(Chapter 8: Bloom in The Breeze)
"She wasn't there again?"
Timerra shook her head as Rumba looked up from his work. A sigh escaped his lips as he subconsciously touched his pendant. The mentality of hope was a fragile one, he knew from personal experience. The curse of The Lycinth clan, they will always experience loss one way or another in the most painful way. The genetic defect was only a part of the curse The Void Demon placed on descendants of The Founders of Gardlon. The painful and most tragic part was that they would experience loss and seek vengeance.
It was either they lose someone close to a tragedy, an accident, natural causes, murder, or pretty much any form of death. Or the loss of faith and hope. And if someone was responsible for that loss, they would seek vengeance, no matter the cost. The Lycinth Clan for years had been searching for a way to break the curse but had no luck. It felt like invisible chains were wrapped around his body, and that voice would whisper and mock him. At this point...he has since given up that hope.
"Do you know where she lives?" Rumba asked and Timerra nodded, "Come on. We're going to pay a visit."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Timerra said as the man got up and went to grab his staff from his shelf.
Rumba paused and looked at the ground before being let go with another sigh.
"I don't know. I'm more worried about her mental state."
[-]
Arisa was beyond worried about what to do. After the girl's encounter with Fogado and learning from him that the last Outrealm Gate was destroyed, Nanami shut down. She lay there, curled up in her bed, her eyes lifeless as she hugged the dragon plush she bought a few days ago. Arisa didn't know what to do. Nanami held on to so much hope that there would be a way to return to her world. And hearing Fogado say that gate no longer existed, crushed her soul.
Arisa had been able to use the magic veins to see what was going on in Solm. People were asking about Nanami, wondering if she was alright since she hadn't appeared for two weeks. Arisa didn't know what to do. Words of encouragement were not what Nanami needed, but words of comfort.
All she could do was watch over the girl and make sure she was well. A sigh escaped her lips as she looked at her hands.
"I could do that..." Arisa thought, "But it's taboo..." she muttered.
She could connect herself deeper into the Dragon Veins to search for more information but her creator warned all Emblems that doing such a thing was taboo. Mainly due to, "Knowledge is the enemy of wisdom." She knew what it meant...still...she wanted to help Nanami. She paused when she heard soft snores and looked over to the bed. Nanami had fallen fast asleep, and the dark circles under her eyes had become worse. A sigh escaped Arisa's lips as she went to pull the blanket on the girl so it would cover her. She smiled softly and cast a spell on Nanami so no nightmares would plague her dreams.
She gently closed the door and looked at the house. She pulled up her sleeves and made the cleaning tools move.
"You all know what to do." She said and the broom, dust feathers, and cleaning tools nodded, getting to work.
Being an Emblem was strange. They could touch, push, and fight physical things. As well as retaining their senses of hearing, and smell. They can feel tired, sleepy, and sluggish, but feel no hunger. They don't feel hungry, but they can't hold things but they can hold their weapons. It was just so weird, a least she, Sophia, Edith, and Unique taught a couple of the emblems how to use a basic telekinesis spell. Just when she was about to start cleaning, there was a knock on the door. Arisa narrowed her eyes and went to it, looking out through the peephole to see it was Rumba, Princess Timerra, and Fogado.
"Who is it?" She called out through the door.
"Cough!" Rumba coughed, "Hello? Is...Miss Nanami home?" The mage asked and Arisa scowled.
"She is unwell. Please leave."
"We need to see her." Rumba said and Arisa scoffed, "We are worried about her." Timerra said.
"I know you are a princess as well as a prince. But what about your friend the court mage?" Arisa said in a void voice, "Did he come to apologize or did he come just to check on her based on the guilt he has for yelling at her?" She said and Rumba cringed along with the two, "I thought so. Leave. I don't need to see my daughter in a worse state than she already is." She said coldly.
"Daughter? Are you also-!" Rumba said but a slam on the door shut him up, "Look, I...I truly wish to apologize to her. Me yelling at her, was not right. At least, give me a chance to make it up to her." He said and Arisa sighed, looking away because the guilt in his eyes was real.
"Arisa?"
Arisa looked behind her to see Nanami was awake, her hair unfortunately was completely puffy and she was in her nightgown. The girl yawned and rubbed her eyes.
"What's going on?" Nanami asked as Arisa was a bit hesitant but the Emblem spoke.
"Rumba, Princess Timerra, and Prince Fogado are here." Arisa said and it slowly dawned on the girl what she just heard.
"WHAT?!" Nanami screeched, "GIVE ME 20 MINUTES!" The girl screamed out to the hallway and the trio heard from the outside.
"Arisa, can you prepare tea, snacks, and the table for me?" Nanami said as she scrambled to her closet to grab clothing, undergarments, and soap before running to the bathroom to bathe.
"Go shower. I'll get the house clean in a jiff." Arisa said proudly and Nanami said thank you and then ran to the bathroom, slamming the door shut.
"Oh, the things I do for my students."
- 20 minutes later -
After 20 minutes, fully bathe, cloth, the house clean and the living room table with snacks, Ylisse tea served, Nanami welcomed the trio inside the house. Rumba had to keep himself from frowning as he looked around and paused. Where was her mother?
"Not bad! The place feels nice!" Fogado said as Nanami said thank you.
The trio sat across from Nanami as the woman put on a smile but in reality, she was a disaster within. The silence was awkward but Rumba stood up and bowed.
"I apologize for how I treated you." Rumba said as Nanami looked at him shocked, "I shouldn't have yelled at you. I should have realized you had no idea what I was talking about. I'm sorry." He said as the woman was stunned to silence.
Nanami's eyes were wide before her eyes turned to a half-lidded gaze. The two didn't notice that Timerra and Fogado had stepped out of the living room and went to the kitchen to let them speak.
