Chapter 18
Conflict of Interest
The walk back down Abyss was quiet. The group passed many open areas that had silent Golurk and Sigilyph that simply watched them. While the sight was unnerving, the group was glad they did not have to fight. Both they and their partners were wiped out. They all wanted to return to main area of Abyss as quickly as they could.
They passed another open area which required them to open gates. Once again Golurk and Sigilyph watched them move about, but Xatu were also found perched atop a particularly strong Golurk.
"All the eyes staring at us is creepy," Ashe said unnerved.
"Be glad they're not attacking us," Yuri replied.
"I think we all are," Claude added.
Yuri pulled a lever and a gate opened allowing the group to progress forward. They entered another room with motionless creatures, but their eyes continued to follow them.
"What do you think made them stop attacking?" Hilda asked.
"Regirock, if I had to guess," N replied.
Constance nodded. "Well, it did smash the seal for us."
"It must've told the rest of the wild creatures to keep watch on us in case we do something malicious," Edelgard said.
"Honestly, the faster we get out of here, the better I'll feel," Lindhart said.
The group nodded in agreement and kept moving forward. As they reached another room, the path divided one led to another set of gates, while the other led to a set of ascending stairs.
"Where do those stairs lead?" Dimitri asked.
"Not sure. It could be an exit," Hapi replied.
"Should we check it out?" Byleth asked.
"If it's an exit, then I'm all for it," Balthus said.
The group came to an agreement and turned towards the ascending stairs. However, when the sound of armored footsteps filled their ears, the group came to stop. They all tense up and drew their weapons. The partners that could still fight moved to protect.
From the ascending stair a group of armored people descended down. Some carried swords and axes, with a few having a creature as a partner.
"There they are!" one called out.
"Heh, the boss was right on the money. Give us the treasure and we'll let you all go," another said.
"Wait, treasure?" Constance asked. Her eyes drifted to the splicer in Byleth's hand. "They're after the splicers! Those thieves are back!"
"We can't take the stairs now. Come on, to the gate!" Yuri called out.
The group turned to run and the thieves gave chase.
"Venomoth, Bug Buzz!"
The thief's Venomoth moved to attack, but before it could fire it off a Shadow Ball collided with it. Everyone turned to where the Shadow Ball came from and saw the group of Sigilyph and Xatu move to attack the thieves. With an earth shaking step, Golurk moved to attack as well.
"It seems they're on our side," Hapi said.
"Let's use this chance. Let's go!" N called out.
The group left the thieves behind and moved to the next open room. Yuri swung the lever and the gate opened, allowing the group to move forward. Behind them they could hear some of the thieves get past Golurk and the other creatures, but decided to keep moving and not fight.
"Lucky us. That Golurk has to be just as strong the ones outside," Claude said, looking back.
"They're protecting the splicer. Until we misuse it, they won't target us," N replied.
As the group made it through the gate, it slammed shut. The group jumped at the sound and looked back.
"Wait, did someone swing the lever again?" Hapi asked.
N counted everyone mentally. "Everyone's here."
"Could just be how old this place is," Yuri theorized. "As soon as I hit the lever, run like hell before it closes."
The group nodded and continued to move forward. As they made it through another room, the far side of it had a staircase that ascended.
"That has to be the exit!" Dimitri exclaimed.
"We're almost home-free!" Claude added.
Just as Claude finished his exclamation, another group of thieves descended down the stairs. The group was forced to stop and got ready to fight the group of thieves.
"You just to say that," Hilda said.
Claude shrugged sheepishly.
"We'll just have to fight them to get through," Dimitri said, leveling his lance. At his side Shinx sparked.
"And quick. Who knows how long before the gate closes on us," Yuri said.
The group of thieves pointed charged towards the group, but before they could get closer the ground began to shake.
"What's going on now?!" Balthus exclaimed.
"We left the Golurk behind right?" Ashe asked.
N's eyes widened as he heard a voice in his thoughts. It sounded familiar, but it was slightly deeper than when he last heard it.
"Everyone take cover!"
From the side wall, the rock exploded into pebbles and dust. Within the dust cloud, a series of red lights blinked in a pattern until they formed a circle. From the dust cloud a shiny, metallic creature emerged. On its face was circular dot pattern the glowed red and on its hands triangles glowed with the same color. Its body was shiny and smooth with a bright grey color. Around its face the color was a dark grey. Its arms had a similar color as its face and the fingers were the same grey color as its body.
The group looked up to see the creature. It exerted the same pressure as Regirock did, which gave many an answer as to who the new party was.
"Is this another legendary creature?" Constance asked.
"Yeah, it is," N replied. "It's name is Registeel."
Registeel warbled and turned to the group from Garreg Mach. Its set of eyes landed on Byleth. It eyes flashed a pattern and it warbled again. Registeel turned to the thieves, who cowered in fear.
"Registeel is giving us the opportunity to escape. We have to take it!" N said turning to the group.
No one argued and the group charged past Registeel. The thieves tried to intercept the group, but Registeel would halt their movements with a Hyper Beam. When the group made it past, the gate began to close. Registeel turned to the group. Its eyes glowed and it warbled before turning back to the thieves. Only N knew what Registeel had said.
The gate closed leaving the thieves trapped with Golurk and Registeel.
The group took a moment to catch their breaths.
"That was way too close," Hilda said.
"Looks like those creatures are really devoted to protecting the splicer," Dimitri said.
N nodded. "Somehow Registeel sensed the danger."
"To think we'd encounter two legends in a single day? Their power is really something else," Linhardt said.
Edelgard nodded in response. "Indeed. Their strength is nothing to scoff at. I would hate to have to fight them."
"If we keep our promise we won't have to," N said. He turned to Byelth. "You okay?"
Byleth nodded in response. "Splicer's fine as well." She held out the object the thieves were after.
"That's good. Makes everything we went through worth it," N replied.
"I would hate it if we had to fight Registeel on top of the thieves. Makes me not want to go back down there," Yuri said.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Experiencing the strength of two legends was more than enough for the group. Having to fight an army of thieves on top of that would have definitely been the end of them.
"You gotta wonder who their boss was. Someone had to've sent them down here," Balthus said.
"Let's focus on that another time. We should get moving before more show up," Yuri replied.
"I agree. All of us are tired. Including our partners," N added.
"Has Aelfric yet returned? We have to present the splicer to the church at once," Constance said.
"We'll find out when we reach Abyss," Hapi replied.
The group walked in relative silence up the passage way. Occasionally a conversation would break out, but it would never last too long. The fatigue had gotten to all of them and if they stopped moving, most were likely to pass out.
