Shattered Songs of Faith

by Sakura108645

Now, one does not expect to wake up in another body when they die. She did not expect to come to such a world that she had only read and played through technology. What's more, that she wakes up as Female Byleth during her childhood days. "Come and see the world in different ways from the River of Time before it all shatters away!" (SI OC) (AU)

44. Chapter 43:Bloody Mist:Part 3:Judgement

- Dream: 1000 years Ago -

"This blade...it keeps trying to reject me. Unbelievable. Despite being rendered nothing but bones, weapon to destroy your own kind, that small will of yours is still there."

He was dressed in a dark green cloak that covered his mage clothing of a warlock, a dark green colored it was as he wore the mask of a plague doctor. Long dark colored green ash hair tied in a high up ponytail as he held the bone like scythe in his hand. The Crest stone at its beard crackled with blue energy like lightning. Even if he held it, he felt no pain from the artificial arm he had. The scythe kept rejecting him, inflicting its anger of the fallen soul onto him. He chuckled as he heard a hiss and turned to look over at the woman a few feet from him. She stood on top of an adult Sand Crawler as she held a tome in her hand with the same symbol of the Crest of Aubin. The woman grunted as she put a barrier around the damn thing and turned to him with a blank face.

"I did not think my old student would be causing this much pain despite being now a pile of ashes." The pale woman said as she looked on ahead, her eyes narrowed as she saw the army of Lejare on its way but...

"What on earth?" The woman hissed as she and Odesse were looking at the impossible right now.

"She should not be able to transform to a beast!" Odesse said as his eyes landed on the one leading the army.

Cirina was dressed in her usual clothing but this time...

"I came to take back what is mine." Her voice was cold as she flapped 4 dark blue wings that seemed as if they were made of ice.

Her hair had turned to a pale sickly blue, she had two horns that grew on her forehead as if they were trees made of ice. Her arms and neck covered in blue scales that looked like gems, as well her tail looked like it was made of feathers. Odesse smirked as he readied his weapon and twirled it.

"Is this what you want Daughter of Aubin!?" He yelled out as he slammed the butt of the scythe onto the ground.

He saw Cirina's anger flare once her eyes landed on it as well as the book in the hands of the pale woman, Anacharsis. Cirina growled but quickly took a deep breath, glared as she pointed her lance.

Her generals, Ui, Vernata, Hades and Bladr, readied their weapons as the rest of the army. The Agarthans began to quickly take their positions as Odesse raised his weapon.

"CCCCHHHHHHHARRRRGGGGGEEE!" Cirina roared and her army let out their war cry.

"KILL THEM ALL!" Anacharsis yelled and the two armies charged at one another.

The bloodiest of battles begins.

- End of Dream -

She slowly fluttered her eyes open as she sat atop a tree, silent as she looked down and saw the boys talking to one another as well as Ashe cooking some food. She smiled softly and turned to see Cirina floating around, observing the prince as well as the green eye boy. It seems the pale woman has taken a liking to Ashe because she kept messing with his hair and Ashe kept asking himself why it was messy despite how many times, he fixed it. It's been three days since they left the monastery and unfortunately Sandy could only take them halfway. She looked back down and smiled a bit. Alexandra could not help but chuckle at this and wondered about the dream. She knew it was another one of Cirina's memories but Sothis comment made question something.

"Does she have all of her memories?"

That was the thing. Cirina did not have all her memories. So, it could be possible that Cirina does not have the whole truth of what happened in the past? What if Reigan did not betray her? What if the two were set up? From the blurry memories she has, Reigan seemed like a kind person despite being a thief, not to also mention didn't he help kill the Nabateans? She shook her head. She let go of a frustrated sigh. She began to search through her old memories of this "past life" of hers. Honestly, Alexandra started having these strange dreams from a different place. Some were horrid ones while others were filled with happy memories. She was still coming to terms with it, but she prefers to be called Alexandra than her "past name". She searched her mind and found what she was looking for and took out her journal, starting to write it down.

"_/5_: Why does Seiros despise us so? What did King Nemesis do to incur such unyielding wrath? Perhaps it was a mistake to accept his offer. In any case, that is all the distant past now…_and before this body falls to ash, the evil…" she wrote in her journal.

"Wait...could it be possible that...the 10 Elites did not know that...the weapons and Crest they have...came from..." she closed her journal and put it back into her bag, then looked over to the boys again.

"No matter how many times I fix my hair, it suddenly becomes a mess again!" Ashe complains as Dimitri chuckled.

"This one's cute! He reminds me of Bladr when I first met him. Even if he is not his descendant, I can't help but see my friend in this boy. He was like him." Cirina said as Alexandra jumped down and quietly made her way towards them.

Cirina hummed a tune as she floated around, her arms wrapping around Ashe as she smiled warmly, gently patting his head, smoothing out his hair. She sang softly as she was remembering the old times of her and friends. Where they would sit around the fire, singing songs of old. Bladr wanted to be a knight and travel around the world once the war was over. He, Cirina, Vernata, Hades and Ui would sing together and drink, eat. At times even others in the camp would join. Even in the dark times, Cethleann would enjoy it and even her mother was pulled in along with Cichol. The pair of adults would dance in joy along with Cethleann. Even Serios's generals enjoyed these happy moments. Bladr always had a way of being joyful even in dark times. Even Serios at times would join, and you would see the true smile she had.

Hey princess

I'm your knight in shining armor

Come jump on my horse, take a ride with me in the starlight

My fulgend lance will hit the dragons & the robbers

My sword will keep this dream alive

She sang softly yet Ashe froze. He could hear... singing. It was soft, he could barely make out the words, but someone was singing. He turned his head and saw no one but he could hear it.

"Ashe, are you alright?" Dimitri asked as Ashe sat back down on the ground.

"Yes, your Highness. I thought...I heard someone singing." Ashe said and Cirina instantly stopped as she gently let go of the boy and floated back to Alexandra.

"It's alright. You weren't imagining it." Alexandra said and the two yelped as she sat down across from them, throwing some sticks into the fire, "Some the fae like to come near us. Some are visible to the human eye and others are not. I have some of the sight but not as advanced as Christian. He can see many things." She said as she had her left knee in and the other left out straight, leaning onto Falco.

The huge wyvern purred as she patted him, resting his head besides her.

"Alexandra, now that we have the opportunity to speak properly," Dimitri said, "I am truly grateful you're alive. I...remember how we all mourned at the funeral. Yes...at that time your name was Ymir, but...you are still our friend. Sylvain especially was effected and...sigh...I hate to admit this but also Miklan." He said that last sentence bitterly and Alexandra just hummed.

"Yes...I remember Miklan. Not exactly seen in the best light but...I could tolerate him." She answered.

"Alexandra...um... could you...tell me how you and Lord Lonato are related?" Ashe said and she nodded.

"As you know, I am the last member of the Aubin bloodline that served the royal family. Our clan was said to help repair and create new Relics through the years. Specifically, for the nobles. Our other specialty is repairing the Hero's Relics." She smiled with pride as Ashe looked at her with amazement.

"That is incredible!" He said, "I've heard stories from my father about House Aubin as well as from my brother. I remember Lord Lonato telling me the story of the lance he wields." Ashe said excitedly.

"Ah! You meant the relic wielded by Knight Bladr Gaspard correct?" Dimitri said and instantly Cirna whipped her head towards the boys.

"Yes! The Lance of Bladr. It's a bit funny how it's named after him. Sir Bladr is said to have been a warrior that fought besides Saint Serios. Well, more specifically, he was Cirina's general. She crafted the lance and gifted it to him. After The War of Heroes was over, the story is that he left his lance and knowledge to his wife and children. Eventually, he chose to leave Fodlan, and travel the world. Other say he took a ship from what is known as the Rhodos Coast and left to Albinea." Ashe said as Alexandra smiled softly.

"Yeah...I remember the story. Christophe would tell me it often. Since he is a descendant of him." She muttered and Ashe smiled sadly, "They say the lance chooses its wilder. If it finds someone worthy, it will turn to the weapon the person specializes in." She said.

"I do not remember that part of the legend." Dimitri said and Alexandra looked up to the sky.

"That's because Grandpapa only told me and Christophe about that part." She said.

"Are you...really Lord Lonato's granddaughter?" Dimitri said and she shook her head.

"House Aubin and House Gaspard have always been close. After all, Ui Aubin and Bladr Gaspard were friends. Some of their children even married together. As for me, Lord Lonato and my father were close. He thought of my father as a second son. Ashe, have you ever met Lady Gaspard?" She asked.

"I did. She was a kind woman who welcomed me and my brother and sister. She would often bake sweets for us. Christophe would sometimes put on a brave face along with my father when she would make spicy food. She loved it, them...not so much." Ashe said and Alexandra snorted.

"Yup. I remember. Even I would run away the minute we smelled something spicy." She chuckled.

"Alexandra...listen...this question is a bit personal but...how many...knew you were alive?" Dimitri asked and she frowned a bit.

"Arisa saved me from the fire. I met her when I was around...5 or 6 years old. Same with Amir. Arisa had saved Amir then me. Funny story...we met in a bookstore. The rest is history. As for others that knew I was alive..." she petted Falco's head, "Sylvain, Glenn, Zander, Emily, and Erik knew. They had to keep it a secret or else Cornelia would have hunted me down. Honestly, I'm glad her reputation went downhill. Life has a way of making those who have done horrific things pay back. I'm not the only victim. I'm sure there are others." She said as she looked over to Dimitri, who was frowning.

"No offense...but...is that why you looked like a kicked puppy three days ago?" She said.

"Kicked puppy?! I do not look like that at all!" He said and Ashe unfortunately looked away and sweat drops at this.

"Unfortunately your highness...it's the truth..." Ashe thought and Cirina was a giggling mess at this.

"Dimitri, it's obvious the puppy love you have for Arisa." She said and Dimitri became a stuttering mess.

"I-I do not-its- arghh! It's...complicated." Dimitri sighs, "I just...sigh...I just want to be with her." He said and Alexandra snorted.

"Please Dimitri, it'll take more than puppy love to win Arisa. Also, don't get your hopes up. What will you do if she falls in love with a different man or woman?" She said as she took three apples from her bag and threw one at each of them, which they caught easily.

Unfortunately, that comment made Dimitri freeze and crush the apple in his hand.

"Your Highness..." Ashe looked at him worried as Cirina was muttering that the boy had the same inhumane strength as Blaiddyd, like back in the day.

"Well...if such a thing does happen. Then I wish her happiness." He smiled sadly.

"Ha!" Alexandra said, "So you won't fight for your love?! Honestly what up with you men? But let me tell you a little secret." She said and seems even Ashe got closer at this, "All a man has to do to win the heart of a girl...men...just have to be cute!" She grinned.

A complete wave of silence. The wind just began blowing as the crickets chirped. Cirina started shaking and finally fell into a complete fit of laughter as she was rolling around in the air, holding her stomach. Dimitri and Ashe did not know if they should...take that as an insult or...was it an insult?

