After a month since the events of the wedding things returned to normal, more so for my mom. For the first few weeks, I’ve been at her side, talking to her and asking her questions. I learned that there are a few things that it was hard to ask questions about; like things about her leaving me and my father. These topics upsetted both me and her.

Another major thing, Weiss is pregnant with Tak’s child. Poor Tak was terrified about the news, he kept muttering on about how he was unfit to be a father and he feared that the child would be born blind as well and Tak didn't want their child to be brought into the world without sight. To put things simply, he was an absolute mess. It took awhile to calm him down, even with the help of Weiss and Mother. Even now he's still afraid but also excited, he going to be a father though that same thought terrified him as well. Tak’s dad couldn't be any happier, he was proud of Tak for finding not only someone that will love him for who is but he was proud that he was going to be a father.

Weiss was also the same way, she was worried that she wouldn’t be a good mother due to her own upbringing from her own parents. I reassured her that she wouldn’t be like that but still, she worries. Currently, the two were back at Remnant, visiting Winter to bring her the news.

Iilah and Qo also spent time with my mom, wanting to know a bit more about her home and what she knows. I asked Mother what was the mythology she was talking about and was told it was somewhat Norse mythology. Blake and Indigo were enjoying every moment they had with Brans, the little bundle of joy brought them nothing but happiness in whatever he did. The little guy even found his way into Iilah’s heart with a simply puppy like stare.

Father and Yang were no different, treating their children as the most important things in their lives, which by far they really are. Hotaru was finally beginning to grow out her scales and forming teeth, which meant that they had to be sure she didn't grab anything to teeth on. It also meant I have yo keep my tail away from her so she doesn't teeth on it. Babies bite hurt!

Miho and Karen made me happy every time I see them, the childish smiles as they saw either me or Ruby warmed my heart. Also the fact that my mom spent a lot of time with them and Qo, happy to be a grandma.

At the moment I was sparring with my mom, she asked me if she can see first hand what I could do after all this time. I agreed which led us to the to of us in one of the sparring halls clashing blades. It was tough since she was using her axes both long range and up close.

“Is that all you got!” she yelled as she brought a flaming axe down. I dodged out of the way as it crashed down where I once was. I rolled up to my knees and turned Molten Fox and fired a few shots, only for her to spin the second one around to block them like a flaming shield. Turning back into a sword I charged after her and dodging swipes of a flaming blade. I was able to catch one of her axes and move it in a way for her to drop it and tried to kick her away only for her to grab hold and throw me to the side. “I’ve been told that you’ve been training for a long time, this can’t be it has it?”

I frowned as I slashed forward, sending a wave of flames at her which she stumbled back a bit. When she could see I was already charging at her with showed in hand, just to be knocked to the side and have two axe blades at my neck. I panted at this as I felt that I lost, frowned at this. Slowly the two axes pulled away as I stared at my mom.

“Going to say that I still have a lot to learn?” I asked her with a frown as I walked over to get something to drink.

“Look Viri, it’s not-” she started but I cut her off.

“No I get it, I need to train more…” I said before heading off. I heard a sigh from her as I left, leaving me to my thoughts. I scolded myself for being sloppy, I’ve trained for a long time but I don’t believe I’ve been improving as of late. I wandered the halls of the Academy before somehow ending up outside on the courtyard, seeing groups of students either studying in the grass or simply lounging with friends. I sighed, taking a seat by the large tree at the centre of the large courtyard.

“Is everything alright, dear?” Father’s voice brought my attention back up from Molten Fox. I saw him walking over to me, wearing some casual clothing given to him by Rarity. I simply shook my head as I looked down at Molten Fox.

“I feel out of practice.” I said simply to him. I frowned at I continue. “All my work and training I did over the years and I feel like I’m back to square one.” As I said this, Father sat beside me and listened to my troubles, something he has done many times before and am always grateful for.

“You were out of action for almost a year because of your pregnancy, it should've been expected that your fighting skills were to have rusted.” Father said to me as I looked down at Molten Fox. I sighed and soon felt Father wrap an arm around me comfortingly. “Your body simply needs to be reminded that it's the body of a huntress.” He said. I stared up at him for a moment then back down at Molten Fox.

“That… makes sense… it just feels so... lopsided.” I told him. He looked at me with an arched brow before saying.

“What makes you say that?” He asked me. I shifted a bit as I thought about it.

