This chapter has recently been edited.


The torn sky roars as more meteors fall from the spiral of clouds, leaving trails of an otherworldly color green and smashing into the earth, though the damages they cause after landing is something to be on high alert over; the one word to describe when demons appear after the impact of the raining meteors would be chaotic.

But avoiding these demons, letting other men and women in armor handle them, and heading their way to a camp where soldiers are at, waiting for whatever orders must be said, is what the two female fighters with swords in hand currently running across the destroyed field full of all sorts of dead corpses and broken objects, mortal or otherwise, are pushing forward against to survive.

From what Arturia has gathered since her unexpected arrival, the frank of the situation is that all hell has broken loose, and the King of Knights has landed smack dab in the middle of all this madness.

Certainly, Arturia's odd predicament is a thing that is surrounding her mind and probably something she believes should receive an answer for, but the crisis that is happening around her must be dealt with foremost and immediately.

What little time she is given to comprehend anything about herself is that, in someway that is beyond her right now, she has been given a new body. This is proven to be true considering that no mana is being given to her right now and with all the Command Seals used up by Kiritsugu, nothing should tie her to the world of the living, yet she's here, which only means that, somehow, she is alive again, the blood falling down from her forehead and not be heal on it's own through mana is a small but distinguishing proof of her new unasked life.

Not only is she alive, but she has been transported to another world, a world where everything is set to the medieval age, as if she has returned to her own time, but she knows that's not true.

How? And why is she here? This may remain unanswered for quite a while.

For now however, she must focus on surviving this new world, adjusting in her new body, and so her only choice is to follow Cassandra, who is leading her to Camp Forward, where the woman says most of the soldiers are at. Cassandra is proven to be an experienced warrior to the blonde knight, she wonders if Cassandra thinks the same to her, unlikely perhaps since with how young Arturia looks, with the appearance of a fifteen year old girl. The knight is actually thirty-five, an effect made in life because of Avalon.

But without the item by her side, she must act more cautiously, just like when she was summoned to fight in the Holy Grail War, and now she must do so again in this world, but with ten-times more cautious here than before since that self-healing is non-existent for her.

Cassandra looks back at the blonde young woman following her and from there does she notice the blood streaming down from Arturia's forehead. She stops, thus Arturia halts as well. The brunette reaches to the small bag around her shoulder and takes out a flask filled with red liquid.

When Cassandra shows Arturia the flask, the knight looks at it questionably.

"Take this potion, it'll help with your wounds."

At Cassandra's claim, Arturia stares at the flask warily for another moment before taking it, finding no reason why this potion would be spiked since Cassandra is in need of Arturia. Unclogging the flask, Arturia takes just a sip of the potion before feeling a stinging sensation in her forehead, reaching up to where the cut should be and feeling up her forehead and is impressed to find the cut is gone, healed as if it was never there, she even feels small bit of her energy coming back to her.

The alchemy of this potion is truly something worth to be praised and amazed by magus from the modern world Arturia was summoned in.

After seeing Cassandra drink her own potion, they resume back on the journey towards the Forward Camp, noting that a second longer in waiting can lead to the deaths of many if they do not stop this disaster somehow. Arturia is still very confused in what she is supposed to do, and Cassandra somewhat refusing to explain only frustrates the blonde, but asking this in confrontation will not work for Arturia in this her situation, understanding that she is still a prisoner, so directly asking in an hostile manner what she is to do will only make her predicament worse.

She needs to remain calm, she needs to think what she must do to survive this world, following the woman Cassandra is the best choice right now, and the warrior is proven to reason since she is letting Arturia carry a sword of her own so long as she remains by the woman's side. There is also the thought in understanding what the rules are in this world, such as the incredible work of alchemy they managed to accomplish with the healing potions. For all Arturia can assume, demons may not be so common in this world considering how the soldiers are reacting to this. Would it be possible that this is the first that they have ever even fought a demon, let alone an army of it?

Arturia decides to ask this to Cassandra.

"This would be the first in history," The woman answers with a hint of distress.

That is something Arturia needs to take to mind; if the rules of this world are being changed, then the knight's need to act in caution has just doubled. The failure to adapt to any situation, no matter what, always leads to death. Such is the absolute law of survival.

Cassandra thinks over what Arturia had just asked, for her to ask something like that, only those who are natives to this land would know that this catastrophe has never occurred before, so this either means she is from farther away, or that she is from somewhere that isn't Thedas altogether.

Cassandra hopes however that the knight would not answer with that, or else the girl may be perceived to be a foreign spy and it will only have her be dragged to the chopping block much quicker than it would be scheduled, and that would be BEFORE Arturia would assist with the strange Fade magic in her hand, magic that the blonde girl herself seems genuinely confused over. In crisis like this, looking for a blame is almost a natural instinct.

Arturia looks up to the Breach, seeing the vortex send down meteors at random directions, if she thought that Caster's work in attempt to ruin the world was incomparable, this event easily matches that monster's level of destruction, perhaps even higher. Looking back down, she sees that she and Cassandra are approaching a small hill where they can jump down safely, but as they approach the edge, they see below two demons, waiting with sinister patience.

