There were things Arisa hated at times when memories of her past came back into view as she walked through ravaged towns that people did not have the best of luck in. Her memories of days she would volunteer in homeless shelters to help the people serve hot meals to those who have no home. When she would help give out the necessities these people needed. Even money to help them. Those days brought her joy however, in the world and time she lived now, such things were not available here. It's been a month since she and Amir parted ways and things...just seem not well these days.
"These people..." Arisa muttered softly as she walked through Dukedom of Aegir, "The air around here...is that of a tyrant despite the land and town is buzzing with activity." She thought as Red Hare walked beside her, Feh perched on her shoulder, and Blanca in her arms.
"These people are not happy even if the town is bustling with life." Sothis said as she manifested herself.
"Agree." Arisa said as she walked up to a merchant, "Hello there, if it be alright, may I ask you on what tea you have?" She said and the merchant slightly widened their eyes.
Anna taught her and everyone in the company the secret language that merchants at times used to gather information. It is only to be used when it is necessary. Not to mention the words used by thieves also. The merchant nodded and allowed her to enter their tent.
"Honestly I am surprised a girl such as yourself knows the codes." They said as the two sat down.
"I'm a mercenary." Arisa said, "Anyhow, can you tell me what I want to know?" She said and they nodded.
"The town may be filled with life, but it is nothing but a hollow shell. The Duke is nothing but a tyrant since power was stripped from the Emperor. But…there have been rumors that there have been sightings of strange people dressed in black. Has everyone on edge since the news of the Massacre of House Ordelia has happened. The Alliance Lords are in shambles!" He said and Arisa and Sothis cringed.
"Has...there been any news regarding the death of The Imperial Prince and Daughter of House Vestra?" She asked.
"Ah that...sad thing is it occurred the same day as The Tragedy of Duscur. Tensions with the Kingdom and the Church have become strain since all the seven survivors said that someone with the uniform of the church attacked them." The merchant said and Arisa bit her lip.
"First the Empire...then Alliance...now the Church has to worry about The Kingdom...
Sigh...Rhea's rule is beginning to slip...it only worsened when Christophe was executed despite all the evidence Emily presented that he was innocent. Also, learning from her, Zander was nearly sent to Abyss because of how he played everyone like fiddled. Makes sense why he was also denied the crown despite him being the oldest...about half the lords hate him." She thought as Sothis looked at her worried.
"By the way," her attention returned to the merchant, "that wolf pup, it is a rare Canis lupus Arctos! Are you selling it?" He asked.
"Hell no!" Arisa said as she hugged Blanca tightly to her chest, and Feh on her shoulder hissed loudly.
She would be damned if she did such a thing.
"Oh...umm...I did not need to offend you." He said as the two stood up and walked out the tent, "Do be careful though. Rare ones like this one are hunted down here." He said.
"I know." Arisa said and handed him a gold coin, "Thank you for the tea. It was lovely." She said and began to walk away with Red Hare.
5 minutes passed since she spoke with the vendor and began to look around, like usual, buying a few things. But she wasn't stupid, she felt eyes on her, by the towns people but also, she spotted a few magicians dressed in black. Thankfully they only saw her as a mercenary passing through. She made her way to the port where she saw ships for fishing, trading and such coming in.
"I forgot that this place was near the ocean." She muttered as she looked out to the sea.
She missed the sight of the ocean. She took out her map and opened it, sitting down on the wooden port. Red Hare was nearby as she looked at the map.
"Caspar's house territory is nearby...along with Bernadetta...still..." she looked over to the hill on her right, far in the distance, a manor at the top surrounded by forest of deep green, "Duke Aegirs manner..." she said.
"What do you plan to do?" Sothis said to her as she also looked at the map.
Arisa looked at her new relic on her hand and looked over to Sothis.
"We're going to pay a visit."
- 1 hour later -
"Oh, Lady Kiana! It is an honor!"
As much as she hated the Duke...she and to admit the man had good style when it came to keeping his manner looking well.
"Duke Aegir, it has been half a year hasn't it?" Arisa smiled as she was back into her Kiana disguise as the Duke welcomed her inside.
Like usual, the manner inside looked like a typical noble house except orange this time. A bit too much orange for her taste.
"Yes, it has! I am quite surprised! Should I know you would have come, I would have prepared the finest teas for you!" The Duke said happily as he rubbed his hands together.
"It is alright." She smiled, "I also apologize for dropping by like this. As an apology, I brought some rare jewels from Sreng. I hope this will be enough." She said as she handed him the bag filled with rare orange topazes.
"Oh! Such rarity! No worries Lady Kiana, this is more than enough!" The Duke smiled.
"Fat pig doesn't try to hide his greed!" Sothis huffed as she floated behind him and began mocking his speech in a hilarious way as the Duke spoke.
"So, why have you come?" The Duke said as he led them to the guest table where they sat, Sothis behind him making funny faces, Arisa trying not to laugh.
"I've heard that you have a beautiful garden of rare flowers and herbs. With your permission of course, I would like to pick some for my magic research, as well as to see the royal archives." She said.
"Unfortunately, the royal archives cannot be accessed by her but I'm sure Lord Arundel would let you if you head to Enbarr. But I'm sure my family's archives could help also! May I ask why you need to have a look?" He said.
"I want information!" Sothis mocked his tone and patted his bald head.
"Well, a famine is rising near your territory and it is killing many livestock. I learned of it and have been looking at records to see what kind it is so I can create the medicine needed." She said the man went pale.
"Oh...oh! If the livestock are affected...then...ohh! I understand! Please do be careful Lady Kiana and I also thank you for such help." He said.
"No worries." She smiled.
After that talk, the woman headed to the garden and not to her surprise, she found Ferdinand but also a young boy who looked about a year younger than him but had a more, feminine look.
"Oh! Lady Kiana!" Ferdinand said as he spotted her and the other boy turned, nearly making the older girl freeze.
"Oh why does the world hate me at times..." Arisa internally groaned as she recognized the boy.
"I had no idea you would come today! Let me introduce my friend. This is Forrest von Nohr! He's from a minor house here in the Empire!" Ferdinand introduced a young boy with dirty blonde hair that was curled, light peach skin, and wore cute pink clothing of a troubadour.
In his hand, he held a book.
"Like me, he possesses a minor Crest except is...what was your Crest again my friend?" The boy asked.
"Minor Crest of Dusk." Forrest sighs as he turned to her, bowing politely.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Kiana. I have heard stories about you. I must say, an interesting choice of clothing." The boy said and Arisa felt attacked.
