LADIES AND GENTALMEN, THE MAD MAN HIMSELF HAS FINISHED ANOTHER CHAPTER OF THIS CRAY-CRAY STORY.
Alright, bro's, its time to get some unexpected twist going on up in this story. I'm not going to spoil anything, so I'm just gonna shut my trap and let you read things for yourself.
I tried to put a huge amount of special character interaction in this one and to make them stand out from what other people have done in other stories.
But before we can get to that awesomeness, I gotta get to...
Comments that caught my eye
son of Ophion- Hay a few things one of which is I love this. another is I like how with his ability being knowledge not true prophecy he isn't changing the world to much here are a few things I would like to see.
One is stone pyromancy its lore friendly due to the stray demon in dark souls 3 in the farron swamp its also something you could take nearly anywhere what with how Micheal Zacky only just got to it as for how you could implement it well
The Petrified Flame
Found by a prophet who sought strength to protect those dear to him this extraordinary flame once belonged to a daughter of chaos. However as she watched the land burn and the demons rage her flame stopped burning and stood still growing small and hard like stone for th power of pyromancy was connected to your emotions and all she wanted was to never see a flame again.
She died on the last legs of her flight from Izalith and where one to find this object they would be wise to place it in a ring and wield such secrets for themselves.
So yah it would be a ring that let's you use terramancy I'm going to list some spells and what they do if you want to make this in your story than just talk about whatever circumstances he made it in like he held it as a demon charged him and the earth rose to his defense.
My Response- Bro, I gotta say that I'm absolutely in love with this idea, especially since it manages to once again alter the Prophet Pyromancy in a similar manner to tainted Pyromancy did. In complete honestly, It had completely gone over my head that this sort of pyromancy was apart of the souls lore.
Not to mention that I can imagine a crap ton of ways I could roll with this. Maybe the Prophet burns or hurts someone with his tainted pyromancy in a fit of rage and grows afraid to use it again and somehow winds up creating this in an attempt to control it. Or maybe he feels the need stand strong against something and his pyromancy responds to that emotion. This is just off the top of my head, by yeah, I can actually see this becoming a thing that could happen.
But I will say that I think that the Atronarch spell idea may taking things a level to far with the Prophets abilities at the moment. Terramany isn't a bad idea, but I still feel like it would still behave as if it was a form of pyromancy, like maybe it forms over his skin and makes a sort of thick plating that sows him down or forms a sort of blunt weaponry. I won't limit myself to stuff like that of course, but making a small life that acts somewhat independently may be overboard for now. But I will most definitely be keeping this in mind when I feel the need to have the Prophets abilities evolve further.
Billyyumyum2X4- Since Velka can telepathically speak to people, does she dirty-talk to the prophet to get him flustered? To me, that seems like something she should do, and would be funny. Love the story. I'm hoping prophet chooses Anna, but I'm not writing the story and I won't complain about anything.
My Response- Wait a second, so you're telling me that you give me a hilarious idea like this for Velka and then say your Team Anna? You, sir, have thrown me for a loop.
Guest- You don't want him to develop Kirito syndrome... but you just did that.
That's why you never mix any literature with anime, ever. It's bad taste.
Some wiil say, light and visual novels, yeah, most of them are crap so invalid argument.
Also, if sex there must be, then sex there will be. What is wrong with you people putting the same cock block anime garbage over and over again ? What is wrong with you guys copying the crappiest scenes of the most common ecchi writing ? Geez.
That was a serious moment, that could have developed into something, but it all ended as a fast. All of that, just for a bad, anime, joke. I say no, it's bad.
My Response- Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down a sec and let me explain, bro.
When I say that I don't want the Prophet to develop Kirito Syndrome, I mean it in a sense that I don't ever want it to feel as if no matter the odds, he can never lose. Whether it be during an argument, a fight or just having a moment with someone, I want to try and keep him sort of as human and relatable as possible. In that sense, I like to always think that though he is the protagonist of this story and will grow stronger, he is essentially still at the mercy of the world around him. This makes it all the more significant when he actually does win a fight or manages to effect things around him.
Also, the chapter wasn't some much as to set up for sex, it was more of a way to get things away from the serious side of things and sort of a way to introduce and share Anastacia's feeling for the Prophet openly and to explore how deep he feels for her, not to just have a moment of "I like you, Prophet, lets have sex." kinda deal. It was meant to be an intimate moment of deep confession followed by a brief moment to show physical want, with a bit of humor here and there.
Guest- I only have one thing to say on the GwyndolinXprophet thing: TRAPS ARE GAAAAYY-nah I'm kidding. Lol. But what I do have to say is I have no idea what you would do, I mean, it would be gay, and not a trap, as he KNOWS the lore and stuff. So, you can do what you want, but if you do have him and prophet, then that is Kirito syndrome. Guaranteed. Just Velka and Anastasia wouldn't be, but adding a third would fall into that category. A solution could be to have, I don't know, ANY OF THE REST OF THE CREW NOT BE FOREVER ALONE? I mean, they're not bad guys! I know a lot of people who wouldn't mind "praising the sunbro" if you know what I mean. And Oscar is motherfucking Oscar! You can't have him be all alone! HE'S OSCAR FOR PETE'S SAKE!
My Response- Bro, Your comment had to have been the most hilarious out of the bunch of read. Also, don't worry, when I said the Prophet and Gwyndolin thing I didn't mean it as an actual pairing. I meant it in a way to say like a running joke between them. Something to sort of balance out the seriousness of the situation when they finally meet.
And I will most definitely be doing paring with people other than the Prophet and I must say that the pairing for Oscar will be something absolutely NO ONE will see coming.
Also, DAMMIT! Does that mean that Priscila would turn this into Kirito Syndrome? ;-;
Alright, bro's, that's all I got for you this time. Hope you all enjoy the chapter.
Warning: You have now fallen into my devious and inescapable trap. After a ten year period, this message will self destruct in 30 seconds. MY victory is assured.
"Huh...a lot lighter than I imagined." the Prophet said as he played with the Sorcerer's Catalyst he'd just bought from Rickert, tossing it from hand to hand.
"I am glad it is too your liking." Rickert said. "I'd be willing to teach you a few sorcerers alongside that if you like."
"And pay double the price that Griggs would sell'em for? I think I'll pass." The Prophet said. "I mean, I'm glad I could get ahold of a catalyst, but I'm not really feeling the need to be a chump today."
"Griggs?" the imprisoned sorcerer said in confusion. "Well, uh, If you change your mind, I'll be here. Try to keep your head on out there."
"Yeah, yeah, see ya around, Rickert." the Prophet said as he turned to walk away and return to the Shrine. "Oh and next time you hear a guy about to get with two women at the same time, maybe you could do that guy a solid and just cover your ears or something, ya jerk."
With that small jab thrown, Kaylen walked towards the small flight of stairs and took the elevator back towards the sanctuary of Firelink Shrine, leaving Rickert unsure of how he should react to his parting words. Continuing onward until he was back in the Shrine's center, the scene before him was both serene and very humorous as all eye's suddenly fell upon him.
