It's been three days since Arisa's birthday and the three months in the Alliance was over. One of the few things Arisa was very proud of was being able to publish a book. Her first book just so happened to be King Arthur and The Knights of the Roundtable. The girl was been wanting years to share the literature of her world and now she finally had a chance. The release of the story was huge success and was very popular in the Kingdom. Of course, like usual, she didn't go by her real name. Since she was going by Kiana Kalsana she thought "Might as well go by her mother's name." And since then, her pen name as an author is Cecilia Schariac. Of course, there were other works of literature she wanted to publish but she needs to take it slowly. Rushing it would bring suspicions so one book every three months should work. She originally was going to publish Romeo and Juliet just to see how it would turn out, but that idea went out the door when she found out that story existed in this world. And she is considering of sharing the stories of the Fire Emblem Series but that was a still huge debate. The money she is receiving from her book sales is going into her bank account that she made around a year ago. She was a bit surprised a banking system existed since the first one in her world didn't exist till 1791. So, this felt a bit of a relief for her. Of course, her family each had their own accounts too. The way she had access to the money was a magic card made of orona metal. Though it isn't used for currency anymore, it is used as a form of a credit/debit card. Technology advances were happening in this world but at an extremely slow pace, enough that Rhea doesn't have to worry about. Of course, the Archbishop still had eyes everywhere and keeping watch to make sure there isn't a sudden advancement. She still strikes it down immediately like it was a disgusting parasite. Back to the original subject, she's going to miss Claude but not his pranks. Ooohhh! Her, Amir and Alexandra only fueled his love for schemes and poisons, none of them were looking forward to the new plans the boy was brewing.
"I feel like I just made him advance his schemes to a whole new level of doom..." she thought to herself.
Then there was that paranoia that he was going to be attacked again. She showed him survival skills, how to lay traps, her old side of once being a professor came out on him as she taught him Archery, martial arts and even more when she was teaching him science and astronomy. She was strict, kind, but also helped him when he needed it. Just like she was in her old days. The boy loved his lessons. Especially astronomy. His love for the stars was enough for her to give in and teach him as much she could about them. The boy had an amazing time with her. He still called her "Teach", even though she keeps telling him to call her Professor. By the 2nd day, she gave up, and let him continue calling her "Teach". He also enjoyed listening to the stories she would talk about. His favorites were The Adventures of Sinbad and The Prince of Persia. But he was no idiot. Even being a 7-year-old, the boy was smart, he knew she knew more than she was letting on. It racked his brain even more that he could never figure out what she was thinking. He could usually read others like a book (except her and Amir) but his professor? It felt like he was almost looking at a blank slate, yet she held so much hidden knowledge just waiting to be discovered. Now, his lessons with Amir were good. For a bow user, he was surprised he was good at using an axe and had a bit too much fun at times. That resulted in a yelling from Amir. If he thought his teacher was strict, Amir was a whole new level. He felt as he was being trained by Judith. No, it felt like he was being trained by a military general, but she also taught him a few lessons about being a merchant, much to the horror of Judith because the boy had a way to make deals that sometimes scared the adults. Now training with Alexandra. She was kind, cheerful, gentle. The opposite of Amir but unfortunately the influence of her Crest was still there. She still calls Claude a brat and her personality sometimes has that shift. Ridings lessons became flying lessons because Arisa had allowed her to use Red Hare. Poor Claude had his soul leave his body too many times because the speed the red horse went (on purpose sometimes). Alexandra laughed proudly, enjoying the rocket speed they were going at, same with Falco because the baby wyvern loved flying but would cling onto his master. Claude, at first was scared but grew to enjoy that dangerous speed they would go to. Then flying lessons of riding a pegasus came to whole new level of difficulty.
Wyverns.
The boy had the audacity of buying a wyvern egg from some merchant (*cough* Anna! *cough*) and the yelling he got from Judith and his grandfather made the girls feel bad for him. Almost. The egg has yet to hatch since it takes 5 months for a wyvern egg to hatch. Claude was looking forward to it. But he was going to miss his new friends. For the first time in his life, he felt he belonged. They all accepted him for who he is. They treated him as an equal despite knowing he was half-almyran.
"Why shouldn't I be your friend? Why are you thinking that in the first place! First of all, we're both humans, we all bleed red, the world the goddess, nature, whatever higher being there is, made everyone equal! No one is below anyone! Claude, it is possible for people of all backgrounds to get along and become friends! I speak from firsthand experience. One, Remire Village. One day I hope you'll come see for yourself. Especially my dad's company. Also...my old home. It's far, far, far away. I can never turn to it, but I will always cherish the people there. Yes, we still our problems and prejudice but you be surprised. People united to fight it. It will take years, a slow process but the process will be worth it."
