"Kid, I can't believe you woke me up this late. You shouldn't even be up."
Amir and Alexandra giggled as they were walking behind Christian and Jeralt, the two adults bickering a bit.
"Come on, Pops. Look, I am really sorry for waking you up, but this is really important. And it also involves you two." Chris looked over to Amir and Alexandra, both confused.
"What do we have to do with this?" Amir said as she looked over to Alexandra, who also shrugged.
"Hmmm..." Jeralt hums as they walked down the hallways and to the area where the passage was found.
"Make sure to stay near me. Don't want you kids getting lost." Jeralt says as Chris made a goldfish of fire appear and light the way.
"Ah." Both Amir and Alexandra nearly froze but continued following the two males.
"Did you feel that?" Amir whispered to her.
"Yeah...could it be possible...?" Alexandra muttered.
"What are you girls whispering about?" Jeralt asked and then went silent.
"Shh." Chris suddenly said and sure enough, the sound of fighting was heard.
The group hid behind the walls and could see the 4 lords clashing with different people as well as 4 students. Edelgard battled against Constance, Lestia against Balthus. Claude against Hapi and well... Dimitri and Yuri...their battle was vicious. Chris already knew they were fighting over Arisa and probably taking out their anger in this fight. Typical people of Faerghus. Let their anger unleash in the battle. Well, he was the same. Jeralt was the same. Alex also. Back to the battle, Arisa spun on her left heel to dodge an axe that was swung at her, and then did an upper cut at them, knocking them down. From earlier before the fight, Yuri ordered the Abyssians army to not kill them and to immediately retreat if they were defeated.
"Ha! Not bad miss! You got guts!" Balthus as he dodged the sidekick Lestia did at him.
"Hyaa!" Her kick ended up hitting the brick wall, destroying it completely.
Balthus was beyond glad he dodged that kick because he was pretty sure he was not going to survive that.
"Balthus!" The man quickly turned and paled when he saw the familiar pink hair from a few months ago.
"Holst is going to kill me..." he muttered and quickly warped away in retreat.
"Well..." Yuri chuckled, "Balthus is out. I think that pink head was Hilda..." he says and quickly used his leather shield to stop Dimitri's lance.
Of course, Yuri saw anger in the prince's eyes, so time for a little Foul Play. Besides, he wanted to fight Arisa who was busy defending the green haired boy and boy with hazel brown hair, who had a staff. Linhardt and Dominic, he believed, were their names.
"Well, your highness." Yuri jumped back and smirked, "It was an honor to feel that legendary brute strength in this battle, but I think I'm needed elsewhere." Yuri quickly had his eyes land on Dominic, a sly smirk on his face formed.
Dimitri quickly looked towards where Yuri was looking and charged at him but too late. Foul Play was used, and Yuri was replaced with Dominic, who screamed when Dimitri's lance came at him. The prince barely stopped an inch when he realized Yuri wasn't there anymore.
"Oh, my goodness! I am so sorry Dominic! Please, are you alright?!" The prince panicked while the boy was looking like his soul left his body.
"I thought...I was a goner..." Dominic whimpered as he was helped back up.
Dimitri looked over to where Arisa was at the sword fight between her and Yuri left him speechless.
"It's like they are dancing..." Chris muttered the two swordsmen spun, their sword clashing, creating sparks.
"Not bad! I was hoping to see that new big shiny sword of yours. I don't see it on you." He smirked as he slashed at her and she leaned back.
"Ha! Unfortunately for you, I do not plan to use the Sword of the Creator on humans. But you want to know where it is..." she twisted her hips a bit, and spun to the right, "It's right here!" What she did next, sent Yuri's jaw dropping.
Small magic circle appeared over her bosom, her hand went in it and pulled the sword.
"You hide the sword...in your chest?!" Yuri yelled out loud and Chris, Alexandra, Dominic and Amir face palm.
"I do it too..." Amir grumbled as she heard a yelp, "I'm going to go help out Claude. Cover me!" She jumped out and ran around the corner to break the wooden door to the room Hapi was attacking from.
"WHAT ON EARTH?!" And the sound of a sudden roar of a monster made Amir scream.
"Hapi must have sighed..." Chris muttered and heard Linhardt comment about summoning magic.
"Okay, you want to play that way! I'll summon my own monster!" Amir yells "FIROKO!" She yelled, a beast wolf appeared, and began attacking Hapi's sand crawler.
"What on earth?! Does she possess the same curse as Hapi?!" Constance yelled as she quickly dodges down to avoid Edelgard's axe that was thrown at her like a boomerang.
"Underestimate the denizens of Abyss and it won't end well for you!" Constance grins as her hand begins crackling with electricity, "Tremble in fear at my magical might! Ahaha!" And she unleashed Thorn on Edelgard.
"Ghhaaaaaa!" The princess screamed as the bolt of lightning fell on her like divine punishment, enough to knock her out but not enough to kill her.
"El!" Lestia yelled and glared up to Constance, who had a proud grin as she was up high on her pegasus, Opal.
"El...hmm...strange. Where have I heard that?" The girl muttered and nearly had a heart attacked when Lestia began climbing the walls like some possessed woman.
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THAT!" The princess roared and Constance screamed in horror as Lestia went after like a ghost, the poor Dark Flier flying away for her life.
"And Ashe just passed out from that sight." Jeralt groans as they saw Hilda catch the poor boy, swung him over his shoulder, and took down several soldiers with her axe.
"Got you!" Claude smirked as he quickly crouched down and did Curve Shot at Constance.
The girl screamed as the arrow hit her and fell off her pegasus. It would have been worse if Dimitri wasn't close by and quickly caught her. However, there was one unknown factor within the battle. One of Solon's spies had managed to sneak themselves in and was given the order to strike down any of the Professor's students.
"Dimitri, look out!" Dominic yells and the prince barely had time to turn to see a sword aiming right at his face.
The spy smirked, believing victory was here all that ended when a fist collided with the right side of his face, breaking teeth and sent him flying to a stone wall.
"You alright kid?" Jeralt huffed as the prince was completely stunned with also a now wide-awake Constance in his arms.
"C-Captain Jeralt!" The prince yells and that guy got Arisa's attention.
"Dad!?" She yelled, completely shocked seeing him here and heard Yuri yell when he was suddenly pinned down by Alexandra, who had a smirk.
"Hapi, has been taken care of." She turned to see Chris walking her way, with Amir carrying like a sack of potatoes and the two monsters that were summoned, dead.
"Hehehe..Maybe I got a bit too carried away. Nah..." Yuri laughed dryly as he was forced up by the blue haired female.
