Magic can be categorized into 2 main schools; Reason and Faith. Reason magic pulls from one's understanding of magic as a tangible spiritual medium that is inherent to their physiology. To manipulate Reason magic into anima or dark magic the caster is required to use their intellect and imagination to help construct the spell from concept to reality. One must visualize the physics of the fire or lightning spurting forth in conjunction with a focus on their mana to mold the spell appropriately.

Faith magic pulls from our emotions first and foremost, as to why it is commonly alluded to why it's so popular amongst nuns and priests of the Church fo Seiros with their unyielding devotion and love for the goddess Sothis. This is a common misnomer. Each faith spell draws its power from the caster bringing forth pent up emotions to power each spell. For example, Heal is rooted in the caster's desire to help or aid, as is it's stronger permutation Restore. Warp relies on the caster to harbor feelings of tranquility or feelings of longing for the inverse Rescue spell.

These 2 schools of thought make-up the 3rd and hidden school of magic, Soul magic. This unique magic does not draw upon the caster's mana as a fuel source, but rather their very soul itself. With magic as a catalyst for the caster's soul to power strange ritualistic magics that would be otherwise impossible (?) to other forms of magic. Soul magic draws on one thing in particular; willpower. To impose your very identity on another person or object is very powerful and escapes many if not all the common limitations of conventional magic as we know today, but with a grave cost. Failure with Soul magic can cause fractures in one's soul leading to a condition called fragmentation. I've witnessed people fail to use Soul magic carelessly and in an open and controlled environment, and the results vary in longevity and severity ranging from amnesia, permanent damage to mana, inability to focus, mutation, transformation, identity disorder, schizophrenia, mania, depression, and death.

The Soul magic spells I've recorded so far are explained in depth in later chapters but read with an air of caution if you are considering the use of Soul magic. There is no consequence more dangerous or damning than the loss of oneself.

-Dissertation excerpt from 'The Third Element' by Santos Capetillo; circa Fodlan 1184.


Ingrid takes a moment to compose herself by lightly touching up her hair that's been pulled back into a tight ponytail. She takes a few steps towards me, "Santos, I heard at what happened last night. That Ashe is...gone."

"Please don't remind me. I don't need an innocent kid's death on my conscience with everyone reminding me about it," I huff in annoyance as I go to take a seat at my small study and begin fiddling with my shoes. If I'm going to get yelled at by the entirety of the Blue Lions house I might as well be comfortable for it.

Ingrid shakes her head, "You misunderstand! While I'm quite upset myself about his death; I don't blame you," I raise an eyebrow at Ingrid's remark as she continues, "I've come to apologize for Dimitri's behavior. Lindhardt told me what had happened, and I must apologize for my liege's behavior."

So that's what this is really about. She's here to save face and preform her duty rather than be emotionally interested in Ashe's death or even console or blame me. Looking at Ingrid I can see a hardness to her face that seems almost foreign from the happy kid I once knew in what feels like not too long ago.

"Dimitri is forgiven. He had a right to be mad. It's my fault as the medic to ensure everyone gets out safely, so if you have any heat to toss my way-"

"Stop," Ingrid demands as she crosses her arms, "I don't want to hear it. People die, Santos. I'm sure you did your best."

I really didn't in hindsight. Panicking against such an unholy abomination was my first instinct when entering that underground tomb to face Aelfric. I was running off pure adrenaline that entire fight with no reason or careful methodology to my tactics. I was careless and let important details slip by me, and in the end, I have Byleth to thank for rallying each of us to take down the beast. The real MVP of that fight.

I look out the window where I can see overcast dark clouds flooding the sky with light rain coming down, "When did you become so cold Ingrid? It seems to me you didn't come here out of concern of me or Ashe. You're only here to fulfill your duty, and I can't help but feel it's made you lacking a bit of compassion."

Ingrid turns away from me looking towards the exit, "You know very well where compassion has gotten me. I don't hate you Santos, but I will never forgive you because of how you used my family. I understand your reasoning if it is true, but you must know that some debts can never be repaid in full."

I turn away from the stormy window looking back to Ingrid's back profile, "I've been atoning for my sins, and you too must learn to move on. I'd give whatever I can to help you. I understand feeling pain."

Ingrid's hands clench by her side as I hear her whisper, "I want my childhood back. I want my father back to who he was. It doesn't matter who else you heal; some of us will always be hurt. It's not that simple, Santos."

I want to respond but no words come from my mouth. I want to stand up and at least have Ingrid look at me, so I can see her face but my body feels as if it's made of lead. Nothing that I say can probably appease her. Some things can be remedied by simple effort; somethings require time as I've learned and even that may not be enough.

