Okay so big news! I have been plotting out the next few chapters, getting everything in order and all that, and I can confidently say that we will reach the game time by the very end of Chapter 16/start of Chapter 17 and onwards. Also, big apology for all of the typos in the previous chapter; I'll be honest I was sleep deprived and sick while typing it; not my best idea. However, I will be going back and editing it soon, fixing the errors and maybe re-writing certain parts to make them clearer and more concise.

Thank you everyone that's joined the journey or has been here from the start, I appreciate it all. Also, if you peeps would like, I might make a Facebook page for the art that I have for this story. I do a lot of drawing and also found some great art by other talented people that fits in with the way things will progress, including some redesigns of Camilla in pants! *cheers and cries in the background* Lastly, I also might start putting in some song names, in case people want to listen to the music I listen to while typing it all. Let me know what you all think and yeah, thanks for being cool.

Warning: Longer chapters from this point on, Jezebel is back in this chapter (with a vengeance), and there will be a large chunk of this that is a detailed description of a fight scene, so gird your loins.

Chapter Ten: Echoes of the Past

[Ascalon, George, Elise, Leo, Camilla- Ore Lake, Outside of Castle Krakenburg]

Ascalon and Camilla rested against the trunk of a large tree while watching the younger royal children play in the lake, swimming around George and pretending he was a great sea serpent. Xander had been busy with a long tedious meeting today, as had Phier and Arcturus. All the generals and higher-ranking military members had been called in, save for Ascalon who had only been required for half of said meeting. He was not the same rank as the others however, he had shown great promise over the years and was the kingdoms only battle medic that rode a dragon. Exhausted from the politics, he sighed and leaned into his friend. She pulled him closer, knowing he hated going to such events, and gently ran her fingers through his hair.

"So, you guys are going on another deep border mission again? You just came back a week and a half ago, and everything was alright. Why do you need to go back so soon?" She asked in almost a whisper, voice low so neither of the younger siblings would hear.

"I'm not sure but this paranoid routine we're developing is really taking it's toll on the troops. We're exhausted, we want to see our friends and families, and maybe get a pleasant night's rest for once." He told her, eyes drooping shut when the idea of sleep entered his mind.

"You haven't been sleeping much Lon. Is it nightmares again?"

"…Yes, I still think of them, saving them…and 'they' always shows up to ruin it all. It's been six years, but I just can't forget it. I forgot my entire past somehow but Sinistra and Jezebel, they won't leave. They just stay in the shadows and wait for me to feel safe before lunging in."

Heart aching as she recalled all that those monsters had done to him, and what one continued to do, Camilla rested her head on top of his and took a deep breath to calm down. She had come close, many times, to tearing Jezebel apart in the previous years, only stopped when the brat was able to pull a trick from her sleeve, whether it was leverage against her or some hidden escape route. Many times the wicked girl had tried to 'claim' Ascalon as hers, bragging about how she would be queen one day and make sure Camilla knew her place, how little she was worth, and how her weak heart would be her end. Protectively she held her best friend close, afraid of what would happen if the evil princess was successful in her most recent attempt at hurting them; joining the Wyvern Troops.

In an attempt to not dwell on her dark thoughts Camilla said quietly, "You know, my room is always open Lon. I know sleeping alone bothers you and you feel safer around someone you can recognize, even half awake."

"Trust me Milla, I know that option is there but, we're both sixteen, I might even be older. If I was caught sneaking to your room in the dark of the night, regardless of the reason, do you know how that would look? Your father would murder me and hang my body on the city walls! We both know how grumpy and paranoid he's become since Arete died." He answered sadly, shifting so the pair were more comfortable. "It would be even worse if Jezebel found out about it."

"Well you can't continue on like this, no matter how tough you are. How about later today we go through the hidden passages and see if we can find one of the old rooms that was boarded up? If we come across one it could act as our own little safe haven, where we can just be free and not have to be concerned about others judging our…friendship."

"Uh…that could work. I just don't want you to get into trouble. Garon has already been pretty harsh to you and you don't need even more from him. A safe haven does sound nice though."

"Please? I'll even sneak some good snacks in and that pillow I lent you last month." She pleaded, pulling away enough to give him her 'puppy eyes'. Camilla smiled as he groaned in exasperation, knowing that the eyes always worked.

