- Path Never Meant to Be -
"With the meeting now over..." Chris sighed as he sat on his chair in his office, his eyes looking at the two students that sat in front of his desk, "you two wished to speak to me."
"Of course!" Ferdinand von Agier nodded proudly as he looked at the Professor, "I was very impressed by your skills in heavy armor as well as in flying lessons! Thus, Professor Christian, I wish to join The Ashen Wolves!"
Chris had to take a moment to pause and process everything that just left Ferdinand's mouth. He could tell that the Ashen Wolves were outside his door listening in on the conversation. He was seriously surprised when Ferdinand and Marianne approached him and asked to speak privately.
But this...he was not expecting.
"Um..." Marianne muttered and he turned to her, "I wish to join your class as well."
Chris was silent for a moment and nodded, "I observed how...you have been teaching your class how to use the power of their Crest properly...I..wish to be to learn how to...properly use mine."
Again, the two students were met with silence as the man thought for a moment. This honestly he wasn't expecting. Still, he nodded and looked at each of them.
"Have you spoken to your professors and House Leaders yet?" He asked and Ferdinand nodded.
"I have. Professor Hanneman said he understood and hoped I would do well. As for Edelgard...she...how do I say this?" Ferdinand rubbed the back of his neck, "She looked like she swallowed rotten food (Translation: She didn't take it well.). Everyone else in my class looked completely shocked."
Chris let go of a sigh as he dragged one hand down his face and nodded.
"It is understandable. To be honest, I am surprised as well." Chris looked at Marianne first, "Marianne, I can see why you would join my class. Yes, I have been teaching the others how to properly use the power of their Crest. However, I wouldn't have been able to do that without their help. I am also a student in a way." He gave her a soft smile.
"I spoke with Claude and Professor Manuela. They were also surprised and said it was my decision and that I should do what I think is best." Marianne said.
Chris gave her a nod.
"Now Ferdinand." He turned to the boy, "I'm going to be serious. While I understand well you wish to join because you were impressed by my skill, I honestly believe there is another." Chris said.
"Well...cough!" Ferdinand coughed, "I spoke with Amir regarding politics."
"Um, Professor?" Marianne spoke, "Do you mind if I wait outside? I have a feeling this discussion should only be between the two of you." And Chris nodded.
The girl excused herself and closed the door carefully. Now, it was just Chris and Ferdinand. He motioned the young man to sit down and to continue what he was saying.
"As I mentioned before, "Ferdinand began, "I spoke with Amir regarding politics. When I graduate next year, I will be taking over my father's role as Prime Minister. Because of this, I wish to learn more about politics and the political environment. I asked Amir to tell about the political system of Duscur." Chris was surprised though he didn't let his face show it as he continued to listen.
"I was very surprised how different it was. After we were done talking, I asked Dimitri and Lestia to explain to me the political system of Faerghus. They were also very surprised. I did the same with Claude asking him about the Alliance. As much I wish to learn more about Adersria, my father won't budge and will not tell me anything. Neither will Edelgard. She and Hubert have been rather busy lately." Ferdinand let go of a small sigh.
"This is where I come in." Chris said and the boy nodded, "Alexandra and Amir both recommended me to you because I have studied Adrestia's history and politics my whole life."
Chris pinched the bridge of his nose as he gave a small nod, "I'm going to have a long talk with those two." He muttered.
"I admit, I am curious." Ferdinand said as Cris looked to him, "During these past months, I noticed the way you carry yourself. The manners and adequate are the same as those of Empire Noble."
"Yes." Chris said as he intertwined his hands, "Before I became a mercenary, I was once an Empire Noble. I will not say which house because it no longer matters. That house has fallen." He summoned his kisuru, and lit it up, "I usually don't talk about my past but seeing you wish to know, I do not mind revealing some."
"It is a heavy topic?" Ferdinand coughed a bit as Chris let go of a huff of smoke to the side.
"Yes. And I usually don't like to talk about it. But when I do, I need at least something to help speak through." Chris muttered as he took another huff and blew out.
"I was once a noble. My father was someone influential but unfortunately not a very good leader. He had 7 consorts." In reality, his father, The Emperor, had 12 but so it won't give away his identity, he will twist the story a bit, "I had 10 siblings."
"You said had." Ferdinand looked at the Professor worried.
"Yes. I said that." Chris sighs, "My father may have been a kind man to me and my siblings but he had weak leadership. This led to power being taken away from our house. Unfortunately...I won't say my father's name but...a good portion of his power was taken when The Insurrection of The Seven, happened. My siblings were taken away and unfortunately, they have all passed away but two. I am glad they are safe but I do miss them," He had to keep himself from making a face.
"I am sorry," Ferdinand muttered and Chris shook his head.
"Ferdinand, do not apologize for the actions your father has done. I understand that you feel guilty but you had nothing to do with it. You were a child when it happened. Especially when The Hrym fallout happened." Chris said and Ferdinand had a worried look.
"Even so...I...I still wish I could have done something. Though I am a noble, I am not able to do anything." Ferdinand muttered as his fist balled.
"Nonsense." Chris said and the boy looked up to him, "You are already doing something. You care. You care about the people. You have been going out of your way to learning more about the role you will take in the future. I say that is a good start. How about this?" Chris took out a piece of parchment paper and began to write.
"Start with reading these books I have on this list. Also, even though you will no longer be part of The Black Eagle's, I want you to start conversations with your classmates regarding their thoughts. Speak also with the Blue Lions, Golden Deer, and especially!" He looked at him seriously, "Those of the Clans. Start speaking to the common folk like Ashe, Dedue, Leonie, and such."
