The color of white continued for miles and miles as the sun rose in the horizon of the mountains. The snow falling gently, the sun's rays illuminating the capital of the place. Buildings made of ice and stone, as well as tents called a teepee, big and small. The people wore clothing made of animal skin and fur, keeping them warm. There were men that rode on sleds made of wood that were pulled by dogs of thick black and white fur. Children played with a few penguins that were passing by. The clothing and culture reminded Arisa of the native tribes in the arctic. Like the Inuit, Aleut, and many others. The Albinea's people form of speaking was different and was like the ancient language of the indigenous people. They were kind and polite, from her own experience and are proud of their culture. Arisa loved that. She remembers when one of the elder ladies tried to teach her to say a few words. Though, like usual, Arisa has trouble pronouncing words sometimes and the result is biting her own tongue. Flayn could not help but gasp in amazement as she took in the amazing view.
"This is Albinea?! How?! How on earth did you warp us all the way here?!" Flayn squealed as Arisa had buried her face into her hands.
"I am so screwed...I am so screwed.." Arisa kept repeating and looked up, covering her mouth with her right hand.
"You must have been desperate to get out of where we were held captive that your magic activated randomly and warped as to some random place!" Sothis voice rang and she manifested herself as Mirabilis.
Flayn looked at her shocked as the fae waved to her and then turned back to Arisa.
"It's freezing! This cold is worse than Faerghus! I hope the shop down there has clothing for us to buy for this weather!" The goddess huffed and Arisa sighs.
"We're about two hours away from the capital. Flayn, what you see now, is the capital of Albinea, Utqiagvik. The native Albinea name means the place for gathering roots." Aris smiled softly as she looked back at it, "I came here with my father, and the others 6 years ago for a few jobs during my days as a mercenary. Sigh..." she shivered and quickly summoned her own cloak.
"How are the people of Albinea? What do they look like?" Flayn asked as they began walking down the hill carefully.
"Well...I think it would be better if you see for yourself." Arisa smiled softly and noticed the walk down the hill would take forever.
The girl looked around and grinned when she spotted an old sled near a tree. She quickly ran to it and untied the rope that was tied to the tree.
"What are you doing?" Flayn asked as she walked over to her.
"I just found us our ride." Arisa grinned as she pushed the sled and saw there was also the back part where she could stand to steer it.
Arisa pushed it and patted the cargo bed of the sled.
"Ever been on a sled?" She asked and Flayn tilted her head a bit.
"I have never heard of a sled. What sort of...carriage is this?" Flayn asked and sat down where Arisa patted her hand.
"A sled was designed to make it easier to travel through thick snow!" Arisa grunted as she began to push it.
"Really? How does it work if there are no horses pulling iiiiitttttt!" Flayn suddenly screeched when the sled began sliding down quickly.
Arisa ran quickly and jumped onto the footboard, her feet apart, her hands grabbed the handlebar. The girl couldn't help but laugh as Sothis shook her hand and faded back to her mind.
"This is how!" Arisa yells as Flayn holds onto the top rails for life as the sled quickly sled down the hill fast.
"We should be able to make it to the capitol in about 30 minutes now! Hold on tight! This is going to be ride!" She yelled as she steered the sled to maneuver around the trees.
"This is so much fun!" Flayn laughed out loud and Arisa could not help but laugh along with her.
"I wonder how the others are...?"
- Meanwhile at the Monastery -
It was already morning at Garreg Mach and none of the students slept a wink after that earthquake last night. Not to also mention Jeritza's room exploding! Yeah, he was glad fate avoided Manuela getting stabbed but still a freaken fire?! They were lucky that Emily knew how to use magic to create water and turned off the flames. Poor woman screamed furiously she was going to murder whoever set off a damn explosion for interrupting her sleep.
"We're lucky that the earthquake wasn't a 7.8 scale." Chris groans loudly as he finishes putting on his shirt.
Abyss felt the shake also and Lejare unleashed a barrier around the place using the devices. Yuri wished he would have known about it because it would have saved them a lot of time from fighting bandits. Chris arrived at Jertiza's room and waiting for him were the 5 Houses leader, Henry, Lysithea, Lorenz, Ferdinand, Ignatz, Seigbert, Mercedes, Emily and Seteth. Along with Sandana.
"Sorry to keep you waiting...I didn't sleep at all..." Chris groans loudly.
"None of us did!" Emily snarled and boy she looked pissed.
The woman had literally run out of her room in just her bra and underwear when the fire started. A lot of people could not look her in the eye after seeing her...ahem, partly undressed.
"Anyhow," Edelgard coughed, "they found Jeritza. They found him unconscious in one of the alleyways of the town. He explained that he was on his way to the monastery when he was suddenly attacked. Whoever it was, he did not sense their presence." Edelgard explained.
"Manuela reported he got a black eye and bruises. A couple burns too. Whoever attacked him, looks like they had malicious intentions." Sandana sighs.
Chris calls that bullshit.
"Either Flayn gave him that black eye or Arisa." He thought as they made their way into the burned room.
His eyes looked around till they traveled to where there was once a bookshelf and was now a big hole that led to who knew God damn where.
"Uhhh...that looks...scary to go in." Lysithea comments as a gush of air is felt.
"I've seen worse." Henry laughed and reached into his pocket, taking out a rat, it was Gi.
"AHHHHHH!" All the females minus Sandana, screamed at the sight of him and Chris couldn't help but laugh a bit.
"Mr. Urus, is there a reason why you have a rat with you?" Seteth asked with narrowed eyes.
"Ahaha!" The white-haired boy laughed a bit, "He's trained. I taught him how to explore places and gather information." He says.
Chris remembers when he met the kid when he was still Imperial Royalty. He was adopted by Count Urus. He doesn't have a Crest, but the count took him. Henry in this world was raised in a church and like in the game, his original parents wanted nothing to do with him and endured hardships, making him slowly unable to feel pain. The Count saw he had potential and took him in, treating him like his own son.
"Go, Gi. Explore." Henry ordered the little fuzz ball and set it on the floor.
The white-haired rat wagged its tail happily and ran into the passageway.
"Let's go. Edelgard, you can let me go now." Ferdinand chuckled a bit nervously.
The princess did just that and coughed, trying to hide her embarrassment. Chris went first just to reassure everyone that he wasn't going to die. The passageway was cramp, a musky smell but it was faint, like something was on fire. Seteth used some light magic to light up the place and made things easier to see. Chris did originally try to speak to Sothis but no luck. Which meant Arisa wasn't within the monastery anymore. The passageway then led to a stairway that was lit by torches. The walls made of stone, some covered in moss and cobwebs.
SMACK!
Everyone looked over to Lestia, who had taken her shoe off, had slammed it on the wall.
"Black widow." Was all she said, and the others just shook their heads as she put back her shoe.
It was another 5-minute walk till they finally reached an open area.
"Reminds me a bit of Abyss." Yuri says as the group was finally able to spread out properly.
The place was the same map as the game, but now seeing it in person did make Chris shivers. The hallway they were in is where the battle starts at.
"Hey, these are warping tiles." Claude commented and walked to a large tile that had the symbol of Gautier on it.
"I do recall seeing Edward install a few of these in House Gloucester. Except, those have the symbols of our Crest. Why does this one have the Crest of Gautier?" Lorenz said as he and Claude observed it.
"I can answer that." Emily spoke as she walked over to them, the others were looking around.
"Warping tiles were designed for long distance travels. Especially when trying to get from one place to another. They were built as a replacement for stairs so people wouldn't have to climb them. The Crest symbols represent that it was once used by a person of that House. It could be possible that someone from House Gautier installed this years ago. I estimate this tile is around 500 years old." She explained as she took down some notes in her notepad.
The only thing she left out was that it was her and Anacharis that invented these.
"Why don't we have more of these?! This could save us time from climbing the bloody stairs!" Claude whined and Lorenz rolled his eyes.
"Perhaps because someone as lazy as you would abuse it and not get the expertise we need!" Lorenz says back and they had sparks flying between them.
"Can it you two." Emily sighs and walks on it, stomping her right foot a bit, "Huh. I thought it was a-!"
"Emily!" The boys yelled when the girl suddenly disappeared.
"Everything alright?" Sandana ran to them.
"I'm fine!" Emily's voice rang at the other side of the wall, "The tiles work!"
"Where exactly are you?" Sandana yelled out.
"Some kind of hallway and I found keys! It is safe! Don't worry! Claude and Lorenz, you two with me!" Emily yelled out.
The two looked at each other and then stared at the tile. Neither of them had ever actually experienced a warping tile, had only seen people use it, so...they were a bit unnerved.
