Characters: Chosen Undead/Dragon Slayer Ornstein, Great Grey Wolf Sif, Logan, Griggs, Patches, Frampt
Word Count: 10.339
Summary: Tempest and Ornstein venture into the Kiln of the First Flame, where Tempest finally shall fulfil his quest and Ornstein's mission will be over.
(Author's note: Here it is, this is the last chapter. I have left my feelings in the end notes, so just a quick note here. This chapter ties up a few loose plot holes and while part of it is more tell instead of show, I did it to not have a super massive chapter at hands, it is already 10k words anyway.
Anyway, please enjoy and please make sure that you read the end note completely. Thank you very much. And now, one last time, accompany Ornstein and Tempest on their adventure.)
"Sif, as promised, we have come to give you the ring back.", Ornstein said, extending his hand where the ring laid on his flat palm. Sif, who had laid curled in front of the grave, stood up and sniffed at the ring, before taking it into her mouth.
Tempest, who stood a bit to the side, really wondered how a creature as big as Sif could carry such a tiny ring in her snout without swallowing it. Ornstein didn't seem to be concerned at all though, he merely watched when Sif left the scene and returned not much later, nudging Ornstein with her snout, which made the dragon slayer almost fall over.
"Alright, I guess we could spar a bit.", he chuckled, "But don't overdo it, you are still hurt from your battle with the little Storm."
"Sorry for that.", Tempest said, looking at the ground, "Both you and your master are awfully good at making Ornstein lose his fighting spirit."
While Sif went to retrieve the sword, Ornstein walked over to Tempest and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, little Storm.", he murmured, "For both of the times you stopped me from dying."
"You are welcome.", Tempest murmured, faint blush appearing on his cheeks. He didn't dwell much on Ornstein's words though, instead he watched the sparring session. Both Ornstein and Sif looked so beautiful while they fought. Their fighting style was nothing but grace and Tempest was struck with awe when the both of them met their weapons in mid-air.
The sparring session fell short however, when Ornstein's stomach loudly growled.
"Ah, Ornstein, you haven't eaten anything since breakfast.", Tempest shouted, running over to where Ornstein was standing, a hand on his stomach, probably red from embarrassment under his helmet, "I brought the usual sandwiches. Time to eat them."
In New Londo, they hadn't had the opportunity for much of a break, and Tempest hadn't given Ornstein the sandwiches and couldn't give it to him when he had to warp out of the Abyss.
"That's nice of you, little Storm, but... my hands are all dirty.", Ornstein said, looking at his gauntlets.
"Well, then remove your gauntlets.", Tempest said, of course Ornstein wasn't supposed to eat with them on.
"No, my hands under the gauntlets.", Ornstein said, "All the grime in New Londo... it went under my armour as well."
"Then clean your hands in the stream.", Tempest said. There was water nearby, so he didn't get the issue.
"You are right.", Ornstein sighed, but before he went to the stream, he murmured, "Give one of them to Sif."
Oh? That had been the issue? Ornstein didn't want to eat in front of Sif without sharing the meal? Well, he could have said that. Tempest doubted that the sandwich would be a satisfying meal for Sif, but he was happy to oblige. He could cook for Ornstein later, Sif probably had to hunt.
Tempest looked at both sandwiches in his hands. One was with eggs, the other with salmon. He decided to give the egg sandwich to Sif, he was unsure if wolves could eat fish. If only he had a meat one, but well... he couldn't know that he had to feed a great grey wolf today.
Once Ornstein came back with clean, but still slightly wet hands, Tempest handed him the sandwich and then went to offer the other to Sif. He offered it on his flat palm, or palms to be precise, how he normally always did if he fed some dog, he had learned that their teeth wouldn't scrape him if they took the food from his flat palm.
However, Sif was tall enough that even Ornstein, an absolute giant of a man, could ride on her and while Tempest offered the sandwich, he worried that she accidentally would bite his arms off... of course he just would need to touch his dark sign and he would be reborn at the bonfire, but still... that would hurt.
As Sif sniffed the sandwich and then took it, VERY gently, Tempest felt dumb about his worries. It was Artorias who had raised her and Ornstein had always described Artorias as a very kind soul (though he could be a bit oblivious), of course Sif would never hurt him accidentally. Especially not when she could actually wield a sword that was as long as her whole body.
Of course the sandwich was gone in one go and then Sif looked at him, licking her muzzle. It felt... like she approved his cooking or something. While Tempest never knew dogs (or wolves) to be gourmets, he appreciated it.
"Thanks.", he said and then joined Ornstein who ate his sandwich. "How do you like yours?", he asked, despite knowing the answer.
"A bit soggy, but that was to be expected after spending the whole day in New Londo.", Ornstein said, "Otherwise, it's fine. You noticed that I prefer fish to meat, don't you, little Storm?"
"Yes.", Tempest grinned, he had always made sure to observe which dishes Ornstein would eat completely and which ones he normally would leave some leftovers. "Though, I can't say for sure that I know your favourite food."
"Because I don't have one.", Ornstein said between bites, "I always preferred to acquire new tastes. My favourite food is something that has never been there before and I don't know if I like it before I tried it. I would say the favourite part is the excitement when it comes to try a new dish."
"Huh.", Tempest said and then gave Ornstein a big smile, "You are truly a cook's best friend. We always search for a taste that has never been there before. Maybe one day I'll acquire it."
Ornstein didn't reply and Tempest didn't ask himself why anymore. He had... a suspicion. He still didn't know if his suspicion was correct, but... he would find out soon enough he supposed.
"What was your favourite dish?", Ornstein broke through the silence, "Uh, when you could still taste, you know."
"Oh? It was stew. You know, that was the first dish I ever cooked for you. I wanted to make something I am very confident in and because I cooked so much stew for myself, that is my to-go dish when I am out of ideas or don't know anyone's preference.", Tempest chuckled, "Back then you barely acknowledged how good it tasted."
"I... remember.", Ornstein said, cheeks growing a tiny bit red, "Now I don't want to miss your cooking ever again."
Right after he had said that, Ornstein's eyes widened and he just stared down at the sandwich. "F-forget I said that.", Ornstein said, only furthering the creeping suspicion inside of Tempest.
"I would like to cook for you forever as well, Ornstein.", Tempest said, trying to not let his voice crack.
Ornstein simply acknowledged his words with... silence, quietly eating the rest of the sandwich. After he was done, they said their farewell to Sif and warped back to the cathedral.
Both Ornstein and Tempest felt gross and soggy from their trip to New Londo, so they met up in the bath, where Ornstein first scrubbed Tempest clean and then Ornstein even allowed Tempest to wash his hair.
