Chapter 1: Trials and The Raid on Lythos
After returning to the castle, Magina had finished brewing tea for herself, Lumera, the stewards, Siege and Alear as she began pouring them cups of fresh hot tea, as Siege couldn't help but be in deep thought, as Magina took notice.
"Something wrong, Siege?" Magina asked.
"I can't help it. I feel as if some of my memories are still there and yet… they're not because I cannot recall them…" Siege remarked.
"Mm. I see." Magina remarked. "Put your mind at ease for a moment, and I shall allow someone else to explain your tale, and Alear's." Magina added as she took her seat at the table with her tea.
Alear nodded, before she then took her seat beside Siege. Siege looked at her with a soft sympathetic smile, knowing they were now both in the same situation with memory and all.
Lumera then scooted over, before she then cleared her throat.
"To explain where we are right now. We live on the continent of Elyos. Four realms surrounding a holy land at its center. The four kingdoms for each realm are Firene, Kingdom of Abundance, Brodia, Kingdom of Might, Elusia, Kingdom of Knowledge, Solm, Kingdom of Freedom, and the land of Lythos, which we are on, the home of the Divine Dragons, and Gradlon, domain of the Fell Dragon. Fallen to ruin after its cruel master was defeated." Lumera explained. "A thousand years ago, our lands endured a vicious war with the Fell Dragon, Sombron. We called upon heroes from other worlds to aid us. Heroes known as Emblems. With them, the warriors of our nations fought as one. In the end, we were victorious in defeating and imprisoning the Fell Dragon. In the years since, our world has been safe… But now, I sense a resurrection. The binding weakens… Sombron shall return soon. If his shadow stretches across the land again, then we must fight anew, as we did in ages past. He must be stopped. The presence of the Corrupted here on Lythos makes it an urgent matter."
"Corrupted… they make my blood run cold when I look at them…" Alear remarked.
"Understandably so. The Corrupted are corpses revived by an evil power. Sombron's. They are his soldiers in the war." Lumera answered back. "Before the start of that bitter conflict, Elyos had known peace for eons. But Sombron emerged suddenly, and no matter what Magina and I tried to do… We could not determine where he'd come from. But his actions are proof enough of his evil intentions. To think that you would awaken soon after the Corrupted were seen here… I wonder if it is mere coincidence…"
"Well, it's either a coincidence or a blessing in disguise." Siege remarked.
"Either way, Lythos is safe for now. We have enough time to plan for what is to come." Lumera answered back. "This castle is filled with the spirits of Divine Dragons, the Corrupted cannot enter it easily."
As they discussed, a girl of young looking age came in, as she seemed to have red and black hair tied into a ponytail and blue eyes, wearing what appeared to be a black jacket over her blue t-shirt, black pants, and white boots as she had a sword, spear, and bow on her back, as she came into the room and looked at Alear and Siege with a shocked expression.
"...So… it is true…! You finally woke up!" The girl exclaimed suddenly as Magina's eyes widened before looking at Lumera.
"Lumera, you never told me about this girl!" Magina exclaimed.
"Oh dear, I suppose I was so caught up in the moment I forgot about one other piece of the family." Lumera giggled. "Alear, Siege, please do not get alarmed by what I'm about to say but… well, I'm not sure how else you can take it." Lumera would sheepishly chuckle. "But this girl standing before you two… is the daughter of both of you!"
"Wh-b-HUH!?" Siege nearly choked on his tea as he was taking a sip the moment Lumera said this, as he looked at Alear in shock, as she froze as well, as tea dripped from her cup, as she processed what happened.
"...I… I had a child with Siege…!?" Alear remarked, before she then realized that she split her tea over herself. "...Argh! I can't believe that I was so careless!"
"Here, let me help." Siege would say, as he used his magic to help get the tea stains out of Alear's clothes and clean up the mess, but as soon as he was done, he shook his head in disbelief. "...We had a daughter."
"Uhm… yes. Grandma Lumera told me you two had lost your memories… so I know you might not remember me, mom, dad, but… yes. I'm your daughter. You both named me Mirai. Because in dad's language, the name meant 'future.'" The girl who shared Siege and Alear's looks said as she bowed politely before them. "This jacket… you left me this as a keepsake, dad, to always remember you by. And the sword you had too." Mirai explained as she revealed the sparking blue blade, once Siege's, now in her possession.
"...I… wow… to think I…" Siege sputtered as he was taken aback by this information quite a lot.
"This… This is my child." Alear remarked, staring at Mirai, as it gave her a sense of warmth. "I don't know why… but just looking at her, seems to put me at peace."
"It does, doesn't it?" Siege smiled softly as he looked at Mirai. "Mirai… I'm sorry we couldn't remember you… but… if you would still have us, we would love to be the mother and father you missed out on for so long."
"I… I would love that." Mirai smiled softly as she walked over and brought up another chair, now sitting between Alear and Siege with a smile on her face.
"That reminds me. Emblems Marth and Dezna." Lumera called, as Marth and Dezna manifested by their bearers.
"It's been quite some time, Queen Lumera." Marth stated, before noticing Mirai. "And it seems that the young heir is doing well indeed."
"Yes, the next in the great lineage of Divine Ones…" Dezna smiled brightly.
"That it has. Thank you both of lending your aid against the Corrupted." Lumera stated.
"You're welcome. But of course, I could help only because your child remembered me." Marth answered back. "You know, it is possible the others are awake now, just as I am."
"And as I am. There are other Emblems like me, who were not Fire Emblem wielders, yet were chosen as emblems because they have shown great heroism and feats." Dezna remarked.
"That's a true statement for sure." Magina nodded. "Though one has to wonder just how lacking in combat skills Siege and Alear are, given their absence for so long, compiled with fleeting memories." Magina remarked.
"But we will need to explain more about the rings that belong to the heroes connected to this realm." Lumera suggested, before she then got out of her seat.
Alear, Siege and the rest of the group followed Lumera into a secluded chamber, as there was a ring of 12 pedestals, as six of them held rings, while the other six were left vacant. There were eight other pedestals on the outskirts, with two missing from the outer circle.
