The next day we wander into another center of civilization. A proper town by the name of Nellis, twice the size of the village that we had stayed in the night before. Twice as populace as well, trying to ride through the crowded streets was almost as difficult as making a path through Ylisstol during market hours. The populace seemed rather prosperous and content, the buildings and stations scattered across the roadway well kept.

Everywhere we looked we would see the same foreboding banners. Waving across flagpoles, draped down buildings. A golden dragon emblazoned in front of a green backdrop. Alongside them, squadrons of spearmen marched down the streets in clear formation. Each of them toting a battle standard with the gold and green dragon. The locals showered them with praise, well wishes and gifts. They were preparing for something, probably some kind of offensive.

"Perhaps we should continue past here." Subaki commented as he rode in tandem with me, our horses trotting along in near perfect sync. "There's bound to be another town or village that we can rest in. I wouldn't mind another night in the stars."

His new outfit suited him rather nicely. A hardened leather chestpiece and shoulderpads covering a simple smock underneath. A new longbow rested slung across his back, along with a quiver full of arrows. He had kept his Hoshidan hakama and kutsu against my protests, along with his pike. It was an act of defiance that even inspired Caeldori to fasten her Hoshidan spaulders to her new set of Knight armor. I had already blown my top at both of them on the road, but Subaki had stood his ground. Stating bluntly that he didn't want to abandon all pretense of home.

Caeldori clearly shared his point of view, but she also refused to come near me during this entire leg of the trip. For now she was riding behind us, her eyes boring a hole into the back of my head from a distance.

"No. No more bugs, no more hunting." I refused, eyeing another group of 'Valentian' soldiers as they marched on past us. "I want a real meal and a real bed. I'm not like Niles or Hinata, I can't spend days on end sleeping like an animal."

"If either of them were here to hear that, I think they'd be rather hurt." He answered, smirking from the corner of his mouth as he also continued his surveillance.

"Hinata would just go pout in a corner for half an hour, then forget about it." I wave a hand dismissively in his direction. "Niles wouldn't have the right to complain anyway, not with how he of all people acts."

"You and I both know he would complain anyway."

"...Good point." I concede, blowing some air from my nose as we round a corner into the next street. "Either way, we're only half a day's ride from the border with Roseanne. We might as well relax a night before we finally get out of the woods."

"Hrm." The man stroked his chin, contemplating something as some children dodged in between our horses. One of them almost ran into my sword, the numbskulls. "Well. We do have the money for some beds and a decent meal. Even accounting for Caeldori's desire for separate accommodations."

I grumbled in acknowledgement to his statement, my mind doing the mental math. Well, trying to do the math. Biting down on the side of my cheek, I keep running through the last conversation I had with the girl. Trying to be heavy handed with her backfired horribly, it turned out she could be every bit as spiteful as I could when I was her age. But… ugh. Damn it, why was this so hard!? I try to be kind, she weasels away from me. I put my foot down, she pushes against me just as hard. She doesn't seem to react well with anything I do with her at all. And it's getting so damn frustrating…

"How long do you think it'll be until she'll speak to me again?" I call, checking behind us from the corner of my eye. Yep, still glaring at me.

Once again he strokes his chin, though this time an amused grin had taken hold of his face. "I'd say tomorrow morning. Whatever you told her set her off. She reminded me of when Peri beat you in that cooking contest."

I quickly raised up a hand. "Don't even start with that. She had to have been cheating. No way that maniac could cook that well. Where did she even learn that?"

"Anywhere, I suppose. Where did you learn to cook?"

"I was the only person in our camp who didn't burn everything they touched." I answer with a droll tone. It was sad how true that statement was, back before we had crossed over to our parents' time basically every person in the camp was incapable of preparing a half-decent meal. Laurent and I were forced to learn out of pure desperation.

The former sky knight chortles at my simple explanation. "Regardless. Give her time. She doesn't hate you, Selena. She's merely upset. Last I checked you didn't have the perfect relationship with your mother either."

"Why in the world do you think I'm trying so hard? It took me traveling time to be able to salvage my relationship with her. I'm trying to make sure she doesn't end up in a similar situation."

Gods know I had enough regrets with my own relationship, the last thing I need is to put her through the same mess.