"So...", Tempest said while he was soaping up Ornstein's hair, "Our journey is almost over. We acquired all four lord souls. The last step is... to link the flame, right?"
Ornstein didn't answer right away, in fact, he stayed quiet for a very long time before he finally spoke.
"Yes.", Ornstein said, "If the flame is linked, then Lordran will be restored to its former glory and it will be the land of gods once again."
This solution... it sounded too good to be true. There were too many things that didn't add up. However, Tempest didn't want to ask. He trusted Ornstein. He was sure if there was something that Ornstein had to tell him, that he would do it. He just... had to trust Ornstein and maybe, just maybe, his suspicions were wrong. Tempest really wished they were...
"It feels strange.", Tempest continued, "I started this journey thinking that I would never come back. But... I came back to life again and again and when my body decided to not give up, my mind decided to not give up as well. And then I came so far and finally I felt the pull of the hollowing and... I still didn't want to give up. That is why I came asking for help. That is how I got to meet you, Ornstein, not the dragon slayer, the real you."
Tempest felt how Ornstein tensed up at his words and then slowly relaxed.
"And even though you were such a jerk at first, I am glad that I made an effort... that you opened up to me and that I could help you, even just a little bit. To... heal from everything that ailed you."
"Little Storm.", Ornstein said, "That wasn't just a little bit. I was caught in my despair and my sadness. You... helped me realize that I was destroying myself. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, little Storm."
Tempest stopped soaping Ornstein's hair and simply hugged him from behind, not minding that his body got all soaped up as well. Ornstein continued after a few seconds.
"And even though I hated you at first, for taking Smough from me, from having the impertinence to just walk into the Dark Moon Tomb and demand help, and then I was assigned to you and I... only did it because Gwyndolin gave me a deal, but... despite all that, I really learned to cherish you. You... managed to find the way to my heart."
"And all it took was one stew.", Tempest said.
Ornstein shook his head. "It was more than that."
Ornstein fell silent then and Tempest finished washing his hair. After he was done, Ornstein pulled him into the water where all the suds that still were on his body dissolved. Ornstein whispered something into his ear and Tempest's eyes went wide.
This night, they made love in the pool and it was some of the most passionate and amazing sex that Tempest ever had.
Ornstein only took a quick dinner in, because he had eaten the sandwich so late and then went to bed early. Like usual, Tempest joined him, but he couldn't fall asleep.
"Something that he never had tasted before, huh?", Tempest murmured to himself. Well, it wasn't like Tempest needed sleep. He got up, got dressed and then went to the pantry. He would use the night and cook.
While Tempest couldn't make something that Ornstein had never tasted before, because he only had the ingredients in this pantry ready, he very well could make a completely new dish. While the ingredients would be known to Ornstein, he could prepare them in a way that Ornstein had never experienced before. Tempest decided that it would be good enough.
Tempest gathered a wide array of ingredients and began to cook.
Morning began to dawn once Tempest had finished his masterpiece. It was a completely new and unique dish that he never had prepared before and all of it would be for Ornstein. He took a step back and looked at his work.
He had baked some salmon in a herbal crust, using herbs from the herbal garden to make his own blend for the crust. As a side dish, Tempest prepared his own personal dumpling recipe and filled them with a mushroom paste. He also prepared an egg salad, cutting them into quarters and fanning them out on the plate, preparing a diverse set of raw vegetables to be eaten with them. And the last thing that he had prepared was a tray of sheep shaped cookies. While he had based them on Artorias' recipe book, he actually had mixed nuts and apples into the dough, which would give them an unique taste.
Tempest was busy putting the cookies in a bowl, when he heard some shuffling from outside and saw Ornstein entering the kitchen, still in his nightshirt, only his hair tied back into a messy ponytail.
"Little Storm, you are up early...", Ornstein murmured, stepping completely into the kitchen, stifling a yawn.
"Surprise!", Tempest yelled and then moved to the side, so that Ornstein could get a view of the delicacies he had set on the table. Ornstein's eyes grew wide.
"Little Storm, what in the world...?"
"I wanted to make a meal that you have never tasted before.", Tempest said, "This is my own personal special that I just thought up last night. Please enjoy."
Tempest bowed in front of Ornstein and then stood to the side, waiting until the dragon slayer would take his seat. Instead, Ornstein still stood there, dumbfounded.
"Did... did you use the whole night to prepare all of this?", he asked.
"I don't need sleep, don't worry.", Tempest said, growing a bit impatient because he wanted Ornstein to taste the food before it got cold.
"But... but why?", Ornstein just asked, finally sitting down, "I was fine with the food you gave me so far. You... you didn't need to make yourself so much work..."
"I enjoy cooking, Ornstein.", Tempest said, "But... well, I did this, because... today might be the last time..."
Ornstein froze when Tempest said that and just looked at him with even wider eyes. That... wasn't a good sign, but Tempest decided to ignore it for now and murmured: "Because after we are done today your mission is over and you don't have to stay at my side anymore."
"Oh, right...", Ornstein said, looking down at the food, "...I... wished it could last a little longer..."
Well, Ornstein neither denied nor confirmed anything. Tempest sat himself down opposite Ornstein, like he had done so many times in the past.
"Please try the food... I want to see you enjoy it.", he said, a smile spreading over his lips. "Despite how this day ends... I just want to make you happy with my cooking. If this is truly the last meal I can give you, then... I wanted it to be the very best."
"Thank you, little Storm.", Ornstein murmured and he started eating. While Tempest could see in the glistening of his eyes and the way he relished the food, how much Ornstein enjoyed it, there also was a certain sadness in these same eyes. Tempest stared at him and wondered. He wondered if there was something that Ornstein wanted to tell him, but couldn't. He wondered if he still would search for his Master. And... he wondered what he would do in Ornstein's position.
Tempest felt like this whole mission might have been easier for Ornstein if the two never had fallen in love, but, Ornstein did fall in love and for that, Tempest was so very grateful. It felt like his life (or unlife) had gotten some warmth back, filled the emptiness that was constantly bothering him and pulling at his mind, telling him that he should just give up and stop thinking.
"When I said that I can't go hollow as long as you are with me, I meant it.", Tempest murmured, too quiet for Ornstein to hear. He continued watching as Ornstein emptied all the plates and then munched on one of the sheep cookies.
"Little Storm, that was the most wonderful dish you ever created.", Ornstein said, "It was truly a taste that I never tasted before. But... I wouldn't mind eating it again. Maybe I finally foundd a favourite dish..."
Tempest's heart soared when Ornstein told him that his dish might have turned into his favourite. It was the ultimate compliment a cook could get.
"Thank you, Ornstein.", Tempest smiled, "The cookies are a new recipe as well."
