A/N: Here you go. Long chapter. Read this note, would you kindly? Might post the mature version on Archive of Our Own.
Sorry for not updating yesterday. Had to go to the hospital for health/pain issues.
I'll say it plain, if this email opt-in business with the doesn't get resolved soon, I'm probably going to retire. It HURTS to say that, but with this new system, reviews and readers have dropped to an all time low, authors are leaving the site in droves.
On that note, does anyone want a thanksgiving update? Kinda need to know here. If not, I'm probably going to spend the day drinking with family.
This chapter probably isn't going to be seen by most, or reviewed by many as a result given the late hour of its posting, but I'm going to try. Can't make any promises beyond that. 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 ain't popular? Well, I won't be able to continue it, sad as that may sound. 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.
Only a few questions this time:
Q: God of War updates soon?
A: YES.
Q:...Naruto's not going to take that slight lying down, is he? Why do I have a bad feeling about this.
A: Our boy may be more meticulous as Godwyn, but he still has a temper. The difference being...well. You'll see.
Q: We gonna have little ones running about?
A: Eventually. Surprises await~!
Q: How many more ladies are we gonna see in this, oi?!
A: Not many, we're about to hit the Act II of the story, as it were.
Alright, I've kept you long enough. Lets pick up where we left off, eh?
As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one. They're merely tributes.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time, trying to make folks smile in these crazy times.
"This pains me, my lord. Whatever your faults, you did not serve to die alone in such a cold, dark place.
But sometimes before we can usher in the new, the old must be put to rest.
...kill him. Make it quick, if you can."
~?
Sins of the Father
"Focus your rage. Anger is a weapon, but only if you control it."
Naruto breathed in. Godwyn breathed out. He tried to remember Godfrey's mantra. Even then he could feel the facade slipping, the cracks showing in his otherwise soft smile. He couldn't help himself. He was angry. So very angry. There was a part of him that would always BE angry after today he knew, and it was something he'd have to live with. He'd caged his rage before, but here, now, as he stormed through the capital, he felt it breaking free. Only a matter of time now...
Servants saw his face and fled.
Pages scuttled away, clutching their scrolls to their chests.
Nobles huddled in corners, whispering furtively to one another.
Naruto ignored them. Let them whisper. Let them gossip. He cared not. He'd given them courtesy enough. His piercing gaze remained fixed on the Throne ahead. He stalked up its steps, taking them two, then three at a time, his long stride devouring the distance between him and his destination.
...what are you going to do?"
He growled, a deep furious sound. "Depends on her answer."
High above, the heavens began to darken. Dark clouds swam in, shimmering with scarlet sparks. He heard a dragon's roar within them; a piercing yowl that had civilians scuttling for cover. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and for a moment, his anger dimmed. Lansseax wasn't much pleased, either. She'd liked Godfrey. Fortissax had, too. He couldn't remember how many times those three got drunk together. Enough to matter, apparently. It was almost ironic in a wretched way; the capital celebrated the absence of their savage Elden Lord, yet the dragons mourned him.
These people didn't. He could hear them whispering behind his back, even now, thinking themselves safe:
"Do you see! I told you he'd lash out today! Just like his Father! Its what his kind do!"
"I'm not surprised. After all, he works with those outside the Golden Order."
"Why is he smiling like that? He looks unhinged."
"Shh! He'll hear you!"
He did hear them. Every last word. Little voices from little fools. If he wished it, the dragon siblings could rain hell down on the their heads. They just might, if this meeting went poorly.
It had taken nearly all he had to put up a brave front for Rykard and rest earlier. To play the part of the noble leader, the peacekeeper, the Golden Son.
Now? He would have answers. One way or another.
A guard tried to bar his path as he reached the main doors.
"Hold." the man's voice echoed hollow behind his helm. "The queen is in talks with her lord consort-
Naruto swept an arm up, the man went down and struck the wall with a hollow clang. He'd sleep for the rest of the day without any memory of this. He stepped over his form, braced both hands against the doors and gave them a hearty shove. They parted with a ponderous groan, all but announcing his presence.
Sure enough Marika was within.
His mother looked up from her throne, one fist resting on her chin. She looked...tired. Her eyes were red. Had she been crying? The thought almost gave him pause. Almost. Then she firmed up and looked at him, the very picture of indifference. "My son. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?"
That blase demeanor brought the rage roaring back with a bloody vengeance. "Did you do it?
Her head tilted just so, blond bangs falling over her face, concealing her eyes. Do what?"
His right arm twitched. "Stop that. Don't play games with me."
She sighed. "Then speak plainly, child of mine."
Naruto stomped his right foot down with all the force of a falling star. The floor cratered underfoot, spiderweb cracks shooting through the walls and ceiling. Marika watched them spread dispassionately. With an awful crack a portion of the roof gave way entirely, spilling mournful sunlight across her face.
