Chapter 6
Final chapter in this story. Finally finished a story. Also small lime ahead, so skip if you don't want to read that stuff.
Karla groaned as she woke up. Shaking her head, she looked around her surrounding and found that she wasn't in that cathedral like room. Rather she was in some sort of dark Abyss. She saw nothing but darkness. Looking down at her feet, she saw only darkness. Frowning a bit at that, she got up and looked around. Despite not knowing where she was, she knew what this place was.
"So, this is the Abyss?" Thought Karla as she felt a sense of coldness all around her. Despite that though, she was unphased, having been to worst places. "Its not as nightmarish as the stories claim it to be." Indeed, it wasn't. Aside from the cold and the darkness, it wasn't half bad. For some reason, she felt calm while here. It was almost as if she could lay on the floor and sleep comfortably there. Perhaps it was her affinity to the Abyss? Whatever the reason, she didn't have time to take a nap. She had to figure out a way to get out and help the Ashen one and her father. Looking for someway to get out of the Abyss, she suddenly heard the chuckle of someone.
"So, you've been forced to become one with Manus." Karla turned to see Nashandra coming up to her, a scythe in her hand. "A pity that you didn't join willingly. It would have made the process all the easier for us all." Looking at the scythe, Karla crossed her arms.
"I don't think that Manus would be happy to learn that you killed me, auntie." Said Karla. "We wouldn't want to risk his wrath, wouldn't we?" Nashandra just nodded.
"True. I've seen his wrath in action before and I must say, I'm impressed." Said Nashandra. "Besides, its not as if me convincing you has any impact. The results are the same. You've become one with Manus and now the Age of Dark can now begin. The only obstacle is your precious knight." With that, she summoned a large mirror. In the glass, she saw the Ashen one fighting Manus, using all his skills and strength against Manus. Karla watched, with a hint of worry, as the Ashen one was grabbed by Manus's enlarged hand. She then placed her hands over her mouth to prevent her from screaming as she saw him being slammed repeatedly on the floor by Manus before being tossed to the ground. She watched as the knight got up and quickly drank from his Estus Flask. He then quickly tucked in away as Manus charged. Rolling to safety, the Ashen one got up quickly and slashed at Manus's knees twice before rolling back to safety. He then made a slash at Manus's legs before running back to avoid a hit from Manus's staff. The then engaged in a long cat and mouse game as Manus tried to hit the Ashen one with spells while the Ashen one did his best to avoid them. After the barrage was over, the Ashen one went in and attacked. As she watched the Ashen one fight, she silently prayed for his safety.
"Be safe, Ashen one." Thought Karla as she held her hands together.
Alva
Alva gasped out loud after he pulled his sword out of the throat of a knight. After doing so, he slumped to the ground, exhausted and bleeding from several areas where arrows pierced his armor.
"Impressive." Said Arias as he looked at Alva with two remaining assassins and one knight. "Though I shouldn't be surprised. You've survived for quite a while. Its just a pity that its coming to an end now."
"That may be." Said Alva with a grunt as he slowly got up. Using his sword as a crutch, Alva glared at Arias with weary eyes, full of hate. "But if I'm going down, then I'm taking you all with me." Arias scoffed at that.
"I very doubt that. Even if you kill my guards, I'm not the leader of this cult for nothing." With that, he motioned his guards to kill Alva. Nodding their heads, the knight charged while the assassins notched an arrow and readied their bows. As the knight swung down his mace, Alva yelled out in determination as he rolled away. As he rolled, he brought out a black firebomb and tossed it at the knight. As the knight fell to the ground from the explosion, Alva charged at the assassins, albeit slower than he wanted.
Seeing Alva was getting closer, one assassin dropped his bow and brought out two short swords. The assassin then charged. As the man swung, Alva ducked and slashed at the man's chest, his sword's curved blade slicing through the man's clothing with ease. He then made another slash, this time at the man's back neck, killing him. While he made the slash, he fired his crossbow at the other surviving assassin. The bolt pierced through his skull just moments after he let loose his arrow. Alva grunted in pain as the arrow found a chink in his armor and embedded in his flesh. Snapping the shaft, looked over at Arias, only for a black fireball to hit him square in the chest. As he screamed in pain, Arias fired another fireball. He then fired fireball after fireball until Alva was on the ground, exhausted and in pain from the burns.
"Fool." Said Arias. "You made it your life-long mission to prevent Manus from coming, but if you can't defeat me, then you have no hope to stop him. He'll return to bring the Age of Dark and you'll die knowing that you failed your daughter and wife." Grunting and spitting out some blood, Alva looked at Arias.
