The Somniel was an interesting place, to say the least.

With the soon-to-be noonday sun shining brightly upon it, clear blue skies as far as the eyes could see, and verdant scenery, it was like walking through a small, floating arcadia. The only thing missing were the fields of farmland, and even then, the Somniel had a small orchard at its far left side. Even though he had only seen it through the tiny screen of a Switch Lite, Jack felt like he knew the place like the back of his hand; he had no trouble talking to Alear about the things that would open up, how lively the place would become.

"You make it sound like it's going to turn into a small, bustling village," Alear said, walking beside Jack, eyes looking out to the side and the clouds below. They were nearing the small mausoleum near the southernmost tip of the Somniel, standing sentinel at the lonely edge. "I wouldn't mind that, but I'm wondering how we'll find the room for all of those people."

"If all goes well, we'll only have an army of regulars reaching the thirties," Jack replied, letting out a deep breath as the wind blew through his hair. He had to admit, being so close to the edge made his heart race a bit. "Though I always wondered about that. Even with thirty people, this place'd get a bit crowded."

"Mother was able to return to this place at will," Alear supplied, turning to Jack. "I think I can as well. I have… a connection to this place I can't quite think of clearly."

Jack snorted, "Well, you did sleep here for a thousand years, give or take. I wonder how your muscles didn't atrophy."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I lost a lot of strength," Alear said, placing a hand on his chin. "I admit, since you came around, I've been wondering what you know about me, specifically. What you know about all of us. You were pretty free with your knowledge on what will happen, but you haven't talked a lot about me."

"Are you fishing for gossip? Are you sure you're the Divine Dragon?" Jack said, letting out a breath. "You'd think you'd have better things to do than that."

"Going to keep those secrets, then?" Alear crossed his arms.

"Well, yeah, I am, because they aren't my secrets to tell," Jack replied, feeling as if Marth was glaring at him from the ring on Alear's finger. "I have no right to dig up all of your past actions or actions you will take, Alear. It's not my place. Lumera is still here this time, and if she wants to tell you, that's her decision. Or Marth's decision, if he's feeling in the mood."

"Alright, you've made your point. I was just curious," Alear said, though his smile was fake. Even Jack could tell that much.

"For what it's worth, I meant what I said back in the cafe," Jack continued, "Whatever you are, whatever you were, right now, you are the Divine Dragon Alear, religious icon for most people in Elyos. And fundamentally a good person."

"That last part sounded tacked on," Alear replied, his eyes narrowing.

"It was, because I'm not very good at speaking," Jack admitted. "I'm not very good at a lot of things, really."

"That can't be true. You must be good at something. And even if you weren't, you did a good thing yesterday," Alear said.

"Saving Lumera by making myself look like an idiot, yeah," Jack snorted, "all hail the great hero Jack, Savior of Lythos! I guess you're right, but it's really not that big a deal. I did what any good person would've - should've - done. I don't deserve praise for that. I shouldn't be praised for doing the bare minimum."

Alear's face suddenly became stony. "Saving my mother's life is not a big deal to you?"

Jack was silent, his eyes widening as he looked back into the sky. His heart jumped in his chest as if it had been slapped. "I… well, when you put it like that…"

"Oh, hey!"

Jack and Alear turned to the newcomer. Even if Jack couldn't see him, however, he'd recognize that voice. Alfred was pretty distinctive, what with his wiry frame and blonde hair. And of course, the circlet that sat around his head.

"I was wondering where you ran off to, Divine One," Alfred said, "Ah, and you too! Everyone else is around doing their own thing for now, but we should really get going as soon as we can. Er, maybe I should ask Queen Lumera first. I haven't had the chance to request for aid yet."

Jack tilted his head to Alear. "There's a Divine Dragon right here. Ask him."

"I mean, I could, but surely he has other things to do- Or maybe…" Alfred placed a hand on his chin, as if scrutinizing Alear, who shifted around uncomfortably. "I guess it couldn't hurt to tell you, as well. I mean, it doesn't really matter which Divine Dragon the help comes from."

"Perhaps it would be better to discuss it with mother?" Alear asked, shifting from one foot to the other. "Or at least have her present? She knows more than me. And I've only just woken up."

