Drakengard: Demonic Flower [Demons Souls X Drakengard 3 Crossover]

-Past, Unknown Amount of Time-

The sound of the explosion faded into the distance along with the flaming wreckage of the airship.

One thing crossed my mind as I listened to the wind roaring in my ears and the ground looming closer.

"HOLY SHIT!"

The damn knight, the annoying fairy, my saintly sister, and the old Dragon fell to their deaths, and Mikhail, ever the softie, dove after them, and look where that got us!

My heart sank, I heard his pained roar as he was struck by the magic orbs, all because the idiot couldn't be more selfish and pay attention to his surroundings.

I lost sight of the rest of the group towards the end, so I focused on surviving.

Mikhail lost control of his flight and spiraled downward, the useless Disciples doing nothing but screaming like frightened little girls, clinging to the dragon's body.

I felt my grip loosen and my stomach churn. I'll let it all out if it keeps up like this.

I couldn't think straight; the world was spinning around me, as was my head. I saw double, and my vision went black.

I knew what would happen when I hit the ground. I would come back to life, but the others…

Dito and Decadus can go fuck themselves, but Mikhail, I can't lose him again.

"MIKHAIL, STOP SPINNING BEFORE YOU THROW US AWAY! I SWEAR I'LL VOMIT ON YOU IF YOU DON'T STOP!"

The Dragon let out a high-pitched, irritating scream that assaulted my ears, probably one of its many apologies, and flapped its wings, trying to reorient itself.

I don't know how much time passed, but we gradually stopped spinning, and a sharp jolt nearly knocked me away.

I breathed heavily, fighting the urge to faint, but it did little to improve my situation. I still felt awful, but at least I could understand what was happening.

"COME ON, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! FLAP YOUR WINGS AND GET US OUT OF HERE! OR DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A STAIN ON THE GROUND?!"

"I CAN'T, ZERO! WE'RE FALLING TOO FAST!"

And to prove his point, he flapped his wings uselessly, continuing his freefall. Then I turned to the Disciples clinging to the Dragon's back.

"SHIT! AND YOU TWO, ANY IDEAS?!"

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT ME TO DO, Z?! FLAP MY ARMS?!"

"HM~~~ IF YOU WISH, I CAN USE MY BODY AS A SHIELD AND CUSHION YOUR FALL. I WONDER IF I'LL FEEL ANYTHING~~~"

"SERIOUSLY?! AT A TIME LIKE THIS?!"

"THEN WHY DON'T YOU DO SOMETHING, Z?!"

"JUST WATCH, YOU IMBECILE!"

I focused on the approaching ground, taking in the gray earth and dead forest. I swallowed hard, having no idea what to do, but I certainly wasn't going to admit I was wrong to that wretched dwarf.

Sweat beaded on my forehead, and the deafening screams around me didn't help, but one way or another, I had to solve this.

"FUCK IT!"

I took a deep breath and summoned my song power, screaming with all my might, sending a magical attack toward the ground.

The air vibrated, and a boom echoed across the devastated land, followed by a cloud of dust. My chest ached and my throat burned, but our fall slowed.

KEEP IT UP, Z!"

Hmph! It's easy for you to say, isn't it, you son of a bitch?!

The moment came when I couldn't keep up my song, and I had to leave the rest to the Dragon.

"MIKHAIL, *COUGH* FLY OR WE'RE GOING TO DIE! *COUGH*"

I didn't pay attention to what he had to say amid my coughing fit, but I sighed in relief when we stopped falling like rocks and Mikhail hovered above the trees, but to my dismay, they were getting closer and closer.

"AAAHHH!"

Our screams mingled as we slammed into a wall of twisted branches, feeling the wood crack and crack as it covered our bodies in cuts and scrapes.

A heavy impact threw us upward as we hit the ground. I felt my hand pull away from the Dragon and my body roll across the cold, dirty earth, screaming in pain with each collision, which only ended when I slammed into something large, covering the world in darkness.

