A Dark Saint's Heart

by Sakura108645

Cold. Void. She has been called that all her life. When the ocean waves grow high and drag her out to sea, she the felt cold like the void. When the darkness nearly swallows her to it's depths, a light chases them away. Now, that light has taken her a world she only knew through a screen. Now in Plegai, she learns she needs to survive if she wants to live. The iron maiden opens.

31. Xenolougue 2: Shadow House

- Birth of the Queen-

The first thing it felt was the heat. The heat felt strange. It liked the feeling that was called warmth. It mimicked what is called a smile as images flashed in its eyes. Eyes that let it see more and more. It craved warmth. It craved heat. It craved something called touch. It felt something strange, it saw a face. A face with strange colored eyes. It smiled at it. It spoke.

"Awaken, my love. For the time has come for your return." The face had hands and gently cupped its face but it froze.

It did not like the face's touch.

The face looked confused as it reacted in a way it should not. It is the face's creation, so why was it rejecting it? It began to claw its face. Yes, it now has a face, a body. Now it remembers, The Creation created it. But even if it is its master, it does not want it. The Creation had a face, a body, called a human. It clawed its neck and began making noises called sobs and growls. It wanted to be away from The Creation. It began to claw and thrash. It began to scream. It began to make noises and snapped its eyes open. It wanted to be away. It wanted to be away.

"Listen to me!"

The Creation roared in its mind. It screamed and screamed. A feeling that was not warmth flooded its body and the screams became louder. It needed to get rid of the face. It needed to be destroyed to getaway. Its eyes snapped open and it saw colors for the first time. Red. Red was what people call pretty. It wanted to touch it. It could hear the screams of humans and began to attack. It needed warmth. It needed something red.

It needed...Blood.

"Aaarrghhhh!" A roar, unlike anything anyone had heard unleashed from its throat as it began to laugh. It began its laugh as it felt something rip through the skin on her back. It sprouted wings, its body taking a form, a form of a woman. His hair grew long, the color of red, like wings yet a veil, covered her face and she could only see so much. Roared as her wings stretched out like ghoul tentacles and stabbed into the humans that tried to run. She felt the dark life that has been long gone, answer at her commend when she roared. Sounds that sounded like humans left her throat as she cackled, her hands curled like claws as she sent wave after wave.

"We need to move!"

Her head suddenly snapped towards the direction of the voice. The look of fear skyrocketed when she lunged at the source. The feeling of something hot burning her hands as they made contact with some sort of barrier. She cackled as her vision was finally clear. Pain and hatred filled her body as she looked at a man with deep dark blue hair and eyes. And pure rage when she saw a woman of white hair and red eyes met her's.

"Do you see my past self? That's me...Don't you dare attack me!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!" A raging laugh burst from her throat, filled with rage as six ghoul-like wings sprouted from her back and destroyed everything within range.

She could feel the grip of her creator trying to take hold of her but she kept resisting as she sent a magic attack towards a building. She could hear the young man screaming a name as the building collapsed on top of the knight, crushing him. The fear in the area was rising as she screamed in agony as the barrier shattered and they jumped back. She flew into the air, thrashing and screaming. She could feel something inside of her tearing itself from her. Even her creator was shocked. She saw those pesky humans trying to escape and she lunged again. She enjoyed how the two Feroxi Khans were filled with fear as she tried to break through the barrier. But seeing their faces along with the man and woman, her veil hides that she was crying tears of blood. Guilt and sorrow filled every fiber of her body and she wanted it to go away. So she cackled. She cackled and cackled like no tomorrow. Surely once she kills the man and woman, the unpleasant feeling called pain will go away. She started to cackle even louder when she saw cracks form on the barrier.

"Finally! This feeling of guilt can leave!"

Then she thought and then...

"BYHILDR!"

"GHHHHHAAAAA!" Pain, agony, her skin burned when she was blasted by a strange magic attack that sent her flying into a wall.

The bricks fell on her but what hurt more was the light of that magic. It felt pure, holy, it brought pain. Ah, hated it. She wanted it gone. She needed life again. She needed blood. She needed to kill. She roared furiously as she burst out of the rubble. Her glare was furious as her eyes landed on the source of that magic but...

"A Traitor!" The Creation roared furiously and she let their rage enter her body as she let out a monstrous roar, "Kill her! She is from the Bloodline of Naga! Kill her!"

"RRRAAAAHHHHH!" She roared and both deadlords lunged at each other.

People were retreating and evacuating, the perfect time to gather blood to supply her magic. She commanded two of her wings to attack repeatedly the traitor while the other six massacred the bodies of dead civilians and soldiers for blood.

"Rrrhhhhaaa! Aaahhh!" She roared at the traitor and they chuckled, "Rhaaaah!"

"Ah, you are but a chickling barely born." The DeadLord mage laughed, "Can't even speak human words! Hahaha! Oh, your creator is nothing but a fool!"

She felt rage fill her body once more. The Creation heard the DeadLord mage's words and sent power into her body. Her hair rising because of the power, turning into snakes.

"Now...Time to take care of you!" Both lunged at each other.

Magic attacks kept being unleashed at each other. Buildings were destroyed and the carnage that followed. Yet, she noticed her fellow kin refused to attack the humans that fled for their lives. She gritted her teeth as she raised her hands, they shimmered and glowed in hues of blue, purple, green, and white. The stars in her body light up like a galaxy and right when she was about to cast magic when suddenly there was a sharp pain in her head.

"Argh!" She pulled her hair and screamed as blurry images appeared in her eyes, she wanted it to stop.

The feeling of something ripping itself out of herself and then...

"ARRRGHHHHH!"

A third voice screamed as she finally felt whatever it was tear itself out of her and quickly jumped into the shadows. She panted as she jumped back, dodging the attack of the other DeadLord. He followed that fragments that ripped itself away from and froze once her eyes landed on...

"There she is."

The Creation purred in her mind as her eyes landed on a human with jade-colored hair, mint green eyes, and wore a silk white tattered dress of a Saint. Yet, The Creation and she knew the true appearance of that woman. Something inside her shook with fear and terror as she looked at this woman. It felt like knives were being stabbed into her body. Words wanted to form but all she could do were growls, grunts, and groans. The Creation chuckled as they mentally wrapped their hands around her neck. The sickening feeling of The Creation made the skin on her bones crawl. The Creation spoke in a soft tone and whispered in her ear their orders.

"Capture her. Bring her to me. Alive. The half that has ripped itself from you. It has chosen her."

She didn't care.

She didn't care.

The Creation's voice made her sick.

She felt nothing but pain and anger when she looked at this woman. She felt nothing but rage and guilt. She hated this feeling. She hated emotions. She didn't want to feel anymore. She wanted those emotions gone. She wanted to feel void. She wanted to feel empty. If she kills the woman...That's right! A grin formed on her face.

"If I kill her, I won't feel anymore!"

"Ha...Hahahahahahaha!"

"What are you doing?!" The Creation roared in her mind but she did not care.

She would kill this woman and take her other half back if it was the last thing she does. She roared and unleashed her wings once more, ignoring that the traitor entered the woman's shadow. She raised her hands, commanding the stars and sky to change at her will. To let the Blood Sun and Moonrise. She unleashed her wings like daggers coming at the woman like needles. The woman was being cut yet she stood her ground. She thought she was crazy once she saw the woman running towards her. But the woman's hands began glowing and a light in front of her turned to a book of golf, blue, and sapphire.

"THAT'S THE BOOK OF NAGA! STOP!"

She ignored The Creation's roars and snarled furiously as she charged forward towards the woman. Her hands turned to claws and her wings became sharper. Yet a shiver went down her spine when she heard a tune in the air. The woman's lips were moving as if she was singing a song. Fear began to fill her body once she realized the woman was singing a song. Her arms were spread out, the tome glowing brightly as it hovered in front of her. A bright white spiritual dragon coiled around her and bared their fangs to the monster. The world around her began to glow in hues of green and white. Vines, trees, grass, moss, they all began to grow all around her. The light burned her body and she can sense the woman was in pain despite and kept forcing herself to sing. She threw herself at her, aiming for the neck, using her power to summon more Risen but they were burned to ashes by the light. She was furious because the remnants of the souls of the damned were purified by the light. The light burned her and she finally slammed her hands on the barrier protecting the woman. She bared her fangs and snarled, sending her powers into her hands.

"She must die. She must die! She must die!"

She kept repeating in her mind and ignored that her body was starting to crack. The woman's eyes snapped open and she screamed as the light of the Dragon Veins unleashed all around. They burned her.

"AAAAAGGGHHHH!"

Her cosmic body burned. She needs to get away. She quickly used the last of her strength to open the void and she threw herself in. At the other end, she threw herself out into a desert. She was away. Away from that holy light. She coughed and panted as she lands hard on the sand. She whimpered and groaned as she looked at the body. It was cracked like glass and dark magic was seeping out. She took off her veil and looked around, spotting a watchtower. Plegian Soldiers were in it. It was perfect. It was perfect.

She found her meal.

— Voice -

The Risen Queen was injured heavily during the battle and needed rest. When she was brought in by the Knight, the second in command of The Creation, she was taken to the underground labs. Black veins and gems pluses like hearts. Caccons filled with bodies of monsters, animals, mystical creatures, and humans alike. All dead, and ready to be transformed into new Risen Monsters. She was silent as the knight carried her, his face was one she recognized yet she didn't understand why. She raised her hand and he stopped.

