Sorry about the delay from last chapter to this one, I've just been super busy with school. Just took my mid-terms though so things will tone down a little bit so that's good. Anyways, here we go!

I sat there just thinking. That was all I had been doing for the past few days, I wasn't even sure how many days had passed. I had just been going through the motions. Not because Morgan had almost died, though that wasn't helping things. I had killed a man who did nothing but fight to keep his sister safe, and I killed him. The look on Say'ri's face was still fresh in my mind. I don't know if she hates me or not, but I killed her brother who was only fighting for her so she would be safe.

I don't know why I felt this way, I had killed plenty of people who had families and that never nagged at me, so why now? Why was this haunting me and the others weren't? I ran a hand through my hair and let out a slow sigh that came with a small amount of smoke. I looked down at the grass below me and just watched as the blades slowly danced in the breeze. Not thrashing, just slowly waving like they were saying hi.

"You ok?" I turned to see Emmeryn looking down at me with worry in her eyes. I just nodded and turned back to the front. The small clearing I was in had nothing but the morning dew on it and the start of the sun coming up. Peaceful. After the battle we had camped a couple miles from the capitol while we prepared our soldiers and made a strategy for assaulting Walhart.

She moved around and sat next to me and just looked out to the field with me. Silence. I felt her hand grab mine and I just sat motionless. I eventually turned to her and gave a weak smile, but it was better than nothing.

"Really, Emm, I'm fine." She looked disbelieving, but the worry in her eyes was the most dominant thing I could pick up. Under her stare I started to lose the smile and just looked down.

"So I'm not being completely truthful."

"I guessed as much." I looked back forward and returned the grip she had on my hand to hers.

"It's just hard." She only nodded.

"He was an honorable man, one who only fought for his family, and I killed him and took him from his family. What kind of 'being of light' does that make me?" I felt slight anger but repressed the feeling and just used my free hand to rub my forehead in a soothing manner.

"It may not make you a being of light, but what you did was certainly honorable." I looked at her, thoroughly confused. I only raised an eyebrow and she took in a deep breath before continuing.

"I'm sure he would have preferred dying at your hands, then being a slave for Walhart. What you did set him free, it may not have seemed like it at the time, or even right now, but you did. Yes, a great man died, but others will be saved. I know it isn't fair to trade a life for a life, but it happened and you can do nothing now except move on."

I looked at Emmeryn with my mouth open and tears forming. I tried to speak but couldn't. I had the words caught in my throat and they weren't coming out. After a few seconds I could start to form them.

"But... I took the last thing Say'ri cared about. Then I gave her his sword... the look in her eyes after seeing so much hope in them. I-I just..."


I watched as tears fell down his face slowly. He closed his eyes and started to slightly whimper. I wrapped my arms around him in a comforting fashion and held him close. After a few seconds he held back no more and started to cry. I couldn't tell what he was mumbling in between but I could get out the words, "Sorry," and, "Why?"

I stroked his hair and just waited. His crying stopped after a few minutes and he fell asleep. I had never seen him like this, but knew that eventually all the internal battles he fought would come out. I wanted them to so he could see that what happened wasn't wrong, but to see him tear down on himself was hard.

I just held his sleeping form and waited.

"I won't leave you." Was all I whispered in his ear, over and over. I closed my eyes and rested my head on top of his and sighed.

"What demons haunt you, Travis?" No response, but I wasn't expecting one, and the silence was a good sign. Right now he needed sleep, time to recuperate and ready himself. I didn't want to see him doubt himself in a battle and get himself killed. I had watched him throw his life away willingly several times over, just so me and everyone else wouldn't have to.

I started to hum a song I remember the maid that I grew up with to him. I didn't remember the words but knew the main sound of the song. If I remember correctly, it was called One's Thought. Whenever I would have a nightmare she would sing it to me. The poor maid was very old then and once I had become the Exalt she died a few months later. She was almost like a mother to me, just much older.

