"My name is Noa. The Divine Dragon of Thorns and the original ruler of this land."
Noa was a dark green-haired woman that had her hair curled in two drills and draped over her shoulders, it was up to her ankles. She had purple eyes with the pupils being gold slits, purple scales under her cheeks, and a crown with thorns and flowers in different colors. She had pointy ears and deer-like horns that had some flowers and leaves. She wore a Rooman-styled white tunic with a red scarf that flowed beautifully in the wind. But most of all, she had a smile and a gaze that made everyone feel as if she was looking into their very souls. All Emblems appeared and bowed politely. Unfortunately, all Sitonia could do was turn into a cat and slightly bow her head.
"It has been a long time, Empress Noa," Marth said and Empress Noa smiled seeing them all.
"Indeed, it has. Who knows how long it has been? But I can only remain for so long." She said and motioned them to raise their heads, "The Seal of Stars is on you Sitonia. Why?"
"The Demon whose name we can not remember...I sense their return." Sitonia said as Noa narrowed her eyes.
Everyone but the Emblems was just stunned. There were no records of a spirit living within the dragon crystal or even records of an empress before the first king of Firene. The group was just so confused till Alfred spoke.
"Um...Excuse me, Divine One?" Alfred said and the woman looked down at him, "I-It is an honor to be in your presence. My name is Prince Alfred." And Celine stepped forward, "I am Celine, his younger sister, and princess of Firene." She said.
"I am Klaus Lycinth, And this is my sister, Luna Lycinth." Klaus said as he looked at Luna, "We are the Shadows of The Royal Family." He said.
Alear gulped and stepped forward.
"M-My name is Alear! I am the Divine Dragon and son of The Divine Dragon Queen Lumera! It is an honor to be in your presence!" He said and Vander nodded, "I am Vander, 32nd Steward of the divine dragons, and have served and protected them for many years." Vander said and lastly, it was Miguel.
"I'm Miguel...Lycinth. Former military sniper." Miguel said and Noa nodded in approval.
"So many wonderous humans, all who have souls with hearts of gold and have faced hardships." Noa said, "But..." She looked at Klaus and Luna with a puzzled expression, "How odd...You two are not of my blood." Everyone was confused, "The Dragon blood that runs through your veins is that of The Divine Crystal Dragon who once ruled Lythos. I can smell his scent on you two. But you have mastered Earth magic, to control thorns just as naturally as those who I have my blood, very impressive." Noa smiled with joy, "Even if you are not Galahad's descendent, you grew up in this land. Thus, you are also my children." She said and looked back at Alear.
"Divine dragon...I only sense you and another. Oh, and...three others. How unfortunate to see our kind no longer thrive as before. There were once thousands of us who ruled the lands or lived in seclusion. Eventually, some of us mated with humans and lived normal yet blissful lives. If you" she pointed at Alear with a grin, "you were born 4,000 years ago, you may have been given the domain of the skies or sea to rule." She said.
"I-I know this is sudden but what you just told me is so much. Please, what exactly are you?" Alear said as Noa looked down at him.
"Very well, as your Elder, I shall enlighten you all in the history of our past. But know there is a limited amount I can tell you." Noa said as she placed her hand over her heart and blinked.
Projections of dragons of all kinds and lands floating in the sky showed. People and dragons together, some even fighting one another. And in the sky, were dragons surrounded by golden light. Noa looked fondly at the projections.
"The first dragons came to this land more than a millennia ago. Possibly longer from any records in existence. From them, the Divine and Silent were born. And soon the elemental and the fell." Noa explained, "We, the divine, were given the role of guardians to govern the land. This land that you all call Firene, was mine and when my life would reach it, I chose to give to two individuals my blood. The first Human King of Firene, Arthur, and The Outworlder who became Arthur's Shadow, Galahad." she said as she waited for a reaction.
"When my life came to an end, I turned myself into a Dragon Crystal and anchored myself to this land. Cleaning the land from corruption and giving life a new one. I am called The Dragon of Abundance. May my land forever be blessed and its fruits and life be shared with all."
"I remember reading a bit about King Arthur." Celine said, "He was said to be a benevolent and chivalrous king who command a group of knights called The Knights of The Round Table. One of his best knights and shadows was a knight named Galahad." She said and Miguel pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a groan, "What is wrong?"
"Let me guess..." Miguel said in a dry tone, "The court mage back then was named Merlin. Arthur's enemy was his sister named Morgan le Fay and the knight that betrayed him was his son Mordred and another knight Lancelot who had an affair with his wife Guinevere. Thus began to end of his kingdom." He said and everyone blinked.
"H-How did you know?!" Alfred said as Noa looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "And what do you mean the end of his kingdom?! Firene wouldn't be here today if the rebellion against Arthur succeeded!"
"Yes, Lancelot and Guinevere did have an affair but they were banished! Mordred was expelled and stripped of his title!" Celine said, "Where on earth did you hear that version of our history?!" The princess demanded.
"Well..." he looked at Sitonia who let out a groan but spoke, "That's because, in The World of Steel, King Arthur's kingdom falls. Mordred convinces everyone that Arthur died and he takes over the throne. Then Arthur either died or was fatally wounded while fighting either with or against Mordred, who also perished. That's how Arthur died in our world. Or so the legend says." Sitonia explained as the Firene group looked at them in horror.
"Hahahaha!" Noa burst into a laugh, "Oh, I did not expect to see an Outworlder here. I sense that all the Outrealm gates have been destroyed and it should not even be possible for you to be here. Unfortunately young one, you are never able to return to your world." Miguel just felt like he received a slap to the face.
"Why?" He asked but all the woman said, "You shall find out from one who travels to many."
Noa floated down and placed her hands on his cheeks, carefully studying him. The sensation was cold yet it wasn't uncomfortable. The woman squinted her eyes before blinking a few times and letting go of his face.
"Hmm...So you are a direct descendent of the leader of The Founders of Gardlon." She said and floated back to her place, "How odd...Blood of The Divine Earth Dragon, Blood of The Divine Dark Dragon, and Blood of The Divine Crystal Dragon...So at some point in time, children do those blood mingled and soon fell in love and mated." She muttered as she held her chin, "Am I going to have to do a talk of the birds and the bees?"
"T-There is no need for such a thing!" The Emblems all quickly screeched, "We are getting off topic!" Marth quickly spoke up, "We were talking about the history of Firene."
"Nice save," Miguel whispered because right now, the group needed to be spared from such talks.
Also...it's becoming apparent that Noa is a...very talkative Aunty. The good Aunty. Not the one that's a chismosa that made backhanded comments and needs a good roasting to shut up. Noa blinked.
