Ashton thought he knew what he was getting into.

Of course, he had been proven wrong before – he knew Seiros and the saints likely weren't human, but he never predicted that they would be dragons. Or Nabateans, as they called themselves. Not that it mattered much to him; what mattered was that he knew that she loved him, and vice versa. Maybe it was incredibly hopeful and naïve of him to believe that love could make anything work, but in his situation it felt like it did.

It became evidently clear to Ashton, however, that receiving a Crest was something of a big deal, if the amount of preparation Seiros was going through as he awaited outside of her personal quarters was any indication. He knew it had something to do with blood; Crests were blood-based, after all, with most noble families having one passed down through their bloodline. However, he had no idea just how he was going to receive it.

Minutes quickly turned into an hour as Ashton sat outside on a lonely chair, nobody but him around. The hallway echoed with each tap against his knee he made. Despite Seiros being just beyond the door to his right, he felt cold and distant.

Ashton wondered if he would need to keep his Crest a secret, like his relationship. No doubt it being revealed could result in some amount of political unrest, although he doubted it; there were many people with the Crest of Seiros, whether it be high-ranking church officials or the Imperial Line itself. Still, Ashton couldn't help but think on it. Not that it helped. Thinking rarely helped that way.

Thankfully, he wasn't with his own thoughts for much longer. The door opened and Seiros peaked her head out. She wasn't wearing any of her jewelry or armor – she was exactly as she appeared to be, with her greenish-blond hair barely covering her pointed ears, and her slitted, draconic eyes on full display.

"Ashton," she called, her voice barely above a whisper as one hand clasped the side of the door. "It is time."

Ashton could feel his heart thundering in his chest as he took a deep breath. Despite his certainty from before, he found himself strangely apprehensive. He was making a live-altering decision, whether or not it would be a good idea in the long run, he did not know. And as much as he told himself that he didn't care, another part of him screamed that he was making some sort of mistake.

Receiving a Crest, however, appeared to be entirely beneficial. With a longer lifespan, who knew how many years, centuries even, he had to spend with Seiros? That thought alone was enticing enough, but with other aspects added onto it, it seemed like such a no-brainer decision.

Ashton stood up, shaking away his nerves.

"Let's do it."

He felt cold.

It was like ice water had been directly siphoned into his veins. He could feel is spreading through his core and out to his arms, legs, feet, and hand. He could hear a crinkling sound in his ear, like ice cracking under heat. His eyes only beheld her, in all of her pale and beautiful glory, her soft smile and hopeful yet nervous expression as his hands moved. He couldn't feel them, but he could see them move, could remember that he told them to move. He cupped her cheek and she let out a sigh, echoing in his eardrums as her own reached up to clutch his. He couldn't feel it, but the sight brought a gentle sense of warmth where only ice had existed before.

Before long, he could feel his vision fading, but could also feel a new sense of power where non had existed before. He knew that the next time he awoke, he would be a different person, at least in body. He didn't mind that, so long as she would never lose that smile on her face. So long as she still looked upon him fondly and kindly.

When his vision fell to black, he was at peace.

Ashton awoke with a start. And upon awaking, nearly broke the bed he had been laid upon, slamming his fists down upon it and hearing it groan under the strain, even through the soft mattress. This immediately woke up the person at his side as well.

"Ashton," Seiros called, her voice feeling like such a distant thing as he breathed in and out, the air feeling as if it was made of pure ice. "Ashton, look at me."

He felt a soft hand against his face, forcing his head to the side to look upon Seiros in all her glory. His memories returned to him as he stared at her, his features softening as his fists relaxed.

"I…" Ashton began, his throat feeling clammy and his mouth dry. "I- it worked, right? I'm…?"

Seiros nodded, a small, nervous smile on her face. "It did. It will take time for you to fully adjust to everything this Crest has bestowed upon you. I will not lie, I have fond memories of seeing Wilhelm flailing about like a baby, trying to walk."

Ashton couldn't help but chuckle to himself, imagining the great Emperor of Adrestia crawling along the floor like a child before stopping as he realized he'd be a similar position for a while.