As the sun begun to crest below the horizon, I made my way to the town square once more. A large gathering of people was assembling in front of a stage, even more Valentian banners fluttering above the crowd. Families and loners intermingled alike, cheering proudly as a group of soldiers took their positions at the front of the stage. It was like a wave of people, cheering and chanting as their beloved heroes formed up in front of them.

"Still say it's impossible, Mother?" Caeldori comments in a dry tone, arms folded over her chest as she glared forwards at the stage. Against her wishes, I had dragged her along with me. Going to this assembly on my own didn't seem like it was the smartest play.

"I don't know, Caeldori. Are you really glad I'm wrong?" I question, hands on my hips as a man nudges into me walking past.

"Your being wrong isn't much of a surprise." She answers, cool and level. My eyebrow twitches slightly in frustration, trying to resist the urge to grab her arm and drag her back to the Inn. Disobedient, snide little runt… I'm starting to get really fed-up with her passive-aggressive nonsense. Upset or not, I deserve at least a bit of respect. Especially when all I do is look out for her well-being.

Regaining my posture, we continue to stare forwards as another squadron of soldiers moves past. "All of this because I said we should keep a low profile? Or is that problem you're hiding from me finally rearing its head?"

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, Mother."

I sigh, shaking my head in disappointment. "Just… fine. Hate me if you want. See if I care."

That stemmed a small reaction from her, her eyes quickly shifting to look at me before shooting back towards the stagefront once more.

"I didn't want to come with you and Father." Caeldori finally admitted in a small voice, tone cracking sharply as she finished her sentence. Her entire posture relaxed at once, shoulders drooping, as if the largest burden in the world was finally lifted off of her shoulders. Her entire form just seemed to lighten up, back straightening and eyes lighting up. "I wanted to stay, with both of you."

Those words all rush into me as if they were a freight-train. Every muscle in my body tenses up at once, spine going rigid and hairs standing up along my head. I was right with my fears, but I had them pegged on the wrong person. I finally turn my body, facing the younger redhead. "Why didn't you say something?" I demanded, arms hanging limply by my side. "Out of all the things you could have hid from me, Caeldori, why hide something this important!?"

"Would it really have mattered?" She countered, voice still cracking as her demeanor grew more and more somber. "You were hell-bent on coming back here, Mother. Do you truly think anything I said would have stopped you?"

"Th-that isn't the point!" I stammer out, face going tomato red. Would I have even listened to her if she had confronted me? Or was she merely delaying an inevitable clash? "Damn it, do you really think I'm cruel enough to not even listen to my own child!?"

"No, I don't. You're a good person, Mother. You're kind to people even though you don't like to show it, and you'd never try to hurt anyone unless you were forced." She explained, her fists starting to clench as she forced her words out. "But you're also extremely, extremely selfish. When you want something badly, you often stop at nothing to get it. How should I have known that I would be the exception if I told you my qualms?"

I take in a deep breath, trying to come up with some kind of answer. I want to tell her she's wrong. Of course I would have conceded to her if she had just told her something. I could never force her to come with us. The guilt would tear me apart, knowing I had forced her to abandon her home without a say in the matter. It's what any parent should say, how any parent would should feel.

But I can't. Because I know in my gut that she's right. If she had told me, I would've left regardless. If Subaki had refused, I would have left regardless. I hate it, but it's the undeniable truth. I would have abandoned my daughter.

And that truth burns me alive from the inside out.

She raises an arm to point ahead of us, finger aimed at a mother and daughter. The young girl sitting in her mother's arms with an apple and a smile. Both look so happy together, enjoying every moment they share. "When I was in the Deeprealms, I… dreamed of the day I would finally be able to have those moments with you. Not just sporadic visits and talks that lasted a few hours, but to actually be a family. Waking up knowing I would see you and Father. Not fearing that you would never come back for me."

Her arm drops, and my heart continues to crawl up into my throat. "I wish I never had to leave Hoshido to have that chance. But I knew if I stayed, I'd lose it forever. I had to choose, and I choose you."