"This is the Ring Vault. It is where the original 12 Emblem rings, and the 8 Otherworld Emblem Rings, are stored." Lumera stated. "Those of the Holy Knight, of the Sage Lord, the Azure Twins, the Ring of the Princess Exalt, and finally the Ring of the Instructor, out of the 12 original Emblem Rings lie here."
"And of the eight Otherworld Emblem Rings, the Ring of Bravery, the Ring of Hope, the Ring of Salvation, the Ring of Black Knight, the Ring of Justice, and the Ring of Triumph lie here." Magina spoke.
"So you say that there are 12 original Emblem Rings…" Alear remarked. "Why are only six present here?"
"Six are placed, and six are given to other countries, as a sign of peace and coexistence." Lumera answered back. "But also as a precautionary measure. You see, he who possesses all 12 original Emblem Rings, has the power to alter the world. And only a slightly less powerful, but still dangerous power can be given for those who collect the 8 Otherworld Emblems. For generations, the Divine Dragons used this power to ensure peace and prosperity in Elyos, and that is also the power that sealed the Fell Dragon away for so long. But as you may assume… many have sought these Emblems for their own nefarious purposes. The rings offer their power but once every thousand years. At which time, the Divine Dragon travels across Elyos to collect them from each nation's ruler. With a thousand years having passed since last time, I was planning to carry out this ritual soon. But if the Fell Dragon is after the rings, the Emblems may be summoned before I arrive."
"Is that possible…?" Siege remarked.
"One can summon the power of the Emblems, so long as they bear the royal dragon blood, or possess the blood of a hero worthy enough to call forth their power. Alear is a case of the former, like I, and Siege is the case of the latter." Lumera answered back. "Of course, you must have spoken the invocation, in order to summon them. But words alone are not enough to truly draw them out. One must have a proper driving will behind their incantation for the process to work."
"And that's the feeling that I felt. When Framme and Clanne were in danger, my wish to protect them catalyzed the incantation." Alear stated.
"And I believe that you will keep that intention clear when you call forth the Emblems' power." Lumera stated. "As pure as you are, I doubt that you would waver from that cause."
"Thank you for your kind words, Lumera." Siege spoke with a bow.
"Now then… I would personally, still, like to see just how much you both have forgotten along with your memories." Magina spoke, revealing one of the 8 Otherworld Emblems was on her ring finger already, a silver ring with an icy diamond on the top.
"What do you intend to do?" Alear asked, before Lumera picked up one of the Emblem Rings, a silver entwined ring with a octagonal white diamond on the top, sliding it onto her ring finger. "Queen Lumera?"
"We should try a practice battle. You both must be a little rusty after all these years." Lumera stated. "Come with me, I know the perfect place for us to battle."
Lumera then guided them out right into the castle courtyard, as there were shrubs everywhere, and several dragon fountains.
"How about we train here? You will be the one fighting. The Emblem lends you their strength." Lumera stated, turning around to face the group. "You need to train your body and mind to unleash an Emblem's full power. Vander, Clanne, Framme. You will be aiding my child and her guardian in this battle… both against me and Goddess Magina."
"Queen Lumera, even in a practice battle-" Vander tried to plead.
"Vander don't fret. We can survive blows from you. It is no disrespect to strike us in this mock battle." Magina reassured.
"Allow me to join in, please!" Mirai exclaimed as she rushed forward. "I've wanted to train my abilities against someone other than Vander all this time!" Mirai pleaded.
"Even the young Divine One snarks on me…" Vander sighed with gloom.
"Of course, Mirai. But if you can't handle the battle, then let us take care of you." Alear answered back. "I may not remember much of our time together… but if you are my child, it is my responsibility, as is Siege's, to ensure that you do not end up hurt."
"Right." Siege nodded firmly.
"Now then, Magina. Could you do the honors?" Lumera turned to Magina. "It would be unfair to simply set them all on us at once. They will need some foes to help them warm up, for lack of a better term."
"Very well." Magina remarked, before tapping her staff on the ground, summoning several soldiers, dressed in white and gold, as all of their eyes glowed a light blue.
"These… these feel a little like the Corrupted…" Alear remarked. "But somehow, I don't feel as threatened as I felt before…"
"They're the soldiers that Sombron uses to attack us. Even they once had lives before Sombron took them under his control." Magina explained.
"In any case, let's ready up." Siege spoke, looking at the team.
BATTLE START
Objective: Defeat Magina and Lumera
Losing Condition(s): Siege or Alear fall in combat
PLAYER PHASE
"Alright Mirai, why not show us some of the things you've been working on?" Siege asked Mirai.
"Sure thing Dad! I'll make you proud!" Mirai stated as she looked to a sword wielding foe, and brought out her lance, which was Gradivus.
Mirai: 25/25 HP Class: Radiant Child (Sword, Lance, Bow, Martial)
Construct: 32/32 HP
Projection:
Mirai - Gradivus
Damage: 17x2
Hit: 98%
Crit: 28%
Construct - Iron Sword
Damage: 3
Hit: 42%
Crit: 1%
Mirai spun Gradivus over her head before stabbing it downwards onto the Construct as it took a lot of damage from the strike. The Construct swung back, only for Mirai to athletically dodge it, before suddenly, she activated a skill.
Active Skill Activated: Divine Heroism - Treats foe's Def/Res as if reduced by 80%
"For GLORY!" Mirai yelled as she dashed back, golden, blue, and red aura surrounding her as she rushed through the Construct, decimating it the rest of the way.
"Just like I was taught!" Mirai proudly proclaimed upon victory.
"Atta girl Mirai!" Siege beamed with pride at his daughter's handiwork.
"Thanks dad!" Mirai spoke as pride welled up in her as well from her father's praise.
Alear then noticed that there was an ax-wielding Construct in her range, as she immediately rushed forward to attack.
Alear: 22/22 HP
Construct: 29/29 HP
Projection:
Alear: 13x2
Hit: 100%
Crit: 18%
Construct: 2
Hit: 0%
Crit: 0%
Alear then went for a swing, before she then managed to hit the Construct with a hard blow, which actually made the Construct reel back, leaving Alear with another chance to follow up her attack.
Result:
Construct: 3/29 (BREAK!)
