"Sniff..." Nanami sniffed as she wiped her eyes, "Sorry..." her eyes were red and puffy.
"Oh dear." Arisa chuckled softly as she placed her hands over the woman's eyes, "Feeling a bit better?" She said as her hands glowed green, making the puffiness and red go away, "There!" She smiled.
"A lot." Nanami said and thanked Arisa as she stood up, "I apologize for you all seeing me like that. That was...unprofessional of me." She coughed and the Emblems chuckled.
"It's fine. You reminded me of someone. Though...you look a lot different from what I remember." Yuri said as Lestia nodded.
"Only till recently, we were guardians of another world." Shez said, "How we ended up here, we do to know, but we are more than happy that it is you who found us." She smiled softly.
"I think it is more shocking is the fact that she was able to summon us." Corrin said, "Only A Divine or Fell dragon can summon as well as...The Starfarer." She said as Nanami was confused.
"What's a Starfarer?" Nanami asked and right when the Emblems were going to answer, "Wait." She held up a flat hand to stop them, "I...I think it's better we have that conversation for another time." She sighed and took deep breaths.
She did it. She did it. By some miracle, her prayers had been answered. She was able to summon the Emblems. Corrin was finally free, Yuri and Lestia (Nanami made a mental note that she will have to get to know Lestia better because she had never heard of her.), and lastly Shez.
"Wait, you're...the Ashen Demon." Shez suddenly said as Arisa narrowed her eyes, "No...you're not the Beres that I know." She said as Arisa raised an eyebrow.
Shez crossed her arms for a moment before looking back at Arisa and pointing gun.
"I'm from Florida."
And Arisa's shot wide open.
"You're from Earth, too?!" Arisa shrilled and Nanami did as well, "Wait, you're an Outworlder?!" Nanami joined and a small smile formed on Shez's lips. The mercenary nodded. The other trio was out of the loop.
"I have so many questions but unfortunately, everything has to be put on hold." Nanami said, "I've been gone too long from The Frozen Fortress! Ivy and Hortensia are probably freaking out!" She said the three new Emblem blinked.
"We're in Elusia..." Yuri said and closed his eyes, "Alright." He opened them again and looked at Nanami, "Do you know a mage named Soren?" Nanami nodded her head quickly, "Good. When the opportunity arises, go find him. He's an Emblem like us."
"Got it," Nanami said and showed the Emblems in her hand.
"Alright, let's go!"
[—]
After snagging one single book on magic theory in the old library, getting out of the ruins, and grabbing a small basket full of winter herbs and quartz shards, Nanami made it halfway to the castle before she looked up to the sky.
"Oooiiiii!" Rosado called out from his wyvern, "Where have you been?!" They called out.
"Sorry! I went out to get some herbs!" Nanami yelled out as Rosado swopped down and held out his hand.
She grabbed it and pulled her on, the woman quickly holding on tight.
"Has something happened?" Nanami asked as Rosado looked a bit pale as they flew towards the castle.
"King Haycinth has summoned Ivy and Hortensia." Rosado said, "Has the location of the castle been discovered?" Nanami and thankfully the wyvern rider shook their head.
A few minutes later they made it back to the castle and quickly went inside. There at the entrance hall was Ivy with her retainers, Hortensia with Goldmary, Sumia, and Bernadetta. Lily and Queen Thyme were there as well. The talk between them all looked tense but they quieted down once Rosado and Nanami arrived.
"There you are!" Sumia said, "I was starting to get worried you got lost in the snow!"
"Sorry. I got what I needed." Nanami held up the basket to show.
The Emblems were hidden in her purse.
"It is good that you arrived." Ivy said and walked up to her, "You will be coming with me, Hortensia, and our retainers to Elusia's Capital." She sighed a bit, "I would usually bring Sumia or Bernadetta with us but..." she looked at Queen Thyme, worried.
"It's better I explain, Ivy." Queen Thyme sighed and removed her shawl to reveal her swollen belly.
Nanami's eyes went wide, and her lips parted but quickly shook her head to snap out of it.
"How many months?" The woman asked and the queen smiled sadly.
"Eight." The Queen said and Nanami knew what to do, "Say no more," the young woman said, "Sumia, Bernadetta, I'll get everything we need. You two focus on taking care of the queen and the children." Nanami said, nodding.
"Sigh, I swear, you always surprise me, young lady," Sumia said as she shook her head a bit and smiled.
"I do?" Nanami blinked and Bernadetta nodded in agreement.
"Yes! You're always prepared for everything! You know how to make things easier and talented in so many other things!" Bernadetta praised her but Nanami just blinked.
"All the things I do, there is no need for praise." Nanami quickly said as she placed her hand on her chest, "These skills that I know are necessary to survive. One must be prepared for anything and everything. You never know when you find yourself in a dire situation." She said, standing straight.
"As a traveler and Enchanter, I must be equipped and prepared." She said and looked at Ivy, "I will get the thing necessary but also protect you. As your current maid and friend, it's my job to ensure your needs and your families are met." Nanami nodded.
Ivy's lips twitched before she nodded in approval.
"Very well," Ivy said and walked past her, Hortensia and the others followed suit.
"Alright," Sumia said as she walked up with the Queen and Bernadetta, "This is a list of everything we need as well as the directions to get to those places." They said.
There were four lists: Groceries, Supplies for cleaning, and clothing plus toys. Plus a small list by Lily that Hortensia helped her write. It was a list of books. Nanami double-checked everything and was handed a magic bag that she would put everything in. The group waved goodbye and went to the gates. There, their wyverns waited for them. Since Nanami had yet to learn how to ride a wyvern, she was allowed to use a pegasus. The woman gulped and held out her hand to a brown pegasus that snorted. It sniffed before it nudged her to get on. Nanami let out a sigh of relief and got on.
"This is similar to riding a horse. You can do it." Nanami whispered to herself as she took deep breaths and gently snapped the reins, "Let's go!"
And up they flew, to Elusia city they go.
- Lythos -
The people of Lythos welcomed Firene's soldiers with open arms. There was already an area in the castle that was prepared to welcome soldiers from the nations when the time was right. Alear, Miguel, Alfred, and Klaus made their way through Firene Castle with the rest behind them. Klaus had a nostalgic look as he looked around.
"I haven't been here since my parents passed away. The place hasn't changed." Klaus said with a small smile and they all soon arrived at the throne room.
There, Queen Lumera stood, her hands intertwined before she walked to them.
