Arisa hated hunting. Arisa hated killing. Put her in charge of a hunting group, they more than likely to have a hunt. What none of those people knew what that the girl with the mentality of an adult, absolutely hated the sight of blood. One, because the majority of her previous life was spent in a hospital room. Two, she would often be coughing or vomiting blood similar to Okita Souji from the Fate Series. Three, she lived in peaceful times during the modern era. There was no need to hunt to survive. Much less, you didn't have to worry constantly that you could be killed. So, the actual task of killing always made her want to vomit. Weather it may be a human or animal. Or any kind of life. So, how does the girl cope each time she has to kill? She shuts down her mind and enters a void-less phase of no emotions. Her eyes and face become cold as stone, no emotions. She lets her survival instincts take over as she temporary locks away her humanity. Even so, it always leaves a bitter taste in her mouth. Since her first kill 2 years ago, Arisa mutters a prayer to each soul before she takes their life.
[ - ]
Jeralt sighed in defeat as pointed to inside the wagon. His daughter was just like her mother. Wild and free. Rosa was the same despite never being allowed to leave the monastery grounds. She would manage ways to sneak out though.
"As long as you complete your studies for these past months, you're allowed to continue with us. Got it?" He said to her sternly to her.
Arisa nodded.
"Good. For now, you'll help me hunt something for us to eat. This is a good opportunity to teach you to catch bigger prey." Jeralt said.
Arisa was always hesitant when it came to hunting. She wasn't a big fan of killing animals, but she understood that it was need for survival. Especially in this world since it was almost that of medieval times. She came from a world of peaceful times after all. She fixed her rapier that was gifted to her on her 7th birthday on her waist. Her father approving, she would master the sword as she gets older. She also grabbed her silver bow that was given to her by Sandy and the dagger from Florencio. She learned that the dagger came from the Kingdom. Funny. The tradition of those from Faerghus was to gift a dagger as symbol to cut one's own path. She was having some Edelgard and Dimitri flashbacks from the game. She sighed while the rest of the team stayed behind to help set up the camp. Jeralt, Arisa, Yofos and Temes left towards the forest. She noticed Sothis fly a head to have a look out. She did overhear that they needed to be careful because there may be wolves.
"The suns still out. We need to hurry or else it will become difficult to hunt at night." Temes said from above them.
He was jumping from tree to tree. Temes was from Hyrm territory in the Empire. He grew tired of the injustice going on and left/forced himself out. He was an orphan as a child and eventually became a mercenary. He later joined Jeralt's company at age 13, Imperial year 1160. It's been 6 years and he is the 3rd youngest in the company. He is currently 19 years old. As for Ares, he came from the Kingdom. He is the son of a former knight. He wanted to live a free life and not be held down by the codes of chivalry. Unfortunately, Arisa must describe the man a bit similar to Merlin from the Fate Series. Minus him being a half incubus of course. He's a normal human with a damn skirt chaser attitude. But most of the time he is respectful like a knight. Yofos came from Brigid. He's Zach's older cousin from his mother's side. He's older than him by 2 years. Meaning he's almost 30. Oh, a lot of people like to tease him because of who's he married to. The thing is, the man is married but to another man but also has a woman. Yeah, it's complicated. He has a wife and husband, basically an open relationship. His husband and wife are honestly amazing people and at times, Arisa likes to call them aunty and uncle. Unfortunately, his wife had the same love of frilly dresses like Sandy, which terrified Arisa. Luckily his husband always saves her and bakes her sweets. As for Jorah, he came from overseas, from a country called Hyras. It's between Sreng and Albinea. It was also known as the Country of Flowers. Many of the foreign flowers come imported from there and Jorah as a merchant from there. He chose to become a mercenary because he needed another source of financial support. He's still learning to talk the language of Fodlan and he has improved a lot over the years.
"Seriously, Lady Byleth? The last time you snuck on like this was 2 years ago!" Yofos said as the girl walked next to him.
He had his axe strapped onto his back and mini bow on his wrist. The girl rolled her eyes but grinned.
"Hey, at least I get some practice. Besides, Dad kept hidden from me about the village tradition! You bet I'm going on a journey when I turn 15!" She said.
Jeralt sighed as he continued to walk and sent a glare to Temes, who just avoiding eye contact.
"Come on boss," Temes said as he landed like a ninja at another tree, "I get you want to protect your daughter but she's not going to stay a kid forever. I mean, what are you going to do the day she gets a lover?" He said.
Suddenly Jeralt had an aura of murder around him and just one look from him made Temes fear his life.
"I'm joking! I'm joking!" Temes screeched and the others laughed.
Arisa giggled as they continued eventually leading to an area where there was a lot of vegetation. She bent down as she saw a few familiar mushrooms and took out the mini dictionary Florencio had given her. She nodded to herself as she looked back to it and called out to her father. There was a good amount and they were all edible!
"Papa! I found a good number of edible mushrooms! I can make a stew for us." Arisa said as she pointed to the small bunch that was under a fallen log covered in moss.
"Not bad. Wait," Jeralt pointed to a strange pink colored one that was next to the bunch "that one is poisonous." He said.
Arisa looked at it and then turned back to him.
