This might genuinely be the most I've ever written for a single chapter. Admittedly, I've also been far too distracted lately with real life, hence the slow update.
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(The Lands Beyond the Wall)
The sight that they were met with wasn't pretty.
Most of the men who had formerly been stationed here had been slaughtered. Blood and scattered bodies were the only things present, and some would later swear that they had seen frozen toes and fingers scattered around the area. Excluding Raymond, the sole survivor of the bloodbath.
The man was bleeding heavily with wounds all over his body. One of his arms was missing, and his eyes were struggling to remain open, squinting fiercely at their shared enemy.
Despite his precarious situation, the Lord Commander remained defiant. Refusing to show weakness to the bastard who had made short work of his men and was grasping him by the throat.
The reinforcements approached cautiously, unsure of how to react to the unexpected situation. The archers were at the ready, awaiting orders to fire at the group of Walkers and their leader in a vain attempt to save the Lord Commander.
Yet, no order came. The Commanding Officer feared the possibility of making the situation even worse.
Glancing at them disinterestedly, the Night King ignored them, pressing harder on the younger Feld's throat, instantly killing the man that had remained defiant till the end.
With a victorious grin, the creature of legend tried to bring the defiant human back to the land of the living. Only for something akin to a snarl appeared on the Night King's face as the former Lord Commander's corpse remained unresponsive.
Frustration evident on his face, the Night King flung the corpse to the side.
Shock overtook the reinforcements as one of their best warriors was killed just like that. A man said to have the King's ear and one whose skill surpassed the majority of those defending the Realm.
Many of the archers instinctively let loose, their arrows blocked by a sheet of ice that appeared before the Night King, who glared at them with annoyance.
Before anyone could react, a deep, resonant sound could be heard. Its high-pitched, piercing shriek felt particularly mocking to the reinforcements.
As soon as the shriek ended, the reinforcements were met with hundreds of White Walkers appearing from all sides. Following behind them were the accursed, unending hordes of wights.
Thousands of undead lined up with inhuman efficiency, many among the living gulped at the intimidating sight ahead of them. Though just as many stared defiantly at their foes, refusing to show any sign of weakness.
The undead did not attack. Instead, content to stand behind their leader and await something, or rather for someone to arrive.
The disturbing sight would forever haunt the memories of those present, as the lead officer in charge let out an audible gulp amid the haunting silence that had taken over.
"Shit."
…
(Erlend Mudd)
Opening his eyes, Erlend let out a sigh of resignation.
A storm brewed deep within his pupils. His sage green eyes brimming with restrained fury, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.
He sensed it as soon as it happened.
The lifeforce of one of his most trusted subordinates was snuffed out before he could react. The admittedly weaker protections and charms placed on his lead guard broke under the unrelenting power of the Night King.
In hindsight, he should have strengthened the protections. Unfortunately, it was too late to regret it.
At least his Lord Commander's soul was protected from the Night King's enslavement. That was something Erlend had personally seen to, should any warrior of particular skill fall.
The least he could do for the sacrifice they were making.
Keeping the frustration at bay, Erlend stared in the direction of where it had occurred. Ironically, it was the same area he had intended to have his final battle with the living monstrosity that was the Night King.
The bastard had made his way there without much guidance, and his loyal guard had paid for it with his life. Raymond was supposed to survive this war. It was apparent that wasn't happening.
It wasn't a pleasant feeling, he realized. This was the first time since the death of his maternal Uncle that Erlend truly felt the loss of someone close to him.
His Lord Commander may not have been the most obvious of his friends, their difference in status creating a barrier that made that difficult, but he was one of the few people that Erlend trusted outside of his family.
Feeling the raw emotions coursing in his veins, demanding that he retaliate, the southern King let his aura wash over the rest of his forces.
Several Commanders felt his intent at the same time. Immediately moving out to carry his orders and rally at the Night King's location as had been originally planned.
Staring at the direction of his final task, Erlend was prepared to make the Night King pay. This was never meant to be personal, unfortunately, it appears the other side didn't feel that way.
…
The battlefield was eerily quiet as they drew near to each other.
Eventually coming to a stop, standing opposite each other. The two titans eying each other warily.
Their subordinates watched this occur in silence. The living cautiously eyed the enemies laid out ahead, whilst the Walkers impassively awaited their liege's signal. No emotion could be seen on their faces, contrasting with that of the living.
His destined foe was unnervingly still for someone who's been goaded into this confrontation, his presence exuding an aura of malevolence unmatched even by the minor eastern gods.
There was a glimmer of joy in those cold eyes, satisfaction at having delivered a blow to the living King. No matter how minor it appeared.
Erlend, for his part, had no intention of making this easy, wanting to show the rest of the world just why they should fear him, cementing his dominance over this world.
Raising his right hand, the air shifted as a spiral of multicolored energy warped around it. The elements heading the call of their master.
Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. The four most basic elements were the first to converge. Lightning, his most preferred element, swiftly followed behind.
When ice appeared, the Night King raised an eyebrow, taken aback by Erlend's ability to control it. His furrowed eyebrows betrayed his confusion, though he remained unafraid of what was happening before his eyes.
Content to let his enemy be.
Once satisfied with the amount of energy collected, Erlend threw the elemental spiral into the air, letting it float high above them.
While his eyes focused on humanity's ancient foe, he willed the spiral to surround them both. Encasing them in a multicolored barrier that isolated the two from their subordinates. Yet kept everything happening inside visible to the naked eye.
Intricate runes shimmered faintly along its surface, layering themselves comfortably atop the barrier, further reinforcing it.
Throughout this, the exiled Stark did nothing to stop him, content to remain silent. Whether it was confidence in his abilities or pure arrogance, the southern King could not tell.
Smirking self-assuredly towards him and saying nothing, the Winter King rushed directly towards Erlend, icy blue mist radiating from his body in the process.
Erlend could help but note that it bore similarities to when Ashara used her empowered form.
