A Death March To The Fall Of Equestria

Back at the mansion; just outside at the training ground, Eliza is having a practice session with Frostine. The android woman had finished her head maid duties in the morning and wanted to get some training in before more work shows up. So she requested Frostine to come in for another training session. She’s chosen not to use her full power just so she can use a wooden sword she crafted during her free time.

Frostine; however, she isn’t getting much better than when she started. Frostine has been making herself wide open with her inexperience in combat, resulting in Eliza hitting her exposed areas with fluid motions. Everytime Frostine got hit; Eliza reminded her to not leave herself open and gave suggestions.

At this point Frostine is aching everywhere in her body. Despite having scales it didn’t protect her like dragon scales; to her misfortune.

Eliza sighs, putting away the wooden sword. “I think that’s enough for today.” Walking up to Frostine, who’s sitting on the ground; trying to catch her breath. She held out a hand to Frostine; who gladly took it, pulling herself back to her feet. “Hope you learn from this.”

“W-What Am I doing wrong?” Frostine asks, still breathing hard; trying to catch her breath.

“I keep telling you. Your posture and stance is sloppy and not helping you react to defending.” Eliza says. “You need to work on that. Which is why you're working on that during your spare time.”

“But it clearly doesn’t work for me. It’s a habit I picked up when I was first learning in my old village.” Frostine argues back while crossing her arms, scowling at Eliza.

“Then break out of that habit. For the future of your kind.” Eliza says right back before walking back to the house with Frostine following behind.

“Oh yeah a kingdom with only one living woman of their race remaining in it. All that means is I need to end up having enough children to repopulate it all by myself, and it’s either with the idiots in the old guard or my own little brother if I want a pure member of my race, or to follow my own feelings and try for the one male in this world who even remotely seems to care about me. What a great choice I have to make.” Frostine sarcastically.

“Look. You're their only hope to save the lizardman kind.” The young android women open the door for them to get inside. Both stepping inside, Eliza closes the door behind them. “But anyways-” She starts to say when she lost balance and had to grab onto a railing to support herself, her head felt dizzy.

“Are you okay?” Frostine asks with a nervous tone; walking up to Eliza, holding her hand out to her.

Eliza waves her off. “I-I’m fine…” She reassures Frostine as she regains her composure. ‘That’s weird…’

“Are you sure… maybe you just need a bit of rest.” Frostine suggests, worry still on her face.

“I’m sure… Anyways; as I was saying, how is Glacier holding up?” Eliza asks Frostine.

Meanwhile at Canterlot Castle…

At the throne room; a court is being held at this time. Several ponies are there with two talking about their predicament. However; one is different from everyone there…

Sitting on the throne is a tall, white anthropomorphic mare. She wore a white silk strapless dress, the skirt reaching down below her knees. Wore a gold necklace around her neck; the accessory having seven color gems of the rainbow, and two sets of silver rings around both wrists. On her feets are high knees, white veil stockings with a white slip-in high heel shoes.

The mare is none other than Princess Celestia. Celestia sat in her throne, carefully listening to the two nobles about their problems they’ve been having. Deciding who’s store is better.

The door was suddenly flung open as a unicorn in golden armour ran into the door; instantly grabbing the attention of the ponies in the room, stopping just behind the arguing nobles. “Message from northern Equestria. I’m sorry to say that we have had another report of a town being destroyed. We believe the raid came from… the Frozen North!”

Celestia’s expression is shock at the news before stating to the ponies. “I’m afraid the day court will be ending at an early time. Court adjourns!” Celestia states, resulting everypony who has come for court starts leaving the room.

As soon as the last noble steps out, the door closes. Letting Celestia get to the real problem at hand, look directly at the guard. “What do you have to report?” She asks calmly.

“We receive a report from a citizen in one of the towns within Frozen North, claiming to see the town in flames from a distance. And when he got closer; they found an unfamiliar race of creatures alongside crystal ponies, holding down everyone in the town and forcing something around their necks… And others are doing rather… unspeakable acts to any mare or filly they could find while others were taken away. We don’t know the fates of them or if the claims are true though.” The guard reports before adding. “We also don’t know if this is linked to the other report from a few weeks ago.”