Cassandra pulls her sword out and in turn, Arturia pulls out hers, "If we flank them, we may have the advantage."

"Then I will fight the one on the right," Arturia is still adapting in her new body, but she feels her strength slowly returning, the dragon blood boiling within her veins being proof of that. Though it's hard to say if she'll be as strong as she once was in her life-time or if she is to start from scratch again, and considering how dire this situation is, she prefers to be in her full capacity, but only time will tell.

Cassandra is somewhat interested in hearing that Arturia is at a certain level in sword fighting, remembering and noting that what happened with the first demons they fought was not some lucky swordplay, acknowledging the blonde has experience with a sword, agreeing with Arturia's choice of opponent.

They walk side by side to the edge and slide down the hill, the crushing sounds of the snow attracts the two demons' attentions, and the two women charges. As Arturia says, she fights the demon on the right with a sword in hand, slashing and cutting the skin of the demon, black blood spilling from its wounds, the demon in turn raises its claws and attempts to claw her face but the knight is quick, side stepping and dodging again by ducking, Arturia then raises her sword in front of the demon, slicing and leaving a deep scar to it's body.

Her cheek has been scratched and the demon manages to tear her sleeves, but no major wound is inflicted on her as Arturia impales the demon through its heart and pushes the sword deeper, the demon sounds out its dying shriek before its body goes limp, and vanishes to dust.

Cassandra has also slain the demon coming at her, impaling the demon through its heart and pulling her sword out, she catches a glimpse of Arturia fighting the demon valiantly and is even impressed over her agility, if she wasn't a suspect, Cassandra would have considered recruiting her.

That's when a thought occurs to her. If the blonde girl does in fact have any relation to Justinia's murder, then Cassandra will probably have trouble in taking in the blonde, she might have to fight her if forced to, and seeing Arturia's way with a sword, it will be a difficult thing to defeat her.

They continue on, and more demons appear in their way, one particular demon is new to Arturia. From a distant, a green ghostly figure without legs is floating upon a hill, and right below that hill are two demons Arturia and Cassandra has fought before. The two women slowed before stopping completely, avoiding detection by the demons.

"Do you see that?" Cassandra points at the green ghostly figure. Arturia nods.

"It attacks from a distant."

Hearing the trouble of a distant enemy, Arturia knows what she must do.

"Then I shall deal with it. Can you handle the demons on the ground?" Though they started out with an unpleasant greeting of distrust, Arturia sees goodness in the woman, so should Cassandra be in any danger, Arturia will come to her aid quickly.

"I can, as for you, don't go too far ahead, I will come after you if you're planning something else."

It seems that Cassandra still isn't convinced over Arturia's words as a knight or being a knight in general.

"You have my word, after I slay the ghost, I will come back to you."

Looking at Arturia stoically, Cassandra briefly nods and the two women looks at the enemies in the distance before they run towards the enemies.

The demon spirit is the first to notice their running approach, immediately, large orbs appears over its hands and throws its attacks at the two coming women, they are able to dodge it quickly and with quick movements, Arturia is but a foot away from the spirit while earning only one hit that throws her balance off for a moment, she endures and with a raise of her sword, she quickly cuts down the spirit.

Cassandra does well against the demons on her own, though at times she is forced back from the two demons strength, she returns the favor with a deep cut inflicted to one of the demon's arm and inflicting a deep cut into the other demon's chest, in a finishing move, she brings down her sword into one demon's shoulder all the way down to its stomach and impaling the other demon through its heart. By the time Arturia comes back to Cassandra with her blade ready to assist her, the two demons have fallen, and Cassandra stands with a huff of a breath, blood of the demons are splattered all over her.

Arturia has to admit, she's impress over Cassandra's strength, even when facing against an enemy that's not human, fighting with possibly concealed fear - or no fear at all - or no hesitation whatsoever, a true fighter, the blonde knight can't help but think that if the knight had still been King and she met this woman, Arturia would have found a spot in the Knight of the Roundtable for Cassandra.

Cassandra seems to fit the role of a warrior who she can rely on and believe in what she is doing, but right now, such thinking should not appear, especially given the fact that Cassandra is reluctant in trusting the knight. That thought makes Arturia pause in concern. Should Cassandra be difficult in the future to the point where the knight has no choice but to fight for her life, then Arturia would have to distance herself from Cassandra, should it ever come to that.

They lock eyes with one another, and somehow, they came to a sort of understanding without uttering a word, the acknowledgement of the other's strengths and skills.

The fight they had with the demons repeats when they reach to a place where stairs leads up to a hill, where Arturia can feel a battle is going on, but the demons are blocking their way and so she and Cassandra must fight them. The spirits - two of them - are the most annoying ones and it didn't help that two demons were coming for her while two more demons went after Cassandra.

