Ten years. That's how long the forces of Zenoira took to control all of Fevrith. Humans, Elves, Bestrals, and Angles alike all fell victim to these invaders.

Though resistances were created against Zenoiran forces, they fell one after another, without any change to the invasions.

However, the tides of war were about to turn—a Hero, from the stars themselves, would descend on Zenoirian lands.


In the continent of Elheim, home of the elves and dark elves, Rosalinde, a dark elf, knelt in prayer under the shade of a tree. The night breeze gently swayed her long aqua hair and cooled her face and body. There, she gave her gratitude and prayers of thanks to the great tree Ervélda and asked for those in Elheim who continued to fight in hopes of driving Zenoira off their land. Rosalinde did this every morning and every evening.

Ever since the day the tides had turned in Elheim—and her sister Eltolinde the ruling Turenós of the kingdom was forced to surrender to the Zenoiran invaders, Rosalinde had gone into hiding, gathering all those that remained who stood against the Zenoira regime, hoping to both reclaim her beloved Kingdom's sovereignty and rescue her sister, Eltolinde.

Sighing, Rosalinde opened her eyes; then, with a fluid grace, rose from her kneeling position. Gently brushing her long hair back, she walked out of the thicket, very few Zenoira patrols ever passed the grove where she had been praying.

Stopping in her tracks, she enjoyed the cool and refreshing air. The sound of the leaves and brush around her blew in the winds and she shut her eyes and deeply inhaled, then released a gentle exhale. Just how much more could her people withstand, enduring and persisting through the heavy, oppressive yokes, the painful trials, and suffering? Would they ever be freed to rejoice again?

She hoped so, but something needed to change for their sake...

Opening her eyes once again, her deep red eyes shone with renewed strength and hope, her aqua hair gently swaying with the breezes. Something good would come from their great suffering... She would not give into despair!

Taking a step forward, she suddenly stopped. A blue hue illuminated the trees and brush around her; her pointed ears twitching, she looked around... She couldn't find the origin of this strange phenomenon and it only seemed to get brighter! Then she looked up and her eyes widened in shock and awe at what she beheld...

"T-the stars?!" Her soft, gentle voice was full of wonder as she exclaimed.

A large purplish-blue portal in the sky above opened and grew larger and larger until it seemed to collapse in itself, and then from its center came a streak of blue light.

"By the great Ervélda!!" her face was full of pure wonder, amazement, and just the slightest hint of fear, as she cried out and took a step backward. The wind howled through the woods around her as this 'fallen star' tore through the sky at an astonishingly quick speed.

Flying overhead and crashing a few miles in front of her with an almighty rumble and thunderous bang. The earth itself seemed to quake from its impact as a dust cloud rolled into the air, rising high above and sending the animals and birds scattering from the area, with loud squawks, shrieks, and squeaks.

Her aqua hair waving in the strong wind, Rosalinde panted a little, her heart racing at such a sight! Running toward her grove, she frantically grabbed her staff, spellbook, and other important belongings. Wasting no time at all, she hastily headed toward the direction she saw the large cloud of debris rise.

Whatever it was that fell from the sky was definitely worth investigating. And no doubt any Zenoiran forces might very well converge toward the area in hopes of securing it and claiming it for their own gain, whatever it might be…

Running quickly, but carefully through the thicket, her dark elf ears flicked and twitched, listening and analyzing the surroundings for anything that would bring harm or a hindrance to her journey.

Soon, her keen ears picked up the sound of wyvern knights flying overhead. For a split second, her heart leaped, and her mind thought they had detected her. Taking cover behind some shrubs and bushes, she waited anxiously... Her hand tightly gripped her staff. If need be she was prepared to put them down swiftly and silently...

Luckily though, the knights continued in the direction where the fallen star struck down. A wave of relief and tension washed over her... Once she was certain the wyvern squad had gone past, she rose and went running, dodging trees and stepping over fallen logs, doing her best to keep a straight course towards the crashed fallen object.