“Just as I fear. This has been getting worse every day.” Celestia mutters to herself, trying to figure out what's going on. She hasn’t heard from Cadence or Captain Shining Armor after their departure to the Crystal Empire. ‘Could something have happened? Possibly, my niece would have sent a letter when they got there if it weren’t...’

“Anything else?” Celestia asks the guard.

“Sadly no. We haven’t received anything from the empire in recent weeks nor have we located a single missing pony from the other incidents.” The guard replies with a sad tone. “Sadly I don’t know if we can keep the disappearances hidden from the public for much longer.”

“Hmm… Then it’s time to send Them out…” Celestia mutters. ‘But should I trust them with the task… They are just strangers, but what more can I do?’ Refocus back on her company; Celestia continues. “Please tell my sister to come to me as soon as possible. And let her know that I… consider her idea, she knows what I’m talking about.”

“Of course.” The guard replies with a bow of his head before heading out to find Princess Luna.

When the door close; Celestia releases a sigh. “I hope this is the best decision.”

Eliza had split away from Frostine to get back to work. Doing some cleaning on the top floor, polishing the wooden railings and sweeping the ground. She’s been having some problems with her walking.

Eliza is just cleaning the last part of the railing, when suddenly her head fuzzy again but stronger. Reflexively; Eliza grabs the railing for support, reaching her free hand to her head. “H… help…” She calls out tiredly, her eyes rolling back in her head and falling to the ground unconscious.

A minute later; a young lizardman walks up the stairs only to halt at the sight of Eliza's unconscious form. Startled by this; he ran up to Eliza’s, shaking her only to get no response. “That's not a good sign.” Glacier mutters as he fidgets on the spot; looking around frantically before running back to the stairs and going out of sight, leaving Eliza alone for only a bit longer.

After that time; Glacier returns with Frostine by his side.

“And you found her collapsed, you said?” She asks as Glacier stood at the top of the stairs. Her eyes look back forward and see Eliza. At the sight she ran over to her quickly, kneeling down and checking over Eliza.

“I told her; she should have rested when she collapsed earlier.” Frostine mutters as she carefully picks the unconscious android up into her arms before looking back at Glacier. “Could you get a few damp cloths and one of the first aid kits that I keep in the kitchen? Bring them to me. We’ll be in my room.” Glacier didn’t speak and gave a simple nod before running off to gather what he had been asked to collect. With that; Frostine slowly carries Eliza in her arms towards her room.

Frostine reaches her room, opening the door while trying to hold onto the young woman in her arms.

As she reaches the bed she carefully places Eliza down on it, covering her in the blankets, before placing the back of her hand on the top of her head.

“Why does she keep collapsing? Whatever the reason is, I don’t think it’s good.” Frostine thought to herself as she looked at Eliza’s unconscious form.

“You keep putting so much focus on others, but you never seem to focus on yourself. I suppose you and Satou are the same in that regard. I suppose that's one of the things that caused me to fall for him the way I did.” Frostine says as she places a hand on her belly. “And I really have fallen for him.”

Not wanting to stand; she walks over to a nearby chair, moving it right beside the bed before sitting down. “You said that I am the last hope for my kind… But they need both a king and a queen to lead them... Honestly; I don’t think I’m cut out for the role of queen and nobody but you seems to believe I am.”

Reaching down to touch the unconscious girl's hair; her fingers moving through strands of hair. “If I were to become queen, I would still need to marry someone to be my king. And honestly; that either only leaves Garrett; who would get everyone killed. My own little brother; who I really don’t want to have to do That with. Or the one male I actually have feelings for... But even then, I don’t know if it would be possible for me and him to have a child with each other...” She thought about that for a bit, looking down at her own body. “And... Does he even Want someone like me to be That to him?”

Frostine looks back to Eliza. “I know we joked about you and him being like that and I doubt you would even want it, but… He cares for us all, and I know he’d be worried for you if this is something serious but...” She hesitates; seemingly unsure.

“We all need you. Even if he did have to choose between us, I feel like he wouldn’t want to make that choice.” Frostine says before placing her head against Eliza’s. “What should I do? I don’t know how to go about my feelings for him or even for you.”

She moved her head away from Eliza’s. “I need your help, just like always! but...” She took a short breath. “I just wish, just for once; that you would tell us what was happening to you, So we could all help you for once.”

