I Have Been Playing This Board Game Longer Than I Have Been In That Cesspit Known As Twitter, And I Have

I have been playing this board game longer than I have been in that cesspit known as twitter, and I have to say I rather be with you all suffering through boredom together than go to that piece of internet that is meant to be forgotten.

Or in other words, you tumblr people are not that bad, would take you over anything related to twitter

Nari (The Five Traitors)

So folk, it is time. It is time for the last of this Fic to be uploaded. The last chapter of The Five Traitors, It had been rather delightful writing this for all of us. I had much fun (: Anyhow, I don't wanna take too much of you folk's time...

Sooooooo ACTION!!!!!!

Cold…

So cold… was the land above the clouds that hid his temple.

Cold are the hands that grasp the railing overlooking the mighty revered mountain that cradled his young sanctuary. One that had much warmth and flame hidden from the mist ridden outside.

Cold is the heart that cared for his lot but also the lot that would take, take what was his and his by right.

His breath, blending with the cloud and the mist as he sighed and gazed with his three eyes that saw too much. Beyond the summit towards the skirts of the ancient earth and young woods laid an army, one with terrible purpose and blade that matched their tenacity.

An army with four mighty Gods leading their procession. At a crusade to pierce the clouds and bring with them what goes as comeuppance to their misbegotten ilk.

A sneer, from so deep it brings with it bile as bitter and black as the soot of their burning torches raised to the heavens. Their steps carry them higher and higher until they threaten to burn the very heavens above. One step after the first, one step closer to their upcoming sin.

The calming cold, taking his hand as an old friend would, something he lacked these days. Yet he felt his skin burn, a true oddity one as cold as the grave along his heart.

What gave him that searing scorch in that terrible moment was the irrefutable fact that this terrible army was going to make its way here. No matter what he hoped for. They will climb and climb till they bring with them something so natural to himself.

Death.

Eternal slumber, nature of life, passing of a moment between birth and the last breath taken.

They will bring blade not to cut crop over their garden, but to cut his lot like weed grown on a hollow field. They will bring songs not to sing together, but to drown their voices with their own. They will bring fire, not to warm their hearth, but to set aflame the world they made for themselves. The world they built away from them.

He should move, they should prepare. He should go down there to fight against them. They should lay traps, they should bring the whole mountain atop the traitors with an avalanche. Crush each of them under the rubble like bugs, until there is nothing left but the passing memory of their terrible endeavor.

He could do it, he could unleash hellfire to melt this snow and the earth to the ore beneath then to ash then to the very cold winds that shall pester another mountain with its own tale of betrayal.

He should fight, he should scream, kick and tear at the very stone till they would have to drag him down with them. Back to earth, to their once warm home.

Perhaps his siblings would put on an act after they take his lot away to his realm. They might say they forgive him, as if he had sinned. Perhaps they would tell him he misunderstood them. They would tell him he was the one in the wrong, that he had to understand them. That their way was greater than his. That the death of his lot was just as they were.

They would take him back. March him back down, each agonizing step after another. Perhaps they would take his arms and armor, perhaps watch him night and day like an unruly beast, perhaps even tarnish his name for good measure. Yet they would accept him back to the fold, the rule would be unequal as ever, yet he would have a place at the table.

Table built on terrible sin and a leg inch shorter than the rest. Yet he would have them with him, his dearest siblings. He would yet again bear the burden of their companionship.

What cosmic catastrophe allowed this to occur? Sibling against one another. Claw against blade. Taking in another cold breath he accepted that sulking would do him no good, he needed not to be alone but to make amends.

To take action. To take charge of his procession. To take his lot and assure them of his presence. To tell them he is with them. To tell them he is of them as they are of him. Yet every time he gazed upon them he felt like a stranger. A stranger greater than he. One who could find a way off this hell not too unlike the one he preceded over. One who took action as opposed to one who merely waited.

Alas he was stuck, upon this balcony watching their doom approaching, each step like drums against the barren earth they left in their wake.

Why was he stuck? Why couldn’t he just… move? Just take a step, one after the other. Away from the railing. One step closer to their end. Just take a step…

He felt the cold marble leave his paw as he felt the wind wash from his face. He found himself in the darkness of his chamber. A paw closed the door behind him without looking, his digits still freezing.

