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)

46. Chapter 45:Goddess's Song:Part 2:Prep

Her body felt like it was on fire as she gritted her teeth, trying not to scream as the agony spread all across her body. It has been four years since she felt such a powerful magic shift, this bad. She withered around, her voice cracking, almost screaming as she felt her heartbeat unnaturally. The voices all around her were muffled, her vision hazy. Her fingers held onto her blankets for dear life, knuckles turning white as she gritted her teeth. Voices, voices, voices. She can hear them. Sothis voice whispered smoothly to her, trying to help her. Yet, tears fell from her eyes as she tried to call out her name but instead, she screamed the name in pure agony and desprates.

"MOOOOTTTHHHEEEERR!" Her voice was a piercing scream that made Manuela, Flayn, Mercedes, Silque, Marianne, Annette and Linhardt run back to her quickly, casting a Heal and Restore spell on her.

The four lords were kicked out of the Professors room but her screams for them, the rest of the students, and her friends, was haunting.

"T-This...is a magic shift...?" Lestia was the first to choke out while Chris let go of a sigh.

"It is..." he muttered as he walked up close to the door.

He was glad Jeralt was away on a mission and Sandy also. Arisa would not want to see her like this. Emily went to get some help because she said this magic shift felt dangerous for some reason.

"I...I..." Dimitri could barely speak as the screams came again, many flinched.

"Is the Professor still in the phase?!" Chris turned and quickly Amir and Alexandra stood in front of the door to Arisa's room.

"She is. Lady Rhea, we ask that you do not disturb Manuela and the team." Chris said Rhea arrived with Seteth.

The man flinched as another agonizing scream was heard and he immediately knew what it was. Rhea shook her head as she raised her hand, showing a small vial. Chris raised an eyebrow as the Archbishop spoke.

"I know the agony of those magic shifts. That is why this medicine was specifically created for these." Rhea said and expected Chris to move but no.

The man extended his arms and spoke.

"I'm sorry but no. We're waiting for Emily to bring the help she promised." Chris said and many could not believe he just denied the Archbishop entry.

"Christian, please move. This will help her! We don't have much time!" Seteth said and Chris shook his head.

"No...Don't. Medicine will not help. I speak from experience." Chris said and Rhea gritted her teeth.

"Boy, move!" She said that's when Christian snapped.

"I SAID NO RHEA! I'M DOING EVERYTHING IN MY POWER BY SHARING THE PAIN MY SISTER IS GOING THROUGH! DO NOT DARE ARGUE WITH ME!" He yelled and everyone was frozen.

"Sharing...her...pain..." Edelgard whispered and Chris smiled weakly.

"When she... enters a magic shift...I...also enter it...I'm trying really hard...not to...break right now..." and Dimitri felt it.

The magic auras, both of Arisa and Chris, were out of control. Rhea could not believe what she was hearing and right when she was going to physically have him removed...

"I AM HERE! I'M SORRY I'M LATE!"

Back to her regular appearance, Emily ran down the hallway, a painting mess she was as she carried her staff she had just retrieved, not caring the wide eyes her two siblings had as they stared at her staff.

"Ha...ha...I...gulp...brought...haaaaa...help!" She panted as she placed her hands on Seteth's shoulder for support.

"Tch. You've grown out of shape Emma." A deep male voice spoke as everyone heard footsteps approaching, turning to see the male.

Rhea's and Seteth's eyes went wide as Emily still panted, pointing her staff at the man that stopped. They knew this man. Someone they had not seen in years and believed to be dead.

"Shut it Crescent! Now hurry up and help!" Emily and the man with long wavy green hair let go of a tired sigh as everyone stared at the strange relic on his right hand, they looked like gloves.

"Boy, I suggest you cut the connection. You are damaging yourself also. I know you want to help your sister by taking half the pain, but you are still human. Do it now." Crescent ordered and Chris wanted to protest but the minute they made eye contact, some type of magic force twisted inside, knocking him out.

Chris was quickly caught by Edelgard and Dimitri, who looked at the man with narrowed eyes. Amir refused to move yet...

"Help her." The man turned, his eyes going wide when they landed on the blue haired girl, who's feather twitched with worry as he walked up to her.

He gently raised his hand, patting her head, and turned to the floating woman next to the girl, who just looked at him confused, like if she did not know who he was. Alexandra turned to her friend, nodding. Amir was still hesitant but eventually moved. The door opened and muffled screams were heard as Arisa was now face down, screaming into her pillow to spread everyone's ears. The group turned, Flayn nearly screamed "Uncle!" If she had not covered her mouth on time.

"Everyone else, please head out. We'll take it from here." Emily said and the group was hesitant but listened, Crescent did not miss that look of suspicion they all have him.

Closing the door and reapplying the soundproof barrier, Emily made her way to her friend, flinching at the sight of veins spreading, as well as the center of her chest, purple.

"Arisa...we'll be performing a ritual. Try to stay calm." Emily whispered.

The woman just barely opened her eyes and nodded as the two mages stood side by side. Noa raised her staff as she closed her eyes, muttering an ancient incantation from old age. Slowly, Arisa felt her eyes become heavy as her consciousness began to fade, her body slowly lifting from the bed, an ancient magic circle with the Crest of Noa in the center, glowed. Crescent raised his right hand, his eyes glowed a dark purple as a magic circle appeared above the girl, the familiar symbol in the center, was the same as the key Rhea gave her.

The shape of the stars

The shape of space

The structure of life

The web of veins

The shape of God

The two magic circles, small like strings came out of them as they slowly sunk into the woman, her face was turning from one of agony, to one of relief, the strings began to turn to sick purple, as Emily's voice now boomed.

The shape of self

The beat of the heart

Celestial bodies are hollow

Travel of worlds

Hollowness is Empty space

Extraction of Foreign

Her eyes then began to glow a deep purple also, the two-magic becoming in sync. Their voices now spoke together as they turned to each other and nodded. Crescent had a soft smile as during the ritual performance, the outline of Sothis manifested before them in gold. The outline nodding to them to continue, the two mages nodded as now the two continued the incantation together.

God resides within the empty space

The Wolf Star shall heal

Break free of the chains of poison.

Stars

Cosmos

Gods

Serios

Cichol

Indech

Macuil

Noa

Lejare

Sothis

Celestial Cleanse Restoration: Repair!

The two magic circles then slammed onto the woman, the girl slowly falling back to the bed. The sickly veins disappeared slowly as the color was returning to her skin. Peace and relief filled her face. Yet, floating above her was a ball of black magic and liquid. Emily quickly took out a bubble shaped potion bottle, the size of her hand, making the substance go into it, then sealed it quickly. The red-haired woman let go of a sigh of relief as she wrapped away to her room, hearing a light groan from the girl before her. Arisa slowly forced herself up, wincing a bit as Emily quickly ran up to her, to help her.

"Uuuuuurrrghhhh...I feel horrific...Ulp!" Arisa quickly slapped her hand on her mouth because she felt ready to vomit.

"Just get some rest. You'll live." She turned her head to see a man standing with arms crossed, yet he looked familiar, the name left her lips before she stopped herself.

"Le...ja...re?" She muttered as his green eyes hardened.

"Don't you dare." Emily quickly stood in front of her, her eyes cold.

"Ha!" Lejare scoffed, "Worry not Noa. I am not attacking the homunculus. Mother would murder me alive if I even made a move on this woman." He said and Emily just glared, "Besides, she's a bit too young for me. She has the mentally of someone of 26 years of age. Maybe in another 5 years, then I might consider it." He said and Arisa felt attacked for some reason.

"Hey! Is everything alright!" The three looked over to the door, hearing Amir yell in.

Lejare let out a scoff as he looked over to Arisa, with a smirk.

"So, you shared the blood of the Progenitor God to the boy. No wonder the sync went well. But it is something good. He helps keep your power in balance. Something foreign was put in your body which caused an overload. But, if that foreign thing is put in you again, you will not have this reaction again. Instead, you'll heal." He walked towards and extended his hand.

Arisa just stared and looked back to him, a puzzled look on her face.

"Why are you being nice to me?" She asked and Emily snorted as she turned back to her red hair version.

"Nice huh? We will have a proper introduction later. For now, can you stand?" Lejare said as she took his hand, the girl nodding.

Emily was just raising an eyebrow watching the whole damn thing as Arisa thanked him and he just gave her a nod. Emily opened the door, to allow the others in, however what she did not expect was to see the colors of blue, red and yellow zoom past her like a blur.

"Whoa, there. Back up." Lejare said as he extended his right arm out to keep the four lords from ramming into the girl.

"Teach are you alright?!" "Do you need assistance for the next few days?!" "My teacher, has any harm been brought to you?!" "You're not pregnant, are you?"

"What the fuck...?" Arisa thought as everyone just turned to Lestia like she grew a second head.

"What? You never know?" Lestia shrugged and Arisa just began groaning loudly.

"I...I'm fine...I'm just glad Crescent and Emily helped me." Arisa sighs as she looks around, "Where's Christian?" She asked and the students just glared at Lejare.

"Had to knock him out." He answered and Arisa just let go of a sigh.