"It seems that having an advantage over your enemies can render them staggered enough to stop them from making any counter-attacks…" Alear remarked. "We should make use of that knowledge."
"Indeed. For now, allow me to finish it off for you, Alear." Siege spoke as he ran at the Construct.
Siege: 30/30 HP
Construct: 3/29 HP
Projection:
Siege: 18x2
Hit: 100%
Crit: 30%
Construct: 1
Hit: 12%
Crit: 0%
Siege reeled back with Ragnell-Yato, swinging harshly as it cleaved through the Construct with no resistance!
"I better start keepin' score!" Siege taunted as he stretched a bit from the victory.
"Hey! Clanne! Framme! Vander! Come on and help us a bit!" Siege encouraged.
"I don't think it would be wise for me to actively attack. But I can at least weaken the foes for my proteges." Vander stated. "They will need to learn to face battle themselves.
"Don't worry, we're coming!" Clanne exclaimed.
Vander then immediately began to go for Lumera, who was the closer of the two opposing leaders.
"Queen Lumera, forgive me for standing against you." Vander declared.
"Vander, you're my child's knight. You mustfulfil that role as best as you can." Lumera answered back.
Vander: 40/40 HP
Lumera: 45/45 HP
Projection:
Vander: 18
Hit: 94%
Crit: 3%
Lumera - Liberation:
Damage: 19
Hit: 75%
Crit: 0%
Vander immediately hit Lumera with a strong blow, although it barely made Lumera flinch, before she used her blade to strike Vander hard, as it sent the knight and horse back considerably.
Results:
Vander: 21/40 HP
Lumera: 27/45 HP
Clanne then moved forward, taking the chance to attack Lumera.
"Queen Lumera, I don't want to attack you… I feel dizzy just thinking of it." Clanne stated, as he pulled his Fire tome out.
"Sharpen your focus, Clanne, lest you miss." Lumera warned Clanne.
Clanne: 19/19 HP
Lumera: 27/45 HP
Projection:
Clanne - Fire
Damage: 9x2
Hit: 100%
Crit: 3%
Lumera - Liberation:
No Counter
Clanne then threw a fireball right at Lumera, managing to damage her before Clanne then gained momentum into his second attack.
"For the Divine Dragon!" Clanne declared, before firing a massive fire-ball which hit Lumera, which managed to knock her down. "Um, did I do well?"
"Fantastic work. You fought together splendidly." Lumera answered back, before she then retreated. "Magina, for now, the battle is yours."
"Uh-oh, I don't think that the Great Goddess is going to hold back much…" Framme panicked, before she then looked around. "...Who should I protect, who should I… Ah, that's right, the Divine One's child!"
Framme then immediately moved beside Mirai, before raising her guard up. "I'm sure that everyone else can handle it… except Clanne… Hopefully the Great Goddess wouldn't pick him…"
ENEMY PHASE
Magina was just out of range to reach Clanne, so she moved closer in general, before using her active skill.
Conjure++: Summons 3 Constructs adjacent to you. They can move the same turn they're summoned.
Three more gold and white soldiers entered the field, one wielding an axe, one wielding a sword, and one wielding a bow, before they dashed to attack the group.
"Steel yourselves!" Siege exclaimed.
Clanne: 19/19 HP
Construct (Sword): 1/1 HP
Projection:
Construct: 8
Hit: 64%
Crit: 2%
Clanne - Fire
Damage: 11x2
Hit: 83%
Crit: 12%
The Construct swung wildly at Clanne with full intent to strike him! Clanne was able to evade the attack before striking the Construct with fire, taking it out, as Clanne sighed in relief.
The Bow wielder targeted Alear because she couldn't counter.
Construct: 1/1 HP
Alear: 23/23 HP
Projection:
Construct - Iron Bow
Damage: 4
Hit: 38%
Crit: 2%
Alear
No Counter
The Construct loosed the arrow from the bow with full intent on skewering Alear with the arrow, as the arrow managed to land, hitting Alear on the shoulder, which made her flinch slightly.
"Mom!" Mirai exclaimed.
"Alear, are you okay!?" Siege exclaimed, seeing her flinch.
"It's fine! It's not a serious wound!" Alear answered back. "Better it be from a spar, than in the field of battle!"
Results:
Construct: 1/1 HP
Alear: 19/23 HP
The Axe wielder came in next, and was aiming for Mirai because she had disadvantage, however, Framme suddenly took the blow and took it well, thanks to her Chain Guard!
"Framme! I could have handled that, don't concern yourself so much over me!" Mirai exclaimed in concern over Framme.
"It's alright! I can handle it!" Framme remarked. "I just need to heal the Divine One, and then I can heal myself as soon as the fighting dies down!"
Result:
Hit Guarded
Framme: 15/19 HP
PLAYER PHASE
"Mm…" Siege remarked as he seemed to be in thought.
"What is it, father?" Mirai asked.
"I can recall a lesson I was given about dealing with magical foes. They're capable of dealing with most things… except!" Siege would say before engaging Magina, his sword now sheathed.
"It's just like times before you lost your memory, sparring with me to test and gain strength…" Magina remarked with a reminiscent smile.
"Only this time, I'm fighting to test my wisdom and regain it through my memories." Siege spoke firmly.
"Well put. Well, come then! Let's see if you still have the strength as you did before!" Magina exclaimed.
Siege: 30/30 HP
Magina: 55/55 HP
Projection:
Siege - Ansatsuken Arts
Damage: 12x4
Hit: 91%
Crit: 43%
Magina - Dark Sagittae Attack
Damage: 27
Hit: 72%
Crit: 80%
Siege would hit Magina with quick blows, as said blows made Magina stumble back from the attack! This allowed Siege to rush in and deliver a nasty two-hit Tatsumaki Senpukyaku to finish the combination!
Result:
Magina BREAK!
Magina HP: 7/55
"As I suspected!" Siege smirked.
"Well learned. Indeed, an up close and personal come to blows is a mage's weakest point of their proficiencies." Magina remarked.
"Is that so?" Mirai remarked. "Then…!"
Mirai rushed at Magina, sword sheathed as well as she engaged her.
