Good afternoon, readers! I am back with another new fanfiction! As you may have already guessed, this is a direct sequel to Beauty and the War: The Union of Fates, based on Poison Apple Tales' game, Beauty and the War. I am very excited to be working on this, as well as a couple other projects I have going on at the same time. So, if you liked the first story, I hope you are looking forward to what is to come! Without further ado, please enjoy the first chapter!

A pair of Valkyrie stalked through the trees, their eyes scanning the area as they quietly carried out their hunt. They normally took wolves with them, but as of late, Wildfire preferred to keep the wolves closer to camp. They had all been on edge as of late, and even the pair of experienced hunters felt uneasy at the unusual stillness, the heavy silence that had been cast over the wood.

They finally heard a sound, one shooting an arm out to halt the other. She looked over her shoulder, putting a finger to her lips. She then crouched down lower, moving forward until what she spotted stopped her dead in her tracks.

A Trold.

Their gazes locked, each wary of the other. The Valkyrie noticed the Trold seeming to surprisingly submit to their presence rather than take the offensive. He seemed as if he was about to retreat when his eye caught something, straightening up a bit. He slowly reached for his hunting knife, his calloused fingers tightening around the handle. The Valkyrie felt an adrenaline rush when she suspected the Trold was about to attack. She decided on the count of three, she would take the Trold by surprise and attack first.

One.

Two.

Three-

Her blade had been unsheathed, about to dash forward. When a scream erupted from behind her however, she whirled around as she realized, to her horror, that her comrade had been attacked by something else. She emitted a battle cry, charging towards the other Valkyrie as she was assaulted. As she did, the Trold suddenly came between them, flipping over the first Valkyrie to slay the other's attacker. She gasped for air, her eyes rolling up as dark essence wisped into the air and disappeared. The first caught her, furrowing a brow as she saw she was nearly lifeless. She glanced up at the Trold, who looked at her unsurely. In response, she simply nodded.

The small exchange only lasted a moment, however.

Another dark creature silently sped into the clearing, but it was not alone. The Valkyrie hopped to her feet, the Trold watching as she fought. She sliced one, two, three-

Then a fourth formed its hand into the shape of a point, seeming to stab her with it.

She emitted a shrill cry, the Trold widening his eyes as it seemed to drain the life from her. She fell to the ground like a rag doll, and the remaining creatures slowly turned to address the Trold. When they did however, they saw he had vanished, speeding deeper into the woods.

They were not the only hunters anymore- Trold, Valkyrie and Hulder battling each other for food and resources and constantly making blood baths of one another.

Not one drop of blood had been shed.

And they had become the hunted.

Ambrosia opened her eyes, finding herself in a place she was all but unfamiliar with. She began to wander aimlessly as she traversed what felt like a cage of plaster and asbestos. The floor was covered in filth and dust. The paint of the walls peeled in layers. The stale air carried the scent of death, devoid of life. She felt trapped, alone, any small sound making her jump. She then heard the sound of someone crying. She turned the corner to see a young girl with strawberry blonde hair moving through the halls.

"Miss? Please, let me help you." Ambrosia called out softly. "Are you also lost?"

The girl turned, Ambrosia gasping when she saw the girl had a large gash across her neck. She looked around, furrowing a confused brow.

"Who are you?" The girl asked. "Are you the last one?"

"I- I-... how are you-... your neck..."

"How did you come here? Did she get you too?" The girl asked.

"I'm not sure what you mean... who are you speaking of?"

"Her... the one who brought us here. She lied to all of us. She made us like this. Now we're stuck here forever. There's nothing here... not even time. Look." The girl led Ambrosia to one of the barred windows. Beyond it was an endless world of thick fog. "We're trapped here forever. She used us for what she needed us for, and now we're here."

"I do not know what this place is... or who you are. I don't know how I came here... the feeling I have right now, the feeling of being trapped, it seems disturbingly familiar, though." Ambrosia replied.

Just then, a sound was heard from the corridor. "She's coming." The girl frowned.

"Oh dear... please, I can help-" Ambrosia froze when at the end of the corridor, a sinister young woman appeared, her head bowed as she dragged an axe.

"Who in the hell is that?" She spoke upon stopping.

"She came to us. She says she can help." The first spoke quietly.

"We're not getting out of here. When are you going to get that?"

