Across the lands of the United Continent, the people of all lands and races all sensed a change was coming. Within the scattered islands that made up Valkyria, the valkyries, undines, nymphs, and shield maidens, accompanied by the men of the naval city state of Mermaids Rest, as well as the wyverns, young dragons, and pirates from the Isle of Dragons, battled against armies sent by Poseidon, the goddess of rivers Boann, the goddess of the air and seas Don, as well as the other new gods of the air and seas. The goddess Freyja, along with Sif, Hestia, and the new goddess of the seas Cordelia, all came together to assist their people in Valkyria, with the Blue Dragon Queen sending the pirates of her isle to assist them. Despite the overwhelming numbers of the armies, Valkyria's defenders were able to use the knowledge of their home to their advantage. The forces of the isle of dragons used many hit and run tactics, while the navy from Mermaid's Rest were able to use their superior ships and their mermaid allies to outmaneuver and overpower those who came against them.
Within the Fairy Forest, the realm had been thrown into a full war between the two courts. Pixies, dryads, harpies, hulders and haltija as well as the few human villages they resided in or around assisted the seelied fairies against the armies of the unseelied as well as their dullahan generals that led other groups of dark creatures and monsters. The dullahans intervention as well as the many deaths, caused banshees to appear throughout the realm of the fairy forest. Their cries rang through the forest and were heard by the solitary goddess that resided within the Fairy Forest, Danu. In response, she called out to the members of the Morrigan, Macha, Nemain, and Anu, as well as Nina's goddess, the druid queen Druantia. Together, them and their forces joined the battle within the realm of fairies. The arrival of the dullahan race meant that there was more to this war, which deeply troubled Danu and the other goddesses within the forest. Whatever was coming, they had to be united to stand against them. In order to gain more allies, Nemain sent her chosen saint, Shannon, to call upon the other deities that resided within the forest.
Babylon was also dealing with trouble that was plaguing the surrounding cities and lands. Nothing like armies, but there was a large amount of monsters and slave companies that had been raiding the lands. The princess of Babylon, had left early enough to avoid all of these problems. That didn't make the journey any less perilous for her and her warriors. The roads that led to Camelot were becoming infested with magic beasts and raiders. The occasional ranger from Camelot could be seen escorting and protecting different travelers along the road. It was on the road to Camelot, that the princess of Babylon began to notice the changes beginning to take place throughout the world. On the side of the road, she noticed that the leaves on the trees were beginning to change colors, as if the seasons were beginning to change rapidly. Deeper into the trees, she noticed an oasis that had not been there before. After inspecting the water further, it was found that it was full of magic. Princess Lilith was unique, as she was a magic researcher and was quite knowledgable about many things regarding it. However, whatever was happening to cause the changes to the land was beyond her current knowledge. She prayed that these changes were limited to her current location, because if they weren't, then that meant that something was about to change.
Elsewhere, two sisters were busy cleaning up the shrine that they were instructed to maintain. Despite the current situation of the world, the lands from which they hailed was still relatively peaceful. The two were previously shrine maidens of a different shrine located within a busy town. On the northern most edge of the town, atop a tall hill, sat the shrine that they had previously been in charge of. Their mother sent them away on an important mission. As the eldest sister continued cleaning, the youngest began to speak. "I still don't understand why we have to wait for our brother here when we can just go to him. You get what I'm saying, don't you sis?"
The elder sister let out a sigh, "Of course I do, I'm just as eager to see him as you, but you know what mother said. We are to await his arrival here regardless of our feelings. Mother explained the consequences of seeking him out to us both, so rather than complain, you should focus on preparing for his arrival." The eldest sister explained in a calm and delicate voice. The youngest sister clicked her tongue and continued sweeping the ground.
"It's been a long time since we've seen each other. Excluding mother, do you think he'll be surprised at how much we've changed? I bet he'll have trouble recognizing us." she laughed to herself. "Of course, I would prefer if he didn't." She let out a deep sigh, the smile she had on her face disappeared. "I just wish that we would be reuniting under better circumstances." The eldest sister walked over and placed her hand atop her shoulder.