"I...I just want an explanation." Nanami said with a bitter smile as she motioned the mage to sit down, "I truly did not understand what you meant that I come from a clan. Lycinth is my Great-Grandfather's last name and it has been passed down to his son, and then to his son, and then to me and my siblings. I know my great-grandparents were war veterans along with my grandparents and father. Along now with my two older siblings. But anything else about my family's last name, I'm sorry but I know nothing." She explained as Rumba was stunned though his eyes only widened slightly.
She truly knew nothing...
"Were you truly told nothing?" Rumba asked as the woman shook her head but then she paused.
"I have a journal." Nanami said, "My great-grandparents told my family and me that if we could decipher it, then we would learn about our family's history." She said as Rumba nodded.
"Do you have the journal?" Rumba said and she nodded but then raised a finger, her eyes narrowed, "What is it?"
"I want an explanation first. Why is my last name so important? What exactly is the Lycinth clan?" Nanami said and Rumba let out a long sigh.
"Very well. I shall start from the beginning." Rumba said.
4000 years ago, the first dragons came to a destroyed land. From them came the divine, silent, and soon fell. After the three, came the element and mage dragons. Seeing how there were many other destroyed worlds, the first dragons and divine used their powers to pull together the destroyed worlds and mend them into one, creating a new world that had deep connections to others as well as repairing their dragon veins, this allowed the creation of the first dragon gate.
The lands were now mended and restored, and the dragons spread across the lands, creating dragon gates. Through them came people and creatures from worlds that were destroyed or chose to leave or flee. They settled through the lands and soon what was once empty nations flourished and grew. But there was one land that surround the nation of the dragons, that showed no life. Nothing but black earth and soot, the lone dragon gate stood.
Until one day, the gate glowed. They glowed and shined, through it came seventeen individuals from different versions of a forbidden world. That world was known as The World of Steel.
Nanami's eyes slowly widened upon hearing all this. The history was matching up with what Arisa told her however this was a fully detailed version. But to hear that seventeen individuals from different versions of her world came to Elyos...
"Before I continue, which world do you hail from?" Rumba said and the woman gulped as her hands balled into fists.
"The...World of Steel." Rumba's eyes shot wide open as the royal siblings pop out their heads from the kitchen door, shocked, "I come...from The World of Steel. No wait, what did you just ask me?!" The man saw the color drain from the woman's face instantly and fear quickly took over her eyes.
This was a situation he needed to speak carefully. From her reaction, looks like, for her, people knowing she hailed from The World of Steel was something to be afraid of. He remembered being told that the founders possessed knowledge from beyond. Knowledge was far more advanced than any nation but they also knew if they advanced too quickly, they would become full of themselves and arrogant. So growth and progression were always at a slow and steady pace. That was until the Void War. Even with all their knowledge from beyond, they still lost so many.
An entire nation's population was reduced to only 500...
All records of their knowledge from beyond, so little survived. They were reduced to ashes during the Void War. And here before him, was someone from The World of Steel. A world that was said to be impossible to ever enter but it was easy to leave. But the gate to the Outrealms has long been destroyed.
"Please sit. I promise you I am not an enemy. I seek no knowledge from you." Rumba sighed as Nanami was still wary but sat down, "Do you have any idea how you arrived here?"
"Honestly...I have no clue." Nanami said as she subconsciously rubbed her hand over her ring, "I remember that my brother, sister, and I were on our way to a vacation in another state. We were crossing a bridge when suddenly the brakes give away. Our carriage (truck) went out of control and...drove off a bridge and into a lake." She said in a low tone, "I remember water entering my lungs as my siblings and I desperately tried to get out of the carriage. After that, everything went black but I remember the feeling of them holding my hand as we fell deeper into the water." She whispered.
The description was so vivid, it felt like yesterday. The cold water, the impact of the truck breaking through the rails, the pain as she screamed, her lungs filling with water. She shivered as her gaze became half-lidded, hugging herself as she looked to the ground.
"I don't even know if my brother and sister are alive or here in this world as well...I remember when I woke up, fell into a lake. I then swam and figured out I was in some sort of desert. I debated leaving before I mustered up the courage to cross the desert till I reached here." Nanami let out a shuttered breath, "I'm still...young. I may not look like it but I'm 19. I was living with my siblings. I was a scholar who was studying to become a chef before...all this happened. I don't know why I'm here in Elyos. Fogado said the last Outrealm gate was destroyed 1,000 years ago. That means...I can never return to my world." She smiled bitterly.
"...I doubt your siblings are dead." Rumba said, "If they are in this world, it's only a matter of time till they are found. The only thing you can do right now prays that they are in safe hands." Nanami's mood dropped even more.
"Come on, Rumba!" Timerra walked out, "Don't say that." She turned to look at the woman, "I think your siblings are alive! You can't give up! They are out there somewhere. Heck, with our connections, we can help you find them!" The princess grinned as Nanami looked up at her shocked.
"You may not be able to go back to your world but, how about settling here in Solm for a while?" Fogado said, "It may not be your original home but you're welcome here anyway. So, take your time!" The prince grinned.
Nanami's just looked at them shocked. She didn't know what to say or think but just an overwhelming relief filled her. She nodded, smiling softly.
"Thank you..." She whispered, "Timerra." She looked up to the princess, "I know this is sudden but...is that offer still open? About being your personal cook?" The princess squealed.
"Yes, it is! Hey, you'll love it here! And I look forward to your meals! I can't wait for you to be part of the team!" Timera said as Fogado grinned.
"By the way, where's your mom? We heard her at the door but I don't see her anywhere." Fogado said and looked around but Nanami blinked.
"Mom? My parents are dead." Nanami said and the room went silent.
"Huh?" Fogado said with a frozen smile, "I live alone. I don't have any other relatives other than my two siblings." The girl said as she scratched her cheek.