"Welcome, everyone." Queen Lumera said before everyone politely bowed, "I am happy to see you all return." She said and quickly hugged Alear tightly, "Welcome home."
Alear smiled softly before he hugged her but then...
"Meow?"
"Huh?" Miguel said and Alear's ears turned crimson as Lumera looked at him confused before she noticed something moving in Alear's coat.
Not a second later, a small fluffy orange head popped out, and then a white, gray, and then one with fluffy ears.
"Are those kittens and a puppy?" Alfred said and Clanne whispered to himself, "He also brought a sheep and an owl." But Miguel heard him.
"Ooohhh!" Lumera squealed, "You're more than welcome to bring any animals you wish to adopt to Lythos!" She said and Miguel was just too stunned.
"Did you kidnap them?" The man blurted out and Alear had an offended look.
Vander sighed and gently patted his shoulder, shaking his head, his way of saying to not even question it.
"Adopted! I adopted them!" Alear defended himself and Miguel was suddenly having multiple flashbacks to when Nanami and Perla would bring animals to their home.
Miguel just smacked his face, and let a loud groan before he dragged his to his mouth and covered it, looking to the side and then Alear.
"We're really doing this...aren't we?" He grumbled and Lumera looked at him a bit nervously.
"You do not need to worry." Lumera said, "My soldiers of the castle (the ones with blue hair and eyes) help take care of the animals here in Lythos. I created them from leaves and twigs using my magic, so no need to worry about a thing." She smiled while Miguel's eyes twitched.
"Again?!" Ermos said as he saw Lumera and Ruby return to the castle with two kinshis, an owl, three dogs, a dozen kittens, plus some sheep.
The two women chuckled nervously and wilted as Ermos began scolding them for being more animals in the castle. Her husband let out a sigh, also shaking his head.
"Now now, Ermos." The man stopped and everyone turned to look behind them.
A gentle smile, aquamarine hair tied in a high ponytail with a braided headband, and dressed in the royal clothing of the Divine Dragon, a woman smiled as she walked up. Standing on her right side, was a giant gray wolf, that snorted.
"Sister!" Lumera grinned as her sister smiled softly, "Look! I brought more friends for our home!" She said happily.
"Queen Celestine! Ppplleeeaaasseee! They do this whenever we come back from a mission!" Ermos complained, "All that's left is Maria and Alma to bring more and it's a damn zoo!" He said and Queen Celestine just chuckled.
"Ermos, you should know by now that this is just our draconic instincts! Some dragons horde treasures. Others, thankfully not anymore, people. All dragons have their quirks when it comes to their treasures. You inherited our habits as well, remember? You have a knack for collecting sea glass and turning it into beautiful jewelry." Celestine said as her gaze became half-lidded with a smug glint in her eyes, "Speaking of jewelry, have you courted Maria yet?"
"YOUR MAJESTY?!"
Miguel really was Ermos's grandson alright. Lumera just smiled before turning back to her son.
"Do take good care of them." Lumera said, "But back to the original topic," she said as everyone gathered around, "well-done everyone. Prince Alfred and Princess Celine," the siblings quickly stood straight, "I am glad you and you're family are well. Lythos welcome you and your people with open arms." She said as the two siblings bowed politely.
She then turned to Klaus and Luna.
"It's been so long Look at your two!" Lumera chuckled, "You look so much like your mother Klaus, but you have your father's eyes. Luna, you remind me of your father but you have your mother's eyes." She said as the two siblings smiled sadly.
She fully turned to everyone, nodding in approval, before walking to the balcony. Below, Lythos's and Firene's armies stood together. They all sat down as she looked down, she took a deep breath before she intertwined her hands, and spread them. Her face was serious yet full of confidence. It was there where Alear truly witnessed the aura of The Divine Dragon Monarch.
"I welcome the people of Firene with open arms!" Lumera began her speech, "One thousand years ago, The Fell Dragon was sealed by my son, Prince Alear. Today, The Fell Dragon rises!" She said as the soldiers all looked up to her, "Now, we stand here, united once more as in the past by your past rulers and ancestors. Once more, we put our differences aside and unite to protect our homes and lands! Once more, we rise and raise our weapons to fight!" She yelled and the army roared.
"Today, we stand not as separate nations but as one! Today we stand together as The Children of Elyos! Together, we stand united to fight against the darkness that threatens our homes! We shall fight together and strike it down!" She said and cheered, "But today, after a long battle and travel, you all shall rest before you make the journey to Brodia! So tonight, rest, drink, and feast!" She yelled and cheers fully erupted from the army.
Alear did not know what to say as he listened to the cheers and roars of the people of Lythos and Firene. They chanted, "For Elyos!" "Hail Queen Lumera!" Over and over again, the people chanted. Queen Lumera smiled as she waved before she returned to the room. Alear was awestruck but also, a part of him conflicted. He had just learned he was not Lumera's biological son yet...she loved and treated him as he was. She even made him her heir to the throne.
But...would that change...once he asked her the question of...his origins?
He waited for the others to finish talking to the queen before he walked up to her. Now, only he, Miguel, Klaus, Alfred, and the queen remained.
"Klaus, I need to speak with you regarding the Lythos's Dragon Crystal," Lumera said and Klaus nodded.
"Um...Mother?" Alear said nervously, "I...don't mean to interrupt but I need to speak with you..." he paused, "privately." He said as the queen looked at him surprised but nodded.
"Alright." Lumera said and turned to Klaus, "Klaus, in the meantime, why don't you and the rest explore the Sommiel? And do not worry about space. The Sommiel expands itself when more people that Alear and I trust welcome." She said as the others nodded.
"Alfred and I will show him and the others around," Miguel said as the prince nodded.
The three excused themselves and left but Miguel glanced over his shoulder, knowing what was going to come as he closed the door. The room was now silent as it was just the two of them. Alear gulped and for some reason began pacing back and forth, trying to come up with the words to talk to Lumera. The queen recognized the boy's body language. Even before Alear lost his memories, he had the habit of pacing back in forth when he was upset or nervous. When Alear finally came to a halt, he took deep breaths and turned to Lumera.
"M-Cough!" Alear coughed to clear his throat, "Sorry."
"Alear, it's alright. Take your time." Lumera said carefully and Alear nodded, again, taking deep breaths to calm his heart.
