Drakengard Anomaly: The Tale of an Angel and an Intoner

I opened my eyes with a tired groan, seeing luminous spots and blurry shapes. I tried to get up, screaming as pain ran through my body, worsened by my dry throat as if I hadn't drank water in days.

Everything ached and weighed down, compounding the tiredness and preventing me from moving much. My head throbbed, but my vision gradually recovered, allowing me to analyze my surroundings.

I found myself in a large, luxurious room, the kind you would see in a noble palace. Long, dark curtains covered a trio of windows of the same size, blocking the sunlight.

I lay bandaged in an extremely comfortable king-sized bed with white sheets, blankets, and pillows. I could spend all day there, sunk into the mattress.

There was an ornate wooden wardrobe on the wall to my right with a silver mirror beside it, a desk to the left of my bed, a coffee table in front of me with a white porcelain tea set on top, and velvety red divans around it.

A dead fireplace stood beyond, made of fine stone and wood, plated with gold, while paintings of unfamiliar places and people hung on the walls.

Suddenly, the ornate double doors of the room opened and someone entered, a mature woman with fair skin and brown hair, dressed in servant's clothes. She hummed, carrying a tray of steaming food, but soon fell silent and widened her eyes upon seeing me.

"Hello, *COUGH!*" I waved, coughing thanks to my thirst, but regretted it immediately.

CRASH!

I cringed as she dropped the tray with a metallic clang that hurt my ears, spilling a bowl of soup onto the floor.

What a waste!

I licked my lips in hunger, I would eat that soup right there and now if I could get up.

However, the woman snapped out of her stupor and bowed repeatedly, wiping her hands on her apron as she fumbled to leave the room, struggling between cleaning up the mess or doing whatever she had planned.

I asked her to wait, but she ignored my pleas and left, leaving me alone. So there I stood, staring at the ceiling and wondering what had happened, as there was not much I could do now.

Hurried footsteps caught my attention, I looked towards the door in time to see five beautiful women with colorful hair and similar clothes invade my room, giving me a sense of familiarity and surrounding my bed.

"ALAN!" They almost deafened me and stared at me with joy, relief, and concern.

"Excuse me, but do I know you? *COUGH!* Could someone bring me some water? *COUGH!*"

"Here!" The girl with short blue hair offered me a glass of water, which I accepted with a trembling hand, almost spilling it as I brought it to my mouth, causing her to prop me up on the pillows and help me drink, despite my protests.

I sighed relieved, quenching my overwhelming thirst, as if I had crossed the Land of Sands again, and cleared my throat, preparing myself for a proper introduction.

"Thank you! Now, how about we introduce ourselves? My name is Alan and I have no idea how I got here. Can you tell me what happened in Cathedral City and where I am? Have you seen a bunch of little girls with colorful hair similar to yours? And a purple dragon and talking magic books? They are scary, but they won't hurt you without reason."

My polite, smiling expression disappeared as they stared at each other in silence, exchanging an unspoken message before puffing out their cheeks with barely contained-giggles that turned into laughter.

"Alan, we're the little girls, although we can't call ourselves that anymore. I'm One." The woman with long, pale blonde hair and bright red eyes smiled broadly.

"I'm Two! I'm glad you're alive!" The one with short blue hair waved excitedly.

"I'm Three… I knew the guardian angel wouldn't perish… But you should get more rest…" The one with long, purple hair yawned before laying down on top of my legs, much to the frustration of everyone present.

"I'm Four, you can't imagine how worried I was, but you're awake now, so tell me if you need anything and I'll do my best to help." The brown-haired one with twin tails bowed politely.

"And finally, the most beautiful of them all, me, Five! Now tell me where it hurts and I'll give you a little kiss to make it better." The one with long blonde hair posed extravagantly before approaching with her lips pouting, making me retreat.

"OUCH!"

Thankfully, she never reached her destination and found herself face down on the ground thanks to a smack from the woman with twin tails.

"SERIOUSLY?! HE ESCAPED DEATH AND THIS IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO?!" She scolded the stricken woman, who stood up, rubbing her aching head.

"I was kidding! Besides, I don't think he would mind, would you?" The blonde glanced at me with desire, which soon disappeared when I threw a pillow at her face.

"If you want a kiss, then take me to dinner first! I appreciate your help, but is this some kind of prank by the sisters? They dressed up five random women as adult versions of themselves and asked to talk to me?"

The red-eyed woman took a deep breath, calming her laughter before softening her expression and speaking in a gentle tone with a hand on her chest.

"Alan, we are the sisters. This is what we look like now."

"I can't believe it! I can't have been unconscious for years for them to age that much!"

"How about we prove it to you?" She smiled smugly, singing as her sisters did the same, filling the air with magic and a melodious song. "Is that proof enough for you?" She stopped and posed, puffing out her chest proudly.