"Yeah, sure, that works," Alfred nodded. "So long as we leave today, I think it'll be alright. But, since I'm here: your name was Jack, right? I heard Sir Vander and the other two stewards talking about you earlier."

"My name is Jack, yeah," Jack replied, shrugging. "Anything you want from me, Prince Alfred? I doubt I can do much."

"Well, I just wanted to know, since apparently you know the future and all-"

"Firene will be fine so long as we get there fast enough, don't worry," Jack said preemptively. "Your sister will be fine, her retainers will be fine, and your mother will be fine. You have my word. My interference hasn't been great enough to knock us off course that badly."

Alfred let out a sigh of relief, holding his chest. "Good! Good, that's a great relief, really! I mean, I'm still worried sick, but it's good to know. I've met the Divine One himself and a time traveler; this week just gets better and better!"

"Hmm," Jack hummed, "yeah, time traveler. Sure."

"You don't sound too sure," Alfred noted, though his giddy smile never left his face. "There something else?"

"Yeah. I'm not just a time traveler. I'm from another world entirely," Jack answered.

Jack winced at the way he phrased it; so blase that it almost sounded as if he didn't care, or that he was being sarcastic.

"Another world? Huh, almost like…" Alear trailed off, looking down at Marth's Emblem Ring. As if on cue, the spectral form of Marth appeared, looking directly at Jack.

"That would explain much," Marth said, "perhaps stories of me and of the other Emblems exist in other worlds. It would not surprise me if this world is the same."

"This is making my head hurt. So does that mean everything we've done is-?" Alfred began before Jack cut him off.

"Don't think too hard about it, Prince Alfred," Jack said, "I'm pretty sure you're real. I'm real. Even Marth is real, in some way."

"It would be rather distressing if I wasn't," Marth replied, scratching his chin. "But does that mean Alear isn't real? You didn't mention him."

"He's real too. All of you need to stop picking apart everything I say," Jack said irritably. "Wait to grill me about the future later. In fact, if you guys want to leave today, don't you have someone else you need to talk to?"

Alfred nodded. "Might as well get it out of the way, yeah. Divine One? Do you want to come with?"

"Please, just call me Alear," Alear said, holding a hand up. "I'm not all too fond of being called 'Divine One', if I'm honest."

"Oh, this is going to be awkward when we get to Firene, then," Alfred said, chuckling nervously as he scratched the back of his neck. "You should know we're a very… pious people. If our country wasn't under attack, I'm pretty sure there'd be parades through the capital before we even arrive at Flora Port."

"Your country is under attack?" Alear asked.

Alfred waved a hand. "We'll talk about it with Queen Lumera, don't worry. With what Jack just told me, everything'll turn out fine, I think."

Jack sighed. "Sometimes I should just keep my mouth shut."

"Agreed. Er, I mean with Alfred. Jack, you're fine," Alear said, "I'm sure this won't take long, Jack. Maybe you should go and talk to the others? There aren't many of us here, but I have a feeling you'll be getting to know them before long."

"I hear ya, I hear ya," Jack said. "I guess I should introduce myself to your other two stewards, too, before they start gossiping about us."

"That is, if they haven't been spying on us," Alfred supplied, "I mean, I've felt like someone's been watching me for a while, and I could have sworn I saw a hat near the Lookout Ridge…"

"I guess I'll introduce myself to them and your retainers soon enough," Jack said, before rummaging around in his pocket. "Ah, and before I forget…"

In his hand, Jack held the Draconic Time Crystal, its center still pulsating with a dull warmth. It wasn't a pleasant warmth, at least, not anymore. Not after he nearly vomited after using it. Something Alear was not going to have to deal with hopefully.

Jack handed it to Alear, who quietly took it into his hand. "This thing nearly made me turn inside out when I used it, and I got no idea how it'd work in this world, but it's yours. If I die, or if anyone else dies, don't hesitate to use it, yeah?"

Alear looked down at the Crystal, feeling it. "You joke about the most horrific things, it feels like."

Jack raised a brow. "I'm joking? That's news to me."

Alfred snickered and turned away. "I'll be waiting in the plaza! Take care now."