It felt like an eternity had gone by, but finally, Rosalinde reached the edge of a clearing in the forest, standing up on a hill looking upon the destruction of fallen trees and brush scattered below. The scorch marks upon the ground gave no doubt that whatever it was had descended with great speed.

Crouching low, her red eyes stared keenly across the clearing. Zenoiran forces had gotten there already. It wasn't just wyvern squads patrolling the perimeter, but also various personnel searching and combing the ground... Archers, soldiers, hoplites, and the occasional witch and wizard...

The dark elf grimaced a bit, seeing such activity; she might have to relent on investigating the crash site now... But something within her couldn't just ignore what she had seen, her curiosity got the better of her and she simply had to know what that great big blue light that soared through the night sky was!

Crawling up towards the crest of the hill, and gently lying low as she peered over the edge to observe their activities, her keen elvish hearing picked up a few conversations...

"Hurry up!" a rough, mean voice barked "No mistakes! Secure the area! Elheim resistance fighters might show up soon... Elves are damned fast. That last rebel ambush cost me most of my best men!!"

"Yes, Sir!" replied several voices; though the response was hurried, it had a unified solidarity to it.

Screeching squawks and howls filled the area as two wyvern knights forced their mounts to land down beside the crash; the beasts snapped and hissed at each other as their riders climbed off and inspected the sight...

Whatever had fallen had slid into a ravine. It left behind a scar of destruction, burning trees and charred grass, as it carved its path through the ground...

From her vantage point, the elf couldn't make out anything, but she guessed a few Zenoirans were already down in the ravine...

Any attempt to retrieve the crash was now completely impossible... Her stomach turned into knots. Not out of fear or anxiety, but just the simple knowledge that Zenoirans might obtain this crash could result in something terrible, that was something that couldn't be overlooked.

Clenching her teeth, Rosalinde raised her head hoping to catch a glimpse of just what was in that crater. The sound of shouting, more arguing, and commanding tones flooded her pointed ears, making her hunker back down lower and hold her position.

Was she discovered?!

The voices increased their volume, her ears picking up more words now...

"Surrender!" a Zenoiran hoplite called out from within the pit.

"We've got you surrounded! Submit to Zenoira and your life will be spared!"

Cheek pressed into the soft grass, Rosalinde realized the Zenoirans weren't referring to her at all...! She relaxed a bit and risked another peak over the top. So did that mean an entity from the stars crashed and lived? Her dark elf ears flicked, excitement beginning to course through her.

"Identify yourself!" shouted a soldier from the pit again, his demand sounding more frantic...

"This fool thinks we're playing." a rough voice cut in. "Ha ha ha, fine. If he won't tell us, we'll force the answers out of him."

The sound of a blade leaving its sheath caught Rosalinde's attention even more. Anxiety began to build, this wasn't going to be good. Whoever it was they were definitely in danger! Her body seemed to move before she could even think of the ramifications; rising once more, she froze as a thunderous crack broke through the chaos below.

Screams and the sound of steel being drawn rang loudly in Rosalinde's ears, something inside her mind told her to hold, to see if things would take a turn, to wait a bit longer...

More of those loud cracking, popping sounds shot through the commotion, as screams followed suit, making Rosalinde's elvish heart leap! What was going on?! She didn't want to stay hidden for much longer but...

The Zenoirans who'd set up a perimeter surrounding the area also rushed in, readying their weapons and advancing toward the ravine.

And with their actions, more of that unnatural sound rang out; she couldn't explain it... It had to be the unknown entity within that crater causing all these loud bursts to break through the shouting...

"For Zenoira!!!" roared out several voices

"Charge!!! Charge!!"

If this thing was an enemy to Zenoira, then was it possible that it might be considered an ally? Her heart raced; would it be able to help the resistance free Eltolinde and her kingdom?! Was it too much to hope...?

Gripping her staff and rising to her feet, she wasted no time at all running down the slope... Her purple cloak and black cape billowed and flowed behind her as she gracefully dodged and stepped around brush and fallen debris.

At the very least, there was now an opportunity to thin the enemy ranks and investigate the mysterious entity!

