Seriously...what the FUCK?

My New Emissaries file got corrupted last week, and I lost chapter 58 and the latter half of 57 (the longest chapter yet)

It was really morale breaking at the moment and I want to get back to writing but Chapters 51 - 57's first half are littered with corrupt elements that I have to meticulously repair. Most of the elements take the form of Japanese characters and replace commas, periods, quotation marks and the immediate letters before and after the said punctuation marks

It's slow but I'm currently repairing Chapter 54 I believe. As of last week I have not written anything new but I hope to be able to catch up to where I was.

In the meantime, here is Chapter 51

Chapter Fifty One

Desert Tower

To the west of Sendusk, across the Craw Desert lay the Fair Desert, no one knows the sandy dunes or recognizes the feeling of the burning sun above like To'Eltz. He was born in the Fair Desert's northern village of Sora, a small settlement home to a skilled populace.

He exiled himself from his home following issues with the Altar and has not seen it in many years, nor has he seen his family. Unfortunately, it was not good tidings that brought him to the Fair Desert with close comrades following his lead, it was the exact opposite.

All of Ymarkteg was being threatened by the reincarnated Fell Lord who claimed dominion over Numengate and was raising an army behind an impenetrable wall.

Up until a few days ago To'Eltz group traveled with Queen Talia's dispatch. The Queen was on her way to meet with Gra'Tisk and Yi'Pyre to begin the negotiations for an allied strike against the Fell Lord once the shield falls.

She of course knew that Yi'Pyre, the Sarharan Queen is one of the three who make up the Royal Ring; the Altar's highest commanders and employers. The Royal Rings seeks to subjugate all of Ymarkteg, to what ends he could care less about but he knew Talia was placing herself in danger for all peace.

"Peace." To'Eltz muttered to himself.

"You have been rather quiet." Teiaya stated to which the Trickster shrugged.

"There isn't much to say. We are on a rather simple mission. Bring down the tower ahead to break one of the four beams giving power to Numengate's shield."

Teiaya nodded "If it is that simple then the Fell Lord expects it, who knows who or what is waiting for us when we get there?"

"It won't matter."

The pair turned to Volke who up until then had said nothing.

"Well Volke, what makes you so certain?" Teiaya asked.

"I don't know how much you two know about me but I carry out all of my contracts flawlessly…this is just another one. We will not fail."

To'Eltz smirked "The Fireman's guarantee."

Behind the three men where Kay'Shera, Zey'Yu, Nephenee and Heather; the Roc Knight kept close watch on Michalis above, it has been far too long since he was home in familiar skies, it made her happy to see her roc enjoying himself.

"The Fireman…I'm guessing he didn't get that name for being a nice guy?" Zey'Yu asked.

Nephenee tilted her head "When I first met Volke he was working with Ike to free Kieran, Brom and I from a prison."

"He was paid to do that if the stories I heard are true." Heather added to which Nephenee sighed and nodded.

Kay'Shera turned "I remember Soren saying that Volke was one of the few people Ike knew he could put his trust in because even his father Greil did."

Zey'Yu shrugged "Sounds like a trustworthy guy as long as killing is concerned. Either way, I'm glad he's on our side."

The four women's conversations move to lighter subjects as their march through the Fair Desert under the burning sun continued.

Within an Anondye forest a black light flashed, as it faded Headmaster Kino appeared in its place and began surveying the ruins of the Grove Tower.

"They work fast…now…where are you?"

Just as he spoke a tree tore out of the woods and headed straight for him. Quickly drawing his blade Kino cut it in two, through the division he saw a massive armored man charging his position.

Holding his blade up he allowed the man to grab him and push him into another tree.

Kino just smiled "Good to see you are alive and well. It seems the vampire did just as instructed…the combat around you is what fueled your rebirth and it did it well."

"Who are you!?"

After a few moments of silence the armored man released Kino and the swordmaster proceeded to bow "I am Kino, in service to the Fell Lord, the same one who brought about your resurrection Gashuuka Anondye."

The Berserker Lord looked around the forest as Kino continued "The Fell Lord is awaiting your return in our castle…the Midnight Bastion if you will…"

Turning Gashuuka nodded "I would question you but the fact is that here I stand…alive again."

