Welcome back! I hope the last chapter didn't throw too many people off, or anyone for that matter, but I will reiterate that I'm not going to completely change Kagero; this is just something to add a hint more of depth to her character, explain some why she loves painting and why her art is so unconventional compared to others. Either way, let me know what you think in the comments and I hope the rest of the story is alright at least.

Warning: A mother loving time skip! Lol, but for real, it's coming.

Chapter Eight: Undone

[Two Years Later- Ascalon, 10ish years-old]

"No, Azura you need to hold the lance like this and when you swing don't over reach. Keep it within your radius." Ascalon instructed to the younger girl, watching as she trained with her practice weapon. Her fighting method, steps almost like she was dancing, was one that Arete had shown them not to long after they met.

"Oh, like this?" She asked, sweeping the lance in an almost perfect circle around her before lifting it up again.

He nodded and smiled, showing that she had done it correctly, and monitored her as she continued practicing while he caught his breath. It had been two years since everything that happened with Rosalynn, Jezebel, and the events of those fateful weeks. After returning with Phier she had every healer possible look at his throat, hoping there was no permanent damage, and that the scar could be fixed so he didn't have to live with it. Unfortunately, to both hers and Arcturus's dismay, the worst was the answer they received. His throat and skin would be like this for the rest of his life, as the powerful magic had taken away too much from him at such a detrimental time. His body had finally been taking the last few steps in recovering after he lived in the cold on his own, coming back from malnutrition, dehydration, neglect, and it was unable to properly repair itself from such harsh magical damage.

Ascalon told the pair, who he would soon regard as Mother and Father, that it was alright, and he didn't feel disgusted looking at the scars. He knew how he got them, who gave them, but more importantly he knew that the reason he had been hurt so was because he protected his friend and kept her safe. To him, that was enough to take away any negative that came from the event. The peculiar child also stated that no scars could make him as ugly as Sinistra and Jezebel, surprising the two with his wisdom and acceptance of it all. Grateful for such an optimistic child the two captains took in the last notes from the healers, keeping in mind that his voice would always be a tad raspy and that he would continue to suffer from the coughing fits he'd been having, adding positively that those might lessen with time. Until then, if he had one that was bad, they needed to have something that could warm the air he was breathing during said situations. Arcturus solved this easily by getting his boy a small gold scarf that he could keep on him, explaining what to do incase no one was nearby to help.

When the siblings discovered all that had transpired and had been done, they made it their goal to spread awareness through the castle and villa staff that he suffered this, explicitly mentioning not to tell Sinistra or Jezebel. Everyone appreciated it and, were able to put to use their new knowledge whenever this occurred. Most residents also took to hiding the young child if either abuser was in the vicinity, lying as to where he might be or claiming they hadn't seen him. It was a comforting effort, one that saved him from most of the wrath of Lady Sinistra and Princess Jezebel. Times did come where he was found by either one, with no protection, but he kept himself strong through every beating, interrogation, and the many time either one used their magic or matching metal nails on him out of anger. There was only one place he was untouchable and that was where the Wyvern Troop resided, where the intimidating soldiers explained to the wicked lady that they had been a recent gift to Queen Arete and had strict orders to keep her out, along with her disturbed child.

Like a shooting star, years passed and Ascalon grew more, excelling in his training and medicine, growing stronger with all the watchful eyes over him that did their best to keep harm and darkness away. Phier helped him train, testing to see what he could do and grateful when it appeared that he couldn't use any dragon veins. Tensions between the kingdoms rose and fell many times, making the boy's hidden friendships harder to maintain and keep out of eyesight. Many times, during those years he and George would often sneak away and fly to the forest near the border, meeting up with the two brothers he had spared. Their names were Kaze and Saizo, both of them training to be ninjas and defend their homeland. Of course, they all wanted peace and would try and devise plans to reach it during their camping trips, exchanging ideas and stories as well. None of their parents knew they did this, believing the lies they gave to cover the truth.