It had been hard for me to lose her. Moving on could be very difficult, but even harder to forgive yourself. I suppose that was why I would always push myself to the limits trying to heal everyone after each battle. I also did it because I knew that if I collapsed that Travis would be there to help me like he always did, and now I would be here for him. Everyone, no matter how tough they are or how hard they push themselves can fall. If there is no one there then they can't get up.

So, I'll help him up, and knowing him he'll keep fighting. Not for himself, but for everyone. He cares about everyone and would rather suffer in their place... It's one of the reasons I love him. I grinned and shook my head.

"Weirdo... But, you're my weirdo."


I eventually woke up and saw I was still in Emmeryn's arms, but the Exalt had fallen asleep much like I did. It was still early, but it was getting close to breakfast and if we wanted to eat before Stahl ate everything we would have to get moving.

I slightly shook Emm only for her to grumble something inaudible. I rubbed my chin in though and smiled. I licked my index finger and then slowly moved it towards her ear. When it made contact nothing happened. I started spinning my ear and after a few seconds there was a gasp and Emm snapped her head away while shouting, "Gross, gross, gross!"

I cracked a grin and waited for her to calm down. Once she did I gave her a huge grin to which she gave a slightly annoyed one, but it eventually changed to a smile.

"Feeling better?" I gave a grinning nod and stood. I took Emm's hand and then helped her up. Instead of releasing it I held on and we walked back to camp. Before it came into view I leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you." She beamed back at me and turned back to the direction we were walking.

"Anytime you need help, don't hesitate to ask."

"Got it." Once we reached camp we walked straight to the mess tent and saw very few people on the way.

"I hope we haven't missed breakfast, I'm starving." Emmeryn nodded to my statement and eventually we reached the tent. I held it open and she entered. We both walked to the table with the food and grabbed as much as we could, which for me consisted of a very large amount. I looked around and saw my team playing a large card game in the corner. I turned to Emm and motioned towards them. She chuckled a little and turned to another table.

"I need to go talk to someone, so join your team. I bet they've been worrying about you." I nodded and made my way over to them. I sat down silently next to Nyroc who was to immersed in the game to notice me. The others saw me and got quiet but started to smile. After a few minutes of silence Nyroc turned to them and raised an eyebrow.

"What, do I have something on my face?"

"No, it's just how your face looks." He slowly turned to me after hearing my comment and just stared at me. Eventually his face changed into a large grin and he looked at the others. They started to do the same and Kellam pulled out a note pad. He flipped a few pages and eventually stopped on one.

"You win Nyroc." The man being told so started to laugh loudly and threw his hands back while shouting happily. He pointed at everyone and then to me.

"You know what that means!" I shrugged and shook my head slowly.

"Actually, I don't." He lost his smile and put a hand on my shoulder.

"It means this: After the war we're taking you drinking, and you're gonna get wasted!" They were shouts of agreement and Nyroc just gave a toothy grin. I shook my head and his grin started to disappear.

"You'll get hammered, I'll drag your drunk ass out of the bar afterwards, deal?" He rubbed his chin in thought and eventually nodded.

"But, we're getting hookers." Wait, what!?

"You're married!" He jerked his thumb in Anna's direction.

"I got permission, and so did everyone else... except Lon'qu, cuz he's whipped." The swordsman grumbled into his cup from the end of the table. There was a slap to my back and I flinched in pain. I turned to see Kor grinning at me.

"Nice to have you back." I gave a cheeky grin.

"Did the mighty Kor miss me? Poor guy, he must have been crying the whole time I was gone."

"It was three days, now shut it before I keel haul you and feed you to the sharks." I tried to hold a straight face but eventually started to laugh hysterically.

"I tried not to see you as a pirate, but now I really do see you as one." I continued in my laughing fit for a few more seconds before I stopped.

"Thanks, lad. Now, I feel self conscious about myself."

"Aww, does someone need a hug?" The sailor rubbed his chin in mock thought before shaking his head.

