- 1 month later: Wyvern Moon: October -
Getting through the forest? Easy!
Taking on bandits? No problem!
Hunting? Well, still working out but no problem.
But dealing with a tantrum of a noble child?
"Ooohhhhh...Sothis help me before I unleash my viper tongue on this kid!" Arisa was biting down on her index finger as her father was helping the Alliance knights guarding the carriage of the Nobles of House Gloucester, fix the wooden wheel that broke off.
Well, two of them. Her father decided to take on a job of guarding a noble carriage since they were heading the same way as them, a village near Leonie's home. So, right now, the 8-year-old boy with the Oh so familiar terrible haircut that is colored purple, was throwing a tantrum, demanding to know what on earth happened. That boy was Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. Sothis was gently hugging the girl, telling her take deep breaths while Amir and Alexandra were being held back by the twins and Hana, plus their mouths covered, from snapping in half Lorenz. While the mercenary adults and the Knights ignored the boy, Lorenz's father along with his mother, who was a sweetheart and gave them all an apologetic smile, waited quietly outside. Worst of all, it was raining, and Florencio was using a barrier to protect them from the rain since umbrellas don't exist in this time. Arisa made a note to herself to make at least a Japanese style bamboo umbrella when they return to Remire Village.
"Breath, breath!" Sothis said but even Arisa could tell that she wanted to snap at the boy.
"My patience with children like this...is very thin!" Arisa internally raged as Lornez stomped his feet.
Heck, even Feh, Falco, Puka, Nuke and Red Hare looked ready to mow down the kid.
"Why on earth is this taking so long?! Father, can we not have them go any faster?" Lorenz said to his father while Count Gloucester also let go of a frustrated sigh.
He was going to be late to the meeting. Arisa growled as she turned to walk towards a tree that wasn't too far and began unleashing punches on it along with kicks.
"Hyaaa! Ha! Chaaa!" She yelled out as she decided to practice her martial arts to at least unleash her anger in some form than her punches on the poor tree.
Seems that caught the attention of a few people. The knights were impressed by her skills and gracefulness while a couple others understood why the girl was doing it.
"Arisa!" She turned and quickly jumped back at Amir's incoming wooden axe and caught it.
Amir smirked a long with Alexandra, who held her wooden lance for sparring.
"It's raining so might as well spar. After all, we're mercenaries. Got to get used to all kinds of weather." Alexandra grinned and the three girls got into a three-way sparring match. Hana, the twins and Florencio let go a sigh of relief. Lorenz stared at the three girls that were sparring. Somehow, he felt...unnerved yet amazed. The girls all moved with grace yet there was also a fierceness in their movement.
"Father, what do you think of their sparring match?" He suddenly asked.
His mother raised an eyebrow while his father scoffed.
"I must admit, even if they are just sparring, their skills are impressive for children the same age as you. Hmm..." Count Gloucester said and Lorenz nodded.
"May I...talk to them...?" Lorenz asked a bit nervously since his father wasn't exactly fond of commoners.
Count Gloucester raised an eyebrow at the question his son had asked while he looked over to girls. He let go of a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. It has been awhile since his son had to talk to someone his age.
"Just this once, I'll let you talk to them." The Count said and Lorenz nodded happily.
Arisa had stopped for a bit to breath and noticed that Lorenz had gotten out of the barrier Florencio had set up for his family. The girl sighed as she motioned the other two to stop, which they did. Arisa walked towards the boy heading their way, seeing he ran like a toddler trying not to get his clothing wet, she raised her hand and had a barrier formed around the boy to protect him from the rain. Lorenzo's eyes went wide as he noticed the rain around him had stopped. The main reason the girls weren't wet from the rain was because of the barrier they created around themselves.
"Whoa!" He yelped a bit when he began to float towards her and was gently settled about two feet from her.
"I'm surprised you actually got out of the barrier my uncle had set up for you and your family." Arisa spoke as she crossed her arms, "Did you want to talk to us?" She said with a small smile.
Amir and Alexandra had their eyes narrowed, ready to snap the boy in half if even said something disrespectful to their Lady and Lorenz flinched at their glares.
"Amir, Alex, cut it out." Arisa said and the two girls pouted.
"Yes, actually. I was very impressed by your skills and have a few questions regarding your training skills. Did your fellow mercenaries teach you how to use a sword or those martial art skills? What about magic? It is my duty as a noble to learn these things so when I become the new head in the future, I can make a better judgment for the people." Lorenz said a bit halty and the other two growled.
"Seems I missed judge... even if he is just a child, Lorenz already has some of the traits of his older self..." Arisa thought and smiled softly.
"Martial arts I am self-taught. Magic was taught to me by my uncle and a friend of mine. Lastly, the sword was taught to me by my father. How about I teach you something?" She said and he blinked.
"You, teach me?" He said and she nodded.
Count Gloucester raised an eyebrow as he heard the girl's words and Lorenz's mother looked a bit worried.
"The barrier I casted over you to protect you from the rain. It looks hard, but it's actually simple." She said and undid it on Lorenz.
The boy screeched when the rain started to hit him again and the other two were snickering. Arisa sent them one side glance and the two immediately stopped.
