Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the characters involved in the Bastard! series, they belong to Kazushi Hagiwara. I only claim ownership of Elira and Rosalia as they are of my own creation as well as any kingdoms and royalty that appear here.

Haunting Melodies

Chapter 13 - Strength Found Within

Elira became stronger as the days passed, Astrea was sure to get her everything from the ocean that she asked for as well as throughout the castle. The Anemone Dragon even made sure to get food for Zephyr and Kanshi, the Argonite always grumbled about it but the wolf was more than grateful. Every time there was an argument, Elira would always chuckle at their antics, she had told them many times that they fought like siblings, and each time they would both grumble at her. She wore a yellow dress that day, the ribbon was tied on her back, and she put her toes on the ground over the edge of the bed. It had been a week since the battle between Metallicana and Bastion, she stood up, slipped her feet into her shoes, and placed a hand on Astrea.

"Thank you Astrea. You're such a great help!" She grunted once more, licked her face, and glanced over at Zephyr, he huffed, and followed after them; the wolf followed as well. They walked through the castle, Kanshi was more alert than the others since he had never been inside before but kept up with them, and sniffed the ground every once in a while to gain familiarity with the stone walls. He also noticed that Elira kept to a slow pace so that he could get accustomed to the castle, he smirked at her, she glanced over her shoulder at him, and he gave a low growl of joy. She smiled, nodded, and continued her pace until she reached the kitchen. Immediately she was embraced by the jovial cook and she chuckled, "It's so good to see you too Santos!"

"It's been too long Healer! Come, sit!" She sat down while Kanshi took a position behind her to watch the entryway, Zephyr sat on one side, and Astrea on the other. "Who are these two?" Elira explained to him and he nodded, "Very pleased to meet your acquaintances!" He walked around to Kanshi, "My Lord Wolf, there is a lake in the forest connected to a large river, there are deer, rabbits, boar, and all sorts of wild game for you to catch. I cannot give you anything here as you know."

He looked up at the cook, "Thank you for the information. That will be fine."

"Very good." Santos turned to the Anemone Dragon, "I cannot give you anything either but I'm sure you know what you like out in the ocean. The lake is available to you as well." She nodded and rubbed her face on him, Elira explained that she liked him, and he chuckled, "I like her too!" Santos began making some soup for her, it involved the steamed seaweed that he was able to get, and Zephyr smiled as he worked.

Kara, his wife, brought some rosemary rolls, "Here you are Healer. Thank you so much again for saving our daughter's life."

"I was glad to help. If you need anything you just let me know."

She nodded, "Thank you. Enjoy our food."

"I always do." Kara beamed with pride as Santos brought over a large bowl of soup for her, she looked inside, and smiled. "I see you added some trout here. Thank you, I can already tell it's going to be delicious."

He bellowed laughter, "You are too good to us Healer! Metallicana is lucky to have you."

"I'm lucky to have Metallicana." He chortled once more while she tore off pieces of the bread to dip into the soup. A glass of water was given to her, she looked up to see the child there, "Thank you Mira."

She grinned, "I steeped dandelion leaves. I thought you'd like it." Elira took a sip and nodded, she praised the child who curtsied to her with a big grin on her face. "Thank you so much Healer!" Elira kissed her head in thanks and the girl ran off squealing, Astrea tilted her head but had managed to rub her face on Kara and Mira before both of them left. The Anemone Dragon sniffed the rolls, took one, and chewed it before spitting it into her soup. She chuckled, patted her cheek, and ate the soggy bread; she could already feel herself getting stronger from the food.

