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)

50. Chapter 49:Bloody Grail:Part 3:Reminisce

"Only those who trust, can find love and happiness. And only those who love, can be betrayed. The cruelest lies are often told in silence. We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love—first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage." Quote:Robert Louis Stevenson

- 23 years ago: Imperial Year 1156 -

"AAAAYYYYYYYYEEEEE! I DID IT!"

A loud piercing squeal filled the hallways near the green house, and unfortunately students were close by. Some covered their ears in pain while others like a certain nun that squealed in excitement in her magic lab. Unfortunately, once more, the windows are going to have to be repaired... again.

"Sitri! Are you alright?!" The man nearly crashed into the door frame as he gasped for air, standing up.

"Oh, Aelfric!" The woman turned to him as she held a green colored gem in her fingers.

Long shoulder length olive green colored hair, the same colored eyes, she wore round glasses as she turned fully to him, showing she wore an olive-green colored dress of a nun. The woman smiled as she stood in front of a table cluttered with herbs, gems, notes, and books.

"I'm alright. Forgive me if I scared you again." She spoke softly once more as she walked up to him excitedly, "But I just discovered a new magical breakthrough! See this emerald?" She showed him the stone, "It has the capability to conjure wind magic! Can you believe it?!" She grins as she placed a hand on her chest while the other was raised up, like if holy light was shining down on her, "I shall call this new type of magic, Jewel Magic! Ahhh! This along with the capability of Life Magic I discovered in plants! Aaah! It's a breakthrough!" Sitri squealed excitedly as sparkles surrounded her and were in her eyes also.

Aelfric could not help but chuckle as the woman had a proud smile on her face at her accomplishments. Sitri was wise and always had her nose buried in a book. She loved studying magic and always experimenting on things.

"Hello?" A knock on the door frame was heard and the two turned to see Florencio coming in with a basket of herbs.

He wore his usual purple gremory dress with his witch hat, a few flowers on it.

"Ah! Florencio!" Sitri smiled as he walked in, "I see you got the herbs I requested. How was the mission?" She asked.

"It went well. Other than Sandy getting sent flying into the ocean, everything went well." Florencio smiled.

"Florencio, did you make Arco go wild again?" Aelfric sighs as Sitri crossed her arms, glaring at the purple haired man.

"What?! It wasn't me this time. Ugh. She ran into her ex-lover and things went south." Florencio grumbled at the thought of Seteth.

"I hope she is alright. She was ranting to me about it a few weeks ago. Changing the subject, where's Jeralt?" Sitri asked as she looked over his shoulder.

"In the courtyard. He has a gift for you." Florencio chuckled at how her eyes lit up like the sun.

"Aaaahhh! I wonder what flower he brought me today?" She said excitedly and like a cute little chick, began walking swiftly to the courtyard.

Aelfric smiled as he and Florencio walked out of the room and went after her. Sitri's eyes sparkled in joy and happiness as Jeralt held a bouquet of beautiful white flowers.

"I...found these near Fodlan's Throat. I hope you like them." Jeralt smiled softly as he gently handed them to her.

"Hhaaaaa! White carnations!" Sitri smiled and Jeralt felt he was looking at the sun because her smile was blinding, "They are beautiful! Thank you Jeralt. Did you know, white carnations mean pure love and good luck?" She giggled.

"I did not know that." Jeralt blushed as she gave him a peck on his cheek.

"I love you too dear! Thank you!" Sitri smiled and Jeralt felt like the luckiest man in the world.

"She always smiled when she was around him. Her smile was like the sun that shone through the darkness."

- Present Time -

"Aelfric! How serendipitous that you have come to our aid!"

Constance's joyful voice made the man snap out of it as he looked at the group that had rounded up. He nodded and smiled, having recovered from his shock of seeing Jeralt again after 21 years and, the girl who looked like her mother.

"I am relieved I wasn't too late. I do hope my presence proved useful." Aelfric says.

"No doubt about it. We needed backup." Balthus chuckles.

"It's you! The man from the green house! It is a pleasure to see you again sir." Arisa smiled warmly to him as she bowed to him.

"The pleasure is all mine Professor. It is good to see you again. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aelfric. The church has granted custodianship of Abyss. Of course, I have heard all about you from Her Grace, the Archbishop. And..." he turned to Jeralt, "Jeralt! It has been quite some time. It is good to see you again after so long." He smiled at him.

"It's good to see you too Aelfric. Perhaps we should catch up after this. It's been awhile." Jeralt says.

"Indeed, it has." He turned to look at the group and then Christian.

"It is good to see you Christian. I'm assuming the other two women are your friends?" He asked, referring to Amir and Alexandra.

"I don't like this guy." Cirina and both Sothis appeared, side by side, arms crossed, with narrowed eyes.

"Something feels off about him. Not only that, I sense something amiss here. Like it is calling to me." Sothis says as she floated around the group.

"I am Alexandra. Nice to meet you." Alex spoke voidly as everyone was giving her confused looks.

"I am Amir. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Amir waved.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am sure you all have already been told of Abyss's unique situation. For varying reasons, all the inhabitants here are unable to live a peaceful life on the surface. People like the Dagdans and Almyrans, who suffer persecution across Fodlan. The poor and the sick, who were forced into Abyss. Not to mention all the other unfortunate souls who end up here. I believe it is my sacred duty to provide a place for those who have nowhere else to go." Aelfric explained as he smiled softly.

"Right...And the poor and sick living in a sunless crypt helps them...how?" Claude and Lestia both said in a skeptical tone.

"Alright, can it you two." Chris sighs, "Over the past few years, I've been working here in Abyss and helping improve the living conditions here. Fixed the plumbing system so the folks have clean water. Medical supplies to help the sick. The list goes on but it's the least I can do." He explains.

"Sigh, forgive the kids, Aelfric and Chris. We would love to hear more." Jeralt says as Arisa nodded.

"In all honesty, I understand their concern. I am truly grateful that Chris here has helped provide a better life for my flock. Sigh...but it would appear that Her Grace and most of the church consider the existence of Abyss to be...something of a nuisance." Aelfric frowns.

"Of course..." Jeralt groans as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "I remember both Florencio and Sandy arguing with Lady Rhea regarding that topic...They wanted to help the people here but seeing how that woman is...and those stuffy nobles who don't know crap..." he groans and Arisa along with Sothis were snickering.

"Well, now we know where the Professor and Dominic get their sailor mouths." Linhardt whispered and Dominic glared at him.

"How could the church do such things?! Worse that they wish to purge this place! That's the lowest thing ever!" Arisa said angrily and raised her voice a bit.

"Kid, calm down." Jeralt says.

"That's the church for you." Hapi stretched her arms a bit, "They make a big deal out of helping the helpless...when it suits them." She said bitterly.

"Sadly I have to agree with you on that..." Alexandra spoke and Claude looked at her surprise, "The church only helps those to gain a benefit and worse they discriminate against those who are not of the religion of Serios and lock up or kill those that they see as a threat. I'm not going to sit back and watch innocent people get hurt! I'm already on the bad side of Rhea. I don't give a damn if means protecting the innocent." She hissed.

"Whoa, whoa." Linhardt says as he walks up to her, "Calm down. Are you becoming aggravated because of your crest?" He asked.

"Both...The Crest of Aubin makes me become aggravated each time Rhea is mentioned." Alexandra pouted as her feather fluttered.

"Just take a deep breath and relax a bit." Linhardt says as he places his hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you Lin." She smiled and nodded back to her with his own smile.

"Ohh...Oohhhhh! Oohhhh!" Sothis noticed the flash of jealousy pass through Claude's eyes.

"I like this gal! We can't just sit back and accept the way things are. We've got to fight the system!" Balthus says.

"REVOLUTION!" Amir yelled out and Arisa smacked her head and Jeralt let out a loud groan.

"Uhh...maybe not that extreme. Sure, I'm here to hide from literally countless bounty hunters, but I'm not the only one in need. You're in a bad way too, Hapi. We can't just let the church walk over us." Balthus says as Hapi was silent.

"Too true! For the sake of all who dwell in Abyss, we must help dear Aelfric turn the tide." Constance nodded.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Your fervent support is all the reward I could ask for." Aelfric smiled and turned to Arisa, "As for you Professor, I must beg a favor of you." He says.

"Eh? Me? Umm...if it's within my power, I may be able to do it." Arisa says as Jeralt raises an eyebrow.

"The Ashen Wolves are a house in name alone. They are eager students with no teacher to guide them." He says.

"What are we?! Chop liver?!" Chris, Alexandra, and Amir say together, and Yuri was snickering at them.

"No, I have not forgotten you three also." Aelfric chuckled, "Yuri here has told me about you all. Christian here has taught lessons before to the Ashen Wolves. But I do believe having more than one figure to help them would be beneficial. Professor Arisa, if you could find it in your heart to take them under your wing, I would be most grateful." He says, "Naturally, your official duties take precedence, so you need only to help out when your schedule allows it." He finished.

"Wait a m-!" Unfortunately, Yuri was interrupted by a too happy voice.

"I am more than happy to accept!" Arisa bounced a bit excitedly as she took a step forward.

"No hesitation. Unbelievable." Jeralt face palms at his daughter's antics, "Kid, you already have a full schedule teaching the three houses, being a doctor as well as seminars! You sure you want to do this?" He says, worried for her.

"Dad, I'll be alright! Besides, I have an apprentice I want to pass down my knowledge to just like Florencio, you and Sandy did to me." She grins as him.

"Oh! Are Sandy and Florencio here also? I would like to speak with them. It has been 21 years since I have spoken to you all. Perhaps we could get a drink together like in the old days?" Aelfric smiles.

"Wait, you know my aunt and uncle?" Arisa turned to him, stunned.

"Aunt and Uncle?! Jeralt...you have a lot of explaining to do." Aelfric says to his old friend, who let out a sigh.

"Say Edelgard, have you noticed?" Dimitri whispered to her.

"The tense atmosphere around Aelfric and Sir Jeralt as well as the mention of 21 years? Yes." Edelgard answered back.

"Dear flock," Aelfric saw Yuri was going to protest, "I am a mere guardian. I can protect you, but I cannot enrich your minds. Though I call this gathering an academy house, I have long lamented that isn't truly so. Now, I am blessed with the opportunity to correct this. The four here," Arisa, Alexandra, Amir and Christian, " who stand before you have all garnered a great deal of acclaim on the surface. The most trustworthy and esteemed teachers, to say the least. And as you heard, I am acquainted with Jeralt, Sandana, and Florencio. All former captains of the Knights of Serios." He says.

"Ugh...Sandy and I were forced back into the Knights of Serios again." Jeralt did not miss the look of shock that was on this student's faces when he said that, " But you're right. The three of us are the proud warriors who raised these four to who they are today." He says as the four gave him a warm smile.

