Fateful Embers

Chapter 3: Dragons and Curses

Magnus arises from his knee and an important question shows in his mind "Firekeeper, how did you end up in Hoshido? And why did I end up in Nohr?" It was a good question. They were right next to each other before being pulled into this world, yet they were on completely different parts of a continent.

"'Tis a question I've thought much over, Ashen One." The firekeeper answers "I believe it may be that we've been cast to the land most similar to our homes. You hail from Lothric, as I hail from the Far East. And thus, you were sent to Nohr, and I Hoshido." The two of them before being sent to this world had been working on the whole speaking thing because he couldn't understand her all that well. Seems 10 years in Hoshido made it a little easier.

"And the others?" Magnus ask her. The others in firelink shrine. What of Karla, Cornyx, Andre, ... Patches, Irina. Hell, what would become of Yorshka and Rosaria? "I know not." She responds "They may've been scattered across countless realms."

(Meanwhile, in a distant world)

A company of knights and mercenaries were attempting to take control of a castle guarded by some mercenaries known as the Band of the Hawk. The invading group had only two individuals worth of notice. A young man with a unusually large Greatsword, and a cloaked figure with a ridiculously massive hammer, and huge round shield.

One of the members, named Bazuso is absolutely butchering many members of the raiding party. He shouts out "As long as I stand here, none shall pa-" only to suddenly be crushed by a massive greathammer. A cloak goes flying up into the air, and the hammer is lifted off the pile of crushed bone, flesh, and metal.

The person under the cloak is wearing a gargoyle-like armor. He says "Is the only thing you sorry excuses for knights can do is posture and talk?"

(Back to Hoshido)

"I see." Magnus strokes his chin and thinks for a moment. "Excuse me." Kamui says, getting the attention of her guard "Oh, yes Kamui?" He responds. "How do you know this woman?" She ask with some very slight suspicion. Her mind was still wrapping around the series of sudden reveals. From her apparent heritage, to seeing the man who bowed to no one for any reason, kneel to a woman she never heard of. A beautiful woman at that. But that didn't matter. Nope. Not in the slightest.

"Ah, my apologies." Magnus chuckles, waving off the notion "She's the only reason I've survived this long." Most of the Hoshidan royal family knew that the Firekeeper wasn't of this world, and of the Ashen warrior she spoke of from time to time, a topic of slight irritation to Tamuki, and curiosity from Ryoma. Mikoto seemed to be the only one not to question this, as she somehow seemed to already know.

"Alright... but who is she?" Kamui ask him slightly irritated. His answer only providing more questions. The Firekeeper speaks for this turn "I am the one chosen to tend to the first flame, and to the Ashen One himself." And once again, a answer with mostly questions. Before she can ask further, a young warrior rushes into the room, and bows "Lord Ryoma! I have an urgent message! We're under attack in the North!"

Ryoma gets serious immediately "No! Hinkoa and Sakura are up there right now!" The soldier nods "Yes, Milord. I've been told they're working to help evacuate the villagers." Ryoma gives a nod "Very well. We'll need to provide support. I'll leave immediately. Kamui, Magnus, will you come with me? I want you both to see the truth with your own eyes." Kamui looks up at Magnus, and simply tells him "I want answers."

Magnus scratches the back of his neck "And you'll get them... but we need to go help your uh... sisters first!" Brilliant way to change the subject. And they begin heading off to the North.

(Hours later)

The trip is mostly quiet, until a question arises on the back of Magnus's mind. He turns to Ryoma and ask "How did the Firekeeper end up living in a palace?"

To this, Ryoma gives a slight shrug "She appeared almost right after Garon made it across the boarder with Kamui. Understandably, we were suspicious of her at first. But mother seemed to trust her, so she was allowed to stay. Once all out war began, the Firekeeper offered to increase our strength after each battle." Magnus gives a nod "I see... how has she been since... she started living with you all?"

Ryoma turns to look at him. It wasn't an odd question, but the way he asked it most certainly was. "She's been well." Ryoma answers "She and my younger brother Tamuki spend quite a bit of time with each other." The tiniest flicker of primal rage forms inside of Magnus "... I see... good to know shes making friends. I was the only person she'd talk to within our home."

