"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Mental link"
"Noble Phantasms"
POV
Chapter 36: Awkward reunion
Olga Group POV
Olga nervously licked her lips as her eyes flickered around them, the summons of the knights had walled them in completely, and to make matters worse, the giant behind them was obviously not a summon.
The power she could feel radiating from whatever it was made it painfully obvious that it was a Servant and obviously a Giant. Although the giant wasn't even her greatest concern right now, no.
That honour went to the God who was currently threatening them. Who was the God that Caster had killed in life and who was, quite obviously, holding a grudge against them. She was nervously wracking her mind thinking of a solution before another voice interrupted.
"Really?" The obviously female voice scoffed "The first visitors we have that aren't those filthy spiders and you're going to kill them? How dull, no, its worse than that, your reception is almost as ugly as your legs."
A small sound escaped Sulyvahn which could have been misconstrued as a laugh.
"An execution was not mine immediate course of action." The voice replied, losing none of its step "And thou hath been warned about such comments."
"I know." The female voice replied back "However, I can't help it. You have such a girlish and attractive face and then you have the snakes for legs...its too cruel."
"U-umm…" Olga nervously stepped forwards "E-excu-"
"Be silent."
"Eeek!"
"Permission was not given for thou to speak." The effeminate voice boomed "Ser Gough, should the deceiver move, kill him." Sulyvahn's head slowly turned to stare at the giant in a new light, obviously fighting the urge to take a step back.
"Very well." Gough rumbled, Olga was surprised that the voice actually sounded rather intellectual.
"Excuse me!" Nero strut forwards "You are the God who lives on this island?"
"Thou art brazen mortal." The voice called back "Thy stand before Gwyndolin, Dark Sun of Anor Londo, speak with care."
"I am Nero! Emperor of Rome!"
"...Emperor?" Gwyndolin, for the first time in the conversation, betrayed a mild hint of confusion "Art thou, perhaps...cursed with beauty?"
"It is natural as Emperor I exceed all others in beauty!" Nero scoffed, then laughed loudly "Although to call it a curse would imply it is wrong to be so! I am beautiful because I am Emperor!"
"Thou art confident."
"Nero?" The female voice called back "Nero Claudius? Excuse me." the brass knights parted as a young looking woman with long purple hair in a white dress stepped inbetween them, a playfully amused look on her face as she approached and looked the Emperor up and down "You...you aren't a servant?" she blinked in surprise "The real Nero Claudius...how curious."
"Eh?" Nero blinked "I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that, but are you perhaps...a Goddess?"
"Another one…" Sulyvahn muttered quietly "How wonde-" he was cut off when one of Gough's arrows implanted itself in the ground next to him. He froze solid, slowly trailing he his to the spear like arrow in the ground and then back to the giant as he drew back another one.
"R-right." Olga coughed into her hand, looking at the purple haired Goddess "I-I am Olga Marie Animusphere, Director of-...what are you...um…" she leaned away as the Goddess closed the distance between the two of them, leaning forwards.
"Oh? You're human...but you aren't a man." She sighed "A shame…" a mischievous smile soon came to her face "But I suppose I wouldn't be against pampering you like my younger sister...you are quite pretty."
Olga felt a cold shiver go down her spine at the words, nor did she like the gleam in the Goddess, eye.
"Lord Gwydolin." Solaire stepped forwards "Might I beg an audience with you?"
"Thy speaks with respect." Gwyndolin acknowledged "And thou knows mine name. Speak human."
"I am Solaire, Knight of Astora and warrior of the Sunlight Covenant." He introduced himself "I beg your forgiveness for any perceived hostilities, but we did not come to do battle with you."
"Thine speech does not match thine actions." Gwyndolin replied sternly "Thy claim to peace rings hollow whilst the deceiver stands before me."
"It was my guidance that brought them here." Solaire spread his arms wide "We seek only your aid."
"...Mine aid?" Gwyndolin sounded perplexed "And what 'aid' does thou seek from me? More importantly, by what right doth thou expect mine aid?"
"Lord Gwyndolin, I would not accuse you of ignorance, but I must ask of how much you are aware of the outside world?"
"Thou art the first granted passage to the island." The Lord replied "All others vessels were crewed by foul beasts and dealt with accordingly. Very well, thou may inform me."
"I thank you." Solaire nodded his head "The land is threatened by disaster, the Roman Empire, of which you have heard the Emperor speak-"
"The woman, yes."
"-Indeed. This Empire is threatened by a most cruel being, Saint Aldrich of th-"
"...Aldrich?" The God repeated the word quietly, a tenseness in his voice "The abomination?"
"I confess, I have not heard of him myself. However, Sir Ash and Ponti-"
"The deceiver served the devourer!" Gwyndolin seethed "For what purpose does he now stand before me to request aid!? Surely thou art aware of this!"
"...I am, Lord Gwyndolin."
"...The two humans and the knight may approach." Gwyndolin spoke after a moment "The deceiver and the hollow armours shall remain."
"Well, it appears he is in quite the mood now." The Goddess sighed "Oh, I am Stheno." she gave a beautific smile "Feel free to praise my name."
