Chapter Text
“Alear! Lueur!” Alfred shouted as he ran towards the siblings with a flyer in his hands, “I did something!”
“What did you do?” Alear asked as he looked up from his history textbook.
Right now, it was a simple break between their classes. Both siblings decided to meet with each other before their next class. There was a small, local café where a student can grab a drink or a small snack. Lueur would want a snack and energy drink as well as some help with her studies. Alear wouldn’t mind helping her as well as going over math and economics since she was better at it than him.
“I convinced my mother to host a wonderful farming festival for the markets!” Alfred shouted as he pushed the flyer in their faces, “What do you think?!”
Alear took the flyer and read the information regarding it. It read that there would be a market selling fresh goods and flowers. There would be a few restaurants there that would sell fresh drinks and other fruits and fresh related meals.
“Wow, you did this” Lueur said amazed, “How did you do that?”
Sigurd appeared and held an annoyed expression as he glanced to his holder.
“Yes, why don’t you inform them how you did this” Sigurd said with a shake of his head as Marth and Byleth to appear and stand with him.
It was late last night as his mother rushed to embrace him and his little sister. She has the same long, blonde hair as her kids. She wore a white shirt with a green pendant around her neck. She has a pair of blue jeans. She has a brown bag hanging from her brown belt. She had a green bracelet around her wrists.
“Are you ok? I can’t believe something like that happened to you” she said in relief as she hugged them, “Do you want to go back to school? You can stay here”
“Don’t worry, I am going to be fine. Also, there wasn’t anything to worry about since the Prince, Princess, and Avenir were there to save and protect us! There is nothing to worry about!” Alfred reassured his mother with a bright grin.
“I would disagree completely!” Céline spoke seriously, “We were in danger and the Emblem Heroes could’ve done a better job of protecting us! Then, Etie would’ve been hurt!”
Alfred knew he couldn’t argue with her. Otherwise, he would give away their secret.
“I actually believe they did the best they could” their mother spoke in relief, “After all, they were able to save Etie and bring my children back to me. If anything, I would want to thank them for their help. I don’t know how to”
Alfred, right then and there, thought of something.
“What if we give them food?!” he shouted as Céline held a confused expression.
“Why would we give complete strangers with powers beyond our understanding our food? The very food that helps feeds everyone in Elyos?” Céline asked in a high manner with utter confusion on her expression.
Alfred only laughed nervously before suggesting in a quick and pleading manner, “But they did save us, and I too want to thank them! They were so cool! Mother, please! Let’s do something for them!”
Their mother only laughed at their reactions to the situation and simply nodded her head.
“I want to do something as well, so I believe we should. Oh! I know! Why not a market festival to thank them and help the people?” she suggested as she took her phone out and grinned at it, “And why not? We will have a market day for them! We can sell food from our farmers and hold stalls that can feed the guests! Yes, we will have a market day!”
Alfred laughed nervously as Alear understood with Lueur holding an impressed expression.
“Well, it is hard to say no to your kids” Marth suggested with a nervous smile as Sigurd disagreed.
“While I understand the need for us to search for the other Emblem Rings, we shouldn’t do things like this” Sigurd said seriously, “And I hope you don’t do this again, Alfred”
He let out a nervous laugh before agreeing with his emblem ring. He turned to Alear and Lueur with an excited expression.
“So, are you going to come?” Alfred asked curiously, hoping they would naturally say yes.
The siblings shared a nod before Alear agreeing, “Yes, we should be able to stop by for a bit. We will bring our family if you don’t mind”
“Oh! No! I definitely don’t mind! I can’t wait to meet them! Oh, and I’ll introduce you to my mother and the rest of our friends!” Alfred said with a grin until the bells rang loudly to announce the next class to begin.
They departed from each other to go about their classes. Once the day was over, the siblings returned to their home and were greeted by Clanne and Framme.
“And how was school today?” Alear asked as he ruffled Clanne’s hair as his sister hugged Framme.
“Very well” their caretaker spoke with a grin, “And their studies, along with yours, are progressing nicely. How were your classes today?”
“It was good, Vander” Alear spoke as they faced him.
Vander is an older man who wore a simple gray shirt and pants. He had already taken off his work attire and was in casual clothes. He has a white hair and matching beard with a pair blue, gray eyes. He was a little taller than them, but he was always caring for them.
“It is going well!” Lueur answered in delight as she rushed to give him a hug with Alear adding, “And we’ve got an invitation to attend a market festival”
Alear gave the flyer to him with a grin as Clanne and Framme looked at the flyer with excited expressions. Vander took the flyer and grinned at it.
“Yes, this can work. I don’t know why you need my permission to ask. It seems like a fun time” Vander spoke with a grin before he looked at the date and sighed, “Though, I will be busy at work. I am very sorry. Will you four have a fun time together?”
“Of course,” Alear spoke in a reassuring manner with Lueur nodding her head in agreement.
