CHAPTER 29:
THE FINGERSLAYER BLADE
Harry shared another look of bemusement with Ranni and Melina. The two women were also wary, but not overly so. Ranni even stroked her chin with one hand. "How very curious. I hath had encounters with Mimic Tears before, a few who had been taken to the surface or created in Raya Lucaria. But I hath never dealt with one who hath gained a mind and will of its own."
"I am unique amongst my kind, my lady," Asimi said, bowing again. "The others present are not only belligerent, but they possess only a rudimentary intelligence. And many here, including the Nox, consider me a threat, because I am not an obedient tool. I questioned my purpose, but to them, a Mimic Tear's purpose is to obey and to defend from intruders, not to question."
Ranni scoffed. "As above, so below. It seems that the Nox, despite being exiled from the surface, art little better than the Golden Order, rejecting those who doth not fit into their own order. Tell me, Asimi…is the Fingerslayer Blade at the location I stated?"
"…I don't know whether the Fingerslayer Blade is there, but there is a chest under that awful statue, locked tight. The square leading up to it is swarming with more of my kind, even if these are the ones without minds or wills of their own," Asimi said. "Why do you wish for such a thing?"
"Tis a long story, and I fear that, given our short acquaintance, I doth not trust thee with it yet," Ranni said. "And what doth thou desire in exchange for thy guidance?"
After a moment, Asimi asked, "You come from the surface, do you not? I…I am yet to see it. I heard about it from the Nox. I have no place down here, but if there's a place for me on the surface…that is all I desire for recompense."
Ranni seemed thoughtful, before eventually she nodded. "Very well. We art in need of a guide. But let me warn thee, should thou prove false, thou shalt regret it for the remainder of thine life…"
Thankfully, Asimi was pretty helpful, warning them of some of the dangers they would encounter. It was also one of the first times Harry got to see Ranni in combat. She was a pure mage, one who wielded sorceries he hadn't seen before, even when witnessing Rennala in action. She admitted quietly to Harry she wasn't showing off her best sorceries partly to conserve her magic reserves, as well as to ensure Asimi did not formulate strategies to counter her best ones…or to copy them.
They travelled through ruins, then to an expanse of what could have been wild country had it been above ground, with tribal-looking hulking beings dancing while others sang eerie and beautiful songs. Ranni identified them as the Ancestral Followers, a tribal race who followed the Ancestral Spirits, nature spirits. They kept their distance, and while the Ancestral Followers watched them warily, they didn't attack.
They soon found themselves on a cliff overlooking another part of Nokron. Harry frowned as he peered at the rooftops, pulling out the Spirit Calling Bell. "I don't think I can fit Asimi onto my broomstick. We might need to make a run for it after I Apparate us down there. Asimi, how far is it to where you think the Fingerslayer Blade is." Asimi didn't respond at first, and Harry then realised she was staring at his Spirit Calling Bell. "Asimi?"
"What? Oh, umm…it's not far," the Mimic Tear said. "But…you have a Spirit Calling Bell?"
"Thou know what it is?" Ranni asked.
"The Nox experimented with one. I witnessed it happening. I know there is a box of Spirit Ashes of one of my kind nearby. It's something of a dangerous detour, and the Spirit Ashes sap lifeforce rather than mana. The Nox rejected the Spirit Ashes for that alone. But the Mimic Tear Spirit Ashes creates a near-perfect copy of the wielder, one that can wield any spell or weapon the user is using at the time, and it follows orders optimally. In other words, it can discern the correct tactics to use to some degree, evading enemy strikes and distracting the enemy from the true target. I wouldn't suggest it if I did not feel it may be worth your time, as, while not guarded per se, it is still something of a detour from our path, and there are many who would attack us, the last time I was here."
Melina chose that moment to make herself known. "I'll search for them. I know the sensation of Spirit Ashes. Once I am close enough, even as a bodiless spirit, I may be able to find them. Where are they, Asimi?"