I sit in silence looking at Ingrid hoping she will turn around or at least say something more on the matter, but we remain like statues for about a minute before Ingrid announces, "I must report back to Dimitri. Farewell, doctor."

Ingrid firmly closes the door upon her departure leaving me alone with my thoughts and regrets. Before I came to Fodlan I figured out how to distance myself from the personal feelings of death when I worked in the emergency room back at the hospital. Back when that was the most difficult thing in my life to cope with. My past almost seems like a distant dream compared to where I am now. Perhaps I blame myself for Ashe's death more than my ER patients since I knew many of them would die. It was what came with the territory.

As for Ingrid's hate of me, I can't blame her and I'll continue to try and rebuild the bridge we once had. This certainly doesn't help matters, and like she said; some people will always be hurt. I could try my luck at soul magic with her, but that's unethical no matter which way you look at it and it isn't guaranteed to last or even work. Soothing away issues isn't always the answer. Sometimes you must face the truth and bare the brunt of the consequences.


I've remained in my room neglecting to get dinner since when Ingrid and I talked early in the day. I've been writing in my journal to help express my feelings on the matter as a way to cope as well as start a thesis on magic. If anybody can figure out soul magic it'll be me, and I have a feeling it may come in handy for the conflicts to come. With Edelgard determined with her path and Rhea being an enigma in herself but content to stay in Fodlan, I'm given very little options and even fewer allies.

Do I break my deal and tell someone to help me? Each passing day feels like more sand falls through the hourglass at this point. I blame Sothal for much of this. If the deranged god wasn't hellbent on genocide to 'restart the cycle' maybe I would have found some peace here at Garreg Mach, but that's wishful thinking at this point.

I stand up from my study and put on my leather boots. I haven't had any visitors other than Ingrid this afternoon so it's probably safe to go snag a bite to eat and get some fresh air. It should give me ample time to figure out an outline for an actual plan for the Ashen Wolves moving forward.

I exit my room, though as I open the door I see Byleth standing there about to knock. She manages to stop her fist from coming into contact with my face with a few millimeters to spare as she mouths, "Oh, Santos. I've been looking for you."

Byleth awkwardly retracts her hand transitioning it into a handshake, which would have been smooth if it weren't her left hand. I look down at the gesture with mild curiosity. I grab the top of her hand and shake it, "Sorry, but this is my only hand I have to shake hands with."

"It works. Are you leaving?"

"I was, but if you need to talk about something important than I can wait for a few moments," I explain as I hold open the door leading back into my quarters. Byleth smiles and nods as she ducks into the room as I follow close behind to shut and lock the door.

As I turn around I see Byleth absentmindedly walk around my room looking curiously at different objects. I notice her glide a hand across the top of my study on her way to look out the window. The professor stops at the window to turn to me, "I've never been in here. It's nice."

I stifle a chuckle at her comment, "Glad you like the church's choice of drapes. Now, is there anything you'd actually like to talk about?"

"There is. I'd like to speak to you about what happened yesterday."

Great, the thing I'm still trying to eject from my memories and recent nightmares is what is on the menu. I roll my neck a bit to loosen myself up and move to take a seat on my bed, "Alright, what about it? It was terrible and I don't ever wish for something like that to ever appear again. That's my hot take on the matter."

I can see the gears in Byleth's mind turning as she mouths out the words 'hot take' as if chewing on the words will help her understand them better before responding, "No, I wanted to thank you for your assistance. We may not have escaped with such a narrow victory without your aid."

I take a moment to study Byleth's blank yet happy face for any hints of sarcasm, but I give up and relent, "Well, for what it's worth you're welcome, but it doesn't help that we couldn't get everyone out of there alive. How is everyone else holding up?"

"Everyone is coping one way or another. The Blue Lions took the news the hardest, though I do believe Hanneman is gathering them together for a group dinner tonight."

Part of me wants to go to that dinner, though I doubt I'd be welcome considering Ingrid and Dimitri's disposition towards me at the moment. I sigh, "Well, that seems good."

Byleth nods, "Yes, it is. And don't blame yourself. I ran the numbers and that was the best-case scenario. The truth of the matter is we were not strong enough to face a monster like that."

"You 'ran the numbers'? What do you mean by that? I get that you are battle savvy, but I highly doubt that you can be so certain that was the best-case scenario," I question as I raise my eyebrow as I begin to feel out with my magical aura. Byleth's magical signature has always confused me to the times when Sothal was with me where I had hallucinations to intense vertigo, but her magical signature itself has always presented itself as strong yet stagnant in a sense. While most people's magic feels like a specific moving current, Byleth's feels like an eddy that keeps moving in on itself in steady repetition.

