A Frozen Rose: The Nightmare War.

Chapters

Prologue: Bandit Slaying.
Chapter 1: Changeling Classes!
Battle 1 : The Grimleal
Support Log: Rose and Angel C
Support Log: Rose and Cutting Edge C

Prologue: Bandit Slaying.

Author's Note

Hello Silver here with the first chapter of the rewrite. Now the story is going to be in first person veiw. Hope you like the new version as much as the old one. Well that is about all so have a nice time reading and let me know what you think. :pinkiehappy:

Prologue: Bandit Slaying.

Dear Diary, No that's too cliche. How do you start these things? You know what I’ll just start at the beginning.

My name is John Romero, or at least it was some six thousand years ago, give or take a century. You see I haven't always been in the body of an eternal prepubescent little girl. At one time I led what was considered a normal life in my home dimension.

I was a seventeen-year-old male human who lived in Springfield, Oregon in the United States of America with his mom and two younger twin sisters. My mom’s name was Sarah Romero and she worked at the local hospital as an E.R. nurse. My sisters were named Kaylin and Jennifer, and as they were both thirteen they went to middle school. I was really into video games and was always getting the newest games and systems, spending all my extra time and money on them. I mean gaming pretty much defined my life back then. Come to think of it, I guess you could blame that unhealthy obsession for my current predicament. Well, let's begin with the day it all went wrong, November 15th, 2025.

I spent most of the day in my room playing my favorite online game Fire Emblem Online on my Nervegear. Now I probably should explain what Nervegear is because we don't have anything like it in this world. Nervegear is a virtual game headset that catches the mental signals in your brain and transmits them to a virtual body instead of your real body. While you couldn't move or feel anything in real life, you could feel and experience everything in the game.

I had just defeated the Fell Dragon Grima, gaining the felblood crest for my female manakete character named Aussir Tilek or White Rose in English. As I had already got the Crest of Naga the week before, that meant that I could get into the secret outrealm that required both marks to open. It was a feat no one had managed to do. Getting one crest required you to solo a fifty-floor dungeon, with each floor increasing in difficulty as you descend further. It was no wonder why nobody had accomplished it in the first four months of the game's release. It took me two and a half weeks of long nights with barely any sleep but I finally did it and I didn't want to wait to find out what was so special about the outrealm.

As I was about to open the gate I heard a ping. I opened my main menu and saw that I had a message from my mom. I sighed and opened the message. ‘It is dinner time come down and eat.’ I wasn't about to let anything stop me from opening that gate as soon as possible. I quickly sent a message to my mom that I wasn't hungry. After that, I put both my hands on the gate. The Crest of Naga in my right hand and the Felblood Crest in my left hand started to glow. A message box popped up in front of me. ‘You will not be able to return if you open this gate are you sure you wish to continue? Yes or No.’

As this message appeared at both of the Naga and Grima dungeons I rolled my eyes and pressed yes. As the gate opened I was surrounded by a bright light that made me close my eyes. When I opened them again I noticed that I was in a large white circular room with no exit. In the center of the room, there was a counter with lots of different goods on it. The items present varied from class changing items like friendship seals to near legendary weapons like Sol. Behind the counter sat a woman with a red ponytail wearing a red and yellow trickster outfit from Fire Emblem: Awakening. She was in her iconic pose with the index finger of her right hand on her chin with a sly smile on her face.

“Oh wow someone actually got here, guess I owe Adam twenty bucks now.” She said while looking me over. Then she brought up her right hand to chin level and swiped down bringing up her menu. “Let's see, Who are we dealing with? Humm, I see, would you say that all this information is correct?” She asked as she flicked her wrist and the info window moved to in front of me.

Player information,

Username: John Romero

Age: 17

Gender: male

Character Name: Aussir Tilek

Character Gender: Female

Race: Manakete, Ice dragon variety

Class: Magic Fighter level 30

Weapon Ranks: Sword A Magic B Dragon Stone S Staves S

Abilities: Ice Dragon form, Paragon, Dragon’s Bane, Renewal, Miracle, and Vengeance.

Hair Color: Sky blue

Eye Color: Silver

Member of the Eyes of Dawn guild.

“Yes, this is all correct,” I answered after looking at the window very thoroughly. “So, now that I made it here, is this all there is to that gate? Just this room, because if it is I am quite disappointed. I was hoping something interesting was going to happen, after all the time I put into getting here.”

“Oh, don't worry about that Hon. Something interesting will definitely be happening to you in a little bit. Just as soon as the director and her associate get here in about…” A loud popping sound and a bright light interrupt her mid-sentence. “Well, I guess right now.”

I heard a snapping sound and then I was lifted up off the ground. “What’s going on? Why am I floating and why can’t I move?” I asked frantically, suddenly very concerned.

“What’s going on is that you have volunteered to be the first of the control group for interdimensional travel and body argumentation. The data we will get from you will enable us to get government sanction and funding.” A very feminine voice said from behind me. “And before you say that we can not do this to you, remember the warning that appeared before you entered the gate to this area? Well, by pressing yes and entering here, you legally signed your life to us.” As she said this she walked in front of me and I saw that she looked like an older version the woman behind the counter that was full of goods. “Hello, I am Doctor Anna Sharp. Director of the Nerotech company, nice to meet you. I would also like to thank you for your help in saving our race before we send you off to your new life.” She told me then she then looked behind her and asked, “ Is everything ready Sara? All energy sensors up and running and ready to record all data from this event?”

“Yes director, I’ve double checked everything and we are ready to proceed as soon as your associate is ready.” The young woman replied, after which they both looked behind me. I then felt a cold feeling that started at my feet and then made its way upward. I shivered at the feeling and tried to say something to get them to stop but when I opened my mouth no sound came out. As soon as the feeling reached my head I passed out.

I came to suspended in darkness with a figure in a cloak in front of me. I tried to say something only for no sound to come out of my mouth. “Funny they think that they know what they are getting you into.” She laughed for a moment at this, “Well at least you won’t be here when they get raided, before I forget.” She pulled out a small envelope with only two words written on it, “From Eris.” “A word of warning keep your eyes closed, and your mind sound, this is going to hurt… well, it doesn't have to hurt but it’s a bit more fun this way.”

She snapped her fingers and things started to shift. A tear opened in the air, with this multi-colored thing looking right back at me before it swallowed me up. It felt like my very atoms were being ripped apart and put back together. I don’t know how long that lasted as I had blacked out almost immediately.

“Hay Rose, we are almost there. You might want to stop writing and get ready.” A voice said to me from outside of the wagon that I was currently sitting in. I let out a sigh and put the journal and quill away in my bag. I then proceeded to get up and headed toward the front of the wagon. I then stuck my head through the cloth hanging down from the top of the wagon. I was greeted with the sight of a decaying fort made of stone surrounded by trees on all sides.

“Damn, the forest is going to make things messier,” I said to the two figures driving the wagon. Both of them were wearing heavy brown cloaks with the hoods pulled up. The one on the left looked at me and pulled back his hood revealing his giant white colored bunny like ears and silver hair.

“Don't worry Rose I got the forest. I won't let a single person escape.” He said with a cocky smirk. Before I could say anything to him he jumped off the wagon and in a flash of light was replaced by a giant white-furred rabbit. The rabbit then raced out into the trees.
“He doesn't even wait for a plan.” I groaned as I brought my left hand up to my face and then pinched the bridge of my nose in exasperation. I then hear a chuckle come from my right.

“Aye but be honest lass, you would be worried if the lad suddenly acted like he had a brain.” the other cloaked person said.

“You’re right Edge, but I just wish Angel would act with a little more caution,” I responded with a sigh. “You can stop the wagon. I think we are close enough to the fort that we should continue on foot.”

