A/N: How's it going everybody!
Here comes some original content, with a special appearance from without a doubt, one of my favorite characters in the game.
2019
"A sacred shield used by the goddess herself…" The forest-green haired boy said. "Quite an invaluable relic, but wasn't it lost to history?"
"That's what they say." Ms. Gregory replied. "Although kept securely, the war eventually caused it to be lost forever."
The boy fell silent, before the white-haired, purple tipped girl placed a hand on him. "Don't worry Lenny, I'm sure wherever it is, it's somewhere safe."
"Thanks Liezel,"
"But what about the golems?" Ina inquired. "Surely that had to raise some questions about how such a mechanism can exist."
"It does, doesn't it?" Ms. Gregory smile. "However, it is still unknown unfortunately. What was known however, was that sometimes a lie, can have great consequences…"
Lone Moon, 1186
One Week Later
It had been a week since Niya retrieved back Rhea's sacred treasure, Seiros Shield, and so far, she had kept a very watchful eye on it, just to make sure that no one would dare steal it. It wasn't because she didn't trust any of her students, far from it. It was solely because if word got out that the Seiros Shield was just within the Monastery, no doubt there would've been consequences in the form of an attack- especially if the Imperial Army were the ones who received word.
On this fine day, Niya was just on her bed, her holding unto the shield as though it were a book. She had woken up earlier than usual, much to her dismay. The sun was barely out, which meant that the only people around to talk with, were the guards patrolling the night shift, as well as any staff such as chefs who, at this point, were already deciding the menu for the day, cleaners, who were raking any fallen leaves, as well as having spent the night cleaning out the Holy Tomb, completely taken by surprise at what had happened. Thankfully, they were safe, thanks to the watchful eye of both Everon, and McCarley.
'Why exactly did Rhea leave you with me?' Niya asked to herself, as she stared at the shield. She had stared at it for hours at this point, as her face reflected awkwardly of the shield's curvature. She had even flipped it, in hopes to perhaps see a secret message of sorts that would at least clue her in as to why the Archbishop had left the shield in her care.
Her thoughts would soon be interrupted, when the cock crowed, which is what normally woke her up. She then got up, and proceeded throughout her day, mindful to keep the shield hidden safely.
Later that Day
Just after lunch had finished, every staff in the kitchen had been working to make sure every dish that had been used was well accounted for. Every plate was accounted for, except for one.
"Hey, we're missing a plate, and a set of utensils." A server reported, as she recounted the pile of plate once more, hoping that she only miscounted. She finally realized that she was indeed missing one set, before she called out again. "Where is the missing set?"
"I saw one of them leaving earlier." Another server finally replied, as she was tossing away any leftovers.
"And you didn't stop her?" The head server questioned, visibly frustrated. "You are aware that we have strict rules about eating here only, right?"
"Believe me, I did warn him." The server replied. "Once he explained however, I decided to let him go, just this once."
The head server huffed, before speaking again. "Fine. But if that set breaks, or is misplaced, it's coming out of your pay for the week. Understand?"
The server simply nodded in reply.
Meanwhile
The one who had taken their food out, was actually at the graveyard, just sitting by a newly dug grave. Well… actually, the body had been buried for a while now, but the grass hasn't had enough time to grow.
The person who was there, was actually Ashe, sitting by the grave of his deceased friend, Seto. He had come back to the body, requesting Niya herself if Seto could be buried, to which she agreed, without a second thought.
After a brief service, Seto was buried within the graveyard. Even though many soldiers thought he didn't deserve it, due to him originally attacking the army, but, as Seto had no living family members that could claim his body, it was decided that he would be buried here. Ashe had made a promise that once the war was over, he would have Seto's body buried somewhere else.
"Don't worry Seto." Ashe spoke, as he was finishing up. "I promise to get you back home soon enough."
Silence. Silence was his only reply. He expected that.
"Oh, Ashe…" a voice came, causing Ashe to turn slightly, seeing Annette arriving. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Oh. No. You're not actually." Ashe said, before patting a patch of grass, so Annette could sit. "I was just spending some time with Seto, that's all."
