To GoldenFire215: There was going to be a full story as this one is a side story but some changes were done and this is its own thing now. But no worries, I will write it someday after replaying Dark Souls III again. Been a long time since I played it, more than two years now.

To nantono: As I said above, there was going to be a full story but there were major changes. The Ashen One wasn't in love, he just finds comfort in Ganyu's presence much like the Firekeeper. Yes, that means he didn't love the Firekeeper, at least not in a romantic way. Ganyu is as gentle and sweet as the Firekeeper which is why he keeps (not just for upgrades lol) coming back, her presence is comforting. Love IS a foreign concept for the Ashen One but he does hold both Firekeeper and Ganyu precious or rather, he didn't understand what he felt.

Long story short; the Ashen One does like the Firekeeper and Ganyu but only as a companion/friend. Guess you could call that friendzone? (lol jk, jk) Plus, it's already shown by the last chapter what he actually feels towards Ganyu. She's a friend, a precious friend.

Aside from that, I finally got my hands on Bloodborne. I immediately played it and HOOWEE! Goddamn, the environments, the opening, the graphics, everything! I loved it! Died a lot of course but it was still very fun. Got killed by Father Gascoigne countless times, defeated the Cleric Beast first try (undoubtedly the easiest boss) and now, heading forward. Can't wait to see what is in store in this game for me.

Anyways, enjoy today's fluff chapter (somewhat)!

It was another tough battle. Battling countless monsters, hallows, lords...

And then die over and over again until he emerge victorious.

The Ashen One, tired in mind, rests at the bonfire pondering about his journey and his grand quest. At the end of all of this, would he link the fire once more and continue the cycle to prolong the inevitable, or would he let the fire extinguished and end it unlike the countless other Undead before him whom successfully link the fire?

He...wasn't sure.

The Ashen One didn't want to think about it.

All he wanted right now, is a rest.

After a quick rest, he uses the bonfire to teleport himself to the Firelink Shrine where he sees a certain someone. A person whom he holds dear, a presence not only he tolerates but also come to finds comfort in, a warmth that no amount of rest can ever replicate. Just seeing her washed away all the tiredness and stresses he had received from his many battles.

She greeted him with a smile–a kind of smile that barely anyone in this world would've willingly given to him. "Welcome Home, Ashen One. Speak thine heart's desire."

It is by her and others' existence that the Ashen One pushed forward until he arrives at the Kiln of the First Flame...

Unkindled's Comfort

The Ashen One had just finished cleaning one of the countless base of the Abyss Order, a routine he ensure must down at least once a week.

This time however, he was helped by someone else.

The person simply named himself the "Good Hunter" just as the he called himself the "Ashen One". Strangely, that was the only conversation they had; just introducing themselves before killing the members of the Abyss Order. It feels like they were kindred, not in what they are but in what they're doing. The Ashen One knows it just by a glance, the Good Hunter has been killing in all of his life much like himself. The way they both communicate was through killing, it really felt like they were connected...almost as if they were the same person.

After destroying the base, they went on their separate ways but both of them knew they would meet again someday.

Night falls just as the Ashen One was on his way back to Liyue.

Just as the world was vast, so was his choice of path. Today, the Ashen One walks across the beach overseeing the waves and reflection of stars at the surface of the water. He could still see it despite the waves and anyone would've find it to be magical but for the Ashen One, he finds it to simply be calming. In fact, almost every scenery around this world is calming–from forests to mountains to towns filled with lively people. It was so unlike his world where it was all dark and the atmosphere was grim. It was the complete opposite...

However, he finds the utmost comfort from the person known as Ganyu.

A person he came to like and held precious.

As the Ashen One walks, he saw a figure by the distance. It was someone familiar but he wasn't sure who it was until he got closer. Familiar it was, Ganyu was currently standing on the beach alone as the water wash up to her ankles whilst she stares over at the horizon in deep thought. For the Ashen One, it was strange considering every time he ever decides to visit Ganyu, she would always be at the Liyue Qixing much like how the Firekeeper was always at the Firelink Shrine.

He decides to walk towards her and she heard his familiar armor clanking noises.

She turns around and smiles, "Oh, Ashen One." She seemed a bit surprised but she was also pleasantly happy at seeing him, "Ah, don't mind me. This night, I just wanted to visit this beach instead of the docks at Liyue simply because of its peace and tranquility." She went out of the water and into the dry sand, that smile was still there. "I never expected that I would meet you here, hehe." Her giggled happily before she stared at him with cheeks flushed red, "Would you care to join me here and enjoy the beautiful night?"

The Ashen One remained silent before walking towards her side and sat down with legs crossed and elbows resting on his thighs. She giggled, expecting his response to be just like that before she too sat down beside him. Together, they watched the sea under the Moon and the stars serenaded by the sounds of water washing ashore and winds blowing.

It never occurred to her that the Ashen One, someone who she first met and even had a bad impression on, would become her loved one. To think that she was scared and frightened at such a gentle soul in pain, it was foolish indeed.

The days had been strange since her first meeting with him.

Is this what it feels like to fall in love?

Before, she was very nervous around him and more so a few weeks ago when she wanted to ask him on a date or leisure walk with just the two of them alone. But now, she is more forefront with her feelings especially when he invited Lumine in their supposed date during the festival. She thought that maybe, the Ashen One hadn't realize her feeling despite holding her dear. Ganyu wanted more than that, she wanted him to love truly her as a lover.

So, she thought that maybe, being bold with her feelings will make him realize it and take her hand in marriage.

Ganyu...

She really, really...

Loved him.

"I love you." She said suddenly, out of nowhere shocking even herself as she had not intended to do such thing. Anxious by her actions, she stammered as she tries to change its meaning but it proved to be useless as what comes out of her mouth was nonsence. "I-I...uh, um...A-Ashen One, t-t-that was just..." Her blush intensified and slowly, she turns her face towards the love of her life, curious as to what he thought of her sudden confession. "...Ashen One?"

"..." His slow and soft breathing can be heard.

She blinks, it seems the Ashen One had long been fallen asleep. She puffed her cheeks in annoyance, really, what a timing to be falling asleep. She felt irritated before a smile crept up to her face. She understood that the Ashen One was tired from his journey.

With a sigh and a soft smile, Ganyu scoots in closer to the Ashen One and leaned her head on his shoulder. She stares at his helmet, his mysterious appearance that stood out from the rest. He said he was a knight from a distant land yet she had never once seen a knight wearing foreign armors and even has a hood on. It seemed more like he was an armored assassin rather than a night. It was strange indeed but that was what makes him, him.

She closed her eyes, "Perhaps one day, Ashen One...we can be lovers."

Enjoying their time together with a smile and a slight flushed cheeks soon she too drifted off to sleep.

Under the peaceful night, the Ashen One and the person he held dear rests their minds whilst the latter determined to make the Ashen One realize her feelings...

For the record, yes. The cover of this fanfic is the Ashen One. And yes, he is hugging the Firekeeper. Credits to yourfreakyneighbourh on Twitter. Go and check out their short comics on Dark Souls, it's very wholesome.