"Sigh..." A long sigh he released, enough to calm himself and speak, "Q-Queen Lumera," the queen blinked, "during my time in Firene, I learned and witnessed many things. Through my eyes, I witnessed the strength and love of the people of Firene. How they stand and rise when their land is threatened." He began and took another deep breath, "When the battle was over, Klaus took us to see Firene's Divine Dragon Crystal and..." his voice trembled as he spoke the next words, "the spirit of the Divine Dragon that once ruled Firene appeared before us."
Queen Lumera's eyes went wide upon hearing this. As a child, she had heard stories that the souls of the previous Divine Dragons that once ruled the five nations resided within the crystals. After all, the crystals were once their bodies. The only people the stories said that the spirits of the Divine Dragon crystals would manifest to were the chosen court mages of the Lycinth clans for each nation, the descendants of their chosen champions, and the Divine Dragon Monarchs.
Yet, even after Lumera became the new queen after the death of the former Divine Dragon Monarch, the spirit of Lythos's Dragon Crystal never appeared. She never heard it, she never saw it. The only one who did was Oscar. And after his death, the crystal never responded again even after years of a new court mage. Now, no Lycith members of Lythos remained.
"I have heard stories that the spirits of the Elders appeared before our people in the past. I never had the experience but, it must have been incredible." Lumera said as Alear nodded.
"It was. Divine Elder Noa told us a bit of how she once ruled Firene as well as a bit about the history of the Emblems and their creator." He said, "I...I also learned...I.." he was struggling.
The way Lumera looked at him worried made Alear's heart sting but, it was something he needed to know.
"I learned...I am not your biological child."
Time came to a still in Lumera's mind as the words Alear spoke echoed in her mind. It was as all the time in the world, the current joy and happiness they now had, shattered in an instant. Lumera's eyes were wide, and the smile she had disappeared in an instant, replaced with a shocked expression. The queen was unable to form words as the silence between the two grew. Part of Lumera prayed that Alear would never recover his memories of the past. A painful past filled with nothing but tragedy and despair. The pain of watching those he grew to care for die before his eyes or by his own hands. The pain of...rejection and constant fear. And...the memories of who he was. His origins.
Lumera stood still, unable to form words as Alear looked at her with innocent yet pained eyes. Eyes that wanted answers but were also scared of them. Lumera took deep breaths to calm herself but her hands became clammy as she finally found the strength to form words.
"I..I..see." Lumera whispered, "It…it is true you are not my biological child." She said and it hurt the way Alear looked at her, "Even so...Even if we do not share the same blood, to me you are my son even if you were not born from my womb. I love you more than anything in the world no matter what." She said as Alear struggled to speak.
"I...I...Just..." Alear looked up to her, "Just...who am I? What am I? Am I...really a Divine Dragon?" He said and Lumera took a deep breath.
"We...need to sit down for this discussion. It will be...a very long one."
[—-]
Miguel let Alfred take the lead in showing the new group around the Sommiel. As for him, he went to his room and pulled out his case. Deep breaths he took, looking at his sniper gun. After almost five months in Elyos, holding it again felt odd. He stared at it before lifting the foam and pulling out a handgun.
Click, click!
"Still loaded." He whispered as he looked at it, and it felt weird holding it again.
The one he is currently holding belonged to his father. Not really the best momentum left behind by a parent but he was happy with it. He, Perla, and Nanami all took lessons on how to use a handgun properly. He then went back into his case and took out another gun. However, it has a more old-school vintage look with strange engravings he had never been able to decipher. It was a Flintlock pistol, one that was left in him by his great-grandfather. When their great-grandparents passed away, there were certain items left to each individual. Nanami was their old journals that they still hadn't been able to decipher. For Perla, a bracelet, for him, it was the flintlock pistol.
A really strange flintlock pistol...
He hadn't touched it in years but he remembered seeing his Grandfather use it. Miguel took out his gun belt and put it on, as well as placing the two guns in their respective compartments. Right when he was about to close his sniper case, a knock on the door made him look up.
"Hold on a minute!" He called out and quickly closed the case before shoving it under his bead.
He made his way to his door and was surprised to see Framme.
"Framme? Is there something you need?" Miguel as he noticed the girl shifting nervously.
"Um...I think you should go see the Divine One." Framme said and Miguel blinked, "He...just came out of the throne room a few minutes ago. He looks...very upset." She said and he nodded, "Do you...know why?"
"I do." Miguel said, "But this is something between Lumera and Alear. We can not interfere." He said as the girl puffed her cheeks a bit, "Framme I know you mean well, but I'm serious. Right now, it's best to leave them. Let them have some time to themselves. The conversation between the two must have been heavy. If Alear wants to talk to us, he'll seek us out." He said as Framme nodded looking to the ground.
"...How are you..." Framme began, "How are you...so okay with...not...no, how are so...realistic?" She said, making the man raise an eyebrow.
"Explain." He said as the girl crossed her arms.
"I think the best way to say is that you're so...down to earth!" Framme said, "You always have a serious expression and never smile unless you're talking! You state facts! Seriously, at this point, I think you would be assigned as the army's tactician! You're so good at analyzing a situation quickly!" She said as Miguel looked at her with wide eyes.
After that, his gaze became half-lidded then closed his eyes as he out a tired sigh before looking at Framme.
"That's because of experience. That's all." He said as Framme was still not convinced, "Look, all I will say is that if you need someone to talk to, my ears are open. Anyhow, like I said, let Alear have some time." He said and the girl nodded.
"You know, I don't know why but I feel like someone like you was needed here," Framme said, which Miguel did not expect.
"Why do you say that?"
"Figure out yourself~" Framme sang and left, leaving Miguel confused.
The man just chuckled and shook his head as he closed the door. Not even a minute later, a knock was heard again.
"Framme did you nee—Oh, Alear!" Miguel said he realized it was the prince but, seeing the way his eyes were downcast, but red, as well as the mournful expression on his face, "Oh...Uh..."
"Can I come in?" Alear whispered and Miguel nodded, letting him in, "I apologized for suddenly coming in. You...were the first person that came into my mind that I...could talk to." He said as Miguel nodded.
"Hold on. I'll make you a drink." He said and saw a twinkle in Alear's eyes hearing that, "Non-alcoholic." He wasn't about to let Alear drink his woes.
During his stay, Miguel worked with a craftsman in making tools for making drinks. He began to make tea, and now that he was able to use magic, properly, he created some ice cubes and put them in a glass. Then put some strawberry syrup and poured the mint tea he made. He mixed and went to hand Alear the cup.
