The first thing Jack noted on the march to Destinea Cathedral was just how much more quiet it became compared to before. The march to the border of Brodia and Elusia - and even before that, with the march to Brodia itself and the abandoned fortress on the west coast of Firene, there was talking and laughing; the army was practically abuzz with life. Even though Jack couldn't see it, though, Destinea Cathedral hung over them like Barad-dûr did over Mordor. Jack half-expected to see a giant flaming eye looking down on them all from the east, but no such fanciful thing occurred.

Not that Jack doubted Sombron wouldn't be capable of such a thing were he at full power. Hopefully, that never happened. He'd rather have Lucina and the others with them for a while longer after the end - there was so much to talk about, so many things to do once the war was over and he, somehow, found a way home.

"Coin for your thoughts, Jack?"

Jack turned to see Alfred, bundled up in winter attire, though the crown prince of Firene still looked as if he was freezing. Perhaps it was because he was atop his horse, Jack theorized. He wasn't using any real muscle to keep himself warm. Not that Alfred had much to begin with.

"I was thinking about when you'd come down from your literal high horse and join us grunts on the ground," Jack asked, "Look at you, playing the part of a stereotypical royal, trotting along the snowy ground on your steed while the rest of us peasants slog around in the muck."

"Alas, it is true," Alfred said, placing a hand against his chest as he bowed his head. "It does so pain me to see the peasantry downtrodden and destitute, scrounging through the snowy dirt. Perhaps if you show me tribute, I shall deign to allow you to ride beside me."

"Nah, I think I'll settle for a revolution," Jack replied, scratching the back of his jaw as a grin began stretching across his face. "I'll require all the gold in Firene's treasury, and of course, I'll need both you and Céline's Emblem Ring. To, I dunno, attain my full power or something."

Alfred placed a hand against his chin. "Rather steep terms for your surrender."

"My surrender? Oh, no no no, my friend, I'm going full French Revolution on you. It's time to solve Firene's problems with liberal application of decapitations," Jack said.

Alfred visibly shivered. "I don't know what the French Revolution is, but it sounds awful."

"It wasn't all bad. The headsman made a lot of money during those years. They even constructed a special machine for it; all he had to do was cut a rope and- slice! Off with his and her head. Er, I might've gone a little far with the bit there, Alfred. Sorry."

"It's fine. All of this just… has us on edge, I think," Alfred said, waving a hand. "The cold, the stakes, all of it - it's stifling. Diamant and Alcryst look ready to fall apart at any moment."

Jack pursed his lips. "I can't even look them in the eye, Alfred. After what I told them, gave them hope. A part of me wishes Alear used his position to force Morion to stay, but I don't think even the word of his patron deity would stop that man."

"You're probably right," Alfred said, wiping his brow while his teeth chattered. "King Morion, he was always a frightening figure when I was young. A real warlord. You know what the worst part is, Jack?"

Jack raised a brow.

"I'm… as the future king of Firene, I'm glad that he may no longer be king" Alfred said, with his teeth clenched as if saying it hurt him physically. "He was a warmonger. And even if he had a friendly exterior, and I consider Diamant and Alcryst my friends now, a part of me feels relieved that he won't be able to agitate the other kingdoms."

Jack's eyes widened as he turned away, rubbing the back of his neck even as his warm clothes made it difficult to do so naturally.

"That's- wow, I guess I can see where you're coming from with that. And it's not like I don't entirely agree, either; like I said, I wanted to save him for Diamant and Alcryst, not because I thought Morion was such a great guy," Jack admitted. "Might've thrown a wrench into recruiting Ivy and Hortensia, but the problem seems to have solved itself."

"I would never tell Diamant and Alcryst this," Alfred said vehemently. "Never. Only my sister even has an inkling. And, well, now you."

"And now me," Jack echoed. "Why'd you tell me that?"

"Because I had to tell someone, and you seem like a person who can keep a secret," Alfred replied.

"And not because we have forged an unbreakable bond of friendship that will last longer than the dust our bodies will turn into?" Jack asked. "You're breaking my heart over here, Alfred."

"That's one thing I'm known for back in Firene," Alfred said, a cocksure expression crossing his face. "Breaking the hearts of young men and women - it becomes so very tiring."

"I see now that Sombron was never the true threat. It was you and your honeyed words," Jack said, rubbing his forehead. "It was you. I'll be telling Alear that you've been leading us along the whole time."

