Chapter 11: Snow and Unclear Sights
- Dream -
"You remained silent."
A cold female voice spoke in Perla's dreams. But this dream was strange. In the dream, Perla stood in what looked like an infirmary similar to the one in the knight's training area but was much bigger. It looked similar to the ones in the military, where there were a few rows of beds and curtains separating them. But she stood at the far end, where there was a desk. Standing there was Sophia, her arms crossed she had an emotionless expression as her back was turned. And standing across from her, was a young man dressed in blue, wearing a butterfly mask, their lips a thin line. And the one next to her, much taller, was also a young man but he wore a wyvern mask.
"You kept silent." The young man with the butterfly mask spoke in a cold tone, "You never spoke a word. You never spoke of the knowledge you knew." Her right hand turned to a fist; it shook.
"To the flames of damnation...so my future self never said anything..." Perla could hear Sophia's inner thoughts and the red-haired woman glanced back at the two.
She stared at them for a few seconds and spoke.
"I'm assuming..." she shook her head, "You're wasting my time kids. You are confusing me for someone else." She waved her hand to dismiss them.
"Leave Plegia!" The butterfly-masked one growled and Sophia gritted her teeth, "You are making a big mistake staying there. You will regret it." She said.
Sophia's nails dug into the desk, slightly splintering the wood. She now was getting angry.
"Leave Plegia...?" She muttered, her nails digging more into the wood, "Tell me, child." She turned to her, the aura of authority rising, causing the two and Perla to take a step back "Who are you to dare try and command me?" Sophia hissed.
The woman's eyes held fury yet coldness, her face composed but her nails digging deeper into the wood.
"You!" The butterfly one snarled and suddenly gasped when the one with the wyvern mask placed his hand on her shoulder.
The dream ended...Perla feeling emotions of fear and regret.
- End of Dream -
Perla had been feeling anxious lately. She couldn't concentrate or even focus on her work. Lately, she's felt something bad had happened and didn't know why. Well, she was about to find out why.
"Lythos was attacked?!"
Martha screeched, making Opal sit up from her bed, and her apprentices look up from their work.
The court mage bit her lip hard, trying to take deep breaths to calm herself, "What do you mean Solm was attacked as well?! Who?!" She yelled, "Elusia?! They attacked Lythos and Solm?! Wait, only Lythos? Then who the hell attacked Solm and took their Emblem?!" She said and pinched the bridge of her nose as she held her pocket crystal ball to her ear.
"Right. Right. Dragon?!" Martha said, "Huh. Huh. Missing?! Right. Right. What's their name?" She kept speaking and paced back and forth before she came to a halt.
Her eyes went wide and glanced at Perla then went back to her call, "Uh-huh. Right. No. Shit." She cursed and let out a heavy sigh, "No. Umm...I think your apprentice may be my apprentice's missing sister." Perla shot out of her seat, "Perla is her name. Yeah. Yeah. Got it. I'll keep you updated. Bye." And with a click, the call was over.
"What do you mean my sister is missing?!" Perla stormed over to Martha, ready to throw their hands till Martha raised her hand for her to stop and listen.
"Martha, what do you mean Elusia attacked Lythos?" Opal said as Martha's lips became a thin line, "Don't tell me..." Queen Opal gritted her teeth, her hands balled into a fist, "MORION!" The woman roared furiously that the king who was downstairs speaking to Diamant and Alcryst, flinched.
"Oh no," Alcryst said as the king pinched the bridge of his nose, and before they knew it, the door to the room burst open and Queen Opal stormed into the room.
Despite the queen was angry, she looked more like an angry duckling that was waddling towards them due to her swollen feet and belly. Not to also mention, she was still recovering. Perla may have temporarily made her sickness go away but it was only a matter of time till it returned as it did to Prince Alfred. The queen finally made it down the stairs with Martha's help and her husband quickly made his way to her.
"My love, you shouldn't be up. You know you need to rest." He said and the queen took deep breaths before speaking, glaring.
"I thought Brodia and Elusia would have reached a non-aggression pact by now! I wake up to find out that our nation is still at war with them?! Morion, my love!" Opal threw her hands up, "I thought you would continue what Topaz did!" She said, expressing great frustration and disappointment.
"My love, how can I continue the peace talk when Elusia has accused us of killing their Queen and Crown Princess?! Before I understood because we need their lands! Now, they are fighting back, all in the name of avenging their queen! They are also Fell Dragon worshippers!" He said back, and it surprised Perla how the king despite becoming frustrated, never once raised his voice against his wife.
"Even if they are Fell Dragon worshipers, they have every right to be angry at us for trying to take their lands! My love, how many lives have been lost?! I lost my brother and father to this 300-year war against Elusia! How many more must die all for the name of conquest and power?! " she yelled and now they got into a screaming match.
No one wanted to get in between the fight of King Morion and Queen Opal. The king and queen were in a screaming match and hormones and emotions were running high. Perla felt bad for the queen because the older woman expected to wake up hearing that Brodia and Elusia had finally reached a peace. She did not expect to wake up and learn that her nation was still trying to conquer Elusia's lands and that they had resurrected the fell dragon.
"Of course, Elusia would resort to such a thing!" Queen Opal yelled to her husband, "Brodia has been burning and razing down their villages all in the quest to conquer and expand! All because that damn court of yours wishes to get their claws on more land! What does Elusia offer?! It is a frozen land!" She pointed out to her husband.
"My love, you must understand." King Morion said, "This isn't just about conquering lands anymore! The Fell Dragon has awakened, Elusia has attacked Lythos and nearly killed the Divine Dragon!" The king argued back and the queen scoffed.