Reah and Vince both stood near the bonfire, each one giving him the look that said that they were itching to question him. Anastacia stood not but a few feet from where the two Clerics were, a bright smile gracing her lips as she caught sight of him. Velka, noticing the Catalyst that he now carried, stood just at the side of the stairs with her arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.
The Merchant and the Crestfallen Warrior both sat in their usual respective area's, one on his log and the other leaned with his back against the tree. The only eye catching difference being that the Merchant seemed to have made himself more at home and had laid his wares bare on a sort of large, dirty patch of cloth. Surprisingly enough, there was a lot more laid out than the Prophet remembering the Merchant having, giving him the idea that maybe it might be a good idea to stock up on a few extra essentials.
"Yo, merch. Mind selling me a dagger and about four Fire Bombs?" the Prophet said placing the Catalyst in his satchel and ignoring his curiosity of the short bow and throwing knives. Swinging a blade was easy, but he imagined that the skill of throwing a small knife or firing a bow might require a bit more fineness then he had.
"I'd be happy too. Once you pay your tab, of course." the Merchant replied, his eye's showing a bit of sly deviousness. "You still owe my a considerable dept for my services, remember?"
Kaylen gave a somewhat annoyed sigh at this. Though he couldn't really get angry at the guy for this. After all, he did actually go out of his way to help deal with Lautrec and protect Anastacia, so he guess it wasn't all that unfair to say he owed him one.
"Alright, fine. How much do I owe you then?" the Prophet said.
"Well, considering the incredible danger I willingly chose to face, lets say we settle up at fifteen hundred souls." the Merchant said, actually wringing his hands together.
"I'll give you a thousand if you throw in two daggers and four firebombs." the Prophet said crossing his arms, he may have been grateful for his help but he wasn't about to be taken for a ride like this. "I'm not made of souls, you know."
"I risked my life in defense of our favorite keeper and a thousand is all your willing to give? For shame, kid." the Merchant said in mock disbelief. "Twelve hundred, then."
"Wow. That's a low blow, merch." the Prophet said with a look that said he wasn't especially effected by this comment.
"Can you please hurry this along, Prophet." Velka said impatiently, more telling then asking.
"Fine. Eleven hundred souls, I get two daggers and six firebombs. Final offer." the Prophet said.
"Deal." the Merchant said with a winning smile. He'd just made two hundred more souls then he would originally charge for these items, not to mention the seven thousand the boy had given him for a lousy talisman before and this was all possible because of a little pickpocketing. Truly a profitable day.
Giving the agreed upon souls, the Prophet was handed the surprisingly hefty daggers and the six explosives. Continuing to test the blades weight by shifting it from hand to hand, he hardly noticed when Velka approached him from behind.
"So do you fancy yourself a sorcerer now?" Velka said, remarking at the wooden staff she'd seen.
"Hardly. Don't even know a single sorcerery." the Prophet said. "The staff is nothing but an investment at this point."
"I see. On a side note, I understand that you went underground to rescue that woman and the man next to her." Velka said plainly regarding Reah and Vince, wondering if the two had some sort of connection to the Prophet past in some way. "Would you care to explain who they are and what happened between you?"
"Well, that's a bit of a story. These two are clerics from the way of white that were sent here to retrieve the Rite of Kindling, a task that was of course way above their abilities. There were four of them at the start." the Prophet explained. "They became overpowered and outmatched, losing one of their childhood friends and allies along the way. Vince, the man standing over there, couldn't take the fear and left Reah to be killed while he and a man named Petrus escaped. Once I rescued Reah, she pretty much begged me to help her save him despite what he'd done. That's the short version of how they survived. Meanwhile, Petrus-"
"I am aware of who this Petrus is. The Keeper and the rest of them informed me of your decision to release him without punishment for his actions." Velka said in displeasure. "I will discuss that matter with you at a later date, but first..."
With that sentence left hanging, Velka turned towards Vince and eye'd him up and down with a disapproving frown upon her face.
"You. Your name is Vince, correct?" Velka addressed.
"Y-Yes, my goddess." Vince said respectfully.
"Come with me for a moment. I would have words with you." Velka commanded as she walked towards the ruined building that held the elevator.
Not saying anything in refusal, Vince did as he was told. Leaving Reah with a worried look on her face, of which she turned on the Prophet as if to question him on what would happen.
"Don't worry. She may be a little aggressive, but Vince will be fine." the Prophet reassured. "Now before they come back, lets talk about your future. You wanted to start your own movement to bring undead together right?"
"Uh..yes. You told us that it could be achieved through the collection of humanity." Reah responded, trying to get her mind off Vince walking away what the Goddess of sin.
"Well, you don't need to know the future to know something as obvious as that." the Merchant chimed in.
"But you do need it to know the best and fastest way to go about getting it." the Prophet countered. "Anyway, farming humanity is the simplest thing in the world...if you have the patience for it anyway."
"What do you mean by that?" Reah asked.
"The Answer is simple, my young, naïve friend." the Prophet said with a smile. "Rats."
At this, Reah gazed at the Prophet as if she was waiting to hear an explanation for the jest that must have gone over her head. When he showed no sign of making that punchline, only then did she speak.
"Um...rats?"
"Correct-De-Mundo." the Prophet said with a nod. "I'm not sure about any other place, but Undead Rats are more or less running rampant through Undead Burg and the Sewers beneath it. They survive by feeding off the bodies of fallen undead warriors whose flesh still contain small traces of humanity. Just kill them enough times and they'll eventually drop a humanity Sprite. Farming from their corpses is only a matter of rinse and repeat. Kill them, hope they drop what you need and if not, use the bonfire to revive them and try again."
Reah was left somewhat flabbergasted at this. She had somewhat expected to hear of some grand scheme or of some hidden stash of humanity.
"But...that's nothing more then hopeful thinking." Reah objected. "Who knows how long it will take for us to gather what we need."
Hearing this, the Prophets face took on a look of somewhat of amusement at this.
"Well then, if this tactic doesn't suit your time, then I could always direct you to a much more worthwhile and life threatening approach. Would you prefer to go up against the hollowed undead or the flesh eating ghouls of Blighttown? Go on, pick your poison." the Prophet said in a matter-a-fact tone, earning a heavy silence from the Priestess and a scoff from the merchant and Crestfallen Knight. "Well? Is that the path you want to take or not? Either way, you need to get the idea that your on easy street just because you survived the Catacombs out of your head. Out here, Undead earn their keep. Nothings going to be handed to you. So you either need to suck it up and put in your time with the rats or gather up your courage and risk your life on a more dangerous endeavor. The choice is yours."
Hearing this harsh truth, Reah's gaze lingered on the Prophet as she pursed her lips together in thought.
"U-Uh...Rats, was it?" Reah said hesitantly.
