Elden Ring II

by Robin171301

Many ages have passed in the Lands Between, now covered by a greater dark fog. The last Elden Lord vanished, after The Fall. The grace is fading and with it all hope of restoring peace, yet in this darkness lies one small glimmer hope, the Last Tarnished.

1. Chapter 1 to 25

A lone man is riding on a carriage, on a long and dirty road. He finally sees his destination ahead and smiles. He looks up at the ruined church to see a woman, robed in black, as she patiently waits for him. He looks back at the body in the back of the carriage, covered in a tarp and begins muttering to himself. "Soon, you shall walk amongst us again my lord. The great lady shall gift you a portion of her long-lost grace, and with that, hope will return to these Lands. Many of ages have passed since..." he stops, as if he is scared to even speak these next thoughts. He takes a heavy breath and speaks again. "Many of ages have passed since The Fall, many have perished or lost their way, grace was burned from the lands and hid in the roots left by the Erdtree, the souls of the dead either to scared or to wounded to fight the great evil any longer." He takes a deep breath and with a renewed vigor and joy in his voice continues, "but that is where you come in, you shall rise once more and fulfill your destiny! Travel to the Lands Between." Then he begins shouting and onlookers look at him, all of them confused till they see the body, and they begin cheering. The black robed woman smiles and watches the old man continue. "RECLAIM THE GREAT RUNES! RESTORE THE ELDEN RING! AND BECOME ELDEN LORD!

Chapter End Notes

I'm writing these notes much later than when the first chapter was posted. The first ten to twelve chapters seem real slow and short but stick around for after that. They get much more content thereafter. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2

The man stops the cart at the church and he hops off. He hobbles to the back of the cart with his staff. As he reaches it, he shakes as he sees the hooded woman is already standing there, staring at the body.

He sees the strands of yellow hair hanging out of the hood, he tries to get a look at her face, but stops himself.

"My lady, should we take him inside?" The woman does not respond, she simply rests her hand on the corpse's covered head, then sighs.

Finally she responds "yes, we shall, it has been to long already." They have the servants carry the body in and then the woman orders them to leave.

She looks at the old man who has finally removed his hood now that they are alone. The old albinauric slowly sits down and looks down in pain.

The woman rises and walks over to him. She casts a healing incantation that gives him some comfort.

"Thank you my lady. You are most kind."

The woman looks away as if shy, or ashamed, the albinauric can't tell. "It is nothing Albus. You have taken a great risk bringing our champion back to me."

"It was a risk worth taking my lady. He is our last hope, and if my queen commands it then it must be done."

The woman stands up hastily and with a venomous tone replies "I am no one's queen. Not any longer." She then walks back to the lifeless body and Albus sighs.

Night has fallen and the woman begins a ritual. Albus watches in wonder as a golden light begins emanating from her. It radiates throughout the ruined building and outsiders can see the light shining.

The dark creatures can see it from afar and begin making their way to the building. The guards outside prepare as they can hear the shrieking howls approaching.

Eventually the woman holds out her hand, and a small flicker of light emerges from them. A small piece of grace, the long lost power of the Golden Order. It lands on the body, and it is absorbed by it. The body soon begins to shuffle and slowly rises. It sits up and eventually and lifts the tarp off itself, revealing a young man, with long blonde hair, goldeneyes, and a scar along his left cheek. He looks at the woman and albinauirc and looks confused.

"Who are you?" He asks. The woman sighs before removing her hood. She takes the man's hand and he feels safe when she does.

"My name is Marika. Yours is Magnus. You perished in a battle some time ago and with the power of grace, I was able to bring you back."

"Marika? Grace?" The man contemplates the words for a moment. "They sound familiar, why can I not remember anything?"

The old man stands up, with a look of astonishment and kneels before the man. "My lord, it is so great to see you."

Marika cuts off Albus and answers Magnus' question. "I assume you lost your memories as you have been dead for some time. You are reborn I guess you could say. Perhaps your memories will return one day, but for now know that you are the last of a warrior race, a order of champions and heroes, once spurned by grace, now its last hope. You are the last tarnished, and for these lands to be safe, you must rise to claim the Elden Ring."

Chapter 3

Magnus looks at Marika, he takes in what she just told him, yet all he can focus on is how he knows her. He can't think of where he knows her from.

Before he gets the opportunity to ask, they turn to face the door as they hear screaming from outside.

Albus walks slowly over to the door and asks through the door, "what is going on out there?" A scared woman shouts "the guards! The guards are being torn to shreds by the beasts! Open the doors! Help us!"

Albus looks back at Marika who sighs. She reaches over to a nearby table and takes something hidden in a cloth. She hands it to Magnus who removes the cloth and sees that it is a weapon. No, not a weapon he thinks, it is a tool for crafting, but is very much capable of being a weapon as well. It feels familiar in his hand, as if he has held it before.

Marika interrupts his train of thought "It used to be my hammer. It has lost much of its power, but I am sure you can put it to good use."

Albus walks over and asks "Is it wise to put him back into battle so soon? He just awoke back from death!"

Marika looks at Magnus and says "He is a warrior, battle is what he was born for. His mind might not remember how to fight, but his body will, his instincts, reflexes, he will learn again."

She steps aside to allow Magnus to walk to the door. He does so without hesitation and opens the door.

Upon stepping outside, the commoners and guards that fled back to the ruined church stare in awe. He overhears one woman say "He's back! Our lady really brought him back!"

Magnus runs towards a guard that's being dragged off into the woods by a monstrous dog. He kills the dog and carries the soldier back to the Church.

Several more dogs show up and he instinctively dispatches them with ease. The man he dragged back succumbs to his wounds and dies.

Then a giant disgusting Crow emerges from the tree line, with extra claws and half his head hanging off. Magnus dodges the first three attacks.

He picks up a knight's straight sword and uses it alongside the hammer. He cuts along the crows neck a couple of times as it tries pecking him. He then uses the hammer, flies up in the air and comes slamming down on it, knocking the crow so hard, its broken neck falls off, sending the body one direction and the head the other.

He looks at the body and smiles, feeling a sense of familiarity as battle runs through his veins, yet it is not over yet as his instincts warn him of something.

He ducks at the last moment, dodging a sword swing from the knight he carried back, but now the knight has been driven mad by whatever curse has befallen him.

He charges at Magnus, grabs him by the face and his eyes begin to glow a bright Flaming yellow, till Marika grabs him by the neck, tosses him to the ground, takes her hammer, and pummel his head in repeatedly.

After several swings, she looks back at Magnus. "It is time we began."

Chapter 4

The three walk back to the inside of the church, passing by the people flocking to Magnus, thanking him for saving them and offering praise.

Magnus is confused when some begin dropping to their knees in prayer. He leans in to ask but Marika grabs his arm and simply says "come. We must talk." Magnus ignores the crowd and walks past, following closely behind Marika.

They sit down inside the church while Albus locks the door and stands by it, giving Magnus and Marika the privacy that he is able to give in the small church.

Marika notices a cut along Magnus cheek. She reaches out to grab a small red flask and hands it to Magnus, telling him to drink it.

Magnus doesn't ask what is in the flask, he recognizes it, crimson tears. He sighs to himself as he is frustrated that that is one of the few things he can remember. He drinks the flask and Marika watches as the wound disappears.

She lays a gentle hand on his knee, "feeling better?"

Magnus looks down at her hand, then back up to her. "I am, though I wish I had my memories. I know who you are, former Queen Marika, but I do not know how I know you."

He looks around the room, and at Albus. "I do not know who he is. I don't know where we are, or who those people or creatures were. How I died. I..."

He trails off for a minute, feeling a shiver crawl down his back. Marika takes his hand and looks into his eyes. "Your name is Magnus, you are the last hope just like I told you and I've brought you back through the power of grace. As for me... well.."

She hesitates for a minute, as if debating whether she wants to tell him or not, or lie to him, Magnus can't tell. "I was once Queen Marika the Eternal. An empyrean vessel for a God and ruler of the Golden Order."

She looks down, and Magnus can sense the great sorrow in her. "But that is long past, it collapsed and with that begun the Shattering. In the midst of that terrible war fought by my rivaling children, Great Runes were scattered amongst them. These runes were part of the Elden Ring, the very thing that helped me usher in peace and stability in the Lands Between.

Ages later, a tarnished like yourself rose up, seemingly out of nowhere. He fought and died many times throughout his journey to claim the Elden Ring, always coming back through the power of grace that was bestowed upon him by the Erdtree. He bested all the shardbearers and claimed their remembrances. Finally, though, he arrived inside the Erdtree, where he fought my other half who was being manipulation by the Greater Will, an Elden Beast, the very God that I was a vessel for and led others to worship."

Marika let's out a small laugh before continuing. "To think, this lowly tarnished of no renown, even defeated and slayed a god. And with that, the age of the Golden Order had cometh to an end."

She pauses for a moment, looking at Albus who had drawn closer to hear the tale. Her smile fades as she continues. "After the tarnished slew the beast, my form was restored, and I appeared before him."

"He had proven himself worthy of the Elden Ring and becoming Elden Lord, and he took the mantle. Did not ask, or even look upon me as my stone body returned to flesh, he simply took the ring and its power."

"I hoped to speak to him about the remembrances he had of my children, as within time, I perhaps could have brought them back to life, for the power of the Greater Will still resided within me."

"However, before I could do anything, a great evil that laid deep below the capital emerged and within a single night..."

She takes a long pause, almost as if afraid to finish her sentence. "What? What happened?" Magnus asks. Marika raises her head, her alarmed look gone, now replaced by a grim stoicism. "Chaos."

As if by saying the words, Marika relives the very night she was thrown from the Erdtree. To land in the pile of its ashes and look up to see a malevolent entity, an evil fire emerges from the sewers of Leyndell.

She sees the chaotic fire dance around the flames of ruin, enveloping the already burning Erdtree in its chaotic fire. She looks up to the platform that the entrance to the Erdtree rested. She watches as the fire hides outside and then bursts through the thorns, attacking the tree and the tarnished within.

Marika remembers how she thought the tarnished was so powerful for one of his kind, to have bested all those that stood in his way. Yet in the end, she heard the cries of the tarnished as he fought the malevolent entity.

She heard screams of terror, horror, and pain unlike any other that night. She then saw the Tarnished be tossed from the Erdtree and land dead beside her. His face burnt, his body burnt, even his soul burnt away and gone.

Marika was still recovering her flesh and ran away to hide, as chaos consumed the Erdtree, the capital, and the world.

Chapter 5

Ten days have passed and Magnus has been training and recovering. After Marika told him of her past, she told him of how he is the last possible hope of bringing peace back to the Lands Between, or at least ridding it of this malevolent influence.

Magnus could not explain why he trusted Marika, but he felt nothing but trust and belief in her words. He knows that if he had his memories he would understand their relationship. He has asked her numerous times about it, yet all she has said is that she knew him before when they tried to purge this evil from the Lands, and she kept him safe.

While he believes that story, he knows deep down there is more that she is not telling him. He does not push on the subject, in hopes that within time he will remember himself.

Marika has taught him various incantations and sorceries she knew. Now he is almost ready, to venture out. He is going to meet Marika now at camp. She said she has a few more things to explain before he sets out on his own.

Magnus arrives at a fortified camp later in the day. He is let pass by the guards who then whisper about him as he walks by. He ignores them and continues forward. He isn't sure where to go to find Marika, but he does see the commander of these guards, Lysana Talen.

He stops her with a wave and they both walk towards another. Lysana is young for a commander, with a dark complexion, and fiersome blue eyes. Yet Magnus can tell she has seen many battles, her face has many scars, even more than Magnus. She has one going across her cheek, one near her right eye, one on the bottom right of her chin, and another on her forehead, which is mostly covered by her long black hair.

Magnus can tell that she has been weathered down by war, but he admits to himself that despite it, she seems to be a fearsome, respected, and beautiful leader. He stops that train of thought as he realizes he has been standing in front of her awkwardly not saying a word for almost to long.

"Have you seen the Lady Marika?" Lysana gives him a glare, almost scornful. She points behind her to a large tent. "Aye. She's been holed up in my tent for past 2 nights. Hasn't left once, even when I asked. Says she's meditating, preparing for your arrival. I must say it's about time you got here my lord."

Magnus stares back at Lysana, taken aback by her rudeness. Then he realizes that he'd probably be mad as well if some woman showed up in his tent, refused to leave, claiming they're meditating.

Before he can respond, Lysana speaks again, after a brief sigh. "I'm sorry for my bluntness. It has been a long day. My brother Gridyon has been missing for the past few days. His patrol was found this morning torn to shreds, but his body was not among them."

"I am sorry to hear that. You have no need to apologize. One can imagine the stress you must be under."

Lysana chuckles for a moment. "Aye. However that does not excuse my outburst at you. Especially if you're suppose to be the one putting an end to this damned nightmare of a world we live in."

It is not the first time Magnus has heard he is the last possible hope, and it is not the first time he has hated hearing it. To know that all the hopes and dreams these people have rest on his shoulders alone, he feels an immense burden.

He does not state that though, he feigns a smile and states, "indeed. I wish you the best of luck Commander, and should I come across clues about the whereabouts of your brother, I shall be sure to send word."

Lysana smiles and thanks him. Magnus begins walking to the tent. He opens it and sees Marika meditating, a golden glow envelops her. He waits to speak, not sure whether to interrupt her or not. He examines the room for a moment, not finding anything note worthy.

"You're here. Finally." He turns to face Marika, who's eyes are now open and glowing with a radiant golden hue. She comes out of her meditation, her golden hue now gone.

"Why were you meditating?" Magnus asks. Marika warily stands up and drinks a small glass of water, regaining her composure before speaking.

"I was concentrating my power to speak to some allies that remain in the Lands Between. A blacksmith and a spirit tuner. I will take you to them as close as I can, but you will have to travel the rest of the way to meet them."

"How will they help us?"

"The blacksmith is a master craftsman. He was once under my service, ordered to craft a godslaying weapon. He will help you in strengthening your weapons and armor. He will also be able to restore the power to my hammer, once you have reignited a divine tower, the power of grace will return to the lands. He will then be able to restore its true

As for the spirit tuner, she will gift you spirits that could help aid you in battle should the need arise."

Magnus nods in understanding before fixing himself a glass of water, then sitting beside Marika. She then continues "I shall serve as something known as a Maiden to you. I will journey alongside you and aid you by turning runes into strength and guiding you along the right path. Once we arrive in the Lands Between we will need to find our allies and then the nearest Divine Tower. Once lit we will regain the power of a Great Rune, housed within it."

Magnus looks at Marika who it appears is still recovering from her meditation. Magnus asks his question, "why do we need to light the Divine towers?"

Marika looks at Magnus and replies, "the Lands Between have been altered, warped. They are no longer what they used to be. The capital is shrouded by a mysterious fog, impenetrable. Yet with the Divine Towers lit, and the powers of the great runes emanating from them, it should grant thee the power to pass through the veil whilst also restoring the Lands."

Magnus nods his head in understanding and asks when they will leave. Marika tells him that they can and should immediately. Magnus is shocked at how soon, and isn't sure if he is ready. He knows deep down that he is worried about failing, but he refuses to not at least try.

They set out back to the ruined church where Albus has set up a ritual circle for them. Albus says his farewells to the two and Marika thanks Albus for all he has done. The two share a small hug and before Magnus steps into the ritual circle, Albus grabs him by the arm.

"My lord. A moment of your time if you care?" Magnus nods and replies "of course Albus. What is it?" Albus sighs and lowers his head. "I have lived a long life, longer than I should have. I've wanted nothing more than the serenity of death for the longest of time for now, yet I have held on in order to serve you and Lady Marika. To see this journey to its end..."

He takes a long pause. "But I fear that I will not live to see that, and well... I wanted to say goodbye. I know you do not know me that well, but nonetheless it has been an honor serving you my lord."

Magnus gives a saddened smile. While he does not remember much of Albus, or had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him since he was brought back. He does know that Albus has proven himself kind, loyal, and cares for them.

He is saddened to see him go, but he can tell that Albus time is long overdue. Magnus holds out his hand and once Albus grabs it to shake, Magnus pulls him into a hug.

"Thank you Albus, for all you have helped us with. I will remember you, and I promise to fulfill my duty." Albus smiles and sheds a tear on Magnus shoulder.

Magnus steps into the ritual circle and holds Marika's hand. The Golden light envelops her once again and the circle begins to glow. Albus watches as the two fade into dust. Albus slowly walks back to a nearby chair and sits down. He looks around the ruined church and closes his eyes for the last time.

Magnus awakens on a grassy terrain, on the edge of a cliff. He looks around to see a bridge that has been destroyed and the far side which it was once connected to has been barriered.

He realizes Marika is not beside him and begins to panic. Yet he then hears her voice inside his head. She assures him he is alright and that she rests within him and that she will continue to guide him through this way.

He asks where they are and Marika tells him that this land is what was once called the Weeping Penninsula. That the bridge he stands beside was known as the Bridge of Sacrifice and once connected the Penninsula to Limgrave.

He then notices the divine tower out in the distance, it has collapsed and is now floating out at sea. "Perhaps there is a boat I could get that can take me there?" Marika replies "most likely. There was once a castle nearby known as Castle Morne, perhaps a boat can be found there. First though, we should find our allies."

Magnus nods and Marika tells him that he should start heading south, as that is the direction she senses them, but isn't sure as the terrain is no longer familiar as it once was.

He steps around the corner to find a ruined landscape with debris and bodies lying everywhere. There's a giant hole in the mountainside on his right he sees that he can climb up to get a better view. He climbs up it and then looks out beyond the horizon. In the distance he can't see much of anything.

The land is covered in fog and shadow. "This land was once beautiful wasn't it?" Marika takes a few moments to respond. "It was marvelous. Once upon a time. We should keep moving."

Magnus senses she does not wish to speak of it further and nods. "What are these friends of yours names?" Marika replies "their names are Roderika and Master Hewg."

Chapter 6

Magnus walks through the Weeping Penninsula, avoiding as much of the demi-humans as he can. He's had to slay several however.

Marika warned him of the demi-humans and misbegotten that roamed through the Penninsula, yet he has not encountered any Misbegotten. He climbs up a cliffside and stands near a ruined minor erdtree. "What happened here?" He asks Marika.

Marika appears in a golden mist beside him. "I was not present at the events but from what I heard, madness spread through a village here on the Weeping Penninusla and in a desperate attempt to stop it, the demi-humans and misbegotten worked together to destroy the village and its inhabitants."

Magnus looks at the burnt minor erdtree and steps around the corner to see a massive limb had fallen off and lies atop the body of an Erdtree Avatar. "Did they stop the spread?"

Marika replies "I believe so. I do not sense a great deal of its foulness here. However, there are still traces."

Magnus kneels down beside the corpse of an erdtree guardian, once protectors of the erdtree, minor ones, and their avatars. He sees its eyes have been burned outwards, as if a fire erupted inside the guardian and melted away its eyeballs, and all his insides.

He continues down a nearby path and sees a building. He suspects it's the place Marika told him to go to. She said it was once a Pilgrimage Church.

Magnus steps inside to find the church in utter ruins. He finds dead bodies below some sort of statue. He uncovers the debris blocking the statue, finding a statue of a man.

The statue is completely intact. Has some minor damage, yet with how ruined the church is, Magnus is shocked to see it still standing.

It seems these people that died here came to this statue, seeking some sort of comfort, or perhaps they died trying to defend it from whatever caused this destruction.

Marika manifests and begins to speak "his name was Radag.." before she can continue, Magnus finishes her sentence.

"Radagon. A champion of the Golden Order. Your second husband."

Marika stares at Magnus in shock. "How did you... how did you know that?"

Magnus stares back at her in confusion. "I'm not sure. I just did. Perhaps that memory just came back to me."

Marika still stares at him in confusion as he turns around to stare at it. "What happened to him?"

Marika snaps back to reality for a moment, "he perished before The Fall. He and I... we had differing opinions on the Golden Order in the end."

"You seem to hold a grudge against him?" Marika laughs "one could say that. Dear Radagon and I often had differing personalities and yet at times, we were exactly the same."

She snickers after that last statement, but then her face turns to sorrow as she approaches the statue, placing a hand on it.

"He was a part of me, just as much as I was of him."

Magnus stares at her, trying to understand precisely what Marika could mean by that. Did she love him that much? Were they close or did they have some resentment? He couldn't be sure, he wanted to ask but he felt he shouldn't, as if it were a sensitive topic. He left it alone and moved aside some more debris, to find a hidden passage.

It seemed recently made. He traveled down it to find a portal at the end, he reached out his hand and was transported.

Magnus opened his eyes and was suddenly now in some large room.

A giant ruined table laid in front of him. It had a faint glimmer of yellow light in the center.

He walked around for a moment; he saw behind him through a large torn down door was the remains of two large fingers. He had been told of them by Marika and gave no comment when he saw the lifeless husk of it.

He continued exploring as he saw a light around the corner, coming from a torch he suspected.

He was correct as he came around the corner to find a woman, and an old misbegotten man arguing. "Well, what did you do with them!" The woman shouted at the old man. The misbegotten yelled back "I put them away. I get tired of ye little spirits continuously interfering in my work."

The woman who Magnus suspects is Roderika replies, "lords Master Hewg. You are such a grouch. Just give me back my spirits and I shan't allow them to trouble you further."

Master Hewg sighs and reaches behind his workplace to pull out a small bag. He hands the bag to Roderika "here. I can't stay angered at you for long. You're too good to put up with an old fool like me."

Roderika tells him he shouldn't say that and as Hewg goes to reply, he then notices Magnus standing near them. "And who might you be! You have no business here."

Roderika snaps at Hewg for being rude and reminds him that Magnus was their guest who was coming to meet them.

"Why are we meeting him? What does he want with us?" Asks Hewg.

Marika then appears before them. Roderika gasps in awe while Hewg's jaw dropped.

"Hello Master Hewg. It has been a long time since last we met, hasn't it?"

Hewg struggles to formulate words and begins to stutter. Roderika instead speaks "it is a pleasure to meet thee, Queen Marika."

Marika holds out a hand to stop Roderika from speaking further. "I am no longer Queen Marika my dear. That life has long since passed."

Roderika nods in understanding, a bit of fear that she insulted or upset Marika.

Hewg falls to his knees and finally speaks "I... I never... never thought I'd see you again my lady..." Marika smiles, "I'm sure you did."

Magnus interrupts them and says "what do you mean? I thought you contacted them, told them of our coming arrival?"

Marika turns to face Magnus. "I did. It seems Master Hewg's memory is worse than yours."

She turns to face Hewg and Roderika. "Isn't that right Lady Roderika."

Roderika leans her head down in sadness. "Yes, it has only gotten worse. Some important things however he does remember rather vaguely."

Hewg stands back up "you make me seem a fool!"

Before Roderika can assure him that is not what she meant, Marika interrupts. "Magnus here needs your unique talents in order to help setting the world right. If you two would please aid him then he can set out sooner."

Both of them nod. Magnus approaches Roderika first who gives him a few spirit summons. Lone wolf ashes, jellyfish, and knight's Ash. She tells him the knight is a very valuable one and that she is called Lluthel the Headless. He thanks her then goes to Master Hewg who is already beating away at the anvil.

"Hand me over your ten somber stones lad." Magnus reaches into his pouch and hands him only one. Hewg takes it, stares at in puzzlement, then looks at Marika.

"How in the graces does he expect me to forge him a weapon worthy enough of a warrior if all he brings me is one somber stone!"

Magnus responds back to him "you can't just already make the weapon good? I'm trying to save the Lands Between and you mean to tell me I have to pay you with stones in order to get a good weapon."