"But we could have sworn your mother was talking to us! Or, at least someone that claimed to be your mother." Fogado said and Nanami had a very suspicious feeling that he was talking about Arisa.
"Sssiggghhh...Sir Rumba," Nanami turned to look at the mage, "I know this is also sudden but Fogado said you were looking for apprentices. Would it...be possible for me to run a trail run with you? To see how I do working for you for a week?" She said and Rumba thought for a moment, "I will be honest. I don't have many combat abilities and I'm not physically strong. I used to be much stronger but unfortunately, I lost much of my strength due to an illness a year ago." She said and Rumba chuckled softly.
"No need to spit out your entire résumé. I will allow you to work for me for a week. And if I like how you work, I think I will hire you fully." He said and Nanami nodded.
At this point. She has no choice. She had no way home but if her siblings are in Elyos, she would do everything to find them. It was a small step but a new life in Solm sounded perfect. Once she finds Perla and Miguel, she'll introduce them to the gang.
"Oh, by the way, what is the rest of the story?" She asked and Rumba blinked before he realized he had yet to finish the story.
The seventeenth individuals were lost and confused about how they ended up in an unknown world. But they knew they couldn't do much in their state. They scattered throughout Elyos on a journey to learn about the world. For 10 years they traveled and soon all returned to the void land. The seventeen also learned the languages, traditions, and cultures of the new world as well as plants, geography, and such. With their new knowledge and understanding, of the land, they returned to where they first stepped foot. There, they settled and slowly brought life to the land. The seventeen became the new founders, forming a republic where all voices could be heard. The gate they came through glowed once more in their lifetime and more people came out. They welcomed them with open arms and soon more came through the gate.
Those who walked through the gates were welcomed and all worked together to build their new home. The void land became filled with life. It's people caring, open, wild, and free. The seventeen recorded their knowledge along with those from different worlds, sharing their experiences, memories, and life. They worked together, creating a utopia unlike any other. This new land was named Gardlon. And the seventeen founders, took on the name Lycinth, meaning Beyond the stars.
Nanami was shocked hearing all this. But she had so many questions. But...it did not make sense.
"I have a question." She said, "You said that the last two remaining Lycinth clan members left and destroyed the Outrealm gates. Then, how is it that you are a Lycinth?" She asked and Rumba sighed.
"That's because I'm a descendant of one of the founders. Of the remaining six of the Lycinth clan, four died in The Fell War but they all had children who they hid away to protect them. The other two members fell in love and to protect Elyos, they left through the last gate. Their names were Ermos Lycinth and Maria Sanchez." Rumbas sighed but Nanami blinked multiple times before pointing at herself.
"Ermos Lycinth and Maria Sanchez. Those are my great-grandparents' names."
"WHAT?!"
- Lythos -
"Miguel, do you mind keeping Sitonia's ring with you?" Lumera asked after the man was hesitant.
"Are you sure about this, Queen Lumera? I'm not sure how to...take this." He said as he looked at the ring in her hand.
"It's alright." Lumera smiled softly, "Though a short time, you have proven you are trustworthy." She said.
"Very well. I understand. I will protect this ring with my life." Miguel nodded and the ring blinked a few times, "Did you just call me a child...?" He said to the ring and no longer blinked, "Oh, so you staying silent?"
"Sitonia is...complicated." Lumera chuckled nervously, "She is a child of the first dragons in another world and like me, a queen. She is quite prideful and has a sharp tongue and is not afraid of speaking directly and the truth. She is a brutally honest woman with a complicated personality but she is kind once you get to know her." She said and frowned a bit, "Unfortunately until we find a way to break the seal placed on her, she can only communicate through the code you know."
"I understand," Miguel said and put on the ring.
It felt strange wearing it now...
[-]
The Sommiel was a huge floating island hidden in the clouds in Lythos. Now setting foot on it, the entire place felt like a resort of sorts. There was a pool, a giant farm, a stable, garden. A place to train, as well as multiple open areas and fields for people to settle in. As well as shops that were currently empty, a cafe and he spotted a theater room. There was a giant manor with beautiful stained glass windows and the structure of it reminded him of a Roman or Greek-style building. The air around the place felt mysterious. At the moment, Vander, and the twins were giving Miguel a tour around the place.
"Oh, this is your room!" Framme said as they were inside the main building and walked to the door that was color black, "Check it out!" Clanne grinned and the man went in.
Turning the doorknob and pushing the door open, Miguel was greeted by a spacious yet comfortable grand room. The colors of the walls were light brown allowing the lighting of the place to be nice. There was a glass slide door that led outside and gave him a nice view of the sunset. The bed itself looked like it was a queen size bed with brown blankets, light creams pillows, and bed sheets. These two bed stands along with bookshelves. A desk near the glass door and a closet that was currently empty.
"It's a nice room. I like it." Migue said as Vamder nodded.
"Our rooms are across. Sigh." The knight crossed his arms, "It's been a long time sing we have had anyone else here. But I must ask, are your backpack and strange case the only belongings you have?" Vander said as Miguel chuckled a bit embarrassed.
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid so. But, I have one rule." Miguel said as they looked at him puzzled, "Absolutely, and I mean, absolutely no one is to open this case. I mean it. This...is something dangerous. And I don't think Elyos is ready for such a thing." He said as a bead of sweat dripped down his cheek.
"Why do you have a such weapon?" Framme asked and Miguel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I was planning to sell it. This weapon is common in my world but still dangerous. I was...a military sniper in my world." He explained and Vander understood.
"Very well. We understand." Vander said, "For now, let us change the topic." He said as Miguel placed his belongings on the bed, "Are you ready? We'll be taking you to see the divine dragon now." He said and Miguel nodded as he went to put his case under the bed and left his backpack on it.
Out of his room, they left and walked through the Sommiel till they reached a part of the floating island that drew far out. They walked around a stretched narrow area of the land till they reached the end of it, where a gazebo was. Small but decently big, Vander stopped and turned to the man along with the twins.