She rolled her eyes. "Are you happy now? It will take the architects weeks to fix this."
A shadow stepped out from behind the throne behind her. "Perhaps you should keep your son on a tighter leash, sister."
Naruto knew that voice. He bridled at the sight of its owner.
Radagon.
One look was all it took to see know the truth of what had befallen Ryakrd's father. There was almost certainly something wrong with him. Where was the jovial wit he'd once enjoyed? Once, his eyes had been bright and lively. Now they were dull, dim, even. He looked upon him in silent disparity, considering him as one might a wounded animal. Just the sight of it made him sick.
His tongue betrayed him. "I hope it was worth it. Betraying your family and flaying poor Rykard like that. Your master must be so proud."
Radagon went terribly still, but only for a moment. "Do not question my devotion to the Greater Will."
"I do question it." he stepped to him with eyes ablaze. "And so should you! Can't you see its using you like a puppet?!
An open palm cracked across his face, turning his world white. "Impudent pup! Know your place!"
Marika sighed behind him. "You've done it now...
Naruto took the blow with good grace, turned his head to the right, planted his feet. It hadn't hurt. He wasn't sure why that disappointed him so. Radagon was the other half of Marika, after all, and he'd not held back just now. He had expected...more than this. He'd barely even harmed him. Was this all the new Elden Lord had to offer...?
"That one was free." he thumbed a line of blood away from his lips. "My turn."
In a single seamless movement he reached over his back. His arm blurred gold. The Bolt of Granssax backhanded Radagon, raking across the taller man's face to both draw blood and knock him on his arse. To his credit, he righted himself quickly, stumbling to his feet with a startled grunt. Baleful golden eyes glared at him as he cupped his bloody cheek. He'd have a wicked scar there for the rest of his days.
Good. He hoped it hurt.
"That," he brandished his bolt like a rapier, "Was for Rykard. I've still got Ranni, Radahn, and Rennala to work through." Care to try me?"
Marika -mother!- hummed into one hand, the ghost of a smiling lighting her eyes. "You wish for him to pay Blood Price on their behalf, then?"
Was she covering for him? Felt like she was. "I would. Rykard's in no shape to do it. Ranni and Radahn are too young. And Rennala...
"Yes," his mother's smile died an ugly death. "Your words have merit. So let it be. I shall allow you this."
Radagon bridled, pale face gone red with rage, darker than his hair. "Sister?!"
"I suggest you defend yourself."
Marika's consort went for his sword. Naruto found himself recoiling at the sight of the blade. That once beautiful blue Moonlight Greatsword, now gleamed an ugly shade of gold, just like the Golden Order. Aunt Rennala's gift to him, warped and twisted, and for what? To prove his devotion to the Golden Order? He'd never do such a thing to the weapons Fia and Lansseax had given him. To do so would've been the darkest of blasphemy; a sin no sane mind would dare commit.
"You're hesitating, boy." Radagon scowled at him, misinterpreting his thoughts. "Why are you looking at me like that? Afraid to fight without your women to protect you?"
"Insulting my loved ones now, are we?" He scoffed. "I would've thought better of an Elden Lord. I'll be sure to pound that lesson into your head."
"Even now you respond with threats of violence." Radagon rumbled a low laugh; it was an ugly, arrogant sound. "You're a brute after all. Just like your father." he turned his head and spat. "We are well to be rid of him."
The insult slipped right through Naruto's guard. His calm shattered like so much glass.
Kurama bridled. "Did you hear what he just said...?"
The world went red.
A bolt of red lightning slammed into Radagon's chest, divesting him of his weapon and all but drilling him into a wall. His blade went skittering across the floor. Naruto didn't even realize he'd thrown the damn thing-nor set the blessed Bolt of Granssax aside-until he found himself gripping Radagon's head in his hands. He smashed their skulls together. Once. Twice. Thrice. This was for Ranni. A fist flashed out and struck his face. He let it slide off his cheek and pushed through with a snarl of his own; slamming Radagon down facefirst to render his pale visage intimate with the floor in a way no self-respecting demigod desired.
That one's for Radahn.
Much to his annoyance, the battered redhead growled and grabbed at his ankle, trying to break his leg. No, no, no.
His next kick cratered Radagon's ribs and sent him skipping across the floor. He came to rest in a groaning, tangled heap at Marika's feet. Even then he tried to rise. Naruto didn't give him the chance this time. He leaped after him and landed on him, driving both feet into his abdomen. He felt something snap in Radagon's torso as he spat blood. Not good enough. Another stomp beat the defiance out of him.
"And that one," Naruto ground his heel down, glaring at his fallen foe, "Was for Rennala. The rest is for me."
A spark of light ignited in Radagon's right hand as he glared up at him. "Boy...!"
An angry rasengan snarled in his left palm, eager to meet it.