"You used part of Artorias' apple pie recipe, right?", Ornstein said, "I would never forget that taste and if it was the last thing I remember."
"Yes, because new tastes are amazing, but sometimes you need something familiar, to come back to.", Tempest grinned. It had been on purpose, the cookies had been the least altered of all the dishes he cooked. He wanted to have a taste that would be a comfort for Ornstein.
"I am afraid I can't eat them all now.", Ornstein said, "That was quite a rich breakfast, but I promise I will eat the rest of them later."
"Of course, I made a whole tray.", Tempest said, "Go and rest, Ornstein, I am cleaning up. And then I would like to ask for a favour."
"Alright.", Ornstein said, leaving the table, taking the bowl of cookies with him.
Tempest took his time with cleaning up, mostly so that Ornstein had time to rest and digest the big meal. It was more than an hour later when he finished up and put the last pan away. Tempest then found Ornstein in the living area, sitting at the table, drawing something.
"Ah, little Storm, there you are.", Ornstein said, getting up, picking up the piece of paper he had just drawn on. "This is for you."
It was a picture of Tempest, a pencil sketch, shaded with what Ornstein called "hatching lines". It was absolutely amazing, Ornstein had gotten every detail right, down to Tempest's messy hair, sad eyes and crooked nose. And of course, his big smile, the smile that everyone said was so infectious and distracted from the fact that Tempest's face wasn't the prettiest around.
"It's amazing, Ornstein, thank you.", Tempest said.
"I... only had time for a sketch, a painting would have been preferred, but the colour would have needed so long to dry...", Ornstein said, it was clear that he felt that his gift was lesser to Tempest's.
"I like it.", he said, "I really like how you see me."
Tempest rolled the paper and put it into his baggage. Then, he looked at Ornstein. "So, the favour I wanted to ask.", he said, "You know that last time at Fire Link Shrine I said that it had become rather empty there?"
"Yes.", Ornstein nodded, "I brought the sealer with me, but other than him, I think I only saw the bald one around. Patches."
"Correct, and I know what happened to most of them.", Tempest took a deep sigh, "You haven't met them all, but almost all of them have turned hollow at one point. And... there is one last undead left I haven't seen hollow yet. Griggs, the sorcerer."
Ornstein nodded again. "From Vinheim, I remember him. He wore the black robes."
"Yes, and he wanted to see his Master, Logan. The one in the archives. I wanted to check if he made it there safely. Can we stop at the archives first and check on him and Logan?"
"Of course.", Ornstein said, "That should only be a short trip. Let me get my armour and then we meet at the bonfire."
Ornstein appeared at the bonfire not too much later, donned in his armour, spear in his right hand, ready to go. In order to spare Ornstein's stomach, the two of them walked the distance to the Duke's Archives, they only had to kill one giant sentinel on the way anyway.
Unfortunately, the hollows in the archives still went rampant, but with a better mind map of the place and him and Ornstein working much better as a team, they arrived shortly after in the room in which Logan was located, his nose still in a book, mumbling to himself.
"Logan.", Tempest said, raising a hand in greeting, "I wanted to ask if Griggs made it here safely."
Logan didn't look up and continued mumbling. Ornstein laid a hand on Tempest's shoulder and gave him a silent look.
"Hollows normally don't talk anymore.", Tempest whispered, "He may just be distracted."
Ornstein cocked his head, but stayed silent. Tempest approached Logan again. "Hey Logan, do you even listen to me? Hello?!"
Finally, Logan stirred and stared at Tempest and then mumbled in quick succession: "…Who are you? …Stay clear…stay clear of my work… …Curses upon you! …How dare you disturb me!"
"Logan, what?!", Tempest said, eyes going wide. Was that the beginning of the hollowing? Tempest laid both hands on Logan's shoulder and yelled: "Logan, snap out of it! Have you seen Griggs around?!"
Finally, Logan seemed to notice Tempest and his mumblings came to a halt. "Griggs? No, I haven't seen him. He stayed at Fire Link Shrine. I need to continue studying, would you leave me be?"
Logan completely refused to interact after these words and Ornstein and Tempest moved to a different room.
"That was strange.", Tempest said, "He's not hollow, but... he's also not alright. Maybe he is starting to get hollow. But... he is so focused on the books, it isn't like he doesn't have a purpose."
"There is the possibility that whatever he found in these books is making him go mad.", Ornstein sighed, "It happened to Seath, though Seath never was right in the head to begin with. We can just hope that he notices and puts the books down before it's too late."
"I suppose so.", Tempest sighed, "So, Griggs isn't here, but he also wasn't at Firelink Shrine. That means... he probably is still on the way. Maybe he got in trouble again. The first time I found him he was locked in the Lower Undead Burg."
"He's not in Anor Londo.", Ornstein said, "Gwyndolin would have notified me. I always get notified when a new Undead enters Anor Londo."
"Oh, so you got informed about Logan as well?", Tempest asked.
"Yes, but he wasn't important. The Lordvessel was already taken and he headed to the Archives. I only take matters in my hand should they be a danger to Gwyndolin. None of them were, luckily.", Ornstein replied.
"Hmm... let's think then.", Tempest said, "In order to come here without the warping power of the Lordvessel, from Fire Link Shrine... I would take the elevator to the Undead Parish and then move to Andre's place and cross Sen's Fortress. I got rid of the Iron Golem, so I suppose anyone who stands on that platform gets transported."
"That is correct.", Ornstein confirmed.
"So, if he isn't in Anor Londo, there is a good chance he is in the Fortress.", Tempest clapped his hands, "Let's search there."
"Only if we walk.", Ornstein said, "Still don't feel like warping."
"As your wish.", Tempest said, leading the way.
The both of them found Griggs deep in the Fortress, his eyes black and lifeless, clearly hollowed out, attacking the two of them with his soul arrows.
The fortress must have taken a number on him, because his hollowed out form was already gravely injured, his body barely holding it together. Judging by the fact that he had been found near the rolling stone trap, Tempest wasn't too surprised.
It only took one single slash of his sword to release him from his misery. Once he dissolved into ash, two things fell down and clanked on the ground.
"A sorcery scroll and a ring.", Tempest murmured. Ornstein came nearer to inspect them.
"Tools of an assassin.", Ornstein murmured over Tempest's shoulder, "Of course Ciaran wouldn't have needed those, but I know she would have said that it would have made her job easier."
"Wait, are you implying that Griggs was an assassin?", Tempest asked.
"He's from Vinheim, right? Gwyndolin told me that place has its fair share of secrets. They always had their blades on the lookout when someone from Vinheim entered Anor Londo."