"This is where the Divine Dragon sleeps." Vander said, " The Sommiel is the sanctuary where the divine dragon has slept for the past 1,000 years. According to legends, 1000 years ago, with the power of an Emblem, The Divine Dragon Alear, saved the world and sealed away The Fell Dragon. However, due to grave injuries that occur in battle, The Divine Dragon fell into a deep sleep to heal." The knight said and opened the door, "Do keep your voices low."
The opened and Vander said, "Excuses us, Divine Alear." To show the respect that they were entering a holy place.
Despite the outside looking small, the inside was huge. The inside was painted white and the glass windows had blue curtains. There was a blue rug that led to the far end of the room a place of white curtains. Pulling them aside the twins did and there were clear curtains that were draped over a bed. But it was there where Miguel's eyes went wide. Carefully he was taken closer and on the bed laid a young man. The young looked about the same age as Nanami. He had short hair, half of it red and the other half a deep blue, with some streaks of red on the blue side and streaks of blue on the red.
He wore princely white, gold, blue, and knightly clothing. His hands intertwined over his stomach. The young man looked fast asleep. He has seen pretty boys but he just couldn't stop staring at them.
"This the Divine Dragon Alear." Clanne said, "It's been 2,709 days since Framme and I were appointed to be Dragon Stewards." Miguel blinked.
"Seven years?!" Miguel whispered, shocked, "Whoa. Uh...I don't know what to say." He said and looked at Alear.
Okay, he honestly didn't know what to do. But, out of respect, he knelt and tipped down his head.
"I...don't know what to say. I am not a religious man so I apologize if I come off rude." Miguel began, "But, Divine Dragon, I thank you for being a friend to my great-great grandparents and for protecting them during the war. I am still brand new to all this but I hope when you wake up, you will be happy to see your achievement bore fruit." He said with a small smile and was unaware that the spirit in Alear's ring was smiling as well.
Vander nodded in approval as did the twins. Miguel carefully stood up and followed the trio as they waved goodbye but the man suddenly paused and glanced back at Alear.
"Why do I feel we were being watched?" Miguel thought and shook his head, leaving the place.
The door closed shut and after a few seconds, the spirit from Alear's ring manifested.
"Phew!" They said, "Sharp instincts like Ermos. But he takes more after Achilles." They sighed and turned to look at Alear, "How strange it feels that I am awake but you are not..."
- Brodia -
"Hmmm..." a young man with pale blue skin, golden eyes with specks of black, and silver hair, narrowed his eyes as he fixed his glasses and looked at Perla, who chuckled nervously as she leaned back, "So what exactly did Martha want to be done for this one?"
"Castor, not so close." Ethan said and the young man looked at him with a spectacle look, "We don't know exactly her magic affinity because she recently had her magic deficiency resolved. So, I was wondering if you see anything with your eyes." He said and the blue-skinned man nodded.
"Let me see your hand," Castor said.
Perla was hesitant but Oniyuri reassured her it was alright. The woman placed her hand on Castor's and the man's eyes began glowing. The rest of the group stepped back as gold and white strands surrounded the two. Perla's own eyes began glowing, she didn't even realize it. Soon, the strings burst into blue flames becoming brighter and brighter by the second. Diamant quickly stepped back, fear quickly reflected in his eyes as the blue flames began to wrap around her like a blanket. The blue flames felt warm like a hug was the best way Perla could describe it.
But as she closed her eyes and the flames surrounding her, she saw something. Perla's eyes snapped open, gasping. What she saw was a clear blue sky and a field of strange flowers. Its petals were like spider lies but they glowed blue. And there in the field stood a woman. Her face was blurred but she wore a strange dress that reminded her of blue butterflies. Yet, Perla could see the woman smiling and holding out a flower to her.
"This flower...is life. Let my flames guild you to them." The woman said and booped her nose.
The flames and the visions began to blur and suddenly she snapped open her eyes again and felt someone lightly smack her forehead and she was falling back. The woman's chest rose and fell rapidly, her breathing was hard but what she felt was not exhaustion but something exciting. The names called out to her were muffled but she could somewhat see people picking her up.
"Perla! Perla! Are you alright?!" Diamant called out to her and the woman looked to her right to see the man looking out her worried, "Are you injured?!"
"No...I feel..." Perla didn't know why but she grinned, "I feel great."
They helped her stand up and a few gasped looking at her with wide eyes.
"What?" She said and then she saw a strange of her hair in her vision, "Oh..." it was black, "Oh come on! It took me a long time to get an appointment to dye it!" She huffed as they let her go.
"Wait, dye it?" Lapis said as Perla ran her fingers through her hair.
"Yes...My hair is actually black. I had it dyed orange about a few months ago before I met you all." Perla sighed, "The fire burned it away...why?" She looked at her strand of hair.
Not only that, she felt it was longer. Her hair grew longer. Thankfully from the side of her right eye, she could see there was a mirror nearby. It had grown to her knees. Midnight black wavy hair that would turn a reddish brown in the sunlight.
"Oohhh...your hair is fluffy like one of my alpacas," Amber said as his eyes sparkled and Perla just gave him a funny look.
"You..."
Perla turned to look at Castor, who had a shocked yet conflicted expression.
"Fire. Your magic affinity is fire. It is rare to see a fire-healing mage. You're able to use your flames to burn everything to cinders yet also to heal people." Castor said, "I'm sorry but I don't think any of my magic tools here will be compatible with you." He said with a frown.
"What?" Oniyuri said and quickly walked up, "What do you mean? How is nothing here going to be compatible with her?"
"Let me explain." Castor sighed and raised his hand for her to stop speaking, "She's from the same clan as you, isn't she?" The blue-haired woman nodded, "Okay, that makes much more sense. But I also sensed she is blessed by a divine dragon." Perla blinked.