"I think I understand. You want to learn how politics and such have influenced the lives of those around us." Ferdinand held his chin and nodded, "I understand! I will do what you say and listen to their stories! I wish to learn more! Honestly, this is how I worked to earn the flour and sugar to make the cookies I did the other day!" He grinned proudly.
"PFFT!" Chris unfortunately was too late to keep his laughter hidden when Ferdinand said that, "Oh Ferdinand...you got a long way to go with Dorothea." He thought.
"Professor, are you laughing?" Ferdinand looked at him shocked and Chris coughed.
"My apologies. You saying that just reminded me of something." Chris composed himself again.
"But anyhow, could you get Marianne, please?"
Ferdinand quickly went to the door and peeked out, letting Marianne know she could come in. The girl was talking to the Ashen Wolves and they gave her a nod. Marianne walked in and closed the door as Chris stood up.
"Alright, both of you explained your reasons, and thus, I have decided to allow you to join my class." Chris grinned and the two had bright grins, "I will be strict and harsh but like always I will teach you all."
BOOM!
"WELCOME TO THE ASHEN WOLVES!"
"HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I SAID NOT TO SLAM MY DOOR OPEN?!" Chris yelled because the Ashen Wolves slammed his office door open.
"Don't care!" The group yelled out as they surrounded Ferdinand and Marianne.
"Welcome to the Ashen Wolves! Looking forward to working with you Ferdinand! And especially you Marianne." Sylvain winked while Marianne gave him a confused look.
"Back off Red." Hapi said and gave Marianne a curious look, "How strange. You're the girl who I have seen talk to the animals of the stables and forests. Nice to finally meet you, Snow." Hapi smiled at her.
"Snow?" Marianne blinked and Sadi spoke up.
"Hapi gives everyone a nickname! Mine is Star but sometimes it's Spitfire!" Sadi cheered.
"Alright calm down everyone!" Yuri said and walked up to the two, "Welcome aboard. I never got to introduce myself properly to you two. I'm Yuri and I am the House Leader of the Ashen Wolf House. And welcome to Abyss. We're a unique bunch from all walks of life. Once you get to know us, I'm sure you'll love it here." Yuri smirked.
The students began chatting with one another excitedly and while, yes, Chris could see some tension between Constance and Ferdinand, it looks like things will be well.
"Ah! Nearly forgot!" Chris clapped his hands together, "Since you kids are new, you guys came at the perfect time." He grinned, "Today in Abyss, every year a small celebration is held to celebrate the fall harvest. You guys came on time. So!" He looked at the two, "Your first assignment for this class, go join the others and help them get the place cleaned up and ready for tonight. Marianne, you, Sadi, and Yuri are in charge of helping the folks cook up the feast for tonight. Ferdinand along with Balthus and Hapi, you three go help Anna and the mercenaries with the new shipment that came in today. Lastly, Sylvain and Constance."
The two looked a bit excited and scared at the same time.
"Go to the market and buy this list of ingredients. Alm and Celica will tell you which store in the town to get them." He handed the two the list and their eyes went wide when they saw it.
"Why do we need to buy this yellow and black powder? Also...iron, wax, wicks?" Sylvain looked at him confused.
"I'm teaching you kids about a little device called a firework." Chris grinned.
A few minutes passed and after the dust settled down, the students went their ways. All of them say they will see him later. The door closed and Chris let out the breath he was holding as sat on his desk.
"I can't believe it...This...I was not expecting at all." Chris muttered but couldn't help but grin to himself.
This was completely new to him. He never expected any of this to happen. Marianne, the second shy-est girl in the monastery has chosen to join his class. Honestly, he felt this a great leap of faith the girl was taking and was proud of her. Of course, he suspects that the girl also wanted to withdraw a bit because of her Crest but with this big movement she has done, he can't help but feel proud of her. Being with the Ashen Wolves will be good for her and she may even open up more. Ferdinand of all people joined the Ashen Wolves. The boy learning about Abyss as well as the common folk and politics was also a great step for him. Ferdinand has a long way to go but he will learn eventually.
"This..this the positive change I wanted to create." Chris sighed as he looked up the ceiling with a smile on his face, "Finally, after everything that has happened."
He was creating a path that was never meant to be. But not anymore. This is a path, he will create.
- Bygone Days -
Recently, Dimitri has been dreaming about his childhood. He has been dreaming of his days before the Tragedy of Duscur struck. This dream was no exception but something felt different. The dream he was having was during the days of his Professor that he and his sister when they were 12 years old. There he was in the training grounds, thrusting his lance. Arisa watched with a calm face as her eyes were criticizing his moments. The young prince let out grunts as he thrusts but the Professor spoke this time.
"Again."
THUNK!
"Again."
THUNK! THUNK!
"Once more."
THU-SNAP!
The young prince stared at his now broken lance with a horrified face as Arisa pinched the bridge of her nose. The girl let go of a sigh as she walked up to him and knelt, looking at him in the eyes.
"You're distracted today. What's wrong?" Arisa muttered as the prince was avoiding eye contact.
"Everything is alright!" Dimitri grinned and he was starting to feel a strange sense of dread.
If there was one thing Dimitri had to name that he disliked about his professor, it was her eyes. Not the way her eyes looked but the way they looked at people. There were times her eyes reminded him of cats. They were calm, collected yet observed their surroundings very carefully and then dilated when she became alert, like a cat. But other times, like this moment, he felt like he was looking at the endless void of an ocean. Or as if she was looking into the very depths of his soul. There is a saying in Fodlan that "Eyes are the windows to the soul. They don't lie, no matter what face you put on. Just like body language, our eyes say more than we ever could with words."
