"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Mental link"
"Noble Phantasms"
POV
Chapter 33: Sun under the Moon.
Solaire POV
The Knight of Sunlight grit his teeth as the luminescent greatsword slammed into his weapon, bluish magical energy shot out in all directions with the clash as Solaire felt his legs buckle under the strength and weight of the blade.
He had forgone his shield, against this opponent it would do no good. Whatever this beast was, it had strength on its side and his shield would only serve to hamper his movements when engaging the foe, thus he held his straightsword in two hands.
The man made horse monster leered down at him with a growl, then pushed the blade through his guard, Solaire grunted as greatsword slammed into the dirt in front of him, he kicked himself back as the monster advanced, reversing its grip on the blade as it charged. Solaire widened his eyes in realisation and rolled to the side just in time to avoid the blade.
The beast having slashed upwards at him, however that was not all it did. An arc of green energy was released, cutting through the air and slamming into a building with an explosion of power, the shockwave sent dozens of men flying in all directions, either dead or wounded.
All around the knight was chaos, the Roman Legionnaires were quick to get to arms, having already been on alert from the repeated attacks, however their tactics were better suited for fighting men.
Not monsters.
The spiders flung themselves at the soldiers, ripped their shields from them and tearing then men asunder, those that didn't quickly found their large eagle shaped shields did little to fight off the spiders, their armoured legs shattering them or puncturing the wood and then the armour.
It was a slaughter in every sense of the word.
"Retreat!" Vespasian's voice cut through the chaos "Retreat to the far gate! Burn the houses! Fire is their weakness!" Solaire was grateful that the man had taken his advice to heart, although he currently wasn't in a position to express it.
He dashed forwards, ducking under another swing and slicing his blade into the closest leg, the beast howled in rage at the wound Solaire had given him, although he notes that despite having chopped into flesh, the monster had skin as tough as steel.
It was like fighting the Gargoyles again, only they weren't quite as skilled at swordplay. The blue blade glowed again as the monster swung downwards towards the knight, he wasn't looking to be hit with one of those and threw his body to the side, the ground being scorched by the wave of energy.
As he got back to his feet, the beast slammed the tip of its sword into the ground, just under its right arm and then charged with frightening speed, clearing the distance between the two of them in mere moments, cutting a burnt trench through the ground as it approached him, Solaire raised his sword again and manifested his shield, he wouldn't be able to avoid the attack in time, so his best bet was, unfortunately, to tank the blow.
The beast swung the blade upwards towards Solaire as the knight held his shield up, the blow slammed into him and pressed the shield into his chest as a burst of light filled his vision. The next moment, he found himself sailing through the air and crashing through the roof of a nearby building.
He groaned as he pushed himself up off the floor, rays of moonlight shining through the large hole in the ceiling where he had fallen revealed the remains of a dining table, the knight grimaced and turned his attention back to the direction he had flown from.
Just in time to see the horizontal arc of bluish green energy come streaking towards him, obliterating the house just in front of him as it sped in his direction, Solaire widened his eyes in alarm and ducked down just as the energy slammed into the building he was in, the top half being wretched free from the lower half and launched in all directions in a shower of bricks and wood.
Solaire pushed himself up just in time to see the giant creature come charging towards him, slashing at the air and throwing more waves of energy at him. He grit his teeth behind his helm, dematerialising his shield and rubbing pulling out his talisman, rubbing it along his blade and electrifying it.
He slashed at the closest beam, splitting it in half and dissipating it before tilting his body to the side to avoid the second one, the attack just barely singeing the front of his armour before he charged the servant.
The beast let loose a challenging roar as it heft the blade above its head and slammed it down, Solaire rolled to the side as the weapon made impact, although the beast showed a greater amount of intelligence than Solaire would have liked as it adjusted its grip on the blade and turned it sideways so the edge now face him and slashed towards him, Solaire raised his own sword to block the strike, gritting his teeth as the force of the blow cratered the ground beneath his feet.