There was no fire within his chamber nor in the whole temple. They had to stay in the dark and cold. Other than candlelight that only served to make them wish for more. It was a way to hide them away. Then again, what use was it? That army would find them eventually as they marched higher and higher. Yet he couldn’t take this one inkling of comfort from his lot, a possibility of survival was better than a promised destruction.

So their home stayed barren of warmth other than the hearts of his lot. His lot, the poor and the damned. Even in his chambers he could hear them. His ears picking the wails of children, their parents pleas to join the ranks of the defenders and the harsh orders spoken by his ‘soldiers’.

A scoff heard by no one came from him. What soldier? What warrior? He had neither. Just some old rams, ewes and random assortment of others with withered steel as arms and faith as shields. They were not the lot of his Eldest, damned be the old spider.

They were to fall, They were to be slaughtered. Even if he unleashed everything he had they would each die on this mountain, this temple their tomb.

He would shed a tear for each as they fell… again. He felt warm escaping his paw as the sizzling stone underneath told him he punctured skin. Retracting his nails back he didn’t bother to look down and check. With any luck he would not have to worry about it soon.

He should weep for them now really, what chance did his congregation have?

None held chaos in their heart like his youngest’s lot. Where they would fight like beasts. Claw and teeth bared when the blade failed. No their hearts were pure, as still in life as in death soon coming closer and closer to them.

None were as fit as his sister’s lot. Where each boasted muscle and bone aplenty. Their armor is as heavy as their gut. No, his lot was lean. They took only what they could and should, left the rest for all. shared what they didn’t have.

None were as skilled with the blade as his first brother. The damnable coward he was, yet he held skill unmatched in blade which he shared with his lot. His lot were simple farmers for oblivion’s sake. None ever held a blade larger than a knife. Perhaps a scythe and non wielding them like he himself had, not to take life at least.

None were warriors like the old spider’s lot. Each of them is a veteran of a dozen conflicts, countless victories under their belt with a thirst for blood that wishes to spill the crimson liquid no matter the cost. His lot had never made another join his realm.

No, it was certain. His lot would give their last breath here. Even if he surrendered, they would all die. It was as certain as the coming of the drums from the bottom of the mountain.

Not all drums were from the bottom however, as there was one here coming from behind his door.

Door creaked, the tall wood moving slightly to let in a wolf most familiar ‘’So… You still won't fight huh?’’

Silence followed his emotionless voice, who carried with it an unease he couldn’t begin to describe.

He held no sneer as he spoke, just stillness ‘’A lamb was born an hour ago to a young couple. They won’t name her, no reason to bother they said.’’ With that he left, with the memory feeling like it was nothing but a dream.

He didn’t even bother with the door, which as annoying as it was still brought him a momentary sense of normalcy. Melvin, as little time as he had left on this earth would not change even in the end. It too was a certainty after all, as certain as the coming spring after this winter.

He held no contempt for him nor any of his followers. Each of them were perfect, and even if they were to die he would make sure of the fact they knew they were worth all of his suffering.

Now he had to make sure their newest member knew this too. It was like a blur, he left his chambers. All eyes following their lord, he didn’t shrink away from their gaze. They had to see him tall.

One after the other, his legs moved. Making his way towards the infirmary he saw a thousand stories unfold in front of him. There was a family of rats, their two youngest crying for their parents as the old she rat with a rust cowered axe assured them they will see each other again. Their hollow promise made him nauseous. She was no fool nor delusional, just a liar as it seemed.

The other corner held a fox, one of his clerics who spoke of divine retribution to their enemies and their assured victory in the upcoming battle against evil. A scoff threatened to escape him, the only assurance his wretches held was one of the end. That this war and battle when it was over carried with it a promised passage to the right side.

There was the odd gathering of a crow with a turtle and a snake. Each playing a game in spite of their incoming doom. Almost funny, alas also sad. He wondered what they had to bet with at this point? What did his lot even have? What did their God offer them in this moment other than suffering and eventual end of this short lives?

Each part of his temple held a different tale, each of them with their own heroes. Heroes that would fall, to be never spoken of again. Other than by him that is. Only when he would weep for them in remembrance.

Finally after each agonizing step he had to endure in this torment, he saw it. Two sheep that cradled a cotton wrapped bundle of life. So small, so utterly small against his near titanic size that easily dwarfed them all who were mortal. They didn’t look upon him, yet they did not weep. They simply looked at their daughter, utterly enthralled by something so meek yet meant the whole world and then some.

His voice was raw, grating against his own ears like rust being cleaned off a blade ‘’You should name her’’ A suggestion from a lord? When was it ever?