"You heard the prince, Divine One," Jack said, tilting his head to Alfred's retreating form. "You've spent enough time talking to me. You and Queen Lumera better get to know each other this time, you hear?"

"Hah," Alear sighed, "please don't call me that, Jack. Not you. And, er, thanks. I mean that. I'll find some way to repay me."

"I'll take a couple thousand gold and a starship that can get me back home," Jack replied, "but something tells me you don't have that, so feel free to tell me when you find one."

Alear let out a breath halfway between a laugh and a chuckle. "I'll be sure to do that."

"Alright, you two," Jack began, stepping up behind the crouched duo.

"Bwuh!? Oh, it's him!" the boy said - Clanne, his name was, Jack remembered.

"Yeah, it's… that guy!" said the girl in red, Framme. "I, er, I can't remember his name. What did Queen Lumera say his name was?"

"Jack," Jack said.

"Yeah, that! Wait, why are you here? We were just-"

"Spying?" Jack finished.

"No!" Clanne exclaimed, waving his hands wildly in front of him. "We were just… performing reconnaissance! Making sure no enemies infiltrated the Somniel! It's our job as the 33rd Stewards of the Dragon! Very important work!"

Jack sighed, looking over the two stewards and out at the view the Lookout Ridge provided. It was even more spectacular than the one farther down below, with the highest of clouds circling behind the mausoleum at the tip of the Somniel. It was a spectacular day, Jack would grant it that. The first full day in the world of Elyos. And hopefully not the last.

He wouldn't be staying forever, but at least he could enjoy it while it lasted.

"Performing reconnaissance? Right over where the Divine Dragon and I were speaking?" Jack pointed out. "Hmm, yeah, it would be really inconvenient if enemy soldiers suddenly burst into existence around us. It is a good thing we had you two on the case."

"Yeah! I know, right?" Framme said, her hands on her hips and beaming proudly.

"I think that was sarcasm," Clanne sighed.

Framme's smile faltered. "Oh."

"I'm just giving you both a hard time," Jack admitted, letting out a small chuckle. "I can't exactly blame you for being suspicious, I guess. At least you were kind enough to keep a distance and watch quietly."

"I've only known the Divine Dragon personally for a day," Clanne admitted, "and I never saw him seem so… at peace like that. Not since he had been sleeping."

"Yeah, it is really strange, isn't it?" Framme noted. "I mean, you just came outta nowhere, chucked a spear at that veiled woman, talked about the future, and now you're in the most sacred location in the world, talking to the Divine Dragon himself! We had to make sure you weren't gonna try anything. Clanne wasn't lying about it being our job, ya know."

Jack's lips thinned as he nodded his head. "Yeah, I can see that. So, go ahead and ask me anything you want. If I'm not a stranger, there's no danger, right?"

"Well, I guess not?" Framme said, scratching her chin. "So, I'll start, then? Alright, where do you come from?"

"You two are… something else, you know that?" Jack said, tapping his foot in the dirt. He was sitting on a log in what seemed to be an old campsite, with Clanne and Framme both pacing in front of him, over and over again. "I didn't even get to talk about myself much; I feel like I know more about you two than you know about me."

"Sorry…" Clanne said, scratching the back of his head. "It's just that… when you only have Sir Vander to talk to, and the sleeping Divine Dragon, things just sort of bottle up, right? I've been keeping that in for a while."

"And besides, you said you don't follow our religion, right?" Framme asked, her hands in front of her face. Jack was convinced she'd start hopping up and down like a rabbit. "You're already talking to the Divine Dragon himself, and I'm sure I saw you speaking to Queen Lumera earlier, so you've already got the pilgrimage thing down! Vander had to bash that into our heads for months before we learned the proper path!

Jack shrugged. "It seems a decent enough religion, I suppose. Alear is nice to talk to."

"How did you do that, by the way?" Clanne asked, stopping in place. "I don't mean to be rude, Sir Jack-"

Jack waved a hand. "Just Jack, please. I'm not a knight, and probably never will be."

"But it feels so weird calling you just 'Jack'," Clanne protested.

"And it feels weird to me to be called 'sir'," Jack replied, snorting.

