Author's Note: So this is the chapter 2 rewrite. Wanted it to be less rushed as I did not like how the first version turned out. So this will hopefully rectify that issue.

/-\

Chapter 2

Things had gone into motion. The threat of the elder dragon Zhaitan had become even more serious. More of the risen undead armies of the dragon were coming inland, entering Kryta from the shores of the Maguuma. There was great concern and when the people heard about it, there were talks that war was coming. Ruby may have not understood it all but she understood that the elder dragons were a great threat to the world and that innocent people were dying. But what scared Ruby the most was that Stryder had joined the Vigil, an order of warriors from all races that have united to stand against the elder dragons. There were two other orders, the Durmand Priory and the Order of Whispers. But those of the Vigil are the ones fighting on the front lines.

That is the danger that Stryder voluntarily went into.

The ten year old princess was worried.

"-by? Ruby?"

She snapped out of her stupor and saw her mother tilting her head, her expression full of concern.

"Thinking about him?" her mother asked.

She gave her mother a small nod. "And dad."

Jennah hummed in understanding. "These are uncertain times. And war is coming whether we like it or not."

"I wanna help." she mumbled.

"Oh?"

"I…" she stumbled on her words. "I want to… I want to join the classes at the Temple of Dwayna. I want to learn the healing arts. I know I'm already learning how to fight… but… I want to help people any way I can."

The queen smiled. She felt pride in her daughter's conviction. She could not say no to that.

So the princess was brought to the Temple of Dwayna, beginning her classes with others to learn the magical arts of healing.

"Very good, princess!" a priest voiced out their praise.

Ruby simply bowed. No one was really surprised that she was a prodigy in magic. She was being trained by not only her mother, the queen, but Countess Anise. What did surprise them though was how dedicated she was. There would be times where she would work on her skills from sun-up to sun-down, nearly collapsing from exhaustion. Guards from the Shining Blade were sent to her to make sure she does not repeat that mistake.

It wasn't just magical healing that she was taught. She was also taught more practical terms like dressing wounds and closing them, treating burns, and medicine if the patient is running a fever. Just as she was dedicated to learn how to fight, she dedicated her time to this.

She got the chance to aid wounded Seraph soldiers in the fight against the centaurs, helping in their healing and recovery. Many of those were dazed from their injuries thought they saw an angel.

The fact that she did not hesitate to bloody her hands in dressing wounds and other injuries earned her more respect from the common people.

"There." she smiled at the soldier. "All better."

"Dwayna bless you, your highness." the soldier sighed and closed his eyes to rest.

She really has been blessed by Dwayna.

/-\

Few Months Later

Word was made that Claw Island had come under attack and had fallen and then a subsequent attack on Lion's Arch with the Vigil coming to its defense. And as expected, Stryder was at the front, having been promoted to Warmaster within the Vigil. Ruby was happy for him but at the same time, scared. He was fighting on the front lines and a major defense of Lion's Arch had fallen to Zhaitan's undead forces. Those dead bodies will be used to create more risen.

"Still no word?" Ruby asked her butler.

"No, princess." the butler solemnly replied. "I'm sorry."

Letting out a sigh, she thanked the butler and rested her head on the window. It felt like an eternity as she sat there.

"Ruby? Honey?" she heard her mother. "Are you busy?"

"No."

The queen entered her room with a gentle look on her face. It had been months since her parents officially married. She was already a month pregnant.

"Your father just informed me." the queen spoke. "It seems that Caithe is trying to get Destiny's Edge back together. But of course… your father didn't like seeing Rytlock. It's just as bad with the other members. I still feel a little responsible. If I hadn't summoned your father… Snaff and Glint would still be alive and they might have won against Kralkatorrik."

"And dad still blames himself."

Her mother nodded. "It's been haunting him ever since. But at least you coming into our lives is helping him. And with your baby sibling on the way…"

"I'm scared." Ruby whispered. "I always thought the grimm were terrifying… but now… they're nothing compared to the elder dragons. What if…"

"What if one of them reaches Remnant?"

She looked away. Jennah did not frown, instead, she reached closer and pulled her in for a hug while her hand caressed her dark red hair.

"Ruby. I don't think you hate your sister Yang."

"But…"

"You heart is too beautiful to feel such emotions."

"That night…" she muttered. "I didn't hate her for taking me with her to look for her mom. I just… she got grounded for a month while I was grounded for life. She got off easy. He… Taiyang… was going to pull me out of school just so he could 'keep me safe'. I was going to be nothing but a doll."