The two now looked at him, their child fussing over their lack of attention. It was the father ‘’my L-lord…’’ He looked away in shame ‘’Sh- she…’’ sigh ‘’she won’t need it sire’’ voice so broken.

His voice like steel ‘’You must name her’’ No mere suggestion after all.

This time the mother spoke, her voice like iron ‘’We shall my lord.’’ looking back at her young one now happier that she got the attention back ‘’We will.’’

Wool as bright and white as the clouds of the coming spring. She would have loved it. Alas the only brilliant white she shall see will be the mist of his realm. Oh what ill hath this soul committed fate? What could she have done here, to deserve life so terribly short and ended so soon?

Hearing all the commotion, Melvin made his way to him. Slightly better armed attendance not noticing his absence as they poured their heart into tactic. His eyes heavy with bags underneath to match. His muzzle parted slightly into what counts as a smile for him ‘’Thou art a cruel one Lord’’

He nodded ‘’Cruelest of them all’’

***

Drums

Drums! Bang Bang Bang, Step Step Step

March

There were no archers to rain arrows as they marched. There was no gate to stop them. They entered as if they were invited guests.

Their armored sabatons clanking against the stone, mud dirtying the clean marble. Ash blacking the tapestry. Their shouts drowning out the prayer spoken by the ‘guilty’ like whisper.

They were led by the four, one leaving leaves in his wake. His steps without rhythm, he looked conflicted. happy or sad, one couldn’t tell. The other one was skittish, he looked all around, his steps careful. Yet he seemed as ashamed as they were scared. There was one with anger boiling forth, her axe fitting nicely in their grasp. Yet her hands shook ever so slightly. Then there was the spider. They were but stone, or alas the executioner's blade hanging above. So still yet with a terrible promise of action.

Each army bore the symbols of their Lord and the flag of the Old Faith, bound together cloth stronger than any chain. Each still in the stale air of the temple, yet they stayed as a symbol that tied them for better or worse. They bore armor and weapons, steel glistening with the light of the candles all around them. Some looked happy to be there, their smiles like that of monsters. Some looked impassive, like they had been disappointed by the lack of battle. Then there was the rare look of shame, ones with saddened familiar eyes.

They stood in front of him. A unified front of four armies against his rabble of peasants and wretches he would die for. They stood behind him, as if he could protect them. Each grasping their blade or tool as their lives depended on it. Their prayers and whines bleed together into a quiet cacophony. He felt them, each of their eyes. Pleading, begging… They needed him.

It was their eldest ‘’Narinder, it has been awhile has it not?’’ their mandibles clicking with each careful word.

His eyes never left them even as his heart felt like a storm in his chest. He had so much to say, to curse. Yet that could wait. In all of this nightmare there was one thing he had to know before he would die in the name of his people. ‘’Answer me, oh eldest. One that saw the world before me and cleansed so many. Why seek the end of my lot, sibling?’’ There, the burning question.

Their sigh, like a whisper ‘’I seeketh no harm Narinder, only to contain and protect thee even from thee.’’

Hollow words, spoken too often with no love to back them. A charade that neither believed he thought.

A step forward ‘’Now Narinder, I urge you to-’’

‘’I trusted you’’ His eyes stung almost as he spoke, yet steel behind his conviction forced him to continue ‘’I believed those words once before your atrocity.’’ His heart ablaze ‘’No more’’

There was silence now, not even the prayers of the pitiful behind him.

She spoke, after being content to wait for so long ‘’What are you talking about? What atrocity?’’ Looking at their eldest ‘’What is he talking about Shamura?’’

The soothing voice of the spider was quick ‘’It is nothing you should concern yourself with-’’

There were many things that made him mad at that very moment. Things as meaningless as the fact that the army his siblings brought was actively soiling the home of his lot with earth and soot. To more significant things like the smell of fear that wafted through the air behind him and the fact that he could not ease the dread of his people.

Alas though, he didn’t feel mad at that particular moment. No. He was mad when he left the grounds of the old faith. He was mad when he heard of the preparations for extermination. He was mad when his envoys turned up at his realm. He was mad when he couldn’t find it himself to fight his siblings before they came here, to slaughter each for daring to raise armies against him.

Now

He was enraged

‘’YOU DIDN’T TELL THEM?!’’ His grip tightened on his scythe as the words spilled forth. He felt his once cold hands flare with otherworldly smoke as he felt the call of bloodshed from deep within. Only the words that came from the youngest stopped him from trying to fit the spider’s skull on a pike.

