- 2 weeks later After the fire: Verdant Moon: August: Kingdom Capital -
"Did you hear? Lady Ymir is gone..."
"To think the fire also burned her face also."
"Hush! Respect the woes of a mother who lost her child!"
"You sure? You know there's a rumor that she was involved in the death of Lord Alexander."
"Ssahhhhhhh!"
Every single whisper irritated her. Her heels clicked as she walked towards the gravestone with etched letters and covered in white lilies. Her black feathered dress was still fancy, but her face held another story. The left side of her face was covered by a white mask that hid the sacred flesh of burned skin. She was doing everything in her power not to murder the nobles who dare whisper rumors of her. She held her staff more tightly as she stared down at the gravestone. It was a foggy rainy day. Many were present at Ymir's funeral. The children were crying especially. Sylvain and Glenn hugged their friends tightly as they wept in their arms. Lestia and Dimitri cried on Zach's shoulder while their father hugged them. Cornelia hated this. She felt absolutely humiliated. As the Bishop began the holy mass, Cornelia pretended to weep for the loss of her daughter. She was quite the actress. The usually holy songs were sung, which disgusted the woman more than anything, but she bared with it. As the songs finished and they final prayers said, Cornelia could only be silent as she sat on a bench not too far.
"Cornelia, I give you my condolences." She looked up and saw King Lambert offer her a small smile.
"Thank you...sigh...first my husband now my daughter...why...?" The woman muttered monotonically.
King Lambert could do nothing but offer his condolences to the weeping woman. Not too far, Sylvian could only stare along with Zander.
"Hey uhh...you two." They turned and saw Glenn wave at them to follow him.
The two boys looked at each other and excused themselves from their friends as they went to the empty guest room to talk. Glenn made sure to lock the door and turned to them.
"I'm going to be the first to say it. I'm suspecting foul play." Glenn said and both Sylvian and Zander let go sighs of relief.
"I knew I wasn't the only one. Lady Cornelia looks far too calm for the death of Alexandra." Sylvian said as he crossed his arms.
Zander nodded in agreement.
"Yeah...one of the sad things is that our siblings think her name is Ymir when it isn't. What's more..." Zander narrowed his eyes as he pointed to his right eye, "The woman is shedding tears of a snake. I have been around enough fake females to know real tears from fake ones. And I know for a fact that Alex was never close to her." He said.
Sylvian agreed and turned to Glenn.
"Is there anyone we can talk to? Our parents definitely not. We'll get our buts kicked if we even say that to them." He said.
Glenn was silent for a moment as he thought.
"What about Emily?" He said and Zander instantly shook his head.
"No way! Of all the people you had to say her?!" He said.
"In her defense, her and Cornelia absolutely detest each other. Not to mention she's older than us by 4 years. Also, as a bonus, is one of the five most prestigious doctors of all of Fodlan." Glenn said.
"Yeah but also the bitchy-est one." Sylvian said.
"Rude." Zander said and the boy just shrugged his shoulders.
"Look, let's agree that Emily is our best bet. Besides, she's also the number one queen of g-no, wait, that's Lestia." Glenn said.
"Unfortunately, my sister loves gossip. But I got to agree. Emily is our best bet." Zander said.
"How exactly are we going to explain this to her? We don't have any evidence of foul play. Much less information about Lady Cornelia. All we know is that she is a noble." Sylvian said.
"I don't know. But we got to at least tell her." Glenn sighs.
[ - ]
"Oh Cornelia...if only you knew." With her usual puffy red hair, Emily sat in her own office with a smile on her face as she was organizing papers to put away.
She was in charge of the autopsy of Alexandra's body, but the body of a small child was not her friends. No no. As a matter a fact, the burned body of the child she manages to retrieve from all the corpses of the burned down mansion was not even supposed to be there.
"Body confirmed to have blood issues, blood clots, lack of nutrition, and also very questionable substances, this corpse was an experimental phase." A male voice spoke as she looked up to see a young man dressed in a white cloak to hide his identity.
"Yup. I lied that the body belongs to Alexandra. This body belongs to a victim. My little friend is alive and well." Emily smiled proudly as she put away the papers with results of the body.
"Emily...you're taking a serious risk. If they found out, you lied about the body..." the man said, and Emily just gave him a look.
"First off," she began, "I have a very good reason to hide that my friend is very much alive. If Cornelia learns of this, she will most likely go after her. Second, my loyalty is not to the royal family but to Sirius." Emily said.
"In the past." The man emphasized.
"Yeah, yeah. You get what I mean. Honestly being reborn as a human is a struggle. I don't want to imagine what Serios or the others will think if they discover who I really am. Besides, Serios and I left on bad terms before I got killed back in Zanado. Unlike my little sister," Emily said as she intertwined her hands together, "I am not a tyrant. I don't agree with her methods of control. Sirius loved humans. Even if they betrayed her...she still loved humans. Yes, even I still have my distrust in humans, but I at least understand them compared to her and my three older brothers." Emily sighed.
"Noa." The man said and she glared at him.
"I told you not to call me that name here. Look, is...there any news on Mercedes?" Emily said softly that sentence and the man smiled sadly.
"She and her mother escaped House Barteles. They are already in the Kingdom." He said and the girl let go a long sigh of relief.
"We're the last blood of Lamine...oh the irony of being reborn in the bloodline of the woman that killed me..." Emily had a bitter smile.
"Emily, shall I send my team to retrieve Lady Mercedes and your aunt?" The man said and she shook her head.
"No. I don't want them involved with me for their sakes. Remember? House Martritz is gone. I was adopted into House Zoltras because they were impressed by my knowledge of medicine. I no longer have my original Crest unfortunately..." Emily sighed and looked back to the man.
"Have our spies located where Alexandra is?" She said and the man nodded.
"She was saved by a group of mercenaries and has been taken in. But she has changed, in appearances." He said and Emily nodded.
"I understand. Sigh...Alexander...you left a grand burden on me. Have our spies keep an eye on the town. Also..." she gave him a small smile, "I'm glad to have you back my love. Sorry my physical body isn't an adult; think you can hold out another 10 years?" She gave him a smile and the man just let go of a long sigh.
"I swear...why do you always ask that? You know I will always wait for you. In human terms, I'm only 4 years older than you. Since...I too was reborn as humans like you." He said.
Emily smiled sadly and stood up, walked over to him and held his hands.
"I'm just glad we got lucky that our current families had actual plans of us being in an arranged marriage. Now, get your dragon ass back home before Lestia finds you here or I'll never hear the end of it. I swear that girl may be a 4-year-old, but she acts 13." Emily said and the young man chuckled.
"Well, surprisingly she takes after your mother. When it comes to her personality." He chuckled a bit nervously.
"Thank you love. Now go. I'll finish up here. I'm sure the funeral should have finished right now." She said and right when the young man was about to speak, the door opened and the two turned to see Sylvian, Glenn and Zander.
"Uuhhh...hey Emily and Erick...did we...interrupt something?" Sylvian said a bit nervously.
The young man groans and removed his hood, revealing a young man with dark tan skin, spiky dark green hair and he wore a black band over his eyes. He frowned towards them.
"Yeah, you ruined the moment." The young man now known as Erick grumbled and Emily could not help but laugh.