"You two are confused." Alexandra snickered as Falco purred.

"No..no..Umm...Lady Gaspard said that before." Ashe chuckled a bit and Dimitri nodded.

"One of my Uncle's concubines said the same thing before." Dimitri chuckled as Alexandra looked up to the sky.

The stars above gave her a calming feeling as she closed her eyes and smiled softly.

"Let me tell you kids a story." She suddenly said and it seemed the two were interested.

"A long time ago, in a faraway land, lived a young maiden. Born sick since she came to the world, the girl was bedridden all her life. But...something that kept her happy during those dark days were books she loved to read. One book in particular was the story of the 4 Seasons. Spring represented the path of the Red Emperor. Summer Represented the path of Blue King. Fall represents the path of the Yellow Malik (King) and Lastly, Winter represents the path of the Saint of White. The main character was known as the chosen one. The four seasons, also known as the four paths, represent the different timelines of the path they chose. However, despite each path had a happy ending, there was always a mellow sorrow." She said as she threw a few more sticks into the fire.

"Why was there sorrow?" Ashe asked.

"The Chosen One was friends with the three kings as well as the Saint. Regardless of which path they chose, there would always be death and war. If they chose spring, the Red Emperor was victorious, the country would change for the better. But the Blue King dies and the Yellow Malik leaves forever or dies. Depending if the chosen one chooses to kill them or spare them. If the Blue King is Chosen, the pain all the country suffered will be healed. But the Red Emperor dies but the Yellow Malik leaves forever. If the Yellow Malik is chosen, all of the countries unite under a banner of peace, but the Red Emperor dies and so does the Blue King. And if the Saint of White is chosen, the country will be led to a better future but...all three Lords are dead..." she muttered softly.

"I understand..." Dimitri said as she looked over to him, "No matter what path the chosen one would pick, there would always be sorrow because one or two or all three Lords die...to the chosen one, it brought sorrow to their heart because they could not save them all." He said and she nodded.

"Correct. The maiden loved the story, but she always wept. She felt the sorrow of the chosen one and like them, wished there was a path where they all lived in peace." She said.

"What happened to the maiden?" Ashe asked.

"Unfortunately, the maiden spent of the rest of years bedridden and died in her sleep, holding the book she loved with all her heart." She said and the two boys faced with sorrow, "I didn't say the story was finished." She smirked, "But I only told you one part. You must hear the next part from Amir, Arisa, or Christian. Good luck!" She said and the two couldn't help but laugh a bit.

"Interesting story. But we should get some sleep. We'll be waking up early tomorrow. Sigh...I just hope we'll be able to speak with Lord Lonato." Dimitri said and Ashe nodded.

- Two Days Later -

Riding the wyverns for another two days was tiring for Ashe and Dimitri, since they weren't used to it. Flying is a bit like horseback/pegasus riding but just more movement. It honestly amazed Ashe how well she could fly, even if the prince held onto her for dear life because...she rode like a mad woman and did not care one bit.

"Alexandra, please I beg of you, slow down!" Ashe yelled out as the woman was flying way too fast and let us not forget, Falco is bigger than a normal male wyvern.

"Sorry but no! Have you both forgotten that Arco (Ashe's wyvern) and Falco or coldblooded reptiles?! We need to get to Gaspard Castle before the night!" She yelled out while Dimitri held onto her for dear life.

"I am so sorry for holding you like this!" The prince yelled out and Alexandra snorted at his red face.

His arms were wrapped tightly around her waist, and his body was close.

"Don't worry! It's not the first time I've been held like this! I've had to push off Claude and Sylvain a couple times off! Hahaha!" She laughed and the two men looked at her shocked.

Ashe and Dimitri made mental notes to talk to those two once they returned.

"AWWWHOOOOOOOO!" She threw her head back and let out a primal howl, the two males looking at her shocked and that's when Ashe and Dimitri suddenly feared their lives because the two wyverns let out roars and...skyrocketed immediately through the air.

"HOLD ON TIGHT ASHE AND DIMITRI! HYYAAAA!" Alexandra yelled loudly and sure enough, Dimitri and Ashe saw their lives flash before their eyes as the wyverns flew through the sky like damn rockets.

Alexandra? Well she was having fun and was used it. One, Arisa's crazy form of training. Plus, Red Hare was a beast in speed, and even Falco and Hyper could barely keep up with him. Two, Jeralt taught them the way people from the Kingdom were taught to ride horses, and of course, it was damn...what was the word? Par-kour? Is what Arisa calls it. Three, Sandy taught them the way Almyran and Fiona taught them how Almyran soldiers rode wyverns. Oh boy, those days were fun and the scares Florencio and Jeralt had watching the girls throw themselves off their flying units then be caught by them. Even Christian and Gina had multiple heart attacks when they were trained by Jeralt and Sandy. Also, Florencio took Gina in as another apprentice and helped her learn to control her new Crest and magic properly.

"AAAAHHHHHHH~" Alexandra yelled and once more, their men were screaming when the wyverns suddenly spun and dove down, towards...Town Gaspard.

Let's just say the people in the town were completely shocked when the two wyverns that looked like they were about to crash, stopped only a few inches from the ground, and landed with a soft thump! On it. Alexandra couldn't help but grin as she jumped down to help the prince get off, and even poor Ashe was a wobbling mess. The two males ran to the nearest bush or alleyway and poured out their guts.

"Get used to it you two! You think this was brutal, wait till you get riding lessons from Jeralt, Sandy, Amir or Arisa!" She laughed proudly as the two wyverns growled with pride as she patted their heads.

After a few minutes, the two came back and she gave them pats on the backs, unfortunately she still had a smirk and the two gave her glares.

"Ashe? Your Highness Dimitri?!"

The trio turned to see a few of Lord Lonato's knights heading their way, but Alexandra froze as she recognized two of them. One, was a man with dark brown hair with a bit of white, brown colored eyes, light skin, someone...who once used to serve her father. The other was also a man but he had black spiky hair with some white, hazel eyes, light skin but a slash like scar across his face and wore the armor of a Kingdom knight.

"Kay and Galid!" Ashe said as he walked up them as they mounted off their horse.

"Ashe, what are you doing here?! You should be at the academy! This isn't a good time to come home and visit!" The one with brown hair, Kay, said as Ashe shook his head.

"I need to speak with Lonato! Please!" Ashe said as Galid turned to see Dimitri walk up.

"Your Highness..." he bowed to him so did the rest of the knights.

"Sir Kay and Sir Galid, it is a pleasure to see you again. But I must ask you, take us to Lord Lonato." He said and the two men looked at each other then back at them.

"Sigh...very well. But before we do," the looked over to Alexandra, "who is the woman? I hope she is not a Knight of Serios." They said.

"No. I'm not." Alexandra said as she walked up to them, "My name is...Theresa von Aubin. I am Rensen's...daughter." she said the two knights looked at her shocked.

"Rensen is alive?!" Kay says and she nodded.

Galid was silent as he stared at her for a few moments and spoke.

"I am surprised. Rensen never mentioned he had a daughter. He is at Gaspard Castle speaking with Lord Lonato right now." Galid said and Alexandra looked at him surprised and even Kay did also.

"Oh shit...oh shit..." Alexandra mentally said as Galid walked over to her.

"Are those your wyverns?" He said and Arco and Falco instantly hissed at him as they got in front of her, protectively.

"Arco belongs to the Academy...Falco, belongs to me." She said as Falco purred as his snout nuzzled her cheek.

"Ha. Forgive me maiden. The reason I asked was because you have a similar hair color to my former Lord. He used to ride wyverns also. But enough of that," he said and turned to the order knights, "take the wyverns to the stables once we reach the castle." He ordered and the knights nodded.

"We'll take the w-!" One of the female knights walked up to take the reins but instantly the wyverns bared their fangs at the poor woman.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" The knights were about to get defensive and held Dimitri and Ashe back but the blue-haired woman spoke in a tone that made the wyverns stop.

"(That is enough you two.)" Alexandra began speaking Almyran as the two wyverns began whining at her.

She just crossed her arms and sighed.

"(Go with them please. I promise to come visits you two tonight.)" She said softly and the two wyverns whined as they nuzzled her cheeks, "(I know. I know. I promise I will be safe. Now go.)" She said and the wyverns gave a small cry and turned to the woman, who flinched.

"You can take them to the stables now. I calmed them down." She said and Galid chuckled.

"Very impressive. I suppose you were trained by either Sandana or Florencio. Only those two in the entire country of Fodlan know who to properly tame wyverns." Galid as the group began to walk to Castle Gaspard.

Ashe let go of a sigh as he looked up to the hill where Castle Gaspard stood, somehow, he felt something was not right.

"Sir Kay," Dimitri spoke to the older knight, "has... there been any suspicious individuals lately?" He asked.

"Unfortunately,...there has. And we shall be honest with you, your highness, we do not trust them one bit." Sir Kay said and Alexandra held tightly onto her necklace.

- Castle Gaspard -

"Lonato this is madness!" It had been many years since Rensen had spoken to Lonato and boy did it show the tension in their relationship.

"Madness you say?! How about you hiding the fact that you have been alive these past 11 years since the fire in the Tailteann plains?! What is next?! My granddaughter is alive?!" Lonato yelled and Rensen went silent looking away, avoiding eye contact.

Rensen has grown and the years are showing. His brown hair had streaks of white, he let his goatee grow, showing his wisdom. He was still a proud member of Aubin as well as blacksmith, so suddenly hearing that he was alive this whole time when the entire Kingdom pronounced him and Alexandra dead? Well, of course shit is going to hit the fan. But, Rensen knew of the resentment Lonato had towards the Church. After all, he was there the day Christophe was executed. The rain was falling hard as the gray clouds held light of thunder. The heavy scent of water in the air as everyone watched as Christophe, handcuffed, led up the wooden stage used for execution, at the center of the plaza of the capital. They made him drop to his knees, dark circles under his eyes as they placed his head at the wooden hole. The silver blade at the top, ready to come down once the order was given. How Emily pleaded to Lady Rhea to not execute the boy despite the amount of evidence that was shown he was innocent as well as how Erik roared to stop and had to be held back by the Knights of Serios along with Lonato. Zander screamed that it was tyranny and had to be knocked out by Glenn. Even Beleth...Rhea's own son, begged for the execution to be stopped. Yet Rhea only looked down at everyone coldly, as she spoke her words at why he was being executed. Even the citizens roared that it was unfair, and a trail should be held. Christopher's last words to Rhea as he turned his head to her, as she raised her hand to give the order.

"May the wrath of Sothis fall upon you...Serios."

No one missed how Rhea's eyes went wide hearing his words, her hand went down, the order given. The blade of the guillotine fell, in one clean cut, Christopher's head fell to the ground. Rensen never forgot the pure rage that was shown in the eyes of Emily, Zander, Glenn, Erik, as well as Lonato. The pure regret that was on Cassandra's face, as she watched the execution from an alleyway, she wore a hood to cover her identity. The sorrow that fell upon Beleth.

