- Two weeks earlier -
"Gasp!" Perla gasped and frantically sat up, her breathing frantic, body trembling before she tried to sit up but felt hands on her shoulders.
She started swinging as if someone was about to jump on her. It was her first instinct and the person quickly had to grab her wrist to keep her from punching them.
"Perla! Perla! It's me! It's me!" Her eyes glowing slightly golden and with fear met Diamant's red ones, "It's alright...You're safe. It's okay." The prince said as the woman slowly blinked.
She slowly looked around to see Alcryst, Martha, King Morion, Oniyuri, and Queen Opal all looking at her worried, then back at the prince.
"Am I dead?" She said and Martha snorted before shaking her head, "I'm alive...Good...Good..." she whispered as Diamant let go of her wrist, "I-Is everyone okay?"
"We're all fine." Alcryst said, "We're worried about you. Martha said you weren't injured but the shock from that encounter caused you to pass out for several hours." He said.
"You were crying in your sleep...You kept calling out names, Jorge, Miguel, and Nanami. Who are they?" Queen Opal asked carefully and Perla went pale, then looked away.
"...Miguel and Nanami...they are my siblings' names." She whispered, "Jorge...is..." Her lips became a thin line, "Please...I rather not talk about this right now." She said and looked back at them, "More importantly, what happened after I passed out?" She immediately went on to change the subject.
Perla won't open up about her past. Only small bits. But now she truly was putting on a wall to keep everyone out.
"We checked around the vicinity and thankfully that was it. There aren't any monsters or spies." Morion sighed, "Well, with this done, and as shocking as that dragon appearance was, I don't think it will show up again." He said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Dear, you know damn well you don't stand a chance against a dragon." Opal said and the king scoffed, "But seeing one does raise the question. The dragons that live in the mountains of Brodia are the Fire and Shadow dragons. They live in the mountains far from here. This one didn't look like any of them." She said.
Martha sighed, "That's because this dragon is..." She was hesitant but, "a Fell dragon." Everyone looked at her shocked.
"A Fell dragon?" Alcryst said and Martha quickly raised her hands.
"Let me explain before you all jump to conclusions!" She said, "During the Fell War, Sombron had many children. Many died in the war fighting in his name. But for others, he had killed because they were not strong, tried to run away, or were seen as failures. These children were called Defects." She began to explain.
"Defects..." King Morion muttered, "The King of Fell Dragons, had his children killed because he saw them as...defective."
"What happened to those that managed to escape?" Opal asked and Martha remained silent, "Martha, I do not like your silence" The mage looked down to the ground.
"Sombron's general hunted them down and threw them to the corrupted. Where they were massacred." She said and many in the room felt sick.
"But, why did The Fell Dragon try to take Perla?" Diamant said as Perla looked at the woman, wanting questions.
"It was trying to take her to a place where Sombron can not reach her," Martha said and Perla blinked.
"Wait, wait!" Perla raised her hands, "Why would the Fell Dragon Sombron be after me?! I never even once encountered him or any of his followers! Let alone, any relationship with anyone!" She said but right at that moment, Martha's crystal ball rang.
She quickly pulled it out and answered, "Hello?" She held it up to her ear, "Yes. Yes. WHAT?! Firene was attacked?!" The alarms went off on everyone, "A messenger from Firene is at the castle? Got." She put it away and turned to Morion, "You're needed at the castle. Same with Diamant and Alcryst." She said.
"Damn." Morion cursed, "Well, we did get the news that The Divine Dragon has awakened. Sigh, perhaps this a sign that things are starting to take a serious turn." As he stood back up, the king said, "Perla, I trust you take care of my wife?"
Perla scrambled up and nodded frantically, "Of course! You can count on me!" She said.
After a while, everyone left and the queen was escorted back to her room by Oniyuri. But now it was Diamant and Perla once again in the room. The silence was uncomfortable, making the woman want to squirm. She knew Diamant wanted to talk about what she meant that she didn't come from any of the nations. The man already has enough on his plate. Martha made her an apprentice when she suddenly appeared. A girl suddenly appeared in Brodia and possessed an Emblem of Legends. A girl who was supposedly from Solm but there was nothing of her background. Now suddenly a dragon wants to take her away to keep the evil bad guy Sombron from going after her?
Nanami's gone missing, Miguel she still hasn't found. She can't leave Brodia because now with this event, the probability that her moves will be monitored is most likely to happen. She was feeling like a bird trapped in a cage. Add the fact she was saying her dead lover's name in her sleep...Right, she at least owed Diamant an explanation of who she was. Perla took a deep breath and turned to him fully.
"At the back of the castle, we'll talk. I want to make sure it's just you and me." She said and before he could say anything, she quickly ran past him.
Diamant was stunned. He didn't even have a chance to say anything. He wanted to tell her that she didn't need to say anything. That she didn't have to force herself to speak. With the way things are now...the prince sighed and went after her, but not before he at least got them a warm drink.
[—-]
Again, they were at the back of the castle, Perla leading them to the place she hid. The place still had the giant footprints of the dragon from hours ago but even so, she ignored the shiver she felt looking at them. A deep breath she took as they finally arrived and Diamant remained silent as her back was turned to him.
"You don't have to force yourself to speak," Diamant said but Perla shook her head.
"No. I have to do this. At this point, I think you deserve to know why I have been so distant and where I come from. Why do I have Sophia and why Oniyuri was so shocked hearing I am a so-called pure blood." Perla said as she took a deep breath, "The names called out in my sleep, Miguel and Nanami. Miguel is the name of an older brother, I am the middle child, and Nanami is the youngest. And...Jorge..." She gritted her teeth and took deep breaths as she looked up at the sky, eyes shut, "That was the name of my lover. He no longer lives..." Diamant's eyes slowly went wide.
Perl turned to him, eyes void of emotions.
"My lover's killer, I hunted them down and killed them. I am not from this world. Martha told me I am from a place called The Outrealms."
- Present Time: Elusia -
Nanami was silent as she was finishing folding the clothing she just washed and dried. Her mind kept wandering to the dream she had two weeks ago. It was completely unexpected. She folded the clothing and told Sumia she was going to rest for a bit before she went back to work. Nanami went to the dining hall where she sat down and served herself water. Two...no...three weeks? It's soon going to be four months since she arrived at Elyos. She remembered asking Hortensia what month it was.
"Oh! It's currently September!"
"Around the end of May or beginning of June, I arrived in Elyos..." Nanami muttered and Veyle flashed in her mind, "Why did I have that dream?" She whispered and closed her eyes thinking about it.
The dreams in the fog were always strange. The short times she was in, it felt like she had some sort of mental haven, a place where she could rest. The first time was when she met the mysterious young man, his voice sounded familiar but she couldn't pinpoint where. Then as the days went by, she began to figure out small things in the dream. She could change the place to a place she wanted to be. Of course, she kept messing around and found limitations, which was a pity. She kept walking and walking in the fog till she reached a beautiful wooded area with a field of flowers. Beautiful flowers of dandelions and lilies, but she saw someone there standing in the fog, confused. The closer she got, she saw black and white long hair, a feathered crown, and a dress with blue, pink, and purple, but most of all, innocent purple eyes and a face, that she never thought she saw.
"Veyle?" Nanami had blurted out before she could stop herself and the girl quickly turned around.
The two just looked at each other for what felt like an eternity to Nanami but suddenly Veyle broke into a joyful grin, ran, and...lunged at her.
"NANA!" Veyle cried out with arms spread open and Nanami screeched as she was pounced on, somehow managing to catch the girl and not fall back.
Veyle hugged her tightly, burying her face in her chest, making Nanami turn crimson. The woman had a decent-sized chest but would bandage it to hide it the majority of the time. She was going to say something but felt Veyle trembling and heard sobs.
"Oh, Nana...I missed you...I missed you so much...Sob..." Veyle cried, "It's been so hard...Mother is gone...Everyone is gone. I'm trying to find my brother but it's been so difficult. Everything is so different." She cried and Nanami didn't know what to do.