"Heh, heh, smart choice, Priestess." the Merchant mocked with a smile. "And if you need any weapons or armor, then you are a welcome customer here. Provided you bring plenty of souls, of course."
"She won't last a week." the Crestfallen Knight said lazily, causing Reah to look at him with wide eye's.
"I don't know, Crest. These are two fresh meat Undead." the Prophet added with a smile. "Might not even last three days before the Rats get the upper hand. "
"Hey." was all Reah could say in objection, earning a chuckle from the Prophet and Merchant, while the Crestfallen Knight settled for showing a whisper of a smirk.
"Kidding, kidding. You guys will be fine." the Prophet exclaimed. "Now, lets move on to where you should be headed and a few Do's-and-Don't's when you get there, shall we?"
Ruined Chapel
Walking with a calm, even stride, Velka made sure that she and the Cleric following behind her were out of earshot from the rest before turning on her heel and looking him in the eye's with her piercing gaze, causing him to swallow hard in anticipation of what she might say or do.
"So, Cleric, you appear to be quite lucky to still be alive." Velka started. "The Prophet has informed me that you and your friend have been through quite an ordeal."
Surprised at this sort of approach, Vince paused only for a moment before responding.
"Y-Yes, we... have both endured a horrifying experience." the Cleric said. "I'm not sure how long, but I think that I will be able to recover myself with tim-"
"Okay, that's enough of these pleasantries. I wish to keep this conversation brief." Velka interrupted, her voice suddenly taking on a threatening tone. "I don't care how you're doing. The Prophet has told me of your despicable actions when your ally was in need. I may not know that Priestess well, but if what I've been told is true and she came to your rescue even when you did not do the same, then you must obviously be important to her. If not for knowing that, I would have taken your pathetic life on the spot for your cowardice."
"W-W-What-"
"Silence!" Velka commanded in a dark, low tone, causing Vince to hastily close his mouth to cut off any words that may escape it. "I will only say this once. That woman. Your friend. From now on, you will appreciate and cherish her like she deserves. And If I discover that you have abandoned her once more, know that there will be no crypt or catacomb deep enough to hide you from the punishment I will inflict. Now, go show just how much you wish to make amends with actions and not words. For her sake...and yours."
With that last sentence spoken, Vince was left in a state of frozen fear as the Goddesses heated gaze never left his. That is until she released a small sigh and her shoulders relaxed. It had been quite some time since she had to behave in such a manner towards someone.
Leaving him with the look of fear plastered on his face, she proceeded to walk past him and move back to the Shrine where the Prophet was waiting, regaining her calm composure as she did so.
Firelink Shrine
Having long since finished explaining the placements of the Undead Rats to Reah, the Prophet honestly didn't know what to think when Vince and Velka walked free of the ruins, with Velka look just a pleased to see him as she normally would be and Vince looking as if he had just stared into the eye's of a demon.
"Uh...You wanna tell me why he looks as pale as a ghost right now, Vel?" the prophet questioned.
"Just gave him a bit of motivation to better himself is all. Nothing to concern yourself with." Velka said offhandedly. "Isn't that right, Vince?"
Catching on quickly that he was being told to keep his mouth shut, the thought of doing otherwise never even creeped into the Clerics mind.
"Y-Yes. Just words of motivation. Nothing more." Vince said nervously.
At this, the Prophet could only give a looked that showed just how much he didn't buy the obvious lie.
"I see. Must have been some pretty inspiring words to make you break into a cold sweat like that." the Prophet said in a tone that said he clearly wasn't buying their story, gaining nothing but tight lipped silence as a response. "Uh-huh. Well, considering that you're still alive and not on fire, I'm going to assume she took it easy on you."
"And you'd be correct. But now it is time to get back to the matter at hand." Velka stated seriously, before raising her hand and snapping her fingers. Before anyone could react, two bone thin and seemingly blinded creatures, each sporting a sort a spear like weapon in one hand, landed just behind the Goddess. "It is time for us to depart now, Prophet."
Seeing the two monstrosity's suddenly fall from no where and noting their very bloodied hands, every human in the Shrine could only stare in wide eyed surprise and fear. Though the Prophet himself was surprised more by their sudden appearance, rather than their physical characteristics. Once he'd eased out of that surprise, it was easy for him to see the humor and knowledge in what he was seeing.
"I assume you know what these are." Velka questioned.
"Bat Wing demons. Low ranking, lesser beings of their kind. Mainly used for transporting Undead and being really, really hard to look at." the Prophet explained as he eyed the creature boney spear with a devilish smirk on his face. "Also, their weapons are an incredibly rare find and looking at them up close, I'm feeling pretty confident in my chances."
"Correct on all accounts. But please refrain from attacking them. Their minds may be like putty in my hands, but they will not take any forms of aggression lightly." Velka explained. "Now, if you would simply hold still and remain calm, they will-"
"Wait, wait, wait. Just time out for a sec, Vel." the Prophet said
"What?" the Goddess replied, somewhat miffed about being interrupted so rudely.
"Heh, well...I need to ask a favor before we go." the Prophet laughed as he scratched the back of his head nervously.
"A favor?" Velka questioned. "And that would be?"
"Uh..well...I was kinda hoping you'd allow me a bit of an extension to go and explain things to Oscar and the others?" Kaylen asked with a smile.
Hearing this, Velka paused only for a moment before approaching the Prophet with the look of annoyance in her eye's as she fixed him with a hard stare.
"Do you think me a fool, Prophet? I have told you my lords order of what is to be done, have I not? And you think you can just continue to make request of me like this?" Velka said in a threatening tone, not unlike the one she used to confront Vince. "Perhaps I have been to lenient with you and allowed the idea that I can be manipulated to enter you mind."
"Come on, Vel, you know that's not it. I wouldn't betray your trust by doing something like that." the Prophet said honestly. "I just need to catch up to them and explain. They fought by my side and risked their lives with me, they deserve to know what's happening."
With that, a heavy silence fell across the Shrine, aside from the deep growls produced by the two demons.
Hardly anyone could believe what was transpiring in front of them. The Prophet was standing in front of the Goddess of Sin, who seemed very displeased by what she was hearing, and he didn't seem the slightest bit afraid of her. Very much unlike Vince, who was actually thinking of turning on his heel and running as far away from this situation as possible, but the memory of the Goddess threat from before kept him as rooted as a plant.
Staring only for a few moments more, Velka at last broke her stare and she released a deep sigh. Then, snapping her fingers one again and dismissing the demons, she spoke in a tired tone.
"I do not wish to have to use force to bring you with me, Prophet. I really don't. And I'm trying to be reasonable here, but I cannot keep delaying with my orders." Velka said lowly, almost in a sort of apologetic tone. "Ten minutes. That's all the time I'm going to allow. After that, we're leaving. No more favors, no more extension. If you refuse to comply with me after such time has passed, then I will do what I must. Understand?"
Giving a bright smile, the Prophet wrapped both his arms around Velka's body, bringing her into a warm embrace much to her and everyone else's surprise.