However, I paid half attention to her words, as I was lost in thought, a mixture of surprise and fear due to the current implications.

"Holy shit! How long have I been asleep?! How many years have passed?! Ten?! Twenty?! Elyon and Thessalia are still alive?! Do they know what happened to us?! To me?! And Noir and Rubrum?! Are they still in intact?! And my house?! Is it still standing?! Damn! I bet I got fired from my job! Everyone must think I died!"

I talked and talked, making assumptions about how much the world had changed in all these years. Imagining how difficult it would be for me to readapt to a new life and connect with old and new people.

However, One placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, drawing my attention to her empathetic but uncertain eyes, reflecting my face like scarlet mirrors.

"Alan, it's only been two months since the fight at the cathedral." She spoke slowly and hesitantly, but it didn't lessen my shock.

"Two months?! Impossible! How did those children become adults in two months?!"

"We became adults in one day. It's been two months since we won our respective battles, reunited with Sister Zero, and took control of Cathedral City." Three raised her head and index finger, interrupting our conversation.

The remaining sisters glared at her, sucking air through their clenched teeth as they cringed in frustration. I, on the other hand, stared at them, shaken, demanding an explanation.

"We'll explain everything in due time, but you must get ready first, change your bandages, bathe, and eat something, you must be hungry. Then, we'll answer your questions."

"Fine, but I'll hold you to that." I spoke seriously and with a touch of anger, praying that my thoughts deceived me.

Their cheerful expressions faltered momentarily as they nodded, however…

GRUMBLE!

My stomach growled, forcing me to hold it as my hunger returned, causing me to blush in embarrassment. This revived the sisters' mood, who laughed and called for the cathedral servants to bring the food.

Since when did this place have servants?

Servants entered the room, bringing plates and trays full of delicious food, the wonderful aroma making me salivate and my stomach growl.

I always maintained my table manners, but I couldn't resist at that moment. I raised both hands, opened my mouth, and devoured everything in sight. Fried, roasted, and boiled pork, chicken and fish, fried and boiled eggs, fruit and vegetable salads, bread, soup, and more.

"Say aaaa…" Five held a fork with a piece of meat stuck in it towards me.

CHOMP!

CLANG!

I glimpsed her surprised and disbelieving face as I swallowed the meat and the fork in one bite, leaving a piece of metal behind before grabbing a chicken with both hands and tearing it apart.

Crumbs and saliva flew everywhere midst the chewing, plates and more plates piled up around the bed, with servants rushing in and out of my room to wash the dirty dishes or bring more food.

I ignored their awed and disgusted faces, I couldn't care less after what I'd been through.

Three watched me intently, writing everything down in a notebook. Two rubbed the back of a green-faced Four while whispering soothing words. One left the room and Five joined in the eating, starting a competition between us.

I had my fill some time later, reclining with a full belly, and at that moment I realized with regret that I'd acted just like Rose. She won't leave me alone if she finds out about this.

"Well, that was interesting. We fed you the basics while you were unconscious, discovering your lack of need to go to the bathroom, and suggesting that you use everything you ingest as extra energy for your natural magical power. I wonder if you could survive without food with the right power source." Three flipped through her notes.

"Have you been studying me this whole time?" I frowned in bewilderment.

"You were just a head and torso when Noir and Rubrum brought you to us. You gradually regenerated when One saved you with her song. We needed to make sure nothing unexpected happened."

"What else did you find out?" I asked curiously.

"Nothing much, just that you talk and move a lot in your sleep and some of your measurements." She scratched something in her booklet.

"Did you take my measurements?" I whispered, worried.

"All your measurements." She nodded confidently.

"All my measurements?" I asked in the same tone, sinking further into the bed.

"All your measurements." She nodded again, smiling mischievously as I hid my red face under the blanket.

"Don't be ashamed, you are a big specimen capable of satisfying whoever you choose as a partner. Now, if you would be so kind as to give me some samples and…"

"Don't even think about it!"

"Don't think about what? I never said what I would collect. You're the one making the assumptions with whatever you're thinking." Her smile widened with an amused glint in her eyes.

"You were teasing me, weren't you?" I asked dryly.

"Yes, and you fell for it easily." She assumed an innocent pose with her head tilted and hands clasped behind her back.

"Well, I only have myself to blame." I sighed, tiredly slapping my face.

I would continue my conversation, but One's return with a group of people dressed as priests and priestesses caught our attention.

She explained that they were the healers who had taken care of me and kept my condition from getting worse. Now, they needed to evaluate me one last time before declaring that I could leave here.

The servants left with all the dishes and left us alone, and I went through something I never expected, the closest thing Midgard had to a medical evaluation.

I stood up with Four's help and allowed the healers to surround me, poking me, casting healing spells, and making me drink potions for pain and injuries, all while asking incessant questions.