Veyle was confusing her as someone precious, but Nanami knew she couldn't let her continue, yet...hearing the young woman sobbing in her chest, Nanami let out a sigh, and gently patted her head. Veyle was 5'2 feet, a bit shorter than her. Minutes passed and Veyle stopped crying.
Finally, she let go of her, and when Nanami saw Veyle had paused she took a step back. Veyle eyes looked at her shocked and looked at her up and down before...
"Big Sister?" Veyle gasped and Nanami threw her hands in the air, stopping herself from saying "Oh come on.." as she placed her hands on her hips, "Umm..."
"Um..." Nanami didn't know where to behind but she had to start with something, "I think you have the wrong person." She smiled nervously, "But, I couldn't bring myself to stop you earlier so...I just let you cry. I...hope it made you feel better." She said as Veyle stared.
"Oh..." Veyle became dejected, "I'm sorry...It's just...you reminded me of my Nana and my big sister. She was Nana's apprentice but she was like a big sister to me." She said, "Umm...where am I? And who are you? How do you know my name?" She asked.
"Oh!" Nanami blinked and quickly composed herself, "My name is Nanami. And this place is called The Dream Realms. Think of it..." she paused for a moment, "as a safe space for your mind." She said.
The greedy part of her didn't want to share such a place but the reasonable part knew it was wrong. Looking at Veyle, the poor girl has been through enough so she'll let her rest here. Veyle was amazed and looked around, seeing the beautiful field of flowers and Nanami waved her hand, making the field grow.
"Incredible." Veyle was awed as she looked around and Nanami waved her hand to change the place to Pismo Beach, "How did you do that?"
"Messing around." Nanami said, "Come on! I'll show you around!" She did the same Veyle as she did to the mystery man.
Showed her around Pismo Beach, and played a few carnival games that Veyle was having the time of her life. In a sense, Nanami was showing Veyle what living a normal life was like. Seeing the young woman smile brought joy to her heart. It had been a long time since Nanami enjoyed such a peaceful time. The dream soon ended but not before the two said goodbye and promised to meet again.
"I look forward to it."
"Sigh." Nanami sighed once more, "I need to go out more."
"Where do you want to go?"
"Wha!" Nanami jumped and looked up to see Hortensia looking at her curiously, "Oh, Hortensia you scared me!" She said as she placed her hand over her heart.
"Sorry. Nana said you've been looking out of it lately so I came to check on you." The princess said as she went to sit down across from her, "But seriously, where do you want to go?"
"Oh, you heard that." Nanami said, "I know it's been a month since I started working here but I feel a bit...cooped up. I don't know." She sighed.
"It's fine. Everyone's been feeling like that. Especially my step-mom and my younger siblings. By the way, you're allowed to go a bit out of the castle. Just not too far it though." Hortensia said, "By the way," Nanami raised an eyebrow seeing the girl fidget cutely with her fingers, "your sketchbook...how much do you charge...if you made one of your cute designs?" Hortensia looked at her with cute puckered lips.
"Huh?" Nanami froze, "M-My cosplay jornal?"
"That's what you call it?" Hortensia said and Nanami sighed, she never thought she would have to explain what cosplay is.
"Hortensia, you see, cosplay is slightly different than a normal costume." Nanami began to explain, "Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a drama, book, or any other form of media. In Solm (My World), we have events called conventions. In this event, people, from all over the world come to celebrate their love of their hobbies, likes, and cosplay as characters they admire and look up to. Artists showcase and sell art and merchandise of different franchises. Vendors sell a variety of foods from different cultures." Hortensia was so engrossed hearing the older woman speak.
But she also noticed how happy and relaxed Nanami looked when she was talking about the things she liked. Hortensia never said it out loud but Nanami reminded her of Ivy in a bit. Both always took everything seriously but when it came to themselves, they were walking disasters.
"There's also live music and performances. I would go to the conventions and take pictures. But also come home with an empty wallet after buying so much..." Nanami chuckled a bit embarrassed.
"The event sounds really fun! Maybe after the war is over, I'll try it out." Hortensia said, "So um...what's your answer?"
"Well..." Nanami thought for a moment, "I should be able to do it. Of course, I need to gather the materials to make it. Also, " she thought for a moment then spoke, "Well..." Nanami thought for a moment, "Do you have a sewing machine?" She asked.
"What's a...sewing machine?" Hortensia said, confused, "Is that a new magic tool?"
"Well...a sewing machine is a machine with a mechanically driven needle for sewing or stitching cloth." The woman explained, "It's about this big." She opened her hands about the length of an adult cat, "and it uses a paddle similar to a spinning wheel to power it. It lets me finish making a shirt in about 10 minutes." She explained.
"Wow! Sounds like it would be a lifesaver to have!" Hortensia said and Nanami recognized the look in her eyes, "Say, if I pay you double..."
"Make it triple because I know you want me to teach Rosado, Bernadetta, and Sumia to use it once I make it." She said and Hortensia nodded.
"No." Hortensia said and now Nanami was confused as the princess stood up, "I'll pay you 5,000 gold coins if you make three costumes of my choosing! Make the sewing machine, teach the three you mention how to use it, AND!" She grinned excitedly, "Can you make that sweet rice wine again?"
"...Hortensia you are fourteen..."
"Not for me! For Ivy!" The princess said and Nanami sighed, smiling a bit.
"Alright. I will." Nanami said as she stood up, "I'm gonna finish my chores. I'll let you look through my sketchbook later today, okay?" She said and Hortensia gave her a thumbs up, excited.
[—-]
The chores took another 30 minutes and once she was done, Nanami took the opportunity to go explore outside the castle. Of course, since she was still somewhat new, she had to inform Sumia. The woman nodded and gave her permission. So here was Nanami, dressed in Elusian winter clothing and coat. The outside of the castle walls was all mountain and snow terrain, making it difficult for anyone to spot the place. Not only that, it was faint but Nanami could feel the dragon veins of the place were manipulated on purpose to create a snowstorm around the castle to protect it.
"Whoever manipulated the dragon veins to do such a thing must be incredibly talented." Corrin said as Nanami walked around the woods, "It is no easy fleet to do even in my lifetime, I struggled to do such a thing. My sister was more experienced in it. Sigh," the princess sighed, "I remember watching her manipulate the magic veins to repair the islands of Valla—" Corrin quickly covered her mouth as if she uttered a horrible curse.
"Um, Corrin?" Nanami said as she looked at the ring, "It's okay to talk about Valla now. Akanos is dead. The only reason you, Azura, or anyone who knew of it could not speak of it was because Akanos had laid a curse on the kingdom to prevent anyone from revealing it. You're safe here." She said and the Emblem let out a deep sigh of relief.
"Really? I truly am?" Corrin said and Arisa spoke up, "It's fine. I spoke of Valla freely back when I was in Fodlan. I highly doubt the curse can work in other worlds. And you and your sister slayed the source. You should be fine." Arisa said and Nanami nodded.
"Very well." Corrin said a bit hesitant, "It feels...a bit strange being able to talk of my home without being worried about the curse." She said as they walked.
"You'll get used to it in time." Nanami said and stopped, "Phew...the woods around the fortress..." She looked up to the sky and saw the howling blowing snow, "I was right. There's a barrier around the castle and a good distance from it." She whispered and looked back to the ground.
She spotted frozen plants and deer with their little ones not too far away. Some owls were perched up in the trees and a river nearby.
"Well, other than getting out of the castle for some fresh air, I read that in deep snow areas, you could find quartz shards in the rivers of Elusia." She carefully made her way to the small stream.
Frozen water and some icicles, as well as a strange blue moss. She spotted a few fish as well, as well as a few aquatic animals. Nanami picked up a stick and poked it in the water, she couldn't touch the bottom.
"Dip a finger," Corrin said and Nanami looked at her confused but she trusted her so she listened.
Nanami dipped her finger and Corrin's emblem glowed for a bit. The temperature of the water, its depths, as well that the water was safe, such information poured into Nanami's mind like a droplet of water falling on a still surface. The woman blinked a few times before she slowly looked at the Emblem.