Arisa let go of a sigh as the battle was over and made the sword disappear into her chest again. Hilda carried Ashe as Dimitri did the same Constance. Lestia had her arm over her shoulder to help Edelgard walk, since she was awake now.
"It's safe to say we've won this round; don't you think Yuri?" Claude chuckled as the violet haired male let out a groan.
"Yeah...yeah...let us regroup for now and heal. Arisa, you gave me a nasty bruising." He referred to his left shoulder.
"Aww, darling..." she smiles, "did you really think I would go easy on you after launching a surprise welcome attack? I think not!" She glared at him.
"Darling?" Dominic blinked multiple times.
"She's just flirting." Amir sighs as they saw Jeralt looking over to the man he punched.
"Is that one of you men?" He pointed and Yuri narrowed his eyes.
"No...but I know who that armor belongs to. Hey! You four, grab him!" Yuri orders his men to tie up the spy but unfortunately, they had other plans.
"Damn beast!" They snarled and warped away.
"Damn punk!" Yuri yelled furiously and turned to the four he ordered, "Find Giron! I'm worried that the bastard didn't knock him out." He says and they quickly left.
"Yuri..." Chris mutters and the boy nodded to him.
"I know..." he sighs and turns to the group, "Apologies to my friends, but it seems a rat has found their way in. For now, Balthus will take you all to the infirmary here. Also known as, Chris's black-market room." He grins.
"IT'S A CLINIC! NOT A FUCKEN MARKET!" Chris roared and Arisa snickered at this.
[-]
After the full conversation of everyone reintroducing as well as asking for help from them to stop whatever new creeps were trying to hurt the people of Abyss. Truthfully, the Ashen Wolves were on guard when Arisa introduced her father, a Captain of the Knight of Serios. Though Jeralt made it absolutely clear to the four that he had no intention of harming anyone and much less followed Rhea's orders in kicking people out of here. Basically, his way of saying he chose his family over the church. For now, the students along with one captain and four instructors, were exploring Abyss as well as getting patched up from that fight.
"AAAHHHHH! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!" Arisa's loud piercing squeal that echoed down the hallways earned a groan from Chris and Jeralt.
Even the four lords gawked at seeing such a different and childish side of their professor. Yuri could not believe what he heard and had burst out laughing.
"Does she... really get that excited over a library?" Edelgard said as she sat on a chair, getting healed by Chris and Constance.
"Oh, the wonders of the books are always welcomed. She only managed to have a look from the outside when she first arrived here but now, she has the honor of seeing it in person, we welcome her joy." Constance giggled as she stopped and turned to grab as cream to apply on her.
"Take Arisa to a library filled with forbidden knowledge as well as new things and you made her day." Chris chuckled.
"Linhardt is also there along with Dominic. I do not even want to imagine if Professor Hanneman was here." Edelgard sighs as he finishes wrapping a bandage on her right wrist.
"Pardon, but might you possibly be the Imperial Princess herself?" Constance asked as she turned back to her.
"I am. And you are Constance of House Nuvelle. I believe I heard Mercedes mention you before. I recall hearing of your disappearance. I never would have imagined you'd end up in a place like this..." Edelgard muttered.
"Ufu~ Your presence is equally curious. What business could you have here? Don't tell me it was idle curiosity." She says a bit nervously.
"As I believe you are well aware, we were chasing after a suspicious individual." Edelgard answered as she shook her head.
She thanked them and left out the clinic. Chris heard her suddenly pull away by Lestia, an excited tone in the Faerghus princess's voice as she dragged her sister around to explore the place.
"Ooohhh!" Constance suddenly buried her face in her hands, "To think I unleashed such a brutal spell on the Imperial princess no less! Aaahh! I have ruined my chances of gaining her favor!" She wept as Chris let go of a sigh and had her sit down on the chair.
"No, you didn't Coco. Yes, you have gone a little overboard on that Thorn spell but Edelgard holds no grudges. I swear." He sighs as he grabbed the chair to sit across from her.
"How can that be so?! I technically brought divine lighting down on her!" She argued and Chris pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're stubborn?" He says and she glared at him.
"Right, but anyhow, now that we're alone, I wanted to talk to you regarding House Nuvelle." Chris says as she raises an eyebrow at him.
Now here is the thing, only Hapi and Yuri know his identity. Balthus and Constance didn't and there were reasons why, but those reasons shall be spoken of later.
"What about my people?" Constance said lowly as Chris quickly used magic to close the door and locked it, casting a sound barrier.
Constance knows it is something serious when he does this.
"4 years ago...I traveled to the former land of House Nuvelle." He began, "The place is noticeable but wildlife, but the mansion remains, even if it only burns wood and cinders." He says.
"And you are reminding me that my home is now ashes for what reason?" She said coldly.
"Let me finish. Did you know...that there was a secret underground magic lab that was created by your ancestors there?" And her eyes shot wide open.
"What?! No! No, I did not! How do you know this?! Why were you there in the first place?!" Constance said loudly.
"Calm down." He sighs, "I know the Empire forbids people from entering former house Nuvelle territory but that did not stop me because I needed shelter there. To be more specific...
Chris von Hersvelg, Edelgard's older brother, needed a place to hide." He grumbled.
"Wait...the imperial fourth prince...is alive?" She whispered and he nodded.
"He is. He's in hiding because if the 7 lords found out he was alive; they would do everything in their power to find and assassinate him. Chris knows that House Nuvelle and House Ochos sided with the emperor during The Insurrection of the 7. He feels guilty for what was done to you, your family, and people. He wishes to reclaim the throne and make things right. To bring justice to those that were wronged by the 7 lords." He says and Constance stared at him intensely.
"Did he learn the secret of House Nuvelle then...?" She muttered.
"No. He hasn't. But he trusts me...he is a friend and ally, to help you and others. He's doing what he can to make things right. The only thing he is asking from you is your trust, your amazing talents and lastly, someone he can rely on." He smiled sadly at her.
Chris felt for partly lying about his identity, but he really did mean what he said. He knows right now he sounds like some stupid idiot who wants to be a "Hero of Justice" but he wants to make things right. To make those Lords pay and make things better. There was a good chance this plan could fail if things took a turn for worse but it was a gamble he was going to take. Constance was silent for a few seconds and spoke.
"I shall think about. As much I am grateful that the Prince is alive...does. The princess knows?" She asked.
"He has kept low contact with her for both of their safety. Constance, you do not have to decide right now. Take your time and think about it." He said and stood up to leave.
