After helping return the townspeople's belongings and bringing the Anna of Elyos into their ranks, the group had finally entered Brodia as some of them took in its mountainous terrain.

"Whoa… so this is what the Brodian landscape is like?" Hilda asked.

"Sure is." Alfred said.

"This place is completely different from Firene. Mountains, falling colored leaves, rugged terrain…. No wonder the locals here become strong, right?" Legolia asked.

"Brodia is known to be a country of strength and war." Sheer said.

"Strength and war, huh? Fits a lot of us quite well." Leopardmon said.

"Uh, yeah…. Can someone reassure me that we won't get attacked on sight here?" Hiyoko asked.

"Relax, Hiyoko, Queen Ève sent word ahead that we were coming. Even if Brodians are warriors, I don't think they're below a little diplomacy and peace-" Legolia said before she heard a cautious sound and a glint in the distance "Watch out!"

An arrow was seen flying towards Alear before it was shot down by Simon.

"See?! This is what I was afraid of!" Hiyoko said as everyone was on guard with Amber, Ganyu, Legolia and Geiz taking aim with their bows.

"Who's there?" Roy asked.

The group then noticed three figures further ahead of them, one male and two females.

The male was the shooter, having deep blue hair and wearing a red and white royal archery outfit with a blue tailcoat as he held a bow.

The female to the far left of him was shorter than the other, having cherry blossom pink hair and a red headband on top along with red knight armor and a cape as she hefted a sword. The second girl had short blond hair and wore a brown white female mage outfit as she held a Thunder tome in her left hand.

"Who the heck are you guys?" Hilda asked.

"I would make the same request of you. After all, you are the ones sneaking over our border." the male said. "Identify yourselves…or I will assume you are thieves." he said, notching an arrow as he and the two females readied themselves. "I don't intend for this next shot to be deflected."

"Whoa, waitwaitwaitwait! Hold your fire!" Glimmer said. "We just came from Firene, we're the Hero Alliance! We're even with Prince Alfred of Firene and the Divine Dragon!"

"The Hero Alliance, the Divine Dragon…and the crown prince of Firene?" the male asked.

"That's right, we're allies here. So just put the bow down and…" Ethox said, before the man sprinted full speed towards them and leaped into the air. Everyone prepared for the worst…before he bowed down as soon as he landed.

"I am so, so, so sorry!" the male said as most of the group sweatdropped. "I threatened the Hero Alliance, the Divine Dragon, and the crown prince of Firene! I'm begging, please find it in your hearts to forgive me!"

"Hey, hey… Just…calm down, okay?" David asked. "I-it was an honest mistake. Totally could have happened to anyone."

Geiz chuckled as he lowered his weapon and spoke to the archers. "You can rest easy, he got the message."

Amber, Ganyu and Legolia nodded, lowering their bows.

"Now please stand, child, there's no need for that." Thorani said as she helped him up.

"That was a heck of an apology." Koenig said.

"Yeah, you were even more dramatic than Kazuma when he begs for forgiveness." Legolia said.

"Hey, shut up!" Kazuma retorted.

"What, you know I'm right." Legolia said.

"Must have been hard on the knees. Hmm…wait a second. Your face looks awfully familiar." Alfred said. "You're not just a soldier, are you?"

"No. I think…yeah. He's the younger brother of Brodia's crown prince." Yunaka said.

"Wait…this guy's Prince Alcryst?" Eddy asked.

"I thought so! How's it going, Prince Alcryst?" Alfred asked.

"Even worse than usual. I'm sorry for taking so long to introduce myself." Alcryst said as his retainers came up next to him. "Oh, these are my retainers, Lapis and Citrinne." he said, introducing the two women.

"Honored to meet you and your coterie." the blonde known as Citrinne said.

"Yeah, welcome to Brodia." the cherry blossom haired girl known as Lapis added. "By the way, nice going, blocking Prince Alcryst's shot back there."

"It was a warning shot, but it was parried nonetheless. Still, you could've evaded it without the warning from your archer." Citrinne said.

"Whoa, what's with the criticism?" Connor asked.

"Sorry… my country is merely a little tense. My father, King Morion, received word from Queen Eve that your party was on its way. He ordered us to meet you at the border and formally welcome you to the kingdom. We've been waiting for a long time, and all we encountered were bizarre creatures. Or bandits. We assumed you were more of the same." Alcryst said.

"No harm done. It's what some of us would do." Adora said.

"And about the critique, it's nothing personal… it's just that my country places too much value on strength." Alcryst said.