"W-well, anyway," Clanne said, looking away for a moment before reasserting himself. "How did you do it?"

"I… talked to him like a person, and not as a religious icon?" Jack replied, tilting his head. "You two seem very devout so that'll probably be a little difficult, but, I'm serious, give it a try. Might as well. You'll all be getting to know each other over the next couple months."

"That's… a tall order," Clanne mumbled.

"None of the stewards had to deal with something like this," Framme groaned, "but, it could be worth a shot! The Divine Dragon has only been awake for a little over a day, now!"

"Has it really only been a day? It feels like it has been a lot more than that," Clanne commented.

Jack nodded. "It does, doesn't it? A lot has happened."

"Ah, before we stop for the day, have you considered, say, doing something other than telling people's future?" Framme asked, her hands behind her back.

"I don't know, being a fortune teller could be pretty fun," Jack replied.

"Yeah, probably, but I'm being serious!" Framme said.

"So am I," Jack said, his gaze becoming slightly more narrow.

Framme adjusted her cap. "This isn't going anywhere, so I'll just come out and say it. Do you wanna join the Divine Dragon Fanclub?"

Jack blinked. "The what now?"

"You know, the Divine Dragon Fanclub! Right now, it's only me and Clanne, but I'm sure we could find something for you to do! We were actually planning on fliers-"

"I-I still am not sure that's such a good idea…" Clanne said, shrinking away a little.

"But we'll need to wait on that until we make it to a village of some kind," Framme finished, her hands on her hips again. "So, whaddaya say?"

"I say that I'll take a rain check on that," Jack replied, a small smile on his face as he stood up. "Give me a few days and I'll give you an answer to that, alright? This world is still new to me, you know. Don't wanna go devoting myself to someone I just met."

Clanne nodded. "That makes sense."

"Hmmm, alright, but you're missing out," Framme said. "We should probably get going with those fliers before we leave, Clanne. I think we'll be heading to Firene, and if we do, there'll be plenty of people interested!"

Jack watched the duo run off towards the Somniel proper, shaking his head.

"Why do I feel exhausted already?" he whispered to himself.

Jack wasn't sure how the teleportation to and from the Somniel worked. In the game, it only worked on the world map after a brief explanation from Vander that 'every Divine Dragon could do it' or something to the same effect. He could barely remember arriving at the Somniel, let alone what might have been said beforehand, which left him curious on how it worked.

Whatever the case was, he would be leaving soon, and judging by how everyone else seemed to be packing whatever supplies they could manage, they were preparing for a long journey yet.

Jack would be the first to admit he had no battlefield experience. But something about him felt wrong about sticking around the Somniel while the others went out and fought to the death against enemy soldiers, Corrupted, and who knew what else. If worse came to worse, he could act in a rear battlefield role. Delivering supplies, carrying messages, and so on. Although he wouldn't be the greatest fan of such a role, it was something he could do.

Then again, Jack wondered, he could learn how to use a spear. A sword had too much training behind it for practical use until months down the line, and an axe or other blunt weapons didn't have a long enough reach for his tastes. He may have been acting like a coward, but cowards lived.

Would a coward have saved Queen Lumera and spilled the beans about his foreknowledge? What other choice did you have?

While deep in thought, near the cafe as the others prepared to leave at the plaza, Jack heard someone approach. Dainty footsteps along the stone floor echoed in his ears, as he turned to see who it was.

Jack tilted his head. "Queen Lumera?"

"Greetings, Jack," Queen Lumera said, bowing her head slightly. "I trust you have been settling in well?"

Jack shrugged, looking to the others in the plaza. "It's only been a day, and it's not like I'll be spending all my time here, nice as this place is. But I'm not as rattled as I was yesterday, so that's a plus."

"I am glad to hear it," Lumera said, smiling. "I admit, part of me starting this conversation was wanting to speak to you more privately, with Vander or my son nearby. You know a great deal, and I was wondering if you knew his… special circumstances."

Jack's eyes widened. "I thought you already knew I did. I thought that was what that short glare was about."

"I had my suspicions, but it is good you have just confirmed them," Lumera said, walking around Jack.

Practically laying himself flat against the pillar rather than leaning against it, Jack looked down. "Shit."

