ancient dragon leaned lower and glimpsed his reflection in a giant golden orb. "You are more than you seem, far more than meets the eye. You have born your suffering in good grace, as befits a monarch. Now I ask you to undertake it once more. I know it is too late to return him to this world, but please. Put him to rest. That is all I ask-
Harsh laughter silenced the dragon.
Naruto knew it was petty of him, knew it sounded ugly; but he just couldn't help himself anyore. It was too much; he couldn't hold himself back. All of it came tumbling out, a snicker, a giggle, then an outright cackle. His body bent double as he clutched at his sides, shoulder shaking, all but convulsing with mirth. Yorshka let go of his arm and shied back in quiet dismay, while Foritssax looked at him like he'd grown a second head. For some reason he found that even funnier and laughed all the harder.
"Why are you laughing?" Fortissax sounded genuinely dismayed, his voice conveying what his draconic visage could not. "I don't understand."
"Of course you don't." Naruto raised his head, a wild gleam in his gaze. "Because that's just what you do, isn't it? You don't understand." He straightened up and shook his head, flicking a mirthful tear out the corner of his eye. "Tell me, how has that worked out for you?"
Fortissax bridled.
"You stormed into Erdtree roots trying to save your friend from Death." He tilted his head, pale hair falling over his eyes. "But you couldn't. And now you come to Me trying to make a deal. Find the one person in the Lands Between to save him so you can get a shot at redemption." his mouth quirked in an ugly smile. "If only someone could've warned you against such a miserable idea...
"He is your sire, your ancestor-
"Still not hearing a reason to risk my hide for him."
The wounded dragon winced. "He can right the discord in the Lands Between-
"That's nice. I don't care about the Lands Between. What did he ever do for me? Name one thing decent, selfless thing."
"He gave you Lady Maria and his blessing." To his credit Fortissax rallied. "It was by his will that you were protected from the moment of your birth."
It was the wrong thing to say. Yorshka winced. Hell, even Kurama winced.
"Protected...?"
Silence was his answer.
"You have no idea, do you?" a fresh peal of bitter laughter tumbled out of him. "Once again, you don't understand." he palmed his mouth to stifle it, yet it was no use. "But that's alright. I'm going to tell you what your oh-so-precious "Godwyn" gave me...nothing.
Fortissax balked. "Nothing?"
"Nothing." he nodded once. "No love! No affection! NOTHING-no, wait!" he held up a finger. "I tell a lie. He gave me neglect! Great heaping amounts of neglect." his voice piqued, taking on a high, wild note. "He threw me to the wolves, knowing Maria couldn't protect me all the time, knowing I would suffer for it. And I did. Beatings and abuse every day! I endured it all with a smile and when I saw my chance, I got the hell out. And now you cry oh, woe! Go back! Save him, Godrick, save him! Bah!" He slashed a hand through the air. "As far as I'm concerned he can ROT!"
"Godrick-
"I am TALKING, Fortissax!" he rounded on the battered dragon with a snarl. "You think Godwyn's entitled to everything just because he's Firstborn, just because he's suffered; but suffering isn't enough. No!" he gripped the haft of his ax and slammed it down between them, rattling the whole of Stormveil.
"Allow me to let you in on a secret I learned at a young age!" the corner of his mouth curled, every word dripping with derision. "You can't just be strong, you have to be smart. Can't just be deserving, you have to be worthy. Godwyn isn't! Not him, not Marika, not Radagon, not Malenia or Miquella, not Rykard, not even Radahn! None of the gods are! All you bastards have ever been! ARE! A! DISAPPOINTMENT!"
The last word struck Fortissax like a hammer and the old wyrm subsided with a sigh. "...my apologies. I can see this is a sensitive matter for you. We can continue this tomorrow." he laid a ruined wing over his head, the better to conceal his shame. "I need time to rest. Might I make my lair here for the time being?"
He wanted to say no so very, very badly. But he could feel Yorshka's pitiful, pleading eyes on him. "You may."
Fortissax settled into wait. "Then I shall await your decision come the dawn."
Naruto scowled at him. "You know what it'll be."