"Will you allow me to bring you to the Fell Lord?"

After a short silence Gashuuka turned to face Kino and nodded. The two turned as a black light began to flash and entered it. Once the light faded the two men were gone.

The Sarharan New Emissaries came to a stop upon reaching the Desert Tower. The monolith now standing before them was much larger than they had imagined. At the top of the structure was a V shaped object that emitted massive orange light that fired a beam across Sarhara towards Numengate.

To'Eltz noticed Eien waiting outside of the Tower and approached her with a small wave "Are you alright?"

The woman was masking it well but he could tell she was breathing hard "I'm fine…it just took a lot of energy to warp Ike's group to Regalshin…I'm honestly surprised I made it all the way here."

The rest of the group gathered around her before looking to the open doorway into the Desert Tower.

Eien stepped aside and gestured for To'Eltz to go first, as he passed by her he asked "Why exactly did you want to come to this tower?"

At that Eien sighed "I'm not sure…I just feel this incredibly strong urge. I believe it is at least in part aimed at me…like whoever is giving off this energy wants me to notice it."

"It could be a trap." To'Eltz warned to which Eien agreed "Maybe so, but I can't ignore it."

Eien brought out Goetia and with a quick wave of her hand, black light tore through the barrier around the Tower. As shards hit the sand the group entered, ready for whatever lay in wait.

Elsewhere in Sarhara, Queen Talia's convoy continued moving. Wilt turned towards the massive sand-falls that led to the remains of the Dune Guard Headquarters. Whenever left to his own thoughts he found himself plagued by memories of the atrocities he was a part of while serving Jikahn.

Even now as part of Talia's security detail he was worried and didn't believe he deserved the chance he got. All of her commanders had to remain in Anondye, training new soldiers and preparing for war. No one else could afford to leave except for Dent.

The now sole survivor of the Euto Research Center Massacre; Krayvon, Telm and Orgoth were gone, close friends of Dent and here he stood with someone responsible for the destruction.

Talia: Wilt.

Wilt: Yes, Queen Talia.

Talia: You're inner conflict is so loud I think everyone can hear it.

Wilt: I apologize.

Talia: Questioning your self-worth is very serious. After everything you've done it is amazing you keep pressing forward.

Wilt: It is all I can do now.

Talia: You are a soldier but you are also a human. Once this conflict is done you need to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. We are all going to work for a true peace for Ymarkteg and for ourselves. When the draw of battle is gone you need to fight for your own inner peace.

The Great Knight turned to see Shuize drawing ever closer and repeated the Queen's words in his own mind, with a determined nod he continued marching alongside the detachment. The questions would have to wait, there was much more to be done.

"There it is." Teiaya spoke; the group stood in a large room, across the way was the red Orichalcum West giving off a bright glow.

As they proceeded they kept their eyes on every single wall and ceiling, making sure the entire room was within their combined field of vision.

Eien clenched her teeth "Some is here…I can feel it…"

The group came to a stop as they heard a man laugh "You are all so driven! Here you are ready to tear down one of the tower we just erected…you have no eye for architecture!"

Eien took a step forward "Ushnae!"

At that the Red Orichalcum began to glow even brighter, the group shielded their eyes until it faded away revealing the one armed Froghul standing before them.

"Eien…and friends…"

As everyone pulled out their weapons Ushnae just smiled "So eager to run me through?"

He took notice of Eien's tome and laughed "Even you? Turning on an old friend like that…"

"We are no longer friends Ushnae! You, Nias, Mazear and Ulmeihn have betrayed everything we fought so hard for! You've brought war and death to Ymarkteg! You've undone everything we stood for!"

Ushnae nodded slowly, he then quickly raised his one arm revealing he held no weapon "We didn't betray Ymarkteg…the damned continent betrayed us. We bled for it, our friends died for it and it repaid us by preserving hate deep within."

To'Eltz scoffed "What do you mean by that?"

Ushnae turned to the Orichalcum behind him then back to face Eien "We brought down the students of the Fell Lord. Gashuuka, Meltraitis, Telray, Drake and Seino…wait…history states that only the Vanguard accomplished this feat. It only remembers Nias, damn everyone else who fought for what Ymarkteg desperately needed."