"Heh, heh, understood fully." the Prophet laugh, gaining wide eyed looks from everyone around him. "And please, there's no need to need to explain yourself. I know just how much I'm pushing my luck right now and I'm glad you've given me even this much time. Heh, after all, can't have your so called champion getting to much leeway, right?"
"CHAMPION?!" every human in Firelink Shrine unknowingly thought at the same time.
Releasing her from his hold, Velka's face was sporting a not so noticeable tint of red. For the life of her, she could never understand how he always managed to make her so flustered and sheepish.
"U-Uh...yes...well, I meant what I said, Prophet. So don't think a bit of cheerful smiling and positivity will change things should you fall short."
The Prophet seemed mostly unfazed by the Goddesses promising threat.
"You know, you try to hide it, but you should know your wings have a habit of flapping twice when you're pleased about something I do or say." the Prophet said with a smirk on his lips. "Its a cute little quirk of yours."
"And you should know that your time has already begun and you've just waste ten seconds." Velka said crossing her arms as her face took on a slightly redder tint, trying to maintain the air of seriousness against his cheerful personality.
"Well, guess there's no time for long goodbye's, then." Was all the Prophet said before he turned on his heel and faced his allies and friends.
"Reah, Vince, try not to get yourselves killed out there. Might not seem like it now, but you guys have potential. Stick close, watch each others backs and play things safe. It not about finishing, Its about making progress."
"Uh...Yes. We will not fail in our task." Reah said, still trying to come to terms with the fact that the man in front of her was the Champion of the Goddess of Sin. "May we meet again in the future, Prophet. Thank you for all you have done in helping us."
"No Problem." was all the Prophet said before turning towards the next two people on his mind. "Merchant, your one of the biggest rip off artist I've ever met, but for what you've done for Anastacia, I consider you a friend. That goes for you too, Cresty. If you ever decide to actually get off your ass and go on a questline, you can count me in."
"Uh, thank you? I think." the Merchant said, not sure exactly how to respond to the comment that was both an insult and acknowledgement.
"Would you please just leave already?" the Crestfallen Knight said in his usual annoyed, monotone. "And stop calling me cres-""
"And finally, Anastacia." was all the Prophet interrupted as he approached his favorite keeper. Saying nothing for a moment as they both stared into each others eye's. Then, all at once, the both laughed and smiled brightly as she quite literally leap into his arms.
"I will miss you, while you are gone. Do not forget your promise to me, okay?" the Keeper said as she snuggled closer to his person, intent on enjoying his warmth to the fullest. "This is not a goodbye."
"I haven't forgotten, Anna. I almost lost you before, but I won't let it happen again." the Prophet swore as he returned her hold in kind.
Seeing this, though she was not heartless nor blind to how much the keeper depended on the Prophet, Velka didn't appreciate how close and intimate she was behaving towards him. Giving two coughs to bring a bit of attention to herself, she spoke.
"That's two minutes, Prophet." she reminded.
"Heh, guess I'd better get going." The Prophet said brightly before releasing Anastacia from his embrace. Giving one last look into her blue orbs and smiling warmly, before turning on his heel and sprinting towards the hill that would take lead him towards Undead Burg.
"Honestly. One of these days I'm going to lose my patience with that man." Velka said out loud to herself.
"Uh..pardon me. Mistress Velka. I would ask a boon of thee." Anastacia said in a soft tone as she approached the goddess, who stood with the small bit of surprise on her face as the Keeper bowed her head to her. "Could you please...do what you can to protect the Prophet on his journey? I wish for him to remain safe and I believe you would be the best to help him return to me."
Hearing, Velka was quite honestly confused on what to think. The Keeper was displaying no attempt to manipulate her, nor insult her feelings for the Prophet. She was genially just asking for her help in keeping him safe. With knowing that she too felt something for the Prophet and is still able to ask something like this without hesitation, that was something she could only respect from another woman.
"Hmph. As If I need to be asked to protect what is mine." Velka said as she walked towards the edge of the cliff. "And I am no one's mistress, Keeper. Refer to me simply as Velka."
"Well...would you mind referring to me as Anastacia then?"
Turning back to her, the goddess saw that the Keeper was smiling brightly at this statement. As if she had just managed to make a new friend. Velka couldn't help but find it endearing and released a small scoff and smile of her own.
"Heh, you indeed make it very hard to dislike you." Velka admitted offhandedly. "Very well then, Anastacia. May we meet again in the future."
With that, the goddess stepped over the edge of the cliff, allowing herself to free fall for a moment or two before spreading her wings and allowing her body to be carried along the wind. Giving a few beats to allow herself to follow behind the Prophet and the magical trail left behind by the Book of the Guilty that he carried.
Undead Burg
Not wanting to waste even a second of time, the Prophet was quick to retrieve what he now dubbed the legacy mask and place it upon his face. Feeling the surge of strength, vitality and stamina flow through his body, it was child's play to dance around the swings of the Undead Knights that attempted to block his path. Not even taking the time to fight, he simply ran past each of them. Once he got far enough away and out of sight, their lost minds eventually lost interest or seemingly forgot his existence all together and simply shambled to their original post in a zombie like fashion.
Working his way, over the bridge where he first encounter the Drake, the Prophet quickly planned out the path he would take in his mind.
"This mask is Incredible. I've been moving without pause up a hillside and dodging the hollows left and right, and I'm not even breathing hard yet. If I keep up this pace, I should be able to make it to Lower Undead Burg, in about three minutes. Can't take the Drake on myself. Gonna have to take the long way arou-" the Prophets thoughts stopped when his eye's fell upon something that was actually good news for him for once. Moving at the top of the stairway a bit further ahead of him were three distinct forms. Its was the figures of Solaire, Siegmeyer and Oscar. They didn't look to be in the best of shape, as both Siegmeyer and Solaire were both trying to help carry Oscar on each of their shoulders along with their weapons and shields. But the Prophet didn't pay this any mind for he knew that whatever was wrong with them, the bonfire would fix it. Moreover, he very nearly jumped with excitement at the fortuitous circumstance that stood in front of him. "FINALLY! SOME GOOD NEWS!"
"Something you'd like to share?" Velka questioned telepathically having just arrived and landing on top of a nearby building.
"The guys I'm looking for are literally right ahead. Now all I have to do is get through these few hollows and tell the about..." the Prophet said in sudden realization of the fact that he was still faced with the issue of explaining why he was leaving with the actual Goddess of Sin to a group of men who had just been informed that the gods had effectively doomed the entire human race. "Aw, dammit, thats right."
"What's right?" Velka questioned, not seeing the problem.
"N-Nothing, its just...well...I'm gonna need you to stay out here for a bit, while I go in and explain things. Don't want them doing anything rash." the Prophet said. "I'll give you a signal when you can show yourself."
"Very well." Velka complied. "But know that this changes nothing. You have five minutes, Prophet."
