The single quality that is common across every living creature..is fear. It is funny, as common as fear is...we so easily underestimate its power. Fear of growing close to someone. The subsequent fear of loss. Fear of failures and as more people depend on you, those fears can take on greater powers. But fear itself isn't worthy of concern. It is who we become while in its clutches. Will you be proud of that person? Will you forgive them? Will you understand why they felt the need to do the things they did? Will you even recognize them? Or will the person staring back at you should have been the very thing you feared from the start? I suppose we all find out, sooner or later. - Professor Ozpin: Rwby
[-]
I always wonder...what it was like to be alive... Of course, I have always been alive. Perhaps it was my sickly body that made me grow secretly bitter towards those who were normal. Ufu...Honestly...up till now I'm beginning to reminiscence again of my past life. Truthfully, I was bitter. I was jealous of everyone. I was jealous of my family who were all born with healthy bodies. I was jealous of my friends who were able to go out and play in the sun. Bitter...I was bitter...ahhhhhhhhhh...lonely...I feel so lonely...I hate the cold...I hate the cold...I hate the cold...
Warm...warm...ahhhhhhhh! I remember how warm the sun was! How it touched my skin when I was finally able to take my first steps outside the hospital room! Aahhhhhhhhhh! Warm...warm...safe...happy...I was so happy! I wasn't bitter! I wasn't bitter anymore! I'm cured! I'm cured! I'm cured! I dance! I can sing! I can run! I can taste it! Aaaahhhhhhh! I'm free I'm free! I can be normal! I can go to school! I can make friends!I'm alive!
Ahahahahaha! Too bad!
Eh?
Normal? Please! As if we were normal in the first place! You think you can escape this cursed fate of ours?! I think not! Never forget our loneliness! Never forget our bitterness! Never forget our jealousy! Never forget the sick white walls where we lived for the first 13 years of our lives! Because this is where we will die! Alone! In the cold! Just like we were meant to!
Stop! Stop! Stop!
I don't want to return there! I don't want to return to those rooms! I don't want to be alone again! I hate it! I don't want to be alone! I don't want to be in the cold anymore! I don't want to leave my friends! I don't want to leave my family! I don't want to return to the cold! Stop stop stop!
Too bad. The cold and being alone is where we belong.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
"Please...strike me down...before I HURT YOUR ALL! AAAAHHHHHH!"
- Ethereal Moon: December 30th -
"Alright, let's go! I don't have all day dammit!" With documents, maps, letters, even books, Emily's office was a complete mess, which was extremely rare.
Things have just been a complete rush and a celebratory day for her.
"So, Cornelia has been fired?" Arisa could barely contain the excitement in her voice as Emily was writing a letter.
The older woman smirked proudly as the memory of what happened earlier this morning came back to her. The lords of the Kingdom gathered, and King Lambert spoke of his decision. It has been on the minds of many and today, it was time for the choice to be made. Though Lady Patricia protested it, but the king has made his final decision.
"Cornelia, I truly thank you for everything you have done for our people and family. However, over the past 7 years, your reputation has plummeted, the rumors that have been said and, the suspension of the death of Lord Alexander and your daughter is hanging over your head. You have lost the trust of most of the people and also me and Lords. For this, we have come to the discussion you are hereby dismissed from the court of the royal family. You will no longer be the head of the Magic Academy, as well as the lands of Aubin will be taken." He said to the complete look of horror Cornelia had.
Half the Lords such as Viscount Keilman, and Count Rowe had looks of shock. Others like Lord Rodrigue, Sir Gustave, Lord Lonato and such nodded in agreement with their King. Emily was barely able to contain her grin during the meeting as Cornelia processed everything that was said. The woman gritted her teeth as she held her staff tightly, swelled her pride and nodded.
"V-Very well...I understand. I thank you King Lambert for everything. I will pack my belongings. I...thank you for your time." The woman said void of emotions as she turned her back, leaving out the doors of the roundtable room.
"Emily, even if she is fired...I need you to keep your eye on Viscount Keilman and Count Rowe. Cornelia is not finished..." Arisa said and Emily stared at her.
"I know. Lord Keilman offered her to work for him as a representative mage of his House. Not to also mention, the queen is acting strangely these past few days. Something big is going to happen." The older woman said as they heard a knock to their door.
"Come in-Get the fuck out!" And that was fast quick of tone the minute Emily saw it was Cornelia and the entire room went into clean mode in an instant.
"You always had a sailor's mouth since the day you were born." Cornelia huffed as she closed the door and noticed Kiana was there.
"Ah. Lady Kiana, I see you are doing well. You leave tomorrow correct?" She said and Arisa nodded.
"I do. Lady Cornelia, I am sorry about today." Arisa said as she bowed politely to her, "Even if you no longer work here, you still have my respect for allowing me to teach at the Magic Academy and for the small time we spent drinking tea. I do hope you do well from here on out." She said.
Cornelia was silent for a few seconds and spoke.
"I thank you girl. Perhaps we can keep in touch." Cornelia smiled and Arisa smiled at her also.
"I'll write letters when I can." She said and the woman turned Emily.
"Well, I don't mind speaking my mind in front of you, but I guess you ought to know." The woman said as her dementor turned cold towards Emily.
"Congratulations Emma. You've finally succeeded in getting rid of me from this place. Hmph." Cornelia said as Emily stood up, and Arisa was worried as she backed away a bit.
"Ha. No Cornelia..." The girl undid her spell, revealing her adult form as she walked towards the woman, "You brought this on yourself the day my mother suddenly passed away 12 years ago. I know very well she did not pass away from sickness." Emily said the two now stood at equal footing, glaring furiously at each other, "Lady Cira was healthy despite being 43 years old. She was no "old woman" that you called behind her back. She was wise. She served the royal family for generations. She took in those who were lost in the darkness. I may have been nothing but a child back then even children when they see a black soul." She said coldly.
Cornelia was silent and smirked.
"Huff...I knew it. The Crest of Lamine's hidden ability, to see into the souls of others. Only so few inherited such ability." Cornelia said and Emily smirked back.
"That may be so, but don't try to save the subject. I will continue my mother's will. It was the Zoltras House that helped found the Kingdom. People like you who have hurt others while being the shadows, will be taken down..." she said.
"Ha. I always wondered why you suddenly took a dislike towards me. Still, you won't get rid of me that easily. I'll be working with Lord Keilman from now on. So, do expect to see me still, just not in court." Cornelia smiled and Emily nodded.
"I know. Unfortunately, as much as I despise you, we are still doctors. I still respect you in that aspect at least." Emily said as Cornelia nodded to her.
"It is the same here. But know this..." the woman growled, "This isn't over." And with that, the woman stormed out of the office, slamming the door shut.
"I thought mass murder was about to happen..." Sothis said as she appeared and floated towards Emily, "Noa, do be careful." She said and the woman nodded.
"Still...Arisa, watch your back." She said and the girl nodded, about to turn to leave but.
Bubump.
"Tch." Arisa suddenly felt weak as she placed her hand on her chest, "Endure...endure." she muttered to herself as Sothis gave her a worried look.
"Anyhow," Emily sighs as she walked back to her desk and sat down, "You depart tomorrow. It takes about 2 weeks to reach Ordelia Territory. You and Amir will be flying together. Thankfully, by the time you both arrive, those insects should be gone for 48 hours. They will be restocking on supplies. Worst of all, they are waiting for Lysithea's mother to give birth to her second child." She said.
"Wait, Lysithea is going to become an older sister?" Arisa said as she turned back to her.
"Yes. And as much as House Ordelia wishes to celebrate, they cannot. Only dread has come to them." Emily said as she picked up a letter, and it disappeared in blue flames, "I sent my message. Only Lord Ordelia knows and our spies are keeping watch." She said.
There was a bit of silence till Arisa spoke.
"Emily...has...there been anything...about the king planning to go to Duscur?" She asked a bit nervously and the woman blinked.
"Yes, he has. Unfortunately, no date has been decided yet. Why?" The woman asked.
"Listen...make sure...sigh...I want you to start preparing rescue supplies, food and other resources." She said.
"I know you want to tell me, but you can't...for now, I'll get that started. Whatever is happening soon, we'll be prepared." Emily said as she noticed the worried look her friend had.