“I just feel… unbalance.” I explained to him as I held my weapon out. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong with Molten Fox, I just feel like I stumble a bit after I take a swing. I try to make a flame sword to help counter that but… it wouldn’t last forever.” I told him. He nodded at this and simply hummed, raising his hand and grasping Molten Fox. I let go of the hilt, allowing him to take a firm hold of it. He gave it a few test swings before humming again and handing Molten Fox back to me.

“Have you considered using a shield?” He asked me, gaining a curious look from me. I looked up at him and arch a brow.

“A shield?” I asked before thinking about it. “I… never thought of that.” Father chuckled at this before saying.

“Perhaps that the solution to your troubles, a shield.” He said, smiling down at me before adding. “But if you are going to have a shield, it must be reliable and nigh on impossible to break.” He said to me, earning a little laugh from me with the way he spoke. He smiled upon hearing my laugh.

“I’ll think about it.” I told him just as I heard my mom running over to us.

“Hey! You know how hard it is to find someone here!” she said, panting a bit. “I’m getting too old for this.”

“You don't even look like you're in your forties.” I pointed out, earning a frown from her.

“I’m going to ignore that for now.” she warned before adding. “Look, I don’t know if it’s what I said but… I'm sorry about earlier. I just wanted to see what you can do.” Father arched a brow at this, unaware of what occurred earlier.

“It’s fine mom, just realized that I’m out of practice and a bit lopsided.” I told her before adding. “Father said that maybe if I use a shield it might help me.” she stared at me before looking over at Father.

“I’ll never get used to that, you know?” she asked him. Father chuckled at mom's words before saying.

“I'm sure you'll get used to it given enough time.” Father told her with a smile, unwrapping his arm from me as he spoke. Mom smiled before looking at me.

“So, you’re going to get a shield?” she asked me. I nodded before speaking.

“Yeah, see how that’ll works for me.” I told her. She hummed for a minute after that.

“I’ll be right back.” she said before heading off. I looked at Father who simply shrugs. After almost an hour Mom can back only holding something in her hand. It was a bronze device that has a few straps on it. She came up to me and handed it to me. “Here, put it on.”

I looked at her for a moment before standing up. I took the object and felt how heavy it was. I soon started to strap it on my left arm and gave it a look.

“What’s this?” I asked her. She smiled before moving my arm out a bit and asked me to do something with my hand that the object was on. I gave her a look but did it anyway, resulting that the object extended and rounded out to form a shield. “Whoa!”

The shield was large but oddly light for me, bronze and gold colouring that shined in the light as I saw some runes in the inside of the shield. It was also cold to the touch. “This is amazing.”

“The name is Vinterskölden or Winters Protection… it was also your father's shield.” Mom explained, adding the last part in a solemn tone.

“This was…” I said as I looked closely at the shield, seeing small dents and chips on it.

“I made that shield when his old one broke, saying that his wall of ice will protect my fire.” Mom said with a sad chuckle. “I just figure that you should have it.”

I stared at my dad’s shield, feeling the cold feel from it as it was attached to my arm. It soon retracting into itself before I looked over at my mom and gave her a hug. Father smiled at the sight of this as I hugged my mother close. I pulled away as I smiled at my mom. “Thank you mom.” she smiled happily at me.

“No problem…” she looked over at Father before arching a brow. “Mind putting my daughter in some shield training for me, Sanns?”

“You need not ask, I've already have many ideas for her next training session.” He said with a chuckle, earning a worried chuckle from me.

“You may now regret thanking me.” Mom said as she pulled away. I looked over at her before looking at Father as he crossed his arms and smirked. I chuckled worriedly at this.

“Is it going to be like the last training course?” I asked him, earning a chuckle from him.

“I don't think you'll the my answer.” Father told me with another chuckle. I gulped at this, feeling that I’m going to be sore and hurting for a long while. Father stood up and dusted himself off before giving me a pat on the shoulder. “You'll do fine, dear, you've always excelled in your training.” He told me. Mom smiled at me, confident that I'll do good. I chuckled nervously at what’s going to happen.

“Ugh…” was all I could say after twenty four hours of training. I asked Father that I wanted to be back to my old fighting shape or better. Boy did I walk into that one. I sat in my favorite hot spring as I looked over all the little scrapes and scars I gotten over training. “It was worth it…” I keep saying to myself as I sat there. I sighed as I went a little deeper into the water as I relaxed.