"And so my cover is blown," Alfred said, "How unfortunate. How will my plans come to fruition now?"

"Could always seduce the Divine Dragon," Jack suggested.

Alfred promptly broke character and looked at Jack with rosy cheeks. "W-What?"

Jack looked up, a wide grin showing far too many teeth spread across his face. "You heard me, Prince of Firene. Seduce the Divine Dragon. Fulfill your destiny."

Before Alfred could respond - no doubt in a hilarious way, judging by his expression, Jack thought - another person padded up to them. Jack barely saw a hint of white-and-black hair and knew who it was immediately.

"Am I, er, interrupting something?" Veyle asked, looking up at Jack and Alfred even as the army moved past them.

"No!" Alfred said quickly. "Nothing! Nothing at all. We definitely weren't talking about anything!"

"A very convincing cover story, Your Majesty," Jack mumbled. "Hi, Veyle. No, we weren't talking about anything in particular. I was just admiring Alfred's workout routine. I'm surprised by the amount of sit-ups he can do in one sitting."

Alfred thought for a moment. "I think it was over two-hundred before I started to lose count. Man, what a day that was."

Jack nodded. "I'm surprised you still had a stomach after that. Anyway, Veyle, did you need something?"

Veyle played with her fingers as she looked up at Jack and Alfred, the latter coming down off his horse. "I'm worried about my brother."

Jack tilted his head and exchanged glances with Alfred.

"Did something happen?" Alfred asked. "Did- don't tell me, an enemy assassin broke into camp, and we're surrounded. Well, today's the best day they could've done that, because I was just looking for the excuse to-!"

"No! At least, I don't think that's happened. I'm not entirely sure now…" Veyle said, before shaking her head. "No, definitely not. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something… off, about him. He's become so quiet, so taciturn. Something's on his mind but whenever I try to speak with him, he tells me nothing's wrong."

"We've got a pretty big battle coming up," Jack said, rubbing his forehead. "Even if you won't be there to take the Emblem Rings, any number of things could happen, I guess. The Four Hounds are still an issue, though I wonder what would happen if you spoke to Mauvier."

Alfred raised a brow. "Mauvier? Is he one of those Hounds you've talked about so much?"

"He… was my knight," Veyle said, "Or my retainer, or whatever you want to call him. He must have followed me even as I was under papa and Zephia's control."

"Shit, I've been meaning to ask about him!" Jack exclaimed, looking behind him to see the army slowly passing them by. "He's probably the best out of the Hounds. Only one worth saving, if you ask me."

Veyle's brows furrowed. "That's a little… harsh. Surely we could convince them? I mean-"

"Zephia's main goal is to have one of Sombron's children, so I doubt you'd get through to her," Jack said, crossing his arms. "And Griss, the sadomasochist who barely wears anything - he'd follow her into hell. Marni- okay, you might have a point with Marni."

Veyle placed her hands on her hips and puffed up her cheeks. "Stop interrupting me!"

Jack held up his hands, backing up slightly. "Sorry! Sorry. Got a bit carried away."

"I'm always surprised by how much you know, Jack," Alfred said, "Even if nothing's the same after the battle in the Cathedral, how can you possibly say you'll be useless after this? You can tell us so much about the enemy - so many things only they know."

"It's a bit unsettling at times, but… no, nevermind," Veyle said, shaking her head. "I wanted to talk to you two about it since you seem to be his best friends. Before the battle begins, could you speak to him? I may be his sister, but it feels as if it's because of that reason that he won't tell me what is bothering him."

"Oh, is it time for another drinking night?" Jack asked, "Alfred, is it time for another drinking night?"

"So close to the battle? I dunno," Alfred said, before snapping his fingers. "I've got a better idea! How about we get all the others in on it? You, me, Céline, Diamant, Alcryst - you're welcome to join too, Veyle."

Veyle's eyes widened. "Me? Why me?"

"Did you just offer alcohol to a child, Alfred?" Jack asked, frowning as he scratched the back of his jaw. "I expected better out of you. Should've known all your brainpower went to your abs."

"My abs? You've seen them? Wait, tell me how they look! Are they finally coming in? I've been working on those for ages," Alfred said, hands against his stomach as if that simple action would reveal them for all to see.

"I'm not a child," Veyle said, oddly calmly. "I am at least a thousand years older than all of you, except for brother and Queen Lumera."

Jack narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you so small?"

