Alright. After a couple of chapters, I decided to do something that I haven't done for a while. That is writing an original chapter. Ash cannot follow the main cast everywhere. He needs to have his own space and I thought why not do it now. Let's see how it goes like and THIS WILL BE the final chapter of 2023 for Embers of Remnant.

Dark Souls: Embers of Remnant Volume II

Seventeen

Hanging out with an Old Friend

Two weeks have passed since Ash arrived in Atlas alongside Teams RWBY and JNR. Since then, they have been assisting the military by whatever means while doing huntsmen and huntress missions. Well, only the teams were doing it. The Unkindled thought differently.

Rather than assisting in protecting the Global Communication Project, he resorted to using his time by doing jobs around Mantle. Despite the others' protests that he should do the same to protect the site, he bluntly told them there were enough people to do that job. Still, that does not mean he gets to do missions around the old city of Atlas due to the decisions put on him by Clover and Ironwood.

Right now, he is with Weiss and Ruby near the location of the mine that they liberated. The Unkindled swung his Wolf Knight Sword upwards of a Sabyr Grimm that was immediately killed in an instant before using the Wolf Knight's Greatshield to block an attack from a Cenitaur that spat green acid at him. Luckily, the shield proved effective, but that doesn't mean it didn't sustain minor damage. Quickly stabbing the Grimm in the gut, he turned to see a Manticore quickly dashing towards him. Pulling the sword out, he was about to face it; a giant white Greatsword slammed into its back, which was quickly killed.

Ash was caught off guard by this but quickly knew who did it as he saw an apparition of a giant armoured individual, which immediately made him reminisce of his two encounters with the Dragonslayer Armour. He heard two footsteps and saw the two members of RWBY walking towards him. Weiss had a disappointed look on her face. "Really, Ash? We're supposed to work in a team, yet you killed most of them by yourself?"

He seemed different when he heard that. "You and Lady Ruby had your fair share of eliminating Grimm, right?"

This causes the former Heiress to pout at his words. "Do you really have to be that blunt?"

The young leader had a different thought. "Ah well, at least we managed to secure the site?"

"Indeed," Ash nodded as he put his sword and shield in his back and turned away from the two. "I'll be going back to Atlas. Your sister wants me to train with her, Lady Weiss."

Hearing that tone raised a question in Ruby's mind. "Does that mean you get to—"

"Unfortunately, no. I have other priorities." He interrupted, although it wasn't through a rude tone. But instead, it was Ash's unemotional one, which they and everyone else were trying to get used to. "I'll see you two there." With that, he walked away from the two teenagers.

Weiss let out an irritated sigh as she facepalmed to what she heard. "He always says that to us whenever we can ask. We don't see him until the next day or two. Even for a whole week! Doesn't he rest!?"

Her leader curiosity tilted her head at that. "I don't know, Weiss. Whenever we see him, he starts another mission in Mantle or begins training with your sister or the other Ace Operatives."

The former Heiress lifted her head when her sister was mentioned. "About that…"

-Scene Change-

The sound of swords clashing at one another in the training room in Atlas Academy as Ash held the Wolf Knight's Greatsword in both hands while Winter had individual blades in each arm. The Unkindled did not expect her to utilize such weaponry as he only dealt with a handful of enemies who dual-wielded such weapons. Seeing an opening, the Unkindled pushed Winter back and swung the sword from the right. However, as her blade got closer, the elder Schnee jumped, which prevented her from getting hit by Ash's weapon. As she descended, she swung her short sword back into the longer one. Seeing that it was in a position he could exploit, the Unkindled lowered his blade and flicked his left wrist, which somehow managed to parry her attack.

Winter tumbled backwards, though she remained standing as she used her weapon to prevent her from falling. A minute later, she sheathed her blade into her side and looked at him. "You did well like the other times. However, the way you stand and use your blade to block your attacks can be exploited by your opponents. Try to use the footing I showed you, and you'll see the difference."

"Understood." He nodded before taking the stance that the Schnee Specialist did. He held the handle of his weapon with both hands, and sure enough, he felt a significant difference.

Ash was becoming a better swordsman quicker than she thought. Still, she was impressed by how he managed to adapt to fight against her in their first training session. However, she couldn't help but comment on his swings, which had sometimes caught her off guard. "He hits harder than most Grimms, I thought. Even harder than Elm. I suppose it has to do with his aura." She straightened herself and placed her hands on her back as she began to speak to him. "Training's over. You are dismissed."