"Shh." Jennah hushed her, rocking her back and forth. "I know."

"If I hadn't left…" she continued. "I'd have probably hung myself in my room. Just so it could all end."

"And thank the gods you did leave."

"I'm scared." she said again. "I'm scared that I'll lose this all. What if my past catches up to me and I lose it all?"

"You won't." her mother assured her. "We won't allow it."

/-\

1 Month Later

Studying magic also meant studying its history. Ruby understood that as she looked into each magic. Dragon magic is arguably the most powerful but also the most volatile. The Dragonbrand that encompasses a large part of Ascalon is living proof. The first time she visited Ebonhawke with her parents, the entire city rejoiced and even started a small festival in her name. It was there that they visited Gwen Thackeray's grave and paid their respects.

Many people flocked to her during the celebrations. Many of them wished the blessings of the gods on her.

Ebonhawke isn't a part of Kryta. Far from it. It used to be a part of the Kingdom of Ascalon until its destruction more than two hundred years ago in what was called the Searing.

Ascalon was actually once a part of the charr lands until humans from Orr came in and conquered it. This started the human-charr conflict that lasted for over 1,100 years, culminating at the end of the Third Guild War when Ascalon was destroyed by charr shamans using magical cauldrons provided to them by the titans, their so-called gods. This event became known as the Searing, leaving Ascalon a barren wasteland in the year 1070 AE.

Following the Searing, renewed charr war efforts placed the remaining human population of Ascalon in ever-increasing jeopardy. While King Adelbern led a resistance against the charr, his son Rurik led many of the survivors to Kryta in search of refuge. Though Rurik himself was slain by the Stone Summit dwarves, the remaining refugees established the Ascalon Settlement and eventually the Rurikton district of Divinity's Reach. Thirty years after the Searing, Adelbern and his guard made their last stand during a siege on Ascalon City. Using the powers of his ancient sword Magdaer, the king summoned the Foefire which engulfed most of Ascalon, killing the charr in immediate vicinity but effectively killing all humans in Ascalon and transforming their spirits into vengeful ghosts bent on fighting the charr eternally.

In the two centuries since then, the once barren lands have slowly recovered and life has gradually returned, though scars of the Searing and ruins of the human kingdom still mark the landscape. On the site of Rin, the ancient capital of the human kingdom of Ascalon, the Iron Legion have raised their Black Citadel. Their war against living humans continued until recent years against the lone fortress of Ebonhawke which is now the last human settlement of Ascalonian heritage. The ghosts of Foefire continue to defend their ruined realm as defiantly as centuries ago.

The year 1320 AE was by all standards the most remarkable year in history of Ascalon; the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik awoke in north, in the Blood Legion homelands. It flew south to the Crystal Desert, passing above Ascalon and creating a swath of corruption in its wake which became known as the Dragonbrand. Countless charr and wildlife were immediately transformed into minions of the dragon known as the branded. This severely crippled the war effort of charr against the last human stronghold, urging both participants to seek truce in 1324 which evolved into ongoing peace negotiations as of 1325. The credit for achieving the truce often goes to Queen Jennah's efforts to end the war, and the retrieval of the Claw of the Khan-Ur by Dougal Keane of Ebonhawke and Ember Doomforge of the Ash Legion. Separatist humans and Renegade charr still fight to keep the ancient war alive, preferring to fight their own people rather than accept peace with their sworn enemies.

The peace efforts are still difficult. Old sentiments are difficult to remove considering the damage that had been done over the years. Countless lives were lost on both sides.

The only ones who have truly gotten past their differences were the three orders of Tyria.

"The risen have attacked the main headquarters of each order."

Ruby sucked in a breath at the news given to her.

"But they have triumphed."

Then she let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods."

"The three orders are convening together with the Sylvari firstborn Trahearne." the butler continued. "It seems that Warmaster Stryder was the one to call them together at Trahearne's behest. They plan on retaking Claw Island."

Ruby's eyes went wide. "They're going back there?"

"They have to if they are to regain ground. Having the risen so close to Lion's Arch is simply too big a threat to leave alone. It would give them a foothold to even strike Kryta."

She sat there for a moment. 'What could a ten year old like me do?' she thought to herself. But then her eyes widened at an idea. She stood up and faced the butler.

"Contact the Temple of Dwayna and tell them to assemble a troop of healers. We will be going to Lion's Arch. If they're going to attack Claw Island then there will be wounded coming in. I'm going with them to help."

