*Author's Note: Here it is the beginning of the new story! If you are curious to know what set of armor Zenon is wearing this is it: Ringed Knight Hood, Drang Armor, Black Night Gauntlets, and Black Leggings. Enjoy!*
Prologue
Storms rolled overhead blocking out the rays of the sun as lightning struck the ground ceaselessly. With raging winds, the sand danced in the air obscuring the sight and breathing became a burden. As his lips touched the flask of Estus, a bright liquid streamed down his throat, healing every conceivable wound. Surely this was his last drink for the flask ran dry like the desert that ringed him.
Despite the healing properties of Estus it was not enough to thoroughly soothe his battered body. Ignoring the pain he pressed ever onward.
Before him, towered an intimidating figure as it rose it's rusty, chipped greatsword. Gael was the name of the advisory; once human, now a monster who consumed small fragments of the Dark Soul for countless years. Ready to strike, Gael lunged forward as he suddenly vanished. As the man looked around in fear, Gael appeared from behind as he impaled his sword on the man's back cutting through his abdomen. Gael released a roar as the man upon the blade screamed in pain. Until suddenly the man woke up.
Zenon jolted his head upward as he awoke from his rest at the bonfire. Surrounding him where the crumbling thrones of the Pygmy Lords as well as the decaying bodies of said Lords. The sky was still dark and emitting a sense of gloom but the lightning has ceased after the death of Gael.
'...' Zenon remained in silence
Gael was dead, killed by Zenon's own hands. All this for the infamous blood of the Dark Soul. Meant to be used as a pigment for a little girl's painting. Having killed the Slave Knight, Zenon tore a piece of Gael's armor and filled it with Gael's blood; corrupted by the Dark Soul.
Returning to the painted world of Ariandel, he gave the blood to the Painted Girl but Zenon's guilt prevented him from telling her that the blood belonged to her own uncle. As soon as his task was finished, bidding farewell Zenon returned to Gael's final resting place.
At the bonfire, he decided to rest but began to be plagued by nightmares from his fight with Gael. In frustration, Zenon lifted his hands to rub his eyes but immediately ceased the action. For his eyes were damaged beyond repair during his time in the Untended Graves. He was left blind and a grotesque scar remained as a reminder of his folly.
Surely Estus could heal such a wound. No. It would seem that this was a wound that not even the Estus could heal.
Despite being stricken blind Zenon did not despair since he could 'see' and feel the essence of the souls around him. The rest he learned to adapt quickly, his survival depended on overcoming this obstacle. Through the pain, Zenon persevered.
After a while, Zenon felt a phantom pain in his eyes. Constant violent pulses emitted from his eyes. Rays of light became unbearable, burning his eyes even though it was impossible for his eyes to detect light. Bandaging his eyes became the best remedy but not the solution.
His journey into the Ringed City provided a much-needed aid in the form of a hood. The hood of the Ringed Knights had upon them bandages which covered the eyes of its wearer. When he placed it upon himself the pulsating ceased, granting him temporary peace. Once in a while, the pulses would return but they are rare.
His plan on rubbing his eyes died before it was achieved. With a headache, Zenon began to contemplate his time in this desolate world. Considering how time was convoluted, Zenon lost track of how long he had actually been in the world of Lordran.
By the length of his hair and beard which he only shaved once; Zenon determined that two years had elapsed since his first arrival. Many factors do pile in when determining the reasons of why so much time had elapsed but it is irrelevant. All that mattered was that the end was nigh.
He already helped the Painting Girl acquire the pigment for her painting, he has also killed and acquired the ashes of the four Lords of Cinder. All that remained was to place them on their thrones so Irina could finish the ritual and he could link the First Flame.
Among all his thoughts one question crept into his mind, gnawing his brain every step of the way: "How much longer?"
Zenon knew that his end goal was to link the flame but he feared that it was not the true end. He remembers the words of Fate to fight for life but Zenon grew tired. Not physically but mentally. A human could only tolerate so much before becoming hollow.
Human. What does it mean to be human? It is human to laugh, fight, love, and live. Yet to be human also means to cry, give up, hate and die. Zenon knew this all too well. Zenon believed to be more human than anyone who has lived or died on this damned earth. For his greatest strength was also his greatest weakness: compassion.
Everyone he has come to care for has either died, betrayed him, left him, or used him. Not a single individual Zenon has found to be of pure character. Zenon does not seek perfection but seeks trust and loyalty. Seeing none of this he became disdained.
Such was his disdain that he became callous when regarding others. All except one: the Painting Girl. Within her, Zenon saw someone who was still pure, innocent, devoid of selfish reasoning. Still, it was not enough for Zenon to stop growing weary of human connections. Many faults were caused by his own shortcomings but Zenon pressed on.
For the Lords' may have abandoned their duties but Zenon shall not shy away from his task. No matter what may come Zenon will prove that he is worthy. But that would have to wait, resting from his ordeal was the priority.
Resting became a recent issue do to Gael. Every time he drifted to sleep he saw horrors that would drive the sanest man into insanity. His mind more than his body was tired and demanded sleep, paying no mind to the nightmares. Sleep overcame anxiousness and Zenon rested near the warmth of the bonfire. His only present comfort.
As he entered a deep slumber time stopped and an individual formed into existence. It appeared human physically but it was not human. Its body consisted of pure dark aura, it possessed bright white eyes, but no face was visible.
The dark figure appeared to be male, for the voice was deep but gentle as it spoke
"Truly this is a remarkable man. Never have I've been this whole since the Furtive Pygmy found me. Always in fragments, not even the Slave Knight who devoured the souls could withstand my presence. Yet this one who never consumed the darkness became the perfect vessel for my soul. Indeed a worthy heir for the Age of Men. Greater than the Chosen Undead himself who ultimately failed my expectations preferring an age of Fire."
