The Pasts

"This…"

Nyx frowned in confusion as she examined the hand over again.

Everyone gathered around Toya as others were still oblivious of the situation. Koharu glanced at the transparent hand on Nyx's palm. According to Hayato and Toya, they were helping Mozu in the field when Toya saw that his hand had already become the way it is. After being unable to figure this out, Sakura and Hayato brought him to Leo. However, he was unable to discern this either. An hour had passed and it seemed to have gotten worse. Koharu had been with Nyx out of curiosity of her age when they arrived that night. Aside from herself was Heishi and Kagami. Leo narrowed his eyes and said, "Well?"

Nyx sighed and shook her head, "I've heard stories about this and possibilities, but… Toya? Can you tell me a bit about your childhood? You don't have to give me everything that happened, but an event of some sort."

Toya frowned in confusion and looked to the others, who nodded. He held a breath before letting it out, "Well… It's not much, but, when I was a child, I would always go down to the underground to play with Natsuhiko. We were from the same hometown, after all."

Nyx nodded, "Did anything special happened one day?"

Toya hummed to himself as he nodded, "Yes. One day, we came across… something?"

Nyx frowned, "Do you recall what it was?"

Toya opened his mouth only to close it again with wide eyes, "That's…"

As he hummed to himself, he gritted his teeth before he finally spoke in bewilderment, "I… don't rermember? But, it felt like something very important happened that day… Why did you ask?"

After some thoughts, Nyx nodded. Leo frowned, "What's wrong?"

Nyx frowned in silence before finally decided to speak, "It's not very likely to occur without strong magic, but… I believe someone is tempering with their pasts. Whether it's to misplace them… or to erase them…"

"H-Hold on!" Heishi called out, "What do you mean by erase?"

Nyx sighed, "In worst case, you'd be gone in a few days depending on how much and how bad the damage is done."

"You've got to be kidding me…" Toya grimaced, "How much can be done with magic in this world?"

"Depending on the person's knowledge and how much magic they have." Nyx answered with a grimace, "But trespassing through space and time isn't simple. They'd have to be on earth for a long period of time before that could happen."

"The enemy…."

They turned around and saw Kamui walk in the clinic with a grimace, "That sounds like the enemy…"

Leo frowned, "The one who tried to attack us?"

The prince shook his head, "Not them, but the one who probably sent them."

Leo looked to him, "They're that powerful?"

Kamui nodded, "According to Azura…"

"What would they want after the espers?" Hayato said with a frown.

"Because there was a reason why they came here." Nyx said with a frown, "Remember that they came here only because something from their world was brought to ours. If they don't want to be stopped-"

"They'd have to stop us from coming…" Toya finished with a grimace, "But why me?"

"Perhaps you were at the place for too long." Nyx replied, "That's probably why it only influenced you, but now that everyone is there, they could come after the rest of you."

"B-But…" Koharu's eyes widen.

"Hey now." Kagami said with a frown, "That's not good news at all. At least not to the little girl here."

Nyx sighed with a nod, "Prince Kamui, Prince Leo, can I have a word with you?"

The brothers looked to each other and nodded.

"C-Can I go too?" Sakura spoke up, "I mean, Mikoto and Koharu are my friends too and I-I want to help!"

Nyx looked to her and replied, "If that's what you want…"

Kamui followed Nyx to behind the white curtain before she finally he asked, "Is there any way to save them, Nyx? Anything?"

Nyx sighed as she shook her head, "It'd be nearly impossible unless someone can travel into the past and stop the cause of their change. Unless someone has a link to the past someway and we can make a passage, they will only gradually vanish or be misplaced in their world."

Leo frowned, "What about some way to see the past? Nyx, I heard that you know a bit of Soothsayer knowledge."

Nyx nodded, "But, it would be impossible to use just that to make a passage."

"You can make one?" Kamui frowned.

Nyx sighed, "However, even I have my own limits. I can connect a dream to reality at most, but it would be difficult to-"

"Um…" Sakura interrupted, "I'm sorry, but what if we ask Kagami for help?"

"Kagami?" Kamui raised a brow, "You know his ability?"

Sakura fumbled nervously, "He offered to help me once, but I'm not sure if he would-"

"Well, that just depends on the person now."

They looked back as Nyx frowned, "I thought I told you to wait there?"

"Sorry, miss." Kagami smiled, "I honestly don't rermember hearing that…"

Nyx sighed, "You are correct. I should've done so. So, what do you think?"

Kagami shrugged, "I'm sure if you tell us about the situation first, we can pull together something to help. We're espers with limits, too, but we're not really by ourselves. Not anymore. You can be surprised by what happens when we use our abilities together."

Sakura looked to him nervously, "Then, you'll-"

"Well, if it helps our current situation, I can persuade Masamune to let us use our powers." Kagami smiled before bring a finger over his lips, "Don't tell anyone, but I could help you with the dream part."

Leo's eyes widen, "You mean…"

He smirked, "It's not much of any good reputation, but I use to sell dreams for a living. Meaning, I can make dreams according to what the person wants or how I want them to be."

Kamui's eyes widen as a smile formed, "That sounds like one of the things we need. Nyx, you said that you can turn dreams into a reality, right?"

Nyx sighed and nodded, "True. However, we still need someone to link things into the past."

Kagami sighed, "Now that's going to be a long stretch… But, how about you speak with Toya?"

Kamui looked between the group before he nodded, "I believe that they can help."

After glancing over to Sakura, Leo sighed, "All right…"

"Oh, right…" Kagami said as he got their attention and showed them his left foot, "What are we going to do about this?"

It was also transparent much to their bewilderment.

Nyx looked to Kamui and said curtly, "Hurry."

He nodded.

After bringing Toya in and retelling everything to him, the man sighed with a grimace as he nodded, "So, you need someone to travel into our past to fix what was changed."

Kamui nodded, "I'm afraid so… Sorry, Toya. I know the importance you and your friends have specifically over your ability and past."

He shook his head with a sigh, "It's fine… But, it would be difficult to let someone into their past."

Nyx nodded, "But, we don't even know if we can find someone who can go into the past or have a link."

"Conveniently, we do." Toya replied much to their surprise.

"Really?" Leo's eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Toya sighed as he said, "I don't tell others this, but…"

He showed them his right hand with the black glove, "I have the ability to see a person's past. As long as I have physical contact with them through my right hand, that is. This glove was made to prevent that. I don't tell others this for a reason, though."

Leo nodded "It would break that trust you have with everyone else."

Kagami nodded, "Interesting. So, it's the opposite of Sakuya…"

Nyx nodded, "The power of dreams and to see the past of another person. I can send a person to each of your past, but it would take a while to finish if every espers go through it."

Kagami looked to Toya, "Can't we ask Heishi and see?"

Kamui frowned, "I get it. But, it would teleport everyone to the past."

"I can try to change that and help him make it so that only certain people gets to go." Nyx said with a frown, "To be honest, I've never done it before with one who has the ability, but I can try and see."

Kagami smiled, "I can help navigate them through the dreams, but one question. How are they going to come back if you're going to turn my dreams into a reality?"

"I'll just send them back." Nyx answered, "if Heishi is going to get as many people, I can help narrow it down to which gets to go. At most, this should be done overnight at most."

She looked to the espers, "You and your friends should pick whoever you trusts the most out of all of us here."

Toya sighed, "Really? Dang it… I just got back…"

Sakura frowned in confusion, "How about Kaze, Kamui?"

Kamui shook his head, "I want to ask him to check with Nanami, instead. If Azura plans to go through her dream, then she is going to need help."

"She's still going to go anyway." Leo sighed, "Well, as long as it doesn't harm her physically."