“Okay lass. Now you should go get your armor on.” Edge said as he pulled up on the reins causing the two horses pulling the wagon to come to a slow stop.

“Fine but no peeking.” I retorted and pulled my head back into the wagon. As the cloth settled back into place I heard Edge mutter something about me being too scrawny and young for him to even think about it. I laughed at the irony of that then started to put on my armor. First I pulled on my chain link leggings over my pants. I also put on a chainmail shirt on over my cloth tunic as you could never be too careful with arrows flying at you. I pulled on a white robe with a hood on it over my head and then smoothed out the wrinkles as it covered my body. On the center of the robe was a rising sun with an eye in the center symbol. I then turned to the weapon rack and picked up a mend staff, a green colored spellbook, and an obsidian dagger. I then left out the back of the wagon pulling my hood up over my head as I did.

I moved to the front of the wagon where Edge was waiting for me. He had the hood of his cloak off his head. His silver hair was blowing in the wind revealing his pointed ears that marked his manakett heritage. He turned at my approach. “So how do you want to handle this lass. Nice and quiet or the usual?” He asked as we walked toward the front of the fort. In response, I give him a smirk revealing my fangs. “The regular it is.” He said as he threw off his cloak. Underneath he wore leather armor. Strapped to his left arm was a buckler. He then drew his sword from its scabbard with his right hand. “BANDITS OF THE FROST CLAN I AM CUTTING EDGE OF THE EYES OF DAWN GUILD, MY GUILD IS HERE ON THE ORDERS OF QUEEN CHRYSALIS OF THE UNITED LUGAZ IN THE BADLANDS. YOU ARE WANTED FOR HUNTING LAGUZ FOR SPORT AS IF THEY WERE NOT BUT ANIMALS. IF YOU SURRENDER HERE AND NOW YOU WILL NOT BE KILLED. YOU WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE CITY OF ASHENVALE TO ANSWER FOR ANY AND ALL CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST THE LUGAZ.” Edge bellowed at the top of his lungs. We waited a couple of minutes for their response which to no surprise came in the form of seven arrows flying at Edge and myself.

“They always choose the hard way,” I said my smirk still very prominent on my face. As the arrows got closer I lifted up my hand and cast elwind causing each arrow to be shredded to pieces by razor-sharp winds. Edge started to move forward while I followed behind destroying any arrow that came our way. “They keep shooting seven arrows at a time at us. So they at least have seven archers if not a couple more watching the back of the fort.” I said as I let out another blast of elwind from my hand. Edge just nodded in acknowledgment and kept moving forward. By this time we were almost at the front gate of the fort. Amazingly the gate looked to be in good working order but they had it wide open.

“Okay seriously, I know they’re bandits but still you would think between the lot of them they would have enough brain cells to close the gate to their fort,” I complained as we walked through the entrance to the fort.

“Are you really complaining about the enemy making things too easy lass?” Edge asked.

“I just want the chance to let loose once in awhile is that so wrong?” I retorted as Edge cut down two sword-wielding bandits that came at him. He suddenly let out a grunt of pain as an arrow found its way into his shoulder. I quickly scanned the vicinity and found where it came from. The archer was on the top of the keep knocking his next arrow with his bow now pointed at me. In response, I sent five wind blades at him ripping through him. His lifeless body fell to the floor. I then turned to Edge to see him pulling the arrow out of his shoulder. After he was done I used my mend staff to close up the wound.

“Well any Idea where we might find the leader of the clan?”I asked Edge.

“Probably in one of the towers or in the commander’s room in the main keep. Want to bet which one? My money's on the main keep.” Edge answered.

“I know better the to bet against you Edge. You have an uncanny knack for always winning and I would like to keep my bits a bit longer.”I replied as we head to the main building and stop at the doors. I could hear yelling through the wooden material of the doors.

“Fun over boys we are being attacked, finish what you are doing and then get ready to fight.” a gruff voice said quickly followed by cries of pain. At the cries I quickly pushed the doors open to a sight of eight bandits skinning the bodies of a pair of wolf laguz while they made a seven-year-old silver-haired wolf girl watch. At the sound of me opening the doors, all the bandits stopped what they were doing and looked at me.

“Edge I want you to get the girl and leave this room. For your and her safety, you are not to come back in until I tell you to. Do you understand?” I said as a cold rage slowly took over me.

“Are you thinking of doing what I think you are lass? I don't think…” Edge started to question only for me to interrupt.

“I said do you understand?” I said while grinding my teeth.

“Aye lass.” He answered as he rushed at the bandit that had ahold of the girl.

“Don't just stand there stop the swordsman.” The biggest of the bandits ordered the rest. The bandits started to head to Edge too but had to stop as I got in their way. “ Don't think we'll go easy on you since you are a kid. We kill anyone who gets in our way.” As the lead bandit said this Edge had grabbed the girl and left through the door. After the doors closed behind him I started laughing.

“What's so funny little girl? You know you are about to die right?” one of the underling bandits asked.
“Oh, how cute he thinks he's a threat,” I said with scorn dripping from my voice. ‘I think I can get away with twenty percent power and not attract their attention. ’ I thought as I reached into my pocket and pulled out a rainbow colored orb. “Do you know what this is? It is called a dragon stone. It allows a manakete to transform into their true form without losing themselves to their baser instincts.” I then concentrated on the stone and felt the transformation take its hold of my body. First, my clothes disappeared followed by my skin growing blue colored scales. I then grew a tail and wings. My mouth elongated into a snout followed by horns growing from my head. My body then grew five times bigger almost filling up half the room.

“Now who wants to die first,” I said as my breath cooled down the temperature of the air it touched. As soon as I talked the bandits started panicking and tried to make it to the exits of the room not behind me. Expecting this I to expelled three cold magic spheres from my mouth each hitting a different door freezing them solid alongside any bandit caught trying to open the doors. “ Now now, we can't have you leaving so soon after all you have so much to repent for,” I said as the bandits turned around to face me and the only exit now available to them. “ I know what your thinking there are five of you and only one of me. I might not get you all if you charge me.” I taunted them hoping they would fall for the bait. I was not disappointed when the leader looked at the door behind me and raised his weapon.

“Come on lads, even though she is a dragon she is still a flesh and blood creature which means she can be harmed attack her.” The leader said to his fellows. The five of them spread out and surrounded me.

“It's amazing how you said all that and yet you couldn't be more wrong,” I said as I kept my attention going back and forth between the five of them looking for who would make the first move.
The moment came as the two bandits on both ends of the group rushed me with their axes held high above their heads at the same time. With my eyes never leaving the three in front of me I whipped my tail at the one on the right hitting him dead on and sending him flying straight into the back wall where he hit with the sound of breaking bones. His body fell to the floor unmoving. I then used my left fore claw to grab the other one and crushed him into a gooey mess. The remaining two underlings looked at their boss as if to ask what they should do next. Tiring of waiting and knowing the longer I stayed in this form the more I risk being found by those two divine dragons I took in a deep breath. Seeing that I was preparing to attack them the leader shouted to attack but he was too late as I exhaled air from my lungs so cold that it froze them almost instantly mid-charge. With the last of the bandits in the room dead I transformed back into my human form my clothes appearing back on me as before my transformation. I slowly walked to the doors that remained unfrozen and opened them up to the sight of Edge and the little wolf girl talking with Angel. Upon seeing me the little girl rushed up to me and then clung to me. Angel looked behind me to the inside of the fort and raised his eyebrows. I just shook my head. “I will tell you later, now are all the bandits dealt with?” I asked not feeling up to explaining right now.

“ Yep, I made sure to get all the archers as you were busy inside boss. I am sure that none of them survived.” Angel answered as his ears twitched in excitement. I nodded my head in acknowledgment as I let out a yawn.

