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)

51. Chapter 50:Bloody Grail:Part 4:Cost

[ Part 1 ]

A long time ago, I used to believe I was alone. Some part of my heart was still in denial of everything around me. Even I didn't understand why I was still in denial that the life I was living was my reality. Perhaps it was because I yearned for something. I didn't understand what I yearned for. That was because I kept unconsciously yearning for love.

The dreams I would have of Byleth where they would mourn having lost the battle. Having to watch what they worked so hard for be destroyed. At times they snapped and rampaged, unconsciously begging for someone to end their life. The years going by and the dreams became more frequent. At times, those endings I saw Byleth marry Claude. At times I saw Byleth marry Edelgard. Others even Dimitri. Even married Rhea. Or even any other of the students. Sometimes it wasn't even any characters from the game but someone else. At times those happy dreams were the complete opposite. Edelgard torturing Byleth. Claude executed Byleth because they saw them as a threat. Dimitri destroyed Byleth because he gave into the voices of the dead. Rhea rips Sothis heart out and kills them or kills everyone in her rampage. Yet, just like every human, they yearn to love and live in peace.

Ai is wanting a heart. Koi is a dreaming heart. Koi breaks in front of reality, reality gets distorted by Ai, and Ai becomes powerless in front of Koi. - Hans Christian Anderson

Haha...

Koi can be selfish. AI can be real love.

Koi is always wanting. AI is always giving.

Love has so many different definitions it's hard to just agree with just one. Hmmmm...

It took looking at not just death in the eyes, but also the darkness in my own heart to realize the truth of my own existence. The battle against Pittacus and Aelfric was the most traumatizing one for me. I couldn't bring myself to look at anyone in the eye let alone my own father with what happened during that time. Especially when I learned, I had "killed" some of my students. Haha, I almost laughed at how foolish I was back then. I kept burying my emotions away and what did they lead? Blowing up in my face. Sigh...

But I also learned a valuable lesson that day. I was able to finally make peace with a part of my heart that yearned for something I didn't realize I wanted. Someone that I wanted to meet.

I'm hungry. Perhaps I should take a break now. Hmmm...

Diary Entry: Verdant Moon: August 23rd 1189

[-]

"Ufu~ "

It was set. The abandoned chapel where the battle will take place. The useless assassin along with his rats hiding in the shadows to strike. Pittacus stood on top of a hill, looking down at the field with a predatory look in her eyes despite them being closed.

"My doll...my doll...ahhhhhhh~" she moaned as she took out the bottle that Chris threw at her.

Her panting began to grow, her pale cheeks a hue of red appeared on them as she shakily opened the bottle. Down she gulped the crimson liquid like as if it were the last drop of water on earth. She screamed in ecstasy as the sweet taste of lily flowers, iron, and something ancient went down her throat as her eyes snapped open and glowed a light hue of green. The color quickly disappeared from her eyes as she closed them once more. Her hair glowed like the ocean water as she smiled.

Yes, today her doll would he hers.

[-]

[ A memory from long ago]

What I envision before me:

The abyss of the far, distant past

What I envision before me:

Those horrible, terribly frozen eyes What I envision before me:

The dream of a gently woken lamb

Every year on the 23rd of the Verdant Moon, Arisa would celebrate her birthday with loved ones. Her first birthday in this world was when "Byleth" turned 5 years old. She had a mix of emotions and didn't know how to actually take the idea of celebrating her birthday with...her family. Don't get her wrong, she grew to love each and every single one of them but there were still unresolved feelings she had. It was going to be her first birthday without her brothers and sisters. Without her mother. Her mother had always been with her since her day of birth as well as supported her. It felt...so strange not seeing her mother. When she would come home from her school, even when she lived with her parents while going to college, her mother would always be the first person to greet her.

"I'm home!" Or "Fish is home!" She would yell cheerfully when she would walk through the door.

Her mother would greet her with a grin, at times she was cooking dinner and was greeted by the scent of food. There were days her mother would be cooking her favorite dish and the older woman would chuckle when she would see her daughter's eyes light up.

"I'm home!" Arisa yelled as she opened the door to her home, a grin on her face.

Arisa had just returned from the trip to Dadga. She expected to be greeted by the gentle grin of her mother, the loud rumbling of her brothers and sister as well as the howling of her two dogs. Her father told her brothers to calm down. Those images played before her eyes, expecting the house filled with warmth yet...all she was greeted by was an empty room. The images faded from her eyes. The happy sounds of her siblings laughing, gone. The gentle and warm smile faded away. The grin full of joy on Arisa faded away slowly as her lips became a thin line.

"I'm home..."she muttered as her face became filled with grief.

"And finally, we are back!" Her eyes went wide when Sandana's voice rang behind her, the woman carrying some luggage, "Finally home sweet h-what's wrong?" Sandy suddenly said as she quickly noticed Arisa's demeanor.

"Umm..." the girl shifted a bit nervously, "Nothing." She answered.

"Sigh..Byleth..." Sandy sighs as she knelt down, "What is wrong? I know dealing with emotions is difficult but it's not healthy holding them inside. Now, speak." Sandy says as the girl pursues her lips together.

"I...um...It's weird...that I was...expecting to see...someone greet me when I say "I'm home"?" She asked.

"Hmmm...no it's not weird. When we return to the place, we call home, we have the expectation to be greeted with the sight of things we are familiar with. For example, whenever I or the others come back from a mission, we're greeted by the people here. It's not an expectation. The expectation is that you will see people you are familiar with. The gates. The soil. The buildings. Basically, what we are familiar with, our surroundings. Does that make sense?" Sandy asked.

"Hmm...a bit." Arisa says as Sothis appeared and looked around the room.

"What were you expecting to be greeted by?" Sandy asked.

She felt the girl shift nervously and frowned.

"A child should not have such a look of sadness in their eyes. Why do you have the look of an adult who has lost everything?" The older woman thought as Arisa muttered softly.

"I um..." she looked to the grown as she fiddled with her fingers, "I was...expecting to be greeted...by a mother and...the sight of family."

Silence befell the place as Sandana looked at Arisa with wide eyes, surprised by her words. Sothis was silent as she looked at the girl in worry as Sandy blinked a bit.

"A mother...family...siblings...that...I was not expecting." Sandy coughed and panicked when the girl's mood began to plummet suddenly.

"Is that wrong? Is that wrong that I was hoping to be greeted by a mother? My mother?" Arisa whispered and Sandy shook her head as she stood up and picked up the girl in her arms.

"No, no! It's not wrong dear! I'm sorry if my response made you feel that way. It's just...I was not expecting you to think of your mother." Sandy sighs as the girl looks out to the empty living room of the house.

The distant look in her eyes made Sandy wonder if the girl was yearning for a mother. Could it be that she wants to know who her mother is? Sandy knew that at young ages some kids without a father or mother would start asking where they are. She didn't expect it to happen so soon. She was going to turn 5 years old in a few more months.

"Hey Sandy...is it bad that I want siblings?" Annnnnddddd Jeralt is going to have a rough time.

"Hahaha...I'll um...speak to your father about that." Sandy laughed nervously as she put the girl down, "For now, go unpack your things!"

Arisa giggled a bit and suddenly became a full-blown laughter as the woman just stared at her. She had never heard Byleth laugh so much before and much less, like this. Arisa wiped her tears and spoke.

"Sorry! Sorry! I know dad isn't ready to give me siblings yet. Hmm..I still want a little brother or sister but may it far in the future." She giggled.

Sandy let out a loud groan as the girl walked down the hallway towards her room. Yet...the sad look of sadness that haunted the girl's eyes disappeared like it was never there.

"I need to speak to Jeralt."

- Verdant Moon: August 23rd -

She woke up with eyes wide, her tears falling but no sobs or whimpers came from her lips. Sothis appeared quickly as she looked at the girl worried. The wave of emotions was overwhelming, and the goddess almost fainted at how strong they felt.

"Arisa?" Sothis spoke softly to not agitate the girl who just stood up and stared at herself in the mirror.

Green eyes that should be brown. Teal hair that should be brown. Peach skin that should be brown. The girl closed her eyes and let her tears small, finally a small sob left her lips.

"Mom...I miss you..." she muttered and began wiping her tears away as fast she could.

Sothis hugged the girl from behind and spoke.

"Arisa...I understand this will be your first birthday without your former family. It is alright to mourn. How many times am I going to have to repeat this? Sigh..." Sothis muttered as the girl kept wiping her tears away.

"Please Sothis...keep repeating those words to me when you feel I am stubborn..." Arisa sighs and Sothia chuckled softly, "Ever since I have been turned to a child again...I'm not my usual self. I think it's because part of my mentality has been reduced to a child. My emotions are expressed more freely than anticipated. I'm happy since I never got the chance to experience a childhood but...it feels...so foreign to me." She sighs.

Arisa looked back to the mirror and stared.

