In the Age of Ancients the world was unformed, shrouded by fog. A land of grey crags, arching trees and everlasting dragons.
Then there was Fire and with Fire came Disparity. Heat and cold, life and death, and of course... Light and Dark.
From the Dark they came, and found the Souls of Lords within the flame. Nito, the First of the Dead; The Witch of Izalith and her daughters of Chaos; Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight, with his faithful knights; And the furtive pygmy, so easily forgotten.
With the Strength of Lords, they challenged the dragons.
Gwyn's mighty bolts peeled apart their stone scales. The witches weaved great firestorms. Nito unleashed a miasma of death and disease. Seath the Scaleless betrayed his own and the dragons were no more.
Thus began the Age of Fire...
But soon, the flames will fade and only Dark will remain. Even now, there are only embers and man sees not light, but only endless nights. Amongst the living are seen carriers of the accursed Darksign…
Yes, indeed. The Darksign brands the Undead. And in this land, the Undead are corralled and led to the north, where they are locked away, to await the end of the world... This is your fate…
A lone knight, in Elite Knight armor, sat locked within a cell, in the depths of an Asylum. Locked away and forgotten in a prison built to hold hollows. He was not chained up, for he had nowhere else to go. Clutched in his hands is the remnant of his attempt to resist his capture. Hollows' moans can be heard echoing through the long hallways.
"I've been here for so long…I'm beginning to think there is nothing left outside these walls…" the knight sighed.
Throughout his sentence, the training from his past has kept his mind and humanity intact. Amongst the screams echoing through the halls, faint voices are occasionally heard.
"At least I know I'm not the only one with a sense of humanity left in this place."
A loud bang came from the end of the hallway, in the light of the flung open doors stood three silhouettes. Two hollow soldiers, each with a spear and shield, were dragging a body between them.
"Looks like they found another."
The knight watched as the two guards dragged the new body down the hall. They arrived at the cell beside the knight's. They were about to open the cell door, but instead turned and open the lone knight's cell. One guard held a spear out to prevent an escape, the other threw the new body into the cell.
"Aw, don't put that in here."
The guard closed the door, almost looking like it had a smile, and the pair left the way they came. The knight looked at the body, sighing at his new cellmate. The new body was dressed in standard thief garb, with a broken longsword.
"Well, at least it's easy to kill a stupid hollow."
The knight stood up, and was about to drop his boot onto the new hollows head, when it woke up.
"Ugh, now where am I?" it said.
"Oh, you can talk. Welcome to hell," the knight said, placing his boot back on the ground.
The thief turned on the ground, sat up, and dusted himself off. When he dusted his right off, it revealed a seal engraved into it. The knight immediately recognized the strange seal. He kicked the thief in the chest, to force him back onto the ground. His boot was swiftly placed on the thief's chest.
"I should kill you right here," he said bitterly.
"What? What are you doing?" the thief cried.
"You follow the heretic Artorias. You deserve to die."
The thief grabbed the knight's ankle in an attempt to remove it, but was still in a weakened state.
"Yes, I follow Sir Artorias, what of it? He was a brave knight, and went missing trying to save a city and a princess!" the thief called back.
"He betrayed his king, went on a suicide mission, and died due to his actions."
"He is missing, there is no proof to his death!"
"There is plenty of proof! I should to kill you on the spot! However, I will not, as a decomposing body does not make good company. You stay over there, and keep your mouth shut."
The knight lifted his foot, and the thief got up. They parted to opposite corners of the cell, the knight taking the only bed.
Suddenly, a hole opened up in the roof. Another Elite Knight stood in the opening. A dead hollow body fell through the hole, landing between the knight and thief. He nodded, and continued on the roof. The knight checked the body, being very careful to keep an eye on the thief. He grabbed a small key from the body.
"A key, most likely to the cell door," the thief said sarcastically.
"Gee, I thought it went to the other door we have access to," the knight retorted.
The knight proceeded to reach through the bars, insert the key into the hole, and turn. The old gate slowly opened, then fell off its hinges, landing on the floor with a bang.
"So you're telling me you could have broken that door down at any time, but you never did…" the thief said.
"I tried for the first year I was in here, then gave up and accepted it. Besides, where would I go? Not like I have anything to live for outside these walls," the knight said.
"Everyone has something to live for."
"My own father chose loyalty over family, and handed me to the guards to be thrown in here."
"Well, that's what you get for following a man blinded by foolish loyalty. At least Artorias knew when to not follow orders and act on belief."
