- Imperial Year 1162: Ymir 2 years Old -
"Papa, papa!" With her pink pastel orange hair tied in two pigtails, the girl ran happily into her father's workshop.
The smell of iron, metals, filled her nostrils and it was a scent she liked. The sounds of hammers banging down on molten hot metal as it was being shaped to something new. Different tools hung around the walls; each one had a role. The girl grinned as she moved swiftly in the overalls she wore with a plain red shirt. She had snuck into town to see her father work. Though he was a noble and didn't need to, he still loved working with the townsfolk and loved helping around. Especially in the blacksmith two shops away from a bookstore her uncle owned. Many of the shop workers smiled as they saw the girl pick up a hammer and run to man with dark spiky blue hair and goatee, wore black overalls with a blue shirt and thick black boots. He currently was wearing his reading glasses as he was writing down measurements on a piece of paper.
"Papa!" He turned to the direction if the familiar voice and...
"OOOOFFF!" She rammed her head at his stomach, knocking the air out of him.
Many laughed at the sight as the man held his stomach and laughed a bit.
"Morning [-]! Snuck out of the house again?" Her father said and the girl grinned.
"Yup! Mama is busy today so I'm staying here!" She stated proudly as she showed the hammer in her hand.
"Hmm," he picked her up and sat her on one of the benches, "I don't think you're ready for making a dagger just yet. But," he picked up a brick size block of wood and handed it to her, "Why not practice carving first? I promise when you're older, I'll teach you how to use the forgery. Alright?" He said and she pouted.
Her gray eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms.
"But I want to learn now! I want to use a scythe like you do papa!" She said.
Her father laughed a bit nervously hearing this as he lightly touched the strange necklace on his neck. He sighed and bent down a bit, patting her head.
"I know my little Snowflake, but you have to understand my scythe isn't exactly easy to use." He said as she showed her his necklace.
"When you're older, I'll teach you how to use it. And one day, this relic will belong to you. Until then, you got to start slowly. One step at a time. Like that saying, slow and steady wins the race." He said and she sighed.
"Yes papa...I'll take my time." She said.
"Good. Now go visit your Uncle Rensen. He got a new collection of books about how to use a lance." He said and her eyes sparkled.
"Okay! And take care of Papa!" She said and waved goodbye as she ran out of the shop.
The man could not help but smile as he saw his daughter run but it suddenly turned to a frown as he heard one his workers cough violently.
"Careful there." He quickly ran over to them and helped them sit down.
One of the other workers brought water.
"Boss, the plague is spreading. Thankfully it hasn't affected us here in town but others around Faerghus is a different story." The worker said and he sighed.
"I know...and I don't have much time either. Considering how my wife and I aren't getting along lately." He said.
- Present Time: Imperial Year 1167: June -
"Ooooohhhhhhhhh..." She groans into her pillow as the sunlight entered her room.
Despite being summer in Faerghus, the night became cold as winter and it would make her sleepy.
Though the cold never bothered her anyway, lately it has. A lot. Her body ached from the grueling magic training she has been going through, not to mention she hasn't been able to sleep well at all. Add that the amount if stress and anxiety she has been having, trying to satisfy her mother, everything was just...it all just felt so slow. Luckily, today her mother would not be home because she had to leave for a job. The problem was, the damn servants of this house. Thankfully, she had her own little secret passageway only she knows about. Her father was the Lord of this town before he passed away when she was three years old. Ymir forced herself up and climbed off her bed. Her hair was a complete mess and she looked like she risen out of a well. The girl walked to her bathroom and turned the water to fill the tub. While waiting for it to fill, she removed her clothing, showing the bruises and few scars she had. She grabbed a small jar filled with dried lemon zest, lavender and mint leaves, and threw a handful into the water. This should help her relax a bit. She also took out the healing potion she snatched from her mother's medical room and poured it in the water, making glow a light blue. With that done, she gently went in and sighed in blush as she snuck herself into the warm water. The potion was already working, and she could see her injuries healing till they were gone. Indeed, this was her blissful time. Also, that whisper was not bother her. It was strange.
- 20 minutes later: Dining room -
As usual, she sat eating her breakfast alone. She ate slowly as she looked around. The only ones in the room were the two maids who were silent with eyes closed. The girl sighed and decided to speak.
"How long will mother be gone?" She asked and one maid spoke.
"Lady Cornelia will be returning in three days from her job at the capital. For now, you will be going through your studies till she returns." She said.
"Your lesson plans for today are history, dance, music, and military tactics. You are to remain in your room to study these." The other maid said.
Ymir sighed and thanked them. The two just grunted. Well excuse me! The girl finished her meal and headed back to her room, locking the door, just in case someone chose to come in. Not that anyone ever came to check on her anyway. She went to bed, pulled out her purse, picked in a notebook, pens, and a pouch of money, nodding to herself. Ymir then turned walked to her bathroom and lightly tapped the shelf near the window. It creaked and opened, revealing a doorway that brought a smile to her face. Escaping to town was easy.
- 1 hour Later: Town -
Dressed in her usual gray dress, a happy tune she hummed, Ymir walked out of the woods and to the town. The scents of food, wood, and many other things made her grin.