"I know. But the poison can be removed by boiling it for 10 minutes. It's also can be used to make poison to hurt our enemies!" She giggled evilly at that last sentence.
"I don't want to get her mad ever." The rest of the group thought as Jeralt chuckled.
"Alright then. I also see you found some herbs. Oh, perfect. Even wild yams." He said as he saw her digging using her hands and pulled out the yams.
"If I remember correctly, those can be used as medicine." He said as she shook them to remove the dirt and put them in her small basket.
"Yeah. N-!" She couldn't finish her sentence when Yofos suddenly went "shhh!" and everyone went silent.
"ARISA! COME QUICK!"
That was Sothis! Arisa mentally slapped herself for forgetting that her friend went ahead to explore the place!
"Ccchiirrrrpp! Chiirrrpp!"
"Wait, that's an owl! Papa, it's stuck!" Arisa recognize the sound and ran towards the direction it was coming from.
"Wait, Byleth!" Her father yelled but the girl was already far head from everyone.
The worst back was that she was wearing a black cloak that made her blend in too well with the shadows of the forest. Arisa ran till she reached the place of the sound. She went silent as she listened to the sounds of her surroundings. It was near an area where there was thin stream. She kept listening and heard a frantic voice near a pine tree. She walked towards it and there, hanging tangled in vines, was a small white feathered owl, struggling to move.
"Good, you're here!" Sothis flew to her quickly and shook her shoulders.
"Help me set free the bird bef-!" Both girls froze once heard the sound.
Hiiissss...
Both slowly turned to see a copperhead snake. It slowly slithered towards the owl, who was frantically trying to set itself free and that's when the snake noticed Arisa, who suddenly became the said Ashen Demon.
"NO, YOU DON'T!" She yelled, grabbing her dagger and lunged at the snake.
"HIIIIISSSSSS!" It opened its mouth wide and lunged at her, she barely manages to dodge it's attack.
"Argghh!" The girl grunted as she bent back and Sothis used her own magic to make the ground underneath the snake rise.
That was enough and Arisa managed to slash its head off clean. It dropped to the ground twitching and its head nearby. Arisa looked down at it coldly as it gave it's finally his till it died.
"Huff...huff..." she panted as all her emotions returned back to her and turned to the owl, who chirped.
"There, there." She said and carefully removed it from the vines.
"Are you two alright?" Sothis asked, worries.
"We're okay Sothis. And thank you." She said and the goddess nodded as both turned back to the baby owl.
"Chirp." It chirped and she smiled as she held it in her arms.
"You're safe now. Be free!" She grinned and spread her arms to let it be free, but it flew and landed on her head.
Sothis giggled at the sight of this.
"It seems to have gotten attached to you. Red Hare is going to be quite frustrated. Ufu!" Sothis giggled.
"Really?" Arisa sighed as she looked up to her head.
The owl chirped and just snuggled closer Arisa sighed and grabbed the snake head and body, threw it into her bag.
"I can make stew now." She thought.
"Pardon?! You're going to eat that snake?!" Sothis screeched and the girl just nodded.
"In my defense, it's one of the few creatures at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to humans. So yeah, I'm eating it." Arisa said and Sothis grimace.
After 10 minutes, she found her father and the group. She got a huge scolding but also a laugh when she showed her father the owl that has become attached to her and the snake she killed. Temes screamed like a schoolgirl and passed out at the sight of the severed head and body. Jeralt was happy that karma got the man back. Though the man was surprised that his daughter managed to kill a snake.
"Also, can I keep the owl? I promise to train him." She swore.
"I have to agree on that one. Owls are rare and difficult to train but with the proper care, they make excellent hunting partners as well as messengers." Yofos said as he studied the snow owl on the girl's head.
"I'm not sure..." Jeralt said.
"Well, I don't think the owl is going anywhere..." Temes groaned as he was recovering from his shock and pointed to where Arisa was.
"Can you land on my shoulder?" She said to it.
The owl chirped and flapped its wings, gently landing on her shoulder.
"Good...girl?" She said.
The owl chirped twice, meaning yes.
"Good. Now, fly to that tree branch." She pointed to a small tree a few feet away.
It nodded and did just that. Sothis was honestly impressed by how well the owl was obeying. Maybe in time the girl will get a loyal dog? Now that would be a fun sight.
"Good job. Now come back." Arisa said as it flew towards her and it landed on her shoulder.
"Good girl. Here, fish we caught earlier." She gave it a small piece of dried fish she had in her bag and it happily ate it.
"Sighhhhhh..." Jeralt buried his face in his hands and groans.
The two other men chuckled at this but were happy to have a new member to the group.
"And the village calls her the animal whisperer. The animals love her." Yofos said as they continued to walk.
"Alright. You can keep the owl but make sure to train it. Like with Red Hare, he is your responsibility. Got it kiddo?" Jeralt said to his daughter.
"Of course!" She said.
- 2 hours Later -
After two hours of searching, they had finally hunted a deer down. Thankfully she wasn't put in charge of cleaning it this time once they had returned to the camp. Ares and Jorah were surprised to see the snow owl. Ares was happy since he did used to train owls back in his old days before he left. He was more than happy to teach the girl proper lessons. The owls in the Kingdom were highly valued and were usually used by knights as messengers or for hunting. In his case, he trained them as messengers and his father trained them to help in hunting. He will teach her both.