"Enough! Both of you!" Marika's voice froze them in place; her words were cold, ice itself, her bright golden eyes rooting them where they stood. "Let him be, my son. And as for you, brother." she fixed him with a livid look. "You've more than paid your blood price to him. Leave us."
...are you certain?" Radagon frowned her way. "He might harm you."
She scoffed. "He has a right to be angry. Out with you."
A pause followed. "The greater will dictates-
"He is my son. Not yours. Out."
"You heard her." Naruto stepped off him. "Go on. Stay. Give me an excuse to finish what you started."
Radagon dragged himself upright, favoring his right side. "This isn't over."
"Yes, it is." The silence was his answer.
Naruto sighed into it.
"Tiche."
A faint gasp reached his ears, then the shadows stirred behind him. His handmaiden emerged with knife in hand. Her expression betrayed her fears her voice moreso. "My lord?"
"Our dear Elden Lord is tired." He turned a sickly sweet smile on her. "Escort him to his chambers and see him to bed."
"How did you know I was here?"
He didn't dignify that with a response. It shook her. Too bad. "Go."
"I...yes." she stowed her weapon and sketched a quick curtsy. "As you say."
Marika waved her assent. For once, Radagon didn't question it. He allowed himself to be escorted out.
Even then, Naruto forced himself to be silent. To wait until he was certain they were gone. He counted the seconds. Three. Six. Nine, now. Even then he held back a little while longer to make sure. It wouldn't do for that curmudgeonly old basted to double back. But as the moments passed so too did his surety; he heard no signs of anyone; only the faint crackling of the ceiling above.
Marika broke the silence at last.
"I hope you're happy." she sounded almost sad for his sake. "The capital will be abuzz with the news of Radagon's defeat by nightfall.
Of that, he had no doubt. Tiche might hold her tongue in the presence of others, but the servants would doubtlessly see Radagon's battered body. Rykard and Ranni could be spiteful. They'd learn of this soon enough and make sure everyone knew, if only to humiliate the man they once called Father.
"..."
"We are alone, son." Marika beckoned him closer, cutting into his reverie. "What is it you wished to speak of? Have you come to harangue me like Morgott and Mohg? I've already sent the boys to their rooms without supper for being so rude. I hope you will be better."
Naruto felt his very soul seethe. There had been so much he wanted to say to her. He'd rehearsed it all in his head. Every line. Every word. He'd fully intended to come here with a reasonable argument and ferret out the true reason she'd done this. But here? Now...? After he'd thrashed Radagon within an inch of his life?
To hell with that. He needed answers.
"Godfrey! Dad!" He knew his manner of speech was slipping but here in the heat of the moment, he couldn't bring himself to care. No, he didn't care. "Why did you exile him?! What were you thinking?!"
...everything I have ever done," she intoned slowly, "I do for the good of this family. Someday you will understand."
A flicker of something passed through her face as she said the words.
Naruto seized on it.
"Tell me Rykard lied about Godfrey." He took a step toward her. "Tell me you didn't want to do this." Another step. "Tell me you had a reason to drag Radagon up here, make him your king consort, and shatter Rennala's family." Nearly there, now. "Tell me this is all part of some grand plan I don't understand."
"..."
Her silence was the most painful thing he'd ever heard. Second life or not, this was his mother. She was better than this, or at least he'd thought she was. Who was this sullen, silent woman to tared at him so. He didn't know her. She was a stranger to him. Where was the mischief maker he remembered from the Day of the Dragons? Where was the mother who'd poked and prodded him, teasing him about future grandchildren? Where was the woman who'd laughed and drank and sang his praises when he'd won his first battle?
Where had she gone?
He reached the throne at last and slammed both hands down on Marika's wrists, pinning her in place. His forehead crashed against hers. "TELL ME!"
She didn't so much as bat an eyelash. "I know not what you mean."
"Yes you do!" he thrust a finger at her. "You're acting strange. I thought you were a little off when I mentioned those reforms a few days ago." she didn't answer and he took the chance to bull forward. "I told you we could draw the albinaurics and the misbegotten into the fold. Hugh would be a great help there, to say nothing of the sirens and the trolls...but you shot me down. Why?
She shook her head, setting her hair swaying. "It will all come to naught in the end, Godwyn. Let it be."
"I will not!"
"Yes," she drawled." You will."
If she thought he'd just give up helping people...! "Like hell! You won't stop me."
"You overreach yourself, dear Godwyn." Here at last his "mother" raised her gaze to glare at him. "We are of the golden lineage. We are lions, as are you. Act like it. Lions do not lay with sheep."
A muscle jumped in his jaw. "You want me to act like a lion? Fine!
His fist swung down.
A geyser of dust and dust filled the room. Marika stared back at him as the dust settled. She'd broken his grip and caught his hand in hers. Not unsurprising. He'd thought she might. She was the envoy of a god after all. It came with the title. You didn't get that kind of power by lazing around all day.