“Then please, have fun” Vander spoke with a grin, “Though, please text me about how it is going and please be safe. I don’t know what to think when these attacks are happening”
Alear and Lueur reassured them with a nod of their head that they would look after Clanne and Framme throughout the festival.
“Ugh, what a pain” Griss groaned as he was laying on the couch and looking at the flyer, “I can’t believe I am going to this boring event”
He was in the basement with Marni sitting in another couch as Zelestia was working on a new orb from the power of the Fell Dragon.
“What event?” Marni asked curiously.
“An event that my stupid job is making me do” Griss answered with a roll of his eyes, “And my dumb cousin isn’t going to be in town for this nonsense. Ugh, I would rather have him be there instead of me!”
Marni laughed before closing her phone to look over the handle of the couch to sare at him.
“Oh? How boring are we talking here? Can you really not do anything to make it fun?” she teased with a giggle with him glaring at her.
He wanted to snap back, but Zelestia asked kindly, “Please be quiet, I am working on this experiment. I don’t want to make a mistake and hurt you”
At this sentence, Griss’s eyes were wide with mad delight. He picked himself up and ran up to the test tube to see the test tube. Zelestia let out a yelp before taking a step back from him.
“Oh, I believe I have found a way to make this so much more fun” Griss said with a grin before slamming his fist against the test tube, “And get this finished, because I know what to do to make this event so much more fun that it will be”
Zelestia shook her head and reminded, “I don’t think that is a good idea. This will not be ready when the festival occurs. I don’t think it would be safe, because it would bring more harm than good”
She didn’t want to bring harm to the people after the last experiment, but Griss leaned uncomfortable close to her.
“Oh? I don’t think you heard me clearly” he whispered in a tone filled with dread, “I need this to happen. Otherwise, I might cause more harm than good to you along the rest of the people. I don’t like being bored!”
Zelestia took a step back as Griss snatched her tablet and unlocked the test tube! He snatched the orb and snarled at it with the bracelet around his wrist glowing.
“Oh, yeah, this event is going to be interesting now” he said with a twisted laugh before throwing the tablet back to Zelestia in a careless manner.
She barely caught the tablet and took a chance to make sure it was fine. She hoped Griss didn’t leave and sighed when she was right. Marni only laughed before standing up and stretching.
She held her phone before saying in a cheeky expression, “Well, things will be interesting too! I do can’t wait to see the news!”
She too departed from the lab, leaving a concerned Zelestia to muse with her thoughts about the coming situation.
The next day, the farmers market was in full swing! There were many booths, decorated in wonderful colors, in the grand field holding many vegetables and fruits. Others held restaurants with fresh meals and snacks as well as drinks for others to enjoy as they walked around the market. Friends and family sat in the fields to enjoy their meals and catch up with each other. The fields were clear and cared for by Fierne farms with the farmers were also able to sell their goods to them. There were guards stationed around, but they weren’t on guard and found themselves enjoying the food and drinks at the marke, even chatting with others.
Alear and Lueur were walking behind Clanne and Framme who ran around excitedly to search for anything to try and eat at the market.
“Clanne! Framme! Do not wonder too far from us” Alear spoke to them as he looked at the stalls, “This place is amazing. I am surprised Alfred’s family was able to put this together so fast”
Lueur gasped as she ran to a juice bar to have herself a drink with Alear shaking his head to then calling the twins to come with them to be with Lueur. Alear stood next to his sister who was struggling to even pick a drink. He shook his head as he turned to the twins who were also having a tough time picking a drink.
“Hey there!” a friendly voice spoke, “Are you having a tough time picking a drink?”
They looked at the owner of the bar and saw a tall, muscular, friendly man standing before them with a grin. He wore a roughed up, dark green shirt with orange pants. He has a pair of a brown boots on, and a couple of rubber bands wrapped around his wrist. He has brown hair with a pair of light, green eyes staring at them.
“Oh, oh! Do you have a sweet drink?” Framme asked excitedly with Clanne asking excitedly, “Can I do something that gives me energy?!”
“I’ll see what I can do” he answered the twins with a grin before turning to the sibling, “And what would you like to have?”
“Just a water for me. I prefer something simple” Alear answered with a wave of his hand.
Lueur excitedly said warmly, “I would like to have an energy juice please! Helps get my muscle’s loose and ready to go for anything!”
“Heh, don’t I know that” he spoke with a laugh before turning to the silver juice marker and grabbing a few fruits.
He worked on the drinks and blended a few fruits. He poured one drink before giving it to Lueur. He then grabbed another group of fruits. He blended the fruits and then created two more drinks before giving it to the twins. He then went to the cooler and took out a bottle of water. He handed the water to Alear who gave the man a few dollars.
“Have a nice day!” he greeted until they heard a loud, excited yell, “Ah, he’s here”
Lueur groaned a little, but she held a smile as she recognized the yell as well.
