Another Xenologue- insert it where you see fit!

Siegbert felt a hand shake him gently, and woke up. "Is it my turn for night watch?" He rose, and saw Soleil standing there, hand on her sword. "Soleil? I thought it was Kana's turn to-"

"There's a ghost." She whispered. "And she asked for you.

Siegbert felt a lump form in his chest. "I... see. I'll do what I can." He got up and strapped on the parts of his armour he hadn't, taking his greatsword and stepping out.

A maid in white and blue sat silently in front of the campfire, faded like ink dipped in water. Kana was mesmerised by her, tail still and eyes wide. Dwyer and Sophie were watching too, uncomfortable. The maid didn't seem to even notice them. With a small, sad smile she held a hand over her broken ribcage. Her death had clearly not been kind.

Siegbert calmly approached. "Greetings. I'm Siegbert. Is there something you wish to say?"

"...I died long ago." Lilith said, putting her hands in her lap. "But some of my power still remains, and I was asked to use it to help you. A friend of mine extends an invitation to a short talk... will you accept? I shall see you returned here, worry not."

Siegbert looked to Soleil, who shrugged. He was immediately concerned it was a trap, but... he was sure he'd always followed proper burial rites and honoured the dead. "Dwyer, she's not an illusion or projection?"

"No."

"Then very well- I accept, so long as you don't take more than a day. I don't want to lose too much time." Siegbert answered.

Lilith nodded, and the world blurred and shifted, before refocusing in a small clearing.

Everyone looked around in confusion for a few moments. They were completely surrounded by trees, and there was a slight chill in the air. In front of them, there was a small tent, and a gigntic stone archway behind that.

Siegbert looked around. "Maiden spirit, should I proceed?"

There was no answer, even as everyone waited for one. Eventually, Siegbert decided to check the tent. He walked over, guiding his horse, and saw it was a stall of some kind. A lone redhead was sitting behind a desk, with a candle inside a lantern illuminating a few trays.

Anna smiled winningly. "Ah, customers!"

Siegbert blinked. "Er... Good evening, ma'am. Do you know where we are?"

"This is the Dragon's Gate." Said Anna. "A mystical construct that connects to other worlds. Normally, going through would be a dangerous endeavor that's diffucult to control, but you've been invited. Walk through the portal when you're ready to meet your benefactors."

"...Very well... But I do find it somewhat difficult to trust this situation." Siegbert said.

"Oh, don't worry. If these two wanted you dead, then they'd have better ways to do it." Anna said easily. "Anyhow, before you step through the gate, can I interest you in my wares? I've got it all- From Energy Drops to Talismans!" She gestured to the spread of item across her desk.

Siegbert looked down to see a small golden charm on a string. He very carefully picked it up, looking at the inscriptions on it. "...Dusk Dragon, these are genuine."

"Huh? Siegbert, what is it?" Asked Kana.

"A genuine Consecrated Talisman. I've only seen one before, in the royal treasury." Explained Siegbert. "You can wear it to increase your magical resistance. Making these... you need magic and time in immense quantity." He set it down. "...Alas, I don't think I'm carrying enough coin to afford such an item."

"That's okay. I have a feeling we'll meet again!" Anna said.

"Farewell, then." Siegbert turned to his group. "Let us venture through this gateway. I don't see another option."

"I'll keep you safe, my prince." Assured Soleil. "Let's go!"

So, they walked through the portal.

Siegbert found himself emerge in a large temple. The room was enourmous, easily enough for one to fly a wyvern around. Kana, Soleil, and everyone else appeared behind him.

He couldn't see anything obviously threatening, but he was wary. This place felt ancient and powerful, a domain he was not allowed to just enter. The blood in his veins tingled in response, while he noticed both his charger and Avel were skittish, uneasy.

"What is this place?" Asked Siegbert.

"Siegbert." Kana ran up to his side, looking around wildly. "I smell dragons."

Siegbert let a hand fall onto the grip of his sword. "...Do you mean wyverns, or dragons like you?"

"Really? I thought we kept this place clean." A new voice said.

Siegbert watched as four people became visible in front of him. A woman in Nohrian platemail, a man in Hoshidan robes. Those two were standing at the front, looking at the group. Behind them was another two people, a lady with magnificent green hair flowing all down her back and a white dress, who'd apparently been talking with a man in dark green armour with a giant bastard sword strapped to his back.

The speaker introduced themselves as the woman in black. "Do not be afraid."

"I am not." Siegbert gripped his sword, ready to draw it at a second's notice. "However... I have serious doubts as to whether you are human. And I will not allow myself to die while Nohr needs me, so make no sudden move."

