Haleys, the Alfetaiyr Lord

(Hay-lee)

Haleys was renown for her title of Izn Alfeltaiyr (or the Thousand Blades Lord) earned from the harsh battles during her time serving under the Empress of Redraxruus. Upbeat and cheery, she enjoys a good duel but not the prospect of bringing upon death. Haleys may often look intimidating despite her bubbly and caring personality.

Always has an eye for something new and exciting, she may be a hard-working lord but she likes to take things easy whenever she has the chance; Haleys knows when to strike the work-life balance. Ever since the emergence of Galtagress era, she enjoys the comforts of a civil life better than that of Zasliija’s, the progressive ideology and idiosyncrasies in embracing equality after the Klesyirnus was something she had longed for since birth.

Backstory: The Childhood Friend Alignment Arc

***Born Different, Yet Alike***

Always the curious child and ever so open about her surroundings, Haleys would do well to talk with others regardless of race and faction but of course the Flaswynphter was a conservative hivemind. Her family was one of the few Hasoterns that were accepted into the Flaswynphter nation despite the prejudice that hung around in the air about the purity of a Flaswynphtera, and Haleys wanted to change that for the better. Her siblings however were not very keen on the idea of forcing other Flaswynphters to “open up” their hearts to other races especially when the Sevens were always at war with each other for the supremacy of control. Whether she liked it or not, her father sent Haleys to the Strateussul military academy that had begun accepting the Hasoterns for the first time. Everyone gave her an eye because of her traits bearing the Redraxruus feature and Haleys felt out of place, she tried her very best to be friends with others so that everyone likes her; it had worked for a while but Haleys had overheard conversations behind her back and she had felt more ostracised than ever. It did not help with the fact she excels in her studies because of how much passion she had in reaching the goal of peace, particularly her own self since she had barely any idea of what to look forward to,

One day, she had met Skysollaen who was being bullied because she bears the blood of an Ixeulian, Haleys defended her in an effort of battling against the injustice for the first time; fortunately, she was severely underestimated by her foes when she was challenged to a duel. Accepting the challenge, Skysollaen warned about her adversaries’ strengths and weakness; Haleys took advantage and put her blades to the test. She came out victorious and almost unscathed. And It was thanks to Skysollaen.

Both Skysollaen and Haleys quickly became friends afterwards, Haleys took the initiative of addressing it to the much reserved Skysollaen despite being anxious herself. At first Skysollaen was hesitant to open about her thoughts and feelings, but it didn’t take very long before Skysollaen talked comfortably with Haleys. They had both suffered from the indifference and prejudice, having own goals but not sure how to achieve them, and were very independent individuals. Despite the similarities they still are two different people, which both of them were aware of: having arguing in many things such as food, hobbies, interests, and sometimes crushes. However, Skysollaen did not have a crush or particular romantic interest, it caught Haleys by surprise eventually making her impulsive to try to understand why. Skysollaen didn’t like her attitude and stormed off to sulk elsewhere, they did not meet for a week. Haleys reflected on her actions and slowly realized that Skysollaen was very bothered so she went and apologized. They talked things out but Skysollaen’s words were caustic; Haleys was hurt but admitted her pressuring had overwhelmed Skysollaen. Skysollaen immediately felt guilty and did not want Haleys to take it the wrong way so she tried explaining her feelings. She emphasized that she did not want to blame Haleys.

Skysollaen was envious of Haleys, in many ways than she could count. Haleys was taken aback but was ready to listen more, Skysollaen continued with her story that Haleys could talk to other people easily, Haleys could do assignments perfectly without worrying too much on the outcomes, Haleys could fight even without Skysollaen’s help after seeing her duelmany times, Haleys could become a leader and direct others with management better than anyone, Haleys could do everything on her own. And Skysollaen hated tasting the very word “could” when she confided.