"But she's different... she can't be the third one, she would have-"

"We're fucking dead!" She snapped her head up, bullet wounds riddling her as she tightened her lips. She acted as if she were possessed, her movements sharp and rigid. "What shit are you putting in her head, huh?!" She shouted at Ambrosia. "I'm the only one she needs, you hear me?!" She began to storm down the hall.

"Please, I didn't mean to offend you..." Ambrosia said as she backed up. The crazed woman stopped a few feet from her.

"Get... away... from her."

"Mary, she was just-"

"Shut up. If she doesn't belong here, it's going to come. What, I'm not good enough for you?! The only reason you've survived this long is because of me! ME!" She shrieked. She grabbed her, pointing the axe at Ambrosia with one hand and kept the first girl close with the other. "You're not the last one. Why the hell are you here?"

"I... I haven't any idea myself..." She gasped with fright then when suddenly, an alarm sounded. The young woman hissed.

"Amanda, let's go. Amanda!" Mary shouted, grabbing her hand and dragging her down the corridor. Ambrosia frowned as the space seemed to darken. She heard a sound, slowly turning around.

"Ambrosia." Her name was spoken, as if coming from the walls itself as darkness spread, consuming everything. The voice sounded familiar. "You will lose your name."

Ambrosia found that she could not move. She could not even breathe.

When the darkness swallowed her up, she could no longer feel anything. She could not think.

Then, she saw it. She could barely interpret his form beside hers, but she was sure it was him.

Then, she no longer was.

"Ambrosia." Wind spoke her name as he shook her. "Hey, come on." When she suddenly awoke in a frenzy, Wind widened his eyes, pinning her down. "Ambrosia. Ambrosia, look at me." He forced her head to look at him, holding her steady until she began to calm. After a few moments of silence, he spoke. "What did you see?"

Ambrosia took a moment to catch her breath. "I... I- I saw..."

"Look at me." He said firmly. "Nothing's happening to you while I'm here."

"... I saw the end."

"The end? Can you be a little more specific?" He said flatly.

"I... cannot. Everyone, everything... that's... what it wants. That's why she is coming. The last thing I saw, heard, felt, was her name. All that was left of me, of anything, was just her. Wait... no... there was another."

"Who was it? Concentrate." Wind said.

"... The other human."

Wind scooped her up, carrying her out of her bedroom. The others would have to know. Just as he was about to bring her by the hearth, Chase nearly ran them over.

"Wind, Ambrosia, you're not going to believe it, you're not going to guess what happened!" He exclaimed.

"Shut up, you idiot! I don't have time for this, Ambrosia-"

"Kapra's been freed! Kapra is going to be okay!" Chase beamed. "We have to go see her!"

"We're not going anywhere right now. If you would shut up for a second and listen, I'm trying to tell you that-"

"We must go to her." Ambrosia suddenly said. "There is something I must tell her."

"... You're telling me that you want me to go to the Hulder territory? Again?" Wind asked flatly.

"What is all of this noise?!" Jasmine exclaimed, coming into the room. "Oh for goodness sakes Imugi, can you at least pretend to be decent with my cousin?"

"Did somebody die?" Rosemary was heard asking from down the hallway.

"Will everyone stop talking for one damn second?! Ambrosia had a vision." Wind said, silencing everyone for a moment.

"What... kind of vision?" Jasmine frowned worriedly, not liking the worn expression Ambrosia was wearing.

Kapra woke in a cocoon of comfort and warmth, glancing over to see Vikor still slumbering. She quietly got up, about to go to the dining hall to take some food back upstairs when she stopped by her former room. She lingered for a moment, deciding to look inside. When she opened the door, she blinked when she saw, to her surprise, dozens upon dozens of beautiful flowers inside. She slowly approached them, admiring all the exotic flora, the colors. She smiled to herself, only pausing when she thought she heard someone approach. She turned to see Arsenik appear in the doorway.

"Do you like them, miss Kapra?" He asked, taking a step closer.

"Arsenik, you... you did this?"

"It is a symbol of the life that has returned here with you. The happiness it brings me. I felt utterly devoid of it when you were gone. This place was devoid of it as well." He said.

Kapra's expression softened. "Arsenik... this is... thank you."

He smiled gently, taking her hands. "There is no need to thank me. It is the least I could do." He gently drew her into a hug, petting her hair. Kapra smiled as she hugged him back. For the first time in what seemed like an age, Arsenik felt more like himself again.