Strange shouts, shrieks and screams resounded below, making her blood race within her veins. Nearing two archers who'd stayed back, the dark elf pointed the crystal atop her staff and twirled it around quickly.

"Sylphic Wind!" Rosalinde chanted in a loud tone, quickly casting her wind elemental magic, and conjuring a powerful gust of wind.

"ARGGGH!!" roared both Zenoiran bowmen as the magical wind slammed into both, blowing them into the air!

Rosalinde ran down the rest of the steep incline of the hill and leaped the moment she reached flat terrain, the sound of the two archers' bodies breaking against rocks and tree limbs far from her mind...

Making it to the opening where the crater was, the elven girl dashed, leaping over branches and various debris.

Shouts and commotion, with screams added to that, rose, echoing louder as she sprinted over some grass and mud, getting closer.

A soldier stood at the edge of the crater back to her, seemingly frozen in place as he stared down. The strange noise never ceased, as cries, roars, and then booming resonated.

Her brows narrowing, her whole demeanor brimming with fierce resolve, planting her feet, she spun her staff around and sliced.

Barely registering her appearance, the soldier began turning. Delivering him a blow straight into the side of his unguarded head! Blood spilled from the gashing wound, and the body instantly crumbled and slid into the hole.

Rushing to the ledge, she gasped, her eyes widening as she beheld a lone figure standing against a mass of Zenoirans.

Large, bulky, armored, and towering over them in height! It was a masculine being. It was wearing bizarre green armor that covered nearly every inch of its body, with a glowing golden visor that covered where the eyes should have been.

In its hands was a sleek but crude-looking weapon... It didn't have a sharp-bladed head; in fact, it looked like a pale attempt at a crossbow...

Its design was strange... But its effectiveness could not be ignored or written off! The moment the armored knight would point his weapon at a target, it would roar that thunderous bang and discharge a shot at the intended victim, felling its adversary on the spot.

Magic?

Another round discharged, the bolt slicing through the air and slamming into an unsuspecting target, going clean through the chest. Another thunderclap resounded, a Zenoiran's head snapping back as a hole opened. Then, another, and another, and another... Bodies piled around the massive armored knight as more enemy reinforcements flooded in.

But that weapon wasn't the only means this mysterious 'Star person' possessed! Swinging out his hand, he effortlessly caught an advancing Zenoiran by the throat, a Hoplite, no less! Lifting the larger armored Zenoiran like he was nothing more than a doll, the knight crushed, silencing the choking pleas, and casually tossed his body aside.

Snapping from her shocked trance, the elven beauty spotted a Zenoiran knight leaping and bringing his sword down upon the 'star person'. Instinctively, her staff moved, and a burst of magic expelled from the end, shooting toward the knight.

Crashing hard into the aggressor's body, the magic sent him off trajectory and into the dirt. Turning the 'star person's' gaze fixed on her.

Worried, her breath caught in her throat, the Star Person brought his weapon toward her!

"WAIT!!! STOP!!" Rosalinde cried out, holding her staff over her chest in defense.

Pulling the trigger, a thunderous bang and flash accompanied his aim.

Barely an inch or so away from where she stood the bolt pierced and shredded through a soldier attempting to charge her, going straight through his skull, and his body jolting from the shock of the hit. His corpse slid into the ground.

Recognition kicked in the elves' brains. His shot wasn't aimed at her at all; rather, it was intended for the Zenoiran attempting to take her down, no doubt returning the favor for her earlier action...

Gazing into his golden visor, her face held a surprise, then softened, and finally, the tiniest hint of a warm smile tugged the corner of her lips,

"T-thank you..." Rosalinde, managed as her cheeks felt like they had gotten a bit warmer. Did this thing even understand her...?

As if to answer her question, the armor-clad knight nodded and returned to attacking his targets, mowing down anyone who got in range or attempted to charge him down.

Feeling confident the 'star person' had her best interest in mind, the elven lass was eager to lend some assistance, striking foes with her sharpened staff and conjuring up wind element magic! Sending enemies flying and scattering about.

