I do not own any characters. They all belong to Bioware. PRAISE BE TO BIOWARE! Thanks for the likes and comments! I am enjoying writing this and am glad you guys are liking Kassy's journey. Hope you enjoy this next chapter! P.S. This chapter will be a little longer than usual. Rated M for language and future lemons!
Chapter 8
The group was quiet this evening, everyone knowing we would be entering the fortress within an hour. I searched for Dorian, seeing if he knew the plan now that he would be with Branwen's party. Well he better be. Many were having quiet conversations with each other, preparing themselves for battle.
"Dorian," I called, grabbing his attention. He smiled, waiting for me to meet him where he was standing.
"How may I assist you?" He asked with a grin, his hair in perfect order even from the journey.
"Just wondering if the Inquisitor told you the plan," I informed him, adjusting my sword on my back.
"You mean Commander Cullen's plan," he told me with furrowed eyebrows. "Why would I need to know the Inquisitor's?"
I felt my heart drop to my stomach. "She didn't ask you to join her?" I felt the panic in me. She better have a fantastic plan up her ass, or we were fucked. Well, Hawke or Stroud were fucked. We still were too. The demon thing that the spider demon sends out was easier to kill with mages that used electricity.
"Was she supposed to?" He seemed genuinely concerned and I shook my head.
"Uh, no. Just wondering if she changed her mind," I lied, searching for Branwen. "Excuse me, Dorian." I left him before he had a chance to respond, spotting Branwen talking to Cullen. I jogged to the front where they were talking, the conversation sounding like the finalization of battle plans. "Inquisitor," I addressed her with a hint of anger.
Branwen and Cullen glanced at me as I approached them, my face set in determination. "Captain," Branwen returned, her tone full of authority.
"I just talked to Dorian," I began, seeing if she caught where I was going with this. "He said you haven't talked to him."
"No, I haven't," she said in a very matter of fact voice. "After thinking it over, I made my decision."
"You made the wrong one then," I almost growled. "Did you hear a thing I said to you two nights ago? When I told you about how you would have to choose between two lives? Was I talking to myself?" I captured her pale blue eyes with my grey-blue ones. "I'm begging of you, change your plan."
I made this elf. She couldn't be so stupid as to not listen to someone with solid knowledge. I felt the air almost leave my lungs when I thought about my other Inquisitors. Wasn't Morrigan almost in this same situation when she begged me to use the Well of Sorrows? I instead followed Samson and drank from it instead of her. I did this to myself. I didn't like people trying to one up my awesomeness. I wanted it all to myself.
"I asked Solas if it was possible to enter the Fade physically when we were there. He said it wasn't. Only a highly-trained mage can do that, even then it might not work." She broke our gaze, her eyes on her notes in her hands. "If you'll excuse me," she started to turn away.
"It seems impossible but it's true," I argued, not letting this go. "You need another mage. If you don't then-."
"Listen, Captain. I appreciate the warning, but maybe what you saw or know is just something that could happen. I doubt we will be falling into the Fade today," she said dismissively.
"Jesus Christ Branwen!" I snapped. What level was she when I left off? 10 or 11? We wouldn't get past that demon if we weren't at least twelve. I remember having to play it three times to finally kill it at level 11. I learned my lesson from that first-time experience, making sure to level to 13 when heading here. We needed that electric, especially if we didn't level up lately. "I know for a fact that it will happen. Your elf boyfriend doesn't know everything! Bring another mage along or you will regret it!" My fists were shaking in anger. "It's not worth losing a life, is it? You would be risking your own as well!" There weren't reloads in real life.
"Captain! You are taking this too far," Cullen defended Branwen, stepping in front of her.
"I'm so glad Alistair is king!" I said through clenched teeth mostly to myself. Cullen gave a look of bewilderment at my comment, but kept his stance. I glared at Cullen. "This doesn't involve you Commander. This involves the Inquisitor, me, and the lives of the five-other people she is going to endanger."
"Everyone's lives are in danger," Branwen said with heat. "We all know what we risk when we go to battle."
I tried to be reasonable and understanding, but Maker! I don't think I would be getting out alive without Dorian joining. That extra electricity is what we need. "Only we are going to fall into the Fade though," I hissed. "You are the Inquisitor. We need you alive. There is no guaranteed we will get past the spider demon without the extra mage. If you follow my plan, we all leave practically unharmed. You kept me for my information, why are you dismissing it now when you need it most?"
"Because you sound crazy," she replied almost too calm. "Solas has studied the Fade. He knows what happens there, the energy that comes with it. I believe him when he says we won't fall into it." I could tell she had to keep her cool or else she was going to explode on me. I felt oddly proud of her right now. "If we fall into the Fade, I'll listen to your plan then. I know what you say about Clarel is true based on Hawke's letter but-."
"My plan won't be effective once we get to the Fade," I argued.
"I made my decision, Captain," she said in a firm tone. "We stick to the original plan. I'm sorry if you disagree. As a leader I have to make tough decisions that people won't agree with. I truly am sorry you don't feel that I am making the right choice, but it is what is going to happen."
"Inquisitor, please." I felt my mind going out of control, trying to figure out a way to go with my plan. I will never not listen to Morrigan again! "My plan is solid!"
"The Inquisitor already said she made her decision," Cullen told me. His glare was dark and there was no hint of softness on his face. He was in pure Commander mode. "You know nothing of planning and commanding an army. The choices they must make. Leave that to the people in charge. You just do as they command. Your job is to inform us on any information relating to Corypheus."
