Veyle spoke to Vander, who called her over, "what is it, Vander?"

"We ought to establish a base of operations before we begin our journey" Vander stated to Veyle, "the Somniel would be uniquely useful"

Veyle's eyes widen a bit, "a little out of the way, isn't it? I can't imagine how we'd get everyone there and back"

"As a Divine Dragon, you can travel there no matter you are in the world" Vander spokes

Veyle tilted her head, "I can?"

"Indeed. Furthermore, one can only enter the Somniel with a Divine Dragon's power" Vander explained, "without Queen Lumera's blessing, even we stewards couldn't have set foot there. That's what makes it a safe haven"

"Well then, yes. Let's make it our base" Veyle nodded in agreement, before pausing pausing,"before we depart...can you give me a moment?"

"Hm?" Vander looked confused.

"We'll be gone a while and..." Veyle played with her thumbs, "I'd like to say goodbye to mama"

Vander's expression soften, "of course. Take as much time as you need"

~
Veyle stood in front of the throne. Her eyes glued to it, "thank you for watching over me all this time. This journey will be a long one, but don't worry. Vander and the others will be right beside me. I will fulfill my duty as the Divine Dragon. I will find all of the rings, just as you asked. And then I'll return to you, mama. I promise"

She then felt a cool breeze blow onto her. It felt like Lumera heard her words in the afterlife, giving her a sign that she heard her.

Veyle let out a small sigh, hugging her arms, "I'll make you proud, mama"

~

The group made it to the Somniel. Safe and sound. There is a small base on it outside of Veyle's sleeping quarters. Four shops that are empty, a near by farm for animals, a pool and many more that Veyle has yet to see.

"I didn't realize how...spacious this place was" Veyle admitted. Guess she never had a good look since they were somewhat in a rush to find Lumera....

"It is rather quiet, I know. But it will liven up as we gain allies" Vander reassure Veyle, "we may need someone to supply us with equipment as well. Something to consider"

Veyle nodded in agreement, "right"

Vander suddenly pulled out a crystal, the same one that the hooded figure dropped when escaping, "oh, by the way, Divine One. Might this be yours?"

Veyle took it as study it. It doesn't look familiar, "hm? A piece of jewelry...I don't recognize it. The crystal looks unusual. Where did you get this?"

"On the ground in the Ring Vault, after the siege" Vander explained, "I thought it might be yours since..." he sighed, "but apparently I was mistaken. No one has come forward, so it must have belonged to an enemy solider. I'll dispose of it"

"Wait" Veyle stopped Vander, "its familiar somehow, even though I've never seen it"

"Then please, do take it" Vander happily let Veyle keep it, "perhaps it will help jog your memory"

"Thank you, Vander" Veyle gave a soft smile, "once we rested for a bit. Let's set out for Firene"

Vander nodded, "agreed. Make sure to rest up, Divine one"

Before Vander could walk off, but Veyle stopped it, "one more thing..." Vander turned to her, curiously, "you said something earlier since you mistake the crystal to be mine...why is that?"

Vander paused for a minute before saying, "there was something Queen Lumera wanted to give you but...never did" he pulled out a red stone with a weird symbol on it.

Veyle reach her hand to hold the stone, Vander handed it to her. The stone feels familiar to her, comforting. Like it's special to her.

"This feels familiar..." Veyle said to Vander. Taking a good look at the stone.

Vander seemed to brighten up at the words, "must be yours before your slumber. To my knowledge, it is a dragon stone"

"Dragon stone?" Veyle asked as she tilted her head:

"A dragon stone is something dragons use to transform into dragons" Vander explained, "not all dragons require it, your mother being the example. Maybe you could as well"

Veyle took another look at the stone. She did feel familiar but she felt no spiritual bond with it. It made her feel uneasy, "maybe..."