The next moment, as the Night King's rushing form approached him, a shockwave of force was released, slamming into him. At least it would have done so if not for the magical shields that appeared in front of Erlend.
The shockwave bounced back from where it came, throwing the Night King back.
Not giving him time to breathe, Erlend summoned several lightning bolts and sent them directly towards his stunned opponent. Aiming for the vital parts of his body.
The glare that the Night King gave him as he reacted to the bolts hinted at the disdain he'd developed towards the volatile element that had plagued him these past few days.
At the same time, just as Erlend had planned, several new runes appeared within the barrier. Runes whose power and energy the Night King was intimately familiar with.
"Azor Ahai!" The words were spat with such vitriol that it made those watching well aware of his feelings on the legendary figure.
Being the asshole he was, Erlend had made use of Azor Ahai remnant energy to make up the build of said runes. Melisandre had not disappointed him at all. He should reward the old girl when he had the time.
Giving his opponent a wide grin, "I'm always happy to reunite old acquaintances." He stated cheerfully.
A poor choice of words, seeing the dark blue-ish tint his foe's face was taking. The equivalent of going red in rage, he assumed.
The Night King didn't bother responding, as reinforced sheets of ice formed around him, barely shielding him from the lightning strikes. Though they broke apart quickly enough once the last strike shattered it.
Tapping his foot on the ground beneath him, several bronze spheres were conjured, directly shooting towards the Night King.
Again, his foe raised walls of ice in response, blocking the spheres from their target. Only to be taken aback, as several wolves were then conjured mid-air, pouncing on the living popsicle.
Only to be frozen into life-sized cubes of ice, and instantly shattering into crystal. The blocked spheres gingerly levitated in the air before vanishing.
Cold blue eyes gazed at him with a hint of annoyance. "Cease this mockery, godling. You should be beyond these trivial attacks."
Erlend rolled his eyes, they weren't meant to hurt them bastard, just test his shields and reaction time.
A part of him was curious whether the killing curse would work on his foe. If it worked, then it would make for an anticlimactic end. If it didn't, then it could backfire horribly. For all he knew, the bastard could very well be strengthened by the magic contained within the spell.
Using death energy against a necromancer wasn't exactly the most intelligent move one could make.
Approaching his opponent at remarkable speed. Erlend conjured several bears and wolves mere meters away from the Night King, instantly moving to attack him.
Visibly frowning at the repetition, the Night King stretched his hands, grabbing one of the wolves that had pounced on him by its neck and squishing it into a splatter of blood.
The icy mist around him surged, spreading towards the rest of the conjured beasts and freezing them in place, shattering into ice crystals moments later, once again.
Despite the simplicity, it looked quite impressive to the untrained eye.
Whilst moving, Erlend encased his hands with aura, releasing a terrifying pressure that alarmed his foe.
Feeling the aura, the Night King shifted his focus to Erlend, ready to respond to his approaching form, only to be taken by surprise as Erlend apparated right behind him and struck at his unprotected back. Sending him right towards the barrier.
Collapsing on the ground, the Night King rose again. This time, blue liquid dripped from his lips, likely the first real injury he'd suffered since his battle with his late brother.
Erlend hadn't even called upon his divine power, yet a simple aura-infused attack had hurt his opponent. Perhaps he had gone overboard chasing divinity, if this was enough to cause damage to the infamous legend.
With a thought, living flames erupted from his body. Swirling around him and fueled by his power. The fire felt like a blanket of warmth on his skin, but his opponent did not share the same feeling.
Retreating backwards whilst growling in disgust at the unholy combination of life and death energy contained within it.
As the living flames made their presence known, the snow beneath his feet melted with the intensity of the fire. It was time to get serious.
Erlend could tell that beyond the barrier, many, including mortals, gods, and spirits, were watching this battle closely.
How quaint, those interfering gits would git a front seat to this little play.
Outside the barrier, Arthur, Ashara, and his Uncle had no time to care for that, as they were presently going toe to toe with the Night King's true elites, those that had far more free will than the other White Walkers.
Other notable warriors, such as the former Kingsguard, his own Royal Guard, and nobles such as Yohn and Randyll, focused on the lesser Walkers, supported by the rest of the troops.
The world shook as the two armies clashed, their numbers reminiscent of a golden age lost to humanity.
It was a battle representative of the present's fight to protect their future. Staving off the grasping and stubborn hands of a past no one missed.
Two distinct battles were going on at the moment: the one between him and the Night King and the one between their subordinates. The rest of the men provided support wherever they could, facing the wights directly or attempting to distract the Walkers.
Many had become little more than cannon fodder as they bought precious time for their greatest.
Pools of blood, corpses, and the occasional chunks of ice could be found scattered around, a result of the death of a particularly fierce struggle. While it did not make for a pretty sight, the living were putting up quite a fight against their undead foe.
Within the barrier, green light began to surround him, merging with the living flames, forming a layer of armor made up of two energies on his body.
Grasping his trusted ancestral blade, Erlend motioned for the Night King to make his move.
The Human presented a rather fearsome figure, looking like he'd come straight out of the Age of Heroes. Making for a breathtaking sight for those observing, as he showed off a part of his divinity.
Credit where credit is due, the Night King didn't flinch at the sight before him. "Enough with these performances, godling. We Fight!" He declared confidently.
The injury that he'd suffered was visibly healing as he spoke.
The two watched each other intently, waiting to see who made the first move. Unlike with the previous bout, Erlend remained serious, looking for any signs of weakness from his enemy.
A large pillar of ice suddenly appeared behind him, swinging towards him with incomparable speed.
Erlend's shield did its job in blocking the pillar as it shattered into pieces of ice upon making contact.
The ice quickly reformed this time, forming into several sharp projectiles that tried to break through his shields. His foe didn't stand still as this was happening, with a weapon in his hand, the Night King rushed towards Erlend.