"Snacks, pillow, and the bed in the room has to be big, or no deal. I am not getting shoved to the floor by your feet again." He bargained, remembering their sleepovers when they were younger and how she would constantly 'starfish' and knock him off the side in her sleep.

Giggling she cuddled her friend again and agreed, saying, "Of course. Big beds are the best anyways, and you're stupidly tall."

The rest of the day passed in a relaxing haze, the group having a picnic dinner by the lake when Xander was finally free to going them all. He updated Camilla and Ascalon on everything that happened in the meeting, gratefully accepting the food that was given to him. Sipping the soup the eldest prince smiled, telling Ascalon he was a much better cook than the wyvern knight let on, quietly adding that the meal reminded him of Arete. Continuing he told them of his recent trip to the border, explaining that the attack had been odd as it had stopped halfway when one of his cavalry mentioned the blue-haired teen's name.

"Apparently you have quite a good reputation within the Hoshidan military Ascalon, even being honored to an extent and considered an ally. My men and I kept this from father but, seeing as how none of us would rat you out either, I'd like to know why they view you that way. Please, explain." Xander told him, politely ordering an answer from his now nervous friend.

"Oh, well…shit. Uh, it started a while ago, back on my first mission, remember…when we 'lost' the men we captured. We didn't actually lose them. George had become terribly upset when the enemies began to focus their fire on me, as I had been keeping everyone happy and safe, catching the falling troops. He went on a small rampage." Ascalon explained, fidgeting with his hands the entire time he spoke.

"Small? Uh-huh."

"Okay jerk, it was a giant, bloodthirsty, angry fit where I saw many men and women incinerated in a second because Georgie set everything on fire and his flames are way more intense than I've let people know. The Hoshidan's, who are humans just like you and me, with families and friends they want to see again, were turning to ash until I calmed him down. I saw the terror in their eyes, the monsters they saw us as, and we earned that title. I butchered so many people that didn't deserve it. When George calmed it was in front of this pair of brothers, and I looked at them and didn't see an enemy. I saw two scared kids that were my age, also on their first mission, and they didn't want to fight; that flame was not lit in their eyes or heart. I am friends with them still, to this day, and I won't stop just because a war might break out."

Camilla interjected softly, asking, "Why didn't you ever tell us this? It's been eating away at you for so long now. I'm so sorry."

"I thought you would all see me as weak, a traitor even. And if that's how you view me now then so be it. I'd rather be myself than lie. Many of the issues I've resolved though, along side of my mother, have been because I've taken time to get to know these people and earn their trust and respect. Whenever we come across each other both parties sit down, share dinner, and discuss the respective issues that have brought us together at the border. You know, diplomatically, like countries should handle all problems. At the end of our meal and discussion we spend the night in the same campground, keeping one another safe, and learning that we aren't so different after all. Tell me Xander, does that sound wrong?"

Pondering his friend's explanation, the prince answered him with a question of his own, saying, "The terrain information and any other knowledge of them, did you gain it from becoming friends with them?"

"Yes. Is that wrong?"

"…No, it is not. A bit odd yes, but not wrong. You do understand how dangerous this endeavor of yours is though, don't you? We've both seen what a traitor's death is and my friend, my brother, it is not something I wish upon you."

Nodding as Camilla gently held his hand in support, Ascalon replied with, "I know Xan. We won't find peace without any risk though. I can't sit and do nothing while innocent people suffer. I refuse to as well. I'd rather die a traitor than a murderer."

"I understand. Now, Leo, Elise, you both look like you have some questions for him. Let them out; you first Leo."

With a conflicted expression clear on his features the younger brother looked up to what was practically his second older brother, unsure of what to make from this sudden news, and asked, "How are you sure they won't betray you? What if one of them kill you because you're Nohrian, or take you like Azura? Father says that they're all backstabbing scum, too weak for this world, and undeserving of the prosperous land they have. But you say the opposite. What do I trust?"

"Oh, Leo…what if, with Xander's permission, I took you there? I've been, many times. Do not tell anyone though."

At this all of the siblings looked at him in utter shock, not expecting this even with the new information they had learned. Xander spoke before anyone else could, stuttering out, "You-you-you've done what? And take Leo there? What if they kidnap him? They took Azura."