As she finished, Zephyr bounded through the exit of the kitchen followed by Kanshi, they needed to eat, and she knew that the wolf would help her Argonite catch some food. Astrea had decided to stay near her mistress, so she put a hand on her side, and got up. She was unsteady and the cook noticed this so he disappeared for a moment and returned with a bag, Elira watched as he slipped it over the dragon's head. "This bag is made from the hide of a wild boar, it's tough, and can withstand just about any bashing. It's small but the size is meant to carry certain provisions on journeys. It was given to me by a merchant who I had helped by giving him some food in the past. I never leave the castle but I know that you do and this bag will carry what I know you love." Elira nodded and smiled at him as he added with a smile in return, "Inside is seasoned dried kelp and various other dried fishes, dried snails, dried squid, and dried octopus."

"Thank you Santos."

"Any time Healer. Come back here whenever you need some replenishing, I'll always have it ready for you."

Elira hugged him, he returned it, Astrea snaked her head around the two of them, and the cook chuckled. When they parted, he patted her shoulder, "Stay strong Healer." She nodded, he returned to cooking while she said her farewells to the staff, and she departed the warm kitchen to enter the cold castle. Elira wandered around, showing Astrea all the areas, when she stumbled, the dragon was there to keep her upright, and then she took her to the gardens.

Instantly she was taken to the bench while Astrea pranced around to sniff the various roses, Elira laughed, and then there was the sound of boots crunching on the path. Red irises looked to see who it was, those familiar green eyes stared back at her. She smiled, he smiled, and took a seat next to her; he smiled at the antics of Astrea. "It's good to see you Lars."

"You too Elira. I'm glad that you're feeling better."

She nodded while he continued, "I have some information regarding Ike."

"Ah, I had heard about that. Does it concern me?"

"Yes."

"Then I'd like to hear it."

"Ike wanted you as nothing more than a birthing factory so that he could have sons and daughters with your ability. He wanted to use you for that purpose then toss you away should something terrible befall you."

"I know. Before he captured me inside the castle, he mentioned that to your sister."

Lars stared at her, "My sister?"

"Yes. She was there, apparently they had made some kind of deal but I'm not sure what. The fact that she threw me in the dungeon twice only proves that she doesn't like me. I hold no ill will against your sister, in fact I would still like to be friends with her but she makes it very difficult."

"Yeah, she does."

"Have you told your father yet?"

"Not yet but I will today. It's supposed to be quiet for a while so we'll see if he has the time."

She nodded, "That's good."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm better."

"I noticed the bag on Astrea."

"Yeah, Santos gave it to me and made sure to fill it with dried food that I like. He's a good guy. I'll need to do something nice for him."

"If there was a way for you to protect the kitchen then I'm sure he'd be eternally grateful."

"Why?"

"He lives in there. A section leads off to his living quarters, apparently his wife and child don't mind it either."

She laughed, "It suits him! I can do something like that but I'll need Lumus' power for that."

"You can't possibly be thinking about using another spell when you're so weak?!" Elira looked over at Lars, he was concerned for her, and she smiled. She placed a hand on his cheek, rubbed her thumb under his eye, and he shut them momentarily. "I don't want to see you hurt. I still want to repay Yaria for what she did to you." He focused his green orbs onto the scars on her arms and legs, they were covered with a clear shiny substance. "Is that drool?"

She chuckled, "No, it's an herbal concoction to help heal." He traced a finger lightly over the pattern, "They will scar. Lightly but they'll still be noticeable." Lars ground his teeth together, "It's okay. At least they'll be pretty scars." The prince leaned into her hand, he removed it gently from his cheek, and kissed her palm. "I'll be okay Lars."

He moved closer to her, "You better be because if not then Metallicana will have its first execution by Heavy Metal then we'll go to war with Bastion even though we're trying to negotiate a treaty with them by using Yaria as leverage."

"You're so sneaky!"

Lars chuckled, "Only when you're involved do I need to force someone's hand."

"The talks are going well?"

"Sort of."

She laughed, "Thank you Lars."

He leaned in, sighed quietly, and was about to move away until he felt lips against his own. He was surprised at her movement but returned it warmly and Astrea trotted over to them. She sat down in front of the pair, looked at Elira then at Lars, and grinned. "Me see." They parted to look at her, she was still grinning at them, and Elira laughed; a short time later, Lars joined in. "Great pair!" Astrea entwined her neck around Elira then around Lars, "Me like."