"Now now, love. Don't scold the kids. Anyhow," she turned to them, "what are you three doing here?" She said as they closed the door.
"Ummm...can Erik leave us alone...? It's important." Glenn said.
"Let me guess, this is about Alexandra?" Emily said and the three boys stiffened.
Erik let go of a sigh.
"Yes, we also suspect foul play. Now spill it." He said.
"Well, that saves us from explaining everything." Zander said as Emily took out her staff and made tea set float to her table along with food.
"For now, sit down. I can only imagine the drama that went down." Emily sighs as the boys sat around the table.
"I have to go unfortunately. My little sister is going to be born in a few hours." Erik said and the others smiled to him.
"I wonder if she'll be tan like you?" Sylvian laughed.
"Hey! In my defense, I'm this tan because I was stationed in dessert for 2 years!" Erik said before he teleported away.
The others could not help but laugh as the boy told Sylvian to shove it.
"I swear, you guys. Anyhow, back to the subject about Cornelia. What made you guys think there is foul play?" Emily said as she poured them tea.
"The hag was too calm." All three boys said, and Emily could not help but burst out laughing at their answer.
"Be serious!" She laughed as she was holding her stomach.
"Uugghhh...this why I protested telling her this..." Zach groans and Sylvian patted his shoulder.
"Look," Glenn said, "I have been suspecting something wasn't right since Lord Alexander passed away. For Alexandra to suddenly have her name changed to Ymir and to supposedly be in a close relationship with her mother? No. She was never close to her. She was close to her father." Glenn said and Emily was silent as she leaned back in her chair with arms crossed.
"What if I told you she's alive?" Emily smiled.
Sylvian glared at her and spoke while the others looked at her shock.
"What do you know? You were the one that said she was dead. Suddenly saying she is alive, what are you playing at?" Sylvian said coldly and the girl had a sly smile.
"Oh that. That was a lie. Alexandra is very much alive." She said.
"You...lied to my father...?" Zander said.
Emily stood up and walked behind Sylvian.
"Now, you three. I have a very good reason to lie. Now, would you rather see Alex in a depressing situation or alive? Away from noble influence that has already damaged her Oh so much. Or," she moved to be behind Glenn, "To live freely and a better life? Even at the cost of the possibility of never contacting any of you ever again. Hmmm! Think about it." She said coyly.
The three boys were silent as she went back to her seat and took a sip of her tea.
"Just...where is she now?" Sylvian said.
Emily sighed and smiled sadly.
"A place where she will truly flourish. A place where she will truly call home and have a family. A place, where she is truly safe." Emily said.
There was a silence till they heard small sobs and saw Sylvian crying with a sad smile.
"I'm just...happy to know she is alive...she is...my fiancé after all...I really do are about her..." he said and instantly Emily split our her tea and began choking on it.
"COUGH! COUGH! SAY WHAT?! OH, HELL NO!" the girl yelled as Glenn groans while Zander gave him a glare.
"Seriously?!" Zander said and Sylvian could not help but laugh.
"Yeah. I got a heads up my friend. Unfortunately, I don't see her like that. Glad at least the engagement between our families is gone. She's like a sister." He said and Emily just groans.
So much for a serious conversation.
- Much Further Back: During the Fire -
"What did you just say?!"
Jeralt roared to Rensen who had his head down in shame as every single person glared at him minus Anna and Ares, who were missing.
"I couldn't stop them. The girls left before I could even make a move. Right now, the entire town is distracted with the manner in flames. I believe in those girls. They will save Ymir." He said.
Jeralt was being held back by Temes from murdering the man on the spot.
The men were all worried until they heard a frantic chirping of owl flying toward them and behind it...
"WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW!"
"MAKE WAY! MAKE WAY!"
"Alexandra!" Rensen cries as he saw Anna carrying Amir and Ares had Alexandra and Arisa in his.
All three of the young girls were unconscious because of the smoke. Ares had gotten Anna to come with him as they charged into the burning manner from the backyard. They could not believe their eyes as they saw the inside of the mansion was burning to cinders and dead corpses. The man did find a strange small device as they searched the burning manner for the girls. It wasn't until they hear Puka's cries that they were able to find them. The three were out cold, hugging each other. Anna and Ares picked up the girls but not before retrieving the Crest stone (relic) before they left.
Jeralt immediately understood and all the men quickly got on their horses, the wyrens on high alert as they surround the wagon to protect it. Rensen and Jeralt quickly got the girls hidden in the wagon and Anna jumped in to start healing them.
"Let's go!" Jeralt ordered has he whipped the reins of the horses and everyone sped off quickly. They all quickly left the town as if an army was chasing them. Though Alexandra was out cold, there was a single thought running through her head.
"I swear I'll come back and liberate everyone from my mother's rule."
- 2 days later -
Her body was sore. Her back burned. Everything hurt. Slowly opening her eyes, she hissed lightly, even opening them hurt. She felt something warm on her forehead and could see a blurry image of dark pink. She recognized it.
"A...nna..." she muttered softly.
The young woman smiled softly as replaced the warm damp towel on her forehead.
"Hey there Alexandra...shhh...go back to sleep. You've had it rough." Anna smiled sadly as she lightly placed her index finger on Alexandra's forehead, and it glowed a bit blue.
"Hmmmm..." the young girl hummed softly as the wagon was filled with her soft snores.
Anna smiled sadly as she finished changing the girl's bandages and frowned, remembering the horrible whip gashes on the girl's back. Those were going to be permanent scars unfortunately. There was also a huge big scar at the center of her chest where the Crest stone once was. It looks like giant spiky thorns was over her chest. Another thing has happened to the young girl is that her once pink orange pale color hair had turned a deep shade of Azure blue, along with her eyes. It has grown much longer, and her little wing antennas have become a bit bigger. Lastly, underneath her right eye, was pale blue snowflake shaped birthmark. Anna let go of a long sigh as she got out of the cart. Once she stepped outside, she was greeted with the worried eyes of the duscurian girl and the forest colored ones.
"How is she?" Arisa said, worried.
She was wearing a dark green Faerghus winter dress with her cloak and fluffy boots. But there was no hiding the bandages wrapped around her head and the small one on her cheeks. It was the same situation with Amir but her left arm was raised and wrapped up to help heal her left shoulder that was fractured. The girl wore a gray colored winter dress.
"She's alright. I used a sleeping sleep so she may rest longer." Anna smiled softly.
"And your father?" She said to Arisa and the girl looked away.
"Captain Jeralt...is still furious..." Amir said.
Anna let go of a sigh.
"It's alright. I'm sure he's giving Ares and Rensen a beating. Especially since the rest of us learned at last minute if your plans." Anna said and the two young girls looked down to the ground.
Anna took a deep breath, trying not to let anger get to her.
"What you two did, was dangerous. Foolish. Impulse. And nearly cost you your lives." Anna said.
"There is always a consequence for your actions. Let this be a lesson Arisa." Sothis muttered as she hugged the girl from behind as Anna continued.
"You two could have informed us of your plan and we would have helped you. Yet, you didn't trust us. You kept silent about it and went through it on your own. Not only that, both Ares and Rensen kept silent about it." The three females turned as they heard Jeralt's voice.