"After you." Claude bowed to Lorenz, with a smirk.
"Excuse me? It is only natural that you, the future leader of the Alliance, to take this honor." Lorenz huffed.
"On the contrary," Claude bites back, "A noble of...high attitude should go first." He smiled.
The two began bickering with each other and at this point, Sandana rolled her eyes.
"Both of you go!"
"Wai-!"
The woman pushed both on to the tile and saw them warped. Two loud groans were heard at the other side of the brick wall, and Emily laughed. Sandana assumed that they landed on top of each other. The woman sighs and went to join the others to explore.
It was an odd group, Seteth and Chris along with one Mercedes. They walked around a bit, but Mercedes noticed, there was tension between the two men. The group walked till they reached an open area that Chris recognized immediately but...
"What on earth happened here?" Mercedes gasped as they saw around 7 burned bodies on the floors, scattered.
"Scent of...ashes." Chris says as they walked around, and he went to a body.
He used the tip of his boot to touch it, and it crumbled to dust.
"That was uncalled for." Seteth says and Chris rolled his eyes.
"Christian! Seteth! Look!" Mercedes yelled and they ran over to where she stood.
Burned onto the stone floor, where the Crest of Flames and Cethleann. Chris knelt and touched it, picking a bit of dust on his fingers.
"This is recently." He looked to Seteth, "At most 7 hours old."
"You don't think?" Seteth felt dread as he looked back to the markings.
"No. I don't think so." Chris stood back up.
"Let's keep looking around."
- Back at Albinea -
The trip down the hill was fun and Arisa nearly accidentally ran over a deer because the buck jumped out of nowhere in front of them. For some reason, Claude felt like he escaped death, barely. Anyhow, Arisa maneuvered the sled to drift smoothly, and stop. She panted and saw Flayn laughing, gasping for air.
"That was so much fun! When we get back to the monastery, you should build one of these! I think the children would love it also." Flayn giggled as she jumped off and Arisa pulled the sled behind a tree, tying it.
Looking around, the gates were made of stone and ice. Guards are there standing at the towers to keep watch. Arisa walked back to Flayn, the two girls walking up front.
"Halt." A guard walk out to them, "Foreigners? Where are you from? Do you have identification?" They asked and Arisa pulled out a sliver colored card, handing it to them.
"Ah. Mercenary." They turn to Flayn, "And you?"
"She's in training." Arisa spoke and they turned to her, "She hasn't gotten her identification yet, so she's with me." She answered and the guard laughed a bit.
"Newbie huh? Been awhile Byleth." The guard says and Arisa chuckles.
"I see you're still on guard duty Doma." She smiled as he handed her the card.
"Crazy Isoto is still running the inn. Just head there and book a room. We haven't had many new people lately." The guard named Doma says as they open the gates.
"Doma, are there any messengers heading to Fodlan?" She asked and he shook his head.
"You just missed them. They left three days ago. Well, good luck." Doma says and the girls waved goodbye as they entered.
Walking down the snowy road, Flayn shivered as the cold started to get to her. Looking around, she saw stalls of different foods she had never seen before and noticed Arisa head straight to a specific one. The old man greeted her and handed her two sticks of steaming hot grilled some sort of sea animal? Arisa paid the man 12 copper coins as he also handed her two mugs of a hot drink.
"What did you buy?" Flayn asked as she walked over to her and Arisa motioned her to come sit at one of the wooden benches.
"Food. Should help you warm up." Arisa says as she hands her one of sticks and a mug.
Flayn stared at the grilled fish? It had a strange shape, but it smelled good. She took a bite and her eyes lit up like candles. Enjoying the savory and sweet taste.
"What is this?! It's delicious!" The girl squealed and Arisa chuckled as she took a bite of her own.
"Grilled squid. One of the local foods here in Albinea. I missed eating these." Arisa sighs and takes a sip of her drink, which was a thick hot chocolate.
Flayn also took a sip and loved it. From nearby, a few of the locals were whispering to each other about them but a few could help but chuckle at how excited Flayn was eating the food. While Flayn ate, Arisa was trying to think of a way to communicate with Chris, Alexandra, or anyone. She doesn't know exactly how far her magic range can go yet. So far, with the help of Amir, she was able to warp herself from Faerghus to Derdui, however, the result was landing in Derdui and not Dapnhel territory. She didn't suffer damage; however, her most extreme warping was from Ordelia territory all the way to Duscur. That damaged her body greatly and left at a disadvantage when they fought the Slithers, four years ago. Right now, her and Flayn were in the capital of Albinea, which is over the mountains of the country.
"Currently, it's now September 8th, and it takes at least two weeks to go over the mountains to reach the sea city. Taking a ship from there to the closest city, would be Fhirdiad. Takes at least another two weeks at sea to reach it. Lastly, unless I get in contact with someone from Sirius in Fhirdiad, it'll take the rest of October to reach Garreg Mach..." Arisa thought and Sothis appeared.
"My bets are that Rhea may cancel the Battle of Eagles and Lions next month because of both your disappearances. Is there really no way you could get in contact with any of them? Not even that set on fire letters spell?" Sothis asked and Arisa shook her head a bit.
"Sadly, even my range of magic isn't that long. The only way...wait...fae..." Arisa's eyes went wide as she abruptly stood up.
"That's it!" She said and Flayn looked at her confused.
"Arisa, is everything alright?" Flayn looked at her worried and the woman nodded.
"Yeah." Arisa smiled at her as she sat back down, "I think I just figured out how to contact everyone however, it's going to take a while. And cost me my hair." She whispered that last sentence.
They gave the mugs back to the old man and thanked them for the meal. Once more, the girls walked through the snow streets. The shopping district was filled with big and small teepees, even buildings. The scent and sights of different foods, the thick black and white fur dogs that Arisa knows they are called husky in her old world. There were a group of children playing with a few penguins, which Flayn asked about. Funny seeing Emperor penguins. They arrived at a giant teepee made of dark blue cloth. The door was a flap, which they went in. On the walls hanged were a different variety of clothes that the people of Albinea used. The girls looked around and Lfayn spotted a few books and scrolls. Arisa gave her a nod that she could explore while she went to look for a shop vendor to help them out. Both girls walked around till Arisa finally spotted someone. A young girl who looked around 13 years old. She was organizing a few racks of clothing when Arisa approached her.
"Excuse me?" Arisa spoke and the girl turned to her, "Is there an adult I can speak to?" She asked and the girl nodded.
Arisa watched her leave for a cloth flap and could hear voices. The flaps opened and out came a woman who looked like she was in her mid-40's.
"Can I help you?" The woman asked.
"Can you help me, and my friend choose the right clothing? We're mercenaries and unfortunately do not have the proper clothing for this weather." Arisa explains and the woman nodded.
"Arisa, look!" The two adults turned and instantly the Albinea woman fixed her glasses that had a sheen that Arisa recognized, "Look at these boots! Are they not adorable?" Flayn said excitedly as she held a pair of light green boots that had the rims with fur.
"Heeeelllooo young lady~" The older woman quickly went around Arisa, "You have a good eye!" She circled around her, looking to and down, "Anything specific you are looking for?" She asked.
"Oh no..." the 13-year-old girl from earlier popped her head out along ng with a boy, who looked about 18 years old, "Mom found a cute girl." The girl's face palms along with the boy.
"I am not familiar with the clothing of Albinea but I would like something that is a bit similar to what I am wearing. Warm but easy to move around in." Flayn explained as she opened her cloak and showed her dress.
"I have exactly what you need! Now come with me and I shall get you measured up~" The woman gently pushed Flayn to the other flap door and Arisa gave her a nod to assure her it's safe.
The woman could be heard squealing as she was choosing clothing for Flayn. Arisa let go of a sigh and the boy gave her an apologetic smile.
"Somehow, I can tell you've been through that." He says and walks out, "Name's Marco. That seamstress over there is our mom and the girl in the back is my sister, Juna. It's rare seeing foreigners here. Traveling for jobs?" The boy now known as Marco asked and Arisa nodded.
"Sort of. Name's Arisa and the girl your mom kidnapped, is my friend, Flayn." Arisa chuckled and he chuckled also.
"Nice to meet you. You guys heading out?" He asked.
"Not sure. Any chance you know when the next caravan sets out?" She asked.
"Sadly, I don't. Just head to the inn after this. The old man there, Crazy Isoto, is running the inn. Should give you the information you want." He says and she nodded.
"So, other than clothing, interested in anything else? We got a couple magic supplies but that's about it. If you want herbs and all that, that shop is near the inn." Marco says and she nodded.