"Rensen...you went silent..." Lonato's voice made him snap out of it and turned to look back at his friend, who he stared at for a good 30 seconds then turned his head away.

"Is...Alexandra alive?" Lonato could barely say and before Rensen could speak, a knock on the door was heard.

"Lord Lonato. It is us, Sir Kay and Sir Galid. May we come in?" Rensen right now was happier the argument was interrupted.

"We're not finished!" Lonato hissed at him, "You may come in." He said and the door opened and in came the two older knights as well as...

"Ashe, what are you doing here?! Your Highness Dimitri!" Lonato said and Rensen wanted to throw himself off the balcony once his eyes landed on his niece.

"Father! What are you doing here?!" Alexandra said to him and Rensen's mind went blank.

Did the goddess today want to screw him over?! Alexandra came in and Lord Lonato was silent as he watched the girl walk up to him.

"Father, you seem pale. Are you alright?" She lied and Rensen needed to sit down, which he did.

"Young Lady," Alexandra turned to Lonato, "who are you? What business do you have here?" He said coldly.

Her heart pounded loudly as she spoke.

"Forgive me for not coming without an invitation." She politely bowed to him, "My name is Theresa von Aubin. Rensen is my father. I was worried when he sent a letter and I came with your son and His Highness Dimitri to make sure he is well." Oh, how smoothly she lied through her teeth while Cirina appeared, floating around till her eyes landed on the lance.

"Don't you dare touch it." Alexandra mentally yelled at Cirina, who just stared at her.

Lord Lonato stared at her and turned to the two boys.

"Is this true?" He said Ashe nodded.

"It's true. We met up halfway here." He said and Alexandra was happy the two were going along with it.

"I see." Lonato said and turned to his generals, "Have rooms prepared for our guest." he orders. Turning to Ashe and Dimitri, "We shall talk tomorrow. It is getting late and all of you must be tried." He said and the knights went to inform the servants.

The door opened and the two older knights shared a quick glance with themselves and then to their Lord, a silent message was spoken between the three as Ashe and Dimitri walked out the door and it suddenly slammed shut when Alexandra was about to walk out. The other two whipped around quickly. The woman's eyes went wide as the two knights suddenly held their swords in front of the door.

"FATHER WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! FATHER!" Ashe yelled as the two males banged the door.

"Lonato!" Rensen rose and quickly pulled his niece back behind him, taking out his own sword, a Leviathan sword, ready to fight.

The golden sword sparked with energy ready to strike as Rensen spoke.

"Kay, Galid and Lonato. I do not wish to fight any of you. We've known each other for a long time. You two especially used to serve Alexander and his daughter!" He yelled and Lonato walked around his desk and stood in the front.

"I said we are not finished, and I meant it. Is Alexandra alive? Or more specifically, is this girl..." his eyes softened a bit as he looked at her, "is this her...?" He said.

Alexandra gulped and quickly put her hand over her forehead to keep her feathers from coming out.

"LORD LONATO OPEN THIS DOOR!" Dimitri yelled out from the other side.

"He's going to RIP that door apart." Cirina said as she hugged Alexandra.

"Only those who have major Crest of Aubin...when they reach a specific age, their hair turns a deep Azure blue...as well feathers sprouting on their head." Lonato said as the girl was gritting her teeth.

"Rensen, we know very well you never had a daughter. Come clean." Kay said to him.

"Ever heard of someone getting married or adoption?!" Rensen said and Alexandra spoke.

"Uncle..." she muttered sadly as she removed her hands, "That's enough...please..." she smiled sadly to him.

"But..." Rensen muttered and she shook her, undoing her spell, her feathers popped out as she walked in front of her Uncle, her hand out.

"Grandpapa...it's been...11 years." She was trying not to break down as she slowly turned her head to Galid, "Sir Galid..." then to Sir Kay, "Sir Kay...I am happy...to see you all." She smiled sadly and right when Lonato was about to speak.

CRASH!

"HE ANNIHILATED THAT DOOR!" Cirina screamed in complete horror as the door broke in two, and even Ashe the pure look of horror, and Dimitri looked pale because of what he just did.

Just complete silence came into the room and Alexandra quickly spoke.

"I think it would be better if we spoke properly tomorrow. Dimitri, you owe Lord Lonato a new door." She faced palms while the prince kept apologizing for the mess he made.

Well, so much for the talk..

- The Next Day -

"The fog is thick..." Ashe was used to waking up early in the morning because of the training regiments the Professor has them do.

He honestly likes how the Professor helps them all out and gives them pointers. She doesn't hesitate in pointing out their faults and gives the advice on how they can improve. Even going as far as giving them lessons and helping them during her seminars. Though he had to admit, she honestly can be quite...harsh. He was still getting used to both Amir's and the Professor's form of speech when they gave orders. At least it's not like Lestia, who went on full cursing spree because of failing multiple times at a practice spell the Professor had assigned them to. Professor Arisa had to give the princess a lecture for 3 hours. But, guess that's what he likes about the Professor and the new instructors. They take their time to teach them properly, speak to them, even listen to them, help them, encourage them, they know when they see a possible potential in them. Annette along with Mercedes, both specialize in magic, yet they also had a hidden talent. Annette in Brawling, Mercedes is using a bow. Felix, who would have thought he had a knack for reason magic as well as Sylvian. Christian strict like all four of them but kind, he reminded him of Chris and Christophe in a way. Ashe let go of another sigh as he kept looking out to the foggy forest from the balcony of his room, looking down at the once garden filled with life, now the flowers withering away. His mind travelled to when he first met Lonato, in his old days when he was a thief, the need to steal to survive and provide for his two younger siblings, Luna and Kuna. He always made sure they were the ones well fed and were well. When he was caught when he snuck in to steal from Lonato's mansion. He chuckled a bit at the memory.

"Come on! Come on! You'll like it!"

"Come on big sis!"

"Whoa whoa!"

Ashe looked back down and saw his little brother and sister, Kuna, and Luna, running through the garden and...held Alexandra by her hands, one each.

"Please wait! Why did you two suddenly wake me up so early?!" Alexandra squeaked as she kept being pulled, the two kids giggled with mischief as Cirina watched.

"Because, you're the snow princess!" Luna said as they stopped in front of the garden of white spider lilies.

"Wait...these are..." Alexandra muttered as she walked up to them, "I... planted these...many years ago. I...how are they still alive?" She asked herself.

"That's because I've been taking care of them." They three turned and saw Ashe walking towards them, a soft smile on his face as his siblings ran over to him.

"Lady Gaspard used to take care of these, before she passed away 5 years ago. Since then, I have been taking care of them. I remember she would talk about her granddaughter who loved planting flowers. Spider Lilies were her favorite flowers. That would be you, wouldn't it?" He said to her as Alexandra picked one and held it near her lips.

"Yes...it is. When the news reached me..." she turned to him then looked at his little siblings, "I think it is best to let the adults talk. Little ones, can you go inside please?" She said and the two pouted at her.

She chuckled as she picked another flower, using some of her magic to create flower crowns, placing one each of them. The two siblings looked at her in shock as she giggled and placed her index finger on her lips, her way of saying to keep their little secret. They giggled and quickly ran off, back to the mansion as only her and Ashe were left.

"Back to what I was saying," she turned back to the flowers, "I was...13 years old when the news reached me that Lady Gaspard passed away. I honestly wished my uncle, Rensen, would have let me try and contact Grandpapa-cough! I mean, Lord Lonato." She heard Ashe chuckle, "as well as Lady Gaspard. Unfortunately, during that time, the spies of the church as well as Cornelia's were still active and trying to hunt down Remire village. It was far too risky for us to get discovered. It would have been worse if the news that I was alive reached Cornelia. She would have done everything in her power to hunt me down." She said as the two began to walk to one of the stone benches and sat down.

"But why hide it for so long...? I remember our talk with the Archbishop. I noticed how she was hostile for you for no reason. Even going far to try and convince you to hand over your relic to her." Ashe said as she gently touched her necklace.

"I honestly do not know why she shows hostility towards me...I never met her till now... Sometimes, I wonder if it is because I am friends with Flayn. Even I noticed how Seteth seems to have this look of guilt in his eyes when I first met him. But enough about me." She said to him.

"What about you? How have things been...since the passing of Lady Gaspard and Christophe?" She asked and he let go of a sigh.

"I remember when Lady Gaspard passed away." He looked up to the gray sky, a distant look in his eyes, "Lonato...grieved for a very long time as did my siblings and us. She welcomed us with open arms to this place. Like Lonato and Christophe, she taught us how to read as well as how to cook some of her favorite dishes. Those were...happy times. Christophe as well. He was a kind man and we would train together. He would often comment that I was better built to wield an axe, lance or bow. Still, he wouldn't let me ride on the wyverns when I wanted to give it a try." He chuckled as well as she.

"Ah yes. He was very protective. I remember. He would drive off boys that would want to play with me." She snickered a bit.

"This is the first time I've seen you show so much emotion." He suddenly said and Alexandra stopped.

"Ah!" He put his hand up quickly, "I didn't mean to offend you! It's just...umm...how do I say this...? The majority of the time, you have a... blank face. You only really show emotion when you are with the Professor, Amir, Christian, as well as only when you speak with Flayn." He said and she stared at him for a few seconds before speaking.

He had to stop himself from saying she looked cute when she smiles.

"Emotion is something I had difficulty showing as I started reaching the age of a young adult. Of course, part of it is my Crest but the other part is because of past experiences that have affected me in negative ways. But enough about me, are you going to speak to Lonato today?" She said and Ashe nodded.

"I have to. I don't want innocent people dragged into this." Ashe muttered and she nodded.

She raised her index finger in the air and began writing, the letter and words she wrote glowed a light blue hue as she continued. Yet, Ashe knew it was the Fodlan language. Once she was done, she spoke.

"What does it say?" She said and Ashe looked to it and read it.

"All evil and good is petty before Nature. Personally, we take comfort from this, that there is a universe to admire that cannot be twisted to villainy or good, but which simply is...Quote by...Vernor Vinge, Author of: A Fire Upon the Deep." Ashe said she nodded to him.

"What is right? And what is wrong?" She turned to him as she raised her hand, making small balls of light, one black and the other white, spin around each other, "What is good? What is evil? What is black? What is white? The answer is, how do we ourselves see this? We decided what is right and what is wrong. However, there is no such thing as good or evil in the world we live in now. There are only "errands". And I am fighting those "errands". " she stated clearly as the two balls of light turned to dust in her hands.

Ashe was silent as he looked at her shock and the two stood up, looking to the mansion.

"Try to speak to him. Dimitri and I will also try. If not, at least try to speak to Sir Kay and Sir Galid." She and he nodded.

"I will."

[-]

"Lord Lonato, please reconsider this!"

Dimitri tried. He really is doing everything in his power to speak reason to Lord Lonato as the old knight and his generals and he was happy to have Rensen as support to speak.