"Trust me, I know it was the only scenario that was acceptable to end in victory-," Byleth explains but immediately clams up for a moment before continuing, "It's what my martial experience tells me."

For the briefest of moments, I felt a weird spike in Byleth's aura and I would have missed it if I wasn't keying in on her in such proximity. The spike though felt unusual...wait. Could there be a chance that Sothal possessed Byleth? Maybe her strange magic makes her susceptible to their influence and that would explain Sothal's curiosity with Byleth previously? A more suitable host for some reason perhaps due to her mysterious crest if Hanneman is to be believed. Byleth may possess a non-artificial crest of Sothal which would be why I had such a reaction when I was bonded with Sothal around her? One way to find out.

"What was that? Why'd you stop?" I accuse as I stand up from my bed to move closer to Byleth who manages to keep a decent poker face and reply, "I don't understand what you mean?"

"You seemed distracted, anything you want to tell me? I won't hold judgment."

Byleth ponders my suggestion for a bit with a tilt of her head replying, "Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine. I mainly came here to console you as I heard from Rhea that you seemed a bit down on yourself."

"Oh, well...thanks. Also, we make a pretty good team I'd say. I wouldn't be opposed to working with you again, but hopefully in a less strained situation." It seems she wants to hide something, which makes me a tad suspicious. I definitely felt a blip in her aura occur, and when combined with that strange pause it leaves me wondering.

"I'd like that too. If you are available for any missions or training skirmishes please let me know," She replies with a kind-hearted smile and an extended hand for a handshake. I grasp her hand, the correct hand, this time for the handshake and respond, "Thank you for the offer, I'll keep it in mind. Now, I must go get dinner as I'm feeling quite hungry."

The female professor jumps into action as she dashes towards the door exclaiming, "That reminds me, I still need to check in on a few students over dinner. Farewell, Santos. One last thing, I found some more items that I think a few could be-"

"I haven't lost anything. Now go meet your students, I'll see you around," I deadpan respond to the strange warrior trying to hand me more useless lost knick-knacks. I don't know what her obsession with returning things to people is, and I doubt I'll ever figure it out.

As Byleth bolts from my quarters, I take a moment to myself to breathe and compose myself. Byleth is certainly strange, but this last encounter has hit my threshold for tolerance. Tonight I'm going to get answers, and I think I have just the spell to do it.


After my dinner, I went back to my room to study my soul magic tome once more to prepare myself. The spell Wander in particular is listed as a way to indirectly visit and commune with others and after some decoding of the vague text, I believe I've cracked its secret.

After some brief study, like cramming right before an important exam I close the curtains to my window, blow out my candle, and go to sleep. Wander is unique in the sense that it asks for complete bodily relaxation, so what's more relaxed than being asleep? It encourages the caster to let go of the physical and into the metaphysical which my in my hypothesis I believe is some form of spiritual projection with dreams somehow included.

As a feel myself edging closer to sleep I let my mind drift to my magical aura to ignite the power of my soul and to release from the physical. The feeling of letting go like you are suspended by wires above an impossibly tall cliff is the sensation I'm met with as I can feel my focus burning through the imaginary wires. I continue to follow the spells vaguely helpful instructions and continue to cut the threads I've visualized, and I suddenly feel a lurching feeling in my mind like intense vertigo.

I'm thrown from the bed, but to my surprise, I'm standing on my feet and more importantly looking at myself. I glance around my room and everything seems to where I left it, and looking at myself I seem fairly transparent, but dressed in my robes like I normally would be for work. This must be how I subconsciously view myself from the depths of my soul. I need to take notes when I end this spell because this is a whole new level of strange for me.

I try to see if I can cast magic in this form, but I'm met with no reaction from my mana. It seems I've disconnected myself from the physical mana source and in turn probably limited myself to soul magic.

"Well, let's see if my hypothesis is right…" I grumble to myself as I walk toward the closed door to my room. First I need to seek out Byleth and to see if I can get a beat on if she's possessed or not.

I go to the door to open it, but my ghost hand slides through the door handle causing me to grumble, "C'mon...unless?"

I nervously shove my hand through the door, and to my delight, I go right through. I force the rest of my body through and I've managed to completely phase through the solid object. I just need to keep my focus up now so I don't slip through the floor.

I begin to hustle my way toward Byleth's room by passing around the stables, market, and fishing area and thankfully I see nobody around as the bright moon illuminates my way forward. As I round towards the student dorms where I remember Byleth being placed I see a guard patrol of two knights the opposite of my way.

To test the ability further I shout, "Hey!" and I wait for a response from the guard, but they continue on their duty. Seems that I can't interact with anybody in the physical realm while like this, but Wander specifically stated it was a way to visit others. Time to see if this spell is a dud or not.