"This does relate to Corypheus," I growled.
"No more," he ordered. "You are done here. Go! Now."
I glared at him, never thinking I wanted to ever punch that gorgeous face until now. How could we have shared a moment last night, to have it turn to this? I turned on my heel, marching away from them in anger. Stupid, stupid elf! I couldn't believe he talked to me that way! Would I have done the same in his position? After all, she was the Inquisitor. My anger burned in me and I felt scared. I had to accept the fact that I was probably going to die.
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The fortress was large and I didn't realize it was going to be so big in person. I stood near Cassandra as she ordered, wanting to protect me if I needed the help. I didn't realize when the battle started, but arrows were flying down toward us and we were banging the door down with the really big device. Shit! What was that called? I'm sure Cullen mentioned it.
Cullen raised his sword, yelling for the troops to charge forward. The Inquisition ran into the keep, the battle not just talk anymore. The feeling was exhilarating and terrifying as I wounded the enemy, Cassandra finishing them off behind me.
I focused on each enemy, swinging as Cassandra taught me. I managed to keep a couple off me, but I wasn't going to be able to fight like I would in game. One of demons got me from behind and I fell, picking myself up, trying to swing but it was more difficult. "Prophet! Drink!" Varric yelled, throwing me a potion. I caught it, quickly drinking the bottle.
I threw the potion bottle aside feeling stronger, and I did Bull's spin move on one of the people getting close to me and they fell fast. Good job Captain King! Cassandra and I fell into a rhythm and I felt like I could actually do this. I felt a few hits on me, but the injuries were minor.
Soon, the area was clear, the bodies of the demons on the ground. I stood panting, looking over at Cassandra, who was surveying the area. I followed her, heading to where the Inquisitor stood, Cullen informing her of the situation. I wonder if his words were like in game. "We need to clear the battlements! We will keep the main host of demons occupied for as long as we can! Hawke and Stroud are waiting to help you once you get to the battlements." We must have arrived at the end of the speech.
"Just keep the men safe," she told him and looked around to see if we were all near. I saw Cullen's eyes search the area, the briefest look of relief when he saw me, before turning and leaving. What the hell? Wasn't he yelling at me about an hour ago?
"King, keep up!" Cassandra yelled and I hurried after her, distracted briefly by a certain moody Templar. "The Inquisitor wants us to loot the bodies," she told me. I followed her around, picking up bottles and odd objects, throwing them in my bag.
"Everyone take a potion," Branwen ordered. "I want us to be ready for whatever comes next." Solas passed the potions out. That fight was harder than I anticipated. "Let's head out," Branwen said. We moved quickly, Branwen, Varric, and Solas sending arrows and spells as soon as we entered.
"Follow my lead!" Cassandra instructed and I nodded. We ran to the nearest enemy with the large shield. Cassandra took her blows from behind him, and I swung in front, trying to land a blow with the sword that would cause damage. I feel I did nothing as I used all my force into swings, banging his shield.
"Out of the way Prophet!" Varric shouted, an arrow landing in the soldier's neck. I jumped back, my chest heaving. I
"Nice shot!" I called to him, looking for my next target. The others must have got them. I heard the sound of battle and searched to see if there was one nearby. Was it like this in game?
"Lead the way!" Branwen ordered and I looked at her in surprise. "You know this place, right? Show me why I brought you and lead!
I did know the area like the back of my hand in game. We went down the path, leading to the bridge. The demons came up, as if waiting in the rocks. I swung hard and used the moves Cassandra taught me, her back right by me. We made quick work, the other three helping take them down faster.
"Odd inscription," Solas said, reading the rock in the pathway.
Branwen laughed. "I like the last line." Solas gave her a look of annoyance but also love. So, the wolf really did love her. I felt myself hating that I enjoyed watching the elf admire the Inquisitor. I shook my head, opening the door.
"Stand back! We will not be part of some insane ritual!" Someone yelled.
"Wardens we can bring to our side," Branwen informed us. We all gave a brief glance to the battle below over the edge of the ledge. Cassandra began to run down the stairs, two at a time, and I followed.
"For the Inquisition!" I called and Cassandra raised her shield in salute.
"Like we did before!" She ordered and I pushed my legs to meet her stride, the burning in my thighs only urging me on. I held my sword high, adjusting the grips of my hands, before bringing it down on a demon. The demon lashed back and both Cassandra and I fell back. Cassandra was up before me, and she held out a hand pulling me up before bashing into the demon with her shield. I spun, the ache in my shoulders telling me I was doing it right.
Branwen stood on top of the stairs, arrows flying down on the enemies near Cassandra and me. I saw a couple of Varric's arrows fly by and heard his cheer when one demon fell instantly as the arrow made its mark. A couple of people were set on fire and I went after those ones, knowing that it would be easier to get them down then the others. A bolt of lightning came down and I watched another demon fall.
"Can't you see? This is madness?" A Warden yelled. "It's no use! Their minds are of their own!"
"Ignore his words!" Solas told me, suddenly by me. "Keep going!"
I bashed into a demon, lifting my sword above my head and bringing it down on it. The demon stumbled then I was in the air, landing on the floor. I groaned, rolling onto my knees. Fucking demon!
"Varric needs help!" Cassandra called and I forced myself to my feet, searching for Varric. He had Bianca shooting arrows as fast as he could, but there were many demons coming at him at once. I ran toward them, spinning hard so the sword did high damage. Kassy leveled up! I saw in my mind.
