A/N: Took some time to reassess, now I'm back!
Just another reminder for my update schedule here. Hope it clarifies things.
Elden ring updates tend to be monthly/bi-monthly these days. Trying to spread the love around to other categories.
RWBY updates are restarting soon as well, got a few to wrap up, and others to continue as season nine nears. I've had plenty of time to dwell on that and make new plotlines...among other things.
As my fifteen year anniversary on this site draws near, 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. The recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria serves as a terrible example. 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.
No questions this time. I think I've kept you waiting long enough.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one! Really, they're just tributes..
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~!
Now, then. The tourney begins...
"Champions! I bid you welcome, one and all! The Grand Tourney awaits you!"
Many have come from distant lands! Too many, as it t'were!
Are you prepared for the preliminaries?!"
~?
Champions
"I do not like this, Godwyn."
Naruto knew Lansseax didn't. She'd said it time and time again for the last few days now, ever since he first professed an interest in the upcoming tournament. Even so, he couldn't quite keep the smile from his face as he rolled over in bed. Nothing quite like a lazy sleepy morning to keep the minutia of running a revolution at bay. It didn't stop her from poking his ribs, however. Response it was.
...I know ya don't, honey."
"Do you?" his-wife-to-be rounded on him, fangs flashing in the early morning light. Sunlight danced off her pale skin, not a stitch of clothing to her name. "Then you know this plan of yours puts me ill at ease."
He looped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. She cuddled against him, pressing her bare breasts against his chest.
...what about it?" His fingers traced her hip. She shivered pleasantly as he went on. "Tell me what's bugging ya."
"Many have gathered these last few months." Lansseax glared at him. "More than we expected, even."
"And?"
"Our enemies could well be among them!" The dragoness gave his chest a stinging slap and sat up, pinning him back down to the bed. "They may use this opportunity to strike at you!"
That was the plan. Still, a blond brow quirked. "Since when do you worry this much?"
She touched a hand to her stomach, tracing the slight swell there. "Since I have a little life of mine own to look after, as you would do well to remember!"
His smile thinned out into a grimace at the reminder.
Even after all this time, even in this strange second life of his, it was hard to believe that he'd up and started a family. Bound to happen sooner or later, some said. He and Lansseax had been going at it like rabbits for the better part of a year now; really, it was a surprise she hadn't gotten herself with child sooner...much to the displeasure of Tiche and Fia.
"I've finally found a name for him, too." Lansseeax preened, tugging him back to reality. "Wouldst thou care to hear it?"
A blond brow quirked. "Him?"
"It will be a boy." she grinned at him, flashing her fangs once more. "A mother knows such things."
She would say that, wouldn't she. "Oh? Do tell."
"His name will be Godrick." she declared it with such certainty that he couldn't help but believe her. "If by some chance a girl comes after...hmm." She paused. "I admit, I've not yet thought of a name for such. I shall give it some thought in the coming days.
And so the naming trend with the letter "G" continued. What was next? Gwyndolin? Godefroy? He was partial to Filianore himself for a girl. Perhaps Priscilla, maybe even Yorshka. Those were good names. Unique names-
"Ahem!" Lansseax leaned forward, butting her head against his. "I know that look of yours, my mate! You're hoping for a girl, aren't you?!"
"No, no, not at all." He coughed to hid ehis flush. "Those are...nice names...
"Of course they are. I chose them. And as for you!" In a burst of motion she climbed into his lab and took him roughly, all but mounting him in her haste to get at him. "You do not get to say such things!" Within moments they were back at it again. "Our children shall rule this world." She gasped out between breaths. "They will be the truest of dragons and gods alike. And they will grow up with their father. Do you understand?"
"Sure-ow!" He laughed as she bit his lip between frantic kisses, hard enough to draw blood. "I said sure! I'm not going to die. You have my word; ya know I don't go back on that."
"See that you don't!" she bit him again. "Or I shall dive into whatever misbegotten hell passes for a underworld in this realm and drag you back!
Her words drew a tender smile to his lips. "Hey, that's kinda sweet-
She growled over him. "If only to kill you myself!"
Pfft. It was such a dragon thing to say.
Naruto couldn't help himself.
He laughed all the louder.
(.0.0.0.)
They met in the shadows. Five of them, cravens all, refusing to show their faces.