N looked to the ceiling and wondered what time of day it was. It had to already be the evening. He hated not being able to see the sun.
His mind drifted to what he heard Registeel say. It was the same threat Regirock had said. The only good thing that came from the thieves attacking was it proved N's claims to the rock golem. He hoped that the steel golem would report to the other he had been truthful.
He turned to Zorua, who was barely able to keep his eyes open while perched on N's shoulder. N pet the fox and Zorua slowly turned to his partner.
"What do you think about all this, bud?" N asked quietly.
Zorua simply yawned and returned to trying to keep himself awake.
N chuckled. "Yeah, I'm tried too."
—-
When the group finally made it back to Abyss, there seemed to be some sort of commotion. People were running about and they all looked panicked. Those from the surface wondered what was going on, but the Ashen Absols had no idea they had never seen everyone so riled up.
When they made it to the main square two Abyssians stopped them.
"Where have you guys been?! How could you disappear at a time like this?" one Abyssian asked.
"What's going on? Why all the commotion?" Byleth asked.
"Some strange group of outsiders kidnapped Master Aelfric!" the second exclaimed.
Everyone's eyes went wide.
"Aelfric? No! It cannot be true!" Constance said.
"It happened as soon as he returned form the monastery. Bandits were lying in wait," the second Absyssian explained.
"Dammit!" Balthus exclaimed as he slammed the side of his fist into the wall. "How could this have happened?"
"Do you think it's the same bandits we met in those corridors?" Dimitri asked.
"Almost a certainty! This was clearly premeditated," Constance said.
"Have you alerted the church?" Yuri asked.
The Abyssian shook his head. "Not yet. It all happened so suddenly…"
"That explains why everyone's so agitated," N muttered.
"Do you think we should?" the Abyssian continued. "Can we trust them? If we cause too much trouble, Abyss is doomed…"
"Now's not the time to worry about that," Yuri argued. "We're in no position to cover something like this up. The church has eyes an ear everywhere. They'll likely already know. Either way, we still have to tell them. Now, go!"
The Abyssian nodded hesitantly. "Right away!"
"Also, if anyone and their partner are wounded send them here. We'll patch them up with what we have," Yuri added.
"Send them over to me. I'll take a look at anyone and everyone," N said.
The Abyssian turned to N. "Thank you. I'll go right away."
The Abyssian ran back into the town leaving the group on their own.
"Wait… You aren't are only healer. Where are Hapi and Linhardt?" Yuri asked.
N looked around and did not see the two anywhere.
"Where could they've-"
"Hapi!"
N turned to see Hapi and Linhardt walking towards the group. He noticed Hapi was holding a rolled up paper.
"Where did you disappear to?" Constance asked. "Aelfric has been-"
"I know," Hapi said cutting off Constance. She held out the rolled up paper. "Take a look at this. It was in the classroom."
"What is it? Looks like a fancy letter," Balthus asked inspecting the paper.
Hapi nodded. "That's because it is."
"Could it have something to do with Aelfric's abduction?" Dimitri asked.
Hapi nodded as she unrolled the paper. She read the letter's contents to the group. The letter read exactly how most in the group thought it would, a confirmation and demands. Though the demand was something that many felt odd.
"Our enemy really is after the splicer. They must've been using us to get it," Constance surmised.
N put a hand on his chin. "Something isn't quite adding up."
Hapi shook her head. "Everything isn't adding up. What do you mean when you say it?"
"How do these people know we were after the splicer? Those goons we ran into seemed to know what they were looking for. Now Aelfric has been kidnapped just after we found it. It's all too convenient," N explained.
"Then that would mean someone in Abysss is-"
"You smell a rat," Yuri said cutting off Constance. "Someone who notified the church of our plan. No use in talking about theoretical rats right now. We have to deal with the problem at hand."
Constance nodded. "For once you speak reasonably."
Yuri rolled his eyes in response.
"We should figure a bit more about what's going on before going ahead with the meeting. Since it's tomorrow, that gives us time to rest and strategize," N said.
"Yes, I agree with N. It would be best to tackle this when we all have cooler heads," Dimitri added.
"I say we stake out the place they're holding Aelfric and get the jump on 'em," Balthus said slamming his fist into his palm.
"Normally, I'd agree in getting this done as quickly as possible. But right now we're all exhausted, and our partners are just as tired. When can discuss a plan in detail when we're all rested," N replied.
Yuri nodded in response. "I agree with the Professor. We can get a head start on this tomorrow. We'll leave the splicer with you guys as well."
The other three Ashen Absols reluctantly agreed. The group agreed to meet up in Abyss the next day as soon as everyone was free. N decided to not hold his class tomorrow to give him more time to plan with the Abyssians.
Once everyone decided on their future plans, the surface dwellers returned to their home. Deciding to leave the splicer with the Abyssians.
—-
The sun was setting when the group from the surface made it back. The quickly went over the plan before deciding to go their separate ways.
As N and Byleth walked back to their shared room, N could stop thinking about everything they had done. So many things had happened in such a quick succession that he had trouble remembering details. What did stick out in his mind were the legendary creatures they had fought and how Aelfric's kidnapping seemed far too convenient. Someone was working against them, but who remained a mystery.
In N's mind a single person flashed as a memory of that man wormed its way into the forefront of hid mind. He fought off the headache it formed by pressing his forehead. He could hear his laughter, his voice, and the growling. He could hear himself calling for something and someone that would never come. He could hear the tears being shed in a dark room. He could feel his fear and loneliness creeping up. He could see his face.
He felt his breathing start to quicken. His headache was getting worse. The painful memories were all flooding in at once. He tried to find the memories he could fall back on. Those of Jeralt's tough but caring attitude, the nights he spent with Byleth staring at campfires, the moonlit talks with a girl with white hair. The good memories were being overpowered. He could hear his laughter getting closer. He turned and saw him walking towards him.
He wanted to draw his sword. He wanted to cut down the man creeping up behind him. He wanted the man that caused him so much pain to die. But his hand would not move. He could only watch as he got closer. His red eye glowing in the darkness. Behind him was Hydreigon. Three heads snapping. Always hungry, always angry.
The sunset scenery of the monastery vanished as he enveloped it in a cold darkness. Behind Hydreigon something was hidden. Its glowing, yellow eyes piercing the darkness. A blue glow emanated from its back. It did not emerge from the darkness.
He reached out to N. His left arm reaching out to grab him. N could not move. He felt frozen in place. He stood in front of N and cupped his cheek. His touch feeling cold to N, almost like a corpse. He smiled maliciously.
