{Chapter 21: Obsidian Sparrow}
—- Five Years Before the Fell War Ends—-
Sleep, sleep,
Oh, my little child.
You may close your eyes,
And forget your tears.
The rule of the Fell was to never show emotion. To never show fear. To never show weakness. To never show heart. That was the rule that was established when Gardlon fell at the hands of Sombron. The people of Gardon have long since died, only broken buildings, architects, and ruins remained of a nation of once 5 million. Her father was now King of Gardlon, her mother was supposed the next leader of Gardlon if the war did not happen. So in the end, she was still a princess, The First Princess of Gardlon.
"Cold..." the girl whispered as she rubbed her hands together and blew a hot breath to warm them up, "I want to turn into my adult form...But I have to conserve energy." She grumbled as she looked around.
Her mother would tell her stories of how Gardlon used to look like. Her mother would describe it as a steampunk, advanced, mechanical city with advanced magical technology. There were strange magic carriages that could fly and the fields and forest were green and beautiful like jade. It was a nation where people of all walks of life could live and were protected by The Divine Void Dragon crystal. Now a ruined nation remains with a castle that was once sparkling-like gems was now obsidian black.
The girl's pink eyes with gold slits suddenly went wide as she suddenly caught a strange smell in the air. She sniffed, she sniffed again, then reeled back, rubbing her nose.
"Scent of Divine." The girl muttered, quickly running towards the direction she smelled it coming from.
She ran and ran and soon stopped when she spotted familiar black armor and crimson royal clothing.
"Ermos! Brother!" The girl cried out and saw the two turn to look up the hill where she was.
She crawled down quickly but carefully before she was in front of them.
"What are you two doing out here? Did enemies show up?" She asked and watched Ermos shake his head.
"No." The mage knight said, "A spy of mine recently returned from Lythos. We just met them up." He said and she noticed someone standing next to her brother Alear.
"Who's that?" She said and looked at Ermos and then her brother, "They have your scent Alear." She said.
"We found her in the woods," Alear said, no emotion in his voice yet she noticed how his hand was tightly intertwined with the individual.
"It's a woman?" The girl blinked a few times as he brother nodded, "Let me see." Alear nodded and moved to the side to show the supposed spy.
"Hi..." the woman whispered, clearly fear and uncertainty were written all over her eyes but what made the girl wary was that something about the woman screamed danger but also comfort.
"She'll be staying here from now on." Ermos said, "Lythos nearly caught onto her so I had her return. She'll be working as a maid to your mother and aunt and as a caretaker to you and your siblings." The man informed her and she saw Alear grit his teeth.
"I told you that I don't—" The look Ermos gave Alear quickly shut him up, "Never mind..." he whispered, looking away.
"What's your name?" The girl asked the woman.
"It's (-)." The woman said as she blinked, "And yours?"
"I'm Martha, Princess of Gardlon and The Key of The Outrealm Gate of Elyos."
Her name is Martha, Princess of Gardlon. And her Lycinth Title: The Origin.
In your dream, dream, do you see,
Trials so fierce and terrible?
How will you grow, my child?
And who will guard you there?
Lone in the skies up high,
Whispers the moon.
She'll tell you a fairy tale.
Maybe she'll show your fate.
- Present Time -
"Mother's expression is...terrifying at the moment." Eden whispered to Prince Alfred, "I haven't seen her have that expression since I was a kid. Something serious must have happened here while we were gone." He said as Martha led them into the castle's courtyard.
"This my first time in years seeing Court Mage Martha." Alfred whispered back, "From the little I remember, didn't she used to wear her hair in pigtails?" He said.
"Well, yeah..." Eden said, "Mother always has this aura of free spirit but today," he shivered, "she looks deathly serious. She's even wearing her battle clothing and her hair tied up. That means it's something serious." He said as he looked at his mother's back.
"I can hear you, Eden." Martha called out, making the man flinch along with his wife, "Enough, my boy. I'm not about to bite people's heads off just because I'm serious at the moment." She turned back to the group, tilting her head a bit, relaxing her face to give them all a warm smile, "So I heard Klaus has been calling me a bitch behind my back." Said mage looked away, "I'll kick your ass another day. We got more important things to do." She smirked.
"Why that little!" Klaus's eyes twitched as his fist trembled.
"Wait!" Alcryst yelled out and pointed to the castle doors, "That's my brother!" Her grinned and waved his hand excitedly, "DIAMANT!"
The group looked up and saw at the castle doors stood Prince Diamant. The prince smiled and waved before he walked down to greet them all.
"Welcome Divine One, Prince Alfred, and everyone." Diamant said as he did a polite bow, "As the Crown Prince of Brodia, I welcome you all to our nation. I am Diamant." He said, "I've heard so much about you. I'm honored to finally meet the legend in person." He said to Alear.
"It is a pleasure, Prince Diamant." Alear said then the prince turned to Alfred and Klaus, "Prince Alfred, Court Mage Klaus, welcome. We received Queen Eve's letter that explained the situation. Thanks for coming all this way. It's good to see you two."
"Likewise." Alfred said, "A pity it was a war that made us see each other." Klaus said with a sigh, "Even so, we have to thank your brother for escorting us here."
"Alcryst, thank you for escorting our guests from the border. I know that's a rugged road." Diamant said as walked up to his brother, then looked at Martha, "Aunt, thank you as well for greeting our guest."
"It was nothing." Alcryst said, "But unfortunately...I bear some ill news." He said.
Alcryst began to tell Diamant about their encounter with Princess Hortensia, but most of all the gruesome battle that followed it. The Devil created a Fallen Emblem, and in the process of using it, it nearly killed Princess Hortensia. This caused the Princess's army and their retainers to join forces to fight the Princess and destroy the fallen Emblem. It was a bloody battle that ended with freeing the Princess from the dark clutches of the Emblem but also that a young woman by the name of Nanami appeared and saved them. Diamant listened to all this closely as did Martha but Alear along with Klaus and Eden were quick to notice how Brodian Court Mage's expression changed to serious once again. The one thing Oniyuri appreciated was that Alcryst didn't say anything about her.
"We also learned from Nanami that Elusia's crown princess is planning to attack." Alcryst finished explaining, "But she mentioned Perla." And with this, Miguel immediately walked up.
"Apologies for suddenly barging into this conversation." Miguel said and bowed to Prince Diamant before he stood straight, "My name is Miguel and I would like to know what your and Prince Alcryst's relationship is with a woman named Perla." He said coldly.
Diamant narrowed his eyes at him, "She is Court Mage Martha's apprentice and a respected doctor of Brodia." The prince said, fully turning to the man, "What is she to you? Do you know her?"
Diamant noticed that they were about the same height and possibly physical physique. Yet, Miguel had this look of a tired soldier and coldness in his eyes that was similar to his grandfather. But the names Nanami and Miguel sounded familiar...Where had he heard those names?
"Apprentice and doctor...I'm glad she's okay." Miguel said, never breaking eye contact with the prince, "I am her older brother, Miguel Lycinth." And the Brodian group's eyes went wide.
Martha's eyes were wide but they suddenly curled into a smile as she leaned in to whisper into Diamant's ear.
"Oh, the brother-in-law has showed up."
"Aunt Martha!"
Diamant looked at his aunt, astounded that she would joke at the moment. The Court Mage couldn't help but let out an airy laugh before she smiled a bit sadly, her gaze half-lidded once more as she looked at them all. It was always fascinating watching humans react to her words. Even after being alive for over 1000 years, she was still learning about humanity.
"I jest." She chuckled, "In all seriousness," she turned to look at Miguel, "it's an honor to finally meet you, Forsaken." Marth smiled, "I have heard about you from your sister. She is a kind girl with incredible skills that are a thing of legend among those of our clan. To see the legendary skills of an individual from The World of Steel is truly fascinating I must say." She said, instantly she felt how the entire place went silent.
