Author's Note: Last time we left off, things were start to take in Duscur as a new faction begins to make their move. Moreover, Catherine's group was attacked by unknown assailants which could spell immense trouble. Also, those people that Chatz'axyutl saw earlier sounded a bit... wheezy if you know what i'm saying, right? Welp, there's also Lord Lonato going missing...strange, at this moment, he should be mustering up a rebellion in which would've been cut down. As is seen last chapter, something fishy is about to come up, and it would probably be something that the Lizardmen have encountered before.

Oh! We haven't had anyone say the disclaimer in a little while, haven't we? Well, I got Nax'ih-chek right here to say it... so, take it away, Big Croco-chungus

Nax'ih-Chek: Thank...You. Warhammer.. belongs... to Games... Workshop. and. Fire Emblem.. belongs. to. Intelligent Systems. Everything thing. else... belongs to.. their... respective creators.

Thank You, Nax'ih-Chek!

Anyways, as always, without further or do, i give to you:

The next chapter of The Crests of the Saurian!

Ketsalku, Dragon Isles

Ever since the creation of the newly formed Dragon Isles from the world-that-was, the Children of the Old Ones have been at constant work, having already created a new Temple-City in the form of Ketsalku, The City of the Phoenix, as like how the Phoenix burns in death, so shall it rise from the ashes once more... and also a remembrance of one of the other races created by the Old Ones themselves, the sleek and graceful race of humanoid beings known as the Elves.

However, things were much simpler back in those times before the series of catastrophic events known as the End Times lead to the destruction of the world-that-was. And ever since, the Lizardmen have since founded their own goals, ones that while they may deviate from the original Great Plan of the Old Ones, they will create a new one to carry on the magnificent and all-seeing legacy of their creators in the hopes that one day in the far future, the other races of order that either survived or were recreated in some form can be found to form up a full-fledged coalition to finally find a way to utterly eradicate the corrupting and corrosive influences of the Legions of Chaos and their foul gods.

...That is, at least that's what Yuri thinks of it all after it was explained to him by some strange reptile/humanoid creatures... somehow. Even now, he was still perplexed and ,at the same time, on the verge of going to a corner in the fetal position wailing and hoping by the Goddess that he, or any of the Abyssians never have to be in the Lizardmen's crosshairs or being on their shit-list of things to ruthlessly, brutally, and rather violently kill, maim, sacrifice, eviscerate, brutalize, and/or eat and devour alive.

For the sake of clarifications of how Yuri came to feel this way about some recent events, here's what happened.

Yuri Leclerc, along with the rest of the Ashen Wolves, were at first understandably confused, shocked, and also comprehensive about the whole thing after it all started when Hapi and Constance found some weird looking artifact that resembled a golden hollowed out cube, etched in absurdly ancient glyphs from a bygone age, with some crystal of raw power in its center... that also just so happened to have then proceeded to teleport all four of them smack into the center of the main plaza of the city itself. Naturally, the Lizardmen in question thought that some enemy scouts had foolishly transported themselves into the main plaza, in broad daylight nonetheless, to make way for more invaders. Luckily for the Ashen Wolves as they're about to be hopelessly set upon by thousands of angry reptiles, one of the Slann just so happened to have been there to supervise and oversee the construction efforts of the Temple-City and its future projects personally and saw the artifact in Hapi's hand, giving him enough incentive to call off the would-be slaughter of these four warmbloods to be taken in for some questioning, and in the case of Yuri and his compatriots, eventual freedom.

Main Temple Interior, Ketsalku, Dragon Isles (Flashback)

-"Greetings, warmbloods. On the behalf of the Children of the Old Ones, I personally welcome you to the City of the Phoenix."

-"Um, uh-nice to meet you guys also as welllll...?"

Yuri, to his fellow comrades' credit, still had enough of his composure remaining after being almost set upon, slaughtered, and being eaten like one would to a bunch of chickens, with the difference being that you hurl said chickens into a mosh pit, filled with a plethora of crazed primordial reptilians whose entire race, along with their pantheon of gods are older than your entire continent and the being you call your 'goddess' as you know it. But still, he has to admit that being suddenly teleported to a place you never knew about where the locals looks at you as if you're either less than the dirt being only useful as a quick meal or a free sacrifice might unnerve even some of the most supposedly ruthless people he's met over the years.

