A/N: Aaaand we're back! Amazing what a little feedback can do.
Kudos to "GlassedGamer" for writing out a dialogue scene for Miquella here.
He quite literally wrote the whole thing in the reviews just for me. Really sparked my imagination. Thanks, bruv~!
If this chapter gets a ton of feedback -hopefully it will!- then I'll do my best to ensure this gets an earlier update with the rest.
Someone showed me Jujutsu Kaisen. I'm trying very hard to resist, but said someone also made a request-No! Bad Neon! Resist!
In other news depression's starting to hit real hard these days. Sometimes I wonder why I do anything at all. I can't claim to understand what's going wrong with my head. I don't even know why! One moment I'm fine, then my mood craters for a few hours, then I'm back again for a bit, and the cycle repeats. Its rather annoying; as though I've become a prisoner in my own mind sometimes. Sure, what's one more mental problem on the pile. Not like I don't have enough, what with already being this old. Feels like every day is a battle sometimes. My doctor is of no help at all.
*siiiigh* Don't mind the rambling of this geezer...
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~!
"You have a choice, my lords. Surrender, or death. No Erdtree burial, no revival.
Only Destined Death.
What will it be?"
~?
Meeting of Gods
Naruto gave his answer to Fortissax three days later.
...I'll help you."
The ancient dragon practically sprang to his feet, long tail swaying to and fro with such force that he nearly conjured a windstorm in the courtyard. It rather reminded Naruto of a giant dog he'd once seen in a storybook; it also made it terribly difficult to cling onto his anger. He didn't hate Fortissax. Really, he didn't. He probably shouldn't at that. The ancient dragon was blameless in his vendetta; he wasn't part and parcel to the abuse he'd suffered; just a blind servant of Godwyn who didn't know any better. He couldn't expect him to write the wrongs of those stronger than he.
"I cannot thank you enough!"
"However!" He flung up a finger, cutting the delighted dragon's praise short. "I have several conditions. Refuse even one of them, and you'll be up a creek without a paddle."
Fortissax blinked, somewhat taken aback. "Why would I need to swim in a creek? I can fly."
Yorhska snorted behind him, the sound masked only by Maria's giggle. "Its a saying you big lummox."
"Ah." the wounded dragon laid back down with a baffled noise. "I must admit, you creatures are most confusing." A giant iris swiveled his way once more. "Name these conditions then, little Godrick, and I shall listen."
"I have several." he declared, not wavering for even a moment, for to do so promised disaster. "First, when I find your precious Godwyn, it might not be possible for me to resurrect him. You need to accept that much."
And it was. If Godwyn was as deeply intertwined with Destined Death as he believed him to be, it would be a great challenge simply extricating him from it, nevermind bringing him back. Even with Death's blessing he had no way of knowing of a dead demigod's flesh would react to his presence. In all likelihood, he'd be in for the fight of his life.
Been awhile since he had a challenge. That might be fun.
"I agree to this." Fortissax bobbed his head. "If you cannot save him, give him his rest."
"Second," Naruto held up another finger, "I reserve the right to claim the strength he leaves behind, such as it is."
...very well. The dragon grumbled, but heaved a sigh. "I cannot contest such a claim. May you use his might for the betterment of the Lands Between."
Good. Godwyn was the first of the Demigods for a reason. Seizing his power would give him a rather significant increase. Not that he needed it, but better that he have it than someone else. The last thing he wanted was someone like Radahn -oh gods forbid Rykard, whom he'd already sent back to Raya Lucaria- getting a boost. like that.
"Third," up came the final finger, "I reserve the right to deal with him whenever I please and to that end, I'll need the help of at least one other demigod. Where are they now?"
Fortissax didn't like that one. He didn't need his superior senses; he could tell by the downright mutinous look in the old wyrm's eye. "Why do you wish to know their locations?"
"I just told you didn't I?" He had, but he hadn't. Destined Death had only grown in power with the Shattering. It would not take kindly to losing a prize like Godwyn. He'd something -or someone- to distract her, perhaps even trade. Outwardly he said none of this, and merely rolled his shoulders in a shrug. He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "I can't save your precious Godwyn if I have to worry about my so-called "family" stabbing me in the back the moment I try."
