Chapter 2: Queen Lumera
After a some rest. Lumera had asked if everyone was ready to head to the castle, which everyone nodded to.
Lumera transforms into her dragon form once more, "let's head to the castle. Climb on my back"
~
"We live on the continent of Elyos. Four realms surrounding a holy land at its center. Firene, Kingdom of Abundance. Brodia, Kingdom of Might. Elusia, Kingdom of Knowledge. Solm, Queendom of Freedom. The Land of Lythos, home of Divine Dragons. And Gradlon, domain of the Fell Dragon. Fallen to Ruin" Lumera explain as she sore throw the skies, "A thousand years ago, our Lands endured a victorious war with the Fell Dragon. We call upon heroes from other worlds to aid us. Heroes known as Emblems. With them, the warriors of our nations fought as one. In the end, we were victorious in defeating and imprisoning the Fell Dragon"
She continued the long story, "In the years since, our world has been safe. But now, I sense a resurrection. The binding weakens. If his shadow stretches across the land again, then we must fight him anew, as we did in ages past. Fell Dragon Sombron must be stopped"
Eventually they arrived at Lythos Castle. Hoping off Lumera's back. The group headed inside. True castle was beautiful on the inside. The white walls glow from the sun that came through the windows.
"Here we are. We are safe within these walls" Lumera spoke softly as she walked inside with everyone else.
Veyle looked around. Her eyes looked in awe, "it's beautiful..."
"I'm glad you think so, Veyle" Lumera smiled at the girl, "though you may not remember this place, I've waited to welcome you back here. Welcome home, Veyle"
Veyle froze up from the words. Home. That word felt so warm yet also terrifying at the same time, "home..?"
Lumera gave a warm smile to Veyle, "Yes, home" she chuckled softly, "ah, I feel overwhelmed with joy. I may cry."
"Queen Lumera..." Vander never seen Lumera with such softness and joy in her eyes. It made him want to cry as well.
"Vander, Clanne, Framme. Thank you for all you've done" Lumera thanked the Stewards, "you are worthy Stewards indeed. You and your predecessors, watching over my daughter all these years....i am ever so grateful"
Vander, his face normally serious, shown a small smile on his face, "you are too kind"
Clanne has a blush on his face from the praise, "yeah, it's awful nice of you to say it Jay! I'm starting to feel woozy..."
"Aw yeah! Go us!" Framme cheered, "we just got praised by Queen Lumera herself!"
"The happiness of this moment aside, I am troubled to see the Corrupted here in Lythos" Lumera noted, catching Veyle's attention.
"The Corrupted?" Veyle asked.
"Those enemies you were fighting on the grasslands" Lumera nodded, confirming Veyle's suspicions.
"They are very scary..." Veyle admitted, "they make me shiver everytime I even think of them"
"Understandable so. The Corrupted are corpses revived by an evil power" Lumera nodded, "The Fell Dragon used them as his soldiers in the war. Before the start of the bitter conflict, Elyos had known peace for eons. But then a dark presence emerged—Sombron. Despite tireless searching, we could not determine where he'd come from. But seeing the destruction he wrought, there was no doubt of his evil intentions. Now the Corrupted are spreading once more. This may be a sign of his return."
"No.." Veyle let out a small gasp.
"I wonder if is mere coincidence that you awakened as all this unfolds..." Lumera stated, "if the Fell Dragon has been released, then we must prepare for battle"
Veyle grew worried. She has no idea what Sombron was like or how strong he is. It made her stomach turn at the thought of facing him in battle.
Lumera sensed Veyle's worry. Wanting to reassure her, she spoke, "Worry not. I doubt he will attack anytime soon. This castle is filled with the spirits of the Divine Dragons—The Corrupted cannot enter it easily" she gave a kind smile, "let us devise a plan now, while we have the opportunity. Emblem Lucina"
Emblem Lucina spawned next to Veyle's side. The blue energy surrounding her body, "it's been quite some time, Lumera" she gave the Queen a smile of her own.
