ALRIGHT, I FINALLY FINISHED!
All you ladies and gentlemen out there, I have finally managed to write the new goddamn chapter. I am waaaay behind the usual timeframe I give myself to putting a new chapter out, but I'm super glad to have finished it.
I'm going to keep things short this time around with responses to reviews (Sorry), but I will post up the PM sent to me that made me rethink my ENTIRE approach to how I planned to write the story out. Seriously, Proper thanks to SeekerOfOppai for the idea.
SeekerOfOppai- Okay, I just so happened to stumble on your story here and I gotta say HOLY SHIT!
I honestly started reading just because of the mention of Priscilla tail fondling (BTW, dear god was that satisfying when you got to it), but this story has got me craving more and wanting to see what happens next. Though there have been a few grammical errors, they don't bother me very much as I know how it is to really get into writing and have a few mistakes slip past you.
Now for the purpose of this message, my friend is that I have a suggestion on things. I see before that you said that you wanted to go with the "Show, not tell" approach, but you seem to have changed your mind one this. Don't get me wrong, I'm GLAD you decided to go the route of telling the journey of our hero's rather than just jumping to the big end battle.
BUT this is where I want to throw my two cents in. You asked what path Oscar should go and as you want him to be the Prophet counter, I think you should have his appearance be a sort of mirror to his. Hear me out, currently the Prophet is taking practically the entirety of the Painted World, when he finishes up and breaks out of the painting, I'm thinking he's gonna be more Pyromancer God than man. In other words, he's gonna be the main event that is supposed to tip the scales.
Instead of telling Oscar's tale of what he does atop Archdragon Peak, set him up to be on the same scale as the Prophet. Right now, Oscar is basically the first True Dragon/Human hybrid/ In other words, top of the goddamn food chain. In my opinion, no where near enough to beat an non-hollow Nameless King. That Mo-Fo is so much of a beast that even the Lord Soul bearers wouldn't want to pick a fight with him. But the point is, you've set Oscar up to be just as much a showstopper as the Prophets going to be. So I think you should keep his massive power spike underwraps until the fated war in Anor Londo, just like you plan to do with the Prophet, to make the reveal that much more epic for the both of them as they seem to be tied by a sort of brotherly fate.
Which brings me to my final thought on your story. Amidst the focus on Gwyndolin and the forces of Anor Londo, I want to suggest that you do not neglect the true threat within the gods city: Seath.
You did an amazing job at establishing that he's on a Non-aggression sort of deal with Gwyndolin and even thought about attacking him for a second there, but let me remind you that Seath is a goddamn monster. He's a primordial being. Even if he is scaleless, he's still a dragon and judging by the literally MOUNTAIN of dragon corpses in the opening cutscene of the game, he's one of the strongest. Probably second only to Kalameet. With his knowledge and likely unmatched power in sorcery, soul power and soul manipulation, You've perfectly set yourself up to make the fucker the true antagonist. While everyone is duking it out, with each side draining the stamina of the other, you should have Seath come in a pull victory right from everyone's noses.
How do you do this? Simple. Seath has a small horde of Crystal creatures, with damn near invulnerability to sorcery, at his beck and call. With that in mind, GO CRAZY!
WE NEED CRYSTAL GOLEMS CRYSTALZNG AND CAPTURING PEOPLE LEFT AND RIGHT FOR EXPERIMENTATION, AN ARMADA OF MOONLIGHT BUTTERFLY NUKING ANOR LONDO INTO RUBBLE AND ASH, AND SERPENT MEN AND GIANT CLAMS LAYING SIEGE TOO ALL LOWER LIFE FORMS!
followed by
THE PROPHET AND GWYNDOLIN RISING UP OUT OF THE RUBBLE OF A RECENTLY NUKED CATHEDRAL AND AGREEING THAT THEY NEED TO WORK TOGHTHER OR EVERYONE THEY CARE ABOUT MAY DIE, TRUE HYBRID OSCAR RIDING IN WITH THE NAMELESS KING AND THE KING OF STROMS, MOONLIGHT BUTTERFLYS NOW HAVING TO TAKE ON THE ACIENT WYVERN AND THE KING OF STORMS IN THE AIR AND FINALLY PRISCILLA UNLEASHING THE OP POWER OF LIFEHUNT TO HELP DEFEAT HER FATHER!
This is an endgame level battle. And the cherry on top? In typical Dark Souls fashion, there is no true victory in the end. Countless lives will have been lost and Anor Londo will be little more than piles of rubble and ruin. Leaving everyone with the question of where to go from here.
Sorry that this has been a ridiculously long and wordy message, but I am really invested in where this story will go next and look forward to see what you do.
One last parting comment, don't even think of leaving Priscilla out to dry on the romance and love part of the story. Relationship are built on individuals trusting and being comfortable with one another. Look past all the physical aspects of the relationship and its easy to see Velka and Anastacia finding common ground with Priscilla through understanding her plight. Once that happens, things can go from there and EVENTUALLY become a physical one. I really love that you've treated the relationships in this story like their between actual people with differing mindsets, personality's an problems, rather than just "Female likes protagonist because he's sooo cool". So don't feel the need to rush to the good stuff...no matter how much we all want that glorious fluff action.