When he would look at her eyes, it was like he was looking into the Void. Or, as if the void was looking back to him. Her eyes scan and observe him yet as void as they are, even a void comes to close. Her eyes hold something that causes a sense of nostalgia. Like he has seen them many times.
Still, a forest to better describes it. Her eyes are a shade of brown that fades to a dark shade of green. The color of brown reminded him of the earth, the bark of trees, and surprisingly, one of his favorite sweets, chocolate. The dark green reminded him of plants but also the ocean in a way.
And oceans have no end. Her eyes looked as if they were looking at the very depths of his soul. He knows she knows he is lying but is choosing not to say anything. Arisa let go of another sigh and closed her eyes, the prince pouting a bit.
"If you don't want to tell me, that's alright. However," she opened one eye, " why not keep a journal?"
"A journal?" Dimitri blinked as she stood up, patting his head a bit.
"Yes, a journal." She extended her hands so he can hand her the lance he snapped in two, "If you don't want to tell anyone about your thoughts or feelings, instead of keeping them bottled up, write them down." She smiled a bit as she walked over to the wooden table.
"Have you done something like that before?" Dimitri asked as he watched her grab the resin bottle to use as glue to repair the lance, "What if once I write them down, I don't want someone to find it?"
"Then write your thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper and if you don't anyone to read it, you can throw it in the fire." She hummed as she put the pieces together, "Writing is a form of stress revealing. Everyone deals with stress in different ways. For me, while it's not healthy, I have a bad habit of eating sweets." She admitted.
"So you're the one who ate the scones in the kitchen..."
"No. That was Lestia."
"I go to the Magic District to buy those chocolate frogs when I'm stressed." Arisa grinned and the prince couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
He watched her stick the two pieces together and had her hand hover over the broken part. He blinked when he saw the light glow was gray and the wood mended itself together. The girl did a light tap and smiled a bit.
"Not bad. Looks like the spell worked." She muttered and turned back to him.
"As for the journals, that is your choice. While I do encourage it, it's ultimately your choice." Arisa said as she patted his head, "I'm here to guide you, not command you."
Dimitri nodded to her. The field suddenly shifted again but this time it was in a snow-covered forest. He recognized it as he saw his younger self, Zander, Glenn, Kuza, Amir, Sadi, and Dedue sitting around the fire to keep warm. They were all wrapped in bandages and there he was, holding Areadbhar by his side as he stared at the fire.
"Where did Arisa go?" Zander sighed as he looked behind him, the two wolves were gone also.
The wolf pups slept peacefully in Amir's and Sadi's arms.
"Most likely keeping guard." Glenn muttered as he took a bite of the dry meat he had packed before they left to Duscur, "The wolves are probably keeping guard also."
Dimitri stood up and the others looked at him confused.
"I'm going to check on her." He muttered and the older boys shared a look but nodded.
"Be careful," Amir said and Dimitri nodded.
He turned and left towards the woods. He didn't want to admit it, but he was scared. He held tightly onto Areadbhar as it worked as a torch. The relic glowed as he held it, lighting his path a bit. He looked around, seeing the trees covered in snow and ice. The place looked empty yet...something about it felt reassuring. A snow Ariel hid in the tree branches as they observed the prince continue to walk till he reached an open area. It was a field of blue flowers he had never seen before. He knelt to pick one up but...
"Found you."
He turned and his eyes went wide as he slowly saw a blade coming down on him. Yet it never happened. There was the sound of glass shattering all around him. He hissed, there were headaches and the sound of glass shattering faded. His eyes snapped open and he saw her. Her long cloak, the moonlight casting its rays down as her eyes glowed an eerie green as her gaze was cold. Only for a moment, it looked like her hair was glowing as she ripped out her rapier from the body in front of her. The wolves were nearby as they walked up and made a low bark to her.
"No. It would be better if I burn it." Arisa muttered but the wolves growled, "Alright." She sighed.
The wolves dragged the body away as she used a bit of magic to get rid of the blood, not leaving a trail. Dimitri was too shaken to move till she turned to him and knelt. The moonlight made it look like her eyes were glowing as she spoke.
"Why aren't you with the others?" She asked and Dimitri snapped out of it.
"I was worried. It's been an hour since you left." He muttered and Arisa sighed.
She gently raised her hand and pulled his scarf a bit to see his neck. He saw her frown deepened when her eyes landed on his scar. He has no idea how that scar formed since he knows for a fact his neck never met a blade. Yet, she used a bit of healing magic on him.
"It's gotten darker." She whispered as she pulled the cloth back into place.
"Arisa, you should have a partner to help keep watch with you." Dimitri blurted out and she blinked.
"Dimitri, no one is in any condition to keep watch. Only Amir and I. Amir keeps watching over you all close by while I keep watch in the field." Arisa explained.
"I volunteer!" He said too quickly, "I volunteer!"
"Pfft!" Arisa let go of a small laugh as she shook her head.
"No, you will not volunteer." Arisa said as she stood up, "Now let's get you back to camp."
Dimitri pouted but looked back to the field of flowers.
Arisa noticed and walked to the field and knelt. She smiled a bit as she motioned him to come to stand next to her.
"I never thought I would see these here." She muttered as she gently touched one.
"The flowers..." Dimitri muttered, "They suit you."
"Hehe. Flattery gets you nowhere." Arisa chuckled a bit, "Do you know what these flowers are called?"
"Um..." Dimitri thought for a moment as he observed the flower.
The flower had five petals that were a very pale blue and five large ones underneath the small ones that are a darker shade. It had five thinner petals that stuck out. It had a faint sweet smell along with a cool refreshing one.