The figure extended his hand to touch Zenon, but as he did a woman covered in a cloak, face hidden by a veil appeared behind him. Sensing her presence the figure slowly turned as a single word was muttered
"Fate."
Fate tilted her head to the side in amusement
{It has been some time Dark Soul.}
When she spoke the figure could sense the venom in her words. Although afraid, the one called 'Dark Soul' stood his ground in conviction and anger
"Damn you! Because of you, I've lost everything: honor, power, and freedom. Thanks to you I can no longer go and do as I please, now I require a vessel to do my will."
Fate chuckled and the Dark Soul grew furious
"You dare laugh?! It was I who did your bidding and did questionable deeds in your name. Is this the reward for a faithful servant?"
{Servant? Yes. Faithful? Far from it. Everything that has occurred to you was a product of your own doing. Merely a means to an end was your life. In truth, you have been nothing but a thorn in my side since the final days of Lucero Slayer of Demons.}
"I AM LUCERO!"
Fate quickly added
{A husk of his former glory. Nothing but the memories of a dead man.}
"Was all this ordained by you? Has everything gone according to your design?"
{A fallen creature such as yourself could never understand my grand design.}
"It doesn't matter, you never stopped me before there's no reason you can stop me now."
{Your plans are not hidden from the eyes of the heavens. Do as you wish with the boy: plague his mind with horrors beyond comprehension, break his spirit, afflict his body with sickness and pain. One thing I prohibit: his life shall not be touched.}
The Dark Soul once known as Lucero laughed uncontrollably
"Do you hate the boy that much? Very well I shall impose my will upon him and when he succumbs to my power he shall be forever mine. We will become the gods we were always destined to be."
With newfound joy, the Dark Soul returned his essence into Zenon in order to begin his work.
Time seemed to progress and Fate remained. Storms rolled overhead with thunderous sounds. Fate kneeled in front of Zenon, leaning closer she placed a kiss on his head.
{Everything proclaims with power, and the signs announce the end. Lift your head, redemption draws near.}
Rising from the ground Fate noticed a small boy standing next to Zenon. His dark brown eyes stared directly at her. The boy gaze fell to the ground while kicking the sand underneath his foot. In a serious tone, the boy asked
"Redemption? Why would I need redemption? Am I not who I am?"
Fate remained silent for a brief moment before answering.
{Through one man came death for he had sinned and thus death spread to all for all have sinned.}
Lifting his gaze towards the clouds above, a smile began to form. With a soft chuckle, the boy commented
"If that is indeed the case then that would mean that your tales ring true. After all: salvation is written in blood."
{This burden is not your to bear my son. The task of salvation falls to another.}
"Figures! You always did favor him."
At the sound of those words, Fate grew angry.
{If I so desired: I would keep him safe until the day of reckoning. Why should it matter to you what tasks I give him? For your own sake follow the path I have placed before you. So you may find grace in my eyes.}
This did not sit well with the young boy
"What task?! What purpose does it serve for you to send the Dark Soul against me?!"
In a voice devoid of emotion Fate responded
{All the secret things belong to me. But the things that have been revealed to you is for you and your descendants forever.}
Her response did little to comfort the heart of the young boy. Fate saw this and was moved to compassion.
{Why do you fear? Have you forgotten who I am? Have you forgotten who you are? I am Fate your mother and you are Zenon, my son. Rise above this foolishness and remember your place.}
In deep thought, the boy nodded in understanding. Looking at Fate he said
"I'm sorry for my rebellion mother. I swear that I will not disappoint you nor fail you. For you are with me and if Fate is with me; who against me?"
A brief moment of silence followed as the boy argued with himself. Wondering if he should ask her a question
"W-will I...will I see you again?"
Fate slowly shook her head in response.
"C-can I at least have one last hug mother?"
Fate remained completely silent. The boy on the brink of crying fought back his tears. In respect he bowed at Fate; his mother.
He turned to face the older version of himself. For he was Zenon, in the days of a child. A part of his life that his older-self has forgotten.
"You may not remember me but I know who you are: you are me. Take care ok? Never give up and don't be hard on mother, deep down she deeply loves us. I will never see her again but I know you will in time. Stay strong and fight so you could reach the most beautiful and eternal victory!"
Zenon hugged his older self and he integrated his life into the soul, for his task was not yet finished.
As the young boy vanished Fate observed Zenon; her son. He has misplaced his focus. His purpose was no longer in full sync with her own. Humanity was a disease for Lucero proved it so and Zenon was meant to connect to it and weaken it. Yet he cannot weaken the disease if he is being consumed by it.
Fate sighed in annoyance: Remnant made him accept the soul of humanity but his own actions allowed it to run rampant. This was a problem for a child born of Fate: they had the power to alter her plans if only slightly.
That is why she has done what she has. First was for him to understand the concept of the human disease and now he must learn to resist its influence. That is why he must return until Fate deems him worthy to continue his task.
Taking a few steps further back she summoned two dark hands underneath Zenon as they wrapped themselves around him. Slowly and gently they drag Zenon down into the darkness. After a few seconds, Zenon disappeared and Fate was left alone.
Or so she believed for behind her stood another alike in nature and purpose. The figure stood next to Fate saying
"Believe me, it's for the best."
Moira removed her veil revealing an expression of anger.
"Parca I have placed my trust in you and much hangs in the balance. Should this fail-"
"It will not fail. We both know that this is necessary. Something is wrong and this is the only way to fix it."
Moira remained silent for a moment until softly answering
"I'm just worried."
Confused Parca asked
"Why would you be worried? You see the beginning and end of all things."
"That's the reason why I am worried. For the first time in my life, I cannot see the end."