"The tournament will proceed as planned."
"Will that oaf Godwyn be there?"
...he shall be."
"Good."
(.0.0.0.)
"You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"I am." Rykard checked his dark armor in the mirror, ran a hand through his beard, and finding it acceptable, turned to face him at last. "I know I've little chance of beating you and yours in the arena, but this will at least preserve some semblance of my cover." he touched one hand to the hilt of his golden sword, even now flickering with faint traces of accursed flame. "If we're seen fighting one another in the coming days-
Naruto blew out a sigh. "No one will think we're in cahoots together."
"Precisely."
Ensconced in the safety of the Lord Praetor's chambers, they could speak as they wished, a rarity in the halls of Leyndell these days. The Greater Will had eyes and ears everywhere; it was only a select few rooms such as these -cleared and cleansed of all eavesdroppers and spells alike- where they could air their concerns in private and advance their grand scheme.
Leyndell hadn't been built in a day after all, and it certainly wouldn't fall in one. Theirs was the long game to play, and this tournament was but another piece on the chessboard.
"Still," the redhead granted him a grim grin. "I don't intend to hold back. Not against you Godwyn, nor Radahn. Not with that Wish at stake."
Naruto -Godwyn!- couldn't blame him for that. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity after all.
"Neither do I. Don't feel too bad when I thrash you."
Without warning, the praetor's smile thinned. He looked away, suddenly finding the wall fascinating. "There is...another matter I wished to speak of."
Odd for him to hesitate now, of all times. "What's going on?"
Rykard rounded on him and dropped the facade. He looked absolutely harassed. "I'm going to have a daughter!"
His brain fizzled. Rebooted, now. "With Tanith?"
Rykard's mouth formed a thin line. "Would you believe me if I said yes?"
"I..you...that's great!" Naruto's jaw clicked open. Closed. Frowned now, as realization dawned. "Wait. Does that make me an uncle?"
The praetor flung up his arms. "That's the part you focus on?!"
In truth he scarcely heard him, his heart made giddy by the news. "I'm going to be an uncle! I must tell everyone!"
Rykard grabbed his arm and yanked him back. "DO NOT!"
They glared at one another for a moment.
Naruto cracked and smiled first. Rykard joined him.
"Well, then." They clasped hands. "May the best man win."
Naruto chuckled. "Don't worry, he will."
"Oi!"
(.0.0.0.)
The tournament was a grand thing; almost fitting given its namesake.
Godfrey's Grand Tourney they were calling it, in honor of their exiled lord who so loved the field of battle. It would be held in the heart of Leyndell's grand arena, also frequented by the warrior king. Naruto took some small sly satisfaction in the festivities; not only were they a less-than-subtle jab at the Greater Will's hubris, but it needled Radagon at that. Rykard had laughed for a good five minutes when he'd heard the news. He rather felt like laughing himself...from sheer excitement.
Naruto watched it all from his balcony; counting the minutes as the stands swelled with people, while those down in the arena grew more and more restless.
Challengers had come from far and wide to compete; he could see them milling in the arena proper below; combatants all. Samurai from the Land of reeds, monks, scholars, knights, the odd sorcerer from Selia and Raya Lucaria. Even the Omens and Albinaurics had thrown their lot in, brutes with their wide cleaves and nimble archers astride their wolves. He couldn't blame them for trying. With a wish such as this as the prize, no risk was too great. This would be a fine chance to recruit some allies to their cause if they were careful.
He even sensed a few Demigods down there, warriors from foreign lands, a prospect which excited him to no end.
Many stood head and shoulders above the others, not only in height, but appearance. He glimpsed a tall man with a great shield of a sword, a young wolf at his side. Curious. Blue wasn't a color most knights wore these days. And to bring a wolf? Would wonders never cease. From there he old man leaning upon a worn cane, a great brute of a man wielding a flaming sword, on and on the list went.
And there, standing away from the rest, he glimpsed a pale dark-haired beauty brandishing a dark sword in one hand and bright ruby red flames in another. He'd need to keep an eye on that one.
Challengers and champions from far and wide had assembled here from across space and time. All for today. All in the hopes that they might be granted their hearts desire.
Might he find a proper challenge here...?