His curious voice felt like soothing water against burn ‘’What didn’t they tell us?’’ Oh my sweet summer child brother, sinless you were weren't you?

First brother’s voice got drowned out, alas he yet heard him ‘’Can we calm down… p-please?’’ He spoke, quiet yet daring to raise his voice for once.

Tired voice of their elder ‘’It was not something any of you had to learn about’’ clicking of mandibles ‘’There is reason for my decision not to reveal-’’

His voice cut against the eldest, voice like thunder ‘’It has been two years, seven months and twenty one days since our eldest massacred my lot on the grounds of treason’’ The feeling of catharsis melded with absolute anguish and yet he spoke. His eyes blurring as he forced the memories forward ‘’Two hundred and thirteen followers of the Old faith, their names etched into the stone of this very temple. Each more faithful than the one prior was slaughtered. Men, women, children and elderly alike. I saw each of them pass into my realm as I could only watch.’’ And here it was, words escaping him like a damn being burst.

The outrage was instant. First was Heket ‘’What?! WHAT?!’’ Her battle axe swayed slightly as he looked between them. Followed by Kallamar ‘’I… why!?’’ He chose to look at the ground instead. The last was the youngest, with a voice barely a whisper ‘’E-everyone? Even t-the children?’’ As their lords spoke in disbelief, from each of the armies came shouting, talking and mostly outrage. Only the spider’s army was quiet, they instead wore faces of shame or simply chose to watch the stone below them.

Amidst the cacophony of noise that now permeated his temple there was only one who seemed like they had any kind of control. Not him obviously, he was still thinking of how to mount the spider’s head on a pike without breaking the skull. Also not Heket, who seemed like she had similar ideas. Which as much as it was a comfort was also rude, as he should hold the privilege instead.

No, it was yet their eldest who had at least an inkling of calm ‘’It was a necessary-’’

Before he could adjust the spider’s leg to head ratio, a scream of indigence came from their loudest sibling ‘’HOW!?’’ Her voice shook the foundation of the temple. They took a step away from the spider, to him ‘’How can it be necessary? A whole loyal cult being slaughtered cannot be justified!’’ The ever just, his Froglet seemed like she was more hesitant on their slaughter than he might have assumed. As she made her way closer to him, standing to his side. Her army became a palisade between the remaining army and his own lot.

Oh cruel fate, Thank thee for making him find her in that pond. To make him slaughter that eejit god that dared to raise a blade against one so young as she was.

Still the ever calm ‘’You do not understand Heket, it was not a choice I made lightly.’’

Grounding out the words ‘’You didn’t look much conflicted when you tried to usher me out of my own lot elder. Before I felt each one’s heart stop’’

Running a claw down their face ‘’I didn’t seek you seeing them, alas if you had listened-’’

Kallamar, almost like coming out of a stupor ‘’How could you, just… why?’’ He stepped away from their sibling, in fear or disgust he could not tell. He didn’t move towards him but it was yet comforting nonetheless to see the army of the spider lessen.

They lightly reached out a claw to him ‘’Kallamar, I assure you I had my reasons.’’ Their hand retracted when they realized their brother would not come closer to them ‘’Do you simply think I would order. No. Partake in such a thing myself if I had no reason?’’ A type of plea entered their voice ‘’Brother prithee, be reasonable’’

For a moment he almost seemed like his first brother might have been swayed back, herded not unlike sheep. Alas his Kallamari proved that he was not an invertebrate after all as he backed away from them fully. Standing slightly away from both of the sides. His troops followed his direction as they chose to stand with their lord, watching to see how things would play out.

Oh fate, had thee deceived me? Were you not so cruel?

Their youngest was truly a creature of brevity ‘’You monster’’ two words, and it was worth more than a thousand.

Then as if a bomb had gone off ‘’I HAD TO!’’ Spider’s calm broke in an instant ‘’None of you have a clue what would have happened if I chose to ignore the truth!’’

Truth? What nonsense was the mad butcher speaking about? Has their eldest finally lost it? The thought was sobering as well as maddening, a rush of empathy shook the rage within his very core. Yet it was but a breeze against the inferno within. Even if he had gone mad without his knowledge it would not save the spider if he got his hands on them.