"As for me, I was born and raised here in Garreg Mach, so I often had the opportunity to spend time with them. Your mother as well." Aelfric smiled as he began to speak of Sitri.

Dimitri saw how tense Jeralt become when then suddenly began to speak of his wife while curiosity grew in Arisa's eyes.

"You...knew my mother?" She asked and he nodded.

"She was a cherished friend of mine. I was even present at their wedding." He chuckled.

"Dad...you never told me about when you married mom..." she slowly turned to Jeralt, who avoided eye contact with her.

"I see..." Aelfric muttered as she turned back to him, "With family and parents like yours Professor, I have no doubt you possess the kindness and patience necessary to guide these students." He smiled at her.

"Hmmmmm..." Hapi hummed.

"It'll be fine. Besides, it's not like we're strangers anymore." Yuri says as he turns back to Aelfric, "Say Aelfric...Don't you need to take care of those thieves?"

"Ah. Right you are. Please, excuse me." Aelfric says, "Oh, and one more thing Professor... If ever you like to hear more about your parents and aunt and uncle, I would be delighted to share my memories with you."

[-]

"You got a lot of explaining to do dad! You only spoke once about your life before you left the church! I'm not a child anymore! Please, I want to hear it from you! Why did you, Sandana and Florencio choose to leave?!"

Chris was silent as he sat in the corner of the room that was provided to him two years ago. It hurt seeing Jeralt and his sister arguing and they rarely ever argued. Despite both siblings already knowing why the three left, Arisa wanted to hear it from the very man himself. She cares for him. She loves him. He is her father, her blood. She wants and will protect him. But how can she when the man refuses to budge and is stubborn in the worst times?! Jeralt pinched the bridge of his nose as his son walked out the room and left them alone to talk. He appreciates that about him.

"Dad, please. I am not begging you to say it. Please, I want to hear the reason come from you. I don't just hear it from rumors or others. Please dad. That is all I want." Arisa said to him.

"Byleth, I understand how you feel but now is not the time. Not yet." Jeralt answered back and saw the flash of hurt that filled her eyes.

"Again..." she muttered as she looked down to the ground, "Again...and Again...time and time...you have said it is not time. I turn 21 soon...21 years you've refused to tell me anything other than you were once a knight. I had to learn stories about you from other knights as well as Professor Hanneman..." she spoke softly as her hands balled into fist, "You speak so little about mom...you speak so little about why you left...you speak so little about yourself...if you don't trust me enough..." she looked up to him, trying to hold back her seething anger, "Then what's the point of me even being here?"

Jeralt's eyes went wide as she walked past him and slammed the door shut, leaving him alone. Silence had filled the room and Jeralt groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. He wants to tell her. He needs to tell her, but it wasn't time yet. He is waiting. But how much longer can he wait? It was obvious if he tried to run away again with his daughter and the others that Rhea would hunt them down and worse, possibly execute him. He knows the woman is expecting and wants something from his daughter and he had no doubt in his mind that she would hurt Byleth and anyone else to get it. Returning to the monastery brought back bittersweet memories of how he became a knight, how he met the people he knows today as well as...memories of his beloved wife. He remembers the emotions of anger, sorrow, and despair he felt when he learned Sitri passed away. He wasn't able to say goodbye to her because Rhea did not allow anyone to see her body. Not even Florencio was allowed to be present to help her when she gave birth to their daughter. He saw how paranoid, and close Rhea was becoming when he was handed their child. Byleth did not cry, did not make a sound. It was unnatural. At first, he thought it was how Rhea was because one, she had just lost her daughter and worried for her granddaughter but no. Once he started to understand the signs, he knew what he had to do. And he would gladly do it again. He made a promise to his wife and family. He was a father first then a knight. His loyalties were to his family and not Rhea.

"Aaaaaaaahhhhh Ahhhhh Ahhhh~ Ahhhhhh~"

Jeralt was silent as he recognized the voice singing. He carefully walked out of the room and just as him, many were silent listening to the voice that came from the prayer from at the far end of Abyss. His wife used to sing also when she was upset, Rhea did the same, and his daughter inherited that feature from them. He could see nearby, the boy Yuri along with Hapi looking down the hallway with surprised faces as they heard the voice of his daughter.

"I...didn't know she could sing." Yuri whispered as they saw Lestia walk up to him.

"Arisa usually sings when she is in a good mood or... when she is upset. Knowing now, with how sad the voice is, I'm pretty sure she is unset. Sigh...I sometimes wonder... why she always has a sad look in her eyes." Lestia muttered.

"So, you noticed." Yuri says.

"Of course, I did. How could no one notice.? She isn't the only one, Christian and Alexandra always have that look also. Sigh...my stepbrother did too." She sighs.

"Chris von Blaiddyd, correct? I'm sorry for your loss." Hapi says.

"Thank you...he used to do the same also. Sing when he was in a good mood or when upset." Lestia muttered.

"Aaaaahhhhh ~ Ahhhhhh ~ Ahhhh ~ " the singing was still being done as a few minutes passed.

"..." Jeralt sighs as he heard footsteps and turned to see Christian walking his way, a worried look he had.

"I'm taking...it didn't go well." He muttered and Jeralt nodded.

"Hey...ummmm...can we talk?" Chris asked and the two went back to the room.

From outside, Yuri saw the exchange but turned when he heard the faint footsteps of Arisa leaving the praying room. She looked calmer now, but he could still see some sort of stiffness in her form as she walked towards the library. He knew she was going to ask Aelfric about her parents and family, hoping to learn more.

"Ugh..." he suddenly heard Hapi mutter.

"What's wrong?" Lestia asked and Hapi pointed to a weird doll just sitting in one of the holes on the wall.

"That's the fourth freaken doll I've had to get rid of today!" Hapi stomped over to the creepy thing and grabbed it, "It's always the same one! What the hell? I know for sure the kids here don't play with these damn things. I showed on the little girls and they screamed at the sight of it." She grumbled as Lestia motioned her to hand it to her.

"Hmmm..." Lestia studied it, "It looks like the one Emily set on fire a few months ago. She told me if we see any creepy dolls like this, to set them ablaze. I wonder why? Meh." She shrugs and uses a flame spell on it.

The doll turned to cinders which she gladly threw away.

"Really? Emily told you and the others to burn these dolls if you find them? I don't believe it." Yuri raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yeah. Something about them being bad news. Did you see how creepy that thing was?" Lestia says as they begin to head to the market area.

[-]

"Here."

Aelfric smiled warmly as he handed the professor a book size painting. The young woman gently took it and he smiled as he saw her curious eyes studying the painting. There, in the center, was Sitri dressed in a long sleeve wedding dress with ruffled sleeves, a veil with beads of green as her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, the lily hair pins Arisa now wears. Jeralt was next to her, the happiest grin he had that Arisa had ever seen, dresses in a black tuxedo. Alois, Beleth, Florencio and Aelfric on the right side of them. It was a little strange seeing Florencio all dressed up in men's clothing but still, he looked nice. On the left side was Rhea, Sandy, Xina, and a young woman with strange light crimson colored hair, and pink eyes. She looked familiar. They all had smiles and Rhea was a sobbing mess but still managed to keep it together. Same case with Sandy. The date on it said Imperial Year 1157.

"This painting was done on their wedding day. Florencio was constantly grumbling how tight the suite was and Jeralt kept complaining it was itchy." Aelfric says and Arisa laughed a bit.

"That sounds like them alright." She answered with a small smile.

"Ah. The woman with crimson hair, her name is Cherche. She was a friend of your mothers." Aelfric smiled and missed the look that flashed in Arisa's eye when she fully registered now why the woman looked familiar, "She and Sitri grew up together in the church. Unfortunately, Cherche left the church after your mother passed away. No one has heard of her since then." He says sadly.

"Well...I never would-at this point I think I just might run into people I knew through a game...sigh...who's next? Chrom? Robin? Male or female one because I had a crush on male Robin back then." Arisa thought and Sothis face palms.

She can hear her brother and Theresa calling her 'traitor'.

"Still...I wonder if Sandy would talk about the Cherche of this world. I wonder if her son also is alive. If she married." she thought.

"Could you...tell me more about my mother?" Arisa asked and he nodded.

"Kind. And wise. I would often see her in the library, her nose always buried in a book. She loved studying magic and making new kinds of formulas. She was quite fond of animals and sweets. Lastly...she loved signing. She would often combine magic and singing together. She called it Lost Song." Aelfric smiled fondly as he spoke of Sitri.

When he heard the singing from earlier, he thought he was hearing things but as he took a closer look, he saw that Sitri's daughter had inherited the beautiful voice of her mother.

"What was my father like back then?" Arisa asked.

"Jeralt was... very much as he is now. His knights would have done just about anything for him. Whenever he had time to spare, he would instruct the children of the monastery in combat and tactics." He smiled at the memory.

"Oohhhhh~ Just like a certain prince ~ " Sothis cooed in her ear and Arisa was trying very hard to ignore her.

"Just like those wide-eyed youngsters, your mother and I made a hero of him in our minds." Aelfric smiled.

Unknown to both, Jeralt had come into the room and was silent as he watched Aelfric and his daughter speak. Chris behind him. To Chris, it was obvious that Aelfric had taken this strange liking to his sister.

"Could you tell me about my aunt and uncle?" Arisa asked.

"Hmmm..." Aelfric thought for a moment, "When Florencio and I met, let us just say...we didn't exactly get along at first. He would say up to 3-5 curse words in one sentence and was very sarcastic." He says.

"I heard stories of my uncle cursing but I didn't think it was that bad..." Arisa sweat drops.

The better way to describe Florencio would be the male version of Kaine from NieR. Okay, now Arisa has the image of Edelgard swearing like Zero from Drakengard 3...they did share the same voice actor...

"Haha. It's alright. After working together for a few years during that time, he slowly toned down his usage of cursing. You have to thank his wife for that. She was a wonderful woman." Aelfric chuckled.

"As for Sandana, she, Cherche and Sitri would often sneak into the stables and fly off. Of course, Lady Rhea would scold them but that didn't stop them. Florencio, Jeralt and I nearly fainted when Sitri threw herself off the bridge and was suddenly riding a pegasus. Apparently Sandana taught her that..." he shivered at the memory.

Florencio has straight up passed out in complete horror onto the ground while Sitri proudly rode on the pegasus as it hovered, Sandana and Cherche both cackling. Both Jeralt and Aelfric, looked like their souls had left their bodies. The worst part was that Rhea witnessed it all from the tower nearby and well...Sitri was banned from using a pegasus. Beleth still talks about the memory with great joy.

"Mum did that too huh?" Arisa chuckled

"Too?" Aelfric asked.

"You see, I like throwing myself off the bridge also and my pegasus catches me. Christian, Alex and Amir do it also." Arisa giggled.

Jeralt sent a glare to his son who did a silent whistle and avoided eye contact.

"So that's why Yuri was pale the other day..." Aelfric nearly face palms.