With a cry of exertion, Solaire pushed the blade up and thrust towards the wrist of the beast, catching its free hand and puncturing the arm, lightning flew from his blade and scorched sections of dark rotten skin, the smell of burning flesh soon filled the air as the monster let loose a horrific cry of rage and pain, then jerked its wrist free, snarling down at him.
Solaire grinned behind his helmet, then moved to attack when he noticed something that made his non-functioning heart skip a beat.
He could see the creatures breath, worse than that, he could feel a chill in the air, which could only mean that-
The roar of Vordt soon filled the air, Solaire kicked off the ground and into the air, turning his body back to the ruins of the gate just in time to see the frozen knight come charging through, throwing his head back and letting loose another scream.
On the far side of the city, Romans were continually pouring out of the gate in a frenzy, throwing torches at the buildings or at the spiders which worked to scare most of them off as they retreated, the calls of Vespasian were mostly drowned out by the panicked cries of the soldiers or the sounds of battle as the rearguard worked to cover their retreat.
In the chaos, none of them noticed a man, garbed in a long black leather coat, wielding a large jagged steel cleaver with segments running through it, enter the city, a black mask covering the lower half of his face and a triangular black hat atop his head, dark eyes were singularly focused on something ahead of him.
The man pushed aside Romans soldiers as he marched through the city, in the same direction that Solaire and the Servants were fighting.
Chaldean Group POV
"How long have they been in there?" Ritsuka asked Mash, the pair could still hear the raised voices of Ash and Nero from the next room over, arguing over the Firekeeper.
"Several hours, Senpai." Mash diligently reported, while a hint of exasperation could be seen in her eyes, which Olga made no attempt to conceal. The woman was slumped in her chair, looking exceedingly tired as the muffled argument continued.
Sif was lying on the ground near the group, something which brought amusement to Gareths face as Fou was sat atop the wolfs head, the saber servant showing no hint of caring about his passenger.
"Must you glare at me?" Quelaag huffed, clicking her tongue and looking over at Sulyvahn, the Caster was sat on the same table as Olga, arms propped on the table and head resting in his right hand, his index finger repeatedly tapping on the side of his head as he stared in Quelaags direction.
"I'm merely curious is all." He responded "Reading about the witches of Izalith is one thing, to see one for myself is quite another. I suppose I should feel honoured that I'm in the presence of such an accredited pyromancer." the sarcasm in his voice was barely audible, yet it was tinged with just enough of it to become even more insulting.
Quelaag clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes "Oh? And where did you read about my family then?"
"The Archives of Anor Londo made for light reading." Was the vague answer she received "Although you were barely a footnote. Perhaps they were embarrassed of the fiasco that another wielder of a Lord Soul caused."
The Rider narrowed her eyes "I'm glad you found my families disfiguration such interesting reading."
"Yes, I'm sure that you would find facing the consequences of your own actions most vexing." He cooed, then turned his head towards the woman dressed in rags stood in the corner and tilted his head, the tapping stopped "...You are a Sorcerer, yes?"
"H-huh?" Beatrice blinked at being addressed then fidgeted on the spot "W-well, the sorcerers of Vinheim wouldn't call me that...a-actually I'm a witch…"
"Oh? A heretic then." Sulyvahn bluntly described, causing her to flinch "You did yourself a favour. The courts of Vinheim were full of sycophants and prideful dullards."
Beatrice blinked then tilted her head, furrowing her brows "Were you trained in Vinheim?"
"Ha!" That actually got a laugh from the Pontiff, which made her cringe as it sounded like grinding wood "Hardly, I visited the school once out of fleeting curiosity. No, I would be considered a heretic as well." he turned his head to look away from her "Although I suspect that does not relate to why I find myself under the rather hostile gaze of a knight."
"I have little patience for Oathbreakers." Verndari seethed "Especially for ones who killed their own liege lord."