"Crescent." She turned to him and slightly bowed her head, "Thank you and Emily for helping me. I'm sorry I caused e-!" He interrupted her.

"Child why are you apologizing? Honestly, you have the same bad habit as my mother. She apologized for everything at times." He sighs and continues, "Anyhow, the spell we used should prevent magic shifts from happening for a long time. Not to mention your magic system had a lot of damage, also we extracted some type of poison out of you. The fact we had to repair your magic systems is a complete nightmare. " He said and Emily knew what it was, "For now, just get some sleep. Honestly, I would not have come at all on my own will. Emily dragged me here because I owe her a favor." He said coldly and everyone was surprised by his personality except the Nabataea and one Alexandra.

"Anyhow, I'll be going now. Good night Professor." Lejare said and began to walk away but not before he stopped near Rhea and Seteth, " Don't think I've forgiven you two." He said coldly and stormed away.

Seteth let go of a sigh as he saw Flayn go chase after her Uncle, most likely to speak with him. He turned to see the students and professors surrounding the woman, asking if she was alright, and if she needed help. Of course, the Professor said that she was much better and will resume classes like normal tomorrow. Honestly, he was worried as he looked over to Emily, who had a soft smile on her face, but his eyes looked down at the staff she carried. That staff belonged to Noa. He heard rumors that house Zoltras possessed a powerful relic but to think it was his sister's staff, that was believed to have been lost forever. Rhea had many questions at what just happened but for now, she will remain silent. So close, she was so close.

[-]

"Uncle, please wait!"

Lejare let go of a sigh as he managed to walk all too quickly to the entrance gates of the Monastery. He turned to see his beloved niece running after him, using some wind magic to quicken her pace. He stopped as she was near him, landing a few inches from him, a look of worry on her face.

"It has been so long! Please do not leave yet!" Flayn begged as he turned his back, "I thought you lost your life during the war! I am so happy so see you again! I understand that you are angry with my father and aunt but please listen to them!" She said and he turned back to her.

"You weren't there Cethleann. You were not there to witness the look of treason Cirina had when she figured all out. You did not see the look of despair Reigan had when he realized what he did. You did not see the look of victory Serios had...that...Cirina...was gone." He gritted his teeth as she held his hand.

"Uncle, I understand. I truly do. Even if I was not there to witness the final battle...please I beg you. Do not leave again...please..." Flayn hugged him tightly, and he sighed once more, patting her head.

"Oh, don't worry sweetie. Just watch him run away like always." Flayn instantly turned as she saw Emily walking towards them, her eyes confused as the red-haired woman approached.

"Honestly, after everything that has happened." Emily huffed as she pointed her staff at him and Flayn's eyes went wide when she recognized it, "Where will you be staying? I know you do not live here in Fodlan. You come from Morfis. You know how the people here view outsiders." She said.

"You think I care?" He scoffed.

"Melody is dead." She quickly put Flayn to sleep before she heard those words, her uncle catching her.

"What?..." Lejare whispered, unable to believe what he was hearing as Emily continued.

"4 years ago,...my people discovered an underground Agarthan lab in the territory of the Alliance. Inhumane experiments were discovered as well...learning Melody was captured by them. We did not make it on time. Melody was mutilated...blood...bones..even organs were harvested. One of my men carefully cleaned up the body and I had it cremated, so no one can use her for such evil things. She was human after all." Emily said calmly as he quickly walked to one of the benches, setting down his niece gently, then turned back to her.

"The Agarthans still live!?" He hissed furiously at her and she just had a blank face.

"Have I ever lied Crescent?" She used his fake name, "May I remind you, that I only learned of everything that went down 26 years ago. You think it was easy for us to learn of the path our brothers and sisters went? Watching loved ones die? Learning the horrendous acts that have been done through the years by our sister? As well as trying to revive our mother? A taboo that even Sothis forbade us. The dead are to remain dead. Especially Gods." She finished as he grabbed her shoulders.

If she were a normal female, she would have slapped him, but she is not. This man is her twin brother. The 3rd generation of Nabateans were created by Sothis to maintain balance. Noa represents darkness and her brother light. They represent the discussions that go in different directions. The other name the two were worshipped by humans, Pieces. He let out a loud groan as his head hung, his hands still on her shoulders.

"I want to know...everything that happened these past 995 years..." he said and she nodded.

"Very well. For now, I will wrap us to my home. You will be surprised Erik has also been reborn." She smiled at the mention of her beloved husband.

"So even in this time, you and he are still reunited. Unbelievable." Crescent sighs.

Emily warped Flayn to her room after that. Tonight, was going to be long.

As for Arisa, she said to her students to not even dare ask her any more questions about what she went through because it is a topic she absolutely despises. As much everyone wanted answers, they respected it. However, that would not stop certain individuals from investigating the topic. Cough! Lindhart! Claude! Cough!

- The Next Day -

"So, for our team, we need to focus on specific areas around the different coffins and pillars. There is a lot of space and unfortunately, a wide variety of areas that can be used for wide range attacks. For this, Bernadetta and Ashe, you two will be supported along with Claude. Mercedes and Lysithea will be in the center position for this."

Bernie never liked going outside. Bernie was Bernie. To suddenly be put into a team where literally her team members were the power houses as well Unbelievable strength? Most of them are always in the frontlines?! Bernadetta felt she was put in a ca-!

"Ah! I nearly forgot!" The Professor said as she turned back to them from writing on the chalkboard in the Blue Lions classroom, it felt so strange not being in the Black Eagles one, "We will be having 4 more join us for this. We are just waiting for one of them to show up and I will probably introduce them to you all soon. They are 4 mercenaries that work for my father. And back to-" the doors to the classroom opened.

"Sorry to be late. Had to take care of business." Bernadetta felt the need to dig a whole and bury herself in it.

"Yuri-bird (Lords: Huh?), you're late." The Professor placed her hands on her hips as the purple haired male beauty walked down the center of the classroom.

Bernadetta noticed that prince Dimitri had scowl on his face, and narrowed eyes at Yuri, as he made his way towards the Professor.

"Come now Evergreen (Lords: Now hold on a minute!), I got my reasons. You should know why." Yuri smirked her way and the students were looking back and forth between the two.

Christian just let out a loud groan as he pointed at him.

"It just had to be him out of Balthus, Constance and Hapi?! It just had to be him?!" Chris said as Yuri now stood next to his sister.

Bernadetta noticed that Edelgard had a frown on her face, Dimitri also, meanwhile Claude, just looked like he was enjoying everything. She wondered if she was witnessing something familiar. Yuri smirked and wrapped his arms around the Professor from behind, a coy smile on his face. The females gasped while Dimitri looked ready to kill. Chris was the same.

"Yuri, enough playing around." Arisa sighs she simply just patted his head, "You can flirt with me later. Trying to pull a move in front of the kids is a no. Besides, you're a bit too young for me." Arisa said as everyone gawked her words (Leonie and Claude were trying not to laugh), Yuri looked offended.

"We're the same age!" He said as he let go and she just chuckled.

"Physically we are the same age." She said and fingered the gun at her own head, "Mentally, we are a different story." She pointed to the empty seat near...oh no.

"Empty seat next to Bernadetta if you will." Arisa smiled.

"Professor, why do you do this to me?!" Bernadetta yelled out and Yuri chuckled as he made his way there and sat down next to her.

"Hello Bernadetta, glad we can spend some time together!" He gave her a closed eye smile and Chris just let go of a sigh.

"Anyhow, Arisa and I will be leading a frontal assault with Dimitri, Edelgard and Raphael." Chris sighs as he walks up to the chalk board and circled the areas that pillars.

"Leonine, Lestia and Yuri, you three will take charge of the back. There is a pretty high chance there may be a back assault. Make sure to stay in formation. But this message is for all of you, if any of you or your teammates get heavily injured, to not hesitate to retreat. We're serious." Chris said he took out a small charm as Arisa handed out one to each one.

The charm was a lily with red petals.

"These are emergency warping charms. The minute you are in danger and know you cannot go on, slam the thing into the ground and it will warp you to the infirmary. Those flowers I made for these. Be careful out there. I care about all of you." Arisa said as many nodded.

"Another thing," Chris said as he turned back to the chalkboard, "You need to-cough! Cough!" He quickly put his hand over his mouth and Arisa walked up to him, freezing a small bit of blood on his lips.

"Please tell me this isn't what Crescent meant...of you sharing my pain..." she whispered, frightened as he avoided eye contact with her.

"Ari...let's talk about this later...alright..." he said as she handed him a handkerchief and she nodded.

Edelgard frowns only deepen along with Dimitri's. Their professors were adults. It honestly bugged them how close the two were compared to themselves. Also...all four hate to admit it but felt weird without their retainers around. Edelgard was used to having Hubert around but she had to admit, a bit a freedom like this felt nice. Also, she is not getting a look of disappointment for eating sweets. Arisa had a table set up with snacks for everyone to enjoy. Raphael more than happily ate as the meeting was going on.