Sometimes Emily hated the rules of time. She can tell Arisa wanted to tell her everything but sje can't. The girl is limited to what she can say. If the rules of time allowed her to say everything then to many things could go wrong. Emily mentally sighed, she just prayed that whatever reason Arisa asked her to prepare supplies, better be good.
[-]
"Left, right! On your guard Ingrid!"
It's been two weeks since Ingrid had asked Amir to teach her some dagger techniques, and boy was she regretting it. Her body ached at the amount of heavy training the older girl was making her do. She literally was making her do the same training that the male knights do.
"Kyaa!" Ingrid yelled as the older girl kicked her off her feet and held the wooden dagger at her neck.
"Too slow. If I was a real assassin, you would be dead." Amir said as she was on top of the girl but stood back up, "But, you're improving. It never hurts to know how to wield a sword. But your specialty is lance and flying, as well as authority. Hmm... she said as the young girl got herself up.
Ingrid gritted her teeth as her hands balled into fist. Amir reminded her of a military general. She wasn't exactly pleased with how harsh the woman was when she would train others. Arisa was strict yet gently but this woman…..
"I know that face." Amir's voice made her look up to her, "You aren't exactly fond of my methods of training. I can't blame you though. I used to think the same." She said.
"Used to...think the same?" Ingrid said and Amir nodded as she twirled the dagger in her hand easily.
"The one that trained me was my grandfather, who was once a military general in Duscur. He wanted me to be prepared should anyone attempt to hurt me; I would be ready to strike back. Though the methods were harsher, they served me well up to this day." Amir said as Ingrid looked at her surprised, "My methods are a bit more calming compared to how my grandfather taught me. He woke me up in the middle of the night one day and left in the middle of the cold mountains, to hunt a moose. I survived and brought it back. I was 5 years old." She said and Ingrid gulped.
"That sounds...like the way the knights of Faerghus train...us..." she said and Amir chuckled.
"You get used to it. You will be surprised how well I became connected to nature." She said and Ingrid looked over to the bench where Hyper and Puka were playing together, even kicking snow up.
"Amir...how...are you able to...put up with such...harsh ways?" Ingrid asked.
"Traditions and cultures may be different but at times they are like others. One must not judge simply by looking. Though, traditions are meant to be broken at some point." Amir said as she patted her head, "You'll understand when you are older. For now, it is best to think about your own beliefs. Cut your own path." She said and left towards the bench while the girl was in shock.
Ingrid was confused. So, so confused. What did she mean that traditions were meant to be broken?!
[-]
"So Dimitri, you never told us the result of...your confession." Sylvian had a smirk as he looked over to Dimitri, who nearly choked on his drink.
The prince, Sylvian, Zander, Glenn, Felix, Chris and Dwyer were all in the library, doing some reading till the redhead brought up the subject.
"Oh...I..sigh, I was rejected." Dimitri smiled sadly as Zander and Chris gave each other a look then turned back to their brother.
Sylvain, Felix, and Dwyer looked at their friend shocked while Glenn let go of a sigh.
"She said she loves all of us equally. I... understand I'm a bit too young for her. But...I'm glad I confessed, and she was honest with me." Dimitri said and Sylvian gave him a hug.
"My dear friend...no need to hide your broken heart. We understand." Sylvian sniffed while the others groan.
"Changing the subject." Glenn said as he turned to look at his friend, "She and Amir leave tomorrow. You won't be seeing them for a long time." He said as the boy looked down to the ground.
"I know." Dimitri smiled sadly.
"Dimitri, grab your lance, let's see how much you improved with the Professor's lessons." Chris said suddenly as he left out the door.
Everyone was confused by this as they all stood up and headed to the training grounds, which was a 5-minute walk.
To no one's surprise, Kiana and Amir were there, with Annette, Ingrid, Lestia and Edelgard, the older girls giving them instructions in using a sword. They all noticed the boys coming and Chris heading straight to the training weapons, grabbing two wooden lances. He casually tosses one to Dimitri, who caught it. The two headed to the center of the field, and got in his stance however, the young prince instantly knew the second his stepbrother stood on one leg, and held his lance diagonally, this sparring match, was serious. Chris was testing him. He remembers when he first met him. The older boy was very closed off and hardly spoke. Dimitri knew this change of environment affected him a lot, yet the two bonded when he saw the older boy practicing his martial arts by himself.
"Dimitri!" Zander's yell made the young prince come to his senses as he saw Chris come at him with his lance, thrusting it.
Dimitri quickly twirled his lance to block yet Chris was coming at him with a multiple rapid trust.
"Not bad." Chris said as Dimitri kept blocking, "Your blocking his improved rapidly." And then he spun again to Dimitri took the opportunity to attack him, his own lance aiming at his shoulder.
"..." Arisa was silent as she watched the two and began walking towards them, ignoring her friends' protest.
"Argh!" The boy was swept off his feet, his new record, surviving 5 minutes.
"Not bad." Arisa's voice quickly made them all turn to her as she had a blank look towards Chris, "That technique...should not be known here in Fodlan." She said to him.
"That style of fighting is...the Chinese spear technique..." Arisa thought as Chris turned to her.
"Where...did you learn it?" She asked him.
"The lance is not my specialty. But I always known how to use one. I am self-taught. But since now you're here and you go tomorrow, how about you and I spar? We never got the chance. Plus, you already gave Glenn his rematch, which you kicked his ass." He snickered and Glenn growled.
Arisa could not help but chuckle as she patted Dimitri's head, who blushed.
"Okay, let's spar." She said as she was about to turn to get a training sword, but Chris stops her.
"Hand to hand. Brawler vs Brawler. "He said.
"Haaaaaaaaaa?" Well that was first anyone has ever heard her say that.
Arisa turned to him with a raised eyebrow as she rested her hands on her waist.
"The last time someone asked me to a brawling match they regretted it because they said I was too rough! It's been 5 years since I've been asked to such a spar." Arisa said.
"And there is a good reason why!" Amir yelled out.
"Oh, shut up!" Arisa rolled her eyes and Amir yelled out again.
"Hey! In our defense, you left a huge dent on the ground!" Amir yelled out.
Arisa's ears turned red at the mention of that accident and Chris laughed a bit.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be gentle." He teased and he saw her eyes narrowed.
"Excuse me?" Somehow Chris knew when her tone changed, she wasn't happy with his words.
Arisa went to the training weapons rack and got two sets of wooden gauntlets, throwing one pair at him.
"I'll show you gentleness." She said coldly and Dimitri ran back to the group, terrified by her sudden tone.
"Chris messed up." Zander sighs as both teens put on their gauntlets, getting into their stances.
However, the next 5 minutes, terrified everyone. Each punch was met equally. Each kick countered one another. Each dodge, each blow, each counter.
"What...the hell...?" Glenn uncrossed his arms as he watched his two friends sparring and what's more, a crowd was gathering.
"Why does he know these?!" Arisa internally yelled as she did a fly kick at him and was met with his own, countering it.
"It feels like..." Chris thought as he both threw a punch at each other and their necks moving the opposite direction to dodge.
"I'm fighting my mirror." The two thought as they both jumped back then charged at each other again.
"What on earth?" Amir thought as both grabbed the wooden lances on the snow floor and quickly used them on each other.
"The only person to have ever met me evenly is...!" Both once more jumped back and stared at each other with wide eyes, unable to process this sparring match.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Both snapped out of their shocked states as they looked around, the huge crowd of knights clapped in amazement at the amazing performance. Both teens waved a bit unsure and then looked at each other, concerned. Thousands if not millions of thoughts were running through their heads. So many questions and they mystery on them both just grew even more.
"Who truly are you?" Both thought as they returned to their groups.
"What the hell was that?!" Zander hissed to his brother as Chris put back the training weapons, "You and Kiana, I thought I was seeing two mirrors fighting each other!" He said and even Chris was stumped.
"I...I don't know...I...honestly don't know..." Chris could barely say as he turned to look over to the girls, but they were gone already.
Dimitri stared at his brother a deep frown married his face. The way those two fought, it was like two mirrors fighting.
"Chris...could it be that she is a distant relative of yours?" Glenn said as they began to head back to the library.
"Arghhh! All this is making my head spin!" Sylvian said, "You two have the same stone face, same moves, even the same personality at times! Plus likes and dislikes! It's like your siblings!" He said and Chris spoke.
"Maybe...in a past life?" He joked and Dwyer choked.
"What's wrong?" Felix said as they stopped.