"Oh? I see the Ashen one had rather unflattering remarks to make about me." Sulyvahn surmised "Although I did not kill Gwyndolin, I merely poisoned him, Aldrich did the rest. If you are to accuse me, ensure that you are correct in your facts."
"Semantics." Verndari dismissed "You betrayed your oath and abandoned him to his fate, you may as well have ended his life yourself."
"Betrayal of my oath implies I ever held true to it to begin with." Sulyvahn chuckled, then turned away and furrowed his wooden brows as he found Quelaag staring at him with an indiscernible expression. "What is with that odd look you direct at me?"
"You…" She paused, creasing her brows "You aided in the death of Gwyndolin."
"Were you close?"
"No."
"Ah, you must be surprised to learn that he was felled by simple poison." He chuckled "Despite my claim to Caster, I could just as easily rank as an Assassin."
"How did you even enter his service?" Quelaag sounded more perplexed than anything else "You look just as much a freak as I."
Caster manifested a steel sword in his hands, it released a subtle glow as he waved it over his body, several blinked as in the place of a humanoid tree, now sat a rather average looking man with a black stubbly beard and grey eyes. "Chameleon spells are rather more useful than given credit for and Gwyndolin was arrogant to believe he was the only one skilled in physical deception."
"You!" Beatrice virtually exclaimed, pointed at the Pontiff with a disbelieving expression, the Caster raised an eyebrow at her "You used your sword as a Catalyst!?"
"Yes." The Caster replied, smirking as he stared down at the weapon "Despite the sorcery school teaching individuals to wield enough power to tear a man asunder, they considered my practice of turning a sword into a catalyst to be barbaric. They would much rather do their killing at a distance." a scoff escaped his mouth as he waved the sword in the air again, dissipating the illusion and astralising the blade. "Rather set in their traditions."
"...Wow…" Beatrice muttered to herself "I didn't know you could do that…"
"So you are Ash-san's friend?" Mash asked the Firekeeper, the woman turned her head and seemingly titled it in confusion.
"Ash-san?" She parroted the name, mouth curling into a confused frown."
"Ah." Ritsuka blinked, then chuckled "She means Ash, the 'San' at the end is an honorific."
"I understand." The Firekeeper smiled and nodded "I see Milord Ashen one has taken a name of his own."
"Well…" Mash blinked, then scratched the back of her neck "He didn't really have a name...so I thought I could help and I made the suggestion."
"I am most grateful then, Lady Mash." Cecilia bowed her head "To think that Milord has been granted a name is most pleasing to me."
"So, you're his friend?" Ritsuka asked "He seemed very worried about you."
"Milord Ashen-" She paused then released a soft laughter that made even Ritsuka's heart skip a beat, the boy released a small breath and realised why the Emperor was enamoured with the woman, she was dangerous and not in the traditional sense "Milord Ash as always been protective of me. He is Milord."
"...So are you friends?"
"...Friends…" The woman paused "He is Milord and I am his Firekeeper. Although he did not treat me as such. Thou would find he has always treated me with kindness."
"He's quite...passionate." Ritsuka looked back at the doors, cringing but realising that only Archer had the senses to actually hear what was being said through the doors. Although quite why the man was smirking, looking like he was on the verge of laughter, and shaking his head was a mystery to him.
"I know she's kind! That's why I don't want her taken advantage of!"
"I would never! Cecilia would be the prize flower to accentuate my beauty!"
"She is my firekeeper! Not your newest shiny helmet!"
"H-Helmet!? How brutish! To compare dear Cecilia to an ugly lump of metal! Do you have no appreciation for beauty!?"
"Appr- I am aware of her naturally attractive features!"
"Umu! Like her cute button nose and smooth skin!"
"Then she smiles and you feel like you can tackle the rest of the day!"
"Umu! Umu! And her laugh which is akin the singing of the Gods!"