"That is has" Lumera seem to brightened slightly at the young Emblem's presence, "thank you for lending you aid against the Corrupted"
"It was no trouble, really." Emblem Lucina smiled as she looked at Veyle, "of course, I could only help because of your daughter remember me" she looked at Lumera, "you know, it is possible the others are awake now, just as I am"
"Perhaps you are right" Lumera nodded in agreement.
"Others?" Veyle tilted her head in wonder.
Lumera paused before looking at Veyle, "there is something I should show you. Follow me"
~
Lumera had led Veyle into a largue circler room. Around were pillars of people she didn't recognize. 12. Half were girls and half were guys. In the center were 12 stool.
"What is this place?" Asked Veyle. She was in awe.
"This is the Ring Vault. It is where the Emblem Rings are enshrined" Lumera explained to Veyle, amused at her reaction, "those of the Holy Knight, Save Lord, and of the Asure Twins rest here. As well as the Ring of the Hero King, and finally, The Ring of the Instructor. Each dwell within an Emblem, as Lucina resides in the Ring of the Princess Exalt"
"So, counting Lucina, there are six Emblem Rings" Veyle said out loud, amazing, "wow..."
"In fact, there are twelve—six here, and six entrusted to other countries" Lumera corrected, making Veyle gasp in surprise, "as a precaution measure"
Veyle tilted her head slightly, "what do you mean?"
"The Emblems grant world-altering power to whoever has all 12 rings" Lumera explains, "for generations, the Divine Dragons used the his power to ensure and prosperity in Elyos. Indeed, that was how we locked away the Fell Dragon. But many have sought to steal the rings and use them for their own nefarious purposes."
"Which is why they're scattered all over the continent, not stored here" Veyle nodded in understanding.
"Precisely. The rings offer their power once every thousand years" Lumera explained to her, "at which time the Divine Dragons travels across Elyos to collect them from each nation's ruler. With a thousand years having passed since last time, I was planning to carry out this ritual soon, but if the Fell Dragon is after the rings, the Emblems may be summoned before I arrive..."
Veyle paused for a moment, "summoned?" She questioned, "is that what I did to Lucina earlier?"
Lumera nodded, "Yes, exactly. It is how one calls for an Emblem from a ring. Only those with royal dragon blood are capable of summoning. That includes you, my daughter."
"Oh...you must be talking about the phrase that popped into my head" Veyle said.
Lumera was confused for a moment before realizing, "an invocation, you mean? What was it?"
"'Reignite us, Emblem of Awakening'" Veyle repeated as she recalled the memory, "the words just came to me....it was like I knew them my whole life"
"That was how you summoned Lucina" Lumera gave a small nod, Before asking, "what was your focus—your intention—when you spoke those words?"
Veyle didn't even hesitate when she answered, "I wanted to help Clanne and Framme. I didn't want them to die, I wanted to protect them"
Lumera gave a soft smile, seeming pleased with her answer, "your focus was helping others. Remember that intention whenever you summon Emblems. Not to keep that power for yourself, understand? To borrow so you may protect others"
Veyle nodded, taking Lumera's words and hold them close to her heart, "I understand"
"Now, why don't we try a practice battle?" Lumera asked, catching Veyle's attention, "you must be a little rusty after all these years"
"Practice battle?" Veyle stared in confusion, Lumera just gave her a smile and began leading the way, "w-wait up..!"
~
Lumera led Veyle and the Stewards to a garden. It was beautiful and lively. A perfect place to sit down have a picnic or quietly read a book
"How about we train here? You will be the one fighting. The Emblem lends you their strength" Lumera said as everyone stopped in the center, "you need to train your body and mind to unleash an Emblem's full power"
She turn to face the Stewward trio, "Vander, Clanne, Framme. You will be aiding my daughter in this battle...against me"
This took the group by surprise. Vander spoke up, almost sounding offended, "Queen Lumera, even in a practice battle, I could not turn my weapon on you"
Lumera gave a gentle smile to Vander, "oh, Vander...please do put your heart into it. I know I will"
Lumera began to summon something. In a bright light, two people spawned. Their eyes glowed a teal color in the light.