“Okay we need to move from here as what I just did could have drawn the attention of people I would rather not deal with. Now let's go and I promise to explain things after I get some sleep.” I said as we loaded up the wagon and I got in it and laid down on the bedroll I laid out in it. As I did the wolf girl curled up against me and fell asleep. Feeling exhausted I soon followed her into dreamland.

I was in my full dragon form heading home to the cave I shared with my mate Sombra after a meeting with the queen of the Crystal Kingdom. She had requested me to imbue part of my power into a heart-shaped crystal to help protect her kingdom. I gladly agreed to do so for twenty sunstones. I looked down at the bag holding said stones resting in my front left claw. ‘These will do a great job of keeping my eggs warm.’ I thought happily as I approached my cave dwelling. I landed in front of it but as soon as I did I was assaulted by the overwhelming smell of blood. Fearing the worst I drop the bag of gems and rushed into the cave. What I saw turned my blood cold. Strune all about the cave were dead human bodies each one impaled by red crystalline spikes. In the back of the cave by the entrance to the room that held our eggs was the body of my life mate. His body had been stripped of its scales and his head was gone. At the sight of his corpse, I let out a mournful roar.

I woke up from my nightmare to an unusual weight and warmth coming from my midsection. I slowly opened my eyes and yawned. I then tried to sit up only to meet some resistance. Looking down I saw a silvered haired laguz girl clinging to me in her sleep her wolf ears twitching back and forth in agitation. ‘Oh that’s right we picked her up at the fort.’ I reminded myself as I rubbed her back to try to soothe and settle her down. After a couple of minutes, her ears stopped twitching and her breathing evened out. Just as I was trying to detach myself from the young laguz without waking her up I hear a soft voice coming from the front of the wagon.

“We are at the meeting place boss. Do you want to come help set up camp or are you to busy playing mother to do that?” Angel snarked as he poked his head through the fabric separating the inside of the wagon from the outside. I looked up at him then gestured at the seven-year-old attached to me.

“I will join you as soon as I can get away without waking her up,” I answered him back.

“Angel leave the lass alone and go gather some firewood.” I heard Blade order Angel from outside followed by Angel’s head disappearing from the front of the wagon to be replaced by Blade’s. “ As for you lass, I suggest that you lay back down and let the wee one get more sleep. After what she has been through she will need a friendly face when she wakes and she seems to trust you the most out of us three. Also, don’t worry I will let you know when Stygian and the others get here.” After he said this his head also left the wagon. I shake my head and then settled down for a long wait.

I was flying over a large city with buildings made of crystal that was surrounded by an aqua colored barrier. All around the barrier attacking it were wendigos, spirits of ice and hate that were the product of my wrath.

“Queen of Winter! We are here at the behest of Harmony, now cease your attack on this city and submit to justice.” A voice said from behind me. I turned around and was greeted with the sight of two dragons. One had golden colored scales while the other had midnight blue scales. Both of them were about the same size as me.

“You really expect me to stop after what they did to my mate and eggs? Not happening. I will only stop once this world is removed of the vermin know as humanity. Now go play with Discord or something, I have a cleansing to attend to. ” I told them as I gestured the two of them to shoo with my right front clawed hand.

“Then you leave us no choice but to stop you ourselves.” The gold dragon said as she readied to charge at me but she was not fast enough as I dodged her attack and shot a blast of ice at the dark blue dragon.

“Well, It seems that you are not as dead as I was lead to believe.” I heard a voice say from behind as everything around me faded to darkness.

I turned around and was greeted by the sight of a black dragon. Despite the difference in color and the addition of a third eye, I could tell this was the blue dragon from years ago. I mean you don't forget one of two beings that hit you with a pure concentrated rainbow in magic form. If it wasn't for my miracle and renewal abilities that probably would have killed me. I just let out a sigh. “Damn, I had hoped that neither you or your sister would notice my usage of power. Well now that you have forced your way into my dreams what do you want. I gave up on eradicating humanity ages ago, so you can leave me alone.” I said to her as I stared definitely into her eyes.

“Oh, I am not here to punish you for deeds five thousand years in the past but to propose an alliance. You see one hundred years ago I grew tired of the humans’ lack of appreciation for the night so I went to my sister and she just shrugged off my concerns saying that it was the way of humans to be fearful of the night what with them not being nocturnal. So I changed a portion of the humans making them so. At first they were unhappy with the blessing I bestowed upon them but after a few weeks, they came to appreciate and enjoy the night. The changed then started to see me not as a bringer of darkness but as a guardian. At that point, they started to refer to me as the night mother.” She told me. “ But then my sister betrayed me saying that what I had done was wrong and a perversion of the natural order. She…”

“Okay, I am going to have to stop you there. As interesting as you seem to think your back story is, I really don't care. If you aren't here to give me an ultimatum then could you get to point.” I said interrupting her and crossing my arms over my chest for empathise much to her ire.

“I see you have retained your disrespectful demeanor.” She said with a scowl.

“What can I say I have never been one to give respect where it isn't deserved. Now please tell me why you are here or let me get back to my nightmares.” I retorted with a shrug of my shoulders.

“As you wish. In six months the spell keeping me from entering Arcadia will fade. When that happens I want you on my side. As my sister and I are about the same strength having another dragon with me would tip the scales in my favor when we fight.” She said as she looked at me intently with all three eyes. I was just about to refuse her proposal when she continued talking. “Of course you don't have to answer me right away. Take your time to think it over. I will contact you in two months for your answer.” After she said that her form started to fade into the darkness. But just before she completely faded from view she said something that caused me to wake up.

“You might find it interesting to know that Celestia has in her possession two Ice dragon eggs. Now with there only being one ice dragon in the last nine thousand years, I wonder whose they are?”

Chapter 1: Changeling Classes!

By the time we reached the road that led to the Everfree Jungle, I had calmed down enough to come to the conclusion that Edge was right. Even if Queen Chrysalis couldn't help me I could at least prepare before meeting with Discord. After all, it wouldn't matter what I found out if I couldn't act on it because I lost my mind again. ‘Damn, I hate it when Edge is right.’ I thought as I got up and lightly kicked the dresser across from me in annoyance.

Edge’s head popped in as the wagon came to a stop. “We are at the crossroad leading to the Everfree, so what did you decide lass?” He asked worry still on his face. I crossed my arms and muttered my answer. “I’m sorry lass, I didn't quite catch that,” he said as he moved into the wagon.

“I will be returning to Ashenvale with the group,” I replied with a bit more volume.

“Speak up lass. I can't hear you.” Edge said while cupping his right ear with his hand.

“I said that I am returning to Ashenvale with the group,” I said in a huff. I was about to say more when I was interrupted by Stygian’s voice from outside the wagon.

“Rose, we have an incoming group of pegasus knights from the northeast. They are about an hour away from here. I can also feel someone in the group using tracking magic so it is more than likely that one of Empress Celestia’s seekers is with the knights. As they are flying straight toward our position I believe that they are tracking us. So I have the rest of the group preparing for a fight. ” Stygian said.

I looked towards Edge and gave him a nod. As he left the wagon to get himself ready I pulled out my book of wind spells and noticed that it was almost out of charges. ‘Damn just three uses left? Nope, not going to cut it.’ I thought as my eyes fell onto the small box on top of the dresser. The lid of the box had a stylized snowflake carved into it. ‘Maybe I should use one of those? If I did we would definitely be able to win a battle against Arcadia’s Sky Guard with no casualties.’

I slowly brought my right hand to the lid of the box and just as I was about to open it I changed my mind. ‘ No we are not desperate enough for me to seek help from any of them. I will just have to put my faith that my companions can fight the pegasus knights off if it comes to a battle and focus my efforts on healing any wounds that occur.’ I berated myself for having even thought of the idea of using what was in the box. I then picked up my mend staff and the obsidian dagger.