They are only able to survive this fight by going back to back with one another, and though the demons sees this as a chance to surround them, when they got close to their targeted opponent - ignoring that the two women whispering something to each other and ends with a nod - the demons are caught off guard when the two women suddenly switches sides, Arturia starting to fight the two demons that are after Cassandra and Cassandra faces against the demons after Arturia.

When the demons recovers from the sudden change and are about to retaliate, the women switches again. This went on for a few more times, Cassandra yelling at Arturia to duck so that she can swing her sword at one demon and Arturia defending Cassandra from any blows that would have been fatal. Soon, four demons are killed, and all that's left are the spirits - which they dealt with easily.

The way is clear for the stairs, and they waste no time going up to it with Cassandra leading the way.

"We're getting closer to the Rift, you can hear the fighting."

At Cassandra's words, Arturia hears the battle above a little clearer, she sees flashes and hears something close to arrows being fired, there is also the sight of the familiar otherworldly color.

"Soldiers?" Arturia questions.

"Allies. You'll see soon, we must help them."

Arturia can only agree, actually coming to realize that even if she were not a prisoner and had just dropped into this world in the woods, she would have joined the fight against the demons even if never asked to, as it is by her honor that she cannot stand idly by while men and women lose their lives fighting these creatures.

She suddenly feels the encouragement to quicken her pace and reached to the top of the stairs.

What is there is nothing like Arturia would have assumed to see. Two men are fighting, one is a mage shooting what Arturia concluded to be ice magic for when one demon was hit, its entire body being covered in frost and stood still as a statue before the mage smashes it with his staff, the other man holds a crossbow, shooting arrows with precise aiming against a demon and is able to kill it with just a few shots.

The way they fought however wasn't what really surprises Arturia even if she has come to understand that magic is well known in this world and the technology of the crossbow shows the advancement this world has been through, but it is what these two men are: the mage has pale skin and pointy ears and the crossbow man is short, almost dwarf-like. Now, Arturia didn't want to make any assumptions in case he is just a short man but at the sight of the elf, she can't help but think the crossbow man as a dwarf.

Truly does this world have things that exists not even in her time.

Deciding now is NOT the time to gawk at the sight before her, Arturia pushes back her surprise and hurries to join the fight with the mage, the rogue, and Cassandra, they run past the dead soldiers sprawled across the snow ground - no doubt did they assisted the mage and the rogue before their life was abruptly ended by the demons - and Arturia raises her sword and struck the demon that had its eyes on the mage, the mage looking stoic even from the sudden appearance of a girl assisting him and he simply resumes his attacks of shooting ice to freeze the demon.

After the demons are killed and only Arturia, Cassandra, the elf mage and the dwarf rogue remain standing, Arturia looks to the source of the otherworldly color and what she sees had her eyes widen at the mystical sight. Floating in mid air are crystals sprouting from all directions, surrounding it is a ghostly demonic aura.

Before Arturia could question about the strange thing, the elf-man suddenly grabs her wrist and pulls her towards the portal, Arturia resists instinctively until she heard the elf-man.

"Quickly, before more come through!"

The elf-man forces Arturia's marked hand into the demon portal, the knight is startled but she feels no pain, instead, great power surges through her hand and to her arm, and it takes Arturia a moment to properly understand that the portal is being sucked into her marked hand, thus appearing smaller and smaller until...it is gone.

"Well done, you have sealed the Rift, hopefully you can do the same to the Breach," The mage states, looking more than a bit glad to have discovered this ability.

Arturia, meanwhile, is baffled, dumbfoundedness written all over her face. So this is what the Mark on her hand is capable of? To seal gates so that no more demons may come through?

She looks to the mage. With the completely bald scalp aside, the elf is truly unlike any the King of Knights has ever seen. His slender figure has skin that is fairly pale, along with eyes that seemed to both show and hide a deep intellect at the same time. Attire wise, he wears a simple green and white tunic and, for some strange reason, wears no footwear of any kind. A magical hobo or bum of some kind then? Considering the fact Merlin could be considered such, she isn't putting it past the elf to be one.

Despite feeling amazed to meet an elf for the first time, Arturia becomes aware of herself staring and so moves her attention back to her hand, marveling at the power at she had felt and the ability to close demon portals.

"Whatever magic opened the Breach in the sky also placed that Mark on your hand, I theorized that the mark might be able to close the rifts that have opened in the Breach's wake - and it seems I was correct."

"Meaning it could also close the Breach itself," Cassandra steps up, sounding hopeful at what the elf is saying.

The mage seems hesitate, mulling on his words before responding, "Possibly," he looks to Arturia who is still staring at her marked hand, "It seems you hold the key to our salvation."

Those words actually take Arturia by surprise, and in being called someone who can bring salvation to the people of this world actually brought an uneasiness in her stomach, unpleasant memories of being looked as just that before those views of her were changed drastically and ultimately led to-

Arturia briefly closes her eyes to stop the heart-aching thought in its tracks before it reaches to her and she remains composed.