Alas his brother was quick ‘’What truth? Talk to us.’’ He sounded like he was at the edge of tears ‘’Please Shamura, just make it make sense’’ His words tore at the strings of his heart, his Little leaf’s plight was of his own in that moment. Yet, he doubted their eldest could make sense of this madness. It was all but futile to look for sense where none was to be found.

With a sigh that spoke of one too many nights spent wake ‘’We die in the end.’’

Silence stretched for what felt like hours as all waited, the finality in their voice alone was enough to take his mind out of rage.

They recounted a tale then, one they seem like they too were lost in ‘’We die at the end of this story. It begins with separation, one leaves the flock of five. I know not why, mayhap he grew in pride till it took away all his bonds, spurred by the jubilation of his lot which swelled in size their hearts full of faith.’’ Their eyes met, six against three ‘’Flock weakens and yet his lot strengthens. For a time, it stillness takes hold. However time rarely stays the same, I know not what sparked conflict and yet they descend to war and battle, bloodshed a plenty.’’

A rueful look overtakes ‘’then I saw Ichor fall free to paint marble black. It was dark, so dark it shamed the very night itself. I saw a battle of four against one, he was so strong it took everything and then some to bring him down. I felt agony unlike anything I had ever felt. I saw then white cloth draped over us all, as if we had died and wrapped in funeral cloth before our hearts truly stopped. Oh my dearest brother, the rage I saw, it was overwhelming. I promise you, if I had not had my wits. You would not have seen tomorrow.’’

A look of rage passed their eldest, one which somehow mirrored his own. Alas, his came from action, theirs came from story and devilish omen. What madness did this maniac speak of? What kind of a hellish vision did they delude themselves into believing was a portent? Cautiously still trying to swallow his rage ‘‘What happens next?’’

Their eyes met again, with a mirthless chuckle ‘’Must thee ask more? Do thou wisheth the curse of far sight? Fine then. We slaughtered the Sheep, the rams, the ewes and the lamb’’ A cry resonated from the crowd behind him, one of outrage and fear ‘’I saw all our hands red. I saw Heket devouring each of flesh, I saw Leshy play with the bones, I saw Kallamar crush their horns into powder. Yet nothing was worse than when I saw myself. Speaking with valor as we struck the last one down. I felt pride in such terrible work.’’

His gaze fell to the stone below ‘’But yet, it was not the end. I saw the one who died just a moment yore comeback, to ironically defy death. Her neck still bloodied, she had the eyes of one who saw too much and lost too many. Above her head I saw the crown that would end us all. A mere mortal ewe with the power of Gods given to them by no doubt our maddened brother Narinder, now the one who waits.’’

Steel returned to their eyes as they took in a predatory glint ‘’I could not, would not allow that to happen. I had to take your lot away, I made it fast, I did it clean, I did not enjoy it Nari I promise you upon my birth star. I did it to protect you from what you would have become.’’ Their voice, one of madness in the end.

Pity ‘’Ye old fool, had thee lost thine wits as well as heart, oh cruel tyrant?’’

The spider looked like they were struck, Their heart sliced. Yet he didn’t doubt what happened next hurt them more.

‘’I have no Elder’’ Their youngest spoke with a heart heavy with sorrow, and the temple was quiet.

Spider’s claw clenched as their hand oozed ichor. Their eyes closed in contemplation.

He knew the spider the longest. He was there first after all. He knew how they were when they were mad, as rare as that has been. Their elders, as brash as they were, would never lose control. It was a simple fact to him almost, and it made sense really. If one was to lead an army and call themselves the God of war they had to find the balance between the push and pull, madness and sense.

Yet, as he had once thought their eldest would never harm him. He was yet again proven wrong as he saw a glint he had only seen when they had fought against the enemy.

Their voice colder than the winds outside ‘’Hear I traitors all, I will save you from yourselves even if it will have to hurt’’

There were many things he knew were unquestionable. Like the day would rise tomorrow, there would always be autumn after summer and the fact that their eldest was strong as they were deadly.

He was yet to be proven wrong on this and doubted he would ever be proven otherwise.

Their scream like the howling of the storm as they rise to their full height with their armored Talons stretched to their fullest. There were many reasons why he couldn’t help his lot back then. One was that he didn’t know what was happening. Another was that he thought their eldest could not ill against him, that there was always wisdom to their action. Then there was something he couldn’t admit to him at that time but now could.

He was afraid of them.

And he was right to be afraid of them.