"Concentrate the area around you." She said, "Imagine you are inside a bubble. You want that bubble to grow and become strong. You don't want it to break. Close your eyes. Focus on the magical energy inside of you and gently but slowly release it around your area only." She said.
This was how Sothis taught her magic. Lorenz shivered but did as he was told. He closed his eyes, concentrating.
"Relax Lorenz." Arisa said and that's when the others realized the boy had yet to introduce himself, yet she already knew his name, "You're too tense. Think of something that makes you happy. Like tea for example." She chuckled.
The boy took a deep breath as, focusing now solely on that comment. The sound of the rain began to sound peaceful instead of annoying. The image of him being his room, nice warm, with a cup of his favorite blend of tea, Bergamot or rose bud tea. Arisa's smile grew as she noticed his shoulders relax and a thin barrier began to form around him. But the girl blinked when it took the shape of a rose, protecting him from the rain, like an umbrella. Count Gloucester and his wife, along with many blinked multiple times at what they had just witnessed. Lorenz opened his eyes and gasped when he saw the rose shaped barrier around him and was protected from the rain.
"I-I-I...how?!" Lorenz gasped as he stared at the barrier and Arisa burst out laughing.
"Not bad for your first try kid! Well done! Just to let you know, a barrier spell is intermediate level. Especially since you also managed to make it take the shape of your desire. Just don-" too late, Lorenz broke his concentration because he was being a bit smug and the barrier disappeared.
"Ooohh! Really?!" The boy grumbled and Arisa chuckled.
"Try not to break your contraction next time." Arisa said and everyone turned when they heard the knights, her father and Temes cheering that they finally got the wooden wheel fixed.
"Well, looks like it is time for you to go." She said as Lorenz's parents called out to his as they made a run to inside the carriage, "Continue practicing that spell. You'll be surprised by the results." She said.
Lorenz smiled and shook hands with her.
"Thank you. What is your name?" He asked and Arisa whispered to him.
"Kiana Kalsana. But don't tell one just yet." She said because she noticed how his eyes went wide.
After a few more seconds, the boy waved goodbye to them as he ran back to the carriage.
Lorenz sat down next to his mother as he looked out the window of the carriage towards the girls.
"I must say," Count Gloucester spoke, making the boy turned to face him, "I was impressed. That girl taught you intermediate protection spell. Even more with the fact that you managed to shape it to what you desire. It is rare but I approve of what that commoner taught you. Hmm..." he said as the carriage began to move.
Lorenz was silent for a moment them spoke.
"Father, is Kiana Kalsana a Holy Magus?" He suddenly asked.
"The one that cured the epidemic in The Kingdom. As far as I know, she is someone who travels across Fodlan but will not return till 1175 unfortunately. If she is... then of course as the Head of House Gloucester, it will be our duty to secure a second Holy Magus to the Alliance." He said and Lorenz nodded.
"Why the sudden question?" His mother asked.
"Just curious." The boy said and saw one of the knights giving Sir Jeralt the payment he was promised for temporary guarding the carriage before they went their separate directions.
Lorenz hoped he would meet the mysterious Kiana Kalsana in the future.
- 3 Days Later -
It felt like when she was saving Leonie all over again. This time it wasn't just the same girl again, but...
"I am sorry! I just wanted to get some red clay from the river for paint! A-And Raphael was trying to help me but lost his footing!" A mini Ignatz and Raphael where soaking wet from nearly getting washed away by the river if Arisa wasn't flying nearby in the forest because she was looking for a ginkgo tree, the girl spotted Leonie screaming, trying to reach out to the boys who were barely holding onto a boulder.
Arisa swooped in and managed to grab all three of them on time because the land underneath the orange haired girl was on the verge of giving away. The older girl was doing everything in her power not to release her viper tongue also known as her Mexican side because when she would catch her siblings doing stupid things, she would go off on them. She took a deep breath and slowly turned towards them. Feh was pecking at Leonie, who was screeching.
"You three..." she spoke slowly, making all three freezes, "Don't ever come to the forest again after it rains." She said and then pointed her finger to them.
A warm gust of wind circled around them drying their clothing and their hair looked like afros. Arisa sighed as she took out her hair comb, and handed it to Ignatz, who blinked.
"Comb your hair then pass it along. I'll wait till you are all done. Wait here." She sighed and headed to the river to get the clay.
After 10 minutes, she came back with a bucket filled with red clay, a few leaves, but also other natural ingredients to make a different variety of paints. The three had finished fixing their hair and they ran up to her.
"Hey, Arisa! Sorry...you...had to save us again..." Leonie chuckled a bit nervously because of the glare she got from her.
"Umm...thank you for saving us. I'm sorry for the trouble we caused you." Ignatz said as she put down the bucket and fixed his glasses, making the boy blush a bit.
"That was awesome! You may not have a lot of muscles but you're really strong!" Raphael said with a grin.
