Chapter Text
A Crown Prince of Brodia must always be strong, just like how the Legendary Divine Dragon has always remained unbreakable even in the face of harrowing adversity.
Diamant was only six years old when he first heard those words.
It was spoken by his father after that traumatic incident with fire magic that would continue to haunt the crown prince even to adulthood. Some may consider those words to be unnecessarily harsh, especially in the context of it being spoken to a young child who had almost burnt himself to cinders.
However those are the sacred words passed down from generation to generation of Crown Princes of Brodia. It served as a reminder of their duty, of their responsibility to always be ready for what may come.
Besides, it was not as though King Morion had said those words in a cruel manner. In fact, he said them while embracing his crying son, running his fingers along his child’s dark red hair. And he continued to hold him until his tears had dried.
At first, Diamant does not fully understand the weight behind those words. Sure, he knew about the story of the Legendary Divine Dragon, Alear, who had defeated the Fell Dragon in the war a thousand years ago. Everyone did. But, to the young boy who had only considered her to be another character in a real, but overly exaggerated tale, those words did very little in inspiring strength and courage.
That all changed during his first official visit to the Somniel.
It was during his newly born baby brother Alcryst's baptism ceremony in the land of Lythos when he first laid his eyes upon the legendary figure from the fairy tales, historical books, and holy scriptures. The Divine Dragon, Alear, peacefully slumbering on the holy altar.
Seeing her, alive and breathing, albeit still slumbering, made the stories feel more real. Made the words his Father spoke to him feel more heavy.
Because truthfully, when Diamant first laid his eyes upon her, he thought of her to not be so different from any other mortal.
Of course, she, like her mother Queen Lumera, are Divine Dragons with long longevity and abilities and power that no mortal human could hope to possess. But in Diamant’s eyes, the young woman who slumbered before him, so human in appearance but so powerful in both the tales and real life, must have endured so much to the point she became unbreakable in the face of countless sorrows.
And to him, a Brodian who has been taught ever since a young age that in order to flourish, one must overcome hardship through courage and strength, it gave him all the reason to respect her.
Not just simply because she is one of their reigning deities, but because she embodies everything that one should always aspire to be.
Brave, courageous, strong and unbreakable, even in the face of harrowing adversity — in the face of a thousand losses that a bleak and meaningless war brings.
Regardless, ever since then, Diamant has grown to value those words and keep them close to his heart.
He recites those words the first time he killed another person, the first time he experienced loss as a commander. There were plenty of other occasions, and sometimes, it would be his father who would say those words to him, all the while giving his shoulder a firm grip.
Brodia has never been a land of devout believers, but they do believe in the traits that the Divine Dragons embody.
And for Diamant, the beloved and highly trusted Crown Prince of Brodia, he wants nothing more than to become as unbreakable as she was — The Divine Dragon Alear.
So, it is still rather difficult to believe that the very person he aspires to be has now awoken from her thousand years of slumber and is currently marching up to Brodia Castle with his younger brother at the moment.
“Your Highness, the scout has received news that Prince Alcryst and the Divine Dragon, along with Prince Alfred of Firene are now on the horizon.”
“Is that so? Thank you. I shall see for myself.”
The Soldier bows and excuses themselves, and the Crown Prince of Brodia, now at the golden age of twenty-five, makes his way up to the castle’s watch tower to confirm the news.
From above the tower, Diamant could bask in the sight of the brilliance of his Kingdom. The looming mountains, the hustle and bustle of the capital where life carries on as usual. It is a precious sight that Diamant holds dear and it is a sight that Diamant swears to protect in this upcoming conflict with the Fell Dragon’s rise.
“Your highness, the party is arriving from the East. Here, please feel free to confirm for yourself.”
He takes the binoculars from the guard and surely enough, it was indeed the Divine Dragon’s party that approached.
Though it may have been years since he last saw her, he knew for sure that it was the Legendary Divine Dragon, Alear, in the flesh. She has not changed a single bit, except for the fact that her eyes are now open and is expressing emotions while she appears to be conversing with his brother.
It felt strange to see this person who Diamant knew was real, but never expected to see in action — at least, not in his lifetime. This was the same person, well deity, who he admires and aspires to become, the one who he had offered prayers to when times were especially rough.
In a moment of doubt, he wonders if he would falter before her divine gaze, or even fall-short in contrast to her unbreakable spirit.
No. He must not think that way.
A Crown Prince of Brodia must always be strong, just like how the Legendary Divine Dragon has always remained unbreakable even in the face of harrowing adversity.
So, he descends the watch tower and prepares to greet her and her army by the Castle Gates.
“I greet you as the Crown Prince of Brodia. I’m Diamant. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m honored to finally meet the legend in person.”
As far as first introductions go, Diamant thinks that was a suitable one, especially for someone of her stature.