Haleys was silent. But she began to talk seriously, explaining that she was able to do things because she had to not because she was born with the necessary talents. Skysollaen did not understand so Haleys elaborated that the oppression became her driving force that led her to strive to better herself so that she could change the world (or at least part of it). Skysollaen scoffed, deeming peace was too idealistic; the nation was too conservative. Haleys added that was why she wanted to make the change, she realized that Redraxruus would have been open for diplomacy if it were not for the Flaswynphter’s stubborn patriotism that obsessed on domination for self-sustenance with their righteous mindset. Skysollaen laughed at how easily Flaswynphters could be manipulated. Haleys joined in the laugh, albeit sadly because of how true it was. Still in a way Skysollaen looked up on Haleys for being brave and always taking the initiative, Haleys had always admired Skysollaen’s keen eyes and the attention to detail to her surroundings. Often enough these two like to compete each other to see who can excel the best.

Skysollaen was sorry for being angry at Haleys but Haleys didn’t want to see her friend feeling guilty so she suggested that they should make a friendship bracelet. Skysollaen didn’t quite understand the sentiment behind the bracelet but they both still enjoyed making it.

Several students started spreading rumours of her family, the Hyllaveis family being traitorous to the nation. She had done enough investigation that these people were planning to frame Skysollaen and her family, with some digging it became apparent that having an Ixeulian in their nation was a threat despite the nation’s ideals on being purebreds. It seems that Flaswynphter was afraid of being different yet hesitant about the idea of having Ixeulians capable of destroying the nation with its own free will. Haleys wondered how to resolve these issues but Skysollaen had some ideas, she devised a set up for these targets. Haleys did not know the full details but she was compliant. When they both carried out the plan, one by one the targets were captured silently and be disposed off. A cover up story was made as Skysollaen persuaded news reporters with exciting stories of these target’s secrets that had never been unveiled to public. When all of the targets were removed from Skysollaen’s suspicion news went around about students of reputable families exploiting business secrets in an attempt to monopolise the economy of the nation, this new rumour then replaced over hers. It had worked in Skysollaen’s favour as she no longer need to worry about her enemies sabotaging her assignments and paperwork especially when it’s family related.

***Paths With Falling Brown Leaves***

Haleys did not enjoy the idea of killing these students no matter how wrong they were, it felt like both Haleys and Skysollaen were following their steps. Skysollaen deemed it necessary because leaving them alive will cause problems, the Hyllaveis family may be influential but everyone in the nation were more afraid of Ixeulians than any other Karrouxian races. Skysollaen knew that they will kill her, just as her relatives who had died out of “mysterious deaths”. She could see death everywhere she goes, so removing them from the equation was the solution to survive. There was one more problem left, a student who brought word that Skysollaen was responsible for the massive misinformation leak and deaths of the students. Haleys realised this last target was someone unaffiliated with any of the events, she knew because she was the one responsible for leaking the info but she didn’t want to reveal herself betraying her very friend. Even so, Haleys could not stand Skysollaen’s actions but it was too late. She had leaked it before knowing why Skysollaen was doing this. Why Skysollaen did not hate her, but herself. Herself as an Oliseqether. Someone born into as an Ixeulian who will be chained under the people’s fears and sovereignty.

She didn’t know how the kid became the prime suspect, so she confessed her actions because she didn’t need to witness anymore needless deaths. Skysollaen could not believe it, clenching her fists into despair Haleys wanted to explain but Skysollaen was furious, irrational, heartbroken, and most of all betrayed. There was nothing else to do but evaded Skysollaen’s attacks and fled when the authority finally came and apprehended Skysollaen.

