Memories of Broken Melodies

by Sakura108645

The bell ran thrice. Three individuals are suddenly thrown into a new world. One who knew of it, two who did not. The three were separated and now desperately searching for each other. Accompany them are strange rings with the spirits of people like them. But, why were they in Elyos? Why were they suddenly in a place they had absolutely no connection to? Or...was there more?

17. Chapter 17: The Enemy of No Form

Chapter 17: The Enemy of No Form

Miguel felt he made the right decision in getting Alear out to experience normal life. For Alear, it felt refreshing to not have the attention of everyone's on him. The twins and the Firene group also joined. Celine and Alfred had to use an illusion spell to change their appearances, they now had brown and orange eyes. Celine's hair was tied in pigtails and wore a maid's dress, Alfred wore a white shirt, an ascot, and pants. Luna and Klaus used their shape-shifting abilities to change their hair to green, also wearing similar clothing to the royal siblings.

Since it was a day of resting and celebration, there were many stalls set up selling food as well as games. Lantern posts were set up since the night was going to be lively. Miguel even spotted some stalls that were selling mead and beer. He wondered what medieval alcohol tasted like. He was going to find out after he made his stop at the information guild.

"Oh, Lythos hasn't been this lively in a long time!" Clanne said excitedly.

"Vander said that this is also a celebration of The Divine One's awakening!" Framme cheered and Miguel saw Alear's smile waver.

Miguel made sure to tell the group to not call Alear Divine One while they were out there. Also, to keep a low profile. Thankfully the information guild wasn't too far.

"I'll be back in a bit." Miguel said as he turned to the group, "I'm going to the guild. I'll meet you guys back here in a bit." He said as they nodded.

He waved and left to the information guild. He entered and saw it was as lively as before and the lady at the front desk, who he learned was named Eirs, looked like she had a lot going on. Still, he made his way and placed a small paper bag filled with some sweets he bought earlier.

"Thanks." Eirs grumbled, "We're already getting swamped with information and investigations because of the start of the war. Anyhow, I got the info you want from someone from Solm." The woman said and quickly went to the drawers behind her to get a folder and then handed it to him before grabbing the bag of sweets.

Miguel opened it and began to read. It read that a girl who looked like Nanami was selling tacos and fresh water in Solm as a small business owner. She appeared around the same time he arrived at Elyos. The file said she was a cherry, kind, and very sociable lovable girl who won the hearts of the vendors in the market. Mainly because she was very good at business. Next was that she became friends with...Solm's Princess: Princess Timerra. Soon, she was hired by the princess and then was taken under apprenticeship by Solm's Court Mage: Rumba. She was learning self-defense and magic under his wing. And...Miguel's eye twitched.

"Queen Seforia was planning to adopt Nanami into their family." He thought and continued.

"Say..." Miguel spoke and looked up to see Eirs happily eating the caramel popcorn he brought her, "Is there a way you can get me in contact with Solm's Court Mage?" He asked and the woman stopped chewing.

"I can send your letter but not sure if he'll read it." Eirs said, "But since you're one of Queen Lumera's knights, make sure to slap the Lythos royal seal and you're good." Finally, Miguel had an excuse to use the seal he was given when he became a knight!

Thankfully he always carried it in his bag. He got his pen and paper, wrote everything he needed to the letter, placed the Lythos seal, and handed it to the woman. Eirs assured him that it would get to Solm in three days. He thanked and paid her before he left.

Quickly he made his way back to where he left the group, only to arrive to see the crowd roaring and cheering seeing Alear, Luna, and Alfred in an eating contest. Alear looked like a chipmunk earring with stuffed cheeks while Alfred looked ready to pass out at any moment. Luna was happily eating but he was becoming a bit pale. The contest was about who could eat the most meat pies. Well, a few minutes later, Luna gave up and gave her remaining four pies to Alear, who happily ate them. Cheers erupted from the crowd while Celine and Klaus had to carry them passed out from the table and Boucheron with Eite went to help Luna. Chloe was at another eating contest, happily eating the seafood calamari that was served while Loius was enjoying looking at some "books". Miguel knew a dirty noble when he saw one from a mile away. He blamed Nanami for that.

The announcer congratulated Alear and said he'd broken the record of 20 pies by eating 50 of them in 20 minutes. He was awarded a premium bottle of Solminese spiced wine, which instantly made Klaus's eyes shine, and 10 gold coins. Alear couldn't help but laugh in joy as he arrived at the group, he hadn't had this much fun in a while.

"Look who is here." Miguel said as the others saw he had returned, "Nice job. The stomach of the black hole you have." He chuckled as Alear gave him a playful glare.

"Alright! Let's all have some fun!"

"Yeah!"

They spent having fun at the festival, drinking eating, and playing games. Miguel couldn't help but smile seeing how relaxed everyone was. Unfortunately, he lost everyone in the crowd. That was until he was looking and spotted a familiar feathered crown, he didn't think he had seen. He carefully walked to where he spotted them till he arrived at a game stall. And sure enough, it was Veyle, struggling to hit the target to win what looked like a swan squish mellow. The young woman raised the bow she was given and released but unfortunately missed.

"Ooohhhh..." the girl slumped but Miguel walked over.

"Bow please." He threw a coin at the vendor who nodded.

Veyle gasped when she looked up and saw it was Miguel, who winked before he was handed the bow. Three arrows, three shots. There were small, medium, and big prizes. The small prizes were cute little glass ornaments, the medium were standard-size plushies and the big prizes were those giant squish mellows he would see at Target and Walmart that his sisters would go crazy about. He saw one of the big ones was a bigger version of the swan, the second one that caught his eye was a pink cow and the third was a dragon. First, he'll get the swan.

The young man aimed for the string that held up the plush and then released the arrow. The vendor's jaw dropped when the plushie dropped onto the rug on the ground. Miguel pulled the next arrow and aimed for the cow, a few spectators stopped to watch. Another aim, and he shot, the cow dropping. Another aim, cheers heard, and he shot down the dragon. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the vendor gave the three giant plushies to Miguel but pointed the swan to give to Veyle.

"Y-You didn't have to do that!" Veyle squeaked but Miguel just shook his head.

"It's fine. Also, I did it because I wanted to." Miguel said, "I'm surprised to see you here in Lythos! I thought you..." he scratched his cheek, a bit unsure of what to say.

"Honestly, I...wanted to get away from...my family for a bit." Veyle chuckled nervously, "Also, I was hoping to buy some herbal tea to help me with my sleep." She said and that was when Miguel noticed.

Veyle looked paler, the dark circles under her eyes looked worse from the last time he saw her and she looked like she was struggling to stay awake.

"Do you have insomnia?" He asked and Veyle blinked.

"In...somnia?" Veyle looked at him confused, "What is that?"

"Well..." Miguel struggled, "It's the lack of sleep when you are feeling down. Listen," he extended a hand to her, "there's an herbal stall a few minutes away from here. Why don't we go together?"

Veyle looked at his hand then at hers. She was hesitant but eventually, she took his hand. The man made the other plushies disappear into his space closet that Sitonia taught him how to make. They walked through the crowd, looking around till they reached the stall selling herbs. The one running it was an old woman dressed in a gray robe, hiding her face. She looked up and saw the two.

"Oh, it's you. The young knight." The old woman said and then looked at Veyle, "Huh...I'm surprised to see someone of the life-long species here." Veyle stiffened, "No worries, I can tell you need something. Many of your kind come to me when they need certain medications." The old woman said as Veyle let out a small sigh.

"Life-long species?" Miguel said, "What is that?" He asked as the old woman raised an eyebrow.

"Life-long species are individuals that aren't human. For example, the Laguz looks like a mixture of humans and animals. Or the Kitsune who have human forms but can turn into foxes." The old woman said as Miguel's eyes widened a bit, "An immortal like Queen Lumera who is a dragon."

"I understand." He said and looked at Veyle who looked away.

"Hmm." The old woman hummed, "Anyway, young lady, come over here. I need to take a look at you so I can prescribe the right medication." She gently waved her hand and Veyle obeyed.

The old woman took a look, observing her face as well as narrowing her eyes before she closed them and then reopened them.

"Did anyone ever tell you that someone put a curse on you?" The old woman said and Veyle's eye went void, and a frozen smile. Miguel looked worried.

"Eh?"

"There's dark magic surrounding you. It explains your lack of sleep and appetite." The old woman sighed before she crossed her arms, "Have you been experiencing nightmares?" Veyle nodded her head shyly, "Hmmm...It's a powerful curse. Unfortunately I can not remove it. But," she turned and started going through the different bags of herbs, "I can prescribe you something that can suppress it."

She took out her scale which floated in the air and began to do measurements of lavender, chamomile, orange peel, rose petals, and calendula before taking out a small blue-colored stone, crushing it to dust and mixing it with the herbal mix before packing it all in a glass jar and handing it to Veyle.

"This is called Lavender's Lullaby. It's tea used for sleeping and warding off nightmares. I made enough to last you for three months. This should help keep that nasty curse at bay for a while." The old woman smiled.

"Thank you, Granny. Um, how much by the way?" Veyle asked as she took out her coin purse.

"30 copper." And Veyle paid the old woman.

"Now, as a bonus, do you two want your fortune told?" The old woman said and Miguel shrugged, nodding.

He did this with a few friends at the base he used to serve. He held out his hand and the woman looked at it. Rough his hand felt, as well as some scars, she traced the lines of his palms, making the man shiver before she spoke.

"You're from the Lycinth clan." She said and looked up at him, "So the curse of your bloodline follows you even to this day. Even from beyond the stars it did." The old woman said as Miguel sighed.

"Yes, I know about the curse. Unable to use magic until someone else helps me." He said but the woman shook her head.

"No. The other." The old woman looked at him sadly, "You took revenge on the one who killed your lover and then betrayed you. You destroyed their lives but you feel no remorse or guilt. A normal human would feel guilt but you don't. That is because the curse makes your people incapable of feeling remorse or guilt when you walk down the path of revenge." Miguel went silent as Veyle looked at him with wide eyes.