The woman smiled and clasped her hands together, apparently charmed. "Aw, I'm so proud of you. Glad to see you've got a little bite."

Siegbert was a little confused, but stayed wary. "Perhaps we should introduce ourselves- and see about you discarding that disguise. I am Siegbert, crown prince of Nohr. These are my closest friends and most trusted warriors- Soleil, Kana, Dwyer, Sophie, and Nina."

"My name is Tenebris. Behind me you can see Lux, Mila, and Duma." Tenebris gestured back easily. "I'm willing to offer you some aid, given the challenges you face."

Siegbert bit his lip, but stood as tall and strong as he could. "...If you are truly Tenebris, then I apologise for the suspicion. And I must now insist you appear as who you claim to be, or I'll cut you down for such a grave insult to Nohr."

Tenebris grinned. "You are truly one of mine... Lux, watch yourself." She reached up to her iron tiara, and grasped the black jewel.

Siegbert watched as in under a second, the woman before him expanded into a dragon. Black scales filled out a huge volume of space, ragged wings of bone folded onto the back, and a head covered in a strange lattice stared at Siegbert with one unblinking red eye.

"ARE YOU SATISFIED, TINY MORTAL?"

Siegbert was a touch cowed, basic survival instincts pounding at him to draw his sword or hide. His horse was trying to pull away, staying only because Siegbert contained his fears. He felt a few droplets of water hit his cheek, and Kana ran to get in front of him, in his dragon form.

"Hey, leave Siegbert alone! I'll fight you if you try and hurt him!"

Tenebris looked at the comparatively miniature dragon that was shielding Siegbert and the rest of the group. "YOU WOULD FIGHT A GOD?"

"Kana, stand down." Said Siegbert, with every ounce of authority he could muster. "You stand before the Dusk Dragon. My distant grandmother."

Kana looked back at Siegbert, and then turned back into his human form. "She's... uh... you're... you're related?"

Siegbert took a knee, as did the rest of the group. "You... should kneel, Kana."

Kana looked back fearfully, and got down on one knee like the rest of his team. Tenebris turned back into a human, looking down at Siegbert. "Rise, my descendant. It's awfully difficult to hold a conversation like that."

"Of course, your divinity." Siegbert got to his feet almost mechanically. "I pray I've not offended you with my earlier words."

"Hmm... You can drop the submissiveness, too." Tenebris said. "I prefer people to have a bit of bite."

"Very well." Siegbert took his hand off his sword. "For what purpose have you called us here, Dusk Dragon?"

"I simply wanted to offer your group a chance to recieve a little training. So, I'd like you to meet Mila and Duma. They're not first dragons, they were the generals of our armies." Tenebris explained. "However, they would kill you if you tried to train against them. So I had them simply suggest some great warriors who might be able to teach you something."

The man in white stepped forwards. "They should arrive shortly."

"Good." Tenebris said. "Then, for now, why not have a short conversation? You're handling this far better than most mortals."

"I must be more than 'most mortals' if I intend to rule Nohr effectively." Said Siegbert. "And to live up to your legacy."

"True enough. From the day you were born, many, if not most of Nohr would have liked to kill you. Garon did very little to earn the respect of the people, and even so, there will always be those who stand to gain from your death, regardless of what others lose."

"Can you offer advice? I am trying to mitigate Nohr's problems, and feed the people, but the lands grow barren."

"The lands..." Tenebris shook her head. "It is within my power to make them flourish once again, but such a blessing would not help you at all at the moment. I don't wish to tamper with fate, so I shall have to refrain from saying more on that front."

"I see. I would not beg for the gods to save us, regardless. Such a feat would come at a price, and I doubt it would be affordable." Siegbert said. He paused for a moment. "I do have a question, though." He drew his sword, and held out the blade. "This weapon... it seemed to form out of thin air. Is it of divine origin?"

Tenebris crossed her arms amusedly. "Duma, why don't you take a look?"

The hulking figure at the back of the room walked over, huge plates of armour rattling. He towered over Siegbert even without transformation, and bent over to inspect the Dark Greatsword. "Hmm... what fine craftsmanship. This must be the work of... him, I'd know that intricacy anywhere."

"But is it a divine weapon?" Asked Siegbert.

"If you truly must know, why not hand it to your retainer?" Said Duma. "If it is, then the blade will consume her flesh and soul. Knowledge from gods comes at a price."

"Brother, we are not gods." Called the woman from the back. "And no longer have any right to pretend to be."

"Think twice before you ask things of dragons, Siegbert." Said Duma. "Men need to become strong on their own merits, if they are to avoid faltering."

