I am immensely relieved that the first round is over in this arc. That means about half the battles are done, and it means about halfway to go. Also, thank you guys for over 1000 views on this story so far! You guys are awesome!

Dynamis: I'm surprise you actually got them done. Battles are your weak spot in writing, am I correct?

Do I have to stick a pichu in your hair again?

Dynamis: Alright, I'll shut up. You and those freaking pichus!

What can I say, they're too adorable not to have as my mascot.

Dynamis: That, and it's cause of the fact that your first drawing that you posted on Deviantart was of me with a Pichu in my hair!

That too.

Dynamis:...I give up.

Anyways everyone, enjoy the chapter, even if it is a break from the battles! I don't own MFB, and all OCs belong to their respective owners.

Chapter 14 Alliances in the Night

"I'm really surprised you wanted to talk to me Shiro. I would've thought your current king would have stopped you."

Shiro chuckled as he and Yukina walked down the streets of Prism, enjoying the night-life and the breaks that they had between battles. The two had decided to ignore the fact that their teams were to face each other the next day, settling for just a day of relaxing and relieving stress in the Kingdom of Electricity. "Well while I have loyalties to Obscure, my own loyalties lie within my heart, and within Stratos. I could never betray my home kingdom, especially your mother, my aunt. She taught me a lot over the years." Shiro admitted, ruffling the wind princess' hair.

"So she did forgive you for your self exile then? I remember mother telling me why you left." Yukina explained, earning a nod from her former guard.

"Yeah. She understood why I left. It's a complete relief though, knowing that some burdens have been lifted. Although I have to ask something."

"Go ahead."

"How's Cerise doing? I'm sure my younger sister's missed having me around."

Yukina smiled at Shiro's question. Cerise Mizukami was her younger cousin, just a year or two younger than her with white hair and ocean green eyes. The younger was a budding wind mage, and she had been tutoring her younger cousin in the art of crystal wind magic. "Believe me, I understand that feeling completely. But as to the answer of your question, she's doing fine. Cerise just turned 15 last month."

"Oh what a relief that is. Besides you, she's been on my mind seeing how she was always glued to our sides when we were kids."

A chuckle escaped the young woman's lips as Shiro pulled out a yo-yo and tossed it around, earning the cheers of a few children in the process, "I see you still have the yo-yo I gave you."

"No matter where I went, I brought it with me. I enjoyed seeing children smile when I performed tricks with it, so I took it up as a hobby, and I later created a few for combat purposes." Shiro explained as he retracted the yo-yo and waved goodbye to the small crowd of children before continuing to speak, "I did try to keep my reputation as Stratos' Skywalker, even after I left."

"Well it seems your skills have improved since then. You had me and most of the crowd captured under your skills of performance." Yukina pointed out as they walked to a small food cart and sat down to wait for a waiter to come over, "So what exactly did you want to talk to me about? You seemed a little hesitant to tell me with a lot of people around."

Shiro gave a sort of half frown before lowering his voice to a whisper. "I know who's trying to awaken Nocturne." Yukina's eyes widened as her cousin continued, "They're known as the rogues of Chaos, and they're mostly a group of elemental warriors and mages who have felt wronged in life. I wasn't sure whether to tell you, since my girlfriend, Chrona, is a part of the group, and the two of us have been close for years. But then something happened within the past 2 weeks or so that is a cause for concern."

"What happened? Did it have to do with the pulses of death magic?

"Actually it has to do with something that is a lot closer to home than either of us might expect." Yukina felt a bit of dread emerge as Shiro spoke up. "Nozomi's gone rogue. Both of us probably should've expected it sooner or later, but it's still something I thought I should tell you. She's with the same group that that one guy with the whip you saw earlier."

"She's not happy is she?" A shake of the head escaped Shiro, and Yukina sighed, "I understand how she feels on the situation. But I also know that a lot of it is her own fault. Well, mostly the crown princess situation was. The Paladin ceremony was something both of us didn't expect when I was chosen. She's jealous, and we all know what happens when she's mad."

"Nozomi's a loose cannon. She may have the aura of a leader, but she's too forceful on others." Shiro pointed out, earning a nod of agreement as a waiter came to take orders before leaving to retrieve their food. "Although I have to admit, I was surprise you were chosen as a Paladin little cousin. But after seeing you in combat, I can tell the charm made the right decision. Did you start training after I left?"

"With Strike, the storm dragon of Stratos. It was a lot of work, but I wanted to become stronger, so that I wouldn't become a burden on anyone or cause anyone pain. I may be still that little girl that still gets lost a lot, but I know to follow my heart to make a path for myself."

"Speak for yourself Princess," Frost stated in a sarcastic voice as he appeared, "I'm still helping guide you around castles cause you get lost within the buildings."