I then left the wagon and proceeded to walk over to where Edge and Stygian were standing. I noticed that Stygian was wearing his dark mage robes with the hood pulled up over his head. The robes instead of being black with red trim like most dark mage robes was a deep purple with a silver trim and on the back of the robes was the symbol of our guild. Edge was in his leather armor and had his sword and shield out and ready. Once I got to the pair I took the time to look around at the group getting ready to repeal the pegasus knights if they decide to attack us. I saw the red and white-haired Summer Moon dressed in light leather armor readying her longbow while keeping an eye on the group of captured bandits that were tied up to the second wagon. Standing next to her was Angel in his Taguel form.

I suddenly felt an impact against my midsection followed by the sensation of arms wrapping me in a tight hug. I looked down and there holding onto me was the orphaned wolf laguz girl. She then looked up into my eyes and I could not only see the fear and uncertainty that lay in them but also the trust underneath those. ‘Yep she definitely imprinted me as her new pack leader.’ I thought.

“Stone Edge where are you?” I called out. I then felt someone tapping on my shoulder from behind.

“Right here Rose.” The long brown haired myrmidon said with a smile. Stone was dressed in a gray leather tunic and pants with pieces of green plate mail over his chest, arms, and legs. Over all of that he wore a gray overcoat. Belted to his side was a katana. “What do you need?”

At his sudden appearance the wolf girl hugged me tighter. I let a sigh and answered. “ I need you to guard the young one here. I want you to take her to my wagon and watch over her when I am not able to until we get back to Ashenvale.” Stone nodded his acceptance of my request.

I then looked back down at the wolf girl. ‘Really need to get her name.’ I then untangled myself then held her at arm's length. “Okay I need you to stay with Stone here and listen to what he says. Do you think you can do that for me?” I asked the girl who just stared at Stone with uncertainty. After two minutes of looking from me to him she nodded yes. “Good girl.” I said as I ruffled her hair being careful to not touch her ears. She grumbled a bit and let Stone led her to my wagon.

“Well now that the drama is over how do you want to handle this Rose?” Stygian asked drawing my attention back to him.

“I want to see what they want first. No need to make an enemy out of the Arcadian Empire if we don't have to.” I answered.

“Okay that being the case I think Edge should act the leader and be the one to talk with the commander of the pegasus knights.” Stygian said. “Yes I know that Arcadians follow a matriarchal way of life where females are the warriors and soldiers, but since we are a licenced guild acting on the behalf of queen Chrysalis we will be fine. The alternative is to risk them finding out about your full manakete heritage then being obligated to take you to their Empress by force if necessary.” He explained. “Edge and Stone will be fine as they are only half manakett as can be clearly seen with their less prominent ears.”

“You will play the part of one of Queen Chrysalis’ consorts. As such you are going to have to dress the part.” He said to me with a smirk as he pulled out a black colored disk with green runes on it out of his robes and then hands it to me.

“Wait is this what I think it is?” I asked as I gave the disk a once over.

“Yes it is indeed a class seal. One that was given to me by Queen Chrysalis herself in case of such an eventuality. She told me that it will only react to your magical signature and once activated it will disguise your magical signature as a changeling’s.” He answered.

“Then why didn't she give it to me directly or even tell me about it.” I questioned him as I continued to look at the seal.

“Well with it being a one time use and with your insatiable desire to acquire new skills, she felt that you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from using it as soon as you found out about it, wasting it. Kind of how you are doing right now.” He said with a raised eyebrow as I was bringing the hand holding the seal towards the center of my chest. I stop my hand and looked away from him my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It didn't help that Edge decided to laugh at me.

Without breaking stride Stygian continued his explanation. “Now as a consort you are expected to be next to the commander of any unit you are assigned to in case Chrysalis wants to talk to them. Having you dress as an consort will give the impression that Chrysalis is listening to any conversations happening. As to what to do if they do attack well I would like you to cover Summer as she tries to cull their numbers down with her bow.”

“Now any questions?” He asked me to which I shook my head no in response. “Good now I need to go make sure everyone is apprised of the plan so they can act accordingly.” He said as he walked off in Summer’s direction.

I then took the seal in my hand and brought it to the center of my chest activating it. There was a bright flash as information flooded my brain.

I saw myself with ten other young girls in a classroom listening to an adult changeling tell us that we ten have the highest potential out of our hatch group and as such have been chosen to be part of Queen Chrysalis’ own private spy group. The changeling goes on to explain that in the next nine years we are going to learn not only the different methods of collecting love like any consort but also how to act in a court setting and how to defend ourselves and others from attacks.

Over the next eight minutes, I was shut out from the rest of the world as my mind sorted through nine years worth of someone else’s memories. When I came to I noticed that Edge was staring at me. “Why are you staring at me, darling?” I asked in a more refined voice.

“Well, your wings are showing lass.” Edge said while pointing behind me. I looked over my now bare left shoulder and sure enough, there was a blue scale covered wing there.

“Well, this is an unanticipated Development. ” I replied as I looked myself over to make sure that there were no more surprises. After I had determined that the wings were the only new addition to my human form I took five minutes to look at the changes that happen to my clothes. I was wearing a red trimmed white dress that parted in the front at waist height and fell to just under knee level at the back. Underneath the dress, I had a midnight blue colored unitard. Adorning my arms were sleeves of the same material that came halfway up my upper arm. To finish my look was a pair of midnight blue colored stockings that came up to just past my knees with a pair of white shoes. “Well, at least these clothes are aesthetically pleasing,” I said.

“ Nevermind that, won't your wings give you away?” He asked.

“I cannot ascertain how you came to that conclusion as changelings are shapeshifters. As such, they can appear however they please.” I answered with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey lass, why are you talking like that? Did something go wrong with the class seal?” Edge asked in poorly disguised worry.

It took me a bit to figure out what he was talking about, but when I did I let out a groan. ‘Well, at least it only messed with my speech patterns this time.’ I thought as I forced myself to talk regularly.

“ Oh right, you have never observed the use of a class seal before have you?” I asked as I moved about to get a feel for my new clothes’ range of movement. “Class seals are created by copying and storing an individual’s memories and experiences related to the class. When someone uses a seal they are absorbing those memories and experiences directly. Naturally, there are some side effects associated with class seals like taking on different personality traits from the original owner of the memories. These are not permanent but the duration of the side effects depends on the number of experiences absorbed versus the number of experiences that the user has.” I answered then noticing the lost look the Edge was wearing I sighed.

“Look all you need to know is that the older the user the shorter the duration of the side effects. So in my case, it only lasts a couple of minutes, while on someone who has only lived for twenty years would be stuck with them for days.” I simplified as I finished testing my range of movement. I looked to the northeast and spotted seven figures in the distance that were rapidly approaching. “Looks like our company is almost here, time to put on a show.”

The pegasus knights flew over our group, made a U-turn and landed forty feet away from us. The leader got off her pitch black pegasus and made her way towards us. She was wearing a white tabberd with the image of the sun on it over a set of gold colored chain-mail. Her gold helmet trimmed in white had strands of blue hair coming out of it. Jutting out from her back was a spear with a red colored blade and hanging from her belt was a red colored spellbook. When she was fifteen feet away she stopped and addressed us. “I am knight-commander Firefly of the Arcadian sky knights. I request to speak with your leader. If you would be so kind to get her I would appreciate it.” She said in a tone that suggested that we comply or else. By this time Stygian had made his way back over.