Veyle's eyes narrowed in turn. "Why are you so tall?"

"Oh, girl, you don't wanna play these games with me," Jack said, his voice mixing with chuckling. "You really don't wanna play this game with me. This is the one area of life I excel at."

Veyle sniffed. "You know what? I accept your invitation, Alfred. When shall it be? Tonight, perhaps?"

Alfred laughed. "Watching you two talk was more entertaining than it should've been. Ah, yeah, anyway - yes, it'll be tonight… probably. I have to find where we stored the drinks. I know we have more than a few."

"I feel like I've done a lotta drinking lately," Jack mused. "I think I'll help you, Alfred. Let's get this show on the road."

That night, all of the royals were gathered around the firepit on the Somniel, watching the flames lick and burn away at the wood therein. Jack watched them all: Alcryst and Diamant had arrived. Diamant looked to be treating the event exactly as it was - a way to blow off steam in the wake of his father's capture, and what went unspoken, probable death. Alcryst was much the same, though instead of cowering behind Diamant like Jack half-expected, he stood in front of him, drinking the hardest cider they had brought with them.

Céline, much to Jack's expectation, wasn't drinking alcohol, though she did prepare tea for herself, so it appeared that she was participating. They would all probably need it in the morning. Alfred sat beside Alear, bottle in hand and enthusiastically talking about something that Jack wasn't listening to. Alear himself looked more like a deer caught in headlights than someone enjoying himself. Jack was to his right, while Alfred was to his left. Veyle was standing up at the entrance to the trail that led to the Somniel's lookout point, pointedly looking in Alear's direction every one in a while.

"Alear, man, I won't lie to you," Jack said, looking into the corkhole of his bottle. "I really need to stop doing this. This is the third time in the past, what? Two months? Two months now, I started talking to everybody on the pretense of drinking. I don't wanna become reliant on this stuff."

"It's not so bad! C'mon, Jack!" Alfred said, holding out his bottle. "Even Alcryst and Diamant are enjoying this! This was a good idea, this time. Y'know, so long as you don't drink all the brandy like last time."

"That was actually Alcryst, I barely had any," Jack retorted.

"Sorry…" Alcryst mumbled, gently sipping.

"Pick on my brother again, and we can settle this in the arena," Diamant said, "And I think we both know how that'd turn out, Jack."

"Well, yeah. I have a spear, and you'd probably have a sword. Unless you started using axes now," Jack said, wiping his brow. "Even with the advantage of reach, I'd probably get destroyed. So, you know what. Fine. I drank most of it, Alfred. Send me to the dungeons."

"A thousand year sentence," Alfred ordered, "A thousand years plus twenty more for lying."

Céline sipped at her teacup. "What a gross miscarriage of justice I have just witnessed."

"Who for?" Veyle asked.

Céline looked at her brother with half-lidded eyes. "For the savage barbarian that is masquerading as my brother."

"Another compliment like that and I think Alfred will go out to do some more running- shit, didn't he dig a well once? Or tried to?" Jack asked.

Alear looked up at that, turning to Alfred. "Huh?"

"Oh, yes, he did," Céline said, hiding her eyes behind one dainty hand. "Instead of simply relying on nearby townsfolk to dig one, he simply got up, grabbed a shovel, and started digging as if it was the most natural thing in the world for the crown prince to do. I am ashamed to see that word of it is spreading through the army like wildfire."

"It was a good workout," Alfred mused.

"It was completely unbefitting for a crown prince! Prince Diamant, have you ever dug a well for your army?" Céline asked.

Diamant nodded. "Yes."

"Do you see now, brother? If even the- Excuse me?" Céline said, turning to Diamant with a bemused expression.

"Most of it was done by Alcryst, truth be told," Diamant said, "But when times are harsh, everyone must pitch in, regardless of standing."

"That's a gross exaggeration," Alcryst said, "It only took a few days, and everyone was dying - I couldn't just stand by and watch that."

"I guess that's a point to Alfred's barbarism, eh?" Jack said.

Céline's brow furrowed. "Hmph."

"Okay, but seriously," Jack continued. "You okay, Alear? You've been quiet this whole time."

"Huh? Oh, yes, I suppose I have been," Alear said, looking down into his bottle before looking at everyone else. "But there's no need to worry for me. I am fine."

"I may not be the best at reading people, but even I could tell that was a lie," Alfred stated, placing a hand on Alear's shoulder. "C'mon, my friend. Speak your mind. We'll all listen."