Do you feel any pain or dizziness? Do you have difficulty moving? Do you feel any fatigue beyond normal? How many fingers am I showing? Can you understand me perfectly or do you have difficulty hearing me?

I felt like a guinea pig at the Institute of Magic again, holding back a growl as I found myself surrounded by masked men in a dark cell, but it soon disappeared, revealing the normal world.

I don't think I'll ever completely forget it.

The tone of their voices and the wonder in their eyes irritated me, it was the same feeling I'd observed repeatedly in other people, the curiosity and fear at seeing something so strange, the desire to discover and study everything about this bizarre creature, to know how it works, to know what it's capable of, to know what you can get from it.

I would like to see them try, I will not allow this to happen again, ever. I do not want to feel less human than I already am.

I may have let some of my animosity slip, as the healers fell silent and backed away, trembling with a mixture of fear and nervousness. I chuckled internally, resisting the urge to smile. Meanwhile, the sisters noticed my discomfort and growing tension and asked for the final verdict.

Good news! As far as the healers could tell, there was nothing wrong with me on the surface, which was a little worrying, since no one, not even me, knew what I was, so there was a chance something could go unnoticed.

They advised me to act calmly, always have company, and seek help immediately if I felt anything happen. Other than that, I had my bandages removed, was given some potions in case I felt any pain and was free to leave.

Leave to take a shower, I mean, because I smelled like a skunk. The healers left, and I wrapped the blanket around me to protect myself from an unpleasant encounter with sunlight.

The sisters were kind enough to guide me to the nearest bathhouse, which made me wonder even more where I was for it to own a bathhouse, since I had only seen luxury so far.

Strangely, the sisters seemed nervous as we walked to the door, especially when I tried to look at myself in the mirror. Two stepped in front of me with a trembling, cheerful expression, causing me to raise a questioning eyebrow.

I stepped aside, but she repeated the movement, staying in front of me no matter how hard I tried to see my reflection.

"Two, what are you hiding?"

"Nothing! I'm just stretching my legs!"

I clicked my tongue in frustration and saw the hesitant expressions of the other sisters, they were hiding something related to my appearance. There must be a good reason for this, but they wouldn't hide it forever.

I sighed in surrender, I would find out eventually. So I walked towards the door, ignoring their relieved murmurs, and squinting at the sudden brightness.

They led me down a long gray marble corridor with stained glass windows, and at that moment I realized I was in the cathedral. I studied the ancient but detailed architecture, transforming this place into a gigantic work of art.

Our footsteps and voices echoed through the walls, as we chatted along the way, finding out more about what happened after my near death and some details that made me curious.

Unfortunately, what they did during my fight with Bartas, what was on the other side of the gate, how they grew up, and where Zero was, were left for later, because according to them, it was a long and unbelievable story.

Hump! If they knew the story of my life, they would see what was truly unbelievable.

So I settled for simple answers to my questions.

They wore similar clothes because they didn't have the chance to get something more personalized. The servants in the cathedral were people they hired after opening the city gates to all of Midgard after the Lords' deaths.

Noir, Rubrum, and Gabriela were exploring the city in an attempt to distract the books after they hadn't left my side for days. Partition had completely disappeared, which meant I'd have to hunt him down for abandoning us during the fight.

Other than that, I noticed the admiring looks and appreciative whispers from people as we passed. However, there seemed to be something more, some kind of worship, as some of them glorified our names and clasped their hands in prayer.

I can't imagine what stories and rumors have been told about our journey and achievements, and they'll surely become more exaggerated as they spread across the lands.

Great, more unwanted attention, I just hope this doesn't turn into a cult.

"This is the bathhouse, the water has already been heated and everything you need is inside. Take your time." One pointed to a pair of ornate double doors.

"You'll also see your new appearance, so don't be alarmed, it's not that bad." Two patted my back.

"You're still handsome, I'd say the changes suit you, complementing your charm." Five wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I frowned at the last comment, I didn't mind Three's teasing, but Five's constant affection bothered me, a child shouldn't act like that.

I shook my head, dispelling those thoughts, and thanked the sisters before entering the bathhouse, dropping the blanket and whistling at the opulence.

A quadratic chamber made of immaculate white marble with steps leading to a large pool of crystal-clear hot water covered in clouds of steam. There was a wooden shelf next to the entrance door, filled with buckets, towels, soaps, a set of clothes, and other bath products.

I grabbed a bucket, soap, and a bath brush and walked over to the pool while humming, eager to enjoy a warm, luxurious bath. However, I stopped like a statue with one foot in the air when I heard a familiar voice.

"Mind if I join?"

I turned around mechanically, my eyes widening when I saw Five smiling seductively and halfway through taking off his clothes. Luckily, the sisters came to my rescue, storming into the bathroom and dragging the blonde away, despite her protests.