"Its not over." Said Alva, managing to speak despite the pain he felt from the burns. "There still one knight that can stop this from happening." Arias just scoffed at that.
"Please." Said Arias. "If a knight of the gods could barely defeat Manus, then how can a human one be able to defeat him alone?" Bringing out another fireball, Arias said his final words to Alva. "For what its worth, you've been a good warrior. You've just been on the losing side." With that, Arias threw the fireball. Just moment before it landed, Alva thought of the Ashen one.
"Knight. Keep Karla safe and happy." Thought Alva before the fireball hit.
Ashen One
"Damn." Thought the Ashen one as he dodged a swipe from Manus's enlarged hand. After dodging it successfully, he tried to go for a swing at Manus's legs, but was hit with the creature's staff instead. The staff launched him to the edge of the arena, making him slammed into the barrier surrounding them. Grunting in pain, the Ashen one got up in time to see Manus casting affinity at him. His must be a more powerful one than Karla's because his affinity sent more dark missiles than the one that she taught him, easily triple the amount. Knowing he can't dodge, he raised his shield and grunted as his shield was pelted with the dark spell. Once the barrage ended, the Ashen one lowered his shield arm in exhaustion. That barrage had weakened him enough that he didn't have the energy to roll out of the war as Manus charged and grabbed him. The grandfather of Karla then proceeded to slam the Ashen one to the ground multiple times before tossing him to the other side of the arena. Once he hit the ground, the Ashen one weakly got up. Grabbing his flask, he drank two sips from it. Feeling rejuvenated, he looked as Manus fired another affinity. Knowing he can't block it all, he waited as the missiles came at him before rolling out of the way. He continued to roll until the barrage ended. Once it did, he charged at Manus, who counter charged. Rolling out of the way of Manus's staff, going under him, the Ashen one stabbed Manus's right leg, actually digging a bit into his flesh. The attack caused Manus to scream in pain. He then tried to hit the knight, but he just rolled to safety, though he had to let go of his sword in the process. After running to safety, the Ashen one brought out his emergency weapon, an Irithyll straight sword, and waited for Manus to charge again. Instead, the creature of the dark grabbed his black knight sword and broke it in half.
"You're just as tenacious and adaptive as the last knight that I've had to face, if not more." Said Manus as he looked at the knight with his many eyes. "Why do you even resist? Do you not know of your fate? Of what happens to those that link the fire?" Having known it before hand by speaking with the fire keeper and Ludleth, the Ashen one nodded his head. "Then perhaps you should reconsider doing so. What will your friends feel when they learned of your fate?" Though Manus didn't know that he planed to not link the fire, the Ashen one had no intention of saying that to him.
"They'll accept it." Said the Ashen one. "This is a cruel world. They'll get over it. They have for countless other loved ones." Manus chuckled at that.
"But what if they don't have to? I plan to bring the age of the Dark. You won't have to link the fire if you accept yourself into my servitude. You'll be able to live a normal life. Get married and have a family. Think about that Ashen one. Think on that potential life. Don't you want that?" The Ashen one just stayed silent as he looked at Manus. As much as he wanted to say that he didn't, he can't deny that he wanted such a life. To marry a woman and have children. And perhaps he did in his past life, but if he did, that was long gone. The only thing left for him is to link the fire or not. If he linked the fire, he'll die and that will be that. If he didn't, he was honestly not sure. A part of him was afraid that the Age of Dark will be an Age of despair and decay. That he made the wrong choice. And with his interactions with Manus are anything, it was going to be awful for humanity. Another part, however, believed the unknown Age of Dark was better than what was going on right now. With what he's seen during his journey, he believed it quite a bit. Besides, Manus wasn't any different from others that tried to extend the Age of Fire initially. His want to start the Age of Dark was the same as Gwyn's desire to extend the Age of Fire. Both men with high ambitions that destroyed the lives of others. Shaking his head, he thought back to Manus's question.
If he choose to not link the fire, he had the opportunity to marry one of the four women in his life. Yorshka was a possible choice, but her naivety was something that the Ashen one believed was reserved for someone else. He simply didn't have the knowledge needed to help her shape her views on the world as a husband. Irina was another, but he refused to marry the woman that Eygon protected, it just felt wrong. That left the firekeeper and Karla.