"Dinner is ready!" Arisa and Jorah yelled to let everyone know the stew they made was ready.
She had cleaned the snake properly, cut the meat into bite sizes and added to the stew. Jorah showed her how to do it since snakes were common in his home country, unfortunately. Along with the deer meat that was cut, the stew tasted divine. She overheard the others saying thank you to the Goddess for this hunt. Now, the little white owl she decided to name her Feh. One main reason, Fire Emblem Heroes, Feh was also the name of the owl in the game. Feh honestly was attached to her and loved snuggling on her cheek, sleeping on her head (RIP my hair!!) and sleeping inside her cloak. She is still a baby so hopefully Arisa will be able to raise her properly. Hopefully.
"Now this snakeskin and fangs..." she muttered to herself as she looked snakeskin and the snake fangs she got.
"The skin can be used for a new head band and the fangs at most I use them to make needles for clothing, and also a fishhook." She thought.
"Chirp." Feh said.
"No, I'm not going to eat this." She said.
"Chirp chirp." It said.
"Eh? Of course not! The bones can be used for medical purposes." She said back.
"Chirp chirp chirp." It gave her a blank look.
"I'm not throwing them away!" She said.
The men along with Sothis were watching in amusement.
"Jeralt, good luck with your daughter." Ares said.
All that could be heard was Arisa arguing with Feh as Jeralt was groaning a bit. But the man didn't mind. He was happy to see his daughter growing. What worried him though more was losing track of the spies of the Church. Sandy reported that they seemed to be getting more active. That something big happened. He did hear that one of the main noble families in Duscur went silent and suddenly cut ties with many merchants in Fodlan. Thankfully his friend and fellow mercenary/merchant, Anna, was the one that told him that information. It will take at least 4 months to reach Duscur, with passing through Faerghus also. Being in the Kingdom especially the moment he needed to be careful. Jeralt looked over to his daughter who was chatting with Jorah and smiled sadly.
"I wish you could see your daughter Rosa. She reminds me of you."
- 4 months later: Garland Moon: June: The Coast of Duscur -
With the wagon loaded after getting the wheels fixed, they had finally arrived to Duscur. It was at the northern coast, west from Sreng, just over the mountains that separated Keilman from the Kingdom. There were gates to enter the place. From what she remembered; the place had many scattered towns that each specialize in one trade. Her father's job was to secure a trading route that had recently been invaded by bandits. Pretty much to take them out. One thing did not change though. The damn cold weather!
"I swear I can never get used to the cold. Achoo!" Arisa sneezed despite wearing warm clothing.
The girl hugged her cloak closer to herself and Ares just shrugged. He honestly didn't feel cold, it was the same with her father. Well that's because both are former Kingdom Knights.
"Damn you both." Arisa, Jorah, Temes and Yofos all thought as they looked over to the two perfectly fine mercenaries.
"We're getting near Duscur. I think you'll like it. I haven't been there in years." Jeralt said as the girl nodded.
"Chirp!" Feh said and flapped its wings proudly, messing up Arisa's hair.
"You're lucky have my hair in a ponytail." She said.
Everyone still thinks she looked funny with Feh perched on her head. Arisa watched as the guard at the country borders were handed a metal card with a what seemed like the symbol of the Church of Serios. From what she learned, it was required for merchants and mercenaries to have these to be able to travel outside of Fodlan and back. It was like a passport. What she didn't know what that her father was going under a different name to use it. The guard approved and allow them to cross the gates. The girl looked out the wagon and her eyes sparkled at the amazing sight.
"Only if Sothis could see this but she's asleep." She thought.
Indeed, the goddess was asleep. The village they were in was lively and filled with many stalls of unknown things. Strange food, different clothing, ooohhhh! So many things! Arisa remembered that the people of Duscur practice polytheism and worship a pantheon of different gods. So, she wasn't surprised seeing different statues of gods being sold in stalls. Her eyes went wide when she spotted a few familiar instruments being sold.
"The rumors of this country having rich materials is true." She whispered.
"This town in particular specializes in trading spices and glass." Yofos said since he heard her whisper.
The people of Duscur have dark tan skin and silver color hair. She did notice some had different colored hair because of what seemed like a natural plant extract used as a hair dye. The people were welcoming and kind. Some waved as the wagon went through the streets. She saw children running around happily. The clothing worn was similar to those Fodlan but also a mixture of different cultures that she remembers from Earth.
"It's amazing..." she smiled sadly.
How could anyone destroy such a beautiful place? She closed her eyes and thought. If only the Tragedy of Duscur never occurred. She knew such a wish was impossible and was not looking forward to when the time comes. If she could...at least save or cause one difference during that time...
"Mommy look at the owl!"
The voice of a child made her snap out of it and turned towards the direction the sound came from. Near a well, she saw a young boy who looked familiar and his mother. The boy was pointing at her, well, more towards Feh.
"Stop that sweet!" The mother said and she saw the boy pout.