"We're so sorry!" Four exclaimed before closing the door, but that didn't stop me from hearing Five's pained screams coming from the other side.

I immediately turned around, preferring to ignore what had happened rather than ask what was wrong with Five, however, the reflection of my new appearance in the water made me stop.

Well, that explains the itching in my hair and wings.

There were white flowers in my hair and feathers of the same color covering my wings, completely replacing the darkness that formed them.

I tried to pull off one of the flowers but gritted my teeth as I realized they were stuck, so I applied more force, removing them with a painful yank and scream, only to see another one immediately grow in its place.

The one I was holding disappeared into dark particles, leaving a few strands of hair on the palm of my hand. I got the same result with the feathers, but that wasn't the end of my changes.

The yellow lines that ran across my body now glowed red, and as if that wasn't enough, there was a symbol on my forehead, a dragon devouring its tail with the Roman numeral I in the void at its center.

I remembered the version of myself in my illusion, however, he wasn't that different.

Was he in a state of transition? Is this the result after One saved my life?

So many questions, but no answers. I'll add that to the questions I'll ask the sisters when I'm done here. Now, where was I again, oh yes, the warm, luxurious bath.

I put my feet in the water and closed my eyes, shivering at the wonderful sensation and allowing myself to relax.

-XXXXXX-

After an unknown amount of time, where I may or may not have fallen asleep, judging by the sunlight, I changed into the clothes left for me.

A simple white shirt with an open chest and a pair of black pants that hugged my body, and brown shoes.

Hm… I feel like a flamenco dancer.

I struck a dramatic pose and tried to do a dance move, only to scream and nearly fall due to the wet floor and my long hair. I blushed in embarrassment, praying no one had seen me, then readjusted my posture, sighing in relief and making a mental note to ask the sisters for scissors.

I left the bathhouse only to come face to face with a couple of servants who seemed to be waiting for me. After acting like everyone else I had encountered, they led me to the room where the sisters waited.

I watched the sunset through one of the cathedral windows, realizing how long I had been taking my bath, and soon found myself in a dining room with a long table, lit golden candelabras, covered windows, and the sisters waiting for me. Strangely, each of them had a pigeon resting on her shoulder.

I thanked the servants and prepared to join the table, but stopped in my tracks when they pulled out one of the chairs for me to sit. Then, I watched a scene I had only seen in movies.

Cooks came from the side doors, carrying plates and trays full of food, just like in my room, but this was something much more abundant, a true banquet.

Hurried steps, the clinking of cutlery, the aromas of food, the flickering of candles, everything was mixed in chaos, but there was a certain beauty behind it, a certain joy. Their wide smiles, their bright eyes, their erect postures, their fearless movements, it was as if these people wanted to be here.

I focused on the sisters and saw how they seemed to share the same feelings, wearing colorful clothes, talking to each other, laughing, and smiling. I found myself doing the same, feeling the corners of my mouth lift and joy burn in my chest.

I raised a crystal goblet and a cook immediately filled it with wine, which was delicious, as was the roasted boar in front of me.

So, we feasted, ate, drank, laughed, teased each other, exchanged stories, and told jokes.

When was the last time I had so much fun?

Eventually, One asked for us to be left alone and we entered a more serious topic, their version of what happened at Mercury Gate, and nothing prepared me for what I was about to hear.

-XXXXXX-

"Let me get this straight, you fought the Lords and their men while I had my ass kicked by Bartas, only for the Mercury Gate to react to your song and open, revealing a dark mass that aged you into adult women and almost absorbed you, but failed thanks to Gabriella, and absorbed the Lords instead! The Cathedral we are in is the true form of the church we found when we arrived in the city, which rose from the ground after the gate opened! Soon after, you fought the thing that came from the gate fused with the Lords and one of their monsters, it declared itself your Mother and creator, the one who gave you your confused memories, body, and power of song, all this to destroy the world, which was Zero's original mission before she died, thus revealing that you are created from her aspects and memories! Then, the thing began to distort reality, removing the color from everything and making the tolling of bells echo throughout the city, calling down the literal Hand of God from the sky to bring about the apocalypse! You awakened new abilities, summoning creatures to fight Mother alongside Gabriella, whose dragon power was the only thing that could permanently harm it, and just when all seemed lost, Zero and a White Dragon came from the sky and helped you kill the monster with a combined attack, saving the world and making everything disappear as if nothing had happened! Am I missing something?!"

I slapped the table as if I had heard the best joke in the world, shaking all the dishes on top of it and sending a crack through the dining room. I smiled widely in denial and disbelief, I wasn't mad at them, but I hoped this was a bad joke.

My pleading gaze shifted from sister to sister, hoping some of them would confirm my assumptions, but my expression fell and I felt a heaviness in my chest when I received serious and angry expressions in return.