"Lilies?" He said and Arisa chuckled.
"It is a type of lily. It is called a Glaze Lily. It is a flower native to Morfis but also Hyras. I never thought I see them growing here in the mountains of Faerghus." She muttered and began picking a dozen.
"If I remember..." Dimitri was trying to think back to the geography lesson he had a month ago, "These flowers grow in cold places."
"There are a variety of types." Arisa replied as she stood up and showed him the bouquet, " huh." Her eyes trailed to Areadbhar, "It's reacting to the Glaze Lilies."
The prince held the relic next to the flowers and what happened next, made his eyes go wide. The flowers began to turn to blue dust before their eyes and it began to swirl around the relic. Cracks that were on the relic before healed, the crest of Blaiddyd showed itself briefly before it disappeared.
Yet, the wounds on Dimitri seemed to heal a bit. How do they know this? His eyes glowed a faint blue as his veins. The prince felt energized but also a bit happier. As if he ate something sweet. However, when he looked up to Arisa, her look was one of shock but also partly horrified. She suddenly cupped his cheeks, making him turn crimson as her face was a bit close. Her hands were warm as she kept checking his face.
"No scales. No changes." She even raised his lips a bit, "You still have those pointy canine teeth of yours." She let go a sigh of relief.
"Arisa, is something wrong?" He asked and Arisa shook her head, giving him a small smile.
"Just making sure you are fine." She went back to pick up a few lilies and the two left.
But Dimitri was not buying it. Right when he was going to ask her, the world around him changed again. This time, there was darkness. Everything around him was darkness. He could not hear the voices of the dead. Yet, one moment the world is dark, another moment, it was as if the world around him had become shattered glass. Dimitri hissed as the sound of shattering glass kept repeating and repeating over and over again. His head stung but suddenly it came to halt. He carefully opened his eyes yet 10 feet away, he could see something.
"... the story..."
Just barely a whisper, he could hear a voice. It sounded as if they were crying. Carefully he began to walk towards the source. His footsteps became faster till he was running. At first, he was his thirteen-year-old self.
"It doesn't involve..."
He kept running. This time he was his current self. A teenager as he kept running towards the voice that was mourning. He knew this voice. He could see the figure becoming clearer as he kept running. His hand reaching out to them. The closer he got, he could see a woman. Her head hung down as he could see droplets of war on the floor beneath them falling, causing it to ripple. She was saying something but all sounded like whispers to him. He kept running till he noticed he changed. He didn't recognize the armor he was wearing nor the eyepatch yet it felt natural. His left eye throbbed as he got closer and finally, he was there. He was in front of her.
"Arisa?" He said it looked like she couldn't hear him.
She kept talking as her head hung down. She was crying. Yet her skin looked like it cracked like glass. She kept talking yet they were all whispers but...
"I'm sorry..."
She whimpered as she sobbed. The tears would not stop falling. Why was she apologizing? What was going on? Why did she look so guilty and not broken? He did not understand. The prince did not know what to say or think. He looked around and noticed a faint outline of a woman. She was hovering over the woman and hugging her protectively. Yet, the outline had no face, he could feel eyes burning into his soul as if judging him. But, he could see other outlines. This one had glowing red eyes and a malicious smirk as it wrapped its arms around Arisa's neck from the front. The faceless outline snarled at the one with red eyes. The red-eyed one only let out a silent giggle as it savored Arisa's negative emotions. Dimitri didn't know what to do, but even if this was a dream, he wanted to comfort her. Arisa had always been there for him. She taught him. She was there for him when he needed someone the most. She has saved his life multiple times and has always treated him with respect and kindness. As an equal. Yet, when he has done something wrong she corrects him and tells him about his mistakes. She is cold but warm. She is strict but kind. She is knowledgeable but also admirable.
She is the Ashen Demon who shows no mercy and will cut down her foes in her path. But she is the Fairy of the Forest who she gives her love to those she protects. Many have said about the schoolboy crush he developed when he was a child. Yet, the eyes he feared when he was a child, now they were the eyes he wished to see filled with joy and not sadness. He carcasses her cheek softly, yet she feels warm. He felt her shift and open eyes. She was a starlet. He stared at her for a moment as they two looked at each other's eyes. She leaned into his touch a bit. He wanted to say something. Anything. She was always there for him. Now, it was his turn to be there for her.
The sound of shattering glass filled the place.
[—-]
"Gasp!"
Dimitri woke up gasping for air and covered in sweat as he placed his hand on his chest. He didn't know what to feel yet an overwhelming feeling of anger, sorrow, and guilt filled him. These emotions weren't his. He quickly sat up and went to the restroom. Quickly turned the faucet on to allow the water to run. He will always be amazed at how advanced the running water pipes in Garret Mach were. He splashed his face and panted as he looked up to the mirror.
"Deep breaths." He breathed in and out slowly as he felt his pulse slow down.
Something about his dream didn't feel right. Was the professor in trouble? Why was she crying? Why has he been dreaming of his childhood recently? He needed to speak to someone and unfortunately that person he didn't want to but it had to be done.
[—-]
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Dimitri let go of a breath he was holding as he walked into Christian's office in Abyss. On his way, he ran into Ferdinand and Marianne, which he learned had just recently joined the Ashen Wolf House two days ago. Chris looked up from the papers he was filling. He was wearing a monocle on his left eye as he wore his eyepatch on the right. The professor looked at him surprised but spoke.
"Dimitri, can I help you?" Chris said and Dimitri nodded.