"Keep your distance!" A Warden called.
Branwen came down the stairs, Wardens taking up arms again. "We don't want to fight you! We are not enemies!" Branwen told them. Cassandra and I searched bodies, making note of anything useful. I threw some gold and daggers into my bag.
"Why should we trust you?" He called.
"We are here to stop Clarel, not kill Wardens," Branwen told them. I turned to see her standing like a leader in the center of the area. I felt admiration, wishing I could have a hint of leadership like she did. No wonder everyone looks to her for leadership.
"All right," the Warden said. "We will stay back. We want no part of this."
"Hey Chuckles, I found some more potions over here!" Varric called to Solas. Solas grabbed the eight in the box, handing all of us one. Branwen turned to me expectantly and I pointed to the only option we had, through the door.
I led the way up the stairs, keeping my sword in position. Those demons pop out of fucking no where in real life. I felt my heart hammering and I hated every second of this. I was not meant to be a warrior. Couldn't I have been sent to work for Leliana as a spy? I had okay sneak skills. I was on edge and almost jumped at every shadow, expecting something to jump out in front of me.
Right as I thought this, we turned a corner a demon appeared and I screamed in surprise, instinctively swinging my sword into him. Cassandra was right by me, trying to get the demon as it hit me with its claw like hand. I grimanced, the cut more like a scrape with the leather gloves. I needed to thank the black smith for this armor when we got back.
I knew these were coming up too! I scolded myself. Focus on the job at hand, not wishing you were someplace else. I turned to go for the kill and was pleasantly happy to find that Solas had frozen it. I felt a rush as it fell, keeping me motivated. I ran up the wooden steps that led to the battlements. "We are almost to the battlements!" I called to the group.
"Keep your weapons ready!" Branwen instructed.
A fire ball came from the sky, knocking down some soldiers. More soldiers came running toward us, a fire demon right behind it. Shit! That thing was fucking crazy scary in person. I did not want to get near that thing.
I spun my sword into an archer, his bow trained on me. He lost the grip a little, but he was pulling his arm back. I swung at his hand, causing the wrist to bleed heavily. Did I just try to cut someones hand off? There you go Captain King. Just go with it.
I spun again, landing the blow on the archer's neck, his body going lifeless. I just killed someone. I. Just. Killed. Someone. My brain was trying to tell my body to keep going, knowing that I was supposed to help the others, but I committed a felony in my world. It's war Captain! Keep going! I shouted to myself.
I spun on a Warden and Cassandra was by me, stabbing him in the back. "To the demon!" She yelled. I jogged behind her, seeing Varric's and Branwen's arrows sink into the fire demon before lighting fire and falling to ash. Solas used a freeze spell and Cassandra and I took the chance to help bring the demon down.
"We're clear!" Cassandra called to Branwen as the demon fell. "Keep leading Captain."
I nodded, heading down to where we took out the archer. I led them up the wooden ramp, stopping to pick up some gold along the way. We passed through a stone room, the rubble hard to maneuver around. I led them through another door and a huge demon with horns was in the distance.
"For the Inquisition!" Branwen called, echoing my words from earlier. She ran past me, almost graceful with the way she let loose her arrows. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself at the sight of the giant demon. Please God, don't let me die.
I followed Cassandra, picking easier targets, letting the other's handle the giant demon. I bashed into a Warden and they fell, leaving them open for me to slice their throat. Jesus Kassy! I ignored the blood that spurted onto me, moving my feet forward, survival the one thing on my mind. I heard the demon yell, and I turned seeing Branwen use her explosive arrow on him.
Cassandra's grunt caught my attention and I remembered I needed to keep swinging. Don't stop swinging. I was by her side, taking on a mage Warden. Something sliced my cheek and I swore in pain. "Fuck!" I searched for who hit me and saw a Wraith nearby. "You fucker!" I shouted, running toward it. I Ran up the steps nearby, jumping off them my sword held above my head, swinging it down on the Wraith. I cursed at myself, not thinking that plan through. My legs radiated in pain at the landing and I bit back a cry of pain. You aren't that bad ass Kassy! I yelled at myself. Never again.
"I got it Prophet!" Varric called, sending arrows at it. It disappeared and I turned to see the giant demon no longer an issue.
"Thanks." I told him, touching the cut on my cheek and wincing at the sting.
"That will be a good battle scar," Varric joked. I couldn't understand how he was so light hearted right now, but knew he had seen worse in Kirkwall.
"Here," Solas said, handing me a potion. I thanked him, chugging the potion down.
"I thought your men could use some help up here!" Hawke called. Branwen was looting the large demon, glancing up as Hawke ran to her.
"Excellent job," Branwen told him. "Stay with my troops and see that they survive."
"I'll do as best I can," Hawke responded, heading off to help the Inquisition troops. I barely saw him before he was gone. So, Cullen is watching the troops and so was Hawke. I realized that Branwen could have had either of them come with her, but she didn't. How badass was she?
I hurried to her side. "Better keep going," I told her. She held out an arm and I led her past the stairs that led to the Wardens and down the path, knowing there were a lot of demons ahead. "Lots of demons ahead!" I called to her.