They towered over the four as they rose on their back legs to swipe with their left, almost catching their youngest in his antler. Yet he had a lifetime sparring with the mad spider, he knew they favored a grand and swift opening. His scythe lighting as he hooked his brother back towards him.

Yet the spider was not done, they were persistent as they were tenacious. Their right connected with his arm as they were both sent sprawling against the marble below. He could have twisted before fall, he was a cat for oblivion sake and yet it would expose his brother for what came next.

Jumping high with their hydraulic powered legs, their sibling will skewer him. Yet he would give a chance to his little leaf at survival as it would only penetrate him from this distance.

Yet his bones remained unbroken. His ribs were spared by his Froglet who had swatted away the spider before they could spear him through with their axe. He saw her hands shake as she took labored breaths. Such a hit had to have taken its toll on her, the Spider Lord was no easy target to deflect and yet she succeeded… for now.

Spider Lord rose, their eyes focused on each of them. They never shifted, their expression neutral as their voice ‘’Love needs sacrifice my dearest siblings, it needs action to be preserved and persevered’’

He could retort those words with memories shared with them alas at that moment he was more in favor of a more direct way of argument. One that included his scythe.

His brother untangled himself quickly before shakily standing slightly behind him, he had no experience fighting another God. Not one this strong.

But he did. Taking the left side next to his sibling he nodded to her, which was answered in kind. They hunted before, this would not be any different… Just much harder.

Spider Lord jumped to the left. Yet again choosing the opening themselves, they went in for a swipe which was blocked, but before he could be slashed by the expertly timed right talon his sister went in for an overhead chop which although missed has forced the spider to jump back.

Their many legged body was fast, yet their size was immense as each leg falling to the marble cracked the stone below into dust. Circling around them, looking for an opening they spoke ‘’Sometimes the eldest must make decisions they do not like, that they abhor. Alas they know their duty to their family needs them to be strong’’

Him and his sister were silent, you didn’t speak while fighting. Unless you were holding advantage that is. Yet their brother never had to learn this ‘’We are no family! Family do-’’ he was punished for his ignorance with a pruning against his chin, broken branches and leaves falling to stone like in autumn.

Yet he learned fast also, or perhaps he was planning this to begin with. One couldn’t tell with the Lord of Chaos. His battle hammer struck the Spider Lord on their shoulder, their armored and ready shoulder took the glancing blow like shore stone takes the breeze in the morning.

They jumped again, before he could make sure their youngest hadn’t been hurt they spoke out, their voice devoid of emotion ‘’I chose to spare you all of detail because I knew none of you had what it takes to make a stand against oblivion when the price was your own morals’’

The words of the spider were grating against his psyche. He wondered if he could make such a decision like the spider. It almost made sense in a twisted way, make the sacrifice and save the many. Other than the fact that he would be sacrificing someone else and the sacrifice was based on delusion rather than concrete fact or inevitably. Yet, the visions of their eldest were rarely false.

Why was he thinking of this? Of course those visions were false, he would never hurt his siblings… Other than their eldest now. But what if… his siblings stood with the spider now? would he welcome them to his realm?

Another rule of engagement thought by the Spider, never think when you should be acting. His thoughts blinded him to the reality staring at him from above as their sibling had climbed to the ceiling and was now dropping on them with each of their sharpened legs ready to trim his arms off.

He was not fast, not faster than gravity at least. He could maybe roll, but that would just get his legs sliced open and leave his beloved siblings open for attack. Well, at least he wasn’t mad at them anymore and perhaps Spider might be willing to talk once he was gone, maybe he didn’t need to meet his siblings in his realm.

Yet his story didn’t end, a blinding light stopped the spider and actually threw them away. Before he could think too much on it he saw Kallamar’s outstretched arm and a bandolier full of grenades minus one.

If they survived this, he would find the mortal who brought that baseball game to their lands and thank them personally for getting their brother interested because there was no other way that grenade could connect with their Spider that well any other way.

A frustrated sigh escaped the spider as they effortlessly rose back ‘’Do you know what you fight for? The atrocity that will follow this? One cannot change destiny, even if this ends the simple fact is that it will happen eventually. You can change ‘when will it happen’ but never ‘will it happen’. Our brother will betray you, betray me, betray us and we will all suffer for it.’’

You never talked in battle unless you held the advantage, and even with four against one, it was clear who got to talk. Yet he was a bad student, the spider could attest to that ‘’You are right’’ His voice surprised even him with its firmness.