"You will serve you divine purpose."
An image flooded N's mind. A world engulfed in ice and fire. Villages, towns, cities all brought to destruction. He saw himself standing atop a castle looking at the destruction being caused. At his side was a white creature enveloped in flames. His face showed no emotion. He did not react to the carnage that unfolded. The imaged shifted to the monastery. A giant iceberg replaced the extravagant alter in the cathedral. At his side was a woman with white hair wearing red armor and carrying an axe made of bone. Floating above her was a pitch black creature with a glowing blue tail. N recognized her appearance instantly, but could not recognize her eyes.
"Together we will free this world of those who oppress it."
N wanted to run away. He had to run away like he did all those years ago. He had to escape. He could not. He was frozen in place. Forced to watch the reality he wanted.
"Stay away."
N covered his ears.
"Stay away!"
He could hear his laughter and her goading.
"STAY AWAY!"
N's eyes shot open as he sat up in a bed. He was breathing hard. Sweat covered his body. It took a moment for him to realize he was no longer where he once was.
"Where…?"
"The infirmary."
N looked to his side and saw Byleth sitting next to him. Her usual monotone was gone, worry was the only expression she wore. Before he could say anything Byleth wrapped her arms around him and held him close.
"I was so scared."
N did the same and held her close. He did not want to let her go.
"So was I."
Zorua was the one to finally separate the two as the black fox wanted to make sure his partner was okay as well. N happily pet the fox, letting him know he was still alive.
"All of a sudden you dropped to the ground and started too breathe fast. I got scared and had Dimitri bring you here," Byleth explained.
"I don't know what came over me," N said.
"You were muttering nonsense as we brought you here. I could only catch one thing: Ghetsis," Byleth said.
N's blood went cold as he eyes widened. He slowly turned to Byleth, whose concern for him only grew when she saw his terrified expression.
N did not respond. He could not bring himself to repeat his name.
"Please, N. I want to help you," Byleth pleaded.
The green haired professor turned away from his friend. He could not bring himself to face her. Face the memories of him.
"You can't help with this. No one can," N said.
"We can if you just tell us," Byleth said.
"I can't! If I say it then I know he'll be close." He turned to Byleth the terrified expression was still there as tears brimmed in his eyes. "I can't go back there! I won't go back there! To that dark room. To being alone." N wrapped his arms around himself.
"Do you mean Ghetsis?"
A knock came to the door as Byleth asked her question. N's eyes darted towards the door, panic filled his body. He breathing got faster and his grip on the thin sheet tightened. Byleth saw how panicked N looked and turned to the door as well. Another knock.
Dimitri's muffled voice came from behind the door. "Professor, is N all right?"
N loosened up as he heard it was Dimitri behind the door.
"Can I let them in?" Byleth asked carefully.
"Them?" N asked.
Byleth nodded. "Everyone's worried about you."
"Everyone?" N asked.
"Can I let them in?" Byleth asked again.
N nodded slowly. His grip on the sheet loosening slightly.
Byleth stood up and walked to the door. She opened it slightly and saw all the students from the different houses N taught waiting behind the door.
"He's still a bit shaken. Try to keep things quiet."
Everyone nodded in response.
Byleth opened the door and all the students poured in. N was taken aback by seeing all of them. Each had their own worried look, as well as their partners. They all bombarded him with questions, but their voices never seemed to go that high.
"I thought I said for everyone to take it slow," Byleth said as she moved back to being by N's side.
Everyone spoke at once in agreement. N could not help but chuckle. He was not expecting for everyone to want to see him in the infirmary.
"Well, if he can laugh then he's better than we thought," Sylvain said.
"Don't scare us like that, Professor!" Bernadetta added.
N rose an eyebrow. "Did my fall cause that much of a commotion?"
"Most of us were still out doing things, plus dropping at the dorms made everyone notice," Dorothea replied. "I must say if it weren't for the genuine pain you looked to be in, you could almost be an actor." Dorothea's Buneary echoed her partner's words.
"Thanks…I think."
"You did have us all quite worried, N. Are you sure you're feeling well?" Dimitri asked.
"I'm fine. My exhaustion finally caught up with me," N lied.
"Then what was all that shouting from before?" Linhardt asked.
"You heard that, huh?" N asked putting a hand behind his neck.
Everyone nodded in response.
"I had a bad dream when I was unconscious," N said with a hint of embarrassment. While it was a half truth, it was better than having to explain why.
"I guess that makes sense," Ingrid replied.
"It's a bit embarrassing to admit, so I'd like to not talk about it," N said.
Everyone seemed to understand. They did not press that topic and shifted to simply asking if he was getting enough sleep and enough to eat. The fact that they were all so concerned for him made him happy. He would have never anticipated for something like this to draw such a crowd.
"Okay everyone, visitation hours are almost up. It's almost curfew and we all know how Seteth gets," Manuela's voice rang out.
Disappointed murmurs escaped everyone, but they followed the songstress's words and began to exit the infirmary. They all said their goodbyes to the two new professor's and wished for N to get better.
As the students filed out, N met Edelgard's gaze. She had a worried expression on her face. N gave her a soft smile, which alleviated her worries. She flashed him a quick smile as she exited the infirmary.
When the students all exited, Manuela shut the door and let out a breath.
"You sure are popular, N. Everyone was asking about your episode," Manuela said.
"Episode? I said it was just exhaustion," N replied.
"Don't try that with me. I know a panic attack when I see one," Manuela said sternly.
N had to give the woman credit. She was really sharp when it came to being a doctor. The Pikachu on her shoulder also seemed to be understand what was really going on.
N turned away from the physician.
Manuela sighed and walked towards the cupboard. "Why are the cute ones always so guarded?"
N was not sure how to take that, but could feel his face heat up at hearing it.
"Anyway, you should rest here for the night. Let's see how you're feeling in the morning. Though seeing friendly faces was a better medicine than anything I could prescribe," Manuela said with a chuckle. The physician turned to Byleth. "You should get to your room as well. You know how strict Seteth is with his curfews."
Byleth nodded and turned to N. "See you in the morning."
N nodded in response and watched as Byleth, along with her partners, exited the room.
"You should get some real rest as well. You do have symptoms of exhaustion," Manuela said as she followed Byleth out the infirmary.
N sighed and laid back down. Zorua curled up next to him and quickly fell asleep. He turned to the window to see the night sky. He saw several flying creatures, one of them a Honchrow that stopped and turned to the window for a moment before continuing its flight.
