- Plegia Desert -
The old abandoned fort of Plegia was made into a temporary base for the Ylisse army. They already fended off Plegain soldiers and Grimleal mages. For now, they have to come up with a plan. Lysithea let go of a tired sigh as she was busy with Robin on organizing the tomes that will be used for battle. Not to mention that they are waiting for news from Gaius. The double agent in Plegia has been very resourceful, reporting what is going on. As well as...
"Sophia..." Lysithea muttered and Robin looked over to her, worried.
"Is everything alright Lysithea?" The tactician asked and the girl let go of another sigh.
"I'm just worried about Sophia. The last response we got from her was around 2 months ago. To be honest...I was surprised when Gauis reported to us what Grimleal was making her do. I honestly expected that they were going to make her horrific things or to her. Make her fight us. But..." she turned to her, "I never expected that...they would make heal the land and people."
"I admit, even I was surprised to learn of it." Robin hummed as they each picked up a pile of tomes and began to walk, "The news honestly made Chrom be surprised as well. The double agent reported that they had her revive the earth vein." They walked out of the tent and headed towards another.
"Wait, the earth vein? That shouldn't be possible. Only those who are descendants of The Gaia clan can activate them." Lysithea gasped as they entered the tent where the others were.
"Just on time!" Chrom smiled as they placed the tomes down on a table, "We were discussing our next movement. Our spy reported there has been unusual activity going on lately in the capital." He states as he pointed to the city on the map.
"Unusual activity?" Robin raised an eyebrow as she walked over to the map.
"Yup." Khan Flavia let go of a sigh, "The Grimleal have been in a panic frenzy as of lately. Their little Holy Hierophant has gone missing."
"What?!" Lysithea yelled out as she slammed her hands on the table, "What do you mean Sophia has gone missing?!"
"Come down girl." Khan Basilio chuckled, "The good news is that because of your friend going missing, we've been able to get more information regarding where the execution will take place. However...it is unsettling. You all noticed the weather, right?" He asked.
"What about the weather?" Kellem asked and Miriel sniffed the air a bit.
"How odd..." she muttered, "It's the scent of the sea."
"Plegai does not get rain during winter. It is dry land in the cold." Gregor says as the others began muttering to themselves.
THUNDER!
"KYYYAAAAAHHH!" Nowi, Sumia, and Lissa scream at the sudden boom of thunder, the three jumping to hug each other.
"I don't like thunder!" Nowi whines as were shaking.
"It's only a little thunderstorm. Nothing too b-!" Unfortunately for Vaike, that speech got cut short when a lightning bolt suddenly struck down far too close to the tents, leaving the patch of sand, now turned to glass.
Complete silence. No one could utter a single word till Frederick coughed.
"Pardon but I believe for the safety of us all, a barrier should be set up for these next few days. Miriel, Lysithea, Ricken, and Felix, I trust you three to set it up?" He says and the four nodded as they quickly went to do just that.
"Okay, that was far too close for comfort." Chrom chuckles a bit nervously as they went back to the map.
"At least it wasn't a dead lord." He thought as his memory traveled back to the time the Risen first appeared.
When his Falchion clashed with the blade of the royal blue, titanium white, and gold armor Deadlord. Their blades created sparks each time as if they rejected each other. Its face is hidden by the helmet of an ancient knight, with wing-like horns on it. The only thing Chrom could see was its crimson eyes looking at him with nothing but hatred and murder. He was nearly cut in half by the dead lord if it wasn't for Alm and Marth interfering. It gave one final roar before it retreated, along with the Risen it commanded.
"The barrier is done. We should be fine now." Felix came back into the tent, frowning at how soaking wet he got.
"It's odd." Ricken muttered as he came in, "It's raining but the water tastes salty. Like seawater. We're not even close to the ocean."
"Is there any sort of magic interference?" Sthal asked and could hear many of their mounts panicking outside.
Those that rode horses, pegasus, wyverns, or griffins quickly ran out to try and calm them down.
"No. Thankfully not," Miriel said as wiped her glasses dry.
She scowls when they become foggy again and takes them off to clean them once more.
"But Lysithea did check to see if this base was beneath an earth vein. Did you know they were once called Dragon Veins during the time that Archanea was first flourishing?" Miriel said as she put on her glasses once more but then groaned when they became foggy...again.
"What does that have to do with Lysithea's research?" Vaikie raised an eyebrow and she sent him a glare.
"Perhaps if you would have put a hold to your caterwauling, then you would have been able to listen to my lesson." Miriel huffs a bit.
"Here we go again." Lon'qu groans as he pinches the bridge of his nose.
"Anyhow!" Miriel quickly said, now applying a thin layer of wax on her glasses, "This is based on an old legend of the Mystic Kingdoms of Nohr and Hoshido. Lysithea mentions that the earth veins were a bit similar to it. It said that the power to use Dragon Veins is said to have been inherited from dragon ancestors. Those who possess this ability can alter the outcome of the battle, as effects vary from creating new paths, drying up rivers to create more terrain, creating regeneration spots, freezing enemies, or consuming their weapons. And who here has an ancestor that received Naga's blood?" And everyone turned to look over to Chrom and Lissa.
"We swear we know none of this." Lissa put her hands up quickly as her brother nodded.
"This is all new news to me. Where is Lysithea anyway?" Chrom asked.
"I'll go check on her." Felix sighs as he goes out of the tent to fetch the woman.
He walked through the pathway, seeing everyone's tents, and headed towards Lysithea till he heard her voice, but it sounds like she is talking to someone. He walked closer to the area of the back of her tent, which was a bit closer to the woods.
"Incredible." Lysithea was heard gasping as he hid behind a tree, "The earth vein is healed. That explains why many parts of Plegia that are desert are now growing vegetation."
"I honestly do not know how to feel about this." That sounded Frederick's voice.
The knight let out a small huff as Lysithea stood up from touching the ground with her hand.
"We have our enemies attacking Ylisse and they wanted your companion to "heal" the land? Not to also mention they call her the Shadow Exalt! Which I find to be very insulting to Lady Emmeryn. How dare the Grimleal use such a name on their false prophet?" Frederick said coldly while Lysithea just let go of a sigh.
"You don't know what the people of Plegia went through..." She said a bit bitterly, "Yes, it has been 15 years since the war but the damage done by Ylisse is permanent. Lands like this," she spread out her hands, "that once flourished with life became desolate. Life could not grow. People, innocent civilians were forced to move. Children and people on both sides lost their loved ones. Grudges from 15 years ago are still alive to this day. Now..." she shook her head, "It feels like those grudges have now taken shape."
She walked a bit away from him and looked up to the now thundering sky. The rain was falling hard but it was seen only running down the barrier like a wave of ocean water.
"Did you know," she raised her hand as if she was catching water droplets, "they say that when it rains, that it is the Mother Earth crying." She let go of another sigh as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a watch.
"...Mother...father...I don't know what to do..." she held the watch close to her chest, "Great First Lady of House Ordelia...what would you do at this moment...Lady Silque." She muttered as she looked back to the watch.
Frederick was silent as he observed her. As much as he hates to admit it, Lysithea had a point. Both countries were hit hard during the years of the war and after. For Ylisse, the people took out the anger on Lady Emmeryn because they believed she would become like her father. For Plegia, famine and starvation hit the country brutally, killing many. Both countries had lands that were destroyed and the people were forced to migrate.
He looked back to her and blinked multiple times once he saw the watch.