We entered the opening and another large demon turned to us. I told myself to stay calm. Branwen reached out a hand, using her rift power to weaken the demons. I ran with Cassandra to them, realizing why I never did track. Running fucking sucked. I was meant to read or play Dragon Age on a couch. We began our synchronized fight, me wounding them while she did the final blow. We took care of the smaller demons while the other three focused on the big demon. The demon smashed the ground and Cassandra and I fell.
"Everytime," Cassandra muttered to herself, getting to her feet. "Focus on its legs!"
I took a deep breath, not sure if I was ready to do this. Captain King, fucking be a warrior. I swung hard, hitting the demon in the leg. Solas set the demon on fire and it started to fall. I moved back, not wanting it to fall on me.
There was no need for words and Solas handed all of us another potion. We drank them, glad to get the boost. "Clarel is close," I told Branwen. "Just down the stairs and throw the Baileys."
"Then we must get to her," she answered. She turned, heading toward the stairs we passed only a few minutes ago. Solas grabbed some more potions from a crate in the main bailey and Branwen turned to us. "Ready?"
She opened the door, not waiting for the answer and we came right as Clarel slit the throat of another Warden.
"Stop them!" Erimond yelled. "We need to finish the ritual!"
"Don't listen Clarel!" Branwen yelled to Clarel, stepping into the middle of the clearing. "This is what Erimond wants you to do!"
"For protecting the world against the Blight. Don't hate us for using blood to do our duty," Erimond argued.
Clarel turned to Branwen. "We do what we must to help the world. We sacrifice everything for a world that will never thank us."
"He binds the mages to Corypheus!" Stroud argued. When did he get here? I thought surprised. Hawke was there too. I admired Hawke, seeing the blood streak across his nose. I should really play Dragon Age II if I ever got back. Would I want to play again after all this? Kassy focus!
"Corypheus is dead," Clarel said in shock.
"Don't listen to them Clarel," Erimond hissed in her ear. "They want to shake your confidence."
She put a hand to her eyes. Fuck. "Inquisitor she is going to bring it through," I called to Branwen, knowing the warning signs.
"Clarel," Branwen addressed the Warden. "Listen to us!"
Clarel closed her eyes and shook her head. "Bring it through!"
The Wardens started to use their power to cause a rift to grow. "I know blood magic! It isn't worth the cost!" Hawke called.
"I trained half of you!" Stroud yelled. "Please don't make me kill you to stop the madness."
"The demon is ready for you Clarel," Erimond yelled.
"Listen to us Clarel!" Branwen called. She addressed the others. "I spared others of you. Join them and fight against this! The only blight is what Corypheus is having you bring!"
Clarel stared at Branwen, doubt coming to her as she turned to Erimond. "We are so close, Clarel." He urged. "We have come so far. You are the only one who can do this!"
"Perhaps we should test their theory," she answered.
"My master thought you might be here!" Erimond called to Branwen. "He sent this here to warn you!" The archdemon came swooping down, blowing fire.
"Help the Inquisitor!" Clarel called as she ran after Erimond.
"I ran to Branwen's side. "Remember my warning. Get to Clarel before the dragon comes. Even if that means not stopping to fight every battle."
Her blue eyes focused on me. "You spoke the truth about the dragon," she said in awe.
"I told you to listen to me," I told her in a low voice. "So, listen now. Go! Follow them!"
Branwen gripped her bow tighter and nodded, running up toward the stairs. Our party followed her, Solas and Hawke sending spells toward the demons. I swung my sword, clearing a path with Cassandra and Stroud. Varric shot Bianca, keeping a look out behind his shoulder at Branwen's progress. We made it to the stairs, running up them, being greeted by more demons.
"Let the Wardens handle them!" I called to Branwen. "Get to Clarel quickly!"
"They need our help!" She called back to me.
"Clarel needs your help!" I argued. She didn't listen though, taking her stance and firing arrows. I rolled my eyes, taking my anger out on another demon. Dear God, I was tired! And we still had the Fade to get through. I pushed on by Cassandra's side, getting swiped only a couple times. It was easier with Stroud and the Wardens helping us.
Branwen ran past us, following the only way to the top of the Fortress. The archdemon blew fire through the crossing and Branwen fired an arrow. It left and she ran past the window it stuck it's head in, Varric, Hawke, and Solas close behind her. Cassandra and I followed suit, our swords poised just in case. Cassandra ran in front of me, her voice telling me to keep a watch out for any more demons. I heard the dragon call and fire erupted from it coming toward me. Suddenly I was on my back, Stroud on top of me, protecting me from the fire's heat.
I felt a burning on my arm, and looked down, seeing my sleeve on fire. Stroud patted it out as best he could as the fire continued above us. Soon it was gone and Stroud rolled off me. "Thank you," I said in a shaky voice.
"Are you alright?" He asked, grabbing the arm that got burned. He studied it, making sure I wasn't horribly injured.
"Fine considering what could have happened if you didn't save me," I told him with a grateful smile.
"It was nothing," he informed me with kind eyes.
"Captain!" Cassandra called. "Are you alright!" She jogged to me.
"Yes," I assured her. "Stroud saved me just in time."
Cassandra looked him over. "Good thing you were there," she told him. "We should catch up with the Inquisitor."
I nodded, glancing over at Stroud. He stood tall and he waited for us to lead, wanting to take the back. We ran up the only stairs available, rounding the corner. We were too late! The dragon was snatching Clarel in its claw. If only Branwen listened and didn't stop to fight those demons. I followed Cassandra to Branwen's side slowly. Clarel was thrown down and the dragon fell, trying to scrape forward. The ground began to shake and I knew we were screwed. Please think to open the Fade! I thought as the ground began to shake.