Olga whimpered, Nero remained rather confused as she looked around for a few moments and then shrugged, throwing an arm around Olga and dragging her forwards with a grin "Come, Pale Rose, we're going to meet a God!"
Her only response was a louder whimper.
The inside of the cave was, to all intents and purposes, a palace. The furniture was grandeur, smooth and polished with a primarily golden design.
"Umu!" Nero nodded her head "I approve, this is a most fitting place for a God to reside." she paused for a few moments "Pair of Gods."
"It appears to be Anor Londo." Solaire pondered as he walked through the hallway "Or a replica of it...to think I would see it again."
"Thy praise is welcome, but tis only a fake." The voice of Gwyndolin called out to them the group found themselves before a brilliant golden door, after a few moments, the doors opened themselves to reveal a large room, in the centre was a single chair, upon which sat the presumed Gwyndolin.
He was, surprisingly, rather short. Garbed in a pure white dress which covered most of his body. Upon his head sat a seven pointed golden crown which covered the top half of his face, the lower half revealing pale skin with pinkish lips, flowing down from under the crown was shoulder length silver hair.
Although the eye catching thing, aside from his effeminate features, were the half dozen snakes which seemed to appear from underneath the bottom of his dress. The pale skinned pythons all stared at the group as one.
Gwyndolin raised his left hand and waved it, a decorative chair, similar to his own, formed next to him "Thou may be seated, Stheno."
"Thank you." The Goddess curtseyed her head before gracefully moving over and sitting herself down next to the Lord.
"Thy case may be presented, mortals." Gwyndolin looked back at them "Should I find it wanting, thine lives shall be forefit."
Olga swallowed nervously before she stepped forwards "I-I am-"
"The question was directed to thy mistress, concubine." Gwyndolin interrupted her, motioning at Nero "She is the highest authority."
"Co-concu-" Olga gaped, then steadily grew red with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, she stomped her foot on the ground "I am not a concubine! I am not a toy or little sister to be pampered! I am a Mage of the Clocktower dammit and I am fed up of being ridiculed, ignored and made a joke of! I am the Director of Chaldea and am only here because the freak of nature that killed you is here as well!" she panted heavily while the ensemble stared at her.
"Oh...yes…" Stheno slowly nodded her head, the smile seemingly intensifying "You are most amusing...I approve."
Gwyndolin, however, merely stared at her for several seconds before slowly cocking their head to the side "Thou art confident, for a human...and disrespectful to thy betters."
Olga slowly paled in realisation of who she had vented against before she could open her mouth to sputter forth whatever apologise she could think of Nero interrupted.
"Perhaps you are disrespectful." She strut forwards, placing her hands on her hips "I have brought Olga here in my confidence while her subordinate fights our shared foe, God you might be, however, as Emperor, I will tolerate no insult against one whom I have faith in."
"…"
"...Thy hath the words of a leader, I suppose." Gwyndolin muttered, then looked back at Olga "Very well, human. Speak thy piece."
"T-thank you." She stuttered, then coughed "As I was saying. I am from a group called Chaldea, we were sent here to deal with the current threat to the Roman Empire because-"
"Time is afflicted." Gwyndolin interrupted her, Olga sputtered and widened her eyes in shock.
"How di-"
"Do not assume this is my first relation with the poisoning of the passage of the world." He waved her off "The corruption of time was commonplace in Londor. I have witnessed it many times before...Thou art here to correct it, no?"
"W-well...um…" Olga slowly nodded her head "Y-yes...We're here to fix what we call a 'Singularity' brought about by the use of the Holy Grail. These events...were never supposed to occur."
"That explains thine purpose in these lands." Gwyndolin nodded "...The holder of this Lord Vessel is...Aldrich?"
"We suspect so." Olga nodded her head "That is what the...evidence points towards."
"The presence of the Deceiver?" Gwyndolin tilted his head "For what purpose does he travel with your company?"
"He...well…" She coughed "He...offered to help."
"Thine joke is in poor taste."
"If I may, Lord Gwyndolin." Solaire stepped forwards "Lady Olga speaks truly." he went on "The Pont-"
"False Pontiff." Gwyndolin hissed, the snakes around his legs joining in.
"...False Pontiff." Solaire corrected "He did indeed offer to aid us and has done much to that goal."
"The deceiver told thee of his hatred for stagnation?" Nero and Olga blinked in surprise "Do not look so shocked, that is likely the one truth he spun."
"So...he won't-"
"He will." Gwyndolin interrupted "It is his nature. The Ambition of the deceiver is well hidden, cloaked in veiled answers. Thou should not so readily believe his tales and claims."
"Well...Sir Ash said something similar." Solaire chuckled and scratched the back of his helmet "Well...he did kill Sulyvahn in life, I suppose."
"Pleasant news." Gwyndolin mused "However, thou have yet to give reason for mine aid."
"...Revenge?" Olga offered "Against your killer?"
"Through that logic, I should have Ser Gough end Sulyvahn right now," Gwyndolin replied "Unless thou art prepared to part with him?"
"Loathe as I am to admit it, despite his rather obtuse and ugly personality." Nero sighed "He is useful...few others know our foe as well as him."
"Hmm…" Gwyndolin hummed "Thy speaketh truly...However, that knowledge comes from being in the Devourers camp, again, why should I spare him?"