"What? You're saying she is of Sovereign blood?" Alcryst said and the blue-skinned man nodded.
"Us descendants of Agarthans Exiles do not lie. I highly doubt she is a child of The Queen of Solm. And most definitely not your family, Firene, or Elusia. Most likely it was an ancestor or relative of hers. After all, those of Sovereign blood are those who were blessed by the divine dragons during the fell war. Anyhow," Castor looked back at Perla, "I'm sorry but I do not have any compatible materials to build you a magic tool. I'm sorry but I can't help you." He said as he crossed his arms.
"It's alright..." Perla mumbled and Castor felt a built guilty he couldn't help her.
"Look, in the meantime, the magic tools here can serve as temporary mediums for you until you find something compatible with you. Plus, you're a pure-blood Lycinth and I need to make a pendant that will hide your scent. Sigh...work, work, work." Castor sighed and leaned back a bit, "Pollux! Where's the fire artifacts?!"
"Wait, pure blood?" Oniyuri croaked as the color seemed to drain from her face, "That's impossible. Pure blood...Pure Blood Lycinths should no longer exist." She said but Castor again gave her a look that said, I do not lie.
"On the left! Head down north! It's in the magic tool area!" A female voice yelled out.
"I think can figure it out from here." Perla sighed, "Sir Castor, thank you for your time. Also, what is Sovereign blood? And what do you mean pure blood Lycinth? And blessed by the divine? And hide my scent?" She said, confused by everything she was being told.
Castor and the group minus Perla slowly turned to look at Oniyuri, who was taking deep breaths to calm herself.
"Martha will answer those questions." The blue-haired woman, "For now, just check out the magic tools." She said and Perla nodded.
"We'll catch up to you in a bit!" Citrinne said with a wink, "Have fun!" She waved and once Perla had left, everyone quickly turned to look at Castor.
"Pure blood?! Are you sure she is a pure-blood?!" Oniyuri shrilled, "The last two purebloods left this world 1,000 years ago. It should be impossible for pure blood to exist!" She said, though her eyes remained closed, the fear in her voice said it all.
"Oniyuri, you know Castor does not lie." Ethan said, his voice worried as he carefully walked up, "Castor, just...how pure is her blood?"
"Well..." Castor scratched his cheek, "based on her questions, I can only assume she doesn't know anything about her Clan. If anything, there's a high possibility she was raised in isolation, and never told anything about her family name. Oniyuri," Castor turned his to look at the woman, "her situation is very different from yours. Yes, like you, she didn't know anything. But unlike you, no one has told her a thing. She only found out about her people through Martha. Even then, Martha only told her a limited amount of information." The man narrowed his eyes.
"Are you all trying to hide the truth from her? Of what her clan means? Of your clan's curse?" He said but everyone but Oniyuri was confused.
"I apologize for interrupting." Dimant spoke up, "I think it would best for your two to have your discussion about your clan privately. You know how my aunt is about information being spoke of."
[-]
Perla didn't know what to think as she kept cringing at the prices of each magic tool that was displayed. It felt like she had stepped foot in a rich people's store but everyone was being treated equally and fairly. A sigh left her lips as she picked up a ring, and saw the blue gem on it. It was a ring for a user who uses water magic and unfortunately, she can not. She placed back the ring and her shoulders slump.
"How is possible nothing here is compatible with me?" Perla whispered and looked at her hands, "First arriving in this world, then finding out about Sophia's curse. Then being told now suddenly that my family name is much more. What the hell did they mean I have Sovriegn blood? Blessed by the divine? I don't get this at all. It's frustrating." She said and felt a ghostly gentle pat on her head.
"It will some take time but for now, you should focus on the present," Sophia said and Perla nodded, looking up the shelves and spotting a staff with a red crystal.
She picked it up and did a small swing, the same way she would watch sorcerers use it in movies.
"Hup! Hyaa!" Left, right, "Shhaa!" And spin, pointing the staff in the direction of a practice target that was set up for people to test the magic tools on.
WWHHOOOOOSSSHHH!
And the thing burst into flames.
"OH, MY GOD!" Perla screamed and was to make a run to call for someone to turn off the fire but she heard someone snap their fingers and the flames died down.
"Do be careful when using the staves." A deep female voice said and Perla turned to see a woman with pink eyes wearing a black cloak covering her entirely, "But, I must say, impressive. This is a first for me to see someone produce blue flames." She said and walked up, "Blue flames are said to be flames of healing but also death. They are produced from either Will-o-wisp, Fell Dragons, those blessed by the death sovereign, or even a special type of Nightmare." The woman said and turned to look at her, "Are you trying to find something to stabilize your magic?" She asked and Perla nodded.
"Unfortunately I was told nothing here is compatible. I have to use some of these for a short time before replacing another. But..." the woman cocked her head, "it's the prices...I'm not exactly rich. No, even if I have the money, I just find it very difficult to spend such a large amount." The woman confessed and the other smiled a bit.
The cloaked one walked up the shelves and looked around, her pink eyes narrowing, and shook her head.
"You are right. Nothing here would work for you. I have a much better idea. Come." The woman said and Perla followed her.
They walked through of series of hallways till they reached a shop that had a gothic aesthetic. They walked inside and sure enough, all the magic tools in their line of sight were different. They had a gothic and steampunk aesthetic as well as the inside of the shop reminded her of a wand shop but had much more variety.
"Isis, are you there?" The cloaked woman called out and from behind the counter popped out the head of an older woman.
"Oh, sweetheart, what are you doing here?! You know Brodia is not safe for you!" the old woman said quickly going around the counter and to her.
"Apologies, grandmother. It's just...very difficult at the moment to get ahold of any magic tool in Elusia." The cloaked woman said with a small smile, "I was...wondering if you can help this woman." She said and Isis looked at Perla, "She is a lady who wields blue flames and her magic is currently unstable." She said as the older woman put on her glasses to take a look at Perla.