Veyle gasped, they have a familiar feeling to the Corrupted. She took a step back in fear.
Lumera sensed Veyle's fear. Quickly going to reassure the poor girl, "relax dear. They are not like the Corrupted. I made these opponents from plants and rocks. Nevertheless, their abilities are the same. Drop you guard and you could be hurt"
"They are really unsettling...." Veyle admitted. Shivering slightly at the Divine!Corrupted's empty eyes.
"Listen, you must push through your fear and face whatever opponent stands against you" Lumera said to Veyle, "Never run away. You are my daughter, the protester of all—the Divine Dragon Veyle"
Veyle gave a slow nod. Understanding what the words said to her, "I understand"
"Don't worry, Divine One! We'll back you up every step of the way" Framme smiled at Veyle.
Clanne nodded, "yeah! What Framme said!"
Vander sighed, "as loath as I am to battle against Queen Lumera...orders are orders" he turned his attention to Veyle, "I pledge to bring us victory"
Veyle blushed a bit from the support, "thank you, everyone"
Lumera nodded. Happy to see everyone on the same page, "now, let's begin"
Lumera went to the other side of the garden, the two Divine!Corrupted stood not to far in front of her. A taller one standing on the right while the shorter one stands on the left.
Veyle began to form a battle plan in mind. Vander is a rider, Clanne is a mage while Framme is martial monk.
She realized it's best to take out the Divine!Corrupted first since they stand in the way of Lumera and likely will attack if the group manage to sneak past them.
Veyle felt a sense of confidence dawn on her. She began ordering the Steward trio. Sending Vander first to damage the Divine!Corrupted, taking chunks of strength away. She then ordered Framme and Clanne to finish them off.
When the Divine!Corrupted were dealt with, the group began to approach. Veyle was the first to try to charge of Lumera, but clear hesitation was clear as day. Lumera was her mother after all, even with no memory. She didn't want to hurt her.
Lumera sensed the worry, the hesitation, she gave a soft smile, "there is no need to hold back, my daughter"
"A-All right.." Veyle gave a small nod and began to charge up her light magic. Sending golden waves at Lumera, making the woman flew back. Making the woman beam with pride.
Clanne was the next to attack, already standing behind near Lumera, "Queen Lumera, I don't want to attack you. Ugh, I feel dizzy..." he then gasped when Lumera nearly hit him with her sword. Ever so slightly glazing his arm. The poor boy stumbled back a bit from the attack.
Lumera smiled slightly, "sharpen your focus, Clanne, lest you miss" she teased gently
Lumera charged at Clanne again, sending some slash and dashed. Before Clanne could take any serious damage, Vander blocked the attacks aimed at Clanne.
Vander mostly acted in the defensive in protecting Clanne, "Queen Lumera, forgive me for standing against you"
Lumera gave a kind smile, "Vander, you are my daughter's knight—you must fill that role as best you can. Attack me with all your might"
Vander hesitated but gave a curt nod. When Lumera gave an opening, Vander send a slash with his axe. Lumera blocked with her sword, making a loud clashing sound of iron and steal.
Lumera jumped back to create some distance. Before she notice Framme charging at her, barely dodging punches directed at her.
"No disrespect, Queen Lumera, But I've gotta attack you!" Said Framme as she manage to land two good punches in.
"That's the spirit, Framme" Lumera grinned as she manage to push Framme back.
"Now!"
Framme jumped back far enough at the sound at Veyle's voice. Lumera turned to see Veyle charging a spell and sending it at Lumera.