"It's been awhile since we've been together, so I'm sure that he's changed as well sis. No matter how much appearances changes, I'm sure that he'll remain the person we remember, and the same goes for us. And whatever the circumstances, we should just be happy that we'll be together afterwards. So, don't be saddened sister, mother assured us that we will remain together afterwards. We won't have to worry about being separated ever again." The two sisters hugged each other, calming the heart of the youngest. The eldest looked up at the sky, noticing that the blue sky was dotted with clouds that seemed to have remained since the previous day. Not only that, but it seemed that more clouds were beginning to form as well. Her heart was beginning to grow a bit unsteady at the prospect of her brother having to weather the coming storm without the two of them. She closed her eyes as she hugged her sister, reminding herself that their brother was strong, and that he would make it through without them.
To the west was a range of mountains that acted as a small land bridge between the main continent and the unexplored western expanse known as Godsreach. While land bridge was narrow, it's reach was far. The Western Federation's capitol was located south of the first mountain that made up the range known as the Sky Piercer Mountain Range. The first, and highest, of the mountains was called Mount Eros. The top of the mountain housed multiple shrines and temples dedicated to the deities of love. Most of the time, the only people here would be the priests, priestesses, and the followers who had made the pilgrimage up the mountain. However, on this day, all of the chosen children of the deities of love had gathered within the main hall of the Temple of Aphrodite. The one who had called everyone together for this conference was the Sir Robin of the Western Federation, chosen child of Aphrodite. The reason for the meeting was simple, to decide what stance Mount Eros would take in the this upcoming war. However, Robin had to be sure that everyone knew what was coming before they could decide, as he didn't know if the others had been informed by their respective deities. The first to speak at this meeting, was the chosen child of Branwen, Brianna Kirktown.
"Sir Robin, all the children of Mount Eros have arrived. While I have an idea about the reason why, the others may not, so I believe we should begin the conference." Robin knew that Brianna was informed of the coming war, as the city she ruled over was next to the domain of Ulrich. Robin stood after Brianna spoke and looked out at the different representatives that had gathered. This conference would decide the fates of many people.
"Yes, we will now begin. The reason I have called you all here is to discuss a matter of great importance. Recently, Belvedere was infiltrated and the person in charge was assassinated, as well as other important nobles and officials. It was done by a woman named Nina Kay, a knight of the Round Table of Camelot." The hall began to be filled with hushed voices and whispers. Only a few people seemed unfazed by the information. Robin continued, "I was able to confront her in the city and she told me something that I couldn't believe, at least not until I confirmed it with my goddess." Robin looked around at the table, "There is a great war coming, a war unlike any other that has ever been. A war that threatens our place here on earth. The gods wish to turn our home into a battlefield where they may wage their war. Many innocent people will die if they aren't protected because the gods do not care if most of humanity dies during this war. Now, I wish to know where all of you, my brothers and sisters, stand on this matter? I already know what I will do when this war comes, I will protect those whom my goddess loves and blesses." After a few moments of silence, Brianna finally decided to speak.
"My goddess spoke to me and informed me of the situation some time ago. Initially, I was hesitant to take part in this, I wanted to reinforce Canterbury and hide out until all was over. That all changed when I heard King Ulrich Pendragon's speech and his resolve to see this through made me see that I couldn't just sit this one out. Branwen wants me to protect everyone, so that is what we will do, the forces of Canterbury, the knights of Branwen will fight. I know that we will be fighting an uphill battle during this war, but I'm sure that together we can make sure we protect the people our respective gods wish to protect. So, what will you all do?" Brianna's words didn't fall on deaf ears. This whole situation was something that each of the representatives knew couldn't be avoided. Everyone seemed to be in agreement on what to do next, that was when one representative stood up.
A knight in golden armor stood from her chair, "Some of you may be unsure, allow me to assuage your fears a bit. We will not be standing alone, gods will be on our side during this war. This war can be won. If it's a fight that they want, then my forces will give them a fight. I know we all want the same thing and that Mount Eros will fight and protect the innocent. As such, Robin, Brianna, the chosen child of Ishtar shall stand with you as your general. The Order of Ishtar is at your full disposal." After Alaya, chosen of Ishtar, finished her statement, the others within the room all stood from their chairs. Each member, including Alaya and Brianna, took off their respective pendants, each representing the deity they served, and placed them on the table in front of them. Alaya and the rest of the representatives all looked towards Robin, with Alaya asking one simple question, "Well, when do we get started?"