"When your people walk the path of revenge, you don't care about the consequences. You don't care about what happens to those around you or even the world. All your focus is on revenge. That is the true purpose of the curse placed on you by the demon who must not be named." The old woman said as Miguel remained silent.

"You're not proud. But you feel no remorse." The old woman said, "The path that is to come for you will be a long and harsh journey. The two you seek, they walk their paths. One you will save and the other will be lost..." he said and Miguel froze.

"What do you mean one will be saved and the other I will lose? Are you telling me I can only save one of my siblings?" He said lowly but the old one did not flinch nor did she look away from the dangerous aura he had.

"My...how interesting." Veyle couldn't sense that her other half was smiling gleefully at the scene, "To think that the one I am interested in, has already committed to destroying the lives of those that damned him. No wonder he could withstand draconic auras." The other half thought and kept watching.

"That depends on them." The old woman said and looked back at his hand, "Hmm..." she smiled sadly as she closed her eyes, "It seems at some point in your journey you will find peace and joy once more. There is something else." Just a smidge she opened her eyes and glanced at Veyle before back to his hand, "Love is closer than you think."

Veyle's other half went silent and Veyle herself clapped in joy.

"Wow! Miguel, you might have a lover in the future! Oh! How exciting!" Veyle grinned but she didn't know why, something inside her felt...hurt.

"I...don't think that's a good idea."

Veyle froze, confused by this.

"No offense or anything, granny but I...really am not looking for a relationship with anyone. Not after...what's has happened to me." He said as the woman looked at him sadly.

"That's because you're afraid." The old woman said, "Unless you learn to face that fear, you will never be able to move on. Even now, you keep everyone at arms distance." She said as Miguel gulped.

"Just how long do you think you can keep on running?"

[—-]

It was safe to say the fortune teller soured Miguel's mood. The young man let out a sigh as Veyle quietly drank from the spicy-sweet dragon fruit lemonade she bought. Hours had passed and it was soon night. Some vendors began to pack up their things while the ones that were preparing to sell food were getting more customers. The stands that sold drinks were getting lively and Miguel spotted his friends all together with mugs raised, drinking, eating, and laughing.

"Sorry, you had to see that." Miguel sighed as they stood in the crowd, "I'm just..."

"It's alright." Veyle said, "You've been through a lot." She smiled sadly.

Honestly, what the old woman said to Miguel bothered him. The first was that she saw what he had done, and most likely saw why. The second was learning something that Lumera never told him, that there was a second part to the curse. Now he understood why he felt no remorse or guilt after destroying the traitor's life after what they did to his lover. The third was his siblings. What did the old woman mean that he could only save one? What was happening to Perla and Nanami? What were they going through?

Just what the hell was going on?

Lastly, the last part was about love and his relationships. Despite he was close with Alear and the others, truthfully he was keeping them at arm's length. The main reason was...he couldn't bring himself to open up to anyone fully. After what happened to him two or four years ago, he just can't bring himself to fully trust anyone. Alear, Alfred, Klaus, Luna, Celine, Boucheron, Eite, Chloe, Loius, Framme, Clanne, Lumera, and even Vander whom he's grown to look up to as a mentor, he can not fully trust. The fact that Alear, whom he hadn't even known long, trusted him of all people fully, scared Miguel. The friends he has now made, all have a sense of innocence that he has long lost. They all still have a spark of life while he didn't. His eyes, one look at him, and Vander could see that he was a man who had seen the horrors of war. The horrors of war on Earth were the most gruesome and horrifying atrocities compared to Elyos.

The fact that he could even smile was a miracle to him. Miguel also realized that the entire time, Sitonia had not said a single word. He wondered if the Emblem was asleep or just watching, or even holding back from saying anything. Before he was about to speak, he looked up and saw fireworks going off into the sky. People were cheering and amazed by the beautiful sight of the mirage of colors in the sky. Miguel felt a pang in his chest, watching the fireworks was something he used to do with his lover as well as his sisters and the rest of his family. With his family, his parents would bring fireworks, and his grandparents would sneak in a few illegal ones, then set them, off on the Fourth of July or during New Year's. With his lover, it was during a time of war but the enjoyments like setting off firecrackers were few and rare.

Still, seeing Elyos's starry sky, the glittering stars, and the milky Ways, he couldn't see such sky in his world, only if he went to the forest or an isolated place he could see such beauty.

"Oh, so these are fireworks!" Veyle's voice brought him back to reality, "My Nana and Big Sister used to make these little firecrackers when I was a kid. My siblings and I would set them off." The girl giggled.

"I do know how to make some explosives." Miguel pondered and then heard an "AHEM!" In his mind and quickly changed his sentence, "I-I mean I do know how to make fireworks! If the opportunity arises, I'll make one for you!" He chuckled nervously.

Veyle smiled softly, "I'd like that!" The girl grinned and both looked up to the sky.

Despite the sour event that happened earlier, Miguel couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the fireworks.

"Perla...Nanami...Please be safe..."

The late night came and soon everyone went to their homes to sleep. Miguel chuckled nervously as he saw Alfred and Alear passed out drunk at the table, meaning he and Klaus had to carry them back to the Somniel.

"Got to go." Miguel sighed and turned to Veyle, "See you next time, hopefully,"

"Wait." Veyle gently grabbed his wrist, making him stop and look at her confused, "I...came to join the army temporarily." His eyes went wide, "I have to go to Brodia so, I think it would be better if I joined." She said and he understood.

"Alright. We'll be leaving in two days. I'll meet you at the castle gates, alright?"

"Alright!"

[—-]

It was the next day and night, and the old woman from the herbal stall fixed her herbs. The candles in her shop burned with the scent of orange and rosemary but a gust of wind blew out the fire. The old woman paused, her back turned before she let out a sigh as she put down the glass jar she was holding filled with shredded dragon scales.

"I knew you come." The old woman said and turned to see Veyle but, "Those crimson eyes, I knew you would show up sooner or later, the other half of the young girl." She said as Veyle smiled.

"You could have easily outed me. But you didn't." Dark Veyle said, "You easily saw that I exist because of my father. You told the defect she was under a curse, but you didn't say what it was. Do tell," Dark Veyle cocked her head, "Seer of Stars, why did you hide such information?"

"Hoho...Ho...Ho." The Seer chuckled softly, "Because I saw no need for me to speak." The old woman said and continued to organize her herbs, "I know better than to meddle with the strings of destiny and the webs of fate. Every individual," she glanced back at her, "has their own story. And each story has multiple paths. If an outsider comes in," she made a motion as she was holding a pen, "they can alter the story to what they desire. Your path, Dark One, I do wonder what twist and turns it will take. But one thing for sure," she turned to fully face her, "every path has an end."

Dark Veyle's eyes went wide as an insane smile formed on her face. She raised her right hand, and a ball of black flames formed but the old woman did not flinch.

"Hmmm..." the old woman hummed, "I see no point in killing me. You'll only receive satisfaction, not peace or a sound of mind." She said as Dark Veyle gritted her teeth.

"Tell me, Seer, what exactly did you mean by Miguel will find love?" She growled, "That man is mine. Mine and no one else's! There has been no other human alive that could withstand the aura of us fell dragons!" She yelled but the old woman only narrowed her eyes.

"Already laying claim, huh?" The old woman sighed, "I swear, no matter what Dagon race, your kind are quick to lay claim to those whose heart does not belong to you." She cocked her head, "Just like a mirror reflects, the reflection you will fight will be your own. Who will be victorious? The one who stands in front of the mirror or the reflection?" She smiled and suddenly the world became still.

SNAP!

With a snap of her fingers, Dark Veyle was suddenly in front of the springs in the woods.

"What the?!" She gasped, seeing the place, not only that, she gulped, quickly jumping away from the waters, "Anti-magic...That woman sent to an anti-magic spring!" She growled furiously, "That Seer...isn't normal. She must be from the Anti-Magic clan..." She looked at her hands, seeing how they were trembling.

If there is one thing all non-humans fear, it is anti-magic. A power that is said to come from beyond the stars, and it could destroy a person's magic system. For non-humans, it was poison. Just being near an area with anti-magic made Dark Veyle shiver, quickly warping away. She hugged herself, just glad to be away from the stream.

- The Next Day -

"Say hello to the recruit!"

"Veyle! You're here!" Alear grinned as he ran up to Miguel and Veyle, "I'm happy to see you here!" Said as the others joined.

"It's good to see you again Alear." Veyle grinned, "I'll be temporarily joining the army. I have business in Brodia." She said.

"Welcome aboard!" Alfred said and the group began to introduce themselves one by one to Veyle.

It was a bit overwhelming for the young woman, being greeted by so many kind faces as well as getting to know everyone but, it was the first time she had ever felt welcomed. The first to treat her in such a way was Miguel. Speaking of Miguel, she had to ask him about what he thought when he learned she was someone of the lifelong species.

As for Miguel, before they had set out, early in the morning, the dragon had called for a war meeting. The royals, their retainers, the dragon stewards as well as the court mages and sister, and him. It was difficult at first for Alear to speak but eventually, with a little bit of support from Miguel, he told the group about what he had learned.

Miguel remained by the dragon prince's side by watching the expressions and body language of those in the room. Some had conflicted emotions and expressions, like Luna and Klaus, while others were a bit hesitant but Alfred spoke up.

"As I told you before, I will continue to follow you. You have demonstrated your leadership and compassion when you saved my family and people. Even if we just came to you for help in the first place, I even brown to care about you. Fell or Divine, or whatever else, we need you. So don't think about leaving us.l the prince said and Celine nodded.

"My brother is right. You are, unfortunately, stuck with us." Celine said, making Luna snicker, "Sister is right! Besides, the army is a mixed bunch! It is not just humans, but all kinds!" She grinned.