"That...could be possible." The young boy said, and Chris turned to him.
"What do you mean?" Chris said as the boy looked up to him seriously.
"All of the ancient tribes of Fodlan...have legends that at some point in time, our souls could have lived a past life. They say when a new child is born and their first cry, they are mourning their past life. There are even stories that some people have memories of a different life. Maybe...you and Kiana were family at some point in time?" Dwyer said as a heavy silence befell all.
Chris's mouth was slightly parted as the words were absorbed. Could it be possible? Is that why when he first met her, he knew Kiana was not her real name? Is that why he called her Arisa Hernandez? Is that why...he is scared, she will die? Chris began laughing softly and then it turned to a full-blown laughter as everyone looked at him worried.
"DAMMIT!" He suddenly punched the wall furiously and everyone looked at him shocked.
"Why am I crying...? Why am I so afraid of seeing her die? Why am I so afraid of her getting hurt? I keep thinking she is my older sister! I keep thinking I'm going to see her die alone! Why...why do...why do I feel...this way...? Why...do I know her real name..?" He choked out as he stormed out down the hallway.
"Chris!" Zander yelled out to him, but he was gone.
"Sigh...Zander...you go check on Kiana. I'm going to see Chris. He and Gina leave tomorrow also with Lord Arundel. The rest of you, go back to your rooms." Glenn sighs as he went after his friend and Zander went the opposite direction.
"...Dwyer...those stories from your family..." Dimitri said, "Are...they true?" He said and the young boy looked unsure of how to answer.
Things just seem to be going downhill lately.
[-]
The girl had a bad habit of escaping to the fishpond hidden in the garden. Arisa hated being alone. She always seemed to have some sort of companionship. Whether it was a person or an animal. Even talking to strangers helped. She knew of the condition she had. Autophobia, also called monophobia, isolophobia, or eremophobia, is the specific phobia of isolation; a morbid fear of being egotistical, or a dread of being alone or isolated. Sufferers need not be physically alone, but just to believe that they are being ignored or unloved. She was also afraid of the cold. She hated herself at times but being alone was her worst fear. Sothis was currently asleep in her mind and Arisa wished the goddess was awake. She couldn't stand the questions the girls were asking her, and Amir politely took them away from her, letting Arisa have some peace. The girl hugged herself tightly as memories of her youngest brother resurfaced back. It hurt. It hurt.
Ithurtithurtihurtihurtithurt!
"Ahhhh...ah...Aaaahhhhhhhh!" She screamed out and wailed as tears began streaming down her eyes.
She thought she could move on. She thought she could finally find peace yet fate always had to be cruel.
"Aahhhhaaahhhh! Aaaahhhhhhh!" She wailed out, the image of her final days in the hospital when her little brother would play the guitar and she would sing to the music.
The days where she would help him with math homework and read stories to him. The days they would play video games, write songs, watch videos, and such.
"Aaahhhhhhhhhhh...ah...hic...hic...why...WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME?!" She wailed out as she began crying loudly again, unaware that Zander had found her.
"WHY DO YOU REMIND ME SO MUCH OF CHRISTIAN?! WHY DO THESE MEMORIES KEEP COMING BACK?! I THOUGHT I COULD FINALLY MOVE ON! I THOUGHT I COULD...I..thought...I thought...ahhh..." The girl dropped to her knees and wept as she had her hands in the snow.
Zander was silent as he put the pieces together. Chris reminded her of a relative of hers. He wondered if that relative passed away at some point in her life. Perhaps, when she was finally able to move on, meeting Chris only brought back painful memories. No, the members were best described as bittersweet.
"Uhhh...hic...hic..." he quietly walked up to her and knelt down, a worried expression on his face as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
The girl turned, looking at him shocked.
"Zander?" She could barely say as the older prince nodded.
"You're always listening to others, so I think it's time someone listens to you. Let's go...my treat." He smiled softly to her and the girl nodded and sniffed.
[-]
It felt a bit strange to be taken to drink tea with the eldest prince of Blaiddyd. Usually it would be Amir or Mercedes, even Chris and the others, but this was the first time she has ever been like this alone with Zander. They were in the usual cafe in the magic district and the staff knew they were regular customers. They brought Arisa's usual order of a green tea latte and for Zander, a citrus hot tea. The prince hummed in delight as the sweet scent of lemon, orange, and other citrus hit his nostrils as he took a sip of his hot tea. Arisa did the same with hers and smiled softly.
"Figured you needed this." Zander's voice her look to him, "It's not every day I've witnessed the wisest Professor of all of Fodlan mourning. You've helped everyone here. Especially my siblings and I thank you for that." He said as he placed down his cup, "But I am no fool. I know even the strongest of people, need someone to listen to. So, it's alright to talk to me. I'll listen. Take your time." He said and Arisa looked at him shocked.
"I...sigh...I'm sorry. This...isn't exactly how I wanted us...to talk." She said and he shook his head.
"It's alright. Besides, I'm kind of used to it. Lestia loves ranting." He said and she chuckled.
"That I can agree on." She sighed, "Chris...reminds me of...my little brother...who...I can no longer be with." She began and Zander was silent, "We used to...sing together...dance..play...I used to help him with his homework. He would cheer me up when he would visit me in the clinics. He would bring me my favorite teas and when I was finally healed, I learned martial arts and then I taught him. So, I was very surprised that Chris was able to match up perfectly evenly with me. The only one that has been able to is my little brother. It felt like I was fighting my mirror again. It brought back..bittersweet memories." She said and he smiled sadly at her.
"I know how it feels to lose a loved one." He said, "When my brother and sister were born, I was 4 years old. During that time, the plague was at its deadliest and took the lives of many. One of them...was our mother." Zander said as Arisa went silent, "She was in a weakened state after giving birth, so...the plague ended up...taking her life. I was very young unfortunately, so I don't remember much. But...I remember how much my father grieved her death. The memories are faint, but I remember my mother loved gardening. Seems I inherited that from her." He chuckled.
"Whenever I see my siblings, I can't help but see a bit of my mother in them. Dad says I have mom's eyes, that Dimitri has her shyness and that Lestia has her honestly. Hmmm." He said and Arisa smiled softly.
"I...sigh...is Chris okay?" She asked.
"Glenn went to check on him. He'll be fine. Gina and he are leaving with our uncle to the Empire tomorrow also. Speaking of that, I have been wanting to have an opportunity to talk to you like this. I already spoke with Amir, but now it's your turn." He said and he turned serious.
"How is Alexandra?" He said and Arisa's blood ran cold.
"Before you panic, I am very aware about why she is being kept hidden. Emily told me about the abuse she was suffering with her mother." He said and Arisa let go a sigh of relief.
"You are saying that, just reminded me of the argument that happened between those two this morning. Cornelia has been fired." Arisa said and Zander nodded.
"I know. When I turn 19 next year, I'll be inheriting the Aubin land. Becoming Duke Alphonses. I know for a fact the first thing I'm doing is helping the citizens and distributing supplies and helping rebuild the towns. Honestly, I'm glad I'm not in line for the crown. I really can't stand half the nobles... especially...the glorification of death...and...crest... " he said bitterly and Arisa leaned a bit forward.
"Zander, are you jealous that your siblings have Crest?" Arisa said and Zander raised an eyebrow at her.
"I'm not Miklan." He said, "But to be honest, I'm not. I acknowledge that Crest does increase someone's performance, but I also acknowledge that strength is strength. Everyone has their best and their weakness. I'm a professional in Flying and using a lance. But give me a bow and axe, don't trust your life to me!" He said and Arisa chuckled a bit, "But in all seriousness, I wish people would acknowledge each other's strength and weaknesses. Humans...sigh...aren't strong as we look." He sighed.
"My first maiden battle...I will never forget it. It was two years ago; I was sent to assist Margrave Gautier to fight off invaders from Sreng. My two best friends, we went together. That battle...was gruesome. That...was...the first taste of reality. On the battlefield, there was no chivalry nor code of honor. All it was...was a bloodbath. My friends...did not make it. I came back...terrified. I never forgot...the feeling of blood. Of taking a life. Everyone thinks they are changing the world...yet...no one thinks of changing themselves. Reality slaps us in the face when we least expect it. And...I was furious when the people said my friends..."They died like true knights." He gritted his teeth, "Screw those damn words...my friends...don't glorify their deaths..." growled.