“You’re here!” Alfred shouted as he ran right up to the siblings, “Oh hello! My name is Alfred. Oh, I see you’ve met Bucheron! He’s so cool! He has amazing muscles and knows his history and loves his books!”
“Really?” Alear asked curiously and interest in his voice.
“Y-yeah. I didn’t get a chance to go to college, so I decided to continue my history lessons through Alfred. He’s taken a few and I’ve read a few historical research documents from Miss Ivy” Bucheron answered with a nervous expression.
Alear was surprised to hear Ivy’s name again with Lueur asking in a curious manner, “Oh! So, do you have a favorite hero?”
“I feel like I have some relation to the legendary Atlas. He had a lot of younger siblings and looks after them by doing a lot of work. I may not be as strong as him, but I do take care of a lot of younger friends” Bucheron answered with a grin.
Lueur thought it was sweet while Alear felt sad. He couldn’t believe that Bucheron couldn’t continue his education anymore. He was pleased that Alfred was able to help him continue his education in some form.
“Oh! Oh! I smell something great!” Framme shouted as she ran to another stall.
Her twin followed her as Alfred waved goodbye to Bucheron with the siblings. Bucheron waved goodbye to them as Etie rushed to the stall.
“Hey! Sorry about being late!” Etie shouted with a grin, “Ready to go, partner?”
“Are you sure you should be here, Etie?” Bucheron asked with concerned, “You should take it easy after that happened”
She shook her head before stretching and adjusting her casual outfit.
“I’ll be fine. It is kind of strange, but I kind of got a huge boost! I love it!” Etie answered as held her fist up and flashed a grinned, “So, let’s do this!”
Bucheron sighed as she went to work. He hoped that she wouldn’t push herself too hard and promised to work harder for her.
“Wow! That smells delicious!” Framme said with some drool dripping from her mouth, “What are you making?”
“Grilled fruit salad” the chief answered with a grin as he leaned towards her, “And I know you will enjoy it despite it looking fresh and green”
She pouted at being called out while Clanne only laughed at his twin’s reactions.
“Oh! Hey Louis! How’s it going?” Alfred greeted with a grin and noticed the chief behind him, “Wait, you even got Bunet to help you?! That’s amazing! Oh, right introductions. Everyone, this is Louis. He works as a waiter at Burnet’s restaurant! But he’s been a good friend of Céline’s for years! Speaking of my little sister, do you know where she is?”
“Last I saw, she was walking with Chloé and Griss” Louis answered warmly, “Chloé wanted to try some of her interesting dishes as Céline believed it would be best for her to keep an eye on. Griss wanted to ensure Céline was safe since the dreadful situation that happened yesterday”
Louis is a tall man and is strong. He has brown hair and a pair of bright, green eyes, but his eyes are often closed. He is wearing his waiter outfit which is a collared shirt with a black ribbon around the collar. He has a dark, green vest with beautiful, white flowers along the right side of it. His sleeves were prim and proper. He is wearing black, dress pants, and even a pair of fancy shoes.
“Tch, and yet it doesn’t stop those two idiots from throwing parties. Do not even get me started on her! She’s running off doing who knows what?!” Bunet grumbled as he cut up lettuce roughly with his knife.
His blonde hair was silked back to ensure that it didn’t get into any of the dishes he was preparing. His orange eyes were concentrated on the dishes he was preparing as the orange sleeves on his shirt were rolled up to keep his attire clean. He has a dark, blue cravat around his neck, and has a white apron in front of his clothes. A black blet was wrapped around it to keep it from falling. He is wearing a pair of black pants and brown shoes.
“Come now, Bunet” Louis said in a relaxed tone as he took the dishes and held it before his friends, “I am sure they’re fine. You shouldn’t have to worry about them so much. Do you see me making a fret over Etie and the Fierne siblings?”
“No, but they are behaved” Bunet answered as he finished chopping up another vegetable, “You have no reason to worry, because you know they will not cause you any trouble. Those two can and will without even a moment’s hesitation”
Alear and Lueur were curious to who Bunet was talking about, but Framme was struggling to even eat the salad presented before her. She hesitated, but Lueur helped her eat it. Alear saw Clanne was devouring his quickly and nearly choked. He laughed a little before patting his back and gesturing him to sit down before offering him a drink of water.
“Wow! This is made from vegetables?! How?! This is delicious!” Framme exclaimed as she continued to eat it with such delight.
“But of course!” Bunet shouted before spinning out of the stall to place a hand on his chest, “I am the one who made the delicious dish! It should taste good to anyone, and I mean anyone! After all, food is delicious and deserves to be created in such a wonderful manner! Everything has taste and will be shared!”
Louis only laughed with Framme’s eyes wide while Clanne continued to eat his salad.
“Oh? Do you think that is delicious? Then you should try this!” a friendly voice said with a grin, “You should try this deep-fried vegetable stew with cicadas that are freshly grilled!”