"Oh? He was there when I was teaching flying lessons. Don't worry, he'll earn his air legs eventually." She laughed.

"Haha. You remind me of your parents. When I learned that Jeralt and Sitri were to be married, I was quite surprised. Back then, Jeralt was something of a mentor to me." Aelfric shook his head a bit, "As for Sitri...She found it difficult to express her emotions at times. It was only when she was gazing at Jeralt that I saw her ever smile...a smile that rivaled the very sun. His tales of the outside world must have seemed like a lifeline one as frail and guarded as her." He says.

"Elder Bara told me about that. That my mother was very sickly growing up. That is why she usually wasn't allowed to leave the monastery. But what I have learned so far with our time talking, " she grins, "that didn't stop my mother from having fun."

"Haha. That is true. The only souls she ever spoke with were a select few within the monastery walls." He says.

"Hmmm...your mother sounds like she was pretty sheltered." Sothis muttered.

"Ahh...I can picture it now. The stories Jeralt, Sandana, Florencio and Cherche told her... Jeralt's striking words and his boisterous laugh...Florencio's stories of new plants. Sandana's stories of Almyra.. Cherche speaking and laughing along with her. Listening to all of them, must have given her a great deal of hope. Especially Jeralt." He smiled sadly, "As for me, I could never be like any of them, as much as I wished I could."

"You wished to be like my father?" She asked, tilting her head a bit.

"Ah, I supposed I did. He would tell stories from centuries ago as if he lived them himself. No matter how fervently one studies the stories of old, that is no easy task." He says.

"Well, I'm pretty sure he DID live through them." Arisa and Sothis both thought

"Professor Arisa, may I ask you a question?" He says.

Arisa nodded. Jeralt raised an eyebrow at this and Chris just motioned him to watch and listen.

"Professor, you traveled with your family before coming here. You have seen a great many things, yes?" She nods to the question, "Forgive me for overstepping, but do you not regret forgoing your travels to take up residence here?"

Almost rage filled Jeralt for hearing Aelfric ask his daughter that question but...was it true? Her eyes always held some sort of sadness when they would travel, and she always took the chance to interact with people when the opportunity arose. He kept her isolated from the people of the church, fear that Rhea would find them and take her away.

"Dad, just listen." Chris whispered and Arisa spoke.

"I would be lying if I say I did not miss traveling." Arisa smiled sadly as she looked back at the picture, "But I truly love working here. Even more because it was my father and family who raised me to be the person I am today. I know we all have gone through our hardships, others even have their own secrets, but none have ever done it out of malicious intent. I love my father more than anything in the world and I understand he had his reasons why I was raised the way I was. But I trust him. Because he is the best father in the world." She smiled warmly as she held the picture to her chest, "I may not be the best daughter in the world, but I will do what I can. I am proud of him and all my family. Through my travels I met so many people I know today. Through their guidance I grew to become a better person. Through them...I live." She smiled warmly as she turned to look over to where her father and brother stood.

Aelfric eyes went wide as he did not notice them till now and she stood up, walking to Jeralt, the man looked ready to cry.

"The people I love, the people they love and every single individual aware of their existence, are the ones who I am made for." She spoke softly and Aelfric froze at her words.

To him, Sitri's and Arisa's voices began to overlap as she spoke those familiar words.

" - And I shall offer everything I have to protect them." The two women's voices said as she hugged her father tightly.

"Damn it Kid..." Jeralt grunted as she chuckled at his words.

"I love you too Dad." She grinned and squealed when he suddenly picked her up and put her on his shoulder.

"Dad! Stop! This is embarrassing!" She squeaked and Chris chuckled.

"Come on sis. Think of it as payback for constantly teasing me about me and Olivia (Gina)." Chris laughed.

Aelfric chuckled as he walked up to the group and smiled softly.

"You did well Jeralt in raising her. I do wish Cherche was here. I think the two would have gotten along." He chuckled.

"I think so too." Jeralt said.

"I am sorry if I offended you anyway. You heard our conversation...didn't you?" He asked.

"I did. But it made me realize something... Something I should have realized a long time ago." Jeralt says as he looked up to his daughter, who blinked and Chris, who was smirking up at her.

"Professor," Aelfric says as she looks down to him, "it is my hope that you will live a full life- experiencing the world, fostering strong relationships with people. Do so for dear Sitri, whose wish to experience such things shall regretfully never be granted." He smiled sadly.

"Is that why you asked her to teach the Wolf kids?" Jeralt asked as he referred to the Ashen Wolves.

"I cannot deny it. It is my own stubborn notion. One that her Grace will likely not think kindly of. Beyond my personal motive, I believe her, and the others can guide my flock to even greater heights. And perhaps, " he smiled softly to her, "you will learn from them as well."

"That's a lot of responsibility. But I will do it. I will not let you down." Arisa grins then screeched when she was handed off to Chris.

The two adults could not help but laugh.

"Ah, but I have taken enough of your precious time. Know that I am here for you always." He smiled at her.

"Thank you, Aelfric. Truly. Oh, here," she held out the picture to him, "this is yours."

"It's alright. You keep it. Think of it as a gift for helping and protecting my flock." He answered.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I am."

"Are you sure, sure?"

"Professor, I am sure."

"But are y-!"

"And take her away Chris!" Jeralt pointed at the door and his son immediately did just that.

"Oh, come on! Chris, I can't just acc-" and the door to the classroom slammed shut.

On the other side, muffled voices were heard, and someone got smacked on the head.

"Sigh..." Jeralt pinched the bridge of his nose, "Just like her mother..." he sighs, and Aelfric chuckled.

"Well, you know she's honest." He chuckled.

"She's brutally honest at times. Something I feel she inherited from Cherche." Jeralt sighs as he turned to the man, "But enough of that, it has been quite some time since I have spoken."

"It has."

A tense silence was followed for a good 2 minutes then Aelfric broke it. How voice hoarse with desperation.

"Why did you do it Jeralt?! Why did you fake the death of your daughter?! Why did you, Cherche, Sandy and Florencio suddenly disappear?! Not just you four, several of your men chose to leave!" Aelfric said as Jeralt grunted.

"You wouldn't understand." Jeralt said coldly.

"I wouldn't understand...? The knights investigated...Alois was devastated. He and I fought against the labels that would have made you a traitor and the others as well! Did Sandana and Florencio help you?! Did Cherche also?!" Aelfric said angrily.

"I'm a father." Jeralt said coldly.

"YOU ARE A KNIGHT OF SERIOS!" Aelfric yelled.

"I am a father first and then a knight! Every single action I and the others have done is to protect my daughter! All us! Florencio, Sandana and Cherche put our family first before our loyalties to HER GRACE and the Knights of Serios!" Jeralt snarled at him.

"Setting nearly half the monastery on fire, faking Byleth's death as well as suddenly disappearing?! Do you have any idea...what you put everyone through?!" Aelfric roared.

Anger, rage, almost hatred he felt towards the man before him. He knows and understands how much Jeralt loved his daughter and Sitri. He understood how much Sandana and Cherche cherished Sitri. How Florencio cared for her like an older brother. How much he himself...

"Byleth deserved a better future. One the church could not give her. Sitri died by Rhea's hands! She has become obsessed with my daughter to the point she is willing to hurt someone innocent to achieve what she wants! I don't expect someone like you to notice the signs Rhea was giving because you were too obsessed with your job! 21 years ago, I fought and traveled! For 21 years, I saw my daughter grow into the amazing person she is today! Happier than anything in the world! Now Rhea has managed to force us back and has her eyes once more on my daughter! All four of us, swore to my wife, our family, that we would not be in a place that was responsible for her death as well as a place filled with nothing but a twisted system! You have no right to judge my actions Aelfric. I could never expect you to understand what it's like to have the most important in your life and be willing to die and protect it! You are not a father, Aelfric. You have no right to judge the actions of one!" Jeralt roared as he pointed his finger at him.

Boiling rage filled Aelfric as his fiat shook as he looked at the man before him. The words of the mercenary were an insult, a slap to the face. Aelfric knew damn well what it was to lose the very person he loved! Jeralt turned and stormed out of the classroom, slamming the door shut. The sound resonated through the place, the only person standing in the room, was Aelfric, seething with rage.

"Oh, my, my, my ~ "

Aelfric froze as he slowly turned and backed away, seeing hundreds if not thousands of thin strings suddenly gather near the center of the room, a figure forming. Those thin lines were hair...sick blue colored hair as the cocoon grew more and bloomed opened like a flower, revealing the figure in it.

"My, my. Quite passionate are you not?" The female voice spoke with no emotion as he quickly bowed.

"Lady Pittacus...what...are you doing here? If someone saw, you..." Aelfric whispered and she only spun the small umbrella she had over her shoulder.

"No need to worry." She spoke, "Seems the argument I witnessed was good. But I bring good news." She raised her hand and one of her snake hairs held a book, "The book that went missing a few weeks ago, I shall let you use my copy. You have the descendants of the 4 apostles, but you still need one more. Anna the merchant. Unfortunately, that woman knows too well how to disappear when we need her, so I bought a vial of the Blood of Ernest. Hmm...be honor I have chosen to give you a share." She muttered softly as she looked around.

"Thank you, Lady Pittacus, I am truly grateful." Aelfric seems to have calmed down a bit.

"Do tell me, " She walked past him, "do you truly wish to go through with such a plan? You humans are so weak at times, especially when the emotions of love are involved. Love is pure but can also corrupt. What will you do if the one you desire does not wish to return?" She says.

Confusion was written all over Aelfric's words as she placed a black vial on the table.

"Why would they not want to return?" He asked.

"My, a fool you are." Pittacus thought, "Never mind that. It is obvious that Jeralt will get in your way if he were to learn of your plans." She turned back to him, a dainty finger pointing at him, "That man values his family more than anything in the world. Take advantage of what little trust you both have. My doll is with him. Get me my doll. Use what authority you have over the boy of violet hair. That is all. Get my doll." Pittacus said and disappeared in a tornado of black petals.

Silence once more filled the place as Aelfric grabbed the book and vial. He will achieve his goal.

No matter the cost.

[-]

"So..."

The words "Run away." were suddenly in Dimitri's head when Dominic looked over his shoulder at the book he was reading. Dominic in Dimitri's eyes was bit strange to say the least. He did question why the boy was in the Golden Deer class instead of the Blue Lions since he was originally born in Faerghus. His mother, Cele and father, Ares, were well known famous knights that once served Lord Alexander as well as Lord Rodrigue at some point. Dominic blinked a bit and continued.

"I noticed and it's painfully obvious you got your eyes on Arisa." The boy began.

Dimitri had the look that he wanted to be shot dead and what made either worse was that the whole group was in the library also, so of course they were about to hear the talk.