When she spoke her words, she truly meant it. He could see in her eyes that she was being truthful. Did such a place really did exist? What did she mean her old home? What did she mean it was so far away that the path to it no longer exists? Arisa was mystery. One he wished to solve.
[ - ]
He smiled sadly to himself as today was the last day, he was going to see his friends. He watched as the three girls were locked in a three-way sparring match. Even if they were using wooden training weapons, he never tired of watching them. Especially Alexandra, who moved so gracefully. Despite her personality shift because of her Crest when she is near him, she moved with grace and poised as she spun her lance to counter measure Amir's wooden axe. That's when Arisa pulled a gymnast jump and split kick the girls at their chest, knocking them both down. Claude's eyes were bulging out because you had to be beyond flexible to be able to do that! The splits... the splits...
"Dammit we hate it when you pull that move!" Both Amir and Alexandra yelled at her while Arisa was just smiled to them.
"That was a dirty move." Claude muttered and seems his teacher heard it because she turned to him.
"There is no chivalry in real battle. In a really fight, you must use what you little you must survive. Kill, " she pointed her wooden sword at him, her eyes were cool, and no emotion as she lightly lifted her chin, looking down at him, "or be killed." She finished and he gulped.
Claude chuckled dryly as he looked up to her.
"So, it wasn't my imagination when I heard you muttering "I'm sorry, may your soul find peace." Each time you took down a bandit in the missions we fought together." He said and Arisa smiled sadly.
"Yeah. There is no such thing as purity in this world. We are all sinners." She said and everyone looked at her shocked.
"You got...a lot of guts saying that." He said and she chuckled as she began to put the weapons away.
"You be surprised what you learn being mercenary." She said as Feh landed on her chest and the girls stood up.
"Girls! It's time! Say goodbye and make sure you didn't forget anything!"
They heard Florencio yelled out. Arisa sighed and smiled sadly as she turned to Claude, who was frowning but also looking down to the ground. She walked up to him and patted his head, surprising him.
"Hey. This isn't goodbye. We'll be seeing each other one day. I promise. Hope you become a better Archer by then. " she giggled and he nodded.
"I'll beat you next time! Just watch!" He declared proudly and Arisa smirked.
"We'll see little prince. We'll see." She said as they two laughed.
Amir walked up to him gave him a salute.
"I had fun working you to the bone! You finally have some muscles in those flimsy arms. Make sure not to stop your training. Next time we meet, you better expect a sparring match!" Amir grinned and Claude chuckled a bit nervously as he shook hands with her.
"Alright then. Take care General and good luck out there." Claude said and Amir nodded.
"Ummm..." Claude turned to Alexandra and his face instantly began to turn red as she saw the girl was fidgeting nervously, her feathers were slightly fluttering as she shyly kept looking to him.
She walked up and spoke.
"I...I had a lot of fun! I enjoyed spending the day with you and training. I enjoy our days together during riding lessons. Also, take care of the wyvern egg. Make sure to keep it warm. Ummm...take care Claude." She smiled warmly to him.
Claude was silent and suddenly intertwined his hands with her, got closer and...
"KYYAAAAAHHHH!" Sothis squealed loudly while Amir and Arisa were stunned to silence.
Claude kissed her. He parted from them and had a heavy blush on his face, as he turned away while Alexandra looked like a walking teapot and her feathers were stiff as stone.
"A-A-A-Ah-Aaahwawawawawaawaawawawaa-!" Alexandra was a stuttering mess and was trying to process everything that just happened.
"Hey," he turned back to her while the girl was still a muttering mess, "Thank you, for everything. I hope we meet again one day." He smiled kindly to her.
"Awawawawawawawawaaa!" Alexandra was a shaking stuttering mess while Cirina was gagging.
Alexandra gritted her teeth and shook with both embarrassment and anger as she glared at the boy, who smirked proudly. This was the first he had ever seen her this embarrassed and was very much enjoying it. What he did not expect was that she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt also kissed him. Now he was the shaking mess while she barely stuttered out.
"T-That's my-my p-p-promise t-that w-we'll s-see e-each o-other again!" And she summoned her wings of ice and bolted away.
"My aren't you both bold." Arisa and Amir both teased at the blushing mess of Claude.
"Well, then," the two girls patted his head, "We'll see you soon." They said.
Claude finally snapped out of it and grinned and waved as the girls began to leave. He saw Alexandra was already in the wagon, but the girl sent him a playful glare but grinned, waving at him.
The three were confused for a bit why Edward was with them, but Florencio explained that they will be stopping by Edmund Territory to drop the doctor off. Of course, they'll be staying the night at the inns there before they must go through Gloucester Territory to head back. Claude smiled sadly as the wagon rode off and felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw it was Judith.
"You're going to miss them, aren't you?" The older woman said, and he smiled sadly.
"I am. I felt... like I finally belonged." He said and Judith chuckled.