"Now for my archers." Arisa spoke, "Your main goal by the end of the year is to reach the highest level of current mastery for you students is to aim for the advanced class, Sniper or Assassin.." She pulled out an apple, "You all passed the beginner's exam for fighter and the intermediate exams for Archer. Your aim is this." She said as she threw the apple at Chris, making land on his head.

Christian knew immediately what she was about to do and became still like a statue as she summoned her bow, Verdant Wind, and pulled back the arrow fire, going right through the apple on his head. Bernadetta squealed in terror while those like Ashe and Leone looked unsure. Claude was ready for the challenge.

"Fire one arrow, it's a breeze." Arisa said as she took out three more, "Firing 2-3 arrows at the same time, now there is a challenge." She smirked as she made them disappear again.

"Hey, Professor," Leonie spoke, "I'm taking the cavalier exam in a few days. Since I also use a bow, would it be difficult to incorporate it?" She asked.

"No actually. But the difficult part for that would be movement. It took me a while to get used to Red Hare's movements when I was using a bow. But it is possible. You are speaking of that, I'll help you out on it. I do also recommend going to Seteth's and Shamir's seminars." She said and Leonie nodded.

Arisa notices that Leonie has settled down on talking about Jeralt, which honestly is good, but she is a bit worried for her. She will talk to her soon.

- 3 Hours later -

It was a surprise to her that Bernadetta wished to speak with her. She thought the girl was afraid of her since the girl stayed cleared of her since day one when she first arrived. Arisa honestly thought the two would become close since they both have the same uncle, Florencio. Okay, Bernadetta does not know that Florencio is technically her great-great uncle if he was accepted into the Varely house in the past. Florencio thinks of Bernadetta as a daughter.

"Umm..." Bernadetta shifted a bit nervously as Arisa had prepared some tea for the two.

They were in her magic lab, also known as her office. It was an awkward silence, but Arisa did not mind. She decided to let the girl take her time and speak when she was ready. The girl could not help but look around the place, it reminded her of a warm room. Shelves filled with glass jars with a different variety of things. More shelves filled with books and materials for magic. One shelf was specifically made for tea. A few tables, as well as that strange instrument called a piano. Looking towards the window, she spotted a bowl of fruits, a few cups of juice, as well some sweets and pastries under the shade of the trees. Bernadetta could not help but smile seeing the fae going towards the offering happily and eat them in joy. She looked towards a dog size bed and chuckled seeing Blanca and Hessian sleeping together. Feh was perched on her stand nearby and the white snow cat slept on her lap. She kept looking around and even spotted a few plants hanging from the ceiling, growing beautifully. Bernadetta felt safe here, and finally spoke. A bit timid but it was something.

"Umm...thank you for having me Professor." She said a bit timid, but Arisa nodded.

"You're welcome Bernadetta. I was a bit surprised you wanted to speak with me. I admit, I was a bit hurt that you avoided me." Arisa smiled and Bernadetta screeched a bit softly.

"I-I didn't mean to offend you! Just-Just t-that...you're a bit...intense...sometimes." Bernadetta said and her eyes went wide realizing what she just said.

"Aaah! I am sorry! I'd didn't-" she stopped when she heard the Professor chuckle, shaking her head.

"It's alright Bernadetta! It's alright. I get that comment a lot. So, no need to worry. Also, no need to rush yourself talking to me. Take your time dear. You can speak when you feel comfortable." Arisa said and Bernadetta looked at her surprised.

"Its okay Bernadetta. You don't have to force yourself. You can speak when you feel comfortable."

"Those words...My...master said those words to me." Bernadetta said and Arisa smiled softly as she took a sip of her tea.

"What is your Master like?" Arisa asked and seems like joy sparked in the violet haired girl's eyes.

"My master is amazing. He is very kind and gentle with me. When I first met him, he healed some injuries I had. He was kind and gentle. Taking his time in teaching me. Oh! He also taught me how to knit!" Bernadetta spoke with joy in her voice as she continued, "Every month for 3 days, he would stay to train me. He also would teach me about the different plants that exist. I also learned a bit of how to speak the language of the fae." She said and Arisa's smile grew.

"(I'm sure Uncle is very proud of you. He always spoke about you when we would travel around Fodlan.)" Arisa spoke in the language of the Fae and Bernadetta smiled.

"Thank you so much Prof-eh?" Bernadetta's eyes went wide as her smile remained frozen as Arisa simply took a sip of her tea and had a closed eye smile.

"Did you just say Uncle...? And you spoke...the language of the fae...?" Her smile was still frozen.

"Yes, I did. I speak the language of the fae. As well Florencio, is my uncle." Arisa said and Bernadetta's heart rate accelerated and her eyes rolled back, passing out right there.

"Ah. Seems I overdid it." Arisa sweat drops as she stood up carefully as she picked up the girl, and walked to her couch, placing her there.

"Arf." Arisa turned to see Blanca raise her head up, Hessian still asleep.

"I'll let her rest a bit. For now," she turned to look at her piano, "I'm going to play some music." She smiled.

- Abyss -

"Flowers...pretty..."

60 had snuck her way into the famous area known as Abyss, a place where humans lived underground, like some of the Agarthans. Then again, 60 new there was also conflict with her own people. There were those who wished to live on the surface in peace, those that did believe in the Teachings of Serios and were discriminated against because of their faith. Many were kicked out; some ran away and have spread out around Fodlan. Some, like here, even lived in peace. Lady Kornya and Lord Solon, nor any of the other leaders knew that her and 50 discovered this place, the twins chose to keep it a complete secret. Currently, 60 was looking at a few forget-me-knots that were sold here in the marketplace of Abyss. She giggled a bit as she poked one.

"Hey kid! You are buying or what?!" The flower vendor, a grumpy old man said as she handed him 5 copper coins for a small bouquet of the purple flowers.

With flowers bought, she giggled in joy as she walked through the place, happy and even bought some more human food, yum. She was a gluten and enjoyed such food. If only her twin brother, 59 could come to enjoy human food like her. Though she is Agarthan, she very much-loved humans and their way of life. She understood emotions while her brother still struggled greatly with them. She understood the choice. Truthfully, killing she does not like. But it is her order and she must obey. She does not wish to end up like her brothers and sisters who did not live. Walking down, humming a tune as she made her way to a more secluded area, she smiled when she opened a shop, knocking the door. The sign on top said, "Isiaka's Shop." The door opens revealing a short old man with pale skin like her own but wore glasses that almost looked like swirls.

"Old man Iso! I'm back!" 60 grinned as she pulled down her hood, revealing shoulder length gray hair, pale skin but the girl wore a fox mask that did not cover her mouth.

"Child, I told you to call me an old man. Sigh, come in." He sighs as he lets the girl come in.

Inside the shop was filled with trinkets and other things.

"Aww! Is that what I think it is?" 60 said as she walked up to the shield with a strange symbol on it.

"Do not touch that!" Iso said to her and the girl just backed away.

"That shield is called the Shield of Sothis. Passed down by my family for generations. Said to belong to the goddess herself in her old days. One day, it will find its master. So, the legend says." Iso said as he went to sit at his chair.

"Huh? Interesting. I'm more worried that you'll be hunted down. Say, Iso, could you tell me of the stories of when humans, Agarthans and Nabataea lived together? Again?" She sat down and the bean bag next to him.

Iso smiled softly as he looked over to the shield, sadness lingered in his eyes.

"Long before the Empire was built, Fodlan was a land filled with all kinds of life. The clans, the goddess, her children, humans and Agarthans, lived in peace. Some Nabateans married humans; Agarthans also married humans. Some Nabataea even married Agarthans. The goddess of Fodlan and her children lived on the land in peace, sharing their wisdom to all. But...through time, there were those of our own people that grew greedy and believed themselves gods. Even challenged the Fell Star. Sothis only wanted peace. Sigh, there were Agarthans that chose to join the Nabataea to stop those who have fallen so low. Of course, a rift between our people form. Some even chose to join Serios army, using magic to conceal their appearances. Sigh..." Iso sighs as a distant look was in his eyes.

"Iso?" 60 said and he shook his head.

"Nothing child. By the way, have you ever thought of changing your name to something else? Other than a number, do you not have a name?" He asked.

"A name?" 60 lightly tapped her lips with her index finger confused, "What is a name?" She asked and Iso just looked at her confused.

"You serious do not have a name other than the number those dastrds put on you?" Iso sighs, " A name is a word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to." He explains and 60 blinks.

"Is that so? I did not know that. No wonder humans call themselves different things. I saw this blonde lady call a redhead an imbecile for flirting with females." She smiled and Iso facepalms, "But why would I need a name? 59 and I am not a normal Agarthans. We are from Project Revival. We are artificial Agarthans. From what Odesse has told us, I was born from the genetic code of man that was collected and my brother was born from the genetic code of a woman. Also, we are forbidden from seeing our own faces as well as showing others. That is why we wear this mask. Still, I like my hair. Nice gray color. I look like a ghost!" She lightly fluffed her hair.

Iso could not believe what he was hearing. Artificial?! Only…..Rhea has done such things. Seems there is a spy in the church. But he will not say anything. He is neutral.