"I may not be able to be summoned, but I can still use some of my power to help you," Corrin said proudly.
Nanami whispered thank you and looked near the water's edge. She reached into her bag and pulled out her flashlight and shined it on the water. She blinked spotting some quartz shards.
"Nice." She clicked her teeth and reached out to pick it, singing a song to herself.
Arisa suggested that she should practice singing by trying to infuse magic into her voice like those of the songstress class.
"The blue moonlight, cuts across our sight~ As pure and clear as a r—!"
"Hello?!"
Nanami jumped, quickly clutching her hands to her chest as she suddenly heard a voice yelling out in the woods. She didn't expect anyone to be calling out for help. Nanami was silent and waited for a bit before she went back to do what she was doing but once more, a voice called out but this time both male and female.
"Anyone there?!"
Nanami gulped and stood up from her position. She summoned The Sword of The Creator and held it tightly. She walked, deeper into the snowy woods, but she could also feel she was getting close to the barrier's end.
"Hello?" Nanami called out and then...
"Hey! Over here!"
It was towards another stream. Nanami jogged there and looked around, not seeing anything. And then something glinted in the water near a moss-covered bolder. She made her way there and was careful not to slip as she got on it. She reached down and picked up what looked like an ear cuff. The woman blinked multiple as she studied it. It was covered in moss and mud.
"Did Hortensia lose this?" Nanami muttered as she cocked her head and Arisa appeared.
"No way. Hortensia has way better taste than this." Arisa said as both turned to look at the bracelet, "Though..the design looks fa—"
"PROFESSOR!"
"AH!" Nanami screamed and immediately threw the ear cuff away, straight at a tree, but then gasped in horror once she realized what she did when she heard voices groaning in pain.
"WAS THAT AN EMBLEM!?" Nanami screeched and quickly but carefully hoped on the stones to get to the other side of the steam where she threw the Emblem.
Once she did, she quickly began to dig through the snow. Arisa appeared to help. A few minutes later they found it.
"What the hell?! How dare you throw us away like that?!" The female voice cried out in anger but the male voice let out a sigh.
"Lestia, in her defense, didn't expect to hear a voice come out of an ear cuff." The male voice said to Lestia as Arisa was now behind the young woman.
"Wait a minute...Yuri? Lestia?" Arisa gasped.
"Wait, Yuri? As in Yuri Leclerc?" Nanami said and looked at the ear cuff, "Though I never heard of anyone named Lestia."
"I'm Dimitri's twin sister..." Lestia said and again, Nanami just looked at the Emblem confused, "Anyway! Can you summon us?! I want to move again!"
"You two, I am beyond happy to see you both again." Arisa squealed, "Unfortunately..." Arisa sighed, "Only the divine dragon can summon you." she said.
"It's alright, Professor." Yuri sighed, "At the moment at least, it's good to see you again." He said, "I guess we should introduce ourselves but looks like your friend already knows us somewhat. Anyhow, I am Emblem Yuri." Yuri said.
"And I'm Emblem Lestia. We're known as The Bracelet of the Moonlight Tricksters. Also known as The Emblem of The Storming Cinders." Lestia said as Nanami looked at them shocked.
Thankfully the stream was nearby. Nanami dipped the ear cuff in the water before she cleaned it. It took awhile but once she was done, the emblem was revealed to be a silver cuff with engravings of a wolf head and winds. It was beautiful and she noticed the wolf eyes, one was green and the other purple, plus on one side was engraved The Crest of Reigan and the other The Crest of Aubin.
"Once again, thank you." Yuri said, "We've been in the water for quite a few weeks now. Our friend should have landed not too far from us either." He said and Nanami blinked.
"There's another Emblem nearby?" She said as Arisa was speaking to the others.
"I'm shocked that you two are Emblems. What has happened?" Arisa said as she floated nearby.
"Wait." Nanami suddenly stopped and looked at Yuri and Lestia, "If you're here...Does that mean...the other Emblem bracelets are here in Elyos as well?" She said and everyone became silent but Arisa.
"Wait, do you mean to say there are other Emblems out there?" Arisa said, "If I may ask, who are they?" She asked.
"Veronica, Hector, Soren, Chrom and Robin, Tiki, Camilla, and lastly The Three Houses Lords: Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude," Nanami said, and Arisa's eyes went wide.
The Emblem opened and closed her mouth, trying to form words before she finally could.
"Nanami...you said there were rings. Not...Emblem Bracelets." Arisa said as Nanami gulped.
The young woman was silent, she didn't know what to say or do. She already told Corrin that she knew the future but she never expected that the Emblem Bracelets would show in Elyos. After all, they were a side story, a story separate from the main one. Now her first encounter with an Emblem Bracelet did not exist in the game. Yuri, she knew immediately because he was the leader of The Ashen Wolves. But Lestia, only now is learning that in some world out there, Dimitri has a twin sister. If there is an unknown Emblem, the first one she ever met was Arisa, did that mean, there are more out there?
"Arisa...are there...more Emblems like you out there?" Nanami asked as Arisa remained silent, "You were the first person I met in this world. You gave me a summary of the history of Elyos. From the future that I know, only the 12 rings and the seven bracelets of a different version of Elyos exist. But I was under the assumption that you were the only other Emblem I did not know of." She said as her hand trembled holding the ear cuff, "Then if you are an Outworld Emblem, does that mean...there are others like you that have not perished? Or they have awakened from their slumber?" She asked.
Arisa stared at her, silent before she spoke.
"There are some things that are not ready to be spoken of." Arisa said as she placed her hand over her heart, "All I can do is ask that you trust me." She saw the flash of hesitation in Nanami's eyes, "But I can answer you this. Yes, there are more Outworld Emblems out there. Three in Brodia. One in Lythos. One in Firene and one in Solm. If what you said is true, that the Emblem Bracelets are from another Elyos, then that means the other Elyos are starting to connect with this world." She said and was now beside Nanami, "We'll stop for now."
She looked at Yuri and Lestia, "Can you two lead to your friend?"
"Of course."
- Lythos -
Queen Eve nearly had a heart attack when everyone arrived back at Firene Castle, bloody, bruised, and injured. Alfred and Celine had the job of telling their mother what had transpired but most of all Klaus's Emblem had awakened. The queen was beyond overjoyed and had the servants prepare an herbal bath for them all. Firene was known for its natural springs for bathing and the royal family had their own. The royal bathhouse. Luna was more than happy to show them all. It was a hidden area in the castle, natural springs of hot water gushed and warmed the place. Herbs floated in the water and Miguel hissed as he dipped a toe and then just said, "Fuck it." And jumped in. The scent of flowers was strong, all fit to help a person relax.
"No running in the springs!" Alfred yelled but too late.
The men were all splashed by the wave of herbal water, which sent them all wincing. But not Miguel, the man held his breath as he remained submerged in the herbal water, even if his body stung like a bitch. He swam up and gasped for air, running his fingers through his hair.
"That hurts." He said and looked at the group, "What are you all waiting for? Get in."
Alear was a bit hesitant as well as Clanne but seeing how Klaus, Louis, Boucheron, and Alfred strolled in, they joined.
"Hhmmmm...I missed this." Alfred hummed as submerged himself into the water and sat down, "Ow." The battle was gruesome and Klaus just let himself float in the water like a sea otter, his face blank.
"This feels...Nice...Zzz..." Alear looked ready to fall asleep at any moment because of the warmth.
"Don't fall asleep." Miguel's voice made him jump.
Vander was invited to join them but the old man said he preferred to bathe alone. The girls were in the other bath house. As for the Emblems, they were safely in Klaus's workshop.
"Whoa, Miguel, I didn't know how were so muscular!" Alfred said as Miguel looked at them, "What's your secret?! What do you eat?" The prince asked and sure enough, the men were just awed.
Alfred was excited as were Alear and Clanne, but then the young trio looked at Klaus, Boucheron, and Louis. The four all with muscles and the trio slightly patted their chest before their eyes twitched.
"We... need to train," Alear said before Miguel snorted.
