Robert
The Age of Demigods, Year 247

The Cousin Conflicts began four years ago, a series of wars where children of the gods began to fight as Kingdoms began to rise. The birth of mortals is still relatively young in the grand scheme of the world, and peace has long since been abandoned by many as children of Titanos and the Allfather challenge each other and recruit others, children from every pantheon shedding blood and allegiances flying left and right. Through all this death however was one Demigod of mysterious origin, Scipio, an undefeated Demigod who has taken three young Demigod under his wing. 

These three particular demigods have been sent into the Beyond Lands, which in the last 18 years have become a dangerous realm infested with demons and dark creatures of terrible horror. However, this realm is a no mans land of magical potential and resources. Scipios true aim is to unite Aeterna under one banner, create an Empire to establish peace and end the war that won't end any other way. 

The eldest was known as Pride, a tall and powerfully built young man with hair like a lions man and strong, kind eyes. His armor gleamed in the sunlight as the sound of horse hooves clopped along the rocky terrain- soon they'd be entering the Beyond Lands. As of now they were still within the Nine Realms, less than a few minutes riding and they'd have crossed the border into a no mans land. 

Riding besides Lion and his white horse was a young man clad all in black, with the strangest garments anyone in the realms had ever seen. High black boots, black leatgher pants, a black turtle neck and mirrored black sunglasses. He was the most beautiful boy that had ever stepped foot on Aeterna, with raven hair and a strong jaw, a straight and fine nose and a dazzling grin. He rode a midnight black stallion with a lazy demeanor. 

Then there was Alekhya, a beautiful maiden riding upon a grey dappled mare. She had strange lashers that hovered around from her back. 

The three had been tasked

To enter the Beyond Lands and find out why Alekhyas powers had been running rampant, and why she'd begun to hear voices. Meanwhile Scipio would continue to build power and influence across the realms. He explained that if the three survived, Alekhya might be saved from something terrible and they'd all come back much stronger than before. Noctis and Pride had been quick to jump on the mission for Alekhya, and thus the trio had begun their quest. 

Now to see what happened long ago, to three souls that would experience much misery, blissfully unaware of their doomed fate.
Richard
"So, think there's gonna be any monsters worth fighting in there? I hope I can get a good sweat on at least." Noctis said, throwing his hands behind his head and guiding the horse forward with just his heels, feeling every muscle and fiber of the beast move as he subtly enhanced himself with his magic. Chewing on his lip, he glanced at Pride to see his reaction. The feel of his mothers sword against his back felt great, her blade was a beautiful and elegant longsword with a blue saphire in the pommel and silver wings as the cross guard. He also had a belt pouch filled with small coins and fine platinumed jewelry, a chain around his neck and rings adorning his fingers. He carried himself with a confidence that would make even a king of the realms falter. 

"When do we stop to eat, Leks?" He asked after his first question was answered, turning his gaze onto the Demigoddess. She'd always been the brains of the operation, at least when it came to taking care of ones self. He could feel himself getting hungry, but he'd never be the one to make the call while Pride was around. The nineteen year olds gaze softened when he looked at her, unable to not beam at the sight of her, showing off those wonderfully white teeth of his.
Wesley
An age of peril and war, death and futility- the thunderous roar of war that would not be calmed for so long as desire exists in the hearts of those who walk Aeterna. An age where above all other demigods, one sect reigns supreme- The Conqueror, Scipio, and his ***Imperators.*** Demigods of various parentages, soldiers and citizens who wish to bask in the promises given to them by the conqueror- and carried about by his chosen warriors.

These warriors of youthful hope, divine power and honest friendship- the three most trusted by Scipio- ride out on such a quest as those sung about in taverns and spoken of around campfires. ***Noctis, Alekhya and Pride.***

"*Pssh.*" The demigod of titanos gave a quick scoff, a knowing smile on his face as he listened to his brother in arms speak so casually- as is common. Even when riding into the land most filled with darkness and malevolence Noctis never failed to act as himself- something that Pride respects in all honesty. His eyes flickered over towards his friend, a small chuckle escaping him, as he waved a hand in a dismissive and sarcastic manner.

** **
"***Oh I'm sure there will be plenty. Perhaps if you can keep up I'll save some for you.***" Pride remarked, tossing some of his white hair over his shoulder with a mocking flick of his hand. It never got old to him, teasing best friend, just to see if a smile or laugh would emerge. Even someone such as he, garbed in fine armor that gleamed in the sunlight- longspear strapped to his back and the weight of his role pressing down on his shoulders, was not above poking fun at his closest friends when the occasion was right for it. Even if he carry's himself with such vigilance and authority, eyes never fully focusing on one thing for too long and sword arm always prepared for battle- even that side of himself does not stop his antics.