"They are right." Klaus sighed and smiled a bit, "Besides, as one of Elyos's Court Mages, it's my job to set you straight should you head down the wrong path." He said.

"We Emblems will follow you. Completely of ours own free will." Sigurd said as the others nodded.

"Thank you...all of you."

"Alright, is everyone ready?!" Alear yelled out and the army cheered as he got on his horse, "Then let us march! To Brodia!" And once more the army cheered.

Miguel made his horse ride Alear's left and Alfred was on the right. Others mounted on wagons, or their flying mounts, some chose to walk.

"Map." Miguel held out his hand to Alear, "Give me the map. Marth told me you have a poor sense of direction." It was safe to say Alear looked at his Emblem ring with a look of betrayal.

Alfred just snickered as Miguel opened the map to take a look at it.

"You went for the throat, huh?" Syrus said to Marth, who shrugged.

As Miguel looked at the map, he began to study the terrain as he helped Alear lead the army. The direction they needed to head was towards the ruins, and its location still needed to be kept a secret. Thankfully the area they needed to go was heavily worded so from there, only a small team would enter it. A water butterfly suddenly appeared and landed on his shoulder.

"What do you think?" He asked Sitonia who narrowed his antenna's twitched.

"The woods...why did it have to be the woods? Uuuggghhh..." The Emblem's antenna drooped, she was having some flashbacks.

"Not a fan of it?" The man said, "Nope." The woman chirped.

They'll just have to see how it goes.

— Hours Later -

"What the hell is this?"

The team that was selected to go to the ruins was small but the second they arrived near the border of the ruins, Alear felt something was off. Lumera had informed him that those of the life-long species were more sensitive to magic and could sense things others couldn't. Veyle also became stiff, sensing some sinister coming from the woods. Alear instructed that he, Alfred, Klaus, Luna, Celine, and Miguel were to come with him through the woods. The rest would remain to watch over the army.

The emblems were quick to manifest, sensing something was wrong within the area. Framme and Clanne were instructed to set up barriers around the group. Veyle helped out as well. Celica summoned her tome along with Celine, creating a barrier around the group as they traveled through the forest. The more they walked, its life faded and the fog became dark and filled with contamination. Minutes later, they arrived at the ruins. The old ruins should have been covered in fauna, but what was in front of them was anything but that. Thick black roots and vines with thorns that are secreted with venom. The thick fog filled with poisonous magic, what looked like veins under the ruins.

"There is no possible way for us to enter." Celica said, a bead of sweat running down her cheek, "This cold feeling...It brings back nothing but painful memories..." The Zofia princess said as a mournful memory flashed in her mind.

The memory of her youngest daughter, jumping in front of her to protect her and her brother, only to be dragged into the black mud by the abomination her husband slayed. Marth and Syrus gaze's became mournful as they remembered such an event.

"Is there no way to cleanse this space?" Luna asked as Sitonia let out a small grumble as Miguel knelt along with Alear. Both placed their hands on the ground to get a feel of the Dragon Viens.

"I don't sense the Emblem here." Sigurd said, "It must have been taken."

"As much as it pains me to say it," Celica sighed, "it might have been for the best." Celine looked at her confused, "This filth...it would have corrupted the Emblem, and then...we would have to fight them." She said, the group shocked except for the Emblems.

"How is that even possible?" Alfred and Syrus spoke up.

"When Emblems become corrupted, there are some that can act on their own and turn the area where they are into their domain. I believe you all heard of Star Domains." Syrus said as the group nodded but Miguel raised his hand.

"I think everyone is forgetting here that I don't know any of this!" He said and Syrus did, "Oh...Sorry."

"I'll take it from here." Sigurd said and looked back to the group, "Star Domains are ancient ruins from ancient civilizations that were far more advanced in magic and technology. Legend is that they were created by The First Dragons to protect their people. How they obtained such knowledge is unknown but the domains they created can house entire cities, castles, dungeons, and much more. Some even believe them to hold an entire new world in them." The knight explained, "We Emblems can create such domains. However, the purpose of it is to test and challenge the ideals, resolve, and goals of our welders. To see if they are ready for the next step, to awaken the hidden power we Emblems have." He said as they looked at him shocked.

"There will be a day where each of you will be tested." Marth said, "Today is not that day. The reason we brought the Star Domains up is because a corrupted Emblem will do this. It will be to trap and destroy us. Thankfully there is no Fallen Emblem but if there were, we would have to enter the ruins and fight them. Once defeated, then Alear can cleanse them from the darkness." The prince said the other gulped.

"But is a way to cleanse this place?" Luna said, "Surely there is a way."

"Honestly, I'm not sure." Sitonia spoke, "The magic here feels similar to what Akanos and Grima used but this feels much more sinister." She said and Celica nodded.

"I at first thought it was the corruption Duma would use but it's not. This is something different. It feels almost...demonic." Celica said as she glanced back at it.

Miguel summoned his Fuji and aimed at a dragon vein he saw then released. Only for a moment, it was purified once more before it was overtaken again.

"If the Emblem isn't here, then that means someone stole it." Klaus sighed, "The closest territory from here belongs to Count Lavulite of Brodia. That's the only other location the individual who stole the Emblem could go to. We should head there and rest." He said as the others nodded.

"We should get there in two days."

- Dreams -

Alear was dreaming again, but this time, something did not feel right in the dream. The dream felt cold, and dark, along with a wave of sadness.

"Hello?" He called out, "Hello?" Again, no response so he just kept walking. He walked and walked, it felt like hours had gone by till he finally saw light. He quickly ran towards it, soon to be engulfed by it. He quickly used his arms to protect himself and once the light was gone, he gasped. Bookshelves of all kinds were filled to the brim with tomes, scrolls, tomes, stone tablets, and many more. A celestial sphere glowed at the very top with a galaxy-like ceiling.

"Where...is this?" Alear whispered as he began to walk through the library.

He spotted all sorts of things. From potions, glass bottles, and jars filled with herbs as well as bones on display, weapons, clocks, and much more. But he could hear bell chimes. But suddenly a gust of wind came, and appearing before him was a woman he had never seen before but she looked familiar.

"You came." The woman smiled, "It's a good thing too. It's nice to finally talk to you again, Alear. You don't recognize me, but I know you very well." She said as Alear looked at her shocked.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Emblem Arisa." Arisa introduced herself, "I am the one who connected you to my wielder's mind." She said as Alear looked at her shocked.

"I don't understand. Why...bring me here? I...only just met them. And, I've just met you. I apologize I do not recognize you." The prince said as Arisa smiled sadly.

"It's alright. As for why I connected you two, well..." her gaze became half-lidded as she placed her index finger over her lips, "I'm fulfilling a promise."

"A promise?" Alear asked.

"You'll find out in time." Arisa said then floated behind him, gently pushing him to a wooden door, "You'll find my wielder in there. She can't see you clearly yet but you can. Now go." And the woman disappeared in a shower of golden dust after she gently pushed him again.

Alear took deep breaths, trying to calm down his racing heart as his hand trembled over the door knob. After a long while, he was finally going to meet the individual who helped him and his arm. He took breaths and pushed the door open. He walked in and closed it carefully.

The inside of the giant room looked like a smaller library but with a desk, several papers, and maps pinned onto the walls. But there was a wall with papers pinned, he saw a person, their back facing him. He could see it was a young woman, based on the slightly pitch mutters he could hear.

"If Soren is here..." The young woman muttered to herself as she moved a pin, "Then that means...Veronica, Robin, Chrom, and Hector...are here. But...Yuri...Lestia...Shez...what other Emblems are there?" She whispered and then paused, feeling a presence.

She turned and her eyes went wide, for Alear, his did as well and he just stared. The young woman had tan skin, brown eyes, and curly medium-length black hair. The clothing she wore was a winter mage dress, black tights, boots, and a purse she wore over her shoulder. But...she looked pale and there were dark circles under her eyes.

"It's you..." The woman said as she fully turned to him with a bitter smile, "I...still can't see you clearly sadly. But...I'm glad to see you again." She sighed, tired, "I'm...sorry you had to see me in...such a state."

"You don't have to apologize for anything." Alear said as he walked up, "Um...can you say your name?" He asked and the woman tired but again, only glitch sound, "Sigh, looks like we're still restricted."

"Sadly."

She turned to look at the papers on the wall, she crossed her arms.

"Did you find her? The Dawn maiden and the one with stars in her hair?" She sled and Alear let out a frustrated sigh, "That's a no."

"We...ran into some big trouble." Alear said as she looked at him worried, "The ruins where The Ring of The Dawn Maiden were covered in corruption." The woman looked at him shocked, "Thankfully the Emblem wasn't there but the problem now is the location of it and whoever took it." She said and the woman thought for a moment.

"Hmmm..." she uncrossed her arms and turned to him, "Brodia should be nearby then if you're at the ruins. Then, the territory should be close." And then held up her hand, "The One with stars in her hair, her hair is a reddish pink, she speaking in old fashion with Thou and a go lucky voice. She took the ring most likely. Also, she's a good person. Someone you can trust." She said, "But listen, when you get close to The Great Crossing, you will meet three other individuals."

Alear stood straight to listen.

"You will meet The Second Prince of Brodia and his retainers. They will attack you because they believe you are the enemy but once that misunderstanding is cleared up, the prince will apologize...dramatically." The young woman chuckled nervously. "Once you three meet, you will encounter The Third Princess of Elusia, she has an Emblem." She said then bit her lip, nervously.

"What's wrong?" Alear asked before the woman took a deep breath and spoke.

"The Third Princess of Elusia...Please...Tell the Divine Dragon to capture and her retainers alive." Alear looked at her shocked, "Please, let me explain." The woman looked up to him with pleading eyes, "I... can see into the future. I'm...a seer." She said, "The Princess along with the second princess of Elusia and their retainers will be your allies in the future but I want to speed up that process." She let out a shuttered breath, "Defeat them, capture them, and tell them that they need to evacuate their nation. If they don't, The Fell Dragon King will turn their entire nation into a corrupted army." She said the fear in her voice was real.