The group chuckled at this and Arisa lightly tapped Feh, who chirped.
"Feh, go." Arisa and Feh flew to the little boy and landed on his head.
The boy giggled as did the mother and then Feh returned to her.
"Thank you!" The boy waved and she waved back.
"That was amazing wasn't it Dedue?" The mother said, Arisa's eyes went wide when she heard that and turned back to see the mother and her son but the two were already walking away with a wooden bucket filled with water.
The boy was happily talking and grinning.
"Dedue..." she muttered to herself.
"Already having fun kiddo?" Jeralt chuckled and the girl put on a grin.
"Yup!" She said.
"We'll be staying for a week, so I'll let you explore around. Just don't go crazy." Jeralt said.
"No promises!" Was Arisa's response.
"Come on Lady Byleth!" Ares said.
"Give us a break please!" Yofos partly choked.
"I don't want to see another dead snake!" Temes said.
Jorah just groans.
"Hey!" She turned to them and glared.
"Keep complaining I can guarantee you all will find not just a snake but spiders in your pillows except dad!" She said.
The waves of sorrow fell on the men and Jeralt burst out laughing.
- 3 days Later -
"So that's the news! Seriously Jeralt! I'm angry! The fact that the noble family of this town completely cut ties with so many merchants is infuriating! You can't just do that!" A young woman with dark pink colored hair tied in a side ponytail, brown clothing with a strange symbol on it and a sword on her waist. She wore a brown gold skirt and dark brown tights with sandals.
"I know how you feel Anna, but we can't do much. Whatever is going on must be the reason." Jeralt said.
The woman known as Anna sighed and nodded.
"I know but there have been rumors going on." She said and the man leaned in a bit closer to hear.
"First off, many of the common folk here are really worried. The noble family here are said to often come to town to check on the people and help them out. They are well respected and loved by the people. Not to mention that the Elder of this town is also part of the family and has not been seen. It has been 3 months since the noble family has come to town. Especially their daughter who is friends with many of the children here." Anna said as she crossed her arms.
"That is troublesome. I'll ask a bit around and see if I can find anything else. Will you be staying here for a while?" He said and Anna shook her head.
"Honestly I was hoping I could tag along with you for a while. The merchants of Duscur have been very weary and I don't exactly want to have a target on my back. Besides, you'll be taking out the bandits from that trading route soon." She said with a smile.
"Great..." Jeralt sighs, "Alright. I don't mind. Might as well introduce you to the team I brought with me. Also, I think y-!" The man didn't get to finish his sentence because he heard screaming and saw a group of kids running away laughing and with them was his daughter.
"You damn kids! Come back here!" One of the vendors yelled out covered in chicken feathers and a few chickens were running.
"We're sorry!" Byleth yelled out and the Duscurian children laughed as they ran.
Anna just chuckled and Jeralt let go of a long sigh.
"So that's your daughter huh? Got to admit, she's fast." Anna laughed as she patted her friend's shoulder.
He saw his daughter ran towards him and grinned. Feh was on her shoulder.
"Care to explain what happened?" Jeralt said.
"One of the kid's cats got inside a chicken pen and I offered to help get out. Unfortunately, the pen was old and broke down, releasing the army of chickens." She said and got a flick on her forehead but by Anna.
The girl's eyes went wide when she saw her.
"Hey there kid! So, you're Jeralt's daughter. You look a lot like Rosa." She smiled.
"Anna." Jeralt said and the woman raised an eyebrow.
"So, you haven't told her..." Anna muttered.
"Rosa?" Byleth said and looked over to her father, confused.
Jeralt sighed.
"I suppose you are age to know a few things. Rose is your mother's name. She loved running around and causing trouble at times, like you." Jeralt said.
Arisa blinked.
"This is the first time you tell me about mom! I'm glad to learn something about her! Thank you, papa!" She said.
Jeralt smiled softly and ruffled her hair. Anna couldn't help but smile seeing the exchange. It was a rare sight seeing Jeralt smile, and by the exchange alone, she could tell he was truly proud of his daughter.
"Captain! We got trouble!"
The three turned when they saw Yofos running towards them.
"What's wrong?" Jeralt said as the two adults stood up.
"Pirates! They are trying to enter the docks! The other three are currently fighting them off!" Yofos report.
"Well, don't just stand there, let's go!" Anna said and the three headed over to the docks.
[ - ]
"ARRGHHH!"
Truly she did look like an Ashen Demon as she cut down the pirates. Many of the merchants that were at the docks were evacuated along with the citizens that were there. Those that were fighting were experienced warriors of Duscur.
"Ha!" One Duscur man yelled as he punched one of the pirates into the water.
Anna held her axe as she sliced through enemies. Her happy face was replaced with one of anger and seriousness as she jumped and cut off the heads of enemies clean.
"Enemies in the sky!" A woman yelled and they saw 4 wyvern Riders.
"Tch!" Ares said and switched from his Woa Do to an iron bow.
He dipped his arrows in a small bottle with a black liquid and turned them on. It was oil and the arrows were on fire.
"Burn down!" He yelled and fired four arrows.
The wyvern riders screamed as the arrows pierced them and set them on fire. They screamed and fell off their wyrens to the ocean, dead.
"AAAAWWWHOOOOOOO!" Arisa yelled out a primal cry, gaining the attention of the wyrens.
"Got to thank Ili for teaching me that one!" She said and ran towards one of wyrens that landed.
She climbed onto it's back and pulled it's reins.
"Skkkkkaaaaa!" She let out another primal yell and it was the command to follow her.
Seems the wyrens understood as she rode it up high and fired arrows to the pirates. Anna was impressed as she saw the girl command the four wyrens.
"Look out!" She heard a tells and screamed as a sword came down at her.
Blood splattered as the woman dropped to the ground, the giant gash going over her chest to her stomach. The life began to leave her eyes in the pool of blood.
"ANNA!" Arisa yelled and activated time pulse.
She wasn't about to let a death happen on her watch! Her limit as a child is at most 3-time pulses. Her chest ached as she activated it and watched as time reversed.
"Look out!" The scene played again but this time Yofos caught on quickly and sliced the pirate's arm down before it came down on Anna.
"Thanks!" She grinned and turned back to fighting.
Arisa let go a sigh of relief as she saw the last of the pirates be taken down and did the primal howl of follow and land. She mentally thanked Ili for also teaching her how to ride wyrens, but also her calls. Ili's family was actually well known for training wyrens.
"Everyone alright?" Jeralt said as his daughter landed and ran up to them.
"Yeah. But pirates shouldn't have been able to get on the docks! The security is always tight! How was this even possible?!" Anna said.
Arisa was getting a bad feeling as she was looking around. Now that she noticed, many of the town's folks have been very reserved. As her father's team and Anna went to treat any of the injured, she walked up to a Duscur sailor, who looked angry but not towards her.
"Sir?" She said and the man turned to her and sighed.
"What's going on? I've heard that the docks are usually secured. If that is true..then why did pirates manage to get in?" She said and the man sighed.
"We don't know. The Amaryllis family would never let this happen. We're all worried about what is going on." He said.
She knew he must be referring to the noble family that oversees this town. The girl looked around once more and towards the ocean.
"Just what is going on?" She muttered.
Another 2 days passed, and it was time to leave Duscur. Anna will be going with them since it has been awhile that she hasn't spoken to everyone in Jeralt's company and wanted to see how they were doing. Arisa looked over to the town and was worried.
"You seem troubled. What is on your mind?" Sothis appeared before her as the girl board the back of the wagon.
"Despite the good deals we got plus the reward for getting rid of those bandits, bonus because we now have 4 more wyrens added, I still feel something isn't right. With the information we got, the noble family should be taking care of this town. I'm just glad Dedue isn't part of this town but one that's 2 days away. His mother and him came to this one to buy a few things." Arisa said.
"Dedue? That was the name of the child who Feh was playing with right?" Sothis said and Feh chirped.
"Yes. I did talk to him a bit and learned he was friends with the daughter of the nobles here. They treat everyone as equals except the younger brother of the Lord. He is hated by many." Arisa said and Sothis looked at her worried.
"I understand. For now, let us just hope that everything is alright. It is night after all, and your father and the rest are leaving." She said.
Indeed, the cart began to move, and the girl sighed.
"I hope so Sothis. I hope so."
- In a different location: Midnight -
"Grrrrrrrrrrrr...rraaaahhhh!"
With teeth baring to people like a feral beast, a young girl growled as she was on all fours, with a dagger in her hands. She was covered in blood as she had just broken out of the cell, she was held captive in. Her body was covered in cuts and bandages, but she didn't care. She wanted to leave, and she was getting out now.
"Boss, we can't get near her!" A man yelled out to his leader, who gritted his teeth.
"Capture her! She has the necklace that has the entire family fortune!" Their leader yelled and his men charged at her.
"RRAAAHHH!" She snarled, cut them down like wood and bolted out the glass window she managed to break.
"Ow!" She yelled out as she held tightly onto her purse she managed to get back.
She hissed as she rolled down the grass hill and managed to stop herself from hitting a rock by digging her hand to the ground.
"Hhrrrrrrr..." she growled like a feral cat let go.
She needs to run.
"Follow us!"
"Hurry!"
"Gogogogogogogo!"
The whispers of the shadows of the night said and she listened as she began to run down the hill. Barefoot she was and it hurt, but she didn't care. She would not let anyone, especially that bastard get their hands on her. The shadows kept whispering, telling her which direction to go. She could barely hear the voices of those commanded to go after her.
"Crri! Criiiii!"
She spotted a familiar orange coat of fur and smiled.
"Puka! Let's go!" She yelled out to the fox that did it's laugh and followed her.
"Follow the road!"
The shadows said. She ran and her hood nearly fell off, but she managed to keep it from doing that by tightening the strings. She gritted her teeth as she ran and finally let her first tears fall.
"Criiiii..." the fox whimpered, and she smiled to it sadly.
"We'll...come back one day... that's a promise." She said and the two continued to run.
20 more minutes passed, and she could hear the waves of the coast. She smiled but the relief was short lived.
"Found her!"
She gasped and her fox hissed. Both began running and she could hear the voices of the shadows begin to become angry. They were becoming one with her emotions. She is angry. No, enraged was the word to describe every single emotion inside her right this moment.
Run.
Run.
Don't stop.
Don't look back.
How could they...?
How dare they?!
The voices of the shadows all yelled together as she ran. She ran as fast as her feet could take her. Panting and trying to get air into her lungs. Her silver light pink pigmented colored hair was covered by her hood but made a quick turn to the men running, beginning to mumble. She had to get away from those who wanted her dead. She would not let them get their hands on her!
"Sink...sink...fall..." she chanted and heard a few of them scream.
"Come back here!" They yelled despite the pain she made them go through.
She bolted again and this time towards the woods. Her fox barked for her to follow him and she did just that. She held tightly onto the necklace she had. It contained her entire family fortune that was left to her. For that reason, those men who were paid to kill and take the necklace. What they didn't count on was her awaking her power.
Run Amir!
She was lost but she could tell they were on her trail.
"Yeeehehehehe!" Puka laughed and he ran towards an unknown area of the road.
"Where, where, where...?!" She mentally screamed, she could tell they were getting closer.
Then she spotted it. A wagon filled with people. Seems they were leaving Duscur.
"There she is!" She heard and her eyes went wide in fear.
She didn't have time! She bolted towards the wagon and carefully made sure not to make a sound. She found the back entrance and slowly snuck in. She became stiff once she saw the men appeared but...
"What's going on?"
"Who are you?"
"You better not be thieves."
She held her breath, her fox hid underneath the wagon. She nearly screamed when she felt a hand on her shoulder, till the moon light revealed a kind yet worried smile.
"Shhhh..." young girl with forest green with brown colored hair, light green eyes, gently place her index finger on her lips and smiled.
She simply pointed to a crack and motioned to watch. Indeed, that was the best choice. She even noticed the owl on the girl.
"Who are you men? We aren't looking for trouble. We're already leaving Duscur." Jeralt said and Anna oh so casually made the tip of her axe shine to show how sharp it was.
The men gulped seeing how big the man was, not to mention they were also outnumbered if they tried to pick a fight. Heck, they immediately recognized Anna because she had beaten them to a pulp before. They tried to scam her, and that situation went south.
"No no-good sir. We're just looking for a fox that escaped us. Sorry for the trouble." One said nervously.
"Fox huh? You guys might want to head towards the north side of the forest. Shouldn't have gotten too far." Jorah said as he pointed to the opposite direction.
Truthfully, he noticed the infant fox hiding underneath the wagon. Even the wyrens they had hissed at the men. They definitely weren't about to mess with these people.
"I see! Thank you!" They quickly left with their tails between their legs.
"Get the hell out of here before I change my mind really leave you without legs for trying to scam me!" Anna yelled as those men screamed.
Amir sighed in relief and looked over to the girl who saved her. The girl smiled.
"Thank you." She mumbled, finally relaxing a bit.
"No worries. I don't think you're safe staying here. I think it's better you come with us." The green haired girl said.
"I don't even know you." Amir said with a blunt tone.
"Yeah, but would you rather stay and be killed, or leave Duscur and be safe?" She said back.
Her eye twitched.
"Fine." She sighed frustrated but nodded.
"I'm Arisa Byleth. But you can call me Arisa. And this Feh. My snowy owl." She pointed to the show owl on her head.
"Chirp chirp!" It said.
The scent of iron finally hit Arisa's nose and her eyes went wide when she noticed the bloody mess the girl was.
"You're hurt!" Arisa said a bit too loudly and Amir's eyes went wide in horror.
"Byleth, is everything alright?"
Before Arisa had the chance to hide the girl, Jeralt had looked in and his eye went wide.
"Jeralt, what's wro-ooohhhh." Anna said when she saw the other girl.
Before he could say anything, Arisa spoke.
"Please! She needs to come with us! Those men were chasing after her and will kill her if they find her!" Arisa said.
The others looked at each other worried and Yofos spoke.
"I'm sorry boss but I have to agree. I think it's better if the girl comes with us." He said.
"Are you crazy man?! We'll be dead meat if they catch us trying to smuggle a citizen of Duscur out to Fodlan!" Ares said.
The men began to begin arguing with themselves till Anna told them to shut up.
"Arisa, will you take responsibility?" Jeralt looked at his daughter.
Arisa nodded.
"Of course, I will. I'm not about to leave a defenseless person behind. That goes against my beliefs as a mercenary." She stated boldly.
Jeralt chuckled and nodded.
"Alright then." He said and turned to the other girl.
"What's your name kid?" He asked.
The girl was hesitant but spoke.
"It's Amir...Amir Volgani...Amaryllis." Amir spoke softly.
"Kiiiiheheheheh!" That's when the fox finally made its appearance, which slightly scared Anna because of its sudden laugh.
"And that's Puka...my friend.." Amir smiled faintly.
"Well then Amir, welcome aboard." Arisa grinned and stretched out her hand to shake.
Amir stared at it but nodded and shook her hand.
"Thank you. I'm in your debt." She said and smiled kindly.
"For now, kid, let's get you treated." Anna said as she jumped in and closed the back.