At the gates of Camelot, Alicia, Nina, Leanna, and Eve all gathered together. The four began making their way out of the gates, Alicia informing the soldiers who had gathered to stay on standby, as the strange feeling she and the others had felt familiar and unthreatening. Nina spoke first as they made their way to the source on horseback. "This strange feeling, whatever it is, we need to be on guard regardless if it feels familiar or not. Alicia, be sure to remain behind Leanna and me, if any fighting breaks out, return to the castle with Eve."
"I don't think that'll happen cousin. I have a feelin' that we're headin' towards a friendly. The closer we get, the stronger the feelin'." Leanna knew that the others felt the same way, but she knew that Nina was just being cautious. "Richard should be there already, so we'll know if we have to fight or not when we see him."
"No matter what happens, we fight together and overpower them with numbers. We can't afford to have anyone else injured. So, no matter what happens, we all return together." Alicia spoke with more confidence than she had before, Leanna and Nina both looked at each other before turning back and nodding to Alicia. As they rode further and further, Leanna realized that Robert had exceptional vision. She wondered if he was able to shoot his arrows as far as he could see. She waved her hand towards the gate, believing that he would send a message if he could see her. As she began to shake her head in doubt, she noticed an arrow pass by her head, landing on the side of the road. Despite being impressed at his marksmanship, Leanna turned around on her horse and stuck her tongue out towards the gate.
As Alicia rode on her horse, she noticed that the distant sky was changing. The red hues of the coming evening were beginning to grow as red as Maria's hair. The clouds on the horizon seemed to not be moving, rather, they seemed trapped, growing like a parasite on the blue sky. With Excalibur on her hip, she began to think about some of the things that she learned with Viviane. The sword was still heavy, though she could tell that it was much lighter than when she first picked it up. As she began to channel her magic through her body, like Viviane taught her, the four of them had begun to come up over a hill. They then saw the two women that Robert had mentioned to them. Surrounding them was Richard's troops. Richard was dismounted and standing a few feet away from the two of them, his lance in his hands.
As they grew closer, Richard stepped backwards, not turning his back until he was behind his troops. The four stopped and dismounted as Richard approached. "Sir Richard, what is the situation here?" Richard bowed his head before replying.
"Princess Alicia, my troops and I arrived awhile ago. They had already stopped by the time we arrived, so we simply landed and approached them. The reason we have them surrounded is simple, the two of them are incredibly powerful. When I asked them to identify themselves, they simply replied that they would wait for you milady. To be specific, they said they would wait until the king came. Rather than explain that it would be impossible, I decided I would wait for someone of the royal family to come. I didn't expect all of you to come, but I'm glad you did. Perhaps they'll speak to you." Alicia was slightly puzzled that they said they would wait, as if they knew someone would come. Nina and Leanna both had the same thoughts.
"Thank you Sir Richard, stay on standby, Nina is worried that it could be dangerous. Leanna, stay by my side when I approach them. Nina, stay by Eve and ready your bow. I'm going to speak with them." Alicia then walked towards the two women. Taking note of their appearances. As she grew closer, all three could feel that strange feeling growing stronger with each step. Alicia and Leanna crossed the line of troops and, despite the distance between the red woman and them, she had instantly closed the distance between them. Leanna was about to grab her sword but something within her stopped her. The same happened to Nina, who had stopped aiming her bow, despite thinking that it was an attack. The woman grabbed both Leanna and Alicia and pulled them both into a tight hug, while also smiling at Nina.
"All three of you sure have grown up. I haven't visited since you were born little Alicia." All three all had puzzled looks on their faces. Before the troops attacked, Alicia signaled with her hand to stand down. Before any of them could ask anything, the woman spoke again with a big smile on her face. "I'm sorry to confuse all of you, my name is Vera and I guess you could say that I'm like your grandmother."