"Exactly!"
"Which is why she must remain as my flower!"
"No! She's like my-...um...It doesn't matter! You can't have her!"
"Why!?"
Most mysterious indeed.
"Milord had few respites in his journey," Cecilia explained "I provided comfort as best I could."
"...You guys aren't...you know...together right?"
"Senpai!" Mash scolded him, an aghast look on his face that made him flinch "You shouldn't ask personal questions like that!"
"Ah!" Ritsuka blinked, eyes going wide and waving his arms in front of him "N-no! I didn't mean to be rude or something!"
"Thou have caused no offence." Cecilia calmed the pair "Thou speak of Romance...Milord is…" her smiled turned sadder "Milord has smiled around you...yes?"
"Ash?" Ritsuka, then mulled it over in his head "Yeah, I've seen him smile a few times. He actually gets along well with some of our other servants."
"...Did thou see the smile he had when he spoke with myself?"
"...Yeah." Ritsuka nodded, then furrowed his brows "It seemed more...genuine."
"Milord is…" She exhaled "All Unkindled lesser when they are risen. Milord and his kin were made to kindle the first flame, that was there purpose. Therefore, Milord is less than human."
"Whoa, that's a little-"
"Milord exaggerates greatly what he feels."
"...What?"
"Milord emotions are muted, he confessed that he inflates what he feels." She turned her head towards the muffled shouts "Anger comes to Milord easily though, above all other feelings."
"Inflates…" Mash frowned "But he laughs with Siegward-san, Cu-san and Arash-san."
"Milord seems to have gotten better." Cecilia admitted "However, I suspect Milord acts in such a way as he would feel I would like." she shook her head "Milord is concerned of little else, but would not believe me when I said such things did not matter to me."
"...Jiminy cricket." Ritsuka muttered under his breath, furrowing his brows and staring at the Caster servant in a new light "...You're his conscience."
"Conscience?" The woman tilted her head as the word echoed around her and then nodded "Milord relied upon me to bring out the best in him."
"Oh…" Mash muttered sadly, turning her gaze to the sound of muffled shouting "He doesn't want to lose you…"
"Milord has always been overprotective."
Ash exhaled resting his head in his hands and he and Nero panted for breath, he eventually looked up at her "I will not relinquish her. Not without her permission."
"And if she should agree?" Nero asked with a raised eyebrow, crossing her arms. Ash was grateful that his helmet was on and hid the way his expression turned fearful for a few moments before he sighed.
"...She is free to make her own choices." He crossed his arms, then shook his head "We have spent enough time with this argument already."
"Umu…" Nero nodded, then followed him as the pair returned back into the dining room, the collective eyes of the entire Chaldean group turned to them.
"Finished your quarrel have you?" Quelaag huffed from the corner of the room, a smirk on her face.
Nero stared at the woman as if realising she was there for the first time, blinking for a few moments as she studied the spider woman and then shook her head "A pity for your lower half, you are quite pretty otherwise."
"What the-!?"
"And yes." Nero went on "We have reached an agreement." she turned to Cecilia and then shook her head "It seems you will not be in my garden just yet." Ash's head snapped to her in clear surprise, Nero laughed and turned to him "After hearing how devoted she has been to you for weeks now, I realise I may have to concede this victory to you. Unfortunate and saddening as it is. Perhaps it is for the best, dear Cecilia would have to compete with my beauty after all!"
"...I...see." Ash nodded his head slowly, he really didn't and had very little clue what was going on.
"Now that we have circumnavigated whatever fiasco that was." Sulyvahn cleared his throat, garnering the rooms attention "Perhaps it would be best if we formulated some strategy."
Romani's face popped up on a blue screen from Ritsuka's communicator "Caster is right, as funny as this is we do have a mission to complete."
Sulyvahn turned his head to stare at the Doctor "Who is this idiot?"