Off in the distance, a small mountain range is visible, where Sakura and Hinoka are present and fleeing. Sakura with a slight limp. Sakura apologizes to her elder sister with slightly panicked tone "Sorry I'm slowing us down. Of all the times to sprain my ankle..." Hinoka places a hand onto Sakura's shoulder and gives a nod along with a reassuring smile "Don't worry about it, Sis. We'll be ok. These weird guys don't stand a chance against me." Sakura, still fearful but now placing more faith in her sister's skills simply says "I hope you're right..."

Once Kamui, Kaze, Ryoma, Rinkah, and Magnus all arrive, they see how difficult it will be to fight in this territory. But that isn't what grabs the attention of Magnus. No. it's the foes they'll be facing. He knows them all to well.

The opponents were all dressed in either common clothes, or the standard garb of soldiers. Some even in nothing at all. There skin was grey and seemed to be pulled back against the skull, while also wrinkly. He eyes sunken in and seemed to be non-existent. Nearly gaping black holes. And the teeth were malformed and twisted. The all seemed to be nothing more than shambling corpses. Hollows.

Magnus puts away his normal sword, and pulls out two weapons nobody has seen him use before. A pair of greatswords with what seems to be fire brewing within them. He turns to look at his allies, face twisted with rage and says in a low voice "Get every non hostile out of here... now." Kamui is taken aback by this new side of Magnus, and ask him "Is something wro-" and he responds with a shout "GET OUT OF HERE WHILE I STILL HAVE SOME MEASURE OF CONTROL OVER MYSELF!"

Everyone could clearly see he wasn't going to take no for an answer, and they go over to get Hinoka and Sakura. They look back at Magnus, and see him get swarmed with Hollows, only to see him tearing them apart as if they were nothing but air. Swinging his blades curiously and occasionally letting out waves of fire all around him. It seemed as if Magnus was replaced with a raging demon, tearing apart everything in sight.

The hollows seemed to be drawn to humanity, but as this words flame is different from the world their curse hails from, they must settle for what closest resembles it. The power within the Royal Family. Or the Ashen One himself, who does possess quite a bit of the black sprite.

A few stray Hollows attack the group, only to be cut down by Ryoma faster than a blink of an eye. Even Magnus wielding one of his sleeker weapons would be hard pressed to keep up with such speed. Rinkah delivers a heavy hit to one of the Hollows. Smashing it quite a distance away into a nearby tree. And causing the tree to crack somewhat.

Soon enough, the Hollows are all slain for now, and the small group meet up with Hinoka and Sakura. Sakura gives a small bow and thanks them "Thank you so much for coming to our aid. Those strange men would have caused a lot more damage if you hadn't come. I have to ask though... who are you?" Kamui begins to tell her "Oh, my name is-" Hinoka then interrupts "Her name is Kamui." Kamui is slightly surprised, but continues "Er, yes. Nice to meet you properly."

Sakura ask her elder sister, slightly concerned "Hinoka? Are you ok?" Suddenly, Hinoka breaks down into tears, resting her hands onto Kamui "Finally... after all these years... I... I've missed you so much. S-sorry..." this catches Kamui off guard greatly "Oh! Um..."

Ryoma can't help but chuckle a bit "Hinoka was so attached to you when you were little, Kamui." He then gets serious "When you were taken from us, she cried for months. One day she stopped crying and picked up the Naginata. And I will say... if you find yourself facing the business end of her weapon... you will soon be filled with regrets about your life decisions. She vowed to bring you back to us someday... and now here you are."

Eventually, Hinoka calms herself, but her face is still redder than carthrus rogue. She gives a slight bow of apology, before speaking again "I'm sorry, Kamui. I'm not usually this emotional. But I'm just so happy to have you back. Take that, Nohrian scumbags! We win, you lose!"

Sakura looks up at her long lost sibling and ask "Wait... is this really Kamui?" Ryoma nods "Yes. I know it's big news. I'll fill you in on the whole story later. For now, we should return to the castle before Nohr deploys more monsters. Everyone! Lets head home." Kamui questions "What were those things anyway?" Ryoma lets out a sigh "I'm not sure myself."

Hinoka hits her palm with a fist "I call'em dear meat. But they're the only thing Nohr can throw at us now. Queen Mikoto placed a magical barrier around the kingdom. When normal soldiers pass through, they loose all will to fight. So long as mother is able to keep the barrier up, Nohr can't invade Hoshido."