The butler's eyebrows rose as his expression was that of surprise. But then he smiled and bowed. "As you command, princess. The queen would no doubt approve."

/-\

Lion's Arch

All attention went towards the direction of the Asura gates as a large group of Dwayna priests and priestesses were led by none other than Kryta's one and only princess.

"Ruby!?" Stryder squawked. "W-What… what are you doing here? It's going to be dangerous!"

The red-haired princess smiled. "We're here to help with the wounded that will be coming in. I know that assaulting Claw Island will be hard. I don't know much about war but I know about treating wounded. And don't worry, my mother already gave me permission."

"And your father?"

Ruby gave him a cheeky grin. "You know he can't win an argument with mom."

That brought some chuckles and giggles from the priests and priestesses. Stryder wanted to say something but could not. The princess was just as stubborn as her mother.

"Alright."

Ruby just smiled.

"We thank you, princess." Trahearne bowed. "We greatly appreciate what you and the priesthood are doing here. There will no doubt be many casualties coming in during the battle."

Ruby curtsied as she knew she was addressing a Sylvari firstborn. "We all have to do our part, my lord. The threat of the elder dragons cannot be ignored. We all need to stand united. Now if you'll excuse us, we have a lot of work to do."

Trahearne and Stryder watched as the princess led the priesthood at an open spot and set up shop. More supplies were already coming in with medical equipment and tents.

"She's incredible." Trahearne spoke. "For one so young… that level of maturity is rare."

Stryder nodded. "She is."

"She and the priesthood are doing their part." the Sylvari firstborn said. "Now it's time for us to do ours. We have an island to retake."

/-\

As the battle raged on at Claw Island, Ruby was hard at work with her fellow healers here in Lion's Arch. Wounded started pouring in from ships.

This was her true test. Not only on her skills but on her resolve and willpower.

"Set it down here!" Ruby ordered the pair of people bringing in a wounded soldier on a stretcher. "What are his wounds?"

"Multiple lacerations." one of the men replied. "They're not deep but…"

"I got it. Goddess Dwayna, give me strength."

The princess already got to work. Her healing magic had already got to work on the wounded soldier, closing the wounds in mere seconds.

"Okay, he'll just need rest."

"Thank you, princess."

And this went on for the next several hours until night had fallen. She was still at work.

"Princess." a priestess spoke. "Go and get some food and rest. I can take over here."

"Oh… thank you."

She went to the other tent where the cooks were busy feeding the people. What was incredible though was that the whole city pitched in to also cook food and help with the wounded. They were inspired by her humility. Not many nobles would do something like this, especially royalty. Yet here she was, her hands somewhat soaked in the blood of the wounded. The first time she did this during training, she puked right after. And now… just a weary look that she could not save them all.

A few died in her care today due to the severe wounds they had received from the battle. It pained her but she knew that it was ta harsh reality that not everyone can be saved no matter how hard she tried. The next best thing to do was to ease their suffering as they pass on to the next life.

After getting cleaned up, she ate in silence. She was not traumatized by the death, something that surprised even herself. No. She was saddened by the state of all of this.

Why do the elder dragons like to cause so much pointless destruction?

Is war the only option?

"Violence is the only thing they will understand, princess."

She looked up to see a female charr in Vigil warmor.

"An honor to meet you." the charr said as she bowed her head. "My name is Ember Doomforge, granddaughter to general Almorra Soulkeeper. A member of the Vigil."

Ruby smiled weakly. "A pleasure to meet you, Ember Doomforge. Aren't you supposed to be at Claw Island?"

"I am part of the reinforcements." the charr replied. "We'll be leaving in a few hours. For now, I wished to meet you. You are famous among the charr for being a prodigy as a mesmer. Some call you the second coming of the Goremonger."

Ruby chuckled. "I hardly think I'll be as famous as my great-great-great-great-great grandmother. Or as bloodthirsty for that matter."

Ember herself gave a chuckle. "Perhaps not. But you being a mesmer of the Thackeray name has given many of my people some… cause for concern. My grandsire, Imperator Bangar Ruinbringer of the Blood Legion for one. Your name is even spoken in fear by the Flame Legion."

"B-But… I haven't done anything."

Ember shrugged. "Doesn't matter. The fact that you carry the Thackeray bloodline is what matters. Some in Ebonhawke wish to fight in your name."