"Wha-" Romani sputtered and then groaned "Why does every singularity have a Servant that just insults me for no reason! Mash! You're still a good girl, you won't do that, right!?"
"Doctor...you are embarrassing yourself right now." Mash cringed "Please stop."
The Dragon slaying armour nudged Olga's shoulder, the woman jerked slightly, then registered that the room had finally retained some semblance of order to it before she blinked and shook her head "Yes, right." she sent a small nod to her servant and then looked back to the room "We need to understand our position here and-"
"We can do that tomorrow." Nero interrupted her with a wave of her hand "You are all tired and it is already dark outside, I need my beauty sleep and while none of you could compare to me, you would all do well to have a similar rest."
Olga's head fell into her hands and she screamed into her palms, the Dragon slayer armour pat her on the back in a rather amusing fashion using only a single large finger.
Solaire POV
The sunlight warrior let out a pained gasp as Vordt's mace struck his chest, sending him hurtling through the air and slamming into a building, he slid down the wall, coughing as he tried to push himself to his feet.
His eyes darted over to the side just in time to see the greatsword of the second servant come slicing through the air towards him, he widened his eyes in alarm and raised his sword to block the strike, succeeding in the action but also sending himself soaring through the air a second time and crashing headfirst into the dirt.
He pushed himself back to his feet, rolling away as Vordt slammed his mace down where Solaire's head had been moments prior, the knight ripped his talisman from his belt and pulled it back, the chime of a bell range in the air as a spear of sunlight formed in his hands and at barely a few metres distance, he hurled it into Vordts face.
The frozen knight screamed in pain as lighting arced through his metal helm, burning sections of it hand causing his free hand to claw at his face. Solaire allowed himself a small smile before he returned his shield to his hands, the second beast approached him with its sword prepared in a backhanded strike, Solaire struck just before the weapon made contact, parrying the blow upwards and rushing forwards at the same time, thrusting his straightsword into the midsection of the servant.
Whatever the beast was, it wailed in pain before it jerked its body back, pulling Solaires sword free from its chest and lashing out with the sword again. Solaire blocked the first blow and parried the second.
Then raised his shield again as his instincts cried out in alarm, just in time for Vordt to slam his weapon into the block, sending him skating back along the ground. He lowered his shield and watched as the two large servants re-orientated themselves, eyes focusing back on him.
He grit his teeth, preparing to-
A crack of sound like thunder caught his ears as something sped across the open and slammed into the larger beasts side, the monster screamed in pain as whatever it was opened up a hole in his body and sent parts of his lower torso flying in several directions.
Solaire blinked in shock, the trio of servants turned their attention to the direction of the explosion of sound.
Atop a building, was a man in a lock black leather coat, strapped to his left arm, was long black tube, the open end was smoking from some kind of explosion, then a gruff voice of the man called out "Best pay attention, Master Knight. Beasts aren't so easily slain." he threw the weapon off his arm, it dissipated into motes of light as he jumped down, the large segemented clear in his right hand split open to reveal it was, in fact, multiple sharpened blocks of metal held together by chain.
The second the man hit the ground, he clicked the weapon and spun it in front of him, killing the dozen spiders that were around him and sending their remains shooting off in all directions.
The man darted forwards until he stood next to Solaire, the knight could just about make out the darkness of his eyes through the subtle glow of the fire in the town and moonlight.
"I must thank you for your timely assistance." Solaire spoke, readying his sword and shield as the monster servants in front of them prepared themselves again.
The man grunted, the weapon in his grip snapped and the segments formed a large cleaver once again "Aid on a hunt is always welcome." he tensed himself "But we're at a disadvantage."
"I find myself agreeing with you." Solaire nodded "...I can provide a distraction for our escape."
"Good." The man nodded, eyes flicking over to the spiders that were now approaching them from all directions.
