Accursed Citrine - Yet another Dark Soul/Madoka Magica Crossover

[X] Head back to the merchant to buy Oscar a new sword
-[X] Ask Oscar what kinds of weapons he's good with
-[X] Get a backup weapon too, just in case this happens again



You pat him on the shoulder again and nudge your head at the way back down off the wall. "Come on. There's no point in standing around being all mopey."

Oscar nods. "I agree, but… Kirika, did you hit your head when fighting that demon? That's the way we just came."

You cross your arms and roll your eyes. "Yes, I know that. We're going to go buy you another sword. You aren't exactly going to do much with just that shield of yours."

He looks down at the shield in question, which is still strapped to his arm. He sighs again before nodding. "Alright, that's a reasonable idea. I'm not confident that shady merchant has anything decent, but I suppose anything's better than nothing."

With Oscar in a reluctant agreement, the two of you start making your way back down the tower and through the little town beneath the wall. You pass by that ominous-looking Black Knight and stop off at the bonfire to heal and refill your Estus, then make your way down to where that merchant has set up shop.

Said zombie-looking merchant giggles when you step out onto his little balcony, rubbing his hands together greedily. "Nee, hee, hee! Back again so soon? Ah, where's that fancy sword of yours? You better not have lost it, I was looking forward to selling it off for a good price once you kicked the bucket!"

Oscar sighs once again and crouches down to look at the store's wares. "Just… show us what swords you have, if you would friend."

The merchant scoffs rudely, but reaches over to a bunch of weapons leaning against a box. He grabs a few swords and holds one out to Oscar. "For a good knight such as yourself, I can offer only the best swords I have. I found this shortsword on the body of a hunter. It's a bit worn, but it's clearly a good sword, don't you think?" He grins slyly (well, as slyly as someone with no lips or teeth can manage.) "Nee, hee, hee! For you, Sir Knight, I can give you a discount and sell it for only 700 souls."

Oscar takes the sword and stands, checking the blade and giving it a few good swings. "This sword is slightly off balanced and has chips along both sides of the blade. It's barely worth 500."

The merchant's grin turns into a frown at Oscar's words. "Bah, how rude! Are you trying to say I'm trying to rip you off?! Can you believe this, Yulia?" He shakes his head and holds out another sword, this one with a blade that widens and curves up at the end. "Well, what about this one, then? Surely a respectable knight like you can admire a fancy scimitar?"

Oscar trades the shortsword for the scimitar and does the same checks as with the shortsword. Without commenting on the weapon's quality, he asks "and how much are you overpricing this one?"

"Listen here, you uppity tin can!" The merchant growls back. "I'm making due with what I've got. If you don't like what I'm selling, you can go find someone else! Go on, shoo! Get lost! Go fall off a cliff!"

"Whoa, wait, wait, wait!" You interject, stepping between the two of them. "Oscar, you need a sword and the big wisp of souls from that demon we just killed meant we have a bunch of them now, right? What does it matter how much it costs?"

"This is robbery, Kirika! This fellow is nothing but a greedy crook!"

"A crook with weapons." You retort, summoning a set of your claws. "And right now, you're the only one here who doesn't have any."

The merchant cackles at you lecturing Oscar. "Yeah, yeah, that's right! You can't be picky when you need a weapon!"

You turn your claws on him, holding the curved tips up against his throat. "You're no better! This place seems pretty shit, so I don't think anyone would care if we just killed you and took all your stuff for free."

He snarls angrily at you. "You lousy rat! And you say I'm the one robbing you! Fine, I'll drop the price! Stupid girl, you're going to make me go broke!"

With that whole mess finally out of the way, you manage to get the prices down to 500 souls each. While Oscar isn't as keen on the scimitar, you buy both swords in case he loses one again.

You heave a tired sigh as you and Oscar leave. It's a pain enough to deal with idiots doing stupid things, so you can't imagine how Oriko can go so far as manipulating people into doing whatever she wants. Hopefully you find her quickly so you don't have to burn out your brain before even reaching her…

You can hear the merchant grumbling to "Yulia" as you climb back up the stairs. His cursing still echoes once you get all the way back up to the wall you fought the demon on…

Following the wall along, you come to another tower full of boxes and barrels. A short hallway afterwards leads to some stairs down, and you find yourselves at the end of that big bridge you saw from below. There's also an area overlooking the now setting sun, and you think you hear something move from that direction. A fair few Hollows stand idly along the bridge and you can spot what looks like a staircase leading down about halfway across. Strangely, there's burn marks all along the bridge.