"May I sit?" The prince said and Chris nodded, motioned his hand to one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Dimitri sat down and there was an awkward silence for a few minutes till he spoke. He can trust him.
"Last night...I had a strange dream." He whispered as he intertwined his hands together, "I saw Ari-Ahem! I saw the professor." Chris put his pen down with a look that told Dimitri to continue.
"She was crying. Her head hung down as tears were falling. I kept hearing the sound of shattering glass over and over again. The closer I got, the I could tell she was talking but I barely made out what she was saying. But, I heard her say "I'm sorry. " Dimitri muttered as Chris had a concerned look.
"Everything else was a whisper but when she looked up. She seemed startled. Her skin was cracked like glass. But also...there seemed to some sort of malicious shadow clinging onto her. If it was Sothi, I know her power feels warm. But this one...this overwhelming feeling of regret, anger, guilt, and sorrow filled me. The dream suddenly ended with the sound of glass shattering." He finished.
Christian was silent as he covered his mouth in deep thought. He muttered something in the language called Spanish. After hearing Arisa talk it so much during their days in Fhirdiad, he managed to pick up some words. He understood Christian say a curse, as well as "What is going on?". The professor looked back at him and then he looked behind himself.
On the table behind the professor, was The Sword of The Creator but his eye zoomed in on the crest stone.
"Dimitri...sigh.." Christian turned back to him, "Thank you for telling me. And I somehow have a feeling you're right." Chris looked at his hourglass with narrowed eyes, "If possible, I want you to contact someone you trust in the Kingdom to pick up the girls. They should be arriving in Fhirdiad by the end of next week."
"Understood." Dimitri nodded and Christian let go of another sigh.
"Now that you are here, I think it's time we talked seriously. And no, this isn't about my sister." Chris said because he saw the look Dimitri gave him, "Have you had anyone in the Kingdom investigate Cornelia?"
Dimitri blinked. This was surprising to hear. But hearing Christian speak of such a serious topic, he nodded.
"I will be truthful. Ever since Lord Alexander passed away, nobles of the Kingdom have lost trust in Lady Cornelia except a few like Count Rowe, Count Kliemen, and such. My father took action 5 years ago and dismissed her. While yes, she is still a Holy Magus, she has been dismissed from being a royal court mage and from her position as a director of the Magic Academy. However..." Dimitri let go of a sigh, "I found it...odd she left without a fight."
"Has there been reports of unusual activity or is there anything strange going on in the Kingdom as of lately?" Chris said as he was writing down some notes.
"I have spoken with Rodrigue and there have been a number of people going missing over the last few years. We have had our spies investigate, however, I am not the one in charge of them." Chris raised an eyebrow at him, "My sister is. When I became king, I want my sister and brother to be part of my council. Others like Ingrid, Glenn, Kuza, Sylvain, and Felix also. But...I also would like Ashe, Dedue, Mercedes, Annette, Sadi, Lysithea, and Dwyer to be a part of it. And..." he was debating if should say he wants Arisa to be a part of it also.
"You want my sister to be part also."
Dimitri felt his ears turn red and nodded.
"Professor Arisa has helped all of them tremendously over the years and she is an amazing person. She has helped the four houses. How did I say this...?" He thought for a moment, "She is strict but kind. She criticizes but also tells us what we did wrong and what we can do to make things better." He smiled softly.
"Jesus Christ. It's so obvious you're in love." Chris sighed and the prince looked away.
"Anyhow," Cris coughed, "You're making a wise decision choosing people you trust to be part of your council. However, as a future king, you need to also establish connections." He handed the boy a list, "I recommend reading these books. I have also assigned them to Claude, Edelgard, and Petra."
Dimitri took the list and raised an eyebrow.
"These are books by Cecilia Schariac." Dimitri muttered and Chris chuckled a bit, "Professor, I don't understand. These are fantasy books."
"I wouldn't say that." Chris grinned as did a light tap on his desk with the index finger, "The other three had the same reaction as you but I want you to listen. Who said these are books of fantasy?"
Dimitri was still confused. What did these books have to do with his future?
"Just like I assigned the others, I want you to pay attention to the ruling factions. The first book is about King Marth and his wife, Caeda. I want you to pay attention to how he started his journey. His connections, his ideals, morals as well as his path. But not just his, but also, his enemies." Chris looked back at him seriously.
"His enemies..." Dimitri muttered.
"In the battlefield, there are no noble battles." Christian began, "When people fight for a cause, all that happens as different ideals pitted against each other. All sides believe they are right." Slowly, Dimitri's eyes went wide.
These words...he has heard them before. A memory deep in his mind began to resurface as he began to hear Arisa's and his step-brother's, Chris, voices merge.
"They are prepared to end someone's life on a battlefield for their purpose. Who is to say it is righteous? An old question that speaks over a thousand words." Christian's eye became half-lidded as he continued, "Because there will be a point where one must choose what to fight for. Will you be decisive and make that choice consciously? Will you steel yourself for what comes after? Choices have consequences." Christian leaned forward.
Dimitri suddenly felt like a cornered by a demon ready to strike the vermin down.
His eyes were void of emotions, just like Arisa's. They could see onto the very depths of his soul as he grinned. The smile was the same, holding a mysterious yet frightening aura that said they know more than they let on. Their voices, the look in their eyes, merged as one as the professor pointed to him with a frightening gaze that said, "I can read you like an open book."
"And you will want to be ready when those consequences come."
Dimitri didn't know what possessed him that moment but he quickly bolted out the door.
"Those eyes...he has the same eyes as them!" He gasped for air as he ran to the nearest staircase and sat down.
He gasped for air and jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Yes, it was Christian.