"So, if we didn't dodge or deflect that warning shot, we'd have a rocky start, huh?" Ragna asked.

"Yeah. This is the Kingdom of Warriors after all." Lapis piped in. "Here, the weak serve the strong. Maybe we should give you a little test, hm?"

"You really don't want to do that." Ragna said.

"Uh… should we be worried?" Sachiko asked.

"No, please! Don't feel threatened." Alcrtyst said. "We're not a Meritocratic kingdom by any means. I'm so sorry for all this…so sorry. And I'm sorry it's me greeting you, instead of someone better."

"Okay seriously, stop with the Sorrys already." Paimon deadpanned.

"He's worse than Shady Lady is on a sunny day." Yuri said.

"Alcryst, relax. There is nothing to worry about. You and your retainers gave us quite the greeting, actually." David said.

"We did?" Alcryst asked.

"Yeah. This isn't the first time we've been attacked during our first time visiting a place." Hope said.

"Or even meeting someone, for that matter. But you did give a lot of us quite the surprise. You're a solid archer, if I do say so myself." David said.

"I'm not worthy of that sort of praise… If anyone in Brodia deserves it, it's my brother Diamant." Alcryst said.

"Man, this guy's a serious pessimist. Not the kinda guy I'd expect to be one of Brodia's two princes." Kazuma said.

"Don't let his pessimism fool you, he was almost dead-on with that arrow." Sachiko said.

"Yeah, he's no slouch." Bow agreed.

"Take away his worries, and watch his arrows fly into their marks without missing a beat." Zi-O said.

"Wow, so he's really that good." Ganyu remarked.

"Anyways, Prince Alcryst. I assume you and your retainers are here to escort us to Brodia castle?" Tanya asked.

"Uh…of course we would be honored." Alcryst said.

"Oh the honor is all ours, child." Thorani smiled.

With that, now in the company of Alcryst, Lapis and Citrinne, the group headed off. Despite the tension earlier, the group was able to be friendly with Alcryst's retainers, even being able to strike up some friendly conversation.

"Seriously?! You're that rich?!" Nemo asked Citrinne.

"Why yes I am. Is there anything that you'd like? Just say the word." Citrine said.

"No, no…if I starting asking, I'm never gonna stop asking." Nemo waved. "Nice to be generous and all, but some people will-"

"Hey, what're you two talking about?" G. Aqua asked as some members came up

"Citrinne was just telling Nemo about how super loaded she is." Entrapta said.

"Wait, she's rich?!"

"More than rich, MEGA rich. She-" Entrapta continued, before the clownfish Beastman quickly put a hand over her mouth.

"Don't you dare! You ain't gettin' outta debt that easily, water goddess!" Nemo said.

"Wait, I wanna hear more!" G. Aqua said, she and Nemo starting to struggle over Entrapta.

"Sorry about that… money's kind of a back and forth deal with her." Ethox told Citrinne.

"Oh…he mentioned she was in debt?" Citrinne asked. "How much?"

"Uh…100,000 eris, last I checked, but you don't have to-" Ethox started before the retainer pulled out a bag full of gems and handed it to Aqua.

"That should be enough, right?" Citrinne asked.

"...I am going to give you all the blessings." G. Aqua whispered in reverence as her eyes sparkled.

"Are you sure that's okay, Citrinne? Giving money to someone you haven't really known all that much?" Lapis asked.

"It's alright, Lapis. I don't mind." Citrinne said.

"Well, you're generous for a rich girl, I'll say that." Hope said.

"Yeah. Mind replacing the useless priest we have in our party?" Kazuma asked.

"Yeah…wait…that's me!" G. Aqua said.

"Uh…I decline." Citrinne said.

"Dammit! All that money, and I can't even get close to it!" Kazuma protested.

"Isn't Vanir giving you a taste of the high life already?" Koenig asked.

"Besides, it's not like she's rich enough to buy ridiculous things like a mountain or something. Money can't buy everything, I mean c'mon." Nemo said.

"Should you tell them…?" Lapis asked.

"No, perhaps it's best for them not to know I can buy a mountain." Citrinne responded. "Something tells me it would corrupt them worse than an actual Corrupted…"

"So, uh, Lapis!" Michiru said, trying to change the subject. "I heard you can go toe to toe with a bear or two."

"You bet. I'm also really good at building things. Crafting's sort of a hobby." Lapis said.

"So cool." Ruby said.

"Yeah…I guess it is." Lapis said.

"We'll be arriving at the Grand Crossing soon. That will take us to the castle." Alcryst said. "If I may. I was wondering about something Queen Ève said in her letter. Is it true that Elusia has released Sombron?"