"Wait." She suddenly said and he turned to her.
"Like I said, I shall give it some thought. But also...I need you to confirm one thing." She says and he gave her a confused look, "Is House Zoltras involved? Are they allies?" She asked.
Now that he wasn't expecting at all.
"Yes. They are allies." He answered and she nodded.
"I shall keep this a secret, for now. In the meantime, do please stop your sister from ransacking the Abyss library. That squeal alone has me worried, even if she is my mentor." She smiled.
"Got-wait what?! Arisa took you as another apprentice?!" He whirled around and saw her smug smirk.
"Yes! I, Constance von Nuvelle, have become the apprentice of a Holy Magus!" She stood up with pride as she placed her hand on her chest, speaking as if holy light shined on her.
"Constance...Umm...Okay how do I say this? You know who Florencio and Emily are right?" Chris began.
"Of course, I do. They are the two most famous of the 6 holy Magus! There is Florencio and Emily. Doctor Robert and Edward. Lastly, Cornelia who has a horrifying reputation. Lastly, Kiana Kalsana, who I learned is also the Professor. Anything else I miss?" She smiled proudly.
"Yes. Florencio and Emily are both Arisa's mentors. Meaning her master's." He says and the female froze as she slowly turned to him, "Okay, let me explain it like this. Florencio has three apprentices. Xina, Bernadetta and Arisa. Emily has three apprentices also. Lysithea, Sadi and the third one is also Arisa. Meaning, BOTH top Holy Magus have mentor the same girl. Now, add that with Florencio being Arisa's uncle. Emily is Arisa's friend. Do you understand?" He says slowly to her.
"I do...I HAVE CHANCE TO BE IN THE CIRCLE OF THE MOST LEGENDARY MAGES OF FODLAN! OOOOHOHOHO! I, CONSTANCE VON NUVELLE SH-" And out the door he walked, closing it.
He felt bad for Arisa. He wondered how she was going to handle Constance's noble personality. He chuckled at the thought. Down the hallways he walked down the stairs to the residence area of Abyss. He spotted Yuri, Lestia, Claude and Alexandra talking together near the fountain. The blue haired female was happy to learn she is not the only one with the Crest of Aubin. It was obvious she was happy while Cirina seemed to look at Yuri with some sort of affection. It was possible that he reminded her of someone she once knew. Yuri flirted a bit with Alexandra, who blushed easily at his teasing, her feathers giving away her emotions. Claude, despite the smile he had, to Lestia, it was obvious he didn't appreciate Yuri flirting with Alex. But Chris made a mental note to keep an eye on those three. Two schemers and a trickster? Well, that just spelled everyone's doom. He continued to walk and saw Hilda and Balthus speaking near a few crates, Hapi and Amir were near the far side of the bridge. The two looked excited about talking about the ability to speak to the shadows and Amir more than happy to teach Hapi about them. In a way, he guessed that the two were distant relatives...in a way. He spotted Dimitri speaking with Dominic about the place, and he did not miss the look of disapproval the boy had towards the prince when he discussed how this place was a bit comforting.
"Sigh...he'll learn eventually...the hard way unfortunately." Chris muttered as he continued ahead to the bar where he found Jeralt drinking and speaking to a few of the men and women here.
"Hey pops!" Chris yells out a bit as he walks towards Jeralt.
"Hey Kid!" Jeralt chuckled as the boy sat down next to him, "I have been talking to the folks here. So, this where you snuck off to two years ago. I can't believe a place like this exists... sigh...not the best conditions but it's better than just being left alone." He muttered as he took a sip of his drink.
"Like vodka? The winery here used to be crap, but I helped the people here get the funds they needed to fix them." Chris smiled sadly as the bartender gave him his usual drink, wine.
"How's your sister? That squeal gave me chills." Jeralt chuckled.
"Oh, knowing her, she's having a field day in that library. You know how crazy she gets with sweets and books." He grins and Jeralt laughed.
"That's true! Sigh...she inherited that from her mother." Jeralt smiled sadly.
Chris was silent as he looked over to them and right when he was going to speak, a squeal was heard both turn their chairs towards the door to see Arisa nearly running towards them.
"Whoa, whoa! Calm down!" Jeralt laughed as many in the bar were giving his daughter weird looks.
"I can't! There are so many books with so many unknown things! And, and!" She opened a book and shoved it to Chris's face, "There's information on Crest I was looking for! There's so much! Aaahhhhh!" She stomped her feet excitedly like some fan girl, "How could you hide all this from me Christian?! The library is paradise!" She squealed.
"Whoa there!" Chris moved the book a bit to see Yuri heading their way, a bit of a smirk on his face, "Christian, you told me she would be excited, but I didn't think this much. Got to admit, it's cute." He chuckled.
Jeralt raised an eyebrow at the boy.
"You think my daughter is cute? Bold of you to say that in front of me." Jeralt crossed his arms as a scowl was on his face.
"Oh shit..." Chris thought as Yuri chuckled a bit nervously, a bead of sweat running down his face.
"Dad, calm down. You sound- you know what, never mind." Arisa chuckled as she turned to Yuri, "Other than me going crazy about the library, I noticed the conditions here as well as how the people are. If it be alright, do you mind if I do medical checkups on them? I did see some sick people and I am worried about a few children I saw. As well as the elderly. How is the water condition here?" She muttered and Yuri chuckled.
"One at a time Arisa." Yuri smiled, "First off, before your father tries to kill me," Jeralt's presence was becoming intimidating, "I'll explain to you two what Abyss is. I already explained it to the other 6 as well. Christian here already knows of it." He says and the four went to a table and sat down.
"Tell me kid, how did so many people end up here? I can tell folks here have it difficult. I know the church does a lot of shady things; I speak from personal experience. It's one of...the main reasons I left 20 years ago." He muttered and Arisa looked at her father worried.
"Like you said, the church has done many things. There are many within the church who would love to see this "filthy" underground city purged. When you first showed up, we thought you were here to do just that. Apologies for the confusion." Yuri lightly dipped his head.
"Hmph. It's alright kid. I don't blame you. If I was in the same position as you and your flock, I would have done the same thing to protect this place." Jeralt sighs as he looks over to his daughter.
Yuri was silent as he watched the exchange. He could tell just by this, the Captain of the Knight of Serios would do anything to protect his family. It was a bit comforting.
"What is the purpose of Abyss?" Arisa asked.
"We don't have a clue unfortunately." Yuri shook his head, "The tunnels and catacombs have been here for centuries. It is possible they are much older than the Monastery. Abyss is home to those who shun the light of day. The secret shadow of Garreg Mach." He explained.