"Mint strawberry. I always eat something sweet when I'm feeling down." Miguel said as Alear took a sip and let out a sigh of relief, "Better?"
"A bit..." Alear said as sat on Miguel's bed and Miguel grabbed a chair across from him.
"I'm guessing the talk with Lumera didn't go well?" Miguel said as he held his cup of tea, Alear shook his head, sighing heavily.
"No it's not that...it's just..." Alear let out another heavy sigh as he placed his cup on the bed stand, "I learned my origins." Miguel raised an eyebrow, "I learned that...that..." Alear struggled to form words.
"I learned that my father is Sombron...That I was originally a Fell Dragon."
Alear waited, waiting for Miguel to say something but all he received was silence. The young man didn't want to look up and see Miguel possibly looking at him with fearful or angry eyes, but the only thing he heard was...
"Whoa. Uh...That's rough."
Alear blinked multiple times before he finally looked up, only to see Miguel scratching his cheek.
"I swear to god...this feels like a Luke Skywalker situation." Miguel said, "Bad guy turns out to be your dad." He sighed and noticed Alear just staring at him as if he had grown two heads, "What?"
"You're okay with it?"
"Yes?"
"You're not angry?"
"Why would I be?"
"Y-you're not afraid of me?! Y-You're too calm!"
"Jesus! Alear!" Miguel said, "I've seen situations like this before. No need to panic." He said and Alear was a stuttering mess.
"B-But I'm the son of The Fell Dragon that tried to destroy the world! I killed in his name in the past! I-I...J-Just...why does this situation feel so familiar?!" Alear said and Miguel finally noticed the tears in his eyes.
Hearing Alear say that, perhaps in the past, his great-grandparents knew Alear was a Fell Dragon but accepted him either way. But he could also see Alear was scared. Alear expected Miguel to scream. To look at him angrily even be terrified and no longer wish to even look at him. But the thing was that Miguel wasn't from Elyos. At that moment, Miguel understood what Framme said. He was an outsider, someone who had a completely different view of life. Someone who did not judge or jump into something. He was someone who was rational and had different views on the truth. Perhaps if he had been born in Elyos, he would have a different view but he didn't. The reason was simple.
Miguel came from a world that in his words was "reality".
Miguel came from The World of Steel. A world where things such as magic, alchemy, and the things one reads in fantasy do not exist yet just a smidge of that fantasy does. The supernatural but only in the form of spirits, not like werewolves, vampires, and such. All of that was written books, created by the human imagination to explain the unexplained and unexplored. Miguel rarely indulged in fancy things. Things like video games, books, and shows were a rarity for him because of his life as a soldier. But when the opportunity arose, he took it.
"Maybe the reason I can easily accept Alear is because of how I view things." Miguel that as he suddenly started ruffling Alear's hair like an older brother.
Well, he is an older brother.
"Looks, I'm going to say this now and not repeat it. Do I make myself clear?" He said and Alear stood straight, "You are Alear. You may have had a bloody past but that does not change who you are now. Right now, you a young man who is kind, a bit stupid and clumsy," Alear scrunched his face, "but you're passionate. You may not have the memories of your past but you now have created new memories." He said as Alear looked up to him, shocked.
"You are who you are. Nothing is going to change that. The question is, will you allow your past to chain you down? Will you let your past follow you into your future?"
Alear was stunned. He couldn't form any words as Miguel's speech sunk in. The young man took deep breaths and nodded.
"Thank you...Miguel...I...I think I need some time to think about everything you said." Alear said as Miguel nodded.
"Do you plan to tell the others?" Miguel asked and Alear looked hesitant, "It's your choice. You decided if you are, ready to tell them or not." He said, "Actually, I have a question for you." Alear blinked, "Why did you come to me?"
Honestly, Alear didn't know. Alear knew he wasn't Ermos, but perhaps because he was the first person her saw when had awakened from his slumber, Alear felt safe. Despite Miguel being more on the serious side, he was someone that Alear felt he could trust but most of all...
"I...feel safe with you," Alear said making Miguel's eyes widen.
"I feel safe with you!"
The voice of his past lover rang in his head. Miguel's lips parted, trying to form words but all he did was close his mouth before looking away and patting Alear on the head again.
"I like women," Miguel said and Alear became a stuttering mess.
"I-I didn't mean it like that! I-I swear!" Alear stuttered but Miguel couldn't help but laugh as he patted his head again.
"I know, I know. Just messing with you. But since you're here," Miguel grinned and went to his drawer and threw Alear a pendent, "Want to go shopping?"
Alear was confused until he felt some magic coming from the pendant.
"It's a pendent Sitonia showed me how to make it," Miguel said as he took out another one and put it on.
He made a small tap, water swirled around him then his appearance changed to a man with long spiky purple hair, his eyes to green and his skin became lighter, as well as his clothing changed to a gray shirt, black pants with a sweater tied around his waist.
"I don't want people to come up to me now that I'm sort of famous. So, you up for it?" He said and Alear nodded, tapping the pendent as he put it on.
The same thing happened to him. His hair also grew long and turned black as it was tied into a ponytail. His clothing changed to something more simple, a white t-shirt, gray pants, a sweater tied around his neck, and boots, the color of his eyes turned purple.
"Incredible," Alear said as Miguel gave him the thumbs up.
"Alright! Let's go!"
— ? -
Lythos's Divine Dragon Crystal location was kept secret for many reasons. Mainly because it hasn't responded. Lumera had a concerned look as Klaus stood in front of it, with his eyes closed, his staff held in front with both hands. The magic circle under him flickered as he was muttering a spell. The spell sounded like whispers yet it was in a language that had been lost to time and only Lumera remained to understand it. Klaus gritted his teeth as he tried to connect to the dragon crystal but...
"You are not the Starfarer. Leave!"
"Gah!" Klaus screamed and was sent flying back from the suddenly rejecting of the crystal.
Lumera was quick to catch him and set him back down.
The man whispered a thank you as he struggled to get up but he managed. Both looked at the crystal.
"It rejected me. This has never happened before. I don't want to imagine what would happen if Martha or Rumba tried to attempt what I did." Klaus sighed, shaking his head, "And here I thought because I have Lythos Lycinth blood it would help." He said and Lumera froze.
"Pardon?" Lumera said and Klaus let out a heavy sigh not looking her way as he took a step away from her.