"Anyhow, I brought some flowers for you. Hope you like them. Also, 59 will be working in the monastery soon. I look forward to when I get the chance to explore that place. So many humans, and ooohh! Food! Ah! Got to go! Bye Bye!" 60 waved and ran out the door.

He heard her apologize for accidentally bumping into someone. The old man heard his shop door open, letting a sigh go, and casting his spell on himself again.

"The shop is close." He grumbled out as he turned to the person.

"Are Iso correct?" A man with lighter skin, brown colored eyes, medium shoulder length brown hair with bangs that stopped just above his eyebrows.

Iso recognized that uniform and scowls. The man wore the clothing of a male priest, the colors of red and black. Yet, there is this unsettling feeling with him.

"That uniform..." Iso muttered as the man only blinked, "Are you the infamous Aelfric many talks about down here?" He said and the man smiled.

"Indeed I am. I heard your shop has been here long before I became in charge of Abyss." Aelfric said and Iso grunted.

"Hmph. This old man will keep kicking till my final breath. Anyhow, why are you here young man? So, few come here. To suddenly see someone high up in the church here...well, I admit, it does not bring the best feeling." Iso said and Aelfric chuckled.

"It is alright. I'm not here to cause any harm. As matter of fact, I came to ask some questions regarding some type of magic." He said and Iso nodded.

"Very well. What do you wish to know? But like always, my information is not free. I ask for a price." He said and Aelfric took out a bag of gold.

"No not money." Iso said and Aelfric looked at him confused.

"Tell me boy...how is little Rhea doing up there...?" He said and the Aelfric sighs.

"Things have been difficult. That is all I can say." Aelfric said and Iso nodded.

"Thank you. That is more than enough for the payment. Now, you question." He went straight to business.

"Ah yes. Does a spell exist to preserve a body?" Aelfric asked and Iso frowned.

"Boy, I hope you aren't planning to commit murder!" Iso raised his cane to whack him and the man quickly put his hands up quickly in defense.

"I swear it is nothing like that! Just...want to confirm a theory." Aelfric said and Iso grunted.

"Preservation spells are a combination of Faith and Reason magic but also an ancient lost magic." Iso answered.

"Lost Song correct?" Aelfric said and Iso raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yes. I am surprised to see someone knows of it. Anyhow, the one who cast the spell must have a deep desire not to see the body decay or rot. But combining those emotions, as well as their own voice, the spell is casted. Only the one that cast it can remove the spell on the body. And once the spell is removed, the body will turn to dust. That is all. I hope that answers your questions, young one." Iso said and Aelfric eyes looked to the ground.

"May I ask another question?" He said and Iso nodded.

"I'll take the coins this time. I need to fix that bloody pipe!" Iso pointed to the water pipe at the wall and Aelfric chuckled.

"Very well." The man placed the small pouch of gold on the table, "My next question, do you know of the story of The Chalice of Beginnings?" He said and Iso froze.

"Boy...that is a legend...to never be messed with. But, since you paid, I shall tell you. The reason that ritual failed in the past, was because the soul of the goddess was no more. The Chalice gave life to a body...but with no heart...no soul...that body is nothing but empty husk that moves. It's no better than being dead..." Iso said and Aelfric frowned.

"What if the soul was returned?" Aelfric said and Iso glared.

"The souls of the dead are to remain at the other side. Only those that chose or cannot move on, their souls remain.." Iso answered.

"Then hear this...it is that the ritual failed in the past. What if the blood of the four apostles but also, the blood of one who inherited the blood of the goddess, was added?" Aelfric said as his mind traveled to the rumors of the new Professor.

People saying, she looked like Sitri and had her smile. Even could sing and perform Lost song.

"...Even I do not have an answer for that. But I know this..." Iso pointed his cane at him, "He who seeks the souls of the departed, heed my warning. If you continue this path, you will become the very thing...that soul never wanted you to become." He spoke grimly and Aelfric smiled.

"I'll take a note on that. Thank you for your time. Till next time." Aelfric said and left, closing the door normally.

"Hmph. There won't be a next time."

- With Arisa -

Bernadetta woke up to the sound of music, a beautiful melody she had never heard. She slowly sat up as her eyes turned to look near the window.

"Hmmm~ Hmmm~ daylights passed through colored glass in this beloved place. Silver shines, the world dines, A smile on each face~" Arisa sang as her fingers pressed the piano keys.

The tune of the song played from the instrument. Bernadetta was silent as she lightly hummed to the song the Professor was playing. She was shocked to learn that Florencio was the Professors uncle, but she remembers him talking about a niece he loved. He hoped the two would meet one day and possibly become friends.

"To think that his niece was the Professor this whole time." Bernadetta thought as she hummed to the tune.

She heard soft footsteps approaching and Blanca walked towards her, placing her head on her lap. Bernadetta was a bit hesitant but grew into a giggle fit when the albino wolf began wagging her tail excitedly and licking, nuzzling her face. Arisa chuckled as she finished the song softly, seeing Bernadetta turn her way.

"Blanca has taken a liking to you. She sees you as her little pup." She giggled a bit and Bernadetta looked at the wolf with wide eyes.

"Are you feeling better? Sorry I shocked you earlier. I guess I should have waited a bit." Arisa said as she turned towards her from her seat.

"No...it's alright. I was just very surprised. Florencio has spoken of you before, but he never said your name. He said it was your safety." Bernadetta said and Arisa smiled sadly she crossed her legs.

"It's alright Bernadetta. We were in a difficult situation back then. But I'm glad we can finally speak to each other. If you ever want to talk or hang out, you are more than welcome to come here. And if you go to my room, make sure to knock. Alright?" Arisa and Bernadetta nodded.

"Thank you, Professor! Umm...it's been awhile since I have been able to speak normally with someone. This room...and you also. I feel safe. Um...better than...um...Ingrid." Bernadetta said and Arisa wanted to bang her head on the table.

"I'm assuming Ingrid broke down your door and made you train?" Arisa said.

"Yes! Umm...how did you know?" Bernadetta asked and Arisa pouted a few of the flower spirits.

"They told me." Arisa lied.

"Oh! You guys still protect me?! I don't deserve you!" Bernadetta wept while a few the flower spirits giggled.

"Baby steps Bernie." Arisa giggled, "But, would you like to learn a bit of white magic? It works well especially with Fae. You seem to be loved by the flower spirits especially." Arisa said as she stood up and walked to one of her bookshelves to get a book.

"Oh! I love tending the garden in the greenhouse. I sometimes help Dedue and a girl named Constance. The fae always compliments us of how well we take care of the flowers. Sometimes, I translate what they say to them. They appreciate it." Bernadetta said and Arisa smiled.

"She's becoming friends with Dedue and Constance. I'm glad." Arisa thought as she opened the book and it was writing about flower spirits and the type of magic they use.

Arisa guessed this must be Sitri's writing. When she gets the chance, she will talk to her father. She honestly wanted to learn more about her mother of this world. To her, even though Sothis has been with her, she is the closet mother/sister figure she had ever had. Sothis has regained a few of her memories, which is a good thing. Still...

"Oh! I almost forgot! I have a seminar with Shamir! Take care Professor and you too Blanca!" Bernadetta said and quickly said and ran out the door, slamming it shut.

Arisa could not help but chuckle a bit as Blanca whined a bit but returned to sleep by Hessian's side.

"I'm a bit jealous you two are so close." Arisa muttered as she fed Feh a piece of dried fish, the owl happily eating it.

Another knock on the door was heard, and she said come in.

"Hey Kiddo. I see you're doing well." Jeralt walked in and Arisa sprinted to him, hugging him tightly.

"Welcome back!" She said happily and Jeralt always chuckled at how much she looked like a child when she welcomed him back from a job, "How was it? I'm curious to know!" Excited she was.

Of course, she pleaded to everyone to not tell him or Sandy of what went down yesterday of her magic shift. Nope. She doesn't want her father to see her in agony. Jeralt chuckled as he sat on the sofa and looked around, a sad smile on his face.

"I never thought I would be back in this room again. You mother used to work here." He said and Arisa nodded.

"Dad...umm...not sure if you...would talk on this topic but umm... " she shifted a bit nervously, "Could you tell me about mom?" She asked as he smiled sadly.

"I figured the question was going to come up soon. Come, we're going to see her." He said and she nodded.

- Cemetery -

At times, Beleth would come here to visit his beloved aunt, who passed away giving birth to Byleth. The teal haired man smiled sadly as he cleaned up the grave and used a bit of magic to make a few flowers grow. Daffodils, forget-me-knots, white lilies and pink peach blossoms. They were flowers that Sitri loved. Memories came back when the two would tend the gardens. From afar, he would watch her speaking with Jeralt. Beleth let go of a sigh as he looked around. He heard footsteps approaching and turned, his eyes widened a bit as they met forest colored ones.

"Ah. Forgive me. I was cleaning up Sitri's grave." Beleth said as he turned to Jeralt and Arisa, "I'm Beleth. Sitri was my aunt. It's a pleasure to finally meet you Byleth. Sir Jeralt, I'm glad you are doing well." He said and Jeralt nodded.

"It's nice to meet you too kid. And thank you, for doing what you did." Jeralt said as he referred to the boy cleaning the grave.

