The group left the town and began heading to the Firene castle. After a long time, the castle was in sight.

"There's the castle" Alfred pointed at the castle. The group waiting just outside the front.

Céline noticed the deafening silence of the area, "it's so quiet...Where are our knights? Or the Elusian soldiers for that matter?"

"You said they were marching towards the castle when you left" Alfred had a hand on his chin, "they've probably made their way inside"

"But then..."  Céline's eyes widen in horror, "what of the townsfolk? What of Mother?!"

Veyle's heart pounded in worry. She won't let them lose a mother as well, "let's hurry"

~

In the Firene castle. Queen Ève stood in the middle. Surrounded by Elusian soldiers. Her face stoic, not showing a pinch of fear. Even though Any normal person would.

"Hate to break it to ya, Queeniw, but our forces have taken the castle. This is the part where you tell me where you've got the ring stashed in here" said a man, a weird looking one, who also appeared to be the leader.

Ève just turned her gaze out the many windows, "who's to say?" She said plainly.

"Is it inside the castle?" The Leader lean closer to Éve, "Out on the grounds? I'm asking all polite-like—c'mon!"

Ève quickly turned her gaze to the man, her eyes sharp. Making the Leader flinch back in fear.

"I'm not in the habit of speaking to lowly vermin" She spoke to him, "that's all that you are—the lot of you"

"The mouth on this one" The Leader hissed, "you think I won't gut ya where you stand?!"

Before the man could do anything. He saw a woman who wore a revealing clothing, her lower half had a long pink cloth. She had white long and beautiful hair with some braids, she had horns that is decorated with pink ribbons on it. Her eyes were a piercing purple.

"I'd recommend against it, darling" said the horn female.

"Lady Zephia" The Leader bowed to the woman, who is named Zephia.

"After all, her Majesty can't tell us much of value if she's dead. Now I come bearing news" Zephia stepped forward before stopping, eyeing the Queen, "One of our soldiers says he spotted the Princess fleeing before we arrived. How curious. Did you perhaps give that daughter of yours the ring for safekeeping?"

Ève remained silent. Her eyes glaring into Zephia's.

Zephia gave a sly smile, "Aw, well, isn't this tragic. We'd simply hate to resort to violence. You leave us no choice. By virtue of your silence, we will now kill every soul in this castle, one by one"

That seemed to get Ève to react, she stepped forward, "please, no!"

~

The groups bust through the castle gates, "Mother!" Alfred cried out. His mother in sight.

"Morher, we're here!" Céline said.

"Alfred! Céline!" Ève called out. Still surrounded by the Leader, Elusian soldiers and Zephia.

"Oh, look. The kids are home" Zephia gave a smile.

Alfred glared at Zephia and the others, "You Elusian scum! Get away from her!"

"Hm-hm" Zephia chuckled, "who's going to make us? I'm glad you've come. Now we can see for ourselves if the princess has the ring"

"No! Please, leave my children alone!" Éve begged Zephia.

Zephia turned her gaze towards Éve, "of course. As long as you tell me where the ring is"

"I..." Ève couldn't bring herself to say anything.

"Ah. Young Céline does have it, doesn't she?" Zephia turned her gaze towards Céline, her smiled widen, "we'll have to kill her, then. The prince, too, for good measure. Take Her Majesty away. We'll continue our conversation later, if need be"

One of the Elusian soldiers took Ève and began leading her away. Ève began to fight back but was physically unable to push the warrior away, "unhand me!"

"Mother!" Alfred tried to get to her but was unable to.

"Let her go!" Veyle demanded, but was ignored.

"All right. Enough with the dramatics" Zephia crossed her arms as she rolled her eyes. Before looking at Veyle. Her eyes narrowing at her, "huh? You...You look familiar"

"Huh?" Veyle turned confused at Zephia's words.

Zephia shock her head, "No. It couldn't be" she grew angry. She hated not knowing the familiar feeling growing in her chest when she looked at Veyle, "who are you?"

"I am the Divine Dragon Veyle" Veyle said to Zephia. She also can't help the familiar feeling when she looked at Zephia. Those cold eyes were so familiar, like she looked at them many times before.

"Such lies" Zephia scoffed, "Lumera is the last of her kind"

"Shows what you know" Alfred glared at her, "The Divine One was asleep for a thousand years"

"Really?" Zephia paused, her eyes narrow in wonder, "when did that beastly woman have a daughter?" She shock her head, "hmph. Very well. Perhaps you can tell me what happened to dear Lumera, then. I been so worried about her since that awful battle at Lythos Castle"

Veyle felt like she was hit with a thousand needles of that reminder. Lumera's dead face flashed in her mind. She wanted to cry from the memory but pushed her sadness down, "how do you know about that?" Her voice slightly tremble.