Isis was a woman with very pale blue hair with streaks of white tied in a bun. She wore a pale blue shirt with a long skirt, an apron that was covered in dry paint, as well as goggles hung around her neck, and she had pale green eyes.
Perla remained still as the older woman studied her and then took her hand, closing her eyes for a moment before they shot wide. Isis's lips parted before a small sad smile formed on her lips and nodded.
"Do you have anything that means the world to you? An item of personal value?" Isis asked and Perla gulped but nodded, holding up her wrist to show her bracelet, "I will take one of the gems." The woman said.
"Why do you need the gem?" Perla asked, very hesitant but the woman raised her hand and pointed to her workshop.
"I don't just make any type of magic tools. I am a magical mechanic who specializes in forging tools for mages of rare abilities. I have met quite a few like you who have highly unstable magic. Because of this, only an item that you have a deep close relationship with can be used as a base to create a magic tool that is compatible with you." Isis explained but Perla was still hesitant.
"You can trust her." Sophia's voice rang softly in her mind, "This sense of power...it's similar to Alma's." The emblem thought as Perla let out a shuttered breath and nodded, taking off her bracelet.
Isis made it float in her hands, gently removing two of the sphere beads. She then fixed up the bracelet and handed it back to the woman, then turned to her forge.
"I need some hair strands as well as a drop of your blood," Isis said and Perla nodded.
She took out her knife and cut a decent thick strand of hair. Then Isis walked up and pricked her finger. The doctor winced a bit but was shocked to see her blood float out and made it into a sphere. Isis nodded in approval and went on to work, picking items from her shelf.
"A magic tool can only be used fully when the heart and mind are in peace and sync. It will respond to what your heart desires." Isis said as Perla watched before her eyes the woman use alchemy and magic, combining it with her blacksmith skills.
She watched as her strands of hair were infused into the metal. Her blood was mixed into the potions used and then poured on the weapons. She watched as the two beads were used as a core and then all combine. The woman smiled as she walked up with a glowing ball, of light of multiple colors.
"One final thing. What do you want? Who are you?" Isis asked and Perla walked up.
The cloaked woman watched silently as Perla just looked at the orb with wide eyes.
"What I want..." the woman whispered as she stared at it before her eyes became a half-lidded gaze, "I...want to protect those I love. I'm a doctor...yet I have done things I am not proud of. I want to reunite with my siblings. If saving others is a sin...to take away all their pain and take it upon me, I'll gladly become a sinner. But all I want...is to protect those I care about." Perla whispered and her hands reached out to the orb and touched it.
Before their eyes, it glowed brightly before it burst into blue, white, and green flames, and swirled around the woman. Her hair flowed up high as Perl was awed, her hand still out. It began to take shape and before she formed a teddy bear-sized crimson butterfly-shaped crystal with gold and blue wings. Surrounding it were smaller uncut-shaped gems and what looked like some smaller butterflies.
"Oh, what a beautiful catalyst!" The cloaked woman said, "Try it out. Over there!" She said and pointed to the wooden dummy that was set up.
"But my magic is still unstable," Perla said but Isis spoke up.
"It's fine. Go ahead." Isis smiled and Perla went to stand about 10 feet from the dummy.
She raised her right hand and gulped. She had not once used magic yet, only studied it under Martha's order. It was going to be the first time using magic other than the time she Engaged with Sophia.
"Deep breaths." Sophia whispered in her mind, "Visualize what you want to do. Imagine a hall, of light in your hand and have it take on the shape you want. What do you want your magic to become?" Sophia said and also extended her hand.
Another deep breath and Perla began to visualize a piece of paper in front of her. She then would light up a match. While she had her eyes closed, she had projections of papers with ancient symbols that Isis did not recognize. They began to take on the shapes of animals, an axolotl, Solm wolf, an owl, a dove, a hawk, a snake, and Jaguarundi, and lastly butterflies. Perla opened her eyes and brought down her hand, the animal spirits lunged at the dummy. They tore it apart and now it was dust. Perla stood still and stunned, looking at her hands till the animal spirits appeared and either barked, chirped or whined at her.
"Incredible." Isis said as she stood in position, "So your magic took on the form of what you love, animals. Very nice." The woman now walked up and petted the wolf.
"Hahaha. Animal spirits are known for being loyal to you. Take care of them well." Isis smiled softly and they all disappeared but the axolotl that remained on Perla's shoulder.
"Hello." Perla smiled softly and the little one chirped, gently nuzzling her cheek, "Hmm...what should I name you?"
"Do it on your own time."
"Alright." Perla said and turned to the cloaked woman and Isis, "Thank you both for your help for today truly. How much do I owe you?" She asked and Isis shook her head along with the woman.
"No need. I got quite a show today." Isis grinned.
"As for me, let's just say...you owe me a favor in the future." The cloaked woman said and then Perla gasped.
"Oh! I never got your name!" Perla said, "And I never introduced myself. My name is Perla. It's nice to meet you both and thank you once again for what you have done." She politely bowed.
"It is no problem. As for my name, unfortunately, I can not tell you yet. But...just call me Mila for now." The woman smiled.
"Is there a way I can write to you? You know, like a pen pal?" Perla said and the woman blinked but nodded, "Yay!."
"Every two weeks." Isis spoke up, "You can pick up her letter here and I will send it to her." She said and the two women thanked her.
"Thank you both once again! It was nice meeting you both! I look forward to hearing from you Mila! Take care!" Perla said and waved as she left the shop.
The bell rang and the door closed, the two waited for a bit before the cloaked woman removed her hood, letting out a deep breath. "Mila" was a young woman with dark pink purple long hair, and bright pink eyes, currently wearing a choker with a rose, a black veil on her head with a pink jewels circlet.
