Memories of Broken Melodies

by Sakura108645

The bell ran thrice. Three individuals are suddenly thrown into a new world. One who knew of it, two who did not. The three were separated and now desperately searching for each other. Accompany them are strange rings with the spirits of people like them. But, why were they in Elyos? Why were they suddenly in a place they had absolutely no connection to? Or...was there more?

26. Chapter 26:Part 3: Broken as Can Be

(Chapter 26: The Nightmare Never Ends: Part 3: Broken as Can Be)

The dungeons under the cathedral were locked and made into a maze on purpose. When King Morion awoke, he asked himself how on earth he was alive. The last memory he had were pink colored eyes with golden slits looking right into his own, a hand on his neck, and repeatedly slammed into the ground like a sack of rice.

"Uuuuuurrrghhhh..." Morion groaned as he sat up, everything in his body hurt, and the first thing he did was look at his right hand, remove his glove, and let out a sigh of relief seeing his wedding ring was still there.

Unfortunately, when he checked his left hand, Emblem Leif was gone.

"Dammit." Morion cursed, looking around, "Great, dungeons." Cold hard stone with a black tint, the scent of rust, water, and moss.

The little pattering sounds of rats running around, the sound of water droplets, and most of all, cells made of iron with runes written on them to prevent prisoners from using magic.

He then turned to look to the cell next to him, gasping seeing the girl that saved him, lying on the ground. Black veins had spread all over the right side of her face, she didn't move but could see her chest rising up and down slowly.

"Kid! Hey, Kid!" Morion called out to her but she didn't respond or move at all, "Kid!" He kept calling out to her but no response.

The curse rendered her motionless but also, forcefully trapped in a dream...

- Dream -

Natalie's eyes snapped open, and she violently sat up, gasping for air as if she had run over 100 miles. Frantically she got up, looking around but all she saw was a reflective surface of a black lake she was standing in the middle of, and a single mirror that was close yet far away.

"Ugh!" Natalie grunted, placing her hand over her shoulder, as her eyes remained on the mirror, "What...is that?" Slowly she took a step, hunching a bit, "A way out?" She whispered and began lion over to it.

Each step she took felt like an eternity. The silence was unbearable yet...

GLITCH!

Glitching.

The darkness glitched for a second before she even paused.

"Keep going." She whispered and continued, the glitching continued every five steps she took before it was static.

The ringing in her ears was so bad, that she wanted to cry but she forced herself to keep walking, even if she was slowing down. She continued, continued, she needed to get out…

"Serious, Natalie, why even bother joining the competition?"

She halts. The shadows cast over her eyes as a voice she hadn't heard in three years...An irritating and ear-grating voice of a young woman.

"You know well that the ones you are competing against are professionals. There's no point in joining. You're a goldfish in a sea of sharks. How about you join the crafting competition instead? It better suits you."

"...Fuck off..." Natalie growled and kept walking.

GLITCH!

"Girl, what the hell are you wearing?! You should have worn a bigger dress. You look like a whale in that."

Natalie remained silent and kept walking.

"Look, you didn't see anything. These drugs are the new big hit and are paying me the money I need to make it to the university I want. So zip it."

"Look where that got you..." Natalie commented, she kept walking.

GLITCH!

"Honestly, why the hell does it take you so long to understand things? I fucken hate repeating myself!"

"Dude, calm down. She's just slow. But seriously Natalie, you gotta get with the times. You aren't a kid."

"Why the fuck should I give up my innocence for an incompetent fool who tarnished my reputation and smeared my name just because I wouldn't—-" She stopped and bit her lip, Natale didn't want to finish the rest of that sentence.

Finally after so long, she arrived at the mirror. Cracked to pieces yet her reflection looked at her with a smile. She stared at it, stunned before...

"WHOA!" Natalie jumped back when a bloody hand shot out of it, "Hehehe...Hehehe!" Her reflection giggled then burst out laughing like a mad woman, "Hahahahaha! Hahahahah!" The laughter continued, making the room vibrate as if there were hundreds of people there yet it came to a slow stop, smiling at her.

"We finally meet Nanami. I've been dying to meet you for so long. So, how do you like it?" It said then stepped out of the mirror, no...crawled out.

It twisted and turned its body, never screaming in pain as shards of glass cut its skin. It fell out onto the ground with a SPLAT, then stood up as if nothing happened. Natalie wanted to scream but she couldn't. She was too stunned watching it heal itself, the sound of bones cracking, flesh mending, and then it stood straight as if nothing ever happened.

Natalie took several steps back, eyes wide as her reflection was now a person standing in front of her but her skin was very pale lavender, she had two black Oni horns, a single Narwhal horn between them, a ram horn on the right side of her head and an elkhorn on her left. Her teeth were sharp like sharks, her eyes blood red slits with the white around them black, two demonic wings on her back, and two black feathered ones on her lower back that folded forward to look like a gown. The skin of her fingertips to her elbows turned to scales that shined like black obsidian, with the tip of her toes to her knees but...she noticed that it had two giant cuts, the center of the chest and head.

"What are you?" Natalie croaked and it smiled at her warmly.

"Hmmm...I guess this is what you humans call an introduction. Ah, but I must admit, your body is so perfect. Not too much fat, nor too much muscle. Small like a woman but the strength of a man." It grinned, Natalie suddenly felt very conscious of her body and pulled her cloak closer.

"W-Who are you?!" Nanami yelled, "W-Why do you have my face? Why have you turned my body...to look like that?" She growled and it chuckled.

"You didn't answer my question." It said, "But then again, with the state of your mind, it's only a matter of time till you break." they smiled warmly, "How was it? How was it living here in Elyos?" It circled her.

"How is living in a world that you believed was fantasy? A world filled with magic, fantasy, romance, and adventure! Just like you always dreamed!" It giggled as it put its hands behind its back, "It was so difficult locating your world out in the stars but finally I did. I intended to bring you only to this world but seeing how your siblings got dragged in as well, they are a bonus." It laughed as Natalie began shaking.

"You...brought me to this world? You're the demon, aren't you?" Nanami croaked and it nodded with a grin, "All those innocent people killed...sacrificed...just to get to me?" She gritted her teeth before she looked up at them and swung her arm, "Why?! Why did you kill those people?! I have no power! I have no magic! I'm a human! I'm just a human! I don't have anything to give you! In the end, even if I am a Lycinth, my blood is just normal blood! The only reason it has value is because people give it value! What the hell do you want from me?!" Natalie screamed bloody murder but all it did was smile.

"True." It said as it cocked its head, "You're just a normal human girl, with normal blood, and an IQ of an average individual but..." it took a step closer as its gaze became half-lidded as it raised a hand and fingered gun at its head, "But your brain, is a difference story." It smirked.

Nanami just looked at it stunned.

"What does my brain have to do with any of this?" Nanami whispered, a cold bead of sweat on her cheek as the creature just smiled.

"The human brain and mind is known as the most difficult, delicate, yet dangerous thing in the universe." It said as it waved its head and made a skull appear in its hands, "It is the most beautiful yet twisted thing. The knowledge it is capable of retaining and understanding is severely underestimated. So naturally," it looked at her eyes, "it's only right for just the right person to come into your life. You know...knowledge that in your world is shamed."

"Your hobbies, your likes, none of it you could show. People love the you that was carefully crafted to fit into society but they could never accept the real you. Just like your ex-lover and childhood friend: Hudson." It smiled and that's when Nanami's terrified expression turned dark.

The way her eyes were suddenly filled with pure hatred. A hatred unlike anything...a hatred that it had only seen in those who truly did not care about the world around them when they took revenge. Just the mention of her ex-lover and former childhood friend triggered nothing but pure rage and hatred in Nanami's heart.

"Oh, and your so-called friends as well. The ones you trusted and thought had your back only for them to turn on you, spread lies, harass you, assault you, and destroy your reputation. But you paid them back far, far, worse, didn't you?" It chuckled as Nanami just stared at it with void eyes.

"You destroyed their lives. You destroyed your ex-lover's life to the point he will never recover. You made him go down the path of self-destruction. Oh, the heart of love." It grinned, "You made them regret ever turning on you, didn't you?" It laughed, "It felt good, didn't it, destroying their lives? Still..." it narrowed its eyes at her, crushing the skull in its hands, "Why did you spare the boy? Why did you spare the bard called Regulus?" It said coldly, "You should have destroyed his life as well. You were supposed to spare no one."

"He was the only one who truly apologized to me and stood by my side to expose the other five. He is the only one who chose to make amends." Natalie said coldly, "I don't know what your problem is but what the hell does my brain have to do with any of this? Hobbies are just hobbies. What does that have to do with any of this?" She glared, her eyes cold.

The demon burst out laughing at her words before it grinned.

"You truly haven't realized it?! Hahahahaha!" It laughed as it looked down at her with an insane expression, "Your hobbies, your knowledge about different worlds that exist, your knowledge and love for the stories of the different worlds of Fire Emblem are what is being used to bring ruin to this world." Slowly the anger on Natalie's face disappeared.

"You know that saying that knowledge is power?" Shax laughed, "That's exactly what I'm doing! I'm using your knowledge for whatever I want! Do you realize how hard it is to find a human who knows hundreds if not thousands of heroes and hundreds of worlds all because they like reading and playing games about them? Even researching and learning about their stories for fun is such a thing to do!" It said as it walked up to her, enjoying how it was dawning on Natalie the seriousness of this.

"Oh, Natalie, Natalie, Natalie~" The demon taunted, "Such a miserable life you lived, and now your knowledge of many worlds, heroes, villains, and characters alike, has become my gold mine. Do you want to know what a Starfarer is?" It said as it placed its once on her face, forcing her to look up at its eyes.

"You're a walking DATA BANK."

SHATTER

- End of Dream -

"GASP!"

Natalie finally woke up. She gasped for air, tears streaming from the side of her eyes as she stared up at the ceiling. She just lay there, silent as her lip quivered.

"My hobbies...My love for fantasy and fiction...has been used to destroy people's lives..." the woman thought as she tried to calm herself down, "I can't even have fun anymore." She closed her eyes, taking a few breaths.

"You're finally awake."

Nanami groaned as she struggled the sit up and open her eyes. The last thing she remembered was that she was on the verge of blasting King Hyacinth when some pink-haired lady appeared out of nowhere and super-socked her in the stomach, sending her flying to a boulder before appearing in front of her again, grabbing her by the neck, and slammed her into the ground. The force was so much she remembered blacking out. She coughed as she tried to sit up, her hand touched what she knew was cold hard cement.

"Take it easy. You got beat down pretty good."

She heard a male voice and then jingling. Nanami slowly looked down at her legs and saw her ankles were chained to the walls. Thankfully the chains were long enough to let her walk and move. But she remained on the ground, her hood now gone, she felt Arisa's ring, thank goodness. At least they left her bag. She slowly turned to where she heard the voice, on her left and saw it was King Morion. Their face was a bit pale but the arrow he got from Lyn was gone, and his wound looked like it was wrapped in bandages.