-XXXXXX-

"GASP!"

I woke with a gasp, standing up immediately and regretting it immediately thanks to the splitting headache I felt.

I tried to look around and figure out where I was, but the dizziness kept me from focusing. I saw only blurry images and heard muffled, distant noises.

I took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart and organize my thoughts.

What happened after we fell?

The softness beneath me indicated I was in a bed, and the noises indicated there were people out there, but who the hell would care for someone like me? It would be better to kill me or turn myself in for a reward.

Hm… I can think of one person. Idiot, making me owe him favors. At least he survived the fall, but Four… It would be too good to be true if she had died.

I don't know how much time passed, the ringing in my ears disappeared, my heart calmed down, and when everything stopped spinning, I realized I was in a small wooden house, next to a window with closed curtains.

I struggled to my feet, grunting as the pain shot through my body.

"SHIT!"

The strength in my legs vanished, and I braced myself against a table to keep from falling, nearly bringing everything to the floor.

I gritted my teeth, growling in frustration and looked around.

Great, no one saw it.

The heat in my cheeks faded, but the shame remained.

Imagine, the great and feared Intoner Zero barely able to stand. My reputation would go to hell. It's sad that a bad fall was the only thing that managed to make my legs wobbly so far.

I walked slowly, shaking off the numbness. I found my shoes near the front door, put them on, and readjusted my dress and the bow in my hair.

I opened and closed my artificial hand repeatedly, missing my sword.

Of course, it wouldn't be that easy.

There were no windows in the front of the house, so I couldn't see outside, and pressing my ear to the door revealed no familiar voices.

For a moment, I wondered if I should feign sleep and wait for someone to arrive, but I gave up on the idea; curiosity was killing me, not to mention, of course, hunger and lust.

Well, I'm alive, none of my sisters are here, and no one has tried to kill me yet.

It's best that the Disciples and Mikhail haven't gotten into trouble; I don't have the patience to face another crisis after what happened.

So I opened the door, prepared to fight whatever was on the other side. However, I frowned in confusion at what I saw.

I knew the Land of Forests was home to most non-humans, but I hadn't expected to see so many in one place.

Elves, Trolls, Gnomes, Fairies, Elementals, and more walked or flew everywhere, arguing or performing duties.

I left the house, receiving glances, which I quickly returned, but I was never confronted.

It seemed everyone had bigger problems, judging by their somber looks and downcast expressions.

I heard the hammering of steel as weapons were forged, the hum of spellcasters' magic, and whispers filled with fear and anxiety.

I passed tents filled with wounded people moaning in pain or silently dying, rows of elves and other beings training with weapons and magic against targets and mannequins, and crowds waiting to get their food.

Strangely, the local nature was alive: green grass and trees, colorful flowers, brown earth, and chirping animals—the opposite of what I'd seen before I fell.

Speaking of falling, where were the others? It's better they didn't die.

I kept walking, getting to know the place and not knowing whether I liked or missed seeing people running for their lives at the sight of me.

Is it strange that I miss it a little? Being feared has its advantages.

"Miss Zero, here!"

I turned toward the noise and saw Decadus waving at me with a smile that barely fit his face, sitting on a crate and eating a piece of bread.

Dito sat beside him with his arms crossed and a look like he'd eaten something sour, which wasn't much different from his usual expression.

"Miss Zero, I'm glad to see you up and… Hey, this is mine!"

I didn't pay attention to what he said; I was too hungry to care.

I took the bread from his hand and sat on a rock, eating it all in one bite, ignoring his sad mumbles.

"Wow, I missed you too, Z."

The shorty rolled his eyes, speaking in a very familiar tone that made my blood boil. I didn't respond in kind because I didn't have the energy.

"What happened after we crashed?"

"Well, according to the village chief, the locals spotted the airship being shot down and us falling, so scouts were sent to investigate, finding the injured dragon carrying us on its back, begging for help."