I reach Byleth's room easily enough and phase through the door and I'm greeted with the sight of a basic room with hardly any unique furnishing. It reminds me of my room a little. I spot Byleth sound asleep underneath the covers on the bed and a bunch of notes scattered on her study, which I avert my eyes from. I'm here for a singular purpose of seeing if she's possessed by Sothal, not to snoop through her belongings.

"What if she is possessed, then what do I do?" I mumble to myself as I tiptoe closer to the sleeping blue-haired professor. Sothal nearly devoured me last time, and I doubt I could take Sothal on now any better. Alright, if it's Sothal I'll immediately bail and end the spell. Probably race to go tell Rhea or something as she might be able to do something about it, but that may be wishful thinking.

"Well, here goes nothing," I assure myself as I touch her forehead with my palm and the world around me unfolds on itself. The old walls of Garreg Mach peel away to reveal a large endless void around me with clouds that seem to be the floor. Only the room's interior remains as the exit to the room and everything that would be normally outside is removed.

Outside in the misty void, I spot two doors that have appeared, one to my north and one to my south. Each one looks nondescript besides being made out of old wood. I take a deep breath as I'm about to enter some uncharted magical territory for myself and most likely for the world in several centuries. I approach the northern door first, and to my surprise, the handle to the door feels completely solid. This must be the precipice of Byleth's subconscious if I had to guess, which explains why I can interact with the meta-physical and only making me more longing for my notebook to record my findings.

I slowly open the door, and as I do I'm greeted with a view of a large plain that leads up to a large apple tree on a hill. At the base of the tree, I can see two people seated there which one looks like Jeralt...and the other looks like a strange version of Byleth. Lastly, I see a small child come around the tree and tackle Jeralt in a giggling mess as Jeralt goes to tickle the blue-haired kid.

"This must be Byleth's dream…" I muse to myself as I observe the wholesome family moment. She must be thinking of her family since Aelfric probably unearthed some nasty memories concerning what he did with her mother with the chalice.

I smile as I watch the family chatter amongst themselves, but I shake my head to refocus. I didn't come to watch Byleth's dreams, no matter how wholesome and cute they may be but rather I need to see if she isn't spiritually compromised...and I still have another door to open.

I close the door to Byleth's dream and walk back through the interior past the sleeping physical form of Byleth towards the southern door. It appears to be the same as the other one in a plain oak style with no carvings or designs. I take on the last deep breath and open the door quickly.

The other side of the door is a black void save for directly ahead I can see a staircase leading up to a throne of sorts. The kind I remember in Zanado from Sothal's illusion world. I swallow hard as I step past the threshold of the door and into the familiar yet unsettling void. I can't see who is on the throne as I walk forward while keeping my mind focused on bailing on the spell at the first sign of trouble.

I peek behind me and notice that the door that I came through has disappeared, "Well that's not unsettling." I press on until I'm about five meters from the steps that lead up to the throne and I hear a female voice stir from slumber, "Hmmm...I didn't think you would bother me at a time like this," The young girl dressed in a strange blue and pink outfit yawns and stretches, "But it's interesting if you made it here by yourself."

I walk a bit forward more to see if I can get a better look at the figure as her eyes are still closed and it seems she's someone who doesn't wake up easily. That or Sothal is trying to draw me in with the innocent kid act. Time to see who I'm dealing with.

"I'm probably not who you were expecting to see tonight," I probe as I raise my hand into a slightly defensive position in front of me. The young girl's eyes snap open immediately and she sits up in her throne commenting, "That presence...it feels familiar."

The young girl's attention falls directly on me as she shouts, "You dare trespass here mortal! Who are...wait...you're that doctor from earlier."

"So you were listening to the conversation from earlier. Who are you, spirit?" I accuse as I point at the girl who angrily responds, "How dare you! Such impedance from a mortal, let alone one that intrudes where they do not belong and begins accusing me!"

Well, they haven't struck me down yet, so either Sothal's playing the long game or this is someone else. I'll have to keep up my guard considering I don't know what's the limits on magic in this realm of existence.

"I'm Santos Capetillo, the doctor-"

"I know who you are, but a better question is why are you here?"

"Who are you and what are you doing inside Byleth's mind?" I question sternly as I continue to make eye contact with the subconscious roommate of the professor's.

"I am the goddess Sothis, and what I'm doing is none of your business, mortal!" Sothis decrees with a dismissive wave of her hand. I take a step back a bit confused, "Sothis? Like the goddess of the beginning?"

Sothis sighs in an exaggerated and almost childlike manner, "It seems you've done your reading, doctor. Why are you so surprised? Not used to basking in a deific presence? Do you now know your place now?"