"I like you too Astrea. I like you a lot," replied Lars. She gave that high pitched grunt and rubbed her face against his, Elira smiled as she watched him return the gesture. Astrea squealed in joy, and sat down once more in front of them. "You like the gardens Astrea?" She nodded, looked at a rose, and chomped on one of them. He smiled, "Is it good?" Her head craned over to look at him as she munched on it, shrugged, and finished it. "You're welcome to eat them when you feel like it but not all of them. Elira likes to smell them."

"Smell better."

"I bet." She nodded, curled up on the ground, and perked her ears up to listen to the sounds that emanated from within the castle. "Where are Zephyr and Kanshi?"

"Hunting. They need food and Zephyr's wings are still torn. They're slow at healing because he refuses to let Astrea help. Kanshi's out helping hunt with him."

"He's a good wolf."

"He is. The Great Wolf appointed him as my guardian inside the castle."

"You have a lot of powerful friends Elira."

She shrugged, "I like to think that they're just my good friends, like you."

He whispered, "But what if I want more?"

"Then tell your father my name."

He smiled, "You're serious."

"Yes. I was always serious my prince."

"Alright, I'll go tell him. In the mean time relax." She nodded while he left her company, she sighed, and Astrea stood up. Elira looked at her, she knelt down, and the amnesic mounted her dragon companion. Those anemone wings emerged from her shoulders along with the fin on her head, the dragon ran towards the castle wall, jumped, and flapped her massive orange wings. They were in the sky, Elira breathed in the air as they glided over the surface of the sea, and she relished the feeling. Elira could feel her strength return to her just by being near the ocean, Astrea, flapped her wings gently, then splashed into the water, they were floating on the waves.

"Thank you Astrea."

"Any time."

Elira took in a breath then let her fingers trail along the surface of the ocean, she could familiarity run through her veins while she stared at the surface. "Diamond dancing lights..."

"From below."

"Heh, yeah. From below the surface the sun looks like diamond dancing lights...from below the surface..." She fell silent while enjoying the time out there, eventually, Astrea flapped her wings, and gained the lift that she needed to return to the castle. As her feet touched down in the gardens once more, Elira dismounted but kept her hands on her shoulders, and reached into the bag to eat some of the dried octopus. It was offered to Astrea but she politely declined and Elira hugged the orange Anemone Dragon. "Let's get to my room. I'm tired and need to put more salve on." She was lead back to her room, Zephyr and Kanshi were already waiting for her, she smiled at them, hugged each one, and gave each one a loving kiss on their foreheads. "I love you all." They smiled at her, Kanshi pushed the door shut, curled many feet away from it, and kept his nose towards the ground where the air entered.

Elira put the salve on, Zephyr curled up around her head, and Astrea curled up on the floor. Her long ears were perked up as she closed her eyes and Elira snuggled against the Argonite's head. "You're not going to fit in here much longer my little one."

"I know but Astrea can stay with you as can Kanshi."

"Yes they can but what about you?"

"There's a large balcony that can hold me for a while."

She chuckled, "I love you Zephyr and I love Astrea and I love Kanshi. You three are my family just like Metallicana." They all grunted their agreement as she drifted off to sleep, her mind drifted just like she had drifted on the ocean surface that day. Quiet and soothing it was to her, the memory of those diamond dancing lights was forgotten at the moment.

-::::::-

Another week passed until she was able to physically walk around without leaning on Astrea for help and during that healing time, she could feel the currents in the ocean. They flowed through her veins and she attributed it to Lumus so until she could find him and ask him, then she knew not what was happening to her. As she traversed the castle with Astrea behind her, she had taken the bag from the dragon, and it was slung over her shoulder diagonally, and she turned a corner; immediately she bumped into someone. The Anemone was behind her to prevent her from falling, she looked up, and smiled, "Hello Kall." Elira regained her footing, "Thank you Astrea." She turned to face the Ice Lord, "How are you?"