"First of all," her tone a bit harsh, "I never want to see a single one of you ever put your lives in danger like that again! Second, I'm taking you all back to the village! Get on!" She said coldly and all three looked down to the ground but yelped when Red Hare picked them up one by one, threw them in the air, and had them land on his back, perfectly seated. They all blinked as Arisa floated near them, as the pegasus began walk. Feh made herself comfortable on Ignatz head. There was an uncomfortable silence as Leonie looked at the girl next to her, who was downright pissed. Arisa took a deep breath and spoke.
"Please...just be careful next time..." she muttered, and the three kids looked at each other worried.
"We're sorry..." they muttered till Leonie spoke, hoping to change the subject.
"So, how have you been? Are you guys heading back to Garreg Mach?" The oranges hair girl asked and Arisa nodded.
"Yeah. So, want to hear about my time in Derdui?" She said and Leonie nodded her head rapidly.
"Umm..." the boys looked at each other confused till Arisa spoke.
"Sorry about that. Seeing me angry didn't exactly give a good impression. Nice to meet you two. I'm Arisa Byleth. You can call me either name if you want. I'm a mercenary and merchant." She said.
"Nice to meet you Arisa, I'm Ignatz and this one here is my friend, Raphael." Ignatz smiled and Raphael grinned.
"Nice to meet you Byleth! Are you staying in our village for a few days?" Raphael said and the girl nodded.
"Yup. There's a rainstorm on the way and we don't want to get caught in it. The pegasus is Red Hare and the snowy owl is Feh, my two friends." She said and noticed Leonie took out one of her books from the pouches and opened it.
"Hey!" Arisa said and Leonie smirked.
"My, aren't you an artist." The girl grinned as she showed the drawing of Alexandra and Claude, both asleep together.
Ignatz's glasses instantly glinted as he looked at how professionally drawn the picture was.
"The sketching format, very realistic, fine details! It's incredible! You drew this?!" The boy's eyes were sparkling like Christmas lights and Leonie handed the book to Raphael, who turned the page.
"Hey, is this... The Archbishop Rhea?" He muttered and instantly the two other kids looked at it.
It was drawing of Rhea praying to the sky. Her eyes were closed, yet tears fell, behind her, was drawing of Sothis, looking much older, hugging her. Raphael turned a page once again and the kids blinked as they saw a drawing of a woman dressed as a dancer with a strange pendant on her neck. Water was drawn floating around her, her mouth was open, showing she was singing, it was Azura but the children did not know that, only Arisa did. The book was then handed to Ignatz, who's eyes were wide as he looked through the pictures.
"These...are amazing..." he said softly as Arisa gently took the book from his hands.
"Thank you, but," she glared at Leonie, "who told you, you could look through my stuff without my permission?!" She glared and the girl smirked.
"Hey, payback for when you ate my pudding." Leonie touch her tongue out.
"I didn't know it was yours till you screamed!" Arisa said.
"Umm...calm down you two! Look, we're here!" Raphael said as he pointed to the village.
As usual, her father was talking to the village leader along with Leonie's father. Amir ran up to them and glared.
"What happened?! You suddenly went deep diving into the forest out of nowhere!" The Duscur girl complained and Arisa sighed till Amir noticed Leonie and the two boys.
"Oh. Did you have to save her neck again?" Amir said and Leonie glared.
"Yeah I did. All three of them." Arisa sighed as she helped them all get off Red Hare and Feh lightly chirped.
Ignatz and Raphael stared at Puka, who was cackling and rolling on the grass like a puppy.
"Hey Amir, been awhile. Still able to hold an axe?" Leonie said.
"I'm surprised you're still even alive with that reckless behavior of yours." Amir said back and those two had sparks flying between each other.
Though Leonie had declared Arisa as her rival in sword wielding, Amir...was her fully declared rival when it came to be becoming a mercenary. She was jealous of how Amir was trained by Arisa and had her attention. Thus, sparking a rivalry between the girls to surpass one another and to prove to Arisa that they were better than the other.
"Can it you two." Arisa said and the two girls pouted.
The older of the bunch sighed as she saw Sothis looking around, a bit concerned.
"Arisa, have you noticed? The land around this village, it feels...off..." Sothis said and Arisa narrowed her eyes instantly.
"Ignatz, Raphael!" She said, startling them, "Have there bandit attacks reported near the village?" She said.
"Yes...a few..." Raphael said as Amir and Leonie looked at them confused.
"Dad!" Arisa ran up to him and Jeralt raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong kiddo?" He said and she looked at him worried.
"The land around the village is uneven and I spoke a few of the kids and there have been reports of bandit attacks nearby. I also noticed some of the trees are missing branches." She said and Jeralt nodded.
"Glad to know I wasn't the only one to notice." He said and turned to Sandy and Florencio, "You two, prepare the barrier around the village. Temes, Hana! Guard the north gate! Fiona and Camren! South gate! Cinder, Amir and Alexandra, east gate! Byleth and I will guard the entrance. They'll be attacking tonight." Jeralt said as he turned to her.
"You know what to do."
- Later at night-
Ignatz, Raphael and Leonie were tensed as the lights of all the houses were turned off and the only ones on were the touches near the entrance. The three were watching from the storage near the entrance. They wanted to witness for themselves Jeralt's and Arisa's skills. Then everything went downhill when they saw the first group of bandits appear. Arisa instantly charged at one of the bandits, her palms met his chest, sending him flying away. The man coughed out blood and was wheezing. Jeralt smirked as his lance counteracts an axe coming his way. Leonie, Ignatz and Raphael had their hands over each other's mouth to keep themselves from screaming when Arisa whipped out her sword and spun, like a dancer, slicing the throats of the thief and brigand.
