Sometimes I forget the names of locations while writing this because I play in spanish, and trying to remember what the actual names are is so confusing. Like, I don't think they even used an actual translator, someone just popped into google translate or something and they called it a day.

The Tower Apart Bonfire, for example, is called "the tower of solitude".

Thats where the rule breakers go.

Annnyway, I'm... Pretty happy with this chap. I haven't been that motivated to write these last for days because I am still sick as a dog (don't worry, it's probably just pneumonia so I'll get antibiotics and whatnot)

But I still love Lucatiel.

So here you go.

Also! ! !

I have a question. Y'all know how every powerful being in the Dark Souls universe has a signature /soul weapon, right?

I would love to hear what you think yours would be. Either yourself or your character or even our protag. I wanna hear this! ! ! I myself, believe mine would be a sorcery staff that ups item discovery. Like the great sword of searching in demon souls, but nerdier.

Also again because I have a lot to talk about apparently! ! !

If y'all are inspired by this fic even vaguely and make something (like art /fanfictions /mixtapes) you can 100% link me and I will love you forever.

...

TL:DR Syb is still sick af and uses a lot of exclamation points.

A few more kisses did not matter, in the end. If anything, it just delayed the inevitable and terribly frustrating fight with the Smelter Demon. You really need to hit up Lenigrast for an upgrade or two on your weapon when you get back to Majula.

That being said, Lucatiel ended up doing most of the damage while you kept the beast occupied. It's much more pissed off than its in game counterpart when you dodge all its slashes.

You only get hit once though, and you take no small amount of pride in that. Lucatiel on the other hand, shakes her head at your smugness as the souls flood you both.

It takes you a few seconds of staring at her to remember she's not a phantom and therefore not going to just disappear on you this time. Which is just fantastic.

"What?" She asks curiously, turning her gaze to her sword. It's probably a little duller than she'd like after hacking away at an armored demon. Lucatiel is meticulous about her equipment. You only notice it's degradation when it starts doing less damage. A bad habit, you know.

"I'm... So happy you're not a phantom." You say slowly, smiling at her. "And that you're here. With me."

Lucatiel ceases her movements, a light pink blush crawling up her cheeks. "I... See. Did you expect me to be a phantom?"

"You were last time. And the time before that." You shrug. "And technically, you should be a phantom. I'm pretty sure we're breaking a few rules here."

She flashes you a confident smile. "Do not fret. As the next monarch, you should be permitted to break a few rules."

"I'm not 'fretting'!" You snort amusedly. "You and your weird dialog."

"Dialog?" She repeats, smothering her laughter with her hand. "You say as if we're in a story."

"We are, technically speaking." You respond breezily.

Lucatiel has to calm herself before she responds, "I very much doubt that. Although... We could be in a future story, assuming you're one of those rulers."

"Oh, you know it." You grab her hand and start for the stairs.

"At least you're honest." She says lightly.

"I promise I'll never build a huge castle made of solid iron, of that's any consolation." You say. "Which also means we won't have to worry about Balrogs possessing my soul."

"And what is a Balrog?" Lucatiel asks. "That merchant seemed to find it amusing."

"Oh, he has no idea what a Balrog is either. Don't worry. It's a lord of the rings reference, this hugely popular franchise back home. Although making references to it usually means you're a fuckin nerd. Which, incidentally, I am."

"Language." She huffs, dropping your hand. "Are you going to get that chest?"

"You are welcome to it." You hum, moving to light the bonfire. You leave the door shut for now, remembering there's a knight nearby. You also have 'turtle dudes!' scrawled onto your notes, but you cannot for the life of you remember what the hell that means.

Your past self didn't take the best of notes.

There are some helpful tips though, like 'do not under any circumstances let Navlaan out (he's an asshole)'. You're sure he would appreciate that one.

You settle next to the bonfire with a content sigh, holding your hands out to the flames. It's warm, but not in the same sense the rest of the Iron Keep is. Comforting rather than stifling. Maybe bonfires are your true home now, like that miracle seems to think.

Lucatiel returns with a vaguely annoyed expression, asking, "Did you know it would be a 'porcine shield'?"

You carelessly shrug, "Sort of. You don't like it?"

Rolling her eyes, she joins you on the floor and pulls you to her chest. You're practically in her lap, but hey. It's comfy and makes you feel safe. "It's hideous." She says.

"Yup." You agree. "So how long do you think we're allowed to stay here?"

"Is there a date you must keep?" She hmphs.

"I figure if we wait too long the Herald will yell at me."

Lucatiel outright snorts at that. "I don't believe she's capable of yelling. A gentle soul, that one."

A fair point. You have to admit. Shanalotte is one of the most passive people you've met in Drangleic. She's always struck you as simply tired, which is understandable considering you're apparently the first Undead to get this far.

So she's probably a little more impatient than she'd usually be and you did spend a while kissing Lucatiel. Not that you'd consider that time wasted. Quite the opposite, actually.