"I feel, uh, really cold," Ashton noted, feeling returning to his fingers as he held them up to his face. Was it him, or were his arms bigger than before?

"You have inherited the Sky Dragon's Mark from the source. Tell me, my dear Ashton, what do you see when you think of the sky?" Seiros asked.

Racking his head for a moment, Ashton spoke, "That's a very loaded question, and I get the feeling everyone would have a different answer."

"Oh, hush you," Seiros chided, lightly tapping his forehead. "You know very well what I mean when I ask that question."

Ashton smiled, nodding. "Yeah. Well, you're the Sky Dragon so I am guessing that you… encompass everything having to do with the sky, is that right? Even with how cold it can get up there?"

Seiros nodded, satisfied. "I see that if I squeeze the answer out of you, I can get what I want. Yes, that is true. Everything about the sky, whether it be the cool, chilled wind or the aurora's that stretch across it during the winter months, I am all of it. Not a single Nabateans is the same, my dear Ashton."

"I already knew you were unique, Seiros," Ashton chuckled. "No need to prove it further."

"You are…" Seiros sighed. "I suppose it is better to be flippant than to act melancholy as you normally do."

"I'm melancholy?" Ashton asked, brow raised.

"Very much so. I have heard from the Knights that they can scant approach you without hearing a sigh."

Ashton snorted. "I was probably thinking about spending time with you, in that case."

Seiros turned away, but Ashton could see the blush across her face before she moved forward and leaned against him.

"As I said," Seiros continued, "it will take some time to come to grips with your Crest. I will be here with you for as long as you need me."

"I'll be fine-"

Ashton tried to stand up from the bed, only to fall to the floor immediately as his legs felt as if they melted beneath him.

"What did I just say, foolish man?" Seiros said, coming up beside him and hoisting one arm around his shoulder. "Do you simply wish for the cold, hard ground? Did you think yourself invincible?"

"Well, I'm not dead yet," Ashton grunted.

"You are a dolt."

"I'm yours."

With that, Seiros pushed him back onto the bed, whereupon Ashton let himself go limp and spread out.

"Going to leave me here to die now?" Ashton asked, laughing to himself as he rolled onto his side. "This bed is very comfy."

"I am sorely tempted," Seiros replied, "but, no, I put too much into you to let you simply fall away now. You still have much to take responsibility for."

"Oh, yes," Ashton laughed. "Sorry, but I do not have a ring yet. Give me a day or so."

"F-foolish man-!" Seiros stammered out before letting out a sigh and sitting beside him. "That is not entirely what I meant, but I…"

"Can't be public, I know," Ashton said, shrugging. "But still, I would like that, and I suppose you'd like that too, huh?"

Seiros smiled and laid beside him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Are you proposing to me, Ashton?" she whispered.

I, uh," Ashton stuttered, suddenly feeling his heart pumping again. "I am, yes. Huh. I didn't think it'd be that easy."

Ashton didn't know if Nabateans had any sort of marital customs, and by that point he was too afraid to ask. Not that Seiros looked as if a ring was out of the ordinary for a proposal.

"You need to watch what you say, Ashton," Seiros whispered, "you are with me forever now, you know. And Nabateans have a long memory."

"Like an elephant?" Ashton replied.

Seiros narrowed her eyes. "I do not know what that is, but it does not sound like a pleasant comparison."

Ashton laughed, wrapping his arms around Seiros. "Yeah, I think I will just stop talking."

Seiros looked as if she was about to say something, but stopped herself at the last moment and nuzzled against Ashton's chest.

Despite the fact that Nemesis and his army were not defeated and were still relatively nearby, to Ashton, it almost seemed like they were farther away than ever.

Seiros was not joking when she said that it would take Ashton time to fully come to grips with his newfound power. Ashton himself learned about how right she was as he struggled to regain full control of his legs just a day after the procedure. True to her word, Seiros was right beside him almost the entire time, helping him move about until he could finally use them correctly again.

