Not far from the Silva forest lays the boundaries of the three Kingdoms. Celo's land ended at the entrance of the forest, two guards stand to check papers and guard the entrance. Leading away from the forest is a long, wide dirt path way. This path is the only known one to stretch between the three kingdoms and to their borders. Being the main roadway between the lands guards patrolled it often to watch over the travelers and traders that drift between lands. Miles after exiting the Silva forest one will come across fork in the road, one leading to Mortems borders, where papers will be looked over by guards and any merchandise or property the traveler has with them will be searched. The same will happen if traveling the other way to Aurum. Before crossing the bridge to official hit Aurum's land any traveler will be stopped at the guard post.

Asper and Nix were a bit different and far less easy to get to. Unlike Aurum, Mortem, and Celo, which were about a day worth of travel apart depending on mode of transportation, they were farther and required more work to get to. Asper's across sea location made travel rather inconsistent. One would have to have papers in order, money to travels across sea, and of course a ship to take them. Many trading parts sat in Aurum and Mortem so after entering wither one a traveler will likely have to pay for a trader to take them across, or may wait until a transport ship left, but this only happens one every week. Finally, their time of arrival depends on the weather, which could cause many days on ship before arriving. However once in Asper one only must show their papers and state their business to be in Asper to the guards stationed at the entrance of the city, and they are free to go on with their business if cleared for entrance.

Nix was by far the worst to get to. To get to Nix you would have to travel through Mortem's large and winding cities before getting to the other side where the mountains rest. After going through the final of Mortems guards you're on your own to get to the stations in Nix, which takes three days to travel to. Many winding paths lead into the mountains, where there are seemingly endless guard posts to check papers and help point you in the right direction of what village you want to go. With so many small settlements scattered about the mountain land it can get very confusing and one can get lost easily without knowing the lay of the land. Of course, you can always hire one of the Nix citizens that hang around the posts outside of Mortem. Due to the cold environment and where you're trying to get to it may take a bit to get to your destination. If you want to get to the main city and castle of Nix, it may take two days of traveling to get to the great walls that protect the area. There you'll be processed and cleared for entry. Due to the trouble of traveling Nix doesn't receive as many visitor's as Aurum or Asper and many find adjusting to the cold weather difficult.

Right now, Ryutaro had made it to the Aurum border, where he has gotten off his horse and is speaking to the guards. After this it will take him the final half of the day to get through the miles of farmland and villages before he enters the city and even catches sight of the Aurum palace. Ryutaro watches as one of the guards calls over his parent to say something to him. "Listen, I'm in a hurry, so if we could hurry this up?"

"Just let us have a look at your papers and we'll clear you."

Ryutaro smiled, "okay, finally." He moves to reach into the bag that's usually at his hip, but he feels nothing. His eyes widen a bit as realization hits. "I don't have them with me…" He clears his throat nervously, "I was in such a rush to get here that I forgot my bag." He laughs a bit nervously, "but I can assure that I do have the proper papers needed to enter Aurum!"

"We can't let you in without them." The man dismisses him, calling for the older man behind to step up.

"Come on, I'm sure you can make an exception…maybe for the right price?"

"Are you trying to bribe me?" The female guard questioned.

"Am I in trouble if I say yes?" The woman reached for her weapon, causing Ryutaro to quickly apologize. "No need for that!" He nervously stopped her, "I'll leave now!" He could feel the guards glare on his back as he took hold of his mare's reigns and walked with her off the bridge. He sat down near the water's edge with a huff. He held his head a bit, a headache coming on as he thought about his vision. "I don't know what these visions are about, but looks horrible." He grumbled, his face hidden in his hands. He didn't have time to go all the way home and getting past the border undetected was almost impossible. "Think!" He growled to himself.

"Excuse me, but are you okay buddy?"

"I'm fine." He stated dully, "just working my way through a minor crisis, but everything's fine!"

The unnamed person behind him got closer. "Maybe I could help you out?"

"If you mean by help me out then by all means find a way to get me into Aurum." He rolled his eyes a bit, turning to look to the spiky haired redhead behind him.

"Is that all you need? I can totally get you into Aurum!"

"Seriously?" Ryutaro got up, "Can you really? I'd rather not do any illegal..."