"No worries. I'll leave you two alone." He said and Arisa spoke.

"Um! Beleth!" Arisa yelled out a bit and stopped turning to her, "When you have free time, would you like to have some tea with me? We never really had the chance to talk to introduce ourselves so...perhaps we can get to know each other better? Since...we are cousins?" She said and Beleth looked at her shocked as did Jeralt.

"I be more than happy to!" Beleth grinned to her, "I have free time tomorrow night. I'll be in the library. The area where we can eat. Take care Byleth. I'll see you later!" He said and left.

Beleth rarely smiled but today, many had questions why the knight was smiling so happily. Truthfully, Beleth was happy because he has been wanting to meet her properly for a long time since his mother spoke of her. Other than Seteth, Flayn and his mother, Rhea, he wanted to meet his mother's family. Like Sitri, he lived isolated most of his life till a 7 years ago, when he could finally be a part of the knights. As he left, Arisa smiled softly as she turned back to her father, the two-standing side by side in front of the grave.

"I was thinking it was time to visit your mother. She's resting beneath this humble grave..." Jeralt smiled sadly.

"Dad...why is her grave here?" She asked and he sighs.

"Sigh...Of course you would ask that. I wouldn't know where to begin...I suppose I haven't talked much about her." He said and the two turned back to look at the grave, "She was gentle and smart. So smart. A wonderful cook. Always kind to everyone. She loved researching magic and at times, we would sneak out of the cathedral together to visit a flower field in the Seal Forest. Don't tell Sandy, Rhea or Florencio about that or they have my head." He warned and she giggled a bit.

"And she loved flowers. Whenever I brought her back an unusual flower, her face would light up. She would always press them into a journal, saving them. She would even go as far to look up the flower in the library." He smiled as he turned to her, shaking his head a bit, "I cherish those memories. I can't count how many times she made me happy just by smiling. And she smiled the most...when she was pregnant with you. At times we would have our small disputes over which names to pick. But, of course, we named you Byleth. Though I was surprised hearing you call yourself Arisa. That name was actually planned to be your middle name." He chuckled and Arisa smiled a bit.

"Sigh...your mother died after you were born, she wasn't able to spend much time with you. But she loved you with all her heart. That's the truest thing I know. Never forget it." He said and reached into his pocket, taking out a small pouch.

Out he pulled a small silver ring with purple gems on it. He smiled sadly as he looked at her.

"This ring along with the lily pins I gifted you when you turned 10, are the only keepsakes I have of her. In time, it will be yours. One day, I hope you'll give this ring to someone you love as well as I love her." He said and was startled to see her crying.

"Are you alright?" He worried as she nodded, trying to wipe her tears away.

"I-I'm alright Pa. Just...emotional. Thank you for telling me this. I really am. I'm sure if my mother were here, she would be surprised and happy by how big our family had gotten." Arisa and Jeralt chuckled.

"That's for sure. Now let's head back. By the way, I'm impressed by how well you decorated that lab. She used to study there. Um...you didn't find...anything unusual right?" He asked a bit nervously.

"Ooohh! You mean one of mum's diary entry about your first date? How you got her a dagger?" Arisa and Jeralt began groaning loudly.

"Kid, don't you dare tease me about that." He hissed and Arisa just smirked as they walked.

"Or how about the time you got passed out drunk and she and Florencio had to carry you back to your room? Oh my! The scandal! Eeeeeppp!" She quickly dodged his hand because he was going to smack her head.

"Get back here!" He roared while Arisa cackled as she ran up the stairs, turning to look his way.

"Try to catch me old man!" She cackled while a few passing by chuckled as she sprinted and Jeralt ran up the stairs.

"Kid, you just earned yourself an ass whooping!"

[-]

My beloved beauty of the night. Hair silver like snow yet a light pink like cherry blossoms. Eyes of gray that are like jewels. Lips pink like roses. Skin kissed by the sun. Oh, my beautiful love, how I miss you. I wish to leave and bring you back to my home, make love to you. Under the light of the candle li-

"Okay, that's enough..." Amir squealed as she slowly closed the top part of the letter Zander had sent her.

Amir flushed as she lightly patted her cheeks, yet she could not stop the goofy grin on her face, as she continued to read it. Typical Zander. She admits, when she first met him, he didn't exactly leave her with a good impression. She saw him flirting with a few girls and well, when he finally noticed her, she was looking at him with judging eyes that looked at him like he was garbage. For Zander, he had never been so hurt in his life by eyes looking at him like that. The two did not speak till the ball 5 years ago and from there, they pretty much hit it off. Amir at times would be annoyed at his puns but she would laugh at them because of how terrible they were. He loved writing poems for her and thought they were corny, she loved them. Though these days, now as adults, they have become...a bit more on the spicy side. Her blush only deepened as she continued to read, she did notice the person come up behind her and suddenly took the letter out of her hand.

"My sweet maiden of silver. So beautiful like the moon. My love for you is eternal through all." It was Beleth and he was reading the poem out loud and Amir silently shirked as her face became redder.

"Ha! I see he is still one to write such things!" Beleth snickered and Amir tried to grab the letter away from him.

"Please give it back!" Amir said he smirked as he held up a bit, out of her reach.

"Should I now? I do-what on earth?!" His face turned bright red reading one of the sentences of the poem.

As take you underneath and pluck you like a rose. My burning love on your SK-

WHACK!

Beleth groans loudly as he was whacked suddenly on the head. Sadi eyes were wide, her lips together, looking like an upside-down triangle, she held a paper fan she stole from Ingrid, and with that Amir, quickly grabbed the letter, putting it away.

"Umm...Sadi...you overdid it." Amir said as Sadi turned to her.

"We only protected our sister." Sadi huffed as Amir let go of sigh, then turned to Beleth who pulled himself up.

"Do not ever touch my belongings." She hissed at him and he snorted.

"Look, I get you and Zander don't get along but at least try to understand or reach some middle ground!" Amir said and Sadi quickly excused herself.

Beleth let go of a sigh as he backed down onto the ground. The two were near the larger area of the monastery and Amir loved going there at times.

"Beleth...you've...been tense lately." She said as he raised an eyebrow at her, "The shadows' ' she said as a small black figure formed in the palk of her hand, "are good but are also evil. They can sense negative emotions. Do you...want to talk?" She said and he narrowed his eyes at her.

"As if talking will help me." He said and Amir frowned.

"You're jealous." She said and he turned his head to her.

"Pardon?" He said and Amir narrowed her eyes.

"You're jealous. You aren't happy with the game of favoritism your mother is having towards Arisa. Be honest. You aren't liking how Rhea has turned all her attention towards her." She said and he growled.

"How the hell is it that you're so good at reading emotions? 5 years ago, you seem quite distant. Now...you still are bit but not so much." He muttered as she sat down next to him, "You're right. I'm jealous. I didn't grow up constantly leaving the monastery. It wasn't till 7 years ago that my mother was allowed to finally leave the monastery. All my life I trained as a knight and...like you can imagine...my first kill...I'll never forget it. I was sick for days...I'll never get used to it. Eventually, I created a defense mechanism but shutting away my emotions when I kill them, letting them come back after the battle." He sighs and Amir speaks.

"Arisa...those that too." Amir and he turned to her, "She shuts away her humanity when she kills. Her nickname is the Ashen Demon." She muttered and he chuckled a bit.

"Funny, I'm called the Ashen Demon also." Beleth chuckled and Amir groans.

"Well that explains while the guilds would be arguing that the Ashen Demon was male or female. But do you have any other names?" She asked.

"The Owl of Garreg Mach. That is my other name." He said and he nodded.

"I'm going to be honest with you Amir. 21 years ago, Byleth's mother Sitri, passed away. I wasn't supposed to be there but I was...I...sigh...I witnessed my mother...cut open Byleth." And all color drained from Amir's face.

"W-What?" Amir said and he nodded.

"I wanted...to see my cousin...I snuck into the room...Sitri...had a frail body. That's why Rhea did not leave the monastery. But...Sitri loved going on adventures. Kind she was...and...watching her cry and scream in agony as she gave birth...was horrific. The cries of newborn...were never heard...but...sigh...I'm sorry...should-!" He quickly stood up and stood in front of Amir, the woman also stood up, and walking towards them was Rhea.

"So this is where you were Beleth." Rhea said coolly as he nodded.

"Yes. I was just talking with my friend." He said and she nodded.

"I see..." Rhea said as her eyes landed on Amir, "Child, I never really did learn your name properly. Amir, correct?" She smiled and Amir nodded.

"Yes, my name is Amir. I hope you are doing well L-" she didn't finish.

"The blood of Timotheos runs with you veins...how interesting." Rhea said and Amir froze.

"Timotheos was a kind man who loved to run to the forest at times. He enjoyed nature. One of the things he would do is take care of animals." Rhea chuckled as she turned to leave, "I hope you live up to him." She smiled.

"Ah and Beleth." Rhea said, "You will be joining the Professor's team guarding the Holy Mausoleum. Do watch over her. Something...does not feel right." She muttered and finally left.

"What was that about?" Amir said as Beleth turned to her.