Just then, the door opened unexpectedly.

"Kapra, darling." Pyramus said as he shot a look at Arsenik. "You must be starving."

"Oh, hey Pyramus... actually, I am. I was going to get something for Viktor and I. Coming with?"

"But of course." He replied. "Am I... interrupting something?"

"We were just finishing up our conversation." Arsenik said as his jaw tightened. "Indeed, Kapra must refuel. I shall fetch you some fresh clothes in the meantime."

Pyramus watched him with narrowed eyes before loosely draping an arm around her. Kapra rose a brow as they headed down. "Two of you still don't like each other?"

"Something seems... off." Pyramus responded. They went down to get some food, Kapra heading back up. As she did, she turned the corner to see Ravyn coming down the corridor. He stopped, his eyes burning when he saw her.

"Hey... Ravyn." Kapra said as he clenched his fists. He grew more enraged by the second, about to storm towards her when someone else approached.

"Oh, good morning, Ravyn." Viktor greeted politely, having woken. "Ah, you see Kapra has returned to us." He smiled.

"... Yes. Indeed she has." He spat, saying nothing more as he stormed down the hall. Both blinked in surprise as he did so.

"What's his problem?" Kapra asked.

"Oh, that's just how he is sometimes, I suppose... anyhow, you didn't have to do this, Kapra. I should be tending to you, especially after what you've endured." He took the tray, the pair going back to his room. He set it down, seeming to want to say something. After a few moments of contemplating, he took Kapra by surprise by leaning forward to give her a small, but lingering kiss before smiling widely. Kapra slowly smiled as well, giggling as Viktor laughed lightly. "Forgive me, it's just..."

"Hey, I'm not complaining." Kapra giggled. "It feels surreal... being back here."

"I feel the same. I can hardly believe it's true." Viktor replied. "Oh... I must give this back to you. It stopped showing the words sometime yesterday... it brought me great comfort while you were away." He withdrew the kindle, handing it to Kapra. "'Romeo and Juliet...' a story of love found in tragedy, or perhaps tragedy found in love. It reminded me of our circumstance."

Kapra sighed lightly, holding his hands. "Viktor, I'm never going to leave your side again."

"I certainly hope not... I don't know what I would do with myself." Viktor frowned.

"Well... I'm going to need your help. Now more than ever. The king freed me with a stipulation."

Viktor's heart sank. "What... kind of stipulation?"

Just then, Arsenik knocked on the door. "Forgive me, but I wish to have a discussion with the two of you, and... Pyramus." He said his name with an unpleasant tone. "If you are ready, please follow me." Kapra and Viktor glanced at one another before doing so, seating themselves inside a small room. "Miss Kapra... your return to us is not only miraculous, but it is a relief and a blessing. My hope is that you can remain here going forward, but it is critical that I know what transpired while you were residing at the palace. I would like to have some idea of how can help in your recovery."

"I... appreciate that. But... I can't just rest now. There is something very important I have to do-" She was cut off by a knock at the door, a Hulder entering the room.

"Forgive me sir, but a miss Ambrosia of the Phoenix wishes to see you-..." He cleared his throat. "And she is accompanied by a Trold and an Imugi."

Arsenik groaned. "Oh, for heaven's sake-... send them in."

Viktor stiffened as they entered, keeping a close eye on Chase as he instinctively moved closer to Kapra. Chase scoffed as he noticed this.

"Calm down, I'm not here to hurt her. Fjols..." He muttered.

"Kid, shut up and sit down." Wind snapped, making sure Ambrosia was seated.

"Imugi, there are other seats." Arsenik said flatly.

"I'm gonna stand. Don't give me that look. Trust me, I wouldn't be in this gas chamber if Ambrosia didn't insist on me coming with her." Wind curled his lip.

"Well, Imugi, if she requires an escort, I can assign one of my-"

"Not happening." Wind cut him off.

Arsenik blinked in surprise. "You act as if she is your mate or something akin, Imugi." He narrowed his eyes.

"And if she is?" Wind said, taking Arsenik aback.

Kapra shook her head. "Okay, if you're all finished bickering, I think there's an important reason that we're all here."