"Illegal? Nah, I can get you in with me. My papers say so." The male pulled out an envelope with a grin, "I'm Ginga Hagane and as far as those guards are concerned you're my partner. You see, my father owns a small farm not far from here in Aurum. It says here that as long I can prove you're not dangerous and take responsibility on you, you can enter as my worker. The guards will be changing shifts soon, so we can go then. Just tie this beauty to my cart and get in the back." Ginga patted the mare's side, offering Ryutaro a kind smile.

"Okay…I guess this is the only chance I've got…" Though he was skeptical, Ryutaro lead his horse to the road where Ginga's cart sat waiting with a horse of its own pulling it.

"I just sold a load of wheat to a bread maker in Mortem, so you can just hop in the back and play it cool, okay? I've done this before, so no need to worry."

Not long after the scheduled shift change came about and two new soldiers took the other's places. Currently there were no other people trying to get across so Ginga approached with a cheerful grin. "Hello! I have my papers right here." He handed the envelope over with a smile. Ryutaro sat behind Ginga in the back, trying to look over the redhead's shoulder. The guards nodded slightly the moved to take a look at Ryutaro.

"And his papers?"

"Actually, if you look on the second page of mine, it clearly states that I may bring my partner with me with or without papers. And we were out on business as you can see by these signed notes from my father and my buyer." Two slips were handed over, leaving the guard to look over them.

"Okay kid, you can pass." Ginga took the papers back, folding then into his shirt pocket for safety before taking hold of the reigns to finish crossing over the bridge.

Now the two were back on the dirt road. It was approaching past midday and the sun no longer sat as high in the sky and was still blocked mostly by clouds. Around them were seemingly miles of fields. Wheat, corn, and many other crops were growing around the farms around. The main road split into a smaller one and likely lead to a village. Ryutaro took this time to sit back in a more relaxed state. The world around him at the moment was calming. The slight creak of the cart, horseshoes clopping against the dirt. The sky was a serine blue and the golden fields stretched on around him, breaking when the grazing fields of cows and sheep collided with them from behind the fences.

"Listen, if you want, I can take you as far as my home here. I only live about forty minutes from the city. Of course, I can't go as fast as you can on your horse alone, but she looks like she needs a bit of break." Ginga looked back to boy. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I appreciate your offer. If it's no trouble I wouldn't mind riding with you until then."

"Okay, but I figured you were in hurry?"

"I was, but…but I don't think it matters how quickly I get there." Ryutaro sighed, "No one can stop what is going to happen tonight. As long as I can tell everyone what I saw then they can decide what to do with the information."

"I'm not really sure what you're talking about exactly, but as long you get what you need to do done!" Ginga laughed and went to speak to Ryutaro, who kind of blocked most of it out as he looked up to the grey-blue sky to watch the winged beast above circle around the open land. He smiled a bit, turning to answer the question Ginga had just asked.


Ninel smiled as the warm embrace of the woman in front of her found her. Her arms immediately wrapped around the older woman, who was welcoming her with a kind smile. "I'm so glad you were able to stop in for a visit."

"I am to, but I am sorry for not coming earlier. Mary didn't want to let me go until we all finished what she wanted us to do." Ninel pulled away from her. This woman was her mother, Tamara. Tamara was currently residing in a home in the upper-class part of Aurum. This was where many politicians and big business owners lived, and the Bychkov family was no exception to these standards. Tamara's husband, Altair, was a well-known politician in Asper, so their normal life back home was quite similar to now. Of course, it wasn't the same as Asper, and though they each felt a ting of sadness from leaving their home, they all knew it was for the best.

"That's not a problem, you can come anytime you can." Tamara smiled, "here come in. I'll get us some tea." Ninel followed her mother inside, closing to door and making sure it was locked despite that they were guards patrolling and at least one had been ordered to keep a look out for the Bychkov's. Tamara hurried of into the kitchen, leaving Ninel to take a seat in the sitting room. This place was a lot like theirs back home. Big and certainly not lacking in the extravagance of the arts. Paintings, vases, and other pieces were presented around the home. The furniture was expensive. The sofa and chairs in the sitting room were made of the same rosewood as the table and other furniture in the home. The cushion on the sofa was a creamy white color with a small, simple floral design in blue.

Ninel leaned back, crossing one leg over the other as her mother returned with a tray in hand. It was set down with two cups of tea and small snacks with it. Tamara took a seat next to Ninel. "Where's father?" Ninel questioned, hoping that she'd be able to see him before she had to get back to the palace.