As Annette sat down, she observed the grave. It was simple really. Just a fresh grave, with a simple headstone with Seto's name, and lifespan. Seto was not much older than Ashe when the latter was forced to kill him. "You really miss him, don't you? If only there was something else, we could've done."
"Believe me, I wish there was another way." Ashe replied, still in pain with how it had to god down. At least their final moments were happy. "But sometimes, it doesn't go that way. Same with what happened with Lonato."
"Don't worry Ashe," Annette slowly reached out to Ashe's hand, holding it gently. "Whatever happens, I'll help you in whatever way I can."
"Thank you, Annette," Ashe finished, with a light peck to her cheek.
Later
As Niya was cleaning up her plans from battle at Ailell, something that she had forgotten to erase. Thankfully, no one noticed her blunder. As she was cleaning up the last of her equipment, a knock was heard on the door, to which Niya simply spoke "You may enter.", allowing the person to enter, revealing herself to be Catherine.
"I thought I'd see you here." Catherine greeted, entering the room. "I knew this room would be opened up eventually."
"You've been here?" Niya questioned, as she placed the eraser back on the board. "If I recall correctly, only Seteth has access to this room."
"I've been here quite a few times actually." Catherine informed. "Just before Edelgard attacked, and you disappeared. He called all the staff to discuss certain outcomes, as well as what we had to do in case any of these happened."
"And why wasn't I called?" Niya questioned, somewhat surprised that Seteth intentionally left her out.
"Seteth decided that you were better of training the students, which is why he decided not to call for you, even though I volunteered to get you."
"Makes sense." Niya admitted, although she still thought that it would've been better if she was allowed to join, though she did not make it known. "Anyway, what brings you here? Have you decided to finally join us?"
"Oh, no. I'm still helping the village. There's still too much that needs to be done. The attacks have lessened thankfully, but we still receive some from time to time. I'm afraid I can't join just yet."
"Fair enough." Niya said. "So… about why you're here?"
"I received word from a noble. Said his values were being stolen by a group of thieves. Way too powerful for he, and his own men to fight on their own." Catherine reported.
"What was his name?"
"Paco Darren." Catherine replied. "He was in a rush, likely to get more men. I'd help, but the village really requires my aid right now. I could show you his location if you'd like."
"Very well," Niya spoke, before unravelling the map of Fodlan, before Catherine walked up to it, pointing to a location just within the Monastery borders somewhere between the Leicester Alliance, and the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus.
"Just so you know," Catherine informed. "That place has had the same reports of attacks and thievery, so all of you better be careful."
"Don't worry, we will."
Later
Shortly after receiving the message, the student army quickly began their march towards the area. The area was a minor nobility area, known as the centerpoint. It is here where a small society of minor nobility have situated their homes… or so it is claimed to be.
"Well… I can't really blame them for stealing in all honesty." Linhardt began. "Considering the current situation, it would be a surprise to hear that people AREN'T resulting to thievery."
"Be that as it may Linhardt, I still think thievery in any way is not okay at the slightest." Ferdinand spoke.
"Should've figured you would've said that…" Linhardt responded, yawning in the process.
"Well, am I not wrong?"
Eventually, the army was met with a young noble girl in a regal-looking orange dress, who had been told that an army was coming to aid them.
"Ah, you must be the army that was said to come here to help us." The girl bowed in respect. "I am Miss Nora von Divitam, and you all have my sincerest thanks for helping us."
"Thank you, Miss Nora," Niya nodded, smiling slightly. "We were sent here by a message on behalf of Paco Darren. Can you perhaps lead us to where he is?"
"Of course, right this way." Nora turned, before walking to where Paco was. Unbeknownst to them, she smiled sinisterly, content that the army had fallen for the trick.
As the army reached the village, a wave of uncertainty filled the student. Something about the village felt off. As if it was a ghost town of some sorts.
Lysithea was the first to speak, feeling a literal shiver going through her spine. "Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling a bit uneasy about this place?"