Kamui nodded, "Well, I've spoke with Lilith and it sounds like she has a plan. We can take Azura to another outrealm nearby and the infant can grow up there with the servants. We can switch out the employees each week there. However…"

Leo frowned, "It sounded great till now…"

Kamui nodded with a grimace, "Time flows differently between each outrealm in the astral realm. It can be that one week here is a year or two back in that realm… Azura and I are having a hard time deciding what to do because of that…"

Leo shook his head, "I already don't like the idea. Still, go talk with Xander. He could give you some advices. For now, we have this to worry about…"

Kamui nodded and looked to the two espers, "Please find someone you can trust. Toya, how about asking one of our retainers? Perhaps… How about you ask Felicia?"

"The maid?" the man raised a brow.

Kamui nodded, "I know she can be a bit clumsy at times, but she is willing to help to the best of her ability if you ask her honestly."

Toya raised a brow, but nodded with a sigh, "Well, that does sound ideal…"

Nanami walked along the path back to the castle with a frown. Finally, she stopped and took a seat on a nearby small boulder. She had heard the news from her comrades, but to find someone she can trust. There was only one person in mind, but her condition was nowhere near able to following even if she trust her that much. She is the only non-esper she can trust. Maybe she should ask the girls about whom they've spoke to?

As she thought this, she noticed someone walking over to her.

"I thought you might be here."

She looked up.

"Princess Azura…" Nanami's eyes widen, "Um… Are you feeling better now?"

She nodded, "Yes. Sorry to make you worry. I heard the situation from Kamui and Leo. Have you decided who to ask?"

Nanami shook her head.

"Then, is it all right if I come along?"

Nanami's eyes widen as Azura continued, "It's through a dream, right? Then, I'll be fine. Is this why you were worried about asking?"

She looked to her in confusion, "But, then…"

Azura smiled, "I got the feeling that you might be thinking that. I spoke with the royal families. It seems as long as Kaze is with me then I came come. But, whether Kaze came join us or not is up to you."

Nanami remembered about the green hair ninja. She wondered for a bit before she nodded, "If… If he doesn't see too much, then okay…"

Azura nodded, "All right. It seems your friends have chosen their helper."

"Already?" Nanami's eyes widen.

Azura strained a smile, "A lot of them is our siblings, though…"

"Oh…" Nanami frowned, "What about the night patrol?"

"Hinata and Setsuna will be watching over the castle." Azura answered, "The only problem now is…"

Koharu sat on the ground with a peach in hand. Across from her was Leo and his retainers. The prince frowned, "I know you don't want people to know about your past, but…"

Koharu looked nervously back at the three and frowned in a slight panic, "Is there… really no other way?"

Leo frowned, "If we had, I'd have told you, but…"

She frowned nervously, "That's…"

Leo sighed, "Look, we'll just go in and stop the events from changing, okay? We won't dive into your past as much. Much less make any criticism of them."

Koharu hesitated before she nodded, "A-All right… Then… can I ask you something?"

"For the last time, why would-"

"Because you and Nijou could vanish and we have no clue what the enemy is trying to do! Also, I heard Orochi was willing to help Nijou and you're still left without a partner. And, Natsuhiko needs to chose another person that isn't an esper." Takumi replied as he folded his arms, "And it seems you're one of the few that's missing a partner."

"Well, there really wasn't much I can do." Mikoto said with a frown.

"Which is why I'm here with you right now." Takumi grumbled.

He sighed and shook his head, "Look I'm not interested in your past. I just want to stop whoever is trying to mess with you and your allies, okay?"

"Fine." Mikoto sighed with a shrug, "I don't really have much to hide either. Just try not to be nosy."

"What?!" The prince grimaced, "As if!"

As the two glared at each other, Mozu walked up to them nervously, "U-Um… If you want I can come along? I-If it's alright with you, Kuga."

Mikoto smiled and nodded, "All right. Thanks, Mozu."

Takumi looked like he wanted to say something, but just sighed as Mikoto raised a brow but didn't say anything.

"Sis!" Elise rushed over to Camilla, "Is it okay if I go to this dream world?"

Camilla frowned, "You too? I don't know…"

"Yeah! Arthur and Effie will be with me..." She looked to her sister pleading.

Camilla sighed and nodded, "Well, all right. Just be careful. Nyx and the espers have never done this before."

"Yay!" the girl jumped to her feet.

Camilla smiled, "I believe Princess Hinoka is going with Akito and the Hoshidan crown prince."

"But, I thought he didn't like the Pegasus?" Elise tilted her head in confusion.

Camilla chuckled, "I don't know, but do try to keep what you say a secret, Elise. You know his anger."

"I know." Elise nodded.

After seeing Heishi and finding that Toya was able to get Felicia's and Kaden's help, Kamui made his way to the clinic to check on his wife. Having explained that situation to his siblings, they had a long talk of it all as they soon realized that they would have to follow along with the plan as there was most likely no other way. So, Azura would go to the astral realm in the next few days after they explains to them the situation as well. In the next night, they would use the magic to help the espers soon. For now, they would need to focus on the next day. From what he was able to get, a majority of his siblings would be helping out the espers followed by some of their soldiers. To make things easier for the retainers who would be staying, he and Corrin made a list of those that wouldn't be here and handed it to Hinata.

It was morning again when they left the astral realm. This time, Toya helped keep track of the espers' whereabouts making sure that they stay in the astral realm, which was important due to the fact that Sorata would sometimes try to get one of the espers to sneak him out of the safety of the camp. Despite his knowledge and somewhat of a maturity in him, a child was still a child as he can be mischievous at times doing things to get them to let him go, but that would be different in battles. Taking this to account, they left the astral realm leaving the epers with Lilith. Toya came with Mikoto, Heishi and Nanami. After setting foot on the floating island, Azura led the group through the islands as Elise looked around in awe, "Wow… it really does look like a lake in the sky!"

Takumi frowned, "How did the people live through a place like this?"

Leo looked to Azura, "More importantly, what kind of place is Valla, Azura?"

"It's hard to believe, but Valla was once a mighty, peaceful kingdom." She replied, "It was quite friendly with the other kingdoms of the world…"

She looked to them, "In fact, it wasn't unusual for royalty from Nohr and Hoshido to visit."

"What?" the Hoshidan crown prince looked at her in question, "But I've never even heard of Valla. You're saying that my father- and King Garon- were aware of this land?"

"Of course." She nodded, "The Hoshidan Throne of Truth was a gift from the Vallite king. But when the Silent Dragon Anankos seized power, this land was changed."

"Azura, how is it that you know so much about this kingdom?"

Hearing this, Nanami was curious as well. She had taken the information as a fact without question, but she never thought of asking the question to what led her to obtain the information. The princess was quiet before she nodded, "I suppose I should explain that, as well…"

She stopped and pointed into the distance of a clearing and more ruins, "Come with me. There is something I wish for all of you to see."

Following after the group, Nanami felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked back in surprise, "Shukuri… Why are you here?"

"What? I can't be here?" the man said with a frown.

She shook her head, "It's not that."

He sighed, "I asked Masamune to let me come. There."

She looked to him with worry before she nodded. Together the two followed the princess and the group to the opening that showed a tall wall with a large statue of a dragon sticking out from it. Seeing it brought a shiver down her spine. It wasn't a good sign. Leo was the first to speak up after a while, "Xander… This statue… You recognize it, right?"

"Yes." The crown prince nodded, "It looks identical to the one that Father worships."

The mention of the king was a chilling thought as she recalled what Koharu had to go through to keep away from the ruler's eyes. She knew he was a dangerous figure. Azura nodded, "This is a state of the Silent Dragon Anankos."

Nanami looked to Azura nervously as she continued, "Each of the kingdoms has a dragon associated with it. Hoshido has the Dawn Dragon. Nohr has the Dusk Dragon. Valla has Anankos. He was gifted with unlimited knowledge and foresight. He was also the dragon that gave his blood to the ancient Vallites."

"But, then…" Xander raised a brow as murmurs began in the back, "Why would Father worship him, rather than the Dusk Dragon?"