Asimi pointed to a building in the distance. "It's in a chamber behind an altar on the second floor of that one. That place is a place of worship, I believe. There's usually a Nox guarding the chest containing it, but it's a large one. You can't miss it."
Melina frowned, before turning to Ranni and Harry. "I'll retrieve them. Give me a few minutes, or until you hear a fracas, before you make your own move for the Fingerslayer Blade. I may be able to draw away some of those guarding the Fingerslayer Blade."
Ranni and Harry nodded their assent, and Melina disappeared. Asimi looked nervous, not that she ever looked anything but. "Will she be all right?" Asimi asked.
"My sister can handle herself well enough," Ranni rasped. "Still, assuming that thou doth not play us false, it seems this journey has been more profitable than we intended. If that Spirit Ash box is usable by Harry without endangering his life, then it would be of use."
"…And what of me, Lady Ranni?"
"What of thee, indeed? Thou did say that thou wished to reach the surface. However, once there, thou art free to choose what thou wish, save if it goes against our plans. But the surface is as dangerous as the underground. If thou doth join us, we can offer some protection."
"…In exchange for what?" Asimi asked warily. "I did not escape bondage under the Nox to submit to bondage under another."
Ranni held up a hand. "Hear me out. Thou doth seem like thou hath spent much time overhearing the Nox from hiding, yes?"
Asimi nodded. "I…I have learned much. The Nox created me to be their answer to an Elden Lord, whatever that is. I was a failed experiment, partly because of my unwillingness to submit, but also partly due to my lack of power. I'm not sure how long I have been here, only that it has been decades at least, given what the Nox have claimed. I have learned much from eavesdropping and furtive readings in the libraries here, what there are." Asimi's eyes widened in realisation. "Oh! You desire knowledge in exchange for my safety?"
"Indeed. My mother and I art scholars, as art many within our circle. While we know much about the Nox, a fresh font of knowledge is always welcome, from one who hath lived amongst the Nox for some time. That, then, is the price of thine sanctuary."
"I'm in your care!" Asimi bowed, and Harry had to offer a smile, not just because of Asimi's enthusiasm, but Ranni showing that, despite her recent doubts, she was a decent enough leader. And she was also showing a willingness to put herself on the line to show what she could achieve.
A little later, they heard a commotion from the buildings below. "Right, let's get going," Harry said.
After a few short Apparitions, they found themselves in a square. There were still quite a few Mimic Tears around, and one of them began morphing into a Troll. Ranni fired off a Dark Moon spell, causing it to recoil, Harry sending an overpowered Bombarda that blew it apart, at least for now. They then ran past it, to the massive skeletal statue of Rosus, or some other huge skeleton. In a chamber underneath the throne it was sitting on, there was a chest, which Harry unlocked using Alohamora. And he stopped, recoiling. "That's it?" he asked, disgusted.
Ranni nodded solemnly, picking up a dagger that seemed to be made of flesh, what looked like a spine visible. "Tis said that the Nox created this blade through sacrificial rituals," she said, her voice tinged with disgust as well.
"…Human sacrifice?" Harry asked quietly, to which Ranni nodded once more.
"Tis not the only blade like this. I hath heard that the Dung Eater wields a sword fashioned from the spine of the Giant Milos," Ranni said grimly, tucking the grotesque blade into her robes.
Deciding he didn't want to discuss that thing any longer, at least for now, Harry peered out the door, and grimaced at the sight of dozens of silvery blobs beginning to crawl towards them. "Those Mimic Tear things are coming this way." He sent another Bombarda, the explosive spell blasting their liquid bodies apart. "Melina had better hurry. Ranni, once we're all here, let's Apparate back home."
"Wait, the Fidelius," Ranni said quietly, before whispering to Asimi, whose eyes widened, before she nodded. And then, Harry saw Melina dashing between the reforming Mimic Tears, clutching an item. About half a dozen Nox were in hot pursuit. Harry was struck by an impish impulse to hum the Indiana Jones theme, but quashed it. This was serious.