Once Noctis turned his attentions towards Alekhya the prideful demigod did his best to not intrude, even if he wished to purely to see Noctis' reaction, but he figured he'd done enough already. So, to give the two room to talk for the moment, he ushered his white steed onwards with a small tap of his heels and a click of his tongue- trotting ahead a few paces, for observation, obviously.
Stephen
The demigoddess was clad in a frilly white blouse with a black armored bodice that seemed more high fashion than armor. Her buttoned pants tight against her willowy figure as she sat atop the dappled mare. Her lashers hovered behind her, their bird like skulls scanning the area around them as if protecting the meek girl from behind. 

Alekhya was in a trance like state as the two boys bantered amongst each other. Memories of being a small child alone in the beyond lands flooding her psyche like lava. Her vermillion eyes were wide as visions of carnage filled her mind, nights spent crying alone in caves, covering her mouth as she hid beneath bushes while she was hunted like an animal. Sounds of inhuman screams of agony echoing through the woods and wretched laughter were always abundant in the land of the demons, how cruel that a delicate girl like herself was plunged into such a hell scape from birth. 

Alekhya jumped in shock as Noctis spoke to her, the white mare she rode upon growing antsy for a moment before Alekhya promptly soothed it with a gentle caress. Leaning down to run her long nails through the beasts mane until it resumed its steady pace. The lashers that sprouted from her back twitching in the air for a moment before wrapping themselves around her waist like a sash. 

Alekhya forced smiled as she averted her gaze to Noctis, straightening her posture on the back of the horse as she spoke. 

"Oh... Well. Probably soon, we will be there soon. I'd rather eat prior to-"

Alekhya winced as memories of starving and cold nights bombarded her mind. The voice of her father whispering against her ear making her head pound intensely. She shut her eyes as she gathered her thoughts, raising a hand and grasping her head firmly. After a moment she returned to her usual posture and resumed her speech. 

"I-i'd like to eat soon."

The demigoddess of death spoke meekly, she always felt awful whenever they hunted for food. She always made a point to soothe the dying creatu

Res as they passed in her arms, singing softly to them as she ushered their innocent souls to the afterlife. 

She couldn't help but notice Pride trotting ahead of the pair. Alekhya raised a brow and put her fingers to her mouth, letting out a soft but firm whistle. 

"Not leaving us behind right Pride?"

The girl tried her best to mask the dread of returning to her homeland, to hide the fact that every nerve in her body was on fire at the thought of returning to such a dangerous place. But having Pride and Noctis by her side was the best case scenario, they were her only family after all- but she worried the boys knew not of the horrors beyond the border, how would they look at her after seeing her lineage?
Richard
Whether by ignorance or by choice, Noctis didn't seem to notice the oddities of Alekhya. She'd always been a bit odd and more so than not the past year, upon reaching adulthood something had changed though Noct couldn't quite tell what. Still, stopping soon meant stopping soon. 

"Hey! You better not be trying to race ahead to get a lead on me, no way you're beating more monster than I am." He called out and trotted his black horse after Pride, motioning for Leks to catch up as well. As he came up alongside Pride, he'd say. 

"We should stop here and hunt, get some food and eat before we cross the borderlines. Food might be scarce." He said, gazing out at the dark terrain that was just in view now, a row of jagged black mountains like the black teeth of some starving monster ready to claim a chunk of the earth. 

The truth was that he had noticed and had expected Leks to act strange, who wouldn't right? Still, he wasn't going to go pointing it out to her- he wanted her to feel as if everything was okay and normal. Looking at her any different than he ever had would be the worst thing, but... 

"Maybe you should talk to Leks, let me handle the hunting. Check in on her, you know? You're better with that kind of stuff." 

In a way it was true, Noctis could dance around words and understand anyone anywhere, but when it came to Leks, well, he had known her too long. Pride however had formed a bond with her that made even Noctis feel jealous, but he was glad of it too. 

"Besides, im faster than you anyway." He said with a smirk, hopping off his horse and already stretching his legs to take off. 