“I am Cutting Edge the leader of this group.” Edge responded and held out his hand as I practiced a skill that I was sorely lacking in, shutting up. Edge’s response took Firefly aback. She then looked at me her eyes widened at the sight of me pointed ears. She looked about to say something when she made a quick look over my outfit and seemed to think better of it. After a minute of silence, she regained her composure and turned her attention back to Edge.

“Ah, so you hail from the badlands. In that case, may I ask what your business in the empire may be. It must be fairly important for such a small group to warrant the presence of a consort.” She said as she took Edge’s hand in hers and shook it.

“Well, we were hunting some bandits that took to killing and skinning laguz. The queen takes such actions against her subjects seriously. And before you ask yes we did stop at the border station and got a permit to operate in the empire.” Edge said as Stygian handed over the mentioned permits to Firefly.

“Well, everything looks to be in order.” She said after she had looked over the papers. She handed them back. “Oh, by the way, you wouldn't know happened at the old fort a days travel to the northeast of here would you?”

“Northeast? Nope sorry the bandits we were hunting were held up to the northwest of here.” Edge responded.

“Are you sure you know nothing about what happened?” She asked in skepticism. When Edge answered with a no she let out a sigh. “Well, early this morning Empress Celestia felt a power that she said she hadn't felt in over six thousand years. A power that she had been hoping and dreading to feel again. So she bid me to find the source of the power and bring it to her at all costs. I tracked the power to the fort where I found the inside covered in ice and bandits were frozen solid but no source. I then followed the power's signature southwest until it disappeared right as your group can into view.” She retorted. After letting the implications of what she said sink in she continued.

“ So I am afraid that I must have everyone here scanned to make sure that they are not hiding in your group with a disguise or an Illusion.” She said as she made a gesture with her hand and one of the other knights came forward. She was of smaller stature than the rest. Instead of armor she only wore a white and gold habit with a golden sun at chest level. Her pink hair hung down the left half of her face obscuring it from view. She acted shy but from the twinkle in her right magenta colored eye, I saw that it was just that an act to put us at ease.

“You called commander?” she said to Firefly in a surprisingly informal tone. ‘Something is not right here.’ I thought.

“Yes Sunny Days, as a seeker you are better at sensing magic than me. So I want you to perform a scan on everyone here even the captured bandits. You can start with the consort.” Firefly answered.

A couple of red flags went off in my mind as the now named seeker nodded and approached me. ‘Crap, why does this feel wrong?’ I thought as she came up to me and apologized for having to scan me before starting the spell. I then felt a familiar tingling sensation as her magic went over my body.

“Okay, she definitely has changeling magic and is not under an illusion besides her natural shapeshifting ability as a changeling. Though I did detect large amounts of mind magical residue in her psyche. Enough for several thousand years of altered memories. As weird as that sounds.” Sunny said as she finished.

“You have my sympathy.” she said to me and held out her left hand to me. I take her hand in mine and felt a piece of paper being pressed against my palm. I take the paper as we finished shaking hands and slip it into a pocket of my dress. Sunny checked everyone else and not finding anything she and Firefly made their apologies for disturbing us and left with the rest of the pegasus knights heading back to the northwest.

Once they were out of eyesight I pulled out the piece of paper and opened it. “What have you got there lass?” Edge asked when he noticed me looking at the paper.

“After Sunny was done scanning me she passed off this note to me,” I answered as I read the note the contents making me groan.

Dear, Queen of Winter I have asked Sunny Days to pass this note to you on the off chance that she finds you and you happen to be in your right mind. I know that you did not perish from the attack by the pillars as it was not their intention to harm but to heal your broken mind. In fact, I spent the first hundred years after looking for clues as to where you went. Most were dead ends until I came back to the Crystal Kingdom. There I noticed that the crystal heart was still active and drawing power from its link with you. While not enough for me to trace it was sufficient to tell me that you were alive. Now on to business, In my search, I found some things that belong to you and wish to reunite you with them but I need something from you In return. Now if you wish to meet to discuss this burn this paper in any fire and I will send a date and place to meet.

Sincerely, Celestia Empress of the Sun.

“Well, crap!” I said as I hand the paper to Edge and Stygian for them to read. After reading it Stygian looked to me and asked, “So, trap?”

“Yep, definitely a trap,” I responded as I felt a migraine come on. “ But it is one that we don't have to trip right away. I'm still stumped on how she knew that I am the one that they were looking for?”

“ Really?” Stygian asked with a skeptical look. “ She practically laid it out in front of you with the serval thousand years comment. You know how most people only live to a hundred if they are lucky and that includes Changelings, so for you to have more than a thousand...”

“I would have to be a dragon and there is one one with my coloration. Damn, why didn't we think of that?” I finished as I finally got what he was getting at. “Let's just get back on our way home. I will deal with this once I have had some time to de-stress. If anyone needs me I will be in my wagon with the pup.” I said with a sigh as I felt the migraine come on in full. Not feeling up to dealing with any more problems I walked back to the wagon. I gave Stone a quick nod of acknowledgment upon seeing him standing at guard next to the horses hitched to the wagon as I passed by and entered the wagon. I found the wolf girl fast asleep on my bed so I sat on the stool next to it and thought back to the encounter unsure of why the seeker didn't out me to the commander. Something about the whole thing felt off, like someone was playing me for a fool.

We crossed the border with no problem and continued on till it started to get dark and we had to stop for the night. We soon found ourselves in front of a small abandoned fort. It was one that was in fairly good shape and had served us as a shelter before. While all of the wooden gates were gone as it only had two entrances it was easier to secure than two wagons in the middle of the forest. It also happened to have still functioning prison cells. So we set up for the night and chose who was going to do the first shift of watches for the night. Since I had slept away most of the day I volunteered to take first watch at the smaller of the two entrances. While I waited for my watch to be over I went over the new memories in my head.

‘So the original owner of these memories was trained for court life and was well versed in the backstabbing that constitutes as politics in most governments.’ I mulled as I went over the training for that before another memory that was attached to it floated to the surface causing me to blush and try to think of anything else. ‘ My god why would Chrysalis put these in the class seal, I could have done without those images in my brain. I thought that mating as a female dragon was weird but that holds no candles to what this changeling did to harvest love. Seriously why would anyone want to mate with a female version of themselves let alone do those other things?’ I thought with a shudder. Just that moment I heard some voices coming my way. ‘Oh good a distraction.’ I thought happily.

“So you are sure that they are in this fort?” I heard one voice ask from a distance away from my manakete hearing.

“Yes, I can feel the life force from your missing comrades from inside the fort. Now I have upheld my end of the bargain and I expect you to hold yours.” Another voice answered.

“ Yah Yah. I got it; if we see a female manakete we are to capture her and bring her to our base of operations to await you to pick her up in a week. Now if you excuse me I need to get the boys ready to attack that fort.” The first voice said then faded away.

“Forgive me for what I have put in motion my queen but for you to remember your true self you must be made to suffer. I only hope you will forgive the sins I must commit to bring about your ascension.” The second voice said as it too faded out of hearing range.

‘Well so much for anyone getting any sleep tonight. Time to wake the others and get ready for the attack.’ I thought as I turned around and walked back into the fort.

Author's Note

Hello Silver here with a new chapter. Now Like I said in my blog I will be splitting chapters into two to keep them in the four to five thousand word margin and to try and get them out at a reasonable time. Also if you want to contribute a character to use in the story please pm me. Also the character Stone Edge belongs to Rubyfire377.

Battle 1 : The Grimleal

“If ya all value ya lives then release the men ya have captured and give us that manakete girl!” A giant of a man dressed in the furs of different Lugaz demanded from outside of the fort. He held a beast of an axe that had an head about the size of a small child in one hand while he pointed at me with his other hand. Standing around him were another eight bandits all wielding iron axes.“ I will even overlook the coin ya cost us from disrupting our fur gathering operations if ya comply all nice like.”