"I... think I heard about it too.", Tempest said, "In the tavern. But.. whatever Griggs was or wasn't, I feel sorry that he never could reach his Master and... I want to tell Logan about his fate. If that is alright."
"We still have time.", Ornstein said, "The day just started."
Curiously, Logan wasn't in the small room anymore. "Huh, where could he have gone?", Tempest asked himself.
"He must have ran out of books.", Ornstein mused, "Do you remember the room in which you ran head first and died despite me trying to warn you?"
"How could I ever forget that...", Tempest physically made himself smaller, the dragon slayer's wrath had been real that day.
"Well, that is Seath's study room. He kept all the important books there. I would suggest looking there."
"Thank you, Ornstein.", Tempest said, smiling.
Logan really was in Seath's study room, but upon entering it was the same image as with Griggs, or it was even worse, because despite his hat, Logan was practically naked (well, he still wore his loincloth at least). He also didn't lose any chance to fire soul spears at him and Ornstein.
Tempest was too perplexed to fight back, it was Ornstein who shoved him out of the way and finished Logan with a well aimed spear through his chest. When Logan dissolved into dust, his big hat slid off and fell to the floor.
"Him too?", Tempest murmured, "So he was going hollow...?"
Ornstein shook his head. "No, he wasn't hollow.", he said, "His eyes were not sunken in. He... must have gone mad, like I feared. This knowledge... it's too much. I should tell Gwyndolin to burn this place down."
"...It might be for the better.", Tempest said, picking the hat up. Beneath it were a sorcery scroll and a catalyst, he took both of them.
"Let's... go to Firelink Shrine.", Tempest said, his voice toneless. He didn't talk at all during the way to the bonfire and once they had warped and Ornstein needed some time to adjust his nausea, Tempest sat himself down at the edge of the cliff, still holding the big hat of Logan.
Once Ornstein's stomach had calmed down, he sat himself next to Tempest.
"You don't look alright.", he said, removing a stray strand of hair from Tempest's face.
"I... Ornstein, I can't help but ask myself... if I hadn't interfered with them, would they still be there? Maybe they were safer locked up...", Tempest murmured.
"They would have gone hollow in imprisonment.", Ornstein said, "You at least gave them a chance. It was their own choice what to do with this chance. Nothing of what happened was your fault, little Storm. You didn't doom them by simply being kind."
"You've grown, Ornstein.", Tempest murmured, hands buried into the soft fabric of the hat, "You aren't the man anymore who nearly despaired because he felt personally responsible for the fate of his friends."
"And it was you who taught me that.", Ornstein said, laying a hand on Tempest's shoulders, "So, please, little Storm, don't fall in that same hole of despair. It is a very very lonely place."
"Lonely.", Tempest whispered, "That was the reason I nearly hollowed. Twice. The first time it was because everyone in the Asylum turned hollow and nobody talked to me anymore. The elite knight, no, Oscar, if he hadn't dropped me the key I would have joined them."
Ornstein stayed quiet, squeezing Tempest's shoulder a bit, waiting for him to continue.
"The second time was after I fought you... and saw the fate of so many of the acquaintances I made on this journey... I was so afraid that it would happen to the rest of them and... in a sense, it happened. They are all gone now. I... without you, Ornstein, I would have given in to my loneliness and given up. I was never meant to make this journey alone."
Ornstein rubbed Tempest's back, still feeling like he should not speak. After quite some time, Tempest spoke again, this time louder: "Thank you, Ornstein. You saved me from drowning in my own loneliness. And maybe... maybe because you knew how it was, that was why we connected with each other. Thank you for believing in me and not letting me turn into just another hollow."
"You are welcome, little Storm.", Ornstein said, "But you should give yourself more credit. You have grown immensely during that journey. I am sure I could leave the rest to you and you wouldn't fail it. But... I have been in this fo so long, now I will stay with you until the end."
Tempest gave Ornstein a weak smile and then looked back at the hat in his hands. "I will keep this. As a memento. So that at least I will never forget them."
"I also have my mementos.", Ornstein said, thinking about the items he carried around with him when they were out on the mission, "I am sure they will appreciate it."
Tempest and Ornstein stayed seated next to each other a while longer before Tempest stood up and put the hat into his luggage.
"Let's visit Frampt.", he said, already walking before Ornstein had a chance to get up.
Tempest heard Ornstein's footsteps not much later, indicating that the dragon slayer followed him to the primordial serpent. However, before Tempest had a chance to speak to Frampt, he noticed Patches who was in the process of packing up. Upon noticing that Tempest stared at him, Patches stopped what he was doing and turned to him.
"Ah, bruv, have you, by chance, come to buy something? This place is practically abandoned, no chance for me to get rid of my wares.", Patches spoke.
"Um...", Tempest said, he hadn't planned to buy anything, but he felt kind of a bit responsible for Firelink Shrine being empty, so he went over and looked at the wares still lying out. "One humanity...", he said, those were always useful to have.
"Hmph, is that all?", Patches said and then quickly corrected himself, "I mean, pleasure making business with you." When Tempest turned around, he saw that Ornstein had caught up with him and clearly gave Patches a very disapproving look.
"So, you are leaving?", Tempest asked after the transaction was done.
"Yes, bruv, there is no reason anymore for me to stay.", Patches said, "Unless you, my dear customer, want me to stay."
"Not really, no.", Tempest said without hesitation. The kick was still in his mind, though Patches had been hardly the worst person to be around.
"Maybe we'll see each other again, bruv.", Patches said, shouldering his belongings. "And if only to strip the trinkets of your corpse."
"At least you are honest...", Tempest murmured, looking at Ornstein who only silently observed the scene, "Um... Patches, don't turn hollow, alright?"
It was the first time that Patches showed another emotion than spite or fake friendliness, it was genuine surprise, but then his grin appeared again. "Oh don't you worry, bruv, they call me the unbreakable for a reason."
Patches left Firelink Shrine after this and Tempest wondered where he was heading. There wasn't really another place for an Undead outside of Lordran.
"At least one of them managed to stay sane.", he murmured.
"I doubt that he has ever been sane to begin with.", Ornstein replied, making Tempest turn his head to stare at him, then he chuckled.
"True.", he said, "I guess you have to be a little insane to not lose your mind. And look at me, I am now doing the insane thing of seeing the inside of Frampt's mouth again."
Tempest went to talk to Frampt, but Ornstein stayed behind. Frampt must have noticed it, because he appeared shortly after he transported Tempest and stared at the dragon slayer.
"The task is nearly fulfilled. I, the kingseeker, am no longer needed.", Frampt's gaze fell over Ornstein. "Dragon Slayer, I must admit, I grew quite fond of these humans over the years. And you... you changed as well. There is some attachment, not unlike mine."