"I agree, power should be earned. But, if there is an advantage to be gained by simply asking- then I see no reason to throw away charity." Siegbert looked up resolutely, watching Duma's face. Part of him knew he was back-talking an ancient dragon. The rest was telling him to stand his ground.

"...He's your whelp alright, Tenebris." Duma said with a grin. "Regardless... Alm shall arrive shortly, so I'll take my exit. It is not ordained for he and I to meet again." Duma stepped away, and took the enormous sword off his back. Siegbert was about to get ready to dodge it, when Duma stuck it into the floor and appeared to be swallowed by the stone, leaving the room instantly.

"So too must I leave. Safe travels." Mila waved a hand, and with a few magical glyphs she vanished, leaving only Lux and Tenebris.

Lux spoke, for the first time in a while. "Alm is ready to see you now."

A portal opened in the room, and a man in green armour stepped out, a large sword strapped to him. He was followed by a girl with red hair in a regal white dress, a blonde man in blue guiding a horse, a man with an eyepatch, and a second cavalier who wore a white mask.

Alm looked at Siegbert, and at Tenebris. "Greetings. I am king Albein Alm Rudolf the second, and this is my queen, Anthiese. We recieved a letter asking for our guidance from one Lady Tenebris." He didn't seem at ease- like a fish out of water, but his delivery and form was perfectly royal.

"I thank you for coming, king Albein." Siegbert gave a small bow. "I'm crown prince Siegbert of Nohr. I was summoned here to recieve aid, and it appears that you may have something to teach me. I'll gladly listen."

Celica stepped forwards. "If I may make a request on the behalf of my husband... Please, call him 'Alm', and call me 'Celica'. We are still adjusting to courtly formality."

"Of course. If it makes you more comfortable, I will accommodate." Siegbert said. "Tell me, are you experienced warriors? I can see that you know how to fight."

Alm nodded. "We've been through a lot. I conquered my homeland of Valentia, while Celica defeated the followers of it's two deteriorating gods, and the monsters they summoned. Eventually, we worked together and slew the two gods of Valentia, uniting it and passing control to mankind. I've only been king for a few months now, but I think things are going to hold together."

"You killed gods?" Asked Siegbert. He glanced at Tenebris. "It seems I'm being afforded a fine education once again. Alm, I would be glad to receive your tutelage."

Celica smiled at Sophie. "All of us would be happy to tell our stories, and we'll show you the better points of how we fight in Valentia."

Siegbert judged the group before him. "I think we would benefit the most from one-on-one training sessions. I wish to learn from Alm. Do any of you have specific requests?"

Sophie raised her hand. "Oh, I'd love to see how cavaliers fight in other worlds! Could I go with one of those knights?"

Clive chuckled, and stepped forwards. "I volunteer to teach you. I'm Clive, the head of the Knights of Zofia."

Nina's eyes drifted from Clive to the masked cavalier. Could there be... a spark of something more? "Could I have your name, oh masked man?" She asked sweetly, possibilities flowing through her mind.

"I'm Conrad. The royal guard of the king and queen." The masked knight replied.

"Hmm..." A royal guard, with the head of the realm's knights. That was workable... "Maybe I could learn something." Said Nina.

"Oh, oh someone pick me! You guys all look super strong, and I wanna get stronger to protect everyone!" Kana jumped around, waving a hand for attention.

Celica smiled, and held her hands together. "Aw, that's very nice of you. And I understand how you feel very well. What's your name?"

"I'm Kana. It's great to meet you, miss Celica!"

Saber looked at the remaining choices he had. A boy who was leaning on a staff while trying not to fall asleep, or a girl who had one eye on Siegbert. A royal babysitter like him, then? "Hey. Kid. With the shield pauldron."

Soleil looked over. "Yeah? Ooh, I like the hair."

"Thanks." Saber swept it back a bit, knowing full well that he kept it shaved into style. "You look like you're awake, want to learn how to fight?"

"Heh, do I! Let's see how you hold up, old man!" Soleil grabbed the sword on her waist with a shining smile, radiating confidence and putting a spring into her step.

"So, your blade is the divine Falchion, and it can heal you?" Siegbert said, looking upon the gleaming metal of the sword. "I find it curious that so many objects in your land bestow a healing blessing on the holder. Is that an enchantment?"

Alm shook his head. "I think that's just a natural property of our magic. Celica is the expert, but Valentia has different magical styles to anywhere else in the world."

"I see... Hmm. This would go a considerable way towards supporting our guards. It seems we won't have a chance to meet again, so I must ask if you have any item we could learn the enchantment from."