"We'll keep an eye out in case those maggots come back." Jeralt said and Anna gave him a thumbs up through the curtain.
"Byleth, help me too. Amir, could you remove your cloak please?" Anna said and Amir nodded.
She still hissed since she was in pain. Now that she thought about it, all the pain from her wounds were now coming to her. The girl dropped to her knees and began crying softly. Arisa was worried and gently hugged the girl.
"It's alright. You're safe. Let it all out." She said and Amir did just that.
She began crying loudly and buried her face in Arisa's chest. The others outside looked over to Jeralt who sighed and shook his head.
"Amaryllis...that's the last name of the noble family of this town in Duscur. Just by looking at the girl, it's safe to say...she the lone survivor." Jeralt said.
"We're taking her in, right?" Temes said.
"Of course, we are you idiot! Who the hell in their right mind leaves a kid like that?" Ares said.
"Heartless people, that's who." Jorah said.
"Alright, enough. I think the girl has been through enough. Luckily the second wagon we bought is for the wyrens since they can't stand the cold. We'll have Anna use an extra protection spell around it." Jeralt said and others nodded.
The rest was a long night back to the gates.
- 3 days later -
"Alright. You're clear." The guard said as he finished checking the wyvern cart and they left.
For safety measures, they waited at least three days till it was clear for Amir to come out. The young Duscur girl was wearing a black dress that Arisa let her borrow. A few modifications had to be made on it because it was a bit too tight for the girl. Currently, it was morning and they were passing through a snowy field. Amir was silent as she was seated next to one of the wyrens that was asleep. A warm ball of light floated inside the wagon to keep it warm. On Amir's lap, was the fox named Puka. Anna was at the other wagon speaking with Jeralt and the others of the girl's situation. The girl was almost fully recovered from her injuries thanks to Anna but also Arisa.
"So, what's your name?" Arisa said, hoping to start some small talk with the girl.
Amir just gave her a side glance and spoke in a monotone voice.
"Like I said...Amir Volgani Amaryllis. And this is Puka, a Sierra Duscur Fox." Amir said as she petted Puka, who purred.
"Can I ask why were those men chasing you? You got to have a reason why. I don't think it's simply because you stole something." Arisa began.
Amir just glanced to her.
"Money. They want money." Amir said, her tone becoming a bit bitter.
"I see... then why were you covered in blood and injured?" Arisa said.
Arisa was pushing it on purpose. She needed answers. Amir was getting irritated by these questions that should be obvious but growled her answer.
"Those men killed my family. My uncle hired them. He was after the family fortune and the strange power I possess. Happy with my answer?" The girl growled through her teeth.
Arisa put her arms in defense up and scooted a bit closer to the girl.
"Are you after revenge?" She said and Amir's eyes went wide.
"N-No. That goes against my grandmother's teachings. As much as I wish for him to pay. I can't go back. Not as I am now..." Ymir muttered softly.
Arisa was silent as she waited a few seconds speak before she spoke again.
"Then, would you like to work in my dad's company?" Arisa said.
"I-I don't mind." Amir suddenly became shy, which Arisa thought was cute but also completely unexpected.
The girl did save her after all. She helps a complete stranger. Not to mention that they literally helped her leave her country.
"You saved me, without even knowing who I am...so...please!" She suddenly bowed, which scared Arisa and Puka jumped on top of a wyvern by the sudden commotion.
"Everything alright?" Jeralt asked as Anna was holding back her giggles.
"Let me serve you Byleth! No...Lady Arisa Byleth!" She yelled.
There was an awkward silence and Arisa burst out laughing. She was not expecting that at all! First, the girl is cold and suddenly she's a complete cute mess?! Oh, her sides were hurting from laughing hard.
"Cchiirrp!" Feh pecked at her repeatedly and the girl screeched while the fox laughed.
"Ow! Okay I get it! I get it!" She said and sat normally.
"Ummm..." Amir's ears had turned red and she was shyly fiddling with her fingers.
"Sorry sorry about. But, why me? True, I managed to save your life, but I don't think you need to serve me. We're equals, regardless of status. Besides, aren't you a noble? " Arisa said as she fixed her messed up hair.
"Not anymore...I think it would be better to remain like that." Amir smiled kindly and removed her hood, revealing her face. She was a dark skin girl with light pink pigmented silver colored shoulder length hair, and pink colored eyes.
She also wore the same earrings Dedue wore but on both ears.
"Oh, my goodness she's cute! She reminds me of a mini Kahlua Shuzen minus the blonde hair and 3-year-old mentality." Arisa inwardly squealed.
"Cough! But I could make an exception for you." She said and Amir's eyes sparkled like Christmas lights.
"By any chance are you good at hunting?" She asked.
"I am trained in the sword and also how to be merchant. I'm good at hunting too!" Amir grinned.
From the outside of the wagon. Jeralt and the rest couldn't help but chuckle listening to conversation.
"Looks like she'll fit right in! But hearing she knows the way of a merchant, a possible future competition." Anna said and the men groan but laugh a bit.
"Hey, you two, we're going to be passing through the Tailtean Plains. We'll be getting medical supplies there and staying for a month. Amir, I think this will be a good time for you to get to know everyone. Also, since you will be staying with us from now on, a good opportunity to teach you what it means to be a mercenary." Jeralt said.