"I'm pretty sure he is criticizing your taste in fashion. " Sothis snickered while Arisa looked like she got punched.
"Forrest!" Ferdinand said, "I apologize on his behalf. He tends to...speak regarding fashion." He said and Arisa shook her head.
"I-It's alright. These clothes are temporary anyway." She coughed, "Anyhow, if it be alright, I'm going to have a look around the garden. Your father has granted me permission to pick some herbs from here." She said.
"Is this regarding the famine affecting livestock?" Forrest said and she nodded.
"Hmmmm...I know it is not my place but may I recommend using herbs that grow in the dark? I heard they have better effects." He said and Ferdinand looked over to him.
"Trying to promote House Nohr, now are we?" The boy said.
"Never lose the opportunity!" Forrest huffed.
"I'll think about it." Arisa smiled as she patted their heads, walking past them.
Looks like the two could barely process what she just did to them. They have never gotten their heads patted before.
[-]
"(Can you tell me what has happened here?)" She spoke in the language of fae to a couple of pixies that were resting in the rose garden.
The little ones were surprise hearing her speak their language but nonetheless, nodded
"(The magicians dressed in black come here often. We think it is those of the darkness.)" One said and Arisa bit her lip, worried.
"(But they leave the children alone. The Duke has been on edge lately. We have a sense of some sort of magic under the manor)." One said and Arisa frowned.
"The main place for experiments would usually be at the palace...so...that means they separate their victims..." Sothis said.
"Excuse me?"
Arisa turned and saw Forrest walking towards her. Seeing the pixies did not fly away meant that the boy was filled with positive energy. That's good.
"I was surprised to see you talking to the fae. It is rare to see someone outside my family's territory speak it." He said and Arisa choked, "Usually only my aunt Corrin and uncle Kamui speak it. I miss them but they have left Fodlan to travel around the world with their spouses. It...felt nice seeing someone else speak it. Our territory is mostly in the mountains of Fodlan's Fangs, where it is usually dark. It's nice to see the sun." The boy said as he stood next to her now.
"One needs the sunlight when needed. It does wonders for inspiration." Arisa smiled and was internally yelling.
So that means there is a male and female Corrin and Leo in this world?! Does the universe hate her or something!? The boy nodded then spoke in a whisper.
"Listen...I...don't know if I should be saying this but...be careful with the people dressed in black clothing. Something doesn't feel right about them." The boy said.
"I know." Arisa said, surprisingly him as she turned to him, "That's why I am here." Was all she said, and he smiled softly.
"Forrest! Your aunt is here to take you home!"
That was Ferdinand's voice calling out to him.
"It was nice speaking to you! Hope you come visit House Nohr one day!" Forrest grinned as he ran down the stairs of the garden.
Arisa suddenly got the idea to look over the balcony to see who exactly had come to pick him up and to her surprise, only one woman with unholy huge melons, wide hips and perfect curve body, long curly locks of light purple hair, that had the aura of "ara ara one-san!" come into her mind, and always sent shivers down her spine.
"Aunty Camilla!" Forrest ran into the wide arms of the grown woman who cooed happily hugging her nephew.
"And the Duke is drooling like a mangy mutt at the sight of her!" Sothis said as they saw Duke Aegir try to speak of the woman, who just brushed him off as she began walking away with her nephew in her arms.
The girls saw Forrest say something to her and the woman turned to look up the balcony, her eyes locking with Arisa, who froze on the spot.
"Yeah...umm...note to self... don't piss her off." Arisa thought as she felt Camilla's eyes staring into her soul.
Arisa gave a small wave at her and the woman gave her a motherly smile because the boy seemed to be talking excitedly, and then began to walk towards the carriage, where the two got in, riding off.
"I don't even want to imagine if that was Leo or Xander." Arisa let go a sigh of relief as she saw the carriage ride away.
But she still felt shivers down her spine as the carriage went away. Like if Camilla was looking back. Back to the subject at hand, she had to hand it to the Duke, who had an excellent taste in the garden set up, making it look majestic as heck as she walked down the pathway, picking a couple herbs and maybe stealing a few seeds from the plants. As she made her way back to the mansion and down the hallway, she stumbled upon someone she did not expect to see here.
"Oh! My if it isn't Lady Kiana!" It was Tomas, or should she say Solon.
The older man slowly walked towards her and smiled kindly. What the hell was he doing here?
"My you have a grown child. How have you been? I am surprised to see you here." He said to her and Arisa gave him a soft smile.
"Same to you Tomas. It has been nearly half a year." She smiled.
"It has. I'm assuming you've come to pick a few herbs because of the famine, correct?" Tomas said and she nodded.
"Correct. Also, I've been doing research regarding ancient magic. I'm hoping it has a few answers I need to complete the medicine. Ancient magic of the Gods is very interesting reading about I'll admit." She said and Tomas twitched.
"Catching him on the web huh...?" Sothis snickered in her mind.
"It is quite rare hearing someone so young researching such subjects." He said carefully.
"Well, I do wish more books of the ancient history of Fodlan were available but sadly most libraries in Fodlan do not have them." She said as she rested her hand on her cheek, "My country freely shares the history of our lands because we do not want mistakes of the past to repeat. So, when I came across a book regarding the ancient history of Fodlan, I couldn't help but search for more. Especially information on ancient magic or stories of the False God that drove people underground." Maybe she is taking it a bit too far saying this but hey, if she wants results, she needs to take risks.
Seems the smile on Tomas grew a bit.
"If you are researching such subjects, I recommend going to Abyss. It's a closed off area but I'll be more than happy to show you the way." He smiled and Arisa could hear police sirens in her mind.
"I'll take you up on that offer another day unfortunately." She said sadly, "It was nice speaking with you Tomas. Have a good day." She smiled and left but she could feel the man's stare on her back.
"I feel like you just dug our grave." Sothis shook her head as they arrived at the entrance of the mansion and spotted the Duke.
"Shambhala we can't go but who's to say we can't stir up a bit of dust?" Arisa said back to her as the Duke noticed their presence.
"Ahh! Lady Kiana, I assume everything went well?" He said and the girl nodded.
"Yes. I got what I needed. Thank you very much Duke Aegir for letting pick herbs from your garden. I must say you have good taste! It was very lovely!" She said and she was doing this on purpose, stroking his ego.
"Ahaha! Thank you! Are you leaving already?" He said and she nodded.