"To think I'm fighting the very one who trained my father… this is an honor I never imagined I would receive." Mirai remarked.
"You are so strong… the race of Divine Dragon, mixed with the powerful race your father hails from… such potential to be much stronger than your father…" Magina spoke.
"Goddess Magina?" Mirai asked.
"I apologize. I was caught up in the traits you share with your father. Come, and strike me with your all!" Magina exclaimed.
Mirai: 25/25 HP
Magina: 7/55 HP
Projection:
Mirai - Heroic Body Arts
Damage: 10x4
Hit: 89%
Crit: 10%
Magina - Dark Sagittae Attack
Damage: 34
Hit: 80%
Crit: 97%
Mirai rushed at Magina in a modified stance to what Siege had used, as she was going for a critical hit.
"I won't FALTER!" Mirai yelled as she leapt high into the air, and streaked down in a golden, blue, and red dive kick that struck Magina hard, as she skid back an incredible distance.
"...Well struck… that was a fine display." Magina panted slightly from the hit.
Phase 1 Complete
"A fine showing of battle prowess." Magina added as her constructs faded. "Are your minds and bodies steeled to properly use your Emblems?" Magina asked.
"I feel Dezna reacting strongly right now…" Siege remarked. "Yes, I do believe I'm ready. And you, Alear?" Siege asked, looking to Alear.
"Of course." Alear answered back.
"This time, we will be more hands-on. I intend to fight seriously now. And then means that I will make use of the Emblem that I have equipped to my hand." Lumera stated. "I intend to invite an old friend to join us."
Lumera then clasped her hands together, before light poured from the Emblem Ring, as Sigurd of the Twelve Crusaders appeared by Lumera's side.
"I am Sigurd. If you require strength and swiftness. I am all too happy to oblige." Sigurd declared.
"Emblem Sigurd, a foe not to be underestimated." Alear remarked.
"That's right. Each Emblem has their own abilities. When synced with them, their power and skills will become yours. But that is not all. If I am to make this battle fair, I shall have to Engage." Lumera explained.
Lumera then raised her hand, before she pressed her hand against Sigurd's own, as a cyclone of pink energy formed around them, giving Lumera her Emblem Form, which was no less different to Alear's own, except her own hair was now a light purple, and she wielded a large lance in her hand.
"Like Lumera, I too must utilize my Emblem to her fullest extent." Magina stated as her Emblem ring shown. "Burst forth, Emblem of Frost!"
Materializing was a blonde haired woman with blue highlights, wearing golden icy armor and wielding an icy axe, the Kingdom of Nifl's Princess, Fjorm.
"I am at your service, Magina. For I, Emblem Fjorm, shall always come when you need." Fjorm remarked.
"I expected nothing less, nothing more. Now, Emblem, Engage!" Magina exclaimed, as she and Fjorm joined hands, as Magina soon gained some armor to her magician clothing, like a raiment as she also now wielded an axe in her hands, her hair now a shimmering golden, and a golden halo behind her that was similar to that of Ouroboros. "As you can see, when you Engage with your Emblem, not only do you gain power of your own, you also gain the weapon of that Emblem, so now, it will take more than fists to deal easy damage to me." Magina quipped.
"As I can see." Siege remarked with a small sweat drop.
"I almost forgot, some more foes you will face in the near future." Magina remarked, before summoning a pair of cavalry soldiers, as well as a pegasus knight.
"If I may advise you, Alear." Marth informed Alear. "My rapier is effective against cavalry, like those foes before you."
"And you can make use of my scythe to take care of that pesky pegasus knight." Dezna told Siege. "But I guess that with you knowing now, the plan is set, right?"
"Yes." Siege answered back with a nod, before he then rushed at the pegasus knight, switching weapons for the particular foe.
Siege: 30/30 HP
Construct (Pegasus): 24/24 HP
Siege - Akuma Tenkaishi - Scythe Mode
Damage: 50x2
Hit: 100%
Crit: 21%
Construct: 0
Hit: 10%
Crit: 0%
With one swing of Dezna's blade that turned into a scythe, the Pegasus Knight fell easily to the ground from the impact.
"Clearing the airspace, one enemy pegasus at a time!" Siege quipped with a smirk.
Results:
Construct Slain
Alear then rushed forward, targeting one of the two knights, in order to take out one of them first.
Alear: 19/23 HP
Construct (Knight): 27/27 HP
Projection:
Alear - Rapier
Damage: 25x2
Hit: 100%
Crit: 19%
Construct: 3
Hit: 0%
Crit: 0%
Alear then went for a double attack, taking down the enemy knight quickly, as it fell to the ground and dissolved.
"Nice job!" Siege complimented Alear.
"Thank you." Alear smiled back, before Vander then engaged the other Cavalry.
Vander: 21/40 HP
Construct (Knight): 27/27 HP
Projection:
Vander: 15
Hit: 100%
Crit: 6%
Construct: 6
Hit: 37%
Crit: 0%
Vander then began to lower his ax, before he then charged up power into it.
"Your final moment!" Vander declared, before grinding his axe across the ground, before landing a powerful upper-swing that literally sent the knight off its horse, before he then lowered it. "For the Divine Dragon!"
Lumera then began to rush towards Siege, as her Emblem form seemed to give her the speed to stride across half the courtyard quickly enough to make her attack.
"Now then, show me your power, Siege." Lumera stated.
"I'll give you all I've got, Lumera." Siege stated firmly.
Siege: 30/30 HP
Lumera: 45/45 HP
Projection:
Siege - Akuma Tenkaishi - Scythe Form
Damage: 11x2
Hit: 78%
Crit: 30%
Lumera - Libération
Damage: 29
Hit: 100%
Crit: 5%
Lumera would strike first, striking Siege hard as he yelled in pain, stumbling back due to Weapon triangle disadvantage.
Result:
Siege BREAK!
Siege HP: 1/30
"Gh… hhngh…" Siege growled as he seethed in pain from the hit, as it almost took him out.
"Father!" Mirai shouted.
"Siege! Are you alright!?" Alear exclaimed.
