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)

54. Chapter 53: Death's Caress: System

In an empty area of the garden where almost no one goes two, the silence there was considered a bliss. Very few people liked going to that area but considering it was summer, those lucky to claim it, have it for the rest of the summer. Or so they say. The area was under a 300-year-old maidenhair tree, also known as a gingko by a few. With a table set up with a small three tier stand with desserts, sandwiches, and pastries, Edelgard took a sip of her tea. She placed the cup down and looked up to the girl that sat across from her, her violet eyes calculating.

"What favor did you need Sadi?" The imperial princess asked as the Duscur girl held her teacup with two hands.

Edelgard could tell the girl was shaking by how little the cup trembled in her hand. Still, she was intrigued by what had caused the girl so much distress. Even more since her and Sadi barely know each other as well speak. Hubert was not too far since he was ordered by Edelgard to go fetch someone specifically. Sadi took a deep breath and spoke.

"Can you tell me the history of the Crest System?" Sadi asked and Edelgard looked at her a bit surprised.

"That is an odd question to ask me. I assumed Lestia has informed you since you are her retrainer." Edelgard says as the Duscur girl took a sip of her tea.

"She has tried to speak of it because she wants me to be educated and informed but each time we try to talk..someone either interrupts us or takes her away." Sadi grumbled as she took another sip of her tea.

"Hmmm...well, I guess I can inform you of it. The way the Crest System is run is the main reason why the Church has ordered us to retrieve the Lance of Ruin." Edelgard says as she raised her cup and took a sip of her tea.

"I met Miklan...three times...Sylvain doesn't know..." Sadi answered and Edelgard raised an eyebrow.

"As of this year or in the past?" She asked.

"4 years ago...the first time I met Miklan, I was on the verge of getting attacked by a mob. I thought he was Sylvain at first because they have the same hair color. He helped me escape the mob." Sadi explains as the girl took another sip of her tea.

"When was the second time you met him?" Edelgard asked as she rested her elbows on the table and her hands intertwined together.

"Second time, I ran into him by accident. He was stealing food from a vendor. He helped me, so I helped him. Led him to a direction where he escaped." Sadi says and Edelgard could not help but smile a bit.

"She's very innocent. I'm assuming that the reason Sylvain never spoke to her about Miklan was because it was possible, he may have told her to stay away from. Hmmm...Sadi...Now that I think about it...a few months ago her hair color changed to pure black like did Amir's. Amir has a Crest, the Crest of Timotheos. But Sadi does not come from the Amaryllis bloodline. It could be possible..." Edelgard thought and spoke.

"And the third time? What happened?" She asked and Sadi let go of a sigh.

"I found him starving in an alleyway in Fhirdiad and left him a small box of food." The girl admitted and took a large gulp of her tea.

"Hmmmm...What are your thoughts on him?" The princess asked.

"I don't know much. I've only heard a bit from Felix, Ingrid, Dimitri and Sylvain. But...I did recently learn that Professor Arisa left him like a rag doll 11 years ago." She says and Edelgard slammed her forehead on the table.

"Pardon?!" Edelgard screeched.

"Well...Sylvain said that 17 years ago, that Professor Arisa caught his brother trying to kill him and the others. The two got in a fist fight so bad that the servants had a difficult time separating them. She left him like a ragged doll." Sadi explains as Edelgard gawked.

The princess had heard stories of the Professor's fighting abilities and her brother had told her before that he never wished to meet Arisa's wrath.

"Changing the subject," Edelgard coughed, "let us discuss the Crest system." She smiled and now, footsteps were heard.

"Did you really have to come after when I was in the middle studying?!"

The two females turned and saw Lestia walking behind Hubert, clearly annoyed.

"I do not like to make Lady Edelgard late. You should be honored that she requires your presence." Hubert responded coyly to her and she rolled her eyes.

She looked over to the table and blinked multiple times when she saw Sadi, but her first instinct...

"Who made you cry?!" Lestia screeched as she literally ran then knelt in front of her friend quickly.

Even Hubert was surprised that she reacted so fast. Sadi means the world to Lestia because she was the few non-noble friends she ever had as well as someone who is serious like her.

"Sylvain..." Sadi muttered and the Faerghus princess' smile became sinister.

"Don't worry. I'll hunt him down later." Lestia's smile was becoming eviler by the second that matched Henry's.

"Lestia, no he did not break my heart...it more...sigh..." Sadi sighs as the anger surrounding the princess dwindles, "I learned a bit about how Crest influences noble families in Faerghus. Why...Miklan got..." she muttered and Lestia sighs, turning to Edelgard.

"Okay, now I understand. I'm assuming Sadi told you whenever I try to educate her on the Crest System, something or someone interrupts us." She says and Edelgard nodded.

"I have Hubert keeping a look out. That is why I had him bring you here. I believe this is a good opportunity for all three of use to speak freely of our thoughts without someone eavesdropping on us." Edelgard as Lestia stood up sat down on the third chair that was set up.

"Well, you are the Future Emperor and I'm going to be a Duchess that works besides my brothers. I do want peace between our nations. So, let us speak of the Crest system." Lestia nodded firmly.

Edelgard could not help but look at the two females because they instantly began looking around, afraid that someone was going to interrupt them.

"Was that really necessary?" She asked and the two nodded.

Edelgard just let go of a sigh.

"Now, let us start with something basic." Edelgard said as she intertwined her hands together, "Do you know the story of Saint Serios and the 12 Elites?" She asked and Sadi did "so, so" hand movement.

"A bit. I asked Tomas if there was a book about the 12 Elites but apparently it was checked out by Claude and hasn't been returned yet." Sadi replied as Lestia served herself tea.

"Alright then. What do you know so far?" Lestia asked as she plucked a cream tart from the tray to eat.

"Well, from what I remember..." Sadi muttered as she was in deep thought, "Crest are believed to have been a blessing bestowed by the Goddess Sothis." Edelgard froze at her saying that.

"Wait, the goddess has a name? I did not know that." Lestia blinked and Sadi nodded.

"Well, the shadows told me that is her name. But back to the topic. They grant special powers. I know they hold significant meaning here in Fodlan. The 22 bloodlines of Crest." She says.

"Wait...22?" Edelgard muttered and even Hubert turned his head to hear more.

"Yes. Professor Hanneman recently gave a lesson regarding Crest and how in a way they connect to Tarot cards. The theory was introduced by Professor Arisa, five years ago. Linhardt, Annette and Mercedes were pretty bored during the lesson since they already had the class before." Sadi says, "The rarest Crest are The Crest of Lejare, also known as The End, and The Crest of Flames, called the Beginning. As for the history...the most I know is that 10 Elite bloodlines are known as the Major Bloodlines of Fodlan because they are high ranking noble houses. Reminds me the story of Holy Blood from the book Genealogy of the Holy War by Celicia Scheric." Sadi finished and Edelgard just stared at her with wide eyes.

"Well, you got some understanding. I'm glad to hear that." Lestia smiles sadly, "Crest, like you said, hold a huge significant impact in the society of Fodlan. They are seen as signs of prestige and respect. Many noble houses value Crest and are desperate to obtain one as a sign of nobility. Major Houses that hold the most influence of each nation is, House Blaiddyd of Faerghus, House Reigan of The Alliance and House Herslvelg of The Empire." Lestia explained and Edelgard nodded.

"You know about the founding of the three nations, correct?" Edelgard asked.

"Yes. Lestia and I suffered through the history lessons taught by one of Lord Rufus's consorts." Sadi snickered and Edelgard gave Lestia a "what the heck?" Look.

"My uncle has four consorts/concubines. His main one is the one that taught us history." Lestia rolled her eyes, "They are all my aunts and I love them." She grins.

"The Houses were established after the War of Heroes, to help maintain order around Fodlan. Now, despite that, many nobles are desperate for a Crest. Many noble houses are known to marry or adopt individuals of lesser houses or even commoners who have spontaneously inherited a Crest just to obtain one should their heirs by birthright lack a Crest. Miklan for example was originally going to be heir to House Gautier." Edelgard says and Lestia nodded.

"However, because he did not have a Crest there was still doubt. Crests are not university inherited by the eldest child. Some Houses, despite being from the major bloodlines, there could be times where none of their children born inherit a Crest. But when a child is born with Crest, specifically a younger one, it leads to power struggles. Houses all over Fodlan, are known to disown or disregard all the other children that are not born with Crest. All the duties of the heir fall onto the child that was born with a Crest, while the parents completely ignore the others or abandon them. It's complete favoritism. Do you understand now why Miklan is a bandit now even though he originally was the heir to House Gautier as well as the oldest?" Lestia said as she took a sip of her tea.

Sadi had never felt so sick to her stomach as she processed the information that was just given to her.

"What kind of sick twisted fuck created such system?!" Sadi choked out.

Both Edelgard and Lestia spit out their tea at the sudden words of the girl and Hubert quickly stormed over to them.

"Do not speak such way in front of Lady Edelgard!" Hubert growled and the man turned in surprised to see Lestia howling and Edelgard doing everything in their power not burst out laughing.

Never had Edelgard seen someone outright say that the Archbishop was some sick twisted person for creating such a system as well as how horrible it was.

"I-I am sorry! I...I was just...in such shock! The nobility system of Duscur is the opposite of what you all have here!" Sadi stuttered as Lestia was finally calming down.

"I-It's alright!" Lestia wiped a tear from her eyes, "Believe me, Amir had that exact same reaction when Arisa explained it to her! I was there!" She still laughed a bit.

"Speaking of Amir, I want to ask her about how politics were in Duscur." Edelgard coughed.

"I can call her if you want?" Sadi says.

"Hubert, can you go bring Amir please?" Edelgard says and the man nodded and left.

"But back to the original topic." Edelgard sigh, "When Sylvain was born, he was tested to see if he had a Crest. As you saw, he does. Because of this, he became the heir of House Gautier. All the duties and pressures were pushed onto him. It is the same with the others. My siblings, none of them were born with Crest, which made me the Heir to the throne. Zander, despite being born the eldest, did not inherit the throne because he does not have a Crest. The same case with Lord Rufus. King Lambert was the one to inherit it. Now you understand why Sylvain rarely speaks of his brother?" Edelgard says and Sadi nodded.

"Miklan...was raised and treated like the heir and when Sylvain was born..well that lifestyle changed. He blames our friend for something that is not his fault. House Gautier priorities Crest because their lands are constantly under attack. Add that with the traditions of Faerghus are where a child learns to fight before they learn how to write their name...well the vicious cycle continues." Lestia took a sip of her tea.

"It is not my place to tell you what Miklan has done to Sylvain. The rumors of Sylvain not being fond of Crest is true. I'm not fond of them either. I had to live my entire life hiding that I was born with the Crest of Reigan. We all been affected in some form by Crest. That is the harsh reality." Lestia sighs as she placed her cup down.

"What...are your thoughts on it..?" Sadi muttered and Edelgard spoke.

"Well, from personal experience, I saw my brother, Chris von Herslvelg, as more suited for the throne. He was wise and knowledgeable. He wanted to change the ways Aderstia was run despite how much the 7 lords opposed. He had the support of three administrations. However...as you see...my brother was murdered. Not just him...but Hubert's sister as well. She has his retainer. The pressure of being the next Emperor is on my shoulders. I will make sure to do what I must to achieve my goals." Edelgard said firmly and Sadi nodded.

"As for me, I see many people with the potential to become amazing scholars, mages and such. But because they do not have a Crest, they are looked down on. The only three houses that are with the Kingdom have chosen to not follow the Crest system. House Aubin, House Zoltras and House Kalsana, who are fairly new. House Zoltras for years has never once followed the traditions of Faerghus." Lestia began giggling evilly because Emily came to her mind.

"I heard that Zoltras has a tradition of adopting children from orphanages. Regardless if they have a Crest or not, all those part of House Zoltras have become amazing mages and doctors. Is it true that there are also members of the clans?" Edelgard asked and Lestia nodded.

"I met one of them. She is a Laguz. Kind woman who uses healing magic by singing." Lestia smiled.

"Lady Edelgard, I have returned." The three turned and saw Hubert accompanied by Amir.