Behind him, was Ares, who could not look at the girl and Rensen, who had his head down in shame. Jeralt glared down at the girls and Arisa took a step forward and let go of a sigh.
"No amount of sorry can make up for what I did..." Arisa said with a bitter smile, "I put everyone in danger... what's more...I..nearly died..." she said.
She had to keep herself from saying "again" because she can guarantee she was going to get an ass whooping if she said it. She looked up to her father.
"I...I take full responsibility for my actions. So... I'll accept whatever punishment you have for me. I'll take in on, as mercenary." She said.
Jeralt bent down and the girl braced herself for yelling but what she did not expect was her father to hug her tightly.
"I swear kid...you're just like your mother..." he muttered and she hugged him back tightly.
Amir all could do was watch till she yelped when she got pulled in by Arisa.
"You too kid. I may not know your parents, but I can tell you're a wild child like my daughter. I swear, you kids are giving me gray hairs." Jeralt chuckled and Amir could not help but giggle.
The rest let out a small laugh as they watched the scene before them.
"Now about your punishment." Jeralt said and Arisa and Amir braced themselves, "You're in charge of hunting and preparing it till we return to Remire Village." Jeralt said.
While Amir was perfectly fine with it, Arisa let go of a small sob.
"Suck it up kid. That's your punishment." Jeralt said.
"I know!"
- Back to Present Time: 2 months Later: Wyvern Moon: October: Location: Gaspard Region: Near Road -
"Ughhhh! I hate hunting!" Arisa groans as she cut open a dear to clean it of its organs while Amir happily hummed a tuned as she ready the knives to skin it.
"This is your punishment for the danger you put yourself in. " Jeralt reminded her as he cut firewood.
Alexandra felt horrible as she watched her friend's father ground them almost for life. In the span of two months, the girl had recovered slowly. Her health returned to normal. Her attitude and personality improved. Rensen couldn't help but chuckle as he ruffled his niece's hair. Jeralt still hasn't fully forgive Rensen for keeping silent but for him to make up for it, welcomed Alexandra and Rensen to his company as the new blacksmiths. Alex was more than happy because finally, she was free. To live her own life and what's more, will be taught how to forge weapons by her uncle. He will also teach her how to use her father's relic tools and the hero's relic properly. The girl was a bit hesitant to touch the relic again but nodded. Currently, Anna was removing her bandages on her back and many gasped once they saw them the horrible scars.
"Oh, what did they do to you dear...?" Rensen said as his first shook with anger towards Cornelia.
"I'm okay uncle. But...mother is a different story." Alexandra said as she looked at her arms and touched her chest.
She hated these scars. She really did. All they did was bring bad memories but...
"We'll get you fixed up once we arrive back to the village. Florencio is a healing magician and could help get rid of the scars." Jeralt said as Arisa nodded.
"No. I want the scars to stay." Alexandra said firmly.
Everyone looked at her shocked.
"I want these scars to remain because they are proof that I survived. When I'm older, I'm going back and I'm taking back the lands my mo-Cornelia stole from my father. That's a promise, I plan to keep." She said and held her necklace tightly in her hand.
"Ara..ara...so you finally accepted me?" Alexandra looked up and saw the figure of a young girl who was the splitting image of herself.
The difference was that this version of her had pure white hair that was a long as Sothis's but straight, red colored eyes with her pupils being the Crest of Aubin, a tattered white dress and skin pale as snow and her lips a light pink. Her teeth also look like they had fangs. She looked like Alexandar's walking corpse.
"Yeah. I still don't like you but if I keep denying you...that makes me no better than Cornelia." Alexandra mentally said and the girl smiled.
"My my..my little vessel has grown. Very well," the girl gave her a small bow, "Call me Cirina. I shall lend you my power till the day we become one." She smiled and Alexandra shuttered.
"Yeah...I'm not looking forward to it." Alexandra muttered.
Arisa and Amir nodded to Alexandra's decision.
"She has grown, much hasn't she?" Sothis said and Amir turned her way.
"So... you're the one Lady Byleth keeps talking about?" Amir telepathically said and Sothis smiled.
"You are correct child. Be honored I saw you and Alexandra worthy to allow you both to see me. Just a small drop of our blood on your eyes was enough for you to be allowed to see me." Sothis said and Amir huffed with arms crossed.
"I'm disappointed! I was expecting a grand spirit like the forest goddess and all I'm seeing is gremlin with a snooty attitude!" Amir said.
"Pffft..." Arisa slapped her hand over her mouth, trying to hold her laughter as was Alexandra.
Puka, Feh, and Cirina were already laughing. Sothis's face turned red as her fist shook and charged at Amir.
"Y-Y-you...HOW DARE YOU BRAT?!" She boomed as both Alexandra and Arisa lost it as the goddess and Amir got into verbal mental fight.
The adults just looked at the three girls weirdly.
- 1 Day Later -
"Pardon! Forgive us for disturbing you but we need to get to Gaspard Town. If it be alright, could we ride alongside you?" An older woman approached Jeralt as the group was taking a small break.
A young girl stood next to the woman and was a bit scared.
"Sure. We're heading there anyway. I don't mind." He smiled to them kindly.
"Thank you so much!" The woman bowed repeatedly, and the girl only did it once, politely.
"It's alright. No need to bow so much. I'm Jeralt and this is my mercenary team." He said and the others waved.
"Oh! I'm Charlotte and this is my daughter Mercedes. We're on our way to Fhirdiad but unfortunately the weather is turning colder. A downpour is coming tomorrow." The woman now known as Charette said and the girl, Mercedes nodded.
The minute Mercedes's name was mentioned, Arisa jumped out of the wagon like if she was robbing something.
"Ow!" Unfortunately, the girl landed on her face like an idiot in front of the three.
Jeralt let go of a long sigh while Charlette could not help but giggle.
"Are you alright?" She heard a gentle voice that could only be described as the voices of angels, their hand reached out to her to help her up.
Looking up, Arisa saw a young girl with light brown hair tied in a side braid with a gold ribbon, with soft gentle blue eyes, and wore a simple brown dress with a brown fur cloak.
"An angel..." Arisa said.
Mercedes just looked at Arisa shocked and the adults were trying not to laugh.
"Ghhaa! I'm sorry about that!" She screeched as she gently took Mercedes's hand.
"Ufu~ It's alright." Mercedes chuckled lightly as she helped her up.
"That idiot there is my daughter, Byleth. Sigh...I am sorry about that." Jeralt said and Arisa sent him a glare with a pout.
"It is alright." Charlotte chuckled and one thing Arisa noticed that no one did.
There was a damn small blush on her father's cheeks that you couldn't notice unless you rrrreeeeaaaaalllyyy looked, as Mercedes's mother giggled.
"Oh dad...are you serious?" Arisa internally groans because looks like she's about to witness her father possibly like someone.
Well, she didn't mind. Though she never met her birth mother of this world, she thinks it's a good thing for her father to meet someone new and possibly fall in love. Then it struck her. If that happened, then that would mean there might be a good chance her and Mercedes could become stepsisters. Well...she personally wasn't against it. Just...yeah. She rather figure that out later. As for Jeralt, he welcomed the two women to the group, and Arisa decided to get to know Mercedes better. Everyone got back on their horses or the wagon and began to head towards the town. It was going to be 4-hour ride. Right now, Mercedes was riding with the girls in the wyvern cart, because she was curious.
"It's a pleasure to meet you three! My name is Mercedes...Martritz! 10 years old. Thank you again for letting my mother and I temporary join you. We...been through a lot." She smiled sadly.
"I see...so it's that time. This is the year Mercedes and her mother escaped her stepfather, and Emilie….I'll see if I can find a way to help them." Arisa thought as she watched Amir smile to introduce herself.
"It's alright. I'm Amir Amaryllis, 8 years old! I'm from Duscur! And this is my friend, Puka." Amir grinned as Puka purred as he made himself comfortable in Mercedes's lap.
The girl chuckled as she gently petted the fox.
"I'm Arisa Byleth Reus Eisner. 6 years old and turning 7 in a few days. Wait, I'm already 7." Arisa smiled and pointed to Feh, who was perched on her head.
"This is Feh, my Snowy owl. I also have pegasus named Red Hare back at home." She said and Mercedes smiled.
"I'm Alexandra Aubin. 6 years old. I don't have a pet yet." Alexandra pouted and the older girl could not help but chuckle.
"Oh, are these wyrens your pets also?" Mercedes asked as one of them snorted.
"Well, we actually got them from beating bandits. I managed to tame them and since...you know...we beat those bandits." Arisa said.
"Oh! That sounds very dangerous. It must be difficult being a mercenary." Mercedes said and Arisa nodded.
"It is. But, honestly, I wouldn't replace this life. Guess you could say...this journey..." Arisa smile warmly as she touched her heart, "I finally found peace to be able to move on without clinging to the past anymore more." She said.
Everyone stared at her in surprise till Mercedes nodded.
"I understand." She smiled warmly.
"Ooohhh! I'm bored!" Alexandra whined as one of the wyrens just snorted.
"Arisa, how about you tell us a story? It's been a while you know?" Amir said.
"Oh? A story?" Mercedes eyes lit up.
"Hmmm...how about a ghost story?" Arisa grinned.
"A ghost story?" The other three said in union.
Arisa grinned as she stood up, had Feh land on Mercedes's shoulder, dusted herself, and smiled.
"Gather around, children and adults and let me tell you the tale... The Tale of Okiku!" She said excitedly.
"(The hell Byleth?! Are you at it again with your stories?!)"
That was Yofos speaking in Brigid language and Arisa yelled back at him.
"(Fuck off Yofos! Let me enjoy this for Serios sake dammit!)" She yelled back.
"(WHO THE HELL TAUGHT YOU TO CUSS EH?!)" He yelled back.
"(OH, SHOVE IT!)" She yelled.
"Okay, knock it off!" Jeralt yelled and the others could not help but laugh.
Mercedes giggled while Arisa just huffed.
"As I was saying," Arisa raised her hands, making a basketball size water bubble form, different images reflected on it, "A long, long time ago, in a country called Japan, lived a beautiful young woman, named Okiku." She said and inside the water showed a young woman.
Mercedes watched in amazement as the story played before her.
"Okiku was servant in an Emperor's palace. She oversaw keeping clean 10 plates that the Lord would use to entertain nobles." She said and the image turned to the young woman cleaning the plates, one by one.
"Every day, she could clean carefully these plates and not to chip them because she did, the lord world have her head. Being young and beautiful, Okiku caught the eyes of many warriors in the palace. One in particular, was a man named Aoyama, had dreadful thirst/obsession for her. Every day he tried to woo her." Arisa said and the images changed to a young man presenting gifts to Okiku.
"But Okiku would reject him every time." She said and the woman turned away.
"He grew frustrated. If charm nor gifts work...then trickery." She said coldly.
Arisa saw Mercedes narrowed her eyes while the other two girls raised their eyebrows. The man in the water bubble rubbed his hands together with a coy grin. The image changed to him being in front of the 10 plates and hiding one away.
"Aoyama stole one of the 10 plates of the emperor and confronted the poor woman, demanding to know where it was!" She said and the image showed the man pointing to the plates, one missing and the poor woman in horror.
"Okiku was terrified and counted the plates. 'One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.' Every time she counts, it would be the same number...9... 'The Lord will end my life." the image of the woman weeping till Aoyama appeared before her with his hand reaching out to her.
"Aoyama was pleased seeing her like this and offered a deal... he would not tell the Lord about the missing plate if...she became his lover." She said.
Mercedes had a frown on her face but was honestly enjoying the story while the other two were feeling shivers for some reason.
The image if Okiku slapping his hand away was formed.
"Despite fearing her life, she refused his deal. Aoyama descended into madness and ordered his men to beat her and tie her suspended above a well!" She said and the color of water bubble changed to a dark purple, showing Okiku suspended above the well.
"The poor woman suffered the dastards wrath as she was repeatedly dunked into the well! She was only brought up to beat her and asked to become his woman. Even in this time, Okiku refused to become his! The man had enough! And let her drop down the well to her death!" And the image showed Okiku falling to the well.
Mercedes and the girls gasped in horror till Arisa smirked. She purposely made the small light in the cart turn off, the only light was her water bubble, that glowed an eerie purple.
"Did Aoyama really think this was over...ufufufufufu~ Oh, how he will truly regret his actions! Okiku became a vengeful spirit! Her anger and wrath allowed her soul to remain in the world of the living! Okiku's mutilated body rose from the well to walk the castle halls in search of the missing plate!" The image changed to a form of woman with a bloody dress, limping as she walked down the halls.
Amir and Alexandra were suddenly hugging each while Mercedes...had sparkles in her eyes (Sothis: what on earth is wrong with her?!).
"In a gasping voice... she walked the halls, "One...two...three...four...five...six...seven..eight...nine..." she purposely made a creepy voice as she spoke then...
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The image of the woman let out a terrifying piercing shriek.
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Oh my! What happens next?!"
"Bwhahahahaha!"
Jeralt was just groaning into his hands as he sat at the front steering the horses. The others were entertaining listening to the story while Jorah was terrified. Let's just say his country has a different version of the spirit of the well.
"Seems...my daughter is quite enjoying the story." Charlotte chuckled a bit embarrassed as she looked to the back to see the second cart.
"YOU'RE A BITCH ARISA!"
That were the angry yells of Amir, Sothis, and Alexandra while Arisa was laughing and Mercedes who was giggling happily. This was how Mercedes learned to love the thrill of ghost stories.
"Hey! Who taught you those words?!" Temes yelled back there.
"Back to the story!" Arisa was trying to recover, "Okiku let out a piercing shriek that penetrated the castle walls, and she did this every night." Arisa gasped, finally recovering from her laughing fit while Mercedes was telling the other two girls that everything was alright.
"Those who heard her count would become ill and those who heard her finish counting, died. Every night, her screams tormented Aoyama, he could not sleep. This was her revenge for making her suffer." Arisa said as the image changed to Aoyama in pain, unable to sleep.
"The emperor of the palace called forth the help of a priest to get rid of her soul. How does one bring rest to such a vengeful soul?" Arisa said the image changed to the priest at the end of the hallway and Okiku slowly heading his way, counting.