"Think you can help me pick so-!" She didn't get to finish.
"And I am done!" The older woman's voice rang and out the two females came.
"What do you think?" Flayn twirled around excitedly.
She wore a thick fur coat that was a light mint color, a dress that was a bit like the winter ones from Faerghus but made more towards the weather of Albinea. It was a similar style to her original dress. She also wore tights that kept her warm and boots with fur. When Flayn pulled up the hood of her coat, it looked like a Lion's mane.
"You look amazing." Arisa grins and the older woman clapped happily.
"Now your turn dear." The older woman turned to her and Arisa's mind went blank.
"What?" Arisa said and the woman nodded.
"You may be wearing a Gremory dress but there is only so much that dress can keep you warm. My name is Fani by the way. Now come! I'll modify your clothing to fit you perfectly." Fani grabbed Arisa and pulled her to the back.
Marco just waved and Flayn gave her thumbs up. Arisa felt like she was getting dressed by Sandy all over again.
- 1 Hour Later -
"That was so much fun! Miss Fani was so kind and her children also!" Flayn grinned cheerfully while Arisa walked next to her.
The woman looked like she ran a mile. Arisa dragged her feet as she walked next to her friend. The seamstress modified her Gremory dress to more like the dresses of Albinea. She cut off the fur like hoop of the dress and added a beautiful dark green cloth, turning it to a fur cloak that was so warm. The Gremory dress didn't expose her shoulders anymore and had cloth added to make it look like a shawl. And she got the girls earmuffs also. In total, the price was going to be originally 5 silver coins but because the woman helped them out a lot, Arisa paid her 5 gold coins. Fina became a sputtering mess and passed out from shock. While Juna tried to revive their mother, Marco kept thanking them repeatedly and that they were too generous. Arisa also bought some sewing supplies as well as books about the magic of Albinea.
"Let's head to the inn." Arisa sighs as they walk for a bit longer and arrives at a building made of stone and wood.
It looked like one of inns in Faerghus. In they went, and the first things they see are people inside. Arisa was able to recognize that a few of them were mercenaries and locals. Of course, they got stares as they made their way to the front desk where an elderly man sat, writing down notes.
"Only rooms available are a 2 bedroom and a 1 bed." He days and Arisa coughed.
The old man looked up and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Isoto, don't you recognize me...?" Arisa's smile suddenly turned sweet and the man's eyes went wide.
"Bloody hell! Yer Jeralt's brat! Damn! I didn't recognize you!" The man laughed boisterous and Arisa sighs.
"Good to see you too." Arisa huffed and the man just laughed.
"Aye, no worries! Is Temes with cha? I got a score to settle with that punk." He looked around her, "But good to see cha, kid! Almost didn't recognize you. You've grown." Isoto gave her a toothy grin and she smiled softly.
"So, what can I help you with?" He says and Arisa gave him a serious look.
"When is the next caravan that goes over the mountains taking off? I need to get back to Fodlan quickly." She said and Isoto nodded.
"Next caravan leaves in three days. Over the mountains to the ports. They'll charge cha extra because the blizzards have been getting worse." He says and Arisa let out a tried groan.
"Understandable. Who's the one leading it?" She asked and Flayn went to look at the boards with different papers nailed on it.
Sadly, she couldn't read the language.
"My son. My grandson. You remember Dietre right?" He asked.
"Of course, I do. I kicked his arse to the second star to the right for putting bloody frogs in my boots!" Arisa grumbled and the man laughed at the memory.
"For my son being 3 years older than you, I'm still impressed you kicked his arse. I do wonder if you can still." Isoto smiled and Arisa chuckled.
"We'll see." She said, "By the way, I book the room with two beds. It's for my friend and I." Arisa jabbed her thumb behind and Isoto saw the group of mercenaries teaching Flayn how to play poker.
"Whoo!"
"Newbie got a royal flush!"
"Hahaha! Saki got beat down!"
"This is so much fun!"
Arisa face palms but couldn't help but smile seeing the girl have fun. Thinking about it more, Flayn lived a pretty shelter life. Seteth was very protective of her for various reasons. From what she remembers, Flayn entered a one thousand year sleep in order to recover from the injuries she sustained during the War of Heroes. And with the reaction she saw days prior, the way that Dark Knight Bias mocked her, Flayn like many, holds anger. And that anger only reawakened seeing that the person who she thought was dead is alive. The very person who killed someone you love. In this case, Flayn's mother.
"That explained why that vision I saw Flayn cut someone's head off...and why Seteth held a body in his arms." Arisa thought as she closed her eyes and turned back to Isoto.
"How much for 3 days?" Arisa spoke and Isoto held 3 fingers up.
"3 silver per night." He says and Arisa gave him an offended look but pulled out her purse anyway.
"Here, this should cover you for the next 2 years." She said and handed him a small pouch.
The man opened it and his eyes shot wide open. Inside were 10 gold coins that he quickly put into his pocket.
"Girl, how on earth did you get that much money?!" He whispered to her.
"I worked for the Royal Family in Faerghus for a few years." She replied smoothly.
"Oh, so that means you found that boy you were worried about and have a crush on?" He says and Arisa gave him a look that could kill.
She really does not like it when people bring up her love life.
"I get it! I get it! You don't like talking about your personal life!" He put his hands up quickly in defense.
"Anyhow, is the hot spring and all the other stuff still available? And how's your wife, Molly?" Arisa changed the subject as one of the mercenaries slammed their face on the table in defeat.
Flayn won again and won herself a bag of peanuts.
"She's doing okay. Been worried about her health." Isoto replies.
"I'll look at her tomorrow. I'm a doctor." Arisa turned to him a bit.
"Aye! Holy Magus like cher uncle?" He asked and she nodded.
[-]
With the rooms booked, the girls went up to the second floor to put away the things that were bought. Isoto gave them their keys. Unlocking the door, the room was a nice and simple room that reminded them of a cottage. There were two full size beds with warm fur blankets because the cold was a nightmare during the night. Where there would usually be a fireplace, was instead a 5 feet tall lava rock that glowed a bit orange, warmth coming from it.
"Home sweet home." Arisa sighs as she throws her bag to the first bed.
Flayn looked around and sat onto the second bed. It was her first time being in a place like this. Usually, when her and her father would go trips, he always had her sleep in the boats instead of the inns. She was never allowed to go to the town or explore. Only if he was with her but even then, she didn't get to talk much with others, only observe. It felt strange not to hear her father nagging her on many things.
"Are you alright?" Arisa asked her and Flayn shook her head a bit.
"It all feels so strange." Flayn muttered, " A few hours ago we were running and fighting for our lives and suddenly we are in a different country, with no form of contracting anyone in Fodlan. I have never...been able to speak with so many people like that. Let alone them showing and teaching about their culture. It was my first time speaking to the mercenaries, yet they were still kind to a stranger like me. I have been to a different country, Dadga and Brigid, but I wasn't allowed to explore the town. Even, staying in a room like this, my f-brother, would prefer we would stay in the church boats because they were safer." Flayn continued to speak and Arisa let her, "Tell me...what did you think...when you saw me angry like that? What...Bias, called me? What Odesse called me?" She asked a bit nervously.
"You mean when Bias calls you Cethleann? Or when Odesse called you a Nabatean?" Arisa says and Flayn stiffened a bit.
"You...aren't asking me about it? I thought you would...be curious about..it." Flayn muttered and Arisa sighed a bit.
"I'm not all that closed off Flayn. I already knew. I already figured out that Seteth is actually your father." She saw her pale a bit, "I know you and your father have various reasons for hiding your identities. I respect that. I'm not going to go around and tell everyone about it. No. Just like you have secrets, I have my own as well. It's natural to be scared. To fear for your life." Arisa smiled a bit.
"But," she pointed her index finger at her, a serious look on her face, "will you allow that fear to dictate your entire life? How do you live? Will you allow yourself to remain ignorant of the world? Locked away and never experiencing hardships?" She said and Flayn looked at her shocked.
"The world is terrifying. It's alright to be scared. But the lessons in life we learn, help us shape who we are. As we grow, we will meet both good and bad people. There will be those out to harm us but there will also be those that will help us. However, it is up to you if you will let the bad thing blind you of the good things. The world is harsh but that's the beauty of it." Arisa smiled warmly to her.
Flayn was silent as she looked at the woman with wide eyes. She could help but let her tears fall and nodded, a smile on her face as the woman stood up and sat next to her, hugging her.
"There there. It's alright. Let it all out." Arisa gently patted her head and the girl's cries became a bit louder.
Sothis smiled sadly as she turned to her adult form and hugged the three. It was only for a moment but Flayn saw the faint outline of a woman she had not seen in many years before she fell asleep.