"Yes, and they offered a trade to get back their stolen child, and Garon refused. Whose fault is that. If you're worried you can come along too. We could all go, tell everyone we were going camping. There are also a lot of Nohrian people that have fled to Hoshido so, as long as you're in commoner clothes, they might not recognize any of you. You don't have to say yes but, to better understand them, you should see who they actually are."

"He's right you know." Camilla added, staying by her friend's side, determined to help him. "We can make all of these claims and assumptions about those people but, we'll never know if we're right or wrong if we do not try and see them. I trust Ascalon, and I know you do too. He's never let us down and has only lied once, out of necessity. We should go Xander. It might help us find a way to not go to war."

Elise, who had been watching the older sibling's debate and speak loudly, puffed her cheeks and suddenly rose to her feet, stomping over to Ascalon, and sitting unceremoniously on his crossed legs. "Let's go. I don't want to go to war, or for you guys to go. Please brother." She said, eyes shimmering as she might cry if he refused.

Sighing and then giving a large 'ugh' Xander looked to Leo, the only one left, and raised an eyebrow as he watched his younger brother's questioning face, knowing all too well he was calculating the value of this trip. "Well Leo, did you want to go too?" He asked tiredly.

"It would be quite educational if we learned as much as we could about Hoshido, how they lived, and what they saw as the source of conflict." Leo muttered, nodding some as he gave it more thought.

"Ugh, alright, fine. But we need to either go tonight or wait until Ascalon comes back from the next border patrol…which is in two days." Xander told everyone, earning a 'yay' followed by and 'oh yeah'.

"We can go once I'm back. Now, off to bed you little ones; you need the sleep." Ascalon told Leo and Elise, laughing as they pouted and refused at first. It was when their older brother scooped both of them into his arms that they agreed to go.

"Get some sleep yourself. Also, Ascalon…thank you, for being honest and trusting us. I'm excited to see Hoshido with you. It'll be a fun trip with just us siblings."

"Yeah. I'm glad to have all of you."

With a rare warm smile Xander gave a final nod and dragged his little brother and sister off to bed, knowing they'd be up all night just dreaming about their trip to the other kingdom. George gave a content snuff and left for his pen, ready to settle down for the night. It was only those siblings returning together, laughing happily, that alerted the outlier to where the others might be. Sneaking past the joyous bunch, Jezebel kept to the shadows as she crept along, hoping to catch Camilla on her own, or Ascalon perhaps. She was beyond aggravated that the two were near inseparable, envious of the purple-haired bitch. What did she have that Jezebel didn't? The wicked princess knew she was beautiful, as all the men in Windmire fawned over her and tried to earn her love. Jezebel would rule this land and was far more talented than any of the remaining royal children, so it made no sense to her that someone as brilliant and beautiful as herself, would sink so low and spend his time with filth. Flicking her hood up to conceal her bright hair she approached and, to her dismay, found the two were alone together, again. So badly did she want to eviscerate that giggling whore, disgusted that she even laid a hand on her wyvern knight, and that he leaned into her touch. Clearly Camilla was bribing him with something, probably something she could give him better and more satisfyingly. Angrily she watched the pair, debating what to do.

"So, I spoke with Phier and asked about missions. She said I could join you on the next one if it wasn't anything too dangerous. You know, get me use to the feel of how things worked." Princess Camilla told him excitedly, brushing the hair from his face, holding his face in her hand for a moment. It always made her happy how much he trusted her. She didn't know Jezebel was quietly gagging in the darkness.

"Hm? Really, the next mission? Are you sure you're up to it? Things are never for sure safe out there and well, it could get dangerous real fast if things went wrong. I don't want you to get hurt." He replied, coming out of the soothing lull that always happened when it was just them.

"Well, I'll never learn or grow stronger if I don't try. Please let me go with you. Please Lon."

"Oh no, don't give me those eyes missy. You know exactly what they do. It's not fair!"

"Pretty please. With a cherry on top?"

"I don't like cherries. You have to try harder." He laughed as he turned away, taking a couple of steps towards the lake.

Camilla skipped after him, trying again with, "Pretty please with a…marshmallow on top?"

"Warmer."

"With sprinkles?"

Nodding he smiled and then asked, "What's it on top of by the way?"

Laughing, which made Jezebel's blood boil, Camilla walked over to her best friend and gave him a wink, making the young man blush brightly. She shook her head and looped her arm around his answering, "Well what about that frozen treat you like? Would that suffice my mighty dragon tamer?"

