CHAPTER 2: WHERE DEMONS RESIDE
"The Ring of the Slightly Damned?!. What kind of place is that? What a dumb name…" Said Rhea with disbelief.
"It's technically, part of hell, but few souls are placed within it" Death explained, still rowing.
He continued. "Thus, not even the demons choose to acknowledge it. There are exceptions of course."
The Ashen One, raised his head a little after hearing the word 'Demons'. There were demons in this place?.
He has heard that in Lothric, Demons were a dying race due to the extintion of the Chaos Flame, created by the Witch of Izalith. And the Demon Prince was the last of them.
"Excuse but i have to ask are there Demons in this place?" The Ashen One decided to ask Death. Which he looked back at him and said
"And I've though you mortals have already knowledge of the races of this world. Yes, Hell is the homeland of the demons, they were created by Syndel, The Ruler of Hell and one of the Gods Of Medius." He explained.
"I see…Thanks for reminding me." The Ashen One said simply and looked away.
' So… demons are created from gods, not from the chaos flame... That is very different from Lothric.' He thought, that was confirming his suspicious about this place. But That only could mean…
His thoughts were inturrped when he heard Death Saying: "We have arrived".
"Wonderful" Said Rhea, sticking her tongue out.
After getting out of the boat, they found themselves in another rocky wasteland no different from before.
"So where's the guy who're supposed to meet anyway" Asked Rhea.
"Have patience, he'll be here soon enough…" Death Said. In the distance they could see a shadowy figure running in their direction. Upon seeing it, Death said: "Ah, there he is, late as usual…"
When the figure stopped running, both Rhea and The Ashen One, could see that the person they were supposed to met, was not a person exactly. It was another furred creature, that was supposedly, a demon. It had white hair with two yellow curvy horns coming out of his head. It had red eyes, small fangs, and large ears that looked similar to those of a Jakkai, but smaller in size. It's right ear seemed to have a bite mark where some of it looked like it was torn off, while his left ear had two small gold loops in it. It's also had a thin tail with a triangular pointed tuft. He had claws instead of fingers and toes; he had four toes with a fifth claw coming out of his heel for each foot. It's fur was purple with white markings on his face. He was wearing a black trench coat with a pair of red pants with a star necklace around his neck. At the moment he was panting and leaning over running earlier and it spoke with a male and young voice.
"S-sorry, Im late" He said, still panting.
"I expected as much…"Said Death, with a slighty disappointed tone. "Today, i have a surprise for you, Buwaro. For the Rest of their staying in Hell, you will be in charge of Rhea and Raiku here"
Rhea then started laughing and started to mock Buwaro. "Is This guy a demon?. He looks kinda frail and so weak. Not scary at all". And he has Purple fur too, hahahaha".
Buwaro, seeming offened with her mockery, shouted:" What is wrong with my fur!? Rhea just keep laughing. Buwaro whispered to Death: "Is it okay for me to do it now?". Death only answered : " it's up to you…".
Buwaro grinned, he laughed devilish and then stomped on Rhea's tail, she yelled in pain and said: "What did you that for!?".
" it's my job to do things like that as your demon supervisor" He answered, Rhea stood still for a second then she turned around growing angrily and then she jumped on Buwaro head and started to bite him.
The Ashen One stood there, watching the scene unfold in front on him, he found this somewhat hilarious and chucked a little. It was a long time since he laughed, or chuckled. Death just stood there with a 'seriously' expression. "You seem to find this certainly entertaining, do you?" he said.
Death sighed. "I have to attend to some important matters, could you do me the favor of watching that these two do not kill each other?" The Ashen One nodded, And Death said "Thank you, I'll be back later, depending of the time" He then got in the boat again and started rowing.
He then Shouted to Buwaro and Rhea: "Farewell you two, try to get along". The Ashen One turned around and looked to Buwaro and Rhea, he then approached them and Rhea Asked him: "What happened?, What did he said?"
"He said that he has some important matters, also that i have to make sure that you two don't fight too much" He answered, Buwaro and Rhea looked at each other, then back at him. "Oh, right… we didn't introduce ourselves properly, my name is Raiku of Astora, and her name's Rhea Snaketail, nice too meet you" He said and extended his hand to Buwaro.
Buwaro accepted the handshake : "Heya, My name's Buwaro Elexion and I'm supposed to be your demon supervisor and torture you. But you seem so nice, compared to Rhea here". He said happily, he then said:"So… do you want me to show you around?".