—
Rhea opened her eyes as she finished her prayer. She had felt it when the seal guarding the splicer had been broken. She was surprised that Regirock had been the one to smash it. She trusted the rock golem to guard it, but never expected for it to be the one to destroy the seal.
She smiled to herself. N's gifts were so much more than she could have ever imagined. She hated to admit it, but Ghetsis had done well in finding him. She had thought his bloodline was lost after Nemesis' defeat. After all, she had to make sure such a power was never found. Living among the creatures for all of his life helped that connection greatly. She did find it odd however, he did not bear the usual features of his bloodline. The pointed ears were synonymous with those with the blood of the Goddess running through their veins. Even if it had been hundreds of years, that trait did not go away.
She was glad the boy was no longer in Ghetsis' hands. However, she knew he would still have plans for him. No doubt the freeing of the splicer was part of it. His tireless search for Kyurem was likely bearing fruit as well. She had to prepare for his inevitable attack. What caused her concern was the fact that her own counter measures were not ready. She knew Ghetsis had a similar plan to her; finding two champions worthy of summoning the legendary dragons. If his meddling in Adrestian politics was any indication he was going to use Edelgard. She wondered if he still planned on using N. His connection to the dragons had changed in the time away from him. She just had to make sure her own champions were ready.
As she turned to leave, a Honchcrow caught her eye. It was perched high atop a column in the cathedral. The dark feathered bird watched her intently. It then tipped its feathered hat with its wing and flew off. It flew in the direction of Faerghus.
A cold breeze entered the cathedral. Her eyes narrowed and felt something coming up behind her. She quickly turned and grabbed the arm of her attacker. She twisted them into the air, but the assailant broke free from her grip and jumped back. Rhea saw her assailant in the moonlight, revealing a man. He had long, white hair and wore a mask over his mouth. Dark clothes adorned his body. In his hand was a dagger and at his side was a Bisharp.
"Who are you?"
The assailant said nothing. He kept his eyes trained on her.
"Did Ghetsis send you?"
Another silence permeated. The white haired man still kept his stance. Rhea opened her mouth to say something, but she cut herself off when a tapping echoed in the empty cathedral. Rhea felt the cold breeze return. The tapping got closer and a fluttering sound followed it.
"Oh, my. As pious as ever."
Rhea's eyes widened. She slowly turned and saw someone she had not seen in centuries. He looked different form what she remembered. His light green hair was shorter, but still sported the three tufts. He had changed his outfit from the ornate almost castle looking robes to a black coat with an eye etched into it. He wore a red eyepatch over an eye, but his uncovered eye seemed to glow in the moonlight. He walked with a more noticeable limp than she remembered, and was supported by a cane. A malicious smile on his face.
Behind him hovered his partner, a Hydreigon. Two of its heads snapping, while its wings flapped with strength. Its main head was growling.
"What are you doing here?" Rhea's gaze narrowed.
Ghetsis looked past Rhea to the white haired man. "Leave us, Sombra."
Sombra hesitated. "But, Master…"
"I'll be fine."
Sombra was silent for a moment, but nodded and disappeared in a gust of air.
"I will not ask again," Rhea said.
Ghetsis turned to her and smiled. "Why to see my son, of course. He's grown so big."
"We both know that's not true."
Ghetsis shrugged in response.
"How did you get in here? When I last sensed you, you were barely noticeable. Yet you managed to surprise me," Rhea said.
Ghetsis chuckled. "I am quite resourceful."
Rhea could not understand. She knew Ghetsis would never leave the shadows willingly. Something had to have changed for him to be standing right in front of her. She wished she had brought a weapon with her. She could cut him down and end whatever plan he was crafting.
"Why the hateful glare? I thought you'd be happy to see me after so long," Ghetsis said.
"After what you did? Never."
Ghetsis rolled his eyes. "Still clinging to the past. That happened a millennia ago. Though, for you that must've been the blink of an eye."
"Leave. Now," Rhea said, her voice laced with venom.
"You might want to hear what I have to say," Ghetsis replied.
That gave Rhea pause. She knew of his machinations. She was aware he was seeking the power of the legendary dragons. She knew what his goals were.
"What could you possibly say that I don't already know?"
Ghetsis's smile curled up his face. "Your plan will fail."
Rhea's blood went cold. She knew he was not lying. Ghetsis was not one to lie when it came to matters of knowledge. She knew he was smart. He was smart enough to figure out the power the resided in crests long before she did. He was also more than capable of removing those he deemed problems for his goals. The question remained, how did he know?
"By your expression, you know what I'm talking about," Ghetsis said. "So attached to past. Attached to her. You really think that will bring her back? Though you are more than capable of attempting it. The mercenary's daughter makes how many attempts now?"
"How could you possibly…?" Rhea trailed off. Ghetsis knew too much.
"There is also the matter of who will inherit the dragons. I have my champions." Ghetsis turned to her with a smug grin. "Do you?"
Rhea could say nothing in response. Somehow, he knew. Someone within the monastery worked for Ghetsis. That had to be the only explanation. Now it became who. Only a select few know of her plan.
"Don't fret so much. Everything will be in place soon. And when I see to it the world you've created it torn down and you realize the weight of your sins I will end you life," Ghetsis said.
"The world I've created? The world you seek to build will not save anyone!" Rhea exclaimed.
Ghetsis scoffed. "Says the woman that executes those who do not conform."
"They are traitors who must be punished. You would do the same," Rhea argued.
"Yes, I probably would," Ghetsis said. "My ambitions will be realized. You will see that this world is flawed and only my vision can save it." Ghetsis turned to her with a malicious smile. "Tell me, how does it feel to see someone of his bloodline wielding her bones?"
Rhea did not respond. She felt her rage boiling up. She hated the man standing in front of her. Everything he did that caused her world to fall apart. The reason her mother was dead. The reason she would never forgive anyone who dared to defy her.
Ghetsis laughed and turned away from Rhea. "Soon the stage will be set and when this world crumbles under ice, fire, and thunder I will see you despair. Farewell, dear sister."
Rhea charged towards Ghetsis. A cold wind picked up and in a gust of cold wind Ghetsis was gone. Not before Rhea could see his smug grin one last time.
—-
After not seeing the sun for many months, Colress was beginning to think it never existed in the first place. Throughout their trek in the eternal blizzard the sun would not shine. Cold and darkness covered his team and, despite never showing it, it started to get to him. When they managed to break through the blizzard and see the sun shine, he did not feel like a scientist, he had become merely a man.