Ryoma nods "That's why Nohr sends those things. They have no will of their own. That's why they're able to penetrate the barriers and terrorize out borders." This confuses Kamui a lot "But... Nohrians wouldn't send monsters to terrorize innocent people..." Hinoka is surprised by her statement "Of course they would. They're pure evil. The Nohrians don't care, they're willing to sacrifice their own just to hurt others. I'll never forgive them for that, or for stealing you away. They'll pay for all the suffering they've caused." Kamui shakes her head "I can't believe it..." Ryoma states "Come. Lets go get Magnus and head back... where is he exactly?"

Surrounded by the bodies of Hollows, Magnus continues to drive in his swords deep into the bodies. Over and over. His rage still boiling deep inside of himself. Ryoma shouts towards him "Magnus! It's over, they're dead." Magnus lets out a dry, humorless, pained laugh "No... no they're not. They keep coming back is what they do. Not die."

Hinoka looks over at the seemingly mad man and ask "Who's he supposed to be?" Kamui answers "His name is Magnus. Back when I lived in Nohr, he was tasked with guarding and training me. Something he's... very dedicated to." Hinoka glares slightly at the seemingly Nohrian man. For all she knew, he could be reporting everything back to king Garon somehow. And this is all some grand plot to kill the entire family.

Kamui approaches and places a hand onto Magnus's back "Magnus... it's over." He turns to look at her, eyes still filled with primal fury, which quickly subsides once he stares up at his mission in this world "No... these beings... they're Hollow. Not some Nohrian weapon. Nothing of the sort. The corpses of men and women without will, and now seeking to gain the humanity they've lost."

Kamui remembers that phrase he used, Hollow. She never would've thought there was anything other than a saying behind it. Or at least nothing this horrible. Kamui helps her guard up "We need to head back to the capital. Tell Queen Mikoto there. She'll need to know." Manus places a hand on top of Kamui's own "I don't want you fighting anymore."

Kamui stares up at him as if he grew a second head "What? Why not?" Magnus responds "I don't want you becoming like them. I won't let it happen." Kamui shakes her head "You know I can't do that." Magnus frowns "You can't or you won't?" "I won't." Kamui tells him. "I won't stop simply because there's a risk for my life." Magnus shakes his head "This is far worse than any death or torture you could face." Kamui firmly says "I'm not going to stop. Besides..." she then places a hand onto his cheek "You'll be there right along side with me... won't you?"

Magnus stares down at her for what seems for both to be an eternity, before finally relenting "Fine... but I'll be right along side you. At all times. No exceptions." He then smiles a bit "When you sleep, I'm right next to your bed, bathroom, outside the door, on a date, seated at the table with you. Producing a child, oh, I'll be right there wa-" Kamui interrupts "STOP!" Magnus sighs "Oh alright..."

Ryoma, Hinoka and the rest are all watching this unfold. While Ryoma becomes immensely curious about the mention of Hollows, and the exact nature of Magnus and Kamui's relationship, Hinoka is filled with a unending wellspring of hate for the man.

(Back in Hoshido)

After the journey back, Kamui is exploring the castle, and stumbles onto a room with a familiar scent and feeling to it. She walks in and begins looking around, only for Queen Mikoto to step inside. She says with that motherly smile on her face "Welcome back, Kamui! This is your old room." Kamui steps over to some drawings on the floor, picking them up and examining them. Mikoto tells her "Oh! That's a picture you drew on when you were a little girl. This is your father, this is me, and that's you. It's so cute!"

Kamui lets out a sigh, placing them down. Mikoto lets a frown develop across her face "We couldn't bear to touch s thing in this room after you were taken. If we put your things away, it would have felt like giving up." Her smile returns "You've grown so much. I can't believe how beautiful you are!"

Kamui turns around with a disappointed look on her face "I'm afraid I still don't remember anything. I... I just don't know how to respond to your stories. I do believe I could be your child... by everyone here simply feels like a stranger to me." Mikoto is slightly disheartened "I understand Kamui. Please don't worry about it."

Kamui can't help but be somewhat angry at herself "I'm so sorry. Here you are, maybe my real mother, and I don't feel anything..." Mikoto responds "Please. It makes sense. You spent your whole childhood in Nohr. I'm sure you were quite sheltered. You will need time to think all of this through and search your soul. But I hope someday we can be a family again."

Kamui is silent for now, but Mikoto continues "For now, please make yourself comfortable. Explore the castle, or stroll the grounds outside. You'll be safe here. However... there's one thing I must ask... tell me of your relationship to Magnus."