"You forgot the part where Sister Zero almost killed us, and Noir and Rubrum brought your dying body to us, begging for help. I can detail how Zero said she would kill us, asking us to stay together so she could easily cut our heads off, or how we were nothing more than numbers in her body count, or how we felt upon seeing you disappear. Two cried like a baby." Three spoke emotionlessly, tilting her head, staring at me intently before chewing a forkful of meat, looking deep into my eyes as she rested her chin on her hands.

I cringed at the not-so-subtle sting, closing my eyes and sucking in air through clenched teeth before scanning the other sisters, seeing their tense postures as they watched me, waiting for an answer.

"I… I'm so sorry… I think we all faced overwhelming challenges that day. It's just… This is hard to believe compared to what I saw… I wish this was nothing more than a prank, but I'm the one making jokes about something I shouldn't… We've been shaken and I can't imagine how you feel after the revelations, it must be hard… Can you forgive me?"

I rubbed my head and looked away in embarrassment, feeling my face burn and my heart race, hesitating before saying each word, pondering and elaborating each sentence so as not to worsen the already ruined mood. I felt like an idiot now.

Painful seconds passed, and I smiled nervously with regret all over my face, pleading with my eyes for them to realize the genuineness of my words.

However, what came next shattered my expectations.

SPLAT!

"I didn't cry like a baby!" Two threw a baked potato toward her purple-haired sister, her face red with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Yes, you did!" Three threw a piece of chicken in return.

Soon both found themselves in an argument and miniaturized food fight, leaving the remaining observers dumbfounded, but this chaos soon ended when One clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"I can't speak for my sisters, but I accept your apology, Alan. Just don't joke about this subject. Never again! What we saw, went through, and learned cannot be described with words alone, and to think that we were created to destroy the world." She spoke seriously, staring at me with her scarlet orbs while squeezing her arm, but I saw that she was shaking slightly.

"So, do you believe that thing's words?"

"We have been given a reason to think otherwise." Her expression faltered and her gaze fell toward the ground, her sisters sharing the same sentiment.

"And Zero, where is she? Did she hurt you? Did she just give up on her mission and let you go?"

I regretted asking, as the sisters immediately shuddered, choosing anything to focus their attention on.

"Sister Zero has left to wherever she lived now, and no, she has not hurt us, but she would have in more favorable circumstances. We spoke alone, but I prefer to keep what we discussed to myself. Unfortunately, she has not abandoned her crusade, she will return someday to finish what she started, however, she did leave a letter for you."

She reached a trembling hand into the sleeve of her dress and removed a paper folded into a square wrapped in a black ribbon.

I leaned back in my seat as my breath caught, staring at that piece of paper as if it were a bomb. Several guesses about its contents ran through my mind.

What did Rose write there? How much did she hate me for letting her die? How stupid was I to involve myself in other people's problems?

There was only one way to know, I stood up with shaky legs and a racing heart, approaching One with hesitant steps as I thought about the possibilities.

The short distance I closed seemed to take forever, but I accepted the letter with a nod that the Intoner returned before retreating to my seat, swallowing hard as I stared at the paper in my hands.

How could something so small scare me so much? What's written on it? Just open it and read it!

I was conflicted, on the one hand, I was dying of curiosity to know what Rose had left for me, on the other hand, I feared what I might find.

Raising my head, I saw that the sisters were looking at me expectantly. I think they are also curious to know, but I won't read this now, not after everything that happened, it's too soon for that, I won't spit on their kindness like that.

"Will you not read it?" One asked.

"No, I've ruined the night enough. I'll read this later when I'm alone. How about we enjoy the feast while we still have time?" I put the letter in my pocket.

The sisters sighed relieved, also anxious and worried about the contents of the letter, and we tried to recover the pleasant mood from before, readjusting our postures and returning to eating and drinking.

"So, what's with the pigeons? Are you taking care of pets now?"

"Oh, these little guys? They appeared during our fight against the Mercury Gate monster." Two laughed as the pigeon on her shoulder rubbed its head against her cheek affectionately.

"Honestly, I find these flying rats annoying." Four grimaced, shooing the pigeon on her shoulder only for it to fly around her before landing again, much to her frustration.

"Mine is a weirdo." Three frowned, curiously observing the pigeon that seemed to dance for her on top of the table.

"Mine is a little stubborn, he doesn't seem to like me, but I know he'll get used to it in time." Five laughed, offering a crumb of bread to the bird that turned its head away, trying to escape her grip.

I didn't know if I should laugh, question the strangeness and coincidence of the situation, or feel sorry for the poor animals, I hope they survive because they have no idea what they got themselves into, they should have flew away when they had the chance.

"What about you, One? Didn't you want to adopt a pet bird?" I asked the red-eyed woman, noticing how she stared at the pigeons. I frowned but didn't insist, I didn't want to say too much and irritate them again.

"No, I have my eyes on a bigger bird." She laughed, sipping of her wine, only to choke and grimace.