- The Monastery -
"Is she alright?" Ferdinand asked as Lorenz was carrying a young girl with bright red hair tried in two braided buns, and side bangs.
She wore the uniform of the officers Academy. She was passed out as the Lornez group returned to reunite with the others.
"We found her passed out and chained in a wall while exploring. She doesn't seem injured but who knows how long she's been in there." Claude sighs as they carried her.
"I'll check on her once we get back. For now, let us meet with the others." Emily said and they arrived in the open area of the room.
Henry and Lysithea were checking the burned Crest on the floor, confirming it was a few hours old.
"Wait...I wonder if that would work." Henry suddenly spoke.
"What is it?" Seteth said and now, Gi ran up to his master, something in his mouth.
It was a cute light green ribbon.
"That's... that's the ribbon I gifted Flayn a few years ago!" Sandana gasped as the rat gave Henry the ribbon.
"That means Flayn was here this whole time." Chris whispered but his eyes went to Monica, who was passed out.
"He's looking at her like she committed murder." Edelgard thought and narrowed her own eyes.
Seems she will have to warn Kronya to watch her back.
"Does anyone have something that belongs to the Professor? Like an accessory, or piece of clothing? Heck even a hair lock or something?" Henry said and everyone looked at each other confused.
"Cough." Chris coughed, "I got a bracelet she made for me. Does that count?" He asked.
"No. I need something that specifically belongs to her. We have a ribbon that belongs to Flayn, I just need something that belongs to her. It's for a spell that might help us figure out what happened here." Henry explained.
"Hold on, I actually have something." Emily says and reached into her pocket, pulling put a picture.
"What the?! Dimitri and Edelgard, is that you?!" Claude began laughing historically as he saw the picture.
It was a picture of Edelgard and Dimitri when they were kids, both were seated on Red Hare. Dimitri was holding onto the pegasus for dear life, tears in his eyes while Edelgard, despite shaking, had a brave face. Arisa was next to them with a bit of a nervous look, trying to reassure them they were safe, under her watch. The red pegasus, smug.
"Emily, can I have a copy of that picture?" Chris smirked.
"You will not!" Dimitri and Edelgard both yelled, their faces red.
Emily just shrugged as she handed the picture to the boy.
"Thank you. Wait, that's Dimitri? I thought that was Lestia." Henry says and Lestia begins howling while her poor brother just wants to dig a whole and disappear.
"Alright, that is enough." Seteth spoke and everyone calmed down.
Henry began to draw a magic circle around the two Crest and placed the two items in the center. His right hand began glowing white and his dark hand purple.
"The threads of fate weave the path. The threads of darkness cut the path."
"Wait Henry!" Emily suddenly yelled, "That spell! How do you know it?!" She yelled but Henry just smiled as he continued.
The magic circles began to glow and float in the air. The surrounding began to waver and change.
"Display the final song. Reflect!" Henry yelled and slammed his hands onto the ground.
The entire place looked darker, like if it was late at night. There were guards, ones they had never seen before.
"What is this?" Ignatz asked as a guard went right through him and Henry smiled.
"Reflect. An ancient spell passed down through my family before I was adopted by Count Urus. By having an object that belongs to a person you are able to see what the last five minutes were of where they were. In this case, the Professor and Flayn. Let's watch for now." He says and all they saw were guards so far walking around.
"Very impressive." Seigbert spoke, "We have a similar spell passed down in my family, but the name is different." He says and then notices a guard speak.
"Hey! Does someone smell something burning?" They said and then an explosion suddenly happened.
The place shook like before and the guard began screaming and yelling to check the place. They all ran in a certain direction.
"HYAAAA!"
Three guards were sent flying and Siegbert and Ignatz nearly had heart attacks because they flew at them, but then remembered it was an illusion. Seteth's eyes went wide as the person that sent those guards flying panted, trying to catch their breath.
"Flayn?" Seteth whispered as the girl wore iron gauntlets and looked around frantically.
"Flayn let's go!" Arisa appeared behind her, with the Sword of the Creator but her hair was a murky color, she looked pale.
The girls ran as fast as they could, fighting bandits that got in their way. Arisa protecting Flayn and the girls reached the area where their Crest were singed but right now it wasn't there.
"We're surrounded!" Flayn yelled as she and Arisa stood back to back.
"Brugh!" Arisa vomited blood onto the floor and panted heavily as she made her sword turn to a whip.
There was a horrible purple bruise all over her chest, her veins starting to show.
"Dimitri! How many times did you sense Arisa using that spell of her's?!" Emily quickly yelled.
"Around 8 to 9 times!" Dimitri yelled and suddenly the Death Knight appeared.
Half his mask was broken, he looked terrifying.
"Wait...that's..." Sandana gasped when she realized it was Jeritza, looking furious at the girls.
"Aaahhh...Ahhh!" Arisa suddenly clutched her chest in agony, Flayn screamed as a dagger penetrated her shoulder.
Seteth couldn't believe what he was seeing, and the Death Knight lunged at the girls.
"NO!" Seteth yelled and Arisa lunged at Flayn, hugging the girl tightly as The Death Knights scythe came down.
Suddenly, Arisa's body began glowing, a white light blinded everyone. A few seconds passed, where the girls were, now burned onto the ground was there Crest. Dread began to fill everyone, but the scene suddenly changed to a place of snow. On the snow, laid Flayn. The girl groaned as she woke up looking around.
"Arisa! Arisa! Where are you?!" She quickly stood up looking around.
Unfortunately, at that moment, time was up and the illusion faded away.
"No, no! There has to be more!" Seteth yells, "Where are they?! Is Flayn safe?! What about the Professor?! And whoever the Death Knight was?!" He was starting to panic.
"Seteth, please calm down." Sandana said softly as she placed her hand on his shoulder, "You saw Flayn and my niece defending themselves. This shows they are alive and escaped whoever trapped them here." She says but the man still hadn't calmed down.
"Who taught her how to use iron gauntlets?" Lysithea says.
"Oh. The Professor did." Ignatz smiled, "Flayn and I train together during se-!" And Claude quickly slapped his hand over his friends' mouth to stop him.
Unfortunately, it was too late and Seteth suddenly had a terrifying glint in his eyes.
"So, you and my daughter have been training together? How close have you two become? What do you think of her?" And the questions kept on coming.
"Whoa, whoa!" Sandana quickly stood in front of the two boys, "Seteth, you're scaring them! There is no need to ask so many questions! And you wonder why Flayn was mad at you the other day." She huffed.
"I am her brother and I worry for her safety! You should know how much danger there is in this world and I will not risk nearly losing my sister again!" Seteth spoke coldly.
"Seteth, Flayn is no longer a child! You are letting fear and paranoia dictate your life! You are not letting her experience things so she could learn! You can't shield her away from reality!" Sandana argued back.
"But those people are still out there! You should know better because you used to work for them! Don't think I don't know your past name, Bloody Rose!" Seteth pointed her and Sandana's blood ran cold.
A tense silence fell into the room as the woman gritted her teeth, her fist shaking.
"Bloody...Rose...I...know that name." Edelgard spoke and then Seteth realized what he did.
The woman shook as she felt eyes and Seigbert spoke.
"Bloody Rose...a famous legendary assassin...who earned their reputation of killing corrupted nobles through the past 70 years..." Seigbert spoke slowly and Sandy stood still, shaking.
"She had a brother...named Doctor Death...Don't tell me...you and Florencio-!" Edelgard did not get finished when Sandy suddenly covered her ears.
She warped away before anyone even dared to ask questions. Chris did not know of this. But there was a good chance his sister did. Emily began chuckling slowly and Seteth turned to her.
"I hope you're proud, (Brother) ..." she said with a tone that the man instantly recognized the word brother was said in his native tongue, "I congratulate you for destroying whatever trust you had built with Sandana. That was a low move. She's right you know. Letting fear and paranoia dictate your life is not the way to go." She said and turned around, "Everyone, let us return back to the surface. We got what we wanted." And off she left.
Seteth was silent as the other walked past him, many looking at him worried.
Seteth was silent and thought he was alone till Chris was next to him.
"I...do hope you and her speak..." he began, "Believe me, I did what you've done before in the past. Right now...you should be focusing on finding Flayn. I can tell Sandana really cares about her. She's been teaching her how to ride a pegasus. Seteth...don't make the mistake of letting fear control you." Was Chris' last piece of advice and he walked away.
The older man was silent as the words wrong through his head. He buried his face in his hands, regretting his words.
"What have I done?"
