Fateful Embers
The world has long cycled through ages of Grey, Fire, and Dark. Often times one is prolonged farther than it's meant to be, bringing needless suffering and pain onto the world and its denizens. This cycle, the Age of Fire was prolonged countless times by Lords who feared the Dark, feared the age of men and the loss of their own power. Where there was once a grand pyre that shone brighter than the sun itself, now there are only Embers kept along by the souls unwilling to accept the coming age. Those who could bear the burden of linking with the first flame, were named the Ashen Ones, the Unkindled as they've yet to become Lords of Cinder.
One of the many Unkindled was a man by the name of Magnus. A cleric who dabbled in Pyromancies. Clad in an armor he found in the depths of the Shrine that he now calls home. He doesn't quite know how much time he's spent inside that shrine, or on this quest. In fact, he's almost certain that he completed it once before, and causing an age of dark that once. He did wake up with some rather strange items, and far more powerful than he was before he was placed inside the grave.
However, such thoughts are mere suspicions. All he does know, is that he must complete the task he set out for. Or at least the task it has become. As he journeyed through the world, he saw just what the age of Fire continuing for so long meant, a broken world filled with despairing souls and barely able to keep itself standing. On one such path, he even faced the Iudex he fought at the beginning of his journey, then in his prime. In this world, he found the eyes of the firekeeper, a woman that, despite his best efforts, he has come to hold dearly.
If he gave her the eyes, then maybe this terrible age of fire would finally come to its rightful end, and the world can go through its proper cycle. And now, he finds himself at what will be the end of his journey. Standing before the one true Soul of Cinder, a god that guards the flame so that only the worthy can decide the fate of this world.
The two Lords stare at each other, a silent respect for one the other. From Magnus, a respect for the Soul of Cinder for up taking this arduous, eternal task. And the warriors souls that reside inside of the Soul of Cinder respecting this little lord for making it this far.
The two warriors begin slowly walking toward each other. The Soul of Cinder taking out his Firelink Greatsword, and Magnus taking out the Spear he won from the Nameless King. They begin to speed up as Magnus places both his hands on the spear to swipe it in a more sword like manner, and the Souls of Cinder's blade becomes curved and a pyromancy flame grows from his hand. And then, their blades clash, a furious explosion of flames and lightning forming from the two godly weapons connecting.
In the brief opening, a black flame forms in Magnus's hands and he shoves it in the face of the Soul of Cinder, setting him ablaze and making him stumble somewhat. He'd have to thank Karla for teaching him Dark spells and miracles. Magnus goes in for a slash with his spear, and does deal quite a bit of damage to the deity. The Soul of Cinder turns his blade into a staff and begins firing numerous Soul Spears, Magnus barely dodging them. As he tires to dodge, the Soul of Cider charges a beam of soul energy and fires a Soul Stream Spell, hitting Magnus hard and sending him flying into a wall.
Magnus falls out of the wall and coughs up a bit of blood. Slowly, he stands up and takes a drink from his estus flask. He replaces his flame with a canvas talisman, and summons a massive stake of lightning, and changing out his swordspear with a greatshield with a painting of a dragon on it. He jumps into the air and holds the shield in front of him, barely managing to block another soul stream. He drives the lightning stake down into the Soul of Cinder's chest, and an explosion of reddish yellow lightning filling the sky.
The deity is forced down onto its knees, using its sword to support itself. Suddenly, it begins generating a large amount of lightning and fire, as it stands up strait and the sky clouds over far more than before. The Soul of Cinder points its blade at Magnus, and in turn, Magnus switches out his swordspear with the Twin Princes Greatsword.
The two warriors exchange clash after clash with their blades, massive explosions of light and fire seeming to threaten the very ground they stand on. The Soul of Cinder grabs Magnus by the head and lifts him into the air, then drives the blade deep into Magnus, and then into the ground. Blood pours from Magnus's mouth as the blade is quickly pulled out of his chest, and he makes a small prayer on his talisman. A yellow light and a circle of yellow runes surrounds him, healing his wounds over time.