Now, all this time later, with many friends and a few enemies made, Ascalon stood and watched someone he saw as a little sister dance about gracefully with her practice lance. She hit her targets whilst humming to herself the same song that Arete had taught them. It was a different part of the song he vaguely knew, the part that he could sing without feeling woozy and ill. Camilla, who had also been training to become a wyvern knight, sat on the crate next to him and watched her little sister with joy, happy they all got along. It wasn't often that they could all be together, as there were unknown reasons, but today was a special day. Xander and Leo were in the barracks today as well, sparring against one another with wooden swords, the elder brother obviously doing much better than the younger one. Resting in his pen and watching them all happily was George, not much bigger than he was two years ago but content that his antler like horns were growing in. Warm in his blankets and hay he snuffed the cold from his nostrils and sleepily carried on watching the little children play and practice.

"So Ascalon, what did you want to do today? It is your birthday and all our parents said it was alright to spend the day together. Even Azura can make it." Camilla said, smiling at her friend as he huffed a few more times and then straightened himself out.

Flipping back his dark ponytail he thought for a moment and then replied, "I don't know Camilla. You know I'm not good with figuring out what to do. You guys could pick out something to do."

"Ugh, you're unbearable! Okay, I'll go get my lists from the last two years. Just, keep breathing until I get back."

"Okay. Thank you!"

The exasperated princess sighed and hopped off her perch, waving a hand lazily at his gratitude, before turning the corner and disappearing from sight. Azura, who had stopped training, went and stood next to him, giggling at the humorous exchange the pair had. It was pleasant to see something so nice in a place so dark. Ascalon looked down at her, smiling and patting her shoulder lightly. Together they walked over to the indigo dragon, leaving the normal offering of a couple of apples, and sat next to his belly where it was the warmest. Days like this, where the weather was between winter and spring and the rain was gently falling outside, were his favorite kind as he always felt relaxed and at ease, wanting nothing more than to curl up with some soup and his dragon. He leaned his head back and shut his eyes, drifting off some until Camilla came back. Azura, who was sleepy as well, nuzzled against him and slept too, tired from training.

Xander and Leo took a break as well and eventually, by the time Camilla returned, all of her siblings and friend were plopped together in one giant cuddle puddle, snoring softly and leaning against the toasty dragon who slept as peacefully. She couldn't help but smile, annoyance gone, and she went to a large chest nearby. Pulling out a long blanket she brought it over and placed it atop her family, sneaking into the bundle and snuggling into her best friend's arms, the safest place she could ever be. Many passed the slumbering group, including Arcturus and Phier, who happily looked at them and watched for a moment. Their boy did well, making them proud and giving them hope for a brighter future. Letting the children be they continued their day, going to the kitchen to talk with the chefs about making a birthday cake.

Later, about an hour or two, the bunch woke up to the hearty smell of hot soup, knowing in an instant who had made and brought it. All of them roused themselves quickly as they found Queen Arete laughing at the sight, amused by the activity and how a second ago they were as harmless as a newborn litter of kittens. In her hands she held the magical items: a large pot full of a soup she made for special occasions and a bag with bowls and spoons inside. Leo was the first up and ready, not realizing his cape was on inside out as per usual and dashed over to the sweet lady.

"Did you bring that for us?" He asked, eyes shinning with anticipation.

Continuing to laugh some she nodded and answered, "Yes Leo. Let's all sit on one of the blankets and then we can eat, how about that?"

He grinned, excitement clear, and hurried to the others. In a swift and smooth action, he tore away the blanket everyone had been napping under, earning a resounding cacophony of groans and complaints. Leo winced as Xander shot him a small glare and stretched his arms, and then continued with setting up their eating area. Most of the others joined in save for Ascalon and Camilla, both of whom were snoring gently and cuddled together in the nook between George's front leg and his torso. Arete smiled brighter at the cute pair and first served the children that awaited the food she had made. Only when the kids were halfway done, and they had yet to wake up, did she rise to her feet and go over to the two. She held a bowl of the soup underneath Ascalon's nose, watching as he wrinkled his face, paused, and then quickly opened his warm gold eyes.