"Hold on, I'll do my best to heal you!" Framme exclaimed, as she rushed over, and cast a Heal Spell
Siege HP: 16/30
"Framme… thank you…" Siege panted as he stood upright, as Magina closed in, summoning more 1 HP Constructs who rushed at Siege, but luckily, Framme took the hits with Chain Guard, as Siege's eyes widened after she took all three hits, noticing her wounds. "Framme!"
"Urk, I'm really getting into trouble now…" Framme remarked, wincing from her wounds.
"Dezna, it's now or never, we have to do this!" Siege exclaimed.
"Then you know what to do!" Dezna exclaimed, as Siege nodded.
"Emblem… ENGAGE!" Siege yelled, joining hands with Dezna.
Engage (Dezna): All targets in a 3 tiles radius take damage equivalent to 50% of their Max HP, and all damage dealt is restored to Siege in HP. If any foe in range has less than half HP or 1 HP when this unit Engages, those foes are slain.
The Constructs suddenly faded as both Magina and Lumera were slashed by ranged slashes from Dezna, as Siege now had a dark red aura around him, with angelic dark red wings on his back, and his hair was icy blue.
"Take… THIS!" Siege yelled as he and Dezna engaged Lumera.
Combat Art: Demonic Judgment Flash - Adds 50% of Siege's attack to Dezna's first blow, then adds damage to Siege's normal damage value against foe, final strike keeps Siege's and Dezna's Atk the same, but ignores opponent's defenses during that hit
Siege: 30/30 HP
Lumera: 23/45 HP
Siege - Akuma Tenkaishi (Sword) - Combat Art - Demonic Judgment Flash
Damage: 18 - 33 - 52
Hit: 100%
Crit: 9%
Lumera - Libération
Cannot Counter
Dezna started off by performing her own variant of Judgment cut, as red slashes hit Lumera constantly before they flashed, dealing more damage, as Siege followed up with a shoulder charge and various slashes with Ragnell-Yato, before they both finished with a blood red variant of Vegeta's Final Flash attack, which enveloped Lumera and defeated her and Sigurd with ease.
"Ah, I'm defeated." Lumera stated. "I'm proud to see you working together so well."
Alear then immediately went for Magina, but not before she Engaged, as she sailed towards Magina, with blade in hand.
"Great Goddess, I hope that you will not find my strength lacking." Alear spoke with respect.
"I expect nothing more or less than your best, Dragon Child." Magina spoke with a nod. "Give me your all!"
Alear: 19/23 HP
Magina: 28/55 HP
Projection:
Alear - Falchion - Combat Art: Lodestar Rush
Damage: 4x9
Hit: 100%
Crit: 14%
Magina - Nifl's Bite
Cannot Counter
Alear then began to slash through Magina multiple times over, before finishing with a falling strike that left behind a trail of blue, as Magina fell to a knee from the damage.
"I have been bested… I suppose I was wrong to doubt your abilities." Magina said with a soft smile on her face.
STAGE CLEAR
MVP: Siege & Dezna
"Well now. That concludes our mock battle. And I must say, I'm very impressed." Magina smiled.
"Indeed, you beat the four of us." Lumera smiled back. "That's not something that happens often. There is still much to improve upon, but I would be lying if this is not a wonderful start."
"Thank you… Mother." Alear answered back, as Lumera smiled back.
"I can't believe we had to fight against Queen Lumera." Framme remarked.
"Yeah, well, I can't believe we won!" Clanne added.
"Though you have only just awoken, Divine One and Radiant Saviour… your powers are growing already." Vander remarked.
"It was thanks to all of our efforts combined." Siege stated plainly, before looking to his daughter. "And you, young lady, are proving yourself as one great warrior! Come here!" Siege smiled as he roped Mirai in for a one armed hug and gave her a knuckle rub on the head.
"Hey-hey! Daaaad!" Mirai laughed.
"I should also hand you something that you should have returned to your hand." Lumera stated, before handing her sword to Alear. "This blade was once yours. It can only be wielded by Divine Dragons. It has served me well for many years, but now it is time it is returned to who it belongs. Consider it my prize for how proud you made me, my child."
"Thank you. Someday, I'll prove that I'm worthy of retaining this sword." Alear stated, accepting the sword with grace.
"I have no doubt." Lumera answered back. "Please, take this as well."
Lumera then handed Alear another ring, this one seeming to be cross-shaped ring design, as its perfect diamond gem was half red and half blue, with a clean diagonal split between the two colors.
"Is this another Emblem Ring?" Alear asked Lumera.
"No, it is purely ornamental. You see, before your slumber, I made you a promise." Lumera stated. "I said I'd give you a birthday present that suited you perfectly. I was working on it in private, but I was unable to finish it in time… That birthday has long since passed, but I would quite like to give you this gift now."
Alear looked at the ring for a moment, before shaking her head, and gently pushing the ring back into Lumera's hands. "I'm sorry, I cannot accept." Alear answered back. "That ring fulfils a promise you made me, right? But I don't remember that promise… I would feel wrong accepting it, like I was taking a present meant for someone else. That's why I ask that you offer this ring to me, when I've remembered enough to be truly considered your child once again."
Lumera merely sighed gently. "Did this practice battle stir any recollections, Alear, and what about you, Siege?" She asked.
"It didn't for me. Sorry." Alear shook her head.
"None for me, sadly." Siege added.
"I see. It doesn't matter what you two can remember right now…" Lumera kindly answered back. "I only hope that one day, you will be able to truly think of me as your mother without hesitation, my child, as you would a thousand years ago."
Alear merely looked away, before Magina then gently coughed into her hand.
Before she could speak, Magina's look suddenly hardened as she looked in a direction, as her eyes widened.
"We have Corrupted! A lot of Corrupted incoming!" Magina exclaimed in horror.
"What!?" Lumera exclaimed.
"They… they're heading right for the Ring Vault!" Magina exclaimed.
"This soon, but we just-" Lumera remarked, before she then began to enter a coughing fit, which worried everyone.
"Queen Lumera!?" Vander exclaimed.
"Oh no! What's wrong?" Flamme asked. "Did… Did we hurt something?"