He then remembered that he wasn't alone and looked over to the girl. Kiana has a sad expression as she took a sip of her tea.
"Then...I guess it really is time, for traditions to break." She said and he looked at her shocked as she looked at him, "You're not the only one who isn't happy with the way things are." She said and Zander chuckled.
"Haha...I'm glad we got to talk. But in all seriousness, is Alex doing alright? Please tell me she's happy?" He said and Arisa took out the picture Amir showed Sylvian.
"She looks like her dad. Did her Crest cause her hair to change?" He asked and she nodded.
"She gets along really well with Claude." Arisa smiled and Zander looked rather shocked.
"Claude?! I already suffer enough with his pranks and my sisters! They don't need a third prankster in their groups!" He said and Arisa could not help but burst out laughing.
The rest of the time, it was a good talk.
[-]
"Chris...sigh...you really need to pull yourself together." Glenn said as his friend was face flat on his bed.
The boy had entered Chris's room, to see him just face flat on his face. Glenn sometimes wonders if he was like some lost puppy or a complete idiot.
"Oh, shut up..." Chris said as he turned his face his way, "I was serious! Dwyer's stories threw me off bad. Honestly...even I was...shocked...that I was met evenly matched." He said as he sat up, "Can I just declare she is my long-lost sister at this point?" He said and Glenn smacked him.
"Look, I think you two need to have a proper talk with each other." He said.
"But we did. I even told her I think of her as an older sister even though I'm older than her! Which is weird because it should be the other way around!" He said and Glenn sighs.
"Well at this point, I'll leave you to think. I'll be in the library if you need me." He said and left, leaving Chris in his own thoughts.
The older boy flopped back down onto his bed and stared at the ceiling; his mind was just confused.
"Bloody hell...just what the hell is wrong with me?" He sighs closed his eyes.
His fingers lightly tap on his bed as he began humming a song.
De Colores
De Colores se visten los campos en la primavera
De Colores
De Colores son los pajarillos que vienen de afuera
De Colores
De Colores es el arco iris que vemos lucir
Y por eso los grandes amores De muchos colores of many bright colors
Me Gustan a mi Y por eso los grandes amores
De muchos colores Me Gustan a mi
That song has always been with him since he was a child. He would sing that song at times when he felt alone. When he would play with his siblings, he would sing that song to them. Others thought it was gibberish, yet he knew the language wasn't. So, hearing Arisa speak it, was a huge surprise to him. He thought he was the only one.
"Tomorrow we depart...I just feel... something is going to happen...and I won't come back..." he muttered and stood up, heading straight to his desk.
He picked up his quill, a piece of paper and began writing.
"Zander...or Emily...I hope you guys find this if I or Gina don't come back."
- The Next Day -
"DON'T LEAVE MEEEEEEE!"
Arisa groans as Lestia refused to let go of her waist as her and Amir were at the front gates, ready to leave. All her students, even the Queen and King were there, along with the parents of the kids, were there.
"Lestia, let go of her!" Emily sighs as she walked up the princess and pulled her away barely.
Felix and Annette looked ready to burst out crying at any moment while the others had sad smiles.
"I'll be seeing you soon then?" Chris said as he and Arisa shook hands, both grinning.
"Who knows? And if we do, expect me to kick your arse in the next sparring match." She said and he snickered.
"We'll see." He said, "Hey...thank you for everything. I had an amazing time. We should hangout the next time we meet." He said and Arisa smiled at him sadly.
"Thank you for everything also. We may have had a rough start, but I'm glad things worked out." She said and the two hugged, surprisingly many.
"Take care out there little brother. Or I'll be the one to bring you back." Arisa teased and Chris couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright big sis! And make sure to reject every guy that asks out on a date!" He said and that got him a smack on the head.
"How dare you say that about my love life!" She said and many could not help but laugh at the scene.
Amir smiled softly as she turned to Zander, who smiled softly to her.
"Take care out there." Zander said and Amir nodded.
"I will. Also...I had fun." She said and quickly gave him a peck on the cheek, the girl quickly ran back to Red Hare so they couldn't see her face.
"ZANDER YOU TRAITOR!" Sylvian yelled out while Chris and Arisa shared a look.
The girl then walked up to the King and Queen, and knights, bowing to them.
"King Lambert, Queen Patricia, Sir Gustave, Sir Rodrigue, everyone...thank you for everything. I am truly grateful for my time here and meeting you all. I learned so much and...sigh, I'm just grateful. Thank you." She said and King Lambert chuckled.
"You are welcome here anytime. May you be safe on your journey." King Lambert said.
The girls turned to the children, who they all hugged together.
"All of you, thank you. Be safe, keep studying and most of all, trust one another." Arisa was trying not to cry as they hugged her tightly.
"Ummmm...Arisa...?" Edelgard muttered softly and the older girl was down a bit, "Thank you." Edelgard smiled warmly and kissed her cheek.
"Oh. Dimitri lost when it's the first kiss." Lestia said and burst out laughing at how red Arisa turned as she looked at the brunette in shock, who just smiled.
Dimitri looked like he just lost a fight. The adults were trying not to laugh at how frozen the older girl was as she simply patted Edelgard's head and the look of murder Hubert was giving her.
"Byyyeee! Take care!" Many yelled out and waved as the girls mounted Red Hare, Arisa finally snapped out of it and grinned, waving at all of them as the pegasus began to flap his wings.
Feh was perched on her shoulder, and Puka and Hyper were inside Amir's purse comfortably.
"Take care everyone! Till our paths cross again!" The girls yelled as Red Hare took off to the sky, the morning breeze tickling their cheeks.
Dimitri and Edelgard smiled warmly as they closed theirs and nodded.
"Till we meet again, Arisa."
- 2 days later: January 2: 1176 -
"We need to hurry and find shelter. Zander wasn't kidding when he said a blizzard was on its way." Two days have passed since the girls departed from the capital and were on their way to the Alliance.
The winters in Faerghus were always their enemy and what's more, the two noticed they were being followed. They weren't stupid like the older woman thought them to be. As a matter of fact, they were smarter.
"Cornelia must have spies following us." Arisa mentally said as she knew how much the woman wanted to her hands on her.
It would take another 12 days at the speed they are going but with the way they are being followed, they don't know what to do. Thankfully they were stopping at a well populated town so hopefully they could be free from them. They went to the inn and booked their rooms. Arisa hasn't removed her disguise one bit. Once in their rooms, with red Hare shrunken to the size of a male cat, both girls used their magic to create barriers around the room along with a soundproof one. No one could see inside out outside. Arisa finally undid her spell and let go a sigh of relief.
"We need a distraction." Arisa said as Sothis appeared.
"How far can your warping spell take us?" Sothis said as Amir looked at them worried.
"Town Galtea...it's the closest to the Alliance...if I turn back now...it will take us three weeks to get there...but...gulp...If..I warp us there. Those spies will lose complete track of us. But...sigh...I'll have to rest for a few days if I used the spell." Arisa explained as she turned to Amir.
"I know the warping spell also since Emily drilled it into us both. What if we combine it? It would lower the stress on us, not to also mention we might increase the distance of the spell. Daphnel territory, we need to warp there. Out of Faerghus, completely." Amir said and Sothis nodded.
"I'll lend you both my strength as well. The Crest we possess is the mother of the others. If I can tap into that power..." Sothis said and Arisa nodded.
"Do it." She said and the goddess looked at the two shocked as Amir also agreed, "We need to leave Faerghus at once. It's already late but...we can't afford Cornelia knowing about us." She said and the two girls interviewed their hands.
Red Hare along with Feh got into Arisa's bag and huddled together, it was the same case with Puka and Hyper.
"Very well." Sothis said as she floated above them.
The two girls began chanting in the language of fae, the magic circle activating underneath them. The words of the goddess, the symbols of both reason and faith magic, appear.
"Heed my words my children," Sothis said as she spread her hands, "Lends us your power. Help us reach a new land." She said and Amir's crest began to activate as the two kept on chanting, colors of purple and green surrounding them, "Let us escape the claws of our enemies!" Sothis yelled and the girls snapped their eyes open, their pupils have turned to their crest.
"WARP!"
Showers of gold, green and purple surrounded them as they felt their bodies float and twist, the two refusing to let go of each other and their friends. Like glass shattering, the two were gone from the inn, not a single evidence I'm sight that they were there. Cornelia's spies believed they were still in the room. Unfortunately, they won't be finding out they are gone till two days later with absolutely no idea where they went, fearing for their lives because Cornelia's wrath will be coming at them.