He stands up slowly, and returns his pyromancy flame into his hand. He could tell the Soul of Cinder was on his last legs as well. So he only had one shot. He uses the Chaos Bed Vestiges, and rushes at the deific warrior. The Soul of Cinder rushes at him with a sunlight spear, and the two spells clash. For a moment, they seem equal. Until finally, Magnus overwhelms the guard of the flame, and it collapses onto its knees.
The Soul of Cinder fades away, leaving a beautiful golden soul, letting off a few embers as well. Magnus reaches out his hand and grasps onto the soul, memories of all those who used it filling his mind. He nods, raises up his hand, and creates a red and yellow spear of pure sunlight, before letting it fade.
He looks over at the flame, seeing it now as barely bigger than a campfire, if even that. A summoning sign rest next to it, and he summons whom it may belong to. Finding the Firekeeper. She gives a small bow, before kneeling down to the first flame, and taking it into her hands.
It then begins to fade, as the firekeeper says "The first flame quickly fades. Darkness will shortly settle. But one day... tiny flames will dance across the darkness. Like embers linked by lord's past." Darkness then envelops the world around them, without a ray of light...
Yet in the darkness, the voice of the firekeeper ask "Ashen one. Hearest thou my voice still?" And even within the darkness, the nod he gives can be felt. Magnus reaches out his hand to grasp his firekeeper, only for the darkness to swallow both of them, and to fade. For Magnus, it fades him out in the middle of a barren rocky place. While for the Firekeeper, she finds herself beneath a cherry blossom tree.
Chapter 1: Oceans aflame with Cinders
Magnus checks himself to make sure all his weapons are in him. Although he only kept a chime, greatsword, the swordspear, and greatshield on him. The armor of the soul of cinder's is clad around his body except for the helmet. Where there's a simple hood.
He stands up and looks over the rocky terrain, finding the land completely unfamiliar. A few scattered fires and what seems to be towns in the distance, along with far away a grand shine appearing to well up from a hole, with a castle inside.
The sound of clopping of... horses can be heard in the background. Odd, he heard that the horses had all long died. But then again, many things can be felt are different. The air is a bit cooler and thicker, magic seems to saturate the air and ground. And the flame he finds himself connected to is... it's unlike anything he's ever experienced. This world had a massive, blazing inferno compared to his home.
Soon enough, the clomping of hooves stops right in front of him. He looks up to see a group of men, seemingly unhollowed. But there was one man, an elderly looking sort clad in black armor, with a large axe in hand. His presence felt somewhat off. Inhuman. The man says "Move peasant." Magnus stares at him with a dull look. He was about as polite as most of the people he's met so... this would be fun.
The old man raises his axe and says "I'll teach you respect." And lets his axe fall down, only to be intercepted by Magnus's preferred weapon, the Dragonslayer Swordspear. With that one clash, the two warriors could judge each other. While Magnus edged him out in sheer magical power, Garon stood somewhat above him in martial skill.
"Hm... you're tougher than most. But you were a fool to stand in the way of your king, Garon." Although, the man before Garon looked oddly familiar to the aged king. But he couldn't quite put his finger on where from. Magnus states "I know not whom you are. I come from lands far from here, and I'm unaware where exactly I am."
That was the odd part to Garon. How could a man this strong simply stumble his way into Nohr. Although... he could use this to his advantage. Garon places away his axe, and hears the small whimper of the child he took. And an idea pops into his mind. He could gain two massive advantages in one move.
Garon tells the former unkindled "Hm... if you have no idea where you are, I have a proposition for you." Magnus raises an eyebrow "I'm listening." Garon continues "I've just found this child by the side of the road, and due to my position, she'll be in constant danger. And I'll need someone to keep her safe."
Magnus seems to relax. Maybe he's misjudged the man. For all he knew, attacking people on sight was just a common greeting in this world, he simplify didn't know. Magnus gives a nod, and extends his hand "I see no reason why not. Very well, what is the child's name?" Garon manages to restrain his dark grin and simply responds "Kamui."