My eyes widened at his words, and I jumped to my feet, feeling my body tremble and my stomach sink.

"Where's Mikhail?!"

Dito pointed to the side with his thumb, and I saw a narrow trail through the trees.

I raised a questioning eyebrow, and Dito smiled arrogantly.

"Don't worry, it's a safe path."

I clicked my tongue and turned to Decadus, waiting for his answer.

"He speaks the truth, Miss Zero, the path is safe. I can accompany you if you wish."

I nodded for him to do so, and together we followed the trail in silence, and at its end, there was Mikhail, lying in a grassy clearing.

"Mikhail!"

It didn't matter that I wasn't alone; I lost my composure when I saw the wounds covering his body.

His soft breathing stopped, and he jumped slightly, looking around in confusion.

I mentally kicked myself for waking him, but I couldn't help but feel relieved to see him alive.

"Zero!"

He struggled to his feet, shaking like a leaf with every movement, which made me feel worse and worse.

"What are you doing, you idiot?! Look at yourself! Get your scaly ass down on the ground before you hurt yourself even more!"

Mikhail let out a childish squeal and complained about how scary and evil I was.

I resisted the urge to laugh, choosing instead to drag my hands over his body, checking his injuries.

Scales were missing in several spots, revealing red cuts and bruises, some of his claws and fangs were broken, holes had opened in the leather of his wings, and his right eye remained closed.

Shit! Fuck! Damn!

The more I saw, the more I despaired; that was close, too close.

I've already lost Michael, I don't know what I would do if the same thing happened to Mikhail. I can't go through that again.

Would I still have the strength to carry on?

"It's not that bad, Zero. I'm big and strong; a fall like that is nothing for a powerful dragon like me."

"Was that grumpy dragon who put those ideas in your head?"

"Yes! He's so cool, but so scary!"

Hmm... I was always tough on Mikhail, telling him he should be strong and stop crying, but now that he's like this, I feel like I should have gone easier.

"I'll kick his scaly ass when I see him again, and you, go back to sleep, I'll stay by your side until you wake up."

"Are you sure, Zero? Won't you get bored?"

"No, I need some time alone to think."

"Okay, good night, Zero."

"It's still daytime, you dummy."

I rested my forehead against the side of his face and closed my eyes, focusing on his slowing breathing.

I pulled away when I heard his soft snore and leaned against his torso, sliding my back against him until I sat on the floor.

"Hey, go get my sword."

Decadus's footsteps hurried away.

I didn't bother lifting my head, now gripped in my hands. I focused only on the guilt. It was my fault, and I didn't know what to do.

-XXXXXX-

The disciple returned with my sword minutes later. I accepted it with a nod, but I raised an eyebrow when I saw him staring at me.

"What?"

"Are you okay, miss?"

"Do I look okay to you?"

"No, but there's no harm in asking."

"Just... Just leave me alone."

His face became impassive, his mouth a thin line. He readjusted his glasses and nodded slowly, saying goodbye politely before turning his back and leaving.

Then I returned to my spiral of despair.

Where did it all go so wrong? When I attacked Cathedral City? When the knight and the monsters appeared? When this war began?

Five was taken, and the Land of the Seas fell. We reached Four only to lose her again, all the fault of that knight in shining armor!

Hmm! He had to butt in where he wasn't wanted! Demons this, honor that—there would be one less Intoner if he hadn't decided to protect the virgin princess! What a softhearted dumbass! He'll end up dead like this, or maybe not. I've seen him survive everything Midgard threw at him!

And worst of all, I agreed with his words! Since when do I stop to listen to others? I don't listen and understand, I advance and demand! Men, money, I take what I want and kill anyone who gets in the way!

Since when do I wonder if this is the best option?! Since when do I doubt what I'm doing?!

Looking back, I haven't realized how stupid and stubborn I was. Everyone tried to warn me that something was wrong, but I ignored them, closed my ears, and moved forward, demanding and threatening, as always.