"Well. You?"

"I'm doing wonderfully now that I've regained most of my strength. Santos still tells me to eat as much as I can and drink plenty of fluids."

"The cook?"

"Yes. He's my doctor." She winked at him while he only smirked, he put out a hand to the Anemone Dragon, she nudged it warmly, and he patted her nose. "She likes you." He nodded, "Have you seen Lumus?"

"He's in the ocean visiting Luna."

"Ah. I should have known."

"Perhaps there is something that I could help with."

"Perhaps. Walk with me?" He nodded and walked with her as she told him about the feelings inside her body. "I'm not sure what's happening to me but I know that Lumus would know and I need his power for something as well. But it can wait. I don't think Metallicana will be having another war any time soon."

"You're slowly remembering who you are. Your walls are falling."

"I see." She smiled up at Kall-su, "Thank you Kall. You're a good friend. If there's anything that I can do to return the favor just let me know."

"Sing. I haven't heard you do it in a while." Elira smiled warmly and nodded, she turned around as Astrea had nudged her. The woman stroked the dragon's neck, she purred quietly, and Elira closed her eyes. Those diamond dancing lights surfaced in her mind so she began to sing in that exotic but fluid tongue that sounded like silver bells. It went on for a few minutes as she stroked the dragon's neck, the song itself was just unknown words to Kall-su but he could hear the power behind them. He could also see that she was emanating that same aura, and it affirmed his supicion of her. When she finished, he bowed to her, she was surprised, "You don't have to do that."

"I do. One day you'll know why but you should be careful with your song."

"Why?"

"It affects the prince as well as the dragons."

"I see...because he has the blood of dragons in him."

"Yes."

Elira smiled, "If it makes him stronger then I don't see a problem."

Kall smirked, "Very well then. Take care of yourself Elira."

"You too Kall." She watched as the Ice Lord left, she looked at her dragon, and the pair shrugged. "Would you like to see where I work?" Astrea nodded as he lead her to Geo's quarters, the moment that she entered, the priest embraced her. She laughed, "I'm alright Geo!" The Anemone simply stared for a moment before nudging the priest, he backed off, introduced himself to the dragon, and she rubbed her face on his. "She likes you."

"Good! I have something for you." She tilted her head as Geo produced a long white dress, it had light blue trim on the edge of the sleeves, hem, and collar with a matching sash around the waist. On the left breast of the dress was an embroidered mermaid in blue. "This is for you. Your Tidal Knights have been worried about you so I thought this would be good for you and for them. This way they'll see that you care about them since you wear the colors they chose for you."

She smiled, "Thank you so much, I'll put it on right away!" He nodded as she darted to an empty section of his bedroom in order to change. Astrea smiled at Geo, he looked at her, and she winked at him; Geo smirked. Elira returned wearing it, she loved it, and she still wore the mermaid necklace that Lars had given her. The bag was slung over her shoulder once more, she took her old dress, and wrapped it around Astrea's neck for the time being. "Let's get to work!" The priest laughed, nodded, and opened up his door to let those that needed help to enter. The Anemone was stared upon by every one that passed through but she was more than happy to let the children pet her. She even licked some of them to clean them off of the dirt that they had accumulated from running around in the fields. The line dwindled down, everyone was excited to have their Healer back, she was smiling at them the entire time. Geo was glad that she had recuperated so quickly, he motioned for her to follow him, she did so with Astrea close behind. They walked up a flight of stairs until they reached an alcove, it revealed the stretch of Metallicana. "Wow, I had no idea it was so vast."

"It is. I heard that Prince Lars told his father that the only person he's interested in marrying was you."

"Ah."

"So I thought I should show you what you will be presiding over in the future."

"Thank you Geo. It's so beautiful."

"I know you mean well and I do hope that you'll remember who you are very soon because I have a feeling we're going to need your full strength soon."