"Hmm... I guess Conrad's got a blessed lance, but I really don't want to make him give that up." Alm mused. "Not because he needs it to fight, per se, it was a gift from his home."

"That's understandable. I'll consult with him, and see if I can offer him something to change his mind."

"Wait, there's a better option." Alm said. "We've got a lance that we found. It took a bit of effort to restore, but... well, we don't have any real use for something so deadly with our new peace. I understand you always need weapon and an army, and that there are brigands, but... I think it was meant for something more. Maybe you'd be interested?"

"...It does have my interest. Do you have it with you?"

"Clive is holding it. It cuts an imposing figure, right?"

Siegbert looked at the knight in blue as he told Sophie a grand story about the knights of Zofia, the girl hanging onto every word. He had a golden lance with an odd triangular tip, and something about it felt warm, like sunlight. The shaft was made of something curious, inlaid with gold- Siegbert couldn't tell what. "It looks very ornate. You'd certainly need a lot of practice to put it to good use... but I can feel the magic from here."

"We call it 'Sol'. The original name might have been longer, but that's what was left on the handle when we found it." Alm recounted.

"I wonder if the sunlight coming from it could help my country?"

"...Do you have a problem with your weather?" Said Alm curiously.

"We struggle to grow crops. The sunlight comes daily, but... I really can't praise it further than that. It is feeble, and hardly enough to grow the grass. Our harvests are barely enough to sustain the population, and... I couldn't be prouder of our farmers for managing what they do."

"Your homeland sounds a lot like my birth country." Alm seemed to grow a little more somber. "Your hardships will give you strength. When Rigel and Zofia fought, it was Rigel that could endure the hardships of war. If not for Clive's great leadership, Zofia would have been completely conquered."

"Perhaps the hardships have value... but that doesn't change the fact that not all survive them. A perfect world where nobody dies young may never be realised, but it reminds me how little power a king has whenever a famine strikes." Siegbert mused. "Regardless. The lance 'Sol'. We have not brought much to barter with, nor a great deal of coin."

"That's okay. Like I said before, we don't have any use for a weapon this powerful. Even if my people rose up against me, I'd rather not use this, or the Falchion." Alm shook his head. "Not that I want to hurt them at all. Just... sometimes..."

"I know how it is. You need to sacrifice people, or even cut them down for the sake of a greater whole. But that is our burden as leaders."

"You're right. Heh, you'll be a good king, Siegbert."

"Thank you. I shall strive to live up to your expectations."

Kana watched a tiny fire dance between Celica's hands. "How are you doing that without a tome?"

"Valentian magic casts using your stamina, rather than the magic of a book." Celica extinguished the fire. "A small fireball like that can illuminate the way without using much of my strength, but I can unleash far more devastating attacks at greater cost to myself." She put her hands in her lap. "It may not seem as practical as a tome, but our magic has a few other advantages. It's inherently hard to dodge, and extremely difficult to resist."

"Wowww... That's super scary. I can't even get hit by normal magic very well." Kana shyed away, but then hesitated. "But you seem nice. I know you wouldn't use it on someone unless you had to."

"I do hope not to." Said Celica sincerely. "Kana, your ears... you know, they remind me of someone."

"My ears?" Kana reached up and felt the pointed tip. He'd been a dragon last. "Who?"

"I've only seen her once in person, but the patron goddess of Zofia, Mila."

"Mila? I... um..?" Saw her five minutes ago.

"She was a great dragon, who blessed our lands with harvests. If you'd like, I could tell you her story."

"Okay."

"Well...

Once upon a time, there was a god named Duma, and a goddess called Mila, and they fought each other bitterly for an age upon the continent of Valentia.

Eventually, they drew to a truce. Duma became ruler of the northern Rigel, and Mila became ruler of southern Zofia. Even if they had stopped fighting, they could not stand each other. And so they formed a divine accord that neither would intrude on the other's territory.

Each had a different idea of how humanity should live under their rule. Duma wanted to build a strong kingdom that would never fall, and gave few blessings. He told his people to earn their strength, rather than buy it.

Mila wanted to create a land free of suffering, and gave many blessings. Zofia's lands bloomed with fruit and wildlife effortlessly, and it's people had little to fear from anything but other humans.

Things could have stayed that way for all time, but... eventually, Mila and Duma began to lose their minds. And so, the land was torn by war as the Divine Accord broke, and Rigel and Zofia fought. Mila's body was turned to stone and broken, and Duma was stabbed with a divine weapon powerful enough to break his immortality.