Hewg nods "yea, that's how it supposed to work!"

Magnus grows frustrated "why! Makes no sense if you're such a good blacksmith why can't you already do it, the hells you need stones for?"

Hewg begins to say something Rodreika knows he should not say and interrupts them. "Master Hewg, just help him out and use some from your stash." Hewg looks over at Roderika and his jaw drops "how could you ask that of me! I won't stand here and..."

"Hewg." One single word from Marika was enough to make Hewg completely stop and his entire demeanor change. He looks over at her slowly and she's staring at him with a cold smile that makes him shudder.

"Please help Magnus out, I am sure he can bring you back more stones he finds along his journey."

There's no argument or reply from Hewg. He immediately reaches over, grabs the necessary items and continues smithing. He finishes in a few strikes and then holds out a longsword to Magnus.

"Here. It's called the Phantom Blade. The purple gem housed in the pommel gives it a unique ability."

Magnus studies the blade for a moment, it is beautifully crafted. "It is a magnificent weapon you have forged Master Hewg. What is it that thou speak of a special ability?"

Hewg reaches over to touch the purple gem, "the gem can connect to the wielder's thoughts, so whenever you wish to use the ability, it will do so. It enchants the blade with an energy field that strikes the opponent when you swing, and then also sends out three slashes of energy forward until they make contact with something. It's not the most powerful of items but it will do for now."

Magnus thanks Hewg and Hewg nods back before turning away.

Magnus and Marika go back to the ruined table. They touch the faint glimmer of gold and are now returned to the ruined church.

Magnus hears the sounds of demi-humans outside, most likely searching for him. He smiles,and draws his sword.

Chapter 7

Magnus jumps out of the ruined church, taking the demi-humans by surprise. By the time they even realize they've found their target, he's already cut down three.

They begin howling and encircle him. Magnus watches carefully as they do, twirling his sword.

He counts fourteen, then the three Demi-human chiefs hanging back.

Two charges at him from the right, while another two from the left. He does a spin with his sword, cutting the throat of one and causing the other three to step back before being struck.

While they're vulnerable, he lunges at the remaining one on the right. He comes from below and places his sword in an upward strike, going straight through the skull of the Demi-human.

It falls to its knees, sword still buried deep in its skull. Magnus twists it out in a circle, his strength being enough to cause the sword to break out of the left side of the demi-human's skull.

The body slumps down that way, missing the left side of its head.

The other two, enraged, howl and shriek to the top of their lungs, throwing their arms into the air. Magnus does not wait for their war cry to end.

The purple gem in the pommel of his blade lights up and he does a wide strike from the left going right, and a purple wave of energy follows the blade, cutting through the Demi-humans, and incinerating their flesh.

He does a spin, and does another strike, this time sending three arching waves of purple energy at the other demi-humans. It misses some, very few dodge it.

When he looks up, all that's left are the chiefs and three regular demi-humans. They all charge at him now, the chiefs enraged.

Magnus grabs the club off one dead demi-human, throws it at the chief charging at him ahead of the others. It hits the chief with enough force to cause him to stop and grab his head in pain.

Magnus slides under his legs and belly, holding his sword up, cutting down the belly of the beast. He jumps up into the air and slams down into another chief, his blade going through the club he was holding.

The blow does not kill this chief, but he howls in pain. To silence him quicker, Magnus ignites the power of the blade, while it's still buried inside the chief.

He is then able to easily cut outwards in another horizontal strike and the chief's body explodes practically.

He is now surrounded by the last chief and the remaining demi-humans. They charge at him all at once. He spins, cutting the head off the one to his right, and slashing the arm off the chief. One demi-human looks to see Magnus behind him. Magnus runs up the body of the demi-human, jumps into the air and lands on the head of another, the sheer force when the demi-human hits the ground is enough to break his neck.

The chief has charged at Magnus and is now pushing him towards the edge of the cliff.

Magnus slides off the edge but has hold of the horns the chief is wearing. He is able to uses his upper body strength to hurl himself back up off the cliff, doing a front flip and landing behind the chief.

As he lands the other two demi-humans charge at him. He does not have his blade as it lays on the ground back over where they were fighting.

He punches one in the face, dazing him. He then grabs their club and knocks the other demi-humans club out of his hand. He grabs him by the throat and hurls him off the cliff.

The other, who is now on the ground, whimpers as Magnus comes down with the club, once, twice, thrice.

The chief is now enraged further and roars like never before, Magnus can see the hate in his eyes. The chief prepares to charge as he lets out one final roar, but before he can, Magnus cast an incantation and a small discus of light cuts the chief's head off.

His body slumps down as his head falls off and rolls off the side of the cliff. Magnus sheathes his sword and begins walking away.

He reaches the ruined Castle Morne, the walls are torn down and the elevator that once took people up to the main area has been broken. He climbs through the hole in the ground and makes his way up as far as he can, managing to reach a window.

He climbs through it and then moves through the chambers. He finds the skeletons of deceased humans scattered about; their bodies appear crushed.

Magnus suspects it was the Demi-humans. He sees a door and notices a light emanating under it. He pulls out his sword and quietly moves toward it.

He knocks it down and pushes through, grabbing a man by the throat and holding the sword point at another. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The man held at sword point answers "us! Who are you! You come into our home and threaten us!"

The man being held by the throat tries speaking "shut it Benjy, this... man seems more than capable of carving us up."

Magnus lowers his sword and lets the man's throat go. "I am looking for a boat to travel to the ruined divine tower. Do you know where I could find one?"

The first man laughs "ha. Good luck finding you one. Those bastards stole our lands, our homes, our families. They took everything when they took over the beachhead and set up shop there."

Magnus looks out a window to see a giant wooden fortress has been constructed on the beach. "I'd find one there?" One of the men replies "Aye, along with a shitload of demi-humans and prisoners."

"Prisoners?"

"Aye. Some of the villagers from up the hill." Magnus thinks back to what Marika said about the maddening village.

"Then that's where I shall go." They try stopping and questioning Magnus, but he has done walked out their barricaded door, tearing down their defenses.

He makes his way through the castle and arrives at the beachhead. He sneaks inside, killing a few demi-humans along the way.

He arrives at what looks like a place for captives. There are several wooden cages, yet he finds the villagers eyes have burned out.

He thinks about how it resembles the flame of Frenzy he's seen before and what Marika has described. He makes his way through the wooden halls to hear screaming and explosions of sorts.

He begins running and arrives at a main chamber. He sees a pack of Demi-humans, chiefs, and a Demi-human Queen fighting the two man he saw before.

He runs to join them but then sees one man shoot bursts of frenzied flame from his eyes. Magnus stops and dodges the blasts, but it kills most of the Demi-humans and wounds the Queen.

The two men stand over the wounded Queen, yet Magnus drives his sword through the back of the skull of one man.

He faces the other who begins striking at him furiously with his sword. Magnus is able to parry every blow and cast a discus of light, but the man uses a blast to blow the discus away.

They circle one another for a moment, till the man is crushed by the Demi-human Queen. Magnus stares at the Queen and she stares at him.

He prepares to fight her, but she slumps back and stares at him. "I thank thee for your help."

She says, shocking Magnus. "I thought you'd try and strike me down, like you have everyone else on this island."

The queen laughs bitterly. "Shows how much you know of us."

"I know your monsters. Murdered all the misbegotten and now all the people on the Peninsula!"

With a furious glare and roar she shouts back, "We are not the monsters! They were all mad! The misbegotten! They betrayed us! Slaughtered my sisters, leaving me as the last Queen of my race! They were... they were all mad, soon... even the humans that weren't at the frenzied village."

She begins to look down, as if on the verge of breaking down into tears over the painful memories. Magnus feels remorse, as he can tell she speaks truly.

"I apologize. I thought you had gone and murdered them all."

"No... we simply tried to wipe the plague from the Peninsula. How we failed. How I failed."

Magnus steps forward "I intend to wipe this plague of Frenzy from our lands in its entirety." The queen looks up and Magnus continues "if you can get me a boat to travel to the Divine tower, I will be one step closer to achieving my goal."

She points out the door to their side "follow that hallway, it'll take you to the beach, there should be a raft there."

He nods, thanks her and begins waking away yet stops as she begins to speak. "I see now. You're him." Magnus is intrigued and looks at her. "Who?"

The queen laughs, "you're the demigod Magnus, aren't you?" Magnus hears the words and prays that memories will come flooding back, but they do not.

"Demigod you say. I have... lost my memories, I am this Magnus you speak of though. Could you tell me more?"

The queen shakes her head "I'm sorry dear human. All I know is how people spoke of a demigod, taking the fight to the Frenzied Flame many years ago yet vanished after defeat."

Magnus tries thinking about that, hoping something will come to mind, but nothing. He sighs, thanks her again and says his farewell.

Chapter 8

Magnus walks out onto the beachhead and sees a small boat rested on the shore. He heads toward it and drags it out to the water. He gets the boat in the water and sits down. He begins setting sail towards the divine tower, an angered expression on his face.

He hears Marika's voice as she appears before him, sitting down in the front of the boat, facing him. "I can see you have something to say."

Magnus cuts her off with a furious tone, "A demigod! Is that who I am!? Why would thou lie to me? Do not try to deceive me with your riddles. I have learned thine tricks and am not in the mood to hear them. So, tell me, what am I!?"

Marika sits there with a furious gaze Magnus has never seen. She speaks in a calm but angered tone. "It has been a long... long time since one has spoken to me like so. It is in thine best interest to not do so again."

Magnus does not heed her warning and speaks back. "What is it that thou will do if I do speak to thee in such a manner once more? It is not as if you are the menacing Queen anymore."

Marika's eyes grow a bright yellow, and her calm angered demeanor is now one of pure rage. She stands in the boat; somehow, she is now taller than before, towering over Magnus as dark shadows hover in the sky. Thunder roars in the sky. She breathes heavily, and Magnus's eyes blink. Marika has now shrunk back down to her other size, the dark clouds have faded, along with the golden hue. Magnus waits for her to speak first, feeling it's best not to speak, even though part of him wants to demand an answer. Marika appears as though she is about to say something but vanishes instead. Magnus sighs and continues rowing.

Magnus arrives at the bottom of the divine tower. He sees a way to climb up it through the ruined side. He makes his way up, arriving at what would normally be the top of it. He then takes out the Great Rune of the Unborn. He activates the Rune, and the energy of Grace radiates throughout the tower. It sends out a wave of energy, bringing grace back to the Lands Between as the sky radiates with a golden glow for a few moments, and golden sparks fall down from the sky.

Magnus looks up in the sky; he feels a great sense of pride and triumph and smiles. He then feels a great pounding in his chest and looks down at his hands, feeling something change. He begins to grow. By the time he's done, he thinks he's gone from close to 7 feet to over 9 feet tall. He looks up to see Marika has appeared again, now with a golden aura around her and appearing at the height she had back in the boat. Magnus notices he stands about as tall as to her eyes almost. She walks over to him, appearing to have a bit more vigor in her step.

"You've done it. The journey can now properly begin." Magnus nods, but Marika can tell he is still bitter. She sighs and stares deep into his eyes.

"When I established the Golden Order after the defeat of the Giants, a war with the lands of Raya Lucaria began. My first husband Godfrey had been banished after grace had left him and his men, leaving us without a great many of the heroes and champions from the earlier wars. As I was unable to properly lead this conflict due to me trying to establish the Greater Will's work on the Lands Between, through its vast power, I had split a part of my own self, creating Radagon. Radagon led the two conflicts against Raya Lucaria and the Carian Royal Family, led by Rennala. However, the Greater Will knew of Rennala's family connections to the Outer Gods of the Moon. Therefore, it believed that she could grant Empyrean heirs if Radagon was able to end the conflict by wedding her, as Godfrey and I were unable to produce any such heirs."

She sighs and walks around the stone surface, finding a spot to sit down. Magnus can tell she feels sad talking about the subject. He goes to comfort her, but she begins speaking before he does.

"Radagon was able to wed Rennala and had three children. The youngest, Ranni, being an Empyrean. The Greater Will demanded they be in the capital and thought that if... if Radagon and I were to wed, we perhaps could produce only Empyrean heirs. So, with great sorrow, Radagon left his wife Rennala and returned to Leyndell, and myself. Upon his return, his children were made Demigods, and he and I would go on to have more empyrean children, Miquella and Malenia."

She smiles briefly, but it quickly fades to an expression of complete sadness. "It did not last long though, as Ranni and Rykard betrayed us, and slew Godwyn the Golden, my eldest child and heir." She lets out a deep sigh and takes a moment to collect herself.

"In my grief, I shattered the Elden Ring. This would go on to spark the Shattering, as the Greater Will took control of me, had me order my remaining children to fight and war over becoming the new Lord and claiming the Great Runes and Elden Ring. Radagon worked tirelessly to try and mend the ring, in hopes he could use it to appease the Greater Will and end the war. His attempts failed, and the Greater Will reformed us into one once more. It sought to torture me, leaving me staked, and to await the return of a new lord to claim the title. Eventually, the tarnished I told you of arrived, and what I told you happened."

She pauses briefly, and Magnus can tell she has more to say. "Then what happened?" Magnus asks.

Marika looks up at him and sighs once again, feeling tired once more even after her strength seemed restored. "What I did not tell you is that after, other Tarnished aided me and gave me sanctuary while they led the battle against the Flame of Frenzy. I was able to split Radagon from myself again, yet our strength diminished. With our demigod children gone, there were none strong enough to stand against the foe. Therefore... we made a new one." She looks up at Magnus. "You. You are mine and Radagon's last child. My last heir. My last demigod."

Chapter 9

"A demigod." It's more of a statement than a question when Magnus speaks it. He looks up at Marika. "Why would thou keep this a secret from me?"

Marika lowers her head, as if in shame. "Reason for my deception is simple in reality. I feel as though I am not long for this world." Magnus's eyes go wide, and before he can speak, Marika continues. "Since the Fall, I have felt my life drain away from me. As if thine enemy cursed me with lingering death, I shall soon perish."

She looks at Magnus with determination. "I failed my other children; I did not wish to do the same for my last. I wished to spare you the heartache of feeling my loss when my time did come. Alas... I could not help but get close to you, my son. You remind me... you remind so much of them."

She speaks of her other children, her eyes begin to swell and tear up, but she composes herself quickly. "I failed them so much. I despise what the Greater Will required of me, to shun two of my children. To cause a rift in our family. To let two suffer their afflictions. To watch my eldest, ohh... dear Godwyn..." The tears begin to come out. "To receive the news of the death of my firstborn child, and that my daughter Ranni was dead, and not just that, but that she was the architect of both their demise. Ohhh... tis a night I would love to long forget, dear Magnus."

She looks up at Magnus with saddened eyes. "I conceived children for the sole purpose of gifting the Greater Will a new Empyrean. For that was what it required of me. I had you for the sole purpose of wrathful vengeance, to be nothing more than an instrument of war and death."

She takes a long pause; Magnus can tell she is going to say more, so he does not interject, he patiently waits.

"Before the Shattering, I had grown weary of the true nature and intentions of the Greater Will. Twas because it was so easy for me to shatter thine own Elden Ring, after the death of my beloved children. I failed to convince Radagon to join me in rebellion against the Greater Will, for his soul was far too bound by its influence as it created him. That's why he attempted to restore the Ring; he was ordered to do so. After the death of the Elden Beast, Radagon was free."

She sighs. "Alas, I made the same mistakes, I allowed the world to be consumed in darkness, I tried to have a demigod child to bring about my wrathful fury on thine own behalf. Thou art the product of that design of thine." She looks away for a moment as if about to include something else but gets back to the subject.

"Then I watched you die. The last of my children. I was alone... and I would not have it. I made sure thou would arise once more, I made sure thou would return to the Lands Between, I made sure thou would become Elden Lord!" She says in a loud exhausted tone. "For that was your gift! Even in death, you remained full of life! I needed only to spark the flame of grace."

"Now, I know not if I should cease these plans or continue. I wish to rid this world of its impending demise and restore order. However, ... I cannot bear to lose another child." She says in a soft saddened voice. "I know not what to do, Magnus. You must make the choice for us. If you wish for us to leave, then we shall do so. If you wish to leave, but not accompany me, then I shall honor thine wish. However, if you would walk the path of lordship, I shall aid you in whatever way I am able. I ask but one thing in return."

Magnus finally speaks, "Ask it."

"I would ask that should the path seem far too perilous, or hopeless, that you would heed my words and we abandon this pursuit. Find a new home, where we can rebuild all together."

Magnus considers what she says but then catches the end of her statement. "What do you mean by all together?"

Marika sighs and looks back at him. "I felt them. Your siblings."

Magnus's eyes go wide. "What do you mean you felt them?"

"When you lit the tower, and the grace returned to the Lands Between. I felt their presence."

"What does that even mean? How is that possible?" Magnus asks.

Marika responds, saying, "The Erdtree once collected the souls of all. When the tarnished felled the demigods, he gained a portion of their power through their Great Runes and Remembrances. However, their souls rested within the Erdtree. When the Tarnished perished at the hands of the Frenzied Flame, their great runes and remembrances returned to the Erdtree. They yet live, perhaps not physical, but their spirits remain."

"So, they're like the spirit ashes Roderika gave me?"

Marika shakes her head, rising to her feet. "No. No. Their souls are more powerful, along with their great runes and remembrances, they should retain their full free will and memories. Perhaps... perhaps within time, they could be restored one day."

Magnus stares at Marika, shocked by her assumptions. He does not doubt her, but he is unsure if she ever wanted him to actually leave the Lands Between, if she has such great hope for the return of her other children. He knows she can be deceitful or used to be rather. However, he can see as clear as day, she has no deception or ill will towards her.

As he looks into her eyes, he can tell that if he wishes for them to abandon this pursuit and the possible hope of bringing back her lost children, she will do it, and this is true as Marika is thinking the exact same thing. She does not wish to risk the chance of losing her one remaining living child for the possibility that the others could be brought back. She has lost her family, her order, her kingdom, and her power.

She thinks to herself, 'You are no longer Queen Marika the Eternal. You are just Marika, and he is your son. Your last son! Honor him and his wishes unlike you did the others.'

She looks up at Magnus, who has stepped closer. "We will stay. We shall purge the madness from these lands and hopefully find the souls of your lost children along the way together... mother."

Marika smiles but looks away, as if ashamed. Magnus assumes it's because of her keeping his parentage a secret beforehand and he says nothing. While Marika mutters under her breath, "Perhaps not... all... my children."

Chapter 10

With the lighting of the divine tower, Marika reminds Magnus that with it now lit, Master Hewg could possibly restore the hammer to its former strength. Marika uses her powers to teleport them to the ruined Roundtable. Its once fading glimmer of light now shines brighter. They go around the corner and are met by the eager and happy Roderika.

"You've done it! I can feel it in the air! You have returned grace to the lands."

Magnus shakes his head, "Indeed. There is still more to be done."

Hewg walks around and sees the two of them and murmurs, "Oh my heavens." It's at that moment that Roderika finally realizes the change in them. They have both grown much taller.

"Wha... what happened to you two?"

Hewg drops to his knees in prayer and terror. Magnus looks at Marika, who sighs. Marika walks over to Hewg, "Rise Master Hewg, you have no reason to fret. I would task thee with the restoration of my hammer." She hands the hammer over to Hewg, who nervously takes it into his hands.

"When grace left the lands, so too did the weapon's power. Now that it has returned, it is thy hope that thou wouldst be capable of granting it its once magnificent holy power."

Hewg shakes his head, "I will do what I can, my Queen." Hewg turns away immediately to begin work, not noticing the sour look Marika gave at the word "queen."

As Hewg works, Magnus explains the details of what happened to Roderika. After some time, Hewg informs them that it will require some time to grant the weapon a sufficient amount of grace to give it its power. Marika chooses to assist Hewg in this matter, while Magnus speaks to Roderika.

"So why have you and Master Hewg stayed here for this long?"

Roderika laughs, but Magnus can tell she doesn't truly find it funny but is hiding behind her humor. "Oh well, Master Hewg refused to ever leave. I could not leave him all by himself. See, he's done so much for me since I arrived so long ago, and truthfully, I have nowhere else to go. No one else to go to." She stares around the Roundtable and sighs. "This place used to be so nice. Full of people and hope. How I miss those days."

Magnus looks around and smiles, "Then while they do that, what if I were to assist you in restoring it?"

Roderika's mood and expression light up at the idea, "You'd really help me do that! I've tried getting Master Hewg to help before but he always says,"

"I don't need a pretty place to work, girl. I just need a place to work!" Magnus laughs and shakes his head.

They work throughout the entire evening. Hewg and Marika working on the hammer, while Magnus and Roderika work on the Roundtable. They manage to restore most of it. Magnus goes to check on the progress Hewg and Marika have made. Marika looks up when he enters the hallway.

"It'll most likely be until morning before we are finished with the process. Perhaps it be best if you got some rest, my son."

Magnus shakes his head in agreement and goes down the stairs to the bedchambers. He lays his head down, wondering how long it's been since he's had a peaceful night's sleep. He laughs as he realizes it was probably when he was dead. He then closes his eyes and drifts off...

"Magnus..." Magnus rises to his feet in an instant. He reaches out for his sword, and it comes to him. He looks around the room to only then realize there is no room, only a dark empty void. He then realizes that he was somehow able to call his sword to him, confused as he did not know he was capable of that, almost like it was a reflex to use telekinesis to summon it to him.

"Magnus." He hears the voice again. He spins around in a circle, trying to find where the voice came from. He can't tell, there's nothing. The sound seems like it's coming from everywhere. He does know it's a woman's voice. One that feels familiar to him but when he tries to think about it, he feels a great pain in his head and falls to his knees in agony.

"What's wrong?" He hears the voice again; he tries to speak but is unable. "I haven't felt you in so long. Please tell me where you are. I will come to you!" He tries speaking to the voice, he feels he can trust it, he feels he knows it. He can hear a name in the back of his head, deep within his mind, yet he struggles to speak it.

"Please tell me I'm not going mad. Please tell me you are out there." Magnus feels the voice fading as it says those last words and with it, the pain, and the empty void. He sees the room of the roundtable returning. Before the darkness fades, he sees the outline of a woman in the distance. She is beautiful, tall just like him. He can sense her, her aura, her soul. The darkness did not come out of nowhere, she radiates with it.

He's confused, why would he know such a person, a vessel of such darkness and why would she be calling out to him. He thinks it a trick, by the flame of Frenzy, perhaps he was exposed to its chaotic touch. He must find his mother; he needs her help and guidance. He looks up at the figure one last time, she is still unaware of his presence.

It's at that moment that Magnus's doubts about this woman begin to become questionable. He sees this woman has the brightest, purest, and most angelic white wings on her back. Their beauty so marvelous his jaw opens. The wings begin to fade and so too does the woman as the dark vision fades. Magnus can finally speak the name, "Maeve." He calls out, but the darkness, along with the woman are gone. He falls to the ground, exhausted.

Magnus heads upstairs later after waking. He is greeted by Marika, who senses his trouble. She comes to him with a worried look. "What is wrong?" she asks as she looks him over.

Magnus shakes his head wearily. "I am not sure. I think I had a vision in the night." He explains everything he saw to her. Marika's features remain the same throughout the entire conversation. She tells him that it could be because of the exposure to the lands, yet with grace returned perhaps she can help prevent it from happening again. He nods his head in agreement and goes to put on his armor.

It's then that Marika notices the huge scars on his back, two of them, long and moving upwards along his shoulders. She says nothing, and when he turns around, she hides her horrified expression.