"First off," Dimitri began, "innocent civilians are getting involved who have very little experience in battle! This will be pointless bloodshed of innocent lives!" Dimitri said as Lonato glared at him.

"Pointless you say?! It amazes me how you and your brother are alike. He said the same thing to me a few days ago." Lonato said and took a bit of amusement at the shocked face the second prince of Faerghus had.

"Zander...was here?" The prince whispered and Rensen spoke.

"Lonato, I truly understand your anger, but you must realize this is mutiny. The Church will not hesitate to cut you or even Kay and Galid down!" Rensen said as he pointed at his two former friends.

"Ha! How about the fact you hid Lady Alexandra for 11 years?" Kay said and Rensen looked ready to jump him.

"Do not bring my niece into this! She has absolutely nothing to do with this and you three know it!" Rensen yelled furiously that even Dimitri was taken back.

"That is enough." Lonato said, "I will fight till the bitter end. The Church has long gone off the path of virtue and righteousness. That vile woman used my son as a political pawn to demonstrate what happens to those that point their blade at her!" He said and the door to the room suddenly opened, Alexandra frowning as she suddenly pointed her finger at him.

"AT WHAT COST?!" She yelled, "AT WHAT COST WILL THIS BATTLE PAY?! AT WHAT COST AT THE CREST STONE THAT MAGE GAVE YOU?! TO THE BITTER END?! DO NOT MAKE ME LAUGH!" She yelled out.

"Wait, Crest Stone?" Rensen said and the three older men quickly turned to Lord Lonato.

"Alexandra...how do you know this?" Lonato said and she pointed to her necklace.

"My relic. The day you heard the scream, yes...that was me. That man...Odesse. Is not to be trusted one bit. And that Crest stone..." she pointed to him once again, "Will turn you to the very thing you never want to become. A monster." She glared.

"Lonato..." Ashe said and spoke, "The Crest stone...we witnessed what it did...to bandit. It will turn them to a demonic beast. Please...don't do this." He begged and Cirina could see a crack in the man's will.

"I'm too old for this..." Lonato cursed and Rensen crossed his arms.

A long week it was going to be.

- At the Monastery -

"Sigh...no luck." Arisa let go of a heavy sigh as she was in her new magic lab, reading the letter that just arrived from her fireplace, from Alexandra, and the news was not good.

Apparently, Rensen was at the castle, also trying to stop Lonato and their plans just got screwed over big time. She wasn't happy about this and just gave a dry glance to the person that propped their elbow on her shoulder.

"So, Ashe isn't doing well huh?" Yuri said as he was wearing his uniform and looked at the letter.

"What are you doing here?" She sighs as she looks over to see the door was unlocked and sends him a glare.

"Before you get mad, the door was already unlocked so I let myself in." He smiled at her and she just let go of another sigh.

She was back to wearing her normal clothing but without her cloak, revealing her dress was sleeveless, and if her hair wasn't knee length, it would have revealed the open back heart shape cut of her dress. She fixed her glasses a bit and shook her head.

"No unfortunately. The fact that her Uncle is there and none of us, including my father, had an idea he was planning to travel there." She muttered as she took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.

Yuri looked at her sadly and went to the table where the tea set was, next to the shelf with teas.

"Take a small break. You've had it rough these past few days." He said as he got the small tin can with dried peppermint leaves and began to prepare the tea for her.

"That's rare from coming you...I thought you were still mad after what happened to you days ago." She chuckled a bit and Yuri did a quick glance over to her.

"I did. We told you to stay in the room, because we were given specific instructions by your brother to not let you explore Abyss..." she glanced at him, "Yet." He ended the sentence as he finished preparing the tea and walked towards her with the cup.

She thanked him as he handed it to her and sat down across.

"Well, on the bright side, I at least got to meet Constance and Hapi. Constance is actually going to be coming (forcefully inserting herself) to my class later along with Hapi (she politely asked if she could come)." She took a sip of the tea and smiled softly.

"Soft and a settled taste. Not strong. Not bad Yuri." She said and Yuri smirked.

"What can I say. I am a man of many talents." He smirked and she chuckled a bit.

"But in all seriousness..." she placed her cup down on her desk, "why are you all so damn from keeping me being seen in Abyss? The minute I wanted to walk out of the room, Constance instantly went into defensive mode, saying I stand out too much and need to change my looks to blend in. What! Are you all hiding from me?" She said and Yuri was silent for a few seconds.

"I don't know." Was his response and she scoffed.

"Well, whatever it is, there better be a good reason. I still haven't forgiven you for teaching Dimitri how to finger gun a spell. That sent him flying across the room...the yelling I got from Seteth...but I was more worried if he was injured. He hit that brick wall pretty hard." She muttered as she closed her eyes and propped her elbow on her desk, resting her forehead on her hand.

Yuri stared at her a while and thought. He honestly was confused why Chris was so damn about Aelfric not seeing her. Now that he thought about it, he has yet to see her in combat. Balthus has and he said that seeing the Ashen Demon in action, was the best and glad she was not his enemy. Perhaps there was a hint of jealousy when he heard Balthus speaking about the battle but more so ever about what they witnessed of the bandit turning to a demonic beast. Constance instantly began asking questions about and then also of the Crest stone that the bandit had.

"You know..." he spoke, "since you've done well in helping out my people, you've earned yourself knowing a little bit about me. So, I'll let you ask three questions. No more." He smiled at her and she looked up to him.

"What's the catch?" Arisa said with slightly narrowed eyes and Yuri chuckled.

"Quick to catch on. My payment, let's ask three things about you." He smirked and she looked him up and down for a few minutes and nodded.

"Alright. Deal. So, who goes first?" She said and he smiled.

"I'll start." He said as she brought his chair a bit closer, "How long have you been a mercenary?" He wanted to start with something easy, hoping maybe to butter her up and maybe she'll spill everything just like how Manuela spills her life story on her dates.

Poor souls. However, Arisa just stared at him. For a good solid two minutes and the silence was getting to him. Her eyes looked as if they were looking at the very depths of his soul and it was a bit...terrifying. He almost started sweating till...

"Heh." She smirked and suddenly closed her eyes.

"You got to try harder if you want to butter me up. It's not the first time I've dealt with men like you. You're still young." She chuckled and Yuri gawked.

"Excuse me?! We're the same age!" Yuri said to her and she just chuckled.

"Physically, we are the same age. Mentally..." her eyes suddenly became distant back to normal, "Well that's a different story. Anyhow, I'll play along with the game of bird trying to pick its prey. I became a mercenary around age 4 when I snuck onto my father's wagon and managed to stay hidden for 2 weeks. Funny thing is, I was still recovering from an injury." She chuckled at the memory.

"Hmmm...hiding for two weeks? I don't believe it." He said and she just pointed out the window.

"Go ask my father or Sandy. They remember it very well." She snickered and he rolled his eyes at her.

"Okay, my turn." She said, "Are you a student here?" She asked and Yuri smiled at her.

"Not exactly. I'm the adopted son of a Noble from the Kingdom, Count Rowe." He said he saw her frown.

"You suddenly frowned." He said to her and she just motioned him to continue.

"As for me being a student, like I said. Not exactly. Those of us sent to Abyss could be shunned nobility, merchants or simply looking for some peace. In other words, outcast. The light turned their backs on us, so we turned our backs to the light." Yuri said as her eyes held empathy in them.

"Sigh...I know what it's like...to be alone..." she muttered as he raised an eyebrow at her, "Your turn. Second question?" She said to him as she took another sip of her tea.

"She asked to avoid the subject." He thought, then spoke, " Why are you called the Ashen Demon?" He said and saw her stiffen.

"Taboo topic. Not good." He thought as he saw her place her left hand over her left eye, then she spoke.

"Because I originally had no heartbeat." She saw his face turned confused, "It's complicated. Anyhow, it's because I hate blood. I hate the sight of it. It hates its scent. I hate how it makes me sick to my core whenever I must cut someone down. Despite me being a mercenary, I always investigate my job first to make sure I am not killing someone innocent. Thankfully nothing like assassination request have come but still, I will never forget my first trip as mercenary. The only reason I haven't dropped dead today because I shut away my humanity when I kill. So, I don't feel anything. When the job is done, I let my humanity return, and so, you are most likely to see me swallow a pill because I have to run behind a bush each time to empty out my stomach because of the sight of death. Hope that answers the question." She huffed; it was obvious the atmosphere had turned sour.

Yuri gave her a small smile and spoke.

"Do you see human emotions as hindrance?" He asked and Edelgard happened to be planning to knock on the door that time.

Her hand stopped just a few inches as she could hear just a bit of the conversation of her Professor but also some unknown person. Hubert was silent as the two placed ears on the door.

"That's your third question." Arisa chuckled and Yuri frowns.

"Okay, fine then. Answer it. Do you see human emotions as a hindrance?" He said and she shook her head.

"Why would we see something that makes us human as a hindrance?" She chuckled as she suddenly had a smirk on her face.

"Hell, I may be a bitch when I want, but even I know when to keep things cool. Emotions are something very difficult that we as humans have a difficult time understanding. But it's what also makes us what we are. Humans are weak, fragile creatures. But we are also one of the few creatures who are willing to stand back up after hitting the lowest point. Because our will. We want to live. We want to see change. We desire. We hate. We love. We chose. We unite or we isolate. Our emotions are what separates us all and makes each single one of us unique. It is what makes us "human". " she chuckled and looked out the window.

"Funny...how you asked me that. Someone once told me, they thought their feelings were a hindrance." She smiled sadly and she knows, Edelgard twitched at her saying that "But, like I said. It is what makes us human. I didn't have an answer for them years ago. But..now I do. You can strengthen your resolve and be steadfast. But you must never forget it built the foundation of your ideals." She smiled warmly and Yuri looked at her with wide eyes as she turned to him, "So don't ever think they are your weakness." She chuckled and turned to the door.

"Edelgard, Hubert, I know you guys heard our conversation~" she sang and of course, the door opened, and Yuri groaned as the Imperial princess and her loyal lap dog came in.

"I was the one that asked you that question...5 years ago..." Edelgard said as Arisa stood up and walked towards her, stopping 1 foot away from her.

"You did. I am sorry I did not have an answer those years ago." She smiled softly and placed her hand on her head, gently patting it, "I hope you take my answer to heart. I mean it." She said and turned to Yuri.

"I'll be asking my two questions when it's the two of us next time. For now, how about you go buy me a bottle of ginger ale?" She threw him a small pouch of 40 copper coins, which he easily caught, "The drink shop near the flower shop." She said and he chuckled.

"Christian was right, you're addicted to ale!" He laughed and quickly jumped out the window before she went after him.

"WHY I OUGHT THROW YOU BOTH DOWN THE RIVER!" She yelled and Edelgard could not help but chuckle at the scene.

"Anyhow," Arisa sighs as she turns back to the two, "what can I help you two with?" She said and Edelgard nodded to Hubert.

"We decided to do a bit of investigating and found some useful information. The man, Odesse, he seems to be a mage that was recently received into the Western Church." Hubert said as he handed Arisa the papers.