Alear was shocked and bit his lip. If what the woman said is true...if...she really was a Seer...Something within this heart told him she wasn't lying. The prince nodded and took her hands, sending the woman's face to turn red, and he got a bit too close to her face for her liking.

"I understand! I will make sure to inform the Divine One of this." Alear reassured her, "Is there anything else we need to know?" He asked and she nodded.

"If you find the girl with stars in her hair, after you find her, look for the Emblem in Firene I told you about and also find the other girl. She's a young merchant with red hair and eyes. She'll help you." She said and looked at her hands, "Um...you can let go of my hands now."

Now Alear felt his face turn red and let go.

"Sorry about that..." Alear chuckled nervously as he apologized.

[—-]

"It's good to see you again, Marth."

When The Creator created the Emblems, he created a spiritual space the rings, and the spiritual world where they could gather and meet. In that space, only they could access it. The Altea prince had not been in space for many years. The world was like a sea of stars, and there in front of him, stood an Emblem he thought was lost forever when Ermos left this world. The brown-haired woman floated down and smiled sadly.

She was good at hiding it but the Emblem noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

"I don't have much time," Arisa said as her body was starting to become transparent, "My wielder is The Starfarer and...she has been cursed with The Devil's Kiss." She said and Marth looked at her shocked.

"You know what that means, Marth. It means The Demon is soon to return." Arisa said as she began to fade.

"Wait!" Marth called out and with Alear, the world around them also began to fade away.

"Marth...make sure...to...find...remaining Emblems." Arisa said and a speck of white magic flew into Marth's chest, "A...little bit of my power. Use it...to...find the others..."

And the dream was over...

- End of Dream -

Alear woke up slowly as he felt a few small jumps in the cart. He blinked a bit for his eyesight to adjust before he let out a loud yawn.

"Whoa."

Alear blinked multiple times to see Miguel looking at him with wide eyes as well as Alfred and Celine.

"What's wrong?" Alear asked as he noticed some of the red faces Alfred and Celine had.

"Someone has the fangs of a dragon." Miguel snickered and Alear realized what he was talking about, and covered his mouth, "It's fine! Nothing to worry about! But you two..." he smirked in the sibling's direction.

"Silence, you!" Celine huffed, "Cough! Good morning, Divine One! We wanted to let you know we've arrived at Lavulite Territory in Brodia." She said as Alear nodded and stood up.

"I have some news." Alear said, "I had a dream again last night." Miguel and Alfred perked up, "The person I saw in my dreams, they said that we'll find the Emblem here." He said, "We need to keep a lookout for a woman with pink-red hair and has Star ornaments in their hair." Alear said as he jumped out of the wagon and Marth appeared.

The Emblem closed his eyes and then blinked before turning to Alear.

"There is an Emblem here." Marth said, making everyone turn to him, "We should be careful. I sense...something wrong here." He said and the others nodded.

The County of Lavulite was bustling with life but there was something dark that Marth sensed. Perhaps his senses heightened because of the power he was given by Arisa. Just a small fragment was enough to feel that Arisa was becoming weaker. If what the woman said was true about The Starfear being cursed with The Devil's Kiss, they had to be cautious. The emblems returned to their rings but not before Marth sensed someone was watching them.

The one in the shadows smiled because soon it would be time…

[—-]

"Hide here, Anna."

A young boy dressed in green and blue in the uniform of a martial monk, the boy looked at the red-haired girl who hid in a crate.

"Jean, this is a bad idea..." Anna said, her voice trembling, "The guards here are hunting me down. I don't know why!" She whimpered, "I just...feel something wrong here."

"We'll find a way to sneak out of the place," Jean said as suddenly a finch landed on his shoulder.

The boy was confused by this as well as Anna, who stuck out her head. The bird flew into the alleyway and then flew back to them.

"I think..." Anna looked at Jean, "it wants us to follow it." Jean gulped but he had a feeling he better listen to Anna or both would regret it.

The two children quickly followed, being careful to dodge as many guards as they could till they reached a wooded area behind the town. They were a bit scared at first till finally, they saw a bunch of tents, knights, and even soldiers. The armors they recognized belonged to those of Firene and Lythos.

"Didn't your father say recently that The Divine Dragon and his army were coming to Brodia?" Anna said as Jean nodded, "Then, did the bird lead us to The Divine Dragon's army?!"

"Wait, the Divine Dragon?!"

The two kids jumped and looked to their right to see a pink crimson-haired woman with a purple assassin's uniform and also the same finch they followed.

"Oh," the woman turned to them, "what are you kids doing here?" She asked.

"Ummm..." Jean and Anna did not get to speak when the little finch chirped and once again indicated it wanted them to follow.

The trio looked at each other unsure but followed the bird. As they walked they looked around the army till they arrived at what looked like a wagon and there was a group of people there.

"Okay, so do you think whoever took the ring in the ruins could know it was a relic of the royal family?" Alfred said as the crimson-haired one froze.

"I doubt it." Miguel said, "Whoever stole just wanted to sell it for money. I don't think it would just be because."

"WAIT THE RING IN THE RUINS BELONG TO THE ROYAL FAMILY?!"

The group jumped and quickly turned around to see the pink-crimson-scared woman looking like a frightened cat with arms in the air!

"Gaaahhh! I am so done with it! This isn't zappy at all!" The woman screeched and Miguel let go of a sigh.

"Welp, we found the thief." Miguel said, "Well, more like she found us." And then he noticed Anna and Jean, "Hey kids, no offense but this is an army-?!"

"WE'RE HERE TO JOIN AND WE'RE NOT TAKING NO FOR AN ANSWER!" Anna suddenly yelled out.

"Umm, we'll pin on that." Alfred said and turned to Yunaka, "Hello, nice to meet you. So, would you like to explain why you stole the ring in the first place?" He said as the woman let out a nervous laugh.

"Hyyaaa..." the woman sighed, "Welp, originally I was walking around the border, minding my own business when I heard a woman's voice." She said, "The name's Yunaka by the way! Hiaya papaya!" Yunaka introduced herself.

"Hiya..." Miguel suddenly had a flashback to a certain sister, "By any chance you wouldn't happen to know someone by the name of Nanami?" Unfortunately, Yunaka shook her head.

"I want to ask why you think but that can be for later." Yunaka said, "Anyway, long story short, "Help me...Hurry...This way." The woman mimicked the voice, "She told me which led me to the ruins. Pretty dust and cramps in there. But...it's what happened in the ruins." His expression became serious, "After I got the ring, monsters suddenly came out of the ground. I've seen plenty of monsters over the years but those things," Yunaka shivered, "I've never been so scared in life."

"Monsters?" Alfred said.

"Yeah." Yunaka sulked, "It was horrible trying to get out of the ruins and witness the entire place engulfed in black mud. Once I got out, those monsters came after me, and in the process, I lost the ring." She said, "I managed to track it down to this town. I can hear the voice in the ring calling out to me but it sounds like it's becoming weaker." She said.

"That's not good," Alear said, a bead of sweat running down his cheek.

"What did the monsters look like?" Luna asked and Yunaka thought for a moment.

"Well, at first it was a shriveled body that looked like it belonged to a human but it had curled horns on its head. Instead of hands, it had claws and fangs. The ring called them Fortyde." Yunaka said as even the others looked confused.

"Fortyde..."Now all the Emblems appeared.

"Whoa..." Yunaka, Jean, and Anna were amazed to see the legendary heroes.

"Sigurd, if it is the Fortyde..." Lucina said as the group looked worried.

"What are Fortyde?" Alear asked and Marth sighed.

"They are...monsters created from the regrets of those who have died. I never thought they would come back." Marth said, "They exist in our worlds as well. Dealing with them is difficult. But they exist as spirits. For some reason in Elyos, they have physical bodies."

"Let's...change the subject for now." Miguel sighed seeing everyone's mood was plummeting.

He turned to Anna and Jean, "So, why should we let you two join the army?"

"I got information about this place that I'm pretty sure you're going to need~" Anna grinned, "Plus! I'm a merchant! My name is Anna! I'm a traveling merchant. I may be small but I can pack a punch!" Anna grinned but, "Also because um...I have...nothing better to do. Not until I figure out where my family went." The young girl sulked and Miguel turned to Jean.

"Anna was originally with my family but on our way to a merchants guild, we were suddenly attacked and were separated from my family. We managed to sneak into a wagon for safety but after the exhaustion from running, we woke up here." Jean sighed, "And for some reason, the lord of this territory has set a bounty for Anna. To bring her alive is his order." The boy said, the expression on his face, grave.

That wasn't right. It's obvious that Anna had just arrived in Brodia and already someone was putting a bounty on her head. Why? Before anyone could say anything else, Sitonia manifested in the form of a cat and blinked multiple times seeing the little girl.

"Analisa?" Sitonia said and Anna looked at her shocked, "Wait, no. Which of the sisters are you?" She asked and Anna looked on the verge of crying.

"Queen Sitoniaaaaa! Whhhaaaaaaa!" The girl suddenly burst into tears and hugged the cat tightly, "You're here in this world! I-I can't believe it! You're actually here!" She cried, "I-I thought I wouldn't see anyone I know!" She said as Sitonia turned into a humanoid form.

It was the first time anyone had ever heard the queen sound so soft and gentle as she hugged the girl to calm her down.

"There, there, little one. Seeing how you are crying, you must Anastasia." Sitonia said as Anna sniffed, "It's alright, let it out." The girl shook her head as Sitonia gently cupped her cheeks, "Anna, why are you here in Elyos? I thought...the connection to this world was cut?" She said.

"Hey," Miguel spoke up as he placed a hand on the Emblem's shoulder, "I know this isn't the right time but we have to make a move." He said and looked at Yunaka, "Can you tell us the direction of where you heard the voice?" The woman nodded.

"Count Lavulite mansion."