"I…" Alear said, "It is really hard to explain. Sometimes it feels as if this coming battle may be the last, and I am not prepared for that."

"The last? No no no no," Jack said, swinging his bottle around in a pantomime of a shaking head. "We've still got a helluva time before us, Alear. But it's okay. At least, I think it'll be okay."

Alear let out a humorless chuckle. "Did everything turn out alright in the world you saw?"

"Yes," Jack nodded. "Even without me, you and the others were successful. Diamant becomes king and leads Brodia to a new future. Alcryst is right there by his side - in fact, the last thing I saw him do was file a crap ton of reports, it looked like."

Despite Alcryst usually being a shrinking violet at the best of times, at Jack's words, a small smile spread across his face. "That sounds… nice."

"And Alfred becomes King, with Céline still by his side," Jack continued, causing the drunk prince of Firene to puff out his chest in pride, while Céline shook her head, even as she was trying to hide a smile. "And Veyle - I can't get into Veyle's without explaining what happened before it, but she becomes a monarch in her own right, with a people that adore her. Might not happen here because of certain, well, 'conditions' not being met, but I doubt it'll be much different."

Veyle looked down at her feet, which were drawing a circle in the dirt. Alear let out a chuckle, full of a bit more life than before.

"That doesn't sound quite so bad," Alear said, "but… I have been thinking. What if it ended at the Cathedral? What then?"

Jack raised a brow, exchanging a quick glance with Alfred who shrugged. "What do you mean by that?"

Alear waved a hand. "It's not important. Just an idle thought, really. And it probably wouldn't solve all our problems anyway."

"...Uh huh," Jack said, "Alright, fair enough. I mean, if it all ends at the Cathedral - well, it'd be a bit anticlimactic, but honestly probably good. We might even be able to save King Morion and King Hyacinth that way."

"But… hmm," Diamant hummed, "If you have a plan to try and have that happen, Divine One, I would love to hear it."

Alear shook his head. "It's really not anything worth mentioning. We should focus instead on retrieving Morion, capturing Hyacinth, and leaving as quickly as possible. We should take the Emblem Ring entrusted to Elusia while we are there, too. What was it called again, Jack? The Ring of the Lady of the Plains?"

Jack nodded, still looking suspiciously at Alear. "Yeah. In the timeline I saw, she went to Ivy. Of course, that was after the whole debacle at the Cathedral, where you lost all of the Emblem Rings you'd collected. Since Veyle's on our side, now, that ain't gonna happen."

Veyle let out a shuddering sigh. "I am… truly sorry for that. I realize it has not and will not happen here, but, still-"

"There is nothing you need to apologize for, Veyle," Alear said, "Even if it had happened here, given the circumstances, I don't think I'd be capable of blaming you for it."

"When it was revealed, you didn't, yeah," Jack said. "So if you don't wanna take it from him, then take it from me, instead. What's it you guys keep calling me? An Augur? Yeah, trust in this American Augur who can barely tie his shoelaces without screwing up."

"I regret calling you that, now," Céline said.

"Considering it's reached Princess Ivy that I'm called that, I'm inclined to agree," Jack mumbled, taking a sip.

"Is it not a proper title?" Diamant asked, "Personally, considering your closeness with the Divine One, I would have suggested 'prophet' myself."

"Jack isn't known for being religious," Alear said, turning to Jack and smiling. "It's almost refreshing, in a way."

Alfred let out a laugh. "I'm surprised he hasn't converted yet. We still have time before we storm the Cathedral, you know! Maybe we could find an abandoned church, melt some snow for water, and-"

"I already got baptized once, Alfred, I don't need it again," Jack interrupted.

"Baptized? Huh. What's your god's name again?" Alfred asked, taking another swig out of his bottle of wine.

Jack blinked before looking down at his knees. "He's- it's always just been 'God' to me. And He's not my god. Being exposed to the internet at a young age makes it easy to see that- no, I shouldn't talk about that. You guys wouldn't get it."

"The 'internet'?" Céline said, and Jack could physically feel the quotations in her words as she spoke. "What a strange name. What does it do?"

"It sounds almost magical," Veyle commented.

"I was under the impression that Jack's world didn't have magic," Diamant said, "That is what he told me."

"I would not mind living in a world like that, I think- er, sorry. I shouldn't have spoken up. No one wants to hear me talk anyway," Alcryst said, before returning to silence.