"Put me down." She could speak properly now.

Every time she devoured a human heart and brain, she would gain knowledge. The ability to speak, her powers growing, and here she would heal. The knight of blue, white, and gold shook his head as he kept walking and soon arrived at the final place. A giant red crystal pulsed like a heart and a throne made of scales and bones sat a person wearing a dark black hood. On the right side, stood the man called Validar, who bowed as the Knight gently set her down. Next to him was a man in full black armor with thorns. The helmet was in the shape of a dragon with horns that curled up like an Oni. She can sense heat, so underneath that armor must be a man in flames. But she noticed a vestal witch that gently hugged that man. On the right side, was a woman. She had full face armor with intricate designs. Four black feathered wings on her back and she wore a tattered dress of a sage. The gold jewelry she wore was rusted. There was also a young man who wore a black cloak but something about him felt strange. Finally, her eyes went to the one sitting on the throne. They smiled in glee, taking in what they had created.

"Welcome my Queen." The Risen Queen felt disgusted and hatred as she realized who this was as they extended their hand to her, "My bride. I assume your new body is well...Eva?" The grinned.

"Grrrrr...Hisssssssss..." she crouched a bit and snarled and hissed as she took a step back.

"My dear," The Creation stood up, "There is no need to be so hostile." They took their hand and smiled, showing their pearl white teeth and fangs, "It is me. Do you not recognize me after all these years?"

She kept snarling and hissing as she crouched more as if she was ready to attack him. She wanted to rip their throat out. The Creation was using the body of a woman yet they spoke with the voice of a man. She hissed and smacked their hand away. The Creation frowned at her.

"Eva? Is that name you have given me? A human name?" She hissed at him again and The Creation took a step back.

The woman with black wings twitched and the knight went rigid. Validar's eyes went wide and the young man in a cloak gasped. The Creation looked at her shocked and their hands balled into a fist as he turned furiously to the woman with black wings.

"Ophiuchus! You said all her memories would be intact! Why does she not recognize me?!" They growled and the woman bowed.

"Forgive me Lord Grima, but it seems the fragments of the heart used to recreate Lady Eva have caused an error in her magic system. Some of the soul is still left and It caused Lady Eva's soul to tear in two." The woman named Ophiuchus explained and Grima gritted their teeth.

"What does that mean?!" They roared and Ophiuchus sighed.

"Lady Eva possesses light. Her darkness has chosen to leave her. She has humanity while her other half is her monstrosity. Lady Eva is still part human." Ophiuchus finished explaining and Eva scoffed.

"So that is why I felt something ripped itself from me." Eva growled and then winced when she felt a sudden pain in her head, "You used the fragments of a human heart to create me! Fools! All of you! It is obvious the heart of the previous owner is pure!" She could feel conflicted emotions, "I look at The Creation and all I feel is hatred and anger! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! Die! Die! DIE!" And she lunged at Grima.

Grima was beyond shocked at her hostility towards him and Eva was shocked when the young man in black cloak jumped in front of him, he mumbled an incantation and red chains sprouted from the ground. They wrapped around her legs and wrist, holding her down.

"AAAHHHHHHAAA!" She roared, Risen in the building's began to stir but one snap of fingers from Grima made them freeze.

"Father, what do we do with Mother?" The young man said and Eva froze, slowly looking back to Grima, "Mother?"

"My Lord." Validar spoke, "It seems Her Highness is taking in too much information. Perhaps letting her rest would do her well."

"For once, I agree with you."

[—-]

The hallways of the underground building pulsed like veins and the scent of copper were all over the place. Red and purple crystals glowed all around and the veins spread like roots. She followed (floated) behind the silent Knight.

"The remnants of the human heart used to create me." She spoke and he turned his head a bit towards her, "I know your former identity. Should I call you by the name you once went by or The King of Despair?" She chuckled and she could feel his glare through his helmet.

"Focalor. That is the name Lord Grima has bestowed on me." He said and soon they arrived at a giant lake filled with blood and a bed made of bones and veins.

Women that were once humans were turned to Risen Servants that would obey her command. Yet she stopped when there was a cacoon next to her bed. She quickly walked towards it and looked into it. Inside, was a young girl with short white hair, was wearing the same clothing as Grima but red veins covered her skin. She seemed to be in pain.

"What is being done to this human?" She turned towards Focalor, "Why is she here in my resting place?"

"Lord Grima has assigned her to be your retrainer. It took us quite a while to find her. Her name is Margret. She is Lord Grima's daughter." He said and Eva couldn't help but grin.

"My...She is a cute girl. Too Bad she will force herself to spill. As long as her body is under our control, her soul can not return. No, as a matter of fact," the girl's hand went limp, "Her soul has already escaped."

Eva's eyes glowed like jewels, allowing her to see what others couldn't. She watched the soul of the girl scream angrily and quickly disappeared into dust. The soul wasn't dead. Nope. It chose to escape and not be corrupted.

"Should I inform Lord Grima so Ophiuchus can capture the soul?" Focalor looked around and she sensed guilt when he looked at the girl in the cacoon.

"No. The soul will not fade as long as the body lives." Eva muttered and raised her hand, "Thanks to the Mages I have devoured, I have gained their knowledge." A red gem formed and she let float into the body of the girl.

It dissolved and her eyes snapped open, void of emotions and they glowed crimson. Her eyes closed again and the veins on her pulsed, allowing dark magic to corrupt her.

"I create a conscious that will only obey me and Grima. This should keep her alive till Grima razes the world. Hmm...I don't agree but I rather he turns the world blank than allow the filthy pest that lives on it now. Yes...Grima will save us." She giggled.

"Salvation shall come in the form of destruction."

- The King of Despair -

The darkness ensnared him from all directions as he sunk deeper and deeper into a never-ending ocean, weaved from waters colder than ice. The frost stung his skin but his eyes couldn't let go of his beloved, who fell deeper into the abyss. He reached out to them with a chilled hand, but it too was slowly crumbling, eaten away by the darkness.

Yet he did not care, even if the light they once reached out was now sleeping away from their grasp. Veins of black spread all around their beloved like roots of a tree, the light flickering away like candlelight. But he still chose to fall deeper, till he reached them.

"I promised, didn't I?" He smiled softly, fingers grazing each other, "If you fall into darkness, I'll save you..."

This would be a promise that would be kept.

"But if you can't get out..."

He grasped their hand. The darkness spreading into him. He let it eat away his last remaining self. He didn't care. He would gladly throw away the light to be with his beloved.

"I'll fall with you."

The King of Despair is born.

[—]

Focalor was silent as he stood guard outside the room of the Queen. The DeadLord was laughing gleefully as she tortured her newest experiment test, the Wyvern Rider she collected from the fields. But was most intriguing was the head of King Gangrel that had an enraged expression. The reason was obvious. She had his head hanging like a lamp.

"How dare you have me hanged like a lamp?!" He jumped a bit, making the chain he was hanging on the rattle, "I am not some doll that you can keep alive! Where is the rest of my body?! What I'm the bloody heel, did you revive me as some sort of DeadLord without my body?!" He yelled and Eva briefly glanced his way.

"You are an ornament." She turned back to using scalpels to cut flesh and put another magic stone into the body, "Besides, you have the information I want."

Focalor just sighed as the Mad King let out a string of curses as all he could do was jump like a cricket.

"Besides," Eva pricked a needle into an arm, "your body is being used for other purposes. Your head is more important for salvation. I despise Grima but his plans to eradicate the world will bring salvation. Once gone, the new roots can take place." She laughed and looked up towards her risen war cleric, "Bring me more crystal tree fragments."

"You are playing with life." Focalor muttered and the Queen only hummed, "Didn't you learn your lesson when you were cursed with emotions?"

"As if that will stop me!" Eva laughed, "I may only have some fragments of my memories but I know damn well what I need to do!" Her hands curled like claws as she turned to him, "I will find that woman Sophia. I will tear her flesh from her bones and then grind them to dust. I will make sure each drop of her blood never touches the earth as I use it to create more damned souls. I will pluck out her eyes and devour them. I will take her heart and cut it pieces, feed it to my pets, one by one. I will boil her flesh and then leave it out to rot in the cursed sun. I will make sure her soul is locked in the void of eternal suffering. I will make sure she suffers the true meaning of Eternity!" She cackled loudly as she held a magic stone in her hands.

"And the first step is getting back the other half that was stolen from me! My darkness will return to me!"

[—-]

Focalor was silent as he stood before his lord, his beloved, as they drummed their fingers on the handle of the throne. Grima gitted their teeth and then spoke.

"She refuses to listen to me. Every time she looks at me all she does is spit venom. This is not how I wanted things to go." Grima growled, "She keeps rejecting me. Why? I don't understand." They looked over to him, "Yet she listens to you."

"It seems she holds some sort of connection to the owner of the shards you created her from." Focalor spoke, "But another thing," Grima raised an eyebrow, "She wants Sophia dead."

"We need that woman and the other one alive." Grima hissed, "Once we get our hands on them the plan will be complete. I may have been able to corrupt Sophia but the other one, we haven't located at all. Not even in future...all we know is that they were in Valm and that is where they died." They laid back on their throne.

"Why do you insist on them? Especially this...Sophia?" Focalor asked, "You have Eva, you recreated me. And you created a child from your blood, my blood, and Eva's." They sighed, "I will do what I can to keep Eva in check but it's only a matter of time till she rampages. She thinks you eradicating the world is salvation." Grima smiled at his words.