"Hmph! I hope you're prepared, taking care of a pet requires responsibility, and the bigger the animal, the more work."

"If you only knew how true your words are. But don't worry, I'm confident in my abilities."

So the banquet continued and time passed, reaching the late hours of the night, with everyone full and drunk.

Honestly, I no longer understood what happened around me, the laughter became muffled, the lights were blinding, and people multiplied, the smells and sounds mixed together, disorienting me.

Meaningless words attacked my ears as I relaxed in my seat with a silly smile on my face. I think this is the first time I've ever been drunk, why didn't anyone tell me it was so much fun?

I heard someone talking about servants, rooms, and staying the night, but I stopped paying attention, getting up and stumbling towards what I thought was the door, ignoring the noises I heard behind me.

-XXXXXX-

I left wherever I was after several failed attempts. It would have been faster if the doors didn't multiply and change places constantly, and now I found myself in a corridor that stretched and turned endlessly.

I tried to fly to get to my room quickly, but I abandoned that idea because the world turned upside down and I bumped painfully into something hard every time I tried.

So I walked with my hands in my pockets while whistling an off-key song, laughing and sobbing the whole way, leaning against the walls every time I staggered.

It was a wonderful night, the moonlight streamed through the windows and stained glass, the night breeze blew my hair, my footsteps and whistles reverberated through the silent passages, creating a peaceful scene.

Blurs appeared in my vision occasionally, asking nonsensical questions that I struggled to answer, only to be left alone afterward. My peace lasted until the moment I realized I was lost, looking around and scratching my head in confusion.

Where was my room again?

Voices came from further ahead and I spotted a black dot and a red dot approaching, maybe they knew where my room was.

"Hey, *HIC!* Can you help me? *HIC!* I'm kind of lost, *HIC!* Do you know where my room is? *HIC!*"

"Lord Alan! You're awake!" The black dot shouted, making me flinch at the volume of his voice, and then both dots quickly approached.

"Yes, yes, *HIC!* Alan, that's my name, *HIC!* But about my room…" I would continue speaking, but the strength in my legs disappeared as soon as I stepped forward, however, a pair of hands caught me before I hit the ground.

"We'll take you to your room, Lord Alan."

My feet left the ground and I was carried through the cathedral corridors, snuggling into the arms of whoever held me, enjoying the ride.

"You don't have to be so formal, *HIC!*, you sound like my friend, Noir, talking like that. *HIC!* He sounds like my father, *HIC!*, always worrying about me, taking care of me, giving me advice, being there when I need him, fatherly things, *HIC!*. Maybe I consider him my father, but it's a secret, don't tell him that, *HIC!* he would die of shame and demean himself like he always does, saying he's not worthy or something. I hate it when he does that. *HIC!*"

"O-oh, is that true?! Don't worry, your secret is safe with me, Lord A… Alan!"

"Thank you, *HIC!* but he's not the only one who's been by my side all this time, there was also Rubrum. She was a little strange, rarely speaking and showing what she felt with gestures and childish jokes, *HIC!* but that's her charm like a little sister wanting to cheer up her brother. I think I should have paid more attention to her, how many times did she stop saying what she felt so as not to bother me? *HIC!*"

The red dot moved and I felt something caressing my head, making me laugh and try to push it away.

"You know, I'm not good at this kind of thing, *HIC!* talking about how I feel and all that. Most of the time, I keep my problems to myself, I wonder if I've pushed away someone dear by acting like this, *HIC!*. I'll do better next time, I'll talk to Noir and Rubrum, and then… And then…"

I yawned as tiredness took over me, my eyes became heavy as sleep was overwhelming. My vision darkened and my consciousness slowly faded, but I heard distant voices, in the back of my mind.

"Good night."

-XXXXXX-

I groaned, rolling over in my comfortable bed and covering my head with a pillow, trying to block out the noises coming from outside. Birds chirping, people talking and walking, and more, but it was too late to sleep again.

I stood up with half-closed eyes, cringing as the pain pounded in my head, confusion assaulted my mind, and thirst dried my lips.

Is this a hangover? I'll never get drunk again.

It took me a while to realize where I was, and even longer to remember what had happened last night. I was in the same room as before, and a change of clothes waited for me in the open wardrobe.

They weren't much different from the ones I'd worn yesterday, but there was the addition of a brown hooded cloak to protect me from the sunlight. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

"Come in!" I replied, finishing getting dressed.

The door opened and a servant entered, bowing politely before speaking.

"Lady One invites you to breakfast."

"All right, lead the way, please."

Henodded and I covered myself with the cloak, following him while getting the same reactions as yesterday, which was getting annoying.

I gradually remembered what had happened last night, but how did I get to my room? I don't think it matters, I'll ask them to thank whoever helped me.