"The World of Steel?" Alcryst said confused as a few others did but seeing the pale complexion Klaus, Luna, Alear, and Diamant suddenly had as well as Miguel made Martha's expression turn blank.
One step she took and she was in front of Miguel, looking up at him with slit eyes.
"You're a soldier like your sister, aren't you? Someone who fought the war." She smiled mysteriously, "No need to talk. I already know. And it is the reason why I have come to greet you." She said, "We'll have a nice long chat later on." She smiled and before anyone could say anything else, King Morion arrived with two of his guards.
The king paused, looking at the group.
"Why are you all so tense?" King Morion asked.
"Father? You were supposed to be waiting inside." Diamant sighed, looking at his father.
"Yes, I know. And I was. But then I had this feeling my boy Alcryst might be home. It seems my fatherly intuition was right, as usual, heh!" The king laughed then turned to his son, "Welcome back, son." The king grinned, ruffling his hair a bit.
"Thank you, Father! But please don't touch my hair!" Alcryst screeched while Martha let out a snort.
"Eden, good to see you too. You two as well, Oniyuri." The king nodded, as did the couple.
"Don't worry about them. A little racket here and there never hurts." Martha chimed, "Please, woman. You're already scaring the children." King Morion shook his head.
"I wish you'd stop finding excuses to leave the castle. It's not safe out here." Diamant sighed, "I understand that you are worried but please consider the danger. Especially after what we learned three days ago." He pinched the bridge of his nose, the word he said caught Alear's attention quickly.
"Please, Diamant, not another lecture." King Morion said, crossing his arms, "Where's the harm in welcoming my family back from their journey? Anyway. We'd best not argue in front of our guests." He said, turning to Alear.
"Oh! It's all right..." Alear chuckled a bit, "Please pardon my rudeness. Divine One, Prince Alfred, welcome. I am Morion, king of Brodia! Oh!" He looked behind the two, "Court Mage Klaus! It's good to see you too!" Klaus waved, "I welcome you all to Brodia." He grinned.
"It's good to meet you, King Morion," Alear said, slightly dipping his head.
"I hope Martha didn't scare you all too much. She can be quite nasty sometimes." Martha scowled at the king's words.
"I told you." Klaus whispered to Miguel, "Court Mage Martha is a bitch. Even the king agrees." He snickered while the soldier just rolled his eyes.
"I never imagined I'd meet the Divine Dragon. Indeed, such a special occasion calls for a
welcoming duel!" The King grinned but, "AHEM!" Martha cleared her throat loudly for him to hear, "But sadly it's going to have you wait." He sighed, "We've already been informed of what happened.
"Wait, you have?" Diamant said, his father nodding, "How?"
"Nothing in Brodia escapes my eyes and ears." Martha proudly chimed, "But in all seriousness, we use this advantage that Princess Hortensia is in our hands to make The Crown Princess surrender. I'm sure she wouldn't want," she looked at her sharp nails with a half-lidded gaze, "her little sister to have few broken bones."
"Martha!" Oniyuri growled, but the court mage just smiled.
"Absolutely not!" Diamant said firmly, "No one is going to torture anyone. Let alone Elusia's princess." he looked back to his father, "We should inform the Divine One of what has happened these past few days." He said and turned back to Alear.
"I'll let you take it from here." Martha said, "I'm going to get our soldiers ready for the crown princess's attack. Oh, and" she held up her hand and threw a letter at Diamant, "It's from Jade. You and your family, along with the rest need to see it. I think a little seer has found their way into our ranks." And away she walked.
"Martha, always with her mysterious ways." The king shook his head, "Things have been tense these last few days. Three days ago, we received a message." He crossed his arms again, "The message said that King Haycinth will launch an attack in about 24 hours from now and that he will kill and take me away to be sacrificed to resurrect The Fell Dragon Sombron." He said the Divine Army felt their blood run cold.
"Judging from your expressions looks like you were going to tell me something similar." King Morion sighed, "Even so, I will fight. Know that no matter how hard you try to persuade me, I will fight against the king. I must face him. Anything less would bring dishonor to Brodia." He said coldly.
"Father, you must not!" Diamant yelled, "We are not ready for any of this. Brodia is not ready to lose its king. Nor me, my siblings, mother...to lose a husband and father." He whispered, the King smiled bitterly.
For a moment, he saw his sister, Princess Topaz, within Diamant. The king knows how disappointed she would have been if she were alive. The state of how things have gotten. All her hard work disappeared over the years. Now only her memories remain.
"Do you see me as weak, my son?" The king said, Diamant shook his head.
"I do not." Diamant said, "Neither of us do." Alcryst said, "Father, we understand that you feel frustrated that we keep telling you to not fight, but we aren't ready for any of this." The young man hung his head, "We aren't ready to lose a father. We know you are king, that you must fight and protect our nation, but can we be selfish and say we don't want you to die?! That we want you to live?! To be in our lives and see our sibling grow?!" The second prince said but then gasped, realizing the words he had just spoken.
Everyone was stunned, especially the king. Speaking such words, especially your real emotions was seen as a sign of weakness in Brodia yet...all the king did was walk up and ruffle the prince's hair.
"Like I said, you're not going to convince me." Morion said, "But If I die, I die. Brodia will
live on."
"But, Father!"
"What, you kids don't believe in me? After I'm gone, Diamant, I know you will lead with a steady hand." The king turned to his eldest son, "Alcryst will be beside you along with your mother, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and your future spouse." He looked, a gaze that was usually hardened, softened a bit, "I'll repeat it. If I run, it will only prove that we are cowards. I rather die than live in shame, being called the King who ran. I will fight bravely for Brodia. I do not fear death. Being known as a king who runs from battle...That scares me far more." He looked back down to them, "I fight not only as King but as a father protecting his family." He said, "If I die, then I die proudly, knowing I protected you all."
"Dammit..." Diamant cursed, nodding weakly, "We...understand." He whispered, "But please be careful."
"Have faith in me, my boy!" King Morion laughed, "Not only that," he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold ring with a red gem, "we got the Divine One here." And he tossed the ring to Alear.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Hot potato the ring was in Alear's hands before he caught it properly, king laughed, "This is!"
"No need to ask." King Morion grinned, "I already know you were coming to ask for Brodia's aid. You have our support. And, that," he pointed to the ring, "is The Ring of The Young Lion. One of two Emblem protected by Brodia's royal family and the Lycinth Clan." He grinned.
"Wait." Klaus quickly chimed in, "Two? Do you mean the Emblem apprentice Oniyuri has?" He asked as the young woman became small.
"Wait what?" The king looked at him shocked before looking at the blue-haired woman, "Oniyuri, did Martha give you The Locket of The Lone Jaguar?"
"...No." Oniyuri whispered as she touched her necklace, "Sydney, Dierdre. Come out." And in a white wisp, appear the two soccresses."
"What?" King Morion gawked, "That's not...Who are?!" Even Diamant was shocked learning this.
"I had no idea Brodia had a third Emblem!" The king said, "Dammit, Martha! Why does she always hide the important things? Welp, can't say anything about it now." He huffed.
Oniyuri was just glad King Morion came to that conclusion and no one went against it.
"Back to the subject," the king looked at Alear, "What will you do with it?"
"I'm going to summon the Emblem." Alear nodded firmly and held the ring tightly in his hand, "Rise up, Emblem of Binding!"
Crimson magic and flames poured out of the ring, taking on a human shape before it disappeared to dust and revealed a young man with crimson hair wearing a blue headband with gold. The man wore blue armor with gold, white pants with knee armor, and a blue cape with the inside crimson. His eyes snapped open, revealing they were blue. He grinned, nodding and saluting as he appeared beside Alear.