Hope to get another chapter update soon. Again, sorry for the long message.
Once more, this idea is amazing and I look forward to trying to execute it in the story.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy the new addition to the story.
Warning: Due a very large uptick of PM's regarding if "Yuria will eventually sleep with the Prophet", Supreme Gamer will now silently judge all readers of the story and assume you are all perverts. You have been warned.
The situation Anna was seeing was not one that should be easily accepted, nor was it one that was reasonable in any sense of the word.
In fact, she felt certain it was little more than cruelty for the sake of cruelty.
"Whoops…"
SMACK
But Yuria clearly didn't see it that way.
"Heh, heh, whoops…" the woman in question laughed as she once again "accidentally" rammed Alvina's head into a passing tree for the seventh time now.
"Um...Yuria…" Anastacia said speaking up at last.
"Yes, Anna?"
"Would you please refrain from beating her any further? Its wrong and there is simply no reason for it." Anastacia pleaded softly.
"Oh, there is plenty reason to make her suffer. If anything, she's getting off far easy too right now if you ask me." Yuria explained as her grip tightened upon the nap of the cats' neck. "Do you have any idea how much this kitten vexes my lord with her actions? She'd rather watch his kingdom crumble into the Abyss, rather than take a chance and try to use Artorias's ring. Can you believe the idiocy of that? The worlds coming apart all around us and she thinks to hide an item that by all rights should be gifted to my master."
"But she doesn't even know who the Prophet is, does she?"
"Semantics." Yuria responded, just as the mass shuffling of foliage reach both of their ears.
Forest Hunter of various sizes and weaponry all emerged from the woods around the two.
"RETURN ALVINA!" One shouted.
Initially caught off guard, Yuria didn't even need a full second to allow a smirk to spread across her lips.
"Oh no…" Anastacia said, amused look in Yuria eye at the declaration.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, there really is no need to be so dramatic. Honestly, we're all friends here. Right, Alvina?" Yuria laughed as she raised Alvina up by the scruff of her neck and placed a hand beneath her chin. ""Verily. Thou art my closest compatriots. I look back on the first time we met with glee in my heart and a smile on my face. Anyone that says otherwise is merely being a pernicious caitiff.""
At this, Anastacia, as well as the Forest Hunters surrounding them, could only gape in disbelief as Yuria not only used the injured cat like a hand puppet, but was giggling like a schoolgirl at her little joke as if it was the act most humorous thing to be seen.
"U-…Ugh.." Alvina groaned as her broken jaw was moved up and down.
"Well, would you look at that. It looks like she's already waking up. Primordial's certainly are a resilient bunch, aren't they." Yuria said smirking at the cat in her hand in mocking manner. "Hey, Alvina, on a scale of one to ten, how much pain are you in currently? Be honest. I'm trying to improve to better deal with my lord's enemies."
"Okay, Yuria, that's enough." Anastasia said as she placed a hand upon the woman's shoulder to halt any further words she may say, finding her action far from reasonable. "We are attempting to settle this with further death. That's was point of retrieving her, was it not? I implore you to take this matter more seriously."
"Considering I could kill everyone here with minimal effort, I believe I've given them the appropriate amount of respect. Besides, my Lord always advises that one should always enjoy the little things, so I would be remiss to not take his teachings to heart."
"I understand that, but still-….Okay, could you just allow me handle this please? Of the two of us, I believe I am the more suited for such matters." Anastacia interrupted with a small sigh, before Yuria could go into another tirade about the Prophet.
"Is that right?" Yuria said with a raised eyebrow and a curious look in her eye. "I may have to disagree. Rest assured, begging and pleading for cooperation will be just as ineffective as it was last time."
At this, Anastacia eye's held Yuria's for a few moments as her body slackened somewhat, before took a quick breath and resolved herself.
"I know." the keeper said lowly as she stepped forward amongst the men within the forest, even further gaining Yuria's curiosity.
As she stepped into the middle of the surrounding bandits, the keeper's slender figure and gentle appearance was enough to draw the attention of each and every one of them. It had been quite some time since any of them were graced with the sight of woman of her caliber.
Before Anastacia might have been more than a bit apprehensive, but after seeing multiple other men be butchered and gutted like little more than cattle, she was understandably less fearful of being before a crowd of them.
If anything, she was more afraid of what Yuria might do should they refuse to see reason. For unlike the keeper, she lacked much of any sort of moral compass.
It was clear that the finding an alternative path with as little bloodshed as possible fell to her.
But Yuria was right about one thing; begging for peace will accomplish nothing. She had to speak more to their language. And as her mind made up the cost of doing so, she took a few seconds to swallow her distain for herself for what she was going to say.
"Men of the forest. My name is Anastacia of Astora, and this is my compatriot, Yuria of Demacia. We have captured your leader and will bargain her return in exchange for the location of a knight who has wandered into your forest." The Keeper exclaimed, already aware of the sort of reply that would be given.
"You two have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. We'll be taking Alvina back, as well as a bit of interest from the two of you." One bandit said, more than confident that their number could handle two lone women.
At this, Anastacia grimaced somewhat at having her expectations met as to what they would say.