"I wonder if this is how Byleth felt when she began to discover her emotions." Her eyes wandered all over the mirror, studying herself yet she took a deep breath, her eyes suddenly a glint like steel.

"This is your reality. This world is real. Your heartbeat is real. Everything around you is real." She muttered and Sothis smacked her head.

"Don't close yourself off like that! Take your time! Do not rush yourself for the love of the god." Sothis huffed as Arisa raised an eyebrow at her.

"Are you picking up my cussing habits?"

"Perhaps. And I will gladly use them."

[-]

Every year on the 23rd of Verdant Moon, when Arisa would go to sleep, she would dream. She would dream of warm arms holding her gently. She would dream of warm green eyes that looked at her with so much love. She would dream of a kind voice, holding and speaking to her softly.

"No matter the choice you make, I am proud of you."

The kind voice would always say with a warm smile as they held her in her arms, protecting her and keeping the nightmares away. Arisa would dream of a woman who looked at her with so much love. But every time Arisa would wake up, this dream would fade, and she could never remember it no matter how hard she tried. Arisa had unconsciously began wishing she could meet this person and tell them thank you for their words and kindness.

Who knew such a simple wish...would be used against her.

- Present Time -

"Was that really necessary?" Arisa groans as she forces herself up from the stone floor and sits back down on the bed.

Alexandra grunted as she went to the shelves, picking two glasses jars, taking out the herbs in them. Mint and rosemary. She placed them in a thin cloth she had cut and made it like a small charm, so the scent will admit from it.

"Here." The woman handed the scented charm to her friend, "Keep it on you. The scent should help you relax. Now, come clean. What's bothering you?" She grabbed the chair and sat in front of her.

"You're treating me like a kid." Arisa said.

"Well, until you get your shit together, I'll keep treating you like a kid. Now, spill!" Alexandra glared and Arisa let go of a sigh.

"Okay, I really did mean it when I said the chalice is making me sick. Sothis as well. Both of are getting affected just by being near it. You know how much I hate being sick." She sighs as she reaches into her bag and pulls out her flask of wine.

"I know that but there is more. Is this about...Jeralt and your mother?" Alexandra asked and Arisa let out a loud groan.

"Yes. I decided not to pry dad on the subject any longer and wait till he is ready to tell me. Sigh. And about mom," she took the picture out and handed it to her, "I wish I could meet her. Honestly, I'm such a fool for holding resentment towards someone who gave birth to me. I was just so tired of being compared to her, especially when Rhea did it. At first, I didn't mind at all. Elder Bara and Dad didn't say much about her, but I was told I reminded them of her. Her smile, kindness. But then Rhea brought it up as a form to throw me off." Her voice became bitter at that.

"Suddenly bring my mother to a subject that she had not been part of? I think the best definition to describe what I felt was resentment but also anger. Rhea was comparing me. She wants me to act like some vessel. And hearing stories of my mother and how she made me realize, I was a fucken idiot. Of course, I would inherit different aspects of her. Of course, I would look like her. And of course, even if I didn't grow up with a mother...I can tell just by looking at the picture...she truly did love me. Ughh...I'm an idiot. Alexandra, slap me. I need it. Seriously." Arisa says and Alexandra gladly rubbed her hands together.

"Bitch slap or I told you so slap?" Alexandra smirked.

"I'm surprised you actually remember the names." Arisa grins.

"Bitch slap it is."

SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!

"Whoa whoa whoa!" Chris yelled because everyone was paralyzed by the sudden sounds of slapping in the room, because it was so loud you could hear it outside.

The man quickly ran in and found Arisa whimpering, her cheeks red and Alexandra dusting her hands proudly. Chris had seen this before and could not help but laugh as he wiped a tear.

"So which slap was it?" He laughed while Arisa used healing magic on herself.

"Bitch and I told you so slap." Arisa whined as Amir peaked her head through the door and just stared.

"So, she gave you the slaps huh?" Amir said monotony and Alexandra just smirked proudly.

"Yeah, you deserved them. Welcome to the club." She smiles.

"Hey um...is everything alright?" Claude yelled out.

"Don't worry. Alex gave her the slaps." Dominic says.

"SHE SLAPPED HER?!" Everyone else yelled except Jeralt, who just sighs.

The group walked out of the room, and Arisa let out an annoyed grunt as she reassured everyone, she wa-she took it back. She had to run back to the rook to vomit because Balthus was carrying the chalice. Constance and Linhardt quickly made a barrier around the damn thing which thankfully lessened the effects. After downing another pill, she was better and was able to recover.

"So, what happened?" Hilda was the first to ask about the meeting that went down with Lady Rhea.

"So, bad news. We're up against someone I didn't think we'd ever meet again." Chris sighs as he looks directly at his sister and points to her neck, "Pittacus."

At that, Arisa's eyes went wide, and her hair began flickering between the colors of mint, brown and teal. And that wasn't a good sign. Jeralt knew his daughter was terrified, angry, or extremely upset when her hair began flickering like that. When it first happened, it was when she had turned 12 years old. A group of bandits had ambushed them; they barely made it yet when the leader was on the verge of striking down Ares, Arisa had come behind the leader, roaring like an animal in agony and killed them. Her hair was flickering in the colors he saw now. She later confessed that she saw Ares die. Jeralt along with others were confused yet from the looks of worry Amir and Alexandra were giving her, he could not help but believe her words were true.

"She saw a vision. Sometimes one Crest allows one to see a glance of what is to come. Arisa changed what would have been Ares's end." Elder Bara spoke to him privately about that.

"Arisa, calm down." Chris walked up to her as he placed his hands on her shoulder, "I promise we'll take down that hag. One way or another. There is a reason...why I gave her...that." he whispered to her and she nodded as she took a deep breath yet...

"Why are you suddenly scratching your neck?" Edelgard said and Arisa froze as she noticed her own hand was indeed scratching her neck.

"Sigh...for now, let us focus on the real threat..Pittacus. Edelgard and Linhardt..." Arisa turned to them, the two flinched at the name "Pittacus" once more, "Tell me everything you know about that legend."

Edelgard gritted her teeth as she had placed a hand on her arm, trying not to shake. Memories from her days chained underground along with her siblings. Pittacus, Oddesse and Solon were the ones in charge of the experiments implanting a second Crest in her. Pittacus in charge of cutting her flesh and creating the Crest. Odesse oversaw the surgical procedures of implantation and Solon in creating the toxins as well as rituals to make sure the process was a success.

"Pittacus is a famous serial killer in the Empire." Edelgard slowly turned to Linhardt, who spoke those words, "I was curious about her legend and found similar records here in Abyss that date back up to the era of The War of Heroes. Though the descriptions of the woman are different, the same cases of the victim's eyes, skin, and hair are cut are the same. 200 years pass each time and the cases repeat." Linhardt explained as he pulled out a book.

"May I see that?" Alexandra extended her hand and was handed the book.

"Hmm..." a few pages she read but something was missing..she turned back to the boy. "Linhardt, are there any books on the victim's?" She asked.

"Yes, there is. One states their iden-" he stopped.

"No. I meant their bodies." She says as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

"Ummm...Alex.." Chris says as he sweat drops, "I don't think...the world is ready...for that type of field of work." He chuckled a bit nervously.

"Not ready my ass." Alexandra said as her eyes went back to the book, "You know very well my specialty is uncovering truths hidden within the body of a murder victim and also I'm able to identify what was used to kill the victim." She says as she turns a page.

"Back to the original subject," Chris sighs and said that quickly because Claude and Yuri were about to ask about what she meant by "Field of work", "we're dealing with a serial killer. We need to be careful. Especially in the area we're going to be fighting in. Damn it...I wish Glenn was here..." he whispered that last sentence.

"What does Glenn have to do with this?" Dimitri said and Chris spoke.

"He's a friend of mine. Remember I told you I worked with him and your brother in the past. He can see trap over a mile away and specializes in how to undo them." He explained quickly.

Yuri just gave him a look that said, "Nice save."

"Anyhow...Time to start planning."

[-]

"There you are."

Chris looked up from the man he was talking with and Yuri was heading his way. A bit of scowl the violet haired man had as Chris thanked the man that left quickly.

"What's wrong?" Chris asked as Yuri's voice turned to a whisper.

"The merchandise we found in that room 2 years ago...it's gone. It's like you said." Yuri hissed and Chris gritted his teeth, "You were right..."

"Yuri...I really am sorry. I'm assuming you... investigated." Chris muttered.

"I did. Are you sure your plan will work? I swear if my people and mother get hurt..." Yuri growled.

"Yuri, have I lied to you before?" Je suddenly said.

"No...you never lied to me before. But answer me this...why were you truly searching for Abyss? And not that bullshit answer you gave me and the others that you were just curious about!" He pointed at him because Chris had opened his mouth to say the answer he just said.