"Sigh, thank the divine you're alright. How are you feeling?" King Morion said as the girl curled up into a ball, hugging her knees to her chest, rocking herself as the tears started to spill from her eyes, "Nothing good, huh?"

"No..." Natalie said as she sat back down, "How long have we been here?" She asked as she finally looked at the king.

"Not sure." Morion sighed, "What's your name, kid?"

"Natalie..." Natalie sighed, "I'm...not sure if you met them but I'm the younger sister of a woman named Perla and a man named Miguel." She said softly as the king looked at her shocked.

"Perla's baby sister." Morion said, making Natalie blink, "Perla would talk once in a blue moon about her family. She would often mention her siblings, she always spoke highly of them." He smiled a bit, "Nice to meet you, Natalie. You don't look much older than my younger son." He said.

"You mean Prince Alcryst?" Natalie asked, "I've never met him before but he sounds like a good kid." She said with a small smile, "King Morion...I...apologize about what happened yesterday." She whispered and the king shook his head.

"I have to ask, are you the one that gave my son, Diamant, that note?" She nodded, "Are you a seer?" She nodded, "I see." The king sighed, "Kid, I get you're trying to prevent a tragic future. While I am a bit angry...sigh...thank you." Morion sighed, "I honestly thought we were dead by now but looks like they only threw us in here for some reason." He said, looking around.

Natalie gulped and looked at the chains on her wrist and legs before looking out of the cell. She was just as confused as the king. They should have killed them. Based on the time Morion said, they should have killed him by now and have Sombron resurrected. Something didn't feel right and she didn't know what. She stood up and noticed the chains were a bit loose. The good thing is she had a bobbing pin in her hair, which she quickly took out, and started to pick the lock. With her eyes narrowed on the lock on her right wrist, she picked and picked till she heard a click!

"Got it!" Natalie chimed and started picking the rest of the locks on her body.

A few minutes later she was free! She bounced up and down a bit before hissing, she felt her back was bruised but right now she didn't care. She started picking the lock on her cell, opened it, quickly ran to King Morion's, and did the same.

"Be free!" Nanami cheered, swinging the cell door open with a grin.

"Huh." King Morion blinked as he stood up and walked out, "Not bad, kid." He said, "We have to get out of here. I don't know how we are alive but us staying here is not a good thing." He said as Natalie nodded.

"King Morion, let's work together." She held her hand out to him, "I don't know how deep underground we are but we have to work together to get out of here. But one thing I know for a fact is that your sons along with the Divine One are on their way here. As a Seer, I will do everything in my power to ensure you return to your family. Another thing, your wife is safe." Natalie said.

"She's is?" Morion looked at her, hopeful.

"She is. My Emblem," she held up her hand to show her ring, "is special in some way. She can sense things around Elyos by connecting herself to the dragon veins. It's taboo among the emblems to do such a thing but still, that didn't stop my friend from doing it to help many." She said as she put her hands together, "She was able to sense that your wife has been wrapped to Lythos with those that guarded her. She is safe." Natalie said Morion let out a shuttered breath.

"Good...I'm glad she is okay." Morion said he was.

The words King Haycinth said internally scared him because of how vulnerable his wife was. True, his Queen killed like an assassin but given Martha said that his wife still wasn't physically fully well, worried him greatly. Hearing that she was alive and safe brought him relief and joy. Right now, his number one goal is to get out of the place he was in. Deep breaths he took and shook hands with the girl.

"I'm trusting you, Natalie."

"Got it."

- Elusia —

"AhHDIDNSJ!"

Perla and Miguel unleashed strings of curses as the army was hit with another terrible gust of wind. The deeper they went into Elusia, the worse and stronger the blizzards became. Martha pinched the bridge of her nose as she rode on top of her winter wolf. With a raise of her staff, she cast on the army a protective warming spell around each individual. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sighs of relief from everyone feeling the warmth. Still, she looked back ahead, her eyes saddened as they made their way through the blizzard.

"I will personally be joining you all to Elusia."

It was safe to say everyone was shocked hearing this. The nobles of Brodia were more than happy for Martha to join the Divine Army, internally they were all cheering for joy and praying for the woman's downfall. Still, the smiles were wiped off their faces when Diamant declared that Lord Albert would be in charge of Brodia for a long while until King Morion returned. People were scared of King Morion but Lord Albert was whole other level. The number of nobles that were once part of the court dropped over the years because Albert showed no mercy to the corrupted ones. The ones that now remained in parliament, were always on edge when Albert was present. Now hearing he was not going to be in a position of temporary ruling regent terrified them. Diamant seeing their reactions, had secretly spoken to his uncle to be careful since there were already four nobles that they had discovered had sold them out like Count.

Those in the army, especially Diamant, were confused as to why Martha was personally joining them. The only thing she said was that she needed to. She wouldn't disclose anymore.

"Ggrrr...This snow is making it difficult! We don't have time to get lost!" Diamant growled as he swatted away a few snowflakes.

"The snow in Elusia is worse during this time." Ivy said, "This time of the year is known as Cirina's Wrath. Legend is that The Divine Cirina was betrayed by the first court of Elusia, and her wrath was unleashed all over Elusia, killing the court but her king and trusted mage. These winds are a sign that The Grand Blizzard is soon to descend." Ivy gritted her teeth looking out to the snow, "It's the most dangerous time of the year here."

"Destinea Cathedral should be up head. With this weather, we should be reaching it in about two hours." Oniyuri yelled, "We should be seeing a large pine tree up head! It's used as a landmark!" She yelled loud for all to hear before lowering her voice to a normal tone, "My teacher, Divine Alear, how are you two faring?" She asked, seeing how Alear was shivering earlier.

"I'm fine." Alear shuddered, "Oniyuri, thank you for guiding us through this storm. It must be...difficult coming back."

"I'll live." Oniyuri said, "Another thing, is there anything we need to go through before we reach our destination?" She asked.

"Yes." Alear said, gently grasping the dragon stone that was now made into a necklace, "If the worst comes and Sombrom does turn into his dragon form, I want everyone to run out of the cathedral as fast as they can because I will be turning into a dragon to fight him." He warned everyone.

Before they could even take another step, Miguel, Alcryst, Eite, Alear, and Martha felt shivers down their spines and Perla saw a glint in the sky.

"EVERYONE TAKE COVER!" Perla screamed as the glint of the sky came closer and then turned into thousands.

People screamed, all they could do was remain still in their positions as thousands of arrows rained down yet not a single one pierced anyone's skin or killed them. It felt like an eternity as the arrows kept raining down till they finally stopped. People gasped, others shivering and terrified in their spots. But all came to a still when the snowflakes stopped mid-air. The violent winds came to a halt, clearing to reveal a hill. There at the top, looking down at them was an albino man with long white hair, front bangs that were a bit spiked up, pale skin, golden eyes with black spots, and dressed as a Firenese Oliphantier. He stared down at them with lifeless eyes, looking down at each person till they landed on the Outworld siblings. His lips parted a bit, before sighing.

"That is a warning." The man spoke in a booming tone for all to hear, "Turn back now if you wish to live." His voice was deep and serious, but there was also sadness in it as he held his hand up, "If you choose to continue to the destination you seek, you will face great suffering." He said, "Alear, I'm giving you one last chance...Leave." He said coldly.

"Who are you?" Alear yelled out, "And no! We will not leave! Out there," he pointed to the direction of Destinea Cathedral, "is King Morion and a friend of mine! We will not abandon them and if we have to fight you to get there, we will!" He roared.

The white-haired man only narrowed his eyes before letting out a frustrated sigh.

"Fine then." He whispered and turned his back on them, "If that is what you wish, so be it." He said in a tone loud enough so only Alear and his friends could hear, "My name is Francis..." Alear became stunned, "I wish our reunion was never like this..." his eyes were briefly on Perla and Miguel before he disappeared into the snow.

The group was, unable to speak at the encounter but they noticed that the blizzard winds had disappeared. Martha bit her lips as she looked out to where her uncle once stood. Despite he was now corrupted, the sane part of him still cared enough for the time.

She was able to see the sadness in his eyes. Before they came for Elusia, Martha spoke with Perla. They talked about what happened in Brodia's north as well as the encounter with Oscar. It pained Martha how those she saw as family, the love, dreams, hopes, and aspersions now turned into twisted things. Especially their morals, now gone. But something felt off about Francis, she didn't know what it was but it wasn't an ominous feeling. Right now, her main worry was what had become of her mother.

Martha's childhood wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either. Her earliest memories were the first five years of her life filled with love. Raised by her mother, Alear's mother: Hotaru, and Veyle's Mother: Bloom. She was also raised by Maria during those five years but when Hotaru passed away giving birth to Alear, Martha noticed something in her mother change. She didn't know what it was but Martha since that day chose to be wary of her mother. Ruby loved her, treated her well, and cared for her and all the children and mage dragons. But when she truly displayed her authority and power, it felt like she wasn't looking at her mother but a soldier.

A soldier who made sure to have everything to make people stay in their place. The mage dragons of that time, many of them were wicked and cruel, filled with jealousy when Sombron would call upon one to his bed or would give one word of praise to the child. It was a sick and bloody battle behind the scenes, but the day one of the mage dragons tried to poison her, her mother unleashed her wrath on them. It was the first time anyone had ever seen angry and violent. The woman dragged the mage dragon out of the castle, not before ordering the others to cover the eyes and ears of the children. The eldest children of Sombron, and a few generals, went to see what would happen. The doors closed, Maria gulping, quickly casting a sound barrier so only the children wouldn't hear what was happening outside the castle.

Martha never forgot the faces of confusion and smugness slowly faded away from the faces of the adults. Slowly morphing into horror, and fear, and even a few of them ran out screaming to stop it. Her eldest brother, who didn't show a single hint of emotion, was the first he do so. It was shock, that he even had to jump in to stop her mother from killing the mage dragon. From there, Ruby established her authority and no one dared to make a move against each other or the children ever again. That day, the generals of Sombron grew respect towards the woman.

Martha's biggest fear at the moment was the side of brutality that her mother unleashed that one time was now on full display. And the perfect example of it was what happened to Nanami and King Morion. And the corrupted children they fought, were their deceased siblings. Ruby's love has now become twisted.

"Martha? Court Mage Martha?" Martha blinked, her mind back to reality as she continued walking.

She looked up to see Alear rising beside her on his horse. He looked up at her, worried with Marth beside him, the emblem too looked at her concerned.

"Are you alright?" Alear asked as Martha looked away for a bit, letting out a shuttered breath.

"I'm fine. Just...worried for what is to come." She said as she continued to look forward, then a bit back.

Thankfully she and Alear were a bit ahead of the others, so guess now she could talk.

"I'm glad you're awake now, Alear." Martha said as she looked back at the young man, "Compared to how you were back then, it's nice seeing you show so much emotion." She said as Alear looked at her sadly.

"You called me little brother yesterday," Alear said, "What...is my relationship to you?" He asked as Martha smiled ruefully as she closed her eyes.

"What do you think?" She teased a bit but Marth just gave her a blank look, "Alright." She sighed, "I am your older sister. The third oldest of Sombron's children." She said as Alear looked at her shocked, "And...Veyle is the youngest. She is our little sister." She let out a shuttered breath.