"I apologize if this may unnerve some of you, even I am unnerved by this strange ability, but if it can help all of you, then I shall use it just for that." Now she understands: they need her to close these gates that led demons into their world, which means they also need her to close this Breach.

Just one look at the sky and Arturia is skeptical, could something so small in her hand really close something so massive as that?

"Yeah, I can see the skeptic in your eyes," The words of the dwarf beside her makes Arturia to look down to the speaker, "But unless we know for sure it's not going to work, might as well try, otherwise we be ass-deep in demons forever."

Arturia became curious of the shortest man among them and so asks for his name. His first response is to smile.

"Varric Tethras," The short man answers, sounding very please to hear someone ask for his name, "Rogue. Story Teller. And occasionally unwelcome tag along." He winks at Cassandra and the warrior frowns in disgust. The surprisingly - or not so surprising considering his race - short man has on a light brown, leather, duster. Under the duster is what appears to be a deep red vest only partially buttoned up, leaving a rather hairy chest exposed. His face is quite round and covered in peach fuzz, with his large nose being the most prominent feature. His brown hair is kept in a small, but neat, ponytail. He appears to be quite stout, and has a surprisingly broad frame for someone his size.

Arturia nods in greeting and places a hand over her chest, "I am Arturia Pendragon." Her emerald eyes then looks to the crossbow which Varric had placed on his back, though her observation of the weapon is brief, Varric catches it quickly and he reaches to touch his weapon.

"She's a beauty isn't she?" Varric comments, "Bianca and I have been through alot together."

The blonde knight blinks in confusion, "Bianca?"

"That's her name," Varric answera, "Has a nice ring to it, I'm sure you'll get to know her well when we make our way to the Valley."

"Absolutely not." Cassandra firmly said to the dwarf. "Your help is appreciated, but-"

"Have you been to the Valley lately, Seeker?" Varric quickly interjects before Cassandra could say anymore. "Your soldiers aren't in control anymore. You need me."

Cassandra clenches her fist before shaking her head and turning around with an annoyed grunt, either annoyed that what Varric says is true or that he will be coming along is difficult for Arturia to decipher.

"My name is Solas, if there are to be introductions." The mage says, "I am pleased to see that you still live."

The confusion in Arturia's expression leads the rogue to elaborate.

"He means, 'I kept that mark from killing you while you slept'."

Arturia's expression breaks into shock. She is dying from the Mark? Arturia doesn't recall ever suffering after her sudden appearance here, but then again, she did felt a great deal of pain when she first awoke in that dungeon cuffed. With eyes that shows gratitude, she looks to the mage.

"Then I am in your debt Solas."

Solas seems to slightly approve of Arturia's voice of gratitude. "Thank me if we manage to close the Breach without killing you in the process." He states and looks to Cassandra, "Cassandra, you should know: the magic involved here is unlike any I have seen." With one brief look at Arturia as if to confirm something, he looks back at the warrior.

"Your prisoner has hidden power within her but she is no mage, I find it difficult to imagine any mage having such power."

Arturia is surprise to hear the elf say that. If what he says is true, then that would mean not all her powers are gone, only sealed. She's relieved to hear that; if she can regain her original strengths then her survival in this world would increase, which means she must do this one thing:

She has to get Excalibur back.

"Understood. We must get to the Forward Camp quickly." Cassandra heads for a pathway between the fallen stone walls and Solas follows behind her.

"Well, Bianca's excited." Varric declares, following behind Solas. Arturia takes one more look at the Breach above before following the group.

Cassandra ushers everyone to hurry and they all followed, however, when Arturia went beside Solas and was planning to be beside Cassandra when the mage speaks to her.

"You said that your name is Arturia Pendragon?"

Arturia glances at Solas before nodding.

"Pendragon," He whispers to himself but Arturia is able to hear it, the way he said her last name, is that recognition?

Before she could question him, she sees just up ahead, demons and spirits are wandering over a frozen river, there are much more than there were before when Arturia shortly traveled with Cassandra.

"Glad you brought me now, Seeker?" Varric said as he readies his crossbow. Cassandra chooses not to respond and instead focuses on the oncoming enemies, Arturia standing beside her, Solas standing from a distance as well did Varric, with those two able to deal with the distant enemies, Arturia and Cassandra fought against the demons approaching them.

With the combine powers of Arturia and Cassandra, added with the support given from Solas and Varric, they are able to destroy all the demons, but at a cost of Arturia earning claw marks on her arm, a gash on her cheek and on her sides. She drinks the whole flask of the healing potion and in an instant, all the scars and gashes are healed, leaving behind only blood that stains her skin and torn outfit. Arturia is certain that if not for the potions, she would have faced troubles with the wounds she receives that can lead her to her death.

"You know, if you're planning to be a warrior, you might want to get some armor," Varric may sound like he is making this amusing but his words were true, Arturia is in need of an armor, but there aren't really any of that near by, and she's certainly not going to desecrate the fallen soldiers by stripping of their armors, she is too noble for that.

"He has a point, we may need to use the armor of any fallen soldier near by," Cassandra suggests.