"You know him Ninel, he's out with some of the guys around the neighborhood. Talking about politics and what's been happening in the Kingdoms no doubt."

Ninel smiled, "I should've guessed. What about you, do you get lonely here?"

"I have my own things to keep me occupied, but I will say that it's…different not having you around all the time." Tamara smiled, her eye filled with love for her daughter, "but as long as you're safe I can't complain too much." Ninel agreed, her state of mind at the moment the same as her mothers. She knew she was safe where she was, and as long as she can count on her family's safety, then that was one less things for her to worry about. "So, how is your training going? You mentioned you had been practicing before coming here."

"It's going well, as long I can make progress at a somewhat steady basis then I'm happy, and that keeps Mary from getting upset. What we were doing earlier, well, Mary wanted us to work on using our magic for extended amounts of time, so we had to be able to walk around the castle corridors without losing our focus on keeping our element from giving out. Rin couldn't do much with her nature magic, so she sat this one out, but the twins and I worked really hard."

"How did you all do?"

"It was a bit hard for me, but I managed to get the activity done without letting my water touch the ground, Dan was amazing to be honest. His flame barley flickered during the whole thing, I'm a big jealous to be honest." Ninel laughed a bit.

"Dan, he's the one with the twin, right?" Ninel nodded. "I thought so. Those brothers really are something, rarely are two children are born to be able to unlock their magic. And even more rarely do they use different types of it."

"Yes, I thought the same when I first met them. Fire and water, it's an odd combination. Unfortunately, though, Reiki had a lot of trouble today. I feel so bad for him, he just couldn't keep it going throughout the whole thing, he was pretty upset that everyone else completed it."

Tamara leaned forward to grab her cup of now cooled tea. "For some people, like Dan and Rin, it just comes easier. I'm confident that you'll do just as well as them."

"Thanks, I have to become great, it's my job." Without much though Ninel's hand rose to touch the pendant around her neck, running her finger over the sapphire stone. "Can I ask you something?" She spoke suddenly, as if remembering something.

"Of course, what is it?"

"Before it was passed down to me, you had it right? Then grandmother before you and so forth?"

"Yes, it's been passed down for generations in our family."

"When you had it in your younger years, did it ever just do things? Like glow and-"

"No Ninel." Tamara stopped her. "This pendant relates to your magical abilities. Me nor your grandmother were able to use magic. Magic has a way of skipping generations, I guess you were the lucky one to be able to have these abilities. This necklace belonged to a woman in our family years ago, but from what your grandmother can recall, hundreds of years before even Nemesis came to the land, when our first ancestors settled in the land this necklace was in our possession. One of our first family members on record was a mage and he used this necklace to aid him and his magic."

"I know mother. It just amazes me sometimes that things like this exists and that we're lucky enough to have it in our family. I'm going to do everything I can to protect this."

"I know you are Ninel." Tamara smiled warmly, taking her daughters hand in her own. "King Hades and his past family has always wanted the power this necklace can offer, but I'm confident that if anyone can protect it, it's you." Ninel had stared at her other for a moment before she felt her face warm up a bit and a small wave of emotions hit her. She squeezed her mother's hand slightly, thanking her for putting her past doubts to peace.


Dashan was upset. Not the sad kind, more like the "how could they do this, I'm going to give them an earful" upset. He rushed through the palace halls, making way towards where Artemis would be having her dinner now that the sun was nearing to set. He moved right past the guards, who knew Dashan was a close confidant to their Queen. The doors to the dinner hall were opened for him and he walked right inside to spot Artemis sitting at the end of the table, waiting for her dinner to be served. "Artemis" He stated, not bothers to remain formal due to the feelings he had toward her at the moment. The raven-haired Queen looked to him with icy eye, she had an idea of what she was about to hear.

"Now Dashan, don't come storming in hear like when Kyoya does. I know you were raised better than that." Dashan stopped, biting his tongue as he took a seat beside her.

"What is this I hear about not sending a team to Mortem?"

"It's exactly as you've said. I decided not to send my people to that place."

"Why? Didn't you make an agreement with the other rulers? This could cause problems with them and we can't afford to have right now!"

"Don't lecture me." Artemis warned slightly, she already got enough of that from Kyoya.

"I'm not, I'm just having trouble figuring what's going on in your head." Dashan sighed. "Me and my team, we would've taken Rosalina and any other mage around to help them seal away Nemesis again."