"Are you satisfied?" she asked laconically. "Or must be continue this farce?"
"I'd always wondered who was stronger. You or me." His eyes burst into light. "I never wanted to find out this way...
Marika didn't catch the next blow. Didn't even try. Clenched knuckles drove up under her ribs and launched her into a wall. She crashed through it into an adjacent chamber beyond.
"Careful." When the smoke cleared she was standing once more, idly dusting off her dress. "Your mother I may be, but you speak to a goddess. Cease this foolishness before one of us does something we both regret."
"Regret?!" he marched up to her, fists glowing gold. "Do you even regret sending him away?!"
"You already know the answer-
Naruto didn't hear the rest; he was already upon her. He jumped, clasped both hands together over his head and brought them barreled down onto Marika in a vicious hammerblow. Her body withstood the impact. The floor did not. She crashed through it, through a second wall, and kept going, hurtling out the palace in the form of a fiery comet; one that roared down into the plaza below and rattled the very capital. He heard distant screams of shock and terror from the civilians to herald her impact.
Kurama heaved a groan. "Well, now you've done it...
Naruto climbed through the hole after her. His legs tensed, ready to leap. He wanted to give chase. To punch her again. Reach out, grab her by the shoulders and scream at her. He'd never wanted anything so badly in his life. He...he actually wanted to hurt her. For the first time since being reborn into this strange second life of his, he thought he hated someone. Not her, but the Greater Will. Clearly, he was just as much a slave to it as Radagon. If this continued, it would only one end one day. One of them would die. He knew Marika would never yield. Neither would he. Which meant...he'd be killing his second mother.
The realization horrified him.
...he...he couldn't do it.
He walked way.
(.0.0.0.)
Tiche couldn't decide.
She just. Could not. Decide.
Even now she gripped her knife tight in the night.
Should he live? Or should he die? The question was tearing her apart.
Godwyn was already rebelling. Her mission was clear. His demise assured. Wasn't it? What should she do...?
(.0.0.0.)
She finally found him some hours later.
Naruto sensed her coming long before she made her presence known-before the doors opened, even. Although her footsteps remained soundless and her breathing silent, she couldn't conceal her presence from him. She'd never been able to. Not back then, and certainly not now. Not a once. He'd never called her out on it before today. There had never been a need.
Now an ugly suspicion squirmed in him.
When the doors to his chambers opened, he didn't look up from his mead. "Report."
"Radagon has not left his chambers." Tiche stood firm before him, back straight, hands clasped behind her flank. "I expect he won't for quite some time, not with the injuries you inflicted on him."
"Understandable." He didn't regret that. Still he wanted to know. He took another long drink from the bottle. Slammed it down. "How bad was it? Will he live?"
"You gave our new Elden Lord a concussion, broke nearly all his ribs and ruptured a great many of his organs, to say nothing of the bruises and cuts inflicted upon his body, many of which will scar." she cocked her head to one side as she finished summarizing the injuries. "All in all, I'd say you beat some humility into him."
"Serves him right." He looked past her. "You came alone?"
She squirmed under his gaze. "I did."
He bit her sit. "And where is Fia?"
"Comforting young Mohg and Morgott." she settled in beside him on the bed and here at last, a smile softened her tense face. "When last I saw her, she was singing the boys to sleep in their beds."
Good. He couldn't bring himself to face them right now, not in such a state.
That aside, he didn't want anyone else present for this.
...you have questions."
Her head bobbed once, expression pensive. "How did you know I was in the throne room?"
"That an easy one." His gaze rose to meet hers. "I could always sense you."
She recoiled. "Always? Even when I wasn't by your side?"
A grim nod.
"Of course you could." His handmaiden buried her head in her hands. "Mother's going to have my hide. When did you first suspect?"
He took another long drink to fortify himself. "Suspect what?"
She wouldn't look at him. "My true purpose."
"Awhile back." he reached over to pat her head with a large hand, running his fingers through her blonde hair. "You always were too stealthy for a handmaiden." she made a little mewling noise of displeasure but didn't try to squirm out from under his palm, nor did she take her face from her palms. "Wasn't hard to put two and two together."
Tiche made a wretched noise caught somewhere between a sigh and a sob. "...I would have it said."
"You're an assassin."
The words shivered in the silence between them.
A peal of bitter laughter broke it. "And you don't fear me?"
Foolish question, that. "Should I?"
"Yes!" her head snapped up and here at last he glimpsed the tears in her eyes. "If you know who -what!- I am, then you must know who my target is!"
...I do."
Of course he did. Tiche had become his Shadow in all but name these days; wherever he went, she wasn't far behind. That she trailed him when she thought he wasn't aware of her and hid herself with dark magics...well. That spoke for itself now, didn't it? Either she was waiting for a chance to kill him, or she was simply clingy. Neither painted a pleasant picture. Someone or some organization had targeted him for death from the time he was a young boy via inserting both her and Alecto into his early life. It couldn't be the work of Marika, she'd sooner lop off her own arm then lose one of her children.