Unfortunately, it did not stop there. Even with full control of his body again, it wasn't long after that he realized just how much stronger he had become.

Ashton had gotten a taste for wine since coming to Enbarr. It was a casual thing; he didn't want to become a heavy drinker, no matter how bleak things could seem. A nice glass of wine could help take the edge off. When he tried it just a few days after receiving his Crest, he nearly jumped when he heard the sound of shattering glass. Turning his head, he could see wine and glass shards covering his half-clenched hand, although notably not cutting into his skin.

That was a good vintage though…

Eventually, however, all good things had to come to an end, and by the time he had finally gotten a handle on his new abilities, it was time for both Ashton and Seiros to return to their duties. Ashton felt himself growing a bit nervous having to face the Knights of Seiros again, but in the end, he knew he had nothing to worry about.

Even if he was not in the upper echelons of the company, he was content where he stood.

"I half-expected you to have turned tail and run," a familiar voice said as Ashton entered the camp.

The Knights had taken position outside the ruined gates of Enbarr, making sure they'd be ready if Nemesis decided to mount another assault while they were waiting for Saint Macuil's forces from the north. It wasn't a dangerous position, but Ashton felt exposed, even under the setting winter sun.

Saladin was the one to address him. The giant of a man had long foregone his 'barbarian' ancestry, using only the white plate armor of the Knights of Seiros. Despite his origins, he had made himself an invaluable part of the Knights.

Ashton shrugged. "Well, deserting just is not in my nature."

Saladin approached him, let out a half-chuckle before shoving Ashton's shoulder a bit.

"I hear tell that you were originally a deserter who somehow waltzed into the Saints' good graces. How much truth is there to that, I wonder?" he hummed.

Ashton snorted. "You know the story as well as anyone else in the Knights, old friend."

"Old friend, am I?" Saladin grunted, placing an arm around Ashton's shoulder. "Come, I have a small nook where we can talk without interruption."

Saladin brought Ashton to an out-of-the-way part of the encampment, with one side facing the tents nearby and the other only seeing the dusky winter fields of Enbarr. A small fire crackled around two wooden chairs. Saladin sat on one, while Ashton took the other.

For a moment, both of them were silent. Ashton wished Roland and Ella were there – he hadn't seen them since before the battle, although he head thankfully heard news that they were alive and well. No doubt they had been sent to back up Macuil's army to the north, to scour what remained of Nemesis' forces. Despite their overwhelming victory, Ashton couldn't help but feel as if it was only just beginning.

Nemesis had escaped once. It wouldn't surprise Ashton if he somehow escaped again, with the Elites in tow.

"Saladin," Ashton began, wiping his forehead as he avoided looking the man in the eye, staring instead into the fire before him. "You have spoken of Nemesis' plans before. How he intends to conquer the continent. Why do you think he tried to hit us where we're at our strongest?"

Saladin closed his eyes and crossed his arms.

"He was testing us," Saladin finally said. "Most likely, he wanted to see, to feel the Empire's bite. I do not believe he did this with the intention of winning. He wanted to see us at our full strength, or as close to it as we can muster. He is a man of considerable low cunning. When he escapes Adrestia's clutches, he will try again, only more serious."

"So this wasn't even…" Ashton trailed off for a moment, massaging his temples. "He was not even here to truly conquer. All the lives he wasted throwing people at Enbarr's walls, and it was just to see how strong we are? What kind of madman would do that?"

"Nemesis would. Or have you not been listening?" Saladin asked with a brow raised. "Let me pose you a question, Ashton of Adrestia. What is your ultimate goal?"

Ashton couldn't answer that at first. He sat there, staring at the fire for a few moments as a cold wind blew across the plains. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he spoke.

"I want to go home," he whispered, "with the woman I love at my side and with my father knowing that I did not die or abandon him. That is what I want, one day."