"Unfortunately, I must. I got a message regarding one of the medicines tests my medical team did. Hopefully with this we are able to get the results we need for the medicine." She said as she showed the small basket of herbs.
"I hope too. Good luck!" He said and the girl walked out the door.
The Duke could not help letting a sigh of relief once she was gone. He knew the girl was smart but something about her kept unsettling him, it was as if her eyes could see the very depths of one's soul.
- Later at Night-
With her appearance back to her original, Arisa has snuck into the woods around the manner (40 feet away), hoping she could find something regarding what the fae said, but no luck so far.
"Shhhh..." she reassured Red Hare who was a bit restless.
"Why didn't you rent a room at the inn?" Sothis said as she said Arisa crossed her legs and got into a meditation position.
"It's faint but...I feel...life...wavering..." Arisa explained as she placed her hand on the ground, "Who are you...?" She muttered.
Even Sothis has noticed the change in the girl since the two have half fused together. It's almost as if she has become wiser.
"Hmmm...now your older years are beginning to show themselves. The real you." Sothis thought as the girl closed her eyes.
Something was going to happen. That the two knew.
- Under Aegir Manner-
He waited...and waited...waited...waited...his mind going back forth between the images of his siblings and beloved, praying they are safe. Praying nothing happened to them. He prays he survives so that the burden does not fall on his sister. He prayed to the goddess to live. The final phase. He survived the implantation of the Crest of Serios...now...
"I need to live...I need to live..." he gritted his teeth as he looked at the broken mirror that was across from his cage.
His hair was no longer brown, his eyes lost their color, his skin was scared with cuts and such. He was angry...his mind barely staying in one piece, the only thing keeping him from going insane is the memory of his siblings and beloved. He heard the door open and saw the man Solon smile at him as he stood up.
"I am surprised you are still alive." He said to the boy, "It is time." And his men grabbed the boy, and took him to the stone table, where they strapped him down.
"Just so you know..." the boy began speaking, "just like my sister ripped your eye out...I'm bringing you all down with me." He said and Solon frowned.
He waited, he waited. His eyes traveling all over the room. Taking note of everything. Taking note of every shelf and book. Taking note of the door. He meant it. If he goes down, he's bringing this place with him.
"First injection." One mage said as he injected the first substance.
"Arrrghhhh!" The crimson liquid injected into him made his veins pulse all around his body as it began to spread.
He screamed horribly as the second injection was put, his scream becoming louder and louder. Solon frowned as he watched the process. The boy was showing results that were surpassing the imperial princess.
"AAAHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed even more and began trashing but was held down by the chains.
Pain, so much pain. Make it stop. Final injection, in...
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
He meant what he said. If he goes down, he's taking them down with him.
[-]
BOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!
Out at the woods, even the town, the explosion reached all ears. Arisa snapped out of her meditation state, her eyes widened in horror grabbed her bag as fast as she could. At this point, she didn't care if she wasn't in disguise.
"FERDINAND!" She screamed as she jumped on Red Hare, the pegasus neighed loudly as he flew towards the burning manner, fear filled her as she prayed the boy was okay.
[-]
Tick tock.
Tick
Tock.
Tick
Tock.
Flames were all he could see, the piercing roar he could hear. It was his own voice. He could hear his name being called. The young boy forced himself up, shaking his head as his vision readjusted. Flames surrounded everything. He stood up, his left arm broken, the skin burned. He hissed as he tried to walk.
"Ferdinand!" The young boy was quickly hugged by familiar arms, and looked up, his vision a bit bloody.
"Father...what...what happened?" Ferdinand could barely say as his father quickly hugged him.
"That doesn't matter right now! We must leave bef-!" The man quickly hugged him tightly.
"RRRAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
The boy turned stiff as stone as he recognized the roar...the roar of a demonic beast. He could barely turn his head as he saw some type of humanoid thing, their face a covered in scales, a black beast human like body, eyes glowing red and long silver hair. It has featherless wings that looked like bones. It roared angrily the minute its eyes landed on them.
"YOU WILL PAY!" It roared and with its clawed hands, it grabbed a burning pillar of wood, throwing it at them.
"No!" The Duke yelled as he held his son tightly, but the attack never came.
"THORN!"
The pillar of wood burst into pieces as lightning struck down from the sky. The young boys' eyes widened as familiar clothing came into his view yet, this person was different.
"GO NOW!" The older girl screamed at them as she tossed the Duke a healing elixir.
"Who are you?!" The Duke said.
"It doesn't matter right now!" The girl roared, "Get out of here now! Go!" She roared as she quickly put a barrier over them.
The Duke didn't care at this point and grabbed his son, bolting for their lives. Arisa glared and then turned back to the target; her heart froze.
"H-Hegemon..." she choked out at the huge monstrosity in front of her.
It roared furiously archer, its eyes following the Duke.
"YOU WILL PAY!" It roared.
"It's a male..." Arisa muttered as she unsheathed her sword, charging at it.
"RAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" It roared at her as it raised its arm and slashed at her.
The girl could barely dodge his attacks and her own attacks on him were barely making a dent.
"Fine then..." she growled as her stone began to glow, her hair began to turn mint green, two curled left horns grew on her head, her right eye manifested the Crest of Flames, "Ahhhhh...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Her song became a dragon's cry, almost like sorrowful song as one wing sprouted on her back, as well as a dragon tail.
The Hegemon roared its song back to her, the two lunged at each other. Slashing, jabbing, at inhumane speeds.
"Are you sure you are okay using this power?" Sothis said in her mind as the two dodge another slash.
"I am. I'm putting this person to rest." Arisa said as she sent a Thron attack at the beast, managing to burn off one of the wings.
It roared at her as it turned its head, the white long hair finally moved from its face revealing...
"Chris...?" No, no, no!
The man roared at her furiously as it slashed at her and ripped her apart in two. The girl barely managed to use time pulse again to dodge the attack, barely by a hair.
"CHRIS!" Arisa yelled out his name yet nothing.
He only roared at her like a monster as he grabbed another Pillar of Flames and threw it at her. She flapped her one wing to get some air, and reverted to human form, jumping high in the air, Red Hare swooped, quickly allowing her to land on his back.
"I need to find an open spot...if I can stab my sword in there...I may...tch...be able to force him to become human..." she said as Red Hair dodge to the left, a bolder had come their way.