I felt my anger start to boil at the reminder that these people skin and sell the fur of sapient species.‘No must not let my anger get the better of me.’ I thought as I tried to calm down. I then recalled some of the recently introduced memories I had acquired. Now, remember class, in our line of work we must not allow ourselves to succumb to anger as that will pollute whatever love you have collected and make it unusable. So I am going to teach you several ways to lessen your anger.

“Yeah, as nice of an offer as that sounds I am going to ask you to blow it out your backside. There is no way in Tartarus that we would just hand you the boss!” I heard Angel's voice say snapping me out of the memory.

“Don't say we didn't give ya a chance.” the giant bandit replied. He then gestured to the shadows behind him. Out of the darkness came two robed figures. The robes that they wore were black with a familiar purple six-eyed design on them.

‘Well, crap.’ I thought, my eyes widening in surprise as the taller of the two pulled their hood down to reveal a middle-aged human male with shaggy green hair and beard.

“Are you sure you will not release the mortal form of the Bride of Grima into our care?” The man asked which caused me to groan loudly.

“Great, these nuts again,” I muttered under my breath.

At this Edge looked to me then back to the man. “I do not know who this Bride of Grima you speak of is but I will not hand anyone over to you. It does not speak well of your intentions when you appear in the presence of bandits.” Edge replied with a hint of disdain.

“It saddens me that you refuse to see reason and decide to stand in the way of our holy mission. The rules governing the Grimleal is clear.” The robbed man said while surrounded by a purple light. “Though your mortal form will perish here, rejoice in the fact that your soul will be reborn in the new world.”

As soon as he finished saying that a gate materialized in front of him. The gate looked to be made of black iron and had the symbol of Grima on the doors, three eyes to a door. The doors opened revealing a vortex of purple light. Shambling out of the light was a horde of undead.

“Edge, Stone you two stay here with me to keep those things from getting in the front entrance.” I heard Stygian order. “Angel I want you to guard the prisoners but keep an ear out for a call in case we need your help at one of the entrances. Rose, I need you to go to the secondary entrance where Summer is waiting and help her get any of those things that make their way to it.”

I nodded in confirmation and ran to the other entrance. There I found Summer already dealing with the summoned undead. She was firing arrow after arrow into the horde swarming into the entrance. Wasting no time I pulled my obsidian dagger out of its sheath and rushed forward to meet an undead swordsman. The swordsman took a swing at me as I got close but missed as I quickly dodged to the side. I then jabbed my dagger up into its chin, the enchantment in the dagger sending it back to where it came from. Right after the creature dissolved into a purple smoke, I saw an axe coming straight for my head out of the smoke.

“I hate Risen!” I exclaimed as I raised my dagger to deflect the downward traveling axe to the side. The blow caused my hand to go numb with the supernatural strength behind it. As soon as I deflected the blow, an arrow flew over me and punctured the undead axe wielder’s face causing it to also dissipate into smoke.

“What are zese Risen you speak of Matron Rose? We fight zombies summoned by necromancer of frost clan no?” Summermoon asked in confusion as she drew another arrow back on her bow.

“Well, not exactly,” I replied as I dodged to the side to avoid the risen tiger Lugaz. Summer released her arrow at the undead tiger hitting it in its left eye. The tiger roared in pain as a purple smoke leaked from the wound. As it turned its focus on to Summer I put my empty left hand onto the thing’s back. Concentrating I poured a bit of my power into it freezing it solid. I then brought my dagger down on its head shattering it. “ Zombies are created when a vengeful spirit possesses a dead body. They are more often feral due to the bodies they inhabit rate of decay. Risen are enslaved souls given a physical form by the power of the fel dragon Grima. They retain all of the skills and abilities they had in life, which makes them all the more dangerous.” I explained as I brought up my left hand and formed a shield of ice in front of myself. Just as it finished forming I felt three impacts in rapid succession. I heard the twang of Summer’s bow followed by a thud. I dropped the shield only to see three axe-wielding risen rushing toward the gateway. Thinking fast I concentrated on the ground just in front of them. When they reached the area I was concentrating on I activated my trap. A dozen sharp spikes of ice rose from the ground and impaled the three. After they dissipated into smoke I melted the spikes and set the trap up again. Rigging it to activate when any source of fel magic passed over it.

“That should hold them for a bit,” I said to myself then looked back to Summer. “How is your arrow supply doing?”

She reaches behind herself with her free hand and bumps the bottom of her quiver which causes the arrows in it to rattle. “ I have seven left.” She answered.

“Angel get your furry but over here!” I yelled at the top of my lungs. I heard my trap activate again so I reset it.

“You called boss?” Angel said from right behind me. I looked over my shoulder at him.

“Yes, I need you to cover the entrance here while I make some arrows for Summer. I have a trap set up but I need to concentrate if I am to make functional arrows out of ice.” I ordered without waiting for a response I walked over to where Summer was. “Summer can you give me one of your arrows please?”

“Sure, but what do you need it for?” She asked as she handed me an arrow. I sat down as I went about examining its weight, length, and solidness.

“I need it because contrary to what people think, making weapon constructs with magic isn't just willing it to be. You have to know about what you are making.” I started to explain as I heard my trap go off yet again. Out the corner of my eye, I saw Summer ready another arrow. “Weight, density, length, sharpness, and balance all need to be considered otherwise you could have a weapon that shatters on the first strike or is too heavy to wield effectively. Like everything else it takes knowledge to create.” I then finished examining the arrow and put it back into her quiver.

“Yeah, that's right come to your re-death.” I heard Angel say as he went about killing any risen that came into the room. I then focused on making arrows one at a time.

‘Damn I hate doing it this way but there really isn't a choice.’ I thought as I made more of the arrows. Fifteen minutes passed with me making arrows to the sounds of Angel fighting. By this time Summer had run out of arrows. “Here are sixty arrows hopefully that is enough,” I said as I handed over the bundle.

Just then I heard Angel cry out in pain. I turn to see him back in his humanoid for holding his right arm to his side where blood was leaking. In the hallway was something that sent my blood cold. There in front of me stood a figure dressed head to toe in faded bronze armor. Giant Black bat-like wings spread from it’s back. The figure held a bronze spear in its right hand and a round shield also made of bronze in the left. The tip of the spear had flesh blood dripping off it. The figure turned to me and I could see red glowing eyes from the slits in the helmet. “You will come with me Bride of Grima.” It said in a deep masculine voice that was hauntingly familiar though I couldn't quite remember where I had heard it before.
‘Where have I heard that voice?’ I mused to myself. ‘No I have more important things to worry about, like getting Angel healed.’ I berated myself. “Summer, take Angel to Stygian and get that wound of his looked at, I will hold this thing here,” I said never taking my eyes off of the figure.

“As you command matron.” Summer said as I heard her walk over to Angel and help him walk out of the room. The figure in front of me didn't move a muscle to stop them, which worried me as I was pretty sure that it was a risen. The fact that it didn't attack blindly and could talk didn't bode well for me. That combination meant one of two things. One: That this was a Dreadlord, one of the highest level of risen or Two: This was the newest avatar of Grima.

“That was quite chivalrous of you to not attack them as they retreated,” I commented as I watched the figure closely looking for any moment.

“They are of no concern. My mission is to bring you to the head priest anything else is immaterial.” It said in a dispassionate manner. At that moment I noticed something at its feet. “Now come along, the master is waiting.”