- ? Territory -
"AAAHHHH! AAAARRGHHH!"
SPALSH!
"SERIOUSLY?! IN THE MIDDLE OF A LAKE!?"
"SHUT IT SOTHIS!"
Both Arisa and Amir grumbled as they kept afloat in the water yet for some reason, it tasted salty. It was dark and both didn't exactly have the best night vision right now as they all began to swim towards shore. Thankfully their pets were safe since they had a barrier over them.
"Cough!" Arisa laughed as she crawled onto the shore, expecting to feel dirt, yet..."ce...ment?" She said as she looked around now, her vision now recovered.
"Wait..." Amir said as the two girls shakily stood up, looking around, registering their surroundings.
Ports filled with ships, the familiar beautiful artist buildings, the lights of show, and the familiar taste of saltwater.
"Ummmm...this isn't Daphel territory..." Amir said.
"I think...we may have accidentally warped ourselves to Deirdu." Arisa choked out while Sothis was looking at the city in shock.
"Well, on the bright side" Sothis began, "you're out of Faerghus. Thankfully we're not too far from Ordelia Territory anymore. We should get there in 10 days max if we go at max speed. Is it possible to find one of Emily's allies here?" She said as Amir used wind magic to dry them off.
"I...don't know." Arisa said, "For now, let's go to an inn. We'll stock up on supplies tomorrow. I need to tell Emily about what happened these past few days." She said and the two began to walk but luck likes to strike them where it hurts.
"Teach...is that you?"
"Oh, for the love of god!" Arisa mentally screamed as both girls turned towards a wooden canoe on the port and low and behold, Claude.
She remembers the boy loved looking at the ocean and stars at night, often sneaking out at night to the port. So, part of her wasn't surprised they would encounter him, but...this really was the worst time right now. The boy quickly climbed out of the boat, and scurry over to them, looking at them with wide eyes. He was dressed in his usual clothing but was much taller this time. Just a tad bit taller than Dimitri.
"It is you! And Amir also! You've both grown a lot!" He said and he meant it.
The girls were much taller, not to mention "packed" on the chest. Their hair was longer, and in Arisa's case, she still wore the same ponytail. The older girls let their pets free, Red Hare reverted to his size as Feh perched herself and Arisa's head. Puka stretched as Hyper was on Amir's shoulder.
"Claude...why are you here?" Arisa said and Claude was taken back a bit.
"What? That the first thing you say after not seeing me for 6 months now, Miss Kiana?" He said sarcastically and Arisa rolled her eyes as she hugged the boy.
"I know, I know. You're still mad. But, I'm glad to see you too." Arisa chuckled the boy hugged her back.
He grinned like an idiot and then hugged Amir also, and pet the animals.
"I'm glad you guys are here. How long will you guys be staying?" He asked.
"Unfortunately, only tonight and we leave tomorrow. We're...it's urgent." Amir said and Claude looked at them sadly.
"I understand. For now, why don't you guys stay the night with us? Judith is also here along with Edward." He said and the girls nodded.
"Alright, we accept the invitation. But let me guess, you want to know why we're in a hurry?" Arisa said as they began walking.
"You know me so well Teach!" Claude said.
"All you need to know, it's a rescue mission. That's all." Amir sighs.
- The Next Day -
Indeed, it came to a huge surprise when Claude arrived at the manner with two guests. Thankfully, Duke Reigan remembered the girls from the days they trained his grandson. He welcomed them and Edward was surprised to see them also. Gregory was there too. Before the girls went to sleep, Arisa sent a message to Emily, explaining what had happened. They got their shut eye and woke up the next day, to speak to Edward and Gregory privately. Currently, they are in the Doctor's office.
"You two haven't met your other teammates? Oh Emily..." Gregory groans as he buried his face in closed arms.
He was sitting down at one of the tables while Edward was standing up, a worried look on his face.
"We've already contacted our spies in the Empire to keep an eye out. Your teammates you will be meeting them once you get to Ordelia Territory. Amir...Arisa...this is serious...you're about to commit "murder"." Edward said and Aris sighs.
"I know..." she muttered.
"I'll go get your supplies ready. As well as... the equipment you'll need for this. You'll leave in 4 hours." Gregory said as he stood up and left.
"Hmph." Sothis said, "You girls are ready. I believe in you both." She said and the girls gave her a soft smile.
"I hope we are."
[-]
"Hmmrrrrmmm...Teach and Amir are hiding something. Should I sneak around Zarha?" Claude said as he was talking to young wyvern, the size of a German Shepard.
It was a beautiful white scaled one with blue eyes, and a calm yet playful personality. This is the hatchling from the wyvern egg Anna sold to him 5 years ago. Claude sighs as he looked over to Red Hare, who was asleep peacefully, Puka sleeping on him, next to Hyper and Feh watching with judging eyes.
"I wonder how Alexandra and Falco are. I think you and Falco would get along." He said as Zarha nuzzled his cheek.
Just as the boy was about to stand up, he heard voices heading to the stables and recognized them, it was Arisa and Amir. He didn't know why, but he quickly hid behind the adult wyverns he heard their voices. It seems they sound stressed.
"I'm more concerned about if we'll make it on time." Arisa said as they entered and headed straight to their pets.
Claude was silent as he listened.
"Arisa, we'll make it. We'll save them." Amir said and Arisa sighs.
"I just pray we do...My anger has been going out of control lately...I'm...beginning to fear my strength." Arisa said as Red Hare stood up and softly shook the hay off himself.
"Hey, like Alexandra and I promised to you the years ago. If you start going crazy, we'll strike you down." Amir said and Arisa gave her a soft smile.
"I know. I trust you. For now, we need to start heading out. Gregory has our supplies." Arisa said as Red Hare walked up to her, and the two begun to head out.
"Wait, aren't we going to say goodbye to Claude?" Amir said and Arisa stopped walking with Red Hare.
The older girl took a deep breath and sighs.
"No...I...I don't want him...to worry about us." Arisa said.
"But he'll become even more worried about us if we don't! The boy is smart! Don't think he didn't notice how pale you turned halfway to the manner yesterday!" Amir said.
"I KNOW DAMMIT!" Arisa said angrily and Amir froze.
"I know! I know! But my main worry is his, Dimitri's and Edelgard's safety! Same with the children! I...sigh...I...I'm just...I'm beginning to run out of options...sooner or later...no...no...I need to stop thinking about that. Arghhhhh!" The girl fell to her knees, her head pounding.
"Arisa!" Amir said worried as knelt to her as even their pets surrounded them, worry in their eyes.
Claude was silent as he watched his friend in agony, barely able to breath as Arisa raised her head, her right eye flickering with some type of symbol. Yet he remembers he saw the same thing happen to Alexandra the day the two went on their first job together.
"Those Who Slither in The Dark will pay for what they have done to my loved ones." Claude froze as Amir.
It was only for a few seconds, yet those seconds felt like hours as they both heard the change in the possessed tone their friends voice turned to. Arisa slowly rose her head up, looking to Amir, who was suddenly terrified as Arisa cupped her cheeks.
"I won't let anyone harm my friends. I won't let anyone hurt my family. Not again. I won't let the Red Canyon happen again." The girl spoke in her possessed tone again and Amir began shaking her.
"Snap out of it! Snap out of it! What Red Canyon!? Arisa?! Sothis?! Please! What is your Crest turning you into?! Please snap out of it!" Amir said as her friend just stared at her with those flickering golden eyes.
"Red...?" Arisa quickly took out the dagger that was gifted to her and stabbed it into her thigh, forcing her to return to reason.
"Gasp...gasp...Amir... make sure to slap me if that happens...ever again...my crest...its getting out of control..." the girl said as her friend helped her up, and made her mount Red Hare.
"I will. Let's go. Sigh...Claude...Forgive us...please be safe..." Amir said as Red Hare ran out and took off.
The boy could barely process what just happened?
"Who are you really Teach?"
- 10 Days Later: January 12th: Ordelia Territory -
Crimson colored hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a red armor of a female bow knight, red colored eyes and peach colored skin. The woman with the Flame colored hair rode on a black pegasus as her friend held tightly onto her. Once silver hair, was now a dark purple that stopped mid waist, purple colored eyes and light peach skin, who wore the clothing of a war cleric.