"No, you're not the only one Lysie," Dorothea spoke, feeling just as nervous, compared to her first time performing at Mittelfrank. "I'm feeling very uneasy… and I've been performing for years now."
"Pardon me for asking," Ferdinand began. "But I am noticing that the houses here have little to no maintenance. May I ask why it is so?"
"Compared to the other nobility, the war has taken the most on us." Nora admitted. "With all these recent attacks, it has been near impossible for us to repair our homes properly, so we have to make do with what we have."
"I understand about how the war has affected majority of Fodlan," Ferdinand began, getting more suspicious. "But I have been to other nobilities before returning to war, and none of them have been in a situation as worse as this."
Unknown to them, Nora was getting more nervous. Was this real noble seeing through her deceit? Could the plan be ruined? She didn't have to wonder long, as a voice interrupted her.
"Ferdinand!" Hilda snapped. "Don't you think that every nobility isn't built exactly the same as the ones you are used to?"
"I hate to agree with Hilda, but she's right." Lorenz spoke up, earning a mini glare from the twin-tailed girl. "The Leicester Alliance isn't exactly… uniform in terms of how it is run… especially considering WHO is currently running it right now."
"I am just saying-" Ferdinand tried to begin, before another voice, a male, interrupted them.
"Ah, Miss Nora! I see you have made it back safely." The man began, before shifting his eyes to the army. "And this must be the Army. A little younger than I expected, but help is help regardless. I am Sir Morrison Jonathan Mendaling III, pleased to meet you all."
"The pleasure's all mine." Niya spoke. "I'm guessing you are here to bring us to Sir Paco?"
"No. The attacks are beginning again. They are just ahead of this area." Morrison informed. "I am afraid that we must fight now."
Sensing the urgency, Niya turned to her students. "I guess that's our cue. Let's move out!"
Meanwhile
"Mistress, our scouts have spotted an army lending their aid to the enemy. Shall we engage them?" A thief began.
"Negative." The head thief, an adult woman with indigo, white-streaked hair began. "I want to see them for myself. For now, we must focus our efforts on this place. The nerve of them…"
"Understood." The thief nodded, before asking again. "Permission to engage them should we be attacked?"
"Permission granted."
Later
"There they are!" Niya called out, seeing the first of the thieves. "Be wary. The trees will grant them extra avoidance. We can use it to our advantage as well."
Despite Niya's advice, Leonie shot an arrow, managing to strike a thief right in the head. "Or you can just have perfect aim, like I do." Leonie bragged slightly, before continuing onwards.
"That too…" Niya grumbled slightly.
"You have no idea what you are getting into!" A thief yelled out, trying his hardest to block Yuri's sword strikes.
"And quite frankly, neither do you." Ashe answered back, before faking a strike, allowing him to strike the thief on his leg. "Now, I know how it's like being in a life of hardship, but to steal from a nobility? Come on! Have you no shame?"
"No, you don't understa- Hrrk!" The thief tried to negotiate, only to receive a strike to his chest.
"Do you really know the truth, or are you simply following orders like the rest of them? If so, then you are no different than the Imperial Army." A thief spoke frustratingly, annoyed by how things were going.
"Never compare us to the Empire!" Niya angrily called out, striking the thief. "What do you know anyway?"
"You will see soon enough…"
Meanwhile
From his post, Paco was observing the fight unfolding, with an all too confident smile plastered on his face. "Yes, keep fighting you fool. Pretty soon, it will be your turn to head to the grave."
"Enjoying every moment of it Sir?" Morrison asked, coming up to Paco. "When do we strike?"
"Very soon, my friend. Very soon." Paco answered, before laughing to himself.
Meanwhile
"Mistress, we are getting overwhelmed. Perhaps we should retreat, and strike another day?" Another thief requested to the head thief.
The head thief hesitated for a while. 'We were supposed to stop them today. I have no choice, I cannot let anyone else die today…' Eventually, she decided to speak. "Evacuate who you can. I will deal with them myself."