Much as the firekeeper would make a fitting wife, he didn't have the same amount of feelings for her as he did with Karla. His feelings amounted more to a brother and sister relationship, rather than a romantic one. Karla, however, he felt strange when he first met her. At first, he thought it was just shock to find just a beautiful woman in a place of misery, but now he realized it was the beginning of a crush being formed. Even when she made snide remarks on him, he didn't mind. Rather, for some strange reason, it attracted him more to her. And when Alva came with this whole quest, he couldn't help but worry for her. He wanted to keep her safe. To keep her from being hurt, whether from Alva or this cult. He wanted to make her happy.
"It seems Alva was right." Thought the Ashen one as he looked at Manus. "I do love Karla." Using that a form of motivation, the Ashen one looked at Manus.
"You're right Manus, I do want to live and have a family. I want to put down my sword and enjoy the life of a family man. But I can't do that. Not yet. For you see, your last fragment is the woman that I want to be with. This may sound selfish, but it's one of a handful of reasons I have for going against you. And believe me, I don't trust with how you're going bring the Age of Dark and lead it." The Ashen one then readied himself. "So, if you want to bring the Age of Dark, you'll have to go through me." Growling in anger, Manus roared in rage before charging at the Ashen one, who simply waited for Manus to come to him.
Karla
"For you see, your last fragment is the woman that I want to be with." That sentence constantly repeated in her mind as she starred at the Ashen one with shocked eyes. It took a few minutes for Karla to reboot her mind.
"Ashen one." Thought Karla as she put her hands on her chest. "You lovestruck fool…but you're my lovestruck fool." She then began to think of the idea of having a family with the Ashen one. To her delight, she found that she wasn't disgusted with the idea. Rather it made her happy. "He loves me and I love him back." Smiling to herself, she looked at Nashandra, who was staying silent. Despite having a neutral face, Karla could feel the anger coming from Nashandra when she heard the Ashen one's proclamation. Karla couldn't help but smirk as she watched Nashandra's hands clench into fists.
"That foolish knight. He's just like the knight of my time." Said Nashandra. "Why is it that most knights are such lovestruck fools." Karla just looked at her smugly, something that caused Nashandra to growl in anger.
"That's the thing with knights. They may be magic-less men, but they make it up with loyalty and their skills with swords. Not all are incorruptible, true, but those that are, are some of the most dangerous men out there." Nashandra scoffed at that.
"I suppose." Said Nashandra. "Just don't believe he'll be able to save you. You're a part of Manus now and that will never change." Karla just smirked at that.
"Actually." Said Karla, causing Nashandra to look at her, only to receive a black fireball to the face, sending her tumbling back. "I have no intention to be a part of such a vile creature." She then fired an affinity spell at Nashandra, who yelled out in rage as the spell hit her. Once it ended, she glared at Karla with those empty sockets.
"You fool! You dare to go against your destiny!" Yelled Nashandra as she brought out a scythe. Just as she grabbed it. Several pillars of magma erupted from the ground below her, sending her flying up and burning. As she screamed in pain, Karla glared at her.
"There's no such thing as destiny. Only one's choice." Said Karla as she prepared to fire another spell. "And I choose to not become a part of Manus." She then fired a soul spear at Nashandra, who blocked it with her spear, though fragments still pierced her skin. Growling in anger, Nashandra summoned black fire in her free hand.
"Then I'll take you with force!" Yelled Nashandra before engaging in battle with Karla, who fought back with everything she had. Their battle causing massive environmental damage to their surroundings.
Ashen One
As the Ashen one prepared himself for another flurry of attacks from Manus, he was stunned to see the father of the Abyss suddenly scream in pain as he grabbed his head and stomped on the ground. Seeing an opportunity, the Ashen one ran to Manus. Getting close, he jumped on the father's head crest as his head lowered enough for him to jump on it. Holding on for dear life with one hand, he thrusted his sword at Manus's head. The attack caused him to scream out in pain. As the Ashen one attempted to dig his sword deeper, Manus grabbed him and threw him away. Grunting in pain as he landed roughly on the ground, he drank from his estus flask, noting that it only had enough for one last drink, before grabbing another sword, his straight sword still embedded on Manus's head. With zero effort, he brought out the Wolf Knight sword. Upon seeing the sword, Manus growled.
"The sword of that foolish knight." Growled Manus as he remembered the last time he fought against that sword. "That fool of a knight would have been able to defeat me if he didn't sacrifice his shield to protect his wolf." Upon hearing that, the Ashen one looked at Manus in shock.
"What?!" Asked the Ashen one. "There was another knight present during your battle with the knight of the gods?" Manus just chuckled at that.