She looked forward to seeing her Uncle again since it has been two weeks since she had spoken to him. She walked to a nice-looking building that had a fire lamp hanging outside. Unfortunately, it was still closed so she decided to go to the next building that was 3 shops away. As she walked there, she bought herself a warm cream puff and happily ate it as she arrived. The building was abandoned but only she knew how to get in. She walked towards the back and took out a special keep. Putting it into the lock of the back door, she opened it and went in. She closed the door and sighed as she looked around the familiar place. The forgery was empty and only ash was in it. It seems to not have been used in years. The shelves with boxes of metals were covered in dust. Tools on the wall have fallen on the floor. Different stations were empty. The shop once filled with life, was alone. She sighed and put down her bag on a table that was not covered in dust. She walked to strange little black empty cage and smiled softly.
"(Wakey wakey wide awakey.)" She spoke in a strange language that many would look at her like she is crazy.
To others, it sounded like gibberish, but to a certain few, it was an ancient language said to have been lost in time. A small little flicker appeared inside and heard a giggle come from it.
"(It's been so long lass! Glad to see you back!!)" The flicker grew a bit bigger and turned to a humanoid miniature figure. Its skin was color read, with hair in a bun and a dress of Flames. Its feet were paws and it smiled to her.
"(It has, Firo. I snuck out. Think you can help me make a blade?)" Ymir said.
The fire Sprite named Firo grinned as she flew out of the cage turned on the forgery. Ymir smiled as she saw the forgery light up. Life was brought back to it, the place seemed more alive. The girl ran to the next-door room and quickly changed out of her dress to overalls and a blue shirt. She put her lose hair up to bun and wore goggles on her head. She had been secretly practicing forging blades with small basics her father taught her, she wanted to forge her own dagger. The girl walked out and sent a thumbs up to Firo, who was eating the piece of bread that she had brought. It was her offering to it.
The girl walked to box that had brass nuggets. She picked out 5 of them and put them into the metal bowl used specifically for metaling metal. The girl put on her goggles as she used long metal tongs to put it in the fire. Waiting for the metal to melt, the girl went to get the cast used to turn it to a block. From there, she will begin to draw out how she wanted to shape her blade. In Faerghus, blades are considered tools of destiny. As a way to cut a path to a better future. She sighed as she placed the cast down and went to the desk to draw her dagger. Even if she had such a blade, cutting her own path was not easy. She was the heir to her home, House- House...now that she thought about it...what is the name of her House? She paused as she put her charcoal pencil down and stared at the fire where Firo was happy humming a tune.
"What..did dad say was my last name again...?" Ymir muttered and closed her eyes to think.
"The name mom gave me is Ymir...but the name my dad gave me is [-]...my middle name is Xiang...but...last name is...wait...why can't I remember?" She thought and grumbled.
Maybe she should ask Sylvain or Glenn the next time she goes to visit them. She needs to punch Miklan when her mother isn't looking. Yeah, she should definitely do that.
"(Hey Ymir! The brass is ready!)" Firo said and that made her snap out of it.
She grabbed the thick welding gloves that were hung on the wall and put them on. With that, she grabbed the metal tongs and began to carefully pull out the bowl with the molten brass. She was using a bit of magic to increase her strength but also keep herself cool. Despite only being 3 years old, Ymir was a talented girl. The downside was the grueling training she goes through by Cornelia.
"(Careful now.)" Firo said as she poured the molten brass into the cast to shape it to brick.
Ymir let go of a sigh as she waited a few minutes for it to stop bubbling then used her ice magic to cool it down. Grabbing another metal pole, she stared at it nodded.
- 3 hours later -
"(Not bad. But you need more work. Why not ask your uncle?)" Firo said to Ymir as she was sitting down, looking at the dagger she forged.
She had a scowl on her face looking at it. The dagger had a warp, it wasn't straight, there were chips on the end, showing she put it into the oil too fast. Yeah, she was disappointed with it. She threw it at the wall where it shared to pieces. There multiple pieces of broken metal on the floor. Those were her past trials.
"(I can't...not as I am now...I don't want to cause trouble for him...)" she muttered as she just let go of another disappointed sigh, closing her eyes.
Then why not just make him listen to you?
Instantly her eyes shot open and frantically began to look around.
"No,no, no,no!" She dug her fingers into her hair, scared.
"You don't exist! You don't exist!" She began to say all of a sudden.
Haha~ I exist. You have to stop denying me [-] You can't run away from me forever.
"YOU DON'T EXIST!" The girl suddenly yelled, catching Firo a little bit off guard but he knew what the girl was going through.
After all, her father went through the same thing. Ymir's and her father's Crest were a bit on the special case. It wasn't exactly normal like the rest of the Crest. This one...you had to be extra careful with it. One wrong move and it would trigger a disaster. Ymir took deep breaths as she stood up and went to the back room to change into her original clothing. Once she made sure she put everything back in its place, plus taking the small little black cage Firo lives in, she left the building, locked the door, and headed to the bookstore where her uncle was. She needs to take her mind off that voice.
- Near the Road: 2 Days Away -
"Hyyaaa!"
"Haa!"
The sounds of wooden swords clashing and the yells and grunts of those practicing, Arisa was getting massacred in the practice spar she was having with Amir. The Duscurian girl held two wooden swords like a bushido samurai, if she had to put it in better terms, similar to the dual wielding blade techniques of Minamoto Musashi. The girl twisted her body to the right to dodge Arisa's thrust. Jeralt was surprised this sword style technique. Arisa suddenly screeched when Amir suddenly went in a spread-out leg position and kicked her off her feet.
"Arrghh!" Arisa said as she landed on her back and just stayed on the ground, arms and legs stretched out, panting.
"Sword level training with her is way past Dad's training level..." she thought as Amir loomed over her with a blank look.
"That all you got? Your posture isn't straight, your back is hunching! Your hair needs to be tied!" Amir said, looked down at her friend while gently tapping on of her wooden swords on her back.
"Hahahaha! Losing so badly! I never seen you so beat down!" Sothis laughed as she sat on a barrel, watching the sparring exchange.
"No fair! You been gone for two weeks and till now you appear when I'm getting murdered in this?!" Arisa mentally yelled as Amir helped her get up.
It has been two weeks since they have departed from Duscur. Amir was able to open up thanks to everyone in the group. Especially with Anna because the two would mostly be discussing different trading routes and new laws and deals that be proposed in the world of merchants. Arisa suggested the copyright law from her old world and explained it to them. Anna quite loved the idea. Meaning, if anyone even dared tried to produce something that was hers and they didn't have permission, she would gladly ruin them. Arisa honestly suggested it because she wanted to share the different literatures from her old home. Back to the sparring session, Jeralt was impressed by their sparring match and did question if Amir was trained by another noble Duscurian family. The double blade wielding technique is one of the most difficult ones to master and also extremely rare in this age. Only so few know it. The girl is using not only that technique, but also that of assassins. She wielded her blades like an assassin but also sword Master. Amir also had a strange habit of going on all fours and attacking like wolf.
"Ha!" He snapped out of his thoughts as the Duscurian knocked Arisa's sword out of her hand and pointed the wooden blade at her neck.
"My win." Amir grinned.
These past two weeks have been well. The group got to know Amir better, allowing the girl to break out of the shell she had temporarily closed herself in. She laughed and told stories of how her culture was. One, was the tale of the water goddess and shadow God her family worshipped. The water goddess was said to have blessed her clan with wisdom and the shadow god strength. That explained why Arisa would sometimes see water bubble floating in the air and a couple of the shadows move. Though, Arisa thinks it could be Crest but she has chosen to remain silent about it.
During this time, Sothis watches through Arisa's eyes and listened to the stories of this girl. Humans have always been fascinating to her more and more as the years went by. Their cultures, traditions, languages, knowledge, everything about them was so strange. They all had different beliefs and teachings. Some argue that the ideals of others did not matter, and others accepted them and respected each other. So strange...it was just so strange..yet...
"It all feels so familiar.." Sothis thought to herself.
Now another mystery came to her. Byleth or "Arisa" she calls herself, was a new mystery to work with. The girl's mentality so much older and wiser. Though she had not seen the flames of war, the girl knew hardships and loneliness far better than anyone may give. Since Sothis and her were one, there were times their emotions and feelings were in sync with each other. Sothis pride herself in teaching Arisa magic. Even if the girl tried to do something stupid sometimes. At least it showed Arisa was filled with life. The girl was a mystery most of the time.
But was she really?
She could feel the inner turmoil of emotions Arisa had. Yearning to return back to where she originally came from. She still hasn't fully accepted that this life she was now hers. There was still a portion in her heart that was still in denial. The longing of wanting to see those she left behind. It took her two years to come into terms that the life and family she has now, was her's. She was honest to Sothis that she wasn't the original soul of the body she has. The original owner did die. That surprised Sothis greatly. She has heard stories of souls from lands far far away, that no one can ever reach, to other realms. Their knowledge at times were far more advanced than others. The original soul of the body did not want their father to be alone, thus, cause a temporary rift in time to open and allowing Arisa's soul to come in contact with Byleth. The plea to not leave her father alone was more than enough for Arisa to accept. The girl knows much more. Sothis respected her privacy and wouldn't look into her memories, even if she wanted to. The girl knew more than what she should. She had seen the paths of time. Arisa had to keep hidden her knowledge and pretend to be nothing but a child. It proved at times to be difficult. Arisa wanted to say things, explore, but she wouldn't. Sothis also knew that Arisa was afraid to be lonely, to be left alone. Afraid of the darkness and afraid of lightning. She has seen her shaking and holding her sobs when she hugs her pillows.
"Damn! You win..." Arisa groans because she was knocked down again but took the hand Amir offered her to help her get up.
"Not bad you two." Jeralt clapped as he walked towards them.
"Come on dad...clearly I need to improve." Arisa sighed as she walked over to the wagon.
"Perhaps it's because you have yet to find your own fighting style." Anna suggested from inside the wagon.
She was busy writing a few things she needed to get in the town they will be arriving in two days.
"Huh?" Arisa said as she put her stabbed her sword into the ground.
"Lady Byleth, each person has their way of fighting. Some prefer to fight with their fists, while others the sword. Some prefer the lance or even an axe." Amir said as she handed her a cup of water.
Arisa gulped it down and wiped her lips with her sleeve, since some of it did spill out.
"You're still learning, and it takes time. Right now, you are using a form of fighting that was taught to you. That's alright, but it's also better to add a mix of your own." Jeralt said.
"Well...personally I really love dancing...can I...combine that with my choice of combat?" Arisa said.
Honestly, she wanted to see if she could pull of her own dancing style from back when she was an adult. It was fun scaring Theresa.
"Dancers are really amazing at magic and a small mix of combat. However, they also specialize using swords." Amir said.
"Well, that's something to start with. I have also seen you practice a form of hand to hand combat in secret." Jeralt smirked.
"Ack, I been caught." Arisa laughed a bit nervously.
Truthfully, she has been practicing karate and taekwondo. Taekwondo especially because it is a Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping, spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. That was one of the main reasons why her brother was scared of her when she would be practicing her kicks because she one time accidentally kicked a hole in the wall. Her mother was pissed! Arisa had to use her allowance to repair it. Lesson learned the hard way.
"You tend to focus more on magic and physical combat. Perhaps that may be better suited for you." Amir said.
"Maybe...I'll give it a try at some point." Arisa said.
Everyone looked up to the sky as they heard a familiar chirp and saw Feh flying towards them with a small fish in its talons.
"Chirp!" She chirped happily and Ares not to far couldn't help but smile.
"Looks like she's improving. She should be ready to be used for hunting by next year. Good luck Byleth." Ares said as Feh happily began to eat her fish.
"I can't help but feel she would get along well with Flayn for some reason." Arisa thought.
Well, they'll see how things are in two days. The town isn't very far.
- Two Days Later -
Arriving to the town gates, Arisa could not help but grin seeing the excitement fill Amir as the two girls entered the town. It was similar to the one in Galatea one, minus this one used more blue bricks then red. But something wasn't right. This town felt less lively.
"That's odd." Ares suddenly said and the others looked to him.
"The town should be lively...did some happen to Lord Alexander? This town was never this...dead." Ares said and Anna coughed.
"I guess you don't know huh?" Anna said as the wagon continued on, "Lord Alexander passed away 4 years ago. The one now in charge of this territory is the Court Mage of the Royal Family, Lady Cornelia." She said.
Ares gawked hearing this and sighed.
"So the hag got him..." he muttered to himself, and both Arisa and Amir twitched. "Captain." He turned to Jeralt seriously, "Please allow me to go see Lady Cornelia. Before I left the Kingdom, I used to serve Lord Alexander for some time. Truthfully...this town is my home." He said and Jeralt nodded.
"Understood. I'll have Yofos go with you out of safety precautions. We'll find go rent a place to stay for the month. Be careful." Jeralt said and Ares nodded.
"Thank you. Yofos! Let's go!" Ares said and his friend nodded as the two took off with their horses.
Amir and Arisa looked at each other worried as the wagon moved on ahead. Sothis appeared and Arisa saw Amir twitch.
"What's wrong?" Arisa asked and Sothis hid behind her.
"Is it common for the spirits of this land to make their presence known? I sense a great one. My power is reacting to it." Amir said as she opened her shirt a bit and showed a strange symbol in the center of her chest. It glowed faintly.
"Wait...that's..." Amir quickly closed her shirt when they heard Anna behind them, and the girl looked at her a bit scared.
"Don't worry. I won't say anything. You're not the only one with something like that." Anna winked and patted the girls head.
Sothis sighed as the older woman got off the wagon to head into a nearby shop.
"Goodness...things just seem to be getting more and more aggravated. Even the child here can sense me. At most, she can't hear or see me at least." Sothis said and Amir was looking at Arisa funny.
"The spirit says she is worried about you." Arisa said.
"Yheheheheheh!" Puka suddenly laughed, scaring them and Feh pecked at him.
"Ooohhh! Silence you stupid mut!" Sothos said.
Puka glared and the two suddenly got into an argument.
"And now those two are fighting...ssssighhh..." Arisa sighed and Amir giggled a bit.
So much for some peace and quiet.
- With Ares and Yofos -
"Care to tell me some information Ares?" Yofos said as they rode up the hill on their horses.
Ares was silent throughout the whole ride and truthfully, it was unnerving.
"Lord Alexander von Aubin. Former Holy Knight of the Kingdom was one of the King's Knights. Served 20 years of military experience in both the Kingdom and The Church of Serios. 10 years on the Kingdom and 10 in the church. He was one of 3 of Kings trusted Knight's." Ares said and Yofos was silent as he listened.
"He was the head of this land and was a kind Lord who treated his people equally. He was also the Royal Family's Blacksmith." Ares said.
"Wait, a noble that's a blacksmith?" Yofos said.
"Yeah..." Ares chuckled, "Lord Alexander was well respected because he specialized in repairing Heroes Relics, but also, in creating weapons using rare materials like wootz and umbral steel." He said.
"You sound like you idolize him." Yofos said and Ares nodded.
"I do. But...things became tense between his wife." He said and the two arrived at the gates of a mansion.
Ares blinked when he saw two unknown guards.
"What happened to Cele and Arc?" He thought to himself as the two mounted off their horses as they walked up to them.
"Pardon. My name is Ares and I a former knight that used to serve Lord Alexander. I wish to speak to Lady Cornelia." He said.
The two guards just turned their heads to them. Ares wish he could see their faces but he could tell they gave him a look of disgust.
"Sorry but Lady Cornelia is not here currently. She is away at the capital as the royal court mage. Now leave." The guard said.
Ares narrowed his eyes and turned to Yofos.
"Let's go." He said the two shared a look that spoke many words.
- Back to Town -
"Hhhmmmmm! These sweets are the best!" Arisa and Amir said with stuffed cheeks filled with red velvet cake and caramel drizzle.
The two girls were allowed to explore the town a bit while Jeralt when to pay for their rooms for at least a 1 month stay. Because it was quite a few people traveling, one of the inn managers suggested they rent a cabin that is near the forest. Jeralt had to go to the next building to that. Honestly, it was a hassle but it's better than nothing. He rented one that had four rooms. One for the girls, the other for the men to share and the last one was for himself so he could work on the documents for the next jobs.
"Lady Byleth and Amir! Don't eat so much sweets!" Temes said to them and the girls glared at him.
"HISSSSS!" The girls hissed at him like cats as he tries to take the box of sweets away.
The Baker and his wife laughed as one of the Jorah gave poor Temes a pat on the back. Temes was just groaning in his hands. Jeralt just sighed while Anna chuckled as she left the shop she was in, witnessing the whole thing.
"To think that eating sweets was inherited from her mother..." Jeralt sighed.
A sad smile graced his lips as he remembered his wife. Rosa was full of life and enjoyed eating food especially. Sometimes called a "wild child." Currently they are in one of the major noble towns. This place was under the control of Lady Cornelia. A mage who cured a plague that took the life of the first consort 4 years ago. They were going to be staying in this town for at least a month. His men needed rest and, he needed to complete a trading deal of medical supplies with one of the town vendors. Not to mention a good way to teach the two young girls new battle techniques.
"Hey dad, is it okay if I can go to the bookstore? I want to get some new supplies for my studies." Arisa said as she pointed to a nice-looking store that had glass windows displaying books.
"Alright. As long as Amir goes with you. Just don't go overboard. Last time you bought 6 books and you're running out of room in your room thanks to all the shelves of books you have." Jeralt said.
Seriously, the girl is of a hoarder and her room is a mess at times with books everywhere.
Arisa laughed nervously at this while Amir was getting a few flashbacks from her days in Duscur when she would stay with her grandmother. The old woman loved telling stories of ancient legends from around the world.
"I'll try." Arisa said as her father carefully helped her down along with Amir.
"(Puka, can you feel it? The air is much, much colder! Similar to the Ice god!)" Amir said in her native tongue to Puka who was sniffing the air and growled a bit.
Even Feh had her feathers puffed out.
"Something is definitely wrong in this place. And I don't like it." Arisa thought as the snow began to fall.
A single snowflake fell into the palm of her hand and she stared at it.
It was an unnatural blue color.
- With Ares and Yofos -
"I fucken knew it! That hag killed him!" Ares punched said angrily as they were going down the hill road back to the town.
The two horses looked to each other worried and then to Yofos, who had a frown on his face.
"Ares, you better explain to me what she you mean that the Lord's wife killed him?" Yofos said and the former knight gritted his teeth.
"Around 10 years ago, Lord Alexander was in an arranged marriage with a noble's daughter. That being, Cornelia. She was mage that specialized in healing magic and is one of the 5 most respected doctors of all Fodlan. The first one lives in the Empire. The second one is her, the third one lives here in the Kingdom also, the fourth lives in the Alliance and the 5th, is Florencio, who is a freelancer. Cornelia married Lord Alexander and their relationship has always been shaky. 1160, Cornelia gave birth to a young girl. Many thought with a child born, their relationship would improve but it only worsen. But...Lord Alexander loved his daughter more than anything and would protect her from his wife's rants. 1162, The twins, the young prince and princess were born but the queen consort passed away a few days later to the plague that was going on in the Kingdom. Cornelia found a cure and was able to cure many, thus earning her the position as a court mage from the King to show his gratitude. Sighhhhh..." Ares said.
"Deeeepp breaths. Now, slowly continue explaining." Yofos said.
"Yeah...well...Cornelia...has always been obsessed with finding out the secrets of Lord Alexander's crest. For many generations, House Aubin has never revealed any of their secrets of weapon forging, the power of their Crest and also the two Hero Relics that have been passed down in their family. Lord Alexander along with his friend, Lord Rensen, were the last members of the Aubin blood line. Since, 20 years ago, someone broke into House Aubin and massacred all the people. Women, children, men, even the elderly. Only Lord Rensen, Lord Alexander and Lady Alexandra survived. Lady Alexandra is Lord Alexander's mother. Unfortunately,...they never caught the killer..." Ares said.
"You said Lord Alexander had a daughter. Where is she now?" Yofos asked and that's when the realization hit Ares like a truck.
"SERIOS DAMMIT!" He yelled.
"Hey! Do not say the Saint's name in vain!" Yofos said as they reached the town.
"Sigh...sorry. I just pray that the goddess is protecting Lady A-aaargghh!" His throat suddenly had burning sensation.
"Ares! Wh-oh no..." Yofos face grew pale as Ares coughed.
"Cough...What...cough! Cough! Was that?" Ares said as both mounted off their horses in front of a weapon shop.
"It's a curse. Well, only the individual that has the name is cursed. Ares, you can't say the girl's name..." Yofos said and the knight was really starting to get angry.
"Yofos, stay here. I'm going into the shop to speak with my father. I'm going to get a yelling when he sees me, but I need to know more of the situation." Ares said and left into the shop where his family was.
Yofos sighed as he waited outside. It has been years since he has seen a name curse. Whoever casted really did not want the girl to have her original name. So, it is possible she may be going by another one.
- Bookstore -
"Hmmm...oh? Not bad. Maybe I can try this when I get older."
With a book in her hands, happily reading far in the corner of the bookstore, Ymir was more than happy to escape outside of her suffocating house and let herself immerse reading a book of how to create stainless steel. After what happened earlier with forging the dagger, she really needed this time to relax herself. Firo was asleep in his small little cage, used for protection. The girl hummed happily a tune as she turned to the next page, her eyes sparking as she was reading another method used for forging metals. The owner of the bookstore, a man with light tan skin, brown hair tied in a ponytail and a small goatee, smiled as he saw her continue reading. It was a rare sight to see the girl here in town. Of course, everyone in the town knew that the girl loved to sneak out of the mansion, so they chose not to say anything. She was the daughter of Lord Alexander and kind to many people despite her fear of crowds. The girl loved to read in silence in her free time or study politics at times.
"She reminds me so much of her father. Ah, Alexander, if only you were here, your daughter would be much happier." The bookstore owner thought as he turned to see the door to his store open.
"Oh? New customers." He thought to himself.
It was rare to see travelers come in these days. He saw a younger girl with green colored hair with streaks of brown and the other a young girl who he believed may be a citizen of Duscur. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing once he saw the two girls heading his way.
"Pardon sir, which section has blank journals and ink and pens? I need a few for my studies." The green haired girl asked.
"Of course. On the 5th section, on the third shelf, you will find them there along with other supplies. There should also be a few other books there." He said.
He was a bit surprised by how formal her language was. Perhaps she was a noble of sorts?
"Ummm...do you have any on music?" The other girl asked.
"Of course. They are next to magic books also." he said.
"Perfect!" The green haired one said excitedly and ran to the section.
"Lady Byleth, please don't run in the store!" The Duscurian girl said and sped walk to catch her.
He could not help but chuckle as he saw the young Duscur girl speed walk after the other one. He did notice the small owl that was perched on the girl's head. Snow owls are rare, so he did question how he got her hands on one.
[ - ]
"Look Amir! I can totally use this for one of my spells!"
A frown formed on her Ymir's face as she turned towards the excited voice that so disrespectfully disturbed her peace and quiet. Firo opened one eye and just yawned, deciding to go back to sleep.
"She looks familiar...have I seen her before?" Ymir thought as she narrowed her eyes once they landed on Byleth. For some reason the thought that the girl's hair should be dark brown came to her mind. She didn't know why.
"Lady Byleth...I don't think music and magic work together..." she heard the other girl say as she saw Byleth pick up a book with different music sheets.
"Actually, it can." Byleth said as she opened it to look through a few pages.
Funny how her old world and this one share similarities when it comes to classical violin music. She still wished pianos existed in this world. Thankfully, she remembers how to build one so she for sure, once she has enough money, will build it. The girl's tone suddenly turned to almost that of an adult talking. This caught Amir by surprise. This immediately caught Ymir's attention and silently shut her book to hear the conversation. Magic and music? There is no way they can work together.
"What are you talking about?" Amir said.
"Magic and music true have their differences but they also have their similarities. Let's take dark magic for example." Byleth began as the two girls sat a few chairs away from Ymir.
"Dark magic and Black magic. They are in a form, negative emotions of humans. Music in a way is the same. It can be either happy or sad music. Now, the process of combining is a bit on the complicated side but with the correct knowledge and amount of trying, it is possible. Luckily, we can do this. Allow me to demonstrate my friend." Byleth grinned as she took out her dagger and did a small cut on her index finger.
"Arisa!" Amir screeched.
Ymir was now fully listening and seems this conversation woke up Firo.
"If you have bad intentions, or negative emotions, music mostly tends to have a lower minor. The sound is lower and more towards a base. For example...like if you listing to a ghost story. There are times it does have a high-pitched tune in order to cause a suspense, or also to create excitement for what is to come." She said.
"Now, to good "magic"." Arisa emphasizes that word.
"Music can also bring joy. It can create emotions of positivity. Magic can be the same. It can be used to heal, to protect, defend but also hurt. Now, my intentions are to heal this cut." Arisa said as she looked to index finger that was bleeding. She could feel Sothis watching with anticipation.
Amir and Ymir were listening/watching closely. Arisa smiled and closed her eyes and sang softly. Why not simple a well-known song from her world?
"You are the ocean's gray waves~"
Both the girl's eyes went wide when they saw a green hue of energy surround the cut and heal it. Sothis could not help but smile warmly as she saw this. The girl has improved in so many wonders. Amir and Ymir could not believe their eyes while Firo was silent as he stared at the goddess that floated next to the girls,
"HOW?!" Both Ymir and Amir yelled, causing the shop owner to raise an eyebrow and look over to them.
Arisa and Amir turned to Ymir with looks of confusion until they all heard a "Ahem!"
The three girls turned to the shop owner, who is actually Ymir's uncle, Lord Rensen, and all said "sorry". Arisa then turned to Ymir, finally noticing her presence. When the two girls made eye contact, a strange feeling rose in Arisa. She didn't know why but, has she met this girl before?
"Hello there. I just barely noticed you. I'm guessing you were listening to my friend's and I conversation, correct?" Arisa said politely.
Ymir fiddled with her fingers and nodded shyly as she walked over to them. It was a cute sight honestly.
"Y-Yes. Y-Your conversation on music and m-magic intruded me and I wanted to listen more. S-Sorry if I-I was rude." Ymir said as she bowed her head a bit.
"It's alright. Say, want to join us?" Amir said as she patted the chair next to her.
Ymir's eyes went wide. This was the first time someone had ever offered her to join them.
"A-Are you sure? I-I..." she said shyly and intertwined her hands together.
This was her first time talking to someone other than her mother, the butler and her uncle. Arisa seemed to notice this and nodded. After all, she used to do the same back in college when she had(forced) to do presentations for her communication and drama classes.
"Of course! My name's Arisa Byleth! Call me Arisa. And this is my friend, Amir. What's yours?" Arisa said to the girl.
"Umm...Ymir...N-Nice to meet you." The Ymir smiled shyly and shyly sat next to Amir.
Rensen smiled warmly as he saw the girls invite Ymir to sit with them. As the hours went by, he was happy to hear the girls talk so cheerfully and excitedly. Especially Ymir. She hadn't been the same since her father died 4 years ago. Currently she is 6 years old. He suspects that Cornelia had something to do with his death. Especially since he refused to speak about the Crest he was born with. Now, the one to inherit the Crest is his daughter.
"No way! You're supposed to use carbon first then add oxygen to turn it to stainless steel!"
Ah. Now Ymir and Amir were having an argument on creating weapons. Arisa just groans into her hands as the two other girls argued with each other. This reminded her when Theresa and her older sister would get into arguments over Lore stories. She never tried to stop those arguments because they would always turn to her, asking (forcing) her to say who was right. Arisa would always say she neutral and never take anyone's side. Sothis and Firo were actually talking to each other and seems they were actually getting along. Feh was still perched on Arisa's head, fast asleep.
"Ahem!" He had to do again, which made them quite down.
He was happy to see the daughter of his friend so open and talking so much. As he turned to leave to the back to get a few things when the door to his shop opened. His eyes went wide when he saw who it was.
"Rensen, it has been quite some time." Ares said and the old man nearly dropped the books he was carrying.
"Ares?" Rensen said and that immediately made the girls turn their way.
"Big...Big Brother Ares!" Ymir yelled out and the said man turned to the girls.
Ymir jumped off her chair, ran full speed towards him and...
"OOOOFFF!" Rammed her head into his stomach at full speed.
Arisa and Amir both cringed witnessing this and Ares groans as he held his stomach and smiled weakly to her.
"L-Lady Ymir...it's...been a long time...you were...just two years old the last time I saw you..." he said weakly and was using the wall for support.
The girl never got rid of the habit of ramming her head into friend's stomach after these years. Apparently, it was something her grandmother used to do when she was her age. Ymir's tiny small strand of hair that would stick up, moved rapidly to show she was happy. Honestly it was a cute sight.
"Welcome home! I'm so happy to see you back at the Kingdom! I thought I would never see you again! Are the others with you as well? You know, Cele and Arc? Timothy, Wu, Nightingale (Arisa: There's a Florence Nightingale in this world?!), Isaac and the rest?" She said.
Ares looked over to Rensen and then turned back to her now that he has recovered.
"It's...just me today. I'm with my friends. Oh, I see you've met my Captain's daughter and her friend. Lady Byleth, I didn't think you were here." Ares said and Ymir turned to the girls as she saw them getting off the chair and walked over to them.
"Good evening too Ares. Dad went to rent a cabin for all of us to stay in since we are staying for a month. Also, I came here to buy a few things." Arisa said.
"Umu. I personally was hoping I can a book about Duscur flowers. I want to see if I can plant a few here in Fodlan. Grandmother passed down a box filled with seeds of different varieties of Duscur flowers." Amir said.
"So...Big brother Ares serves you now..." Ymir frowned to Arisa and the girl raised an eyebrow.
"Serves? I think not. Ares is a respected mercenary-" she was interrupted, by Ymir's sudden cold voice.
"Knight." Was all the pink orange pastel hair colored girl said.
"Okay? Ares is a respected knight AND mercenary in my dad's company. Yeah, he works for my dad but that doesn't mean he serves me. He's a friend." Arisa said.
"Then why does he call you "Lady Byleth"?" Ymir said.
Look at you...are you jealous...? How cute. Are you angry at her? Want her to go away? Scared?
Ymir was silent as that voice rang in her ear and Arisa spoke to answer her question.
"Look, I personally prefer to just be called Byleth or Arisa. No need for formalities. But, if they want to keep calling my Lady Byleth, that is their choice not mine." Arisa said.
Ymir pouted and turned to Ares, pointing a finger at him.
"If you call me Lady Ymir, and her Lady Byleth, then you are to also call Amir, Lady Amir! That is your role as a knight!" Ymir said with puffed cheeks.