"It's not the last we'll see of them. Who knows, they might even become part of the Alliance in the future." She said and Claude nodded.
"May we meet again one day."
- A few Days later -
Passing through Edmund Territory felt like she was walking in magical forest. Filled with greenery, beautiful flowers, and meeting an adorable little girl that she never in her life she thought she would meet. It seems in this time; Marianne was adopted much earlier than anticipated. The six-year-old girl shifted nervously as she was discovered in the forest. The girl had her light blue colored hair in a braided headband, tied up, and a few sides of her hair loose. She had a little bit of dark circles under her eyes and wore a blue dress. Arisa was strolling through the forest with Red Hare and Feh on her head when the said horse suddenly turned and started walking a random direction. Even Feh seemed to become excited. Red Hare ended up taking them to a hidden flower field that was beautiful. There were so many fae and animals. Deers, squirrels, chipmunks, doves, a few owls, ducks and wild horses. And there, surrounded by the animals, and was happily talking to them, was a mini Marianne. Feh chirped, getting everyone's attention, the blue haired girl turning her way, and eyes widened when they saw Arisa. The mysterious girl gave her a soft smile and nodded.
"Feh, go say hello. You too Red Hare." Arisa said as she mounted off her pegasus.
Feh chirped happily as she lightly flapped her wings and flew to Marianne, who giggled as the snowy owl gently landed on her head and Red Hare who nuzzled her cheek. Arisa smiled softly as she just sat down. She was 10 feet away and rather let Marianne become comfortable then just straight up approach her.
The girl smiled softly as she saw the little girl talk excitedly to Feh and Red Hare excitedly.
She knew to some extent that the Crest of Maurice can allow Marianne to understand the language of animals. Arisa quietly took out her sketch journal and began to draw the girl. She looked so happy surrounded by nature and placed a silence spell on her camera. She snapped a quick photo and could help but smile softly at the cheerful girl in the picture. Sothis appeared and smiled as she went to play with the animals also. While Arisa continued to sketch, now that she had her photo, she didn't notice that Marianne kept looking her way.
"(Curious of our friend?)" Feh said.
Marianne could understand what the animals were saying and nodded a bit.
"She is your friend? Isn't it master?" She asked a bit nervously.
"(No no! On the contrary, at first, we used to think of her as our master but...her kindness and seniority has showed us she thinks of us as family. As friends.)" Red Hare said to her.
"(The girl is a bit crazy but that how she is. She saved our lives and we have chosen to follow her.)" Feh said.
"Having fun everyone?" The two turned to see Sothis and the animals began chattering, happy and saying hi to her.
The fae began circling around Sothis, the goddess giggling.
"Who are you talking to?" Marianne asked.
"(You humans can't see her but there is a spirit here that is with our friend. Her name is Sothis. She watches over our friend, Arisa.)" Feh said.
"(Annoying that is what she is.)" Red Hare said and Sothis growled.
"I thought you got rid of that prideful attitude of yours but you're still arrogant! You used to be so cute back then!" Sothis said back and the two began arguing with each other.
The other animals just had dead planned faces watching the goddess and the pegasus argue while Arisa was just groaning into her hand.
"Why does this happen every time?" She muttered and Marianne giggled.
The girl stood up and shyly walked over to Arisa, who smiled softly. It took a few minutes, but the girl was now near her, even if five feet away.
"Hello there. Nice to meet you." Arisa said softly.
She didn't want to scare her and decided to take it slowly. The blue hair girls' eyes widened but spoke shyly.
"Are you, Arisa? It's what your friends say is your name." Marianne spoke barely above a whisper.
"(It's okay. She's a good person.)" A chipmunk squeaked as the animals gently walked towards them and Arisa could not help but stare.
Of course, the main reason was to defend Marianne. Feh landed on her head and hooted.
"(This is the girl is wiser than her looks. She is a friend of your brother.)" Feh said.
"Do you...know my brother?" Marianne asked as a few of the animals settled on their laps.
"Edward?" Arisa said she nodded, "Yes. He helped a friend of mine find some information...regarding her powers. But...she's feeling better." She said.
"Oh. That's good to here. Ummm...thank you for being patient with me..." Marianne said shyly and Arisa smiled softly.
"You're welcome." She said and there was a comfortable silence until...
"Well..well...well...if it isn't the host who bares the Crest of Maurice?"
All the animals began hissing to the one that stood behind Arisa but only she could see her and the animals. Arisa recognized the voice. It was Cirina. Marianne became worried as the animals and even Sothis stood around to protect her. Arisa turned, thinking she was also going to see Alexandra but no, it was just Cirina, which was very confusing. The white-haired girl stood with arms crossed as she floated and noticed the confused look of Arisa.