Radahn was down there as well, impossible to miss through sheer size alone. His golden lion's armor was a dead giveaway. Doubtless he'd entered the tourney on his father's order. He could see Rykard glaring daggers at him across the way. He'd still not forgiven his brother for siding with Radagon on that fateful day. He could only count himself lucky Ranni wasn't anywhere near foolish enough to involve herself in this madness and thankfully he had eyes on his Mohg and Morgott besides. He'd forbidden the Omen Twins from entering; in part because he knew what their wish was.
They wanted Dad back. A noble wish, but one he knew couldn't be granted. Not here. Not yet.
Hope really did bring out the best in people...and the worst. For every noble soul here he could sense more than a few unsavory sorts. No doubt there were others waiting in the wings, intending to take advantage of the chaos to come. Let them try. They would not find him wanting.
"Raring to go are we?"
Hmm. He supposed he was. It had been so long since he fought a proper fight. This might be his first and last chance before all hell broke loose.
Slim arms wrapped around his waist as he contemplated his opponents from below. Someone's chin came down atop his shoulder, followed by a slim figure pressing firmly against his back. It took him only a moment to recognize them. Golden hair tickled his nose, heralded by a petulant sigh. Dead giveaway.
"Do you truly intend to fight so many?"
He chuckled and looked back to the combatants. So many of them. Nearly a hundred, if not more. "There will be preliminaries, Tiche."
There had to be, else this nonsense would never end. It couldn't end in one day either, else all these nobles and dignitaries would've journeyed to the Lands Between for nothing. Marika had mentioned brackets in passing, twelve to each side. That meant only twenty four in all. Twenty-five, if one counted himself.
A week, most likely. This festival of war would last for a week, maybe a little longer if someone got the fool idea to include jousting. Unlikely. He didn't see a single horse down there.
Tiche huffed and held him tighter. "Yet you intend to fight among the rabble regardless.
"I do." he turned in her arms to face her fully and didn't much like the frown he found on her face. "They are not rabble. These are our people. No one will respect me if I don't go down there today."
"You are a god." she reached up to cup his cheek in her hand. "You should not have to risk-
"Demigod." he held up a finger to forestall an argument. "There's a difference. At the end of the day, I'm human, too. Just like them."
"He's quite right." Fia materialized in a swirl of blue light beside them, then stepped in to claim his left arm. "Such is his duty."
Tiche growled and clung to his right shoulder, unwilling to release him. The Deathbed Companion paid her little heed. Instead she turned to face him fully, reached over her back and...oh.
"You forgot this, my lord." She gifted him the Bolt of Granssax once more. "Lansseax was most insistent."
Ha! Of course she would be. He took it with a pleased sigh. "And where is she...?"
"Off to find Fortissax." Tiche chimed, ever dutiful. "I believe he professed an interest in the festival...
"And what of you?" Naruto quirked a blond brow at her again. "You're not going to partake? There's room down there.
Tiche huffed. "When I fight, my lord, none shall see me coming."
Spoken like a true assassin. "You don't have a wish?"
"No." She pressed her breasts into his arm. "I have everything I could ever want and more."
He turned his gaze to Fia. She granted him a limpid smile. "I am not a fighter, my lord. My talents lie in...other realms, as you well know."
True. They weren't frontline fighters by any means or measure. Still, he would've liked to fight beside them today.
"Fair enough." he relented with a shrug. "Either way. Jerren's going to love this."
That drew a blink from the both of them. "Jerren...?
"One of Radahn's men." The ghost of a smile quirked the corner of his mouth. "The guy loves his speeches. You'll know him when you hear him."
"Champions!" A deep voice boomed from below! "Welcome!"
"Ah, there he goes now...
"You did well to make it here! The Grand Tourney awaits you!"" A man wearing a bearded mask hopped up onto the dais, moving with frightful grace for an old codger. "Many have hearkened to the call and come from distant lands to test their mettle!" He planted a heavy flamberge upon the platform, edge first and laid his hands atop its hilt, daring anyone to take it from him. "Are you prepared for the preliminaries?!" A chorus of shouts and cheers went up from the warriors and crowd alike. "I see a great many noble men and women before me. Legends, known far and wide from across time and space itself!"
He began to rattle off names. Naruto listened with half an ear. There were many. Some caught his attention.