"How, indeed" Zephia had a smirk on her face. Sensing Veyle's sadness's

Veyle realized what this meant, "you stole the rings? You killed Mama?!"

"She died?! Oh, that poor dear" Zephia faked sadness for Veyle. But her grin gave it away.

Veyle's sadness turned to anger, "Murderer! I will avenger her!"

"Why, I didn't kill her" Zephia chuckled, "I will say, your coming here was quite helpful—assuming you are the beast's offspring. Because that means you have them, don't you? The rings of the Princess Exalt and the Holy Knight"

Veyle bawled her fist. The one with Lucina's ring. Almost somewhat protectively, "you'll never take them. Never."

"You were after our ring" Alfred pointed out.

"I won't waste my breath on explanations. But I will tell you this" Zephia spoke up, "The Kingdom of Elusia has freed Lord Sombron from his imprisonment.

Everyone has shocked by her words. Staring at Zephia in complete disbelief.

"The Fell Dragon has returned?" Veyle asked, taking a step back from shock.

"No..." Alfred bawled his fists. Baring his teeth.

"Of course, even we couldn't have accounted for...you" Zephia eyes Veyle, it made her want to hide behind Alfred like a small child, "his return must have awoken you. Show a little gratitude"

"You are wrong! I woke up because of mama" Veyle corrected Zephia, eyes narrowing at the mage dragon. Before her eyes softening a bit, "because she waited for me, all these years..."

"A touching tale, I'm sure" Zephia gave a small smile, "now, if you'll excuse me" she began to leave to the edge of the battlefield.

"Wait!" Veyle tried to stop her. But was stopped by the Elusian soldiers. She had questions. Who was she? Why does she feel so familiar?

"What can we do?" Alfred grabbed his spear. Knowing a fight was inevitable.

"To start, we defeat these soldiers and take back the castle" Veyle said as she grabbed her tome, "I won't let them hurt Queen Ève or anyone else"

"Get the rings. No prisoners" Zephia ordered the soldiers.

The Leader grin widely, "I was hopin' you'd say that" with that, Zephia left. Leaving the Leader to deal with Veyle and her team.

Veyle began to give orders, "we split into teams. Alfred, you take Vander, Clanne, Framme and Boucheron. I will take Céline, Etie, Chloé and Louis"

Alfred nodded in agreement as Sigurd appears by his side, "you can count on me, Divine One. Let's march everyone!" He took his team to began raiding the side and Veyle and her group began to move forward.

Veyle made sure Etie and Céline remain behind herself, Louis and Chloé since they are more support type units. Even if Céline has Celica, making her magic more stronger, Veyle doesn't want to risk her taking physical hits since using magic with Celica takes a bit of the user's heath. She had took note from the last battle how Céline was a bit weaker than everyone else from the last battle and needed more healing, Celica had informed her about why that is. Which is why she wants to be extra sure Céline is near a healer.

When fighting off the Elusian soldiers. Chloé had noticed a door that was locked. Curiosity got the better of her as she flew over to it, "Divine One, this door is locked"

"We don't have time for that, Chloé" Etie said as she shot down a flying Elusian solider.

Chloé let out a small huff, "but I think there is something useful in here. Please" she gave a pleading look to Veyle and Céline.

Both girls looked at each other before sighing. Silently agreeing to check it out.

Veyle looked at the others, "hold them off as me and Céline will check the doors" Etie and Louis nodded, making sure no Elusian soldiers get past.

The trio check the door. Realizing how locked shut it is and no time to find a key. It's best that they break it.

"Stand back you two" Veyle ordered as she began to charge up her attack. A golden orb made of light appeared in her hand before she charge it at the door with full force.

There was a mini explosion that appears in result of the blast. Making the trio cover their eyes in defense of the attack. When cleared, they lower their arms to see the door was completely gone.

The group entered the room and saw a thief getting ready to steal some treasure.

Céline coughed, getting the Thief turned to face the trio. Sweatdropping at being caught in the act, he said, "I am completely doomed, am I?"

"Very much so" Céline smiled as Celica appeared by her side and Lucina appeared by Veyle's side.

~

With Alfred's group, they already cleared out the Elusian soldiers in their area.

"It seems that is all of them" Vander said to Alfred. Swiping the blood of his fancy new steal axe that Durthon had made for him.