There was something wrong with the fog, we all saw it, so why? Why did I persist? Because I am stronger? Because I am smarter? Because I think I'm better?

I don't know, or maybe I do. Because I want to be in control.

-XXXXXX-

"Here you go, Miss Zero."

Decadus brought me a bowl of steaming food. The smell made my mouth water, and the rumbling in my stomach revealed how long it had been since I'd eaten anything.

He turned to leave, but I felt like I should say something.

"Hey, thanks."

The words tumbled out of my mouth like venom, as if I were trying to spit out bad food.

I was surprised at how difficult it was to say something so simple, and Decadus seemed to feel the same way.

"You're welcome, Miss Zero."

His surprised face softened, and he left with a slight smile, leaving me alone again.

The food looked better than it tasted, but I could only complain to myself now, so I ate slowly, ruminating in my thoughts.

What to do? What to do? What to do?

-XXXXXX-

Night fell, and the animals returned to their homes, leaving the forest silent. Unfortunately, this made the small, nagging voice in the back of my mind speak louder. Was it the flower or my conscience? I couldn't tell.

"Look at you! Pathetic! The great Intoner Zero reduced to a pitiful mess! What would everyone think if they saw you like this? They would surely mock the much-feared pink-eyed witch!"

"Shut up..."

"Oh, is that the best you can do? Where are the insults? The threats? Aren't you going to swing your sword and stain the ground with my blood like you did with everyone else?"

 "Shut up…"

"You can't, and you know it! There's nothing to cut! Blood to spill! Flesh to tear or bones to break!"

"Shut up…"

"Then why don't you silence me like you always have? By drinking yourself into oblivion or dragging the first man you see into your bed? The itch between your legs is burning, isn't it? Drag the disciples into a corner and use them as toys; after all, isn't that what they are to you? At least your sisters took the time to bond with them, or at least tried. But if you're bored, why not choose an elf? Their nimble hands should work wonders. Or how about a monster if you're brave enough? An Intoner's body should be able to handle it."

"Shut up…"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Is that all you can say? You're like a bird repeating what it hears, but I can't blame you; after all, that's what she always told you, right?"

"..."

"Mommy, where's the food? Shut up! Mommy, where did Daddy go? Shut up! Mommy, I had a nightmare! Mommy… Mommy… Mommy… Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"

"..."

"Do you remember the burning slaps to your cheeks? The punches that made your eyes swell and the world spin? The crushing kicks to the ribs? It's amazing how a starving child, thin as bone, can recover after crossing the room like a thrown stone! It's also amazing how a spiteful woman abandoned by the one who brought money into the house had the strength to do so, considering she was completely useless at providing for herself!"

"..."

"How many times have you been left outside in the cold night?" How many times have you cried yourself to sleep in your rock-hard bed? How many times have you prayed to any God who would listen for everything to get better?

"..."

"Suddenly, everything got better one day, didn't it? You remember, don't you? She woke you up with kisses and hugs, told you she loved you and that you would have a special day. She made the best breakfast, but where did all the food come from? She bought you the best dress and perfume, but where did she get the money? She took you to the festival in town, but where did such kindness come from? You hoped your prayers were answered, that your mother had changed and loved you now. A mother's love, wasn't that what you always wanted?"

"..."

"You should have known something was wrong. Didn't it ever cross your mind that it was too good to be true? You didn't return to your house with its cracked walls and holey ceiling that night, but to a strange building in the dark corners of the city. Do you remember the smell of alcohol and cheap perfume? The colorful lights and drunken voices? The disgusting men and women smiling at you? How your mother told you everything would be okay? That this was your new home now? That these kind people would take care of you? But that never happened. You heard the sound of the coin purse being placed in her hands and the door closing behind you.

"..."

"What did you feel at that moment? Fear? Anger? Sadness? Confusion? Did you scream her name? Do you still remember her name? Her face? Do you still hate her? You tried to run, but they held your arms and legs. You tried to scream, to ask what was wrong, to beg her to come back, for someone to help you, to save you, but no one heard your voice."