Nevertheless, it also probably didn't help much that they're surrounded with absolutely no way out except trying to tempt fighting out, but everyone knows that would never happen. Yuri glances back at his fellow wolves to see how they're taking it all... which is not as great as he hoped he'd imagined. Balthus looks like he's considering whether it be a good idea to attempt to wrestle the giant two-legged lizards or to just simply shut up and stand in place so he wouldn't fuck this up for everyone. Constance is on the verge of just simply fainting on the spot as well as vomiting when they felt the sheer, almost inconceivable, amounts of magical power just exuding off of this... being that feels more like an actual deity than their own god ever would, and Hapi... is just standing around looking nonchalant at the surface but knows behind that mask of apathy are two emotions that he himself admittedly never saw in her before: fear and horror.

The Slann in question knew of their current emotions as of the moment and gave the adolescents some words of reassurance so they wouldn't just flat out get scared out of their minds, or worse.

-"Fear not, warmbloods, for your presence here in our domain, whilst unexpected, could potentially provide mutual benefits for both of our sides should you decide to hear the proposal I would make between us."

-"F-for both sides? I apologize for being a bit skeptical and scrutinous at the moment about all this, but what kind of proposal do you have to offer us, hmm?"

-"What I provide to you, Yuri Leclerc, along with your brethren as my proposal, on the behalf of the Children of the Old Ones and the Great Plan, are these immediate proceedings, which would be continuously be expanded upon as time presses onwards, should you accept:

#1; We would have an non-aggression pact between and would give one another any necessary assistance for menial assignments, mutual protections and privileges should it be required.

#2; Both sides shall have the respective embassies for intelligence gathering, compiling, and sharing purposes and are to be as honest, open, and transparent to one another with equal understandings of the situation(s) at hand.

#3; Should violent conflicts erupt at either side(s), the other must send as reasonable amount of reinforcements to provide any aid that's required such as skirmishing, counter-intelligence runs, actions on the front lines of battle, and providing a temporary garrison until proper numbers could be accommodated.

And finally,

#4; If either side(s') base of operations are no longer usable, whether it be destroyed, overrun, compromised, or some other circumstance, a new B.O.P. must be founded in a very remote location that's too inaccessible to outside forces unless they've been given proper access and directions.

These are what I give unto you should this proposal be accepted, Yuri Leclerc of the Ashen Wolves."

Yuri, along with the Ashen Wolves, couldn't believe what they just heard right now. All of that and possibly more so if they decide that taking the proposal would be the best course of action, it's almost as if it was too good to be true for how much they have to offer despite the humble benefits it could provide. However, before Yuri could say a word of response, Constance walks up to the levitating Slann, to whom of which is watching the red-headed girl with slight amusement about it all, before coming to a stop just before a few of the Star Chamber Guardians stood in front of their lord, preparing to slam their gigantic halberds directly into this frilly noble for her insolence and seemingly utter disregard of tact before standing down from the toad-mage's lazy gesture, giving the displaced lady of nobility to give her piece.

-"E-excuse me for my interruption, but I would like for you to pardon my intrusion on this little conversation, for I have only one question to ask of you-"

-"I know of what you speak, Constance von Nuvelle... and the answer is yes, our technologies and mastery of the arcane is more than enough to accomplish it. That is, if those which are afflicted with such experiences wishes to do so willingly, of their own accord."

Constance's eyes widen as she let out a gasp before giving a small smile with a bow before returning to her previous position with a noble stride befitting of her House Nuvelle before the Ashen Wolves turned their undivided attention to the Slann.

"Now then, Ashen Wolves of Garreg Mach's Abyss, will you accept the proposal I give unto to you, OR, return to your home with no memories of what has occurred here and return to your lives as if nothing as of today has happened. The choice is up to all four of you to make."

Yuri thanked the Goddess that he, along with the Ashen Wolves, took up the deal with the Lizardmen ever since that fateful day, for not only were they true to their words down to the last letter, but also, to their immense shock and disbelief, did something that they strived to do for their friend once they had the time given to them: Completing FIXING Hapi's curse inflicted upon her by the very person that made the red-head their 'guinea pig' for their numerous experiments, and amplifying her Crest to even greater heights of power and control... all of which does not have a singular drawback, catch, or negative attribute whatsoever. All done in a single hour without any painful procedures upon her body, psychologically, mentally nor physically.