"Alear told you what happened, right? The encounter with Firene's Divine Elder." He said and the woman nodded, "Queen Lumera, if I and my family are not descendants of Francis, then whose descendants are we? Whose relic," he waved his hand to summon the scythe, "did this belong to?"
It felt like everything was tumbling down on a single day. The talk earlier was already so much for the queen and now she had to speak to Klaus about his family's true ancestor. It was so much in one day but Lumera knew at some point in time the truth had to come to light. The queen tried to calm her racing heart as she took deep breaths and then composed herself.
"Klaus, what I am about to tell you can only be shared between the royal families, you, your sister, and your retainers, do I make myself clear?" Klaus nodded, "Very well." Another deep breath then release, "Klaus, you and your families are the descendants of Oscar, The Saint of The Black Sun. He was Lythos's court mage one thousand years ago." Klaus's eyes went wide.
Oscar The Saint of The Black Sun, was known as the most terrifying priest on the battlefield. People said he would leave a bloody wake in his path after killing his enemies before he prayed to cleanse and forgive their sins. Despite being known as a terrifying man, he was also respected among The Holy Church of The Divine and was the Archbishop of The Holy Church back in the day. He was loved but also feared. The nobles feared him because of his record of uprooting the corruption in the noble courts.
But he was loved by the common folk. A man who used the donations made to buy food and clothing for the poor and sickly. He opened a school in Lythos that taught the healing arts of magic, alchemy, and herbal medicine. A man who was respected and feared by all. Archbishop Oscar was truly a kind and holy man in the eyes of the common folk and nobles alike but Lumera knew his true personality.
"By the gods! Can't these damn nobles for once stop trying to fuck up everything?!"
He was a flamboyant, strong, sailor-cursing man who swore he would never marry. Only to fall in love with a beautiful woman who was a descendant of The Exiles and Agarthans. The title, The Saint of The Black Sun, was a name bestowed upon him by the previous Divine Monarch for his ability to wield the Holy Relic: Hell's Reaper, a relic that was said to be a replica of the relic wielded by the Sovereign of Death. But also because of his signature execution spell, said to look like a black sun was behind him before he killed his enemies.
Klaus didn't know what to say. He knows who Archbishop Oscar is because of the books he read over the years, to think that he and his sister...were the descendants of one the most feared, loved, yet, respected archbishops...
"Whoa...I...I..." Klaus licked his lips, looking to the side before running his fingers through his hair, "Just...how exactly did his children end up in Firene instead of Lythos?"
Lumera sighed before she continued.
"Their eldest child, as well as the eldest children of Alma, Francis, and Ruby, spoke to one another and chose to switch places." She said, "Oscar's children came here. Alma's children went to Elusia. Francis's to Solm, and Ruby's to Brodia." She said, "They also switched Emblems."
"So let me get this straight." Klaus said, "I am the descendant of Lythos court mage." The queen nodded, "Then, that makes Queen Rose the descent of Brodia's court mage." Another nod, "Rumba is Firene's, and Martha is Elusia's" Lumera nodded to all, "Ooohhhh..." Klaus clapped his hands together and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before his eyes snapped open, looking to the ground, "I think I understand why that information was hidden." He whispered.
"A bit of a correction," Lumera said as the mage looked at her confused, "Martha is…Elusian-Gardlon." Klaus's eyes went wide, "Her grandmother was Elusian and her grandfather at the time was one of the Heads of The Lycinth Clan. From them, Alma was born and so forth." The queen said.
"Forgive me but I have another question," Klaus said as he looked at her, "I heard a voice before I was rejected by the Dragon Crystal." Lumera's eyes went wide, "It said, I am not The Starfarer. Just what exactly is The Starfarer?" He asked as Lumera sighed.
"I believe this information is something I need to tell the rest." Lumera said with a tired expression, "Klaus, let's put it on hold today. I am...very tired." She said and Klaus nodded but sighed.
"I understand." He said and bowed politely, "Do you...mind if I use the kitchen? I'm in the mood for baking sweets. I think everyone needs it." He said as the queen chuckled a bit.
"Use it to your heart's content."
— Elusia City —
The air in Elusia felt tense, stiff, and suffocating as Nanami walked around the capital. It took a few days to reach it but they finally made it. The Capital of Elusia, also known as Villa des Tulipes, was a beautiful city with Gothic and Victorian-style architecture but also had an ancient European feel to it. The colors of the buildings varied from dark green, black, brown, and burgundy. Many of the buildings, like the shops, had large windows so you could see the merchandise that was displayed. People who were part of The Magic Academy wore uniforms that consisted of the colors of dark green and black. Women wore long skirts while men wore more of a traditional male uniform, a long-sleeved shirt with pants. But they all wore cloaks, and a few even witch hats.
Because Elusia was a cold nation, just about every corner was a five-foot orange crystal that emitted heat that kept the city and people warm. Children were playing near a fountain but at the center of the city was the statue of The First King of Elusia who looked to be a Warlock. Beside him was a Mage Knight with a tome in hand. At the foot of the statues, was a garden of red and blue winter roses.
Nanami let out a shuttered breath as she rubbed her hands together, trying to warm them up even if she wore gloves.
"This place...it's pretty." She whispered and pulled out a map Rosado gave her so she wouldn't get lost.
Villa des Tulipes had six areas. The place she currently was in was the plaza. The second place she needed to head was the marketplace. The third was known as The Magic District which was run by The Magic Academy. The fourth district brought a frown to her face. It was known as Withered Ashes: A district for the poorest. She had to stop herself from muttering, "Typical...". The fifth place was of course for the filthy rich nobles who loved to spend so much. Lastly...
"Castle Elusia..." Nanami whispered as she looked up from her map.
Castle Elusia looked similar to Hogwarts Castle. The giant towers, the windows, and the occasional people flying but with wyverns and griffons. But unlike Hogwarts, Elusia castle looked like it was surrounded by a dark fog. Well, that's what it looked like in her eyes. Something evil was here, she could only guess it was Sombron, but her neck felt like it was throbbing again. The young woman let out a sigh as she looked around. Ivy and Hortensia had to leave for Castle Elusia because they were called back by their father. Seeing they were called back, Nanami could only guess that they were going to be ordered to head Brodia. If that's the case...she should take the opportunity to nab Soren when the time comes.
"But first," Nanami took deep breaths and took out the three lists she was given, "Time to go shopping!" She mentally cheered.