She noted how the green knight paused briefly when she cast her spells. However, the hesitation seemed to never delay his attacks.

Delivering a vicious big boot that seemed to cave in a soldier's torso in, sending him and his armor crashing, rolling, and tumbling backward. A bit of vulnerability seemed to finally show on the walking juggernaut's form when a Zenoiran witch launched a magic missile spell, striking the 'star person' right in the chest, making him stagger slightly as a beautiful golden light suddenly encircled him, spreading out over him like ripples on water.

Upon quickly recovering, the 'star person' unleashed a quick draw, putting an abrupt stop to the Zenoiran witch's second spell.

At last, the seemingly endless waves of troops seemed to peter out as the last of the Zenoirans realized trying to bring the behemoth of green and golden glory was a lost cause.

"Retreat!" shouted a wyvern rider, who barely made it out of the clearing as he gave the order.

"R-retreat!" "Tactical withdrawal!!" other Zenoirans hollered in a panicked manner as they turned tail and started running, losing order and fleeing into the woods...

Breathing a small sigh of relief the elven beauty twirled and tucked her staff away, taking in the scene of bodies scattered about, a few moaning, screaming, and grunting in pain. Her aqua hair swayed as her shoulders seemed to slump a bit, war was always such an ugly thing...

Moving up closer to the green knight, Rosalinde stood straight and studied his appearance. What manner of beast was he...?!

The knight held his crossbow high, scanning his surroundings, as his body seemed tense and alert... He was more akin to a tiger or a wolf. Watchful, vigilant, and dangerous, but not malicious, not unless there was a threat or something that would result in harm.

At least that's what she wanted to believe. The strange entity was incredibly strong, powerful, and decisive... This much she couldn't deny.

Gazing to look up at his faceless golden visor, their height difference was almost staggering, her head didn't even reach up to his breastplate. His arm and overall body shape and physique dwarfed hers greatly.

Lowering his weapon a bit, he still kept it at ready and pointed at the ground, turning to stare down at Rosalinde, silent, it was so quiet she thought perhaps her own breathing would be loud to her, not to mention her heart.

Was he assessing her as a threat, wondering if he would have to fire upon her...?

"Identify yourself." A deep, rich, masculine voice broke through their silence.

Relief filled her; he was sentient, a living and breathing individual, and he spoke their language fluently... Perhaps if she spoke carefully, diplomatically they might even reach an agreement!

"My name is Rosalinde." She replied simply, her voice soft but warm, polite, "Augur of the kingdom of Elheim."

Silence filled the air as her heart seemed to tremble slightly with anticipation. It was always hard to read people with a mask or some kind of concealing helmet on; his glowing gold visor gave little away, either.

He? Was that an appropriate assumption...? Rosalinde was quite certain the armored being towering over her was a he, gazed around, and took his surroundings again.

Courage welling, and determination taking hold, Rosalinde's jaw hardened and set as she raised herself to stand tall, no longer in any sort of meek or timid posture.

"Might I inquire about yours?" she said in a clear tone, her voice raised a bit to give some sense of power and control.

He paused for a few heartbeats and seemed to stop looking around. She could almost feel the weight of his unseen gaze on her, not that she was uncomfortable or scared, but it made her wonder what thoughts were churning behind that golden visor.

"Chief..." was his curt response.

"Chief?" She replied softly with a quizzical expression.

Nodding slowly and steadily he repeated," Master Chief. Spartan."

"Spartan?" Rosalinde replied softly, testing the new term, committing it to memory...

She wasn't sure exactly what a spartan was, and well she didn't understand what a 'master chief' was either, but they didn't seem like names, more like titles.

"I see," she softly replied after a long pause, her eyes still taking him in.

A quiet stillness came over both as they continued to quietly stand and study each other. It wasn't until several long moments of awkward silence passed that the dark elf spoke again.

"I've so many questions for you, Spartan Chief."

"Master Chief." His strong voice echoed out again correcting her.

Rosalinde nodded and smiled, "Yes, that's what I meant..." She trailed off a bit before adding, "But not here; it's far too exposed, and no doubt the Zenoirans will soon return... More heavily armed this time."