"Sigh...Fine..." Chris quickly looked around to make sure they were clear, "I came searching for you." He answered.

"Me? Well I'm honored." Yuri replied sarcastically.

"I'm serious. I came looking for you. I heard stories of the Savage Mockingbird as well as I remembered your face when you used to watch from a distance. I know you...sigh...how you managed to get Count Rowe to adopt you. As well as...some other unsavory things you done." Chris confessed while Yuri's face was blank.

"Continue." Yuri says as the shadows were covering his eyes.

"But I understand why you did. Just because I was royalty back then didn't mean I never got my hands dirty. I also did questionable actions also. I learned...something horrible back when I met Arisa. And worse reality struck when I nearly lost Gina. I needed allies. Especially since the ones I know thought I was dead back then. That's...when I remembered you. I listen to the rumors of the Savage Mockingbird as well the stories of Abyss. If there was anyone else, I could make an ally, that would be you." Chris says as Yuri was silent.

"Ally huh?" Yuri smiles bitterly, "You know my story before I even confessed. Can't help but feel my personal life go invaded." He says.

"I know. But I chose never to bring up the subjects because I respect you. I took the biggest gamble of my life when I came here to Abyss. Either I was going to end up dead by your hand or..." he smiled sadly to Yuri, " I make not only an alley, but a friend. Someone I can trust and know they have my back. That's the real reason I came here. I came here not as royalty or as a noble, as myself. Another person, just like you."

Yuri chuckled dryly then let go of a sigh.

"Guess we're both even. I investigated you also. You and Zander are both the most hated in the Kingdom and Empire by those corrupted nobles. You especially in the Empire because you were very vocal about what went down during the Insurrection of the Seven. You were hated because you wanted to do a political reform. You were planning to do that when you returned to Enbarr." Yuri says as he shook his head, "Bloody hell Chris. Now I understand why you were so dead set on making the Seven Lords pay. Especially...your uncle, Lord Arundel."

"Not just him..." Chris says as he removed his eyepatch and turned to Yuri.

The man's eyes went wide as he saw Chris's ghoul like eye. The veins were a deep crimson red and Chris sighs as he placed his hand over it.

"This the result...of me making a deal with them. I be their guinea pig for experiments in exchange my sister is free of the burden of the throne. Look where that got me. Nearly turned to monster if Arisa did not stop me on time." He sighs as he removes his hand and puts back his eyepatch.

"I won't pry on it anymore, but I can tell there's something else you aren't talking about. And somehow, I feel it the same thing your sister says. She keeps saying physically we are the same age but mentally is a different story. I feel, that applies to you also but also Alexandra." Yuri says as Chris chuckled.

"Guess it does. Unfortunately, it isn't time yet to tell you the meaning behind those words. For now, we need to finish a few things up." Chris smiled and the two turned when they heard footsteps approaching.

"Hey. Found you guys." Hapi smiled, "We're all meeting in the classroom. Think it's time...we say why we're here in Abyss." She says and the two males looked at each other and nodded.

The group walked a bit till they reached the classroom where Constance and Balthus were along with Arisa. The woman sat on one the chairs, color had returned to her face.

"Hey." Yuri smiled as they entered, "You looked better. Did those slaps we heard earlier help?" He teased.

"Ngh." Arisa grunted as she crossed her arms.

"You'll live." Hapi commented which made the female pout since that was her line she usually used.

"Glad you guys could join. We just talked for a bit. Still, this conversation going to get a bit serious." Balthus says as Constance nodded.

"Hey, Boss. I was meaning to ask- how'd you end up down here in Abyss?" Balthus asked.

"What is this, some sort of interrogation?" Yuri says as Arisa let go of a sigh.

She already knows since Yuri confessed to her a few months ago.

"Yeah, you've never been big on sharing. I mean, you know all about me, and there's still so much I don't know about you." Hapi says.

"Look, I get it. Talking about the past isn't easy. But I'm curious, yeah? So, get to it. I've got all day." Balthus says.

"Balthus, you don't just say to him." Arisa sighs as she looks over to her friend, "But take your time."

"Sigh..Do you know...? Heh heh." Yuri chuckled nervously, a frown on his face, "Well. I guess now's as good a time as any to tell you." His face became serious as he turned to the group, "I'm here because I killed some people from the church."

Shock, horror, surprise filled the faces of the three Ashen Wolves as they heard the answer from their leader.

"That cannot be!" Constance yelled in surprise.

"Why? Why did you kill them?" Arisa asked even if she knew the answer however what she didn't know was who helped him escape from death.

"My friend, you already have the answer to that. But I shall say it once more. Originally, I attended the academy as Count Rowe's adopted kid. There came a point when the church ordered me to wipe out some members from my old gang. Told me it was part of some important mission." He says as memories of that day returned to his mind.

"Who is this "old gang" you speak of?" Constance asked.

"They were nothing more to common thieves to someone like you, Constance." Yuri sighs a bit, "Anyway, they're like family to me, so naturally I protested my orders. Things got pretty heated and well...the rest is history." He finished.

Arisa and Chris were silent as the two siblings shared a look.

"That's some story, pal." Balthus shook his head, "You're damn lucky they didn't execute you."

"Heh, you're telling me." A bit of a cocky smirk formed on Yuri's lips, "Aelfric stepped in and implored them to spare my life, telling them to consider the circumstances."

"I don't know why...but that sounds sketchy. Aelfric suddenly chose to help him? Yes, in the eyes of the one about to get killed it's a miracle yet...I cannot help but feel there was a double meaning to Aelfric helping him..." Arisa thought as she continued to listen.

"It's not so different for the rest of you. I'm sure he helped all of us in different ways." Yuri chuckled a bit.

"He did. I was about to be thrown in the monastery's underground jail...People thought I was dangerous, with my "gift" and all." She says but couldn't help but smile, "It's dark and dingy here but it sure beats a prison cell. Elfie really saved my neck. Brings back memories when I was saved 4 years ago."

"4 years ago?" Arisa looked up to her.

"Yeah. 4 years ago, I was helped by a group of people to escape a woman who had imprisoned me. They called themselves Sirius." Hapi says.

Chris and Arisa quickly looked to each other with wide eyes at this. That meant that Emily helped her escape Cornelia.

"Back to the point-Balthus, what was it you were so curious about?" Constance asked, "You had ideas regarding why our enemies may be clawing after the chalice, perhaps?"

"Nah, nothing like that. But I am hung up on something Rhea said." Balthus said.

"The binding on chalice correct?" Arisa spoke and he nodded.

"That binding on the chalice was linked to the Five Apostles, yeah? I've got Chevalier's-"

"Sorry, but mind if I cut in?" Linhardt's voice suddenly rang.

"What is it? Can't you see we're busy?" Hapi said and the group turned to see the four house leaders along with Dominic, Alexandra, Amir, Jeralt and Linhardt.

"Sorry Hapi but this is important. We got information you guys want to hear." Dominic replies.

"Specifically, the names of the Apostles. Aubin, Chevalier, Noa, Timotheos and Ernest. The Five Apostles whose bloodlines were lost in time. I figured the Ashen Wolves along with Amir and Alexandra have thoughts about all that." Linhardt says as the two said females let go of sighs.

"Uh...Mm..." Constance shifted nervously.

"No use hiding it now, Constance. Let's lay all our cards on the table. As for me, I've got the Major Crest of Chevalier. When I enrolled at the Academy, the church ordered me to keep that tidbit to myself. So, I did." Balthus says as Arisa shivered at the mention of that Crest.

Melody's last smile came into her mind when she was handed Kaimu.

"Mm-hm. And I got the Major Crest of Aubin. Never did sort out how it is I have this thing." He frowned as he looked over to Alexandra, "When Count Rowe adopted me, he was quite esthetic about it. He was hoping to use me to claim the lands of Aubin by claiming I was the last survivor of the Aubin clan. Well unfortunately for him, I learned from Rhea that my Crest does not come from Ui's bloodline, but Saint Aubin, who also bore the same Crest as Ui." He explained and Alexandra nodded to him.

"As for me, the bloodline of Saint Noa courses through my veins. This is kept hidden, even from the Empire." Constance says and turned to Chris, "Houses Zoltras is an offshoot from House Nuvelle. We kept contact with each other in secret till unfortunately..The Dadga and Brigid War from 5 years ago. We helped each other in magic research and medical advances. But like usual...the church wasn't happy with our research and tried to force us to hide our knowledge. We did. For the safety of ourselves." She explains and Lestia and Dimitri looked surprised along with Edelgard.

"Which probably means mine's from Timotheos. I do have vague recollection of being told my Crest is rare. Also, learning that some of my ancestors left my home and settled in Duscur," She looked over to Amir, "guess we're distant relatives. By the way, teach me how to properly control the shadows." Hapi smiled.

"Of course, I will." Amir grins.

"As for the Crest of Ernest..." Dominic looked over to Chris and Arisa, "you two knew Anna has that Crest, didn't you?"