"Yeah, but we also spent a bunch of time making out." You tell her with a grin.

Threading her fingers through yours, she laughs, "You say as if you would contest more kisses."

You blink. "That the opposite of what I meant. But, I am supposed to be murdering right about now."

"I wouldn't call it murder." Lucatiel says, laying her down on your shoulder. Her breath sends shivers down your spine as she continues, "Although I do tire of the constant violence. Even in Mirrah we had rest between battles."

"You haven't slept? Like, at all?" You ask incredulously.

She pauses, obviously startled. "I have tried, but after a while I believed it to be impossible as an Undead. Have you managed to fall asleep?"

"In Majula, yeah. And on that pirate ship. The waves were nice." You open up your inventory and flick through for some kind of pillow. She's gotta be ridiculously tired and admittedly, you would love to have more time before the second of the Lord Souls.

Not that you're nervous or anything. Definitely not.

Lucatiel seems surprised by this. "Perhaps... It is an issue of comfort then. It is a challenge to relax with hollows seeming to appear out of thin air."

Well, that is a pretty rational fear. "I'm here to protect you though. Try and sleep, Luca."

"Are you certain you will not need me for anything?" She asks anxiously.

You squeeze her hand. "Babe, I can take a few knights on the off chance they do make their way all the way over here. It's fine."

"Fine. I will try to rest." She finally agrees.

"Thank you," You laugh and take out your little journal. Now... Let's see if we can't remember any more.

She wakes up slowly, only a few hours later. You know she's aware when her grip on you becomes considerably tighter and her muscles tighten as if she's ready for a fight.

"Good morning." You hum lightly, closing your book. You had been trying to map out Ivory King DLC, knowing that will probably cause you the most frustration layout wise. Not to mention collecting all those Loyce Souls. Ugh. You want to make sure you get everything available though, and... If you can grant Alsanna even a little bit of peace after what she's been through, then hell yes, you will.

Lucatiel remains quiet, slowly relaxing again. "I..." She starts, nuzzling your neck. "Thank you."

"For what? Ordering you to take a fu-ricken nap?" You correct yourself at the last second, remembering what she said about swearing. You're probably not gonna stop cursing entirely, but maybe when Lucatiel is around you'll watch your mouth.

"If that is your idea of an order, we will have much to work on before your coronation." She snickers.

"Pshhh, yeah. But first!" You say, getting to your feet and stretching languidly. "We should get going."

Lucatiel also stands up, covering her mouth when she yawns. "Do you think all Undead sleep?" She asks curiously.

Putting your book back into your inventory, you shrug. "Probably. I don't think it's necessary to survive, but it probably has emotional and mental benefits. Good for not hollowing and all that. Did you know Rosabeth is just human, by the way? She's not Undead."

This makes Lucatiel pause. "Truly? What is she doing in Drangleic then?"

"Her previous teacher is one of those magic fanatics. Thinks Drangleic has deep magic roots or something. Apparently he wasn't very fond of her though, considering he did leave her a statue for who knows how long." Your lips curl back in irritation at that. Fucker.

Lucatiel gives you the strangest look, prompting, "You seem angered."

"I am! He was supposed to be her teacher and I mean, she left her home to follow him and learn more sorcery! He has- had a responsibility to protect her! And he just left her. How fucked up is that!?" You ball your hands into fists. You cannot get over the fact that it would've been so easy for this 'master sorcerer' to get his hands on a branch of yore and yet he's found sitting on a dock, making pretentious comments.

Ugh.

Lucatiel slowly reaches over to cup your cheek, smiling brilliantly. "You're right."

You simply stare at her. What?

"Although that is not phrase you should use." She laughs.

Well. That's fair. You lean forward and tilt your face up, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "You're the best."

"Lies and slander." She tries to mimic your accent and you nearly fold over with laughter. Lucatiel, no.

"You- Lucatiel." You stutter, unable to catch your breath. "Let's just go, oh my god."

You totally lucked out with this nerd of a knight.

She pecks your cheek before moving on ahead, allowing you to take out the archer on the lower platform (thank goodness for ranged attacks) while she gets the captain.

Unfortunately the archer drops something, and your torn between grabbing it and just continuing on. You do love treasure.

"Come along," Lucatiel says, pulling you away from the ledge. "It is probably just more of their armor."

"Or the bow." You sigh mournfully. You follow her anyway though, knowing better than to start a fight over a bow that you can farm for later on. You'll have a lot of farming to do, speaking of which. Maybe before the next of the big four? Or perhaps before you try to conquer Drangleic castle? Lucatiel did mention wanting to begin the search for her brother again, so you can train and whatnot while she does that.

You're almost too busy to notice the surrounding area (and threats),

Until, of course, you realize your past self wasn't being a total tool when they wrote the notes for this area. "Oh!" You exclaim, smiling brightly. "Turtle dudes! Luca, they're literally turtle dudes! Holy shit. I am impressed."

She stops mid step to stare at you bewilderedly. "Excuse me?"

