Hey everyone. Man, I gotta' tell ya. It's nice to write this again - I missed it. We're at a part of the story where some of the plot and ideas become twisted with my "artistic license". I want this world to seem "fantastically real" therefore some parts of the game aren't included in the story. For example, everyone is in the same world. And "souls" aren't quite a thing (I'll explain more in this chapter about that). Humanity and how it works, etc, etc. These twists are simply to help bring "realism" to the story and I hope you'll be open minded about them. I like being able to explain why things happen - for example, humanity is collected instead of souls because I want the concept of a "soul" to remain in question. Ostora is also the definition for "jolly cooporation". :p Anyway - let's continue!

Chapter Nine

The man's disposition was welcomed after the events of the day and Ostora felt herself relax at the sound of his laugh. It didn't seem possible for someone to be so cheerful in this world and yet proof walked towards her.

"I'm surprised you could tear yourself away," Lautrec said. The stranger laughed again at whatever joke had been passed his direction but Ostora did not miss the note of sarcasm lacing Lautrec's tone.

"I heard the commotion," was the stranger's explanation. "And upon nearing the church, saw movement on the roof,"

"I'm thankful you did," Ostora said, giving the stranger a nod. "We are quite fortunate,"

The stranger's head tilted to the side and he folded his arms over his chest, posture thoughtful. "In a land brimming with Hollows, could it really be mere chance?"

The question threw Ostora off but Lautrec merely chuckled once - although it could have easily been a scoff. Was this stranger insinuating that his appearance was more than coincidence? He offered her a taste of something she had seen little of in this world: belief. Just as she was about to ask him to elaborate, a cry broke through the air.

"Myrill!" came Chambers' voice. Ostora turned quickly. In the excitement of a battle won and a stranger's help, she had forgotten about the urgency needed for her companions. The cleric had gotten to his feet, weakly making his way towards the petite woman who was yet to move.

The rest followed, though the cleric got to Myrill first. Ostora fell back, wincing as the smell of burnt flesh met her nose and allowing the stranger and Chambers to kneel at Myrill's side. The cleric touched the petite woman's face ever so gently and his own twisted. The gesture was so timid and vulnerable that Ostora almost drew her eyes away from the scene. Over Myrill's body, Chambers looked up suddenly, shock filling his eyes as he took in the strange man.

"You! You're here!" he exclaimed before urgency filled his voice. "Please, you've got to help her!"

As the stranger nodded, two thoughts struck Ostora. The first was that Chambers had been surprised to see the man but his surprise had been in that he was here, not in that he was a new face. They had met before, then. Lautrec was acquainted with him as well. But the second thought puzzled Ostora even more - why such fuss when they carried the black gems? The humanity? Feeding one to the bonfire had healed her shoulder wound, could it not heal burns as well? Ostora's eyes traveled along the petite woman. She lay still, chest unmoving, and yet there was something different about her.

"She's...dead?" Ostora whispered and Lautrec nodded once.

Yet despite this, the stranger scooped Myrill up into his arms as if she weighed no more than a thin blanket. "There is a bonfire that burns in a room at the back of the church," he said quickly. Chambers stood, wincing at the sudden movement, but gestured for the man to go.

As the stranger hurried forth, followed by Lautrec, Ostora offered an arm to Chambers.

"I'm fine," the cleric said, shaking his head. "You should ring the bell,"

Ostora looked up at the tower and the bell they had fought hard to reach. She could ring it, true, and yet she could not turn her attention away from Chambers battered body or Myrill's scorched one. "The bell will remain. You're not fine," Ostora replied at last, "We'll follow faster if you lean on me,"

Chambers hesitated for a second but the argument seemed enough for him. He slung his good arm around Ostora's shoulders as she wrapped one of her own around his waist. Though their pace was slow, the cleric could hobble faster than he was capable of doing on his own.

"Chambers," Ostora began as they hurried along the path Lautrec and the stranger had taken through the church. "Myrill is...she's dead?"

"Yes," Chambers replied through gritted teeth. Ostora wasn't sure if it was due to her question or the pain he felt as he moved.