This catches Kamui off guard a bit. She didn't expect a question to be about him. Kamui thinks for a moment "He's... strong, not afraid to speak his mind, protective, not the best sense of humor, we... were close friends. That's about it." Mikoto knew that not to be the whole truth, but it was good enough for her. "I see... very well. Goodnight." And then the queen leaves.

Magnus... there was something odd about him. Even more than the world he came from. She knew of his world, many from her homeland knew about that dark place. But his existence seemed to take a fate that was almost clear, and muddy it into many. One where he claims the title of dark lord. One where he fades into obscurity. One where him and Kamui share a future, one with the Firekeeper, another with Azura, and many more with several women she knew not... and even one with her involved with the strange Cleric.

All the futures were as possible as the others. But only one thing remained constant... something she knew she couldn't avoid. But that was something she couldn't worry about. All that mattered was what would be the now. And spending it with her family.

Kamui steps outside of the castle, and stares up at a lake that glistens with countless shades of red, orange, yellow and purple. Kamui sighs "I can't stop thinking about Xander. Or Camilla, Leo, and Elise..." a song begins to hit her ears. A truly lovely one at that. She goes to find the source of the song, only to see lovely young woman dressed in white and with long blue hair singing "You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek, Life beyond the shore just out of reach, Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time, The path is yours to climb."

The water ripples and stops reflecting any light, and she turns around to see who may be approaching her. The mysterious woman ask "Yes?" Kamui smiles and scratches the back of her neck "Er, hello. I'm sorry to bother you. I just got lost in your singing. There's something about that song that captivated me..." the woman simply states "You must be Princess Kamui." Kamui nods "Yes... and you are?"

"I am Azura. A former princess of Nohr." She tells Kamui. This surprises Kamui "Former? I don't understand. If that were true, surely I would have heard of you. I grew up with the Nohrian royal family..." Azura resumes talking "I'm afraid I've been here a long time. After you were taken by the Nohrians, the Hoshidan forces retaliated. They tried desperately to get you back, but they failed time and time again. However, I wasn't as heavily guarded. Hoshidan Ninja easily kidnapped me. I suppose we've both been hostages for most of our lives..."

Kamui responds "Gods... I'm so sorry." Azura smiles a bit "It's fine. I may technically be a hostage, but I've lived a happy life. The people of Hoshido have accepted me as one of their own. Even Queen Mikoto herself treats me as if I were her daughter." Kamui seems to become wrapped in thought for a moment, and Azura questions "Did something happen between you and Queen Mikoto?"

Kamui sighs "No. I just... I just don't know what to do. She seems perfectly lovely, by I don't feel any connection to her. But she loves me. And so do my blood siblings- who I've just met." Azura nods "I understand. If I were to return to Nohr, I suspect I'd feel the same way." Kamui ask her a rather large question "Do you think you could start over there? Live a new life among strangers?"

Azura responds with "No. given a choice, I would prefer to stay here in Hoshido. Queen Mikoto is a peace-loving ruler. King Garon is not." This causes Kamui to become absorbed in thought again, and Azura ask her a similarly important question "So, Kamui... what are you going to do?" Kamui sighs "I don't know. For now, I think I'm just going to spend some time thinking."

(Few days later)

Kamui is standing inside of the throne room with Mikoto, and Magnus justo itside listening in on everything going on. Mikoto chuckles "You look as if you're feeling better after only a few days to yourself, Kamui." Kamui nods "I am, yes. I still have many questions, but at least now I have a few answers. Thanks for giving me the space I needed to think." Mikoto gives a small smile "Of course. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. If you wouldn't mind, I have a small favor to ask. Would you try sitting on the throne for a moment?"

Kamui's response is reasonable "Why would I do that?" Mikoto begins to explain "Well... this throne is infused with the power of the first dragons. It is said that those who sit on it regain their true forms and mind. I thought if you sat on the throne, then perhaps-"

Kamui seems surprised and somewhat offended, while Magnus is greatly curious. Kamui ask "Wait... do you not trust me? Do you think I'm under some kind of Nohrian spell?" Mikoto lets out a small gasp "No! It had nothing to do with trust. I just wonder if the Nohrians have been dealing away your early memories... if so, maybe this special throne could help bring those lost pieces back. Those sweet memories of me and your siblings..."

Kamui relaxes "I see..." Mikoto continues "I'm sorry, Kamui. I don't mean to push you towards something you don't want." Suddenly, a man with glasses and a greyish blue hair steps in, interrupting the conversation "Excuse me, Lady Mikoto." He says "The ceremony is about to begin." Mikoto acknowledges this "Thank you, Yukimura. Kamui, you probably don't remember him, but this is Yukimura. He's one of our stratigraphy and brightest leaders. We would be lost without him!"