"You know, I'm good."

"You sure?"

"Ya." I gave him a grin and turned to everyone else.

"So, about the strippers... Why?" Nyroc leaned closer and pointed at me with a grin.

"Here's a better question: Why not?" I face palmed and looked him in the eyes.

"Never mind. Has Robin said what our next move is?" I meant that more towards Ricken than anyone else, but I would accept an answer from anyone. The mage pointed off in the distance.

"We're to march to the capitol, fight the entire Valmese army, kill Walhart, and be home in time for dinner."

"In that order?" He chuckled and shook his head.

"Maybe a few tweaks here and there, as long as we win and Walhart dies I don't think it matters." Works for me. I leaned back and crossed my arms behind my head.

"Even once this war is over we can't get complacent. We have more fighting on the horizon. We're just a little focused on the threats in front of us." Murmurs of agreement and nods to my statement. Nyroc rubs his chin in thought and I look at him.

"What's up?"

"Just thinking about the future. Do you think that even with out future children we stand a chance?" I had thought about that and decided we did. In fact, we had more people than in the actual game by this point by at least double.

"We'll be fine, just gotta have faith and keep fighting, ya know?" He thought about it and eventually nodded.

"Why am I doubting now? We have done so much bullshit that any man would piss his pants if he had to attempt even the easiest one."

"You mean breaking into a dangerous fortress that belongs to a crazy king, and if he was caught he would face the worst torture ever and would never see the sun again?" He snapped his fingers and pointed at me.

"That's it. Took the words right out of my mouth, boss." We all started laugh and I realized something: This was my family... To an extent, not my birth family, but my family nonetheless. I would do anything for them, and they for me. I caught myself grinning with what could be described as a fools grin. Of course, this did not go unnoticed by Nyroc.

"What's up, boss? Thinking about Emmeryn?" I slowly turned my gaze to him and gave the nicest grin I could.

"No, just you guys and how I consider you my family, and that I would do anything for you... Why?"

"Just checking... Speaking of Emmeryn, when are you gonna take her out on a date Mr. Dragging My Ass?" I just groaned and dropped my head to the table, hiding my shame the best I could with my hands.

"Probably after this war."

"Mhm... Sure you're not going to chicken out?" I shot up and gave the soldier a cocky smile.

"I won't chicken out with that, mate. After this when we get some free time, however short it may be, I want to spend it with her. I've made her wait long enough."

"That was romantic." I looked over at the sugar thief who had a bit to much sarcasm dripping off his tongue with that last phrase. He was sporting a large grin and followed up by casually placing a lollipop in his mouth. He raised his eyebrows in an taunting manner and started to laugh.

"Hey, Nyroc?"

"Yes, boss?"

"Want to help me de-man Gaius?" The thief lost his grin and bit down on his lollipop quickly, causing a loud crack to sound out. Nyroc scratched his head for a few seconds before nodding.

"Let's do it." Before we could do anything, Gaius had already started to run for his life. But not before I called out a threat to him.

"Better watch you back, Bucky!" Nyroc looked at me confused.

"Bucky?" I shrugged and rested my head in my hands.

"Just made it up. Gaius is better at nicknames than me."

"I'll say." We sat for a few minutes just making small talk when Robin came in, practically sprinting and to us.

"We need to march to the capitol, now!" We all shot up, not asking questions. We packed up and started the march to the capitol. It wasn't going to be too long, but speed was still important. We were quickly marching down the road in a few minutes. I practically sprinted up to Robin who was busy talking to a scout. She heard me and turned back to dismiss the scout.

"Just the man I wanted to see." I nodded.

"What's happening?" She pointed about where we came from.

"Heard from some scouts that a rebel army that we believe to work for Walhart is back there. A couple days journey, but we can't have them showing up at an inopportune time and ruining everything." I gave a quick nod and had a few more questions.

"What is the plan of attack, and how soon are we attacking?"