"…" He didn't reply as he put his sword onto his back and walked past her to exit the room. On the way, he passed by Weiss, who didn't seem to care about her presence.

Witnessing the Unkindled leaving the training ground, the former Heiress looked back at her beloved sister. "How did your training go with Ash?"

Winter smiled back at her young sister. "Better. Although, he's adapting to every move I've given him. Even my summons, which I didn't expect him to just eliminate in one hit. Are you ready for training?"

"I am, the younger Schnee nodded to her, and she eventually pulled out Myrtenaster to begin training.

-Scene Change-

Ash trekked through the hallways as he had enough time to see his close friend. As he was outside the room, the door immediately opened to reveal the Firekeeper, who seemed to have been waiting for him. "Ah. 'Tis been a week, Ashen One."

"Apology, my friend," Ash spoke to her with a bit of remorse. "I got too caught up with my work."

"A week without any rest is not a healthy routine." She reminded her close friend. "Though, I understand why." She moved away from the doorway to allow the Unkindled inside the room.

When he stepped in, the door was immediately shut. He sat on a chair while the Firekeeper sat on the bed before beginning to speak. "Thou must have little time for such interactions."

He let out a sigh while putting his hands together. "I know. I just want Lady Ruby and the others to do their own thing without me. But lately, it seemed they want me to join them."

The Firekeeper could see why. "Thou art friends with them, correct?"

He nodded at her question. "Yes. Although, it isn't out of trust yet."

"I see." She said before another topic came to mind. "And how goes thy training?"

It was something that the Unkindled had a mixed opinion on. "Specialist Schnee and the Ace Operatives are formidable fighters. They caught me off guard in the first few training sessions, though with the Ace Ops, it's mainly due to their leader' good luck' semblance. Granted, their moves were predictable when I trained with them more."

"And what do you think of their Semblances?" She asked.

Ash was in his thoughts when he thought about it. "Aside from their leaders, there the Faunus who can make a person slow by pointing his finger and saying 'stay'. The smallest of the bunch has super-speed while generating electricity. The buff one can produce roots with her feet by using her aura. The quiet one can grow vines from both arms and legs, which is ironic since the user's name is Vine." He can't help but chuckle at that remark. "I must say they're unique, although I cannot help but wonder why they rely too much on their semblances.

"Perhaps 'tis like thee, relying on getting killed over and over until thou art victorious?" The Firekeeper suggested, putting two and two together.

The Unkindled bitterly chuckled at her remark since he had only died once since his awakening. "Perhaps you're right. It's just my opinion. They are the best in all of Atlas. Although, I can't help but wonder if they are truly the best or if it's just a boast."

"Then you should not delve into it too much, Ashen One." She told him. "You are what you are. A humble, experienced, and wise warrior who inspires others. Look at Team RWBY and their friend. Though you have not interacted much with them, they are training even more. Thou hath notice?"

Again, Ash was in his thoughts and knew Ruby and the others were training to become better. To be on his level. "I'm aware. I want them to be the best on their own terms, not mine." Not wanting to get deep into the conversation, he got up and walked towards the doorway to get something for the Firekeeper to eat. "You must be hungry. Do you want anything from the canteen?"

It was at this moment that the Firekeeper decided to ask something. "Actually, there is something that I want to ask thee?"

He shifted his body to face his close friend. "What is it?"

The Firekeeper curled up her lips at the thought of her answer. "Wouldst thou take me around the city of Mantle?"

That immediately grabbed his attention, which momentarily caught him by surprise. "And is there any reason?"

"Spending time with thee could be a moment of relaxation. Atlas would be alright, though Mantle seemed a perfect option to spend, and they do not have rude and self-entitled individuals." The Firekeeper answered. "Wouldst thou…grant my request?"

The Unkindled rubbed his nape when thinking about that. He hasn't spent much time with her since their reunion over a week ago. Truth be told, he felt ungrateful for how he abandoned her to do the task he did. Without a second of thought, he gave his answer to her. "I will."

The Firekeeper was grateful to hear this. "Thank you for granting my request." She held her hand up to allow her dear Ashen One to pull her to her feet before the two walked out of the room to explore the city together.

-Scene Change-

A pair of feet touched the cold surface as the Firekeeper and Ash walked through Mantle. She saw him giving her a few glances. "Something bothering thee?"