"The church quietly tolerates them." Chris says.
"The deal is simple. Abyssians never get involved with the surface, and the surface nerve gets involved with us." Chris chuckled a bit.
"You say that but look at you~ Trying to woo m-oowwww!" And Yuri kicked him hard on his knee underneath the table.
Chris groaned loudly as Arisa stifled her laughter with one hand, and Jeralt shook his head.
"Anyhow, as of lately, people from the surface have been targeting Abyssians. Many find sanctuary here. The elderly, the infirm, orphans, lost souls, merchants that were chewed out and spit out by the nobility. They all have faced oppression, and many more. The people are here to avoid conflict, and many cannot defend themselves. All of us Ashen Wolves have a reason for not going to the surface and why we are here." Yuri sighs, "I don't want my people to get wrapped up in something ugly. As the fourth house of Garreg Mach as well as the only few that can fight, it's our duty to protect the people here. That's why ask for your help." Yuri says.
"No offense kid, I get you want to protect your people but why trust us? I understand you would understand my kids but the others as well as me? Why trust us so readily?" Jeralt says as he crossed his arms, studying the boy.
"Trust is a choice. We're choosing to trust you. For now. It's clear you all are not here by the command of the church. And the others aren't just a bunch of noble twerps, either. They can all hold themselves on their own. It's how they fight, how they carry themselves." He smiles a bit.
"Still," Yuri rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm reluctant to get you all involved with this madness. It's our problem, not yours." He sighs.
Arisa was silent as she placed her book down and smiled softly to him.
"I chose to help you. I can tell you really care about this place, Yuri. Despite it being not the best conditions, this place... reminds me of home." She smed sadly as she placed her hand over her dragon stone, "Home is a place filled with warmth. A place where you are surrounded by those you love and those who care about you. This place is that." She grinned at him.
"Ha. You really are something." Yuri smiled, "I remember hearing about you from Christian here. Never thought I see the day I see you down here. Just so we're clear, the Ashen Wolf House isn't affiliated with the Officers Academy." He said.
"Seriously? What the hell is Lady Rhea thinking send you kids down here?" Jeralt pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Dad, the ha-I mean woman gets here. I'm pretty sure she knows all about this place and its secrets. I can hear Claude singing in joy trying to discover them all." Chris chuckled.
"You were about to call her a hag, weren't you?" Jeralt raised an eyebrow at him.
Yuri and Arisa were both snickering while Sothis was giving Chris a death glare that spelled his doom.
"Cough! Sorry, not! Cough! Cough!" Chris coughed, feeling no guilt at all.
"We're a unique bunch from all walks of life." Yuri recovered, "Once you get to know us, I'm sure you'll love it here."
[-]
"Jesus Christ...I knew the Monastery library censored a lot of things but damn. This is a whole new level of madness." Dominic says as he was sitting down with his legs crossed, floating in the air like if he was on a chair.
"Remind me again who this Jesus Christ is?" Linhardt said from his side as he was reading a scroll.
"I don't know. I picked up from Ari and Chris. They say it often when cussing." Dominic said as he turned a page.
"By the way, I find it interesting how your name is the same as the Crest of Dominic. Is there a story behind it?" Linhardt asked.
"My mom named me after one of the 10 Elites, Dominic. She was a fan of books of knighthood and all that." He says as he turned around the page and looked up to one the shelves, he grimaced.
There was a Victorian style porcelain doll sitting on the shelf with pink colored glass eyes. Something of it creeped him out, like it was staring at his soul. He floated to it and picked it up, staring and observing it.
"For a doll, you'll pretty kept well maintained." He muttered and put books around it to block its view.
"Oh, this is interesting." Linhardt says and Dominic floated over to him, looking over his shoulder, "There's a story about Saint Melody. There are rarely stories of her. Let's see..." he starts to read, "Saint Melody was worshipped as the Saint of Marriage and Fertility. She was kind and gentle, also known to give her blessings to couples who were going to become parents. She would give her blessings during marriage. Her Crest was The Crest of Chevelier and was known for playing the harp. Her voice was said to bring life to the land, and she loved swimming in the ocean. She was the wife of Saint Macuil. Huh...there's even a picture of her. She looks like the statues in the Cathedral." He says and Dominic blinked.
"What the...?" Dominic's feet landed on the wooden floor softly and Linhardt handed him the book, "She...Reminds me of Kaimu, if he was a girl." He muttered.
"Pardon?" Linhardt yawns and Dominic took out a picture of him and a little boy with mint green spiky hair that's shoulder length, and hazel eyes that faded to mint green, the boy was sitting on his shoulders.
"He...looks like Flayn, Seteth and Lady Rhea...and the eyes...I only saw Emily, Alexandra and The Professor have eyes like those...eyes that fade to a different color... How.. strange? Say," Dominic looked over to him, "is he adopted by any chance?" He asked.
"Yeah. Why? Even so, he's still family regardless if he's adopted." Dominic grunted.
"Does he have Crest?" He asked and Dominic looked back and forth to make sure only them were around and whispered.
"Yeah...umm...where's that book of Crest?" Dominic says and Linhardt picked up a different book and handed it to him.
The boy quickly turned to the chapter of Saint Macuil.
"Here it is! The Crest of Macuil! No wonder the little squirt likes to use wind magic to fly." Dominic grins.
"That's impossible." Linhardt narrowed his eyes, "Saint Macuil and Saint Melody never had children." He frowns.
"What? I mean come on Lin. You never know. Maybe they did have but the books didn't record it?" Dominic grins and Linhardt rolled his eyes.
"Sigh...you do have a point. Anyhow, I'm going back to reading. There so many books here that Seteth would never approve of and I'm itching to read them all." Linhardt smiled as he picked another book from the shelves and opened it, a frown suddenly on his face.
"Hey Lin? What's wrong?" Dominic says as he notices the frown.
"This book...it says it used to belong to Chris von Hersvelg..." Linhardt muttered as he showed Dominic.
"It's a book about anti-magic...I thought those books were illegal since the church killed that clan years ago. Genocide..." Dominic muttered bitterly.
Right when Linhardt was about to answer, the book was suddenly plucked from his hands, and the two males quickly turned around, seeing it was Christian.
"I was looking for this one...glad you guys found it." Christian sighs as he stared at the book for a bit.
"That's not yours." Lin said a bit defensively.
"Lin, I know it's not mine. I'm saying it's been awhile since I have seen a book about the magic my ancestors used." And instantly Linhardt was face to face.
