Everyone made it to the border. It was snowing and some torches lightning and warning the near by area. The Brodia and Elusian armies were just by the borders

Veyle eyed around, confused as she asked Diamant, "Diamant, where's the king?" She could have sworn Morion was here a moment ago.

"He's headed to the front line" Diamant explained, seeming a little on edge, "our orders are to wait here with the rear guard"

Veyle gave a curt nod. She saw Diamant hand her the Ring of the Young Lion. Confusing her greatly.

"Here. Take this" Diamant stated as the ring was now in Veyle's hands.

"You didn't gave it to your Father?" Veyle blinked. Her heart beater a little faster in worry.

"I tried. He wouldn't take it" Diamant explained as his gaze fallen.

Roy appeared next to Diamant's side, "The king said that if anything should happen, he wants you to keep my ring safe"

"But what if he needs it?" Veyle asked. Worry and a little frustration clear in her tone. Roy's power is to enhanced his wielder's physical power. She assumed it would be more logical to have him on hand if someone is frightening on the front lines.

"Father wants a fair fight" Diamant said, recalling Morion's words, "not to say that using the ring is unfair. But we Brodians have a particular sense of pride. He wants to stand in his own strand in his own strength and asked us to respect that"

"I understand" Veyle stated. Still not liking the fact Morion didn't use Roy, "I'm just not sure our enemies will have the same code of honor" her eyes gazed over at the battlefield since she sense the battle is about to begin, "let's be at the ready. If push comes to shove, I want to be able to help"

"It's a plan" Diamant nodded in agreement.

"Agreed" Roy nodded as well.

The three of them heard yelling and clash of metal. Making the three of them turn over to face the battlefield since, "it looks like the battle has begun..." Veyle frowned as she held Lucina's ring close to her chest for comfort.

~

Brodian and Elusian soldiers charged at each other. Each side clashing their blades at each other. Both sides determined to win and die for their countries.

Morion pulled out his sword. It glittering in the sun that peaked through the clouds, "HYAAAH!" He slashed through Elusian and Corrupted soldiers like they were nothing. Seeming unaffected by the light snow storm that blows.

He eventually came face to face with the King of Elusia, Hyacinth, he was seeming waiting for Morion all this time.

"Your invitation of my country comes at a very high price" Hyacinth said to Morin, a sly smirk on his face as he pointed at Morion, "and now you will pay it!"

Morion let out a laugh, amused at what Hyacinth said, "hahaha! Do you really think you can withstand the might of Brodia?"

Hyacinth lowered his hand, "yes. My army is blessed by Lord Sombron himself"

Morion scoffed as he charged forward and swung his sword at Hyacinth, who dodged with ease. Blocking Morion's attacks and kicked him a few feet away.

"Damn you!" Morion glared at Hyacinth as he stood up fully and charged again at Hyacinth and swung his sword, cutting Hyacinth's cheek. Deep enough to make it bleed. He barely could dodge Morion's other powerful swings before getting knocked to the ground, kneeling as he held himself.

Morion pointed his steal sword at Hyacinth, a prideful smirk on his face, "well then! Is that all the power your dragon's got?"

"He is not yet at full strength" Hyacinth declares as he pulled out a gold ring with an emerald in the center of it, "but until the ritual..."

"Ritual?" Morion raised an eyebrow. Noticing the ring coming from Hyacinth.

Hyacinth slowly placed the ring his finger, a smug, wicked smile on his face, "the one by which we shall reignite his true glory. And for that....we need a sacrifice of sovereign blood"

His hand grabbed onto Morion's blade as a purple flame began to emerge from it. Shocking Morion, "The blood thus offered...will be yours!"

"What?" Morion gasped in shock and a bit of horror as he saw Hyacinth covered the magical purple flames. He tried to remove his blade but the King of Elusia had a tight grip on it.

Suddenly, the Emblem that dwells within Elusia's ring appeared. She has long hair that is ponytail and a dress with boots. She is in a red color, symbolizing that she is under Fell Dragon magic. She aimed her bow at Morion, ready to fire.

Hyacinth punched Morion back, this time with more force than his last punch. The Emblem then shot her arrow at Morion, shooting him in between his chest and shoulder. Leaving a dark purple flame in the wound.

Morion groaned as he looked at his own wounded before looking at Hyacinth. Glaring at the male before falling to the ground. Knocked out completely.