Frostine gave a slow breath, shaking her head. “I bet I’ve said all this stuff and you can’t even hear me anyway... I guess I’ll need to confront my feelings for Satou when he eventually comes back! And maybe, finally, pluck up the courage to tell him how I feel.” She smiles at the thought. “But; till he does, I need to look after you.”

It had been a few hours since Satou had left from his meeting with Dainn, during which he had ventured to the barrack and picked up a few extra weapons on the off chance anyone needed them.

He had also visited many of the stores in town, picking up everything from food, to a few low quality healing potions that were being sold in the market, along with a new map and compass from one of the other stores in case anyone else needed one.

Once he had finished collecting everything he believed he would need for the trek towards the border; he made his way back to the mansion.

Arriving at the front door; he slowly walks up to it, opening the door before walking inside.

As soon as he enters the house he sees Night Twister waiting as he bows to Satou. “Welcome home my lord, I hope your visit to the palace was eventful.” He says with his normal smile as he looks around Satou. “I see you haven't returned with anyone new this time.”

“Not this time, no.” Satou says. Looking around, finding almost everyone in the main hall being much slower than they normally were. Many of them seem to be looking around nervously, almost seeming unsure as to what to do. “Has something happened while I was gone?”

“Well, I suppose Lady Eliza did collapse upstairs an hour ago and had been unconscious since.” Night Twister replies, his voice calm. “Glacier found her and both he and Frostine have been caring for her since. If you wish I can show you where they are so you can check on her condition yourself.”

“I would be grateful.” Satou says quickly, his voice clearly worried for Eliza.

“If that is the case, please follow me.” Night Twister says as he turns towards the stairs and begins walking up them while Satou follows closely behind.

Once Satou reaches the door to Frostine’s room, Night Twister moves to the side before saying. “They are inside, I will wait out here in case you need me for anything.”

Satou didn’t respond, simply nodding his head before opening the door. Looking inside and finding Frostine sitting on a chair with Glacier standing beside her. On the bed laying under the covers is Eliza who out like a light, a wet cloth was placed over her forehead.

“Why do I get a feeling something weird is going on?” Satou thought to himself; walking towards the bed. Frostine turns her head from his steps before noticing him.

“Satou! Do you have any idea what happened to her! She just collapsed!” Frostine shouts in worry.

Kneeling beside the ground, Satou looks over Eliza before shaking his head. “I have no idea what is wrong. But it can’t be normal considering this is her. I will try to look into it but it would help if you could tell me what she was doing when it happened.”

“Well, we don’t know ourselves.” Glacier says honestly. “I was walking upstairs and found her like this.”

“So we can’t even work out what the cause is?” Both Glacier and Frostine shook their heads at Satou's question. “That's just great.”

“... Wait…” Frostine as she suddenly realizes something. “She did almost fall over earlier as well, she did pass it off as feeling a bit dizzy but I thought something was off at the time.”

“Can you tell me anything else?” Satou asks curiously.

“Not off the top of my head.” Frostine replies with a shake of her head.

“Well… I think just for now it would be best for someone to keep an eye on her. Can I trust the two of you to do that for now?” Satou asks.

“Of course!” Frostine answers with a smile.

“I’ll do my best!” Glacier adds with his usual kind smile as he looks up at Satou.

“I know you both will.” Satou replies while shaking his head. “for now I will leave you both. I have to prepare for a task the king has asked me to do.”

“What has he asked of you?” Frostine asks with curious eyes.

“He has asked me to visit the border between the Empire and Equestria. Supposedly he has had no contact from them since the last wave and is fearing something has happened. He wanted to find out the truth and then report back with anything that needs passing on.”

“So you may be gone for a while?” Glacier asks.

“I don’t know specifically how far it is to the border or how long it would take however once I reach the border I have a spell to bring me back quickly so it would only need to be a one way trip on foot… or cart… or however I choose to go.”

“It would likely be best to go by cart my lord.” Night Twister recommends from the doorway. “I know there was a train that came this way but for some reason it stopped coming to the empire a few days after the caribou arrived. We don’t know the reason though.”

“So I’ll likely need to prepare the cart to make my way there.” Satou mutters to himself. “So it would probably be best to take Filo with me in that case.”

“If it would please you my lord, I would be honoured to join you on your journey.” Night Twister states as he knelt down on one knee with his head bowed in front of Satou. “I would also gladly make sure everything is prepared for our departure.”