"Was this really the best disguise you could come up with?!" The purple haired one whined as they got closer to the area they needed to meet with the rest of the team.
"Amir, keep complaining and I'll make sure you look like a stuck-up noble lady." Those two were Arisa and Amir.
Arisa had the fun idea of turning their appearance to that of Himeko Murata and Mei Raiden from Honkai Impact 3. Well, it worked out at least. Sometimes she questions her sanity.
"I hate you sometimes." Amir pouted as Red Hare (in color black) dove down to a dark area in the woods, that was protected by a barrier.
"We're here." Arisa said as Red Hare landed.
The girls mounted off and looked around, hoping they spotted their members.
"Ah! Lady Arisa! It's been 6 months!" They heard a voice and quickly turned.
Lucius!" Arisa said as she undid their disguise and ran up the blonde hair man.
Lucius smiled softly as another man appeared, and it turned out to be Gregory.
"Emily changed the plan...sigh...so, I'm here to help you commit mass murder." Gregory sighs as he gave them a small smile.
"Were all here then." Arisa said as Gregory warped away their pets to Emily's manner, for their safety, " How's things been so far?" She asked and Lucius shook his head.
"We need to start moving. We have 48 hours to execute the plan. Right now, TWSID have left for 48 hours. They went to restock on supplies." He said as they began heading towards the Ordelia Manor, which was a few minutes away from where they were.
"Lucius and I will be speaking with Lord and Lady Ordelia, along with the rest of the family. We'll also be transferring their fortune and such to the Zoltras house without creating suspicions. You two will go underground. We confirmed there are no hidden doors under there. Let us pray...Melody is still hanging in there." Gregory explained as the girl changed their appearance.
Before them stood a beautiful manner yet the shadow of death hung over it. What was once a beautiful garden, was dead and withered away. Lucius and Gregory change their own appearances. They walked up the front steps and they knocked. A few seconds passed and the door opened, revealing a young girl. He had bags under her eyes, her skin a pit bpale, her eyes held a cold emotion as she stared at them.
"Lysithea..." Arisa thought as the white-haired girl looked at them with narrowed eyes.
"Who are you?" Lysithea said lowly as Lucius smiled.
"We're here to help." Was all he said and Lysithea's eyes only became cold.
"Lysithea, who is-! A-Are you the one's L-Lady Noa sent?!" It was Lysithea's mother, who spoke, shocked.
"We are. May we come in?" Gregory said and the woman quickly let them in.
Inside the manner was like all that of nobles yet the hallways felt cold. Not a single person in sight. The heavy sent I'd death was here. Those that were present, stayed in their rooms.
"No...children..." Amir thought as they kept walking for a few minutes and arrived at a door down the hallway.
Lady Ordelia opened the door and inside it looked like a typical noble office yet sitting on the sofa, was an older man, who looked so tired and depressed. He looked disheveled.
"Dear...they have come." Lady Ordelia said as Arisa finally noticed her swollen belly.
Her eyes went wide, and her right hand began shaking. The girl gulped as the older man looked up to them shocked, and quickly stood up.
"A-Are you real?! Have you truly come to help us?!" Count Ordelia said and Gregory nodded.
"We are." He said as they all sat down Lysithea hugged her mother.
"Oh, how rude of us. I should bring some tea." Lysithea's mother said suddenly and was about to stand up to serve them tea but Gregory shook his head.
"No, it's alright. We came here to speak what we wanted." He said.
The woman flinched but nodded as she sat back down. Arisa turned to Lysithea's father and spoke.
"My name is Himeko Murata. We work for an organization called Sirius. Lady Noa came to offer you and your family a deal in exchange for you to leave this place." She went down to business immediately.
"Y-Yes...we only know...you are here to help us. Is it true...? This...deal seems too good." Lord Ordelia said.
"If this was a joke, you think we are here?" Amir crossed her arms, "Sirius is made of multiple different Crest users and victims of those people. It was created to stop the magicians of pale skin like the dead. The very ones that have been experimenting with humans." She said and pointed to Lysithea, who flinched.
"Kid...you're not alone." Gregory said as he lifted his sleeve, revealing the scars of the experiments done to him.
The girl gasped and looked at him shocked, as he fixed his sleeve.
"I noticed how this is the only child of this house. The other family members have locked themselves away. At this rate, your daughter will be forced to endure more, unless...they have already experimented on her?" Lucius said and the girl gulped.
Lysithea's mother hugged her daughter tightly.
"The magicians that have come are from an organization called, Those Who Slither in the Dark. They have been experimenting on humans for many years. Our organization was built to stop them." Arisa said.
"We can't oppose them...they'll kill us...we shouldn't even have contact with any of you" the mother said as she placed her hand on her stomach.
Arisa pointed to her and spoke void of emotions.
"Do you want your daughter and other child to suffer at the hands of those vermin?" She said coldly.
"Hey, watch your tone." Gregory warned her and the girl sighs.
"We have 48 hours till those magicians come back. I placed an entire barrier around the house. Those fools turned a blind eye enough to think you will sit around in fear. All we are offering is that you work for the Zoltra House in exchange to leave this place and live a peaceful life. But...we also have another request." Lucius said as he smiled kindly to them.
"We offer to save your daughter's life in exchange she becomes Lady Emily's second apprentice." Amir said as their faces went through a wave of different emotions.
The place was in complete silence till Lysithea strong up and marched to them, her eyes narrowed and nodded firmly. She was done.
"I'll do it!" Lysithea said firmly as Arisa stood up, the two not breaking eye contact as they stared at one another.
"Lysithea wait! What if this is a trap?" Her mother cried.
"Even so...I want to leave this place! All the children of House Ordelia have died, our family is in pieces. The Alliance has turned their backs on us. Our pleas for help have been ignored till now! I'm sick and tired of needles being injected into me! Mother is with a child and I don't want to lose my future sibling! I don't want...I don't want to be experimented on anymore! I WANT TO LEAVE THIS PLACE! I WANT TO LIVE! EVEN IF I HAVE LITTLE TIME LEFT! '' Lysithea cried out.
"Oh dear..." her father said as Arisa smiled sadly and knelt, patting her head softly.
Lysithea gasped as she looked at the older woman, who smiled softly.
"You done well hanging on. Waiting for us. We're here." She said and Lysithea was trying not to burst out crying.
Her hand felt so warm and more when Arisa hugged her to her chest.
"Please...we really wish to help you." Amir said as she turned back to them.
The two parents started at each other for a moment and nodded.
"We'll do it." They said and Gregory nodded.
"We need to work out the details right now. Is there anyone you suspect may betray us?" Gregory said.
"Unfortunately...there are...two members...they have been part of the experiments and supporting those mages...there are also two underground labs..." Lady Ordelia said.
"Understood, we'll deal with them." Lucius said and turned to Amir and Arisa.
"Himeko, I'm having you go to the labs. Collect everything. Mei, I'm having you deal with those traitors." He said.
"Wait!" Amir said, "Why can't I go with Himeko?!" She said.
"Do you want to deal with the scent of rotting flesh ten times worse because of your enhanced nose?" Lucius said and Amir groans as she stood up.
"I'll be alright." Arisa gave her a small smile and turned to the adults, "Did...by any chance, did those mages... bring...in a woman with...blonde hair?" She asked.
"Wait...woman...? They did! She was screaming and crying! Begging to be let go! We wanted to help her...but...we couldn't..." Lysithea said as Arisa's jaw became tense.
"Mei...I'll head to the labs. Please...you know what to do."
[-]
"This is the key to the lab...where all their documents are kept...I will...be going now." Lysithea's mother said as she turned away.
Arisa stood in front of a stone door; an eerie aura surrounded it. She wasn't looking forward to what was in there. She just prayed the woman was alive.
"Wait!" She turned as she said Lysithea heading her way, "I'm going with you!" She said.
"What?! Absolutely not!" Arisa said and Lysithea shook her head.
"Please! I must! I want to help that woman! Please I'm begging you!" Lysithea said as she bowed her head.
"I...I don't...want you to relive your nightmares." Arisa muttered.
"I'll be alright. And if the worst comes...I trust you to help us." The girl said and Arisa nodded.
In she put the key, turning the lock. Each click made their nerves become worse. The door opened, leaving a staircase that led underground. Arisa gulped as they began their descent.