"No."

Arturia's words stops Cassandra's train of thought, her words bringing interest to Varric and Solas.

"I will not use the armor of a fallen warrior, I shall leave them as they are."

Her firm decision to not wear armor surprises Solas, Varric looking slightly amused, and Cassandra stares at Arturia with a questioning look.

"But it is better that you have some sort of protection, other wise, a demon will make an attack that can be fatal before you would get the chance to drink a healing potion," Solas speaks only in wisdom, and Arturia can see that.

"As a knight, I will not disrespect these soldiers," She then spots something round across the frozen river and approaches it, as luck would have it, it's a shield.

"I will use this instead, perhaps when we get to this camp Cassandra speaks of, they can provide me armor," Arturia looks to Cassandra with an expecting gaze, "Will that be possible, even if I am a prisoner?"

The warrior women continues to silently stare at Arturia, her expression unreadable, "I'll see what I can do."

Arturia nods in gratitude for Cassandra's word to check and follows her as the warrior led the group to another set of stairs made of stones, from behind, the knight heard Varric speak to Solas, saying "You sure did save some character.", now that got Arturia to thinking. Is it possible that in this world, nobility and honor are very rare? Well if that's the case, even if she were to stand out for her honor, she will not step down even if it's for survival.

"So, I guess for someone who's noble, would that make you innocent?" Varric walks beside Arturia. The knight understands what Varric is asking, if she has anything to do with how this all started.

"I've been falsely accused when I only just appeared, I have taken no part in what happened." This the knight responds truthfully.

"Really?" Varric sounds in honest curiosity, "So you just came at the wrong place at the wrong time?"

It took a moment before Arturia responds, "It's more like I've been pulled into this without my say."

"You should probably start thinking up a story though," Varric suggests, "Something vague like that isn't going to lead you to much."

"That's what you would do." Cassandra retorts.

"It'll at least be more believable, and less prone to result in premature execution."

Arturia grimaces in hearing that her execution is possible, she has been given a new life yet at any moment she may have her head on the block, but then again, would it be that bad?

She has no purpose; before she came to this new world, she failed her quest in obtaining the Holy Grail, and her kingdom remains lost, forever. Such a harsh reality brings pain to the King's heart. She has failed, she sees no reason why she must continue to struggle for life. The utter confusion and rush she had when she first came to this world is gone, now all that's left her is a question to her purpose. She lost the Holy Grail War, she failed her kingdom, she has nothing to fight for, does it matter anymore that she continues on?

Should she just accept her fate when they sent her for execution?

One moment, Arturia haste lessens, but only briefly before she quickens her pace and resumes following Cassandra with resolve.

No, of course she shouldn't give up, at least not right now, she has given her word to Cassandra that she will help fight these demons and close the Breach, so for now, she will not concede, not until she fulfills her promise, but then what will she do after that?

She does not know.

Arturia, Cassandra, Varric and Solas travel to the Camp is not with ease, they fight against demons and occasionally each have drink their potion for healing, Arturia is quite glad to have found a shield, better to defend oneself than to waste potions she suppose. After defeating more demons, they all reach to another area where the gate that opens to a passage to the Forward Camp is, but demons are in the way as well as another Rift. Soldiers are there fighting off the demons.

The group of fighters joins the soldiers, defending them when the demons are about to end their lives. Arturia has killed one demon but when she is about to take a breath, another demon suddenly shows up through the Rift, and so the knight has to fight once again.

"You must seal the Rift!" Solas yells to Arturia as he froze one demon, informing Arturia that she has to quickly slay the demon and get to the Rift, so after a sword to the demon's heart, she hurries to the Rift and raises her hand in front of it, mimicking what Solas had before. Once again, she feels power flowing in her veins like before, the crystals of the Rift disappear but the Rift itself did not, so Arturia keeps her hand up and allow the Mark do its work.

However, just behind her, a demon is coming for her with an raised claw, Arturia feeling a chill in her spine which is her instinct telling about it, so with her head turn, she goes wide-eyed at the demon behind her who is ready to attack.

Arturia is prepared to let her marked hand fall and pick her shield up when blood splatters across her face, and just a couple of inches away from her nose is a blade, the demon falls and from behind the creature, Cassandra stands there, glancing the knight up and down before huffing in satisfaction to see her not harm, and the knight nods in gratitude.

Returning her focus to the Rift, her marked hand grows bright and so does the Rift before it blew apart and vanish, and all the demons are killed off as a result.

"Open the gate!" Cassandra's orders are heard, the soldiers on the other side of the gate unlocks the wooden door and allows the four fighters through.

They accomplish in getting to the camp, soldiers everywhere on standby and they are all looking confused over what to do, no doubt waiting for orders, perhaps that is why they are looking anxious, that or because of the massive Rift in the sky causing unparalleled levels of havoc.

Most likely the latter.