Yawning he simply asked, "Soup?"

"Oh goodness, yes child, I made it for all of us. Wake up Camilla and let's all eat, okay?"

His ecstatic expression, followed by shaking his friends' arms, was one of the funniest things she'd seen, and it warmed her heart to find such a sweet group of friends. Camilla soon caught the scent and in moments all were awake and gathered together around the pot of soup, each of them pleased by the surprise. Arete, once done with her first bowl, reached into her bag and retrieved a small blue pouch from it.

"Ascalon, I made you some new earrings. Did you want to see them?" She asked as he looked up, cheeks puffed up from eating too much too quickly.

He gave another nod and finished what he had in his mouth, scooting over and gazing at the lovely jewelry she brought out. His ear hadn't healed up nicely, leaving many spots jagged and missing skin and tissue. The holes were small though and, feeling bad for the child, Arete had taken to making his piercings and other accessories he could use to cover his misshapen ear. Ascalon never took out the dragon one she had first given him, cherishing it as well as a ruby stud Phier had gifted him, telling her eventual son that she had one just like it and now they could match each other. There was much to be disguised though and the two ladies worked together often to make fun new earrings for him, exchanging parenting tips and discussing what kinds of armor they liked.

"Your mother made this one, the black ones that connect to each other with a chain. I made this blue one, although it's a bit bright, and Azura helped me make this cuff. What do you think?" She asked, feeling cozy inside as he looked at them all with such excitement.

"They're amazing! Could you help me put them on?" He asked, unable to contain his joy over the small but precious items she had helped make.

More than happy to she pushed his hair back and put the new earrings on, placing them in the tiny holes in his skin that had remained. A pang of guilt reminded her that these could have been prevented if she had only moved faster, yet she saw the joy he gained from these small gifts and was at ease once again. Once done she watched him run off to look in a water pail and admire the jewelry, coming back with a spring in his step and giving the kind queen a hug, which she returned instantly.

Camilla waited until things calmed down before speaking, "Okay, so on the list you still have a few things that you've never done and said you might like to do. Visiting the city under Windmire, making a giant cookie for George, tossing Leo and Arcturus into the moat, belly-flopping into the moat. There's some good stuff."

"Tossing me into the moat is a good idea? How?" Leo asked angrily.

"It would cool your hot head, that's for sure." Xander added with a chuckle.

All of them roared with laughter at that, even getting Leo to smile some too at the joke. Eventually Ascalon settled on going to the city under Windmire, dashing off to ask his parents for permission. They agreed, glad to have him out of the castle while the cooks made the cake, hurrying to get dressed and ready. Quickly they left, taking their boy and giving to bringing his friends with them as well, spending the day down there.

Blissfully unaware of what was happening in the world, just for a day, the group of kids ran about in commoner clothes and took in the sights, trying foods and drinks from Hoshido and many other areas. However, Arcturus and Phier could not entirely push aside their growing concerns for their homeland, both fearing that their king was slowly losing his mind. He had grown more and more paranoid about the opposing land, claiming they were going to attack and steal everything he had worked so hard to claim. Most days he held some compassion and love in his heart for his people and children yet, as the years passed, he began to have days where none of it mattered. All that was important was winning and securing areas whatever the price was. Some of these discomforting and difficult missions were ones Phier, Ascalon, and himself had gone on, coming back with scars that could have been avoided.