Alear was too stunned to speak. He wanted to ask so many questions, he wanted to ask who exactly was she and so much more but the moment Martha came to a halt, her eyes narrowed, and he turned to look.

"We've arrived. Destinea Cathedral."

Destinea Cathedral was built with a structure similar to the giant church in Lythos. But the difference with Lythos's is that gravestones were in the front, not hidden from the public. Snow fell at a slow pace as if time was slowed down on purpose, the place gave off a mournful and scornful atmosphere, as if the souls of those that have passed wished for them to go away. The leaders of the armies, along with Perla and Miguel, came forward.

"I sense The Fell Dragon's presence." Marth said, "We need to be careful." He said as Martha nodded.

"Everyone with Emblems, come over here!" She yelled out and those with Emblems came, "Hold out your hand that you are wearing an Emblem." They did just that, Martha chanted a spell as she waved her hand and it was cast on the people and Emblems, "It is a binding spell. It will prevent your Emblem from being taken off or removed." She said, "Alright, Oniyuri and Klaus! You're next!"

The two mages walked up Oniyuri noticed Klaus looked distressed.

"Klaus, is everything alright?" Oniyuri asked as the mage shook his head.

"No." Klaus said, "Something is wrong with Syrus. No matter how much I call out to him, he's not answering or coming out." He said as Martha walked up.

Her hand hovered over his Emblem, closing her eyes. Pink magic glowed from her hand, her eyes brow knitting together before she put her hand down.

"That's odd..." Martha said, "Looks like the Seal of Stars reactivated. Syrus is sealed again." She narrowed her eyes at the pendant.

"WHAT?!" Klaus yelled, "How?! When?!"

"Klaus, please calm down." Oniyuri said as the others looked at each other worried, "I understand you're shocked as you should be but unfortunately we can't do anything at the moment." She said, looking at her teacher, "But, is there no way we can do anything?" Martha shook her head.

"I don't know how the seal activated again but all we can do is wait till the battle is over." Marth said as he looked down at the young man, "Klaus, do not worry. Syrus will be alright, I promise. For now, make sure to hide him away in your magic closet." He said.

"Wait, what?" Klaus gawked as even the others were confused by this, "I know this sounds strange but right now, Syrus is vulnerable even if you protect them. I fear that you will be targeted the most if the enemy sees or even senses Syrus is sealed away." He said as Klaus looked at him sadly but then to his emblem.

Klaus could only imagine how angry Syrus must be feeling being sealed away but how was he sealed away in the first place? The only enemies he had had recent contact with were the corrupted that were fought as well as The Mage Knight named Mauvier. He wondered if Mauvier had somehow managed to cast a spell on him during their battle. Plus, there was all the scuffle that happened in the morning. The kittens stole his and Alear's emblems and took about an hour to recover them. There's no way cats could retrigger spells. With a defeated sigh, Klaus nodded and took off the pendant, putting it in his magic closet.

"Alright." Klaus said then pulled out his scythe, "Old school it is." Marth nodded but Martha narrowed her eyes a bit at him.

She didn't know what but something felt off about Marth. She studied the Emblem as Alear and the group talked about their plans. The first plan was to make sure they found King Morion and Natalie. The group continued to talk, going back and forth about their plans, even using the digital map Natalie drew of the inside of the cathedral based on her memories. The place was huge, big enough to house up to eight to five teenage dragons.

"Alright, we'll split into two teams." Alear said as everyone gathered around the map, "Unfortunately we're not going to be able to bring the entire army inside so we will split into three teams." He said as they nodded.

Diamant, Alcryst, Citrinee, Lapis, Amber and Jade

Ivy, Hortensia, Rosado, Goldmarry, Zelkov

Along with Framme, Clanne, Vander, Miguel, and Perla. Martha would come as well.

As for the rest, they would remain outside because Martha informed them that one of the tactics the Six Generals would use would be splitting into two teams. One team would be offensive while the other defensive. Martha knew her mother better than anyone and knew that would most likely use one of Ermos's tactics, both teams being offensive. They were going to fight not just against the Four Hounds that Ivy warned them about but Elyos's five past court mages. This time, they weren't going to fight with honor, they were not going to hold back on them at all.

For this battle, Soren had been given to Hortensia, and Lyn back to Ivy. The twins told Alcryst to hang onto The Lord Trio for this battle.

"As a reminder!" Alear yelled out, "The second I turn into a dragon, I want EVERYONE to run out of the building! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!" The man roared.

"YES DIVINE ONE!"

"Good! Now, MOVE OUT!"

— Meanwhile Underground —

Two floors.

There were two giant maze-like dungeon floors under the cathedral that they needed to navigate through. The first difficult part of leaving such a place was past through the first wave of guards. They were Corrupted Brodian soldiers who were killed and resurrected. King Morion was quick to end his soldier's lives, it was shameful and a disgrace seeing what his people were turned into after their deaths. Nanami noticed her magic was low and as they traveled through the place, thankfully she had found some magic stones. At the moment, she and King Morion were taking a break. She gulped, staring at the basketball-sized magic stone in her hands. They trembled as she stared at it with a nervous look before she took her first bite. The king was shocked seeing the girl eating the magic stone but, seeing the tears falling from her eyes, he realized she didn't have a choice.

It was the only way to survive.

"Urk!"

BAM!

Nanami slapped her hands over her mouth, dropping the magic stone with a loud Bam! Her cheeks puffed out, frantically she looked around before she ran to the corner and vomited. She panted and gasped, it splattered all over the floor with bits and chunks of stone but it was the overpowering taste of acid, iron, and dirt that made her want to scream. There was no scent, just pain in her throat as she ripped off her scarf. The veins, she could feel them spreading but no longer was it just her neck, they were spreading lower.

It felt like molten glass was being poured on her right shoulder, spreading like thorns to the tips of her fingertips. The veins, she could hear laughter in her distorted voice in her mind. Her vision glitched like a static TV, standing in front of her was her demonic self, grinning like a madman before she blinked and they were gone.

"Kid, are you alright?!" Morion ran to her, and she held her right hand up for him to stay back, as her left hand clutched her throat tightly.

"I don't have much time..." Natalie croaked as she weakly looked at him, "I have to get you out of here..." Again her vision and just for a moment, she did not see King Morion but her father looking at her worried.

"Mija, are you alright?!" She could her father's voice call out of her so clearly, it stung so much, "Da..." she whispered before she gritted her teeth, turned it to the wall, and slammed her head on it, "Don't do that!" Morion yelled, quickly by her side.

He made her turn, seeing her forehead bleeding and one tiny horn on the left side of her forehead.

"Sorry...I had to do that..." Natalie said, "The curse is getting worse. We need...cough! To continue." She said, leaving no room for argument as she forced herself now to walk.

"I have to...save him..."

[—]

Destinea Cathedral was already haunting outside but the inside was a different story. The building was huge. So huge that it fits another small castle inside. Rows and rows of pews built, altars with the statues of the fell dragon built, stained glass windows, and the scent of burned lavender and candles filled the place. Open the door and let the cold wind in, yet the candles that burned never faded. Like the plan, Alear, Ivy, Diamant, Hortensia, and Alcryst, with their retainers, the twins, Vander, Martha, Miguel, and Perla entered. Around they looked, seeing no signs of life but the deeper they went, the torches and chandeliers all lit up. Everyone was quickly on guard, looking around.

"I bid you welcome to Destinea Cathedral. We're so happy to greet you, Divine One, and children of Elyos."

There at the center of the very end was a huge stage built with altars, a model of the cathedral, surrounded by candles. But floating above it was a giant crystal. And down the group looked to see standing at the center of that stage was...

"Ruby," Martha said coldly as she looked up to the stage, looking down at them all was Ruby with her white hood, sitting on an Elusian-style accent chair with her legs crossed, her elbow resting on the left arm, and a smile on her lips.

Veyle stood on her right side, a smile on her lips, her eyes crimson. She now wore a black Draconic dress and crown. Her hands behind her back were trembling with excitement. On Ruby's left stood Francis, his eyes closed.

"It's been a while, stepson of mine." Ruby said, Alear looked at her shocked as did the others, "Your elder sister is here as well. And..." she stood up, walked to the edge then carefully removed her hood as her eyes remained closed, "Welcome home, Great-Grand Children of Ermos and Maria: Miguel and Perla." She said, her appearance finally revealed.

Ruby was a woman that was 5'6 ft tall, wearing a white dress with gold and black jewelry with the center of her chest being a crimson gem that emanated with dark magic. It pulsed like a heart. She was fair-skinned, long straight bright pink hair tied in an upsweep hair style. She wore a blackthorn crown with the symbols of Gardlon, and her eyes never opened as she raised her hands with a warm and welcoming smile to all.

Yet, no one felt safe. There was danger as the Emblems appeared to protect their people.

"Do I look familiar, children of mine?" Ruby said with a soft chuckle, "See you are too stunned to speak." She said.

"You..." Miguel gritted his teeth, "You're the bitch that took Nanami!" Perla yelled yet Ruby only laughed.

"No matter how much time has passed, your two still have the same foul mouth." Ruby grinned.

"You know us?" Miguel gulped, Ruby smiling.

"Of course I do." Ruby said, walking a bit to the left side of the stage, "I know everything about you and your siblings. Your likes. Your preferences. Your taste. The clothing style." She paused before slightly turning her head back to them, "I know everything. It's only natural that as a mother, I need to know the type of people my children are involved with." She said, "And the type of people the children of my friends are." She said as she raised her hands, "I know everyone here." She smiled.

"Creep!" Hortensia cried out yet Ruby only laughed.

"Where is my father?! What have you done to him?!" Diamant yelled as Ruby's expression never changed, "Answer me!" He roared.

"King Morion is very much alive." Ruby said as she put her hands together and turned to walk to the right side of the stage in slow steps, "He is underground with Natalie." She said.

"Why?" Alcryst's yelled, "Why didn't you kill our father?! Are keeping him alive on the edge of death? Did you torture him and the girl?!" He roared.

"I could do that." Ruby said as she only slightly opened her eyes and looked down at them with a small frown, "But I am not as ruthless as my husband or Oscar. If I did that, it would ruin the show I have in mind." She said with a small smile.

"Show?!" Alear yelled, "What purpose does it serve to keep your victims alive on purpose?! What do you achieve from reviving the Fell Dragon and The Demon?! They will destroy everything and everyone! The only thing Sombron wants is to search for Emblem Zero! Shax only wishes for destruction!" He roared and Ruby only chuckled.

"My...you have learned to talk back to your mother." Ruby crooned then…

"YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER!" Alear roared, Ruby came to a still, "My mother is Queen Lumera!" He screamed, "Even if she and I are not related by blood! Even if I was not born from her womb, she is the woman who has shown me love and compassion! She has helped me through this time that had no memory of my past! She is the one who has helped me along with the people I stand beside!" He roared to the woman.

