Ethereal Moon: Connections

Sophie's head swam as she collapsed in her bed (that the monastery staff generously lent her) that night. "Who is this Belerager guy? Sothis said that he won't come back until the end of time, but apparently these evil people are doing his bidding in the meantime."

Silas peered over at his daughter. "I'm not sure. I've never heard of him. Although, to be honest, I've only ever heard of the Dusk Dragon, Dawn Dragon, and Anankos, so I'm not the best person to go to."

"And what was that power Sothis gave to Byleth and Khalid? Biological immortality? It's so crazy! It's so difficult for me to keep up!"

"I think that means that they won't age. You're not the only one struggling. There's a lot of new information we're taking in at once. Which is why I think going to the ball is a great chance to unwind."

Sophie made a face. "Daddy, it's my third ball this whole trip! You're going to make me tired of them at this rate!"

Silas shook his head. "Actually, I was going to suggest using it as an opportunity to let your hair down and relax a bit-talk to your friends and get to know the people of Fódlan, and maybe even some Almyran students."

She considered that. "Okay, I guess. That takes a lot of pressure off. I always think about how I have to say all the right things and do everything just so."

Relieved that she was free to socialize without possible judgement, Sophie let her head fell against the pillow, ready to fall asleep.

The next morning while exploring the monastery grounds, Sophie saw a young woman glare at a wall. She went up to her to try to cheer her up. "Hi! My name is Sophie. I'm the princess of Valla who is one of the heroes called by Sothis, Ashunera, and Yudu to eliminate the evil people plotting against our worlds. Who are you?"

The girl pursed her lips. "Ashunera and Yudu? Professor Hanneman said that Sothis revealed they were the other deities. Nice to meet you. My name is Lysithea von Ordelia. Please do not forget it."

Sophie perked up a bit at her so far successful attempt to make Lysithea happy. "Oh! Are you a student here at the Officers Academy?"

Lysithea bristled. "No; I already graduated. Do not be fooled by my young age. I am Professor Hanneman's research assistant for Crestology."

Sophie nodded slowly. "Oh. Sorry. What do you work on?"

Lysithea recovered from her aggravation enough to respond, "Magical tools to remove unwanted crests."

"I was informed about them from Sothis when she recapped what really happened with the Heroes Relics, Those Who Slither in the Dark, and crests. She also talked about the evils Those Who Slither in the Dark did . . . they experimented on poor children to force a second crest on them!"

Lysithea crossed her arms. "I know all about it. If you'll excuse me, I was about to visit my boyfriend. He's a House Leader, and very busy." She stomped off in the opposite direction, leaving Sophie wondering where she went wrong.

At lunch, Sophie dined with her father, Caeldori, Shiro, and Hanneman. Caeldori nibbled at her vegetable pasta salad when Hanneman chatted, "Now that you know about crests, I'm curious if there's anything in your world that's similar."

Silas paused. "Well, the closest thing I can think of are dragonstones. Without them, a person who can transform into a dragon can become feral and lose their humanity."

Hanneman squealed, "Oh! If only I could speak to one such individual. I'd have so many questions to ask."

Sophie giggled. "You already are! I can. My grandfather was a dragon."

Hanneman practically leapt over the table. "Can I take you to my lab? I would like to conduct some experiments."

So Sophie found herself in a cramped office once everyone finished their meal. Hanneman took out a tool. "Just place your hand over this." She obeyed, and a mark appeared on the machine. "So you have a crest, but it doesn't come from Sothis' children. You inherited it from your grandfather?"

"Yes, Anankos is my biological grandfather. But is my power really a crest? I have my doubts."

"This requires further investigation! Sophie, can you please describe your experience with this power?"

"Um, okay. I never realized I had this power until my little brother, Kana, turned into a dragon after being overcome with emotion. Once Mother got him a dragonstone to safely transform, she got me one too, just in case I could as well. And I could. I don't have any experience of being out of control. You'll have to talk to Kana or Mother about that."

Hanneman started mumbling to himself about all possible reasons why Sophie's power activated the machine. She took that as a sign to leave and quietly slipped away. She wandered aimlessly and came upon a distressed student who paced in a circle. "What will I do? What if he won't accept my invitation to the Goddess Tower?"

Sophie inquired, "The Goddess Tower?"

The girl looked up at her. "You don't know the legend of the Goddess Tower? They say that when a man and a woman make a wish there, it'll come true. Many couples go there on the night of the ball to confess their love for one another. I want to ask a boy to go with me, but I'm scared he doesn't feel the same way."

Sophie dismissed, "No way! You should totally go for it. I'll tell you some advice my best friend's grandmother told me. A real man will love you, flaws and all. If he doesn't like you, then go get someone who does!"

The girl nodded. "Alright. I'll chance it. Thanks for your help, whoever you are."

Caeldori raced over to Sophie a few minutes after the girl left to confront her fear. "I have amazing news! Shiro asked me to be his date to the Garreg Mach ball!"

Sophie smiled. "That's great! But, wasn't it implied that you two were going together? You are dating."

Caeldori brushed it off. "Oh poppycock! It was so sweet! He got me a bouquet of roses from the garden and asked me on the bridge near the cathedral! My heart won't stop fluttering!"

Sophie's muscles tensed. "I don't want to go to the ball, but Daddy said that I can just breathe easy this time and not worry about formalities and forks."

Caeldori offered, "You can stick by Shiro and me-when we're not dancing."

"Thanks. I think I want to learn more about Fódlan, though. By the way, did you see a girl named Lysithea? I was trying to be friendly, but she stormed off."

"Lysithea von Ordelia, Professor Hanneman's assistant? I hear that she's very prickly."

Sophie put a hand over her heart. "Thank goodness! I was afraid I said something to upset her."

"Just out of curiosity, what did you say?"

"I introduced myself and started talking about the whole mission to stop evil. I knew that Professor Hanneman liked crests and she was working with him, so I chatted about that. That's when she bailed on me."

Caelodori winced. "I don't know how to say this, but, Lysithea is one of Those Who Slither in the Dark's victims. She was one of the people they forcibly implanted a second crest on. Her main goal is to extend her lifespan after they shortened it. You probably upset her."

Sophie screamed, "NO! I didn't mean to bring up bad memories! I have to apologize right now!" She sprinted around the grounds until she found Lysithea talking with a boy, presumably her boyfriend. She rushed up to her. "LYSITHEA, I'M SO SORRY! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!"

Lysithea jumped out of her skin. "Wha-?! S-Sophie?"

"I'M SO SORRY THAT I BROUGHT UP CRESTS AND THOSE WHO SLITHER IN THE DARK!"

The boy examined the apologetic newcomer. "Is this one of the heroes from another world Lady Rhea told me about?"

Sophie stopped panicking momentarily, too impressed by his deduction. "Yeah! How'd you know?"

He said, "Well, I make it my job to know everyone here. I'm a student here, so I know all the other kids. And I used to work here, so I know all the staff and regular merchants. So if I don't recognize you . . ."

Lysithea interjected, "That's Sophie, the princess of Valla. This is Cyril, my boyfriend and leader of the Green Stallions, the new Almyran house."

Sophie waved. "Hi Cyril! Nice to meet you. I'm sorry, Lysithea. Can you forgive me?"

Lysithea wasn't quite sure of what to make out of her new acquaintance, but at that moment, got a good feeling about the quest the heroes were undertaking.