But they also noticed the scars Miguel had. He had a diagonal scar across his chest. The others on his shoulders, looked like they came from stab wounds. On his back, were scars from what looked like a burn, and last, was the small one on his lip.
"Question, how did you get those scars?" Klaus asked and Miguel chuckled a bit nervously.
"All of them are from fighting on the front lines. At this point, I'm just proud of them." Miguel said, "Except for the one on my lip." He thought as Alfred suddenly appeared behind him.
"Can I touch your biceps?" Alfred said and Miguel shrugged but nodded.
The prince poked and was shaking in excitement, before screeching when Miguel picked him up.
"I can easily pick you all up like this!" Miguel laughed and Clanne charged, "Me next! Me next!" hanging from the other arm.
"Kids." Klaus rolled his eyes as he summed a small drinking cup along with a bottle of alcohol, "In all seriousness, Alear." He looked at the young man, "That dragon, it seemed to know you."
"I do not know..." Alear said as he leaned back, "My memories of my past...I have none of them. Yet, when I saw that dragon, it felt as if I was seeing something much more terrifying than the corrupted." He leaned forward and intertwined his hands, "Perhaps I fought them in the past before."
"Whoever they are, we have no idea why they attacked." Miguel said, "But one thing for sure..." he said, "They were aiming for me."
"Wait, you?" Boucheron said the others were shocked, "Why would the dragon aim for you?"
"The one called Zephia...she confused me for my grandfather. Now, the dragon that attacked, was aiming for me." Miguel crossed his arms, "It's a theory but I guess that my grandfather did something. Something that made Zephia hold a grudge and others coming after him." He said and paused for a moment.
"Wait...I remember my grandfather said that he was a double agent at some point in his career." Miguel thought as his eyes widened a bit and looked at Alear, "What if...Grandfather once worked for that dragon and screwed him over before returning to Queen Lumera's side? If that's that's the case...I'm going to have to ask the queen some questions." He let out a heavy sigh.
"Changing the subject, who would have thought that the Emblem of Shadows was an individual who looks almost exactly like Marth," Miguel said as Klaus's eyebrow twitched.
"Well, we didn't know because he was never once mentioned in Marth's stories." Klaus grumbled, "Still...I...he showed me what happened to my parents." He whispered as they looked at him worried, "I spoke with Luna before we came here. My father knew the tragedy was going to happen and tried to prevent it. Same with our mother. But that's not only it." He said and fully turned to look at them seriously, "Princess Primrose is alive."
"What?!" Alfred screeched, everyone else was too stunned to speak, "Are you sure?!"
"I'm positive." Klaus said, "Once we get some rest, then we'll talk to Emblem Syrus. There's...many questions I have."
"We all do..."
[—-]
Cleaned, dressed, and rested, everyone made their way to the throne room where Queen Eve waited for them. Next to her was a mirror that floated with flower engravings. Everyone was confused until the surface rippled and revealed Queen Lumera tapping on it.
"It has been ages since I have used this thing. Ooh! Oscar why didn't you leave instructions with this thing!" The queen said and did another tap, "Can anyone hear me?!"
"We can hear you Queen Lumera." Queen Eve chuckled and the queen jumped.
"O-Oh!" Lumera was flustered for a bit before she composed herself, "I-I see. Ahem!" She cleared her throat and spoke, "It is good to see you all. I am glad you are all safe and sound." She smiled softly, "Vander has informed me of what has transpired over the past few days."
Her expression became serious, "I spoke with the Court Mage of Solm and Court Mage of Brodia. In their nations, they two were recently attacked by two unknown dragons. Now, we have a third. And it seems their main goal is you Miguel, and your siblings." She said and Miguel quickly took a step forward.
"Wait, Nanami has been found?" Miguel said but that excitement was short-lived when Queen Lumera's eyes saddened.
"Your sister, the one called Nanami, unfortunately, has gone missing after the dragon attack," Lumera said, "Fortunately, there is some good news about her. But it is the location where she is suspected to disappear that has to be worried." She said and waited a bit, "Elusia. It is suspected she is in Elusia."
Miguel threw his hands up and quickly walked away before he let out a stream of curses. He paced back and forced, biting his lips hard. Just when he had hope...HOPE...that Nanami has been found, she goes missing and the worst part is that she's now in an enemy nation. He took deep breaths to calm himself before going back.
"Sorry..." he apologized, "I...had to take myself before I said something I would regret." It surprised Klaus just how well the soldier controlled his anger.
To be precise, there was much more anger hidden in the smile Miguel wore but the man did a good job hiding it. There was darkness, a deep hidden darkness, that somehow allowed Miguel to use Sitonia's power. Call Klaus old school, but he would research the power of the Emblems when needed.
"It is alright." Queen Lumera said, "Your anger is understandable." The queen sighed sadly, "Like before, we will do what we can to locate her. Those of Solm are already working on it." She said and turned to Klaus and then Alear, "Now you two, please, summon The Emblem of Shadows." She said and they nodded.
Klaus handed the necklace to Alear. The Divine Dragon took deep breaths as the other Emblems appeared. He put on the necklace, snapped his eyes open, and placed two fingers on it.
"Inform Us! Emblem of Shadows!"
Light in colors of black and white burst from the pendent. Appearing once more was the young man Syrus who was the spitting image of Marth. His eyes were closed as he floated down before they opened and he did a military salute.
"Sir, Emblem Syrus! Report!" Emblem Syrus saluted and Miguel instinctively did the same.
"Sir, Miguel Lycinth, report!" Miguel said and Syrus looked at him shocked.
"Wait, are you..." Syrus said and Miguel realized what he had done and quickly looked away, "I never thought I met a fellow American soldier." The Emblem chuckled a bit before looking around, "It has been a long time since I have been out." He said and turned to look at Queen Lumera and bowed, "It's an honor to be in your presence once more, Queen Lumera."
"It is good to see you again, Emblem of Shadows, Syrus." Queen Lumera said, "As much as I wish this to be a joyful reunion, we have many questions regarding the tragedy that took place seven years ago." She said and the Emblem nodded.
"Very well, I understand," Syrus said and Lumera nodded to Eve to begin.
"Emblem Syrus, what transpired in the tragedy of seven years ago?" Queen Eve asked and Syrus took a deep breath.
"Seven years ago, Lord Callus had a dream." Syrus began, "In that dream, three stars were forcefully ripped from the sky and brought to this land. The three stars represented three souls. A warrior of might. A Saint of Flames. And a Maiden of Knowledge. And in that dream...he saw the three stars killed. The warrior was destroyed by the one he loved. The Saint was crucified and burned at the stake. And the Maiden...sacrificed to resurrect the demon and Sombron." He said as it felt like the temperature in the room dropped.
"But to bring the stars to the land, sacrifices had to be made. Callus saw thy the extreme Fell followers would perform a sacrificial ritual on the day of the summit. They waited for many years because on that day, for a few minutes, the served connection to the Outrealms would reconnect once more. To fully establish the connection, they needed not just sacrifices...but the blood of those who were descendants of Outworlders and Sovereigns." Syrus and many had looks of horror.
Celine covered her mouth, shaking as well as Luna, the two using each other for support as the gravity of the situation fell on all.
"Queen Rose...Callus...Pyra...Otto and Topaz..." Lumera's voice whispered as her voice shook, they were the names of the previous court mages of the Elyos, "Otto...was not a court mage but he was the last Lycinth member of Lythos. Of Sovereign...Princess Topaz went as a representative of Brodia. And...Rose took her daughter with her that day as well..." she said.
"There is...something you should know." Syrus said, "Princess Primrose is alive." He said as Lumera looked at him shocked as did Queen Eve and the rest, "I witnessed Queen Rose and Princess Topaz in their final moments. They fought till the bitter end to ensure Lisa and Prim escaped. Rose gave The Necklace of The Damsels of Devastation to her daughter before sending her away." Syrus sighed, "The last thing I remember before I was sealed away was Prim being warped away. As to where she ended, I do not know." The man sighed.