Branwen began to run back toward where we came, the rocks starting to split. We all pushed our legs against it, falling to our knees and trying again. One second I was running the next, I was trying to hold onto a piece of the ground with my fingers. Grasping to hold on to anything.
I felt my body fall through the air, my breath like when you miss a step when walking down the stairs times twenty. I looked around, seeing falling debris and another person nearby. Solas, I realized from the bald head. I saw a bright light and I knew Branwen opened the Rift. Thank God!
It was a weird feeling falling through it, different than when I fell through the rift. I noticed the sudden change in scenery, and it was just like the Fade in game. I grunted at the impact when I hit the ground. I laid there for a second, trying to catch my breath.
"Are we…in the Fade?" Stroud asked.
"Yes," I answered, scrambling to my feet. "As I said we would be." I searched for Branwen.
Branwen faced me with furrowed brows. "Solas, you said," she began.
"I didn't know the anchor held such power," he said, gesturing toward her hand. "This never happened before."
"What now?" Cassandra asked.
Branwen searched for an answer, her blue eyes trying to figure out a plan. They settled on a rift in the distance. "We need to get to the rift."
"Wasn't expecting this, that's for sure," Varric commented, looking around the Fade.
"Let's get moving," Hawke said, adjusting his staff on his back.
Branwen turned to me. "Do you know the way?"
"Now you want my help?" I asked her. She looked down with guilt. "Yes," I sighed. I led the way to the stairs, knowing when we got up them, Branwen would meet the Divine.
"By the Maker, could that be?" Stroud said. So, this was going to be like the game. Okay then.
The Divine focused on Branwen. "I don't understand," Branwen whispered. "How can you be here?"
"She's a spirit," I told Branwen. Stroud started to get his sword out and I held out my hand. "She's not a demon. She's here to help."
Stroud and Hawke stared at me with confusion. "How do you know this?" Hawke asked.
"She can't tell us that," Cassandra informed them. I raised an eyebrow at her. "Wasn't that part of the deal?"
I nodded, looking back at Stroud and Hawke. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"I am here to help," the Divine confirmed. "You do not remember what happened at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, do you Inquisitor?"
"No," Branwen responded, taking a step forward.
"The memories you lost, were taken by a demon that works for Corypheus. It is the nightmare that you forget upon waking. It feeds off memories of fear and darkness, growing fat upon terror. When you entered Haven, the demon took a part of you. You must recover it. These are your memories Inquisitor."
I didn't realize how much I hated the sight of wraiths until right now. "Kill the wraiths and we get your memories," I explained to Branwen. "Ready when you are, Inquisitor."
Branwen stared at the wraiths. "They have my memories?"
"Yes," I told her. "Go get them."
"Creepy," Varric muttured and I had to agree. We ran to the wraiths, the mages and archers taking them down before Cassandra and I could raise our swords. Branwen went and touched the floating orbs, a voice coming from them. Suddenly, her eyes glazed over and there was a scene playing out, almost like a projection.
I studied all the companions' faces as the scene played out, wanting to know what they thought at the moment they found out. Solas seemed intrigued and captivated, his eyes taking in the scene before him with hunger. Varric seemed just bewildered, not quite getting what was happening. Cassandra was staring at the Divine, the pain of losing her probably fresh again. Stroud and Hawke were emotionless, trying to capture every detail.
I tuned to look at the Divine to find her gone. Weird. She usually stayed in game. "I don't understand," Cassandra said to Branwen.
"I don't either," Branwen replied. She looked to me. "You knew this would happen?"
I stared at her with a "you are not seriously asking me this question look". "If I recall, I was begging you to change your plans this morning," I told her. "I wasn't doing it for fun."
She glanced down at her anchor, questions in her eyes. She looked back to find the Divine. "Where did she go?"
"We have to find her," I replied. "Just follow the pathway. Lead the way Inquisitor."
The group made our way down the path quietly, everyone observing the Fade and everything that it shows. I felt a chill as I looked at a headless statue holding a goat head. What was up with the goats? "Demon!" I heard Branwen warn and Solas and Hawke had it gone within a minute.
"Mages are awesome," I said in admiration.
"At least someone thinks that," Hawke answered, passing by. I heard Varric chuckle and he gave me a smile.
"What do we have here?" Corypheus' voice rang out, sending chills down my spine. I waited for the rest of the speech but there wasn't any. What the hell? What was going on? Eveything else seemed to be accurate so far.
Alright, calm down Kassy. Things will probably still be the same. Right as I thought this, his spiders came crawling toward us. I swung at them, terrified at the real-life version. Corypheus nailed it. Dog sized spiders were now on my list of fears. I kept the sword moving, not wanting the spiders to touch me at all. My arms ached from the nonstop movement and I felt a sharp pinch on my leg. Fuck! It got me.
I turned on the spider, full of anger. I stabbed it, pushing my sword as far as it would go. Oh God! I felt like puking, this was gross. The spider went lifeless and I felt my leg start to feel like it was on fire. I limped over to Cassandra, glad that the spiders lay motionless. "Captain," she said, downing a potion. Solas saw my limp and reached into his bag for a potion, offering me one.
"Thanks," I said, not caring what he does, as long as we make it out of the Fade. "She should be ahead," I told him. "Along with the rest of her memories."
He gave a short nod. "I'll let her know."