"..."

"Your mother said you looked like a princess that day. Your dream was to be one, wasn't it?" Being whisked away by a knight in shining armor on a white steed where you lived happily ever after in a castle, but he never came. Instead, you experienced hell, used and betrayed by everyone you met."

"..."

"You're nothing but a broken doll. A piece of trash. A weight taking up space. Who would miss you if you died? Your sisters? They'd be relieved, after all, you tried to kill them. The people of Midgard? They would celebrate the death of a monster. The Disciples? They'd leave you behind just like they did with their Intoners. Mikhail? He's nothing but a crybaby. You're a sad being. You've achieved nothing. Nothing to be proud of."

"..."

"But that can change. Yes, that's right. I just need you to do one thing and everything will be fine. Just one little thing…"

"..."

"BrInG ME MoRe SoUlS!"

I gasped in fright, breaking my stupor and jumping to my feet with my sword ready.

I scanned the dark forest, spotting the village lights in the distance, but found nothing amiss. That didn't stop a shiver from running through me, however.

What the hell was that?!

I turned quickly when I heard something moving behind me, stopping the swing of my weapon when I saw Mikhail waking up.

"Zero, are you okay?"

I lowered my sword, which felt like it weighed a ton, and considered what to say. Anything but the truth.

"Yes, I am."

I thought he would drop the subject, but instead, I was pulled toward him by his wing, pressed against his body.

"You're lying."

"..."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

I buried my face in his torso, doing my best to hold him close while enjoying his warmth.

 Damn… I'm getting soft…

-XXXXXX-

I woke up the next day with birdsong assaulting my ears and the sun burning my face.

I clicked my tongue and frowned, trying to shield my eyes from the damned light.

It took me a while to realize where I was, but the breathing beside me and the large wing above me brought back what had happened the night before.

Sleeping on the hard, cold ground had wrecked my back, but at least I didn't have nightmares this time. It's rare for the voice to shut up in my sleep.

I crawled out of the wing and stood up, stretching, cracking my joints, and brushing the dirt off my dress, which, to my frustration, was stained now.

Mikhail still slept with his tongue hanging out, mumbling in his sleep as he kicked the air and swished his tail.

A smile crept onto my face, and I stifled a laugh.

Hump! A giant baby, no matter the time or place. No one would be afraid of him if they saw him like this.

"And that same baby will die by your han…"

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly and exhaling slowly, pushing the voice to the back of my mind.

I heard it scream until it faded, then I returned to the village, looking for the disciples to decide our next step.

It didn't take me long to find them; they were both in the center of the village, talking to an old elf and a fairy brighter than usual.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to join us! Have you had enough of wasting time with that giant lizard?" The thing spoke in a high-pitched, arrogant male voice, striving to assert authority.

The glowing insect barely opened its mouth and I already found myself missing the fairy following the knight.

What was her name again? Meh! That doesn't matter now.

I nearly swatted him like a mosquito as I approached, which did nothing to stop him from shouting all sorts of insults at being ignored.

To my surprise, the old elf was the one who silenced him, slamming his staff on the ground and sending a wave of magic through the air.

I widened my eyes and stepped back. The disciples shared the same surprised and disbelieving reaction, and with the frustrating creature silenced, the old elf spoke.

"I apologize for my... Associate's words. I would like to give you more time to rest, as I believe that being dropped from the sky was quite a shock to your group, but the seriousness of the situation leaves us no choice. First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Tiberius, the chief of this village, and you must be the Intoner known as Zero."

"Well, I'm surprised you're talking to me despite knowing who I am."

"Hm... Your reputation precedes you, but you've never done anything against the Land of Forests specifically. Human problems don't concern us, that is, until recently."

"I believe you're talking about my sister and what she did to Midgard and the Land of Forests."