Those burn marks immediately remind you of that big red dragon that spooked you earlier and while you can survive most injuries, you still don't really like the idea of being burnt alive. Creeping up to the edge of the bridge, you peak your head out from the arch above you and look around for any sign of that big flying lizard.

You can't see anything, so you assume the coast is clear and step out onto the bridge.

The beat of giant wings flapping kindly lets you know that the dragon is, in fact here. Oscar suddenly yanks you back as a big red blur appears in the corner of your vision and a loud roar rings out. You feel the ends of your hair singe as the dragon engulfs the entire bridge in a wave of fire. The Hollows try to run for cover in the building at the other end, but all are burnt to a toasty crisp. Their souls swirl up to the dragon, who comes to land on the building, eyeing you with a threatening glare.

"Do you even listen to me when I say to be careful?"

"I did!" You exclaim, irritated that you're about to have to sit through yet another of Oscar's lectures. "I looked all around and there was nothing there! 'Look both ways before you cross' is bullshit. Dragons cheat!"

Oscar just sighs and shakes his head.

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[] Try to cross the bridge
-[] Use magic to slow the dragon down
-[] Don't use magic
-[] Write in

[] Try to reach the middle section
-[] Use magic to slow the dragon down
-[] Don't use magic
-[] Write in

[] Fight the dragon
-[] Use magic to slow the dragon down
-[] Don't use magic
-[] Write in

[] Investigate that sound in the open area

[] Write in

[X] Investigate that sound in the open area



Oscar looks out across the bridge at the dragon thoughtfully. "While we've managed well enough against demons so far, I don't like our chances against a Drake. Hmm, I suspect you'd have no trouble reaching that centre point with your speed, and my armour might be able to withstand the beast's fire for a time… Kirika, are you even listening?"

You were listening at first, but you decide that whatever decision he reaches, your input probably won't change it much. Instead, your attention is drawn by the subtle sound of movement coming from the area in the opposite direction. You step over to a little section flanked by stairs and peak down over the stone wall-railings.

Standing at the end of a small terrace bathed in the light of the setting sun is some kind of knight with a red feather sticking out from the side of his cylinder-shaped helmet. He has his back to you and is staring out at the beams of sunlight creeping in through the clouds.

"Hey, there's a guy over here." You finally reply to Oscar, waving him over.

Oscar sighs and shakes his head, but nonetheless comes over to stand beside you. "A… guy? Kirika, that's not very descriptive. Besides, I'm sure there are plenty of people in Lordran… Ah," he stops upon seeing the knight in question "I see. Strange, didn't he hear the drake?"

"He looks pretty zoned out with his sun-gazing." You reply. "Maybe he just didn't notice?"

"The beast flew overhead. He must've noticed it, surely?"

You shrug. "Well, let's just go ask him."

You slip over the low wall before Oscar can reply and drop down to the terrace. The knight finally seems to notice you from the sound of your boots hitting the cobbles and jumps with a start. He slowly turns to face you. You're surprised to see a weird depiction of the sun on the front of his armour, a funny face in the centre.

"Ah, hello! Apologies, I was so caught up in the magnificence of the sun that didn't see you there!"

"Uh, hi." You reply, waving him. "Are you dragon-blind?"

"That's how you're going to start the conversation…?" Oscar asks as he comes down the stairs to join you. He shakes his head and nods at the knight. "Please excuse my companion's rudeness. I am Oscar of Astora and this is Kirika of… well, I'm not quite sure."

"Kirika Kure." You add when Oscar glances at you. "I'm from Japan. Mitakihara, to be precise."

"Japan…? Is that somewhere in the far east? Perhaps that explains your strange temperament…?"

The strange knight laughs happily at you and Oscar. "Well, it's always good to see companions getting along! I am Solaire, also of Astora. I am a devoted adherent of the Lord of Sunlight and have travelled far to reach this place, the birthplace of Lord Gwyn."