"You guys set up a fire and camp, I'll come back with something delicious." Noctis smiled his dazzling smile at both of them, raising an eyebrow at Pride as if to say, "You better not wimp out and ask her", and then he was gone, moving with the inhuman speed that his magical ability gave him.- the subsonic boom dispersed by his illusion magic so that he didn't announce their locat
Wesley
"***No, just... Scouting a little ahead is all.***"

The demigod replied with a look over his shoulder and a reassuring smile towards Alekhya. He knows she isn't fairing well already, even if they have yet to fully cross over into the Lands Beyond properly, so he is aiming to do his best to reassure her that everything will be alright- he'll do his best to ensure it anyway. A deep sigh came from his very soul as Noctis called out to him and brought his horse up beside his. He should have known better than to try and leave the pair alone for the moment, not that it was bad they didn't exactly leap at the opportunity, he just found himself wondering why he kept up the effort.

"***Wouldn't dream of it.***" He said as he looked over at Noctis with a small smirk. "***Good thinking, I packed some rations but they won't last too long- especially if we stop regularly, we'll need all our strength for the journey ahead.***"

His own eyes followed his friends, scanning the dark terrain and crooked mountains now within view. A place of darkness that seemed to swallow whatever happened to stumble into it's maw. They place they must brave for their friends sake.

"***I most*** *Certainly* ***Am not fit for that job and you know that.***" Pride retorted to his friends statement rather quickly and brashly, only managing to catch himself and sigh slightly when his conscious kicked him in the metaphorical ass. "***Fine, fine. You handle the hunting and I'll see what I can do.***"

Reining in his horse and stepping off the demigod of war waved a dismissive hand to Noctis, effectively shooing him away while he tied his horses reigns to a tree branch. He watched his friend rush off after giving his trademark smile, suppressing an impulse to throw a rock at him just for the hell of it, and once Noctis was out of sight Pride began to ruffle through the saddle bags strapped to his horse.

** **
"***Drink? Water will become a rare thing soon enough but we can refill our water-skins before we cross over.***" Pride held up three waterskins, offering one to his friend and even if she didn't want it or didn't care to take it he would grab her hand and carefully place it there- he knows that nerves can be a cause for people to forget they need basic things like water to survive.

"***I'll get a fire started-***" He said while unrolling three separate bedrolls so everyone had a place to sit around the fire. "***-in just a moment...***" He stood up after a moment, popping his back with hands pressed to his hips and quickly side to side bend of his upper body. He needs to ask her, even if he doesn't want her to feel bad about it he has to make sure.

"***Alekhya...***" He looked over at his friend, his glowing golden irises holding a much cooler and kinder warmth than usual, and looked at her not with worry or with doubt but the concern of a friend.

"***Are you alright? I know that might seem like a stupid question given the situation but... If there is anything Noctis or myself can do to help you, reassure you- whatever you need. We are here for you, always. Even if he can be an airhead from time to time I know Noctis feels the same way.***"
Stephen
Alekhya sighed as Noctis trotted ahead on his horse to speak to Pride, she squinted her eyes pensively as she attempted to read their lips- only able to make out a few phrases as the two conversed with each other. She did however clock the concerned look on their faces, and immediately felt guilt was over her as she pieced the situation together. Once again she was a fragile flower to be watered and tended to. She hated the feeling of being so weak, to rely on the strength of her friends- unable to tap into her true power in fear of her fathers control, of losing herself. 

Alekhya gently reined her horse to a halt as she noticed the pair dismount. Gracefully sliding herself off the saddle and scratching the mares cheek before kissing its nose, the large animal then let out a gentle sigh and bowed its head before lying down under the shade of a nearby tree. Alekhya always had a special relationship with animals, she liked to believe that they understood each other on some level. Once the horse was settled, Alekhya adverted her attention to Pride who was making his way over towards her. 

The demigoddess eyes widened as he flourished a trio of waterskins in front of her face, stammering as he placed one into her hands.

"Oh! Thank you Pride. Gracious as always."

As he began to set up a fire and unroll the sleeping bags Alekhya took a swig of the water, wiping her lips with the back of her hand afterwards. She then walked over to her horse and placed the water skin inside one of the various pouches on the horses saddle. Smiling at the creature before turning and walking back towards Pride. She stopped in her place as he muttered her name, her face growing pale for a moment as he expressed his concern. She smiled softly as he spoke, the gentle tone of his words easing her intense anxiety.

"Not a stupid question at all my friend, I'm just a bit nervous... I'm sure Scipio or Noctis has told you of the voices i've been hearing... It's my father he's beckoning me. The beyond

Lands are not just stories, demons roam these lands as I once did. It's a merciless place flooded with screams and maddening laughter. I never thought i'd have to return. I just, I just hope you both are prepared for what's ahead. It's... It's awful."

Alekhya's voice was filled with pain as she recalled her time in the beyond lands, her tone shaky and afraid as she warned her dear friend of what lies ahead.