"Ha, ha, uh yeah sure. Alright you can go on the mission you sneaky lady. Just, please don't throw yourself into harms way, alright? We made a promise, and I don't want either of us to break it." Ascalon said, more serious this time as he looked his best friend in the eyes.

Camilla, much to Jezebel's disgust, used her free had and gently rested it on his cheek, calming him down some and putting his mind at ease. Whispering, "Of course", she touched her forehead to his, knowing he enjoyed the blatant pampering even if he never admitted it. Together they walked back so they could go hunting for their safe haven, and so they could both rest, unknowingly leaving the concealed princess behind. When she was alone, at last, and her insides settled down after the sickening sight of that harlot touching her man, Jezebel laughed to herself as she found the answer she had been looking for. She would just kill Princess Camilla when she went out on her first real mission, make it look like an accident, which she was a pro at, and then at last she would have him all to herself. If anyone else interfered they would suffer the same fate. To make things sweeter, she knew just the perfect guy for this job. He was an up and coming mage and tactician in training, and his name was Iago. Giggling she strolled away, melting into the shadows once again.

[Safe Haven, Night Before the Border Mission]

It was as if the room had been set aside decades ago for them, a bed fit for a king still there and comfortable with all of its blankets and trappings, old candles left on their perches with materials to light them and tucked away in a hidden part of the castle right between the barracks and the villas. There the two friends hid away from the world, reading the stories inside the books that had been left behind, both of the feeling content as they had both slept peacefully for the first time in a while. This was their second night there, Camilla nestled into Ascalon's side as the pair read together, lost in the story until they either had to use the bathroom or reached to the side for their tea. Occasionally they would get up and stretch their arms and legs, popping any tension that had built up in their joints.

"Gosh, I miss reading crazy tales like this. Could you imagine if these places were real? Ylisse, Plegia, any of them. They sound so amazing." Camilla mused as she brushed her hair, sighing as she imagined being there.

"They might be real. There's a lot of the world we haven't seen, and it could be out there for all we know. We both know I'm not Nohrian or Hoshidan so, clearly there are other places in the world." He told her with a smile, marking the page they were on and setting the book aside.

"That is true. Maybe when things are better here, we could go find them, find your home even. We could see the world together. You, me, and Georgie of course. We could find the Great Mila Tree, Grima's table if we wanted, and whatever else we could find."

"Well, if we did go, then you'll need to work on you're fighting techniques. On a wyvern you aren't too bad. But there's always a chance you'll be knocked from your saddle and on the ground."

Turning to him, hands on her hips, she smirked and said, "Alrighty then, guess you'll have to teach me, since you're such a pro."

Rolling his eyes and laughing he got up and walked over to her and, without skipping a beat, smoothly sweeping her feet out from under her. Camilla yelped, bracing to hit the floor and being pleasantly surprised when she didn't. A hand held her by the arm, pulling her back onto her feet with a wide grin on his lips. From there he showed her the way Arete had taught him how to fight, an intimate style that mimicked dancing to an extent, and together they blissfully blew through hours of the night learning and preparing for the next day. Only when the two were exhausted did they call it, cleaning up some and then quickly falling asleep huddled into one another.

[Wytch's Grave & Hanging Tree Grove, Southern Nohr- Camilla, Ascalon, Phier]

Ascalon and Camilla flew alongside each other, hoping the weather would stay pleasant as they approached the border, unaware of the Wyvern Lord watching them closely, scrutinizing every action either made. Phier knew her son all too well, including that he normally was not up before a certain time, never made his bed, and he never bothered to put on any kind of cologne or perfume. Naturally, when her son was up suspiciously early for the past two days, with a lot more energy than normal, bed nice and tidy, and he smelled like flowers, she grew suspicious. There wasn't much she could do, aside giving him a warning, and resigned herself to waiting to scold him when a hickey showed up.

Turning her gaze forward Phier watched their destination approach them swiftly, expecting the usual routine of meeting the Hoshidan troops and having a pleasant evening. It was when a familiar scent was carried on the wind, tickling her nose and alerting her senses as she knew what it was all too well: blood. Immediately she raised the silent alarm to her troops, letting them know that something was wrong but to remain oblivious. Her troops confirmed, including her son, and Camilla. Together they kept formation, a select few landing while the others stayed in the sky. Ascalon gave Camilla a reassuring smile as he and George swept down, the pair carefully landing on the cold grass and dirt.