"I- never mind." You wave it off, quickly flicking a throwing knife at the nearest one. You don't want to engage them both on this narrow-ish bridge. You've yet to take a bath in lava, and frankly, it doesn't sound pleasant.

You didn't bank on them being clever though. The first slams its hammer down and you nearly hit the floor. Lucatiel seems to have the same problem, especially with her heavier armor. The second retreats while you're trying to gain balance, probably hoping to trap you once the bridge is broken.

"I am even more impressed now." You have to admit, throwing a fireball that the offending turtle. It seems to forget its objective thankfully, now moving in to try and kill you.

"Can you get its friend?" You request, flashing Lucatiel a grin. "I've got this."

You do, in fact, have this. Lucatiel is glaring at the nearest archer when you join her in the main room, her shield raised defensively. You wait until he takes another shot to quickly yank the lever and dip the remaining turtle knights in the lava.

"Do you want to visit belfry Sol?" You ask, looking at the door hopefully. While you do sort of hate the bell tower, it does have some potentially sweet loot. There is only so much you're willing to pass up on.

Lucatiel smiles, shaking her head. "You may visit the bell tower while I clear this room. Is that an acceptable compromise?"

"Hell yes." You cheer. "You are the greatest knight there was and will be."

You don't listen to her argument against that, simply turning on your heel and shoving the heavy doors open.

Oh, thank god, I have an extra lockstone. You're up the ladder in a matter of seconds after the contraption activates, practically vibrating with excitement. I'm gonna get immolation. Probably not ever gonna use it but, whatever.

You jump down to light the bonfire before going to grab the lightning quartz ring (thank goodness you know how to climb over knee high objects). Then it's up another ladder and the words 'Belfry Sol' flash in front of you.

You have a very short chat with the first dwarf before the fog wall, who is unsettlingly is similar to the one at the belfry Luna. They do seem happy enough to explain the story of the prince and princess for you though, despite your unwillingness to join the bell bros.

Disapating the fog, you're instantly met by the harsh sunlight.

Or... Should you say, grossly incandescent sunlight.

You laugh at the memory, some part of you feverishly hoping that Solaire ended up with a happy ending. It seems as if that's rare in the Dark Souls universe.

You shake that thought off and continue on your way. You're met by one of those strange dwarves only a few steps outside, forcing you to skitter back. That tiny little axe is surprisingly painful. Thankfully they don't seem as fire resistant as the rest of the Iron Keep residents, and are easily dispatched by pyromancy.

You make your way through the rest of the belfry carefully, making sure to only attract one or two of their strange black phantoms at a time.

Ringing the bell makes you happy though. It's makes such a pretty, if not unnecessarily loud music. You then make your way up to the roof, already prepared for some kind of sneak attack. The notes just had a bunch of arrows and exclamation points.

Which is a fairly accurate representation of what's happening, you abruptly realize as the enemy in question enters your line of sight. Oh, fuck me. Who even carries around that many arrows? You know you'll have to move quickly to avoid the double avelyn's.

You creep closer, one hand readying a fireball and the other with your dagger. Maybe a straight up assassination is the way to go about this.

He doesn't seem to notice you until you're just barely out of throwing range, and you nearly slide off the roof in an attempt to dodge the arrows. One fireball is enough to stun him though, which you are extremely thankful for. You finish him with another fireball and a backstab.

You're almost too busy celebrating not becoming an Undead pincushion to notice that he dropped an item, but thankfully the glittering effect on items seems to be only amplified by the brilliant sunlight.

You pluck the item up curiously, your lips pursed. Black Witch Domino Mask, your inventory claims. Domino Mask worn by Zullie the Witch, seducer of Alva the Wayfarer. Strengthens magic attacks but reduces max HP.

You know by this point your memory isn't really the best thing to rely on, but you don't think you've ever gotten this item before.

Huh.

You put it on without another thought, smiling happily. Rare loot is the best kind of loot, after all. Although its the effect does make you dizzy at first. It doesn't take a bite of your health bar the same an attack would, instead just making you a little weaker. It's a strange feeling.

You take out the next two dwarves and the great sword phantom with surprising grace, only receiving one hit to your shin. You're pretty sure said hit broke your leg though, so there's that. God bless whoever invented Estus.

There's no more enemies blocking your way back into the Iron Keep now, but you do notice three messages all in the hallway heading out. Three. Out if curiosity, you read the first. Illusory wall ahead, it says. The next says the same.

You narrow your eyes. "I'm not being trolled, right?" You ask yourself, carefully running your fingertips over the smooth stone. Usually with hidden doors you've just gotta...

"Well." You say, watching the wall slide back with a low grinding noise.

You glance around the room curiously, throwing open the two chests (iron, of course).

In one is the Grand Spirit Tree Shield, and in the other is- "Oh my goodness." You breathe, experimentally swinging the great sword. The Black Knight Greatsword, to be exact.

You're bombarded by memories, from your first playthrough to the moments in between. I have to learn how to use this, you decide.

Yes.