Nanami could see Azura's hand around her lance tighten as the princess hesitated. It made her nervous as she heard her respond, "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you…"

After a nod from her husband, she continued, "It's doubtful that there's anything left of the true King Garon."

Xander looked to her with narrowed eyes, "What do you mean?"

"Anankos has the ability to possess people and to control the bodies of the dead." Aura explained much to Nanami's surprise, "His presence, even in short period of time, is very corrupting. Anankos's magic is likely all that keeps King Garon alive at this point. He is nothing more than a servant."

Xander grimaced, "I can't-"

"Anankos is using King Garon as a puppet to create wars and destroy the world." Azura said looking straight to her step-siblings."

Leo shook his head in disbelief, "That's not…"

He paused in silence before he looked to her and the statue again with a frown, "I don't want to believe it, but that would explain Father's strange behavior…"

He scowled, "That damned dragon is going to pay! Why is he doing this?!"

"He wants to destroy the two strongeset rivals to Valla," Azura explained, "Nohr and Hoshido. With them ruined, he can conquer the other kingdom with little rersistance. Some of you have already excountered invisible enemies outside Valla. Those are soldiers of Valla and servants to Anankos. With his maigc, he is able to send them from Valla to other places. He used them to make Hoshido nd Nohr believe they were attacking each other."

"And that cause us to launch real attacks at one another in retaliation." Xander pieced together with a grimace as the image of the day came back to Nanami, "…Exactly like what happened to us in Cyrkensia."

"Ah!" Ryoma nodded with a frown as he also recalled the incident, "So for us to save the world… we have to defeat this Silent Dragon!"

"Correct." Azura nodded, "That's our ultimate goal."

"I have only one question, Azura," Xander turned to her, "Since you know so much about these events… Who are you, really?"

There was silence as eyes turned to her. Nanami couldn't help but do the same curiously. Azura seemed to be taking a deep breath before her lips parted, "I am a princess… of Valla."

"What?!" Xander's eyes widen as quiet whispers begin amongst the militia.

Nanami couldn't believe her own ears as well. She had heard that the princess's mother remarried to Nohr's king, but she never questioned about her biological father before! Ryoma frowned, "Then you're originally from this kingdom? Belonging to its royal family, no less?"

"Yes," Azura nodded, "Though there is no longer a royal family to belong to…"

She closed her eyes as if to recall those events as she explained, "Anankos killed my father and then turned himself loose on Valla, devastating it. My mother took me and fled."

She looked to them, "Everything I have told you about Valla I learned my mother during our exile."

"Queen Arete?" Xander narrowed his eyes.

Ryoma frowned, "So, this land has had a curse placed on it?"

"Yes. That's why we couldn't explain things until we got here." Kamui nodded.

"I see…" Xander with a small smile, "Then our mission is clear. We must unite to defeat the Silent Dragon Anankos."

"Hoshido and Nohr…" Ryoma frowned, "Working together…"

"Is something bothering you, Prince Ryoma?" Xander looked to the prince.

"Actually, yes…" Ryoma nodded.

"Help me, please! Someone! Anyone!"

They looked around before Nanami noticed a young brown hair boy running through the woods with a spear in his hands. She pointed, "There!"

"There's someone still here after all!" Toya said in surprise.

Kamui's eyes widen, "That person's being chased! We have to do something!"

Hearing this, the boy saw them and rushed over nearly stumbling over his feet, "Please! You must help me!"

As Corrin rushed over and helped her up, everyone hurried over as Aura noted, "Kamui! Corrin! Wwe don't have time to del with every single enemy here."

"We have to hurry to the other end of this area as fast as we can." Azura said as she quickly looked around in question, "Hmm… there's something strange about the Dragon Vein here…"

As Nanami noticed the spiraling orb, Azura noted, "I'm not sure what will happen if we use it… Maybe it will let us act elsewhere?"

"There's only one way to see." Kamui frowned, "Corrin, take Azura and the others to the back!"

Corrin nodded, "I'll call Kaze to come with us."

Kamui nodded, "Silas, help me out here!"

As he said this, the messy hair cavalry rushed over, "Understood!"

Without a warning, Kamui and his friend dashed up to the dragon Vein. He jumped off of Silas's horse and landed on top of the glowing land as it grew brighter upon his touch. Suddenly, the ground shook as Nanami felt Shukuri grab hold of her arm. The bright light shined and soared into the air before landing at a nearby ruin. As it died, they could see a copy of the soldiers much to their surprise. Without understanding the situation, the group had already charged out to the battlefield fighting against their enemy. Kamui's eyes widen, "Like a reflection…"

He turned to the militia, "Takumi, Leo! Watch over the boy! Ryoma, help Corrin and Azura! Mikoto, set up the barriers! We're going to need some protection! Xander, Hinoka, we need support on our side!"

As they nodded, the other departed quickly to their stations. Nanami and Shukuri hurried out the field to Mikoto when she noticed the boy trip and fall to the ground. Shukuri clicked his tongue before rushing over to pull him up, but he was stopped when Leo stepped between them, "Careful."

Takumi nodded with a grimace, "This is a battlefield! Quick!"

As Takumi helped the boy up, he nodded timidly, "Th-Thank you…"

Leo looked back to them and nodded. She wasn't certain what it was for, but Shukuri nodded back with a stern look and pulled her along leaving the boy to the princess protection. The explosions of magic and cries of horses and wyvern only wrenched her heart as the visions of the past came back to her. The shouts of villagers from afar. The dry grass and warm air. The gun fires and screams. Explosions… huh?

Her eyes widened as the realization hit her.

Why does it feel like… I've been at war before?

Koharu was helping Lilith and Azama with cleaning the Mess Hall of the castle. The scent of the grass that drifted in from outside remained her of the green grass of her countryside home. The greenery of the woods. The wind…

It all reminded her of him…

"Koharu!"

Her eyes widen as she jumped back from the startling yellow eyes, "Eeek!"

She saw that the owner of those eyes was the small dragon as she said, "L-Lilith?"

The dragon nodded with the rag in her hand, "Are you all right, Koharu? You've been spacing out a lot recently…"

"O-Oh…" Koharu frowned and gave a small bow, "I'm sorry…"

Azama sighed as Lilith quickly smiled, "It's fine! Really! Would you like to take a break, though?"

She shook her head despite the dragon's look of worry and smiled, "I'm fine!"

She returned to work. After finishing up the cleaning, she stepped out of the building when she heard someone call her name. She turned around and saw that it was Lilith. The dragon smiled, "Do you want to rest for a bit at my shrine?"

Koharu looked to her curiously before she nodded, "All right…"

After following her to the shrine, the two sat down on the stairs as Lilith looked up to the skies, "It's a pretty day today too. Kind of hard to believe that we're in the middle of a war…"

Koharu nodded as she watched the faint white clouds slowly move with the wind.

"Yeah…" She noted quietly.

Lilith looked to her with a frown, "Is the conversation still bothering you?"

Koharu looked to her in surprise as she slowly nodded, "Everything is all so new to me…"

As she looked to her hands, she continued with a bitter frown, "But, for some reason, I don't feel surprised or as sad as I thought even though we're so close…"

She looked to the dragon, "I sound like a heartless person, huh?"

Lilith thought for a bit before shaking her head, "Of course not! Koharu, many of us reacts to things differently. Even when we're going through something sad, I don't think everyone will cry or scream in those times. In fact, some of us probably don't even know what to think when these things happen."

"Really?" the esper looked to her.

Lilith nodded, "Yup! Some of us can be just as confused or dull as you would sometimes. But, that's just the same as feeling sad all the same. Just because something happened doesn't mean that we'll react immediately either. I've seen some who didn't react until they aren't around other people anymore or they talk it out with someone! Maybe it just takes a little while for you too! Peach?"