Lance at the ready Ascalon slide off of George's back, patting his friend and telling him to stay alert in their draconic tongue. That said he jogged over to his mother, beginning to realize the lumps on the ground were dead Hoshidan soldiers, most likely the ones they would have encountered had things gone as they normally do. One of them, face up, caught his eyes and stopped him in his tracks however, the damage on the body clear and uncomfortably familiar. Unconsciously he reached to his neck, old wound tingling as it dawned on him exactly what had ended this man. Distantly he heard someone calling to him, a voice trying to penetrate the thick layers of fog and memories that were building around him, brining back images he wished he could forget. It was only when a pair of arms wrapped around him warmly did he come back to where he was, shaking and muttering to himself over and over the wicked lady's name, as she was the only mage he knew that could have done this.

"Mom, this is what Sinistra did. It's dark magic, strong dark magic. We need to find any survivors and leave. We need to go!" He told her, breath quickening and voice rising in panic.

"Ascalon, sweetie, please look at me. You're spiraling again and I need you here. Come on, focus on me, listen to my voice, feel my arms. You're safe, she can't get you and I would never let her near you again. Come on. Stay here." Phier told him encouragingly, struggling to stay calm for her son's sake. Putting herself in between him and the bodies that lay not too far away she held her boy in her arms, rubbing his back, petting his head, doing everything she could to keep him in the present mentally.

It was only a matter of seconds before his legs buckled and the general sank to the bloodied dirt with her child held tightly in her arms, eyes sharp and watching the horizon as the rest of her focused on helping him through this trauma. She had always known that one day he would have to face this, the terrors that he had lived through being inflicted on someone else, yet she wasn't prepared for it to be done against those he cared for. Phier gave a nod to her troops before returning her attention to her son, making sure his mask was on securely, so he could breathe, and began to hum an old lullaby for him. It was one she had always used when he was little, and one her own parents had sang to her whenever she was scared as a child.

"Hush child, don't you cry. Turn and lift your head to the sky.

See the birds sing for you, dancing in the morning gloom.

Kittens, puppies, dragon babes march in joyous parade, welcoming you.

Hush beautiful child don't cry, the world has a great surprise, one made just for you.

Oh, they can't wait to see all you will do. They're so happy to have you."

As the panicked breathing slowed and the sniffles came to and end, Phier stayed with her boy until he muttered a quiet, "Thank you mom. Sorry."

"Hun, you have nothing to apologize for. It's hard to look at this, and it will never get easier. Now as much as I'd love to cuddle my baby boy, we have things to attend to. Once this is done though, we can talk if you'd like." She told him, voice gentle and low so no one else heard them.

He gave her a timid smile and cleared his eyes of any tears, getting back on his feet with her help, praying no one thought any less of him because of this. Cautious footsteps approached the mother and her son, pausing a couple of feet away so as to give them space. Looking to their side they found Camilla, folding the corpses arms over their chest in the Hoshidan style, covering the body afterwards with her travel blanket. Most of the other troops had landed as well and followed her lead, mourning the loss of their odd friends, as many of these faces were familiar. Ascalon nodded to his mother and together they joined in, saddened and sickened that something this awful would occur, uncalled for and most likely unprovoked.

Once done Camilla went over to her best friend, waiting to give him a hug until he told her it was alright, knowing that sometimes he didn't want anyone touching him. Not too tightly she held him, knowing exactly where his mind was as that's where she was too. It was only when he spoke softly that she was able to confirm they were on the same page.

"This is dark magic, powerful too, and the same spell Sinistra used on me. Not many people outside the castle can cast this, and I know none that can cast it so lethally." He whispered, his usual rasp harsher than normal.

"She's dead though. No one else…oh no. Jezebel? Or did Sinistra have an apprentice?" Camilla asked, eyes widening and the narrowing as she thought of the evil girl.

Yet as he opened his mouth to answer a growing glow of purple settled over the decimated massacre ground, eerily illuminating everyone until one troop shouted loudly, "Witches! They have…they have the dead with them!"