The woman stared at the picture of a man with the plague doctor mask and frowns.

"Anything else? Is his background blank?" She asked and Edelgard spoke.

"Unfortunately, that is all we could find. Linhardt, Claude and Professor Hanneman are working together looking up information on Crest, also studying the Crest stone fragment we retrieved from the mission in Zanado. Hopefully this gives us some answers." Edelgard sighs as Arisa nodded to her.

"Good job you two. Ma-!"

Knock, knock.

That woman made paper disappear faster than anyone had seen. She slapped her hand onto it and warped that thing to the magic closet. Edelgard and Hubert quickly moved to the side and then Arisa spoke.

"Come in!" She said and the door opened, revealing Chris. He looked in and raised an eyebrow seeing his sister and brother in law.

"Sorry...looks like I came at a bad time." He said and Arisa quickly pulled him in.

"Actually, you came at the perfect time!" She said as he closed the door, "Listen, think you can do me a favor? Get Claude, and Lestia. I need to update them regarding the rebellion." She said and he nodded.

A few minutes later the 3 remaining house leaders were present and unfortunately even their retainers. Hilda also, but at least she can keep secrets along with Dedue. Arisa held up the letter that was sent to her that had the wax seal of Aubin on it.

"Things aren't looking well." She said and seemed everyone got tense at her words, "They had...an unexpected visitor." And she turned to Amir and Chris, "Rensen went to speak with Lord Lonato...before the other came." And Amir turned pale.

"Well that fucked up our plans!" Chris yelled and Hubert glared.

"I advise you to not use such vulgar language in front of Lady Edelgard. Don't think I forgiven you about throwing her into the lake." Hubert growled.

"You through El into the lake?!" Lestia gasped while Claude covered his mouth to hide his smile.

"All of you are taking swimming lessons. We spoke with Seteth and he approved. So, none of you are escaping." Chris smiled.

"I don't mind!" Sadi said cheerfully, "Petra and I love swimming! I miss the ocean though. She does too." She said a bit sadly and a flash of sadness passed through Edelgard's eyes.

"Ahem!" Arisa said and they turned back to her, "As I was saying. We got a 50/50 chance. Yes, Alexandra's uncle being there was unexpected but at least now those three have another support. We still have a few days till we head out. Remember, like I said, civilians, knock them out. And I'm looking at you Hubert. Knock them out or use a sleeping spell. I'm serious." She said and Hubert glared, "But anyone with skin pale as paper, kill them. They are not part of Lord Lonato's army. They wear black armor but also," she took paper and it showed a symbol of the Western Church, "Those of the Western Church, shoot them down." She instructed.

"Wait, did you just tell us to shoot members of the Church?" Hilda said and Arisa nodded.

"I did. And let me tell you why." She sighs as she throws the paper into the fire, "Other than showing hostility to the Central Church...they...sigh...they are the ones responsible for Christophe's death and are using that anger of Lonato to attack the church. They roped the man...into their sick plan." She sighs and turned back to them.

"Got it." Claude said as he crossed his arms, "We'll be talking of formation, later right?" He said and Amir nodded.

"I have the map layout ready. Chris is amazing when he draws these." Amir said as she held the rolled-up map.

"Make sure you all are there. Lestia, make sure Sylvain shows up. This is important." She said and the others nodded.

- Later at night -

It was fucken disaster. Arisa had never seen so many tacticians explode in one place. She at first let Lestia, Hubert, Claude and Sylvain alone with the map to see how they would do things. Boy, she looked like a blood vessel was going to pop. Thankfully, she informed Yuri to let Hapi and Constance know to not come due THIS going on. And she was glad they didn't. There were many black holes and this and worse because of the location of the battle. Madgred Way, a beautiful place during the spring but a nightmare during the summer. The place gets covered in thick fog which makes it difficult to move around and even get lost. Worst, it's the perfect place for an ambush. Even Hanneman and Manuela looked ready to throw themselves out the window with the argument between the four tacticians. She trained all four of them and THIS she was not expecting at all, to blow up in her face.

"Alright enough!" Chris suddenly yelled as he walked up to the group and pointed to the map.

"Claude, what do we do about the fog?" He said.

"Torches till we find the one responsible for creating the fog." He said and Chris then turned to Lestia.

"Areas of possible ambush?" He said and she spoke.

"Forest territory. There are also trees and such. Worse came to be, they also got mountain terrain." She huffed as she bit her nail, nervously.

"Sylvain, what do we do if we're ambushed?" Chris turned to him and the redhead flinched a bit.

"Unfortunately, we have to fight back but we need to try and escape if possible. Like the Professor said, if its civilians, knock them out. But those of pale skin...kill them." Sylvain said and Chris nodded and turned to Hubert.

"Hubert, add this all together. Think military format." He said and Arisa smirked.

"If a mage is creating the fog, we must first locate them. However, it will be difficult, and we must be careful moving forward. At this, since there are many of us, at least 7 people need to have torches. Those that can use a light spell, that should work also. Then we also must worry about the terrain. One, we don't know how many enemies there are because of the fog. So, we need to stay close to each other. Once the mage is taken out, then we can begin the full assault." He finished and Arisa walked up to the group.

"Well done." She smiled and then turned to the other three, "Perhaps you all ought to learn to LISTEN first then start arguing. I purposely stayed out of it to see how you four would handle it and boy did I want to take full bottle of wine and gulp it down!" She said despite the closed eye smile she had; her right eye was twitching.

"Tell me about it..." Manuela said and Professor Hanneman nodded.

"Hey."

"Aaah!" Arisa screeched when Emily appeared out of nowhere behind her and everyone had to keep themselves from laughing because she looked like a cat.

"Where did you come from?! I thought you went back to the Kingdom!" Arisa said and Emily shook her head.

"I've been here the whole time. I'll stay till next month. But in all seriousness," the older woman turned herself to her 15 year old version, "Chris told me what happened with Rensen. Have you told your father?" She asked and Arisa shook her head.

"Question, why didn't you try speaking to Lord Lonato?" Arisa asked.

"Believe me, if I did, I would only make things worse. Especially with two of Lord Alexander's former knights serving him. I'm more worried that Lonato is going to make Ashe and Alexandra stay behind and Dimitri will be forced to come alone. If that happens, Rhea will definitely take that chance to kill off-no...no...I need to stop thinking that way." She sighs.

"Kill off who?" Claude said suddenly and Emily turned to look over to him, her eyes slightly widening.

"What is a boy of Almyran Royalty doing here?" She thought as he walked up to her.

"I'll repeat the question again. Kill off who?" This time Claude wanted an answer and he was serious.

Emily turned to him and undid her spell again, turning to her adult form, since she was taller than him.

"Do not speak that tone with me, little moon. But to answer your question, you heard the story of...no no...I need to stop." She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose, "You're not him...you're not him." She muttered and spoke normally again, "Not kill off. More to...make an example of. Rhea shows hostility towards Alexandra because she looks like a relative of hers that passed away many years ago. The two never got along...so to say...Rhea wasn't happy to technically see someone who looks like the person she despises, alive. If Alexandra is forced to stay behind, she'll take this opportunity to send her to the dungeons." Emily said and everyone went silent.

"You sound like...Rhea and you don't get along." Claude said and Emily began laughing loudly.

"Oh, you have no idea! OOOOOOOOHOHOHOHOHO!" Emily laughed filled with pride and the door to the classroom suddenly slammed open.

Seteth looked all around the classroom till he saw the students, Professors and one Emily.

"Sorry...it's just...I thought I heard someone familiar. Am I going mad or...ugh...I need some rest." Seteth sighs as he leaves, closing the door and everyone just turns to look at Emily.

"I need to watch my laughing tone." Emily sighs as she lightly smacked Claude on the head, "Look, I get you want to court Alexandra and why you're protective." She smiled a bit.

"COURT?!" Everyone yelled and suddenly Chris and Sylvain were cracking their knuckles.

"Emily, are you serious? Don't joke like that." Claude laughed a bit nervously though Arisa could see he was trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Hmph. (After all, you did kiss her when you were a child.)" She spoke in Almyran and noticed only just barely Claude's eye went wide.

Arisa, Amir and Chris were trying to cover up their laughter as they held one another for support and Claude just gave them a dry stare while everyone else was confused.

"Did you just cuss him out?" Hilda said and Emily gave her a thumbs up.

"Honestly I think he deserves it." Lorenz said and Emily then turned to him.

"How about you listen when Arisa tells you the females have been uncomfortable with you suddenly asking them to dinner? That sexual harassment! Now, you wouldn't want you name stained as the skirt chaser, now would we?" She grinned and now Claude was the one pleased at how hurt and panicked Lorenz looked.

"No no! I understand! I will stop." He said and Arisa gave her friend a thumbs up.

"But back to the original subject." Amir said, "We got a few more days. In the meantime, we'll be training you all. If we do battle, we'll try to end it with as little blood shed as possible." She turned to the four tacticians and chuckled to herself.

"Work together. Communicate properly. The purpose of this was to see if you could build trust. Even if the ideas are different, common ground must be found. Yesh, if we were in war today, all four of you with your dispute would have gotten us killed." Now there was her military general tone.

"But that's enough." Chris said, "Everyone go get washed up and head to bed. We'll talk more tomorrow. Also, no one even tries to escape my swimming lessons because I'll have Blanca, Puka and Hessian hunt you easily. Or, Amir." He grinned and Amir just laughed.

The rest of the days went smoothly.

- Garland Moon: June 25th -

It was silent and she was worried as she wrote instructions to meet her near the edge of the Seal forest. It was late at night and Arisa prayed that Dimitri, Ashe, Alexandra and Rensen were safe. She wore a cloak over her nightgown and just hoped everyone was okay. She heard footsteps approaching and had her dagger ready to kill, yet the person raised their hands up.

"Whoa. Calm down." It was Yuri.

She let go of a sigh as she put back the blade and spoke.

"Did you follow me?" She asked and he gave her a smile.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't." He chuckled a bit as he stood next to her, noticing she kept looking up to the sky.

"Dimitri...Alex...Ashe..." she muttered and he spoke.

"Since you're waiting, how about you ask me those two last questions?" He smiled at her and she chuckled a bit.

"Really now. But I suppose I have no choice." She giggled a bit and looked over to him, "Why were you expelled?" She asked and Yuri crossed his arms, looking up to the sky.

"...You know where to hit where it hurts huh?" He said and she looked down to the ground.

"Sorry. If it's personal, you don't have to talk about it." She muttered and he let go of an exaggerated sigh.

"Come now! It's been nearly weeks since we got to meet each other again, I asked two very personal questions, answered them and then pulled this on me?! Honestly, you're confusing at times. But I'm answering your question. Honestly, hearing you speak of your demons, might as well speak of mine." He said and she looked at him surprised.