A peach lifted from the altar and was placed in her hands. Koharu looked to her with uncertainty, but nodded nervously, "Th-thank you!"

As she looked to the peach in her hands, she couldn't help but feel a slight nostalgia. She strained a smile and whispered, "Kakeru and I use to go pick peaches and take care of the peach trees back on the ship too…"

Lilith watched with uncertainty before she said, "You sound like you're really close with the other missing esper, huh?"

Koharu smiled and nodded, "At least, that's how I feel… I don't know about him."

"I don't know anything about him…" She added with a sad look.

Lilith panicked, "H-How about a bite?! The peaches here are really good!"

"Eh?" Koharu's eyes widen, "But your offering…"

Lilith smiled with a huff, "It's fine! You're also a friend of ours. I'll be happy to share with my friends!"

Koharu looked to the peach and nodded slowly, "A-All right? Thank you very much!"

She took a bite and smiled, "Wow! It really is good!"

"See?" Lilith smiled and giggled.

The two nodded before starting to continue their snack. As the two smiled and continued their conversation of small laughters, the wind blew seemingly carrying the voices into the skies and dispersing through the air like dandelion seeds.

With the battle over, Nanami was in the wagon with Azura and Shukuri. Kaze and Corrin had gone to help their siblings leaving the espers with Azura and Mozu. They looked up and saw Kamui returning with the young boy hurrying up to him and his siblings with a bright smile, "Thank you for saving me!"

Seeing the group, Azura made her way off the wagon.

"What's your name, boy?" Gunter said with narrowed eyes.

"My name is Anthony." The boy responded with a smile, "I used to serve as a page to the ruler of Valla."

Azura froze from her path to them, "You… were a page to Anankos?"

Shukuri grimaced and pulled Nanami back.

"Yes." Anthony nodded as she could see his eyes glanced over to them, "The few people let in this kingdom are trapped here, unable to leave. Everyone is forced to work as his slaves. I served at his side, but…"

He paused and looked to them with a nervous glance, "He's not mornal. There's something almost demonic about him. Nanami looked to him with an uncertain look as he continued, "I couldn't take being near that violent tyrant anymore. After a lot of careful planning, I was finally able to escape."

"That explains why you were being chased." Azura nodded as she relaxed a bit, "But if you were a page to Anankos, does that mean you know where he is?"

"Of course." The boy nodded, "I've spent years serving him."

"All right!" Elise grinned, "A lucky break! We'll be able to go straight to him!"

"What do you mean?" Anthony looked up with a frown, "You're here to meet him?"

Kamui nodded hesitantly, "Yes. Well, more accurately…"

"We're here to defeat him." Corrin explained, "Please, Anthony. Can you lead us to where he is?"

"D-defeat him?!" Anthony's eyes widen, "I don't think it's possible to do that! He's too powerful…"

Anthony shook his head vigorously, "And besides, I only just finally got away…"

Nanami nodded as it made sense that a boy wouldn't want to go back to his captor. Corrin frowned as she said, I'm truly sorry to ask this of you…"

"But if you take us to him and we prevail, you won't have to worry ever again." Kamui said firmly, "Would you please help us?"

The boy thought quietly, "Yes… All right… I'll help you. I'm tired of running too."

He looked to the prince with a determined look, "Anankos is currently in an impregnable stone castle called Gyges."

Kamui nodded, "Can you show us the way?"

Anthony nodded, "Yes, sir. It's this way!"

As he pointed, he walked up to the path that he seemed to have came through from. As Kamui followed after them, Shukuri frowned and tapped Hinoka's shoulder, "Are we really going to trust him like that? What if this is all just a trap?"

Hinoka nodded with a sigh, "I was thinking the same thing, but we've just met him."

Xander approached the group quietly as he added, "However, I am uncertain about this child."

"Same." Hinoka grimaced with a nod.

Xander looked to Masamune, "Toya, you said that you thought that there was someone on these lands?"

The esper nodded, "Yes. I've wandered around from island to island already, but all I found is just burnt villages and ruins. Nothing, but those soldiers. I came across Kakeru once, but I escaped when he started attacking me. I didn't think there'd be some taken as slaves."

Xander frowned. Hinoka looked to him with a frown, "What do you think, Prince Xander?"

The prince thought for a bit quietly before he answered, "Let's keep a closer eye on him for now."

Hinoka hesitated but soon nodded, "All right. But, he better not hurt any of my siblings."

It's been a day of travels and small skirmishes here and there. After finishing the arrangements to bring his wife to another realm, Kamui made his way to the council room where his wife and sister was. With him was Kaze, Gunter and his butler and maid. Upon their arrival, Kamui could see the timid village girl and their best friend. Amongst them was their long time friend and retainer. He smiled, "Flora! I'm glad that you agreed to come. I apologize that I couldn't ask you personally for help."

The blue hair maid shook her head with a small smile, "In all honesty, Lord Kamui, just hearing that you would forgive me for my actions and ask help from me is enough. I'm terribly sorry for my actions back on the ferry, milord."

Kamui shook his head, "No, you're not at fault, Flora. I didn't realize the situation you and your village was in. You were only trying to protect your loved ones back home. Many would do the same. How are they right now?"

"Safe from King Garon's eyes, milord." Flora smiled, "Thank you."

Kamui smiled before taking a seat next to his wife and sister, "Thank you for coming, Silas, Mozu."

"Of course, I'd come when you said you needed help." The knight smiled.

"I-I hope I can be of help too…" Mozu said nervously in the eyes of royalty and knights."

"Well…" Kamui strained a smile, "I actually need to ask you something. A proposal of something rather important…"

"A proposal of something important?" Silas raised a brow, "What is it?"

Corrin nodded, "Let's start with this. You know of the espers' situation, correct?"

Mozu nodded in fear, "Mikoto and the other espers are in danger of disappearing…"

"That's right." Kamui nodded, "We said that we have found a solution, but we never told anyone the details of it."

He looked to Flora, "Have you heard?"

The maid looked to them dumbfounded, "M-my apologies…"

Corrin smiled, "No. Of course my siblings wouldn't reveal something so important. We should've been the ones to tell you. I'm sorry about that, Flora. Have you heard about the espers? They're humans like us, but have powers or abilities…"

Flora's eyes widen, "I have! While Lord Kamui and Lady Corrin was absent from the tower, your siblings brought back a young girl with pink hair! She told me that she had abilities. B-but…"

Kamui smiled, "I see you've met Koharu."

"She's here?" Flora looked to them.

Kamui nodded, "I heard from my siblings that she hid in our tower for a period of time. When our brothers joined our cause, they brought her with them after we told them about the espers and that her friends are under our protection and helping us."

Flora sighed in relief with a smile, "I see… But, she's in trouble."

Kamui frowned, "Someone very powerful has gone into their past and began to alter it."

"What?!" Silas's eyes widen, "I didn't know that!"

Corrin nodded, "We can't have everyone know about this."

"But why us?" Mozu said nervously.

"Well… we need someone to watch over us during the time Nyx sends us to the past." Kamui explained, "Using magic and their powers, Nyx will send our mental state to the past and fix whatever is causing the change. But, during then, a majority of us would be defenseless. That's where you and Flora come in, Silas."

"So you want me to watch over you?" the knight assumed.

Corrin nodded, "Some of our retainers would be coming with us to the past, which leaves opened spaces for others to fill in. Meaning, while Felicia and Jakob is helping us in the past, only Gunter will be left watching over us."

Kamui added, "Kaze is also going with Azura to keep her safe as they check on Nanami's past. Whish is why we need someone to protect our body during the night. According to Nyx, it should only last overnight."

"I see." Silas nodded, "Then, I shall do my best."

Kamui nodded with a smile, "We know that well. However, there's also another reason why I called you."

"There is?" Silas raised a brow.

Kamui looked to him firmly, "I'd like you to be my retainer, Silas."