The knight shrugged off the comment, and proceeded through the duo walked slowly down the thin hallway, checking each cell on the way for guards or other survivors. Finally, they came across a cell with two men playing a game that was drawn on the floor of their cell. Both looked up, got up, and wandered to the cell door. One wore basic leather armor, the other had monk robes.
"You the guys that were yelling at each other yesterday?" leather man said.
"Aye, we were. This fool is a follower of the heretic Artorias," the knight said, pointing to the thief.
"Is he now? I have heard of Artorias. Actually, I was trained by a man who worked alongside one of the other knights beside Artorias."
"So you agree to his heresy?"
"I never said that. It was none of my business, thus I only heard what my master told."
"I see, what of your cellmate?"
"I was raised and trained by a group of clerics. I have no idea what you people are even talking about, and honestly, don't care. Both sides have valid arguments against the other I assume, therefore each party is both right and wrong," the cleric explained.
Everyone stood staring at him in complete confusion at that statement. A massive smash broke the silence.
"Sounds like a fight is going down on the roof!" leather man called.
"Must be that knight who gave us the key. Here, let me unlock your door."
The knight unlocked their door, and the group of four continued down the hall. They came to a ladder, and one by one ascended it. They went through another small doorway into a courtyard area. In the center of the courtyard sat an inactive pile of ash and bones with a very old sword standing in the center. Almost by instinct, the group of four gathered around the blade, held out their hand, and the ash pile burst to life. The group staggered back, shocked at the sudden burst of flames.
"What happened?" leather man asked.
"I think that was called 'lighting the flame.' It was something a large number of clerics in my order were tasked of doing, along with kindling it," the cleric said.
"Well, I don't know about any of you, but I feel re-invigorated," the knight said.
"Same here, it's strange that a simple bonfire can do such a thing," leather man said.
"Well, let's keep moving. See what else is here,"
There was another smash, this time followed by a crumbling sound and a metal clang, with a few small metallic tinks to follow.
"That came from upstairs! Hurry, let's get these doors open!"
The group bolted for the large green doors. The knight and cleric pushed the right door, while the others pushed the left. The doors flew open to reveal a large open room with another set of doors on the opposite side.
"Be on your guard…"
The group cautiously walked through the doors into the large room. The doors slammed behind, making everyone jump.
"I don't like this…" the cleric said.
Suddenly, a large beast dropped from a ledge on the roof, landing with a loud bang.
"Move!"
The large demon wielded a huge hammer, which it started swinging wildly. The group dodged attacks left and right, but could not fight the demon.
"Our broken weapons won't do crap!" the leather man said.
"Quick, over here!" the thief called, gesturing to an open gate.
The remaining three dashed for the gate. The knight was the last, sliding through the closing gate. Another bonfire waited just inside. The group lit the fire, and continued on. The knight peeked around the next corner, and almost got shot by an arrow.
"There is an archer at the end of the hallway," he said.
""Look, there is a pile of confiscated weapons and shields in that room just here," the thief said, pointing to an adjacent room.
"Okay, one by one, dodge the arrows and dive into the room."
The thief was first to go. He rolled out of the doorway, jumped the arrow, and dodged into the room. He grabbed the first shield he saw, a small round shield, and jumped back into the hallway.
"Go, I will cover you!" he called.
The cleric ran into the room as the thief parried an incoming arrow to the side. The cleric grabbed a wooden shield and joined the thief in blocking arrows. The knight was next, grabbing a metal kite shield. Last was the leather man who grabbed a round shield. He also found a small knife amongst the discarded gear.
"I got this, keep me covered," leather man said.
He held the small knife by its blade, pulled his arm back, and threw it. The knife flew down the hallway, embedding itself point first in the hollow archer's forehead.
"How did you do that?" the cleric asked.
"They don't call me Dextrous for nothing," he answered.
"So your name is Dextrous?" the knight asked.
"Sure is."
"Fitting…"
The group went back into the small room and rooted through the weapons piled up there. The thief came out with a short sword, cleric with a mace, Dextrous with a falchion, and knight with a broadsword.
"Alright, let's get moving."
They jogged down the long hallway, being careful that nothing else comes out to shoot at them. Dextrous grabbed the archer's shortbow and stock of arrows on his way. They exited the door, coming into a hallway overlooking the courtyard where the first bonfire was lit. They turned right, and came to a dual staircase.
"Up or down?" the thief asked.
"You go up, I will go down, the rest stay here," the knight ordered.