The sunlight also meant that their journey was completed. The blizzard howled behind them, but in front of them stood a mountain. It was not covered with snow, but the grassy plain surrounding it showed signs that winter had not arrived. Colress wondered if winter ever made it to the mountain. Kyurem's power, even dormant, was fearsome.
He turned to Magnezone, who hovered close to him. The metallic creature proved invaluable to their trek. If it was not for its abilities, they would have died in the blizzard; likely how Kyurem intended.
"You did a good job, Magnezone."
Colress put his hands in his coat pockets and walked towards the tent. The soldiers guarding the tent stood in attention as Colress walked past. While he understood protocol, he had thought the guards would be a bit more relaxed by now.
"Good work you two."
The two soldiers nodded and Colress entered the tent.
Inside his research team was going over all the data they had collected while in the blizzard. The snow that would pelt them, the changes in direction, and the wind speeds they were able to record. It would all prove valuable to get a greater understanding of Kyurem's strength.
The only one not going over research was Kronya. She simply sat by his desk and filed her nails as her Zoroark slept next to her. Colress rolled his eyes as he walked over to his desk.
"Will you ever do anything worth while?"
Kroyna looked with a glare. "You're not my boss."
"Ghetsis sent you here, did he not? You should be aware of my standing within his circle," Colress replied.
"My only boss is Ghetsis," Kronya countered.
Colress sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. This odd stray Ghetsis picked up was going to be the end of him.
"Did you find Kyurem yet?" Kronya asked, returning to filing her nails.
"It's somewhere in the mountain. A search is soon to begin," Colress replied.
"Then I'll consider that progress. I'm sure Ghetsis will be pleased to hear it," Kronya said.
Before Colress could say anything, Kronya was gone in a flash of light. Colress removed his glasses and rubbed the brightness from his eyes.
"Damn that girl."
"Excuse me, Professor Colress."
"Yes, Cedric?"
"Should we prepare to investigate the mountain?" Cedric asked.
"Magnezone will take care of finding the entry point. All we need to do is wait," Colress said. "I think we've all mastered patience by now."
Cedric nodded and returned to his desk. Soon Colress would come face to face with the dragon lost to time. He wanted to see its power, what it was capable of. If the blizzard they spent months trekking through was any indication, Kyurem's power was on par with the other two dragons.
"All that research will finally pay off."
—-
When awoke in the morning, he was ready to start investigating Aelfric's kidnapping. He could still feel something amiss about it and he wanted to understand why. However, the person stopping him from leaving the infirmary was Manuela. She was adamant that he should remain resting longer. She gave him a stern glare, and her Pikachu added his own threat by emitting sparks from his cheeks.
When he gave in, Manuela exited the infirmary satisfied. She still had a class to teach after all. She promised to return by midday to check on him. She left her Pikachu behind in order to keep watch. N tried to persuade the electric mouse to let him leave, but he was not cooperating. He gave up trying to convince the mouse and sat against the wall.
He ran through everything that occurred yesterday, including his episode. He could not remember the last time he had seen his face so vividly in a dream before. It felt like he really was standing there. He ran a hand down his face a stopped to cover his mouth. The images he saw scared him just as much as seeing him again. He could not get the image of him with Reshiram at his side out of his head. It felt so real.
He shook his head to stop himself from remembering. If he went on thinking about it, something similar might happen again. Though he could not stop himself from thinking of the older Edelgard in his dream. He was positive it was her. The same white hair, purple eyes, and face. That was the one part of the dream he did not get. The only answer he could come up with was that Edelgard and he were connected.
He shook that thought out of his head as soon as it entered. He knew there was no way that was possible. She was much too kind hearted to even associate with someone like him.
N could feel his face beginning to warm up at the thought of her. He wondered when their next talk beneath the moon light would be. Whatever they talked about next, N knew she would likely ask about what had happened. She was far too smart to believe his lie. He knew most of the students likely knew he was lying, but he was happy none pressed the subject.
N sighed and slid down the wall to lay down. He still had to somehow get to Abyss so he could figure out what was going on. He hoped the splicer were still with the Ashen Absols. He knew he could trust them with it, but something still felt off about it all. He could not quite place it, so the only option was to meet the ones the captured Aelfric. N did not like that was the only conclusion he was left with, but it was the only one he cold think of with the information on hand.
By what N had to assume was midday, he was already bored out of his mind. A nurse had stopped by not long after Manuela had left to bring him food, which he appreciated. All he could do was talk to himself and Zorua and try to get a rise out of the Pikachu.
When Manuela returned to the infirmary, N was silently thankful.
"You look better compared to this morning," Manuela said after giving him a check up.
"I do feel better. Though, it must've been since I hadn't eaten yet," N reasoned.
"Indeed a possibility," Manuela replied. "I have to ask, what caused to you collapse? And don't lie."
N sighed and turned away from the physician. "A bad memory. It's something I want to desperately forget, but I saw something the reminded me of it. So, I panicked."
"I understand. It must be a pretty bad memory if you aren't willing to talk about it."
N nodded. "It is."
The door to the infirmary slammed open and the two turned to see Byleth standing in the door way. She rushed over and wrapped him a tight hug. N was surprised to see her be so forward with her emotions, but was happy nonetheless.
"I'm glad you're feeling better," Byleth said as she separated from him.
"Well, you two certainly are close," Manuela said with a mischievous smile.
N and Byleth looked at each other and back to Manuela. The two were unsure as to what she meant.
"Well, yeah. We grew up together after all," N replied.
Byleth nodded in agreement.
Manuela hummed a response. "I'm sure you two'll figure it out eventually."
The two professors looked to each other and shrugged; still unsure as to what Manuela had referred to.
"By the way, N. You're free to go. Just try to get some proper rest tonight," Manuela said.
"Will do. Thanks, Manuela."
Manuela nodded in response and turned to her cupboard filled with different medicines. N put on his shirt, let Zorua hop onto his shoulder, and followed Byleth out the infirmary. As he shut the door, he made sure they were alone before asking about Abyss.
"Any word from Abyss?"
Byleth shook her head. "Nothing. I was thinking about gathering everyone to head down there."
N nodded in agreement. "You do that. I'll get a head start and see where they are at with the kidnapping."
The two went their separate ways, but both determined to find out what was going on.
—
The denizens of Abyss were still panicked. Word of Aelfric's kidnapping had spread throughout the underground city. As he walked to sunless streets of the square, N could overhear people talking and throwing accusations. N could not blame them. While he had reservations about the man, he knew how much he meant to the people living beneath the monastery.