"What?" The knight's eyes widen, "But you have Sir Gunter, Jakob, Kaze, and Flora. Another one would be…"

Jakob cleared his throat, "If I may, with the current situation, Felicia and I have accepted positions as lady Corrin's personal retainers, leaving my position open to you."

Kamui nodded, "Corrin and I have always had everyone with us together, but it's clear that we'll have to walk separate path despite still being in one family."

Corrin nodded, "It's not known to everyone in the castle, but our retainers and siblings, but I'm engaged now and I'm going to have to live my separate life away from my brother. We can't always act like exchanging our retainers' position. It'd be too much for anyone in that matter. So I believe it's about time we start having personal retainers like our siblings instead."

"You're engaged?!" Mozu gasped, "C-Congratulations!"

"Oh my. It's finally time…" Flora had a faint smile as she heard this.

Corrin slightly blushed as her brother continued, "I'm going to have to move about more than my sister in political works with my brothers which is why I need someone else that I can also trust. I also need someone we trust to be by my sister's side, which is Jakob and Felicia."

"So I'm that person?" Silas frowned, "But, I'm still just a soldier."

"I've evaluated your skills in battle." Gunter nodded, "True, you're a soldier, but being a retainer isn't all about skills and power."

"It's about trust." Flora said with a curt nod, "One that I nearly lost."

"But regained." Jakob finished with a nod, "And it seems you're the one milord believes would fit well."

Silas was quiet as he thought this. Azura looked to the village girl, "Mozu, I'd also like to ask you to become my retainer."

"W-W-What?!" the girl's jaw nearly dropped as she heard this, "B-But, I-!"

Azura smiled, "I know this is all sudden, but it's true that I need a retainer eventually. You're the only one I feel comfortable with too."

Kamui nodded, "She need one now if not sooner."

They nodded as they understand of her current state.

"Of course, you and Silas can think this through a little more." Corrin said.

Kamui turned to the blue hair maid, "Flora, I also need to ask you to help us and act as Azura's temporary retainer."

Flora nodded, "Of course, Prince Kamui."

Kamui continued, "It seems my siblings have also asked some of our other soldiers to help them as well. But, other than that, Hinata and Setsuna would stand guard tonight."

"I understand…" Silas nodded slightly awkwardly.

After the conversation, Kamui pulled Silas aside for a private talk as Aura decided to leave to the lake with Mozu. There, the princess smiled, "Are you all right, Mozu?"

As the girl remained quiet dumbfounded, Azura sighed, "I'm sorry, it must've been a shock since none of us ever told you."

Mozu shook her head in surprise, "O-Of course not! I-I mean… Y-yeah, I was shocked! But, it's nothing to apologize for. I just never thought I would become a retainer one day. I've always lived in my village with my ma before… But, why me? There's so many other stronger people here."

Azura strained a smile, "You're right, Mozu. We have a lot of strong people here, but… I never really want to pull them into my problems, you see. I also didn't want to drag you into this too, but for the child…"

As she patted the now growing belly, Mozu nodded, "Ya can't let another guy near ya… Oops!"

"It's fine." Azura smiled, "But, there's more than just them. You see, you recall of my history in Hoshido, right?"

Mozu nodded, "You were a princess of Hoshido…"

"Well, according to Queen Mikoto, I was to be treated as one." Azura smiled before she frowned, "But, even if it was her order, that doesn't mean that all the branches of the family would accept it."

"You mean…" Mozu's eyes widen as she realized the darker side of the princess's life in Hoshido.

"I was always targeted when I was younger for my history as a Nohrian princess." Azura nodded, "I couldn't trouble the queen or the royal family for that matter. They gave me a place to call home and a family to return to, even if I was an unwanted princess of the enemy. However, because, I was always targeted since young, I had a hard time trusting everyone in the castle. Even if the queen recommended it, it's hard to trust someone who isn't the royal family and their retainers. But, with a child coming along, I can't continue to protect myself or rely on my husband when he's not around with my siblings. So, the person I can think of is you, Mozu. You're nice and spirited. Also, you don't have strong ties with either kingdoms. We also know each other well since Mikoto and I always come by to help."

Mozu nodded, "I see now… But… Can I think it over a little more? Even if my ma is no longer around, I still have my village to think about."

Azura nodded, "I understand. Thank you, Mozu."

By the time it was night, everything was ready. Nyx was in an empty room with Toya and Heishi and Kagami. It was simple. Heishi would use his power to amplify Kagami's ability. From there, Toya would use his ability on the ribbons and ties of their uniform or objects to read their past. However, rather than seeing it, Nyx would take the images away and place them in the dream. From there, Nyx starts her work where she will navigate Heishi's ability to reach out to only certain people and the espers' group. They would be taken into Kagami's dream world that she would turn into a reality. From that point on is when their mission comes into play. However, they can't expect a lot of what would happen after. From what they do know was that the moment the enter the past, they would be able to interact with the world of the past, which is why they needed to keep a low profile there. Kamui looked to Azura who sat in a chair in her nightgown with the bump slightly visible against the fabric. He noticed her agitated look as he said, "It should be fine, Azura. I might not be there at first, but Kaze will."

"I know." Azura nodded as she made her way next to the bed and sat down, "And I trust Nyx too, but I'm just worried about what we will see in their time."

Kamui frowned, "I know. Even if we have their permission now, it feels wrong to go through the things that's so private… I worried about what we may see of their personal troubles too. Corrin was also wondering if this really is the only way through this, this morning."

Azura nodded, "I was wondering that too, but there's nothing else we can do. I hope we can catch whoever is doing this to our friends before they start going into our past too."

Kamui sighed, "That's the troubling part too. Many of us have things we want to hide. It's the same for Heishi and his friends. Heishi told me that if this was what it took to protect everyone else's privacy, he would let me into his past. But, it's plain to see that this is clearly a trespass of privacy that they would very much like to keep hidden or never recall. If only there was another way…"

Azura frowned, "Nanami seemed really nervous today, but accepted to let me be the ones to help her."

Kamui nodded, "I'm worried that we'll see how they had troubles with their abilities. I mean, it's what made many of them go through things they never wanted to. Let's make this done successfully, so no one else have to go for them again."

Azura frowned, "What about Anthony? I heard rumors…"

Kamui looked to her, "Well, he's currently spending the night in a room with Shura."

As she gave him a curious glance, Kamui nodded, "I know he doesn't look like the type to spend time watching over children, but I trust him as I do with everyone who came with us this far."

Azura nodded with a smile, "If you trust him, then so will I."

Kamui smiled, "Thank you, Azura. Now, we should get to bed. It's almost time."

According to Nyx, they were given the limit of ten at night before she starts doing what she needed to do. Now, it was nine and drawing closer to the time. After some time, weariness came over the two couple as they felt themselves slip into a dream.

When Leo opened his eyes, he found himself in an orange close room. As he got up with a grunt, he found himself in his armor and equipped with his tome. He heard a whine on the otherside of the spherical walls. He raised a brow and touched the orange wall only to slip out of it and crash into something. There was a snort when he looked up to see that it was his mount! He grabbed the reins and petted the horse when he saw his siblings and their retainers exiting other orange plants as he had.

"Where is this?" Takumi grimaced as he rubbed his shoulder after tumbling out as he had.

"I don't know…" Leo shook his head as he could see the dark skies, tangled roots and branches, and glowing spheres.

It was then that they heard the resulting and turned to see a black cat jump out of the bushes.

"A cat?" Sakura asked in surprise.

"Aww! So cute!" Elise rushed over and picked it up.

"W-W-W-Wait!" the cat spoke much to their shock.

Camilla giggled, "Oh my… Itsuki… Who'd have thought that it was you."

Itsuki sighed as he ruffled his fur, "Well, at least, I got a lady in a happy mood."

"Wow…" Elise said in awe, "You're a cat? Oh right sorry about that."