"Callus did everything he could to prevent the tragedy but unfortunately he was not successful...As for how I am now able to move once again..." Cyrus looked at his hands before he gritted his teeth, "It means that a new Starfarer is now in Elyos. The previous Starfarer was Queen Rose. No one should have known that Queen Rose was a member of The Lycinth Clan. Not even her husband, King Hyacinth knew." He said and again the room was silent.
Miguel raised his hand.
"Yes, Miguel?" Lumera said.
Migue had an extremely conflicted look on his face. The situation that Syrus just explained made him think back to the prophecy that Klaus told him. The one of three stars...now Syrus was also speaking of it. So many deaths...and Klaus mentioned there was a probability that ritual was used to bring him and his sisters here. And he thought back to his grandparents, they went on to destroy the last Outrealm gate to serve the connection of Elyos to the Outrealms. He kept thinking about that to the information he read in the royal Lythos library. The Demon went on to slaughter and devoured its own kind before it set its eyes on Gardlon and declared war.
But why did it go to war? Why did it go out of its way to almost completely eradicate his people? It even went on to devour the people it killed and absorb their powers. Just what was special about an Outworlder's blood? By the time the war ended, only the children of the remaining Lycinth members remained. As for his grandparents, they left Elyos. Not only that...
"Why did Queen Rose hide her bloodline?" He asked and Lumera straightened her posture before she spoke.
"Over the years, extreme followers of the fell dragon and demon have hunted down the remaining survivors of the Lycinth. As Syrus stated before, they would hunt them down and sacrifice them all in an attempt to resurrect the darkness. I think you understand now." Lumera said and Miguel nodded.
"Syrus," the queen looked back to the Emblem, "Thank you for telling us all this. " The Emblem bowed, "But also, please do not blame yourself for what happened seven years ago. It is not yours or anyone's fault. The ones responsible will be brought to justice. Can I count on your blade to do the same?" She said and the soldier waved his hand.
Once more, Riptide appeared, and he raised it in the air.
"As a shadow and soldier, you have my word I will bring those who wronged our people to justice!"
[—]
"I shall reintroduce myself." Syrus smiled as he stood beside Klaus as the group was all in the royal library, "My name is Syrus, King Marth's double and General of the Altea Assassins Corps. It is a pleasure to meet you all. And," he turned to Marth, "It is good to see you again, my friend and king." He bowed politely.
"Indeed, it is." Marth said, "How...How could I have forgotten you after all these years?" The Altea king said, "My mind feels clearer as if a fog has been lifted." He smiled.
Syrus smiled bitterly, "There's...a reason why we Emblems are missing fragments of our memories." He said.
"Syrus, it's good to see you again," Sitonia said and the Emblem nodded.
"It is. I have questions as to why you are sealed but that can wait." Syrus said as he looked around, "I can tell everyone has questions but I will answer the most obvious one, Why do I look like Marth?" He said with a tired sigh because everyone always asked him when they would meet him and Marth for the first time.
"Syrus," Sitonia spoke up, "Would you like me to explain it? Since...you know? You tended to have the habit of...scrambling things." The knight looked at her offended but said right.
Sitonia turned into the form of a witch and waved her hands, making several bubbles appear.
"The Outrealms, also known as The Multiverse, is a of infinite possibilities. Take a mirror for example. There is a "world" inside that mirror and we will never be able to reach it. This world and that world could prosper without ever coming into contact with each other. Never knowing each other's existence. And out there billions upon billions of worlds." She explained as she made a few bubbles float to her hands, "These bubbles all represent different worlds and timelines. And just like different worlds, there are different versions of ourselves. In this world, Prince Alfred and Princess Celine are kind and beloved by their people, but in another world, they could be warmongers and their people fear them. That is only just one of infinite possibilities." She gave an example as everyone listened and gulped.
"Syrus here is a version of Marth that was born in The World of Steel. The world that we Outworlders come from and where the founders of Gardlon originally came from." Sitonia said with a smile.
"Incredible..." Alear whispered, "But," his eyebrows knitted, "how did you meet Marth, Syrus? From what I read in the books, it should be impossible to travel through worlds unless something happened." He said as Syrus chuckled bitterly as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well...How do I explain this?" Syrus muttered and looked at Marth.
"If you do not feel comfortable, you do not need to speak of it," Marth said but Syrus shook his head and looked back at the group.
"Before I explain how I met Marth, let me tell you all a bit of who I was before my life changed." Syrus said, "In The World of Steel, it was the year 1997. I was a fresh military recruit at the age of 18. I was studying to become an engineer. On my way to my boot camp, as I crossed the street, I was killed." He said and Miguel looked horrified.
"Y-You were...killed?" Framme stuttered as Syrus nodded, "B-But how does..."
"I'm getting there." Syrus said, "At that moment I was killed and closed my eyes, I heard a voice in the darkness. Come to me...Come to me... it said but suddenly that voice screamed in agony and my eyes snapped open. And in front of me, was Marth." he smiled a bit, "From there, the rest is history. As for how arrived in Archanea, a few years later, I learned that it was Gharnef who brought me to Archanea." He said with a bitter tone, "I am not ready to speak as to why and how he got me there, but for the time being, in a way, I am grateful. If he hadn't brought me to Archanea, I would have never met Marth and my wife." He smiled softly.
"It is good to have you beside us again, my friend." Marth said, "I look forward to fighting beside you once more." He grinned as well as Syrus.
"As do it!" Syrus grinned then turned to look at Alear, "Divine One, do not hesitate to use me."
"Welcome back, Syrus," Marth said and the two shook hands.
Miguel smiled a bit as he watched the scene. The emblems gathered and started chatting away for a bit before the order was called once more and Queen Eve arrived. Queen Eve informed them that Firene had a third Emblem. Alfred, Luna, and Celine were shocked to hear this. The queen said that the reason it was kept a secret was to avoid conflict. Only the monarchs of Firene and its court mage knew of its existence, having it be protected for many generations. The emblem is known as The Ring of The Dawn Maiden. Hearing the Emblem's title made Alear twitch.
"Then after you get what you need, assuming you're where I think you are, can I recommend you head towards the west? There is...a girl. A merchant who knows a lot of things. She got separated from her family. I think she will help you and your people greatly. But first, you all will need to save the girl with stars in her hair! The Maiden of Dawn is with her!"
The woman from his dreams, her voice rang in his head as Queen Eve said those words. Alear didn't need to say it. The mysterious woman in his dream knew where he and the others needed to go. But how? How did she know and who was she?
Queen Eve asked Alfred if he remembered the ancient shrine ruins near the Brodian border. Alfred said he remembered that she took him and Klaus and Lord Callus took them there before when they were children. They were told to remember the location. The queen nodded and said the reason was to prepare Alfred for when he became king and Klaus became courtmage. With that now said, Alfred, Celine, and Klaus expressed that they wish to do their part to end the war against The Demon and Fell Dragon, and will fight beside the Divine One.
Queen Eve, despite the sadness in her eyes, blessed her children and spoke a prayer to them, and that they must return alive. Alear swore he would make sure they returned to their families.
"Your journey will be arduous but know you all will always be in my prayers." Queen Eve smiled softly.
Before everyone left, Alear said there was something he wanted to discuss with the Queen privately. The others other stood and left. Now it was just the queen and him.
"Divine One, what is it that you wish to discuss?" Queen Eve said and Alear was a bit hesitant but spoke.
"Queen Eve...this may be sudden but, do you know anything about people connecting through dreams?" Alear asked and the queen looked at him surprised.
"Hmm..." Queen Eve thought for a moment, "I have heard ancient stories that before Firene was populated by humans, it was once home to a powerful group of faeries known as Ljósálfar and Dökkálfr. They could bring dreams and nightmares to people. But also, helping people connect." She said carefully, "However...during the First Great War...many of them were killed and they had to flee to the stars to escape." She sighed sadly, "Unfortunately I am not well versed in the topics of ancient mystics. But," she smiled softly, "Court Mage Martha is."