"Ah, a fellow Astoran." Oscar replies with a happily, nodding his head. "I must say, I've never seen a knight of your order before. Tell me, what brings you to Lordran?"

Solaire nods cheerfully. "I have come here to follow in the steps of Lord Gwyn and find my very own sun!"

You can't help but raise an eyebrow at this. He… wants his own sun? Does he realise the sun is some giant ball of fire? No, wait, this world is pretty fantasy, so maybe it's actually possible here? You share a glance with Oscar and his confusion suggests the knight's words are just as strange for him as they are for you.

"Hah, hah, hah! Do you find that strange?" Solaire asks, laughing jovially. "Well, you should! Not need to hide your reactions, I get that look all the time! Surely, it's a reasonable response to find it strange."

"Uh, right…" You reply, suddenly feeling a little guilty. You know a bit about being considered weird yourself, after all. "So, what are you doing here? Just staring up at the sun?"

He nods in response. "Indeed! The sun Is a wonderous body, like a magnificent embodiment of our Lord Gwyn! I often send long hours gazing up at its greatness, dreaming of one day shining just as brightly myself!"

"I see…" Oscar says, still sounding doubtful. "So, I presume that's why you didn't notice the drake flying past? You were… gazing at the sun?"

"A drake, you say? Oh, yes! That great winged beast!" Solaire nods knowingly. "I have seen it a few times, but we've mostly left each other alone. I've yet to have any need to trouble it, and the creature has left me to my gazing!"

"You've… made peace with the beast?" Oscar asks, surprised. "Well, we happen to need to pass by it. Would you by chance know of any way to get past?"

"Without being burnt to a crisp, preferably." You add.

"Oh, ah-hah! If it's a way to combat a drake you're after, you are in luck!" Solaire replies, taking a small bunch of rags hanging from his belt and holding it out to show you. "Drakes are mere imitations of the Ancient Dragons, but still suffer from the same weaknesses Lord Gwyn used to strike down those giant winged beasts!"

Oscar nods, seemingly understanding. "Ah, I see! I myself only have a passing familiarity with the old legends, but being able to harness such miracles would certainly help in clearing the way."

You look between the two of them, confused. "Uh, am I missing something? What's that scrap of rags going to do against a dragon?"

"Haha! Watch and learn, Miss Kirika!" Solaire replies, once again laughing his cheerful laugh and leading the two of you back up to the bridge.

The dragon is still there, watching from its perch at the other end of the bridge. It seems to perk up when it spots you and eyes the three of your cautiously. You can hear its low, threatening growl all the way from here.

Paying the dragon's gaze no mind, Solaire holds out the bunch of rags towards the other end of the bridge. Little sparks begin to spring up and arc around his hand before he brings it back behind him like he's getting ready to throw something. With a loud pop, a long spear of what seems like lightning bursts into existence in his hand. It crackles and shines brightly for a few moments, then Solaire takes a step forwards and throws it like a javelin.

The dragon shrieked and seemed to reel back at the very sight of the lightning bolt, and as the spear flies towards the air, the thing starts to beat its wings in a full panic. It stands up and flaps its wings to fly up into the air, but this only lets the spear get to its exposed underside.

The lightning spear slams into the dragon's belly with a loud crack and lightning arcs all across the giant lizard's body. The dragon shrieks loudly and falls back down onto the building. It's grip's a lot less sturdy now and it almost slips off the edge. Roaring in your direction, it once again starts to beat its wings. You summon your claws for a fight, but when the dragon takes off again, it flies right over you and down into the valley below.

"That…" You manage after a few moments of standing there with your jaw hanging. "That was AWESOME! How did you do that?!"

Solaire chuckles at your enthusiastic outburst. "Haha! I merely imitated the great bolts Lord Gwyn used to strike down the Ancient Dragons. If one truly believes in the miracles of the Gods, then it's possible to recreate such feats."

Oscar clears his throat and interjects before you can carry on with your excitement. "I thank you for the assistance, however I'm afraid we don't have much to offer in return."

"Ah hah! Think nothing of it, friend!" Solaire replies, casually waving Oscar's apologies off. "We are amidst strange creatures in a strange land, brimming with Hollows. It is only right that we help when one is in trouble!"

