They were making their way to their next destination in Ravens Country. They had a two-day journey before they could enter Gearford.

Things were going smoothly until they weren't.

“That's strange,” Sly said. Everyone looked at her, staring at her Voxlink. “I can't seem to get a signal on my Voxlink. I hoped to let some people I knew and the guild located in Legalio City expect us when we entered Gearford borders.”

“Hmm, strange, yes,” Malakyh pondered. “But not entirely unlikely. Perhaps we are too far away from any signal towers. Ravens Country isn't known to have the technology.”

This might have been true, but Lyra couldn't help but feel like something was amiss. Actually, she had been feeling like everything around her was amiss—as if she could read a negative aura.

“That is true, but even in some of the rural places I've been to, they had some kind of communication to get in touch if they needed it,” Cassandra said.

“I agree with Cassandra,” Lyra spoke up. “Maybe we should stop somewhere and see if we can find a signal.”

All in agreement, they peered at the map Lyra had removed from her satchel and grouped around her. The closest area to them currently was Night Haven.

“That's a lighthouse,” Sly told them. “They’re usually used as a rest stop for travelers on land or sea.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Everyone in favor?” Cassandra asked the group.

Malakyh was not keen on the idea but agreed to move forward with everyone else.

“Are you girls okay with that decision?” Lyra asked Tierney and Aurora.

They both nodded in earnest agreement.

Lyra touched the hilt of her sword. Do you have anything to input? Though it was silent just as it was before. She hoped Alivier, wherever he was, was okay.

Seeing her worried expression, Sly rested a hand on her shoulder and gave her a comforting gaze. “He's fine, I'm sure of it. It's Alivier, after all; he shows up when he wants.”

With her mind put at ease, for the moment, the group adjusted their journey and headed west to NightHavens’ Lighthouse.

•†•

It was close to midnight when Blackthorn returned to the Hinterlands after the ‘initiation.’ It was a simple graffiti mission to paint the Dawn Coalition's insignia– a gold U shape with a hammer in the middle– in the business district of the Empire: you take from us, and we take from you. The one thing that you would die for. Pride.

Blackthorn tossed the stone head to the floor with a loud crash, cracking the floor underneath. Had it been anything other than a stone, it would have caused damage.

The rebels all looked at the stone head on the cracked floor, then up at the white-haired young man and his silent, bandaged partner beside him with panicked looks on their faces– this was too far.

“It accidentally broke off when I was tagging their wall. Got too close, maybe. I still completed the task. So I passed,” He said matter-of-factly. “I thought removing the head was a nice touch, though. It really sends a message.”

The group broke into an uproar. They all criticized his ‘tactic,’ which only showed their potential for violence. Ludwig Klause didn't speak. He continued to look at the stone head.

Blackthorn was getting impatient.

Ludwig held up his hand to silence the bickering group, growing louder and furious by the second.

“What did you say your name was again? You look… Familiar. “

Blackthorn grew tense. He wondered if he should cut his losses and strike everyone down now. He could have done it before they thought of overpowering him, but the Ash Borne demon was another thing. It wouldn't be able to control itself and would end up killing Klause, not taking him as a prisoner like Walsh wanted.

Play it smart. They don't trust me… well, how you're making me look unhinged. Blackthorn thought he had said that, at first, till he sensed his Dormant’s aura. From the slithers of his mind, he manages to slip through. Yet, it was not the time to question it, so I did as he suggested.

“Blackthorn,” he said his name, no aggression or hostility. Flat out. Yet, that still didn't relieve the others of their anger.

It must have worked on Klause, however, because once he nodded to those around him, the animosity still lingered, but they no longer targeted him with words. I can see why Walsh would be interested in him. He had crucial information the Children of Deimos might be able to use, but his presence with civilians held weight and authority no person could truly ever see.