"I have no memory of you! Perhaps in the past, you and I once shared beautiful and joyful memories but right now I do not see you as a mother!" Alear screamed, "The woman that stands before me is not a mother, but a pitiful human whose sense of love has been twisted beyond recognition. And..." he raised Liberation and pointed it at her, his body trembled in rage and sorrow as tears fell, "even though I have no memory of our past, my heart mourns. As your son, I must free you from this twisted love and chains of darkness." He said.

"Alear..." Martha whispered, but...

"Heh..Hehehehehe...Hahaha..."

Martha quickly looked up, seeing her mother hunched a bit, holding her stomach, trembling before, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! AHAHAH! AHAHAHAHAHA!" Ruby burst out laughing, "HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" She continued to laugh and laugh, nothing but fear filled their bodies as she continued, throwing her head back as her hands were on her face, her eyes snapping open as tears fell. Her laughter reverted all over the cathedral, echoing as if hundreds if not thousands of the women laughed at the same time. The laughter of Ruby, was haunting, mournful, almost as if she was wailing to the sky. Then haunting laughter came to an abrupt end, her head snapping down at them. Bright pink eyes, wide, with golden slits, and tear stains, looked down at them with no smile on her lips.

"You dare say such words to me?" Ruby tilted her head to the right, "You dare spout such nonsense to the woman who loved and raised you? The woman who fed you, you cloth you, who carried you in her arms when the one who gave birth to you passed?" She said in a low tone as she took one step down.

"Everyone get ready!" Alear yelled as everyone brought out their weapons.

"You don't understand anything right now. None of you do." Ruby whispered as she slowly removed her hands from her face, "Violet, Haycinth, Zephia, Griss, and Francis, you know what to do."

"Hahahah!" The group turned to look behind them quickly, "Finally! Some action!" Griss walked with a grin as he rolled his neck, "It truly disappoints me my daughters that you have betrayed Elusia." King Haycinth said disappointed "We finally meet, Spawns of Ermos and Maria." Zephia said coldly.

"I look forward to killing you, defects." Violet grinned wickedly as she roared her right hand, and turned to claws, "You are no siblings of mine. When this is all over, only Father and Mother will rule this world!" She laughed.

Francis remained silent and readied his bow.

"EVERYONE READY?!" Miguel yelled as the group turned to face their enemies.

Miguel, Ivy, Hortensia, and their retainers would face Zephia, King Haycinth, and Griss.

Perla, Diamant, Alcryst, Alear, and their retainers would face Veyle and Francis.

Martha herself would face her mother.

"RRAAAHHHH!"

Battle cries rang from outside and the cathedral signifies the start of the war.

[—-]

Ruuuuuummblllllleee!

Natalie and King Morion came to still as the bodies of the corrupted they had just killed turned to dust. They looked up to the ceiling of the maze, dust particles and pebbles fell as the ceiling rumbled.

"The battle has started." Natalie gritted, "We need to hurry!" She looked behind her, "How's your shoulder?!" She yelled, and the king smirked.

"I'm not that old, kid!" And a corrupt screamed, lunging at the king, "Ha!" And he sliced it in half, "Come on!" He pointed his sword to the stairway that led up and came into view, "One more floor!" And they ran to it.

Even if her vision glitched between the image of King Morion and her father, she didn't care if she was hallucinating because of the curse, all she wanted to do was protect King Morion.

"Really...praying on my love for my father?" Natalie thought as she ran behind the king, his back turned, and his determined eyes were like her brother's, father's, Grandfather's, and Great-Grandfather's, "Too bad!" She added all her energy into the tips of her right toes, crouched a bit on her foot, and launched herself to the stairs entrance where a Corrupted berserker and Bael waited for them, "NOT ON MY WATCH!" She screamed Emblem Arisa's ring glowed brightly, and her magic swirled around Natalie's right arm.

"BANE OF MONSTERS!"

The Sword of The Creator appeared, glowing crimson and gold as it split apart like a whip, wrapping around the monsters. Natalie jumped down, screaming as she used her newfound human strength to swing the monsters into the air.

"NOW!" The woman roared, King Morion jumped into the air and slashed them to pieces.

He jumped down standing back to back. He saw her eyes twitching, gritting her teeth as more monsters came.

"How long till we get up?" He asked, "Next flight of stairs to get us out of here should take 20 minutes. 50 if we go through the whole maze. But at this point, we balling." She said, her slang confusing him, "I'm going to run through the walls."

"Bahahahaha!" King Morion burst into uproarious laughter that filled the room before he nodded, "Alright, I got your back!" He grinned.

"Thanks, Dad," Natalie said, letting it slip, before she gasped, frantically looking at the king, scared.

"So that's what you meant you were seeing hallucinations." King Morion said as both slashed at the monsters that came at them then spun to cut the others, "Kid, if it's helping you keep sane, then I'll allow it!" He grinned, before turning back.

"Alright, you punk! Come at me!" And the king charged, his sword bursting into flames, incinerating all in his wake.

Natalie stood shocked as she watched King before her lips quivered with a smile and then chuckled as her gaze softened, running after him.

"We can do this...we can do this..."

From the shadows, Shax grinned.

"No. No, you won't."

[—-]

"Ahahahaha!" Alma laughed as did a back flip to dodge Oniyuri's brass knuckles, and then spun to the left dislocating her joints in the process on purpose to swing her axe at the woman.

"Urk!" Oniyuri barely, bends back, watching the blade of the axe just inches from her eyelashes pass by, "Haaaa!" She screamed and threw a rear uppercut at the woman.

Her brash knuckles glowed with ice magic, Dierdre floated above, raising her staff to make it rain thunder on the corrupted as Sidney wielded her bow, aimed for Alma's head, and then released.

"Ow!" Alma screeched the bow lodged into her shoulder then quickly had to retreat because Eden came at her from above, "What the?!" His eyes glowed golden, rifts in the shapes of diamonds open, and out jumped shadows of humans, also with glowing golden eyes, attacking her, "That's the power of the Void and Fell! Why the hell do you have that power—"

"Pay attention dammit!" Oscar managed to grab her from the back of her shirt and pulled her back just in time.

If she hadn't been pulled back, those shadows of people would have made her into cheese. She shivered seeing just how brutal the young man was along with her descendent.

"Our descendants inherited our brutality." Oscar narrowed his eyes as he and Alma flew to the sky to look down at the field, "I guess we have no choice but to use our Emblems." He gritted his teeth.

"You're lucky Ruby still had enough power to create a Fallen Emblem!" Alma growled, summoning up her Emblem bracelet, putting it on, "Come, Emblem Hector!" She screamed.

"Shit!" Klaus cursed, quickly casting a barrier around the army as crimson light formed beside Alma, and there now stood a bulk of man with heavy armor in gold and blue, blue hair, and a giant axe, surrounded by crimson magic, lifeless eyes, "DIE!" Alma screamed, lunging at the barrier with her axe, coming down at them like a comet.

Klaus gritted his teeth as Celica and the shadow people quickly joined to help defend the barrier.

"YOU BASTRADS!" Alma screamed blood murder, her face enraged as fell and demonic magic poured out of her body, "I'LL KILL YOU ALL AND TAKE BACK MY EMBLEM!" She screamed.

The barrier started to crack, and Klaus gritted his teeth, pouring everything into the barrier.

"LUNA!" He managed to scream, and the white-haired girl ran towards him, slamming her hands together before twisting one down and the other up, "Heal pulse!" She slammed one hand to his back and the other to Celica to provide more power to help them push back.

"This is annoying!" Oscar growled, summoning a black stone pendant into his hand, "Come! Emblem of Fallen Grace: Hardin!" And once more, crimson light formed, taking on a shape of a man in red armor, surrounded by purple flames, and a double-edged axe: Gradivus, "TEAR THAT BITCH APART!" Oscar roared.

"Hahahah!" Hardin laughed and lunged.

"GAAAHHHH!" The force was too much, Klaus screamed as veins around their body popped, blood pouring, "KLAUS!" Alfred, Celine, and Luna screamed, the barrier cracking more and more.

"Marth! Where are you, you maggot? I can sense you!" Hardin roared before Alfred and Yunaka quickly engaged, launching multiple wind slashes at the king, followed by Chloe and Loius throwing Javelins at him and then calling it back.

"Klaus! Klaus!" Boucheron, as he was the second closer to him, "Luna, get him to Jean and Anna!" He managed to catch the mage on time with Luna, "Go!" He yelled, Eite was quickly by his side as Luna ran with Klaus on her back.

Alfred, Oniyuri, Eden, and the rest gathered together, looking up to the sky with glares as the shield was barely hanging on.

"They're too strong. There's only so much we can do." Alfred said, gritting his teeth, "But I found it odd we haven't run into the Four hounds. The one called Marni and Mauvier, they should have been here by now...The called Zephia and Griss are in the church." He said.

"Argh!" Klaus screamed, the barrier was hit once more by the fallen Emblems.

"Dammit!" Oniyuri growled, "We're being pushed back. Wha do we-"

"Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

Humans and corrupted came to still at the sudden sound of a weak scream heard in the winds. It grew louder, more like an echo, as if a banshee was crying but something didn't feel right.

"What is that?" Even Oscar and Alma were confused.

"Child of Ice, Void, Light, and Thorns..." Celine, Alfred, Oniyuri, Luna, Eden, and Klaus suddenly froze, "You can hear me...Good." A faint female voice whispered in their ears, "The Dragon Veins. The dragon's Veins of this land...use them." And the voice along with the wail disappeared.

Oniyuri gulped as she let out a shuttered breath, getting out of her engaged form.

"I know what to do." The blue-haired woman said, "All of you, make the army retreat. Far...As far away as you can." She said, looking at then at her husband.

Eden was confused before his lips parted, his narrowing, "Are you sure?" She never broke eye contact, "I understand." And turned to the army, "RETREAT! QUICKLY RETREAT!"

"Oniyuri, what are you planning?" Alfred asked but the woman smiled at him.

"I'm going to become Death."

The group didn't understand but the children screamed when an explosion came from the cathedral and the ground shook, "Go help the Divine one! GO!" She yelled at them.

"Alright, but you better come back alive!" Eden yelled and threw her a magic stone, which she caught.

"I will." She whispered, turned to look up to the two Generals with their Emblems, the people running past her as fast as they could.

"How can a brat like you take us on by yourself, huh?" Alma laughed, "Honestly," she raised her arms, shirting a bit as she shook her head, "you remind me of my daughter. She was a sweet girl but a bit cocky on her side." She said.

"Who do you think she got that cockiness from?" Oniyuri scoffed, making Alma's eyes twitch as she waved her hand, making a black tome appear in front of her.

"Wait, that tome..." Oscar narrowed his eyes, "No way...it can't be."

"Oh, but it is." Oniyuri's voice was suddenly possessed as she looked up to the, with slit eyes, "You dare bring faith to my lands?!" The woman boomed, the tome glowing dark blue as well as her hands, "Wretched vermin! I shall free your pitiful souls from the clutches of fell and demonic!" And light exploded from her body.

"I'LL TELL YOU SERVANTS OF SHAX WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BETRAY THE YUKIONAS!"