"Unlike the Fell Star, I have the ability to travel wherever I wish. I came to this area because it used to be filled with blue lilies. Hmph. I...didn't think I run into a descendent of his..." Cirina said softly and everyone was confused by her sudden tone.
Cirina stared down at Marianne with concern, pity, yet... kindness?!
"A long time ago... there was once a man who feared his own power...but he was more concerned for the one that did not fear him, and respected him." She began softly as she gently floated towards the girl, "He was one of the only people...to have never betrayed her trust while her lover, her own family, betrayed her." She said and gently touched the girls head.
Marianne felt a cold yet warm touch, even if she could not see the person in front of her.
A small flower crown of blue forget-get-me-nots grew on the girl's head. The little girl gasped as she touched them. Cirina smiled sadly as she turned to leave.
"I feel her, and Alexandra would get along. Have them meet at some point. So long." Cirina left with a small wave and disappeared.
What was that about?
- 20 minutes later -
Marianne giggled happily as she was seated to sit in front of Arisa as they rode Red Hare together back to the town. The girl warmed up to Arisa. During the time they were together, the older girl decided to tell her the story of Snow White. Marianne could help but blush when her animals friend turned to her with joy in their eyes. The fae were saying she was like Snow White! Arisa smiled softly as they continued through the town. Many people stared and a few smiled warmly as they saw the young girls. But...
"Arisa, someone is following us." Sothis appeared and glared to a hidden alleyway.
Arisa turned to look that way and noticed a man in a cloak. She instantly frowned but was glad she wore her hood to hide her face. She recognized him. He is that damn Crest Scholar from her paralogue.
"Whoa." Arisa said and Red Hare stopped.
The blue haired girl was confused tills Arisa mounted off and spoke.
"Take her home. I need to take care of something." She said and Red Hare nodded.
"Feh, stay with me." She said and Feh landed on her shoulder.
"Is something wrong?" Marianne asked confused and Arisa smiled.
"Nothing to worry about dear. I just need to go buy some supplies. Hold on tight to Red. He's going to fly." She said and at that moment, Red Hare spread out his wings, many people gasped at how amazing he looked and the said pegasus had a smug look as he gently took off and flew towards the direction of the manner.
Arisa could hear the young girl squealing in excitement.
"Now to take care of my business." She muttered and turned towards the alley way.
The Crest Scholar flinched as she walked towards his way, but what was more frightening was her smile.
At this moment, Arisa (she didn't know) had the smile that Rhea would wear. Unknown to her, this smile was also something her birth mother of this world, Rosa, also inherited from Rhea. A smile used to disguise their true emotions/intentions when it truly was needed. In this case, Rosa used it to hide when she was angry with Rhea or when she was about to pull a prank on her friends. With Arisa, she was using to hide her anger of the man before her. The girl removed her hood and smiled.
"Why are you following me and my friend mister? You look very suspicious." She smiled and Feh puffed herself out, hissing.
"None of your business child. You do best to stay away from that girl and her brother. They will bring you nothing but misfortune." He said coldly but her smile seemed to grow.
"Is that so? Are you really following us for our concern or are you so bored to the point your bloody Crest research has rotten?" She said back sharply but her smile remained.
"What?! How dare you insult my research?! No, first, how did you know I am a Crest Scholar?!" He said angrily.
"Because I am also a Crest Scholar." She said.
"Tch. What a poor excuse of lie. If you really are a Crest Scholar, then what is that girl and her brother's Crest?" He said.
"The Crest of Maurice. Also known as the The Crest of the Beast. And I don't give a damn. You better leave them the fuck alone or I can guarantee I will cut that tongue of yours off." Arisa said.
"You damn brat!" The man raised his hand to slap her but yelled when he was suddenly thrown against the wall, "What?!" A hand was around his neck and Arisa smiled.
"Leave before I use my power to end this pitiful life of yours." She smiled.
She let go of him and warped him away, to the forest in the Empire. Her warping range has improved a lot.
"Did I overdo it?" She returned back to her normal self as she looked over to Sothis, who had a proud smile.
"Nope! Not one bit! I am very pleased!" Sothis said as the two began walking towards the manner.
- 30 minutes later -
Arisa could not help but stare. Even Amir was staring at the blue haired trio. Alexandra and Marianne were chatting happily together while Edward noticed the stares and laughed a bit nervously. Arisa had unconsciously whipped out her camera and began taking pictures.
"Umm, I'm curious but, are those feathers a part of you?" Marianne asked Alexandra as the girl gently touched them.
"Yup! My Crest made them grow on me. Sandy says I look like a mini Valkyrie." Alexandra said.
At the mention of Crest, Marianne stiffens. The blue haired girl looked at bit nervously till Alexandra finally noticed the flower crown the girl in front of her had.
"Hmm...so she made you that?" Alexandra said and Marianne blinked.
"Who?" She asked.