I put my arm down and divulge, "Well, you aren't who I was expecting, but it's welcome over the alternative. I was expecting Sothal."

"Sothal? That name seems familiar...yet I cannot place it. I sense you are being honest, so tell me mortal, who is this you seek?"

She doesn't know? What did the hell happen in the past for Sothal's other half to forget about them? Is this a ruse or a consequence of their battle? I look back up to the haughty goddess who is watching me curiously as I reply, "You don't know of Sothal? I figured you of all people would know…"

"I am remorseful to admit that I have slumbered for a long time and have forgotten much, but do not think of me as a fool. I recognize the name, but tell me, who are they? I can also sense a certain magical and spiritual taint upon you that resonates with that name," Sothis explains to which causes me to be a bit more worried about my spiritual being. Sothal was quiet for a long time planning to take over my body, so what did they do to me? Or this could be that I draw my power from Sothal's infused blood, but that's still up for debate.

"Sothal is your counterpart, the one who was bonded to me. They are your twin, the End to your Beginning."

Sothis closes her eyes and nods, "Yes, I see. I'm starting to remember. I have a sister...wait...you said they 'were' bonded to you? Where are they now?"

I shrug, "My guess is good as yours, goddess. I evicted Sothal at Gronder Field, but it's been weeks since then."

Sothis stands up from her throne and begins to descend the stairs towards me, "Hmmm, I sense this is not good. My fragmented memories are coming back to me of my sister thanks to your presence, yet much of it remains shrouded in fog."

"Well, what do you remember?"

Sothis stops about a few steps in front of me giving me a view of a girl who is barely 4'5" with relatively scandalous black, green and pink apparel now that I have a closer look. Instead of Sothal's red eyes, I see pale green ones instead accompanied by the same pointed ears accompanied by beautifully braided green hair. She gazes deep into my eyes as if I can feel her surveying my very soul, "Sothal is my shadow. Everything I am, they are not and vice versa. I can see that you are no longer attached to Sothal, but remnants of their presence are still marked upon your soul. We are one of the same. As one gains strength, the other does in turn. I fear that either you or Byleth's awakening sparked the other to reawaken, and by my judgment, it would be you considering the imprint Sothal has left on your soul. My guess would be years."

"How can you tell that at a glance?" I question the diminutive goddess, but she shrugs, "Divine power. Here I can see the truth of a person's soul. But, we find ourselves in an odd situation. I never thought that you would be Sothal's vessel, let alone get free of them...meaning they are free."

Well, shit. Did I mess up by following Sothal into that illusion world? Sothis seems worried so I ask, "What does that mean exactly? I wasn't too privy to getting fully possessed by a deranged god that wants to kill everyone."

"Understandable. But this means their spirit is free. Sothal will no doubt seek a new host with considerable strength that is easily manipulatable."

I rub my chin in thought, "Yes… that makes sense. What do you suggest I do?"

Sothis mimics my actions before shrugging, "I haven't the slightest clue."

"Wait, what?" I babble to the seemingly unworried goddess who replies, "I don't know. I've forgotten much and I do not know what may happen. But you must keep an eye out for anyone suspicious, as you have been closest to our mutual enemy. If their desires still are true to the opposite of mine, then I fear what has been set upon the world. I shall also inform Byleth to look out for strange magical anomalies."

"That's it? Do you have anything else? No divine wisdom or leads?" I stammer in a poorly hidden frustrated tone. I wandered into oblivion to find a goddess that knows hardly anything, which adds to my list of problems while solving none.

"I know plenty! I've merely forgotten! Do not think of me as some naive child!" Sothis rebukes as my face becomes a bit paler from the sudden verbal attack. It would appear she can also read my thoughts here, so that's just great. Also, that means any questions she asked before was just posturing to see if I would misstep and lie about my intent. Clever.

"Yes, that is true. I can see your very soul, so you cannot hide any secrets from me while here."

"Can Sothal do the same?"

Sothis shakes her head, "I don't believe so. Sothal's powers are a distortion of my own. Where I can see the truth of your soul, Sothal can most likely do the inverse; planting artificial desires in one's soul or something to that effect. I know we used to have more powers but I've since forgotten their's and my own abilities, unfortunately."

That's certainly terrifying considering how long Sothal was with me. How much of that power was used on me not knowing? It makes everything leading up to the exorcism suspect if they were my actions or if they were controlled or influenced.

"Do not worry too much about it. What's done is done, and Sothal would have been pretty weak before my awakening a few months ago, so no major influences should have dictated your actions or thoughts."

"That's still not very comforting," I contest with a grimace.