"Apologies accepted, little lady. This place is the dream realm." Itsuki said ignoring the question, "I'll lead you all to where you need to go. Nyx have already helped prepare the paths for you. I don't know who the person is or what our past is suppose to be like, so we're counting on you. Since it seems, some of you know us the best."

"Right…" Takumi grumbled.

Kamui nodded as he helped his wife over a large root, "I understand. What do we do now?"

Itsuki pointed off to the distance where twelve pumpkins stood with different symbols over them, "You need to go through these pumpkins. From there, you'll be in reality. But, Nyx told me this. In the past, you would have a hard time interacting with other things physically. You can ask questions and such, but doing things and physically interacting with something that is part of our past would be nearly impossible unless you're interacting with something that isn't part of our past."

"Seriously?" Hayato grimaced, "That's a lot of stuff."

"There's no helping it, all right." Itsuki sighed, "This isn't comfortable for everyone of us, but we're counting on you to save us."

Corrin nodded, "You can count on us, Itsuki. We'll do our best."

The cat nodded and said quietly, "Please…"

Leo and the group followed the cat to the pumpkins as he instructed which it was. Finally, he came before what looked like a peach shape symbol. Itsuki looked over to him, "This is Koharu's past."

Xander nodded as he and Leo walked up, "It's our turn, then."

As they walked closer, Itsuki whispered, "I heard and prepared it."

Leo nodded in silence before walking through the portal. Light shined through every corner before they found themselves in the middle of a busy road. It looked to be a Hoshidan style village full of people with unusual hair styles and kimonos or clothings much like their country. Leo looked about as his brother noted, "So, this is Koharu's hometown and kingdom."

"Country." Leo corrected, "They don't have a kingdom anymore, remember? First, we should look for Koharu."

He turned to the closest store and approached the elder man behind the stand, "Greetings."

"Good morning, sir!" the man greeted them with a bright smile, "What can I do for you, sir? Here for a tour of our town? It's not common for foreigners to come this far to our village."

As he lifted up his straw hat, he raised a brow, "Now, you're the most peculiar foreigners I've met in my entire life! What brings you out here?"

Leo hesitated, "Well… We heard that there was a girl with unusual… conditions around here. I'm a storywriter and came here in search of the rumor. This is my brother. I plan to make a story from what I find in this country for my hometown. I heard the girl have pink hair an-"

His voice faltered as he saw the man's smile fade to a scowl as he waved his hand, "Sorry, I've never heard of such a child before. Excuse me, I have to gather some of my merchandise from the back."

The man got up and hurried to the door behind the stand. Leo raised a brow as Xander frowned, "This… isn't a good sign. It seems it's true, after all."

"What do you mean?" Leo looked to his brother.

"Camilla had a conversation with her once. We assumed from it that she was partly exiled from her village due to her ability in the past. If this is truly her village, then it's not a surprise something like this would happen." Xander explained bitterly.

Leo grimaced, "That's-"

There was a grumble when they looked back and saw the elderly man return mumbling to himself before seeing them with a bright smile once more, "Oh! My apologies. Is there something you like to purchase from my store, sirs? It's unusual for foreigners to visit our village this far!"

Leo raised a brow and looked to his brother, who nodded.

"Actually, I'm a writer and would like to write a story of a setting in the outskirts of a town similar to this. Can you advise me a place to visit?"

The old man hummed to himself and nodded, "Yes. In fact, there's a home in to the east of the village. A couple lives there, but I think you can make a story based from what they go through there. Oh, but be wary of the North side of the village, the area is a dangerous place home to a monster that's said to murder people. They were so powerful that we could only push them afar."

Leo raised a brow as the realization soon hits him. He frowned and questioned, "A monster?"

The old man nodded, "It's no fairytale. A true story. A couple near the outskirts of the village died after the monster emerged from the bamboo forest. Their homes and their children all died under it! It's such a pity…"

Xander frowned bitterly as Leo nodded, "I understand, sir. Thank you very much!"

Leo pulled his brother's arm away from the stand and dragged him toward the east direction before taking a detour and heading North. They didn't say a word until they passed by the last house and into the forest. Finally, Leo spoke with a scowl, "They can't be serious… Was that Koharu's ability?"

Xander frowned, "It would seem like it. An ability that takes lives. I see why she was ostracized by her own village. But, a child?"

Leo frowned, "Now, I'm worried about what we might see at the house, but did you see that, brother? The man seemed to have forgotten that we were there asking him about Koharu before."

Xander nodded, "We should be wary, though. This is a village that experienced those incidents. It could be trouble if they learn that we're here to see her."

Leo nodded, "I understand, Xander. Look!"

As they walked out of the forest, they saw a puff of smoke leaving the chimney of a wooden house. Xander nodded, "This must be it…"

As they rushed over across the green field, they notice a young man walk out in Nohrian style clothing with a hat and cape hand in hand with a child around seven or eight. Leo's eyes widen as he noticed the distinct pink hair with the pattern hair pin and hurried over in time to see the man give her a familiar looking clothing. He said, "When you become big enough to wear this, they'll come for you."

The child looked to the clothing with confusion as she carefully received it. Leo frowned, "Xander…"

His brother nodded, "The traveler…"

The traveler smiled as he watched her hug the clothing, "You'll probably be 17. It will be spring."

Leo raised a brow as he heard this. The girl looked up to him as he patted her head, "Get on the ship. There your ability will be needed. Then, you'll be freed from your solitude."

"Solitude…" the child repeated.

The man nodded, "It mean loneliness and isolation."

He got up and smiled, "I'll be leaving now. I don't know when I'll be back, but I promise we'll see each other again."

As he petted her head, he smiled, "Take care of yourself until then, Koharu."

Xander watched the man leave as Leo noticed the girl looking to them. He grimaced, "Xander…"

By the time his brother looked, Koharu said, "Um… who are you?"

Leo looked back in time to see that the man was gone into the forest. He looked to her as Xander said, "My name is Xander. This is my younger brother."

"My name is Leo." He replied.

Koharu tilted her head as her long hair moved with the warm wind, "My name… My name is Koharu. Did the villagers brought you here?"

Leo frowned as he recalled the elder.

"No." Xander shook his head, "We came here to write a story."

"A story?" Koharu's eyes widen as a smile appeared across her face, "Like Cinderella and Snow White?"

Leo strained a smile as he shook his head, "I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than fairy tales."

Xander nodded with a chuckle, "So, you live here by yourself?"

Koharu nodded, "Now that the traveler has left… Yes… What kind of story are you writing?"

Xander tried to recall the words his brother used as the man was now looking around the surrounding, "A… story that takes place far from the village. My brother is the writer. I just come to help him sometimes…"

He hoped the lie worked as Leo whispered, "Brother, I don't see anything wrong here."

Xander nodded, "I see."

"Is something wrong?"

They looked to Koharu who watched them anxiously with trembling hands. Leo recalled the village and shook his head, "No. We're just making sure that the… uh… the w-wolves aren't around!"

It was a terrible lie, but at least it seemed the girl bought it with wide eyes.

"W-Wolves?" her voice trembled.

Leo nodded, "Actually, we heard about the wolves and that a child was out here by- with an unknown traveler. So, we thought we'd check up on you two."

He glanced over to Xander, who nodded, "The village can fend for themselves, but a child can't which is why we're here."

"I see…" Koharu nodded, "Th-Thank you very much!"

As she bowed, Leo kept a smile as he wanted to sigh in relief.

"So, um… how are you going to keep the wolves away?" Koharu looked to them with worry, "If you need a place to stay, I have an extra room and there's the sofa…?"

Leo sighed as he realized the error the child was missing on so many things. Xander on the otherhand strained a smile, "That's kind of you, Koharu. We gladly take the offer too, but please remember that inviting other people who you just know is dangerous and letting them into your home is even more dangerous for your own safety. If the person wasn't here for the wolf, but, for you, you'll be in danger."