"I'm here, because I killed some people from the Church. Not even the others know of this other than Chris." Yuri said as she turned to him, "Originally, like I said before, I attended the academy as Count Rowe's adopted kid. And yes, I suspect the bastard had a hand in the death of the king." He said and she giggled a bit at that comment.

"There came a point when the church ordered me to wipe out some members from my old gang. Told me it was part of some important mission. To nobles, they were nothing more than common thieves. But to me, they are like family. So naturally, I protested my orders. Things got pretty heated and well...the rest is history." Yuri said as he looked over to her.

"Honestly I am surprised they did not execute you. However...keeping you alive... Okay, here's my final question. Do you have Crest?" Arisa asked.

"I do. The major Crest of Aubin. Honestly I never sorted out how I have it." He said and the gears turned in Arisa's mind.

"Could it be...he received a blood transfusion when he was young?" She thought and then spoke, "You have the same Crest as my friend. She's a former noble of House Aubin." She said and he raised an eyebrow.

"I thought all the members of House Aubin were gone." He said and she shook her head.

"Not exactly. Anyhow, I'll introduce to you Alexandra. I think you two would get along." She smiled a bit and he chuckled.

"If you say so. By the way, " she turned her head towards him, "you aren't frightened by what you just learned? About me killing members of the Church?" Yuri asked and she shook her head.

"No, I'm not. I would have done the same thing. After all, being a bit of a scoundrel and delinquent runs through my veins." She smiled proudly, remembering her old days in her old world as a Mexican American girl.

Ahh, the heated fights, the dramas that went on, but the one thing that she was always happy about, was how close her people were. Yes, at times they had their own difficulties, but family and bonds were something that always ran deep through her veins. Yuri stared her and laughed a bit.

"I never would have thought I hear you of all people say that. So, am I scoundrel in your eyes?" He said and she smiled at him with clear mischief in her eyes.

"Yes, you're a scoundrel but I love it. It's what makes you, you." She said as she turned to a giggling mess.

Yuri needed to take a moment away from her because he could feel blood rushing to his face and he didn't want anyone to see him blushing, especially her. She was still giggling to herself and Yuri wanted to wipe that smirk off her face. It was clear that she was proud she just won a battle.

"You made a big mistake." He muttered and right when he was going to make a move...

"RRROOOOAAAAARRR!"

Both quickly looked up and Arisa's eyes went wide as she saw Falco and Arco.

"DIMITRI!" She yelled out and quickly ran to the area where the two wyverns landed.

"Hey wait!" Yuri said and quickly ran after her.

He was beyond shocked by how fast she ran, as she all jumped through the trees, thankfully he can catch up quickly till they reach an open area. The wyverns sorted as Dimitri jumped down, a bit proud of himself for getting flying down. Amir was right because it was like horseback riding.

"Dimitri!" He turned and his eyes went wide when slender, yet strong arms hugged him tightly.

"Oh, thank Sothis you are alright!" Arisa said as she let go of him, "Please tell me Ashe and Alexandra are with you!" She said and he shook his head.

She turned to Falco and getting off him was not her friend nor Ashe, but Rensen.

"Rensen?" She slowly walked over to him, her hands shaking, "Where's Ashe? Where's Alexandra?" Her smile was becoming crooked as Rensen turned to her, not able to meet her eyes.

Yuri watched as worry and fear began to take over her as she shakily placed her hands on his shoulders, and Dimitri looked at Yuri, confused, wondering why he was there.

"Rensen, what happened?" Arisa whispered and finally he spoke.

"We all spoke to him yet Lonato did not budge one bit. Not even Ash could convince him. I only worsen the situation for you kids without even knowing it. I'm sorry." Rensen said Arisa felt like glass was shattering around her.

"Breath, breath, breath!" Sothis mentally yelled as the men's eyes went wide that her hair started flickering between teal, mint green and brown.

Dimitri can feel her magic aura was spiking out of control, the emotions she was feeling Rensen thought she was going to lash out. Honestly, he expects and would gladly accept it. But no. Arisa felt her energy zapped away and right when she was about to fall, Yuri was the fastest and quickly caught her.

"Whoa there!" Yuri said as Dimitri ran up to them, "Wait..." he gently touched her face, under her eyes and removed a bit of makeup, revealing the dark circles under her eyes, "Okay, you're getting sleep. You've been staying up late, haven't you?!" He scolded her and Arisa chuckled a bit.

"Yes...I have...I've been worried about my friend and students. How can I sleep in peace knowing they could be in danger?" She smiled a bit weakly as he picked her up with ease.

"Dimitri and Rensen...head back to the monastery. We'll all talk...in the...zzzzz..." And she fell asleep, which was by Sothis.

"Did she just fall asleep?" Yuri said in shock and Rensen chuckled a bit.

"This is a normal boy. She shuts down like this when she is under so much stress. For now, please carry her. Your Highness," Rensen turned to Dimitri, "let us head back." He said.

Yuri did not miss the hint of jealousy in Dimitri's eyes as he kept staring at him carrying Arisa.

"Ha. I'm not going to make things easy for you prince. Where would the fun be if I did?"

- 5 days later: Garland June 30th -

"I gave orders to my men to stay clear of Ashe and Alexandra. Sandy did the same." Jeralt said to his daughter as he saw them arrive with the three houses.

He noticed a few students came with torches, ready for the fog. Emily also came because they were going to need back up healing. Arisa nodded to him as she was on Red Hare, who neighed proudly at finally being able to walk around freely. Arisa was dressed in her Assassin uniform, Amir in her brigand one, and Chris in what she calls, Bloodborne hunter clothing. Damn, with this fog, he really looked like an executioner.

"Dad, be safe. Sandy, you too. And remember what I said about those of pale skin and pure black armor?" She said and Sandy gave her the thumbs up.

"Don't worry. I have a score to settle anyway." Sandy smiled as she ran back to her group and Jeralt had his horse get a bit closer to pat her head.

"Be safe kiddo." He smiled at her and she nodded, but not before letting go of a sigh.

"I'm worried." She said and Jeralt nodded.

"It's natural to be worried. Do what you can. Lead these kids. And..." he smirked as he saw her battalion, "Ili made the right choice in recommending you a battalion." He said as his daughters battalion were getting ready.

The Morfis Dark Flier corps was ready. A total of 7 dark fliers, 4 males and 3 females, the leader was a male, or more specifically, a distant relative of Ili that she reconnected with 2 years ago. The man had a sword on his waist, and his staff strapped onto his back.

"Lady Beleth! We're ready!" The leader yelled and Arisa nodded.

"Thank you, Eros!" She gave him a thumbs up and she turned back to her father, "Dad, go. And..be safe." She said and nodded as he snapped the reins of his horse and charged away.

She could see Dimitri, Edelgard, Claude, Lestia along with their retainers speaking with Cathrine. Of course, like in the game, they praised her, saying they had nothing to worry about. As well as talking about Thunderbrand and the Tragedy of Duscur. She closed her eyes as she listened and then opened them as she heard footsteps approaching and saw it was Catherine.

"Hey, it's been awhile." The older woman said as Arisa had a blank face and spoke.

"Yes. It has. But, glad to see you're doing well." Arisa said as she turned to look back at the field.

Catherine frowned as she looked out to the field then spoke.

"I spoke with my soldiers. They have been ordered to spare Ashe and Alexandra, as well as to knock out the citizens fighting. The ones that will be killed are with pure black armor and pale skin." She said and Arisa turned to her shocked.

"H-How?" She gasped and Catherine held her hand up.

"Christophe always spoke about a little girl he thought of as a sister as well as Ashe and his two younger siblings. But those of pale skin, we have been investigating them and they are a threat." She turned to her and forest colored ones met blue.

"...Thank you." She muttered softly and Catherine chuckled a bit.

"It's the least I can do. You've grown, not the little squirt from 5 years ago." She laughed at the pout Arisa gave her.

"Report! The enemy is approaching! They can't be avoided! Their numbers are far greater than we predict. They used the fog to slip past the knights' perimeter!" A knight ran over to them Catherine and Arisa looked at each other and nodded.

"You know what to do! Everyone prepare for battle!" The two females yelled, and everyone got ready.

Lestia and Dimitri lead the Blue Lions, Claude the Golden Deer and Edelgard the Black Eagles. Chris got onto Skylar and flew up, giving his orders.

"TORCHES OUT!" He yelled loudly and the ones that had torches, about 10 students, lit them up quickly.

"Whoa!" Noire squeaked as she barely dodged an arrow shot.

"You think we're just going to do nothing while you try to kill our Lord?!" The militia yelled as he readies his bow once more.

"Dimitri and Claude, get on!" Arisa yelled as she made Red Hare swoop their way and snatched them up.

"Lestia and Lorenz! You two oversee the Golden Deer and Blue Lions!" She yelled and they gave her a thumbs up.

Arisa was careful to fly through the air as they could hear the sounds of yells and swords clashing but let go a sigh of relief as she saw the students doing what was instructed and even Cathrine was doing the same. Only knocking out the soldiers and tying them up so they wouldn't escape. Her eyes glowed a mint green as Claude frowned as they spotted Catherine cut down with a pure black armor and pale skin. Even more when Dimitri could hear a soldier pleading for Lord Lonato not to die.

"The nobles start the war...but it's the commoners who spill blood first..." Claude muttered.

"WHOA WHOA!" Arisa quickly pulled Red Hare's reins as multiple arrows flew their way, but a bitter scent was left in the air.

"Teach, careful with those! They're covered in poison!" Clause yelled.

"LIGHT IT UP!" Arisa yelled and her battalion got in formation, their staffs began blowing brightly, illuminating the place.

"There!" Dimitri spotted the mage that was responsible for the fog, but also the look of shock when they found Ashe and Alexandra, behind Lord Lonato. As well as two unknown knights who she guessed might be Kay and Galid. The mage was dressed in pure black Arisa and knew that symbol. That man was not a leader or mage of the western church. But a bug she wants crushed.

"LET HIM HAVE IT!" Arisa yelled and Dimitri threw his lance at him like harpoon, the mage barely had time to realize what had just happened but too late

The sickening sight of the lance going right through the chest of mage, dropping dead to the ground, his mask falling off, revealing a man with pale skin.

"Begone Agarthan!" Arisa mentally snarled and ordered her battalion to assist the others.

However, what happened next...really screwed over their plans.

"LONAAAATTOOOOOO!" Dimitri and Lestia knew that yell anywhere as they spotted a group coming from the south.

"Zander!" Lestia yelled out as she pulled out her axe from an Agarthan soldier and the Gaspar soldiers were tied up tightly by Hilda.

Catherine looked up to the sky to see Zander on his griffon, looking down at the area where Lonato was with his men, his eyes cold as he pointed his lance at the man.

"I warned you! If you went through this, I was going to personally execute you! How dare you drag innocent people into this?!" He said as he spotted Ashe and Alexandra.

Arisa quickly took this opportunity to fly down and managed to get near the older man.

"Ashe! Alex! Come!" She yelled as Dimitri and Claude got off.

"We can't!" Alexandra said!