She couldn't see it but the Emblems were all excited. Ivy gave Nanami 10,000 gold coins to buy everything they needed. The 5'000 for their supplies and the rest they said was their down payment to her. Nanami knew how to haggle and get sweet deals, so she was more than excited. But also...the woman quickly turned around looking at the magic district, her eyes gleaming and sparkling like a person who just won the lottery.
"Magic wand here I come!"
And off she went, like a little girl in a candy shop.
- Elusia Castle -
Elusia castle had grown colder over the years. No longer was it warm like in the past. Despite the consorts that once walked through its hallways with goals wanting to rise, those greedy desires fell when Queen Rose was in charge. The hallways of the castle, where there were once decorations of flowers and songs sung by children, were now bare and no longer colorful. Yet, Ivy stood in front of her family's portrait that hung in the hallway. Her gaze, sad and half-lidded as Hortensia stood beside her. There at the center, sat King Hyacinth and Queen Rose, each on their respective thrones.
Queen Rose was a purple-haired woman with the ends of her hair turning a deep turquoise blue, tied in a high ponytail. Her eyes were purple and her pupils blue. She wore a lavender ball gown with a red rose headband. On her left side, stood Ivy's older sister, Princess Primrose.
She had the same shade of hair as Ivy, and the pink eyes that all the royal children of Elusia inherited but her pupils were blue, like her mother's. She wore a knee-length dress and boots. Ivy stood beside her in a ball gown. Behind them stood Consort Flora, Ivy's mother, whom she looked so much alike. Consort Flora had short ear-length hair, and sharp green eyes, and wore a black trumpet dress.
Ivy then looked at her father, on his left stood Hortensia with twin tails and dressed in a frilly dress. And next to her was a young boy with brown hair tied in a ponytail, and pink eyes, dressed in a suit.
That was Cosmos. Behind the two stood, Consort Calla, Hortensia's mother. She had brown gentle eyes and also a gentle expression. Long flowing straight pink hair with streaks of white, she wore a mermaid-styled dress. Finally, behind the King and Queen, stood Queen Thyme, her expression warm and brimming with life.
"Times sure have changed..." Hortensia whispered as she looked at the painting, "Back then it was just us and our moms...Now..." the girl let out a shuttered breath as her throat tightened, "Why...do you think Father called us? You don't think..."
"No." Ivy said as she kept looking at the painting but her hands were balled into fists, "It's something else. Cosmos made sure they will never be found." She said and turned away, "Let's go. He is waiting for us." And she walked away.
It didn't take long to arrive at the throne room. Rosado, Goldmary, Kagetsu, and Zelkov were behind them. The four retainers felt something off but didn't say anything at the moment. The doors to the throne room creaked open. They walked in, the air in the throne room cold. But as they walked in, Ivy blinked multiple times to make sure she wasn't seeing a thing. She had never seen the giant eight-pointed star crystal above the throne room, let alone...other than the Four Hounds there were...four others. The four were dressed in white cloaks. One was sitting on the stairs that led to the throne, silent. The other was at the bottom, she could tell it was a woman because the cloak was only half-way.
The other was a man who had his hand in a praying position, praying to the crystal above. Lastly, another woman, who stood beside her father, dressed in a black ball gown but also wore a white cloak to hide her identity. But it was the way Zephia was looking at the woman who stood beside her father. The Mage Dragon may have a composed expression but there was nothing but hatred coming from her aura. So much so that it made their brother, who was at the bottom of the stairs with his retainers, tremble.
"You have finally arrived." King Haycinth said as he sat on his throne, "It has been a long time, but I see you have come empty-handed..." his eyes narrowed, "without your stepmother and siblings." He said and Ivy spoke as she put her hands together over her stomach in a poised manner.
"Father, I have sent out our best spies and assassins all over the kingdom and none have returned with any clue. It is as if my stepmother and my siblings have been banished to thin air. Whoever took them left without a trace, as if they have been erased from existence." Ivy said as her father's gaze felt like it was boring into her soul.
"I see." King Haycinth said, "I do wonder...if those Brodian Scum may have something to do with their disappearances. Martha is well known for taking in those who escape war." He said and the woman next to him twitched.
"Martha..." the woman whispered, "So...the girl now resides in Brodia." She said.
"Queen River," King Haycinth said, "do not worry. You will soon have your reunion with that child. Just be patient. After all, Lord Sombron must first be resurrected before you can fully use your power." The man said as the woman let out a small sigh.
"No...it's not that." She said, "My husband knows that the key to winning the war is patience." Queen River said, making the sisters look shocked as well as their retainers, "I'm just surprised she has chosen Brodia. She was always the type to lock herself in the room after a battle." She said and put her hands together as she cocked her head, "Looks like I need to discipline our child again." She cocked her head.
It was there that Ivy caught a glimpse of Queen River's eyes...Dark Pink with gold. A shiver went down Ivy's spine at the woman's words.
"I see." King Haycinth said and turned back to his children, "Returning to the topic, I shall be sending you both to Brodia. But for now, Ivy, you will be on standby. Hortensia," the younger princess stood straight, "you will go to The Grand Crossing." He said and Queen River floated down the stairs.
The princess stepped forward and gulped as the woman was now in front of her. The aura she gave, was kind and warm yet there was something mournful and cold about it. River stared at her before a small smile formed on her lips.
"You reminded me of my other child." River said as Hortensia blinked, "Sigh...she was a kind girl. Her twin brother as well." She said Hortensia held out her hand.
She placed a ring on her palm, the princess looked at her confused.
"It is an Emblem. A...very special Emblem." Queen River said as Hortensia looked at her confused before looking at the ring.
It was a gold ring with a garnet. The ring had engravings that were flames as well as a symbol she had never seen before on the gem.
"This is The Ring of The Holy Flame." Queen River said, "The Emblem is quite eager to fight The Ring of The Holy Knight. It seems...it senses its sister and wife as well...The Ring of The Damsels of Devastation." She chuckled softly while the other woman clicked her teeth.
"Quite a reunion...it will be..."
—- Elusia City -
"I got what I needed~ I got plenty~" Nanami sang to herself as she walked away from a fruit stall with a smile on her face.
She got everything some list Sumia, Ivy, and Lily had given her. The total coins spent was 3,500 because of her ability to haggle. She had everything packed in the magic bag she was given. All she needed to do was head to the magic di-?!