I nearly closed my eyes, feeling very relaxed by the soothing warm water. I suddenly yelped in surprise, feeling something moving by my leg. I jumped back just to see a familiar black and red coloured head come out of the water with a laugh. “Ruby!”

“Hi!” she greeted me with a smile. “Just thought I should come and see you after your day-long training.” she said with the same smile.

“Yeah… but did you have to be sneaky about it?” I asked her. She simply tilted her head to the side, like a little puppy.

“But this was funnier.” she explained, making me roll my eyes. I leaned back a bit as Ruby came by and started to give me a massage, I hummed happily as she did that.

“Hey, if you’re here… where’s the twins?” I asked her a little worried about where they are. Ruby chuckled a little at my worry, she must've anticipated it.

“I left them under the care of your mom, she was all too happy to look after them.” Ruby told me, wrapping her arms around me. I sighed at this as I leaned into her embrace. The sounds of footsteps brought my attention out from the pool and saw both Mother and Yang, both of them wore nothing but a towel.

“I see that you liked the surprise, Ruby insisted on me taking her here for a visit.” Mother said with a laugh, earning a smile and a blush from Ruby. Mother and Yang walked closer to the pool, their tails intertwined with another before they unwrapped their towels and entered the water, both of them letting out blissful sighs.

“This feels so good~” she sighed as she lowered herself into the water a bit and started making bubbles. This made both Ruby and I laugh a bit. Mother held back a laugh, amused her beloved’s action before pulling her closer, gaining yet another blissful sigh from the blonde half Dovah.

“Perhaps I should add a spa like this to our home.” Mother suggested to Yang, gaining a nod as a response with her head still submerged. Ruby and I smiled at this before I spoke.

“Is anyone else coming or is it just you two?” I asked Mother.

“It's just us for now, later Blake and Indigo want to try the springs for themselves after hearing how you three enjoy it so much.” Mother said, referring to me, Ruby and even Yang. The latter came back up for her and rested her head against Mother’s chest, which made Mother roll her eyes but said nothing of it. I smiled at this as I leaned against Ruby.

“I haven’t seen Weiss around, do anyone think she’s okay?” Ruby asked the three of us. I believed she was still not over the idea she’s having a kid with Tak, she was excited and afraid the last time I saw her.

“She is with Tak currently in Atlas, Weiss wanted to break the news to her sister and brought Tak along.” Mother answered, brushing Yang’s hair with her fingers. The latter hummed a little as she smiled at her lover.

“I wonder how that will go?” Ruby asked, not sure what Weiss’ sister Winter would say.

“I don’t know, but I hope Tak stop worrying over this.” Yang added with a shrug. “He’ll be a great dad to his kid.”

“His fears are understandable. He fear that his lack of sight may hinder in his parenting or the child will be born blind like their father.” Mother said, gaining Yang’s full attention. The latter looked up as Mother continued. “But I agree with you, love, Tak will make a wonderful father for his child.” Mother said, wrapping her arms around Yang, pulling her closer and resting her head atop Yang’s.

“I agree, with how much dedication he puts into… well everything, he’ll do the same to be a father.” I said with a smile. Ruby nodded as she rested her head on top of my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her and gave her a kiss.

“Here’s a question, when will you two do the wedding?” Yang asked, getting our attention. “You two been engaged for so long but haven’t did the wedding yet.” I didn’t say anything as I looked over at Ruby. She was like me and didn’t say anything about it.

“I… don’t know really. We’ve been talking about it but we haven’t decided yet.” I answered Yang. Mother gave the two of us a worried look before saying.

“Perhaps… Perhaps we can plan the event. We know how stressful it is and how difficult it can get and… I just don't the two of you to go through all that stress.” Mother said, suggesting she and Yang plan for me and Ruby’s big day. I looked over at Ruby for a moment before saying.

“What do you think?” I asked her.

“Well… it would be useful if we did have help.” Ruby replied at this. I gave her a small smile and looked back.

“I think that would be amazing, thank you.” I said to the two of them with a smile. Mother smiled brightly, excited to be able to help plan the big event. Yang smiled at Mother's excitement and nuzzled into her embrace and letting her head rest between Mother's ample bosom, muttering something only Mother could hear, earning a chuckle from Mother before she said.

“Maybe but only if you're good.” Mother whispered to Yang, earning a muffled victorious yes. Both Ruby and I looked at one another, wondering what they were talking about. I decided not to ask, thinking it’s between them as I saw the two of them looking at each other lovingly.