He wanted to see whether he could injure his opponent directly, rather than relying on his magic. In the blink of an eye, the Night King was before him, aiming straight for his head.
Clang!
A loud clang could be heard as the icy blade collided directly with Erlend's. It's power enough to send even an empowered mortal back through sheer strength alone.
Erlend grinned towards his enemy, their faces mere inches apart. "Let the games begin!" He laughed out loud, uncaring of the dissatisfaction on his opponent's face.
Lightning erupted from the sides, arching violently towards the Night King's legs.
It was fast, fast enough to catch most off guard. Unfortunately, experience was not something his enemy lacked. Managing to cast an ice sheet just in time, barely blocking the lightning bolt.
Though it did graze the fucker a bit of the sheet shattered into tiny pieces, causing him to let out a grunt of pain.
Eh, he'd take what he could get.
"..."
Attempting to disentangle himself from the confrontation, the shattered pieces rushed towards Erlend. Only to be melted instantly by the heat emitted from his armor.
Thinking fast, the Night King changed his strategy. This time, he created a massive bear out of ice, taking inspiration from Erlend's earlier attacks.
"Roar!" With a thick roar, the ice bear circled the two opponents several times, searching for weakness in Erlend.
Shifting his focus, Erlend willingly disentangled from the collision and retreated. Just in time for the bear to lose its composure and pounce on him. Its sharp claws were prepared to shred him to pieces.
Ding!
Raising his blade and blocking the bear's claws, Erlend turned his body to the side, forming a sword made out of fire, and slashing at the primitive beast.
It has no thoughts of defending itself from his attack. Its limited sentience prevents it from caring about its safety, and it prefers to go on the offensive instead.
This allowed his strike to slice through its icy claws and melt its hands.
The bestial construct momentarily wavering as his sword broke through the magical bonds keeping it animated.
Taking the opportunity to conjure several fireballs, which rushed towards the bear and opened a wide gaping hole in its chest. Where its heart should have been.
This was the straw that broke the magical bonds, shattered under his attack.
He noticed that the Night King had taken this opportunity to retreat further away, placing his hands on the ground, undoubtedly attempting to summon the dead to do his bidding.
Thump...
As the giant bear's body fell to the ground with no signs of life, Erlend allowed the fireballs to dissipate. Just in time for the body to melt into the ground beneath it.
"Clever..." Frustration tinged his words as the Night King rose, his eyes looking at Erlend warily. Finally aware of his inability to summon the undead to his side, or from the ground. "That pathetic hero's powers continue to interfere where they're not welcome."
Denying a necromancer their most important skill was an achievement on its own. There was also a certain sadistic thrill to it he couldn't deny.
His foe sought to use the construct as a distraction, not realizing Erlend was simply toying with it.
"It would be silly of me to make it easy on you, hmm." Erlend could see the changes beneath his opponent's tough exterior.
There was a raging inferno within his opponent, as ironic as that sounded. Frustration over the limitations placed on him and failure to do any real damage to the living King meant that the Night King was having a hard time keeping his emotions in check.
Erlend, for his part, remained steady, knowing his foe might blow up at any moment. Therefore, he conjured another lightning bolt and sent it to his foe, not letting up whatsoever. He was quite serious about this battle, but he needed his enemy to lose control.
A long, low growl could be heard as a bolt of lightning headed towards the Night King. Ice appeared on his body, shielding it from the incoming attack.
Having long gotten used to these strikes, he appeared unfazed by the lightning heading his way. At the same time, one of his hands began to visibly change, turning to a transparent glass-like texture.
Whilst he aimed towards the lightning, the air around the two turned frigid.
The chill was becoming worse as frost gushed out of the Night King's hand, meeting the lightning head-on. Erlend was able to sense an astonishing amount of ice element collecting within the transformed hand.
Boom!
The collision between the two primal elements created a spectacular sight. Both vying for dominance over the other in a dance of will and power.
The two coiled around each other, twisting and contesting with each other. The air around them shook at the sheer energy released by the two elements.
Erlend wondered if he could weaponize this combination. A magical nuclear bomb would make for an interesting sight. Capable of even harming gods and supernatural creatures if used correctly.
Too bad this wasn't the time for experimentation.
He could see the surprise and frown on his opponent's face, not having expected Erlend to have such strong control over his elements. Understandably, he was a 'godling' in the ancient necromancer's eyes after all.
It was what made him underestimate the literal God-King in front of him after all.
Despite its best attempt to completely freeze his lightning, Erlend could see the ice struggling, beginning to waver under the might of its foe. The two were like a pair of ferocious beasts, attempting to slay each other.
"I have underestimated you, godling. I shall not make the same mistake again."
Erlend just shrugged, not his fault the Night King wasn't creative in using his abilities.
A sudden chill rose from the exiled Stark, ice was generated in mass and rushed towards Erlend, trying to take advantage of his focus on the two elements still vying for victory.
It was heading straight for his body, the sheer speed was impressive, an attempt to outpace his shields.
Contrary to his foe's expectations, the ice could not even touch him, nor was it blocked by any magical shields. Rather, it began to circle Erlend. Similar to the bear before it, the ice tentatively searched for any weak spots, but it was unable to find any.
Alarmingly, the Night King sensed his control over the element was waning. Realizing what was happening, he urged the ice to return to him, attempting to regain control over it.
Someone did not take the appearance of the ice element on the barrier too seriously, it seemed. He even lied about not underestimating Erlend, how embarrassing.
"Come now, I can't just let you leave without a proper welcome." The Cheshire grin on Friend's face did not make the Night King feel any better.
Just as the ice came close, its forms instantly changed into numerous arrows, aimed straight towards their former liege. Each arrow struck at a vital part of the Night King's body, made worse by the fact that as soon as they neared, familiar flames burst at their tips.
Frowning at the turn of events, and aware that the ice covering his body would not be enough, the Night King allowed his body to change, similar to his hand, successfully blocking most of the arrows that shattered upon impact.