Satou pauses in thought for a moment lost in thought. ‘I don’t really see an issue in him joining me.’

‘And I am curious to see how competent he is with his skills.’ Enkvaros says before adding. ‘His status showed him to be a summoner but I have yet to see what he can do.’

“I see no harm in you joining me. It might be good to have some company on my travels.” Satou says.

“In that case I will make sure the cart is prepared with enough supplies to last me, you and Filo for at least a couple days. Just tell me when we will be departing and I will ensure we are prepared to leave at the desired time.” Night Twister responds.

“We will be leaving tomorrow morning.” Satou states.

“Then I will make sure we are ready to leave before sunrise tomorrow my lord.” Night Twister says calmly as he rises to his feet before leaving the room, beginning his own preparations.

“Well that at least sorts that part out. I suppose I can really rest for today then.” Satou gave a single, calm breath but stopped as the feeling of someone tugging on his sleeve. Looking down to see Glacier looking up at him.

“Umm… do you mind if I join you?” Glacier asks Satou nervously.

“Can I ask why you want to?”

“I was wanting to see the area beyond this place again.” Glacier admits.

“And If I remember correctly our home was in that direction as well.” Frostine adds. “Maybe it would be a good idea for us both to join you… I would at least like to place a memorial to the fallen people of my home. There is one place I wish to visit one last time.”

“But someone needs to look after Eliza and I thought you would want to do that.”

“I do… but I don’t think I will get many chances to go back home and pay my respects.” Frostine says honestly. “Besides; I can find someone who could take care of her in the meantime.”

They heard footsteps and turned to see; just at the doorway; is Marble Stone. Stepping inside the room and seeing them looking at her, she speaks up. “If you need someone to keep an eye on her then I will do it. She is my teacher after all.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Frostine asks Marble curiously.

“I wouldn’t mind Mrs.Frostine.” She says as her eyes loom over her teacher's unconscious form. “You have an opportunity to go out there, and I don’t doubt Mrs.Eliza would want you too either.”

“But with her like this, you are already going to be struggling with this place, are you sure you can all spare me, to go and do this right now?”

“... Frostine, pardon if I sound offensive but, you haven’t really done anything around the house. I always see you following Satou, training with Eliza recently or just taking care of Glacier.” Marble tells Frostine. “Trust me; I can handle taking care of Eliza.”

“But…” Frostine began to say but stopped, looking at Satou then back to Marble.

“No buts.” Marble says with a stern face. “Now go before I change my mind.”

“But… fine.” Frostine sighs in defeat. “I suppose I need to get everything sorted as well.”

Satou just smiles at the group heading towards the door. “Well I’ll head out. I would just ask that one of you tells Night Twister that you are both going as well.”

“Of course master!” Frostine replies with a smile as Satou leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

As Satou walks through the halls; everyone seems to be moving around slightly slower than they normally would.

‘I guess Eliza does help motivate them all quite a lot. Although they are moving faster than I thought they would considering that she is currently unconscious.' Satou thought as he walked through the hallway with his hands in his pockets.

This continues for a couple of minutes until he sees Isaac walk around a corner, the young boy seeming to be looking around frantically before his eyes land on Satou.

“Dad!” Isaac shouts. He ran towards Satou before skidding to stop in front of him before leaning over, panting from running. “I’m sorry... to bother you... but... I need to show you... something!”

Satou calmly says. “Isaac, take a breath first.” The young boy slowly nods his head as he takes a few slow breaths. “Better?”

“Better.” Isaac replies.

“Good. Now; what do you need to show me?”

“I was walking in town earlier and found some sort of weird door. I tried to open it but I got a message that told me I was too low of a level to open it.” Issac informs. “I think it said something about being level 30 to open it.”

‘Is there some kind of dungeon under the empire that he found?’ Satou thought before looking back at Isaac who stood up after regaining his breath. “Do you have any ideas what could be behind it?”

“No.” Isaac tries to answer with a shake of his head. “But… I thought considering it was a level cap, it may require either some kind of fight inside, and that I might have needed some help.”

“Well, can you show me where you found the door?” Satou asks.

“Yes, follow me!” Isaac shouts again as he quickly grabs Satou’s hand. Moving to run ahead only to find himself being unable to do so as Satou remained planted in place. “Are you not coming?”