(6 years later)
"DODGE!" Magnus yells before delivering an Emit Force miracle to the young prince Xander's chest. Nobody knew much about Magnus's strange Magics, as instead of tomes and staves, he uses a talisman and a fire he just summons. Many asked about it, but he guards the secrets of miracles and pyromancy tightly.
At the time, Xander was 11. Maybe a bit young to be doing Magnus style training, but he said he wanted to get stronger. Xander begins picking himself up, and Magnus thrust his swordspear into the earth, cracking it. He crosses his arms and says "It matters not how strong or fast you are if you can't even hit your opponent."
Xander pants a bit, saying "Y-you mind holding back a bit? We're just training." Magnus scoffs "If I wasn't holding back, you'd be a smoldering pile of dust. Your enemies will not hold back against you, not for a moment. So I shall treat you as they will. Now... I will come at you again." He says, pulling out his swordspear and getting into a stance for a thrust. "And you... will..." he lunges forward "DODGE!"
In the heat of the moment, Xander rolls to the side, barely avoiding a hit from the lightning covered blade. Magnus nods "Good. Very good Xander. You managed to dodge... now it's time to learn how to take a hit!"
(A few hours later)
Magnus returns to the young princess he's been assigned to guard at all cost. He looks down and sees Kamui reading from one of his miracle tomes he kept around. Which means of course... she was looking through his stuff. Magnus sighs "Kamui? I'd appreciate it if you didn't look through my stuff." The small girl pours a bit "But Maggie-" "please don't call me that" "This one is interesting." He sits down next to the young Princess "Oh yeah? What's it called?" She flips to the cover, finding the tome called the advent of fire.
A soft smile grows across Magnus's face. He knew the truth of these things... but it was still a good tale. He ask "Very well. If you're so interested, maybe you could read it to me." Kamui nods, and begins reading from it "In the Age of Ancients the world was unformed, shrouded by fog. A land of gray..." Magnus chuckles a bit "Crags."
Kamui continues " crags, Archtrees and Everlasting Dragons. But then there was Fire and with fire came disparity. Heat and cold, life and death, and of course, light and dark. Then from the dark, They came, and found the Souls of Lordswithin the flame. Nito, the First of the Dead, The Witch of Izalith and her Daughters of Chaos, Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight, and 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. And... Seth?" Magnus shakes his head "Seath." And with that, she continues "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. And amongst the living are seen, carriers of the accursed Darksign."
Magnus nods "Good. Any other of my tomes you've been reading?" Kamui pulls out a book with the force spell, and somehow, without a talisman or chime, makes a small push of force around her body.
Magnus's eyes widen. This... this shouldn't be possible. Without any foci, only he could very recently manage to do that. And not particularly well even. His surprise causes a smile to stretch across his face, and he tells Kamui "I think I could teach you a few things..."
(12 years later)
Kamui is currently sleeping, even though the sky outside is dark, it's still morning. Flora tries to wake him up "Time to wake up, Lady Kamui." Kamui's eyes begin to flicker open. Felicia then says "Hey, wake up Lady Kamui! Up and at'em!" Kamui sits up in her bed and lets out a yawn "what're you talking about? It's still morning." Magnus sighs "Yes yes. When is it not dark outside?"
Jacob comes inside and calls out "I have taken the liberty of readying your armor, and, er, pounding out the dents. Your brother and Magnus are fearsome opponents, are they not?" Kamui grumbles a bit "Fine. I'm still not completely awake though." Flora nods "Oh, we can help you out with that! Felicia? Can you help me?" Felicia nods and then they both touch Kamui's cheek with extreme cold, causing her to jump a bit "Waauuugh! Cold cold cold! I'm awake! Totally awake now!"
(A few minutes later)
Kamui gets her ass thoroughly handed to her by her older brother, Xander. After years and years of the most brutal training regiment he could've possibly gotten, Xander had become a great warrior. One that could compete with Magnus at times. Leo, another of the heirs of the Norian throne and Kamui's second older brother says " That's our brother for you. You won't beat the strongest knight in Nohr by sleeping all day, Kamui."