Not too long ago the king of Hoshido, Sumeragi, had died in some kind of ambush. Both captains knew that around that time King Garon had gone to have a meeting with him, a possible truce between the lands. Days later, when the sky was darker than normal and the cold felt like it was choking the life out of the land, their king returned with no good news and a young boy named Corrin. He claimed he had found the child, very much the same way Arcturus had found Ascalon; lost in the cold with no memories and no home. Needless to say, neither one fully believed him, or his story, and could only pray the child was not anyone too important. Their suspicion was further deepened as, recently, Hoshido made the claim that Garon had kidnapped one of the royal children and was going to pay. At this the child named Corrin was moved to an isolated place, the Northern Fortress, meant to be raised alone so they might be safe.

Phier held onto Arcturus's arm as they watched the children play, both contemplating the same thing without speaking it to each other. It would be so easy to run away from it all, to seek refuge in Hoshido, to leave this hostile land behind for a better one. They managed to sneak out a princess once, being welcomed with warm open arms, so it couldn't be that hard to do again. This plan was one they discussed and argued over many times, plotting out a route only to run into some kind of block, obstacles that they could not safely go through or around with that many kids in tow. Many of the parents here were unkind to their children and they knew, for a fact, that those kids would leave if given the chance.

Today was almost no different, as they silently plotted out trails on maps they had memorized and ran through what the different guard routines were. Only when one of the children asked for something did they come back to the real world fully, put up their normal mask of pleasantness and addressing each child and their need. Around sunset they gathered the hoard and went back to Castle Krakenburg together, bringing them all to the kitchen once they had returned. To everyone's surprise, especially Ascalon's there was a simple but nice cake waiting, with frosting and ten candles. The cooks threw some confetti, cheering and singing 'Happy Birthday', everyone else joining in with them. Arete, who was in the kitchen's doorway, walked over as well, hiding the worry that was plaguing her, and enjoyed the merriment. Arcturus lifted Ascalon up and giving his son a kiss on the head, watched as he blew out the candles.

Most everyone was exhausted after they ate the cake, Ascalon thanking all of the kind people who had helped make that day so amazing. Each person retired to their homes, wishing a good evening to the other and reminding that it was going to rain heavily tonight and to stay warm. A storm was coming, and it was not something anyone wished to be caught in.

[Later that night-1am, Castle Halls]

Ascalon rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he quietly snuck down the hall, wanting to find Queen Arete and ask her about something. His head hurt but he was certain it was from the single memory he had gained in his sleep. He had had and odd dream that woke him up, one where there were many people and voices, and one familiar song that he at last knew for sure he had heard it before. Arete's voice had also been one of the many, mentioning something about 'Valla'. Of course, he had no idea what that was, but he knew she would. Rain heavily poured down outside as thunder shook the sky with it's mighty rolls and waves, masking all noise in the building when it sounded.

Unexpectedly he knocked into someone, automatically taking steps back as he had forever learned from his incident with Sinistra. Speaking of her, here she was, stalking the corridors with a knife in one hand and a tome in the other, a fowl murderous expression clear even in the poor lighting. She took a moment to realize what happened and, upon seeing the child she hated so deeply that nothing, nothing but a slow end would abate her anger, she smiled crookedly and lurched towards him. Panicking he ran as fast as he could, legs burning from the sudden exertion and throat hurting as the air was frigid and stung.

Terrified he weaved through the halls he knew so well, mind awake and functioning clearly as he navigated his way to a hidden passage entrance. Yet as he reached the disguised door Sinistra, who was moving unnaturally fast tonight, caught him and yanked him back by the shirt collar, throwing the kid down the vacant path and laughing as he crashed into a pillar. Groaning from the pain he scrambled to his feet and continued moving, knowing he couldn't stop again until he had lost her. Back yelling in agony Ascalon ducked about a corner, hearing the sizzle of magic connecting with stone as her spell missed him.

Breathing hard he pressed onward, bobbing and weaving out of the way of her attacks desperately, telling himself the whole time to be brave, not to cry. He was almost to the doors that led outside to the Villas when his throat finally seized up, sending him into one of the worse fits he'd ever had. His legs gave out, toppling him down mid sprint and sending him careening through the double doors and into the slick cold stones of the courtyard. Ascalon was unsure of how long it lasted, remembering vaguely dragging himself down the icy steps and towards Queen Aretes home.