"He's my father! I can't just leave him behind!" Ashe yelled desperately as Dimitri was running up the hill with his sword.

"This is his choice! Please Ashe! It doesn't have to be yours!" Dimitri yelled and the two looked at each other and turned back to Lonato and his knights.

"Please grandpapa! Stop this! What about Ashe?! Luna?! Kuna?! Do you not care about the consequences of your actions?! Do you not love them at all!? Is Christophe really the only thing you care about in this world?!" Alexandra yelled, tears threatening to spill, and Ashe saw it.

A crack on Sir Kay's, Sir Galid's and Lonato's will.

"Can you not see this rebellion is doing more harm than good?! How many people have been hurt?! How many innocent lives lost?! Doing this will only add more grief, pain and suffering! Why, Lonato?! Why did you drag so many others into this?!" Ashe yelled and Arisa nodded, seei-

"Forgive us."

"LET US GO!" Alexandra yelled as Galid yanked her up and mounted her on his horse, riding off, Lonato did the same with Ashe, this forever sealed their fates beyond salvation.

Knowing Lonato was not using them as meat shields but now it really did look like it.

"NO!" Claude yelled as and quickly jumped back as a sword came at him, seeing it was Kay.

"Sorry boy, but I cannot let you through." Kay said and Claude gritted his teeth as he grabbed the axe he had strapped onto his waist.

"You three, go after them! I'll handle him!" Amir's voice boomed and the man barely had time to use his shield to defend himself as Amir dropped from the sky, her relic sparking with black lighting as it held it down.

"Thanks Amir!" Claude yelled and the trio bolted, and they noticed Edelgard was behind them.

"Where did you come from?!" Dimitri said as Arisa jumped off Red Hare and they ran behind her, towards the temple.

"Amir dropped me off! You're all going to need back up for this!" Edelgard yelled and they could see sparks of red energy.

"It's you...Thunderstrike Cassandra! It was your wretched zealotry that killed my son!" Lonato roared as he pointed the Lance of Bladr at her.

"Haha! The only name I answer to is Catherine." Catherine laughed as she turned to him, pointing Thunderbrand at him, "Prepare to taste the blade of the one who serves the goddess. NOW YOU FACE A KNIGHT OF SERIOS!" She yelled proudly.

Lonato growled as he held his lance and Ashe tried to jump off but Lonato had a grip of iron.

"LONATO!" Zander yelled from the sky charged at him.

Alex took this opportunity to punch Galid, brought for him to loosen his grip, which she gladly took the opportunity to escape him, and barely managed to get Ashe out or Lonato's hands. Unfortunately, that led to them rolling down the hill, her left arms slamming into a boulder.

"Ahhh!" She yelled because she felt the bone crack.

"Are you alright?!" Ashe said worried as he helped her sit up.

She nodded and forced herself up, holding her necklace in her right hand.

"Let's go!" She yelled and the two ran back up.

Galid and Zander were locked in a deadly battle on their cavalry and damn Arisa did not even want to get near them at all. Unfortunately, more Agarthans showed up and Catherine is forced to fight them now...

"Lord Lonato..." she sighs as she unsheathed her steel rapier, walking slowly toward him.

"You have been deceived by that witch...I will show you the truth!" Lonato yelled and charged at her with his horse.

"If I am to cut you down! Then you at least deserve to know the truth!" She yelled as she charged, his lance and her rapier clashed, creating sparks.

"What truth?! That my son was used as an example and false accusation of being involved in the Tragedy of Duscur?! He would never turn his blade at the king!" He yelled as he thrusted his lance and moved swiftly to the side.

"That may be so but there's another reason!" She threw a dagger at him and it cut his right cheek.

"What do you know?! Who are you!?" He yelled.

"Kiana Kalsana! I investigated Christopher's death after I returned back to Fodlan!" She yelled as he threw the dagger back at her.

"Hyaa!" Dimitri appeared and managed to slam his lance at Lonato's side, spooking the horse.

"I apologize, Your Highness...It is regrettable that we should cross swords like this." Lonato mourned as Dimitri quickly stood by Arisa's side.

"Lonato, I sympathize with your position. I really do. Lestia does also as well as Zander. I have no wish to kill you, but I am afraid you left me no choice. Please...forgive me." Dimitri said sadly as Claude took down more soldiers as well as Edelgard.

"Your Highness...Lady Kiana...I cannot stop here. For my child...and for the people of Fodlan. If you both will not stand aside, then I have no choice but to cut you down." Lonato narrowed his eyes and the lance began to glow faintly.

"That's a relic..." Arisa said as she was debating to pull out her own relic.

She is already wearing one on her hand but the other...she gritted her teeth as Dimitri charged at the man and the two clashed.

Unfortunately, thanks to the lance, Dimitri ended up getting pushed back, and Arisa threw a fire spell at Lonato, burning his left shoulder.

With Catherine, the last of the soldiers of pale skin were killed and she could see Amir managed to knock out Kay and Zander was still viciously locked in a battle with Galid. She spotted Ashe and Alexandra running towards Lonato, who was cornered yet, something felt very wrong.

"I must destroy these evil-doers, by any means necessary!" Lonato roared and the one thing Arisa feared, came true.

"NO!" Alexandra and Ashe yelled as Lonato pulled the Crest stone and slammed it onto himself, its evil power began pouring out that made everyone freeze, he began to turn to a hideous beast, snarling as its claws came down at them.

"TIME PULSE!" Arisa roared and time began to move back, but unknown to her, Alexandra was taking advantage of this, her tome was allowing her to run towards Lonato, her necklace turned to the bone like scythe as she held it tightly with her right arm, tears streaming down her face at what she is about to do. Once more, the scene played, Lonato taking out the stone but...

"Rest in peace...Grandpapa..."

Lonato's eyes went wide as he heard the mourning voice of his granddaughter in his ear, he turned, his last sight was her filled of sorrow, as her blade came down on him. Everyone's eyes went wide as Lonato fell from his horse, no blood on him whatsoever, yet, his face was peaceful. His horse neighed loud and rode off, as Zander and Kay ceased their fighting, everyone could only looked with wide eyes at the woman that stood still, holding a bone like scythe with her hands, her head held down to the ground, then slowly looked up, towards Ashe, tears falling down her face and she smiled sadly.

"I'm sorry..." she muttered and fell to her knees, letting go of the relic.

"Alex!" Arisa ran to her as the girl began crying loudly as she held Lonato's body in her arms, his face was peacefully yet body cold. Claude slowly walked up, looking at her in shock as she cried out loudly, yet...

"How boring."

Time in Alexandra's eyes slowed down as a sudden burst of magic shot through Claude's chest, killing him in an instant before her eyes. Drops of blood fell on her face as his body fell to the ground, where his heart should be, was gone. Blood began to pool down onto the ground, his eyes became void of life as she began shaking, and finally, along with many, screaming his name.

"CLLLLAAAAAUUDDEEE!" Many screamed and Arisa forced time pulse once more, the scene playing once more but Chris quickly lunged at Claude on time and threw him to the ground.

"Who's there?! Show yourself!" Catherine roared as footsteps approaching from the dark part of the forest.

"What a pain. I was looking forward to seeing what results Lonato would have gotten if he had turned into the Demonic Beast. But of course, a descendant of Ui ruins everything." A man said as he stepped out, now fully into view as he held a strange staff in his hand.

"You!" Catherine yelled as she pointed Thunderbrand at him, "I thought I killed you two years ago! Odesse, the Witch Doctor!" She roared as Claude and Edelgard quickly ran to Alexandra, who just stared at him with wide eyes, while Dimitri and Arisa had Ashe behind them. Odesse chuckled as they saw the Crest stone Lonato had, turn to dust in his hand, and he spoke.

"Well, Catherine, you can't rid of me that easily." Odesse chuckled and turned to look at Alexandra, "How laughable. I am surprised your Crest has not taken over you yet. You used its power of death on Lonato, to keep him from turning to a beast. He would have been an interesting test subject." He said and instantly Edelgard gritted her teeth as she the grip on her axe tightened.

"I..." Alexandra gently put down Lonato and stood up, her tears turning to blood as rage began to fill her, "I'LL KILL YOU ODESSEEEEE!" She roared and charged before anyone could stop her, but he easily sent her flying to ground, her screams filled the air as her left arm once again was crushed.

"ALEXANDRA!" Mercedes and Lysithea, the closest, ran to her.

"How dare you toy with Lord Lonato?!" Zander roared and Odesse just chuckled.

"Not that it matters. I got what I wanted. Cleobulus and Anacharsis will be more than happy to learn their little test subject from 11 years ago is alive. Good day." He said and Sylvain appeared behind him, and slammed his lance at him, but the body only crumbled to dust, making the redhead curse.

"I look forward to our next meeting, the Child of Cirina and Bladr." The mockery of a chuckle resonated and disappeared as silence returned.

Ashe slowly walked towards Lonato, and dropped to his knees, finally breaking down as he held him in his arms, wailing loudly as Lysithea and Mercedes slowly helped Alexandra head their way. Her hair was a complete mess as she slowly walked towards Ashe, Arisa was silent as she closed her eyes, and Catherine did the same. The rest of the others made their way, the sun setting as wisp of blue flames made their way towards Lonato. Alexandra dropped to her knees as the blue wisp spoke, Ashe's face filled with tears, the wisp speaking.

"Child of Ui...you used the scythe of Aubin...to give the man a peaceful death. No pain. No blood. No injuries. What was his last dream? The dream you gave him." The will-o-the-wisp said as he appeared in his form, a small little creature with a cloak and lantern of blue flames.

Alexandra could barely choke put her words as she wept loudly as her head was up.

"I...I...hic...I showed...hic...a dream of joy...him...Lady Gaspard...Ashe...Luna...Kuna...Christophe... Papa...Sir..Kay...Sir Galid..altogether, having fun...in the garden..and..and...aaaahhhhhhhh!" She cried loudly as Ashe listened to her words as he wiped his tears because they would not stop.

"You made sure, he received...a painless and peaceful death..." Ashe whispered as the will-o-the-wisp turned to him.

"Aye, child of Bladr. She chose to take on the burden of taking his life. His last words are for you boy. Despite all this, he loved you very much boy." It said and two small blue flames flew towards them.

"You've grown little brother and little sis." It said and their eyes widened.

"Christophe?" Ashe whispered and Catherine stiffened.

"Yeah...I'm sorry you got dragged into this little one. Same with you sis. If I could turn back time and fix my mistakes, I would. " He said and Ashe shook his head.

"It's not your fault!" Ashe wept and Christophe chuckled.

"Son, it's time to go." That was Lonato's voice coming from the other one.

"Grandpapa..." Alexandra sniffed as the wisp chuckled.

"Thank you...both you. I love you both, my children. Ashe, thank you for bringing joy to our home. You will always be my son." Lonato said and that officially broke Ashe and Alexandra, both wailing loudly as the will-o-the-wisp swayed its lantern.

"You two did well. Never forget that." It said the wisp all disappeared in blue flames.