"It's a pity she works for the Brodian court mage. I would have liked for her to be part of my group." The cloaked woman said, "Hmm...what if I steal her?"
"Ivy," Isis narrowed her eyes, "you approached an apprentice of one of the royals of Brodia. I told you many times not to come here due to how things are. Your safety along with your siblings is more important. I already lost Rose and Prim...I'm not about to lose you and the others as well." Isis said as Ivy smiled sadly, "But why did you approach her?"
"The flames she released..." Ivy said, "They are just like Stepmother and Primrose's. They were the only ones in Elusia who possessed the blue flames other than the Great Mage Knight Ermos." The woman looked down to the ground, "Not only that..." she looked at Isis, "I was there. I was there when I saw her cleanse the village that was attacked by the Corrupted. Those holy flames, they are just like the stories told about the Great Mage Knight." Ivy smiled softly.
"Ivy my dear, for now, it's best to wait. But now that you are here, how are things in Elusia? I tried to contact you all, even visit but I have not been allowed even set one foot there." Isis said as Ivy looked at her worried.
"Father has ordered the borders of Elusia to be closed to prevent anyone from leaving. The only ones leaving are the soldiers to fight Brodia's army as well as the medical units. Sigh..." Princess let out a deep breath, "as well as me, Hortensia, and our retainers. Cosmos is not allowed to leave the castle. And the rest of our siblings have been sent to the Frozen Fortress for their safety. Well...I and Hortensia did it so Father would not find them. As for Step-Mother Thyme, she too was sent there. Cosmos made sure the entire place was restored in secret." Ivy explained as the old woman nodded.
"Grandmother, if you want, I can sneak you in. I know how much you miss us all." Ivy said with a sad smile and Isis shook her head.
"I miss you all. But I do not want to risk your and their safety. They are in hiding after all. But, I have things for all of them." Isis said and reached behind her counter and took out a giant wooden box, "I am their only grandmother left. Might as well spoil you all when I can."
"Thank you." Ivy smiled softly as she made the box float and put it back on her hood, "I'll let the kids know you sent these. I'll see you next time." She said and walked out the door.
Isis smiled sadly and let out a shuttered breath as she took out her pendant. On the left side was a picture of her and their husband along with their only daughter, Rose. On the other was her daughter as an adult with her granddaughter.
"Rose...Prim..."
— Solm -
"So let me get this straight, your Great-Grandfather is named Ermos Lycinth."
"Yes."
"Your Great-Grandmother Maria Sanchez."
"Yes."
"They had one child who then married, had also a child who then married and had you and your siblings."
"Yes."
"And not even your grandfather and father knew where your great-grandparents came from because they were never told anything."
"Yes."
"And for three generations, none of you have been able to decipher the book left behind by your great-grandparents."
"Yes," Nanami said as Rumba threw his hands in the air, ran to the balcony of his office, and let out a scream.
"Am I missing something?" Nanami said as she cocked her head and Fogado spoke.
"You're the great-granddaughter of the legendary hero of Solm! Do you have any idea how many of us look up to her?!" Fogado said excitedly as well as Timerra.
"What were they like?! Other than, never telling you about their past of course." Timerra asked.
"Well," this was a first for Nanami hearing that her great-grandparents were war heroes in Elyos, much less...that they were the ones responsible for destroying the last Outrealm gate.
Part of her wanted to curse at them for not revealing anything of where they came from much less destroying the one way to get back to her world. But the more reasonable and understandable part of her understood why. The Fell War was a bloody and gruesome battle that lasted 20 years. Not to also mention that they and four others were the last people of the Lycinth clan, the last people of Gardlon. They destroyed the gates to ensure no one from any other world could invade Elyos. Her great-grandparents were war heroes in Elyos and her world. Her great-grandparents fought in the fell war, they fought in world war 1.
Their knowledge in combat, medicine, and everything they knew, they taught it to her grandfather and father, and the knowledge was then passed onto her, Perla, and Miguel. But unlike them, she did not follow in their footsteps of joining the army. Her grandfather and father are veterans. Perla is a Field Surgeon. Miguel is a professional sniper. Yet she wasn't any of that. She knew the basics of everything because it was taught to her but she didn't want to follow that path. Nanami felt that inwardly, her family must have been disappointed that she was not following the same path as them. That she was doing something entirely different. Her family supported her but she saw their faces the day she announced she wanted to become a chef.
"Great-Grandfather loved working in a lab. He mixed different chemicals to create explosives." She said and funny enough, she knows a few of the recipes by heart, "Great-Grandmother would talk to me about the sweets of her homeland, she would describe it, but never told me where." She said as the trio listened.
"Wait, isn't her grandfather the Great Mage Knight, that is considered the Hero of Elusia?" Fogado said, "So?" Timerra grinned, "Well, that means she's a citizen of Solm as well once her great-grandmother was born here! So that makes her Solm-Elusian, plus what also her Grandmother and mother are." The princess said.
"Don't forget the nation she was born in," Rumba added.
So that would make Nanami, Solm-Elusian-Mexican-American?
"What? Great Grandpa was Elusian and Great Grandma Solmic?" Nanami thought but kept silent.
"Still, seeing how you are here." Rumba sighed and Timerra pushed him away and quickly took her hands.
"Welcome to the team! Don't worry about fighting skills! Fogado, I and the rest will teach you!" Timerra giggled, "Oh, we're going to have so much together!"
"I love would to hear stories about your world! Heck, maybe you could teach us a few things." Fogado said and winked.
"I'm showing no mercy. Hope you know that." Rumba said with a small smirk.
Nanami nodded as she stood up, her hands together and hope rekindling once more. Arisa smiled seeing the life and fire return back to her eyes.
"I look forward to working with you all!"
- Brodia -
"Look!" Perla grinned proudly as she held up her butterfly catalyst to show her friends, "I got my catalyst! And!" She waved her hand and a few of the animal spirits appeared.