"My apologies, miss Kapra... on both mine and the Imugi's behalf." Arsenik shot him a look. While he was arguing with Wind, he hadn't noticed Chase staring at him suspiciously. "Miss Ambrosia, tell me. In what way can I assist you today?"

"Ambrosia, don't look into his eyes too long." Chase whispered. He hissed soon after when Wind pinched his shoulder with his sharp nails.

"Y- Yes, sir Arsenik... I have come because last night, I... I had a terrifying vision. I do believe I came into contact with the first two sacrifices of the prophesy you spoke of. The one which lady Kapra is unfortunately involved with."

Arsenik leaned forward a bit. "What did they tell you, miss Ambrosia? No wonder you appear so fatigued..."

"They are trapped in a horrid place which they cannot escape. A place of death and decay. An unspeakable foulness. Then... it happened. I heard a voice... a familiar voice..." She glanced over at Pyramus, who had been quiet the entire time. "... it said... that I will lose my name. Then, I was swallowed up in darkness. I could not longer see, hear, feel, even think. I no longer existed. I had become a part of something much greater. I fear... that this is the fate of all of us if we are to fail in stopping the dark ones."

The room was silent for a moment. Then, an unlikely voice broke the silence.

"She is not wrong." Pyramus said, everyone looking towards him. "That is what will happen to you. Your world. All worlds. But it will begin here... on the lovely Virgo Island."

"Not if I have anything to say about it." Chase piped.

"I'm sure you have plenty to say about it, Trold- however, I should like to hear miss Kapra's input on this." Arsenik said. "But first, if you would answer my prior question to you... I meant what I said earlier. Your recovery is my greatest priority to me right now."

"And my greatest priority is making sure everyone lives." Kapra replied. "The drama that happened in the palace is just that, drama. The King released me with one request. Unite the clans." She looked around the room. "If a small group of people can't even go five minutes without bickering and arguing, then I've got a hell of a task on my hands."

"Tch. You say that like it's a surprise." Wind said. "Look. You may like making friends with everybody, and I already know someone like that..." He glanced at Ambrosia. "But I'm going to tell you the same thing I told her. It's not going to happen."

"Because none of you WANT that to happen. But if you don't start putting your differences aside, the dark ones don't discriminate. They'll kill you regardless of what clan you're from." Kapra said.

"Well, good luck with that." Wind replied.

"I'm not doing this alone." Kapra said. "I'm going to need the cooperation of everyone in this room to start."

"You already know you have the Hulder's full cooperation, miss Kapra." Arsenik said. "I will ensure that happens."

"Well... I don't know about my clan, but you can count on me! If I have to put up with the Hulder, then I'll do it if it means helping you." Chase said.

"I will do what I can to convince the elders to aid you, Kapra." Ambrosia smiled. "I will do my best to make sure you have the support of the Phoenix as well."

"Look." Wind said. "I'm going to be the realistic one here. First off, the Imugi isn't going to agree to one thing you say. In fact, they'll probably threaten death if you come anywhere near our caves. They owe you nothing, and they owe the other clans nothing. So, they're not going to budge. Secondly, there's one clan we're all forgetting here. You think the Valkyrie are honestly going to get on board with this? That raging lunatic they call their queen would make every person in this room grovel before she even lifted a finger."

"Be that as it may, Imugi, even Wildfire cannot deny that there is an imminent threat against us all. Refusing to cooperate would result in unnecessary death." Arsenik interjected.

"Hold on a second." Kapra said before turning to Wind. "You're absolutely right, at least about your people, Wind." She said as he rose a brow. "However... that's going to change very quickly."

"Oh yeah? Well, unless you've got something catastrophic up your sleeve, like I already said, it's not going to happen."

"No." Kapra smiled. "Quite the opposite, actually. I convinced the King to free the Imugi servants, to let them return to their people."

Wind rose his brows slowly, and for a moment, he seemed impressed. Ambrosia glanced up at him hopefully, and the pair of Hulder glanced at one another warily. Suddenly, a manly laugh filled the room, surprising everyone as Wind let his head fall back. However, it was a cynical laugh, not one of humor. "Wow. I didn't think you could stoop that low."

"Wait, that was funny? Did I miss something?" Chase scratched his head. "I've NEVER seen Wind laugh before. It's... kind of scary, actually."