"That's because Elusia is desperately trying to survive! Of course, they would resort to extremes and fight back after everything our nation has done to them! What did you expect?! That they sit down and let themselves be conquered?!" Queen Opal yelled and the king sighed, turning to their sons.
"A little help." He said and the queen snapped her fingers at him, quickly getting his attention.
"Don't you dare bring our sons into this! I told you many times if you and I argue, it will be between you and me only!" The queen growled, "I thought you at least try to pick up where Topaz left off! She and Queen Rose were working together on a non-aggression pact between our nations!" She said and once more, the king sighed.
"Martha." Morion said and the mage raised an eyebrow, "What are your thoughts on this?"
Martha let out a sigh and tried. She pinched the bridge of her nose. She's been alive for 1,020 years even if she looks like she is in her early 30s. She's seen nations grow and collapse. She's been a high-ranking mage in Elusia. A higher-up in the courts of Solm's. The head maid of the fifth queen of Brodia. She's traveled all over Elyos. She's seen the ugly and beautiful of the world. And she knows what set off the war between Elusia and Brodia. Brodia in the past was the worst wasteland 300 years ago and desperate to feed their people, the king declared to conquer the north and the lands of Firene. It didn't end well but the north of Brodia used to belong to Elusia. Add the fact that two years later, the ancestor of the current royal family started a rebellion against the original royal family because of their tyranny. Now all those emotions that had been buried all came bursting out when Queen Rose and her daughter were killed seven years ago.
It was the final straw for Elusia.
They raised their banners, weapons, and began to push back Brodia. Honestly, Martha didn't want to comment. Brodia was her home and she feared that because it was her home, it would cloud her judgment. But...Perla wasn't from Brodia. She wasn't from any of the nations. The woman blinked a few times and looked at Perla. Perhaps the perspective of someone not from their world was needed.
"How about an outsider's perspective on this?" Martha said and all eyes suddenly turned to Perla.
"Ummm..." Perla shifted uncomfortably, "I...I really don't think it's my place to comment on such a serious discussion.
"No." The queen said, "I agree with Martha." She said and the king nodded, "What are your thoughts on the feud between Brodia and Elusia?" Morion asked and Perla sighed.
"Do you truly want my honest?" She asked as they looked at her concerned, "I'm not going to be expelled for speaking, am I?" The shadows covered her eyes.
Diamant noticed the air around the black-haired woman shifts. There was...suddenly a dark look in her eyes that Martha and he picked up. It looked like...anger.
"No, you will not." The queen said and glared at her husband, "Isn't that right, Morion?"
"Depends." The queen let out a hiss at her husband's words
"Sorry, but if it depends, I will not speak. I apologize but I will excuse myself. Have a good day." Perla said and bowed politely, leaving towards the door and slamming it closed.
Everyone was stunned by the woman's answer. The king and queen got into another argument before the woman grew tired and was taken to rest by Oniyuri.
"This isn't over!" The queen said and turned to leave, "Ooohhh...My back...You put this child in me! Take responsibility later!" She huffed and left.
King Morion just shook his head and turned to the court mage, face stern.
"It seems your apprentice is choosing to remain silent. I'm more curious about why she immediately assumed I was going to expel her for speaking." He said and even Martha was confused by it.
No, more like she was taken aback by such words.
"Father," Diamant spoke up and his father turned to him, "If you do not mind, perhaps I can talk to her." He said and the king stared at him for a bit before he spoke.
"You and Perla seem to be quite close." Alcryst went a bit pale hearing that.
"Father, she is just a friend. I can assure you there is nothing between us." Dimant said as Martha internally rolled her eyes.
"Oh yes, secretly whispering "Thank you" to Perla's ears. Looking out for her. And happy that she treats you as an equal? Oh yes, just a friend." Martha thought, "But then again, Perla's in the same state as you." Martha thought as Morion spoke.
"Hmmm..." the king crossed his arms and looked down at his son, "Listen, Diamant. When I first met your mother, she and I got into a fistfight over a pheasant. Who killed it first." Martha snorted and the king shot her a glare.
"Sigh. Martha, can you please remain silent?" The mage just smiled, "Anyway," he turned back to his son, "I declared her my rival that day after Martha here showed evidence that your mother was the one that did the kill." He said and Diamant looked at his father with a look, "What does this have to do with Perla?"
"Sigh, my point is, she reminds me of your mother. She may look carefree right now but under that smile, there's something else going on. It's up to her if she wishes to open up to you or not. For now, it is best to let her be alone. I have a feeling the reason she chose to excuse herself was so she would not say something she would regret." King Morion said as his son looked at him worried but also conflicted.
He nodded and agreed to let Perla be alone for a bit. That was until the two noticed that a certain second prince hadn't said a peep.
"Wait, where's Alcryst?"
[—-]
Perla just stared and stared at the bottle of Brodian Fire wine. Her hands twitched, as she gritted her teeth. Her mind swirled with dark whispers as her expression was dark. It was so...so...easy to serve herself a glass of the strong wine. It was so easy to drink the whole bottle in one night. The feeling of ecstasy, laughing and giggling to her heart's content, all to forget the pain in her chest and mind. Her hands twitched, then stopped, and twitched again.
"One sip...won't kill me..." Perla thought as now her hands were trembling as they were now on the cork, and about to—
A hand suddenly grabbed her wrist, making her eyes go wide before she looked at who they belonged to. A pair of crimson eyes looked at her worry but also, "Don't do it." Perla let out a sigh of relief and Alcryst let go of her wrist once she put her hands down.