"Guilty as charged. And how did you figure it out?" Chris chuckled.

"Christian, her clothing literally has the symbol of it. Found it in the book and figured out from there." Dominic grunts.

"So, the 5 Crest, which were presumed lost, have all been gathered into the Academy." Edelgard says.

"The Ashen Wolves thanks to our buddy Aelfric, it would seem." Claude smiled.

"Amir's and Alexandra's because of Arisa." Lestia muttered.

"And Anna because she knows you two." Dimitri says, "And now Aelfric has been abducted. Why could that be? If it was the chalice they were after, they could have stolen it from us without the need for anything sly."

"Maybe someone had it out for him. Or maybe he messed with the wrong people?" Balthus says.

"I know this going to sound weird but.." Arisa spoke as they turned to her, "What if they were after not the chalice but more specific, the ones who have the Crest of the 5 Apostles?"

"What do you mean?" Linhardt asked.

"Well...let's take for example my Crest. The Crest of Flames is said to be the mother of all Crest. It is the same case with the Sword of The Creator, it is the mother of all the Heroes' Relics. If someone wanted to use the sword, they would first have to get their hands on the one who has the power to wield it properly." She explained and Yuri shook his head.

"I get what you mean but it could just be unrelated entirely. We're trying to untangle this mess by tying more knots to it." Yuri says.

"I swear...you kids make these confusing at times." Jeralt sighs.

"Balthus, you landed here by accident, didn't you? It's not like that's linked to the rest of us. I could just as easily have never ended up down here, you know? You're jumping at shadows." Yuri says and turns to Arisa, "Anyway, we don't have time for this. Let's get our act together and head to the chapel ruins." Yuri nodded.

With that out of the way, everyone went their separate ways to get things ready, but Arisa felt something was off as she made her way to the library once more. Straight to the section of forbidden books and dark magic she went and plucked a random one from the shelf.

"I know how you feel." Sothis manifested herself once more and floated around from shelf to shelf, "Oohh...where is it? I saw it somewhere around here... found it!" The goddess yelled as Arisa put back the book she was reading and went straight to the shelf Sothis was at.

The goddess pointed to a mint colored book and Arisa plucked it from the shelf, reading the cover.

"Magic of the Soul...written by...Lejare." Arisa turned to Sothis, who nodded, "Nabatean magic. The spells used in Faith and Reason magic are simplified versions of the more advanced ones my children used as well as the Agarthans. Daylight, Moonlight and Sirius are spells that are only used by me because of how destructive they can be. Take this book with you. I think it'll be a great use to you." Sothis smiled as she disappeared in a shower of golden dust.

Arisa was silent as she opened the book and began reading. Her eyes absorbed every bit of information she could and was fascinated by each spell and their use but one stuck out to her. Her eyes went slightly wide but became a distant look as she read its purpose. She took out her pen and circled it. Something told her she was going to need it. Quickly she read it repeatedly till she had it memorized.

"Hey, friend." She turned and heard footsteps approaching, seeing it was Yuri.

"Oh hey." She smiled softly at him.

"Let's not deny that there's a connection between us. How about you and I have ourselves a little date, huh?" He smiled at her.

Arisa was silent and stared at him for a bit before she spoke.

"You're smiling with your mouth a but, not your eyes..." she muttered and he couldn't help but chuckle with a smirk.

"Ha! It only happens when I'm being a little greedy. When the bell strikes midnight, meet me in front of the Holy Mausoleum. My only condition is that you arrive promptly after midnight- and nor a moment before. What do you say?" He smiled at her yet.

"A double blade, his words ring...something is up. But I know to trust his words." She thought and spoke, "Alright. I'll go. But why the Holy Mausoleum?" She asked.

"Heh Heh. All will be revealed when you arrive." He smirked, "Nobles have nearly killed one another fighting for my affections, you know. Perhaps you won't get all you want out of me, heh, but I'll promise you a fun time regardless."

"Hmmm..." she stretched her hands a bit, "Fun and games you say. Sure, I'll play along. But..." she placed her index finger on his chest, doing small circles, "I much rather us have a date when a fight is not over our heads." She smiled.

A coy smile was on her lips while Yuri's became a smirk.

"Who would have thought you had a sadistic side, Forrest Butterfly?" He lifted her chin and smiled, "It's settled then. I'll see you tomorrow night, friend. Don't stand me up." He grins as she has her hand on his chest.

"I'm a lady of my word...Yuri...hmm." she smiled.

Suddenly the two got pulled apart and Arisa blinked multiple times as she looked up and gulped.

"Dad!?" She screeched as Jeralt turned to Yuri, a bead of sweat rolling down the boy's face.

"Keep your distance from my daughter." Jeralt growled.

"Haha...Umm...see you tomorrow Arisa!" Yuri quickly walked away before he was screwed.

- Audience Chamber -

"Your Grace, please reconsider."

Inside the audience chamber, a priest spoke with Lady Rhea regarding the Chalice of Beginnings. Many were against the Archbishop leaving such a precious relic to the Ashen Wolves of Abyss, especially since they are looked down upon. Having now recovered from her encounter with Pittacus, Rhea let go of a sigh as the priest continued. She was waiting for someone to arrive.

"The chalice is among the church's greatest treasures, akin even to the Heroes's Relics." The priest said as she nodded.

"I am well aware, which is why I have already dealt with the matter." Rhea replies," Consider this, the Heroes' Relics are fearsome weapons imbued with great power. On the contrary, the chalice has long lost its power it once possessed. It is a little more than a token of history." She explains.

"If that is so, then why is it considered such an important artifact?" The priest asked.

Rhea's smile became warm and fond as she spoke the answer.

"It was created for a sacred purpose. To use the blood of the Five Apostles to...return the goddess to our world." She says.

"Their blood..." her eyes suddenly went wide as a realization began to sink in, her face became a frown as she began to think.

A pit on her stomach began to form as a feeling of dread filled her.

"Your Grace, is something the matter?" The priest asked, worried.

"I have an urgent mission for you. Investigate the origins of the Ashen Wolves. Start with their enrollment forms for the Academy. Keep an eye out for falsified documents." She ordered.

"Yes of course. Understood." The priest bowed.

"Before you begin, summon Alois at once. I have new orders for the knights as well." She says.

The priest nodded and left to do what he was ordered. As he opened the door, he greeted the two individuals that were waiting outside. Anna and Lejare as they closed the door.

"If I am correct...we haven't a moment to lose. Another tragedy is soon to transpire..." she thought as the two made their way to her.

"You called?" Lejare sneered at her as Anna just had a blank face.

"Anna and Lejare. I am glad you came." Rhea began, "I'm assuming you have been informed of the situation?" She asked.

"Of course, I have." Anna sighs as she places her hand over her heart, "I do not wish to see that happen again." She muttered.

"So," Lejare turned to her, "you inherited Ernest's memories. A unique feature of his Crest. Knowledge and memories passed down to one selected individual. Hmph." Lejare says.

"Enough." Anna sighs and turns to Rhea, "I did the investigation you requested. In order to kill Pittacus, we need to destroy her core, the heart. Unfortunately, that woman had changed bodies multiple times to the point we don't know if her core in the body. As for the cases of people going missing increasing every year, that is her doing. Rhea, her next target..." Anna muttered.

"I know..." Rhea sighs and looks over to her brother.

"You remember what we did all those years ago correct?" She says and he nodded.

"Of course, I do. But I'm only doing this for those children's sake. Don't think I have forgiven you for ordering the massacre of my clan." He sneered and left.

Anna turned to Rhea, who was silent.

"You did a foolish move back then. He found out about your plan to resurrect Sothis and was against it. To show you would not let anyone interfere with your plans, you ordered the massacre of his people...those he passed on his Crest to." Anna sighs as she begins to walk away.

"Will you interfere with my plan?" Rhea spoke with authority and Anna just laughed as she turned to the woman with a smile.

"Oh Serios," Anna placed her index finger on her chin and smiled coyly, a glint her eyes that made Rhea be on guard, " I have merchandise and customers to be more concerned about." She smiled and left.

- Abandoned Chapel -

"This the place..." Chris muttered as everyone had arrived in the abandoned chapel.

"I don't know why but I feel something strange about this place.." Ashe muttered as they looked over to Jeralt, who Arisa used a spell to make him look like his teen years.

"This is stupid." Teen Jeralt huffed while Alexandra was trying not to laugh.

"Dad, it's not that bad. Apparently from what Florencio told me, you had a similar body structure to Dimitri when you were younger. I just based my illusion spell off that." Arisa answered and Jeralt scolded.

"And that's precisely why I'm angry." Jeralt growled, "I'm being reminded of my younger days."

"Dad, it's not that bad. You look good, okay?" Arisa groans while Chris was just trying not to laugh.