Roderika steps in and tells them that Master Hewg is ready to present the weapon now. They both go over to where Master Hewg is at, along with Roderika. Hewg presents the hammer, which is now glowing gold. He gifts it to Magnus.

"I hope it serves you well, my lord."

Magnus thanks Hewg and holds the hammer up high in his left hand. He looks at his mother, who is smiling. He holsters the hammer on his belt and thanks Hewg and Roderika. He tells Roderika that should he meet people along his journey, he will direct them here for sanctuary.

He and Marika head back to the table of lost grace, and he asks where they should head to next as he holds out the map of the Lands Between. He points to the southeastern side of the Weeping Peninsula. "This is where Castle Morne was." Then he points about 8 inches to the right, "and this is where the Isolated Divine Tower was that we just reactivated."

Marika nods in agreement. "Yes, when the Fall happened, such cataclysmic events took place that shook the very foundations of the Lands Between. Most of Leyndell is now gone, its own separate island, and with that, the Isolated Divine tower somehow got sent right past Limgrave, Caelid, and floated all the way down to the Peninsula."

Magnus nods his head, wondering what destructive powers could have caused such a ginormous event. Marika then speaks again, "The next closest tower would be either the one in Caelid or the one in Limgrave."

Magnus nods. He knows they cannot teleport to either and will have to travel there. "From what you've told me, Caelid is a nightmare." He sighs and then in a joking tone states, "I guess we ought to get that shit show out of the way then, aye?" He looks at her and finishes with, "Onto Caelid then."

Chapter 11

Sometime after their departure from the Roundtable Hold, Magnus and Marika arrive close to Caelid. They see its mountainside in the distance, hidden behind the fog. Marika disappears in golden rays as Magnus plants his boat along the rocks. He sets to climbing the mountainside to reach Caelid. After some climbing, he reaches a ledge, still some distance from the top. He takes a moment to rest and look for a better spot to climb up.

Marika appears back unexplained and falls to one knee, touching the green grass. Magnus hears a shocked gasp escape her lips and hears her mutter, "Can it truly be?"

Magnus stops what he is doing and comes over to her, worried. "What? What is it?" He peers over her and sees she is staring and holding grass. He is confused and tries wondering what could be wrong. "Is something the matter, mother?"

Marika looks back at him and says, "This. The grass... it... you must hurry to the top! I must see the rest of Caelid!" She fades away again as Magnus immediately hurries his climb up the slope, which he saw proved better to climb up.

Within a couple of minutes, he reaches the top. He is blinded by the sunrise and holds out his hand to block the view. He walks forward to a tree in order to hide behind it and block the sun. Marika reappears as he does and gasps at the sight she beholds.

Magnus is confused and asks, "What is wrong? You were panicking earlier at grass. Are you panicking now at the sight of more?" He says it jokingly but is stunned when Marika replies yes.

He then looks out at Caelid, at the vast plains of grass, the beautiful, lush trees, the swampy marshes, blooming wildlife, and unnatural terrain.

Marika speaks up, "Towards the end of the Shattering War, my two children, Radahn and Malenia, fought here." Magnus thinks about them, he has been told much about them by Marika and has heard things from others. They were both living legends, out of all the demigod siblings he's been told about, they were the most powerful it seemed, except for Godwyn, the once King of Leyndell and firstborn of Marika.

He viewed his siblings highly, but also disfavorably when he thought about how low they fell, to declaring war on one another. He thinks about the thought for a moment, 'Could I ever slay one of my kin? No... never... surely?' He says the last word hesitantly, not originally meaning to, but feeling the urge within him to say it, as if his mind told him to think it.

He pops back to reality, listening intently to Marika. "As I have told you before, Malenia suffered from Scarlet Rot and it was the needle her brother Miquella made for her, that helped sustain the spreading of this rot. During her battle with Radahn, the needle was broken and the rot that she had held contained for so long, bloomed, infecting all of Caelid, and Radahn. Radahn was driven mad and roamed the wilds, no longer the noble warrior conqueror general he once was. While Malenia fell into a deep slumber, weakened from the bloom, she struggled to hold onto life, as she tried to keep the rot from taking over her. Thankfully, her loyal Cleanrot Knight Finlay was able to carry her back to their home, the Haligtree. Finlay perished, but she succeeded in her duty of bringing Malenia safely home."

Magnus nods in understanding, continuing to look out at the land. "So, the rot that was unleashed, devastated Caelid?"

"It did more than that. It transformed it into a land of nightmare. Everywhere you walked was rotting, the wildlife mutated into hideous violent beasts. The survivors struggling every second of their lives to try and save Caelid." Marika sighs and looks back out, "But it seems that the final cycle of the rot, rebirth, seemed to have finally come to Caelid."

Marika sighs again and looks down. Magnus looks at her, "What is it?"

Marika looks at him with a solemn expression, "I fear what that could entail for my daughter, Malenia. She was cursed with rot all her life. I thought that in death she might have finally been free from it, but with this evidence, I fear what this could mean for her." She says, gesturing out to the land.

Before Magnus can reply, they hear the sounds of hooves, fastly approaching. Marika fades away as Magnus draws his sword. He watches as several people ride up on horses surrounding him. He is shocked when he sees that the party consists of Cleanrot Knights. One steps forward, who Magnus suspects is the commander of these forces. Their armor is more unique, it has red wings going across the chest plate.

She introduces herself, taking off her helm and her long red hair falls down. Magnus notices the eyepatch going across both her eyes. The woman steps off the horse and introduces herself, "I am Scarlet Valkyrie Commander Mary, and these are my Cleanrot Knights. Who might you be?"

Chapter 12

Magnus takes a moment to respond. In that time, Mary looks back at her guards, giving them a look which Magnus suspects is her signaling them to be ready. Magnus thinks about how best to handle this situation. He decides and sheathes his sword, catching Mary by surprise as she suspected a fight.

"My name is Magnus. I am a tarnished..." He debates on how much more he should say, but since he knows the Cleanrot Knights faithfully served Malenia, he hopes they will aid him in his quest. "I am also a demigod son of Queen Marika and Lord Radagon. Brother to your former leader Malenia."

Mary stares at Magnus. She doesn't doubt him; she heard tales of him before his vanishing years prior, and he has the same stature and height of a demigod. "Do you have any proof you are who you claim to be?"

Marika appears before them, shocking them. "He is who he says. He is indeed my son and your former Lady Lord's brother. I do not recall Scarlet Valkyrie being a rank amongst my daughter's Cleanrot Knights, however?"

Mary, whose jaw is still wide in shock at the sight of Marika, stutters before speaking clearly. "It... it's. It's a new order amongst us, my Queen. It is of the highest ranking among our order, established in memory and honor of your daughter."

Marika shakes her head, feeling a small sense of happiness that these Knights still honor her daughter. "My son here seeks to light the Divine Tower of Caelid. It is thy wish to rid the Lands Between of the infestation of the corrupting madness. If thou could grant him passage to the tower, that would be most beneficial."

Mary replies with a saddened look, "While I would love to help thee in your quest, the tower is inaccessible. Blocked by debris, the only one that may know of an alternative path is Master Vorien, a Sellian Sorcerer."

Magnus steps forward, "Where might we find him?"

Mary hops back on her horse and gestures for one of her Knights to give Magnus a horse. "He is at our fortress. Come with me and you can speak to him, after speaking to my Commander of course. She will enjoy hearing of your quest." Magnus nods, thanks Mary, and hops on the horse.

After riding for roughly an hour, the group has arrived at what was once Fort Faroth. It has been added onto and has much grass, trees, and moss blooming all over, around, and inside the fort. As they hop off the horse, Mary leads Magnus to the main chamber. A gathering crowd is inside, and they stare at Magnus. Marika appears alongside him, looking at their surroundings.

Magnus sees three other women approaching in similar armor as Mary. Mary introduces them, "These are the other Scarlet Valkyrie commanders, Maureen, Amy, and Polyanna. They are my sisters as well." They nod and bow at Magnus, respecting the authority his heritage grants him.

Marika appears, shocking them just as she did Mary earlier. She thanks them for their continued service in honor of her daughter. She then asks that with Malenia gone, what exactly is their purpose. Mary replies, "Well, after Lady Malenia vanished, we were left scattered, disorganized. Yet our youngest sister rose up to the challenge, reestablishing our Knights and vowing to honor our Lady till she returns to us."

It's at that statement that Marika and Magnus' faces turn to worry, due to what Marika had mentioned before. Magnus thinks to himself, 'Would my sister still be her noble honorable self? Or would she be a true vessel for this Outer God that afflicted her, her entire life?' He can tell Marika is thinking and fearing the same as him. They do not voice it, or hint at it. They smile and nod, as Marika states she finds their dedication honorable.

It's at that moment that trumpets begin playing, signaling the arrival of the Lord Commander. The four Scarlet Valkyries go to the platform above everyone else. They take their spots. Mary on the front right, Maureen on the front left, Amy on the back right, and Polyanna on the back left.

Magnus watches as a new Scarlet Valkyrie emerges, standing front and center. She looks like the other Valkyries except she has no bandages covering her eyes. The Valkyries whisper in their Commander's ear, pointing towards Magnus and Marika. The Commander smiles and begins speaking.

"Welcome, my fellow Knights. Today marks a special occasion for two reasons. As you all know, for years now we have been in search of a Noxian passageway that leads to one of their underground settlements. Thanks to our Sellian friend, Master Vorien, we have finally found it. One hidden away by that ancient foe of our Order and our beloved Lady. We have found it, my friends, the Lake of Rot."

With that statement, the crowd begins cheering. Magnus has never heard of the Lake of Rot, and he looks at Marika for clarification. He can see in her eyes that she is worried.

"What is it? What's the Lake of Rot?" Magnus whispers.

Marika whispers back, "It is a large chasm deep below the surface. It is where the Outer God of Rot was sealed away long ago. That is all I know of it."

Magnus becomes confused. "Perhaps they intend to destroy the rot for good?"

Marika shrugs, unsure of these Knights' intentions, sensing something devious at play.

As the crowd's cheers quieten, the Commander continues. "As for the second reason. Our Lady's mother has returned, the Queen Marika the Eternal. Not only that, but our Lady's younger warrior brother, the once lost Lord Magnus."

The crowd begins cheering again and the Commander speaks over them. "This is a joyous occasion, surely a sign that our path is destined with their return. Soon, my friends... we shall reunite with our Lady, the Rot shall be no more, and we will all be reborn." She then turns to face Magnus. "And when all is said and done, we shall pledge our blades to your cause, for we will no longer allow the infestation of Chaos to linger upon these lands!"

The crowd cheers in a mighty roar. Mary gestures for Magnus and Marika to come up to the platform. They do so and upon reaching it, they are greeted by the Commander.

"My Queen, My Lord, what an honor it is to meet you. I am the leader of the Cleanrot Knights in my Lady's absence, and highest member of the Scarlet Valkyries. My name is Millicent."

Chapter 13

Magnus wakes up, having another nightmare of the same winged woman. The pain is unbelievable at first, but it eases a lot more. The woman stands over a cliff, looking out in the distance. Magnus reaches out for her, but it fades before he can reach her. He wakes up and looks around. He was given a room by the Cleanrot Knights.

After he and Marika met Commander Millicent, she offered them sanctuary and asked them for their help in exchange for her helping them. Magnus agreed, and planned to talk to Marika about what their intentions could be involving the Lake of Rot, yet he did not have the time to do so.

He hears a knock at the door and says that they may enter. Millicent walks in, in her armor. "I hope I have not disturbed your slumber. I came to ask a favor."

Magnus looks at her, studying her armor and features. "What might you ask of me, Commander Millicent?"

Millicent steps closer, "We can take you to go see Master Vorien at his tower today, but the quickest way is blocked by a dangerous predator."

Magnus smiles and shakes his head. "Ahh, I see. You would ask my help in dealing with this?"

"Indeed. It is a dangerous beast that came from Limgrave, created by the insidious Beastmasters. It has proven difficult to kill as it is encased in silver crystals, giving it a unique armor. My knights will be joining us, along with an ally that has been hunting the beast."

Magnus nods in understanding. "I see, I would indeed help thee in this endeavor. It is the least that I can do in return."

Millicent smiles and thanks Magnus. She informs him that they will leave within the hour. As Millicent leaves the room, Magnus speaks aloud, "Did you hear that?"

[Marika's perspective remains unchanged]

A couple of hours have passed, and Magnus, Millicent, the Scarlet Valkyries, and several Cleanrot Knights are traveling through the forests. They eventually find the beast, roaming in an open field. They catch the beast fighting a jar warrior. The beast whacks the jar warrior into the ground, sticking him in a hole upside down.

Magnus rushes to his aid, ahead of the others. The beast senses him and rushes at him. Magnus uses his Phantom Blade and sends out a spectral slash at the beast. It bounces off of it, doing nothing. The beast rams its crystal horns at Magnus. Magnus dodges it and sees the Cleanrot have joined him.

They all begin circling the beast, confusing it on who to attack. They all charge, yet the beast roars and shards of crystals fly out. Everyone either dodges or blocks the crystals, except two Knights who are struck by them. One is killed and the other wounded in the leg.

The beast swings its tail in a circle, keeping them all back. Magnus takes out Marika's hammer. It glows gold and he rises into the air. Everyone looks up in awe as he comes crashing down on the beast, whacking it so hard, it sends the beast on its side, revealing a weak spot.

They can hear the jar warrior shout, still buried in the ground. "Its underside! Its underside!" It's then that they notice the broken spear lodged in the beast. The jar warrior had already wounded the beast.

The Valkyries and Knights charge, all plunging their blades in the beast. It roars in pain and rises back up quickly, and in a frantic panic begins to kick and swing wildly. Knocking all the Knights back, yet the Valkyries dodge all the blows. They continue swinging and casting their incantations. It's enough to stun the beast.

As they do that, Magnus frees the jar warrior. The jar thanks him and they both look at the ongoing fight. The jar warrior begins spinning and quickly whacks the beast before it impales Maureen and Amy. He holds the beast by the horns, keeping it steady for a short time.

Magnus notices a broken crystal on the ground. He tosses it at Millicent, shouting her name. Millicent sees the crystal flying in the air, and in a shocking display to Magnus, Millicent summons an ethereal form of red flowery wings. She soars into the air, grabs the crystal, flies down and jams it straight into the beast's eye. It screams in pain and after a moment of it running, it falls to the ground dead.

Millicent's wings disappear and she begins helping her sisters and Knights. Magnus studies the vanishing wings, curious about it, and he can hear Marika in his head whispering the same to him.

"My thanks, friend." Magnus turns to face the jar warrior, who has approached him.

"It was not a problem," Magnus replies. "That beast proved more troublesome than I anticipated."

The jar warrior laughs and says, "Indeed, I should have waited for the Cleanrot Knights, but I saw the opportunity and could not pass up the challenge, ha-ha. What is your name, great warrior?"

"My name is Magnus, what might yours be?"

The jar stands upright and proclaims himself in a loud joyous tone, "I am Iron Fist Jar-Bairn!"

Chapter 14

After defeating the beast, Magnus, Jar-Bairn, and the Cleanrots all went to the nearby village to inform its residents they will no longer have any issues. As they walked, Magnus learned more about Jar-Bairn. He told Magnus about his uncle, the great Iron-Fist Alexander and how he holds up his memory. As they were hanging back from the group, Magnus discreetly asked Jar-Bairn what he knew about Millicent and her sisters. Jar-Bairn did not give much information, other than what Magnus already knew, but Magnus could tell that Jar-Bairn was also a little unsettled by their almost fanatical nature in the rot.

They arrived at the village, and Millicent informed its people of the news. They rejoiced but were in awe at the sight of Magnus when he came into their view. He tried to divert their attention as he felt uneasy as they surrounded him and began thanking him for helping, thanking him for almost everything, as if he were their savior. Jar-Bairn could see the unease in Magnus's eyes and began telling the crowd to disperse, trying to help give Magnus some space. Magnus was relieved and thanked him.

"Don't you sweat it friend. These people may call you a demigod, but I call you warrior, and we need to have each other's backs." Magnus gave a slight smile and nodded.

Millicent then approached them both. "Jar-Bairn, I thank you for your aid in helping deal with the beast. If you would wish, you may accompany us to Sellia."

Jar-Bairn replies, "I would love that, to finally have the chance to study gravity magic at its most famous location to learn it." He began laughing. "Ahh, how this will be a wonderful day. I thank thee for the offer." Millicent nodded and gathered her troops, as they set off towards Sellia.

It was close to sunset by the time they reached Sellia. They had to travel through the aeonian swamp to reach it, having to kill a few small predators hidden in the vast trees and vines. Marika spoke to Magnus from within his mind, and remarked at how beautiful the water was. Magnus could see his glimmering reflection, the water looked as clear and beautiful as it could ever possibly be. This helped further solidify their theory that Malenia's rot, that once doomed all of Caelid, had now turned it into a beautiful landscape.

They finally reached the ruined city of Sellia. Before entering through the main gate, Millicent and her sisters stopped at some abandoned shack just down the road. Magnus was confused as to why and went over to investigate. As he approached, he found them all just standing there inside it. "Is something the matter?" Magnus asked them.

They all turned to face him, except Millicent. Maureen replied, "No my lord. We just felt a presence here." Pauleen picked up where her sister left off. "We believe it has to do with our lives before we became Valkyries." Amy then continued. "We can't be sure, as we can't recall all our memories." Mary picked up the conversation, "We believe this is where it all started for us. In this shack, someone's home."

Magnus stared at them in confusion and simply asked, "Where what started for you?"

"Our destiny," Millicent replied in a hushed tone, one that they could all still hear, but almost as if she didn't want to say it. Magnus could tell that out of all of them, Millicent seemed the most uneasy being in this shack. She turned to face Magnus, "I am sorry Magnus. We have taken too much of your valuable time. There was just..." She struggled to find the right words, "there was something pulling my sisters and I to this shack. There is always every time we come here to Sellia. We hope to find someone. Someone who could give us some answers or clues about our past. Yet we never do."

Magnus nods, contemplating on how to reply. He still doesn't fully trust them, but he cannot deny that he feels some sympathy for their plight. He too struggles with the same difficulty of memory. "There is no need to apologize. I can understand your struggles, as I suffer from loss of memory of my past as well. I would love to know and remember everything if I could, therefore there is no need to apologize for you all wanting the same."

Millicent and her sisters smile, but Millicent's is the biggest and Magnus can't help but smile back at her. "We shall move onto Sellia now," Millicent says, beginning to walk away. Magnus follows behind her and her sisters as they enter the town of Sellia.

Once inside the town, Magnus studies its environment. The city is in ruins, but he could tell that it was once an architectural beauty. Alas, its walls, buildings, monuments are all cracked or crumbling. It's covered in vines and trees and grass growing where it should not. They go to the far back left of the city, where a small area looks as if it has been rebuilt. They step inside through the archway to be greeted by a group of Sellian sorcerers. They welcome Millicent and her Cleanrot soldiers. Millicent then introduces Magnus and Jar-Bairn.

Magnus can't read the expressions of the sorcerers' faces as they wear masks, but he can tell by their body language they are surprised to see him. "Jar-Bairn has helped us in securing the nearby village, having taken a detour of his journey here to learn gravity magic to do so."

One sorcerer steps forward, holding a meteorite staff. The sorcerer speaks, "Ahh, what a noble hero. Come and I shall teach you all that I know of gravity magic."

Jar-Bairn laughs in joy and thanks Millicent. Then he turns to Magnus and holds out his hand. "It was nice meeting you warrior; I hope that our paths cross once again."

Magnus takes his hand and shakes it. "Likewise, Iron-Fist." They then walk back outside while Magnus is guided by Millicent to the center chamber.

Once inside they are greeted by Vorien. The first thing Magnus notices is that he does not wear a mask like the other sorcerers. He studies the features of the man, seeing that he is very tall for a regular human, perhaps one of its various sub-races. His skin is dark, he has black hair with some turning grey. He looks old but also youthful. Marika speaks inside Magnus's mind, "Perhaps he has used some spells to prolong his life. Immortality usually comes at a price when one takes it."

Magnus nods and begins listening as Millicent introduces the two of them. Vorien puts his book down and doesn't say anything. He merely stands and then walks around Magnus, studying him. "Hmm, a demigod you say." For a brief instance Magnus can see a delighted smile of relief flash over Vorien. It is gone in an instant. Magnus wonders why that could have been but does not question it further as Millicent explains what Magnus is seeking.

Vorien then informs them that he does have a way inside, but it could prove possibly disastrous. Magnus steps forward, "How disastrous?"

Vorien smiles and says, "I have lived for many ages and in that time, I have recovered the relics and artifacts of ancient masters of sorcery, magic, and other unnatural capabilities. One of which is an artifact connected to way gates." He holds out a small disc-shaped object, with an open circle. "It, like the various portals throughout the Lands Between has the means to transport the user great distances. However, the way this artifact works, is it does not have a set destination. It takes you to your destination by reading your mind."

Magnus nods and smiles, "But why is it disastrous? It seems simple enough."

Vorien smiles and replies, "Because it is not always a hundred percent accurate. You might appear in the bottom of the divine tower, or in the skies above it. Also, it has been running out of power for some time. It seems Nox in origin and I am unable to repair it or know its source of power."

Magnus nods and asks if he may use it anyway. Vorien smiles and says, "On one condition." Magnus looks at him with a concerned look, feeling as if though he is about to be asked something he'd prefer not be asked. "What might the condition be?"

"I simply ask that when I need your help, you be there."

Magnus sighs, feeling a bit of relief wash over him. "Very well." With that Vorien begins activating the way gate. Magnus turns back to Millicent. The two smile and thank each other for their help. Magnus states that he will return once the tower is lit. The way gate begins to glow, and Magnus closes his eyes. He thinks of the Divine Tower of Caelid, of being right at the top of it. He holds out his hand and he feels the energy wash over him.

When Magnus reopens his eyes, he is successful, he is right outside the doors to the Divine Tower of Caelid. They are already open, and he steps inside. He sees the Great Rune resting there, just as Marika said since she could sense it. He picks up the Rune, and Marika begins materializing. Before she can speak and tell him to wait, Magnus has activated the Great Rune. The tower begins to come to life as the energy of Grace spreads out across the lands.

Marika kneels down and studies the Great Rune. Magnus can see the concern in her face and asks what is wrong. "It... it is not Radahn's Great Rune."

Magnus looks at the Rune. "Then whose is it?" He asks. They study the Rune, looking at its circular shape with a line going up on the right side. He then notices the flowers blooming on it. "Malenia?"

As Marika says the name, it's as if it's a summon. As they hear a faint shimmering noise. They turn around to find a figure appearing before them. Their jaws drop when it finally materializes, revealing the demigod Malenia.

Chapter 15

"O, dear Miquella... O, dearest Miquella, my brother... I'm sorry. I finally met my match..."

Those were the last words Malenia uttered. The last thing she remembers, as she stirs awake. She tries to open her eyes, and then the realization hits, she has no eyes. They rotted away long ago she reminds herself.

A moment passes and another realization dawns on her. "The rot!" She shouts. She looks around her body, seeing the scars and golden prosthetics. She doesn't feel the rot anymore, it's gone.

Joy begins to fill her entire being, but it is fleeting as she realizes it is because she is no longer living. She has joined the spirits, but something is different, she was not formed into a spirit ash. She had seen them be used and had been taught their nature by her brother, so she could realize something was different about her.

She could not be seen by the people running past her. She sees they are running from something. Screaming, wailing, panicking, fighting and dying.

She watches as a mad troll with burning eyes blasts them all down. She draws her blade and goes to strike the troll. It is a magnificent slice, one that could fell the mightiest of foes, yet it simply phases through the troll.