"Why do you say that?"

"The Southern Kingdom of Igarrak is marching towards us. Lord Kall informed me about it and I'm not sure what their intent is."

"I see. I understand."

"We can't have a repeat of last time with Bastion."

Elira smiled, "Don't worry. There won't be a repeat. We now have Astrea, Kanshi, and Lumus for our aid. Not to mention that I'm quite sure Astrea has some neat tricks that she hasn't revealed to any of us yet."

The Anemone nodded which made Geo grin as he stated, "Very good. Just be prepared for the worst and your Tidal Knights are wondering where you are. They'd like to hear from their Priestess."

"I'm no Priestess."

"To you they are because you help the kingdom and ask for nothing in return."

Elira smiled once more, "Then I shall go. Where are my Tidal Knights?"

"On the training ground."

"Thank you Geo. I'll go see them now." He nodded, they hugged, and parted ways; Astrea looked over her shoulder at Geo and he mouthed a few words to her. The dragon nodded and followed after her mistress as she headed towards the training grounds. Once there, she watched as Lars was sparring, her red eyes saw Richard standing with Jorvik and Greige standing with Redford while Nymn was by himself. Immediately the massive knight spotted her before any one else and ran through the field, it made them pause in their sparring, as he reached Elira. He hoisted her high into the air before placing her on his shoulder, she laughed the entire time while Astrea joined in. She trotted next to the large knight as he walked back to the other four. "I'm glad to see you too Nymn!" Lars watched as she was put down, the others each hugged her in turn, and they moved aside to show a younger knight. His hair was a short auburn color and she realized that he looked like Redford. "You must be Sanshi!"

"How do you know me?"

"Your mother is Evelyn at the Far Village and, besides, you look like him."

He chuckled, "Thank you Healer."

"So where is your brother?"

"He..passed away a few years ago."

"I'm so sorry. But your mother spoke as if he was alive."

Redford chimed in, "She still thinks that he's out there somewhere."

She smiled, "Then you would be pleased to know that my wolf guardian's name is Kanshi." The two men stared at her as she nodded, "Yes, his name is Kanshi. I do believe that souls are reincarnated for a second chance. Perhaps your brother and your son is this black wolf. If he isn't maybe he'll let you think he is."

"We shall ask when we see him, thank you Healer," whispered Sanshi.

"Any time. Welcome to the Tidal Knights!" He nodded, lifted the sleeve of his tunic to show the tattoo of the mermaid, and she nodded. "Geo gave me clothes to match as well."

"Yes, they suit you so well," replied Lars. She turned to see him, she curtsied while the others bowed. "I'm glad to see you up and about Elira. If you need anything just let me know."

"Of course my prince." He nodded while turning away from them, she stated with a smile, "Carry on." He glanced over his shoulder at her, smirked, and finally chortled some laughter. The knights were at ease with them around and he returned to watching the knights practice but he would glance at Elira every now and then to see how she was interacting with the soldiers. He noticed that they seemed to like her a lot, they enjoyed her company, and she was quick to heal any injury. Just as the sparring had begun to ease off, Sheila approached on the field, she looked at her brother and asked something of him, he shook his head.

"Then I want her to spar with my friend. Whoever wins can marry you."

"That's not how it works Sheila. I choose who I want."

A woman emerged from the shadows wearing scantily clad armor, "But I've already got my new armor. I want to test it out, Prince Lars."

He rubbed a hand across his face but it was Elira's voice that drew his attention to her, "I'll spar with you."

They stared at her and the two princesses tittered with laughter, when it subsided, Sheila stated, "You can't possibly spar with her! Remi is a great swordsman! You're nothing but a healer with no memories."

"Sheila," growled Lars.

Elira smirked, "It's fine. I'll spar." She turned around to look for a weapon that would suit her but Sanshi approached with a staff. It was crafted from a piece of hard wood that was stained a deep blue color, she took it, and looked it over; immediately she felt Lumus' and Rosali's energy emanating from it. "It came from the forest didn't it Sanshi?"