"I've never seen someone give as much dedication to killing a creature as you did with that spider," Stroud commented, coming toward me.
"I've never cared for them," I returned, removing the cork from the potion. "I'm Kassy by the way," I told him. "We were a little busy for introductions earlier."
"Stroud," he replied, amused. I drank the potion, feeling the sting of the bite leave my leg as the potion ran through my body.
"Captain! Stroud!" Cassandra called and we both jumped a little. We made our way to the rest of the party, Branwen heading down the path to the Divine. There were more wraiths here and I felt my legs almost refuse to start running toward them. Let's go legs! I tried to cheer them on to keep going. Swung my sword high so I could reach the nearest wraith. It glowed brighter for a minute and I hit it again before it had time to move. It shrieked before disappearing, leaving another memory.
Branwen knelt down, collecting her memory, her face determined. Her eyes glossed over again and there was the memory before us. I glanced over at Solas, watching his face. He was intrigued but also confused. You could tell he was trying to piece everything together. Wouldn't have happened if you didn't give Corypheus the orb Wolf. I heard Cassandra gasp and I turned to her. She was watching with wide eyes, her forehead furrowed. Varric was almost emotionless, probably playing it cool like he usually does, trying to process everything.
"It wasn't Andraste at all," Branwen whispered as her memory faded.
"The Divine sacrificed herself for you," Cassandra said in a hushed tone. Branwen glanced up at the group.
"It was you," Branwen said to the spirit Divine. "They thought Andraste sent me, but it was you behind me. And then you…she…died."
"So, this creature is a spirit," Stroud said.
"I'm pretty sure we all knew that was the case, Warden," Hawke said. I rolled my eyes. This was creepily too much like game.
"Whatever you are, we would like your help out of the Fade," Branwen said to the spirit. I watched Branwen's face and the many emotions flickering on it. This felt different in real life. This was real for her, not the player. I felt a longing to help her in some way, but knew all I could do was stay by her side and help her with Corypheus. I heard Hawke's and Stroud's argument behind me, and I broke my gaze to turn to them.
"I don't know what to tell you. There are a few good ones, but an awful lot of Wardens I know, went crazy," Varric said to the two.
"Now is not the time," I told the two, glancing back at Branwen who was now facing Stroud and Hawke.
"This can wait until we are out of the Fade," she ordered. The Divine glowed gold and we all looked at her.
"The nightmare has found us," she informed us, more spiders appearing.
"Fucking spiders," I muttered, gripping my hands gripping my sword tightly.
I ran with Cassandra, hoping we could get rid of these fuckers quickly.
"Warden Stroud, how must it feel to devote your whole life to the Wardens, only to watch them fall? Or worse, to know that you were responsible for their destruction?" Corypheus' voice rang. "When the next Blight comes, will they curse your name?" I swung my sword into a spider, looking for Stroud to see his reaction. He was on my right, his face anger as he stabbed a spider, kicking it away.
"With the Maker's blessing, we will find this wretched beast." He muttered, turning to the spider next to him. I helped him kill it quickly and we turned to Branwen.
"Let's follow the spirit," she said, standing tall. We nodded, waiting for her to lead. "Do you think they won't figure you out Captain King?" Corypheus said and I almost froze, surprised he was talking to me. "They'll find out the truth. And how does that feel? To know you are never going to see your family again?"
Hawke glanced over at me. "Ignore it," he advised and I nodded, knowing fully that I needed to block him from my mind. It feels like shit, Corypheus, I answered mentally.
We jogged, wanting to get to the rift as fast as we could, Branwen's bow always out in case anything pops out. The divine floated in front of a rift veil and we saw more spiders and a couple demons. I went after the spiders, spin moving into them, Cassandra and Stroud right beside me. We focused on the ones getting near the others, trying to let them focus on the demons. The spiders were less in number this time and I felt relief, and shoulder pain, as the last one fell.
The veil broke and Branwen quietly jogged ahead, I'm guessing trying to go before anymore spiders arrived. "How much farther?" She asked me.
"One more big fight before we see the spider demon," I informed her. Solas' eyes were on me and he seemed intrigued.
"How do you know this information? So much about the Fade?" He asked, eyes squinted in confusion.
"I'd love to tell you Solas, after we get out of here." I replied with a bit of heat. Tired and anxiety ridden Kassy was done with this Fade shit. How long have we been here?
"It's your fault Varric, that Hawke is in this situation again." Corypheus taunted. "Or that any of your companions are in this situation."
"Don't listen!" Hawke called to Varric.
"Everyone you love will die Hawke," Corypheus said. "Couldn't save your family or Fenris."
"Away with you!" Hawke growled.
We kept jogging forward, never stopping to listen. Corypheus spoke to Solas in elven and I hated that I never took the time to see what he said to each companion. Did he mention something about him being Fen'Harel or Branwen not loving him anymore?
"The Inquisitor is a fraud," he said to Cassandra. "How does it feel to have her lead now?"
Cassandra usually retorted in game, but she was silent now. Her face anger and grim. We made it to the lake area where the headstones were. Demons were prowling everywhere. Branwen let an arrow loose and the demons turned to face us. Cassandra, Stroud, and I ran through the water. The water made my calves burn and I didn't understand how these guys were able to fight with such energy.
