Tarnished Beast (Male OC x Elden Ring harem)

Goodbye, Melina (Path B)

Mutasim P.O.V

I decided to take heed of Melina and Morgott's warning about the Frenzied Flame. Though, the knowledge that Melina would have to die for me to ascend weighed heavily on my mind. We traversed the plains of the Mountaintops, fighting golems, dragons, trolls and giant birds. 

Eventually, we came across a colossal figure Morgott titled "The last Fire Giant". It was a rough battle, but by whittling the ominous terror down, we won. With the Fire Giant dead, I could see a giant circular plate of a kind hanging onto this land by a single giant chain. 

Morgott: That is where we shall burn the Erdtree. 

Vera: Can't believe we're getting so close to the end now. I've heard stories about the flame in that bowl, but... Never imagined I'd see it for myself. 

Millicent: So when the Erdtree burns, what happens after? Do we just return to Leyndell? 

Melina: No. You will be taken to a world outside of time. There, you will have to find the Rune of Death and release it. Then, the impenetrable thorns will burn. 

I remain silent, not wanting to say anything. It was bad enough that Melina was just talking about this so casually. As if her life meant nothing. I do my best to not let tears fall, knowing that I'd lose the only woman I loved. I begin walking up the chain, being careful not to fall off. Once we reached the actual bowl, I noticed a site of grace on the other side. 

We walked around and sat down next to it. But no amount of warmth could comfort me, knowing what came next. 

Melina: I have long observed the Lands Between. This world is in dire need of repair... and Death... indiscriminate. Are you prepared to commit a cardinal sin? 

She asks me in her soft voice. Every fibre of my being didn't want this. To sacrifice her. But the other option would've been to destroy this entire world. Unable to look at her, I nod, keeping my head low. 

Melina: Very well. Let my hand rest upon you, for but a moment. 

I raise my hand and let her scarred, scabby hands take hold of it. As soon as she held it, I felt weak and my vision went dark, as if falling asleep. 

3rd P.O.V

With Mutasim knocked out, Melina reluctantly lets go of his hand and turns to the forge of the Giants, seeing the flames ignite and burn brighter evermore. The flames call to her and a small fire reflects in her eye, the vision of flame she sought. As the maiden holds her hand out to the forge, the flames lick her hands before slowly engulfing her. Melina looks up at the Erdtree and raises her arms. 

Melina: O Erdtree, you shall burn. Burn, for the sake of the new Lord. 

Lowering her hands, she turns to Mutasim. Her eye softening as she looks at the slumbering man. A tear builds up in her eye as her lips quiver, attempting a smile. 

Melina: Thank you. For guiding me here. The one who walks alongside flame, shall one day meet the road of Destined Death. Goodbye. 

Morgott, Vera and Millicent simply stay silent as they watch the Erdtree burn. Knowing she didn't have much time left, Melina falls to her knees in front of Mutasim. Her hands rise up to his cheeks, raising his face to hers. This was her last and only chance left to confess. Even if Mutasim didn't know, Melina desired a life with him. Perhaps in another life, she envisioned a family. One she could call her own. 

Her thumb caresses his cheek before she leans in, pressing her lips against the Tarnished's. She remains locking lips with him for a little while before pulling away, no longer able to hold back tears. 

Melina: I... I love you. Mutasim. Please... 

Never Forget