“Yeah, I am going to have to say no. I really have no interest in bringing Grima back let alone marrying him.” I replied as I reached out with my magic and reset my trap which was directly under the figure. The moment I did ice spikes shot out from the trap only to shatter upon impact with the thing's armor. ‘Shit! That is magic absorbing armor.’ I thought right before I had to dodge the spear tip coming at me. I danced to the left and as the spear paused me I touched the shaft and put a little of my essence into the wood. The weapon retracted as the creature charged forward with its shield trying to hit me in the face with it. I quickly bent over backward and felt the wind caused by the shield passing by where my head had been seconds earlier on my face. I quickly rolled to the right as it’s spear came at my prone body. ‘Shit this is bad. I don't have a weapon to pierce his armor and my magic will just bounce off it. If I could just get a little time I could transform and just crush the thing in my claws but it is not letting up.’ I thought as I dodged another spear thrust.

‘ Hold on for another twenty minutes help is on the way!' I heard a voice in my head say.

‘Great as if I didn't have enough trouble just dealing with this Dreadlord now I am hearing voices in my head again.’ I thought as said dreadlord thrust it's spear at me yet again. This time I was able to touch the shaft of it once more. ‘Okay, one more time should do it.’

The dreadlord continued its assault undeterred by the fact I was dodging every thrust of its spear and swing of its shield. I just kept dodging as it kept attacking. This went on for fifteen minutes with no opening presenting itself. ‘Damn just need one more touch but he isn't giving me a chance to do it safely. I really hate to do this but I need to risk it.’ I thought as I pulled my dagger out again. I waited until it attacked with the spear again then deflected it down to the ground and I rushed forward and with my free hand brushed the shaft of the spear before I was backhanded with the dreadlord’s shield the blow sending me flying Into the wall behind me. I felt agonizing pain from my wings as I heard a sickening crunch. I slowly got up to my feet every move sending pain throughout my body. I could hear the dripping sound of blood as it leaked from my wings. I looked at the Dreadlord and saw that it no longer held a spear in its hand.

The dreadlord looked at me. “Yield. You can not hope to win in your condition.” It said as shadows coalesced in its free hand. The shadows took the form of a scythe and hardened to a black crystal. I groaned in irritation.

‘Well, at least I bought myself a couple of minutes to transform.’ I thought as I reached into my pocket to find it empty. ‘Wait where is it? I know it was in this pocket.’

“Looking for this?” a voice said from my right. I looked and saw the smaller of the Grimleal standing there with their hand stretched forward. In their hand rested my dragonstone.

“How did you get that?” I asked in disbelief as I felt my wounds start to knit together thanks to my renewal ability. “I know that you have not gotten close enough to steal it from me physically or I would have smelled you.”

“You would be surprised how useful an altered teleport spell can be. Just a little tweaking and then you can teleport objects to yourself even if you can't see them,” they said in excitement. They then turned to the dreadlord. “Boss has ordered a retreat. Apparently, the army of Queen Chrysalis is on the way.”

“No we have her.” the dreadlord said as it started coming closer to me.

“Sorry but the order came from the head priest so we have to leave now.” the grimleal said as they cast a spell and both of them disappeared. As soon as they did I dropped to the floor in exhaustion. ‘I have definitely let my skills slip if I having trouble with that dreadlord.’ I berated myself as I heard footsteps approach me. I looked up to see Stone’s face above mine.

“You seem a little worse for wear. You okay?” He asked with concern. I shook my head.

“No I really am not, I just had my ass handed to me.” I answered tiredly as recovering from such a wound really took it out of me.“So are we done?” I asked.

“Yes, a division of Chrysalis’ army has arrived and is cleaning up what little is left of the bandits. Though the Grimleal priest got away.” Stone said. I let out a yawn as I listened. Stone the quite suddenly bent down and then picked me up like I was little kid. “Come let's get you to bed,” he said as he carried me towards the wagons.

I was about to protest but my eyes had trouble staying open. Soon I was asleep.

Author's Note

Hello Silver here under a new name. From now on I will be writing under the name White Rose. It has been a while and I am sorry. Real life has been real hectic. So you have three choices to make for the support chapter. 1: Summer Moon, 2: Angel or 3:Stone Edge. You only get one vote and the character with the most votes in two weeks from now will be featured in the support Log chapter. With that let me know what you think of the chapter and as always have a nice day.

Support Log: Rose and Angel C

Author's Note

Hi White Rose here and I know that it has been a while and I am sorry for that. Thing is I have been busy helping my parents get their house packed up and property ready to sell because we are moving to Hawaii. I will try to get the next chapter out in a timely fashion but I am not sure when I will be able to write it.

Support Log: Rose and Angel C

I really hate getting wounded. Yes, I do have a regenerative ability but the energy for the healing has to come from somewhere and lucky me, my regeneration is fueled by cold weather and low temperatures. However, there is a problem when I am harmed in any other climate as my regeneration is then powered by my own magic of which I have a finite supply of nowadays, thanks to that rainbow death beam. No surprise this is what happened yesterday when I faced a Dreadlord summoned by a priest of the Grimleal. Yeah as in the idiots who worship the dragon of destruction Grima.

“Hey boss, you need anything?” Angel asked while sticking his head through the fabric that covered my wagon, interrupting my writing. This was the fifth time in the last hour since I woke up and had been strongly suggested by Edge and Stygian to stay in my wagon until we get back to the capital, that he had checked up on me. I slowly turned in the chair I was sitting in to look at him. His face was overwhelmed with concern as he looked at me in earnest.

“No Angel I am still doing fine thank you,” I answered with a trace of annoyance in my voice. I hated it when others treated me as if I needed to be watched every second like a toddler playing in the street. “I just wish to get this down before I forget it again,” I said as I turned back to my journal.

Now I guess that is enough ranting from me and I should get to the actual point of this journal, writing down what I remember of my past. I wish I could tell you that I remember what happened when I first appeared on this world but I am afraid that the majority of my memory is missing thanks to getting hit by the rainbow death beam I mentioned before. The fact that I have only been sane only for the last five hundred years doesn't help either. The first memory that I can recall of my time in this world is being saved from becoming a sacrifice to the fell dragon Grima. I vividly remember how my saver looked as he cut down the cultists with ease. His black hair blowing in the wind, the obsidian armor he was wearing splattered with the blood of my captors and those crimson eyes of his, when he looked at me it was as if he was staring into my soul. At the time I was chained to a altar in the middle of their camp dressed in nothing but rags that barely covered me. The cult leader had a dagger held over my heart and was chanting in a language I didn't understand. As the warrior sliced his way through the cultists the leader started to chant faster. I remember thinking that the warrior wouldn't make it in time to save me and I struggled to free myself from the chains to no avail. The leader stopped chanting and then brought the hand holding the dagger down toward my chest. I closed my eyes and prepared myself for death. A death that didn't come, even after a few minutes. I opened my eyes to the sight of out from the cult leader's hand being held in place by an obsidian gauntlet.

“Hay boss need anything now?” I heard Angel ask yet again causing me to groan in annoyance. I put down the quill I was holding down onto the desk then turned around slowly.

“Okay Angel, can you tell me what my answer was when you asked me ten minutes ago?” I asked slowly once I was facing him.

“Ummm, you said no,” Angel answered warily.

“That's right, and amazingly it was the same answer as the time you asked before that and the time before that one too. So when you inevitably ask in another ten minutes if I need anything the answer will still be no.” I said crossly. This caused Angel to get a hurt look on his face and his ears to droop as he ducked back out off the wagon. ‘Damn it.’ I thought as I was flooded with guilt. I picked up my quill and put it back in the inkwell. I then got up off my chair and moved to the back flap of the wagon and looked outside. Almost as soon as I stuck my head out did I here Edge’s voice yell back to me.

“Oy lass get back in the wagon.” Edge said as he glared at me. I let out a huff of annoyance and ignored him looking around for Angel. Upon not seeing him I turned my attention back to Edge, who had a scowl his face. I then let out a sigh.