- The Next Day: Albinea -
Arisa woke up groaning as she sat up, shivering as she stretched like a cat. It has been awhile since she had been in such cold weather. She looked to her right, where Flayn slept peacefully on the bed. Sothis hummed a tune as she sat on the edge, gently patting the girls head. Using magic to keep the nightmares away and only have sweet dreams. Arisa smiled softly as she stood up and nearly began cursing at how cold it was. She quickly sent a spell onto the lava rock, which glowed faintly again, making the room warm.
"I'm going to get us breakfast. Watch over her for me." Arisa said and Sothis nodded.
The older woman went to the restroom and combed her hair, took a bath, and got dressed. She let go of a sigh as she closed the door. Down the hallway she walked and to the stairs, to the third floor, where the staff was finishing up putting food. Arisa smiled softly as she looked around the dining hall, reminiscence to her old days when she would travel with her family. She remembers when she and the girl first arrived in Albinea, they literally all screamed, "IT'S FUCKEN COLD!" Alexandra of all people screamed that the cold was worse than Faerghus. They got scolded for cursing. While Arisa had a flowery aura as she had a soft look on her face, unfortunately, she didn't notice someone behind her.
"HEYA LADY!"
SMACK!
The male screamed loudly when he was suddenly tossed over and pinned down to the floor, his hands behind his back.
"What's going?!" An old woman along with the staff ran out of the kitchen to see a 24 year old male held down by a female.
Arisa's face was burning bright red because he smacked her ass like it was the most normal thing in the world. Nope. She doesn't tolerate such behavior and sends the son of bitch to the ground.
"Smack my ass again and I will break off your arm!" Arisa growled and the old woman shook her head.
"You deserved that one Dietre!" The old woman, which Arisa recognized was Molly, said.
"Alright, alright! I get it! Please get off me! My arm feels like it's about to break." Dietre yelled and she let go of him, but not before she put her boot on his back, keeping him there.
"Well, well. Who would've thought the boy who put frogs in my boots turned out to be bloody moocher?!" Arisa dug her heels more.
"Frogs in...Oh..." he slightly turned his head to see her, "Hey Byleth...How you...been?" He yelped when she applied more pressure into her heel, "Ow! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I won't do it ever again!"
"Hmph! You better not!" Arisa huffed and removed her heel off his back.
The man stood up and quickly dusted himself and popped his back.
"Glad to see you again. Never expected you to be here. Please tell me Alexandra isn't with you? Please!" He begged desperately.
Alexandra...left quite an impression. Apparently Cirina told her that Albinea, before it became a frozen "wasteland" was once a Kingdom ruled by her father, Aubin. So, this caused Alexandra to become in sync with the land, as if it were her own. She freaken made golems made of ice and Arisa thought she was looking at Elsa from Frozen for a second. Bandits had ambushed their group and Arisa was on the verge of using Time pulse to save Dietre from getting cut in half but an axe. At that moment, Alexandra's own rage burst in a form of a scream, the next thing they knew, the bandits were all suddenly crushed by golems of ice and the bandit that nearly killed Dietre, was skewered on an icicle.
"You're a pig." Arisa said coldly at him, "Alexandra saved you and you had the nerve to call her a monster to her face? You have no idea how much she kept tormenting herself for weeks when you called her that. Worse when you gossiped behind her back and your fuckery of friends bullied her." She spat at him.
"Now now." Molly walked up to them, "Arisa dear, I'm happy to see you. And once more, I apologize in behalf my STUPID grandson." The old woman sent her grandson a glare.
The man just looked away.
"Molly, you don't have to apologize for anything. Only he does. Not you." Arisa sighs as she reassured the old woman, "Changing the subject, Isoto told me about how you haven't been feeling well. If it be alright, I want to do a check up on you. I'm a professional doctor." She said.
"Ah! Holy magus like that witch uncle of yours?" Molly said and Arisa nodded, "Alright. But after you've eaten."
[-]
Carrying two trays of food was easy. The man behind her apologizing repeatedly, was a pain in the ass.
"Arisa, I beg you, please forgive me and my group. We were kids back then. Please." Dietre begged and Arisa opened the door to her room, and slammed the door shut in his face.
"Fuck you and all you friends. You shouldn't be apologizing to me. You should apologize to Alexandra!" Arisa spat and turned back to the beds, where she walked to.
"Yaawwnn...Hmmm...Good morning." Flayn yawned as she sat up, the scent of food caught her attention quickly.
"Drink water first." Arisa chuckled as she handed her a glass of water.
The girl nodded and drank it, while Arisa set up the small table between.
"Now, go wash up. The bathrooms are similar to the ones in Fodlan. I also got you some soaps. Should help out." Arisa explains as she puts the food.
Flayn stared at her for a few moments and smiled.
"Has anyone ever told you that you act like a mother?" And Sothis began laughing loudly at how Arisa loud put a loud sigh.
"Yes, they have. My entire life I've been told that." Arisa sighs a bit.
Both in her old world and in her current one, she has been told she acts like a mom. She is a mother.
"I miss my son." She says.
"Oh! You're actually a mother? I did not know that. You're so young." Flayn days and Arisa chuckled.
"I have an adopted son, but I treat him like my own. I miss him. He and my little cousin were going to come this month to visit." She smiled a bit sadly.
"I am sorry." Flayn sighs, "I'll go get cleaned. Be back in 20 minutes!" She giggled and skipped to the bathroom.
Arisa let go of a sigh as she went into her bag and pulled out a miniature photo album. She opened it, and there were pictures she had taken at the start of the year. One of them was her son, Jaden, who played with Kaimu. Arisa had large grins as she held them both in her arms. Chris in the background laughing as he held his mug up high. She turned to another picture, gently placing her hand on it.
"Chris must have taken this one..." she thought.
The picture was of her fast asleep with Jaden sleeping on her chest and Kaimu on her right. Suddenly she felt homesick.
"When we get back...I'm visiting Remire Village." She muttered.
While Flayn was in the shower, Arisa took out the one thing she hadn't used in a year. The tablet she found in Florencio's room. Turning it on, it took a few seconds to boot up, like usual, it looked like a normal tablet. She began typing a few things and pulled up a profile.
"...Bias...Also known as Joker. The one who has a male and female voice..so far...from the leaders, Thales, Solon, Odesse, Pittacus, Chilon...Kronya? And then the name Anacharis was mentioned along with Cleobulus. Who are the remaining ones?" She thought and typed it in, then turned it off.
She put away the tablet. Hacking and gathering information were Chris speciality. She should talk to him about it. The minutes passed by fast and Flayn walked out, her hair was straight because it was still a bit wet.
"Hmm...Cute ears." Arisa smiled and Flayn squeaked, quickly covering her pointy ears.
"Do you...find them...odd?" The girl asked and Ariaa shook her head.
"No. I've seen people like you before. They also have pointy ears. Have you heard the term "Manakete" before?" Arisa asked as the girl sat on the bed across from her and nodded.
"I have. The term was used for those who also have the powers are at least..similar appearances as my own. It was mostly used by the clans and those that come from beyond Fodlan." Flayn said as she took a bit of the bagel that was on her tray.
Arisa had brought a fruit oatmeal, a bagel with a coffee.
"Can I ask you something?" Arisa spoke and Flayn nodded, "Can...you turn...into a dragon?" She asked.
"I no longer have that ability." Flayn shook her head, "That's why I was so shocked to see you transform into one. However," she placed her hand and her chin, "Your form...is very different. Unlike any of the ones we have seen. You come from a human father, and I can only assume your mother was a Nabeatean like me, since her mother is Rhea. By the way, I was very shocked to learn that she is your grandmother! I had no idea she had another child other than Beleth. So, does that mean, he is your uncle?" She gasped.
"Cousin, uncle, brother, grandfather, I don't care at this point. He's a relative, that's what matters!" Arisa flings her arms in the air and Flayn couldn't help but laugh.
"Even so, he did not inherit the ability to transform like you do. I don't think you should have inherited that trait at all! From the way my Aunt Noa says, there is a 0.00000001% for you to inherit it. Even more since your dragon form is similar yet very different." Flayn frowned a bit.
"Should I tell her? My mother is a homunculus Nabatean who was created by your aunt Serios. Who saved my father by giving him her blood. He married the homunculus and had me, a still born child. Who implanted the heart of your grandmother. And this body has the soul of an adult that came from a different world. Would that work?" Arisa thought and Sothis began groaning loudly in her mind.
"Hearing all this is making my head spin." Sothis spoke in Arisa's mind, "While some of the information sounds familiar, the other half unfortunately is nothing but a blur." Sothis sighs, "But, do you mind asking her about Noa?"