"Ah! I was getting off-topic!" Everyone let out a sigh of relief, "Back to the original, The Creator of Emblems, saw fit to bestow upon them the Emblem of Awakening to Arthur and The Emblem of Shadows to Galahad." She said and looked at the Emblem Wielders, "And each of us former rulers of the land each bestowed a relic to our chosen ones. To Arthur, I bestowed upon lance that can cut through the lands: Brionac. To Galahad, I bestowed to him a shield that would protect an entire nation: Ancile. The other rulers did the same." She said.
"To them, these relics were blessed by us, and the Emblems were bestowed. Those of Elyos pray for Salvation. The Fell Demand action. But those from the stars are the in-between. They pray and demand, they want a miracle." She said as her gaze became half-lidded looking down on Klaus.
"You who has long lost faith...We do not blame you for no longer believing in the divine. You suffered so much."
"If the emblems are so-called miracles..." Klaus gritted his teeth, "Then why didn't The Emblem of Shadows respond to save my parents?!" he yelled, surprising everyone but the Empress.
Klaus gritted his teeth his fist trembled and shook with rage. For years, since the founding of Firene his family has served as the shadows of the royal family and now he was finding out that he and his sister were not descendants of Galahad, possibly even Francis, but someone else of the Lycinth clan?! What's more is that for years they have safeguarded The Emblem of Shadows, and they do not even know the name of the hero that is supposed to reside in the Emblem.
His parents perished seven years ago. They were Firene's diplomats that went to the summit. He remembered being at the port with Luna, Alfred, Celine, and Queen Eve. Everyone there was excited to hear the news of the possibility of no more fighting. But it all went down the drain when they saw the explosion. Klaus never once forget the overwhelming sense of terror and pain that fell into his body during the explosion. The island sunk, and the lone survivor was his mother, who screamed and screamed words of terror saying the demon had returned. The Emblem of Shadows grasped tightly in her hands.
Eventually...
"My father...perished that day seven years ago. My mother...was the sole survivor who went into madness and eventually took her own life. Why...Why didn't the Emblem of Shadows answer when we wanted a miracle?!" He yelled, the tears streaming from his eyes, a substance of silver.
Luna remained silent. Truthfully she also felt the same way. Noa looked down at the group sadly before she spoke. She could sense it since they came in. A child who has taken the path of revenge. A child born of sinful blood but taken in by the divine. And a child who had long lost hope and faith but deep down wishes for a miracle. She has so little time, the only thing she can do is give vague answers. She could tell that there were so many things Sitonia, bless the child of the first dragons, wished to speak of what she sees of her foresight but can not. She can only give vague answers.
And the Emblem of Shadows...
She can sense deep regret and guilt since his previous wielded perished. The seal of stars was on two Emblems by their masters. All to protect them from the clutches of the demon who she can not remember their name. Noa raised her hand once more and spoke.
"It is not that he didn't." She said and pointed to Sitonia, "It is that he wasn't allowed to."
"What?" Everyone gasped as Noa's gaze became half-lidded.
"The demon whose name I can not remember, possesses the power to Corrupt Emblems. But depending on the Emblem, this corruption could be taken a step further." Noa explained, "There are Heroes who at some point in their life or in another world or timeline, either chose to thread on a dark path or were forced into it. This can vary from possession, brainwashing, manipulation, and losing hope, or even going to extremes to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. These are known as The Fallen." She explained.
"These heroes become a monstrous version of themselves. All they desire would be destruction. And Outworlder emblems are no exception, for they become the monsters they fear or were forced to become. The Creator of Emblems created both light and dark emblems. These emblems were both heroes and villains. But they knew that such power was not to be messed with so the Creator erased the darkness and made sure no Fallen Emblem could ever be summoned. But..." her lips pressed together, "The war against the demon...it stole a portion of The Creator's power and used it as his own. The Great War was to just against the demon, it was also against Emblems." She explained everyone was just stunned he shocked.
"The Seal of The Stars, I can sense it was placed on The Emblem of Shadows by the previous weirder to prevent it from being corrupted. It is also placed on Sitonia. Unfortunately, I do not have the power to remove it." She said and Sidonia looked down to the ground.
"But only The Starfarer can."
"Starfarer?" Alear said as Everyone was confused, "It...sounds familiar." He muttered.
"Every member of Lycinth possesses a title. But only one individual who knows the stories of all villains and heroes by heart and soul may gain the title Starfarer." Noa said with a half-lidded gaze, "To ensure no such thing ever happened again, The Creator chose an individual who was not related to Elyos but had knowledge of the worlds the Emblems came from, bestowed on the power to summon Emblems like the Divine and Fell. To cleanse The Fallen and free them from their pain." She said and looked down at Luna.
"The one called Luna, your title is The Ascendant." Luna gulped, "One day you shall rise and surpass and grow. Until then, do not rush." She said as Luna nodded slowly.
"You who is called Klaus, your title is The Astral Arclight." She said, "A fitting name for one who believes in the potential of humanity. When humanity stands together, there is no need for us gods." She said as Klaus was just stunned.
Lastly looked at Miguel, "And you...I sense... How rare to see." Noa smiled, "What is your name again?"
"Miguel..."
"Miguel..." she closed her eyes for a moment then blinked multiple times before she looked at him worried, "The Forsaken..." she said, "You have been betrayed and abandoned by one you considered close. And you took revenge on them...didn't you?" She said and everyone looked at him shocked.
"I rather not talk about it," Miguel said darkly but Noa only smiled sadly.
"One day, the pain you feel will go away but until then, tread carefully." The dragon said, "Hmm...Such title...Hardships, love, pain, and suffering will be on your path in this journey." She said as Miguel gritted his teeth, "Back to The Fallen and The Seal of Stars, The Emblem of Shadows...I can sense that the death of his previous wielder haunts him. He blames him, asking himself why his wielder sealed him. Emblem of Shadows, the one you once serve, his children live. The fact that you tried to force yourself out of the seal even if you would be in great agony is a sign that you wish to fulfill the last wish of your previous wielders." Noa said and floated down, gently taking Klaus hands.
"Children of mine, do you wish to see the last memory of the previous wielder? Perhaps can give you an answer you seek." She asked.
"I do!" Luna said but Klaus was silent.
"...Only if both wish it, may you see it," Noa said and let go.
Suddenly the dragon Empress began to glow and her hands turned to flower petals.
"Empress!" Celica said and Noa shook her head, smiling sadly as she looked at her hands.
"Ah...Looks like my time is up." Noa smiled sadly, "My soul will join the stars. Ah, I long I missed seeing my children once more along with my beloved Arthur and Galahad." She said.
"Wait, we still have questions!" Alear said and Noa smiled, raising her hand, gently cupping his cheek.
"Child...even if you are not Lumera's blood," Alear froze, "even if...no. It is not my job to tell you that." She shook her head, "you are a child who has suffered greatly. In time you will learn of your past and come to terms with it. But know that you are loved and cared for by many." She placed her other hand on his.
A bright glow emerged and in it formed a dragon stone with no marking. Noa smiled softly as she floated away and back to the crystal. Her body finally faded away.