Haleys felt guilty and had an insider to check on Skysollaen, what she didn’t realise was that the police were interrogating Skysollaen through violent means for her to admit the truth. The insider dug some files, she learnt that the police wanted to use several cases against the Hyllaveis family so that they will be stripped of their wealthy status completely. The head of the family refused to bail out Skysollaen, so the bureaucrats were not very satisfied with this turn of events and decided to kill the suspect. Haleys discovered something more about the council of the Flaswynphter; they kidnap innocent civilians particularly children to test them with experimental drug by using the police department to do their operations, the Strateussul was obviously not used because of the still ongoing Faction War. Something about cloning. None of these children survived from the test. Haleys contacted someone to prepare a network of information to spread this to the public anonymously including all the evidences she had acquired in her investigation. She then used this to blackmail the police so that they would release Skysollaen for helping the council kidnap innocent children. She added that she could sever the department’s funding even further by releasing sensitive documents related to them help supplying fake neuroflight enhancement drugs to the market that had caused permanent damage to the consumers’ wings; the council obviously wouldn’t want to be associated so if swayed by the public opinion the whole department will suffer major consequences. It matters because the Flaswynphtera are very proud of their flying capabilities.

When Haleys persuaded officers detaining Skysollaen, she was released. Haleys still released news on the crimes committed by the department and fled from the nation, lest being tracked by the whole nation but she was more afraid of facing Skysollaen’s wrath. She sought refuge taking along fellow Hasotern and Flaswynphter recruits who were unfit for the Strateussul academy. Her family had come along as well, fully knowing the consequences of Haleys actions but it was better this way. Despite the recruits not being the best Haleys arranged her comrades into efficient squads according to their talents and versatility. She was cooperative and tolerant, making her a competent leader. At first there were resistances and incompatibilities, but Haleys forced them to learn to cooperate, which eventually they grew to rely on each other to survive.

Haleys was not heading back to Redraxruus without a proper direction, her ancestry had long prepared a backup plan in case Hasoterns could not fit into the Flaswynphter. She was to bring a scroll to the Empress’ domain and seek refuge, in exchange of relaying all Flaswynphter information and teach the of the ways of the Atmos Sovereign’s war techniques. The journey was never easy, bandits and smaller factions had been met with the intent of kill or be killed, Haleys did try to spare at least a few but she learnt that the ideal peace she was obsessed it with were merely her being naïve, the losses she had suffered from made her even more resilient and careful about her actions. She did not want lose her trusted crew, so she embraced the reality and spill blood of her foes in hopes of a future without the needless bloodshed. Haleys did not know when that will happen but she tried to be optimistic no matter how grim things may be.

Along the way, she met retired mentors who’d be willing taught her how to fight and even met veteran Hasoterns who handed down techniques of using multiple blades. Hasotern and her company trained under them, she experimented the techniques and created new ones; her proudest was concealing weapons under her wings using a special accoutrement, custom made gears that will fit different weapons to suit the situation of the battle. She learnt a bit of Lifyrxian artes but she preferred depending on her abilities and weapons to do most of the work, although a certain technique was passed down to her that allows her to attune her Lifyrxia more naturally and bless herself with Spirit Arms. After experimenting, she realised that she could harness the potential and wield almost a hundred blades.

This technique she had realised was recognized by the Empress of the Redraxruus, Haleys was sent to fight the Saglinneth who wanted to spread the Ilgafyre Order; armed missionaries heading to a neutral nation next to Redraxruus, in that battle Haleys relied on her squads and proved herself worthy. It was challenging but they have emerged victorious. Haleys earned the title of Izn Alfetaiyr. She imagined Skysollaen making a snide remark about her achieving an honourable title quicker than her. Haleys looked at her bracelet, feeling indentation of the H and S initials that were drawn terribly.

***Soft Velvet Feathers***

Several years later, a Flaswynphter message reached the castle door. That message was Skysollaen herself. Donning the elegant but not too distracting uniform, immediately Haleys realized that it was a uniform of a commanding officer of the highest status in the Strateussul army. Or at least what it used to be. When she looked into her eyes, a sharp feeling cut through her bubbling joy. Skysollaen’s eyes were cold and could pierce through one’s soul, millions of words would have came out of her mouth and each of them never bode Haleys well. She held back her tongue.