"I don't understand,"

"In this world, death is not an end," Chambers said, his voice tense. "With it, humanity begins to fade until there is none at all,"

At his words, recognition flashed behind Ostora's eyes. She could remember the dark room all to well and the form of the man she owed her life to had not left her thoughts. She had not understood his words, then. Yet now, what he said was all too clear.

"I'll die soon, then lose my sanity,"

"You become Hollow," Ostora whispered, but it was no question.

Chambers nodded, wincing as they began to trek down a small flight of stairs that opened into the outside world. "Yes. That's why we take the humanity as quickly as we can from those we face,"

Ostora stared outwards, letting Chambers' words settle on her chest. He said the words with such ease, as if he were doing those he killed a service rather than ridding them of their lives. Yet all he did was speed the process up and create new Hollows. Briefly, her thoughts turned towards the young mage who's life had been cut short. Did she now wander the courtyard as a Hollow?

"Myrill's humanity is fading but if we restore it, her body will fight the Hollow state." Chambers continued. "That is why humanity is so important. Your wounds, your life - it can restore to you what you have lost,"

At these words, a spark lit in the back of Ostora's mind and she opened her mouth to question him, but before she could, Chambers shifted from her grasp, hurrying down the last set of stairs they had come to. Below them, in an open room, Ostora could see the stranger kneeling beside Myrill's body which had been placed next to a thinly lit bonfire. Already the difference was staggering. The petite woman's face, under all her burns, looked gaunt. Her cheekbones were angled and her eyes had sunk back in her head. Ostora swallowed hard - it was a sight that reminded her of her own reflection, though not as severe.

The stranger was holding a black crystal and gently he placed it in Myrill's hand. Lifting it, he allowed the petite woman's limp hand to release the crystal. It fell into the flames, dissolving into ash with a small pop before a white light lifted from the fire. Ostora lifted a hand to cover her eyes but Chambers appeared unaffected and continued forward until he was next to the stranger. Lautrec merely leaned up against the wall, arms folded over his chest as he watched.

"Here," Chambers said quickly, reaching into his pouch and pulling out one of the black crystals they had gotten earlier. "Another one,"

The stranger nodded, placing the crystal into Myrill's hand. Again, he made her go through the movements of feeding it to the fire. The change came slowly but it was not unnoticeable. The burns receded, seeming to sink into Myrill's skin, and her face filled out. She appeared almost as she had before. With a gasp, her eyes shot open and she sat up. Her hands flew to her face, patting it before she stopped to look around as if realizing where she was.

Chambers sighed, falling backwards into a sitting position with a smile. "Ah," he sighed. "Good to have you back,"

Myrill's eyes surveyed the room, landing on each figure cautiously before she calmly got to her feet. She brushed off her clothes, frowning at the sight of them, then turned to Chambers and offered him a smile. Reaching into her own pouch, she pulled out a black crystal and offered it to him.

Smile growing wider, the cleric took the crystal and let it fall into the flames. Another pop and flash of white light filled the room and Chambers rolled his shoulder back with a soft grunt. "Definitely an improvement," he said and the stranger chuckled.

The entire scene made Ostora's head spin. Humanity held so much more power than she had originally thought. And to return what was once lost? Chambers was wrong - humanity included so much more than wounds or a life. Had she not had thoughts of her life before while in the church? Had the memories not stunned her? The flickering flames drew Ostora's gaze and she contemplated it silently. Had it been the humanity that had given her back those memories? That had only been one - who was to say what memories more humanity would give her?

"We need to get you back to Firelink," Chambers was saying, concern replacing his expression as he stood and looked Myrill over. The petite woman scowled at him but he shook his head. "You know as well as I do that you need time to let the humanity take effect. As powerful as it is, death is not easy to come back from,"

"He's right," the stranger agreed, placing a hand on Myrill's shoulder. Even she did not seem able to reject his calm and content disposition. "I'm glad to see you alive, so don't hurry yourself,"

Myrill's shoulders slumped at his words but she seemed to give in. The group headed up the stairs and back towards the church. Ostora glanced up, taking in the sight of the tattered roof and the bell that still waited.