"Has history become so eroded that people don't know the truth? Of what happened to Artorias? He wasn't the one to defeat me. He succumbed to the powers of the abyss and became a mindless beast. It was a human knight that took up his duty and defeated me." Upon hearing that, the Ashen one looked at Manus in stunned silence.
"If a human knight was able to defeat him, then I should as well!" Thought the Ashen one with renewed vigor. Clutching his new sword, he ran at Manus, who growled out before raising his staff. Almost immediately, the staff was consumed with abyss energy that formed a blade. Manus then swung it down. Though the Ashen one rolled out of that one, the 2nd attack from the staff, fortunately without the abyss energy, hit him square in the ribs. Yelling out in pain, the Ashen one felt several ribs breaking from the impact. As another staff attack sent him to the ground and broke some more bones, the Ashen one brought out a golden vial. Uncorking it quickly, he drank its contents as Manus fired a barrage of dark bolts at him. As the vial's contents healed him of all his injuries, the Ashen one blocked all the dark bolts, seeing that there was no choice. Once the barrage ended, he jumped to avoid the grab from Manus, who was stunned to see that the Ashen one reacted so fast. As Manus recovered, the Ashen one made several slashed at Manus's chest. Once he did, Manus slammed his enlarged hand at the ground. Fortunately, the Ashen one dodged by rolling away from Manus before running away. Growling in anger, Manus jumped high up from the ground before launching multiple dark orbs at the Ashen one, who growled as he attempted to dodge them all.
"I just need one good strike on his head!" Thought the Ashen one as he dodged the orbs. "Then this will be all over, and I can save Karla!" Once he dodged the last orbs, he looked up to see Manus coming down on top of him. "Oh shi…"
Karla
"Ashen one!" Yelled Karla out in horror as Manus landed where she last saw the Ashen one. She was so distracted with the wellbeing of her knight that Nashandra was able to get behind her and swung her scythe, catching Karla's back. Screaming in pain and shock, Karla glared as she fired one last soul spear at Nashandra, who swatted it aside. She then rushed forward and grabbed Karla by the neck. As the granddaughter of Manus struggled, Nashandra glared at her and dropped her scythe. She then placed her other hand on Karla's face, rubbing it.
"You made a terrible mistake." Said Nashandra as she began to summon dark fire on the hand rubbing Karla's face, causing Karla to squirm in pain. "I know Manus wanted you intact, but it seems that we need to destroy you to avoid any complications. Good bye, niece" She was about to place her hand on Karla's face when she was suddenly hit with a giant dark blade in the head. The blade cut Nashandra in half and caused her to drop Karla, who looked at the split Nashandra in shock. As the halves of Nashandra faded away, Karla heard some footsteps. Looking around, she saw a woman coming over to her, wearing a purple dress with a slit for her right left, revealing it, and frilled cuffs. She also wore white gloves and a purple pointed hat. Widening her eyes in shock, Karla couldn't do anything as went over and began to heal her wounds with a miracle. Once she was done, the woman looked at Karla, revealing a face that closely resembled her own.
"It's been along time, my daughter." Said the woman as she began to hold her daughter's face with the love of a mother. Karla just teared up as she embraced the woman.
"It had, mother." Said Karla as she let the tears fall. "It has." Karla's mother, better known as Zullie the witch, just hugged her daughter back. After a few seconds, mother and daughter looked at each other. "How is this possible? You were killed by my hands." Zullie just smiled sadly.
"You did, but in here. I'm very much alive and well." Explained Zullie. "In here, in the restored soul of Manus, all of his fragments can maintain their corporeal form so long as Manus still breathes." Upon hearing that Karla looked at her mother worryingly.
"So, if my knight kills Manus then…"
"If you're knight is able to defeat Manus before he enters the realm of the gods and humanity, then I'll stay dead for good." Said Zullie with a hint of pity for her daughter. Upon seeing the horror in her daughter's eyes, she hugged her. "Don't try to stop your knight, my daughter, he needs to do this. Manus can't be allowed to bring the Age of Dark. At least, his version of it."
"But I just got you back!" Yelled Karla, letting tears fall from her face. "I won't lose you again this soon!" Zullie, eyes with sorrow and tears, hugged her daughter tightly.
"I know, but I rather meet my daughter for one last time than have a life with her on the condition that an insane tyrant can rule over the world. I've seen what Manus intends to do in the Age of Dark. I've seen the horrors that he plans to bring. I cannot, in any good consciousness, allow what Manus plans for the Age of Dark to come to fruition. Even if it means that I lose an opportunity to be with my daughter." She then looked at Karla, tears falling down. "So please, allow your knight to do what he has to do. If not for him, then do it for me. As a last request from your mother." Shaking her head, Karla looked to the ground.