"He came a night, listen to her counting. "One...two...three...four...five...six...seven...eight..nine..." she said and Amir, Sothis and Alexandra where shaking while Mercedes was excited to see what would happen next.
"TEN!" The priest yelled immediately once she did her count! All anger, sorrow, and rage melted away from Okiku's face. Peace befell her soul...relief that someone had found the missing plate. She returned back to the well... never to return again." Arisa said as the image showed Okiku in peace as her spirit returned to the well.
"Or did she now?" Arisa a grinned while Amir, Sothis and Alexandra flinched as Mercedes giggled.
"They say when people find bugs in the wells, that it is part of Okiku's curse." And the water bubble popped, and the lights went back on, "That is the legend of Okiku. ``The End." Arisa smiled.
Mercedes clapped her hands, truly enjoying the story while Sothis, Amir and Alexandra, looked like their souls left their bodies.
"Wonderful story! I would love to hear more!" Mercedes said happily.
"NO!" the other three said and the other two burst out laughing.
"Excuse me girls."
They turned as they saw Mercedes's mother come in while a small bundle in her right arm.
"Forgive me for interrupting, I'm sharing some of the pound cake I had packed away. I already gave a slice to the other. These last for slices are for you girls. Enjoy." Charlotte smiled kindly as she gently handed the wrapped bubble to Mercedes.
"Thank you, mother." Mercedes smiled and the woman nodded before she left.
Mercedes gently placed the wrapped bubble on the floor, and undid the knot, revealing a nice pound cake.
Cake, Cake!
A round, round cake!
This round, round cake...
Who could it be?
Mercedes began singing and Arisa blinked.
"Out of all the songs in the world...it had to be that one...?" Arisa mentally said while the other two girls were confused.
Is the cake Arisa?
No not me!
I am the raspberry.
The round cake is red!
Is the cake Amir?
Arisa sang back and Mercedes blinked but nodded with a smile as she handed a slice to her. Amir blinked but went along with it and gently tapped her fingers as she was handed one.
No not me!
I am the apple!
The round cake loves Mercedes!
Is the round cake Alexandra?
Amir grinned and Alexandra stuttered as the song was passed onto her.
N-No not me!
I-I am the pumpkin!
It-The round cake is sweet!
Is-Is the r-round cake Mercedes?
Alexandra said nervously as the girl turned to her and was handed a slice. Mercedes giggled as she shook her head.
No not me!
I am the melon.
When the melon breaks, it creates a sweet dream.
Mercedes sung, all girls smiled and began singing together.
But tonight's dream is a bitter one.
Atop of a plate is the dream of the cat.
Round and plump.
Everyone eat up!
"Ahh!" And the four girls took a bite out of their cake.
"It's so good!" All of the squealed as they chewed.
The adults couldn't help but chuckle as the ride continued on.
- 4 hours later -
"Thank you so much Sir Jeralt! Is there any way we could repay you?" Charlotte said as Jeralt shook his head and smiled.
"No, no. It is alright. I think the pound cake was more than enough. I hope you are safe on the rest of your journey." Jeralt smiled to her kindly and the older woman blushed a bit.
"T-Thank you." She said shyly and he had a small hue of red on his cheek.
What no one expected...
"(Sexy Wolf whistle)!!" Both adults' heads snapped to the wagon and there they saw grinning mischievously were their daughters, while the other two girls were just shaking their heads.
"MERCEDES/BYLETH!" Both Jeralt and Charlotte said in union and everyone else could not help but burst out laughing.
"Umm...Captain..cough!" Temes cough as Jeralt turned to him, "We're going to rent a few rooms for us to stay in for the night. For now...um... why don't you accompany Miss Charlotte to where she will be staying at?" Temes said as he coughed again and his eyes instantly met the other three men, their eyes went sharp.
Anna just shook her head. Guess you could say they were in... wingman mode.
"Oh! That's right! My daughter and I will be staying in the local church for some time. At least till the rain is over." Charlotte said.
Jeralt had to keep himself from frowning at the mention of a church and just gave her a small smile.
"Do you mind if I walk you there? I... like to speak with you more. If that is alright with you?" He said and the woman nodded.
"Of course, I do not mind." She smiled kindly to him.
"Well, I got to go. It was nice meeting you all! I thank you so much. May the goddess protect you all." Mercedes bowed to them.
Jeralt, along with his team, instantly froze when the girl said that. Arisa smiled to Mercedes and nodded.
"Agree! May the goddess's winds protect you! And if we ever meet again, I'll tell you more ghost stories!" Arisa said and the two girls hugged.
No one but Mercedes noticed that she slipped a small piece of paper into her dress pocket.
"If anything happens, contact me or my father using a messenger dove immediately. Mercedes, your brother, you'll meet him again one day. Make sure to keep your ears open on any news on the Bartels family. I'll do what I can to support you." Arisa whispered in her ear.
Mercedes's eyes went wide and looked at the girl in shock. Arisa nodded and Mercedes was trying not to cry at her words and gave her a sincere smile.
"T-Thank you." The older girl said and waved goodbye as she ran after her mother and Jeralt.
"Was that a wise choice?" Sothis appeared and floated near her.
"I don't know...but hopefully...I can help her...even if just a bit." Arisa muttered as she saw her father walking with them.
It will be 8 years till Arisa and Mercedes meet again.
- 2 hours later: Town Restaurant-
"I'm going to kick all your arses to the moon for doing that!" Jeralt said to his men while Anna was giggling.
The group was currently in a local town restaurant, eating dinner before they head out tomorrow.
"Now Captain," Yofos said with a smile, "How many years has it been since you last had that look in your eye? A look of kindness and gentleness. The only people who have ever gotten that look are Rosa and your daughter. I mean...don't you think it may be time to... perhaps meet new people?" He said.
"Got to agree!" Temes snickered.
"I swear you are all idiots! Anna, help me out here!" Jeralt said and the woman just smirked.
"Sorry Jeralt but I got to agree with them! She seems like a kind woman, but also...I can tell she's been through a lot. She had tried look and the same with her daughter." She said.
"She told me she has a son...I honestly refrained myself from asking her more because of how sad she became on the topic. I chose to respect her boundaries. " Jeralt said as he took a sip of his beer.
"I know how you feel Captain...I really do..." Ares said with a bitter smile.
Alexandra had told him what happened to Cele, Arc and the rest. He was devastated and his hatred towards Cornelia grew. Whatever that strange thumb size device is, it looked so weird. He had never seen anything like it before. He does remember that Lord Alexander said that strange thing can have information. But how does that little thing have such?
"I'm sorry about you friends Ares..." Jorah said softly and Ares shook his head.
"Thank you...I'll make it up to Cele by raising our son the right way. That's a promise." He said.
Jeralt nodded then spoke.
"Wait. Where are the girls?" He said and Anna pointed to a table where there were three other kids sitting around Byleth, Amir and Alexandra.
"The three other kids are the restaurant owners. The girls finished eating early and Byleth had one of her books with her. So, she's reading them a story.
"I see. Haha. She reminds me a lot of her mother." Jeralt smiled sadly as he watched his daughter read out loud.
"You know..." Jorah said as he pointed to the slip of paper in Jeralt's pocket, "Quite bold Charlotte gave you her address where she will be staying at. Also, you gave her your address." He smirked and Jeralt just groans.
"You 5 aren't going to let this up, are you?" He said.
"Of course not." They said in union.
Jeralt just let go of a long sigh. Maybe he should consider meeting someone new? Meanwhile, Rensen felt awkward listening and went back to eating.
- With The girls -
"And King Arthur fought alongside his knights! Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, Sir Tristan, Sir Kay, Sir Mordred, Sir Bedivere, Sir Gareth, Sir Percival, The court Mage Merlin and many more! These knights, along with their king, were called The Knights of the Round Table, who stood by their lords' aide and protect Camelot!" She said and the young boy with gray colored hair, light green eyes, and freckles on his face, his eyes sparkled as he looked at her excited.
"Calm down Ashe! Don't rush!" Arisa giggled as the boy shook his head.
"I can't! This is the first time I have ever heard of this story! An amazing knight king who was well respected by so many knights!" Ashe said.
"We want to hear more!" The two little children next to Ashe also agreed.
Arisa had met Ashe and his siblings as she was sitting down, writing in an empty journal the story of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. The boy had come up to her and asked her what she was doing.
"I'm writing a story about a king and his knights. Would you like to hear it?" She said and the boy nodded excitedly.
Through the past two years, she has been writing down as many as the stories and legends from her old world so one day, she may share them here in this world. This no longer felt like something she must do. Ever since she had finally found peace in her heart since the fire, she no longer held sadness. Knowing that her past family and friends were able to find happiness and move on, was what she needed. She no longer felt guilt. She no longer felt anger. She..felt free.
"Now ,now kids." Arisa smiled softly as she patted Ashe's and his sibling's heads, "Shall I tell you the story of King Gilgamesh or Sinbad the Sailor? Or, the story of Medusa? Oh! 1001 Arabian nights?" She said.
"All of them!" The three kids said along with Amir and Alexandra.
Arisa couldn't help but laugh at how much excitement they had.
"Then, allow me to sing you a song of time." She smiled and closed her eyes.
"In time flows. See the glow. Of flames ever burning bright."
Jeralt spit out his beer and began choking the minute he recognized the song.
"Whoa! Whoa! Captain!" Temes said and quickly slapped his back to try helping him recover.
"On the swift...river's drift...broken memories alight."
"Cough! H-How... does she know that song?" Jeralt coughed as he was recovering.
The others looked at each other worried and turned to look over to her. The girl made her hands glow as three white lilies flower crowns grew in the hand and placed one on each of the children. Arisa smiled kindly as she and the girls waved goodbye and went to the adults.
"Papa...are you okay?" Arisa asked her father as he was just barely recovering, and he nodded.
"Yeah...drink went down the wrong pipe. Hey kid," he said a bit nervously, "Where...did you learn that song?" He asked.
"I see...so that's why he was choking...The song I was singing is usually only sung by Rhea." She thought and smiled to him.
"I overheard one of the kids here singing it. I liked it and picked it up from them." She smiled to him.
"I see. Alright then." Jeralt smiled softly.
"By the way...did that Lady give you her address?" She grinned and suddenly her hair was a complete mess from him ruffling it too hard.
"My hair! Papa why?!" She screeched loudly and the others could not help but laugh at this predicament.
"I swear...you and the others!" Jeralt growled but couldn't help but laugh.
He really treasured moments like these.
[ - ]
"Emily, we found Alexandra." Far in the corner of the restaurant, sat a woman dressed in a black cloak.
She was keeping her eyes on Jeralt's group after she and Erik witness them save Alexandra, leaving the town.
"Good." Emily's voice rang in her head, "Listen, seems Ares found something that may contain information we need in order to bring a court case on Cornelia. If possible, sneak into his room and take it. Do be careful." She said and the woman nodded.
She watched as the group stood up, paid for their food and left to the inn they will be staying for the night. The woman used a spell to turn herself invisible and followed them.
"Why can't we have Ares join us Emily? He would be a great help since he does know some information on Those Who Slither in the Dark. Hell, even Alexandra could help us!" The woman said.
"Look, I know how you feel Hana, but we can't afford those two to get involved. They already suffered enough." Emily responded as the woman snuck to the back of the inn and found the window to Ares and Temes room.
She jumped in and found their bags on their beds.
"I'm in." The woman known as Hana said and went straight to Ares's bag but what she didn't expect...
"Umm...Emily...I think Ares has the wrong bag." The woman said, worried.
"What?! How?" Emily said.
"Ares doesn't carry a pile of books that's why!" Hana snapped back.
"Then who has his bag?!" Emily said.
"What the...oh come on?! Who has my bag!"
Hana immediately jumped out the window and looked into the next room. There, she saw the girl named Byleth with an angry look as she was looking through the contents in the bag. Currently, she was alone because the other two went to take a shower.
"Dammit. This is Ares's bag. He's the only one to carry erotic books." Byleth sighed and then noticed a small pouch stuck between the book.
She picked it and opened it. The small content inside of it fell in her hand.
"Wait...this is a USB flash drive." She said suddenly and unknown to her, Hana raised an eyebrow, "I thought advanced technology doesn't exist here..." she muttered as she looked at the ancient yet modern looking USB drive.
It had a few strange markings on it as her hands touched it. Hana went in without a single sound and narrowed her eyes at the girl. Byleth stared at it and decided to try something.
"Sothis?" She said and the goddess appeared before her.
"Yyyawwwnnnn...what is it? You disturbed me from my nap." The goddess yawned.
"Does this look familiar to you?" Arisa showed her it and Sothis narrowed her eyes and began hissing like a cat.
"Hhiiiisssss! I don't know why but I really have a dislike towards that thing! What is it?" Sothis snarled.
"Whoa! Calm down! It can't hurt you." Arisa said as the goddess calmed down a bit.
"This device is called a USB flash drive. It can store an entire library of information in it." She explained.
"Really? An entire library? Are you sure you have not hit your head?" Sothis said.
"I'm serious! If Ares found this during the time of the fire, then that mean this has information that can help me find a way to remove crest and screw Cornelia over!" Arisa said.
"Girl, hand it over."
Arisa quickly turned around and backed away before the hand grabbed her. Hana looked down at the girl as she saw her back away.
"Who are you?! How did you get in here?!" Arisa said and the woman just stood still.
"None of your business. Now hand it over. That is a dangerous game you are playing with." Hana said coldly as she extended her hand.
Arisa held the device to her chest and shook her head. She refused. She needed this information! If she could manage to find a way to look at the information in it, then maybe...just..maybe...she can create the change she wants!
"Absolutely not! No way am I giving this to you!" She argued.
"Emily...I need help here!" Hana mentally said.
"She's just a kid. Use a memory wipe spell on her." Emily said and Hana sighed.
"Sorry kid. I can't have you holding onto it." Hana said and suddenly appeared in front of the girl.
Her hand quickly covered her eyes, but Arisa refused to let go. The woman picked her up, having her a bit suspended in the air. Hana had a frown on her face even if not one could see it.
"Let..go!" Arisa gasped.
"It's alright. You won't remember anything." Hana said and Arisa's blood ran cold.
"No...no...I can't afford to forget anything!" She internally screamed.
"Slipfura." The woman mutters.
Arisa could feel her body becoming weak, her mind blank but...