"Thank you. I...I don't know what should have happened if continued." Perla sighed and crossed her arms then placed her hand on her forehead, "No...I probably would have relapsed..." she gritted her teeth and closed her eyes as she lightly smacked her forehead, "Stupid. Stupid. Stupid."
"Relapsed?" Alcryst said, "Did you...have a drinking problem?"
Perla let out a sigh and a bitter smile formed on her lips as she nodded.
"I was in the military. In my early days, I had a friend. Three friends. We worked together on the front lines, rescuing and healing as many as we could. The work, violence, a young woman fresh of 20 now experiencing first hand just how truly horrible war was. Plus another reason...I started drinking to ease the pain." She said and smiled bitterly as she glared darkly at the bottle, of wine in front of her.
"On shot became two. A bottle became more than one. I was drinking almost every day. I knew alcohol can kill me but I didn't care. I just wanted the pain and anger to go away." Perla sighed and looked away, "Sorry, I shouldn't be dumping all this on you."
"Umm..." Alcryst muttered, "I-I think it's...nice that you felt comfortable enough to open up like that." Perla turned to look at him surprised, "You usually keep to yourself. The only time I have ever seen you so relaxed or open is when you're with all of us, shopping with Jade, Lapis, and Citrinne, and..." he was hesitant to say his brother.
Perla just looked at him with wide eyes but they became half-lidded.
"You were about to say, Diamant, weren't you?" She said and saw the boy stiffened, "Sigh..." The woman let out a deep sigh and looked out a distance, unaware that said the prince was listening from the sides, hidden.
"Do you not like my brother?" Alcryst said and Perla raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not going to lie. Your brother is good eye candy. So are you."
"WHAT?!"
Perla couldn't help but snicker at how red Alcryst became at her words. It's not a lie. Diamant, Amber, Jade, and the rest were all beautiful people. Way too realistically beautiful.
"But," Perla pinched her chin between her thumb and forefinger, "You're too...young for me. You're cute, but like I said, too young. But, I spot your eyes are on Lapis~" she teased.
"W-What does Lapis have to do with this?!" Alcryst said, "B-But thank you for your honesty!" He sighed, "I wish I could be just as honest and open as you."
"I wasn't always like this." Perla said, "Anyhow, your brother is cute. I do like him as a friend." She said and turned to look out the glass window, "But anything beyond that is not possible." Diamant twitched as the woman placed her hand on the glass, her reflection looking back at her with emotionless eyes, "I'll be returning to my home once I find my sister and brother. If…We can find a way to return. From there...I don't think it will be possible to ever speak to you all again." The woman smiled sadly, turning back to him.
"Why?" Alcryst asked, his voice full of hurt, "Do you want to leave?"
"It's not..." Perla sighed and looked to the side, "it's complicated. It's just...I'm not such a good person you all think I am." She said as the prince looked at her confused, "I...did something in the past that I feel no remorse at all. Let's just say...Diamant does not need someone who has taken the path of revenge." She said and Alcryst froze.
"Anyway, let's end this conversation." Perla quickly said, "I should get going. Knowing Ethan, he's probably wondering where I am." She said, "Take care!" And off Perla went.
Once she was gone, Alcryst let out a deep breath and whispered, "You're not a bad person...you're...hard on yourself.." and he left.
Diamant was silent, processing the words he had just heard. A sigh left his lips as he crossed his arm.
"Revenge..."
- Three Days Later -
Three days had gone by since what happened at the northern fortresses. The Sentinels searched all over but could not find Nanami no matter how much they searched. Because of this, they had no choice but to return to the city, hoping Rumba could help them. But now, they might have a new addition to the team. After everyone told them what happened, now they were listening to Seadall's story.
"I know you all are wondering why I was in the Northern fortress." Seadall said as he stood in front of the queen and her people, "As I told Miss Nanami, I was out in the northern fortress rehearsing as well as investigating the recent rise of monsters when those creatures appeared. A talking ring called me out to me. I believe she was the female voice from the rumors and a princess cursed and trapped in the ring. So, I decided to help free her once we got to safety. That was..." he smiled nervously, "that was until I was informed by Miss Nanami that the ring was an Emblem of legends." He said.
"I understand." Rumba spoke up, "That is to say, you really shouldn't have been there. The Northern fortress was made that way to hide the ring. But" the pinched the bridge of his nose, "You're staying with us from now on. Better safe than sorry."
"Am I in trouble?" Seadall said but the queen raised her hand to speak.
"Yes and no. Yes, because you were not supposed to be there. The No because this means Emblem Corrin chose you to hear her voice. Only those with Draconic blood or chosen by the Emblem can wield them." Queen Sephoria said with a small smile as she looked at her children.
"So, you don't mind being part of the Sentinels do you?" Fogado said with a grin and the dancer looked at him shocked.
"We could tell you were trying to protect Emblem Corrin. Nanami looked like she knew you even though you two never met. But I trust her judgment. Other than you need protection because Emblem wielders are unfortunately targeted by The Fell and Demon Extreme Worshippers, but, I liked your style of fighting! You're a good person, we can tell. So, what do you say?" Timera said and Seadall took out his tarot deck.
The man let out a small breath before he drew two cards and smiled as he turned the two cards at them.
"La Determination, and L'Honneur. It means determination and good fortune will come as I cut my own path." Seadall said and placed his hand on his chest, "Very well. I accept." He said and the group nodded.
"I know this is sudden but, could you use your cards to find Nanami? Or at least, tell us if she is okay. She and Emblem Corrin went missing when that bright light happened." Timerra said and Seadall nodded.
He cleared his mind, took a deep breath as he made his deck glow and float in front of him bef—?!