"I think we should be worried about B's...appearance. I mean, he's got way, WAY more, uh...life experience, well actually Breaker does, than the rest of us. And all that life experience makes you look more like a knight than a student, B." Hapi says and Amir was using Hilda as support to not burst out laughing.

"Amir, you're cruel. But I agree. Baltie looks old." Hilda giggled.

"I can't believe you guys are saying I'm old! Don't forget you're speaking to the Ageless King of Grappling." Balthus tried to defend himself.

"She's not wrong, Baltie. There's a pretty big age gap between you two." Hilda says and now Arisa was trying not to laugh.

"You're friends with Hilda's older brother, right? That explains your...maturity. You make Hubert look like a spring chicken." Edelgard says and the team of four lost it.

"Ahahahahahahaha!" The four were howling in laughter while Balthus glared at them, feeling betrayed.

"Can it, will ya?! Anyway, I'm wearing a school uniform. No way in hell they'll think I'm a knight. And shut up!" Balthus says and then yelled at Chris and the other three still laughing.

"Yeah and anyone wearing a school uniform is without a doubt a student." Yuri says sarcastically.

"To be honest, for a good while, I actually did think you might be a knight...Who made your uniforms and set up the Ashen Wolf house, anyhow?" Ash asked and the group finally calmed down.

"If I might so humbly interject, that would be Aelfric." Constance spoke in a monotone voice.

"He pulled everything together for us..sometime after he was appointed as the guardian of Abyss. Said he wanted to give former students who were expelled from the academy from where to live. Somewhere to belong. Of course, this was established long before any of us were in the picture." Yuri says.

"So, getting you all together was coincidence?" Alexandra asked.

"Perhaps. After hearing all of that, it is not unbelievable as I thought." Edelgard says.

"I still think its fishy." Arisa answered. "Gathering those that carry the bloodline of the Apostles into one place? Something just doesn't add up." Jeralt grunts.

"All I know is that he helped me, so I'll help him." Hapi replied.

"I strongly doubt that I shall factor into Aelfric's retrieval, but I shall follow your lead." Constance says and Arisa was already thinking of some way to protect her from the sun.

"There it is." Balthus nodded, "We owe Aelfric. Maybe your goddess doesn't care about debts, but my fist and I sure do."

And at that, Sothis manifested herself in a storm of green dust.

"What did you just say about me?! How rude! I care and how dare you?! I ought to throw you off the bridge!" Sothis roared while Cirina was laughing.

"Whoa whoa whoa." Arisa said as she held back Sothis but to others it looked like she was pulling on air.

"Teach, what are you doing?" Claude asked.

"I'm holding back a fae from kicking Balthus to the second star to the right! Grrrr!" And the wind began howling strongly.

"Balthus, you insulted a fae. She was friend of the goddess and she isn't happy." Alexandra says while Balthus gulped and quickly apologized.

"Sigh..." Yuri shook his head, "Sorry to have you roped into this, friends."

"No worries. If it's for my students, I do it." Chris says.

"What a pal! The Ashen Wolves really landed an A+ professor. Not just on paper, but in practice too. This is great! Has me ready to get it and start hitting things!" Balthus said and the group went on a head but Chris and Ariaa stayed behind a bit with Yuri.

"What's wrong?" Arisa asked him.

"Even since I was a kid, I've always lived my life by one rule- that I'd only play my hand if I was guaranteed a victory." He says and clothes eyes in shame in a way, "I've gotten this far by using my cunning in any way necessary- lying, cheating, even killing when there is no other way...But this next play? Well, the odds don't exactly seem in my favor." He says and looks up to them, "Not unless you trust me enough to provide me with an ace..."

"Yuri..." Arisa smiled sadly and he stiffened when she suddenly hugged him.

"When this is over, you, Balthus Hapi and Constance are more than welcomed to join my class. I care about you guys, not only as my students but as my friends." She let go of him and smiled, "You're not alone anymore you know? You have us, who you can trust, and we trust you." She said.

Yuri was silent and smiled sadly at her.

"Thank you, my friend. Let's go." He says and she nodded as she went on a bit.

"Ahem." Chris cleared his throat and Yuri glared at him because of the smirk he had.

"So you fancy her..."

"Chris, say anything else and I swear you'll lose your other eye."

[-]

The place of meeting it was, the buildings falling apart due to time. Aelfric stood surrounded by a group of bandits along with their leader, a man known as Metodey. A bloodthirsty Assassin who enjoyed killing. The man laughed as the group arrived.

"Ha ha ha ha! At last you've arrived! You certainly took your sweet time..." Metodey laughed.

"My flock! Why have you come?!" Aelfric was shocked and nearly yelled out Jeralt's name when he saw the younger version of him.

"To save you of course! You didn't really think we'd just up and abandon you, did you?" Balthus said a bit angrily.

"If I may be so bold, we have the chalice you seek. Might I humbly request that you return Aelfric?" Constance asked.

Chris made a quick glance at Jeralt, who had a small nod. Constance presented it and Arisa quickly covered her mouth. Aelfric noticed the color that had drained from the Professor's face.

"It is just like Pittacus said..." Aelfric thought.

"You found the chalice? When I told you of it, I never imagined you'd-" Aelfric was interrupted.

"Let's make sure it's not some cheap imitation. Hand it over." Metodey demands.

"I think not...ulp.." Arisa choked out and glared, "Hand over the hostage first. Not going to trust an Assassin on the black-market list."

"Haha. So, I'm famous? Hmm...looking at you, you make a fine prize." Metodey grins wickedly and Jeralt quickly stood in front of his daughter.

"But I can see none of you understand your predicament. We've no issue killing the lot of you and taking it either way." Metodey sneers.

"Haha. I can't tell if this guy's ears are stuffed if wool or if he's just this stupid." Hapi says as she glares at him.

"Not surprising with these punks. All bark and no bite. They don't know the definition of a gesture of sincerity." Chris says.

"Yuri! Chris! Stand down! Leave me! Take the chalice and flee- you must! It is irreplaceable-you must not hand it to these brigands! " Aelfric says.

"Unfortunately, old friend," Jeralt took a step forward as he held his killer lance, " we're not doing that. Hapi! Amir! Do it!" He ordered that the females nodded.

"I can't believe this...so, scream or sigh?" Hapi says and Amir chuckled.

"How about both?" Amir grins.

"Huh?" The Assassin says then..

"Sighhhhh."

"RHAAAAAAA!"

"Hapi's sigh and..."

"CRAAAWWWWW!"

"GRRRRAAAHHH!"

"Heh heh! I gotta say, that sigh of Hapi never gets old. But I had no idea Amir could do the same bit with screams." Yuri laughed as a Giant Vulture and Demonic Beast appeared, heading their way.

"Yeah, yeah, glad you like the show. It's not like a gift I asked for." Hapi frowns.

"I only discovered I could do this 4 years ago. I use it only when I need to." Amir says as she shook her head a bit.

"Gyah! Where do those things come from?! Run for it!" The bandits began running away in fear.

"Hahaha! Absolutely cowards! How entertaining. Balthus and Lestia, will you do the honors?" Yuri says and Lestia and Balthus both grin at each other as they run towards those monsters.

"Leave to us Yuri/Boss! We got-DAMN/MOTHERFUCKER! ARRGHHH!" the two grapplers yelled, and the worst happened.

"Balthus, Lestia, quit screwing around! Oh..wow. The bird flew off with him and the monster road off with her." Yuri was surprised.

"LESTIA!" Dimitri and Chris yelled and quickly ran after them.

The spell on Jeralt was undone and he went after the two boys to make sure they didn't do anything stupid.

"They'll figure it out. At least we got Aelfric in one piece. Now to handle these fools." Yuri smirked as Metodey shook with anger.

"Cheap party tricks! L-!" The heel of the boot slammed into his face and sent him feeling at a brick wall, his back colliding with it.

The air was knocked out of his lungs and coughed out blood as he slid down.

"Ufu~" Arisa chuckled as she was the one that did that kick, "There's a reason why a wear a cloak and its because of this." She made her cloak disappear revealing her dress was sleeveless, a heart shape cut on the back as well as the slit side of the dress that exposed her legs, she still wore tights underneath.

The group quickly got information about Aelfric with them. The man couldn't help but chuckle as he got ready to battle.

"Your reckless actions could have been the death of you. Still, I thank you for saving me." Aelfric says.

"Don't go thanking me yet-we've still got to get out of here" Yuri says as the battle begins.

At the other side of the field, Lestia and Balthus managed to set themselves free with Dimitri, Chris and Jeralt to help them.

"Bloody hell, I should have known...welp. Time to unleash the Storm Queen!" Lestia grinned as the fighting started.

"Lestia, what were you thinking?! I'm speaking with Yuri after this!" Dimitri yells as his horse quickly moved the side and thrusted his lance at the Giant bird.

