A/N: This will have a lot of head cannon, lore and fanfiction involved, with elements of other franchises as inspiration. Take this as a warning.
Prologue Part 1: The Friendship of Radagon the Red and Musashi, Master of Cinder
Age of the Golden Order.
15 Years had passed since the Liurnian Wars, where Radagon the Red met Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in battle, and fell in love. After a couple of years, they gave birth to three children, Radahn, Rykard and Ranni.
Radagon loves his family. He loves Rennala and his strength is to protect them, the Carian line, The Academy of Raya Lucaria. But... he feels hollow still.
It is hard to explain, but he feels that he is... missing something. So, one day, he went on a trip. He bid his wife a goodbye, promising his return after a 'short walk' and left towards Limgrave. He traveled the land but still, found no answer there.
He walked more and arrived into the warm lands of Caelid. Full of flora, with wildlife that seemed so... kind. Most of them.
He quickly found out, that some of the creatures here, didn't like foreigners. Or civilization. These gigantic dogs had been more than eager to jump at him, fangs first.
He had been wondering for three days the forest of the region, the majestic trees, covering the way, going across hills and mountains, the luster and brilliant amber wood and orange leaves dancing in the air...
Radahn would love to train here... Ranni and Rennala would love to set camp and study how the stars and constellations move in this area. Even Rykard would love to get dragged out of his studies for once... this place is... gorgeous.
A roar caught his attention and he turned to see another beast. Bigger than the rest, slowly walking towards him. Radagon took out the Full Moon Greatsword, the gift that Rennala gave him at their wedding and got ready to strike.
Just for the beast to fall dead, and on top of him, a man covered in an orange and black outfit, a face mask, covering his lower face. In his hand, there was a twin blade (A/N: Eleanora's Poleblade).
"I must say, you are as strong as the stories say, Radagon the Red." The man said and Radagon smiled.
"And I was already thinking there is no civilization here. May I have your name?" The man hoped off from the head of the Giant Dog and strapped his weapon to his back.
"My name is Musashi Miyamoto, Grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu Clan." Musashi introduced and Radagon raised an eyebrow.
"Musashi, Master of Cinder... I thought you were just a legend." Radagon said and Musashi chuckled.
"Well, since we stopped the invasion of the forces of The Golden Order, we don't have much of a reason to go out. We only fight, as long our home and our children are in harm." Musashi explained as he pulled down his face mask.
Radagon nodded "I see. And I doubt it was a coincidence you were here."
"Believe it or not, it was." Musashi gave him a small smile and Radagon raised a brow "I needed some air, so I went for a walk."
Radagon let out a laugh "My friend; I can relate."
Radagon was welcome into the Village of the White Well, the home of the Shirai Ryu. He was given tea, food and laughter. Radagon met Musashi's son, Takeda, a Pyromancer.
"Many children in the clan are born with abilities. Some are elemental, some are more physical. All become warriors, because we have battle in our blood." Harumi, Musashi's wife explained to him.
After some days, Radagon decided to go back to his home, and before leaving Musashi handed him a medallion. It was a simple design of gold with silver details of a scorpion.
"This, is a symbol of our friendship." Was all that Musashi said as he bid him farewell.
Radagon arrived quickly to Liurna were the first thing that happened there, that his dear wife scolded him.
"If you were going to be missing for almost two weeks, at least you could have told me so. A short walk, hmph." Radagon chuckled Renalla who only sighed "I hope you found what you were looking for."
Radagon smiled "Not quite. But I made a friend in Caelid."
"Oh? I wasn't aware that there were still people living there." Renalla asked as they walked across the halls.
"Well, from what I caught in my stay there, they like their privacy." Radagon said as they looked for their children. "Dear, would you like to go meet them?"
*Caelid, Village of the White Well*
His hunch was correct. Radahn found a friend in Takeda, the heir of the Shirai Ryu showing his son Caelid and training against the beasts. Renalla and Ranni enjoyed seeing the stars from Caelid, and took notes as Harumi learned from them, as Rykard spoke with the clan elders and learned the tradition of the village.
As Musashi and Radagon drank a signature drink of Caelid, according to Musashi, named Kasé, sharing stories of battles past, Radagon felt compelled to ask "Musashi; why do you trust me?"
Musashi hummed "An interesting question. I must say, it is just a gut feeling." Seeing Radagon confused face, Musashi chuckled "Don't pay too much attention to it. My wife says I have a touch at seeing if someone is friend or foe."
Radagon nodded "Haven't it failed you?"
"Hmm... not that I can recall. Besides, if you wanted to harm me, or my clan; you would have done it already. Instead, you bring your family to my home. Your son trains with mine, your wife laughs with mine, and your children learn our culture. If you were to betray me, why take this risk? Hmm?"
Radagon smiled "Why indeed..." He looks at the flames of the chimney "Have you ever felt you lack a purpose?"
Musashi looked at him as Radagon continued "Ever since I can remember, I feel... incomplete. No matter what I have done, the glories of war. The love of my wife. The joy of my children. The respect of my peers. There is something missing."
Musashi took a sip of his drink "This seems to be a long-standing issue for you, my friend..."
Radagon nodded as he took a long sip from his drink, what a sour taste "Maybe meditation can help." Musashi said as he drank.
"Meditation?"
"Meditation. It is a way to focus on your thoughts, calm yourself and organize what crosses your mind." Another sip "Some prophets have meditated so well that they find a higher purpose, what they call to talk to... what is it... ah yes, The Greater Will." Musashi chuckled and Radagon frowned.
"The Greater Will..." Radagon muttered... he had heard of it before... where?
"Everything okay?" Musashi asked after some silence and Radagon nodded.
"Yes... is there any chance for me to talk with them? The ones who reached that purpose?"
Musashi closed his eyes and served himself more Kasé "If you reach that level, yes. The prophets refuse to leave the Gaol Cave, meditating and talking between themselves. And unless you saw what they see, they will refuse to talk with you. The only reason they talk to me, is because they respect me as Grandmaster."
Radagon nodded "Would you teach me how to meditate. I... I need to know my purpose."
Musashi chuckled "It would be my pleasure. But first, let's have dinner."
"It isn't everyday someone can match my brother in combat." Ranni praised Takeshi, who have her in return a small smile.
"Your brother is a formidable opponent, Lady Ranni. It has been a while since I was forced to use my flames."
Radahn laughed and patted him on the back "Me and Leonard had a hard time with you too my friend! It has been a while since a worthy challenge came across me."
For his part, Leonard, Radahn's loyal, but scrawny horse was fed an apple by Rykard as he studied the laws of the Shirai Ryu, reading their scrolls in silence.
"To believe you met Radagon in battle, reminds me how the first encounter of Musashi and myself went." Harumi smiled as Renalla hummed.
"Really now? In battle too?"
"Yes, but Musashi was escaping an ambush and I was sent as reinforcement. Sadly, our story isn't as romantic."
As Radagon watched these small interactions, drinking with his new friend, seeing the smiles of people he loves, seeing them knowing new people...
Hopefully he will find the purpose with Musashi's guidance and help.
Next Part: Radagon of the Golden Order, The Second Elden Lord