"That's what we've been told. We're looking to gather all 12 Emblem Rings so we can take him down." Ethox said.

"We were told each country in Elyos has one ring each. Which one was Brodia trusted with?" Lysithea asked.

"For generations, my country has possessed the Ring of the Young Lion." Alcryst said.

"The Young Lion…" Ace said as most of the group looked at Roy.

"What does it look like?" Hope asked.

"It has a red stone and a certain…gallant aura. Diamant, the crown prince, told me he's been hearing a voice from the ring. He's a remarkable person. I'm lucky to be his brother." Alcryst said.

"You look up to him a great deal, don't you?" Miriam asked.

"Oh, yes. He's strong, wise, humble… The king adores him, as do our people. My brother is cut from the noblest cloth. I'm afraid I was made from the tatters…" Alcryst said.

"Please don't put yourself down like that. I'm sure your father and brother care a great deal about you as well." Miriam said.

"You're royalty, have a little more confidence in yourself." Noelle Silva said.

The group had soon arrived to the beginning of a large bridge.

"Ah, there it is. The Grand Crossing. There seem to be a great many soldiers out today… Wait a moment. Those are…" Alcryst said. "Elusian soldiers! They're occupying the bridge!"

"You're right! A whole army of them!" Glimmer said.

"Prepare for battle, everyone." 2B said.

The group headed out to the bridge as they confronted the one leading the troops. She had pink and white hair in two upper loops as she wore a white frilly dark blue and aquamarine dress with white and pink puffballs around the skirt, puffy cuffs, and under her right eye was a heart.

She also had two people behind her on both sides, on the left was a woman with long brown hair in a braid as she wore a yellow camisole with a shoulder pauldron on her left shoulder as she held a sword.

On the right was a feminine male with waist length white hair that was light purple at the tips with a bow as he had armored gauntlets and wore a combat skirt while holding an axe in his hands.

"Finally! It took you long enough! Very rude to keep a princess waiting. Very rude, indeed!" the leader said.

"Princess?" Ethox asked.

"Brodia and Elusia are polar opposites. Might and Knowledge. Where Brodia has two Princes…. Elusia has two Princesses. And right now, were looking at Elusia's second Princess." Sheer said.

"That would be me, the second princess of Elusia, Hortensia!" the girl announced. "Now then. Hell~lo, everybody!" she called out as her announcement echoed throughout the area.

Second Elusian Princess, The Little Charmer

Hortensia

"...Wow." Connor said flatly.

"Elusia's…second princess?" Alear asked.

"Uh-huh! In the flesh! And you're the Divine Dragon, and I'm guessing these people with you must be the Hero Alliance!" Hortensia said.

"Uh, right." Alear said.

"Ooo, I knew it! I could totally tell. You're the prettiest. It's a dead giveaway! I always thought Lumera was the only Divine Dragon. You could've knocked me over with a feather when I found out there was another one!" Hortensia said as she approached. "Wow… Those mismatched eyes of yours and your friends are something to see…"

"Don't come any closer! You wicked Elusians aren't worthy to approach the Divine Dragon!" Alcryst said.

"Hmph. Nobody asked you, Brodia. Besides, we're not the wicked ones. You are!" Hortensia said, leaving Alcryst silent. "My father says Brodia is a greedy, barbaric country. You're always invading our territory, taking our land. It's the worst! Do you know how many people you've hurt? Not just soldiers, but regular people?"

"Well when you think about it, she is right. Isn't Brodia kinda responsible for this whole conflict because they're the ones who are trying to take Elusia's territory?" Hilda asked.

"Thank you, she gets it!" Hortensia said.

"We're not just invading to expand. We are keeping your vicious, unpredictable kingdom in check." Alcryst said. "I take it you're retaliating? Launching a full-scale invasion to take your revenge?"

"No Alcryst. This is for Sombron's gain." Hope said. "They want the Emblem Rings to bring him back to full power. Hortensia's here so she can stall for time."

"You're right. I bet right about now, the Crown Princess is preparing to launch an attack on the castle. Her sister's just here to keep us away." Connor said.

"Bingo! You've just saved me an explanation. I'm just here to take your rings. By order of my father, King Hyacinth." Hortensia said.

"Alright, I think we get the idea." Connor said. "Really hate to do this to a girl like you, but we're gonna have to plow our way through your army so we can stop your big sister."

"Hah, as if I'd let you pass. My father's gonna be so proud of me! All Elusian soldiers, forward march! Get me those rings!" Hortensia ordered.