"Cirina. She is someone that lives inside me. She's a pain but she looks out for me even if she doesn't admit it. Looks like she likes you. That's why she made you that flower crown." Alexandra said and Marianne smiled softly.
"Umm...is she here now?" She asked and Alexandra shook her head.
"She's asleep but she says take care." Alexandra said.
It was sweet moment honestly. Arisa decided to not disturb them and saw Edward excuse himself. She followed him till they reached the stables.
"Hey Edward!" She yelled out and he turned her direction, "I need to talk to you about something important." She said and he nodded as the two walked into the stables and she closed the door.
"What did you want to talk about? If this is about the test, only your uncle knows about its and..." he was hesitant about talking about Emily.
"I met Emily." She said and turned back to him, "And I know that you both of you know I am Kiana Kalsana. My uncle already talked to me about the test and I made him swear he would not say a word. But that isn't what I'm here to talk about." She said and he raised an eyebrow as he sat on a haystack.
"Then what is it?" He asked and she took a deep breath.
"You bare the Crest of Maurice like Marianne, correct?" She said, instantly the smile on Edward became frightening.
"Wait! Before you think something terrifying, there was Crest Scholar following me and your sister! I used my magic and warped him away to the forest in the Empire. Part of me is hoping he gets eaten honestly..." she explained, and he let go of a bitter sigh.
"Yeah...that man has been following us since Marianne's parents disappeared...Arisa...are you scared of us?" He asked.
"No. Why should I be scared? Listen, I know the history behind your Crest. But...will you let the burden tie you down or cast it away? It's your choice not mine. Anyhow, back to the subject. You and Marianne should alright from now since I made that Crest Scholar go away. But...I'm curious? Are you two related by blood?" She asked.
"We are actually...we're cousins. My father and her father were brothers. When my parents disappeared...I had just barely become a Holy Magus. Imagine coming home with exciting news only to see your parents gone...? So much for a day of celebration..." Edward said sadly as he looked at the locket in his hands.
"Then...Marianne's parents took me in. 5 years later... they disappeared also...I chose to raise Marianne.. the battle of offers in 1159, 5 years prior, I chose to take the offer of House Reigan, and later I was adopted with Marianne by Count Edmund. He's a kind man who truly cares about us." He said and looked up to her.
"So, what about you? Why do you hide your Crest like we do? Are you afraid of it? Or is it more towards your father does not know of it?" He said and she sighed as she sat down next to him.
"More towards...if people find out about my Crest...and the news reaches a Church spy...The Archbishop will do everything in her power to hunt me and my family down...my father has only told me a little bit that he used to be a Knight of Serios...I...already made a mistake in the past..." she muttered softly and he nodded.
"Fear is the biggest factor we as humans have. It's alright to be afraid but will you let control you is the biggest question." Edward said and Arisa nodded as she looked down to her hands.
"My biggest regret...was letting my fear control me back then...I was still so new to this world...just barely getting used to things here...and my fear that I would only end up hurting Dimitri and the others...is what led me to altering their memories of me...I regret doing it now...and looking back at it...it was the stupidest move I ever made." Arisa thought and Sothis was silent as she heard the girl's words.
"Haha...it's alright. Changing the subject, I think it's time you met Emily. Come, I'll take you to her." He said and she nodded.
"Hey Edward," Arisa and he turned to her, "Thank you. I'm glad we had this talk." She said he smiled.
"I am too." He said and the two began to walk.
- 10 minutes Later: Hidden Tree House -
There was damn hidden tree house near the Edmund Manor that was protected by a barrier. Edward gently picked her up and levitated using wind magic to fly up. It was around 20 feet high up in the trees and hidden away also with all pine branches. They landed on the balcony, and gently knocked on the door as he put her down. The door opens only so little, an eye peaked out.
"Edward, who is this girl?" A low eerie female voice spoke and instantly Arisa was on edge because she recognized it.
"Thajra, you're scaring her. This is...Kiana Kalsana. I want her to meet Emily." Edward said and the door fully opened.
"I really need to prepare my heart because I'm pretty sure I'm going to be seeing familiar faces from now on." Arisa thought and Sothis was telling her to breathe.
Tharja looked down at her, her eyes bore into her soul. The older woman nodded and turned.
"You may come in." She lightly motions her hand and the two come in.
Inside it looked like a simple cabin but Arisa could tell it was much, much bigger than it looks because if magic. For some reason the thought if territory creation came into her mind and this world seems to have that form of magic. She is going to have Florencio teach her the spell because a small room in the monastery is not going to be enough for her. Inside the cabin she could see doors that led to multiple rooms, a few cats sleeping peacefully on chairs. She spotted a creepy looking magic lab not too far and made a made a mental note to stay away from that area. They continued down a hallway till they reached a door with a door. Tharja opened it and inside, sitting on a silk bed was a young woman with red fluffy hair to her shoulder, ivory colored eyes, and wore a simple white gown. The blanket of course covered her legs, but Arisa could see the woman was struggling with trying to move her arms. She stiffened when she turned their way and eyes widened.