"My, my. This is rare." Amir comments as she saw the three girls, "I rarely see you three together but there is always a first." She sighs and thanked Hubert for the fourth chair brought.

"You wished to speak with me Edelgard?" Amir said as Lestia served her a cup of tea and thanked her.

"Yes. We were discussing the nobility system of Fodlan. If it be alright, would you tell us how the nobility was run in Duscur?" Edelgard says and Amir raised an eyebrow.

"Sure." Amir says and raises her cup to take a sip, "There were 5 main noble families. There's mine, Amaryllis, the second is Snowdrop, the third Hydrangea, fourth Delphinium and fifth Narcissus. And as you can tell, our family names carry the names of flowers. The 5 main family branches oversaw different towns and trades around Duscur. But even if they are nobility, they are highly respected because they treat the citizens equally and help the people. My family was mainly in charge of trading silk, spices, and salt." She explained and the two princesses and the girl listened.

Hubert not too far away had taken out his notepad and was taking notes.

"The reason I ran away from Duscur when I was around 8 years old was because my uncle massacred my family for power." Amir said and the three females froze, while Hubert nearly dropped his notepad in shock.

"I do not mind sharing since this is an event of the past and my family was able to receive justice. I was held captive in a basement for two months. My uncle demanded I tell him where my grandmother hid the family fortune and secrets of the power said to have lived in the family. He always wanted to become the head of the family. Even if children of noble families do not inherit the blessings of the gods, they were still loved and cared. No one was special. We had a system of equality. As for who becomes the next head family, that is decided through a tournament every 10 years. Like the warrior blood that runs through our veins, with this tournament, it is equally determined by everyone getting a chance to show their skills. No magic, no weapons, only your brain and your own strength. As for which individual becomes the next head of their own families, that is decided by the Elder, who was my grandmother. The tournament was held. Basic summary of it. My uncle won but it was discovered he cheated by drugging my father. It was discovered and he had the title of heir striped. He was banished from the family. My father became the new head." She sighs and the others are still listening.

"The reason I snapped last month was because of how criminals are handled here. I have heard stories of Fodlan's form of justice but seeing it in person made me sick. In Duscur, a trial is held first. A case is built as evidence is collected. Witnesses are brought in. It is the public that decides if they are guilty. The trial held public and 13 normal random citizens were chosen to determine if the person is guilty. My uncle was very much hated and was suspected because of the sudden disappearance of my family and I. That was why trade with Duscur suddenly halted all those years ago. I remember my father was planning to open trade to the Empire before contact was suddenly cut." She says and Lestia nodded.

"Very interesting." Edelgard muttered. "But of course, no system is perfect." Amir suddenly commented, "No matter what system exists, no matter what country or world, there will always be some form of corruption. It is up to those who truly believe in cutting that corruption to rise. There will be hardships. Sacrifices. Others will hate you, but you cannot back down. Everyone holds different beliefs and ideals. If a person cannot respect that, well...that's fine too. Let them reap what they sow. Life has a way of making those who harm others pay." Amir smiled as she took another sip.

"What are your thoughts on politics?" Lestia asked.

"Ugghhh! I despise politics with a passion! If you want to get on that subject, I recommend speaking to Alexandra about that." Amir groans and the girls couldn't help but chuckle.

"Thank you, Amir, for sharing this with us. If possible, I would like to work with you in the future when I am Emperor." Edelgard smiled sweetly.

"Sure. I don't mind. You girls are my students after all. By the way, if you need advice on politics, Christian and Alexandra you can talk to. As for a medical system to help the common folk, speak to Arisa. As for trade, I can help with that. I come from a merchant family after all." Amir chuckled and Edelgard nodded.

"Now..." Amir turned to Sadi, "Who made you cry? I'll break their neck."

And Sadi froze.

The princesses looked at each other worried because they knew that if Amir found out it was Sylvain; murder was going to happen.

"Well..."

"Sadi, noooooo!"

The two princesses jumped over the table and stormed off with the female before she could give her answer.

[-]

Sylvain walked around a bit too fast as he was looking around for a specific Duscur girl. He let go of a sigh as he made this way to the library where usually Sadi would be seen. He went and looked around. He spotted Lysithea speaking with Seigbert about gambits. He looked around and spotted a familiar blue head. Alexandra was at a table near the stairs that led to the second floor. Sitting at that same table was Claude along with Dorothea. Unfortunately, Alexandra looked annoyed. She would not look up from her books as the other two were talking.

"Hey." Sylvain walked up and Dorothea frowned at the sight of him.

"Oh, hey Sylvain." Alexandra looked up and grinned at him.

The others were surprised at this.

"Have you guys seen Sadi? I've been looking for her everywhere and can't find her." Sylvain said as 59 walked up to the group and handed Alexandra a book she requested.

She thanked him and turned back to Sylvain as the boy walked away.

"I saw her talking to Edelgard. She looked pretty upset." Alexandra said as she looked back to her book and her right hand was scribbling down notes in her journal.

"Wait, did someone make her cry?" Claude gasped and Dorothea frowned.

"If someone did, you know Amir and Dedue are going to hang the person that did it." Dorothea muttered and Sylvain chuckled a bit nervously.

"Dorothea, Dedue isn't Seteth." Alexandra replied and Claude couldn't help but let out laugh at the comment.

"Do you know why she was upset?" Claude asked.

"Well..." Sylvain looked away a bit, "we were talking about the...nobility system." He answered.

SKKKKKRREEE!

Alexandra's pen stopped in a very noisy halt that poor Claude and Dorothea winced. The blue haired female looked up to Sylvain in both shock and horror.

"Please tell me you didn't do what I think you did?" The girl spoke in a hoarse voice.

"That I'm a stud trophy? That most people see those with Crest to rise up?" Sylvain chuckled and the girl slammed her book shut.

"I don't think you realize how much your words hurt her!" Alexandra hissed as she stood up.

"Whoa whoa! Calm down a bit." Claude said and thankfully they were near the far side of the library where they could avoid a scene.

"Stay out this one Claude. Trust me." Dorothea whispered as she pulled her friend back a bit.

"What? I only said what was on my mind." Sylvain says and Alexandra's hands tremble.

"Would you think of Sadi as some other girl who wants you for your Crest? Would you think of her as some trophy if she had a crest? Or anyone else?!" Alexandra hissed venomously and Sylvain froze.

"No, I would not think of her that way. Or anyone!" He says.

"Oh, is that so?" Alexandra said sarcastically, "Then what would you do if she did have one?"

"What? Sadi doesn't ha-!" His mind suddenly traveled to a few months ago when her and Amir fought.

Her hair had turned black, a sinister aura had surrounded her. His eyes slowly widened as he looked back to his friend.

"Alexandra...does..she..?" The words would not come out of his mouth.

"I don't know. How about you ask her yourself, mister rusty boy?" She smiled, grabbed her books and left.

A tense silence was left, and Sylvain made a quick turn and quickly left the library.

[-]

"You don't want to see him?" Hapi muttered as she was in the classroom of Abyss.

Sadi had snuck her back in as Chris was giving lessons about the new pair up formation that he and Arisa had started to put into practice. The Duscur girl was using her magic to hide herself and sit next to Hapi.

"By the way," Hapi wrote on a piece of paper, "shouldn't you be in your class?"

"Manuela is teaching today. I'm ditching." Sadi wrote back and Hapi wrote back.

"Well, I don't mind you coming here. Not sure how Christian will take it though." Hapi wrote back then suddenly Christian spoke loudly.

"Sadi, I know you're here." He sighs as the three Ashen Wolves quickly look around the classroom, looking for her.

Sadi pouted as she undid her spell and was seen sitting next to the girl.

"How one earth did I not sense you?!" Constance gawked.

"Black magic has wonders." Sadi comments and Constance pouted back.

Chris smiled a bit and spoke as he walked up the desk. The girl blinked a bit.

"You're ditching." He says.

"I am." She replies.

"Why?" He asked.

"I don't want to run into Amir or Sylvain." Sadi answered and the man nodded.

"Fine. You can stay here. But you're not escaping class. Pay attention to the lesson." He said and walked back to the chalkboard.

"Now back to the lesson." Chris says and points to the map he drew.

"This where we will be fighting, Conand Tower. From what I remember, Arisa said the place has a total of 20 floors. So, we're climbing stairs." And everyone in the class began groaning.

"Hey, I hate it too!" Chris argues and points to the drawing next to the map, "Conand Tower was built almost in a spiral formation. While it is a pain in the ass to get up, it was built so those of House Gautier can see from all around. Trying to get in using a flying unit will spell disaster because you don't know which window an Archer is going to shoot from." He let go of a sigh and turned back to the map.

"All four houses combined, and that's students only, there are a total of 40. Add me and the rest of the Professor's and that's 47 people all together going to this mission. While it may seem like a lot, it's not. The bandits also have their own battalions. If we go by the number of bandits and their battalion all together...Miklan has an army of 100 bandits in a group." He explained and Yuri cursed.

"We're outnumbered. But even small numbers like us can out match them. I'll make sure to have my rouges ready." Yuri smirked and Chris nodded.

"Constance, since you and few others ride pegasus, I want you to especially keep an eye out for archers. Let's see..." Chris turned back to the board and began writing down names.

"Blue Lions: Ingrid and Lysithea both ride pegasus. Golden Deer: Claude and Hilda ride wyverns. Black Eagles: Petra and Hubert both ride pegasus. For us, Constance is the only one that rides a pegasus. Add me, Amir, and Alexandra. Amir and I ride griffins and Alex a wyvern. Hmmm..." he thought for a moment.

"What about us mages?" Sadi suddenly spoke.

"Go for an idea?" Balthus said and Sadi nodded.

"Well..ummm can I?" She asked and Chris nodded, and the girl stood up to walk to the chalkboard.

He handed her the chalk and she began writing.

"Mages of Blue Lions: Me, Lysithea, Annette and Mercedes. For Golden Dear: Marianne, Silque, Boey and Dominic. Lastly, for Black Eagles: Hubert, Dorothea, Linhardt, Henry and Forrest. Ashen Wolves don't have a mage." She explained.

"But what Hapi and I? Yes, I may be a Dark Flier and Hapi a Valkyrie, but we still use magic. Us who use magic especially are not built for close combat." Constance said and Chris spoke.

"I beg the differ." He smirked while the others raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yuri, you're the Trickster class and sharp eyes are well suited for using a bow. Especially when it comes to long range attacks. You do know how to use one right?" Chris asked the boy nodded.

"Yeah. Arisa forced it onto me. I usually carry a magic or a steel bow just in case." Yuri nodded and Chris gave him a thumbs up.

"Hapi, you've been training with Amir to use an axe." He said and the girl nodded.

"Yeah. Silver liked how I used one during our rescue of...Aelfric. Decided to take lessons with her." Hapi said and flexed her left arm.

"Balthus?" Chris spoke and the man gave him a thumbs up.

"Lysithea has been showing me how to cast a few reason spells! Looks like I might be able to cast Reason Magic!" Balthus grinned with pride and the others nodded.

"Now, that just leaves Constance." Chris muttered and turned to the blonde.

"Well...it may seem a bit barbaric but before the Dadga and Brigid War, I was taking brawling lessons from my older brother. I do think it is possible for me to master the arts of Brawling. However,...would it be possible for Arisa to teach me after she recovers properly?" Constance said and Chria nodded.

"What about you Sadi? Do you have a budding talent?" Yuri asked and Sadi was a bit hesitant.

"Well...other than being a mage, Arisa saw I have a talent for using a sword." She said and Chris nodded.

"I'm glad she's helping you realize your hidden talents." Chris smiled as she returned to the board.

"Hm...Chris, how do you feel about you, Balthus, and Yuri bringing your battalions? Those like Ashe, Bernadetta and Ignatz can bring their Archer supporters and at least Edelgard and Amir bring their Brigands battalions. Linhardt, Mercedes, Forrest and Marianne can focus on healing the others. Of course, they will need protection since they are the most vulnerable. Mages like Hubert and Henry, despite aren't built for close combat, are best when it comes to long range magic attacks. This gives us an advantage to possibly launch a surprise attack. Let's make this assumption. Since they have been tracked down and cornered, they will have to go into a defensive formation. Possibly even try to ambush us from different directions." Sadi continued to explain and Chris could not help smirk as the others listened and were taking notes.