"No, I'm not teasing you or anything like that. I think you make a good partner for her." He says and Dimitri turns to him slowly, "Arisa always has difficulty with herself. She's the most selfless person but also the most awareness. She knows things others don't know. Even I admit, I tried to get to spill her secrets." He admits.

"And you are telling Dimitri this because?" Edelgard says as she looked up a bit from her book.

"Princess, I know you like Arisa too." Dominic says bluntly and Edelgard coughed, "Ferdinand also and a few others too." And at the mention of Ferdinand, royal's mood went down a bit.

"But I think you all have done her good. Let me tell you a bit about Amir, Alex and Arisa. The ones I grew up with." He grins as he sits down next to Dimitri.

"Oh, stories of our teachers? Now this I got to hear. You're lucky they aren't present right now." Claude grins as the others made their way a bit closer.

"Believe me, if they were here now, I would be thrown out to the river. Literally." Dominic shivered.

"So, you suffered that as well?" Edelgard muttered and he nodded.

"Of course, I have! Hell, if you think Chris was brutal, wait till you get training from Fiona and Temes!" He says.

"Fiona and Temes?" Yuri asked.

"Oh, um..right. Let's sort things out first. So, in Uncle Jeralt's company, of course he is the leader but he also has two more captains, Florencio and Sandana. The two have a group of 6 men, led by Florencio and 6 women, led by Sandy. Fiona, Deidra, Rin, Ili, Acia and Helena, they are led by Sandy. Ra, Zach, Johra, my Dad (Ares), Temes and Yofos, led by Florencio. The company is a mix of different people. Almyra, Hyras, Duscur, Dadga, Albinea, Morfis, Sreng, and even from all over Fodlan. The village Elder, Elder Bara, has Brigid blood. Over the years, Remire Village has grown, and new people have come, and some have gone. It's really cool! About 4 years ago, we were able to successfully grow and harvest sugar cane! Arisa loves drinking sugarcane cider. I remember when I was around 6 years old, I caught her sneaking off with a jug of cider. Oh! And Miss Charlotte makes the best chocolate tarts in the world! Mercedes too!" Many couldn't help but smile seeing the boy speak so fondly of his home.

But that did raise a question.

"So, he was born in the Kingdom for the first 4 years of his life but the rest of his life he grew up in Remire village...which is in Empire Territory. Then that means he should have been in the Black Eagles house...so then...Why is he in the Golden Deer House?" Edelgard thought and it seemed Claude had the same question.

"Hey, I know this is suddenly a different direction from our conversation but from what you told us, you should have been in either the Blue Lions House or Black Eagles. Why the Golden Deer? I'm not saying you're not welcome. I mean why?" Claude asked.

"Because the Golden Deer House is warm." Dominic answered.

"Warm?" Everyone says, confused.

"Yeah. You guys...seriously can't tell?! And I thought I was being stupid!" Dominic pinched the bridge of his nose.

"There is a difference between praise and insult." Linhardt says as he was reading a book about legends of dragons.

"Right. Sorry. Well, each house has a different atmosphere." Dominic says as he looks over to Dimitri and Lestia, "The Blue Lions has this cold atmosphere. You guys hide away your emotions and then unleash them in battle. There's like some sort of darkness that covers you guys." He explained.

"Someone stop this boy before he makes the twins want to hang him." Hapi thought and Dominic continued to the Black Eagles.

"You guys have this atmosphere of pride and sense of duty. You aren't exactly happy when called out on certain things. Almost as if...you are chained down by the past and unable to move on." He says.

"Someone stops him..." Linhardt thought because Edelgard looked ready to lung at him but of course, only Linhardt could tell.

"Golden Deer." Dominic continued, "You all come from different backgrounds and despite you guys argue, you work out your differences. Some of you guys still have walls around you but you still care. The Golden Deer, I can't help but think it reminds me of Remire Village. Same with the Ashen Wolves. All four Houses," the leaders looked over him, "You guys all had your ups and down. Things have even changed your life completely but you're still able to stand up and keep going. I think that's also the reason why Arisa likes you all. You're all unique and different, and that's what makes you all you. You all have different dreams and she'll help you achieve them." He grins.

Claude couldn't help but chuckle and spoke.

"Thanks Dominic. You know, I guess that makes sense. So, are we going to continue with the stories on our favorite teachers?" He grins.

"Oh yeah! Forgot about that. Oh! I got one!" Dominic clapped his hands together, "Alexandra always gushed about someone she had a crush on! She always gushed about this person and missed him. Also, apparently they stole her first kiss."

Oh, Dominic honey...you should not be saying that at all...

[-]

"Hmm...that's odd."

Arisa walked around a bit, looking at the hallways confused.

"I could have sworn I felt something here. Hmm..." Sothis muttered as she floated near her friend.

Arisa let go of a sigh as they continued deeper into the passageways and the feeling getting unsettling to say the least. Their time in Abyss had been fruitful so far. Arisa admits to herself she may have gone overboard on her squeals when she first saw the library. Even worse since it seems she just shattered an image she had created for herself. But, it felt comforting. They accepted her just like she accepted them. Arisa had always closed off some sort of her personality when it came to acting professionally but lately she...has been feeling more...open. Edelgard mentioned to her that she has been more open with her emotions. Not just her, it seems everyone has noticed a change. A side of hero's she usually closes off, has been more open.

"I'm worried." She thought as she continued to follow Sothis.

Being more open felt nice but there also this sense of insecurity. She always showed her true self around a few selected individuals. He family, a few selected friends as well as...her past lover. No, actually, not even with her past lover she opened up that much. But as of lately...she has been feeling strange around a certain prince. In a good way?

"Am I getting heart burns?" She muttered.

If Dorothea, Xina, and Hilda were present, they would both be face palming. Arisa may be an adult who is highly aware of what other people around her feel but she's a complete idiot when it comes to her own feelings...most of the time.

"Argh! Shoot, I lost it." Sothis huffed as the woman looked at her confused.

"Sothis, I get you sense something but please do not get us lost here." Arisa sighs as she looks around and notices a strange shop.

The outside was simple and only had a wooden door yet the sign on top, despite it being partly broken. Sothis's eyes lit up and she pointed at it.

"Here! I sense something here! Let us go!" Sothis grins to her.

"I don't know. Besides, we should be heading back. Aelfric and the others were going to speak regarding the assassin they caught and the information they got." Arisa explains.

"They can wait. This is important. Now come!" Sothis went ahead and Arisa let go of a long sigh as they went in.

A small bell rang as the wooden door was open, Arisa and Sothis went in. Inside the shop was filled with different varieties of things. It was a bit like Anna's shop but this one was cluttered with a whole bunch of random things. Books on the floor, a table with a few boxes. She spotted a few cats and dogs sleeping peacefully on pillows. A few old pipes that stuck out the walls.

"This place is stuffy." Sothis grimaced and looked around but eyes lit up when they landed on a rusted shield.

"Here! This is it! I sense something from here." She smiled as Arisa tried to make her way over there.

It was a struggle going over things and making sure not to accidentally knock something down. She sighs as she finally makes it safely and looks at the rusted shield. Something did feel familiar about it. She was going to reach out to touch it when a voice suddenly spoke.

"You there. Do not touch that."

The two females turned to see a small old man walking their way, using a cane for support. The old man stopped a few feet from them and spoek.

"I don't remember someone like you here in Abyss. New face eh? No one just come to my shop out of curiosity. Something you want? I charge. I don't give away things for free." The old man said as she shook her head.

"I deeply apologize for suddenly barging in. My friend, a fae, sensed something here and forced me to come. I apologize." Arisa politely bowed to them.

"Ah, it is alright. The fae and spirits here are all pranksters at the end of the day. What is your name, child?" He asked.

"Oh. Umm...Arisa. It's a pleasure to meet you. Umm...?" She didn't know what to call him.

"Iso. That is my name. Sigh, sit down for now, I'll brew us a cup of Brigid coffee." Iso says as he struggles to go around.

"Umm...how about I help you?" Arisa said a bit worried as she used some magic to move and organize a few things.

"Oh? You're a mage? Ha! Been awhile since I saw someone so young use wind magic like that." Iso chuckled as he was able to no walk around freely without accidentally stepping on a cat.

To the table the two walked, where a coffee grinder and cups were. Iso began to brew the coffee and it had a pleasant smell of spices. Sothis hummed as the man poured them a cup and one himself as the two sat down. Arisa stared at the drink for a bit and took a sip but...grimace.

"Not a fan of black coffee huh?" Iso chuckled as she shyly nodded.

"It's alright. There's sugar so add some to settle down the bitterness." He says, "So, curious about the shield, eh? There's a story behind it along with Abyss. Will you listen to the tales of this old man?" Iso says and she nodded.

"It is said that deep underground, far below even Abyss, is a place called the Chasm of the Bound wherein lies the Chalice of Beginnings." Iso began.

Unknown to Arisa and Sothis, this same story was being told by Aelfric to the others. Jeralt as silent as the man spoke.

"I never heard of it, but chances are it's some kind of sacred artifact that belongs to the church." Linhardt thought for a moment.

"I heard of it!" Dominic yelled out, "Mom used to tell me stories about some Holy Grails that belong to the goddess." He says.

"Dominic, be respectful. Where's Byleth when we need her...?" Jeralt sighs.

"I once happened upon an old document that mentioned a ritual called the Rite of Rising. The text was incomplete, so I was unable to achieve a full understanding of the topic. I cannot even guarantee the authenticity of what I read." Aelfric explains.

"The Chalice of Beginnings...It sounds familiar. Let us continue listening to the story of the elder." Sothis says as the old man continues.

"It is said that the Chalice of Beginnings is a sacred artifact crafted by order of Saint Serios herself. Saint Serios used the artifact to carry out the Rite of Rising, along with the Five Apostles." Iso explained.

"Wait 5?" Chris thought as Aelfric continues.

"What is the Rite of Rising?" Arisa asked.

"It is believed to be a ritual to have the power to resurrect a life that was lost." Iso says.

"However, the ritual failed...The 5 Apostles bound the Chalice so that it would never fall into a mortal's hands." Aelfric says.

"Hmmmm..." Arisa placed her hand under the chin and thought for a moment, "Rite of Rising...the same name as the festival from last month during the attack. A ritual to resurrect the dead...even before Rhea began creating vessels...she was already looking for a way to bring back Sothis. So hearing that it failed.." she thought.

"Ah! The Chalice of Legends! My father mentioned it to me a long time ago. A secret treasure of the church..A chalice powerful enough to resurrect the dead...Exhilarating, no?" Constance says.

"No wonder people would go after it." Lestia comments.

"No offense..." Alexandra spoke, "But the dead should stay dead. Don't get me wrong, I would love to lose a loved one lost once more but bring them back to life? Isn't that disrespectful? The balance of the living and dead is to remain. If suddenly someone from the other side was brought back, chaos will ensue. Worse case it is a taboo." She explained.

Aelfric hid his displeasure hearing that and it only worsened when Jeralt spoke.