"That watch." He muttered and Lysithea looked at him confused.
"What about it?" She asked as he quickly went into his pocket and took out a the...same watch.
"Why do you have a Mila's Turnwheel?!" Lysithea screeched as she noticed the colors of red and gold on the one Frederick held.
Hers had the colors of blue and silver.
"Mila's Turnwheel? I have never heard of such a thing. Do you mind explaining?" He asked and she nodded.
"Mila's Turnwheel is a relic said to be tied to the goddess, Mila. It was said to have the ability to grant visions of the past and future to the user. Silque, the founder and first Lady of House Ordelia, was a member of the Novis Priory. She had a Mila's Turnwheel of her own which she was tasked with delivering to King Alm. This was before Alm and Cecilia before King and Queen of Valentia. Eventually, the king returned the watch to Lady Silque after the war. The second one belonged to Queen Celica. Why do you have it? It was recorded that it was lost!" She looked at him shocked.
"Sigh...A mage I spoke to during our time in Ferox. She dropped it. Unfortunately, she disappeared before I could return it to her." He pressed the small button and the top part of it opened, "The only clue I have is this picture." He showed her the picture of a light orange-haired Older woman with a young crimson orange hair girl grinning and with dark green hair with a nervous smile.
Frederick gently handed it to her, the young woman holding it as if it was made of glass.
"Do you mind if I use some of my magic? I may be able to pinpoint who this belongs to." Lysithea said and he nodded.
Gently letting some of her magic flow into the watch, the gears on it began to turn and click, the inside glowing a faint glow. She could feel something. Above the watch, a projection formed as she kept her concentration.
"Papa!" She nearly dropped it by surprise when crimson emerald eyes were shown, "Look what I found! Grandma's watch!" The little girl looked like she was holding it as she ran.
"Oh, dear. You shouldn't be going through your grandmother's things!" The green-haired adult screeched as he quickly walked up to her and picked her up, "You'll be in big trouble if you drop it, young lady."
"But papa!" The little girl grinned, "It's pretty!"
The projection suddenly went static and showed a young woman with crimson orange-colored hair, covering her eyes. She wore strange clothing but...they could hear the faith sounds of hiccups and sobs.
"Why...why...WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE MY FAMILY TAKEN AWAY FROM ME?!" The young woman roared as she grabbed the nearest thing and threw it at where the watch was placed.
The two could only watch in shock as they saw the girl suddenly gained and ran to the shelf where the watch was on before it dropped to the floor. The girl dropped to her knees speaking frantically as her hands trembled as she picked up the watch.
"Pleasepleasepleasedontbebroken! Don'tdontdontdontplease!" The girl sobbed as she kept looking at the watch all around.
Her tear-stained face and puffy red eyes could be seen, the same colors of crimson and emerald. The girl let tears of joy fall as she held the watch. She was sobbing and wailing loudly as she held it to her chest.
"Who is this...?" Frederick's throat felt numb as he barely said anything because of what they were seeing.
The image then changed once again but this time it wasn't crimson eyes but curious emerald ones, as if studying the watch.
"I had no idea grandma let you keep her watch." The owner of those eyes said as she walked near a mirror.
It revealed a young woman with emerald-colored hair with a single streak of orange-red. She wore a strange white cloak and other clothing, her hair was tied up in a ponytail.
"Why are you going through my things, Iris?" A tried voice spoke back as the woman named Iris gently put the watch down.
"I was curious. It's been 3 years since I heard anything from you. I...thought you were dead." The woman named Iris muttered softly as the owner of the tried voice spoke.
"Wait...I know this voice." Lysithea's eyes slowly went wide as the watch was picked up and revealed a woman with dark indigo blue hair that's shoulder length.
There were dark circles under her eyes as she looked at Iris with a tired expression.
"I'm very much alive. Just...been working on my job." Sophia sighs as she puts the watch on her desk and sits down.
"I understand." Iris sighs, "Say, want to go get a coffee or a boba tea? It's been a while since we hung out."
Sophia just glanced at her and let go of a tired sigh.
"Fine. You pay for today though." Sophia muttered and Lysithea suddenly screeched when her hand felt like it was on fire.
She quickly let go of the watch, and thankfully it landed on the soft sand.
"It kicked me out!" She looked at the watch shocked.
"What?" Frederick looked at her like she was crazy.
"I'm serious! It felt like the watch knew I was going in too deep and kicked me out! It felt...it felt like someone was trying to burn me alive." Lysithea muttered as she used to heal.
"Are you alright? Should I take you to Lissa?" He asked and she shook her head as he carefully picked up the watch.
"No need. I can handle myself but..." her eyes landed back on the watch, "Why...does Sophia have one? This belongs to her. Why does she have it?"
- Time Passed: Unknown: Location: Unknown -
"Ow!" It felt like she landed on a pile of bricks.
Sophia groans as she forced herself to stand up. Her hands touched the stone floor. It felt prickly, wet. Almost slimy. She can smell seawater and look around. Her vision adjusting to the darkness as she looked around. Lush green plants that covered stone and pillars. Trees that had silver-colored flowers with pink tips. The luminous shine of the petals made it look like stars were hovering over her. The field of grass is so green, flowers of all colors all around. Sophia let go of a shaky breath as she felt her veins pulse as if her energy was being drained. Her vision fully adjusted as she saw the Deadlord, Bryhildr, staring ahead. Sophia forced herself to walk since she still felt very drained from the ritual.
"We went through a fucken Outrealm gate...I thought they were gone..." Sophia grunted as she used some of the trees as support.
"We only have three hours." Bryholdr suddenly spoke as she began to walk.
As she walked straight ahead, the grass and flowers withered under her feet as she continued her path. She was leaving death in her trail. Sophia followed after her as they walked. The more they did, the more she noticed the clear star sky. The area seemed to be surrounded by mountains. She noticed they were now out of the forest and walking through an old village. People no longer live here yet...
"It feels familiar doesn't it?" Bryhildr muttered as she stopped as if waiting for Sophia to catch up.
"Where are we?" Sophia coughed as she noticed a few specks of blood on her hand.
"What was once a prosperous nation. We are in the city of what was once the Kingdom of Grannvale. Ha...It is all so clouded." Bryhildr whispered as she continued to walk.
The more Sophia looked around, the more she could see blurred visions of people running around. Children and women smiling. Men and knights interacting. Suddenly, the happy visions were blurred with the place in flames, people running for their lives, or slaughtered. The more they walked the more the visions intensified. Sophia desperately tried to stop herself from screaming as they suddenly came to a halt.
Bryhildr turned to look at a giant stone monument, about the height of a 4-floor house. Names were etched onto it in the ancient language of Archanea that unfortunately, Sophia did not know how to read. The Deadlord looked like she just glided on the floor as she walked to the monument. Silver-colored tears fell from her mismatched colored eyes as she read the names at the moment.
"Come here." Bryhildr motioned her and Sophia obeyed as she stood in front of the monument.
"Make flowers bloom," Bryhildr muttered and Sophia understood.
The woman had questions. Was is this dead lord truly a servant of Grima? From what she remembered from the game, the Deadlords were terrifying. They served Loptous and Grima. They were the definitions of nightmares. Yet this dead lord seemed to be showing signs of humanity. Of what it once was. Sophia knelt and muttered a small prayer in her native tongue. Gently she touched the ground, allowing some of her magic to activate the earth vein. Forget-me-knots, baby's breath, acepilices, and white lilies. She looked over to Bryhildr, who nodded in approval.