"Sadi's true budding talent isn't a sword. The only reason I said that was because if I mentioned what her real one was, she would back away. Her true talent..."

"Authority." Chris whispered and the girl continued to speak.

There was a knock on the door and Chris opened it, seeing it was Lejare.

"Ah. I'm sorry I interrupted. Christian and Yuri, I need to speak with you two. It's regarding...Aelfric." the man said carefully.

Yuri had let out a frustrated sigh and nodded as he stood up.

"We'll continue class later. Sadi, you're welcome to stay." Yuri smiled softly at her and she nodded.

He and Chris left out the door, closing it. As the three males walked, there was a bit of a tense silence as they soon made it to the front of the familiar wooden door. Yuri gulped as Lejare unlocked and opened it, revealing the inside. The boy widened a bit as he saw the inside rearranged that he almost thought he walked into Hanneman's office. Closing the door, Chris looked around and spotted two wooden crates filled with things.

"What are those?" He pointed to it.

"Aelfric's belongs. I'm evil but not evil enough to throw someone's things out like if they were garbage." Lejare sighs as he went around the desk and sat down on the new chair, which was like the one Seteth had. The two males sat on the chairs in front of the desk and were handed each a document. Yuri was confused and opened it, narrowing his eyes as he began to read it.

"These are bank records of the past 10 years." Chris says as he looks up to the man, "How did you obtain these and organize them so well?" He asked.

"Anna." Lejare answered as he had his left elbow propped onto the table and rested his forehead on his wrist, his eyes closed, despite wearing reading glasses, "I paid her to organize the bank statements. After that, she and I worked together in calculating the numbers. Aelfric used his own personal salary to research methods in reviving the dead. Of course, information like that is expensive. Which leads to this. Look at the highlighted sentence in blue." He explains and the two did just that.

"Withdrawal of 60 gold coins...payment went to mage in Faerghus." Chris muttered and Yuri frowned.

"I remember hearing stories that in the past, Faerghus used to practice necromancy. I know magic like that is deemed forbidden by the archbishop." Yuri muttered and Lejare nodded.

"But just because necromancy is declared illegal, doesn't mean it is not practice." Lejare said and the both looked up to him, "Necromancy is very much alive. However, the practice to revive humans was specifically deemed forbidden by those that do know that magic. These days it's used on dead animals. Fae bodies are also deemed illegal to use because if one is killed unjustly, they unleash a curse. That is why when it comes to fae magic, it is avoided. Only so few become Faerie doctors. Usually females, but occasionally a male is born." He chuckled and looked over to Chris.

"The ones highlighted in green are deposited from the church, his salary. As well as...an extra 300 gold coins. Why?" Yuri asked and Lejare frowned.

"That extra 300 was supposed to be used to help restore Abyss as well as provide a better life for the people." The older man spoke solemnly and both males had never looked up so fast.

"Then the numbers highlighted in red are!" Chris gasped and Lejare nodded.

"Money withdrawal to make payments for information on forbidden arts. Materials to possibly experiment and research. As well as pay others to do dirty work or bribe. There are also tax frauds and other unsavory things in the record of 10 years." Lejare growled.

Yuri gritted his teeth as he kept reading through the documents. He felt sick each time he read something new about the man that once cared for this place.

"I'm angry." Lejare muttered, "This place was built by my ancestor, Saint Lejare, and his two friends, the mentors of Saint Aubin and Saint Noa. The place was originally built to shelter those who were heavily affected by war. It wasn't in ruins like this." He sighs and stands up, walking to the shelf behind him.

He pulled out three ancient looking scrolls and placed them on the table. He opened the first one, wrapped in a green ribbon and unrolled it. The two males stood up to see and that Abyss indeed looked so much different. The place looked clean and new. People were happy. There were even merchants doing trade. Dancers and singers. Priest and priestess healing the wounded.

"Abyss was built before the monastery was?" Yuri asked and the overseer nodded.

"It was. It was almost a full underground nation." Lejare couldn't help but chuckle as fond memories returned, "But..." he frowned as a sad look entered his eyes, " Abyss took two massive hits. The first one was after the War of Heroes. When the first Rite of Rising failed. Saint Aubin along with the other 4 Apostles, were forced to take the blame for the failing of the ritual. Thus, Saint Serios began to see Abyss as a nuisance and misfortune fell. The second one..." the man gritted his teeth; his fist shook with rage.

Yuri and Chris looked at each other worried as the man opened the second scroll and revealed an image of Saint Lejare surrounded by many people and holding a child. Yet...

"Chris?" Yuri whispered and Chris quickly felt his vision become blurry.

"Eh? I'm...crying?" The real haired man muttered as he touched his cheek.

"Haha.." Lejare chuckled weakly, "It's alright boy. The reason you cry is because it is a trait that is passed down to those that have the blood of Saint Lejare flowing through their veins. It is sadness you feel when you see someone you once knew. In this case, one of your ancestors. Abyss was once the home of the anti-magic clan." He smiled sadly and both looked at him in shock.

"What happened?" Chris whispered and Lejare sighs as he unrolls more of the scroll.

Red.

Yuri and Chris both saw red as they saw people running from an army of knights being led by a different Saint. Saint Lejare had some sort of weapon sphere floating around him along with a sword in his hand. The man charging head on in battle while the people ran. More emotions of despair, rage and hate began to fill Chris till the man suddenly fell on his knees and screamed like he was being murdered. Yuri and Lejare quickly ran to him, trying to make sure he was alright. But he wasn't alright. Visions began to fill his eyes as the waves of emotions kept pouring in. It was just him. Arisa is having the exact same reaction. She was giving a seminar about medical practices when the wave of visions and emotions suddenly hit her. Mercedes and Linhardt had run up to her while Dorothea quickly ran out of the class to get Manuela or Hanneman. Or any of the staff that were closer. The reason Arisa was also having the visions was because from months ago when her and Chris performed the ritual, Roots. They both drank a small vial of each other's blood to perform it. That blood now ran through her veins and allowed her to perform a few anti-magic spells that she has yet to know of. Each vision became bloodier and bloodier. Each vision became worse as the knights wept as they cut down innocent lives. Each vision more and more people were cut down. Not even the women and children were spared. Yet in that vision, a man roared as his sword clashed with a woman. Tears streamed down his eyes as his face was filled with rage. Yet the person he fought, spoke coldly.

"You will not oppose me! How dare you not wish the return of our mother?! You of all people!? I shall make an example of you and your people!" The person roared and the vision ended.

Both siblings are out cold.

- 2 Hours Later -

Chris carefully opened his eye and felt he was on some sort of cushion as he carefully sat up.

"You're awake." Chris turned and saw Lejare on his desk, looking at the old scrolls.

"That was you." Chris suddenly spoke, how voice hoarse from the screaming, "You fought Rhea."

Lejare looked up and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"So, you do know who I truly am. Then you know who...the others are?" Lajare asked and Chris just looked around.

The boy saw he was laying on the cushions of a couch and a blanket was on him. Chris was silent for a moment and spoke.

"Memories." He muttered and the older man was just confused, "Do you believe in former lives? Or in reincarnations?" He asked.

"I do. And you saying that I will not ask anymore. That is more than enough." Lejare answered as Chris let go of a sigh and sat up normally.

"What I miss?" Chris asked as Lejare stood up and handed him a glass of water, which he gladly drank.

"Your sister also saw what you did." The man answered and Chris looked at him, "Don't worry. She's recovering. Fast asleep in her room. The boy with the fox mask carried her to her room. Now tell me...how exactly did she obtain your blood in her veins? Blood of my people is only inherited by one person if they are born into a different family line." He says and Chris sighs.

"We performed the Agarthan spell Roots. That's how we met Pittacus." Chris muttered and the man nodded.

"Hey." Chris was hesitant to ask but he did it anyway, "Can...anyone learn anti-magic or only specific people like and you can?" He asked and Lejare sighs.

"Anti-magic is dangerous. Sothis created Noa and I to help maintain balance. Anti-magic to help sustain reality. Magic to help maintain life. The two of us were created for that reason. We are like scales. We especially maintained order with our siblings. Noa passed down her Crest to her apprentice who later took on her name. As for me, Abyss took place before the Red Canyon, I left Zanado to travel the world. I settled in Morfis for some time and then came back to find out my mother was murdered. Thrust into war. Tch." He clicked his teeth, "I'm happy to know there were survivors of that massacre but...it still hurts seeing how my people are still hunted down. The Ancient Clans and my people got along well. So, they were very furious when they learned what Serios did. If someone from my clan married into a different bloodline, only one child would inherit the ability to form anti-magic. However, if they married someone that was part of the clan, all their children would be able to use it. And if someone drunk a bit of their blood, like your sister did, they could only cast a small number of spells. Other than that, no, not everyone can learn anti-magic." Lejare explains as he sits across from Chris.

"Which bloodlines have the possibility to learn such?" Chris asked.

"Well...actually now that I think about...Sothis never did once mention which one of brothers or sisters could actually use the same magic as me. I was the main one but...Argh. If mother ever gets her memories back, I hope I learn who was able to." The older man grumbled.

There was a knock on the door and opened, Yuri peaked and let go of a sigh.

"Glad you're better. You put up quite a show." Yuri chuckled and Chris gave him the stink eye.

"Yeah, yeah. How's my sister?" Chris growled and Yuri chuckled.

"She's fine. But I think I just got new competition..." Yuri muttered that last part, but Chris heard it.

"Who's now got their eyes on her?" Chris said too quickly, much to his amusement.

"You know that kid 59? The one that works with Tomas?" Yuri muttered.

"Oh. Nah. I saw the way he looks at her even if he wears a mask. He sees her like a mom." Chris reassured him.

Lejare could help but laugh a bit at that comment.

"By the way, is Sadi still here?" He asked and Yuri nodded.

"Hapi and Constance are studying together with her. Since she is going to take the Valkyrie exam in a few days. You know...I can't help but want to snatch her away and have her be part of our class..." Yuri's smile became wicked and Chris laughed.

"It's my first day as Professor Yuri! I don't want Arisa coming after my neck already!" And the two males laughed.

"But seriously, I think she would make a great addition."

- Arisa's Room -

"I can assure you I'm fine." Arisa let go of a frustrated sigh as Mercedes was mixing her herbal medicine and tea she needs to take.

"Arisa, you are still in recovery. Sigh, Emily needs you to be strong enough to perform the magic surgery." Mercedes sighs as Hymn sat comfortably on a pillow that was set up to her.

"Mama is worried about you. Emma will be mad if she finds out you aren't taking your medicine." Hymn smiled and Arisa mentally began cursing because the little pixie has Mercedes's coy smile when she is upset.

The honey brown haired woman handed her the cup and Arisa gulped the medicine down. She could help but let go of a blissful sigh as her hair glowed a bit, the color shade looking deeper.

"Looks like you're recovering well." Mercedes smiled softly as she was handed the cup and handed her the other one that had apple blend tea.

"It feels strange not walking around all over the monastery, doing jobs, requests as well as returning lost items." Arisa says she blew at her cup and took a sip.

"You're a workaholic, you know that, right?" Mercedes frowned and Arisa winced.

"Workaholic! Workaholic! Mama says you're a workaholic!" Hymn cheered while Sothis appeared, yawning.

"Be nice Hymn." The goddess yawned though Mercedes couldn't see her.

"Aunty Sothi is here!" Hymn giggled and Sothia couldn't help but coo as the pixie circled around her.

Mercedes chuckled since she already knew the existence of the spirit that protects her friend. It honestly worried how her friend was so reckless at times. Constance was her first friend and she missed her. Mercedes was beyond glad to be reunited with her and introduced her to Annette, the three would study together and drink tea.

"Let us change the subject." Mercedes spoke and Arisa nodded as Mercedes sat down, "I was surprised to learn Christian will be a Professor like you. I wonder how he will teach?" She muttered and Arisa chuckled.

"You'll have to wait and see. How have things been? Are you and Emile speaking to each other more?" She asked and Mercedes entered a giggle fit.

"He still hasn't forgiven you with what you did a few months ago." Mercedes giggled and Arisa snickered.