“Do you two need some alone time?” I asked them. They both looked at me before looking at each other. They both nodded, blushes forming on their cheeks as they smiled at each other. With that said both me and Ruby got out of the water and grabbed our towels, Ruby’s next to mind for some reason which the idea made me roll my eyes before the two of us left. “Use protection!” I yelled back as a joke for the two of them, only to hear Yang laugh as the doors to the hot spring closed.

I sat by the tree the day before with the twins and my mom near me. My mom was playing with Miho as she giggled happily at her grandmother. Ruby was feeding Karan as Silph came around and was beside me sleeping. My mom at first was weirded out with her but over time came to enjoy her company. It was this point when I saw RB and Gol walking over at us.

“Hey.” I called out to them as they got near.

“Hey Viri.” RB greeted before looking at my mom. “Miss Warren.”

“Please call me Sara.” Mom said with a smile as she put Miho on her lap before looking over at Gol. “And your name is Gol? Sorry I don’t believe we seen each other much over the month.”

“Yeah, Gol Parker.” Gol said to my mom with a nod. Mom smiled at him before looking over at RB.

“Guessing you got quite a catch?” Mom asked the two of them with a smirk. RB looked at her with rosy cheeks, Gol chuckling sheepishly but held her hand.

“Mom!” I said, shocked at what she just said.

“What? I’m just telling the truth.” She said plainly before looking back at the two odd couple.

“Y-Yeah, she's great and… I'm just very lucky to be with her.” Gol said, regarding his time with RB. The latter smiled up at him before planting a kiss on his cheeks, earning an obvious blush from the Thundermore faunus.

“And I’m lucky to be with him…” RB be said, leaning up against Gol. The Dust Grimm Faunus smiled at her as he wrapped a wing around RB, smiling down at her.

“So, how have you been you two?” I asked the two of them.

“Eh, been alright. Hound and Gol did a sparring match that ended a little while ago.” RB said, earning a groan from Gol. The latter rubbing his shoulder before saying.

“He dislocated and relocated my shoulder within a second.” Gol said with a small frown.

“I’m sorry, who’s this Hound?” My mom asked.

“He’s part of a team that Rose is in, the woman who’s with Lana.” I explained. “Supposedly Titans are tanky soldiers of some kind.”

“Yeah, and his plan of attack is to rush forward at their opponent.” RB added before looking at Gol and rubbed his shoulder a bit. This earned her smile from Gol before he pulled her closer with his wing.

“You two look adorable.” My mom said with a smile. I smiled at this until I heard the sound of flapping. I looked up and saw Skyler flying down. She looks like she was in a hurry.

“There you guys are!” she said before landing down near us. “We have a problem!” Gol was the first to speak up after Skyler said this.

“What's going on?” He asked with an arched brow, earnings confused look from Skyler. She must've not seen Gol before.

“Skyler this is Gol, Gol this is Skyler.” RB quickly introduce the two of them to move things along.

“Right… look we have something going on in Ponyville. Some big armoured knight appeared in town with a large sword.” Skyler explained, earning everyone's attention.

“Okay… what is it doing?” My mother asked her.

“Well it was wondering around town for a bit until the Huntsman showed to deal with it… in a violent way.” Skyler said, frowning a bit. “Only for this being to knock them aside as if they were nothing.” I frowned at this before asking.

“Why did the Huntsman attack this being? Did it do anything?” I asked. Skyler simply shook her head.

“No, and that’s the thing… the being is wearing dark armour and carrying around a large sword and it’s just walking around. That alone would give off warning bells to everyone.” Skyler explained. From the tone of her voice, it sounds like she didn’t agree with this outlook.

“Think we should check it out?” Gol asked the rest of us. I looked at him before looking at the rest of us.

“I think so… but not as a large group.” I said to them. “Maybe three or four of us go and see what’s going on.” I looked back at RB and Gol. “You two want to come along?”

“What do you say, babe?” Gol asked RB, folding up the wing that draped over her. RB snorted at him with a smirk.

“Do you have to ask?” She asked him, earning a smile from Gol.

“I’m going to.” Mom said, getting everyone's attention. “I believe I could help out in someway.” I nodded at her before looking at Ruby. I didn’t know what to say but she smiled at me.