"Let us continue."
[-]
The more they walked, the more old architecture was shown. The place held an aura that showed that the kingdom went through many hardships. They kept walking till they reached what was once a gate. The old stone crumbled and looking around, the structure was once a castle. Again, the familiar sensation. Sophia had never been here before. She wondered if it was Bryhildr's influence.
"You are confused," Bryhildr muttered as they began walking up the stone stairs.
"I can feel your emotions. I don't understand. You serve Grima as well as Loptous. You...almost act human." She muttered unsure as the dead lord stopped for a brief moment.
"Grima? That is a name I am not familiar with. However..." she turned to her with a terrifying look in her eyes, "Never speak the other name in front of again! Remember that girl! Especially since you and I are bound!" She refers to the veins on the woman's arms
"I didn't summon you." Sophia hissed as the Deadlord suddenly appeared in front of her like a phantom.
"Oh, but you did." Bryhildr pearly white teeth could be seen a bit through the black and silver miasma, "You rejected sacrifices. You refused innocent blood to spill on those corrupted tiles. The Dark Lords spells may have allowed me to be born but it was your will that created me." She sneered.
"My will?" Sophia looked at her surprised as the deadlord (lady) let go of a possessed giggle.
"The lamp." Bryhildr pointed to her heart, "It has chosen you. Only time will tell if you will see bliss or despair." And back she turned to walk the stairs
"I did not summon you," Sophia growled as Bryhildr just scoffed as they kept walking.
"Keep telling yourself that Tainted Blood." The Deadlord just rolled her eyes.
A few minutes passed and they arrived at the entrance of the ruined castle. There was no door because the passage of time had caused it to crumble. Inside they walked the halls that once had the highest quality of carpets. Now nothing but dust or small bits that remain were being eaten away by bugs. Walls that once held paints of most likely a royal family, were now empty. Rooms that once had furniture and people slept in, were empty or crumbling away. The roof was no better. There parts that have caved in and the chunks of stones on the floor were proof. The more they walked, the more Bryhildr wept silver tears.
"It is all a blur..." Bryhildr raised her hands as she touched her face, "This place feels so nolgastic yet I can not remember why. Why do I weep and despair when I walk these forgotten halls?" She asked herself as her voice cracked.
The Deadlord suddenly made a sharp turn to the left and then a right and then to the middle. They arrived at an old wooden door that was just barely intact. Sophia carefully pushed it open, seeing what was once a library.
"It is strange." Bryhildr muttered as she walked in, "I can feel I used to come here. Almost as if a pastime. The books here were lost to time...but around a few remain that can still be salvaged." She pointed to a particular old shelf.
Indeed, there were about 5 books on it and her hands shook as she was debating if she should pick one up or not. Because chances are the book is most likely over 2,000 years old and it may turn to dust at the slightest touch.
"Use recovery," Bryhildr muttered and Sophia gave her an unsure look but did it anyway.
Before her eyes, the old book looked like its age was reversing. The old tattered cover suddenly mended itself as if it was never touched. The pages that were crumbling suddenly looked new. Sophia held the book in her hands, barely able to comprehend what had just happened.
"Use Recover on the rest of the books."
[-]
As much as Sophia hated the situation she was in, there was a bit of joy in taking the 5 ancient books that were still left. Looking around, whatever treasures once remained were either stolen or taken to someplace safe. Brynhild was silent as they walked around now on the third level of the castle. The hallways seemed darker and there were cracks on the floor. Mostly either from wasting away or some sort of battle took place here in this castle years ago. The name Grannvele sounded familiar to her when it was first mentioned. Unfortunately for Sophia, she never got to play Genealogy of the Holy War because the game was only released in Japan. Not also mention the..other unsavory elements it has. She only knows bits and snippets of the story because of FEH and from reading the history books. She was fond of the story of Deirdre and Sigurd.
"Wait..." Sophia suddenly froze as she watched Bryhildr enter another room, "Sigurd...Brynhildr..." she slapped her hand over her mouth to quickly quite the gasp that she was about to release.
"...It...can't be..." Sophia muttered as she carefully walked to the room and saw Bryhildr staring at an area where there was once a bed.
She looked around, seeing faint outlines of gold, blue and white that faded away through time. She then saw the woman looking to the corner where there seem to be about 12 miniature squares on the floor. Sophia recognized those marks, they belonged to a crib. Or should she say, cribs? It made sense why there almost seemed to be a childish aura in this room specifically. It used to be a nursery.
"Faint...a blur..." The dead lord muttered, "Children...little feet running..." they walked around, "Then...darkness...it devoured one...the only way to free that child...was to kill them."
"..." Sophia only responded in silence as they left the room and began walking down the hallways once more.
This time they walked down the stairs that were built in a spiral formation as it led them to the back of the ruined castle. The war had faint markings that there used to be paintings hanged on them. Two giant ones had some moss growing on the edges. Placing her hand on one, she could feel love, warmth, kindness. She then touched the other one and it had a similar feeling, yet it almost felt one-sided. The more they walked, and then down the hallways once more, this time to a more forest part of the area of the castle.
That's when Sophia felt the temperature drop and shivered. She made a small flame float around her to keep herself warm but she could feel her magic almost slowly being drained. Not painfully but as if to keep Bryhildr in physical form. A symbiotic relationship. The clouds moved to allow the moonlight to illuminate the area. The sight made the hairs on her arms and neck stand up.
"A graveyard..." Sophia sucked in her breath as she looked around, seeing the different tombstones.
Some she could tell were made of white marble stone or black lava ones. Others that once had names inscribed, from tombstones were cracked or crumbling away. However, the deeper they walked till they arrived at the edge of a cliff where the view of the forest and mountains could be seen. It was a beautiful sight but Sophia turned the giant stone monument that had faded marks of gold.
"This is...the royal family graveyard." Bryhildr began speaking, "The names of the royal families through the years have been carved here. That much I remember...but also.." she made her index finger make a star symbol in the air.
The magic circle for light magic began to glow brightly and a specific name glowed brightly on the monument. Sophia could hear the sounds of clicking as if a vault was opening. Slowly, it looked like a puzzle was being unlocked. A few more minutes passed and a book floated out of the magic circle, gently landing in Bryhildr's arms. The Deadlord also pulled out staff from the magic circle and she handed the book to Sophia.
"Let us go. We have my weapons." Was all Bryhildr said as they began to walk away from the monument.
At least...that's what they thought.
The minute Sophia heard a rustle in the bushes, she took out her charkarms. And she damns glad she did because there was a risen charging at her. Her body spun like a dancer as she slashed the risen mage in the chest. It let out a monstrous roar as its body turned to dust.
"Risen should not be here!" Sophia yelled as she noticed more suddenly appearing in groups of five or more.
Bryhildr began laughing madly as her hair began rising in the air. Her aura grew malicious as her eyes became furious.
"HOW DARE YOU FALLEN DESECRATE THE GRAVE OF GRANVELLE!" The Deadlord roared and raised her staff high in the air.
The crystal orb glowed brightly, erasing the risen insight.
"We need to go now! The gate is closing!" Bryhildr yelled and the two bolted as fast as they could.
The more they ran, the more they kept fighting. They knew they would be there. They kept running and running. Jumping over rocks, through the villages, the once lively city. The more they ran, the more they had to keep cutting down Risen. Bryhildr blasted them away with her staff and Sofia's clothing was bloodstained because of the ones she cut down. It felt like hours that they were running but it didn't matter.