"Who is Court Mage Martha?" Alear asked as the Queen suddenly...pinched the bridge of her nose, "Is she...not a good person?"
"Oh! No! No!" Queen Eve quickly shook her hands, "I apologize if I gave you that impression. You see...Court Mage Martha has a...unique personality. She is Brodia's Court Mage and is the head of Brodia Lycinth clan who was believed to have died out 300 years ago. 30 years ago she appeared and as the years went by, she and Princes Topaz brought back to life Brodia's Magic Tower." She said but raised a finger, "But I must warn you, Court Mage Martha does not take the exchange of knowledge lightly. She will test you to see if you are worthy of the knowledge you seek. If you pass her test, she asks for something of equivalent exchange for what you seek." She said and Alear was confused.
"I had no idea Brodia has such a test." He said and Queen Eve sighed.
"Test is a Brodian tradition. But the exchange of knowledge however is something those of Elusia do. I know this because Queen Rose was a dear friend of mine. She was...sigh..." Queen Eve let out a deep breath as sweet and bitter memories of her friend returned, "She was known as The Queen of Love and Wisdom when we were younger. She would share her knowledge and wisdom to help people. Now learning that her daughter is alive, I can only hope she is safe." Queen Eve smiled sadly.
"Thank You, Queen Eve. That is all I have to ask."
"You are welcome, Divine One. May the flowers and stars guide your path."
—- Brodia: Present Time -
"Do you...understand now?" Perla said as she and Diamat sat together in the woods, "I apologize if I seemed so cold." She sighed.
They had a long and slow talk about what was going on. Perla took it slowly because she didn't want to get emotional. She told him that she came from Outrealms, her world is known as The World of Steel.
"I have no idea how or why I'm even here...I'm just trying to find my siblings." She whispered, "Your brother and his retainers saw I could use an Emblem. From there, you found me and things just spiraled out of control. Martha didn't give me a choice. She told him either I stay or I travel around Elyos like a headless chicken." And another sigh.
"I'm not going to dump everything I went through. I'm just going to get the point because I do not like wasting anyone's time." Perla huffed lazily as she looked out into the distance.
"You are not wasting my time." Diamant said, "You have a habit of criticizing yourself hard. But take your time, do not rush." He said.
Perla's eyes widened for a bit as her lips parted. Nanami would always say those words to her.
To take her time. To not rush. To speak when she felt ready but also not too long.
The woman took a deep breath as she leaned back on the bench and looked up to the sky. The peaceful snowflakes...
"It was a winter just like this." Perla began, "My team and I managed to set up camp in a wooden area that was hidden well by dead branches and snow. We were treating wounded soldiers. Jorge was busy taking care of refugees while I was performing surgery on a soldier." She said.
She closed her eyes as the memories of that day played in her mind. In the tent, refugees huddled together to keep each other warm. Wounded soldiers on makeshift beds or the floor trying to treat themselves. Nurses and doctors rushed back and forth, the scent of iron was high. Perla remembered holding a scalpel in her hands as she was performing minor surgery on a soldier. Her lover was taking care of a child when suddenly bullets started flying. The screaming and people running and hiding for their lives before she and a few others were barely able to grab their guns.
"We were suddenly ambushed by the enemy. Their weapons killed and injured so many. I may not look like it but I have no sense of taste." She said and Diamant looked at her shocked, "The shock of the enemy ambush, and then Jorge jumped in front of me to protect me, taking the hit." 17 bullet wounds, she remembers it so clearly, "He fell into my arms...and died...His last words to me...That he was glad I was okay..."
She paused, letting herself rest for a bit before continuing. She couldn't see the mournful look on Diamant's face. The look of concern, sadness, sympathy, and worry. Perla took a deep breath.
"After it was over, we gathered the survivors. We gathered the bodies of those that attacked. At that moment...a silent anger surged through me. I waited for everything to be stable, at that time, I located the enemy camp. It was small but still powerful. I made a choice, I was going to burn everyone in that camp to the ground. I didn't care if I would be expelled or even discharged dishonorably, I wanted those who killed Jorge, dead." She said as her gaze became void of emotions.
She will never forget that day. The day she tracked down the camp and set it on fire. The amount of war crimes she committed in that moment she didn't care. It was as if she had a sweet release, a taste of a nectar so sweet but as she drank it, she tasted nothing. She remembered vividly how she walked into the camp holding an M4 carbine she got ahold of one of the dead soldiers. Minute after minute, the enemy soldiers kept coming out but she didn't care. She had no emotions, she felt nothing as she reloaded and aimed, shooting down enemy after enemy till she was done. They begged for mercy, crying out, but she made sure to shoot them right between the eyes. Once that was done, she set the camp on fire once more, making sure the bodies burned.
She still remembered, she felt nothing. Not regret, no anger, no sadness after committing such war crimes. All Perla did at the time was light a cigarette and take a long drag before blowing it out. Then she grabbed the bottle of whiskey and chugged the last of it down.
"It's done...I've avenged you, Jorge"
"I found the camp, set it on fire, killed everyone in it." Perla sighed, "Getting revenge did not fill the hole in my heart. I felt nothing. No remorse. No regret. I am not proud of my actions but like before, I do not regret them. I don't know why..." She sighed again, "There's more but that situation is something that happened to my older brother. I helped him with his revenge." Perla opened her eyes and looked at Diamant.
"Now you know." She said, "Do you understand now why I put a distance." She stood up and fully turned to him, looking down at Diamant with an emotionless expression, "Sooner or later...I have to leave. Finding my siblings is my priority. One has been found but now has gone missing again...the other is still unknown. And once we are found, we will leave this world." She said with a sad smile.
"...Do you...want to return to your world?" Diamant asked and for the first time in all the time he spent with Perla, he had never seen her with such a pained expression.
The truth was...Perla did not want to return to Earth. Even if she had gotten her position because she was forced into it, everything she experienced in Brodia, even if some have reduced her to tears, is something she never once experienced on Earth. The bonds she created with Diamant and Alcryst, the friendships with Jade, Amber, Citrinne, Lapis, Oniyuri, and Martha. The lessons learned from King Morion, the kindness showed from Queen Opal, even simple things... She had none of that on Earth. It was selfish of her to want to stay in Brodia but what about her siblings? If she found Miguel, would he want to stay in Elyos or would he want to return to Earth? Miguel was working on starting his own small business in making drinks. What about Nanami? Young she may look but she was already a selling author, making money on her own. And she was saving money to buy the neighborhood bakery that her mentor used to run.
And Perla? She was playing to fully go into her Ph.D. and become a fledge surgeon. Even so, life in Elyos...brought her more joy than anything in the world. What if her siblings didn't want to stay? She had to put them first before anything but just once...Just once she wanted to be selfish and say...
"No...I don't to go back..." Perla thought as she opened her mouth, "I...I...I..." Why was she struggling so hard?
"Might I interrupt?"
"Aaayyyyyee!" Perla screeched, jumping back and making her trip.
Thankfully Dimant was quick and caught her on time. The woman thanked him as he let go and both saw Sophia appear.
"Sorry about that." The crimson-haired woman said, "But I have something to say." She said.
"Um...Alright." Perla said and Sophia nodded as she put her hands together.
"Do you remember when I told you I come from the same world as you?" She said and Perla nodded, "I never did tell you exactly who I was. Only my name and that I was a doctor." She said, "My true name is Sophia Zunino. You may know as The Prodigy Doctor of California." She said and Perla's eyes looked like they were going to pop out, "But before I was a doctor, I was just Sophia." She sighed.
"Perla, you are conflicted now because you are in Elyos, but for some reason, I have a feeling your situation may be similar to my own," Sophia said.
"What do you mean?"
Sophia smiled sadly.
"I didn't arrive in The World of Awakening by choice." Sophia said, "I was brought to that world against my will. When I learned the truth as to why, well...I didn't take it well." She smiled bitterly, "At some point in time, I was given a choice, to return or to stay." She said, "And I chose to stay."
"Why? Why did you choose to stay?" Perla asked as Sophia gave her a soft closed-eyed smile.