"No one remember sany of us Ushnae!" Eien called back."

The Froghul shook his head "Not even remotely true! The country itself does! You see, the Fell Lord infected the very essence of the land, hate was bred into all beings born into it. As much light as we tried to shine on the people and turn them against the darkness it still hid deep inside everyone. Once the Fell Lord was removed from power and destroyed the light was to be embraced! Peace was to be King above all! Life was to be lived!"

The room remained silent as Ushnae turned to look out of one of the massive windows. The vast desert of Sarhara stretched out for miles as the Froghul smiled.

"Some of the very people we freed despised us for it…they felt that the black was better. They preferred the Fell Lord in power. They damned us and wished for his return…you see, the Fell Lord's origin is unknown to us all but he is pure black. When we destroyed his body his essence escaped, much like what remained in the weapons he created and the ones you created. Gore Eye, Ijhalma, Singularity, Dyeshein, Balmung, Goetia, Gungnir, Yewfelle and Helswath were just the beginning. The greatest pieces of the Fell Lord's spirit were embraced by those who despised our peace and wanted a return to an age of darkness. Three pieces of the Fell Lord were made and these pieces transcended...they became immortal and all powerful. They were no longer spirits, pieces and certainly not people. They were everlasting, reincarnated souls of hate."

To'Eltz narrowed his eyes "Three…are you talking about-"

Ushnae slammed his foot in the ground causing the entire chamber to rumble before he screamed "Duke! Hierarch! Mistress! The true children of the Fell Lord!"

"Not this time."

Jyuugo stood up quickly, trying to grab Alondite but the blade somehow evaded him.

It was now held tightly by a man in red armor and a golden cape.

"Like he said before me…the blade is not yours and it never will be."

Jyuugo laughed "General Zelgius, I know you and the Black Knight are one and the same…do not presume to be above me."

"You should take your own advice, Norad Jyuugo." Zelgius stated as he shook his head "You think you understand me, my methods, and my history that was whispered into your ear by a demented soul. You know nothing."

Jyuugo nodded "Very well then. Educate me!"

Zelgius looked at Alondite and sighed "There is nothing I can say to make you understand…but what I can tell you is that I sought power not to rule but to be recognized…I wanted to be elevated from where Tellius saw fit to toss me. As a Branded my world claimed and believed it had no need of me or my kind in its history."

Zelgius sheathed Alondite and stared at Jyuugo's one eye "But I knew that I and the rest of my kind could make the world better. Whether or not I succeeded is debatable but I know that my land's history is forever changed for the better. What do you hope to bring to Ymarkteg with your legacy? What do you want to bestow onto the world?"

Jyuugo's hand went to his side and he felt Alondite though he saw the blade was still sheathed at Zelgius' side.

"Why are you all talking to me?" As Jyuugo prepared to draw Alondite, Zelgius faded away, leaving the Dread Fighter alone again.

Kay'Shera shook her head "Mistress, Duke and Hierarch were born of the Fell Lord? Then why-"

"Why is the Altar at war with the Midnight?" Zey'Yu called out "Shouldn't they be allied? They want the same thing…right?"

Ushnae shook his head "I thought so at firs as well. When Mistress, Duke and Hierarch began their movements generations ago I followed them, to make sure the Fell Lord would not return. However, I quickly learned that-"

"They wanted to use their immeasurable power for their own means." Volke stated to which Ushnae grinned and nodded. The Froghul continued to pace around the chamber as he began speaking again.

"They never intended to bring the one who birthed them back to life. They wanted to use the power granted to them by the Fell Lord to subjugate the entire world. They wanted to be the new Fell Lords, the new souls in control of how everyone and everything lived life in their world. They wanted to be the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning, the ending. They wanted to be Life itself. They wanted to control FATE. To be all and everything…"

Ushnae stopped pacing and glanced over to the Orichalcum before turning towards the Emissaries.

"They people they once inhabited all wanted this in some way as well…they all wanted power that didn't really exist. I learned that what I sacrificed so much for accomplished nothing. Souls far more twisted than the Fell Lord sought dominion over all life. As I surveyed the world we created I saw wars break out, internal terrorism and corrupt politics. Our world was no better than it was while the Fell Lord's students waged pointless wars."