A hand suddenly shot out of an alleyway and grabbed her, pulling her in. Nanami was about to scream, but it quickly covered her mouth.
"MMMPHHHH! MPHHHHH!" The woman's scream was muffled by the hand as thrashed and screamed as she was being pulled deeper but...
"Nanami! It's me! Rumba!"
The woman froze and slowly looked to the side to see a man who looked nothing like Rumba but his eyes were glowing green.
"Lord Rumba...this is why I disagreed with doing this." The man said, his accent was one of Solm.
At that moment, Nanami realized the man was one of Solm's spies. She remembered that in the story, Timerra and Fogado said that they had spies in all four nations to keep an eye on and informed of what was going on. She had completely forgotten about that. But right now, she was on the verge of a panic attack after the stunt the man pulled.
"I'm so sorry about this..." the spy said, "I'm...going to let go now." She nodded.
He carefully let her go and Nanami, went for the punch but thankfully he dodged.
"WHAT THE HELL YOU BASTRAD?!" Nanami screamed, the spy was just happy that he had put up a barrier so no one could see or hear them, "RUMBA YOU SON OF BITCH! ARE YOU SPEAKING THROUGH HIM?!" On the other side, the Solm Court Mage and the royal family were opening and closing their mouth like fish hearing the girl curse, "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?! YOU COULD HAVE TRIED SOMETHING ELSE THEN PULL THAT FUCKEN STUNT! DO YOU REALIZE I THOUGHT I WAS ABOUT TO GET KIDNAPPED!" The girl screamed, tears streaming down her face.
"D-Don't ever do that again!" The woman cried as the man who pulled her into the alleyway bowed.
"I am so sorry Miss Nanami! Truly!" He said and Nanami calmed down a bit after crying.
The man's eyes turned green and now it was Rumba speaking.
"Look...I...am truly sorry. I really am. I...sigh..." Rumba deeply regretted what he did, but seeing how the girl reacted...he should have thought better.
Nanami sniffed and managed to calm down a bit.
"I get it...I'm still pissed..." she said, "How...did you find me?" Nanami asked.
"Seadall. He used his tarot cards to find you." Rumba said as Nanami's eyes went wide, "We're just glad you are okay. Do you have The Ring of The Crux of Fate?" She nodded and held her hand up to show him, "Good. I'm glad you both are safe. Now, go with August. He'll get you out of Elusia." He said but...
"No."
"What?"
"I said no." Nanami repeated, "I...I can't leave Elusia. Especially...after I've...learned of the situation going on here." She said.
"Nanami, what the hell is going on in Elusia that you won't leave?" Rumba said as the others listened.
Nanami gulped because she could hear them and demanded to know but...she took a deep breath and spoke.
"King Haycinth is dead." She said and it was like a pin was dropped and the world became still.
It took a while for the information to be processed on the other side before she heard Queen Seforia's voice speak.
"Nanami, what exactly do you mean, King Haycinth is dead? The man is very much...alive. A mad man but alive." The Queen said coldly as Nanami gulped and nodded.
"I-I know that but it's not...what it looks like," Nanami said it was time to use her knowledge.
"I've...done some digging during my time here." She said, "I discovered that King Hyacinth was killed the same day as the tragedy seven years ago by one of The Fell Dragon's generals." She said, the other side's eyes widening, "After that...they used magic to resurrect The King as a Corrupted but also made sure he remained fertile." She said, "I...learned that Princess Ivy has made the current Queen of Elusia and the children of Elusia's royal family go into hiding. That...the king was planning to sacrifice them to resurrect Sombron." She said.
She quickly took out a small notebook and handed it to August.
"I took notes of everything that had happened during my stay here. That's why...I can't leave. I...can't abandon the friends I made here." She said and waited.
On the other side...Rumba just stared at his projected screen before he closed his eyes.
"Nanami, your life is more important."
"So you want me to abandon the people here?!" Nanami said, "I value my life more than anything in the world but I will not abandon the people of Elusia! I walked around this capital, I witnessed the fear the people are living in! I witnessed the way people are being forced to live!" she said as the images of her time traveling around the city came to her mind, "Elusia's own King is planning to sacrifice his people to the Fell Dragon!" She said.
"And what power do you have to stop it?!" Rumba yelled back making Nanami go silent, "None! You have none! Even if you have an Emblem, you still wouldn't be able to do anything! DON'T STICK YOUR NOSE IN THEIR BUSINESS!" He yelled, "You are not from this world! You do not know the laws of nature here! You do not understand what has happened over the past one thousand years! Elusia's problems are not yours!" He said angrily.
"RUMBA!" Queen Sephoria yelled at him and turned to look back at Nanami, "Nanami please ignore what he ju—?!"
"Say that again."
Rumba sighed and looked up, only to freeze. Nanami's eyes were wide but void of emotions, her lips curled but it was the way she was looking back at them. Back at him. A look that was haunted but also ready to kill him.
"Look at them..."
Her neck throbbed as a whisper suddenly came into her ear.
"Rumba sees you as an outsider...They see you as someone who shouldn't even help Elusia. Do they even consider you..." her eyes swirled with dark emotions, "a friend?"
Nanami just kept looking at them before she raised her hand and removed Corrin's ring. She then went into her purse and pulled out Yuri's, Lestia's, and Shez's emblems, then put them in a small bag.
"Nanami, what are you doing?!" Arisa's voice rang as the woman stormed over to August and slammed it down in his hand.
"Three Emblems." Nanami said, the dark look in her eyes not leaving, "I found three Emblems in Elusia. Take them and leave. Never contact me again." She said and turned away.
"Wait, Nanami! Nanami wait!" She could hear Lestia, Shez, and even Yuri yell her name but at the moment, she was too angry to even speak.
"Nanami! Please! Rumba didn't mean any of that!" Timerra yelled, "Nanami!" She cried out but Nanami stopped and turned.
The princess froze, as Nanami looked at them.
"Rumba's right. I'm an Outsider. I shouldn't even be involved with any of you. But you know what made me change my mind?" She said as she fully turned to them, her neck now really hurt but she didn't care, "Because I care." She said.
"I'm not as nice are people think I am. I am not the goodie two shoes or saint everyone thinks I am." Nanami said, the dark emotions in her eyes growing, "I used to think everything here was just a nightmare and I would wake up back in my home. Back at home seeing my siblings." She said, "But I've come to terms that I won't ever be able to return to my world. I grew to love the people of this world and the more I traveled, the more I fell in love with it." She said as her hands balled into fists.