Though none could see it, it felt like a pair of eyes suddenly snapped open and looked down at Seadall. Fear and coldness filled every fiber of his being. It felt like a sinister dark force was right next to him, their claws on his neck. The cards began shaking and then sent flying, causing Pannette to scream and her brother to hug her to protect her. The frightening feeling went away but not before a dark whisper was said in his ear.
"She is mine. Begone."
Seadall stumbled and fell, pale as a ghost but a ghostly hand touched his head and the feelings he felt before melted away and were replaced with warmth. Again, another voice whispered but this time, it was gentle and soft.
"She is in the land of snow and roses...She is safe..."
And the gentle presence was gone.
"Young man, are you alright?!" Rumba said as he ran to him and helped him up.
"What on earth was that?" Queen Sephoria said, "I've never seen anything like that. I'm guessing you saw something you shouldn't?" She said and the dancer shook his head.
"It seems something was trying to prevent me from searching for Nanami. But...something interfered and protected me. It was a gentle presence and they said she was safe in the land of snow and roses. I have...no idea where that is." He said and Rumba thought for a moment.
"Land of snow and roses..." he mulled, "Snow...Roses...Snow..." his eyes slowly widened.
"Elusia."
- Northern Elusia -
The Frozen Fortress of Elusia was built during the founding of The Kingdom of Knowledge. It was once a great and impenetrable military fortress where it was once managed by a noble house name Evangeline. The House eventually died away as the years went by, its last heir was Queen Rose, and the Frozen Fortress has become a prison. It was a palace where the wife or concubine of the Elusian King was sent when the emperor did not like them anymore or they committed crimes that cannot be forgiven by the king.
Today, it was now a forgotten place, far away and hidden in the snow to the point it was an old ghost story among the Elusian folks. But only a selected few by the queen of Elusia knew of it. This was a secret that was passed down from the queen's mother to the next queen of Elusia. From the knowledge of secret passageways that would allow the queen and the concubines to escape with their children.
Inside the frozen fortress was kept warm by the magic heat stones and barrier that was around the place that kept it hidden. From the outside, the place looked empty and desolate but the inside was decent and nice for people to live in. Only two maids were in charge of the place, keeping it clean as well as the snow brownies that lived in the place, along with the occasional banshee that had to be chased out. Princess Ivy let out a sigh as she read the letter in her hands. For the past two months since she met Perla, she had been keeping it a secret that she was the Princess of Elusia. And for once, she had someone she could openly speak about war and politics without getting screamed at as the nobles and her father would do to her. It was so rare to find someone she could speak with.
But Ivy felt guilty having to hide who she was. What would the people say if they learned that The Elusian Princess and Brodia's apprentice court mage were on friendly terms? Perhaps she should try to pick off where her stepmother, Queen Rose, left off. Another sigh left her lips as she looked back at the letter, the contents of it made her raise an eyebrow.
Some day my print will come~
Some day my print will come~
In the meantime, here is a hand-drawn chart about medicinal herbs that grow in the snow that you asked for.
"Pfft!" Ivy let out a small laugh, "Sigh, if only we could talk in person. Hmmm..." the princess hummed as she put it away and brought out her mug of piping hot sweet rose tea, "I look forward to the day we can drink tea together." She said to herself and closed her eyes to take a sip.
She then opened them and immediately spit them out seeing a pegasus, wyvern, and griffin come to the landing area. But she recognized them and immediately ran, behind her followed her two retainers. A few minutes later and the flying mounts landed and Ivy saw it was Hortensia, Rosado, and Goldmary.
"Hortensia! What are you doing here?! You know you're not supposed to come this way!" Ivy said as her sister chuckled nervously, "What if a spy followed you?!" And then she saw the red on her clothing, "Is that blood?! Are you injured?! Was it a Brodian soldier?!"
"Ivy, calm down!" Hortensia said, "And no, we weren't followed and we didn't see any Brodians on the way here. But we need Sumia and Bernadetta! Quickly!" she said as her sister looked at her confused until Rosado came up.
There, Ivy saw in his arms what looked like a Solm woman, covered in some sort of black substance. Sickly pale skin and black veins all over her skin.
"I understand. But I want an explanation after this." Ivy said and her sister nodded, Rosado charged forward and in the process, something fell out of the mysterious woman's bag.
"What's this?" Hortensia said as she knelt to pick it up.
It was an old leather book with crystals made of a strange material. Hortensia, curious, opened it and began flipping through the pages. Each time she did, her eyes began sparking more and more seeing the sketches of beautiful and adorable clothing in it. As well as strange vibrant pictures of cute clothing she had never seen before.
"Is this lady a fashion designer?!"
- Dream -
"Hmmm..." Nanami mumbled and blinked a few times for her eyesight to adjust, "Where, am I?" She whispered and looked around.
All she saw was that she was in a poorly lighted place with fog all around. Her mind felt hazed and fuzzy as she got up and walked around.
In the dream hidden, Arisa hid, gritting her teeth.
"That snake...I pray it's not what I think it is." She thought, "Why not establish a connection with the dream realms?" A voice spoke in her head.
"You know that's dangerous Sothis." Arisa said as Nanami wandered and she looked after her, "I can't do that unless she does have a connection with someone. And I mean someone close." She said.
"Just try. Look, the girl already went through a lot and most likely going to enter a full panic attack when she wakes up! Don't be childish! At least do something!" Sothis said and Arisa grumbled but nodded, raising her hands, specks of magic began to form as she closed her eyes but then they snapped open, blinking multiple times, "What in the name of the—"
"AHEM!" Sothis said and Arisa whispered a sorry, "Huh...five connections. She has five connections." She closed her eyes again to try and identify them, "Huh...Okay, I'm going to establish a connection with three of them. I feel they are the safest and also, looks like I'm going to have to work behind Nanami's back for a while." She said and muttered six incantations, "Alright. That should do it. And, I'm going to connect myself to a specific one."