"And I shall do it again if I must." Arisa grinned evilly as she wiggled her fingers like if she was casting a spell.

"Be nice." Mercedes smiled, "By the way, my mother sent a letter and says she has been doing well. I was hoping I could go visit her soon. Ah, and I heard you have a son?"

"I do. Originally, Florencio was supposed to come visit two months ago but due to a change of plans, he could not. He was going to bring my cousin and my son. Maybe next month?" Arisa says as she takes a sip of her tea.

Hymn was now sleeping on Blanca's head and the albino wolf was giving them a "Help me" look. Feh chirped and flew out the window, most likely to go look for wild berries again.

"Hmmm?" Arisa blinked multiple times as she turned back to Mercedes yet...her vision flickered.

One second, Mercedes was dressed in her normal clothing, the second she was dressed in a dark color scheme of a Gremory dress, looking much older. Arisa shook her head a bit and closed her eyes, rubbing her forehead a bit.

"Mercedes, I need to take a walk. Do you mind if you accompany me?" She asked and Mercedes shook her head.

"I do not mind at all." The woman smiled as Arisa kept asking herself what she did to deserve this woman in her life.

Carefully helping her get up, the two females left the room, with Blanca following them, and Hymn fading away back to the mark on Mercedes's hand. It was a simple walk, near the pound yet something was making Arisa feel all giggly for some reason. Again, she looked towards her friend and her vision went static. One second Mercedes was herself and the second one was a much older and wiser version her, but her hair was completely lose, curly. About mid waist. Image of her friend returned to normal as they made it to the greenhouse, where they made their way to the cherry tree planted near the peach tree. Both were still young, and she was hoping to plant them somewhere else soon. But, what was strange was seeing Sylvain sitting at the bench near the flowers Sadi and Bernadetta care for. The body was letting out a frustrated sigh and looked up to see the females.

"Good evening Mercedes and Professor. Glad to see you're recovering." He smiled yet Arisa blinked.

The image flickered to not Sylvain but a different man. His face was a blur. Arisa blinked once more and suddenly felt her eyes sting.

"Professor, are you alright?" Sylvain looked at her worried and she nodded.

"Yeah. Just a bit tried. Anyhow, I can ask you the same thing. What's wrong?" Arisa replies and looks unsure with Mercedes around.

"Can we...talk in private?" He says and her face becomes calm.

"Alright. My magic lab is close. Do mind if we go there?" She says and he shook his head.

"Mercedes, thank you for joining me on this walk. I'll be alright from here. Okay?" Arisa reassured her and Mercedes nodded.

"Alright, take care. And you too Sylvain." Mercedes smiled softly and left.

"Shall we go?" Arisa said and Sylvain nodded, following behind her.

The lab was literally next to the green house and Arisa fished her key from her pocket and opened the door. Same sight as usual. The fireplace was on and Sylvain couldn't help but whistle as he looked around. Straight to her tea shelf she went and picked up the tin can that was labeled Bergamot. The boy sat down at the chairs of the tea table as he watched her prepare the tea. Funny how a magic lab feels so comfy compared to the other one that is used by students. He saw Blanca jump onto the giant bean sack pillow that Christian calls it, and sleep, her ears twitching a bit. He turned as he saw her carrying a tray, setting it on the table.

"What did you want to speak of?" Arisa asked as she picked up the tea pot and began serving two cups.

Sylvain was a bit hesitant but spoke.

"You...remember our talk from two days ago, correct?" He asked her to have him raise an eyebrow.

"Of course, I remember." She says as she hands him his cup.

"Well...I had that same conversation with your brother." He says and Arisa sighs.

"Well, that I saw coming." She says.

"But Sadi was there." And Arisa slammed her face on the table.

"So that's why Amir told me that she was hunting down the person that made the girl cry." Arisa comments in a dead tone that made Sylvain wince.

"Yeah...I think I'm going to avoid Amir and Lestia for a few days. Anyhow, the topic regarding Crest made her...upset. Arisa, does...Sadi have Crest?" He asked and Arisa maintained a neutral face he couldn't read at all.

"What would you do if she did?" She asked, "Would you treat her differently? Would you try and seduce her? By the way, if you head that route, I'm not going to save you from Dedue's wrath." Arisa bluntly said Sylvain snorted.

"I'm a scoundrel but I'm not that bad." He says.

"Sylvain, you hit on Ingrid's granny." And she only smiled when Sylvain choked on his tea.

"How do you know about that?!" He coughed, trying to recover.

"Ingrid told me." Arisa lied smoothly.

She remembers the support conversations like the back of her hand.

"Somehow, talking to you like this reminds me of the old days back in Fhirdiad." He smiled softly but continued, "But back to the subject. You're not answering my question if she has one or not." He looked at her seriously as she put down her cup.

"Sylvain, it is not my place to tell you. Really. That is something she should tell you. Not me." She looked at him seriously.

"Haha..." he chuckled dryly, "I always found it strange...how Sadi and I became friends. I remember how I met her." He muttered.

- Flashback: Faerghus: 4 years ago-

He barely managed to escape Miklan's wrath once more and ran through the streets of Fhirdiad, towards Emily's clinic. News reached him and the others quickly that Dimitri, Zander, Glenn, and Kuza were alive. But wasn't good news being that Arisa was in critical condition. Amir was also among the survivors along with two children. He ran quickly and nearly accidentally ran into a person.

"Sorry!" He quickly apologized and ran to the clinic doors, where they burst open.

"Aiiiii!" His head whipped to the reception desk, where Sophia was, grumbling because she nearly spilled her tea.

"Where are they?" Sylvain panted heavily, considering he literally ran to the clinic.

Sophia let go of a sigh as she sat back down on her chain spoke.

"I'm sorry Sylvain but you can't see any of them. Emily's orders." Sophia responded softly like if she was talking to a 10-year-old.

"Why?" He demanded, "Why can't I see them?" He nearly growls at her.

Sophia was silent and closed her eyes as she spoke.

"First off, do you think any of them are in the right state of mind right now to have anyone see them?" She began as she opened one eye, "Kuza nearly lost his eyes and is currently in the surgery room. Such medical treatment by the church forbids it but that isn't stopping us from helping him." She says and Sylvain opened his mouth but was silenced when she put her index finger up, "Next, both Zander and Glenn lost literally a limb. Huge amount of blood loss and both are currently under medication to recover. They will sleep for at least a week or two for them to recover. Dimitri, is in no state to see anyone. He witnessed the death of his father as well as much, much more. Burn wounds and such, as well as hallucinations. Two weeks of recovery. Amir suffered stab wounds from helping defend the group. And Arisa..." she went silent.

"And Arisa what?" Sylvain narrowed his eyes.

"She might not make it. She suffered the worst wounds we have ever seen. She shouldn't even be alive right now." Sophia pinched the bridge of her nose as she let go of a tried sigh.

Sylvain saw the bags under her eyes despite her trying to hide it with her pink blue hair. The woman handed him a cup of tea, chamomile, for him to drink.

"None of them are going to be happy once they hear what happened to Chris and Gina..." she groans out and it finally dawned on Sylvain just how bad everyone came back.

None were in any condition to be seen nor to even be let out. Lestia wants to see her brothers desperately but for her safety, is currently at under production of House Zoltras. Sophia sighs and opens her other eye.

"Ingrid wanted to visit Glenn but we had to kick her out because she lashed out at Amir and also the two children of Duscur." She groans.

"Ingrid..." Sylvain muttered and heard footsteps heading his way, turning he did and froze when small hands suddenly touched his face.

One gray eye and one dark green eye looks at him curiously as the small hands touched his hair. The little girl blinked multiple times as she kept touching his hair. Sophia had a face of horror once her eyes landed on the little tan girl with short silver colored hair, tan skin and was wearing a white hospital dress, and walking barefoot. Sylvain remained frozen as the girl gave the warmest smile he had ever seen in his life.

"Fluffy, fluffy, fluffy red hair! Pretty pretty like the noon sun!" The little girl squealed as she kept patting his hair, "And pretty eyes like the sunset! Pretty pretty!" She giggled.

"Sadi!" Sophia screeched as the woman quickly jumped over her desk and picked up the girl, "Honey, what are you doing here?! You should be in your room resting!" She says and Sadi tilted her head, confused.

"But I wanted to meet the boy the shadows said was hurt. He's hurt." The girl Sadi says as she looked over to him and pointed at his stomach, "He has a bruise. The Sunset is hurt. Can we help him?" She pouts.

Sophia let go of a sigh and glared at Sylvain, the boy froze.

"Stay here. I'll take her to her room." Sophia says and begins to walk down the hallway with the girl in her arms.

"Bye bye Sunset! Take care!" Sadi grins to him.

Sylvain just remained frozen.

- End of Flashback-

"She says my eyes and hair remind her of the sunset. I've been called names but never a Sunset." Sylvain answered and Arisa chuckled.

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?" Arisa asked and he nodded.

"Is it true you're not going to the mission with us?" He asked and Arisa nodded.

"I'm no state to be fighting however," she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small charm with a dark green stone, "make sure to keep this on you during the mission." She handed it to him.

Sylvain stared at charm and could sense some type of magic in it but couldn't figure out what it was. Arisa always had secrets. She always avoided certain topics that were asked when she used to teach him and the other when they were younger. Any topic regarding her knowledge as well as her past, she instantly put on a defensive wall. He wanted to try something.

"Arisa, have you ever had regrets?" He suddenly said and he immediately noticed a change in her mood.

He noticed, ever since she found out she had the Crest of Flames, she has been expressing her emotions much better. Almost as if...she didn't know how to properly manage them.

"I do. But hanging onto them will do me no good. Especially because the place where those regrets cling to, I can never go back. And I don't want to go back. My time in that place is long over. But a part of me will always belong there." Arisa answered suddenly like a robot that even startled herself but mostly Sylvain.

"You almost sound like you're saying you weren't born in Fodlan." He says and Arisa frowned.

"Hmm...I am born in Fodlan. But you could say my soul came from a different place. But enough about me. You wanted to discuss the mission." She says and looks back to him, "You're worried that you will have to confront Miklan."

At that, Sylvain let go a dark chuckle.

"Can't say I'm all too pleased. Part of me is looking forward to making him play for everything he's done to me. Did you know, he pushed me into a well and just left me there? I thought I was finished. But...surprisingly Felix and Ingrid found me. It was in the middle of a harsh winter. Glenn and Zander patched me up. Then...there's.." he shivered and Arisa's eyes went wide as she understood his body language.

"Oh Sylvain..." she thought and covered her mouth with her right hand.

The reason she immediately understood his body was because Theresa was the same way when they met. To become a Professor, it was required for her to take psychology and human behavior classes. Well, it wasn't required but she took the classes anyway. When her friend opned up to her that she was sexually abused growing up, Arisa's parents had to literally hold her and two her older brothers back from going straight to murder Theresa's parents.

"Sylvain." She spoke his name and the boy looked up to her, "Do not force yourself to speak. When you are ready, you can tell me. Whatever is said in this room, stays here. It never leaves." She spoke firmly to reassure him.

"Thank you..." he muttered, and she smiled softly.

Now she understood why he would flinch sometimes when a woman touched him.

"Sylvain, I'm going to ask a very serious question." She spoke and the boy looked at her a bit worried, "Should you confront Miklan, would you be able to kill him?"

That question made him go silent as a dark look entered his eyes, yet she didn't flinch. Quite the opposite.

"Teach, I don't see why not? He is a scumbag who has multiple times tried to kill me as well as hurt my friends. He lived a spoiled life till I was born and was jealous that it was taken away. He hates me for something that is not my fault. You almost sound like you feel empathy for him despite how you left him years ago." Sylvain said a bit darkly as he leaned in, his face hovering over her a bit.

Her eyes closed and then snapped them open, he flinched. Those eyes, he felt like she was looking straight into his soul. They were suddenly no longer the pale color but now normal, like usual color they are. They kept staring at each other, he felt scared.

"Pity." She answered as she turned her head to look at the Flames in the fireplace, "I feel pity but also empathy." She sighs as he leaned back.

He looked at her confused, like she had grown a second head.