Lumera flew into the bush. Bounding off softly as she smiled proudly, "Fantastic work. You fought together splendidly" she fully stood as she brush off the leaves and dirt of her dress, "let's move on. Wait over there a moment"
The group change positions. Veyle, Vander, Framme and Clanne stood near the entrance while Lumera stood near the water fountain.
Once everyone is ready, Lumera spoke loud enough for the others can hear, "All right. If everyone is in position, we'll begin. It's time, I'll be more hands-on. I intend to fight as if in an actual battle" she raise her hand, a silver ring with a light blue gemstone in the center. It shimmered under the sunlight, "Furthermore, I'll be using it this"
Veyle gasped. She recognized the ring, the name flashed in her mind, "is that the Ring of the Holy Knight?"
"Indeed it is. I'm inviting an old friend to join us" Lumera said with a nod. She closed her eyes as she held her hands together. Praying. A sense of Divine energy filled the ring.
A blue light shined. A man who appeared to be in this mid to late 20s. He had blue hair similar to Lucina's. He wore a white clothing with a blue shoulder cape. He rode on a beautiful while horse.
"I am Sigurd. If you need my strength and swiftness, I'm all too happy to oblige " Sigurd said to Lumera. Standing next to her.
"Emblem Sigurd...." Veyle said in awe. He looked like a strong opponent. He seemed to be on equal par with Lucina, if not stronger.
"Each Emblems has their own abilities" Lumera told Veyle, "when allied with them, you can call upon their unique powers and skills"
Veyle nodded. It's clear Sigurd's skills won't be the same as Lucina's. That is obvious, "it's best to keep our eyes open"
Just then, a few more of the Divine!Corrupted spawned in. Definitely at least 3-4 more than last time. Which made Veyle more nervous.
"My Falcon can be useful against dragons" Lucina spawned next to Veyle, "But my Noble Rapier can be useful against Cavalry and Armored units like the ones up ahead"
She continued, "once we engage, you can use my weapons. Try it against that foe" she pointed at a Calvary Divine!Corrupted that is a bit further out.
Veyle nodded at Lucina before looking at the Stewards, "we will split up. Lucina and I will head towards the right while you three head to the left"
The trio seemed a bit hesitant to leave Veyle by herself but since she has Lucina, they are not worried too much. Plus they won't be separated for to long.
"As you command" Vander nodded before leading Clanne and Framme away to face some of the other enemies.
Veyle looked at Lucina, who nodded at her. Ready, "Emblem Engage!" Veyle said as she and Lucina began to combine into one.
Veyle floated off the ground, she let out a shaky breath. Feeling a little odd being off the ground. She shock of the feeling. Now isn't the time to get side tracked.
Veyle summoned the Noble Rapier. It had a golden handle with a light blue blade that glow brightly because of the Divine energy within it.
Veyle charged at an armored Divine!Corrupted. Sending multiple slashes and thrust at it. It wasn't to hard taking it down since it never properly got a chance to hit back.
Veyle then gasp when an arrow grazed her leg. Hissing as she turned to face a Divine!Corrupted archer getting ready to aim another arrow at her.
She was lucky enough to dodge the second arrow aimed at her. Managing to do a backflip in the air, which did impress her and was a lot of fun.
She then flew forward and aimed her Noble Rapier at the Archer, sending multiple slashes. Managing to defeat it pretty swiftly.
Veyle turned to find Steward trio taking out the Divine!Corrupted on their side. All of them coming back together again once their side was cleared out. Now just leaving two Calvary Divine!Corrupted and Lumera.
"Your teamwork is inspiring. Now it's time for us to make our move" Lumera nodded towards Sigurd, "come, Sigurd"
The two began to Engage, transforming into a form similar to Veyle's current form. Lumera's hair glowed a light purple color and her clothes changed into a white outfit. She moved in incredible speed towards Veyle. She had a sword that looked different to Lucina's Falcon. She slashed Veyle, making her break her stance and flew back. Crying out in pain and Lumera moved back a far distance in a matter of seconds.