[—-]

It was decided that Miguel and the rest would stay behind with Anna and Jean as Celine, Alfred, Luna, Klaus, and Alear went to Count Lavulite's manner with Yunaka. Of course, Yunaka would remain hidden. In the war tent, Veyle was making some of the tea she was given by the old woman. Miguel ended up also making some relaxing tea for the rest of the group as they waited for the results of what was going on. In the meantime, Anna was talking with Sitonia, Jean beside her.

"It's been difficult. The jump to this world was done using the orbs the real you gave us. But as we traveled through the portal something suddenly attacked us and I got separated from my sisters. The presence felt so similar to Anacharis and The Crystal Witch." The girl shivered, clearly still shaken.

"Do you know why the Count suddenly wants you?" Sitonia spoke softly.

"I don't know." Anna sighed, "I swear I didn't do anything!"

"Anna, I know you wouldn't do anything stupid." Sitonia sighed and gently patted her head.

The trio looked up to see Veyle walk up with two mugs of hot chocolate and handed one to each of the kids.

"Thank you Veyle." Miguel said as he sat across from them and the woman nodded before she went back to continue helping Vander.

"Are you sure you kids want to join?" Miguel asked again and the two nodded firmly.

He closed his eyes as he let out a sigh. As much as he wanted to reject them, he thought back to the others in the army. Unlike modern times, children would join the army in medieval times and Elyos was pretty much that to a certain degree.

"Child soldiers...why did it have to be like this?" Miguel thought as he gritted his teeth.

Sitonia looked at him sadly then turned to look at Anna again.

"Anna, I want to introduce you to someone." The Emblem said as the girl blinked, "This is Miguel." She pointed to him, "He comes from The World of Steel." Anna's eyes went wide, "So, he has a few questions and maybe you can answer them." She said.

"Wwwhhhaaaaa?" Anna gasped as she looked at Miguel, "You're an Outworlder?! And here I thought it is harder to find you people." She said as Miguel's eye twitched, "But, I'm not sure I can answer any questions you have. Usually, it's my big sister who...sadly isn't here, answers them. But shoot away, I'll do my best!" Anna said the twinkle in her eyes showed her spirit.

"Alright." Miguel took a deep breath, "Is it possible for me to return to my world?"

It was in all the life has been sucked out of the room and a dead silence came in an instant. Sitonia already knew the question was coming and gave everyone else a look to not say anything.

"Before you ask," Miguel said, "I...personally want to stay here. In this world." He sighed, "However, I'm not the only one here. My sisters were also brought to this world. I...don't know if they want to stay after the war is over. It's...why I'm asking." He said as Anna bit her lip and she looked down at her cup.

"Well..." the girl struggled to speak, "I'm sorry but...it's impossible to return to your world." Anna said, "The World of Steel is special. There's a barrier around it that prevents any outside forces from entering it. But for some reason, it's easy for someone from that world to be taken out of it." She said as she remembered the conversation her elder sister had with a certain blue-haired woman from The World of Three Houses.

"Most of your people that end up in other worlds were either brought to them against their will, they were killed or died in the other, or somehow accidentally ended here or have no idea how. Some even reincarnate." Anna said before she took a sip of her drink, "Even my sisters find it extremely difficult to travel to The World of Steel. And...we have one sister who did travel there but..." her lip trembled, "we lost complete contact with her. We don't even know if she is alive." She whispered.

"The only way you would be able to return to your world would be through an Outrealm Gate, some weird unknown taboo magic, or if a God helps you return." Anna sighed, "That's what my big sisters have told other Outworlders they've met over the years." She said as Miguel was silent.

"At the same time...time runs differently in each world. What could be a day here could have been over more than one year in your world." She said and Miguel sighed.

He nodded, feeling his throat tighten a bit before he let out another shuddering breath.

"Thank you for answering my question. I..." he stood up and smiled bitterly, "I need to step out for a bit." He said and left out the tent.

Veyle was about to go after him but stopped the moment Sitonia spoke.

"Don't." The Emblem said with a sad tone, "He needs some space at the moment."

[—-]

Miguel paced back and forth near the lake bed. He walked off pretty far because he didn't know how he would react. Truthfully, he was angry. Very, very, very angry, to the point he noticed that each step he stood burned the ground he walked. He was still adjusting to controlling his magic. Some part of him hoped that it would be possible to return to his world but hearing this, perhaps it was closure he needed. The closure he needed to finally close the door that haunted him.

"I want to cry..." Miguel said as he touched the skin under his eyes, "But...I don't think I can anymore..." He whispered and sat down before he stood up again and pulled off his shirt and shoulder armor.

The one thing he was thankful for was that he didn't wear any armor, only the shoulder and his belt. He jumped into the lake and just dove down, swimming. Thanks to his Emblem, he could breathe underwater naturally which felt amazing as he swam. His ring suddenly glowed and a dolphin of water was in front of him.

"Good, you discovered you can now breathe underwater." That was Sitonia's voice, "How are you feeling?" The dolphins asked and then turned into a form of a mermaid.

"Angry." Miguel said, "But...sigh...some part of me is relieved. But I don't know how my sisters are going to react though." He said as Sitonia was silent, "How...did you take it? When did you learn you can never return to our world? By the way, how did you end up in the new world you were in?" He asked.

"I was killed in our." Sitonia said as Miguel's eyes went wide, "I was...someone of high power. I started as a rookie in the police force, and eventually worked my way up till I was someone of high authority in the government. My friend who was my partner, I jumped in front of her and took the bullet. Unfortunately..." she sighed, "It was a fatal blow. I died in her arms. I will never forget the look of despair and agony on her face as she screamed and cried out my name." She said.

"How did...you overcome your death?" He asked and Sitonia smiled bitterly.

"I...eventually came to terms that I was going to forever live in the new world I was reborn in." Sitonia said, "I never knew what it was like to have a family. I was abandoned at birth at an orphanage and thrown around in foster care. It wasn't until I met my group of friends that I learned what trust, love, and friendship were. And...it was my new family that made me learn what true family love is." Sitonia said with a soft smile.

"Sigh...speaking of family, I miss my husband and children." She sighed.

"How many kids do you and your husband have?" Miguel asked, curious.

"Oh, we have eight ."

Miguel choked, shocked to hear this. Sitonia just glared.

"I'm a dragon, just to let you know. And dragons tend to want to have more than one child. Even my husband was more than happy to have more children. We have three sons and three daughters. Plus two kids, a Kitsune boy and a wolf-skin girl that I adopted before I married my husband. He loves them all." Sitonia smiled blissfully as the faces of her children came into her mind.

"Jesus." Miguel said, "You two were...quite active." Sitonia just glared.

The woman huffed before she asked him a question.

"What about you?" Miguel raised an eyebrow, "Do you want to have a family of your own one day?" The former soldier sighed.

"I haven't heard that question in years." Miguel said, "I guess...I can open up a bit about this." He said and looked at her, "Months before my lover passed away, we had a serious sit-down and conversation. One is the future. Two, ourselves and what we wanted in a relationship before we continued any further." He said, "I said...I wanted to have children in the future. I also told her that I understood if she didn't want to give birth, and that I was okay with adoption. I would love them all the same. We talked about if she wanted to work or be a stay-at-home wife. A serious decision of relationship with both had." He said and saw her remain silent for him to continue.

"We both wanted children and were open to adoption. We wanted to be stable first and focus on our careers before we settled down. Next, we made sure to communicate with each other. We would both have separate accounts of our own money and one account made for the bills, necessities, and such. Lastly, work together to pay the bills and split the chores." Miguel explained.

Unfortunately, he could not see the smile the woman had due to her forms being faceless.

"You're a good man." Sitonia said, "Also, do you feel a bit better after talking?" She asked and Miguel sighed, nodding with a small smile, "Good. But there's another reason why I decided to join you here." She said as he looked at her confused.

"I'm going to teach you how to do underwater combat."

- Count Lavulite's Manor -

Count Lavulite was kind to the group when they arrived at his mansion. He welcomed them with open arms, saying he heard that Divine Dragon's army was coming to his land. The inside of the mansion was...luxurious to say the least. From the stairs, carpets, furniture, just everything. Despite the kind chatter and conversations with the count, Alear kept feeling something was off. He could sense Marth was restless. So Alear quietly ate his food, unfortunately, his Draconic body demanded food whenever the opportunity arose. Yunaka was somewhere, waiting and hearing for the Emblem's voice. Alfred's voice brought Alear back to reality.

"Lately people have been disappearing in my territory." Count Lavulite said as he looked at the group, "I've made sure to strengthen security around the land as well as keep track of people that come in." He said as they nodded.

"Count Lavulite," Celine spoke, "have you not thought about sending word to the Brodian Royal Family? Surely they would send troops." She said and the count let out a sigh, shaking his head.

"Unfortunately, such a thing is not possible at the moment." The Count said, "The War with Elusia had become bloodier ever since the death of Princess Topaz and Queen Rose." He looked at his cup, swirling the wine, "The Capital at the moment is under lockdown. Recently, Elusian spies were caught infiltrating the court." He said and they were shocked.

"That's not good..." Luna thought as the count continued.

"We're doing everything we can at the moment to search for the missing people. I just hope they are alive so they can be reunited with their families." Count Lavulite said but again, Alear was getting a strange feeling from the Count.

"We'll stay here for a few days before we head out." Alear spoke up, "We'll do what we can and help you locate the missing people." He said and the Count let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Divine One." Count Lavulite said as they stood up, finished their meals, and headed to the entrance hall of the mansion, "You're all welcome to stay here and rest. I will retreat for tonight. May your journey be well." The Count bowed politely and left.

They waited for a bit before Yunaka jumped down in front of them, nearly making them all scream.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Yunaka winked with her tongue stuck out, "But seriously, Divine One!" She pointed at him, "You need to learn to control your expressions better!"

"Was I making a face the entire time?" Alear said and Klaus did a "so, so" shake with his hand.