"There!" Sothis said as she pointed to the chest, "A Crest stone! Shatter that thing! And fast because those insects are on their way!" She pointed down the road, mages dressed in black as well as imperial troops.
They could see The Duke a crying mess as he held his son tightly. Arisa gritted her teeth as she began to focus her magical energy into her sword, its power acting as it began to glow gold.
"Now! Unleash our true power!" Sothis yelled as Arisa jumped off Red Hare, diving towards him, "YOUR WILL AND MINE, ARE NOW AS ONE!" The goddess roared as the two raised the sword.
Chris roared to her as he readies his own attack at her. The blade glowed an eerie gold, said to rip apart the heaven's themselves. She pushed all her might into this attack. It was the least she could do, to help her friend.
"SUBLIME HEAVEEEENNNNNN!"
The sound of glass shattering was heard through the Territory of House Aegir. All everyone could do was stare at the bright light in the sky.
"So, the Fell Star...consumes the darkness itself."
- The Next Day -
Groggy...groggy... everything hurts. The sound of waves...the salty scent. He knew this scent.
"The...ocean..." ah, so some of his sanity returned, for a moment.
The boy rose to his knees, shaking his head, nausea hit him like a tidal wave as he slapped his hand over his found, gawking, almost vomiting. He looked at his arms, covered in scars and then his hand rose, touching his cheek.
"Scales..." one eye was still red like a beast while the other was gray, his long hair had become pure white.
He began to look around, seeing they were on the shore of an ocean, a land that once held a house? He slowly stood up, limping as he tried to walk properly. There was suddenly a pounding in his head as he began screaming.
"No...I...can't!" He roared as he kept looking around, the urge to eat suddenly came into mind then his eyes landed on...
"Blood..." he muttered as he spotted a body nearby.
He scrambled to it as fast as he could, his eyes went wide as they landed on the person.
"I...know...Arisa..." he instantly began to back away, looking at his hands, his vision specks of blood appeared.
"I killed her...I...killed...-!" He was suddenly slammed down onto the ground, his right eye went wide as he began to snarl at the person that dared challenge him.
"CHRIS IT'S ME!" Arisa yelled out as the older boy kept snarling at her.
"Ghhaaa!" His strength was beyond superior to her and he quickly rolled her over, pinning her down.
"RAAAAHHHHH!" He roared at her face; the girl was terrified at what was done to her friend.
The right ride of his face still had the scales of his Hegemon form and his right eye the white around it was black and his pupil red, like a ghoul, even the red veins.
"Chris...please." she said, and he snarled at her baring his fangs at her yet the name that left her lips, "CHRISTIAN STOP ITTTTTT!" She screamed.
His eyes went wide, and he quickly let her go, grabbing his own head as he trashed around, trying to remember who he truly was. She was surprised he reacted to the name. The boy looked up to her and lunged again but this time, Arisa raised her right arm and...
"HIIIISSSSSS!" He sank his fangs into her right shoulder, she could feel him drinking her blood, which was very alarming.
"GET HIM OFF!" Sothis screamed and Arisa was going to try and push him away, feeling a portion of Sothis power being stolen but...
"What...?" He began to slump, and she quickly sat down, even if she could still feel him drinking her blood.
The boy unlatched, gulping down the iron taste, he slowly looked towards her face, her eyes were wide, scared, yet worried.
"I..." his voice, it sounded human, "I...I'm sorry..." was all he said and passed out cold.
"Chris! Chris!" She yelled and noticed his wounds began healing, her eyes going wide as the Crest of Flames and Serios projected above him.
The Crest of Serios shattered and only the one of Flames remained. His wounds began healing and a single streak of mint hair appeared on his hair, his scales disappeared but unfortunately his right eye remained the same.
"Is he alright?" Sothis said as she felt a bit weakened.
"I think...what about you?" Arisa said she turned to the goddess, who shook her head.
"I think he may have stolen some of my power." She said and Arisa snapped her neck her way.
"What?!" The girl said and she carefully put him down.
She looked around and thankful Red Hare, Blanca and Feh were safe. She spotted them near the trees in the forest.
"Where exactly...did I warp us?" Arisa said as she stood up, looking over to the ocean shore and then to a hill far up, she could see a burned down manner and much if the land destroyed.
"I don't know..." Sothis said as Arisa used healing magic on herself, and whistles, Red Hare, Feh and Blanca quickly ran her way.
She grunted as she picked up Chris, having a hard time getting him on Red Hare but for now, they need to find shelter. Heading to the burned down mansion should help her figure out where they were. It was a long ride...
- Dream: ? -
"Come on Christian! Let's go!"
His eyes snapped open as he fell off his bed. He looked around, confusion filling his face as he looked around the room. Walls covered in anime posters, well the left side at least, a electric guitar proudly displayed on the wall surrounded by trophies and medals. Posters and anime figures were also on his side but much less compared to his roommates. The balcony had a small garden outside with roses growing along with some herbs. He looked over to his bed. He saw a desk that was a complete mess covered in books about criminology, a covered-up drawing tablet with a Toshiba laptop open, and then looked over to the one that yelled at him.
"Oh. Hey Theresa." He smirked and instantly got smack on the head with a sandal.
"Come on Chris! You know damn well today is your first day in high school! Get your ass ready!" Theresa groans as she left the room, about to head to the kitchen when he yelled out.
"Hey Tere!" He said, "What...day and year is it again?" He said.
"August 23rd 2020! Also known as, I'm going to whoop your ass like Arisa did if you don't shut the fuck up and get ready! And it's her birthday!" The woman yelled out.
He chuckled as he stood up, grabbing the nearest shirt and pants, quickly changed into them. It was a red t shirt with the Captain America shield on it, black jeans with rip holes on the knees. He grabbed his socks, slipped them on, then put on his sneakers, and went to the restroom.
10 minutes passed and he came out with his hair combed back a bit thanks to the gel he recently bought, thus heading to kitchen because of the scent of eggs and sausage being cooked.
"Hey Tere," he said as he looked over to the red-haired woman who was cooking, "thank you for letting me stay with you for the next two months." He smiled at her.
"No problem. It's the least I could do for you since your house is being remodeled. Also, don't forget to stop by the store later to get some groceries. I'm making some posole today." She said as he swung his backpack over his shoulder, then grabbed his wallet, putting it in his pocket.
"Got it. Make sure to send me a reminder on messenger just in case." He said as he walked out the door.
"Take care!" He heard her yell out.
He sighed as he turned hearing a beep from a car, his eyes spotted a red Toyota Camry and waved as he saw the window come down.