"Because I found my family." Sophia said, "I found people who love and care about me. I formed bonds and friendships I couldn't in my old world. I fell in love but also fell in love with that world." She said warmly.
"At that moment of being given a choice, I looked back to my life. I saw that a I was bitter woman who showed little empathy and sympathy despite being a doctor. Then Covid happened and things got worse. I was mourning the loss of family and friends." Sophia said as she looked out to the sky, "Despite the circumstances I was brought to the other world were not good, I found something I thought I couldn't have anymore." She said and looked at Perla, "I found love."
"Love..." Perla whispered.
"Perla, I think I understand why you ended up being my wielder." Sophia said as she extended her hand toward her, "We're both self-sacrificing fools who don't care about ourselves. Even if we burn to ashes, we stay true to our oaths. Our oaths, are to put others above ourselves and protect those we love. I took once took the path of revenge and in the moment I fulfilled it, I understood it did not fill the hole in my heart. Over time, I learned to love and care for myself. I learned to be selfish for once. To care about myself." She said and cocked her head.
"You don't have to answer Diamant's question at the moment." Sophia said and looked at the prince, "Prince Diamant, do watch over this fool of my master." The woman chuckled, "When the time is right, she will answer your question." With that, Sophia smiled softly and disappeared back into her ring.
Perla didn't know what to say or do as she took deep breaths. She turned her head, feeling a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Sophia is right. You do not need to answer me now. I will wait till you are ready." He said as Perla smiled bitterly.
"Sigh...You're right." Perla let out a small breath, "Please, wait a little longer." She said.
"Alright." Diamant smiled softly but...
"OI!"
Perla quickly took out her crystal ball, "Diamant, head to the castle immediately! Your father and the rest are already here but it's not looking good!" Martha screamed out, "Perla! Remain in the north! That's an order!" And the connection cut off.
"What has happened?" Perla said as Diamant's expression became grave.
"I'll find out soon." He said as both went back into the north castle, "Perla, please take care of my mother." He said fully turning to her.
"You don't have to ask." She said as she watched the prince run to his wyvern and take off.
The queen arrived a few seconds later, joining her. Her gaze was sad as she gently placed a hand on her stomach.
"Oh, Divine ones above...please watch over them." Queen Opal whispered as she prayed.
Perla was silent as she kept looking above.
Something was going to happen...and the feeling wasn't good.
— Near the Borders of Brodia and Firene—
"La, la, la~ What's this?"
Crimson pink hair that was mid-waist length, bangs that covered her forehead, and black and white stars in her hair, a young woman dressed in a skin-tight purple assassin uniform and black cape, smiled with curiosity in her eyes. She held up a thin gold ring with an orange gemstone. The young woman didn't expect to find a ring in the old ruins on the border. She's heard stories of the ruins, and those who have gone to it never found anything. Plus, there was a ghost story of a maiden appearing in the night that haunted the place. As much as she didn't like underground ruins, she was happy to score something good.
"Who knew I'd find such an expensive-looking ring in a place like this!" The woman cheered as she turned and started to walk up the stairs.
"Now I gotta go find a merchant and take some mo—" The woman's cheerful expression vanished in an instant and turned deadly, throwing a dagger in the south direction.
She stayed for a moment before what the dagger stabbed, fell to the floor. The woman's face turned pale at the sight of a dried-up corpse that looked like a human but it had pointed ears, ram horns that curled up, and clawed hands.
"W-What is that?" She whispered as she raised her hand to call back her dagger but...
SNAP!
The head snapped up to look at her.
"KYYAAAA!" The woman screamed and suddenly she could hear groaning all around.
"Run! You need to run!"
A female voice screamed in her mind.
"W-What?! Who are you?!" The young woman said and started taking steps back as more of those strange creatures began to appear crawling out of the ground.
"I will tell you later but you need to run! The Fortyde will kill you! Run! Run now!" And the young ran for her life.
"Run! We must hurry! We must go to The Divine One! Go, Yunaka! Go!"
- Elusia -
"Princess Ivy! Princess Hortensia!"
Brenadtta ran through the hallway, zoomed pasted the children, and burst into Ivy's office. She panted and gasped for air, holding up a letter.
"I-It's a letter f-"
"I know," Ivy said as her back was facing her, and Hortensia's expression was tense.
Ivy turned her head to look at Bernadetta with an unreadable gaze.
"Father has summoned us."
[—-]
"Is this it?"
Nanami stood in front of what looked like a cave entrance.
"Yes." Yuri said, "This is where our friend landed. But something about this...feels familiar." He said as the woman gulped.
Nanami summoned a flame ball and had it follow her, lighting up the place. The entrance was small and cramped, only someone of Nanami's size or height could fight through it. It made Nanami feel uneasy but what felt like an eternity was only ten minutes, she let out a deep breath once she was in an open space.
"Phew! Finally no more cramp place!" She breathed out, happily and looked around, "What the?"
The place she ended up looking...like an underground ruin. There were a few broken buildings. Even lots more were broken, but she didn't notice how eerily quiet Arisa, Yuri, and Lestia had become as the woman looked around. She spotted what looked like an old underground bridge that was crumbling and broken because of the boulders that had fallen.
"Incredible..." Nanami whispered, "I don't know why but...Why does this place look familiar?" She thought and started to walk around.
She found what looked like underground tunnels that reminded her of catacombs. She kept walking around and even found broken statues. Unfortunately, they were too broken to identify if they were human or not. The more she walked, it became increasingly obvious that the place was once home to people. She even found a library, its books, she wouldn't even dare touch them.
Then she saw something glint. Nanami turned and carefully walked and jumped over old broken furniture till she was at the center of the library. She coughed, at the amount of dust as she moved over an old shelf.
"Is this it?" The woman blinked as there on the ground, was a single ear cuff. Its shape was an orange Diamond gemstone with meta, that looked like scales wrapped around it and it had a symbol she had never seen before.
"This is an Emblem?" Nanami said as she picked it up, "Sigh...I can't summon you." She whispered, "But..." she gulped and quickly also got the other ear cuff clasped her hands with both in them, "I know this is too much but it doesn't hurt to try!" She somewhat shrilled.
"Oh, heaven above and under or anyone!" Nanami said as she shut her eyes tight, her hands trembling as she was in a praying position, "Please let me summon these Emblems! I know I'm an idiot and coward! Always trying to run, but just this once!" She cried out, "Listen to my words! I want to help Ivy and Hortensia! I want I help Timerra and Fogado! I know it's almost been I think? Four months since I've arrived but the life I've lived here...it's unlike anything I lived on Earth!" Nanami said, her grip tightening.
She was met with silence but she continued. She had to try. Nanami for once HAD to try!
"For once, I made genuine friendships. For once, people aren't trying to take advantage of me and care! For once...For once!" Her voice cracked, "For once I'm not alone!"
"Ever since my great-grandparents passed away...nothing but misfortune has fallen onto me and my family...When mourning...my siblings shut me out, and I had my parents and grandparents to comfort me. And then...years later, I lost my parents. Again my siblings shut me out...and then my grandparents passed and I was alone. My siblings buried themselves in their work and I was alone!" She cried, the tears in her eyes coming forth.
Just how long had she been holding this back? Just how long had she not spoken of how she felt? The anger and rage she feels towards her siblings was there but also she understood they were mourning the loss of their family members. Arisa listened quietly.
"Here in this world...even if I was terrified and in denial at first...the people of this world...they are real! Just like the heroes in the other worlds! They are real as well! This world...I want to protect it! I want to protect the people that reached out to me! I WANT TO CHANGE THE FUTURE OF THIS WORLD!" Nanami screamed.
Speaks of light began to form around and slowly began to go into her hand. She gripped the Emblems tighter, even if her hands were hurting.
"Please...Please..." She whispered, "Pray, dream of my sorrow...Pray, dispel the darkness from this world. The only light here is instilled in memory, the hope you instill flickers!"
A magic circle burst from underneath her, magic gathering, and wind swirled. Arisa manifested and was beyond shocked at what was happening. No...she knew what was happening. This was...a summoning. The world around them began to glitter like stars as Nanami's eyes snapped open, gasping as words filled her mind. Those words...they were...