"It was more of a bored expression as you ate your food," Luna said, which made Alear slump.

"When we get back to the Sommiel, I'm asking Mother to start teaching me royal lessons." He sighed, frustrated with himself but then paused.

Is he...worthy of being The Future Divine Dragon Monarch? Something as basic as controlling his expressions is something he wasn't able to do and now—-

"Hey! Snap out of it." Alfred snapped his fingers in front of him, "I know what you are thinking. Alear, it won't be easy but eventually, you will learn to control emotions. It takes time. Believe me, it took me a while to get used to it." The prince said as he remembered his royal lessons.

Alear let out a sigh and nodded, but the group heard a happy cheer and looked to see Yunaka pull up a rug from under the dining room table.

"Here it is! Zappy!" Yunaka cheered as removing the rug revealed a floor door, "This is where I'm hearing the voice."

"She's right." Marth's voice rang from the ring, "I can sense the Emblem. We should hurry." And down they went.

[—-]

"This way...Please...hurry...It...hurts..."

The wooden door revealed a cave with stone stairs that led underground. The scent of dust and water, made Alear feel uneasy as they went deeper. Klaus made a fireball float in front of them. What felt like hours was only minutes and they reached the bottom. The fireball then went to the torch that Alfred lit up and illuminated partially the area.

"It looks like some sort of church..." Celine said as they looked around.

The nave had multiple pews that were lined up equally. At the very front was the channel where there was an altar with what looked like bread from afar and a wine cup. Next to it was a lectern and being was a cro-?!

"W-What is this?!" Luna covered her mouth in horror once they got closer.

On the floor of the channel were drawn magic circles with dark magic runes, and what looked like hundreds of human hands that were cut off, were laid over it. Now that they were at the alter, Celine nearly screamed seeing the body of a lifeless child lying on the alter with black spider lilies coming out of its chest. And on the cross, was crucified a young woman, her eyes wide, lifeless, and also black spider lilies sprouting out of her chest.

"Was the meal not satisfying to you?"

Celine and Alear suddenly felt a terrible presence behind them and quickly turned, only to see Count Lavulite standing behind them with a disturbing smile.

"My, you all are in trouble for wandering around without permission." Count Lavulite said.

"YOU! What did you do?!" Klaus yelled as Alfred's face became dark.

"You are free to believe whatever religion but this is wrong! This isn't right!" Alfred said angrily as the Count just chuckled.

"What is all this...?" Luna shivered as everyone took out their weapons.

"Can't you see?" Count Lavulite said, "All this an on offering to Lord Sombron and The Demon Lord." He then held up his hand and showed a golden ring with an orange stone, "I was planning to offer my lords this ring as well."

"That's the Emblem Ring!" The Emblems appeared all together as Marth yelled.

"More devoted...The more blood I offer!" The Count walked passed them and bowed in front of Serpent Statue, "The more money and territory I gain! It's all thanks to Lord Sombron and The Demon Lord! My lords! My lords! My lords!" The count chanted madly, the group could not believe what they were seeing.

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Yunaka was behind the count with a dark expression as she held a dagger right next to his face.

"Yunaka?!" Alear gasped and the Count hummed, turning to glance as he opened one eye, the white was black.

"Oooohhh? I almost didn't recognize you. Your appearance has changed...Larimar." The count grinned as Yunaka's grip on her dagger tightened.

Larimar.

That was her birth name given to her by her parents who sold her to a man. A man who turned out to be an assassin and that he needed help. He took her in and taught her how to fight, and how to survive.

How to kill.

Killing was an easy job, it was nothing personal against anyone. It was easy money. The man who took her in raised her and taught her how to read, write, speak, or fit into any group to fulfill the job. Killing is etched into her body as a way of living. He uses her to get power, and money, eliminate competition and enemies, and rise to the top as a noble. And then one day, the man falls ill. His disease is uncurable so the man gives Larimar the money they earned from their jobs.

To put him down.

Larimar felt nothing but scorn towards the man but without him, she wouldn't be where she is today. It's why she stayed and never ran away because she felt she owed him. Now...it was time to repay her debt. So with her final mission, Larimar honors the man's last wish and puts him down. And when he finally breathes his last, Larimar cries. She cries and cries, feeling as if a burden has been lifted off her shoulders. She packs up the money and leaves. She changes her name, her identity, her appearance, everything, all to start a new life. She changes her name to Yunaka and gives up killing for a living.

That was three years ago.

So...how was, Count Lavulite, the man who took her in, her foster father, alive? Yunaka remembers when a few months had passed after she changed her identity, she heard that he was alive. Yunaka was shocked, asking herself how was he alive when she plunged her dagger into his heart. The same dagger she is holding at him in the moment.

"How?" Yunaka said coldly, "How are you alive?" Her hand shook a bit, "I did what you told me. I killed you. I plunged this dagger into your heart, making it an instant death. How are you alive?" She said, her heart racing as the count stood up and smiled, "You were never a Fell Worshipper. You never harmed your people."

"Oh, Larimar," Count Lavulite shook his head, "times have changed. In the darkness, I was enlightened by my lords!" He said and smiled down at her, "Here I see you stand beside the Half-breeds and children of the beast," he extended a hand to her, "How about working for me again? I'll reward you of course." He grinned but...

"SHUT UP!"

Yunaka screamed and, swung her dagger but all the count did was push her hand down.

"Aw, trying to kill me Larimar? Did you forget I'm the one who trained you?" And he punched her, seeing her flying to a bench.

"Yunaka!" The group yelled.

"You've gotten dull." The Count said and quickly pressed a button on the wall.

Smoke suddenly poured out of the walls, and the Count quickly covered his face.

"This is?!" The group was starting to become weaker, their bodies numb and vision distorted, "It's poison!" Klaus yelled and coughed.

"Don't worry!" Count Lavulite laughed, "You will all be sacrificed to the Great Lords!" He turned to look at Yunaka who had gotten up, even if now she had a broken rib, "It's a pity Larimar. It's been so long since I've seen you. A disappointment you've become." He said.

"You were trained to kill people without hesitation. An assassin that hesitates? How incompetent you have become."

"...Yunaka..." the count turned to see Alear struggling to stand up but he held his ground, "is different. She doesn't want to kill anymore. I chose...TO BELIEVE IN HER!" Alear yelled.

Yunaka's lips parted before a ghost of a smile formed on her lips.

"This bloody dog! You are still barking despite you are about to die!" Count Lavulite growled, "But I have the-WHAT?!" The ring wasn't in his hand!

"Yahoo~" he looked up and saw Yunaka right next to Alear with a smile, but most of all, "Is this," she held up the ring, "What you're looking for?" She winked.

"YOU BITCH!" The Count roared as Yunaka gave the ring to Alear.

"Thank you," Alear said and held tightly onto the ring and yelled:

"HEAL US, EMBLEM OF DAWN!"

Yellow and orange magic burst from the right and took on the form of while white-haired woman dressed in a crimson tunic, black tights, boots, and a blue long scarf as well as she wore gloves. Her eyes opened as a crimson tome appeared in her hands, revealing her golden eyes.

"I am Emblem Micaiah. Thank you for hearing my voice, Yunaka." Emblem Macaiah smiled warmly.

"What?! A person came out of the ring?!" Yunaka screeched and then heard a long thud and a weak, "Good..." and saw Alear and the others on the ground.

"...Do you want to help, Yunaka?" Macaiah asked, "Yes, I do!" Yunaka pleaded.

"There is a way to help everybody but...are you prepared if you are to stand on the brink of death?"

"Yes," Yunaka said, never breaking eye contact.

"Very well," Micaiah held out her hand and grinned, "Let us Engage, Yunaka!" The Emblem's form turned back to magic and swirled around Yunaka, her hair changing to bright yellow, her eyes golden, and her clothing to a pure white version of Micaiah.

"I am no longer Lamirar..." Yunaka thought as she floated up.

"S-Stop!" The count screamed and lunged as she put her hands together in a praying position.

"I want to a be person who can give and protect..." she whispered and her eyes snapped open as she spread out her hands.

"GREAT SACRIFICE!"

Magic burst from her body and engulfed the entire mansion. From the woods, the army saw the light. The general ordered the soldiers to stay behind while they all ran to the mansion. The Count screamed as the light burned him before he fell to the ground out cold. The light cleansed the poison and purified her friends.

"I...Ulp..." Blood poured from Yunaka's lips as her sight began to blur, "I did it..."

Her world went black.

- Hours Later -

"Hhmmm..."

Yunaka groaned as she opened her eyes and as her vision cleared, she noticed Jean was tending her wounds. She sat up but hissed feeling the sting all over her body.

"Lay back down. Do not move." Jean ordered and had her lay back down.

Alear, Alfred, Klaus, Celine, and Luna arrived and were glad to see her awake.

"I'm glad you're okay." Alear as Miguel walked into the tent to help Jean with the remaining medical supplies, "We are alive because of you. Thank you."

"You don't have to worry about The Count. He's currently detained in a location far from the county." Alfred said, "We also found people that were kidnapped were held underground. They are all in another tent being treated. As for those that...did not make it, they will be given a proper burial by the people here." He said, his eyes sad.

"I see...Sigh..." Yunaka whispered as she covered her eyes, "That's good. That's good..." she whimpered, "...My past...I can't erase it..." she said as they listened, "Even if just a little...I want to help you all..."

"...Yunaka...I don't have any memories of my past." Alear said and Miguel paused, "And when I learned who I was in the past...I was scared...But..." he sighed, "as you said, we can not erase our past but...nevertheless, rather than worrying about it, I want to think about the future and create my own path. I think about who I am now and those whom I have met. I've met so many people I want to protect. Yunaka, it will be difficult but...I hope one day you'll be able to move forward." He said and Yunaka smiled softly, nodding.

"Thank you, Divine One." Yunaka said, "You got room for one more in your army?"

"Welcome aboard," Alear said as Yunaka nodded.

"Alright! Zappy!"