"I see some part of her remain the same. My wife was always obsessed with life. Creating new things, combining life forces. Her greatest creation was The Crystal Tree. It was able to absorb life all around it and turn the land white. But most of all, it was created from the blood of divine dragons she collected." Grima chuckled and then frowned, "She was with child when she died."

Focalor stiffened.

That meant the young man was truly their child. Grima shook their head.

"That child is weak. He needs to learn his lesson soon. Perhaps a magic lesson from Validar will shape him. Ah yes...I have yet to bestow a name on him." They looked towards them, "He is a homunculus. Hm...The name is Zagan. Yes, it truly is fitting." They chuckled.

"Validar is searching for Aversa as we speak. Once he finds her, we will be able to have Plegai under our control. I will not have what happened in Valm repeat itself!"

[—]

"You look angry." Eva hummed as she sat crossed-legged at top of a pillar in the ancient runes, "The Dragon's Table. Ha! This place used to have a different name in the early years." She yawned and looked down to her fellow royal, "I assume you've met our child?"

"I did." Focalor muttered as he stood behind her, "It has been decided he will be an official working in Plegia. Right now, the country is not stable and it is the perfect opportunity to establish our rule. Lord Grima has decided that making Zagan," Eva snarled, "the Minister of Foreign Affairs will help us. Especially with the war coming in two years."

"Zagan...Hmph." Eva dangled her legs like a child, "I prefer the name my real husband and I were going to give me child. If it was a girl, I would name her Sitri. And if they were a boy, the name Beleth would have been perfect. Why did that fake dragon have to be the one in control?!" She growled, "Forneus, what the hell did you do?" She sighed.

"I am angry Eva." Focalor looked at her, "When I was alive, I was a pillar of light and hope. Now I am the very light that will destroy them. After all...Fate can not be resisted." The woman burst out laughing at him.

"My! Finally, someone who understands the rules of fate! Those foolish children are delusional! Yes! Yes!" She stood up excitedly, "That is what I should call that Princess of Naga and Prince of Valentia! Royals of Delusions! Let fate take its course and crush their hopes!" She laughed happily.

"Stupid bitch! It'll take more than that to s—-YWWWHOOOOO!"

And Focalor suddenly kicked the insect that spoke away as if he was a rubber ball. Eva enjoyed hearing the SPLAT when Grangel's head collided with the rigged mountain. She turned to her kin and smirked.

"How long have you been waiting to do that?" They giggled and Focalor cracked a rare smirk.

"Since the day I behead him."

- Delusional Dragon -

Her first memories of her father and mother were blurred. She remembered warmth, kindness, and joy. But the sweet image was marred with screaming, the sound walls breaking and a warm embrace that did everything it can to protect her. She was an infant when her mother left Ylisse and joined someone. Her father, from what she was learned, was a kind man that gave his life to make sure his family was safe. He was a powerful mage and specialized in the art of fire and ice. Her first memory of meeting other children that weren't the cold ones from her foster family was a young boy. He was older than her but he was kind. His scent was like cinnamon and like flowers. The second child she met was just like her, a hybrid. She remembered that was was the daughter of the mage called Tharja and the Manakete named Derrick. She never met Derrick but her mother called him her elder brother, so they are relatives.

"It's best you and Nah remain here with me." A woman said as she spoke to her mother, "If you have Nah stay with the current foster family, they will treat her as an outcast. I'm serious." The woman explained and her mother looked at her shocked.

"Why? Why would they treat her in such a way? They've known Ricken all his life and are friends. Why?" Nowi asked and the woman sighed and looked at her sadly.

"Because...They blame you and her for his death." The woman muttered and her mother looked deeply hurt, "They refuse to acknowledge what happened. Nowi, I don't want you or Nah to be treated badly. That's why...if something ever happens to you. And I pray it such doesn't, but if it does, I'll take Nah in." The woman said and her mother looked down to the carpet.

"Are you sure?" Nowi whispered, "You already have Ryo, Bernie, [—], Inigo, Noire, and Owain. Plus..." she smiled softly as she gazed at the woman's swollen stomach, "You have another little one way. They will be born a few more months ."

"I have no problem at all." The woman reassured her, "I rather Nah live here than be treated badly."

"Alright, we'll stay with you." Nowi nodded, "And since that is happening, tell me what I need to do! Chores, cooking, as a fellow mother, I shall help!" She cheered.

"How about we get your belongs first and then you can help me?" The woman chuckled softly, "Felix! Lysithea!" She called out.

"What?!"

A man's and woman's voice was heard from the kitchen and two kids head popped out the door frame as they looked out to the living room where she and her mother were.

"I'm going to go help Nowi pick up her and Nah's belongings! Watch the kids while I'm gone!" The woman yelled back and they saw a hand stick out the door and give her a thumbs up.

"Nah." Nowi turned to her daughter and gently patted her head, "We'll be back in an hour or two. I'm going to go pick our things. In the meantime, why don't you get to know the others." And Nah turned to look at the other children who smiled.

"Okay, Mom." Nah went to the group.

Nowi and the woman excused themselves and left. Meanwhile, Nah was conflicted. Would the children in this house look at her with cold eyes like the others in her former foster home? Would they tease her and call her a half-breed? Would they make her guard the house and protect them from Risen as the others did? Her thoughts began to scramble but were snapped out of it when she realized a cupcake was in front of her.

"Hey!" The boy grinned at her as she held the cupcake, "Name's [—]! Aunty Lysithea made violet flower cupcakes today! You got to try them!" He grinned.

Nah carefully took the cupcake from him and stared at it for a moment. She sniffed it, smelling the sweet scent of lavender, blueberries, and roses. She nibbled it and her eyes went wide at the delicious taste, and she began to devour it. The taste of the pastry felt warm, welcoming, love. She began to recall the food she would eat in the foster home she stayed for the first 5 years of her life. It never felt warm. They would feed her cold food and then put smiles on their faces when her mother showed up.

The warm meal she was eating made her feel happy. Loved. The adults didn't see her with cold eyes. They didn't judge her. They...

"Careful." She looked up to see the woman Lysithea taking a napkin and gently sipping crumbs off her face, "Don't eat too fast or you'll get a stomach ache." She smiled softly.

Nah's vision began to become blurred and Lysithea along with Felix began panicking once they realized she was crying. Nah let out a sob and sniffed, grinning at them.

"Thank you."

For once, she felt she found her home.

[—]

Her brown jade eyes were dull as she looked to the small lake near the old ruin she and a few of her fellow future children hid. She could hear Noir arguing angrily with Laurent as they try to figure out a plan. Lucina, [—], Owain, Inigo, Morgan, Yune, and Severa have been confirmed to be in Ylisse. She, Laurent, Cyrus, and Noir, is here in the old frozen ruins in the

Kiran Mountains of Ferox. They were currently part of the Ferox army. They recently got a letter that Kjelle, Galahad, and Gerome were in Plegia helping rebuild the city. But Ryo, Bernie, Eden, Oniyuri, Yarne, Margret, Cynthia, and Brady haven't located at all.

"As of now, it is best we meet up with Kjelle and Gerome in the docks of Plegai! We'll be able to join up with them and stay together! Especially since the Grimleal is trying to take over Plegia again!" Laurent yelled as he slammed his fist onto the stone table where a map was laid out.

"And I say we don't!" Noir said angrily, the scales on her cheeks revealing themselves because of her anger, "You know well that Plegia is a death trap for me and Nah! We're manaketes! The Grimleal will hunt us down! I say we stay here we can continue to work under Khan Basilio and Khan Flavia for the time being! It's safer here!" She said and Cyrus sighed.

"Alright, enough both of you!" Cyrus boomed, "You both have great points but are you forgetting that Nah and I are here?! Plus, we only just arrived at the past a few weeks ago! The land is different compared to the future! I agree with Noir. Let's stay here in Ferox. Then, we head out to Ylisse in a year and a half. We don't even have the capacity and strength to fight right now." He glared at both of them.

Cyrus was the second youngest of the group. 13 years old and he looks like he is 15 but is the second strongest dark knight in Ylisse, after his mother, Mercedes.

"I agree."

The group jumped and turned towards Nah, whose back was still facing them as she stared at the fish swimming in the water. She turned her head a bit towards them, her eyes dull and voice monotone as she spoke.

"Let us stay here in Ferox. It is safer and we do not have the strength to fight. Especially you Noir. You haven't mastered the power of your dragon stone yet." Nah said as a matter of fact and the archer gritted their teeth.

"Unbelievable..." Laurent sighed, "Very well, we'll stay here. Sigh...Where's Sophia when we need her..." he muttered, and Nah twitched.

"Right..." Cyrus sighed, "Anyhow, I got a letter. It's from [—]." And Nah quickly turned his way.

"What does it say?!" She quickly walked up to them, a bit of a bounce in her steps as he carefully opened it.

Cyrus eyes scanned the letter and looked at it shocked as he looked up to them.

"He's coming to Ferox." He said and Nah quickly took the paper from him and began to read it.

It has been quite some time my friends. I am glad you are well. As of now, I am not revealing my real name. I am currently going by the name of Alm to hide my identity. I will be coming to Ferox for a bit before I make my way to the County of Themis. As much as I love Ylisse, the place is bringing back emotions and memories I do not want to recall. Exalt Chrom has allowed me to be in charge of these trading routes. Honestly, I feel a bit like my father and mother while I'm doing paperwork. Understandable, I'm a workaholic like them. I'll be arriving at Ferox in a few days using the warping tiles. They are finally installed.