"I understand what you mean Alexandra. And I must agree with you. Even if the dead were brought back, was it their choice? Did they choose to come back? Is it even them or a hollow shell? Bringing them back, I can only see them look at us in disappointment." He says.

"Sigh...back to the original subject, we must gather more information about this legend at once." Edelgard said.

"Very interesting...still, I really do think the dead should stay dead. I know to others it may sound disrespectful and I understand why they would be angry if I said such things. But...if I really did try to resurrect someone I love...sigh...I could only see them looking at me in disappointment. Because...at what cost...did I go so far?" Arisa says and I was silent.

"Not a bad answer." Iso replied as he took a sip of his drink, "Most who I have told such stories have always said they would use its power to bring back someone they lost, but never once did it cross their minds the consequences of such actions. Such is always their question to them. At what cost? You seem to know what death is like. Care to enlighten this old man?" He says.

"..." Arisa went silent as her eyes went back to stare at the coffee in the cup, her own reflection looking back at herself.

At death's door she has been more than once. At death's door she escaped many times. Yet at death's door is what brought her to this world. Where she has now lived for 17 years. She grew, adapted, learned, everything she could to survive this world. Yet, even in admis of survival, she met new people, made enemies and even allies. Family she now calls her own. Yet, even if she has partly moved on, a part of her will always belong to her old home. She let go of a sigh as she looked back to Iso and smiled sadly.

"Death's door, you realize many things and sometimes those realizations come too late." She answered and Iso chuckled.

"That is true." He smiled as he placed down his cup, "Thank you for listening to this old man. As your reward, take the shield. It's you-!" Unfortunately, the conversation got interrupted.

"Issooooo! 59 is acting all weird!"

"Negative! I am not weird!"

Iso instantly began groaning as the door to his shop slammed open, unfortunately scaring many of the cats and dogs. Arisa stood up and as she placed the cup down along with Iso, the two seeing two children come in.

"Oh! I know you!" The girl with the same fox mask ran up to her, "You're the forest fairy that my brother talks about! I'm 60! Nice to meet you!" 60 grins to her with her fox mask.

"60!" 59 screeched as the boy ran up and quickly pulled back his sister, "I apologize Professor!"

"Why apologize?! You said you were looking for her anyway!" 60 pouted and Iso sighs.

"I-I-I!" 59 stuttered and Arisa giggled.

"It's alright 59. I'm surprised to see you here. I had no idea you have a twin sister." Arisa grins.

"Apologies...I um... had no idea you were here." 59 says.

"Learn to knock! I swear!" Iso grumbled as he made his way to get the rusted shield.

"You said you were looking for me? How can I help you?" Arisa asked.

"Brother says he wants you to give us names!" 60 answered.

59 looked ready to throw himself out yet the Professor's giggle made him stop.

"Well, I don't mind giving you kids a name. Better than numbers. Now let's see...hmmm..." she hummed.

"Wait." 59 spoke and 60 began groaning loudly.

"Well, is she going to give us a name or not?!" 60 complained.

"No that's not it...it's just..." 59 shifted a bit nervously, "I feel...we should earn it." He says.

Arisa chuckled as she walked up to him. Now that she had a better look, the boy had gray colored hair, peach skin yet he wore a fox mask that didn't cover his mouth. The same case was with a girl called 60, who she just found out is his twin sister. She raised her hand and the two froze when she patted their head.

"Warm..." the twins thought.

"Alright then. When you kids feel you have the right to have names, I will give you them. For now, why you don't introduce yourselves properly." She smiled.

"I am 60! I serve Lady Monica from House Ochos!" 60 grins to her.

Arisa maintained a neutral smile as the young girl introduced herself with joy. The boy let go of a sigh and spoke.

"Introductions. Once more I am 59. 60's older brother. I am a helper of Tomas in the library." 59 smiled softly.

"There are no spells around them. These children...they have no malice. Could it be possible that...they are unaware from right and wrong?" Sothis thought as Arisa kept a neutral smile.

"No. They are...sigh...innocent despite the blood that is on their hands." Arisa thought as she let go of a sigh.

"Wait, how do you know they have killed people?" Sothis looked at her confused.

"I don't know...I just can..." Arisa thought as the twins were still chatting and Iso coughed.

"Sorry to interrupt but, here." Arisa bent down a bit and the old man handed her the shield.

Sothis began humming blissful as some part of energy filled her. It was warm but also filled with different emotions. Iso let put a small chuckle as the woman stood up straight as she fastened the leather of the shield on her right arm. Despite it being rusty, it seems the shield had found its former master.

"Go. You're needed. Come back when you have time lass." He chuckled and Arisa nodded.

"Thank you,'' she muttered and turned back to the twins.

"I'll see you kids soon." She smiled and quickly left.

"What was that?" 60 said as they saw the woman suddenly start running.

"She's running late. And is going to get an earful from her students."

- Chasm of Bound -

"AHHHHHHHHHH!"

Dominic and Linhardt screamed as the strange mechanical golem chased after them. The hazeled boy jumped onto his horse and quickly pulled Linhardt up, clutching his staff tightly.

"There are phantom warriors and worse...5 fucken mechanical golems! Arisa, where are you?! Uncle Jeralt, Chris, Alex and Amir can only do so much!" Domonic internally screamed and quickly used Physics on Hilda and Dimitri.

"Dimitri! Throw me!" Hilda yelled as she charged towards him.

The prince quickly knelt and cupped his hands together, using it to gain his advantage. Dimitri quickly threw her up, Hilda twisted her body as she was above the golem.

"Twist your body, making you spin. Concentrate your strength as well as as much magic as you can to your weapon. This will not only strengthen it, but deal made damage than anything. This move, is called..." Amir's words rang in her head as she gritted her teeth and roared.

"FLICKERING FLOWER!"

CRRRRAAAAAASHHH!

The golem's defensive shields were destroyed, the crashing sound of metal being torn apart. Its gears began moving rapidly, its mechanical voice spouting gibberish. It then exploded, a key flying in the air.

"Got it!" Alexandra yelled and Chris quickly pointed to a third purple glowing mechanism.

"THE THIRD ONE! HEAD TO THE THIRD ONE!" Chris yelled and Alexandra quickly began flying over there.

She kept cutting down the phantom soldiers that came her way, and just when she thought she was clear.

"PERISHING THE HERETICS!" A golem was suddenly warped in front of her, its beam of light was going to kill her.

Her eyes went wide as it was brought down yet, the golem suddenly began screaming as two bone-like things stabbed through it.

"RRAAHHHHH!" The sight was horrifying despite the golem being ripped in two.

"Gasp...gasp...gasp! Are you alright?!" Alexandra was just frozen as the bone wings retracted back to Arisa.

"I'm...so sorry...I'm late!" Arisa panted as she quickly turned, and the wings began stabbing at other phantom soldiers.

"GO! I'LL HOLD THEM OFF!" She yelled and Alexandra quickly snapped out of her trance and flew.

"Kid, what took you so long!?" Jeralt yelled as he quickly impaled an armored knight.

"Questions later!" She answered as her arms were spread out and she was making a motion of ripping something.

Yuri's eyes went wide as the bone-like wings he and the group saw at the Holy Mausoleum, stabbed at multiple phantoms soldiers. He could see some sort of magic circle on her back, where they were coming from. Jeralt could tell his daughter was getting tired because of the way she kept moving her arms to command that strange relic Rhea had allowed her to keep. Arisa raised her arms as the bone wings coiled around two archers and then made a fist, the wings crushed them.

"It's difficult commanding them...they haven't fully accepted you as their master. This is draining you..." Sothis's voice rang in her mind as Arisa kept commanding the wings.

"Rraahhh!" She slashed her hand like claws and the right wing quickly slashed at the golem that had Edelgard and Lestia cornered.

She could feel her energy being drain. The wings in some way were fighting against her. She needs to establish her dominance. Arisa gritted her teeth as her dragon stone glowed a bit and snarled.

"I...am...the...incarnation...of Sothis...you...will...ghuuuuuu!" She gritted her teeth as she towards the sword master that charged at Dimitri, "Obey...mmmeeee!" She yelled the wings hissed loudly, forced to obey her, and lunged at the phantom.

At that same moment, Alexandra slammed the key into the keyhole, the device quickly shutting down all the enemies and anymore that were coming. Dimitri's eyes went wide as the soldier was crushed before his eyes and quickly turned to the direction the wings retracted.

"Gasp...gasp...glad...I...made it..." Arisa gasped out as the wings disappeared, and started to fall.

Thankfully, the closest person was Lestia and the princess managed to catch her on time.

"You're late and you exhausted yourself. What the hell?!" Lestia scolded her as her arm was around Arisa to help her walk.

"Sorry..." Arisa chuckled as the group began to regroup.

"Close call, but we did it. Our efforts paid off." Yuri chuckled a bit as he looked around.

Dominic sent him a glare.

"Wait..." Hapi spoke as she had her horse ride close to a huge stone, "There's something drawn on the rock over there. They look like Crest...Whoa!" Suddenly the images on the stone began to glow, "What's going on?"

The place began to shake violently, Constance's, Balthus's, Hapi's, Alexandra's, Yuri's, and Amir's Crest suddenly began reacting to it.

"My Crest! Oh, but look at the stone. There's light streaming from it." Constance spoke in a monotone voice with a hint of surprise.

Arisa is going to have to ask what the hell happened to her?

"Look!" Claude pointed at the opening in the boulder, "There's something in the opening!"

"Oh! Can it be?" Constance said Chris walked up to it, pulling out a golden colored cup with 5 different colored stones.

"Holy...unbelievable..." Jeralt gasped as Chris glared at the damn thing.

"This is the chalice. No doubt about it. It matches the description in the book I bought." Chris muttered as he pulled out a book and opened it.

"Wait...that's the book that went missing a few weeks ago. Why do you have it?" Balthus narrowed his eyes.

"That quaking earlier...Some kind of containment magic related to crest was in place here. Whether intentional or not, the chalice was released. I hesitate to suggest that those things were the cause. Oh, perhaps one of our Crest was the key to unwinding the chalice..." Constance muttered.

Sothis stared at the Chalice intensely yet it felt familiar. Great pain, sorrow and disaster she felt the cup rating, it was unnerving. Both her and Arisa began to feel sick. Nausea hit them suddenly like a wave as Arisa covered her mouth. Lestia whispering if she was alright.

"Care to summarize that?" Hapi says.

"Basically..." Arisa spoke as they turned to her, "It means your Crest acted like a key to open a door. "

"Thank you, my teacher. I am most grateful for helping me explain it in a form that everyone could understand. I am not worthy of your kindness." Constance smiled a bit and bowed to her.

"No...cough! Cough! Worries." Arisa smiled and Dominic began casting heal on her.