Inhaling carefully to steady my breath, I keep my view on the other pair. They both looked so… idyllic together. Something we truly never had a chance to have. With the War happening, she was forced into a world of violence. Just like I was when Father and Mother died. I barely have the right to call myself her mother, I haven't raised her at all. "...I've failed you. I really have failed you."

"No. You haven't." Caeldori quickly corrects, firm and assured. "You weren't from our world, and I doubt you expected to even have me. I know I'm a victim of circumstance. Not malice." She cracks a small, soft smile. "Like I said mother, you're kinder then you let yourself believe. I know you care for me dearly." She chuckles at the end, her smile growing evermore. "Even if you're not the best at showing it."

"Regardless. I promise you that I'll make sure you're happy here." I state with absolution. Yeah… I'll make sure she's happy here. No matter what I have to do, I'll make her choice worth-while.

"Attention, all!" A voice booms from the front, the town crier yelling out to those in the front. "General Maddox will now begin his address!"

With that, we both face forwards. We've been standing here this long, no reason to not miss the show we came for.

A tall, well armored man stood center stage. Armed with a long pike, his white beard contrasting against his blackened skin. Each of his eyes were like white pearls against a coal backdrop. His armor clearly signified his rank, large and thick with green and gold painted across in intricate tree-like patterns. Maddox looked like a proud man, one who didn't seem ready to let his age stop him from continuing as planned.

"Citizens of Nellis!" He called out in a booming voice, lifting a hand to calm the crowd in front of him. "Proud people of Valm! You honor my men and I with your loyalty and support! We, who are about to march, salute you all!"

A deafening torrent of cheers answered the man. Every man, woman and child around us applauding and crying out. There must be at least two-hundred people here. Maybe even more watching from the buildings surrounding us. As some semblance of silence returned, the man continued. "Today marks a grand day in our Kingdom's history! For years now, the Dynasts have chosen to abuse their power! We had overthrown one abusive conqueror, only for him to be replaced by lazy and selfish pedants! Nobles who care only for the filling of their stomachs, the lining of their pockets! Not you! Not your families! Not their people! But I say no more, WE SAY NO MORE!"

Another set of cheers, another pause before continuing. "For the good of Valm! Nay, for the good of Valentia! We must reunite! We must cast off the shackles of the Dynasts, and bring back the ways of true unification! King Albien has promised us this! And together, we will make this a reality!"

As the crowd once again lost itself to it's cheering and madness, Caeldori mutters something as quietly as she could to me. "Say what you will, he certainly knows how to play a crowd."

I nod in agreement, brow furrowing as I try to make heads or tails of this situation. To be honest, I can't say I'm very surprised. Queen Say'ri often said that the older rulers before Walhart were self-serving. The fact that they fell back on old habits didn't exactly surprise me. "What's your take. You think he's believing what he's saying?" I ask.

"Either that, or he's a far better actor than either of us." She replies, tutting. "Regardless if he speaks the truth or not, the people certainly believe him."

"In three weeks time, we mark a new chronicle in Valentian history!" The man continued. "The old rulers have been given their warning! They could have joined our glorious crusade! To make Valentia whole with a dove and an olive branch! But they refuse! Desperately clinging to power like the rats they are! 'Duke' Viron of Roseanne! 'Count' Mathias of Brisbonne! 'Baroness' Sheva of Shurima! 'Queen' Say'ri of Chon'sin! They choose to stand against our mighty cause!"

Boos and jeers took the place of cheering this time, the crowd throwing ugly slurs and threats at the mention of the various dynasts. Accusations of treason and heresy. Rage and anger that only a mob could generate. "This is going to get rather ugly." Caeldori noted, lifting a hand to tug at my sleeve. "Maybe we should leave."

I shake my head almost immediately. "No, no. Let's find out everything we can."

"But it matters not! Our cause is just, and our Army prepared! We shall march north, and liberate Valentia! Town by town, city by city! We will not rest until OUR PEOPLE ARE FREE!" Again, cheers take hold of the crowd, but this time the man lifts his hand to calm them down preemptively.

"But our task does not end with Valentia, brothers and sisters." He continued, his booming voice becoming dark and gravely. Dread seemed to fill the air as he spoke. Like a Priest addressing the crowd of a funeral. "By Naga's will, our mission continues across the sea."