"I'm sorry but why do you feel empathy for him?" Sylvain said in a bit of an angry tone.

"Because," she turned to him a bit, "the fault of his behavior is how your parents raised you both." Arisa took a sip of her tea.

"How we were raised..." Sylvain muttered and he had a quick flashback to one of the butlers that used to work at House Gautier.

The man had balls to talk back to his father and straight up blame the man that it was his fault for Miklan's behavior. And he was right.

"I hate it when you're right." He muttered and she only hummed.

"Hate or love me, that is your choice. My job is to guide you and let you make your own decisions when the time comes. The consequences that come after you make the decision is your and yours alone to deal with." Arisa answered as she stood up and walked to a bookshelf, pulling out a red colored book, staring at it for a few minutes then putting it back.

She turned back to him and spoke.

"From here on out, whatever choice you make, is your own. Sylvain, will you let your Crest define who you are or live your own life? Create your own path or walk the path that has been set up for you?" She smiled and the boy chuckled.

"Arisa you..."

Suddenly the door to her lab slammed opened and Arisa, out of instincts, pulled a dagger from her chest. However, looking at the door, she was met with a pissed off Emily and a panting Edward that was behind her.

"I...I...told you...to...slow...aaaghhh..." with a loud thud, Edward fell back.

"Emily? What are you doing here?" Sylvain stood up, confused and behind the woman, Marianne was panicking along with Ignatz, trying to revive the passed-out doctor.

"Get out Sylvain." Emily spoke in a tone that immediately had him running for his life.

The red head let out a frustrated sigh as she slammed the door shut. Outside, Sylvain was helping Ignatz and Marianne carry Edward to the infirmary.

Emily threw her bag onto the couch and turned to her Nabatean self. Hissing like a cat.

"Pittacus...Pittacus of all people!" Emily raged as she opened her bag and took out multiple needles, "I knew that bitch was alive but the fact they forced you to turn into a dragon like me pissed me off." She snarled.

"Emily, please sit down." Arisa spoke carefully and the woman slumped on the couch.

"I'm just...angry...at them. You shouldn't have gone through that...sigh...the transformation to a full dragon comes naturally. Only if you desire it." Emily looked up to her as Arisa handed her a cup of tea.

"Chris told me I did not take on Sothis's dragon form? Not one similar to Rhea's. Why? Its alarming." Arisa said as she sat across from her.

Emily let go of a sigh as she placed the cup down on the table that was between the two couches.

"Because you do not want to be Sothis." She answered.

"Eh?" Arisa squeaked and the goddess appeared, a smile on her face.

"It means despite if you and I become one, you will still be yourself. Regardless if you inherit my powers." Sothis squealed.

"Mom is right." Emily sighs, "You took on a form that you desired. That you want."

Now that Arisa thinks about it...

"Oh snap..." She gasped and quickly ran to her, rushing as fast as she could, going through every cabinet till she found it.

An old green leather journal that she always carried in her bag in her younger days as a mercenary. She shakily opened it and turned to a page that was booked marked with pink ribbon. Her hands shook as she stared at the pencil drawing, she did when she was around 9 years old. It was done the day before she met Raphael and Ignatz.

"Hey Sothis! If I could turn into a dragon, I would want to look like this!"

The image of her nine-year-old self holding up the journal to show her friend.

"Four feather wings...a bit of a similar color seam of my regalia, but also in a way that defines you. Interesting. I like the design. The wings remind me of angels and the feathers remind me a bit of almost jewels. I like it." Sothis hummed happily as the girl kept drawing.

"CHRRRIIIIISSSSSSSSSS?!"

At this moment, Arisa was screaming her head off for her brother.

- Abyss -

"I feel a disturbance in the force." Sadi comments suddenly which got a snort out of Balthus.

"Welp, whatever force this, make sure to pay attention. Try to concentrate your faith magic to your fist." Balthus instructors the girl and she nodded.

"Trying to teach her Draining Blow?" Yuri comments as he and Chris were working on a plan.

"Yeah. Constance got it down, so I thought this kid might have a knack for it." Balthus replies.

"Hey Chris, have you thought about what you're getting for Arisa's birthday?" Hapi suddenly comments.

"Yeah. She's not a big fan of surprise parties so if you throw her one, expect her to pass out right where she is standing." He stopped, "You aren't planning a surprise party, are you?"

"Not me." Hapi says, "Edelgard and Lestia are."

"Bloody hell..." Chris groans out and Yuri couldn't help but chuckle.

"Don't worry. It'll go well. Why is Arisa not a fan of birthday surprises?" Yuri asked.

"Ummmm...have you ever heard of, "The Mordida?" Chris said, a bit unsure.

"The what? Chris, speak Fodlan." Yuri says.

"Okay. Basically..."

Yuri had never laughed so out loud before and suddenly had a plan. Chris was beginning to regret talking about a past tradition from his old world.

- A week Later: Verdant Moon: August 26th -

"By safe, all of you." Arisa smiled sadly as she was in the front gates of the Monastery with the others.

"We'll be fine Arisa." Manuela reassured her, "Christian will carry me if I knock out." She smiled and Arisa couldn't help but snicker.

The women turned and saw Beleth and Gilbert heading their way.

"Professor Kalsana, it has been some time." Gilbert smiled at her and she nodded.

"It has. I am glad you are well." Arisa nodded and turned to Beleth, "You're going as well, huh? Keep a look out for my brother. He can be hot headed." She smirked.

"I heard that!" Was yelled out from one of the carriages and the group chuckled.

"Please be safe, all of you." Arisa said and they nodded.

- 3 Days Later -

It's been three days since the Four Houses departed and she felt...completely useless. Then again, she earned it in a way. Being reckless, holding back emotions, but also found peace.

"I hate to admit it but I miss my mercenary days where I wasn't so focused on the future and changes." Arisa muttered as she walked around.

The surgery was a success, and she could use magic properly again. Her hair color had returned to normal but even so...

"Something feels...off..." She muttered and looked up to the sky.

They were getting darker by the second. It'll take a couple of days for them to reach the tower. She is worried about her brother.

"Focus on yourself."

She let go of a sigh as she made her clothing change to that of female Byleth and her hair in a high ponytail. She looked at herself on one of the glass windows, startled by her own appearance. She looked, tried. Grown up. More mature was the best way to describe. She looked like someone who walked out of hell.

"Jesus Christ..." she buried her hands in her face, "I haven't looked this bad since my damn medical exam in Florida." She groaned and noticed the rain started to fall.

She saw many of the staff running around and frowned.

"Garden." She muttered and turned to walk to the open garden area where the amibo scanner was.

She didn't think it actually existed in this world but seeing it in person, it doesn't float around and glow green like in the game. Arisa did wonder if it was some form of past Nabatean technology. Still, if she wants to prepare for the coming war...

"Hmm?" She looked up to see not too far away, Flayn was running, "That's odd."

The girl looked panicked, almost scared. Arisa made her way quickly as possible towards her and called her out.

"Flayn!" She yelled out and the girl shrieked but let go of a sigh of relief once she realized it was her.

"Arisa! It's you!" Flayn grins as the woman walks up to her.

"Are you alright?" Arisa asked and the girl nodded her head.

"Yes, I am! I am just heading to the library." Flayn says in a too cheerful tone that even the woman was thrown off by.

Yet, out of the corner of her left eye, Arisa noticed some strange movement. The woman now had an idea of what was happening and quickly took the girl's hand.

"Eh? Professor, where are we going?" Flayn asked as Arisa literally dragged her to come.

"..." Arisa made a quick glance at her and continued to walk faster.

10 minutes later and they reached the front of her magic lab. The woman quickly opened the door and made the girl go in, then went in and locked it. Arisa quickly ran to close the curtains and let go of a deep breath she was holding.

"You were being followed." Arisa quickly spoke and Flayn froze.

"I...I..." and she was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.

Arisa placed her index finger on her lips. The girl nodded, holding her breath as she literally dove underneath the Professor's desk. Hersvelg began hissing loudly as Blanca began growling. Feh also began hissing, the white wolf quickly stood in front of the desk, ready to defend.

"Who is it?" Aris yelled out.

"It's me. Jeritza." And Arisa let go a whisper of curses that she was pretty if Flayn said any of them in the future, Seteth was going to bury her alive.

"What is it? I am busy at the moment!" Arisa replies and has her dagger ready.

"Seteth is looking for Flayn. Have you seen her?" Jertiza says.

The man outside had a neutral face. But it seems...his target will be much more difficult to obtain.

"No, I have not. Check the garden." Arisa says back.

"..." there was silence and Arisa thought it was over but no.

"I see..." Jeritza muttered and then...

"You know, Professor...it is not good to lie."

Arisa instantly felt a shiver down her spine as his aura outside the door became menacing by the second, his voice transforming into the Death Knight.

"It is time we face each other, Professor." His voice became sinister and Arisa quickly ran back to the front of her desk.

The knock became much more forceful and Flayn quickly scrambled out of the desk. The older woman quickly ran to the window and opened it.

"Arisa?!" Flayn squeaked and the girs nearly screamed when a clean cut was suddenly done on the door.

"No time!" Arisa yelled and quickly picked up Flayn bridal style, jumping out the window.

Another clean cut and the door fell apart, plus the wall, the Death Knight was silent as he saw the place empty, yet the window opened. A spell he quickly casted to make sure no one could see the destroyed door. As he looked around, his eyes landed on a certain picture. He looked back to the window and chuckled.

"To the forest they went."

[-]

The rain was coming down harder and Arisa jumped from tree to tree, like some damn ninja. Honestly, right now she felt like that because she was carrying Flayn.

"Arisa, should you be moving like this?! You just had surgery 2 days ago!" Flayn said and Arisa could help but chuckle a bit nervously.

"No shouldn't. I can use magic properly again however, physical movements I should not be doing." She sighs and right when she is going to stop...

THUNDER!

"AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Both girls screamed in agony when lightning suddenly struck them from the sky.

Arisa still held tightly onto Flayn as they fell to the ground. She had never felt such a powerful magic attack.

"That...was...Thorn..." Arisa gasped out and unfortunately the girl was out cold in her arms.

The rain began to fall harder each time, the wet sound of metal boots walking in mud. Even the fae nearby flew away for their lives. Two sets of footsteps were heard walking the mud, her vision becoming blurred by the second.

"Tch. I said only Cethleann. But I can't exactly complain." That voice she recognized, Odesse.

The Agarthan doctor let out a grunt as he knelt, observing both. The Death Knight was behind him along with two others. Arisa barely moved her head and looked up; the man was cocky looking in his eyes.

"Hmm...you're a Miss Fell Star? I was hoping I met the one that damned Pittacus, but you'll do for now." He said and stopped when the Death took a step forward.

"Our orders are not to kill her." Jeritza's voice rumbled and Odesse let out a low scoff.

"Don't worry. I'm not killing the Fell Star. As much as I would like to drain her of blood my orders are Cethleann's only." He stood up, "Bring her also. We can't afford to have her inform Serios and the others."

The two other mages quickly went to pick up the girl, but Arisa's grip tightened on Flayn, an iron grip. The mages grunted and tried to break them apart but no luck.

"Ughhh! Death Knight, pick them both up!" Odesse ordered and the man picked up the two like a sack of potatoes.

Arisa's vision was a blur at this point, losing her consciousness. The last thing she saw, still holding Flayn, was Sothis telling her everything will be alright.

- ? Days Later -

"Hmmmm...ureeghhhh...what?"

Arisa could hear whispering; her body hurt and painfully opened her eyes. Her vision slowly became clear as she looked around her surroundings. Brick stones, the musky smell of water. The place felt cold. She tried to move and heard rattling chains as she looked around. She heard a small squeak and eyes went wide when she saw a rat. Thankfully she wasn't the type to scream at the sight of them. She looked around and noticed bars made of iron possibly.

"Ah, so the Fell Star is finally awake." She heard a male voice and looked to the bars, where...

"Odesse!" Arisa yelled and abruptly tried to stand but hisses loudly when she realized she was chained.

Her arms at least. The man let go of a sigh and spoke.

"Just be a good girl and remain there. As much as I want to drain a good portion of your blood, sadly I can't do that." He said as she stood up normally.