"To put it in the simplest terms, it's a giant communication network," Jack said, looking into his bottle again. "Covers most of the world, actually, besides a few, incredibly remote areas. Well, maybe not even that- see? I shouldn't be talking about it. I'm an incredibly biased person."

"I think something like that sounds wonderful," Veyle said. "With something like that, very few people would be lonely, right?"

"You'd change your tune if you looked up your name on Google…" Jack muttered under his breath.

Veyle's head tilted to the side. "Huh? Did you say something?"

"Nothing," Jack waved a hand, before looking back to Alear. "Point is, Alear's his own person. I'm not gonna sit here and condescend to you guys that you should treat him as such because, well, your people have been worshiping him and his mother for the past thousand years. I think even a god could use a few friends though, don't you think?"

Alfred nodded. "Well said. I barely even call you Divine One anymore, Divine One- Ah, there, I said it again. Sorry."

Alear smiled. "Keep trying it, Alfred, and it'll come to you."

"Heh. Perhaps you are right," Diamant said, "I hope I haven't offended you by calling you by your title this entire time, Alear."

Alear held up a hand, his cheeks slightly glowing red. "T-there's no need to feel that way, Diamant. I agree with Jack, but I want to prioritize the rest of you first. You don't need to 'fix' your speech in order to make me feel more comfortable."

"Well, you are our deity," Céline said, snapping her fingers. "If you wished for it, with a simple snap of your fingers, I would never call you 'Divine One' again. We are at your command at all times."

"That's… not what I was getting at," Alear said, "In fact, I think that's the exact opposite of what I was getting at."

"Ah, I appear to have misread the situation. It must be all the alcohol in the air. You are all very lucky that I decided to keep us from doing something stupid, you know. Three royals, two dragons, and an augur drinking and partying around the Somniel - I shudder at the blasphemy of the situation."

"Ah, what're rules for? They're made to be broken!" Alfred laughed.

"It is incredibly worrying when the crown prince of Firene says such foolish things," Céline said, glaring at Alfred.

"No, he has the right idea," Jack said, holding up his bottle. "To anarchy, Alfred."

"To anarchy! Whatever that means," Alfred said, giggling as he almost fell off the log. "Anyway, before we keep going, uh, Alear? Are you sure you're alright?"

"I told you all already, I'm fine," Alear said, "there is no need to worry about me. Let's just focus on having a good time tonight, okay?"

Alfred was content to let it go there, it seemed, as he went on to excitedly talk to the others. Jack, however, still felt uneasy, even through the haze the alcohol placed on his mind. He shrugged at Veyle, who simply continued to look at Alear, worry evident in her violet gaze.

If it was possible, the approach to Destinea Cathedral was even colder than the border with Brodia during the blizzard. Even if the sky had been blue with no snowfall in sight, that would have been true. With the addition of a severe storm, with snow flurries nearly trying to bury the army with every step they took - Jack wouldn't be surprised if the elements did Sombron's work for him, if they didn't reach the Cathedral in time.

Fortunately, Destinea Cathedral was in sight. Unfortunately, Jack's comparison to Barad-dûr seemed even more apt. The only thing missing was a glowing eye looking down upon them, and like he had thought previously, perhaps Sombron would oblige if given the chance.

The towering spire jutted high into the sky, casting a long, sword-like shadow onto the snowy ground. The Cathedral itself was massive, easily the size of a castle, though it had no real fortifications - there were simple wooden constructions that surrounded the entrance, but they weren't manned. In fact, the entire complex seemed deserted.

"Something's not right, here," Jack said, as he, Alear, Alfred, and Diamant stood at the front of the army. Alcryst and Céline were holding the back, making sure no one ambushed them. "It wasn't exactly bustling with people when I saw it in the other timeline, but you'd think they'd want us to… oh."

"You thought it too, then, huh?" Alfred said. "King Morion might be-"

"I would ask that you don't say another word," Diamant said. "Please, for my sake if nothing else."

Alfred nodded. "As you request, Prince Diamant."

"We have no other option. Even if King Morion wasn't trapped there, King Hyacinth might be, and we need his Emblem Ring," Alear stated.

Suddenly, Marth appeared by Alear's side, and Jack felt his stomach sink into his legs.

"I realize you must have grown tired of being asked this, but are you certain you are well?" Marth asked. "We are already here - we can teleport to the Somniel with everyone and plan our next move carefully."