"Wait here," she said to her companions. "I'll go ring it,"

"And I'll accompany you!" the stranger said. He chuckled at the subtle, confused look Ostora sent him. "The view is spectacular; I did not have the time to appreciate it as it deserves,"

With a slight shrug of her shoulders, Ostora nodded. She turned on her heel, the stranger following, when Lautrec coughed slightly.

"I believe my debt is repaid," he said.

"I..." Chambers faltered then took a deep breath. "I am sorry for my rudeness earlier. Your help was appreciated,"

Lautrec stared at the other man for a moment before chuckling once. "Well. You are welcome. Now then," He seemed to stand straighter and somehow, his golden armour seemed to glow. Yet despite this, an uncomfortable shudder ran through Ostora at his next words. " - I can get back to work," He tipped his head then turned, making his way across a narrow, wooden bridge.

Ostora watched as he disappeared around a corner and heard Chambers sigh slightly. The cleric shook his head, focusing back on Ostora and the stranger.

"We'll wait for you here then return back to Firelink." A grin split across his lips as he muttered quietly. "Oh, I can't wait to see the look on Gabriel's face," Myrill's elbow jabbed his side. "Ow! Hey, don't tell me you don't agree! I know you do,"

With a small smile and a roll of her eyes, Ostora turned her back on the pair's strange bickering and headed into the church once more.

On the roof of the church, the sun shone brightly, declaring that evening was approaching. Its rays brushed nearby clouds and they seemed to glow with warmth. It was a sight to behold; in such a dark world, such beauty still remained. All one had to do was look up.

"Miraculous, isn't it?" the stranger breathed, seeming captivated by the view.

Ostora nodded slightly. Her appreciation for such sights was not lacking. After so much time spent locked away in the asylum, never again would she take the sky for granted nor the breeze on the air. The warmth of the sunlight was a treasure that could be taken from anyone.

A sudden realization jolted her from her thoughts, however, and she turned to the stranger. "I'm sorry, I...who are you?"

Her words took a moment to jostle the man and he tore his gaze away from the sky. "Oh! The apologies are mine to give - in all the excitement, I forgot my manners. I am Solaire of Astora, an adherent of the Lord of Sunlight,"

Solaire. The name brought the corners of Ostora's lips up. It suited him and his red feather well. And Astora? Hadn't Oscar claimed that as his home, too? It was becoming clear at what type of people those from Asotra were.

"An adherent of the Lord of Sunlight?" she asked, beginning to walk towards the tower.

Solaire followed, happily answering her implied question. "Yes, I consider myself a warrior of the sun; a guardian of all that is good. And all in the name of the Lord of Sunlight,"

Ostora shook her head. "I've never heard of such a thing,"

"Well, yes, quite understandable!" Solaire said. "In fact, I have even come to this great land, the birthplace of Lord Gwyn, to seek my very own sun!"

The short laugh escaped Ostora before she could stop it and she glanced apologetically back towards the man. "No need to hide your reaction. I get that look all the time," Solaire laughed, putting Ostora at ease.

Entering the tower, the pair began to climb up a thin, metal ladder. Glancing upwards, Ostora grimaced - it seemed to go on forever.

"You're Undead and yet...you remain so positive," Ostora mused as they climbed.

Solaire merely shrugged his shoulders. "We are amidst strange beings in a strange land, this is true, but I consider myself a righteous knight. As long as there is sunlight, the world is not yet as dark as many claim,"

Ostora paused for a moment as a connection formed in her mind. "You're the one Chambers wanted me to speak with, aren't you?"

"Do you find that strange?" Solaire asked before chuckling. "Perhaps you should. But if Chambers wanted you to speak with someone then I am not surprised he would recommend me. I spoke to him not long ago,"

"And what would you tell me?"