Tiche must've seen something in his gaze; because she slapped at his arm. "If you know, then why haven't you had me killed?! Or cast out at the very least?! Have you no care for your own well-being?!"
Flighty girl. Naruto took his hand from her head, corked the bottle, and set it down on the floor. "Because you're my friend."
She flinched away. "I'm not...I'm a wretched and foul traitor...told to kill you...
"You really aren't." he reached out, took hold of her chin, and thumbed her face back to his. "You could've poisoned any one of my meals. Knifed me in my sleep." it wouldn't have worked, of course. Demigods didn't die easily, even less so now with Destined Death spirited away. But she didn't know that, did she? "Even killed me when we were in bed together." she squeaked a little as he bulled on. "But you didn't." Nevermind the fact that Fia and Lansseax would absolutely butcher her for trying. "I'd like to think that means there's some good in you."
There truly was. He knew it. You didn't spend most of your life with someone and not gain a few redeeming qualities.
Her voice wavered. "I could have...there were any number of times...
"But you didn't." he gently wiped the tears from her eyes with his free hand. "
"Keep your friends close," she scrubbed at her face with both hands, "And your enemies closer? Is that what this is?"
Now it was his turn to laugh as he pulled her into his arms. "Something like that."
She looked up at him through damp eyes. "And if I try to kill you one day?"
He held her tight. "I'll love you anyway."
She sniffled. "That's not fair...
"Too bad~!"
"Is this what normal feels like?" Tiche nestled herself into him, forehead kissing his left shoulder. "I rather like it. No enemies to fight, no plots to plan." she scooted closer, looping one leg over his. "Just...us?"
He felt the fullness of her form against him, her breath warm on his face. He kissed her forehead. She shivered a little.
Lansseax burst through the doors before he could act on it further.
"Aha!" She saw him and sashayed over, her smirk nothing short of sly. "There you two are." She plonked down on his right side and took hold of his arm, heedless of Tiche's scowl. "I just came from meeting Rykard. He knows what transpired. He'll be telling Ranni on the morrow."
"How did he take it?
"He laughed. I believe he was...smug."
That brought a small smile to his face. "And Radahn?"
"He is not here."
Tiche perked up. "What?"
"I believe he's isolated himself in Caelid. Let him mourn as he wishes. But enough about him." she turned to face him fully. "It is not a sin to be angry, Godwyn. You've done so much, fought so hard," her hand stroked his cheek. "Rest now. Whatever it takes. Whatever I must do. I will see this through with you."
He chuckled softly. You really will, won't you?
"But of course. Would you like an heir, my dear Godwyn?" She touched a hand to her still-flat stomach. "You have but to ask. Woulds't thou care for a son, perhaps? Or mayhap a daughter...?"
Naruto felt the tips of his ears burn a bright red. "Isn't this a bit sudden...?"
"Not at all." Tiche tugged him closer. "I am not certain of my path, but for now, I am with you. Though our paths may diverge someday, today, I am yours."
It wasn't much but he appreciated the sentiment.
He took a breath to steady himself. "I think I'd like that."
"Our children may well be the same as you, someday." she chided. "Children rebel. Its what they do."
"I'll be a better parent than them." he thumped his chest with a fist. "I won't just leave without a word like dad did...
"But Godfrey didn't now, did he? Lansseax gave him a nudge. "He left you something to remember him by, yes. You would do well to read his last message."
His gaze was drawn across the room. Godfrey's last letter lay on his dresser, red wax seal still unbroken. A thought willed it his way.
He opened it. Rough scrawl awaited him within. Godfrey was many things but a poet he was not.
"Boy." He had him from the first word. "If you are reading this, do not be angry with your mother. She is blameless. She cannot speak of what is to come, for to name such a scheme would draw the eye of the Greater Will and the Elden Beast with it. Therefore, I shall entrust it to you in writing. I would ask that you burn it once you are through.
His eyes widened as he read the lines -the grand scheme- that followed therein. And there, below it...
You are my son. No matter your past, I shall always be proud of thee.
Forever your father,
~Godfrey.
The letter fell from numb fingers.
Comprehension was a bitter pill to swallow. Marika hadn't fought back. Not really. Not as he knew she could. She hadn't even pulled her hammer on him, used any of her magic, anything at all. He'd swatted her into the capital, and even now, she hadn't come after him. Horror dawned in his heart. Had she let him smack her around, just to keep up the ruse...?
Tiche and Lansseax saw his expression. They shared a long, lingering look.
"Oh, dear." the latter palmed her face with a sigh. "I think he broke him. I suppose this calls for a truce...?"
"Yes, as much as the idea irks me," Tiche grumbled. "You have a point. If only just this once."
"Fia won't be happy...
'Tis her fault for busying herself with the boys.