Ornstein didn't say anything and simply reciprocated Frampt's stare.
"You know what his end is, Dragon Slayer.", Frampt said, "You know that he will burn, to perpetuate the age of fire, to replace our great lord Gwyn. It's what we all worked for. Are you truly ready, Dragon Slayer?"
"My name's Ornstein.", Ornstein finally said, "There aren't any dragons anymore to slay. And... I have to be ready. That is what we all suffered for so long. I can't... I can't falter now."
Frampt stared at Ornstein for a very long time. "Hmmph, very well.", he said, "He's waiting for you, Ornstein. Fulfill the task and let the Age of Fire perpetuate."
As Ornstein jumped down, he swore he heard a last thing, some whispers from Frampt, that sounded like: "But you know there is another way..."
Ornstein shook his head, this was not the time for getting doubts. He had to finish this... as much as it would hurt, there wasn't another choice...
The moment Ornstein's feet hit the floor, Tempest got up, having sit in front of the Lordvessel. "Ornstein, there you are! You took your time! I wanted to place the souls only with you around. Without you, I would have never gotten them in the first place."
"I...", Ornstein said, then shook his head and then just said: "Alright."
Ornstein watched as Tempest pulled the souls out of his darksign, talking to each of them before he offered them to the Lordvessel.
"The Paledrake... the first major battle we fought together. I finally could see Ornstein in action against his prey."
"Nito... I am still in your covenant, even though Ornstein forbadw me to ever partake in it."
"The Bed of Chaos, a pitiful existence, I hope you and your daughters are at a better place now..."
"My kin... the Four Kings of New Londo, who have been swallowed by the Abyss. May humanity never repeat this mistake..."
One by one, the souls vanished into the fire and once Tempest put the last one in, the mighty door in front of them opened, giving view upon a big staircase which led down. Ornstein could see the ghostly figures of black knights wandering on them.
"My Estus is filled to the brim!", Tempest shouted, showing the flask to Ornstein. In fact, the liquid was almost overflowing.
"Good, you will need it.", Ornstein said, "In order to link the flame, your predecessor must be taken down and... I know what a skilled warrior he was."
Tempest stayed quiet for a moment, looking at Ornstein, as if... as if he wanted that Ornstein said something. Ornstein felt weirded out and almost screamed at Tempest what the matter was, when the little Undead went moving.
"Come, Ornstein.", he said, "Let's do this." Tempest's voice was strangely flat, there wasn't any of his usual chipper in it anymore. Ornstein's chest tightened. He could... he could say something. The truth. He could tell Tempest. Then... then he would at least save one person he cared about, but...
Ornstein felt unable to speak. It was his mission. Despite everything, he still felt loyal to Gwyndolin and even Gwyn and... he tried to convince himself that it was for the better.
Before Ornstein knew it, the both of them had descended the stairs and stood in the area only known as Kiln of the First Flame. Ornstein once had been here, a LONG time ago, when Gwyn shared his soul shard with him, but back then it had looked different.
It hadn't been covered with ashes, as if a flame had raged uncontrollably through it, only leaving ruins and no life at all. In the distance, Ornstein could see a round building, knowing that the flame was housed there... and with the flame, would be Lord Gwyn, probably insane after feeding the flame for centuries.
iAnd you want the little Storm to have the same fate?i/, a cruel voice whispered in Ornstein's mind, iAfter everything, you just want to let him burn? For your selfish wishes?/i
Ornstein shook his head, that wasn't the time to have doubts. Instead, he had to move forwards. He took a deep breath and then marched onwards, only stopping when a black knight rushed at him, his sword raised, ready for the kill.
Ornstein stood there for a good second before he realized what happened and raised his own spear to parry the blow. Tempest was at his side right away and used the opportunity of the distracted black knight to give it a nasty gash at the knee during the joints of the armour... or what would have been a nasty gash, if the black knights wouldn't have been transformed to nothing more but dust inside of these armours.
"Be careful, Ornstein, they are everywhere.", Tempest murmured, "I can see one in the distance."
"They...", Ornstein said, realization striking him, "They went with Lord Gwyn. A special force of silver knights... so that is what happened to them..."
"Huh, I thought they were a special force that fought demons?", Tempest said, circling the black knight while Ornstein was busy keeping its powerful blows at bay.
"Complicated story.", Ornstein said, "Don't worry about it, just... kill it while I distract it."
"Alright.", Tempest said and soon his sword found an opening in the armour, stabbing through what once had been vital internal organs. The black knight dissolved into a cloud of smoke and Tempest picked up his sword. "At least there is no blood to wipe off.", he said and shook the ashes off. "Let's go, Ornstein."
Not far behind the first black knight Ornstein could spot a second one, it was wielding a Greatsword, with only one hand. Artorias had taught the knights how to wield large weapons like this. He couldn't help it, he still felt a bit proud of his troops, even when they were reduced to that weird state of neither being alive or dead.
Ornstein stared at Tempest at this thought, another being that was neither alive nor dead, only that in his case it meant that he could die, he just simply didn't stay dead. It truly was a curse, the curse of the undead... if it would have happened to Ornstein, he didn't think he would have managed to keep his mind intact...
Still lost in his thoughts, Ornstein barely noticed that Tempest started to run towards the black knight.
"Little Storm, wait!", Ornstein shouted and started to run, catching up with Tempest, but Tempest simply put an arm out to stop him. On instinct, Ornstein came to a screeching halt, even though Tempest's arm looked like a twig compared to his large body.
"I have practised my parrying.", Tempest said, readying his shield, "Watch me, Ornstein."
"But, little Storm, that one has a greatsword, if it hits you...", Ornstein tried to make a point, but before he could even finish his sentence, Tempest had delivered one of the most flawless parries he had ever seen.
Ornstein just stood there, staring at Tempest as the riposte happened and Tempest's swords made it through the chest of the black knight, alright, not the chest, Tempest was too small for that, it was more the stomach.
While this would have been enough to kill any being with internal organs, Ornstein could see that his black knight managed to hold itself together better than the first they encountered.
"It isn't gone yet, little Storm.", Ornstein shouted, finally moving again. Tempest had already turned around to give Ornstein a big smile, but his face fell when a towering shadow appeared behind him, the black knight was back on its feet.
His next parry wasn't as flawless and blood gushed when the sword pretty much cut open Tempest's entire arm and shoulder. Ornstein jumped over the injured undead, delivering the killing blow to the black knight. As usual, the black knight dissolved with an inhuman scream into ashes. As soon as the threat was no longer, Ornstein put his attention on Tempest.