The information he could scrounge up was not he asked about shady people in Abyss, N would get strange looks from people. While he knew everyone in Abyss was shady, he was sure that they could discern outsiders from regular citizens. He could only assume that the people of Abyss did not suspect anyone form the underground city was capable of harming the man.
N made his way to the Ashen Absol classroom and did not see any of the usual suspects. He guessed they were still out investigating. He passed the time by looking at the bookshelves that adorned the classroom. Aeflric seemed to always be perusing it whenever N saw him in the classroom. The classroom had quite the extensive collection, ranging from the history of Fodlan to stories about other areas of the world.
That book caught his interest. The book spoke of mostly legends, but being able to simply read about places that might be beyond the horizon greatly interested N. He wondered what kind of creatures lived on those far off places. Fodlan was already populated by many creatures, but he was sure there were more to be discovered.
N was so absorbed in his reading that he did not notice someone entering the classroom.
"Woah, someone's hundreds of miles away."
N jumped in surprise, causing him to drop the drop. He turned to see Hapi, her Misdreavus, and his Zorua snickering at him. N sighed and rolled his eyes as he knelt down to pick up the book.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up."
"Sorry," Hapi said as she composed herself, "it was just too funny."
N rolled his eyes again and set book back on the bookshelf. He would not admit it to her, but he was very embarrassed to have been caught unawares. Though that also made him afraid, as it meant he could sneak up on him.
"You okay? You look a bit pale. Well, paler than usual," Hapi asked.
N turned to her. "Fine. Just tired is all. Being down here tends to mess with my sense of time."
Hapi shrugged. "You kinda get used to that."
Hapi walked past N and sat atop one of the tables. N grabbed a chair and sat next to her.
"Have you managed to find anything in regards to the kidnapping?" N asked.
"A few things. Maybe even a reason a reason as to why," Hapi replied.
N rose an eyebrow. "Which is?"
"We're going to wait until everyone's here."
"Makes sense." N turned to the tattered Ashen Absol banner. "Speaking of, where are the other three?"
"Coco is doing who knows what, B is training with Grapploct, and Yuri-bird is off skulking somewhere."
"And what could've given off that impression?"
The two turned to where they heard the voice and saw Yuri, with Absol at his side, entering the classroom. A sly grin on his face as he walked up to the two.
"Just your general demeanor," Hapi replied.
Yuri chuckled in response. He then turned to N with a more serious expression.
"Heard you took quite the tumble yesterday?" Yuri asked as he crossed his arms.
Hapi turned to N with a concerned look. "Are you okay? You didn't get hurt too bad?"
N turned to her and gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. My exhaustion caught up to me is all."
"You sure that was all it was?" Hapi asked.
N nodded. "I'm sure. Though I am happy you're worried about me."
Hapi felt her face heat up and quickly turned away from N. "I'm glad."
However, Yuri was unconvinced. He could easily tell when someone was lying and N had told a half truth. The part about being exhausted was not a lie, but he could tell there was more to it. He would as again later since he wanted to stay focused on the task at hand.
"Where are the others?" N asked.
"Should be here any minute. What about your friends?"
"Same as yours; should be here any minute."
True to both their words, the group investigating the kidnapping had assembled in the classroom. After catching each other up on what had happened since finding the splicer, the pooled together everything they had learned that could be related to the kidnapping. The first to bring something forward was Yuri, who theorized that Aelfric was captured due to being a cardinal.
"So is Aelfric really a cardinal? I thought a secret order of cardinals was a myth?" Hilda asked.
Linhardt nodded in response. "It's hard to believe." He turned to the Ashen Absols. "Did you guys know about it?"
Balthus shook his head. "No idea. The identity of the cardinals is top secret, even in the church. Guess Yuri know about."
All eyes turned to Yuri. The purple haired teen was fairly composed under the numerous pairs of eyes on him.
"He and I talk about a lot of things," Yuri said dismissively. "But right now, we have more important topics to discuss than his title."
N rose an eyebrow. Awfully quick to change the subject.
"Aelfric's been kidnapped," Yuri continued. "What are we going to do about it?"
"There is the threat in the letter," Edelgard replied.
Constance shook her head. "Even if it is in the name of rescuing him, we cannot hand over the splicer to those ruffians!"
"Lets just give them the damn thing and be done with it," Hapi argued.
"I would advise against that," N said.
Everyone turned to N, who had his hand on his chin with a pensive look.
"If we go back on our word with Regirock, we wouldn't be able to fight it. Plus, there's Registeel and the threat of whatever Regigigas is," N explained. "We all felt the power coming off of those two. I wouldn't want to see how strong the other is."
Claude nodded in agreement. "I agree with ya there, N. I don't think even Catherine's Electivire would stand a chance."
Before anyone could respond, the sound of clanging armor filled the classroom. The group turned to see Knights of Serios entering the classroom. Leading them was Alois without his partner Onix.
"Professors! I came as soon as I assembled enough men when the report came in. I had no idea the two of you would be down here."
Yuri sighed. "Is this loud…excitable knight a friend of yours?" Yuri asked.
"Unfortunately," N said with a resigned sigh.
"He's a friend of my father's," Byleth added.
"In any case, about Aelfric's kidnapping. Since he's an important member of the church we must not spare a moment in finding him," Alois said. "That said, most of the holy knights have been deployed to deal with the Western Church."
"Sure, but any knights are better than none, yeah?" Balthus asked.
Alois chuckled. "I like your attitude, though I wish were in full force. Buy hey, at least we're quite forceful!"
N and several others groaned at the pun Alois made. The only ones to crack a smile were Dimitri and Byleth.
Yuri groaned again as he grabbed the note from the previous day. "Here, take this letter. It's likely that is was sent by whoever kidnapped the cardinal." He handed it over to Alois, who began to unroll it. "It clearly spells out their plan. They're after a splicer that was hidden in Abyss."
Alois rose an eyebrow. "Splicer, hm? Where have I…?" He trailed off, but then his eyes widened quickly. "You mean the splicer!? But why would it be there? I've never heard about it being stored away in Abyss."
Balthus' shoulders sagged a bit. "Then this is gonna shock ya, pal."
Yuri held out the splicer. The sight of it surprised Alois and several of the knights with him.
"What in the goddess's name? Could it really be the splicer from the legend?"
Constance nodded confidently. "The probability of that is incredibly high, yes."
"It was guarded by some creepy creatures and a legendary. It had powerful magic protecting it too," Hapi added.
"We faced down both Regirock and Registeel," N said.
Alois turned to the young professor with a shocked expression. "Two legends? That sounds unbelievable."