"Mistress!" The thief called out in shock. "I know the kind of strength you possess, but you don't think you can take them out yourself, can you?"
"Do not worry my friend, I shall be back before you know it." The head thief assured, before she headed of. The thief meanwhile, did as he was told, and called back everyone.
The head thief used her skills in the woods to navigate quickly, and quietly. To anyone, her speed made it appear as though it was a monkey in the trees. After a few leaps and rustles, the head thief finally made it to the fight, where several of her thieves lay dead.
But that isn't what had shocked her. Instead, what shocked her were who they were fighting, and who was there, leading the charge.
"No. It can't be."
Without even hesitating, she leaped from the tree she was from, and placed a hand on Niya's shoulder, before saying "Hold your fire, kid."
Within an instant, Niya whipped around, unsheathing the Sublime Creator Sword, and pointing it at the head thief, stopping mere milliseconds, when she figured out who it actually was.
"Shamir?!" To say Niya was shocked, is an understatement. "You turned into a life of thievery?"
"Easy there kid. We're Far from it." Shamir huffed, pushing the sword's tip from her face with her bow. "More like actually taking out the thieves here."
"Are you saying you're helping us take them out?"
"What? No." Shamir groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "The so called 'thieves' are my group. We're actually a band of mercenaries. THEY are the thieves." Shamir finished, effortlessly turning Niya's body, to face the real thieves, who were in fact the nobles who had asked for help in the first place.
"I. I don't… understand. Were we deceived?" Niya spoke, completely stunned.
"Looks like it." Shamir confirmed. "This village was actually abandoned thanks to a raging fire three years ago. They must've used my image as a way to lure others into doing their dirty work. These days, a common thief is not as different as a good to honest mercenary."
"We better tell the others." Niya spoke, before heading towards her former students. "No wonder they seemed hesitant at first…"
"Sometimes, the true enemy can be someone you least expect."
Eventually, Shamir and Niya had reached the students. Though the students were relieved that Shamir was safe, they were not prepared to hear that they were deceived.
"I can't believe we fell for it." Dorothea was the first to speak, now guilty after realizing that she killed an innocent mercenary.
"I wish I could celebrate being right, but I am too guilty for taking part in it to do so." Ferdinand spoke, filled with regret.
"But who is this Paco Darren anyway?" Leonie asked, ready to strike him down.
"Can't say for sure honestly." Shamir admitted. "But from what I've gathered, In reality, Paco was indeed a noble, but he died several years ago. His name was lost in history, with very few texts about him surviving."
"And a lost name like that could easily be taken up by anyone." Hilda theorized. "I think it's time we paid someone a visit; don't you think?"
"Agreed." Ingrid firmed. "It's time to teach this faker why you don't steal a deceased person's identity."
"But how do we approach him?" Raphael asked. "Something tells me this Paco guy is smarter than we think."
"I believe I have an idea," Ignatz winked, before laying his out plan to them.
Meanwhile
"Oh no…" Nora began, seeing what was happening. "They know about the lie. What do we do now?"
"Leave, of course!" Morrison firmly said. "Better they be dead, than us."
"You can't be serious!" Nora protested.
"I am." Morrison began, before heading the other way. "I shall take my business elsewhere. You're free to join, if you want."
Nora hesitated for a while, looking back and forth between them, before finally deciding to go after Morrison. "Wait for me! I shall join you as well!"
Later
"Ah, there is the army's leader." Paco began, feigning enthusiasm, completely unaware for what was about to happen. "I trust that everything went completely well."
"Indeed, it did." Niya smirked. "In fact, as a prize, here is the head thief herself." She then turned to the entrance, where she signaled her students to bring Shamir to her.
Caspar and Felix were the ones who brought Shamir in, who faked a struggle between the two.
"Here she is." Caspar said, lightly tossing Shamir between them, while Felix simply let out a slight "hmph." Niya nodded, and the two boys left.
As the two negotiated, what Paco didn't know was that just beyond the surrounding walls, the students were taking down everyone else. A fire blast let out by Dorothea signaled Niya to move on to the next step.