"We're almost at the gate!" Sophia yelled as they now had to get past the hill they came from.
"They have the gate surrounded." Sophia's face turned to one of horror as she noticed the amount of Risen.
"Why are they here?" Sophia yelled as she and Bryhildr jumped down the cliff.
Physical attacks are taking too much of her energy so she needs to switch to magic. The tome she had now was the one Bryhildr got minutes ago. It was better than nothing. Sophia took a quick deep breath as she pulled it out and opened it. Placing her hands on it, she felt the letters on its pages and...
"GHHAAAAAA!" Sophia screamed in agony as the tome was rejecting her.
The skin and her arms and legs, cuts were made as the terrifying magic of the tome felt like she was being set on fire. The risen seemed more motivated as the two as they charged. Sophia kept taking deep breaths as the light magic kept crackling around her as if attacking her.
"You fool! Only those of Naga's blood can wield that tome!" Bryhildr roared as she used her staff to keep attacking.
"That doesn't matter right now!" Sophia yelled back as her hands trembled as she raises her arms, "I'm returning alive and that is TTTTTHHHAAAAATT!" She screamed with all her might.
Her chest began glowing suddenly as the gray seemed to clash with the light tome. However, the magic seemed to stabilize itself, even if for a moment.
"The lamp..." Bryhildr thought as her eyes studied the young woman who brought her hands up, her veins glowing like a giant of light formed above them.
The Holy light made the risen scream in agony that Bryhildr quickly turned herself to dust to escape it. Sophia gritted her teeth as some sort of spiral form coiled around her and roared.
"PERISH!" She roared and then the light exploded, lighting up the whole place.
Colors of red, blue, green, and more were seen. Like crystals and rainbows. The stars lighting up as if responding to the roar that was heard. The risen that were present screamed and turned to dust. The last remnants of human memories they had when they once were, now laid to rest, never to rise again. The light faded away, the dust of the risen blown away by the wind. The air around the former Kingdom felt purified, cleaned. The plants that withered away breath life once more. Souls that were still attached to the land were finally able to rest. Sophia panted as she forced herself to not fall on her knees and began limping towards the Outrealm gate. Brynhild finally materialized herself and made the woman float next to her.
"You did well." Was all the deadlord said and took one last glance towards the former Kingdom.
It was only for a brief moment, but she the faint outline of two individuals of blue-colored hair, one of light purple hair and one of dark red hair, waving goodbye as she and Sophia went through the Outrealm gate.
"So long...my home."
[-]
It felt like they landed in Antarctica. Sophia screamed when she was suddenly splashed by a wave of seawater. It didn't help that seaweed was now stuck on her tattered dress!
"My...you look wonderful." Bryhildr materialized next to her.
The sounds of cracks were heard and the two turned to see the outrealm gate crumbling to pieces. Brynhild walked up to it and picked up the last remaining blue stone on the gate, and handed it to her.
"Use it. It can help cast Extreme Warp without the after-effects." She muttered, "Also..." Sophia looked at her confused.
SLAP!
Sophia's eyes went wide as her head was made to the left, her cheek stung as she gently touched it. Bryhildr was trembling as her silver tears fell as she looked down at the women furiously but also a storm of sorrow in her heterochromatic eyes.
"You fool! Why did you use the Book of Naga?! You have no Holy Blood of the Divine One! If the lamp in your body had not stabilized the magic, you would have been nothing but cinders right now!" The Deadlord roared furiously.
Sophia just looked at her shocked, too stunned to even speak.
"I...I...it...we... the moment..." Sophia could barely choke out as the Deadlord just threw her hands in the air in frustration.
"Reckless! Stupid! Fool! Selfless! You! You! Arrrghh! Why do you remind me of that child?!" Bryhildr yelled as she quickly turned away from her before she did some she would later regret.
"Not the first time someone has slapped me for those reasons..." Sophia let go of a tried sigh and walked towards a boulder that was far from the ocean water.
She sat down and suddenly all exhaustion just fell on her. Her body collapsed onto the flat surface of the boulder and felt cool. Gods, she just wanted to close her eyes as they were looking up to the night sky.
"Don't you dare close your eyes." Brynhildr was suddenly above her, looking at her coldly, "We need to return to Plegia."
"Let me rest for a bit," Sophia said in a monotone tone and just wanted to sleep.
"Fine. Rest for this night. But in the morning we will warp to Plegia. And..." she handed her a bundle of clothing, "I restored it using my magic. Use it. You should be able to disguise yourself as someone else. And make sure to use magic to change your hair color." She sounded like a coddling mother.
The only thing Sophia wanted right now, was to sleep.
- The Next Day -
Colors of white and light purple, long sleeves were a bit similar to a kimono. Trims of gold it had. A gold thin crown she wore on her head. Her shoulders were left exposed as she put on the purple cape that came with the dress. Taking her dagger, Sophia cut her hair and made it shoulder length, just like she had it when she first arrived in this world. Placing her hands on her head, she made her hair dye change the color of mint green. She also put on a white veil that hid her face. Sophia looked at herself on the reflection of the water and frowned.
"I look like Flayn if she wore her Saint Ceethlean clothing," Sophia commented as she put on the bluestone like a bracelet.
"Are you ready?" Brynhildr asked in her mind.
The dead lord could materialize and dematerialize itself when it wants. Its bond with Sophia is that she provides magic to it. Brynhildr said to think of it as a master and familiar relationship. Sophia took a deep breath as she raised her hand, seeing the white gloves she wore now. The veins left permanent scars and the most she could do to cover them up was to use gloves.
"Ready," Sophia muttered as she opened her hands and began to chant the hymn.
Gate to Gate ~
Path to Path ~
Take me to the Motherland of Sand ~
Root of the earth, lead me to my path!
The bluestone glowed brightly as the magic circle formed underneath her and then two more above her. Sophia looked up to the sky. She was not one to pray, but she prayed to Naga that her friends were safe. The magic circles glowed, light taking over her vision.
"I'm coming. Please be safe everyone."
- Plegia -
She felt her feet land on the ground softly. Carefully, Sophia opened her eyes and looked around. She seemed to be in some dusty old abandoned room. She could tell the windows were covered with wood and some sunlight peeked out. Carefully, looking around, she noticed the wooden door was worn out. She walked towards the back door and picked the lock. Carefully she walked out and was in a back alley. Sophia could see soldiers running around as well as citizens were all in a buzz. Some of the older generations looked happy, a cruel smile on their lips while those of the younger generation weren't happy at all.
"What is going on? What happened while I was gone?" Sophia thought as she carefully walked out.
She walked with the crowd, confused till she felt someone bump into her.
"Whooopppss~ Sorry Laaasss~" It was a drunk soldier and she then stopped to look her up and down, "Well ya something~ What pretty thing like you here?" They asked.
"I'm a bit lost. Say, what day is it?" Sophia asked innocently.
"What?! Don't you know?! Today is the execution of the bloody Whore of the Exalt!" He said proudly as the color drained from Sophia's face.
"Finally! Ylisse will pay! We won this war!" The soldier cheered and turned to talk back to her but she was gone.
Sophia had run to hide in another alleyway. She began shaking as she looked to the wall. Her eyes widened as she registered the information.
"No...No way...I've...I've been gone for 11 days...?!" She squeaked as she looked around desperately.
She could see people gathering at the center of the Capital, where Grima's bones were.