It is not even bothered by it, he does not even notice it, it simply continues slaughtering.

She looks off in the distance at a distant yellow light, covered by fog. For one small second, it burns brighter than she can bear. Even in death she is forced to shield her eyes.

The light fades and the fog returns. In its place though is a massive shockwave that sends her stumbling.

She watches in horror as the entire city of Leyndell is separated from the rest of the Altus Plateua.

She watches the tidal wave rush to her divine tower. She rushes back to the inside, yelling for the people to follow her. None of them listen.

She phases through the door and realizes they cannot open it. She tries her best to save them, but it is not enough as she hears the wave crash against the door.

She hears their screams become drowning noises. She watches as the water begins seeping through the cracks. She goes to the lift and tries to activate it. She tries her hardest to touch the button to raise it but is failing.

She closes her eyes and wills herself to touch it. "Please, I shall not perish this way. I shall not perish again." She no longer has to worry, as she can feel the tower tilting.

The shockwave was so immense, it destroyed the ocean floor holding the tower in place. She feels it begin to tumble, she turns to face the door and with a brave face, marches out of it. The water hits her and... and nothing.

She continues on, staying in place, hovering. She looks over at the Altus Plateau and she tries to go there and within an instant, she is.

She remembered Miquella telling her about those tricks that some spirits can do. She looks around atop the mountain slope she was able to find at the ruined landscape and sighs.

"Dearest Miquella. What am I to do now?" She then notices a white feather floating towards her, she gazes up at it. Its glowing. It stops and floats right in front of her.

She reaches out to grab it, feeling something deep within her, beckoning her to follow the feather.

As she nears the feather, it flies off slowly behind her. She stares at it, she realizes it is ignoring the wind entirely, forging its own path, shs realizes it is forging her path. She lets out a slight sigh, and begins following the feather.

Magnus watches Malenia, as she slowly rises from laying on the ground. She is still in her armor that he's seen her wear in artworks, with her blade still attached.

"Where am I?" She mutters, still staring down trying to get her bearing. Magnus and Marika are still both shook by this.

Marika steps forward though slowly. Malenia hears her footsteps and tilts her head. She listens to the sound of their footsteps, to the sound of her breathing. She can recall a familiarity but is unsure, until Marika speaks.

"Dearest Malenia, are thou alright?" Malenia's head shoots up, part of her face covered by the helm she wears.

"Mother!?" She says in an alarmed tone. She quickly rises from the ground and takes a step back.

"Yes Malenia. It is I."

Malenia's breathing becomes heavy, she stares over at Magnus, then back to Marika. She realizes she has her hand on her sword as if prepared to draw it. She let's go and her breathing calms. "Mother... how is this possible?"

Marika takes the time to explain the situation to Malenia. How she theorized that through their Great Runes, she could bring back her children, as she sensed their power still alive.

Malenia also explained how she awoke after her defeat or what felt like some time after her defeat. How she witnessed the destruction of Leyndell.

She then spoke of how she traveled the Lands Between, searching for Miquella. How along her journey she could find traces of Miquella's power, his rune. At some point her voyage lead her back to Caelid, as if something were calling her here.

"When I arrived in Caelid, I saw the land beginning anew from the rot I infested it with. I continued following the trail, until I..."

She hesitates for a moment. Magnus can tell she feels embarrassed to even utter the words that were about to come out of her lips.

"I felt weak. Even in my spiritual form, I could feel the power of my rune fading. I sought the Divine Tower here in Caelid in hopes it would restore me some. When I did, I began resting... until now. When I awoke, you were here."

She says, staring at Magnus. "So, you say he is my brother? That you and father had another child in hopes of purging the taint of these lands?"

Marika looks back at Magnus, "yes... we believed you all dead Magnus was conceived for a sole purpose and even though he still fulfills that purpose, he is more than that."

She looks back at Malenia with saddened eyes. "My daughter, I know it is thine own fault for the way things are between us. Why things were strained between thou's siblings. I wish for you to know, is thy intentions to correct thine own mistakes."

She says before lowering her head in disappointment. "I have started with Magnus, and it is thy goal to do the same with all of thine kin. I am truly sorry for everything daughter, I understand if thou will not forgive, but I implore you to least help us in our goal. I beg thee to help your brother Magnus for together we stand a chance at restoring what we once held dear."

Malenia and Magnus both look at one another. There's no true sibling love between them. While they may share the same parents, Magnus knows that Malenia had no issues in the past fighting her siblings to the death.

He also knows how much she can care for them, as seen from her relationship with Miquella. He thinks about what to say but before he can utter anything, Malenia speaks.

"Why would I help thee in this pursuit? My duty lies in the protection of Miquella. Now that I am returned, I must uphold that duty and find my brother."

Malenia begins to walk away. Marika begins pleading with Malenia as she does yet Malenia ignores her.

Malenia only stops when she finally hears the voice of Magnus. "Sister. Please wait just one moment."

Malenia pauses in her footsteps. She turns to face Magnus and looks closely at him. She can't see his face, but by her abilities of sensing things around her, she is able to discern certain aspects of his appearance.

"I know you have trouble trusting our mother, but what she speaks is true. This Flame of Frenzy threatens to turn the Lands Between into nothing. We need to work together to stop it."

Magnus then hesitates to bring up his next subject. "There is also the matter of your Cleanrot Knights." Malenia's head tilts at that and she demands an explanation.

Magnus fills Malenia in on all that has been going on with her Cleanrot Knights, and the new Scarlet Valkyries.

Magnus can tell how disturbed Malenia is by this as her Cleanrot knew how she disliked the rot and fought to stave it off.

Magnus watches as Malenia is in deep thought. She finally turns to face them both and gives them her answer. "I shall help you in dealing with this situation involving my Cleanrot Knights. However, afterwards I intend to set off after Miquella. If it is true, that you seek to find and reunite all of my... our lost siblings than he shall be first on the list of priorities."

Marika begins speaking, arguing that she has not been able to sense Miquella's Great Rune at all and perhaps he does dwell hidden somewhere, therefore it may prove more difficult trying to find him first, without all the other Divine Towers lit, to help boost her power through the grace.

Magnus can sense the frustration building inside Malenia. He interrupts his mother. "Look, we will search for Miquella day and night, whenever possible. We may have to take some stops along the way, but Miquella shall remain one of my highest priorities sister... I know you do not know me; I know that you may not even wish to call me brother yet, but I give you my word, that I do intend to find Miquella. Not just because he would be a valuable asset... not anymore just because of that... but because he is my brother, and he shouldn't be alone."

Even under the mask, Magnus can tell Malenia is giving a slight smile.

"I do not consider you're a brother yet. You are still far too unfamiliar to me. However, I will help you, I will fight at your side."

Magnus gives a small smile, a little disappointed at how blunty she stated that she does not view him as a brother yet.

His train of thought is interrupted again by Malenia. "Heed my words. If you do not keep your vow or fail to do so you will face my wrath for, I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella."

Chapter 16

Chapter Summary

Short chapter to help build up to the next few. Will give more of an update later on. If you have any suggestions or ideas you'd like to share that I might be able to incorporate into the story please feel free to share, either comment or message. I really appreciate it.

Magnus and Marika both filled Malenia in on their adventure but went into much greater detail explaining their interactions with the Cleanrot since arriving in Caelid. Malenia was very disturbed by the way they described her once proud knights. She didn't want to believe them, and she didn't somewhat. While some time had indeed passed since she was with them last, she found it hard to believe that her knights would forget their principles.

"Could they have truly forsaken the oaths they swore? No. I must see myself." Malenia told herself. Muttering it quietly so Magnus and Marika would not hear as they traveled along the road back to Sellia.

They had managed to find a stairwell inside the tower that got them closer to the ground, then they found a hole in the side to which Magnus prepared to jump out of. Marika protested but Magnus was already jumping. Marika was then simply able to warp to Magnus as she had to remain in vicinity of him.

While Malenia was able to warp on her own. She had mastered that gift, or curse. She was not sure what to call it, only that it was sometimes useful.

Marika tried chatting with Malenia along their journey, yet Malenia kept giving small, quick, and cold replies. Marika could tell she still held some resentment towards her for her past actions and she accepted that. She still tried her best to speak to her daughter, however.

That attitude stopped when Malenia questioned what happened to her father. Marika went quiet and frowned, facing the ground. That question also paused Magnus as he turned back to face them. He wanted to defend his mother, but he was also curious to hear what she had to say. He simply assumed Radagon was no more, or simply resting within their shared form.

When Malenia asked the question, he realized that he never got a clear answer on that matter. Plus, the fact that Marika had gone so quiet, Magnus assumed she was hiding something else. Malenia began asking the question once again, only to be interrupted by Marika's response.

"There is much thou do not know about your father and I dear Malenia." Marika sighed and looked at Magnus. "Perhaps tis time I revealed the truth of the matter, as I did with Magnus." Malenia stared at Magnus, who gave a nod for Malenia to listen closely.

With that, Marika explained how she and Radagon were connected. Malenia was beyond confused and shocked. It made no sense to her yet also did at the same time. For she knew of her brother and his persona as Saint Trina, yet it was not the same as with her parents. For Miquella simply posed as Saint Trina at times, taking the image of her.

"So is that how my brother and I became cursed twins? Cause you and father were technically one being?"

Marika sighed and lowered her head. "Tis what we suspected. It was never our intention, but once it was done, it could not be undone."

"Because your Greater Will deemed it so?" Malenia responded scornfully. Marika simply replied with a nod. Malenia could see the shame in her mother's eyes. Part of her wanted to move past it, yet she could not let the disdain for it go away so easily, so she started walking again, albeit much faster.

Magnus looked to both of them as they walked by. He felt pity for his mother for being blamed for her past actions, yet at the same time he could not blame Malenia for still holding that against her.

He believes he would behave the same way if he were in her shoes. Yet how could he possibly know that. He still hardly knows who he is. He longs to remember the past, not so much so that he can have all the painful memories of fighting his mother spoke of, but just so he can know the kind of person he was.

Was he kind and caring, ruthless and selfish, was he loved, was he hated or feared. Was he all of those things? He asked himself. He feared he would never know the answer. He sighed and caught up with his mother and sister.

Marika insisted they rest for the night. Even though Marika and Malenia did not need to, she knew Magnus hadn't rested since first arriving at Fort Faroth.

He did not really need it, but she was hoping to get the two of them alone together so they could get to know eachother. She managed to do so, giving the two sometime alone by the fire.

Magnus challenged Malenia to a duel. Malenia was amused and gave a smile, but it then became sour, as she reminded him that she incapable of physical contact while as her current spiritual form. Magnus then questioned this.

"If you're a spirit, why can't you act like most spirits in the Lands Between? Like some of the ghosts, undead, or spirit ashes?" Malenia shakes her head, not having an answer. Magnus proposes stopping by to see Roderika and ask her. Magnus then explains who Roderika is.

Marika reappears and offers to take them. They hold out their hands and takes them to the ruined Roundtable.

At the Roundtable, Hewg has been working nonstop, forging new weapons. While Roderika has been repairing the hold, along with the help of others that have arrived.

They are all shook when the large light of grace, begins growing brighter, and three new beings emerge from it. They are all shocked even more when they see who it is, towering demigods and the once Queen Marika.

Everyone is too shocked to speak at all, till Roderika comes around the corner. "Good evening. I'm so glad you're back. Master Hewg has been hard at work and has been waiting for you Magnus."

Malenia is a little uncomfortable with all the roaming eyes and the girl's bubbly nature. Magnus however smiles, thanks her, and then asks for her help with the situation with Malenia. Roderika happily accepts to help, and Marika goes with them. While Magnus goes to speak to Hewg.

Roderika examines Malenia's spiritual aura and tries to determine what could be the issue. "I am not sure entirely. She is similar to a spirit ash, but something is blocking her aura, preventing her contact with others."

Marika holds her chin, trying to think of what the issue could be. Malenia speaks up, "could it be the rot?" Marika instantly replies "no." Malenia gives a small scwol at the remark, because of the way she said it.

Roderika then explains "the queen is right. Usually ailments do not affect spirits, so I don't believe it could be affecting your spiritual aura. Is there something else you could be feeling?"

Malenia shakes her head, "I'm not sure. I've not felt the same since I acquired that accursed Great Rune."

With that statement, Marika's eyes light up and she lifts her head. "Roderika help me feel down into her spiritual form, I am going to ignite her rune and you tell me if anything changes."

Roderika nods and they proceed. As they work, Roderika can tell that the Great Rune is not just blocking her soul and full potential, and that is what is blocking her from becoming a normal spirit. Marika thanks Roderika and she nods for Malenia to follow.

Over at Master Hewg's smithing table, he holds out a shield. It has spikes all around the side and Hewg demonstrates that it can spin, using the spikes to cut through things.

He then hands him two elemental daggers, one of fire, the other of ice. Both capable of shooting small blasts of their elemental power. He also gives Magnus a couple of talismans. A crimson, amber medallion and red feather branchsword.

Magnus thanks Hewg, who gives a simple nod of welcome. Malenia and Marika come over and tell Magnus of what Roderika explained.

He proposes going back to the Divine Tower and trying again, yet Malenia says that it can wait, she wants to see her knights and that that can wait if need be. Magnus nods and they say their goodbyes.

Roderika stops Magnus just before he leaves and hands him a new spirit ash. "Her name is Lluthel. She is a headless mausoleum knight. She is very powerful and can help you greatly." Magnus smiles and thanks Roderika.

"Please, I know you're strong, but be careful. I'd hate to lose anyone else." Magnus smiles and grabs her hand. "Do not fear Roderika. All shall be fine." He then steps back with Marika, and they leave the Roundtable.

Chapter 17

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter fornotes

Back in Sellia, Vorien has been working tirelessly Millicent thought to herself. She valued him dearly, as he was as devoted to their cause as them. "He has proven himself a valuable ally. I would consider making him a vassal of our army," Millicent said to her sisters. Most of them nodded and agreed, Mary objected, however.

"I am not so sure Millicent. I suspect some ulterior motives about him. He's always seemed too secretive for me." Mary spoke, staring at the workshop Vorien and his laborers worked from. They all turned to face it, hearing the loud clanking of what they assumed was their work. Millicent simply hummed in response to Mary's remark. She did not doubt that Vorien did indeed have some ulterior motive or motivation compared to theirs, but they aligned for now.

Millicent rose from her place and walked towards the shop. She was halted by the two sorcerers standing guard outside. "What is thy business here?" One of the sorcerers asked, holding his hand out.

Millicent gave him a glare that frightened the sorcerer slightly. "I wish to speak to Vorien, to ascertain the progress on his work." Millicent's tone then shifted. "I will not be halted by two meager sentries. This business is between thine and Vorien." Millicent could hear loud chattering and running coming from inside. She peered over the guard and could see faint hints of shadows, rushing around the room. "What is going on in..." She was then cut off by the sound of Vorien's voice, beckoning her to come inside. She stepped past the guards and walked in. Once inside she saw his workers and servants tinkering away at crystals she had not seen before. She walked towards Vorien. He looked up at her.

"Ahh My Lady Millicent, how may I help thee?" Vorien asked with a smile on his face.

Millicent studied his worktable, and the surroundings before responding. "What was going on a moment ago? Everyone seemed to be in a rush?" Millicent asked curiously.

Vorien continued smiling as he gave her answer. "I am just putting too much stress on their minds. It has been thine task to achieve a great many goals. Whilst I focus on us reaching the Lake of Rot, I have tasked thine servants with other projects of great importance to thine self."

Millicent gave an appreciative smile. "I see. Well, I thank you for delegating your work and putting this task first. How much longer should it be?"

Vorien's expression turned to worry, he glanced over at one of his servants who was staring back at them. The servant nodded their head and Vorien smiled. "We could begin now if it pleases." Millicent smiles and gestured for him to do so.

Millicent calls all of the Cleanrot together and orders them to prepare to march. They all file out and begin preparing. She then speaks to her sisters and reassures them of Vorien's dedication. Vorien walks out and begins ushering them to a nearby excavated mountainside.

"This path will lead us to the gondola the Nox built." He gestures for them to go on ahead. They all begin marching down the path.

They travel through the excavated area, until reaching a passage that looks natural. They follow it down, until it leads to a massive chasm with a large gondola. Millicent turns back to speak to Vorien, only to find him missing.

"Where is Vorien? Where is he!" Millicent demanded, her calm pleasant tone gone, now replaced by anger.

Pauleen ordered two knights to go back up and find Vorien.

Amy then spoke up, "perhaps it best if we continue on." The others agreed, but Millicent was hesitant. Something felt off to her, she wanted to voice her concern she was feeling all the sudden. She felt as though her mind was telling her not to go, to turn them all back and seal this tunnel away.

"Agreed. We continue on." Millicent commanded.

Magnus, Marika, and Malenia could see Sellia in the distance. They were on a hillside and slowly approaching the town. That's when they noticed two Cleanrot Knights emerge from a tunnel and begin making their way to Vorien. The knights looked as if though they were preparing their weapons. Malenia shot up before Magnus and Marika. She warped straight down to her knights. Magnus was forced to run down the hill.

The two Cleanrot Knights instantly froze when Malenia warped right in front of them. Not because she startled them by appearing out of nowehere, but because of who she is. They recognize her immediately, but she does not recognize them. Even when wearing their armor, Malenia could tell the difference between all of her knights. Their voices, the way they walked, the way they held themselves, their height, their breathing patterns, their choice of weapons, and more. She had lost her sight, but her other senses were far superior.

"Stand down." Malenia said in a calm, yet authoritative tone. "Where are the rest of you?"

The two knights fell to their knees, and both apologized profusely. One spoke up, "they await us in the passageway to the Lake of Rot my lady! We were tasked with retrieving the sorcerer who helped us in this effort as he had seemingly vanished when traveling alongside us."

Malenia turned to face Vorien's home and watches as the sorcerers came outside. Vorien stepped out and saw Malenia.

"Oh my." He said with a frightened tone. "The Blade of Miquella? Here?" He turned to face his sorcerers and out of thin air, conjured his staff. "Prepare for battle my proteges, our might shall be tested this day!"

Malenia did not raise her weapon any higher or lower, but her two knights rose and stood in front of their lady. "You shall not touch her!" One knight shouted. The other chimed in, "we shall not allow you to lay a finger upon our Lady. You will die by our blades before you have the chance." Malenia stepped in front of them and halted their movement.

Thankfully Magnus had arrived and stood between the two opposing groups. "Calm everyone. We need not spill blood today." He looked at Malenia who gave a nod. He understood what she meant, that she would keep the knights back while he spoke to Vorien. "Vorien, what is the meaning of this? Are you helping the Cleanrot or are you not?"

Vorien looked at Magnus, then at Malenia and her two knights. He scowled at them and huffed. "I will not speak with them present."

Magnus turned to face Malenia, he could see the worry and distrust in her eyes at Vorien. He wasn't sure he could trust him either, but also wasn't sure he could trust Malenia. He took a chance. "My sister and her knights stay if she wishes. She has every right to hear what is truly going on, more so than I. They were her knights once."

Malenia was shocked by Magnus. She did not show it, but she smiled slightly under her helm. She turned to face her knights. "Tell us why you seek the Lake of Rot."

Her knights froze, startled by their Lady's tone. "We were told by Lady Millicent and her Valkyries that they had visions of your return. Your rebirth through the rot. That we must ensure your safety by seeking out the heart of it."

Malenia stared at them confused. She understood the cycle of Rot and rebirth the God that afflicted her was known for. She did not have any form of rebirth, as far as she knew. She was just dead, trapped beyond the veil as a spirit. "I opposed the rot along with my original knights. We sought to stave off its effects. Why do you not do the same?"

The knights looked at her confused, then at each other. They jumped again when she commanded them to answer her. "We thought you wanted that for us my lady. We were told that we would join you in rebirth. We knew not that you opposed the divine blessing."

Malenia's jaw dropped. 'Divine blessing? How absurd. Whoever spewed these lies to my knights in my absence will surely pay.' Malenia stared back at them, her expression now of rage. "Tell me who told you this! Now!"

"The Rot my lady... it... it speaks to us... to the Valkyries. It... it commands them." One of the knights spoke nervously.

'Of course. The rot has taken hold of my knights, corrupted them in hopes of using them against me. These Valkyries... I must find them. They will surely have answers.' Malenia turned to face Vorien. "Why did thou give the Cleanrot passage to the Lake if you did not wish for them to arrive there?"

Everyone turned to face Vorien. He sighed and answered them. "Because... I intended to destroy the Lake of Rot, and all those that follow that sickening god."

Malenia wanted to lunge at him, Magnus could see it in her eyes and stepped in between them and gave her a look. Malenia saw it and it reminded her of the look Miquella would give her, when her ire was raised in a situation, and he needed to calm her down before making situations more tense. She relaxed and simply gave Vorien a menacing glare. "You would dare to harm my knights."

Vorien stepped forward, anger in his voice. "I would! By the stars I would! It was that accursed sickness that infects you that killed my family! Ruined my home! And is now ruining my own life!" He shouted, lowering his sleeve to show that the rot has begun to spread on him. He began tearing up, "I have tried and tried to use fire to purge it. But the rot... the rot has grown stronger." He began weeping. "It will spread, and it will consume everything. Its rebirth may be wonderful, but I'd be damned if I see the whole world become what Caelid did a hundred years ago!" The last part he said with a such a ferocious anger at Malenia.

Malenia felt guilt over what happened at Caelid. She never intended to unleash the rot. To do what she did to the land, to the people, even to her brother Radahn. She would never wish that upon anyone, for she knows the pain and suffering if causes all too well. "I am sorry. Truly."

Vorien heard the words and his weeping ceased. He stared at the demigod and could see the remorse in her eyes. He was still so angry, even at her, but he knew deep down she was not to blame, even though he did just do that. He sighed and nodded his head.

"Vorien." Magnus said calmly. "What do you mean destroy the Lake of Rot?" Everyone looked at Vorien.

"Well just that. I intend to destroy the Lake of Rot and the Rot god that dwells within it."

Malenia gasped. "The rot god is trapped there. It's here? In the Lands Between!?" She was astounded. She thought the Outer God was beyond this world, exerting it's influence from beyond her reach. Had she known it was this close, perhaps she would have sought to snuff it out herself.

"Indeed it is." Vorien responded. "I intend to use the crystals that line the ceiling of the chasm the lake is in, as a explosive." Everyone stared at him puzzled by this. Then Marika appeared out of thin air, golden grace shimmering as she did.

"If thou were to do such a thing, you would sink the entirety of Liurnia. The landscape has been sinking for some time, doing this would surely doom it." Marika said.

Vorien laughed. "Ha... you truly don't know then. Liurnia is gone."

Magnus, Malenia, and Marika stared at him in shock. "What do you mean gone?" Magnus asked. Marika also asked "tis impossible. They took measures to ensure its survival."

At that time, Jar-Bairn chimed into the conversation. "The sorcerer speaks true. My village was once in Liurnia, till the sinking landmass and war left it in desolation. We were forced to move to Limgrave."

Magnus stared at Jar-Bairn, feeling pity for him and losing his home.

Vorien continued on after Jar-Bairn. "The jar is right. With Queen Ranni's war, Liurnia was left in tatters more than it already was. They only managed to barely keep the Academy, Caria Manor, and the Divine Tower afloat. Most of the remaining land masses are from the moon."

Marika and Malenia gasped at that response. Malenia was the first to respond. "Queen Ranni? The moon? What war?" Marika also demanded answers.