"I just can't lose you again." Said Karla, sobs breaking her voice. "I *Sniffle* just can't." Zullie, wanting the same thing as her daughter, forced her to look at her.
"I know. You've always been strong and logical, Karla." Said Zullie. "You know that I'm right. Its unfair, Karla, I know, but what isn't in life?" Bringing her daughter's head onto her chest, Zullie felt the tears dampen her dress, but ignored it. "You know what must be done. It'll be hard, but you don't have to endure the pain alone. You have your knight. Open up to him and allow him to help you go through this. And once your heart has recovered, have him fill the void in your heart and start a family with him. You both love each other so go for it. Don't let him go and love him the same way as you love me." Once Karla was done crying, she looked at her mother, her eyes bloodshot from crying. Wiping her tears away with her sleeve, Karla looked at her mother.
"How do I escape from here?" Asked Karla. Without a word, Zullie gave Karla a black pendant.
"Imagine your knight and you'll be taken to him. Tell him to take the sword on Manus's head and dig it further in his head. After that, use the last spell that I taught you to finish him off. After you both have defeated him, you need to use this." She then gave Karla a piece of parchment. "Study it quickly or else Manus may return someday. Now go." With that she helped Karla up and let go. "Good bye my daughter." Karla, nodding her head, clenched the pendant. Before she thought of her knight, she spoke to her mother.
"I'm sorry for causing your death mother." Said Karla, full of sorrow. "I didn't mean to…" Zullie hushed her daughter.
"I forgive you, though there's no reason to apologize." Said Zullie with a tone that said that she had no ill will toward her daughter. "Tell yourself this, why would I stand in front of your spell when I know of the dangers of the dark?" Widening her eyes in shock, Karla was about to speak when Zullie vanished, leaving Karla alone for good. Closing her eyes in pain, she clenched the pendant and thought of the Ashen one. Within moments, she was engulfed in dark energy and teleported away from Manus's soul.
Ashen one
The Ashen one gasped in shock as Manus roared in pain again, clutching his head. Wondering what was going on, he suddenly felt the presence of Karla. Turning to his right, he was shocked when Karla appeared before him, holding a pendant and a piece of parchment.
"Karla!" Yelled the Ashen one before rushing toward her and giving the witch a hug, despite the danger they were in. Shocked, Karla just hugged the Ashen one back as she looked at Manus, still in pain. After a few seconds, the Ashen one looked at Karla, frowning a bit at seeing a few tear stains on her coat. "What…" He stopped when she held up her hand.
"Later." Said Karla as she watched Manus recover. "For now, you need to listen to me. Give me some time to learn how to use the spell in this parchment." She then held up the piece of paper. "Once I figured out how to use it, I'll tell you to take the sword on Manus's head and thrust it further into his head. After that, I'll use a spell and split his head in two. Once he's fading away, I'll use this," She then held out the pendent. "To finish him off. Now distract him! Hurry!" Trusting Karla, the Ashen one charged at Manus, who roared upon seeing Karla among them.
"Insolent granddaughter!" Yelled Manus as Karla set up a dark barrier around her before beginning to study the parchment's contents. Charging at Karla, he forgot about the Ashen one until he stabbed him in the legs before following up with several slices on his knees. Growling in annoyance, Manus grabbed the knight, who stared defiantly at Manus. "You've been a thorn on my side for too long!" Manus then proceeded to slam the Ashen one on the ground multiple times before tossing him away. Slamming into the barrier for the seventh time, the Ashen one quickly drank the last of his estus before switching out his shield for a sorcerer staff. As Manus charged at Karla, the Ashen one fired a soul spear at him. Followed by another and another until he was too exhausted to cast anymore. The first two did nothing to Manus, who shrugged them off, but the other two caused minor pain as they pierced his tough hide. He then roared in pain as the last spear hit him. Undeterred, Manus charged at Karla and began to hit her barrier. The dark barrier held for two hits before succumbing to the 3rd. Without warning, Manus grabbed Karla, making her drop the parchment. Glaring at his granddaughter, Manus was about to speak when Karla threw a black fire ball at him. Momentarily stunned, Manus couldn't do anything as the Ashen one came and jumped on his back, who then proceeded to climb up to his head antlers. He had just gotten hold of one when Manus began to shake his head, trying to get rid of the Ashen one. Despite Manus's attempts, the Ashen one held on and looked at Karla, who nodded her head. Nodding back, the Ashen one jumped to grab the sword. As he neared the sword, he grabbed on, forcing it to move a bit from its original position. Roaring in pain at the sudden movements, Manus dropped Karla and tried to grab the Ashen one before he could do anything. Unfortunately, the Ashen one managed to get on top of his head and slammed his free fist onto the sword's pummel, making it go deeper after a few strikes. That caused Manus to roar in rage and pain as he felt the sword start to penetrate his skull and touch his brain.