"I'm Roy. If you're summoning me...that can only mean the war has begun." Emblem Roy introduced himself, "It is an honor to see you gain Divine One. I am glad you have awakened. And," the other Emblems appeared, "I am happy to see my comrades."
"The legends are true...To think there was a person inside the ring all this time." Diamant awed.
"How about that! All along, this Emblem dwelt in our family's ring. And now you have released him. It seems "Divine" is no exaggeration, huh?" King Morion chuckled but then noticed Roy was looking around.
"Roy, is something wrong?" Alear asked, again the crimson-haired Emblem looked around, but, "Apologies. It's just that..." his eyes brows knitted together, "I feel...a familiar presence. I just can't put my finger on it."
"You're probably sensing Mother's Emblem, The Locket of The Lone Jaguar." Eden finally spoke up, "I believe the Emblem's name is Darrance. He is also known as The Emblem of Twilight." He said Roy went silent.
"That name...it sounds familiar." Roy said then hissed, a sharp pain went through his head, "Why...why can't I remember?"
Alear looked at the Emblem worried. There was Marth who did not remember his old friend, then, the same thing happened with The Emblem of Rivals. Sigurd displayed the same symptoms until recently he regained those memories. In battle, even Arvis did. But how come everyone remembered Sitonia, yet they could vaguely remember Emblem Arisa as well as her name? Not just her, but also an Emblem called Sophia. Why were Emblems missing memories of people who they met who are Outworlders?
It seems some sort of curse or seal was placed on them to make them deliberately forget them. But why? Why were they being made to forget these important individuals who were part of their lives? Whether they are a friend, family, lover, companion, or something else, they were being made to forget them. Somehow, Alear had a feeling it was connected to Miguel, Nanami, and their third sibling but also, Queen Rose. Queen Rose kept being brought up in certain conversations, from the type of person she was to the great tragedy of seven years ago, to how powerful she was. But ultimately, all these connections went back to not just the Demon, but a place of origin where it all began.
Gardlon.
"Your majesty! It's urgent!" The voice of a guard running towards them made Alear snap out of it, "An Elusian wyvern rider is approaching! It's dodging all our archers' attacks." He yelled.
"So she's finally here." King Morion said, "You boys know what to do." The group nodded firmly and the king left with his guards, "I trust you to do what is necessary."
"She's here." Diamant said as they spotted the wyvern rider in the sky, "Divine One. May I call upon Roy's help to defend the castle?" He asked.
"Of course."
"Everyone!" Martha's voice rang through the castle front, "The Elusian army is here! Defend and cut down our Enemies! Defend the gate!" The woman yelled and soon the Elusian soldiers arrived.
Diamant was handed the ring, quickly putting it on. Roy stood beside him, weapons brandished, ready to attack.
"Damn!" Alfred cursed, "Looks like the enemy made it through. But something feels off." He said as Celine stood by his side.
"I think I know why." Celine said as Elusian Wyvern rider got closer and, a cold shiver went down their spines but also snowflakes began to fall, "This feeling...She's angry."
When the Wyvern rider finally came into full view and landed, Ivy had a terrifying aura, her hair looked like snakes as she jumped down, each step she took froze the ground, and spikes of ice flew towards them. Alear and Miguel managed to deflect them as well as the other ice spears. Despite the calm and emotionless expression Princess Ivy had as she stopped about ten feet from them, the frozen ground and ice on her fingertips showed she was anything but calm.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Divine One." Princess Ivy said with a smile, "I see you have others as well. But today I stand before you, speaking for The Elusian Throne but also," she raised her hand, making her tome float in front of her, swirling with fire and ice magic, "as an Elder sister. I will now take your lives, your souls, and the rings." She smirked cruelly.
"It seems I underestimated how far you can get into Brodia's borders, Princess Ivy," Diamant said coldly as Ivy cocked her head.
"Your soldiers are but ants. More of mine are to come and will crush you barbarians." She spat, "I already have been told what you did. That Prince Alcryst struck down Princess Hortensia and that his retainers have killed Rosado and Goldmarry." She said coldly, the spike now growing bigger, Kagetsu and Zelkov appeared beside her.
"Let me speak to her," Oniyuri said, Alear nodding.
[—-]
"That I wasn't expecting." Martha said, looking through her lenses, "What do think, Darrance?" She said.
Beside her floated a man with black hair with gray streaks tied in a messy ponytail, he wore a tattered scarf and a black cape, and his black gold armor was that of a Sword Master. He wore his headband with a strange star symbol on it. A giant great sword was strapped onto his back. His arms were crossed as he wore dark-shaded glasses, a frown on his face.
"Martha, tell it to me straight, why doesn't Roy remember me? I'm assuming it's going to be the same thing with Lyn." Darrance said coldly, "Did you have something to do with it?"
"Not me." Martha said as she looked up to the sky, her eyes seeing something no one in all of Elyos could see, "You could say...this was done for the safety of everyone." She whispered as she watched Oniyuri tell Ivy that Hortensia, Rosado, and Goldmarry were alive, but also that Queen Thyme and the children were in Lythos.
This suddenly made the composed expression on Ivy quickly drop, before the princess unleashed a wrathful rage "How dare you take the Queen Mother and children of Elusia as hostages?!" Which led to a full-out battle, and Ivy summoning Lief.
"Anything related to her family truly unleashes the dragon inside the children of Sovereign blood." Martha whispered, watching them clash before looking back to the sky, "Wait." Her eyes narrowed, seeing frail blue strings covered in black suddenly appear, "That's right. Wait!" She looked back to the field and, " EVERYONE TAKE COVER!" Martha screamed at the top of her lungs and...
BOOM!
The gate to the castle exploded with black flames. The force of the explosion was so great that those nearby were incinerated in an instant, those that couldn't run fast enough had stakes of obsidian rain down on them, leaving them to pieces. The explosion sent everyone flying back, including Princess Ivy and her retainers. Ivy screamed, her back colliding with a brick wall, the force knocking the air out lungs, but also made her vomit blood. Katgetsu was originally fighting Alear, but their brutal battle was cut short by the force.
"Princess Ivy!" Zelkov roared, the smoke making it difficult for everyone to see but in the sea of flames, a single individual stood at the destroyed gates.
Diamant was frozen, and seeing the sea of fire caused a flood of memories of the accident he had when he was a child. When Alcryst was born, Diamant was excited. He trained hard and for long hours, to become stronger. Unfortunately, magic was not his fortitude. When he tried to cast a fire spell using tome, the magic went out of control and exploded. He was gravely injured, burned scars covered his right arm and hand, now hidden by the armor he wore. The sea of flames split in two, disappearing with the sound of snap fingers. But most of all, it was the sound of heels clicking, walking towards them.
"Siiighh...Truly just how weak my homeland's defenses have fallen." A sultry, sweet, yet happy, and disappointed female voice echoed as the smoke dissipated, "Brodia back in the day was much more brutal, but..." a hand reached out of the smoke, and pointed to fingers up, "I like what I see today." And the smoke finally cleared.
"I guess I should introduce myself since it's been a thousand years since I stepped foot here." A 5'6 ft woman with part of her purple-galaxy-like hair tied back into a long braid and the rest was loose, elbow length.
She had green eyes, her pupils were red, and her armor was that of Magil Knight, in colors of red, gold, and purple. She wore heels and boots with knee armor. In her left hand, she wore a bracelet with strange markings, but she also held a glowing double-bladed axe. Her eyes were half-lidded with a smile on her lips. It only grew when she heard the struggles of people trying to get up, watching Alear hold Miguel to get up with Diamant and Alcryst. Eden helped Oniyuri as well, and soon the rest as well.