"I understand. And I know you will not listen to anything I say unless we show that resorting to violence will only badly for you, so…I will let you do as you wish." The keeper responded calmly, much to the confusion of everyone around her. "The woman at my side is…well…not entirely human. Even with your number, I am almost certain that it will make little difference. I do not wish harm to any of you. I would much prefer it if we refrained from any hostilities and embrace one another…but I understand you will not walk that path. And so, know that the moment you wish it cease fighting and lead us to Siegmeyer, we will be more than happy to oblige you."
Anastacia then turned around and walked towards a wide eyed Yuria.
"Um…I know you do not think much of these men, but I would ask that you try to simply…frighten them into relenting." the keeper requested a bit lowly, causing the former Darkwraiths gasped in surprise as she caught on to what Anna was asking.
"You…You want me to make an example out of them?" Yuria said deftly as her eye's widened in clear hope that she was hearing this right.
"Well…maybe not with those exact words, but yes." The keeper replied remorsefully. "We have no more time to waste. Right now, Velka and the Prophet could already be fighting and need. Once they see your strength, they will no longer wish to fight. And if not them, Alvina will surely take not of the difference between you. Either way, we will receive the knowledge we need."
Yuria licked her lips as a heavy anticipation bean to build up within her. But she didn't want to jump the gun just yet. This was an eventful moment, one that needed to be savored fully.
"D-Dear sweet, kind Anastacia. You are commanding me to bring pain upon these men? Ordering me to make them suffer in the name of the one true master?"
At this, Anastacia was gaze faltered at seeing Yuria suddenly breathing as if she was a dog waiting excitedly to be given its toy. In fact, if her eyes were not deceiving her, she might even say Yuria was currently developing a blush upon her cheeks as her gaze began examining her in a very inappropriate manner, particularly at her breast.
Feeling properly uncomfortable with Yuria's blatant leering of her body, the keeper was quick to place her hands over her chest to block direct viewing before speaking once again in a bashful manner.
"T-That is not it at all, Yuria. I do not wish pain upon anyone. I merely reason that if they see that they cannot win, then they will not wish to-"
"Shhh…" Yuria said with a smile as she gently placed a finger to the keepers' lips, a prominent pink blush still upon her cheeks. "You had me at "torture them until they talk"."
Just as Yuria and Anastacia were having their loving/uncomfortable moment together, Alvina's body sturred slightly. Every bone within her had been broken into pieces, making even the slightest shift in her position cause her to seize up in agony.
But she still had to play one last ace she still had up her sleeve. So she gathered what little remnants of strength remained in her body and slowly inhaled a deep breath, before finally…
"MRRRROOOW."
Both Yuria and Anastacia could only stare down with confused looks in their eyes as their prisoner released a very audible cat call.
"Aww, would you look at that." Yuria sneered. "Looks like kitty's still got some fight in her. Don't worry, Alvina, we'll do you a favor and-"
Yuria suddenly stopped as she noticed that all the men that were surrounding them was hastily running away deeper into the forest.
Followed by the very loud sound of something barreling through the woods straight towards them reached their ears.
"U-Um, Yuria? What is that?" Anastacia said as she began to fearfully backpedal away from the destructive sound.
Having intimate knowledge every single foe that dwelled within the Darkroot Garden, the former Darkwraith needed only a single moment to put together what immortal had done.
"Oh, you little bitc-" was as far as her sentence got before two hulking great felines leapt free from the woodline and directly upon her.
Elsewhere
Shiva was aggressively annoyed. It was all he could feel as he swung his blade for the umpteenth time and struck the chained gauntlet on the knights left arm.
CLANG. CLANG.
"So you're in charge here?"
CLANG. CLANG.
"Well, that's good. We're actually in quite a fix."
CLANG. CLANG.
"We've managed to make it this far, but seem to be lost."
CLANG. CLANG.
"So would you be willing to tell me if we are close to the end of this forest."
The large, bulbous knight defended himself with mock seriousness, not budging in the slightest. Meanwhile, Shiva gave each swing his great blade all he could, again and again, until he was panting heavily beneath his helm.
But his foe barely seemed phased in the slightest.
"What game are you playing at?" Shiva spat as he held his giant curved sword at the ready.
"Hm? What do you mean?" Siegmeyer replied confusingly.
"You've been just standing there this whole time. You mock me?!" Shiva said, only growing further annoyed at the nonchalant attitude on display before him.
"I'm doing no such thing. You're the one attacking for no reason. For me, this battle is…petty." Siegmeyer relied in a calm and collected tone before lifting his titanic weapon with one hand and placing it over his shoulder. "This strength…this weapon…they are meant defeat a beast far stronger and far more wicked than the likes of you."
It was vexing for Shiva to hear these words. To know that he was being looked down on so blatantly yet also not hearing not an ounce of malic in the knights' voice. As if to say he was not worth taking seriously.
But then his gazed turned upon the woman hiding behind him, looking far too out of place in this scenario with her gold embroiled dress and gentle features to not be noticed.
"Far more wicked than me, huh? I'll have to remedy that sort of thinking." Shiva said as he puckered his lips and released a shrill whistle.
The very second the sound reached his ears, Siegmeyer didn't need but an instant to recognize the whistle for the signal it was.