The steps behind him slowed to a comfortable stroll, heels clacking on the ground as Sinistra watched her prey feebly try to escape. No one was here to save him though, not this time, and now she would get the answers she wanted out of the brat before bringing his pitiful life to an end. Gleefully she followed and watched the child struggle, watched him writhe and cough terribly, the harsh contractions hurting him so. When the fit subsided and he crawled halfway to the Villas, she thought it fitting to step in then, picking up the pace and reaching for his neck, as she had years ago. Her hand was inches away when what felt like an icicle went through and into her heart, stopping the monstrous woman in her tracks.

Ascalon, who's consciousness was clearing at last, watched in a daze as the evil woman came to a halt just before reaching him, an odd look on her face that he could not place. A moment later she fell to her knees and then to her side, blood trickling out of the corners of her mouth. Sinistra, in her last breath, looked to the one who slayed her and laughed upon finding the queen herself, dark liquid sputtering from her lips and staining her dress.

"Of course, it would be you, the queen of lost causes and lies. No matter. I know what you and your girl are. But I know what he is too, and once Garon finds my letter, and reads it, goodbye! Dead pathetic children everywhere, all their blood on your hands, Arete! The king will die, as will all of you Vallite trash, and my daughter will lead this country into a new era!" Sinistra howled, laughing hysterically as she finally was still.

"Arete, what's happening? What-what did she mean?" Ascalon asked, his voice a weak wheeze as his throat grew more uncooperative with each passing moment.

Shaking in horror as her fears were coming to light, she picked up the sore child, muttering, "We don't have much time. Come along and stay awake." That said she hastily bolted through the halls, skirt tearing as she stumbled on it and caught it on the roses by the doors.

Tears streaming down her face the queen ran faster than anyone would have expected possible, clutching the weary child in her arms tightly as this all reminded her of when she fled with Azura. She wouldn't hide the truth from them any longer though, knowing fully well what she had to do and what the cost would be. Her husband couldn't find that letter though, he couldn't die and leave the throne empty while the heirs fought each other viciously. Arete knew, above all else, that she needed to keep the strained peace between Nohr and Hoshido just a bit longer, even if it cost her her life.

She reached her husbands bedroom as an alarm was sounded, marking that a guard had indeed found Sinistra's body, and that Arete's time was almost up. Entering in she snuck to the beside table, easily finding the pale envelope, and taking it quietly. She wasn't as stealthy as she had hoped to be, jumping when a hand caught her wrist as she turned to leave the room. Blinking at her in tired surprise was Garon, confusion and worry distorting his features as he gazed at his beloved wife and wondered what she was doing here. Yet as the alarm grew louder, and he found blood on her hands his confusion turned to shock and hurt, emphasized as he asked, "Why?". Crying, Arete's heart broke some and she only gave her love a deep kiss, apologizing and shoving him down so she could run.

Without missing a beat, she raced down the stairs and corridors, pushing past the bleary-eyed people that were unsure as to what was happening. Thankfully Ascalon had kept his head down, his whole-body aching and curled into the queen's strong arms that held him so dearly, whisking him away through the dark night. It was when they went back outside, and the rain hit him, that he came around and tried to move, brain panicking that the rescue had been a dream. He was taken through the Villas and, as guards shouted for her to stop, he watched in awe as Arete spirited him into her home and created a ring of fire to protect the building.

Azura, who had fallen asleep on the couch, woke with a start and saw the soaked pair, the fear etched on her mother's face, and the blood on both figures. Ascalon was set down next to the small girl, still trying to fully understand what was going on, and calmed as the younger one put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Neither child had a chance to speak as the queen hushed them both and, with a shaky smile, spoke to them in a tone they'd never heard before. It was bittersweet, almost as if she had the best and worst possible news to tell them.