The man was quiet for a moment before answering. "Heroes in this world phase in and out; relations shift and obscure. That is the very nature of humanity. But the way I see it, our fates appear to be intertwined. There is a greater purpose to be found - I'm sure you have felt it?" Ostora nodded. "Yes, a greater purpose - what it is we must discover. The very fabric of it wavers, though. Why not help one another on this lonely journey?"

"Yet Chambers takes humanity from those willing to help him," Ostora interjected.

"As I said, relations shift and obscure. Humanity holds great place in this world and it feeds the greater purpose. Do I believe it should be taken needlessly? No, but each has one's own beliefs." Solaire paused before adding. "I do not claim to know which belief is right or wrong. All I know is that I shall follow my own. You can choose to do the same,"

"But if there is this greater purpose, why do we all not help one another?" Ostora asked.

"Oh there are others engaged in doing so," Solaire answered. "But perhaps it is for this greater purpose that there are those who are not. We cannot say."

At the top of the ladder was a room that led to a thin ledge. Stepping out on it, Ostora pulled herself up a small ladder, closing the distance between herself and the bell. Solaire followed behind and the pair stood before the bell in silence, gazing out at the sun. At the top of the tower, it seemed closer somehow.

"To survive in this world, you have to take humanity," Ostora said softly, breaking the quiet. "But it feels wrong."

"Perhaps it is your purpose to give your humanity to someone who does not agree," Ostora moved to protest but Solaire held up a hand. "Or, perhaps you will find a balance between both right and wrong in order to see the greater purpose to its end. It is true that one needs humanity to survive but it can be argued that one does not need all humanity."

The face of the young mage flashed behind Ostora's eyes again and she tore her gaze from Solaire, lest he see the guilt she carried. He was right - they didn't need every bit of humanity they found. Not when from the innocent. If Chambers did not agree, then he would have to force her aside.

"You've a strong arm, strong faith, and most importantly, a strong heart," Solaire said softly, as if he could read her thoughts. "Whatever choices you make, I know they will be for the good of this land,"

With his kind words tucked away for safe keeping, Ostora turned and gave the man a small smile. "Thank you," she said quietly. "Chambers was right to want me to speak with you."

The man almost seemed embarrassed by her gratitude and he chuckled nervously. "Oh, ha ha! Well, I am glad for that," He motioned to the bell. "Now, go on! Fulfill your purpose!"

As Ostora stepped towards the bell, it was as though a weight settled across her shoulders. Under the bell, tarnished with rust and age, was a long lever. This was what their battles so far had been for. This was what she had left the Undead asylum for.

Thou who art Undead art chosen.

Her hands wrapped around the lever and with a grunt, Ostora pulled it back with all her strength. The lever creaked and scratched but the gears moved before the lever snapped back into place. Instantly, the bell began to sway and great clangs echoed all around them.

In thine exodus from the Undead Asylum, maketh pilgrimage to the land of Ancient Lords.

Ostora turned back to the ladder but Solaire did not follow. Instead, he remained standing, staring out at the sky.

"Are you coming?" Ostora asked, and the man looked back at her.

"I think I will stay behind to gaze at the sun. It is a wondrous body, like a magnificent father!" he said. She could hear the smile in his voice. "Ah...if only I could be so grossly incandescent." He sighed with a shake of his head before bending at the waist to give Ostora a small bow. "I'm sure we will meet again - you've left me with quite the impression. I would relish a chance to assist you,"

Ostora nodded in agreement, stepping down onto the ladder. "And I you. I wish you well until then," Solaire bowed once more and Ostora climbed down both ladders, making her way onto the roof of the church.

She paused, staring out at the brilliant shine of the sun before looking back towards the top of the tower. The massive bell continued to swing and it rang clear and loud for all to hear. The weight across her shoulders seemed to grow and yet the feeling felt indescribably right.

In front of the bell, she saw Solaire lift his arms up to the sun. The sight made her smile and she chuckled, turning for the exit and leaving the bell and sun behind her. Yes, this was what she was supposed to do. This was her purpose. She knew it.

When thou ringeth the Bell of Awakening, the fate of the Undead thou shalt know.