"Split into two groups! Edelgard, Claude, Linhardt, Hapi and Hilda! Take on that maggot Metodly! Constance, Ashe, Yuri, Dominic and I will take on the other bandit leader!" Arisa yelled as the groups separated.

However, no one noticed Aelfric purposely dropped black beads onto the ground as he ran. He was close to his prize and she was giving the commands. From high in the hills, Pittacus watched with anticipation as her plan was set in motion. It was perfect.

"My doll made the choice of creating two more groups. You just made yourself an easy target. Now..." she turned to the three mages in charge of capturing the three other Ashen Wolves, "make sure to catch the other three. I will personally get my doll." She smiled as she opened her eyes and they were the neon eyes that were originally destroyed.

She fixed it easily thanks to the blood the boy gave her. She giggled as the battle continued, the bandits getting taken down one by one. Her doll led the commands so smoothly. She began panting and drooling as she remembered the war against the Nabateans. How Sothis commanded her army with grace. No wonder her people lost. The goddess was the almighty that she wanted to make her own. She craved her. Sothis was the perfect definition of divinity in her eyes. Now, it was time. The battle continued for another 10 minutes and the stage was set. Metodey taken out by Edelgard. Ah. She remembers the Imperial princess well. How much she loved cutting into her flesh and taking sips of her blood to create the perfect preparation to put the Crest of Flames within her. How she enjoyed watching the princess scream in horror in despair as each one of her siblings died one by one by the hands of Odesse, Solon, and herself, Pittacus. But one sibling was still in hiding. The youngest of the 11 imperial children. They need to find that boy.

"That's the single." Pittacus smiled as the wages warped away.

[-]

"Aelfric!" Arisa yelled as her, and the Ashen wolves their way to him.

The rest stayed behind like in the story Chris knew.

"You Ok, Aelfric?" Balthus asked.

"I am. All thanks to you all. The Chalice- is it unharmed?" Aelfric asked and Arisa felt a prickly feeling in her skin.

"Yes, it's safe. Evergreen is-!" Three mages suddenly warped out of nowhere and struck down the three Ashen Wolves.

"What?!" Constance yelled.

"What is going on?!" Arisa yelled then as she was holding the Chalice despite how much her hand burned, then...

"Nighty night!"

"KYAAAAAAA!"

Yuri had quickly turned around using his sword to strike Arisa down. The woman screamed as she fell to the ground, the man ripped the chalice from her hands.

"Yuri, you scoundrel! What are you doing?!" Balthus yelled furiously as he and the other were tied down.

"Heh, I think you can see what I'm doing, Balthus." Yuri chuckled but mentally apologized to Arisa.

"Beautifully executed, Yuri. The chalice is finally mine now. Along with the blood of the five Apostles." Aelfric smiled as Yuri handed it to him.

"It seems I was correct..that there was an enemy in our midst. To think our bird was instead a rat." Constance muttered.

"You've always had a wild imagination, Constance. I've got to say, turning your attention elsewhere was a challenge even for me." Yuri smirked.

"That is enough with the banter, Yuri. I informed you not to divulge too much." Aelfric says as his eyes went to Arisa, who laid on the ground.

"They'll all be under the dirt soon enough. It's not like they'll be able to talk at this point. After all I've gone and done for you Aelfric, I would think you'd have just a bit more faith in me." Yuri frowned as he stood just a tab closer to Arisa.

Aelfric's gaze on the woman was becoming unsettling and even the mages were getting freaked out by how silent the man was.

"Urgh..." Arisa slowly rose from the ground and looked at Yuri with disappointment yet he winced when he felt a sharp pain in his head.

"Your silence speaks volumes...Guess this is the end of the niceties. It's all on you, friend. I'm sure you and the others will figure it out." Yuri says as he and the rest warped away.

"I know..." Arisa muttered and took a deep breath.

Now she fully understood his message from last night.

"Arisa!"

Arisa turned and saw her brother and the others running towards her, she was about to run to them but, suddenly his eyes widened in horror as he began sprinting towards her screaming her name. Hands suddenly covered her eyes, a whisper in her ear. A sick feeling began to fill her body as it felt as the hands had wrapped around her completely.

"I found you my doll."

Whatever touched her, shut down her magic and she was unable to use time plus. In the eyes of Chris and everyone, a huge wave of black mud rose from the ground and poured over her, her hand sticking out as she tried to reach for her brother. Chris reached out, barely touching her fingertips, that was enough to use the last bit of magic she had before it was shut down, to cast the spell she learned from the book.

"ARRRIISSAAAA!" Chris roared but was thrown back by the wave of magic he felt enter him when their fingertips touched.

Her hand stuck out of the black mud, as it was swallowed away and disappeared completely.

"Ah...ah..." Chris slowly got on his knees and could only look with wide eyes where his sister once stood.

No one could move. No one could make a sound. They were so in shock at what had just happened.

"Bring her back..." Chris whispered as he crawled to the ground.

"Bring her back...bring her back...BRING HER BACK!" He began yelling, clawing at the ground, "BRING MY SISTER BACK! BRING ARISA BACK, BRING-!" He yelled.

And Claude and Edelgard quickly had to hold him back as he had begun to become unreasonable.

Jeralt could not move. He was frozen. He couldn't move. It just swallowed his daughter. The last look on her face was one of shock.

"Let me go! Let me go...Let me...go..." Chris began sobbing as he began to calm down a bit, "Not again...please...not again!" He yelled and froze when a single strand of his hair came into his view.

"C-Christian...your hair...its...teal..." Lestia choked enough as Jeralt was quickly snapped into reality to look at his son.

Indeed, his hair had turned teal.

"Good! You're finally calmed down!"

Chris's head had never turned back so quickly and saw Sothis looking at him worried. Even Alexandra and Amir were shocked.

"H-How..." Chris could barely say and Sothis quickly flew to him.

"The Sword! Quickly pull it out!" Sothis ordered Chris to quickly pull out the Sword of the Creator from his bicep. Amir and Alexandra quickly ran to him and used magic, their eyes going wide.

"T-That's impossible! How...! She...! You shouldn't have her conscious!" Alexandra yelled out as Chris kept touching his hair, even his gray eye had turned forest colored.

"Christian what is going on?!" Jeralt yells.

"Professor! Are we too late?!"

Everyone turned to see Rhea, Anna, Lejare and a group of knights arrive, out of breath.

"Lady Rhea? Anna? Crescent? Why have you come?" Edelgard asked and Lejare quickly zoomed in on Christian.

"You!" The man quickly stormed over to him and pulled him from the collar of his shirt, everyone yelling to let him go, "What have you done?! What spell did you use?!" Lejare snarled.

"I didn't do anything!" Chris yelled and was quickly pulled back by Jeralt.

"Where is Arisa?!" Rhea looked around and Chris whispered she was gone.

"What...?" Rhea froze.

"She's alive." Lejare sneered and pointed to the boy, "I never would have thought I see anyone use that spell ever again! She used Transfer on you!" He said.

"Transfer?" Dominic muttered and Rhea spoke.

"It is an ancient spell from the old age of the gods. The spell Transfer one's consciousness to another. The effect is that the one that conscious is transferred to a portion of their power is also transferred to them. The fact that the spell was used on you..." Rhea muttered as her eyes slowly widened in realization.

"My daughter is alive then?" Jeralt said and Anna nodded.

"She's alive as well as the other Ashen Wolves. We found out Aelfric has been working with Pittacus." Anna said and Rhea nodded.

"After sending you all off, I began to investigate the lineage of the Ashen Wolves. And doing so, I was able to confirm that the documented information about their Crest was falsified. It was once a wild speculation; I now know to be true." Rhea explains, "The Crest they bear, are the same as those of the Five Apostles- the very same who long ago created the Rite of Rising. Once the blood of the five is poured upon the chalice, its power can be harnessed. I believe we have enough evidence to assume our Ashen Wolves will suffice to carry out this ritual. " Rhea says.

"So, Aelfric's aim is to carry out the Rite of Rising...at the expense of the students...and...and...Arisa..." Dimitri growled out as the grip on his lance tightened along with Jeralt.

"One problem...Aelfric can't do it unless he has the blood of the five. He's still missing one." Dominic pointed to Anna.

"That's where Arisa comes in..." Anna spoke seriously, " Her blood can work as a substitute for mine...unfortunately."

"WHAT?!" Jeralt roared and turned to Rhea, "What is the purpose of this damn ritual?!"

"We heard it had the power to resurrect life but that can't be true..Can it?" Claude says and Alexandra spoke.

"It can..." everyone turned to her, "The chalice was created by the goddess of this land. Its purpose was to restore the physical form that was previously lost in this world." She answered.

"How do you know this?" Rhea asked.

"One of the books Aelfric had. I snuck into his office and found it. The complete story of the chalice. Naturally..." she went into her bag and pulled out the book, "I began to research. I am not happy with what I found." She whispered.