"3 feet underground...luckily all the hidden passages are completely blocked so no one can get in or out." She thought as she held Lysithea's hand.
" Ughhhh! The smell here is horrible! Thank goodness you are wearing a mask along with the child!" Arisa's eyes went wide as she heard the familiar voice and turned to her right.
"Sothis!" She sighed in relief as the goddess appeared, shaking her head and holding her nose.
Lysithea looked at her weirdly because Arisa looked like she was talking to a wall, yet for some reason, she could tell someone was there.
"Hello my dear! Did you miss me?" Sothis said as she floated around, the girls continued down the stairs.
"I did actually." Arisa said as she grabbed the unlit torch and used some fire magic to light it as they continued down the staircase.
"Umm...who are you talking to?" Lysithea said.
"Oh, I'm talking to a ghost." Arisa said.
"Ghost?!" Lysithea screeched, "Hahah...no way. Ghosts aren't real." The girl laughed nervously.
Sothis smirked and floated behind the girl and blew on her neck.
"Ghhaaahh! I just felt a breeze on my neck!" Lysithea screeched.
Arisa giggled as did Sothis, who floated back to her, hugging her from behind like usual.
"Sothis, stop teasing her." Arisa sighed.
"You're no fun." Sothis said.
"She means no harm. She is a spirit that has been protecting me since I was your age. It's alright." She smiled at her.
"R-Right...can we hurry up...? I hate it here..." Lysithea said as she looked around.
Arisa nodded and extended her hand to the girl.
"Here. Let's go together." The woman smiled kindly.
Lysithea stared at her hand and nodded. She took it and Arisa undid her appearance spell and revealed her true self.
"Wha...wha...wha?!" Lysithea said shocked.
"You're probably wondering who I am. Truth is, Himeko is my fake name and appearance when I make deals. I'm Arisa Byleth. You also know me as...Kiana Kalsana." She said and rage filled the young girl.
"What...YOU'RE JUST A KID!? WHY ARE YOU LYING?! WHO ARE YOU REALLY?! " Lysithea screamed at her furiously.
"I am not lying. I really plan to save you and your family. And first, I am 15. Much older than you, my dear student." Arisa snarled back.
"But...why lie about who you really are?!" Lysithea said.
Sothis rolled her eyes and her voice suddenly came out of Arisa's lips.
"Isn't it obvious you fool!? Arisa here is putting her life on the line to change the path of time! You think adults would listen to a 15-year-old?! Would you rather live a path of pain and agony? Or peace?! You spoiled brat!" Sothis roared furiously that even Arisa was beyond shocked.
Lysithea suddenly coward and Arisa slammed her own hand over her mouth.
"Sothis...h-how...did...?" Arisa staggered and placed her on the wall to balance herself.
Sothis realized that she had temporarily taken over Arisa's body and quickly turned the girl back to normal.
"Forgive me! I had no idea that was possible!" Sothis panicked as Arisa coughed hard.
Lysithea ran over to her, worried.
"S-Sorry..." she said.
"I-it's alright...Sothis is just worried about you...that's why she possessed me when she yelled at you." Arisa said and was helped back up.
"As I was saying..also what Sothis said is true...I really am trying to help you. What we told you and your family isn't a complete lie. The Zoltras house does exist but a place for you and your family to live in peace is true. We're going to defeat Those who Slither in the Dark. That's a promise." Arisa said to Lysithea.
The 9-year-old girl looked at her shocked.
"Why...? We have never met before...yet you are helping us...why?" Lysithea asked.
Arisa smiled and bent down, so they were at most the same eye level.
"Because I do know you. Even if we have never met before in this appearance" Arisa said.
Lysithea could see it. She truly meant her words.
"Let's continue the way we were going. I'm going to save you and the others. That's a promise." Arisa said.
10 minutes passed and they arrived at a wooden door. Arisa courl instantly saw that the girl began shaking and gently squeezed her hand. Lysithea nodded as they pushed it open. Instantly, the scent of rotting flesh hit their nostrils as they looked around. Arisa tried her scream around like a mask and used the extra one she had on Lysithea. Inside the lab...were concrete tables with dried crusted blood on them. The chains were still attached. Shelves filled with books. Jars with...human body parts in them.
"Gasp.." Lysithea gasped as she found a cell, inside was Male but they were dead.
Worms and maggots eating the flesh, and the older one quickly made her turn away. Arisa was trying not to vomit as they kept walking deeper in. Tools for surgeries were on metal plates. Potions bottles filled with crimson liquid. More books, a few opened. Arisa picked up one, disgust filled her face as she read its contents.
"Urghh..." She gagged as she waves her hand, making all the books and notes go into the bag Emily provided.
"Let's keep going." She choked out barely as they kept going deeper.
The number of cages increased till they arrived in a lone room, the scent was worse there. Yet, once they opened it..
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Lysithea screamed at the mutilated body and Arisa quickly covered her eyes.
It was a female body... completely cut open. The blood was in potion bottles. Bones harvested in a metal box. A single certain stone that was once a heart, was in the chest of what was once a human. Horror hit her when she recognized the locks of blonde and mint hair on the floor.
"URRGHHHH!" Arisa and Lysithea ran out and vomited on the floor, moving their scarf before they got it dirty, "UURGHHHH! ARGHH!" They kept vomiting as Arisa shakily stood up, holding her stomach.
"Gasp...we're...too...late...ulp..." she could barely chock out as she forced herself to look towards the body. "I'm..sorry..." she sobbed as she saw the faint image of the woman.
Now she could see the woman. Long curly locks of blonde hair that touched the floor, she wore saintly clothing, her eyes a mint green as she smiled sadly to her. The woman pointed to a specific spot in the air, her lips mouthing words.
"Take care of my child..." she said.
Arisa was confused as she forced herself to walk towards the woman. Melody smiled sadly as Arisa raised her hand and placed it on the spot. A magic circle began to appear, the Crest of Chevalier on it. It was like a space rift opened as the spell was cast. Arisa felt some sort of soul inside and reached in, gently pulling out.
"Wwwhhhhaaaaa!" Shock filled her as she held a newborn infant in her arms, and looked up to the woman, who smiled sadly to her.
"No...please...I...you can't be gone Melody! What about Macuil?!" Sothis's memories merged with her as she was now speaking to the woman as if she knew her all her life.
Melody smiled sadly and cupped her cheeks, resting her forehead on her.
"I trust you...please..tell Macuil...I am sorry...and watch...over our son...Kaimu..." she said and began to disappear.
"No! Please wait!" Arisa screamed out and Lysithea was crying as she now saw the faint outline of the woman.
"Goodbye..." Melody smiled salt and disappeared.
Arisa could barely register everything as she fell to her knees, sobbing as she held the child in her arms.
"Ahhhh...ah..." her sons were becoming loud...she was too late.
"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
[-]
"Arisa..." Amir gasped as both Lysithea and Arisa bust through the door, Lucuis running to them quickly, along with Gregory.
"Ahhh...ahh...uuhhh..." Arisa was sobbing uncontrollably as she slid down the wall, the infant in her arms, fast asleep, "We...were...too...late..." she choked out as Lucius looked at her shocked.
Gregory and Amir looked worried and the two quickly ran down to the lab. A minute later, Amir's scream could be heard and Gregory screaming profanities at the scene. Arisa sobbed as the child on her arms slept. Lysithea hugged her as did Sothis, all the girls could do was weep. Lucius looked at them worried and spoke.
"We...sigh...the plan is done. The two traitors have been executed by Gregory and we are now transferring the Ordelia fortune to Zoltras. We should be done soon..." Lucius said and the door to the lab burst open once more.
Amir ran to the nearest restroom and vomited, while Gregory looked pissed. He panted as he looked over to them, running his fingers through his hair.
"All books...notes...and such...have been collected. As well as...the bottles filled with...blood. I...sigh...I've cleaned up the body. It...has been put away safely...Emily...will cremate it...Also...where...the kid come from?" He said as Arisa turned to him, partly recovered.
"Melody...hid him away...this is...her son..." she choked out.
"Oh, for fucks sakes..." Gregory said as he knelt down to her.
The little child was fast asleep, but one thing was noticeable. He had slight pointy ears. The little one yawned softly as he snuggled closer to Arisa's chest. The girl didn't know what to do. It hurt. She had never met the woman, yet she spoke to her like she knew her all her life. The girl forced herself to stand up and was helped by Lysithea, who had stopped crying yet her eyes still freshly puffy.