Most being the key word here, as blue blood spilled out of the unlucky parts that he'd failed to stop in time.
Staring at him, the Night King grudgingly acknowledged the reality of his situation. It was painfully clear that Erlend had outmatched him in terms of control.
Even his prized element would not suffice.
Not an easy pill to swallow, considering his who knows long experience with the ice element.
To make things worse, the battle between the two elements above them had finally come to an end, with the lightning coming out victorious, as Erlend did what he did best.
He cheated.
Taking advantage of the Night King's distraction to momentarily take control of the ice element and forcefully weaken it. Hence, the ice and frost melt into liquid and fall below.
The lightning, as if declaring its victory, let out a loud crack. Transforming into a gorgeous falcon that let out a shrill call, before withdrawing to its master.
Landing gracefully on Erlend's shoulder and giving the furious Night King a challenging look. Roughly translating to 'Is that all you got?'
"…" The Night King bristled at the sight of a mere magical construct having the audacity to mock him.
Erlend for his part felt amused, the semi-sentient element was well aware of his shenanigans, the fuck did it have to be proud off?
Still, no reason to stop it, for the sight was far too useful.
Turning to his foe, he could sense that there were two distinct auras within him, and evidently, the other one was less than pleased with what was happening.
The longer this battle went on, the less control the Night King retained over the other aura, signalling an indescribable change occurring.
Letting out a sigh of frustration, the Night King glanced at the remnants of the battle above.
Speaking to no one in particular, at least not one anyone could see. "Fine, deal with him yourself." The Night King stated. Willing to hand over command to the second presence.
Upon finishing that sentence, his eyes turned dark. So dark, that it was as if all light around the exiled Stark was being sucked into his eyes. The momentum around them shifted, announcing a new presence.
He would say it was none other than the Great Other himself, but Erlend knew better. There was no change in the divine energy present. No, this was another being, assumed to be stronger than the Night King, but not strong enough to be called divine.
There was also the fact that Erlend had already prepared for said divinity's appearance, and said gift had not been activated.
Erlend could make out the sound of a low hum coming from his foe's body. Like a mechanical gear shifting and changing. To those observing, despite no visible changes aside from his eyes. The Night King had become a towering figure of raw, unbridled power.
Unrestrained, savage, and primal were the best descriptions he could give.
Moving towards Erlend at a sedate pace, confidence brimming from every fiber of his being, whoever this was did not share the same wariness the Night King now had of him.
Their movements were unnervingly fluid, like a predator sizing up its prey.
Not one to stand there like a gaping idiot, whilst moving swiftly around his opponent, Erlend sent several severing charms towards his opponent's chest. Concluding the chain with a rather brutal sectumsempra.
Best to make some use of his gift from the old man.
The entity neither dodged the incoming spells nor raised ice sheets to protect itself, preferring to take them head-on without concern for its safety, confident that its odd form would be able to protect it.
Confidence wasn't everything, as icy blue blood spurted from the entity, as if its chest had been slashed with an invisible sword.
The Night King or entity staggered backward, though credit where credit is due, it didn't collapse, keeping itself standing, if unsteadily. There was no anger or rage at the wound it suffered. Rather, it kept its eyes on Erlend and grinned savagely.
Was this a natural masochist?
"Interesting."
He figured it would be more emotional compared to its counterpart, but it seems that was not the case when put into practice.
Well, since this appeared to be a possession of sorts, willingly given if the Night King's last words were any indication. It wouldn't do any harm to make use of the traditional counter to said phenomena.
One could either use holy incantations and complementary holy water, or they could use runes.
"…"
Deciding to stick to what he knew best. A set of runes appeared around the entity, restraining its movements as Erlend moved toward it.
It tilted its head curiously at them, faint recognition appearing on its face as it observed them.
There was no doubt that the first men had used these runes during the Long Night.
Surprisingly, as Erlend appeared right in front of it, the entity reached out towards the runes, powered by his magic.
As soon as its hands touched one, the rune flickered for a moment before vanishing altogether.
Quickly doing the same with the rest, the entity smugly turned to face Erlend. Unfortunately for its efforts, it was met with an aura-encased punch by the Southern King.
Please, it was merely a magic-based rune, not his divine energy nor even his aura.
He did not stop solely at that, apparating in the direction it was heading towards and grabbing it by its legs. The entity could only let out a short gasp as it was flung towards the top barrier, unable to control its body.
Without hesitation, several cutting curses were sent towards its unprotected back. Finally eliciting a cry of pain from the entity.
Huh, so it did feel pain. Just had a higher capacity for it.
Giving it little time, more runes appeared around it. This time around, Erlend restrained each of the entity's limbs with a runic chain. Making it unable to touch any directly.
Just in time for its body to plummet back to the earth's embrace. Creating a crater upon impact.
Lips twitching, Erlend was speechless. Usually, when one lets go and decides to power up, so to speak, they'd do something outrageous. It was the opposite as Erlend practically manhandled his foe.
Hmm, maybe he was being unfair about it. It's not like it expected to deal with a cheater such as his honorable self.
Trapped within the more intricate runic array. The entity shrieked an unholy scream of fury and vengeance.
Its emotions finally reached a breaking point as its moment of glory and aura of dread was shattered.
Erlend did nothing in response, waiting for it to do whatever it wanted so it could free itself. A foolish decision to the casual observer, but a necessary one if he wanted to draw out his true target.
Glancing at the outer battlefield, Erlend could see the tides were changing.
The living were gradually gaining ground against their undead foe. More and more Walkers were perishing at the hands of the greatest warriors humanity had to offer this side of the world.
It was a mistake to let the living create a continuous rhythm. Their morale was further boosted by their King's show of power and blatant manhandling of its most feared foe. A mistake the more intelligent Walkers were well aware of, but unable to put a stop to.