"Get away Ashen one!" Yelled Karla as she prepared a spell that she hadn't used since she first used it. Looking over at Karla, the Ashen one jumped away from Manus just as Karla swung a giant blade of darkness. The blade hit the sword on Manus's head, the force causing the sword to go even deeper and through Manus's brain. But it didn't stop there, the force of the strike was so great that it went right through Manus's head and out through his jaw. As the sword fell to the ground, Manus gave a final shriek before starting to fade away. As he did, Karla began to prepare the spell that her mother told her to use. She knelled to the ground and soon a dark circle appeared before her as well as in front of her. As the Ashen one watched Manus explode in a blast of dark clouds, he was stunned to see those dark clouds go over to Karla. He then watched in slight horror as the clouds began to be absorbed into her. Wincing in pain as the clouds peppered her, Karla endured as she absorbed them all. When the last cloud was absorbed, she fell to her knees, holding her chest. Concerned, the Ashen one ran over to her and held her.
"What happened?" Demanded the Ashen one in worry, looking at Karla in concern. Taking a deep breath, Karla looked at the Ashen one.
"What needed to be done." Said Karla. "You see, the last time that Manus was defeated, his soul fragmented into many pieces. Those fragments became their own beings and many of them brought ruin and destruction. To prevent that and, to prevent him from returning again, I absorbed his soul. Akin to your collection of the souls of your enemies, only this time there's no way for Manus to return. His soul is used to empower me sorceries to even greater height." As if to demonstrate, Karla fired a barrage of dark bolts into the barrier surrounding them, sending out dozens without any signs of her being tired. After a few moments, she looked at the Ashen one. "Don't worry about me. I won't turn evil or something akin to that. I may have a few nightmares here and there, but I'll endure it. Just like I've always done." Still concerned, the Ashen one placed a hand on her cheek, something that Karla found endearing.
"Even still, you have my promise that I'll be there for you." Said the Ashen one as he looked at Karla. Despite feeling the cool leather of his gloves, Karla felt her cheeks heat up from the Ashen one's touch. Placing her head on his chest, she closed her eyes in content.
"I'll hold you to that." Said Karla, happy. "Now shall we leave? I believe we still have a few rats to take care of." Nodding his head, the Ashen one held Karla as he brought out a homeward bone. He then crushed it and the two were brought back to the Firelink Shrine.
Later
Arias
"Something is wrong." Thought Arias as he waited with the rest of the cult for Manus's return. The final piece was taken by Manus sometime ago and he's dispatched the knight that has given them so much trouble with the other being, presumably, taken down by Manus himself after he foolishly went after the last piece. If the knight had been defeated by Manus, then what was taking himself so long to arrive? Did the battle exhaust him to the point that he needed to rest? Did the father decide to bring the Age of Dark without informing his followers first? Or did the knight actually win against the father? The last thought was quickly swept aside by Arias. There was no possible way that the human knight managed to defeat Manus. The father was simply too powerful to be taken down by a mere human knight, even if they're undead. That left the first two options. Arias hoped that it was the 2nd one because it would mean that the father was as powerful as he claimed it to be. He didn't need to have fellow members of the cult questioning his guidance when it become public knowledge that Manus nearly lost to a human knight, especially when he kept claiming that Manus was invincible to anything but the gods. After a few more minutes, Arias began to suspect that something was very wrong. He was about to speak with Manus again when he heard a whistle. Looking behind, his eyes widened in horror when he saw the final piece and the knight from before looking at them all. Smirking, the final piece aimed her staff at them all and winked. Before he could do anything, a massive stream of dark magic came from her staff and hit them all. The stream lasted for ten more seconds before it stopped, revealing nothing but fading corpses of cult members. Satisfied, Karla looked at the Ashen one, who looked around for any survivors.
"We're done here." Said Karla as she tossed the staff back at the Ashen one, who caught it with ease. "Now we just need to find my father." The Ashen one just nodded before the two conducted a long search of the entire cave complex, hoping to find Alva soon so that they can leave. After hours of searching, the two were beginning to suspect the worst. The two were about done searching in one wing of the building that contained the fragments of Manus when they heard some growling behind a door. Looking at each other, the Ashen one carefully opened the door. When he did, the two saw Alva. Or rather, what was left of him.