We arrived at the breakfast room, which was more modest than the dining room, consisting of a small chamber with white tables and chairs and a glass door leading to a balcony.

The sisters were dressed in casual clothes, eating and chatting, stopping momentarily to greet me, which I soon returned. However, I stopped in my tracks when I noticed two floating books watching me.

"Noir, Rubrum! Come here!" I smiled widely, opening my arms wide with happiness coursing through my body.

They wasted no time in throwing themselves at me, almost knocking me to the ground, but I wasted no time in hugging them with all my strength.

"We are glad to see you safe and sound, Lord Alan!"

"And you have no idea how happy I am to see you two again!"

We exchanged greetings, concerns, and apologies, making the most of our reunion after so long, parting reluctantly after long minutes.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, I promise it won't happen again!"

"And we're sorry we couldn't help you!"

"I won't take those words, you've always done more than necessary!"

So we sat down for breakfast, noticing the sisters' joyful expressions as they witnessed this scene.

"I hope you slept well." One said, wincing as she chewed on a piece of cake.

"I slept like a log, but the hangover ruined everything." I replied, sipping a cup of tea.

"Well, I plan on showing you the rest of the cathedral, I think that will lift your spirits."

I couldn't help but smile at what she had planned, but I felt bad about having to ruin her plans.

"One, no, all of you, I'm grateful, not only for that but for everything you've done for me so far, seriously. However, I can't stay here, I have to return to Lyllenas as soon as possible, everyone must be worried about me, even thinking that I'm dead."

Their cheerful expressions died immediately as they exchanged an unspoken message and nodded again. I'll never understand how they do it, but the next words worried me.

"Alan, there's something we need to tell you."

Tense silence filled the atmosphere and I could only signal for her to continue, preparing myself for the worst.

"You must remember what Three mentioned yesterday, about us taking over Cathedral City. First of all, I would like to ask that you listen to the end and keep an open mind about what I'm about to say. Well, what she said is true, all the Lords are dead and Midgard is leaderless, word is spreading and soon competitors will emerge to occupy the empty thrones. If our information is correct, they already have. Loyal servants to the Lords wishing to avenge and continue their legacy, stubborn and greedy men, and women wishing to oppress the people, powerful sorcerers, and criminals wanting the resources and secrets left behind. This will become a civil war, an era of warlords if we do nothing, then we have decided to take the reins and assume the government of the lands of Midgard, placing each of us as the leader of a different territory, ensuring a united and prosperous reign. Men, women, and their families join us every day in search of a better future, citizens embark on long journeys towards the Cathedral City, increasing its population, development, and army, but it is not enough, we need strong and competent people to combat the overwhelming power that our enemies will surely use, even Gabriella has joined. We would like you to do the same, after everything we have been through, we know that you are someone we can trust and have by our side, together, we can transform Midgard into a better place."

I stood frozen and expressionless, staring intently at One as I processed her words. She looked like a comic book villain trying to convince the hero to join her. Unfortunately, her expectant face gave away the seriousness of her words.

I fought the urge to scream and break the table in two, destroying something else instead.

CRASH!

I crushed the teacup in my grip, making everyone present flinch, and took a deep breath, formulating my next sentence before I insulted someone.

"One, please be honest, was our entire journey nothing more than an elaborate master plan for you all to control of Midgard?"

"NO! We only wanted to end the Lord's reign and gain more power to defeat our sister! We were naive, we didn't know that defeating the villains wouldn't solve all the problems!"

"And you created a power vacuum instead!"

"That's why we will fill it, but we'd like your help to do it! We need strong people to face enemies invincible to normal armies!"

"And what makes you think that you will be better leaders?! What makes you different?!"

"We will learn from the mistakes of the past and do better! Cathedral City is a center of ancient knowledge, we can use it to improve Midgard! You are a history teacher, aren't you?! You must know what worked and what didn't in the ancient kingdoms and empires! Stay here with us, please!"

I analyzed my surroundings, seeing the sisters' expressions, anger, anticipation, and sadness, and as much as it hurt, I refused.

"No!"

"But…"

"Listen to me this time! One, all of you, I don't want you to think that our journey meant nothing to me, we laughed, we cried, we trained, we traveled and fought together, we shared ups and downs, reconciliations and disagreements, cherished moments that will forever be in my memory, but I don't want that, I have no interest in war or ruling! It took almost dying for me to realize that there is so much I want to do, things I want to learn, people I want to meet, and places I want to visit, there is a world out there to explore, and I want to see it because I never had the chance! The fight in Cathedral City was our peak so far, how many people can say they lived like we did?! That they achieved what we achieved?! But I never wanted that, I have a great goal in mind since I arrived in Midgard, and I have strayed from it enough! I will make peace with everyone, I will be honest with everyone, and I do not want to leave regrets behind when I return home or my end comes, but I will not achieve that by getting involved in more conflicts! I do not doubt that the answer I seek are somewhere in this city, but I would rather do things my way than enter a civil war to get what I want!"