The Ashen One said:"Sure, no problem". He then looked at Rhea who was crossing her arms, looking away, she then sighed, defeated, and nodded. The two started walking in Buwaro's direction.
The Ashen One could feel that someone was watching them, but he decided to ignore it and keep walking.
"Wow. So that'it , huh? Just a bunch of rocks?" Rhea said, disappointed. Buwaro only responded:"Yeah… i think so."
Their destination was still the same as the rest of their environment, just a barren wasteland with some rocks of different sizes, some small and some medium size.
"So what do you do for fun here?" Rhea asked Buwaro, he then put a hand on his chin in a thoughtful way.
Literally it took him ONE HOUR, to finally answer the question.Homever Rhea was asleep and the Ashen One was with his back on a wall and looking at the ground. "I invented this game myself. First you toss a rock into the air. Then you try to catch it". A few seconds until the rock was falling towards Buwaro, who failed to catch it, and the rock ended up hitting his head heavily and fell to the floor with a small splatter of blood. And Rhea only reaction, was simply: " You're such a moron"
The Ashen One felt bad for his little mishap, but he had nothing to use for healing, not even his talismans or chimes. Fortunately he hasn't forgotten about the attunement of miracles that Irina teached him, Nor the Sorceries of Orbeck, The Pyromancies of Cornyx. And of course he hasn't forgotten of Karla and the Dark Magic.
"Are you ok?" Asked The Ashen One to Buwaro, moving the rock from his head. He could heard him mutter:" Ow, that hurt a lot!". He then turned to him and said. "Y-yeah, Dont worry, i get hit in the head many times" Said Buwaro rubbing his head.
"So, Death mentioned that you were a fire demon. Does that mean you can use fire magic?" Rhea Asked to Buwaro, who only scratched his head in confusion. Rhea continued with an evil grin snd rubbing her hands: " You know, Magic, im talking about the power to freeze your foes, electrocute your enemies, and create unstoppable chaos with merely a hand gesture or a thought. HAHAHAHAHA".
Buwaro only looked at her nervously, but Rhea regained her composture and cleared her throat. " "Um… er, you know-" Before she could finish her sentence, Buwaro interrupted her. "Of course!. I can breath fire , you know, Watch this!"
He then took a deep breath and when he blowed up, nothing happened. Rhea bursted out laughing. "Don't give up, try again" The Ashen One said trying to comfort Buwaro. He then smiled at him and tried again. This time it worked, because he threw a breath of fire directly on Rhea's face. She growled angrily at him, and said. "Well Buwaro… how 'bout a little demostration of MY power". She then slammed her fist om the ground, a crack opened and a bunch of spiked stones came out of the fissure and hitting Buwaro in the face.
"Was that necessary?". Asked the Ashen One. "Hey, he started it" Said Rhea crossing her arms looking at him. She then turned back to Buwaro. "Ha, i hope all the demons aren't half as weak as you" Mocked Rhea.
" They're not" Suddenly, a female mature voice could be heard from behind, both Rhea and the Ashen One turned around to see another demon, The demon before them was eight feet in height, much taller than her fire demon sibling, but unlike Buwaro she had white fur with black stripes, and black hair with large black-feathered wings on her back. She wore a sleeveless, rust red gown with multiple ear piercings.
"Hi, Sakido" Buwaro greeted her happily. "Y-you know her!?" Said Rhea. "Of course, she's my big sister". Buwaro answered.
"Who are you two?" She asked, gazing down at the Jakkai and the Unkindled.
Rhea was shaking in fear, the Unkindled could sense her fear in her soul. True, this demon was bigger than them, but still not as big as Yhorm the Giant, But her look gave a really menacing aura that could intimidate anyone. The Ashen One wasn't afraid, he has already faced bigger foes, yet he's still unsure of what abilities had the large demoness.
"Her name is Rhea, And his name is Raiku, im in charge of them in their stay in Hell" Buwaro introduced them to Sakido. The giant demoness scoffed and began to observe them carefully,
"She doesn't look dangerous" Said Sakido after looking at Rhea. She turned to the Ashen one and begun to stare him .