Eien clenched her fist "They changed! War hasn't been fought-"

"Don't you fucking lie to me Eien! The Royal Ring has been around for generations, the shadow wars waged by the Altar have been around for just as long. Politicians like Dalton Pesh and Jikahn were elected to office left and right; the privileged like Gra'Tisk were able to get away with murder! Countless crimes were committed and silenced by those in power. Nothing was improving, if anything…it was decaying…"

Ushnae inhaled deeply and calmed himself before continuing "The true peace we wanted…we didn't get. So I took it upon myself to put together the means for a new peace. I knew I couldn't do it alone so I sought out those who I knew I could convince of my cause. Nias, Mazear, Ulmeihn…they came into the fold…"

Eien charged past the group and grabbed Ushnae by the throat "Stop spewing these lies! You may be the lowest scum to turn against your past ideals but they would never go along with this insanity!"

The rest of the group charged forward only for Ushnae to hold his hand out. A powerful wave exploded, pushing everyone away including Eien. The Froghul landed and cleared his throat "I'm not FINISHED YET!"

Calming himself again he looked at Eien as she stood up slowly "You know Eien…you're beloved Nias was corrupted by the weapons and armor he wielded against the Students…bits of the Fell Lord's aura slipped deep inside him and created a fourth child. The Vanguard became the Apothecary. I did not need to convince Nias of my plans…I needed to convince the Apothecary and I succeeded. I knew that I needed Ulmeihn and Mazear bu the old men were stubborn and refused…they believes the world could change…so…"

Ushnae waved his hand and his blade appeared "I killed them."

The chamber fell silent as Eien continued to stare at Ushnae before her in shock "You killed…"

The Froghul smiled "Yes. I killed Ulmeihn and Mazear. The Apothecary then drew their existence within himself and it allowed him to morph his appearance. The Hermit Soren ran into that pointed him towards you Eien…the Ulmeihn that Soren and Mia met in the Malsean Clock Tower…the Ulmeihn that convinced Reclam to work for him…the Hermit who King Gra'Tisk killed in his youth only for his father to dismiss the crime from history. They were all the Apothecary who in essence was also Nias."

Ushnae snapped his fingers "I left this one loyal child to form the Midnight and put his plans into motion…recruiting foriengers Norad Jyuugo and Kanahana as well as evils born into this age of peace like Dalton Pesh, Asai Versha and Kino. With the exception of you, those who brought about this false peace now seek to bring the true one…the Midnight's peace."

"In the West…he is ready…"

The Fell Lord grinned "Yes…is Gashuuka here yet?"

At that the Berserker Lord, Gashuuka and Headmaster Kino entered the chamber. The larger man's doubts of anything evaporated as the Fell Lord turned to him and he quickly fell to one knee.

"Rise Gashuuka Anondye…we have a new aim in this new age and you will be a part of it."

The Berserker Lord remained silent and nodded as the Fell Lord turned away.

Ushnae smiled as the Red Orichalcum behind him continued to shine fiercely. After a few seconds the stone shattered and in that instant a black orb was five feet from his face. Using his one arm he deflected the magic attack which now revealed Teiaya, Zey'Yu and Volke were on top of him.

Three blades struck the ground as Ushnae shot up into the air as well as into Kay'Shera's range. Her lance cut across the Froghul along with another orb of dark energy.

Heather's knives and Nephenee's spear followed Ushnae into the air as he shot down towards Teiaya. With a wave of his hand the Froghul's blade returned to him and he quickly began dueling with Teiaya upon landing. Black magic exploded around them as the other Emissaries charged forward and began attacking Ushnae from behind.

"All Gashuuka needed was unbridled bloodlust…range…this one on the other hand, was a bit more focused. A bit more directional and I've got it!" Ushnae commented as he sent his knee into Teiaya's stomach and tossed the Edge Sorcerer aside.

Eien landed in front of him and her open palms slammed into his chest. A massive force erupted and Ushnae was sent skidding across the ground. Turning he saw Nephenee, Heather and Kay'Shera as they raised their weapons and struck him.