"GET DOWN!" he shouted to the woman at his back as he sharply turned and swung great weapon. There was no time for him to show hesitation or pause, so he thanked the heaven when she proved to be quick on her feet and swiftly placed her hands on her head and ducked as low as her legs would allow.
Whatever person that was rushing to attack her seemed to have been able to think on his feet just as quickly and slide beneath the incoming dragon weapon. Immediately after repositioning himself, the unseen attacker swung the blade his weapon.
Unfortunately for him, the minute he poised himself to attack, Siegmeyer threw a backhand with his chained gauntlet that was so fierce that it fractured more than a few teeth upon impact and sent him stumbling backwards a few feet. The thick taste of copper was quick to fill his mouth.
"That was a cowardly tactic. Your opponent Is me." Siegmeyer said with a bit of anger lacing his tone as his eye's focused on the somewhat hidden body of a man wielding a katana of some sort.
"Ah, did you notice that one? Sharp eye's. He's one of the clan. From the East, like myself. Always slinking in the shadows, but he's a tough one. You'll see what I mean. Hah hah hah hah! " Shiva said as his companions rubbed his jaw and recovered from the blow dealt to him. "Lets see if you can fight while protecting your-"
"OUT OF THE WAY!"
The Forest Hunters words were stopped dead in their tracks as two women sprinted from directly behind the two men. With one fearfully running past them without a word and the other knocking his comrade aside by striking him across the back of his head
"Wait, there's Siegmeyer! We found him" One exclaimed aloud as she approached the large knight in question.
"Anastacia?" the knight exclaimed confused. "What are you-?"
"Think-fast." the other woman said quickly as she threw something very large and grey at the knights' person, before smoothly proceeding to abscond with the smaller frame of the keeper. With Anna only able to scream "YURIA NO!" before she was carried away.
"What in the-?" was all Siegmeyer could get out before a thundering pounding reverberated across the earth at his feet.
Not two seconds after they ran past him did a massive wall of fur and muscle roll through the dense thicket of tree's and foliage like a monstrous bowling ball.
Shiva's bodyguard barely got out a small scream before the unrelenting force barreled over him and crushed his body like a twig, before continuing forward and raging toward Siegmeyer.
Placing his left foot forward and grasping his weapon with both hands, the knight did not flinch as the thing came within his range. Then, with a mighty heave, Siegmeyer smashed his weapon right into the beast charging body.
Before the might of the magically empowered human, the beast spine was shattered like glass as it was sent flying with a scream of pain into a sturdy nearby tree. The instant its body struck the bark of the tree was the moment the beast cries stopped cold and it lay unmoving upon the ground.
At this, every human in the vicinity, Shiva included, were all left with their jaws hanging. Even Yuria, armed with her lord's knowledge and knowing Siegmeyer's strength would be vastly increased due to Havel's ring, could not hold back her surprise at seeing the Great Feline be struck dead with a single blow.
But before the knight could truly gather himself, a second Great Feline bounded free from the forest with its claws extended.
Knowing he didn't have enough time to heft his great weapon up and swing it once more, Siegmeyer opted to release his hold upon it and rush forward to meet the creatures charge head on.
Using the dense armor of the stone gauntlet on his left arm, he stopped the creatures claws in their tracks before clenching his fist and delivered a right hook that carried such strength behind it that it knocked the spit right from the beast mouth, dazing its vision as it mind was dealing with the numbing feeling along its mouth.
Not hesitating for an instant, Siegmeyer pushed forward just as the beast regained itself, turned back towards him and opened its maw wide to bite through his body.
Reacting quickly, Siegmeyer raised his hands and held the beast mouth out with raw strength alone. The monster's strength could nothing to push him back.
Then, after firmly taking hold of its upper and lower jaw with his hands, Siegmeyer dug his fingers deep into the flesh of the beast mouth. Immediately, the creature roared and struggled wildly to free itself of the human, but could do nothing against the titanic strength that had taken hold of it.
It was only when the knights grip began to tighten that much further and its jaw was stretched so wide that its muscles were being ripped apart, did its furious roar turn into a scream of torturous pain.
"HRGRAAAAAGGH!" Siegmeyer screamed as he pushed himself that much further and savagely ripped the beast mouth apart, dislocating bone and tearing through sinew. Leaving the beast to release an ear-piercing shriek as it flailed wildly in its grasp, trying desperately to get free.
Unfortunately, Siegmeyer was not done yet.
With one final heave, using all his might, Siegmeyer brutally ripped the beast lower jaw right off it maw. Splattering blood across the front of his armor and causing the beast to scream loud enough that it echoed clear across the entire forest.
At this sight, the humans surrounding the knight all had their eye's bulging out of their sockets at what they were seeing. Even Yuria could not suppress a sharp gasp as she stared on.
As the monster screamed and thrashed along the ground, the knight turned back to his weapon calmly, gripped it with both hands, then finally swung in a full arc high above his head and crushed the flailing great felines skull. Killing it.
Once the beast fell dead and lay unmoving upon the ground in an identical fashion as its sibling, Siegmeyer calmly released a breath and turned his attention back toward the direction of the three women at his back. Each of which were still staring with wide eye's.