"I hope you are better able to keep control of your mouth while on your journey. If only for the other's sakes," Lumera continued, stopping at Jack's left side. "There is still so much I haven't discussed with Alear, I can scarcely surmise what might happen to him if too much is dropped on him too quickly."

"You mean…" Jack pushed himself away from the pillar. "You haven't told him? Why?"

"Because he has only just woken up, and it does not matter anymore. Even if he was not my child by birth, he is a pure Fell Dragon no longer. He is a Divine Dragon, even if only in energy and spirit, and I will not shred that falsehood so quickly," Lumera said, as if it had been rehearsed. "He needs stability now more than ever."

"That's… you're right, of course," Jack hissed, "you are his mother in all the ways that matter, but will the enemy see that? Will Sombron see that?"

Lumera was silent.

"Even if you and everyone else accepts it, it can still be used against him, I-"

"What happened in the moving stories you saw?" Lumera asked.

"Huh?"

"You spoke of it so clearly, then," Lumera said, gesturing to the plaza where the others waited. "I could almost visualize it myself. I should not be here, and yet I am, all because of you. All because of the stories you spoke of. I want to know if my child, if Alear, learned of his true origins."

Jack looked down. "...He does."

"And how did it affect him? How did it affect the people around him?"

Taking a deep breath, Jack replied, "The people he became friends and allies with accepted him, and he disregarded his heritage as a Fell Dragon and went on to save the world with the Emblems. Probably many more worlds, considering Sombron's goal."

Lumera nodded. "He needs time. Time to process. Time which you have granted him. Remember that."

Jack narrowed his eyes. "We're going to save his sister. You know that right? Veyle. The one who would've killed you."

Lumera closed her eyes. "Then I have however long it takes for you to rescue her for me to deduce how best to tell him."

"...Fair enough," Jack whispered, nodding. "I was going to suggest we bring her to you, anyway. If anyone knows how to de-brainwash a lost dragon kid, it should be you."

"My, 'de-brainwash'? I don't recall doing such a thing," Lumera said.

"Well- I mean, I guess not, but you can help her, right?" Jack pushed, "You have no idea how much crap we just get rid of if we kill her other half. It's not even really her; it's just a creation of some poorly-dressed woman's idea of a homicidal dragon!"

"Jack," Lumera said, a finger pressed against her lips. "Calm yourself."

"I… alright, I'm sorry. But you can do something, right?"

Lumera tilted her head down. "You speak as if it has been done before. How was it done in your stories?"

Jack shrugged. "Things are so different from now by that point that the method wouldn't work. We'd have to wait a good long while for it to even become feasible by then, and even then, it'd be too late. Hell, with you here, they might not even happen."

Lumera took a deep breath. "Very well. Bring Veyle here, and I will see what I can do."

"You- okay, good," Jack said, chuckling nervously to himself. "I was worried for a few seconds, there! You really got me. I guess I should-"

"Could you wait for a moment, child?" Lumera asked, placing a hand on Jack's shoulder.

Jack blinked, looking at Lumera's pale hand as it had grown another set of fingers. "Uh, I mean, sure? They'll be leaving soon, so…"

"I had one more thing to discuss with you," Lumera said, "I would like to know why you did all of this."

"I told you-"

"You were unsure of yourself," Lumera interrupted, "I could see it in your eyes. You have very sad eyes, you know that? Maybe not even Vander could see it, but I can. I have seen it many times over my long life. You are worried for someone, or something. What is it?"

Jack rubbed his forehead and turned around. "You're right. I didn't save you out of the goodness of my heart. I was hoping, if I helped you all make this journey a little smoother, you'd be able to help me return home. I left behind a lot of people there. My sister, my… well, one-time girlfriend, who I am still friends with. My mom, my dad, the few friends I had left. All of them. If there's anyone who can help me, it's either you, or the Emblems."

"I see. As good a reason as any," Lumera stated, "not to say that I doubt you did it entirely for selfish reasons. You want to do good here, do you not? Well, here I stand. Let it be known that I am eternally grateful for this chance you have given me, whatever your reasons may be."

