The wagon rolled slowly along the stone road leading to Azoth's walls. The horses' hooves struck in a steady rhythm, but the air inside the carriage was anything but calm. Blair held Aisha in her arms—the little Bearer of Light still kept her eyes down, as if afraid everything that had happened in the arena had been a dream. Beside her, Asori could barely stay upright; the fatigue of the battles still gnawed at his muscles, though he looked steadier thanks to the rest and the warmth Blair had given him with the Sweet Kiss. Mikrom, for his part, wore his usual grin, though inside he knew something larger and more dangerous was coming—Zeknier would hunt him for deserting his army.
The walls loomed, sun-washed and imposing. Guards at the kingdom gate raised spears and shields when they spotted the group, but the moment their eyes fell on Blair, a murmur ran down the line like lightning.
—Isn't that…?
—The princess! Princess Blair!
Some dropped to their knees at once, foreheads to the ground, while others hesitated, remembering the rumors of her death and Zeknier's propaganda claiming Azoth's throne no longer had a legitimate heir. The air filled with tension: reverence tangled with disbelief.
Blair bit her lip, then stepped forward with dignity.
—I am Blair Julis D'Blank, daughter of King Arion and Queen Elena, and I have returned. —Her voice rang clear.— From this day on, I will no longer hide.
Silence shattered into shouts. Some cried her name; others hurled insults and proclaimed loyalty to Zeknier. The group was quickly escorted toward the Castle at the center of the walls.
The castle's great hall was bathed in light from tall windows. Tifa waited standing, armor gleaming, face set and severe. The instant Blair entered, the queen embraced her tightly, relief barely contained.
—You've come back to us… —she murmured, then her tone shifted, sharp as a blade.— And by revealing your identity, there is no going back. You're a standard now, Blair. From today on, every step you take will move armies. Are you ready for that burden?
Blair faltered, fingers tightening against her skirt, then nodded.
—I am. I won't back down now; it's time to assume the role I have in this war.
Tifa exhaled and nodded, accepting that resolve. Her gaze moved to Asori, then to Aisha, and finally to Mikrom. Her brow creased.
—Explain everything, and leave nothing out.
For over an hour, Mikrom recounted what had happened in the capital: the tournament, Darian's manipulation, Kael's appearance, and Blair's decision to reveal herself before the crowd. In a low voice, Asori told of his fight, and of the strange power that had surged up in the midst of it, admitting he had come close to losing his life.
Tifa listened in silence, each word striking like a hammer. When Aisha was mentioned, the commander's eyes hardened further.
—So you were the tournament's second prize, little one? —Her voice trembled with rage.— What kind of monster enslaves a child? Darian is sick.
The girl flinched, hugging herself. All eyes turned to her. At last, Aisha spoke, trembling.
—I… I was always used… to heal. My power helped others fight, grow rich. I was never more than an object. —She lowered her gaze.— Until they… handed me over as a reward.
An icy hush fell over the hall. Blair pulled her into a fierce embrace.
—Never again. —she whispered.— No one will treat you like that ever again, I promise, Aisha.
Asori nodded firmly.
—You're with us now. We'll protect you.
Aisha's lips quivered, and for the first time, a shy smile slipped free.
Tifa strode up to Asori, her steps thudding like strikes on wood. She looked him over, frown born more of worry than anger.
—Look at you… —her voice was low, restrained.— The boy we found in the woods now carries the fate of this realm. You've grown strong, Asori; no one denies it. But that fight… —her tone cracked, just a hair— nearly cost you your life.
Asori dropped his eyes, fists trembling.
—I… couldn't let Blair fall. I couldn't allow that monster to touch her and get away with it.
Tifa's blow on the table echoed through the room.
—You understand nothing! —she roared, eyes blazing with banked fire.— Your life is vital too! It isn't only about protecting her—it's about protecting yourself! Do you know what it would mean to lose you now?
Blair stepped forward, voice shaking with anger.
—If not for him, I'd be dead! Asori saved me from Kael—he protected me when I… when I let my guard down!
Tifa rounded on her niece, gaze scorching.
—And that is another problem, Blair. You are the princess, a bearer, Azoth's symbol… and you let your guard down! You gave him the chance to strike!
Blair bit her lip, tears burning in her eyes. She tried to answer, but the words jammed in her throat. At last, with a contained sob, she spoke:
—I know… I failed. And I hate it, Aunt. But if Asori hadn't been there, I wouldn't be here now. How can you blame him for saving me?
The air thickened. The three fell silent, each breath heavy as lead. Tifa stared at Blair, then at Asori, and for an instant it seemed she would keep scolding them without mercy.