Olga suddenly thought of something "How come you haven't killed him yet?" she wondered, Gwyndolin turned his attention to her sharply "You hate him so much, but you haven't actually killed him yet…"
"…"
"Unless…" She snapped her fingers "You need him for something don't you?"
"...Thou art bold. Pygmy." Gwyndolin growled "To think I would require anything of-"
"You're becoming to emotional again." Stheno reached over and pat him on the shoulder, the Lord flinched at the touch but relaxed "See? Isn't that better. Besides, she isn't wrong, is she?"
"...No." Gwyndolin eventually ground out "Anger is not becoming of a Lord...and there is a question I must pose to him." he looked back at the group "Leave, and tell the Deceiver to enter, thine request for aid, shall depend upon his answer."
Ritsuka Group POV
"No contact at all?"
"None." Romani shook his head, Ritsuka frowned while Mash held a nervous look on her face "She said she was approaching the island and then...well...we lost contact with her."
"Is it the same interference?"
"I can't tell." Romani sighed, his head falling into his hands "Although what little I did get told me that we were dealing with an extraordinary high reading of divinity, it looks like the claims of a God living there might have been correct."
"Well, that's either really good news or really bad news." The master replied with concerned expression, after a few moments, he slumped his shoulders "There isn't too much we can do about it at the moment though...is there?"
"No." Romani shook his head "I hate to admit it, but the Director is on her own for now. The other news I have for you is that the interference hasn't spread much further, so whatever Aldrich is doing, he seems to have reached his limit."
"Or he doesn't need to go further." Ritsuka surmised "Still...I have no idea what the Abyss is other than it can be used to make monsters." he frowned "But Ash uses it and doesn't seem to have any issues."
"Magecraft is like that." Romani shrugged "You can do all sorts of amazing and horrible things with it, might just be like that, although…" a frown came to the Doctors face as he crossed his arms "What worries me is the origin of it apparently being the soul."
"Is that bad?"
"Depends on the extent of manipulation." Romani replied "We've already seen some dabbling in the Third Magic already, and according to Ash and Sulyvahn, this is apparently tapping into a Reality Marble made from the Soul of humanity itself or something like it." he chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his neck "I'm not a mage in any sense of the word, but I know enough that something like that is concerning."
"Doomsday plans...lovely." Ritsuka rubbed his brow "The Director is right...I really do need at least some education on this…" he paused "How come Da Vinci hasn't been speaking to us lately?"
"Ah." Romani blinked "She's been speaking with Cecilia, something about trying to get a proper understanding of her Clairvoyance."
"Clairvoyance huh, so she can see the future?"
"Vaguely." Romani replied "And apparently is comes at a cost, although you'd need to ask them about it."
"...Sulyvahn said Firekeepers aren't meant to have eyes." Ritsuka cupped his chin in thought.
Mash blinked "But...why?" a concerned expression came to her face "Surely being able to see the future is a good thing? Right?"
"Depends on the Clairvoyance." Romani replied "It seems to me that Cecilia has some pretty powerful Clairvoyance if she could see when we would be arriving and where, as well as send Solaire off to find Quelaag, however it probably comes at a cost to her, otherwise she wouldn't have an issue with it."
"But…" Mash bit her lip "But that doesn't make sense…"
"Because you lack information." Came the voice of Ash from behind them, Ritsuka and Mash jumped in surprise at the sudden proximity, they turned to see the Saber staring down at them "And Firekeepers are not meant to have eyes."
"Why?"
"Because they are, inherently, Clairvoyant." Ash replied "They are all blinded, their eyes removed."
"That's too cruel." Mash frowned "Surely such a thing-"
"Has been commonplace for many ages, since the First Keepers of Fire." Ash cut her off in a dead tone of voice "Although, Firekeepers are 'Chosen' for the role of tending the flame, their eyes removed because they become linked to the flame. The flame as it fades, distorts time...thus they can see everything, even beyond the fading of the flame." he huffed "Designed to keep them 'committed' to their purpose."
"But...Cecilia has eyes?" Ritsuka pointed out "Was she different?"
"No, she was blind as well." Ash replied "I...gifted her eyes." he went on after a few moments "It wasn't because of her Clairvoyance, or using her for anything. I just...I just wanted her to be able to see…" he gave a hapless shrug "Shouldn't have been surprised that would backfire."
"...She can't use her Clairvoyance, can she?" Romani interjected in a solemn voice "Not fully."
"No, and not without great pain." He gave a heavy sigh "She still thanks me for gifting her sight. She can see well enough, like you or I. But if she were to use her sight...it would cause her great pain."
"That's…" Mash looked away "She seems so happy."
"Hmph...I have never seen her sad." Ash released a light chuckle "She and Greirat got on well enough."
"Who?" Ritsuka blinked, Ash abruptly stiffened.
"...He was...a friend." His shoulder slumped "He's gone now...My fault." was all he said, then turned away "I'll...I'll take watch, night time is becoming more dangerous."
Ritsuka, Mash and Romani watched him depart with varying levels of concern "He seems...glum." Romani muttered, then looked at Ritsuka "You going to say anything?"
The Master scratched the top of his head "What the heck am I supposed to say?" he asked, genuinely confused "I can't exactly tell him everything is fine, he obviously doesn't think so."