"Look out!" Jeralt yelled out and just barely the girl dodge down before a sword went right through her skull but it cut her hair tie.
Arisa stumbled back a bit and gasped when she realized her hair became undone. It spilled beautiful, showing how it was brown then faded to teal, it was so long that it stopped just barely above her ankles.
"Hey boss! This kid fetches a good price!" One bandit yelled out at their leader, who smirked as he was fighting off Jeralt.
"I won't let you even lay a finger on her! Ha!" Jeralt yelled out but did not have to worry about his daughter because when she spoke, her tone was nothing but voidless.
"You cut my hair tie..." she began slowly as small cracks of electricity came from her rapier.
The bandit responsible shivered as she looked up to them, the green part of her eyes glowed mint green in the light of the torch.
"You cut my hair tie...you cut my fucken hair tie..." she said a bit more louder and Jeralt smirked.
"You're finished." He said to the leader and that's when shit the fan.
"I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR CUTTING MY HAIR TIE! RRAAAHHHH!" Now, Arisa never ever showed emotion when she would have to kill someone, because she would lock that humanity away.
But...this was a bit different. You see that hair tie was a gift from Jeralt when she had turned five years old. Technically, it was her first birthday gift when she came to this world and held a very deep meaning to her. It was a dark green ribbon that she took care of carefully. So, when the sword cut it, that forced her humanity to return to her, and she felt, anger, rage. She screamed angrily as her rapier went right through the bandit's skull, pulling it out, the sick sound of cracking as the bandit dropped dead. She panted as she charged at the next one and cut off his arm.
She felt sick. She felt gross. She wanted to vomit more than anything right now. This was the first-time feeling emotions in the middle of a deadly fight, and it made her sick to her core. 5 minutes felt like 5 hours when she finished off the last bandit and her father finished off the leader. The girl panted rapidly as she dropped her sword with a loud thud, looking around at the people she killed. Her heartbeat rapidly, the world felt like it was spinning, it felt like her trip to Dadga all over again. When she killed for the first time. Blood was smeared on her face, and fear began to creep into her body.
"Get it...off...get it off...get it off..." she began muttering and Jeralt was about to tell her that she good a job taking on those bandits till he noticed she was shaking uncontrollably.
Her hands were covered in blood, and she hated it. She hated every fiber of her being right now. How she became truly the Ashen Demon.
"Get it off...get it off...GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!" She began screaming and clawing at her face.
"Byleth!" He dropped his lance and quickly ran over to her and hugged her tightly.
"Get it off! Get it off! Get the blood off me! Get it off!" She screamed as tears fell from her eyes.
Leonie, Ignatz and Raphael kicked the storage shed open and ran over to the two, not caring about the bodies lying on the ground. Leonie had a bucket filled with water and threw it over them. Ignatz along with Raphael looked at the girl stunned while Jeralt was frozen at what just happened. Arisa was stun and slowly looked over to Leonie.
"Y-You said you wanted it come off...so... washing it off...ehe...?" Leonie said a bit nervously.
"Pfft...Hahah..hahahah!" Arisa began laughing as her father carefully let go of her.
Even if she was crying, she was still laughing and smiled sadly as she looked over to her.
"Thank you..." Arisa muttered softly, then suddenly covered her mouth as she now felt she was really going to throw up.
Ignatz quickly gave her the bucket, and the girl gladly took it as she let it out. Jeralt gently patted her back as the girl vomited and Leonie smiled sadly as she crossed her arms.
"Feeling better?" Jeralt said worried and she nodded a bit.
"Let's get you cleaned up. When we get back home, we're taking a two-month break from jobs. I think we all need it." He said and she nodded.
- The Next Day -
After that battle, Florencio went full doctor mode on his niece when Jeralt told him what happened, and her reaction to blood. There was another reason why Arisa was afraid of the sight of blood. The other reason was because of her day in a hospital in her old world. That fear never went away. She would be constantly coughing or vomiting blood back then and it got to the point she broke down, screaming why it didn't stay in her body where it belonged. Right now, now fully bathe and clean, in a set of clothing, a nice green winter dress because despite it being fall, the winds felt like it was a damn blizzard. Thankfully the rainstorm didn't happen. But it felt so weird with her hair loose. She noticed how a lot of people wouldn't stop staring at her and it made her feel uncomfortable. Mainly because it had been years since she had her hair let loose freely like this. She sighed as she held the cut hair tie in her hands and put it into her pocket. In better terms. At least her hair pins kept her bangs in place from covering her face.
"It feels...so strange seeing you like this, with long locks of hair let loose." Sothis said as she circled around her and Amir and Alexandra spoke as the three were walking to the village gate to leave.
"Your hair is as long as Sothis's!" Alexandra said.
"I think you look nice. Maybe you should let it be lose for some time." Amir said.