— Meanwhile underground -

Mauvier and Marni ran down the stairs of the cathedral, once in a while having to use the walls as support to keep themselves from rolling down the stairs. Marni was terrified, but gulped, forcing herself to follow Mauvier. When she held Lady Violet's hand the other day, Marni saw a terrifying vision. In it she spoke to Zephia, she couldn't hear what she was saying but she also spoke to what looked like Lady Violet. Violet mocked and laughed at her before Marni jumped in the air with her axe and attacked her, the crown that Veyle wore. In the end, Zephia walked to her with a sweet smile, only to stab her hand into her chest and rip her heart out. Violet laughing as she fell, her hand reaching out to her, and Mauvier screaming in despair as he held her in her arms.

After that day, she couldn't bring herself to look at Zephia or Lady Violet the same. Something in her heart told her to run. To get away from them. The night before, she slept, she dreamed. The vision replayed again but this time it was so clear.

"HYAAAH!" Marni roared as she jumped in the air, her axe raised then collided with Violet's crown.

She screamed, thrown back by the force is the crown, a thin layer of purple she saw. The force was so strong, it knocked her axe back and threw her to the ground. Marni was too stunned to speak, Violet chuckled, the crimson sky shinning down on her.

"Marni, that was simply pathetic. An attack like that couldn't put a scratch on Father's gift." Veyle chided, eyes narrowed.

Fear filled her body as Marni took a step back, her eyes wide.

"I swung with all my strength, and it did nothing?" The blonde-haired girl croaked.

"I take it you were trying to free me, fool that you are. But as it turns out, you have failed in your attempt." Veyle smiled wickedly at her.

"No..."

"I ordered you to stop, did I not? Such a bad girl." Zephia said as she walked and now stood behind her.

"I..." Marnia whimpered but...

STAB!

"No!" Alear yelled, shocked.

"You are a very naughty child. If only you had done as I had said..." Zephia spoke in a sweet yet disappointed tone as she took out her hand from the girl's chest.

Blood dripped from Marni's lips, her vision becoming blurred as she began to fall.

"Ze...phi...a..." she whimpered, looking up to the dragon that looked at her with a warm smile but cold eyes.

"MARNI!"

The last thing she heard before the dream ended was Mauvier screaming her name. When Marni awoke, she was beyond mortified and scared. The dream felt so real, and vivid, she even had a phantom pain in her chest. That dream felt too real...way too real, as it did happen at some point in time. At this point, fear was what kept Marni away from Zephia and Violet. She somehow knew if she continued to stay, she would regret it. So needed to leave and her ticket out was King Morion and the girl brought to this world.

"Marni, I know this is sudden but what exactly made you want to help the Brodia king and the girl leave this place?" Mauvier said as Marni gulped as they kept going down to the dungeons.

"When I...touched Lady Violet's hand..." the girl trembled, "I saw a terrible vision." Mauvier looked at her with a concerned gaze, "Zephia killed me...Because in that vision...I tried to free Lady Veyle." The knight's eyes went wide, "I tried to destroy the crown she's wearing. Zephia saw that as an act of betrayal and killed me." Her voice trembled, "I thought we were family...I thought she loved me like a daughter yet...in that dream she so easily killed me." Her smile was crooked, and part of her was in denial, "Zephia...would she...truly kill me, you, or any of us at the first act of betrayal?" She looked up to Mauvier, her eyes pleading for an answer.

"What you saw is true..."

The two were suddenly on guard, weapons immediately raised, and eyes sharp. They looked around the maze, seeing nothing but brick walls. Yet they could sense a presence.

"Who are you?! Show yourself!" Mauvier called out but the only answer he received was the temperature of the room falling and frost slowly heading their way.

"What the girl saw when she touched the Fell Curse, was real." The distorted voice said, "It is a vision of the future. A future that you should not be able to see." It said as the two were now back to back.

"The future?" Marni croaked, "Then...Zephia will..." she whimpered.

"If you stay, same with you knight, both of you will meet your end at the hands of Zephia and Violet. Or, you will be killed and sacrificed." The voice said, "The reason you, young lady, were able to see such vision was because of The Starfarer: Natalie. The Outworlder Girl."

"What?" Mauvier said, "But those two have never met!"

"True. They have not met physically but in dreams, anything is possible." The voice chided, "The Starfarer knows the future of this world. She knows the written end, the written present, and the written future. And Marni is someone who she felt great sadness towards. She was angry, sad, and enraged when she saw Zephia kill you. Her words, "It's not fair! She didn't deserve that! Marni deserved to live and redeem herself! She was misguided!" Natalie's voice now rang.

Marni was too stunned to speak as the voice chuckled.

"Do you understand now, Marni?" The voice said, "The other reason you were able to see the vision is because of Veyle. It was Veyle's final wish, for you and Mauvier to live and escape." The voice said, "Now choose, girl and knight. Live and atone, or fight and die by the hands of the one who wears a mask of the family?" And with that, the voice was gone.

"...You don't have to ask me twice..." Marni gritted her teeth, turning to Mauvier, her face determined to live.

"WE'RE GETTING THE KING AND THAT GIRL OUT OF HERE!"

[—-]

"Hello, Miguel."

Miguel quickly turned and gasped seeing it was Veyle. But the Veyle before him wore a Draconic black dress with a strange black horned crown, her eyes crimson slits, and a warm smile. Finally after so long, she was finally in front of him.

"Who are you?" Perla said, but Violet ignored her.

"You're not Veyle." Miguel said which made the woman twitch, "The real Veyle is a kind individual who cares about her people and friends." Violet's eyes became half-lidded as the man pointed his dagger at her, "You're the parasite, aren't you?"

Violet's smile twitched along with her right eye. How dare the human call her a parasite? She is the victor of Veyle's body. She is the one working behind the scenes to ensure her father's victory. How dare that man call her a parasite?! No, she needed to remain calm. She needed to break him. Not just him...her eyes trailed to Perla for a moment then back to him.

She needed to break both siblings, just like how Natalie was breaking. The only reason Natalie hadn't snapped was because of King Morion. The girl formed an unexpected bond with the king as they wandered through the underground dungeon to get to the surface. From what she saw from Ruby's crystal ball, the King and girl were close to arriving at the surface.

Violet needed to stall time. She needed to stall the defect of her brother's army. That's when Shax would make their move. Father was soon to arrive.

"Tch." Violet clicked her teeth as she waved her hand, making her tome appear in front of her, "How annoying and pitiful you could see immediately I am not that defect." She spat, "No matter..." Her fangs grew as she grinned wickedly at them, "When this battle is over, I'll be breaking you and making you mine!" She lunged at them.

[—-]

"Big sister, can I ask you something?" Martha asked the older woman as she was doing laundry.

"Sure." Her older sister said, "What did you want to ask?" She said.

"Is it...normal for mothers to constantly hover over their children?" Martha asked, and the woman looked at her shocked.

"Well...there's certain levels, to say the least." Elder Sister said, "But one thing for certain that isn't normal is if they are constantly doing things for you. You are your own person, you need to learn things on your own. Parents who are always monitoring what you do, and not letting you do things your own is not normal. Simply put, it is called Helicopter parenting: parents who are overattentive and overly fearful of a child's experiences and problems, particularly outside the home and at educational institutions. They make parenting decisions based on their ego. They do things children can do themselves." She explained Martha's lips parted as she looked at her with wide eyes.

"Do you feel your mother is overbearing?" Elder Sister asked.

"Well...yes and no." Martha whispered, "She lets me learn what I want, she lets me be free. She lets me make my own decisions. But...when it comes to my powers...what I am..." she clutched her hands together, "I'm a living Outrealm Key. I can open Elyos Outrealm gate, but I'm still young. Mom is so obsessed with me learning to control my powers only under her supervision. Not even Uncle Ermos or Nana can teach me magic or the other mage dragons without her being there." She grumbled, "How can I grow when mom is always watching me learn and I can't make mistakes or else I feel she's judging me."

"...Your mom is not here right now, right?" Elder sister smiled and knelt, "Come a little closer." Martha did, "Lend me your ear." She learned, "This is a spell that Ermos taught me. He said that it's to make me feel safe when I'm alone." She said.

"The spell is..."

[—-]

"There will be a day where you will be all alone."

It was a memory from long ago. A memory that blurred between the lines of remembrance and reality, but also a dream. In that memory so blurry yet so clear like the transcendence waters, Nanami sat beside her great-grandfather. She sat next to him as she listened to the stories of his homeland. He never said where and he never said when, only that it was a place that was unlike any other. A place where miracles could happen but also, a place that part of him still yearned to return.

The words her great-grandfather used to describe the people of his homeland, were whimsical, a bit unhinged, but kind, loving, and breathtaking. She could hear him say the names of the people he remembered but the names were always mute in her dreams.

"When that day comes, you will feel like you lost everything. That you don't care anymore and want everything to be over." Her great-grandfather said as her head stung but she kept listening.

"But I won't be alone. I have you." Her childhood self said innocently.

Her great-grandfather smiled sadly, gently patting her head.

"That's true. But like I said, there will come a time in your life when you feel that way. I just hope that you come to understand that you aren't. That there are people out there who love and care for you. And...someone special is waiting for you out there." Her great-grandfather said with a small smile.

"Oh? Prince Charming?" Nanami said, "I don't need Prince Charming!" The little girl stood up and raised her wooden sword looking out the window to the stars, "I'm gonna be a Valkyrie! Slayer of the evil dragons and bringing justice to the land! Hyaaaaa! Hwwaaaaahhh!" She stood on one leg and raised her sword, scrunching her face to look tough.

Instead, she looked like a gremlin.

"Alright, my little princess. You do you. But how about I teach you a magic spell?" Ermos said and Nanami excitedly ran up to him.

"Oh! Another secret code?!" The girl said excitedly and the old man nodded.

"Yup. Only use this spell when you feel something is not right or when you feel you are in danger. Or...expose bad guys." Ermos said and the girl nodded enthusiastically, "Repeat after me."

"Killiki Killikuk."

"Ki—Kixi?! Kuh?" Nanami failed to say the words.

"Try again." Her great-grandfather said, "Always practice this spell and the others I've told you. Especially this one. One more time. Killiki Killikuk."

"Kiki-ow! My tongue!"

"...Try again." He said and Nanami tried several times before she got it right!

"I got it!"

[—-]

"Hey..."

"Hey..."

"Wake up!"

A light tap she felt on her cheeks, her eyes struggling to open but once she managed a crack, her vision was blurry.

"Kid, come on!" She could hear King Morion calling out to her but, "Mauvier, how's the healing spell doing?!" A girl's voice?

"Her body is rejecting it. There isn't much I can do." Another male voice.

"Mmm?" She hummed then groaned as she struggled to sit up, "What...what happened?" She croaked.

"Easy there." King Morion said, "Do you remember what happened?"

She was confused for a moment before she remembered everything. She and King Morion, with her strength, rammed straight through the walls of the maze, killing monsters but when they made it to the final wall, the curse activated. Before Natalie knew it, she was screaming in agony, scratching her neck till bloody, and passed out. The last king she saw was King Morion running to her and the look of a father's concerned face.