Arturia walks beside Cassandra, and just up ahead, the knight recognizes a woman who was with Cassandra in the dungeon, Leliana, if Arturia recalls correctly. The hooded woman seems to be having a dispute with a man in a red and white clothes - looking almost priest-like. When Arturia and Cassandra approach the two people with Solas and Varric following behind, the dispute between the hooded woman and the man ends and they look up.

"Ah. Here they come." The man states in clear distaste.

"You made it." Unlike the man, the woman speaks tv to Cassandra and Arturia with no hostility, "Chancellor Roderick, this is-"

"I know who she is." The Chancellor interrupts harshly, "As Grand Chancellor of the Chantry, I hereby order you to take this criminal to Val Royeaux to face execution."

Arturia frowns at the accusation, but her dislike of the Chancellor's attitude does not reach the same level as Cassandra.

"'Order me?'. You are a glorified clerk. A bureaucrat!"

"And you are a thug, but a thug who supposedly serves the Chantry!"

Arturia's frown deepens, she and Cassandra may not be on the best of terms, but they have fought together and have defended each other from serious injuries, she feels the need to step up for the woman who she knew for a very short time.

"We serve the Most Holy, Chancellor, as you well know." Leliana steps up before Arturia could say a word of defense.

"Justinia is dead!" Shouts the Chancellor, panic at that fact clear in his voice, "We must elect a replacement, and obey her orders on the matter!"

This caught the knight's attention, "So...no one here is actually in charge?"

As if Arturia has the nerve to speak, the Chancellor accusingly points at her, "You killed our leader and everyone else who was in charge!"

Arturia could not hold back herself from this absolutely foolish and insulting accusation, "I did not-!"

A grab to her shoulder stops her from saying any further. Looking at the one responsible for this, it is Cassandra, looking at her with eyes that asks Arturia to refrain from speaking or she'll only make this worse, but also with eyes that understands her dislike with the Chancellor.

"Call a retreat, Seeker." The Chancellor orders Cassandra, "Our position here is hopeless."

"We can stop this before it's too late." Cassandra refutes back as she takes a couple of steps forward.

"How?!" The Chancellor questions, "You won't survive long enough to reach the temple, even with all your soldiers."

"We must get to the temple," Cassandra states, "It's the quickest route."

"But not the safest." Leliana speaks up, "Our forces can charge as a distraction while we go through the mountains."

Cassandra shakes her head, "We lost contact to an entire squad on that path, it's too risky."

"Listen to me, abandon this now before more lives are lost." The Chancellor is begging, which actually tells Arturia that he really has no power over the army, which she actually found it relieving, especially given the idea to abandon this?

Just then, the Breach suddenly brightens and so did Arturia's marked hand, all who are near her looks at the reacting hand as Arturia is doing her best to steady it by holding her wrist. The act of leaving now just cannot be an option, the risk to leave the Breach as it is too great, even more lives will be lost if nothing is done about it soon.

While Arturia is in her thoughts, Cassandra turns to her.

"How do you think we should proceed?"

The question surprises - or rather shocks - Arturia.

"You're asking me?"

"Are you mad!" The Chancellor's words are ignored by Cassandra.

"We can't seem to agree on anything, and you are the one with the Mark, what do you think?"

"You are asking a girl to decide how should the soldiers lose their life, Seeker!"

Deciding that it be best to ignore the Chancellor as well, Arturia grabs her own chin and closes her eyes in thought. Given the choices, should they charge head on, their destination is certain but with the cost of many soldiers lives, should they take the mountain pass, the results are unforeseeable except for the sacrifice of a group of soldiers, to distract the demons while the rest make their way to the Temple.

Arturia doesn't really favor the second option only because of the risk in what would be presented at the mountain pass is too high, and so...

"I say the best course of action is to charge, if we delay any further, than what ever this is could become worse."

Cassandra looks at Arturia in approval, Leliana seems indifferent but nods in agreement, the Chancellor however, he looks pale, and then averts to anger as he glares hatefully at Arturia, but the knight is not done.

"However, I require armor, I managed this far by avoiding the enemies attacks, but I know that it cannot remain that way even with a shield."

"I will provide you armor." Cassandra no longer says that in a tone that says she won't make any promises, now she sounds with certainty and willingness to work with the knight. Arturia makes a small smile in gratitude before dropping it when another thing came to mind.

"One more thing, when you found me I had a sword with me, I am going to need that sword back." There is a good chance that she will be in her top form once she gets Excalibur back.

"Why? What is it about that sword?" Paranoia is heard in the Chancellor yet no one decides to comment on it.

"I will bring it to you." Leliana assures, pointedly ignoring the man at her side. The knight smiles once again, everyone seems to be cooperative with Arturia, well, a few people to be more precise - save for one, which by the way, his glare has yet to seize.

Cassandra only helps Arturia escape the Chancellor's sight by taking her by the arm, after ordering Leliana to bring in everyone that is left in the Valley, she approaches to a nearby tent which is where sets of armors are, but not before hearing the Chancellor.

"On your head be the consequences, Seeker."