Skysollaen was very amicable and generous to the Empress and the negotiations were being carried out with the leaders including Haleys. Skysollaen was surprised to see her, but Haleys knew she was faking it; almost too much. The kind that you wouldn’t look like you were being mean from an outside perspective, Haleys could feel the blame in the cordial tone of hers. When they talked private, Skysollaen told her how much she missed her but Haleys quickly cut her words so Skysollaen could drop the act. The smile on Skysollaen’s face dropped, Haleys accused that she probably came to the palace for revenge, what more reason Skysollaen needed. Skysollaen was taken aback, not able to make eye contact and quietly muttered: “You wouldn’t understand”.

Haleys did not expect this, she pressed on to learn what Skysollaen meant by that but she wouldn’t budge. Skysollaen left the quarters and Haleys suddenly felt the air thinning around her.

Skysollaen had succeeded in her negotiations and convinced the leaders to assign officers as delegates to show them the floating isles of Flaswynphter. Haleys was one of them, it had seemed Skysollaen wanted her to accompany as an escort. Everything about it just yells a trap, but Haleys could do nothing but adhere to the orders, it also can be an opportunity to learn Skysollaen’s motives better. They set off their journey to the neutral territories. Haleys asked Skysollaen about her uniform and learnt that it was custom made; she had removed the Flaswynphter Council for good and assumed control over the nation, particularly more toward the military as she had several other subordinates handle the economical side. Haleys confessed that she didn’t like Skysollaen’s way of resolving the issue in the academy, but after learning why Haleys realised that it might have been necessary. Even if it was wrong. Skysollaen also knew the one responsible for releasing from jail was her, Haleys wasn’t very good at covering her tracks. Haleys refocus back to Skysollaen’s motives in Redraxruus territory. Skysollaen said they were just making diplomatic relations like Haleys wanted about peace but Haleys knew that was a lie. Skysollaen relented but claimed that she couldn’t give the reason.

So she confronted Skysollaen once again, she asked what was really bothering her when Skysollaen was unable to face her, Haleys let herself vulnerable and tried to recall the favourite things she had done with Skysollaen. Skysollaen enjoyed competition more than anyone but has a bad habit of lacking sportsmanship, she had always wanted to be in control; and in control she had succeeded in a less conventional way. Sky was arrogant in sharing her feelings, she had always been like that. Frustrated, Haleys hit one of Skysollane’s nerve. Skysollaen lashed out without warning and accused that Haleys hated her just like everyone else. Suddenly, Skysollaen heard her own words and shrunk away but Haleys grabbed her hand not letting her go, saying sorry. Skysollaen hesitated but Haleys wanted her to be more honest. So more honest she became.

*Skysollaen began her story: she hated herself for being born into the world, she killed her family because they wanted to kill her; for having a stronger connection to the Ixeulian heritage, she was dangerous and so they tried framing her since her release from jail. Or more accurately since she was given birth to. Sky remembered her parents always complaining about her existence and called her a waste of space, many times she was hurt while growing up. She never wanted to be different so she was truly happy to have met Haleys. Haleys had been an essence of life that was missing in her family, a place of belonging, it always brought her joy whenever she had the chance to be with Haleys.*

Haleys hugged Sky tight enough she could feel the damp cheeks, Sky had never felt so relieved to be alone with Haleys once again in her lifetime. Skysollaen admitted she felt much better after getting rid of the Hyllaveis family and the Council members. Haleys was uncomfortable at the thought, but she knew the feeling albeit somewhat distantly. Still Sky’s fur had a pleasant touch and scent, slightly different from what she remembered from before. But it was more fragrant now to her than ever.