Melina rushed into the small chamber, and Harry said, "Take hold of my arms. Asimi, this is going to be uncomfortable!"
Before Asimi could object, Harry Apparated away…
…And then, they were in the courtyard of the Carian Manor. Asimi, after a brief moment, collapsed into her blob form. "Oh, that really was horrid," Asimi muttered, before reforming her humanoid form. She looked up at the afternoon sky. "Is this the surface?"
"Yeah, it's still daytime, so you can't see the real stars yet, but…well, it's the first time seeing daylight, right? It's not too bright for you?" Harry asked.
"No, I…I was a bit startled, but there are plenty of well-lit places in the Eternal Cities," Asimi said. "It feels…warmer, though."
As the Mimic Tear looked up at the sky in wonder, Harry then looked to Melina, who was panting softly. "Are you okay?"
The redhead nodded, handing Harry the box of Spirit Ashes. "The escape was a touch fraught, but I managed it. Thank you for your concern. You have the blade, Ranni?"
Ranni pulled the Fingerslayer Blade from her robes. "A grotesque thing, is it not? I felt cold just looking at it. Doth thou believe this to be capable of slaying one of the Two Fingers?"
"Yes," Melina said quietly, gingerly touching the dagger, only to withdraw her hand with a hiss. "A most foul blade. Still…at least our sojourn to Nokron was not in vain. What next?"
"I hope Mother hath ensured Blaidd cannot turn on me," Ranni said, before swaying a little on her feet. "I shalt need my rest soon, ere I take the fight to the enemy. I also need to scry for the location of my Two Fingers, the one that proclaimed me Empyrean, as well as granting me Blaidd. It once resided at the Cathedral of Manus Celes, but of late, it hath moved location, perhaps fearing attempts by me to assassinate it."
"Very well," Melina said, before looking to Harry. "If you do not wish for me to turn your latest Runes into strength, then I shall take my leave for now."
"I might just avail myself of that. I gained more than a few, and maybe with a few boosts, I can use those Spirit Ashes," Harry said.
Melina handed the item in question over to him, before taking his hand, and channelling the Runes via his directions. Then, afterwards, and after exchanging farewells, Melina vanished in her usual flurry of light. The trio then made their way to where Iiji was working on what looked like Blaidd's armour.
"Ah, Lady Ranni," Iiji said in his gentle tones. "You seem to have brought along a newcomer. Was your trip successful?"
Ranni merely smiled, and pulled out the dagger. Iiji gasped, and then peered at it from behind his mirrored helm. "My word…what a ghastly looking thing…a work of art, to be sure, but a dark art. It seems your plans have finally moved into a critical stage."
"Indeed," Ranni said, putting the dagger away. "What tidings of Blaidd, Iiji? Hath Mother succeeded?"
"You can see for yourself, Ranni. Blaidd is exhausted, and it may be at least a few days before he is ready to serve you once more, but he is well, and Queen Rennala believes that she has severed the link between him and the Two Fingers," Iiji said. "Though I should point out that his mien has much changed. Hermione is nursing him, while Queen Rennala and Andromeda are entertaining the children."
"My thanks, Iiji. This is Asimi. Thou shalt be seeing much of her in future, I daresay," Ranni said. "Believe it or not, she is a Mimic Tear, albeit one who hath gained sentience."
"Ah. Well met, Asimi," Iiji said politely to the Mimic Tear, who was staring at him with a little anxiety.
"H-H-Hello," Asimi stammered a little.
"Iiji is very much what they call a gentle giant, Asimi, don't worry," Harry said. "Let's go and introduce you to the others…"
They touched based with Rennala, Andromeda, and the children, with Asimi being left to speak with Rennala, before they went to the makeshift infirmary, where Hermione was waiting, watching over a form in the bed. "You're back!" Hermione exclaimed. "How did it go?"