Koharu looked up to them in surprise, "Really?! I-I'm terribly sorry!"

As she bowed again, Leo nodded, "It's fine, Koharu. Till the wolf is gone, we'll watch over for you, but please be more careful next time."

"I understand…" she nodded again in disappointment.

Seeing this, Leo wanted to pet her on the head, but held back. As they went in, he was surprised to see that the room was rather tidy and filled with books. There was a proper living room and kitchen. He saw stairs that led to the second floor and Koharu rushed up, "I'm going to put the clothes into my closet. Your room is up here too! Follow me."

Xander nodded before following after the child. They found themselves in a room across from Koharu's with a proper desk and bed. Leo sighed once Koharu left the room and shrugged, "I'll try reading some of the books down stairs. I'll also take the sofa. According to Nyx time changes to whenever, the person feels like something is off."

Xander nodded and touched the bed only for his hand to go through it. He frowned, "It's just like Itsuki said."

Leo sighed as he grumbled, "That's right… Scratch that. I hope our siblings are having better luck than us."

The crown prince nodded with a grimace, "Kamui and Corrin should be with Heishi at the moment. I heard he had the least of the affect amongst them. They should be all right."

"Elise is with Senri." Leo noted, "And Camilla is with Itsuki. Sakura is currently with Natsuhiko… I still find that a little weird. Shouldn't her brother be worried about her."

Xander raised a brow, "If Princess Sakura's brother trusts him, then there should be little problem in this."

"I suppose so…" Leo said with a frown.

Xander chuckled, "It's unlike you to openly speak about Hoshidan royal family like this, Leo."

The man huffed, "I'm just worried about the set up. Elise has Effie, so she's all right, but Princess Sakura is here by herself."

Xander remained quietly as his brother went on.

By the time they got to the second floor that night after their conversation around the fire, Leo saw a dark shadow enter Koharu's room. The child had gone to bed shortly after their dinner and seemed to be asleep… until they heard a scream. Xander and Leo rushed through pushing the unlocked door open as they found the child being pulled along the wooden floor by the leg! Leo rushed in and grabbed her wrist before her grip could give out as his brother rushed in and stabbed at the dark figure with his blade. However, the darkness simply slipped around it and sank into the shadows out the window. With everything being over, the child Koharu was now on the verge of tears as Leo wrapped his cape around her shivering shoulders seeing that he would be unable to track down the kidnapper like this. The two wanted to scout the surrounding, but, with Koharu in her current condition and outside being completely dark, there was nothing much to do, but make sure the child was put to bed and that the being was gone from the home. The two split the roles and, by the time Leo was done, Xander returned, "It's no longer here. Just what was that?"

Leo shook his head, "I don't know, brother. But, at least, you injured it before it disappeared. Still… what does it want from Koharu? It wasn't trying to kill her. Instead, it tried to take her…"

Xander nodded, "It definitely felt that way. But, what was Koharu doing up this late?"

Leo pointed to the desk of books, "Self-study it seems."

Xander frowned, "It's a good thing she wasn't asleep, then. Or it would've been worse."

Leo nodded, "Yeah."

There was a mumble as the girl turned to her side. They looked and saw the shadowy figure outside her window. Leo's eyes widen in horror as he snapped out his tome and shouted, "Brynhildr!"

Branches came at the window from outside. However, the figure flipped passed it and quickly vanished. Leo grimaced and turned to his brother, "The door!"

However, it was too late. The figure had re-entered the house once again and slipped past them to the girl who was now stirring.

"Koharu!" Leo shouted as the child sat up.

Koharu turned and saw the shadow come at her once more. However, this time a bright light shined in the room in a radiant pink hue. Familiar looking strings formed around the child as their eyes widen.

"Koharu!" Xander shouted.

But, it was already too late. A burst of flames came out before her and shot out to the black shadow! As the flames came around her, Xander muttered quietly in disbelief, "Fire… She's the pyrokinetic Toya was talking about?!"

Leo grimaced as he saw the flames move about her and Koharu trembling as the shadow figure approached her in flames. As she screamed, the flames grew. Leo grimaced, "Forget that! I'll calm her down!"

Xander nodded and pulled out his Seigfried once more. He dashed up to the enemy and brought his blade down before the being only for it to vanish completely before it could touch the blade. Without an opponent, Xander quickly looked back to the child now sniffling in Leo's arms as Leo petted her head as he would when he was with Elise when they were younger. The flames and the light also vanished as Leo nodded, "It's over now. See?"

Koharu timidly peeked out nervously as she saw her room now charred black on some parts. Rather than relief, her eyes widen in horror. Xander frowned as he saw this and could imagine the thought passing through her head. He reached over and petted her head too, "The room can be fixed. More importantly, are you all right, Koharu?"

The girl looked to them with a blank look as Leo sighed, "Let's just let her sleep in the room instead. We'll both take the sofa."

Leo led the girl to the other room and read her books till she fell asleep with puffy red eyes. Xander looked about the house making sure that it was secure before returning to the room. As he examined the burns and the bits of smoke, Leo walked in with a nod, "It seems that this would explain everything now."

Xander looked to him in confusion as Leo continued, "When she feels that she's in danger, her ability would go off with her emotions. It seems she's unable to control it at the moment, so her fear is the trigger to it."

Xander frowned, "Then, the incidents…"

As Leo frowned in silence, Xander sighed, "This is a terrible case, especially for a child her age… but we didn't come to her past to pity on her."

Leo nodded, "We have to save her from the enemy."

After his vision returned, Takumi found himself in the garden of a large building with Orochi. His eyes widened, "Orochi?"

The women smiled, "Hi, Prince Takumi. It seems that we're together this time!"

"H-How?" the man stammered before he groaned, "That's right… they were childhood friends…"

Suddenly, he felt something pass through him as a chill ran up his spine. He yelped, "Hey! What was that-!"

His eyes grew wide to see a familiar looking girl with short black hair running about in a red kimono. The girl turned around and saw the man, "Huh? But, you weren't here before? Is something wrong? You look funny."

As Orochi held back a giggle, Takumi grimaced, "What do you mean? Of course, I'd be like this and what do you mean by funny?"

"Well, okay?" the girl shrugged before rushing off, "Nijo!"

Orochi chuckled, "Well, it seems my partner is much closer than I expected."

Takumi groaned, "Whatever… Hm? Where's Mozu?"

As they followed the child, they came upon a young boy with long silver hair tied back and in a white kimono.

"Is that Sakuya?" Takumi's eyes widen, "He looks so different."

Orochi giggled, "You also looked quite different when you was a child, Prince Takumi."

The man groaned before he noticed a familiar figure behind the boy, "Mozu!"

"Prince Takumi!" The girl seemed to have cried before rushing up to him and jumped on him.

"Gah! M-Mozu! G-Get off first!" Takumi managed to say with a blushed face.

Orochi tried to hold back laughter as she saw this.

"Who is this?"

They turned and saw Nijou looking to them with the golden bird cage in his hands.

"I don't know…" Mikoto frowned, "They're weird though."

Takumi wanted to snap at her, but held back shifting his attention back to Mozu, who was trying hard to stop crying. At the same time, he could feel the stares on his back as he knew that Orochi was most likely looking at him with laughter in her eyes. Seriously, it felt as humiliating as the time she recounted when he supposedly played with dolls as a child! He sighed as he realized how this just wasn't his day… night. One thing he knew, Mikoto owed him big time for this!

"Mikoto!" They turned around to see a tall woman in an elegant kimono and tied up hair walk over to her with a stern face, "What have I said about running in the halls?"

The girl stood rigid and bowed with a grimace, "To not run in the halls because its unsightly and ill-mannered for a woman. My apologies, mother…"

The woman sighed, but nodded, "Please remember that, Mikoto. You can't be a child forever. With your powers the people will need to depend on you for help. If they see that the person they're looking for is a rambunctious child, they'd think less of you than us. You need to be the person the people believe they can depend on."