They reached a neutral town and Haleys tried holding Sky’s hands who quickly pulled away out of reflex, Sky noticed Haleys was standing closer to her than usual; at the end of the day Sky asked why Haleys was behaving strangely. Haleys could not help but feel her cheeks burning from the confrontation, so she confessed that she had feelings for Sky who could only stare at her in disbelief. Sky looked baffled and Haleys was feeling hurt at the thought of Sky not sharing the sentiment, but quickly Sky elaborated that she saw Haleys as a very close friend although not beyond. This didn’t help Haleys’ yet she pretended it was alright. Sky knew that Haleys was lying, awkwardly she called recalled a certain place in Flaswynphter where couples like to enjoy their time and she remembered clearly Haleys daydreaming of going to such a place. It was luxurious and only accessible with a wealthy amount of money, most probably because it was in a district that was completely off sector from the military influence of Strateussul in the usual districts, still it was unique enough to be the talk of the nation’s only vacation resort. Sky suggested this and before she knew it Haleys brightened up like the two suns, she immediately asked if this was legit and Sky confirmed the personal funds she had reserved separate from the military (she never thought one of her consultant’s advice had been useful on that day). Haleys wanted to hug Sky but was hesitant to do so, Sky rolled her eyes and opened her arms. Something about Haleys’ size seemed rather charming to Sky, while she didn’t like to be near anyone larger than her she definitely felt more safer around Haleys.

As promised, Sky brought the delegates to Flaswynphter with a new model of hovercraft transport carrier that predated the traditional manual labour transportation. Fascinated by the outcome of new tech, Haleys could not help but wonder how Flaswynphter got their hands on this type of technology. An officer appointed tour guide led the delegates their way around Flaswynphter nations while Skysollaen was immediately dragged by Haleys as they headed for the resort not too far away. They got themselves a room with a single bed, Sky eyed at it for a while as Haleys looked out the window to enjoy the view. It had an overlook at the island waterfalls surrounded by lush green canopies, the resort granted them flight zone access to visit the islands but Haleys had another plan.

They visited the market district, eyeing the trinkets as well as strange charms imbued with magical power. Stores had various items ranging from healing salves to impractical windbreaking scarfs. Haleys wanted a tassel necklace but left her wallet, Sky was baffled at her carelessness but Haleys was serious she had gotten overzealous and excited today, Sky bought the necklace after bargaining for almost half of its price. Haleys caught her looking at a particular hairpin bearing a bird, Sky asked how much it had cost but didn’t consider buying it; she handed the tassel to Haleys who trilled in delight. Sky’s feathers puffed up, Haleys couldn’t help but teased her poofiness.

Their visit to waterfall isle was a breath-taking sight as the water was sparkling brighter than they had ever seen in other places, Haleys even caught Skysollaen looking at the colourful flora and fauna for a long time. When they saw a small crimson red bird opening their eye feathers at them, Haleys said she almost had mistaken the bird for Sky for a moment and got shouldered into the chest, laughing out aloud as Skysollaen’s face turn darker; they had swapped jokes before playing a game of spotting faunas and telling a story of what they are. It slowly became a competition and Skysollaen won, Haleys didn’t mind because she had a great time with Sky. She wanted to hold hands again but she hesitated, Sky grabbed her hand instead and admitted that she was still unsure but she didn’t want to hurt Haleys’ feelings. Haleys didn’t want Sky to do it out of kindness but Sky assured her that she wasn’t; she wanted to try out new things if Haleys was okay with it. Touched by the trust Haleys was given, she was elated.

They went back to the hotel room and Haleys asked what Sky thought of her as, her heart beat faster as she was reminded of the time they were in a town outside Flaswynphter. Sky took a moment to think, then said that Haleys was someone equal making Haleys laughed almost dryly because Sky was outspoken with such authority. The old Sky was still there, she was thankful for that least. Haleys gave more context to Sky and she only heard an “Oh” followed by a thoughtful “Hmm”. Sky was unsure aside from seeing Haleys as a friend, she had never experienced a sexual attraction to anyone particular so she asked Haleys for an opinion, quickly she became flustered seeing question redirected back to her. Haleys had always been interested in Sky for a long time, although she had engaged with others of who fits the similar criteria as her own preferences, Haleys had learnt that she was never attracted to males for the entirety of her life. Sky wondered about how the mating ritual worked having never experienced it herself, Haleys could demonstrate it for her. To her surprise, Sky was willing to try even though she was worried about the millions of scenarios going through her head about how things could go wrong or if Haleys would feel disappointed. Realizing the discomfort in her tone Haleys introduced the usage of safeword and explained that they can stop whenever something goes wrong. Skysollaen listened carefully, giving Haleys the go after twiddling her fingers and staring at the floor for minutes. Haleys took the initiative and allowed Skysollaen to feel comfortable being within breath’s reach.