Sigurd gave a stern nod as he spoke up, "we should regroup with the Divine Dragon and her group before heading to the throne room. It's better to go as a group to face their leader rather then half a team"

Alfred gave a nod, "yeah. I also want to make sure my sister is okay"

"I am sure she is fine. She has her retainers and Emblem Celica with her and the Divine One and Etie" Framme gave Alfred a smile, "they are super strong"

"Yeah, and Divine One could heal her if worst comes" Clanne said with a nod. Which did calm Alfred's nerves somewhat.

Alfred gave a small nod, "if you say so. Let's get moving"

~

After defeating the thief and collecting the treasure that was stolen. The group made it back to Louis and Etie, who already defeated the remaining Elusian soldiers.

"Sorry for taking so long" Veyle apologized to the two.

Louis shock his head, "it is fine. They were little trouble at all"

"It was still a nice workout" Etie said as she stretched a bit, "to bad they stay down after a few hits"

"Well, you will get more exercise when we get to the Leader" Céline said as she stepped forward, "mother is waiting and we can't afford any more time"

Lucina nodded, "still, let's regroup with the others. Safety in more numbers after all"

Celica agreed with her fellow Emblem and Princess, "yes. I will like to know if the others are alright"

Veyle nodded in agreement, "let's wait for them outside the throne room before attacking" when everyone nodded, they began to head to the throne room.

~

When everyone meet up outside the throne room, luckily everyone seemed to be okay. Besides minor injuries but those can be healed up after battle and nothing a little sleep couldn't handle.

The group began their way inside the throne room. The Leader laughed, "Those shiny rings of yours are gonna be mine, mine, mine! Reward, here I come!"

Alfred couldn't take the sight of him anymore and charged at him. Lance in hand. The Leader barely dodge as the lance scratched his cheek, "you invaded my castle and threatened mh mother. I'll slay you where you stand!"

The Leader chuckled before faking fear, "oh, the Prince of Flowerland is threatening me! I'm real scared!"

The Leader swung his axe at Alfred, luckily he dodge just in time. Alfred rushed back at the Leader and attack him. Even with Sigurd's power, the Leader still stood tall. He was powerful, Veyle can give him that.

"Hah! Is that all you got?" The Leader laughed out loud before being attacked by Céline. Being blasted by a magic and being send back. He turned and saw Céline, engaged with Celica.

"Looky here, the runaway princess! I'll make you fly the coop again" The Leader mocked Céline, waving her axe at her.

"I am not running this time. It will be you who flees for your life" Céline glared at the Leader before their fight broke out. Céline, despite for revenge for how this man dared to take foot into her castle and hurt her family.

Veyle began to engage with Lucina, "Emblem Engage!" She fused with the Princess of Ylisse. When the Leader wasn't looking, she attack him from behind. Making him cry out in shock and pain.

Veyle glared down at the Leader, who looked back up at her, "so, you must be the Divine Dragon" he slowly stood up, "am sure if I kill you, I won't be licking her boots anymore"

Veyle shock her head, "not going to happen" she wasn't planning on dying. She has to much to live for now.

Veyle began to use Lucina's special skill. One for all. "I challenge my fate!" She pointed her sword at the Leader, as the army began their assault on the Leader. Each taking their own hit on him.

Veyle then flew forward before the Leader got a chance to recover and slashed him. Making him fly back and hold his side in pain.

The Leader groans, "I'd better get outta here" he then began to run away. Tail between his legs.

~

After clearing out any more enemies who lurked. Everyone began their search for Ève. Céline came back a hour or so later, running up to Alfred and Veyle.

"Alfred, Mother is in the back room! She's OK" she said with relief. The air grew more breathable from the news.

"Oh, that's a relief" Alfred let out a sigh and a smile.

When collecting Ève, she stood in front of the group, luckily she was unharmed, "Thank you, all of you, for rescuing me" she looked at Alfred and Céline. Having a hand on each of their cheeks, "My children, you're safe. What a relief"

After a brief moment of calm. Alfred spoke up, "we gave a guest, Mother. Someone came all the way from Lythos to see you"

Veyle awkwardly walked over to Alfred's side. Ève gasped out loud in shock, "The Divine Dragon Veyle?"

Veyle gave a small smile, "Queen Ève, it's an honor to meet you. I'm so glad you're all right. I've come here by invitation of Prince Alfred"

Éve cooed softly at Veyle. Glad to see the girl awakened, "Just look at you. Awake at long last. You are just adorable" she smiled, "I am Ève, the Queen of Firene. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you."