"You're a descendant of the Clan of Anti-magic?! Said to be the direct descendants of Saint Lejare and use the forms of power that define the laws of faith and reason?! Do you have a crest?! What type of magic do you use?! W-"
WHACK!
"Hold your horses Linhardt!" Chris whacked the kid on the head and let go of a sigh, "First off, I don't have to tell you anything about my bloodline. Two, I only have a certain amount."
"But," Linhardt recovered quickly after rubbing his head a bit, "you said you're a descendant of Saint Lejare." He says.
"I said bloodline not descendant. Ughhh...ugh. Forget it. And remember, I have the Crest of Flames like my sister. We both wield the Sword of the Creator." He points to the sheathed sword on his waist.
"Now that I think about it," Dominic pipes up, "The books never once mentioned that there are two Swords of the Creator and it never once mentioned the sword is able to split into two. It's weird one has a Crest stone, still the shape as the one in the books. But the other, no Crest stone and took the shape of a rapier. It's weird...actually...Christian...you and Olivia never talk about your guys' past. You always avoid the subject." He narrowed his eyes.
"Okay, both of you," he points at the two, "y'all need to not poke your nose in my business nor my wife." He glared.
"Well they do have a good point." Chris turned to see Claude smiling as he walked his way along with Lestia, "You rarely speak of you past. Now you suddenly are important. Rhea is putting some sort of faith on Teach but the minute she found out that you also have the Crest of Flames, her eyes have now shifted to both of you." Claude says with a blank face.
"We aren't idiots. Rhea wants something from Arisa and that exception has doubled with you now included. So, Christian, what cha hiding?" Lestia smiled at him and Chris was getting cornered by the four.
"Hey Christian! Have you-why are you guys cornering my brother?" Arisa walked in with Edelgard and Dimitri following behind her, a confused look on her face.
"Hey Teach, perfect timing!" Lestia quickly spun to her with a smile, "What bloodline do you come from?" She asked.
"...Lestia, that is very inappropriate to ask me..." Arisa spoke darkly which made the princess just smile more.
"Come on Ari, it's obvious you come from The King of Liberations bloodline." She grins.
"Don't you dare compare me to that monster!" Arisa snapped angrily.
"Whoa!" Everyone was suddenly taken back by her angry response.
She never has responded angrily before and much less snap at someone. Arisa gasped as she realized how she responded and gritted her teeth.
"Lestia...All of you...never once...compare me to Nemesis... ever again. Never..." and she stormed out, Edelgard quickly went after her.
"Lestia, that was inappropriate." Dimitri frowned as he turned back to the group and Christian snorted.
"You guys all want answers and jump to conclusions, but you all ever thought how your actions and words can hurt someone?" Chris spoke coldly and headed to the door, but not before he spoke his final sentence to them.
"And if any of you are investigating us behind our backs... then Arisa, Alex, Amir, Dad and I made a big mistake trusting any of you." He looked directly at Claude and Lestia, leaving the place with cold air.
The five were silent as many felt guilt and it was true. Claude felt he crossed a line. Unaware of them, the doll that Dominic covered up, its eyes blinked.
- Unknown Location -
"Hmmm..."
Dressed in purple gothic Victorian style mermaid dress, in a room filled with many dolls, yet no sunlight shined, the Agarthan Mage sat on her chair as she looked at the crystal ball that was in the center of a 3 feet wide table made of bones. Her eyes never opened as she took a sip from her teacup, filled with crimson liquid. The scent of spider lilies and iron filled the air as she watched the conversation going on between the students in the Abyss library. Though no emotions were on her face, she didn't like how the boy of hazel eyes covered her doll.
"So...Florencio has a son... how strange..." Pittacus muttered as she placed down her cup and picked up an eyeball from the small plate, she had next to her cup.
She plopped it in her mouth and ate it like a grape, but nonetheless, hearing that there are two Swords of the Creator as well as two who bare the Crest of Flames, it was interesting. She raised her finger and the image switched to the area far near the bridge, only the Flame Emperor and her goddess were there.
"Professor!" Edelgard called out to the goddess, who stopped, "I apologize on Lestia's behalf! I'm sorry they asked you such a sensitive question. She meant no offense." The princess panted as she caught her breath.
The goddess was silent and turned to look at the princess with a dry look.
"I feel I have overreacted...I'm usually not so sensitive to things like that..." the goddess sighs as Edelgard looks at her worried.
"My teacher, are you alright? You.. seem like you have not been yourself as of lately. Ever since you took a hold of the sword...you...seem different." Edelgard says as the two sat down on a wooden bench.
"I don't know...I feel...I dont know... Just what have you noticed that I've changed?" The goddess mumbled.
"Well...how do I explain it?" Edelgard thought for a moment, "You seem to be expressing your emotions better and more open. I have always felt you would hold back as if you are afraid we would run away." She chuckled, "But, I admit, I like this side of you. Back when you used to teach Hubert and I in Faerghus, you seemed to have held back. Seeing you more expressive, it makes me feel happy." She smiled a bit.
Arisa couldn't help but smile softly at her words and was silent for a moment. A comfortable silence it was.
"It's cute seeing you be honest." Arisa smiled and Edelgard turned pink, "You're a good person you know that?" She turned her head to her, "You've been through many hardships. Some that are traumatizing. Others that have taken away a part of you, yet you chose to still stand up. A part of us will always be held back but now, in this present time, is to move forward." She smiled sadly as she looked up to the ceiling.
"Arisa, you always have a distant look in your eyes. Is...there someone or someplace you miss?" Edelgard asked and Arisa shook her head.
"Let me tell you a story..." Arisa smiled as she continued, "I'm assuming you heard the first part of the story of the maiden and the four seasons?" She asked.
"Yes. Christian told it to me a few months ago. He said either you, Amir, or Alexandra would tell us the other parts." Edelgard answered as Arisa nodded.
"I will now tell you the second part." Arisa smiled softly.
They heard footsteps approaching and saw it was Dimitri, who was a bit worried.
"I am sorry if I interrupted...and Professor, I want to apologize on Lestia's behalf. She crossed a line and I'm sorry if you were offended. Please do forgive her." Dimitri bowed politely to her.
"Raise your head Dimitri." Arisa motioned her hand a bit, "It alright. I'll speak with her later, for now, come sit here." She smiled.
"Ummm...alright then." He sat down on her right while Edelgard was on her left.
"Now, back to the story. The maiden died in her sleep, holding the book she loved. However, what happened next, was something no one ever expects. When the maiden passed away, she never imagined waking up in the body of the chosen one, in their childhood days." She smiled and the two siblings blinked.