"Flayn, you said Noa is your aunt. I know her. She took me under her wing for 6 months and trained me." Arisa said and her Flayn looked at her shocked.
"You know her!? How is she? Is she still in Fodlan?" Flayn asked, worried.
"She is alright. She is still in Fodlan. But she's a bit like me." Arisa tapped her dragon stone on her neck, "She needs a dragon stone to transform. She only recently regained her ability to transform into a dragon." She explained.
"Another question, what's a dragon stone?" Flayn asked, confused.
"OH, COME ON!!" Arisa and Sothis both roared together in their minds.
"I can't believe I'm about to explain this..." Arisa muttered as she rubbed her temples, "Did your father, Rhea, or any of your relatives ever explain what a dragon stone is?" She says.
"I have heard the term used by my grandmother and aunt, but I was never once explained what it was. All I know is that these...dragon stones? come from the realm my grandmother came from. She had brought a few with her. Unfortunately, that is all I know." Flayn said as she looked down to the ground guilty.
"Sigh...It's alright." Arisa waved her hand a bit, "I'll just explain what it is. A dragon stone are magical stones used by Manaketes to transform into their dragon forms. Each Dragonstone contains the crux of the dragon's power, allowing them to maintain their humanoid Manakete form and still temporarily take on dragon form if needed. Manakete has only one Dragonstone and cannot use any other. The dragon form is sealed within the stone because it prevents us from becoming mad. Losing control of our power." Arisa explained to her.
"Oh, I understand now. That is why you were able to turn back to a human. But...your form...is so very different. I know there are others who have chosen to remain in their dragon form and have lost the ability to turn back to a humanoid one. Yet, like me and my father, we have remained in a human form for so long, we have lost that ability to turn to a dragon. Only...Rhea...can turn into one. Without a dragon stone." Flayn said as they took a sip of their coffee, she made a confused face.
"That is odd...it has a creamy and sweet texture. I thought it would be bitter." She says as she looks at her coffee and Arisa smiles.
"That's because I put milk and sugar. Thought it would help you out. If Hubert were here, he would look at me like I committed mutiny." Arisa grins and Flayn couldn't help but laugh.
Back in Fodlan, Hubert sneezed.
[-]
With now their stomachs filled and full of energy, the two girls went downstairs to go buy supplies for the trip across the mountains. But not before Arisa went to check on Molly. The woman's health was declining but Arisa was able to determine she had at least another 10-15 years to live. She prescribes the woman some vitamins as well medicine to help with back pain. Back to the original subject, with the math Arisa did, they need to buy food and supplies that will last them two weeks. Fresh vegetables and fruits are something rare here in Albinea. Most of the food was preserved with the ancient methods of salt-cure, air drying it, smoking it, mixing strong spices and wine to keep the meat well. Vegetables like iceberg lettuce and such were pickled and kept in earth jars. They walked through the marketplace and Flayn couldn't help but get excited for every little thing. Arisa smiled in understanding. Seteth wasn't breathing on her back and Flayn did have more freedom now.
"But I do wonder...if it's possible for her to gain back her ability to transform. Hmm...Elder Bara was given the stone and then gifted it to me. Hmm...I wonder if it's possible to find a stone for Flayn." Arisa thought and turned to a stall that an old lady was surrounded by husky puppies.
Flayn squealed as she was on her knees and the puppies were all over her. Lickign her face and whining, wanting their turn to be hugged by the girl. The old woman chuckled as the mint haired girl played with them.
"Young lass, first time here?" The old woman asked and Flayn nodded.
"The land and snow here are very beautiful, and your people are very kind. It's...very different from my home. Despite the place I live in, it feels cold in some way. Yet, here, despite it being cold, it feels warm." Flayn said as one of the puppies jumped into her jacket and snuggled in.
"Ah. It is Alright. A place called home is a person or place where you are surrounded by people that care about you." The old woman smiled fondly, "I can tell by your eyes you have suffered a lot. But even the wounds of the past remain as scars, they are filled up with the kindness and love of those who care for you. Home..." the woman pointed to her heart, "is where your heart belongs. It doesn't matter if it is a person's place or a thing. Home is where the heart is." She said and Flayn smiled softly.
"Thank you." Flayn smiled and the woman nodded.
"Say, why don't you take one?" The old woman said.
"Take what?" Flayn asked.
"One of the puppies. I think the one that jumped into your coat has chosen you." The woman chuckled.
"Oh! I...umm...I don't know..." Flayn said, a bit worried as she looked at the gray husky puppy in her coat.
It barked happily at her and licked her face.
"Go for it." Arisa walked up to Flayn.
"But what will my father think? I never had a pet before." Flayn said as the puppy gave her a small whine.
"Well," Arisa placed her hand under her chin with mischief in her eyes, and a slightly smug face, "your father isn't here. And, if you keep the husky, you will learn to be responsible, showing how mature you are. You will take care of it. And, your dad isn't here so...he can't tell you no. (Whistles)" Arisa began whistling as she looked away and the old woman chuckled.
Flayn's eyes sparkled as she let out a joyful gasp, then looked back to the puppy in her jacket.
"Yay! I'll name you Shirou because you have white fur and cute blue eyes! Welcome to the family, Shirou!" Flayn squealed as the puppy barked happily and licked her face.
Somewhere at the monastery, Seteth felt a disturbance in the force, for the third time in a row.
Arisa smiled warmly as Flayn and the old woman continued to speak with each other. The old woman giving her advice on how to train Shirou as well as the traditions of having a husky puppy was a symbol of strength and peace. Flayn swore she would take care of Shirou with her life.
"Here you go." Flayn giggled as she put a blue colored collar on Shirou, "It matches you perfectly!" She squealed.
The little puppy barked happily as it was nice and warm in her jacket. Arisa smiled as they continued to walk and made their way to a brown colored tent. In they went and of course, inside was a group of mercenaries she hadn't seen in years. She kept a neutral face as she made her way to the leader, which was Dietra.
"Hey." She spoke and he looked up from the piece of wood he was carving.
The mercenaries in the tent looked at each other confused.
"Hey. Grandpa already told me. You need to get over the mountains and you already paid. Make sure as part of the deal you and your friend help defend the group." He says and she nodded.
"We head out tomorrow morning. Make sure all your things are packed and set. Also..." he hesitated a bit but spoke, "If...I ever meet Alexandra again...I want to apologize to her." He says.
"..." Arisa gave no response for 2 minutes and then spoke, "We'll see if you stay true to your word." She muttered and turned around but...
"What's your problem?"
Arisa turned to give a young woman a dry look.
"Ah. It's you Ivory." Arisa said and the woman glared.
"All we did back then was say the truth. You saw the way the girl went out of control. She's lucky we don't know fire magic, or I would have burned her to crisp." Ivory said.
"Ivy, stop." Dietre said, glaring at the woman.
"Why should I?" Ivory put her hands on her hip, "She's from Fodlan. It's only right we treat her the way they treat us "Outsiders"." She mocked.
"Yo, Ivy. Stop." A man spoke that Arisa recognized Dietre's younger brother, Hyde.
"Oh come on!" Ivory rolled her eyes, "You too?! Bitch nearly froze us all alive if it wasn't for this," she pointed at Arisa, "medicine freak and the Duscur whore."
Arisa suddenly had her chest puff up, and inhaled sharply, her right-hand fidgets, desperately trying not to lunge at the woman. For Flayn, this was the first-time seeing bigotry and discrimination. She has heard stories of people being treated like this, but this was her first time witnessing it. She didn't like the emotions she was feeling seeing this person speak so poorly of her friends. She could see that Arisa was trying to remain calm. But the minute someone bad mouths some she cares about, the chains she creates on herself will not hold her back. It reminded her of the old days. When Cirina was outcast by Rhea's army and only so few showed they cared about her.
"Grrrr!" Shirou growled and Ivory's eyes landed on Flayn.
"Well, well." Ivory smirked as she made her way to the mint haired girl, "Looks like we got a Fodlan native. Of course, you all have that weird colored hair of mint. Ha. What's a hatchling doing here? Lost little lass?" She smirked and Flayn looked at her unsure.
"I do not like the way you speak to me." Flayn said a bit sharply.
"Wow." Ivory clapped slowly.
"Leave her out of this." Arisa stood in front of Flayn, "This is her first time here and I don't need you to get her involved." She growled.
"Involved? Honey, the minute she stepped foot in here, she's already involved." Ivory grinned.
"IVORY THAT IS ENOUGH!" Dietra roared and the girl had the nerve to look at him hurt.
"Why are you defending these Fodlan dirt?" She says and he just pointed to the tent opening.