...true." it only took a bit of prodding to sway him.
"If the Elden Ring has truly been shattered a council will be called. A Godsmeet, in Leyndell. "
The grin that followed practically split Naruto's face.
"Tell me more about this Godsmeet...
(.0.0.0.)
Radan feared for the future of the Lands Between.
The Night of Black Knives was a foul and terribe event indeed; its fallout felt even now. It had robbed them not only of golden Godwyn and rebellious Ranni but directly led to the Shattering itself and in turn taken so much more. Now both Marika and Radagon were lost to them, gone missing in a world gone mad. The Godsmeet had been called, and so he would go.
Someone must put the kingdom in order. Someone strong. Someone bold.
Someone righteous, with the heart of a lion.
It must be him.
(.0.0.0.)
It should be him.
Rykard's skull ached abominably with every step, even after Mother's tender mercies, but his thoughts were quite clear on the matter. No one else was willing to make the hard choices, the necessary sacrifices. His siblings were no doubt preparing to wage war even now as He traveled to Leyndell.
The Godsmeet was merely a pretense; a pretext for the war to come. Nothing more, nothing less.
He must lead them into the new era, even if it meant consuming the old.
Together they would devour the very gods.
(.0.0.0.)
Miquella must be the one to rule.
Malenia believed this with her whole heart. No one else was fit to lead them. None knew what the world needed but he. Only her twin did. He, who had already made a home for the broken and the forgotten, for the meek and the weak. Alas, her brother spoke little these days, thus it fell to her to communicate his whims and wishes to the world. Had decreed his intent to go to this Godsmeet, and so they would go.
She would cut down any who dared to oppose him. After all, she had never known defeat.
Alas, in her blindness, she failed to see her mistake...
...the true threat among them.
(.0.0.0.)
The world craved blood.
It was a fundamental truth, only Mohg could see.
The old age was breaking, and with it, opportunity beckoned. A new dynasty awaited. It would be his. All of it would be his. Let there be blood.
(.0.0.0.)
Usurpers, the lot of them.
A flock of foul carrion come to pick over a body not yet dead.
Pillagers, emboldened by the flame of ambition. Morgott would not let them lay hand on the Erdtree. They shall not pass...
(.0.0.0.)
In the days that followed the Shattering, every Demigod descended upon Leyndell.
The Godsmeet they were calling it, just as Fortissax had said; here they would meet in the capital to decide the Fate of the Lands Between. Whether there would be peace or war. Naruto knew who would be attending in theory. Rykard and Radahn, Miquella and Malenia. Those who yet remained. "Godrick" wasn't invited of course, but that was hardly going to stop him now, wasn't it? In the Lands Between, rules were meant to be bent, even broken.
Hearts and mind would clash here. It promised to be heated at least, violent at worst.
It was into this chaos that Naruto -Godrick!- arrived.
Hmm.
Perhaps that wasn't quite the right word. Arrival applied he'd come with a small army ad trumpets bearing. He hadn't. He simply walked right through the gates. None challenged him. It was important -pivotal really- that he come alone, or at least be seen to come alone. Maria and Yorshka hadn't been happy about that, nor had little Theresa, but he was able to make them understand in the end by dint of sheer persuasion. They'd only put themselves in danger here, and skilled as he was, he wasn't sure he'd be able to protect them if every single Demigod turned on him at once.
Even from the Erdtree sanctuary he could hear their raised voices as he climbed the steps leading to the tree proper; loud and angry shouts of dissent bickering with one another.
Pathetic.
"Halt!" A pair of Draconic Tree Sentinels tried to bar his path, crossing their halberds together as he drew near. "None may approach the Erdtree while the Demigods are in talks!"
A pale brow rose beneath his green hood. Time to play the part. "Then it is well that I am one of them, no?"
One of sentinels glimpsed his face beneath the cowl and sputtered.
"You?! You cannot be here! You have been banished-
He needn't even raise a hand to silence them. A flicker, a thought, the faintest pulse of Destined Death flung their way to grasp their necks, and they fell to their knees clutching their throats. He heard them choke out their last feeble breaths as he ascended the staircase, felt them expire now as he climbed ever higher, and spared not a care for them.