The knight started down the stairs, looking up to see a hollow standing beside a boulder.
"Sucker. That'll teach you to follow a traitor."
The knight arrived at a gate, which led to the starting bonfire. He opened it, and headed back up. Meanwhile the thief was half way up the stairs when the hollow pushed the boulder, which rolled down the staircase. He dodged to the right, over the side if the stairs, only to land on top of the knight. The boulder barely missed Dextrous and the cleric, only to crash through the wall behind them.
"Get off me you fool!" the knight called.
The thief rolled off the knight and stood up. The knight slowly got up, glaring at the thief. Both of them walked up the stairs to meet up with the cleric and Dextrous.
"That was close, you guys okay?" the cleric asked, trying to ease the mood.
"Fine," the thief said.
"Same, aside my back," the knight said bitterly.
"That serves you right. I'm not stupid, or blind," the thief thought.
"Look, it made a hole in the wall," Dextrous said.
The group peeked inside, only to find another knight lying on a large pile of rubble. A beam of light was cast on him from a large hole in the roof.
"You're the one who helped up get out!" the thief called.
"Oh, you. You're no Hollow, eh? Thank goodness. I'm done for, I'm afraid. I'll die soon, then lose my sanity. I wish to ask something of you. You and I, we're both Undead. Hear me out, will you?" he asked.
"You freed us, we will listen," the knight said.
"I am Oscar, Knight of Astora. Regrettably, I have failed in my mission. But perhaps you can keep the torch lit. There is an old saying in my family. 'Thou who art Undead, art chosen.' In thine exodus from the Undead Asylum, maketh pilgrimage to the land of Ancient Lords. When thou ringeth the Bell of Awakening, the fate of the Undead thou shalt know. Well, now you know. And I can die with hope in my heart…"
"Ring the bell? What and where is this bell?" the cleric asked.
"Oh, one more thing. Here, take this, an Estus Flsk, an undead favorite."
He held out a green flask with a glowing orange liquid inside. The knight took the small flask from Oscar, but noticed he was still holding one.
"What the…" he wondered.
He reached for it with his other hand, but could not grasp it. The thief tried, and took one from Oscar's hand.
"We each can take one, seems like we can only have one though," he said.
Dextrous took the next, and when the cleric took his, it was the one in Oscar's hand.
"Oh, and this," Oscar said, holding a key.
The knight took the key.
"Now I must bid farewell. I would hate to harm you after death. So, go now. And thank you…"
His arm went limp, and he laid very still.
"You freed us, we shall continue your quest. I swear it," the knight said, clutching the key.
He turned around, and marched out the door. The cleric said a quick prayer for the fallen knight, and followed with Dextrous in tail.
"So he does have a heart," the thief thought.
He turned around to meet the rest outside. Suddenly, there was a strange noise, followed by a moan. Shortly after, a small glow appeared on the waist of each member.
"What's going on?" the thief asked.
A small crystal appeared on the belt of each person. A small white mist flowed from inside the room they were just in, split into four streams, and flowed into the gems.
"What was that?" the cleric asked.
"I have no idea," Dextrous said.
"We will find out someday, right now, we need to get out of here," the knight said.
They went up the stairs, unlocked the door, and headed onto a balcony area. There was a large number of dead hollow bodies, some of which had some items beside them. The cleric ran up to one and picked up a mass of cloth.
"Not what I'm used to, but it will work," he said.
"What is it?" Dextrous asked.
"A talisman. Now I can use a few of my general miracles to help us."
The knight walked up to a body and picked up a stick. He placed it in a loop on his belt that seemed to fit it perfectly. He continued across the balcony to a corner. The two hollowed soldiers that threw the thief into the cell came around the corner. Their shields were raised, spears out, and walking forward.
"You dare taint my cell with that heretic's presence!" he yelled.
He drew his sword, placed his shield on his back, and charged forward. He kicked the shield of one guard, breaking its guard. He plunged his sword through it, getting it stuck. He grabbed the falling spear from the air spun around, planting his hands appropriately on the pole. He parried the first stab from the other guard, swept the spear below its feet, brought the spear up, and slammed it down on the falling Hollow. Before it could get back up, the knight plunged the spear into its head. He withdrew the spear, walked over to te body with his sword in it, stepped on it, ripped his sword out, and put it back into its holder. He turned around to see the rest of the group, who were staring at him with shock.
"Where did you learn to use a spear like that?" Dextrous asked.
"I have never even touched one before, I'm shocked at what I just did," the knight replied.
They gathered at a doorway with a white fog covering it.