"NO ARISA!"
Sothis's voice made her eyes snapped open and wrap her hands around the woman's wrist.
"Wha?!" Hana gasped as the girl's grip became tighter, almost as if it was burning.
"No...you...don't!" Arisa gritted her teeth as streaks of her hair became mint green, her eyes flared as she glared.
"DAYLIGHT!"
"AAARRGHHHH!" Hana screamed as she blasted out of the room, destroying the door and creating a crater on the wall.
Part of her cloak was burnt off and she hissed as she felt her right was broken. She gasped as she looked into the room, her eyes going wide as she recognized the symbol that faded away.
"Hana what happened?!" Emily's voice could be heard as the woman gasped for air.
"BYLETH!"
Her head quickly turned as she saw many people going out of their rooms and Jeralt's team along with him running towards her.
"Who are you?!" Jeralt roared and the woman quickly stood up and ran away.
"After them! Rensen, keep the girls safe!" Jeralt ordered and Anna, Temes, and Ares went after the woman.
He quickly ran into the room and heard coughing.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!" Arisa coughed violently she held to her chest the USB drive and hid it in her bra quickly.
"Cough! Cough! Bruhhhhgg!" Her chest hurt, her heart stung, her body burned, she was in pain.
Jeralt quickly hugged his daughter tightly as she kept coughing, blood was seeping from her lips.
"Byleth, hold on!" Jeralt yelled frantically.
"Cough! I'll...cough! Be alright! Cough! Catch...that woman! Cough!" And her body went limp.
Yofos and Jorah quickly ran up to them and began using spellings on her. The girls were worried as Rensen was protecting them. He recognized that cloak.
[ - ]
"Son of bitch! We lost her!" Anna roared furiously as she kicked a wall.
"Who was that? Do you think a spy from the church?" Temes said.
"No. The spies of the church have the symbol of Serios on their cloaks. Whoever this was...we need to be cautious." Ares said as he took out a tobacco cigarette and lit it.
"Let's head back for now. I'm worried about Byleth..." Anna said any the three quickly left.
[ - ]
"Gasp...gasp...arrrghhhhh! That...kid!" Hana gasped for air as she had teleported herself to a nearby forest.
Her hand was holding her right arm with her left hand and ripped off her cloak. She kept gasping for air. She had a gash on her forehead and thankful not a serious wound to the right side of her stomach. She leaned on a boulder and slid down, taking deep breaths to try and focus on her healing process.
"Hana! Hana! What happened?!" Erik's voice ran in her head along with a frantic Emily.
"The...girl...cough! Has the...cough! Crest of Flames...Gasp! Rhea...actually did it! Gasp...arrghhhh!" Hana cried in pain.
"What?! What?! What?! That's impossible! That child should be dead!" Erik said and Emily spoke.
"I swear that woman! She went mad! Hana, hang on! Erik is sending Carmen and Cinder to pick you up! Thankfully they are nearby!" Emily said.
"It's alright! We found her!"
Hana opened her eyes as she saw two cloak figures approach her and quickly took out medical kits.
"What the hell happened?" One male spoke as he took a needle and thread to stitch the open gash on her forehead.
"What the hell do you think Cinder?! She basically got blasted!" The other male said angrily as he was using a healing spell on the woman.
"I know Carmen! I'm saying how the hell is a kid able to cast Daylight?! That spell is highly advanced!" Cinder said angrily.
"Oh, just shut it you two!" Emily roared.
"Isn't it obvious...huff...huff...she has the Crest of flames...but...it put a huge strain on her body..." Hana said weakly as she felt Cinder casting a sleeping spell on her.
"We get it Hana...now just sleep for now...we'll take care of the rest..." Cinder said and she smiled weakly.
"I swear...you always say that..." she smiled and fell asleep.
At the palace, Emily paced back and forth in her office, biting her nails. She was very furious.
"To think Rhea was successful in creating a perfect vessel for Sothis...her obsession with Sirius has gone too far...it'll be a bad move if we kidnapped the girl with Alexandra and brought them here. Not to mention there is a good chance Jeralt and his entire company will try and hunt us down or even go against the Church. Shit, shit, shit! What do we do?!" Emily growled as she kept pacing.
"Emily, I think it would be better if we left the girls alone. Yes, still keep an eye on them but make no contact." Erik said to her and she turned to him with a dry state.
"I know...but...what can we do? With the awakening of the Crest of Flames, I'm sure Rhea must have noticed some change in the Sword of the Creator, no...in all the Heroes Relics! Those Relics recognized their leader! They know the Mother of Crest!" She said.
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF SERIOS?!"
And the two bolted out of office and to the throne room. One of the servants screamed as they saw the king's relic, Areadbhar, it's crest stone pulsing as it was in the stand. Many stared in shock as did the king and his children. Its glowed blue like snow and no one dared go near it. Dimitri stared at in shock and hissed as small sharp pain went through his head. A blurry vision appears before his eyes. He was smiling to someone. Someone was in front of him with their pinky stretched out to him. Their face, it was blur. But….the voice was kind, warm….who?
"Okay..but...pink promise we'll meet again one day?"
"Pinky promise. That is my promise to you Dimitri. I will be seeing you again one day."
"Oh fuck...oh no..oh no no no no..." Emily shook her head as she noticed the young prince eyes slowly turn wide, and small tears form.
They just made the biggest mistakes of their lives.
- Holy Mausoleum -
Three individuals ran to the Holy Tomb underneath the Church of Serios. The door burst open and saw a young man with dark teal colored hair, dressed in a black jacket with long sleeves and wore armor. He looked back to them shocked and then back to the main coffin in the center of the holy tomb.
"What happened Beleth?!" Seteth yelled as the three stopped to get air.
"I-I don't know! I was here guarding like usual and the sword suddenly began rattling!" He said.
"Open the holy tomb, quickly!" Rhea order and Flayn and Beleth began undoing the seal on the coffin.
A few seconds later, the seal was undone and Seteth pushed the lid open. Rhea looked in and gasped as the sword seemed to be pulsing, almost alive. A crooked smile began to form on her face as she realized what was going on.
"Mother...she's...she's..." she began to whisper but.
CRACK!
All four quickly turned to the stone throne high above, a giant crack forming on it.
"What...what on earth..." Flayn gasped as they looked in shock.
Rhea body shook as she looked at the throne. Something was very wrong...
- 1 month later: Red Wolf Moon: November: Remire Village-
"She still hasn't woken up..." sitting alone near the lake bed, Amir hugged her knees as she stared at the surface of the water.
It has been a month since the accident at the inn. They were never able to catch that woman and Amir was able to hide the small strange device that Arisa was holding before the others found it. Her friend looked so pale and no amount of healing magic was waking her up right now. Currently, Arisa is in her room asleep. She's just asleep but she was still so pale.
"Crying will do you no good." Alexandra looked up to see Cirina appear and looked at her with a dry stare.
"Why are you here? Are you here to mock me...?" Alexandra whispered and Cirina just stared.
"No. Just watching? Where is that little shadow friend of yours?" Cirina said.
"Amir has been taking care of Red Hare along with Puka...I've been watching over Feh. Sigh..." she muttered.