"People are looking at us," Ash told her with the tone of the reason why.

"Perhaps 'tis out of confusion and curiosity." She assumed.

"Point taken." He spoke so calmly that it even made her laugh softly despite the blunt remark he made.

The two continued to trek within the city. As they did so, the Unkindled couldn't help but sense a familiar misery from the people compared to those on the floating island. It was a look he hadn't seen since his time in the Kingdom of Lothric. As much as he wanted to think about it, he knew it would only put off his time with the Firekeeper. He was brought to his senses when he felt his Faraam's left Cuff being pulled on and immediately shifted to his friend. "What is it?"

She pointed to a building, the words' Mantle's Dining' being seen at the top of the entryway. "There's a smell that caught my attention. May we try such a thing?"

Ash silently chuckled, remembering how she had always told him she wanted to try trivial things back in Firelink Shrine. Without a single thought, he gave his answer. "Sure, why not. If you want it, then I won't argue."

The two entered the dining. As the bell rang and the two stepped foot in, a girl in a waitress uniform came up to them, though she was caught off by their unusual attire. "Hello. Welcome to Mantle's Dining. How many of you."

"It's just the both of us." Ash simply told her.

The Waitress smiled at the two. "Aw. Aren't you on a date or something?" Hearing that made the Unkindled stare at her. Despite having the helmet on, she couldn't help but feel nervous around him. "R-right. Come with me before I take your order."

They followed the girl to a table with few people around them. Ash sat on one end of the table, whereas the Firekeeper sat opposite. The woman handed the menus to them. "Here are our menus. Take your time off which one would suit you."

That is good, but Ash thought of something other than the food and drink choices. "Actually, how about you surprise the both of us?" He collected the menus and gave them back to the Waitress.

She was taken aback by his words. Eventually, she smiled at them. "Sure. It'll be with the two of you in a couple of minutes." She turned around but stopped to look at them. "You know, you two make such a beautiful couple."

With the Waitress not gone, Ash couldn't help but facepalm what the woman had said while shaking his head. "Why does she think we're dating?"

"Perhaps she is trying to tease us." The Firekeeper had an assumption as to why. "Ashen One, why you didn't pick an option?"

The Unkindled looked at her. "It's our first time in such a place. Due to our…unique background, I considered doing little interaction before curiosity got the better of her."

The Firekeeper seemed to understand why he had done such action. Still, she didn't want to see him being totally isolated from society. "Ashen One, 'tis alright if they become too curious."

He released a breath upon hearing that. "I know."

Both didn't utter a word to one another. If there was a common thought they had, both could not think of a topic to discuss as they had their little talk from earlier. That and how they wanted to be extremely careful not to spill any information deemed too personal to share in a public area. Both failed to notice the Waitress coming back with a circular serving tray and immediately placing it between them. "There you go! Hope you two enjoy the food!"

Ash was about to ask what this was when the server left. He stared at the food before him and couldn't help but think about it. The Unkindled failed to notice the Firekeeper grabbing a part of the spherical food and pulling it, showing the web-like yellow substance on top of it before nibbling on the triangular tip. He was at a loss for words when he saw that. "…Firekeeper?"

She looked at him while taking a small bite of her food. "Art thou try this?"

He kept eying on the object. "What is it called?"

The Firekeeper noticed his little curiosity in his tone. "I think 'tis called pizza. Specialist Polendina hath offered me this kind of food during my stay."

Ash hummed in interest at that. "Is that so?"

A nod was all the Firekeeper did. "Yes." Halfway through the first slice, she saw Ash not partaking in such delicacy. "Wouldst thou try?"

She had gotten answers when Ash decided to take a piece of pizza and slowly lifted his helmet where his lips got exposed. Ash reluctantly took a tiny bite, and after a few seconds of munching, he had one thing to utter. "It's unique…" He continued to take little bites with melted cheese being pulled. As he finished the crust, he fixed his helmet and looked back at his friend, who seemingly stared back at him while including herself in her third slice. "Is there something you have in mind?"

The Firekeeper stopped eating and tilted her head. "Art thou try more slice, Ashen One?"

Ash looked back at her. "I'm alright with one, thanks." He was about to remind her of calling him that title in public but stopped himself. He wanted her to have free time and experience, not him ruining all of this.