“...you passed. We might be able to overlook this incident. It was not as bad as the raid on the prison.” There were angry, hushed whispers before they were silenced once more. “However, in the future, we want your efforts to be… less dramatic than what they were tonight. Keep a low profile; we don't want to cause a massive war.”

Just say yes. Being agreeable will work in your favor. The Dormant instructed him. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he needed things to go smoothly at this moment.

“Understood. I'll be considerate next time.”

Accepting his answer, he nodded again, and begrudgingly, one of his people left.

“You both may stay in one of our rooms. We don't have enough to accommodate you both. Mind you, once you are here, there is no leaving, so I suggest you make sure if you truly wish to hail the Dawn Coalition. Otherwise, your last remaining days will be in a cell. You understand, don't you?”

He pulled back a smile. “Of course. We don't want any secrets to be exposed. We'll talk later. Was all Blackthorn voiced in his thoughts to the dormant inside of him.

All the while, weakly, Eamon was fighting a mental battle, holding onto his memories to keep from going into cold sleep. He needed to avoid falling into eternal sleep; he needed to stay vigilant.

If only he could reach out again to send a message to Lyra, but then he remembered…. Tierney. He had felt her presence enter his mind before Blackthorn forcibly kicked her out.

He'd try again and maybe, just maybe, be able to get in contact with Lyra.

•†•

Nights Haven - Lighthouse Tower, midnight

Once they reached NightsHaven, they could see the shining light of the lighthouse in the distance. There were a few houses pitched off to the side near the forest, but otherwise, it was a simple plot of land.

“That should be in an inn where we can seek shelter.” Lyra pointed at the wood-made house. “Perhaps even ask about a signal or a direct line to communicate.”

All in agreement, they walked into the inn's doorway. It was dimly lit inside, giving off an eerie vibe instead of the cozy atmosphere they were used to.

Sly hummed. Her eyes scanned across the room, looking for anything that seemed off.

“Everything looks clear here,” Cassandra said, also looking around. “Quiet as well.”

Sly went over to the receptionist's desk. She leaned over the desk; no one but darkness resided behind it. She wrinkled her brows.

“Almost too quiet.”

Lyra pursed her lips. “Over here with me, girls.” Taking Aurora and Tierney by the shoulder.

“I don't seem to sense any negative spirits amiss,” Malakyh also searched the area. “Though that's not to say I don't feel any negative presence.”

“So, where is anyone?” Lyra asked.

“Let's head back outside,” Sly instructed them. “We can check the other houses.”

They followed one after the other, sticking close to not being dragged away by whatever could be lurking among them.

They each tried knocking on doors to no avail. It was as if no one was home.

“This isn't good,” Sly said when they all met. “It's like this whole area is a ghost town.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Without the ghosts,” Malakyh added.

“So, the question remains, where are the people?” Cassandra questioned.

Lyra examined her surroundings, hoping that something would point to her. She half expected her sword to glisten with light like before, but nothing happened. Not even a peep from Lumos or Alivier.

So, what are we missing?

“The lighthouse is the last place to check. Maybe we can find some answers there.”

Agreeing, they made for the short path leading them straight toward the lighthouse.

The same eeriness in the residential area was also present at the lighthouse. There was an unsettling quietness, not even a peep from the forest, and the lighthouse door was surprisingly unlocked.

They looked at each other with reassuring nods to proceed forward. Lyra took the lead, followed by Aurora, Sly, and Tierney, and held up the rear Cassandra and Malakyh.

They climbed up the winding staircase for a moment. A buzzing sound emitted from Lyra’s back, one only she could hear, and stopped in her tracks.

“Are you okay?” Aurora asked, seeing the look of confusion as she scanned the lighthouse's stone walls.

“Do you sense anything hostile?” Sly asked next, stretching out her senses to survey the area.

Lyra shook her head. “No to both. I just… thought I heard something. My mistake.”

“Keep your wits about you, Lyra. Anything here can throw you for a loop.”

“What's the hold-up? Are we all good here?” Cassandra asked, concerned.