"Hey man!" It was his friend Ray, "Need a ride?" He said and Christian smirked as he walked to the car, opened the back door and went in.
"Well that was fast." Ray chuckled as he looked over to his father, Mr. Garcia, who was driving.
"Hey mijo, how have you been?" Mr. Garcia said as he sent him a quick smile then returned to staring at the car.
"I been alright. Thank you for asking Mr. Garcia." Christian said as the older man smiled a bit sadly.
"I'm glad to know you are doing well. The last time I saw you was...at your sister's funeral 7 months ago. I know how it is to lose a loved one. But I'm sure if she was here, she be proud of you." said and the two boys smiled sadly.
"Yeah...I'm sure she would." The boy said as they drove for a couple more minutes then stopped at the parking lot of their high school.
Students of all kinds were walking and running, heading to their classes. They had a bit of time before the 9 am bell.
"Thank you again for the ride Mr. Garcia. Say hi to my uncle for me!" He said and Mr. Garcia chuckled.
"Take care boys! And don't ditch on the first day or else I can guarantee you both getting a paliza!" He said and drove off.
"Si Pa!" Erik yelled out and the two friends chuckled as they walked to the cafeteria but stopped when they spotted a girl waiting for them, or more specifically Christian.
"Hey..." the girl said as she walked up to them, "Um...Christian, can we talk?" She said.
"Something wrong Hilda?" Ray asked and the girl shook her head.
"I know...sigh..." Christian sighed, "Ray, go on ahead. I'll catch you up in a bit." He said and his friend looked at him worried but nodded.
"What did you want to talk about?" Hilda said and the girl took a deep breath.
"I think it would be better if we broke up." And straight to the point like always.
"Okay, that we agree on." He sighs and she looked at him shocked.
"Wait, you knew?" She said surprised and he nodded.
"That's actually the reason why I wanted to talk to you later on but seeing you approached me first, might as well say it." He sighed, "Hilda, I think you're a nice person, but I really don't think things are working out between us. I realized we really aren't cut out for each other as well as, I'm still figuring out my feelings. Hope you understand." He said and the girl's jaw was hanging.
"I thought because you knew I was cheating on you with Fernando." She said and the boy faced palms.
"He confessed to me about it a few days ago, so I knew." He smiled at her and the girl let go of a sigh.
"Well, now we're even." Hilda shook her head, "I honestly thought you would be mad at me... considering...how terrifying your sister would get when she was angry." She said and he twitched.
"Yeah Arisa and Edelgard have a temper." He said and the girl looked at him confused.
"Edelgard? I don't remember you having a sister with that name." She said and he froze them and shook his head.
"Wait...sorry sorry. I meant Arisa." He said, "But anyhow, hope you and Fernando have a good time." He said and turned to leave but her voice stopped him.
"Why aren't you angry? I thought you would yell at me." Hilda said and he turned to her, an expression void of any emotion, the exact same one his sister had when she wasn't happy.
"I am angry, but I know yelling at you won't get me anywhere. Don't worry, karma has its way. That's all." And with that he left, leaving a frozen stone girl.
Around 3 minutes passed, and he arrived at the cafeteria, and floors down next to his friends. Ray and surprising Fernando gulped when they saw he had that emotionless face.
"Hey umm...how did it go?" Fernando said and Christian let go of a sigh, a sad smile on his face.
"We broke up." He said and his friend nodded in understanding.
"Look I...sigh broke up with her too. Honestly, I think it would be better. Heck if Arisa were here, she would be giving us an ass kicking!" He said the other two couldn't help but chuckle.
"That she would." Christian said and heard footsteps heading their way.
"Hey guys!" It was his cousin, Julie, "I finally was able to buy the DLC of Three Houses!" She said as she sat down next to Fernando.
"Sweet! So, what route are you playing again?" Ray asked.
"Crimson Flower and I'm halfway through Silver Snow. Also, I'm marrying Yuri. I made my choice." She hummed happily as she took out her Nintendo Switch lite and turned it on, opening the game.
"So, what do you think of Rhea and Edelgard?" Ray asked Julie and Christian stiffened.
"Honestly...sigh...I love them both." Julie said, "Despite both going off the deep end in Azure Moon and in Crimson Flower, I love them both. Rhea, despite being the person she is, she's still a kind person who deserves love after everything she has been through. Even the Silver Snow ending where she married Byleth shows that she works to redeem herself and helps reforming the church for the better. Golden Deer tells the truth and reveals why she did what she did, showing regret. Azure Moon she lives and humbly accepts the changes. Yet Crimson Flower also shows the effects of time that have taken a huge toll on her, because of the huge shock of Byleth choosing to side with El. Grief and sorrow then the past emotions of revenge return. Then we got Edelgard, who I love what she did, manages to remain sane because Byleth chose her side, we see more of her true personality, but just wish she would have had a proper discussion then maybe...just maybe...there was some hope for peace. But at the same time, I get her reason for motivation. But at the end of it all, Those Who Slither in The Dark are the real enemies because of everything they done behind the scenes. It's a gray area with those two. I really don't want to get into arguments with you guys over the subject." She said and then they nodded.
"No worries. We don't judge, we actually agree with you. All four routes have their ups and downs and that's what makes the story so interesting to the point it causes a huge internet fight over it! Um...just watch out for the...cough...stans." Christian coughed as he looked over to a specific table where two groups were glaring at each other.
"So, who so far have you married in the game?" Fernando said and Julie smirked.
"Edelgard, Rhea, Sylvain, Ferdinand, Lorenz, Leonie (instant groan from group) and newest addition, Yuri. Ufu!" She said and they gave her a thumbs up.
"But why Leonie?" Ray said.
"In her defense, even though she talks about Jeralt a lot, she's really a great person. Watch her support conversations. But she does need someone to put her in her place. Just like how Mercedes came to Lorenz!" Julie said and the others began laughing also, remembering the video and the memes.
"So, what class do you have?" Julie said as she took out her schedule, "I got Algebra with Fernando, Art with Hilda, Band with Maria, and English with Yeng." She said.
"Ahhh. Typical math, English, sadly I have been put in AP classes." Christian said and Ray gave him a pat on the back.
"Good luck. I heard Mr. Herez is terrible at teaching math." Ray said and Chris chuckled.
"Yeah he is. Welp," he got up, "got to head to class." He turned to leave but...
"Christian, you don't go to school anymore remember? You're a noble now."