Once the pizza had been cleaned, the same Waitress walked towards their left side. "Ah. You both enjoyed it. Is there anything I can get for you?"

"How about something to finish off after having a hot meal." The Unkindled suggested.

A smile quickly came onto the other lady's lips. "I see. How about a parfait?" That earned a curious stare from the two. She can't help but chuckle inwardly at their reactions. "Trust me, you both are going to enjoy it."

-Scene Change-

The two had finished their shared dessert, and Ash managed to pay for the food with his liens, including a tip for the waitress. The sun has already begun to set over the city. The Unkindled had a feeling that they should end their hangout by now. "Should we get going? It's becoming dark, and I don't want to be here when the Grimm makes their presence."

The Firekeeper can see the reason, though that does not mean one more place won't hurt. "Spending a little bit at another place won't be bothersome, Ashen One."

Ash lowered his head. "I guess you have a point."

The two old friends began their walk to another place where they could enjoy their moment together. Almost half an hour passed, and they found themselves in a park. Since it was becoming nighttime, there were few people seen. Both then sat down on a bench that overlooked the entire area. Ash lowered his head in relaxation as he found this environment relaxing. "This is something I have yearned for a while."

The Firekeeper nodded back to him. "You seemed to be relaxed, Ashen One."

"It's places like this that help me ease myself and not be in endless combat," He told her while seeing birds passing through the sky. "Makes me think of Firelink Shrine."

His friend shared the same nostalgia as him. "This place is so beautiful. 'Tis times like this that I wish everyone could share the same feeling." She frowned at what she said next. "Unfortunately, not everyone can share the same peace. Despite the differences, there is always conflict and animosity to one another. Whether they are human or Faunus."

Ash sighed, understanding how some things never change. He glanced at her and saw that look on her face, which told him something was bothering her. "Anything bothering you, Firekeeper?"

She looked at him as if she was going to tell him something important. "I senseth a darkness within the city. A darkness that may have been the catalyst for the hatred between the peoples of Mantle and Atlas."

Ash hummed in interest while having both hands together on his chin. "You believe the Abyss could be responsible?"

She was uncertain. "'Tis but a speculation, Ashen One."

Hearing this answer brought a sense of relief to the Unkindled. "Then that is good. Although, I can't help but think about the possible presence of the Darkness." Not wanting to delve further into that topic, he switched to another. "Tell me, Firekeeper, what became of you before our… separation?"

His question made his close friend think for a bit before answering. "'It was like a long dream; I have slept for what could have been aeons, only to wake in a cave where Specialist Schnee discovered me."

That made Ash ask another. " Did Patches discover you?"

"Indeed," she answered, still in her shooting voice. " I was surprised by his presence. Though, he didn't intend to harm me. Without him, I would not be here to see thee."

Thinking about his encounter with that trickster merchant, Ash questions his final one. " I see. What about Andre and the others?"

The Firekeeper looked down upon him, mentioning their old companions. "I do not know for certain. Perhaps they might have been absorbed by the Darkness." And Ash was saddened upon hearing her say that. It turns out that ending the Fire had many more consequences than he initially thought.

The Firekeeper sense the sadness emitting from him. Without a word, she leaned her head on his left shoulder, comfortably wrapping both her arms around his neck. This caught him by surprise as she proceeded to tighten her hug. "Do not blame yourself for their deaths, Ashen One. There is nothing you could have done. 'Twas a private affair between us after all."

"I know..." He bitterly lamented. "I guess...I wasn't thinking clearly at that time. How I wanted to end the endless linkings...and now-" He stopped himself as he was aware that he was losing his composure. "I'm...I'm sorry for displaying such weakness in front of you." He remained stoic, though Ash's voice had cracks of remorse and guilt.

"Don't be," she said to him with a smile, "You did show this to vent out your frustration. I am a Firekeeper, and I tend to keep thine emotions in check."

Her words caused Ash to hug her while leaning his head over hers. "...Thank you. For your unquestioning support, my friend."

Seeing him display his vulnerable state gave his close friend a reassuring smile. "Thou art most welcome."

They stayed like this for a while, not caring as the area darkened. That was until it was all ruined when Ash's scroll vibrated. The two let go of one another, and Ash checked for a text sent by Ruby. "It looks like Lady Ruby and the others are wandering where we are." He was bitter that they had ruined the heartfelt moment. Although it was unintentional for them to do so. He got up and offered a hand to her. "Come on. Let's not keep them waiting."