"Give this to the one called Lumera. It will help her heal. Your journey for the Emblems will be a difficult one..." She began to turn to dust, "You will meet The Origin, you comfort The Luminance and The Nightblade will fight beside you. The Empyrean will no longer bleed and The Starfarer will learn to love themselves and the world once more." She closed her eyes, "You will meet the remaining five that are like me...So long children of Elyos...may the stars...bless you..." she whispered.
"It truly...is goodbye..."
And away the former Empress faded. It was as if a connection was suddenly snapped away between Alear and the Firene siblings. The first tears fell, Celine didn't even know she had started crying till she felt the hot stream of tears. Alear felt it as well, as if just said goodbye to a family member he met long ago. His lips trembled as well as his shoulders. But most of all, Alear was also shaken by the news that he wasn't Lumera's biological child.
Then...who was he?
As for Klaus, the albino man was silent but his emotions conflicted as he looked down at the necklace in his hand.
[—-]
"How are you feeling?" Miguel asked the group as they made their way back up but he was especially worried about Alear.
"I'm...alright. Just...conflicted about what we were told. I'm not sure how to take this. I'm not...M-Queen Lumera's biological child." Alear said the conflicted emotions in his eyes said it all.
He was questioning his identity. Honestly, Miguel didn't know how to deal with such a thing. Alear he could tell was taking it hard, even if he had little to no memory of his past, but he also questioned how everyone else was taking the news. Honestly, it felt like it was something that the Divine Dragon Spirit shouldn't have said out loud. But at the moment, Alfred coughed to get Alear's attention.
"Even if you are not Queen Lumera's biological child, you're still you. It may take some time for you to come to terms but even so, just with the short time I have spent with you, I learned you're an incredibly kind and heroic person." Alfred smiled softly, "We came to you for help at first but now I care about you. So..." he placed his hand over his heart, "I hope you don't mind me being by your side. Not just as someone from your army or a prince, but as a friend."
"Alfred..." Alear whispered and nodded, "Thank you. Truly."
"I believe the same." Vander said and bowed to him, "Lumera's child or not, you have shown great heart and bravery. So, I will continue to serve and protect you." He said as Alear nodded.
"Sigh." Klaus sighed as he crossed his arms, "Luna, what do think of this situation?" He said as he looked at his sister.
"Wait," Luna fully turned to him, "You're actually asking me what I think?" The man raised an eyebrow, "I thought you run again."
"Luna...I'm not a coward. I'm a shadow and court mage. You're the head of Firene's spy division. I'm asking you what you think of all this. Turns out...we aren't descendants of Galahad, meaning we aren't descendants of Francis. Then...which Lycinth hero are we descendants of?" He said, his voice just a whisper.
"Not only that, we just learned that our parents did not allow The Emblem of Shadows to save them. Why didn't they? Why did they seal The Emblem of Shadow? The only answer we got was to prevent it from becoming a Fallen Emblem, as well as it can show us our parent's final wish. You wish to see it but me? I don't think I can." He said, Luna, could see the fear in his eyes.
"Klaus. Luna." The two turned to look at Alfred and Celine, "Even if you two aren't Galahad's descendants, you're still family to us." Alfred smiled.
"You two have done so much for us since we were children. You've been there for us all the time. To us you are more than just members of a clan, you're like our younger siblings." Celine grinned as she opened her arms, "Come!"
"Ceeelliinnnneee!" Luna cried and jumped into her arms, "Big sister!" Luna is a year younger.
"Wait, little?" Klaus said and pointed at himself, eye twitching, "I'm older than you three! I'm 23!"
"Haha!" Alfred laughed "But you act—cough! Cough! Cough!" The prince suddenly went into a coughing fit.
Celine instantly became pale along with Luna. Klaus quickly ran to his side and began to use Heal. Miguel's gaze became half-lidded, the reactions the girls had...he wondered...no. It was better he said nothing.
"Sitonia." He looked at the cat and nudge his head towards Alfred.
The cat's tail swished, then jumped to land on the prince's shoulder. But no one expected...
"You are the oceans gray waves~" Sitonia began to sing beautifully, "Destinied to seek life just out of reach~ yet the waters ever change~ flowing like time~ the path is yours to climb~" a gentle blue light surrounded Alfred and his coughing fit slowly went away.
But then the man ran to the side and vomited.
"Whoa! What the hell did you do?!" Miguel said to the cat but Sitonia only purred.
The group blinked seeing that Alfred had vomited a black substitute as he wiped his lips. The prince was spooked.
"I used a healing method a friend of mine taught me. I simply purified the prince's blood." Sit is said, "However, this isn't a permanent solution to curing Alfred's illness." She said and looked at the prince, "Let's just say...I've temporarily made your illness go away." She said with what looked like a smile.
Alfred and Celine were just stunned as everyone else before Sitonia's form just collapsed into a puddle.
"I'm...going to need a few hours to recover...So...good night." And the glow on her ring faded.
No one knew what to say.
[—-]
"Sigh, I believe I owe you another apology and explanation for my distrust towards Emblems," Klaus said as he allowed Miguel and Alear into his magic lab.
Klaus's magic lab was behind deep in the garden behind Firene Castle. Just like the shrine, it was surrounded by trees, vines, and plants. The magic lab had been built during the founding of Firene by Merlin. It was originally his magic lab but when the man passed away, he gifted it to Galahad's children. From there, it has been passed down from Court Mage to Court Mage over the years. The current now in charge is Klaus. Miguel felt like he was looking at his old boss's room. Shelves and books piled all over with stacks of papers but instead of weapons, there was a cauldron used for making potions, an alchemy table, and the list went on.
Klaus crossed his arms and looked at the ground, now he was wearing the necklace.
"For generations, The Lycinth Clans of Elyos were given the Emblems of the great Heroes to watch over. As you heard...Francis was Firene's Great Hero who fought beside King Amos, who was the king of Firene at the time. And who fought beside you." He began to explain as he looked over to a family picture.
"Francis perished in The Fell War. He sacrificed his life to unleash one final arrow that killed one of Sombron's top generals. His sacrifice allowed us to turn the war in our favor. And the emblem that was beside him, was The Emblem of Shadows." Klaus let out a sigh and looked at Alear's ring, his gaze half-lidded, "The story is that he was an Outworlder that served Marth. That he was his look-alike, thus taking on the role as his double."
Alear and Miguel were stunned as Klaus let out another sigh and looked Alear in the eye.
"Honestly, I thought you were a preserved body." He said making Alear look at him shocked, "I thought that Queen Lumera was living under a delusion that a corpse would awaken. I'm going to say it now, I never once believed in you." He said coldly.
"...That's fine." Alear said, "I don't blame you for you not believing in me. Especially now with what we had recently learned," he said, "But!" Alear looked right back to his eyes, firmly, "I hope that over time I can earn your respect and trust! I will prove I am someone worthy of your service, no matter how long it takes. I just hope...you give me a chance." He said.