~

Veyle and Diamant had witness the full thing when Yunaka made mention her seeing Motion losing. Both horrified and worried for the King of Brodia.

"Father!" Diamant called out but got no response.

"Come on, Diamant. There's still time to rescue him!" Veyle stated.

"You have lost this battle, Former King of Brodia" Hyacinth smiled down at Morion's body.

A male and female appeared by Hyacinth side. The male looked to be in his twenties, probably a little older than that. He mostly dressed in ripped up or baggy clothes. His chest was mostly exposed beside his shoulders and arms. You can see tattoos on his ribcage and left eye. He had messy green hair and red eyes.

He spoke to the girl, "well, he's not getting any lighter. Come on"

The girl looked to be a few years younger than the male. Likely barely 20. She has blonde hair and blue eyes as her armor was pink, purple and white. She had a cute little hat with a bow on it.

"We know what to do, your Majesty. See you later!" She waved at Hyacinth before joining her ally and carried Morion away.

Hyacinth let out a soft hum and the two soldiers carried Morion away to who knows where. Likely back to Elusia.

"My Father! They're trying to take him away!" Diamant said in a panic. Seeming like his world is shattering around him as the scene goes on/

"We won't let them!" Veyle said, trying to calm Diamant down.

"So you say..." Ivy then appeared. Her face And voice was neutral, "but you are wrong"

"Princess Ivy!" Veyle was surprise to see the purple hair woman still here since she assumed she had gone back to Elusia.

"Whatever the cost, you will hold them here, child" Hyacinth told his eldest daughter.

"Yes" Ivy nodded, a little reluctant. Which Veyle picked up on.

"Oh, and Ivy? Don't forget that ring was given to you by our Lord Sombron" Hyacinth reminded Ivy, "your failure to protect it was a grievance one."

Ivy flinched slightly at the remark. Shameful at her past actions.

"It is your duty to reclaim the ring now. I take my leave to Elusia" Hyacinth turned his face to Ivy and began walking off, "do not fail me again"

"So...you want me to buy time for you as I die here" Ivy said. Mostly to herself since Hyacinth now walked out of ear shot, "very well. I die for you, Father..."

"You're not going to stop us" Diamant said to Ivy, pulling out his sword.

"We have to get King Morion back from them right now" Veyle said as she pulled out her tome, "we have to!"

The rest of the group game. Lined up, but even if they did their best to see, the harsh snow almost made it impossible to see through it.

"We must drive back Princess Ivy's forces!" Diamant said as he walked forward, not caring for the harshness of the blizzard as he bawled his fist, "dragging away Father like that...what could King Hyacinth be planning?"

Veyle followed after Diamant, making sure to stay close, "I don't know. But with so many of the Corrupted...this will be a tough battle"

~

There was a small base ahead from the group. Walls up to keep both the Elusians and Corrupted back.

There was a blonde woman in heavy armor. She was the only one there since most of her allies were already dead, left to help others  or have left for the front lines. She raised her hand to touch the snow quickly rushing through the air, "the snow's really swirling now. I wonder if I'll be able to find Prince Diamant. Wouldn't be a worse time for mediation, but I've gotta clear my head"

She sat down in the snow. Breathing in and out. Might as well since no enemies are near by.

~

The battle began and was raging on. Diamant made haste and slash down any Corrupted and Elusians with great force. Trying to breeze through this battle to hurry and save Morion.

Veyle acted as support, using her light magic to heal and make sure Diamant has his behind covered.

Lucina made sure Veyle was protected. Coming out of her ring to help Veyle out.

The Emblem Princess looked over at Veyle, "you still have Leif's ring?"

Veyle nodded, showing Lucina the ring she had in her pocket, "yes, why?"

"I suggest giving it to one of our allies" Lucina informed as she quickly took down an Elysian soldier who tried to sneak attack Veyle, "it is better to not have more then one Emblem Ring on hand"

Veyle paused to think about it before nodding, "that makes sense..." she thought about who should have it. Until she heard arrows firing. She turned to see Alycrst taken down a few pegasus knights.

A light bulb went off in Veyle's head as she smiled. Going over to Alycrst, "hey, is it okay if I asked for a small favor?"

"A-A favor?" Alycrst jumped a bit, almost dropping his bow, "of course. Though, I doubt I will fulfill the task..."