She grimaced. "Yeah… I don't want that. The Charr-Human War needs to need. Hopefully it will with the advent of Zhaitain. I hope the Ebonhawke Treaty is signed."

Ember nodded in agreement. "I do too. My granddam and Imperator Malice Swordshadow of the Ash Legion wishes so too. With the end of that war, we could focus more troops towards the Dragonbrand and the Flame Legion."

"And the other Elder Dragons too."

The charr nodded at the princess's words. "Yes. And I know that there are other threats out there. We charr have always bee in a constant state of war. I fear what happens when peace comes. What then? What happens to us? Our purpose has always been for war. To us… peace is a cruel word."

That only gave Ruby more thoughts to ponder on. Ember bowed once more and said her farewell as she rejoined her unit, shipping off to Claw Island to join in the battle. Before long, she became drowsy and a Shining Blade guard led her to her private tent where she washed up and went to bed. She dreamed of her late mother Summer that night.

When morning came, the first thing Ruby saw was the triumphant return of Stryder and Trahearne. Claw Island had been taken faster than expected. And they had slain Zhaitan's champion Blightghast the Plaguebringer. The many soldiers and Lion's Arch citizens cheered around the two men.

It was on this day that the Pact was born.

They were going to invade Orr and kill the elder dragon. Perhaps even find a way to restore Orr.

/-\

Few Months Later

Lion's Arch

The Pact worked quickly, establishing a base right on the Straits of Devastation. It was right on the doorstep of Orr. They came under attack by risen forces but were immediately repelled. Reports would come in by the hour as Queen Jennah would read them. Ruby was right there, listening to every report with anticipation. It wasn't only Stryder who was there, leading the Pact forces, but her father Logan as well, battling alongside them.

Both mother and daughter would pray for their victory and safe return.

It was during this time that Ruby would find solace at the memorial of her late mother Summer Rose. She had it commissioned to be built by artisans, its location in a beautiful spot overlooking Lake Delavan. Being her birth mother, Krytan citizens would come and pay their respects, thanking her for bringing Ruby into this world to become their princess.

A life-sized statue of Summer was made thanks to a mage who looked into the princess's memories. Her dimensions, her size, her, her face,… all of it was there, down to even the cloak she wore.

Summer Rose – "Thus kindly I scatter."

The entire place was surrounded by beautiful Krytan roses and spiderworts. She would tend to them every time she comes here. She loves her mother Jennah. But she also missed Summer.

"Hi mom." she spoke to the statue as she tended to the roses at the foot of the statue. "I uh… I'm sorry I couldn't come as much lately. It's just been crazy right now. We've started our war against the elder dragons. Zhaitain attacked Claw Island but we took it back. I helped by the way. I was there at Lion's Arch taking care of the wounded. I couldn't save them all though. Oh! I finally figured out your cookie recipe. Took me a while but I got the cookie dough right. The secret all along was vanilla extract. I've been baking a lot for the children at the orphanage."

Her hand reached one of the roses and saw it drooping. She moved it a little upwards so that it wouldn't get left out.

"It's funny." she continued. "A lot of people say that I'm really mature for my age. I still don't really understand what they mean. I mean… I'm just me. Or maybe it's because of… that. But... it kind of explains why I can't really relate to the other kids. It's a little hard to make friends because of being a princess. A lot of them would rather get close to me because being friends with the princess makes them feel just a bit more special. And then there are the boys who want to marry me. Other than Stryder, the only real friend I have is Taimi. We write to keep in touch. She was actually one of the old members of Stryder's gang back in Lion's Arch. She's an asura and a total genius! She wrote to me that she already made a golem named Scruffy. She's my best friend. You'll like her. And… I think you'll like Stryder too. I know I'm still too young to be in a relationship but… I really like him. I just have to wait a few more years. And pray."

She smiled at the beautiful cluster of lowers.

"I have different mom, but you're my mom too. I'm alright. I'm still angry at Tai but… I don't hate him, not anymore. He's just not my father anymore. Logan is now. I hope you'll understand. This is my life now and I'm happy here. I know I'll be going back to Remnant. I still want to be a huntress. I still walk in your footsteps. I want to help people. I'll see you later mom."

/-\

Few Days Later

Ruby was just having breakfast with her mother when a Seraph soldier came rushing in.

"Excuse me!" the soldier bowed. "Just gotten word from Orr!"

Both queen and princess perked up.

"They killed Zhaitan! The Pact is victorious!"

Author's Note: Definitely liking the newer version. Hope you all enjoyed this!