"That means...Henry..Morgan! I need to find them!" Sophia was on the verge of running to go find the others when suddenly the bells began ringing.
She stopped and quickly joined the crowd, praying that her friends were going with the plan they came up with. Sophia walked quickly as the citizens gathered around the central. Above the tip of the Grima's horn, was Emmeryn as she looked out to the land. A berserker with his ax ready to lop off her head. Gangrel stood at the other side proudly as Aversa and Arca were also. The king grinned wickedly as he looked around.
"Good people! Warriors of Plegia! Welcome! Welcome, one and all!" Gangrel boomed as his hand was spread out, as if the king of the world, "Your anticipation electrifies the air! We ALL remember the crimes of Ylisse... Would you have their witch-queen answer for them? Here? Today? NOW? YEEEEEEEEEEEES! Finally, we will have JUSTICE!" Many in the crowd broke into cheers.
"No...this wrong..." Sophia took a step back and looked around.
There was a mixture of fear and excitement in the faces of many. Many saying finally that their loved ones will be avenged. Or Naga is damned. Sophia gritted her teeth but suddenly went still when she noticed hooded figures in the crowd. Gangrel continued his speech to rally the people up. Sophia nearly screeched when she felt someone suddenly stand next to her. A bit shorter than her but they only gave a glance. A single strand of olive-colored hair was seen.
"EXECUTIONER! If you would be so kind..." Gangrel waved his hand to the Berserker.
They raised their axe to strike Emmeryn down but...
It never came. It was as if time slowed down as one of the hooded figures raised their head and shouted.
"Flavia!"
"I've got him!"
The sound of an axe flying through the air and suddenly strikes the berserker right in the chest, killing him in an instant. The body falling from up high. The capital was filled with the screams of citizens as they ran for their lives. The hooded person smirked and removed their hood, revealing a woman of crimson eyes and silver-colored hair in long pigtails.
"EVERYONE: NOW!" Robin yelled and all the hooded figures revealed themselves.
Plegian soldiers began to flood the place and ready for battle. Sophia managed to catch sight of Tharja near the entrance of the capital and not too far was Derrick in that special armor he showed her a few months ago. It was made so no one could see his identity. The first half of the Shepherds army was outside the capital and had to get in while the other half was in charge of clearing the soldiers. Sophia quickly pulled out her chakarms and began cutting down the soldiers that attacked her. Especially the drunk bastard from earlier.
"I need to get to Emmeryn." She thought and saw civilians still running. Thankfully Ylisse soldiers were able to tell the difference between civilians and soldiers and did not attack the innocent.
"Take out all the soldiers first! We'll deal with the Mad King later!" Chrom's voice could be heard commanding the army as he led the first half.
Libra would join in a bit but for now, Garngel could be heard to kill them all and it sucked that Aversa was by his side. Arca was leading the soldiers to fight the army that had managed to infiltrate the city.
"Hyha!" Sophia threw her charkarms like boomerangs and the two lodged into the chest of two soldiers from Arca's unit.
Quickly she ran to them and pulled them out, the sticking sound of blood splitting could be heard. Sophia saw some civilians doing everything they can to help other civilians escape. The place was a blood field. Soldiers and civilians killed were dead on the ground.
"This is the reality of war," Brynhildr muttered in her mind as she ran towards the direction of Emmeryn, desperately trying to get to her.
"I just hope she got the necklace!" Sophia growled as she ran and jumped over a few bodies.
You bastard!" Arca roared as she held her ax, and slashed at Kellmen, who managed to defend himself well.
Her wyvern roared at him viciously and had it swoop down to land a strike.
"Gods!" Kellem's shield cracked a bit because of the amount of force she was using, which he did not expect.
"TAKE THIS YOU BITCH!"
Arca barely had time to even move when she was hit by a blast of lightning. The woman screamed in agony as her eyes went blank and nearly fell off her wyvern if she wasn't strapped on. The wyvern roared and quickly retreated with its master. Kellem saw a mint haired woman panting as her hands crackled with purple lighting.
"Are you alright?" Sophia screeched and the man nodded.
"I'm alright! But, who are you? I am surprised you noticed me." He says and Sophia just shook her head.
"You're pretty easy to notice. Especially with that lance of yours." She said and threw him pure water, "Use it to heal yourself! Anyhow, I'm an ally. What's the situation?"
"We're trying to break in from the back. A few of us manage to infiltrated but unfortunately, the back gate is still guarded." He said and quickly drank the pure water to heal.
"...Sigh...I'm going." Sophia said and ran before anyone could stop her.
Soldier after plegian soldier she cut, her eyes cold. It felt like she was reverting to her old self that just didn't care about anything. But right now, this is what she needs to become. This is what she needs to be to survive. The stains of blood on her clothing and ripped off the veil, using magic quickly to change her eye color to brown. The gate at the back of the city burst open and the one leading the other army was Frederick. With him was Lysithea, Felix, and a few of the other Shepards. She didn't spot Basilio so it was mostly he was preparing the escape route.
"Charge!" Frederick pointed the Emperor's Lance forward and the army let out their war cries as they charged in.
Again, Plegia verse Ylisse soldiers ensued. The battlefield became bloodier. From the top of Grima's bones, all Emmyren could do was watch the battlefield. Chrom fought besides Robin and Lissa. Phila was nowhere to be found. Sophia...gone. For Emmeryn, the world felt as it was crashing down as the weight of sorrow, despair, and regret filled every fiber of her body. She desperately tried to keep her tears from spilling.
"Strong...I must!" The woman forced herself to stand up as she saw the last of wyvern riders in the sky.
Generald Campari was struck down by Falchion, the blade taken out of his chest and gurgling his last words.
"Urgh... Killing me will only...feed Plegia's rage..." the general laughed as life left his eyes.
Chrom looked up and fired a green flare to the sky, the signal for the pegasus knights to make their move. Sophia saw Phila and her battalion speed but quickly towards Emmeryn.
"Your Grace!" Phila yelled as Emmyren looked at her shocked.
"How?!" The Exalt yelled but Phila shook her head.
"Khan Basilio's men freed me. Come, we must hur-!" A scream from the pegasus knight was heard when multiple arrows were fired, killing about 3 knights in an instant.
Risen began rising all around the capital. Aversa chuckled darkly as her tome glowed crimson as she heard the Ylisse Prince voice crack.
"Damn! Not now!" The prince yelled as Emmyren watched as arrows were fired by risen towards her.
"NO!" Philla yelled and quickly jumped in front of the Exalt.
Droplets of blood fell on Emmyren's face. The Exalt froze as her eyes went wide. Phila coughed and turned to her with a weak smile. Blood dripping from her lips as arrows pierced all over her body.
"Are...you hurt...?" Phila muttered as Emmyren began shaking, this time, the tears fell.
"P-Phila..." the Exalt reached out her hand, the battalion, all killed.
Phila smiled sadly at her beloved and closed her eyes.
"I... Forgive me... Uhh..." and her hand went limp, she and her pegasus dropped down to the ground.
Phila's body landed on top of her pegasus, a sad smile graced her lips. The world was shattering. Emmyren screamed. Cold. Numb. That was all she felt.
"PPPHHHIIILLLLAAAAA!"
Sophia ran as fast as she could, but it was too late. She was too far but...
"She's alive." Brynhildr yelled in her mind as she dashed through the city, "Her landing on her pegasus stopped the killing blow!"
"Oh, thank god!" Sophia sobbed as she kept running and cut down Risen after Risen.