Yukimura laughs a bit, and gives a humble bow "You are too kind, milady. Though in truth. I still have much to learn. That said, I am here to help in any way I can, Lady Kamui." Soon enough, the rest of the royal family of Hoshido steps inside. Although there's one person Kamui doesn't recognize. And for the hell of it, Magnus stepped inside as well.

Then, Queen Mikoto tells Kamui of her plan for today "I'd like to make a public announcement about your presence here, Kamui. There have been rumors circulating about spies from Nohr infiltrating the castle. I would like to quash those tumors once and for all." She then turns to Yukimura and ask him "Is everything ready?"

He gives a nod "Yes, milady, people are beginning to gather at the plaza." Mikoto nods "Excellent. Thank you. Kamui, I've arranged for Takumi, Hinoka, and Sakura to give you and Magnus a tour. I thought you might want to get back to know this area a little bit before this event. I need to speak with Yukimura at first. But I'll meet you in the plaza soon."

Hinoka nods "We'd be happy to show... them around. Thank you, Mother." With the slightest hint of anger to the Unkindled. Mikoto then looks over to Azura, and ask her "Azura, do you mind going with them as well?" Azura smiles a bit "Not at all. It would be my pleasure." Kamui thanks her for this, but Takumi simply scoffs. Hinoka has her ever present natural blush "I can't wait to show you around! I think you'll l-love it here."

Kamui lets a smile grow across her face "Thank you, Sakura. A guided tour sounds like a great idea." And with that, the five go off into the nearby city, with Magnus following suit, glaring down at who he assumed to be Tamuki. Kid getting all chummy with HIS... the Firekeeper.

As they leave, Queen Mikoto becomes a bit worried "I hope Kamui is truly OK with all of this." Yukimura nods with a slight frown "Yes, I can't imagine the position she's in. It's a lot to process. That said, I think his return is a message from the gods." Ryoma lets out a sigh "A good message, I hope." Yukimura looks up at him "Why do you say that?" He questions.

"I don't know, after the incident up north North, I just feel uneasy. We should remain on high alert if you ask me." Ryoma says. Although that wasn't the only thing concerning Ryoma, but his sister's guard did. He was a powerful man, dangerously so. And while he had no issue with his protective nature of Magnus over his sister. His great knowledge on these, Hollow creatures was concerning. Especially with the solution Magnus gave him.

(Flashback)

"How to get rid of them? Well... find villages where there have been reports of undying people. And normally healthy people becoming very pale or wrinkled. Once found, burn the place down and burry all the bodies deep within the earth. Make sure they can never claw their way out."

(Present time)

Just outside the palace, was a large sprawling city of green and red buildings, along side cherry blossom trees. The streets were brimming with smiles and color. Something that made Magnus... uncomfortable. He whispers over to Kamui "I don't like this place." Kamui looks back at him a little surprised "Why not? It's so... bright... and open. And everyone's super friendly."

Magnus nods "Yeah. That's why. I'm not used to this kind of situation. All this... joy in one place. It's totally alien to me, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do... also I don't know what any of the signs say." Kamui can't help but laugh. Here was her gruff and cynical guard, completely unsure of what to do in a peaceful and welcoming setting.

"H-hey! It's not funny. I'm completely out of my element here. I'm like a shark in the middle of the desert... surrounded by pleasantness, I'm just..." Magnus attempts to say, trying to cover his ass. Kamui places a hand on his shoulder "Magnus, just relax. Get comfortable."

Tamuki scoffs "Just don't get too comfortable... SISTER." Kamui looks at him and responds "Pardon me?" While Magnus's head seams to do a complete 180 to look behind him. "I don't trust you." Tamuki says bluntly "Shouldn't you be heading back to Nohr soon with your boyfriend?" Azura tries to interrupt, but before she can say any more than her name "Hey, who said you could call be by my name? You haven't earned that privilege either."

Magnus steps backwards to Tamuki, still his head looking behind him, and stares down at the young archer "You're Tamuki... the one I've heard has been getting all... chummy with the Firekeeper?" Tamuki blushes a bit at that statement, but doesn't back down from who he views as Nohrian scum, plain and simple "Yeah, what of it?"