She extended an arm out towards the wooded area behind them. "I know a place, east of here near the village of Vilta where we won't be disturbed."

There was no indication that the Spartan, Chief, even noticed her words or motion at first; however, when he moved to step forward, she felt relieved.

Smiling with a kind gaze, she followed and moved up alongside him. Her red eyes took in everything: how he walked, the subtle movements of his arms, his fingers, the way he held the unusual weapon of his...

Her aqua hair gently waved with the light breeze; keeping step with the larger Master Chief, she studied his armaments and armor. His design and appearance made no sense to her; his body shape, strength, and physique also made her mind stir and ponder; surely there wasn't anything of his like walking amongst Fevrith till now...

Their steps crunching through the dead leaves and dirt were the only sounds audible in the vicinity; at least it was a little comforting; the elf couldn't remember the last time she walked in a silent woods and actually enjoyed it.

Her mind buzzed with questions. Questions upon questions. How did he know to speak her tongue...? Was he truly from the stars? If yes, was he a god? If he wasn't a god, was he a mortal? Was he a half-elf? Perhaps some secret order from Ervélda? Or had he somehow been blessed by the gods? Was he alone on Fevrith, or would more come? Would any more come??

Of course, they'd have to reach their sanctuary first before all the answers could be given. So with the wind in their backs, both the elven oracle and the spartan continued through the trees.


A neglected cemetery lay quiet and still. Not a sound, nor was there any sign of activity stirring. It was not the most inviting or favorable meeting place, but when the entire kingdom had been conquered by the Zenoira invasion, hardly any place could be called safe or welcoming.

Leading her spartan guest, Rosalinde glimpsed back to make sure he was following still on their journey from the crash site to her current sanctuary; one thing became abundantly clear. The Master Chief was unwaveringly silent, from his lack of conversation on the trek to his amazingly quiet footsteps... She wondered if he was weary of her. She hoped that wasn't the case. It would make the upcoming discussion all the more awkward and difficult.

"My apologies for bringing you to such a place." Her tone held regret as she knelt before the grave "You must think me most impolite," her gaze focused upon a humble carved headstone... "No proper host would ever bring a guest to a place meant for the dead..." she finished sorrowfully, her delicate hand rubbing at the stone as she gingerly wiped some dried leaves and branches from its engraved letters.

Master Chief walked over slowly and gazed at the grave she kneeled at. There were dozens more scattered throughout the forgotten grounds and hills.

"We have very few places where we can meet safely," she looked up at him with a half-smile "Zenoiran soldiers patrol all the roads... Checkpoints are everywhere; they watch everyone closely, searching homes... I'd rather not invite needless suspicion to any nearby village."

Nodding, Master Chief walked around a bit, examining some more gravestones; some of the graves themselves had become nothing but dirt-filled divots, and others were still visible mounds.

Rising, she patted her knees and brushed off a few pieces of dust and twigs that clung to her bare knees. Moving toward him, her cloak gently flowed in the wind.

"Tell me, Chief. Are you from the stars?" Her question was direct, and her expression one of earnestness, no hint of dishonesty to be found in her countenance.

He looked up at the night sky as the brisk air hit both of them, the light breeze running gently through her hair as she patiently awaited his answer.

Finally, her companion turned, "A question for a question." His voice was hard, like tempered steel, unbending and unmovable, and unyielding.

Those were suitable conditions she could work with, at least he didn't deny her questions but demanded that his curiosity, no, his need for knowledge, would also be appeased.

"Of course," Rosalinde's hand went over her breast in agreement and concession "Only after you have answered mine, however," she stepped closer "That is only fair,"

Chief seemed to regard her for a brief moment and then turned to gaze skyward once again.

"Yes, I am"

His reply, though short and simple, made the dark elf's skin breakout in gooseflesh; a feeling of excitement ran through her...! It was indeed true, Chief had come to her from the heavens above.