"The Divine Dragon has come to help our country, Mother" Alfred informed Ève, "we were just in time to rescue Céline. And get this! The Divine Dragon summoned Emblem Celica from our ring"

"The legendary Emblem! Oh my, how extraordinary" Ève smiled in amazement, she looked at Veyle, "Thank you, sincerely. You have my deepest gratitude. My family is safe because of you. You are blessed with the same powers as your mother. How is Queen Lumera?"

A long pause filled the room. Veyle felt a sense a guilt was over her. Tears threaten to spill from her eyes, "Well, she's..." she sniffed, "she's gone. My Mother passed away"

Ève let out a horrible gasp. Her own heart broke in two when she heard it, "No...That's awful. I'm so sorry"

Veyle gave a slow nod, "some intruders entered the castle. They tried to kill me, but...she gave her life to protect mine"

Ève let out a shaky sigh, "oh...How tragic.."

"I'm glad that...that I could spare your children that pain of losing their mother..."Veyle tried to remain strong, but anyone could hear the shaky in her voice.

"My heart goes out to you.." Ève said to Veyle. She saw a child in Veyle. She may be over a thousand years old but her soul is a kid who just lost her mother.

Veyle whipped her tears, sniffing, "I am sorry. We only just met but I am here laying my grief onto you...I...I wish I could have saved her too"

"Divine One..." Ève gave a look of understanding, "While i cannot take away your sorrow. Perhaps I can help you bear it" she walked close to Veyle, "to reunite with her, and then lose her so soon...I can imagine how painful that was. But for now, allow yourself to grieve, knowing that I grieve with you"

Ève pulled Veyle into a hug. Veyle's head rested into her chest. Her vibe felt so familiar to Lumera. It made her tear up again. She began to break down in Ève's arms.

~

After Veyle's cry. Ève broke the hug. Silence fill the room, "How are you feeling?" Ève asked Veyle, ever so gently.

"Better..." Veyle gave a small nod, "Sorry you had to see me like that"

"No, we shouldn't have dragged you into all this...right now" Alfred shock his head, "I'm sorry, Divine One"

Céline spoke up, just as much guilt in her voice, "As am I"

"But if I hadn't left when I did. What might have happened to you, Céline? Or you, Queen Ève?" Veyle asked, "I am proud to serve people in need, like mi mother did"

Alfred gave a soft smile, "thank you"

Veyle nodded before switching topics, "now, the Elusian leader...She said her kingdom released the Fell Dragon. I take it that's why the Corrupted are appearing in Elyos again"

Alfred's face turned serious, "Now there's no question that the Fell Dragon's after the rings. Which means we need to hurry. Head then off before they can reach the next one"

Veyle turned to Ève, "Queen Ève, may I take your country's ring?"

"Of course. The Kingdom of Firene gives it with love, trust and gratitude" Ève nodded with a smile.

"Thank you very much" Veyle gave a grin.

"There is something you should know, however..." Ève spoke in a slightly more serious tone, "My kingdom has another Emblem Ring in it's possession"

This took everyone by surprised. Even Alfred and Céline. Alfred spoke up, "what? Since when?"

"There is another ring? Here, in Firene?" Céline asked. Clearly taken abac by the news.

"It was kept secret to avoid conflict" Ève informed, "for generations, knowledge of this ring has been confined to the monarchs of Firene. However, now that the Fell Dragon has arisen, it is best to dispel the shroud of secrecy. It is commonly thought the Divine Dragon gave one ring to each country's leader. However, Firene received a second. The Ring of the Dawn Maiden"

"I see..." Veyle took in the information, which was a lot.

"To ensure that no one would find it, the ring was hidden away far from the castle" Ève explained, "it rests in a shrine on the Brodian border"

That seemed to grab Alfred's attention, "Ah, I remember those old ruins"

"What? You do?" Céline turned her attention to Alfred.

"Yeah. Mother took me there after Father died" Alfred explained to Céline, "she told me to keep the location in mind. At the time, I didn't know why...now it makes sense"

"I was preparing you for the day you become king" Ève said to Alfred.

"I'll take everyone to the shrine. From there, I can continue on with the Divine Dragon" Alfred said to his mother.

Ève's eyes soften a bit, "So, you are leaving, Alfred"

"Yes. I want to do my part to end this war" Alfred explained to her, "with your blessing, Mother, I'm going to help the Divine Dragon bring peace to Elyos"

"Mother, I would like to join as well" Céline stepped forward to Ève.