"Well, I didn't think my words frightened you so much." They surged, "They are something you should keep in mind."
"Who told you those words?!" The prince glared at him but he already knew the answer.
"You already know the answer." Chris frowned a bit but muttered, "Dimitri, you at least deserve to know this much. Your brother is alive."
Dimitri suddenly felt anger as he suddenly stood up and slammed his hands around Christian, trapping him. The man did not flinch, even if the wall behind him cracked because of his strength. This anger and loathing he felt. Why was he feeling it? Why did this man always pick on him? At times he was kind but yet he is cold?
"Cold but kind..." Dimitri whispered and his eyes went wide when he felt a gentle hand on his head.
"Chris von Hersvelg is alive." Christian whispered, "But he is in hiding. If those that caused the Tragedy of Duscur found out he was alive...they would come not just after him, but you and the rest of your family as well." He sighed.
All the anger he suddenly felt washed away in an instant as he looked up to him.
"I'm sorry. But this is all I can tell you. I have to follow orders from my boss you know." Christian gave him a sad grin and he just gently moved Dimitri's arm.
He walked a bit away as Dimitri's gaze followed him.
"By the way," Christian stopped, "I expect by the end of Friday a 5-page essay regarding King Marth's rule and his ideals. Once that's done, next Monday, the four of you will be having a long discussion. Oh, and I suggest what I told you, you keep it to yourself. There is an old saying from the land of Hoshido, "The walls have ears." " He gave a lazy wave and left.
Dimitri slid down the wall as he processed everything that had just happened. His brother was alive.
"Hahaha..." Dimitri chuckled softly to himself as he looked at his gloved hands, some dust from the broken wall was on them, "He's alive..."
He didn't know how to feel. Should he be angry? Or should he be happy? His stepbrother was alive but in hiding. All these years he and everyone else thought he was killed but he lives. The prince began to think back to the conversation he had earlier. Christian asked him if he noticed anything unusual going on in the Kingdom. He specifically mentioned Cornelia if she has been investigated. His eyes suddenly went wide at his realization.
"The Tragedy of Duscur...people going missing...Cornelia..." he thought and quickly bolted up the stairs and back to the surface.
He needs to get a message to Count Gautier and speak to his sister immediately. But one thing for sure, he will heed Christian's warning.
The walls have ears.
He will be a King one day, and it's about time he started acting like one.
- Bloodline Runs Thin -
"Rhea."
The calm and peaceful atmosphere in her office became tense as she watched her brother come in. His skin was a bit paler though the reason is because of the worry for his daughter. There were dark circles under his eyes and his eyes held a tried look. It has been nearly a month since the Professor and Flayn have gone missing and things have not been the same. Though Rhea kept a calm demeanor throughout the month, internally, she was a mess. The child she so desperately searched for years had finally returned and now has gone missing again. She has noticed over the past couple of months that the child has been showing signs of becoming the Progenitor God. The signs begin to show and then suddenly they go away as if they are never there. As if coming to a sudden halt. The return of her mother was so close yet suddenly it all goes away.
Rhea placed down her teacup and looked up, giving her brother a worried look.
"Seteth, please be patient. I understand you are worried but the knights are doing their best." She motions him to sit down and join her, "Please drink some tea. I will help you calm down."
Seteth nodded as he sat down and she poured him a cup of Four-Spice blend. He picked up the cup and took a sip, the effect of the tea having him relax a bit but he was still tense.
"Forgive for being so tense...It's been difficult these past weeks. I'm worried. Especially after we received the news of the knights being attacked." Seteth referred to Shamir, Beleth, and Sandana.
When a Blaiddyd messenger owl arrived with a letter, she never expected that would be the dreadful news she would receive. If Lejare had not caught her when she read the letter, she would have passed out right then and there on the floor. Beleth was in a comatose state along with Shamir and Sandana. All three were in critical condition. A few hours ago, another letter arrived and informed her that they were now all stable and they would make it. Before they could say another word, there was a knock on her door.
"Come in." She says and frowned when her older brother walked in.
In the old days of The Age of The Gods, when Saint Lejare would come holding a letter, it would be he would deliver good news or bad news. How times have changed yet his presence still held that ancient feeling as he walked in with a letter. He sat down in the chair between them and placed the letter on the table. A pit of uneasiness filled her once she saw the wax seal on the letter. The wax seal was a bit cracked, meaning it has been opened.
"Noa." Lejare muttered as he held his chin, "She sent a letter. And the contents in it are not good."
"...What did she say?" Rhea was the first to ask and her brother looked at her and then to Seteth.
"First off, before I continue, I want you all to know that the events she has written happened 5 years ago and only just recently something new have been found," Lejare said.
"What could have happened five years ago that is still a case today?" Seteth sighed and even Rhea gave him the "Really?" Look.
Lejare just ignored his comment and spoke.
"Melody is dead."
It was the quickest way to make the two adults choke on their tea.
"What?! That's impossible!" Seteth yelled and Lejare shook his head, "She is in Sreng with Macuil! How could she be dead?! Nabatean blood runs through her veins when Indra gave her his blood!" He argued.
Indra.
Indra was a third-generation Nabatean that was brought to the world by their mother. He was a man who enjoyed the adventure and unfortunately got into many brawling matches. However, he had two appearances. One, a man named Chevalier became known as Saint Chevalier, and the other...a young girl he saved from an Agarthan base. The girl was on the brink of death and he saved her by making her drink his blood. He took her in and the girl saw him as an older brother.
But now...
Lejare let go of a sigh as Rhea was shaking as she stared at the letter.
"What happened?" She could barely say and Lejare closed his eyes.