"Who?" Sothis said and Arisa smiled sadly.
"Someone Lumera thought she lost."
[—]
"My head hurts..." Nanami muttered as he placed her hand on her forehead and grunted.
"Come..."
"Come to me..."
"Let us take back what is ours..."
"Let's play..."
"Uugghhh...Shut up..." Nanami growled.
"Why do you resist?"
"Destroy them..."
"Come...Join..."
"SHUT UP!" Nanami screamed and then, "Whoa!" The woman blinked multiple, looking up and seeing a blurred figure, "I'm sorry for distributing you." A male? "Are you alright? You sounded like you were in pain." He said and now that everything was clear, Nanami could see.
"This place...I have never been here before." Nanami heard the voice of the young man speak.
It sounded like a young man, his face was blurred. She couldn't see his appearance at all. Where on earth was she?
"Hello?" She called it to him and the man jumped, "Whoa, there! I'm not going to hurt you!" She said with her hands up, "Strange," she looked him up and down, "I can't see your appearance."
"Neither can I see yours." The young man said, "Um, my name is [—]." And when he tried to say his name, all she heard was glitching, "Ugh. Seems we can not even say our names."
"Well...they say anything can happen in dreams." Nanami said, "But, I guess...nice to meet you. Whoever you are." She smiled softly.
"O-Oh, nice to meet you as well." The young man said, "I... um..."
"Umm..." Nanami was struggling, she had never met anyone in a dream, let alone, she didn't exactly know how to start a conversation.
And it seemed that whoever the young man was, was also struggling to speak.
"Okay, let's start like this." Nanami thought as she took a deep breath, "Um, where are you from?"
[—]
"I feel like I am watching you and Dimitri all over again," Sothis said and Arisa had closed eyed strained smile as she also watched the two from afar.
"Dimitri and I were not like that," Arisa said as Sothis scoffed.
[—-]
"How odd. You can't say where you are either." Nanami said and the two were now back to back seeing the world around them change from a foggy land to a land of snow and the side the young man stood on was green grass, "Okay, I guess this our way of saying where we are." She chuckled as did the young man.
"Indeed." He said, "The snow...I don't know why but I feel...sad when I see it." He said and Nanami understood.
"I get how you feel. For me, green scenery isn't as pleasant as it is supposed to be." Nanami sighed and the man coked his head, "Let's just say, I spent the majority of my teen years alone." She said.
The two gasped seeing the place becoming foggy again and surrounding them.
"Ummm! I hope to see you again! Whoever you are!" Nanami yelled as they were becoming farther apart.
"I do as well!"
A dream it was...but it was a nice one.
- End of Dream -
Her eyelashes twitch and slowly her eyes open. Her body felt sore, and her throat dry. Just about every word of discomfort she thought. But she noticed she was in something soft, plush, and warm. She heard soft humming and turned her head, seeing short purple hair, a maid uniform with a long skirt, but most of all...
"Berna...detta?" Nanami whispered and the girl, quickly turned around, her purple eyes going wide before she nearly unleashed a scream but was quickly silenced by a hand covering her mouth.
"Bernie, you know you're not supposed to scream!" Another individual, Nanami recognized, Sumia, who also wore a maid uniform.
The brown-haired woman smiled softly and walked up after she calmed down and whispered to Bernadetta. The purple-haired girl nodded, looking at Nanami with a weary gaze before she sprinted out of the room. The woman walked up and spoke carefully.
"Hello. How are you feeling?" Sumia asked carefully and noticed how Nanami was trying to sit up, and helped her, "Sore..." Nanami grunted and hissed, feeling a sharp sting on her neck and in her head, "Where am I?" She said and looked around, seeing a simple yet nice room that looked like a medical room.
She looked down at herself and noticed she was wearing a blue nightgown. Her hair, which was usually tied in a ponytail, was now free and showing it was mid-waist length. Sumia went to get her a glass of water which she happily accepted and gulped down before wiping her lips.
"The last thing I remember..." another sharp pain and everything that happened, the battle, dragon, the snake, everything just came back, "my friends...my friends!" And the woman jumped off the bed before Sumia could even make a move.
"Miss, Wait!
Nanami ignored her and ran and ran. Her lungs and body burned but she didn't care. She ran through green-colored stone hallways on purple carpets, barefoot. Vases, a medicinal gothic style architecture, she wasn't in Solm castle. She ran and ran, scaring a few women dressed in uniforms before she spotted a wooden door. She got to it and slammed it open, running outside before she came to a halt. Nothing but white surrounded her, a frozen lake she could see far away. Giant stone walls covered in snow. Gentle snowflakes fell from the gray skies and the cold nipped her nose.
"What on?" She gasped, carefully taking steps, "Just...where am I?" She whispered.
It was Nanami's first time seeing the snow and she already hated the cold. The woman shivered and hugged herself before she heard footsteps heading her way and turned to look behind her. Her eyes widened, recognizing the beautiful woman. Princess Ivy looked at her with an emotionless expression before she spoke.
"I see you have woken up. While I find it rude that you just suddenly ran off, given the circumstances and the state you were in, it makes sense." Ivy said and Nanami noticed the two individuals behind her.