With her vision now clear, she saw a blonde girl who she realized was Marni and the one holding a healing staff over her head was Mauvier.

"Thank goodness, you're okay." Marni said, "Can you hold on a bit longer? We're getting you and the king out of here." She said.

"Sigh...I'll make it," Natalie whispered, her voice horsed as she was helped to stand up.

She could smell water, she could feel the ground shaking and dust falling.

"The battle is getting ugly." Mauvier said, "Miss, I'm not sure if you will make it." He said as Natalie's eyes wandered to a puddle nearby.

Her face...her entire right side of her face was covered in a glowing purple curse similar to Azura's, as well as her body. Ah...she was reaching her end.

She was going to die.

The curse was going to take over soon and consume her. She looked to her left hand where her hand cannon was, then to Mauvier, Marni, and the king then to her purse. Her right hand over her purse then cannon, muttering a warping spell on the two items. When she dies, she wants at least her belongings to her to her siblings.

"How long till we out of her," she croaked, looking at Mauvier.

The knight's eyes were saddened, realizing that the girl wasn't going to make it.

"A few minutes. Can you still walk?" She nodded, "Good." Even if she struggled, even if she was in agony, the tears falling, she needed to keep going.

[—]

"This world reminds me of a game I used to play."

Ruby said one day to Francis as the two sat by the fire. They were young. She was 12, he was 15. Francis was surprised by his friend's sudden word but the young girl looked up to him with void eyes.

"Hey, what would you do if you entered the world of a novel?" She asked, the young man blinked.

"Are you talking about that place?" Francis said as he poked a stick into a fire, "I thought...you never wanted to talk about it." He said.

"True. But I can only talk about it with you. And..." she raised her right hand, making a little void sphere, "I...was able to glimpse into it." She said.

"You know you shouldn't be using your power for that!" Francis hissed, "Look, I understand how you feel, as well as what happened in the past, but we can't change anything. I know...you're still in pain. Just...take your time. Don't rush. But seriously, you should go see a therapist." He sighed, frustrated because he had been repeating the same thing over and over again.

"Hmm..." Ruby hummed, her hands crushing the void the summoned a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn, "The sun will come out tomorrow~ bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow~ they'll be sun~" she sang softly as she began to knit, "I overheard Dad arguing with Maria's birth mother. Maria's mother wants to force her back into Solm's Lycinth clan." She said.

"Maria's maybe a kid but she's not stupid. You heard the last time her birth mother tried to force her back to the mountains. She almost killed herself." Francis said, "Solm's Lycinth clan may have a pretty image but the amount of toxicity those women have is disgusting. It's why not even the royal family gets along with them. They only talk to her Aunt and Maria." He said.

"Well, her aunt was exiled by her clan simply because she wasn't "womanly" enough because she called them out on their BS and hypocrisy. Her aunt has her own clan now. She took in the people that were exiled." Ruby said with a smile, eyes closed, as she continued to knit.

"Ruby, why are you suddenly bringing in these topics?" Francis asked.

"What if...I told you I found a way to return to that place?"

[—]

"Cough!"

Miguel was shocked to see Veyle spit out a piece of sweet candy into a napkin. She had accepted it from Framme because she was being polite but the taste of something sweet brought her bitter feelings and bad memories of the past.

"You alright?" He asked her, Veyle gasped seeing he saw her, "Not a fan of sweets huh?" She looked away, "Nothing with that. I'm not a fan of sweets either. I like sour things." he said, "But...I did once have one who loved sweets." He said.

"A lover?" Veyle asked, I know to her that her other half was suddenly on high alert in the back of her mind.

Miguel stiffened for a bit before he let out a deep sigh, running his fingers through his hair.

"You don't...have to talk about it if you don't want to," Veyle said but Miguel shook his head as both continued to walk with the army and spoke in a hushed tone.

"You all heard what that...thing said." Miguel sighed, "Might well talk a bit about it." He said, "I once had a lover. She was in the military like me. We met when we were teenagers. She wanted to be a marine biologist. That's someone who studies the ocean and its life. Me? I wanted to follow my Great-grandfather, grandfather, and father's footsteps: a sniper." He sighed, "What that monster said is true. I took revenge on the person who drove my girlfriend to take her own life."

He gritted his teeth as he thought he remembered the past.

"I'll never forgive him...I'll never forgive him. Even if he is now rotting in prison for life I'll never forgive him for what he did to her, and what he put me and Perla through. The worst part about it was he was eventually planning to target our younger sister, to blackmail us to stay out of it." He said with a bitter smile looking out to the sky, "He was a friend. He was someone who my sister, Bianca, Jason, and I trusted. We knew each other for so long and what he did was the ultimate betrayal..." his voice cracked, "I don't believe in gods. But during those dark times, it was as if someone sent a miracle to us. An individual of higher power than us helped us expose him and bring down the hammer of justice." He said, looking up to the sky.

"But I still wanted to break him...and break him I did." He said, "Mentally and Emotionally. A pity I only managed to break his arm and..." he snickered a bit darkly to himself as he looked to the side, covering his mouth a bit, "he'll never be able to get that up again." He whispered that part to himself.

"Miguel, you're scaring me." Veyle said, Miguel quickly blinked, coughed, and apologized to her for making her uncomfortable, "Sigh, it's alright. And...I'm sorry you and your family went through that. No one should ever go through such suffering." She said as Miguel smiled a bit sadly to her.

"I'm guessing you went through something as well for not liking sweets." He said as Veyle chuckled slightly but nodded.

"Yeah." She smiled sadly, "I had a stepmother who despite being kind and loving me and all my siblings...was overbearing at times." Miguel raised an eyebrow.

"So a narcissist?" Veyle shook her head, "Okay, that's a surprise."

"My big sister said that she's what you call a Helicopter parent." Miguel cringed, "But she only showed that side of her when it came to my siblings and my education in magic." She said.

"Wait, only when you all studied magic?" Miguel blinked, "That's...strange." Veyle nodded, "Why only in your education in magic?"

"I don't know." Veyle said, "But one thing for sure..." she paused for a moment.

"She was searching for something. I don't know what but she was searching for something."

[—]

"GRRRRRR!" Miguel growled like an animal as Violet's claws clashed with Yato.

The dragon girl laughed madly before jumping back to dodge Perla's fist that met the ground, turning it into molten stone. At this point, the two teams were now fighting together against the enemy. Diamant's and Alcryst's swords clashed with Griss's fist, Ivy and Hortensia in the air fighting King Hyacinth and Zephia. Alear and Martha were fighting Francis. The altars, the pews, the floors, everything was destroyed yet the stage that Ruby stood on was pristine.

She never allowed it to be touched. She stood there with her hands together as she watched the fight going on. She was waiting. Waiting for when she made her entrance. And...she looked up to the ceiling and grinned.

"You're almost here." Ruby smiled she closed her eyes, "Yes. I guess it's time to start now that you will be arriving." And she simply moved her head to the left to dodge an arrow that flew her way.

She simply looked over to see Francis knocked back by Alear, the boy lunging at the bow knight with clawed hands and...making eye contact with the girl she gave birth to. Her little girl was no longer a child but a full-grown adult. The look in her eyes despite having light, had the gaze of a woman who had seen thousands of atrocities over the years, still...

"How dare you betray me..." Ruby thought, "How dare you help Ermos and Maria destroy Elyos's only Outrealm gate? After so many years...after so many years I had finally found a way to return to that place and you and them ruined it." She bit her bit hard, her shoulders trembling with rage and sorrow, "All three are now here...So..." she took a deep breath before fully turning towards her daughter, "It's time to complete the final act." Her eyes opened.

"It's been a long time since people have tested my patience." Ruby let out a small breath as she stood up from her throne, each step she took let out a click from her heels as she arrived at the edge of the stairs, "This latest little game of yours, Alear and Martha, should have ended a long ago." She simply moved her head to the side when an arrow was launched her way.

There was nothing but a bloody battle below her yet she was all seeing it as a game. That's right...The was a game, and she needed to make the game listen to her script. Martha gritted her teeth as she slammed Griss away with her staff before she turned back to scream up.

"THIS IS NOT GAME! THIS IS NOT GAME, MOTHER!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, her throat burned but she didn't care.

"Of course it is." Ruby smiled warmly, "Did you have fun, daughter of mine?" Martha felt as if the world was crashing down on her as her mother continued to speak, "Living as a normal human. Being married and having children. Even sacrificing your dragon blood to save Brodia from corruption," one step she took down, "did you get everything out of your system?"

BUBUMP! BUBUMP! BUBUMP!

Her heart was thundering in her ears as the next moment, Ruby was right beside her. Her hand was on her right shoulder as Martha was frozen in place. The older pink-haired woman had her eyes closed, smiling yet for Martha it felt like time had come to a halt.

"Daughter of mine, this game is over. It's time to go back to your position. As The Key to The Outrealm Gate of Elyos."

Martha didn't even have a chance to turn when Ruby turned her body, smiled, and punched her in the stomach with a force that would kill a normal human being.

"URK!" Martha's eyes went wide, and blood filled her mouth as the force of her mother's punch sent her flying straight to the stage.

BOOM!

The entire place shook at the force of her strength. Those outside were shaken by the sound of what they thought was an explosion. But the time had come. Even as the others fought, Alear gasped and turned, seeing Martha twitching from the impact.

"MARTHA!" Alear screamed, staring to run towards her but all Ruby did was appear in front of him, placing her hands on his shoulders with a smile.

"Alright, dear. That's enough. Your sister needed to be punished either way." Ruby said with a closed eye smile, "Your mate is almost here along with King Morion." Alear was too frozen in place before he heard everyone scream.

He turned his head, and black tentacles burst out of the ground, attacking his friends. The ground began shaking, the gem at the ceiling glowing brightly.

"Fuck!" Perla screamed and tried to hack at the thing but failed.

"A pity I can't take the rings of your friends but..." her gaze became half-lidded when she suddenly grabbed his right hand, "You'll do, Marth."

"NO!" Marth appeared in a flash and slashed her back, Alear took the opportunity to summon a dagger and stabbed it into her chest.

Blood drilled from her lips, onto his cheek but all the woman did was smile, the grip on his wrist becoming tighter. Fell magic poured out into him, and Alear screamed in agony, trying to pull away. No matter how much Marth slashed at her, she never once wavered, instead she grabbed his other wrist, pulling him up. Her smile grew more even when Martha appeared and stabbed her with her staff.

"Alear!" Miguel yelled, tired to run towards him only for Violet to appear, "Get out of my way!"

"You are. My child!" Ruby growled, pushing Alear down to his knees, "Let go of him!" Martha yelled, summoning her dagger, and stabbing her in the back but again Ruby didn't waver.

"Dammit..." Marth growled as his figure started to glitch between red and blue, "Are you trying to force me to become fell?!" he rasped, one eye turning red as he looked at the mage darkly.

"Alear..." Ruby leaned down, her eyes looking into his, "I told you...I'm waiting. I'm waiting for..."

CLINK CLINK!

She closed her eyes and smiled.

"Her."

BOOM!

Before the two siblings knew it, they were both grabbed by the neck and thrown. Time slowed down as they turned their necks, a magic blast coming to them, closer, closer...