Vorien sighed. "You truly did not keep track of what happened after you left us did you my once queen!" Vorien's tone was sharp and full of bitter anger. "I knew now much of your war with the Frenzied Flame, only heard the tales. What I did hear though is that after the demigod Magnus fell in battle, Marika abandoned us once again."

Marika looked to the ground and sighed. She felt shame for it, but she also had too much rage boiling inside her at the moment. "Answer thy questions now sorcerer."

Vorien did not appreciate the tone she was giving but knew better than to seek her wrath. He felt more at ease when Magnus gave him a reassuring nod. "About a decade after your disappearance, the Frenzied Flame made its way to Liurnia, invading it. The once Lunar Princess Ranni proclaimed herself the new Dark Moon Queen. Similar as her mother was the Full Moon Queen. The demigoddess had summoned the power of her Great Rune, hidden on the moon to use against Chaos. Alas, it was not enough. She and her armies were defeated. They hid, as the Flame of Frenzy laid waste to Liurnia, and tore at the moon."

"Tore at the moon?" Magnus asked curiously, seeking more clarity.

"You cannot see it now as the moon has spun, but... somehow the God of Chaos, tore at the moon, destroyed parts of it, and crashed it into various areas of Liurnia. To taunt and destroy the people and its land."

They were all shocked by this news. Magnus felt his gut wrench, to know that this being possessed that kind of power. Would he be able to stand against it he wondered. Malenia was thinking the same, wondering if there was any hope at all. While all Marika could think about was Ranni. 'That wretched witch. Stole my beloved firstborn. She is no daughter of mine. No longer.' She thought to herself. Magnus could see the rage in her eyes. He wondered if it could be because of the Flame of Frenzy and its actions. He did not know of Marika's disdain towards Ranni for she had never spoke of it. Malenia began to worry about Vorien's plan, what would happen to her Cleanrot. Surely, they could be saved, may perhaps even these Scarlet Valkyries.

Magnus was the first to speak. "We shall aid thee in this endeavor Master Vorien, but the Cleanrot shall be spared." Magnus spoke with an authoritative and clear tone, trying to send the message that this is not an option up for discussion.

Malenia was shocked by this. She had expected she would need to be the one to argue for her knight's survival. She was grateful Magnus had asked this, no, commanded it.

Vorien wanted to argue, but he had heard, listened and watched them as they talked. He could sense that they had every intention of stopping the rot as he did, perhaps even more of a desire to do so. Plus, he believed Malenia when she spoke to her two knights that were still present, that they had been deceived into their newfound beliefs. "Fine. I agree to these terms. Now, shall I inform thee of the plan?"

Chapter End Notes

Couple of you asked when Ranni was gonna be mentioned in the story or if she even was. I intend for each of the demigods to have their part in the main story, some more so than others. I gave a little bit of info about what happened with her in this chapter, but she won't be appearing for a bit of time.

Apologies to all the Ranni fans.

Chapter 18

The gondola comes to a halt. The vast chasm is dark and the Cleanrot cannot see much. Maureen gestures for torches to be brought to the front. As they come, they are able to see a large door. It has many symbols and carvings on it. The main one being a flower. It has a line coming from the bottom of it that follows the floor to a small pedestal with a bowl-shaped surface. The Valkyries step forward, they feel something calling them to the bowl.

"Blood."

They hear the word and shiver. They recognize the voice. The rot, it's calling them.

"Blood."

They hear it again and this time the Cleanrot can sense something amiss. They begin looking around at each other. Some raising their weapons, prepared for whatever may come. The Kindred begin kneeling, as if in prayer.

Mary, Maureen, Amy, and Polyanna all four reach out and slice their palms, to begin dripping blood into the bowl. They look at Millicent, waiting for her to do the same. Millicent is however hesitant, she hears the voice in her head, and she feels the need to obey, but another voice speaks, telling her to resist. It sounds a lot like her own voice, but broken and tired. She reaches her hand out and slices her palm.

The door opens, and they stare in wonder and horror at the Lake of Rot.

Back in Sellia, everyone is beginning to walk down the path to the Lake of Rot to try and stop the Cleanrot. The two Cleanrot Knights have renewed their oaths to Malenia and are following behind her. While Vorien leads the way at the front, Magnus walks behind him, alongside Jar-Bairn.

"I thank thee for joining us in this fight Bairn." Magnus says, not facing Jar-Bairn to speak. The jar turns to face him and laughs.

"Ha. How could I miss out on the chance to test my mettle. This shall be a true warrior's test, and I should thank you for giving me the opportunity to join you."

Magnus laughs but is interrupted by Marika. "I have an idea on how we could restore Malenia." Magnus looks back at Malenia, who also heard, and she begins walking forward to walk alongside them.

"What is thy proposal mother?" Malenia asks curiously and a bit excitedly.

"Perhaps we can reattune the Great Rune to act more of a conduit for the power of grace at the Divine Tower, freeing you and your soul from its restricting influence."

Magnus looks at the group then back to them. "So what? We turn around and go back to the tower? Do we have the time?"

Marika shakes her head. "No, we shall light a grace on the gondola Vorien speaks of. Then we shall travel to the tower." They both nod in agreement and continue walking to the gondola. As they do, Marika stares at Malenia with a look of sadness as she speaks to Magnus. She begins to ponder about things of the past.

Many years ago...

Queen Marika the Eternal layed in bed, trying to sleep, when she was awoken by her husband, Radagon.

"Dearest husband, what tis the matter?" Marika asked her other half.

"It is the twins." Radagon said sighing, sitting on the edge of their large bed. He stared out at the open view of the city that he could barely see before the servants closed the curtains. Marika had rose from her spot and sat forward. "Malenia's condition worsens, and Miquella's stubbornness grows. He refused to leave her, till I forced the guards to take him."

Marika sat back up and rested her hands on Radagon's shoulder to comfort him. "How is our daughter?" Radagon sighed even harder than before. "I had the servants give her a herb to help her with the pain and to sleep. I intend to take her to Liurnia within the week."

Marika shot forward, "you do not intend to ask Rennala for help do you?" Marika asked with a worrying tone that Radgaon looked at her confused.

"Of course I do not. I do believe she would help, but I doubt she has the solution to such a problem. No... I intend to seek out the fire monks. There have been talks and discussions with the doctors, servants and performers. They speak of how the monks used fire to stave off afflictions of similar properties such as this... this rot."

They then hear loud rumbling outside. They both sit up, Radgaon summons his great sword, shimmering in gold, a symbol of their order. He lowers it when he can see the outline of their most loyal servant.

The servants do not have time to pull back the curtain for the newcomer. Maliketh, The Black Blade of Marika enters their bedchamber.

"Forgive me Marika for this intrusion." The beast says, lowering his head. "There has been... a situation. You must come quickly. Both of you." They both step up quickly and follow Maliketh.

"What is the meaning of this Maliketh? Why has thou roused me at this hour?" Marika demanded of her half-brother.

"Marika..." Radagon whispered as he realized where Maliketh was leading them. Marika realized it then as well and they both began walking faster, eventually ahead of the Blade.

They could hear the screaming, the agonizing screaming of pain. They were right outside her chambers and could see four guards holding Miquella back, as he demanded they let him pass. The Black Blade rushed over and pushed the demigod back.

"I am sorry my nephew, but you mustn't." Maliketh spoke in a soft comforting tone. He watched as the young prince began to shed tears.

Radagon and Marika both went inside the room and froze in their tracks at what they saw. Their young daughter Malenia, her right arm. The rot had grown even deadlier, so much more so that it woke her from her slumber. That wasn't what froze them in their tracks, however. It was the fact that the arm was completely severed from Malenia.

One of the perfumers came up to them and muttered. "She... she cut it off... she cut if off herself." They spoke, stuttering and struggling to speak to the two towering beings. Radagon rushed down to Malenia's side and began holding her, trying his best to comfort her, as she cried into his arms. He could hear the faintest sound of words coming from her cries.

"Its... it's still there... it's still there.!" Malenia barely spoke through her cries. Radagon looked down, to see the rot beginning to grow to the rest of her body, right at the stump where she severed her arm. He looked at Marika, who still stood in the doorway, completely frozen by the event.

She walked forward, placed her hand on her daughters broken, bleeding stump, and looked at Radgaon. He nodded and hardened his grip on Malenia. "This is going to hurt my child, but you must be strong." Malenia nodded without hesitation and with that, Marika began conjuring fire from her hands.

The fire burned at the stump and Malenia screamed. She screamed even harder as Marika began using her magic to course the fire through Malenia's entire body.

By the end of it, Malenia was barely conscious, unable to cry or scream anymore dud to exhaustion. Radagon continued holding her while Marika stepped out of the room. She saw Maliketh still holding Miquella at bay. He let go and the young demigod approached his mother.

"Is she alright? Will she live?"

Marika stared down at him and then knelt. She looked her son right in the eyes and spoke. "Yes, my son. She will live. For she is strong."

Marika stopped thinking about the past as she hears the sound of the gondola starting. They had made their journey down to it and if had begun to move. They could see that other gondolas had been taken already. Magnus and Malenia both approached her. She nodded and lit a small grace on the gondola as it moved.

"We go now to the Divine Tower my children." With that, she held their hands and within moments, they were back at the Divine Tower.

"Magnus, I shall take Malenia's Great Rune and place it within thyself. You shall use thine own power to sustain her life and grant her rebirth." Magnus stared at her confused.

"How am I to do that? Will she even survive the process?" Magnus asked. Marika looked at him with a smile and simply replied. "Yes, my son. She will live. For she is strong."

With that they began. Malenia stood at the center of the tower's power, while Marika reached into her spirit and plucked the Great Rune from her. Malenia began to fade, until Magnus reached forth. His eyes closed and his arms outstretched. He focused on keeping Malenia alive. Soon her flashing spiritual form, stopped flashing. The blue mist surrounding her body began to vanish. While a white and blue aura surrounded Magnus. He was doing it, he was granting Malenia her physical form back.

Magnus list focus for a moment, as the visions he had been having raced through his mind once more. This time he saw something else. Not just the woman with dark wings, but himself... with white wings.

He pushed the thoughts away with all of his willpower, determined to see his current task through, and that he did. When he opened his eyes, there stood Malenia, in the flesh.

She stared in wonder at her body. She began touching herself and sighed, amazed that she could feel something once again. She looked at Magnus and Marika with a smile. "Thank you! I thank you!" They both smiled and Marika told her she was welcome, but Magnus shocked Malenia once more, as he reached out to hug her.

Malenia was shocked by it, not expecting such a gesture. She felt uncomfortable at first, but eased into and soon reciprocated the hug, even smiling slightly as she did. "What was that for?" She asked Magnus as they left each other's arms.

Magnus smiled and said, "I thought you might have needed." Malenia grinned. "Perhaps I did. Thank you... brother."

She then unsheathed her sword and swung it a few times, smiling at the feeling of her blade once more. Magnus unsheathed his sword and Malenia cast him a curious glance. "Perhaps that duel now sister?"

Malenia gave a confident smirk. She had not battled in a long time but gave zero hesitation to lowering her blade in preparation. "Lets." Is all she said before charging forth with such speed that shocked Magnus.

He lept out of the way as she swung down at him from above. She twirled to the right, swinging her sword to catch him, he blocked the swing and pushed her sword back. She danced it in a flurry and then struck four times at Magnus. He parried each, but she managed to graze his shoulder on the last one. He saw her smile as she did and realized she was testing him. She wanted to see his skills as much as he wanted to see hers.

Malenia came in fast and hard with a forward swing and Magnus cast rejection to push her back. She stumbled and he came in with a phantom slash. She blocked it but still felt it's magical sting. He slashed his purple bladed sword at her several times, taking Malenia back on the defensive. She lept into the air and came crashing down with her blade. He rolled and came back in. They traded blows several times.

Marika watched with enthusiastic interest. She could sense that the others on the gondola still had yet to reach their destination, so she was more than happy to let this continue. She was worried one of them would seriously injure the other, which would be a detriment to their plans.

Malenia came in with a slash and missed Magnus. He had vanished and was not making any sound whatsoever. He snuck around Malenia's backside and prepared a strike. As he reared back with his blade, he let out the faintest sound of breath, but it was more than enough for Malenia. She did a backwards kick and hit Magnus in the jaw. She lunged her sword backwards and was able to knock Magnus blade out of his hand. She then twisted it in her prosthetic hand and held it perfectly at Magnus heart and smiled.

"You are quite skilled with a blade Magnus, but it seems not as much as I." Malenia said with a smirk.

Magnus laughed and spoke. "Yes, but I'm sure I could survive a small stab to the heart, at least long enough to land this swing of mine." Malenia looked down and could sense the golden aura of her mother's hammer in Magnus left hand, prepared to come up and strike a critical blow at Malenia. She laughed and lowered her blade.

"They have arrived at the lake." Marika said. The two demigods looked over at her and then strode toward her. Marika stood up and held out her hands for them. "We must depart." They took her hand and within moments were back on the gondola.

"Ahh good heavens!" Jar-Bairn shouted as the three emerged from golden grace right in front of him. He fell backwards and landed on his back. "Oh... oh my. A little help ole friend?" Magnus laughed and helped Jar-Bairn up. "Oh, I thank you. You gave me quite the scare there aye? Haha"

"Come, we must hurry." Vorien spoke, standing at the open doorway to the Lake of Rot. They went to the door and stared at the Lake of Rot. They see the platforms that have been raised by the Cleanrot and in the distance, they can see the Cleanrot finally reaching the Grand Cloister. "We must hurry, if we are to put an end to this, once and for all."

Chapter 19

The Cleanrot halt right before the Grand Cloister. They stare around the environment, the rot flowing from the walls. The mushrooms, flowers, and various wildlife growing around the stone structures. The knights begin to grow unsettled and so do the Valkyries, as the voice in their heads grow louder. The five Valkyries begin to slowly fall to their knees. The knights rush to their side to help them. While the Kindred surround the entryway ti the large chamber ahead of them and surround the Cleanrot. They begin raising their arms in worship, making weird clicking noises. The knights raise their weapons, feeling threatened. They stand by their Valkyries in defense, yet the Valkyries slowly begin to rise, glowing with a red, scarlet aura, each of them having grown wings, and ordering the Cleanrot to stand down. The knights stare in confusion and horror as they turn to face them. Millicent is still on the ground, muttering something.

"No no no no no. I shall... I.. I will not give in.. I am my own per..person." she struggles to finish her sentence.

The Scarlet Valkyries all then speak in unison to the Cleanrot. "Join us my servants of the rot. Join your God, and together we shall be reborn." The knights back away, keeping their weapons raised at the Valkyries.

"No!"

A loud voice coming from behind them, full of anger, yet sounding so gentle and regal. Everyone turns to see who this new person could be. Immediately all the Cleanrot can see is the towering demigod. Their towering, redhead, beautiful, fierce demigod. Their lady. Their commander.

Malenia draws her blade, the small army standing behind her, as her brother Magnus comes to stand by her side. "No. My Cleanrot were formed in opposition to the rot. We fight to stave it off, we fight to be the person we are truly meant to be. You are my knights, and if you wish to honor your true vows, then stand at my side, and we shall burn away this accursed Rot, once and for all." She speaks with such a majesty and compulsion, that makes the Cleanrots spirits raise. They face back the Scalret Valkyries, and draw their weapons.

The Valkyries raise their weapons in return and so do the Kindred. "She is right sisters." The Valkyries turn to face Millicent, who has shed her Scarlet flowery wings. "We must be our own. We are not slaves to the rot. We were made as aspects of the Lady Malenia, and she never wished to be one with the rot. Therefore, neither should we." Millicent draws her blade, and steps towards the Cleanrot, then faces her sisters. "Please, do not force a battle between us once more." She pleads with them. She remembers when they left her to die in Caelid, thinking her weak. She remembers the journey she undertook, to return to Malenia. Being given the prosthetic she still carries, the village in Altus, the snowy mountaintops, the Haligtree. Her friend.. her friend who betrayed her and helped her sisters kill her so long ago, so she may become a Scalret Valkyrie. How she felt so betrayed and sad that day, to see the person who had helped her so much, turn their blade on her. When she was reborn as a Valkyrie, she was stronger than her sisters, and they accepted her, looking up to her even. Even after everything she did not wish to battle them, but her entire being was that personality of Malenia that hated the rot, therefore she would join the right side once more. Sadly though, her sisters had fallen too far to the rot and raised their weapons back at her.

The battle begins.

The two forces clashed as the Valkyries charged Millicent, trying to overcome her swiftly. Millicent was able to step back and block most of the blows, but she missed the one from Pauleen that was going straight for her neck. It was going to sever her entire head, but it was blocked by a golden blade. Before she even realized, Malenia was already pushing her sisters back, taking all four on her own. She stared in amazement at the sheer prowess of Malenia's skills. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Magnus who then held his hand out. She reached for it and he helped her to her feet. He then summoned Lluthel to help. The headless knight vanished as soon as she appeared. She reappeared behind some Kindred and slew them with her spear. The two then charged to join Malenia, while Jar-Bairn led the battle against the Kindred.

Vorien snuck around with a group of his sorcerers to a nearby ledge. They used gravitational magic to travel to the other side where a large collection of crystals was gathered and begin preparing to cause the chain reaction.
As the Valkyries fight Malenia, they are suddenly divided by the arrival of Magnus and Millicent. They begin to struggle heavily, till rot dogs run out from the large entrance way, along with rotten corpses, and other monsters. Magnus tries to hold them off while Millicent and Malenia battle the Valkyries.

Malenia is hit by one of the wings of the Valkyries and staggers. They come in for a strike, yet Malenia prepares a perfect counter. Before she can do it, Millicent comes out of nowhere and knocks her sister down. Malenia then comes in to deliver a kick that sends the Valkyrie flying back. Malenia and Millicent face each other. Millicent is in awe, while Malenia gives a expression of both appreciation and approval. They turn back-to-back as the four Valkyries surround them. Everyone charges at each other, dueling back and forth, switching combatants. The Valkyries continue losing, until Amy pulls out a spirit calling bell. She holds it out and rings it.

Malenia stares in disbelief as she sees the spirit ash of a Cleanrot Knight be summoned but it's no ordinary Cleanrot Knight. Just as she can recognize all of her knights by their patterns, she can tell who this knight is, or was. The spirit turns to face Malenia and draws their weapons at her and charges. Millicent stars at Malenia in confusion, as Malenia is just standing there frozen, her guard lowered. Millicent rushes to her side to kill the knight. Malenia sees her and shouts. "NO!" She charges forth, grabs Millicent by the wrist and rolls her out of the way, making sure not to hurt her. She does a quick twirl, drawing her sword just in time to block the sword and spear of the Cleanrot Knight. She stares into the spirit knight's eyes, her jaw lowered and face in horror and sadness. "Finlay... no."

Magnus hears his sister's shout as he is fighting a giant crow. He turns to face her as she locks blades with a spirit ash of one of her Cleanrot Knights. He is then stunned as the bird lands on top of him. He uses spells to blast the bird back before jumping up high, to plunge his daggers into its eyes. He then turns back to his sister as she does battle. She is only on the defensive, not even trying to land a strike on the spirit. He suspects that she knew this knight from her past and that could be the only reason she is doing this. He looks around the room to see Amy with the calling bell. He then rushes to Millicent's side as she begins battling the Valkyries.

Magnus helps Millicent fight her sisters, dealing heavy blows to send them back. He signals the bell to Millicent and she nods in understanding. Magnus distracts the Valkyries while Millicent goes around and sneaks behind them. She rushes up to destroy the bell but is blocked by Mary. The two duel fiercely, trading blows until Mary stabs Millicent through the gut. It was all a part of Millicent's plan, however. She grabs Mary's spear and hurls it at the calling bell. It breaks and the bell scatters into fragments. Millicent then headbutts Mary and frees herself.

Malenia watches as Finlay's spirt crumbles into ashes. She falls to her knees but looks up as Magnus slams the Hammer of Marika on the ground, sending the four Valkyries back flying towards the door. He then rushes to her side, and he ignores her, as he pulls out his own spirit ash box. He uses its magical properties to transfer Finlay's ashes into the box within moments.

"Your knight shall be fine, next time we have the chance, we will ask Roderika to help her spirit." Magnus says with a compassionate tone and expression to Malenia. She is giving a sorrowful smile, that slowly changes to more positive as she looks at him. She is so grateful to have him, and she wants to say that. She wants to thank him for everything, the kindness and care he has shown her since they've met. Before she can though, Millicent calls out to them.

"Something is happening inside that chamber!" She shouts, pointing at the Valkyries who have retreated inside, and a large red glow is shining through the archway. Magnus and Malenia both rise and rush to aid Millicent as she has already charged in after her sisters.

They reach inside to find the body of a large beast. It's having horns, wings, pustules, and flowers all over it. It looks like a hybrid between a gargoyle, a dragon, a elk and flower. As they do, a loud booming voice sounds throughout the chamber, as the beast's eye's glow.

"HEAR ME MY CHILDREN!" The voice is so loud inside the Valkyries, Millicent, and Malenia's heads that they fall to their knees in pain.

"TODAY IS THE DAY I RISE! REBORN AGAIN! TO TAKE THIS WORLD AND ROT IT AWAY TO PAVE WAY FOR MY REBIRTH! AND YOU, YOU SHALL BE MY INSTRUMENTS!"

The Valkyries are overtaken, their wills no longer their own. They rise into the air, and their souls and bodies vanish into the beast. Millicent also then rises, and her soul vanishes. Magnus stands in front of Malenia shielding her from the beast.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN SAVE HER? SHE HAS BEEN MINE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING! HER TWIN COULD NOT SAVE HER. HER GOLDEN ORDER COULD NOT SAVE HER. YOU WILL NOT SAVE HER! SHE WILL BE MY GODDESS!"

The Kindred then storm into the chamber, at the dozens. Magnus is forced to fight them to protect Malenia, yet as he does so, the Rot God sends a torrent of energy into Malenia. Rotting her mind away. Magnus uses all the power and skill he can muster to slaughter the Kinded as quickly as possible so he can help her, but it is futile.

As the last Kindred falls and he turns to face Malenia, she has bloomed. She is encased inna large scarlet flower. He circles around it, and stops as the beast comes to life, standing over them.

The flower then breaks, as Malenia stands there. Scarlet, flowery wings hanging from her back. Her skin bare and armor gone, faded by the magic of the rot. She stares at Magnus, blade at her side.

"DESTROY HIM!" The voice commands.

Malenia raises her blade at Magnus, and mutters. "You will witness true horror."

Chapter 20

Chapter Notes

Check notes at the end for an update and to help discuss the story's future direction if you'd like to.

See the end of the chapter for morenotes

Everything is dark, there is nothing around him except darkness. Magnus looks around, confused as to where Malenia has gone. "Am I dead?" He thinks to himself. No he can't be, not yet anyway. "But where am.."

"MAGNUS DUCK!" He hears a woman's voice, the woman's voice, the one from his visions, dreams, nightmares, whatever they are. He does as she says and within a moment, he snaps back to reality.

He narrowly dodged a strike from Malenia that would have cleaved his head straight off. He looks back at his sister, her rotten form having taken hold of her. She looks beautiful and horrifying at the same time. She raises her blade high, and rises into the air. Flowery projections of her fly out, striking at Magnus. He dodges or parries them. Smacking the last with his hammer. His sister begins glowing red and lunges at him from the sky. He dodges at the last moment, but is then sent flying back when she explodes into a flower. The scarlet rot hitting hits him like a tidal wave. He feels it's effects and applies a fire incantation to subside it. He looks back at Malenia as she slowly rises out from the blooming flower. Then once more, she strikes...

Vorien is finishing work on the crystals, and he goes over his servants work, ensuring they have properly completed their tasks. He looks at Jar-Bairn who is on the other edge. He uses gravitational magic to go to him.