“Yes. But there's no need to run and tire yourself out, in case we do need to fight in there.” Satou points out. “Now, show me there but take your time.”

“O-Okay.” Isaac says with a nervous look, rubbing the back of his head before slowly walking forwards. Still holding onto Satou’s hand as he led Satou out the house towards the town.

When the duo got to the edge of the cities; Issac took Satou to what looks to be a long slope going downward into a cave with cracked stones that resembles stairs leading downwards towards a large metal door at the end. The cave walls look to have intricate designs of graffiti, unfortunately whatever the images had depicted in the past looks to have faded over time.

“The weird door is at the end here.” Isaac says as he grabs his bow from his back, his hand slightly shaken as he is.

“Are you nervous?” Satou asks as he rubs Isaac's head.

“A-A bit.” Isaac slight stutters. “It's just… if this is something like a dungeon with monsters inside, I feel like I may be holding you back.”

‘Well we don’t exactly know what’s down there.’ Satou thought to himself before looking at Isaac. “Don’t worry. Besides, if we are in a party and there are high level monsters in here, if we do beat them we both gain XP from it.”

“I guess. But it will feel like I'm just leaching XP from you.” Isaac admits.

Satou just chuckled while moving to the big door. “Isaac, remember one thing for me.”

“What is it?” Isaac asks as he looks up at Satou.

“When I said I would take you in as my own son, I made the choice to become as close to a father as I could for you. That means that I’m making sure you can survive is one of my highest priorities. And if it means helping you get stronger by sharing what little XP I gain to do that then I will gladly do so.” Satou took a few steps before stopping, looking back over his shoulder. “So if you ever need any help just ask for it, I’m not going to say no.”

Isaac remains in place before slowly taking a step forward, wiping one of his sleeves over his eyes as some tears escape his eyes before standing beside Satou. “I-I’ll make sure I-I do dad.”

“Good.” Satou says, once again rubbing the top of Isaac’s head for a bit before looking down the pathway to the door.

He saw an image appear on his map of a door with the name and info:

“Unknown Dungeon”

“At least one member of your party must be level 30 to enter this dungeon.”

He looks back at Isaac who was still hiding his face from him. Placing his hand on the back of the young boy's head before kneeling down beside him, pulling him towards his chest. “Isaac. If you're upset about anything; you can tell me.”

“I-I’m not upset.”

“You sure?”

“Y-Yes, I- I- I’m f-fine. I-” Isaac stutters to try and say before openly crying again as he holds himself close to Satou.

“It’s fine, let it all out.” Satou reassures Isaac as he rubs the side of his head while holding him close. “Just tell me what's wrong okay.”

“N-nothing’s w-wrong. I-I’m just happy thats all.” Isaac slowly says between his sobs. “I-its just that; nobody h-has e-ever wanted t-to help me before.”

“Well, I will do...” Satou replies simply as he grabs Isaac’s hand. Slowly walking them both to the bottom of the stairs, stepping to the side once they reach the top.

As soon as they did, he sat on the ground with Isaac sitting down in front of Satou. The young boy had stayed close to Satou’s chest, an arm wrapped around the young boy’s body. “We’ll take as long as you need before we go in, so get it all out of your system.”

“O-Okay.” With that; Isaac returns to openly cry, his words becoming impossible to make out through his sobs.

This went on for five minutes when he finally calmed down.

Satou heard him still muttering something under his breath. Leaning in closer to hear Isaac muttering. “I-I’m glad I met you dad, please just don’t leave like my old one.”

“I won’t Isaac.” Satou states kindly as he kisses Isaac on the forehead. “I’ll be here for as long as you need me, and that's a promise.”

Isaac slowly moves to sit straight up as he looks up at Satou, his nose still running and his eyes bloodshot as he brings his sleeve back to his face; wiping his tears away. “T-Thank you, Dad.”

“Not a problem. Are you feeling better now?”

“Y-Yes.” Isaac answers, slowly begins to smile before speaking up. “S-Satou… Thank you for becoming my dad. I’m really glad I met you.”

Satou just smiles back once again, rubbing Isaac’s head. “Same goes for you!” Getting a massive grin from Isaac then hugs Satou tightly.