Byleth stepped forward and nodded. "I saw it with my own eyes." She gestured to everyone present. "We all did."
The group added in their own words of agreement. Alois still looked to be in disbelief, but started to accept the possibility.
"You all do seem adamant," Alois said. "That means the story about the splicer being bound was true. Well, what's done is done! But I guess not done just yet. I must report this to Lady Rhea at once!" He turned to the Ashen Absols. "You should come with me and explain everything."
"Us?" Balthus asked.
"Well, you four are from Abyss and found the splicer. You should be the ones to explain how you found it," Alois explained.
"I'll join them," N said stepping forward.
"Me too," Byleth said.
"Very well, we should all get moving," Alois said as he turned away from the group. "I'll wait by the entrance to Abyss. You can meet us there."
The group decided for those from the surface to find out anything else they could about Aelfric's kidnapping. While the two professors joined the Ashen Absols in their meeting with Rhea. It was evident that they were not very inclined to meet with the archbishop, but with everything that had transpired they were left with no other choice.
The walk to Rhea's audience chamber was not very long, but Constance's personality shift in sunlight became very difficult to ignore. Even though they had reached the covered halls of the monastery, the rapid personality shift was as jarring as it was the first time.
When they reached the audience chamber, Rhea was already waiting for them. It was odd to not see Seteth with her, but no one decided to comment on it. Yuri quickly explained what had transpired since his group came into contact with those of the surface, including the retrieval of the splicer and the two legendary golems.
Rhea, for her part, looked unfazed. It was like everything they had told her she already knew. For N, he noticed something was off about her. Her demeanor largely remained the same, but there was tiredness to her gaze that was never present the few times he had spoken with her.
When Yuri finished his explanation, Rhea was silent for a moment before responding.
"So that is what transpired…" She trailed off as she grabbed the splicer out of Yuri's hand. "This is, indeed, the DNA Splicers. It matches the descriptions that remain."
"Wait, you said 'splicers.' Are there more than one?" Hapi asked.
Rhea shook her head. "No, it is referred to as such due to their use. From what remains about them, it requires two to properly function."
"Don't beat around the bush. What's our punishment?" Yuri asked plainly.
N rose an eyebrow. Why would they be punished? The presence of Regirock confirmed that they did not break the seal protecting the splicers.
"You did remove a most sacred treasure. It is my obligation to see a punishment be placed upon you. However," she turned to N, "the presence of Regirock and its belief that you can protect it is reason enough to not punish you."
Rhea looked away from N and towards the floor, solemnly. "I do wonder…"
"What is it?" Byleth asked.
She turned to Byelth, but gave a quick glance to N. "It seems N's words of being able to speak to the creatures was not a falsehood. I'm most curious to know how you spoke to Regirock."
Everyone turned to N. He put a hand nervously behind his head. Unsure as to what to say.
"I never did lie. It's just no one ver believes me," N replied.
"I'm sure many will believe you know," Rhea said. "Back to the matter at hand, as per the church's records, the Four Apostles secured the splicers with both magic and guardian. The Regirock you met was one of them. You have met the second, Registeel. You have yet to meet the third."
"There's another?" Balthus asked.
Rhea nodded. "Five to be precise. However, only three guard the splicers. The third is named Regice. As for releasing the splicers, it seems you managed to persuade Regirock to break the seal for you."
"Not before it threatened to kill us," N muttered.
Rhea continued, seemingly without noticing N's comment. "If you managed to defeat the golem, the crests of the apostles bloodline would be required to break the seal." She turned to her gaze to Byleth. "It is possible that the power you hold could unlock it as well, but there is no knowing for sure at the moment. For now, I will keep the splicers somewhere safe. As for Aelfric, I assure you the knight will find him and return him to Abyss in due time."
"Wait," N said stepping forward, "Regirock tasked us to guard it. If we were to go back on our word, then it will not stop until it crushes us."
"I must concur!" Constance added. "We cannot be expected to give up on our endeavor of finding Aelfric! The enemy stated clearly if there is any involvement of the knights, our dear Aelfric is finished!"
"I agree with N and Coco," Hapi said. "I don't doubt the knights are strong, but they are also liable to get him killed. Plus, I don't want rock monster to attack us again. With N and Chatterbox's help, I'm sure we can do it."
Balthus nodded in agreement. "Professor Byleth here has the strength of a hundred knights, or about one and a half of me. We've got this. How 'bout it, Rhea?" His Grapploct echoed the sentiment. Balthus chuckled at his partner's sentiment. "We've been through a helluva a lot to get here. Leave the splicers and Aelfric to us. You won't regret it."
Yuri gaze hardened as he took a step forward. "Lady Rhea, please."
Rhea was silent. She studied the group in front of her closely. She knew their intentions were in the right place, but after his visits she was unsure as to what option was the right one. If the splicers were to remain with her, then the chance of him getting them were low. There was still the matter with Aelfric. His kidnapping was causing her much distress. She trusted the two professors in front of her to keep the Ashen Absols from lashing out, but she could also tell they were just as invested as the other four.
"Give them a shot," Byleth said, breaking the silence. "I'll take responsibility for what happens."
Rhea let out a resigned sigh. "If your and N's power is joined with theirs, then there is hope. I shall entrust you with the splicers."
She handed the splicers back to the group, giving it to Byleth specifically. The knight guarding the chamber protested the decision, but Rhea quickly shot them down.
"Even if the thieves were to take it, they could not make use of it. The use of the splicers has been lost, so I doubt anyone alive knows of how to use it," Rhea said. "If someone were to discover their use, then it would be the work of fate. I wish you luck in your endeavors."
"Thank you, Lady Rhea," Byleth said with a short bow.
The group turned to exit, but Rhea called for them to stop.
"N, I would like for you to remain here. There's something I wish to speak to you about," Rhea said.
N turned to Byelth and shrugged. "You go on ahead. I'll catch up."
Byleth nodded in response and followed the Ashen Absols out of the audience chamber.
The door to the audience chamber closed and N turned to Rhea. She gestured for him to follow her into her office. N nodded and followed the archbishop. It had been sometime since N was last in the archbishop's office. Last time he stared at the stained glass depiction of the legendary dragons, and his gaze was drawn to it again. His eyes landed on Reshiram. The white dragon seemed familiar to him, like he had recently seen it.
"Still enthralled by the depiction I see."
N rapidly blinked as he turned his attention to Rhea. She had a kind smile on her face, as she sat down at her desk.
"Sorry. Something about it feels familiar," N said.
Rhea said nothing in response, but her smile seemed to get a bit wider.