"You're...Edward...why did you bring her? It's far too early for her and I to meet." Emily said as the blue haired Doctor smiled.
"I think it's better you too actually met. Also, you both have a lot to discuss. Tharja, let's go." He said and the black hair woman left with him, the door closing shut.
"Quite bold, aren't they?" Sothis said as she appeared, and Emily motioned Arisa to sit have seat.
Arisa sat on a chair next to the older girl's bed, who nodded.
"Well, I did not think we meet in person so early on. I have heard of you from Lestia, Arisa." Emily said and Arisa's eyes widened.
"She...remembers me?" She said and Emily nodded.
"She does. You be surprised, your spell had no effect on her, but I can tell, you are looking back to that day, you regret your actions." Emily said and Arisa smiled sadly.
"I do...I shouldn't have erased their memories of me..." she said and Emily smiled sadly.
"Hey. You were a kid back then. We all make mistakes. But enough of that," Emily said and smiled.
"I am Emily von Miller Zoltras. A Holy Magus and Court Mage of The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. I'm also, a Nabatean." She said and Arisa looked at her with wide eyes.
"I...I'm Arisa Byleth Reus Eisner. But...how? I thought...the only Nabateans left are...Rhea...Seteth...Flayn...Indech and Macuil." Arisa said as Emily smiled softly.
"Based on your reaction, you forgot one of the five Saints. Saint Hymara: True Name: Melody, also known as the wife of Saint Macuil. She bares the Crest of Chevalier. My brother, Chavalier, chose her to bare his Crest before he was killed by the Nemesis and 11 Elites trying to protect our people. She is the only human who my older brothers ever did trust. Funny, Macuil still bears a grudge against humans but her alone, he will protect her." Emily chuckled.
"And you...who...are you really?" Arisa asked.
Emily liked this. Right down to business they went.
"My true name is Noa, the original bearer of that Crest. I am also a descendant of Lamine...unfortunately...the woman that killed me. You see Arisa, I was reincarnated as a human 15 years ago. Then learning that only a few of my siblings and my sister-in-law are alive while the rest of my family is dead? It's punch to the gut. Also, that Rhea is too blinded by grief, and managed to preserve my body for such a long time? Of course, I must do something. Then learning the entire history of what went down these past 1,000 years, and the lies that have been written as history? Of course, I nearly went mad." Emily said as she made a book float over to her.
"Also, I just recently fused my body of this time and my old body, I'm not sure if I can turn to a dragon, so I'm a full month of recovery till I return back to the Kingdom. Ugh...it's annoying but if I can make at least some difference, then so be it." She said and Arisa along with Sothis were trying to process everything she just said.
"This is...too much information for me to take in..." both Sothis and Arisa said because their heads hurt right now.
Emily chuckled as she patted her head.
"It's alright. Take all the time you need. But, I'm sure that's not why Edward brought you." She said and Arisa blinked.
"We need to discuss what you plan to do when your coming of age ceremony comes in 5 years. When that happens, what plans do you have? Have you already thought of it?" Emily said.
"I have." Arisa answered, "My plan is to travel to Shambhala to steal technology that can help me." She said and Emily frowns.
"That's a suicide mission." Emily said.
"I know...but...if I can at least...make some changes in the flow of time..." she gritted her teeth and Emily chuckled.
"Alright then. But first, you need to be ready if that is your plan. Did you also have plans to return to the Kingdom?" Emily said and Arisa nodded.
"I do. I think it's time I face those kids. Umm...also...I'm hoping I can see a friend of mine there." She said and Emily raised an eyebrow.
"I'm hoping I can see my friend Mercedes and her mother again. I want to thank them properly this time for helping me." Arisa smiled and Emily froze.
"S-She knows Mercedes...?! Then...does she know Emile also?!" Emily internally screamed and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"I see then. But first, before you even think of stepping foot in the Kingdom, I want you to at least have some status protection." Emily said as she opened her book to read, "I assume you will be taking the medical exams of the church?" She said.
"Of course, I am. I need to be prepared because I want to have access to the royal archives." The girl said and Emily nodded.
"Very well then. But what about taking it a step further? Any plans to attend the magic school in Fhirdiad?" Emily said as she turned a page.
"When does the semester start?" Arisa asked and Emily smiled.
"On the Horsebow Moon. You'll have to make a mad dash and it takes at most two months to reach Fhirdiad, even if you travel with your pegasus. Thankfully, I have a friend that can warp you from Garreg Mach to there. You'll make it on time." Emily smiled and Arisa let go a sigh of relief.