Framme nearly threw up at the description as Bunet felt he was stabbed in the chest. They turned to see three more people approaching them, one holding the descriptive stew.
“Chloé, no one is going to try that monstrosity you deem as food” Bunet answered firmly as he retreated behind the stall with Louis standing in front of him.
Her long blue hair flowed behind her with a flower in her hair. She is wearing a deep, blue dress with white underneath it. There is a turquoise ribbon wrapped around her waist and has a blue necklace around her neck. She has a white cloak hanging from her shoulders. She is wearing a pair of red high heels.
“Are you sure? It is far more delicious than most of your cooking” she teased before taking a sip from the stew.
Bunet gasped in horror and prepared his defense to argue with her, much to Céline’s annoyance. Griss leaned away from them while keeping an eye on them. He internally groaned as he saw the group getting along too well for his taste. Though, he sighed when he reflected on his relationship with his cousin and coworkers. Could they be like this? He shook his head at the notion before glancing at them.
“Ah, there you all are!” Éve said with a friendly wave, “It seems like you are enjoying yourselves at the festival!”
“Oh, yeah, we are mom!” Alfred said with a grin as Céline only smiled in agreement.
“That’s wonderful. I wanted everyone to take a break from everything that happened lately. It has been chaotic as of late” she spoke with worry before changing to relief, “And I am grateful that everyone was able to take this much needed break”
Everyone agreed with their words and gestures while Griss glared before rolling his eyes and shrugging.
“Yeah, well, sometimes chaos helps more than you think!” he snapped roughly, “After all, that shows the true colors of a person, but what do I know?”
He departed from them with a huff as Céline prepared to scold him for not agreeing with her mother. Alfred placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
“He’s been through so much” Éve spoke with a shake of her head, “I am only grateful that this job was able to keep him busy”
“What happened to him?” Lueur asked curiously.
Louis answered, “None of us actually know. He keeps to himself and only comes to work. Whenever we tried to invite him, he would always decline. Though, that hasn’t stopped us. We want to help him, one day”
“I am also sure he knows this as well” Éve reassured them, “Now please, don’t be so sad. Let’s have fun for the day before you return to your classes and must work harder”
The rest only agreed as they chatted and shared their food and drinks with Griss grumbling about them. He glanced around and noticed that the people were actually enjoying themselves and having fun. It despised him. How could they have fun when there were hidden enemies who could cause harm at any moment?! It frustrated him to no end!
“Come here and all!” Etie shouted in delight as she tried to gain attention to her booth.
Bucheron worked hard to make the drinks and held a determined expression. He continued to work and prepare drinks for everyone. He was able to prepare a whole group of drinks as people approached them with delight and money.
“Huh” Griss said as he noticed how exhausted and easy it would be to exploit Burcheron.
“You want to use the dark powers and unleash the chaos upon others, don’t you? Peace is so boring after all” a dark voice asked in an interested manner.
“And who are you?” Griss asked as he tried to keep himself composed while searching for the voice until he gazed at the bracelet around his wrist and smirked, “Oh, I get it. You’re one of the Fell Dragon’s followers, aren’t you?”
“Ah, perceptive, aren’t you?” the voice spoke as Griss closed his eyes and found himself facing an old mage with dark powers, “I am Jedah. I am a devoted servant of Duma. He pursued a land of strength and power to rule over those who are weak. The strong rule the weak where I reside”
Griss stared at the old mage in front of himself. Jedah’s skin was deathly purple with eyes black and only holding deep purple irises. His hair was bleached yellow with his hands like claws with sharp purple nails. He is wearing a red and black rob with a red slash hanging from his neck. Golden bracelets dangled from his wrists with a red crown on his head.
“Aren’t you a beauty to look at?” Griss commented as Jedah only shrugged.
“Do you know how long my life is? I have lived 147 years” Jedah spoke with a laugh as Griss was intrigued, “It was thanks to the power I have received from my Lord Duma. This is a power you could receive from your lord if you devout yourself to him”
“Eternal life?” Griss asked as he thought about it, “I don’t know if I want that, but could I use the power to earn someone’s love and loyalty?”
Jedah tilted his head to the side while holding his face. He was intrigued by Griss’s words and chuckled.
“Want to rule over this person, or do you want to help rule with this person? He could grant this power to you without any trouble” Jedah spoke with a malicious intent.
Griss shrugged before asking, “And I could use this power for my own ends as well? Huh, things aren’t going to be boring anymore! So, let’s get this party started!”
He opened his eyes to see the orb in his hand, covered in magical darkness. He made sure to hide it in his jacket before he marched towards the stall. As Etie was trying to bring in the crowd, Bucheron took a drink from his own water and take a break. Griss only smirked as well before throwing the orb to break through Bucheron’s back! His scream ripped throughout the area as Etie turned around and gasped to see the same situation that happened to her, happening to him.