Oscar nods in agreement. "Indeed. While I'm not sure where your search will lead you, we'll be sure to return the favour and help you if we find you in a similar bind."

"Ah!" Solaire exclaims, as if suddenly remembering something. He reaches down into a pouch tied to his belt and takes out a little white stone with a bit of golden ribbon around it. "With the fading of the Fire, the very fabrics of reality are becoming distorted and even the flow of time itself is becoming convoluted. With this soapstone, we may create connections even when our realities separate. Whenever I stop to rest, I make sure to leave my signature nearby so that it's brilliant aura may lead others to call upon my aid!"

You accept the stone, finding it feels faintly warm to the touch. It looks like just your normal piece of rock, but if some rags can create a bolt of lightning, you suppose a random rock could do just about anything.






Solaire continues as you pocket the Soapstone in your pouch. "Anyway, you two go on ahead. I shall catch up with you later, but first I wish to witness the setting of the sun."

Oscar nods and shakes his hand. "Very well then, friend. I wish you good luck on your journey, wherever it may lead."



After saying your goodbyes to Solaire, you and Oscar make your way across the bridge.

The building at the other end turns out to be a shrine of some kind, with a few boxes and baskets of food and other living supplies scattered about. In the centre, surrounded by some benches, is a statue of a woman holding a baby with a pool of fresh water at its base. In front of the statue is another bonfire, this one already lit as if someone had only recently been tending to it.

To the left of the statue is an open portcullis with some stairs leading up to a path forwards, while a pair of open doorways lead out to a little outside area. Here you find more boxes of supplies and a little garden-like patch of grass. Up on a raised section, overlooking the setting sun, is the remains of another statue. This one looks like it was supposed to depict a warrior or something, going by the big spear held by one section of the remains.

While all this is nice and mysterious, there's one thing you find pretty weird and unsettling. That is that, both inside and out, there a bunch of Hollows scattered about, with glowing red eyes and wearing nothing but bits of torn rags.

The moment you see them, you summon your claws to go to work clearing them out, but Oscar stops you before you can. It takes you a moment to realise why, but to your surprise, they don't seem to be hostile, if they've even noticed you at all. In fact, a lot of them seem to be… praying?

"Hollows are mindless creatures, but even so, we must never forget that they were once human. The plight of the Undead is the plight of Humanity itself." Oscar says, moving to sit down at the bonfire. Despite his words, you note that he positions himself so that none of the Hollows are out of his sight.

You sit down beside him and feel the welcoming warmth of the fire. "That was pretty deep. Are you actually some kind of sentimentalist or something?"

He chuckles wryly at your question. "I've experienced first-hand the unfairness levied against the Undead, so you could say it's a rather personal topic for me." He sighs and shakes his head, looking over at the Hollows praying to the statue. "My homeland of Astora tolerates those branded with the Dark Sign better than most kingdoms, however even there, there is a strong mistrust towards the Undead. If someone is even suspected of nearing becoming Hollow, they are immediately 'dealt with' ruthlessly and without even a hint of mercy."

Oscar goes quiet after saying this and an uncomfortable silence falls over the shrine. The only sounds that manage to creep through are the crackling of the bonfire and the quiet grumbling of the Hollows.

After a few minutes of this, you decide you've had enough of the gloomy atmosphere and get to your feet. "Alright, let's get going then!" You say, stretching. "I've got Oriko to find and you want to ring some bells or something, right?"

Oscar looks up from the bonfire with a sigh. "Kirika, this city is huge. No matter how hard you search, I doubt you're going to find your friend right away. "He nods his head towards one of the doorways. "It's getting late and it'll be dangerous to try fumbling about in the dark. Besides, there's no point in finding your friend if you don't have the energy to protect her once you find her."

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[] Ignore Oscar and move on, with or without him

[] Listen to Oscar and rest for the night
-[] Talk to Oscar (Write in)
-[] Mess around with the Hollows
-[] Write in

Spoiler: OOC

Well, this post was a lot longer than I had originally planned for it to be. I'll proofread it at some later point, so apologies for any mistakes or general weirdness.