So now, Hapi could live a perfectly normal life and can sigh as much as he wants without having to worry about accidentally summoning monsters and Demonic Beasts upon their location. Naturally as a result of her newly cured and freed life of her curse, Hapi has given her utmost gratitudes to her liberators and given a vow to one day repay this most heartwarming and soulquenching debt she hangs over her conscience.

For Constance, they swore in return that they would be the very first officially acknowledge House Nuvelle as a functioning House once she reclaims her birthright and as a legitimate supporter of the Children of the Old Ones on their behalf, to Constance's growing confidence as a result of helping Hapi as the truest of friends and nobles ought to do for their fellows.

As for Balthus, while he never talked during the exchange, he was also promised that ALL debts that he ever owed will be paid off whether he likes it or not with his debt to the Lizardmen being to respond their calls for aid, ensuring good connections to House Goneril for their instrumental aid for future situations that requires their aid, and for another task that they claim only he is deemed fit for: Engaging in conversations with one Claude von Riegan when they inevitably meet one another, for reasons the Slann replied will be all in due time.

Finally, it comes down to Yuri. Initally, he told the Lizardmen that they have nothing to give to him except what was said in the pact and all they've done for his comrades, claiming that he genuinely does not wish to give them any extra burdens just for him. However, Ma'eztlitep-zectl as he came to learn, preferring to call him Ma'ez for simplicity's sake as Hapi now has also come to call him either 'Super Toad' or 'God Toad', revealed to him multiple things that Yuri himself honestly didn't know was actually a thing behind closed doors, information that could let Yuri have an intelligence monopoly over practically almost every Fodlan official he could possibly think of.

Yuri could only just smile as new cards and pieces were laid out before him like a cheat sheet at what he's now capable of as the humanoid reptiles began to come into Abyss and create their little embassy whilst the Abyssians are doing the same in the elusive Dragon Isles.

-"If this is what could be achieved with our little agreement, then I could practically have not just the Underground at my palms, but the entirety of Fodlan's political landscape as well. I have to give credit to Ma'ez, he put into motion events that would eventually which could put both of our powers in the highest of standings and favor. Truly, the Lizardmen are growing to become a formidable power and ally for the foreseeable future to come."

Duscur Region, Holy Kingdom of Faerghus

Tlaul-qrek'ekko has just received the message of their new allies in the Abyss as the group had decided to make camp overnight in a safe area where they could respond to attackers should they come. Ar'racx, Nax'ih-chek, and Tehéx'lol-tek are currently mingling with the Blue Lions and the knights as the warmblooded humans tell their respective stories whilst he waits for Chatz'axyutl's return to report back to him about any disturbances within their vicinity. After almost half an hour, he decided to get up and get something to eat from the Lizardmen's special rations they've brought with them just as the Chameleon Skink in question emerges from the darkness of the night with a distressed look on his face as he kneels down to report what he saw.

-"Chatz'axyutl, you seem perturbed. What is it out there you s-"

-"Worshippers, Tlaul-qrek'ekko! Worshippers of the Plague Father! It was only for a quick minute before I returned here as soon as possible. I speculate that the Hordes of the Plague Father have found a way to come to this world through some mysterious means."

The Skink Priest's expression turned to the grim as he ushered the chameleon to follow as he nudged Ar'racx to get the rest of the reptilian's attention to give them the news. It went swimmingly for everyone as their expressions showed varying degrees of restrained anger, hatred, and rage as they knew of the Ancient Enemy's deeds of defilment, desecration, and lust for turning the world into a chaotic bloodbath of anarchy, madness, and violence.

By morning, the group was woken up and told to be on their guard for any marauding attackers to their confusion but still obliged anyways. The group headed out together as they noticed the grim and hardened looks of the Lizardmen as they marched, opting not to say a thing to them in the hopes of not provoking them into acts of irrational anger.

When the group decided to take a break as they've been walking around since sunrise, Byleth decided to take the opportunity to talk to Ar'racx about what was truly going on. The Professor walked up to the Oldblood as the Saurus gazes beyond the horizon with a glare of impassiveness before changing his expression back to nothing as he turns around to speak to Byleth.

-"Is there something you wish to speak about, warmblood?"

-"There is, myself, along with everyone else, were wondering why all five of you looked like you've heard something that offended you greatly? Is there something we should know about besides what we've been told?"