Naruto came back to himself a heartbeat too late. Even as he thought to ask what was going on Lansseax shrugged her dress off and pushed him down. Tiche joined her in climbing atop him and drew aside her own skirts. It was only when their hands closed around his robes that he realized what they intended. By then it was far too late.
Robes and armor flew through the air.
Realization dawned a moment later. "Now wait just a minute you two-! This is hardly the time or place for-hey!"
"Shhh, shh." Tiche drew him down into her arms. Lansseax drew him into a scorching kiss. "It will be alright, my lord."
No. No it would not. Nothing would be the same. He appreciated the effort regardless.
They drew him down into their arms.
(.0.0.0.)
Her boy hit hard.
Marika couldn't help but feel some small measure of pride at that as she considered herself in the mirror. He'd given her a black eye. She was a goddess and yet Godwyn had actually wounded her. Their little boy had become a man. Of course he had. He was their son. She would expect no less from her boy.
They'd made a fine son, and while Morgott and Mohg were lovely boys despite their flaws, Godwyn was the one who truly shone.
He was their Golden Son, the very culmination of their better halves. He possessed her keen mind. Her cunning, the charisma that drew others to him like moths to a flame. But he also had her husband's strength and his righeous wrath. Today he'd been every bit of Godfrey.
'We raised him well, beloved...
Foolishness. Utter, utter foolishness.
Just thinking of it brought a tear to her eye.
She paced away from the mirror, limping slightly, and threw herself into hr bed. It offered her cold comfort, the sheets even less so. She'd never loathed it more until this moment. Sleep would not come, and so her thoughts churned on. If dear Godwyn continued as he was, her firstborn might surpass them all. One day he might even succeed her. The Lands Between could find no better ruler...if her scheme succeeded. He could hate her all she wished. She might fall but her boy, her sweet, sweet boy, would remain untouched in the madness to come.
Someone knocked on her door. "Who goes?"
No answer. Another knock came, harder than the last.
Marika growled into her pillow. "Begone!"
Someone fiddled with the handle.
She flung herself up. Stormed to the door. Ripped it open.
Godwyn awaited her. Her eyes widened. He spoke before she could. "I'm sorry."
Her lips parted. "Pardon?"
"I said I'm sorry." He stepped into her, flung his arms around her and squeezed her tight. "For everything."
Her arms trembled, rising to reciprocate his efforts.
A whisper brushed her ear. "I know."
Marika stole a glance down the corridor. Nary a soul to be seen. That didn't mean he wasn't being watched. She grabbed him, hauled him inside and slammed the door. A flare of magic sealed it behind him. Only then did she dare let go and face her firstborn. "And what do you think you know?"
Her boy, her strong, sweet, stubborn boy who had been so very angry with her only a few hours ago, met her stare. "I know enough. He pushed a letter into her hand, forcing her to see the contents. "I read dad's letter. I want to help.
Marika clutched it in her fist and annihilated in a flare of golden light. "Do not suggest such things! The fingers have spies everywhere. Even here we may not be safe-
"Is that why you wouldn't tell me anything?"
"Fool of a boy!" Marika gave him a good hard shake, but he only smiled at her. She was so afraid of losing him. Bad enough that the Greater Will had sussed out part of her initial scheme and bound her to Radagon, but if it learned her eldest wished to rebel, and possibly her other sons as well...no. Morgott and Mohg wouldn't just be sent below. They'd be killed outright.
"What will you do?
"I shall do as I always do." she glowered at him. "I will survive.
"I'll find a way to get you out of this." he remained headstrong to the last. "Maybe break the spell on Radagon if there is one. I'm sure we can do something."
"You will do no such thing!" She clamped a hand over her mouth wish a hiss. "If you make even the smallest move against them-
"They'll what?" he scoffed with all the arrogance of a young man. "Kill me? I won't let them."
Did his arrogance know no bounds?! "You do not know their power."
He lifted his chin. "They don't know mine."
"No." His tone just now. She saw something in his eyes. "You've already begun, haven't you? Oh, my sweet boy. What have you done...?"
Godwyn lifted his chin. Idly, Marika noticed bite marks there and realized where he'd just come from. "Nothing, yet."
She was going to lose him, too. She just knew it. "Forget what you read! I forbid you to involve yourelf!"
Godwyn folded both arms before his chest. "You have no right."
"I am your Mother, I have every right."
He didn't budge, blast him.
"I beg of you, listen to me. I have already lost your father." she grabbed at him. Angry tears seeped into his tunic."I cannot lose you too...
"You won't." He drew her into a warm hug. "Have a little faith."
She basked in it. "Faith isn't the problem. Strength is."
He chuckled ruefully. "Ya might be surprised...
"I cannot talk you out of this, can I?"
He shook his head slowly. Damnit.
...then this is what you will do."
(.0.0.0.)
The ambush awaited him ahead.