Returning his focus towards the entity, Erlend watched as the power it had drawn upon reacted to the runic arrays.
The best way to describe it was that they were being frozen solid. No, an even better description was that the runes were incapacitated, unable to carry out their task.
He knew Esdeath could technically freeze time using her teigu. Slowing down kinetic energy and perception of time within a limited space.
This was a bare-bones version of that. Though far more energy-intensive, the entity had just used more energy and power than the Night King had throughout the battle.
Fascinating, he hadn't known the Night King or that the entity was capable of doing this.
No, he was going about this the wrong way. This had the Great Other's name all over it. The exiled Stark simply could not achieve such a thing, since his powers were incredibly limited during his imprisonment.
Not to mention, in terms of knowledge and skill. The once human was incapable of real development, too busy wallowing in his past failures to truly discover the future.
That left only the ancient deity as an option, maybe the entity, too, but if he had originally had such capabilities, then he would already have achieved victory over Azor Ahai.
Yes, he had a faint idea of who this entity was. Its primal nature reveals it to be none other than the poor Stark, who had been forcefully transformed by the demons of the forest.
Yet another victim of their foolish actions. It didn't mean he'd spare the poor bastard, but he deserved a dignified end at least.
"Took you long enough."
The bastard looked worse for wear. His injuries were healing, but it was visibly slower compared to before. His already pale blue body had somehow become paler.
Pure black eyes glinting with a malevolence, indicating that someone had had enough.
Deciding to be polite. "After you, then, there's no need to be shy. " Erlend motioned with his hands. The blatant taunt only made the tense silence worse.
A part of him took great satisfaction, seeing the struggle that Raymond's killer felt. The other part merely stood at the ready, calculating his next action to further push his enemy beyond his breaking point.
'Come on, you bastard, I know you want to take action. Stop wasting my time.'
True to form, the avatar of Winter had had enough.
Erlend could sense the figure reaching outwards, attempting to bypass the barrier and touching upon its Walkers.
Unguarded as they were to their leader, the Walkers had only seconds to react before their energy pools were sucked dry, freezing in confusion and incomprehension.
The living took the opportunity provided to deliver decisive blows towards the Walkers, instantly killing them and taking out their wights with them, who collapsed like puppets without strings.
For a moment, the outer battlefield went silent as crystals of ice saturated the air. It was an admittedly breathtaking sight, as if a blizzard had suddenly been frozen in time.
Moments later, all the crystals converged on the barrier and bombarded it with all their might. Attempting to pierce through the shields that kept the Night King and the Entity weakened and limited as they were.
Erlend found himself in disagreement with these actions. This simply would not do.
At first glance, it seemed as if the Night King merely wished to expand his capabilities, but the young ascendant could easily see through the ruse. The infamous legend was practically reeking with raw, unadulterated fear. Having now realized how over his head he was.
As for why he hadn't used that 'time' stop ability or whatever the fuck the Great Other called it, it was probabaly the cost of such an action was too high or had a cooldown.
Therefore, it wasn't much of a surprise that he was willing to sacrifice his subordinates for the temporary boost in power. Putting on a show of power was meant to intimidate him, to force him back, just so he could make his escape.
Desperation clawed at the man, as the ice crystals formed two large hands that brought themselves down on the barrier. Enough that several cracks could be seen, as the sheer force was enough to give even the horse god trouble.
Erlend did not stand still. Calmly placing his hands on the ground, and allowing some of his divinity to escape.
The Entity sharply turned his head towards him at the sudden appearance of divine power. Letting a snarl of anger as the cracks visibly repaired themselves.
"NO!"
Reacting to its lord's demand. The hands brought themselves down again, this time with even more power. Simultaneously forcing the temperature around them to plummet to levels beyond what mere mortals could handle.
It was enough that those men watching far too closely were instantly frozen by the change of temperature.
Seeing what was happening to their companions, the living immediately retreated as they realized that they would be of no help now. The army they had been facing only moments ago was now gone, as the Night King attempted to change directions.
Finding the constant beating his barrier was taking annoying, Erlend decided to be petty.
Hands shining brightly as flames materialized out of thin air, slowly grouping, as the King willed them to gather closer. A massive fiery avatar of his eldest draconian child would be the result of the process, wrapping itself around his body and making his foe turn pale in remembrance.
Giving his opponent a dry look. "Two can play that game," Erlend stated. Proceeding to summon even more fire, and letting it gather and form another dragon.
This one resembled Verna instead. Floating around him and trying to get closer, but unable as Jinhua's avatar possessively clung to him in a familiar song and dance.
The scorching heat emitted by the two avatars forcefully altered the temperature within the area. Verna's avatar twists its body to get a good look at its surroundings. At the same time, several roars could be heard farther away, as his two draconian children reacted to the familiar presence of their flame avatars.
Erlend had deliberately sent them to patrol the eastern and western points of the Wall. Guarding it from any second and third waves of Walkers that the Night King might try to sneak in whilst Erlend and the men were busy with the main battlefields.
There was no guarantee that the bastard hadn't prepared such contingencies.
The Entity did not take kindly to being reacquainted with the two avatars that had run roughshod through his ranks just days before. Without hesitation, its focus partially shifted from the two icy hands towards the beasts.
His eyes glowed briefly as the ground beneath the two opponents trembled. Several pillars of ice rose from the ground, heeding the entity's call and rushing towards the two living flames.
Attempting to box in the two, whilst urging the hands to strike at the barrier even harder.
With one of the avatars clinging to him, the pillars surrounded Erlend, supposedly trapping him in place. Realizing this, the Entity summoned even more pillars, building upon the existing cage.
Curiously, Erlend noticed the two auras within the Night King's body steadily merging while all this was happening. Something his opponent's two consciousnesses didn't seem to realize as he put all his focus on imprisoning Erlend and breaking the barrier.
Not taking kindly to the 'cage', his two avatars flicked their tails at the pillars, damaging them in the process. Though just as soon as that happened, the pillar would be replaced by the second batch of pillars.