"A noble, worthy goal," Saladin grunted, nodding. "One without ambition, or destructive ambition. Nemesis' goals – they are not without it. In fact, he is driven purely by it. His ambition is that of a raging inferno, devouring all in its wake. He would send a million souls to their doom just to know, to feel the hate that seethes in this country, for him and his kind. He wants to satisfaction of finally crushing the Empire beneath his boot, feel it writhing beneath him, before he destroys it and brings in an age where the strong exploit the weak in an endless cycle."

Ashton closed his eyes and looked away, feeling Saladin's words wash over him.

"Who was he?" Ashton asked.

"Before he became the conqueror you have heard of?" Saladin said, and at Ashton's nod, continued, "A bandit, plain and simple. A no-nonsense cutthroat who robbed people of their valuables and kidnapped women from their homes. It is as unpleasant as it sounds. And now that simple bandit has become one of the most powerful men in the world."

"On the backs of thousands," Ashton mumbled.

"Do not misunderstand me, Ashton. Nemesis has always been a monster," Saladin said, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. "This is not a question of power corrupting a once right and proper man. It is a cautionary tale that those who beget power through deplorable means will use it to deplorable ends and must be stopped. He cannot be reasoned with, there will be no bargains, and no matter what may come, innocent people will be caught in the crossfire."

"How many, do you wager?" Ashton asked, rubbing his temples. "How many more will fall because of his needless bloodlust?"

"I cannot answer that question," Saladin answered promptly, crossing his arms. Ashton thought he almost looked like an old Greek statue. "Nor do I have the means to. Beyond Nemesis himself, the other Elites are all rotten to the core. Least of all mine own father. A sorcerer, believe it or not, and yet were we to stand side by side, you would scarcely be able to believe that we are father and son."

Ashton snorted. "I cannot imagine a skinny mage being related to you, it's true."

"You jest, but I am speaking the truth," Saladin snorted, propping one leg on the other. "Perhaps, one day, you will be able to see for yourself. I imagine you can fight with a Saint almost on equal footing, can you not?"

Ashton narrowed his eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Do not misunderstand, it is not an easy thing to see, and your secret is safe with me," Saladin said preemptively. "But I can sense it all the same. You have a Crest, do you not? Where once there was none, there is now."

"Do not tell anyone," Ashton growled.

"I shall not, you needn't worry," Saladin nodded. "I do find it interesting, however. Where did you get it from, I wonder?"

"Maybe one day you will find out," Ashton sniffed, looking to the fire. "Until then, let's just leave at that, eh?"

"Very well," Saladin sighed, "It is not my business, though still, I find it intriguing."

After that, the two warriors fell into a comfortable silence, watching as the sun set over another day.

Nemesis had been driven from Fódlan.

With the combined strength of Macuil's army, and the main bulk of the Adrestian Army to the south, he had no choice but to flee with a small fraction of the fleet he had started with, leaving behind a majority of the soldiers he had left who quickly surrendered. As expected, most of them were conscripts from Brigid, with not an insignificant amount from the neighboring continent of Dagda.

Ashton could feel guilt clawing away at his stomach and heart at the confirmation. Most of the people he had killed on the walls and at the gates of Enbarr had been conscripts, men and women who didn't even want to be there. Of course, he already knew just by looking at them, but when he saw them approaching Enbarr in the remains of their armor and whatever rags they could scrounge up, he felt nothing but sympathy.

Sympathy that he hoped Seiros and the Saints shared.

Thankfully, they were not to be executed.

Many of them had been gathered in the plaza directly in front of the Imperial Palace, whereupon Emperor Wilhelm made his appearance, wearing his regalia that shined in the sun. The Emperor looked more like a marble statue than a man as he stood, poised over the masses of former troops.

"By my right as Emperor, and by the right vested in me by the Goddess and Seiros, I order that you be returned to your homeland," Wilhelm decreed. Ashton could hear his voice as clear as day from his position, poised with other Knights of Seiros to the Emperor's left. "You are freed of Nemesis' control, and the Goddess herself knows that it was not your choice to fight alongside his blasphemous ilk. Know this, however: should you ever take up arms against the Empire personally, we will brook no quarter against you and your kind."