Klaus was stunned, unable to form a word. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. All he did was clutch his arm hard. The stories that The Divine One was a kind soul...were true. He could see the determination in Alear's eyes.
"Alright." Klaus's said and turned to Miguel, "Now, how the in the seventh hells did an Outworlder come to Elyos? How the hell did you get here?" And Miguel was really starting to get tired of retelling his story again.
After 10 minutes, Klaus had his chin pinched between his forefinger and thumb. He was in deep thought and then thought back to the prophecy.
"There is..." he began carefully, "a prophecy passed down through The Lycinth clan." He looked at Miguel, "The three stars will be plucked from the Sea of Stars, three bells will chime, and the stars will descend to the Land of The Divine. Meaning, Elyos." He said, "And when the three stars land, The Divine One will awaken and the war against the fell and demon will begin." He said and looked at Miguel, "Plucked from the stars...I wonder if some sort of ritual was used to bring you here."
"Is such a ritual even possible?" Alear asked as Klaus thought for a moment.
"It shouldn't be...Honestly, even I have no idea. I've never heard of such a thing before. But one thing for sure," he looked at Miguel, "the only way you would be able to be brought here is if you had some sort of blood connection. Who are you a descendent from?" Klaus asked.
"My great-grandfather is Ermos Lycinth and Great Grand Mother: is Maria Sanchez," Miguel said and Klaus's jaw dropped.
"Well, that explains a lot! You're a pure-blood Lycinth!" Klaus said while Miguel threw his hands in the air and then placed them on his hips.
"I'm not about to deal with Harry Potter shit!" Miguel said, "Just get to the point."
"You're basically someone from the World of Steel which is said to be a world that is impossible to get to!" Klaus said, "It's supposedly where the founders of Gardlon originally came from!"
"Sigh..." Alear sighed, "Look, let's um...drop the topic for today. I think everyone needs some time to think after everything we learned today. Klaus, do you mind if we do the ritual for the Warping Tile tomorrow?" Alear said.
"Yeah, it's fine. You need sleep. You look like shit." Klaus said and Alear looked a bit offended, "Just get used to me talking to you this way. The punk here talks to you normally, doesn't he?" He smirked at Miguel.
"It's Miguel, you son of a bitch." Miguel growled, "I'm older than you by two years."
"Oh?" Klaus smirked, "Alright, Mister Soldier, let's see who really is the tough one." Klaus went to his drawer and pulled out a bottle of what looked like tequila, "Brodian Moonshine. You up for a drinking game?"
"Bring it." Miguel said and the two went to sit at a table across from each other, "You're welcome to join, Alear." Klaus said as he started to pour shots.
"Come on, Alear's a kid." Miguel said, "Don't bring him into this."
Something about being called a kid made Alear's eye twitch. Like...he's been in this situation before. The divine dragon stomped over to the table, grabbed a shot, and gulped it down. Miguel was just stunned as was Klaus, Alear wiping his lips causally. The drink went down smoothly, a taste of pomegranate and orange...he liked it. Alear smirked and motioned Klaus to serve him another shot.
"What's Firene's legal drinking age?" Miguel asked slowly.
"The legal drinking age in Firene is 15. Same with Solm and Brodia. Elusia on the other hand is 18. Also, punk is over 1000 years old. He'll be fine." Klaus said, "Now," he raised his glass along with Alear and Miguel, "may the best win!" And down their shots, they drank.
— Dream —
Alear felt it again.
He felt like he was swimming through a calm stream of water. Floating, sinking, yet he felt no fear. It was a calming sensation as if he was being drawn to it. When the sensation went away, he took a big gulp of air and opened his eyes. He blinked a few times for his eyesight to adjust and gasped he was at a beach. The beach looked clear and beautiful. There was what look like a bridge with seagulls flying around. The scent of salt was strong and then he spotted someone. He could see a woman, he ankles deep in the water as she just stood still looking at the ocean.
But the sensation again...he couldn't see her face, it was blurred. If it was he he think it was. Alear gulped and cupped his hands over his mouth, he need to find out.
"Heeeeeyyyyy!" He called out and the woman jumped and frantically looked in his direction, "We meet again!" He yelled and the woman quickly ran to him.
"N-No way! It is you!" The woman said and grinned, "I'm happy to see you again!" She said.
Up close, Alear could see the woman was wearing what looked like a priestess uniform and...her blurred face, looked a bit clearer. He could make out that she has brown eyes.
"As am I." Alear said and looked around, "What is this place? I don't recognize this beach from anywhere in Elyos." He said and the woman blinked.
"Oh, that's because this beach is from a different place." The woman said, "It's called Pismo Beach from where I come from. One of my favorite places to escape to when things become too much." She said and gently grabbed his wrist, "Come on! I'll show you around!"
And she pulled Alear to join her. It was a bit odd, to say the least. As they walked around, the woman would tell him about the place called Pismo Beach. He saw strange carriages made of a metallic metal and she explained to him that it was a type of technology called a car. The woman was smiling and grinning as she continued to take him around. They even stopped at what was called a gift shop and...
"W-Wait! W-Wait!" Alear quickly backed away as the woman held up two shirts, "I-I think I'm fine wearing what I have!" The first shirt she held said, "Big dragon is back!" And the other said, "Hello~ It's me~".
"It's a beach! You gotta wear something good! I mean, look at me!" She said.
"You're wearing a priestess uniform," Alear said with a blunt face and the looked like she was pouting.
"Fine, fine. You got me." The woman said and they continued to walk, "It's been...I think almost three weeks since we first met." She said as she walked with her hands behind her back and then turned to him, "I dunno how but it's a little our first meeting is through a dream. How do you feel about it?" She looked at him.
"I admit, it is odd." Alear said, "Yet, at the same time perhaps we were destined to meet this way." He said, "It's a pity I can't tell you who I am or where I am. I would like to know your name." Alear said.
"Same. But..." She thought for a moment then clapped her hands, "How about you describe the place you are in? Maybe I can help you?"
"Hmm..." Alear pondered, "Alright, let's give it a try." He took a deep breath and then released, "I am currently in a place of peace. Its lands are green and flowers of all colors. I am part of an army from a land of the divine." He said and the woman thought for a moment.
The woman was silent and then blinked a few times.
"I think I understand where you are from and where you currently are." The woman said, "Then after you get what you need, assuming you're where I think you are, can I recommend you head towards the west?" She said and Alear blinked, "There is...a girl. A merchant who knows a lot of things. She got separated from her family. I think she will help you and your people greatly. But first, you all will need to save the girl with stars in her hair! The Maiden of Dawn is with her!" She said before Alear could say anything else, the fog once again returned.
They were getting farther and farther away.
"I look forward to seeing you again!" The woman yelled.