Arisa looked around and noticed she had a needle in her wrist and spotted it.

"IV fluids?" She blinked and the doctor raised an eyebrow at her.

"I am surprised you know what that is." The two looked at the glowing bag filled with liquid, "The Death Knight overdid it with Thorn. I don't need my test subject dying on me." Odesse huffed.

"Test subject huh?" Arisa muttered and he chuckled.

"I do wonder. You feel very different from the Nabateans. Much more different than Sothis. Hmm...Pittacus did say your soul is rarer than the False god." He muttered and the next cell door was opened.

A female mage carried someone and set them on the bed, connecting them to the IV Fluids and a freaken heart monitor.

"Flayn!" Arisa yelled and quickly went to the other side, thankfully the chains at least allowed her to move around the cell.

"Don't worry about your little friend. Still, I'm going to yell at those mages." Odesse growled and on the verge of storming of but stopped when he heard her mutter.

"Motherfuckers took 2 liters of blood! Are they trying to kill her?!" Arisa whispered/hissed.

Odesse was silent as he observed her for a hit and noticed that she recognized the machine that was monitoring the girl's heart rate.

"Could she be...?" He shook his head left, the door slamming shut.

Sothis quickly appeared and floated to her granddaughter, praying she was okay.

"How is she?" Arisa asked and Sothis shook her head.

"She's alive and breathing but tried. Just because she is a Nabatean, doesn't mean she produces more blood. Both races produce about 5 liters of blood." Sothis sighs and places her hand on her, using some magic to heal her.

Color returned to Flayn's face and Arisa let go of a sigh.

"Sadly, I can't break these chains because something is blocking my magic." Arisa muttered and looked around.

She saw the table was set up like a medical doctor. A lab. The fact that Arisa recognized the technology made herself cringe.

"Microscope, coagulation analyzer, a high speed centrifuge, a drying cabinet, biological safety cabinet and a bloody lot of other supplies I know of...sigh..." Arisa sighs as she holds onto the bars, looking down to the ground, "If Rhea didn't hold back progress, I can definitely see more lives being saved..." she sighs and looks back to the table.

There were also supplies that are used in a magic lab but her eyes landed specifically on a certain storage. She remembers that they used Flayn's blood for their horrific experiments on the people of Remire village. Arisa then heard a small crack and quickly reached into her pocket, pulling out a broken green gem. She stared at it and put it back into her pocket.

"What was that?" Sothis said as she floated back to her.

"If my guess is right...that means the classes right now are fighting Miklan and my gems activated in protecting Sylvain." Arisa sighs as she felt some of her magic drained, and then fell to her knees as the events of that battle flowed into her mind.

Her eyes glowed gold, her vision changed to a place dark, her hand reaching out to someone. She could see her brother running towards Sylvain, on the verge of getting devoured and...

"Ha...who would have thought..." Arisa smiled sadly as her hands grabbed not just Sylvain and her brother, but Sadi as well.

This voice she heard singing yet crying. It wasn't her's but Sadi's. The voice sounded so mournful as she sang. The demonic beast roared down at them and the girl's voice sung louder.

I'm fine even if I am on my own

Me pretending to be strong is overflowed by that declaration

To think that the beautiful days we had together

Could be this heartbreaking...

If I have to live alone

I will not love anyone

Chris roared along with Sylvain, each holding their relics as they fought the monster in that darkness. Sadi began signing louder, her Crest displayed itself as they launched the final attack, finishing off the beast. The darkness began cracking but it was trying to take them down with it.

And I will keep on wishing

Oh, I'll keep on praying, evermore That someday, you'll find your way, that you will smile I hope that you'll be happy

The girl's hair had turned completely black, and Arisa pulled them out of whatever they were trapped in. The young girl held tightly onto Sylvain. The darkness fades and she could see everyone in shock. Arisa shouldn't be there, yet she still made thay charm for a reason. She is glad she did or else they would be dead. Ingrid, Lestia, Felix, Bernadetta, Amir and Claude ran quickly to the trio, making sure they were alright.

"Arisa, how are you here?!" Chris looked at her shocked and she shook her head.

"Hurry, head back-" her mirage flicker, "Monetary! Happy-safe! Flayn-trouble-captured-Death-!" She couldn't deliver her message clearly on time, but she saw Dimitri running her way.

But that time, her mirage faded, and her vision was back to where she originally is. She panted and the door to the lab burst open, her eyes narrowed as she saw the mages, Odesse and some chick she had never seen before looking at her with wide eyes. Arisa's eyes still glowed faintly gold as she looked up to them.

"You..." the chick growled.

She has short bobbed curly hair; half her face was covered by a snake mask. Her clothing was that of a female dark knight. But her color scheme was like a dark pink.

"I'm guessing...your Bias..." Arisa laughed weakly as she forced herself to stand up.

Bias frowned and looked over to Flayn, the girl now wide awake. Arisa had never seen so angry before as the grip on the bars bent ever so slightly.

"You..." Flayn snarled in a form Arisa had never seen.

She knew Flayn could get mad but never had she seen her this pissed. Arisa had to admit, she was scared. Bias giggled and made her way to the front of the cell, smoking.

"Well, well. Looks like the little Saint is awake. Been awhile Cethleann. Still a Mama's girl?" Bias mocked and Flayn screamed, her arms reaching out, wanting to strangle her.

"Flayn, don't move around so much!" Arisa yelled, "They took a lot of blood. Please." She says and the girl began crying, dropping to her knees.

Bias laughed and turned to Arisa.

"Well, someone has common sense. So, you're the one that fucked up Pittacus? No, it was actually some guy. Damn, I was hoping I would fight him." Bia chuckled and Arisa noticed strapped onto her back was some sort of lance.

"The Lance of Ruin?" Arisa blinked and Bias took notice.

"Ha! I wish! This is the Dark Version. But don't matter." Bias glared, "Just what the hell did you do? Human eyes don't glow gold all of a sudden."

"I ain't saying shit." Arisa said back and Odesse had to keep himself from laughing seeing Bias's reaction.

"Fine then bitch. Have it your way." Bias grumbled and turned to leave.

"Odesses, watch then bitches. I'm going out. Be back in a few days." Bias left, slamming the wooden door shut.

Odesse let out a short laugh and looked back to the forest hairs girl.

"Your eyes have remained gold. Strange. Still...it's odd speaking to you. You have the same face as...him..." he muttered and looked back to the lab.

"I can tell...you recognize all these tools. How to use them...how that work." He says and Flayn looked at Arisa surprised.

Arisa's lips have become a thin line as she keeps her mouth shut. The man only gave her an amused glance as he went straight to the storage that had the blood vials.

"I heard rumors of the Ashen Demon but also of the Holy Magus, Kiana Kalsana." He began as he opened it, "The Holy Magus who bears knowledge of miracles. The one who stopped the epidemic that was destroying Galatea Territory. I was very surprised to learn that an outsider had learned how to cure it." He turned back to the table, setting down the vials on it.

One had the Crest of Cethleann and the other the Crest of Dominic. He opened his hand, showing a small blue pill.

"Antibiotic huh?" He says and Arisa gritted her teeth, "This level of medicine making is past my own level. Even much more...advanced than what my people know. If the Archbishop were to learn of how advanced this was, this could send you to be executed." He smirked and Arisa glared.

Honestly, she wished this conversation wasn't in front of Flayn.

"What do you want?" Arisa said slowly and Odesse hummed.

"Not much. Now I understand why Cleobulus was so set on getting her hands on you. But she's foolish, too greedy to the point she messed up so bad her reputation is ruined." He says as he poured the blood in the vials to a beaker and mixed them together.

"Just say it." Arisa growled.

"I want you to operate on someone." He says and Arisa froze.

"I will not take part in your sick inhumane experiments!" Arisa yelled.

"No, I'm not implanting Crest into someone. Quite the opposite." He says and picked up a crystal ball, projected a hologram image of a young woman with pure black hair, light blue skin, yet she floated in a glass coffin, holding her knees.

"I want you to do a heart transplant. Based on the information I've gathered; you seem to have much more advanced knowledge." He says and Arisa shook her head.

"Unfortunately, even I have not reached that level yet." She says and he narrowed his eyes.

"I can tell you're not lying. You're advanced but not that advanced. Tch. And here I thought Anacharis's heart transfer was going to go smoothly." He clicked his tongue and made the image disappear.

Arisa let go of a sigh but suddenly a hand flew at the back of her hair, yanking her head forward.

"!" A vial was forced into her mouth, her head pulled back painfully, the liquid in it, forced to go down her throat.

"Arisa!" Flayn yelled and Odesse threw the woman down.

"Cough! Cough!" Arisa coughed violently and the man only stared down at her coldly.

"What did you...?" Arisa coughed and then noticed the Breaker in his hand.

"I made you drink the Blood of Cethleann and Dominic. Good luck getting through the night." He smirked and left, slamming the door shut.

"What does he-AAAHHHHHHHH!" Arisa began screaming as a sudden burning sensation filled her body.

"Arisa! Arisa! Please hold on!" Flayn wept and the burning feeling felt like it lasted for hours but a few seconds.

The girl gasped as Arisa let out a groan as she sat up. Her hair grew longer again but...

"Orange...?" Arisa muttered and thankfully Flayn carried a small mirror and quickly handed it to her.

Arisa's hair had become half mint green and the other half the same color as Annette's hair. Her right eye orange and the other mint green.

"When will I live in peace...?" Arisa groaned loudly as she and Flayn sat back to back, despite the bars in between them.

"How many days had it been?" Flayn spoke softly as she hugged her knees.

"I don't know. The last thing I remember is that we got struck down by Thron and I refused to let go of you." Arisa sighs as she holds a lock of her hair.

"They have been taking blood from me once every other day. With the way your stone cracked...I believe it may be the 31st." Flayn muttered and Arisa nodded.

"What was that anyway? I do not recall your eyes turning gold." Flayn said and Arisa sighs.

"I gave Sylvain a charm infused with some of my magic. The green gems are made from my blood. I created it to protect him. I knew that he was going to fight and kill his brother." Arisa answered and Flayn looked at her shocked.

"You're a seer?" Flayn gasped.

"Okay, why didn't I ever think of that? I could have just said I am seer." Arisa mentally grumbled while Sothis gave her a "I told you so" look.

"Oh right...Adrestia has a network of tracking down seers and killing them. That's why so many chose to hide that ability." Arisa mentally said to herself in a mocking tone.

"Yes. My Crest lets me see sometimes fragments of what may come in the future. Please do not tell anyone." Arisa said a bit too quickly.

"It is alright Arisa. Your secret is safe with me." Flayn smiled.

"I wish I could use magic right now, but these chains are blocking me from it." Arisa sighs, "But I'm not just going to just sit and wait for someone to save us. For now, I think best to observe to have an idea of the situation." She says and once more the door opened.

In came a young boy, they wore a hood that covers their face completely. He carried two trays of food and...walked through the cells like a ghost. He didn't speak at all as he set the trays down to each person.

"Wait, this is food from the dining hall." Flayn says as the boy quickly walks back out.

The two trays had a meal of grilled Herring, a vegetable salad, peach sorbet and two bottles of fig flavored cider and one bottle of Alymran Berry wine.

"Wait...I recognize that bottle!" Arisa says and looked up to the boy, "That's from Manuela's hidden stash!" She says and the boy couldn't help but snicker a bit.

He waved and quickly left, once more the door closing shut.

"Well, at least I can drink." Arisa sighs as Flayn used some magic to make sure nothing was poisoned.

"Everything is safe to eat." The girl says and Arisa nodded as she picked up a spoon and they began eating.

The food tasted pretty good and seemed like it was also fresh. Whoever the boy was, he seemed to care for their wellbeing. Arisa picked up the wine bottle and popped off the cork.

"Umm..." Arisa stopped and looked up to Flayn, the girl shifted a bit nervously, "Can I...have some?"

Arisa ex has stopped working.

"Don't you dare." Sothis said in a menacing tone that made the woman gulped.

"Umm...no offense Flayn but...If your brother found out...I..would be in deep trouble." Arisa grinned a bit crookedly.