Xander looks down sternly at his young sister "Giving up so soon, Kamui? I expect more from you. You are a princess of Nohr! Pick up your sword and start again!" Kamui pants a bit "But, Xander, I-" Xander interrupts "We train like this so that we can defend ourselves from our enemies. Father has been tracking your progress. If you can't land a hit on me today...he may never permit you to leave the Northern Fortress. Ever."
At this, Kamui hops up immediately, shocked by what she heard "What?! D-did he really say that? That's insane!" Xander smirks a small bit "Motivated, are we? Then use that fire to best me in battle, little princess. If you would see the outside world beyond the view from your window, defeat me. Prove that all of the time I've devoted to training you has not be in vain!"
Kamui goes in for a strike at Xander, which is easily defended against by him. Xander was holding back, as the likelihood of her facing a warrior of his caliber was low. Besides, he still was her brother. He couldn't quite bring himself to go all out against Kamui.
Xander's horse delivers a hard kick to Kamui's chest, denting her armor and breaking a few ribs. Kamui yells out in pain, clutching the wound tightly. Xander's eyes widen a small bit, before returning to normal "It looks like your wounds need attention. I'm that case..." he prepares to activate the Dragon Vein, but Magnus shouts "No! Let her." Xander stares at Magnus, confused and ask "Let her what?"
Kamui stands back up, and a soft yellow glow shines from her hand, then surrounds her with circles of runic symbols. Her wounds heal and the pain fades away. She looks back at Magnus, who has the faintest sign of a smile on his lips. With renewed confidence, Kamui goes in to strike her brother. He blocks again, but Kamui slides her blade down her brothers, managing to strike him in the chest with a slash. He stumbles back a bit, not really hurt, but surprised nonetheless.
Then, Kamui does something nobody expected, and Magnus strictly forbid. She summons a javelin of lightning within her hand, and throws it at Xander. The bolt sends Xander flying off his horse and onto the ground. However, Kamui collapses onto the ground, exhausted. Xander pulls himself up quickly, and tells her "Well done, Kamui. You're getting stronger everyday." Magnus however is... less approving "I told you not to use that miracle! Your body isn't ready for it yet!" Kamui stumbles to her feet "Thank you Xander... and I'm sorry Magnus. I was in the heat of the moment."
Magnus stares at her momentarily, before letting out a sigh "Very well. Don't do it again." Xander steps in to get a word "Im surprised. I didn't think Magnus would show you any of his magic. He's rather picky and... aggressive with who he trains. I believe you have natural talent. Some day, you could be the greatest warrior in all of Nohr."
Kamui scratches the back of her neck "Now you're just teaching me." Xander shakes his head "You know me, Kamui. I never joke about serious matters. I mean what I say. You could be the one to bring light to our kingdom so long shrouded in darkness." Kamui looks away slightly embarrassed "Xander..." Leo speaks "Typical. You know that true strength is more than simple swordplay, right?" Kamui attempts to cover for her eldest brother "Leo, he didn't mean-" but Xander interrupts "Calm yourself, little sister. You really are competitive to a fault. As I've always said, you're a talented mage with formidable magical abilities."
Leo then looks over to Magnus "But what was that odd spell of hers? I'll assume she learned it from you." Magnus nods "The Lightning Spear was a miracle from my land used by the Warriors of Sunlight for their dragon hunts. BUT, it's a complex technique that Kamui isn't quite ready for." Leo nods "I see. You call your magic miracles?" Magnus shakes his head "No. only one kind of magic. Miracles are fueled by faith in a power higher than oneself. And are learned through tales and scripture. One usually needs a chime or talisman to cast them. But for reasons I don't quite understand yet, Kamui doesn't need such things."