“We are now, come on. We should be getting closer.” Lyra took the lead again until they finally reached the top of the lighthouse.

The sword on her back started to buzz again, this time glowing with an illuminating white light.

“Lyra, your sword!” Aurora pointed out.

Lyra removed Riftblade from her back and unsheathed it so it was in front of her. “I knew it. Hey, Alivier, are you in there? Say something.”

Silence.

“Well?” Sly questioned.

Lyra sighed, shaking her head. “Still nothing. I could have sworn–”

A blinding light illuminated the lighthouse, blinding everyone as they shielded their eyes with their hands. The light faded shortly after, and one more person was in the lighthouse with them.

A strum of music played in the air. They removed their hands from their eyes to see flowing blonde hair and fair skin.

“I have returned. I know, I know how much you missed me but please not all at once.”

“Yup, that's Alivier,” Lyra grumbled with a roll of her eyes, but she was glad he was fine. She looked at her sword. It was even dimmer than before, yet it still held a faint glow, and she could have sworn that she saw the specter’s shape of a woman's face. Lumos, maybe?

“So, are you going to tell us what happened to you?” Lyra questioned.

“Cause one moment we were about to get offed by the Void Beast, Byleth, and the next you wound up in Riftblade. Explain.”

“And explain I shall… later.”

Lyra frowned. Irritation growing. “...Alivier. Now is not the time to be coy.”

A hand rested on her shoulder. Sly. “We’re all eager to hear the answer, but now isn't the right time. Let's see about this lighthouse and perhaps its townsfolk.”

Agreeing that was best, they knocked on the door at the end of the hall. No one answered at first until there was a crash to the floor.

With weapons drawn, they bombarded the room. It was a study with a dimly lit fireplace, a wooden desk to one side, and a few bookcases of thick tomes perched inside its shelves.

Behind those shelves was a figure with wide, fearful eyes hiding behind it.

“P-please, take whatever you want. Just leave me alone and spare me.”

Seeing that the man was not a threat, they sheathed their weapons.

“Spare?” Sly questioned.

“Have you not seen? T-they get consumed by a nasty aura and lose all train of thought and personality in favor of an apathetic one.”

This was news to them.

“We’re afraid we aren't sure what you mean,” Cassandra said. “We just came from the residential area. No one was at the inns or in any of the homes.”

The man hurriedly shook his head. “The apathy… it makes you stagnant. Unable to be what you once were in favor of something more… stagnant.”

Alivier hummed. “I believe what this man says is true. I've seen people rally together, angry at one point, but then… something would change, and they become complacent and docile.”

“It's the curse,” Lyra deduced. “It has to be.”

“I-I think so too,” Aurora added.

“Remember Malakyh? It made everyone back at the other town sleepy. Not even Cassandra or Tierney woke up. It even put Lyra in a trance.”

Lyra shivered at the memory.

“So you have seen it already? Then you go before it gets you all, too.” The man pleaded. Seeing the man further in the light, his hair and beard were unkempt. His clothes had severe stains as if he had not bathed in weeks—tired lines formed under his dull, fearful eyes.

This man had seen the curse afflict apathy firsthand.

“Please, sir. Let us help you. What is your name?” Lyra asked, hoping to get the man to relax in some way.

Unfortunately, he wasn't budging and furiously shook his head. “My name isn't important. No. You shouldn't be here. It will get you, too, and then it will get me. You must leave, or it'll get you, too.”

“Sir,” Sly said with more authority. “We are Locksmiths, myself a senior, the Rosevera Whip, if you heard of me? Let us help you, as my associate said, and we can....”

“NO!” The man screamed at the top of his lungs, surprising everyone. “You all need to leave! Leave now!”

“Uh, everyone. I'm starting to feel that surge of negativity coming from him. He's the one giving off that power.”

“That I can agree on,” Alivier said.

Lyra, too, could confirm from the buzz and warmth of her sword.

“Are we just going to leave him?” Cassandra asked.