Causing his clingy flame to hiss in indignation.
He did not interfere in the merger between the two auras. Aware that this was likely the work of a certain god. Unfortunately for the bastard, Erlend had taken inspiration from the World's Will and its handling of the flame demon.
Finally, the real fun was about to start!
Deciding to play along, Erlend calmly observed the second avatar.
It was being far more active in its fight against the pillars. Hands and limbs forming from the pillars and attempting to restrain the flame beast.
Be it through breathing fire or using its body to melt or damage the pillars of ice, the avatar was putting up a hell of a fight, contrasting greatly with the clingy avatar on top of him.
The Entity or Night King continued to summon several pillars, doing his best to restrain the two avatars, whilst he urged the two great hands, now the size of small buildings, to destroy the barrier.
It was somewhat difficult to discern which consciousness was now in control, the two working in tandem to break free.
That singular focus on escaping wasn't working too well for them, since Erlend occasionally sent bursts of his divine energy towards the barrier and repaired whatever damage was inflicted on it.
He had to give it to the Cryomancer. He was no chump. He had the will to continue despite how ridiculous his situation had become.
As the Night King and his boo focused on breaking the barrier and restraining the avatars, Erlend allowed even more divine energy to escape his body.
It was a blatant taunt towards the soul of ice hidden beneath the depths. This time, instead of sending it towards the barrier, he let it wash over him. His skin shone, as pale green light quietly surrounded his body.
As if alarmed by the sudden change, the gradual merger between the two auras within the necromancer sped up, the lord of darkness noticing what Erlend was doing and alarmed by it.
Those pillars that surrounded Erlend and his avatar began to break, cracks appearing all over them, much to the confusion of the Night King, having wrongly assumed that it temporarily able to hold him.
Before the Cryomancer could reinforce the pillars, Erlend took control over the pillars and shattered them in the process, as they failed to contain the power he ran through them.
Apparating behind the Night King, Erlend found himself face-first with a heavy blow from his alarmed foe. Only for it to be blocked mid-way by his magical shields.
Giving his enemy a friendly grin, Erlend grasped his hands. Letting his aura wash over the stunned necromancer. Reaching towards the nearly complete merged auras within his body.
'Come on now, surely you aren't going to let that slide.'
Just before his power could come in contact with the two auras. A foreign power, one that far outstripped the Night King, blocked his way. Sending Erlend a few inches back in the process.
Giving the two auras time to complete the merger.
The unsuspecting Night King only had bare seconds to realize what was going on before his eyes went vacant. No doubt sent back to the far reaches of his mind, taking his monstrosity of an ancestor with him in the process. The body remained motionless, as its soul was forcefully imprisoned within it.
Far from being displeased by his 'failure'. "You sure as hell took your time, we finally get to meet face to face, eh?" Erlend warmly greeted the latest occupant.
It was enough to confuse the newest occupant as he got his bearings straight.
There was no emotion on the 'Night King's' face, no great hatred for the enemy ahead of him, or savage delight at facing a worthy opponent.
A blank slate, one could say. The eyes no longer a cold blue nor as dark as midnight, no, it would be better to liken them to pale milky white.
Tilting its head towards the recently ascendant god. "Your arrogance knows no bounds, godling. I expected nothing less from the newest dog of those false idols," The newest occupant stated. Its tone was one of unmistakable disdain.
As if Erlend was barely worth its time and attention. As if he were an ant that could be squashed at any time.
Its voice seemed to throw those observing off. At the same time, Erlend could feel several auras disappearing, running with their tails tucked in between their legs. The sheer fear these 'harmless' observers felt at the presence of the Great Other was amusing to see.
Fortunately for the living fighting for their survival, Erlend did not share their fear.
"Ah, you're one of those. How oddly fitting of someone who calls itself the 'Great'." Erlend mused, unsurprised by the older deity's contempt. "Should I call you Other? Or would you prefer Cold? Ice? Freeze? Hmm, so many options, so many nicknames."
"You'll address me respectfully, human." The Great Other snarled, not taking his nonchalance too well.
The way he said human didn't sit well with Erlend. Who knew gods could be speciesists?
"Please, spare me the false arrogance. You think I'll just roll over and let you and your fellow band of nitwits mess with my Realm?"
The god stared right back at him, his eyes saying all that needed to be said.
Looking at his opponent amusedly, Erlend didn't mind popping his fantasy. "Think again, old man. Your time interfering in this plane has come to an end, you and the rest of those leeches."
A serpentine lightning bolt parted from the green light surrounding Erlend. Crackling around his body, before dashing through the air, and surrounding the Great Other.
The scowl on the deity's face was interesting to see, as it involuntarily flinched from the phantom pain Erlend had imposed on its possessed body. Hands turning into thin ice blades, trying to cut straight through the serpentine lightning that was surrounding it.
The deity was successful in the process and cleaved the avatar into two, treating it as nothing more than a buzzing mosquito.
Jerking its head slightly towards the direction of the motionless hands outside the barrier, whose actions shifted from attempting to break the barrier, instead rushing towards the observing Bannermen. Undoubtedly, aiming to claim souls for their new master.
Unfortunately for the hands, they were met with two flaming avatars of destruction. The living flames had been removed by Erlend and placed outside the barrier for this exact situation. This wasn't made better by the approaching roars of Erlend's draconian children, as he finally summoned them to the battlefield.
Confident that the Great Other would be unable to enslave them now that he'd had him where he wanted him.
The distraction happening outside gave Erlend the time needed to conjure even more elements, with earthen arms appearing beneath the deity and grabbing hold of the Night King's body. With but a thought, water condensed from the atmosphere around the deity and covered its head.
Several bolts erupted from the cleaved parts of the lightning serpent and formed chains on the deity's hands. It was by no means enough to trap the Great Other, but it gave Erlend the time he needed to complete his next goal.