"Oh, that hurt.", Tempest groaned, the flesh and bones knitting itself back together after a good dose of Estus, "That could have been another death which you prevented, Ornstein. Just because I got cocky."
"It happens to the best of us.", Ornstein said, quietly relieved that Tempest was already healing, the ability of the Estus Flask to just heal any wound of the Undead was a blessing. Well, of course not when he had to fight them, but not having to worry about Tempest recovering from the many wounds he received was clearly a bonus.
"Yeah, you told me how you got that scar.", Tempest smiled, wiping away blood this time. His own, of course.
"At least now you learned for the next time.", Ornstein murmured. "Let's move on. The first flame shouldn't be too far away now."
"Right...", Tempest said, getting up and walking next to Ornstein. Like earlier, he was strangely quiet again... and Ornstein once again asked himself if he... should he... he had to decide before it was too late...
Gladly, another black knight distracted him. The both of them walked over a narrow construction of columns where one misstep would mean a brutal death, when the black knight ran over to them, not fearing the bottomless abyss surrounding it in the slightest.
Tempest parried the first blow, but botched up the riposte, hesitating just one second too long, so that his sword only uselessly scratched over the armour of the black knight. It was Ornstein who jumped over and gave the black knight a good stab, but it wasn't enough to kill it, so that it could steady itself and... played defensive. The black knight didn't make any advances at attacking, instead raising its shield and waiting.
Tempest and Ornstein just shared a look and then both of them looked at the seemingly bottomless pit around them.
"I'll kick it and you'll push it down once it is out of balance.", Ornstein suggested.
Tempest nodded and their plan was executed right away. Ornstein gave the black knight a good kick and it immediately lost balance. Tempest took this opportunity to jump at it with a slash and the impact was just enough to get the knight over the edge.
They watched as the black knight tumbled and fell, knowing that it was done for when a slew of souls flew towards Tempest.
"That has been taken care of.", Tempest said and moved forward, only to turn around and examine the swindling heights of the columns a little more. Ornstein followed him, curious to see what got his attention and found Tempest looking at a full armour set.
"Huh.", Ornstein said, "This one must have stopped moving eventually."
"So they are just reanimated armour?", Tempest asked. Ornstein winced physically, if he... explained his theory, then Tempest would surely figure out the rest by himself and... Ornstein wasn't ready yet. He still wasn't ready to tell Tempest that he was meant as a sacrifice for the flame. Maybe it was better when he never knew...
"You don't have to explain, I think I am getting the gist of it already.", Tempest said, though the way he stared at Ornstein almost looked... disappointed.
"Similar to the silver knights in Anor Londo.", Ornstein lied, but Tempest seemed fine with his explanation. Ornstein hoped that he was, at least, but Tempest staying silent didn't sit well with him, Tempest normally was always talking so much.
They left the columns and thankfully were on stable ground again, going down a few stairs. Ornstein could see two more black knights there, one with a great axe and one with a halberd.
"Can you handle one of them yourself?", Ornstein asked.
"I'll fight the halberd one.", Tempest said, "I trained so much with you, I know how to handle polearms now."
Tempest did a wonderful job parrying, but Ornstein didn't have much time to watch the rest of the battle as the great axe black knight walked towards him. Axes were a weapon that were rare in Gwyn's army and Ornstein asked himself, which of his silver knights this once had been, but of course after so many years and with neither a face nor a voice it was impossible to say.
The both of them circled each other, both understanding the strength of the other and they then pretty much attacked at the same time.
Ornstein won this battle, simply because he was faster. An axe was strong, but slow and speed could save a lot of battles. Ornstein was also as strong as he was fast, so the black knight didn't stand a chance.
Ornstein's foe fell at the same time as Tempest's foe, who had finished his battle with one last riposte. Now, no black knights stood in their way anymore, only a fog gate.
"That's it.", Ornstein said, "The First Flame is behind this gate and also... our Lord Gwyn, though it could be that he turned hostile and will attack."
Tempest didn't answer right away and simply stared at the fog gate. Then, he slowly turned around and stared at Ornstein. Ornstein felt himself get smaller under his stare and... maybe he should do it, maybe he should tell Tempest, but...
"Ornstein.", Tempest said, slowly and collected, "Is there something you have to tell me? You seem to be awfully nervous."
Ornstein just stared at Tempest. There, he was given his chance. To explain, to tell Tempest the truth. To... tell him to just walk away and not care about the flame. Here was Ornstein's chance to finally save a person he cared about.
Ornstein had no clue why he stayed silent for a long time and then simply answered with: "No."
"Is that so?", Tempest said, "Well, I trust you, Ornstein."
This little sentence, this moment of truth, let a guilty wave crush over Ornstein. How could he have done that? But... he knew that there wasn't another choice. It was... better for him to not know. Even if that guilt would probably swallow Ornstein alive.
Tempest didn't give him another chance as well, because the little Undead already had walked through the fog gate.
Ornstein didn't waste anymore time and followed him, finding himself in the building which housed the First Flame, which looked more like a cave after so many years, but this wasn't what got his attention.
Tempest was standing in front of him and gazed at a figure. The figure had their back turned to them, but Ornstein recognized the form of his lord anywhere. The long, white hair, the massive greatsword he was wielding, now ablaze with flames and the godly armour he had worn to every battle, having fought so many battles at the side of his loyal knights.
Ornstein had the impulse to just fall to his knees and worship his lord, after he hadn't seen him for so many years, but... one look at Tempest, who had sword and shield ready, never expecting that something in this land didn't want to kill him, and instead of falling to his knees, Ornstein grabbed his spear with both hands.
"That's him?", Tempest whispered.
Ornstein nodded before he replied: "Yes, that is our Lord Gwyn, the one who gave out the soul shards."
"He's...", Tempest started, but didn't finish the sentence. He knew what Tempest wanted to say when his lord turned around and he stared into empty eye holes and at grey skin.
Hollow... no, a god could never become hollow. Burned, consumed by the flame. There was barely a shred of humanity nor godly powers left in this man.
However, there clearly was still the warrior left, because Gwyn charged forwards so suddenly that Tempest barely managed to raise his shield. He hissed when the flaming sword hit it, clearly not able to block all the damage. Gwyn followed this lunge up with a three hit combo which broke Tempest's balance and set him flying.
Finally, once Ornstein heard how Tempest collided with one of the stalagmites in the cave, did Ornstein put himself into motion, launching himself between Tempest and Gwyn, hissing himself when the fire of Gwyn's sword collided with his spear and heated the weapon up.
"You once were my lord.", Ornstein murmured, "And while I still hold the loyalty to your family, it is time to put you out of your misery."