Yet, along the way... Mila saved me, and her last wishes were to free Duma from the madness that consumed him. Duma gave his blessing to Alm. Even if our gods did lose their minds... I like to believe they cared about us, until the very end."

Kana was totally silent for a while. If Mila cared about Celica so much, why hadn't she stayed around to say hello? Maybe it was because she died. Maybe... Mila wasn't supposed to be here. Wherever here was. "...They sound like me and my sister." He eventually said. "We... we argue a lot, but we really care about each other too."

"They were siblings." Confirmed Celica. "No matter the divide between you and your sibling... they are still someone that you know deeply."

Time seemed to draw to a close all too quickly. Tenebris stepped in, as Saber and Soleil finished sparring. "I don't like to interrupt such a nice bit of swordplay, but we are approaching the limit for how much time I can allow you all to stay here."

Siegbert nodded, and bowed. "I understand, Tenebris. I will do my very best to make the most of all this."

Clive stepped forwards and handed Sol to Sophie. "I know you'll use it well. You'd make a fine knight of the Deliverance."

Sophie stood to attention, and beamed. "Your stories were really inspiring. I feel like I've got to overcome what's ahead if I want to be as good a cavalier as you!"

Alm offered a handshake to Siegbert. "Valentia wishes you luck, Siegbert."

"And Nohr gives its thanks." Siegbert accepted. "Long may you reign, King Albein."

Tenebris spoke. "I'm sending you back now, Alm. You'll be returned to your throne room."

Alm quickly nodded. "One thing first." He looked straight at Siegbert. "...In the outrealms, there's a place called the Altar Of The King. I know you'll be able to find it when you need to."

"...I shall bear it in mind." Siegbert said.

"Farewell, all of you." Called Celica. "Safe travels..."

Lux waved a hand, and the room very briefly faded into a white light. When light returned to normal, the five Valentians were gone.

"Tenebris, I know you do not extend aid to us mortals often. I really do appreciate it." Seigbert almost bowed again, but thought better of it given Tenebris' demeanor.

"Bear this in mind, young mortal- I chose to give you this help because you face a truly difficult struggle." Warned Tenebris. "Difficult enough that I may yet give more blessings. But for now..." She placed her hands onto her sword. "Spread your wings and bare your fangs, Siegbert. There are enemies ahead that need to see what happens to those who threaten Nohr."

Siegbert nodded grimly. "I'll not show mercy to those that would endanger my kingdom. I will do my very utmost to show power that is worthy of your attention."

"Hmm... Not a bad speech, but not quite fierce enough... For now, you will return to your journey." Tenebris waved a hand, and the room faded into darkness.

"You know, I did expect him to break down grovelling, like most mortals." Said Lux. "Some can't even hold onto their sanity if they learn our identities."

"They're my children, if distantly. I would kill them out of shame if they were so weak they'd just offer their life up to the first greater power that comes along." Tenebris took hold of her dragonstone, gazing into the calm black abyss within.

"Dragons and humans... they may be like oil and water... different in whole."

"A haiku, brother? This is why I declared war on you."

"You declared war because you were greedy." Snapped Lux.

"...Or because neither of us took Naga's advice on territory?" Countered Tenebris.

"You're passing up a chance to pick a fight with me? You really want to watch over Anankos that closely?"

"I..." Tenebris looked away. "My heart isn't human. It is not filled with the ability to love, care, or to nurse. It desires success, achievement and dominance...

...I'm sure I'm just... making sure my lands are safe." She forced out unconvincingly. Damn Lux, and the power of sunlight making it more difficult to lie.

Author's notes: Don't mind me, just a casual filler chapter where Siegbert meets his gods. I'm having a blast with my other fic right now, so... see you in a month or two!

But before I forget: Every Xenologue is meant to equate to a DLC, which would give you five stat boosts, one item and one Overclass.

Last time, Kana gained access to Vallite Noble with Marth's guidance, a class with Swords, Stones and Tomes. The skills s/he will learn in that class are Staff Savant, and Divine Mist (Dragonstones target the lower of def/res, and gain Distant Counter). The item was Marth's Brooch, which gives 4/4 to Speed and Skill while in your inventory.

This time, Siegbert was granted the Nohr King overclass by Alm. He still only has Swords and Lances, but can bring his lances up to S rank. The two extra skills he gets are Conquest (Nullifies beast killers and armourslayers) and Double Lion. Yep, Alm's ultimate technique (Scendscale? Who uses that?). It can be activated before combat to automatically make all his weapons behave as Brave Weapons, but costs 20% of his HP. And the Sol lance, an A rank lance that also gives you the Sol skill while it's equipped.