"How do you know that?"

"I thought so. A friend gave this to you to give to me." He nodded as she turned around, the staff had an engraved mermaid on the top, the entire weapon was elegant, and slim; perfectly suited to her physique. "Shall we?"

Remi guffawed at her, "You're seriously going to use a staff?" She nodded, "Fine. If you get hurt it's not my fault." Elira nodded once more, she unsheathed her sword, and charged Elira; even though she had no experience fighting with any sort of weapon, Elira felt that this was not past her capability. She stepped aside at the last minute, the blade missed her by inches, Lars pushed his body against the stone wall, he ground his teeth together, and watched as the sparring match continued. Elira felt the blade coming towards her, she whipped up the staff to block it, there was a clanging sound as it was deflected. Elira fluidly moved passed Remi, she tapped her backside with the staff once more, and the blade came swinging at her. With each swing, Elira smoothly dodged them, as if she had done this before, but she knew that she had never fought with any one before.

So what is it? It took her a minute to realize what had occurred as she felt another presence inside her, guiding her movements. Elira smirked, Astrea. You truly are a special one. The entire time you were with me, you were transferring your energy to me so that you could protect me in this way. I'm sure you have other tricks up your sleeve but thank you for this my little Anemone. Astrea beamed with pride, her mottled skin rippled with pulsating glows that made her brighter than usual. Remi kept trying to hit her with the blade but it was always blocked by Astrea's ability to guide Elira, eventually the princess tired. Elira smacked the staff against her back, she fell to her knees, "Submit?"

"Never!" Elira bonked her on the head with the staff, "Fine! This was stupid any way." Remi got up and left with Sheila but not before Metallicana's princess gave her a venomous glare, Elira curtsied to the pair that rushed off, and then chuckled. Her Tidal Knights cheered for her and asked how she knew how to fight, at this point Astrea approached her, and nuzzled her neck.

"I have my secrets," she said simply with a wink. They hollered laughter while the staff was kept in her hand, she watched as Sanshi outfitted it with a strap, she slung it over her other shoulder, and nodded at him. "Thank you Sanshi. You're going to be a great Tidal Knight just like your father."

"Thank you Healer!" Elira told him to wait a moment, she reached into her leather bag, pulled out some kelp, placed a spell on it, and wrapped it around his wrist. She explained to him that it will protect him from the unseen in battle whether it be spells or enemy fire. He bowed to her, took her hand in his, and kissed the back of it, "Thank you Healer. You are kind to all of us and I pledge my life to protect yours."

"Please don't lose yours to mine."

"I will do my best."

She nodded, "It's all that I ask of you." He nodded and the others chuckled as she patted Astrea's neck to praise the Anemone. Her skin began glowing once more, "I see that you glow when you're being praised and Zephyr shimmers. You two are perfect for each other but perhaps when he's older, he'll understand what we tease him about." The others present chuckled at her remark while she grinned and she continued to praise Astrea. The dragon grunted happily while rubbing her face on every one present, "She likes all of you." Elira parted ways with every one, she noticed that Lars had left earlier, and she walked with Astrea through the twilight hour, she sighed, and whispered, "I think I found some inner strength because of you Astrea. Thank you so much." The dragon snaked her head around her while the amnesic embraced the dragon; they parted and returned to her room so that they could retire for the evening. Kanshi was there, he looked up at her, and she smiled, "Are you the reincarnated brother of Sanshi and son of Redford from the Far Village?" The wolf only tilted his head at her, "They lost a brother and son a few years ago, he bore the same name as you."

"If you are referring to reincarnation then it does exist but only by the use of spells." Elira listened closely as she saw Kanshi smirk, "Great Wolf did not randomly choose me if that is what you are thinking Mistress."

She smiled, "I thought so."

"I will speak with them tomorrow."

"Thank you Kanshi."

"You are welcome Mistress."