"I… I'm fine!" Lumera exclaimed back, before she then forced herself to stand. "...This is a dire matter… if the Corrupted have truly headed for the Ring Vault, then someone must have called them within the castle grounds… We have to deal with the matter! Please, Magina, teleport me to the Ring Vault, we need to protect the Rings!"
"Lumera…" Alear remarked.
"Wait, not yet!" Magina exclaimed as an explosion erupted from near the ring vault. "Tch, now we go!" Magina clicked her tongue, looking at the others. "Make your way to the outside of the Ring Vault! Defeat the reinforcements there! Lumera and I will be fine!" Magina exclaimed, before teleporting herself and Lumera to the Ring Vault.
The group made their way to the specified location, as they looked at the ruins of the hallway, as it still stood, but many pillars were toppled.
"It's like they tore through the castle walls like paper, then BAM! They're here!" Framme exclaimed.
"Lumera and Magina can't hold them forever…" Siege clicked his tongue. "Let's get this fight done as quickly as possible, people! But not rashly! Everyone is going to make it out of this alive!"
PLAYER PHASE
"Wait, ahead!" Alear exclaimed, as there seemed to be an actual human amongst the Corrupted horde, who seemed to be guarding the Ring Vault entrance. "...What is a human doing with the Corrupted…?"
"I do not know… but somehow, their colors… They remind me of something." Vander remarked. "...We'll have to fight to get closer, in order to see who they are."
"In any case, treat them as hostile, but don't land lethal strikes!" Siege ordered as the battle began, as Siege and Mirai immediately rushed down and struck down two Pegasus Knights. Sure there were many more in range to strike them, but their physical defenses, especially one next to another, would more than hold out.
Meanwhile, Clanne moved forward to shoot down one of the nearby swordsmen with his Fire magic, while Framme stayed behind the group, with staff at the ready in case someone needed healing, while Alear charged forward in order to take out one of the other swordsman in range, and Vander softened one of them, with them barely hanging on by a thread.
ENEMY PHASE
Considering their options of Mirai and Siege's exposed position, compared to the sheltered position of the other four, the Pegasus Knights all swooped towards Siege and Mirai, striking them with blows from all angles. Most of them fell after swift counter strikes, but a couple landed critical blows, and although Siege and Mirai still stood strong, they still had taken enough damage that wounds were present on them both.
"Damnit, there's so many of them… we'll never reach the Ring Vault with this many of them!" Siege exclaimed.
"Grandma… Magina…!" Mirai exclaimed in helplessness, as suddenly, reinforcements of the enemy arrived from behind.
"Egads! Reinforcements behind us!" Vander exclaimed.
"Shit, that's a lot…!" Siege exclaimed, as the group was ready to brace when…
"Prince Alfred! I think it's here!" A voice called from the entranceway, being female.
"Are you sure this is it?" Another female voice called.
"I'm sure of it, let's go." A gruff male voice spoke, as suddenly, rushing through the door was a woman with blue hair, wearing what appeared to be slightly armored samurai garb, branding the country of Brodia on her chestplate, as she leapt up, and suddenly disappeared, as she slashed all the reinforcements at light speed with her blade, before reappearing in front of them, and clicking her blade in its sheath, as the enemies fell from the powerful attack.
"Prince Alfred! The way is clear!" The samurai woman called back to the entrance.
"I've made it! And not a moment too soon!" Another male voice stated, as a male noble riding a horse, appeared on scene, wearing a white and blue robe, with black and white intertwining patterns, and a blue cape behind his back, white socks in black shoes, and a golden laurel on his head, also having green eyes and light green hair, and wielding a lance in one arm. He then twirled his lance in the air, and then lowered it. "The Crown Prince Alfred of Firene is here to help!" He declared.
"And I, Geina, samurai Ambassador of Brodia, am ready to assist!" The woman spoke, readying her sword.
"Prince Alfred of… Firene?" Alear remarked.
"Geina…?" Siege stated, as the name somehow struck something deep in him.
"Wait, could it be? Are you the Divine Dragon Alear!?" Alfred exclaimed with surprise. "And you, the Radiant Saviour, Siege, by her side!?"
"By the Gods, Alfred! It is them!" Geina exclaimed.
"But I never thought we would meet here!" Alfred remarked with joy, as if the meeting was something that made him truly happy. "There's so much to talk about… but later, after we've taken care of these scoundrels. Who are they, anyway?"
"The Corrupted." Alear answered back. "But someone is leading them, and we have no idea who they are actually."
"Then we must pin them down and get answers." Geina exclaimed. "Divine One, Radiant Saviour, my blade is yours. Give the command and I'll execute it."
"Etie, Boucheron! To my side!" Alfred called, before a pair of soldiers marched to Alfred's side, one of them a tall lanky individual with green eyes and scruffy brown hair, dressed in a bronze leather coat over his silver knight armor, complete with breastplate, shoulder-guards and leggings, with a large ax at hand, and other being a fairly short girl with orange hair and green eyes, with a large green ribbon on her head, and a fairy short dress that left her stomach open, and bronze boots, with a bow and quiver on her back.
"Divine One, Radiant Saviour. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Boucheron." The tall male spoke. "If I'm next to you, I can hop in and give enemies an extra whack, I'll provide any extra oomph you may need, per se."
"I'm Etie. Leave the pesky fliers to me. With my muscles and bow, they'll start dropping like flies!" The girl spoke.
PLAYER PHASE
"Now the tables have turned in our favor!" Siege spoke with a smile as they quickly began pushing forward at a much faster rate now, given the fact they had evened the numbers game, as Siege headed to the human among the Corrupted.
With Etie being effective against the pegasus knights, she managed to clear their numbers fairly quickly, as the rest of the group cleared other stragglers. Boucheron proving useful when he helped Vander take out one of the soldiers.
"Your assistance is appreciated." Vander told Boucheron.
"Happy to help." Boucheron answered back with gratitude.
Geina then used her own blade to cut down several enemy soldiers at once, with each foe falling giving her momentum to strike onwards.
Geina Passive Activates: Flowing Storm - For every kill that Geina makes in the Player Phase, she can move and attack once again with (Mov-4) movement, with a -5 Hit penalty for each succeeding kill, up to 6 total kills.