"Please," her eyes shining with great eagerness, "Do tell, for Ervélda's sake, please tell! Have you come here from the realm of the gods? Have you come to save Fevrith? Us?" her excitement and eagerness making the flow of questions spew rapidly from her mouth.

A raised hand from Chief put a quick stop to the elf's inquiries, "My turn." Was his answer.

Her cheeks darkened a little out of embarrassment for getting ahead of herself, however her eyes gleamed with both excitement and hope.

"Where am I?" Chief inquired, his deep baritone was all serious.

Rosalinde tilted her head to one side just a bit in an endearing, if a bit cutesy fashion, the tips of her pointed ears, gently bobbed a bit.

"Fevrith. More specifically the kingdom of Elheim." She replied plainly, as though he should have already known this.

The Master Chief looked at the area and nodded slowly, seemingly to be deep in thought.

"Has the great tree Ervélda sent you to me?" Her voice came out a bit eager as her whole disposition brightened in appearance, "Has the divine tree sent you to save the kingdom?" her hand pressed upon her bosom, her eyes glistening with a glimmer of hope, her face brimming and radiating optimism as she smiled with a somewhat dazzling, if innocent radiance, at her celestial guest.

The Master Chief was able to put most of her questions in context. Ervélda. It must be their god of sorts, Chief thought, although, considering he'd never heard any of the names before now, it didn't help him grasp where exactly this world, this Fevrith, fit into any previously known maps.

"No."

Chief's short, clipped tone cut through her starry-eyed expectations, and her hopes were instantly dashed; the color from her cheeks seemed to drain a bit, and her once rosy smile faded slightly. Her ruby-red orbs dimmed a touch as her brow wrinkled a bit.

Was it so much to hope for a guardian coming to help reclaim her sister, her country, and her homeland from Zenoira? The faith and devotion of her ancestors, and their devotion to the great god tree, was still her heart and soul and the core of her being.

"But you did descend from the stars above right, Master Chief?"

He'd let her have this extra question...

"In a way... Yes."

Her spirit didn't falter as the Spartan gave his somewhat vague answer, she seemed satisfied enough that he had come here on some grand quest, that or at least a journey. And given their earlier exchange with the Zenoiran troopers, she wasn't about to fault him for not directly saving Elheim; it was her own overly zealous and exuberant imagination.

Rosalinde quieted a little as she reigned in her eagerness.

"A question of my own, for you," Chief spoke in an inquisitive, almost suspicious manner, his helm never wavering from the elven girl, "Zenoira, who are they?"

Shaking herself from her thoughts and stalling for a bit, trying to collect and compose her thoughts, she began to explain, "Rising from within the old kingdom of Cornia, the Zenoiran Empire conquered all its bordering kingdoms. Elheim, Drakenhold, Albion, and Bastorias."

Moving up a few grave markers and sitting atop one, her staff planted firmly against the dirt, "Their aggressive expansionary agenda has decimated all of our military forces, and there seems to be no limit or restraint to their want for conquest and resources..."

She quieted a little and stared up at the starry night sky...

"All races have suffered greatly under their harsh oppression." Her voice quieted, solemn. "The Zenoiran Empire enslave our people, drain our land, desecrate our holy sites and cites... All in their wicked ambitions of expanding their kingdom, and greed."

Rosalinde shivered involuntarily; it had gotten cooler now; even her breath seemed to fog a bit as she inhaled deeply and sighed softly.

"I had hoped you'd been sent to aid our kingdom when I saw you fall from the heavens and watched as you destroyed our shared foes..." her lips turning upward with a slight smile. "I suppose now it doesn't really matter."

Mulling over the elf's explanation of Zenoira and Fevrith, Chief's voice sounded with authority, "No. It matters."

Quirking her brows upwards, she met his visored look, "You have something in mind, Master Chief?" a feeling of hope rose within and anticipation of what was to come.

Standing tall, the spartan, paused for a brief time, almost as though he were pondering the possible choices presented before him...

"I need to find a way back home," he began. "Would this Zenoira help me?"

Crossing her arms and folding them against her, she considered his query and the outcome of any potential deal with the empire...