Skysollaen found herself always in an awkward position but Haleys knew what she was doing. They started slow, Haleys indirectly guiding Sky and letting her feel being the dominant without offering up much resistance. As Haleys had anticipated, Sky’s ego came out playfully and Haleys couldn’t help but laugh. Sky laughed at Haleys’ jokes she found “miserably dumb” but still fun nonetheless. Haleys wanted more and had forgotten it was Sky’s first time before immediately taking control, Sky was overwhelmed and uncomfortable she had frantically called out the safeword. They stopped, Haleys was ashamed by her actions with what had happened. They talked: Sky didn’t dislike Haleys’ careful and gentle touch, she was even comfortable enough with Haleys entering her personal space but she was not ready for that particular moment. Haleys suggested that she could sleep elsewhere, Skysollaen clicked her tongue loudly and aggressively pulled her in closer, making Haleys fall onto the bed beside her, Skysollaen still needed to sort out her thoughts but she allowed Haleys on the bed that they could sleep together for the night. Haleys wondered if Sky was harboring hate for what she did, sighing Sky told her that she was thinking if she was not “qualified” enough as a romantic partner. But Haleys didn’t care, she would rather have Skysollaen be herself than someone else, if she did otherwise Skysollaen might have lost that intellectual curiosity. Skysollaen jabbed Haleys. Their laughter filled the air for the night until they ran out of jokes, they became tired enough they slept together without arguments.

The next day the delegates were given the rundown of how Flaswynphter looks like and Sky showed the willingness of the Strateussul army working with the Redraxruus and end the rivalry. But it was time to go, Haleys and her associates prepared to return to Redraxruus to report the visit. Haleys thought Sky was trying to ruse their visit but she received a “threat” by Sky. Haleys laughed it off and kissed her, almost catching Sky off guard. It didn’t last long and Haleys quickly bid her goodbye before departing to the ground below, she glimpsed Sky silently watching from afar before the clouds separated them once again. This time with actual clouds.

Haleys discussed with the rest of the delegates and learnt that the Strateussul military structure was vastly different from before, especially the technology which was vastly superior to the ones she was familiar with. The origins of its creations were unknown but they had gathered enough info on the geography of the Isles.

***War***

Whilst on their way back to Redraxruus, they’ve learnt that the Redraxruus territories were being invaded by Strateussul occupation. Haleys and the others were almost apprehended by the stationed outposts; sneaking their way through the underground was the only way so they use a secret passage. They speculated that the Strateussul was heading for the capital, even if Strateussul has made its preemptive strike they were confident that the castle was already on its defensive.

As several days goes by, Haleys kept contemplating about the surface. Especially with Skysollaen. Had she been betrayed? Was this revenge? Haleys was furious but deep down she was almost hurt, she didn’t want to believe that to be the case. After emerging at the exit, the castle was nearby and the military had already fortified the structures, quickly they headed for the throne and informed the empress of the situation. They had already suspected Skysollaen was preparing a setup so they had sent delegates as the “Generals” with Haleys being an actual proxy for Skysollaen’s proposal. Messengers from the rim of the territories had sent word of the first attack but ever since then there was only silence and the capital was on edge; anticipating an attack at any moment. Scouts were sent but they had not returned. Haleys thought of the new technology Flaswynphter had but remembered they were not shown any weapons. An unsettling feeling starting sink in, maybe this wasn’t a trap.

Skysollaen appeared again just like before but now with lighter garment and more weapons, declaring war in front of Haleys.