"You honestly think I'm going to believe that? Alright. I don't know who you think you're trying to impress, but you better not say something like that to me again unless you mean it. I don't care how desperate you are. Otherwise, you'll be on the sticking end of THESE." He held up his claws. "Come on, Ambrosia. What little respect I had for this girl is gone."

Ambrosia blinked. "But Wind, this is- it's wonderful! Are you not pleased that she was able to-"

"No, Ambrosia. That girl doesn't know who she's trying to fool. Let me give you some advice, Kapra." Wind spat. "Lying isn't going to help anyone. You can ask mister prim and proper over here glaring daggers at me about that."

Kapra frowned. "Wind... I'm telling you, I'm not lying. We're friends, I would never do that to you-"

"We are NOT friends. It's YOUR fault that this is all happening in the first place, yours and mister silent and deadly over there." He motioned to Pyramus. "You think you saved my life that day you came here? Guess what- I don't need you, and I have never needed you. You're more trouble than you're worth."

Kapra frowned deeply. "Well then... guess that's it, then." She said with a hint of bitterness. "You know, physical strength isn't everything, Wind. If you think that's what makes someone worth something or not, you should have said that from the beginning. I'm sorry that I thought after all this time you would have at least trusted me. You all want to fight among yourselves and kill each other, then be my guest. In the meantime, I'm going to figure out a way to make sure this island isn't hurled into oblivion." She said before excusing herself, swiftly leaving the room.

Viktor got to his feet then. "How DARE you speak to her that way! You haven't a clue what she put herself through for the sake of those she-"

"Viktor, let him go. I would expect no less from an ANIMAL." Arsenik spat. "Miss Ambrosia, I highly suggest you avoid this ruffian-"

"Stop talking to her. Ambrosia, let's go." Wind said, stopping when she hesitated. "Ambrosia, you're either coming with me now or I'm leaving by myself."

"Hey, what about me?" Chase asked, Wind shooting him a look. "Look, Wind... Kapra wouldn't lie. She's not like the Hulder."

"Shut up." Wind said. "We're going."

"I mean it! If Kapra says it's true then it has to be! She's always looked out for us. You can't stay mad at her. If she freed your people, then-"

"I said shut up!" Wind roared. "You think that some little weasel could pull that off?! You think they wouldn't have freed themselves already from the cage they're trapped in?!" Ambrosia stared in shock; she had never seen Wind this upset.

Before anyone could respond further, the Hulder from earlier returned, clearing his throat uncomfortably before addressing Arsenik. "Forgive me sir, but I just received this proclamation from the King. He is asking the leaders from each clan to acknowledge its receipt and understanding of its terms."

Arsenik hesitated for a moment before taking it, warily reading it over. As he did so, his eyebrows rose. Ambrosia took gentle hold of Wind's arm, preventing him from storming out of the room. After a few moments of tense silence, Arsenik looked up, extending his arm to Wind.

"... Why are you handing this to-"

"Imugi, unless you wish to make a greater fool of yourself, hold your forked tongue and read the parchment." Arsenik snapped boldly.

Wind growled, snatching it. "You high and mighty twerps and your fancy paperwork..." He growled, his eyes scanning over it. As he did, his eye movements slowed, his expression shockingly beginning to soften. He furrowed his brows, drawing his head back a bit in disbelief. "This has got to be a trick." He allowed Ambrosia to look upon it.

"Hey, um..." Chase went to speak, but one look from Wind silenced him.

"This is no trick, Wind... do you see? That is the King's official seal and signature." Ambrosia pointed out gently, smiling. "It seems that she does not cease to bring miracles to Virgo Island. If anyone is to inspire the union of clans here, it will be her."

Wind slowly looked up, handing Arsenik back the parchment. "Well, guess that was pretty damn good timing."

"Um, guys?" Chase asked.

"This proclamation from the King is describing his decree that all Imugi servants are to be freed immediately without question." Arsenik clarified. "It states that he came to this determination with the help of the foreigner who has provided him with enrichment and an understanding nature."

"I do believe Kapra is owed an apology, Imugi." Viktor snapped at Wind.

"Guess I can't argue with that." Wind sighed. "I'd do that, but she isn't here."

"Guys, um, I've been trying to tell you... the other human kind of disappeared." Chase said, everyone looking to the empty seat.