"Hello, Alear. It's been so long." The woman smiled, her expression never changing.
"You...who are you?!" Alear yelled, from the corner of his eye, he spotted Kagetsu and Zelkov running to help Ivy, looks like she suffered a broken shoulder.
"Ah, so the rumors were true." The woman cocked her head, "You have no memories. Well then, allow me to introduce myself." She bowed politely then saluted like those of Brodia did to their king, "My name is Alma. Alma Marigold Lycinth, The Obsidian Sparrow." She said, Marth quickly appearing along with the other Emblems.
"Alma?!" Martha yelled, "How...How are you alive?! I and the others, watched you sacrifice yourself before our eyes when you protected Brodia all those years ago." He said as the woman only smiled.
"Alma, as in Brodia's Court Mage from 1,000 years ago?! One of The Divine Dragon's Generals?!" Alcryst screeched and Alma chuckled warmly, enjoying their shocked expressions.
"Huh..." she locked eyes with Diamant then Alcryst, "You're not Desmos's descendants. The only blood I sense within you two is the blood of the Fire Sovereign. But," her eyes locked fully on Oniyuri, "Oh! So you are my descendant! Blood of Steel and Fire truly runs through your veins but also..." her smile slowly disappeared, "Blood of Ice? Did one of my kids marry into Hermes's family?" Alma blinked multiple times.
"I have no memory of you." Alear gritted his teeth, "Even so, how are you alive?! To my knowledge, you perished 1,000 years ago when you slayed the Monster of The Black Sea that nearly destroyed Brodia. If you truly are one of my generals and friends, why are you attacking your nation?! The scent you have...it reeks of death!" He yelled as Alama only smiled again.
"You have grown a spine." Alama said as she crossed her arms, and raised a hand, making her axe disappear, "Compared to 1,000 years ago, you trembled at the sight of Lord Sombron and the Corrupted." She frowned a bit, "But, since it's been so long, I shall answer you." She uncrossed her arms, smiling as she placed the hand with the bracelet over her chest, "I may not look like it but I am a Corrupted."
"A Corrupted?! How?! You don't even look like one!" Diamant yelled.
"Well that's easy, I was resurrected by Lord Sombron and Lord Shax. Oh and Lord Shax is the one you call the Demon Lord." Alma grinned, "1,000 years ago a pitiful death. This nation used to get along with Elusia and the others, now it has become nothing but a warmonger nation filled with corrupted nobles and arrogant minds that war will solve all their problems. Siiiggghhh..." She looked at them with a dissatisfied expression, "Oh don't worry, Alear. You'll soon be reunited with the rest of us. I do not understand why I gave my life to protect this nation. I am truly ashamed that the nation I once loved has fallen so low. My mind..." she placed a hand on her head as she closed her eyes painfully, "It feels so foggy...So...so messy. It's annoying. Lord Shax said to clear my mind, I need to kill you all and take your emblems." She looked back at them.
"Hahahahahaha! I haven't felt this excited for battle!" The woman cackled madly, "Well, not that it matters anymore! Don't worry, King Haycinth is like me! He too was killed and blessed, enlighten! Resurrected and made into a corrupted like me!" She laughed.
"What?" Ivy's voice rang loudly, "What did you just say?!" She screamed, "What do you do to my father?!"
"I'm pretty sure you heard." Alma shrugged, "Anyhow, I'll make you children a deal." She held out her hand, "Hand over that man, the one called Miguel," Miguel gritted his teeth, "and your Emblems. Do that, and I will spare everyone here." She smiled, "I don't see the point of you having that man by your side. Do you keep him with you because he has a similar appearance to Ermos? Do you keep him by your side, knowing what was done to bring him to this world? Or do you keep him..." she giggled, "because he is to be the next Court Mage of Gardlon?"
"Excuse me, what?!" Miguel yelled, "Gardlon is 500 feet beneath the sea! There is no way I would become the court of a mage of a nation that no longer exists!" He yelled, "And you have no deal! I will not go with you and we will not give you the emblems!" And he quickly summoned his bow, "Over my dead body, you bitch!"
"Bahahahahaha!" Alma burst out laughing, holding her stomach before her laughter came to a slow halt, "You're Ermos's and Maria's blood alright! Well then!" She summoned her axe again, "I'll take your rings and souls! Everyone here dies! And to start it off," she pointed her axe to Ivy, "you know Princess Ivy! If we weren't able to get your hands on your mother and siblings, it was decided that you would be the next sacrifice after your father and Queen Rose!" Ivy froze, "So naturally, that time!" She lunged, "has come! GIVE ME YOUR HEART AND RING!"
"No, you don't!" Kagetsu and Zelkov yelled, both their weapons quickly clashed with the woman's axe, "Urk!" The force of the impact was unlike anything they had ever felt.
"Oh, children, you really shouldn't go against your elders!" Alma laughed, "Now then!" She somehow got one hand free, no...they realized she had swung her axe at them with only one hand, "Let the games begin!" With a snap of her fingers, corrupted rose from the ground and attacked indiscriminately.
"Damn!" Alear cursed, "Formation! Soldiers, strike down the corrupted! Protect the people!" He looked at Diamant, Alfred, and Miguel, "You three with me! I know Princess Ivy is our enemy at the moment but we need to capture her and her retainers alive! As much as it pains me, we can use Princess Hortensia to get her to join our side! But we must defeat the corrupted and defeat Alma!" He said and looked at the rest, "The rest of you, help the soldiers! Alcryst, Klaus, and Celine, you three are in charge!"
"YES DIVINE ONE!"
"I will join as four as well." Oniyuri said, "And no, you will not change my mind." She looked at her husband, "Help the rest of the army." And they parted ways.
[—-]
Ivy grew up hearing stories of the Six Generals of The Divine One during the Fell War. To her, those stories were her world. She remembered when her mother would read her stories about The Legendary Mage Knight Ermos before she went to bed, her siblings were fast asleep beside her as Queen Rose hummed a tune, Consort Thyme was knitting beside them and Consort Flora was fast asleep by the fire. She listened to those stories, dreaming of one day being a hero like the legends in her book.
Oscar, The Priest of The Black Sun, wielded a legendary scythe.
Francis, The Silver Comet, who wielded a shield.
Ruby, The Rainbow Butterfly, her relic was a legendary staff said to have been created from a fallen star.
Ermos, The Midnight Mage, he wielded the legendary tome, Nox.
Maria, The Imaginary Blade, was said to wield the legendary dagger, Tiamat's Fang.
Lastly, Alma, The Obsidian Sparrow, is said to wield the legendary axe, Labrys of Hephaestus.
One of the things that always stood out was that Alma was known as the strongest, strength-wise, in The Divine One's army. Stories of her brutality in battle were said as far as beyond the sea. Stories that she would march onto the battlefield and rip her enemies in half with her bare hands. And beside her, her Emblem was said to be The Necklace of The Damnsels of Devastation. Despite her brutality, Alma was known as a kind yet strict soul, she was seen as a motherly or elder sister among the people of Brodia. When a monstrosity created by The Fell Dragon and Demon Lord, attacked Brodia, she commanded the army beside the king Brodia of that time and fought. It said that the battle lasted for 20 days and nights, Alma herself fought the monster of the Black Sea. When the monster was on the verge of destroying itself to destroy all of Brodia, Alma jumped into it, falling into the belly of the beast.
With her cry and axe, she destroyed the monster inside out and pulverized its heart till it stopped beating. But the monster still had one trick, to stop it, Alma cast the forbidden spell, Lumos, and the price for completing purifying the land and erasing the monster from existence was her life. So she did. Alma cast the spell and saved all of Brodia. When the monster's body turned to dust, there Alma stood, smiling one last time before her body shattered into pieces of obsidian before turning to dust.