"They'd sooner execute you." the statement had such blunt finality to it.

"I figured." Was his quick, simple, almost humorous response as he took another look around the graveyard. "Would you help me?"

Puzzlement rose and played out across Rosalinde's expression. What did she mean to do?! She didn't know any secrets or ways to get back to where her celestial guest hailed. But perhaps someone in all of the empire's captured cities or territories did possess the knowledge Chief was looking for!

"If I was certain that someone had the means for you to return home, then yes." Was her honest answer, tilting her head, her brows furrowed as worry flashed upon her features, "Though it would not be an easy task finding such an individual?"

Nodding as if satisfied with her answer, his next statement shocked the dark elf!

"What do you want me to do?"

Was he...! Her mind whirled in excited chaos as joy and relief rushed over and filled her entire body... He was truly willing to help Elheim, and a grin crept onto her face!

"For you to assist me, and lend a hand in the liberation of my homeland," her confidence surged, as did a newfound purpose! "To defeat Zenoirans, and help the resistance forces rescue our people, my sister, the kingdom from oppression."

Chief looked down at her, her head barely coming up to his chest. A moment of silence filled the air between them, only the cool breezes could be heard whispering among the leaves as he regarded her request.

"Fine," his consent and agreement with her request seemed to fill her up with an insurmountable confidence that she hadn't felt since before her kingdom had fallen!

Grasping Chief's arm, her grip firm and confident, her voice brimmed with spirit and purpose "On this I vow. Together, we shall save the kingdoms and people; I can and will ensure that you can get home, if not immediately, in the future."

Rosalinde released him and went on with an affirmative, hopeful tone "As I've said, Elheim and her allies are gathering strength... In time, we will liberate not only my kingdom but all lands and peoples oppressed by the empire and free ourselves..."

Squaring her shoulders, with her hands pressed against her chest, she gazed at him resolutely, "Let us set forward on our path of liberation; I will guide you as best as I possibly can and be your eyes and ears."

Chief simply gave a single nod to the elf, who couldn't help but giggle and smile a bit with exhilaration. For a moment her heart quivered with uncertainty as she stared up at his featureless helmet... This would certainly not be an easy endeavor; if anything, it would most likely be the most dangerous endeavor she's undertaken so far.

Still, it didn't quell nor diminish the relief she felt from Chief accepting her plea to help her liberate the kingdoms. Now, the real challenge will be finding more resistance forces, and learning if or how to proceed next.

The next few days would certainly be quite busy for both herself and Chief!


'Before this is all over, promise me you'll figure out which one of us is the machine.' Chief stroked the now empty data crystal chip, remembering Cortana's words and giving them serious consideration...

Did she mean to send him to this alien world where some kind of medieval war was taking place, to let him figure things out for himself? Or maybe this was all just the AI's way of joking; either way, there wasn't a whole lot to do, and certainly no Covenant forces or UNSC to face off against...

Turning the data chip between his fingers, a thousand thoughts whirled and spun around his mind. Rosalinde had eventually let sleep overtake her. She was propped up, resting her body against one of the headstones, her head sloped and to the side, as she dozed...

Wanting to confirm her story, Chief snuck to the nearby village for reconnaissance... Every bit of it was accurate. Zenoira's mistreatment of the civilians was painfully obvious to the point he found it easy to believe the atrocious treatment had gone on for so many years with very little interference or repercussions.

Humans and elves both seemed to have a poor opinion of the occupation of Zenoiran rule. None were supportive of it in the least bit.

Clenching his jaw, he considered the sleeping elf princess, his partner now for the foreseeable future... Her attire and appearance were oddly provocative in the Chief's mind. A simple leotard, bare legs that curved down to her covered sheens and sandaled feet... A black cape and flowing purple hooded cloak hung low on her shoulders.

Highly revealing if not entirely. Still, despite her scantily clad body, she wasn't helpless in the least bit. Given her display at their first meeting, the Chief could not afford to underestimate her ability to fight.