High above the Erdtree loomed now, close enough to touch.
Cresting the last step he glimpsed his kin from afar, seated in their thrones before the Erdtree. Someone had dragged a massive, dusty Roundtable out of storage and forced them to sit on all sides, the better to keep them from each other's throats. Of Marika and Radagon there was still no sign, but that didn't trouble him overmuch.
What did surprise him was the sight of Morgott and Mohg at the table.
Granted, he couldn't claim to know either all that well, but their presence at this so-called council came as a surprise. Yet for all their lineage the Omen Brothers were no better than those they hosted. He could hear their voices raised even now in response to some slight or another. Honestly, they were like children. Brats fighting over scraps. Their lust for power was clear as day to him. Oh they were quick to hide it behind their polite masks in public and their noble words, but here in private the facade was discarded, the ruse dropped, the curtain draw back for all to see, and he saw through them all.
There was a joke to be had there, he felt, but he was too mature to make it.
He was only a few steps away and no one had noticed him, lost in their own little world as they were.
He'd come in disguise of course; hood drawn down and leaning upon a gnarled staff -his axe carefully disguised- as he limped forward; ever pretending to be the weakling he never was, never had been, never would be.
"Have I missed the party?" His voice cut through the chatter like a hot knife. As intended.
Everyone turned to face him, all six demigods staring at him in silent confusion.
Malenia found her voice first. "Why are you here?"
"Why not, dear aunt?" He feigned a mad laugh and continued to "limp" forward apace despite her confusion." This is a council of Demigods, is it not? A Godsmeet? I've come to take my seat. He chose the empty throne beside hers and claimed it, reveling in the annoyed noise she made. "What are we talking about...?"
She glowered at him. "You were exiled.
"Oh, that?" He waved a hand. "That's been rescinded.
She made a grab for his hand, only to fail as he ducked. "On whose authority?"
"MINE."
All eyes looked up to the Erdtree, including his own, though his gaze held a touch more annoyance than surprise. Pity. He'd had a wonderful retort prepared with Kurama but the blasted twiggy-tree-god had swept it out from under him. For a moment the great gilded oak almost seemed to glow. Seemed he still had an in with the goddess that was the Greater Will. He could just imagine everyone's surprise. He'd remember their stunned face from this day until their last day.
It would be but a prelude of what was to come.
"Enough." Morgott tapped his cane down, silencing the ripple of discord that followed. "The Erdtree has spoken. He may sit among us...for now."
"So kind of you, uncle." he smiled at them. "Now, lets discuss terms."
Miquella stirred enough to speak at last. "Terms of what?"
"Why, your imminent surrender, of course."
How quick they were to laugh at him! Even the ever-noble Radahn looked away with a chagrined expression. Everyone was eager to dismiss him, all save Rykard, who seemed to remember some small semblance of what had transpired in Stormveil. Fear or pride held his tongue. Good. He didn't want to be sent back to mommy dearest with his tail between his legs again.
"How amusing." Mohg wiped a bloody tear from his lone eye. "It has been a long while since I heard such an amusing jape."
Naruto felt something ugly curdle inside him. He shoved it down and mastered his temper.
"Its neither a jape, nor a jest, and not a joke." steepling his figners, he laid them to rest beneath his chin and favored them each with a smile. "Surrender, here and now, and I'll spare you."
Radhan found his voice at last. "Spare us what, dear nephew?"
"Why, death, of course." he turned that winning smile on him. "I'm sure no one wants to die. Out of everyone here, you're the only one I'd feel bad about killing."
...the fool's gotten too big for his britches."
His smile sharpened. "Shall I remind you, Rykard?"
The Praetor went pale beneath his gaze and clammed right up. Good boy.
Kurama heaved a sigh in his head. "You're enjoying yourself a little too much here, Naruto."
He really was! But it was Miquella who rallied now, the eternal youth fixing him with a steely look. "Do you have something to say, Godrick?
Perfect timing~! Today just got better and better.
"As a matter of fact, I do! You know it's funny." he tapped a finger to his chin. "You always preached about salvation for the weak. The forgotten. The lost and unwanted. You build a home for them. You lectured everyone about how we should save them. You extended your hand to the broken and weeping on the ground with a smile. It merely leaves me a single question: Where was MY invitation, Miquella?