"So those wild tales are true. It really can bring someone back to life." Claude shook his head, shocked by what he was hearing.

"Not exactly. It can breathe life into the body, but it cannot return the spirit of the departed." Rhea says.

"So basically, a soulless body. Like a puppet." Amir says and Rhea glares.

"There nicer ways to put that Amir." Rhea says, "Ultimately, it is a tool to return the goddess to her physical form. Her spirit is omnipresent, but her flesh no more. Such incredible power is truly awe inspiring- and extremely dangerous. In a way, it is akin to the Heroes' Relics." She explained.

"Because of this, the 5 Apostles weren't supposed to pass down their Crest. This meeting shouldn't even be but look at this mess now! Bloody hell, to think I have to go through this mess again..." Lejare growled.

"Crescent. Shut your mouth." Rhea said coldly and everyone was shocked by her words and he just chuckled.

"There's that side of you...sister." He says.

"What?! Rhea is your sister?!" Chris yells.

"Crescent!" Anna yells furiously at him.

"It's alright." Rhea sighs, "Yes. Crescent is my older brother. I also have an older sister who is currently in Morfis. But back to the original subject, the Ashen Wolves along with the Professor have now gathered together, making possible once more." Rhea frowns.

"And that bastard lured them all to Abyss for his own selfish reasons! Not a whisper to the church... I'm going to break every bone of his once I get my hand on him..." Jeralt snarled.

"Dad, please..." Chris says as he stands in front of him, "I want to hurt him also, but we need a plan! I don't know exactly what my sister did to me but I'm sure she did it for a reason." He explains.

"This accident was my own doing. I should have never entrusted the Chalice to them...I ignored the signs when you said that Arisa was feeling unwell when she was near it..." Rhea says.

"We'll save her." Sothis says as the four that could see her nodded, "She is my friend and your granddaughter, Serios. I will not allow our family to be harmed." She says as she floats behind Chris.

"Lady Rhea, do you have an idea where they have gone?" Edelgard says.

"The Holy Mausoleum."

Everyone quickly turned to Chris.

"A place of peace...a place of no noise..a place where the souls of those who have passed on are in peace." He says.

"It certainly is peaceful there, but due to last month's incident, it's heavily guarded at present." Edelgard says.

"For now, let us return to the Monastery. There is much to consider." Rhea says.

"Lady Rhea!"

Everyone quickly turned when they saw Alois running towards them, extremely serious.

"What's wrong?! Speak!" Anna says.

"Thieves have breached Garreg Mach's village walls! They have been pillaging the shops and residences, taking whatever they please!" Alois explains and Chris gritted his teeth.

"I wonder if this had anything to do with Aelfric." Rhea said coldly.

"Send the knights." Jeralt spoke suddenly, "Send the knights and clear the village of those bandits. Go!" He yells and Alois quickly obeyed, Rhea nodded in approval.

"Please ensure the safety of the villagers immediately. However, leave a few of your best knights here with me. Anna and Crescent help Alois. Get informed by Sandy also. Jeralt, help the students locate the Ashen Wolves and your daughter." Rhea says and quickly leaves with her group.

Chris gritted his teeth and quickly turned, ripping off his eyepatch, and throwing it on the ground.

"GOD DAMN IT AELFRIC!" He yelled furiously, "YOU HAD TO JOIN THAT BITCH AND INVOLVE MY SISTER!" He roared.

"Chris, please..." Alexandra said softly and turned to her angrily.

She flinched when she saw his ghoul eye, the color no longer red but teal. Many gasped at the sight but Chris didn't care at this point.

"Why...?" Edelgard's voice trembled as she walked up to him, her hand shaking as she placed it on his arm, "Why...? Why is your eye like that? A-Are you...also...?" Tear fell down her right eye as he nodded and looked away.

"I am..." he muttered and Alexandra nodded as she pulled up her sleeves and showed Edelgard.

"I am too..." she muttered as Edelgard gasped and Claude's eyes went wide as did the others except Jeralt.

"Christian...any else you want to say?" Jeralt said as the boy turned to him, about to put his eyepatch back on, "Keep it off. We'll talk about it later." He said and the boy nodded.

"Yuri told Arisa to meet him at midnight at the Holy Mausoleum. That's where Aelfric will be. As well as...Pittacus. But it gets worse...dad...what...what..." he gulped, "What would you do...if Aelfric dug up the grave of your wife and pulled out the body for the Rite of Rising?"

Jeralt's eyes went wide as his lance snapped in two.

"DID HE DESECRATE SITRI'S GRAVE?!" Jeralt roared and Chris nodded.

"And this just went to a whole new level of madness..." Dominic gulped.

"We need to get ready first. Everyone quickly head back to Abyss. Arisa has always been there for us. Has helped us, extended a hand to us when we are in need. Kind, wise, and much more. She has always saved us, it's our turn to save her and the Ashen Wolves." He says.

[-]

He just sat on the floor in his room, the lights off but here he was alone, hugging his knees. Letting tears he thought he would never shed again fall. He felt pathetic. A failure. He felt like his 13-year-old self from his old world. The boy that went into a full mental breakdown when the news that his sister had passed away. The boy that shut down for nearly half a year when he saw the body of his sister in a casket. The body of his sister was cold. She died with a smile on her face. Despite the makeup used, she didn't look alive. In those days he dreamed of his sister crying. Of his sister saying she missed him and everyone. That she wished she were with them.

"You idiot...hic..." Chris choked out.

He didn't know what to do. He was stuck. He knew of Aelfric's plan, Yuri even warned him that something was off with Aelfric during the past two years. They knew the first part when the two discovered Sitri's body two years ago. Chris casted a spell on it to make sure it would turn to dust the minute Aelfric began the ritual. Yet...

It never once accorded to him that he would make a deal with someone from Those Who Slither in the Dark. He had a theory that Aelfric was working with a Dark Mage but of all people...it had to be that woman. He let another choked sob and looked up to see Sothis looking at him sadly.

"I am so sorry..." the goddess whispered.

"It's not your fault Sothis..." Chris smiled weakly, "I should have been more careful...I should have paid closer attention..." he croaked.

"You did what you could Chris.." Sothis muttered as she sat down next to him, "Can you access Arisa's magic closet?" She asked.

"Yeah...why?" He says.

"Search for a book called Magic of the Soul." She says and does what he was instructed as he made the magic circle appear in his hand.

A few minutes passed and a mint colored book was there. He opened to the page where the bookmark was and began to read.

The spell Transfer is an ancient Nabatean spell that my sister Noa and I created should either one of us be ever killed. If the mind is under attack the spell Transfer is used to transport the consciousness to a different location. Not only that, a portion of your power also goes with it. The purpose of the spell is to protect an individual's mind from being destroyed, stolen or taken over. However, there are specific requirements that must be met before casting the spell. First, you must have a separate vessel that you could use as a temporary substitute should your original body be locked away. Second, the vessel needs to be within the area of 100 miles and in a safe location. Third, that vessel must have the same blood type as you. Once all conditions are set, the spell can be used. As for the information on a transfer of a portion of powers. Knowledge, and especially a portion of the power of your Crest is transferred to the vessel. This allows the temporary vessel to have the same powers as the original body. Side effects include change of hair color. Change in eye color. Nausea and unable to move for a few hours.

"Sothis..." Chris muttered as his eyes went wide as he looked over to the goddess.

"That's right. Not only because you bare the Crest of Flames, but because you have the 'heart' of the other me. Which allowed the spell to transfer my conscious, me, to that 'heart'. Even if only for 48 hours. It's for a short while but you should be able to use Time Pulse! Isn't that splendid news?!" The goddess smiles as he smiles sadly.

"It is...but at the cost of my sister..." he muttered and she smiled sadly.

"Chris, I know how much you treasure her. You lost her once, do not let it repeat again." She says and disappeared in a shower of green dust.

Her saying that brought back memories from his childhood. In his old world, he was the baby of the family. And the one that helped take care of was Arisa. She and him were close and he would walk her around like a little chick. She helped him with studies. At times would take him to the beach. He learned to interact better with others when she introduced him to Theresa and her friends. His friends would often tease him that he was a siscon but that wasn't it. He looked up to her. He wanted to be strong like her.

Knock knock.

"Come in." Chris sighs as he makes the book disappear and watches the door open.

"Hey kid..." Jeralt says softly as he pressed the light switch on the wall to light up the room, "How are you holding up?" He asked as he closed the door and went in.

"Horrible..." Chris laughed weakly as he closed his eyes, "I felt like I failed her..."

Jeralt sighs as he walks up and says in front of him, a small silence there was till he spoke.

"Talk to me. Who were you before you came to Remire Village? The way you reacted, the scars, your eyes. Such strong reactions...I understand how you felt. I was on the verge of storming away if Anna and that man did not say Byleth was alive." He said and Chris nodded.