Solaire breathed in, then thrust his sword to the air in front of him, a glowing ball of light appeared at the tip of his blade "The Dawn Rises again! The Light of the Father shines strong!" he griped the sword with both hands, shooting forwards and slamming his heel into the ground, spinning his whole body and he swung the glowing in an arc towards the servants as they charged "It is most Grossly incandescent! Luminous Sun!" he cried out as he swung it, the light of the blade rushed forwards in a burning wave of Fire.
Solaire and his new ally didn't stick around to see if it had any effect other than vaporizing the street as they both span on their heels and sprinted away in the opposite direction, Solaire peaked over his shoulder just in time to see a Blizzard explode outwards through the haze of flames.
"Through the gate." The man ordered, snapping his blade out to the side and crushing a nearby spider, as the pair past through, the man spun around, the large black tube appearing on his arm again and aimed up at the gatehouse, he pressed a switch on the weapon and his arm jerked backwards as a steel ball was launched forth with an explosion from the tube, slamming into the wall and sending debris tumbling downwards and cutting off the spiders from pursuit as the city burned.
"We'd best hurry, Master Knight." The man grunted, Solaire was inclined to agree as they both sped off in the direction that the Romans had fled in.
"My thanks for your aid, good sir." Solaire nodded to him as they ran "I confess, I might have been in a bit of a bother there."
"More than you know." The man replied in a gruff voice "Saw that light miles away, wasn't expecting the other beasts."
"Ah, you were hunting the rather gruesome demon then?"
"Demon...heh." The man released a bitter chuckle "If only it were."
"...I see." The saber servant nodded "Well, I am Solaire of Astora, Adherent to the Lord of Sunlight."
"...Just a passing Hunter." The man replied "Lucien."
"Well met, Sir Lucien."
"Hmph...never seen a knight before." The man grunted, sending a sideways glance at Solaire and looked him up and down "Wer' better at fightin' beasts than I thought."
"Ah, such things were quite common in Lordran." Solaire chuckled "Although maybe not quite that...skilled I suppose."
"Hmph."
"Still! If it is aid you offer, I would be most pleased to accept…" He sighed "And I fear we that this will get worse."
"...You've got no idea." Lucien murmured darkly under his breath.
Chaldean Group POV
Ritsuka grunted as he sat down on his bed, taking off his shoes with a groan. He'd been sleeping in tents in on the ground for the past few days and he was more than grateful for a proper bed. Maybe now he would get a pretty decent nigh-
There was a knock on his door. He groaned, placing his head in his hands before he looked up "Come in." he called out, the wooden door opened and he instantly felt his heart rate go up.
Pontiff Sulyvahn strode into his room, closing the door behind him.
"You seem tense. Master from Beyond." The Caster observed staring down at Ritsuka's shaky expression "I suppose that the unkindled has regaled you with many more stories about me than I expected." he went on, voice tinged with amusement as Ritsuka gave a shaky nod.
"H-he was...um…" He gulped "W-well...he said you served a guy who ate people so…" he trailed off when Sulyvahn stared down at him in silence, even without eyes he felt like the man was glaring at him.
"Serve is a term I would use loosely when related to Aldrich." Sulyvahn grunted, moving over the a small chair in the corner of the room and sitting himself down "And his habits were his alone. I did not partake in his pastimes."
"R-right." Ritsuka nodded "S-so...what can I do for you?"
"Nothing." Sulyvahn replied "I doubt you can do much. But...perhaps there is one thing, what has the unkindled told you about where he is from?"
"Um...not much." Ritsuka shrugged "It was filled with monsters...he was risen to do...something."
"...I see." Sulyvahn nodded "Did you know his Firekeeper has eyes."
"...Okay?"
"You do not understand the significance of that, do you?" Sulyvahn chuckled "How amusing your ignorance is. All Firekeepers, no matter their origin, are blind or crippled in some other sense. The only one I was aware of who was not blind was a Darkmoon Knight and a fanatic in her devotion. They had her name written down in the corner of a book." another small chuckle "Amusing, centuries of duty to Lords who caused her own suffering, and her rewards for her service is a short addendum in a single book."
