A/N: EDIT: the site seems to be going down on and off again, which means this chapter is getting little in the way of feedback. Hopefully it's fixed soon... it really hurts to write a chapter and receive mostly silence...T_T
Huh. So NightReign is a thing after all. Guess I was right to wait after hearing those rumors.
Which also means my little stunt with worlds crossing/clashing in Golden Son is canon.
Go figure~! I did it first~!
Just wanted to say, I appreciate you all! More feedback means faster updates! It's especially important, in these, trying times, with the main site notifications down. Every word counts and i appreciate you all! All these reviews really keep me inspired! Looking forward to hearing from you~!
As ever, I own no references, quotes, 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~!
SPOILERS FOR SHADOWS OF THE ERDTREE AHEAD!
"Journal entry #11:
Well! That happened!
~?
Crack a Smile/Crack Some Heads
Morning dawned cold and quiet over Raya Lucaria, but inside the Carian Manor, peace was a fleeting dream.
Friede sat perched by the window, dark robes draped loosely over her frame, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. She watched her lord from the corner of her eye, keenly observing how he maneuvered the sprawling chaos that was his family.
Naruto—or Radahn, as he was now known to these lands—strode through the halls with little Ranni perched on his shoulder, her scarlet hair tumbling down like a waterfall. In his free hand, he carried a squirming, giggling Rykard, the youth's chubby fists clutching at his brother's braid. It was a sight that would make any heart melt, but Friede was not one for soft sentiments.
"My, my," she teased, her voice carrying across the chamber. "It seems our mighty general now has a shadow of his own."
Naruto's brow furrowed as he glanced her way. "What do you mean by that?"
Friede chuckled softly, rising from her seat with feline grace. "Yuria, of course. Your new shadow. Every great lord needs one, doesn't he? She follows you around like a little lost lamb."
Naruto rolled his eyes, adjusting Ranni on his shoulder as she tugged at his braid. "She's here to serve. It's her duty, not mine."
"Still," Friede mused, her smirk widening, "Gwynevere might not see it that way."
At the mention of her name, Gwynevere's head snapped up from where she sat by the fire. Tonight was one of her rare visits; all the better to torment and tease the young demigoddess. Sure enough, those bright golden eyes of her narrowed slightly, and her lips pressed into a thin line. Though she said nothing, the tension in the room thickened.
Radahn sighed, rubbing at his temple. "I don't have time for this."
Gwynevere stood, her silken robes whispering against the stone floor as she approached. "Friede has a point," she murmured. "You've been spending quite a lot of time with her."
"I've been spending time with Ranni and Rykard," he corrected, gently setting his siblings down. Ranni immediately clung to his leg, while Rykard toddled over to the fireplace, fascinated by the flames.
Gwynevere crossed her arms, her gaze steady. "And yet, she's always nearby."
He flung out an arm. "I don't see her here now."
"Only because you ordered her to sleep!"
"She hasn't slept in three days!"
"Radahn!"
Her lord's patience, already worn thin by the constant responsibilities of leadership, began to fray; she could see it in his face. "Enough." his voice dropped to a low rumble of annoyance. "Yuria is a tool of the Greater Will, just like Blaidd. I've no interest in politics or intrigue." He turned to Friede with a frown. "And you'd do well to keep your teasing to yourself."
Friede only shrugged, unrepentant as he sat beside her.
She may have seen portents of what was to come, but that made moments like these, brief slivers of respite, all the better.
Before any further words could be exchanged, however, the sound of heavy boots echoed through the hall.
Radagon had returned.
The former consort of Marika strode into the chamber with purpose, his crimson hair gleaming in the morning light. His gaze swept the room, lingering briefly on each occupant-and perhaps Gwynevere longest of all-before settling on his eldest son.
"Radahn." His voice was steady, commanding. "We must speak."
Naruto's lips thinned. "What about?"
His father approached, armor clinking softly with each step. "You know what. The Greater Will has chosen you as an Empyrean. You and Ranni both. It's time you accepted your duty."
Fried winced even as the words left his mouth. Now? Was this really happening now? This was indeed the poorest of timing, and she knew precisely how her lord would react, down to the most minute detail. Case in point, Rennala's husband had not only chosen an ill-advised time to provoke his son, but his tone...well, that pushed him right over the edge.
Sure enough, Radahn rose slowly, almost ponderously now, to tower over his father.
He leaned forward, armor creaking, and uttered but a single word.
"No."
His refusal was immediate and absolute, so much so that Radagon blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"
"I said no." Naruto stepped forward, looming large over his father. "I want no part of the Greater Will's schemes. The Lands Between can burn for all I care."
Radagon's jaw clenched. "You cannot refuse. This is your destiny."
"Destiny?" the younger redhead barked a laugh; it was a harsh, bitter sound. "Don't make me laugh. The Greater Will abandoned this world long ago. Why should I bow to a god that isn't even here?"