"Maybe I should cut it?" Arisa muttered and that earned her a loud "NO!" From all three girls.
She chuckled as they made it to the gates, and sighed.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to the children?" Jeralt said and Arisa shook her head.
"After how they saw me last night, I don't deserve to say goodbye to them." Arisa said and Jeralt sighed.
"You're being too hard on yourself. Besides, you don't have a choice now." He smirked and pointed towards the village.
The older girl turned and saw Leonie, Ignatz, and Raphael making a mad dash towards them, and just barely managed to keep stop, nearly colliding with each other.
"What are you three doing here?" Arisa said shocked as the three panted, but she yelped when they suddenly turned her around.
"Careful Raphael! Be gentle with her hair!" She heard Ignatz say as she felt Raphael's hands gently pull up her in a high ponytail, while Leonie fixed her bangs how she had them before, and Ignatz was holding a mirror with a grin on his face.
Arisa was confused as she saw her father, and the girls grinning and Ignatz and the other two turned her around towards them. They had a proud grin, as she looked in the mirror. Her hair was tied up like before with her long side bangs lose, but what held her hair together was simple dark green ribbon tied to a bow, and the loose long locks of her ponytail was braided and held together with a blue ribbon.
"W-W-Wha..." she was having a very difficult time processing what just happened.
"This is our thank you for saving us and protecting the village yesterday!" Leonie said proudly as she crossed her arms.
"I got the idea of braiding your hair from my little sister! She said it'll make you look cuter!" Raphael grinned.
"Uummm...also...the ribbons...I chose...I think they suited you...also...thank you for getting me materials for making paint." Ignatz said.
The three began panicking when they saw Arisa start crying till, she spoke.
"These are tears of joy. Thank you...really." Arisa said as she hugged all three of them.
They hugged back and let go.
"Leonie, I hope you become a mercenary like you always wanted to. You can do it!" Arisa said to the girl, who smirked and shot a smug look to Amir, who looked ready to unleash her on viper tongue on the orange haired girl.
"Raphael, I know you'll become an amazing strong knight! Keep up that muscle building but don't overwork yourself." She said and Raphael laughed proudly.
"And Ignatz," she turned to the green haired boy who shifted a bit nervously, she smiled and patted his head, "Keep doing what you love. Become the artist you always wanted to be. Never give up on your dream." She grinned warmly at him.
The boy looked at her shocked for a moment but smiled and nodded. That was the first time anyone has ever told him to follow his dream.
"I will! I promise!" The boy said proudly.
Arisa smiled softly as she gave them one last hug and thank you.
"We'll see each other again one day! That's a promise!" Arisa yelled out as she waved goodbye to the kids.
She will see them again one day, that was a promise she will keep.
- 1 Month later: Ethereal Moon: December 15 -
So, a month passed and they had all returned to Remire Village, just on time for the Holidays. Arisa was surprised to learn that Christmas did exist in this world when she first arrived but it when by another name, known as Day of the Blessings, when the goddess descended on the lands of Fodlan to give her blessings to the people. Just like in her old world, people gave gifts to loved ones and friends on December 25th. Her first Christmas in this world was in 1164, and that was a roller coaster of both happy and sad moments. But now, she can fully celebrate it.
Arriving to the village and seeing it was already decorated plus, to make it better, it was snowing! At the village gates, she spotted Elder Bara, Rin, Ra, Kama, Ares, Yofos, and the rest of the group.
"Grandma!" The three girls squealed happily as they all bolted towards Elder Bara's wide arms.
"Ohoho! Look at you girls! You all grown beautifully!" Elder Bara chuckled as she hugged them and Jeralt smiled.
"We're home." He said and saw the females giggling to each other, and he was confused till...
"H-Hello...It's been quite some time Sir Jeralt!" A familiar female voice spoke, and Arisa spun like there was no tomorrow.
"MISS CHARLOTTE AND MERCEDES!" The girl yelled out too happily as she spotted the older girl, who ran up to her and the two hugged.
"Oh Arisa! It's been two years!" The 12-year-old said joyfully as she hugged the girl tightly in her arms.
Originally! Mercedes and Arisa weren't supposed to see each other till 1175 but maybe a certain gremlin (Sothis: GODDESS!) made an altar in the flow of time. Tehe!
"Merci!" Amir and Alexandra squealed as they also ran to hug the girl.
"You grown so beautiful! Just look at you!" Arisa said as they let go of each other and saw their parents talking to each other, and the clear blush the two adults had.
"Ara ara! Thank you so much! You grown too! All of you have!" Mercedes said as the girls grinned.
"Will you be staying for the Holidays?" Alexandra asked and the older girl nodded.
"We are! We got an invitation from you all to come spend the holidays with you. I'm looking forward to these next days!" Mercedes said.
"Wait...invitation...we-mphhhfff!" Ares's son, Dominic, came out of nowhere and quickly covered Arisa's mouth and grinned to the older girl.
"Glad you and your mom could make it! I'm Dominic! The knight that is getting glared at with the rest of the company by Sir Jeralt and his two generals is my dad!" The 6-year-old boy said with a grin.
"Oh...so they sent the invitation out in secret... yeah...dad isn't going to let this one up." Arisa thought as she got the kid's hand off her.