"Reincarnation?" Edelgard asked and Arisa nodded.
"Yes. The maiden was reborn as the chosen one when they were still a child. The maiden was beyond terrified when she awoke to find she was in the body of the chosen one, 17 years much earlier before the chosen one met the three kings and the saint. The maiden wept and cried, feeling guilty to have taken over the body of the main character of the story. She wept because she could not say goodbye to her loved ones. She wept because she died alone. The maiden was startled even more when the one who gave the chosen one their powers, was awoken with them. The goddess was not supposed to meet the chosen one till they were 21 years old, but things began to change. The maiden met the chosen one's family and inherited the memories of them. The maiden felt guilt more and more as the days went by, she was still in denial that she was alive. That she should not even be alive." Arisa explained.
"Hmm...interesting. I sympathize with the maiden. She felt guilty because she was reincarnated as someone she admired. Is there a reason why she was reborn as the chosen one?" Dimitri asked.
"There is..." Arisa smiled sadly, "The chosen one had jumped in front of their father to protect them. The weapon went right through the chosen one's heart and killed them instantly." She said and the two looked at her in shock, "That is how the goddess met the chosen one. She had always been with them since their day of birth. She was forcefully awakened and used her power to turn back time to save the chosen one, but it was too late. The soul of the chosen one passed on. But.." she placed her hand over her heart, "The chosen one did not want their father to be alone. They pleaded to the darkness that someone be with their father and family, to watch over them. That is when the chosen one found the soul of the maiden, who's final wish was that she had a little more time. The chosen one chose the maiden and gave their body to them." Arisa muttered.
"The chosen one...and the maiden...I'm sorry..." Dimitri was trying not to let tears fall.
"You can cry, you know that?" Arisa chuckled and looked over to Edelgard, who was taking deep breaths.
"Shall I continue?" Arisa smiled and both nodded.
"Alright. The maiden and the chosen one met one final time in a dream, the maiden swore to them that she would protect their family." She chuckled, "Months paths since the maiden was now the chosen one and was adapting to her new reality. She was still in denial that life she was living was her new reality. In the world of the Four Seasons, magic, dragons, gods, wyverns and much more existed. Killing others was something in the world of the chosen one. In her former world, the maiden lived in a time far more advanced. Technology unlike anything you have ever seen. The need to be on constant survival was not necessary. 7 different nations of different cultures, political systems, beliefs, hundreds of different languages, and different races of people, all lived in harmony. Yes, the world of the maiden was not perfect. There was war, bigotry, and such. But it was always amazing how people all different races and cultures would come together to defend many who were wronged. The people would elect who would govern the land. There was no need to be in constant survival. Magic and such did not exist in her old world." And suddenly Edelgard and Dimitri wanted to hear much more about that.
"I know that look." Arisa sighs, "I'm not talking about politics in this! Keep that talk somewhere else! Shoo! Shoo!" She swats her hand in the air and the two royals couldn't help but chuckle.
"Still, hearing that it's the people who choose who their leaders are, that is very interesting. Hmmm...I like it." Edelgard comments.
"Back to the story." Arisa chuckled, "The maiden was homesick, but she chose to continue it would take her approximately 12 years to be able to move on. Now..." she intertwined her hands together, "the maiden wanted to create change. She wanted to save the warriors, the saint and 3 kings from their tragic fates. She wants them all to live. She wants them all to be able to live happily. And the first change in the flow of time with the help of the goddess, was when she met the blue king. The king when she first met was still a young prince. Kind and innocent. She was surprised to learn he had siblings since the book never mentioned them. She became friends with the prince as well as his warriors and family. However, during that time she was still afraid. She was afraid that the prince and his warriors would be hurt. So...she erased their memories of her... so that they would forget her." She smiled sadly, remembering her stupidity during the time she had first arrived in this world.
How she was so paranoid with fear that she would end up getting a target on their backs. That it was possible she would become their enemy. How...how much she cared for them.
"Why would the maiden erase their memory herself? I know this may sound cruel, but I must admit that was a foolish move of hers. I can tell she did not want that. Yet she did it despite how much it hurt her. How foolish." Edelgard said and Arisa winced.
Hearing someone tell her that her mentally back the was stupid reeeaalllyyy hurt.
"Edelgard! Could you possibly not see beyond that?! The maiden must have been afraid for their safety and believe she would bring them harm! She cares about them and that is why she chose to sacrifice her happiness despite how much it hurt her!" Dimitri defended her unknowingly.
"Okay, that enough, both of you." Arisa sighs, "Yes, the maiden admits she was stupid. She had reason and both are valid because you both just said them." She grunts.
"Professor, I don't know why but you look like we insulted you." Edelgard raised an eyebrow at her.
"No no. I'm fine. Back to the story, the goddess knew the pain the maiden went through and confronted her. She told her that even if it brought her pain, that she was a wrong girl. The goddess knows the girl will regret her decision of erasing their memories. However, the maiden did promise the future king that they would meet again one day in the future. Years went by and the maiden made many allies and enemies in the world of the four seasons. She met characters she never thought she would meet so many familiar people. She met the warriors of the 3 kings before they served them. The maiden was finally starting to move on. The goddess that was with her learned more about humans and grew to understand them. Why they did the things they did. Their emotions and many more. She grew to love humans despite how imperfect they were. And that is end of part two." Arisa finished.
"That's it? I was hoping to hear more. But like always, you love leaving things on cliffhangers." Edelgard chuckled, "Ah, we should start heading back. Also, Dimitri," the prince turned to her, "I remember you said you wanted to discuss something with the Professor." She smiled as she stood up and quickly left.
Now it was just the two and well it was an awkward silence.
"This is awkward..." Arisa thought and Dimitri spoke.
"Arisa..." he turned to her, a bit nervously, "I...didn't have the chance to say this before but I want to apologize for my actions. About...me judging the people you are being with. I am sorry. I will try to control my emotions better." He says and she smiled sadly.
"Dimitri, ufu~" she chuckled a bit, "I understand. You were concerned for me but also jealous." She chuckled.
"Am I really that obvious...?" He slumps and she laughed a bit more.
"Yes." She giggled and took a step forward, patting his head, "You asked me in our reunion that if I would return to Faerghus with you..." she smiled sadly and he looked at her worried, "I shall think about it. For now," she spun around and began to walk a bit away, "Why don't we return to the others? Poor Christian is probably getting man handled by my father and Yuri." She laughed a bit.