Yet...
"Oh, what fun!" Alma burst out laughing as Kagetsu lay on the ground with obsidian spears through his right leg and left hand, his sword shattered, "But seriously, you children lack battle experience. Compared to back in the day, those of Elusia were much more cold-blooded." She said, pointing the tip of her obsidian spear at Ivy's chin.
Ivy trembled, her eyes wide, tears on the verge of falling, her breath ragged, her clothing, bloody, tome destroyed, and even the divine dragon with the others were struggling to remain standing. They say that the generals of the past were like walking gods, their strength and magic unlike any other, their power, directly given to them by the Divine Dragons, that power allowed them to become something that wasn't human yet they were. For the first time in her entire life, Ivy felt true fear.
The woman that stood before her, that she looked up, was a monster. She said she was resurrected by Smbron and the demon, from a kind and loving figure, she was twisted into an insane individual. Ivy gulped, feeling the tip of the spread as she was forced to look up to her.
"Did you know that Brodia was once known as The Nation of Peace and Abundance and Firene was known as The Nation of Strength and Resolve? Solm was known as The Nation of Sentiene and Spiritually, and Elusia as The Kingdom of Love and Agriculture?" Alma let out an airy laugh before it slowly stopped, "You're not saying anything. Why aren't you?"
"You..." Ivy croaked, "Is it true?" Alma tilted her head to the left, "Is it true what you said about my father, that he is corrupted?"
"Oh, that." Alma blinked, "Well, you're going to die anyway so I might as well say it." She grinned, "Seven years ago, your father was killed by The Followers of Lord Shax. His blood was used to resurrect Sombron and Lord Shax. Then King Hyacinth was resurrected, turned into a corrupted. With his hands, we had him sacrifice everyone on the island seven years ago." Ivy's blood ran cold, "Don't worry. Your mother's sacrifice wasn't in vain. We got what we need to result Sombrom, isn't that what you people always wanted? Someone, to save your nation from Brodia?" She chuckled, "The sacrifices over the years have been used to give strength to our lords. But also," she pointed to herself, "to resurrect me and the others."
"There are others...?" Ivy squeaked, "How...how many?" She noticed Oniyuri twitch and make a signal to not do anything, she needed to get more information.
It was becoming apparent that Alma was very talkative but also...cocky.
"You'll find out soon enough." Alma smiled warmly, "You know, I and the others are a special type of corrupted. At first, I thought Deadlord would be a name for us but it doesn't work. So how about...Revenant? Yes..." she raised her axe, "that has a nice ring to it." And she swung it but...
Alma suddenly felt a shiver go through her body, she didn't have to process when the tips of a staff, met her face with a force that sent her flying away. A force so strong that the ground she collided with was obliterated sending her under 20ft. Standing in front of Princess Ivy was Martha. The woman had crouched down a bit, before fully standing up, her eyes had fully turned into slits, pink and gray scales had formed on her cheeks, but most of all, the staff she carried had tuned into something different, the top was now in the shape of a butterfly.
"Kids," Martha said as she placed two fingers on the left side of her forehead, "are the citizens safe?"
"We managed to get rid of them here on the north side." Shibra answered, "Same with the south!" Ajax replied, "We're done here in the east." Ethan answered back.
"Good." Martha nodded, the ground suddenly began shaking, and crawling out of the creator was Alma, "Here comes the grudge." She looked back at Ivy for a moment, "The ring." Ivy opened her mouth, "You're not in a situation to protest." The princess smiled bitterly, taking off the ring and handed it to her.
"My sister and mother better be safe along with my siblings," Ivy said coldly as she forced herself to stand up to tend to Kagetsu and Zelkov.
It was a terrifying sight a hand with broken and crooked fingers rose out from the crator and then slowly crawled out of the ground, the right side of their face missing yet they were smiling even if blood poured.
"That staff...Why do you have Ruby's staff? Who are you?" Alma spoke in a possessed voice, now fully out of the ground.
In a flash, Alear and Diamant appeared swinging their swords at her with their Emblems. Alma jumped back, only for Alfred to appear behind her with Sigurd and Oniyuri in the front with Sidney and Dierdre.
"HYAAA!" All four screamed, unleashing their strongest techniques against the woman.
Fire, Ice, crystal, and thorns penetrated the general's body, making her scream in agony as the holy magic of the relics and emblems burned her. Away she was thrown, Alma panted and wheezed, her body burned, broken yet she still stood but...
"Oh..." her eyes instantly landed on Veyle, who was fighting beside Miguel, "There you are, Violet!" And she raised her hand.
Veyle suddenly came to a halt before unleashing a blood-curdling scream and black and fell magic bursting around her. She screamed and trashed, holding her head tightly as her eyes flickered between violet and red slits. Her voice switches between normal and demonic.
"VEYLE!" Miguel screamed, quickly trying to reach out to her, but then the girl's hand turned to claws and swung her right hand at him.
"GAAAAHHH!" Miguel screamed the claw cut the right side of his face, and his right eye was now bloody and bleeding.
"M-Miguel!" Veyle screamed, horrified as she looked at her bloody hand before unleashing another blood-curdling scream and her head slumped.
"What did you do?!" Alear roared as Alma's body began to heal before their eyes.
The corrupted tried to run, only to turn to dust and be absorbed by the woman. Alma laughed as she crooked a finger towards Veyle and the girl walked her way, her head still slumped.
"Miguel!" Klaus yelled, running to him along with Jean and Yunaka, "Dammit, I don't think his eye can be saved!" Jean yelled, quickly starting treatment.
"You all saved me the trouble. You knew Violet was with you all along." Alma said, Veyle now standing by her side, her head snapping up, her eyes snapped open, now crimson slits.
"That was painful." Veyle said, turning to look at Alma, "You really don't know how to shut your mouth, do you?" She said coldly.
"Veyle, what have you done to her?!" Alear yelled and Veyle turned to him with a face of disgust.
"Veyle this, Veyle that! I AM THE REAL VEYLE!" Veyle screamed.
"No, you are not!" Martha screamed back, quickly stepping in front of the group, her expression enraged, "You are nothing but a parasite created from a curse! A curse cast upon Veyle, a split personality! You should not even exist." The woman said coldly before Veyle broke into a fit of laughter.
"You say that Court Mage, but a curse can not exist without a source." Veyle smirked, "I am the one who nearly succeeded in killing that beast of Lumera. If only my mate," she briefly looked at Miguel, "had not gotten in the way. No worries." She closed her eyes, "When the Starfarer is in our hands, all will be set in place." She smiled, "We should leave, Alma. You already suffered too much damage. We can just tell King Haycinth that his children and Queen were killed by The Divine Dragon and King Morion. It's better to amplify his hatred and love, so it could become true madness." She chuckled.
"Don't worry it w—?! AHHHHHH!" Veyle suddenly screamed, holding her head tightly, thrashing and staggering.
"Violet, what's wrong?" Alma screamed only for Veyle to suddenly swipe at her with her claws, scales forming her cheeks.
"You hurt Miguel! You made me hurt Miguel!" The real Veyle's voice screamed, her left eye had turned purple, "You dare fight me!" Her voice switched back to Violet, the two now locked in an internal battle, "You are a defect!" She screamed, "GET OUT OF ME!" Veyle screamed before reaching into her bag and threw something at Alear.
"Dammit!" Alma cursed, and grabbed the girl, "Time to go!" And she looked back at Oniyuri, Sidney, and Dierdre, "The next time we meet Grandaughter of mine, I will be taking back MY Emblem!"
"VEYLE!" Miguel screamed, lunging, reaching out to her, "Miguel!" Veyle screamed, reaching out as well but it was too late.