"Plan is to hit them with any long ranged weapons we can, while having ground forces rush the gates and making a hole in. We will attack as soon as we're set up." I gave one more nod before taking off and rounding up my team. We were going to have a lot of work to do.


"So that's the capitol. I pictured it bigger, large spikes in the top of the wall, maybe some posters that have Walhart's face on them, ya know?" I chuckled at Nyroc's comment and turned to the fairly basic capitol. Only difference from Ylisstol would be that Ylisstol didn't look it was ready for World War 3. It looked heavily fortified, and the large sea of red that was our enemy getting set up out front didn't look very inviting.

"So, what's the plan again? Just rush in and slash anything red to pieces, right?" I nodded but gave me and my son a point.

"We have a little bit of red, so don't slice our heads off, please." Nyroc chuckled and pointed at my hat.

"No Valmese soldier would wear a hat as stupid as that, boss." I put a hand defensively over my hat and started to fake pout.

"I love my hat. Don't be a bully." There was footsteps and Robin came forward.

"You all ready?" I gave a look at everyone who just gave me nods in response. I looked back at the white haired tactician and nodded.

"We're good." She gave a firm nod and went back to the right side. It was a simple three assault plan, seeing as there were three gates. Each group would attack, assisting the others, as needed, until one reached a gate. At that point all forces would have a hold no bar and bull rush their gates while the enemy was distracted on the breached gate. Naga's Guardians had the middle gate, which wouldn't be too bad, had it not been told to us that Walhart himself was guarding it himself.

I could see the Warlord in the distance just waiting patiently for us. Nyroc nudged my arm with his and motioned towards the Red Devil.

"Think you can take him?" I shrugged and pulled out Sweet Sickness.

"This should work miracles on him. It's strange really, I feel so much power when I use this weapon and I can't explain it." Nyroc shrugged and motioned towards his sword.

"You're talking to a guy whos only knowledge of swords is how to maintain them and kill with them. Ask Lon'qu."

"I don't think he'll know either. I have a feeling I'll find out this battle." As if on cue, a fireball was launched and I chuckled.

"Alright then, let's go kick some ass and take some names shall we?" Cries of excitement were put out and I moved my hand forward in a chopping motion.

"Our troops, move out!" Rose groaned.

"Really, Dad?" I chuckled and gave her a shrug before taking off. Time to kick some ass and take some names.


It had to have been at least two hours we had been fighting. They just kept coming, I cut down one and three more took his place.

"I need some backup over here!" I was getting pushed back a large row of fire came towards them and took them out. I turned to see Emmeryn with a slight grin on her face.

"Good thing I was nearby."

"I'll say. Hey, what's say me and you take these guys by storm?" She caught the top of her staff on fire and gave a nod.

"Let's do it." I rushed forward and switched from Fang of Nyx to Sweet Sickness. I ducked under a blow and kept spinning and used the momentum to slice the legs clean off the man. I jumped up and slammed down into another. I took a quick jump back as a large spear of ice formed in front of me, accompanied by several smaller ones, impaling multiple soldiers.

I ran forward and jumped off the spikes to get into the air. I switched to Fang of Nyx and caught it on fire.

"Here goes nothing!" I dove straight down and let loose all the fire I could and caused an explosion that launched everyone away in a fiery inferno. I stood and walked forward while sheathing Fang of Nyx and drawing Sweet Sickness once more. Walhart was close now.

Men came at me from the side but were blown away in a flash of electricity. Emmeryn walked up on my left, staff cackling with electricity. her hood was up and my mask was as well. We must have been quiet intimidating. Walhart waved his free hand and three large men with lances, and one with an axe walked forward. I kept walking while Emmeryn slowed down.

I took Lon'qu's Myrmidon stance with Sweet Sickness to my left.

"Bring it." They all rushed me, weapons swing at me. Little did they know, the ground under me was heating up which meant something not nice was coming their way. Once they were close enough I did a back flip away and things seemed to move in slow motion as the ground erupted in fire and consumed them. I landed and waited.