His kin stiffened and made to speak.
Naruto didn't give him the chance. "When I was beaten and berated by Marika and left unmoving in the courtyard, why did you turn away? When I attempted to talk with you, why would your twin move her hand to her weapon and glare at a child?"
Malena went for her blade. "That is quite enough out of -
"I get it." he waved her aside as one might an annoying gnat, never once losing his temper. This wasn't the same as it had been with Fortissax and he wouldn't give her the satisfaction. "I didn't suffer enough, right? Look me in the eyes and tell me my life wasn't rotten. Show me where I was wrong. Tell me my suffering wasn't enough, Miquella."
Oh, how his "uncle" squirmed! Good. He hoped those words kept him up at night.
"By what measurement do you judge hardship, then?" he leaned forward, glaring at the younger demigod. "Why was I excluded? Could it be that you...lied? That you're a hypocrite?" his head tilted, one ear cocked, waiting for a reply that never came." Is their misery simply convenient for you? Might it be that you, Golden Child Miquella, are no different than those arrogant gods of the Erdtree...?"
He waited for the inevitable outburst, the spluttering of denials. It never came. Malenia's twin simply looked away and sulked.
Disgust twisted the last of Naruto's smile into a sneer. "And I pity you, for you thinking you're not."
Mohg absolutely bristled. "How dare you speak ill of my dearest Miquella?!"
"Do shut up, hornhead. The sane people are talking...
He could sense everyone's animosity now, all directed at him. Too bad. So sad. They didn't enjoy being called out for their failures? Tough! He certainly hadn't enjoyed the abuse they'd heaped upon them. The shoe was on the other foot now as the saying went, and it promised to be a long, painful road for them.
Morgott heaved a weary sigh. "Is there a point to this diatribe, Godrick?"
"The point is that you have a choice, my lords." he unclasped both hands and stood before them, spreading his arms wide. "Surrender, or death. No Erdtree burial, no revival. Only the surety that is Destined Death. What will it be?"
Malenia burst to her feet. "I would sooner kiss my own boots than kneel to you!"
He smiled sweetly at her in return. "Then you have chosen death."
She looked like she wanted to stab him. Would she try?
"Peace!" Radahn flung up a large hand and glared Malenia into silence before she could find her nerve. "Marika is not here, sister. Nor is Father. With their absence it falls to us to lead the people in these trying times. We do them no favors by bickering amongst ourselves like this. We need proper leadership."
Malenia scoffed. "And who is to say we should be led by you?"
"Logic." The Good General sat a bit straighter in his throne, the act of which rattled the table as he banged a knee against it. "I have the largest territory. I command the greatest army. I am the strongest among us."
"And I have never known defeat."
Morgott's cane tapped down again. "Cease! We are here to talk. Your pointless squabbling avails no one, least of all yourselves!"
"You speak well," Malenia gave him a look of purest poison, "But we all know it is YOU who wishes to rule."
"I daresay I shall do a better job than you and your accursed sibling-
Out came her blade. "Take that back!"
"I shall not!"
Naruto tried not to laugh. Really, he did. He failed spectacularly.
Malenia heard it and glared golden daggers at him. "Do you think yourself above us little Godrick. I shall see Stormveil burn for this.
Naruto rolled his eyes and slouched in his throne, "Yes, by all means, attack one of the last bastions of pace and security in the Lands Between. That's sure to win hearts and minds."
"The people do not matter-
THUNK.
His foot stomped down on hers, denting her false foot.
She glared at him for it. "Careful little Godrick, I have beaten you before and can easily do again."
"As you say, dear aunt." He smiled thinly. What would you say to a friendly wager? Our armies need not fight. Come to Stormveil and seek me out. Let there be bloodshed between us, but no other."
"Perhaps, Mohg took the bait as he knew he would, "It would behoove us to pluck the weed from the garden, as it were."
Radahn heaved a sigh. "This means war."
Malenia nodded. "War it is, then."
As did Miquella. "So be it."
Rykard merely nodded.
How quickly they banded together against him. Fools. They'd dug their own graves.