The tip of their fingers brushed before Alma and Veyle disappeared in a magic circle. The corrupted screamed and turned to dust, the battlefield and all over the city of Brodia becoming quiet. Miguel was stunned, too stunned to speak despite blood pouring from his eye. Slowly, he looked down and picked up the item Veyle tried to throw, it was the crimson stone she had shown him in the past.
"The battle is over..." Ivy whispered, "Ah...It's finally..." And she collapsed on the ground next to Zelkov and Kagetsu.
Miguel also collapsed onto the ground, the voices muffled as they screamed his name. He was so tired...So...tired...his eyes finally closed.
— Hours later —
"All the wounded have been taken to the infirmary and medical tents. Our medics have also set up tents around the city. As for Princess Ivy and her retainers, The Divine One has said he will be in charge of them. As of now, they have been taken to Lythos." Eden said as King Morion, Martha, and Albert sat in the council room along with the rest of the nobles.
The attack wasn't just the castle front, corrupted appeared in all four corners of the city. King Morion refused to stand by and came out, defending his people and city. A bloody battle it was, and the fact that it wasn't Princess Ivy who called the attack, it was reported that she was almost killed by an unknown individual claiming to have been sent by The Fell Dragon.
To think King Hyacinth had planned to have his child killed, as a sacrifices. Martha sat with her head laid back. Before she arrived at the castle again, she went out to help the people in the city. Once she made sure the king, her students, and her children had everything under control she went back. Seeing Alma, the woman who she saw as an aunt, breathing, standing there before them alive, haunted her, but when she realized what Alma was, her heart broke. Alma had been resurrected, her personality, her goals, her ideals, all twisted by Fell and Demonic magic, now made into a monster.
"There are others. You will find out soon."
Marth gulped, she feared that she knew exactly who had been resurrected. Part of her prayed it wasn't true but already knew such denial would do no good. Seeing Alama's brutality after so many years, being a corru-No, Revenant she called herself, she realized how terrifying her family truly was.
"Queen Lumera has also been informed of what has happened." Albert sighed, dark circles under his eyes, "Anything else?" The messenger looked nervous, "What is it?" He said coldly.
"There is a battalion of monsters ready for battle at the northeast border. They are being led by King Hyacinth, demanding to see you, King Morion." The messenger said nervously.
"I see..." The King said and turned to look at his brother, "I leave tomorrow at dawn with my army. I leave you in charge." Albert sighed, nodding, knowing what was soon to happen.
"You better come back alive, you baffon," Albert said, in a slightly playful tone.
"I will."
— Lythos -
Back and forth Alear paced in the council room of the Sommiel, everyone waiting for answers. Diamant, Alcryst, and the rest of Brodia's group remained in their nation to help with the aftermath. Queen Lumera has been informed of the situation along with Vander and the twins. The door to the council room opened and in came Jean along with Framme, Framme looked on the verge of tears.
"Princess Ivy suffered a broken shoulder. Thankfully with the spell Lady Sitonia taught me, we were able to heal it properly. However, her retainer Kagetsu...had to be put into a magic coma. He...has lost too much blood. It was difficult to take out the obsidian spears. The other retainer, Zelkov, is alright. A broken arm but was quickly fixed." Then came out the dreaded news after the heavy sigh he let out, "But Miguel..."
"Is he dead...?" Clanne asked, "Goodness no!" Jean quickly said, "He's okay but...I wasn't able to save his right eye. He needed stitches...it's going to leave a big horizontal scar on his face." He hung his head, "He's currently resting."
"Awake I am."
Jean jumped hearing the door open and seeing Miguel come in despite half his face being wrapped in bandages.
"You need to rest!" Jean scolded him, "You lost too much blood! That wound you suffered is no laughing matter!" He said but Miguel ignored him, "Don't ignore me!"
"Jean is right." Vander said, walking up to him, "Today was a brutal battle. You need rest before we all head out tomorrow." Miguel looked at him confused, "King Haycinth is at the border with a battalion."
"Ah, fu..." Miguel grumbled, rubbing his temples, "I...understand." He sighed, "Is Princess Ivy also here in Lythos?"
"She's in Princess Hortensia's room. It was the first thing she said when she woke up."
"Directions to get there?"
"Down the hall, make left, then right, then straight. It should be the door with rose cravings on it." Jean said and Miguel nodded, "Why are you asking?"
"I need to speak to Princess Ivy." Miguel said firmly, "I will come as well." Alear said, "Me too." Alfred chimed in.
"I would join too but I need to get in contact with Martha." Klaus sighed then threw an object at Alear, "It's the thing Veyle tried to throw at you before she was taken." The dragon caught it, "It's a dragon s—?!"
The second Alear caught the stone, it burst with light, blinding everyone. It suddenly felt like part of his power was sucked out but also, the feeling of feeling incomplete was gone. As if he was whole again. It lasted a few seconds before it went away, now in Alear's hands, the once crimson stone, turned a gradient crimson-sapphire with a strange symbol engraved inside of it.
"What just happened?" Alear gasped, Klaus quickly marched up, snatching the damn thing out of his hand to look at it before he handed it back to him.
"It's a Dragon Stone and the second you touched it, some of your power was sealed inside it." Klaus said, "Congratulations, this should make it easier for you to turn into a dragon and control your dragon instincts." He patted his back.
"But this belongs to Veyle!" Alear protested, "This belongs to Veyle's sibling!" He said back.
While that went on, Miguel quickly slipped out.
[—]
Down the hallway, Miguel walked as his mind was in shambles as the image of Veyle screaming in agony as he tried to fight back whatever Alma did to her. Martha screamed that the "Other Veyle" was a parasite and a split personality, but the other personality gladly bragged that it nearly killed Lumera. That it was responsible for the attack on Lythos months ago. Miguel knew the subject needed to be discussed but what he saw with his own eyes...
"You hurt Miguel! YOU MADE ME HURT MIGUEL!"
Veyle's heartbroken scream and enraged expression when she swiped at Alma, her cries and screams of agony when she tried to fight back..."So that was the curse the old woman saw..." Miguel whispered as he kept walking arriving at Princess Hortensia's door. Miguel gulped, he didn't know how to approach the two princesses. They were supposed to be their enemies but what he saw and heard today...He decided to knock.
Knock, knock.
He did it twice and waited a bit. The door opened and the one to do it was Goldmary.
"Oh. Hello." Goldmary said, "Goldmary, who is it?" Ivy called out, "It's The Divine Dragon's Tactician." Goldmary said.
"...Let him in."
Goldmarry kept an emotionless face as she opened the door to let Miguel in. Standing by the window with arms crossed was Zelkov. Princess Hortensia's room was simple, similar to his but with pink bed sheets with flower designs.
"Why are you here?" Miguel heard Hortensia's voice, turning to look back at her.
She sat in her bed in a nightgown, her hair loose, very light scaring on her face that thankfully would fade with time. Hortensia looked waryly at him. Miguel also noticed that Rosado was on the right side of the bed, sitting next to Zelvok. Goldmarry was at the door and closed it, on the left side of the bed sat Ivy, dressed in a casually purple blouse, black skirt, a black veil, and a shawl.
"Sorry if I interrupted anything." Miguel said, "Your friend, Kagetsu, had to be put into a magic coma." Ivy's eyes went wide, "He lost too much blood. It will take a few days for him to recover." He said.
"Oh, Kagetsu..." Ivy whispered as she rubbed her eyes then stopped, looking at Miguel, "I take it that is not the only reason you are here. You didn't come just to inform us of my retainer. You came alone." She said, Miguel remained silent.
He took deep breaths for a moment before he spoke.
"Do you all know a young woman by the name of Nanami?" Miguel said, "She has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and tan skin like me." He said.
"...If we tell you we do know this individual," Ivy said in a low tone, "do tell us first your relationship."