Sothis puts her hands on her hips and huffs, "It wasn't supposed to be comforting, just the truth."

I look around the void once more and question, "So, what now? We are on the same side against Sothal it would seem, so do you know a way to get rid of them or kill them?"

"Unfortunately no. While our physical forms are long gone, our spirits remain still. I doubt anything besides actively choosing to let go would have us cease to exist."

So that's a hard no on ghost hunting. And I doubt that I could convince Sothal to just 'give up' as they are hellbent on ending the world. I look back to Sothis and plead, "Tell me what I should do. There is so much...stuff happening that I just want to know how to end this nightmare. They've controlled me and I don't want them to succeed. Tell me what to do."

Sothis remains quiet for a few seconds simply staring at me. Each second feels like an hour as the small green-haired goddess's eyes bore into my soul as she finally asserts, "I do not know. We could not even kill each other from what I remember. I task you with finding a way to contain Sothal."

I think for a moment on the goddess's words before I ask, "Tell me, in your fight with Sothal, who attacked who first?"

"I don't remember all of it...but I feel as if Sothal attacked someone close to me, causing me to retaliate. I'm sorry, I'm feeling sleepy from all this talking. Treat Byleth with care, Santos. She may be an odd mortal, but she's my mortal. Goodbye!" Sothis lazily replies as she stifles a yawn and prances down the stairs landing right in front of me. Before I can react to her hoping down in front of me she hops up and cheerily sings out, "Boop!" as she taps my forehead.

The world around me spins making me feel nauseous as colors meld with one another giving me a sense of falling in a rock tumbler. I finally get my barrings as I bolt upright with warm sheets on top of me. I can feel a cold sweat on my body as I reach to touch my face and look around my quarters. Sothis must have ended my spell sending me back to my physical body.

I slump back into bed exasperated muttering to myself, "I don't even know what to think anymore. I must figure out a way to contain Sothal…"

From one deranged god to and amnesiac goddess inside a socially inept professor that has a penchant for violence, my world continues to get weirder. I'll have plenty of time to think about it later, but my stomach turns to know that Sothal is now somewhere out in the wild to their machinations, even if they are just a spirit. Someone is going to fall victim to that mad god's plans, and I can't help but be angry at myself for not being strong enough to fend them off with my abilities.


The next morning went by relatively smoothly after the strange encounter with Sothis via the Wander spell. I spoke with Rhea and got the Ashen Wolves classroom getting stocked up and ready for lessons, which is the least stressful thing on my mind. I've effectively met both gods of this world and neither has struck me as all-knowing wise or omnipotent beings, but more like sapient forces of nature stuck on a railroad track.

As for trusting Sothis, I wouldn't say I feel strongly one way or the other considering my poor track record with gods, so I'd say it's a strong neutral feeling. I want to prevent things from going terribly wrong with Sothal, Edelgard, and Rhea though I feel no obligation to align myself to Sothis's whims. Still, it'd be nice if the world wasn't trying to actively throw itself into peril. I want to petition the world for one problem at a time, but that would be too convenient since fate has shown a predisposition for hating me.

In short, I feel a bit overwhelmed and in need of help. The question now is, who do I turn to? Some people like Shamir and Ingrid already know most of my story, but one is actively trying to bury her emotions under the guise of 'duty' and the other one thinks I'm a funny headcase. And the rest are people I wouldn't venture to say I either know well enough or might spill the information to the wrong person. Byleth is an interesting choice, but I haven't figured out how I want to approach her after the whole Sothis situation. She certainly seems aware that Sothis is with her, but I'm still unsure of how to broach the subject and what ramifications would arise.

I look around the vacant Ashen Wolves classroom as I'm seated at the podium at the head of the classroom. Class doesn't start officially until tomorrow, but I feel like slamming my head against the podium to help alleviate some stress. Thankfully the Crystal Clinic has been running smoothly in my absence with the older Almyran gentlemen being quick studies and former medicine men from their homeland, so that's at least one less thing to worry about.

"Professor!"

I scramble to look up from the podium for the shrill and high pitched voice in the room. My eyes dart around until I look down and see pure white hair and violet eyes looking up to me as Lysithea chastises, "I've been here for almost a minute and it took me yelling to get your attention. You should really be more aware."

I rub my eyes and try to clear my throat which feels incredibly dry and croak out, "Sorry, I haven't had a lot of time to rest. Lot's of things on my mind-wait, when did you change your school uniform?"

Lysithea instead of wearing her normal uniform of Garreg Mach, she's wearing a nearly identical version but with grey and purple threading like the Ashen Wolves which can only mean one thing.