Miguel smiled softly as he turned to the group and motioned Yunaka to sit. Jean glared at him but the man just showed him the bowl of medical soup he made.

"Alright." Jean sighed as Miguel crouched to give her the soup.

"It's a beef broth with some vegetables." Miguel said, "You're still injured so something light like this is best for you." He said as she took a spoonful and squealed at the taste.

"And I thought this was going to be bland!" Yunaka said as she woofed it down.

"You said you're a soldier but you know basic medical knowledge and even know herbology." Jean said as Miguel stood up, "Did you learn from your teacher?"

"Nope." Miguel said to the boy, "One of my younger sisters, Perla, is a professional doctor. Before we came to Elyos, she was planning to become a professional surgeon. I and our other sister helped her study." Jean's eyes went wide.

"A surgeon?! Someone who knows the advanced medical techniques?!" Jean said, "I-If the opportunity arises, I would like to meet her!"

"Sure." Miguel said turned back to Yunaka, "We're going to interrogate the count." The woman looked at him shocked, "You don't have to come if you don't want to."

"No. I'm going." Yunaka said, "I...I need answers. He...shouldn't be alive. I...killed him in the past as his last wish because of an incurable disease he contracted." She said and Alear nodded.

"Alright. We understand."

[—]

The army waited till nightfall and took the Count a an area that was far from the county. Celica said she sensed dark magic coming from the count that felt familiar. The rest of the Emblems expressed it as well. Deep in the mounts, they were the count on his knees on the grass, his hands tied back as two water guards Sitonia created kept watch. With all gathered around, Alear walked to the count and spoke.

"Count Lavulite," Alear said, his gaze cold as well as his expression, "your role as noble of Brodia was to protect your people. Instead, you kidnapped, tortured, and sacrificed your people to the Fell Dragon and Demon Lord. Usually, we would hand you over to the Brodian Royal Family but with the way things are, it's my duty to judge you." He said and Count Lavulite laughed.

"A Half-Breed is to judge me?! Hahaha!" The Count cackled as Alear's fist shook, "I did what I had to do! All for the land and money to expand my domain. You judge my actions as sins but what about you?" He looked up to him with a smile, "What about the ones behind you? What about Lamirir? She has committed far more sinful acts than I have. So why do you judge me and not judge her?" He chuckled darkly and his eyes were suddenly on Miguel.

"Why do you not judge The Forsaken who took revenge on the one who sent his lover to commit suicide?"

Miguel had his eyes closed and arms crossed, suddenly snapped them open, and uncrossed his arms. He looked at the count shocked. The Count laughed at his reaction as well as the others

"Half-Breed," Count Lavulite said, "what right do you have to judge me? You who is the biological son of Sombron? You should be standing next to our lord, you filthy defe-?!" The count didn't even get to finish when Yunaka was suddenly in front of him and punched so hard everyone heard his nose break.

"Wait, this magic!" Micaiah appeared, "This is Fell Magic! The presence of the count feels exactly like a Corrupted!" She yelled as Alear was shocked.

"Wait...that means..." Veyle gasped and began shaking, "C-Count Lavulite was..."

"YES THAT IS RIGHT!" The count suddenly yelled as Yunaka was frozen and unable to move he continued to scream, "Dead I was but Lord Sombrom and Lord Demon gave me a chance! They gave me a chance at a second life, to fulfill my desires and put away my regrets! None of you would ever understand wha—AARGHHHHHHHH!" Lord Lavulite screamed suddenly in agony, black veins spread all over his body and trashed.

Everyone was frozen, unable to move when Anna screamed along with Jean, black claws suddenly came out of the ground as the count continued to scream. Yunaka lunged and grabbed the two children in time before Lucina jumped in front of them and slashed the black claws in half. It screamed as it turned to dust.

"Forgive me! Forgive me! Aaahhhh!" black roots shot out of the count's mouth and devoured him, leaving nothing but a puddle of black and bloody mud where he had once kneeled. Had Yunaka not grabbed the children, they would have been killed in the crossfire. The world became silent and still in that instant before...

"Heheh..."

Giggling.

"Hehehe. Hehehe. Hehehe." Repeated over and over again like a broken record, the sound was a mixture of static and demonic.

As if hundreds of men, women, and children were laughing at the same time with mixtures, of high and low distortions. The sound came from the puddle of black mud before it suddenly began to bubble. At this point, everyone was a safe distance from it.

"Hehehe. Hehehehe. Hehehe. Oh...I'm just so tired." The distorted voice from the mud said, "I'm just so tired of waiting and waiting. Just how long till..." The mud began to rise and take on a human shape, "you all arrived in Elusia? Hehehe. Hehehe. Hehehe." It said.

Gravity suddenly was against them and everyone around them was groaning in pain, as if being forcefully pushed down to the ground. Yunaka held tighter onto the children, and Micaiah with Celica, cast a barrier around the group.

The mud suddenly began to have a much clearer shape and soon, Miguel felt his blood run cold as well as Alear. Nanami now stood where the mud was, but the right side of her face and body was glowing in colors of blue, red, black, and purple, glitching like a scratched movie. The white of her left eye was black, and she cocked her head. She had a smile that looked warm and kind but it was anything but that.

"It's so boring...waiting for you all. I figured I might as well show myself." her body suddenly glitched and now her appearance was Queen Lumera.

"You..." Marth managed to choke out but then the creature glitched again and it was in the form of a man named Chris, whom Syrus and Marth knew.

"Who are you?!" Miguel yelled as the monster that took on his sister's face laughed and laughed, "Why do you have my sister's face?! Why do you have...urgh?!" He was forced down again with a flick of a finger.

Alear gritted his teeth as Yunaka held Anna and Jean protectively in her arms. Yet, Anna was trembling and flinched when the monster pointed a finger at her. She felt nothing but fear towards it.

"I only took on the form of someone in your memories. Or..." it giggled, "perhaps this is a sign...that this individual..." it placed a hand over its chest, "that she will become me." It said and looked around before having their hand resting underneath her other elbow, they brought their other hand up as they curled their fingers in front of their face.

Their figure glitched again and this time it was in the form of a child that sent Sitonia into screaming rage. THAT WAS HER DAUGHTER.

"HOW DARE YOU TAKE ON THE FORM OF MY DAUGHTER?!"

"Oh, how pitiful." The monster said as it saw the water-humanoid woman, "To think this is what you have been reduced to, Sitonia. But then again," it smiled and glitched again into the form of a Hero named Alm.

Celica bit her lip, her fist trembling in anger.

"Maria was the one that sealed away to keep you from becoming a Fallen Emblem." It sighed, "How fun it would have been to watch you kill your master and your descendants that have settled in this world." Sitonia tremble.

"W-Who are you?!" Alear growled the scales on his cheeks began to appear.

"I am someone who everyone in this world has forgotten. I am someone who does not remember my name. But I am also someone who the Outworlder Emblems have fought in their new worlds. I am only a fragment of that someone." It giggled as Syrus and Sitonia suddenly felt their blood run cold.

Alfred suddenly appeared behind it with Sigurd, both thrusting their relics forward, only for the monster the summon a wall of black mud to protect itself. It smiled at them before it reached out to them with a hand.

"Get away from that mud!" Lucina screamed and the the two lancers managed to jump back on time.

"Oh, Child of The Gates," the monster said, never taking its eyes off Anna as it raised its hands as if worshipping her, "you are only a fletching. Young. Weak. Yet you and your pathetic sisters and family are the reason why the Outrealm gates to this world no longer exist. You imbeciles shared the forbidden knowledge with Ermos and Maria." It growled before putting its hands down.

It took a deep breath and took one step forward, how it enjoyed watching everyone struggle to move.

"You think destroying the gates will change anything? No." It chuckled and cocked its head once more, smiling wickedly as it made its way towards them, "If anything, I have to thank your family. Thanks to them, I was able to locate The Starfarer. Finally! Finally after so long!" It giggled and stopped right in front of them, "My patience has paid off." It grinned, its form now glitching to Anna's older sister, Analisa.

It looked over the trio, despite they were being protected by the barrier they were terrified. It smiled then turned away, and began walking towards Miguel.

"DON'T TOUCH HIM!" It stopped and turned to Veyle who screamed at it and growled, "Don't touch him...GRRRRRR!" Her eyes flickered between purple and red.

It smiled, now glitching into the apprentice of a raven-haired woman with purple eyes and a feathered dress, making Veyle freeze in horror. That was enough for it to get to Miguel and loom over him.

"Hi." It grinned as Miguel glared at it, and that glare intensified when it turned to Perla, "It's nice to finally meet you, The Forsaken." It crouched, looking right into Miguel's eyes, "You really look so much like Ermos, but you have the eyes of Maria." It said.

"The Count did a terrible job. A pity he couldn't get me any more humans with high magic to eat." It grinned.

"What...do you want? Are you going to kill me?" Miguel growled, "Do it. Be over with it."

"MIGUEL NO!" Alear yelled, his hand reaching out to him.

"Now why would I grant you, a Lycinth, a quick death?l" it said as it rested its cheek on its right fist, its form glitched and turned back to Nanami, "I'm the one that brought you and your sisters to this world." Miguel's eyes went wide, "It was so hard finding that little sister of yours. Who would have thought that Nanami was the new Starfarer born after Rose's death? That Elusian Queen was so annoying." It scoffed, "How easy it is to manipulate the heart of a mourning king. Kill humans then turn his sorrow and love for his queen into an obsession and madness. A perfect ending for him. Hmm...Perhaps I should have granted Rose the same ending as Desdemona, that woman from the book called Othello." It smiled kindly.

"Sick bastard..." Miguel croaked.

"Rose made sure to send away her power out of this world to keep me from absorbing it. That woman was a seer after all. You think she gives her power to her daughter but no. She was able to see a new Starfear was going to be born after her death but not in this world.. Sigh..." it sighed, "But it was so fun seeing her and the Court Mages of the nations struggle so hard to try and contain me." It smiled and leaned forward.