"Domic!" The nickname she gave him, "I told you a hundred times not to do that!" She glared at him and the boy ran behind Alexandra, stuck his tongue out at her.
Mercedes giggled as she patted her friend's back.
"Welp," Arisa said and turned to her, "How about I introduce you to everyone here? Oohhh! I think you'll love helping in the bakery here! Rin and Acia love baking sweets! Oohh! I can totally show you how to make candy canes!" Arisa said excitedly and the girls giggled.
The Holidays just became sweeter.
- December 20th -
A blacksmith shop was built during the past two years and Alexandra was busy helping getting weapons fixed. Amir and Sandy were working together in the clothing shop, while Mercedes and Arisa were helping in the bakery. Christmas was one of the few holidays that Arisa loved with all her heart. Valentine's day she calls Loners Day. One small regret she had from her past that she couldn't find a husband or wife to fall in love with and marry. Yeah...one regret, she didn't find love. Her former lover passed away those years ago, and truthfully, it made her scared to fall in love with someone because either she would die early, or they leave her. She does hope she finds someone in the future. For now, priorities come first! Be financially stable and buy land!
"Rensen!" She yelled out to the man as he was wiping his forehead with a cloth.
Rensen turned to see Lady Arisa walked up to him with two wooden boxes floating behind her. A few of the workers raised an eyebrow as they saw her and just shrugged as they continued to work.
"Good morning Arisa, what can I help you with?" He asked.
"Can we talk in your office? This...is a bit of a serious topic." She said and he nodded.
The two walked to his office. Inside were books, a simple table to draw out plans, a fee boxes with broken weapons and such. She placed the boxes down, and brought out Amir's axe, who everyone thought got stolen 3 days ago, along with her rapier and put them on the table. Amir was a crying mess because that axe was the first one, she bought with her own money at the Empire, a Zoltan Axe.
"I need you to do me a favor." She began as she opened the boxes and Rensen's eyebrows looked like they flew off.
"T-This is the material that Hero's Relics are made of! I know this one is part of a sword, but the other one...even the Crest Stone is there!" He said as his hands shook as he gently picked up a bone.
"Rensen...the one that was part of a sword, is it possible for it to be forged into my rapier? And...to create a brand-new Heroes Relic, using those materials in that box, with Amir's axe, and Crest Stone?" She asked.
Rensen was silent for a moment then spoke.
"It is...I want to ask how you got a hold of these but knowing you...sigh...you won't say." He said and her smile confirmed it.
"Now, the broken part of the sword along with your rapier can be melted together to forge a brand new one, of course, it will still have the elements of it being like a whip. As for the axe...the same process but a bit more difficult because I have to properly implant the Crest Stone. This should take...at least 6 months to fully forge it." He said and she nodded.
"Perfect then. In the meantime, I'll use my spare sword and..." she put her fist up, "My iron gauntlets! Nyyahahahahaha!" She said proudly and Rensen could not help but laugh at the girl's laugh.
"Just don't get too carried away!"
- December 25th: Christmas Day: The Day of Blessings -
As much as she loved Christmas, she hated waking up in the morning or getting woken up. So, for her to wake up normally was a blessing but what was shocking was seeing Sothis giggling proudly as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"Merry Christmas Arisa! What do you think?! Seems I am able to change my clothing after all!" She wore a cute red dress that was similar to her original but was more festive for Christmas.
Her pink and blue ribbons were replaced with green and red, star ornaments hung around her hair. Her crown hard stars and was the color gold. In short, she was wearing the clothing she wore from her Christmas self in Fire Emblem Heroes. Arisa blinked multiple times, feeling an incoming headache and plopped back to her bed but sighed.
"You look adorable." Arisa said and Sothis smiled proudly.
"As I should be! It is my duty as a spirit that is guiding you to properly celebrate the Holidays you humans have! Which by the way, I truthfully enjoy!" Sothis said as she floated over to her friend, "Now come on! Wake up and get dressed! It's a holiday after all!" She said as she pushed Arisa off her bed.
The girl chuckled as she looked at herself in the mirror. Before going to bed, she always tied her long hair into two braids to keep it from getting tangled. Like usual, she got up, took a nice long bath, but this time she will be wearing a nice long green sleeveless holiday dress with golden threading patterns of flowers, with a fluffy green winter cloak. She decided to wear her hair loose and she decided to wear the same red and green ribbons Sothis was wearing so they matched, so she naturally had two braids also. The only difference between her and Byleth's hair was that her hair was straight. Like usual, it was brown that faded to teal, and she wore her lily hair pins, along with a flower crown of poinsettias. She also wore black boots. She walked out of her room with her basket and was met with oooooohh too familiar and terrifying squeal of Sandy.
"YOU LOOK SO ADORABLE!" Sandy said as she walked up to the girl.
The woman heard the doors to the other girl's room open and the guest one and squealed even more when she saw Amir, Mercedes and Alexandra come out. Alexandra dressed in an adorable snow bunny hat with cute leaf ears, a white dress with blue ruffles and white boots, white gloves, plus the matching blue wings, in short, she was dressed up as a snow fairy. Her little feathers on her head made it cuter along with the hair pin Claude gave her. Falco crawled nearby, jumped into her arms, and purred as she petted him.