"Get out." He said in a cold tone.
"What?" She stuttered.
"I said get out. Get your belongings and leave. You're out of the group. Officially banned." He stated coldly.
"Y-You can't be serious?! I'm the best sniper in the team! You're really choosing the Fodlan dirts over me?! Your girlfriend!" Ivory whined.
"Yes I am." Dietre said calmly, "I don't know what the hell happened to you last year to suddenly change, but you've been nothing but rude, greedy, selfish and worst of all, a complete bitch! I didn't call you out in front of my family for various reasons. You were the first person to call me and the other years ago when we were horrible to Alexandra. Now, suddenly you act like a complete scumbag. Get out and I already had plans to break up with you. Bye." Dietra snarled at her and the woman was stunned.
All she did was growl, grabbed she bow, and storm out.
"Ughhhhh! Finally!" Dietra slumped on a chair, "I feel free!"
"Yeah no kidding." Another woman by the name of Lolo spoke, "About time. She's been insurable. How the hell did you not break up with her sooner?" She asked.
"Reasons. Hoping she changed. The last straw was when she chose to involve you guys." He looked over to Arisa and Flayn, "Sorry about that. Really...you...and your team all treated us kindly back then but...we did the opposite. Looking back, we were idiots. Learned the lesson...the hard way." Dietre sighs and smiles sadly to them.
"Anyhow, how about I re-introduce you to the team?" He said and stood back up, the group waved.
"Everyone, it's been six years since you saw this crazy woman but, this Arisa. And your name is?" He looked at Flayn a bit unsure.
"Oh! My name is Flayn. It is a pleasure to meet you all. And this puppy is Shirou!" Flayn grinned as the puppy in her jacket barked happily at them.
"Nice to meet you Mint!" Lolo grinned, showing off her was missing a tooth, "Name's Lota but my friends call me Lolo."
"Lolo here is our best Mortal Servant in the team." Hyde smiled, "I'm Hyde and the one with the wyvern mask, "He pointed to a man wearing a wyvern mask, " Is Arash."
"Nice to meet you. Like my friend said, my name is Arash. A giant wolf rider." The man smiled at them.
"Wait, I thought there weren't wolves in Albinea?" Arisa said and Dietre chuckled.
"Come on. I'll have you meet Isoka. Too bad Blanca isn't here. I think they would have gotten along." He says and the girls follow the group out.
They went towards the stables built for the animals. It is too cold in Albinea for horses, so the natives adapted to using other animals in forms of travel. Moose, deer, huskies, as well as giant Albinea White Wolves, that were the size of the monster wolves in Fodlan. Penguins were used to deliver messages through the waters. Muskox for pulling sleds and such. The stables were filled with different animals that lived in cold climates. At some point Arisa nearly fainted seeing a polar bear in the stables. Apparently, it belongs to Isoto. Crazy bastard.
"Whoa!" Arisa squealed a bit when suddenly an arctic hare jumped into her arms.
"And Snowy got out again." Lolo laughed as Arisa handed her the bunny.
They continued on till they reached a huge pen where...a damn faint white wolf. It slept soundly and opened one eye, then raised its head as it stared at the group. It had brown colored eyes, a thick white fur coat. Its ears twitched as it just stared while, but the girl's breath hitched.
"Arf! Arf!" Shirou barked happily and the wolf stood up.
Both Arisa and Flayn gulped, Sothis quickly manifested herself and floated a bit above the girls, to protect them. The wolf narrowed its eyes as it brought it head down a hit and began sniffing them. The mercenaries were a bit unsure and worried at this.
"Eh?" Arisa blinked as the wolf bow its head a bit to her, watching her carefully.
Arisa was a bit unsure but reached her hand out a bit, the wolf leaned it head forward, allowing the woman to touch it. It made cute happy whines, like it was waiting for her touch forever. Craving it for the longest time.
"Ufu~ You're sweet, aren't you?" Arisa smiled softly as she began to pet, its tail wagging happily and even rolled on its back.
"Isoka...has never done that before." Dietre looked at her shocked and the others couldn't believe their eyes.
He took a dead quail from a bucket, snapping his fingers. Isoka just gave him a growl and then turned back to making happy puppy sounds as Arisa pet her.
"...He likes you..." Dietre was mildly hurt by his wolf's actions and even more when he began letting Flayn pet him, also enjoying her touch.
Shirou barked happily and the giant wolf nuzzled it like a father.
"The betrayal...yikes." the other three said smugly.
"Shut it." Dietre pouted and threw the quail at his wolf, which he caught and ate it.
"Quick question," Arisa spoke as Isoka was now playing with Sothis and Flayn, "does Albinea have wyverns?"
"Ehhh...we do." Hyde spoke, "But they live in the mountains. They're adapted to the extreme cold here and their scales are like they are made of ice. Why?" He asked.
"Just curious. Actually, do you guys remember Falco?" She said.
"How can we forget that big ass lizard?!" Arash said, "He's an extremely rare breed! A cross between an Alibean Wyvern, Fodlan, and Almyran one." He says.
"I did not know that." Arisa said.
"Alexandra's wyvern is a rare breed that can adapt to any kind of weather. That's why it wasn't bothered by the cold here." Lolo said as she was feeding hay to a deer.
"That explains why Sandy said she was glad it wasn't part of Almyran royalty." Arisa thought her eyes had become half lidded.
"Anyhow, we should head back to the in. Molly said she was making fish stew today!" Hyde grins.
"Ohh! Fish stew! Fish is my favorite food in the whole wide world!" Flayn said excitedly.
"Well let's go!"
[-]
The group talked excitedly as they walked down the snowy streets of the town. Lanterns light up before nightfall to illuminate the place. As they walked, they were discussing the plan as well as the road to go over the mountains. They were nearing the inn when Dietre suddenly stopped, Arisa bumped into him.
"Hey what's-" Arisa immediately noticed the lights in the inn were off..and one of the door hinges was broken.
"Everyone, weapons out." Dietre said as he quickly pulled out a crossbow.
Arisa pulled out her relic from her chest and Flayn's hands glowed a bit, releasing the Caduceus Staff, which she held onto tightly. Arash had needles in his hands, while Lolo had a lace. Hyde hands suddenly had Frost. Carefully they made their way to the door and opened it, so far gone. The door was slammed open, they quickly went in.
"What the hell?" Lolo gasped as the tables were flipped, some destroyed. Burn marks on the walls. Glass shattered and the faint smell of iron made Arisa want to vomit.
"Search the inn. And not alone." Dietre ordered and he prayed his grandparents and the staff are safe.
He first went to the kitchen to check. The place was a mess. Plates and pots turn over. Kettle destroyed. Food splattered on the floor. Where they walked, the place was destroyed, even the inn rooms shut one door.
"Our room is untouched..." Arisa muttered as she motioned the group and they nodded.
They all went stiff when they heard something rattle from the room, all of them raised their weapons. Arisa motioned the group kicked the door open, weapons drawn. Whoever was inside, screamed.
"Arisa?!"
The group's eyes went wide when they realized the one that called the girls name was Isoto, who looked pale and scared. The staff was in the room along with Molly.
"Grandma! Grandpa! You're all safe!" Dietre went in and quickly hugged his grandparents.
"Oh, son! We were so worried!" Isoto and Molly hugged him tightly.
"What happened?" Flayn muttered as the group went in to shut the door.
"We were all preparing dinner when suddenly a group of people dressed in black barged in." A female staff member spoke.
"They then began destroying everything and they had the full intention to kill us. We ran as fast as we could and saw that this room was untouched. When those people tried to come in, they got electrocuted and ran." Molly explained.
"So my barrier worked." Arisa sighs and walked up, "The reason this room was untouched and a haven for you all was because of a barrier I placed here. It was created to prevent intruders from entering this room. Only those who I see as friends and allies can enter and those who I see as enemies are forbidden to enter. And, they will be electrocuted." Arisa explained.
"That's...some pretty advanced magic." Arash says and Arisa nodded.
"It was originally Emily's security system spell, but I took it apart and modified it to my liking. The spell is also cast on my room and magic lab. That explained why Jeritza looked like he got electrocuted when we were captured." Arisa thought as Dietre spoke.
"You all stay here. Hyde and Lolo stay with them. Arisa, Arash, Flayn and I are going to make sure the coast is clear." Dietre said and everyone nodded.
The four went out the room and closed the door, weapons still drawn just in case. Arash whistled and a group of 7 small blue wisp appeared.
"Scout." He ordered and the wisp quickly flew to all different directions.
"Very interesting spell. By any chance...you have the sight?" Arisa asked and Arash gave her a smile.