Veyle hissed as she held her side, but she can't help but be in awe at Lumera's new power. She is stronger in this form, "that was incredible..."
"Lord Sigurd is remarkably swift" Vander had noted, "perhaps we should be grateful this is a mock battle..."
Veyle nodded in agreement. She can imagine how terrifying Sigurd is in a real battle. She hope to never make an enemy out of him.
The two Calvarys began to make their moves, charging towards the group.
"Framme, Vander. Keep them back" Veyle ordered the two.
Lucina's voice spoke in Veyle's mind, "I also have the ability to use a bow. Perhaps you can use it in your battle"
Veyle noted as she nods. Framme and Vander manage to keep the two Calvary units back with their strength. Managing to get some good hits in as well.
"Clanne, you take out the one on the right and I take out the one of the left" Veyle ordered Clanne, who nodded as he began to fire up his magic to hit the right unit. Managing to take him out after Vander manage to lower his defense.
Veyle hold onto her Noble Rapier and flew above Framme, who is continuing to hold the Cavalry back and acting more on the defensive.
She then flew down and send many slashes at the Calvary when he is to distract with Framme. Hitting his weak points as it turn to ash.
It seems only Lumera remains. Luckily she didn't attack when they were busy with the Divine!Corrupted, but now she seemed to be on the move. Her aim was at Veyle first.
"This is certainly more of a challenge" Veyle said as she used her Noble Rapier to block Lumera's sword.
"Your enemies will not hold back, and neither will I" Lumera informed Veyle as before flee back to break their stance, "this is why you must defeat me" she smiled, "what a delight it is to see you battle after all these years"
Both continued to trade blows. Each hitting each other with all their might. Lumera was swift and elegant while Veyle's was more graceful and defensive.
"It's time" Lucina's voice spoke in Veyle's mind, "use my special ability. It's called 'All For One'. It's an ability that will have others near by attack your opponent in an unbreakable chain attack. It is our best chance to defeat her"
Veyle nodded, she flew a bit closer to the other as she summoned the ability. Giving the stewards and enhance strength aimed at Lumera.
"I challenge my fate" Veyle said as she pointed her sword at Lumera. Just then, Framme attack first. Hitting Lumera with her fists. Then it what Clanne, who aimed his fire magic at her. Then finally, Vander, who aimed his iron axe the damage Lumera enough for Veyle to end this.
Veyle flew foward, her blade now switch to the Falcon and slashed at Lumera. Sending her back.
"Agh..." Lumera hissed in pain as she held her side but still had a smile on her face, clear pride is written all over her, "you've won. I'm proud to see you working together so well"
~
After a small break. Veyle and Lumera return to their normal forms and got healed up by Framme. All still in the garden.
"Well fought, everyone." Lumera praised the group, "you bested Sigurd and me. That's quite the feat. There is much to improve upon, but this is a wonderful start. Great work, Veyle"
Veyle blushed a bit from the praise, she rubbed her cheek with her finger, "th-thank you..."
Framme whisper over to Clanne, "I can't believe we had to fight against Queen Lumera"
Clanne nodded, his voice shaking in joy and shock, "Yeah, well, I can't believe we won"
Vander looked at Veyle, giving her a nod, "though you have only just awoken, your power seems to be growing already, Divine one."
Lumera stepped towards Veyle, "I'd like for you to have these, Veyle"
Lumera handed Veyle a sword. It was the same one Lumera was just fighting them with. A beautiful golden and silver blade.
Veyle held it, it felt like she shouldn't be holding it. It felt like she didn't deserve to. "This is the sword you were using, isn't it?"