Just as she did, a purple and black aura began swirling around the man. He grabbed the sides of his head and began to scream at the top of his lungs: “No, no, no. I don't want this! Leave me alone! Get out of my head!” The man rammed his body into different furniture, but the sheer destruction of the aura caused the most damage, as it made whatever contact it made explode into an ashy mass.

“The apathy has already taken him,” Sly confirmed. “We need to leave now.”

They all hurried out the door, with Lyra last just in time to see the man heading for the open window. In his crazed state, he would end up throwing himself out the window and off the cliff into the ocean.

“No!” Lyra yelled. She sprinted toward the man, and just as the man's body was out the window– Lyra caught the ends of the man's shirt, and….everything went dark.

“...Elena? Elena, can you hear me?”

Blinking several times, Elena pulled herself from her thoughts. She was standing at the front of a round stone table, with several blurry faces around her that she couldn't make out.

Elena the War Maiden. The name came into her head almost immediately. She had long goldilocks hair, a Tawny complexion, and bright, expressive brown eyes in silver armor with a white cape hanging off her shoulders with the golden insignia of the sun on the clothing.

The warrior during the Primal Chaos era.

However, the person was not truly Elena but Lyra Ashbourne.

‘What's going on?’ She thought to herself. ‘Where am I?’

“Elena, are you alright?” a voice called out. They sounded familiar, yet Lyra couldn't tell who they were even though ‘she’ was Elena herself. She couldn't see the person's face.

“I-I’m fine,” she said in a voice that wasn't hers. “What were we discussing prior?”

“Battle tactics in preparation for the battle with Deimos army. The Archmage Aetherius was about to demonstrate the power of these ‘well springs’.”

“Wellsprings, you say? Go on…”

Very briefly, like a shimmering pool of water, a man across the table to her right came into focus. He was wearing long, colorful robes and onyx, sheen hair.

Lyra could only watch as her lips moved on their own as if the scene before her played out.

‘What's happening to me? How am I here… Hundreds of years ago, no less. I need to get out of here. But how do I get back to my body?’

She screamed out in her thoughts. Hoping that someone– Lumos, maybe– could hear her.

Her cries were received when warmth settled around her, and a bright light surfaced among the blurry faces.

“Do not fear, Lyra. For this is by my hand.”

“Lumos, is that you?”

“Wake up,” the soft voice said again. Her surroundings were washed away, and the image before her was losing color. “Wake up.”

Everything around her went dark until someone yelled, ‘Wake up!’ Lyra snapped her eyes open and jolted upright, where Aurora had thrown her arms around her, and she was crying.

They looked to be outside at night, with a campfire in the middle.

“I'm sorry, everyone,” Lyra started to say. Sly wasn't too far away and was concerned for her well-being. Malakyh sat on a log. “What… happened?”

They all looked at each other, then back to her. They weren't sure how to tell her.

“I think,” Alivier said. Who had appeared out of nowhere. “I can try to explain, but don’t freak out too much.”

Her heart was already smacking into her chest. She couldn't just be calm, especially not after what she had seen. Whatever that was. A dream? A… memory? It couldn't be possible, but…

“I'm fine. Tell me.”

Alivier sighed. Nodding his head. He bent down and reached out a hand to her. She raised a questioning brow.

“Trust me. This aligns with my explanation.”

Hesitantly nodding, she allowed to Alivier reach out to her hair and pulled down a strand of white hair. Lyra gasped. Her questioning gaze traveled up to meet Alivier’s.

“It's only happened a few times, mainly to a Lichtkrieger, but… You weren't affected when you touched that man, filled with negativity because Lumos has placed her Providence Aura on you allowing you to interact With negativity. And I can join your weapon as Lumos’ guiding light. You were chosen as her Witness.”

Lyra blinked. She wasn't in disbelief as the pieces connected. “...and that's why I saw Elena the warrior maiden. She had the Providence Aura, too.”

“...Yes, about that.”