"I am her older brother. My name is Miguel." Miguel said, and saw the sibling's eyes go wide, "Do you also know a woman named Perla?"
"I don't." Hortensia said, "Nanami I know. She told us she had a family but she rarely talked about them." She said.
"...I know Perla." Ivy sighed, "She is...a pen pal of mine. Please do not say any of this those of Brodia." The princess said.
"Why?"
"Ha!" Ivy laughed dryly, "You have seen how those of Brodia despise us. They take whatever opportunity to hurl insults and slurs at us because we are a nation that worships the Fell dragon. They won't hesitate to accuse your sister as a spy simply because she is friends with someone like me. I kept my identity secret for her sake. I suggest you do the same." Ivy said coldly.
"You realize that if she is brought here, she will recognize you," Miguel said.
"Yes...I know that. And you'll see how fast the Brodian Princes and their retainers will rip her apart. Not physically of course, but emotionally." Ivy growled, "They'll do the same to Nanami."
"Do you hate Brodia?" Miguel asked.
"Hate?! More like angry!" Hortensia grumbled as she crossed her arms, "Those Brodian scum have been attacking our lands for 800 years! It wasn't till 100 years ago that our nation started to worship the fell dragon." She huffed, "Queen Lumera is nice but she never tried to interfere or put a stop to them. Sister, I have a feeling we're going to be put on trial..." the second princess croaked.
"Maybe." Miguel said, "But I like to say something as someone who isn't part of any of the five nations." He crossed his arms, "This involves everyone in the room." The retainers blinked, "Did any one of you try to continue where Queen Rose left off?"
"We tired." Hortensia whispered, "We tried but Father wouldn't allow it. And now we know why..." her lip quivered, tears forming, "He used to be a kind man. He always put us first. Even if food was scarce, he always made sure we were fed even if he and our parents starved." The tears fell, "Now learning that he was killed, resurrected, and then made to kill his wife...the way he treated us..."
Miguel's chest felt heavy. The more he learned what had happened to the people around him, the more guilty he became. It was like a chain that was wrapped around him, the weight and guilt of seeing all the people suffering was because it was all done to get to him and his siblings. Just how many more people must suffer and be sacrificed just to get to him and his family? He witnessed Veyle, right in front of him, be cursed, forced to hurt him, and then taken away.
The guilt was growing. The feeling of his existence as a curse was spreading. Nanami knows the truth...Now only Perla remained. Would Prince Diamant, Prince Alcryst, and those of Brodia turn their backs on Perla if they knew she was a friend of Princess Ivy? Would they do the same to Nanami if she were found? They had already shown hostility to Oniyuri when she revealed her identity, yet Eden who knew her identity did not care. From the short time he was with them, he saw from a distance how much Eden loved Oniyuri, to the point he even defended her against his cousin and the retainers.
"Then I propose to you this." Miguel said, raising his hand, "Join us. Join the Divine Dragon's army. You have every right to be angry for what Brodia has done to you and your people, but you should also set your eyes on the true source of the suffering of their suffering. Sombron and The Demon called Shax." He said, "Help us fight them. Help us take them down, with this, you will avenge your father, Queen Mother, and those who have unjustly lost their lives at the hands of the extreme followers." He said.
"Elusia is your kingdom, your home, use the strength you have now to destroy the darkness and rebuild Elusia to the kingdom you want. After all, Elusia was in the Kingdom of Love and used to worship the Ice Divine Dragon known as the god of love and wisdom." Miguel said with a small smile as he put his hand down, "What I am offering you is a chance for revenge against Sombron and The Demon."
"...Pfft." Ivy snickered, "Hahaha!" The princess laughed before she wiped a tear, "Quite the poetic man. But, I see your point." She smiled softly, "Very well. I accept. But on one condition."
"What is it?" Miguel said.
"I have a feeling Elusia needs to be evacuated. Hortensia and I need to evacuate our people." Ivy said and Miguel nodded, "I'll tell Queen Lumera that Sombron will soon attack Elusia, that way you can get the go to evacuate your people. Plus, as much as it pains me," he rubbed the back of his neck, "Kagetsu is here...in a coma...so…"
"Yes. No more needs to be said."
[—-]
"I got Princess Ivy onto our side," Miguel said proudly to Queen Lumera, who blinked.
After he finished asking Ivy and Hortensia questions about Nanami and how was she when she was with them, he went straight to Queen Lumera's office. Miguel was happy to learn that his sister was safe during her time with the Elusian Princesses. Ivy told him that Nanami was found in the woods injured. They took care of her for a while and eventually, she was hired because of how well she took care of their siblings. She was loved by the Elusian Royal children and taught Sumia and their other maid many things. She had also become good friends with Hortensia and Ivy.
Rosado did tell Ivy what happened at the bridge. Ivy was furious, learning what was done to her sister, but...at first, she was angry that it was Nanami who told the group of the attack that was coming, (no wonder it was so difficult to get in), but she was the one that saved Hortensia and begged Alear to spare them.
"I also learned that my sister was under their care for a while and that Princess Ivy is pen pals with Perla." Miguel sighed, "Apologies, I'm just...rambling."
"It is alright." Queen Lumera said, "How are you feeling? I heard you had passed out from Nurse Xina. Are you feeling better?" Miguel asked and the queen nodded, "And you? Will you be alright?" Lumera asked, seeing his bandaged face.
"I'll live. I've suffered worse (gunshots and stabbings)." Miguel shrugged, "Anyhow, Princess Ivy wishes to have an audience with you. It's about Elusia." He sighed as he crossed his arms, "You...have been informed of the situation right?"
"I have." Lumera looked away, "Alma...My dear friend...I fear that the possibility of Francis, Oscar, and Ruby have suffered a similar fate. If it is confirmed true, you and everyone will be fighting some of the most powerful individuals of my time." She sighed, "This will be a difficult battle."
"This is... maybe...out of line but," Miguel gulped, "how come you did not step in when Brodia began to attack other nations as well as stop the worship of the fell dragon?" He asked, and the queen stared at him a bit, her eyes slightly widened.
"That is because we can not," Celestine said as she sat on her throne, her gaze half-lidded and emotionless as Lumera looked at her shocked.
"But why not!?" Lumera cried out, "It is clear that Agies has become a terrible king! The people of Brodia will suffer in his hands. Not only that," she pointed at the door, "Floreta is getting ready to defend her nation! She will so no mercy!" She said.
"Lumera." Celestine's tone made the woman freeze, "I truly understand how you feel. I do. But we as The Divine can not interfere with human conflicts or choices." She looked at her sister sadly, "We must watch over them, to guide them. We are observers. All we can do is lend a gentle hand to show them the right path. Their diverting from it is their own choice. If we were to interfere or jump in, it would be seen as us favoring one nation over the other. In the past, such actions have caused bloody wars that not have harmed humanity, but our people as well." She sighed.
"It hurts my heart, but all we can do is watch. However, should something extreme happen like the very first war, then that is when we will step in. Until then, we will serve as a mediator, guardians, and observers of this world."
"I hope this clears up any misunderstandings you have," Lumera said as she finished explaining to Miguel, who only looked at her with a wide eye.
The fact that Miguel understood what Lumera said made him internally angry. Those of Lythos must remain a neutral party or they would be seen as if they were favoring someone over another. They can welcome refugees, and provide aid, but they cannot support a side. If they did, it would lead to major problems. Now with the war happening, the same situation was happening again but this time, all nations had to be united to fight against the darkness while at the same time they had to remain neutral in a way. All Queen Lumera could was provide aid and shelter while Alear was the leader of the army. Miguel let out a heavy sigh, nodding.
"Thank you, Queen Lumera." Miguel whispered, "I'll excuse myself for now. Have a good day." And he left, carefully closing the door.