"Why...just why..." Amir grumbled as she forced into a sugar plum princess ballerina dress with purple sparkles, purple ribbons and her short hair was tied up cutely with a matching crown.
"I think you look adorable!" Mercedes was dress as Saint Cethleann, with veil and all. Even her hair was curled nicely, plus the staff.
"But these frills is itchy!" Amir complained as she scratched her neck, "Sandy I thought you said this wouldn't have any!" She said and Sandy giggled.
Puka cackled and flinched at the glare Amir gave him while Feh rolled her eyes as she landed on Arisa's head.
"Did I now?" The older woman smiled sweetly and instantly Amir, Arisa and Alexandra stiffened.
"You know what? Never mind, this is perfect!" Amir quickly said because she knew Sandy was going to make her try on different dresses and she was having none of that.
"Well, changing the subject," Florencio appeared and clapped his hands to catch their attention, "Is everyone ready to the festivities today?!" He said a bit too excitedly.
"YES, WE ARE!" All four girls said loudly.
They'll be opening presents later in the day.
[ - ]
"So, why are you making fruit cake...?" Arisa asked Diedra as the older woman was busy mixing nuts and berries into a metal pot, Mercedes and Amir watched.
Diedra was a young woman who originally came from Duscur. She is a former florist and moved with her family to Fodlan and eventually moved to Remire village with them. She worked as mercenary in her father's company and was one of the women in Sandy's ace time. In her free time, she would help her mother with the flower shop they opened in the village in 1162. So, imagine the huge surprise and horror when her and her family learn that Amir, daughter of the Amaryllis family was now going to be living in Remire but also everything that went down with the girl's family? They welcomed her and Amir honestly felt more at home seeing her own people. Diedra is 27 and had twin sons and twin daughters. Her sons, age 10 and her daughters, age 13. The older woman smiled softly as she pointed to the window to look outside the bakery. Her husband was helping cut wood along with her two sons while her daughters were helping Elder Bara at her home preparing the Turkey, boar and also a beast that was caught, which was rare.
"My husband loves the parties here. Back in Duscur, this Holiday was known as Snow Goddess's Blessing. She would bring the soft snow to show her blessing to the land, that new life will be born in the new year. Which also, is a good day to use white roses to make rose wine!" Diedra said as she saw Mercedes pick up a bag of flour.
"May I use the kitchen also? I want to make a secret sweet that has been passed." Mercedes said and Arisa smiled sadly.
"Of course, dear! No one is stopping you! Have fun and bake to your heart's content. I do own this bakery after all!" Deirdra laughed.
"Wait, I thought it was just the flower shop?" Amir said.
"Both actually Lady Amir. Sandy loves coming by every month to buy flowers." The older woman explains as she out down her hand whisk to help Mercedes turn on the oven.
"How many times have I said not to call me Lady...? We're equals Diedra. Plus, I'm not a noble anymore." Amir said and none of them saw that Mercedes froze for a few seconds before she continued measuring the ingredients before mixing them together.
"Sorry dear, but it's a habit. Besides," she pointed to Arisa, "You already have someone important to you." She grinned and Amir pouted.
"Okay...but I hope eventually you stop calling me Lady!" Amir grinned everyone chuckled.
[ - ]
"Oohhhh! Decorating the trees are the best!" Sothis squealed as her and Arisa were riding Red Hare to put up the silver tree ornaments on the pine tree.
"They had to choose the big ones they have in malls this year..." Arisa grumbled as she gently shook off some snow on tree.
"Watch it!" Dominic yelled up and she just stuck her tongue out at him.
"Red Hare, expect a big hefty meal of your favorite vegetables tonight and Feh, I got you your favorite fish." She said and the two animals hooted and neighed loudly, their way of cheering.
She pulled out the "Christmas lights" but they were different colored marble sized crystals tied together with ribbons and Red Hare gently circled around the tree till they reach the booth, the lights put on. Yofos nodded as he used a weak spell and fire it at the tree, the crystals lighting up like real Christmas lights.
It's so pretty!" All the children that were helping decorate the tree were amazed.
Arisa smiled proudly as she flew up higher in the air and nodded. She looked towards the medical shop of her Uncle and blinked when she saw he looked...distressed? Not just him...he was talking to Sandy about something. She could see the fear in their eyes. She didn't understand, did something happen?
"I'll ask them later. For now," She turned to look at the gates and smiled, "Dad is back and nice! Eggnog barrel! Man, I'm glad the legal drinking age here in Fodlan is the same as Germany's!" Arisa grinned as she swooped down to the gates.
"Dad!" She yelled out and Jeralt grinned along with the men.
"Happy Blessings Day, kiddo!" He laughed as she jumped off Red Hare and landed in his arms.
"Tell me I get to have some eggnog later!" She grinned.
"Whoa. You're five years too young to drink that. But, thankfully Elder Bara and Acia made a version that is nonalcoholic." He said and Arisa nodded but internally she was cursing.
She'll sneak a sip, whatever it takes!