"What is it?" the cleric asked.
The knight touched the white fog, and walked through it. The thief followed, then the cleric, and lastly Dextrous. They ended up on a very small platform above the large green demon that chased them through the small gate before.
"This time, it dies," the knight said quietly.
The rest nodded in agreement.
The knight held his spear in both hands, jumped off the platform, held the spear point down, and yelled. The demon looked up just I time to get a spear driven into its right eye. It roared, and threw the knight across the room. The thief was just about to jump next, but the demon flailed its hammer upward and shattered the small platform everyone else was on. The thief got a quick cut on the way down and landed on his meet, the cleric landed on his back, and Dextrous landed on his feet on a nearby broken pillar. The knight got up, withdrew his stick, and took position. The thief hopped back to the corner of the room, and helped the cleric up onto his feet.
Dextrous drew an arrow back, and fired it into the face of the demon. It swung its hammer toward him, and he jumped it as it took out his pillar. The thief hacked away at the feet of the large demon while the cleric attacked its small tail. The knight held his stick up, which started to glow a tint of blue, and swung it like he was hitting something. A blue bolt shot from the stick and hit the back of the demon, creating a ghostly blue burst as it hit.
"Magic too? What else can this guy do? Then again, I am one to talk," the thief thought.
The demon started to flap its tiny wings, lifting the behemoth into the air. Everyone dodged out of the way as it came falling down butt first. The shockwave staggered everyone, allowing the demon to get back up. A few more close swings were exchanged with scratches and magic burns. Dextrous ran out of arrows, and was switching to his sword when the demon's hammer flew towards him.
"Watch out!" the knight called.
Dextrous threw up his small shield in an attempt to block the attack, but it blew right through his guard. He was sent flying across the room and into the wall. The demon noticed the wounded hunter, and began to meander over to him.
"Knight, toss me the catalyst!" the thief called.
The fatigued knight knew he had no more energy to cast more spells, but was resilient to help the thief. Instead, he thought of helping the rest of the group. He threw the catalyst to the thief, who caught it and started firing a barrage of spells at the demon. Dextrous looked down to the glowing flask, picked it up, and took a drink. Immediately, he got up just in time to dodge the incoming hammer.
"You okay? What was that?" the cleric asked.
"If you get hurt, take a drink of that flask. Dang, I feel great!" Dextrous answered.
"Okay everyone, one last rush!" the knight called.
All four dashed toward the demon, weapons raised, and slashed at once. The demon screamed, dropped its hammer, and fell forward.
"Yeah! We got it!" the cleric called.
Suddenly the demon exploded into a burst of light. Four separate beams of light gathered and were absorbed into each person's gem.
"What are these things? Are we absorbing their life or something?" Dextrous asked.
"Hopefully we will find out soon," the knight said.
On the ground was a key where the demon disappeared. The knight picked it up, and opened the large double doors at the end of the room. The group walked outside to a Cliffside area. Off to the right was a small nest on a very small outlet of the cliff. At the very end of the cliff was a huge nest.
"What is that?" the thief asked, pointing to the left.
A small path led down to a platform with a dead hollow sitting against a wall. It was holding a glowing orb. Each person grabbed the glowing orb, which disappeared instantly. Each person was holding a glowing, ghostly orb. As the knight went to put it into his satchel, it was instead absorbed into the crystal.
"We really need to figure out what these are…" he said.
The rest did the same, and headed up to the giant nest on the cliffside.
"Now what?" the thief asked.
His answer was a loud flapping sound.
"I don't like the sound of that…" the cleric said.
A massive raven flew up from below the cliff, scaring everyone. It reached out its talons toward the knight. He dodged it, grabbed its leg, and flipped onto its back. The bird grabbed the thief instead. The cleric grabbed the thief's open hand, and Dextrous grabbed the cleric's foot. The bird took off and flew to an unknown location, where the group's adventure awaits…
Only, in the ancient legends it is stated, that one day an undead shall be chosen to leave the undead asylum, in pilgrimage, to the land of ancient lords, Lordran.
A/N DO NOT EXPECT THE REST TO BE THIS LONG! I fused the would-be prologue and Chapter 1 together to form a super chapter. Let's face it, the Asylum was all one chunk, unlike the rest that comes in pieces. Anyway, With this new story, I will be alternating each week (we will see as time goes). Will post the next PK chapter this Friday, then this story will probably be in Tuesdays. Again, I will see how time goes, but with finals around the corner, we shall see.
Enjoy.
