Vow
This time, Lorian was down and he would stay down.
His plan to target Lothric hadn't exactly gone as he wanted it to. Trying to get behind Lorian, despite the prince's inability to use his legs, had proved more challenging than he expected. So instead the Ashen One unleashed blow after blow, his curved sword repaying the filleting that had been done to him prior. Soon Lorian could no longer maintain and collapsed as Lothric was cast violently off his back.
This time, the Ashen One didn't dare move away from Lorian. He stayed right by him, internally daring Lothric to try and teleport over to whisper some words of revival to his brother. Let him do it and find the business end of his blade. It wasn't the plan he wanted, but it would have to do unless he wanted to go for round two. And with the number of estus flasks he had dwindling, he really didn't.
Lothric rose slowly, his frail body barely able to keep itself upright. He stared at the Ashen One, expecting him to move but to no luck. His brows furrowed together and he frowned, seemingly slightly irritated with the Ashen One's reluctance to move. Instead of bombarding him with attacks, he paused and stood there for a moment before parting his pale lips to speak.
"Tell me, Unkindled One. What is it that you think will happen after you return us to our throne and link the fire? I don't simply mean the process starting over. I mean do you believe that this age will somehow last forever? Do you truly believe that this flame can be maintained for all of eternity? Is this not just a lost battle where we continue to only put off our defeat? Do you think what you're doing is right, or are you simply doing as instructed?" Lothric inquired, letting his head fall to one side. His voice was frail, but there was a certain sharpness to it. "Are you just a puppet doing as commanded?"
The Ashen One didn't dare drop his guard, holding himself in a defensive stance. Nor did he advance to the possible bait Lothric was laying for him. Was this some mind game to throw him off? He'd never had a conversation with a Lord of Cinder, but wasn't past it being a tactic to catch him unaware and riddle his body full of soul spears. He stared ahead to Lothric as he awaited an answer to his question. He decided to give one, though he never stopped watching the young prince for even a moment. Last time he underestimated him he died, and he would not make that same error.
"I won't pretend I know the answer to any of those questions. I'll even admit that I have my doubts about the flame and how long it'll last, just as others do." He couldn't help but recall his discussion with the Fire Keeper as he said this. Recalling that smile she had, the warmth of her hand, and the gentle words she uttered. All things that steeled his resolve for the words he spoke next.
"I may let the fire be extinguished and let darkness come in. I may try to link the fire. I am not certain which path I will walk or which one is right- if either of them even are. And that's fine, I will decide when the time comes. However, I know to decide I must first reach the First Flame. And you are obstructing that path."
Lothric took in his words, letting them sink in as he remained where he stood. After a while a faint smile spread across his lips as he moved to sit down. "I see. Interesting. You aren't disillusioned and blindly believe that the fire will last until the end of time. You are willing to give both options some thought and do not blindly follow what you are told. Furthermore, you are aware of your own ignorance and do not shy away from it. Good. Very good…Unkindled One, I wish to make a trade with that being the situation."
He'd never had a conversation with a Lord of Cinder, and he'd certainly never bartered with one of them. What could he have that Lothric wanted? And what could Lothric even give? He didn't have long to ponder these question as Lothric didn't wait to lay his offer out on the table.
"In exchange for my life, you take my advice into consideration."
There was silence that hung between them as the Ashen One lowered his guard slowly. Was he being serious about this? Was this some dastardly trick? Lothric didn't seem like the kind to deceive. However, he also didn't look strong, but his soul spears still managed to cause a fair amount of pain (his abdomen could attest to that).
"Why?" Was the only response he could muster. What was his angle here? Why make such an offer?
"Because if I am being honest with you Unkindled One, seeing your determination, I will be defeated at some point. No matter how many times I or Lorian vanquish you, you will return for the same battle. At some point, you will be victorious. It is inevitable, I have come to recognize that. So instead of that process cycling over and over like the rekindling of the flame, I'm offering to break it so that I may meet a more dignified end and give you some advice that you seem to desire."