"Jeralt...I...I met Byleth in Faerghus...Back then...I used to a noble. Not just...any noble." Chris stumbles a bit.

"You were the third prince, weren't you?" Jeralt says and Chris looked at him with wide eyes.

Jeralt chuckled a bit and pointed to the dagger on his waist.

"I used to work in the Kingdom when I was younger. Served King Lambert and Rufus for some time when they were around Dominic's age before I returned to the church. Those of the royal family of Blaiddyd carry daggers made of arcane crystals and mythril. The only way you would have gotten such a dagger is if the king had gifted it to you or one of the nobles that serve the royal family." Jeralt smirked a bit as Chris let go of a sigh.

"When did you figure it out?" Chris asked as he smiled a bit bitterly.

"A year ago. I also figured out who Olvia was. I never would have thought that you and she were the imperial nobles said to have died on the same day as the Tragedy of Duscur. I wasn't so sure at first to allow you and Gina into Remire village. But as the days passed by, I saw how well you treated everyone. You didn't act like a noble. Nor did you ever look down on anyone. You became agitated when someone even dared try to lay their hands on my people." Jeralt says as he took out a bottle filled with alcohol and handed it to him, the boy took a big gulp from it.

"Sigh...I'm not the type to pry but when you and Byleth returned to the village, I have never seen her so happy. Especially when she interacted with you. Despite being born from different families, you two acted like true siblings. She looked so much happier. The missing piece of the puzzle had been found. And watching and working with you in our missions, I saw how much you cared and followed her around. You were like a little duck following her around." Jeralt snickered at how Chris covered his face being called a duckling.

"Now, your eye. What happened that made you change your identity and Byleth helping you?" He says and Chris nodded.

"I...After...the ambush...I tried to protect Edelgard, Gina and Hubert... unfortunately, I didn't get very far. My original plan was to start a political reform when I returned to Enbarr. Even if the process was going to take years. But..the Seven Lords already despised me because I was very vocal about what happened during the Insurrection of the Seven. I wasn't supposed to go with my mom, Lady Anselma, to the Kingdom. Managed to convince Lord Arundel, my uncle, to let me go because... this is embarrassing...I ummm...threw a huge tantrum and made myself insufferable on purpose." Chris covered his mouth in embarrassment as a blush covered his cheeks.

"Hahahaha! Kid, I never knew you had it in you! Ahahaha!" Jeralt laughed as Chris took another big gulp from the bottle.

"Yeah, yeah. Not my proudest moment but the smartest. Lived for 5 years in Faerghus. King Lambert was a second father to me. Dimitri, Zander, Lestia, we may not have been blood related, but they were family to me. I later found out...something horrible had happened to my siblings back in Enbarr. That was the main reason I chose to go back and start a political reform. But look where that got me..." he pointed to his eye, "In exchange for the throne and longer harming Edelgard, Hubert, Gina and my siblings, I...allowed their mages to experiment on me. That's how I got all these scars and my right eye." He finished and Jeralt was silent.

"I didn't want to risk being found so Byleth helped me hide my identity as well as Gina's. I've been watching over my siblings like this. I wish I could tell them who I am, but I don't want to risk their safety. The least I could do is watch over them from afar..." he muttered.

Chris's eyes went wide when he felt a hand on his head, gently ruffling his hair.

He slowly looked up and Jeralt was smiling warmly at him.

"You have done good, kid. I'm proud of you." He said and Chris felt waves of emotions hit him as his lip humans smiled.

"Thank you..."

"Let's go save your sister."

Hours Before midnight-

The Holy Mausoleum was a place where it was said the body of Saint Serios rested. It was also the place where the incident from last month occurred. The place looked peacefully now but like before, there was more to it. At the stairway at the top, laid the glass casket where the body of Sitri Eisner was displayed. The woman looked like she was asleep, not a single form of decay on the body as she laid still on the pillows she was on. Yet sitting in front of the body, Pittacus hummed a tune as she used magic to prepare the woman. Light touches of make-up were delicately applied to make the woman look more alive. To add the color of rosy cheeks to the ones that held no color. Light pink to brighten up the lips, her hair brushed to make it shine once more. Her white dress was replaced with a ceremonial olive-green dress of gold. Flowers like white, red, multicolored carnations along with white lilies and spider lilies of red and white were added.

"There. All done. You are prepared to be beautiful." Pittacus said as she stood up and walked down the stairs to the very center of the room.

The mages prepared the vortices as she made it. Looking up to the roof, a human size crystal ball was there. It pulses green, red, blue, the colors of the rainbow yet a wicked power was in it. It pulsed like it was alive with dark magic and red veins. Pittacus smiled as she floated up, and the glass rippled. Gently coming out, only the head and shoulders...was Arisa. Her head slumped forward; she was out cold. Her shoulders were bare, the pink and white ribbons replaced with red and black ones. The flower marking on her neck displayed. Yet it spread around like veins on her neck.

"Hmmm..." Pittacus cupped her cheeks and her lips ghosted against hers, "Soon my love...just a bit longer and you'll have a new body Sothis..." she moaned and began kissing her lips and licked them just a tad bit.

The crystal ball absorbed Arisa back and showed on the colors. It showed no clue that someone was inside of it.

"Lady Pittacus."

Pittacus floated back down and saw Aelfric being followed by her mages, carrying the three Ashen Wolves as well as Yuri walking next to Aelfric. The purple Ashen Wolf had hundreds of thoughts going through his mind as he looked at the woman who walked towards them. Her black mermaid Victorian style dress with hues of blue, long sickly blue hair she used to move around, crawled on the ground like spiders. Her pale skin was like a corpse. The four horns on her head and small teardrop marking under her eyes. The woman had her eyes closed as a crystal clear sphere formed in her hands, inside it, green wisp, that was flickering, fading away.

"Your reward Aelfric. You got my doll and I got you the soul you need. Now, all that is needed is to complete the ritual and our deal is complete." Pittacus smiled as she handed the soul to Aelfric.

"Sitri..." he muttered as he held the sphere yet the wisp inside of it turned red to show anger, "Do not worry. When this is all over, you will finally be able to walk this earth once more." He smiled as she held it gently.

The wisp made a hissing sound at him. Yuri was never once told about this woman that Aelfric was working with.

"So, Aelfric hid some information from me...cheeky bastard." Yuri thought as Pittacus looked at him.

He froze. He had never once felt so much fear before. Like she was going to kill him right then there.

"Hmmm..." Pittacus circled around him and opened her eyes, neon yellow they were.

The mages began shivering because when she opened her eyes, she was upset.

"You look just like Aubin did when he was alive. Not Saint Aubin, his mentor. Saint Aubin could use the name of his mentor, who passed down his Crest to him. His mentor was Cirina's father. Hiissssss..." her hair hissed at him like snakes and Yuri couldn't move as she dragged the nail of her index finger on his cheek, "I will enjoy adding your body to my collection along with the others." She pointed to the body up the stairs, "I will make you just as stunning as her when this is over." She smiled.

"Lady Pittacus..." Aelfric whispered as she turned back to him, "Shall we start getting ready?" He asked carefully as she closed her eyes once more.

"Ah yes. Now about the ritual," Pittacus says as she points to the magic circle in front of Sitri's body.

"The power of the chalice will pour into you from there and protect you. The blood will pour into the chalice as well as into my doll." She pointed up and Yuri's eyes went wide as he saw the pulsing crystal ball.

"The blood of Ernest has been poured already into the Chalice and they too will also bleed." Aelfric says.

"There's...someone in that thing...?" Yuri barely choked out and Aelfric gave him a side glance.

"Yes. Yes, there is. Yuri, do you know who that woman at the glass casket is?" Aelfric asked.

"I have no clue." Yuri says.

He honestly didn't. He knows it's the woman he and Chris discovered two years ago but who they were he had no clue. Chris didn't say a word for reasons.

"That is Sitri Eisner. The wife of Jeralt...and The Professor's mother." Aelfric said as he looked down at the wisp, "And this is her soul."

"The faceless woman..." Yuri gasped and quickly covered his mouth.

"Ah. So, you are born with the sight. Well, that makes your blood more powerful." Pittacus chuckled as she began to move forward, and the mages pushed Yuri to follow.

Yuri felt completely disgusted by what he just learned. What Aelfric is planning to do is the greatest disrespect to Arisa and Jeralt. Hell was going to be paid.

"All is set in place."

Bloody Grail: Part 4: At What Cost?

[-]

Originally, I planned out for the DLC Arc to be 4 chapters, but I bit off more than I can chew. Originally, the chapter became much longer than expected. 30,400k words. I didn't want to overwhelm you guys, so I decided to split the ending into two parts. So do expect part 2 to come out tonight or tomorrow. I legit was crying when I was writing this. Look forward to it. If you guys have questions, check out my Tumblr or twitter. Or you can send me questions her on this link. I will answer them.

[ /Sakura108645]