"We must go Master Vorien, the Kindred are beginning to come from deep within the Cloister, they outnumber us by too many. With the demigods locked in combat, we stand no chance on our own."

Vorien looks over at the main chamber to see the demigod Malenia, fighting her brother Magnus. She has been taken over by the rot. "I need more time. I must find a way to connect the crystals to the ones here in the Cloister, so that way the entire Lake shall be engulfed in the fiery tornado I shall unleash."

Jar-Bairn looks around at the Cleanrot. They are struggling but fighting like true warriors. "What do you propose then?"

Marika watches from inside Magnus mind as he battles Malenia. He is completely on the defensive, not even trying to land a blow on her. Yet Malenia is fighting harder than she's ever seen her daughter fight. She is worried for Magnus life. She looks into her daughter's eyes and fears she may be gone for good.

"Magnus, you must fight back. It saddens me to say, but Malenia may be lost to us. You must seek thine own survival."

She watches as Magnus ignores her words, still only on the defensive. 'Why must he be so stubborn,' she thinks to herself.

Marika looks at the Rot God, looking for a weakness. She notices the glowing horns on its head. "Magnus, the horns." She watches as Magnus does a quick glance at the horns, before turning back to block Malenia. It was quick enough for him to notice. She believes the horns may be the connection to Malenia being controlled. If Magnus can sever the connection, then perhaps he may be able to save her.

Magnus locks swords with Malenia. He holds her still. She stares at him angrily, gritting her teeth. "Malenia, listen to me. You need to break through. This isn't you!" She breaks free of his hold and slashes her blade in a quick flurry. Magnus blocks each of them, stepping back quickly.

Malenia thrust her sword towards him quickly, lunging hard. He sidesteps, slaps the sword down with his Phantom Blade, and plants his frost dagger into her flesh thigh. She groans in pain at the contact and again when the frostbite sets in. She is then sent back by a cast of rejection. She falls back on the ground far away. Magnus looks up at beast who is distracted. He takes his Phantom Blade and lunges up at him into the air. He nearly lands the perfect blow, but is knocked away by Malenia, who flew in the air quick enough to stop him.

He falls to the ground hard. He looks up and rolls over as Malenia plants her sword into the ground where he was originally laying. "Damn it Malenia! Listen to me!" She doesn't, she pulls her sword out and continues striking at him. He is cut a couple of times, only minor. "Please Malenia, this isn't you. You are the Blade of Miquella. You have opposed the rot your entire life, do not let it control you now!"

For a brief moment, he notices hesitation in her next strike. He blocks it, but then she continues. He was sure he noticed it, so he continues trying to get through to her. He has no time at trying to get a good strike on the horns, so he must reason with her.

"Think of Miquella! Your duty! You have to find him. We will find him! Together! You finally have your knights back. You finally have your life back! Don't let it all rot away, please I beg of you sister!"

He is hit by the hoof of the beast, and it sends him flying into Malenia's attacks. He struggles to parry them in enough time. He staggers and she knocks his blade out of his hand and kicks him in the gut, sending him stumbling back. He looks up at her, preparing to deliver her finishing blow. He summons Marika's Hammer and charges it to its full power. It's enough to shatter every bone in Malenia's body and she knows it. She hesitates once more and so does the Rot God, not wanting to lose its precious Empyrean. Magnus, however, drops the hammer. Malenia stares at him in confusion.

"I will not kill you. Thou are my sister, and I will not shed thy blood. Please Malenia. Remember who you are." He stars at her, sorrow filling his eyes. "I know deep down; you care more than you show. I see it in you. You did for Miquella! You did for Godwyn! You did for your knights, your parents, your other siblings, even Radahn. I know you never wanted to hate them, to fight them, to lose them. I know who you are, you're not just Malenia, Blade of Miquella. You're not just your brother's blade, not just the vessel for rot, you are your own person!"

"KILL HIM" The voice of the Rot God commands.

Malenia lunges at him, full force, her blade outstretched forward.

Magnus does not move, not an inch. "Please sister, remember." He closes his eyes, as he feels the blade pierce his heart.

"NOOOOOOO!" Marika shouts. She begins to weep instantly. Another son lost, she's already lost Magnus once, she is not sure he can live this time. In the void she inhabits in his mind, she falls to her knees. She weeps for several moments, waiting to be expunged from his mind and sent back to grace. It never comes though. She looks up, tears still running. She struggles to summon the energy back to peer through, to see what's happening.

Malenia is standing right in front of Magnus, her blade plunged right into Magnus heart. Magnus looks down at the blade, his hands resting on it. He looks back up at Malenia and smiles.

The Blade is not in his heart. It's right beside it. Just like their duel. She changed her strike at the last moment. Magnus words got through to her. She broke free of the rot's control at last second. She looks at Magnus, realization setting in. Marika is doing the same from within his mind, joy and relief filling her. Malenia begins to stutter and cry. She wrenches the blade free slowly, making sure not to hurt Magnus. Magnus falls to one knee once free. He looks up at Malenia who is breathing heavily, as the Rot God commands her to finish him.

She lets out a cry, before lunging into the air and slicing the horns off of the beast.

The beast roars in agony, that sends an echo throughout the entire Grand Cloister. It's so powerful that it causes the Kindred and all of the rot creatures that were controlled by it to reel in pain. Jar-Bairn and Vorien take this opportunity to finish their preparations. They have the Cleanrot begin escorting people out.

Magnus and Malenia stare at the hybrid beast as it prepares to attack them both. The brother and sister work together to lay low the Rot God. Marika empowers them both with her blessings.

Magnus lands several blows with Marika's hammer, caving in its skull, while Malenia lands several quick critical blows. The beast roars, sending them both back. It shoots blasts of Rot at them which they narrowly avoid. Malenia lunges into the air, while Magnus plants his daggers into the beast's leg, using their elemental properties to harm and slow the beast. Malenia lands down on the beast's head where Magnus cracked it. She plunges her blade inside it, sending it reeling in pain.

Magnus hears the voice from earlier. "Feel the power coursing through you. Use it. Lay low the monster." He hears the voice, and he does feel the power. He's been feeling it grow this entire time. An energy deep within his soul. He has had to cast the thought aside to focus on the fight, but now he is focused solely on that feeling of power, and with that, it rises greatly. He calls it forth, and a white, blue aura surrounds him. His eyes glow pure star white for a moment, before a beam of white energy shoots out of his hands and sends the beast flying into the wall.

Magnus falls to his knees, exhausted. He hears the voice fading. "Do not worry, I will find you Magnus. I will find you brother."

"Brother!?" He says out loud, confused. Who is this voice. He thinks of Marika. 'What could she have not told me. She must know who this is.'

Malenia rushes over and helps him to his feet. The power the rot gave her is fading and with it, the wings. Her clothes and armor materialize once more, just as they vanished by magic. They watch as the beast rises back up, torn, shattered, broken, and angry. It walks slowly over to them.

"YOU SHALL PAY DEARLY FOR THAT!"

They ready themselves but at that moment they hear a shout. They turn to see Vorien, Jar-Bairn and several sorcerers.

"Hear me my friends, we have come to lend you, our aid. With that, the sorcerers begin casting gravity magic. Hurting meteors, stones and all forms of spells at the beast. Vorien plants his staff into the ground and several portals open in the ceiling as meteors come flying through them. They crash into the beast, causing it to Stagger back. Eventually the roof caves in, falling onto the Rot God, trapping it.

They turn to face the group. Vorien let's go of his staff and tells them. "Come! There isn't much time!"

Magnus and Malenia rush to him and they make their way to the end of the Cloister. They reach where they climbed down. The Cleanrot are escorting people up. Vorien turns to face Magnus and Malenia. "I need your help to finish setting the crystals." They both nod and Malenia turns to her Cleanrots.

"Help the sorcerers out of here! That is an order. When this is over, we will find each other once more." They nod in understanding and do as she bids.

Jar-Bairn turns to Magnus. "Friend, I will stay to help you." Magnus looks up at the jar. "I admire your bravery, but I would prefer if you went with the others. You are immune to the rot unlike them. Should something happen, you may be their only way through the Lake." Jar-Bairn nods in understanding, turns to walk away, but then turns back to Magnus. "Do you mean I would have to use myself as a raft for them!" Magnus chuckles slightly, and then so does Jar-Bairn. "Aye my friend. I suppose being a jar has its perks." He then begins going with the Cleanrot.

Marika then appears and turns to Vorien. "What is it thou need done? We must move swiftly, before the Kindred and the avatar of Rot reawaken."

"I know, we must go out into the Lake and set a couple of crystals up, so that way when those inside the Cloister ignite, so to would these by their proximity, which would then cause the others in here to ignite as well."

They follow Vorien into the Lake and climb over to a small perch where some crystals are. They hear a loud boom, as the cave has collapsed where they exited. Their companions made it out safely but they are trapped.

"Never mind it, we can get out via grace." Magnus says. They then continue working. They then hear the roar of the avatar of Rot. They then become surrounded by the Kindred. Magnus and Malenia fight them off, while Marika retreats back into her mindscape. Vorien continues to work. One of the Kindred comes up from out of the ground beneath him and knocks the ignition powder out of his hand, and it lands in the Lake, lost forever. The Kindred stabs Vorien in the gut before he can kill it.

Vorien lays there dying, he takes his staff and looks at the crystals. He then looks at Magnus, but Magnus is to enthralled in battle to notice him. Yet he can see Marika, she is staring back at him as an astral projection. They give each other a nod of understanding. He then conjures a meteor and hurls it at the far away crystal. He then opens a portal beside that crystal, and the portal opens up to the one beside him. Connecting the two, so that way when the one explodes, it'll travel through the portal and cause this one to explode. Which will then cause a chain reaction with all the other crystals in the Lake of Rot, destroying it.

They hear the loud boom as it makes contact. Magnus and Malenia turn to realize what Vorien has done.

"Quickly, I will use whatever energy I can to open a grace somewhere that you can think of! Get malenia and go!" Marika shouts in Magnus mind.

Magnus rushes to Malenia's side, grabs hold of her, just as the explosion goes through the portal, and consumes Vorien. In a moment they vanish in golden grace.

The entire Lake of Rot and Grand Cloister collapses, being covered in stone and magical fire. The rot will not all be burned away, but it'll never be a befitting place of Rot ever again.

Magnus wakes up in a dark chamber, not sure where he is. He looks around for signs of where he might be but cannot tell. He sees Malenia resting on the floor, unconscious. He makes sure she is alright. He then hears rustling. He draws his weapon and looks around.

"Who goes there? Show thyself!" He shouts.

In the darkness steps out a tall man. White skin and long braided red haired. He looks down at Magnus who is knelt beside his sister. The man is staring at Magnus with wonder, confusion, and a bit of happiness.

"Who are you?" Magnus demands. Malenia begins to rouse and looks around, hearing Magnus words. She looks up at the same man and her jaw drops. Magnus senses it and looks at her. He was not expected for what she said next, looking up at the man.

"Father?"

Chapter End Notes

That basically concludes the Caelid section of the story, I don't know if I'll be revisiting it, still ironing out everything. Couple of you asked me on reddit or twitter if I was planning a Magnus Malenia romance and that was not my intentions. I do plan on adding some eventual romance and have had a couple characters in mind to give Magnus that love interest, but am still debating on it.

Since those questions I'd like to know if there's a romance you guys would like to see for Magnus or another character. If he should have one with an already established character from the lore that hasn't been introduced in this story yet, or if it should be an original character. I'm open to ideas and suggestions.

As for how the next part is going to play out, you all know the DLC comes out this week, so will definitely be busy playing that lol. I plan on writing as many chapters as I can before it does so that way I can release something while I'm playing. As for the direction of the story, lots of characters are gonna be introduced in this next section, some you know, some some of you have been asking, and then some more original characters.

Again, thanks for reading and leave a like or comment. If you have ideas feel free to share either in the comments or through one of my socials on my profile.

Chapter 21

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter fornotes

Many years ago...

Radagon and Marika stare at the body of their son, laying on a table, hidden inside a ruined fort. Radagon summons his golden order greatsword and prepares to march out, anger and rage overwhelming him. He is stopped by Marika who quickly grabs his wrist.

"You can't. We are still far to weak. Besides, thou mustn't give up yet." Marika says gently. She stares back at the body and approaches. "My dear Magnus. Do not fret my son, you shall live once more."

Radagon approaches her. "You mean to say... the Rune within him.. it.. you feel it?" He is hushed by Marika who holds out her hand. "Indeed Radagon. Our son yet lives, thanks to the power bestowed upon him. A curse and blessing all the same. We must take him somewhere safe. Away from here."

They begin preparing Magnus to move him somewhere safer. "Where will we go?" Radagon asks. Marika replies quickly, putting a cloak over Magnus. "The Land of Shadow. We will be hidden there from all, the Godskins, Chaos, and her."

Radagon stares at her sharply. "What do you mean her?" You intend to leave her behind?" He asks with a sorrowful anger in his voice.

Marika turns back, giving him a sharp look in return. "Is thou blind to what happened out on the field of battle? When Magnus fell! What she did! What she became!" She begins shaking her head. "The darkness that has consumed her, I fear it will taint Magnus. He has yet to blossom into his true potential."

Radagon looks outside, his head lowered. Marika notices and speaks in a comforting tone. "It pains thy as much as it does thou. You must understand, she is now as fearsome as the foes."

Radagon turns on her. "We can not just abandon her! She is our daughter!"

Marika raises her tone as well. "Thee is correct, but I will not ruin everything we have been fighting to save by trying to save her. She is lost. Her primal fury was only kept in check by Magnus, with his passing, she shall unleash her wrath on all of the Lands Between." Marika's tone changes, she becomes saddened. "It pains thee to do this to her, she is my last child, but I shall not endanger the life and purity of Magnus' soul in order to save hers."

Radagon turns his attention back to her, concern and understanding on his face. He knows Marika is right, but he struggles to say it. "What will become of her? She will surely perish at their hands."

Marika chuckles in between her tears. "Ha, fear not Radagon. As I have said, she is ascended. I fear for the foes that shall come for her. For she is destined death."

In the present...

Magnus stares up in confusion. 'Father?' He thinks to himself. He studies the man standing before him and Malenia. He resembles the portraits he has seen of the Golden Order Champion. Surely Malenia would know her own father, why would he need to bother questioning it. He looks at Malenia and helps her to her feet. They both stare at the man. Magnus isn't sure what to say, but he doesn't need to worry, Malenia is already doing the questioning.

"How are you here father? What brought you to us?"

Radagon looks around and then back down at his children. "I am not sure my daughter. Thine mind is foggy with events of my demise. I only remember glimpses of Marika's memories as I lived through her."
Magnus then speaks, worry in his voice. "And what of mother? Does she live? If you are here, then what has become of her?"

Radagon shakes his head, "I am not sure my son. I..." He pauses and looks at Magnus. He sees flashes of Magnus lying dead. He then sees flashes of them leaving the fort and being caught by the Godskins. Radagon drew his sword and fought them while Marika escaped with Magnus. Moments later, Marika felt Radagon's soul return to her own vessel, meaning he perished.

Magnus looks at Radagon, confused as to why he stopped speaking. Radagon then continues. "I am not sure what has happened to her. I feel her soul within me however. Perhaps she expended to much of her own power and now she is the one who needs rest." Radagon looks down at his two children, a smile creeping on his lips. "It pleases me dearly to see thy children."

They both stare at him, and at eachother, unsure how to feel or respond. Magnus speaks up, "I am glad to meet thee father. I still have yet to remember any memories with you." Radagon stares at him curiously. He recalls from Marika's memories that Magnus lost his memories when he came back to life. Radagon's eyes turn sad, but he quickly hides it. "Do not trouble yourself my son. They shall return to you." At least Radagon hopes they will, some of them.

They look around the environment, it appears to be some cave. They hear strange noises and begin following them. As they traverse the cave, seeking them out, they encounter the remains of mutated Albinaurics.

"What has befallen them?" Magnus asks.

Malenia responds, "I've witnessed these abominations before. They served Rykard's armies during the Shattering. Mutated bloodsucking monsters they've become." They stare at the deceased husk of the abominable being.

Radagon lowers his head in shame. He thinks to himself about how far his son had fallen to blasphemy and feels disgraced by his son's actions. "We should keep moving."

They continue down the path, eventually finding an exit. Upon exiting the cave, they see in the distance a battle occuring. They hide behind a ledge and observe from above.

Three forces are battling one another. One consisting of Frenzied Flame servants, the other being Misbegotten, and the last being an army of silver armored warriors. They wear a pair of dark wings as their sigil on their breastplate. They are decimating the others.

The three then hear footsteps and turn to see a horde of those mutated Albinaurics coming out of the cave and towards them. They then watch as seven dark figures descend from the skies. They land on top of the horde and begin slaughtering. Magnus watches in amazement at the warriors, as they wield powerful swords of dark steel, and have astral projections of dark wings, they use to quickly soar from foe to foe.

Once all the abominations are dealt with they approach the three. Magnus and Malenia raise their weapons. Radagon tries to do the same but is unable to summon a weapon. Magnus hands him Marika's hammer. They watch as the seven dark angels approach. They then realize the warriors clad in silver with the dark wing sigils are also approaching, having slaughtered all their foes. Magnus realizes they all wear similar armor and have the same sigil. The angels wings vanish as their magic fades. They stare at Magnus and their jaws drop. Magnus listens to the soldiers whisper among themselves.

One angel steps forward. She removes her helm, revealing her long dark hair and beauty. She speaks softly, muttering as she does. "My..my lord? Is that you?" She says staring at Magnus.

Malenia looks at Magnus, while Radagon does as well, but more slowly. Magnus stares at the woman in confusion. "I beg your pardon?"

The woman hears Magnus voice and lunges back. Gasping. Joy spreads across her face, almost as if she didn't even hear what she said. She and all the other angels and soldiers kneel down immediately.

Magnus looks around them confused. "What is the meaning of this?"

The woman speaks up. "Forgive us my lord. We did not expect to find you so close to home. Our Lady has been awaiting your return ever since she sensed you."

Their lady? Could this be the woman he has sensed, the one in his visions? The one who spoke to him? The one who called him brother?

"Who are you to me?" Magnus asks her.

She looks up at him, a bit confused. "We are your knights! Sworn to uphold your will. Yours, and your sister's, the Lady Maeve."

Chapter End Notes

The dlc is almost upon us tarnished.

Chapter 22

Chapter Notes

Check the ene of the chapter for important update.

See the end of the chapter for morenotes

Magnus, Malenia, and Radagon watched as the silver plated dark winged warriors continued kneeling. Malenia looked to her father, to gauge his reaction. She could not see his face, but could sense the expression he was making. That's how amazing her senses were. She could sense the furrowing of his brow, his lips tucking in, and his head recoiling. Radagon had taken a small step back when the knights had kneeled, preparing a strike with the hammed as if he feared what they might do. Yet she could tell that this fear was not due to lack of knowledge of his foe, he knew these individuals. She turned her head back forwards toward Magnus, who remained still, staring down at the knights who called him their lord.

'A sister? Could Magnus not be the only other sibling mother and father had? Why would they lie?' She thought to herself. She could sense that these exact same thoughts were coursing through Magnus head. She felt sorry for him. Magnus had shown her a great deal of kindness and she never truly thanked him for it. Then he went and nearly died for her, refusing to strike her down when the rot took control of her. She owed him thanks more than ever, an apology as well, but also her oath to help him. She truly thought of him as a brother now that she thought of all that but there would be a time to discuss that later, to tell him the truth surely. She would not let the opportunity pass by again when she had the time to tell him.

Magnus watched the knights, their heads still bowed. He felt uneasy and nervousness washing over him. He hid it with a graceful smile. "Rise, do not kneel for me." He watched as the knights shot eachother puzzled looks, unsure whether to obey or not. Eventually one did, and the others followed. They stood at attention, waiting for Magnus to speak, but he did not realize. Eventually the one who spoke to him before spoke again.

"My lord. The Lady Maeve has told us you may be unwell if we found you. Would you like us to take you, and your companions to her?"

Magnus stared at the woman, realizing that this Lady Maeve told them about his possible condition. She must know I have lost my memories and informed her knights to be cautious, he thinks to himself. He debates whether or not he should go, he wants the truth and answers. He believes that this Lady Maeve if she is indeed his sister and the voice that has been speaking to him, along with the figure in his visions, than be believes she will give him all the answers he seeks. Unlike his mother, who has left out crucial detail time and again, using the excuse that she wishes not to burden him.

'What am I thinking?' He asks himself. He isn't sure why he had such a negative thought of his mother all of the sudden. Sure he knew she was keeping things hidden, but he believed her when she said it was for his own good. What made him think that? His train of thought is interrupted when Radagon speaks to the knight.

"Is this Mt. Gelmir? Where is it that thou takes us to?"

The knight does not turn her head, nor speaks to Radagon with the respect he would normally receive. "We are taking thee, your companion, and our lord to the Twilight Manor. It rests near the site of the once Blasphemer's Volacno Manor."

"Blashphemer?" Magnus says.

Malenia answers his query. "I believe she speaks of Rykard."

Before Magnus can even respond or Malenia further elaborate, Radagon speaks. "She does speaketh of Rykard. My blasphemous son was once host of Volcano Manor and it's Inquisitorial Lord when he served the Golden Order. He turned his back on everything when he allowed his ambitions to fester, and turn himself into the abominable Lord of Blasphemy." Radagon speaks with a tone of anger, but also sadness. He sighs when he finishes speaking and Magnus can see the pain in his father's eyes.

"We are almost there. Our Lady shall inform you of all else you'd like to know."

They arrive over the mountain pass and see a great bridge connecting the shattered mountain together. They stare at the vast chasm, the mountain has been split into various sections. The lava that once rested at the heart of the Volcano now gone. They can see part of the once Volcano Manor, its small abandoned prison town, now crumbled and lying scattered amidst the mountainside.

They reach the end of the great bridge and see that one section of the Volcano Manor has been extended, and is now connected to a new large fort. It is still under construction but is amazing. Perfectly guarded with high walls, and providing vantage points to view down the mountain. They come to the archway and wait for the gate to be opened. Once it is They pass through, reaching the grand door inside the Fortress.

They come into a grand chamber, having various pieces of art that Radagon recognizes from Leyndell and the Carians.

"The Lady's grand hall is this way." The knight says. Magnus begins following more closely behind her, his eagerness getting the better of him. "What is thy name?" He asks the knight.

She turns to face him, her long flowing black hair cascading down past her shoulders. She stares at him with a look of sadness. "I am Gwen, I have served you and the mistress for many years before being raised to knighthood."

Magnus sees her sadness and she turns her face away quickly. "I knew you before, didn't I?" He asks her.

She tenses up at the question, feeling nervous, so to do her fellow knights. "Um yesss.. yes my lord. We did know eachother." She says softly, sadness overtaken her even more. "I... it was thee who saved me as a child from the servants of Chaos." She slows down to walk alongside him to better talk. "I was raised in you my lord's camp by the servants. Eventually serving under your command and.. and it was thee who raised me to knighthood. Bestowing upon me the honor I had dreamt of ever since that day I watched my village burned." She says, now facing her once lord.

Magnus is staring back at her, full of compassion and empathy. He feels so saddened that he can not remember her, or these memories. He can tell that he meant a lot to this knight and judging by the look of the other knights, they probably felt the same towards him. Just like how the Cleanrots view Malenia.