"5 years ago...Macuil sent a message to Noa that the Agarthans had broken into his domain." The man sighed, "Of course, the two put up a fight but guess who was leading that group...?"
"Pittacus?" Rhea whispered.
Pittacus.
She was the first Agarthan to watch Sothis come to the world through the Outrealm Gate. The one to show her of the world and answered the many questions the goddess had. The one that Sothis first shared stories of her people. Pittacus first admired her. But that admiration grew to something twisted and soon obsessive. Rhea shivered at the memory of that woman and looked back to her brother, whose face became grim.
"It was Anacharis."
The blood drained from her face along with Seteth. Rhea began shivering as she covered her mouth, her eyes wide and frantic as horrific memories began to resurface of the Agarthan general. The eyes of monsters would not hesitate to burn their people to ashes to make sure their goal is achieved. They would stop at nothing to have their way. Even Thales was wary of them. Rhea remembered how gleeful the general looked when they ripped out Noa's heart in front of her. How they looked through the hole they made on her sister's chest and let her live on purpose. The smirk they had as they held up her chin to meet their eyes. Violet colored ones that held not a single speck of empathy. They were eyes that belonged to someone who enjoyed watching the world burn.
"Little dragon, I'll let you live. How fun it will be watching you descend to madness. After all, it is the fate of all the divine dragons."
"I can't...I can't fight that monster again!" Rhea whimpered as her nails dug into her palms, "After everything we've been through..." She whispered.
"I swear on my name I will not let that monster lay a hand on any of you. Noa also is starting to prepare." She heard her brother say.
"I won't let her." Rhea muttered and they looked at her confused, "I won't let that monster lay a hand on Mother."
The two brothers flinched as Rhea muttered to herself. The thought of that monster even laying their hands on Mother, she won't allow. Once Mother returns, she will increase the security of the church. Mother has yet to awaken, her vessel must remain safe. Just a bit more and Mother will awaken. She's so close.
"Mother will never come back."
In an instant, her venomous glare was on her elder brother. Lejare did not care.
"Sister, when will you accept that Mother will not come back. You're so desperate, to the point you sit on a throne of lies. Do you even pay attention to—-!" Rhea abruptly stood up and hissed.
"Why won't you accept Mother returning? How could you just accept all that happened to our people?! They were slaughtered, turned to weapons! Their blood drained...Mother's blood drained...Can't you see, everything will be alright once she returns." Rhea hissed and Crescent just shook his head.
"No, it won't." He muttered, "Being trapped in the past will do you no good." He stood up, "I will head back to the Abyss. And Cichol, we'll talk later." And with that, he left.
[—-]
The news of Anacharis's return had shaken her but even more, the news of a fellow saint has been killed. Rhea walked down the hallways near the gardens. Her mind racing and anger at her elder brother. She questioned why her brother accepted death so easily.
"Of course..." she scoffed to herself, "because he is the embodiment of destruction."
Anti-magic.
Magic was created to balance the magic of the world. Magic was created to destroy the other. To keep it under control. Only a selected few of her siblings were able to use such power. Yet, the main one was her brother. When she saw him share power with humans, he said that he believed that humans and the mystical could coexist. After the war, Abyss was done. When she stopped there, she could not believe it. Humans and the mystical living in peace. Those he gave his blood became protectors of the land. But...
"What are you talking about? Mother has passed on. The dead can not come back."
She taught him a lesson. She showed him what happened to those that did not believe in Sothis's return. She remembers his screams, the screams of the people as they ran before they were cut down. The way his clan fought to defend Fodlan and then only to be turned one the minute she spoke her words. She remembered the war between her and him well. She...
" Hm ?" Rhea blinked.
She sensed something. A familiar feeling. Too familiar. She walked around a bit longer, coming closer to feeling. The feeling she felt, was similar to when she first met Flayn when she was a child.. she walked near the gardens and stopped. She could hear children laughing and looked around.
"Ah...It can't be!"
Panic, joy, and sorrow overwhelmed Rhea when her eyes landed on the dark green-haired child playing with the orphaned children of the church. The child laughed with joy as he taught the others how to weave flower crowns. Blissfully unaware of the mint-colored eyes suddenly filled with a hidden madness. She couldn't believe it. It was too much. A living, breathing...
The child continued laughing and stopped as he felt eyes on him. He turned to the direction where he felt the gaze come from. Rhea's breath hitched when she saw his face. The boy blinked and looked at her confused.
"Family..." she whispered and her heart jumped when the boy stood up and ran towards her with a grin.
Joy filled her fiber as she opened her arms for him to leap in but...
"Papa!"
That moment never came. Her smile remained frozen as the boy ran past her and into the arms of another. She glanced back a bit as she heard the boy giggled as he was picked up.
"Kaimu, good to you've been having fun. Teaching the kids how to weave flower crowns?" She turned and saw Florencio was the one that spoke.
"Yup! Oh! Jaden went to find Big Sis Alex! We're making dandelion cakes today!" Kaimu grinned excitedly.
A bubbling rage formed in Rhea yet she kept a calm face and her signature smile as she turned to them.
"Florencio, good afternoon. I see you have finished the meeting." Rhea smiled yet her eyes were hollowed of emotions.
Florencio smiled as she held the boy in his arms (She wanted to rip the boy out of his arms.).
"Good afternoon to you too Lady Rhea. Ah, this is my son, Kaimu." Florencio introduced his boy, "He's been staying in my room for a while along with his friend."
"Hi, Lady Rhea! I'm Kaimu! This is my papa!" Kaimu grinned, "But Miss, are you angry?"