"I do as well! I had fun today!" Alear yelled back, "And thank you! I...I hope to meet you in real life soon!"
"Me too!"
- End of Dream -
Luna was just stunned along with Celine and Alfred as they saw the sight before them. Miguel was passed out on the table, Klaus was asleep on the floor and Alear...well Alear had a hangover but the effects were very little. The most he could remember was that he managed about seven shots before he started to feel drunk. Even so, he said he wanted to rest and Klaus let him sleep on his bed. So now here he was, with a mild headache and somewhat reeking of alcohol. Plus the other two were passed out. Still, perhaps letting loose was needed.
He never thought he would be able to engage in a casual conversation with the two. Miguel treated him like a normal person but still maintained a level of respect toward him. But during the time they drank, Miguel talking felt more like a friend. Still, even drunk, Miguel didn't say much. But he did learn that Miguel had two sisters. One was in Brodia and the other unfortunately was still missing. Also...that he had a crush on Veyle but refused to admit it. Klaus on the other hand went on a rant about the amount of paperwork he had to do and ended up revealing some embarrassing childhood stories about Celine and Alfred along with Luna.
"Klaus um...challenged us to a drinking contest." Alear chuckled nervously as Luna poked Miguel's cheek.
"And Brodian moonshine?! Goodness! I apologize Divine One!" Celine said and then paused as she was about to poke the mage, "Did...Klaus say anything about us?" She asked.
"Well..." Alear rubbed the back of his neck, "He said that you and Alfred loved to jump into mud puddles when you were young. And that you like to spike your tea when no one is looking." He said and he noticed that Alfred was shaking his head, sweating.
"Is that so?"Celine smiled and the two men flinched as she went to what looked like, some sort of cold storage, took out a glass of cold water and...
SPLASH!
"GHHAAA!" Klaus screamed and frantically looked around, which also caused Miguel to wake up, but the man quickly got into a fighting stance, looking around.
Everyone just stared stunned before Miguel let out a groan and remembered where he was.
"Go shower. All of you! You all reek of alcohol!"
The men went to do what Celine said.
[—]
Klaus hated his ceremonial clothing but he had to put it on due to the significance of activating a The Divine Warp Tile. The dive warp tile was created during the early war of the first dragons. It was created to allow anything or anyone to travel from one nation to another without the hassle of transportation. It was a collaboration between the Lycinth Clan and the divine dragons, especially because the outworlders wanted a way to travel without having to travel for weeks to get to one place. Of course, the warp tile was only used by the dragons, during the time of war to transparent armies as well as to communicate with other nations. The last time it was activated was during the first year of the fell war. It was shut down to prevent it from being corrupted by Sombron.
Now in the current time, it needed to be activated again so it would connect to Lythos. Thus, it was the reason why Klaus was wearing a royal black dress coat going down to the knees. With black tights underneath, sleeves that were long and flowed openly that were gilded with gold, and highlighted by the orange sashes around both chest and waist. And black shoes. His hair was tied up in a high ponytail and wore a circlet with a black gem. On his neck, he wore The Emblem of Shadows. His sister wore the same uniform as him but the interior was yellow.
Klaus arrived with his staff, that originally belonged to Merlin before it was given to his clan. It was a bit taller than him, made from an ancient tree branch of a Crystal tree that no longer lived. Vines and flowers surrounded it. Luna had a smaller version.
"Alright! Everyone gathers around! I'm going to warp us to the location of the warping tile." Klaus said as the group gathered around.
"Klaus, where exactly is the warping tile? I thought it would be here in the city." Boucheron said and the mage shook his head.
"Nope. It's in the mountains, a safe distance from the city. Everyone gather around!" He said.
He took a deep breath and began to chant in what sounded like Latin to Miguel. A magic circle formed underneath them all and soon they were all engulfed by a white light. When everyone opened their eyes, they were...
"What in the?" Lucina quickly came out, her eyes wide and stunned as was everyone.
There were old temples and buildings covered in vines and moss. Flowers and plants of all kings growing beautifully. But it was the temple at the center that made Lucina feel cold as well as Marth.
"Alright, everyone welcome to the Temple of The Voice." Klaus said, "This place who knows when it was built but it has been here even before Firene was created. And everyone sees that," he pointed to the giant hexagon-shaped floor structure each corner had the crest of each nation engraved on the stone floor, "is the divine warping tile."
"Allow me to explain!" Luna chirped, "The Divine Warping tile, each nation has one, all hidden in a secret location. For Firene, it's here in the mountains. The five warping tiles all connect, allowing owners to travel to each nation. And the only ones that could activate or shut it down were the divine dragons. But they need the assistance of someone from the Lycinth clan. The reason for this was to prevent it from being corrupted." She said and took a deep breath before she continued, "Since we are doing Firene's first, it will connect to Lythos. And the process will be repeated with each nation. Once Firene's is activated, a smaller warping tile will activate that will allow us to warp about 30 minutes away from Firene's capital, in the woods. And that's all!" Luna cheered.
"Honestly, even I don't know why it's called The Temple of The Voice." Klaus said as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "All I know is that the daughter of a dragon used to live here. Anyhow, you're all welcome to explore. Luna, you and I need to get things ready." He said and Luna went with him.
"The Temple of The Voice..." Lucina muttered as she floated around, Marth not too far.
The Dragon Veins under the temple were thick and potent, allowing enough magic in the air to let the Emblems float around freely like in The Sommiel. Yet, the place looked eerily familiar. Celica had her lips together in a thin line, she felt like...she was in Mila's resting place for some reason. Truthfully, the Emblems had no information about how Elyos came to be. Only that they were created by The Creator over a millennia ago to help fight against darkness. They knew they were not the real Heroes but even so, they were like a fragment of that Hero's soul. The pain, love, suffering, everything they went through, they know it.
What now troubled them, was that they were missing fragments of their memories. Celica narrowed her eyes as she now floated above on circle that looked oddly familiar. She gulped and looked back behind her before she cast a wind spell to dust it off. Once she did, the princess reeled back, eyes shocked and heart drumming in her chest.
"Naga's brand..."
Celica quickly looked behind to see Sigurd, looking at it stunned as well. With Lucina, she stopped in front of a 40 ft-size tree that had an oddly familiar feeling. She took deep breaths and placed her hand on it, closing her eyes. The magic she felt...she then...
"Mar…Mar…?"
"Gasp!" The woman quickly stepped back, gasping as for a moment, the image of a green-haired manakete flashed in her eyes.
Before she say anything, Klaus called for them all.
"Alright!" Klaus said as everyone gathered around, "It's time for the ritual. Those with Emblems, I need you all to stand in a circular formation 15 feet apart from me and Luna. Alear," Alear gulped, "You have Liberation with you, correct?" Alear nodded, "Please hand the sword to Luna, she's going to need it." The dragon nodded and handed it to Luna, "Now go stand to your position."