Invocations.
Nanami raised her hands and screamed at the top of her lungs as she stood up.
"RIP THROUGH THE STORMS OF ASHES! EMBLEM OF STORMING CINDERS! CREATE A NEW PATH! EMBLEM OF HOPES!"
A blinding light filled the room and soon disparaged. Nanami panted and gasped, suddenly feeling as if her energy was drained. She was about to fall when Arisa quickly caught her on time. The young woman looked at the Emblem, dark circles under her eyes, became a bit more visible.
"Hmmm! You did it!"
"I can't believe it..."
"It's been a long time, Nanami. You look...younger."
Nanami turned back and froze. Before she floated Yuri, the leader of the Ashen wolves. Yuri was a young man with short purple hair, and purple eyes, and wore a gray tunic-like uniform with a white cape. A sword on his waist. Lestia was a female version of Dimitri. But her hair was beautiful curly and long and tied in a high ponytail, she wore a long skirt with a sword on her waist a wrist crossbow on her right hand, and the blue lion uniform coat. But that wasn't the biggest shock. It was the purple-haired woman.
"I guess we should introduce ourselves again this time! I'm Emblem Lestia!" Lestia grinned.
"And I am Emblem Yuri." Yuri said and politely bowed.
"And I am Emblem Shez."
Female Shez had beautiful purple hair—wait...
"Isn't Shez supposed to have fully purple hair?" Nanami thought, "And her hair is tied in a high bun with loose strands of hair on her shoulder but she still has her hair covering the right side of her face." She thought as Shez cocked her head, her expression emotionless.
The Shez before her had gradient purple hair that faded to black, her eyes were similar to Arisa's, but instead were a gradient purple with gray-green with yellow spots. Her hair was tied up in a high bun, with a few loose strands, and her bangs covering the right side of her face. Lastly, the armor she wore was her mercenary outfit. She smiled softly and spoke.
"There is no test needed. You set us free. That is more than enough. We are at your service." She said and Nanami scrambled to try and summon Corrin.
"O-O-One! M-m-moment!" Nanami said and quickly raised her hand, "Bare your fangs! Emblem of Fates!" And...
SHINE!
"Oh my goodness!" Corrin appeared and spun, looking at her hands, then grinning in joy, "You did it!" The woman quickly hugged Nanami, "Thank you!"
Corrin was just as beautiful as she was in her art. A silver-haired woman with crimson eyes, silver armor, and Yato on her waist. Seeing all the Emblems together, Nanami's lip started trembling before she slid to the ground on her knees.
"Nanami are you alright?!" Arisa said, as the other quickly went to her concerned.
"Hahaha..." Nanami laughed a bit before she looked up to them smiling despite she was in tears, "I-I'm just so happy right now...Sniff! I'm sorry for being a crying mess right now! Hic!" The woman whimpered.
"Oh dear." Lestia said and hugged, "Come on. Let it out. Let it all out." She said and at point, Nanami just broke down and cried.
All Arisa could do as well as the Emblems, was to let her cry. Arisa's eyes became half-lidded as she glanced at Nanami's shadow, her eyes became void of emotions as she saw a small little pair of eyes glaring at her before they turned to dust.
"I won't let you...I won't let you win..."
- Firene -
"Thank you!"
"Thank you, Divine One!"
"I know this inadequate but when roasted, they become sweeter!"
The people of Firene cheered and celebrated as The Divine One and his army walked through the streets of the towns and capital. Firene's people kept giving them gifts, and prayers and wishing them well on their journey to defeat the fell dragon. Firene Soldiers and merchants that joined waved to their friends and families goodbye. Alear was awed, his hands full of produce and sweets, gifts from the people. Seeing their happy and smiling faces, made Alear realize that the people of Firene, despite a nation of peace, were truly strong.
"Mother has pledged to provide us with military, merchants, supplies, and so on!" Alfred said with a thumbs up.
"Divine one, I spoke to a few other merchants and they will also be joining us!" Clanne said, also giving a thumbs up.
It was reassuring to hear that. But at the moment, Alear, Clanne, and Alfred were holding their breaths seeing the scene next to them. Klaus and Miguel had nervous looks as a pack of women and even a few men were getting a bit too close to them.
"Sir Miguel! I'm free this afternoon if you like to chat with me~"
"Lord Klaus, my granddaughter is the same age as you!"
Alear, Clanne, and Alfred lost it at that point and laughed as they watched the two males quickly run up to them, their arms also filled with gifts.
"I swear I'm never going to get used to this," Miguel said as he looked at everything he was barely able to carry.
"This is Firene's way of thanking and blessing good fortune on their soldiers!" Klaus said, "The only I don't like is when the elderly keep trying to introduce me to their daughters or sons." The mage sighed, tired.
"Tell me about it..." Miguel and and glared seeing the prince snickering, "Alright, can it, you two."
"Sorry!" Alear chuckled, "But in all seriousness, Klaus, will we be using the warping tile to get back to Lythos?" He said and the mage nodded.
"The warping tile can only be accessed by the royal family, you, and my clan. It'll be a hassle if we took a boat back to Lythos so it's better we all just warp there." Klaus said with a small smile and looked around, "I'm going to miss my home. But also...other than fighting the Fell Dragon, I'm hoping I can find out my family's origins." He said.
Alear's smile wavered a bit before his eyes cast down.
His family...when he returns to Lythos, he will need to talk to Queen Lumera. Miguel saw the look on his face and managed to pat his shoulder despite his hands being occupied. Alear was a bit surprised but saw the reassuring look on his friend's face.
"It'll be fine. Talk to Lumera. If you need time alone after the talk, we won't disturb you. And if you need to vent, well..." he looked behind him to make sure Vander wasn't nearby.
He had the group lean forward, unaware of how Marth, Sigurd, Celica, Lucina, and Syrus were looking at them with raised eyebrows. Sitonia just hummed.
"I know how to make some mean moonshine if you're up for another drinking night," Miguel smirked and the trio of Emblems smacked their foreheads because the man saying that brought back memories of certain friends of theirs. The other three just shook their heads.
Alear snorted and chuckled a bit, "I'll think about it."
"Brodia is the next country we will be heading to." Alfred said, "Don't worry, Mother sent word to King Morion that we are on our way." He said as the others nodded.
"...Actually," Alear said suddenly, "this may be a sudden change of course but, after we are done in Lythos, we should head west. It's still the direction that leads towards Brodia and the ruins, but...there's a reason why." He said as they listened carefully, "This may sound strange but...I had a dream. And in this dream, a voice told me that we should head west, and then a small team and I will head to Southern Firene." He explained.
"Wait, I get west but why South?" Klaus said and Alear's gaze became serious.
"The voice in my dream said there is an Emblem in Southern Firene."
"What?!"
- Brodia -
"An Elusian soldier was amongst our ranks?!"
Diamant's crimson eyes became colder than the north as he looked at not one but three bodies of Elusian Soldiers dead on the floor. But it was their deaths that haunted everyone. Before Martha could even get a peep of information, black roots sprouted from the mouths of the soldiers before black veins spread all over their bodies, killing them as they twitched. Martha was knelt, her hand hovering her one of the bodies as her expression was grave.
"Spies...They underestimated us." Diamant said before fully turning to the rest, his hand out to command them, "Looks like the other party has at last exhausted all their options! Deploy our soldiers throughout Brodia!" He ordered.
"YES, SIR!" The soldiers yelled and Diamant turned to look back at Martha as she stood up.
"This isn't Elusian magic..." She said as Alcryst looked shocked, "Humans aren't capable of handling the demonic arts..." Martha whispered as her hands balled into fists.
"Mother, what are you saying?" Eden said, as the woman fully turned to him.
"Sigh...looks like I'll be fighting beside you all." She said and that was enough for Diamant to understand before he turned to his soldiers once more.
"Listen up!" He yelled.
"No one will enter this castle from the outside. Not even God themselves!"