Veyle shock her head, "it is a simple task" she grabbed Alycrst's hand and gave him Leif's ring, "I need you to protect the ring"

"M-Me?!" Alycrst looked shocked, dumbfounded even. He looked at the ring before at Veyle before at the ring again, "are you sure? This is to much of a honor to be giving it to me"

"I trust you enough to have the ring" Veyle smiled at Alcryst and nodded, "please, protect it with all you've got"

Alycrst stared at Veyle before a solid minute before nodding. A determined look appeared on his face, "I swear it"

He placed the ring on as Leif appeared next to his side, saying, "thank you for giving me a chance. Let's bring victory to our allies"

Alycrst nodded at Leif, "I don't know how good I will be but I will defeat you with all I got"

Veyle smiled as Leif and Alycrst seemed to be getting along. Now also seeing them taking down enemies together, she knew she made the right choice.

~

Kagetsu lightly hissed as he saw Elusians and Corrupted dropping like flies, "I fear this will not end well"

"Princess Ivy, did the king perhaps grant you *another* ring?" Zelkov turned to Ivy. Eyes narrowing slightly at her.

Ivy sighed as she shock her head, "No. You hear him, didn't you? If I want a ring, I must reclaim the one I lost. This time, with no reinstatements. We must make do" her eyes soften slightly, "if you want to leave...I'll understand"

"What will *you* do?" Zelkov raised an eyebrow at Ivy.

"I have no choice but to say" Ivy informed, "Even if I know it's hopeless. Even if I know I will die"

Zelkov groan softly. Looking at the snowy ground in slight frustration.

"You two, head to the northern and southern forts. The Corrupted are standing by there" Ivy told her retainers. Which the two did with no question.

~

Back with the blonde hair woman. An Elusian dared to attack her while she was meditating.

The woman blocked the attack with ease before standing up with a sigh, "so much for meditation. Now...think you can get through my defenses?"

The two locked in combat. The woman's armor was tough, there is barely an opening to land a solid hit on her. Even there was a chance, she surprisingly moved fast enough to change position to block and hit back.

Diamant heard the fighting near by. His attention turned over and he barely saw the blonde through the blizzard.

His eyes widened slightly as he saw her. He wonder closer as the woman took down the last of the enemies that decided to come at her. He recognized her in a heart beat, "Jade!"

The woman, Jade, turned to face him. Eyes widen slightly, "Prince Diamant!" A smiled formed on her face, "I'm so glad you're safe. Is everything all right at the castle?"

"Yes. The Divine Dragon helped us" Diamant nodded before he paused for a moment, "However, Father....he's in peril. Jade, I relieve you of your border duties. You're with me from now on!"

"Of course!" Jade didn't hesitate. Nodding. She followed Diamant into battle.

~

Ivy's retainers were at their respective towers. Zelkov had taken the southern tower. Kagetsu with the northern tower. The corrupted wondering around the entrances.

Veyle had send Chloè and Céline to have deal with Zelkov'a tower, due to Chloè being the only flying unit and Cèline can teleport thanks to Celica's power when engaged.

"I could have run, but I *remainer.* Now, I must *fight.*" Zelkov said as he grabbed his steal dagger. Sensing Chloé and Cèline coming inside.

"This ends now" Cèline stated as she engaged with Celica. She summoned Ragnarok in her hands and blasted it at Zelkov.

Zelkov tanked the attack, he quick rushed over at Cèline before she got time to reach. Managing to cut her a few times.

Cèline hissed softly. She and Zelkov continued their fight. It wasn't until Chloé swooping in to break up the fight, she managed to push Zelkov off the tower with the help of pegasus.

Zelkov landed with a thud. Luckily the snow broke his fall. If it wasn't for that, then he will have likely been dead.

He groaned as he slowly rise up, "* can't take any *more.* Back to Princess Ivy I go" he quick ran before Cèline or Chloé could follow. They both have bigger worries since the Corrupted from below started to run up to them.

Meanwhile with Kagetsu, he was facing off against Diamant. The samurai spoke up, "if Princess Ivy stays. I stay!"

Diamant narrowed his eyes at Kagetsu, "then you will share the same fate as her!" Before locking blade with Kagetsu.

Both men fight as hard as they can. Both not willing to give up. Kagetsu being a speedy fighter. Managing to land a few critical hits on Diamant, but the Crown Prince was steady. He definitely tanked few of those hits and manage to barely dodge at least one of them.