Cassandra keeps looking forward and walks into the tent with Arturia beside her, inside she orders the man inside the tent to find the blonde girl armor and then leaves to tell the soldiers of what is to be done.

Though the man is somewhat taken aback by Arturia's young physique, he did as he is ordered and rearrange the armors in order to find what can fit with Arturia. Arturia decides to keep her torn clothes on - avoiding to change in the presence of anyone, especially a man - and dons a light blue leather vest, leather pants and iron plates over her shoulders and thighs, these don't really match the same style as the other soldiers but it was the only outfit that can be found that would fit her, so she accepts it anyway.

Once Arturia is fully armored - she states that she will do just fine without a helmet - , the knight exits the tent only to meet Cassandra just outside, the warrior is about to enter when she sees Arturia and so halts, taking note of the new armor.

"All preparation for the charge is ready, we have to go now," The brunette informs.

"I have not yet been given my sword back," Arturia knows that time is at the essence and she feels the Mark on her hand just agitating with power because of the damned Breach, becoming very bothersome and slightly painful. The look on Cassandra's face tells Arturia that she won't like what is about to be said.

"Leliana is still looking for the sword, with all the chaos, she has lost focus in where it was place."

Arturia's eyes widen, to hear that Excalibur is lost is the last thing she ever wants, but Cassandra assures her that it is somewhere in the camp, but they must go now, Leliana will hang back to find the sword and when she does, she will catch up to them, all Arturia can do is calmly appreciate their efforts, and hope that she will not lose another powerful item while alive again.

The time came for the charge, however, before even the first soldier would step up, Arturia asks a favor to Cassandra.

"Absolutely not," Cassandra speaks firmly and is blocking any way for Arturia's attempt to convince her.

"It is something that I must do," Arturia insists.

"The point of this is to ensure that you get to the Breach with minimum harm, and even when we are faced against the demons, the soldiers will deal with most of them."

"But it was I who decided what our move should be."

What Arturia is asking of Cassandra is something the warrior would never imagine to hear from anyone: the knight is volunteering to be in the front and lead the soldiers to the Breach, to many this would be consider suicide as it's always the front who deals with the damage first. It is idiotic to Cassandra, yet...despite how obviously wrong this idea can go, she also sees great amount of nobility and honor to the girl - which by now the warrior has come to realize that Arturia is more than just some girl.

For Arturia, yes she is aware of the damage she may deal with in being on the front, yes she can see how others would even consider this unnecessary, but when she made the decision knowing that soldiers will die because of it - even if the other choice has the same outcome -, Arturia feels it is her duty to do this for these men and women who are willing to go through with this, such bravery even up against the supernatural should have someone lead them with honor, and that someone should be Arturia herself.

"Cassandra -"

"Why do you think that you must do this?" Cassandra questions, genuinely curiosity at the shorter girl's motivations, "Your life is already hanging on a thin rope, and by doing this you are putting more weight to it, they aren't even your soldiers?"

"I know that, yet they are following the decision I made, I feel that leading the charge myself is the least I can do to repay them."

The two women seem relentless as they stare down at each other, after a moment, Cassandra raises her finger.

"If I let you do this, then I am going to be by your side."

Cassandra's answer to let Arturia go but also be by her side really surprises the knight.

"I-"

"You are skilled, but not invincible, your honor is admirable, but it's not a shield, so I will join you at the front, understood?"

Arturia is silent for a moment before responding, seeing the woman is acting much more stubbornly than before, and thus sees the difficulty and time-consuming it will be to convince her otherwise, "...Very well."

Cassandra goes to tell her actions to Solas and Varric who are surprised by the Knight's decision, and when the warrior returns to the knight in waiting, she is shock to see Solas and Varric behind Cassandra.

"What are you two..."

Varric decides to speak first, "Have to come to see if you actually serious what you're about to do, this will be one memorable story to tell."

"I cannot allow to let yourself be thrown in danger's way," Solas states after, "Especially since you are the only one who can stop this, so I shall be coming to front lines as well."

Arturia seems prepared to protest but she stops, seeing the resolute in their eyes and in Cassandra's. From there, something appeared in her chest, something warm, something she doesn't think has appeared in a long time, or if ever, not in her years as a king or even before. It is so foreign that Arturia doesn't know what to call it.

It feels...nice actually. This strange feeling actually prevents herself from dissuading the rogue and the mage to come, so she simply nods in appreciation.

The group make their way to where the soldiers are waiting, walking pass by men and women who are confuse over why the prisoner - from what they hear is that she is the only one capable to stop this disaster - is heading for the front lines. There are thoughts of this act to be foolish, suicidal, but then, it changes to an uplifting feeling, to see the prisoner with a brave face - in fact, she looks undeterred even at the approaching battle that will began as soon as they begin their charge, for someone so young.

Just the sight of the prisoner's bravery and this aura of hidden power and authority actually gives strengths to the soldier's hearts, and so their eyes remained on the young woman, and perhaps will always remain on the young woman until they reached to a place where they will fight the demons.