Taking that last comment to heart, the Prophet proceeded forward, easily dodging and weaving his way through the Undead Hollows attacks and performing a barrel roll to evade the single arrow shot by the hollow that sat atop the stairs.
After rushing past the hollows, the Prophet was quick to make his way inside the tower and giving Oscar, Solaire and Siegmeyer a startling surprise as he moved past them all a made a beeline straight for the bonfire.
"Prophet?" Solaire said in surprise as he carried Oscar on one arm.
"One sec." the Prophet said without stopping, making his way towards the bonfire and using it to reset all the Undead Hollows that were but one moment more from charging through the tower and overwhelming everyone inside. The shock of it all was quick to wear off once the fog had cleared and the tower was empty once again. Turning around, removing his mask frim his face and stepping aside, the Prophet allowed the heavily wounded Oscar to limp away from Solaire and to use the bonfire to heal his broken body.
"I assume things didn't go well?" Kaylen questioned with concern.
"We...did not find even one those who you sent us to rescue." Oscar said with no small hint of shame. "We have failed in our task."
"What exactly happened?" the Prophet questioned, he was almost certain that Lower Undead Burg should have been nothing for the three of them to get through toghether. Did he underestimate the enemies there?
"We were moving through well enough when it was simply hollows we had to deal with. But there was some goat headed monstrosity further down the path." Solaire explained his voice failing to hide the bit of anger he was feeling. "It knocked us aside like we were nothing and was far stronger than anything I've ever seen before."
"The Capra Demon. I see. Its not something to be taken lightly." the Prophet said, mentally acknowledging that he was right in his assuming that the enemies may have been more powerful than he gave them credit for. "Still, its good to see no one was killed. But I'm afraid I don't have the time to hear the rest of the story of what happened. Things have...changed while you guys were gone."
The grave tone that escaped the Prophets lips caused all of them to give their full undivided attention.
"What do you mean things have changed? What's happened?" Oscar questioned, his mind immediately just to the worst case scenario. "Is it Anastacia?"
"No, no, Anna's fine. Its just...well...Okay, obviously there's no right way to say this." the Prophet said in a accepting tone, knowing that there was no use in putting it off any longer. "You can come in now."
Hearing this, the three warriors were put into a state of confusion. But after a moment had passed, they each stood with stupefied expressions on their face when a woman wearing a silk white dress, and piercing yellow split eye's fell from above the entrance and casually walk inside the tower.
"Guys...this is Velka. The Goddess of Sin." the Prophet said plainly.
If the three Knights were stupefied simply by her appearance, then the most appropriate term to describe their reaction at the announcement of her true identity would be flabbergasted. Each one of them unable to fully process what they'd just heard. Standing before them was not only one of the gods, but one of the most powerful and most feared.
"But...But how? How did you-? How is this possible?" Solaire said, his mind screaming for answers, yet still unable to come to terms with what was in front of him. "You were let alone for but a few hours."
"She's been watching me since I first arrived in Undead Burg with Oscar. Its a long story on how things lead to the situation right now, but I'm here to tell you guys that...I'm going to have to leave with her." the Prophet explained.
"Leave? With a god?" Siegmeyer spoke, finally finding his voice through his confused thoughts. "For what purpose?"
At this, the last and final knight, Oscar, had finally awaked from his stupor and allowed his mind to return to what the Prophet had told them before. Of how the gods betrayed mankind, of how they all continued to suffer under their thumb while they sit comfortably in their damned golden city.
"Isn't it obvious what someone of their kind would want?" Oscar said with a glare forming on his face. "They want to use his foresight to their own ends."
"Oscar, wait. Its not that simple. I'm going with her by choice." the Prophet explained. "Its much sooner than I could have ever planned, but I'm going to ask Gwyndolin for their help in saving the world."
"THEIR HELP?!" Oscar shouted angrily. "LOOK AROUND YOU. DON'T YOU THINK THEY'VE HELPED ENOUGH?!"
"Listen, I know your angry, but-"
"Angry? That doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about these monsters." Oscar said as he drew both his sword and shield and leveled them towards the winged goddess, causing a threatening glare to come across her face. "All the bloodshed, all of our suffering. Family, friends, comrades, everything we've all lost to this damned curse, Its all there fault! And you want to go crawling to them begging for help?!"
"I can't change what's been done in the past, Oscar. But the reality is that four people aren't enough to stand up against what's coming."
Oscar barely even took notice of what the Prophet was saying anymore, his heated gaze fixed solely on the woman standing behind him. Velka in turn did not seem the slightest bit put off by his heated remarks. Though it was worth noting that she did return a glare of her own.
"You soulless coward. It must amuse you to no end to be able to maintain to rule over us like this. To reduce us to the pathetic state of hollows with your damned curse, while you remain untouched. Do you even know all the damage you've done!" Oscar demanded to know. "Well, no more. I am Oscar of Astora. And right here, right now, I'm going to end your pathetic existence."
Hearing this, the Prophets eye's took on their demonic yellow hue. Unable to allow something like this to happen, he stepped directly in-between Oscar's blade and Velka.
"Oscar, stop this." the Prophet said in a tone that showed just how serious he was about him point a blade towards his Goddess. "You need to wait and let me explain."
Hearing this and seeing the person who he had considered no less than a brother stand between him and justice for all those who have suffered, Oscar's anger swelled to new heights. He felt as if right now, the Prophet had betrayed everything they all stood for and chose to side with the gods over humanity.
"What did you just say?" Oscar growled. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?! WHY WOULD I WAIT TO DELIVER JUSTICE UPON EVEN ONE OF THEIR HEADS?!"
At this, the Prophet said nothing. Right now, he could not deny that his comrades words were starting to get a rise from his anger as well. He did not wish to fight Oscar, but he could not let him threaten Velka's life. She had suffered just as much as anyone had.
"STAND ASIDE! I'M GIVING HER WHAT SHE DESERVES!" Oscar shouted, meaning every bitter word spoken.
With that, nothing was said between the two. It seemed that they had both chosen their paths and were intent to stand by them. There would be no more words between them, a battle was almost assured.
That is until Velka placed a hand upon the Prophet shoulder and spoke in a calm tone.
"That's enough, Prophet. Though your loyalty is appreciated and has been noted, I am no damsel in distress." Velka said as she took a step forward to face the Knight that had so brazenly threatened her. "I can take care of myself."
"Velka, wait-" the Prophet started
"Silence." Velka said to the Prophet with finality, leaving no room for debate on this manner. "You. Human. Tell me, does this amuse you? Spitting upon the deaths and sacrifices of not just my people, but of your own?"
"What?" Oscar said, somewhat caught off guard by this line of questioning.
"It must be so easy to curse us and place blame after the fact. I wonder where such a pathetic man such as yourself was when it really mattered. Where were you villages were swarming with demons, left and right. When the Darkwraiths were draining the life of every man woman and child they could get their hands on. When the humans turned on one another like animals. Where, I wonder, were you and you pathetic sense of self righteousness. Because I can tell you who was there, fighting and dying to keep your kind safe...and for all our effort, look where its gotten us. Look at the thanks we receive for laying down our lives and making the hard decisions."