"I do not know. But her eyes towards Arisa...are becoming frightening..." he said and bowed to her, "I swear to you I will not allow what happened to Sitri happen to her. I shall be honest; I harbor some resentment towards my mother. Especially...especially...no not yet." He smiled sadly and the girl became a blinking mess when he suddenly kissed her forehead.

"Zander is my competition, and I don't intend to lose." He grinned and left quickly before she went after his head.

[-]

"I...really did not want you or all people catching me."

Lestia loved exploring. She loved going into the unknnnnooooooowwww ~(SLAP!) ! Cough! Anyhow, like Claude, she was hoping to find some secret passageways to the Holy Mausoleum and maybe plant a few traps ahead of time. Not to also mention maybe explore the place. She did find one secret passage but unfortunately...she did not expect to run into Hubert of all people. With a ball of fire to lighten the dark pathway. Hubert chuckled darkly as she began to walk away, following her.

"Do not worry. Though I am surprised a princess such as yourself would be doing something like this." He said as he noticed her brown eye glowing gold.

"Yea yeah. Whatever. I'm not Edelgard okay." She said and he narrowed his eyes.

"That's Lady Edelgard. You do well to learn to call her by her status name." Hubert said and she just rolled this.

"Lady Edelgard, this. Lady Edelgard that. Hubert, when will you learn at times your concern can be...what's the word...a bit obnoxious." She said a bit unsure and Hubert's glare went cold.

"My, how kind of you. I am only worried for Lady Edelgard's safety." He said and Lestia sighs.

"You remind me a bit of Gina..." she muttered softly.

"Do not speak her name." His voice went cold immediately and Lestia looked at him confused.

"...ah..." her eyes saddened as she turned back, "I understand. She said and continued on.

"It looked like you were looking at it in pity. I don't need it." Hubert growled lovely as they continued.

"No. It's not pity." Lestia spoke as he back was still turned to him, "Its empathy. I know what it's like to lose a loved one. But blaming yourself will help no one. Believe me, I suspect Gina's and Chris death was a murder. I want to find the ones responsible." She said and stopped in front of a door.

"My Princess. I never thought I would hear those words out of your mouth. You have always been the reckless type." He said and turned to him, pissed.

"And easy to agitate." He chuckled.

"Look I don't know what your problem is with me and I get you've changed a lot since Gina's death!" She yelled at him and he frowned.

"My problem you say?" He began as he stood a few inches from her, looking down, "I have many problems against you princess. For one, you do not address Lady Edelgard with the respect she deserves. If I had to say, Claude is most trustable than you. You are just the little brat that grew up privileged and spoiled. Blinded by pride of what goes on in the real world." He smirked and Lestia just huffed.

"I may be what you call a spoiled brat unlike you, who follows my sister like a lap dog, I am more than happy to accept my faults." She hissed at him.

"You think yourself below Edelgard. You see your life as disposable and obey her every word without question. What if she goes down a road of bloodshed? What if she starts making choices that are not good at all? Would you not question her? Correct her? Tell him your thoughts?" Lestia hissed at him, his eye cold.

He had this conversation before.

"Anything is better than being a noble like you. Every time you open your mouth it's "Lady Edelgard this" or "Lady Edelgard that." Do you ever think for yourself? You follow her around like a pet. You spend all of your time fretting over her, and yet you never truly express an opinion of your own. Before you reprimand me, take a moment to consider your own failings." Ferdinand's words suddenly rang in his as Lestia continued to speak.

"I for one am more than happy with Sadi calls me out. I appreciate her honestly. Her kindness her. Her seniority. She had helped me become a better person and learn more of what is around me. I am not as closed minded as you think...Hubie." She called him that damn nickname when they were children.

"The girl is Duscur correct? Hmph. You are above her. Yet you treat her like an equal. Ha! Do you not know of the power you have?" He questioned and she just scoffed as she turned back to the door, studying the lock.

"Please, you think I care about being a noble. For fucks sake, I hate this damn Crest system! You've seen how many people have come victims. I had to hide my Crest my entire life till a few months ago. Many people have suffered and when my brother becomes king, I plan to work besides him and Zander to fix this messed up system. Besides, the Church of Serious had already made themselves the enemy of the Alliance, Empire and Kingdom. I will not forgive those who harm my family. That includes you, Edelgard and Gina." She said and he froze other words.

He stared at her from behind as she picked the lock of the door. Something usually thrives on knowing how to do it. He was surprised by her words. Perhaps he can bet her to join their cause.

"Got it!" Lestia grinned as she opened the door the two quickly jumped to the side just in case arrows came at them.

Thankfully, none did.

"We should report this. Arisa is going to have field day." She snickered and noticed Hubert was silent.

"What?" She turned to him, "Don't tell me you are still mad that you aren't in the group? If you have problems, like Arisa said, you go talk to her." She said and he spoke.

"And that I will do." He said and warped away.

"Oh, come on! You dare ditch me?!"

- Later at Night -

"What did Crescent mean that you shared my pain?"

Late at night it was, and they were in Arisa's magic lab. With windows and curtains closed for the night, Chris decided it was time to tell her how all this was affecting both.

"Before you slap me," he said the two sat on the sofas across from each other, "when you went on a magic shift last night, I used a spell that allowed me to take on the burden of half your pain. The minute Crescent forced a cut connection, I knocked out. I got a huge yelling from Emily." Chris explains as she really did look ready to slap him.

"Why would you do that?! Christian, I said millions of times in this life and our previous life to not be reckless!" Arisa said angrily to him.

"Okay hold! Who do you think I got that recklessness from?! You! Anyhow, back to the original topic, I think there may be more to the Crest of Flames and how it's connected to the dreams we are having." He said and Arisa groans at the memory of those dreams.

She let go of a sigh as she quickly placed a barrier around in the room, and turned to him, Sothis manifested herself.

"What are you going to do?" Sothis asked as Arisa took out a needle, turned to her.

"We're getting to the bottom of this." Arisa said and turned to her brother, "In the book that you had Yuri let me borrow, there was a spell that was deemed forbidden by Rhea. The spell is called....Roots. By pricking the fingers of two individuals and connecting them, you both can dive deep into each other's souls and search their minds. Basically, we become a human library. In this case...we're going to dive together and hopefully find those dreams. One problem." Arisa and Chris sighs.

"I know. It's an Agarthan spell and will take a really big toll on us if we don't concentrate enough." He muttered and the two turned to Sothis, who turned to her adult form, arms crossed.

"So, let me guess, you need me to maintain a stable connection between the two of you? It will be easier since the two of you possess my Crest but unlike Nemesis...ripped my heart out and drank my blood through murder..." she said that part darkly as she turned to Chris, "You drank our blood natural. Yes, you may have been in a crazy state, but you now gained our Crest. Sigh...I wonder what happened to the other me who you wield. For now, will you go through with this spell?" She asked.

"I am." Chris said and the two females nodded.

"Very well. Arisa, you may begin." Sothis said and Arisa nodded as she handed him a small vial.

"What's this?" Confused by the vial she gave him.

"Well, to start a spell you need permission from both parties. And that would be by drinking about a small tablespoon of each other's blood..." she muttered and he made a look of disgust, "Hey, I don't like it either but we got no choice if we want to solve this before the Rite of Rising at the end of this month." She sighs and he groans.

"Fine!" He said and took his dagger, making a small cut on the palm of his hand.

Arisa used some magic to make the blood turn into a sphere, the amount she needed, and quickly healed the cut. The two nodded and drank each other's blood, and thankfully Arisa had water for them ready because they quickly gulped down a glass. They sat across from each, pricking the tips of each other's fingers, and intertwined their hands.

"Hey." Chris spoke as he knew she was shaking, "We'll pull through this. I won't let anyone hurt you." He smiled softly to her and she nodded.

"Begin." Sothis raised her arms, the magic circle of the crest of flames appeared underneath them.

Their eyes closed as they held their hands together tightly, the droplets of blood turned to vines that wrapped around their hands, to show the activation of the spell. Arisa's and Christian's heads slumped as they still helded hands. Sothis was silent as she watched and hoped everything would be alright.

But they weren't alright. One thing the book did not mention about the spell Roots, is who it's creator was. Who was the one that created this spell. And the main problem is, that once the spell is activated...the one who created it is alerted. Its creator designed it that way, to destroy traitors. And who is this person?

- Unknown Location -

Still like a stone.

Not a single movement.

Watch out.

Don't disturb her.

If you do, you'll be met with fangs beyond the gates of the damned.

Alone. At the center of a humongous room. Walls filled with creatures in cages. Children, humans, all kinds of creatures of the world. At the center of the room of cages, stood a single figure. Still, so still, you almost think they are a statue if you did not have a closer look. A soft and petite face, almost like a doll. Eyes closed as she stood still at the center. She wore the dress of a gremory, long, long air that spread out completely onto the bloody floor. Her hands were together in a prayer position, her head slightly slumped. She did not have a care in the world. All those in the cages were being drained of blood, the crimson liquid spilling onto the stone floor, where her sickly blue colored hair was stained with it. For she did not care. She was absorbing this blood to restore her body. She twitched suddenly as her eyes just opened just barely an inch.