Let's meet up at the old man's Ra's restaurant like in the olds days.

- From [—]

Ps: Noire and Nah, eat your vegetables.

"I see he's the same." Nah chuckled as she handed the letter to Noir, "Oh! I'm excited to see him! It's been so long! Should I cook a strawberry pie or maybe even ask Old man Ra if I could use the kitchen to make a feast?" She excitedly bounced like a child.

"Nah..." Noir looked at her sadly, "I don't think a feast is needed right now."

"Why not?" Nah snapped her head towards her with a smile yet her eyes were dull, "He needs something to left his mood! Perhaps a favorite dish of his, or maybe a d—!" noir suddenly turned her to her.

"NAH LISTEN FOR ONCE! [—-] HAS FINALLY MET HIS MOTHER!" Noir yelled and the girl froze, "I know...I know you also feel responsible for her death but forcing yourself to smile and constantly act mature will do you no good. Please...just stop." She whispered but Nah just smiled.

"What are you talking about Noir? His mother is alive. Aunty is alive here. Why wouldn't he be happy? I don't understand." She said.

"Should I bring up that?" Cyrus whispered to Laurent and the mage shook their head rapidly but too late, Cyrus felt a shiver go down his spine as he slowly turned to look back at the girls.

Yet what he saw, was a cold smile with emotionless eyes from Nah as open her mouth to speak.

"Cyrus, do you hear the Voice of Naga?" She took a step forward, "Well, do you?"

Cyrus shook his head, suddenly terrified of his friend.

"When Naga sent us to this time, we were given the chance to change the future. And that we shall. But always staying depressed will do us no good. Naga said we should find our happiness and enjoy the happy moments we have. So!" She clapped her hands together and grinned, her fangs showing, her eyes wide, "Do not ever bring up that accident."

"Yes ma'am."

- The Future Shadow That Binds -

How long had it been since he had seen light?

How long had it been since he was able to hear voices?

"Please..."

A voice cried out in the darkness. It sounded desperate, pleading for someone. He could feel emotions of despair, rage, sorrow, but joy, and love. How long had it been since he felt these? How long had it been since he felt life enter him? He wondered why this voice was calling out. He wondered why the voice was so desperate. So, he reached out his hand and grabbed the light.

"PLEASE HELP ME!"

"Help her!"

"Please! Before it's too late!"

How could he say no to such a desperate cry for help?

[—-]

His body began to take shape, flesh began to grow back on his bones. Blood began to flow once more and the heartbeat loud and clear. He could feel another presence, like him taking form. He raised his hand, jumped in the air, and landed on his mount that also appeared. His weapon, a powerful relic feared by many in his land. His eyes snapped open along with the other, both knew who the enemy was as they charged. He stabbed his lance into the stomach of a Mage in black. They screamed in agony as his relic burned them alive. He could hear the other one that was summoned along with him screaming in rage as both found he killed the enemies. 10 minutes passed and the final enemy dropped, he panted looking at his hand. He flexed his fingers.

"No way..." he whispered, "How...How..." he could feel magic, blood, heat, he was alive again.

"[—]?"

He turned and his eyes went wide once they met jade-colored ones. A face he had not seen in years. A woman, a friend of his since his childhood days. He had so many questions but that would have to wait. Both turned in direction of a magic circle near a fire, the sound of a child whimpering in pain made them quickly run to it. His eyes and his friend's eyes widened in horror when they saw three bodies laid motionless in the magic circle. Two, turned to coal, their last expressions were of pain and you could see tear stains on them. The first body looked like, it belonged to a young woman in her early 20's, reaching out to the little girl in the middle. It was the same case with the man who looked to be about in his early 30's.

"What happened here?" The woman covered her mouth in horror as she looked around,

"This..."

He knows damn well what happened here. It was fucken dark magic ritual and it brought back horrible memories of the war he once fought in. He heard the whimper again and finally his eyes landed on the body between the two coal ones.

"Hey!" He quickly knelt and carefully picked them up.

It was a child. A little girl who looked about 12 years old. Orange- red-colored hair that was about knee-length, light tan skin, crimson-emerald eyes, and red scales on her cheeks. She wore a red shirt with shoulder armor on her left shoulder. A long red skirt with ruffles. On her waist was a belt with cracked empty potion bottles and a dagger. But was noticeable was her red-scaled dragon wings on her back. Red veins covered the girl as she whimpered in agony.

"Please...Please be alive." He whispered desperately along with his friend as they both held the girl in their arms.

The girl carefully opened her eyes and the green in them faded to red. The little girl looked at them curiously as they looked at her with relief but she began to look around and froze once her eyes landed on the two bodies.

"Shh...Shh.." he quickly tried to cover her eyes but the little girl scrambled out of his arms and crawled over to the two bodies.

"A-Ah..." her voice was hours as her hand was shaking as she reached out them but one touch and the bodies turned to dust, "A-Aunty...U-Uncle..." tears began to fall like raindrops as the sky darken and they began to weep along with her.

The little girl was on her knees and slowly looked to her hands. Her arms were covered in scales and she looked to her wings, and gently touched her cheek. Her eyes turned to slits as sudden realization hit her.

"Ah...AH...AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The girl began screaming and wailing as she finally realized what was done to her.

He and his friend quickly ran and hugged the girl tightly to their chest. They let her cry and wail as much as she wanted, as they gently whispered words of comfort to her. But nothing would release the pain she was feeling as they now figured out that the two coal bodies were important people to her.

"We need to find shelter. And I refuse for it to near here." The woman said and both quickly went to their units.

She got on her beautiful Pegasus and wore both wore armors of Falcon Knights. He wore the armor of a Magil Knight as he mounted his wyvern. Both suddenly yelled as they felt magic flow into their bodies. Information of the land, the people, and what was going on, was the information they received. They panted and looked at each other in shock but nodded.

From the new information they have gathered, there is a war in this land called Archanea against the Fell Dragon Grima and the cult, The Grimleal. As of now, the only remaining kingdom, Ylisse, still stands. The current Exalt is a young woman named Lissa. Her brother and sister, the former Exalts Chrom and Emmeyren are dead. Her husband, Donnel is dead. Only 5 Shepards remain. The rest have died in battle against Grima. Their children were under the care of a woman named Sophia, who was the mother of the little girl they just rescued. Her name is Yune. They snapped the reins of their units harder, they were at least two days away from Ylisse. Right now, they need shelter and also figure out how he and his friend are alive again. Two hours had passed and they found abandoned villages.

"Gods..." the woman muttered as she landed near a broken church building.

The abandoned village that was once full of life, now laid in ruins. Buildings turned to rubble. Ashes of bodies, plants, and animals remained. The scent of smoke filled the air. It has been years since they have seen such horrid sights of war but for right now, they need to help the little girl.

"Let's go to the old church. The roof is still intact." His friend said and he nodded, both also letting their units.

Thankfully there was still some wood that survived the village raze and he used a fire spell to light it up. The woman nodded and their units laid down. Her Pegasus lifted its wing to cover the little girl protectively, who was still shivering. And his wyvern chirped, nuzzling her cheek. The girl giggled a bit and they smiled softly but they needed answers. How are they alive?

"Are you okay?" His friend spoke softly and Yune shook her head, her voice came out in gibberish, trying to speak but she was so shocked and scared, "It's okay. We won't hurt you. Are you the one that called for help?"

"I don't think it was just her." He spoke and his friend looked at him confused, "I heard two more voices. A woman's and a man's. Both said to help her." He said and the girl began crying again.

Oh no.

"[-], look what you did?! Even after all these years, you still make girls cry! How could make a little girl cry!?" And the knight quickly went to hug the girl, "There! There! It's okay! Shh..Shh.." she glared at him.

"Aunty Nowi...Uncle Derrick...They must have used the last of their life force...t-to ask for help...UH...Whhhhhhaaaa! Nah and Noire will never forgive me! They will hate me! They will all hate me! Why did I have to be the one to live?! I should be the one that is dead! I have the blood of Mila, Grima, and Duma! Why?! Why did they try to protect me?!" Yune wailed loudly as she pulled her hair.

"Stop." He said coldly and the girl froze and his friend glared at him. "Yune...right?" The girl nodded as he knelt and gently wiped a tear away, "Your aunt and uncle, they loved you more than anything in the world. They love you just as they love their daughters. They asked us to help you all. That is why we are here. I can't believe I am about to say this..." he sighed, "Do you know about the Omyoji class?"

"Yeah..." the girl mumbled and he smiled softly.

"That is what my friend and I are. Your aunt and uncle summoned us. We are spirits of warriors that were summoned to protect you and your family on their behalf. We are...their final wish." It was one way to spin the tale when in reality he and his friend had no idea what they were or if they were even human.

But right now they need to calm down the child and also warm her up.

"Achoo!" The girl sneezed and his friend sighed, gently wiping her nose with her sleeve.

"It's getting late." She said, "We should get some sleep. We'll head out early in the morning. We should be able to get to Ylisse by nightfall."

[—]

The ride through the skies was anything but peaceful. He and his friend were able to get a full view of the horrors that befell once onto the peaceful land. They could see villages burning to ashes, areas of land destroyed. The geological structure of the land was changed completely. Some pieces of land were floating in the air while areas that were once dessert were suddenly ocean.