-"... When our mission's objective draws near, it will be revealed to all of you in due course."

As much Byleth wished to prod for more information, he knew that it would be a futile effort based on the Saurian's insistence on things of the future, so Byleth just nodded and returned to his students to see how they're faring. He then sees Dimitri sitting on a large rock with a forlorn look on his face while Dedue stands beside him and approached them. The prince and retainer see their professor come towards them and perks up immediately as Dimitri scoots over for Byleth to sit next to them as Dedue takes his leave to get the prince some food and water.

-"Professor! I must apologize for my expression just now. I've been having some ill begotten thoughts since we came to Duscur, ever since what happened here years ago."

-"It's alright, Dimitri, a lot of us are having similar thoughts as well. I specifically came here to see if everyone's alright despite our purose here."

-"Thank you, Professor, it always makes me feel a lot better knowing that you're here thinking about the well being of my classmates...

-"Somethings' on your mind, isn't it, Dimitri? You can always tell me what it is, it's part of my duty as your Professor."

-"... I've been wondering since this whole thing started, Professor, what business does the Lizardmen have here besides also helping quell the uprising? What significance does Duscur have that requires them to come here? And what is it that they're not telling us about that made them so... determined to find here?"

-"I don't know myself, Dimitri, I don't know. I've already tried once with Ar'racx and he was being quite vague about it, so I guess only time would tell us what it is."

As Dimitri and Byleth thought about it together, one of Catherine's remaining knights rushed towards them, telling them that the Lizardmen found something that they should see. They got and followed the knight to where the Lizardmen were to see what they've found to cause such a response. When they arrived, everyone else were standing over a large hill leading over a valley, with the humans being either disgusted, horrified, and/or shocked at what they're seeing as the Lizardmen stand there unflinchingly at the scene. When the two of them looked at what they're looking at, they can't help but look on with utter disbelief and horror at it as well.

Corpses.

Hundreds of Duscuran and Faerghusian corpses displayed in ways so vile and disgusting that half of the humans ran off to puke their guts out with the rest being heavily scarred mentally and psychologically at the diseased spectacle before them. Many looked like they were sacrificed on some crude flesh-made altar with still blinking eyeballs adorned with numerous spikes and teeth, some were eviscerated and mutilated with contortions of limbs and organs hanging from their midsections as millions of pus squirming maggots writhe all over them, a few were hanged on trees swaying to the wind as the smell of pestilence and death sweeps over the landscape whilst the plants and water itself looks like if the landscape was turned into a pile of living sludge with the air itself becoming a corrosive thing of sickness as monstrosities of unspeakable atrocities of disease made manifest shamble and dawdle across the valley, moaning with jittery despite their hanging, misplaced organs and open sores leaking with blood and pus as they violently defecate and leak excrement all over as they slowly trek over the corpses, hitting each other along the way.

Dimitri could clearly feel that he's starting to lose himself as his inner demons and the spirits of the dead demand that he take up arms and slaughter every last one of them into a messy pulp, and almost succumbed if Byleth didn't put his hand on the prince's shoulder for reassurance. Even then, they still lingered back into his mind as he began to hear the voices of thosr that're deceased wail into his mind to reap vengeance upon them for what they've done.

Luckily for them, Chatz'axyutl found an entrance only around a few hundred meters to the valley's left side leading to a large tunnel going underground with reports of religious chanting coming from within. The group prepares themselves one last time as they begin their descent into what would become one of the most horrifying moments in Fodlan's history from then onwards.

A/N:

...Holy shit. What the fuck happened here?! What kind of depraved-ass worshipping motherf***ers would do such a... ooohhhhhh. shit. They're going to be in for a baaadd time, are they?

Well, going away from that for a little bit, the Ashen Wolves have made their first and official appearance in the story! Seems like a deal has been made between Ma'eztlitep-zectl and Yuri that should benefit the both of them in the forseeable future, AND they fixed Hapi's curse right off the bat just like that... I told you Lizardmen technology is something else, and that isn't even near the tip of the iceberg of what they're capable of.

Tune in next time for The Crests of the Saurian as the group begins their descent into the eventual face off with one of the Lizardmen's oldest enemies and see how abyss is faring with its new alliance with the Children of the Old Ones!

Have a nice day.

P.S: Please send reviews so I can have some inspirational input