His siblings for a moment looked at him with scrutiny, judgment passing their eyes. As for The spider lord, he seemed somewhere between sorrow and vindication. ‘’I rarely saw you wrong in vision before Shamura’’ This was fact ‘’Your vision may as well come true one day, one day perhaps I will grow angry with all of you. Perhaps I truly will grow so prideful I will betray all of you.’’ It was hard to admit to all of this, the words feeling like ash in his tongue ‘’One day perhaps I will seek the end’’

He could not see what was to be like his elder. However he knew the whims of Gods and how they changed, nothing was immortal and nor were they. What they stood for; War, Famine, Plague, Chaos and Death were eternal, but them? Not so much. No one ruled forever and one day no matter whether it be through horrid betrayal or otherwise, would see the end of their rule.

‘’Yet, you are also wrong. You may not be able to change the course of the river, yet even a fish can make a ripple in the flow of fate.’’ He had seen it time and time again, their visions were often true and yet they had flaws, things that didn’t match and things that only came to be due to happenstance rather than action ‘’I don’t know what awaits us all in the end of our story, however I know all stories have an end and I know I would much rather face it together with all of you rather than just tear at each other like beasts due to paranoia. Thinking we are powerless to change destiny when together we might have a chance or at least might stand together as a family instated of culling each other to delay the what you think is inevitable'’

He knew all eyes were on him, some in scrutiny and some in anger. He knew what he said was hard to accept, and yet he knew the nature of this world and its whims just as well as his eldest sibling.

His voice was not devoid of anger and yet it still carried with it a gentleness he thought was lost ‘’Please Shamura… I know you wanted to help us.’’ He had to force the next words out of his mouth, the admittance feeling like poison in his tongue ‘’Wanted to help me. Even if you ended up hurting the ones I loved.’’

They yet held an unconvinced stare, so he pulled on a memory he knew they would remember ‘’wasn’t it you that told me we had to fight until the bitter bitter end once where I had lost hope?’’ He took a tentative step towards the them, his arms open yet with scythe on his side ‘’I remember my sibling being there to tell me we would face it together, not alone when it was just the two of us against the heathens and their foul God’’

A chuckle, one of mirth ‘’My little naive Nari, my little hopeful Lord. Trying to face fate with dignity.’’ a small Smile ‘’I never understood how you could be so hopeful? You were so young back then and so was I. Barely shorter than Leshy now, I remember your tears flowing freely’’ Now looking at him with those honest eyes of theirs ‘’I don’t want to fight my little Nari, I never wanted to hurt my little Nari and yet… I cannot accept a future so dark so soon.’’ They closed their eyes ‘’I promise, I will return us all back to the way it used to be, one way or the other’’ When they opened their eyes there was a slight glint to them, one of determination ‘’How about thee siblings? Will I have to take you all down before I can fix this?’’

First was the youngest ‘’No, we stand together as a family. I am not just letting some stupid fate or prophecy dictate our lives. I am the God of Chaos, I refuse this order. We will find our own way’’ His voice carrying resolve heavier than his war hammer.

Second was their sister ‘’Likewise. Hear me you dogged spider, I was very tired trying to find a reason to hate the one who rejected me away from his realm when I was a tadpole. Kudos for trying though, you almost made me into an oathbreaker.’’ her hands were still now, her axe ready.

Last was Kallamar ‘’I am sick of being afraid, I am sick of the paranoia and I am sick of fearing my own brother before he even did anything wrong. I want to live, not hide away. Not from him or our future.’’ He was brave with those words, with conviction he raised his short saber.

A rueful smile ‘’I see’’ That's when Oblivion’s gates were opened fully.

Shamura showed all of them that they weren’t a God of war for nothing.

They jumped but this time the grenade of Kallamar didn’t intercept them in time, they landed in the middle of their now broken formation. They all dispersed to each side trying to avoid the attack with varying success. From each side War God was surrounded, yet it was the four of them who felt like they were surrounded by fear.

They went for Leshy first. They were fast and this time he wasn’t there to take him out of the harm’s way. War God simply yanked the branches on his head before he could understand what happened. Marble was showered with both crimson and green, the very sight stinging his eyes. Before the War God could further harm their youngest Heket answered them with a vertical slash that actually managed to draw the deep crimson out of the spider. A real damage for the first time since the start of the battle.