Seeing this, Niya began to speak again. "And just so you know… Paco, I know all about the truth."
"Er… what do you mean exactly?" Paco gulped, nervous on what was about to happen.
"I think you know what…" Niya then slowly unsheathed the Sublime Creator Sword.
"You're betraying me?" Paco panicked. "Guards! Help me!"
"Sure, no problem!" a voice called out, before revealing itself to be owned by Raphael, who was smiling.
"Wait, you are not one of my guards!" Paco panicked, before turning to the rest of them. "What is the meaning of this?"
"The jig is up, Paco." Shamir spoke, before loosening herself of her restraints, that were poorly tied, to allow her to escape easily. After she had escaped, she quickly nocked an arrow, pointing it directly at his face. "Your days of deceit are over."
"No, No! You can't!"
"Then reveal to us the truth, now, and perhaps we might spare you…" Mercedes entered. For some reason, she was giving a vibe that was scarier than the rest.
"Please… no!"
"You have five seconds to comply…" Shamir threatened, as she loosened her grip from the bowstring.
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
"All right, All right! I'll talk!" Paco squealed, pleading like a coward. "My name is really Pallardo! The same guy from the Monastery village. I wanted revenge for what you did, so I took a name of a long deceased noble whose name has been forgotten, and framed her!" Paco quickly shot a finger at Shamir "Now please, spare me!"
"And let you live, so you can do it again?" Constance began. "I'm afraid that such a thing will not be tolerated."
"Taking a deceased noble's name is beyond the limit I am willing to tolerate for anyone." Ferdinand spoke, gripping his lance tightly. "I see no better punishment for your actions."
"I may have lived life as a thief once, but even I know that an action like this is beyond forgivable." Ashe spoke, his tone becoming angrier, as the words left his mouth.
"I know the goddess may be forgiving, but know that I am not the same as her." Mercedes spoke, giving chills to the thief.
"It's over." Niya added, before raising the blade, before plunging it down, skewering Pallardo's body, killing him instantly. "It is done. Pallardo is gone for good."
After leaving Pallardo's deceased body, the army left the area, abandoned for good, ready to be overtaken by nature.
Later
"I must say," Shamir began. "While all of you may have been deceived at first, it would seem that every step is a lesson for all of you."
"I just hope that we'll be able to distinguish the fakes, from the real ones a lot easier now." Niya spoke, guilty about having fallen for such a trick.
"But what about Nora, and Morrison… if that's even their real names." Lysithea asked. "They managed to escape before we could take everyone out."
"They must've escaped during the chaos." Balthus decided. "I hate to admit it, but it does worries me that they're still out there."
"Doesn't matter." Caspar said confidently. "If they show up again, we'll be ready for them."
"Speaking of which," Niya turned to Shamir. "Shamir, we're currently in the middle of another war. Perhaps you, and your mercenary group can lend us a hand. I will understand if you choose to refuse."
"Then I have no problem in refusing then." Shamir quickly decided, before leaving with her group. "As much as I'd love to help, this isn't an isolated case. Our paths may not cross anytime soon, but whatever happens, may we all be safe."
As Shamir and her group left, moving further away, Niya could only look ahead, before smiling, whispering "good luck,". She made no effort to protest against the Distant Archer's decision before she turned to the rest of the students, letting them know that they had to leave now, and return to the Monastery.
A/N: And we're clear!
Sorry for this being a bit late. As I had no basis for this chapter, I had to be a bit creative for this one, and I wanted to give Shamir justice.
Did it seem a bit out of place for them to just instantly kill Pallardo just like that? I kind of think it does, but at the same time, I don't.
Oh, and spoilers, Nora and Morrison are in fact the real names, and we won't hear from them ever again. I know it sounds dumb, but in my defense, the game does that to any named characters who you don't kill as well, so why not I do it as well. Besides, we still have Fleche do deal with, who will appear soon.
Have a happy holidays, and until the next chapter, BYE!