“I’ll keep an eye on the twins.” she said before leaning over and giving me a quick kiss. I smiled at her and we all took some time to get ready. When that was done the four of us headed off to Ponyville with Skyler leading the way. It didn't take long to get to Ponyville especially with an actual dirt road that, if what Zecora tells me is correct, will be replaced with cobblestone and will connect to Ponyville. When we got there we found a groaning group of pegasi Huntsmen. My mom stopped to stare at them.

“Oh… wow.” she said before walking over to check on them. “They looked fine, so far…”

“That’s just the start when I left there were a few groups fighting this guy.” Skyler said before heading off. On the way, I notice more and more groups on the ground groaning and defeated. The ground nearby these groups only had one slash mark that cut through the cobblestone road.

“Either this guy is really good or they're just bad in general.” Gol said, earning a chuckle from RB.

“Yeah…” RB said before mom spoke.

“Don’t get cocky.” She said in a stern tone. RB frowned but didn’t say anything about it. We continued onto the town square in time to find the armored individual fighting off a group of Earth ponies. The latter group weren't even making a dent on the armor before being shove away by an invisible force. Briefly dazed, one of the Earth ponies ran up to the armored person only to be grabbed and held up their neck and tossed aside. The others looked at one another before charging at the armored being. In one large motion the being simply battered the Earth ponies aside as if they were nothing. It was surprising how being as heavily armored as they could wield such a sword with the speed such as that. This time the earth ponies were down for the count, groaning after landing onto the floor with large thuds. I gulped as I saw this happen, feeling that our chances to do this right is slowly slipping.

“So… any plans?” I asked the others. The four of them looked at one another for a few moments.

“Maybe a less aggressive approach to this.” Mom offered. I gave her a nod as I turned. I took a deep breath as I made my way over to the armoured being. As I got close the being seemed to notice me as it turned it’s head to me.

“Hello… can you understand me?” I asked them. I could hear angered breathing from the helmet of the person before speaking.

“Thou art here to face me like the others?” The voice of the person was muffled by the helmet, I couldn't tell if they were a man or woman. The Armored person readied themselves for another fight. I put my hands up to show him or her that I had no weapons.

“Look, I’m not here to fight you…” I said as I looked at the bodies on the ground. “I’m sorry for the others to come and tried to fight you, they believe anyone walking around in dark armour with a large sword is evil.” Hearing this, they lowered their sword and straightened up.

“Foolish beliefs.” Scoffed the armored person. They glanced at the groaning earth ponies and shook their head. “It has been nothing but attack after attack and grow tired of them.” They said before sighing, reaching up at the helmet before pulling it off and revealing a long head of dirty grey hair. The Armored individual was in fact a woman that appeared to be in her late twenties. Several scars adorned her face, even one running across her left eye. “I had hoped one of these groups would be kind enough to speak before attacking, sadly you’re the only one that tried.” She said to me.

“Well, that’s… something…” I said as there were more groaning around. “So… where did you come from?” She looked at me oddly before answering.

“I come from the land of Lothric, I was meant to have awakened in my casket in the cemetery of Ash but… I find myself here.” She said, confused as to where she is. I looked at her oddly before speaking.

“I don’t know any land named Lothric… but maybe I know someone who does. If you don’t mind following me.” I asked the armoured woman. She looked at me with a suspicious glance but let out a sigh before nodding.

“I suppose there is no harm in that… very well.” She said, sheathing the large blade on her back and holding the helmet under her arm.

With a smile, I lead the armoured being back to the others. “By the way, I'm Viri, what's yours” She stopped in her tracks and I looked back to her look of confusion. I arched a brow at this, not knowing what was wrong. “Is something wrong?” I asked. She looked back at me before shaking her head lightly.

“Apologies, it's just… it has been very long since any has asked for my name.” She said to me before taking a deep breath and exhaling soon after. “Amelia… that is my name or at least… I think it is.” She said unsure of herself. I smiled at her.

“Nice to meet you, Amelia.” I said with a smile. She said nothing afterward, making the moment a little awkward before we made it back to the others.

“These are your companions, I assume?” She guessed while looking over at Skyler, Gol, RB and Mom. They looked at her curiously though Skyler was shocked to have found out the identity of the tanky individual that has bested multiple groups of Pony Huntsmen and Huntresses. I nodded at her and said.

“Yeah, these three are my friends…” I said gesturing at RB, Gol and Skyler before looking at mom and saying. “And that's my mom.”