Ornstein felt how he got shoved along the ground, he had forgotten about Gwyn's brutal strength. Of course, the lord always had been able to lift his greatsword with one hand. Ornstein pushed against Gwyn and saw sparkles emit from their weapons.
"I am sorry that I couldn't come sooner..."
Ornstein felt his strength falter. This was... different. He wasn't fighting someone that he despised or something he didn't feel anything for, this felt almost like the fight against Artorias. He had pledged his life to this man and... standing against him felt so wrong, even though Ornstein knew that Gwyn was only a shadow of his former self, having been consumed by the flame.
iThe same will happen to the little Storm./i
It was this thought that enabled Gwyn to push Ornstein off balance, the dragon slayer actually struggling to stay on his feet, having to watch helplessly as the flaming sword got raised for a killing blow.
Ornstein closed his eyes awaiting the impact when the whirring sound of an arrow getting loose was heard and it clearly found its goal in Gwyn's shoulder, making the lord struggle himself, mindlessly reaching for the arrow to pull it out.
"That was close!", Tempest said, running over to Ornstein, his bow still in his hands, "Sorry, Ornstein, it took some time to take my Estus. Let's fight him together now."
Ornstein stared at Tempest for a second or two and then smiled under his helmet.
"Of course, little Storm. Like always. Let's heckle him."
Tempest gave a smile of his own back, the usual one. The one that Ornstein had fallen in love with. The one he would never see again when... He had to stop thinking about this, the fight was more important.
Gwyn finished pulling the arrow out and let it fall to the ground, taking his sword in both hands. Ornstein's eyes went wide, he recognized this stance.
"Careful, little Storm, dodge to the right!", Ornstein said, himself dodging to the left, watching as Tempest rolled out of the way of a massive downward cut which was followed by an instant uppercut. The combination was so fast that Ornstein had seen many skilled warriors slain by it in one hit.
"Now!", Tempest shouted once he was on his feet again, spotting an opening when Gwyn had to readjust his sword.
"Now.", Ornstein agreed and they came from both sides, their weapons ready to impale Gwyn when the former lord dodged backwards and the both of them nearly clashed with their weapons, coming to a screeching halt in front of each other.
Both Ornstein and Tempest immediately turned around to face Gwyn again when he charged forwards and grabbed Tempest, making the small Undead yelp and flail in the air before being set aflame and tossed around the room.
Ornstein's chest tightened and his fingertips tingled. Too much fire. The sword was on fire, Tempest was on fire and... he felt the looming threat of the dragons behind him, as always. While Gwyn charged at him with a thrust attack, Ornstein let the power that his own lord had granted him loose, shocking Gwyn who had to stop the charge halfway through.
While Gwyn was currently incapacitated, Ornstein looked around to see Tempest still on the ground, clearly badly burned. He jumped over to him in an instance and grabbed the Estus, feeding a large portion of it to Tempest. The small Undead groaned when his wounds got healed and the pain subdued enough to move again.
"I didn't expect this.", he coughed, "That hurt... being burned alive I mean..."
Ornstein's chest tightened again, but not because of fire this time. Well, it was the mention of fire and... what it insinuated at. Instead of saying anything about it though, Ornstein simply answered: "I know..."
"Of course you would know, dragon slayer.", Tempest grinned and then his eyes were going wide, "Ornstein, watch out!", he cried and jumped on his feet and Ornstein only saw blurred images when Tempest parried Gwyn's attack and while Ornstein wanted to scream that it won't work, he couldn't believe that Gwyn struggled and got knocked off balance.
Ornstein had to take the opportunity right away and rushed towards Gwyn, his spear colliding with the chest of his former lord.
Old crusted blood dripped out of the wound, a body that was almost dust, finally being relieved of its long suffering. Gwyn, once the Lord of Sunlight, then a Lord of Cinder, fell to the ground and stopped moving. It was over. Finally over.
Which meant, that... Tempest would...
Tempest still stood rigid. He hadn't expected to really pull off this parry, he had expected a trip back to the bonfire and having to run back while Ornstein fought for his dear life. Now he looked at the crumbled body of the man that was once Gwyn and the flame in the middle of the cave, nearly snuffed out.
He looked at Ornstein, but the knight was quiet. This was it then. This was what Tempest had set out on this journey for.
"So this is it.", Tempest said, slowly walking towards the flame, "I'll light this one and it is over."
As Tempest walked to the flame, Ornstein's chest tightened so much that he barely could breathe. That was it.. the end of his mission. That was what they had come for. Ornstein had known that Tempest would be sacrificed to the flame, but still... after all they had been through together, after how far they've come.
Ornstein didn't want to lose someone who was so important to him ever again.
"Don't do it, little Storm.", he said, "Don't link the flame."
Tempest stopped, not turning around. Oh, now Ornstein was talking. Now when they were nearly at the end. Tempest didn't turn around, instead waiting for Ornstein to explain himself.
"I am sorry, I should have told you sooner, little Storm...", Ornstein continued on, "But whoever links the flame is accepted as a sacrifice to keep the flame going, being damned to burn until not a shred of humanity is left in them... I... knew about this and I... shouldn't have lied to you."
Tempest still didn't say anything, his gaze was on the ground, still waiting.
"So, please, little Storm, don't do it. Don't link the flame. Just... go away, leave it be. Please..."
Ornstein sounded so guilty, his voice breaking over him begging that Tempest please would leave the flame alone. Finally, Tempest turned around and looked directly at Ornstein.
"Ornstein...", he said, slowly, "I already knew that. "
"You did?!", Ornstein was clearly taken aback, even taking a step back.
"Or more I had a suspicion.", Tempest said, "You confirmed it to me. Just... I might be a dork, but I am not stupid. There were too many oddities. It was the reason why Gwyn never came back. It was the reason why neither you nor Gwyndolin could do it."
Tempest looked directly in Ornstein's eyes, obscured by his helmet, but not for long, because Ornstein opened the visor of his helmet to meet his gaze, any words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.
"That is why you needed me. Or... anyone would have done. You needed someone that wouldn't be missed, that was already ruined, someone who would make a perfect sacrifice. You just needed someone who would make it this far."
"Little Storm...", Ornstein said, his voice hoarse, "I am so sorry for lying to you."
"You didn't lie to me, Ornstein, you merely concealed the truth.", Tempest said, now looking at the ground again, "And... I did say that I trust you, Ornstein, and while it was a bit delayed, you finally came clear and told me everything. Thank you, Ornstein."
Tempest turned around, walking towards the flame, just one step, stopping when Ornstein called out to him: "Wait! You don't have to do this, you can just leave it be."
"But Ornstein.", Tempest said, voice low, "When the flame snuffs out, what happens to you?"