"I'm sure he'll need time, Senpai." Mash gave him a pat on the arm "He's probably a little overwhelmed that Cecilia is back with-"
"Why the heck do you look like my King!?" Came Gareth's astonished cry from across them camp.
"Never a dull moment." Ritsuka sighed, turning away "Goodnight, Romani."
"Not going to investigate that?" The Doctor asked with a raised eyebrow, Ritsuka gave him a deadpan expression which highlighted the bags under his eyes.
"Romani...I'm am far too tired right now." He yawned "And I'm going to have to try really hard to sleep on those sleeping bags...so maybe tomorrow."
Romani stared at him for a few seconds before he gave a small shrug of his own "Fair enough, goodnight you two."
"Goodnight, Doctor."
"Thou says mine face is familiar?" Cecilia cocked her head to the side, her metal blindfold held in her hands, revealing the top half of her head. Pale white eyes which seemed to glow stared back in minor confusion, with a face that was virtually identical to both Emperor Nero and King Arthur.
"You look like the Emperor." Arash stared at her in bemusement "I know she was obsessed with you...but I guess it might have been a vanity thing." he chuckled "You really do look just like her."
"I see." Cecilia nodded her head, looking back at Gareth "However, thy King was a man, yes?"
"Well, yeah." Gareth nodded "I'm sure she was." Arash slowly turned his head to look at her.
"Weren't you also supposed to be recorded in History as a boy?" Gareth sputtered.
"N-no way! There's no way King Arthur was a girl! Someone would have noticed it!"
"Well, I'm not saying anything." Arash raised his hands in surrender "But if they had the same kind of face as Cecilia here." he gestured at her "Something might be up."
"It was Caliburn." Gareth argued "Caliburn stopped his ageing! They couldn't have been a girl! They didn't even have breasts!" she proclaimed.
"But if she stopped ageing...How would she have breasts?"
"N-no!" Gareth exclaimed "It can't be! S-surely someone would have...I mean...That…"
"Um…" Mash stepped into the group "What's wrong?"
"Ah, Mash!" Gareth turned to her "You're smart! Look at Cecilia's face!" the shielder servant blinked in surprise at the sudden demand but turned her head to stare at the Caster, then widened her eyes in surprise.
"Cecilia-san! You look just like Nero-san!"
"Ah, yes." The Caster nodded "I have been told."
"She also looks like King Arthur." Gareth went on "But King Arthur was a-"
"Girl...Gareth-san." Mash winced at the lancers blank expression "We...um...we met King Arthur in the Fuyuki Singularity...they were a girl."
"...Eh?"
Arash choked back a laugh, his hand covering his mouth as the Lancer seemed to stare blankly at Mash for a few seconds before her head slowly turned and stared at Cecilia.
"Oh…" She slowly furrowed her brows "But...They had a wife…"
"Yes."
"...Little sis Mordred was their daughter…"
"I don't know too much about that."
"...I'm confused." Gareth's head fell into her hands "I'm very confused."
Olga Group POV
The trio, with Stheno in tow, returned to the beach, the two Berserkers and Sulyvahn were still surrounded by the brass knights. The giant summons parted as they approached, allowing them entry back into the circle.
"Lord Gwyndolin wishes to speak with you." Solaire motioned to Sulyvahn, the Caster seemed to jolt in surprise before he slowly nodded his head, without saying a word, he walked past them and into the cave.
The summoned knights relaxed themselves, standing at attention while the Giant relaxed his bow, placing it on the ground.
"Excuse me?" Solaire called out to the Giant "Could I ask you something?"
"You may, Knight of Sunlight." The giant nodded back to him in a friendly tone of voice.
"Lord Gwyndolin called you Ser Gough, are you, perhaps, the Ser Gough?"
"Ah, so I have stories about me." The giant chuckled "How strange, but to answer thy question, I am indeed Gough of Gwyn's knights."
"Goodness me." Solaire chuckled "I suppose I should not even consider myself surprised. Meeting the greatwolf Sif and Quelaag of Izalith should really have prepared myself for this."
"Sif?" Gough picked up on "Artorias's little pup?" a pleased laugh emerged from the giants throat "How wonderful, I always did enjoy the company of the young wolf, I do not suppose Artorias was with him?"
"I confess, he was not." Solaire shook his head "Only the wolf, I'm afraid." he laughed "Although he seems to have taken the role of mount as well."
"Mount?" Gough virtually sputtered in surprise "The wolf was barely at my ankle, to whom is a mount?"
"Sir Gareth." Solaire called back "As far as a mount goes, well, he is quite large. Bigger than a horse, I dare say."
"My, so the little pup grew did he?" He chuckled "How wonderful, and Lady Quelaag? That is a name I have not heard in some time. Tell me, does she still hide her true feelings behind quick-witted comments?"
"She does indeed." Solaire nodded back "Although she does seem rather dour."
"Ah, she was always like that." Gough replied "How does she fare?"
"My word!" Nero called out "You are a tall one! And yet your voice is so majestic and intelligent!"
"Oh? Thy compliments are most surprising." Gough turned his attention to the small Emperor "Most accuse us giants of growling our words, thing us nothing more than savage beasts."