"By the gods…" Dusk asked stupefied at the raw power that was displayed before her. She'd traveled with him for days and seen him deal with men with little trouble, but she never thought he was as powerful as this. "...Art…Art thou alright?"
"Ugh, yes. I'm fine. The injuries I sustained before coming here still hinder me quite a bit, but I can handle this much without worry." Siegmeyer groaned somewhat as he lifted his weapon upon his shoulder and turned towards the two women that had now joined them. His mouth opened to say something, but the sentence was quickly caught in his throat as a woman he was unfamiliar with approached his person and begin examining him with narrowed eye's.
"Hmm…Hmm…." the said as her gazed looked him up and down, then upon the two dead beast and then back to him again. "Adequate."
"What?" Siegmeyer responded as he hefted the weapon on his shoulder once more.
"I'm saying that was not the worst display of power I've witnessed before. Not bad. To be expected of a general of my lord, but not bad." The woman clarified with a nod of her head. "However! That does not excuse you from neglecting your duties. My lord has been gone for days now and as his general, you have failed to meet the expectations placed upon you. Just look at what your wearing. You've got the greaves, the weapon and a single gauntlet, but you have failed to retrieve the complete armor set as my lord instructed and Greatshield that complements it. The fact that you've somehow destroyed it is, again, ability expected of my lords general, but still you-"
"Whoa, whoa, hold on a moment, miss." Siegmeyer said as he politely held up a hand to stop the women's speech. "Forgive my interruption, but who are you exactly?"
At this, Yuria placed both hand on her hips and turned her nose up at the knight as she gave his question some thought.
As she was doing this, Anastacia approached them both alongside Dusk.
"She's-" Anna started.
"No, no. It is a privilege to introduce myself and the position I hold. And even if he has failed…Ugh, Siegmeyer is still a general of my master and must be shown proper courtesy." Yuria said with a frown and a roll of her eyes as she placed a hand to her heart and bowed forward in a formal manner. "Greetings, Siegmeyer of Catarina. I am Yuria of Demacia, a loyal and proper servant of Kaylen of Demacia."
There are many responses that would have been appropriate at this moment. He could have questioned her about the Prophet being her master, how she knew him or even what she meant by calling him a general. But what Siegmeyer said was …
"Hm…well you don't seem all that enthusiastic about it."
At his words, Yuria eye's shot wide and her body stiffened as her mind process the incredible abuse that was just hurled at her. Only once she finally did, did she clench her teeth and glare harshly at the knight in front of her. Even going to far as to growl lowly like a beast.
Before anything could escalate further, Anastacia was quick to step in between her and Siegmeyer.
"O-Okay, okay, lets not do anything rash."
"Rash?! Did you just hear what he said?! I compliment him and he insults me right to my face!" Yuria exclaimed angrily. "There is no one more grateful or enthusiastic about serving my lord than I, you waste of flesh!"
"It was not my wish to insult anyone. It was more of a minor comment, really." Siegmeyer said, not expecting an outburst such as this for just a few little words.
"No, no, you have not insulted anyone, Siegmeyer. Well…not really. Yuria is just quite sensitive on the topic of the Prophet due to the…complicated nature of their relationship." Anastacia explained carefully. "Due to certain circumstances, she's like him."
"She's a Prophet too?" Siegmeyer asked.
"Uh…not exactly." Anastacia said as she looked to Yuria for a moment before continuing. She didn't want to overstep and reveal such personal information without consulting her on the matter. In response, Yuria did nothing but look away in a huff, but otherwise did not give any indication that she did not want Anna to not proceed further. "Yuria, as I understand it, was forcibly made into a creature of darkness and hunger. Capable of devouring the life of others for strength. So she isn't so much like the Prophet, it's more like she…um…ate a part of him and gained his knowledge."
"She did what?!" Siegmeyer exclaimed.
"N-Not to worry. The Prophet yet lives and Yuria seeks to atone for her action. But he and Velka are preparing to combat against Anor Londo."
"Their doing what?!"
"U-Uh, but not yet. The Prophet allowed himself to be taken to another world to prepare himself."
"Wha-?!"
"Okay, we'll be here for an eternity if this keeps going. Allow me to spell it out for you, idiot. We. Are. Going. To war." Yuria interrupted impatiently. "The details can be explained after we retrieve Solaire, but for now we must make haste. And as for you…"
Yuria turned her attention toward a face she knew well and one who hasn't seemed to take her eyes off her for a moment.
"Would you mind telling me what you're still doing here, Dusk?"
"H-How do you-" Dusk started.
"Yes, yes, I know who you are, and I know you're from the past. My question to you is why do you remain in this era? You should be waiting patiently in Oolacile for the moment my lord comes to save you, wherein you will pledge fealty to him. So go back and wait. He will retrieve you in due time."
"Oh. Well, I must apologize, but tis not up to me. I know I am to return whence I came soon, but I am unable to simply chose so mine self. But…" The woman's voice trailed off for a moment as she tried to find the right words. "This may strike thine ear as somewhat peculiar, but…Long ago, in my homeland of Oolacile, I was beset by a creature of the Abyss. I would have perished then, were it not for the great knight Artorias. In truth, I saw little of what transpired, for mine senses were already fled. But even still, there was something about Artorias… A certain balance of the humors…That quite perfectly fits your semblance. Heavens, could it be that-"
"Stop right there. Do not even think of finishing that thought. What your remembering was not me, but my lord. Any feeling of gratitude or attachment is to be saved for him." Yuria interrupted, not curious in the slightest what the woman might say next. "Reverence is for the master, not the servant."