I felt my energy lessen, with every swing. I was getting clumsy and I hated it. I kept pushing myself forward though, determined to not die here. Fire flew past me and I knew Hawke or Solas were helping me out. The demon fell and I was frustrated I wasn't able to even take one down now. Dear Lord, you weren't meant for this. My head started to pound and I closed my eyes for the briefest moments. "That's all of them," Cassandra called to us. I felt relief but almost flinched at the sudden sharp pain in my eyes. Was this from the Fade?
I opened my eyes, taking a couple deep breaths and pushed myself toward the graves, where the others were. "Our fears," Solas informed us as we studied the headstones. I felt surprise at seeing my name "Kassandra King" under my name in big capital letters "TRAPPED". That was my biggest fear. Being trapped here and never getting back to my world. Corypheus was good.
"Let's keep going," Branwen said in a strong voice. This seemed to make her more determined to get Corypheus. We went up the short hill and to the last area.
"This is it before meeting the Fear demon," I told her, my voice ragged from dragging the heavy clothing through water. Wraiths appeared then and there was a flurry of spells and arrows. Spiders came running out fast as well, and the three of us warriors seemed to move at once. I groaned internally. I forgot these spiders were endless.
I grunted as I swung at a spider, the blade not hitting it like it usually did. Even with the week of practice, I was definitely under prepared for this task. The others seemed to be struggling as well and I felt a spider bite me again in my moment of distraction. "Shit!" I hissed, my arms numb as I swung on the spider. The air was full of sounds of grunts, screams from spiders and wraiths, and the impact of damage on the enemies.
"She almost has it down!" Varric called to Branwen. I glanced over at the spirit, the veil almost completely disappeared. This gave me a boost of energy and I pushed past the tiredness and pain. Ah! Pain in my head and eyes again. A flash of green was in front of me and I gasped as a couple spiders were sucked into the mini rift I made.
"The Fade made your abilities stronger," Solas told me, running to my side. I had my head in my hands. The rift still there, taking away any enemies near it. "You created a rift that is sending them to another part of the Fade."
Branwen was by us now. "What did you do?" She asked me.
"I honestly don't know," I told her, my eyes pulsing in pain. "You're going to have to close it before we are sucked in too!"
She held out her hand, the anchor glowing. It was quick to close it for her and I could see she was drained. "Do we have anymore potions Solas?"
Solas checked his bag. "Only enough for all of us to have one."
"Do it," she said. "I have a feeling we all need it for what's coming next."
Solas nodded, handing out potions to each of us. The others were by us now, confusion on their face. "You have powers to Prophet?" Varric asked.
"Not ones that I am good at," I replied, the pain in my eyes finally receding. I sighed opening my potion and gulping it down with gratefulness. I turned to Branwen. "The spider demon is going to send the fear demon to take us down. This is going to be tough. I don't feel we are advanced enough to get rid of this guy quickly." I looked at Solas. "Solas, use as much spirit spells as you can. When you can't turn to electricity." I turned to Hawke. "I don't know what you have, but if you have any electric or spirit, use them. It's his weakness." I addressed the rest of the group. "There will be more demons and spiders that he sends, and that is what us swords should focus on." Stroud and Cassandra nodded.
"What about the spider demon?" Branwen asked. I gave her a look of apology and she nodded in understanding. Her eyes were hard and I could tell this was Inquisitor Branwen. "Everyone have eachother's backs. We don't have any more potions and I don't want to lose anyone here in the Fade again." She looked each one of us in the eyes. "Let's defeat this demon and get out of here."
Branwen strutted to the Divine, leadership in each step. I admired that elf. No wonder Cullen talked to me in such anger. Who wouldn't want to follow her into battle? We followed the spirit into an open cave like area, the spider demon visible through the columns.
"Well shit!" Varric muttered and I nodded my agreement. This demon was larger in person and seemed to have more eyes.
"I'm assuming the spider demon," Solas said and I nodded confirmation. I glanced to Branwen who had her bow out.
"Let's get back to our world," Branwen told us, her stride confident. I wish I had her bravery. I followed with a bit of shaky knees, worried I wouldn't get back at all. I had a bad feeling about this. If they struggled, I knew I would be completely screwed. No. You are Captain King! Act like it!
I shrugged my shoulders, ready to take on whatever came toward us. We stood there for a second, facing the fear and spider demon. "If you would, please tell Leliana, 'I am sorry. I failed you too.'" The spirt floated in front of the spider demon before turning into a blinding light. The spider demon suddenly gone, leaving only the fear demon.
"That works," I muttered. Racing forward, ready to take on any monsters that came our way. No demons were appearing and so I ran forward to the demon, wanting to get this fight over quickly. I swung as hard as I could, hoping to help with the damage. Cassandra and Stroud followed suit and there was a crack in the air as a lightning bolt hit the demon. Good mages!
There was a glow of green above the demon and I knew Branwen let her anchor power go, trying to weaken the demon. "You will die in agony!" It called, leashing out at us. Cassandra grunted but was still standing, while Stroud quickly got back on his feet, pulling me up with him. It flew across the area, laughing and soon spiders were coming from every direction. Six in total.
I ran toward the one closest to me, refusing to give in to the rest my body was asking for, fighting through the burning muscles. Stay alive King! Keep going! Spin! Stab! Jump back! I swung my sword on it, and it fell with a bit of a hiss. I went to the next one, noticing that Cassandra and Stroud already had both of theirs down. Fuck. Cassandra came to help me with my last one, her sword covered in blood. It fell with her one blow and I checked to see where she stabbed it. In between the head and back. Needed to remember that. I looked down at myself, covered in spider blood and maybe even a little of my own from surface scratches. My sword was getting slippery from the blood and I pulled off my gloves, trying to give my hands more traction.