"I do. You seem familiar with it. Do you have it too?" He asked.
"Very little. However, I have a sibling that was born with it. Have you heard..of the anti-magic clan?" She asked and Arash frowned.
"I have...what about it?" He said a bit coldly.
Arisa decided immediately to back off on the topic. The group walked down the hallways as they carefully kept their guards up. It was sad seeing the place torn up.
Skrw...skrw...
Dietre quickly put his right hand up to make everyone stop. They could all hear something crawling among the walls. Now, the wisp came flying them, all frightened...then...
"AHHHHH!"
Flayn was the first to scream as the hallways were suddenly covered in spiders, coming at them.
"Run, run, run!" Arash yelled and the group ran as fast as they could.
"Away from the room!" Arisa yelled and then made a turn to the left, a different direction from the room.
The spiders followed them. Arisa wanted to faint so bad but forced herself to stay up.
"Flayn?!" Atisa yelled as the girl suddenly stopped, holding her staff tightly as she faced the spiders.
"Ancient fate...Ancient light...purify the fog of depravity..."
Flayn began chanting, her staff began glowing brightly. The spiders began screaming and tried to stop her.
"Let the sins be washed away. Cleanse the space...BRIGHT!!" Flayn yelled.
The blinding green light filled the entire place, the Crest of Cethleann showed itself proudly. The spiders screamed and turned to dust, as well as whatever negative thing there was hidden. Flayn panted and fell to her knees, drained of magic.
"It's...been...huff...years since I...huff..cast that spell!" She groans as Arisa quickly ran up to her, making she she was okay.
"What was that?!" Arash and Dietre yelled as they walked up the girls.
"Fodlan magic. We basically just performed an extension." Arisa said and helped Flayn stand up.
- The Next Day -
The place was safe for everyone again and the girls and the group helped clean up the place. As well as help repair the broken doors and rooms. Arisa used magic. The spell, Repair, was the one she used in front of Dorothea and used to fix the entire place up, like it never broke it. Fixing a tea set, easy. Fixing the entire damn inn along with a barrier to make sure no one ever breaks onto it again?
"Bloody hell I'm sore!" Arisa groaned loudly as she and Flayn made their way to the gates where the caravan was.
It was reported to the guards what happened, and they'll be keeping an eye out since there has been suspicious activity lately. Even the chief of the capital has increased guard security. They arrived and the group caravan was around 20 people. Isoka was going to be pulling the big sled/wagon. There were two other medium sleds carrying supplies as well as materials. Two bucks were pulling the first medium sled and a muskox pulling the second one.
"There are villages we'll be stopping at to rest as well as some people we'll be dropping off at." Dietre explained as he stepped onto his back his crossbow.
"Hopefully, everything will go smoothly. Anything we should worry about?" Arisa said as they saw another giant white wolf come.
Arash was riding him.
"Well, other than bandits and wyverns, that's pretty much it." Arash yelled from above.
"Everyone, it's time!" Lolo yelled and the people got on the wagons/sleds.
Arisa and Flayn get on the sled they were on from before, and it was being pulled by moose made of ice.
"Pretty cool spell. I'm surprised you mastered an Albinea spell quickly." Hyde said as they all began moving.
"I like learning new things. That's why I bought a few. The magic here reminds me of an ancient kingdom called Valla.". Arisa said and Dietre and his group looked at each other than to her.
"What?" She said.
"No, it's nothing. You saying that just reminded us a bit of the ancient ruins in the mountains." Dietre said.
"Ancient ruins?" Flayn blinked as Shirou slept in her coat.
"Well, the legend is that over 1,400 years ago, this land used to be filled with lush green grass and such. A Kingdom once prospered here. The mountains are where the ancient ruins of the former kingdom. They say even ancient treasures and relics are there. Reminding me, we'll actually be stopping there for a bit to rest. I think you guys will like it." Dietre said as he looked on ahead.
"I wonder if it's the ruins of the Cirina we're talking about." Arisa thought and Flayn was awfully silent about it.
"Oh!" Lolo spoke, "You should hear this one! They say the sea goddess once lived in those ruins." She grins.
"Sea Goddess?" Arisa said and Lolo nodded.
"One of the legends of our people is that the sea goddess and God of Ice once lived on this land. The two fell in love and married. The land prospered until war broke. Invaders from overseas tried to take the land by force. The Sea goddess, keeper of all sea life commanded the whales, and sea to fight as her beloved, the God of Ice creates warriors of ice to defend the land. War tore the land apart and the two gods wept. When the war was over, the gods won. As a thank you to the humans who fought to defend the land they worshipped, the Gods entrusted the Kingdom to the great warrior Kiviuk. He fought in the war and was a general that helped command the army. His devotion and loyalty to the gods earned him the favor of the people as well as the throne. The gods gave their final blessings and left overseas, never to be seen again." Arash finished explaining and the two females were amazed by the legend.
"Do...the names of the gods still exist?" Flayn asked.
"Though the names are ancient they are not forgotten. The God of Ice, Aubin and the Goddess of the Sea, Zuna. That is their names." Dietre said with a smile on his face.
"Cirina's parents." Flayn whispered and the girls looked at each other and then back to the road.
Looks like the journey was going to be interesting.
[-]
From the shadows, a figured watch with a coy smile on their face as pulled out a crystal ball from their pocket. Their sharp names drummed on it as it began to glow, and they spoke.
"Lady Cleobulus, I bring good news." They smiled as the image of a woman appeared.
"You have some nerve interrupting me. What is it?" The woman said in an angry tone.
"A Nabatean and her companion are here in Albinea." They said and the woman stopped.
"Continue." The woman spoke coyly.
"It seems that the Nabatean is Cethleann and the other girl may be Kiana Kalsana. How they got here, I have no clue. But it seems they are trying to get back to Fodlan." They explained and Cleobulus chuckled darkly.
"There are two options. The ship that takes them to Briggid and then they would have to catch another ship to Fodlan. Or, they will get on the ship that will head to Fhirdiad." She said.
"They only been here three days and they wasted no time to get on the caravan. So, I do believe they are trying to get back to Fodlan as quickly as possible. Shall I eliminate them?" They grinned.
"No no. Capture them. I want them alive. Especially Kiana Kalsana. She is far more valuable than Cethleann." Cleobulus smiled as her servant nodded.
"Alright then. I'll have my men ready at the ruins. Can I kill everyone else?" They asked.
"Of course. Have fun. Kill the others. Only those two are to remain alive." They said and hung up.
- ? -
"Kiana Kalsana...I have not heard that name in four years."
The woman smiled coyly as she sat in her chair, her lab filled with illegal supplies. She let go of a small huff.
"But they were in Garreg Mach. How on earth did they get all the way across the sea?" She muttered as she swirled the wine in her glass cup.
"Hmmm...a warping spell would do the job but not even those spells could go to that extreme range. Still, I should prepare in case my servant fails." She muttered and stood up from her desk.
She walked towards the door and left her lab. The hallways she walked were empty, the servants bowed to her as she made her way to a door. She knocked and was allowed entry.
"Ah, Lady Cornelia, how can I help you?" The man in the room spoke as he was writing papers.
"Count Keilman, seems there...has been an unexpecting change." Cornelia smiled as the Count looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Do you recall Kiana Kalsana?" She says and the Count frowned.
"Of course, I do. That girl slipped our fingers. Why such a question?" He asked.
"Seems she is returning to Fhirdiad. I find this as an opportunity to greet her and welcome her. Should we offer once more, she may accept." Cornelia said.
"I do not know. I heard rumors she is the Professor of the Blue Lions in the Officers Academy." He said.
"That may be so but even a girl like her knows a good deal when she sees one. I am merely offering her a deal. Knowledge in exchange for her own forbidden arts. If she refuses...well, I'll make her come to me." Cornelia smiled.
"Very well. I will allow you and my knights to greet her. When will she arrive?" He asked.
"In two weeks. I will welcome her with kindness and...riches..."
Chapter 54: Reito-chi: Part 1: Frost Covered Land
[-]
Reito-Chi: Means Frozen Land in Japanese.
Hey everyone! Welcome to the beginning of the girl's adventures. There isn't much information on Albinea so I was inspired by the arctic tribes to create the culture and world. Albinea here does not have a central government. Look forward to learning more as well as discovering more secrets of the past of Nabateans and the difference between Albinea and Fodlan magic.
Time for fun in lore!
And it seems an old enemy is coming back.
Since this will Flayn's first time without Seteth around, she will be learning about the real world. So do expect character development for both girls. As well possibly a new ally soon. Look forward to it!