Homever, when she saw his red eyes, she could feel fire. A flame that burned intensely. ,Yet she could feel something dangerous within it. Which that made her look away in shock. "Is something wrong, Sakido?". Asked Buwaro. The demoness regained her composture and shook her head, pretending that nothing happened, but she knew something was wrong this this…mortal. "No, I'm fine" she said.
"Okay then. Anyways, they're my new bestest friends" Said Buwaro as he hugged Rhea tightly, making her wince in pain, "Cant breathe…" "Ribs broken…" She said, before fainting in Buwaro arms and making Buwaro exclaim in surprise and worry. "Oh no, i broke Rhea"
"Anyways, Buwaro, did Death leave anything for me today?" Sakido asked, turning to Buwaro after giving a last suspicious look to the Unkindled.
"No, he only came to drop Rhea and Raiku" Buwaro answered. Sakido only scoffed."How disappointing…" . Rhea then got up of the floor wincing in pain from Buwaro's hug and growling at him.
"Oh yes, Buwaro, you should be wary, Iratu may visit us soon" Sakido said. "Really…soon?" Buwaro asked. "Yes, thats why im warning you n-"
Before Sakido could end talking, a strange white glowing pillar appeared in the distance, distracting everyone, included the Ashen One, who could feel a very familiar sensation upon seeing it.
It reminded him of Faith Magic.
"What is that" Asked Rhea confused, "I don't know… But this is isn't the first time that ive seen it" Answered Buwaro., still staring at the Pillar.
Buwaro tried to ask Sakido but she spoke first saying. " Don't worry about it". Then she spread her wings, and flew away in the direction of the pillar. The Party only stood in silence, then Rhea said, breaking the silence. " Your sister's freaky, dude". Then she flooped on the floor.
" She's not freaky, She's COOL!!" Buwaro Said, shouting at the last word. " Whatever, She's a demon anyways". "But seriously, do I really look that intimidating to you?" She asked him. Buwaro said nothing, he only stared to shake nervous and holding his head as if he has having a headache. Then, he stood up firmly and ansered." I like rocks" Changing completely the subject. Rhea only looked at him dumbfounded, and rubbed her hands on her face and groaning.
"And what about me?" The Ashen One asked. " Do i intimidate you?".
" Don't bother with him" Said Rhea still covering her face. "Pretty sure he's gonna say another stupid thing".
Buwaro looked at the Ashen One to the eyes, the young demon could feel something strange, but actually it made him feel… safe, and warm. But he only decided to answer. "I like your eyes, almost looks like mine, and i can feel something like… fire i guess?." He them gasped in surprise, and his eyes glowed with yellow stars . "Does that mean you can use fire breath, like me?" He said happily.
The Ashen One chuckled a little, it was a little funny. Yet, there was no Pyromancy that could make him spit fire, except for the dragon head stone. "No, i can't spit fire like you, but i can relase fire from my hands, homever I've lost my weapons, and i cannot cast fire spells if i don't have them" He said. Buwaro only said "Aww" in disappointment. "Well, if you find them, can you please show me?" He said with his eyes glowing with excitement..
"Alright" The Ashen One said with a small smile. . "Yay" Buwaro said, jumping in joy.
"Okay, yeah everything cool with the new guy, but i got a last question for you Buwaro?" Rhea said, approaching him. " Who is Iratu?" She asked him. "Oh , he's just my big brother" He answered. Rhea was in shock.
"Y-y-your b-big b-brother" She said stuttering with fear. " Yeah, he's got pointy ears, teeth, claws, and he's really big" Buwaro said. "i think he's kinda scary, unlike Sakido" He continued, closing his eyes and scratching his head nervously. When he opened them he saw that Rhea was nowhere in sight. "Rhea, where did you go?" He asked.
"She's under the boulder" The Ashen One said, signaling the large rock where she was hiding. "Yeah, and I'm gonna stay here until his little HELL SPAWN FAMILY REUNION is over" She said shouting. "Oh, c'mon i wanna show you both my place" Buwaro said and grabbed Rhea by the tail, and dragged her afterwards.
'This really is a weird place, i wonder what happened with my weapons'. The Ashen One thought. ' Perhaps i should look for them later'
He Then started to follow Buwaro and Rhea.
"Well, here we are" Buwaro said.
After walking for some minutes, they arrived at another barren wasteland, not exactly different from where they were. "HERE?. Where!?. This place looks exactly the same as everywhere else" Rhea exclaimed.