The look on Miguel's face...it was the same one Ermos had when the council voted against seeking aid from the Banished Divine Shadow Dragon...
[—-]
"You got approval."
Ivy let out a heavy sigh of relief like a weight had been lifted off her shoulder as she was in the war council room with the others. Hortensia was able to join as well, having now recovered enough energy.
"Thank you, Miguel. I am truly thankful for what you have done." Ivy said, politely bowing.
"It's fine." Miguel smiled a bit, "It was the least I could do." Ivy nodded, "I suggest you head to Queen Lumera's office. You can talk to her there." He said.
"Just out of safety precautions, Vander and the twins will escort you and Hortensia there," Alear said, and again, Ivy bowed along with Hortensia before they left.
Once gone, Yunaka and Celine were quick to jump on Miguel.
"I saw her smile~" Yunaka grinned, "So what sweet talk did you do to get Princess Ivy and Princess Hortensia to join us?" Celine said, "As far as what I believed, I thought Princess Ivy was going to be a difficult woman."
"Cut them some slack." Miguel snapped at them a bit, "I didn't sweet talk. I gave it to them straight. They join us, they get revenge on Sombron and The Demon Shax for murdering their father and queen's mother. In exchange for their help, I wanted to know how Nanami was under their care and Perla too." He grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck, "24 hours...I have a feeling tomorrow's battle is going to change things." He said.
"Someone's in a bad mood." Alfred said, the soldier shot him a glare, "I'm guessing you learned something else."
"...Alfred...do the people of Brodia truly hate those of Elusia? To the point, they accuse anyone associated with them as a spy?" Miguel asked, which surprised him and the others.
"I don't think so. Not that I know of." Alfred said, noticing how Miguel had a conflicted look on his face as the soldier intertwined his hands together, leaned forward, and propped his elbows on his thighs as he sat down, "Did...Princess Ivy tell you something?"
"Yeah." Miguel was going to be honest, "I'm starting to wonder if I'm making the right choice."
"What do you mean?" Alear said, narrowing his eyes, Miguel tapped his foot a bit faster.
"Anna, are you sure there are no Outrealm Gates in Elyos?" Miguel asked again.
"Yes. There shouldn't be any." Anna said, worried about how Miguel's expression became darker.
"Miguel, what is going on?" Alear said, walking up to him, "Just what exactly did Princess Ivy tell you?"
"I'm just...worried for my sibling's safety. Prince Diamant I can tell he isn't the type of person to judge or discriminate against someone of Elusia...I'm not sure about the others..." Miguel murmured, "They showed hostility when Princess Primrose revealed her identity." He said.
"They are probably having a long talk about that in Brodia..."
[—-]
"Please, I beg you, do not tell your father about this!" Eden said angrily, "I'm not about to have, especially the stupid of the nobility, accuse not just my wife, but my entire family of being Elusian spies simply because we chose to save someone from Elusia!" He growled, and Diamant rubbed his eyes.
"I understand how you feel but I want to hear this from your parents." Diamant said coldly, "I want to hear from them why they chose to keep something this serious a secret. Do you realize how serious this is?" He said, "The first Princess of Elusia, who everyone believed was dead, lived in hiding this whole time in Brodia. It would not surprise me that the people of Elusia, especially the royal family, will accuse Brodia of holding the Princess hostage this whole time." He growled.
"Bah! The nobility of Elusia would have done that anyway! Especially their mad king! Who turned out to have been killed and then resurrected into a dog!" Eden threw his hands in the air, turning around and taking deep breaths as he placed his hand on his hips, his head lowered a bit, "Speaking of the bastard, your father has been informed of what happened to King Hyacinth. Let's just say he is disappointed that he is fighting a corpse and not the real thing." He sighed heavily.
Knock, knock.
"Come in." Diamant said, the door opened, and in came Lord Albert, along with Martha and Oniyuri, "Aunt, Uncle..." his gaze fell on Oniyuri, "Princess Primrose." Prim lowered her head.
"I'm going to get straight to the point." Albert said as the door closed, a sound barrier placed, "When Martha first told me she knew Prim's identity, I was first against it." Albert said, "I was afraid of what would happen if Prim's identity was discovered. However, it had been six months since the passing of your aunt, and with one of my spies, we learned of the situation that was going on in Elusia." He said, "I'm sure you know what I am talking about."
"When Elusia closed their borders and cut contact with the world..." Diamant said, "Just how bad did the situation get in Elusia?"
"So much so that for a long time I believed it was my father that killed everyone that day..." Prim said, "I still remember that day as if it was yesterday." She whispered, "Seven years ago when I was found, I had no memory of who I was. Martha of course knew immediately, and told me, but also that I should keep it a secret, that no one must ever know until a certain time comes." She explained, "So, I kept my eyes closed." And pointed to her closed eyes, "So no one can see my eyes color." She said.
"Sigh...everyone, sit down. This is...going to be a very long discussion. Eden, can you get Alcryst as well?"
"Of course."
[—-]
"BY THE GODS!" Alcryst's screamed when a burst of flames suddenly appeared in front of him.
Amber, Citrine, and Lapis quickly got into position to fight but when the flames disappeared, they were left in confusion seeing a letter fall to the ground.
"A letter?" Amber said, carefully kneeling to pick it up, "It has the royal seal but..." he turned to Alcryst's, "It's addressed to someone named Miguel."
"Miguel?" Alcryst blinked, "You mean the soldier in the divine dragon's army? But...why him?" He said.
"It could be possible that it's a messenger from Lythos. The letter must have made its way to the person closer to the area." Lapis said as she put away her weapon, "Still...do you think...we should open the letter?"
"That would be a breach of privacy." Citrinne said, "We should give it to him when he and the others return tomorrow. Tomorrow's a big battle. Sigh...today is just one thing after another." She sighed, "Amber, do you mind holding onto that letter and delivering it to him tomorrow?"
"No trouble at all!" Amber grinned.
Tomorrow was a big battle to come.
—- ? —-
"NnyyyyaaaaAaahhhhh...She's putting up a pretty good fight." Alma purred as she hovered over a sleeping Veyle.
In a dark room, lying on a silk bed was Veyle. Bed sheets of black decorated with golden and crimson embroidery, bedsheets white as pearls, and the scent of lilies and roses was strong. Yet there was a strong scent of blood. Sitting by Veyle's side, was River, her hand holding up a small crystal ball. The smoke inside it swirled, and its reflective surface showed Nanami dressed like a puffball, huddled by the fire pit along with other Brodian soldiers.
"Your cute stepdaughter, the real one, is giving Violet a run for her money. She's not going to wake up for a long time, even if Zephia put the crown on her." Alma snickered yet got no reply, "You've been quiet. Nyah..." she slithered to River's side, "Oh? Is this the Starfarer?! She looks like Ermos's baby sister! Aw, if Katherine had survived, she would have grown up to be such a cute girl! Nya!" She cooed.
Still no response.
"So what's the deal? Why are you so set on getting your hands on this girl? By the way, I heard your daughter is in Brodia. And I had a huge surprise seeing my blood in Brodia. They should be in Elusia." Alma said and finally...
"This girl...will help me get what I want." River said, her eyes never leaving the crystal orb, "I connected myself to the Dragon Veins and I know everything that has happened over the past 1,000 years." She carefully got up and walked towards the mirror, "You had twins if I recall correctly. When the war ended, there was no Lycinth clan to help lease those of Elusia anymore. Your daughter chose to leave for the north, while your son remained in Brodia. You currently have two living descendants, both are my daughter's students. The girl you met and the alchemist." The woman let out a small sigh.
"Natalie...I remember you...I remember you so well...So please...even if you suffer a bit, it will be all worth it in the end. So hang on a little longer. It will be over soon."