The tension in the room crackled like a live wire. Gwynevere and Friede exchanged uneasy glances, while Ranni and Rykard clung to each other, sensing the rising storm.
"You are a fool," Radagon hissed. "Your stubbornness will be your downfall."
"Better to fall by my own hand than to serve a false god," Naruto shot back. "But you would know, wouldn't you? How long have you been at the beck and call of Marika?"
Ranni and Rykard made confused noises, not quite comprehending the meaning of his words.
Friede did; Gwynevere was only a heartbeat behind, her pleasant smile turning sharp. "Dear Radahn, surely you're not suggesting what I think you are?"
"Why suggest it at all?" he didn't once look away from his father; if anything he leaned closer, practically pressing his forehead to Radagon's. "Did you think I didn't notice? You've been gone for days at a time lately, weeks, even. Aiming to replace Godfrey, are we?"
Radagon's face darkened. "Enough. I'm going to see her."
Here at last, Friede faltered. "See whom?"
"That's none of your concern."
"Marika." Naruto spat the name like a curse.
Friede tutted. "And here I thought you a family man."
Radagon turned that eerie, blank gaze upon her. "I am. The Order has commanded me to be more; and the Order knows what is best for the Lands Between. Therefore I must obey its directives.
"Metyr, more like."
"Do not say that name!"
"Just did, old man. What're ya gonna do about it?"
Rathern than retort, Radagon turned on his heel, striding toward the door.
He only made it three steps before a single dread-inducing THUMP echoed behind him.
"I don't recall giving you permission to leave...
(.0.0.0.)
It had been a long while since Radagon first felt fear.
It was, as ever, most unpleasant experience.
It irked him more than anything else.
Not fear of the unknown, but fear of his son even now gripping his shoulder.
"I don't recall giving you permission to leave..." Radahn's voice was low, dangerous. "Just where do you think you're going, old man?"
Radagon froze, his hand hovering over the door handle. "I have a duty, son. It must be done."
"Duty, is it?" His son took a step forward, his boots reverberating against the stone floor. "I have a duty, too."
WHAM!
Radagon barely had time to react before the younger man's fist collided with his jaw, sending him staggering backward. Massive hands closed around his head, gripping like a vice.
"It's called dragging you back to Mom," he snarled.
Radagon struggled, his fists slamming into his ribs, but the younger man didn't budge.
Instead, he lifted his father off the ground, carrying him bodily out of the chamber and into the courtyard.
The clash that followed was nothing short of cataclysmic.
Radagon twisted free, summoning his sword with a burst of radiant light. He swung it in a wide arc, aiming to slash his son into the ground. Radahn was faster. He dodged the blow, his own fists wreathed in gravity magic as he retaliated, driving him back a step.
Wretched heresy!
"You cannot stop me," Radagon growled. "Marika will become more powerful than either of us."
"Your faith is misplaced." His son ducked under another swing, knuckles glowing with molten energy. "As is your faith in the Golden Order."
"You would speak such blasphemy to me?" he bellowed back.
"Blasphemy, is it?" Radahn's gaze gleamed with a feral light. "Poor choice of words."
Black flame erupted from his hands, consuming the seals etched into his skin. His body began to glow with a golden hue, the conflicting energies intertwining in a chaotic dance. One by one, the wards broke away, revealing the true extent of his power.
Radagon barely had time to register the transformation before his son struck again. Burning knuckles slammed into his chin, launching him skyward. The air cracked with the force of the blow.
Radahn followed, propelling himself upward with a burst of gravity magic. He caught Radagon mid-flight, his massive hands closing around his father's skull.
"Time to pay your dues, father of mine!"
They hit the mountain a moment later, the impact shaking the very foundations of Raya Lucaria. Stones tumbled from the cliffs, crashing into the lake below. The sky itself seemed to darken, as if the heavens were bearing witness to their battle.
Radagon groaned, struggling to rise from the crater they'd created. "You're making a mistake, Radahn."
"No," His son loomed over him, his gaze unyielding. "You are."
With that, the younger man raised his fist once more.
He didn't see the first blow, glimpsed the second, barely even recognized the third. Burning fists pummeled him down one after the other, shredding his defenses like so much morning mist. By the time he managed to muster a decent defense, the damage was already done; his skin was left gray and cracked, shards of light shining through.
Even so he fought on.
Radagon spat blood as he pushed himself upright, defiant. "You think you can rule the Lands Between better than us? You know nothing of what's to come."
Ragahn wiped his mouth, knuckles glowing faintly from the energy coursing through them. "Maybe not, but I know this—freedom is worth more than servitude. We don't need the Greater Will to dictate our lives."
Radagon staggered to his feet, his eyes blazing with fury. "You've grown arrogant, Radahn. The stars will judge you for this defiance."
Naruto shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Let them try."
The tension between them hung heavy in the air, but for now, neither made a move to strike again. The battle wasn't over, but both knew they needed time to recover.
Radagon narrowed his gaze. "You've sealed your fate."