Their restraining effects were powered by the very same properties that had allowed him to deal with the horse god.
Erlend spread his aura around, this time allowing his divine power to fall upon his followers. Letting it wash over them as he prepared to shield them from what he intended to do.
At the same time, he moved towards the barrier that had stumped the Night King, the ascendant placed his hands on it as his foe actively struggled to break free from its restraints.
Upon contact, the barrier flickered briefly before shattering into what appeared to be glass pieces.
Broken shards consisting of numerous pieces and ranging in size from tiny shards to larger, more substantial fragments spread around the two gods. Surrounding them in a breathtaking scene.
It looked as if reality around them had shattered into numerous pieces, with the two gods being the only complete parts.
A kaleidoscope of colors was reflected by the shards and fragments, in the process emitting runic inscriptions of various sizes and meanings.
That wasn't enough for Erlend. A god as ancient and powerful as the Great Other deserved nothing but the best, and luckily, he was reminded of a familiar situation. One he would take great inspiration from.
Elements that had restrained the older god were transformed into more concrete chains. One was made from a peculiar-looking black-green gem.
Along the chains, embers of black flames danced around it in a hypnotic sway that entranced the eyes of those watching. Twisting around each other in a primal dance of dominance, yet always remaining in contact with the black-green chains.
The God of Night and Terror struggled against these new chains, unable to understand the power coursing through them as they actively began to absorb his power, limiting his control and keeping him on edge. Yet, despite being trapped as he was, the deity proved his strength by letting his domains do the talking for him.
Despite slowly feeling the connection between him and his domains fail him for the first time, he called for their aid, an attempt to break free while he still retained a semblance of power, refusing to fall without a struggle.
Glaring with unconcealed hatred for the younger god who was humiliating him. The infamous deity called for his domains to come to his aid.
A fierce storm broke out as the Great Other's domains answered their master's call.
Pure raw untethered power, unseen on the continent for eons. Desperation clung to their very essence, a symbol of the past's refusing to yield. Unleashing streaks of massive frost and ice towards Erlend, tearing through the sky in the process.
Below them, the ground shook and groaned as the snow hardened beneath them, like sleeping giants awakening from their slumber, they rose steadily, swirling around the ascendant god.
One smirk, that was all the Great Other provided before the streaks and hardened snow surged towards him.
Yet, they missed. Passing right by the ascendant's body and rushing towards a far different target. Sensing this, Erlend remained calm. There was no fear or outrage, just simple cold calculation as he stared down his bound opponent.
The shards and fragments that surrounded them moved on their own, faster than the Great Other's attempt to increase the reach of his faltering domains. Dashing towards the Bannermen who'd been quietly watching all this occur.
Death. His foe needed more death, hoping to use its energy to break free.
Unfortunately, floating gently above the mortals were hundreds of barriers, akin to the one he'd used to restrain the Night King, enveloping them in a protective hemisphere.
Each barrier was conspicuously rooted in the shards or fragments that hovered above, casting a large shadow upon them.
In the face of raw, untamed power, those who had fought for the living felt like mere ants standing in the paths of giants.
They would not have time to comprehend this, with the barriers forming just in time for the streaks of frost, ice, and hardened snow to make contact. Causing a loud groan that was echoed by the rest of the barriers.
The Great Other's attempt fails in its tracks.
As they fell to the ground beneath them, the streaks and chunks caused an earth-shattering blast. Carving such a massive chasm beneath them that it would permanently alter this landscape for centuries to come.
Conspicuously, the lands on which the living stood remained untouched, as the chasm revealed the twin of the hemisphere, guarding them from below.
Rather, it would be more apt to say that the barrier's true shape finally showcased itself, a sphere of remarkable spell work, one that closely interlinked the divine with the magical.
Under normal circumstances, Erlend would have taken the time to admire this divine-made art; unfortunately, his focus remained on his foe.
On the other hand, the mortals had no time to react. In seconds, the very environment around them had turned against them, as winter's wrath fell upon them, only for their King to stop it with such ease that it left them breathless.
The aftermath was forever etched in their minds, as its effects had left a permanent mark on these lands.
Seeing his frantic actions fail, the Great Other went silent. Unable to understand the mind of his opponent.
"..."
His hand movements, as minuscule as they were, trembled. Eyes locked towards an opponent who remained unruffled by the events that had transpired.
Gritting his teeth stubbornly, the ancient god let out a guttural snarl. "YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THIS FROM ME!" He roared in defiance.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Once again, the ice and snow surged, heeding their master's call. Madly rushing the barriers and attacking them with such ferocity that one could almost believe that they were alive.
Even the gargantuan icy hands broke off from their struggle with the dragon avatars and joined in the attack.
It was a terrifying sight to behold. Akin to the world seemingly turning against humanity itself and doing its best to eradicate them. Yet, Erlend's protection held.
Holding strong against the encroaching darkness that threatened to wipe them out.
"You reek of desperation and inadequacy. Did you think I would let you kill my people and do nothing, Fallen?" Erlend's voice wasn't particularly loud, but it was enough to spread throughout the battlefield, reaching the furthest corners of these lands.
Glaring hatefully at him, "Impossible, you cannot protect them forever. Thanks to your foolhardy actions, I will not be able to stop my domains."
As he spoke, the chains glowed, like a fungus, a black-green material akin to the gem began spreading all over his body, only further reducing his grip over his domains.
He was being sealed, the ancient god realized. Something he instinctively knew he could not stop. Nevertheless, he refused to go down alone. The deity wanted a pyrrhic victory, one that would bring down the insolent godling from his high horse.
Erlend was well aware of this thought process. It wasn't as if the Great Other was trying to hide it.
"Ah, so that's your play. Tell me, Frozon, what do you think my primary domain is, Hmm?"
"Elements, perhaps? No, that's far too obvious. Magic? Good guess, but I've yet to reach that far. Runes? I certainly am handy with aren't I?" Erlend mused, letting some of the narcissism escape him.