"F-Frost!" Shiro gave a slight smile as their food arrived, and he found himself growing content with seeing Yukina at peace. The young woman had matured quite a lot compared to how she used to be, and that made him happy that Yukina had grown stronger. Speaking of young women though...

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, if Noir approaches you, don't freak out. She's on our side." Shiro stated, catching the attention of the crown princess of Stratos in the process, "She looks like one of the loyalest members of Caspian's group, but there's a lot more to her story than what everyone thinks. Noir's just looking for the same thing as both us and Lucas."

"What's that?" Yukina asked, a little curious at the answer to her question.

"Have you ever heard of the name Amethysia Kagami Cosmina?"

"Yeah, the former crown princess of Obscure who went missing after her father was assassinated... Wait, are you saying-" Shiro put a finger to his lips, and Yukina nodded, "So she's looking for answers and proof of Caspian's evil deeds, and he doesn't even know?"

"That's right. Although I'm a little worried about her progress right now. She went to reveal herself to Lucas and Wales as well. We figured that it might be a good idea if we formed an alliance with you guys, seeing as we're both for the same thing. And as much as she seemed sadistic to be near at first, she's actually a lot easier to enter a conversation with compared to her alias. After all, we all have similar goals that are all connected with one thing."

"Caspian Mckandless."

"That's right. We all want to expose Caspian for who he is. Queen Glacia and Amethysia want to prove that he was responsible for the former king's death, and Wales and Lucas want to expose their father's true ways."

"Thank you for accompany me to your Paladin's room, Milady. I feel a bit more reassured with you being at my side, seeing how I under the guise of Caspian's right hand woman."

Amethysia watched Queen Glacia nod her head as they walked through the halls of Prism, a large container at her side. The true crown princess had approached the Queen of Cryos firsthand to reveal herself. It had taken the revolution of showing her crest to the queen, and after a few other questions that needed answering, Glacia believed that she was who she said she was.

"You are a very honest person Amethysia. Mizore and I's mother, Hanakaze, was a good friend of your father before his untimely death. It would be dishonorable to not help a close friend of the family." Glacia pointed out as they walked, taking note of the container in her companion's hand. "What exactly is in that container though?"

"A peace offering, if you could call it that. From my spying days I found out that Lucas liked ice cream, so I thought it would make a somewhat decent peace offering. Father would probably scold me with how weak it is though, if he was still alive," Amethysia admitted, watching Glacia give a chuckle.

"Oh it isn't that unordinary. Food was often a peace offering to people who were suffering from drought many centuries ago, and occasionally it is still used in some of the cities of our kingdoms. You just need to learn more about the past, to prepare for the future, dear Amethysia."

"Thank you for the wise words milady. I shall keep them in mind."

"Where is Yukina? We need to be discussing strategies for the next round of the tournament!" Luke was pacing the room. He was tossing a silver blade with a black leather grip up and down while walking.

"Can't you come up with a strategy?" Sophie asked, legs crossed. "You came up with one pretty well for our first round."

"Can you please stop with the knife flipping?!" Wales exclaimed, visible eyebrow twitching, "It's unnerving that you can do that without really thinking about it!"

Luke paused in his pacing, knife landing back in his palm. Without blinking, he purposely flipped the knife again, and continued pacing.

Eirlys laughed from her perch on the back of the chair. Sophie giggled and Wales facepalmed, muttering under his breath.

There was a knock on their door, but Luke kept pacing.

"Come in!" Sophie called, and the door opened, and in stepped Queen Glacia.

"You have a visitor. I ask you to hear you out before you judge her," Glacia said, and stepped to the side. "Sophie, would you come with me?"

Luke stopped dead in his tracks as Noir walked in. Sophie was on her feet, and Wales pulled himself into a defensive stance. Eirlys screeched and swooped forward, landing on Luke's shoulder and fluffing herself up.

"I'll leave you alone. Sophie?" Glacia called, and the blunette hesitated a moment, before following the queen out the door. The door shut behind her.

Luke twirled the knife in his hands, and it grew in length, until he was holding his weapon of choice, a black staff embedded with diamonds and a sharp sapphire on the top. He thrust it forward, a growl building in his throat.

"Why should we trust you?" Luke's eyes narrowed, the point of his staff at Noir's throat.

"I understand your reservations... But your father didn't reach his position of power so easily, did he Lucas McKandless?" Noir tilted her head, "No, he killed my father to get there."

"Your father- the former king?" Wales looked over Luke's shoulder, "But... you're not his daughter-"

Wales cut off as Noir's image fell away, and Amythesia took her place. She backed away slowly, gripping the end of Luke's staff and pushing it away.

"I have nothing against either of you. Or anyone else. My qualms lie with the current king of Obscure, who has taken my rightful place as ruler of Obscure. And I know neither of you want that position as well."