"I...", Ornstein said, voice drowning out.
Tempest turned around another time. "If the flame snuffs out, you'll die, right? You got your life from it, you can't live on without it anymore. It is the reason you were alive for a thousand years."
Ornstein couldn't meet Tempest's gaze, instead he looked at the ground, grip loosely around his spear which scraped against the stone floor.
"I have been ready to die for a long time now.", he murmured, "It won't... even be instant, I probably will be around a while longer, just not... very long."
Tempest started to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "How long? A few years? A few months? A few weeks?"
"I... don't know.", Ornstein said, both hands grabbing his spear, holding on to it as tightly as if his life depended on it, "I have never been in a situation like this before."
"Well, maybe I don't want to live in a world where there is no Ornstein.", Tempest said, a sad smile spreading over his whole face, "Ornstein, please understand, I am already dead. I died back in Astora. I was cursed with a body which refused to die, a body which was at the risk of going hollow at any given moment... the flame gave me something to work towards to and... ever since I saw Gwyn, what happened to him, I was ready. Ready to link it. To give myself to it so that you can live on."
Ornstein finally raised his gaze from the ground to look in Tempest's eyes, the big blue eyes that had glistened at him so many times.
"Ornstein... I want to thank you. Your existence, your help, made this journey so much lighter. I had so much fun, I nearly never wanted for it to end, but it isn't possible. This is the end of our journey and... I want to do this. Please, let me be useful one last time, there is no other use for this cursed body... Just know... I am so grateful that you fell in love with me despite knowing that you would only set yourself up for more heartbreak. You were the light of my life, the reason I didn't hollow."
"Little Storm...", Ornstein said, lip trembling, not being able to stop any tears that welled up in his eyes from falling. "But what about your dream? The tavern on the road?"
"You remember that?", Tempest asked.
"Of course I do.", Ornstein said, "That was one of the first times I truly listened to you."
"It was just a dream.", Tempest said, "Something that I will never fulfil, just a nice fantasy to indulge in. I really would have liked it when you would have come with me, Ornstein, but a cursed undead like me could never make it a reality."
Tempest swallowed, it felt harder and harder to talk. When he spoke again, the tears that he had must have suppressed all this time started to fall, betraying the smile on his face. "Just one last request, Ornstein... please remember me, my face, my name. Don't let me be just the Chosen Undead, let me be Tempest of Astora, the one who willingly sacrificed himself to link the flame."
Tempest raised a hand to wipe away the tears, a fruitless endeavour because new ones sprung forth right away.
"And now go.", Tempest said, "Isn't there someone you have to apologize to?"
Ornstein stood rigid when Tempest finally turned around towards the flame, this time nothing would stop him. Nothing did stop him either, he arrived at the nearly snuffed out flame, feeling only a tiny sliver of warmth left.
This was it. If he would connect with the flame, he would give his body and his soul and his humanity to the flame. Tempest was fine with it. He had made his peace and thanks to Ornstein he had managed to fulfil this journey with a smile.
Tempest extended his right hand, feeling the flame connect to him. The next thing he felt was the heat. Not the comforting, soothing heat of a bonfire, it was an all consuming, painful, burning heat. He had to close his eyes at the brightness of the flame and when he opened them again, he saw a golden gauntlet hovering over the flame.
"Ornstein?!", Tempest said, looking to the left of him, where Ornstein was kneeling, clearly linking the flame alongside him, "Why?"
Ornstein looked at him. The visor of his helmet was down again, but Tempest didn't need it to be up to know that Ornstein looked at him with a loving gaze.
"Maybe I don't want to live in a world where there is no Tempest."
Tempest's eyes went wide and then he smiled.
"That is the first time you've said my name."
(Author's note: If I have let Ornstein say Tempest's name ANYWHERE I will feel SO dumb...
Anway, that was it! That was my Orndead fic "A Storm is coming" and what a ride it has been, huh? Please read this author's note to the end, or you might miss something important.
More than three years it has been. I started this fic in November of 2018 and while I type these words it is January 2022. When I first started it, I still had a job I hated, but already decided to quit and I was focused on another fic. I only updated Storm whenever I felt like it, but quickly, I saw people swarming around it. They liked what I did, they liked my Ornstein and that is something that I will forever love, a lot of you stayed here for Tempest, my darling Chosen Undead, who grew so so much over the course of this fic, even though I originally based him on my first playthrough of Dark Souls.
I got fanart for this fic, so much fanart... I even got a whole animation! Two fics were written inspired by it and my friend even let Tempest and Ornstein cameo in her works. I didn't expect for ANYONE but myself and three other Orndead fans to actually read this fic, so this warmed my heart so so much.
When I started this fic, I didn't intend to make it too canon compliant (it's an AU anyway), so I based the Duke's Archive only on the wiki guide, but then I decided to play through the game and make notes starting Catacombs and it gave me so much inspiration! I always played through the areas and got into Ornstein's and Tempest's heads during it, which made the whole thing feel a lot more alive. I think the only boss that fell a bit flat (minus the ones I downright skipped) are the Four Kings, because they put me in absolute NG+ hell and I was just so DONE with them...
Now, the ending. I actually thought about different endings. Originally I had one where Tempest indeed linked the flame and Ornstein went away to fuck around in Dark Souls 3, then I had one where Tempest didn't link the flame and spent some time with Ornstein until he died. But in the end, I settled for them to link the flame together, mostly because of the last line of the fic. And believe me, I tried SO hard to never let Ornstein say Tempest's name, in dialogue he would always say "idiot" and then changed to "little Storm", the endearing nickname, somewhen through. I am pretty sure that I managed, but... it has been three years and when I slipped up somewhere, please forgive me! I plan to go through this fic anyway and correct the grammar and mistakes of the earlier chapters in the future, when I last reread my jaw dropped as the many dumb mistakes I made... anyway...
Now the important announcement! While this fic is over, I don't feel quite ready to let Ornstein and Tempest go yet, so... I am opening up requests! Of course there will be a few rules in place, these are the following:
- The request has to take place in the world of Storm and both Ornstein and Tempest have to appear in it.
- Only one request per person.
- I will fill out the requests in my own time. When I want to take a year for them, then so shall it be.
- I have the right to deny requests I don't feel would work well.
- It is currently the 21nd of January 2022. I will leave the requests open for three months, so until April 21nd of 2022, so that everyone who came in late or binged the fic after completion has a chance to voice a request.
And last, thank you so much. Thank you for staying with me for the whole three years, especially the people who have been there from the start, thank you to everyone who came in late and thank you to everyone who commented, but also thank you to everyone who silently read and left kudos, you gave me so much energy to keep going.
And now, I deserve a break.)