"Exactly, we don't know when it started. Three was never a bad ruler, but neither was she exceptional. She was content to leave us alone as long as we didn't cause trouble, but everything has been falling apart since the day she returned with those golden robes. First came the red beings, then the flying gargoyles kidnapping people, then the land began to die at the same time that construction on that damned tower began. The fog prevents scouts from discovering what's happening on the other side, and the ones we sent before that never returned. Not to mention, of course, the open war raging throughout Midgard thanks to your sisters."

"Okay, nothing new, but where are you going with all this?"

The old elf took a deep breath, but I couldn't tell if it was from irritation or an attempt to catch his breath, but he quickly continued.

"You see, there's an illusion around the village, preventing Three's forces from finding it, and the elementals and fairies keep the forest alive with their magic. But this won't last forever. The decay is slowly progressing, and soon we'll have no way to acquire food or water. We planned to pack our things and flee far from here, try our luck in the Land of Deserts or Cathedral City, but something's stopping us... Well... How should I explain this?"

"The old man wants our help killing a monster stalking the land in search of the village in exchange for sheltering us here." Dito interrupted the conversation, crossing his arms and frowning angrily.

Of course, free food and shelter would be too good to be true.

"And why should we do that?"

"Well, considering your power, I believe it's a fair trade for you to remain hidden here. Three will certainly seek you out and try to bring you down again if you approach the fog."

 "And what's stopping us from taking what we want and leaving?"

"Miss Zero, I…" Decadus exclaimed, stepping forward, but I held up my hand to stop him and waited for the old man's answer.

"You can try, but everyone here has little to lose but their lives, and they will fight tooth and nail to the end. It won't be impossible, but you will suffer to kill all the magical beings present. Also, the illusion will be dispelled, revealing our location to Three and her forces, who will swarm in, killing and capturing the weary survivors, including the wounded dragon."

I froze like a statue at those words, and he seemed to notice, as a glint appeared in his sharp eyes.

"Yes, it would be a shame if something happened to young Mikhail. He's a good boy, he protected you with his own body and wandered wounded through enemy territory in search of help, carrying you on his back. I admit I hesitated to help, for a dragon, no matter how kind, is a big mouth to feed, but he spoke so highly of his friend Zero that I was moved. I imagine how he would react if he found out his friend had hurt those who offered her care."

Son of a bitch! Bastard! Damn you! Piece of shit! I'll wipe that arrogant smile off your face and…

I abandoned these thoughts as I realized I was making the same mistake again. I was letting my anger control me.

"Is that a threat?"

"It's a possibility. No one here will harm your friend, but I can't say the same about those who want us dead. We won't be able to guarantee his safety if we're discovered, so will you help us?"

"Yeah, it's not like we have much choice. We can't fly away from here with Mikhail injured."

"Great, I'll send some of my best warriors to assist you. They know the areas the creature usually prowls. I recommend your group use the rest of the day to rest; you'll leave early tomorrow morning."

Tiberius turned to leave, but I called after him, remembering something important.

"Before you go, did you see a black dragon, a knight, a fairy, and a brown-haired girl? They were traveling with us on the airship before we were shot down."

"I don't think so. If they survived the crash, then I fear they were taken by Three's forces."

Great, another problem to deal with! One thing at a time, Zero, one thing at a time. Kill the monster, take care of Mikhail, then find out what happened to the others.

I turned away from the elf and decided to explore the village with the disciples accompanying me.

"Hey, Z, are we really going to do what the old man asked?"

"Do you have a better idea?"

"Yes, but I don't think you'll like it." Dito laughed sadistically, making his point clear.

"Then keep your mouth shut and don't get us into any more trouble."

"I believe Miss Zero made the right choice. We'll all benefit in the end, but I admit you accepting surprised me. That's kind of you." Decadus smiled sweetly, making me feel sick.

"Of course, I can be kind when I want to!" I smiled back, ignoring Dito's laughter, but inside I was thinking of something else.

Righ... Kind... I wonder what's changed and how long it will last.

END OF CHAPTER