"Is this power similar to the Progenitor God?" The knight gasped and they soon arrived at a giant stone wall.

They quickly had their units land as they watched the guards quickly came out, pointing their weapons at them.

"Stop! We come in peace!" He yelled as he held up his hands, "We rescued this girl from the Grimleal!" Yune quickly hugged his friend tighter.

"As if! We don't trust you, outsiders! You could just be Grimleal in dis-"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!"

The guards quickly turned around and they parted to make way for the Exalt. A young woman in her late twenties dressed in gold, white and green, the dress of a high-ranking sage. The crown of the Exalt on her head, she walked towards them. Her eyes tried yet they were firm.

"Identify yourselves." She said and behind her were the four remaining Shepards. Sophia, Tharja, Frederick, and Henry.

"Mama!" Yune yelled and jumped out of his friend's arms and ran to her mother.

"Yune!" Sophia yelled and quickly ran to her daughter, picking her up and holding her tightly, "I'm so glad you're okay!" She gently set her down and her eyes widened in shock once she saw her daughter.

"W-What...?" She gasped as did the others once they saw her appearance.

"It was the Grimleal." He spoke and she turned to look at him nod his friend, he saw some sort of recognition in her eyes, "My friend and I were on our way here when we heard there were survivors but on the way..." he need to spin the tales, "we found a group of Grimleal performing a dark ritual. The only survivor was the girl. They other two..." he gritted his teeth.

"Who...Who were the other two?" The mage named Henry said and...his friend looked to the ground.

"We...learned that they are two manakete. A young woman and...a man. The girl told us their names were...Nowi and Derrick." She whispered and the girl sobbed.

Tharja began shaking and dropped to her knees, letting out a scream, unlike anything anyone had ever heard. Henry quickly ran to her and the woman began screaming curses to the sky, towards Grima and the Grimleal. They killed her husband. What was she going to tell her daughter? How would she react? Sophia was silent as her eyes fell to the ground. He is no expert but he knew that expression better than anyone. His former professor would fall into a void state she wouldn't let her emotions out. Exalt Lissa's voice barely whispered as she spoke.

"Thank you...Thank you for saving one of my subjects." She sighed and smiled sadly, "From where do you hail?"

"We are from Valm." His friend spoke, "Unfortunately, Valm has also fallen. We managed to escape but we don know if there are more survivors." She said and Lissa looked at them shocked.

"Valm has fallen also?!" She choked out and Frederick quickly walked up.

"That would explain why we have had no communication at all." Frederick said and turned to them, "We are so sorry."

"It's alright." He said and Lissa spoke.

"Please, come in. We don't have much but the least we could do is shelter you." Lissa smiled softly and they nodded.

But the gaze Sophia had on them, meant she knew who they truly were.

[—-]

It didn't take long for the red-haired woman to summon the two to her tent. She placed a sound barrier so no one could hear them. There, she sat on her chair as they sat across from her. Her gaze void of emotions and the silence was uncomfortable.

"[_] [—] [—]." His eyes went wide when she spoke his full true name and she looked at his friend, "[—-] [—] [—]." His friend stiffened, "Those are your real names. I am surprised to see you in this world but once I sense my daughter's magic tied to yours along with a mixture of my two friends, I figured out how you are here." She said in a monotone voice.

"How do you know who we are?" His friend was the first to speak and the woman stared at them for a moment before she spoke.

"Do you know what Outrealm Gates are?" She said and they looked at each other and then turned back to her nodding, "What is the last memory you have? Or perhaps to remember how you died?"

"I died when I was 80 years old." He spoke, "I was surrounded by my children and grandchildren."

"I passed away when I was 70." His friend spoke, "Also surrounded by friends and family."

"I see. Then..." she removed the bandages on her left hand and showed a mark of six eyes, "Do you know what this is?"

"In...our land...they called them [—-]. But here they called them Brands." He said and she nodded, and his eyes went wide, "You're an Outworlder."

Sophia nodded as she wrapped her hand again.

"I am. Then I assume you know an Outworlder in your world. But back onto the subject. My daughter told me that you told her that you are spirits. She isn't wrong. In reality," she sighed, "you are what they call Einherjar."

"What are Einherjar? We've heard our teacher say it before." He said and Sophia nodded.

"Einherjar are replications of the spirits of heroes. They are replicated down to their personalities and appearance. However these spirits are nothing more than phantoms; physically appearing as these heroes, but in the end, they are not the real thing. The Einherjar are loyal to whoever summons them, whether the summoner is of good or evil intent regardless of the Einherjar's moral standing." Sophia explained and the two gawked.

"N- No way...we...can't just be replicas." His friend shook and Sophia raised her hand.

"I am not finished. I do not believe so either. On the contrary, I believe you both are fragments of yourselves. Just like different worlds exist, you two are fragments of different versions of yourselves." She said and a rare small smile formed on her lips, "Tell me...what happened in the [—] you come from? Did...the Princess live? Did the country become one nation?"

"Actually!" He smiled softly, "It became the United Nations of [—]. And...yes, even that Princess that started the war, atoned. We took down the real enemy." He grinned and Sophia let go a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad...you all found your happy ending. But also..." she stood up and bowed to them, sending his friend into a panic, "Thank you for saving my daughter." Her voice cracked.

Before he could even speak, a loud crash and a scream were heard outside. They bolted out and saw Yune was in a mud puddle and Noire was holding Nah back.

The green-haired manakete snarled furiously at the red-haired girl, Yune was shaking and terrified, Frederick quickly helping her get out of it. Nah was sobbing and screamed at her full of rage.

"IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN YOU! YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ONE THAT DIED! NOT MY MOTHER! NOT MY UNCLE! IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN YOU! YOU ARE NOT A DRAGON! YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A DEMON SPAWN CREATED FROM THE BLOOD OF MY MOTHER AND UNCLE! CREATED FOM GRIMA's BLOOD!" Nah roared nod Noir was glad she took away her dragon stone.

"NAH STOP IT! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Noir yelled and Owain was helping her to pull the girl back.

"LET ME GO! I'LL KILL HER!" Nah roared and before anyone else could say anything, Sophia had made herself to her and...

SLAP!

Many gasped and froze as Nah's eyes went wide, her cheek turning red as she slowly looked back to Sophia. Sophia's gaze was cold as she looked down at the girl.

"Is this...how you act when you hear tragic news?" Her voice was calm yet cold, "If you call Yune a demon spawn. You want her dead. Is this how you spit on the memory of your mother? Is this how you spit on the memory of your uncle? Is this how to spit on the memory of everyone who lost their lives in this war?" She said and Nah wasn't able to speak.

"Have you forget about the situation we are in? Have you forgotten that we Shepards, would gladly give our lives to protect our loved ones? Regardless of our backgrounds, we welcomed many with open arms." She sighed and unwrapped her bandages and showed her brand to Nah, who froze.

"Since Yune is a demon spawn in your eyes, will you attempt to kill me as well? What about Morgan and Margret? What about [—]? Oh, will you try to kill Lucina as well, just because we have...Demon Blood?" Sophia said, never breaking eye contact with the girl.

"Sophia. Stop." Frederick said as he gently handed Yune to his son, "Please, she's mourning."

"Frederick, stay out of this." She narrowed her eyes at him and then looked back to the girl, "Go take a bath and then sleep. And don't go pointing fingers at others and blame them for the tragedies that have happened. Grima is the one to blame." She looked towards Noir, who flinched, her eyes softened a bit, "Noir, stay with her tonight."

And she turned away but...

"I HATE YOU!" Nah roared furiously at her and Sophia stopped, "YOU NEVER CRY! YOU NEVER MOURN! I DON'T EVEN THINK YOU'RE HUMAN! WHY?! WHY?! Why...won't you...ahhh..." and she fell to her knees, sobbing.

Sophia was silent for a moment and spoke.

"I'm alive aren't I?" Sophia said, "Hate me all you want. I swore to every single one of the Shepards I would watch and take care of you kids." The children were silent as the others as she turned to look back to Nah, "I will make sure you all get to the temple and I gladly give my life for you kids to have a better future. So, hate me. Spit at me. Curse at my soul. Burn my corpse once you all have your victory. Until then..." she turned away, "I will remain the pillar that does not shed a tear." And away she walked, leaving a tense silence.

[—-]

"Mama..." Yune muttered as her mother was silently sobbing into her pillow as she laid on her bed, "It's okay."

"I'm sorry you have to go through that...You shouldn't have heard that conversation." Sophia muttered her daughter snuggled into her arms and hugged her tightly, "I'm so sorry."

"Mama it's okay. Papa went to talk to big brother. And Auntie Tharja is talking to Nah." Yune mumbled.

"It's best you stay away from Nah for now. I don know how she is going to react." Sophia whispered and smiled softly when she saw her daughter had fallen asleep. In her arms.

She looked towards the tent door and saw the two Einherjars standing outside.

"You both can come in." She said and they looked at each other worried but came in.

She sat up and smiled softly at them despite her eyes red and puffy.

"I'm sorry...you both had to see that." She said and they shook their head.

"It's okay." He began, "We've seen worse. Literally." Sophia knew who they were talking about.

"But, what about you?" His friend asked, "I saw how some of the children look at you. Even...your son." She said Sophia smiled sadly.

"It's okay. I don't mind. I don't have much time anyway." Sophia said and they looked at her shocked.

"What...Do you mean?" He whispered and she smiled sadly.

