Seteth was becoming more and more worried as he could not find Flayn at all. It was becoming more troubling because she had said she had found Sandana. He had many questions for the woman. How did she meet Flayn? Why was she in Zanados when that place is forbidden to the public? What was her motive? Why did she leave the Church of Serios? Does she still hold a grudge against him because their beliefs clash? Sandana called him arrogant. Foolish, even a hypocrite for showing his disdain to those of other faiths and those who do not follow the Church of Serios. The woman was a free bird. She loved traveling, speaking freely. She was not afraid to be blunt when needed to. The two, were complete opposites. While he is a man strict, order and discipline, Sandana was wild, free, and a complete utter wreck at times. Honestly, he felt she would get along well with Manuela.
He sighed once more as he continued to walk through the crowd in the shopping district, honestly trying to find his sister.
"Whaaaa! I swear! This is why I hate being short!" He heard a child say and he couldn't help but chuckle as they passed by him.
But what he didn't expect was to see they had dark green colored hair. His eyes widened as he watched them leave, the girl was smiling and seemed to be talking to someone.
"No, I am not lost Sothis!" The girl said and before he could even make a move to go after them, they disappeared into the crowd.
"Could that girl... no... there were only six survivors. That girl must just have similar hair color, that's all." He thought and shook his head as he continued ahead.
He was starting to panic and decided to close his eyes, hoping he could sense Flayn, that was only until one of the shop vendors spoke.
"You, young man!" He turned to the vendor that spoke to him.
"Can I help you?" Seteth said a bit coldly.
"Well, no need to hostile. Yeesh...no wonder women these days prefer being single." The vendor and a few of the females nearby couldn't help but laugh at the face Seteth was making.
"Anyhow, you're looking for a girl with similar hair color as you correct?" The said and Seteth nodded, "I saw one head to the forest. Most likely off to see the paratos or wind silkies. Just do be careful, the silkies aren't exactly fond of men." They said and Seteth thanked them, leaving towards the forest.
[ - ]
Indeed, this is why he hated traveling in places of humidity and heat. Oh, he wished he would have brought that ice bracelet to cool himself down but no, he thought he wasn't going to need it and look how things turned out! He grumbled as he swatted away the leaves and tree branches, one of them smacked him back. What's worse, there were bugs, they were biting him!
"(Spit!) Ughh! This is why I don't travel to the tropics!" He spit because a fly got into his mouth.
As he continued to walk for a few more minutes, he heard sounds, almost mumbling. Walking slowly towards a tree, he was finally able to hear clearly and recognized the voices.
"That's all. I hope you can understand that's why I left the Church and why I can't bring myself to see him." That was Sandana's voice.
Because of the humidity, Sandy's sense of smell was messed up, so she was not able to notice that Seteth had hidden himself. He saw Flayn was very disappointed for some reason.
"That's why you and he aren't together?" She muttered sadly.
Sandy smiled sadly as she patted the girls head.
"When I first met you, I was 25 years old. I was quite young back then. I didn't have a Crest. I'm basically became immortal without a choice." Sandy said.
"Wha?" Flayn said confused and Sandy raised her right hand and unwrapped it.
The girl gasped when she saw the Symbol of the Crest of Serios on it.
"If I was a normal human, the day I almost died, I was 34. Now...look at me. I haven't aged one bit. It's been...61 years since I last aged. I'm basically 95 right now. My brother threw away his pride for my sake. I drank...Rhea's blood and now look at me. You're still you Flayn. You're...in a way still human. You're kind, innocent. Compared to me, who did so many unquestionable acts in my younger years, I much rather you...be happy. Than to be associated with someone like me." Sandy smiled sadly and Flayn hugged her.
"I know our beliefs are different and so are my brothers but...can't you him at least speak to each other? To come to a mutual understanding. You still love him, don't you?" She said.
Sandy was silent as she avoided eye contact with the girl.
"I don't care about your past! I know you're a good woman and have always treated me kindly like a mother! Please, reconsider." Flayn said.
"That's enough Flayn."
Both women's eyes went wide as they turned and Seteth made his presence known. Sandy looked at him in horror and ran. It had been 10 years since she had last seen him. He had not changed one bit. She gritted her teeth and her chest hurt. She couldn't bring herself to ever face him again.
"Sandana wait!" Seteth yelled out and was about to run after her but the wind suddenly became strong.
"Ghaa!" Seteth yelled as he was pushed away by the wind and Flayn quickly ran to him worried.
"Leave you of man of the dragon kin! You dare open the scars of a wounded soul! Begone from this forest!"
The two siblings' eyes widened as the saw a small feathered creature. The ariels glared coldly at them until their eye's landed on Flayn.
"Daughter of Dragon Kin, you are free to roam this land as you wish. You are a kind soul who accepts." They smiled and left, repeating their warning to Seteth.
Flayn helped him up then glared at him.
"So, you judged her beliefs...I think I'm starting to understand how she feels." Flayn sighed as she began to head down the road that lead to town.
"Do you even know what she was in the past? An Assassin, she and her brother were hired to assassinate Rhea!" Seteth said as they walked.
Flayn sighed and shook her head.
"I know...she told me her past... I'm very certain she didn't tell you any of it because of the judgment you would have given her." She said and he stiffened.
"I'll respect her choice of her wishing not to see you, but brother..." she turned to him, "I hope you learn to accept her for who she is. Regards of her past." Flayn said the man was stunned as she walked ahead.
- 30 minutes later: At the Inn -
"So yeah, that's what happened." Zach said to Ili and Elder Bara as the women were setting up plates for lunch.
"I'm worried. The fact that The Church of Serios will be in Brigid worries. If I remember correctly, they are "trying" to help Brigid and The Empire to come to a friendly term." Ili said.
Before they began talking, they had Byleth head to the kitchen to get a few things. They didn't want her to hear any of this. Jeralt was more than strict when it came to keeping or even mention the Church of Serios in front of his daughter. Elder Bara was silent as she had her eyes closed. Truthfully, she was listening to the voices of the land. She opened her eyes and chuckled.
"What's wrong?" Zach asked.
"Seems the land is aware. No need to worry, the land will make sure we are all safe. The ariels already sent a warning to one of them." She said.
Ili and Zach looked at each other confused and both screeched when the entrance door slammed open, Sandy stormed to her room, the door slammed shut loudly.
"What happened to her?" Ili said, worried.
The woman put down the plates and ran upstairs to speak to her friend. Elder Bara frowned while Zach was confused.
"She had an encounter with her past. Zach don't do anything stupid today. I think that girl has had enough." She said.
"Grandma! I got the bread!" Arisa's voice rang cheerfully as she came out of the kitchen.
"Umm...did something happen? The air is tense?" Sothis said as she saw the silence and tense air.
Arisa internally frowned. It just felt like things were going downhill today. From the joyful day they had to suddenly a broody and almost...gloomy. She put down the bowl of bread on the table and looked over to Elder Bara.
"Is it okay if I go around town for a while?" She asked.
"Just make sure to wear that cloak of yours, alright?" Elder Bara said and Arisa nodded as she grabbed her cloak from the hanger and headed to the town.
[ - ]
In reality, she wanted to go to the forest to visit the place. She overheard a few towns people say that there were sometimes gems found in the small ponds and rivers of the forest. She also brought some food with her just in case she encountered a wild animal or got hungry. Sothis appeared and floated beside her, amazed by how green and beautiful plants of the tropics were.
"Oh, what plant is this?" Sothis said as she floated to a strange looking one that looked like it almost had teeth.
"Oh, it's a venus flytrap." Arisa said.
"Why is it called a fly trap?" Sothis asked.
Arisa pointed as she saw a fly nearby and it landed on the said plant. The look of shock on Sothis when she saw it snapped shut and trapped the fly in its mouth.
"It a carnivorous plant. It eats bugs." She giggled she saw the goddess made a face of disgust and backed away from the plant.
"Never mind then." Sothis said as they continued to walk.
Once in a while they encountered a few lovebirds, budgies, parrots, and even a cockatoo. It was a sight to behold seeing Sothis interact with these birds. It was a cute sight. The birds were very welcoming and Sothis couldn't help but laugh when a few of them landed on Arisa's head. One big white cockatoo started pecking at Sothis and that was a fight Arisa would definitely want to see again.
"Do you know which pond or river nearby I can find crystals?" Arisa said.
A few love birds chirped and flew ahead, meaning they would lead her there.
"Come on Sothis! And stop fighting with that cockatoo!" The girl said and Sothis smacked the cockatoo away and bolted before it went after her.
The other birds that witness this were laughing among themselves.
[ - ]
"Not bad." Her purple eyes gleamed as she had found a good amount of crystals she could sell.
This was a secret location she had found a few months ago and was more than happy it was just her. The number of natural gems growing are worth a good amount of money. Especially from those who use magic and those from Brigid. They always paid a good amount for these gems because of the spiritual value. She had good haul today as she continued to sift through the waters. Her eyes suddenly went wide as she heard the bushes rustle and quickly hid to make sure no one found her. She let go a sigh of relief when she saw it was two love birds but that was short lived when she saw a little girl walk out from behind the bush.
"Thank you love birds!" The girl said happily as the two birds chirped and left.
She internally grumbled because like usual, it's always the birds. At least it wasn't spiders. She was quite as she watched the girl walking near the lakebed and removed her cloak. It was that girl from the inn.
"Hmm...okay...it was like this..." the girl said as she placed her cloak down and walked into the water.
"Eeep! Cold!" She screeched a bit but giggled.
She was silent as she watched but froze a bit when she saw the girl spotted her bag of crystals she collected.
"Hmm?" The girl was confused as she approached the bag and opens it to look inside.
"These are amethyst and quartz. Decent sizes also..." she muttered.
"Hey." She decided to come out and approach this girl.
Arisa turned when she heard a voice call out to her and eyes widened when she saw the much older girl. Black silky hair tied in a ponytail with smooth combed bangs to the right side of her face. Dark purple colored eyes, light colored skin. The girl wore a simple blue shirt with black pants that were rolled up.
"Oh...is this yours?" Arisa said as she held out the bag.
"Yeah. Hand it over." The black-haired girl said as she reached out her hand.
Arisa sighed and handed it to her.
"I got to admit. You found some pretty good size ones in there. I'm Arisa! What's your name?" Arisa said.
The older girl looked at her blankly for a moment but spoke.
"Shamir." She said.
Arisa froze. This was Shamir...Shamir. SHAMIR?! Okay, she knew Shamir was from Dadga and it never once crossed her mind that should encounter her ever. So, to actually meet her at a young age, was both surprising but amazing.
"Hey, you there? You zoned out." Hearing Shamir's voice made her snap out of it and she smiled.
"Nice to meet you Shamir! So, here looking for crystals also?" Arisa asked even though she knew the answer.
"Yeah. I didn't think I see anyone in this spot. It's rare to see the birds actually take a liking to someone. Especially us humans." Shamir said as tied her bag to her belt.
"I see. I guess I was lucky?" Arisa said.
Shamir just gave her a blank look and pointed to her left.
"If you're looking for crystals, they are a little bit more on the deeper side so be careful." She said and Arisa nodded.
"I'll be alright. I can use my magic to walk on the surface." She said.
Shamir was a bit confused until she saw the girl float a bit over the water.
"So, a mage? Not bad." Shamir said, impressed.
"Right now, the most I can float is about 10 minutes, unfortunately." Arisa said as she floated over to the deeper side and Shamir went after her.
"Well, for me it goes up to my waist, for you, to your neck." Shamir said.
"By the way, I saw you in the inn. Are you heading for Brigid?" She asked and Arisa nodded as she picked up a light blue quartz.
"Yeah. Grandma Bara is going there for a festival. I'm excited." Arisa said as picked around colored quartz and put it in her own bag.
"Seeing all those people, I'm guessing you're a mercenary in training huh?" Shamir said.
"Yup." Was all Arisa said as she continued to pick up some crystals.
"Wait, I leave that one." Shamir suddenly said as she pointed to the golf ball size quartz Arisa had in her hand.
"It's still growing. I put that one back if I were you." She said.
After 20 more minutes and one very soaked Arisa and Shamir diving into to save her, the two girls were satisfied with their findings, but Shamir gave the young girl a scolding for not being careful when she warned her of the deeper side.
"This should make it up?" Arisa laughed a bit nervously as she used some of her wind magic to dry their clothing.
Shamir glared at her but sighed.
"Thanks." She said and put on her shoes.
"Want to head to town to get something to eat? By the way, you're paying for food as payback for me saving your behind earlier." Shamir said and Arisa pouted.
"Fine. You win. It's the least I can do." She said and the two headed to town.
Scents, sights, food, so much to see without being restricted this time. Arisa felt much freer with being able to walk around like this. To be honest, she was a bit wary of Shamir because she had the same personality as her much older self, compared to Felix, who was a sweet cinnamon bun as a child and went through a full 180 when he got older. But she understood why he went through those changes. It was the same result with everyone in the game. Each person had a reason why they became the person they are in the future. Shamir was no exception either. After all, in 11 more years, this land...Dadga, will be no more. The girls walked through the town till they stopped in a small food stall.
"Oh! Spicy chicken feet and rice!" Arisa said happily as she saw the food they were serving.
"You actually like chicken feet?" Shamir cringed.
"In my defense it's tasty." Arisa said back.
"What can I get you girl?" The stall vendor said.
"I'll get the spicy chicken feet and rice please!" Arisa ordered.
"A Babute." Was what Shamir said.
"Alright. It'll be ready in a bit. That will be 13 copper coins." The vendor for said and Arisa paid.
The two girls went to sit down at a wooden table nearby.
"Babute?" Arisa said to Shamir and the girl nodded.
"It's ground beef, curry powder, and apricots." Shamir said.
"It sounds good. Also, I don't remember seeing you at the inn. Are you staying there?" Arisa asked and Shamir nodded.
"Honestly, just for a day and was planning to sneak onto the ship go Brigid to go. My parents are away at Fodlan. I live her in Dadga. Three villages away from the coast." Shamir explained.
"I see. I don't think my dad would have a problem letting you join us. You could have just asked?" Arisa said.
"I could have, but then the adults ask where my parents are. I plan to be mercenary. I don't plan to stay in just one place." Shamir said.
Arisa nodded as one of the servers brought their food and they thanked them.
"So, why are you here in Dadga?" Shamir said as they began to eat.
"Well," Arisa took a bite of her chicken feet, "Like I said before, my family and I are going to Brigid. The reason we're here in Dadga is because there was a leak in the boat. They'll have it repaired tonight and we'll be going tomorrow." Arisa said.
Before Shamir could answer, a blur of blue went past by them and nearly made them spill their food.
"Comeback you vodyanoi!"
Shamir sighed but couldn't help but laugh with many others as they saw the fae giggle as it managed to snatch a small bread loaf to eat. Arisa was just beyond shock seeing a fea. She knows dragons, wyrens, pegasus, witches, vestals and all that exist in the world of Fire Emblem, guess that means fae also?
"I'm guessing that's your first time seeing a fae huh?" Shamir said and Arisa nodded slowly as she turned back to her food.
"Well, might as well get used to it. Dadga and Brigid especially are lands connected to nature and spirits. We do practice shamanism after all." She said.
"Yup." Was all Arisa said as the two girls ate and talked.
Honestly, the talk the two girls were having was pretty well. Shamir talked about how she was the daughter of mercenaries also and was already at a young age taking jobs. She loved using the bow, and how she hated spiders. Arisa said, like her, was mercenary. She loves sweets, traveling, basically the things she loved to do in her old world expect not saying things like she loved video games, otaku culture. She especially talked about how she loved learning about magic. Magic did not exist in her old world. That was fact. So, learning magic in this world was something she was beyond happy to learn.
"You like teaching about the stars?" Shamir said a bit confused as the server picked up their plates since they finished eating.
"Yes. You be surprised what there is out there!" Arisa giggled as she began to explain a bit of the solar system, galaxies and black holes. Poor Shamir felt like she was suddenly in a math class.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Too much information that my brain hurts!" She said and Arisa giggled a bit nervously.
"Sorry, I overdid it. I just love teaching people of the stars. It's called ``Astronomy." She said.
"Huh...interesting. So, the stars, sun, and moon can also be used to tell the direction of things and time. I like that. Especially when hunting or long travels." Shamir smirked.
Arisa smiled as the two girls got up and began to head back to the inn.
- With Sandy -
"Ahhh...so you reconnected with you daughter? And ex-lover." Ili said very confused to Sandy, who was laying on her stomach and face buried in her pillow.
The woman does a muffled whimper while Ili just chuckled nervously.
"Well, it can't be bad right? You love the girl as your own daughter, don't you? Isn't that a good thing that you have reconnected with her after so many years? Maybe even speak properly with your ex-lover?" Ili said.
Sandy mover her head and looked at her blankly.
"I'm perfectly fine with reconnecting with Flayn but Seteth is another story. He's...part of the Church of Serios." She said the mood of Ili instantly shifted to one of coldness.
"I see...so he's part of the so-called holy church?" The woman's eyes became void of emotions.
The reason Ili was no longer a noble has a big reason to do with Church of Serios. The woman was originally the daughter of noble sailor. Her family is said to have been the direct descendants of those who bore holy blood. In reality, it was a lost Crest. She possesses a minor Crest and it was considered dangerous. Those of the South Church especially saw her family as a threat. Though they were outsiders of Fodlan, they were one of the few people outside of Fodlan that possess Crest. And that was considered a sin by those of the Church. The South Church planned an ambush on her family for 3 days before her 14th birthday. The result...
Ili clapped her hands and smiled.
"Never mind you can just tell him to completely fuck off next time! His sister is an exception of course because unlike that hypocrite of her brother, she is an innocent one!" She said a bit too happy for Sandy's taste but the woman won't judge her for it.
Ili has not forgiven the Church at all.
"Changing the subject...we'll be heading out tomorrow. Let's..leave Dadga with good memories and not sour ones." Sandy said as she stood up and smiled to her friend.
Ili sighed and gently rubbed her shoulder.
"Sorry...I overdid it again..." the woman said and Sandy shook her head.
"It's alright. Your anger is understandable. Like I said to you and the other girls, if you start heading down the wrong side, I'll be the ones to pull you back. That's a promise not only as your general but as your friend." Sandy held her hand and Ili nodded.
"Thank you. Truly...now, shall we go eat? I'm sure Elder Bara is fuming right now." Ili giggled lightly and Sandy agreed.
The two women got up and headed downstairs but only to witness the said old woman giving not just Lady Byleth but...
"Wait, that's Shamir. I haven't seen her since she was a baby." Ili said and rushed over to see what was going on.
The two young girls were on their knees, eyes looking down on the floor as Elder Bara scolded them for being gone for 1 hour and much more, eating food when they were getting lunch ready.
"We're sorry..." Shamir and Arisa said as the old woman huffed.
Indeed, the rest of the day... was full of wonders.
- The Next Day: Early Morning -
"All aboard! The ship is ready!" The captain yelled out from the ship to those of the land.
There were a few other passengers going to Brigid also because of the festival that will be going on. Shamir spoke with Jeralt if she could be allowed to join them on their mission. It also took Arisa to convince him and even proposed a deal she helped out in selling a few crystals they have gotten.
"Alright, but make sure to stay with us. You're still young as a mercenary." Jeralt said as the two girls first bump.
They smirked at each other proudly as they boarded the ship but were still waiting for Sandy.
"She's usually not this late. Should I go look for her?" Zach said as he was on the crow's nest.
Ili was on her wyvern, flying nearby and she shook her head.
"No. She spoke with Jeralt. She needs to take care of some personal business. All I'll say is that it's a family problem." The woman said and Zach was just confused.
"She has family?" He said.
Instantly, Damayo roared angrily at him, and he screeched loudly. Many burst out laughing at this because the man jumped and hugged the wooden pole.
- With Sandy, near the docks of the Church Ship -
With a brown colored cloak hiding her identity, the older woman smiled sadly as she saw Flayn run up to her.
"Sandy!" Flayn hugged her but also more importantly, how Seteth was with her.
"Sandana..." Seteth whispered as he slowly walked up to the woman, who gently removed her hood and looked at the man with no emotion.
"Seteth, it has been 10 years. You haven't changed." She said.
Flayn was silent as she back a bit away so the two may talk.
"I could say the same thing. You...haven't challenge either." He said.
There was an awkward silence on Seteth's part and a tense one with Sandy, but the woman sighed and spoke to break the ice.
"I haven't forgiven you for judging others but... if that is you belief, then so be it. All I was asking for back then was that you respect the beliefs of others and not show hostility towards them. I get you have a deep distrust to us humans..." she said sadly.
Seteth was silent at this as she continued to speak.
"I don't know what happened to you in the past but...being stuck in it will do you no good. I'm taking the steps necessary to forgive the royal family of Almyra. It's...a long path. I'm already atoning for the sins I have done..." she said and handed him a green jade necklace.
"I'm giving this back." She said.
"You...still had it all this time...?" Seteth said.
" I did." She nodded, "Could never bring myself to get rid of it. So now" She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye, "Goodbye Cichol. May we never cross paths again." She said and shock filled the man and Flayn.
Sandy walked past him and smiled to Flayn sadly.
"I hope you do well. You know, I figured out you two were actually father and daughter a long time ago. Out of respect, I chose to remain silent. I'm sure you two have your reasons. I won't say anything. Take care Flayn...no...Cethleann...I hope you are able to create your own path." The woman patted the girl's head one last time, but also kissed her forehead.
Flayn was shocked as she saw the woman holding back tears.
"You really are like a daughter to me, ya know that don't you?" Sandy grinned and left as she put back her hood.
Seteth was silent as he looked to the bracelet in his hand and gritted his teeth. The wave of emotions he was feeling, could be described. Flayn's lip quivered as she walked away to return to the ship, leaving her father in silence. Indeed...today was different.
- Hours Later-
"Urrrghhhhhhhhhh!" Arisa once more was suffering at the hands of sea sickness.
Shamir could not help but laugh at the agony the younger girl was going through as they were only 2 hours away from Brigid.
"You got to get used to it Byleth! You'll never be a mercenary at this rate!" Shamir laughed as the girl glared her way weakly and with shaky legs, walked over to her.
Despite looking pale and green, Arisa pointed at her.
"I will get used to this! Just you watch! I'll become a strong mercenary, even stronger than you!" Arisa dared to declare.
Shamir just chuckled and patted her head.
"Yeah, good luck. We'll see how strong you really are when you do your first human kill." Shamir said.
Now that made Arisa completely recover.
To kill.
To take a life.
The trauma from the day of the assault at the Kingdom came back and haunted her. The sight of fighting, the sticky red substance that splattered on her face. The scent of iron was coming back to her. Arisa shook and Shamir took notice, beginning to regret saying her words. Seems even the others took notice till the girl looked up to her.
"Yeah. Till that day comes, I'll train this mind and body of mine till the bell rings for my blade to strike. Till then, how about we train together? Seems like a good deal for my fellow mercenary rival." Arisa said.
Jeralt could not help but nod hearing the words of his daughter. He felt proud. Sandy was silent the entire time as she watched the girls speak. The words she said to Seteth, came back to her. She had discovered their identity when she was cleaning the Saint statues in the church. The two resembled the statues of Saint Cethleann and Saint Cichol, so much to her eyes. Their scents were the same. Flayn had Seteth's temper sometimes, and his smile. She began to put two and two together, resulting in her discovering who they were and that they were father and daughter. She respected their choice because of how Flayn would complain to her about how Seteth was beyond overprotective of her. She sighed once more, part of her regretting in a way cutting contact with both. Not only for their sakes, but for her own. Though she said she hopes to never cross paths again with Seteth, she knew damn well such a thing is impossible. She'll keep her promise in not saying anything. That is something she will keep her word, no matter what.
"Pirates!"
Her eyes narrowed hearing that words as she stood up and removed her cloak. They spotted a ship with a black flag and the woman took out two metal fans. In truth, these fans she stole from the Church of Serios became they resonated with her Crest. The fans seemed as it was pulsing, alive.
"Formation!" Jeralt yelled and the Captain looked at him confused till he saw Ili and Ra mount their creatures.
Shamir readied her bow as Arisa took out the metal rapier she bought at the kingdom, and she fingered gun. The tip of her finger, electric sparks were forming. Zach sighed as jumped off the ship and stood perfectly at the surface of the water.
"Shield of Leviathan!" Zach yelled as a huge wave of water grew around the ship to protect it.
"A sailor ships! Watch out, there are mercenaries on it!" One of the pirates yelled.
"Nothin-" the other pirate that spoke dropped dead by an arrow that hit the heart.
Shamir, with narrowed eyes, was the one to release it. Arisa could not help but be amazed how Zach was manipulating the water. Indeed.
"Zach the water bender..." she internally laughed, and it was silenced once she saw Ra and Ili charge at the pirate ship.
It was an unbelievable sight. Ili drew out her lance and charged at the enemy pirates like a true wyvern rider. The movements were graceful yet deadly. She would take down anyone who dare cross blades with her. The woman's lance stabbed through two more and jumped off her wyvern. Ra like before, his movements were beyond that. True to his blade, he was feared. Warping herself to the ship, Sandy spun with grace as she used her fans to block and cut her enemies. In a quick second, she warped Jeralt to the ship. The blade about to come down on him till he caught with his hand, crushing it. There, true to his name, The Blade Breaker.
"Support from the distance! Watch the archers!" Jeralt yelled and Shamir, Zach and Arisa saw them.
"Sothis, a little help!" Arisa internally yelled and the goddess nodded.
"We need to take down those archers. Have Shamir aim 45 degrees to where the net is! Have it break down so it can cause the archers to fall! You know what to do from there!" Sothis said.
"Shamir, aim at 45 degrees!" Arisa said and the girl looked at her confused till she looked at the ship and smirked.
"Got it!" The girl yelled and sent a deadly blow at the net, cutting it.
"Ghhhaaa!" The archers screamed as the net underneath their feet came undone.
The unfortunate ones fell to the water and Arisa grinned as she jumped, floated near Zach.
"THUNDER!" She yelled as a lightning bolt fell to the water surface and electrocuted the fallen archers.
That was officially her first kill. She managed to kill 4 archers. Arisa looked at her hands and once again they were shaking. Taking life...
She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw it was Zach, who looked at her sadly.
"It's alright." He smiled at her sadly, "It's never easy. Now, let's finish this!" He said and she nodded firmly.
Shamir smiled sadly as she saw her friend was able to calm down. It was never easy to kill. To take a life. But that was reality at times, a slap to the face. Her eyes went wide as they heard an explosion at the pirate ship and flinched when Sandy and Jeralt suddenly appeared behind her.
"That was too close!" Sandy said as she saw the fire from their ship.
Ili and Ra flew out of the smoke but there was one man alive on the ship...he drew his last breath as he threw his axe at Ra but...
"RA!"
Ili pushed him out of the way, the axe, with horrific sounds, lodge deeply in her chest.
"ILIIIIIIII!" RA yelled in horror as the woman began to fall towards the ocean.
"No, no, no, no!" Arisa screamed as she flew towards the woman falling.
"SOTHIS PLEASE!" She cried.
This was the first time seeing someone she cares about being killed before her eyes. She heard her father and Sandy scream. Elder Bara covering her mouth in shock. This power..now...it truly was the time to use it. She didn't care if it hurt her, even of the possibility that her body was not ready to wield such power. She didn't care. All she wanted was to save someone she cares.
"You know what to do." Was all the goddess as said as Arisa screamed at the top of her lungs.
"TIME PUUUULLLLSEEEEEEEEEE!"
Her body burned. Her lungs burned. This surge of power as she screamed at the top of her lungs. Time pulse began to sing its song as the world turned violet around her.
The waves began to turn backwards, Ili began to return up, the axe flew back to the pirate's hand. The look of horror on Zach returned to one of joy. The life in Ili returned. Time pulse sung its last note, and this time, she was ready. The pirate once more raised its arm, throwing the axe but it was then stabbed in the arm by the sword of a child. The scream the girl did was enough for Ili to look back and just barely dodge the axe that flew her way. Anger filled the girl's eyes. The name, the Ashen Demon was born as Arisa roared furiously as she kicked the pirate to the flames. She didn't care if she just caused a man to be burned alive. She was angry, angry. She panted as she continued to hear the screams of agony till the man turned her way.
"You...Ashen Demon..."
Dropping dead to the ground he did. Arisa fell to her knees and coughed violently. It was too much. That was her first experience ever using time pulse. The power was still far too great for her body to handle and it burned. Sothis was crying and screaming, telling her she would be alright, that she was sorry for not thinking it would cause this much effect on her body. She could hear voices and in a blurry vision, saw Ra jump off his pegasus and run to her. She couldn't make out what he was saying, but her vision becoming black.
- 1 hour later -
"Is she okay?!" Shamir said worried as Elder Bara came from under the ship.
"She's alright. Just tried from the fight. This was her second fight after all. And her first...to take human lives." The elder said.
Jeralt was worried as he went in to see his daughter and closed the door. The minute Arisa saw him, she jumped off her bed, ran to him and began crying in his chest. The others outside the room could hear the young girl's cries, and Elder Bara sighed sadly as she looked to the others.
"Let them be. For now, let us go up to the deck." Elder Bara said.
"Elder, I am worried. Do you think...this path of a mercenary for the girl is a good idea?" Sandy said as they got up and saw the passengers and the others talking happily to each other despite the incident that happened years ago.
"The girl has a kind soul. Too kind to be exact." The Elder said as Shamir looked back, worried.
"5 years, that girl lived in isolation until a few months ago. Look at her now," she turned to the group and looked at each, one by one.
"Tell me, would you have preferred the girl live with no knowledge and complete innocence till the day she breathes her last, or you would have preferred she learns and grows, so she may be a strong soul?" She said.
Sandy was silent as she listened to the woman speak.
"No answer eh? Well, let time speak and it shows you the answer." Was what the woman said.
Shamir was silent as she looked out to the sky. Truthfully, she left her family a year ago. Too many mouths to feed, too little money. She left so they may live. Of course, she would never admit she left to Byleth. Knowing the girl, even for a short time, would offer her to join them. She closed her eyes and sighed. Not yet. Not yet.
- 1 Hour Later: Afternoon: Brigid -
"We made it on time for the festival!" Elder Bara cheered joyfully as they got off the boat.
It was an amazing sight for the two young girls as they saw the festival and the people. Different colored clothing, feathers, the clothing of those connected to spirits. Heck, there were clearly many spirits flying around. Currently, Jeralt had his daughter over his shoulders, to give her a better view while Ili, still partly shaky from nearly getting cut in half, was surprisingly being a bit clingy to Ra. Perhaps it's because Ra nearly saw the woman die had Lady Byleth not interfere. The scream the girl did was enough to make Ili look and see the incoming axe. The woman's life flashed before her eyes but enough to make her barely dodge.