"Arisa," she turned back to him, "The story of the maiden..." he took a deep breath, "I can't help but think...the maiden reminds me of you. If I may ask, where did you hear the story?" He says.
"Hmm..." she smiles mysteriously as she walked up to him and placed her index finger on his lip, "That's a secret that only the Goddess and the maiden know. Now come! Don't want to be late!" She giggled and ran ahead.
Dimitri was silent and with wide eyes it could help but chuckle softly and ran after her.
Pittacus' hair had risen from the ground like snakes and were hissing furiously as the woman had no emotions on her face and eyes still closed. Anger she felt inside that the mere humans dare touch her goddess. She swiped left till the image of a man wearing a hood appeared and she spoke.
"Have you found what you desired?" She asked with no emotions.
"Not yet Lady Pittacus. I swear I will keep my end of the deal. Just give me more time." The man pleads as she takes a sip from her cup, the blood lightly staining her lips.
"I have given you enough time. I even provided soldiers for you. I have kept my end of the deal." Pittacus made one of her hair snakes bring her a transparent sphere, inside was a light green wisp that moved around frantically, "It took some time, but I hunted down the fragments of the soul you desire. This one only has a till tomorrow left unfortunately till they pass on. You have till tomorrow midnight to get me my doll. And, you will be killing two birds with one stone because my doll has the blood of the goddess running through her veins. And that blood will be the key to your success." Her lips twitched.
"But they wield the Sword of the Creator! It will not be easy." The man says.
"My, you are a fool. The answer is obvious. Gain their trust and when the time is right, you will know what to do. I have spoken to you long enough. Ah, I almost forgot." She placed her up down and lightly patted her lips clean with a napkin, "For watch out for the one that wields anti-magic as well as the one named Anna. That is all. You are dismissed." She says.
"Very well. I will not fail Lady Pittacus. That I swear." The man bowed and the image on the crystal ball changed once more.
Pittacus let go of a small sigh before she brought up her cup again and took a sip.
"Hmmm...Cethleann's blood will do for now till I have my doll. Hmm... I shall tell Solon to collect some more for me when he makes his move next month. Say...59." She turned her head to look over to the boy, who flinched.
59 stood still at the end of the room, near a human size puppet that looked like the girl Monica that Kornya took the form of.
"How much information has Solon gathered regarding my doll and her children? As well as information on Remire Village?" She asked as she picked up a piece of bloody human flesh and ate it like some cookie.
"Umm...we got...a huge miscalculation Lady Pittacus. There are...two Swords of the Creator. Something no one ever expected." 59 reports and Pittacus placed her cup down.
"Yes, I know that. Solon went into a fit and even Lord Thales could not believe what he was hearing." Pittacus still spoke with no emotions as she plucked another eyeball from her plate and ate it, " What I am saying is there any information on finding Remire village?" She says and her snakes hissed.
59 gulped but spoke.
"A-Affirmative. Remire village has been found but Florencio is putting up a fight that even Lord Solon is struggling with. He wishes for you to take over the experiment because you raised Florencio." He answered.
"Ah...Yes. I did raise the boy when I first found him. Beautiful little one. I thought I made him the perfect obedient doll. Periander raised Sandana. Sigh...my sweet dolls. How dare they betray me?" Her snakes began hissing furiously and 59 trembled.
"Ah. But that won't do. Just killing them won't do. I must do it slower. 59, I have a mission for you different from the one Solon gave you." She took a sip of the blood, "Do make sure to assist Solon when the attack on Remire comes. Kill every single villager. Leave nonalive. And if you find Florencio's son, bring the boy to me. He will be very useful." She says as she places down her cup.
59 nodded and quickly left out the door, trembling as he walked down the hallways. They were littered with skulls and bones, cells filled with demonic beasts, some even humans that have gone mad. He gulped as he continued to walk to the end, and finally out of that place. Hate was something he should not feel. Emotions were difficult to understand yet hate felt. Not towards humans but towards what he sees. The way many screams in agony at the hands of his masters. The way people suffer because of their experiments and...
"Your name is a number?"
The words of the Professor suddenly rang in his mind. A number is used to count something as well as brand it.
"Warm..." he thought as he remembered the look of worry when he said his name was a number.
"Maybe..." he continued to walk till he reached his room, his sister sat on his bed, happily eating an apple.
"Oh! Brother!" 60 jumped off cheerfully and ran up to him as he closed the door, "You looked spooked. What's wrong?" She asked.
"60...have you ever felt...disgust?" 59 asked.
"Of course, I have! Believe me, I don't like what our masters do either but we are to obey. Anyhow, what had brought this up?" She asked.
"I want a different name." He suddenly says.
"Eh?" She looked at him confused, "But we are not human. We don't need-" he suddenly held her shoulders carefully.
"Don't you want to feel...different? Alive? To have value like humans do?" 59 says slowly.
"59, have you gone mad? But yes, you have a point. Fine. But shall our names be? I'm horrible at thinking." She says.
"I know the perfect person to give us a name." 59 smiled.
"Okay...and who is this?" She asked.
"I'll take you to her."
- Back to Abyss-
"Listen, I'm sorry. I crossed a line." Lestia looked down to the ground as she stood in front of Arisa and Chris stood behind his sister.
"Apology accepted but do not ever question our bloodline again. I mean it." Arisa sighs as Chris nodded.
"I get you and the others are curious but there are topics that you need to learn no to cross the line. We also apologize for snapping at you guys. For now, let's go see if Yuri needs help with anything." Chris says and they nodded.
"HEY CAPTAIN!" A brigade suddenly ran their way, "We got trouble!"
"What's wrong?" Chris says as the two females looked at him worried.
"The boss and the others discovered that mercenaries have found their way in! Backup is needed. He already spoke with Aderstian Princess, and Faerghus Prince, as well that kid with freckles and Sir Jeralt." They finished.
"So, it's that time..." Chris muttered and turned to Lestia, "Get Claude and the others! Get your weapons ready! Jino, go get Anima and the others ready! Sis, you're with me!" He ordered they quickly followed his orders.
"Chris, what's going on?" Arisa whispered to him as they quickly ran to his clinic to get supplies.
"Arisa, remember the DLC that you didn't get to play?" He says and she blinked.
"Yes? Even the data mine cha-! This the DLC...isn't it?" Panic began to rise into her chest as he nodded.
"I'm not telling you anymore. First, I know you hate spoilers. But I'm going to give you a warning," he smiled sadly as he kissed her forehead, "Do not let anger and resentment fill your heart once the mysteries here unveil. That is all."