Yet their short victory was bashed against the pillars alongside of Heket who didn’t see the spider jump and before kicking her with the might of all of their legs at once. The air escaped her lungs as she met the hard stone that crumbled with a part of the ceiling falling on them fast. He tried to scream to warn her, yet his throat felt like it was slashed. He knew there was no way she could get away in time.

Yet she had no need as it was Kallamar who alongside throwing a grenade at the falling debris stabbed at the leg of the War God, who still hadn’t stabilized after their attack. He tried to push in the advantage by using his scepter to bash at their legs but hadn’t realized the stinger which now pierced them in the shoulder. Their scream reverberated against the halls of his temple before they reached his ear. The echoes adding to the horror and dread.

He jumped, his legs carrying right behind them. With all the might he could summon to his side he swung the blunt side of the scythe to War God’s head. The War God saw the attack a mile away and dogged under the weapon before rising once again. His attack had failed… or so they thought before he yanked the War God Towards him with the inner side of the scythe. With his left hand, he uppercutted the spider, his slightly bony fist connecting with their jaw. Throwing them into the air slightly before their youngest swatted them at the head with a perfect serve that saw them tumbling away from them some distance.

They were barely hanging on, each of them holding each other as well as hanging onto each other as they once again took their battle stance. The spider got up, they were wounded and yet they were better off than each of them. Their carapace holding them together as they laughed. Their laughter both terrible and broken.

There was madness in their voice as the words spilled forward ‘’YOU CANNOT CHANGE FATE!’’ wildly motioning around them, all denizens of the temple looking at the mighty with fear ‘’You cannot change what is going to happen no matter how much you stand together, I will have to watch all of you die! I will have to fight you again! I will have to accept oblivion, the end!’’ Their claws wide open, ready to strike once again as if they were not hurt at all.

Then he did the stupidest thing he could manage to do at that moment. Something so bereft of sense he would beat himself to Oblivion and back for just thinking about it any other time.

He dropped his scythe.

The great weapon crashing against the ground. Turning the stone into dust before the echoes even reached his own ears.

Then he did something even stupider. He walked towards his eldest and he simply embraced them. Their talons sinking into his stomach, each of their fingers digging deeper than the other. As they continued to push their hands further into his organs, so did he embrace them harder…

Agony, pure agony beyond anything he felt before. Not even when Shamura had to save him from the heathen God who had stabbed into his lung had he felt pain so pure. It threatened to take away all he knew and each second their hands gripped harder he felt another bout of fresh air of oblivion. Yet he held on.

Until he felt the scalding wetness of the tears now falling against his back. It took him a moment to push away the pain before he could speak ‘’Sha Sha, you know time changes and so do we’’ His voice but a whisper ‘’I know the end hurts, I am its lord you know. Yet, I will cherish all the time I had with you and our family, good and bad until our rule ends. I will accept the end of this story alongside of you.’’

He felt the talons loosen, before feeling their arms wrap around him. Their voice like glass, so fragile ‘’Oh Nari, I hurt all of you so so much.’’ a sob and a whimper ‘’You won’t forgive me for I have sinned will thee?’’ their eyes wet, salted with desperation.

He pulled back slightly, letting them go slightly. Looking into their eyes with a smile ‘’Nay, I will forgive thee for I love thee, with sin or not’’ It would perhaps take time, yet he knew he could do it eventually. He only had one elder sibling and one family after all.

Their embrace was joined by Leshy, he wordlessly hugged them both. He was silent, yet his tears spoke for him.

Then came Kallamar, his long tentacles wrapping around the three easily ‘’I am still afraid of the future, but now I guess at least we will see what happens together s-so I guess it is better’’ He gave them a smile, their teeth glistening kindly.

Their sister grumbled as she lowered herself enough to give them all a hug ‘’I am angry, I am going to continue to be angry. Mostly because you didn’t talk to us and decided to act on your own’’ A softness entered their voice ‘’But I will probably forgive you at some point.’’

They stayed like that for a long time, none willing to let go even as they bled. From the corner of his eye he could see their people now all looking at them with admiration, their faith seemingly restored. Some wept, some smiled and laughed. Some hugged, their weapons cast away, each sect now embracing each other as fellow brethren of the faith. Each holding their loved ones and siblings close. The past strife was forgotten in that moment. It would yet take a while before all grievances were washed away and yet, in his now warm heart he knew it would come to be eventually. As they too hoped for a better future, ready to take the first step together as family he knew they had a chance.