"Forgotten Crest resembling those of the Five Apostles, depicted on a sealed rock wall...Objects that resembled holy armaments and a chalice that gathers magic on its own...I don't know any other legends that cover all that. Just like Christian said this must be that chalice we're looking for." Linhardt says and Chris nodded.

Thunder suddenly heard Chris knew, it was time to run the minute Constance went "huh?"

"EVERYONE ON THEIR RIDING UNITS NOW! HURRY!" Jeralt beat him to it and quickly grabbed Arisa, mounting on his horse.

The sound of rumbling was heard and magic energy rising. Phantom soldiers began to rise once more. Dimitri quickly got his sister on his horse, Constance grabbed Edelgard and Hilda onto her pegasus. Balthus road with Claude and Yuri with Alexandra. Ashe with Hapi and Linhardt were with Dominic on his horse.

"RUN FOR IT!" Claude yelled and everyone quickly began riding off as fast as they could.

Archers began shooting arrows and Ashe and Arisa quickly took out their bows, adapting quickly to the movement as they fired.

"Cover me!" Claude yelled as Balthus quickly took over the reins of Zarah.

He quickly began firing arrows that flew in the air.

"We need to get back to Abyss and quick!" Jeralt yelled and saw his daughter was about to summon her relic again.

"Byleth, no!" He says and she looked very shocked.

"We're only stalling to buy time! Save your energy!" He ordered and she nodded, going back to fire arrows.

It felt like hours they were all running for their lives and that stress only increased when they made it to the tunnels.

"Yuri, lead us through!" Amir yelled and Alexandra nodded.

"Follow my lead! Ashe, Arisa, Dominic, Linhardt, Hapi, Amir, Claude and Constance! Use magic and arrows to keep slow lying them now!" Yuri yelled.

"We need to hurry! We can't lead them back to Abyss or the people will be I'm danger!" Ashe yells as they all made a swift turn to the right, Jeralt had quickly taken out his lance along with Dimitri to impale two phantom paladins that charged their way.

"The gates! Head to the gates!" Yuri yelled as they made a sharp turn to the left.

"Those things are so damn sturdy I nearly broke my priceless fist on one once!" Balthus laughed.

"BALTHUS. IF YOUR BROKE THE MECHANISM/DAMN GATE, WE'RE SACRIFICING YOU TO THE CREEPY DOLL!" Chris and Yuri roared.

Arisa couldn't help but snicker while Constance and Hapi thought he was an idiot.

The space was huge and they had to hurry to get everyone through.

"Three gates...space...escape...must...Help...escape...run..." Sothis began muttering suddenly and Arisa looked at her worried.

"Byleth?!" Arisa suddenly slumped forward and jumped off the horse despite her eyes being closed.

"What are you doing?" Jeralt roared and quickly turned back his horse.

"Hmmmm...sorry Arisa. I need to temporarily take over..." Sothis muttered and Arisa's eyes opened, they were completely mint green.

"Come my wings!" Sothis roared and once more the Wings of Sothis manifested as she lunged at the phantom soldiers.

"Jeralt come back!" Chris yelled and used magic to forcefully make the horse head back.

"I'm not leaving her behind!" Jerslt yelled but Chris shook his head.

"Trust - DIMITRI! LESTIA! DAMMIT!" Chris roared as Dimitri made his horse quickly go back.

"CHRIS!" Yuri roared; Chris made the difficult choice.

"EVERYONE KEEP GOING! KNOWING THOSE THREE, THEY'LL FIGURE IT OUT!" He yelled and gritted his teeth.

"I swear if you guys doing make it, I'll hunt you guys myself."

[-]

"Tch."

Phantom, after phantom, she took down, Sothis was grateful they weren't human. She let go of a sigh as she made her hand into a fiat and crushed the golem using Daylight. Many years ago, this spell would have been too much for Arisa, but now an adult she can handle it. It turned to dust because of the spell and she stared at it blankly before she made her wings disappear once more. The rapier she put back and still she stood, looking at Arisa's hand. Slender and smooth yet they held many burdens over the years. Sothis mourned that her children were all forced to take the path they are on now. She didn't ask to be murdered. She didn't ask to be worshipped. Even her own family treated her like a delicate and fragile object that cared for her. Sothis yearned to be treated like family and she got her wish. 17 years of living with Arisa's mind, meeting so few that could see her, she learned what the feeling of true family is. She wished for a body of her own not Arisa's. No. She will not accept what Serios has done. One day, she hopes to be able to talk to her children and make them realize what they have done.

"Arisa!"

She turned to see Dimitri's horse riding her way with Lestia also holding him from behind.

"What are you kids doing here?" Sothis sighs as the horse walks up and then mounted off.

"What are we doing here?! You stayed behind, that's what!" Lestia yelled and Sothis let go of a yawn.

"Yes, I suppose that is true. Yawwnn.." She yawned again and noticed Dimitri staring at her.

"What is wrong? You are staring at me intensely." Sothis commented.

"Who are you?" Dimitri muttered and Sothis chuckled as she walked up to him, gently touched his cheek.

Lestia began squealing.

"My, you are very observant of your highness. I am very impressed you were able to identify I am not Arisa. You've grown." Sothis chuckled as she placed down her hand.

"Who are you?" Dimitri repeated.

"Child have you not figured it out?" Sothis giggled as she pointed to his heart, "I am the one you heard 4 years ago. You were the only one to hear my cries and plead to save my daughter."

Dimitri's eyes slowly widened as realization hit him like a wave of the ocean.

"You're...the voice that..." he could barely say and Lestia was just confused as Arisa giggled.

"I am. Now, for now, let us return to the others. I'll waaaaaa-!" She was suddenly picked up and put on the horse, in the front, Dimitri behind her and Lestia behind him.

"No, we are not walking." Dimitri smiled and Sothis began muttering curses under her breath.

The horse began running at a steady pace as the continued onword.

"So, you're Sothi. The fae that Arisa is contracted to. But I never heard of a fae possessing someone's body. Arisa is still there, right?" Lestia asked.

"Arisa is still here. I'm making her take a nap. Honestly, that girl overworks herself till she passes out! That workaholic, I swear!" Sothis fumed as she crossed her arms, and puffed her cheeks.

"Haha. I must agree with you there. Lady Sothi, may we call you that?" Dimitri asked.

"Sothis."

"Eh?"

Sothis smiled. Yes, these two she can trust with her true name.

"My name is Sothis. But I am also known as the fae of guidance. I watched over you children when Arisa taught in Faerghus. You two have grown. Still troublesome as always but wise and tricky. Cute yet a bit on the gloomy side. Yes, I have described you both well." Sothis giggled.

"I feel insulted." The twins thought as they went ahead and made a turn that Sothis pointed to.

"But I must thank you both. You both have helped Arisa...in more ways than you ever knew." She closed her eyes and smiled warmly.

"You mean Dimitri. I'm still waiting for this prick to propose to her! Arisa will be my sister in law!" Lestia grinned and Sothis could not help but laugh as the prince turned red.

"I honestly menr both of you!" Sothis giggled as she leaned back a bit and tilted her head up, smiling to the prince.

Dimitri was too easy to tease, and she loved to do it whenever the opportunity arises. Lestia was the same. Chris and Zander too. Many did.

"Pfft." Sothis giggled happily as she closed her eyes and leaned onto his chest.

The prince was turning into an inferno while Lestia was never going to let Arisa live it down.

"You hold a special place in Arisa's heart you know that?" Sothis smiled as Arisa's body unconsciously seek warmth, "My daughter always had been afraid to lose what she had. Afraid that the life she lives now is a dream and she will return to being alone. You, and the Blue Lions, were her first friends in her life. I don't count myself because I have been with her since birth. You all hold a special place in her heart. Ahh...still that silly child. She has much to learn and grow." Sothis sighs.

"You call Arisa your daughter? Are you Captain Jeralt-Ack!" And Sothis flicked Lestia's forehead.

"That is very rude! Jeralt does not even know I exist!" Sothis huffed.

"I apologize Lady Sothis. My sister can be...a moron at times." He smiled.

"Ha!" Sothis laughed while Lestia punched his shoulder.

"Back to the topic. Why us? Why does Arisa hold so much value to everyone? There is always sadness in her eyes. I want to help her. What can I do?" Dimitri says as Sothis closes her eyes.

"Unfortunately, I cannot give you the answer. All of you are the key to her realizing she is not alone. She is afraid that if someone returns the love she was given, she will only end up hurting them. Arisa may be bold and confident but she very insecure about her own emotions. But that is enough, seems we have arrived and have made it safely." She says and the twin's eyes went wide when they arrived to the entrance that led to the residential area of Abyss.

"I must sleep now. But please do not say what I have told you to Arisa. Keep treating her the same as always. Do not look at her in pity or there will be consequences. Ah, and do not tell anyone about my name. It's a secret. " Sothis warned as she placed her index finger on her lips and winked.

"We swear it on the sword of a knight." The twins say.

"Ufu. By the way," the twins raised their head, "there is more to a knight than just raising the sword. Ask yourself, why do you raise your sword?" And with that, Arisa's eyes closed once more, and reopened, being brown that faded to green.

"Hmmmm...Yawwwwnnn..." Arisa yawned cutely and Lestia had to keep herself from snickering while Dimitri had a soft smile on his face.

"Mama (Sothis)...why did you put me to sleep...? I could have...yawn...taken care of those...soldiers...yawn..." she yawns and leans back a bit.

"Hmmm...warm...it's warm...hm...tea...hmm...zzz..." Arisa snored softly again.

"Bwahahahahah!" Lestia burst out laughing as Arisa wrapped her arms around Dimitri's neck.

You see, Sothis forgot to mention whenever she temporarily takes over and then had to switch back to Arisa, the brown haired female is...left in a slightly dazed state. So...she acts a bit like a cat. The only ones that know about this are Chris, Alexandra, Amir, and Elder Bara. Everyone else, including Arisa, have no clue of this at all. So, the feeling for someone unsuspecting will be overwhelming.

"Ppprrrrrrr..." Arisa purred as the twins got off and the prince carried her.

"She's purring...she is actually purring..." Dimitri stuttered as Lestia rummaged through Arisa's bag and found the camera.

"Smile!" And the camera flashed, taking a picture of a crimson red Dimitri as Arisa nuzzled his face.

Cherry on top?

"Chu~"

She gave him a peck near the lips. Lestia was screaming/laughing at this point as she kept taking multiple pictures and Dimitri ready to pass out.

"Hmmmm..." Arisa began fluttering her eyes normally and Lestia quickly stopped and put all the pictures she took away.

Arisa noticed she felt warm and was held in... someone's arms. She could feel muscle but who? She looked and froze as Dimitri had a closed eye smile but a bead of sweat running down his face.

"Professor, I see you are awake now. I am glad you are feeling better." He smiled at her and it only grew as her eyes went wide.

"What ever happened...I swear it wasn't me." Why was that always her first sentence?

"It's alright Ari! We're just glad we made out alive. I hope the others are o-!" And right at that moment, the wooden door they were standing in front of slammed open.

"Gasp..gasp...gasp! You're alive! Thank god!" Chris gasped for air and collapsed on his knees.

"They're okay!" Balthus's voice was heard from behind him and the three were quickly brought in, closing the door.

"Byleth!" Jeralt ran down to them quickly as Dimitri carefully placed her down.

The man quickly embraced his daughter tightly in his arms, while she hugged him back.

"Dad, whatever happened, I am sorry." Arisa muttered and Chris let go of a sigh.

"Damn it kid...you're giving me too many gray hairs. What were you thinking staying behind like that?!" Jeralt scolded.

"Wait. What are you talking about? The last thing I remember is shooting arrows at the phantom soldiers and then everything went black." Arisa said and Jeralt let go of a sigh.

"Sigh...so you had a black out episode again?" He says and Arisa looked at Chris worried.

"I promise you did not do anything stupid. You fought off the bandits." Chris said but there was a hidden message only she understood.

"Sothis took over. Thank her later."

That was a hidden message and Arisa suddenly became worried as she looked over to the twins. Both had closed eye smiles aimed a her while Jeralt spoke. Unfortunately, she had closed off what he was saying to her and thoughts were running throughout her head.

"Sothis, I hope you didn't do anything because the twins have this smile that is freaking me out." She thought and even Edelgard raised an eyebrow by how happy the twins looked.

"Something happened." Claude thought and smirked.

[-]

"And look at this."

"Ohohohoho! I am so showing this to Sylvain, Forrest, Hilda and Dorothea."

Claude laughed like a child as Lestia presented him the pictures she took, and his laughter grew even more at how Dimitri looked like a literal frozen statue when Teach kissed him.

"You're putting these in that photo album, right?" He asked and she nodded.

"Of course, I am. But changing the subject, just how much did we miss?" Lestia asked as Claude turned a page to a book he was reading.

"Other than you guys found the easy way to get back to Abyss safely, Aelfric has been kidnapped. Jeralt and Yuri are giving the full update to Arisa. She's helping them make a plan of attack since the area where the bandits demanded the chalice is an abandoned chapel. Amir and Hapi are working together to...use their...summoning magic." Claude was quite worried about monsters being summoned to help them.

"Creepity creep~" Lestia grinned and screeched when he gave her light smack on her head with the book he was reading.

"What?! I know you and Felix heard Annette singing!" She pouted as she rubbed her head but stopped when she noticed something fall out of the book.

Claude noticed it to and picked up the piece of paper, and both narrowed their eyes as they read it partly out loud.

"I, a priest of_the findings of my investigation_ When a Crest Stone was removed while its Relic was being wielded by a_all movement within the Relic ceased. When the stone was returned, the Relic once again_ It is beyond question that Crest Stones supply their associated Relic with power of some kind. And the impetus of said power is clearly related to the Crests that certain humans possess…" they read and the two looked at each other, their eyes both saying the same thing.

"We need to read more." Claude smirked and she nodded.

Unfortunately, that wasn't going to happen because they heard a sigh and looked so to see Alexandra walking up to them.

"Lestia, you, Dimitri and Edelgard are to write letters to Dedue and Hubert. Amir just found out from Hapi and Sadi that those two are going to flip the monastery at this rate. They're panicking that you guys are missing." Alexandra sighs and Lestia lets out a groan.

"I'll be back..." Lestia groans as she stands up and walks out the room.

Silence was all there was till Claude spoke.

"How are you holding up?" He asked and she smiled softly to him.

"A bit tired but alright. I have been talking to Yuri and Balthus a lot. It felt comforting to learn my uncle and I are not the only ones left with the Crest of Aubin. Balthus reminds me of a fierce bear but soft and cuddly once you get to know him." She giggled and Claude had a bit of a strainy smile.

He and Balthus...don't exactly have the best relationship. Especially since he found out it was that old man Gloucester that had ordered Balthus to pick dirt with him. But then again, he understood why Balthus did it. That man had too many debts to pay.

"Yuri reminds me of Christophe in a way. Also, a bit like you. You and Yuri make a good pair in schemes. Add Lestia and our enemies' doom is set!" She giggled but then gasped when arms wrapped around her.

"Is that so? Hmm...maybe assist me?" He smirked.

"Claude von Riegan, I only assist when I want to." She huffed as his feathers twitched a bit.

Claude just kept staring at those damn things and suddenly, he touched them. Alexandra froze as he felt the feathers in his hands. Cool to the touch but still fluffy.

"Strange but cute." He thought.

"You're the 5th person to touch them." She giggled a bit and he let go.

"fifth? Who are the first four?" He laughed.

"Amir, Arisa, Ashe and Linhardt."

Claude felt betrayed and Alexandra was snickering at his blank face.

[-]

"He's a cardinals...how the hell...?"

Jeralt let go of a sigh as more information was revealed to them regarding Aelfric's kidnapping. The breaks, kidnapping, making sure the kids didn't do a stupid stunt, gray hairs he will be getting. Chris pinched the bridge of his nose as the group was talking among themselves. The typical scene from the story when they are discussing the letter as well as finding out how important Aelfric was. But that was the thing that worried him. There have been...changes. Of course, he knew a change in the story was inevitable but what was throwing him off was how Aelfric smiled. Something was off. Something was haunting him. Even more when Hapi kept complaining about the weird dolls they have kept finding around Abyss. They burned those suckers to ashes. It worried him more when he noticed a change in Sothis. The goddess commented that she felt something strange around the chalice and it wasn't a good feeling. Even Cirina hissed at it like a cat about to go into self-defense. He has not sensed any strange magic and knows Aelfric has been trying to keep an eye on him using Yuri. Unfortunately for Aelfric, Yuri was also working with him and Rhea. But there was still this unsettling feeling.

"Where are you...?" He thought as he looked around.

The faceless female soul that guided him and Yuri two years ago has gone missing and he was getting worried. He became friends with that soul. Chris let go of a sigh of his own as he recognized the sound of clicking metal boots. Looking up, a faint smile was on his lips as the person and others spoke

"Professor! And Captain Jeralt?! I came as fast as I could when I heard the report. I had no idea you two would be here!" Alois was surprised to see his mentor and the others there.

"Is this...loud...uh, excitable knight a friend of yours?" Yuri groans.

"We don't know this man." Jeralt answered and Arisa snorted, trying to hide her growing laughter.

"Captain! I know you have humor but that was cruel, even for you! You also Professor!" Alois whined as Arisa tried to control her laughter.

"Anyhow," he grumbled, "about Aelfric's kidnapping...Since he is an important member of the Church..."

Typical speech that he is a member of the church, anything to find him. Flash forward to Alois becoming surprised by that the Chalice is real is Constance held out to present. Arisa immediately began backing away and ran to his clinic. Linhardt and Dominic ran after her, the sound of gagging vomiting was heard. Chris said he would accompany The Ashen Wolves to report to Rhea along with Jeralt. Alois nodded and explained that the knights that were deployed to the western church, explaining what they went through when they found it. And, reporting to Rhea.

[-]

"So that is what transpired..." Rhea muttered as she looked at the Chalice in Constance's hands as it was presented to her, "This is indeed, the Chalice of Beginnings. It matches the descriptions in the few records of it that remain."

Chris was present in place of Arisa along with Jeralt. Just being near the Chalice was making her feel nausea and it was unsettling. Chris was worried. She shouldn't be having that reaction to the chalice and even Alexandra commented on it.

"Don't beat around the Bush. What's our punishment?" Yuri spoke as Rhea shook her head a bit.

"You removed a most sacred treasure. Truly it is my obligation to meet out punishment for that transgression. However,...you all also helped the church locate a valuable artifact. In light of a good deed, I shall forgive the bad one." She frowned as she closed her eyes, "I do wonder..."

"Is everything alright Lady Rhea?" Chris asked as she looked at him.

"I am wondering whether the presence of you and your sister had anything to with the artifacts unbinding, Christian." She smiled.

Jeralt gritted his teeth as she continued.

"As per the church chronicles, the 5 apostles secured the chalice with powerful magic. The only way to release the chalice is by using the five Crest passed down through their bloodlines." Rhea explains as she shook her head a bit, "However, given the special power you both possess, perhaps you were able to unlock yourself."

"Lady Rhea, may I ask a question?" Jeralt spoke suddenly.

"You may speak." Rhea said.

"The Chalice, is my daughter supposed to have a negative reaction to it?" Jeralt said and Chris's eyes went wide.

"No! Don't say that!" He mentally yelled.

"Negative reaction?" Rhea raised an eyebrow at him.

"My daughter has said that she is sensing malice from the chalice and it's making her sick. I know something is wrong when my daughter becomes pale like a ghost." Jeralt said and Rhea turned to Chris.

"Is this true?" She asked, worried.

"It's true. I honestly do not understand. Arisa is having a negative reaction to it but me...I feel nothing to it." Chris explained as Hapi handed him the chalice to further prove his point.

"The Professor should not be having such reaction at all. Strange... for the time being, I will keep the chalice in somewhere safe. As for Aelfric," her tone went a bit cold, "I assure you that the knights will find him in due time. I consider him to be one of my many children, after all. I will not allow harm to befall him." She turned to Jeralt, "Jeralt and Chris, do continue to watch over the Ashen Wolves." And they nodded.

"Lady Rhea, might I ask a moment of your time? We cannot be expected to give up our endeavor! The enemy stated most clearly if the knights are involved, our dear Aelfric is finished!" Constance voices her worry.

"Coco, I understand that you worry and owe him much. I agree that the risk is great." Chris sighs.

"I'll go." Jeralt said and everyone looked at him surprised, "The place where they hold Aelfric. I'll go. It's the least I can do."

"Jeralt, I understand that you and Aelfric are old friends but do not be reckless." Rhea spoke.

"Then I propose this." Yuri spoke, "With the help of the Professor's as well as Captain Jeralt, leave the mission to save Aelfric to us. Lady Rhea...please." Yuri said and a tense silence was followed.

"Hmmmm..." Rhea hummed.

"I'll take full responsibility as well as Alexandra, Amir and Arisa. They are our students and Aelfric has been kind to us. Please." Chris said and Rhea sighs.

"If you, Jeralt, Amir, and Alexandra..." no one missed the edge in Rhea's voice when she spoke Alexandra's name, "join your powers with theirs..Yes, perhaps there is hope. Very well. I shall entrust you with the chalice."

"Your Grace, the chalice is a legendary treasure! You can't just hand it over to these underground-!" The knight froze when Jeralt turned his way.

"Underground what? The people of Abyss are human just like you. Do not treat them any lower. You call yourself a knight?! Where is your virtue and pride?! A true knight does not look down on others nor speak such foul things!" Jeralt said angrily to him and everyone looked at him shocked.

"R-Right...I...I am sorry Captain Jeralt...please, excuse me." The knight ran with his tail between his legs.

"Sigh...Jeralt, that is enough." Rhea sighs as the man turns back to her.

The Ashen Wolves were honestly surprised that Jeralt defended them. But truth to be told, Jeralt could help but see himself, Sandy, Florencio, and Cherche, within them. Back in their younger days, causing mischief despite being knights. He did wonder where Cherche left. Others believe she is dead while he believes she is alive.

"Even if the chalice was lost, it would be impossible for the thieves to make use of it. Though it was created to return a life that was lost, I doubt that anyone alive knows how to accomplish that feat." Rhea spoke as Chris shivered.

"That's where you're wrong Rhea..." He thought as she continued.

"If someone were to successfully replicate the ritual..it would perhaps be the work of fate." She says, "For now you are all dismissed."

"Wait, Lady Rhea." Hapi suddenly spoke which made everyone confused.

"Yes Hapi?" Rhea smiled.

"I know this is suddenly strange but...Are...dolls suddenly being left by the knights in Abyss?" Hapi asked.

"Dolls?" Rhea raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yeah. Over these past few weeks, I have been finding the same creepy doll in different locations and Amir and I have sensed some strange magic coming from it." She said and pulled out the doll from her bag.

The hairs on Chris's neck stood up as Hapi presented it and quickly grabbed it out of her hand and threw it at the other end of the hallway.

"What the hell?" Hapi glared but shivered when they began hearing creaking sounds from the doll.

"My..my...you aren't as gentle as you look." Rhea felt dread as she recognized the voice that suddenly spoke from the doll as it began to move on its own.

It yawned and blinked multiple times as it stood up and stared at them with pink neon eyes. The Ashen Wolves, along with Jeralt were on guard as Chris walked a bit forward, unsheathed the Sword of the Creator. His eyes cold as he stared at the doll.

"My doll...you have the bones of my doll..." the doll smiled as she looked at the sword yet no emotion was in its voice.

"Who are you?" Chris spoke slowly as the doll giggled as it took small steps forward.

"Oh, you know me already. After all, I was the one who kissed my doll." It laughed and Chris's eyes went wide.

"You...You're Pittacus..." he says, and the doll nodded.

"Yes. Yes, I am. Hm...Rhea...it has been quite some time. I'm here for my doll. And I will get her. But first, " she pointed to the Chalice, "Make sure to bring the chalice and I shall set Aelfric free."

"YOU!" Rhea roared, "I KILLED YOU YEARS AGO! HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOURSELF ONCE MORE!?" Anger unlike anything before rose within Rhea as the doll only tilted its head.

"Please. After all, I was the one that made your mother to a pretty little sword. Ahhhhh~ so fine!" Pittacus moaned.

"AAARRRHHHHH! YOU! HOW DARE YOU?! RETURN MY MOTHER'S REMAINS!" Rhea lunged and was quickly held back by Balthus and Jearlt.

Chris was silent as he turned back to Pittacus who smiled.

"What do you want?" He growled as the doll only titled its head again.

"Well...how about we make a deal with the boy who also had the Crest of my doll?" Pittacus smiled, "The Chalice in exchange for Aelfric. Easy."

"Bitch please." Chris snarled, "You want something more. And no, hands off my sister. You tried to force yourself onto her." He growled and Constance gasped.

The other's eyes went wide hearing these as Pittacus giggled.

"Force? Oh, no, no. I just want to taste her purity." She smiled.

"You bitch..." Yuri snarled.

"Aelfric for the chalice. Deal or no deal." She repeated once more.

"Fine." Chris growled and quickly took out a small potion bottle with crimson liquor in it, threw it to her.

Pittacus squealed as she caught the bottle.

"I gave you a good amount of my blood. So, don't you dare try and take my sister." He growled.

"Hmmmmm..." Pittacus hummed as she held the bottle like if it was an infant, "Say...do tell me where... Melody is?"

"Bitch, I'm telling you nothing. Scram!" He yelled and the doll just smiled.

"Oh, Rhea," ah, how Pittacus enjoys her raging face, "Your mother's arms make wonderful lances."

"YOU WHOOOOREE!"

"Stop, Rhea!" Jeralt and Balthus both yelled and were struggling holding the woman back because her inhumane strength was seeping out.

Pittacus's doll only smiled and disappeared in a puddle of black mud. A tensen silence was left as Chris made the sword disappear into his left bicep, where the Crest of Flames appeared on there. Rhea panted rapidly as Jeralt quickly helped her sit down on one of the chairs available and Constance quickly used magic to summon a glass of water for her.

"That...was horrible..." Constance muttered as Chris shook his head.

"Balthus, please go get Seteth and Flayn. And inform Flayn to make her the Crescent moon tea. And yes, tell them what went down." Yuri sighs as Rhea has her hands buried in her hands.

Chris knelt down and spoke softly, a tone he would use when speaking to children.

"Rhea, I promise you this. I will do what I can to recover the remains of your mother." He sighs as she looks down at him.

"(You're just a child...you don't understand...)" she said however her eyes went wide when he spoke her language.

"(Yet this child knows what he is doing and will do what he must to not let the Red Canyon happen again.)" He said coldly to her and stood up.

The door to the audience opened quickly and Flayn and Seteth went running to her, worried.

"Flayn and Seteth, watch over her." Chris says and turns to leave, the Ashen wolves along with Jeralt following behind him.

Yuri could see rage growing in Chris's face because of what Pittacus said. He would be furious also learning someone tried to force themselves onto someone they knew. Chris now had a very clear mission. And if his theory was correct, Aelfric was not going to be forgiven.

[-]

"Cough! Cough! Ugh!"

Linhardt and Dominic kept using heal on the Professor and it only looked like she was becoming paler. Sothis groaned in pain and Amir and Alexandra could also see how pale the goddess had also turned. Currently, she and the others were in Chris's clinic and refused to let any of the others see her in her sorry stare other than Linhardt and Dominic. The door to the clinic was closed but the students could hear how sick she sounded from the other side.

"What the hell...we were perfectly fine and then...ugh...me my stupid self-had to touch the chalice...ULP!" She vomited into the bucket she was holding and poor Linhardt grimaced while Dominic was used to it by now.

That didn't stop him from being worried though.

"Sis, are you going to be able to go to the mission?" Dominic asked and Arisa nodded.

"This...cough...is nothing! I survived throwing myself off the Blaiddyd Castle (Twins: WHAT?!), off the cliffs of Almyra (Claude: Excuse me...?) And survived Enbarr's horrible heat waves (Edelgard: Now I am really concerned.)! This is n-brrughhhh!" She vomited again.

"Yeah, yeah. Try to sound all tough." Linhardt sighs as the door opens a bit and Amir slid in medicine.

"Stomach medicine, antibiotics, energy pills. What the hell?" Linhardt slowly looked over to her, "Have you been taking all of these?"

"First off, only stomach medicine." Arisa choked out, "Second, the energy pills are Christian's. Not mine. Third, I always carry antibiotics out of emergency."

Linhardt just gave her a blank look and sighs as he handed her the stomach medicine pill and a glass of water. Quickly she gulped it down and coughed, wiping her lips with the towel Dominic handed her.

"I never felt this sick and horrible before..." Sothis muttered weakly as Arisa looked over to her.

The goddess was pale, sweating, her pointy ears drooped, showing how sick she was.

"Yet this feeling...I have experienced before...I don't know where..but...everytime I see that doll that Hapi burns...I get this feeling of dread...Ulp!" Sothis gagged and disappeared in a shower of pale green dust.

"You're staring into space again." Dominic comments as some color returns to Arisa's face.

"Is it that spirit that Baba (Elder Bara) says protects you? Are they alright? Are they also sick like you?" He says and at the word "sick", Arisa's eyes flared furiously.

"I...am...not...sick...." Arisa snarled and Dominic instantly backed away.

"Back away Dominic." Linhardt pulled him back, "Professor, rest for a bit. We'll be back." He says and she nodded as they left the room, closing the door.

"Dominic...Linhardt...how is she?" Ashe asked as the two shook their heads.

"Don't even go near her right now. Me and my big mouth had to say the taboo word in front of her..." he sighs.

"Taboo?" Everyone minus Amir and Alexandra, said, confused.

"The word "sick"," Alexandra spoke as she crossed her arms, leaned on the brick wall, " is a taboo word to her. She becomes aggravated and hostile when the word "sick" is referred to her. Arisa despises being sick with a passion to the point she hides it. I had to knock her out many times just to get her to stay in bed. Even a common cold piss her off greatly. Sigh...yet..." she opened her eyes as she looked up the ceiling, "I understand why..."

"Care to explain?" Amir said.

"Wait. I thought you would know?" Linhardt says and Amir shook her head.

"I wish but even I have my limitations. Alexandra here along with Chris, know." She answered.

"Amir, please refrain from saying more." Alexandra sighs as Cirina spoke in her mind.

"I hate to break it to you but this part of Arisa becoming super pissy was inherited from Serios. She hated getting sick and it took grandmother to convince her to go rest. Even Noa had a difficult time." Cirina huffed and Alexandra let out a loud groan.

"No mas esto me faltaba..." she muttered and walked into the room despite everyone telling her not to.

The door slammed shut and Arisa was asleep on the bed. Thankfully, color was returning to her face, however.

"Okay, time for old school style." Alexandra pulled up her hair and her sleeves.

She was going to wake her old friend like in the old days, Mexican style.

"WAKE UP PENDEJA!"

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Alexandra's yell and Arisa's scream made the group of students and Amir gawk as they could tell that their Professor got thrown out of the bed and the number of curses, she was yelling in Whatever language she was saying. It is safe to say, Alexandra succeeded in making Arisa resurface old memories.

Never piss off Theresa.

Chapter 49: Bloody Grail: Part 3: Reminiscence

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We're almost near the end. I wanted this chapter to show different sides of our characters as well as the emotions behind them. When the DLC first dropped, I was expecting there to be some sort of argument between Aelfric and Jearlt. Aelfric questioned him why he had left as well letting any anger and jealousy he had. Pittacus presence amplifies this. She is using him and will make sure to use every single little detail to get what she wants. She may look invincible, but she does have weakness.

Cherche will be making an appearance. I'm currently playing Fire Emblem Awakening again and falling in love with her character all over again. However, she won't be appearing yet. I have that planned for a different time.

Pittacus provoking Rhea. She did it on purpose. To tick Rhea off and only made it worse when she mentions on purpose what is going on with the rest of Sothis's corpse. Pittacus along with Odesse and Solon have deep connections to creating the relics and crest.

Spine/Tail: Sword of the Creator

Blood/Heart: Crest Stone

Arms: Lances

Wings: Wings

Legs: ?

Head: ?

More will be revealed soon. As well as 59 and 60. The twins are starting to become aware more of their surroundings and people.