Luke and Wales exchanged glances, and Luke stepped back, lowering his staff. He twisted a gem on it, and it collapsed back into the knife it was earlier.

Wales relaxed as well.

"What's in it for us if we help you?" Luke asked.

"Freedom." She answered, "And... I've seen you both in action. Your smarts and bravery... I'd be willing to offer you high position ranks in Obscure's Court. If you will accept. If you don't, I promise you safe passage always through Obscure, and places of rest in the palace."

"What's in the container?" Eirlys asked, and the two McKandless' attention were drawn the icy box under Amethesia's arm.

The girl looked slightly embarrassed, and she held out the container of ice cream to Luke, "For you. It's a... A, uh, peace offering, with the hope that you'll listen to me more? I noticed from the days I was spying on you that you like ice cream, a lot."

Luke eyed the container, suspiciously, before abruptly snatching it and retreating behind Wales. He put the knife up his sleeve, and a spoon made of ice appeared in his hand and he dug into the ice cream. He sat down on the couch.

Eirlys hopped up on to the back of the couch, and shook her head at her mage's attitude, "Lucas, ice cream isn't the best thing for you..."

"Like I could care right now," Luke waved his spoon at her.

Wales turned back to Amethesia, and he stepped to the side, "Come in, your majesty. It seems we have a lot to discuss."

"I can see now that being a spy for Caspian has it's perks. I get to see the insides of the kingdoms, learn their secrets, and train to defeat them when the time comes."

Aria chuckled to herself as she and Nozomi walked down the hallways of Prism. As much as the woman next to her had a temper and a slightly bitter attitude, she was a very mature woman who had her own likes and hobbies. Having visited Stratos many times in the past alongside the Queen of Cryos, Aria considered herself the closest as a friend to the older princess of Stratos.

"I personally agree that you were cheated out of Stratos line my dear friend. You have an aura of a leader to you Nozomi." Aria pointed out, Nozomi giving a smug smile as they walked.

"No wonder why you are one of Aunt Glacia's best advisors. You have more reason than every featherbrained idiot in my family's kingdom combined." Nozomi retorted, Aria covering her mouth to prevent full out laughter from escaping her mouth, "So why are we being summoned to Caspian?"

"As a progressive update. Usually I send Bliss to pass along my progress to the king monthly, but since we are close by it doesn't really matter. Besides, it's been a while since I've been face to face with him." Nozomi watched Aria smirk as they stopped in front of a room, before clearing their throats, "Those who hide in the shadows of darkness and night..."

"Hide obscured by the illumination of day and light." Caspian finished behind the door as Nozomi stood up straighter, "You may enter, Aria, Nozomi."

Aria gave a nod as they entered, where Caspian sat with a glass of wine in his hand, before closing the door. "I trust your mission in Cryos has been well, Aria?" The king of Obscure asked, his icy eyes trained on the fencer.

"A tad colder this year. But being born in Cryos, it is something I am used to, your majesty. I thought to present my monthly update to you personally, since the distance between is not so far as usual." Aria explained, and Caspian gave a nod to continue, "I've heard bits and pieces from a conversation between Glacia and Mizore. It seems the two Queens, as well as Yuko and Hiro of both Vivia and Serene respectively, are going to be escorting the paladins and guards to Serene to do more research on how to prevent Nocturne's revival."

"As expected. To progress in one's plans, proper precautions must be taken to allow no mistakes." Caspian pointed out, both women nodding in agreement, "Are the others following the plan we have set now?"

"They are acting as expected to, your majesty. Though I must point out that Hiram has been keeping an eye on the Paladin of Metal." Nozomi added.

"Again, very understandable, given his past with Ninel. Just remind him not to act without accordance. Your orders remain the same as the others Nozomi. Lie low until I give the signal to act. We must remain in the shadows of secrecy if we want our plans for the final to be perfect."

"Of course, your majesty. If I may take my leave now."

"Go right ahead. Aria, you are dismissed as well."

Both women gave nods as they left the room, remembering to close the door behind them. Caspian's smirk turned malicious as he took another of his drink, before turning his attention to the chessboard next to him. "All of the pieces of my plan have assembled. And the best part of this? Not a single ruler of Trinity has a clue that one of their own is a founder of their enemies!"

"So despite the whole spying situation now, how is life in Obscure? I heard it has it's own beauty, like every kingdom."

Shiro smiled as he and Yukina finished their food. "It is a kingdom of the night, the beauty of it scene in the shadows that reflect of the light. It has good architecture though. You should see the black and purple windows of the palace. As for life though, it is known to be hit with its misfortunes at times. But it's not all bad." Shiro explained as they stood up and paid for the food, "I'm currently taking care of two children who's mother passed away. I actually asked Aunt Glacia if she could help with the situation on making sure they're taken care of."