"I know...things about this world...I...know...what's coming." She gritted her teeth, "You're right Rumba...I have no power. I have no strength. I am an outsider but because I'm an outsider, I can use that to my advantage." She said and fully looked, "So don't you dare lecture me on what to do! Because I finally decided I'm not going to run away!" She screamed and now fully turned away, "Timerra, Queen Seforia, Fogado, thank you for everything you have done for me. Now...it's my turn. Now...it's my turn to return the favor." And she left, ignoring the names called out to her but then paused, "There's a third Emblem in Solm." She said, "Head southeast to a sandy beach. There's an underground passage in that area. You'll find an Emblem there." And she quickly left.
"August, come back..." Rumba whispered and cut the connection.
[—-]
"What were you thinking?!" Queen Seforia said angrily at the court mage, "Telling Nanami that she is an Outsider and should not stick her nose in our or anyone of Elyos's business?! Now she's going to do something impulsive!" she said as she ran her fingers through her hair.
Rumba remained silent.
"I don't care if Nanami is an Outsider." Timerra said, her expression became serious which was rare, "Nanami is my friend. I care about her. I see her as part of our family. I want her to be part of our family." She said, "You indirectly called her a fool. She puts herself first and does not care about what is going on in Elusia. Are you letting your grudge towards them cloud your judgment?" Right there, was when everyone saw Timerra's aura of a queen.
Rumba gritted his teeth as his hands balled into fists.
"I...don't want a repeat of what happened seven years ago!" Rumba said angrily.
"Look," Fogado spoke up, "I'm usually chill, but I think you crossed the line this time. Nanami is not your brother. Jones chose to go to the summit because he sensed something was wrong. He may not have been someone of Solm but we saw him as one of our own." He said.
Rumba gritted his teeth. Jones was his adopted older brother. His family found him injured in the woods near where they lived. He never spoke of his origins but said he was from somewhere that could not be reached. He was an outsider but he saw him as his brother. Rumba felt he was seeing a repeat of the past. They are kind individual that was about to get killed because their heart is too kind.
[—-]
If there is one thing Nanami appreciated about taverns is that sometimes they had sandbags in the world. And she was happy to find a tavern that a sandbag, and leather gloves, and she started punching repeatedly the damn thing. Arisa had a frown on her face, well, more like she was scolding. Nanami could feel the disappointed mother's glare in the back of her mind. She had a feeling Sothis was there too. But now...
"Rumba never saw as someone part of Solm..." Nanami thought and her neck throbbed even worse.
"That's not true and you know it." Arisa replied in her mind, "Rumba cares about you. He doesn't want to see you get hurt. It's why he said those things. Of course, I believe he took the wrong approach in telling you that you shouldn't get involved in Elusia's problems." Nanami stopped, "But it is your choice. I think the conversation with him strengthened your resolve. You want to help Ivy and Hortensia, make them leave, and join Alear much earlier than intended. But there's something else I feel you are forgetting." She said as the woman finished punching the bag and went to order a drink "Wait, now did I think about it, you never once told me the story of this world? How exactly was Sombron resurrected?" She asked.
"King Morion was sacri—!?"
SHATTER!
"Hey!" The bartender yelled, "No breaking my glasses!" He said and Nanami apologized before she made the glass shards float and put them back together as if they never broke.
She paid for her drink and left. She headed to the place where it was time to meet up with everyone only to see Zelkov.
"Zelkov!" She yelled out, waving her hand as a ram to him.
"There you are. I have been waiting for you." Zelkov said as she arrived.
"Where are the others?" She asked as he sighed, "Zelkov?"
"Princess Hortensia will be leaving for Brodia with her retainers. As for Princess Ivy, she, I, and Kagetsu will remain here on standby. I was told to relay the message that you should head back there." He said and Nanami understood.
"Got it. Be safe out there. Tell the others the same." She said as he nodded.
She leaned in to whisper in his heart, "Tell Ivy that something is not right with King Hyacinth." The man's eyes went wide, "I noticed the magic around the castle is the same as the Corrupted but the strongest of it is coming from what I think could be the throne room." She said.
She stepped away as he looked at her shocked before nodding before they went their separate ways. Nanami went to the stall where her pegaus was and waited to make sure Zelkov was gone completely.
She got on and then took off to the skies, heading north.
"Arisa, can you sense Emblems?" She asked, feeling Arisa nod, "Then, see if you can detect an Emblem in the direction we are going."
Arisa manifested and then closed her eyes before they opened surprised.
"I sense one. It's in a volcanic area that feels similar to The Valley of Torment." Arisa said, "No...why does it feel almost exactly like the Valley of Torment?" She said, "Elusia...feels so similar to Faerghus..."
Nanami didn't know what to say for now she looked at the horizon.
"You're right Rumba...I don't have power." She thought as her neck throbbed even more, "I'm a coward. But you know what I'm not?" She gritted her teeth as a single strand of her hair turned red, "Someone who quits." Another strand turned purple, "I'm someone who cares and someone...who's had enough of people looking down on me." Another strand turned blue.
The darkness in her eyes grew as they kept flying, She grinned her teeth but Arisa gently covered her eyes.
Another strand of her hair turns gray and another white.
"Do not think negatively." Arisa said as she infused calming magic into her voice but there was another purpose, "Do not isolate yourself. Do not self-sabotage yourself. The people here truly care about you." She said as her magic sank into the girl's body.
"The curse...Nanami is the Starfarer...I still had my suspicions because of what happened a few weeks ago but..." she mentally sighed as she kept looking at the girl, "I can't stop the curse...I don't have that power. But what I can do...is protect your memories and soul." She thought and leaned in to whisper in the girl's ear.
"You are loved...Never doubt that."
"Arisa, I can't see anything," Nanami said as the woman chuckled softly before removing her hands and hugging the girl from behind as she gently petted her head.
"I know. I just wanted to calm you down." Arisa smiled softly as she heard Sothis giggle in her mind.
"Oh. I would be more than happy to have another granddaughter." Sothis said as Arisa just smiled but mentally told her to shut it.
"You already have more grandkids than you can count." Arisa thought as the goddess whined.
"But in all seriousness," Arisa said, "I have a feeling that after you claim Soren, you need to prepare yourself for what is about to come." She said and noticed the girl's grip on the reins became tighter.
"I know...The story...is finally reaching its second act."