"Nonsense!" Nero waved her hand "They clearly have no appreciation for it!" she hummed, cupping her chin in thought "I say...Have you ever sung before?"
Gough openly laughed at the comment "Singing, thou says? Hahahaha…Ser Artorias once posed me a question like that. I confess, my skill in the craft of song lacking."
"A shame." Nero sighed "You sound as though you have the voice for it, perhaps you should take up lessons."
"Thy suggestion is noted." Gough chuckled "And I thank thee for thy kind words."
"Umu! As the aspect of Venus, I must acknowledge beauty in all its forms!" Nero proclaimed, placing a hand on her chest "While I confess, your looks may not sway many, your voice makes up for this!"
Stheno chuckled "Aspect of Venus? Yes, you are quite funny as well." she smiled "Yes...quite amusing."
"Now, Lady Stheno." Gough chided gently "Let us not scare our visitors, despite their company, they art most kind."
"Oh yes." Stheno nodded, then looked up at Gough with what could only be described as an amused expression "Still, I am rather surprised and a little annoyed you can speak so brazenly when faced with beauty like mine."
"Thee must realise thine attempts at seduction do no good on me." Gough chuckled "Besides, most knights are immune to the charms of beautiful Goddesses like thyself, with Lady Gwynevere about the city, we had to be."
"I'm certain she couldn't compare to my beauty." Stheno waved away, then sighed "Although I suppose a guardian of a Goddess should be expected not to fall in love with her."
"Well...it was more out of fear of Lord Gwyn." Gough chuckled "Besides, few could ever love a giant like myself."
"Come now." Solaire shook his head "You seem a good fellow. There must have been some who enjoyed your company."
"Well, there were some, but only those who knew me." The giant shrugged "Besides, I held those who hated me no ill will. Twas not mine goal to change the approach of all who hated me, besides...I suppose I was lucky to be in my position."
"Ah…" Solaire flinched "Yes...Sen's Fortress…"
"Indeed. Thou art aware of the fate of most Giants." He paused "Well, there was Traherne. He was treated well, but perhaps that was his skill at the forge which brought him that…" the giant mused, Solaire slowly nodded his head.
"You speak of the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo?" At Gough's nod, Solaire chuckled "A good friend of mine spoke of the giant. He had nothing but kind words for him and was touched the giant considered him a friend."
"Ah, that is good to hear." Gough slowly nodded his head "He never did have many friends beyond myself, to learn he was still shown kindness is a blessing."
"I don't suppose you would be willing to help us?" Olga tentatively asked, Gough slowly turned his head to her.
"I confess, in other circumstances, I would be glad to offer thee aid." He replied "However, I have a duty to protect Lord Gwyndolin and Lady Stheno, if they decide to join you, I shall as well."
"Ah…" Olga chuckled nervously "Just have to secure the help of the man who Caster betrayed...wonderful."
"Indeed, thy position is most troubling." Gough affirmed "Still, thy seem to be good folk. I shall be saddened if I am forced to kill thee."
"Not as sad as me…" Olga replied in a defeated tone, Gough let out a loud laugh in response.
Sulyvahn and Gwyndolin POV
"Well, this is nostalgic." Sulyvahn remarked as he observed his surroundings, slowly walking through the halls towards the door at the far end. "Although, I confess I hadn't expected to die in a replica of the Halls of Anor Londo."
"Thy speaketh of death brazenly." Gwyndolins voice huffed through the corridors "Doth thou truly believe I would strike thee down in the back like a common savage?"
"I did." Sulyvahn pointed out as he rested his hands on the doors handles "For months I slipped you poison, weakening you so you would not longer pose a threat." he pushed the doors open, finding himself before Gwyndolin, the Dark Sun sat in a chair at the far end of the room, a large statue of Gwyn overlooking the pair.
"And then, when you were at your weakest, I left you for Aldrich." He walked forwards, stopping a few metres from the God "If one had done that to me, I would feel obligated for a sense of revenge." he chuckled "But I suspect you have questions for me?"
"The reasoning behind thy betrayal."
"...You must be joking." Sulyvahn scoffed "No, you already know why. You cannot have been so stupid to believe you could continue to lock the world in that accursed cycle and none would eventually act against you."
Gwyndolin said nothing in response.
"No...You know why I did it." Sulyvahn scoffed "But, there is something more you wish to know…" he paused "Ah, yes...Yorshka."
"What fate became of-"
"I did not kill her." Sulyvahn interrupted him "I only locked her away in a tower."
"...Why?" Gwyndolin asked, perplexed "Thou had already killed me, destroyed Irithyll, for what purpose did thou allow Yorshka to live?"
"...Father Ariandel once told me a story." Sulyvahn responded "Before he became Keeper of the painting, it held another name...and was kept in another place long ago." Gwyndolin stiffened but did not interrupt "When he restored the painting, he said that there was a place, where the soul of someone burned still. Providing a warmth to the many lost denizens of the world."
He paced around the room, continuing on while Gwyndolin remained silent "Ariandel said that one day...this soul vanished. It had not been extinguished or consumed, rather, someone had entered the painting and taken it, presumably through a scrap." he slowly turned to Gwyndolin "I thought nothing of it, merely the old complaints of a feeble man." he scoffed "Then...I entered the archives of Lothric, before I came to Anor Londo. The Archives were grand and I made many discoveries there."
"Chief of all, was the name of the painting before Ariandel took it. Ariamis." He walked forwards, towards Gwyndolin "Again, I thought this a mere coincidence. Then, I discover that it held only a single resident of note. Of course, much work had gone into hiding this fact, and it was only after I entered the Archives of Anor Londo that I began to pay closer attention to it."
The Caster's shadow fell over Gwyndolin, the God slowly craned his neck up to stare at Sulyvahn "Yorshka was a crossbreed. There had only ever been one in history and they had long been banished to the painted world, where they died. Until, someone came to the painting...and retrieved their soul."
Sulyvahn slowly backed away "So I did not kill Yorshka, nor did I inform Aldrich of her presence." Gwyndolin continued to remain silent "There was no need for it. I neither hated her nor liked her, or it was misplaced empathy, it mattered not."
Gwyndolin slumped in his chair "Thou always were clever."
"Hmph." Sulyvahn grunted "What illudes me is why? If she was who I suspect, then...oh...I see." he slowly nodded his head "Perhaps you would have been more at home in the painted world than I thought."
"...Thou truly fights Aldrich?"
"I fight what he represents." Sulyvahn replied "In the same way I fought what you represented."
"Once the devourer is dead, I shall kill thee."
"I expect you shall try." Sulyvahn nodded "But I suspect I am granted a brief respite?"
"For now." Gwyndolin muttered "...For now, if only because thou did not kill her."
"Yes, I see you have taken a liking to another God." Sulyvahn mused "Although she seems far more assertive than Yorshka."
"Stheno is pleasant company all the same." Gwyndolin replied "Begone, return to thy captors."
Ritsuka POV
The young boy let out another yawn as he made his way to his tent, while he really wasn't an outdoors person, he was gradually getting used to it, although he still preferred a proper bed.
The shouting from Gareth had died down, so he assumed Mash had been able to sort out the problem which was good. He'd rather not have to go off to try and defuse whatever situation had been brewing, but he supposed it couldn't be that bad. Gareth hadn't exactly sounded angry about anything, more shocked.
As long as he wasn't going to be disturbed in the middle of the night, that was fine by him-
He threw open the tent flap and froze.
Only now did he become aware of the subtle heat that had been exuding from the direction of his tent for some time.
There, in the centre of it, was a mass of bramble, wicker tree and vines, burning and linked together to form an amalgamation of a face. A twisted and warped face, formed in one looking like a perpetual cry of pain, a single red gleaming eye focused on him.
He noted that the flames did not set alight anything around him, not had he even sensed the presence of the being in front of him. For that matter, none of his servants obviously had as well.
He slowly opened his mouth to cry out before the bush seemed to speak.
"I did not manifest appear to cause you harm, young human." The bush spoke with mixture of different voices, male female, young and old, however the predominantly older tone of the voice was apparent. Sounding almost sociable. "I have only come here tosatisfy some curiosity."
"W-wh-"
"Ah, I am but a humble scholar." He introduced himself "But...you may call me Caster, should you desire."
"F-Fujimaru…" He swallowed, doing his best polite bow "A-are...are you...um…"
"I am not here to assassinate you." The bush assured him "I confess, that is the last thing on my mind." it chuckled, a deep reverberating sound that seemed to pass through Ritsuka.
"S-so...why are…" He struggled to find his voice "Why are you here?"
"Like I said. Curiosity. I have already met the other who sparked such a thing, but I also wish to speak with you."
"O-okay…"
"Why?"
"W-what?" Ritsuka blinked "Why what?"
"Why do you cling to the history of your world?" The voice asked again in a gentle manner than eerily reminded Ritsuka of a teacher speaking to a young child, despite the disturbing visage it held.
"Because its the incineration of humanity." Ritsuka replied "If I don't do anything...we're all going to die."
"That is the justification." The voice dismissed "I wish to understand personal motivation. What drives you, young human?"
"Me?" Ritsuka blinked.
"Yes, what is it you hope to gain? What will compel you forwards through your trials? Through the path of a monarch?"
"Mona-I'm not doing this to be a King." He argued back "I'm fixing the singularities because I have to."
"Hahahahaha." The bush chuckled as if he had said the funniest thing in the world "Young human, a Monarch is one who controls fate, who decides how the world proceeds. What else could you call one who fights against fate but a Monarch?"
Ritsuka frowned "I'm not the only one, there's the Director, she-"
"Would fail." The voice cut him off "Again and again. She would fail, because she lacks the will and the strength to succeed." the bush chuckled "I daresay she has already joined the crestfallen."
"That's not true, she's out there helpi-"
"Because her pride demands it." He was interrupted again "Not because she seeks to fight against Fate, but because it was expected of her. That is her motive. You lack this pride. Forced into a position you are ill-prepared for, neither born with brilliance nor gifted it by the fates. You, half-grown Master of Humanity...have you what it takes, truly?"
"I-I've got to." He ground out "I've got to do this…"
"Ah...I see." The voice mused "So that is what drives you...how human. Yes, you have the will...but have you the strength?" The bush slowly retreated into the ground as the flames receded "Young human...may we meet again."
Ritsuka stood there, staring at the spot where the burning had bush had been a few moments ago before he let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding in.
Forget sleeping by himself tonight.
AN: He once sought to shed the yolk of fate...but failed. Now, he awaits only an answer.
I suppose it is no secret who the mystery voice is.
So yes. Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin.
He isn't dead, rather, his is an existence similar to Merlin. That is the real, living, Aldia. Manifesting itself in reality, in the same way Merlin does so as well as an illusion.
But anyway...Here's Aldia's stats, and as promised.
The Dialogue of Gough and Gwyndolin.
Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin
Servant: Grand Caster
Strength: D
Endurance: A
Agility: E
Mana: A
Luck: B
Noble Phantasm: A
Ancient Dragon: A (Anti-Army) Max Target: 800, Max Range: -
The ultimate in Aldia's attempts to recreate a Dragon. However, it itself is not a Dragon and therefore does not suffer the sane weakness to Anti-Dragon weapons.
However, because it holds the Soul of a Giant it is weak to Giant Slaying skills and weapons
Class Skills
Item Construction: A
Territory Creation: B
Saint Graph Modification: D
Can alter his size
Independent Manifestation: A
Personal Skills:
Instant Movement: A
Aldia lacks conventional movement, so must teleport his body.
Inherent Insight: A
Pyromacy: A
Undead experiment: A
Aldia is very capable at creating familiars, either out of human corpses or the corpses of animals.
Clairvoyance: EX
As he exists beyond the confines of time, beyond even the First flame, he observes time in the same way one would observe a roll of film. He can scroll through it at his leisure, but he awaits an answer. For all he can see are endless cycles.
Gwyndolin Dialogue
Summoning
"Servant, Archer. I am Gwyndolin, Prince of Anor Londo and Dark Sun. Thou art blessed to have mine aid."
Dialogue 1
"Thou art welcome to join me in silence, it is...calming."
Dialogue 2
"Despite mine appearance, I am male."
Dialogue 3
"Thou should take care, I am a Lord and have merely seen fit to deem thee worthy of mine aid. Thou art the servant in this relation."
Dialogue 4 (If you have Nameless King)
"...Thou art a traitor to father and forsake of thine titles...if only thy were not the only one to show me kindness...perhaps I could hate thee..."
Dialogue 5 (If you have Gwynevere)
"Sister Gwynevere is here. That is most surprising, but I would not expect great aid from her, if I were in thine position. She is most skilled at fleeing."
Dialogue 6 (If you have Quelaag)
"Ah...so thou did not escape the fire unscathed. I had though thou perished...perhaps it would have been better...but her personality remains unchanged...that is to be thankful for."
Dialogue 7 (If you have Gorgon)
"Thou should not so readily compare me, her hair is unruly and grotesque."
Dialogue 8 (If you have Chosen Undead)
"I have been avoiding the undead...for shame? No. I carried out fathers commands, there is no shame in that."
Dialogue 9 (If you have Mordred)
"Thou art a girl raised as a boy? But...perhaps I do understand thou...The children who seek acknowledgement...only to be spurned."
Dialogue 10 (If you have Astolfo)
"You, mortal with the pink hair, were thou also raised as a girl?"
Dialogue 11 (If you have Pontiff Sulyvahn)
"There is a deceiver in these halls. Thou should be wary, despite whatever claims he peddles, he is a traitor to his core."
Dialogue 12 (If you have Aldrich)
"...I would ask thou remove it...now...p-please."
Dialogue 13 (If you have any of the Four Knights)
"Hmm? Ah...this presence...how nostalgic."
Dialogue 14 (If you have Artemis)
"Mine equal is...eccentric...But...could I have been...no...it is too late for such thoughts."
Dialogue 15 (If you have Priscilla)
"Ah! Yor-...no...My mistake. Thou reminded me of another...But...I hope thou art happy, Priscilla."
Likes
"I enjoy tranquillity...but if thou were to ask one thing...None enjoy isolation."
Hates
"I am the moon, hate should not be so openly shown...it should not be...should not...why can I not hate..."
Wish for the Holy Grail
"There is nothing the lord vessel could grant me...truly...nothing..."
Bond Level 1
"Thou art pleasing to work beside, thy hath my gratitude."
Blond Level 2
"Thou would make for an adequate darkmoon knight, should thou ever decide to take upon the duty, thou would be most welcome."
Blond Level 3
"My appearance? I was born under the moon, I lacked the gifts of sunlight that my sisters and brother possessed. Thus I was raised as a daughter."
Bond Level 4
"What a cruel joke. Father proclaimed he would only ever have one son...despite all Faraam did...despite all my brother betrayed...Father would not rescind his claim. Thus...I knew I would never replace him. Father raised me as a daughter. But he was Father, wise in all things, the light of the world itself. Father knew best...father...knew best."