Hands shaking, she took ahold of one of their hands; Ascalon's right, Azura's left. Hating what was to come next, she told them, "My darlings, I need to go away after tonight. Before I leave though, I want to tell you of our home, where we came from Azura and where you came from Ascalon. This information, our song, is very powerful though. Now, we come from a beautiful land that's hidden away. Its name is Valla and, my dear daughter, you are a princess from there. Ascalon, you are of some noble blood, although I don't know for sure who's you belong to. Very few houses had access to dragon eggs though, and even fewer knew how to speak it. I've often wondered if you were related to my sister and I, even our half sister that died when we had to flee. Just remember though, a darkness and corruption took over our home, turning it into a dangerous place. The true enemies of our kingdoms, Hoshido and Nohr, are from there, invisibly wreaking havoc on these lands so that they might have them destroy each other."

Arete, whose body began to fail as the curse of her home was invoked, removed her pendant and her other dragon claw earring. Giving the necklace to her daughter and the other to what might be her nephew, she smiled through the pain and continued, adding, "These are for you. If there is a time in which you need help, a time when all else will fail, sing our song and these items will activate. Azura this works best with your dancing. I'm not sure how it'll work for you though Ascalon, but I know you'll find a way. Never forget my dears, if you want peace you must get our home back. The entrance is inside of the gorge in the Bottomless Canyon; all you need to do is jump down."

"Why do you have to go? Why now?" Ascalon finally asked, being joined by Azura as she questioned her mother too. They looked on, hearts knotting and twisting into tight curls as Arete smiled sadly and shook her head.

"Sinistra found out who we are and left a note for King Garon, what I took from his room. There is a heavy curse on Valla, anyone from it, and anyone who speaks of it outside of the kingdom. This curse kills whoever speaks of the hidden land, which is why our song is so powerful but strong. If the king head read that letter, which outed all of us, and asked for answers…he would die. His throne would be empty and up for grabs. I couldn't let him die. I couldn't let any of you suffer that fate, and I'm so sorry and sad that I must leave you both. Please remember that I love you dearly, and to stay strong and find peace." Arete answered them, feeling her body beginning to disintegrate, seeing the sorrow and pain the children expressed as it dawned on them what was happening.

Crying out, begging for her to stop speaking, the children hugged the fading queen, screaming and asking her why she did it even though they knew exactly the reason. As she held them close in her crumbling arms, she tossed the letter into the flames inside the fireplace, contently sighing as she turned to the sobbing pair. Her precious daughter and a boy she prayed was her nephew held her close, telling her how much they loved her as she came undone, making her passing from this world to the next better than it would have been if she were alone and in the cold. Feeling close to nothing she smiled sweetly at them, kissing their foreheads and closing her eyes for the last time. Her final thoughts were of them, her husband, Mikoto, and a silent prayer that her half sister's child was indeed alive.

The children, shaking from the shock and trying to come to terms with what happened, looked to where Arete had been, finding nothing in her place except air. Breath hitching with each sob Ascalon shook his head, blaming this all on himself, for making Sinistra hate him so much that Arete had to intervein. His stupidity costed her her life, taking away the king's beloved wife, Azura's mother, his friend. Azura sat still, weakly holding the necklace in her hands as she gazed at the empty ground, mind spinning out of control and unable to fully process what happened. She did not blame her friend, nor her mother, but blamed that wicked lady instead, not knowing her mother had killed her. Gently she gave Ascalon a hug, telling him it wasn't his fault, and got up to go get something for them to drink as the flames around the house died down.

The young boy, who had believed he was finally finding his place in the world, was more lost than ever as he felt the walls of his mind caving in on him, threatening to crush him beneath the ever-growing mystery of who he was. Like is was said through a wall he distantly heard Azura speaking to him, reassuring him that this was not on him, and then listening to her bare feet patter across the floor as she went somewhere. For a moment there was a lifeless lull in between everything, numbing his senses some as his mind wanted nothing more than to shut down. That was not to be though, as the kitchen window was busted in and Azura screamed for help, for her friend in the living room. In a snap Ascalon was on his sore feet, ignoring his aches as he ran to his friend's aid.