A light seems to shine inside Kamui's mind "Oh, that reminds me of something I've been meaning to tell you Leo." Leo raises an eyebrow slightly "Something important enough to derail this conversation?" Kamui tells her brother "Well... your collar is inside out." Leo gets a greatly surprised look "What?!" Xander smirks "It would seem someone got dressed while still half asleep." Leo runs off, shouting "Wh-why didn't you say something earlier?!"
Xander laughs a small bit "Sorry, Leo. But that sort of thing is what makes you so very lovable." Camilla and Elise then seem to walk up behind them both. Almost immediately Camilla begins doting on Kamui "Are you alright, Kamui? Did you get hurt at all during practice? If you did, let me know right away and I'll take extra-special care of you..." Kamui giggles with a small smile "I'm perfectly fine Camilla. As always, thanks for your concern." Elise shouts out "I was worried about you too, Kamui!" Kamui nods "I know, Elise. You wouldn't visit me all the time if you didn't care so much, right?"
Elise laughs a bit "Do toy like it when I visit?" Kamui nods "Of course! I'm not allowed to leave this fortress, so visits are all I can look forward to." Elise's naturally bubbly mood seems to rise even higher, if that's possible "Yaay! I'm glad to hear that! Spending time with my sister makes me so happy!"
Magnus can't help but let the faintest of smiles grow across his face. Which faces as quickly as it grew. He's filled with a sense of... he's not quite sure what it may be. Magnus grew up alone, with only his small pyromancy flame and the tales of gods and heroes. So watching a family gave him... a sense of longing perhaps? It matters not. The small group of, as Eygon said "doddering oldfolk and degenerates" he met on his journey had become akin to a family. The shrinemaiden, Irina, Karla, Cornyx, Anri, Andre, Hawkwood, Greirat, Eygon, and of course his Firekeeper had become what some may call his family. All he can wonder is where they may be with the age of dark swallowing the world.
(Hoshido)
"Damnit!" A young man shouts in frustration. Several targets have arrows of pure magic energy run through them perfectly. Except for the last one, which is off quite a bit. He lowers his bow, and lets out a sigh. "What is it that ails you, Lord Takumi?" A calm, soothing voice ask from behind. The woman steps out from her small shaded tree, showing who it is that spoke to him. None other than the Firekeeper. Takumi lets out a sound of frustration "What do you care?"
"Can you find a good reason for me no to?" She ask. Even with the transition to life in Hoshido, she never did change her clothes from the outfit she came in. It had great significance to her. Takumi stares at her for a moment, and sighs "I guess not." The Firekeeper places her hands on Takumi's own, which he still has around his Fujin Yumi. Takumi blushes a small bit and raises the bow to fire once more.
The Firekeeper begins to speak "Despite being in the form of a Yumi, your weapon fires no arrows. The magic cast from it originates from your own body. Thus, think what is fired not as arrows, rather, think of them as extensions of your own being." Takumi does as the Firekeeper describes, and launches the Fujin Yumi. He concentrates on each arrow fired, and directs them to the perfect bullseye. Tamuki smiles, barely restraining his joy at hitting all the targets perfectly. But then something dawns on him "How did you know that would work, Firekeeper?" He ask.
She thinks up a response for a moment, but there's no reason to lie, so she gives him the truth "Before I came to this land, I worked with a great warrior. Who held great knowledge of some forms of magic. As someone who wielded enchanted weapons, he understood this principle well." Takumi gives a small nod, but that raises another question. Even now, everyone knew very little about the Firekeeper, so even the smallest bit of information on her was worth something. So, who might this warrior have been?
(Nohr)
While the royal family of Nohr had all gone to speak with their father, Garon. Magnus stands at the top of a spire of a castle. He stares off in the distance, all across both Nohr and Hoshido. He feels something he never thought he would. Tiny little flames, dancing across the world. But... they're not of this world most certainly. No... they're from his world.
Well, that was chapter 1 of my new story. Chapter 2 will be coming whenever I decide it will. Because I don't do schedules. Don't bother me about it, I'm still in school so I'll be infrequent. It'll be out before June probably though so... see you all around. Goodnight my unkindled.