"NO!"

Natalie unleashed a bloody scream once she realized what the enemy had done. She wouldn't have time to deflect, nor to push Alear and the pink-haired woman away. All she could was scream, her hand reaching out, her body glowing, eyes wide, tears falling as she desperately reached out and warped herself in front of the two.

"Ah..." Natalie thought as the magic blast was inches from her, closing her eyes, "This is...my final moment."

BOOM!

The world became still in that moment, with no move, everyone held their breaths. Ruby narrowed her eyes as the smoke was thick but...

STAB!

"Huh?" This stab...was different.

It hurt...being stabbed and slashed shouldn't hurt. Why did it hurt? She's a corrupted infused with fell, demonic, and holy magic. Not even the attacks of the emblems should hurt. She should be numb to all pain, so why...

"You..huff...made...a big...huff...mistake messing...with..." The smoke finally cleared and her eyes met enraged slit mint-colored eyes that glitched between normal ones, "ME!"

"AAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Ruby finally unleashed a blood-curdling scream, power exploding from her body, sending everything and everyone flying.

Arisa gritted her teeth as she refused to take out The Sword of The Creator from the woman's body. She was using her hidden reserve, about to be drained and dried but she didn't care.

"Natalie!" She closed her eyes painfully as Alear caught the girl in his arms, on the verge of passing out.

"Divine one!" King Morion ran to them with Marni and Mauvier, and the entire cathedral started shaking, unbeknownst to them, the outside of the cathedral had become a frozen graveyard, filled with spikes of ice that killed the corrupted.

Oscar and Alma are forced to retreat, leaving the others to themselves. But the more the ground, Arisa finally ripped out her sword before Ruby kicked her away. Natalie opened her eyes at that moment, her eyes wide as she saw the Emblem smile at her one last time...

"Do you have a favorite book?" Natalie asked Arisa one day as the two walked together in the snow.

"A favorite book..." Arisa muttered, "It can be any book right?" The girl nodded, "This may sound strange to you but it's To Kill a Mockingbird." Natalie looked at the woman shocked.

"That's...shocking." Natalie said as Arisa chuckled a bit, "Well...my personal favorite surprisingly is Holes." Now it's Arisa's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"You've seen the movie right?" Natalie asked, Arisa nodded, "I enjoy both the book and the movie. I don't know how to explain it but it...kinda resonated with me in a personal way for some reason." She said as the woman was silent.

"Have you seen the film for To Kill a Mockingbird?" Arisa asked, Natalie shook her head, "I didn't know there was a film. Then again," she ran her fingers through her hair, "The stupid school system of ours banned so many books and films..." she grumbled.

"Hhmmmmmm..." Arisa hummed, "What do you think is the moral or lesson To Kill a Mockingbird, teaches?" She asked.

"...To protect the innocent," Natalie said as Arisa smiled softly before looking out to the sky.

"Always being brave even when things seem scary, being truthful in any situation, and understanding and feeling for others. In the words of Attics Finch: It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Mockingbirds are creatures who do no harm and only create beauty with their song. We should not destroy the innocent and the beauty of life but rather, we should protect them." Arisa quoted the words of the author of the book and one of the lines of Atticus Finch.

SHATTER!

The gem on her ring shattered to pieces as did the woman before her eyes before she mouthed her final words...

"Live." Arisa said as she closed her eyes, "This is...my final lesson...for now..." she thought, "I know...I know she can do it...I know...she'll prevail..."

The world becomes silent. The world became still. The world watched as she turned to pieces. Her wielder screamed, jumping out of The Divine One's arms, and running towards her as fast as she could. Her arms spread out, trying to catch her, only for her to disappear once she reached her arms. Natalie stood still, looking at her hands. She stood still, eyes wide.

"Ah...ah..." her hands began trembling, her vision flickering between normal and a crimson room before, she fell to her knees, "Arisa...Arisa...this isn't funny..." she looked at her right hand, the cracked emblem she held so gently to her chest, falling to her knees, "You promised...You promised to be with me...We...were going to travel together. I...wanted to introduce you to my family...I wanted to...I wanted..." she whimpered, trembling but...

"It's your fault."

Natalie suddenly became silent. Slowly she raised her head to see the shadows of people: men, women, children, elderly, her friends and family looking at her with pure hatred. They all pointed at her.

"Everyone is dead because of you!" A child screamed.

"None of this would have happened if you were never born!" A mother screamed holding the body of her child in her arms.

"You are nothing but a burden!" Miguel spat, "You don't even talk to us."

"We don't need you," Perla said.

Bubump! Bubump! Bubump!

"Disappear."

"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Black magic exploded from her body, and bloody tears fell, as the curse finally took over.

Wailing and mad cackling poured from her lips as she stood up. Her eyes are no longer human but pure black as she disappears in an instant and appears behind Alear. The dragon was barely able to put his arms to protect himself, she kicked him, the force was almost too much for him to handle had it not been for Martha's protection.

"No...No...No!" Miguel and Perla screamed, pushing past everyone, then their weapons clashing with their sister's claws hands.

"Aaahhhhh!" She screamed their faces in a demonic voice, tears falling on their cheeks as they pushed her back, and then threw punches.

"Heheh...hahahaha!" Ruby's voice suddenly echoed, the group looked over to where she stood, her chest bloody, refusing to heal as she weakly panted and smirked at them, "The Devil's curse is complete. Your sister is no more. She's now a mindless demon waiting for Lord Shax to be resurrected." She laughed, "Her blood that has dripped..."

The building began shaking and...

"Has resurrected Sombron."

BOOM!

The ceiling of the cathedral exploded and shattered. Crashing down and landing on the stage was no other than Sombron himself. Sombron was a humanoid dragon with dark purple skin, spiked horns, black eyes with unpleasant iris, and spiked feathered wings on his back. She wore black pants, but the aura around him was terrifying.

"Ah! Lord Sombron!" King Hyacinth called out but Francis grabbed the king by the neck and threw him to the stage.

King Hyacinth coughed and cursed at the archer but then turned to the Fell King with a grin.

"The Starfarer has fallen. She has become a monster. Her tears that fell have provided the power to resurrect you." King Haycinth bowed as Sombron remained silent.

"It seems my powers have returned because of you." Sombron said, his voice rumbled, sending fear into the hearts of people, "Yet...I still hunger for more."

"Please my lord, devour these fools." King Haycinth said, turning to point at the group but...

"FATHER GET AWAY FROM HIM" Ivy screamed but it was too late.

Before anyone could move, Sombron had turned into his dragon form and devoured the king before everyone's eyes. King Haycinth didn't even get a chance to scream as he was chewed and then swallowed. He gulped before leaving out a satisfied grin.

"Father no!" Hortensia screamed and then creamed when Natalie appeared in front of them and tackled them.

Rosado managed to jump in front of them in time to protect them, pushing their friend back. Natalie let out a growl before jumping back again, and the battle ensued. Martha and Alear let out bloody roars, lunging at the fell dragon and their mother. The rest of the group was forced to fight Natalie, Zephia, and the others.

"King Morion...Kill King Morion..." rang in the former girl's head and she lunged at the Brodian group.

"Natalie, I know you're in there!" Perla desperately pleaded, her charkarms clashing violently with Natalie's claws, "Please, I know you're in there!" She whirled.

"Kuhahahahaah!" The monster cackled, jumping back then unleashed a bloody scream when an arrow pierced her shoulder.

Perla turned to look behind her, seeing Alcryst with his bow raised, his eyes landed for a moment on the doctor.

"She's...gone...she can't be saved." Diamant whispered as he stood beside her, "I'm sorry..." he said, Perla let out a small sob before she looked back to her sister, closing her eyes painfully.

"...Diamant...back me up. King Morion...I'm sorry you have to witness this." Perla whispered as the king sighed, turning his back so he could focus on killing the monsters that were now appearing, "Do what you need to do." The king said, nodding.

"Alcryst, can you help father?" The young man nodded, "Jade, Amber." The knights joined.

"Miss Perla!" Running to them were the twins, "Miguel is currently fighting Veyle and the mage dragon named Zephia. Looks like Sir Francis has retreated due to injuries." Clanne said.

"So he left."

Ruby was now suddenly behind Natalie, her hand on the girl's shoulder.

"He's always been an odd one. But..." her eyes narrowed, "So he still has feelings..." She whispered, turning her back on them, "Natalie, you know what to do. Kill them all. I got..." She plucked Arisa's ring from her hand, "What I w-?!"

Big mistake.

"KRYYYAAAAHHHHHH!" Natalie screamed, lunging at Ruby for even daring to take Arisa.

The mage was shocked, "Fuck!" She cursed, jumping back, left, right to dodge Natalie's attack.

The woman came at her like a wild beast, snapping her jaws and swinging her claws at her. She was wild, like a savage animal desperately trying to survive, trying to take back its meal from its opponent but it was her Emblem. Ruby didn't expect Natalie to react so violently to having her Emblem taken away.

"What is taking so long?" Ruby thought as she threw a punch, "Shax should have taken over the girl's body by now. Could it be that some part of her is still human?" Natalie suddenly came to still.

In the back, Martha and Alear were in a vicious fight with Sombron. The fell dragon gritted his teeth but glanced at the crystal at the top of the ceiling before his eyes landed on the Outworlder girl. All he did was raise his hand towards her direction, she came to still and swiftly changed her direction of the attack.

[—-]

"Fuck!" Miguel gritted his teeth as Violet rapidly slashed at him with her dagger.

He could see her starting to her frustrated that he wasn't falling. He jumped back just in time to dodge Zephia's thorn before Ivy with Hortensia flew past him to fight the Wyvern Rider.

"Dammit!" Violet yelled, dodging a bullet Miguel shot at her.

Griss was forced to retreat because Natalie had somehow managed to get to him and rip his arm off like a hound. Zephia was beyond furious, unleashing her rage on all of them. But the second, he heard Perla's scream, he turned his head. That was all Violet needed. She lunged, her dagger raised, closer, closer, the tip so close to his heart only for her left hand to move on his own and punch herself.

"Gah!" Violet yelled, shocked by this, even Miguel was too stunned to speak.

The impact of the punch made her stagger back, holding her cheek. She looked at her and held her hand confused before shivering it suddenly twitched, her fingers flexing before she unleashed a blood-curdling scream. She threw her head back, her hands grabbing and pulling her hair before once more lunging at Miguel, the movement so quick, that she pinned him down. But the dagger plunged, beside his ear. Violet panted and gasped, her right eye glitched and turned purple.

"Mi...guel..." Miguel's eye widened as tears fell on his cheek, "Run...Run...get..away...from here..." Veyle managed to croak before she unleashed another bloody scream, backing away from him.

"You-DEFECT!" Violet screamed, now fighting for control over her body, "How?! H-Arrghh!"

"Lady Violet!" Zephia screamed but was blocked by Ivy and Hortensia.