Magnus glares, eyes brimming with a fire the first flame could never match "If you ever harm her, or Kamui... I will be forced to reduce everything you love to ash, and knit a sweater from your entrails." Magnus then turns back around, all his bones cracking back in place... Magnus was rather odd you see.

Kamui sighs "Magnus... just... just stand over there for a little bit." After the uh... colorful threat Magnus gave, Kamui points out a simple fact "Azura has been in Hoshido for as long as I've been gone. Shouldn't that be enough to consider her part of the family?" Tamuki, still a little shaken by what happened only a few moments ago, says "I-I don't care. I don't trust any of you. I just wanted to tell you that to your face."

Sakura walks over to them and tells them "I apologize for Takumi's rudeness. He's a bit of a hothead. Anyway, how'd you like to try a sweet rice dumpling? It's a Hoshidan specialty!" Hinoka is both angered and calmed by this. Anger at the threat towards her brother, and calmed at the fact it seemed there was a different woman in his heart. Maybe.

Soon enough, the ceremony starts, and Kamui stands within the central plaza. The rest of the royals standing close, including Mikoto, and Magnus not too far off. Mikoto looks at her long lost child, and his sword gets an ominous glow. A cloaked figure, with constantly fading and simmering body stretches his hand out, and an eye on the hilt opens. Kamui stares down at the blade, and it goes flying away into the cloaked figures invisible hand.

The figure slams the blade into the ground, and a dark aura is given off from the blade, causing a massive eruption of mystic energy, and making the sword shatter. Instinctively, Magnus jumps over to protect Kamui, along with Mikoto in front of him. The sword fragments go flying through Magnus, and he grunts in pain, but also hit Mikoto. Magnus collapses onto his back, while Mikoto stumbles into Kamui's arms.

Mikoto ask weakly "You were not hurt? Tell me you're ok." While Magnus stares up at Kamui and chuckles "Huh... didn't think it be like this... thought it would be a blaze of glory..." Kamui tells her mother "I'm fine." And looks over at Magnus "And you'll be fine too." Mikoto sighs, and seems to die in her daughter's arms, her seeming last words being "Im... glad..." Magnus shakes his head "Nah... just... don't do anything... I would... My sweet little Kamui..." oddly, his pocket seems to glow.

Kamui begins to sob, and screams out into the heavens "MOTHER! MAGNUS!" Sakura looks over at the seeming corpse of Mikoto, and is about to rush over before being stopped by Ryoma. He draws his sword and calls out "You there!" To the cloaked figure. And attempts to slash him through, before it dissipates."

Kamui clenches her fist, hard enough to make them bleed. Before letting out a furious, demonic scream of rage. Dark purple and black energy seems to surround her body, and her eyes glow blue. She clutches her own body as the seams of her armor glow red and white, with mixes of blue in as well. Her body begins to morph into a draconic creature. With a color similar to her armor, but a texture of stone. The back limbs like a deer, and the front like a mix between a human and a beast. The head glowed an eerie blue, and gave off a breath that seemed to glitter with crystals.

Tamuki calls out "Gods! What is that?" Ryoma stares at Kamui "It's an ancient dragon. I never thought I'd see the day..." while most go off to fight, Magnus weakly calls "Sakura..." Sakura turns to look for the source of the sound, finding Magnus barely holding onto life. He held Yorksha's chime in his hand, and managed to cast tears of denial on himself.

Sakura looks down at him and ask "How are you still a-alive? Could that mean mo-" Magnus then groans in pain "Listen... in my pocket, you'll find a golden flask... if your mother yet lives, let her drink from it, and she will be restored to health... but only if she lives." Sakura realizes this may be her only chance, by can't help but question "W-what about you? What if there isn't anything left for you?"

Magnus shakes his head weakly "If my death... can result in my dear Kamui gaining a little bit of happiness. Then my death will have meant more than any I could ever hope for..."

So that was chapter 3. Yeah, kind of a downer at the end. Also, yes, some of the Dark souls characters are in other universes. Eygon is in Berserk, I think Cornyx might be in the fire nation or that swamp place or whatever, only a few are in Fire Emblem worlds. The vote for Mikoto's life is still up by the way. And hey, I haven't gotten a review telling me to blow my brains out or calling me a dirty ape man! That means the world must be improving! Or I'm just not read by jerks! Which means logically, you're all wonderful people (with too much time on your hands because you're reading my story and not like... I don't know, there are more talented writers on the site) see you soon much Unkindled!