Diamant used his brut force to knock Kagetsu's blade away from him. Sending it flying over toe railings of the tower. The Prince pointed him blade at Diamant, "it's over"

"I cannot fall here...I must protect Princess Ivy..." Kagetsu stated. He manage to do a backflip over the tower and land on top of a Corrupted, who somehow was stabbed by his sword when it fell. He took his sword back before running away to the back lines to recover.

Ivy saw her retainers retreat to the back lines. She ordered her healers to go help them. Now knowing it's the time for her to step in, "my father's orders were plain. You will not pass" he gaze turned to the army in front of her before charging in.

Diamant was the first to be challenged by Ivy. His eyes narrowed at her, "you won't stop us from saving Father" he ran towards her and did his best to slash her, but she flew out of the way and aimed her magic at him.

The Prince dodged in time. Hissing softly to himself since it was almost impossible to hit Ivy from this range.

It wasn't until Alycrst came into the picture is when Ivy came down. Arrows fired at Ivy, knocking her off her Wyvern.

"Brother, I am here to help" Alycrst said as Leif was at his side. His blade in hand.

Diamant nodded, "thank you, Alycrst"

Both brothers began to fight Ivy together. With their combined power and with Leif's, it was clear they had the upper hand.

Ivy tried her best, but with both Princes of Brodia barely giving her any room to clearly strategize and/or counter attack. But from the moment Alycrst showed up, it was clear she had lost.

Ivy hissed when she felt her hand scratching by the arrows, "Father...I'm sorry..."

Diamant came foward and slashed the tome out of Ivy's hands before kicking her back a few feet. Her retainers came running to her side to check on her.

Ivy looked down, knowing the battle is at a lost since all the corrupted and soldiers were already dead. She saw Veyle walked next to Diamant, "you've won... Please, kill me."

"No. I will not take your life" Veyle shock her head at Ivy, frowning slightly.

"Don't be naive" Ivy scoffed at Veyle, "if I live, what's to stop me from hunting you down?"

"Yo can't return to Elusia after this, correct?" Veyle asked Ivy, "your kingdom is seemingly done with you"

"What gives you that idea?" Ivy frowned.

Veyle sighed. It was obvious question with an obvious answer, "If King Hyacinth had wanted you to survive, he would have given you an Emblem Ring. Besides, he had no need to stall us. The weather alone would have slowed us down" she frowned, "I don't understand it, but...the King used you. He never meant for you to survive"

Ivy bawled her fists before relaxing them. Knowing Veyle spoke the truth, "I suppose you're right"

"Your father has already sacrificed your life" Veyle said as she went to pick up Ivy's tome before handing it back to the princess, "I won't do the same"

Ivy looked at the tome before back at Veyle, shaking her head, "you will not grant me the release of death. How cruel." She then grabbed her tome back, keeping it close to her chest, "but..you are my deity, and I respect you will"

Veyle grew confused at that. She assumed Ivy worship the fell dragon, not her. That comment catch her off guard to the point she almost stumbled on her feet, even if she was standing still.

Ivy noticed the look of Veyle's face. Her face turned a light shade of pink, "Could I ask you to forget that?"

"All right..." Veyle said. Though, she would have said she didn't mind but being called a deity also rubbed her the wrong way. So best if she forgets.

Ivy nodded, feeling pleased with Veyle's answer, "in exchange, I offer information. I will tell you where King Morion is being taken and why"

"Well? Out with it!" Diamant said as that had gotten his attention. Stepping forward with shaky hands.

Veyle patted Diamant's side. Silently telling him to relax before looking at Ivy, "please, tell us"

Ivy nodded, "my father intends to perform a ritual that will restore the Fell Dragon's power"

"Ritual?" Veyle asked. Frowning in worry.

"You see, though the Fell Dragon has been freed, his abilities are diminished" Ivy explains, "imprisonment drained him. He is exhausted and can't transform into a dragon. Ideally, he would have all 12 rings, but securing them will take time. In the interim, Sombron decided to temporarily regain his power through an ancient ritual...in which he consumes sovereign blood."

Diamant and Veyle's eyes widen. Diamant was shaken in both worry and rage, "you can't mean my father!"

"But then King Morion...." Veyle placed a hand over her mouth. She realized he may already be dead by now.

Ivy nodded, "yes. My father took him as an offering to Sombron. That was his aim at the start"

Veyle wanted to gag. It was horrific. Knowing Morion's state, he will have no chance to fight back. She worried on how Diamant and Alycrst will react. Though, a part of her didn't want to believe Morion is dead yet but, her hopes were low. She only hope she can bring his body back to Brodia.