Buwaro was now sitting in a large pile of rocks. "But check out my most awesome rock collection". He said. "WHAT THE CRAP!?" Rhea yelled. "Thats…pretty good i guess". Said the Ashen One.
"Don't encourage him!". Rhea shouted at the Unkindled. She then turned to Buwaro. "All your rocks look exactly the same!". She exclaimed. " They're not'. He replied back. Then he picked up a small rock. " Isn't that right Thadius?" He was now hugging the rock.
Rhea was dumbfounded. "A pet rock?" She said. "Yeah, her name is Thadius, isn't she beautiful?" Buwaro said showing her the rock and smiling. "Sure, Buwaro, sure…" Rhea said reluctantly.
She whispered to the Ashen One. "He's nuts, don't you see?". The Ashen Ome shook his head. "Perhaps because this place is literally empty and it seems that there's nothing to do to entertain himself more than the rocks". He whispered back. Buwaro then spoke interrupting them.
"Hey, look, this is where is sleep when i get tired" Buwaro said , signaling a medium sized rock. "Rocks, comfy…" Rhea said boringly. Buwaro then moved to another rock. "And last, but not least". He began to lift the rock. "This is where i keep my best stuff… besides my rocks". He said. Where the rock was, there was a hole containing various things that Buwaro considered important.
Rhea begun counting them. "Hmm, a torn-up book, some shiny rocks, and… what is this?". She then picked up a strange white feather that seemed it was glowing, and Buwaro snatched it from her hands. "Don't touch it!!. I'm not sure where i got it. But it's important to me!" He exclaimed.
The Ashen One picked up the torn-up book, hoping to read something and gain some information, homever, several of the pages were illegible and most of them had an unknown language that he had never seen. "I don't know where I got that too, i tried to read it too but i don't know what language is that". "I showed it to Sakido, but perhaps she didn't understand it neither, because she then ripped the pages and told me that it was very boring" Buwaro explained. The Unkindled put the book back to the hole, it was useless if he couldn't read a unknown language, less if it was broken.
"Well, i think it's your turn to share. How did you die anyways?" Buwaro asked them both. "Well, according to Death, I'm still alive, but sadly i don't remeber how i came here in first place.". The Ashen One said.
"Oh, im so sorry then" Buwaro said sadly. The Ashen One smiled. "It's fine, I'm pretty sure I'll find answers soon or later". He said. Buwaro now turned to Rhea. " And what about you?". He asked her.
Rhea looked away nervously. "Um, I'd rather no-" Before she could even speak, the whole area became pitch black, making her gasp in surprise. Wow, time surely flies fast. It's already nighttime". Said Buwaro.
"What happened?". Asked the Ashen One. " Everything is so dark". He took a step and felt that he stepped on something soft. "Yeoww" He heard Rhea yelling. "YOU STEPPED ON MY TAIL, YOU IDIOT!" She exclaimed. The Ashen One lifted his foot and apologized. "I hate this place". She mumbled angrily.
"Um… i going to sleep now, see ya tomorrow" Buwaro said, he threw himself on the floor and started snoring. "Ugh, whatever im gonna sleep too. See ya heavy foot" Rhea said to The Ashen One and begun snoring too.
The Ashen One stood still awake, having thoughts on what just happened this day. First this area was totally bright, even if it didn't have sunlight or something that could iluminate. And now everything became so dark that could perfectly imitate the Abyss. Speaking of which, it was a long time since he was in there, when he was a.chosen undead, with the same goal that he had, to link the first flame.
Also because it was a very long since he sleeped, though he had done it sometimes, they were rare occasions, but perhaps everything will be normal when he sleeps and perhaps the light will return sometime later, he hopes. And with that train lf thoughts, he then sat on the floor and fell asleep.
'' THE FLAME HAS AWOKEN"
…
He was feeling a familiar sensation. Almost as if it were heading back to a bonfire. Which it was strange since he'd never found one.
He felt himself waking up. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted with a familiar place.
It was the Firelink Shrine. And in front of him, was the Firekeeper.
"Welcome back, Ashen one".
END OF CHAPTER 2
--_.
The Best girl in the game has appeared.
So yeah, sorry i took so long, i was very busy doing my homework and my studies. Homever there's a small chance that i can upload 2 chapters in a month or less.
Until then ill try my best to keep up with the story, and perhaps ill change some things in previous chapters. See ya everyone.
May the flames guide thee.
.