“Bucheron!” Etie shouted as she rushed to help her friend while the people began to scream and run away!
Griss followed the crowd and hide away from the crowd as the siblings noticed the people were running away.
“What’s going on?” Alear asked as a lady fell and helped her stand up, “Something happened to a person! There’s a scream and darkness too!”
Lueur tried to calm her down before her partner arrived, “And this girl! She’s so brave for trying to stay there, but I would leave as soon as I can”
The couple departed while Alear and Lueur shared a knowing nod.
“Who got hurt?” Alfred asked seriously as his mind was racing with the idea of trying to help the person.
“It was the duo at the juice bar” the couple answered with concern as Alfred’s mind was racing widely.
“Etie! Bucheron!” Céline shouted as she didn’t hesitate to run towards them, but she was held back by her mother, “Let me go, mother! I want to help my friends! Please let me go!”
“No, we have to get to safety” Éve spoke seriously, “I am going to trust those new heroes with this. I am sure they will save them. For now, I will ensure that you and your brother are safe. Everyone else! I want you to evacuate from the area! Please get away from this area”
She ran with Céline in her arms with Bunet, Louis, and Chloé following her as the siblings and Alfred appeared to be following them. They took a turn and hide behind a broken stall before using their powers to transform. Avenir created a horse for them to ride on and rushed to the scene.
Prince could sense the tense aura Avenir gave and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Do not worry. Everything is going to be ok. We are going to save them”
“R-right. Thank you, Prince” Avenir spoke as they rushed to the scene.
As Etie shouted for her friend, Bucheron was hugging himself and screaming.
“Please leave me alone! I don’t want this power!” Bucheron shouted with pain in his voice.
He tried to break free from this dark hold as he tried focus on anything else. He slowly raised his head and stared at Etie who refused to leave him. He slowly thought about her and then his friendship with Alfred. Bucheron slowly took calm breaths in and out as he tried to break himself free from this.
“Hey!” a strong voice snapped his thoughts to turn towards a tall, buff man in front of him, “Get up already! You can’t be on your knees when you have others who depend on you!”
“Wait, you’re Altas!? The Forest Muscle” Bucheron exclaimed in fear and pain.
“Yes, it is me who protected Queen Anthiese and my little brothers! I ain’t about to let you sit there and do nothing when you already let one of your friends get hurt!” he shouted in a tough love manner, “So get up and get out there! Stand up for your friends and ensure they’re protected! This is what we need to do!”
He was clearly buff and worked out due to how strong his muscles were. He only wore a silver armor shoulder pad and a yellow vest with some fluff on it. He has tough, brown pants wrapped around his waist by a yellow belt. This has a yellow cloak hanging off it from behind with yellow boots as well. There were also a pair of yellow gloves on his hands. He has dark skin, silver hair, and strong, brown eyes.
“But I don’t want to hurt others with this power” Bucheron confessed, “Why can’t I use my love of history and books to help others? I don’t want to bring harm to others”
“But that’s not the worlds we live in” Atlas answered firmly, “We fight and grit through the tough situations! You don’t want others to run you over because of that kind heart. That should be saved until the fighting is over and down with. For now, you should pick yourself up and get going! Or do you want her to suffer the same fate again? What about your friends?”
Bucheron’s eyes were wide as he reflected on what happened to Etie. He was stunned and horrified to see Etie in a hospital bed and exhausted. He heard from Alfred that he and Céline were there and could’ve been in such danger. He couldn’t believe something like this could actually happen to them. He slowly came to realization as he faced one of his heroes.
“But we can protect them, right?” Bucheron asked with some hope and pain in his voice, “We can go out there and use this power to protect them so nothing like that happens to them?”
“Of course, we can!” Atlas said with a tough grin, “And no one can stop us either! Not with our combined strength!”
He held his hand out to Bucheron who reached out and clasped his hand with his hero’s. Darkness and light clashed together to grant Bucheron’s wish and transform him. Etie quickly dove to hide behind a stall and cover her head. She looked up and over the stall to see Bucheron wearing an entirely new outfit with an axe at his side.
Bucheron pants were brown and baggy with some fur along the edges of it. Silver armor with blue outlines appeared over the boots, on his chest, and then on his shoulders. He had a cloak hanging from his waist with a brown belt wrapped around it. He has a pair of brown gloves with golden markings on it. His hair grew a little with some silver strands.
“Bucheron?” Etie spoke in a stunned manner as she stared at her friend, “Are you ok? You’re not mad, right?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah!” Bucheron answered warmly as he approached his friend, “I am simply using this form to protect you and our friends. There’s no way I am going to hurt you and anyone else”
Etie was surprised as she asked, “You’re in control of this power?”
“Yeah! This is from the hero Atlas! He used his powers to protect others, including the princess! He’s amazing, so why would I cause harm to others when he’s with me?” Bucheron reassured her with a gentle grin.
She was relieved as she then wondered how he was going to return to his normal self.