"It's not that easy. How can I send my people there when Hades could very well just kill you all? Imprison Rosalina and get rid of the rest you?"

"You don't know that, sometimes we have to make a choice, even if it could end up badly. To not help protect millions of people from Nemesis and Hades? That, in my opinion is the wrong path to choose." Dashan spoke firmly, he honestly believed that was the right thing

"If Aurora was a mage, would you let her go?" Artemis questioned.

"I…" Dashan sighed, "I wouldn't."

"Exactly, the man is responsible for the deaths of thousands of my people, your father included." Dashan watched Artemis as she looked away to the cook coming with her dinner. "Do you want some?"

"No." Dashan sighed, "No I need to go. This conversation isn't over though. There are many things that need to be said between us my Queen."

Artemis looked away from him, her shoulders slumping a bit. "I know."

Meanwhile down in the city Aurora could be seen walking the streets. There was a strong wind in the air which caused the girls long hair to blow around her as she hurried towards her destination. She hurriedly pulled open the door of the local blacksmiths shop and home, pushing it closed to keep out the chilly winds. It was rather dark inside as the window were covered and only the fire place was burning. Orange flickering light caused dim shadows to cast about the room. Aurora looked around the familiar space, sliding her cloak off to leave in on the back of a chair. She held an armful of things in her arms, setting them down after slowly approaching the counter. "Madoka? Chris?" She looked around from her place at the counter, "are either of you two here?" She called out, not too loud due to the chilling silence in the room.

She heard shuffling from the large room that was behind the counter. The blanket hung in the doorway instead of a door was pushed aside and Madoka came walking in. she had her work apron on. "Oh, Aurora." She smiled and moved to greet the other girl at the counter. "how are you and Dashan?"

"We're good, Dashan's been working on training the newbies. Um, how are you and Chris lately? We hardly see you two around town, we worry about you sometimes."

"We're doing well. There isn't much business coming lately, buy we can make it on what we have. That and Kyoya and Dashan really help when we need it." Madoka smiled, "anyways, speaking of business I see you have a few things. Do you need them repaired?"

Aurora nodded. "My brother wants his swords sharpened and was looking to get a new one to go with. Mine is here two, I only need some minor repairs on it, if it's not too much for you guys."

"No of course not!" Madoka had begun to write down what Aurora had brought them and what would need to be done in terms of repair. "Chris can let you know how much it'll cost if you can stop by tomorrow after he's had a look. I can help repair, but he's the best!" Madoka laughed, causing Aurora to smile. She was usually so timid around others, but Madoka was one of the exceptions. She had known the blacksmiths partner since their younger years. Madoka's father had been part of the royal guard along with her stepfather, this left to two girls together often. Chris on the other hand had been another story. He moved to Nix when Aurora was fourteen, so about three years ago with his own family, who soon opened the blacksmiths shop. Eventually after his father's passing and he became old enough, Chris took over the business and Madoka joined not long after. She never got a chance to spend much time with the blond male, so that left her with more of awkward feeling around him.

Speaking of Chris, he had walked in not long after Madoka started to take her notes. "Hey you two." He moved to join Madoka's side, his eyes almost immediately landing on Aurora's own sword before him. "It's always a pleasure to work with you weapon Aurora!" He grinned, picking the damascened blade. "Easy to handle and aerodynamic" he grinned, turning it to look at the silver on the handle, Aurora's name was engraved with fine calligraphy. "Hey, do you need any more arrows made? I'm working on some for Rosalina, so I can easily get you some more if you need them."

"Oh, yes." She spoke somewhat nervously, "that would be lovely, thank you."

"No problem, though let Dashan this is all going to cost quite a bit."

"It no problem, you know him, he'll leave you more than enough if you don't stop him." She smiled as Chris gathered the blades.

"That's just how he is. I'm going to take these to the back, Madoka I need your help with something."

"Okay, Aurora you can let yourself out, right?"

"Yes, I need to get to Kyoya's place anyways." She smiled and said her goodbyes to Madoka before leaving the shop. Kyoya's home was only a few minutes away from the shop. Aurora was quick to get there, wasting no time to get inside and out of the cold. It wasn't as warm as her and Dashan's home since Kyoya was away and the fire place remained unlit. She sighed, going to the pantry to prepare his dogs food. Kyoya owned a team of magnificent purebred dogs, something Kyoya took pride in owning. Before his parents passing during the invasion of Nix, his father had been a hunter like most of the men in Nix and his mother had breed these kinds of dogs. Hunting, herding, guard, even just dogs to be a pet to someone. After their passing Kyoya sold most of the dogs his mother had owned, only keeps a few for himself.