At this, there was silence for a few moments. The weight and severity of the goddess words sank deep within the three knights souls.
"How dare you? You think that your suffering justifies ours? Look at all that you've-"
"WE DID WHAT WE HAD TO DO TO SAVE WHAT WE COULD!" Velka shouted in outrage, her dark flames reacting to her emotion, burning just above her flesh and clothing, as her eye's gave off an ominous yellow glow. Staring upon this dark visage, each knight suddenly felt an immense pressure fall upon their shoulders. "I will not allow you to insult the deaths of so many and brand us as tyrants so blatantly. You think I'm threatened by your feeble weaponry? With my power, I am unlike anything you could ever hope to defeat. I could incinerate the flesh from your bones before you drew another breath. I could...but I will not. For you are someone dear to the Prophet and luckily for you, I care for him far too much to hurt him in such a way."
"Wait, you...what do you mean you care for the Prophet?" Solaire said in confusion.
Letting her anger and her flames die down, the Goddess answered the Sunlight warriors question in a somewhat neutral tone.
"Allow me to put it in terms you'll understand." was all she said before turning on her heel, walking up to the Prophet and then placing a kiss upon his lips, much to his surprise. Letting her lips linger upon his, Oscar, Solaire and Siegmeyer could only watch in wide eyed astonishment and disbelief at what they were seeing. When they parted, Velka looked the Prophet directly in his eye's as he spoke. "Hmph. I would have thought that I would be used to this by now, but your touch still has a way of both easing my nerves and igniting my heart, Prophet."
"Velka, you just made this a lot more complicated." the Prophet said once his thoughts came back to him.
"Oh, right, because the way you were doing things was going so well." Velka said sarcastically.
Turning his gaze away from the Goddess, the Prophet watched as his friends struggled to decide what to say next.
"You've got to be kidding me." Siegmeyer said incredulously.
"I... don't think I know what to say." Solaire remarked dumbfounded.
Oscar took a few moments more than the rest to fully accept and understand what he had just seen.
"You-...You just-...What the hell did you do while we were gone?' Oscar said in disbelief. "What is this?"
"Well, like I said, its complicated." the Prophet responded.
"Then uncomplicate it!" Oscar said, stepping forward.
At this, the Prophet remained silent for a few moment before giving a tired sigh, relaxing the tension he was feeling as best he could, before he spoke.
"Look, this...started when I died. She was waiting for me back at the bonfire when I revived and attempted to persuade me to hep the gods in their...endeavors. I refused her. So she went back to Anor Londo and tried to dig up dirt on my past and found nothing." the Prophet explained. "Apparently, that made her a bit interested in me. She followed me around, liked what I'd been doing and the rest of what happened between us is history. She then told Gwyndolin about who I am and what I can do, so now he demands I be brought to him. That's pretty much the short version of it. I wanted to tell you before, but with the information I already told you regarding the past, I felt I couldn't just yet."
"So you chose to hide it from us because you felt we couldn't handle it? Well, no more, Prophet." Siegmeyer said gravely. "No more secrets. No more half truths. Tell us everything that you've hiding."
"Its not that simple. There's just...too many answers." the Prophet tried to explain. "I wouldn't even know where to start."
"Lets start with what the gods want from you." Siegmeyer said, refusing to back down from the subject. "You said they wanted your help, right? What exactly do they want you help with?"
"Look...I can't tell-"
"Prophet.." Siegmeyer interrupted. "You once asked us to trust you. And we told you we would. That meant we trusted you to lead us through thick and thin without question. And that I've trusted you to guide me and help in the rescue of my daughter. But now, we need you to return that trust. Tell us what's going. We can take it."
Hearing this, the Prophets gaze lingered over each and every one of his friends. He didn't need Oscar or Solaire to speak to know that they stood behind what Siegmeyer said completely. Though he knew the truth was nothing more than a heavy burden to bear on one's shoulders and that they would likely be better off not knowing, he knew he could not deny them right now.
"Alright. I'll tell you. But understand that I didn't hide this because I didn't trust you. I did it because I know the weight of knowing the truth could have upon you and I wanted to spare you of that." the Prophet started, preparing himself for what he was about to say. "I told you all before about what Gwyn had done with the First Flame and the appearance of the Chosen Undead. But you all never thought to ask me the purpose of the Chosen Undead or what it really means to hold that mantel."
"Be wary of what you say, Prophet." Velka warned with a hint of sympathy. "Lest I be forced to take action to maintain our secrecy."
"Velka, I know each of these men like the back of my hand. What I have to say will only drive them further towards understanding what has to be done." the Prophet said. "You have nothing to lose and only more to gain."
At this, Velka hesitated. Could she trust that? She was confident that the Prophet would not lie to her, but this was exactly what lord Gwyndolin had feared would happen. The Prophet spreading their plan among the masses and bringing everything crumbling down around them. But if he was telling the truth, then there was the possibility that these three knight may possibly become willing candidates to succeed Gwyn's place in the Kiln.
Considering this, she made the decision to allow the Prophet to speak as he wished and would judge whether or not to eliminate the humans depending on their actions afterword's.
Taking her silence as approval that he could speak once again, the Prophet continued to explain the dire situation of the world.
"The world is broken, guys. Shattered and crumbling from the inside. With each passing second, we grow closer and closer towards our destruction. The only way to stave off this end...is to offer up a sacrifice."
Hearing this, the three Knights eye's went wide with surprise as their minds lingered over that one word and what it could mean for them.
"What?" Solaire exclaimed. "A sacrifice?"
"Yes. This all originates from the First Flame, Gwyn's actions in trying to keep it alight and the Primordial Serpents. As I told you before, when Gwyn offered himself to the First Flame, it changed it. In a sense, you could say that it was pushed past it limits. I don't think it was ever meant to be the way it is now. But now that Gwyn had altered it, the Old Light demands to be appeased. To do that requires that a powerful undead, one with a nearly unbreakable will, to offer himself to the Flames just as Gwyn did. If not, the fires will die out and that creeping Abyss that's been bidding its time will take all. That is what it means to take up the mantel of Chosen Undead."
At hearing this, Solaire's grip upon his weapon tightened as the Prophets words brought forth the reality he had been hiding.
"So that's it. The role of the Chosen Undead. To rise forward, defeat any challenge set before him and emerge strong enough that his very being is used to safeguard the world." the Warrior of the Sun said. "I see now."
"You fail to note the bigger issue, Solaire." the Prophet said lowly. "True, with you in Gwyn's place in the flame, things will return to normal for a great length of time. You'd have to be an incredibly powerful undead to even hope to reach Gwyn and it follows that the more powerful you are, the longer burn and the longer peace will last. That's the role of a Primordial Serpant named Frampt. To find the Undead who will burn the longest and lead him to his fate. But by burning in Gwyn's place, you must ask yourself what purpose it truly serves."