"Even so, I shall wait."
(.0.0.0.)
He retreated to his chambers to eat and think.
For once, no one bothered him.
Not a soul.
In a way, Naruto found himself grateful for their silence as much as their understanding; while Maria was busy stringing Rykard up and little Theresa running around the battlements with Alexander, he knew Yorshka was still down in the yard fuming at Fortissax for his folly. He had the distinct feeling his Shadow was none too pleased with the old dragon, but even more startled of him after his sudden outburst. Best to give her space. She hadn't been with him as long as Maria had; it would take her time -and distance- to understand why he'd reacted the way he had.
It had felt...good to rant at the ancient dragon, no matter what Kurama might say.
He'd been meaning to get that off his chest for a long time; to draw the poison from that old wound. And he had...well, most of it.
Was he better?
Not quite.
Did he intend to thrash any of "family" who came knocking? Definitely. There was no need to keep up the charade now. If Miquella -or gods forbid Malenia- came by to try and collect tribute, he'd afford them the same courtesy he had shown Rykard. Which was to say none at all.
A fist knocked at the door. He looked up from the remains of his meal. "Enter."
The door swung open and Maria emerged bearing a bottled of brandy in each hand.
He accepted one from her gratefully and uncorked it, pausing to enjoy the fragrance. "How are things?"
"The castle is quiet." she stood at attention before him, the very picture of decorum despite the faint flush on her cheeks. Had she already started drinking without him? "The townsfolk...are not." At his sigh, she hastened to elaborate. Oleg and Engvall are keeping them back with the guards, but they're curious about Fortissax."
Of course they were. Godwyn's "friend" had practically parked himself on their doorstep. Small wonder he was getting attention.
"Don't let anyone touch him." he took a long sip from the bottle, then gasped a little as it burned his throat going down. It centered him. "We can't risk the Deathbight spreading. Tell him I'm willing to heal him if he keeps to the battlements and out of our hair."
"Very well. And what is to be done with Rykard?"
"Shave him bald, beard and all, then send him to his mother with a note detailing these words." he waved a hand. "Keep your son on a leash. I could've killed him."
"It shall be done." She turned to go, then paused, considering him. "How are you feeling?"
His temper twitched and he stared at her. "How do you think I feel?
"Poorly, I expect." she said. "Godwyn is your family-
"He's not. I have no family."
Maria reared back at that, looking hurt.
She didn't have a chance to flinch, he did it for her, drawing her quickly into his arms.
"I didn't mean it like that." he muttered against her shoulder. "You and Yorshka are my family now. Not them."
...I know. And little Theresa?"
He choked on his spit. "You know she isn't really my child-
Does it matter?" she gave his thigh a pat. "That tiny tree spirit adores you. The least you can do is pay attention to her. And speaking of...
His brow furrowed. "Speaking of what, now?"
"Don't let Fortissax get to you, no matter what he says. You saved us!" she sat on his lap and smacked his chest when he attempted to protest. "Not Godwyn or Rykard or any of those idiot gods, but you, Godrick. You took Stormveil, lifted it up from a pit of squalor, and turned it into the bustling city it is today. You." her finger poked his cheek. "Not them. No one can take that away from you. Don't let them try."
"I won't." a small laugh escaped him when she gave his cheek a vicious pinch. "Ow. I meant it!" his laughter redoubled when she pouted. "Its not the first time I've had to deal with something like this-
"Not the first time?" Maria considered him for a long moment." This...isn't your first life is it?
He went still, surprised by the sudden inquiry. "What makes you say that?"
"I had my suspicions. Little things." she made a pinching motion. "You were always so mature for your age, enduring horrors in silence that no normal child would. Even now, as a young man, you act...old, sometimes."
His smile died an ugly death. "I don't know what you mean."
...you can trust me, my lord." her hands came up to cup either side of his face."Your secret is safe with me. Yorshka, too," she amended after a moment's pause, then looked toward the window, raising her voice a tad louder than necessary, "Whenever she finally stops fussing over Fortissax and deigns to join us!"