Siege meanwhile, was now face to face with the Armored human amidst the Corrupted.
"Who are you and why are you assisting the Corrupted!?" Siege exclaimed.
"I did not come here to exchange words. I am here to fight." The commander answered back stoically.
"Fine then. You're clearly an ally to these bastards. And that means your an enemy to Lythos AND Queen Lumera. For this, I will take your VERY LIFE!" Siege yelled as he ran forward and leapt high into the air. "NO QUARTERS!" Siege yelled as he struck down on the armored woman with a critical blow, Siege's very strength being enough to knock the woman back to a weakened state in one strike.
The armored woman staggered back, before then rising to her feet, as her armor was penetrated through by the attack, as it was enough to wound her severely.
"So this is the power of the Radiant Saviour…" The commander remarked. "Truly, a power spoken in legends. But this will not be my end… not yet."
The commander then retreated, as Siege let her leave, due to the fact that the enemy forces had been all decimated apart.
STAGE CLEAR
MVP: Siege & Dezna
"The way to the Ring Vault is cleared! Come on!" Siege exclaimed as he ran forward.
"Dad!" Mirai exclaimed as she ran after him.
"Siege!" Alear exclaimed as she also ran after him.
They would soon see Siege face to face with a cloaked figure, who was dressed in black and purple, as their entire face was obscured under the hood, as he held his sword to the figure with a glare to his eyes.
"Surrender now. And I'll let you live." Siege growled.
"Hm." The cloaked figure remarked with disinterest in her voice, before then fading away in a vortex of purple energy.
"Wha-?" Siege asked in bafflement, looking all around for the foe, as Mirai soon spotted the cloaked figure looking directly at her.
"Heh!?" Mirai exclaimed.
"Do I detect a hint of fear from this one?" The cloaked figure remarked. "Of course I do."
She then raised her hand, as Mirai saw an evil smirk form on her lips, as dark energy began to gather before her hand.
"Time to die." The cloaked figure remarked, before Mirai was then surrounded by a ring of purple flames, as dark lightning struck all around, as the flames began to grow in size.
"MIRAI!" Siege exclaimed, as Lumera and Magina saw and were about to act when…
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Siege erupted in golden power, as his hair was golden and eyes a familiar green, as he suddenly dashed, grabbing Mirai and nulling the attack.
"Impossible!" The cloaked figure yelled.
"Leave… my… daughter… ALOOOOOOONE!" Siege yelled, firing a Kamehameha wave on instinct at the cloaked figure.
The cloaked figure was sent right out of the Ring Vault, as the impact dislodged something from her, a large blue crystal pendant that clattered against the ground.
After a while, Alear managed to reach the scene, as she saw the marks of the battle that happened, collecting the fallen pendant, before embracing Mirai.
"Mirai, are you alright?" Alear asked Mirai.
"I'm fine, I'm fine… Dad… Dad saved me…" Mirai said as she hugged Alear tightly.
"It seems that we managed to repel this attack… Urgh…" Lumera remarked, before she then felt faint, before Vander managed to catch her.
"Queen Lumera, what's wrong? You seem to be getting fairly weak!" Vander exclaimed.
"...Lumera is dying." Magina solemnly spoke, as she walked up to Lumera, trying to hold back tears. "...My dearest friend… please… you cannot die here."
"I know that you're trying to help me… but even you can't do everything to fix my waning Divine Dragon powers…" Lumera answered back. "After all, I have been using them to keep Alear safe, and help her wake one day to see this world… or save it. I'm glad that I managed to see her alive before my eyes… before I would pass the point of no return."
"I could give you some of my power to sustain you! I could restore your power and your own health!" Magina exclaimed with tears as Siege had reverted to normal, looking at the scene with tears welling in his own eyes.
"No… No…!" Alear exclaimed, before rushing over to Lumera, as she was weeping, holding one of her dying mother's hands. "I… I did this! This is all my fault, if only you have-"
"No, my child. You have to push those thoughts away. There is nothing a mother wouldn't do to see life return to her beloved child and her guardian…" Lumera remarked gently, brushing Alear's cheek with her other hand.
"But I…!" Alear cried.
"Take Sigurd's ring…" Lumera remarked, as she slid the ring off her own finger, and held it up to Alear. "It belongs to you now. I had so hoped to give you the ring I made, as well…. But that's not possible now…"
Lumera then raised her head, facing everyone in the group. "Listen to me, my child and those who follow her… Those who invaded here, I sense the power of the Fell Dragon in each and every one of them. You must not allow them to gather either of the set of rings… Please, I beg you all, unite the 12 Emblems, and the 8 Otherworld Emblems. And when you remember… my child and Siege… you must fight on with utmost divinity. I believe in you and all those under you…"
"We'll do whatever you wish, Lumera! But please… please don't die here! Let Magina give you some of her power! Let Magina restore you! Please!" Siege exclaimed in tears.
"Grandma, please! Please listen to Siege, let the Goddess help you!" Mirai exclaimed.
"...You know that my body is not meant to handle other powers, other than those of the Divine Dragon Lineage… don't you, Goddess Magina?" Lumera asked Magina.
"...Even so, I have to try!" Magina exclaimed. "I… I have to… Don't… Please don't go…"
"Truly, you are kind as always…" Lumera stated. "I could not easily forget all of the centuries that we have spoken to each other, about the worlds you have oversaw, and about how the world changes, with heroes rising at every corner, and evil being oppressed everywhere, with hope rising… Those tales always gave me the will to live on, even with my own decreasing lifespan… You are my truest friend, Magina."
"Lumera… please… just one attempt… I know a spell that might work… just allow me one attempt… Please." Magina begged.
"...Only because I cannot let you go on regretting what couldn't have happened." Lumera answered back. "...Go ahead, Magina. But please, if it fails. Do not blame yourself."
Magina nodded before she looked to the others. "Lay Lumera down gently and step a few feet back from her. This spell must only target those with Dragon's blood." Magina stated.
Vander and the others did that and stepped back, as Magina soon knelt down… and suddenly pulled a dagger and stabbed into a particular vein, which made her wince, before suddenly, they all watched as blood of a dragon began to drip from the wound.