Hortensia and her retainers backpedaled as the Elusian army she commanded advanced to their positions.

"Everyone, battle positions!" Ichiro said as the hero side prepared for battle as well.

"Alcryst, we'll need your help with this one. You and your retainers. You in?" Adora said.

"Of course I am." Alcryst said, as he looked to his retainers focused and not unsure of himself. "Are you two ready?"

"Of course, Prince Alcryst. Leave it to us!" Lapis said.

"I wager we'll be back in time for dinner." Citrine added.

"Such confidence. But I'm still concerned about casualties. I will protect you both." Alcryst said.

"So brave… But, uh, as your retainers, it's really our job to protect you." Lapis said.

"Now, then. Get behind me." Alcryst said.

"Whoa, slow your role there, turbo!" Legolia said.

"Yeah, not a good idea for an archer like you to spearhead the formation." Rista said.

"They're right Prince Alcryst, you're more suited to the rear." Citrinne said as she pushed forward.

"Citrinne, that goes for you too, you're a mage!" Rista called to no avail.

"Those two…" Lapis sighed while smiling. It wasn't long before the Elusians were bearing down on them, as she turned to the group. "Don't worry, I'll keep them safe, and I'll help on the frontlines too."

"I notice you've got a two handed sword in your arsenal. That kinda heft will be great to push some people back." Connor said.

"Sure is. Just leave it to me. I can knock down anyone who stands in our way." Lapis said.

With that, the Battle on the Great Crossing began. Hortensia's army occupied most of the bridge, as she was in the far back with her retainers and some of her best soldiers.

"We won't be able to get to Brodia Castle by standing still. Let's advance on Hortensia's frontline and establish our position on the bridge." Ichiro said.

"Looks like there's also some flyers." Cure Starlight observed the enemy pegasus knights. "Better let the archers deal with them. Cecilia, join them by sniping those fliers down."

"Roger." Cecilia nodded, preparing her beam sniper rifle.

"More armored knights, too." Geiz observed the enemy knights. "Mages, you know what to do."

"That's no problem for me." Mona replied, adjusting her mage hat.

"Everyone else though, it's fair game until we reach Hortensia and her retainers." Zi-O said.

"Though I wasn't expecting one of her retainers to be a dragon rider." Aether observed the long white haired feminine male wyvern knight beside Hortensia.

"Looks dangerous. We'd better be careful." Lumine said.

"Yeah, she looks cute, but I bet she's dangerous. Man, beating her up is gonna suck…" Kazuma said.

"Uh… Kazuma? You know that's a guy, right?" David asked.

"...Well, I know that now." Kazuma said. "What tipped you off?"

"Just a hunch. Men can be feminine too." David said. "Seems a little weird, I know. But there are some like that."

"Wait a sec, that girl's a guy?!" Paimon gawked.

"Wait, you were completely convinced that guy was a girl?" Frosta asked.

"Hey, give Paimon a break here! Paimon was not expecting that!" Paimon answered. "And he looks cute too!"

"Well, we're not giving him any passes because of his looks. Let's do this!" Frosta said.

The Hero Alliance advanced on Hortensia's army. Little by little they advanced, with most of the group taking down the soldiers, the ranged attackers grounding the fliers, and the mages scrapping the heavy armor. Once they were a bit across the bridge, Hortensia flew over them on her pegasus.

"Not bad, Hero Alliance! I hope you don't mind…but I've brought a friend along to join in the fun!" Hortensia said as a ring was seen on her left hand and a familiar figure was seen floating next to her.

"Wait a second… That's… Lucina!" David said in shock.

"Something's wrong though." Ace said.

"Yeah… She's not like our Emblems. She's all red." David said.

"That must mean Sombron got to her first. Meaning Hortensia has full control over her." Hope said.

"Damn… Robin and especially Chrom are not gonna like this." Cure Starlight muttered.

"What, did you think the Emblems were just a 'you' thing? Not by a long shot." Hortensia said. "Yeah, it's a pretty cool trick, huh? I'm so glad I'm able to use it. And it's all thanks to Lord Sombron powering up this ring. It's called the Ring of the Princess Exalt. Cute, am I right?"

"We know just how pretty she is, you piece of trash princess." Naofumi said.

"That 'emblem'...is our former teammate!" Jexi said as the rest of the Dimensional Heroes rushed the second princess.

"Oh, Hortensia really struck a nerve now. I declare myself not responsible for anything that happens." David said quickly.

"Wait, they're angry because this emblem's a friend of theirs?!" Hortensia asked.