At this point, she looked like a blood-soaked murderer. She didn't care. She needed to get to Phila and Emmy-
It was like time slowed for her. Slowly down for her. One second there was risen in front of her, in another...
"AAAAAHHHHH!" The tip of the lance plunged into her left shoulder and suspended her in the air.
She gritted her teeth as she was thrown at a brick wall, the air knocked out of her lungs.
"Summon me!" Brynhildr yelled and Sophia was in too much pain as she held her shoulder and looked up to the one responsible.
The sound of metal boots netting the ground was heard as well as a horse snorting. The orange-colored sky did not help at all. Cold brown colored eyes looked down at her as she stood up, slouching a bit forward as she held her shoulder, trying to stop the bleeding. Armor of blue, silver, and gold, a suit underneath. Brown hair disheveled because of fighting. They pointed the bloody lance at her.
"Your life ends here Plegain General!" Frederick roared.
"He'll kill you!" Brynhildr yelled and Sophia shook her head, pointing to Phila's body.
Anything to show she is an ally.
"P...Phila...is...alive..." she managed to croak out barely and Frederick's eyes went wide.
[-]
Blood. It was all a bloodbath. For everything she loves falls apart before her eyes. Emmeryn listened as her brother and the tactician realized the battle was lost. Yet both refused to sacrifice her. Emmeryn listened as Gangrel threatened to kill them all if Chrom even made a move. The mad king demanded the Fire Emblem. The sacred relic that has been protected for generations since the time of King Marth. Emmeryn didn't want more bloodshed.
"I'll kill you!" Chrom roared with venom as he used his sword for support.
"Go ahead! I welcome it. Just know you were responsible for Big Sister's bloody demise! ...And what of the rest of you? Eh? Who wants the honor of killing the exalt? ...No one? Bah! Your merry band isn't quite so headstrong anymore, is it? Pathetic!" Gangrel cackled as rage-filled the prince.
Again, the Fire Emblem was demanded. Again, Robin and Chrom refused to sacrifice her.
"How much more blood must be shed?" Her heart cried out as she saw her people held hostage.
"I will count to three!" Gangrel yelled as the Risen archer pulled back their arrows, ready to fire.
"No!" Emmeryn's heart cried out.
"Gangrel, hold! ...You win. Everyone, lay down yo—" She would not allow this.
Enough was enough.
"No, wait!" Emmeryn yelled and many looked at her shocked.
Gangrel grinned cruelly as he turned towards her.
"SILENCE!" He roared as Chrom muttered her name.
"King Gangrel, is there no hope you will listen to reason?" Emmeryn said as she looked at him, the man just scoffed.
"You mean listen to more of your sanctimonious babble?! I think not. No, all I want to hear now is the THUNK of arrows, and a SPLAT as you hit the ground. Take one, long, last look from your perch. You do so enjoy looking down on people... Then prepare to meet the ground and your maker! That is unless someone were to give me the Emblem... NOW! I thought you learned your lesson when we put that bloody witch dead in front of you!" Gangrel snarled as the memory of her friend's bloody body was brought back.
"..." Emmyren's response was only silence.
Through all her life, for she has strived for peace. For she was able to move on and continue to stand back up no matter how many times she was brought down. Enough was enough. She saw her brother speak.
"ALL RIGHT! All right... Emm, I know you won't approve, but this is my final decision. MAYBE someday we'll face a crisis where MAYBE the Emblem would've helped... But I know for a fact that Ylisse needs you, today! The people need their exalt... And we need our sister. If those dark days should come, we'll face them together." Chrom yelled desperately.
Emmeryn smiled sadly as she closed her eyes. It was her turn. The world is cruel. It is a cold and bitter place. But there also rays of sunshine that bring warmth back to the earth. Her tears fell as she placed her hand over the heart.
"Chrom... Th-thank you. I know now what I must do..." it hurt her when his voice cracked, asking what she was up about to do.
Enough was enough.
"Plegians!" Emmeryn raised her head, her voice loud and clear for those of the land to hear, "I ask that you hear the truth of my words! War will win you nothing but sadness and pain, both inside your borders and out. Free yourselves from this hatred!" She began to take steps towards the edge, "From this cycle of pain and vengeance. Do what you must... As I will do. See now that one selfless act has the power to change the world!"
Horror befell the faces of many as she was now at the edge of Grima's horn. She looked up to the sky. Seeing a lone eagle fly through the sky. She let go of a sigh. Chrom began running as fast as he could towards her and she could a mint haired woman also running.
"No reaction...Was I wrong, then? Chrom..." She thought as she closed her eyes, memories of her life coming back.
"That's right...Eagles represent courage...strength...healing...intuition..but most of all..." she looked back to her brother and then around.
The Shepherds fight not just for her but their home. She let go of a sigh as she could hear her name being called multiple times to not do it.
"Hope..." she took her steps and smiled as she let herself fall.
Lissa screamed in horror as did many. Emmeryn closed her eyes as she smiled sadly.
"This is some torch I'm passing you...So be it." The future does not end with her.
No. It was only a matter of time. Emmyren thought of her family and friends she made throughout the years. This moment...for others it may not mean much. Many would probably see her like the fool that jumped. But that wasn't it.
"Chrom...Lissa...Phila...And all my people...Know that I loved you."
Emmyren knew, her role as Exalt was over. Emmyren knew it was time. For the torch has been passed on. It's fire never extinguishes, not even till the end of time.
[-]
"EEEMMMYYRREEENNN!" Chrom roared to the heavens as he fell to his knees, his sister laid dead in her pool of blood.
Sophia dropped to her knees, around 10 feet away, gritting her teeth as she slammed her fist on the ground.
"I was too late..." Sophia sobbed and looked up to see Chrom filled with rage.
"YOU DIE TODAY GANGREL!" The price roared furiously.
Gangrel laughing about her fall and saying her body to be displayed. Not too far from the gates, Lucina and Alm ran as fast as they could but it was too late.
"No..No.." Lucina's voice shook and as the fighting was about to continue...
"What the?" The ground suddenly began trembling all of a sudden, Sophia quickly taking the opportunity to get to Phila.
Quickly placing her fingers on her neck, a small breath of relief left her as she felt Phila had a pulse.
"Gods..please still be alive..." Sophia wept as she quickly ran to Emmyren's body.
Suddenly, it felt like someone poured ice on her. She looked up to the sky, the earthquake becoming stronger as the sky was suddenly dyed red like blood. The sun turned black as a giant magic circle appeared in the air. It's light blinding.
"Hey!" Sophia quickly turned and saw Lysithea running towards her.
The violet-haired girl gasped when she realized who she was but before given the chance, Sophia quickly grabbed her and sent her memories of how to do surgery to the woman's mind. Lysithea screamed as her head pounded, the memories of advance techniques poured in. She panted and looked up to see a sad smile grace Sophia's lips. Before she could say anything, Sophia has already put Phila in her arms along with a bag of tools.
"I trust you to save her!" Sophia yelled and before the girl could reply, she has been warped away again back to Ferox.