Lost as to what that could mean the two teens gazed in growing horror at the on coming horde, watching the twitching bodies hastily shuffle across the ground and hungrily charge at them. Phier ran over and tugged at her son and the princess, remining them to flee and get back on their mounts. Ascalon ran Camilla over to hers, making sure she was secured, and she wouldn't fall off, before speeding over to his mother who wasn't too far from George. Nervously the dragon watched the strange enemies, letting out a low moan when some had neared his boy and gran.

Spinning around on his heel at George's cry Ascalon smacked the shambling body with the side of his lance, hoping that was enough to stun it while he reached his friend. He found out he was wrong though as, halfway onto his saddle, a steel grip clamped down on him from either side and yanked the young wyvern knight from his perch, throwing his to the ground harshly. Dazed and surprised at their strength he soon heard more cries as the battle fully kicked into gear, Witches flying up like feathers dancing in the wind, shooting down soldier after soldier, their garbled laughter echoing in the trees. Explosions of light flashed in the sky, sparkling like the jewels on the bracelet he always wore, screams of fear and pain fueling him to get back to his feet.

Phier's mount, Athena, had taken off without her okay and when she spotted what was happening below, she made to sweep back down, much to her wyvern's protest. Halting mid drop she watched her stubborn child climb to his feet quickly and wave her away, shouting that the others needed her help. Unable to get a word in at all she watched, with pride and fear, as her son charged off to help those that had fallen, calling in his native tongue for his dragon to follow along and help. Shaking her head, she rushed to join the others in the chaotic sky, impaling one witch with her javelin while slicing another with her extra lance.

Camilla soared with the others, trying desperately to catch any of the falling men and women. It was as she returned her fifth soldier and asked how her friend did this so easily, that a bolt of pure shadows shot forth from the ground far below her, viciously tearing her from her wyvern and throwing the stunned princess a good few yards away. Shouting in pain and surprise she collided heavily with a tree, yelping as a sharp branch broke through her chest plate, and proceeded to slide down the rest of the tree and collapse harshly on the cold ground. Her whole frame shook as hot agony coursed through her, keeping her wide awake yet dulling her senses. Faintly she heard another laugh among those of the enemies, one she knew well and loathed.

Not ready to lay down and die, Camilla ground her teeth together and pulled herself up from the mud, feeling the icy rain begin to fall from the heavy clouds above. Slinking in the deep darkness that choked the trees she spotted the familiar shine of white hair. Angry she growled as she hobbled over to where her axe had fallen, tearing it out of a tree trunk with staggering strength and rage that the wood splintered, tiny shards floating through the air noiselessly. Body sore, hands ready and tense, and mind sharper than the object lodged into her chest, the princess waited for the other to show her smug face, wanting nothing more than to wipe it away.

A figure stumbling and sliding to a stop next to her drew her attention away, pulling her eyes to the new figure and finding they very person she wanted to hide and keep safe. "Lon, you need to leave! It's her, she's doing all of this somehow." Camilla told him urgently, coughing afterwards and moaning as what felt like a spear drove itself deeper into her flesh.

"Milla? Oh gods, I need to help you, you idiot! Stay still." He replied, brushing off her worries as he saw the wound, the large piece of wood lodged into on of her breasts and the unnatural bend in her left leg. Ascalon sheathed his lance and lifted his friend into his arms, careful but quick, and took off running again while leaving her axe behind.

Upset she protested for a moment, coughing more and watching blood come out of her mouth. Concerned by that she looked up to find a wave of those fast-moving corpses, crawling across the dangerous forest floor rapidly as they wheezed and moaned, clawing over each other so as to get a better chance at catching the two. Terror coursed through her, renewed at the sight, and she turned her eyes upward to find the trees alight with golden flames, hearing the scared and worried call of George as he scoured the area for them. Knowing what to do, Camilla took as deep a breath as she could and, one hand clutching her friend while the other held the massive splinter, she tore the hunk of wood out of her. Alarming her friend with the scream that escaped her throat, the princess ignored him, reached into her pouch and pulled out a device she knew most soldiers carried: an enchanted piece of metal to cauterize wounds. She didn't listen as he shouted for her to stop, activating the charm and pressing the hot steel to the bleeding hole. The last thing either of them needed was her dying from blood loss.