~

The group manage to head the border of Firene. Passing it as Veyle and Alfred lead the way

Once they made it close to a village, Alfred turn to everyone, "here we are—the kingdom of Firene"

Veyle was in awe at the beauty of the landscape. The lovely flowers grew and the air smells like heaven, "what a beautiful place"

"Isn't it? And no sign of the Corrupted, so that's good" Alfred gave a smile, "that's was quite a trip, crossing the sea all the way from Lythos. I hope you're not worn out"

"I'm fine" Veyle gave a smile, "dragons are quite durable"

"Good, good" Alfred gave a nod, "listen, I'm sorry for twisting your arm to come with me"

"Alfred, it is all right. I want to come" Veyle gave a soft smile, "how about before we arrive at the castle, you tell me more about this kingdom of yours?"

"Happy to! Let's see.." Alfred tapped his chin, "Firene is one of the four nations of Elyos, in the southwest. It's ruled by my mother, Queen Ève, We're known as a....land of plenty. Our people value peace above all else. We haven't seen war for centuries"

Veyle nodded, taking in the information, "you must come from a long line of capable leaders"

"That's kind of you to say. Peace doesn't always come easy" Alfred rubbed his cheek, "Morher has to hammer out a nonaggression pact with our neighbors. The pact says there won't be war between us, Solm, and Brodia"

Veyle nodded, "Solm, The Queendom of Freedom and Brodia, the Kingdom of Might. Right?"

"You got it! Silk is an open-minded country. They always had good relations with Firene" Alfred nodded, "but an alliance with Brodia took some doing. Their king's an ambitious man. He's always launching attacks on Elusia to expand his own territory"

Veyle nodded again, taking note Elusia isn't in the picture, "Elusia isn't in the alliance?"

"No. Honestly, they're so far away, we don't interact with them too much" Alfred explained, "we know it's snowy there, with long winters...and that some Elusians worship the Fell Dragon"

Veyle seemed taken aback from the news, "the Fell Dragon?"

"It's troubling, I know" Alfred shock his head, "but...people can believe what they believe. Sorry...i didn't bring it up to turn you against Elusia"

"It's not them I hate.." Veyle shock her head, "it's the Fell Dragon. Him and the one who killed mama" she let out a shaky sigh, "can you tell me more about the Emblem Ring that was entrenched to Firene"

"Oh, sure. It's the 'Ring of the Caring Princess'. Doesn't look like anything special" Alfred explained, "until I met you and Lucina, I thought the Emblems were legends. I can't wait to tell my sister they exist! She'll really be knocked for a loop"

"You have a sister" Veyle tilted her head. A small part of her wanted to as 'as well' but she didn't really knew why.

"Yeah—the princess of Firene, Céline. She's at the castle with Mother right now" Alfred said, with a bit of fondness.

"Princess Céline..." Veyle said, "I look forward to meeting her"

"Just call her Céline. I'm sure you two will get along great" Alfred smiled before leading the way closer to the village.

When the group was close enough, Alfred spoke, "Here's Florra Mill Town. The castle's close now. Well just cut through here, and..." he then looked troubled, "something's off"

"What is it?" Veyle asked when she sensed Alfred's trouble expression.

"I think there might be trouble ahead" Alfred turned to Veyle.

The group when closer to see Corrupted storming the town, many things were damage. Blood on the ground and on the Corrupted's weapons.

"Oh no..." Alfred hissed when he saw the sight.

Veyle shivered at the sight, "The Corrupted. They're everywhere"

Alfred's hands bawled into fists, "I can't stand to see them overrunning this peaceful town. I have to drive them away. Divine One, will you help me?"

Veyle nodded, "of course"

~

In the center of the town, were three people. A woman with blue and green eyes. She ride on a Pegasus and held a lance. Next to her was an armored knight, brown hair and his eyes were closed but when he does open them, they are green. Both holder back the Corrupted.

Behind them was a girl, who look to be in her late teens. She wore a fluffy yellow, white and green dress with a bit a black. She wore a crown with some butterflies on it.