A young man with black hair tied in a high messy ponytail with bangs on the right side of his face. Brown eyes, and wore Japanese styles clothing with black pants. He had a katana on his belt, which was Kagetsu. Next to him was a man with dark skin, black wavy black hair, and golden eyes, and wore a black long coat, with a black shirt and pants, and a key on his neck. That was Zelkov. The two were observing Nanami before the brown-haired woman let out a cute sneeze.
"You are getting cold," Ivy said, let us go back inside, we have much to discuss.
And so Nanami followed.
[—-]
The inside of what looked to be Ivy's office was a beautiful light shade of lavender-painted walls. Gothic and Victorian-style furniture, shelves with books, a table filled with tomes, a lab, a nice carpet, as well as a table for guests to sit and drink tea. But at the moment, Ivy sat on a dark purple Chesterfield sofa with a coffee table between her and Nanami as Nanami sat across from her on the other sofa. Warm tea was prepared for them. Nanami subconsciously touched her right hand, and internally let out a sigh of relief feeling the two ri—
"Two rings?" Nanami thought and looked down at her hand. She recognized Arisa's ring but the other was..."Ohhhhh...I fucked up. Ooohhh...I fucked up..." Nanami thought and mentally screamed as Ivy put down her cup.
"How are you feeling?" The princess asked as Nanami intertwined her hands together, "My maids informed me that you had awakened." She said, "But I want to know who you are, where did you come from, and how you are here. Depending on your answer, it will determine if you are a danger or not. So," she looked her right in the eye, "do speak honestly."
Nanami gulped and nodded.
"My name is Nanami...I'm a mage in training." She began as Ivy listened, "My team and I were traveling in the deserts of Solm when..." she bit her lip, shivering, "We were attacked by a dragon." The princess twitched, "We fought as best we could and at some point, my magic went out of control and I cast extreme warp. I can tell everyone is safe but...I think it was because I was desperate for safety that I warped to a random location. I...apologize if I caused any trouble as I was here." The woman bowed her head and kept it down.
"Please believe me...please believe me, please believe me..." Nanami kept repeating in her head as Ivy looked down at her.
"Extreme warp..." Ivy let out a small sigh, "Considering the state you were in, as well as the number of injuries you had, I believe you are telling the truth." She said and Nanami was about to let out a sigh of relief, "But do explain what you mean by a dragon attack?" She said, "The Earth and Sand Dragons usually keep to themselves and rarely attack anyone. Did you provoke them?" She asked and Nanami frantically shook her head, "Then what?"
"Truthfully I have never seen such a dragon before. It had, strange horns that looked like talons!" Nanami made Oni like horns with her hands, "And it went graaagghhh!" She made claw gestures, "with saber teeth and had a weird flower gem on its head! And it looks like some sort of cobra!" She made snake wiggles with her arms.
Kagetsu had his cheeks puffed out, trying not to burst out laughing while Zevolk turned his head away, trembling, also trying not to laugh. Ivy's lips twitched and from the rings, Arisa, Sothis, and Corrin were using each other as support, howling. It is a good thing the Emblems can keep themselves silent. Nanami stopped, feeling her face turn crimson by the second. She may be 19 but she has been cursed with a baby face. She looks like she's the same age as Hortensia!
"I see." Ivy said, "Cough!" The woman cleared her throat, "You have poor explanation skills." Nanami now looked at her like an offended cat, "But I believe you." She said and looked to the side as she took another sip of her tea, "I have a feeling she would be a poor liar like Sumia and Bernadetta if they tried to hide something from me." She thought and looked back at her, "I will allow you to stay here for the time being until you fully recover." She said and stood up, "Sumia and Berrandtta will show you a room where you will stay. My sister wishes to speak to you but at the moment she is not here.
She went to the door and there, Bernadetta and Sumia were waiting for her, "I'll see you soon, Nanami." Ivy said and left.
Now it was just the maids and Nanami. Honestly, the silence was backward.
"Umm...Hi?"
— Lythos -
"Uuggghhhhh...My head."
Miguel groaned as he sat up and just sat still for a while before he got up and went to the restroom. He removed his clothes, showered, shaved, and then once he finished patting his face dry and...his right eye was gold-red.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Miguel's scream rang all over and before he knew it, the door to his room burst open.
"Are we under attack?!" Alear said with Framme and Clanne, weapons drawn till they saw Miguel just standing next to his bed. He was shirtless, and a towel wrapped around his waist. The twins were frozen and turning crimson by the second, they had never seen someone so fit before, Alear just let out a sigh and relief, not processing the situation and state Miguel was in. Miguel was becoming redder by the second because of how oblivious the dragon was.
"Miguel you're awake-" he didn't get to finish.
"GET OUT!"
And the trio was kicked out of the room, the door slamming shut. A few minutes later, after getting dressed, then Miguel came out. He was immediately greeted by a group hug from the twins.
"Miguel you're awake!" Framme cried out, "We were so worried!" Clanne cried out as Miguel looked at them confused and then at Alear, who also looked happy to see he was awake.
"Wait what...is...Argh!" A sharp pain went through his head the then everything flashed before his eyes.
The battle...
Queen Lumera's death.
The strange voice.
The world turning backward...
"Is Queen Lumera alright?!" Miguel said and Alear nodded, "Oh thank goodness. Oh, thank goodness." He said and couldn't help but let out an on as he covered his eyes, "Oh thank god...oh thank god..." the man sobbed as they looked at him worried, "S-Sorry. I'm just glad she is alive."
"We have much to talk about." Alear said as he walked up to the man, "And, thank you. Truly, you saved my mother's life. I am forever in your debt." He said and bowed along with the twins, "Truly, thank you!"