*She thanked Haleys for being helpful to the very end, turning her back on her. Haleys felt furious but Skysollaen stopped her blow and told her to save it for the final battle, she confessed that this was an act of revenge upon Haleys and her birthfaction. Nothing more than a payback for a betrayal, the supremacy of power was merely a bonus and game for Skysollaen after all.*

Haleys watched for Skysollaen’s expressions and all she saw was Flaswynphter, she asked why but Skysollaen’s answer was Flaswynphter. She was talking to the Atmos Delegate, like herself as Haleys was the Izn Alfetaiyr, a lord serving under an empress. The Atmos Delegate left with a sneer and Alfetaiyr took command of her troops. Haleys refused to believe this was Skysollaen. Why was she waging a war?

***Redraxruus’ End***

The Strateussul experimental Lifyrxian weapons easily destroyed the defenses, Skysollaen and Haleys confronted each other fought. Trading blows with both anguish and frustration they both felt for different reasons, Haleys was beginning to doubt herself and Skysollaen. They had a moment, why was this happening?

They stood, bleeding as the battle rages on around. Haleys could not help but look at her allies falling, her friends dying in her eyes and Skysollaen took the chance and knocked down Haleys to the ground. A sword was held to her neck and she finally submitted to death, Skysollaen felt furious and shouted at her asking her to get back up and fight like a true warrior. Haleys said that Skysollaen had already won the fight, she had already lost the will to fight her. She laughed dryly at how her feelings got in the way of her duty. Skysollaen bit her lip, drawing blood as she threw her blade aside in rage. Their eyes locked for a moment.

Haleys called out Skysollaen’s name as a blade shot out from the dark and penetrated Skysollaen from back to her abdomen as blood spurt out, she watched Skysollaen falling to the ground while the empress herself had finally revealed herself, she took out another blade and pointed to Haleys for failing to kill Skysollaen, shocked Haleys could not speak as the blade fell on her and wounded her gravely. Repetitively she was struck by the Empress as a cruel punishment. The sword was then finally pointed at Haleys head as she locked her eyes with Skysollaen’s.

Suddenly she saw a ghastly shadow claw and the clash of blades, Skysollaen was right beside her. Skysollaen had grabbed the sword in her abdomen and took it out to parry the final blow from the Empress while holding Haleys in her other arm. Skysollaen felt warm but Haleys was feeling cold. The Empress however was not amused when the Flaswynphter soldiers were approaching closer so she began to reveal an Ixeulian form.

A powerful shockwave sent them flying as the whole castle collapsed as a large figure stood proudly with thousand blades in its arms. Haleys’ couldn’t see what was happening well enough but she could faintly see Skysollaen growing limbs. Slowly Haleys blacked out.

Haleys woke up in a bed, the room was unfamiliar and small. A nurse Saglinneth came in asked if she was alright, he was nice enough to bring in food when Haleys’s stomach growled. She asked how she got carried to the clinic, the nurse could not recall the name of the person bringing Haleys but he faintly remembered red feathers. Haleys knew who that was and didn’t want him to bother thinking too much about it. He had also informed Haleys that It had been several years since that battle. She was kept in stasis for so long because of unknown ailments she had suffered. Haleys didn’t understand and asked for the year, but she calendar did not lie. She was in fact sleeping for 5 years.

After recovering, Haleys prepared for trip to the Redraxruus capital. While in town she learnt that Flaswynphter had won the Factional War, now almost the entirety of Karrouxius was under the influence of the Flaswynphter’s might; or more specifically the Atmos’ Delegate. A sharp feeling ran down her back. She bought all the camping equipments and rations for the long journey before departing with intrusive thoughts and hundreds of questions.

Haleys reached the borders of Redraxruus but there were condemn signs all around, when she delved further in all the towns and cities were all in ruins. A wanderer was exploring the area and warned Haleys to stay away from the capital; curious she travelled for days and found out that there was a purple fog everywhere. Any animals or plants that came contact were infected with some sort of mutation; she had never seen these before. She dared not to venture any further and went back to the clinic. She decided to find a job and investigate the whereabouts of any surviving members of the Redraxruus faction. If possible, maybe she could talk to Skysollaen and learn what was going through her head all this time once and for all. She looked at the bracelet and wondered if Skysollaen still had them. Does she still have the feelings?