SHATTER!
The world around him began shattering like glass. Each piece began to fall bit by bit, yet some floated like crystals in the air.
"What is going o-" He froze the minute a familiar figure appeared around 5 feet from him.
Long dark brown hair held a familiar ponytail, the locks slightly curled. The woman wore a dark green summer dress, yet she was barefoot, tan skin like his, yet her bangs covered her eyes.
"Arisa!" He yelled and tried running towards her, but she looked up, her eyes were green, not brown.
"No...wait...who...who are you?! Why do you look like my sister?!" He yelled at her and the girl shook her head.
"I...I know I feel I am forgetting something...but what?! Who are you?!" He yelled and the look alike turned, to walk away.
"Wait!" He said as he ran after her.
"Do you..." even her voice was exactly the same, "Really want answers to that?" She said and he nodded.
"I want answers! What am I forgetting?!" He yelled as she turned back to him.
"Dive down deep into her sound...but not too far or you'll drown..." She sang softly and before she could turn to leave, he grabbed her shoulders and turned her to him.
Their eyes locked, while she looked at him unsure, she kept studying herself, yet...
"It...really is you...it really is you!" He began crying tears of joy as he hugged her tightly.
"Hermana it's you!" He said then...
"HOW DARE YOU?! UNHAND ME BOY!"
"What the?" He said as the world around him changed again.
This time, the place turned to a stone room, the ancient feeling of the Aztecs pyramids it reminded him of. The room has a dark green glow, touches with burning Flames of old. He began to look around, familiarity began to fill him as he walked around.
"This place looks familiar." He said and noticed a person in front of the stairs that led to the top.
"You..." his eyes widened as he looked at the 17 year old in front of him, "We need to go. We need to save our siblings! We need to save Gina!" He said.
"Siblings...Gina...Edelgard...why does it all sound familiar..." Christian said and the 17-year-old glared.
"You're joking right? Tell me you're joking!" The other roared.
"That's enough!" The two turned to look up the throne, a young girl glared at them angrily like some child.
"Both of you stole some of my power. What's more, you both are the same person! Both of you lived in the past and what is the present now! I'll spare us all the trouble!" The girl huffed as she sat on her throne, "You both have been through a lot...I think it's time to open the forbidden door of the mind. For...for you Chris...to remember who you once were in the past. Ugh...I can't believe I'm about to do what Cirina did." The girl said as the room began shattering like glass once more.
Chris began to turn to dust as he began to be absorbed by Christian. Memories flowed into the mind of the boy, everything. It hurt. It hurt. It hurt. It hurt. Yet...
"Home...I want to return home..."
- End of Dream -
"This place...used belong to House Nuvelle." A storm unfortunately was coming in and thankfully Arisa found the hidden basement door of the burned down mansion.
She honestly was surprised to find it but right now, she did not care. They needed shelter because of the incoming storm. She just prays that Chris recovers after drinking a good portion of her blood. The girl grabbed the unlit touched and used a bit of magic to light it up. Red Hare walked behind her with Blanca walking next to him and Feh perched on his head. Chris was slung on his back. They continued for another 10-minute walk till they reached a wooden door. Arisa was ready to attack just in case. She pushed it open and a huge sigh of relief filled her as she looked inside.
"Seems this place used to be some sort of home to a mage. But it looks like it has not been touched in years." Sothis appeared as Arisa used a spell to light the room, revealing more of what was inside.
It was the typical lab for magic research but there were also two beds that she cleaned using magic, a restroom that surprisingly had indoor plumbing, pots that she can easily clean. Ancient books are allied on shelves and such.
"Let's place Chris on the bed for now." Arisa said as she used some magic to make the boy float, gently placing him on the bed.
But the minute she placed him down, the punk bolted up, and lunged at her, pinning her to the floor.
"Gasp...gasp!" He gasped as the girl screeched, trying to kick him off.
"I...I remember..." he gasped out and if he got old water, "I...you...everyone...".
Arisa's eyes went wide as tears began to fall on her cheek, the boy in front of her let her go, allowing her to sit up, looking at him confused.
"I... remember...I remember everything!" He sobbed as he looked up to her, "Your funeral...Theresa...mom...dad...our siblings...how we used to sing together when I was 13...California...our in times together...our last days...when you help me with homework...I...I.....Arisa...Hernandez..." he smiled sadly to her as everything was hitting him wave after wave, each memory returning to him, "Arisa Hernandez...that's your real name...older sister of....Christian Hernandez...friend of Theresa Martinez....former Professor...my...big sister..." he said and waves hit the girl.
"N-No...no way..." Arisa felt her eyes watering as Sothis appeared, a smile on the goddess's face as she turned to her friend, who had thousands of questions running through her mind, "S-Sothis?" She choked out, confused.
"It's true...I...I sigh...When he drank your blood...a portion of my power went to him. As well as, unlocking the forgotten memories he had deeply buried in his mind. Arisa...the reason...Chris reminded you so much of your brother...is..because he is." The goddess said and the girl's eyes snapped to the older boy.
"Seems fate has decided to bring both to this world. And as fate has it, the bonds of a sibling never break, even across time." Sothis smiled as the two teenagers stood up, Arisa slowly walked to him, her hands cradling his face as the boy smiled sadly to him.
"Is...it...really...you...is...it..." she choked out barely as he nodded.
"It's me sis...it's me...I'm back." He grinned for her and the girl lunged at him, hugging him tightly as he hugged her back.
The girl became a wailing mess as she held some part of her soul in her arms. One of the missing pieces in her life had returned as she grew accustomed to this world. Ever since taking the first step. Part of her old home has returned to her. Her...family. She tried to speak a bit but all that left her lips was gibberish as Christian chuckled as he held her hand.
"Take your time sis, take your time." He said and felt a glare at his head, and he looked behind her.
"Okay gremlin, I get it. You're angry because I made her cry." He said to Sothis, who looked extremely offended.
"Wait, you can see me?" Sothis said and he nodded, "Well...oh wait. You already could." She grumbled and and the boy crossed his arms.
"Oh what's this? The Goddess is losing her memory? Well, it's not the first-" and he got smacked by the said goddess.
"Suddenly you are so brave?!" Sothis said and the two went silent as they heard laughter, they turned to see Arisa laughing joyfully, despite the tears that were falling from her eyes.
Christian smiled sadly as he walked up to her, patting her head, like how she used to do it to him when he was younger.