Veyle was shocked that they are coming, "Alfred...Céline..."

Ève gave a nod. Not even thinking twice about it, "you have my blessing. I know you will serve the Divine Dragon with honor. On one condition. Swear to me that you will come back alive"

"I swear it" Both of the Firene royals said at the same time. Sure of their choice.

Veyle felt a sense of joy filled her chest. She looked at Ève, "thank you very much, Queen Ève"

"I trust that you will take some time to rest prior to your departure" Ève said. It did look pretty late, "the journey ahead will be arduous, but know that you are all in my prayers. May good fortune shine upon you"

~

In the morning, when the team was about to leave. Two people walked up to Veyle. One a woman in a ponytail and a male who looked to be a fashionista.

"Hey there! You're the Divine Dragon, right?" The woman asked Veyle, "Got a second to talk?"

Veyle turned her attention to the two, "Yes, who might you two be?"

"Me, I'm a blacksmith" The woman said, "You can call em Calney"

The male then spoke up, "and I am Pinet, a clothier, pleased to meet you"

"I'll cut right to it. Our friend Durtbon wrote us and said he opened a shop at your base" Calney said, Veyle could respect her bluntness, "and, well....we'd like to go there too. We'll be a real help! I can strength your weapons"

"My clothes and accessories won't win you any battles, but they will catches eyes and turn heads" Pinet gave a smile.

Veyle thought about it for a moment. Vander probably won't like the idea but then again, he isn't the boss of her, "If Durthon vouches for you, that's good enough for me. Please, come along to the Somniel"

The two seem a bit taken aback but smiled anyways. Calney spoke up, "Really? That's great! You'll be glad to have us around, I promise"

"Indeed. Thank you, Divine One" Pinet smiled as he bowed his head.

~

The Leader ran through the village. Clearly out of breath, "ugh...OK. I think I lost 'em..."

Zephia's broke through the air, "really! You sure about that, Darling?"

The Leader gasped in shock when he saw Zephia, he almost jumped out of his skin. Terrified of the woman who stands before him.

"You're shaking like a leaf. I take it you failed to obtain the ring" Zephia smiled at the man. But it's clear it was false. It didn't match her eyes. They wanted blood.

The Leader stiffened up, "Uh! Apologies, ma'am! Those guys were tougher than they looked! But I-I can tell you things! Stuff that'll help you track it down! Like, the fact that Princess Céline ran off with it. The Divine Dragon Veyle has it now. Pretty good info, right? Heh..."

Zephia hummed. Taking in the knowledge that was told to her.

"Whaddaya say? How 'bout we call it even this time around?" The Leaser gave a wary smile as he coward in fear, "I won't let you down again"

"Oh, how naive you are" Zephia dropped her smile, "after you failed me once, there is no second chance"

"No! Please don't kill me!" The Leader began to run away, knowing his fate is already scraped hit refuse to accept it, "Please don't kill me!"

Zephia, with little effort, cast a spell at the Leader. Killing him instantly as he screamed in pain. A pity he couldn't gotten far.

Zephia then turned to face a Hooded figure, the same one that attack ay Lythos castle. She bowed in respect, "I am sorry, my lady. Apologizes for the mess. And our failure to acquire the ring"

The Hoodie figure didn't show any emotion on her face, "I was expecting to at least get one. At least we know that Lumera is dead"

"Yes but there's another Divine Dragon to take her place. I can't believe that beast had a child" Zephia told the Hoodie figure.

"It does explain why she was so willing to sacrifice her life" the Hooded figure crossed her arms.

"What should we do?" Zephia asked.

"The battle at Lythos Castle took its toll" The Hooded figure said, "we're in no shape for another confrontation. We best lie low for a spell. Leave them be. For now"

"Understood" Zephia nodded in understanding.

"And Zephia..." The Hooded figure spoke, making the damage dragon hum, "Veyle is off limits if we do met with her again. She lives"

Zephia, confused by this request, asked, "why? Don't tell me it is because she looks like..."

The Hooded figure raised her hand to silence her, "She. Is. Off. Limits. Do I make myself clear, Zephia?"

Zephia paused her lips. Before nodding, "understood"

Me: and we are done! I hope you guys like the chapter!

Cherry: geez, took a long while to type it out

Me: I was the one doing the typing. You just watched

Cherry: it was tiresome to see you do all that

Me: shut up!

Elise: come on! No fighting! At least it is over

Cherry: I didn't start it

Me: uh huh. Anyways, I hope you guys liked it. See you in the next chapter—

All: BYE!