Godfrey wasn't at all surprised; if anything he was quietly amazed it had taken his pursuers this long to get ahead of him, much less his army. It was a long march back to the badlands and they'd had no shortage of time in which to circumvent him. Yet they had waited until now, here, to spring their trap.
Serrosh rumbled a warning atop his shoulders.
"I know, old friend." He reached back to pet the beast. "I see them."
Radagon. Poor, broken man. He truly thought he was doing the Greater Will's bidding.
Had he sent these assassins? Part of him wanted to say yes. The other...he was no longer certain. The time was too suspect. As if they'd expected to find im here.
Regardless, they assassins had chosen their place well; the canyon walls looming large on either side afforded one little room to move and prevented the army behind them swarming in to overwhelm them. Sound tactics and sound strategy, all. He would be forced to wade forward into the thick of them to escape.
Pity for them he had no such intentions.
"Cease your skulking about." he called into the dark. "Show yourselves if you have any honor!"
Figures detached themselves from the shadows ahead. Cloaked figures emerged behind the boulders, women, all. He counted nine in all.
"This pains me, my lord." the tallest of them intoned, their voice a whisper rasp of a breeze. "Whatever your faults, you did not serve to die alone in such a cold, dark place. But sometimes before we can usher in the new, the old must be put to rest. Do not resist, and we shall grant you a painless death."
Godfrey scoffed.
"Death can have me, when it earns me."
...kill him. Make it quick, if you can-
She was still speaking when her head rolled from her shoulders.
Godfrey took some small measure of pride in watching it tumble away. He hadn't been the one to strike the blow.
Seven of the remaining assassins reeled back. The eight stood tall over their comrade's bloody body, knife in hand. Silence reigned in the canyon.
A turncoat? Here? Now?
The Knives paused, stunned by their comrade's treachery. The turncoat knew no such hesitations. She lunged and another of their number fell gurgling as they clutch at their throat. Three of the assassins turned to face her. More fools they. None of them saw Godfrey's ax sweep in to mow them down.
With five already dead, only four remained.
Godfrey rounded on the remainder, grinning ear to ear. "I've given thee courtesy enough!"
What followed was not a battle. It was a slaughter. Not even the work of a minute.
When it was done, the last living "assassin" bent the knee to him.
Godfrey squinted at her in the gloom. "I thank thee for thy timely aid. "Who art thou?"
Wordlessly, they reached up and removed their faceless cowl. Though they wore a black cloth mask beneath to better mask their identity, they removed now to expose their face, a visage so like Marika's own. He looked on in quiet disbelief, for he recognized the woman staring back at him. The ghost of a smile graced her bloody face.
"We meet again, Great Godfrey.
Serrosh huffed. Godfrey silenced him with a wave of the hand, squinting int he low light. "You...?
"Indeed, 'tis I." Alecto, his wife's own handmaiden and Godwyn's confidant, smiled back. "You are not meant to die this day."
He glanced to the ruined bodies. "You led this lot?"
"Not as such, though I suspect the burden of such will fall to me now as the last "survivor" of the group." the older woman tittered a little, the mirth masked behind one hand. "I cannot speak for my daughter, but my heart is set." she thumped a fist to her bosom. "For my lord."
A pang of realization dawned in his heart. "You did this for my son."
"I did." there was no hesitation. "Their heads shall be a fine gift given to him."
A silvery brow rose. "You intend to woo him?"
"I already have." her reply was shameless as ever, but not for the reasons he expected. "I carry his blessing within me; in time, I intend to bear the first of his sons." she rose from her knee, the action making not even a rustle in the gloom. "I admit, such was part of the reason I followed you to this place. I cannot gain your blessing if you are dead."
...was that why you saved me?"
Her eyes twinkled as she went to work on the corpses. "Great Godfrey, how could you say such a thing? Are we not allies?"
The former Elden Lord smiled despite himself. "Clever girl. If it is my blessing you seek, you already have it."
Alecto smiled. It was not a nice smile. His son had chosen a terrifying woman indeed.
"Excellent. Now help me collect these heads...
A/N: Didn't see that coming did you?
Needless to say, we've not seen the last of Godfrey.
And one of the "Knives" has made her choice. But what of the other...?
That "grand tourney" I mentioned finally begins next chapter, provided I'm still here.
Hopefully ya'll enjoyed this. Looking forward to reading your reviews an chatting with you.
Still want this to be a story? Yes? No? Maybe so? Make yourselves heard!
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 here, have some previews I've been pecking away at.
As ever, a warning to one and all. Spoilers, spoilers, and SPOILERS~!
I've tried to cut those out as best I could, but you'll see...
References ahoy, had a lot of fun with these.
Tribute to Accelerator as well.
(Previews)
The tournament will proceed as planned.
"Will that oaf Godwyn be there?"
...he shall be."
"Good."
"That's not fair! He's the First of the Demigods! How are we supposed to fight something like that?!"