Miguel was stunned but shook his head, it felt wrong seeing someone of high power bow to him. Especially because Alear is worshipped as a god.
"Please raise your head." He sighed, "I did what I have to." He said and then touched his hand, feeling he didn't have his emblem, "Wait, where is Sitonia?" He said.
"Umm..." Alear looked at him, hesitant, "We should go speak to Mother. We...also want to know what happened. And, also why your right eye changed."
[—-]
They walked through the castle quickly. They arrived a few minutes later at the ring vault where the others were. Prince Alfred along with his retainers, Queen Lumera, and Vander. The queen turned and ran to him along with the others.
"Oh thank goodness! You're finally awake! I don't know how would face Ermos and Maria if something happened to you!" Queen Lumera said.
"How long have been out?" Miguel asked and Alfred spoke up.
"You've been asleep for a week."
"A WEEK?!"
Vander glared, "Ahem!" Miguel clear his throat, "A week?" The queen couldn't help but chuckle a bit but nodded, "What happened to the rings?"
"Unfortunately we have lost three rings." Lumera said, "But your attack on the enemy cause them to drop one." She said and looked at Vander, who nodded and Miguel noticed the ring the man was now wearing.
It glowed and blue light began to take shape and form. Before them, appeared a young woman dressed in a dark blue tunic, black tights, boots, and a sword on her waist, and wore a cape just like Marth. She had mid-waist light blue hair, the same shade as Marth, and blue eyes but her left eye had a strange symbol in them. Yet somehow, Miguel knew who she was.
"I am Emblem Lucina." Lucina smiled, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you for saving me." She said.
"I am so lost." Miguel said as the queen smiled, "But Lumera, I'm...I'm just truly grateful to see that you are alive. I am. I know this may sound crazy but...I saw you die." He said as everyone looked at him shocked.
"You saw me, die?" The queen said and he nodded, "Child, please explain. I have many questions as well. That power you used against the enemy...that was Sitonia's power. You shouldn't have been able to use her emblem." She said and Miguel nodded.
"I know this will all sound like a horrible nightmare but please hear me out. All of you." He said and they listened as he began to speak, "The witch attacked, she was on the verge of killing Alear with a dark fire spell when you jumped and pushed him out of the way." Alear's eyes went wide, "I saw you killed. You...You..." He didn't even notice his hands had balled to fists, his nails digging into his skin to the point it was bleeding.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and snapped out of it seeing it was Alear. He took deep breaths and then continued.
"After that, everything around me froze. I...I heard a voice. It spoke to me. It told me why should I care about anyone here. I...I yelled at it, saying that I know I am powerless but the voice then said, If I could go back to save you, would I do it?" He let out a shuttered breath, "I...I said yes. And...I know this all sounds like I'm going crazy but I swear I am not lying!" He put his hand on his chest and looked at her desperate, "I somehow went back in time! I somehow managed to stop that witch from killing you! Please, you have to believe me!" He said.
The silence was tense for a while before the queen let out a shuttered breath and nodded.
"I do believe you, Miguel. I do..." Lumera said, "Sitonia told me everything." Miguel's eyes went wide, "Miguel, that power you use, was indeed Emblem Sitonia's power." She said and turned around, picking up a ring for the altar, "It's best..." Lucina narrowed her eyes at the ring, "she should explain herself."
Miguel was handed the ring and he put it on. Words suddenly filled his mind and he raised his hand.
"Enlighten us, Emblem of Sentience!" He yelled and light burst from the ring.
Droplets of water formed before all and they gathered together, taking on the shape of a butterfly. It flew in the air for a moment before it now hovered near him.
"It's been so long since I have been able to speak openly like this." A female voice with no emotion spoke, surprising everyone but Queen Lumera, "Unfortunately the seal is still placed on me but a crack formed. Just enough for you to use my power and for me to transfer some of it to you. And for me to speak." The butterfly said, "My name is Emblem Sitonia, Queen of Valla. I am the voice that spoke to you in the darkness." She said.
"You..." Miguel gritted his teeth, "You...You!" The man was suddenly enraged but Sitonia spoke.
"I had to confirm your resolve." Sitonia said, "My words are cruel on purpose. My power is not easy to use. As an heir to the power of the silent dragons, I have to make sure my wielder is capable of handling my power. And you proved it." She said and turned to Lumera.
"I used my power to allow you to use the Draconic time crystal," she said and Lumera's sighed.
"Sitonia, what you did was dangerous!" The queen said, "What would you have done if Miguel was not able to handle your power?!" She said.
"Oh, that's easy." Sitonia said, "I would have purified him." She said, then Queen smacked her hand over her eyes and let out a frustrated groan.
Marth and Sigurd also appeared, giving the butterfly disappointed looks. Sitonia, since the beginning of their creation, was the most difficult Emblem to work with. That was because of her personality. She was a cold woman who had high standards. Her previous wielder was Maria, and by some miracle, the two got along well. She was one of the few Sitonia opened up to and told her her real name.
"In all seriousness," Marth spoke up, "Lumera is right. Reckless behavior like this is not acceptable."
"And what would you have done?" The butterfly suddenly changed into the shape of a faceless woman which made Marth narrow his eyes, it was the shape of his wife.
"Let Lumera die? I gave the boy a chance to change fate. Oh, but you wouldn't know the pain and agony that fate puts on us Outworlders and the burden we carry. We are lucky we are not in Fodlan. That land suffers a much crueler fate." She said as the prince gritted his teeth.
"Please, stop!" Alear said, stepping in between the two, "Arguing will help no one. This is about Miguel and the power he unleashed. Is he okay? That is all we want to know." He said and the woman now changed to Alear's form, "Please stop that."