"What do you mean?" Rhea blinked, suddenly confused.
The boy's eyes became a bit half-lidded as he continued to speak.
"Your scent. It's like smoke and fire. When someone has a scent like that, it means they are frustrated or angry. When Big Sis Arisa gets angry, she has the same scent." He explained and suddenly Florencio had the urge to run.
Rhea was stunned to silence and Florencio spoke quickly. Took quickly.
"Oh! I'm late for the meeting! I got to go! Have a good day Lady Rhea!" And that man ran faster than the speed of light.
"Bye Lady Rheeeaaa! The boy yelled out.
"A living Nabatean...haha!" She laughed to herself and turned to head to her office.
"Family...soon."
- Blackened Heart -
"Just what is going on?!"
Edelgard let out a frustrated growl as she was heading towards the usual meeting spot with Monica. Lately, her plans have been a disaster. It was reported by one of the Imperial spies in the Kingdom that there has been an investigation going on in the Kingdom and security has tightened. Worse than Slave traders were found in Zander's territory. They were most likely Cornelia's men.
"She must have ordered them to get more subjects." The thought soon arrived at the back of the shed.
"Heya!" Monica jumped out with a cheerful tone, "Made it just on time!"
"I don't have time Monica." Edelgard sighed, "So, why did you call me here?"
Monica smiled as she took out a folder with papers.
"I decided to investigate the famous Professor Arisa." She grinned.
"Where did you get that?" Edelgard narrowed her eyes at the Agarthan.
"I have my ways, Edie." Monica smiled as she opened the folder, "Arisa Byleth Renus Eisner. Age 21. She is the daughter of Jeralt the Blade Breaker, her Crest is Of the Fell Star. She is a Holy Magus and gets this!" She showed Edelgard a picture.
The picture was of Arisa before she arrived at the academy. She was dressed in a dark green mercenary uniform. Her eyes seemed to be glowing as she held...
"Wait, her sword." Edelgard got the picture closer, "It looks like the Sword of The Creator." She muttered.
"I have yet to meet this teacher but based on her history, I look forward to sparing her in the future. But better yet...killing." Monica licked her lips, "But the Professor will be put on hold. I'm here for..." she gave her a different picture.
"Alexandra." Edelgard whispered, "Why her?"
"Edie, she's Cornelia's daughter and..." Monica smiled, "she was the first test subject to unleash the true power of the crest."
"..." Edelgard went silent.
"You know Edie." Monica began to circle her, kicking her legs up like a child, "These four new people show up at the monastery and suddenly a lot of the plans Solon and Thales has have become exposed. Rhea's still trying to cover it all up. Not to mention over the past 17 years, a lot of things that were supposed to remain a "secret" have come to light." She looked back at her.
"We have had interruptions. But we are taking precautions." Edelgard said.
"Edie, Thales is angry."
Monica tilted her head a bit as she smiled as Edelgard leaned on the wall, in thought.
"It is almost as if someone is interfering." The red head's smile only seemed to widen, " It won't be long till Cornelia is on the run. The organization is nothing but rumors, House Ordelia's affairs experiments done on their children exposed. The Church is trying to cover up the evidence but as the days go by, everything is coming out." Her eyes narrowed.
"Eddie..." her hands were suddenly on Edelgard's shoulders, her nails digging into the girl's skin, "What did I say about walking on eggshells?" Her smile became crazed, "That you only need to listen to me?"
The princess looked at her with a blank face, refusing to be intimidated. But deep down, she was afraid.
"Who was the one that got you out of that prison cell of corpses? Who was the one that helped you recover after the Flames were put within you? Huh? Who?" Monica spoke sweetly to her.
"..." Edelgard did not say anything.
"It was me. So all you have to do is listen to me." Monica smiled and let go of her, "I'll see you tonight! Don't forget, Solon gets cranky when you are late." The girl waved and left.
A few minutes passed and Edelgard finally let go of the breath she was holding. She gulped but then noticed someone was watching.
"Who's there?" She glared at the tree and carefully jumping out of it was 60.
The masked girl pursed her lips together as she waddled to the princess. Her head down.
"What do you want?" Edelgard said coldly, "Are you here to threaten me like you master?"
"...no." 60 whispered.
"Then what?"
60 looked up and looked around, making sure no one but them was present but suddenly stomped something on the ground. Edelgard raised an eyebrow and saw the girl stomped on a spider. 60 leaned in and whispered.
"Beware of the spiders of red and blue. The Sage of Sentience makes the walls have ears." And instantly the princess hugged herself.
"60, wait." Edelgard took a deep breath and looked at the masked girl, "Why do you follow Kronya?"
"Eh?" The girl looked at her confused though she couldn't tell because of the stupid mask, "Because that is what I am. I am a servant created by Agartha. But...the world isn't so bad like it was said to be." She sighed.
"What do you mean?" Edelgard muttered as 60 looked up to the sky.
"I like eating human food. When I first learned that humans eat "cheese" I was confused. I did not understand how humans could eat it and make many faces. It wasn't till I tried it that I understood what joy is. 59 and I were raised in isolation. We used to have hundreds of brothers and sisters but they all died. I didn't know as much as did back then." She looked back to her, "So I began to ask questions to learn truths and to uncover the lies. Maybe you should do the same." And 60 left.
"The only truth is that the Crest is to blame."
It's all falling apart. Why is everything coming undone? Why is it all coming exposed? My plans...What is going on? I'm gaining the trust of the people around me. I feel at peace in this place. But I can't. I need to finish what my brother started. He will be proud. I'm sure of it. When the time is right, he will join me and finally put an end to this curse.