Naruto met his glare without flinching. "No. I've made my choice. So have you. Now go, before I change my mind."
...you're letting me leave?"
"I'm letting you walk away," Radahn countered. "What happens afterward depends wholly upon you."
Radagon hesitated, then turned and walked away, leaving his son standing tall amidst the rubble of their battle.
In hindsight, he should've known better.
Honor was all well and good in battle, but had he bothered to remember his son, he would've recalled something about, a fact most dear.
On the field of battle only three things mattered.
Purpose.
Strength.
Victory.
A giant fist barreled into his back, shattering more shards from his body to drive him down to a knee. Massive hands took ahold of his body and hoisted him high over his head. Too late, he realized what his son intended; or rather, he saw the knee braced below him, angled just over his exposed back.
"You really aren't my father anymore, are you?" he sighed, hefting him up. "The real Radagon would've known better that turn his back on me."
Horror dawned, bringing with it an ugly epiphany, as he realized his intent.
No. He wouldn't. Surely not this...
.
..
...by the Greater Will. He would, wouldn't he?
The realization causing him to redouble his struggles furiously. "Radahn, no!
His son smashed his spine down against that armored knee.
Something broke in Radagon's back.
Then there was pain; terrible and searing, a white-hog singularity that broke all hope and pretense of thought...before going numb. Infuriated, he tried to right himself, only to realize he couldn't move his legs. Nor could he adjust his arms. Or much of anything, really.
A terrified rasp parted his lips. "What have you done...?"
"What was necessary." came the reply.
"You've ruined me!"
"Ruined you?" Golden eyes swiveled down regarded him gravely, set in a face stern as stone. "I disagree. As far as I'm concerned, I'm going to fix you. Whether you like it or not." A hand took ahold of his face, squeezing tightly, forcing him to look up at him. "Whatever's been done to you, I aim to undo it. By the time I'm done with you, only the family will matter. Marika will be nothing more than a pipe dream. She'll have to content herself with Godfrey awhile longer."
He sneered at him. "You do realize I'm her other half. She will know what you've done. She will come for me."
"Heh."
His son smiled.
It was not a nice smile.
"I know. It will be a glorious battle. Maybe I'll get to fight her and Godfrey at the same time." he rolled a broad shoulder in a shrug, armor creaking. "That might be fun."
"You...you're mad...
"Not at all. I'm quite sane. I'll have to tell mother you've gone mad, of course," his son rambled on. "She'll understand in the fullness of time. Don't worry. I'll fix you eventually.
He was never getting out of this, was he? He would be damned to immobility for the rest of his days.
Something else snapped deep within Ragadon then; it felt like his mind.
"Oh." Radahn considered him. "Did you actually break?"
Ragadon began to scream.
Somewhere between one agonized cry and another, Radahn threw his now-paralyzed father down into the dirt, leaving him to flop uselessly at his feet. From there he began to shackle him, utilizing heavy rocks and manacles for his arms and legs, ensuring that, even should he somehow recover, he would never escape.
Then he began to break the rest of his bones; worked him over, with feet and fists alive, leaving him half dead.
Mercifully, darkness swept in before he could suffer overlong.
Radagon fell into its embrace.
(.0.0.0.)
The deed was done.
Naruto watched his father's unconscious form quiver and writhe at his feet before turning back toward the manor.
As he entered the courtyard, he found Ranni and Rykard waiting for him.
Both looked up at him with wide, worried eyes.
"Is he gone?" Ranni whispered.
Naruto knelt and pulled both children into his arms. "For now."
Rykard, ever the serious one, frowned. "Will he come back?"
Naruto looked to the sky, watching as the storm clouds cleared, revealing the stars above. "Let him try. In the meantime...
Setting his siblings down, he reached up to the heavens with both hands.
His fingers tensed, crooking into claws. Then he yanked.
And the stars fell.
A/N: Aaaand scene. There we go!
Should this remain a story, then? Yay or nay! Do let me know~!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it will remain...but it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular, it will fall further and further back in the update schedule. 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 my lifeblood. Without them, I cannot write.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas... ...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?
They keeps an old man inspired and alive.
Previews are mostly the same.
Didn't have time to make new ones with the site BREAKING.
As ever:
POTENTIAL PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
YE BE WARNED!
Some are very far off, mind you.
Obvious references are obvious, of course~!
Someone requested the first preview, and I acquiesced. Guess who~!
(Previews)
YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR WHAT IS TO COME.
We'll trim up the previews to keep from spoiling things.
What have you done?
What was necessary.
...nephew. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Lord Brother, I have a request to make of thee, a plea most dire-
"No." he held up a hand. "Lemme stop you there."
"But-
"Nope."
"If you would just-
"Nuh-uh."
"Hear me out-
"Not interested."
"Listen to me, Radahn!"
He barked a laugh. "Not a chance, kiddo!"
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading! Hope you all have a great day!
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back!
R ~!