"But if you do become a Holy Magus, I think it's better I inform you what will coming your way so you can be a bit prepared." Emily asks as she gave her a concerned look.
"What...do I have to worry about?" Arisa said.
"Offers." Emily said.
"Offers?" Arisa said confused.
"It is extremely rare for someone to become a Holy Magus. Very few people have ever achieved such status these past years and they are greatly valued. There are currently 5 Holy Magus in all Fodlan. Florencio, Doctor Robert, Edward, Cornelia (Arisa: How the hell did that hag managed to get that?) And me. Florencio is a freelancer. I and Cornelia are part of the Kingdom, Edward of the Alliance and Doctor Robert serves the royal family of the Empire. The biggest battle over a Holy Magus was over Edward when he became one in 1159. He was just 15. So, imagine a bunch of nobles and royal families trying to win your offer for you to join them? It's...terrifying. I managed to escape it because the family I was taken in serves the royal family so that makes it automatic that I serve the Kingdom. But Edward? He was a commoner like your uncle. Plus, him being young and...having a Crest, made it even more of a competition. Hundreds of offers from nobles all over Fodlan trying to gain his favor. A Holy Magus being part of a country is a huge status symbol. In a way...we're prizes." She said bitterly at that last part.
Arisa nodded and frowned.
"I know what you mean...I'm guessing my Uncle managed to escape it too because he declared he was a freelancer." She said.
"He did. And here's the thing, the good thing about the Holy Magus status is that we are placed at a higher pedestal than the nobles of Fodlan, except the Archbishop and royalty of course. That status was given to us by the Church of Serios to also protect us. If the nobles even tried anything on us, I can guarantee the Church will be on their asses!" Emily said and Arisa could not help but chuckle hearing her say that last sentence.
"Edward in the end chose to serve House Reigan and five years later, was adopted by Count Edmund along with Marianne. Why did he choose the Alliance? Well, only he knows." She said.
"I...I want to be a freelancer like my uncle. Being a mercenary, I've travelled all over Fodlan. I enjoy teaching children how to read and write. I enjoyed being Claude's teacher, even if it was only for a short while. I...I want to continue to see Fodlan. I don't want to be tied down, forced to serve only one place. Is that wrong?" She said and Emily grinned.
"No. It's never wrong. It's your choice, your will. No one can stop you. So, Miss Arisa, what do you plan to do?" Emily grinned.
"I'm making my own path. My own fate." Arisa grinned and Emily nodded.
"I approve. Here," the red-haired girl handed her a book, "this is the list of all the classes the magic academy will be offering and may have new ones by then. Also, don't let anyone break your will. You have proven to me you are more than capable of earning my trust and my allies. We of Sirius, will aid you when the time comes." Emily said.
"Wait, Sirius?" Arisa asked as she opened the book.
Arisa felt she was looking at classes from Harry Potter. There was Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, of course the typical History of Magic, hell there was even an Arithmancy class and Herbology. Sadly, no Astronomy class or medical classes. Tch. She was looking forward to that. But Advance Magical Theory sounded fun.
"I wonder if the magical formulas from mangas/light novels/games I've read and also animes can be applied here...hmmmm...I want to see if I can pull of Olga Marie's spell..." she thought and Sothis smacked her head to pay attention to what Emily was saying.
"As you know, the true enemy of Fodlan are Those Who Slither in The Dark. Sirius was created 100 years ago when the founder, Timotis von Aubin, discovered the truth of the Church of Serios and Crest. The true history of Fodlan. The group was created to fight those bastards. We have spies all over Fodlan to keep tabs on what is going on. We're especially keeping an eye on Duscur and the Empire. TWSD have been active...I'm not liking it." Emily said.
"I understand. I'll do what I can to help. I really... really... want them gone..." Arisa said and Emily noticed the girl shaking, not out of fear, but anger.
The older girl lightly flicked her forehead and smirked.
"Seems my mother's influence is affecting you. But do be careful. You two may be able to temporarily become one but you must also be aware of how much that can affect your body. If you are constantly shifting between God mode and mortal body, you'll end up in a comatose state. The anger you feel now is not only my mother's but your own." She explained.
"My own?!" Arisa said shocked and Sothis was worried.
Emily nodded as she could only barely see an outline of Sothis, who was in her younger form.
"That's right. TWSD have done nothing to you but you still feel anger towards what they have done towards others. You know more than what you let on, but I remind you, be careful. But...also...I want to trust you with something very important." Emily said as she pointed to a drawer next to a bookshelf.
Arisa looked to it and walked towards it. Once there she opened it and pulled out a music box size box. Emily motioned her to open it and inside were two potion sized bottles with crimson liquid.