"You wouldn't like it if we used your friends against you, so you should know how we feel!" Dan said as he and Asta went and dealt heavy blows to the girl's pegasus.

Hortensia prepared to use her Engage Attack. "I challenge my-"

"You don't get to say that line!" the Dimensional Heroes said.

Hortensia's elite forces scattered as Jexi's team continued to chase her.

"(...I think you guys need to go easy on her.)" Zi-O thought and sweatdropped. "(Besides, she and her retainers are going to be our future allies later, so… don't kill them by accident.)"

"Princess!" said the woman dressed in yellow.

"C'mon Goldmary, we gotta go help her!" the effeminate man on the wyvern said.

"Or… You two can leave quietly. Your choice." Cheetah said.

The two retainers saw the others close to them.

"Oh dear… it seems we have to deal with our own problems." the woman known as Goldmary said.

"However…" the effeminate man said as both of them attacked Cheetah.

"You don't frighten us!" they both called out.

"That was a big mistake." Cheetah said as she swiped at them only to be countered and sent flying into the wall. "What? But…"

"Your attacks…they're way too predictable." Goldmary said.

"Cheetah needs some help." Connor said. "I'll take pretty boy, who's got the lady in yellow?"

"Uh…Connor?" Theo said, pointing to the two retainers going to defend the princess but being attacked by the Dimensional Heroes.

"Yeah, they have this covered." Cheetah said as she held her head.

"You okay?" Nesma asked.

"I've suffered worse." Cheetah said. "They…didn't fear me or my threat."

"Just goes to show how dedicated they are to their princess. Kind of admirable if you ask me." David said.

"I've noticed less and less enemies trembling before me and you. I think we're just not as intimidating as we were when we both began." Cheetah said.

"Yeah, I think you're right. We're losing our mojo." David said. "I guess what happened to us on this adventure hit us harder than we thought."

"Maybe so." Cheetah said. "But those people…they never stopped." she said, watching the effeminate man dodging Aelita's energy fields as Goldmary was dueling with Erza, both retainers trying to keep up.

"I have something to confess. I have had a lot of things get to me lately. I felt like I…stopped being myself for a moment. And that's never good. I gotta get my groove back, but I don't know how… I tried a whole bunch of stuff, but… Nothing seems to work." David said.

"Maybe you aren't thinking about what would be the best option for you." Cheetah said.

"Cheetah… Sigurd said that the arena in the Somniel is for people who want sparring matches, correct?" David asked. "I think a few bouts in there during our trip might do the trick. If we face off like we did when we first met, we might get our heads back on straight. Maybe then we'll figure out what we're missing."

"Perhaps we will." Cheetah said with a nod.

Meanwhile, Hortensia and her retainers were battling fiercely with the Dimensional Heroes.

"You're not a bad fighter for an angel!" the effeminate man complimented Aelita, dodging her energy fields and strafing her with his axe.

"I was going to say the same to you. For a man, you're rather pretty." Aelita said.

"Aw, don't make me blush!" the man said, rolling out of the way of another energy field. "Oh, my name's Rosado by the way. I know we're enemies, but it wouldn't hurt for you to know my name."

"You're quite friendly for an Elusian." Aelita said. "But…your princess should know better than to flaunt around one of our friends!" she said, landing a hit on Rosado and knocking him down. "Just be lucky we're just going to scare her a little bit."

"Guess we do kinda deserve this. For what it's worth, I'm sorry." Rosado said. "We didn't really know that Emblem was a friend you knew."

"I understand. You should get your princess and friend and go…before Jexi really lets loose." Aelita said.

"Thank you." Rosado said as he took off and collected Goldmary and Hortensia as they fled.

"Well, I think they learned their lesson. Good work." Jexi said.

"So…you remembered to grab the ring right?" Theo said as Jexi's smile dropped.

"Damn it!" Jexi said.

"Don't worry, Jexi. We'll get Lucina back. I don't intend for her to be under Sombron's influence for very long either." Hope assured.

"Yeah. Guess we all kinda lost it there. Just seeing her like that just…" Pit said.

"We get it, don't worry. Seeing a friend like that really pisses you off." Hitomi said.

"Although, I don't necessarily think Hortensia's totally evil. I didn't get a bad vibe off her or those two with her." Hope said. "Sombron's just using Elusia for himself."

"Still, they're planning to attack Brodia castle, and the Crown Princess is leading the charge. We should get there and help defend it." Adora said.

"You're right. We need to make for the castle now." Alear said.

"Let's go." Roy said.