A hefty punishment, and one Adrestia had the means to carry out. Judging by the reactions of the former conscripts, however – running the gamut between relieved and frightened, judging by the sighs he heard and the furrowed brows he saw – the Empire wouldn't need to worry about it.

"The ships will come for you within a fortnight," Wilhelm declared, "until then, make of our city what you will."

An invitation to join the church was what that was, Ashton surmised. Not a bad thing, after all, Ashton himself had been a godless foreigner when he arrived, and there he stood, a Knight of Seiros.

Small murmurings from the crowd gathered were quickly silenced as Wilhelm took his leave into the palace, and the Knights and soldiers moved to corral the former soldiers where they would be staying.

Despite the fact that he knew they wouldn't be harmed, Ashton couldn't help but feel dread moving them along.

When things had finally calmed down, and the noonday sun gave way to a dark and starry night, Ashton approached Seiros quarters. Such meetings had only become more and more commonplace, with them sharing a bed more often than not. Ashton had taken to covering himself in large, baggy robes just as Seiros had to conceal her identity, years prior. It was surprisingly comfortable, not that he would go around all of Enbarr like that.

Guards would usually be posted near Seiros' room, but Ashton always could see she was expecting him when she sent them away, leaving the grand hallway that led to her room vacant.

There was something different, though, something that Ashton couldn't quite place. There was a tension in the air that made his hair stand on end as he approached the door.

He gave the intricately carved door three small knocks and then waited. He heard nothing from the other side for a few moments, until small, dull footsteps echoed in his eardrums. After another moment, the door opened slowly.

When Seiros showed her face, Ashton expected a welcoming smile. Instead, he received a plain stare. She was wearing her usual ornamental clothing, complete with her winged crown, almost like she was heading off to battle.

"…Something's wrong," Ashton said. "Are you okay?"

Seiros looked down before pushing herself away from the door and leaving it open. Ashton took that as the one sign that he was allowed in. Gently sliding inside, he closed the door behind him as Seiros took step after step toward the balcony nearby. Her gown flowed behind her as she pushed open the doors and gazed upon Enbarr, crossing her arms underneath her chest. Ashton approached, unsure if he should even touch her or not.

"Nothing is wrong," Seiros finally said, her voice quiet. "Not in a way that matters, but it had me worried all the same."

"If nothing's wrong, then why do you sound so… well, sad?" Ashton asked. "Was it something I did?"

"No!" Seiros quickly snapped, turning to Ashton with desperation in her eyes. After seeing Ashton recoil, she blinked before turning. "I mean, no, my dear Ashton. You have done nothing wrong. It is… merely a consequence of our joining, it would seem."

Ashton froze.

"Ashton," Seiros said, her voice trembling. "It would appear that if I would like to continue giving sermons, I will need to wear a looser robe. For I am… I am pregnant.

Ashton felt as if the entire world had stopped. No birds were singing, the city itself had become as quiet as the grave as he stared at Seiros.

"Please, must you stare?" Seiros hissed, "I could have found a better way to tell you, I admit, but I can barely think now. It is like my mind is consumed about thoughts of a future I never even regarded as possible. A future with you, and with… by the Goddess, say something!"

"I didn't expect it either," Ashton finally said, shaking his head. "But, well, this changes a lot. It's going to be a rough next few months, probably. But I'll not abandon you now. You needn't worry about that."

Seiros finally smiled at that. A small, fragile smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Good. I… have gone over it in my head. I do not know what I will do with the child, where I should hide them, but I will love and care for them to the best of my abilities, for as long as I am able. And… I know you will too. Right?"

Ashton finally moved forward and hugged Seiros tightly. A long sigh came from her as he felt the tension leave her, reciprocating as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I have all the time in the world," Ashton whispered. "And I do not plan on going anywhere."

A small part of Ashton venomously whispered in his head.

Promises are meant to be broken.

And with that ominous ending, this arc is at an end, and we move on to the final part of the Flashback arc. An arc within an arc? Huh.

Here's a link to our Discord server: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

See you guys next time, hopefully!