The only one who emerged was the one with the axe, but he had abandoned his armor, and was now dual wielding axes. He had burns all over his face and arms, but seemed to be ignoring them. I was impressed but stood ready. I smirked and spun my sword before stabbing it in the ground slightly behind me.

"Come at me!" He twirled both axes with speed and skill before taking a stance where one was in front and the other in the back.

"As you wish." I pulled my sword out and rushed him, and he did the same. Our weapons collided and sent sparks everywhere. I pushed against him and was struggling. I had been fighting for a few hours while he had been sitting in his spot in peace. The only advantage I had was he was injured, but he seemed to be ignoring those and instead using rage as his fuel.

He lifted our weapons and kicked my gut and threw me behind him. I fell but roll up and shot fire into his face as he approached for a killing blow. He took a few steps back and whipped a few cinders off his face. He charged me again and swung one axe high and the other low in a horizontal swing. I dove in between them to the side and landed with one hand on the ground for support. I jumped over his next swing and slammed down.

He made a crossing block and it worked but the force pushed him back a few feet. He now had his back to Emm who was charging an electricity spell of sorts. I need to buy her some more time. I rushed and started to exchange blows with him, that only gave off sparks as they connected. I heard a crack of a whip and turned to see Emmeryn with an electrical whip in her right hand, staff in her left.

I kicked the man away and Emmeryn started to swing at him. He managed to dodge the whip, but the sparks and occasional arcs that hopped off struck him. Emm took another swing and was surprised when he blocked it and started to rush her. I knew what was going to happen and jumped in front of her, sword up.

I block the attack but they forced Sweet Sickness back, and into my shoulder. I felt blood and growled in slight pain. It wasn't deep, but it wasn't a kiss on the cheek either. I looked back and saw Emmeryn on the ground looking up in worry. I saw more enemies approaching for both of us and knew I had to do something. I don't know what happened, but something clicked, or snapped in my head.

I started to push more and got Sweet Sickness out of my shoulder and felt my Drakaryn side coming out. I had to keep her safe, and I would not stop. Sweet Sickess' blow glow grew brighter and fiercer. The middle split and a beam of energy seemed to emerge from it and the side became coated in the same beam of what looked like a light.

I pushed the man back and swung horizontally and straight through his waist. No resistance, just a clean cut, like a knife through butter. I looked at Sweet Sickness and gasped when I saw what it reminded me of. The Manado from Xenoblade, except it's a great sword and the sides had the same beam as the middle. I gave a small chuckle and faced the enemies.

"You all right, Emm?"

"Sweet Sickness!? What happened to it!?" I swung it at an swordsman and cleaved him in half down the center and shrugged.

"I don't know, but it kicks ass!" There was a laugh and I turned to see it belonged to Walhart. He was close to us now and had a large grin. I got ready for him to charge and attack. Instead he raised his Wolfberg and swung it down. The wall behind him sprung to life with archers and they all aimed at us. They fired and the first thing I did was just in front of Emmeryn and wrapped my hands and wings around her.

I felt the pain of all the arrows hitting me, and Emmeryn's scream. I opened my eyes to see hers with tears in them. I started to lose consciousness when I felt something in me I had never felt before in such large quantities.

Rage!

I started to twitch and let out a roar. I let go of Emm and turned to them. All I saw was red, evil, blood!

I felt something... My inner dragon... and he wants out... very well.


He snarled and started to speak.

"I'll kill you, peel the flesh from your bones! Your blood with taint the ground, I'll Kill All Of You!" He let out a deafening roar and charged them, unarmed and starting to catch fire. The arrows in his back caught fire, and the arrowheads liquefied from the heat and the metal leaked out of the wounds. He wasn't himself anymore, he was a dragon, and he was going to kill all of them.

Guess you have to wait till next update to see what will happen. Hehe, I'm evil. Don't hate, anyways, have a good day/week, and may the Aura be with you all!