"What do you mean?" Solaire said. "The purpose is to protect the world from darkness, isn't it? To save countless lives."
"Yes, but what you need to know is that no matter how strong willed you are or how many souls you gather, the First Flame will always inevitably fade. That means that though you may give the world and its people peace for a time, the curse will simply rise again at a later date and put us back at square one. That means that over and over again, the world will be thrown into chaos. Death and madness will pour over the land with only a handful of people knowing why. All the while, there will be nothing they can do to stop it, other than wait and hope that a strong undead appears and starts the whole thing over again. So though it is true that the Chosen Undead rises to the needs of others, it can hardly be called anything other than a brief respite. Gwyn was powerful enough to defeat the ancient dragons and even he was reduced to a husk by the end. But, of course, what's the alternative? Listen to Kaathe and his bullshit of the "True path of man"?
"Kaathe? Who is that?" Velka questioned, actually gaining a look of surprise from the Prophet.
"Wait, you don't know who Kaathe is?" the Prophet questioned. "The second Primordial Serpent?"
"No, I do not. Care to enlighten me?" Velka said
"Simply put, he's a liar and a manipulator, just like the rest of his kind. He preaches the gospel of the Abyss and wants to do whatever he can to ensure it succeeds and spread to every corner of the world." the prophet said, earning dark looks from each and every one of his friends, including Velka. "He believes that the Chosen Undead should kill Gwyn and allow the First Flame to fade, promising that with its end will come the so called "Age of Man". But I've seen what the Abyss does to humans. The horrible monstrosity's it turned the citizens of Oolacilel into is proof enough to me that the Dark is no place for Man or God to thrive in. Listening to the creature is something only an idiot would do."
"I see now. One Serpent tell us truth and the other tells us lies, but they are both trying to manipulate us to their own ends." Oscar said in disgust as his grip upon his sword tightened. "But if what you say is true...then it doesn't matter what we do. If we take Gwyn's place, we will just be briefly delaying the inevitable end. But If we let the flame fade, the darkness will come that much sooner. There is...no winning this fight then."
With that finality said aloud, each knights gaze fell to the ground. Truly, this was not something that was easy to hear for any of them.
"It not hopeless." Velka said stepping forward. "Think what you will of my kind, but we are still working to keep everything together. Aid us. Together with the Prophets sight, everyone can continue to live."
"This isn't living, this is just...not dying. There's a difference." Oscar replied lowly, the absolute helplessness clear in his voice. "How are we to change anything like this?"
"There you go, Oscar. Now your starting to ask the right questions. How can we change anything? What could possibly fix all this? Well, the answer is actually quite simple." the Prophet said cryptically, gaining the attention of everyone in the tower. "Its me. I'm the key to all of this."
"What?" Velka questioned. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that the second I was released from the Undead Asylum, the end of all of this had already begun. That's my role in all this. My purpose." the prophet explained, confusing everyone that stood around him. "To understand this, you need to understand that I was never meant to be here. And I don't mean that as in "I was never meant to be in Lordran." or "I made a wrong choice and somehow wound up at the wrong place.", I mean it in a sense that I should literally not exist right now. Its difficult to explain it further beyond that, but lets just say that I'm an anomaly in fates grand design. A walking impossibility. My very being is something that is capable of drastically changing the course fate on a whim."
This statement caused everyone to stare at the Prophet in wild disbelief.
"Prophet, though your powers are indeed noteworthy, what your saying just doesn't make any sense." Solaire said, unsure of how he should react to hearing any of this and he wasn't alone in this feeling. "One person cannot simply...come into being."
Hearing this, a confident smile graced the Prophets lips.
"Heh, I guess it would make more sense to show you rather than explain." the Prophet laughed.
FWOOOOSH
His pyromancy flaring up at his will, now surrounding the Prophets hand was a blazing black flame the gnawed at his flesh with each passing second. Though with slightly gritted teeth, he was able to suppress the pain he felt.
"This is Velka's pyromancy. The Pyromancy of the Goddess of Sin. No human should be able to have power like this." the Prophet explained. "She help me fight off what remained of a dragon and in the process of fighting it, I managed to somehow take a portion of her power and make it my own through sheer mental will. This is what happens when I've only just begun to discover the depths of what I can do. But its clear that I can learn, create and warp pyromancy, miracle and sorcery with nothing more than pure emotion and willpower. I honestly don't know the full extent of how far I'm able to go. And I'm not the only one with these capabilities. You all hold to the power to grow just as strong."
"Us? We have the power to do things like that?" Siegmeyer asked.
"Of course, Siegmeyer. We are all connected." the Prophet explained gravely. 'I don't fully understand how far, but by coming into contact with me, each of you have the capabilities to grow far beyond human boundaries. Fate no longer has a hold on you. In fact, you all were already were destined to play prominent roles in the Chosen Undead's fate. So much so, that even without my interference, you could all have been considered monsters yourselves."
"That explains it then. What happened with the demon." Oscar said ominously, gaining everyone's attention. "It toyed with us like we were nothing. I pushed me aside with a blow that showed me the clear difference between us. But then something happened to me. I was suddenly filled strength and purpose I never knew. I felt compelled to stand and defy the beast to the very end. "
"He's telling the truth. I saw the whole thing. It was like he was a completely different person. He brought the beast that none of us could even put a scratch on to its knee's in a matter of moments. It was incredible." Siegmeyer said remembering every detail of the battle. "Your saying that this was because we're meant for something more in all of this?"
At hearing this, Velka shuddered. The revelation of the true nature of the Prophets abilities was beyond anything she had expected. She knew that he did indeed have an unheard of ability regarding pyromancy, but if what he spoke was true, then right now he was but a pup who has yet to grow. And though she wished she did not, one side of her, the side that served Anor Londo without question, the side that would bear the blood of countless others in the name of the greater good, forced a thought to her mind.
"If he speaks the truth, then it is my duty to put a stop to him. He threatens the order we have worked so diligently to maintain. Before he can realize his potential, I must kill him here and now. Slay him as many times as it takes. If I don't, his abilities may one day exceed my own and his fangs may reach Lord Gwyndolin's throat. I cannot take that chance."
But the other side of her, the side that cared for the Prophet, the side that cherished every moment that they spent together, begged her to find another way to deal with this. Or at the very least, give herself dobt that what he was saying could not possibly be true.
"Prophet...retrieve the Catalyst you held with you before." Velka commanded.
"Why?" the Prophet asked.
"Do not question me, just do it." Velka said.
Doing as she asked, the Prophet pulled the long, wooden Catalyst free from his satchel and held it in one hand.
"Okay. Now raise it above your head and heed my instructions. Imagine that all the world gathers in your hands and becomes a circle." Velka directed, the absurdity of what she was doing not lost upon her. He had told her that he had never learned any sorcery, so if he did indeed speak the truth about his power, then this was the perfect opportunity to test it.