"H… Huh!?" Siege exclaimed.
"That… that's…!" Clanne exclaimed.
"Is that dragon blood…!?" Mirai asked.
"...I didn't become a Goddess on mere status or any normal blessing… for I was blessed with the blood of many divine creatures to be where I am now… a Dragon, Divine no less… is part of that." Magina spoke as suddenly, magic began to swirl and coalesce above her into an ethereal dragon, before it descended down, absorbing itself right into Lumera's body, and began to restore Lumera's powers, as while not all of her strength returned… she had enough strength to live on for a good while, before Magina shuddered and nearly collapsed, as Siege ran over to her.
"M-Magina…!?" Siege exclaimed.
"Don't fret… I'm not dying over this sacrifice…" Magina huffed. "I've… merely lost a chunk of my powers. That doesn't make me any less powerful in physical and magical prowess just yet…"
Magina then walked to Lumera, kneeling before her. "How are you…? Do you feel better?"
"I feel-" Lumera remarked, before she then let out a hiccup, before she was then engulfed by a orb of golden light, before it then faded away to reveal that Lumera had shrunken down slightly, from the overbearing ruler that she saw, to a more younger appearance, as she seemed to barely older than Alear herself, as her hair shortened slightly, and she looked far more healthy than she was before, as compared to her mature look. "-new somehow… Oh, this seems truly odd."
"Mother!?" Alear exclaimed, as most of the group were shocked at the transformation.
"It seems that sharing your blood did restore a part of my Divine Dragon powers… and as a surprising side-effect, also made me fairly younger as well." Lumera remarked, as her voice seemed far more passionate and energetic.
"Well… perhaps that's a good thing." Magina chuckled slightly, as she used magic to bind up the wound she made. "Regardless… I'm glad. Glad I was able to save you, my friend."
"Disregarding this little accident, I suppose that this has ended well." Lumera answered back. "But still, I cannot just show myself openly in this state. I suppose that Queen Lumera will not suit me right now."
"How about Lumi?" Framme suggested. "I think that it would fit since you're more or less a younger version of yourself."
"Such an absurd name for the Queen would not-" Vander tried to scold Framme.
"Lumi… I suppose that would work." Lumera smiled back. "I suppose that I'll be keeping that ring of ours, since I'm not exactly myself right now, Alear."
"Mother…" Alear stated, before Lumera strided over, and placed a finger on her lips to shush herself.
"Please, call me Lumi. You will have to be used to calling me that soon enough." Lumera told Alear with a cheeky smile.
"Wow, I never thought that Grandma could get this cheeky when she's this younger." Mirai remarked with surprise, before grinning. "But I like her this way even more!"
New Party Member - Lumi
Battle Style: Dragon
Preferred Weapons: Swords & Arts
"I assume that you'll keep this a firm secret, right?" Clanne asked the Firene crew, as well as Geina.
"My lips are sealed." Etie answered back.
"I would not dare think of betraying such trust." Boucheron declared.
"As if an ambassador of Brodia would dare defy this level of trust." Geina scoffed.
"I'll abide by the word." Alfred answered back. "But if the Queen is not here, then whoever that commander was from, they will have an account that Queen Lumera is dead, and this could cause terrible things to happen. After all, the peace is brokered by the Queen, and well… the Queen isn't here anymore, in the direct sense."
"Do not worry, we will serve her duty all the same." Alear declared firmly. "What have you come here for, Prince Alfred?"
"All over Firene, our people are being attacked by these creatures, the same ones that we fought here." Alfred answered back. "They keep attacking everything, ignoring any attempt for parley, but I assume that is because they are not human to begin with. Our knights have fought them, but it's a losing battle. The Brodian Ambassador is the reason that Firene is not burning right now. My kingdom is on the path to ruin. Divine One, Radiant Saviour, and Former Queen, will you help us, and come to Firene?"
"I shall help you." Alear answered back. "It is what Mother would have wanted. Since I am the only Divine Dragon with full power right now… the duty falls on my shoulders, as it does with Siege. I cannot allow all of this death and destruction to continue.
"We must protect the people." Siege declared. "At all costs and measures."
"Of course, since Magina has done much to keep me alive, it would be uncouth for me to sit on the sidelines." Lumera answered back. "De-aged and weaker than I was truly before I may be, at least my younger age means that I can stand to grow and regain a portion of my lost strength. Perhaps I might end up stronger than I was before. That's an interesting thought. Besides, I doubt that this will be the first attempt at my life, with Sombron's return."
"That's truly heartening to hear! Thank you, Divine Ones and Radiant Saviour." Alfred answered back.
"Happy to help, Prince Alfred." Alear smiled back.
"About that, 'Alfred' will do. I've been visiting Somniel since I was a boy. I think of you as an old friend… A very, old friend."
"I appreciate that. Since I am still trying to remember everything before I slumbered… I would appreciate having friends that could teach me about this new world." Alear stated.
"Can't say I'll know much compared to Queen Lumera, who definitely retained her knowledge…" Alfred answered back, giving Lumera a glance. "But I'll try."
"If I may interject." Vander stated. "We ought to establish a base of operations before we begin our journey. The Somniel would be uniquely useful."
"That's right. And since you're a Divine Dragon, your powers can transport all of us back and forth from the realms to Somniel on a mere thought." Lumera added. "And one can only enter Somniel with a Divine Dragon's power. So do not worry much about an attack on the land."
"Then we'll use it as our base." Alear suggested, turning to Siege. "What about you, Siege?"
"I think it's a great plan." Siege answered back. "This would be perfect for a base."
"Then it is settled." Lumera smiled, placing her hands together. "Let us go to the Somniel."
And so, the group boarded the Somniel, as it has not changed since Alear and Siege left it. They then toured through the facilities that were present, as Lumera highlighted the importance of helping the lands with donations from the royal treasury, which would be the spoils from the battles to come, as it would help develop an economy that will give back to them in the form of various goods and animals, and the Ring Chamber, which would be where they would make use of the Emblem Rings, taking care of them, and even using special powers to create Bond Rings that do not share the same synchronizing power as Emblem Rings do, but also provide benefits in the form of abilities and power that could bolster one's combat strength.