"I no longer bare the Crest of Lamine because when I fused with my original body, it was over written. But before that happened, I had Tharja and our spy from the Church, Lucius, extra my blood. The blue bottle has the blood with the Crest of Lamine and the green one, has my blood, the Crest of Noa. I'm trusting you with these. To choose two worthy people to inherit those Crest." Emily said and Arisa looked at her shocked.
"What?! I-I can't do that! This is your blood! I'm not supposed to make those choices! W-Why would you trust something with so much value to me?!" Arisa said frantically and Sothis was pissed.
"One moment young lady! Why would you put such a burden on this girl?! What are you thinking?! This better not be part of your research again!" Sothis said.
"Somehow I can tell my mother is pissed." Emily said as she saw the faint outline making movements that Sothis was scolding her.
Emily sighed and spoke.
"Because you have a much better judgment than I do. This truth is a grand burden, but I trust you enough to make the right choice. You have experience in the modern field while I have experience in the ancient one. Another thing," Emily looked her up and down, " train your body physical to break the limiter our body creates. Basically, get more muscle. But you also need to get used to casting highly advanced spell. Your main goal, is to be able to cast Sirius." She said and Arisa froze.
"I...I..." Arisa said and Emily spoke.
"You may be an expert in the medical field but you're nothing but an amateur in the magic field. If you were in a real magic battle you be dead before you know it." Emily spoke coldly and Arisa took a deep breath and nodded.
"Yeah...I would. But...I'm not about to let myself get killed. Especially because I was given this life of mine. I'll master Sirius. I know the first level is Daylight. Second Level is Moonlight and lastly, Sirius. Like I said, I'm not about to let anyone kill me just yet." Arisa said and Emily smiled.
"Hmmm...you really are like her..." she muttered softly and then spoke loudly.
"Alright then, I'll make sure you receive the proper training. Florencio and Sandy already trained you, so time to take up a notch. Hana and the Flame twins will train you. Hanna in magic and the Flame twins in physical training. Got it?" She said and Arisa nodded.
- 20 minutes later -
After that talk, Arisa was taken back to the manor because it was time for her and the rest to leave. Oh, poor Marianne was crying along with Alexandra because they didn't want to leave each other. Seems while she was gone, the two became best friends. Oh, Arisa was trying not to cry as the girls were separated. Arisa sighed as she walked up to a crying Marianne and Alexandra, suddenly hugged them both, which surprised Marianne.
"I... may have not been able to talk to you much but..." she gently patted the blue haired girl's head and smiled softly, "But this isn't goodbye. I'm sure you and Alexandra will see each other again in the future. That's a promise Marianne. Keep on living, let no burden tie you down." She said and the girl looked at her with wide eyes.
"It's a promise!" Alexandra said and held Marianne's hands, her little feathers flapping, "We'll meet each other again one day! And when that day comes, I will make you a flower crown!" Alexandra grinned.
"T-Then, when we meet again, I promise I'll introduce you to my friends of the forest!" Marianne said and the two girls nodded.
"It's a deal!" They said in union and giggled.
Sothis was a sobbing mess as they waved goodbye to her and Edward as their wagon road off to the road.
Edward chuckled as he gently picked up his little sister. It had been years since he had seen her so happy.
"So, you made a friend?" He asked and Marianne nodded.
"I'm happy...She's...a bit like me...we share a burden...she's also afraid but..." Marianne smiled warmly as she looked out to the sky, "She won't let it take her down. So...I'll be like that too! I want to meet her again one day and hope we fly together! I don't...want to be tied down either!" She said and Edward stared at her shocked.
He could not help but laugh happily as he spun her around.
"Alright then! Not just you Maria, we'll both work through it, together." He smiled to her and she nodded.
"Right Big brother!"
Chapter 18: Back Home: Part 1: Lesson Learned
[ - ]
Aaaahhhhhhh! Our sweet children! In this story, I decided to have Marianne be adopted much earlier than the original. Also, we don't know what her original last name was so I decided that before she was adopted, her last name would be Snowden, like Edward's. I made them be cousins but they he takes care of her like she was his real sister.
Now the latest notice I gave regarding this story, I will update the chapters. Spelling errors, dates and times will be fixed because my dumb ass just barely realized I got Byleth's age wrong. So, I'm sorry if you see fanfiction spasms in your emails.
Blaze2121:
Arisa doesn't express it much, but she is Bi. Yes, she swings both ways. But she doesn't express it much because you know, physically she is a child. But she has hit on girls but in her own way back in our world. Especially when she would go out and drink with Theresa. Small flirts and cute comments, nothing too direct. As a girl she would choose, Mercedes or Dorothea. Edelgard also and surprisingly, Bernadetta. Jeralt's reaction to Mercedes would be that he saw it coming eventually. Same with Dorothea. He would straight up faint if he saw it was Edelgard and a double faint on Florencio's part because Bernadetta.
Well, one chapter away till the next time skip. It's almost time for the next Arc. That will be a roller coaster.