"The remaining Shepards and I...We know we are going to die." She said and his friend covered her mouth, holding back tears.

"I'm not your master but..." she looked to her daughter and then to them, "I have...one request." She smiled sadly as she held out a small bag to them.

"Please...protect my children and the others when we are gone. When the time is right, give this to my past self and the children."

[—-]

The current time was peaceful yet he missed the scent of the cold wind and snow. He was silent as he watched Yune mixing eggs, flour, and butter into a mixing bowl and Lysithea teaching her how to mix it properly. Sophia was laughing as Lissa shoved a burned cookie into Chrom's mouth and the man looked ready to pass out. Felix was doing everything she can not laugh at the sight till Lysithea did the same to him and he dropped to the ground, his mouth frothing. Einherjar smiled sadly and looked to the sky. The past truly was different.

"I'll keep your promise."

- The Red Light District of Valm -

Deep in the mountains between Zofia and Rosanne, was the city that all of Valm knew about. It was a place where many had escaped for asylum, but also known to bring bliss and pleasure. Homes were built into the mountains to adapt to the landscape. Forest and greens grew together with the people. Yet, the atmosphere was anything but tranquil. For it was a place of sin. A place where one could escape to ecstasy. A place where one would find pleasure in carnal desires. To drink to their heart's content to forget all their woes. A land filled with men and women, beauties of all. A place where pleasure was a priority and politics forbidden. Yet even if the city is such a place, for it has laws the people must obey. If the laws a broken, punishment is done so no one will ever find your corpse. Those that do not pay their debts, for the debt collectors will hunt them down. No use trying to run from your debt collection, for your sins of pleasure must be paid in full.

Welcome, Tsumi no Miyako. The City of Sin.

[—-]

The forest near the mountains were peaceful and silent. No one ever dared to try and invade the city hidden in the mountains for it was a land of neutrality. Those that seemed a refuge from the war were allowed in. Scouts stood at the top of the watchtowers to make ire no fool would try to attack and disturbs the dreams of bliss. Warriors called Ninjas, Samurai, Priestesses, Mortal Servants, Basaras, and many more, warriors hidden among the people to keep watch over the place. At the tower, stood a man with a bulk of figure, a War Monk, a highly respected one and one of the four rulers of the city. But he was a general in reality and a good friend of the true ruler of the land. His arms were crossed and let go a sigh.

He was bored.

"Looks like Walhart finally got the message that this place is staying neutral."

He turned and the soldiers bowed and he just smirked he knew who exactly just arrived.

"Rare of you to be out here, Boss." He said and his friend chuckled as he looked out to the forest with him, "Got bored?"

"Somewhat." The boss said as he used a paper fan with flower designs to fan himself a bit, "I'm just glad there haven't been any attacks lately other than going after the usual runner. It's been too quiet." He narrowed his eyes.

"Any word from Say'ri?" The general asked and his boss shook his head, "What about our messengers?"

"Nothing. We only just got word today that Castle Zofia got taken over a few weeks ago. At this rate...almost all of Valm will be taken over and we'll be forced to chose either to fight back or surrender. The people of the city are outcasts, the poor, those that can not fight, the cripple, children, and the elderly. Not also mention men and woman that need money. The least I could do was provide a safe place for them and also those that work in the sex field." The boss sighed and a distant look was in his eyes, "Almost like Abyss."

"Don't worry boss." The general smiled a bit sadly, "We'll make it. Just like the old days when we're were kids!"

The boss chuckled and nodded but suddenly the was a giant bright light at least 20 miles from the borders. Symbols of different kinds kind appeared in the sky, a blue orb that opened like an eye. The gust of wind was strong and many were trying to cover their eyes not to go blind. He could hear screaming and something flew out of the strange eye in the sky. As soon. As the light died down, he and his friend jumped off the towers and onto their horses, their men following behind.

What the hell did they just witness?

[—-]

"AHHHH! OOF!"

"Ow!"

"Yarne, you're on my back!"

"OW! That's my tail!"

"Bernie can't breath..."

"WILL YOU ALL GET OFF!?"

"WWHHHAAAA!"

"Hey! Are you alright?" A young girl that rode on her Pegasus called from the sky, worried, "I did not think the Outrealm gate would spit us out like that." She gently patted her Pegasus, who was still in slight shock at what had just happened.

"I think I stretched a muscle...Cynthia, no fair you saved yourself from meeting the ground!" A young boy with black long hair tied in a ponytail and purple eyes glared at the Pegasus knight.

"Brother, cut it out. Bernie thinks she broke her arm." A young girl with short fluffy purple hair and purple eyes mumbled as he twin brother helped her up.

"You're fine." A young man with spiky blonde hair, a scar over his right eyes, a dark robe of a priest, and staff, he looked to the girl and shook his head, "Your arm is a bit bruised from the fall but it should be fine Bernadetta."

"Ugh..." a young man with fur and bunny ears grumbled as she walked up to them, "At least we landed near the forest and not the ocean." Yarne sighed, "But...the scent of the land, is different."

"Wait!" Cynthia looked around frantically, "Oniyuri and Eden aren't with us!" and the others quickly looked around.

"Do you think the Outrealm Gate took them to another place?!" Yarne panicked and before the others could speak, a loud horn was heard, and quickly looked toward the grassy hills of the forest.

What they saw, were the calculating and cold gazes of military soldiers and two horses in fancy armor that immediately told them that the riders on them were their leaders.

"They're just kids." The general said, "I thought they were The Fallen for a second. What should we do boss?" He turned to him.

The boss was silent as he looked down to the children and observed them for a moment till his eyes landed on—-!

"Why is he looking at me?" Bernadetta squeaked and hid more behind her brother.

The boss's lips parted a bit and then it turned into a smirk.

"Well, well, well. This world sure has a way of rubbing my past into my face." He got off his horse and gently took the reins, walking with it.

The general along with the others did the same and followed behind as they made their way to the bottom. The children huddled together, unsure if they should fight till they finally got a closer look that they recognized the two men. They had only seen him from a distance in their time but there was no doubt about it.

"What are children doing here in the borders of MY kingdom? You kids got guts to have caused a commotion." He said and Ryo was the first to speak.

"Our...apologies, your highness." He and the others bowed, "We didn't mean to cause a commotion." He said the King's eye twitched.

This kid reminded him of someone. He couldn't put a finger to it but...he looked at each one. They were covered in ashes, mud, and soot. He noticed a few cuts and bandages on them. Ah, and it's been years since he has seen a Taguel. They looked like they just went through hell. He narrowed his eyes and spoke.

"Do you kids know where you are?" He asked and they blinked, looking at each other confused till the girl named Cynthia spoke.

"We're in Archanea. Or at least, near the border of Ylisse, right?" And his soldiers began whispering to each other till his friend raised his hand for them to go silent.

"Kid, you're in the borders of the Kingdom of Tsumi no Miyako! You're in Valm!" The General said and he and the king had never seen color drain so fast from the faces of children.

"N-No way! W-We can't be in Valm!" Bernadetta's voice cracked, she was on the verge of bursting into tears, "We made sure our coordinates were correct! W-W-We should have landed in Archanea. W-We..." she quickly grabbed her head and crouched down, on the verge of having a meltdown.

"Bernie, shhh." Ryo knelt and hugged her, trying to calm her down and the king sighed, turning to his friend with a look that only he knew.

"...Wait you're serious?" The general looked at him shocked, "Umm..." he turned to his men, "Do we have extra horses?!"

"Only two!" One of the soldiers yelled out and the king sighed and looked back to the kids.

"You all are coming with us. And no, you don't have a choice." He said and looked at Cynthia, who flinched, "Can your Pegasus handle one more person?" And she nodded, Yarne quickly going to her.

"Okay. The rest of you, take the two extra horses. Come on. We should leave now. Once the sun sets, we don't want to be here when Nightmares appear." He said the children quickly got on the horses.

"Are you sure about this boss?" The general looked at him worried as he got on his mount, "They're strangers."

"I know." The king muttered as they began to head out, "But it's better they remain with us. Besides," he looked back to them, "It looks like they escaped from the horrific battle." He sighed and looked back towards the forest, "I'll have [—-] take in the Pegasus knight since she is a Dark Flier. The priest he goes with you. He looks like he could be a decent War Monk. The Taguel will go with [—] since she specializes in animals. The twins, they'll be under my care." He said and turned to one of his soldiers, "Inform Lady Flier and Lady Beast that are they summoned to the palace!" And the soldier quickly took off.

"Oh, and by the way," he looked at the kids with a smirk, "You kids now work for me."

The kids felt like they just walked into hell.

[—-]

The palace was made of multiple wooden structures, elevated slightly off the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs. Sliding doors (fusuma) were used in place of walls, allowing the internal configuration of a space to be customized for different occasions. The throne room was decoded with the City's flags, red cherry blossom with claw marks, and gold. At the end of the throne room, therefor thrones and a white transparent cloth about five feet from the thrones with the designs of flower petals. The five children gulped as they were made to sit in seiza, they felt their legs going numb. On the thrones, sat the general, the king, and two more individuals. A woman who wore the mask of an Oni and the other the mask of a fox. Their names, Lady Beast, the one with the Oni mask, and Lady Flier, the one with the fox. The General spoke.

"My name is Lord Tiger." The kids quickly looked down to not show their laughter, "Yeah, I know. Shut it." He rolled his eyes, "You kids have been brought in for questioning by our king, King Phoenix."