The girl spoked "danger looks from every side. I fear we will never make it to my brother"

The armored knight spoke, using his lance and shield to keep the monsters back, "Princess Céline, I beg you to make your retreat. We'll handle this"

The blue haired woman nodded, "more of the fiends might be on the way. Hurry!"

"Louis! Chloé! You can't possibly expect me to—" the girl, now knows as Céline, spoke.

Louis, the armor knight, cut her off, readied his weapon, "it is our sworn duty to protect the princess. We will hold the line for you as long as we must!"

Chloé, the blue hair woman, her lance ready, her Pegasus flapped its wings, "you have to leave. If you should fall here, who warns Prince Alfred of the invasion to come?"

Céline sighed, "I concede the point. But I'll return for you both. Please hold out until then!" She then ran away, leaving her retainers to fight his battle for her.

"Apologies, Chloé" said Louis, "it pains me greatly to separate you from Princess Céline for even a relatively brief amount of time"

"Might I say, I'm a bit disappointed I didn't get to see you run off with Her Highness yourself" Chloé said, a bit amused. Both standing by each other's side, "a knight should never leave his princess's side"

"The sooner we win. The sooner that will come to pass" Louis said, ready to fight, "what say you, Chloé? Shall we?"

"Yes! Let's!" Chloé said as she began to take to the skies.

~
Céline ran as fast as her legs could take her. In the distance, she saw Alfred. She went closer until she confirmed it was her brother, "Alfred!"

"Céline?" Alfred asked, shocked to see his sister here of all places, "what are you doing here? I thought you were with Mother"

"I was, but...Alfred, the Elysian army is marching on the castle" Céline said to Alfred.

Alfred gasped, "what? Why?"

"I cannot say. Before they arrived, Mother send me to warn you" Céline said, "but then we were ambushed on our way to Florra Port...Louis and Chloé stayed behind so that I might have a chance to escape. Please, we must hurry back to them!"

Veyle stepped forward, "Excuse me, Princess Céline, but do you have the Emblem Ring?"

Céline gave a curt nod, "Yes. Mother gave it to me. Why do you..." she then gasp in realization, "Goodness gracious! The Divine Dragon Veyle?! You're here, you're....awake!"

Veyle gave a small smile, "I am!"

Céline walked closer to Veyle, gently holding the girl's hands, "May I say, it is truly an honor!" She took off her ring, it was while and gold with a pink gem in the center. She hand it over to Veyle, "The Emblem Ring is right here. Please, Divine One. It is yours"

Veyle hold it in her hands. She felt the words flow through her mind, "Care for us, Emblem of Echos!"

A flash of pink light flashed through the ring. A woman appeared who dressed in white and had pink hair that went to her collar bone. She had a white headband and black gloves.

"I am Emblem Celina. I detest violence...but I will always fight to defend the innocent" Emblem Celica spoke, a soft smile was in her face.

"Thank you for answering my call" Veyle gave a smile back at Emblem Celica.

Alfred stared in awe at Emblem Celica's appearance, "So...this is the Emblem that was in Firene's ring"

Céline had a similar expression on her face, smiling like a little kid, "Emblem Celica. How marvelous" she turned her attention to Veyle, "Divine One, with your blessing—and hers, of course—I would like to fight by Celica's side. I must protect the people of this village and ensure Louis and Chloé's safety"

Veyle looked at Celica, who nodded. Veyle looked back at Céline, handing her the ring, "I entrust this ring to you, Céline"

Céline smiled, equipping the ring on. Feeling the Divine energy flowing from the ring, "thank you, Divine One"

Veyle nodded before turning to Alfred. She pulled of Sigurd's ring off her finger and handed it to Alfred, "I entrust you with Sigurd's ring"

"Me?" Alfred pointed at himself. Surprised at being offered the ring Lumera had.

Veyle gave a sure nod, taking Alfred's hand and placing the ring into it, "Yes. I trust you, Alfred"

Alfred was still stunned in shock before giving a smile, he felt truly honored, "Thank you, Divine One. I won't let you down" he placed the silver ring on his finger.