"Humans are fragile and weak creatures." Cirina began, " War and bloodshed is constant and natural thing. When war is over, peace comes. And with that peace, war is bound to find humans again. But...it is that peace you have now, you are fighting for. Hmm...Look at you. You're making me remember things my younger self used to say." Cirina sighed.
"I can't help but think if you're the biggest bitch in the world or a child..." Alexandra muttered.
"Hmph. Think what you want. I used to be human also. A long time ago. Well, half human." Cirina said, catching Alexandra's attention.
"Half..human?" She muttered.
"That is correct. My mother was human and my father...was something else. Anyhow, you might as well see your friend. She'll be waking up soon." Cirina smiled and quickly disappeared.
"Wait, what?! Cirina!" Alexandra stood up, shocked.
Alexandra was silent for a moment before she ran back to the village.
[ - ]
"This...hurts..." she slowly sat up and hissed as the light entered her vision.
It felt like she was reborn all over again. Arisa carefully turned her head and saw sitting on a chair, next to her bed was her father. Currently he was asleep and snoring. She looked around and noticed she was in her room. She blinked, and hissed as she held her head, everything coming back to her.
"That's right...that woman..." she muttered.
She looked to the big mirror and noticed her hair had grown awfully long and a bit frizzy but also a single streak of white hair. She groans a bit as her head pounded and noticed her father beginning to wake up. He groans as he opened his eyes and they went wide once he saw her.
"Good Morning Papa." She smiled and he instantly hugged her tightly and she did the same.
"Byleth..." he whispered, his voice cracking a bit as he hugged her tighter.
The two remained like that for several minutes till he let go and she wiped a single tear of his that fell down his cheek.
"I'm so glad you are alright..." he said, and she nodded.
"How...long have I been out? Is everyone okay? What happened to that woman?" She asked a lot.
"Careful. One question at a time?" He said and she nodded.
"The explosion caused a huge ruckus and made many come to inn. Mercedes and her mother were the ones that were able to heal you completely. They stayed here in Remire village for two weeks before they had to leave, unfortunately. Mercedes, Amir and Alexandra refused to leave your side." He said.
"Sigh...I'll apologize for the trouble I caused them. I wish Mercedes and Miss Charlotte could have stayed longer so I could thank them. I'm glad to know they are okay. What about the others?" She asked.
"Well...you sent Florencio to the infirmary. The minute the man saw you, he passed out instantly. As for Sandy, that woman went into a frenzy." He chuckled, remembering that Florencio screamed like a woman and passed out right there in front of everyone while Sandy repeatedly slammed her head against a wall.
"I wish I could have seen that." Arisa giggled.
"Rensen and Alexandra?" She asked.
"Those two are fitting right in. Rensen has been training the workers in the blacksmith shop along with Alexandra, who has become his official apprentice. That girl really is something, I must admit. She'll be a great paladin one day." He smiled.
"What about Amir?" She asked.
"Surprisingly, Sandy has chosen to take her in. Those two have been training together with their swords non-stop. As for Red Hare and Feh, they been in good hands. Those two girls have been taking care of them well. Anna will be staying here in Remire village for a few months." He said.
"I'm glad...I'm just happy everyone is doing okay. And... that woman...?" Arisa asked and Jeralt frowned.
"Unfortunately, we never were able to catch her. We decided the best course of action was to leave. After we paid for the damages of course." He said.
Arisa cringed instantly when he said that. She could only imagine how much it cost. Jeralt stood up and gently picked her up and sat her in his arms.
"Enough said. Guess it's time to celebrate your recovery! Unfortunately, you're going to have to relearn to walk again since you been out for a whole month. Also, should we cut your hair a bit?" He said as she giggled and walked out the room, gently closing the door.
"It's alright. Also, I like my hair long. I look like Rapunzel." Arisa giggled and he could help but snort a bit.
"I swear kid. You're giving me gray hairs." He chuckled as he walked down the hallway and headed to the company.
10 minutes passed and they were in front of the building when he walked in, they were instantly surrounded by everyone.
"Lady Byleth you're okay!" One female said.
"We got to celebrate!" Another employ yelled.
"Someone go call Elder Bara!" Another said.
"Alright, calm down! Back away!" Jeralt said, a bit annoyed as everyone moved out of the way so he could walk towards a chair and gently sat her down.
Arisa giggled and heard two gasps as she turned towards the door and saw Amir and Alexandra. Alexandra had her hair tied in two Chinese buns with a small portion of her hair let loose to her shoulders. She wore a plain blue shirt with baggy blank pants, like an Arabian style male clothing. Amir had her hair tied in a high ponytail and wore a simple white shirt and black ankle length skirt.
"Good morning you-Ghhhhhaaaaa!" Unfortunately, at inhuman speeds those two girls ran to her and pounced, knocking her off the chair and getting hugged tightly by the two, who were sobbing loudly.
Many tears were shed as this scene was watched. Arisa could not help but cry about also laugh as she hugged her friends. She really did miss them and will protect this family of hers.
- Far Deep in the Forest -
"So, the girl has finally woken up. Hana, think you could keep an eye on them a little longer?" Emily's voice rang in the woman's head, who let go of a long sigh as she watched from a tree branch high in a pine.
"Yeah I know. Still, to think Rhea went so far...how could she do that to a child?" Hana muttered as she twirled her knife.
"Believe me, we all have that question, but let us not forget our goal. We of Sirius, is to defeat Those Who Slither in The Dark. That girl, we need to keep her safe from the spies of the church. She could possibly be a future member since she knew about that device. So...I'm having you and the twins go undercover." She said and Hana smiled.
"Well, I don't mind. How did Cinder and Carman take the news though?" Hana asked.
"Cider, okay. Carmen...not so much." Emily said.
"Anything of what went down when those relics glowed?" Hana said and could feel Emily frown.
"We made a big mistake...we awakened the Crest of Flames and now Rhea is ordering her spies to keep a better look out. Also..." Hana turned to look at Florencio and Sandy who were hugging Byleth, "Sandana and Florencio were once members of our enemies. Not anymore though. They left the group 63 years ago. Still, keep an eye on them." Emily said.
"Right right. Anyhow, I'll get my things set up. They're recruiting mercenaries next month, so we'll make our move there. Emily, watch your back. Cornelia is getting active." She said.
"I know...and when the time comes, we'll be ready."
Chapter 13: Autumn Winds: Souls of Resting: End
[ - ]
And that concludes the First Arc of this Story! The next arc will be taking place in the Alliance! Time for our protagonist to meet our Golden Deer Children! The arc will focus on the relationships between Professor and student. Plus, perhaps a little bit of romance? Anyhow! I decided to have a surprise encounter with Mercedes and Ashe! None of you were expecting that plus dropping a few bombs here and there. As for Cornelia, yeah, she got screwed over big time. Half her face was burned during the fire and she wears a mask similar to The Phantom of the Opera. Hope you all enjoyed this, until next time!
Also, a little fun fact. In Japan, Male and Female Byleth have different names. The localization is Byleth for those around the world while in Japan, Female Byleth is called Beles and Male Byleth is called Beleth. Sothis nickname "Fell Star" is a reference to her name in Chinese as "Heaven Wolf Star", where Sirius is one of four stars said to bring bad luck and disasters. The star of Sirius representing invasion and conquest. Ufufu!