"But…thine voice and presence, I could swear that I have-"
"Enough. If you can't return on your own, then you may travel with us. But try not to get in the way. We already have to drag Siegmeyer around with us." Yuria stated plainly.
"Hey, that's not very-" Siegmeyer said noting the insult.
"Anyway, we should stay focused on the matter at hand." Yuria interrupted as she picked Alvina up by the scruff of her neck and tossed her to Anastacia, who only just barely caught her in time. She then turned towards a certain man the still remained frozen in place. "This is quite the surprise to see you here, Shiva. With all the time Siegmeyer's been here, I would have thought that you'd have been long dead by now."
At this, the forest hunter spoke not a word in response. Whether he was to afraid or merely being cautious was left up to interpretation as his helmet his whatever expression he was making.
"Nothing to say? Very well. I'll just save the long speeches and get to the point." Yuria exclaimed, doing her best to put on a friendly demeanor. "Relinquish your rings and begone from our sight. We'll be taking them and Alvina with us as we make our way out of this filthy place."
"We're taking her with us? Why?" Anastacia question.
"It's quite simple. The moment we leave and she recovers, Alvina will turn her men upon those within Firelink Shrine in search of us and won't stop there. Please, do not forget that she is of the blackest hearts. Not to mention, she holds a very special place on what my lord refers to as his "Shit list"." Yuria explained, not exactly sticking to the truth this time around about the immortal.
"Who exactly are we talking about right now?" Siegmeyer chimed in.
"…H..Hgh..Th-…Thou…shalt not…U-Ugh.." Alvina choked out spitefully through the pain she felt.
"It talks? Wait, the cats the evil one?" the knight said surprised, causing Yuria to pinch the bridge of her nose. Just hearing the knights voice was grating to her nerves.
"Well, I must say that-" Shiva started.
"No. No one cares what you think or what you have to say, Shiva. Now that we have retrieved Siegmeyer, we no longer have to waste time with speaking with you cretins." Yuria said as directly as possible as she walked toward the hunter with knife in hand. "So you're either going to give us what we want or I'm going to take it. Make your choice."
Watching this woman approach him without a hint of hesitation in her strode and seeing the knight tear the beast apart with his bare hands, Shiva would be lying if he said he wasn't afraid at the moment.
But he still had the will to fight. If nothing else, he could fight defensively and hold them here until-
"She has magic that will reduce you to a hollow in seconds!" Anastacia warned aloud, causing Shiva to perk up and look to her as his breath caught in his throat. Wondering if he heard that right. "I beg of you to not fight her. We already have who we came for, now we just want the means to leave. Please allow us this."
Hearing the almost pleading tone in the woman's voice, the forest hunters eye's widened as Yuria approached closer and closer. After seeing what the knight could do and seeing the unworried look of the woman walking towards him, Shiva made a snap decision on the matter.
Raising both his hands up and taking a knee, he let two lone words escape his lips.
"I surrender."
At this, Yuria actually paused for a moment in surprise. But once the moment past, she broke out in a very pleased and friendly smile.
"Finally. Someone who knows how just lie down and do as their told. Was that so hard? Now we save time, and you don't have to die a painful death. It's a clear win-win. Good job, Shiva." Yuria said as she offered him an encouraging smack on the shoulder, before holding out her hand to him. "Now the ring, if you would."
Without saying a word, Shiva complied with her demands. Taking off the only ring he held upon his right hand and placing it in the woman's palm.
"…Tr…Trai..tor…" Alvina said just barely loud enough for everyone to hear while Anastasia carried her in her arms.
"Heh, heh, it better than becoming a hollow trying to stop me. Am I right, Shiva?" Yuria laughed as she nudged the hunter with her elbow before turning towards the corpse of the hunter's bodyguard and knelt down to scavenge it until she found the two rings she knew he held. "Ah, the Dark Wood Grain Ring. My lord has had his sights upon this little nugget of treasure. He will be pleased once I offer it to him as tribute."
Turning around, she tossed the two newly acquired Cat Covenant Rings to both Dusk and Siegmeyer, respectively. She then turned back towards the Forest Hunter in a playful manner.
"But before we leave, allow me to part a little secret. Think of it as a reward for abiding the will of my lord." Yuria said with a smile as she heedlessly came closer to the hunter's person until she was close enough to meet his eye's with her own.
Whatever words she spoke to him were whispered lowly, as if it were a secret meant to be kept by close friends. Though the others could not hear what was said, it was plain to see that it was more than enough to make Shiva perk up considerably and listen close.
However, they did all take note of the few giggles that Yuria couldn't hold back.
When all was said and done, Yuria and Shiva both looked at one another in silence for a few moments.
"Have fun." The red robed woman said impishly as she gave the hunters chest two quick taps before turning away.
"What did you tell him?" Anastacia asked curiously.