Skidding to a halt he watched as a group of darkly dressed figures threw Azura into a bag, tying the end tight so she couldn't get out, all eyes turning to him as he watched, and his anger rose. The leader, a scruffy teen with black and white hair, threw down what he had learned was a flash bang, and covered his eyes and one ear before it hit the ground. Still it stung and left one of his ears ringing terribly, but he was mostly alright and saw the gang running out of the house through the back door. In a reckless rage he yelled and went after them, taking the fire poker with him as he trailed the group through the Villas and out into the forest nearby. Behind him came the shouts and calls of the royal guards, all of them worried as they saw it was him who was chasing the kidnappers, telling him to stop and come back. Ascalon could have sworn that he had heard his parents but at the moment, after losing so much and suffering that night, he couldn't handle losing more. Especially the one person he might be blood related to. He had to try.

Speeding through the torrents of rain that plagued everyone outside this dark night, the boy, the kidnappers, and the worried guards all dived deep into the thick sea of trees, torches snuffed out like a candle inside a gale storm. Soon the guards were lost but the gang could not lose the angry child that tailed after, almost impressed with how carefully he navigated the area and leapt over tall roots. Azura, who had been struggling this who time, pulled a lose string from the bottom of the bag and was able to make a hole large enough for her hand. Shakily she watched her friend chasing the men down. Fear coursed through her veins as she tried to think of what she could do, how she could get out. An answer was given to her as they crossed a bridge and their leader tripped, losing his hold on her and sending her flying. She came to a stop at almost the other side, taking advantage of the chance and tearing more of the burlap.

As she worked away on getting out, she heard the angry shout of Ascalon, watching as he shoved someone over the edge and watched them splash into the water. One of the four left lunged forward knife out and ready to end the kid. The man's foot slipped, and he was kissed on the head by the cold metal of the fire poker, instantly falling unconscious as the kid got a lucky shot and knocked him out. Only one more tried to fight this intimidating child in pjs, nicking his arm and leaving a solid bruise on his forehead before receiving the same treatment as their comrade. Two were left, the leader and another goon, both warily eyeing the odd child. Azura was half way out of the bag when the leader sent his last man to go get her, drawing her gaze to the bridge where she watched the mixed haired man ready his sword he'd draw.

Wiggling herself free she began to run, shouting to Ascalon to do so as well, and winced as the leader took the chance and punched her friend in the gut, winding him and aggravating his cough. She screamed as she watched what someone she considered to be a brother, hack and wheeze, unable to get up or breath. The man with black and white hair looked down at him, standing still for a moment, before sighing and saying, 'No witnesses. Sorry kid'. He lifted the still coughing child in his arms, remorse clear as he went near the edge, and looked down at the raging white waters below. Azura rushed back over, hoping to stop what the man was going to do, only to be thwarted by the other and held tightly in a bear hug. Eyes wide from the nightmare she was witnessing she watched the leader toss her friend down, following his descent and hearing the splash as he crashed into the waves.

The leader, hood now up and concealing his face, crossed the bridge only to stop when another yelled at him. It was a man, dark hair, with a woman next to him. They stared him down before he walked over and cut the ropes that held the bridge up. He almost walked away, stopping as his guilt got the best of him and nagged his conscious. Turning around for only a moment he asked, "The blue haired kid, is he yours?"

"Yes! What did you do to him?!" The man shouted, ready to leap the gap if necessary.

"He's in the river. You can either go after him or me. Make your choice." He stated, turning around and walking away. The distinct sounds of two more bodies entering the rapids told him that their job would be easier from here on out. They had the princess and that's all that mattered.

Wow, long chapter my friends. As always, thank you for reading and I should have the next one posted soon. Until next time!