"So glad you finally noticed. Yes, I spoke with Professor Eisner and Lady Rhea, and my transfer has been approved. Constance helped alter my uniform as well once I gave her the news, and if I am to be your apprentice than I must be in your class if I am to achieve magical mastery," Lysithea astutely asserts with a bit of pride.

I can feel my thoughts run through my mind like wheels spinning in mud as I try to process her proclamation. I'm currently experiencing the after-effects of the Wander spell from last night, where I lost track of time talking with Sothis and nearly spent the whole night there. I put in my notes that time is more abstract when traversing the astral and other's subconscious, but I haven't a clue on the degree yet. Essentially, to use the dream based Wander spell your still fully awake the entire time you sleep, so your body becomes rested but your mind doesn't gain any of the effects of rest leaving the caster low on mental processing power and focus. Also, I'm sure the stress doesn't help either as I'm sure my cortisol levels are probably atrocious.

"Hello? Professor?!" Lysithea shouts as she waves her hand in front of my face, "Are you alright? You seem to be ill."

I wave Lysithea away dismissively, "No, I'm fine just really tired. Anyways, you transferred? I'm glad to have you onboard, but you sure about this?"

Lysithea crosses her arms, "Of course I am. As the top student in all magical classes, I require the best magical instructor. That doesn't put me to sleep, that is."

I put my hand up in defeat, "Alright, you've made your point. Are you ready for your first task as my apprentice in the Ashen Wolves?"

Lysithea straightens her posture up as best she can and replies, "Say the word, I'm ready for anything."

"Alright, go find me a clean glass of water. Preferably cold," I lazily drawl out as I look at my notes again and scribble down my first lesson for Lysithea. It's really hard to get cool clean water down in Abyss since the Inn doesn't have anything and much of the water in the canal is sewage from Garreg Mach mixed in with the silt heavy water. It'll be interesting, plus I'm really thirsty.

Lysithea's mouth drops before she manages to babble out, "W-wait that's not a lesson! I'm not your errand girl, I'm a student!"

"Hey, that's my task. The water around here isn't very drinkable, so come up with a solution," I reason to the diminutive mage who trills, "Ohhhh, I get it. I have to use magic for a mundane solution. I shall get on it at once, and you shall not be disappointed."

Lysithea bolts out of the classroom while managing to kick up some dust in her scuttling. I smile as Lysithea's form turns the corner and hear a suave voice across the room chuckle, "Look at her go, already trying to earn brownie points with the teacher. Adorable."

I turn my head to the corner of the classroom and spot Yuri leaning back in a chair with his feet on the table and a smug-looking look on his face. I didn't even notice him come in when I was talking to Lysithea nor sense his magic, though my focus is a bit shot if I couldn't sense Lysithea of all people in front of me. I'll need to take more caution if I ever use the Wander spell again.

"Yuri. A pleasant surprise to see you here, but you are aware that class doesn't start until tomorrow."

Yuri quickly hops from his seat and vaults over the table casually replying, "I'm well aware, Santos. Just here to score some brownie points, that's all."

"Doubtful. Why the need to sneak in here on me?"

"Force of habit. And I didn't sneak in, you just aren't that perceptive."

"Point taken. Now, what's going on?"

Yuri, now right in front of me extends his hand, "A thank you. For choosing the Ashen Wolves when you could have turned tail and gone back to the surface. I'll be honest, I was skeptical at first but after seeing how you've patched up my rogues and classmates, well, you're one of us now whether you like it or not."

I shake Yuri's hand who has a surprisingly strong grip and reply, "I'm just doing what I think is right. You all deserve to finish your studies at the very least, and I wasn't going to have Rhea just scatter you to the four winds immediately like the apostles of old. I've made Abyss my home and I prefer it here to the surface world."

Yuri laughs, "My oh my, you are certainly a fool. Or insane. But I like that about you, Santos."

"I've proven to be both, so don't sell me short," I tease back to the house leader who takes it in stride replying, "I'll keep that in mind. The wolves will have your back with however the rest of the year shakes out. Dealing with Aelfric was difficult, but I'm glad you stood by us in the end. If you need anything, just ask and I might consider it," Yuri explains with a wink at the end.

I'm glad that Yuri and the rest of the wolves have taken to me, but Yuri's offer gives me an idea. I rub my chin and remark, "You know, I do have a request. You've run gangs and rogues here in Abyss for a while, so do you have an information network of any sort?"

The trickster unfurls a sadistic grin, "Already looking for dirt on people, professor? This better score me some extra credit."

"You could say that. I've got a few people in mind that I want to know a bit more about. Backgrounds, major past events, and current dealings. That sort of thing."

"Well well, it seems our resident doctor is also a bit of a sleuth. Tell me, who do you want to look into?"