~

With Louis and Chloé, both are fending off the enemies as best they can but they don't have much mobility. Archers and mages are everywhere, limiting Chloé and Louie's movement.

"I won't be able to get very far with these archers everywhere" Chloé said as she forced a Corrupted back, spewing them in the chest.

Louis spoke up, watching Chloé back, "how about this? I take cage of the archers and you deal with the magic users?"

"Good idea! While their spells will go right through your amor, I'm resistant to magic" Chloé turned to give Louis a smile, "So leave the mages to me. It's not so bad protecting each other, now is it?"

Louis gave a curt nod, "indeed. This is a nice chance of pace"

Both put their plan into motion. Chloé went to take out the archers and Louis went after the archers.

~

Back with the group, Céline spoke to Celica, "Emblem Celica, it is an honor. So it was your voice I heard on the way from the castle. I am glad you're here with me"

Celica smiled gently at Céline, "I feel the same, Céline. I will fight by your side from now on. Together, we I'll protect that which you hold dear"

"Thank you" Céline grinned before looking at Veyle, "with Celica's help. I ought to be able to reach Chloé and Louis more quickly"

Veyle nodded to Céline, "you reach them. We will handle everything from here"

She then turned to Vander, "protect her until she gets to her retainers"

Vander gave a nod, "as you wish, Divine One" he hop into his horse. Letting Céline hop onto the back as both took off.

~

The Ruffian, who seemed to be the leader of the group, laughed, "these houses are ripe for the picking. Time for a good, old-fashioned village pillage!"

~

Veyle looked at the crystal. She felt it warming up slightly. She took it out of her pocket to look at it, "The crystal...it's glowing"

Lucina popped out of her ring, floating by Veylems side as she stared at the crystal in shock, "Veyle, where did you get that?"

"It was in the Ring Vault" Veyle looked up at Lucina, "Vander found it after the battle at Lythos Castle. Do you know what this is?"

Lucina gave it a long stare before saying, "The Dragonic Time Crystal. An artifact capable of reversing time itself. There is a limit to its power, but still, it could give us a keen advantage"

"Time Crystal..." Veyle looked back at the crystal in awe, "so it's not just a pretty piece of jewelry"

"Since we have it, I suggest we put it to use" Lucina gave a small nod, "give it a try"

Veyle didn't notice a Corrupted sword user charged at her. It swung its sword down at her, slicing her arm, making her cry out in pain.

Others cried out in worry for Veyle. Veyle hissed, before grabbing the Time Crystal used rewind time before the Corrupted attack her.

Veyle opened her eyes and saw the Corrupted swords user charging at her. She grabbed her tome and began charging a light spell and send a golden beam at the Corrupted, killing it instantly.

Veyle let out a sigh of relief, "that was a close one..."

~

Vander was reached Chloé and Louis, who already took out majority of the Corrupted in their respective area. Céline jumped off Vander's horse and ran over to her retainers and hugged them, "I am so happy you both are alright"

Chloé hugged back with just as much feeling, "you too, Princess Céline!"

"It's a relief to see you alive" Louie nodded as she patted her back.

Céline let go of the hug, "I was able to find Alfred—and the Divine Dragon, no less! After that, the Divine One summoned Emblem Celica from within my ring"

Chloé blushed in amazement, "a noble dragon, summoning ancient spirits to save the day...that sounds just like a fairy tale!"

"It does. Now you Jay I have this power, let's give a story a happy ending, shall we?" Céline smiled at her two retainers, who nodded in agreement.

"Let's do it!" Chloé smiled and nodded.

Louis also nodded, "my lance is yours. Rely on me!"

The three of them nodded at each other before hopping into battle. Vander joining them not to long after.

~

Back with Veyle's group made it through the Corrupted and bandits, catching up the Céline's group.

"Is that everyone?" Veyle asked Vander.

Vander shock his head, "the Leader is all the remains"

Veyle nodded, "let's take him out as soon as possible"

Everyone else nodded in agreement as they went the corner of the village. Where the Leader had stood waiting.