"Someone..." her voice was soft and doll-like her appearance, she spoke barely just above a whisper, "is using my spell...it has been...40 years since someone has used it..." she muttered as she didn't move at all, only her lips.

"Shall I pay them a visit...?" She whispered, her face void of emotions as she raised her head, just a tad bit.

The opening center of the ceiling allowed the moonlight to come in, revealing more of her appearance. Under the darkness she looked like a normal teenage girl but once the moonlight showed on her, it revealed the giant four horns she had on her head. Two pointed up and two pointed down. The girl closed her eyes once more. Her blue hair flowed as it absorbed the blood like if it was water. A very small smile was on her face as she spoke.

"A visit I shall do...Ahh...so long since I have actually felt excited." She said yet her voice and face held no emotion at all.

The floor underneath her began to glow red, and the screams of all those in cages increased. The scene was horrific as all in the cages began to melt, till only bones were left. Their blood poured down the walls as her hair absorbed it. Her eyes closed once again.

A visit she shall do.

[—-]

"This is so weird." Chris muttered as he and his sister now stood in what seemed to be a huge room of floating glass shards.

They gently landed on a glass floor, looking around, other than the floating pieces of glass, the entire place was a huge library. If Arisa had to describe it, it would almost be compared to the biggest library in the world, which was in China by the way. Chris saw what seemed golden like chains all over the shelves and turned to his sister, a look that knew what he was going to ask.

"I placed a barrier on myself to keep people out if anyone tried to invade my mind. I placed it on you also just in case because you have way more knowledge on the lore of this world than I do." Arisa said and he nodded.

"Understandable." He replied as they let go of their hands and looked around, "We should spit up. Our minds together like this are enormous. Also, I hope Sothis is alright." He muttered.

"I know she is okay but even I worry. Like you said, let's split up. Thankful the barrier only allows you and me to access each other's memories." She answered as he went straight to one bookshelf and pulled out a book.

"Oh? So, you like writing R-18 fanfics?" Chris smirked her way, enjoying how red her face turned, "By the way, I gave your secret stash of doujin to Theresa to make sure mom never found them. You're welcome." He smiles and barely dodged her kick.

"Just shut up and look for the dream! Not my personal life!" Arisa growled and stormed off to the opposite direction.

Chris chuckled as he looked around and noticed a familiar scarlet dress from the corner of his eyes.

"So, care for the electorate?" Heather appeared in her full human appearance as she looked around amazed by the amount of knowledge there was.

"Not the best place but..." he smiled sadly as he took out another book, but this one was his own memory.

He opened it and inside were images of his 10 siblings and himself. All were in the garden of the palace, sitting out in the shade. A light green blanket underneath where they sat. A basket filled with food a maid had packed for them. Their mother and father, laughing and smiling as they watched their kids play. Heather held their youngest brother, Henry, who was just two weeks old during that time. He himself was blowing bubbles using a bit of magic he had learned. Edelgard cheered him on as he was using his magic. Their other siblings had goofy faces as they are happily. He looked at each of his siblings one by one, a sad smile gracing his lips as he closed the book and put it back.

"Let's keep looking."

[—-]

Arisa walked silently through the huge hallways of books, each one containing a memory of hers or her brothers. She looked around, unaware that one hallway she passed, a figure was watching her silently. Arisa walked to one bookshelf, reaching out her hand, going through the barrier that is placed. With the book she pulled out, she let out a long sigh as she saw the name on the cover of it.

"I never thought I would pull this memory out." She said a bit bitterly at the cover.

My First Magic Shift.

She opened it, her eyes narrowed as she was reading it. It happened during her travels with her father, it was also the first day her crest activated in front of everyone. Her father was shocked when he witnessed it. Of course, she has seen her father's crest activate. From her memory, Arisa recalled that after Rhea saved Jeralt by doing a blood transfusion, he gained a Major Crest of Serios. She remembers when she first witnessed it activate. She was 4 years old. Her first trip. He activated right after she had stabbed that bandit. Arisa let go of another sigh as she went back to reading her memory.

"It was a type of pain I never knew. Far different from what I experienced in my dad's in the hospital. When my crest activated in front of everyone, I knew dad was worried. He wanted to protect me. He made everyone swear to secrecy when they witnessed it. 2 days passed and suddenly in the middle of me hunting, a sudden burst of magic took over my body and I screamed. I screamed so loud that birds and animals flew away. My father and the others, all ran looking for me. I was shaking, groveling in pain on the ground. My eyes were flickering between mint, teal, and brown. I didn't understand. It was horrible. It felt hundreds if not thousands of knives coming at me. The last thing I saw was my father yelling for Florencio and everyone else worried. I never want Dad to witness me in such a state ever again. The magic shift continues one every month for the next 5 years. Since then, I made sure to hide it. I don't want to see my father suffering when he sees me in pain. So, I hid it. And I'll keep doing it." She muttered out loud as she was reading the entry, unaware that something was slithering her way slowly.

"This entry...it's blurry. I remember I had a dream during this time I was blacked out but I never remembered it. Maybe..." she turned the page to read more but...

Suddenly something wrapped around her neck and out of instinct she shoved the book back to the shelf. She thrashed and tried to remove whatever it was but it's grip only tightened. She gasped as it looked like hair suddenly wrapped around her wrists and ankles, pulling her up into the air, hovering above. The hair then quickly covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming. Her forest-colored eyes widened as she watched a small woman walking her way and then stopped about 5 feet from her.

"Ah...so you are the one that activated my spell..." the woman spoke softly, her eyes never opening.

He pale skin and tear like markings under eyes, the sickly pale blue purple hair, the dress of a gremory, yet what stood out more were her horns. The girl lifted her head up just a tab bit and spoke.

"You are not Nabatean...nor Agarthan...yet you are a human who has Nabatean features...how interesting." The woman softly said, void of emotions.

Arisa's eyes narrowed as her defense system activated, multiple swords flew at the woman yet...

"Such a weak spell..." the woman only raised her hand to touch one sword, stopping it in midair.

Arisa's eyes widened in horror as all the swords began cracking then shattered in midair. The woman, never opening her eyes, rose towards her, cupping her face with her hands. They felt cold to the touch and Arisa tried to break free, but nothing was working. The woman kept cocking her head left and right a bit, studying her face.

"How interesting...I know this look...Are you...related to Florencio?" The woman said softly, and Arisa only glared.

"Hmmm..." the woman hummed softly as barely an inch opened her eyes and eyes trail down the girl's neck then to her chest.

Arisa flinched when her right hand opened the collar of her dress, exposing the sling of her neck. The zipper being brought down more to her chest. She felt her face turning redder by the second then...the woman trailed her tongue from her chest up to her neck. Arisa was very scared right now and the woman spoke.

"Yes...this is the taste...of the Fell Star..." the woman whispered as her eyes slowly opened completely.

Neon yellow eyes investigated forest ones, void of emotions as the woman's hands wrapped around Arisa's waist. She lightly sucked on her neck till a purple bruise was left. She licked her lips, satisfied.

"I remember Sothis..." the woman said softly as she rested her chin on Arisa's chest, "Slender...beautiful porcelain skin...mint colored eyes that were like sea foam. Medium dark green colored hair that reminded me of the forest. Lips plump and pink..." she muttered, "You...are like her...I want you...I wasn't able to make Sothis mine...So...I'll have you...so long...It's been so long...I'll doll you up...apply some make up...make you still like a statue...display you with my collection...so many...rarity so, so rare you are...the perfect doll for my shelf...skin so smooth...I taste something of your...that isn't from this world...yes...Now I understand...you are foreign...someplace...even farther where Sothis came from..." the woman muttered, her hands trailing Arisa's curves.

Arisa was terrified and screamed, even if it was muffled but...

Click...

"Hmmmm?" The woman hummed as she moved her head from Arisa's chest, "She passed out. Hmm...well..now I ca-!" A flash of gold was the last thing she saw before she was thrown away brutally, the crash shook the entire place.

Chris quickly slammed the book he was reading closed and ran towards the place along with Heather.

"ARISA!" He yelled as he ran down the hallways, looking all directions till he found the place.

The smoke was coming from the other side of the hallway, he shivered as he heard a whimper but quickly ran to where he saw his sister falling from the sky.

"Got you!" He yelled as he jumped in the air, quickly catching her in his arms.

He landed down, and noticed her clothing was in a bit of shambles. He heard the whimpering again and slowly turned to the crash site, his eyes following a trail of sick colored blue hair that was cut to pieces, all over the place. Heather snarled as her form turned to that of a vestal witch. The flames ignited to destroy who dare hurt her new sister.

"Aaahhh...aaaah..." a voiceless whimper was heard as the smoke cleared.

"Aaahahhhh...aaahhh..." the woman's hands were shaking, her long hair was cut in a sloppy mess, leaving it barely ear length, a bloody mess when Chris noticed where the woman's eyes needed to be, were nothing but bloody eye sockets as she looked at their direction, no emotion on her face whatsoever.

"Those bones...I know those bones...The wings of Sothis's...Sirius Wings...