“Hello there.” Mom said with a warm smile. “I'm Sara Warre, nice to meet you.” Amelia bowed her head to mom but said nothing, her face showing exhaustion no doubt from the long fights she had to go through earlier.

“Hey, you alright?” Gol asked, noticing her expression.

“I'm… fine… just a little-worn out.” Amelia said through ragged breaths. She stumbled back a bit before falling one knee, gaining worried looks from all of us. Before I could help her back up, she stood up herself though she struggled to do so but did it nonetheless.

“Let's get you someplace comfortable.” Mom said as she went over to the woman and helped her move forward. Mom was surprised by the weight of the armour, even just by putting Amelia’s arm around her shoulder to keep her up, she looked like to question Amelia for her choice of armour but said nothing. Gol and RB glanced at the still downed group of earth ponies while Skyler stared at Amelia with mouth agape.

“Are you alright there?” I asked her. Skyler blinked and shook her head.

“I'm uhh fine… I'm going to see if everyone is alright…” Skyler said before taking flight. As she went off the rest of us headed back to the school, mom carrying Amelia all the way even though it was heavy. I never realized my mom was really strong. Mom still showed signs of strain, the weight of the armor and sword being too much to carry and Gol was quick to help out, gaining a thankful nod from mom before we headed off. As we entered the forest again, on the dirt road back the town of Forever Free, I got curious of Amelia and her of the place she called Lothric. Not to mention her armor, it looked like it weighs a ton and seeing that Mom needed help, there was no doubt it did. And the sword, being a weapon fanatic, seeing a sword such a size and the style I just couldn't keep my mind off the many questions I hoped to ask.

“How did you end up here?” My mom asked as she and Gol carried Amelia.

“I have yet to figure that myself… I was meant to awaken back in my casket like I have many times before… what made this time so different?” She said, asking herself the last part. Her answer simply brought more questions. At this point we made our way to the school. I told them that they can use my old room for Amelia since no one hasn’t taken it just yet as I went to find Mother. I went off and found the place where Mother and Yang been living and knocked on the door.

“Yes, hello?” The voice of Mother was heard before the door opened, revealing her in the white dress Yang has come to know and love. “Ah, Viri, what brings you here?” She asked me.

“Hi, I uhh, hope I’m not keeping you from anything…” I said to her, earning a chuckle from her.

“It's alright my dear.” Mother said with a chuckle before asking. “So is there something you need?” She asked, smiling at me as she did. I took some time to explained to her what happened and about Amelia. This was also enough time to see Yang coming up behind Mother in a yellow gold dress. She gave Mother a kiss on the cheek before listening in on the rest of what I was saying.

“Man, from the sounds of it her armour and sword alone is heavy.” Yang commented as she wrapped an arm around her wife. Mother thought on all that I said, she had raised a brow when I had mentioned Lothric.

“Lothric… that is a name I have not heard in a very long time.” Mother said, gaining a curious look from me and Yang. “Yes I remember now, the dying kingdom. The waning flame… she is the Ashen One but… how is she here?” Mother said, thinking out loud.

“I don’t know… she said that she should’ve appeared in some cemetery but ended up in Ponyville.” I explained to her. She nodded at this and hummed while Yang rested her head on Mother’s shoulder.

“Well, I think we should go meet up with Amelia.” Mother said, earning a whine from Yang.

“But what about all our plans??” Yang asked with a frown. “I spent a good while cooking…”

“Wait, you can cook?” I asked Yang.

“Of course I can cook.” Yang said with a deeper frown. Mother smiled at Yang before moving her turning to her, greeting Yang’s lips with her own. When Mother pulled back, Yang let a blissful sigh.

“Do not worry, my love, when we get back it'll be as if you had just finished cooking.” Mother said, promising the blonde that her time cooking wouldn't be for not. Yang smiled a bit before giving Mother a little nuzzle.

“Can’t say no to you.” Yang said happily. Mother looked at me and said.

“Give us a moment to get ready.” Mother said, gaining a nod from me before she closed the door. It didn't take long for Mother and Yang to return in their outing attire. To save time, Mother had snapped her fingers and brought us to the doorstep of my old room. “This is the room, is it not?” Mother asked, wanting to be sure.

“Yes, it’s my old room.” I said before giving it a knock and entered the room. RB and Gol weren’t around at the time but my mom was and so was Amelia. The armour she wore was discarded to the side with her sword so I saw her in a very worn brown tunic and cloth pants. Mom looked over at us and smiled.