Petra ran towards Ashe and hugged him tightly from behind, whispering it will be alright. The boy cried loudly as Alexandra cried in Claude's chest. Catherine sighed as she looked up the sky, muttering words.

"Goddess, forgive us."

- Days Later: Blue Sea Moon: July 5th -

"So, Alexandra was the one to finish off Lord Lonato?" Rhea said calmly as she swirled the liquid in her cup, staring at it as she was using her other hand to write.

Seteth and Flayn looked at Catherine in shock as the blonde woman nodded solemnly at her report.

"Yes. Lord Lonato was killed by her. As for Sir Kay and Sir Galid, along with the rest of those involved, they were taken away by Prince Zander to the Kingdom, where a trial will be held for them." Catherine said and Rhea stopped swirling her cup.

"What?" She said a bit coldly.

"As I said. Prince Zander took them all away and there will be a trial for them all. The first prince even left a letter." Catherine said as she took it out and handed it to Lady Rhea.

Well, Rhea was doing everything she could not to rip the damn thing in two.

"And the students?" She asked.

"They are all well. Not exactly happy about the mission but they are glad no lives were lost other than the soldiers of pale skin and black armor. The civilians of Gaspar Territory will be holding a funeral for Lord Lonato soon. Ashe has asked if he may go and has been allowed by the Professor. Petra and Casper have decided to accompany him to make sure he isn't alone. The Professors and instructors right now are doing what she can to help the students. Other than that, we did find a note about an assassination plan on the day of the Rite of Rising." She said Seteth nodded.

"Yes. We analyzed it. We'll be speaking more about it in a few days. For now, get some rest. I'm sure everyone is tired." Seteth said and Catherine nodded

"I'll excuse myself now." Catherine bowed and turned to leave but stopped when Rhea spoke.

"And how is Professor Byleth and Alexandra doing?" She asked and Catherine was silent.

"Professor Byleth is with her students. As for Alexandra, she asked to be left alone for a few days." Catherine said.

"I see. Catherine, you're not hiding anything are you?" Rhea smiled and boy was Catherine glad her back was facing her.

No, she did not report that Alexandra used a Hero's Relic. No, she did not report about the fae interfering.

"The man Odesse...he is alive. He used Lord Lonato." And at that, the smile on Rhea's face was wiped.

"What?! That's impossible!" Seteth said and Catherine turned to him worried.

"I thought the same! I made sure Thunderbrand went through his heart! Even I do not understand how he is alive." Catherine grumbled and Rhea spoke.

"Catherine, I want you to be ready should that man appear again. His aim is most likely Alexandra as well as the Professor. Be ready." Rhea said and Catherine nodded, and left.

The door closed shut and Rhea slammed her fiat onto the desk, furious.

"That is alive! How can that be so!? Cirina killed him all those years ago, them he showed up two years ago and now again?! Grrrr!" She growled and Seteth spoke.

"Rhea, calm down. We'll do what we can. For now, we must worry about the letter that was found on Lord Lonato." He said and she sighs.

"Yes, of course." She said and turned to look at the letter that was given to her.

"Would it be so wrong to burn this thing?" She said and Seteth sighs as he picks it up.

"I'll handle it. You finish your work." He said and Rhea just let out a loud groan she rarely shows and went back to doing paperwork.

As for Seteth and Flayn, they were worried about Alexandra.

[-]

"Go away..."

Her voice was weak as it was heard muffled through the door as Claude knocked and he let go of a sigh. He made a quick look around and picked the lock, slowly opening the door and looking inside. The room was the same as ever, but the curtains were closed so no light could come in. There she was, laying on her bed, almost looking like a corpse as she hands hung to the side. He closed the door and walked towards her, as she slowly sat up. Her hair was a complete mess as her arms reached out, wrapping around his neck.

"Are you here to mock me...like Rhea does...? The look of pleasure she had when her eyes landed me...are you here to see how destroyed I looked...?"she chuckled weakly as he shook his head.

"Alexandra...you know that isn't true." He smiled softly to her and she just snorted.

"Your smile...it never reaches your eyes." She muttered and Claude twitched.

"You reek of alcohol...have you been drinking?" He said and she nodded as she laid her head on his chest.

"I want to go home...I miss...Arisa...I miss...Remire Village." She muttered and he let go of a sigh as he moved her a bit so he could lay down next to her.

"You're staying..." she muttered.

"We used to do this when we were kids. I'll do it again if it makes you feel better." He said and she heard her start crying again, holding her tightly in his arms.

"I hate this...I hate this..." she wept, and he was silent as he let her weep, till both fell asleep.

[-]

"You smoke?"

And Arisa quickly threw her pipe as fast as she could out the window of the goddess tower. She always snuck up here to smoke sometimes and she was beyond shocked to see Dimitri had shown up and felt beyond embarrassed to be caught by the prince no less.

"What are you doing here?!" She hissed while he tried to hide his laughter, "I couldn't sleep." He answered as he walked up to her.

"How is Ashe?" She asked as she turned to look back out to the sky.

"He is mourning. Petra and Caspar are with him along with Marianne and Ignatz. " Dimitri answered and Arisa nodded.

"That's good. If he needs to mourn, then it's alright. It's alright to grieve. I'll let him have a few days off. Alexandra is in no better shape either. Since...she is the one that chose to take on the burden of taking Lovato's life." She said and Dimitri nodded.

"Zander has taken those that were a part of the rebellion back to the Kingdom. Knowing him, he'll spare them. Better than being executed by the church." He said and looked to the ground.

"That was my first time fighting civilians...those I swore to protect. I'm glad it didn't get to the point of killing them but...what if it had to be done?" He said as he looked to his hand.

"That is the reality of war." She made her pipe come back to her hand and Dimitri turned to her furious.

"Are you insane?! Those weren't knights or soldiers but mothers, daughters, fathers and sons! We...We shouldn't have fought them! We should have found another way! We tried! We desperately tried to speak to Lord Lonato yet..." her raised his voice and she turned to him, giving him a dry state.

"Another way huh...?" She said and took a puff of her pipe and blew out.

"Edelgard said something different as well as Claude as I spoke to them earlier. Those that allied with Lonato believed they were fighting for just a cause. It would be disrespectful to consider them victims for fighting for what they believe in. Even if our enemies are the gods themselves, we must never lose sight of ourselves. That is what Edelgard said. Claude was impressed by Catherine's use of Thunderbrand as well as seeing Alexandra's relic for the first time. A few legends popped in his mind, but he was shaken up by how affected Alex was. Lestia voiced that she wasn't happy at all that Rhea wanted us to execute the people." She took another puff of smoke.

"You sound like this is a game to you!" He said with a look of disgust and she turned to him, her eyes cold.

"Game?! Is that what you think of me, Your highness?!" Using his little nickname that she knew he hated when she called me that, "I gave you many chances to look for other ways! You didn't seek another! We nearly killed innocent people as my friend took the burden of taking the life of a family member of hers! Everyone raised their weapon and fought what they were fighting for and even Ashe chose to raise his despite the circumstances! How can you be king if you're struggling this easily with decisions?! A hypocrite you sound like right now!" She said angrily to him and was glad she just barely managed to keep her voice from rising.

Dimitri looked away and spoke softly.

"I...I'm sorry...It's not fair to blame you for the circumstances. I know...if we haven't done what we did... even more civilian lives could have been lost." He said and she snorted as she turned back to look at the sky, "At least my mind... understands that. But my heart..." he muttered as he looked up to her and saw her hand shaking.

He was surprised to see such a cold side of hers, seeing her furious even going as far as to call him a hypocrite. Her eyes soften a bit as he continues to speak.

"Arisa..." Bloody hell he used her name, "Those in power, no matter the era, always claim they fight for a just cause. That they take life to protect it. But...is it truly OK to take any life you please, all in service of some impeccable "just cause"? " his voice went a bit quite as she glanced his way, "Lord Lonato didn't take up arms out of lust for power. He simply believed his cause to be just. Who's to say it wasn't?" He said quietly as she turned to him.

"Right and wrong. Black and white. We all tell ourselves we are right. We also tell lies. We are all just in our cause. That they are truths. Ha." She chuckled dryly as she took another huff of her pipe and blew it out, "I simply became a product of that situation when I was born. However, there is no such thing as good or evil in the world we live in now. There are only "errands". And I am fighting those "errands". It's up to you to decide what is right and what is wrong." She sighs as she blows out her pipe and warps it away.

"Maybe we didn't have to cut him down like that. Maybe we could have reached a mutual understanding...found peace." Dimitri muttered and she turned to him.

"What ifs...will not give you results. They only continue the cycle of questioning." She said as she stared at him.

How much older she looked. Honestly, if she were to look at her reflection, she would see her old self from her past life. The 26-year-old Mexican American woman who held bitterness but also used the years of experience of solitude to help others. To help those she cared and loved.

Blood is thicker than water...

"I...I have to believe that. Perhaps the notion sounds laughable to you. Mere lip service to naive ideals. But I can't believe otherwise." He muttered softly and she smiled sadly as she turned back to the sky.

"Sigue tus pasiones y la vida te premiará." She said in Spanish as Dimitri looked at her confused, "Caerse mil veces y levantarse de nuevo. En eso, consiste la vida." She said and turned to him, "Follow that belief then." She smiled warmly to him and he looked at her shocked as she began patting his head.

"Sometimes I forget you aren't a child anymore." She giggled and suddenly he wrapped his right arm around her waist, bringing her close.

"So, you finally see I am not a child?" He smiled yet his eyes held a gleam that made her spine shiver.

"S.O.S! S.O.S!" Sothis mentally yelled while Arisa was starting to feel her face starting to turn red.

Time to pull the innocent and airhead act.

"Dimitri what do you mean? Well of course you're not a child. Is it wrong that I see you like a brother and friend?" She said and Sothis screamed at the shocked reaction Dimitri had.

If only everyone could see how the goddess was laughing like a mad woman. It was a victory and Arisa just smiled as he let her go.

"A-Ah! I see! I too see you as a sister and friend!" He smiled as she hummed.

"That smile is full of pain!" Sothis giggled while Arisa told her to shut up.

"Well, we better head back to our rooms. Don't want Seteth catching us. Good night." She smiled and Dimitri nearly screamed when she jumped out of the tower from the window, shocked by how grateful she landed on her feet.

She turned around and waved goodbye, leaving the prince alone. Dimitri chuckled and let go of a sigh. Somehow, he felt she was pretending to be dense and didn't know why. But fine, if she wants to play, then she will get her game.

Chapter 43: Bloody Mist: Part 3: Judgement: End

[-]

Time for the Rite of Rebirth.

Before someone comes after my neck about Arisa smoking, she rarely and I mean rarely ever does it. At most, only once a month and that's it. Also, look forward to going into deeper lore on hero relics as well as….Rhea's reaction when she sees the Sword of the Creator take on the shape of a rapier. The second half of the sword will finally be reunited with its missing half. Look forward to seeing more of the leaders of Those Who Slither in the Dark.