Ascalon skidded to a stop for a moment as he watched his friend fix herself up, letting her scream into his shoulder as the process was excruciating and took most of her voice away. When done she pulled her head away, weakly smiling and thanking him for the small help. The sweet moment last no longer as one of the creatures, which he would eventually learn are called the Risen, raced towards them and dived forwards, jaws locking onto the back of Ascalon's neck and sinking in deep. He cried out and struck at the fiend, managing to knock it away before realizing how dangerous its bite was, how draining it felt. Blood running down the back of his neck he stomped down on the beast's face, hard enough to hear multiple cracks, and then continued to run out of the forest and to the landmarks that gave this place its name.

It wasn't until breathing became more of a struggle that Ascalon noticed his mask had been torn off in the scuffle. He coughed sharply and tripped over himself as they ascended the hill on which the Hanging Tree sat, looming over the pair intimidatingly. Camilla, who had fallen to the ground with her friend, weakly sobbed as her bad leg collided with the large stone grave marker that was next to said tree. The Wytch's Grave, dedicated to innocent girls hung on accusations that claimed they were Witches, stood tall above the pain riddled princess, angelic arms wide open in a welcoming manner, but face distressed and scrunched in sorrow as it wept stone tears. She heard her friends muffled voice, felt the ground under her pulse with life, and uttered two words almost deliriously, "Dragon Vein."

Feeling like his whole body was moving through sludge Ascalon tried to get back up, legs shaking and screaming in protest, fighting him at every step. He fought himself, watching most of the enemies left advance on the hill, Witch and Risen alike eager to take out the weakest links. George wailed far above in the sky, calling to his person, and watching the blue-haired teen struggle to stay standing. Everything felt numb as Ascalon watched the fight, nothing registering except a strong pulse which he originally believed to be his own, listening to it as it silently told him to take out the red lance he always carried.

Only a year later would the teen remember what happened next, how he saw the fear on his mother's face, watched in an odd detachment as his fellow wyvern troops did their best to intercept the encroaching wave of enemies, and how all of his allies quickly retreated as he raised his lance high above him and then plunged it straight into the Dragon Vein below him. Ravenous flame, as brilliant and bright as the ones George created, exploded from the dirt, launching themselves off in a path of destruction and rage, devouring the risen and witches without ceasing. They continued onwards, eating through all obstacles in their way and rested only when the foreign evil was extinguished. From high above Phier watched as her son gazed out at the strangely beautiful fire, feeling both proud and concerned for him. A fear she believed had been put to rest years ago was renewed, but it had saved everyone here.

Swiftly she swooped down and ran over, boots slipping some in the rain and mud, as she hurried to catch her collapsing child. With an 'omf' he ungracefully tumbled down into her waiting arms, unconscious and most likely going to be that way the whole trip home. It was as she was smiling down at him that a small group of Hoshidan's cautiously came out of the trees on the opposite side of the border. Two of them jogged up to her, one with red-hair and one with green. Phier greeted the two as best as she could and lowed her boy and self down to the ground.

"Hello Saizo, Kaze. I'm glad you're safe." She told them, reaching over to pull Camilla up next to them. The passed-out princess gave a small whine and then curled into the familiar shape she knew was her friend.

"What happened? We came to check on our missing team and saw the flames and…well, we were worried." Kaze told her, catching his breath as he watched the rest of his group attend to the injured Wyvern Troop.

"Well, we were sent out again, because the king is paranoid, and found your men dead. I hate to say it, but I think a powerful mage from Nohr killed them…or most of them. They had injuries similar to Ascalon's neck one, the one that gave him breathing issues. There were also undead monsters and witches, surprisingly enough. The enemies attacked us too so, whoever this is that did it, they are no friend to either kingdom." She explained to the brothers calmly, grateful for the friends she did have.

"We need to be careful then. There are some strong dark diviners in Hoshido; we could check them out while you investigate on your side." Saizo offered, crouching down to check on Camilla's wounds. Preparing to set her broken leg, with Kaze's added help, he asked, "Who activated the Dragon Vein? Those flames came from the ground; not George."

Heart heavy the Wyvern Lord chuckled and lightly kissed her son's forehead, answering with an unusual giddiness, "Ascalon activated it. He has dragon, and probably royal, blood in his veins. He's my special boy…my precious, beautiful boy, lost in a country he's not from. Gods help us." Pressing her head against his she cried, not caring that she might look weak and frail. She felt that way, knowing now the secret she had to take to the grave.

*Dies in a corner because the chapter took forever* Here it is, hope you enjoy. If you have questions leave in the comments. Thank you.