“Etie!” Avenir shouted as he, Prince, and Princess arrived and stood in front of her, “Are you ok? And is this person in front of you ok?”
She slowly nodded her head before answering, “Yes, we’re fine. In fact, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone”
They turned to Bucheron who only nodded his head. They weren’t sure how to restore him to normal since he wasn’t going to hurt others for any reason.
“Well, that is a letdown” Jedah commented as he and Griss were hiding behind a broken stall, “How frustrating that your first attempt isn’t working out. How about we try something else with our powers?”
Griss glared and commented before looking at his wrist to the bracelet, “But we can do something about this, right?”
“Ah, you’ve got an idea forming in your mind” Jedah spoke with a grin, “And if we use our powers, we can do something to change this into a fun, chaotic event for yourself. What do you think?”
His holder only chuckled as he held the bracelet to have darkness gathered to it, “Oh, yeah. I can’t wait to create some chaos”
Avenir was relieved as Prince was conversing with Marth about the hero with Bucheron.
“Atlas is a down to earth warrior who worked with Anthiese and Albein” Marth spoke with a curious manner, “From what both have informed me, he is a good person who would help with protecting their world as well as creating an interesting trade route for everyone to travel on to exchange goods and services with others. I don’t see him ever being a harmful person”
“That is a relief” Prince commented and nodded to his sister and Avenir.
“Oh, but don’t worry” Griss spoke with darkness dripping from his entire body, covering his face, “I’ll make sure this is fun for us!”
Avenir stood in front of Etie with his lance as Prince and Princess were in front of Bucheron. They were horrified to see a person being covered in utter, dripping darkness covering his entire body.
He let out a wicked laugh as he heads banged to break the darkness and revealed his dark green hair with some strands of blonde hair. There was a purple tattoo of a dragon over the rleft side of his face. Some of the darkness took form to create a dark, green cloak that was pinned by a golden necklace with a symbol of the Duma Faithful along with silver piercings on his face. The same tattoo appeared on the left side of his exposed chest as claw marks of a dragon. He held his arms out as the darkness washed over him to then create puffy sleeves with some straps. Some of it even extended to have bracelets dangled from his wrist. His nails were longer too with a sharpness to it. The darkness washed his back to create a longer cape. Then, the darkness tied itself around his waist to create a pair of ripped up gray pants with belts tied around his waist and a torn-up cloak with another symbol of the Duma Faithful. Lastly, the darkness created a pair of spiky anklets and strong sandals before returning to the bracelet around his wrist.
“Ah, that’s much better” he said as he licked his lips, “Oh, but four against one isn’t fair if ask me. No, we should even the odds!”
He laughed madly before creating a spell in his hands and throwing it towards Avenir! He prepared to take the spell, but Bucheron rushed to push Avenir and Etie away and take the spell himself!
“Argh!” Bucheron and Atlas yelled as Avenir caught Etie and stared at their friend with worry.
Princess held the Sword of the Creator before charging ahead to fight with their new enemy.
“What’s the matter? Did I strike a nerve?” he taunted as he jumped and effortlessly avoided her strikes.
She was growing frustrated as she changed the sword into a pair of gauntlets before throwing punches at him. He only laughed in reply as he continued to avoid her strikes. Prince stood in front of Avenir and Etie with his sword in his hands as they watched Bucheron.
“Marth, what’s happening to him?” Prince asked seriously as he charged up his ring to heal Bucheron.
“Darkness is overriding his control and bond with the hero” Marth reasoned, “It is moments like this I wish I was as smart as Merric, but we will need to use your powers to heal him like you did with Etie before”
Prince nodded his head as he charged forward with his ring glowing a light color. Avenir picked himself and prepared himself to fight his friend again. Etie quickly got away as Prince lunged forward to reach his hand out to Bucheron. Bucheron was hugging himself and opened his eyes to see the Prince coming. Knowing the pain this darkness was causing him, he gripped his axe and swung it to barely strike the Prince!
“What?” Prince asked as he barely had time to raise his sword to protect himself from the continuous strikes from Bucheron swinging his axe.
“You can’t come near me!” he shouted in a struggle, “This pain is only going to hurt you. You’ve saved my friends, so I don’t want to hurt you!”
Avenir ran behind him to throw the lance to try and strike the axe out of his friend’s hand. Bucheron reacted by swinging his axe to knock the lance away. Avenir quickly raised his hands to have a vine grow and pull him away before Bucheron could grab him.
“We will save you!” Avenir promised as he held a determined expression, “We are not going to leave you behind either!”
The vine placed Avenir on his feet with Bucheron throwing the lance up and taking a mighty swing to shatter it! Bucheron let out a yell before charging towards Avenir who ducked from one swing, took another step to avoid the next one, and another step to avoid the other strike. Prince charged from behind and lunged to stab Bucheron’s axe hand only to be countered by a swing from behind!