[—-]

King Morion gritted his teeth, his sword clashing violently with the sword Natalie somehow managed to get ahold of. She was pushing back her sons, her siblings, the retainers, and even him. The king gritted his teeth. The short time he spent with the girl he observed her. She was dead set on getting him to safety, whispering to herself she needed to atone. He could see she was riddled with self-hatred, guilt, and much more. She prioritized his safety over her own, fighting recklessly. But he saw it in her eyes, it was the gaze of a dying warrior who no longer gave a damn about their life.

She no longer had any hope in herself but as her last wish, she wanted to get him to safety.

The girl screamed, lunging at him left and right. Her attacks he noticed were sloppy. No...she was purposefully now letting herself open even if she was moving quickly. From the corner of his eyes, her could see Martha and Alear were in a bloody battle with The Fell Dragon. Just for a moment, he made eye contact with Sombron and that...

Sombron smirked.

"RAAHHHH!" Natalie was in front of him with a dagger, raised.

Was his undoing.

SPALT!

Diamant's and Alcryst's eyes went wide. The world became silent. King Morion was frozen in place as blood splattered on his face. The blade that was about to be stabbed into his neck by the girl, stabbed it into her chest. A sob was heard yet as she trembled and cried, Natalie smiled as she looked up to the king. Even if the curse had taken over her body, her right eye, the black had turned back to white, she still...somehow managed to retain humanity in her worse form. She clung tightly to Arisa's ring that she managed to take back from Ruby. It was...the one and most precious...

"Please...run..."

And black, purple, and red magic exploded from her. A blood curdling was unleashed as she hugged herself tightly as if trying to hold everything back as she fell to her knees. Spikes in red and black-like blood began to explode from the floor. Everyone tried to make a run for it. A spike was about to penetrate Diamant but Morion was quicker and pushed his son out of the way. But in that moment, the spike went through the right Morion's chest.

"Father!" Diamant screamed.

Nanami's eyes went wide and her hands went slack, falling to her knees once more. The tears began to turn black as she looked down to the ground. The spikes grew, and people screaming and running for their lives. Even Violet was stunned as she struggled for control.

She killed King Morion...

"Nanami! Nanami!" Miguel and Perla screamed along with Ivy and Hortensia.

They were all desperately trying to call out to her. Veyle screamed and wailed, trying to break through the mental cage but the spell placed was too strong. Violet groaned, trying to fight back, she could feel the defect trying to fight back for her body.

Nanami's heart rate increased and became rapid as she watched Diamant with Alcryst carry Morion away. She watched as the king's blood ran on the floor and towards her direction. She raised her hands, they were covered in King Morion's blood.

"That's right..." the voice muttered darkly and in glee inner mind, "You killed Morion."

"Aaahh...Ahhahh..." Nanami looked up to the ceiling and, "AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

STAB! STAB! STAB!

Her eyes became lifeless yet she felt no pain or emotions as the crimson black spike stabbed through her body. She felt nothing...the future she was trying to prevent. The future she was trying to change. What was the point now? What she was trying to prevent...Now she was the cause of it. She killed King Morion. She is now the reason Sombron will come back to life. She is now the reason everything is falling apart. Arisa was gone...her sacrifice was for nothing. She let everyone down.

I killed him.

You did.

I brought Sombron back...

Yes.

It's over...

Thank you, Natalie. You did well.

It's always been like that...

"Fall..." the voice whispered and Nanami closed her eyes, never wanting to wake up again.

[—-]

All I ever wanted...was peace.

All I ever wanted was to live a normal and simple life.

All I wanted was to grow up.

All I wanted was to be with my family.

All I wanted was friends.

All I wanted was to be loved and be loved.

All I wanted was to be accepted for who I am.

All I wanted was...peace...

I can't even have that...

The things I loved to do...reading, writing, learning new things about the worlds of Fire Emblem...my love for those worlds has been used as a weapon to destroy them.

I can't...I can't do it anymore.

I'm tired...I'm so tired...

I'm done.

I'm done.

I don't care anymore...

I...don't want to live anymore...

Life...faith...hope...luck...

None of it has EVER brought me peace! None of it!

I always had to survive! I always had to struggle to live! I always had to put on a mask to be accepted!

I CAN'T ANYMORE!

I WANT TO DIE!

LET ME DIE AND NEVER WAKE UP! LET ME DIE! LET ME DIE!

I LOST EVERYTHING! I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!

"I don't...care…"

[—-]

"NATLIE!" Miguel and Perla screamed as they watched their sister fall onto the ground.

Suddenly a black magic circle appeared beneath her and her blood began to flow into the runes as well as the blood spilled from King Morion.

"It's happening..." Zephia grinned, "Lord Sombron! Demon of The Black Sea! We offer you the blood of Sovereign and Starfarer! Rise and awaken once more!" Ruby screamed and cried in joy, raising her arms.

The blood began to flow and rise in the air then swirl as Nanami's body was lifted as well. The blood drained from her body and flowed to the Star Crystal. She was sucked towards it.

"Forgive me Nanami for what I am about to do!" Miguel said and he summoned Fujin Yumi and aimed, "MIGUEL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Perla screamed, "Miguel, don't!" He saw it, something was on her neck, "MIGUEL!" And he releases-?!

"I think not!" Violet screamed, "GHAH!" Miguel and Perla were sent flying back by a blast of dark wind.

"If I can't have you!" Violet screamed, "No one can!" But was met with another power struggle with Veyle.

Everyone ran for their lives, trying to get away, Alear even tried turning into his dragon form but it was too late. Light exploded from the crystal, overtaking everything. Those closets held each other to prevent themselves from being blown away. Sombron stood still, his eyes on the stage. When the light faded away, the crystal above was gone but all that floated there was a body curled in a fetal position.

"So the time has now come." Alear struggled to get up, he was next to his sister, his eyes desperately trying to stay open as he saw Ruby's boots stop right next to him, "I'll be taking this." She knelt and touched his Emblem, "Shame I couldn't take the others. Your sister was smart casting shaking magic on them. But yours," she smiled at the look of despair on his face, "I weakened. It's why I was pouring feel magic into you. Just to weaken the spell and do..." she began to take it off.

"No..."

"This."

The binding spell shattered before his eyes. She dropped his hand and walked towards Sombron, the ring floating in her hand. She smiled at him, holding it out to him, her other hand glowed, and appearing in it were four bracelets, two rings, a sword, a hand fan, a pendant, and a watch. Now, Marth's ring.

"It took quite a while hunting down the Emblems from the other world," she said, now they are yours to command, and", she looked up to the curled body, "Welcome, Lord Shax."

The curled body smiled and uncurled itself. It was Natalie but black fire engulfed her and then disappeared, revealing a completely different appearance. Her skin was very pale lavender, with two black Oni horns, a single Narwhal horn between them, a ram horn on the right side of her head, and an elk horn on her left. Her teeth were sharp like sharks, her eyes blood red slits with the white around them black, two demonic wings on her back, and two black feathered ones on her lower back that flooded in to look like a gown. The skin of her fingertips to her elbows turned to scales that shined like black obsidian, from the tip of her toes to her knees. The center of her chest was a black, crimson, gold gem with a slit pupil, and three smaller eyes the same as the gem opened under her eyes.

"You did well, Ruby." Shax smiled with arms spread out, "How long has it been since I breathe? How many years has it been since I was able to properly speak?" It said, floating down, landing gracefully, "Sombron, we have that...along with Ruby's power. Let us summon all these Emblems and show them." Its smile turned to a mad grin, "Let's show them what happens to defects!" He laughed.

Ruby made the Emblems float in their hands, and fall, and demonic magic poured into them. Within seconds the screams and shouts of men in women screaming in agony, their forms appearing, all desperately and struggling to fight back.

"No! No!" Alear screamed, running towards them, only for the force of the magic to knock him back, "WE NEED TO GO NOW!" Martha screamed.

"Run! Run!" Diamant yelled, no matter how injured they were, they did everything in their power to run for their lives but it was too late.

In the blink of an eye, Emblems, men, women, and one child all appeared surrounding them.

"Father, uncle..." Lucina's voice quivered when she saw the state Chrom and Robin were in.

"I never thought I see you again, Lucina." Grima grinned as Chrom next to him was dressed in black and crimson armor, his skin pale like a corpse.

"It hurts...It hurts..." Tiki hid in her red hood, her eyes red as she huddled closer.

"Wait, is that Anna?" Vander said seeing a young woman who looked in her early 20s, her hair long flowing, eyes wide, devoid of life with a smile as she was surrounded by dark magic, "I haven't been called that in years..." Anna said.

"Charles?" Celica gulled seeing a man in a black shadow stare at her.

"Mark, Hector, what have they done to you?!" Lyn cried out with Roy and Darence, seeing her husband looking at her with lifeless eyes and her friend's form glitching.

"Professor..." the lord trio gritted their teeth as they saw Byleth looking at him with scorn, an aura of rage surrounding him.

Emblem Veronica spoke no words, only stared at them and the young man standing next to her, a man with a blindfold, remained silent, his hair was black feather and scales on his cheeks.

Finally, Marth looked down at them all with Emblem Erika and Ephraim.

"What have they done to you all?" Alear croaked till her heard a familiar laugh, turning his head to see Shax laughing at them.

"It's so obvious! I turned them to their Fallen Forms. Now that I am back in the world of the living, I can continue what needs to be—" Martha screamed, slamming her staff into the ground.

Even if her body burned to ashes, even if she died, even if the Fallen Emblems all immediately launched attacks, she activated extreme warp, warping all out of the cathedral, far...far as she could. The cathedral trembled, and shook, about to fall but all Shax did was laugh because they ran with their tails between their legs.

"We have won." It said and dodged the attack Violet did, "Poor Violet, struggling hard to kill that defect huh?" They grabbed her by the neck, slamming her to the ground, "Don't worry, I'll help you."

"Do not kill her," Sombron said, turning his back to walk away.

"You..." Violet growled, checked, her eyes rolling back as the grip became tighter, "Big...sister..." Veyle wept.

"Any last words, Veyle?" Shax grinned as they leaned in close, Violet's lips close to their ears.

"Ki..." Veyle struggled but, the demon grinned, enjoying her final sounds but...

"Killiki Killikuk..."

[—-]

The hills.

They were far deep into the forest and hills of Elusia. They all dropped to the snow, tired, cold, and injured. Many couldn't move, others passed out in the snow. Martha gasped and hurled blood, shaky, her staff stabbed into the ground. Her eyes were bloody as she looked behind her, everyone was out.

"We're...safe..." she whispered, "We're..." she fell to the snow, "safe."

Alear coughed, struggling to get up. His voice cracked as he slammed his fist into the ground repeatedly.

They lost.

They lost!

"Dammit! Dammit!" Alear cried and cursed, they managed to save King Morion but now—

Light...

Alear slowly looked up to see a pillar of light explode from the ground where the cathedral was. He and those far away could see it, even those in the other nations. That pillar of light soon disappeared. Alear managed to gather enough strength to force himself up and walk. His right arm hurt but he didn't care. He walked and walked till he reached the top of the hill. There he finally saw it.

Destinea Cathedral was no more.

{-)

Author's Note: Listen, things are going to get difficult before they become better.

One more chapter before the end of this Arc.