"I am not a child." Flayn pouted, "I am around the same age as the other youths here. Which makes it legally I can drink! My father had never once allowed me to have a sip of alcohol. Manuela and Catherine tried to share with me once and my father lectured them." Flayn huffed as she crossed her arms, a bit angry.

She looked like cute angry girls whose date was late. Arisa couldn't help but laugh a bit and nodded. Technically, Flayn is already at age to drink.

"You sure you up for it?" Arisa smirked and the girl nodded, "It's quite stronger than the wine Fodlan brewers have. You sure?" Arisa asked once more, and the girl nodded.

She picked up the empty glass cup that had the peach sorbet before it was eaten and filled it with the wine. Flayn giggled happily and gave it a quick sniff. She likes the sweet scent and took a taste test sip.

The main problem with Almyran Berry Wine?

"WHOA WHOA!" Arisa frantically tried to stop Flayn from gulping down the drink in one go but too late.

It doesn't taste like wine at all. It tasted like berry juice.

Flayn squealed happily because the liquid went down smoothly down her throat. She loved it! It has such a sweet and tangy taste that reminded her of sweet exotic candies that Edelgard and Petra had shared with her. The candies came from Brigid and were known because they used wild bee honey to make it.

"It's delicious! Can I have some more!" Flayn says and she shoved the cup upfront and Sothis gave Arisa a look of pure murder.

Ariaa did her best to ignore it.

"Well...considering we're captured, it wouldn't hurt...Besides, Flayn's an adult. Seteth can't keep her sheltered forever." She thought and served the girl another cup.

What could go wrong?

- 3 Hours later -

"It's safe to say she's wasted."

Arisa let go of a sigh as Flayn was passed out asleep peacefully on the bed, snoring a bit.

"The fact that she managed at least 4 glasses of that wine surprises me. I feel she inherited that from her mother. Cichol couldn't hold his liquor even if he wanted to." Sothis snorted and let go of a sigh as she floated over to her granddaughter.

"In time flows ~ See the glow of flames ever burning bright ~ On the swift ~ Rivers drift ~ Broken memories align ~ " the goddess sang softly as she sat next to her, gently patting her head.

Flayn smiled warmly as she slept. Arisa couldn't help but let go of a sigh as she looked around. Her eyes wandered around till they fell once more into the blood storage. Now that she thought about it, she was expecting her body to have some sort of negative reaction. She doesn't sense a second Crest within herself, but she wonders if...instead she absorbed them. The Crest of Flames is the mother of all Crest, so it could be possible that it cancels out others.

"Sothis...forgive me for what I'm going to do."

- The Next Day -

"What?" Odesse narrowed his eye at the half hair colored woman and she nodded her head firmly.

"In exchange for you not touching or draining Flayn, I offer myself to your blood reaction experiment." Arisa said firmly and Flayn, despite having a hangover, shook her head frantically.

"That's what you wanted right?" Arisa said, "That why you forced me to drink that blood yesterday. You want to know what reactions I'm having since I have the Crest of Flames. Sorry you can't drain me but I'm offering myself as your test subject on your blood drinking experiment." She smirked.

"And if I say no?" He said and she frowned.

"Then you miss out on the second part of my deal." She says.

The Death Knight was listening closely, and she spoke.

"...Speak." Odesse said and Arisa internally smirked.

"In exchange you do not drain blood from Flayn for two weeks, I offer myself as a test subject and... knowledge. FORBIDDEN knowledge of types of blood that exist. Because humans do not just have one type of blood." She says and Flayn looked at her in horror.

"Hmmmm..." Odesse drummed his fingers onto the table as one of the other mages looked at each other unsure.

"Alright then." Odesse says as he picked up his pen and wrote something down, "Each day you will drink two types of blood containing two different Crest. For each pair, you will tell about one of the human blood types you say exist. Pittacus already told me you absorbed the blood of the 5 Apostles as well as Lejare, so you won't drink those. But you already drank the Blood of Cethleann and Dominic. Think you can handle the remaining fourteen?" He smirked as she could tell through his mask.

"I can." Arisa replies.

Odesse laughed and stood up from the chair, went straight to the cabinet and pulled out to vials. Arisa's blood ran cold when she recognized the symbols on them. The doctor noticed and mixed the two crimson liquids together in a vial. He walked up to her and held it out.

"Prove it. Take it from me. By your own will and drink it." He says.

"Don't do it Arisa! Please!" Flayn pleaded desperately.

The scent of blood, the sight of it. It is something Arisa absolutely hates. She hates the sticky and tacky feeling when it is on her skin. She hates the taste of iron. She hates the scent of iron. She gulped as he reached her, despite it shaking and took the vial. The mages laughed as she stared at it, her hands shaking yet...she looked up to the doctor, her expression cold. No emotions whatsoever. The face of the Ashen Demon made them freeze.

"I... make my own path." And brought the vial quickly to her lips, gulping the crimson down, to the last drop.

She kept herself from gagging and began screaming as the burning sensation returned. Odesse's eyes went wide as she observed how her hair and eyes glowed, changing colors of light blue and pink.

"Fascinating. To think the Crest of Maurice and Goneril would mix so well." He gasped and Arisa coughed violently as she looked up, her left eye pink and the other blue.

"Satisfied...? Huff...huff..." Arisa panted and he nodded as he wrote onto his notebook.

"Very. I'll let you rest for an hour, then you will speak." He says and she nodded her head weakly as she sat on the bed.

"Bring her something sweet. It should help her get her strength back." He ordered and turned back to her, "Cethleann is very lucky we have gathered enough blood to last us for quite a while. Also, because I refuse to work contaminated blood!" He glared at the girl, "Alcohol stays in a Nabatean system for two weeks!" He growled and Arisa couldn't help but laugh a bit.

The man just gave her a glance and left out the door, locking it like usual. Flayn gritted her teeth and turned to the Professor, angry but also worried in her eyes.

"Why?!" She yelled and Arisa gave her a small smile as she leaned back on her bed.

"Because I don't want you to get hurt." Arisa said and Flayn shook her head.

"Why?! Even if we have known each for a small bit, even if we became friends during the ball four years ago, you shouldn't be doing this. Not for me especially!" Flayn wept and Arisa shook her head.

"Flayn, look at me." Arisa says and the girl shook her ahead again.

"I should be the one they are hurting, not you! You always showed so much kindness even to strangers!" She cried and Arisa called her name again.

"Flayn, listen to me." Arisa says in a bit more of a serious tone.

"No! You're reckless and only just barely recovered! What will Sandy say when she finds out?! Everyone must be worried sick! I-!"

"Cethleann that is enough!"

Flayn froze and slowly looked back to her friend, who had a frown but let go of a sigh.

"Flayn, I am doing this because I care about you. You are my friend but also family. I am not doing this just because I want something in return. No. I'm doing this because I want to. I know everyone is worried about us and Seteth probably having a heart attack right about now. But we will find a way out. I promise. All I am asking for, is for you to trust me. That is all." She smiled warmly at her.

Flayn was stunned and began crying again but this time tears of relief and joy. Sothis smiled sadly as she hugged the girl from behind.

"You...remind me of my cousin and Sandana..." Flayn smiled sadly at her and nodded.

"Alright...I trust you."

- 1 hour later -

"Rest well?" Odesse said as he sat at his chair and Arisa nodded, "Good. Now let's keep your end of the deal." He says.

"First, before I begin, do you know what antigens are?" She asked and to him it felt like a dumb question.

"Of course, I do. Antigens are a toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies." He replied and she nodded.

"Good. Then this makes things easier. I won't have to explain every little thing." She lets go a sigh of relief.

"I'm assuming when you taught in Fhirdiad, none of the students in your medical class knew." He says and she narrowed her eyes.

"How did you know I taught there?" She asked and pointed to the boy with the hood that came in carrying a tray of food.

"I had him be in your class back then. I forbid him from sharing any knowledge he obtained in your classes. Not even Cleobulus, Pittacus and Solon know. I much rather keep that knowledge to myself." His eyes held a smirk as the boy flinched.

The boy quickly handed the girls each a sweet bun and a bottle of apple juice.

"Wait...now I remember!" Ariaa pointed accusingly at the boy, "You're that kid that always sat in the back and refused to answer questions when called on! Ummm!" She snapped her fingers, "Fuck, I don't remember you name!" She yells.

"I much rather you not...because I never once said my name...I don't have one yet...but you know me as 59..." the boy thought and smiled a bit sadly.

"Never mind that." Odesse spoke, "Back to our topic..." he hissed, and Arisa sent him the stink eye.

"Fine. Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens – substances that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body. Since some antigens can trigger a patient's immune system to attack the transfused blood, safe blood transfusions depend on careful blood typing and cross-matching." She began and Odesse began taking notes.

His eyes said to continue.

"There are four major blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two antigens – A and B – on the surface of red blood cells. In addition to the A and B antigens, there is a protein called the Rh factor, which can be either present (+) or absent (–), creating the 8 most common blood types (A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB-)." She explained.

"How interesting...I do wonder if this is the reason why our experiments fail so much. The other fools only see blood as a regular thing. What you told me is enough for today. We will continue the rest tomorrow." He says and 59 quickly went to him and whispered something.

Arisa noticed how Odesse's demeanor changed from one that was excited to one of annoyance.

"Fine. I'll go calm that woman down. Keep an eye on these two." He groaned and stormed out the door, slamming it shut.

There was silence until Odesse's furious voice was heard yelling and the woman was just cackling. That wasn't Bias so Arisa assumed it was probably Kronya. Arisa let out a frustrated sigh and groaned.

- 7 days later -

7 days.

It's been seven days and Arisa wanted to vomit so bad. Today was the last batch of blood she would be drinking. Everything hurt but she was getting some sort of answer for her own little experiment she was doing. Flayn looked at her worried as the woman vomited into the bucket, her hair a murky dirty color but her right eye red and the other dark blue.

"The batch you drank yesterday...Crest of Gautier and Fraldarius..." Flayn whispered and Arisa panted.

Her skin was pale, veins all over her skin but right now, she had to keep herself from smirking.

"That's right..." Arisa muttered as she began laughing slowly and Sothis looked at her with no emotions, "I'm not a mercenary...if I don't risk my life to protect the people I care about..." she let out a strangled laugh.

"We're getting out today Flayn..." Arisa whispered and the door to the room opened.

"Tch...figured..." Arisa muttered and forced herself up as she saw the one person she knew was going to show up at some point.

"So, you were telling the truth." A possessed like voice spoke and they stared at Arisa as she walked to the bars.

"Well...well..." Arisa laughed eerily that even they took one step back, "Look who decided to show up...gasp.." she gasped for air, "Flame Emperor."

The Flame Emperor narrowed their eyes.

"You know who I am. I have yet to even introduce myself." They said and Arisa laughed.

"Oh, I know. After all, the Crest of Lamine allowed me to see you were coming." Arisa laughed a bit.

"Should I have known. The Crest of Lamine did belong to a Nabatean that had the ability to see the future." They said, "But enough. I'm here to offer you a deal. Your power would benefit you more if you were to join me. I offer you this. To hand over the Sword of Creator, in exchange, you and the girl go free. That is all." They said.

Arisa chuckled softly as she slumped down, still holding onto the bars.

"Wow..Just wow..." Arisa laughed.

Behind the mask, Edelgard was clearly offended. The tone the Professor was using was as if she was the stupidest person in the world.

"Hahaha...Hahahaha!" Arisa laughed like some mad woman and terror began to creep into the both young girls.

"Check her vitals!" Edelgard snapped quickly to Odesse and the man nodded, going to the blood storage.

He picked up the final two bottles of blood, mixed them and quickly went to the cell.

"This is the final one. After this, we'll cure you. I do believe your knowledge is the key to removing crest." He says.

"What are you doing?! I said to check her vitals and not give her more blood!" Edelgard roared and then pointed to Flayn, who flinched, "And I hope none of you harmed this girl either!"

"Relax." Odesse rolled his eyes as Arisa took the vial.

"For a successful outcome," Arisa's voice suddenly rang making Edelgard slowly turn to her, " the donor and the patient must have compatible blood types." The woman smiled and gulped down the liquid.

She began screaming once more, like she was getting killed and her hair glowed once more. Half her hair turned brown and the other blonde. Arisa began laughing madly as she stood up and raised her head, her eyes slit.