Scowling at his enemy. The older deity snorted in derision. "Insolent wretch, speak your mind or finish your scheme, I have no interest in your games."
"Ah, where's the fun in that. Games are what we divines excel at after all." Chuckling to himself, Erlend gave the older god an exaggerated wink. "Tsk, you aren't any fun. No wonder no one invites you to the family gatherings."
As if responding to the god's anger, the streaks and chunks increased the intensity of their attacks on the barriers, with the far too large hands even going so far as to hurtle towards Erlend in an attempt to squash him like a bug.
This time, it wasn't his magical shields that protected him from the assault. No, it was none other than Jinhua and Verna, their speed betraying their size as they met the two large hands head-on.
Appearing out of nowhere in the eyes of everyone watching.
Wrapped around their bodies were the living flames, forming intricate armor around the dragons and guarding their most sensitive parts. The competitive avatars were finally working in tandem to deal with the hands.
Unruffled by the attack on his honorable self. Erlend continued unabated. "No, while they certainly play a role in my domain, they are but a part of a greater puzzle. Care to take a proper guess? Hell, I'll even give you a hint, I am the World's beloved."
Staring quizzically at him, the God of Night and Terror took a metaphorical step backwards.
As for those watching, especially the mortals, who despite their distance and the barrier sheltering them were well able to hear everything being said at the moment.
It finally began to dawn on them that this was no longer a battle between King and Nightmare, no, it went so far beyond that that they could no longer tell what was reality and what was legend.
A scene that could no longer be likened to one from the age of heroes, not when it had already surpassed it.
Many dropped to their knees, paying devoutly to anything, to anyone who would give them answers.
No… the Gods did not deserve their worship, for where were they in their time of need? Where were they when Winter's fury befell them? No, there was only one person they could place their hopes on. To their King, to their Lord and Savior!
He who was no longer simply a man or mortal.
He who dominated this continent from the moment he stepped on it.
He who made mankind's greatest foe tremble, feel fear for the first time, and understand the pain that ants that he once trampled upon felt.
Just like that, a flower bloomed, its petals finally revealed. The implications are not yet understood, but would forever shape the world from henceforth.
Erlend understood this. He felt the shift in the air around him, the budding worship his people felt towards him, the awe he inspired within them. Yet, he did not turn, eyes firmly on the opponent that had gone silent.
"..."
As if grasping something, the white eyes of his foe glimmered with contempt. "Ah… Should I congratulate you or pity you, godling? You think you won just because you have achieved your goals?" Pausing briefly as if to find the right words to say.
"There will come a time when you shall meet your end just like the rest of us, know that I'll be there to welcome you when the world forgets you."
Gazing with disappointment towards his foe, Erlend shook his head. "You still don't understand, Other." He refused to elaborate. That was how villains were brought down after all.
With a wave of his hands, the black-green material that had nearly spread all over his opponent's body sped up. Leaving only his frozen white eyes to stare at him challengingly.
As the material finally covered the ancient deity's resentful eyes. Erlend decided to give his foe closure. "Winter was only meant to be temporary, a part of a greater cycle. One, you failed to understand despite your age."
With that said, several runic symbols appeared, surrounding the encased figure. So potent was their power that it forced the deity to its knees. Reinforcing the runes was his divine aura, trapping the ancient god on the spot, unable to escape.
Appearing right in front of the trapped deity. Erlend shook his head as several more runes appeared around the two deities. The first men's runes symbolize capture, hold, seal, and separation, shining brightly.
Two familiar flames appeared next to him, both burning bright, shining light on their gloomy surroundings.
A familiar scene, one mirroring that of the Great Other's self-proclaimed other half. Though this time, Erlend would not have the pleasure of seeing his opponent's expression.
As the flames converged on the two, they merged with the black flames that danced around his enemy's chains, increasing the intensity and heat they were emitting.
Not one to underestimate his foes, the younger god went further than he had previously, layering runes over each other. As well as going so far as to increase the suppressive properties that the black-green material held.
It was an unholy amalgamation of some of the best sealing this world could offer.
The final step was one Erlend had only decided just this moment, gently calling for the world beneath him to provide support in his endeavors. Letting it input some of its own will within the seal, too.
A final contingency, one that would prevent even his descendants from freeing the vengeful divine and the two Starks trapped within, in some mad quest for vengeance or something of that sort.
So long as this world existed, nothing could release the Lord of Darkness. That was Erlend's gift to the foe that had the potential to threaten multiple universes.
Hmm, he still hadn't told the pale fucker of his domains. Eh, Frozon would have all the time in the world to think about it.
As he finished up with his foe, his surroundings visibly changed. The sealing of the Great Other, releasing what control remained over his domains and causing the streaks of ice and frost to free-fall, conveniently filling the chasm beneath them.
The two hands that had fought fiercely with his draconian children were but a pale shadow of themselves, visibly melting under the unrelenting fury of his bonded, having lost the power that kept them animated.
Glancing towards subordinates who were still being shielded by his barriers, Erlend could see that most, if not all, had fallen to their knees, looking at him with so much devotion that it was nearly blinding.
'Ah, I do love it when everything goes to plan.'
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Note: I'll be honest, I completely struggled with this chapter. Fight scenes are not my forte, that's for sure. Anyways, we should be done with the fic soon enough. I'll probably be expanding on my one-shots for a while, before finally starting on a new project, though the MC won't be so overpowered off the bat like this one. I'm thinking of a Baratheon/Durrandon-centric MC as a core idea I might explore.
- Son of Lyanna and Robert, Post-Rebellion
- Son of an OC (Daughter to Boremund) and Aegon (Son of Baelon), House of Dragon
- Nephew of Argilac the Arrogant, Pre-Conquest
Two of these will have an Essos-centric plotline. While one will push canon off a cliff, Mufasa style.