Aaahh...my eyes...my eyes...It took me 60 years to find the perfect eyes...

I harvested those from a man of beauty...from the Vestra House...my hair...nearly 1000 years of letting it grow...absorbing blood of all kinds...aaahhhh...collected from the rarest of all...the hair of women from the Nabataea and Laguz clan...Aaahhhhhhh...Ahhhh...such beauty...I must have you...I must have you...Aaahhh..." the woman cried out softly as Chris shivered, quickly hugging his sister tightly.

Yet, his eyes widened as his sister suddenly began moving. He quickly placed her on her knees yet...

"Arisa...?" Both he and Heather's eyes went wide as long wings extended from her back yet there were no feathers or scales, just bones only.

She quickly looked on her back and saw the magic circle of the Crest of Flames, the bones coming from inside the circle.

"Aaaahhhhhh!" The woman cried out with no emotion, "Such...beauty...I can't have you today...But...I'll make you mine...Aaahhh...Ahhh...I do not know your name but I will learn it...Aahhhh...My name is Pittacus...The Doll Collector...I'll have you...I'll have you..." she muttered, the blue hair glowing again, suddenly turning to a huge waved of black blood, as she roared her siren song at them.

"AAAHHHHHHHHHH~" Pittacus sung like haunted song.

Chris and Heather quickly hugged Arisa and each other to protect themselves. The bones' wings curled around all three, as if Sothis was there protecting them.

"Llllaaaaaaaaaaaa~" she sung loudly yet...Pittacus felt anger for the first time in 78 years, when she recognized the figure of human that suddenly appeared in front of her new dolls.

Bloody eye sockets grew wide as her voice suddenly turned to one of pure rage as she roared furiously to the figure.

"FLLLLOOORRREEEENNCCCIIOOOO!" She screamed as the man only had a void face as he removed his glasses.

"Never come here again...Mother...no...Pittacus." A magic circle with the Crest of Serios grew larger by the minute, protecting the entire place and forcefully kicking out Pittacus.

"Gasp...Aaahhhh...Sothis...Sothis...Florencio...Aaahhh...My love...Aaahhh!" Pittacus wept black blood, gone in a shower of black dust, the entire place purified, the defense mental system fixed again, but to a far more advanced level, to keep people like Pittacus out.

The purple haired man let go of a sigh as he turned to face the children. The brown-haired girl he had never seen before but Christian...looked at him in fear and rage, the boy holding his sister tightly. Florencio looked up to see the bone like Wings pointing at him, to kill. Yet he only stood still, not running. The bones seem to creek, almost hissing at him, but they retract back into the magic circle on his niece's back, disappearing.

"Uncle...?" Relief filled him when he saw his niece wake up, and looked at him puzzled, "How are you...here?" She muttered and he quickly looked away.

"First...um...fix your dress..." Florencio said flustered and Arisa quickly pulled her cloak over herself.

She was still shaken and disturbed by how that woman touched her.

"Damn...she left a hickey on you." Heather said and Arisa quickly covered her neck.

"Unfortunately,..." he knelt down to them, "once Pittacus leaves her mark, it means she has made you her target." He muttered as he rolled up his sleeve and showed them his mark on his wrist.

"Why did you call that woman Mother?! You work for those snakes, don't you?!" Chris snarled at and Arisa glared at her brother.

"Used to! When he met Jeralt, he quit! Ugh...Uncle I'm sorry but I think you're going to have to tell your life story again. But...you never mentioned that...woman we just fought..." she replies back.

"I swear to give you all an explanation but for right now, we need you all three to return back to the real world. And don't worry," he saw Arisa was going to ask a question, "I fully upgraded both of your mental barriers. No one, unless you let them, will get in. Go." He smiled sadly at them.

"Uncle...thank you. Please be safe." Arisa said and everyone disappeared from the place.

- Reality -

"GASP!"

"Are you both okay?!" Sothis yelled as the two siblings were suddenly breathing and gasping for air.

Arisa was quickly touching her neck and chest to make sure her dress was still properly on. She ran to her mirror, opening the neck collar and whimpered loudly once she saw the hickey had turned to a purple spider lily.

"Sothis, do you know anyone by the name of Pittacus?!" Arisa blurted out as she whipped around towards.

"I don't know why but you are saying that name brings shivers to my spine." Sothis hugs herself and shivered, "But the name does bring a feeling of familiarity...disgust and...frustration. Something happened during the dive, did it not? Come now both of you! Tell me!" She ordered and Arisa shivers.

"S-Some unknown woman appeared...A-And touched me...and...and...left...this...m-mark. I know it wasn't physical, but the mental damage is still real...I...I..." Chris stood up and quickly hugged her.

"It's alright. I promise. If that woman even comes, I swear I will kill her." Chris swore to her.

Arisa shivered in his arms as Sothis floated towards them, worried.

"Just...what happened...?" Sothis muttered and Chris let go of a sigh.

"I don't know...Florencio will answer our questions soon."

[-]

"Aaaaahhhhhhhhh~ "

Still as a statue she originally should yet she began roaring in anger furiously as she threw her head back. Her eyes were slashed and only blood eye sockets remained, her blue hair was cut but she quickly began to absorb the blood in the floor. Her hair regrowing as her eyes. The horns that pointed up glowed purple and the ones that pointed down glowed pink. Her screaming suddenly stopped to a sudden halt, as the smallest of smiles came to her face. Yet her voice held no emotion.

"Ahhhh...so rare...so rare...dolls...they go well with my dolls...aaahhhhh...a human far rare...no...two humans far rarer than the fell star...I must...I must...I must have them..." Pittacus muttered as she began to take small steps towards a specific door.

She opens it, her workshop filled with materials to make dolls and puppets. Shelves filled with molds, bones, clay, porcelain. Glass materials and many more. Puppets and dolls hanged on the walls. The pale woman walked towards a coffin, opening it. A man with pale skin yet wore no clothing. For he was nothing but a realistic wooden puppet. Originally...

"Ah...the time has come...my puppet made of the corpse of one of Serios's generals. You'll do nicely alongside Anacharsis for the end of this month." She muttered as she picked up a small little shell with red paint in it.

Picking up a brush, she dipped it into the paint, then using it, applied a light blush on the lips.

"You are done. Now...time to help Chilon bring the Sword of the Creator."

Chapter 45: Goddess's Song: Part 2: Preparations

[-]

This chapter I wanted to explore more support conversations as well introducing and foreshadowing new allies and enemies. Especially for the DLC which is coming soon. And I am for sure having Jeralt involved. I love the DLC but I do wish they had added Jeralt to the story to learn a lot more about him. So, look forward to angst soon.

Iso is an Agarthan. He remains neutral and will not ally himself with anyone. Do look forward to his role in the DLC and time skip phase.

59 and 60: I have plans for them when Remire Village comes. Their names won't always remain numbers.

Florencio and Pittacus. I'm going to dive in deeper into Agarthan enemies as well as Florencio's and Sandy's bloody past. Look forward to that in the next chapter.

Finally, Lejare. He is a son of bitch. Cold and rude, hates humans but puts up with them. Originally, everyone thought he was dead because after the huge massive fight between him, Rhea, Macuil, Cichol, and Indech during the final fight of the war of Heroes, he disappeared completely without a trail. No one could find him. He has been traveling around the world, trying to locate the rest of Sothis remains as well as hoping to find any of their brothers and sisters that did survive but no luck. And yes, for years he was trying to force his way into the Zanado library but no luck because Sothis gave complete authority of it to Emily/Noa. So, that went down badly. Look forward to that flashback.

Now, information on Pittacus. The leaders of Shambhala are:

Thales (Class: Agastya)

Solon (Class: Dark Bishop)

Cornelia (Class: Gremory)

Anacharis (Class: ?)

Chilon (Class: ?)

Odesse (Class: Warlock)

Bias (Class: ?)

Myson (Class: Warlock)

Periandar (Class: ?)

Pittacus: (Class: Mechanist/Puppeteer)

Pittacus was one of the Agarthan leaders in the past who like all the Agarthans, lived peacefully for a time with Nabateans. But she fell in "love" with Sothis, because she witnessed when the goddess first arrived in Fodlan. She already had a liking for dolls and collecting things. Years go by and her "love" for Sothis becomes twisted. Wanting to doll her up, make a part of her collection. If we were to rank the current leaders based on magic, Pittacus would be in third place. Her obsession with collecting dolls and rare things, she would make her own puppets and dolls for combat. During the Massacre of Zanado, she collected the hair of female Nabateans and their blood. The blood she harvested she would absorb to repair her body. She would use it for her sick hobby of making puppets and dolls. As well as incorporating it into her own hair. Her body is like that also, of a doll. She became obsessed also with her appearance and would collect and harvest body parts for herself. Using what she found beautiful for herself. Her original appearance, she does not remember it. But she believes it was hideous.

The reason why Florencio called her mother. As well as an explanation of the spell Roots. I will reveal that in the next chapter and yes. That one will be the official battle.

If you guys want to know what Arisa looks like, I redrew her completely and finally happy she is complete. ( twitter./com/Sakura108645/status/1253581246145298432?s=20)