Ritsuka blinked, not knowing how to respond to that before he furrowed his brows "If she has eyes...why does she wear that…" he gestured to his own eyes "Mask."
"Because I suspect they are a recent addition." Sulyvahn surmised "Firekeepers were forbidden from having eyes because it was feared they would use their sight to see a world without fire and abandon their purpose of tending to the flame."
"...Okay." Ritsuka nodded "So why does she have them?"
"Why indeed." Sulyvahn chuckled "All unkindled work towards linking the flame and should they succeed, they are elevated to the position of 'Lord of Cinder' and rest until they are awakened to link the flame once more."
"Alright, so-"
"Your Unkindled friend, is not a Lord of Cinder."
Ritsuka furrowed his brows "But...Ash said he saved their world."
"Did he now?" Sulyvahn mused "...Has he told you he hated me?"
"Yes."
"Did he say why?"
"He said you betrayed your king and tortured a city."
"Excuses." Sulyvahn waved him off "I 'tortured' hollows in all but name. But your unkindled friend likely hates me for one simple reason." he leaned forwards and Ritsuka got the distinct impression he was smiling "He hates me, because he agrees with me."
"What does that-?"
The door to his room slammed open, Ash stormed in pointing his sword at the Caster "I knew I sensed your foul stench here." he growled "Get away from my Master before I decide to forgo any good will."
"Your Master?" Sulyvahn chuckled, standing up and turning around to face him "If I recall, the Flame was your last master...How dutifully did you obey that one?"
Ash's grip on his weapon tightened "I will not ask a third time. Leave."
"Such hostility towards me." Sulyvahn's shoulders relaxed "But I suppose conflict will do me no good. Still, you had best educate your 'Master' unkindled one. It would be preferable for him to at least be aware of what you are before you betray him." were his parting words as he disappeared, Ash growled at his retreating figure and looked as if he was going to strike the servant in the back.
"Ash?" Ritsuka blinked "Are you-"
"You would be better off sleeping in the same room as Mash." Ash cut him off "It would provide you with some protection should he come skulking."
"Now han-"
"For now." Ash sighed "I shall stand guard should he return." he moved to the door, closing it behind him "Good night, Ritsuka."
The Master blinked and then furrowed his brows in concern, he would have questioned his servant further but he felt a yawn bubble its way out of his throat before he lay back down on his bed. Whatever it was, it could wait until the morning.
AN: Ooooh.
Sulyvahn, professional shit stirrer
But anyway, as some of you have seen, we've got a second addition in the singularity. But don't fret, he won't be here long. Only as long as Ludwig is here...then his Master shall call him away again.
But anyway...Sulyvahn Dialogue.
Summoning
"I am Sulyvahn. Pontiff of Anor Londo. I have answered you call. So, do you stand against stagnation, summoner."
Dialogue 1
"You dawdle too much for my liking. I dislike waiting."
Dialogue 2
"A master servant relation? You are my summoner, not my master. Do not forget that again."
Dialogue 3
"I am mixed blood. Born to a tree spirit and I see no reason to hide my true form now. I cowered long enough in Gwyndolins court."
Dialogue 4 (If you have Divine Spirits)
"Arrogant beings they are. It seems their true nature does not change regardless of world they exist upon. Although, it is amusing to see their era was cut short."
Dialogue 5 (If you have Jeanne Alter)
"A Saint who worshipped her Lord, driven to such a fate where she rejects his existence and love. She is the fleeting dream of a mad man...but that does not make it any less beautiful to see."
Dialogue 6 (If you have Ashen One)
"I've seen the Unkindled one around, do I hate him? My feelings on the matter are more complicated than hatred. For decades I worked to end the Age of Fire, then he undid my grand work and slew me. Only to end it himself. I do not know to rage that all my work was undone by mere Ash who betrayed his purpose for existence, or laugh at the irony of it all."