"Yes—an ancient blade that can be wielded only by Divine Dragons" Lumera gave a nod, "it served me well for many years, but now it is yours"
She then handed Veyle another gift. This time, a tome. A beautiful white and gold book with a blue stone in its center, "this was also used by a Divine Dragon years ago. By a very powerful light dragon mage. I am sure they would want you to have this as well"
"Woah.." Veyle had place the sword on her belt. Using her hand to touch the markings on the book. She could tell there are many powerful spells in there. It felt overwhelming to her.
"Consider them to be your prize for your victory today" Lumera smiled at Veyle.
"Thank you" Veyle smiled up at Lumera. She don't felt worthy of these gifts but she couldn't turn them down, "I'll prove I'm worthy of these gifts"
"I have no doubt" Lumera smiled with pride at Veyle, "please, take this as well"
She went into her pocket and held a ring towards Veyle. A golden ring with a purple and blue gem in the middle.
Veyle took a close look at it, confused, "is..is this another Emblem Ring?"
"No, it is purely ornamental" Lumera shock her head, "You see, before your slumber, I made you a promise"
Veyle tilted her head, "what was it?"
"I said I'd give you a birthday present that suited you perfectly" Lumera said, remembering that moment with a mix a sadness and slight fondness, "I was working on it in private, but I was unable to finish it in time..."
She looked down at the ground, sadness filled her eyes that made Veyle feel a sense of guilt, Lumera looked back at Veyle, "that birthday has long since passed, but I would quite like to give you this gift now"
"I-I'm sorry...I can't accept" Veyle said, shaking her head slowly.
"Why not?" Lumera asked. Her voice made Veyle's heart break in too.
Veyle felt like she wanted to take what she said back. Accept it. But she can't. Lumera already gave her enough. She felt spoiled. Guilt, "you gave me a lot. I feel selfish to take more.." she shock her head, "that ring fulfills a promise you made me, right? But I can't remember that promise...it feels wrong to accept it. Like I am stealing it from someone else...please...offer it to me again when i remember everything"
Lumera's gaze soften, "everything, you say" she let out a sigh, "did facing me in battle stir any recollections, Veyle?"
Veyle paused and thought about it. Thinking hard but everything was a blur. Shaking her head, "I'm sorry..."
Lumera felt her heart break into two. But she kept a more soft and understanding expression, "you need not to apologize. It doesn't matter what you remember right now...I only hope that one day, you will think of me as your mother" she gave a soft smile, "as you did a thousand years ago"
Veyle froze a bit at her words. Mother. That made her scared. Nervous. It's not like she doesn't feel that motherly connection with Lumera. Deep down it's there but...it feels like it's lock in a cage. Not wanting to come out.
Lumera realized her words and she seemed more gloomy, "forgive me. I was thrilled to spend time with you again. I suppose I got a little carried away, didn't I?"
"N-No, it is alright" Veyle tried to reassure Lumera. Panic that she upset Lumera, "forgive me..I don't mean to make you upset" her mind was racing. Defect. Defect. Defect. Def—
Lumera gave a small laugh, breaking Veyle out of her thoughts, "i didn't mean to put you on the spot. Perhaps we should call it a day, hm?" She smiled, "but let's agree to chat again in the morning. What do you say? Pinky promise?"
Veyle saw Lumera raise her pinky finger towards her. She stared at it for a while before smiling softly, "all right" she gave her pinky to Lumera. Sealing the deal between the two.
Me: and done! I hope you like this chapter!
Ayla: geez. The fight scenes are somewhat hard to write for
Cherry: no kidding
Me: now, now. At least it is over. How did the readers like the chapter? Like us know
Ayla: I like when Veyle got the new weapons
Me: same! I wanted to give Veyle more light magic abilities in this story. Will be using already existing magic in the fire emblem series and will make stuff up
Cherry: wait, does Veyle still have Alear's dragon stone in this au?
Me: no spoilers but that will be addressed next chapter
Ayla: boo. You stink
Me: oh, shut up *slaps Ayla on the head*
Ayla: ow!
Me: anyways, see you guys in the next chapter—
All: BYE!!
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