"Let's...go to the kitchen...I'm sure there is some milk we can give him." She muttered and Arisa nodded as the two left.
[-]
"The mission...to save Melody...was a failure. We were too late."
"..." silence was all Emily could respond with as her husband told her the news.
They were currently in her office but that did not mean she got rid of the barriers in it. She placed down her quilt, intertwined her fingers, and the tears began running down her face. She did not sob, only the tears fell as she barely spoke above a whisper.
"How...is...Arisa...and Amir...?" She said and Erik shook his head.
"Things have become more complicated." He said and the woman closed her eyes, "They found a child." Her eyes snapped open, "Lucuis confirmed...he is Melody's and your brother's son. His mother...hid him away on time, before they...killed her." Erik said.
"W-What...? S-She was with...child...?!" The woman could barely choke out as she was processing everything.
"Emily, I honestly don't think it would be a good idea to take in the child. Especially here in the Kingdom." Erik said.
"Unfortunately...I have to agree with you...but...I know someone who would take the child in, and raise him as their own son. The child cannot return back to Macuill...especially since he can't turn to a human anymore..." she sighed.
"Who do you have in mind?" Erik said and Emily gave him a small smile.
"Florencio." She said, "The Church of Serios has never been able to locate Remire Village. At this point, many are questioning if it even exists at all. Stories of its fields of sugar cane because that's where Anna gets it from. I'll contact Florencio." She said as she began writing.
"Is this a good idea?" Erik asked and Emily sighs.
"With the way things are now...we have no choice."
[-]
Even in this dark time that everyone went through, there was a small form of happiness in this darkness. Arisa sat on one of the chairs in the kitchen as she bottle fed the child, who ate happily at the warm milk.
"Hmmm!" Lysithea squealed as her eyes sparkled watching the infant eat, and even more when he gently held her finger.
Arisa smiled sadly at the girl sitting next to her and looked towards the door as Amir came in.
"All spells have been set, as well as their money transfer. The members' belongings have been packed. Also..." the girl sighed as she handed Arisa a potion bottle filled with blood, "Emily said...to keep one of the bottles of the blood of Chevalier with you." She said and Arisa turned pale as her hand shook as she held it.
First the Crest of Lamine...then The Crest of Noa...now...
"This is so wrong..." Arisa whimpered as she put the bottle in her bag, "What do we do now?" She said.
"I...don't know." Amir said as she sat down on the other side of her friend.
"Ummm...Arisa right?" Lysithea said and Amir looked at her shocked.
"You told her?!" The Duscur girl said and Arisa slightly shook her head.
"Only about me. The rest of you are good." She said, "Yes, Lysithea?".
"Is it true...you can help me...remove...my crest?" Lysithea said unsure.
"I can." Arisa said.
"But how is that possible? Removing Crest is...basically reconstructing the blood structure in a person's body. I...Will I...have to go through pain again?" She said.
"I...can't remove your Crest right now, but...I can surpass one of them, to extend your life. However, it'll put a strain on me in exchange for your life to be extended for another 30 years." Arisa smiled sadly.
"Why...why would you do that? We...don't even know each other well..yet, you're willing to put yourself in danger, to help me. I don't understand." Lysithea said sadly as Kaimu stopped sucking on the bottle and cooed at the little boys tiny whine.
"Lysithea," Arisa smiled sadly as she turned to her, placing her free hand on her head, "I do know you. Even if it was in a different life of mine." She said, patting her head gently.
Lysithea looked up to her surprisingly yet could not help but feel safe when the older girl would pat her head. They heard footsteps and saw Gregory approached them and smiled sadly.
"Lucius and I were discussing who will activate the spell once the mages come back...Arisa..." he said Arisa raised his hand, making him stop.
"I'll do it." Was all she said.
- 30 hours later: Late midnight -
"Tch. These specimens aren't strong enough. Tch, we should have brought the Vestra girl. She was a fine candidate." Magicians dressed in black, skin pale like a corpse, their words spilled nothing but cruelty as a demonic beast walked behind them, a cage filled with 10 new victims that were captured.
"Getting the new supplies was a pain. But it will be worth it, one of these days the Ordelia girl will manifest the awakening of the second Crest inside her. But also, we must finish collecting the blood of that women. A corpse she may be now by she will be a fine new weapon." Another said as they arrived at the manner.
As they made their way to the steps, they noticed the door was open. On guard they went, two magicians remained outside as two others went in. Slowly, the door was pushed open, their eyes went wide as the scent of blood hit their noses like boulders. The walls and floors covered in the crimson liquid as it looked fresh. The body of Lord Ordelia was on the floor, his throat slit as he laid in a pool of blood.
"What on earth... happened while we were away?" A magician gasped as they began to wall in deeper, seeing more bodies.
It was their biggest mistake.
SLAM!
The door to the house slammed closed, the magicians could hear the screaming of the others outside. The demonic beast trashed as its heart was pierced.
Step, step, step.
The two slowly turned as dead began to fill them, the sound of a sword dragging on the wooden floor was clear. The darkness made the owner's eyes glow gold as they walked towards them, small spark flying off the sword.
"Who are you?! How dare you kill our test subjects?!" One yelled furiously as they could still hear the screams outside then complete silence as the owner of the sword stood within vision distance.
Arisa in her Himeko appearance, looked to them, nothing but pure anger was in her eyes, and she looked far too terrifying with fake blood splashed over her face. Her sword was a Zoltan Sword that Gregory had let her borrow.
"Test subjects?" She said, as a smirk came into her lips, "Ufufufufu~ I much rather see these human's dead then see them suffer by your hands...you filthy Agarthans." She snarled furiously as their eyes went wide.
"Are you with those beasts?!" They yelled and Arisa burst out laughing as she raised her arms and slammed it out, the entire place burst into flames as only the circle they stood in did not.
"As if I would side with Serios! Hahahahaha!" Arisa laughed like a manic as she began walking towards them.
They had absolutely no escape, not even warping could save them. Sothis was silent as she watched from inside her friend's mind. She could feel her burning rage. The goddess frowned, remembering certain words that she once said to someone.
"I AM ALLIED WITH NO ONE BUT MYSELF!" Arisa laughed as she charged at them, using her sword to deflect their attacks.
The other two magicians were dead on the ground, along with demonic beast. The people that were kept in the cage have been wrapped to Emily's mansion. Lucius held onto the child as Gregory held Amir down, as the girl tried to run to the burning mansion, her appearances back to normal.
'Let go of me! Arisa is still in there!" She yelled and Gregory held on tighter.
"Trust her!" Was also he said.
Back to the mansion, one magician fell dead to the ground as his head was cut off, the other was on his knees, his hand shaking as he was forced to right what was done to the Ordelia family and what organization he was in. Arisa warp them out as the other was left in the burning place.
"C-Curse you..." he growled as he was held down by magic chains, to keep him from trying to warp away as he was forced to finish writing.
"Curse me?" Arisa said as she undid her appearance, "Curse you." She spat out.
The magician froze for a few seconds and suddenly burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Amir snarled as he smirked to them.
The next words that left his lips, Arisa's blood ran cold.
"The King of Faerghus and Lord of Snowdrop, have fallen."
Chapter 30: Eternal Flames: Part 1:The Second Crack
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AAHHHH! I'm having so much fun playing the DLC! Glad to also know now know how Byleth's mother looked and learning more about her. Also, she has an official name. Sitri, is her official name. Now, for story purposes, I'm going to have her name be Sitri Rosa Eisner. I'll still stick the name I gave her before the DLC but it will be more towards a nickname. Also, with all the lore that dropped, I already figured out how I'm going to incorporate it to this story in the future.
Now, the rescuing of Lysithea has long been planned since last year. Originally, this story was two short stories, and had a bunch of errors. As the months went by and I got really into Fire Emblem Lore and whipping out my history books and research, I learned more to properly right and also incorporate my own twist to the story.
The Death of Melody was also planned way ahead of time as well as her son. The purpose of this was to make Arisa experience the harsh reality that not everyone be saved. Thus, why I chose to have her experience the woman's last message and really mess up. It's going to get worse in the next chapter and we'll see the full result of it. Next, we have that she had no idea when The Tragedy of Duscur would occur and as you read, I chose for it to happen at a time she really isn't in stable state. Look forward to the rest!