The Leader smirked at them, "Soon I'll be a legend...The man who captured the Princess of Firene!"

"Not a chance!" Céline snapped at him as she began to engage with Celica, "Emblem Engage!" Her clothes changed into white silky cloth and her hair turned into a similar pink color to Celica's.

With this upgrade, it made Céline's magical power stronger. Charging up her tome to send a powerful magical attack at the leader.

Veyle also began to charge her attack, using light magic to send an attack. Vander then attack after, doing a chain attack before the Leader could get a solid hit on any of them. Overwhelming the Leader until his death.

The Leader groan in pain as he fell to the ground, taking his last few breaths, "I would have won, you know...if they'd given me real soldiers..."

"Uh huh..." Etie stared down at the Leader as he finally died, "didn't give me much of a workout anyways"

The group cheered in victory. When everyone settled down, everyone went to help out any civilian that is hurt during the battle.

Veyle wonder over to a river to collect some water for a small family. She began to fill a bucket with water, she only turned when she heard footsteps running her way. It was a Corrupted solider who somehow survived.

Veyle gasped when it was about to attack her. Before she or the Corrupted could do anything. A flash of black and red  jumped out of the shadows and slash the Corrupted in half, killing it with ease.

Standing above the Corrupted's corpse was a female in black, gold and red clothes. She had long beautiful ruby hair, her eyes matching her hair. She looked at Veyle, "Are you alright?"

Veyle snapped out of her shocked, giving a small nod, "Th-Thank you. You saved my life"

The woman nodded, "it is nothing. I heard fighting and I came to help"

"You're braver than me...I can't stand the Corrupted" Veyle admitted, "I was so startled i couldn't think. You really did save my life"

"You say your feelings out loud..."The woman's face slightly changed into one of understanding, "the Corrupted are awful..."

"Oh, i haven't introduced myself yet" Veyle gave the woman a smile, "I'm the Divine Dragon Veyle"

"Veyle..." The woman's eyes slightly widen. Eyes holding some familiarity. She paused for a few moments before answering, "my name...Alear"

"Alear, what a lovely name" Veyle smiled at Alear.

Just then, Lucina appeared next to Veyle's side, "might I interrupt?"

"What is it?" Veyle turned her attention to Lucina.

When the two were not looking at Alear. The woman quietly gasped at the sight of Lucina, "and Emblem..."

"Even with the Corrupted gone, it may not be safe for her out here" Lucina said, "perhaps we should escort her home or to an inn?"

"That's a good idea" Veyle nodded she then turned to where Alear was, "Hey, Alear, do you live around here?"

But Alear wasn't where she just was. She was gone. Making Lucina and Veyle stare in confusion.

~

Alear went to the forest. A hand over her chest. She ran as fast and as far as she could. Breathing heavily.

"It can't be..." Alear's mind raced. Her mind flashed to a younger version of Veyle, one a thousand years ago, "no, she is dead. She can't be a Divine Dragon. It is impossible....with a Emblem that has Divine magic no less"

A part of her wanted to finish the job. Go back and kill Veyle, like she did with Lumera. But she couldn't. Something in her told her not to. She is to similar to her previous baby sister. It both angered and saddened her.

A red flash appeared next to Alear. She turned to face a man floated next to her. Face with no emotion. Her trusted partner, Marth, The Hero King.

His presence brings Alear some comfort. He always manages to calm her down. Even without words. It was one of his special skill.

He had placed a hand on her shoulder. He may not have a solid form but the gesture still gave her comfort anyways.

Alear let out shaky breaths. Before calming down fully, "Thank you, Marth"

Alear and Marth shared a special bond. Even if Marth is unable to speak, it still felt special. Probably the closest thing Alear have to a healthy sibling figure. Or just a healthy relationship in general. Kept her somewhat sane during these hard time for her.

Alear let out a small sigh. Resting on a tree, "just...this can't be a coincidence..."