"Only what he wanted hear. Nothing for us to worry about, I assure you." Yuria said, clearly pleased with herself, but not willing to go into details. "Siegmeyer, Dusk, you are both trapped in illusionary magic. Use those rings to be free of it and let's go. Once we do, we will secure this filthy immortal, find Solaire and you will be informed of the state of the war effort. Oh, and we'll have to see what can be done about your blunder with Havel armor, Siegmeyer. So good job on slowing us down to fix your mistakes."
"Okay, I believe we may have gotten off on the wrong foot, so-"
"Moving on." Yuria said, cutting the knight off and walking away. Not even remotely interested in what he was going to say.
Siegmeyer could only turn toward Anastacia for an explanation for this display of rudeness.
"She's…far kinder when you get to know her a bit better." Anastacia said apologetically, not exactly sure if "kind" was the right word to use.
Not sure of what else she could say in Yuria's stead, Anna opted to simply follow behind her. After looking at one another for a brief moment, both Siegmeyer and Dusk followed behind as well.
On the way out, all the way until she was out of sight, Shiva never once took his eyes of Yuria's back. Meanwhile, she was still laughing on the inside at the fact that he was almost certain to die looking for a useless sword.
But without question, Quelaag will likely find it far less humorous once the Forest Hunter turns up at her doorstep though.
Firelink Shrine
One would think that after being told that the end of the world was nigh, that there would be a great deal of panic.
But in truth, there was only a heavy feeling of despair to be felt among the no name humans of Firelink Shrine. It had been almost half an hour before any of them even found the will to speak a single word.
But eventually, it was Reah that spoke up at last.
"Okay…I think the important thing is that we maintain ourselves and do not succumb to hopelessness. Things may seem bleak, but we do not yet know that all is lost." Reah said, trying for all the world to sound convincing in her encouragement.
"Would you give it a rest? Its not as if our ends have truly changed." the crestfallen knight said, his tone just as indifferent as it always was, as if to say the knowledge he gained about the world hadn't affected him in the slightest. "If you've all been given a scare, then there's no problem. Have a seat and get comfortable. We'll all be hollow before you know it. Hah, hah, hah…"
Oddly enough, the knight's dry wit and unfazed attitude was somewhat reassuring for the cleric to hear. Giving her mind something else to focus on other than their approaching end.
"I was merely attempting to lift our spirits, but I suppose that would be a vain effort where your concerned." Reah said with mock huff.
"I'm glad you two have time to jest." The merchant said with a small sigh as he did as the knight suggested and got comfortable on the ground, leaning his back against the withered tree of the shrine. "You know…I'd always hoped I'd die comfortably surround by riches and women. Instead, all get is two hopeless clerics and grumpy knight who probably can't even remember his own name."
"And you're nothing but a lecherous snake who'd probably sell his mother for a nickel. But…think about it this way…we could all be alone in this right now." Reah said aloud, her word once bringing a heavy silence upon the group once more.
As strange as it may sound, Reah was right. With the world about to be consumed by darkness and the knowledge that the gods have fled to save themselves, the company of a grumpy knight, two hopeless clerics or a swindling merchant suddenly didn't seem like the worst hand they could be dealt.
"Yeah…I suppose you're right." The merchant said deftly, still coming to terms with the reality of the agony that lie in his future.
As silence once again fell upon them, a voice of conviction suddenly erupted from a surprising source.
"Well I think we've spent enough time sitting here. Let us go, Reah." Vince, of all people, said firmly. "If we hurry, we may yet be able to catch up to Anastacia."
"Wait, what?" Reah said, almost certain that she couldn't have heard that right. "You actually want to go after them?"
"Yes." Vince said resolutely.
"But they're going to Anor Londo, you understand that, right? It will be a battle against the gods themselves and we...well, we wouldn't-"
"You wouldn't last two feet." The merchant finished.
At this, Vince puffed out his chest as he spoke his next words.
"And what would staying her feeling sorry for ourselves accomplish? Right now, we need to make a stand and offer whatever help we can." The young cleric proclaimed bravely. "Even if we did only make it two feet, I would take solace in knowing that we at least chose to try and fight for the world when many others would chose to flee."
At this mighty and heroic declaration, Reah could only look at her friend in complete and utter befuddlement.
"What's gotten into you?" Reah questioned confusingly. "You've never be keen to rush to a fight before, much less consider participating in one against gods. Why are you so eager now?"
"I've grown." Vince responded. "If Velka and the rest of them fail, then we'll all die anyway. So what do we have to lose by at least trying?"
"Vince, I've known you since we were kids, I know that's not why. What's the real reason?" Reah question further, the confusion still written all over her face.
At this, Vince paused for a few moments before coughing lightly into his fist and speaking once again.
"That woman….Yuria. She will be fighting as well and…is quite the beautiful maiden." Vince said with a small hint of embarrassment. "I did not lie in saying that I wish to aid them, but I admit find myself attracted to...*Ahem*…her person."
Once again, silence fell upon the group for a few moments. Then, almost at the same time, the group reacted in the own individual mannerism.
The merchant burst into a fit of laughter and pointed at the young cleric mockingly, the Crestfallen knight merely shook his from side to side and Reah could facepalm and sigh.