I can feel myself pale as he utters the words. Across the sea!? Are they really, REALLY going to try and take over my home again!?

"We all know what occured in Plegia, over five years ago from this day." The General went on, the air deathly silent. "The Fell Dragon returned, and with him a plague of misery and death. Risen, unholy creatures of reanimation came to our world to do his evil. Even here, in Valm, how many of our people suffered? How much did we lose? And so soon after the fall of Walhart as well! What was supposed to be a time of healing devolved into a period of chaos! And answer me, brothers and sisters! Who is to blame for our folly!?"

"The Grimeal!" The crowd shouted back in one, unified voice. Echoes of a uniform suffering emanating from their very words. Lovers holding themselves close. Parents shielding their children. Old men and women muttering old prayers to Divine Dragons. The entire tone of the rally changed, it's terrifying. Even Caeldori's gone completely pale, her natural empathy soaking in all the emotion around her.

"The Grimeal! Those villainous servants to the Fell Dragon! Traitors to our species! Traitors to our world!" Maddox shouted out, his previous joy and uplifting spirit replaced with a deep and fervent hatred. "They dared to bring us the apocalypse for their demented God! Heresy against both Naga and her Voice! These dastards wished to end everything we hold near and dear! I say this, will we let them get away with such an unforgivable crime!?"

"NO!" The crowd screeched back, the tension bordering that of a revolt in the making.

"No! We will not! We will purge these heretics from the face of the earth ONCE AND FOR ALL!" Again the gathering erupted into applause and chants, but this time the man didn't stop. "We will cross the sea and march to Plegia! We will cull any and all of Grima's remaining faithful, and CLEANSE THIS WORLD OF THEIR HERETICAL FILTH!" The onlookers somehow continued to increase in volume, their words driving them into a frenzy. "And not just them! We will find the spawn of Grima, these 'Fellblood'! The unholy children of the Fell Dragon's vessel! We will ensure this travesty will never, EVER OCCUR ONCE MORE! FOR THE GLORY OF THE KING! FOR THE GLORY OF VALENTIA!"

No. No, no, no no no no no no.

This can't be happening. This CAN'T be happening!

Not after all we fought for. Not after finally killing Grima once and for all! Not after everything we had to sacrifice. Just to suffer another damn invasion!? Why!? Why in the world can't people just let things lie! Why is it that even after we finally WIN, we find these new stupid reasons to just ruin everything we gain!

"-ther. -other. Mother!" I finally hear, feeling myself being dragged along through the crowd as my gaze remains fixed on the enigmatic General as he waves and cheers alongside the crowd. Caeldori finally decided to remove us from the scene, and I struggle to find the words to thank her. This can't be happening. Not again, not again…

Father, please. Your death was supposed to make this all end.

A/N: At last we dive into the main story arc for this tale. I'm excited to write this out, being a major fan of both Awakening and Shadows of Valentia. Mixing the lore of both stories into a cohesive narrative is going to be tricky, but I think I'm up to the task. We've also reached 20 followers and over 1000 views, along with almost 600 unique readers! So again, thanks to everyone who's taken a gander at my little spin of the yarn.

But anyway, I figured now's the time to answer some questions I've read in a few reviews! Thanks to everyone who's written responses, I'm always happy to read feedback so I can improve and get to know my readers. So, without any further ado:

Haro654: I won't be saying anything that will spoil the series, but I will say that I've laced a few hints into the story about who Severa's father is. I plan to reveal it very soon.

H. Uzamaki: Thank you for the praise! I've always believed that the characters make a story come alive, so my main goal is to first and foremost make the cast as human and dynamic as possible. Good to see that I've been doing somewhat well on that front!

Geno Bezerk: Again, I won't say anything that will spoil the series. However I will lay this out ahead of time, Ingio and Owain will be given their own 'Books' chronicling their adventures during their return. That means that, however, they will not be appearing in Book One. Don't worry though, I've got this somewhat planned out in my head.

linkkirby8692: Ah, that's the secret isn't it? I may reveal who the others had married at a later point in this book. However I'd like to establish that I do, in fact, have all the families in mind. Each of the returning Awakening characters has a defined spouse as of this moment.

Thanks for reading, everyone! I hope you all continue to enjoy this series