The portals around the area glowed and a few wraiths and more spiders came out. We were a blur of swords and I hated that we weren't able to keep up on the spiders. More kept coming. I was focusing on the spiders, not realizing where I was in location to fear demon. I looked up in search of Cassandra and Stroud, seeing they were surrounded by spiders, fighting furiously to keep them off. Three of the spiders were on me and I panicked. This was how I died. My headstone would read "Eaten by Gigantic Spiders. At least she tasted good." I gathered whatever courage I could find under the anxiety and swung in a circle, my head getting dizzy from the move.
"Watch out!" Hawke yelled as I stumbled a little, trying to move my sword on another spider fast, but unable to do it quick enough. The spider bit me and I hissed at the pain, determined to keep going. The demon zoomed across the room from where it was, suddenly by me. I felt a scream get stuck in my throat as the demon used one of its spider like legs to attack me, lodging itself into my stomach.
The demon let its leg stay there for a second before twisting it into me a little more. I felt the scream of pain rip from my throat and my sword fell from my hands. I felt weak and my head was starting to throb again, pressure in my eyes. The feeling of the leg in me was terrifying. I could feel it by all my organs, feel it rip a muscle, and feel the blood start to ooze from the wound around the leg. I knew that if it wasn't in me, I wouldn't be able to stand, my knees weak. I knew this would happen. I wasn't experienced enough for this fight.
"Prophet!" Varric called and I saw another lightning bolt hit the demon, causing it to remove its leg and fall away. I fell to my knees, not able to shout in pain as the leg left my body. I held a hand to my stomach, trying to put pressure on it. I glanced down at it and saw the blood start to drip from the cracks of my fingers. Jesus. Spots were forming in front of me.
I bit my lip from the pain, struggling to my feet. Stroud was at my side quickly, an arm going around my waist. "Get to the rift!" I yelled to Branwen. I made my legs move as fast as they could, Stroud helping me to go faster as we followed the others toward the rift, my right hand, pressing down on the wound, my right side radiating in pain.
Cassandra, Solas, and Varric made it through before the spider demon was there. Branwen backed up and she got her bow ready, coming to Stroud, Hawke, and I. I felt Stroud's arm leave my waist as he pulled his sword out. "We need to clear a path!" Stroud yelled.
"Go! I'll cover for you!" Hawke told Branwen. She glanced over at him with shock.
"No! You were right. The Grey Wardens caused this. A Warden must-." Stroud addressed Hawke.
"A Warden must help them rebuild! That's your job!" Hawke argued. "Corypheus is mine."
I saw understanding come to Branwen's face as she looked at me with almost horror in her eyes. This was the death she had to choose. I closed my eyes, wracking my brain for some way I could help change this. The blood from my wound coated my fingers and I felt myself start to fall.
I could stay behind. I could sacrifice myself for the cause. I knew this wound was bad, and I was surprised I was standing at all with the amount of blood coming from me. I could try to send the demon through a rift, but I knew that would make me extremely weak. I had to try though. They needed both Hawke and Stroud.
"I have a plan," I told Branwen with a steadier voice I knew I had. "Get ready to run!" I ordered the men.
"You can't stay!" Stroud said with earnest. "You're wounded!"
"All the more reason!" I argued. "Now get ready to run! I'll distract it so you are able to get out."
"Kassy," Branwen said, her eyes full of guilt. "I'm sorry I didn't listen."
I shook my head. "You made the choice you thought was best. Tell Dorian and Bull goodbye." I touched the dragon claw on my neck. "And take this," I told her, taking the necklace off with one hand. "Give it to Cullen." She took it from me, her face full of confusion and admiration. The spider demon roared and I gave Branwen a final look. "Good luck Inquisitor. Now go!"
I closed my eyes, focusing on the Fade energy. My head pounded as I felt it build in me, the feeling more powerful than it had ever been yet. I made sure to keep my concentration, not wanting to let the energy from me until I felt the extreme pressure in my eyes. As soon as the pounding started in my eyes, I opened them, bright green light erupting from them. A huge rift opened and the spider demon was back away, trying not to get pulled into it.
I felt myself start to fall to the ground and I grunted as my knees scraped the stone. I looked over, seeing the three of them run up the path. Follow them! My mind called. The demon is distracted enough! Go! Get back! Don't die here! I fought against the darkness that started to come to me. I watched them jump through the rift and I knew I needed to move now before the it was closed. I took a deep breath and I struggled to me feet, almost unable to stand. I forced my mind to move my legs, my body rejecting any movement I made. I fell again, and I started to crawl, desperate to at least try to escape. Only a little bit further. I bit my lip through the pain, wanting to scream from the sharp hot bursts of agony rolling over me.
I glanced back at the spider demon, satisfied it was falling into the rift. I was almost to the rift back, only a few more feet. I knew I wouldn't make it if I kept crawling, I had to stand and get through. I felt my eyes start to close and I shook my head. Stay awake! Get through the rift! I fought to my feet, a yell of pain leaving me as I pushed myself forward in almost agonizingly slow pace. I felt adrenaline hit me as I was only a foot away. Finally, I was at the rift and I felt very faint as I fell into it, my brain fighting to keep consciousness.
Maker's breath, please keep me alive!