The Prophet, though very confused as to why she was asking him to do this, complied with her demands. Staring hard at the Catalyst, he chanted her words over and over in his mind like a mantra.
"All the world...gathers in my hand and creates a circle..." the Prophet chanted mentally, his mind focusing solely on this one command. "...Create...a circle..."
After a few moments of silence, Velka could not hold back a gasp of surprise as a blue light suddenly began to take form around the Catalyst body before coming to a head at the top of the staff and forming a small, floating blue sphere.
His curiosity egging him on, the Prophets eye's narrowed at the blue sphere.
Soul Arrow
Elementary sorcery.
Fire a soul arrow.
Soul arrows inflict magic damage, making them
effective against iron armor, tough scales,
and other physically resilient materials.
"I don't believe it." Velka said in shock. her eye's wide with astonishment. "What you just did should have taken at least half a month of diligent practice and study...and you did it using nothing vague instruction. No books, no prior knowledge. You just...willed it through focus?"
"That proves it. The Prophet is far more than he appears and if what he says is true, then we are indeed meant for something more. The only question left is what that "Something" is." Solaire said, his hope becoming reignited by the Prophets words and actions. "And there is no doubt in my mind that it has something to do with the plan you speak so highly of. You have already revealed this much, Prophet. No point in holding back the last piece of the puzzle."
At this, everyone's focus sharpened back upon the Prophet. How could they all have forgotten that one crucial piece of information? The fact the he claimed that he himself held the solution to everything.
"And so we get to the true matter of all of this. My plan. Before you can understand that, know that this time, here and now, is the forefront of everything. All things considered, my being here at this point in time is a golden opportunity. But above all...know that moving forward is to invite pain upon yourself." the Prophet said gravely and truthfully. "There's no other warriors, no one else whose going to do this if we don't. Everyone standing here right now is effectively the best and last solution for the world. But, just like myself, you all have the choice to walk away. No one's going to force you forward and I wouldn't blame you if you decide to walk away right now."
"Prophet, we-" Oscar started.
"Wait. Let me be clear about this before you answer. There is no glory waiting at the end. No one will sing praise for what's going to be done. The creatures that will be faced are of the darkest of existence and are some of the most powerful. Its going to be a journey that will attempt to break you completely and make no mistake, if you can't hold strong, It will break you." the Prophet stressed, not holding anything back. "So I'll say it again. No one is going to force you forward and I won't blame you, nor resent you if you choose to walk away right now. I'll even give you whatever information you ask of me before you leave. So right here, right now, I want each of you think clearly...and make your choice."
The three Knights looked at one another, each one allowing the Prophets words to sink deeply into their minds. Hearing it like this, it was more than understandable why the Prophet chose to keep it to himself. They could only imagine what he planned to do to fix such a problem. But with grim determination and heavy hearts, they each gave a small nod to one another before turning their eye's back towards the Prophet.
"I am a warrior of the Sun, Prophet. It is my duty and honor to stand in defiance of the darkness that looms overhead." Solaire said boldly. "I will not turn back. You have my blade."
"My daughter is my life. Her future and safety is my greatest concern. You have convinced me that you can be trusted to save her and to end this curse that afflicts us." Siegmeyer said without missing a beat. "I will stand with you against all odds and we will prevail."
"Prophet...brother...if you think that after hearing all that, I'd just walk away leave the burden for you to carry, then your even more of a fool then I thought. If there is a chance for us to be freed from the curse of undeath, then I will choose to walk into this hell at your side." Oscar said resolutely. "Let us give no quarter to any beast or demon that stands in our path. Now tell us...what's the plan?"
As a man faced with the reality of facing solidarity, the Prophet would be lying if he said he wasn't moved by the words each of them spoke. When all was said and spoken truthfully, they were all still here. Each one of them still willing to fight with him despite the danger and the circumstances that they would be walking into.
"Heh, well then, I guess there's no need to keep things to myself any longer. I'll tell you all the-"
The Prophets words were suddenly caught in his throat as a strange sharp, cold feeling suddenly shot through his entire being. What was this sensation? It could only be described as his instincts suddenly shocking to life and putting him on high alert. His mind shot into a flurry of questioning of what had suddenly brought about this reaction?
It was then that the answer hit him.
The air around his body suddenly felt so...heavy. This indisputable feeling of coldness and dread spread over every inch of his body. Once his mind had regained a small amount of consciousness of what was happening around him, it was obvious that each of his friends ad allies felt the same as he did in that moment. Each one of them standing stiff and rigid, the grips on their weapons tightening. Even Velka stood wide eyed as the feeling had hit her just as hard as it hit the rest.
Before anyone could offer a word of questioning, the source of the feeling reared its ugly head as the light of the burning yellow sun slowly began to die away and the bright illumination of the moon broke free from the dark skies, its pale light casting shadows that refused to be defined.
In utter disbelief at what was happening, both the Prophet and Velka bolted free from the tower, the sight of the full moon sending a cold shiver down both of their spines as only they knew what its appearance symbolized.
"This...can't be." were the only words that Velka could utter as his mind came to terms with what he was seeing.
"Prophet, what is this?" Solaire asked as he and the rest of his allies stepped free to gaze upon the moonlit sky themselves.
"It means Gwyndolin's been angered." the Prophet said, his mind already at work trying to piece the mystery together. "But that can only mean...Anor Londo has been attacked."
ALRIGHT, BRO'S. THIS IS WHERE IM GONNA LEAVE THINGS HANGING! JUST A FEW LITTLE PARTING WORDS!
You heard things right, boys. Anor Londo's gone dark and for what I've got planned, shit has hit the fan up there. I've decided to shake things up waaaay off the rails. Its the perfect way to get the prophet some brownie point with the gods and is definitely something that I'm sure most people won't see coming. But I got a feeling that the hardcore lore fans got a pretty good idea of what's happening already. I'll only give a hint by saying that this event has happened before in-game. :)
Also, I hope you all liked the small display of loyalty the Prophet showed towards Velka. I like to think that they both have grown to a point where he would definitely defend her in a manner like that if the moment came.
As a last note, Oscar, Solaire and Siegmeyer are going to be getting their major power spikes soon in this story. I've got my ideas for what I wanna do, but I'd love to hear what you guys think their little boost should be.
So that's all I have to say regarding this chapter conclusion guys.
As always, feel free to leave a review and tell me what you guys thought about this chapter of the story. You think it was a good idea for the Prophet to come clean? Should Velka have been a bit more hesitant to allow the truth to come out? Should she allow humans who know the truth to roam free unchecked? Honest opinions are always appreciated as I'm always looking to improve my style of writing to make this story a bit more interesting for you guys. so don't be shy in telling me you thoughts about how things are going so far. Outside opinion will have a huge effect on how this story will play out.
This is Supreme Gamer, Signing out.
P.S. Everybody get hype for the Prophet epic-ness that's going down in the next chapter.