“Yes I am going back in but I was hoping to talk to Angel. Do you see where he went?” I asked Edge with a scowl of my own.

“Aye lass, the lad went scouting ahead. I will let him know you wanted to talk to him when he gets back, now back in the wagon with you. Remember the healers said for you not to overexert yourself.” Edge answered and continued to scowl at me until I ducked back into the wagon.

‘Well great I just hope he doesn't avoid me like he used to do to with Joy back when he was younger. I swear any time he thought he was in trouble he would hide from her usually in my office come to think about it.’ I thought to myself as memories of him and his little sister being in the care of Joy and the pranks that he would always play on the other foundlings. ‘If he is now avoiding me how will I apologize for snapping at him?’ I asked myself as I made my way back to my desk. I sat down and thought it over for a while before I got a perfect idea. “I will just go visit his sister Fluttershy in the college of healers when we get back and have him assigned as my guard. That way I can not only apologize but let him spend some time with his sister.” I exclaimed out loud as I turned back to my journal. ‘Now where was I.’

Support Log: Rose and Cutting Edge C

“Come on lass wake up.” I heard Edge’s voice say in concern as I woke up. I opened up my eyes to the sight of his face hanging inches above mine his scarlet eyes full of concern.

“You know if you wanted to kiss me you only needed to ask, no reason for you to sneak one while I am asleep,” I said at him in a snarky tone after which a look a relief overtook his face. He then backed away from me.

“It's good to see that you are well enough to joke lass.” He said and then proceeded to explain when he noticed the look of confusion that I gave him. “You were asleep for eight hours and wouldn't wake up no matter what we tried. With you having transformed into your dragon form I feared that the seal might be failing so I followed the standard procedure you set in case of such an eventuality.”

“So you had everybody pack up to leave while you stayed in here with a temporary seal in case I woke up as my old self.” I finished saying for him as I sat up in the bed. As I did I felt a sharp pain in my head. “By the way were you able to get a name from the pup?” I asked him while rubbing my head remembering the young wolf laguz we had saved.

At the mention of the girl, Edge’s look turned sad. “No, that wee one hasn’t said a peep since we rescued her. Not that I blame her for being forced to watch what those monsters did to her family.”

“I was afraid of that, As you know I experienced something similar with the death of my mate. Although I didn't witness it just coming home to his corpse drove me insane and we all know how that ended. We should take her to Queen Chrysalis’ memory shapers when we get to Ashenvale. I know that they helped me after I got hit with that rainbow colored beam and had my brain fried.” I responded. We sat there in silence for a few minutes while flashes of my past as the Queen of Winter, embodiment of wraith came up before my eyes.

“How did Stygian’s group do?” I asked not wanting to dwell my past.

“Well Stygian said that the fort that his group went to was just as run down as ours was. He had Summer scout out the area and then he and Stone went about systematically killing or capturing them.” He answered before he got a sour look on his face. “ He also said that a there were a few laguz among the bandits' numbers. He even found one wearing the fur of other laguz.”

“Were there any survivors?” I asked hopeful for some good news only to have my hope dashed as Edge shook his head.

“Great, I had hoped that there would be more than the girl as she could then be accepted into another pack,” I stated with a sigh. “But as it stands now she has probably already imprinted us as her new pack. I hope that Joy doesn’t mind another kid to look after. What are we up to? Six now?”

“Nine, and don't act like you dislike the idea of having younglings around lass. Every time we return from a mission you spend at least four hours playing with the rascals.” Edge retorted. “ Now enough stalling if it wasn't caused by the seal weakening why couldn't we wake you up?”

‘Crap I was hoping that he would forget that.’ I thought as I visibly flinched. “Would you buy that I was just exhausted after using my dragon form?” I asked to which Edge raised his left eyebrow. “Didn't think so,” I muttered to myself and then braced myself to tell him. Out of the rest of the guild he and his brother Stone Edge have been with me the longest, at least three hundred years thanks to their half manakete heritage. So naturally, they both know me well enough to tell when I am stalling. ‘I really didn't want to explain this twice but Edge will not budge if he thinks I am in danger. He looks after me like I was a younger sibling despite the fact that I am thousands of years older.’ I thought with an inward sigh as I gave in to the inevitable.

“I was visited by the dragon of dreams, what was her name? I wanna say Lunacy or something like that.” I explained. “She probably held me in her realm until she was done talking to me.”

“Damn lass, How much power did you use at the bandit’s hideout?” He asked with raised eyebrows and wide eye’s. “For her to sense it from all the way across the continent you must have used at least seventy percent.”

“Nope only used twenty percent,” I responded with a shrug which caused him to get a thoughtful look on his face.

“So if that is the case either you are so powerful that twenty percent of your power causes dragons to sense it continents away or…” He started mull out loud.

“She was already scrying for powerful dragons.” I finished his thought. “ From her reaction upon entering my dream she seemed surprised that I wasn't dead, so I think it is safe to assume that she wasn't looking for me per say just anyone of significant power to enlist into her cause. Which brings us to the reason she invaded my dreamscape, she is going to war with her sister and has given me two months to decide on whether I will join her or not.”

“You know we are going to have to inform Queen Chrysalis of this right? Whenever two or more elder dragons fight they always drag the rest of the races into it. Well if that is all we will be at the border in about an hour and barring anything bad happening we will be in Ashenvale by noon tomorrow.” He said with a sigh as he turned to exit the wagon.

“Well, you and the rest of the group will be there by noon I won't as I have somewhere else to be,” I told him which stopped him from leaving. He then turned back around towards me. Before he could demand answers I gave them to him. “ Before she left my dreamscape the dragon of dreams said something that I need to check out. Luckily for me, we are but a day’s trip from one of the few people who could validate the information.” Edge stood there silently as I watched the gears turn in his mind finally, after two minutes his eyes widened in recognition.

“You can't be serious!” He yelled as he glared at me. “Tell me you are not really considering going into that chaos infested jungle.” He said to me. For my part, I was being silent which all but confirmed his suspensions. “The magic of the forest eats at ordered spells and seals are no different. You would lose yourself into the queen of winter long before you make it to the wood’s master.”

“I know but I have to know if she was telling the truth and Discord is the only one on this continent besides the dragon of the sun that would know the truth of the matter. We both know that revealing myself to her would not go well so that leaves me with only one viable option. Somethings are worth risking my Identity over.” I responded with an air of determination.

“What could be so important that you are willing to sacrifice what separates you from the…” Edge continued to question when I lost my patience.

" She has my eggs! The sun dragon has two of my babies! ” I yelled at him with a fraction of my power leaking out of my skin causing the temperature in the wagon to drop by twenty degrees and a layer of frost to form on the bed I was currently sitting on. After taking a moment to calm myself I looked back at Edge and what I saw there made me flinch. Fear is what I saw but not fear of me. I could handle that as I see everytime someone finds out that I was a manakete, no this was a different fear altogether. Fear for me is not something I have seen in another in well over five thousand years. Not since before Sombra was taken from me and I was not ready to see it here in another's eyes.

“We have about thirty minutes till we get to to the crossroad leading to the Everfree Jungle so I will tell the others about what we talked about. Please consider at least coming back to Ashenvale. Maybe Queen Chrysalis knows something to help.” Edge said as he left the wagon leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Author's Note

Hello Silver here with a shorter chapter this time. Today I am introducing one of my favorite mechanics from the fire emblem series the support conversations. Now this one is a freebie but from now on I hold a vote one who you want to see Rose interact with after the battle chapters. I am also giving you the readers a choice for where Rose goes in the next chapter. A) She goes into the Everfree to get information from Discord. B) She goes with Edge’s idea and seeks out Queen Chrysalis. You have four days from the posting of this chapter to weigh in. Thank you for reading. :scootangel: