Author's Note

Hello! I'm Prolific (of course), and this is a story that I've been brewing inside my mind for quite a while now. It has been a while since my last story was made, by that I mean I haven't made one in year(s), so please feel free to point out any mistakes in my grammar or spelling. Don't worry about mercy when giving constructive criticism, I have thick skin! As you could tell from the category of the story, this is based off Dark Souls (the third installment to be specific.) BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment and From Software are responsible for the beautiful franchise. This story will largely alter the game, and the story of the game, so if you're triggered by any faults in lore or logic please take this warning before reading. All that being said, I present you -

A Martyr's Tale

Prologue

Blinding lights and screeching tires before utter darkness. These were the last moments before my life was ended so swiftly by a truck driver, who wasn't at all in the fault for my death. I had been walking down the street when I saw what looked like a small kitten, so my instinct called me forth onto the street without properly checking to see if there were any passing vehicles. Stupid, I know, but the cherry of the story is that before I was hit I discovered that the kitten was, in fact, a small toy abandoned by someone long gone. Tragic, right? As life would have it, I guess. Though my thoughts on the situation are completely disregarded, seeing as I am experiencing something otherworldly compared to dying. Sitting across from me is a woman dressed in business attire, no more than dress shoes, women's dress pants, and a white shirt donning a black tie. Yes, this is where I ended immediately after dying.

"If you couldn't tell, you're dead." She stated bluntly, breaking the silence between us. "No shit," I scoffed after speaking so vulgarly, causing the woman to flinch from what seemed to be nervousness. Before she commented on my language, I took the moment to examine my current environment. We were both inside an average sized room that had nice carpeting to add a comfy atmosphere, but there was only the two chairs we sat in for furniture. The walls were painted light blue as with the ceiling, and there were no entrances such as doors or windows visible. My attention was drawn back to her after she began speaking again, "You're in a peculiar situation, William." I did not question how she knew my name, instead I asked, "That so? Tell me my situation then."

Adjusting her collar, she started, "Well, your death was no accident. In fact, it was purposely set by none other than God himself in order to bring you into our care. Before you get mad, hear me out. You've been chosen for a very special role, one that we believe only you can achieve. Many other people have been examined as possible candidates for this role, but none have shown as much potential as you have. William, are you familiar with the game series known as Dark Souls?" Now this was odd. Raising an inquisitive brow for a moment, I replied, "Yes, I know of it. I played through most of the first game, and through the entirety of the third one. Why?" A small smile graced her lips as she proudly explained, "Well, little did you know that there are many different universes in existence. Even more interesting, many of these universes were created not by God but by human imagination. Worlds from books such as Narnia, or games like Zelda all have sparked such universes due to their popularity and influence among the human race. One of these universes is the one of Dark Souls, but there is a problem. Their universe is in trouble."

Questions appeared in my mind, but I decided to let her continue before asking. "Every universe has a core, and the core inside the Dark Souls universe is dying. Unfortunately," and she said this with a frown, "we're unable to fix it by ourselves." Another scoff escaped my throat, "You're telling me that God can't fix a universe created by his own creation?" She shook her head in shame, "Unfortunately, God has created rules for himself. One of them restricts him from intervening in human affairs, and considering the universe was sparked from human imagination…" Somehow, her words made sense to me. I understood that values determine most people, and that breaking them could lead to problems in the future. Sighing lightly and slumping in my chair, I asked, "Okay, and you want me to fix this?" Her expression showed a little surprise, "You sure pick up on the matter quickly." I smiled at the praise, sitting upright as I began my questions.

"Why me? I'm in no shape to fight, let alone fight the monsters in Dark Souls." This statement was not at all a lie, I was really out of shape. Not in the sense that I was fat or skinny, but I haven't hit the gym in a year or so. I went on walks often, but that wasn't enough to maintain the body I had built during my teenage years. She chuckled lightly, waving me off with a dismissive hand. "You will be provided a new body. Plus, reality is different in the Dark Souls universe. You will find that out very soon - hopefully." Did I have a choice? "Hopefully?" My thoughts practically escaped from my mouth, my tone telling her that I had figured something was amiss. "Well, you have a choice of whether or not you will take this task. We have other candidates yes, but you're our best choice. Regardless, God understands that you had your life ended, and you may pass onto the afterlife freely should you desire." Her expression was openly desperate, triggering a ting of guilt inside me. "But please, I beg of you, accept this mission. If you move on and the next person fails, that universe will be destroyed. All that was inside of it and all that would be will never know the light of day again," she asked politely. Ah fuck, they got me, I thought.

"Fine, I'll do it. First, you answer my questions before anything happens though, understand?" This prompted a quick nod in response, giving me rights to pick my first question. "Who are you?" I asked with genuine curiosity, this woman couldn't have been a random stranger, could she? "I'm Ariel, your guardian angel!" Now this was a surprise to me, seeing as she didn't look the part. Now that it crossed my mind, she didn't look like the angels depicted in religions. Her hair was long and brown, barely reaching her lower back. She had the greenest eyes I've ever seen, ones like emeralds. I assume that she is in her early 20s look-wise, I doubt she was any less than a hundred years old in actuality. Setting aside my examination before my staring was mistaken as ogling, I gave her a small laugh. "My guardian angel partook in my death? Seems like the opposite of being my guardian angel." I received a mock gasp of shock from her as she horribly imitated being offended, "I would never!" An ease fell upon me as I was happy to know my self-proclaimed guardian angel had some humor, at least. "So, which Dark Souls is it?" Truly to me this was the most important thing. While I was great at some parts of the first Dark Souls, I was for the most part horrible. Don't get me started on the second one, I'll probably go to Heaven or wherever rather than that horrible place. "The third game, I believe," she replied, unknowing of how much this relieved me. Thank God. It was kind of ironic the one who was responsible for my death.

"Well, I guess I'm done with questions for now. Anything you think I should know before I go?" Some concern could be heard in my voice, evident from my usually deep voice raising to a softer tone. "Well, yes. For starters, I am not allowed to help you with your fights, but I can provide advice and you can call upon me anytime for any needs you may have." The possibility of a lewd encounter entered my mind, but was quickly shooed away before it became a problem. "Secondly, there are many different things in the universe than the game. You can interact with almost everything, and there will be more possibilities to choose from when acquiring useful items for the journey. Weapons, trinkets, food, drinks, and all the sort. Behavior from the NPCs as you call them will definitely be different. In this universe they are sentient beings with their own thoughts and free wills. You may encounter new people, too. Lastly, there are no rules on how you complete your task. In the end, saving the universe goes above all else." While I made my earlier statement about not having any other questions, Ariel brought up a very important one. "How do I save their universe?" Worriedly, her expression changed to a worried one. "That's another thing - we really don't know what's wrong with the core, so ultimately we don't know how you'll save it." Are you fucking serious? What kind of incompetent.. Before my angry thoughts continued any further, I stopped myself and calmed down. "Well, this certainly complicates everything. I guess that's just how it goes." Releasing a sigh, I built resolve and said the magic words, "I'm ready."

Author's Note

Well, that's it for the prologue! I have many more chapters and encounters planned for this (hopefully) long series, which I'll update to the best of my ability. I'm really cautious on how I approach stories, so I take some time when making them. I should also say that constructive criticism is fine, and I'd actually very much appreciate those who take time to point out any flaws and express their opinion! Criticism builds the author, or so I heard. Hope to see you next time, goodbye! - Prolific