"No." Sitonia said, "You have changed so much. Compared to how you were back in the day, it's nice seeing you express emotions." Lumera's nostrils flared, "This is the only way I can communicate. You all have questions but there is only so much I can say. That is the rule that binds us, seers. I can not abuse the power of foresight or there will be serious consequences. But," she turned to Miguel, "I can tell you this much."
Sitonia's water form changed again but this time into the shape of...Nanami.
"Your sister that you have been searching for is safe. That is all." Sitonia said, "As for your state, we must head to Firene. There, you will meet your first answer to why you were suddenly brought to this world. The Double." She said and Alfred's eyes went wide.
"Oh...you mean." The prince said, "I apologize for the sudden change of topic but," Alfred said and turned to Queen Lumera, "Since Lady Sitonia brought up Firene, that's the reason I came here." He said and the queen looked at him, "I apologize but, our kingdom is in danger. My mother sent me to ask you for help. All over Firene, our people are being attacked by these...these...creatures." He said as the queen looked at him worried.
"Creatures...what did they look like?" The queen asked.
"These things are like people, but...cracked, almost crumbling. And...a strange one." The room was silent, "It's a creature with a big body, wings, and a single eye." He explained.
"The corrupted." Alear said but the other one, "I do not..."
"Son of bitch..."
Everyone turned to look at Sitonia, stunned by her sudden foul language, "We already have enough dealing with the corrupted," her form balled their fist in anger, "But now...No...it can't be them..." she muttered.
"Sitonia, what is it?" Lumera said and again her form changed but this time into Lumera, "And Prince Alfred," Alfred perked up, "We will send help. I can not go due to me guarding the castle, but Alear," she turned to her son, "Do you wish to go?"
"...Yes." Alear said, looking at her with a fire in his eyes, "I don't want more families to be torn apart─more people to suffer. Even if I'm scared, I have to push through my fear." He said and the queen smiled, closing her eyes and nodding.
"Very well, I understand. Then," she slipped off Sigurd's ring and walked up to him, took his hands, and place the ring in it, taking him but surprised, "You will need all the help you can get."
"Mother, are you sure of this?!" Alear said and the queen nodded, "But..." Lucina also came forward and nodded.
"I entrusted Emblem Lucina to Vander. As for Sigurd, that is your choice." The queen said, "My son, I believe in you. Follow your heart." She said.
Alear looked at the ring and then into his mother's eyes before nodding firmly.
"I vow to protect your offspring in your absence, Lumera." Sigurd said, "As will I." Lucina said as well.
"Thank you. Both of you." Alear said and then turned to look at Sitonia, "Sitonia, will you also join this fight?" He asked.
"That is not my decision to make." The Emblem said making his eyes go wide, "Miguel is the one you should be asking that question."
"No need." Miguel said, "I'm going. And as much as I am angry at you right now," the emblem queen only shrugged "I need your power. So..." he held out his hand towards her, "let's work together and put a stop to this madness. As you said, I curse my fate and I'll rewrite it. I won't let anyone tell me how my story is supposed to be written." He said and Sitonia burst into a fit of laughter.
"I curse my fate and I'll rewrite it."
Lumera's lips parted for a moment hearing those words. For a moment, she had a flashback to her husband.
"Well done!" Sitonia said and lunged at him, returning to her ring, and making him nearly fall back because of the force.
Water and magic began to swirl once more and in his hands formed a silver and gold stringless bow. The woman's chuckle resonated in his ears as the bow hummed with power in his hands.
"Fujin Yumi. A bow that only those of have the power of the first dragons in their veins could use." Sitonia said and the weapon dissolved from his hands, "Use it well."
"I still have...many questions." Miguel said, "But I have a feeling you're going to explain it on the way to Firene." He said and a butterfly formed again, and landed on his shoulder.
"Indeed. But we should prepare. It will take about two weeks to get to Firene. Once we get there," she turned to Alear, "Alear can reactivate The Divine Warp Tile." She said as everyone but the Emblems and Lumera looked at her confused.
"Gasp!" Lumera asked, "I had completely forgotten about those!" She said, "But Klaus will be the one to lead you all to it. Only the court mages of each nation know of it." She said.
"I'm sorry but, who is Klaus?" Miguel asked and Alfred chuckled nervously but also, had a look of guilt in his eyes.
"He is Firene's Court mage. And..."
- Firene -
"ARGH!"
A young woman with puffy long brown hair wearing a floral dress and crown, gasped in horror as Alfred stabbed his sword through Elusian soldiers. He then pulled it out, not caring if blood had splattered all over his face. The young prince let out a shuttered breath before turning to the army of Elusian soldiers. Queen Eve was behind him along with Princess Celine.
"You two, leave. I'll take them out." Alfred said, "Celine go!" Queen Eve said to the princess.
"I can't just leave you two here!" Celine said and squeaked when something was thrown at her.
She quickly caught it and saw it was pendent with a black obsidian gem with a symbol engraved on it.
"Take my Emblem as well." Celine eyes looked at him horrified, "GO NOW!" He yelled and Celine sobbed before running in the other direction, clutching a ring and pendant to her chest tightly.
Alfred let out a small sigh before glancing at the queen, "You should have gone."
"I can not." Queen Eve shook her head, "As a queen, I must stand with my people." She said you won't last much longer."
Alfred chuckled before sending a wave of thorns at the enemy army and took that opportunity to run with the queen. They ran and ran till they arrived at the deeper part of the castle. Alfred panted and then coughed, his green eyes suddenly turned to gold with specks of black.
"Looks like this form won't last long...Alfred...hurry."