Bond Level 5
"I obeyed everything, all his commands. I made no complaints...Then he left. He descended to the Kiln and burned. But I remained in Anor Londo, as he commanded me, his final words to keep the light in the world. Then they all left...all who stood with Father abandoned the city….Gwynevere at the first inclination of decline...then the others. But I remained. I obeyed father and for millennia uncountable, I obeyed him command...Ha...hahah...hehehe….I-It didn't even matter in the end! I obeyed Father! Me! While all others left and abandoned his grace, only I remained at the end! An-and...Why? Why did I preserve it for so long...Why did I….Ah...yes...there was one thing...those final words...they were the only time he looked me in the eyes and smiled..."
Birthday
"A Birthday...thou art older. A time of joy."
During an Event
"Mine ears detect the sound of merriment, I prefer the comfort of silence, but shall take part."
1st Ascension
"The Moon shines brightly upon me...I am grateful for thine aid."
2nd Ascension
"The power thy bestows upon me is welcome, thou art close to mine true potential."
3rd Ascension
"This power I feel, I am closer now to my prime, I thank thee."
4th Ascension
"The Dark Sun of Anor Londo shines brightly, thou art wise to grant me such. Let us depart, summoner, we shall make haste."
Hawkeye Gough Dialogue
Summoning
"Ah? A summoning, how unexpected. Still...Thou must be curious, no? I am Gough, a pleasure to meet you."
Dialogue 1
"Good 'morrow, thou art surprised by mine presence? Yes...these corridors are rather cramped."
Dialogue 2
"Thou art rather kind to me. Hmph? Ah, I am a giant, tis expected of rudeness."
Dialogue 3
"Hmm? Master and Servant, ah...I am not too sure of that...nor does the wording please me too greatly...Comrades, sounds better, does it not?"
Dialogue 4 (If you have Nameless King)
"Oh? Now there is a presence I have not felt in some time...He is rather more mellowed than last I recall...Hm? Oh, I do not bare him ill will, should that concern thee. He always held respect for my craft, thus I hold him in equal standing."
Dialogue 5 (If you have Gwynevere)
"Ah, Lady Gwynevere is here? I'd advise caution...Why? Well...she is the Goddess of fertility...Do not let her know I said that...she has her fathers ire."
Dialogue 6 (If you have Quelaag)
"Little Quelaag? Is that you? Oh dear...Mock you? I am a giant, little Quelaag...I could never mock anyone."
Dialogue 7 (If you have Yhorm)
"A King? He is a King? Tis most surprising, and to see another giant about, how grand. I shall speak with him at once."
Dialogue 8 (If you have Siegward)
"A Knight of Catarina has been speaking with me...He is a joyful fellow and I enjoy his company, it seems I am not the only giant friend he has. I am saddened there are not more like him."
Dialogue 9 (If you have Archer servants)
"A skilled archer art thou? Well, I would not be adverse to a little competition."
Dialogue 10 (If you have Gwyndolin)
"Do not let his solemn nature get you, Little Gwyndolin always was rather sullen, although...well...I have my pride as a tutor in his archery skill."
Dialogue 11 (If you have Vendrick)
"That one...There is something about that one that concerns me greatly, a strange anger I feel when about him, as if there is some crime I am not aware of...how strange."
Dialogue 12 (If you have Aldrich)
"...Thou should remove this one...Or I shall."
Dialogue 13 (If you have any of the Four Knights)
"Ah, hello old comrades. Thou art well, yes?"
Dialogue 14 (If you have Artemis)
"Goddess of the Moon, thou says, and the hunt as well? A most novel purpose...although...is that...a toy?"
Dialogue 15 (If you have Chosen Undead)
"Ah, the Slayer of Kalameet! Thou art well this day?"
Dialogue 16 (If you have Dragon Servants)
"My bow arm is rather tense...tis most unusual, are they crossbreeds? No? Well...I suppose I can leave well enough alone."
Likes
"Likes? Well...Dragon Slaying, tis what gave me purpose...but if you were to ask what I can actually prefer? I enjoy carving...tis quite enjoyable."
Hates
"Hate? Tis a strong word...but I suppose I have a few points of annoyance, but they aren't worth mentioning."
Wish for the Holy Grail
"A wish for me, thou says? Tis not much for thought...I have little to wish for...well...Perhaps more dragons...I am a Dog, after all, I would rather have some hares to hunt."
Bond Level 1
"Asking about me? Well...There's very little to be said."
Blond Level 2
"Thou art most kind to a mere giant, I thank thee for this."
Blond Level 3
"My carvings? I would be more than happy to show you how. Tis a trivial skill, but I find it quite rewarding."
Bond Level 4
"Hm? Ah yes, the story of the Pine resin in my helm. Oh? You are surprised I knew of it. I was retired anyway and what is worse to the ignorant than an intelligent Giant."
Bond Level 5
"Thou art a fine human, I am most glad to call thee a friend. May every honour be bestowed upon thee."
Birthday
"A Birthday? A fine day indeed then, proud human."
During an Event
"I hear quite the commotion, well...I have never participated in a festival before...I am most curious to see what it is like."
1st Ascension
"Well, it seems I am doing my role well to deserve this, my thanks to you."
2nd Ascension
"Again, you raise me higher? My thanks to you, proud human."
3rd Ascension
"It seems I approach my limit, I must confess my surprise at this development, but I am glad to be of service."
4th Ascension
"Thou hath done much for me, my thanks upon thee and I hope that I assure thee, I shall live up to thy expectations."