Marth just stared at her. Eyes filled with pity. He wanted to do more then just stand there and give silent comfort, but that's all can do for now.

~

Back with Veyle, she finished getting the water and handing it over to the family to help clean the wound.

Céline went up to Veyle after the family wonder off, "Divine One!"

Veyle turned to Céline, a smile on her face, "Céline. Did you see a woman pass this way? 5'5 with long ruby hair and eyes? Dressed in black?"

Céline shock her head, "No, I'm afraid I didn't see anyone matching that description"

"Okay, thanks" Veyle let out a disappointed sigh, "Did you need something?"

"I wanted to thank you" Céline smiled at Veyle, "Alfred told me that you accepted Firene's request for aid. And your help in the battle was the difference between victory and defeat. Thank you, truly"

"Don't mention it. Alfred and it are friends. I was happy to help" Veyle gave a small nod.

"Friends? He said that?" Céline gasped, clearly shocked, "Imagine speaking so casually with the Divine Dragon...Please, allow me to apologize on his behalf"

"It's fine, truly. There is no need to put me on a pedestal" Veyle shake her head, "I just woke up, and the world is new to me. I make mistakes like anyone"

"Is that so?" Céline still seemed a bit unsure before chuckling to herself, "I thought surly the Divine Dragon would be an all-seeing, all-powerful being, but here I find that you are rather more...human than I expected. Perhaps we can be friends."

Then what do you say, Céline? Friends?" Veyle's eyes shined with hope and excitement.

Céline smiled and nodded, "I would be honored"

~

Vander and Veyle were talking over events and future until three people came walking over. 2 women and 1 man.

"Hey, folks! Mind if we bend your ear a minute?" Asked the male with a friendly smile. He dressed like a blacksmith, smell like one as well, "Name's Durthon. I'm an armorer. And this here's Anisse, Purveyor of goods, and Kaiti, a farmer. We saw you tradin' thumps with those things. Figured you might be in the market for supplies"

"Yes, if you need, we'd be happy to provide you with quality weapons and items" Anisse gave a warm smile. She is an African female with long black hair and dressed in a red and white dress. Her had was also white and red but had a blue rose in it.

Kaiti nodded, her short blonde hair breezes in the wind as her grey eyes shimmered in the sun. She had dark blue overalls with a large 'K' in the center and the shirt underneath was a lighter blue shirt underneath, "I have collected some materials from some of my animals that I have from my farm. Can give you them to help improve your weapons"

"Anything to defeat those creatures" Anisse spoken worry fell on her face, "they pose a terrible threat to traveling merchants like us"

Veyle thought about it for a few minutes before getting a idea, "how would you feel about moving to our base? You can sell your wares from there"

Vander coughed to get Veyle's attention, "Ahem, Divine One..."

Veyle turned her head to Vander and tilted her head in confusion, "what? We don't have any facilities, these three could be a good addition"

"You're gonna let us open shops at your base?" Durthon's eyes widen. Kaiti and Anisse seem to be just as surprised.

"If you'd like to. We'll need plenty of weapons, items and food from here on out" Veyle smiled at the three of them, "it's a haven. You won't find any creatures there"

The three of them looked before nodding and looking back at Veyle. Durthon spoke up, "you got yourself a bargain! Can't wait to do business together"

"Thank you for this. I will do my utmost to ensure you receive the finest items" Anisse Emilee at Veyle.

Kaiti gave a two finger salute, "I will get my animals ready. They are very well behaved and will get you some materials"

Veyle gave a soft smile, "thank you"

Me: chapter release!

Ayla: you may be wondering 'who is Kaiti?'. She is based on a friend's OC

Me: don't worry, the OC won't take away any necessary screen time for any major character. She only pops up here and there for Veyle

Cherry: anyways, besides that whole OC mess, I hope you all enjoy this chapter

Me: mini side question: what is your favorite side activity for Engage?

Ayla: anyways, I hope you all have a amazing day—

All: BYEE!