"Yes, mother." The child nodded quietly.

The woman sighed as another walked up. A brown hair woman with purple eyes and a pale blue kimono. The woman turned to the boy, "Sakuya, you have to speak up if something is bothering you, okay? It's no good to always be quiet."

"Yes, mother." The boy bowed curtly.

As the two women walked away, Orochi sighed, "Such strict mothers…"

"At least, I can see how she became so bossy now." Takumi muttered.

"I don't think Kuga is all that bad, though…" Mozu noted in confusion.

"Don't worry." Orochi grinned, "It's just Takumi."

However, Mikoto said to her best friend, "Come on, Sakuya! Let's go find the bird, so we can show it to the doctor!"

"Right." The boy smiled and followed after the child despite their mother's warning.

However, as they found what they were looking for and began transporting the bird into the cage. Takumi noticed something was off and looked about the Hoshidan garden. Suddenly, Orochi shouted, "Kuga! Sakuya!"

He turned around and saw a shadow figure charge at the two swinging a hand at them. Aa talisman flew out and missed it as the being simply ducked. Mikoto gasped and began to form her barrier, but was too slow as the Shadow slipped past her! Takumi quickly let an arrow fly as it pierced the creature as it shrieked in pain and vanished. Mozu rushed over to check on the children as Takumi looked to Orochi, "Well? Is this it?"

"Perhaps." Orochi said with a frown.

"What was that?!" Mikoto asked the archer.

Takumi groaned hearing the high pitched demanding voice of the esper. This was annoying.

After making up a lie, he returned to his work looking around the place for anymore shadows when he noticed the children sitting on the wooden patio under the light of the setting sun. He sighed as he realized that the other guardians weren't around and began to walk over.

"Your vision?"

He froze as he heard Mikoto's voice. Sakuya nodded, "I'm going to protect the girl who's most important to me."

He raised a brow as he heard the unfamiliar words from the same person's mouth.

"And I'm going to die protecting her."

His eyes widen as he heard this. However, Mikoto was already up, "You can't die!"

"Mikoto…" the boy's eyes widen in surprise, "But, to protect someone I love…"

"Promise… Promise me that you won't fall for anyone!" Mikoto said as tears began to rise up.

Takumi's eyes widen in surprise at the sight of a crying esper as he realized the situation and took a step back just as a hand touched his shoulder. He looked up and saw Orochi, "Orochi. This-"

The onmyouji shook her head, "Let's not say a word… No matter what they saw. This is their past."

Takumi looked back hesitantly before he slowly nodded and moved back. This part of the stubborn esper… he never thought he'd be that bitter to see her like this…

After coming to, Elise looked around before seeing Effie Hinoka and Ryoma besides her. Elise smiled, "Wow! You're here too?!"

"Princess Elise…" Hinoka's eyes widen in surprise.

Ryoma frowned in confusion, "You're with Senri, correct? Does he have something to do with Akito?"

"Ryoma…"

They turned as their eyes grew wide. Elise gasped and rushed over, "Azura!"

However, she froze midway. The blue hair princess smiled and petted her head, "Hi, Elise."

She looked to the siblings she grew up with, "I was afraid it was like this…"

"You knew?" Ryoma raised a brow.

"Not truly." Azura shook her head, "I just had a feeling. But, Elise, why are you here?"

"Perhaps, the three are connected somehow…" Kaze suggested with a frown.

As they looked around, they found themselves in the home much like Hoshido's. There was shouts coming from outside as they looked to each other.

"What's going on?" Elise wondered curiously.

Ryoma narrowed his eyes, "Let's take a look…"

As the five made their way through the halls, they found themselves before the door of two adults.

"No! Can't you see that it's hurting him! Leave him alone!"

Hinoka's eyes widen in surprise, "This voice and speech…"

Ryoma frowned, "Akito?"

"You don't get it, Akito." One of the adults said with a scowl, "We'll need the water."

The older man frowned, "Akito, step aside."

As the other man moved, they could see the young blue hair boy glaring at the older man, "Father… But, Senri-!"

"Now…"

"No!" He said with a frown.

As things looked like it was about to get violent, they instinctively were about to step in when a voice spoke up, "Big Brother? Do they need water again?"

Their eyes widen as they could see the thin figure of the silver hair boy who seemed to be able to easily fall over if you gave him a small push.

"Senri!" Akito's eyes widen.

"It's okay." Senri smiled weakly, "I'll finish the job and come back. I'll be fine, brother."

The adults seemed to have settled down as Akito frowned, but the adults already have him by the arms and pulled him away.

"Damn it!" Akito scowled as he slammed the edge of the sliding door.

"Big Brother?" Elise's eyes widen, "So, they're brothers?"

Hinoka frowned in confusion, "What? But, they have different last names, right? If this is true, then his name is actually…"

"Huh? What do you want?"

They saw the boy look to them with a scowl with small fists, "If you're here for Senri, then-"

"We're not here for him." Ryoma said as he looked to him, "But, we saw what happened…"

As the boy saw this, he grimaced and looked down to the ground. There was an uncomfortable silence before Ryoma spoke again with a slight smile, "Akito, was it? We're new around these area. Can you tell us what's going on in these areas?"

The boy eyes them suspiciously, "Can't you already tell if you got here yourself?"

The sisters looked to each other as they realize the intelligence of the child. However, Ryoma didn't falter as he continued, "I'm afraid not. We came here after testing a failed experiment that led us to… fall from the sky. Your father took in my sisters who needed healing, but none of us woke up till recently."

It surprised them a bit to see how well the prince was able to think up a lie so quickly, but it seemed to gradually convince the boy as he nodded, "Fine. This place is our town. Currently, we're in a drought and the village wants my brother to be their water supply and water their crops."

As he scowled, Hinoka frowned in confusion, "Your brother? That boy?"

"Yeah." The young boy muttered, "He has the power to create water, but they don't seem to care how tired he gets everytime he uses it!"

As his hands now clenched to fists, Hinoka frowned, "That's…"

"How bad is it?" Azura asked.

"He's always been weak from the start. Since he needs to use his powers, he's only been getting weaker. Since a couple days ago, I had to feed him his food. This morning, he can finally walk again and they immediately came looking for him… Damn it!" He cursed under his breath.

Ryoma was quiet as Elise wasn't sure of what to make of this. Finally, Akito hurried off.

"Akito?" Hinoka called out to him.

"I'm going to bring him back!" he shouted before rushing out through the back gates.

Ryoma looked to them as Hinoka grimaced, "I had no idea it was like this, but, if they were siblings, why do they have different last names? Forget that! We have to go look for him!"

"Ah!" Elise called out, "I'm suppose to be with Senri too!"

As they rushed off, Ryoma noticed Azura standing there with a frown, "Azura? Is something the matter?"

Azura was quiet before she spoke, "I-I think I know the cause between the current situation with the brothers…"

Ryoma raised a brow before it hit him. He grimaced, "Oh no…"

As they rushed through the dry grass, they found the boy standing before a familiar child with long wavy light purple hair and purple eyes. She wore a pale purple kimono and a cape over her shoulders. Elise's eyes widen as she saw the two. Soon Azura and Ryoma arrived as well with Kaze.

"Nanami…" Azura whispered quietly.

YueTian: Yay! I'm done with this chapter! It certainly took a while and I don't like where I ended, but I promised that thirty pages is the limit of the stories I made ever since Fate of the Sky and it's almost there. That was twice as many pages as this and too difficult to update without losing track of it all. Anyway, I never thought that I'd push them into going to their past! This is going to be quite fun! But, first all the drama of their past must come up in some form. Too bad it's not all of them, though! I really want to finish this last scene really bad! Anyway, it's three in the morning and I'm going to bed. I'm so glad it's the weekend or I wouldn't be doing this! Good night or good morning, everyone!