"Though, I doubt you asked for me to stay just to have me look at it again," N said.
Rhea nodded. "Indeed. I heard you collapsed yesterday. Are still feeling unwell?"
N shook his head. "I'm fine now. I was just more exhausted than I had thought."
"Normally, I'd believe you," Rhea said, her voice stern, "but I know that isn't true. I want you to be honest with me."
N rubbed his arm. He should have expected Rhea to see through his lie with ease, but he was hoping she would not press about it. She was the last person he wanted knowing about the dream he had. Simply having to retell it would cause him pain.
"I felt cold and felt like a darkness had overtaken me. I saw things. Maybe the future, or a possible future. I'm not too sure. But it all felt so real," N explained.
"What did you see?"
N did not respond. He held up a finger and pointed at the depiction behind Rhea. She turned to the mural and back to N.
"You saw the legendary dragons?"
N nodded in response.
"Who commanded them?" Rhea asked.
N pointed at himself. He could not say it. He could feel his grip tightening. If he spoke the person he wanted to never see again would appear. He was sure of it.
"Which did you command?"
N shook his head and took a step back. He hung his head, letting his hair cover his eyes. He could not face the archbishop. He only saw him when he looked at her. His snarling smile, his cackling laughter, and his dragon behind him.
"N, you have to tell?"
N shook his head again. At his side, Zorua began to snarl towards Rhea. N hugged himself as he took more steps back. He stopped when his back hit the wall. He could feel it, the memory. It came flooding back. The vision he had seen, the destruction that he would bring. The future that his father envisioned.
N shook the thought out of his head. That man was not his father. That man was a monster. A man so evil he would lie to a child and lock him in a dark room.
Just as the darkness was about to set in, light pierced his mind. He saw white, but within it was a silhouette. A warm blue eye stared at him and red adorned the outlines. He reached out, but when he did his vision shifted. He was back in the archbishops office. He was lying on the floor. A soothing voice pierced through his confused mind. N turned his head and saw Rhea standing over him, but she seemed a lot closer. N turned his head again and realized his head was resting on her lap. He quickly sat up, but Rhea did not seem startled or surprised by the sudden motion.
"Sorry," Rhea said.
"For what?"
"For making you relive a nightmare. It was wrong for me to do so. I'm sorry for pushing you so hard," Rhea said.
N sighed and turned away from the archbishop. "It's fine. I'd rather not talk about it." N brought his knees closer to his chest.
"I understand. However, there was a second thing I wanted to speak about. Your meeting with Regirock," Rhea said.
N let out a humorless chuckle. "You didn't seem too surprised when we reached that part of the story."
Rhea nodded. "Speaking truthfully, I was aware of the legend that a golem guarded the DNA Splicers. I had thought it was just Golurk, but I did think Regirock was a possibility."
"Well, we did fight a lot of Golurk as well," N said.
Rhea brought he hand up to her mouth as a small giggle escaped her. "You sure sound exasperated."
"You have no idea," N said. He tried to fight off a chuckle, but it managed to win.
"It also seems your ability to speak with creatures was true. That skill was said to be lost many years ago," Rhea said.
N turned to her. "You always seemed to believe me."
"You never had a reason to lie about it," Rhea said.
N chuckled and turned away. It was odd he could speak so easily with Rhea. Just a few moments ago her interrogation had caused him to crumble, but now it was different.
"Almost like I'm speaking to a mother," N muttered.
"Oh…"
N slowly turned as his face grew bright red. "I said that out loud, didn't I?"
Rhea nodded in response. N buried his face in his knees, trying to hide his embarrassment. Rhea, meanwhile could not help the growing warmth in her chest. N had always seemed like he had grown up much too quickly, but the boy in front of her was still just eighteen, going on to nineteen.
"I'm glad you think of me that way," Rhea said with a smile.
"Don't tell anyone I said that," N threatened, but his tone betrayed any threat his words brought.
Rhea giggled. "I won't."
N sighed and let his legs stretch out. At his side, Zorua snickered. N rolled his eyes and flicked the black fox on the tuft of fur on his head.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," N muttered.
"Getting back on topic, may I ask how you knew about this ability of yours?" Rhea asked.
N shrugged. "Don't know. I've always had it, born with it. According to a friend, she thinks it's linked to my crest."
"Crest?" Rhea echoed.
N nodded and held out an open palm. He focused his magic into his palm and a small symbol appeared. It showed the two connected dew drops, one with jagged edges and another with smooth points.
Rhea started at it in awe. Her theory was correct. N held a crest long thought lost, just like Byleth. She knew he could be one of her champions and already had a connection to a legendary dragon. However, revealing that had to wait.
There is still hope, Rhea thought.
"What's wrong?" N asked with his head tilted to the side.
"Nothing. Thank you for sharing that with me," Rhea said.
N nodded and closed his palm. With it, the crest disappeared. "No problem."
Rhea let out a breath and began to stand. N got to his feet first and held out his hand. Rhea gave an appreciative smile and took it.
"Can't be easy to move around in that dress," N said as he helped her up.
Rhea rolled her eyes. "Not as much as you'd think."
N chuckled. He would have never expected to make a jab at the archbishop and survive with his head intact. He was glad she had a sense of humor.
"That should be all my curiosities satisfied. And I truly am sorry for causing you so much discomfort," Rhea said.
"No need to apologize so much. My past is difficult for me to talk about," N said a she put a hand behind his neck. "I'm glad we were able to speak. I would like to do so again."
Rhea smiled brightly. "I would love that, N." She turned away and walked to her desk, but stopped just before pulling out the chair. "You should get going. I'm sure your friends are worried about you."
N nodded and bowed. He bid the archbishop farewell and exited the office. Rhea watched as the door to the office closed and let out a breath. He heart still felt warm at what N had said.
"Mother, huh? You have no idea how close you were."
AN: Holy mother of reveals! Been waiting to see where to put this one big reveal and felt this time was appropriate. This is one of the biggest changes to the canon story of Three Houses. Yes, Ghetsis and Rhea are siblings. I thought this would greatly elevate the tension in the story and have a big connection between the two halves of this story. More about their relationship will be revealed and what that means for the future of this story and Fodlan.
When it comes to N's dream, it is indeed an omen for things to come. What it will end up being remains to be seen. We also get a bit more on N's and Rhea's growing relationship. This growing relationship will tie into another reveal later down the line, but there is a tease in this one.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and stay tuned to the next. If you're enjoying feeling free to follow, favorite, and/or review. Also, follow me on Twitter. I post story updates (which I should do more frequently" and other things.