"Agree!" Arisa said.
"Plus, I owe dad for this... I'll be the one to teach her." She sighs.
"The Tailtean Plains huh? I remember its territory in the Kingdom. Part of me hopes I run into Dimitri to see how he is doing, another part of me hopes we don't. But...maybe...sigh..what am I thinking..." Arisa thought and sat down.
Her and Amir began talking, finding they had similar interests. Though Amir was more of a tomboy who loved being in the wild and Arisa was more feminine type, the two did like many of the same things. She also learned that the Duscurian girl was one year older than her. Meaning she is 7 years old.
Drats.
Arisa was really hoping she be the big sister!
- Location: Unknown-
Far underground, into the unknown, a man with skin pale as a corpse, black eyes, a large head, purplish pale hair and wore strange black clothing, stared in amazement at the field of haunting blue colored ice that was collected again.
"Seems my daughter had a tantrum today. To unleash this much is becoming more and more frequent, however; it's unsettling." He heard a female voice and did not need to turn as he heard the sounds of heels click on the stone floor as their owner approached.
"You would be mostly be joyful with this amount of power being released Cornelia." The old man said as the woman stood next to him with a frown.
Strange devices were connected to the ice and many magicians circled around it.
"Solon, this is a dangerous game to call forth the one that sleeps in this ice." Cornelia said.
She was feeling that pressure again at the back of her neck. Solon merely chuckled.
"We shall see. To call forth the user of this Lost Crest, will bring us closer to our dream." He said and turned to mage.
"Begin the ritual!" He said.
The mages nodded as one of them threw into the field a corpse.
The magician began to chant a strange yet eerie language. The symbols written on the floor began to glow, the corpse burst to blue flames, turning to ashes. The haunting colored ice began to glow and...
"Aaaaaaahhhh...aaaaahhh...AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
And inhuman cry began to fill the room as the ritual continues. Solon smirked as the ice glowed and began to form the silhouette of a woman that floated in the center of the magic circle. The magicians stopped their chanting and gasped in shock once they saw.
"I-It was a success!" Cornelia said till she saw Solon narrows his eyes.
"No. Something isn't right." He said and that's when Cornelia felt the same pressure this time at the back of her neck once more.
The silhouette curled itself to a ball then stretched out, screaming its inhumane cry.
"HUMANS! HUMANS! BEGONE!!" It roared, it's form cracking as it cackled madly.
"Prepare the barrier!" Cornelia ordered and the magicians immediately began chanting.
Black colored chains came from the ground as they wrapped around the silhouette's wrist and ankles.
"La, la! La,la! LalalalalallalalAaaaaaassalsjshamlala!" It roared.
"THE AGONY! THE PAIN!" Solon watched void of emotions as the silhouette laughed madly.
Cornelia was very unsettled. To think this thing exists inside...she shook her head.
"YOU! ALL! TTRAAAAAIIITTTOOOOOORRRSSSS!" It roared one last time before its form shattered to dust.
The magicians and others fell to their knees, panting, in pain. The spikes of ice had turned to dust, nothing was left.
"So, this ritual was a failure also. "She" is rejecting our offer to settle her goal with the Fell Star." Solon said and turned to walk away.
"If she refuses to return, what can be done?" Cornelia said.
Solon stopped and gave her a side glance.
"The one that bares the lost Crest holds the answer. That girl may become her host someday soon. Might as well begin the preparations." Solon said.
Cornelia was silent but nodded.
"My husband hid far too many secrets of that Crest. Seems it is time for it to all come to light." She smirked.
Unknown to them, back at Cornelia's mansion, Ymir was awake when she should be asleep. But it wasn't normal. The girl was staring to her mirror that was across her bed with a frightening smile. The color of her eyes had turned red and her pupils to a strange symbol.
"Everything is a liar!"
(Chapter 10: Duscur Dawn: Part 2: Cries of Shadows: End)
[ - ]
And here we have one of my main OC'S, Amir! I have been working on her and my other main oc for quite some time. In my anime one shots book, I have two prototype chapters of this book there. I wanted to see how things turned out and eventually did decided to turn those prototype chapters to an actual story. I'll see if I can draw the child versions of Arisa/Byleth, Amir and Ymir so you guys can see how they look like.
Now, why did I choose to add Anna? With the recent release with the 3rd DLC of the game, Anna is a recruitable character. Also, during one of her conversations with Byleth after...Jeralt's death, she says she had known him before she met her, meaning they were friends. Yeah, that conversion made me cry. Also, her profile states she is 35 years old. (What the hell Nintendo?) Anyhow, she unfortunately doesn't have support conversations, nor can you romance her, so I know how those that have her as their waifu are in pain. Anyhow, here in this time, I did the math and Anna is 21 years old when she meets Arisa/Byleth. Anna will have support conversations in this story.
The next two chapters will also show the villain side of Cornelia and some of the goals Those Who Slither in the Dark are going to do. Ymir is my third main OC and will play a key role when our Protagonist meets Claude and Lysithea in like 5-6 chapters.