When Arturia and the rest made it to the front lines, Cassandra talks sideways to the knight.

"I am beginning to believe that you really had nothing to do with what happened to Justinia."

Arturia frowns at the warrior's statement, "But not fully."

"...I said I am beginning to."

Arturia's expression softens. She supposed that she can accept that, with nothing else that should be done - other than to have Excalibur by her side - Arturia unsheathes her sword, she looks to Cassandra who nods, signaling that she is ready. The knight looks ahead of her, staring at the Breach which continues to spit out its essence, she makes her first step and walks.

Cassandra calls to the other soldiers to march, and the charge began.


Arturia's sword descends into the demon's shoulder, inflicting a deep gash and letting the creature fall dead.

Cassandra impales another demon through the heart with her own weapon and ending its life.

Varric is shooting down the enemy repeatedly when a demon is about to jump him from behind, until Solas shoots it with his ice magic, freezing it in place before Arturia comes around and smashes the creature into pieces with her blade.

There are soldiers on the ground, dead after receiving constant assaults from the demons, but those who remain standing fight with true courage and great strength, as if the sight of their fallen comrades replenishes their energy so that they may continue to fight for the sake of the deceased soldiers, and they continue this especially with the blonde knight there, whom quickly aides the soldiers in need of defense or a second sword. They truly felt encouraged by her presence alone.

Not even the question over who this young woman was ever cross their mind, they just accept it as if she is a gift from the Maker.

When most demons are dealt with but more are sure to come through the Rift that floats before Arturia, the blonde knight raises her hand and once again the Mark did its work, first demolishing the crystals that acts as the Rift's protectors, and then draining the Rift until it vanishes. The demons that still linger in this world are immediately killed with by the soldiers.

"Sealed, as before." Solas comments from behind, walking up to where the Rift was formerly located. "You're becoming quite proficient at this."

Arturia looks to her marked hand, she still can't get over this strange thing. She breaks her gaze away from the Mark when a new voice reach her ears.

"Lady Cassandra," From the side, a blonde hair man in a furry armor approaches Cassandra, "You managed to close the Rift? Well done."

Cassandra steps back, "Do not congratulate me Commander," she steps aside for the man to see Arturia, "This is the prisoner's doing."

Though the title prisoner still does not sit well with Arturia, the knight nods in greeting to the Commander.

"Is it?" The Commander questions, "I hope they're right about you. We lost a lot of people getting you here."

Arturia looks over to the lifeless bodies of the soldier, she remains stoic but behind that mask is respectively mourning these soldiers.

"Actually, she led the charge," Cassandra comments, "She risked her life doing that, and the people were moved because of it."

At this, the Commander gives a look of surprise, and with one more look at the knight, he became even more surprise to fully notice the knight's young face.

"Well, that certainly was risky, and yet inspiring."

Arturia decides not to comment on that, choosing to respond with, "I cannot ensure anything, but I will give my best."

The Commander nods in appreciation of her commitment, "That's all we can ask."

"Then we'd best move quickly," Cassandra states, "Give us time, Commander."

"I do hope that you will not be doing such risks again," The Commander says to Arturia, "May Maker watch over you - for all our sakes." He then goes to assist the wounded and lead the soldiers out. Arturia watches his leave before turning to Cassandra.

"Where to next?"

Cassandra ushers the knight to follow, "It's not far now."

Arturia matches Cassandra's quick pacing, but as she briefly glances the warrior, she notices the woman's expression, as if she is needing to say something.

"What is wrong?" Arturia asks.

Cassandra hesitates before stopping, Arturia stopping as well as a response, and the brunette turns to her.

"You managed to enlighten a sense of hope in the people, for a prisoner who is a suspect, that is an exceptionally difficult task - nigh-impossible even, yet one in which you were able to do easily."

Before Arturia could make another remark on how she is innocent, Cassandra adds, "Just who are you really?"

The woman is sharp. From the encounters clear on her person, she knows there is more to Arturia than just some girl; from the emerald eyes that shows experience to the stance that far surpasses the common soldier, there is more to the blonde in her eyes, and the warrior wishes to know.

Arturia hesitates, looking away in solemn thought, "I cannot outright say it, for you might not believe me."

Cassandra's frowns in Arturia's attempt to be vague and the knight continues.

"But I am as I have said before, I am a knight who is in need of guidance, if you can provide it."

Cassandra studies the knight, unable to really figure Arturia out, all that she knows is that this young woman is somehow related to the Breach, is the key to closing it, has honor and nobility, and battle experiences that outright matches Cassandra's own exposures.

'Just who is she?'

"...I hope that you will give a clearer answer, once we are done with this."

Arturia looks at Cassandra in brief silent, "After everything is dealt with, I shall explain myself the best I can." It is something Arturia could do, in thanks for Cassandra's lessened hostility. Though really, will she be able to do something as telling the outright truth?

With the silent agreement made between the warrior and the knight, with the rogue and the mage not too far behind and so having heard everything, the four-man party resume their haste.

And closer to the Breach they go.


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