...so be it." Morgott turned to face him. "Have you anything to say before this Godsmeet is concluded, Runt of the Litter?"
"Just one." he smiled...
...and whistled, producing a single note.
Heaven answered him with an almighty roar.
Fortissax crashed down from on high in a bolt of red lightning; smashing into the center of them to obliterate the table and much of the ground beneath it besides. None had time to react. Their eyes had only just begun to widen when the corrupted wyrm smashed a hand down on the javelin, detonating it in a fiery plume.
The devastation that followed was nothing short of catastrophic.
Sitting at ground zero as they were, the Demigods never stood a chance. Everyone was simultaneously blasted forth from their thrones and sent sprawling to the ground, badly burnt and bleeding. Naturally, the impetuous shadow clone Naruto had sent also evaporated within the fire and the flames.
That left the original to drop down from the wyrm's back and survey the carnage.
Mercifully, no one had perished.
Pity.
"Fool of a boy!" Morgott alone was still conscious amidst the carnage, and even then only just, leaning heavily upon his cane. "Your treachery will not be forgotten!" he snarled at him, horns broken, blood running down his burnt face. "This is a place of peace!"
"Peace, you say?" Naruto shattered his own illusion in an instant and towered over him, bringing the old omen up short. "You all just agreed to band together against me. That doesn't sound like peace to me."
"Impudent...!"
A roundhouse punch floored him entirely.
"What's wrong? from there he stomped on his throat with a snarl, leaving Morgott to grunt as a boot ground down on his windpipe, pinning him in place. "You were talking a good game a second ago." His golden ax swept down, free at last, shimmering in the light of the sun as he placed both hands atop it. "Then I blew your leg off." He ground his foot in further, drawing another groan from his helpless captive. "What was that you called me, old man...? I believe it was something along the lines of being a Runt? Well, here's a warning from this runt...
He leaned down to growl at him. "THE ERDTREE WILL BE MINE."
A vicious kick laid Mogott flat, knocked cold. He left him there to bleed out. Let the Erdtree decide his fate. He glanced to the tree, somehow still intact despite the massive explosion Fortissax had unleashed. A subtle tug nagged at him and he found himself looking toward its entrance. As he looked on the wall of bramble thorns peeled back, revealing a gleaming expanse of golden light beyond. For a moment he wondered if it would speak to him again as it had before.
"..."
...nothing, huh? He didn't know what he'd expected. He turned to leave.
"Seek me whenever you are ready. I await you, and only you."
A shiver stole over him. "When he was ready, eh?
He sighed. "We're leaving, Fortissax."
The old wyrm heaved a sigh and looked to the stunned demigods, dazed where they lay. "Are you certain? You will never have a better chance than this to kill them."
Naruto looked back to the Erdtree, that golden arch which beckoned oh-so-sweetly.
He could end it all now. Walk into the tree and take control.
Become the new Elden Lord.
Did he not deserve as much? was tempting, oh so tempting to do just that; to simply kill his kin here and now. But that wouldn't satisfy him. Slaughtering them while they were unconscious would bring him no pleasure. It would be too easy. Malenia and the rest of their kin needed to understand the error of their ways, realize their blunders. Only then would he be satisfied.
Naruto looked about, idly noting Miquella and Mohg's seemed to be stirring quicker than the others. Curious. Not that it was any of his concern.
Time to make his decision.
He walked away from the Erdtree, heard it seal itself behind him once.
From there he stooped down, plucked the golden Valkyrie helmet from Malenia's head, and slung it over his shoulder.
There. That would be sure to have her charging right at him, howling for his head besides.
Trophy in hand, he sauntered away with a merry whistle and climbed atop Fortissax.
Never known defeat had she? There were far worse things than losing a battle.
Malenia would know despair once they were through.
Defeat was not enough for him. Oh, no.
He was going to break her.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
Naruto makes a scene and throws down the gauntlet.
Let there be war in the Lands Between, sweet, glorious war~!
Well, what say you? Should this remain a story or not? It'll likely be rated M soon 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!"
She grabbed his wrist, tugged him down, and pressed her lips to hers.
Then she pulled away, leaving his mind utterly frazzled.
"Have I made my position clear, now?"
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."
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~!