"That tragedy was to bring you and your sisters here." Miguel felt his blood run cold.

"What?" Klaus trembled as it stood up and now was in front of him in the form of Queen Eve, "You...what did you do?!" He roared and they just smiled.

Each time they glitched to a new appearance, the other half of their body remained the same, glitching and never taking form. It smiled and touched the barrier as it kept eye contact with the mage. Even if the barrier burned its hand, it never wavered.

"Oh, nothing much. Just that everyone on that island seven years ago was sacrificed to create a link to the Outrealms." It said and turned into Marth's appearance, "It was the only way to bring The Forsaken and his sisters here. But what I want is The Starfarer, she's the only one who truly is like a treasure." They did a closed eye smile.

"That's right Miguel..." it smiled as it looked over his face, "everything is your and your family's fault. Every sacrifice made was to bring you three here. Every tragedy that fell onto your family was because of each sacrifice made here. Each drop of blood spilled in my name was to nurture the darkness in your heart. To nurture the curse I have placed on the Lycinth bloodline." It stood up to walk to Alear but...

"I...I..."

"Hm?" The monster turned only for a fist to meet its face and send it flying away from Klaus.

Miguel was panting gasping for air, half of his body was covered in water-like armor but his nose was bleeding he didn't care. The fog that held everyone down quickly disappeared, allowing the group to stand up and get ready to fight.

"I WON'T LET YOU TOUCH THEM!" Miguel roared and the monster just rose from the ground, its head hanging from its body by a thread before it reattached itself.

It looked at Miguel with wide eyes, now in the form that looked like a female version of Alear with red hair. It touched its cheek, before narrowing its eyes at Miguel.

"You should have stayed in your lane." Its form glitched and turned into the form of a Hero named Quan, making Sigurd angry, "I don't know how you were able to break out of my spell but I am for sure going to make sure your death and your sisters are as painful as possible." It took a step forward.

It's form again shifted and now it turned into a hero named Chrom. Lucina gritted her teeth.

"Wreched fiend!" Celine yelled, "How dare you use the faces of our loved ones?!"

"Ha." It scoffed, "A pretty face you are but I know what's deep inside your heart." It grinned as it turned to look just like her, "A warmonger who would go to extremes to protect her country." It said as Celine shook with rage.

"Aah," it shrugged its shoulders and turned into Alfred, "A pity I don't have enough power at the moment to kill you all. Eating the Count took more than enough energy as well as the sacrifices he made for me." It glanced at Veyle then at Miguel, "I'll let you all go for now. But..." it smiled as it turned to an aquamarine-haired woman that made Vander look beyond offended, "know that the clock is ticking. I'm going to get Nanami one way or another. And when I do..." They looked at Alear with an insane grin and eyes.

"I'll make sure that you are the one to kill her, Alear! Hahahahaha!"

And it turned to dust, now gone, only a black spider lily remained. The magic that was in the field disappeared yet no one could move or even say a thing. Miguel gritted his teeth, his hands trembling as he raised them, his head slumped as he looked at them.

"People...innocent people...were killed...all just...to bring me and my sisters here...all bloodshed...just to..." he thought and his body began shaking as he crouched.

He didn't know what to even do at the moment but the urge...the urge to scream nothing but bloody murder was strong. Just...the anger that was bubbling inside of him.

"Three. Two. One."

He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw it was Sitonia. His eyes widened for a moment, the way she said those words... sounded familiar.

"One, two. Three. Deep breaths. In. Out." Sitonia said softly and she quickly summoned a sword at the moment she heard one step made by Klaus, "Do not blame the death of your families on him." She said coldly.

"I haven't said anything yet," Klaus said but Sitonia could feel it.

Rage, anger, it was all coming from Luna and Klaus. Confusion and conflict from Vander, Framme, and Clanne. Uncertainty from the rest, and confusion from Alear.

"Miguel and his family are also victims." Syrus suddenly spoke, "The ones you should send your anger, rage, and hatred should be to Sombron and The Demon. I understand your frustration and anger but blaming someone who had no idea of their circumstances will do you no good." He said seriously as Lucina nodded and also spoke.

"He is right." Lucina said, "Everyone, at the moment, it is best you all separate and give time to yourselves. Alright-?!" Miguel suddenly disappeared in a tornado of water, "Sigh, he was quick."

"Syrus and Lucina," Klaus spoke up and fully turned to him, "why did you defend him?"

"...Because we understand his circumstances." Syrus said as he placed a hand over the left side of his chest, "What Miguel went through is what I did many years ago." He said the mage looked at him shocked.

"I felt guilty...I felt responsible for the deaths of the innocent." Syrus said as he remembered the time he was nearly killed by Marth.

It was during a time when there was already great strife. It was during a battle that they lost. Tensions were already running high and it was when both were hitting rock bottom. If it wasn't for Cadea stopping Marth, he wouldn't be here. Syrus never blamed Marth for the anger he felt. Because the reason he was brought to Archanea by Gharnef was to be used as a new body for the dark mage.

That dark mage needed someone with equal power to Marth to fully take revenge. And in the years he studied to resurrect Medeus, he learned about The Outrelms and caught a glimpse of it. And in that moment, he found a way to bring him to Archnea. He received help from an enemy that was after Syrus. An enemy that had a presence similar to Anacharis and The Crystal Witch. Now he was learning that the one he killed in his world was only a piece of the mastermind behind his tragedies and misfortune.

He was the one who caused Syrus to be killed so that his link to The World of Steel would be served for eternity. Just how many more of his people are being dragged into the conflict? What was the enemy after? What did it see in the people from The World of Steel? They were ordinary humans. They had no magic, super strength, powers, or anything like that? Just what did it want from them that it would go so far to break itself apart to go after them in different worlds?

After that fight, Syrus left. He left the army and disappeared for a year. No one could find or locate him no matter how hard they tried. Syrus just wanted to disappear and he did. In those travels, he found an ancient ruin in the mountains and hid there. He found old tomes of magic and began to study them. Studying helped him learn to control the power that was forced onto him by Gharnef and the enemy, and eventually, he used it to his advantage to go solo in taking down enemy forts and spies to help Marth and Cadea. It also ruined many plans for Gharnef. It wasn't till almost a year later that Marth finally located him.

"I had...a similar reaction to you Klaus," Marth sighed, "Believe me...placing blame and anger...will never be good. As the others said, Miguel is also a victim," Klaus gritted his teeth and nodded, a single tear fell as Luna covered her face.

"You all better go after Miguel. I have a feeling...he's about to do the same thing I did. Disappear."

[—-]

Miguel was at the bottom of the lake and just lay there, still. His right eye glowed a faint blue as he stared at the rays of the moonlight penetrating the surface. He didn't know what to think or even say after what he just learned. Every damn thing that happened to him and his family...it all was for the sole purpose to bring him and his sisters here. Friends and families sacrificed, innocent blood spilled, all just to...

"What do you want to do?"

Sitonia's voice rang in his mind.

"...Would it be so bad I want to leave?" He whispered.

"If that is your decision, then I will follow. I can warp you to the Sommiel if want to grab your things." Sitonia said softly as Miguel gulped and nodded.

"Good. Then let's go." He stood up and looked up towards the moon's wavering reflection on the water's surface, "Sigh...I know I'm going to regret this but with the way things are..." He looked down to the ground, "Me being around them will only bring bitter emotions."

"One last time, do you want to leave...?"

"Yes...Let's go."

— Elyos —

It was quick. She warped him to the Sommiel in an instant. The place felt...strange without anyone around. Miguel looked around before he made his way to his room. As he walked, he began to think about the memories he made. A small sigh left his lips as he arrived at his room a few minutes later. Thankfully he didn't have much. He went straight to his closet, throwing everything that was in it into his magic storage along with the few other things her had.

He grabbed his case, popped it open, and then threw the case into his closet before slinger his sniper gun over his shoulder. Just when he turned, his eyes went wide seeing Queen Lumera at his doorstep. The Queen had a half-lidded gaze before she crossed her arms.

"Only Alear and I have the capability of warping anyone back the Sommiel. Sitonia," she glared at the water butterfly on his shoulder, "has a nasty habit that she calls hacking, to get through my seals undetected. But the Sommiel is a different story." She sighed a bit, "Your great-grandfather used to do the same thing when he was a child."

Miguel remained silent and looked at Miguel again, her expression softened.

"He was...a kind man who was always thoughtful of others. If he hurt someone by accident, he would apologize. But if the argument was so big, he would disappear for days. No one could locate him. No one could find him." She whispered as Miguel listened.

"Miguel...I don't know what has happened to make you make the decision you want to do but know that you can talk. You don't have to shoulder everything." The queen said, "You helped Alear have the courage to speak to me and...also help him through the difficulty he was going through when he learned the truth of his identity." She said as Ermos and Maria flashed through her mind.

"How can I even stand beside you all..."

Drip...Drip...

Lumera's eyes went wide seeing tears start to fall from Miguel's eyes. His hands trembling as his smile was strained and his voice cracking.

"How can I even stand beside you all...When the reason so many are suffering was all to get to me and my family?" He croaked, "Not only that...it was revealed why I went down the path of revenge...every tragedy that has fallen is all because of us. We indirectly screwed you all. How could I stand beside you all?"

The Queen didn't know what to say or do but...

"Not this time...This time..." Ermos and Maria once again flashed through her mind as they turned their backs and walked away from all of Elyos, "This time..." the queen took a step forward and soon her arms wrapped around the young man, hugging him tightly.

Miguel was still, frozen before he rested his forehead on her shoulder, and cried, "This time...I'm reaching out..." the queen thought.

"Miguel...cry. It's alright to cry..."

So Miguel did.

He finally cried.

- Elusia -

"This is it..." Nanami whispered as she walked up to the altar.

There on it was a bracelet. She picked it up and held it to her chest tightly.

"Arisa...I've made my decision. I'm going to save King Morion."