"Of course," The Firekeeper said with a smile as her hand reached Ash's. As she stood, one more thing needed to be said. "Ashen One?"

The individual tilted his head. "Yes?"

Her smile remained on her lips to what she was going to say. "Thou can call me by my real name."

Ash was taken back by this momentarily before recomposing. He nodded at her with a smile of his own behind the Faraam Helmet. "Let's not keep them waiting, Olivia."

-Scene Change-

The journey back to the academy was only filled with silence, which both Ash and Olivia needed. As they walked up the stairs to the academy, they immediately saw Team RWBY waiting along with JNR. The Young Leader immediately ran towards them while the others followed. "There you are! What took the two of you so long?!"

Ash and Olivia looked at one another before the latter answered her question. "We were catching up for old times, Lady Rose."

Yang narrowed her eyes at that. "It doesn't seem like you two were catching up." Weiss and Blake rolled their eyes at that.

"Is that why you contacted me through the scroll?" Ash asked.

"We wanted to know if the two of you could come with us," Ren answered.

"Come where?" Olivia questioned out of curiosity.

Nora let out a big smile. "To the bathhouse, duh! We're considering inviting you and the Firekeeper to socialise with us. Winter and the Ace Ops are coming too! Winter and Qrow included!"

Jaune rubbed his nape at his teammate's words. "What she meant to say is that we're inviting the both of you to come and socialise with us."

Ash lowered his head at the thought of that. Truthfully, he was not in a good mood to indulge in such a thing. He looked at Olivia before walking past the group and into the academy. Naturally, everyone was surprised by his silent response. "Where do you think you're going, Ash?"

"Going back to my quarters," He plainly replied.

"Why?" Blake can't help but curiously ask.

He glanced over at his close friend before looking back at the others. "The Firekeeper recommended I get some shut eyes for a while. After all, I have been restless for over a week." The group were doubtful of his words but decided to let it pass.

"Alright, Ash," Ruby said, disappointed that Ash wouldn't socialise with them. "We'll just bring the Firekeeper with us and ensure she enjoys herself."

"Noted." He nonchalantly nodded before turning around and headed inside into the academy.

Ruby groaned at the Unkindled's lack of interest in hanging with them. "Ugh. Every time we invite him, he seems to dodge us whenever we get the chance to see him!"

Her sister agreed with her. "I know, right!"

"He doesn't seem to be very sociable," Ren commented.

The former heiress took note of that. We may get to speak to him on a mission together.

Oscar had to remind them when he was with them. "Does he usually kill off most of the Grimm before you can get some?"

The Faunus nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, and that habit is really getting out of hand."

The orange-haired girl groaned at their complaints about Ash's lack of socialisation, though she shared the same feeling. "Who cares about that! Right now, I want to go to the bathhouse and have a water battle to the death!"

"Please don't do that, Nora." Her close friend warned her.

Olivia smiled. Ash had allowed her to go with Ruby and her friends on this occasion even though he didn't speak it out loud. "Lady Schnee. What is a bathhouse?"

The ex-heiress looked at her. "It's a place where people commute in a public area to communicate with one another. I guess it's your first time, right?"

"Indeed." The Blind Fairy Lady responded.

Ruby and Nora grabbed Olivia's arms as they proceeded to walk towards their destination. "You are going to love it there, Miss Firekeeper!" Ruby said with confidence.

Interesting. Seems like there is going to be a bath moment with most of the cast in the Atlas Arc. The Firekeeper, also known as Olivia, will surely have a fun first experience. It's going to have a bit of a fanservice moment, which I can see everyone being disappointed as it contrasts with the dark themes of Dark Souls and RWBY.

Now fun fact, The Firekeeper's Voice Actress is Olivia Mace and thought that in StaffSergeant's The Night Unfurls, the Doll's name, Evetta, is based off from her voice Actress, Evetta Muradasilova, I decided to pay homage to that reference.

Seems like Ash is going to have some sleep. I wonder… what can he dream of considering that Bloodborne has been mentioned…

I have to also thank triscythe59 for aiding me in certain parts of the chapter. At this point, I might consider him to be my co-writer at this point.

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed the chapter so far and please GIVE me constructive criticism so I can improve on next time. Other than that, I will see you all in the next update somewhere in early 2024!