“How is he able to counter our attacks so easily?!” Prince wondered as he slowly felt Bucheron’s strength push him back.
“Atlas has pure strength that could outrival others effortlessly. We will need another approach. Tragically, we don’t have anyone present who uses magic” Marth informed Prince.
As Prince continued to hold his sword in front of himself to block each powerful strike and swing from Bucheron, Avenir tried to summon his lance again, but to no avail.
“Why isn’t it working?” he shouted in a panicked stone.
“It was shattered during your transformation” Sigurd informed Avenir who began to take off in a sprint to help Prince, “It will take a full day’s rest for it to recover, but that is not the only weapon you have”
Avenir continued to run as the grass followed his path. With his hands flowing at his sides, the plant life grew around himself and gave him support. He raised his hand to have vines burst from around and underneath Bucheron!
“What is this?!” Prince and Bucheron asked in disbelief and wonder.
Prince finally let the exhaustion hit and rested on his knees with his sword in front of himself. He stared at Bucheron who struggled and continued to swing his axe to cut down the vines. However, as one vine was cut down, another one would spring up in its’ place!
“An elemental power” Avenir and Sigurd spoke in unison as Avenir was standing and holding his left hand on his right arm that was extended and holding a green light, “Each of us has this besides our weapons. It should allow us a chance to help him”
Bucheron let out a struggling yell as he continued to swing his axe, but his strength was leaving him. He could almost barely pick up the axe and take mighty strikes. Avenir was weakly holding himself up before turning to the Prince.
“Hurry!” Avenir urged, “I don’t know how long my powers will be able to last!”
Prince nodded his head as he let his magic flow to the ring. He returned to the sword to his scabbard before running with all his might. He let out a yell as the light finished gathering to his ring. He waved his hand upward to cast the light towards Bucheron when he fell to his knees in exhaustion. He sighed in bliss and relief as the light warmed him and Atlas. He finally collapsed as the vines caught the exhausted man. He held an expression of relief before finally succumbing to his exhaustion. The vines gently placed him on the grassy fields and retreated into the ground.
“Is he ok?!” Avenir asked in a worried tone as he ran to his friend’s side with Prince looking over him.
Prince checked Bucheron’s pulse and nodded his head. Avenir finally collapsed to his knees in utter relief. Sigurd chuckled at his reaction until his expression was serious as he turned to the Princess avoiding spells being cast by their other opponent!
“Princess!” Prince shouted with worry as he rushed to help her.
She was jumping and ducking from the magic as Avenir was running to help her. He ran his hand along the ground to have vines grow again before casting it towards the attacker. The attacker noticed the Princess took a few steps away from him.
“Oh?” the attacker spoke before glancing over his shoulder and let out a delighted chuckle, “That’s new! Can’t wait to see how I can destroy you!”
He jumped up to avoid the vine grabbing him and then grinding on it to grab Avenir! Avenir let out a scream as the hand was growing red with fire! Prince roughly pushed him away before holding his arm out in front of him. The attacker licked his lips before grabbing the arm and using his fire to burn it!
“Argh!” Prince shouted in pain as Avenir’s eyes were wide with the Princess running towards them.
“What’s wrong?” the attacker taunted Prince, whimpering and forced to his knees, “Can’t stand a little fire?!”
Princess let out a yell as she drew her fist back and punched the attacker off her brother! The attacker let out a grunt and hit the ground with a thud. Prince felt his burned arm as his sister overlooked his injury with Avenir staring at them as concern ran throughout his entire body.
Sigurd took a deep breath before speaking in a calm yet strong voice, “Fire that consumes all and brings death to all if not used properly. Avenir! Steel yourself! You have a chance to save them and ensure that your foe is defeated!”
“R-right” Avenir spoke as he regained his composure before taking another stance and preparing his next move.
As for the attacker, he was laughing! Everyone felt a chill as they stared at the attacker who picked himself up and had wide eyes of madness and delight.
“What’s wrong with him?” Princess whispered in an unsettled manner before checking on her brother’s burnt arm, “How are you?”
“Marth is doing everything he can to heal me, but I don’t have enough power to heal this foe” Prince informed her with a grimace as he stared at his burnt arm, “Be careful. I don’t know how to even how to stop him”
The eerie laugh echoed around them as the attacker ran a hand through his hair.
“Oh, that was delicious. I haven’t felt a rush like that in years! I don’t know how you did it, but I crave it!” he spoke with some drool dripping from his mouth, “Ah, but I want you to know the name that will give your fear! That’s right! Fear! I wished to drink it up as you tremble before me! I am the Sage!”
He held his hands out with holding a blazing fire as the other had darkness dripping from it. He slowly approached them as Princess rushed to stand in front of her brother with a tremble. Prince’s eyes were wide as he prepared to urge his sister to flee.
“Oh, you are not going anywhere!” he snarled as he prepared to slam his hands together cast a powerful spell.