A squeak echoed from the courtyard below, echoed by draconic laughter.
Naruto almost smiled at her antics. Almost.
"You're awfully accepting of this."
"I have to be." Maria's laugh was decidedly weary, almost crazed. "You're an enigma. If I don't accept that, I'm fairly certain I'll break." she took another swing of her long bottle. "You're also a god. It only makes sense you would live more than life. You needn't tell me about it until your ready. Ignorance is bliss, as they say."
"Oi." he gave her hand a smack. "That's not how it works." another now, when she tried to grab his bottle. "I'm not a child anymore. Don't treat me like one."
"I know you aren't." She pivoted in his lap to face him fully, both straddling and startling him in the same moment. "I shall not...
His eyes widened. "Maria?"
"Forgive my indiscretion, but I'm not feeling terribly patient right now...
She didn't answer beyond that cryptic remark; instead his Second leaned closer and pushed him back in his chair. He was bigger than her, so she couldn't plant her legs on either side of him, but she absolute could -and did!- twine her legs with his to keep him from getting up. Her fingers found his and threaded through them, holding tight.
Maria cooed at him. "Do you feel like an adult now?"
Very much so! Heat seared through his face, bu the mastered it, laying a hand on her hip. "You're drunk."
"Maaaaaaybe." she slurred a little, dragging her lips up his neck. "Feels better this way. Tired of thinking. Talking, too. Too much talking.
...it would be wrong to take advantage of her like this. But when tried to stand, the chair gave way beneath their combined weight, sending them tumbling to the floor.
Maria rode him down with a laugh and in an instant he became aware of three things. He could feel the fullness of her bosom pressing against his chest, then her hips against his groin now as she sat up, nearly mounting him despite their clothes. Her long pale hair tickling his nose and her eyes had gone half-lidded, brandy on her breath, lips so close he could feel them brushing his as she leaned down to-
An awful noise rattled the word.
Naruto bolted upright, nearly knocking Maria off him in his haste to rise. He caught her with one arm and reeled her up with him.
An attack? No, he didn't sense anything, no negative intent in the least.
Another tremor came.
And in an instant he knew.
No. Marika should know better.
Surely she wasn't that much of a bitch...
.
..
...who was he kidding? Of course she would be!
The door crashed open behind him. He heard Yorshka's voice. "What's going on?!"
Naruto didn't answer. Couldn't. He dashed to the window and thrust his head out into the night. Maria joined him and Yorshka a beat later.
Only then did the three of them truly glimpse the catastrophe in is entirety; that great golden gilded light which could be seen seen to the northeast.
He saw the Elden Ring high above in all its glory. Fractures of light scrawled across it, and by definition, the sky. As he looked in sheer disbelief they began to spread, only to mend again a heartbeat later. Another blow shook the world and the fractures became cracks. On and on it went in a vicious cycle, the cracks growing larger each time.
Would they hold? Would they break?
The world held its breath as the sky shuddered again.
There could be no other description for such a world-shaking feat.
One moment the world was whole, hanging on by the skin of its teeth. Then with a single hammer stoke.
With an awful crack.
The Elden Ring splintered.
And from it, the Shattering truly commenced.
He felt it, the moment the world changed. When the Shattering began and many of the so-called gods were lessened for it. Many would weep that dark day; for it was the beginning of a war that would ravage the Lands Between from top to bottom. But not him. Not his beloved Stormveil. Oh, no. He wouldn't let it. He refused.
Naruto did not weep. On the contrary, he smiled.
Because you see, in that moment, he finally understood.
For him, the Shattering wasn't the end of the beginning...it was the beginning of the end.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
The Shattering begins, and our boy has a choice to make.
What will he be? Savior? Destroyer? Monarch? Tyrant? Neither of these things?
Well, what say you? Should this remain 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 are mos the same, don't want to spoil things.
But ohhh these battles are a' coming...
(Previews)
Guess who?
...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 have a choice, my lords. Surrender, or death. No Erdtree burial, no revival.
Only destined death.
What will it be?
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."
"What's wrong? Naruto snarled and 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! Hope you have a great day!
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!