"Well...I think those two are finally going to confess." Zach smiled to himself as he saw Ra and Ili talking to each other civilly and maybe a blush here and there.
Rin will be happy.
"Zach, come! We're going to the temple!" He heard his grandmother's voice and internally sighed.
- Later at Night -
Indeed, Arisa was amazed by the culture of Brigid. As she watched many men and woman of Brigid come to it, she saw many were excited. Some had face of horror that remind her of Bernadetta. Others were cheerful. Annnnnnddddddd...far in the hidden alley, she spotted Ra and Ili kissing Oh so deeply passionately.
"I'll just pretend I didn't see that." Arisa thought.
She felt Sothis shutter at this. Rest in peace virgin goddess eyes. While Jeralt carried her on his shoulder, Sandy was doing the same but for Shamir. The two girls grinned at each other as they heard the music start, meaning the start of the festival. The dances and music of shamanism began to play. Men played drums, the women dance, both genders sung the vocals to the music. Arisa nearly didn't recognize Zach because of the clothing he was wearing, that of a colorful one. Elder Bara wore the traditional clothing of a shaman and she waved to them. Zach joined the rest of those his age in the dance. It was amazing and many their bodies glower, revealing the magic they used. Many gasped when they saw Zach's magic revealed because water magic was extremely rare but nonetheless, many cheered. The festival lasted throughout the entire night. Many drank and sung, celebrated. She even saw a few people getting married. Ra and Ili aren't going to be two happy about it because those two are absolutely drunk and just got married together by a male Shaman. Elder Bara was just laughing and said to let it happen because true, right now they will regret it but the result of it will be not too far. Zach had wandered off to who knows where but after 1 hour, he had returned, soaking wet but a complete grinning mess. He had chosen to confront his fear of water by joining the other men his age at the swing in a nearby coral reefs. At first, he was afraid but, after forcing himself to jump in, he had no regrets. He had an amazing time and perhaps encountered a female water spirit that he likes.
The rest of the week they stayed in Brigid was truly one to remember. Weather there were both sorrowful and joyful memories, they were the ones, Arisa was more than glad to have. She hasn't exactly perfected the language of Brigid but she was getting there. Learning more about the culture, the people there, and learning some powerful spells. Truly wonderful time. Sothis watched and was more than happy to see the world.
- A Days Later -
"You sure you don't want to come back to Remire Village with us?" Arisa said sadly to Shamir.
The older girl shook her head.
"I'm alright. My home is hear in Dadga. But hey, if anything ever happens, I promise I'll head to the village there first." Shamir chuckled.
They had returned her back to Dadga after the festival. Honestly it was hilarious sightseeing Ra and Ili in horror, finding out that they have been married while drunk.
"Then, can we write letters to each other?" Arisa said.
"Not sure, it'll be hard since I'll be traveling a lot, but we'll see. Also, here." Shamir gave the girl simple aquamarine anklet, "It's...my thank you. I... never had this much fun before. I hope your journey back to Fodlan is safe. Goodbye Arisa." Shamir smiled sadly.
Arisa lips quivered and hugged the older girl tightly and looked her firmly.
"This isn't goodbye! We'll meet again one day! That's a promise!" She said and Shamir couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Alright then! It's a deal! Let's see if you're taller than me by then shortcake!" Shamir said.
"I AM NOT SHORT! YOU'RE JUST TOO TALL!"
Chapter 8: Tropical Winds: Part 2: Cutting Ties to A new: End
[ - ]
And the tropical adventures are done! Quite interesting huh. Honestly, I almost got hit with writer's block, but the next two chapters will not focus on Arisa/Byleth but will be Paralogues to Sandy and Florencio.
Now, some of you will be asking me a few things regarding Seteth. I decided to do more research on his character and honestly, he's a bit hard to write. Shamir? Yes, Shamir is from Dadga and I looked it up to confirm it.
Now...time for the deadly timeline to help you all have an idea how much time had passed.
Arisa arrived in August: Verdant Rain Moon
It took all of September to arrive to the Kingdom: Horsebow Moon
They stayed for all of October there: Wyvern moon.
It took another month (November) to return to Remire Village: All of November: Red Wolf Moon.
Two Months to travel throughout the Empire, Both December and January: Ethereal and Guardian Moon.
Till February: Pegasus Moon: They traveled to Dadga.
So, Arisa has now been in the 3H world for 7 months now. Already meeting new and familiar faces. So, how will this go? Will we get a time skip? We'll see :3