They finally arrive at the main chamber and the doors slowly open. They step inside to see a dimly lit chamber. A vast ornate long table in the center. At the end of the hall rests two thrones. Both separated by a good few feet. One is empty, but the other.. the other seats a woman. Not just any woman. The woman. The one from his visions. He sees her finally. She rises from her chair slowly and out flows her dark wings. They are wide and magnificent. Black as the night sky, perhaps darker. They are alluring to look at. He looks into her red eyes.

"Magnus." Her voice is soft and comforting, yet also forceful. Magnus can see the relief in the woman's eyes at the sight of him. "It is really you. By the skies it really is you!" Tears begin flowing down the woman's face. She rushes to him across the great hall, hovering in the air. What should have taken several moments and several steps to reach him, she does in an instant. She embraces him, her strength crushing him. Her wings stretch out to their full extent, no longer holding them close to her. "I sensed you come back from the clutches of death. I knew you would find your way home. Back to me." Tears begin flowing down harder. She raises her head to meet his gaze. She sees the confusion and loss of words in him. She knows he has lost his memories and it saddens her heart. Alas she knows deep down, they are bonded on a deeper level. Their souls and fates intertwined. It is what kept their minds connected, even after death. "Do you remember me? Anything at all? Please dearest brother, tell me that you remember something."

Magnus stares at her, tears beginning to form in his eyes. Not as much as her's, but enough for her to notice. He is remembering. Not everything, but some.
"Maeve. You're Maeve. My twin sister." He says beginning to smile. She smiles back and the two embrace eachother.

Malenia smiles at the sight, feeling happy for Magnus. Radagon however, does not feel the same joy for his son, or his daughter. While happy for them, he fears the very thing that only he and Marika know of Maeve. The reason for her dark wings, and red eyes. She is death incarnate. He believed Marika when she warned of the danger she possessed over Magnus back then, now he fears it even more if Marika was right. Radagon hopes against everything, that Marika was wrong. He approaches them.

"Daughter?" He says quietly. Magnus and Marve stop to face their father. Magnus steps aside as Maeve moves forward.

"Father." She says solemnly, before taking him in her embrace. He is surprised, not sure what to do or how to react. "I have missed you so. I failed you and mother that day, just as I failed Magnus." She looks up at her father, meeting his sorrowful gaze. "I know why you left. You feared what I would become and you were right to be." She let's go of her father, stepping away for a moment and peering around the room.

"I let my wrathful fury out on the Lands. None were safe from me, friend and foe alike. I embraced the darkness within me, that lurked there all my life." She says sorrowfully, taking a small white feather off a pedestal. "Until I saw it. The futrure."

They all stare at her in confusion. Not sure what she means as she holds up the feather. The white feather is amazing, just as beautiful as her black feathers, no even more beautiful. More alluring and shiny.

"What do you mean the future?" Malenia asks.

Maeve turns to face her, now realizing she has not yet spoken to her. "Ahh, you must be Malenia. I have heard about you, and seen the portraits. It pleases me to meet thee sister. Alas as you asked." She holds the feather up towards Magnus. "I saw the future. I saw you. Reborn, resplendent more than ever in glory and beauty." They all turn to face Magnus.

"I saw hope dear brother. I saw that you would return. Therefore I shed my dark ambitions, and continued work towards our goal."

She turns to face a portrait of the Erdtree. Magnus asks "and what might that be pray tell?"

She did not turn to answer, she smiled as she stared at the portrait. "The very reason we were born brother. To destroy chaos."

Chapter End Notes

So I've been playing the dlc and I'm not going to spoil anything but as I've said before I'm probably not gonna let the story of the dlc affect my own story. Just wanted to say that again as I've yet to beat the dlc but I've seen the ending and it doesn't match up well with what I plan on telling, however I might add some things from the dlc in my story later on.

Once again if there's any suggestions, ideas, or questions you guys have feel free to comment, or go to my profile to see my reddit and Twitter socials, that's where I get most of the questions. Still debating on who to add as a romanceable option, I said that in the last notes on chapter 20 if you want to go back and check.

As for the dlc, I hope everyone is enjoying it, it's really fun exploring it and getting all the new weapons. Please do not spoil anything, while I don't care much for spoilers I don't want the experience to be ruined for others. If you guys want to talk about the dlc or got questions about where stuff is or need help, I don't care to give it try. I'm not real sure how far I am, but I've explored a good chunk and done a few bosses. Thanks again.

Just an Update, not a new story. Please check it for a poll however and an idea of when next chapter will release.

Sorry that this is not a new chapter. Next one will be up tomorrow afternoon or early morning of next day. Been playing the DLC a lot lol but this was just an update on some critical decisions I'm making.

So I've left in some notes in other chapters at the end about asking for you guy's opinion on a possible romance for Magnus. Alot of people messaged me on reddit stating they thought and liked a possible Magnus/Malenia romance that they thought I was building up to in the early chapters. I stated that that was not my intention at the time but I could see how they thought that. I know the idea of that could be weird for some of you, however I also know some of you are completely fine with it.

I never really decided on who Magnus should romance, and some of yall did give some suggestions but never really got enough of them. So what I decided to do is just leave it up as a vote for what you guys would like most. It isn't major spoilers but I'll basically list off some characters you've met that are part of the story, characters you've met that may return, and characters yet to appear. These are the following choices based on what I can integrate into the story and feedback provided by you guys:

Magnus/Malenia
Magnus/Millicent
Magnus/Lysana Talen
Magnus/Gwen
Magnus/Lansseax(human form)

Comment or look at my profile to dm me on reddit or Twitter if you prefer. Whichever one has the most votes will be the romance I build for the story. If there's any questions feel free to ask and remember I have an idea of how each of these romances will play out in my story, and not all fairytale have a happy ending.

Decision will be made 2 chapters from now, so ill probably delete this and if i need to re-upload chapters ill do that. Thanks again.

Chapter 24

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter fornotes

"Let me tell you my story. How I became the Dark Angel of the Lands Between."

Many years ago...

In the midst of a fiersome battle stood a warrior like no other. Their skill with a sword legendary. Three sides fought one another all at once. An army of silver clad knights, infantrymen, and common soldiers, against those turned by the Flame of Frenzy, and a group of Godskins. Nobles and Apostles fought their way through the crowds of enemies, making their way towards this warrior champion. The champion beheaded three Frenzied knights with a single stroke, light fading from their eyes as their heads hit the ground. The warrior noticed the two apostles and the two nobles approaching. They raised their blade and prepared for battle, conjuring a spear in their left hand.

Within a couple of moments, one of the nobles was thrown back by the spear, hurled at him with such speed and force, it sent the lumbering foe backwards, hitting him in the gut. As the other Godskins turned to watch their ally fly back, the warrior took the opportunity and fast approached them. They picked up a shield from a dead Leyndell Knight, lightning still coursing through the armament. The warrior slammed the shield into one of the Apostle's face. The Apostle stumbled, falling down as the lightning shocked him. The two other Apostles quickly used their peeler and sword to strike fast at the warrior. The warrior dodged them, struggling to parry their blows with how far they could reach. The warrior saw the noble raise his rapier high in the air and hold it back, preparing a lunging strike. He pulled one of the Apostle's close to them, just in time for the noble's strike. The rapier plunged into the apostle's back, and the warrior quickly beheaded the dying Apostle. The warrior then hurled a red lightning spear at the last noble. It sent the noble back and the warrior twirled, then took several quick back steps. The last apostle had outstretched their body and began twirling their peeler in a circular motion. The apostle only stopped when a greatsword was plunged in its back. It turned to see a young woman, drenched in blood and her uniform torn. The apostle pulled himself off the greatsword and twirled his peeler around. The woman dodged the swing by a hair, she fell to the ground and was gasping. She looked up to see the apostle in the air about to land on top of her. This was it she thought, this was how she died. She couldn't have been more wrong, as the warrior grabbed the apostle by the foot while he was still in the air and with all of their strength hurled the apostle into the ground. The ground cracked, or perhaps it was the apostle's skull, the woman could not tell, she only felt the shockwave of the impact and knew it must've hurt. The apostle reached up with one hand, looking as if it was pleading for mercy. The warrior gave none, as they stomped the apostles head in.

The warrior turned to the woman. She was smiling in awe of the warrior's magnificence.

"Get down!" The warrior shouted at her, but she did not even register it for a moment, still in awe of him. After a small amount of time passed, she turned to see a ball of black fire hurdling toward her. Panic swept in again and she froze in place. This was it, this was how she was actually going to die. She was wrong once again, as the warrior stepped in, swooped her off her feet and pulled her in close to their chest. The warrior turned their back to the ball of black flame and took the impact. It burned worse than anything they had ever felt. He let go of the woman and went to attack the noble, but the noble had flipped on his side and was now rolling at them.

Before the warrior could react, a large pot of blue fire hit the noble, stopping his roll and sending him flying into a wall. The warrior and squire woman turned to who did it. There stood another woman, another warrior. Clad in black armor with long red hair. The squire goes into awe once again as the two warriors approach one another and begin talking.

"Quite the mess you get yourself into brother? A good thing your elder sister was here to save you." Says Maeve. "Who is your friend Magnus?"

Magnus turns to the squire. The woman is shaking in her boots, more terrified that her Lords are actually speaking to her than she was to face a godskin.

"She risked her life to help me, stabbed a godskin in the back by surprise and managed to dodge his blows. What is your name?"

The squire stutters for a moment. "It's.. It's. Gwen my lord." She watches as both Magnus and Maeve study her. She feels the weight of their judgement.

"Where is thy knight you are sworn to? Did he fall in battle?" Magnus asks.

The squire nods, struggling to speak. "Indeed my lord. He.. he died fighting one of the frenzied." She says in a soft despairing tone.

Maeve scoffs after hearing her. "Damn bastards. I can not wait to purge all their insidious ilk from these lands."

Maeve then realizes Magnus isn't paying attention to her anymore. He's staring off into the distance at something. She looks in the direction he is facing, and sees it.

"The Godskin Monarch." She says. "Finally graced us with his prescence." The Godskin Monarch is very far away, even for them to see. All they can make out is his shadowy figure, as he stands right in front of the sun. He's as tall as an Apostle, but not as slim as one. He's as bulky as a noble, but not in the same type of way. He is a tall, muscular, merciless brute. They had heard from their mother how there were always rumors of a special godskin that the Gloam-Eyed Queen made. That he was the pinnacle of their kind, made to be able to take gods one on one. That she gifted him untold power of Black Flame, yet even with the gift of his creator and mother, the cruelty she gave him was unbound, as he turned on her. It was unclear what became of the Gloam-Eyed Queen in that time, but ever since, the Godskin proclaimed himself the new Monarch and took control of the Godskins.

They watched as the Monarch turned away and walked off. The Godskins soon followed their new Lord and retreated from battle. Soon thereafter the servants of chaos were easily defeated by the twins and their forces. They would then head back to their camp, stationed outside the once Shaded Castle, recovering their dead as well, making sure to not leave their corpses for those who live in death or for chaos to inhabit.

They journeyed for a few miles before reaching the ravine that formed when the Altus Plateau fractured. They crossed a hanging wooden bridge slowly, few at a time. Then walking down the man made wooden platforms and steps to reach the small gorge that led to the Shaded Castle. They had managed to make a small checkpoint before reaching the tiny walkway to the castle. They opened the gates for them and marched inside. Upon their return they were greeted by their father, Radagon.

Radagon stood at one of the small wooden buildings built outside the castle. He was speaking to several knights as he watched them approach. He sent the knights away and greeted his two children.

"It pleases thee to see you both well. I trust that the task that thoust mother sent you two upon has been completed?" He asked curiously, placing a gentle hand on Magnus shoulder, staring at a small wound he received.

Magnus grabbed his father's hand and gave a nod. "Indeed father. We have received your once Great Rune. The Carian Knight met us at the eastern edge near where the Grand Lift of Dectus resides. We did not have a chance to converse about his acquisition of it or the whereabouts of Queen Rennala, before we were set upon by the forces of chaos."

Maeve then chimed in "and those accursed Godskin bastards." She said with such scorn, that Radagon could feel the hatred pouring out of his daughter. He and her mother had always found Maeve to be to rash and prone to violence. It's what made them grateful for Magnus, he was so kind and calm. Always able to keep Maeve's worse impulses in check.

"Well we shall have to worry about that another time. We must take the Rune to your mother. With it, shs may return her and I to our once proper strength."

They followed their father to the top of the castle. Passing its various new passages, traps, and guards. They arrived into the chambers and found their mother in meditation. Radagon got her attention and informed her of their children's success.

"Ahh, I knew thine children would deliver." She opened her eyes, staring at the twins. "Tell me my child what troubles you?" She says, staring directly at Magnus now.

Magnus face turns to worry, he was trying to hide his thoughts as best he could, but he knew his mother would see through him. Radagon turned to face him as well.

With a nervous tone he spoke, "I have.. I have seen visions."

Marika's brow rose in curiosity. "What did thoust see in these visions?"

"I saw what I believed to be past and future. I saw two runes, two great runes. One of white and blue, another of black and red. From them feathers fell on the lands. I saw.. I saw angels clashing. A blade falling in the hands of a child. A man crying over a serpent. Death returning to life, not once, not twice, but thrice. A man broken and shattered standing over two moons, holding one, while the other lied below. A... I saw you mother." He said in a sad tone.

"Saw what my son?"

With a nervous tone and expression he turned to his sister. "May I speak to them alone sister?" Maeve looked at him a little shocked that he'd ask that. They were not ones to keep secrets from eachother. He always told her of his visions, but she had not heard of this one, but she could tell it troubled him greatly. She was hurt that he had not shared it prior to now but now she
was more hurt that he did not want to speak to them with her present.

"Yes, very well." She said with a sad slightly angered tone and stormed off. Marika and Radagon glanced at eachother momentarily. Both of them surprised by Magnus decision to exclude his sister.

"Please my son, tell us what you saw." Radagon said in a comforting tone.

Magnus turned to face them, sighing before he spoke again. "I saw you.. I saw you mourning your children. All of your children." He said the last party slowly and intensely. Trying to emphasize he was speaking of himself and Maeve.

Marika and Radagon stared at eachother once more, both worried about these visions. Magnus visions had a sort of prophecy about them, but he was not always spot on about their meaning. She tried to discern what the symbols, details or images he spoke of could mean. The last part troubled her greatly. Losing most of her children hurt her a lot. She had not been the best mother she knew that, she did what her God required of her and that cost her a true motherhood. How she regretted it.

"Do not trouble yourself over such torments my son. We know not what is set in stone, and perhaps nothing is. Rest assured however, I shall see to it that we will prevail in thine goals and order restored to the Lands Between. This I have spoken, thus it shall be." That was all she said before Magnus left.

Magnus went looking for his sister but she was nowehere to be found. She was above the roof of the main chamber, hiding on a perch and listening closely to what Magnus spoke. She didn't understand why Magnus would hide that one detail from her. She still felt hurt by it, especially since it seemed so insignificant. She sighed and jumped down. She then remained hidden from Magnus for the time being, taking some of her knights with her.

Present day...

"But I do not understand, if it was so insignificant, why would I hide such a thing from you?" Magnus asked his sister.

Maeve turned to Radagon who gave her a knowing look. "Do you wish for me to tell him?" He asked her. "No father. Twas my fault. I should tell him."

She stared at Magnus, sadness filling her expression. She struggled to speak the next words, the memory of the fateful night revisiting her mind. Her wings began to unfurl yet she breathed out slowly. They began to calm and so to did her expression. She opened her eyes, and stared into her brother's eyes.

"Because I didn't hear the vision correctly." Magnus looked at her puzzled. "Ok, then what did I say?"

Maeve began to quote Magnus. "I saw you mourning all your children. All of them because of Maeve."

Chapter End Notes

Check the last chapter for update poll.

Chapter 25

Chapter Notes

I believe this is the longest chapter I've ever made, not sure though. Hope you enjoy and check the end for update on poll and details about this chapter.

See the end of the chapter for morenotes

Many years ago...

Maeve left the Shaded Castle just before dusk, seeking something to fight and to get away from her family. She felt hurt by Magnus's choice to exclude her. They had always been together, she had always looked after him as she often sought to remind him that she was the elder of the two twins. Deep down however, she did truly feel protective of him. She knew she often got overhead of herself or was more prone to lashing out, yet never at Magnus.

"My Lady, what prey do we seek tonight?" One of her Knights asked. She stared back at him. Huron was his name, and he was much like her. He had a much more aggressive side than most of the Knights under their command, and that's why she chose him to accompany her. It's also why she chose the other 8 Knights that accompanied them. Huron had lost his family during the Shattering, he had once served Praetor Rykard, before turning his back on him after learning more of the insidious secrets that lurked in Volcano Manor. Huron never spoke about his past serving Volcano Manor until Maeve demanded he tell her. What she heard was sickening. Huron told her of how he was one of the torturers in the manor's secret prison town. He would graft, mutilate, mutate, disgrace, and create all forms of blasphemous creations and sins. He was under the assumption he was serving the demigod lord, Praetor Rykard. That his master was culling the traitors or enemies of the Golden Order, making examples out of them. It was until he learned of his master's true form and intentions that he left the manor with his wife and daughter. They did not survive the trip, dying the very next night to a band of frenzied maniacs. Magnus and Maeve found him one day, he had been killing both servants of chaos and soldiers from Mt. Gelmir. When he learned who they were and what they fought for, he pledged himself to them immediately. Maeve always found him to be one of the most loyal of their Knights, even though he had a temper and a dark past.

"We seek whatever may soak our blades Ser Huron. I do not intend to take us far, but I shall not return to the Shaded Castle till my wrath has been spent on those deserving of it." Maeve said with a commanding tone.

Ser Huron smiled and said Aye. They then continued riding on in the night, looking for prey.

Back at the Shaded Castle, Magnus had went looking for Maeve. He couldn't find her anywhere inside the castle, so he stepped outside but was still unable to find her. He saw the squire he met earlier, working to clean the weapons and armor of others. He approached her yet she had yet to realize his prescence, until she felt it. The demigod was emanating an aura about him that the mortal could feel. It made her look up in awe and shock, she had felt it earlier during the fight, and when she first met them. It was unlike anything she ever felt.

"My lord!" She said a little too loud she thought. She felt embarrassed and tried to quickly continue, hoping the demigod did not notice her tenseness. "My lord, how may I be of service?"

"Gwen was it not?"

He actually remembered her name. She couldn't believe it, her eyes lit up and she stood there frozen for a minute. It wasn't until she saw the curious look in his eyes that she'd realized she had been standing there awkwardly for too long. "Yess. Yes. My lord. My name is Gwen." She blushed as he smiled at her.

"I've noticed several horses and Knights are missing. Do you have any ideas as to where they might have gone?"

"They went with the Lady Maeve, she rode out a short while ago with Ser Huron and his knights."

"Ser Huron you say? Hmm." Magnus thought to himself, that if she were to take Ser Huron and his Knights, she's most likely angry and seeking a battle to unleash her frustration. Magnus sighed and Gwen noticed. "Is everything alright my lord?" She asked with a soft caring tone, some of the nerves had left her it seemed like. Magnus stared back at her, then around, watching the various weeping families and bodies with sheets over them.

"We lost a great number of our people today Gwen. It saddens my heart to see such a thing." She did not reply but he could tell she felt the same. He saw the blade she had set out to the side. It was by itself, set apart from the others and had already been cleaned very thoroughly. He noticed the signature hilt on the sword and recognized it. "The knight you served." He said pointing to the sword. "Was Ser Auguston wasn't it?"

Gwen lowered her head and nodded. "Yes my lord. He had taken me as his squire a few months ago. Said he saw promise in me, he.. he died saving my life. I took up his sword and fought off the foes for as long as I could till your battle happened upon me." She said looking up at the demigod.

Magnus nodded and said, "well Gwen, I appreciate your courage upon the battlefield. Not many can say they helped save a demigod." He said with a warm gentle smile, letting out a small laugh.

Gwen did the same and replied, "I am sure you would've avoided anything major even if I had not stabbed the Godskin in the back my lord."

Magnus laughed a little more. "More than likely, but it would've hurt a little nonetheless." His face and demeanor changed in an instance. It alarmed Gwen, and the nerves returned even worse when he slowly stepped towards her. She watched in confusion as he picked up her former lord knight's sword. "Ser Auguston was right, you show great promise Gwen." He stared directly at her now, holding the sword forward and with a low voice said one simple word that Gwen did not expect him to say to her. "Kneel."

Gwen felt overwhelmed, gasping slightly before tears began to flow. She stopped herself, she wouldn't allow this moment to be disgraced. She knelt down on one knee and lowered her head. Magnus then annointed her a knight. "Rise, Ser Gwen or Lady Gwen, whichever title suits you better." Gwen rose slowly, pride ans joy overfilling her. "Thank you my lord!" She said through slight sobs. Magnus smiled before handing her back the sword. "Hold on to it. A time will come when I ask you to raise your blade up for me. I will need you."

In the Shaded Castle, Marika meditated over the Great Rune of the Unborn. In the mindscape of her power and the rune's power, she walked through a golden pool of energy. She searched for other similar lights. She managed to find some in the distance and walked over to them. She felt their power radiating and she let out a sigh of relief. "My children. I have found you at long last." She then felt another prescence and immediately tensed up. She saw two fingers rise out of the golden pool, right in front of her. She glared menacingly at it. "You should not be here. I have no desire to be thou's Empyrean puppet any longer."

The two fingers did not move an inch. Marika slowly walked to them and as she got close they opened their palm, inviting her to step into them. She was confused, she had never been asked this before when she was queen ans a servant of the Greater Will. All of the sudden she heard a voice. The voice, the Greater Will. She watched as the Two Fingers began glowing and she then began talking to them.

"DRAGON!" One of the men on the parapet shouted. Everyone looked up to see a dragon swooping in fast. It was an ancient dragon by the looks of it and it was roaring. The archers, crossbowmen, knights, and artillery prepared to open fire.

"HOLD! I said hold!" A booming voice shouted. It was loud enough for everyone to hear and they all recognized it. They turned to see Magnus marching out. "Open the gate." He said to one of the men, and they opened it leading to a small rocky field just off to the side of the castle. The dragon came swooping down and tried slowing but still landed hard. Magnus could tell it was injured and turned back to the people gathering. "Bring medical supplies and healers now." Magnus walked up to the ancient dragon and rested his hand on it's head, before lowering his own head to rest on it's. "Dearest Lansseax, are you alright? What happened?" The dragon closed her eyes, enjoying the soft touch of Magnus's hand. She slowly rose back up and a red wave of lightning coursed through her scaly body. When the lightning dissipated, there stood a humanoid woman, with long silver hair, two small horns on her scalp. She was taller than normal humans but shorter than Magnus. She wore a long white dress that was getting dirty on the ground.

"I was assailed by a group of Godskins." Magnus barely had a moment to register that before Lansseax pulled his face in close. Magnus could see the worry across her face. "There were so many. The two lesser dragons I flew with, they have perished." She lowered her head, feeling the guilt of losing her lesser kin.
Magnus rested his hand under her chin, and lifted her head up. "You are alright though?" He said very concerned. She grabbed his cheek and smiled. "I am fine Magnus." She then leaned up and the two kissed. By that time the healers and guards came out. One of the guards said "My Lord, My Lady, we can escort the dragoness to the healing chambers now." They held out a small bed supported by two poles that 4 of the men were carrying. Lansseax rose to her feet, waving them away.

"There is no need. I shall be fine." She said dismissively. Magnus insisted however and after a short period of time, Lansseax relented, following the healers back inside the fort. Magnus was troubled by her news. Another pack of Godskins capable of harming her and killing 2 lesser dragons? Why would they target dragons when their main goal is.. a thought occurred in his mind. He looked around and saw Knight Commander Gerius. Gerius served in the Leyndell army for many years prior to the Shattering and then the Fall. When reunited with him, Radagon named Gerius as the head of the army when Radagon, Magnus, Maeve, or Marika were not present. Magnus walked up to Gerius.