All those with Emblems did just that as Luna and Klaus stayed in the center. The rest were on standby, guarding. Klaus and Luna took deep breaths as they raised their weapons. All their lives they were trained in an ancient dance and song that would be used to activate it. The song's lyrics would come naturally to them. They got into a position then...the lyrics began.
"The hand that was outstretched! The feelings and bonds that joined together~" Klaus began and Lucina's eyes went wide.
"Wait! Those song lyrics! Ugh!" A sharp pain went through her head and the image of a crimson-haired woman with a young man and girl flashed in her eyes.
"A completely white memory and heart! Dyed into a rainbow of colors~" Klaus continued and the two siblings began to move, their steps mimicking a sword fight, a battle against good and evil.
Luna: The battlefield that I ran through
The plans I devised and the back protecting each other
To prevent it, I sacrifice my fate
the proof on my right hand
Luna raised Liberation and a magic hexagon began to form with the lyrics of the song appearing as they continued their sword dance. Luna would play the role of evil and Klaus will play the role of light. Butterflies made of blue light began to emerge from the magic hexagon and fly in the air.
Klaus:
Without fail, together
it hurt
In the vessel, I don't want that
I wanted to protect that daily life,
The line-up faces
The fight then switched to what looked like Sigurd as the day he fought Arvis. The sword dance before them was a recreation of their battles. The first part of the dance was a recreation of Lucina fighting Grima. The second part of the moment was Sigurd's battle with Arvis. Klaus spun his body and then his staff, raising it in his hands as if he was set in flames. And the battle dance switched to...one that looked familiar to Marth. That was when the Emblems rings began to glow and the first to start singing was Celine. Her gaze became dazed as she raised he hand, Emblem Celica appeared in front of her joining. The battle dance switched back to Lucina's and Grima's fight.
Celine and Celica:
The skies of twilight
Quiet, the greatest of strategies
I will permanently end this despair
Even if this body disappears
One by one the Emblem wielders joined the chant along with the Emblems. Blurred images of a battle that took place long ago played in their eyes as if they were the hero fighting the enemy. Now, it felt like they were singing a chant between the Hero and the Enemy. For Lucina...it felt like she was speaking to...Robin. Grima's chant and her words, the familiar footsteps, and battle.
"Yes..." Lucina whispered as Vander raised his hand and began to chant as well, "This song..." The image of an orange-red-haired woman with crimson-green eyes singing to the sky appeared in her mind, "I remember who you are...Sophia."
Everyone:
I will, even further, gather strength
The future is a future of destruction and despair
Fire Emblem... Don't give up! I will not forget that promise
It's the end, "other me"
Because you will become one with me
Fire Emblem... Remember! Everyone believes in you!
Are you still saying you'll resist?
It's useless, you stupid worms
Fire Emblem... At the time of waking, that person is meant to become something
With your appeal and weak bonds,
Why do you go so far as to pester me?
Ah, the truth is I was wishing, this body is for the sake of being with my friends
To the future
The final steps were finally here. Klaus and Luna gritted their teeth as the sword dance was becoming faster and more difficult. They always struggled with the near-ending part where Good decided to end the darkness even if their existence would be erased. Luna and Klaus threw each other's weapons and then jumped, switching and then clashing, the intensity of the sword dance rising. The steps changed from graceful to aggressive. They could see now the part where the Divine One would join in the sword dance. Alear's eyes turned to slits as Marth was beside him, Falchion also appearing in Alear's hands.
Alear:
The battlefield that I ran through
The plans I devised and the back protecting each other
To prevent it, I sacrifice my fate
the proof on my right hand
"Incredible..." Framme was enthralled along with the rest of the retainers as Alear went to join Klaus's side and now the two men were fighting against Luna, "To think the ritual was...so majestic." Clanne said.
"Klaus never really spoke of much of the ritual." Boucheron said as they watched now Celine and Alfred join the dance as if they had known it all their lives, "It feels as if we are watching a recreation of a battle that happened long ago." He said as Eite nodded.
Right when she was about to speak, she paused and slowly turned to look behind her. She felt something...
"Eite?" Framme said and the other noticed the woman had narrowed her eyes towards the horizon.
Vander and Miguel:
Without fail, together
it hurt
In the vessel, I don't want that
I wanted to protect that daily life,
The line-up faces
Vander charged into battle. Now all we were fighting against was Luna who was being pushed back. The white-haired woman spun her body and then twirled as she jumped, the staff began to glow, indicating the final steps had come. Lastly, Miguel joined and danced as if he was about to strike Luna from behind. The sword dance was said to be a theatrical recreation of a warrior fighting against a fell dragon. Klaus again threw the sword in the air along with Luna, switching one final time.
The skies of twilight
Quiet, the greatest of strategies
I will permanently end this despair
Even if this body disappears
And all Emblem users ended back in their positions, their weapons raised with the Emblems beside them. Luna and Klaus struck one another and Luna kneeled with the sword raised and Klaus his staff down. The magic circle burst and whispers and songs so faint could be heard as the light faded away. The Firene Warping tile activated with the sound of Clink, Clank, and Swoosh, the ritual was complete when it glowed green. Slowly everyone snapped out of their trance and panted and gasped for air, shaken and stunned but Klaus and Luna weren't.
"D-Did we just?!" Alfred said as Klaus let out a loud sigh of relief as he and his sister fell on all fours.
"WE DID IT!" Klaus and Luna screamed in joy, "Good god! That was exhausting! Hahahaha!" Klaus laughed as he sat back, "And yes. Those with Emblem fall into a trance and dance and sing, joining us at one point. Alear joining is the start of it." He said as Miguel helped him.
The group turned to look at the Firene warping tile.
"With this, Firene is n—?!" A cold shiver suddenly went down their backs and...
"JUMP BACK!"
ROOOOOOAAAAAAAR!
An ear-piercing roar suddenly came out of nowhere, causing everyone to scream and cover their ears. A dark shadow came above them and the group jumped. The loud BAM sound as if a meteor landed follow by dust rising. Miguel coughed violently as he tried to stand up only to hear a growl. Slowly he looked up, his body screaming and frozen in place as a maw with sharp teeth like a T-Rex came o his sight. But what was more terrifying were the heterochromia slit eyes that met his. The right was dark green and the left red before a flap of wings and ear-piercing roar was thrown at him.
"What in the?" Miguel gasped before him was a dragon.
The dragon in front of him had black and green scales, as well as a glowing red underbelly. Its forward limbs were wings. The dragon head had bull horns, and frills that opened when it roared, the right eye was dark green and the other side red. Lastly, its tail had spiky spines and the end opened like a claw. The dragon unleashed another roar and raised its claw. It came closer and closer and then...
"MOVE DUMB ASS!"
Klaus had lunged at him and the two rolled away just in time. The swipe left giant claw marks on the stone floor. The two were just stunned and looked up to see the dragon turn their way. It began to paw its claws like a stallion ready to charge.