Growling to himself, the hollowed corpse that was Alva walked around aimlessly as he dragged his sword around.
"Father." Said Karla with a look of pity. Though she hated him for what he did throughout her adult life, she still felt a twinge of pity when she saw that he went hollow. Looking at Karla, the Ashen one grabbed the hilt of his replacement Black Knight Sword, having gotten it from a defeated Black Knight.
"Should I…" Karla just nodded.
"Make it quick." Nodded in agreement, the Ashen one walked over and, before the hollowed Alva could do anything, he thrusted his sword on Alva's chest, breaking through his armor with ease. The force caused the hollow to drop his sword in surprise. As the hollow growled at him, clawing at the Ashen one's helm, the Ashen one gave a slight bow of respect to Alva. Despite having many disagreements with the man, he couldn't help but be respectful. He was an ally and so he deserved something to indicate that the Ashen one appreciated his help. Once his bow was done, the Ashen one drew away his sword before bringing it to Alva's neck. With a yell, he proceeded to cut Alva's head off, his strength as an undead helping him immensely. As the head fell, the Ashen one looked to see Karla looking at his display with stoic eyes.
"You won't say anything about his death?" Asked the Ashen one. Though he knew that Alva and Karla didn't get along, he was a little surprised that she didn't want to say anything. Karla just looked at the Ashen one.
"Ashen one. As much as it makes me heartless, I just can't find the will to say anything good about him other than he was a good father during my childhood." Said Karla, she then looked at her father. Walking over, she grabbed his sword and held it. "However, he does deserve a good burial for doing this duty in eliminating this cult. Don't you agree?" The Ashen one nodded his head. He then proceeded to grab Alva's body and leave with Karla, both eager to leave this place.
Much Later
Firelink Shrine
"I think this will do nicely." Said the Ashen one after he finished filling up the hole he dug up for Alva, complete with the body. Once done, he slammed a blank tombstone on the grave. Much as he wanted to inscribe something on the tombstone, he know what to inscribe on it. And Karla refused to write anything. Sighing he looked at Karla as she laid Alva's sword on top of the grave.
"At least, she's willing to do that part." Thought the Ashen one before giving her some space. Looking at the grave, Karla gave a slight bow before looking at the Ashen one.
"Ashen one, before you go and do your quest, may you do something for me. In the arena." Tilting his head in confusion, the Ashen one nodded before escorting Karla to the arena where he fought Gundyr. As they walked, the Ashen one looked over at Karla. When she noticed him looking at her, Karla went over and held the Ashen one's hand, surprising him. Before he could say anything, she spoke. "All will be explained when we get to the arena. Not before." Upon hearing that, the Ashen one kept quiet. As they walked, the Ashen one looked at their linked hands, wondering what this meant.
"Does Karla…love me?" Thought the Ashen one. "I mean, she did act intimate with me before we faced Manus, but that was under the influence of that monster. Could she actually have feelings for me?" If she did, the Ashen one would be delighted. Much as he believed letting the Age of Fire die is the right answer, he didn't really think much on what to do after that. Perhaps he'll discover what to do next with Karla and his friends at his side. "Well, I do deserve peace after all I've been through. Might as well share it with a woman that I love." And he was going to get his answer now as they had just entered the arena. Upon arriving, the two walked down the middle with Karla letting go. Once she did, she began to remove her coat, shocking the Ashen one. He was about to speak but Karla stopped him. She then proceeded to casually remove her coat, revealing the brown breast bindings that covered her chest. With her coat gone, she tackled the Ashen one to the ground. Once he was on the ground, Karla quickly removed his helm, revealing the Ashen one's face. Widening her eyes in surprise, Karla let out a seductive smirk.
"Aren't you a shy man, Ashen one." Said Karla as she began to stroke his pale skin while looking at his brown eyes. "Or are you saving this for me?" The Ashen one just coughed as he looked at Karla.
"What is this about, Karla?" Asked the Ashen one as he looked at the woman he loved, though he already knew the answer. Rolling her eyes, Karla began to smash herself onto the Ashen one, looking at him with seductive eyes.
"In case this display isn't clear enough, I want you, Ashen one." Said Karla. "And before you ask, I'm not under the influence of any spell or monster. This is all genuine. I truly love you, my knight. And don't say you don't love me, I heard what you said to Manus." Upon hearing that, the Ashen one looked away, a bit embarrassed.