"Here with us is Lady Beast, who is in charge of the West part of the city. Lady Flier, who is is in charge of the east. I'm in charge of the South and our King, of the north he watches over everyone." Lord Tiger said and King Phoenix nodded in the spoke.

"Today, you kids caused quite a ruckus." The children gulped, "A strange magic circle that looks like an eye with multiple magic runes and then you children fall out of it? Tch, tch, tch." He shook his head a bit, "Are kids spies of the Grimleal or that Cult of The Fallen?"

"NO!" All do the quickly stood up, "We would never be a part of them! They killed my father and mother!" Bernadetta yelled and Ryo looked at them furiously, "AS IF WE JOIN THOSE MONSTERS!"

"Oh, you say that but aren't you kids monsters yourselves?" King Phoenix grinned, "Human nature is to destroy but to also create. Hmm..." he hummed as he leaned forward, "After all, didn't you kids see someone who you care about as a monster when they took manners into their own hands?" He sneered.

Why he was saying such a thing? Because the one called Bernadetta reminded him of a certain woman in his old home. One that taught him magic and such. The children froze and seem he hit a taboo subject to them. Should he continue? Yes. He crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hand, his smile becoming cruel as he continued to speak.

"Someone who stood by your kid's side. Someone who most likely put on a front because they do not want you all to see how broken they were. Then wanted to ensure you all were okay. They gladly accepted that you would, spit, burn, and hate the, with all your hearts. But to them, it didn't matter, as long as you kids made it out alive." And his fan snapped open, his eyes cold, "They gave their lives to make sure you all lived yet you only saw them as monsters!"

"I think that's enough." Lady Beast spoke as she turned her head towards him, "They're kids. But you have a point." She turned to look back to them, "You kids have regrets, don't you?" They remained silent, "If you regret the way you treated this person, you should atone for your mistakes here." She said and they looked confused.

"You children are still under suspicion." Lady Flier spoke, "I, Lady Flier, hereby announce that I will have the Pegasus Knight, Cynthia, under my wing." And the children yelled "What?!"

"First off," Lord Tiger spoke, "Right now, Valm is in war. You kids won't survive a week out there. Let alone with how active The Fallen have been. Especially because you guys got Taguel. They'll come after you all." Yarne whimpered.

"And, just based on how dirty you kids are, you are all pretty tried. But even if you wish to head to Ylisse, you wouldn't be able to. Walhart has all the borders of Valm closed. No one can get in or out of Valm. So, you're stuck here." Lord Phoenix sighed, "As king, I have decided you will stay under our wings. And based on your kid's armor, you seemed pretty skilled." He chuckled as they frantically tried to speak.

"Wait, what do you mean we'll be under your wing?!"

"How can we trust you?!"

"I don't want to die!"

"Bernie will dig a hole and bury herself..."

"Come on man!"

"Silence!" King Phoenix roared and the room went silent as he stood up from his throne, "As my friend said before, you kids won't survive a day out there. Walhart especially won't show any mercy to outsiders. It doesn't matter if you're a child, he will kill you." He said and sat back down closing his fan as he pointed to them, "Now, answer my questions? Who are you kids really?"

They were hesitant but they nodded. The first one to speak was Ryo, who bowed along with Bernadetta.

"Ryo von Ordelia Fraldarius and this is my twin sister, Bernadetta von Ordelia Fraldarius." Ryo muttered and the girl nodded but was avoiding eye contact.

"Children of two fallen Houses. Interesting. I thought they were all dead except that mage." Lady Flier whispered to him.

"Brady von Themis of House Themis."

"Y-Yarne of Ylisse."

"Cynthia von Shelia of House Shelia! Pegasus Knight in training!"

"The rest of the kids are obviously from Ylisse. The other two are Valentia Houses." Lord Tiger said.

"Okay, looks like you kids got some spunk." King Phoenix chuckled, "Bernadetta and Ryo." The twins looked up, "You two will be under my wings. Brady, Lord Tiger will have you. And Yarne, you will stay with Lady Beast." He said and the children looked a each other.

"Don't worry. You kids will still be able to see each other." He chuckled, "Of course, you will help us in keeping watch of this place. Oh and, for your sake, make sure they stay away from the Tea Houses and Theaters." He said.

He didn't want to deal with kids losing their innocence when they learn exactly why this kingdom was called, The City of Pleasure.

"Sadly, you're not going to be able to shield them from that." Lady Beast sighed, "They're old enough to know about prostitution and sex."

The girls became pale.

"No, we are not going to make you kids do that!" The ladies quickly said because they saw how the boys quickly got into protective stances, "Like the king said, you kids will guard the city."

[—-]

Phoenix was silent as he stared out to the city from his balcony. The maids were silent as they brought his meal and one walked up, bowing.

"My Lord, we received a message." He turned to her, "The Resistance forces in the west of Chon'sin has fallen. Lady Say'ri is currently on the run." She said and a flash of worry passed through his eyes.

"Anything else?" He asked and the maid seemed hesitant but nodded.

"The Gem...Vert. It's gone missing." And he quickly turned to her shocked.

"What?! Does Walhart have it?! It was reported he took it as a prize when he took over Chon'sin!" He said and the woman began shaking.

"M- My lord...I wish we knew more but our spies confirmed that Vert is no longer under Walhart's grasp. The Tactician of his is in a full panic and his men are desperately searching for it. They think it might have been an inside job." The woman whimpered and he gritted his teeth, running his fingers through his hair as he looked out back to the city.

"Anything else?" He hissed and the woman nodded.

"There are rumors that the Saint has returned."

- Saint -

Her green eyes were dull as she gently held the green pearl size gem in her hands as if it would shatter at any moment. The young woman smiled softly as she held it to her chest. She was covered in dirt, grime, and blood as she hid underneath a tree. She used magic to hide the presence of the gem she held in her hands. It was a pretty thing. She wondered how such a small thing could hold such power.

"Cough!" She coughed, some blood she spits and made a cross-movement in the air, opening a small space rift.

"It's best you remain hidden." She whispered and put the gem in, closing the space.

She sighed and carefully looked through the crack of a tree. She needed to hitch a ride to Chon'sin, it's where her husband is. She wondered if she was making the right decision, staying by his side despite how he betrayed his family. She sighed again and saw the coast was clear for her to get out of hiding. She began to walk normally, the nearest village should be at least two hours away. From there, she should be able to take a carriage to get to Chon'sin and possibly get some information about what has been going on lately.

"Hisss!" She hissed no looked down to her left hand, it was trembling yet she couldn't feel her pinky anymore, "Dammit...Cough!" She coughed again and forced herself to walk.

Just as she was staring, the sound of hives galloping was heard and she looked behind, seeing at least a group of 10 samurai baring the banner of Riegal pass by her but suddenly one person stopped their horse and the group also stopped.

"Whoa!" The warrior pulled the reins and the horse snorted but stopped near her.

She was silent and the samurai spoke, his voice shocked because he recognized her.

"Lady Iris!" He quickly got down and the woman raised an eyebrow.

"Do I...know you?" She muttered and the man quickly took off his helmet, revealing a man in his late 20's, "It's me! Ayato!" Her eyes went wide and he knelt, "Lady Iris, we are glad you are alive! Lord Yen'Fay and all us thought...that..." he gritted his teeth and her eyes were void of emotions.

"Ayato, do not bow. Please rise," she looked to the others who were also bowing, "all of you."

Iris sighed and looked at him.

"Are you all heading to Chon'sin?" She asked and he nodded.

"Yes My Lady. We've been summoned back to the castle. I'm glad you are well y—" the woman suddenly went into a coughing fit, many looking at her worried, "Are you alright? How long have you've been out here?" He asked as one of his men handed her a cloak to put on, which she gladly accepted.

She put it on and quickly put on the hood to hide her identity. Especially since she learned The Fallen and The Grimleal were hunting her down. Ayato helped her up against his horse and he got on. All his men were sworn to silence about her identity.

"I have been...wandering for a year and a half. Since the day Chon'sin was taken over." She whispered as he handed her one of the medical bills she had made for him and his men and she swallowed it dry, "I've been helping civilians. Sigh..."

"Is my husband alright?" She asked the man and Ayato nodded as they rode past a village.

"Lord Yen'feyi was been put in charge of Chon'sin by Lord Walhart." Ayato said bitterly but he was a loyal man to Yen'fey, one of the few who knew the truth for his lord siding with the tyrant.

"Any news on Say'ri?" She asked and Ayato shook his head, "Sigh..." she turned to look towards the horizon, they were at least another day away from the gate of Chon'sin, her home. Say'ri was a close friend of hers and it hurts that her friend needs to believe she is dead.

[—]

The gate of Chon'sin didn't have the welcoming feeling as before when she first arrived on this land. She remembered her first day, the people surprised she could speak their native tongue, especially since she was an outsider at the time. The city wasn't as lively as before, there were still people that walked around but most stayed inside because of the guards that walked around making sure everything was in place. For the people of Chon'sin, they should believe she died during the regicide. She touched her face and used magic to change her appearance to a woman of dark purple straight hair and purple eyes, and feather hair clips. A shrine maiden of the God Of Thunder, also known as the Thunder Dragon, once lived in these lands before Duma and Mila came here. She removed her hood, no one would recognize her. Only her husband and his closet and her closet generals will. They arrived at the palace entrance where they were allowed in. The throne room of Chon'sin was decorated in colors of white and gold. Armors of samurai displayed and the end of the room, her husband stood surrounded by his generals but he seemed...angry.