"The ritual will take place at Destinea Cathedral" Ivy stated, "you must hurry. And do be careful. Since the Fell Dragon's return, Father has not been himself"

Veyle gave a small nod, "I see..."

"That is rhetorical extent of what I know" Ivy turned her back towards the duo before speaking to her retainers, "Come, Zelkov, Kagetsu. Let us leave this place"

"What are you going to do?" Veyle asked. A bit worried for Ivy's sake.

"Whatever I can. Without taking sides" Ivy replied, "if we meet again, Divine Dragon... I pray it is not as enemies"

With that, she and her retainers left. Veyle wanted to follow but she has bigger problems to figure out.

"Let's head to Elusia" Veyle turned to Diamant.

"Yes. We have to hurry!" Diamant nodded.

~

The blizzard was intense, luckily the team did manage to get past it. Making it to Elusia. Though, the snow falling still didn't help much. It seemed more harsh than it was at the border. Curse Elusia for being a snowy kingdom the majority of the time.

Veyle sighed, "the blizzard is getting worse...I can barely see through it" she looked at Alfred, who was next to her, "is this the way to Destinea Cathedral?"

"I don't know. In this snow, it's hard to tell where we're going" Alfred stated as his eyes narrowed.

Diamant grunts in annoyance, "Gah...we don't have time to get lost!" Before he could say anymore, he saw someone in the distance. Placing his arm in front of Alfred and Veyle, "Hold on, I see someone up ahead"

Veyle got a closer look. The red hair looked familiar. Her eyes widen as she recognize the woman, Alear.

Alear turned around. She had sensed people and was about to pull out her sword but realized it was just Veyle and her friends, "hm? Is that you, Veyle?"

"Alear!" Veyle smiled at the woman came closer.

"You know her?" Diamant asked as he slowly lowered his arm. Giving Veyle a confused look.

"She is a friend that helped me a few days back" Veyle explained before looking at Alear, "how did you get here? This is far away from when I last saw you"

Alear paused. Coming up with a quick excuse, "i enjoy travel. I felt like going to Elusia, so I did" she nodded before frowning slightly as she noticed Veyle's worried face, "you look worry. What is the matter?"

"We are trying to reach Destinea cathedral, but we got lost in the snow" Veyle said sheepishly, "can you point us in the right direction, if you know it? It would be a great help"

Alear frowned as she knew why they were looking for it. She hesitated for a moment but she didn't want to lie to Veyle. Also knowing it wouldn't matter at the end of it, "head that way" she pointed in the right direction, "see the really tall tree? Use that as a landmark"

"Thank you very much" Veyle smiled brightly at Alear.

Alear gave a curt nod, "it's nothing. How is your leg doing?"

"My leg?" Veyle looked down at her leg. She had forgotten about the injury she had. She looked at Alear and smiled, "oh! It's fine! Really. I actually forgotten I had it. Thank for you for patching it up. That was so kind"

Alear nodded. She was about to say something before her eyes wondered towards Veyle's Emblem Ring. Then at Alfred's, then at Diamant's.

"Still have that ring" Alear stated. Eyes narrowing.

Veyle nodded, a smile on her face, "yes, it is very important to me. It is really pretty" she showed her hand to Alear.

Alear held Veyle's hand. Her fingers ran over the ring. She was tempted to take it off. Very. Her fingers pinched the ring and was almost about to slide it off. She must collect the rings for Sombron. She must. She must. She must. She must. She must. She—

"What are you doing?" Veyle asked. Snapping Alear out of her thoughts.

Alear quickly removed her hand from Veyle's, "sorry. I will be taking my leave now" she turned around and walked off into the distance.

"W-wait! It's not safe!" Veyle said as she was about to follow but the hash blizzard kept them apart.

Alfred sighed, "she's gone.."

"There is no time to search for her" Diamant said sternly, "nor when Father's life hangs in the balance"

"You're right. Let's hurry" Veyle nodded in agreement. Though, she can't shake off the feeling something was off with Alear this time.

She looked down at the ground, "Alear...what in the world?"

Me: and that's it! Geez....i hate writing fight scenes

Ayla: is that why this took so long?

Me: yep! Sorry..I wasn't in the mood in writing the fighting scenes since i didn't have a solid idea what I wanted to do but eh, I tried

Cherry: whatever. As long as the chapter is out now

Me: true, anyways. I hope everyone enjoys it

All: BYEEE