"Is there anything we can do to convince you to stay?"

"No, unless you can open magical portals to other worlds."

One's head fell, her hair hiding her face as she clasped her hands in her lap. The other women had similar reactions, with downcast expressions and pained looks.

I felt a tightness in my chest, but this was my choice, I would not back down after everything I had said.

"Then I can only thank you for everything you have done for us and wish you good luck in your search." One raised her head, revealing a big smile and a happy face, but the pain behind it was visible.

I stood up and approached her, ignoring her surprise and pulling her to her feet.

"What..."

I didn't let her finish and wrapped her in a gentle hug, feeling her arms holding me as I stroked her hair.

"I won't leave forever, I will keep in touch and visit you occasionally."

"You promise?" One whispered in my ear.

"Of course, that's a promise I don't mind keeping. You guys too, come here!"

It wasn't long before the remaining sisters gathered in a group hug, exchanging tears and goodbyes, because as much as we didn't want to, we would go our separate ways.

I was given food and water for the journey and we headed towards the entrance of the cathedral where Gabriella rested.

"Leaving so soon, false dragon?" She spoke in her usual teasing tone.

"Yes, I've abused your hospitality enough. It's time to go home and visit family."

"Just be careful not to die, or I'll eat you alive for making the girls cry again." She stepped closer, baring her fangs.

"Trust me, I would never dream of it." Then I turned towards the sisters, shaking each one's hand in farewell.

"It's a shame you can't stay longer, there are so many fun things I'd like to show you." Five intertwined her fingers with mine, winking flirtatiously, making me slip out of her grip.

"Sure, sure, we can play whenever you want."

"Oh, I look forward to it." She giggled, covering her mouth, worrying me about what she had planned.

"I hope you have a safe journey, Mister Alan. I will make you proud with how I rule my lands." Four took my hand shyly, forcing me to take the initiative and continue the handshake.

"This is a big responsibility, Four, but I know you will do well, however, do not hesitate to ask your sisters for assistance, or help when they need you."

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten your advice. I'm getting along with them better than before." She gave me a thumbs-up before I spoke to the next sister.

"You will keep your promise, won't you? You will still teach me about science and everything, won't you?" Three offered a lazy shake and a face that failed to hide her concern, however, there was a hopeful glint in her eyes.

"Of course I will, I always do what I promise, for better or for worse. Cathedral City has a vast library, we can schedule some private lessons."

"Oh, I didn't know that was your fetish."

"You're teasing me again, are you?" I asked dryly.

"Yes, and you fell for it again." Three grinned from ear to ear, which was one of the scariest things I saw in my life. Then, I sighed tiredly and moved on to the next one.

However, I held back a pained scream as Two's crushing grip nearly broke my hand and ripped my arm off as she swung it. My feet left the ground and the world blurred, but even so, I heard her words.

"You'll see, I'll get stronger and defeat you in a fight! I haven't forgotten how badly we lost when we fought you!"

"I didn't know this had become personal!"

"It became the moment Three called me a crybaby!"

This torture ended quickly to my relief, and I staggered towards One as everything spun, taking a moment to focus on her laughing figure amused by my suffering.

"I have no speeches, I said everything I wanted to say, but I would like to thank you again for everything, and ask that you not delay in visiting us." She held my hand firmly, being the only one to give me a normal handshake.

"Well, I admit that you all gave me a lot of work, our journey almost killed us and destroyed the world, and I would rather be paid for it, but I never had this much fun. It may take a while, as I have a lot to solve, but I do not plan on disappearing from the world. However, I have a question: what will happen to me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your power of song saved my life, but it changed my appearance, what does that mean? Is there something I should worry about?"

Surprisingly, One stepped forward, placing a hand on my forehead and lifting my hair, revealing the mark on my skin. Her serious and thoughtful face was just inches from mine, showing of my reflection in her deep red orbs, and I couldn't help but blush at the proximity.

"I don't know, the details of the flower and the song are still a mystery to me, I used part of my power to keep you alive, but it created unexpected results, a kind of connection between us? A pact? I need to learn more before I assume anything, but you look good to me, the new appearance suits you." She jumped back, assuming a playful pose and offering the most beautiful smile of all.

The wind blew her hair into a golden sea, and the sunlight reflected on her mirror-like skin, her expression, full of pure happiness, was a sight worthy of a painting.

I reached a hesitant hand toward my heart, but shook my head, dispelling these thoughts before they got out of hand.

This was wrong on so many different levels, but there was something there, a kind of affection that hadn't been there before; was this a result of One's magic? Or something natural?

I decided the sooner I left, the better, so I waved one last time to the sisters and the dragon, running and flapping my wings, taking flight, and heading for my home. It was time to make thing right.

END OF CHAPTER