"Where did this dragon come from?" Alear said and was quickly handed Liberation, "Damn! Everyone prepare to fight!" He yelled and charged with Marth beside him.
Miguel quickly snapped out of it and looked at Klaus, both nodded to each other. Eite and Clanne jumped in the air, unleashing arrows and flames while Framme lunged and raised her fist, channeling magic into them as she started to throw punches. Alfred quickly got on his horse and charged, Sigurd by his side. Vander as well, his axe ready as Lucina had summoned Thögn and unleashed a wave of arrows at the dragon. Celine roared as she flew in the air and with Celica, both unleashed Thorn. Luna jumped and summoned two long daggers in her hands, left right, up down, in all directions she slashed at the dragon.
"Pesky humans." The Dragon suddenly spoke, shocking all, "OUT OF MY-" magic began to gather in his maw, "WAY!" And he unleashed the beam of light.
Everyone ran for cover but it wasn't going to be enough. The others made it out safely but Klaus and Miguel were still in the way. The two ran and ran before suddenly Alear appeared behind them and roared, his eyes turning to slits as Liberation and Falchion burst with light. His sword parried with the magic beam.
The two princes gritted their and roared, Marth summoning his shield to help Alear. Scales of white, red, and blue appeared under Alear's eyes, shocking Marth but the man knew was a manifestation of the boy's Draconic origin. They pushed back enough to cause the beam to strike back the dragon. It unleashed a roar of agony as it stumbled back. Alear panted and wheezed, his fangs had become sharper during the defense.
"That was..." Alear was about to fall but Alfred and Miguel caught him on time.
"You alright?!" Alfred said and Alear gave him a weak smile as then looked back at the dragon.
At that moment, Alear felt a deep sense of fear enter his body as if he was looking at a Corrupted. His breath was becoming rapid, heart rate increased. The dragon in front of him, he felt...no...he knew them! Alear felt every fiber in his body telling him to run as the dragon growled and looked down at them. Their tongue flickering like a snake.
"You..." the dragon growled as it took a step forward, "You...To think you are alive..." it spat angrily, "I'll give you two options, Alear." It hissed.
"H-How do you know my name?" Alear croaked but all the dragon did was growl.
"Divine one/ALFRED/KLAUS/MIGUEL!" Vander, Celine, Eite, Boucheron, Framme, Luna, and Clanne, jumped in the air but all the dragon did was unleashed a roar and a flap of its wings.
The gust of the wind was so powerful it sent them all flying back.
"Gghaaa!"
Alear, Miguel, and Alfred were sent flying back together and rolled. Coughing violently as the force was more than they expected. The dragon growled as it looked down at them.
"Sorry, but I'll be taking The Forsaken!" And magic gathered around its maw once more.
The group was frozen in place and the beam was unleashed. Closer and closer it came, Alear and the others didn't have enough energy to dodge but...Klaus jumped in front of them, screaming as he slammed his staff onto the floor. A magic barrier activated, he was going to protect them all with his life!
The force of a dragon's breath was said to be beyond anything. Capable of obliterating mountains and reshaping the land. Yet, even if his eyes began to bleed, his body suddenly being cut, he wouldn't stand down. The beam of magic became stronger and cracks were starting to form.
"Dammit! Dammit!" Klaus roared in his mind, "Not like this! I can't lose anyone again! Not again!" He thought and screamed forcing the barrier to become stronger at the cost of his magic being drained.
He ignored everyone calling out to him, even he was currently bleeding to death. But he didn't care. He kept pushing even as he felt more of his veins pop and break through his skin.
"KLAUS!" Luna screamed and ran towards them but was held back by Celine, "LET ME GO! KLAAAAUUUSSSS!" The girl screamed bloody murder even if her heart and throat burned.
"Ah..." Klaus felt his vision start to blur, "I'm going...to die..." he smiled as he looked back to the dragon and the barrier crack.
"The least I can do..." he looked at Alfred, Alear, and Miguel, "Is...get them...out..."
- Elusia -
Arisa was standing watch over Nanami as the girl was fast asleep. Night came much earlier to the land of snow and roses yet...the woman blinked multiple times as Nanami suddenly sat up.
"Nanami?" Arisa called out but got no response, "Nana-?!" The girl suddenly got off her bed and went to stand in front of her mirror.
Her eyes were void of emotions as she kept her head down yet she placed her hand on the surface of the mirror.
"Ahh..." Nanami let out a broken tune as tears started to fall from her eyes, "Ahh...Infinita Lamenta~Umbra Dance~Culpa ultra..." Nanami sang softly and that was when a dark realization fell on Arisa as she heard the lyrics of a song she never thought she hear again.
"That song...Nanami you're..." Arisa said slowly as Nanami sang a bit more.
"Clama ultra, Erumpere culpae, Abscondam amplius, Umbra sine~" and she fell to the ground, fast asleep but not before she mumbled...
"Night...Night...Wake up...Marth's shadow..."
- Dream-
Klaus felt he was sinking into a bottomless abyss. The more he sank the more he heard voices. But the voices sounded like they were arguing. His eyes snapped open and he gasped for air. He looked around and saw what looked like his office but the one at the desk was...
"Dad..." Klaus whispered as he saw his father writing documents, but he was wearing the Emblem.
Klaus's father was a man with white hair tied in a bun and golden eyes with black specks. He wore similar clothing to Klaus but at the moment, there was...someone floating next to him. His face was blurred but he could tell he was wearing clothing similar to Marth but it was red, gold, and black.
"Callus." The blurred man said, "Are you sure you wish to go the summit...even if..." he asked and Callus nodded, standing up.
"I have to. I want to a least prevent the tragedy I foresaw." He said but the blurred man spoke.
"Please! This is madness!" The blurred man said, "Trying to change fate will have serious consequences! I know you want to prevent the tragedy but it's too risky! What if you don't succeed?! What about your children?!" He said but Callus sighed, smiling bitterly.
"I already left a letter to Eve. Even Lisa agreed to it." Callus said.
"Even your wife..."
"My friend." Callus turned to him fully, "You have watched over my family for generations. If I don't make it...Can I trust you to watch over my children?" He smiled sadly.
"You fool. You know I will."
The scene suddenly changed to a burning building of black flames. People were being wrapped by thorns and burned alive as a voice cackled.
"More...More...More blood!" The voice cackled and heard wailing.
There...he saw his mother crying as she held his dying father in her arms along with a little girl crying beside her.
"Callus! Callus! Stay with me!" The woman cried as the man smiled weakly as he raised his hand and held up his emblem to her.
"Lisa..." Callus crooked, "Here...take it...and run." He said and looked at the little girl, "Take...Prim...hurry...before...The Demon finds you...all." She said.
"We're not leaving you, uncle!" Prim said and the blurred man appeared, "Callus, please allow me to take you!"