"Every moment we wait out here, the more time Sombron and Hyacinth have to fulfill their dark plans," Alear replied, "We cannot wait any longer."

"He said something similar to that in the game as well," Jack hissed. "That was just before the most crushing defeat of the war."

"You said it yourself, Jack," Alear responded, turning to him with a hawk-like gaze. "Our world has changed so much, thanks to you. I would rather risk this here and now than let it go on."

"Are we sure we're still talking about saving King Morion…?" Jack whispered.

"What…? Of course we are," Alear said. "That was a very strange thing to ask."

"Was it?" Marth asked, before shaking his head. "I merely suggest we remain cautious. And if Sombron arrives, then we should leave immediately. We are not ready to face him."

"I'm not liking how similar this all seems," Jack groaned.

"Alright, everyone!" Alear exclaimed, hand on the pommel of his sword as he stepped forward and turned around. "I am fine - know this and accept it. In fact, I feel better than ever. Our path is clear, despite it all, and we will march into this Cathedral, save King Morion, claim another Emblem Ring, and leave victorious! Are you with me?"

"You know what? You're right. Let's get in there," Alfred said.

Diamant nodded. "I have been with you since the moment we left Brodia, and I do not intend to stop here. Let's go.

Jack looked up at the gray sky above them, and brought out his spear. "God above, I really hope we're not making a mistake here."

While the interior of Destinea Cathedral was warmer than the outside, that did not mean that it was warm. If anything, the chilliness pierced even deeper than the howling gales outside. At least those were natural, presumably. The cold inside the Cathedral was decidedly not so. It was as if the whole structure knew they were all there and wanted to make them feel as unwelcome as possible.

It was working. Even despite the coldness, Jack felt sweat trailing down his face and back, and his grip on his spear was practically ironclad.

The others looked like they were dealing with the feeling much the same way Jack was - a lot of quiet, a lot of shuffling armor, and a lot of swords being unsheathed, along with axes, spears, bows, and tomes being brandished.

Inside the Cathedral, the architecture reminded Jack of the time he visited a Catholic church, although much, much more sinister. Smooth, white stone walls led up to two staircases, which in turn surrounded a platform that watched over the army. The only light granted to them were by the wall sconces, and it was like the shadow itself was trying to block that out.

Jack's heart leapt into his throat as he heard a voice ring out through the Cathedral, and he looked up to see King Hyacinth himself.

Without getting a good look at the man before, Jack was unnerved by the king. He was deathly thin, and with his paper-white skin, he almost looked like a corpse already. His cheeks were sunken in, and his entire body seemed to be enveloped by his dark robes. Atop his head sat an ornate crown that, on anyone else, would have looked beautiful, but on him almost seemed like a cruel joke.

"I am sorry, Divine One, but this is not a church for you. You will find no worshipers here," King Hyacinth said. "However, I am not a bad host. Come! Come in. Do you like the markings on the stone? It took years to carve them just the way Lord Sombron would have liked, according to the old tales."

"You know why we are here, King Hyacinth," Alear said, his voice barely disguising the disgust within. "Release King Morion immediately."

King Hyacinth snorted. "I let you into my domain, and the first thing you ask me is to release the man who would see my entire country impaled on spikes? No, I think not. Come to think of it, what happened to my daughters, Divine Dragon? I suppose you left their bodies to rot, their flesh devoured by buzzards. The very thought, even now, sends shivers up my spine and a rage so fiery I feel as if I might burst. You have no right to ask me anything."

Diamant stepped forward. "We weren't asking."

"Always so quick to battle, aren't you, Prince Diamant?" Hyacinth stated, crossing his arms. Jack thought he saw his eyes briefly flash red. "But, no matter. I rescind my welcome. I will see to your fool of a father on the altar, while you may stay here and deal with Elusia's best."

The army was not idle as Hyacinth spoke; Etie and Alcryst were definitely leveling their arrows on him, alongside several mages such as Citrinne and Céline. As the King of Elusia turned around, no doubt they were about to let them loose.

A familiar blue explosion stopped that. It didn't cause a lot of damage, but it obstructed Hyacinth from view long enough for the slippery bastard to escape deeper into the Cathedral. Jack gritted his teeth as he coughed the smoke out of his lungs and looked around wildly to where the bolt had come from, finding his mark at the top of the right staircase. Beside them, stood several soldiers, their armor glinting in the little light available.