"We have the Fingerslayer Blade," Harry said. "And a newcomer as well. She's talking with Rennala. How's Blaidd?"
"See for yourself. He's exhausted, but that's due to how intensive the rebirth process was."
"I'm bloody well all right, you know. I just need a good night's rest or two, I'm not an invalid," Blaidd groused. It was definitely his voice, albeit subtly different, slightly less resonant. And he sat up in bed.
Harry couldn't help but stare at Blaidd. No longer did he have a scarred and grizzled wolf's head. Instead, his features were mostly human-looking. His hair was black with grey streaks, and even messier than Harry's own mane. His eyes were pale blue, his features handsome if hard. Oddly enough, a pair of wolf's ears stuck out from his hair. His body was smaller than it had been, though he was clearly still taller than Harry. His frame was also muscular, though not grotesquely so, if the shape of the muscles beneath his shirt was any indication.
"Blaidd," Ranni said, her voice filled with amusement and surprise. "How doth thou like thine new mien?"
"Honestly, it's going to take a lot of getting used to, Ranni," Blaidd said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "And I don't just mean my looks. I'm smaller now. Rennala made sure my strength was the same when I was still a Shadow, but it's still going to take some getting used to if I am to serve as your sword again. Iiji's reshaping my armour. Still, you have the Fingerslayer Blade?"
"Indeed."
"Good. I think Rennala managed to sever the link between myself and your Two Fingers," Blaidd said grimly. "It's one of those things you don't quite notice until it's gone. I can't be sure, neither can Rennala, but I'm cautiously optimistic."
"Good. I doth not wish to lose my brother to the malevolence of the Fingers," Ranni said, before moving forward and gently hugging Blaidd.
Nothing else needed to be said. For all the tragedy of the previous day, of Radahn's demise, of the wizards targeting Harry and those he held dear…this day had seen progress. Some of it grim, other parts of it lighter. But at least one person was saved, and another…well, they could only hope he was saved.
But their quest had reached a truly dangerous stage. Now the eyes of their enemies were well and truly upon them all. And they needed to be careful, lest their enemies brought an end to their quest…
CHAPTER 29 ANNOTATIONS:
So, there you have it. They now have the Fingerslayer Blade, Blaidd's been freed from the Two Fingers' control, and Asimi has joined Team Ranni!
As mentioned before, Blaidd's new human form is based on upcoming Genshin Impact character Wriothsley, albeit with wolf ears.
Anyway, while the next chapter may be out soon, no guarantees. As stated in the prior chapter, I'm keeping at least one chapter of this story ready for my December mass-update. If you're lucky, though, you'll get a nice bit of Harry/Ranni fluff soon.
Review-answering time! TheGrimDragon: I am currently writing a chapter where they head to the Haligtree, so Harry will be meeting Malenia sooner than you'd think. And no, it's not going to come to a 'Let's You and Him Fight' scenario.
I answered Gabriel Herrol's review in correspondence, but I have to say that the inspiration was specifically the official Elden Ring parody manga The Road to the Erdtree. The chapters revolving around Blaidd have him tracking down Darriwil…and confronting him about the doll he made of Ranni. Darriwil has made a doll with Ranni as a cute witch like something out of Kiki's Delivery Service or I've Been Killing Slimes, whereas Blaidd has a doll in Ranni's original likeness, albeit a touch more crudely made. In other words, the grand battle between Darriwil and Blaidd is basically a battle of the simps. Melina is not amused, while the Tarnished of this manga, the rather dim-witted Aseo, is just plain bemused, though seeing Ranni in doll form does help him recognise the real thing when they meet for the first time…eventually.
jgkitarel: We can but hope. I honestly decided to just use the idea of Asimi as an interesting character and as a nod to the cut content. Time will tell if the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC does use the St Trina cut content or not, though, though odds are it will be about Miquella.
No numbered annotations this time.