"Aww! How cute!" Lapis squealed as the wolf enjoyed the belly rubs she was giving it.
"Animal spirits. Not bad." Ethan said, "But where did you disappear to? We were looking everywhere for you. Don't run off like that." The man scolded her as the doctor chuckled nervously.
"Ghrrrrrr..."
"Hiiiisssss!"
Diamant couldn't help but chuckle seeing all the animal spirits immediately hiss at the man. Still, he was right.
"I found a shop that was able to make a catalyst for me. Because of it, my magic is stable now." Perla said and waved her hand to create a flame.
"Nicely done!" Amber grinned, "Looking forward to seeing what you're made of. Just um...don't eat my alpacas." Perla just stared at the man like a cat ready to skin him alive.
"You're not going to let that one go, are you?"
"Nope!"
"Alright now." Diamant spoke up, "Still," he turned to Perla, "I'm glad you were able to find something that works for you. Now, I can officially say this." He said and held out his hand to her, "I look forward to working with you. Brodia may not be where you were born but know that everyone here welcomes you." The prince said with a warm smile.
"Thank you." Perla grinned and then Prince froze, "Truly, thank you all! And when I find my siblings, I can't wait to introduce you to them!" Her smile was radiant.
From there, they headed back in the direction they originally came. Oniyuri remained silent and gently touched her necklace. Deep breaths she took to calm herself.
"She looks like Maria..."
"Sister, it's best not to say anything."
Two female voices spoke in Oniyuri's mind.
"The catalyst...I recognize the craftsmanship." Oniyuri thought and looked out to the city, "You're here...I'm sorry I can't see you yet."
And away she walked, back got the others.
- Lythos -
"Come on! Come on!" Framme and Clanne pulled Miguel's hands.
"What's got you all so excited?!" The former soldier grinned as they made a turn around the corner and arrived at the garden where Lumera and Vander were waiting for him.
There they were and behind them on a table was something else. They walked up and Miguel saw it was a new set of clothing along with armor.
"It's only natural you receive a new set of clothing and armor once you become a steward." Vander smiled as the twins let the soldier walk up.
Miguel was stunned and carefully picked it up. The colors of it were a mixture of black, silver, and dark green, as well as a scarf-like cape. Miguel smiled softly and turned to the group.
"Thank you." He said to them, and his ring blinked a few times, "Thank you as well." He didn't know why but he felt Sitonia smiling.
Miguel went to change into his new clothing. The armor he wore was similar to a mage knight but with no cape. He wore shoulder armor with a star crest as well as his scarf that he saw could also be a hood. Black armor boots and knee protection as well as a dagger on his waist belt.
"Oh! It looks amazing!" Lumera clapped happily, "I knew I made the right choice!"
Miguel looked at himself and nodded in approval but most of all, he put on his hood.
"Assassins creed!" The man thought as he pulled out his knife and tested out a few moves, "Huh. It's easy to move in. And nothing feels heavy at all." He said as he looked back to the group.
"Good. Now you better get used to it." Vander said and tossed him a sword, "Because today is your first day of training. I won't hold back."
"Bring it," Miguel smirked as Lumera and the others smiled but the queen suddenly gasped.
"Oh! I nearly forgot." Lumera said as they looked at her confused, "Miguel, we have some news. We think we may have located one of your sisters." She said and Miguel looked at her shocked.
"Just to be sure, does a woman with bright orange-red hair, brown eyes, and tan skin, match?" Miguel nodded, "Good. And her name is Perla." Another nod, "Okay. Then...it could be her."
"Where is she?" Miguel said, worried.
"She is in Brodia. From the information we received, she is working as a doctor on the front lines. She has also recently become an apprentice to Brodia's court mage." Lumera informed him, " Unfortunately at the moment, we have no way of contacting Brodia. It seems the war against Elusia has escalated." She sighed, "That is all."
"It's alright, your majesty." Miguel said as Lumera smiled sadly, "It's more than enough. If it is her, then I'm just glad she is safe." He said as the queen nodded in understanding.
"Until then," he took out his knife and stared at it, "I'll keep searching for Nanami. She's out there somewhere. And when I find her, we'll all finally be reunited." He took a deep breath and let it out.
Up to the sky he looked, his gaze soft.
"Home is wherever we are. We'll set it again. That's a promise."
— Dream: ? —
A crimson and bloody battlefield. Bodies littered the place. Flowers stained red as magic was hurled and soldiers fought. Yet, standing on the field with the army but only a glowing sword, he cut down soldier after soldier. Stepping over their corpses as he left a blood trail of footsteps.
Soldiers roared and raised their weapons high. The ones leading the army panted and hurled blood. Fear filled his body as with each step he heard, the owner of those steps came closer. Those steps left nothing but bloody footprints. Screams again filled the place now he looked up.
"Dammit..." Soldiers grunted and then screamed as a sword was plunged through his stomach and then ripped out.
"Please! S-Stop!" Another cried out and hand was raised, on it a ring that glowed bright red at the call of its master.
"SHINE! EMBLEM OF BEGINNINGS!"
The soldiers screamed in terror as blades f light came their at and obligated the army, leaving none alive. Blood splattered all over the one responsible yet they did not flinch. All they did was chuckle darkly as their sword dripping with blood.
"Heh...Very good. Well done, Marth." They said and walked but then stopped when they heard a clink of metal boots coming their way.
"I thought you be here." A mage knight dressed in black, gold, and purple spoke, his helmet hiding his face.
He held up his hand and held a ring, "I've obtained the ring of The Caring Princess."
"Well done, Ermos."
- End of Dream -
Arc 1 One: End
And that is the end of arc one! Look forward to the next chapters! I'll be taking a break from this story for a while due to my last and final finals. I'm officially graduating from university soon! And Happy 33rd Anniversary to Fire Emblem!