The air around the pace became tense and silent as the light faded away. Sophia quickly ran to Emmeryn and checked for a pulse. Just barely she felt it and right when she was going to warp away, she felt it. A cold shiver down her spine as she slowly looked up to the bloody sky. Something was floating there. Slowly, it seemed like it un-curled itself slowly as it floated high in front of the sun. The sky turned even redder as the figure began to become clearer. A figure of woman yet the body was completely black as if they were looking to the void itself. The clothing was almost just barely covering the body. A sort of tattered long-tail purple skirt that was open in the frontline. Long crimson bloody hair flowed in the air like wings flapping. On its chest, you could see the symbol of Grimleal glowing crimson. The purple veil it wore covered its face completely. Crystal covered its hands and legs. It began shaking uncontrollably. Slowly it brought its hands up as if it was looking at them. Then it touched its face. The air around the place was tense, no one could move, no one breathed. Lucina felt like she had become a statue, frozen in fear as the void woman's body suddenly glowed. Like millions of stars and cosmos, she was made from. It began to claw its face through the veil. It let out small muffled screams as then began to claw its own throat. It opens its mouth but...what left it was the roar of a monster.
"̴̢͐͝A̴̜̖͂a̸̺͎͗̀h̵̗̠͛̈́h̴̜͑̇.̵̺̻͐.̷͈͕̈́̓.̵̮͕͛À̶̱̫A̶͇͝A̷̧̔A̴͕͛̑H̶͍͍̔Ḣ̵̟͓H̷̛̥̦Ḧ̴͎́H̴̳̅H̴̡̥͐H̵͈̊H̴͇͗͝H̷̗̜̉͒H̴̻̮͛͠Ḧ̴̨H̶̭̑̐Ĥ̸̱͝Ḣ̷̱!̵̞͍̄!̷͍̓̀"̶̝̄̕
Terror was the only thing that filled every living being present as the ground shook to its cry as it repeatedly clawed its face through the veil. It kept screaming again and again. The soldiers of Ylisse and Plegia that were killed, suddenly filled with malice, rose from the ground. It roars and cries unlike anything ever before. Lucina, shaken, fell to her knees as she trembled in fear. Robin and Chrom were barely able to snap out of their shocked states along with everyone else. The Deadlord's scream made the Risen begin attacking everything in their sight. Whether it was another Risen or a soldier or didn't matter. They killed and killed.
"What is that...?" Alm could barely say as she managed to make Lucina snap out of it.
Sophia did not know what she was looking at. She quickly took the opportunity to warp Emmeryn to a hidden location and thankfully no one saw. Sophia forced herself up as she was about to run to fight the risen.
"We need to move!" Chrom yelled and he swore the Deadlord made eye contact with him.
It roared even louder as it suddenly snapped its head towards him and lunged.
"NO!" Robin screamed and quickly jumped in front of Chrom, casting a barrier around.
"E̵̗̯͂h̶͙̊e̷͍̰̔̉h̸̗̟́e̵̛͍̦͝h̷̼͠͝H̶̥͂̌Ā̸̝̳̆Ḣ̸̺Ä̵̲́H̶̥̦̏A̷̖̍͘H̴͒͘͜A̷͕͗Ḩ̸̓͠Á̴̹͒H̸̩̰̃̎Ḁ̶̄̕H̵̥̄̇Ạ̵̈́!̵̩̣̏̋ " It began laughing hysterically as its hands slammed onto the barrier, its wicked grin could be seen as cracks began to form.
It laughed and laughed. Robin could barely hold on. The prince and tactician screamed when the barrier exploded and Chrom caught her, barely. His left shoulder was dislocated because of the impact.
" Ḧ̵̱́A̶̟̼̽Ḧ̴͕Ą̸̺̓H̶̡͂̎Â̸̳͚Ḣ̴̰Ḁ̴͆H̶̲̎͂Ȧ̸̧͕H̷̪̭̓̈́A̷͙͊̅H̸͖̯̃A̴̟̰̔H̶̨͋̉D̶̺͇́B̸͔͛͂S̴̢̞̽J̷͙̬͂̚A̶̺͋̎͜Ḳ̵̦̽̇H̵̳͒Ş̵̬̌H̵̹̓́I̷̳̳̅A̷̭̒̈́H̶̢̐͑A̶͉̻̿̕!̴̝̈͘" It laughed again and six ghoul-like wings sprouted from its head and began destroying everything in its sight.
Buildings were destroyed on the spot, spheres of light thrown all over as it raised its arms to the air.
"MY LORD!" Frederick quickly ran as fast he could towards them.
" R̴H̷H̴A̶H̶A̵A̷A̵A̷A̷!̸" The Deadlord's head suddenly spun back towards him and sent a magic attack.
"What the hell is this?!" Aversa could barely comprehend what was going on.
This was not part of the plan. Who summoned this monstrosity? It killed everything in its path. Chrom's and Robin's widened in utter horror as the magic blast was far too big for Frederick to dodge. The knights as eyes widened as all he could do was use his shield. The buildings around him exploded, the blinding light. He yelled in agony as bricks and the buildings crumbled on top of him. The magic destroying everything in its path.
"FREDERICK!" Chrom roared as terror filled him and the others where Frederick once stood, was now nothing but a crumbled building, blood oozing from its small cracks.
"Boy!" The khans rushed in as they quickly grabbed the two "I secured an escape route! We have to flee!"
"No! Frederick and Emm's body!" Chrom yelled and Robin once again was forced to activate a barrier as the Deadlord lunged at them.
" G̶H̶A̶H̵A̸H̴A̵H̴A̵H̶A̸H̴A̵H̶A̸!̷" It cracked the barrier once more.
"We're not going to make it!" Robin grunted and fear filled the group's features, its finger burning yet it was trying to grab them but...
"BRYNHILDR!"
" G̶H̵H̷H̵H̸H̵A̷A̸A̵A̶A̴!̷" The Deadlord suddenly screamed in agony as it was blasted away from them.
Sophia's veins burned as she sprinted as fast as she could towards them. It was an unforgettable sight. Bryhildr stood in front of the group with her staff, glaring furiously as the other deadlord roared as it burst out of the crumbled stones. Its monstrous glare could be felt as its eyes landed on its fellow Deadlord.
"Chrom! Robin!" The group turned to see Marth and Alm running towards them, "You need to leave now!" They yelled as they saw even those of Plegai fleeing for their lives.
The Deadlords lunge at each other, fighting viciously. The unknown one used two large hair wings to attack while its six other's stabbed into the bodies of dead soldiers and civilians. Gritted his teeth as he took one last look and roared.
"SHEPHERDS RETREAT!" They had no choice.
Bryhildr took a glance over to them as she gave a firm nod. Seems the West Khan saw her.
"Now..." she turned back to the unknown and roared furiously, it's hair now turning to snakes, "Time to take care of you!"
[-]
"GO RUN!" Sophia roared as she was helping as many citizens as she could escape.
She could see the Shepherds retreating. The scream of the child suddenly was nearby and she turned.
"Nowi!" She yelled and towards the girl, there were multiple arrows lodged into her left shoulder.
"Who are you?!" The manakete yelled, terrified as Sophia quickly picked her up.
"That's do-AHHHHH!" The two screamed as multiple Risen charged at them and they were barely in any condition to fight but it was as if a miracle happened.
A roar filled the air as a blast of blue flames surrounded them, killing the Risen. The flames did not burn, only the risen were turned to ashes. Looking up to the sky, it was a beautiful sight. Scales of turquoise and blue, web fins that spread out beautifully. Wings that spread out as its jaw glowed blue as it fired another round of blue flames. Horns that looked like they were made of coral.
"Are you alright?!" They yelled their slit blue colored eyes looked at them worried.
"Who...?" The woman could barely say as they landed next to them.