"Patients with AB negative blood type can receive red blood cells from all negative blood types. It is rare. Less than 1%!" She laughed and pointed to Odesse, smirking, " AB positive blood type is known as the "universal recipient" because AB positive patients can receive red blood cells from all blood types. Good Night!" And out cold she fell.

"Arisa! Arisa!" Flayn was scared and Odesse ordered his mages to open the cell and quickly check her.

Edelgard shook underneath the mask and gritted her teeth. Quickly turned and stormed out, slamming the door shut. It felt like she was watching her brothers and sisters dying again.

"Flame Emperor." She turned and saw Odesse heading her way, "She is alright. She'll live. My mahes have stabilized her."

"Good..." Edelgard spoke back with a cold tone, " I'll keep an eye on things up on the surface. If either of those two end up dead, I will come after you." She threatened and warped away.

- Later at Night -

Flayn heard something hissing and the scent of burning metal filled her nostrils. She woke up and turned to see Arisa standing up.

"Arisa, you shouldn't be up!" Flayn whispered and the woman shook her head.

"I'm alright. By the way, me going crazy was an act. Had to put on a show to make the Flame Emperor feel guilty." Arisa chuckled a bit.

"Yeah right. That wasn't a show." Sothis grumbled and Arisa sweat drops as the cuffs that had her legs and chains crumbled to dust.

"How...?" Flayn whispered and Arisa, now able to use her magic, walked right through the cell.

"Anti-magic." Arisa whispered, "Chris taught me a spell to turn magic tools to dust. I never thought I would use it but thank goodness I did." She said and touched the cuffs that were on Flayn.

They crumbled and Arisa held her hand, the two walking through the cell. Arisa panted a bit; she could feel magic building up in her body from drinking the blood. The last batch was the blood of Blaiddyd and Serios. It felt like she had a fever. Right now, she was worried that Jeritza may have not disappeared at the academy and has been keeping up the act of instructor. That meant he was stalling time. She could imagine Chris pissed because he can't make a move at all. Arisa went straight to the blood storage and opened it, quickly grabbing all of it. She stuffed it into her bag she summoned straight to the microscope she went, also stealing that thing.

"What are you doing?" Flayn asked as the woman stuffed as much as she could into her bag.

"We're leaving and I'm taking as much as I can...I'm not letting these guys keep their things..." Arisa panted and took out the bottle of wine the boy had secretly brought them.

Arisa began pouring it all over the place and took a step back. Her

"Flayn..." Arisa muttered as she raised her right hand, she extended her left hand to the girl, "Do you trust me?" She smiled softly to her and Flayn nodded, taking her hand.

A flame lights up on the right hand.

"I trust you."

[-]

"Huh?" One of the guards sniffed and noticed the scent of smoke.

"Wh-!"

BOOOOMMMM!

A huge explosion of flames happened in the room where Arisa and Flayn were in. Guards began screaming and running to the place, trying to put out the fire but also find the females.

"You fools!" The Death Knight roared as he stormed in, seeing the place completely in flames, "Fin-!

Time seemed to slow down for Jeritza as Arisa's as a fist collided with his mask. The helmet cracking at the impact and him getting knocked down to the floor. The guard was heard screaming and the sound of multiple punches were heard. The Death Knight growled furiously as he forced himself up and saw the faint figure of two females running.

"CAPTURE THEM!" He roared.

While running to escape, Flayn and Ariaa couldn't help but laugh as they ran, fighting through the guards. Boy, Arisa was glad to have taught Flayn Brawling because she makes an amazing War Cleric. Still, Arisa had to admit that the punch on Jeritza felt good.

"Perdoname Mercedes!" Ariaa yelled out and summoned The Sword of the Creator.

Flayn looked at her with wide eyes as the woman turned it to whip and used it to slash at the enemies heading their way.

"This way!" She yelled; the place was filling up with smoke, and it was starting to affect them.

Arisa coughed violently but forced herself to run. Flayn right next to her.

"Dammit!" Arisa cursed as they made a turn on the right corner and more enemies came.

She used time pulse and this time she made Flyn go with her to the left. Aria used a time pulse like eight times and unknown to her, Dimitri was running around the dorms, waking up Chris and the others.

"I can sense Arisa used that spell of hers! She's somewhere still in the monastery, fighting!" He yelled and Chris had never so fast jumped out his bed, despite he was shirtless and only wearing shorts.

Arisa cough only worsened as they made it to that open area from the map and her and Flayn stood back to back. Flayn managed to grab iron gauntlets from a grappler she took down and was using them.

"We're surrounded!" Flayn yelled and Arisa quickly punched her down on time, a scythe flew their way.

Boy, Arisa's anxiety reached over one thousand because the Jeritza with half his mask destroyed looked terrifying with his scythe. Arisa began coughing again and this time she puked out blood. Time pulse activated eight times is screwing her over badly.

"I will finish you off." Jeritza snarled as he walked towards them.

"I don't have much energy left..." Arisa panted and the girls felt their energy draining.

BUBUMP! BUBUMP! BUBUMP!

"AAAAHH..." Arisa clutched her chest, her heart pounding yet..she could feel that magic building up, like it was about to burst.

Flayn's scream made her lunge at the girl and hug her tightly to her chest. It felt like time slowed down as the Death Knight lunged at them, his scythe coming down, a death blow.

Yet...

Arisa's body began glowing brightly, blinding, that its energy could be felt from above. All the enemies surrounding them were thrown back with the force, the impact was enough to knock the air out of Jeritza's lungs. The light faded, everyone was groaning loudly and looked around, where once the girls were, only remaining burned onto the ground was the symbol of the Crest of Flames and Cethleann.

- ? -

Cold.

Flayn groaned loudly as she forced herself to sit up. Everything hurt but she wasn't injured. She opened her eyes, slowly looking around. The place was pure white, snow falling gently like feathers. The trees had teardrop shape icicles and slightly shook with the wind.

"Where...?" The girl muttered and then quickly stood up, frantically looking around.

"Arisa! Arisa!" The girl ran around, searching for her friend.

She shivered at how cold it was, way worse than Faerghus.

"Over...gasp...here..." her voice was heard near the area of trees.

Flayn ran as fast as she could, moving tree branches with her hands. She could see a figure up ahead.

"Arisa are y-!" The mint haired girl froze on the spot as she looked at what was in front of her.

"Meirda..." Arisa's voice whimpered as she looked up, one of her wings flapped as her chest raised up and down, "I didn't want you to see me like this..."

Before Flayn, was a pink, blue, white turquoise winged Corrin size dragon with four feathers wings, a feather tail, four horns that grew out like tree branches. They looked like they were made of glass. Yet the dragon wore flowers on its head. Flayn shook as she took a step forward. Arisa let go of a low chuckle, rumbling her chest as she looked down.

"Sigh...This time I chose to change on my own will...still...I'm sorry y-!" Arisa froze when the girl suddenly lunged at her and hugged her tightly, she could feel the hot tears streaming down her face.

"It's okay...I'm just glad you're alive..." Flayn whimpered and the woman's wings covering the girl, as if protecting her.

"Thank you..." Arisa let go a sigh of relief and it looked like she was smiling, which she was.

"But..." she looked around the snowy forest, "I'm surprised you're taking this so casually." Arisa commented.

"Arisa," Flayn gave her a deadpan face, "You're not the only one with secrets." She says and Arisa couldn't help but giggle.

"Still," Flayn stood up, "you wait here and rest a bit. I saw a hill nearby and I think I'll be able to get a view of where we are." She says and Arisa nodded.

The girl quickly took off, despite shivering how cold it was, to see where they were. Arisa let go of a sigh as Sothis appeared, fuming.

"What was that?!" The goddess threw her hands in the air, pissed, "You purposely let yourself be experimented so you can test out what happens when too much magic builds up in your body?! Is your brain rotting?!" She yelled and Arisa sighs.

"I know...I know...on the bright side." Arisa stood up, flapping her wings happily, "My body is free of contamination. Basically, I just cleansed my whole immune and magic system." She says and Sothis looked up and down.

"Indeed..." Sothis muttered as she could see the magic veins flowing through the girl's body, "They are no longer a murky color but like rainbow, like it should. Still, that was reckless of you to do. However," Sothis looked around, "I don't think we are in Fodlan."

"What?!" Arisa screeched, "Don't tell me I warped randomly?!"

"Oh, I think you did." Sothis gave her an amused look as her wings drooped like puppy ears, "You were so focused on protecting Flayn, out of instinct the magic building inside you warped us somewhere. I don't know where but all you wanted was to get out of there alive with Flayn." She smirked smugly as the girl screeched.

"Seteth is going to hang me alive!" Arisa whined, her feather standing up like a cat.

"Forget my son for now. I'm sure the others are worried about you. Now, can you transform back to a human?" Sothis says and Arisa nodded.

The dragon's body glowed a shimmering luminous hue of colors, the body turning to dust in those colors. Now standing in its place, was Arisa.

"Well, well, well." A glint in Sothis's eyes appeared along with a smug look as she placed her hand under her chin, "You certainly look different."

"What do you mean?" Arisa says and Sothis pointed to her clothing and hair.

Arisa looked down and screamed because her clothing was ripped. Thankfully, she quickly used her magic and changed into a dark green Gremory dress she had in her bag. Ariaa noticed her hair had grown even longer but the color was back to brown. However, the part that fades to teala was no longer that color. Instead, it reminded her of a rainbow-colored opal. When put in a bit of light, it shimmered in different color hues.

"I like it." Sothis says and at that moment, Arisa grabbed her dagger and used it to chop a good portion off.

Her hair was now short as Morgan's but kept her bangs long like usual. Arisa let go of a sigh and perked up a bit when she saw Flayn return.

"You're back to normal!" Flayn cheered, "And also changed your looks. I like it. You look more like yourself." She smiled and Arisa picked duo the hair she cut and warped it away into her bag.

"Thank you. And here." She handed Flayn a fur cloak, "It should keep you warm for now till we reach a village or something. What did you see over the hill?" She asked.

"The sight is amazing! Come!" Flayn grabbed her hand excitedly and led her to the hill.

The more Arisa looked around; the place felt familiar. Once they reached the hill, Arisa's eyes shot wide open.

"I am in so much trouble..." Arisa groans as she recognizes the view.

"You know where we are?" Flayn turned to her and Arisa nodded.

"I haven't been here in 6 years...oh boy..." Arisa sighs.

"Where are we?" Flayn asked and Arisa had a nervous look.

"We're in Albinea."

Chapter 53: Death's Caress: System: End

[-]

Welcome to the start of Arisa's and Flayn's accidental adventures!

I wanted this chapter to look at the Crest system as well as a view on different things. Some of you guys commented that why Arisa has been on the sidelines lately. Don't worry, this story is still about her. The reason I did it was because I wanted you guys to also see different perspectives from different characters and how they solve things and such. It's how my writing style is. For a short amount of time, I like the story to temporarily focus off the main protagonist so you guys can get an idea of what is going on around them. Like the relationships, how the others are being affected and what else is brewing behind closed doors.

Now, the main reason I had Chris be mostly on focus for a short while was because he is helping stir up the change while Arisa's role is to prepare for that change. Once the defending the Monastery chapters come, you'll see the results of what the two did come into effect during the 5-year time skip gap. How it affected either positively or negatively the others. Hope this clears up things.

As for Arisa dealing with creepy people, no no. It is not just her, the others are dealing with them as well. You'll see soon. For now, I welcome you all back to Arisa being the main focus again. This time, look what our heroines got themselves into.

Look forward to the next upcoming chapter in Albinea! And if you're worried about the battle of Eagles and Lions, don't worry they will make it back on time. Barely.

And Manuela did not get stabbed but Jeritza but he got a black eye. Arisa's way of getting him back for stabbing Manuela in the game.

Lastly, do you guys want the next paralogue/special chapter to be

What happened at Conand Tower/Sadi prologue?

Arisa's Birthday

Sothis's paralogue?

Beach Chapter?

Part two of Florencio's or Sandy's paralogue?

Voting poll is on my prolife!

By the way, if you guys want to drop by, talk, and join us, join the discord, Fanfiction Treehouse!