"I'm just...I can't believe it." Arisa said as he smiled at her, "I...have so many questions..." she said.
"I know you do but...I think it's better if we get some rest first...AND I'm sure...you also want to know...why...why I am in the position right now." He said as his left hand was placed over his right arm.
"I do..." Arisa said as she quickly went to Red Hare, who had laid down besides Feh and Blanca, opening her bag, taking out clothing she had.
"We're lucky I carry some Male clothing. It'll barely fit but it's better than the rags you have." She said as she took out a black shirt, boxers and black pants, along with an eye patch.
"This should do for now." She jogged back to him and handed him the clothing.
After he went to the restroom and changed, wearing the eyepatch on his right eye, he looked a lot better, he also borrowed her dagger to cut his hair, making now be how he used to have it in the past, spiky. The two sat down across from each other on the bed as he spoke.
"I...I...sigh...I always knew you felt familiar but now...that everything has come back to me, I...I'm glad to see you again. I was 13 when you passed away...as for me...I passed away from old age back at our old home. I was 70 years old." He said as she smiled sadly to him.
"Christian...just how much...did I miss?" She asked and he smiled sadly.
"I'll be honest. It was...not the same without you. It took a long time for us to move on but...eventually we did. Theresa became a CIA investigator after 10 years of being a criminology professor. As for me...well...I graduated from university, made a career in computer engineering and programming. But I had a small channel on YouTube doing music. A bit famous in singing." He chuckled as he looked around, "But also...I have information regarding this world. I'm not going to spoil it because I know you like surprises." He chuckled at her pout.
"But...I'm glad you're doing well sis. Who would have thought you would become Byleth? Ready for your harem?" He teased and she threw a pillow at him.
"You know damn well I'm not into that!" She sent him a playful glare.
"This nice and all," Sothis said as she floated between them, "But we need answers Christian." She glares, "What happened? Why did you...become that thing?" Sue said.
Christian frowns as he took a deep breath and spoke.
"I volunteered to take Edelgard's place in the Crest Implementation experiments." He said and horror befell the face of the girls, "Even if my memories of my past have returned, I am also still Chris. Edelgard, Heather and the rest are still my family, my siblings. And...I...I..I need to save the woman I love." He said.
"Gina..." Arisa said and he nodded.
"Sis...I know we've...technically just reunited but I need to save Gina. Lord Arundel said if it was a failure, they would start experimentation on Gina and resume back to Edelgard. I...sigh...Edelgard is far too secure...I already failed her...I...can't even get near her..." he stopped talking when she raised her hand and nodded.
"I understand." She said, "Gina is an amazing person and I understand why you fell in love with her." She smiled at him.
"Thank you..." he said, "Then, what about you? Has...the tragedy happened?" He asked.
"It has...Duscur...is no more..." Arisa said sadly and the boy gritted his teeth.
"So...Cornelia and Lord Arundel won this battle..." he said.
"But not the war." Arisa said seriously, "Amir and I already screwed them over big time with me and her along with 5 other survivors. A total of seven. It should have just been Dedue and Dimitri but not this time. But...tensions with the Church of Serios, are not good." She said and he looked confused.
"Why would the Kingdom relationship with the Church be strain? They have always been close compared to The Empire and The Alliance. What happened?" He asked and Arisa sighs.
"Amir and I...are survivors of the Tragedy of Duscur. Before our rescue...I was...knocked out...someone from the church of Serios attacked us and tried to force me to drink some type of elixir. Glenn, Zander, Kuza along with Dedue's sister's are the other 4 that survived. All of them reported what they saw along with Dimitri. Do you understand?" She said seriously.
"I do. Now Dimitri has a personal grudge against them. Sigh..." Christian sighs as he looked at his hand.
"For now, let's get some rest. We...already caused too much damage. I do hope Ferdinand is alright." She said and Christian nodded.
"He'll be alright. That kid may be a knucklehead but he's strong." He chuckled.
- Days Later: County of Hevring -
"This is BS."
He hated shopping with a passion and his sister hated it too since their oast mother always too damn long when she would shop for clothing. But right now...he needed new clothing.
"Hmmmm...you look like an executioner." Sothis said as the boy was looking through the racks of clothing till he found one coat that matched him perfectly.
"Well Sothis, I'm going to become one." He grabbed the jacket along with the pants and other things it came with it.
He walked over to Arisa, who was looking at a few books, the girl hearing his footsteps turned, raising an eyebrow at his choice.
"I know it's only been a few days, but I did not think you were the type to enjoy Bloodborne." She said and he shrugged his shoulders.
"Might as well. I'm not a kid anymore but I feel like...mentally has gone down for some reason." He said and she chuckled.
"Trust me...I went through the same thing. Despite me now having the mentality of a full-grown adult, I felt like a kid when I first woke up in this body." She smiled sadly, "I cried, yelled, thankfully I never threw a tantrum, but...I guess being turned young again, affected me both in a positive and negative way." She said and he smiled sadly at her.
"I wonder what Theresa would say if she saw us?" He said.
"About that...'' and suddenly he wished he shut his mouth, "in a way...Theresa is in this world...but at the same time she isn't. I'll introduce you to her when we return to Remire village in a few months. For now, I need to pay for your clothing and get you weapons." She said as she stood up, walking to the cashier.
Now with new clothes bought, and changed, Arisa could not help but think she was looking at the hunter from Bloodborne minus the face mask and pistol the man would carry. Bonus because Christian had white hair with a single streak of mint green, wore an eyepatch on his right eye, making him look, deadly.
"You look like Charles Henri-Sason." Arisa bluntly said and the man rolled his eyes.
"You look terrifying yourself wearing Byleth's clothing." Christian said to her.
"Whatever." She sighs as the two began walking down the walkway, Hare besides them, Feh on her shoulder with Blanca in her arms, yup, nothing suspicious at all.
"Ah!" Arisa smiled as she spotted familiar red hair not too far in the distance, "I figured she was somewhere here in the Empire." She said and the group began walking to a tent.
"Come one come all! For the merchandise today is sugar cane grown here in the fields of Fodlan along with Noa and Zanado fruit! As well as new weapons from Sreng, Dadga and Valentia!" Anna said and of course, the two siblings stopped their heart stop.
Feh flapped her wings as she took off towards the red-haired woman, expecting the usual fish. The snowy owl landed on her head, startling the poor woman.
"What the?! Wait, Feh!? If you're here, then that means." She turned and a big grin came on her face once she spotted the group.