"Leave me out of this." Amir groans.
Rensen could not help but laugh while Ares was giving him the look of "please help me".
"How about I just call you all just your names? Ymir, Byleth and Amir. Better?" He said.
"Yes!" All three girls said.
- Later at Night -
After taking Arisa and Amir to the cabin for the night, Ares accompanied Ymir to the forest where she told him was a way to sneak back to the mansion without getting caught.
"I'm so happy you're back! I won't be lonely anymore! Also, you can help me learn how to use a lance!" Ymir said cheerfully as they walked down a hidden pathway.
Ares gave her a small smile and patted her head.
"I'll only be here for month but if you need help training, I'll be more than happy to do it." He said.
He internally was frowning when she said she wasn't going to be lonely anymore. He learned from his father and Rensen that Cornelia had fired everyone that served Lord Alexander after he passed away. But something did not add up. About half of those that were fired have been missing since she had fired them. It didn't make sense. He knew for a fact they didn't just leave the Kingdom. This town was their home. Especially his friends Arc and Cele, who were his fellow knights. Plus, learning that everyone was replaced right after they were fire with a bunch of unknown people, was distrusting.
"What? Only a month?! Wwwhyyyy?" Ymir whined and he chuckled a bit.
"I'm not a knight anymore Ymir." He was still getting used to calling her that name than the one her father gave her "Also, I have a job and I'm happy where I am. I've learned so much and met many new people." He said to her.
Ymir pouted and stomped her feet.
"It's not fair!" She said, "How is you get to anywhere you want to be, and I have to stay here?! I hate it here! Papa and everyone I know is gone but you and uncle! Now you're saying you can't stay here anymore?!" She said.
Ares sighed as he bent down but not before he noticed something strange. One thing he had that only Lord Alexander knew of was, he had an amazing night vision and he spotted one of the plants nearby freeze solid.
"Ymir, I know it's been difficult since your father passed away but please try to understand." He said.
"Then take me with you!" She blurted out.
Ares blinked.
"When you have to leave take me with you! I can't stand being in that mansion anymore! Mama and all the servants look down at me and I hate the extreme magic training I have to go through! I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!" She yelled as tears ran down her face.
Instantly, Ares backed away as icy spikes formed all around the ground and the girl gasped.
"This power...Ymir...you..." he gasped and Ymir just cried.
"I hate this...I hate this power...Mama wants it so bad...I hate it...wwwwhhhAaaaaaa!" The girl began crying and be carefully walks over to her and hugged her.
If only he could call her by her real name.
"It's alright. It's alright." He said as the girl cried in his arms.
"Lord Alexander...what can I do to help your daughter...?" He muttered as he looked up to the sky.
Only the heavens have the answers...
- Back with Arisa -
She was currently alone in her room, staring blankly at her journal. During the time she got to know Ymir, the girl had asked her a question that has never left her mind. It bothered her, a lot. Arisa walked to the mirror and held a strand of her hair in her hands. The light color brown hair faded to teal. But the question Ymir asked her...
"Has, your hair always been light brown fading to teal?"
"Well, it used to be completely teal, but it wasn't till last year I started growing the same colored hair as my dad. Why the sudden question?"
"O-Oh. It's just...for some reason the thought that your hair should be dark brown keep running through my thoughts. Have we...met before?"
"Well, I did see you at the Queen Consort's funeral two years ago."
"Oh! No wonder you looked familiar! But, no! I mean, have we met before that day? I feel like I met you long before that."
"Not that I know of..."
"I see. Umm...this may sound strange but, have you met someone by the name Theresa?"
"..."
"W-Well, you see, that name keeps popping up in my mind for some reason. Also, the name Arisa sounds familiar despite being foreign. Hmm...I'll have to ask Sylvian or the others about it."
"Please don't."
Arisa sighed and made her hands glow a bit and touched her hair, making it turn to a dark color brown and her eyes to her original color from her old body. The girl looked at herself in the mirror and just stared.
"Look at you."
She turned and gave Sothis a dry stare as the goddess floated over to her and circled around her.
"I do not recall teaching you how to change your appearance like this. Did you read it in one of the books you bought or invented it yourself when no one was looking?" Sothis said and Arisa just sighed. She places her hand on the mirror and it rippled, showing the image of a a young adult woman in her mid-20's, dressed in modern clothing. She was smiling, laughing, and walking beside her, was also a woman the same age as her, dressed in red summer dress and beach hat. The two were drinking coffee and talking to each other casually.
"The one with the dark hair, that's how I used to look like." Arisa began and Sothis listened.
Arisa has decided to open up a bit about her past.
"Just like you Sothis, I came from a place far, far, far away. This knowledge..and everything that I remember...I call it both a blessing and a curse. I...really hate being alone. It's the one fear that I truly have. To be alone." She said and Sothis hugged her gently.
Arisa hugged her back and there was a comfortable silence.
"I understand...I truly do..."
Chapter 11: Dual-Ego: Part 1: Girl of Sorrow
[ - ]
A bit on the heavy side this chapter huh? Next chapter were going to see some pretty intense moments. Ymir's true role will soon be revealed and how she will be one of the main key roles to the first steps to take down Those Who Slither in the Dark.