- Later at Night -
"AWWWHOOOOOO!" And low and behold, the first one to be wasted like every single year, Florencio.
The man raised his mug high, filled with eggnog that was spiked by Ares and danced like ballerina as holiday music was being played. This time, Arisa was prepared and had been taking multiple pictures throughout the day. The girl grinned as she managed to get a picture of Mercedes and her mother happily eating together.
"Say cheese!" She held the camera like she was taking a selfie and Amir gave a blank face peace sign, Alexandra stuck her tongue out while Mercedes giggled.
The two older girls saw their parents talking to each other and Arisa quickly snapped a photo, well two. She had taken multiple ones because she made them into a photo album for Mercedes and her mother as a gift. It was a last-minute thing, but she was more than happy.
"Ppssstt!" The three turned to see Dominic waving at them from behind the tree.
They went over to him and saw the boy grinning proudly as he held a mug of eggnog that was for the adults.
"I managed to sneak it away from my dad! So, who wants the first taste of this?!" He said.
The others were a bit nervous till he saw Arisa smirk.
"I shall do it!" She said as she was given the mug and right when it was about to touch her lips to taste the familiar tangy taste, she has been craving for so long...
"No, you don't!" Elder Bara's cane came out of nowhere and smacked that mug out of her hands.
Everyone started in shock at the spilled drink till they heard Arisa whimpered and she got a whacking on the head. The others burst out laughing till the Elder raised her cane again and smacked Dominic.
"Seriously?! You kids are still too young for alcohol! Be lucky I'm not Temes are else he would have had you kids go back inside!" Elder Bara grumbled as she walked away.
So much for the drink...Arisa was internally crying.
- Midnight-
Midnight hit, it was safe to say most of the adults were wasted and the children had opened their presents. Arisa had taken a few photos as a few adults were slow dancing and of course, Miss Charlotte and Sir Jeralt were dancing together. Arisa can almost safely say her father and Mercedes's mother were in love. Oh, part of her prayed her wish of her father finding happiness comes true! Mercedes was lying next to her, sleeping peacefully on the blankets that were set up near the fire. And like before, Amir and Alexandra were also asleep. Mercedes smiled faintly as she hugged tighter the photo album that was gifted to her by Arisa.
"Emile..." she muttered softly, and Arisa smiled sadly as she pulled the blanket closer to her.
It was even cuter sight because a few woolly bugs had come by and were sleeping on the girls or next to them. Arisa looked up to the sky, the snow falling began to sing softly.
This feeling, it's strange, isn't it?
It's almost as though it came fluttering down from the sky
The color of this special season fills me with excitement
From the moment we met
The melody of my heart has been ringing with premonitions
It can't be stopped, it won't be stopped - why?
Ring out
Shall I name this heart-rending pain "Snow halation"?
I can't wait for our feelings to resonate; it's frustrating, but it's a pure-hearted devotion called love
Even in this mild fever, I can't hesitate
I'll accept the courage to dive in; it's about to start!
Without a sound, nor a sign
Our fate changes silently
At the thought of the coming future, my heartbeat quickens
When you feel troubled
I'll come running right away, wanting to hug you tightly
Wherever you are, no matter where, I'll Fly high!
Hurry up
Before I knew it, my true emotions grew too large to contain
It's painful to never do more than dream of it
I want you to be mine!
I don't want to be bewildered by your gentle eyes
Accept all my love for you as it is, Please!
Ring out
Shall I name this heart-rending pain "Snow halation"?
I can't wait for our feelings to resonate; It's frustrating, but it's a pure-hearted devotion called love
Even in this mild fever, I can't hesitate
I'll accept the courage to dive in; it's about to start!
Sothis smiled softly she made herself comfortable between Arisa's legs and the girl hugged her from behind.
"Like always, excellent singing. A beautiful song that hold the meaning of love, strength and devotion but also the spirit of the holidays." Sothis giggled and Arisa nodded.
"Looking back at this year," Arisa spoke, "we met so many new people. We went through hard times. We got to learn more about ourselves and who you are." Arisa said, referring to Emily.
Sothis smiled sadly and nodded.
"It's faint but I know that girl is my daughter. Even if she can't see me, I'm happy to know she is doing well. I wonder if the familiar faces in this foggy memory of mine, I shall see them again?" She said and Arisa smiled.
"We will. I'm sure of it. We still have much to learn. So many new people. New places to explore. An adventure that continues on." Arisa grinned and Sothis nodded in approval.
They were looking forward to it. For what the new year and the net ones to come will bring them.
Just like a new journey, new dangers are ahead. But for tonight, Arisa and Sothis celebrate the day with joy.
The journey continues.
Chapter 19: Back Home: Part 2: Breakthroughs: End
[ - ]
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! I decided to wait till Christmas to release both chapter 18 and 19 as a gift to you all! Thank you all so much for reading this story. Hard to believe I wrote this in October this year. From a two prototype chapters to now a full story, thank you all.
Chapter 20 will be released on New Year's, January 1st. It will be the start of a new arc and, we will be hitting a bit more on the cannon story. Get ready for the next arc because it's going to be an emotional rollercoaster and a gut Puncher.