"You must be alert. You trust nobody but Noctis- Not even I. I worry... I worry we're doing exactly what *He* Wants. Bringing me back here."
Wesley
"***Pfft, gracious. You're always so nice Alekhya, makes me wonder if you even have a bad bone at all in your body.***"

The prideful demigod remarked with a grin, boyish and innocent despite their roles in life, and continued about his work setting up camp. However, when Alekhya began to speak to him he stopped what he was doing, diverting his attention solely on what she had to say. He listened to every word as if it was holy scripture, the words of a dear friend confiding in him about her struggles- what dangers are ahead and the worry she holds for all of them. It reminded him that demigods though they might be, they're still young.

"***Trust Noctis? I only trust pretty boy as far as I can throw him...***" Tapping his chin with his finger his eyes flicked to the side as he thought about that. "***Which is pretty far if I'm honest.***"

Looking back at his friend he could see her expression, hear the tone of her voice- *"Temper your humor with kindness and truth, be a light even in the darkest of times."* Words his father had spoken to him long ago when they'd last spoke. Now was the time to act upon those words.

"***Even if that's what he wants-***" Standing up and marching over to Alekhya the golden boy laid a gentle hand on her head like a brother might do his younger sister, reassuring and kind. "***You've got Noctis and I here to help you along the way. We're ready to face whatever the future holds for us because we have eachother and we have our promise- to help you, and we don't take that promise lightly.***"
Stephen
Alekhya couldn't help but chuckle as he mentioned his trust of Noctis, raising a hand to cover her mouth as she let out a small chuckle. But her humor faded as she remembered the gravity of their situation, although his typical confidence was appreciated- eased her nerves a bit. The girl couldn't help but run over that phrase in her mind... Again and again.

*Not a bad bone in your body.*

Such a sentence made her stomach turn with guilt. She was a spawn of sin and death, in her eyes, her existence was a scourge upon Aeterna. Though Pride's words also ignited a small cinder within her soul, he was so brave- and we was not a fool either. Pride surely knew of the horrors beyond the border, he just didn't fear them like she did.

 She shut her eyes and took a deep breath once he finished talking and placed his hand upon her head, wriggling in place as she wiggled out her anxieties, flailing her arms limply at her side as she exhaled deeply. Planting her feet upon the ground she looked up at Pride and smiled, a genuine display of confidence and *Pride*. She was Alekhya Camille, daughter of Mortem, the Shadow of Scipio.

* 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔢 𝔡𝔞𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔢𝔯?*

Her expression dropped for a moment, her brows furrowing as she looked to her side and growled. 

"Shut up."

She then cleared her throat and looked back at Pride, avoiding his gaze as her cheeks flushed due to embarrassment. Finally meeting his intense gaze after her eyes danced around his face for a few nervous moments. She'd never spoken back to his voice before, never had it been so loud. She could feel his influence growing as they neared closer to the border. 

"I-Im sorry."

The lashers that typically hovered behind her back were now limply suspended in the air, as if they too were embarrassed. 

"Promise me you won't let me hurt anyone. Please."

She was now clasping the hand that was once on her head between her own. Shaking it firming up and down as she let her head droop in front of her, sighing b

Efore straightening her posture and smiling meekly.
Wesley
"***Oh hush, I know who you're talking to. Be meaner next time, call him smelly, it'll be funny.***"

Pride remarked with a small laugh, knowing exactly what Alekhya had done. He knows that she would never speak that way to him unless he deserved it, which has happened before, but this is not one of those times. Humor and jokes aside, which he needs to really get a grip on, when she asked him to promise her the demigod of war's smile took on a much kinder and warmer look to it. He reached out his other hand, clasping both of Alekhya' while his aura slowly worked its magic on her- filling the woman with a sense of confidence and strength about herself.

"***I swear on our friendship, I swear on my title as the demigod of war and I swear on my name as Pride- I will do all I can to both protect you and make sure you do not bring harm to anyone that doesn't need to be harmed.***" His tone was soft, brotherly and caring. When he saw her smile the demigod of war couldn't help but chuckle as he let her hands go.

"***There is the Alekhya I know.***" With a wave of his hand Pride walked back to the small camp they'd formed, stepping past it and with a single slice of his hand in a knife like fashion began to drag a tree branch back towards the camp.

"***Now come on, let's get this fire going, Noctis should be back soon and you know how impatient he can be when he's hungry.***" Just like that Pride resumed their task at hand, leaving his friend nothing to do but to help and push her worries away.