As he did, vines wrapped around his body and held him in place! The vines were tight and stronger than the magic Sage was creating!
“What is this?!” he growled as he turned around and saw Avenir taking a stand against him, “Oh? Do you want to burn too?!”
He grabbed the vines and unleashed his fire, but Avenir was quicker. He threw his hands downward to have the vines tear Sage to the ground and roughly drag him across the ground! The siblings were stunned to see their friend do something like this.
“I understand!” Byleth spoke in an impressed manner, “His hands are no longer casting fire magic!”
The siblings were impressed before Avenir raised his hand to have the vines hold Sage in the air. He separated his arms from each other and made sure he couldn’t cast his magic. He simply laughed in a mad manner at Avenir’s determined expression.
“I am delighted! I love your expression! I love this!” Sage shouted with a manic of a grin, “But this won’t hold me back!”
He closed his eyes and laughed as darkness covered his entire body to teleport himself free from the vines before collapsing to his knees.
“Oh, I loved this. I loved this pain you’ve given me, and I have given you!” Sage said as he slowly stood up with his hands out with darkness latching onto him, “But I cannot wait to do this again! I hope this will continue again!”
He clapped his hands to teleport away as Avenir sighed before falling to his behind. The siblings were relieved he was defeated as Etie ran out of her hiding place and ran to the unconscious Bucheron. She checked on him and let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you” she said with a smile, “You saved me and my friend. I can’t thank you enough”
Avenir nodded his head before approaching them, “It was nothing. My friends and I promise to stop them from hurting you and anyone else. After all, no one deserves to feel pain like that. I think he needs help too, so I will help him with his pain too. Oh! But! Prince! Are you ok?!”
He turned to his friend who was holding his arm out. His burn was slowly healing as Prince sighed in relief.
“I’ll be fine, but I’ll cover my arm for a bit” Prince reassured them, “Marth is going to use his powers to heal me, so I will not worry”
Princess helped him stand up, before Avenir summoned his horse. They departed from the area and powered down in a secluded area. They found their friends and family recovering away from the scene and making sure no one else was hurt.
“Oh! Alear! Lueur!” Framme exclaimed as she rushed to hug Lueur, “I am so happy you’re ok!”
Lueur ran a hand through her hair with a soft expression as Alear hid his hand behind his back before kneeling in front of Clanne to pat his head and checked on him. Alfred smiled until Céline rushed to hug him tightly! He grunted at her strength as she shut her eyes and pressed her ear at his chest to hear his heartbeat.
“I am so happy you’re ok” she whispered in relief as Éve approached and held her kids close.
They slowly sat down and held each other close as everyone took a chance to relish in each other’s company and safety. Soon, they started talking with each other as Etie helped carry Bucheron back to them. Bunet, Louis, and Chloé rushed to help them with him holding an apologetic expression.
“I am so sorry about this” Bucheron said sadly, “I didn’t mean to do this. I only wanted to protect you. I am so sorry”
They pulled him and Etie into a warm embrace.
“You’re safe and sound” Etie reassured, “Not to mention tough and sturdy! We’re ok!”
“And you didn’t hurt any of the people. You kept the damage to your area” Bunet pointed out in relief, “You cared enough to ensure that no one else was hurt”
“You observed everyone and made sure the people weren’t present. That is commendable if anything” Louis spoke warmly, “And we will still have our annual teatime and literature meetings”
“And we still have our meals we share! You also made sure to not anyone as well” Chloé added in delight with a hug from behind, “So, please don’t be so hard on yourself. We are still friends and will be there for each other, no matter what”
Bucheron sniffled before bursting into tears and felt utter relief with his close friends. They sat on the grassy plains and supported each other until they decided to return home together. As Alfred stared at them, he made a vow to himself, his friends, and Sigurd, to ensure that their enemies will be defeated. Satisfied with his resolve, he hugged his mother and little sister close with Sigurd smiling in relief.
Sage let out a crazed laugh as he appeared in their hideout.
“Griss! Are you ok?” Zelestia asked in a panicked manner as she rushed up to him.
He forcefully transformed back to himself and waved his hand to knock her away from him.
“Oh, I am fine” he said with a malicious grin, “This is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait to take your experiment and try it on the next victim! Finally! Something fun!”
He let out a laugh before leaving a stunned and horrified Zelestia. She wanted to speak with him, prevent him from causing harm to himself and others. She cursed herself for being so weak and silently prayed to the Divine Dragons to stop and save him from a worse fate.
In the next episode…
(Lueur’s POV)
Well, we have internships to do in the summer. I don’t know where I am going to intern, but I hope it will be something fun! Huh? Who is that boy with navy hair and beautiful, ruby colored eyes? I hope I can be a friend! Wow! His family owns the bank?! That is so cool! I hope we will get see his family! This is going to be so much fun! Byleth, please stop nagging me about my studies! I can find an internship while talking to him!