"No," Callus said and raised his hand, a magic circle appeared underneath them.
"CALLUS NO!" The blurred man screamed and Callus smiled one last time before they were warped at the shores of the island.
The trio was stunned till Lisa burst out crying. She cried and cried till she stood up and wiped her tears. She looked at the emblem and began to chant words as she held it close to her chest.
"Lisa, what are you doing?!" The blurred man yelled as chains began to appear and wrap around him, "LISA!"
Prim was shaking as Lisa smiled sadly at him and pushed Prim to him.
"The demon is after you two...I can't let it take you two." She said as the chains now bound him, "But...my friend, tell my children I love them. Klaus loved to sneak out in the morning and pick wild strawberries. Luna likes to play hide and seek in the garden with Celine. Oh, and make sure to read the story when the time comes. Klaus loves fairy tales but won't admit it." She said as the blurred hand reached out to her but he was starting to disappear.
"So long my children...know that mommy and daddy will always love you..."
"LIIISAAAAA!"
And the scene disappear as Klaus fell to his knees. A sob and then a scream of pure sorrow as he repeatedly slammed his fist on the ground. The force was so much, he didn't care if his hands bleed.
"Dammit...Dammit! Why...? I...I thought...I thought they! Aaaahhh!" The man cried and a speck of light appeared before him.
"I'm...sorry..." it was the voice of the blurred man, "On that day, I fought beside your parents defending them and trying to evacuate as many as we could. In the end...Lisa decided for Prim and me to escape. I unfortunately have no idea where Prim is but..." he became silent for a moment before he continued, "I have been watching you and Luna over the years. You two...truly are like your parents." He said.
"Am I?" Klaus chuckled bitterly, "I insulted my father's and mother's legacy of saying the Emblems were nothing but scams! That none of you were real and now...Now I just don't know what to say." He whispered.
"It is difficult to accept things. Especially because your whole you have been a shadow. You have lived as you but you have also lived as Prince Alfred. Tell me, do you resent Alfred?" The voice asked.
"More like envy..." Klaus said, "I'm still trying to find a cure for him but I've had no luck...now some random queen appears and temporarily cures him. And suddenly Emblems are real and the Divine Dragon is a real person and not a stuffed corpse. I really..." he chucked bitterly.
"Klaus..." the man looked at the speck of light, "Right now, your friends are fighting against an unknown dragon. They are trying to get to you. Tell me...what do you want to do?" The voice asked and swirls of magic began to surround them and a soft voice sang a song.
Infinita Lamenta~Umbra Dance~Culpa ultra...
Crack...crack...
"I...I just want to save my family. That's all." Klaus said, "I think it's time...I make up for how rude I have been." He said more magic began to swirl.
"Then take it. Command me. Use me as you will. You don't have to believe or trust in me. As shadows, it's our job to defend those we love in our own way. And when we had enough, we no longer hide. All I ask is, will you collaborate?"
"Clama ultra, Erumpere culpae, Abscondam amplius, Umbra sine~"
CRACK, CRACK! CRACK!
"Let my blade cut down and bury the light. Let my screams and rage obliterate all that stand in the way of our king. LET US DEFY THE NIGHT AND BECOME THE SHADOWS THEMSELVES!" The voice roared and Klaus grabbed the pendant.
"Inform us, Emblem of Shadows, Syrus!"
SHATTER!
Night...Night...Wake up...Marth's shadow...
[—-]
"KLAUS!" Luna screamed and then black magic burst from where Klaus stood.
The dragon roared as a slash of black and red magic was sent at them, sending it flying back, crashing onto a mountainside. The black magic swirled together and fade away. Klaus's eye snapped open, a new resolution as beside him was...
"Marth?" Alear said but looked to see Marth by his side.
The Altea prince was stunned as he looked at a man who roughly looked about the same age as him as well as a similar appearance. Except, this man's hair was color black, and looked a bit messy side, with green eyes and slightly tan skin. He wore a much more thicker and rugged version of Marth's armor in colors of black, red, and gold. He wore a dark blue headband on his head with the Altea Kingdom crest on it. The man grinned ferally as he raised his hand and magic swirled creating a giant great sword in the colors of crimson and green.
"YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO EMBLEM SYRUS!" Klaus said and placed two fingers on the pendent, "EMBLEM ENGAGE!"
"As you command!" Syrus grinned and turned to dust, light, and shadows swirling around Klaus's body.
His clothing changed to pure white, clothing that was similar to Cryrus, a pair of metal wings and four pointed star crown formed on his head along with a halo. His hair turned black along with his eyes, and he raised his hand, the great sword that Cyrus uses: Riptide. He was able to move it so easily as if he used a great sword all his life. The man raised the blade as the dragon roared, gathering magic in its maw once more. Klaus raised Riptide and the beam was unleashed once more. He charged and the blade clashed with the light. He gritted his teeth, pouring everything yet it felt like someone other than Syrus was beside him. Ghostly hands touched him, and his widened as he saw smiles he never thought he sees again before they faded away.
He nodded before turning back to the attack, roaring as he kept pushing forward.
"IRK!" The dragon groaned before roaring as the slash cut through.
An explosion of light, a scream, and the impact would have sent everyone flying had it not been for Celica casting a barrier over them. When the light was gone, so was the dragon. Klaus panted and wheezed before he floated down, Emblem form disappearing. He was about to fall when he was caught, seeing to his side that it was Syrus.
"Honestly...you look exactly like Marth if he had dyed his hair." Klaus chuckled as Syrus grunted, "Heard that line over 200 times." Syrus said as everyone ran up to them.
"Klaus!" Alfred, Celine, and Luna yelled before lunging and hugging him tightly.
"I'm a bloody mess!" Klaus yelled as they kept hugging but eventually, he just let them continue as he hugged them back, "Dammit..." he buried his face, and the hot tears spilled as he just let go.
Syrus smiled softly as he closed his eyes but not before looking at Marth, who was stunned. His hand reached out to him as the Shadow Emblem began to fade.
"You are..." Marth whispered and Syrus faded away, back to Klaus's pendant.
"It's been so long...my friend..."
Marth was stunned and then let out a pained cry as a sharp sting went through his head. Images and voices flashed through his mind but most of all...
"What on earth?" Caeda gasped as she and Marth looked at the young man that was passed out near the broke dragon gate.
Upon closer look, the young man wore strange green clothing that looked like a military uniform of some sort. His clothing unfortunately was bloody and he looked like he was in a horrible accident. But it was his face that threw them all off. He was the spitting image of Marth minus the hair color and skin. Just at that moment when Marth got closer, the man's eyes snapped open. Blue met green and the man frantically sat up and crawled back.
"W-Who are you?!"
"I remember..." Marth whispered and looked over to the group that was crying and hugging each other.
Miguel and Alear got dragged into it along with Boucheron, Eite, Vander, Framme, and Clanne.
"Syrus...My old friend and shadow..."