[-]
A doll far hidden in the grand stadium watched the ongoing battle between the mercenaries, students, and captains. The only ones missing were Arisa, Claude, Chris, Lestia, Alexandra and Amir. Yuri trusted Chris but also Arisa. Still...he turned to see Jeralt beat down the mercenaries that had the nerves to attack the people of Abyss. His lance pierced through 3 archers and he spun it, quickly taking out of their bodies before he grabbed another lance and threw it like some javelin, going right through the stomach of an armored knight.
"B-Brutal..." all the students thought as Jeralt smirked at the bullseye he got.
"Well...now we know where the Professors get their fighting style from..." Balthus chuckled nervously as he punched a swordsman's skull, the bones cracking.
"I don't know why...but I feel..." Dimitri and Yuri both thought as Jeralt kept looking for everyone, "Like were being evaluated!" That sentence rang through everyone's minds as they each struck down their opponents.
"Breaker, heads up!" Hapi yells as she uses Heal on him.
"Breaker?" Jeralt raised an eyebrow at her as she made her horse turn and used Dark Spikes on a Dark Knight.
"Yeah. I think the nickname suits you. You and Evergreen make quite a team. Father like Daughter." She chuckled as she grabbed the axe she had on her waist and struck down an Assassin.
"Heh. Not a bad kid. If you were a mercenary, I think you fit right in my company and get along with the other folks." Jeralt laughed a bit and sent flying an Archer with his kick.
"Did Hapi just win his favor?" Hilda gawked as she lopped off the head of brigand.
"On the west!" Yuri yells and more mercenaries come into the arena.
"They just keep comi-" Balthus did not not get to finish that sentence because the mercenaries were suddenly frozen solid and shattered to pieces.
"Hmm, hmm! Sorry to be late!" Alexandra grinned as she walked down the stairs with her scythe, the symbol of Aubin disappeared from its activation.
"Sorry we're late! Had to get Zarha!" Claude grins as the Albino Wyvern roared proudly as Falco next her.
"Shred them Falco!" Alexandra pointed to the east as she jumped in the air and landed on Flaco's back.
The two wyvern riders flew towards the east, cutting down enemies.
"On your right!" Dimitri turned to see his sister using a silver axe to fight, the two siblings fighting back to back.
"It's been awhile since we fought together like this." Dimitri chuckled as the two spun and quickly tossed and switched with each other's weapons, striking down two enemy lancers.
"True true. Kind of miss it." Lestia chuckled as Dimitri raised her face and she spun his lance, each cut down another enemy.
"Take that punk!" Amir fought next to Balthus and Hapi with her relic, the black lighting electrocuted many to cinders.
"Whoa. Brutal. But not bad! Nice going Silver!" Hapi grins as she throws her axe like boomerang.
"Thanks!" Amir grins as another paladin gets turned to crisp.
Jeralt turned and didn't know an Assassin had come up behind him till he heard the sibling noise of a screaming and turned.
"Sorry to be late dad." Arisa nodded to him and the two were back to back, fighting together.
The four Lords were amazed now that they were witnessing the Blade Breaker and the Ashen Demon side by side, cutting down enemies with no mercy whatsoever.
"Careful El!" Chris suddenly appeared behind Edelgard and managed to stop a lance heading her way.
Then...
"I thought I smelled fresh blood! The worms will feast tonight!"
"Oh, for fucks sake!" Arisa yelled as everyone instantly recognized that voice.
"Oh, come on! The Death Knight!" Dominic yells as he and Linhardt use Physics to heal Ashe and Hilda.
The Death Knight instantly spotted Arisa and Chris, he cackled as he pulled out his new scythe, and pointed at their direction.
"That sword awaited you both in the Holy Mausoleum. Show me it's power!" And he began charging at them, cutting down the memories like insects.
"NOT ON MY WATCH YOU'RE GETTING NEAR MY KIDS!" Jeralt roared as he grabbed the silver lance of a dead paladin and threw that thing straight at the Death Knight, his Crest activating.
That thing looked like a damn bullet aiming at him.
"Hmm...so Sir Jeralt has a crest..." Edelgard thought as the Death Knight struggled to to stop the lance from nearly going through his chest.
"Hya!" Constance sent a Cutting Gale at him from her pegasus as she got closer and spoke.
"Your composure with that weapon...Your posture...It cannot be. No, it is surely just my imagination." She muttered and screeched when Opal barely dodged a Thorn spell from him.
"I'M TALKING TO HER(Mercedes) ONCE THIS IS ALL OVER!" She roared at him, as her Crest activated Dark Spikes surrounded him.
"Aaaagghh!" Her yells and glared at them all.
"I've indulged too much." He growled and pointed at Arisa, "I shall take my leave. For now. This isn't over...Arisa." he snarled and warped away.
"O-Oh...he used my name..." Arisa stuttered and now was the worst time for her to be blushing a bit.
"Really?!" Amir, Alexandra and Chris gawked at her.
"Honestly. What a nuisance." Edelgard huffed as the remaining bandits we struck down.
"Hey kid, how do you know that punk?" Jeralt said as he walked up to the group as they got together.
Yuri went to the center of the arena where his men went to report to him.
"Kicked his ass a few months ago before we came to the Monastery and kicked his ass last month. He holds a grudge." Arisa shrugs and Jeralt groans.
"Boss!" A rogue ran up to Yuri, "That's the last of'em!" They said.
"Good. Finally. Thanks for all the help, everyone." Yuri chuckled and suddenly an enemy assassin appeared.
"I ain't going down without a fight! I'm taking you with me, punk!" They yelled and lunged at him.
"Yuri!" Arisa yelled and the closet to them was Jeralt.
The knight sprinted to reach the boy but there was no need as a familiar voice suddenly spoke.
"I will not allow it."
Jeralt's eyes went wide when the assassins were suddenly trapped in a magic circle and stopped as a familiar person had appeared in front of the Assassin.
"Aelfric, you're here! Well, shall we capture this fool?" Yuri smiled as the man nodded.
The priest's eyes went wide when he heard footsteps approaching as he saw two people, he never thought he saw again.
"Jeralt...and..." Aelfric muttered as the man walked up to him and nodded.
"Aelfric, it has been a long time hasn't it?"
Chapter 48: Bloody Grail: Part 2: Exploring Cinders
[-]
A bit shorter this chapter but because I'm going to be diving into a bit own lore of a few characters as well as slowly bringing out one of my most psychotic and brutal enemies of this story. If you think Rhea was obsessed with Sothis, will Pittacus is X4. Had a little preview on 59 and 60, how things are going to start going.