He could not tell if this was some ploy, or if it was sincere. The ability to pick up on those things wasn't exactly his strong suit. However, Lothric had sound reasoning, and that gentle smile he gave…It reminded him of the Fire Keeper's smile. He felt inclined to trust it, so he would to a degree. He didn't dare move from Lorian's corpse, nor did he sheathe his blade. But he gave a nod, agreeing to his deal. Best case scenario, there is a peaceful resolution to this. Worst case scenario, Lothric betrays him and he'd have to come back without any mercy the next time.
Lothric seemed pleased, nodding his head in turn as he began.
"In agreeing, you are also agreeing to breaking the cycle that would follow between you, Lorian, and I. Me offering this is also breaking the cycle, letting me face a more dignified end than if we went over and over until I was slain, with my death in vain. Do you follow what I am saying?"
The Ashen One gave a slow nod as Lothric continued, "The same can be said for the cycle of rekindling the flame, the similarities are there. If you do not break the cycle, then humanity will continue to desperately maintain an age not meant to be and only be met with an undignified end. It is inevitable, just like my death. The flame will not last forever, nor will Lorian or I. Trying to prevent these things is futile and leads to only more pain. However, if the cycle is broken and you do choose to not rekindle the flame, you face an unknown end. Just as if you kill Lorian and I we will face an unknown end in whatever afterlife lay in store. Focusing on letting the flame fade however, it will certainly be an end plagued by darkness, but an end that will come regardless of whatever you do. You mentioned it yourself Unkindled One, you are not sure if either path is right. And that is true, because neither path is. One path will leave humanity struggling to keep a flame lit that will inevitably extinguish, the other will throw us into darkness and plague us with the unknown. And I believe the latter is the better option, to embrace the unknown as frightening as it may be. Do not continue to try and burn away a world that refuses to be burned. It will only leave humanity flailing about desperately as they face the unknown without dignity. Make the choice while there is still one to make."
Lothric bowed his head as he finished, and the Ashen One had nothing to say. The conflict inside of him raged, Lothric's words had stirred and fueled the doubt already in him. It was all because he had laid out the reality of the situation for him, clear as day. There were no illusions anymore, no more fancy words or prophecies. Lothric had explained exactly what would happen with either choice he could make. Lothric made that deal to show just what breaking a cycle would do. To show that this was a better end than going around and around until something gave in. All to convince him. Soon only one thought resonated through the Ashen One's mind, more loud and clear than the bell that awoke him.
Lothric is right.
He stepped forward, one foot in front of the other until he was soon before Lothric. The Ashen One would begrudgingly uphold this part of the deal. The one he knew he would have to do no matter what. As Lothric said, it was inevitable. He'd return Lothric to his throne. He drew in a deep breath as he reeled back his blade, preparing to strike. Though he was hesitant, this hadn't felt right. Nothing was ever meant to be this simple.
"Unkindled One, may I make a request? I am afraid I have nothing to offer in return but, could you please allow for me to die next to my brother?" He froze for a moment, not so certain of this next request. It was allowing him into a position of great power, allowing him an opportunity to restart the fight. Lothric sensing his hesitancy looked up to him and spoke more, somewhat desperately. "I assure you, it is not a ploy to deceive you, Unkindled One. Even if it were and I succeeded, you'd simply come back and all I have said would be for naught. I only wish to be by the side of my brother who has stood with me through it all. Will you allow me that last privilege before death?"
He lowered his sword, stepping back and giving a firm nod. "I shall." He hoped he would not regret this.
A glowing circle surrounded Lothric right before he teleported, in an instant he was beside Lorian. He moved his form beside his larger brother's and placed a hand atop his head. He made no effort to revive him, instead letting his frame relax into the body of his fallen brother. "This shall all be over soon my brother…Thank you, for all you have done. May I be so lucky as to find you in the next life."
The Ashen One made his way back to that location, staring down at Lothric who gave him a gentle smile up to him. "I trust you will make uphold your end of the bargain?"
The Ashen One couldn't bring himself to return the smile as he slowly nodded his head. "I swear on my undying soul, Lothric," He stated, drawing in a deep breath once more as he steeled his resolve. Lothric relaxed his body, content with the reassurance, as he waited for the end to come. "I pray that we both find peace, Ashen One."
"As do I, Lord of Cinder." The Ashen One whispered as he brought down his blade for the killing blow.