"Gerius, prepare a search party, my sister has gone out and Lansseax reports a pack of Godskins is what attacked her and her lesser kin." Gerius stood at attention and acknowledged Magnus command. He began issuing orders to some subordinates to begin getting together some men. He turned back to Magnus, "is there anything else my..." Gerius stopped because Magnus was holding out his hand and was peering outside the tent. Gerius was caught off guard when at what seemed to be the speed of light to Gerius, Magnus grabbed him and jumped in the air, bursting out of one side of the tent, just moments before a flaming boulder crashed into the tent. Magnus's ears were ringing and he felt dizzy, he felt weak slightly. He looked down to see that a sword had been sent flying by the explosion and landed in his side. He pulled it and groaned. When he did, he noticed the burning body of Knight Commander Gerius.

"Godskins!"

Magnus heard the shout and quickly rose to his feet, only to be met by a noble rolling through the debris and crashing into him. Magnus went flying through a stone wall and quickly got back to his feet. He saw the noble lunging at him with his blade. Magnus dodged to the side and swiped his sword down, cutting the noble's hand off. Magnus picked up his rapier and before the noble could react, he jammed it through the bottom of its skull. He looked over to see the entrance to the infirmary has collapsed. He rushed over and could hear Lansseax roaring.

"Lansseax!" He called out. Lansseax heard him and called back to him. She told him that she was holding the roof up and that the healers were with her. Magnus started to move the debris but was hit by a ball of black flame. He let out a small groan before turning to face the apostle who threw it but it was what stood beside the apostle that shocked Magnus. He saw several normal soldiers standing beside him, only their eyes.. glowed with the bright hue of madness. "Find another way out Lansseax, I might be busy for a moment."

He could not hear Lansseax's pleas for him to wait, but she could hear him. She heard the sounds of fire, explosions, blades clashing, bodies falling, cries of agony, yet none were Magnus's. He butchered the soldiers and the Apostle. He then charged forth to join his soldiers.

In the top of the castle, guards rushed into the main chamber and informed Marika and Radagon of what was occuring. Radagon prepared to leave the room to join the fight yet Marika ordered him to wait. He turned to see that she was serious and had something they needed to discuss alone. He ordered the guards away and turned to his other half.

"What purpose does thou have for delaying me?" The question sounded rude but he meant no ill intent and Marika could tell he was just frustrated he was yet to join the battle.

"Thou mustn't hasten, thine work is near complete. I shall require thee here in order for us to spread the grace across the Lands Between." Radagon eyes went wide. He wasn't sure Marika's plan would work.

"How is that possible?" He asked. Marika looked at him warily, she wasn't sure if she wanted to admit the truth to him.

"The Greater Will guided me to my answers." She said in a low murmur. Radagon's eyes went wide, then replaced by fury. "Thou would dare to speak to that Outer God once more? After it enslaved you as it's Empyrean vessel, turned me into it's loyal hound! After.." He struggled to speak through his gritted teeth. "After what it did to our children! You would trust that?"

Marika could see the anger and absolute hatred in Radagon's eyes. He was always loyal to the Greater Will, even despite being a tool made by it, his devotion was his own as well. To see him so fervently against it now shocked her somewhat, but she knew that he always cared for his family. That it almost broke Radagon's heart when he was ordered to leave his first wife Rennala.
"What did it show you?" He asked her.

Marika took a few moments to respond. "It offered me our full power back and more. We could end this tonight Radagon."

Radagon was in disbelief. He didn't want to believe it was true, but he knew that if Marika believed the Greater Will's offer to be honest, then it must be true. "In exchange for what?"

"We would use your Rune to reignite the divine towers, their grace has yet to entirely fade so we would be able to do so from here. Once done, the Greater Will shall send another vassal here, and the Elden Ring shall be reforged. I shall be a God once more and you shall be Elden Lord once more."

Radagon couldn't believe what he was hearing. He did not like the idea of being under the Greater Will's control once again, but perhaps he and Marika could find a way to gain more freedom or overcome the Greater Will. A realization then dawned on him. "What of Maeve and Magnus? What is to become of them should the Greater Will return?"

Marika raised up quickly and grabbed Radagon by the shoulders gently. "Do not fret, I shall not allow the Greater Will to take my two remaining children. I made conditions that their runes not be placed within the Elden Ring."

"And it agreed to that demand?" Radagon said with a surprised tone and look.

"I gave it no other option. The Greater Will shall have to make do without the runes of death and life as it did once before."

Magnus had been fighting hard, trying to save as many as he could as fast as he could. He was pushing himself to hard. He had killed 10 Godskins and dozens of their soldiers. He had been stabbed a few times but only minor inconveniences that caused him to feel the sting and ache of battle as he fought on. He prayed that Maeve would soon return and join the fight or his father. He then saw him, the Monarch, he was there. He came out of the smoke of fire, and butchered 4 knights in the blink of an eye. Their eyes met, Magnus's crystal blue and the Godskins black and white of death... no.. they were changing. The Godskin Monarch shot a burst of Frenzy at Magnus. Magnus barely avoided it and by the time he looked back up, the Monarch had closed the distance and swung his greatsword down. Magnus parried it perfectly and then headbutted the Monarch. He then cast the ring of light his father had taught him, which knocked the Godskin back further. He grabbed a spear off the ground and charged at the Godskin with his sword as well. The two clashed back and forth, everyone around them avoiding their path as the two titans destroyed everything in their battle. Magnus got the upper hand however and twisted the Godslayer Greatsword out of the Monarch's hand. He tossed it into the air while he threw a discus of light into the stomach of the foe. He then did a quick swipe of his sword across the chest of the Godskin, exposing his insides. He stabbed the spear where he believed the Godskin's heart would be if he knew it had one. As the Godslayer Greatsword fell back down, Magnus jumped in the air, grabbed it and used his momentum to plunge the sword into the Monarch once more. The strike was so forceful the greatsword was now lodged into the ground.

Magnus was breathing heavy, he had grown exhausted during the fight and saw that he suffered a few wounds. One of the men shouted that his parents were on their way to join the fight and he let out a sigh of relief. He then noticed a small white feather floating towards him. It caught his attention and everything else fizzled out. It was as if time stood still for but a moment as Magnus reached out to grab the feather that seemingly stopped floating right in front of him. He held it in his hand and was amazed by its white starlight beauty. He couldn't shake the feeling that something felt familiar though.

"Ahh." Was all he said as blood began to pour out of his mouth. He looked down to the feather in his hand, as it flew out. He then saw the Godslayer Greatsword going through his heart.

"Ahhhh!" He lout a bellowing cry as he was hoisted into the air. The Monarch still lived, he was emanating black fire all over his body, while his eyes burned with a furious madness.

"You die today demigod." The Monarch said in a demonic voice. The Greatsword then ignited in black fire, burning the inside of Magnus, destroying him from within. Magnus had never felt such pain before, he had never winced, cried, or complained. Alas, his cries and echoes of pain and agony could be heard all over the Lands Between, even by his sister...

Maeve could feel it, deep within her soul. The pain that her brother felt. He had been wounded before in previous battles and she felt it, but this... this was beyond anything she had ever felt. She knew the feeling well, it was death. Maeve and her knights were on their way back to the Shaded Castle and were only less than a few miles away. Maeve jumped off her horse and began running. Her knights started shouting for her, not sure what was happening. They rushed quickly after her, realizing just how much faster she was on foot for the first time. As she ran through the woods of the broken Altus Plateau, she left behind a trail of tears...

Magnus body fell off the Godslayer Greatsword and he fell to the ground. The knights had stopped fighting, staring on in horror. Gwen was close by, she had managed to slay a apostle with help from a fellow knight. Tears were falling from her eyes. The Monarch gave a wicked smile at all of them. All the sudden, red lightning shot right in front of him, staggering him. Lansseax grabbed Magnus's body and shot back quickly to safety behind some knights. She held the demigod in her arms, her tears falling onto his lifeless face. "Magnus... dear Magnus please no!" She cried. The Monarch smiled and gave a motion to his Godskins that they were leaving. He stopped for a second to turn back to them as he heard a cry.

Marika fell to her knees beside Lansseax and cradled her son's head. She began to weep profusely. It reminded her of the knight she held the deceased Godwyn, Magnus had long golden hair like her firstborn son and the same eyes. Radagon stared down in horror. He looked up at the Monarch who gave a wicked smile.

Within just a few short seconds, Radagon had called Marika's hammer to his hand, and lunged forward so fast and with such momentum, that when he slammed the hammer across the Monarch's skull, a small shockwave erupted. It sent the Monarch flying back. He then summoned the Golden Order Greatsword in his other hand and tore through two nobles that charged at him. He used the swords special power to begin butchering the rest, bathing them in blasts of gold.

"RADAGON!" Marika called out. He then looked around to see the frenzied soldiers eyes growing intensely. He rushed back to Marika and Lansseax's sides and used his power to teleport them away while the knights ran back behind the walls. The Frenzied soldiers began exploding in balls of flame. The walls of the Shaded Castle crumbled and more began pouring in.

They watched as the rest of the soldiers began pouring in. Yet the invaders attention diverted behind them, as their bodies were being torn apart and tossed aside. Someone was carving their way through them as if they were nothing. Eventually the figure stood before them, it was Maeve.

Marika and Radagon could not speak, they did not know what to say to Maeve, as she fell to her knees, not even able to reach her dead brother before she collapsed. She let out tears and wails, unable to control her emotions. "I should have been here!" She cried. "I should have been here to save him! Oh Magnus... I'm so sorry."

"They will pay! They will all pay. Every last one of them. I shall bathe the lands in blood and death!" She said with such a vile hatred that made Marika, Radagon and Lansseax wary. They noticed the darkness flowing out of her, and how her eyes and hair began to glow more red. "I.. I shall avenge my brother!" She said struggling to get the words out.

Radagon began to shed tears for his daughter. He had himself composed somewhat but seeing how broken Maeve was, shocked him. He stood to go comfort her but she rose, sword in hand. She looked out, hearing the return of the maddening soldiers. She saw a Godskin Apostle leading them. Within an instant Maeve had rushed to him and with an unstoppable strength, smashed her sword through his peeler and cut the apostle down the middle, a red and black aura emanating from her. She began tearing at the soldiers. She fell to her knees, feeling a great pain in her soul.

She let out a roar of anger, sadness, loss, pain, suffering, and death. Red and black energy began flowing out of her all around as she roared. She began wincing and fidgeting, letting out small moans of pain. The bones on her back were shifting. Everyone stared in horror as her back split open, blood and bone shooting out. Not just that though, but two dark large wings. They were majestic and terrifying to behold. She was emanating a black and red aura now, her sword began to transform. It remained a longsword but now was pure black, with a red glow among it.

Marika recognized it, it was similar to Maliketh's Black Blade. Her daughter turned to face them, before turning to their army. "Hear me trusted knights and warriors alike. My lord brother had fallen. You all knew him well, he was the best among the best. Pure and kind, noble and selfless. These vile wrenches have stolen him from me, from us! I shall see my vengeance completed, and I ask thee to join me in my quest. No more shall we be on the defensive, no more shall we rely on the hunting of relics of a failed order. Henceforth, we shall deliver unto all our foes, Destined Death!"

The people began coming out, chanting her name, chanting her brother's name and how they were angered at the loss of him as well. One stepped forward and knelt before Maeve. She recognized the woman, it was the squire Gwen, but she was now wearing a knight's armor.

"I pledge my sword to you, in honor of your lord brother's memory. We shall see to it that they pay in death my lady." Gwen said, stuttering slightly as she wiped away tears and snot.

Maeve gave a nod of approval and the people began shouting "Maeve the Dark Angel!" They shouted it over and over again. She turned to face her parents and Lansseax. Lansseax stepped forward. She had tears in her eyes and gave Maeve a cold look. They did not really like eachother, but they both cared deeply for Magnus. Lansseax gave a nod and Maeve reciprocated it. She looked at her parents, their faces a mix of horror, disapproval, fear, and concern.

"Do not try to stop me mother and father. My path is set, and I shall see the end of it." She then rose from the ground, rising up with her wings. She flew out towards the valley where the frenzied soldiers were gathering. The soldiers, people, and Lansseax followed behind her. Leaving Radagon and Marika there alone with the dead Magnus.

After that moment, Radagon and Marika returned Magnus body to the main chamber inside rhe castle. That is when Marika felt the Rune of Life keeping Magnus soul present. Her and Radagon decided to make for the Land of Shadow, hoping to find sanctuary there. They made their way to one of the last sites of grace in order to transport themselves to those lands. As they walked through the valley they saw the carnage Maeve had wrought. Not only were her enemies dead, but it seemed as though she cared not if the innocent perished in the process. They found the grace and Marika began to transport them, yet Radagon took his golden order greatsword and began walking away.

"Where is thou off to?" Marika demanded.

Radagon turned and told her how he would not leave their daughter behind to her fate, that he must try to save her. Marika did not argue, she was worried as well. She let out a small sigh and said nothing. Radagon turned and continued walking on. Marika held her son's face and whispered, "I strip thee of the last vestiges of grace I gifted thee." She says as she pulls the golden aura of grace from her son. "Soon, ye shall be whole and we will return to these lands, to restore order." With that, Marika teleported away to the Land of Shadow, and the last site of grace in the Lands Between, flickered out.

Present Day...

"That is how everything went." Maeve explained, having finished explaining the entire past of how Magnus died and she became the Dark Angel. Magnus stood there, dumbfounded. He had no words and couldn't even look up to meet Maeve's gaze.

"If you left to wage war, then how would you know of mother and father's doings after if you had not spoke to them since?" Magnus turned to see that Malenia had came forth, speaking to Maeve. Malenia glanced over at Magnus and gave a concerned look. She felt bad for Magnus, the story of his past was sad and tragic indeed, much like her own with her endless suffering of the rot. She glanced down momentarily to see that her hand had brushed against Magnus's hand. She quickly pulled away, the fear of spreading her affliction to him horrified her, just as did with everyone else. She was surprised however when Magnus reached out to Malenia's shoulder. They looked at eachother momentarily and Magnus gave a nod to thank her for her concern a moment ago. She wanted to pull away again, but she didn't.

"With this." Maeve said, holding out the white feather. Magnus took it in his hand and Magnus, Malenia, and Radagon all stared at the feather. It's glowing white radiance shone bright in Magnus hand for a moment. "It's just a feather?" Magnus said. Maeve chuckled a little and replied, "it is not just any feather." She stepped down to come closer to them, now just a couple feet away. "It is your feather Magnus."

They all three looked back at the feather. Radagon gave no sign of shock or concern, Maeve knew that he probably suspected such a thing was possible given her wings. Malenia lowered her jaw slightly, she could not see the feather but she could feel it's power, just like she did Maeve's. Magnus however laughed aloud.

"My feather? Yeah right." He stared at Maeve who's stoic expression had not changed in the slightest. Her tone was serious, "it is yours..I feel it, it bears parts of your Rune, parts of your soul."

"How would that be possible if I do not possess wings like yourself?"

Maeve smiled as she turned back to then sit on her throne. "I theorize that your powers are far greater than you realize. You have yet to ascend, to have the wings but one day you shall. Yet those feathers have flown out across time to guide those close to you to their destinies. They did for me, I saw a white feather years after my crusade of vengeance had begun." She sighed for a moment before continuing. "It brought me peace. I was able to turn my bloodthirsty warriors into my elite Host. It was your feather and my blood that helped grant them the power to conjure wings of energy." She said gesturing towards Gwen who then displayed how she can summon her black spectral wings and then banish them.

"But how... how am I capable of such a feat?" Magnus said with a confused look and he looked very doubtful of himself.

Maeve rose up in her chair, "you have yet to rise to your fullest potential brother. you are a demigod. Power is your birthright."

That did not sit well with Malenia. She knew the consequences of power all too well. She could easily give into the rot and become a Goddess herself if she so chose. She shot Magnus a look who sensed her and he looked at her for a moment. He could see the concern in her eyes, he could tell she was growing uncomfortable. Maeve could as well.

"All I mean, is that you should not doubt yourself brother. We were great warriors, yet when I gained my wings and true power, I ascended to new heights."

Radagon then spoke up, "she speaks true." They turned to face him as he then elaborated. "As I fought to find Maeve in the past, I had grown weaker due to being so distant from your mother and the grace having faded. I was dying."

Magnus could feel Malenia flinch slightly but she hid it well. "That was until a white feather flew by me. It guided me to that same cave where I found a dying grace. I reached into it, and my soul reunited with your mother."

"That's why she thought you died. She felt your soul return to her." Magnus said, the realization dawning on him as to why Marika could feel Radagon within her once more, but was unable to summon or speak to him. It still did not explain why he was here now, could this fateful feather his father speaks of have something to do with it? With them having teleported right there after the destruction of the Lake of Rot, at the same spot was no coincidence surely.

"I saw one as well." Malenia said, shocking Magnus. "You did? When? Where?" Malenia took a small step back before speaking. "Shortly after my return to the lands. I saw a feather guiding me to safety. I followed if for as long as I could until.. until I arrived at the Divine Tower in Caelid." That shocked Magnus, another piece of proof that what Maeve speaks of is true, surely Malenia seeing a feather and it guiding her to meet Magnus and Marika was no mere coincidence.

"This is quite an interesting tale!" They turned their heads to the voice and a strange man was slouched down against the wall. His arms resting on his knees, he was bald and wore a torn leather armor piece. They had noticed him when they came in but assumed he was some servant, yet by the way he just spoke out of turn and without permission suggested he may have some other role.

"This is Patches, he is a business associate you could say." Maeve told them pointing to the strange short man.

"Aye, I'm Patches, and I'm the fine owner of Patches Emporium, I serve the good lady your sister here, selling her some of the wares or trinkets I find on my travels."

Magnus stared at the strange man and before he could speak Patches continued speaking.

"So just to recap and make sure I understand everything, yalls mom I mean Queen Marika or former Queen Marika..." He began to stutter off unsure of the best way to word it, he decided to move on not really caring. "Anyways whatever, she got kicked out of her home by that weird flame of frenzy douche, brought ginger boy here back." He said pointing to Radagon. Radagon tensed at the remark, clenching his fists and Patches noticed. "Aye sorry, lord ginger over there. Then they decided it be best to do the deed in order to create a demigod baby of mass destruction, but they had two instead." He said pointing at both Maeve and Magnus. "And she's the older one and a bit more sadistic while you're the nice younger little brother. Years later, some godskin weirdos that did the nasty with that douche flame showed up at yalls castle, killed you." He said pointing to Magnus, then he pointed at Maeve. "Then you got angry, grew some dark wings, got that scary death blade of yours, and lead a vengeful crusade." Maeve simply nodded and Patches continued on. "Your mom and dad realize you still have a little bit of fight left in you, but in order to keep you safe she has to go to the Land of Shadow, while ginger lord looked for your sister. A weird magical feather that belongs to a future you theoretically." He said theoretically with quotations emphasizing that they are unsure if that is the case or not but is the leading theory. "Appeared in front of your pops, and led him to his death reunion with your mother?" He said questioningly, not really understanding it. He then waved his hands as if not caring for an explanation. "Then some years later, you wake up, your memory a little foggy and your mom chose to hide your past because she didn't want you to remember all the bad stuff, but you did anyway, man that sucks." Magnus shot him a quizzical look. "You return to the Lands Between, activate a divine tower, meet the lovely rot lady's daughters who are not her daughters, who are also being manipulated by an evil rot god that everyone hates, except the weird cunts. Then you find your sister, have a crazy epic battle in the Lake of Rot, eww by the way. All the sudden you're here?" He stares at the three of them for a moment then Lady Maeve. "Well? Does that about cover it?" He asks.

Magnus looks back at everyone before answering. "Yeah, pretty much I guess in simpleton terms."

Patches smiled and let out a small chuckle. "That will be all Patches." Maeve said, gesturing for the guards to escort him out. As Patches was leaving, another guard came in.

"My Lady, the general has returned."

Maeve smiled. "Ah good. Tell him to meet us in the dining hall, he has had a long journey and so have our new guests, a dinner might be a nice reunion." She turns to face the three of them. "Come, you shall wish to meet him." She stared at Malenia for a moment. "Some of you might."

They followed her down the hall and as they walked, Malenia poked Magnus on the back to get his attention. He slowed to start walking beside her. "Yes Malenia?" He asked. Malenia seemed shy and hesitant to speak. "Magnus, there.. there is something I wish to discuss with you." Before she could continue they arrived at a large door wirh guards standing post. "Here we are Maeve said. Ahh, it is good to see you well." She said to the person inside the dining hall. "You should see who's finally arrived at our doors." She moved out of the way to give the guest and the three a clear view of eachother.

What they saw shocked them to their core. A large man with dark purplish skin, a red mane adorned his head, wearing golden lion armor. He rose up from his chair as his gaze fell upon them. It was General Radahn, the Starscourge, his brother. Magnus recognized him from portraits but had never thought to see him here. He turned to Radagon and Malenia to see their reactions. He saw Radagon's jaw wide open. They stared at eachothsr for a brief moment till Malenia came around. Radahn stared coldly at her and Malenia did the same, before drawing their swords and gritting their teeth violently.

"What are you doing here!" They both shouted at the same time. Magnus, Radagon, and Maeve stood in between them. Magnus tried to calm Malenia while Radagon tried to calm Radahn. "Father! How is it you are here?" Radahn demanded.

"My son, lower your weapons. Let us talk." Radahn did not listen, staring around at Malenia who had yet to lower her sword. He studied Magnus for a brief moment.

"Enough." That was all Maeve said and everyone's attention was drawn to her. "Enough I say. You shall not fight in my hall. Enough of our family blood has been shed, no more." They stared at Maeve, then eachother. They then lowered their weapons, hissing at one another. "Radahn. I shall explain their journey to us as I have just heard. Then I assume they shall wish to hear yours." With that, Maeve began reciting the very tale she was just told.

Chapter End Notes

So first off a couple chapters ago I asked you guys which romance you'd like to see most. The Magnus/Malenia romance won by 11 votes with Lansseax coming in second. So I will be developing that romance from here on out in the story.

As for the details of this chapter, yes the Patches part is basically meant to be a recap of the story as I can see how the various details and time jumps can get confusing.
The Lansseax romance was always going to be a part of the past for Magnus, regardless of how the poll went.
Basically used my own lore to include a Rune of Life, that is meant to be the opposite of the Rune of Death. When death was unleashed in the world, the Rune of Life was also unleashed, they then returned in Maeve and Magnus.
I might start making the chapters longer as I've already got nearly 30 chapters and am not even close to finish for this story. I don't want to make a hundred chapters as I feel like that may seem overwhelming for some viewers.
As for the DLC, I've been playing a lot of it lately. Still hoping more lore and the story is uncovered but it seems there won't be much further discoveries. I intended to stay true to the lore as much as I possibly could, but I must admit I am not a huge fan of how the story was handled for the DLC. I do intend on using some lore from it, but do not expect me to keep things 100% accurate. If you have details about the lore or got questions, please feel free to let me know. I would love to hear it.

Lastly then I'll be done for now, I just want to say how much I appreciate the positive feedback I've been getting. I didn't even expect this story to get over 100 hits in a month or couple but it's a heck of a lot higher than I expected. I've had several of you message me on reddit and have discussed things with you and you've all been positive and given great feedback. I appreciate all of it and hope I can continue giving you the best story I possibly can.