"Artorias, the Abysswalker!"
The knight with the sword and shield raised his faceless helm and brandished his blade. Beside him, his wolf howled.
"Gehrman, proud Hunter of Yharnam!"
The old man, hunched over what he could only assume was a cane, tittered softly.
"Quelaag, Witch of Chaos!"
A chorus of boos harassed the robed woman. She raised a hand and silenced them with a flash of fire in the air. Curious. The practitioners of that lost art were few and far between these days, forgotten save for the fire monks. And this was no monk. Interesting.
"The Ivory King, hailing from the distant land of Forossa!"
A knight in gleaming armor much like his namesake, brandished a sword of purest light to the cheers of all.
"The Dancer of the Borreal Valley!"
His eye was drawn to a melancholy woman wearing light armor and a veil. She felt as miserable as she looked. But to call her a dancer? There was something about her that set him ill at ease. She looked human, she was human, yet for all that she acted like a cornered animal, glaring heatedly at anyone and everyone, gnashing her teeth behind her veil.
"Dragonslayer Ornstein, and his companion, Executioner Smough!"
He glimpsed a strange pair; a giant man with a massive hammer and beside him, clad in leonine armor, brandishing a might spear...that was a dragonslayer? Oh, that be a problem for the dragons siblings...
"Last but by no means least, Isshin, the Sword Saint, from distant Ashina!"
Another old man, barely armored compared to the rest, but no less lethal. Best be wary of that one.
"But we have legends of our own!" He could hear the smile in Jerren's voice behind the mask. He raised his arms high. "The gods themselves are among us today! Three of them have graced us with their presence!
The crowd began to stamp, slowly at first, then harsher, faster, shaking the very arena.
"General Radahn!"
Rykard's brother answered the call; the Starscourge Greatswords swept high, burning with baleful light. Howls of appreciation answered the beloved general of Leyndell. Naruto felt his lips purse into a thin scowl. Lovable he may well be, but Radahn didn't care to think for himself. He did as he was told. Nothing more. Nothing less. A change was desperately needed on that front, and if they didn't change soon, he might well be an enemy going forward. The thought soured his spirits.
"Praetor Rykard!"
Never one for theatrics, the Praetor merely nodded. The applause that followed proved more sedate by comparison.
Jerren pivoted in place to face the balcony. His balcony.
"And last, but by no means least...!
That was his cue.
Tiche squeezed his arm. "Good luck, my lord."
Fia kissed his hand. "I wish you fortune in the battles to come."
He grinned, gave Tiche and Fia a quick kiss in return, then launched himself off the balcony. Wind lashed at his face, blasting his hair back for all of an instant. Gravity seized him and he gaze himself to it gladly, sweeping down into arena like a falling star from on high.
And if he punched the ground upon landing...well. He'd always been one to show off, a little.
"Godwyn!" Jerren timed his voice just as the dust from his landing cleared. "The Golden Son! First of the Demigods and son of Great Godfrey himself!"
If the crowd had been loud before, now they absolutely erupted.
Naruto took a moment to bask in it, but only that.
Jerren raised his word. "Are you prepared?!"
A chorus of stomping boots answered.
The blade scythed down.
"BEGIN!"
A/N: Yup. That guy. In his PRIME, raring for a fight. Should be fun to write.
Aaaand there we go.
For those who missed the references, yup, we've got challengers from all over Fromsoftware in this tournament. Its gonna be a blast to write.
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.
(Previews)
Everyone went mad.
Some grouped up to defend themselves; others saw the chance to settle old grudges; still more lashed out ny
"You there!"
He dropped a victim and turned to face to speaker. It was the knight in blue again.
"You could've attacked when my back was turned...
"Nonsense. Such craven behavior does not befit a knight.
"And you are...?"
"I am Artorias, proud knight of Lordran!"
He lunged with a merry laugh.
"Have at thee!"
Naruto found himself laughing as they traded blows.
These guys could fight!
"That's not fair!" one of the lesser knights protested. "He's the Son of Marika! How are we supposed to fight something like that?!"
A golden hand closed around the back of their head. "You aren't. Sleep now."
Face met wall.
Knocking them out was a mercy. He was hardly about to kill stranger he'd never met.
"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."
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."
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 WILL remain onsite-but it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs with no end in sight and 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~!