This took for a few seconds before a message appears in the corner of Satou’s vision that read:

“Title acquired: Beloved Father”

‘Why am I not surprised that one appeared?’ Satou thought while looking at Isaac who’s still hugging Satou tightly.

“Isaac, you ready to get moving?” Satou asks as he rubs Isaac’s head again.

“Yes, I’m ready!” Isaac says enthusiastically with a grin on his face as he jumps to his feet almost running down the stairs towards the dungeon door.

‘At times I almost forget that he’s only a 10 year old boy. Then he turns into an emotional wreck and cries like a baby in my arms for a while.’ Satou thought to himself as he grins. Forgotten what level Isaac is currently; he pulls up Isaac’s level to see him now being at level 25. He got up as well before slowly walking down the stairs behind him. ‘Still I wonder how he will handle any monsters we find in here.’

Once Satou reached the bottom of the stairs he looked down at Issac who was gripping his bow tightly, this time his arms not shaking. “Are you sure you're ready to go in?” Satou asks once again.

“Yeah. I’m ready.” Isaac says with a nod of his head.

“Okay then.” With that; Satou moves up to the door, pushing his hand against the door. A message appears in front of him with two buttons, one green and the other being red.

‘Are you sure you wish to enter?’

‘Yes or No?’

Satou took a single, deep, calm breath before mentally clicking the green button. With that choice; the door began to glow in a faint; white hue. The message fades and is replaced with another message.

‘Location: Hourglass Room’

‘The hourglass room? Could that relate to that Dragon Hourglass thing in that book I read?’ Satou thought to himself as he walked into the room with Isaac following close behind.

As soon as the duo began walking forwards; unseen old style torches lit up in a straight line along the walls. The torch had flames but were green in colour with a thick purple smoke that drifted to the floor.

“This doesn’t seem natural.” Isaac states as he slowly moves closer to Satou, his eyes darting around the corridor before looking forward at the inner tunnel heading deeper inside. The smoke almost making the path ahead seem to never end.

“I can actually agree.” Satou says as he looks into the smoke ahead of them. “Almost like this was made to be some kind of trap for those who wander in here.”

“But who made it then?” Isaac asks, looking around the corridor.

The smoke looks to be slowly making a path smaller and smaller, almost like the walls are moving closer to them.

“Well, I don’t know of any creature who has any kind of magic that matches the colour of those torches.” Satou admits.

“Well Diann's personal pet does have green eyes… and that smoke that comes from her eyes does match the smoke here… She could have something to do with it.” Isaac suggests.

“You think Sombra did this?”

“It’s possible right? I mean we don’t have much else to go on to say otherwise.” Isaac points out. “But still what is causing this?”

“I don’t know...” Satou responds as he looks up towards the roof ahead of him, seeing a single flickering red light that appears to be at the far end of the room.

He pauses at that before looking to the floor, finding a heart shaped image in a box on the floor before taking three more steps forwards before looking down again to find the same image again. “Wait… have we even moved?”

“Of course we have.” Isaac replies only to find himself still next to Satou when he takes a few steps forward. “Wait… Why didn’t I pass you?”

“Hmm... I wonder.” Satou mutters as he reaches for his pistol, raising it towards the flickering light before pausing when spotting multiple purple lights around the room.

His eyes began moving around the room, following each flashing light before lifting his gun towards the purple light and firing at it. As soon as the shot hit its mark; the light flashes brightly for a moment before blinking out, another purple light lit up around them.

As each light shone, Satou quickly went to fire the new light, getting the same result from before. With that he fires each one until there is only a red light and purple light left. Smoke began to slowly dissipate, the last purple light glowing brightly while the red light was now barely visible.

He then looks back at the last purple light and focuses, aiming right at it before shooting it; destroying it. At that moment Satou heard something hit the floor ahead of them.

Everything went quiet for a moment as the thick smoke completely dispersed, the green flames turning into regular, red flames. “... I wonder what all those lights I hit were?”

“No idea;” Isaac took a step forward to see if he could move around again. Sees that he can move as he passes by Satou. “but whatever you did it worked.”

“Even still...” Satou mutters. ‘There is more to this place than first meets the eye.’

Satou looks at the walls, finding bullet holes in strange yet familiar symbols engraved on it.

“I swear I’ve seen this somewhere else… but where?” Satou thought to himself as he checked on another place on the wall he had shot at, finding the same image repeating there as well.