Dialogue 7 (If you have Gwyndolin)
"I have seen the glares he sends my way. Arrogance of the highest order if he believed there would be no retribution for his actions."
Dialogue 8 (If you have Nameless King)
"He dislikes me for betraying he brother, despite the fact he betrayed his father. I suspect he harbours more hatred for his brothers death than anything else."
Dialogue 9 (If you have Aldrich)
"Aldrich, Saint of the Deep. Despite whatever you may believe about our relationship, he was a blunt instrument. I required a means to secure the end of the Age of Fire and Aldrich provided. Our goals coincided. Nothing more."
Dialogue 10 (If you have Gilgamesh)
"He is the one who ended the Age of Gods? A divine birth with the purpose of solidifying it, brings about its end. It would amuse me if he did not have the Gods arrogance, but it is an act worthy of my acknowledgement regardless."
Dialogue 11 (If you have ? [Completed Lostbelt 7: ?])
"I have never met him, never heard of him. Yet, when he looks at me...I feel a connection. As if remembering a friendship that did not exist. He holds that disappointment that I am not who he knew...but the fact he continues to approach me is...Not aggravating."
Dialogue 12 (If you have Morgan)
"That Berserker glares at me frequently, apparently my nature and presence is vexing to her. Moreso to be as she proclaimed herself Queen of the Fairies which, apparently, includes myself. I don't even know what a Fairy is."
Dialogue 13 (If you have Sister Friede)
"Sister Friede. I...was not expecting your presence here. No… I did not. Yes...you were right. I was disappointed in what lay beyond the painting."
Dialogue 14 (If you have Ganesha)
"Hmm...What do you want God? I have no time for...my Noble Phantasm? What? The clone of...What? I am standing right now, what do you even...What is Stand Power!? What drivel spews from your mouth!"
Likes
"Likes? I have actions I approve of and actions I disapprove of. But if you must know...progression. In all things."
Hates
"Stagnation, to watch a world grind to a halt and advance no further. To see the denizens of the land accept the frozen society they live in. To allow such a thing...it is deplorable."
Wish for the Holy Grail
"I would rather force fate with my own hands than rely upon anything with the title of 'Holy' in it."
Bond Level 1
"You prove useful so far, summoner, and it clear our goals coincide for the moment."
Blond Level 2
"I was born in the painted world of Ariandel. If you wished to learn of a true Hell...it was that place. Where hope dies."
Blond Level 3
"For one to be born in a world of nothing and have aspirations is a curse. You would gaze upon your surroundings and see failure after failure, lost souls who strived for nothing. To lose everything implies you had something, to be born with nothing in the land of despair, means you can never gain anything."
Bond Level 4
"I left the painted world, journeying to the Land of Lothric...could you even fathom the rage I felt. The Painted World and the real world. They were both stagnant. I saw a world where Gods clung onto the dregs of power that were left and dragged the whole world with them into their decadent life. It was a land that could become something, if only there was a way to remove the obstacles."
Bond Level 5
"That is what I determined to do. If none would change the world, then I would take the role unto myself. I devoted everything to that goal. I would end the Age of Fire with my own hands. For that goal, I poisoned Gwyndolin, took Irythill, allowed Aldrich refuge in Anor Londo and crafted knights to prevent all who would kindle the flame again from succeeding. And at the very end...even my will was not enough."
Birthday
"...Your life progresses. That is something."
During an Event
"We should make ready. I sense some festival."
1st Ascension
"I can feel my power grow, yes...this will do nicely."
2nd Ascension
"My swords? Yes, the profaned greatsword and the Sword of Judgement. It glows because that is my insult to the Darkmoon knights."
3rd Ascension
"No, they are not wings. I cannot fly, merely use them to glide through the air."
4th Ascension
"I am at my most powerful now. Perhaps this time my goal will be realised, the world will progress."