Making his way to a nearby lake, Chief placed the data chip back into his Mjolnir and sighed. He looked out at his reflection in the water. Magic, elves, wyverns, witches, and wizards. This world was unlike anything the Chief had ever seen. So alien compared to everything the UNSC and Covenant had thrown at him.

How was he going to be able to find his way home while all this was going on? The task didn't seem easy...

Cortana's voice in his head repeated what she always did, 'You'll figure it out.'

Would he? He wondered as he gazed skyward towards the rising sun above. Dawn was breaking, its pink hues pushing the darkness away, bringing color and light back to the land of Fevrith.

After a long while he finally decided that no answers or solutions would present themselves on their own. Looking back in the direction of the abandoned cemetery, Chief turned and began the trek back to his companion. He'd figure it out eventually. In the end, he'd succeed. There was no other alternative.


Groggy, rubbing her eyes, Rosalinde sat up blinking and trying to wake. Shivering just a bit, she looked around, puzzled before realizing the spartan was nowhere in sight, making her heart lurch!

Scrambling up and almost falling over, she forced her sleep-hazy eyes to focus and look for her star person! Had the Zenoiran patrols returned!? Right, left, nothing and no one in sight, not even tracks upon the ground...

Spinning in circles, her sandaled feet dug up the gravel and dry leaves in her frenzied attempts at finding Chief, at last, a flash of green armor caught her eye, and relief washed over her like an ocean wave, releasing her pent-up worry and anxiety, her body relaxed as her hands went over her heart!

Thank Ervélda, Chief hadn't vanished... Though, Rosalinde chided herself silently. Where did she think he'd vanish to?! He came from the stars. Perhaps she was simply overwhelmed and disoriented after awakening and finding her new companion gone...

"Chief." was the simple warm greeting. Her eyes sparkled and her face beamed as she smiled. "Good morning!"

Staring down at the dark elf, he didn't return her greetings; instead, he stated bluntly, "What's our current objective?"

Deflated somewhat by his blunt and impersonal tone, Rosalinde frowned and almost pouted, the corners of her mouth scrunched up a bit. Still, the stoic armored giant was her ally and had agreed to work together with her for the foreseeable future, he would no doubt come to appreciate her friendliness... At least she could hope so.

Clearing her throat, she forced a small smile upon her lips, "Right, well..." her ruby eyes glowed and took in her green knight, "any direction or advancement would be hindered until we make contact with a local resistance group; they are scattered about the territory." She mused and brushed a strand of hair from her face.

Walking over to the elf, she carefully studied him, "Perhaps we should meet with the closest group we can locate? Our chance of meeting one may be more favorable on the outskirts since they will no doubt be avoiding heavily occupied areas..."

Gazing skyward the Chief nodded in agreement "Understood,"

"Then, let's get moving Chief." she chirped and twirled. Gathering the little items and gear she had brought along with them, securing everything neatly into a cloth bundle. Her long aqua locks swayed slightly.

"Try to stay alert. We don't want anyone reporting us or the Zenoiran soldiers catching on... especially this early..." Her eyes lingered briefly over his form before she secured the cloak over her; it did an adequate job of camouflaging her somewhat revealing attire.

With her bag in tow and staff gripped in one hand, the two ventured forward on their quest to liberate the country from the ironclad heel of Zenoiran's oppressive boots.


Author's Note: So originally, this was going to be Fire Emblem x Halo, but I decided to instead go with Unicorn Overlord. I do one day want to revisit a FE x Halo, but my brain was just not into it right now.

Even this story isn't completely planned out in my head. This was more of a plot bunny that wouldn't leave my head, so I just threw it onto the computer.

I have a rough idea of where this story will be headed and a couple of scenes I want to write. But I have no clue when I will update. Since this story is still in the planning stages feel free to throw some suggestions into the comments.

Fantasy x Halo settings are rare so I'm really looking forward to exploring it and trying something different.

Timeline wise. For Chief, this is set after Halo 4. And if you've played Unicorn Overlord (Please play Unicorn Overlord) Alain is just starting his journey. So, the Cornia characters will most likely make an appearance later as I focus on Elheim's characters first.