Jack rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, turning back around. "You're… welcome, Queen Lumera. I'm sorry I wasn't being truthful at first, but my problems don't really seem that great in the face of destruction, you know. Don't worry about me. I'll just help you all get through this. Even if my knowledge will probably get less and less useful as time goes on."

Lumera nodded. "For what it is worth, Jack, know this: I will find a way for you to return to your world in one piece. I cannot say what it will be like when you return, but you have my word that I will find a way, if such a way exists."

"Well, I'm here now, so might as well make the most of it, right?" Jack said, letting out a humorless chuckle. "You know what's strange? Sometimes, I really hated it there. It's probably just me being homesick, but now, going back is almost all I'm thinking about."

Lumera smiled sadly. "It is only in the absence of what we love that we truly appreciate it, as sad as it is to say. Now, go with them. Guide my son and his companions on the path toward victory, however twisted and broken it may seem."

Jack raised a brow. "You're not coming with?"

"I cannot," Lumera shook her head, looking down at her feet. "My powers… are not what they once were, as you likely already know. I must assure the people of Lythos that everything is fine, and to help them fortify in case Sombron's forces attack. I fully trust Alear to lead well in my stead. After all, I know because of you that he would have done well anyway, even without me."

"Watching the bird fly away from the nest already, huh?" Jack mused.

Lumera laughed. "You could say that, yes! Perhaps, on his journey, some of his memories might return as well. But this is not goodbye for good; I can still return to the Somniel if need be, of course. And if things become particularly dire, I will absolutely help in whatever way I can. But until then, Lythos needs me."

Jack nodded. "That makes sense. It has been nice to meet and talk to you, Queen Lumera. I'm… glad, I could help save your life."

"And I as well, Jack," Lumera said, waving a hand. "Farewell, and good luck on your journey."

Jack took with him whatever he could, though the Somniel wasn't supplied with more than food and water, there were a few weapons about, mostly in what would become the armory. He couldn't find any armor that fit him, so he decided he'd ask at any port towns they might have in Lythos, or perhaps at Flora Port when they arrived in Firene. Until then, he still had his old Earth clothes, though he doubted they would last much longer.

With a backpack and a good iron spear on his back, he marched over to where the others were gathering. Everyone was present, even those he hadn't spoken to yet like Etie and Boucheron. That would change soon, of course, as if what everyone had been saying was true, they'd be taking a long boat ride to Firene after they leave the Somniel. Jack took a deep breath and joined them, receiving a nod of affirmation from Alear.

"Alright, everyone's here," he said, hand on the pommel of his sword - Libération, Jack remembered it was called - as he looked everyone over. "I must say, I'm not entirely looking forward to this boat ride, Prince Alfred."

Alfred waved a hand lazily, a good-natured smile on his face. "I can't blame you, Divine One. I'm not saying the journey will be easy, but it's faster than swimming!"

"Swimming would be better for us, you know," Etie said, and Jack nearly did a double-take upon hearing such a deep voice come from a petite girl like her. "Actually, that would be a really good exercise. I'll need to keep that in mind."

"I like the idea too, but like I said, it'd take too long," Alfred replied, scratching his scalp. "Anyway, we're ready when you are, Divine One. Let's get going; daylight's wasting!"

Alear looked unsure of himself, looking around as if he was expecting the Somniel to simply teleport them out when he commanded it. Lumera must have been the one who brought them the first time, Jack realized. Nonetheless, Jack closed his eyes for a moment, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.

After the boat ride would come combat. Combat against undead with no souls, but combat nonetheless. He only hoped a week or two of training with a spear would be enough to allow him to perform well enough on the battlefield.

Jack opened his eyes.

I'm ready.

Another voice rang out inside his head, venomous and seething, just as a flash of light briefly engulfed him and the others.

Are you?

Before any of you guys get idea, no, the pairing for the fic will not be with Lumera (despite the fact that it could work out, in hindsight). I got someone else in mind.

Anyway, I realize this came out a week after the last chapter, but I assure you, this'll probably not happen next time lol. I wrote this in about one and a half days because I was just having so much fun, so we'll see how long it takes me next time.

Either way, here's a link to our Discord server: discord. gg/u89gs745fn

See you guys next time!