"Hey Byleth! My number one customer! How are you doing? Glad to see you!" Anna grinned as the two hugged.
"Good to see you again Anna." Arisa smiled warmly as the woman let her go.
"I'm glad to see you are okay. Amir told us things weren't going well in the Kingdom and that's why you two left. She said you will be at the Empire for a while before returning home. By the way," she looked over her shoulder, "who's the executioner and the adorable wolf pup!? Nuke is going to enjoy that one's company." She chuckled at groan Christian made.
"This is Christian. He's a mercenary like me. Listen," his voice turned serious and Anna narrowed her eyes, "what are your best gauntlets, poisons, daggers and escape rope?" She said and Anna knew that tone like the back of her hand.
The woman's smile became sly, a glimpse of her true personality as she put her index finger on her chin.
"My my Arisa...so, the situation is grave huh?" She said with a slight dark look on her eyes and Christian nodded.
"Please," wait, she knows that voice, "I...I need to save...Gina." was all the boy said, the woman's eyes went wide realizing who the boy truly was.
Anna was silent for a few seconds before she spoke.
"Meet me later tonight at the back alley behind the tavern at midnight. The moon is full tonight." She said and the two nodded.
"For now, let's get you kids some food. Arisa, I got sugar cane cider." And the woman could not help but chuckle that happy squeal the girl let out.
"I thought you would be addicted to wine like back then." Christian said and got smacked by his sister.
- Later at Night -
"Now you really look like an executioner." Arisa said as the two were walking through the back alleys of the town.
"And you look like the goddess of death." Christian singer as they arrived at their place, "Hey...um...do you think Anna can travel throughout different worlds of Fire Emblem?" He suddenly asked and Arisa made a mental link with him.
"Of course, I do. She has appeared in all the games plus remember in Awakening; she has sisters that have EXTREMELY similar appearances. Chrom and her also mention she could travel between the astral planes and such. Anyhow...I had too many heart attacks in this world. I've encountered characters from awakening, fates, and other fire emblem series. My heart can barely stand it. I recently had an encounter with...Camilla." she shuttered and even Christian cringed.
"Hey you two!"
The two turned and saw Anna walking up to them, dressed in her trickster clothing. The woman smiled as she stole in front of them, resting her right hand on her waist, she had a sly smile.
"I should have known. Chris von Hresvelg, I knew you wouldn't have died easily. I have a lot of questions for both of you but for now, let's get you to my shop. I got the things you kids will need." Anna smirked as she slammed her hand onto the wall, a magic circle with the Crest of Earnest in the center surrounded by familiar symbols they two have seen.
A staring slime portal opened, inside you could see many things. Some familiar, others new. The woman smirked as her two clients walked in, the portal closing. With hands in the air, Anna grinned like a child as she turned to them.
"Welcome to my secret shop! Very few have actually been allowed here so consider yourselves luck!" She said as the two looked around in amazement.
"Lucina's mask..." Christian muttered as he reached for it, but his hand was smacked down by Anna.
"No touching!" She glared at him while he patted his hand, hurt.
Arisa snickered as she looked around saw Anna walk to a wall filled with weapons and many, they have seen through the Fire Emblem series through the years.
"Sigh...Chris, do you have Crest?" Anna said as she was looking at a few gauntlets on the wall.
"I...do..." he said, and the woman turned her head a bit, glancing between the two then back to the weapons.
"She knows! She knows!!" Sothis cooed eerily in their minds as the woman kept looking around.
"How good are you with an axe?" Anna asked as she pulled out a Bolt Axe.
"Decent." He answered and she shook her head, putting it away, while Arisa mentally cried out no.
"Aha! Here they are!" Anna grinned as she pulled out a pair of gauntlets that looked like damn dragon claws.
"Aura knuckles. Perfect for you as well as..." she pulled out The Damn Sword of the Creator.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Both siblings screamed as they backed away, suddenly terrified.
"Language!" Anna huffed as she gave them a sad smile, "I'm not an idiot you know. I know souls of different times when I see one." She chuckled, "This Sword of the Creator...belonged to a Byleth from a different timeline. One where...sigh...they did not survive. I...they entrusted it to me, to keep the enemy from getting their hands on it. Arisa already has half, it's only a couple more years till she gets the other from Rhea. For now, Chris, this one, will go to you. Watch over it, I know it will do well with you." Anna smiled sadly at them.
"Anna..." Arisa said as the woman shook her head.
"Save It for later! I'm still charging you though. I have the bag with the things you need, as well as a few bonuses. I'll cut you kids a killer deal." Anna winked at them as she led to the back to get their things, "Also Chris! You look like an executioner! Get some new clothing!" She yelled out.
"Oh, come on!" Christian said and Arisa with Sothis burst out laughing at the man.
[-]
"This ship will take you kids to the port of Enbar...from there...you're both on your own. Good luck out there." Anna said and hugged the two as they and many others were boarding a ship.
"We will. And Anna..." Chris smiled at her, "Thank you." He said and the woman shook her head.
"Anytime. Good luck." Anna said as the two boarded the ship, sending her one last wave as the ship undocked.
Silence befell around the woman as she watched the ship float away to the distance, a sad smile graced her lips as she looked at the locket in her hands, the picture inside, her surrounded by so many people she has met over time. She looked back to the sea, and the turned, her heels clicked as she walked on the wood, disappearing to dust as it was time for her to head to her next location.
"May Naga and Sothis protect you both."
Chapter 33: Boiled: Part 1: Memory's Ghost
[-]
A couple references here and there for fun as well as a few appearances.
Now about Anna, her main role in this store is like usual, is a merchant but in a way, also to guide Arisa and with the newest addition, Christian. So, Anna pulling out the Sword of the Creator is a bit of a reference to the new weapons dlc bring in. I had to refresh my memory a bit on her personality as well as her history. Also, her pulling out the sword, this one has the crest stone on the center. Chris won't be using that sword for a very long time.
Chris/Christian has been planned since November of 2019 along with what happened to him. I had a bunch of scenarios and eventually decided to go with the one I wrote. The prototype scene that I wrote last originally was supposed to take place only in the forest but near the palace, with Chris breaking out, in a furious state, and falling into river, washed away. Arisa finds him later on while she is camping, and decides to give her blood to him, making him remember his past life. The idea then changed while I was reading a couple other stories as well as watching gameplay of Persona 5 scramble. Chapter 35 is when the Academy phase will begin. Hope you are looking forward to it!