As the Froghul stumbled back Volke launched himself and grabbed Ushnae's arm pulling it back and with a savage twist he snapped it. Ushnae's blade hit the ground as Volke's knife sunk into the Froghul's neck.

Sensing something coming Volke escaped quickly, barely dodging a massive burning aura that exploded from Ushnae.

As the blast faded away Zey'Yu was right there and her knives were flashing and occasionally digging into Ushnae.

With his arm limp, the Froghul retreated at an extreme speed causing the New Emissaries to charge him. Screaming, Ushnae somehow realigned his own arm with a loud snap as well as unleashing another force that threw the Emissaries to the ground and caused the entire tower to groan.

"I didn't come here to die or to kill…just to educated and revive. My goals are complete."

Eien stood "You aren't leaving this building alive!"

Ushnae smiled "Unfortunately this battle will have to go on hold again…"

"Why? I just got here."

The New Emissaries turned to see a man in a green cloak and a blood red arm guard. He had a quiver of arrows slung on his back and short dark brown hair. Eien noticed that the whites of his eyes were black; his faded gray pupils were sizing up everyone before him.

"Who is this?" Heather asked as she prepared her knives.

"Telray Sarhara." Eien answered "The Fell Lord's Snipe Master and wielder of the Death Seeker, Yewfelle."

Telray nodded "Someone here does know of me…now…why am I here?"

In a flash Ushnae was at his side "Long story short, the Fell Lord would like you to come to his side."

Telray looked at Ushnae questioningly but then turned his focus to the other people around him "What about them?"

Ushnae shrugged "I wouldn't keep the Fell Lord waiting."

"You aren't going anywhere!" Teiaya yelled before unleashing a dozen small but extremely fast orbs of dark energy. Joining them the rest of the Emissaries charged Ushnae who deflected the magic attacks easily before disarming Zey'Yu and Nephenee. Jumping the Froghul kick the pair away before grabbing one of Volke's arms and trying to control his knife. Ushnae noticed Volke had a large dagger in his other hand and quickly flipped the assassin around and into Michalis and Kay'Shera who charged in from above.

Manifesting his blade once again Ushnae engaged To'Eltz and Heather. He managed to sneak his blade past To'Eltz guard and strike the man on the side of his head with the blade's hilt. As To'Eltz stumbled back Ushnae jumped and kicked him into Heather.

The Froghul then moved back to Telray's side "They are going to keep coming…I suggest we leave."

Telray nodded as Ushnae raised his arm, the entire tower began to shake and moan even louder. Large cracks formed all around and large portions of the ceiling, floor and walls caved in.

"You all might want to get out of here.

Eien stood up slowly "Why? What was the point of this structure? Weren't you protecting it? Trying to keep us out of Numengate?"

Ushnae shrugged "Mostly…the truth is we've set these towers on the Student's graves and were bringing their essence into the Orichalcum's to revive them. The Midnight are here to protect the Orichalcum and by extent the Students. We have every intention of dropping the barrier around Numengate to invade the rest of the continent…but we can't let the Orichalcum get destroyed before the mission is complete."

Bowing a black flash surrounded Telray and Ushnae and the pair vanished.

Eien turned to call out for the rest of the group just as the main exit collapsed.

"Michalis!" Kay'Shera screamed causing the roc to screech and smash through a window.

Without waiting for someone to yell out 'Jump' the group leapt out of the Desert Tower and back into the burning sands of the Fair Desert.

"You will do."

A massive wyvern turned to see a man before him. The creature roared fiercely only to notice he elicited no response from the lone man.

"You are now my mount…together we will strike fear in all who dare to oppose us."

The wyvern had never felt such power from any man who dared come near him.

"My name is Ashnard and I have come to Umbra Peak for the most powerful wyvern…that is you…"

The beast walked towards Ashnard, lowering its head to stare directly into the former King's eyes.

"You deserve a name…"

The man smiled and shook his head "These memories are mine yet not mine…but it will do. From now until the end you be known as Daein."

Upon hearing the name the wyvern roared to the heavens. Ashnard mounted the beast and they took off, away from Ymarkteg.