“Hey there, RB and Gol went out to see if they can find some clean clothes for Amelia.” Mom explained. Mother walked up to the discarded armour, seeing the many scratches that littered each piece. Amelia let out a sigh as she twiddled the rings in her the fingers of her left hand.

“Ashen One…” Mother said and Amelia stood up to face Mother as soon as she uttered those words. “Do not fret, Ashen One, I simply wish to speak with you.” Mother told her. Amelia was silent for the longest time before nodding finally and allowing Mother to walk up to her. Mom walked towards me and Yang, letting Mother speak to Amelia on her own.

“Hey, what’s this Ashen One?” I asked Yang.

“I don’t know, maybe Mavis knows.” Yang replied as my mom shush us. Mother sat beside Amelia, the latter having sat back down on the bed.

“You are from Lothric, dear Ashen One.” Mother said with an arched brow. Amelia looked at Mother, waiting to see where she is going with this. “I can see it within you, the many lives you have lived during your endless quest. You've succumbed to the repetition as many other before you but… something awry and you awoke here in this world, one free of the curse and the waning flame.” Mother said. Mom stared at Mother mouth agape, knowing so much with just a glance. Amelia looked up her confused.

“But why? I've linked the flame so many times before, why now does this happen?” She asked Mother, hoping to get an answer. Mother looked at her and said.

“I'm afraid that is something I have yet find out but I will look into it rest assured.” Mother told her reassuringly, gaining a slow nod from Amelia. “I understand that you may feel lost but we are here to help you if ever need it.” This earned another nod from the scarred woman.

“Yeah, if you have questions just ask.” Yang said with a grin. Both Mom and I smiled and nodded at Amelia.

“Thank you… your kindness… it has been so long since I've met anyone such as yourselves.” Amelia said, giving a little smile of appreciation. Mother gave her a nod before standing up and walking back to us.

“We will give you time to settle down, we'll come back to check on you in an hour.” Mother told her, gaining yet another nod from Amelia. When Amelia turned her back to us, Mother's smile vanished into a worried look as she glanced at the silent woman. “Come, there's much to discuss.” She said to us as she ushered us out of the room. We all followed her out of the room and closed the door behind us.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked Mother as we moved away from the door.

“Yes but not in the way you may think.” She said, quickly assuring us that it isn't something world ending or life-threatening. “You see, she is no mere knight… she is an Unkindled one, a being cursed with undeath and branded by the darksign. She has lived many lives before now, all of it the same. She awakens in her casket and she ends by rekindling the waning flame, which begins the cycle a new.” Mother stopped, letting all this sink in. I thought of this for a few moments, this sounded like what Rose and her team has to deal with, but had to do the whole thing over and over again.

“That sounds… awful.” I said to everyone. “Sure she able to live for a long time but, to do everything over and over again is just…” I didn’t finish what I was about to say.

“What do you mean by Undeath?” Yang asked, picking up where I have left off.

“It is a form of immortality, if she were to die right now, her body will turn to ash and reform just moments later. She is incapable of truly dying but she feels the pain of every killing blow she suffers.” Mother said, glancing back at the door with a solemn look. “And with her darksign, her body turns hollow and begins to rot.” She added just above a whisper.

“So she’ll soon look like a walking talking corpse.” Mom asked bluntly. Mother turned to her and simply said.

“She is a walking corpse.” She replied soon after mom spoke, gaining confused looks from all of us.

“Really? She looks fine to me.” Yang said as she looked at the door.

“She wears an enchanted ring that make it so she looks human.” Mother said before looking back at Yang. “I may have a solution to that however but I just need time to make it so.” Mother said. Yang stared at her for a few moments before speaking.

“Will it take long?” she asked Mother. The latter shook her head and answered.

“No, it'll be done within the hour.” Mother said before bringing Yang close for a quick kiss which the blonde dovah gladly returned. When Mother pulled away she said. “Until then, love.” With that she vanished within a flash of light, leaving the three of us standing in the middle of the empty hall. Both me and Mom looked at one another before Yang turned around on the balls of her feet.

“Well! I better be getting back to cooking. See you two around.” Yang said before she started heading off down that hall, humming to herself happily. I looked back at mom as she stared at me.

“So… want to spar again? See how your shield training went?” Mom asked me. I stared at her before nodding.

“Yeah sure, got nothing better to do now.”

Author's Notes:

Well... this doesn’t lead to some adventures