"Curse that- Viktor, find him immediately and-"

"Looking for us?" Pyramus said then, an arm around Kapra's shoulders. "I told her that things were being resolved... and that the... Imugi, is it? He has some lovely things to say to her." Pyramus shot Wind a look from under his blanket. "You may look big and tough, mon ami... but upset her like that again and you will know the meaning of hell. I do not fear men who don't know how to treat a lady right." He said as Viktor quietly ushered Kapra away from him, glancing at Pyramus warily. Wind rolled his eyes at him before sighing, addressing Kapra.

"Look. You can see why I had a hard time believing that. I felt insulted, actually. How in the hell did you manage to get that scum to do it? What in the hell did you trade?"

"I already told you." Kapra replied. "He wants me to unite the clans and help the Vi destroy this evil." Kapra said. Wind slowly sat down.

"That can't be all of it." He said.

Kapra hissed out a laugh. "Oh, right. Apparently I'm more trouble than I'm worth."

Wind looked at her flatly. "Alright... you want to throw that back in my face, then-"

"I am tired of being doubted by someone every time I turn around!" Kapra exclaimed then. "My whole life I have been told that I can't do something or I'm not good enough. If you're so big and strong, then why didn't you free your people yourself?!"

Wind stared at her silently for a moment, everyone holding their breath. He finally leaned back a bit. "You've got me in a box." He let his head fall back for a moment before sitting up straighter. "I'm sorry. Guess I'm the idiot for once."

"You were the first person I came into contact with on this island, Wind. And when I saw you, even though I had no idea who you are I was hell bent on saving you because I didn't want to be responsible for anyone else dying. Was I scared? Of course. I barely trust other humans. You could have killed me with one blow, but I already told you that physical strength isn't the only kind of strength out there."

Wind's expression softened. "I guess you're right." He said lowly. "Maybe... you being there that day wasn't a bad thing. And... maybe you've had a worse time than I'm giving you credit for." Silence passed for several moments. "Tell me how you got the king to do it. I want to know."

"Wow... Wind's never apologized for anything before..." Chase said aloud. "That's... kind of scary too."

Kapra nodded. "There was one servant there... I had helped her when that bastard Alexandrite tried to hurt her. I made her a promise that I would help her and the Imugi people, and I was going to do what I had to in order to keep that promise. If we're going to have any chance of putting up a good fight, we HAVE to work together. Mist was able to see that... and now-"

"Hold on a second." Wind said, leaning forward a bit. "What name did you say?"

"... Mist?" Kapra said, clearing her throat.

"Is something the matter? I really must be missing something." Chase said. "Never saw Wind make that expression either. He's really creeping me out today."

"Do you have any idea who she is?" Wind asked.

"... An Imugi?" Kapra blinked.

"She's not just any Imugi, Kapra." He said. "She's our chief's daughter. She's one of the strongest of our clan."

Kapra was silent for a moment, shifting a bit in her chair. "She... didn't mention that."

"I figured she didn't." Wind leaned back a bit. "Guess I was wrong about you."

"You see? We're already making progress." Ambrosia smiled.

"It would seem so... it's about time." Arsenik said. "Miss Kapra, do you have any specific plans set to move forward with your task?"

"Well... I will have to visit each clan individually and try to gain their cooperation. I guess I learned I have a better chance with the Imugi now than I thought." She smiled, and surprisingly, Wind smiled back.

"Perhaps the Trold here should speak to his clan before you wander among them unprotected, Kapra." Viktor said. "They would happily devour you before you get a word in edgewise."

Chase shot a glare at Viktor then. "At least my clan isn't putting some spell on her!"

Viktor was taken aback by this. "What are you accusing us of now, Trold?"

"Guys, come on." Kapra sighed.

"I saw it, that night she was taken by the king in the first place! Which by the way, is YOUR clan's fault to begin with!"

"I am handling that situation and you will cease this banter immediately." Arsenik said with a hint of tension.

"Yeah, you're one to talk. You were the one doing the glowy eyes thing on Kapra in that room while you were sucking on her face! I wouldn't be surprised if you wrote that letter yourself-"

Viktor suddenly rose from his seat, narrowing his eyes. "You will not speak against my uncle again. Your savage clan has taken too much from me. You will not take away my uncle's reputation."

"Oh, because he wasn't the one who caused so many of my people to be poisoned during the wars." Chase growled. "Both my parents were killed by your miserable clan."