"I'm sure that she will. Aunt Glacia is a very generous person, and I'm sure she'll figure something out."

"You and Glacia are the same. You'll make a very good ruler of Trinity someday Yukina," Shiro pointed out as Yukina blushed in embarrassment. "Have you gotten your Crown Jewel yet? I mean you did turn 16 not to long ago, am I correct?"

That's right." Yukina paused as she tugged the pendant around her neck into view, and Shiro gazed at the tanzan aura quartz embedded in a rainbow-like metal that was shaped into a feather, "As you recall, all of the crowned heirs of Trinity go on a search for their crown jewel when they turn 16, as a part of coming of age for us. Mine was hidden in Tempora."

"Figured. All heirs of Stratos have their crown jewels forged in Tempora."

Yukina chuckled silently, before noticing someone ahead of them waving at their direction. She was maybe a year or two older than Shiro, and had spring green hair, fair skin, and emerald green eyes. Her attire consisted of a bright green dress that reached her ankles, a dark green robe over it, and a pair of green colored heels. On her wrist she could see a flower rune in the shape of a green lily flower. A mage of Vivia? Has to be, she's got a flower rune on her. "Hey Shiro, do you know that person?"

Shiro looked in the direction that Yukina was gesturing to, and immediately he gave a smile. "Chrona, over here!"

Chrona gave a bright smile as she walked over to the duo, her heels clicking as she walked. "I though I recognized you there Shiro. I'm really glad with how your team won today." The woman stated as she reached them, before giving Shiro a hug, "You really do live up to your reputation as the skywalker of Stratos."

Yukina noticed her cousin give a small smile, his cheeks flushed in embarrassment, before placing a hand behind his head. "It really wasn't much Chrona. I wasn't aware you were there watching though."

"Of course I was. I never pass up the chance to see my boyfriend in action."

A giggle escaped Yukina as Shiro's blush deepened, and the white haired male turned to address her. "Yukina, this my girlfriend Chrona, one of the advisors of Obscure. Chrona, this Crown Princess Yukina Fubuki, my younger cousin and the heir to the throne of Stratos." The male explained as he stepped back, allowing the two to shake hands.

"So you're Shiro's younger cousin. You are a bit young for your age, but after seeing you in action today, I can see why you were chosen as crown princess." The older woman stated as she gave a bow, to which Yukina mimicked as well.

"I am glad you think so. The royal family is not a family to take lightly."

"So I can see after watching this battle."

Chrona faked a smile as she conversed with the princess of Stratos. But that does not mean you mean that you are a match for me.

I'm gonna say this right here and now, Thank you to Queen for the work on the scene between Lucas, Amethysia, and Wales, because she did a great job on this. Queen also helps beta-read these chapters, so check out some of her stories as well if you get the chance.

We do get a bit of history from Shiro and Yukina this chapter, with a bit of Tempora's duties (More of this will be explained in chapter 17). Tempora's duties as a whole are varied, but one of the biggest duties for the blacksmiths is the forging of the crown jewels for every kingdoms. Some of the crown jewels of each kingdom are produced in Tempora specifically, most of these being aura quartz crystals. Why this is, is due to how aura quartz crystals are made in real life, as well as several other stones (A good example of this is Mystic Topaz). I'll actually be explaining more on this as well in chapter 17.

Not all of the crown jewels are hidden in Tempora for the coming of age journeys, but almost all of them are produced in the metal kingdom.

Dynamis: I was expecting this chapter to be a bit longer.

It's not a battle chapter Dynamis. I've already come to terms that the battle chapters are gonna be long as heck compared to the filler chapters.

Dynamis: Fair enough. I'm still sore from last chapter's battle though.

I didn't put you through much last chapter Dynamis.

Anyways, for my questions of the day, which teams do you think will make it to the finals in chapter 18? In case you need a reminder on the battle pairings, it's Team Emily vs Team Lucas, and Team Aurora vs Team Dynamis. I'm personally keeping my opinions quiet for this, cause I might reveal something if I do say something.

And for question number 2, what do you think of the character art for the stories so far and who is your favorite so far? This relates to my Deviantart (EternalNexusWarrior on there), where I've been posting drawings of my OCs on there. I've also posted a sheet with a dozen of the pins, badges, crown jewels, and charms of Trinity on there (Including Amethysia and Yukina's crown jewels.), and I'll be taking requests for some of them in the future as well.

Finally for the 3rd question, what do you think Caspian has planned for the day of the final? Let's just say I'm gonna be evil as heck with that part. No character deaths though.

That's all for this chapter though. Until next chapter, this is Warrior signing out. See ya guys on the other side of the nexus!

Go check on the poll I have for my penname if you get time. we do have a few votes so far, so after chapter 20/21, it'll post another poll for the final choices if we have a tie.