Aurora adored these dogs just as much as her boyfriend did. She enjoyed the animals company. One of his dogs Sammy, a Samoyed with pure white fur, was always the one she went to for comfort when alone. He was so sweet and was always there to try to climb into her lap. Kyoya also had a pair of husky's named Atlas and Fable. And finally, there was chief, a large malamute. Though these were meant to be herding and hunting dogs, even sled dogs, Kyoya didn't use them for that.

Aurora opened the back door to step into the snowy back area when two pens were. Atlas and fable were in one. And Sammy was secured in the other. Chief was inside, guarding his usually empty home. Aurora went to leave each their food bowls and give fresh water, tossing in a few extra blankets for them before finishing up her work for Kyoya. Afterwards she went right back inside to take a seat in his dining area. She rubbed her arms a bit despite being used to the cold weather. Aurora felt Chiefs head in her lap and she reached down to scratch his head. "I know, I know. I miss him too." She sighed, lying her head down on the table before her.


It was night by the time they arrived in Mortem. Kuro lead the others on the back of her black stallion, the others by her side on their own horses. Toby and Cooper rode tighter, their horse tied loosely to Zeo's as they walked. "You're late." A voice spoke from the blackness of the night. The blue haired mage from Asper has spoken, standing with her guards with a group of soldiers from Mortem. Ryuga was at the head of the men, waiting somewhat impatiently.

"I told Masamune that we shouldn't have stopped so many times." Kuro hissed under her breath to Zeo, who chuckled.

"it's no big deal Kuro. Let's just get this over with." Kuro nodded, sliding off her horse as the other did too.

"We had expected more mages." Ryuga stated.

"Well, Artemis was supposed to send more than any of us, but I guess that isn't going to happen." Masamune huffed, moving to help Toby down. "It doesn't matter. Toby and Cooper are two of our strongest around."

"Yes…" Ryuga looked over the two, "we have some of our mages waiting up at the site. Follow us." While walking towards the location Ryuga had joined at the side of Toby, who was walking and chatting away with Cooper and the Asper mage. Masamune was next to them also with Kuro and Zeo more upfront to keep an eye out. Nemesis was located near the Mortem castle, up on a hill and hidden away in the dark.

Kuro slowed her pace a bit, an odd feeling rose in her stomach. A few small rain drops had fallen from the moonless sky as she looked us to it. "Zeo…" she began, the feeling growing stronger to the point where she almost felt sick to her stomach. "Somethings not right." she could feel the people around her shifting slowly, Ryuga was close to the three mages, Masamune now cut off from them by two soldiers. The Asper forces were seemingly surrounded their selves. And one of the darkly dressed soldiers had slowly made way in between her and Zeo.

"Kuro-!" Zeo's voice seemed to blend into the background for her as she felt metal of the man behind her shield come across her head. She was instantly on the ground; the sound of weapons being drawn was heard and the golden eyes girl felt a strong pain in her head as blood could be felt oozing from the new wound. She got up with little trouble, despite her head spinning and the aching, she drew her sword from the hoister ah her hip. She whirled around, her vision somewhat blurred as rain had begun to fall hard. Ryuga was nowhere in sight and neither was Toby of the other mages. Kuro raised her weapon, charging viciously at the men overpowering Zeo. As the clash of soldier went on the wound of a bell echoed in the air, making it all the harder for Kuro to concentrate with the splitting pain in her head. The last thing Kuro could remember hearing before she stricken once again was the horrible screeching breaking through the air as razor sharp talons of these beasts had swooped down on the soldiers.

I had planned to get this chapter out this weekend, but I ended up writing way more than I planned to tonight, so I finished rather early. I'm glad to be done though as It's almost four am! I guess I didn't want to stop until I got it done, no worries though, I've unfortunately made it a habit to stay awake so late recently. I will say for now that the next chapter will probably be pretty short as we're just going to see the effects of Ryutaro's arrival and what will happen next in Mortem. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Also, she didn't make her official appearance, but Rosalina belongs to Eternal Nexus Warrior.