I grab my notebook and tear off a page. I grab a sealed inkwell and quill from my robe pocket and begin writing and explaining, "I want these people investigated. I'm looking for any gaps in history that don't add up, strange meetings, and any information that would be considered uncommon knowledge."

I finish scribbling their names on the list and hand it to Yuri who glances it over. After a few moments Yuri chuckles, "Nice name on 'whoever the hell did translations for Aelfric'. That aside, I can have my boys look into the other 4 names. I will say though, those affiliated with the church are not easy to look into."

"I have faith you'll find a way to make it work. You're nothing if resourceful from what I've learned about you in the past few days."

"You got me there, but since I'm doing charity work I want to know your angle. I know you've got a lot of enemies, but some of these names don't jump off the page as dangerous."

I close up my journal and store it in my travel bag to focus my thought. I grab my bag and look back to Yuri's handsome yet mischievous face and reply, "People have plans in motion for the fate of Fodlan. It's about time I start to get some leverage to learn how to settle the score. Information is power no matter which world you come from, and I want to know exactly who's at the table making what plays. I refuse to be a slave to the power-hungry. It's as simple as that."

I walk by Yuri who seems to be considering my words, and I meant all of them. It's about damn time I have the upper hand and begin to figure out what I'm dealing with, and what better place than the seat of the Abyss. A decent chunk of the world already considers me a criminal and villain, so I might as well act the part a little more in hopes that everybody isn't completely screwed in the end by a harbinger god of the end or some petty warlord. This time, I'm taking the fight to them and the first step like studying for any exam or diagnosing any disease is simple; Know thy enemy.


A/N: Surprise update due to being stuck at home due to quarantine thanks to COVID-19...so I'm busy writing and cleaning my house! I hope everyone else is staying healthy and safe.

Alright, kicking off part two white clouds with a fun bang, or as I call it 'Overcast'. We are leading into the nitty-gritty as multiple sides plot and plan against each other, and it would seem Santos isn't one for wanting to be left out. It would seem the gods even when dead cling to their duty in this world with stubborn tenacity and can only choose for themselves to cease...quite the interesting predicament, and that's not even mentioning possible war on the horizon either.

The poll has ended and you have decided...Rhea should be the pairing for Santos. I'll be honest, I was pulling for this one actually. People give Rhea a lot of flak (rightfully so) but I also see her as a tragic figure caught between wanting to see her mother again and being too old and removed from society to understand humanity, but perhaps she can learn? We shall see, but thank you all that voted, it was mighty interesting :D

Also, RIP Ashe. I'm sure some of you were maybe expecting a 'golden route' but with how this story was going, did you really think it'd all be happy? I'm not afraid to pull the trigger on any character, but I won't do it haphazardly to just create an 'omg why' moment. Everything here serves a purpose and hopefully teaches the characters or the reader something. In the face of real horror, sometimes you just can't win 'em all. That's life.

That was a bit dreary, how about some reviews, eh?

Review Response:

FollowingPath: Agreed. Pour one out for our little rogue that could.

Sukaleska: Yeah, and it shouldn't be a spoiler that other people are probably going to bite the dust too. Byleth is sad, but having a past of being a merc means she is probably coping alright. At least it wasn't Jeralt. Right?

flitterflux: Dunno, maybe Yuri? I hear he's quite the sneak, but he'll probably charge you per lock :p And Byleth here alludes to her time powers here a bit, and sometimes if you make enough wrong moves your just stuck with a bad situation. Welcome to Maddening difficulty. As for why Santos didn't feel the blip...curious. What's different this time?

Sakura108645: *pours out coffee* indeed, and thank you. Glad your liking it and thanks for the review!

Bonefish: Ingrid certainly isn't hostile towards Santos, he's been upgraded to the 'Cold Indifference' category. Thanks for the support and glad you're enjoying the ride.

That's all this week folks, as the next chapter will delve into the new Ashen Wolves and their first mission. Oh boy! See you all next time and thanks for all your support to my reviewers and subscribers. Also, remember to wash your hands out there, Corona Virus is out there so stay safe everybody. My entire region is in a state of emergency...so yeah. More time to write I guess?

I can be found on Narwhal Lord's Fanfiction Treehouse discord Stormtide_Leviathan on discord . gg / 9XG3U7a so stop by and say hi to all the talented folks over there! Lots of other great stories to pick up and read from what I've found if more FE fanfiction is your things.

Also, we've hit over 200k words in this story! I feel like a crazy person since this has only been out for about 6 months. So many notes, outlines, and drafts. Thanks for supporting me this far everyone.

Until next time, and you have a great day. Later!

Next Chapter: 3/20-3/22