A golden hand closed around the back of their head. "You aren't."
Face met wall.
The ringleader laughed. "...did you really think I would be foolish enough to face you alone, Godwyn? I already told you. I brought friends. And you...you've made enemies."
Naruto exhaled slowly. Shrugged off his cloak. The navy garment fell to the ground, exposing his bare chest.
The Bolt of Granssax spat scarlet sparks in his grasp, eager for action.
Azure eyes shimmered into cold crimson.
"You should have brought more."
She leaped into his arms.
"They were innocent! And they just...killed them!
"I know it hurts." his chin came down over her shoulder, breath a hoarse whisper. "I know you wanna scream...
"I...you...!
She wailed into his shoulder. "If the Golden Order would commit such atrocities, then it needs to change!"
"I agree," he patted her head, "but this ain't the way, little Ranni.
She squirmed out from under his hand.
"Is that why you and Rykard are skulking about?" She glowered at him when he didn't answer. "I thought so. I will NOT be bound to that thing, Godwyn!"
He agreed on that front. He didn't want her being bound to the Two Fingers either. He feared for what it might do to her and Blaidd. Radahn was fervently loyal to the Golden Order, and Radagon with him. By that same measure, Maliketh was loyal to Marika who...well, he still wasn't certain what her schemes were. She likely favored the Golden Order...didn't she?
Of course, their group was not without its own allies. Even if he couldn't convince Ranni to join them yet.
In their corner they had Tiche and Alecto -he assumed- alongside Lansseax and Fortissax, to say nothing of Rykard and Tanith. In Godfrey's absence, the Crucible Knights answered to him. Morgott and Mohg were likewise loyal to him alone. One couldn't forget Fia, of course, to say nothing of his more...erstwhile allies at present. As for the twins...well, Miquella and Malenia were still much too young to know their true loyalties. Not even three years old and the poor tykes had their own illnesses to grapple with.
Everyone was taking sides, and he feared what was to come. Dark days were ahead.
"Evens so, you can't just go around killing everyone who upsets you."
She scoffed. "Would you rather I seduce them like you do?"
"One time!" he flung up his arms. "I did it one time!"
"T'was more than once!" he didn't miss the smile on his half-sibling's face. "Shall I count them?"
...please, don't."
"What's going on?"
Rykard rounded on him. He looked absolutely harassed. "I have a daughter!"
"With Tanith?"
His lips formed a thin line. "Would you believe me if I said yes?"
Naruto's jaw clicked open. Closed. Frowned, now. "Wait. Does that make me an uncle?"
"That's the part you focus on?!"
Clap.
They froze.
Clap. Claaap.
"No. How...?!"
Clap. Clap. Clap.
He stepped out of the shadows, still smiling, still clapping.
"You know what they say; what's dead may never die. Unfortunately for you, I've died before...
He should be dead.
Why?! Why wasn't he dead?!
...I know your kind. You never learn...unless you're made to learn."
As they looked on aghast, Godwyn dragged himself up onto one knee. A hand rose. Tore his bloody robe away.
"Very well." he exhaled slowly, a low burst of steam leaving his lips. They couldn't see his eyes, not with him hanging his head like that. "I've given thee courtesy enough...
His back glowed gold. Then a monster burst forth.
"Then we're all in agreement, then? All of us?"
He turned to face those sitting at the table. They were many.
Some might call this treason. Perhaps it was-no, it almost certainly was.
A dragon fell from the sky.
"You would defy the Golden Order?"
"Nope." he hefted the Bolt of Gransax. "Just you. Face me."
It meant he would die.
Ranni shook her head furiously, red hair swaying side to side. "No, no, no! I can't...!"
"PUSH!"
A dragon's roar split the air.
"Its over...What should I do now...they'll follow me...
Footsteps echoed, deep in the dark. "You'd be right about that."
They rounded with a yelp. Paused. Laughed now, when the saw the state of him.
"Look at you! Godwyn the golden! Wounded and bloody! What can you possibly do in that state?!" More laughter. "Ha! That's what you get for protecting others! Weakling!"
Low laughter filled the sewers. "If you actually believe those words, you're pitiful. Honestly, you deserve a hug. If my last life, I woulda given you one...
Their smile died an ugly death. "...what?"
"Its true I'm not in the best shape at the moment." The first of the demigods pushed himself upright, uncaring of his mangled arm. "I can't even feel my right side anymore. "However." He lifted his head and ran a bloody hand through his long hair. "Just because I'm a little weaker, doesn't make you stronger now, does it?"
He stepped forward. They flinched. He saw it. Grinned.
"Sorry. There's only one ways to proceed from here onwards." two steps now. "Cuddle up, tremble in fear...AND RUN."
"R-Run?"
"That's right. Run away. And never return." he paused. Considering. "Or you could try and kill me now. Who knows. You might even succeed...
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
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~!