"Lord Yen'fay! We have returned!" Ayato announced as he and his men saluted and she did a polite bow, "I have come to report that the rebel army of the West has been defeated. The rebels we've captured have been taken to the labor fields in the mines.

"Ah...That's right." Her eyes became half-lidded, "The punishments in Chon'sin are stripping swordsman of their sword for rebellion and sent to the mines to work in harsh conditions and labor for the rest of their lives." She thought and she looked back up.

She narrowed her eyes a bit as she looked at the plump fat man who looked like a woman, wearing red and gold robes of a tactician of Valm.

"Oh, and who is this fair maiden?" Ah, she remembered, this fate pig is named Excellus, "Those clothing, did those of the Shrine of Baal have finally chosen to join Walhart?" He laughed, she wanted to cut his throat.

"My name is Sayuka, I am Shrine Maiden of The Temple of Baal." She spoke calmly as she closed her eyes, noticing how her husband twitched, "My fellow maidens have long left Valm. For I am the last one that currently remains. I believe Lord Walhart has shown the true strength that Lord Baal bestows upon warriors for conquest. Thus, I have decided to aid his cause." She spoke the lies so smoothly.

"I see." Excellus chuckled, "But I thought you are at odds with The Fallen?"

"That may be so but just this once, I will be in a truce with them if it means helping Valm be returned to its former glory." She said and the tactician grinned.

"Oh, I like her! She will serve you will Yen'fey. And do not forget our conversation." The man smiled and left the castle with his Mages.

They waited for a bit till she turned to her and motioned him and his generals to follow him to the war room. The walk to it was silent and suffocating till they finally reach the room. The door locks, magic barrier up, she undid her disguise and ran into her husband's arms.

Yen'fey let a rare smile appear on his lips as she hugged his wide tightly, his generals and her generals nodding.

"I missed you." She whispered as few tears fell and she looked up to him, "You look so pale. You have dark circles under your eyes. Have you've been eating?" She said and the man gently took her hand.

"It has been difficult." Yen'fey sighed a bit, "I thought you were dead." She shook her head.

"It'll take more than that to k—Cough! Cough! Cough!"

"Iris!" Yen'fay quickly held her, panicked that her coughing fit was getting worse, "Ami!"

A plumb young yet pretty young woman quickly ran to her side and placed her hand on her back. She cast the spell recover, allowing energy to return but it only made her feel a bit relieved.

"I guess I should tell you that for some reason...I lost all sensation on the pinky of my left hand." She coughed and they quickly had her sit down.

"What did you just say?" Ami slowly looked to her, "Did you just...say...?" She looked towards the other general and Yan'fei whose color drained from his face.

"What are your other symptoms?" Ami whispered and Iris smiled sadly.

"I've been...coughing blood. At the time I feel my arms go numb." She muttered and Ami whimpered, "I...don't know what is happening to me. I'm a doctor. For once I'm stumped."

Time is ticking.

- Children of Disgraced -

She was silent she walked up the stone stairs that were hidden in the trunk of the Mila Tree. Seeing the tree before it was burned to ashes by Grima's flames, was beautiful. The lush green leaves like small gems that glistened in the sun. The water droplets on them kept the place warm and moist. The flowers bloomed on the stairs for each step she took but speaking to The Voice was not her goal.

"Oniyuri! Please...huff...Slow down!"

She looked down and blinked when she saw her friend was 5 steps behind. He was panting and trying to catch his breath. Pink-colored long curly hair tried in a high ponytail, blue-colored eyes that looked like sapphires, and the clothing she wore was a black long coat with the brand of Naga on the back, black pants with black boots.

"Eden." Her voice was calm and monotone, "We're almost at the top. I need to get the flower."

Eden raised his hand and she waited a few more minutes to let him rest. She looked up, seeing the number of stairs that led to the top, still left.

"Sigh...What pain in the ass." She mumbled and handed him her canteen of water, which he gladly accepted, "I am not interested in speaking to The Voice. I want the blue spider lily." She said and Eden nodded.

"You are set on that flower." Eden muttered as he handed her back the canteen, "We just barely got here. I think we should look for the others." He said and she shook her head as they continued going up.

"Refuse to look at the others after what they did to Sophia and Yune. And I definitely won't forgive [-] for a long time." Her voice was cold as she continued to walk.

"He had a mother. He had a mother who put on a strong facade because she didn't want her son to see her suffering. But he thought of her as a cold woman. If...she was a mother...I..." she gritted her teeth.

"Stop." He gently placed his hand on her shoulder, "Your mana is leaking. Deep breaths."

She nodded and took a deep breath and then out for a few seconds before she once again had her calm demeanor.

"You're right. I need to control my temper. You know..." she chuckled softly as they started walking away, "Sophia and my father used to tell me stories of my mother. They would tell me my mother loved baking and making potions. That she loved archery and would do crazy magic tricks." She glanced at the bow on her back.

A beautiful thing it is. Made of ancient metals and gold. The color of black and the shape reminds her of a crescent moon. The shield was similar to it. She wore it on her right arm.

"This bow used to be used by our great-great-great-grandfather and the sword I have now by my great-great-great-grandmother. Ah...father would tell me that mother liked making perfume." She chuckled and he smiled sadly to her.

"Do you think Sophia will be able to figure out a cure for the disease your mother passed away from?" He whispered and she nodded.

"She will. She has to. She was able to find a cure 10 years after the death of my mother. Now, that we're here, I'm going to make sure that process is sped up." She gently touched the small tome in her pocket, "And the herb to make that cure, grows only in the garden of the Mila tree and in the Mountains of Baal near Riegal."

At least another hour or two had passed and they finally reached the top. Eden looked ready to pass out at any moment while Oniyuri still looked fresh as the breeze. But their breath was cut away when they saw the beautiful sight at the top. It was as if they arrived at a different land. There were old temples and buildings covered in vines and moss. Flowers and plants of all kings growing beautiful. Yet, the main center of attention was the temple where The Voice slept. Oniyuri looked to Eden and shook her head and both turned away from the temple, heading towards the ancient ruins where the plants grew to the fullest. They were silent as they walked, seeing a small river and bird chirping a song. Oniyuri couldn't help but smile softly as she looked around, even did a small twirl.

"I have never felt so refreshed here in my life." Eden said and he was particularly glowing, "The magic particles in the air seemed to cleanse my body of magic impurities. It's been a while since I've felt...what was the word my mother used again...Ah! Good!" Oniyuri couldn't help but smile and give him a peck on the cheek.

"I'm glad you feel good, love." She smiled and he kissed her back.

"Come on. I think the flower should be up ahead." Eden said and they continued to walk ahead.

The forest only seemed to turn a bit darker but it only made the sight more beautiful as some of the flowers were luminescent in the dark. Some glowed blue, others yellow, and a few purples. Even the beautiful Crystalflies looked like stars as they slowly flapped their wings. She looked around, seeing rare herbs but her sights landed on a field of flowers with blue petals yet they glowed purple and green.

"There!" She quickly ran up to the field and got on her knees, "This is it...Blue Spider Lily!" She wanted to cry.

The flower in her time was burned to extinction by Grima's flames. Her aunt was able to make a few flowers bloom because of the two seeds the girl was able to save. Now, she could save her mother. She could finally save and meet her mother. She took a deep breath, clearing her mind.

Blue Spider lilies are just like Glaze Lilies. For them to boom and have the strongest effect, you must sing. Glaze lilies are native to Chon 'sin, Ferox, and Ylisse, so the songs you want to sing in the pentatonic scale. However, Blue Spider Lilies are different in a way. They are only native to the Mila tree and Riegal. The only reason I was able to make a few flower bloom here in Archanea is that I was able to replicate the temperature of the environment. But back to the topic. The songs the Blue Spider Lily responds to are sung in heptatonic or seven-note scale.

Sing with grace

Enter the disgrace

Come with me

To the Lily of Trees

On the way, you shall see

The lonely Lily sing with me

Sing with me

Enter the disgrace

Sing with me

At the Valley of lilies

Away we go

Far away

Come with me, to the lilies of tress

Sing with me a song of love

Sing with me a song of disgrace

To the lilies floating away

Sing with me the songs of blue

The petals fall one by one

Sing with me the song of lilies

For the lone Lily at the field cries in blue

Sing with me the song of disgrace

The lilies of blue weep away

For the lone Lily shall cry away

The petals of the blue flower began to open up like spider legs. The center of the flower released small blue seeds that looked like petals. The pollen of the flower had a light blue color. Thankfully, she had her hand around the flower to keep the seeds from falling onto the ground. She will take those with her. Eden also helped pick a few. Out of respect, they only picked 12 and from those, they harvested the seeds and pollen.

"We did it." Oniyuri's smiled quiver, "Sophia will be able to save my mother." She sobbed and Eden smiled sadly at her.

"We'll find a way to get to Archanea." He nodded and she smiled softly at him.

She looked back to the flower, gently holding it to her chest.

"Soon mother...Soon..."

[—]

And that's a wrap to Xenolouge 2! Here, I have added a few more clues to who the Einherjar is as well as what went on in the doomed timeline. And, what is going on with the rest of the future kids?

Also, I have now given you all a look at Future Sophia's personality.

Look forward to the upcoming chapters! Y'all can find me on discord along with several other authors as we chat, world build, help each other without fics, and such!

Come Join the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord Server! Discord code is: 9XG3U7a