Then… she sighed. The hard mask of her face softened, and suddenly she stepped forward and pulled them both into a fierce embrace, pressing them to her breast.
—You fools —she murmured, her voice breaking for the first time.— You were reckless, yes. You exposed yourselves more than you should have. But… —she closed her eyes— I'm grateful you're alive.
Blair tensed in surprise, and Asori blinked, stunned, but slowly both let themselves be held.
Tifa went on, gentler now, though her steel remained:
—I owe you both my life for what you did. Asori, I respect you for not letting your rage stain your hands with blood. I myself… might have done worse to Kael. And Blair… —she tightened the embrace— do not let your guard down again, do you hear me? The kingdom needs both of you.
She drew back just enough to look at them with a glint of pride.
—I'm glad to see you together. Whole. Alive. And though you make me furious enough to tears… I wouldn't trade this moment for anything.
—Speaking of which… —Tifa glanced around, frowning.— Where is Mikan? Shouldn't she be here with you?
Blair was about to answer when the doors flew open. Mikan strode in, hands clasped behind her head, wearing her trademark impish grin.
—Right here. —She stretched as if nothing were amiss.— I went to drop the money off in my village, and they greeted me with a feast. Wouldn't stop yelling, "the champion of the grand tournament!" —She shot Asori a teasing look.— Though of course, that's just in my village… since a certain bush-head hogged all the glory.
Asori arched a brow, exhaling with a half-smile.
—Wasn't my intention. Though… I might have beaten you.
Mikan laughed, flicking his forehead with a finger.
—You? Beat me? Would've been fun not holding back and humiliating you in front of everyone.
—Shall I remind you who defeated Kael? —Asori tilted his head.
—Beginner's luck. —Mikan twirled a kunai.— Steal my spotlight again and I'll pluck your eyes out with this.
Asori scowled, offended.
—Beginner's luck!? Want me to plant an Aetherion in your face so you can see if it was luck?
Mikan raised a brow, smirk sharpening.
—Try it, "Mr. Champion." Let's see if you don't faint before the fight.
Blair sighed, palming her forehead.
—You two are always the same—like children squabbling over the last roll.
Mikrom snorted, barely hiding a smile.
—And yet, you understand each other better than you think.
Tifa, watching with arms crossed, finally smiled in relief.
—I'm glad to see you safe and sound too, Mikan… champion.
The ninja lifted a thumb with exaggerated solemnity.
—See? At least Her Majesty knows how to recognize greatness.
Laughter filled the hall, and for a heartbeat, all the gathered tension dissolved as if it had never existed.
Then Tifa unfurled a map across the table. The five kingdoms were sketched in thick strokes—lines that looked like open wounds across the land.
—Azoth is split. —Her finger traced the center.— Half under Zeknier, half under our resistance. Donner stands on the edge of civil war. Caldus remains neutral. Nifelheim is strengthening its army. And Veltramar… watches from afar.
Silence settled heavy again. Tifa spoke firmly:
—If Zeknier crosses Azoth's borders before we secure alliances, no other kingdom will intervene. We'll be crushed.
The plan took shape. Blair would lead the mission as princess. Asori would be her guardian and hidden ace. Mikrom, Mikan, and Aisha would take strategic roles: military support, espionage, and healing.
Then Aisha spoke up, nervous but resolute:
—B-but… if you need me, I can fight too.
All eyes turned to her. Blair leaned in, caressing her hair gently.
—Aisha… you're a child. You shouldn't have to carry a war.
The girl clenched her fists, gaze dropping for a heartbeat—then lifted with new determination.
—Then… I can heal you! I can mend you when you fall. I'll be support for… for my master.
The room went still. Her words were simple, but they struck true.
Mikan narrowed her eyes, folding her arms with a crooked smile.
—Well… she's got more guts than some adults I've met.
Mikrom nodded slowly.
—It's risky, but… the logic holds.
Blair swallowed. The choice weighed on her chest, but at last she nodded.
—I trust you, Aisha.
The girl smiled—shy, radiant—as if she had finally found her place.
For the first time, the little bearer didn't seem like an object… but someone with a purpose.
Before they could discuss further, a soldier burst into the hall, breathless.
—Urgent news! Zeknier's army has taken the city of Hadrien—three days from the capital.
The map trembled beneath Tifa's fingers. The commander clenched her fists.
—Then we have no time. You depart in one week for the empires.
Blair laced her fingers with Asori's—still cool, but steady. Their eyes met in silence, understanding the calm had ended.
The next journey would decide the fate of the entire continent.