Jack found Alear in the dust cloud. "You go on ahead! This fucker is mine!"

Alear blinked before realizing what he was talking about. "Remember, you aren't alone! Take as many people as you can with you! We can't risk that crossbowman ruining everything again!"

"Don't I know it," Jack spat, "Alright. Go on, then! I've got this."

After that brief exchange, and another bolt fired into the crowd, Jack moved forward. Lucina appeared by his side, and all that was needed was a nod between them before they surged forward. Two others appeared beside him - Louis and Boucheron, it looked like. Good enough.

The Elusian soldiers were much stronger than anything Jack had faced up to that point. Hyacinth had not been lying about them being elite - Jack could scarcely break through their guards, and they matched him hit for hit. Unfortunately for them, however, they did not have an Emblem Ring. Every blow that would have broken through Jack's guard, every attack that he nearly missed - they became blocks, parries, and hits. Louis and Boucheron took on the bulk of the army, and Jack could hear fighting behind him.

Another bolt sailed through the air and struck Louis in the shoulder, and the armored knight went sailing through the air. Jack's eyes widened at that, and he put his everything into one final push. He sent the soldier he had been fighting - a tall man clad in brigandine and wielding a sword - straight to the ground, and with a quick thrust through the chest with all his strength, and the man stilled.

Jack charged forward, spear at the ready as the Crossbowman readied another bolt. The entire crossbow acted like a shotgun, it seemed - one pump, and another bolt was loaded. And whatever mechanism that made the crossbow glow blue in some areas gave the bolts their explosive properties. Jack narrowly avoided a bolt to the face, and it sailed behind him. Not wasting time figuring out if it hit anyone, he leaped forward, and the Crossbowman deftly moved to the side.

Aymr appeared in their hand again, and they attempted to catch Jack out like they did before. Lucina, however, was ready, and the grotesque axe bounced off Falchion's blade.

"Gonna have to try harder than that, bastard!" Jack shouted, lunging forward again with his spear. It struck the Crossbowman in the shoulder, but their grip on their crossbow was strong, and the blow didn't go deep due to their armor. They jumped back, slinging their crossbow along their back as Areadbhar appeared in their hand, and they circled Jack with it, mimicking his stance.

"We should not be here," they said, "You know we aren't. This isn't right. We need to leave by any means necessary."

"I don't talk to idiots who side with three-eyed snake dragons," Jack spat, "Emblem, Engage."

Power rushed through his body as his spear disappeared and Parthia materialized in his hand. The Crossbowman was too slow in dissipating Areadbhar and tried to bring out his crossbow, but an arrow from Parthia sent them sailing and clattering along the steps. Jack didn't waste any time - Lucina's rapier was next, and as the Crossbowman stumbled to their feet, they just barely got Aymr out in time to block a blow from Lucina's rapier.

There followed a back and forth between them. The Crossbowman was durable, Jack would give them that. That didn't have time to either unsling their crossbow or summon Failnaught, so they were left with two weapons. The red Dark Emblems of Edelgard and Dimitri sometimes intervened, but Jack was thankfully able to avoid their smashing blows. Both of them had super strength, after all, and trying to block their attacks would be suicidal.

After what felt like an eternity, Jack finally gained the upper hand. Just as he felt the power of the Emblem fading, he struck a blow that brought the Crossbowman to their knees. Jack's feet hit the floor as the Crossbowman attempted to stand up, but Jack was on them. He grabbed them by the helmet, and they stood up, trying to get him to release them like a younger sibling fighting against an older one's bullying.

At last, Jack ripped the helmet from their head, and kicked them in the chest as they stumbled further down the stairs. A light gasp reached his ears, as a mop of dark blond hair greeted his sight.

And then they - she - looked up, and if Jack was still holding his spear, it would have clattered to the ground right then and there.

Blue eyes stared right back up at him. Blood seeped from the corner of her mouth, and her breathing was raspy and shallow. Even so, she found the strength to stand up.

Jack whispered one thing, even as the world around him was a chaotic symphony of steel and flesh.

"Nat!?"

Natalie let out a breath, letting her shoulders relax. "Hi, Jack."

I don't think anyone I talked to guessed this correctly lol. To be fair, I didn't really telegraph this much.

Anyway, hope this didn't scare you off. There's a method to my madness, here I assure you.

Here's a link to our Discord server: discord. gg/u89gs745fn

See you guys next time!