"As mine were slain by YOUR vicious clan." Viktor spat. "My uncle would never defile Kapra or any woman in such a manner. Unlike your people, he knows the meaning of decency and I will not believe you for a moment."

"Viktor, enough." Arsenik said. "Sit down."

It took a moment, but Viktor finally did so. "Chase, I know you're upset, but Viktor and Arsenik aren't the ones you should be upset with." Kapra said, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Kapra, I'm not lying. You want all the clans to work together? How is anyone supposed to work with the Hulder when all they do is lie? They're doing it right now!"

"Chase." Kapra sighed. "I know... you're always looking out for me. We have bigger problems than this right now. I don't want you to watch your family die. I don't want to watch any of you die."

Chase made a face. "Fine. But just know I'm only doing this for you." He said, shooting a look at the Hulder present.

"Miss Kapra, I once again apologize on the Trold's behalf. He is making things unnecessarily difficult despite claiming to be your friend. However, perhaps he can at least assist you with the difficult task of gaining his clan's cooperation." He glanced around the room. "So. If all issues are resolved here... then I suppose we can all come to an agreement to aid miss Kapra?"

"Fine by me." Wind said.

"I'll help Kapra. And Ambrosia. And Wind. Maybe that guy over there, even though he's a bit odd." Chase said, Pyramus raising an amused brow.

"Very well. I did not... expect this meeting to transpire as it did, but perhaps something positive came out of it. Now, if we are done here, I have some personal matters I wish to address. Miss Ambrosia, do you require anything? Can I offer you something to eat or drink before you depart?"

"No thank you, sir Arsenik. I think Wind is eager to return home." Ambrosia smiled, taking his hand.

As they headed out, Chase's eyes shifted a bit, going over to Viktor when Arsenik gained Kapra's attention, requesting she follow him to speak privately.

"I have to tell you something." Chase said.

Viktor stopped, narrowing his eyes. "There is nothing further I wish to hear from you, Trold. Good day to you." He said before sticking his nose in the air.

"Hey. If you care at all about Kapra, I think you should listen. You didn't believe me the last time I tried to tell you something important."

"You have insulted my uncle in the worst possible way. I do not wish to listen to any more of your nonsense. The only reason I even allow you to speak to Kapra is because it is out of the kindness of her heart does she choose to remain civil with you. As my future wife I do not wish to cause her unnecessary pain-"

"Wait, WHAT?!" Chase exclaimed. "What did you say?"

"You heard me. Once this threat upon the island is averted, I plan to ask her for her hand. I cannot prevent her from speaking with you because I actually have the decency to treat her with respect, but I can at least ensure she is safe." He leaned forward a bit then, being unusually bold. "You will not cause her harm, Trold."

"How many times to have to tell you, I would never hurt Kapra! She's my friend, and I bet my life that if I could pry you away from her for a few days and get her away from your black magic, she would forget you in a heartbeat. She would see that I'M better."

"We're done here. Leave immediately or I will escort you out myself." Viktor said, turning to walk away. Chase clenched his teeth for a moment.

"Hey. Hang on a second, I meant what I said earlier! That night, Arsenik had Kapra under some spell that was putting her in some kind of trance." Chase said.

Viktor forced a laugh. "You continue to attempt to defame my uncle."

"Look, pal, if you would get your pointy nose out of your rear end for a second, you would see I'm trying to HELP you. And I'm not really trying to help you, but being you think you're Kapra's knight in shining armor or something..."

"Highly unlikely. As if you know anything about the Hulder and our ways, anyhow." Viktor said.

"Then how do I know out about your glowy eyes if I didn't actually see it in action, huh? Forget you. When Kapra's in trouble, I'LL just help her myself. Some good husband YOU'LL be. She deserves a heck of a lot better than you." He said, storming off.

Viktor was about to head in the opposite direction when Chase's last statement sunk in, hesitating a moment. He furrowed his brows in thought, shaking his head before continuing on his way.

Alright, take a deep breath! This was a lot to take in for the first chapter. Drama is already ensuing, but this is only the beginning! Will Kapra be able to unite the clans as more and more Virgo Island natives lose their lives to the growing forces of the Origin? Who else will stand in their way? What does Ambrosia's ominous vision mean for our heroes? Keep an eye out for updates! In the meantime, please leave your thoughts in a review, and thanks for reading!