"You cannot be serious." She exclaimed.
"Well, she certainly seemed to find interest with me." Vince exclaimed honestly.
"She was telling you how a darkness is coming to torture you and all you can think about is trying to bed her?" Reah said hand still on her forehead as a small chuckle escaped her lips at the ridiculousness of what she'd just heard. "Men."
Lifting her gaze up to her friend and feeling the bit of amusement calm her nerves, Reah found herself taking a quick breath before smacking her hands against her cheeks.
"But your right!" She said gaining a bit of resolve within her eye's. "We cannot stand by and do nothing. We have to try and fight. Not just for humanity, but for the gods as well. We will likely find Anastacia and Yuria with Solaire by now. Let us hurry and join the effort."
With little more than that declaration to spur them on, the two clerics turned and walked towards the trail that would lead to Undead Burg. Leaving the merchant and the Crestfallen Knight alone at the shrine.
"Well, those two are as good as dead." The merchant said with a sigh, not hiding his feelings on the matter at all. "Don't know why they bother. Velka might be able to put up a fight, but we're only human. It's the same as trying throw a punch into the sun and hoping to win. They're fools."
"Its like the lad said. We're all doomed anyway, so what more is there to lose?" The crestfallen knight said with a bit of melancholy entering his tone as he watched the two clerics walk out of sight.
The knight might not have shown it in the slightest on the outside, but he'd grown accustomed to the company around him.
It was actually quite strange when he thought about it. He did not exactly like any of them. In fact, he found them all annoying more than anything else. Reah with that irritating self-righteous act she always puts on, Vince pathetically swinging his blade and pretending like he'll amount to anything more then mediocre and the keeper always prying and trying to be "Friendly" all the time.
But even with feeling all this, the Crestfallen knight found the thought of them all just walking off to die to be a somewhat…displeasing thought.
The keeper didn't even seem like she could make a fist, much less think of fighting gods, and Reah and Vince were little more than children pretending as if they could really do something worthwhile. Yet there they went, running off to fight knowing full well they didn't have a prayer.
And what would it all be for? A chance to see that boy again? The intent to just help others? A chance to bed a clearly insane woman?
The merchant was right. They were all fools.
"How do these martyrs keep chugging along? Time and time again, the tale of hopeful undead like them always ends the same. Give's me conniptions." The knight said a sigh, before a choice question escaped his lips.
"Maybe it's time I do something about it…"
WAIT A MINUTE! ALL OF YOU JUST WAIT A GOD DANG MINUTE!
Okay, firstly, I already know what you guys are thinking. I know full well I said I planned to have them deal with Sif before they left the forest, but as I was writing it out, it just didn't hit that same fulfilling tone without the Prophet within the scene for me. So I decided to save that particular event for a bit and move forward with the story.
Secondly, regarding Siegmeyer strength, I want to say that I purposefully turned it up to eleven. The old Onion knight won't be pulling insane air jumps Hulk style, but I want to make it clear that with Havel's ring, he is now top tier in the strength department. I know In-game Havel's ring only effect carrying capacity, buuuut I felt that it would be a huge waste to leave it simply at that. So as it stands, I want to say that Siegmeyer stands a the pinnacle of strength to match a stone dragons, much like what would be expected of Havel in the lore.
The defined limit that I plan to set for that strength is still up in the air at the moment, but expect Kratos level of strength.
Thirdly, before anyone says anything, there is a specific reason, besides the one stated, that Yuria does not discuss the past (Future?) with Dusk that will be explained. So just give me a bit to put that together.
Fourthly, yes, I plan to have Reah and Vince go to Anor Londo. I don't know what it is, but I find myself getting attached to those two. There not strong, there not special, but they got heart. I like the idea that there would be two people, who are way out of their league, that are willing to still have faith despite everything saying they have no place in this fight. So I really look forward to trying to write their part in this epic tale.
Fifthly, no one fault Vince the Rookie for think of tryin to get with Yuria. Its the end of the world, don't judge him. XD
And lastly, I wanna thank all you guys for reading this far into the story. I started this things a few years ago and never would have imagined it would get the following it has now, much less reach 50 chapters. So thanks to all of you for giving it a read and keeping up with the tale.
That's all I got to say this time around, guys and gals.
As always, feel free to leave a review and tell me what you guys thought about this chapter of the story. Was Siegmeyer's streghnth a bit too much? Was allowing Shiva to live the right call? Should Reah and Vince learn to know their limits?
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 your thoughts about how things are going so far. Outside opinions will have a huge effect on how this story will play out.
This is Supreme Gamer, Signing out.
P.S. Seriously, what is up with all the PM's about Yuria and the Prophet getting together. You guys get that she's batshit crazy and obsessed with him right? And yes, technically, she'll be more than down for it, but gettin it lucky with a Darkwraith, a crossbreed, a firekeeper and the goddess of sin? I get this is a fantasy adventure, but not THAT kind of fantasy adventure, guys. XD
P.P.S. Does anyone think it would be fair to say Cresty could fight minor gods? I know he gave up reaching the bells, but that was because of demons, monstrosity's and a lake of poison. In a straight up fight, I think the old boy would be able to hold his own, right?