Thankfully, it would seem as though the Divine Dragon is pleased at his introduction as she offers him a polite smile and bows in return.
“It's a pleasure, Prince Diamant.” She replies. “I am the Divine Dragon, Alear. Thank you for coming to greet us when you must have so much on your plate.”
At her humble response, Diamant feels rather flustered. She is the Divine Dragon, not him. He should be the one thanking her for greeting him and gracing his kingdom with her presence, not the other way around.
Suddenly, the surreality of this entire situation is catching up to him. The Divine Dragon — the one who he grew up hearing legendary tales of.
She was shorter and smaller than he was. It was almost difficult to believe that she was the same dragon who slew Sombron a thousand years ago.
“Please, let there be none of that.” He says. “It is the least I can do as the Crown Prince.”
“I see.” She smiles, then her expression grows serious. “Unfortunately, we come bearing bad news …”
She and Alcryst began retelling the events from the bridge, and before any of them knew it, his Father had come to join the conversation. An Elusian attack so soon, Diamant could hardly catch up with these developments if not for the fact that the last surviving Divine Dragon herself is here in the flesh — a poignant reminder of the true severity of the situation.
She requests the Emblem Ring from his Father and the man has the audacity to even think of tossing the Ring of the Young Lion to him like it's a game of catch right in front of the Divine Dragon herself.
He thought she would take offense to his father’s action, so he quickly acted, lest she would think of their kingdom less because of it. He hears a quiet trade of words between the Divine Dragon and Prince Alfred, and truthfully, he doesn’t want to know what sort of bad impression she’s expressing to his Firenese counterpart at the moment.
“My apologies. My Father can be such a handful sometimes. Please do not take offense, Divine One.”
Unexpectedly, she was smiling. For the second time, Diamant found himself at loss of words.
“None taken, Prince Diamant.” She says, snapping him out of his thoughts. “May I have the Ring?”
“Of course.” He replies quickly, handing her the ring.
“What will you do with it?” King Morion asks curiously, voicing Diamant’s, and most likely the other’s, own thoughts.
“I’m going to summon an Emblem.” She replies, holding the ring in a prayer stance. “Rise up, Emblem of Binding!”
A flash of light, one so blinding that Diamant had to close his eyes. The next thing he knew, a person — not quite human like them, but also very obviously human like them — had appeared by the Divine One’s side.
“There was a person in there?” Diamant questions, before immediately regretting it.
He must have sounded like such an ignorant fool. Hardly befitting the Crown Prince of Brodia.
“How about that! All along, this Emblem dwelt in our family’s ring.” Came his Father’s voice. At least, Diamant wasn’t the only one in shock at the moment. “And now, you’ve released him. It seems ‘Divine’ is no exaggeration, huh?”
Again, Diamant internally cringes at his Father’s brazenness, but who was he to speak when he let out that stupid question from before? He just hopes that the Divine One’s perception of the Brodian royal family is not permanently damaged beyond reparation.
Before he could attempt to apologize for his Father’s word — he means, questioning the Divine-ness of the Divine Dragon? As unreligious as Brodia may be, that most definitely counts as blasphemy that was committed right in front of the Divine Dragon herself! — however, a soldier bearing news of an Elusian Wyvern rider marching to their castle.
He orders the troops to get ready, just as the Divine One her own small, but undoubtedly capable army to lend a hand.
Diamant knew he had no right to make a request before her, but still, he would do whatever it takes to defend his beloved land.
“Divine One.” He calls. “May I call upon Roy’s help to defend the castle?”
“Of course.” She replies. “Emblem Roy.”
In a flash, the Spirit which resides in the ring reappears and answers her call; “Yes?”
“Please, lend your strength to Prince Diamant.”
He nods. “Understood. Leave it to me!”
Then, she turns her gaze to him. It was sharp and commanding, while still holding a hint of softness.
“Prince Diamant.” She calls, voice stern.
He almost falters underneath her gaze, but he recites those sacred words in his heart.
“Yes?” He asks without a single waver in his voice.
“Please, take care of Roy.” She hands over Roy’s ring with such care to his hand. “I’m sure with your strength combined with Roy’s, we will be able to defend Brodia Castle without fail. You have my word. Victory will be ours.”
Ah. So this was the Legendary Divine Dragon who had led Elyos to victory in their war against the Fell Dragon a thousand years ago.
Strong, firm, commanding, resolute. Courageous, brave, unflinching and unbreakable.
She is the invulnerable Divine Dragon. The very one who gave him strength to remain strong after all these years.
He slips on Roy’s ring onto his finger, and places his hand above his heart.
“Of course, Divine One.” He says. “I shall show you the power of the Kingdom of Might.”
She smiles at him, and that was enough to reassure him that they will overcome every obstacle that comes their way.