"Sophia now is not the time to explain!" They said and she recognized that voice, "Tharja along with the rest have already left! Get on along with the girl!" It was Derrick.
"I'm sorry but no!" Sophia yelled and quickly placed Nowi on his giant dragon hand, "GO! GO! JUST GO!"
"But!" Derrick argued back and the two flinched as another explosion took place.
"JUST GO!" Sophia roared and the blue manakete hesitated but took off towards the sky.
"I'm sorry..." Sophia muttered and turned to look back to Bryhildr still fighting.
Even Aversa and Gangrel were now forced to fight Risen.
" H̶a̵.̵.̵H̴a̴h̷a̷h̴H̸a̶H̴H̵a̷h̸a̶n̶s̸j̸!"
The deadlord cackled and it suddenly flew to the center of the city. Its hair like wings stretched out like ghoul tentacles all around the surrounding area. Its laugh sounded like the mixture of a possessed woman, a broken record, and static electricity. It laughed and laughed. Its wicked grin was hidden by the veil it wore. Soldiers of Plegia and Ylisse alike were stabbed. Their blood drained as they were alive. The Deadlord laughed even louder as its hands spread out to the crimson sky. The glowing purple cracks on its cosmic body now pulsed red. The blood it drained from the living making it sing the song of the apocalypse. It kept laughing as it threw its head back.
"EVACUATE ALL CITIZENS NOW!" Aversa roared as she beheaded a mage.
Her orders were absolute. The remaining survivors of her army began evacuating citizens as fast as they could. Gangrel gritted his teeth. It was obvious that the witch did not summon this Deadlord nor was it the Ylisse army. The only good thing that came out of this fight was that the Exalt-
"The body is gone!" Gangrel's eyes widened.
"RETREAT!" The king roared.
They now have no choice to leave. Bryhildr made himself disappear and the unknown Deadlord roared furiously as it looked around. Sophia ran to it, stopping as she made the Book of Naga appear in front of her.
"Stop you fool! You can't win!" Bryhildr roared in her mind.
The Deadlord froze as it looked down at her from above, its wings flapping furiously. Even if covered in grime and blood, this needed to end now. To make it retreat.
"The earth vein..." Sophia gasped as she felt it pulse underneath her.
"H̷G̵G̵G̴H̵H̶H̶A̴A̷A̶A̵A̷H̶A̷H̵A̸H̴A̴" The deadlord roared furiously and lunged at her.
All six wings coming at her like daggers. Sophia took a deep breath as she raised her hands, the ground underneath her glowing brightly as it listened to her command. The Book of Naga glowed brightly. Now she could see it. A bright white spiritual dragon coiled around her as the earth began singing.
" A̶A̷A̸U̶G̶H̸H̵H̸H̵H̷!̴"̴ ̸ The Deadlord and risen howl as the bright light began to fill the place.
"I will not let you...destroy the land of the people who took me in!" Sophia yelled and the song began.
Ancient light~
Away ~
Sing with me tonight ~
Mother Earth ~
Away~
Let us sing ~
The song of life ~
I breathe in this life, to walk my path ~
The future I create, by my own hands ~
The veins spread out like roots became visible to many. Vines began to sprout suddenly as she felt her veins were on fire. The Deadlord roared furiously as it summoned more Risen. Its wings kept stabbing at her like daggers but she kept singing.
Full-field ~
Of life ~
The bird sings with it chicks ~
Ancient life ~
Rebirth ~
The cycle of life continues forward
I sing this song of life ~
Praying for love and joy ~
I sing the song of peace ~
Prosperity restored ~
"Just a little more!" Sophia thought as the light grew even brighter.
The Deadlord roared furiously and lunged at her. Its hands burned as it clashed with the barrier protecting her. The cracks forming did make Sophia fill with fear but not today.
"Too many lives have been lost. Too many sacrifices made." She thought as the Deadlord roared as kept trying to break the barrier.
"Emmeryn...I made a promise to you. And I will keep it." Sophia whispered as she looked up to the sky.
The lamp inside her glowed with the tome in her room began growing bright.
Ancient songs reborn~
The soul rebirth ~
Mother Earth ~
Sing once more~
I sing this song of life ~
Prosperity restored ~
I sing this song of life, hoping for rebirth
Sing away ~
Breath away ~
Ocean of Stars, life beings ~
Life returns!
The final sentence sung, she slammed her hands to the ground. Screams of agony came from the risen as the light took over the place. The Earth Veins unleashed its power through the land, making itself known. All of Sophia's veins glowed brightly as she gritted her teeth, the phantom roaring as its light spread out.
" A̸A̴A̸A̵A̴A̴A̵U̷U̷U̵G̶G̸G̵H̷H̴H̸H̶!̶"̶ ̷ The Deadlord screamed in agony as the light burned its cosmic body.
It had no choice but to retreat before she was destroyed. The light began to fade slowly, Sophia panted as she looked around. The risen had turned to dust. Plants, and vines, trees, and bushes covered the capital. The crimson sky turned to a night-blue sky. The woman was on her knees, the book dropping in front of her. The silence that filled the place, was calming for some reason. It was over. The Deadlord was gone. But at what cost?
"Ha...ha...Ulp...Aaaahhhh...Ahhhhh!" Finally, she let herself break.
Sophia wailed loudly as her tears fell, the pain all over her body took over. But it was nothing to the pain her heart felt. She felt like a failure. She wasn't able to prevent Emmyren's fall but the only speck of hope was that her friend was alive. Sophia let her cries fill the place, she didn't care who saw her. War was something she never wanted to be part of. War in real life was terrifying, gruesome. The bodies of the innocent and those who fought laid all around. She stood up, limping as she could feel herself wanting to faint. The stab wound on her shoulder was still bleeding as she made herself walk on the path. She stumbled, right when she was about to fall, two pairs of arms caught her. Her lips quivered as she realized who they were.
"Hey." Henry smiled sadly as Morgan did the same.
Their clothing was in tatters also and they had multiple wounds. They walked, supporting her until they stopped near a pile of broken stones. Sophia forced herself to start digging through it, even if she could see some blood on the grass. Henry kelt down and the two looked at each other and nodded. Morgan used what little magic he had left to remove the giant boulders. It felt like hours as they used their hands to dig. Even if her fingers hurt..were bloody.
"Gasp!" She gasped as she saw a gloved hand peeking out, "Morgan!" She yelled and the boy quickly along with Henry used as much of their magic as to remove the stones.
She kept digging with her hands till finally, they saw a body. Buried under the rubble, she began crying as they managed to clear it.
"Oh, gods..." Morgan sobbed as he saw who it is, "Uncle Frederick..."
Sophia moved more bricks, revealing the rest of the knight. Gashes all over this body. A broken leg, his left eye crushed, a cut on his forehead. Sophia cried as she held his hand.
"I'm sorry..." she sobbed but...
"Wait..." Henry's eyes snapped open as he quickly put his hand on his wrist, "He's alive.."
Sophia looked at him shocked and began crying louder as a sad smile graced her lips and held his hand tightly. Frederick could barely make out a sound. Opening his right eye just a bit. The last thing he saw and heard, was a maiden crying as she held his hand as if she had been saved.
"Hold on...Please hold on...Oh Gods...Please hold on."
Chapter 15: Don't Speak Her Name!
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And that concludes Emmeryn' chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it and as well as shed some tears. If you guys want to chat or even get small preview snippets of upcoming stories and chapters or want advice to help improve your writing, come join the discord!
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