"So, you heard all that?" Asked the Ashen one. Karla scoffed at that.
"Of course I did." Said Karla. "If it were anyone else, I would have cursed them to oblivion. But you," Karla adopted a sad look. "Ever since we meet, you've been kind to me, taking in strides my insults and doing what you can to make my stay in Firelink Shrine as hospitable as possible. And when you forced me to accompany you and my father to stop that cult, you tried your best to comfort me, both when I told you about my former lover and the time before we had to go and meet with my father. All that, combined with your selfishness and bravery, made me fell in love with you. I've never felt this way towards another person that wasn't my previous lover. So please," She then leaned in, her lips nearly touching the Ashen ones' own lips. "Take me now. I know that your time to link the fire is soon, so I ask you to take me as I may never get the chance again." Looking at the sadness and desperation in Karla's eyes, the Ashen one sighed. He supposed it couldn't hurt to tell her about his plan.
"Karla, I don't intend to link the fire." Said the Ashen one. Upon hearing that, Karla widened her eyes in surprise. He then told her his plan with the Firekeeper on letting the Age of Fire die so that the Age of Dark can commence. He also told her his reasons for doing so. "Even after seeing Manus, I knew that I have to let the Age of Dark start. The Age of Fire has gone on for too long. It needs to end or else more monsters like Manus may be created to bring the Age of Dark to light, only their version of the Age of Dark may be one of tyranny and cruelty." He then looked at Karla. "So, we don't have to do this now, Karla. We can do it after I get back."
"True." Said Karla before smirking. "But I want to do it now." She then pressed her lips on the Ashen one's lips, who gasped out loud before closing his eyes and kissing her back. After a few minutes, the two looked at each other, out of breath. "Think of this like a reward for all you've done. And to better entice you to return, let's do this again." She then proceeded to remove her pants while the Ashen one began to remove his armor. After both were completely naked, Karla pounced on the Ashen one and began to make love to him.
Meanwhile, in Firelink Shrine, the inhabitants could have sworn that they heard the screams of pleasure coming somewhere nearby.
Much later
Firelink Shrine
Karla was humming to herself as she looked at the pendant that her mother gave her. Her last memento of her mother. Thinking back to good times, Karla wondered how the Ashen one was doing.
"No doubt trying his hardest in defeating whatever challenges he has to deal with in order to be given the choice to link the fire or not." She sighed. "When is anything ever easy." A small part of her was worried that the Ashen one had gone hollow, but that was easily tossed aside. She lost count of how many times that knight had died while she was here and she was sure that his death count was even higher as she joined his journey quite late compared to the others. "If he did go hollow, I'm not going to be a happy woman." Karla began to consider leaving to go find the Ashen one and the firekeeper when her surrounding began to darken. Looking around, Karla saw that she could barely see anything. She could see Andre and Cornyx quite fine, but that was due to the light sources near them. The old hag, having left after the Ashen one and the firekeeper left, shop began to fade away. She soon heard the chuckle of Andre.
"Well, looks like that bugger, decided to let the Age of Fire die." Said Andre. "Well good riddance I say. Age has gone on for too long."
"Indeed it has." Said Cornyx with a hum. "Though I'm afraid of the future, what's life without some sense of fear."
"Not one worth living that's for sure!" Yelled Patches from his perch in the upper levels. Karla rolled her eyes and was about to comment when she heard the voices of the Ashen one and the Firekeeper. Upon hearing their, she rushed toward the two and watched as they made their way from the bonfire as it died. Without warning, Karla tackled the Ashen one and hugged him tightly, causing the Firekeeper to giggle lightly before leaving to give them so space. After a few seconds, Karla let go and looked at the Ashen one.
"So, this is the Age of Dark." Said Karla as she looked around, seeing that there was no natural light anymore. The only light sources were from the few torches in the shrine. "Its…not too bad. I'm used to being in such darkness anyway." The Ashen one chuckled at that.
"I bet you are." Said the Ashen one before grabbing Karla's hands. "I take it you want to do that thing we promised." Smiling, Karla led the Ashen one away from the shrine and to the arena. Watching the two, Andre laughed.
"50 gold coins that says he's going to get her pregnant next week." Said Andre. Cornyx just laughed at that.
"Might as well join." Said Cornyx as he took part in the bet with Patches, who threw in 100 coins. The Firekeeper just shook her head at the betting before smiling at the retreating forms of the Ashen one and Karla. Happy for them. She also hoped that she'll be the godmother for their children. It would be so nice to take care of children.