“Dad! I found something!” Isaac shouts back that Satou comes back to his senses. Quickly walking over to him. As soon as Satou got near the young boy he found something odd. What he saw is a small, red gemstone. “What do you think this thing is?”

“I don’t know; but… Could it be used on your bow?”

“I don’t actually know.” Isaac looks unsure as he holds over the gemstone at the centre of the bow, the bow centre changes into a large golden disc which Isaac placed the stone on.

Isaac remained silent for a moment before saying. “Well… I can at least tell you what this is.”

“And that is?”

“A magic gemstone.” Isaac answers plainly. “More specifically; it creates illusions in a large area around it.” He held the red gemstone over the gem in his bow before letting it go. The gemstone fell into the rune; it almost seemed to twist and distort before fading into the weapon as it seemed to merge with the bow's gem.

“Well?”

“Well… it worked, it says I unlocked something from it.” Isaac says before looking at his skill tree to know what it does. “Looks like a bow that has a dark based attribute to it, and a skill called ‘Illusion Veil’ it seems to work like a smokescreen, but has the added effect of putting anyone inside it under an illusion of some kind.”

“So it’s another support skill?”

“Pretty much… All I need is a healing arrow and I act as a complete ranged support package. But I still can’t do a lot of damage.”

With their conversation done; they continue further through the tunnel until reaching a door. As they got closer and closer; the door slowly opened up on its own. Thinking that something is letting them in, they walk right through.

Right as they walked through the doorway they saw themselves in a large open room. The walls looked to be cracked and poorly maintained stones that were covered in torches like those that had adorned the corridor. There used to be large stone podiums but have crumbled and fallen to the ground with whatever would have been on them having either been removed or destroyed.

In the center of the room is a large ornate hourglass that’s; strangely enough, didn't look in a state of disrepair like the rest of the room.

The hourglass-like object looks to have five segments orbs connected together; two larger ones at both top and bottom, two medium size ones at the neck and between the middle is a single small glass orb; each filled with sand that’s moving between them.

Surrounding the hourglass are two metal figures of yellow gold dragons flying up at a distance away from the hourglass, facing away. They’re tails stretch in odd turns with two more trails acting the dragons air drift trail from the hourglass base.

“Why does this thing look familiar?” Satou mutters to himself. Reaching into his bag, he pulls out one of the scrolls as he unrolls it.

“It’s a Dragon Hourglass.” Isaac responds to Satou’s thought. “I didn’t think something like that would be hidden away down here.”

“Why not?” Satou asks as he turns his head to Isaac.

“Well, from what Nathen explained to me, the hourglasses could tell us when the next wave would occur, and teleport us to where the wave is taking place. I wasn’t told the specifics of how, but he said you need to ‘register’ yourself with it to be able to teleport using it.”

“So you all found this place before to get to the last wave?”

Isaac just shook his head at that. “No. We were just near the last wave’s location when it started. We never found an hourglass in this world before this one.”

“Well if this thing just tells you when the next wave could occur, and that being all it does; then why would it be locked away under here when you would want to know that information?” Satou asks.

“Well… He did say that they are also used by normal people to ‘class up’.”

“Class up? What do you mean?” Satou asks before thinking. ‘If it sounds like what I’m thinking it must be a way for normal people to gain specialised classes or skills.’

“Well, I don’t know much but it was something to do with people's job classes. I do know they basically allow you to change to specialized roles but I don’t know more than that.” He walks towards the hourglass, holding his bow up slightly before a yellow line of light is formed between the hourglass middle orb section and the gem in Isaac’s bow.

“Well that was…” Isaac began to say before slowly backing up his arm shaking. “Oh no.”

“Isaac. What's wrong?”

Isaac turned to Satou, a terrified look clear in his eyes. “Dad… It’s coming.”

“It’s coming? What is coming?”

“The next wave… in just under 2 days.”

An Hour Ago...

At one of the villages; nearest to the mountain, and on said mountain has something that just woke up.

In a dark, damp cave, the sound of shifting echoes in the cavern. What woken opened its eyes to reveal glowing; yellow slit eyes. It stares at the village from afar as snow falls from the sky, the sound of something dragging follow up with the noise as whatever it is growls.

[To Be Continued…]